Winter is here...
Welcome to the Winter edition of Hazed, rounding off the final season and a year of Hazed! We are so proud to have ya’ll here sharing this journey with us! And, what a journey it is! In April we were proud to host the first ever ‘Craft Love Festival’, the event was a spectacular success and we are looking forward to making it an annual celebration of all things ‘Indie’. You will find that all of the interviews in this edition are from people who attended the event, as we wanted to give you a little taste of what can be found when you attend a ‘Craft Love Festival’. Along with the Festival we also have a couple of other initiatives we are developing, including the launch of; The Sweet Rendezvous, Indies Anonymous, Craft Lab and our new Emporium most of which are officially launching June 1st. We are also proud to be on the committees of ‘Encraftment’ and a new project ‘Pay It Forward’. We will be at the Photo booth at Encraftment June 1st, and look forward to meeting you all there! We are also more than a little excited to announce that will be going to print this Summer! With the issue due out December 1st. A ‘Pledge me’ promotion will be launched in line with the Spring edition, so make sure you are Subscribed to Hazed so you can hear all about it! PHEW.... That’s a whole lot going on! So why is it that we are able to have so much going on? I’d like to think it is due to the popularity of the ‘Indie’ world at the moment. The world of independents is flourishing as the world of mass production causes mass destruction. While world economies are bursting at the seams, people are looking to cut down the mileage their goods travel and sink their money into their local communities. Who isn’t excited by the prospect of supporting a Mother working from home? Or a student creating jewellery to fund their studies? Who can’t see the beauty in having their belongings designed and created within their own home town? For me, it is this appreciation that makes the ‘Indie’ world so beautiful! And why we here at Hazel Loves Design endeavour to support this community in any way that we can! If you have an idea which you think we should become involved with we would LOVE to hear it!
Love ya’ll Hazel xo P.S.. Thank you to Mudbird for specially crafting this gorgeous piece for our cover! Check out her website to find out how you can get your hands on this piece too!
Why do you think your stall won the ‘Craft Love Festival’ best stall holder prize? I have pondered this for a while, but I guess it was bit of luck. I think that colour often draws someone in - and maybe the stall just showed a bit more of me this time. I love orange and soft pink and neon yellow together, and for some reason, it all worked. “ A little bit of Talent, Luck and Dedication” (the words of Elizabeth Gilbert, author). What is your favourite aspect of your stall set up? Arranging things, then tweaking it all - taking photos, then going back and juggling things around for balance. I love standing back when it’s all set up and smiling - hoping that others will see how I feel about my work. What is your secret for a successful market stall? Another thing I have pondered. I think it’s having the right customers there at the right time. I am always going to have people who love or hate my work, but I am glad, whether or not the impression I make is good or bad, that I am remember as the stall with the bright colours. What have you learnt about selling at craft markets? Dedication is definitely the key, and sitting down on you proverbial for hours on end, even if it all feels a little bit repetitive and monotonous. And, that sometimes, less is more. Do you find you have better success selling online or through the markets? Why do you think this is? Markets are great meeting places for like-minded crafters, and like me, most customers like to feel, see and try on things in order to get the real experience before they commit to buying. Online is great for gifts, or if you have already viewed something at a market that you liked but ran out of cash for at the time. That’s what I think anyway.
x Genevieve
Best Stall Priz
ze Winner...
Genevieve Robinson
Photography by Utterly in Love
Photography by Utterly in Love
Photography by Utterly in Love
Hazel Loves Design looks forward to seeing you all at the Photobooth! x
Pepin Design
Pe w ho ow so
W m Pe pr in us fr m sa
D An Ih it be H sh
Photography by Utterly in Love
epin Design began with a wooden vintage wallpaper cross. I have a wall of crosses in my ouse and I decided to have a go at making my wn. Then it grew to hearts and retro ducks and omehow art prints came into the mix as well!
What or who inspires your designs? And what motivates you? epin Design originated from my love of design, rint and colour. The art I create reflects my nterest in texture and recycling. My inspiration sually comes from anything I see that I like, rom magazines and books, websites and social media, and from trawling through wallpaper ample books.
Do you have a favourite product? Which one? nd why? had to think really hard about this, and I think would have to be the dictionary prints ecause I love the vintage styling of them. However, having coffee with a friend as I write, he insists her favourite is the postage stamp
Photography by Utterly in Love
Success can mean very different things to different people. For me it means waking up happy in the morning knowing I get to spend the day creating. How lucky is that?!
Photography by Utterly in Love
prints, and now I’m thinking, actually‌! I guess that’s the beauty of art, it appeals to different people in different ways. How does sustainability translate into your designs? And your business? I love the idea of recycling materials to make new artworks, my dictionary prints are now made using vintage dictionary and encyclopaedia pages and my ducks, hearts and crosses often feature vintage or discarded wallpaper. I am a big fan of hunting around second hand stores for old dictionaries and Encyclopaedias that I can give new life to, and also old pieces of wallpaper that are sitting in a corner unloved! I also use vintage New Zealand stamps as an art form. My love of stamps began as a little girl with my first stamp collection, and I love creating the stamp stencil pieces as each time I come across a stamp I remember, the childhood memories start flooding back.
. Facebook . Felt .
What have you learnt about selling at markets? If you have spent time and effort creating beautiful handmade items for sale, plan your display and do justice to your hard work. The better your display, the more you will sell – even if it means it takes you longer than everyone else to set up , and you are one of the last ones to leave, it will be worth it in the long run. What is your secret for a successful market stall? Coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. And don’t forget your float. I speak from experience. Who do you have behind the scenes? I live with my long suffering husband and two gorgeous children who have become used to living without a dining table because it is usually covered with stock. We are currently house hunting and at the top of my list is a studio! Describe a typical working day... I am a part time teacher, so Pepin Design is juggled around the days I don’t work. If I’m not teaching, I start the day by dropping kids to school, making a good coffee, and then cranking up the music while I work. My favourite artists at the moment are The Lumineers and Of Monsters and Men. I am a big ‘list’ person, and will start at the top and slowly make my way down, building up stock as I go.
Business wise do you have any tips for emerging designers? Love what you do. Be proud of your creativity and believe in yourself. How do you define success for you and your business? Success can mean very different things to different people. For me it means waking up happy in the morning knowing I get to spend the day creating. How lucky is that?! What is the best piece of creative advice you have ever been given? Start from where you are. And keep a journal. Or a pile of sticky notes. You never know when a passing thought or a casual observation can become your next great idea. What does the term ‘Indie Design’ mean to you? Independent, alternative, expressing your own creativity – loving what you do.
x Pip
Home is Where the Warmth Is
Winter, it’s the time for being home and laying low. A time for baking adventures and indulgent hot baths. Winter definitely brings out all my hermit tendencies and I could easily spend all Winter at home. So what better way to make the hibernation season even better than with some awesome Kiwi treats for the home. Welcome to my Winter wish list ...
FORGET ME NOT DUVET COVER (FROM $119.00) | CITTA DESIGN
02
01
03
06
05
04
07
08
1: CERAMIC SKY PLANTER ($99.00) | BOSKKE 2: CHEVRON CUSHION IN CANDY ($39.90) | LET LIV 3. CUP SET ($30.90) | LONGEST DRINK IN TOWN 4. CERAMIC CANISTERS (FROM $12.95) | LEEANNE YARE
5: HERITAGE MASON JARS ($10.00) | MAISY & GRACE 6. VARIOUS CARDBOARD TOYS | FLATOUT FRANKIE 7. EMELINE DUVET SET (FROM $59.90) | WALLACE COTTON 8. WOOL CUSHION COVERS ($55.00) | GREEN WITHE ENVY
TH I S S P R EA D WAS B RO U G HT TO YO U BY J E N F ROM UT TE R LYI N LOV E .COM
Taking Great Photos... Reviewed by Katrina of Offsquare
Whether you manage a blog or sell items online, you’ll know that a good photo is everything. Fortunately, for those of us photographically challenged, it’s reassuring to know that talent or expensive equipment is not the only road to a good shot. It seems that after years of blaming my camera for terrible photos, all I needed was a little guidance. “The Crafter’s Guide to Taking Great Photos” by Heidi Adnum is aimed at amateur photographers looking to improve their technique when capturing their handmade treasures. Written in a way that beautifully explains technical jargon (without making you feel like a five year old), Adnum leads you through some essential basics before revealing tips and tricks you’ll wish you’d known years ago. No matter whether you use a point and shoot camera or the deluxe of all cameras, the fundamentals shared can all be applied. It is so refreshing to discover a guide with specifics on photographing fabric, jewellery, knitting, art and ceramics. It can be difficult to capture the feel of a fabric or the shine and detail in a pendant, but that is what this budget-friendly book is all about. Would you believe that a milk container and LED torch can make all the difference when snapping that knitting or felting project? Adnum, who is also a crafter herself, concludes the book with specifics on post-production and end uses for your photos, including marketing, branding and social media. Of course, as you’d expect with a photography book, this is a beautifully presented guide in full colour and with plenty of illustrations to explain concepts clearly. “The Crafter’s Guide to Taking Great Photos” is a well written book that takes potentially dry topics and turns them Enter the into good reading. “The crafter’s guide to taking great photos” by Heidi Adnum. Interweave/F+W Media. $24.95. Available from Amazon
giveaway on
Thanks to Interweave/F+W Media, we have a copy of this book to giveaway!
www.fabricfixation.co.nz www.facebook.com/fabricfixation For all your fabric & sewing needs inc. chalk cloth, heat n bond, iron on laminate, cotton, ribbons, cutters, Patterns & much more
I moved to Christchurch 16 months ago after meeting a nice Christchurch man and deciding it was time to move on from the Southern city of Dunedin. Over the years I have dabbled in many things and trained in even more. When I left high school, I went straight on into Fashion and Design school - this was a great start in giving me the confidence in knowing I could create something from just an idea. I then went on to try out hairdressing, IT and writing, with the latter the only thing I still do today. I have a Certificate in Creative Writing and 1 unit away from a Diploma in Journalism - which I will complete this year. Darn shorthand! I worked for my dad for close to nine years before deciding on making that role part-time and creating hankies the remainder of the time. I unfortunately and foolishly put my business on the back burner for more than two years while I studied and made a few stupid mistakes, but since being in Christchurch, I finally found a great gathering of crafty souls that I had been looking for, for what seems like eternity. Who do you have behind the scenes? My partner Jean-luc is my right hand wing man. He critiques my work, but also says when he believes something is ready to “fly”. My mum and sister are great too - they have very similar taste, though maybe not quite as “quirky” as me. Kitchen table or studio? Oh how I would love to have a tree top studio and spend all day dreaming up new creations. But the reality of living in an earthquake damaged city is, I currently sit at a small but cute table in the corner of the living room waiting for my sun room studio to be re-tiled. Surrounded by boxes, lovely notebooks, clutter and some nice fabrics - that is currently my “space”. Describe a typical working day. I get up and check Facebook. In fact, I lie in bed and check Facebook before I even get up. After getting ready, I often have to read something to get me cracking - I recently signed up to
Photography by Utterly in Love
Genevieve Robinson
receive updates from Eat Pray Love author, Liz write it all down. My partner keeps saying Gilbert. They definitely get me kick started. “write another budget” which is another thing I have to do. And never be afraid to If I have orders in the pipeline, they get ask for a wholesale or designer’s discount. started. Currently I am doing a rather large More often than not, when buying supplies, pile of handkerchiefs for various stores you will get what you ask for. which is great for funds, but as I mentioned earlier, it can be a bit of “sit on the proverbial What or who inspires your designs? and dream about other things” in exciteI watch a number of Australian and ment. But that’s like anything that is essenEuropean trends when it comes to paper tial to working for yourself right? crafts and designs, especially the work of the talented illustrators behind Frankie How do you define success for you and your magazine. They are just so darn fantastic! business? Don’t be afraid to talk about what I even get excited sniffing the pages! Have you do. Bring samples with you - business you done that? I can’t emphasise strongly cards. Bring it all and don’t be afraid to blow enough at just how wonderful those pages your own trumpet, cause nobody else will. smell! That’s what I think it what helps you get your name out there. Oh, and if you think it’s right, I also fancy architects who design such send out a free sample. beautiful rooms in such small spaces. And, I am a big fan of The Block Australia. Esty Business wise, do you have any tips for - oh, Etsy - I can spend hours drooling over emerging designers? Dedication and the designs and fantastic imaginations planning. Two things I am pretty darn awful behind the sellers on there. Wow. at to be honest, but I have slowly learned to
What does the term ‘Indie Design’ mean to you? Passion, repurposing items into new designs, colour, trend, nature.
Photography by Utterly in Love
And how do you find the inspiration for new collections? That’s a tough one. I guess one idea from another designer might give you another idea for your own work. But I never copy - no way. I hate the idea of that and would hate someone to copy me! I have always been an artist and have been to fashion and design college. An idea comes from a quick thought that enters your head, and you have to write it down or sketch it. Then it brews for a while in your head before it manifests into something worth being transformed into a solid design.
excellence.” Dr. Jeffrey Wigand, the tobacco scientist told me this after I interviewed him a year ago. He’s a great friend of mine - my mentor. What makes your craft unique? Neon brights, and a bit of a clash I guess. I am not afraid to be rejected in my designs or ideas I guess - so what you see out there, is definitely my cup of tea. Do you have a favourite product? My bunting necklaces, for sure.
Sometimes something simple, like the 1970s purse that I found again (and thought I had lost) generates a new design. Colour is very important to me. So is black.
How have your products evolved over the years? Going from fabric, to jewellery. I never thought I would see the day, but I love it more each time I get out my pliers and bright paper.
What is the best piece of creative advice you have ever been given? “Do whatever it is that makes you intrinsically happy, and do it with
How do you find social media influences your business? It’s extremely important. How else would someone get their name out there?
. Facebook .
Which social media platforms do you use? Facebook has always been a favourite of mine, as it’s free (not so much anymore) and is user friendly. I also use a little bit of Twitter and love blogging - though could do that far more if I actually sat down and dedicated myself to it - see...It’s that word again. DEDICATION! What’s next for you? Who knows. My mind also always churning thoughts around (to the point I think people often hear it). I want to be mobile and have my own little part-time store. Not sure how or where, but it’s churning away in my head.
Photography by Utterly in Love
. Blog . Felt .
x Genevieve
Eating outside the square As created by Adele of Borrowed Earth
These dairy, gluten and nut free homemade chocolates will not disappoint and you can even make a hot chocolate with them too! How cool is that!! 1 cup of organic cacaco butter chunks 1/2 cup of raw organic caco powder 1/2 cup of maple syrup The cacao butter and powder are available from any organic produce store or from Loving Earth. Cacaco butter and powder is full of nutrients that will keep you happy and healthy. Over a very low heat melt the cacaco butter (over heating will destroy all the nutrients then whisk all other ingredients together. Pour into cup cake paper molds. I doubled up my moulds to make them stronger and only 1/4 filled, but you can make them big or small it doesn’t matter! Freeze for a min. of 30 minutess, longer is better if you can wait....Store in freezer or fridge. If you don’t eat them all at once turn them into hot chocolate by heating up some milk (we use oat milk). Pour hot milk into cups then drop in a couple of chocolate disks of delight, stir and enjoy. Original recipe adapted from oh she glows.
What’s better on a cold winters night than a good book, a roaring fire and chocolate? Does it get any better than that??
The Sweet Rendezvous started as a small idea to have a website listing all of the available markets for crafters, designers, etc. You know, the great places to shop for those unique, little bit special items. But it needed to be something more than just that. Something that wasn’t already there, something to tie all those crafters, artists and markets together. So two gals, Hazel of Hazel Loves Design and Kate of Kate M handmade, both of whom are very involved in the craft/handmade industry, put their thinking caps on to bring that idea to life. And we officially launch today! It is a super exciting website with so much on offer. Not only can you find out which markets are on where, you can also see which stall holders are going to be at each market. Maybe you are looking for something/someone in particular without visiting a market. Well you can search the dedicated stall holder page, view their profile page and visit their website. All in all market and craft/designer shopping can now become an easy to do favourite activity. But it doesn’t stop there on this website. Now you will be able to look up all the crafty endeavours about town. Learning to knit, sew, make jewellery and ceramics, and so much more. So get in touch with your crafty side and sign up for a workshop or two. It will be a mammoth amount of fun. At present there is a space on the site for musicians and music gigs. However this is still being developed. We definitely hope to bring you more in this part of the Indie world very soon. Any stall holders/designers/crafters/musicians/event organisers who wish to register with The Sweet Rendezvous, please visit the website. All information is on our contacts page. Alternatively you can email us: hello@thesweetrendezvous.co.nz
We hope you LOVE this idea as much as we do. x Hazel and Kate
Rosie Miller clothing started after studying three years of fashion at CPIT and then working for almost five years in the industry gaining valuable work experience. The goal has always been to have my own clothing label so in November 2011 with lots of nerves and excitement I decided it was time to start my new venture. I love winter mostly for the clothes you get to wear - a cozy coat, scarf, gloves and my favourite pair of boots. So Rosie Miller is loosely centred around my love for winter.
The process my mind takes when designing a new garment is quite a long drawn out process. While I’m producing a run of garments on the sewing machine I have a lot of time to think so often I will be mulling over a new design. I think through the style, the silhouette, how it will look on a body and the details and will also sketch out a few ideas to see how they look.
I might even drape and manipulate fabric to create different effects. Once I’m happy with how I see the garment I start to think through the technical details of how the garment will go together and how I will I enjoy designing and producing winter coats pattern make and sew the garment and and jackets and eventually I would like to add work through the more technical issues. knitwear to my range too. Although I love jerseys, its hard to find any that I like. My When I feel like the design is resolved and winter ranges consist mostly of coats, jackets I have time to make a new garment I will and capes that are beautifully lined with a start pattern making, sampling and fitting unique pop of colour or print. How a fabric the garment and keep working at it until feels plays a huge part in choosing my I’m happy with the outcome. Sometimes it fabrics, so my summer range is all about the will come out different to my original soft cotton dresses, tops and skirts. design or it could be the same, it doesn’t
Rosie Miller
‘Practice and become a master of your craft, experiment and learn through the successes and failures’
really matter as long as I’m happy with the final outcome. From there I will grade the pattern (make the different sizes) and then cut and sew the garments. Do you have a favourite piece? My favourite piece is the Flared Coat. I actually designed this coat back in my final year at fashion school designing and producing my final range. It was calf length and made from the most beautiful one of a kind fabric. I had a lot of people wanting me to make one for them but I couldn’t get anymore fabric and I couldn’t sell the original coat, I just couldn’t part with it. Today I love this coat because of my history with its origins but also because it has a bit of everything I love in it. Its well tailored, has a great fit, the silhouette is structured but still feminine, attention to detail with hand made button holes, clean lines and the stunning lining on the inside. I like that it looks beautiful on the inside and out. They are all things I try to translate through to all my designs. How have your pieces evolved over the years? My range has evolved from this one garment to a well tailored timeless yet still feminine collection and brand How important is the issue of sustainability in your designs? In your business? I know it sounds terrible in this day and age to not be openly pushing the issue of sustainability; I don’t go out of my way to buy organic fabrics which is most often associated with sustainability in the fashion industry. But I think its about being sustainable behind the scenes when no one is looking. How do you sell your work? I sell online through my website and also through Etsy I attend the occasional market but my focus is on the boutiques that
stock my clothes. Currently you can find my clothes in Where the Fox Lives at The Tannery in Woolston, Christchurch and Salisbury Boutique in Dunedin. I find when shopping for clothes there is nothing like walking into a shop, feeling the fabric and trying garments on. When I shop I’m drawn to the style, colour and then how the fabric feels, then I might try it on. You just can’t shop like that online. Also having the freedom to try on a garment before you buy is important too so I think boutique shopping is very important. I’m so grateful to Where the Fox Lives and Salisbury Boutique for taking a chance on me. Do you think you will eventually open your own bricks and mortar store? I would love to have my own shop one day. I’m not sure where, what it will look like or how many but its been a dream of mine to have my own shop since I started dreaming about my own clothing line. It just has to be the right timing.
Who do you have behind the scenes? Behind the scenes its me working from home with Howie the golden retriever who checks on me every now and then to see if I’m working or if its time for a walk. My husband works from home with his own business as an Architectural Designer. So we are a creative little family. Describe a typical working day... A typical day for me... I’m not sure what a typical day is... it could be a day of designing, pattern making, cutting fabric, sewing, doing business admin, marketing, ordering more fabric, or any combination of those things. I genuinely do love all aspects of the business, but too many days in a row of cutting fabric can get a bit boring.
How do you find social media influences your business? Social media is definitely a great tool for building brand awareness and getting people to my website. It also means you need great photos and content to draw customers in. It’s a pretty competitive industry out there but now with social media the world wide fashion industry just got a whole lot more
accessible. Its so easy for everyone to shop online and to compare pricing, quality and style. I think social media has taught me you need to focus on your corner of the market and do it well. I’m also learning that through social media customers aren’t just buying a product but they are also wanting to know the story behind the product and brand.
‘It’s a pretty competitive industry out there but now with social media the world wide fashion industry just got a whole lot more accessible.’
Which social media platforms do you use? I use Facebook, Twitter (occasionally), Pinterest and I use Instagram but more personally than for the business. I also blog a little bit on my website. I also have a Tumblr account. My favourite social media platform is Pinterest just because I love looking at pictures. They could be fashion pictures or travel or a pattern or of something beautiful that I want to pin so I can look at it again and again. From a business point of view I do get some customers coming to my website through Pinterest but Facebook is probably the best social media tool for me. I think blogging and reading blogs is an important social media platform so I’m trying to read more blogs and I’m dabbling in it a little myself, maybe one day I will find my feet in the blogging world. What is the best piece of creative advice you have ever been given? Practice and become a master of your craft, experiment and learn through the successes and failures .
Rosie’s Favourite piece!
‘It’s about being unique and having a point of difference. Standing out from the crowd and creating something that isn’t being done elsewhere.’
. Facebook . Website . Blog .
Time to influence... Have you ever wondered why sometimes you feel inspired & ideas seem to flow effortlessly - while other times - despite your best efforts, all you meet is resistance & roadblocks?
with Michelle Robinson
Here’s how to calculate your I did too - until I discovered how to use the potentials of personal number for the rest Numerology to understand & take advantage of energy of this year: patterns around me. It’s easy to find out what influences Add your day & month of birth surround you. together, then add 6. Numerology will help you to plan & work in harmony If necessary, reduce the total from double with the abundance of natural energy available to all of digits to a single digit until you have a number between 1 & 9. us. Use this information as guidance & achieve optimum results with minimal effort & resistance as you create Then check your number in the your best life. Wherever you are within this 9 year cycle, list below. honour yourself, because where you are is PERFECT for who you are right now! Enjoy your journey.
Michelle is a professional reader & describes herself as a Psychic, Clairvoyant, Clairaudient, Channel.. she usesTarot & Oracle Cards, Numerology & Crystals for divination. She is also certified to provide Crystal Healing, Chakra Balancing, Quantum Healing & Energy Clearing.
#1 Time to: make a start. You’re beginning a brand new personal cycle. Take advantage of all the movement & creative energy around you & get busy. Be bold, put your plans & ideas into action - no more excuses! It’s time to go out into the marketplace & express your individualityso book that stall in your local market! It’s a great time to do any of the things you’ve been wanting or meaning to. Don’t hesitate, try new things & expand your comfort zone. Hit the ‘START’ button & go for it.
#2 Time to: reflect & nurture. Relationships feature for you on all levels including the relationship you have with yourself. Growth & enrichment will come through actively nurturing what you’ve already got. Keep it simple! Don’t rush things- don’t push ahead- be patient. Take time to refine your craft & your creative process to ensure they truly reflect your vision as intended. Follow up on any unfinished projects & attend to any incomplete work. #3 Time to: be creative. The full force of your creativity needs expression so explore, experiment, take new directions & have fun! There’s so much to do- so little time with lots of opportunity & activity in the busy up tempo creative atmosphere around you. Take every chance to network & connect with people. All arts & crafts are well aspected. Any creative endeavor in this cycle could lead to increased income. Be confident & expect doors to open for you. #4 Time to: work hard & consolidate. It’s an ideal time to establish a home business- or buy one! Budgets, business plans, practical matters feature. Focus on your goals & do what is necessary to achieve them without delay. Don’t avoid your responsibilities. Consistent effort yields steady progress. This cycle offers opportunity (through hard work) to set up solid foundations for successful independent enterprise. Keep applying your best efforts & you’ll find yourself on the path to success. #5 Time to: make changes. Shake things up a bit - it’s an excellent time to take up a new hobby. Release any restrictions, doubts or self imposed limitations - it’s all about personal freedom & individual expression for you. The ‘Universe’ is encouraging you to be adventurous, take risks & welcome unexpected events with enthusiasm to
broaden your horizon. A great time to grow your business through any form of advertising. #6 Time to: find balance. Supportive roles, nurturing, problem solving & helping others all feature for you- so take every opportunity to be of service. If qualified, it’s an ideal time to set up business in beauty therapy, alternative healing, counseling or mediation. Alternatively, now’s the time to explore these types of interests. Forget what you ‘should’ do & instead do what you want. #7 Time for: introspection. It’s not the time to start new ventures or enter into partnerships- you’re best working alone. In this cycle you’re being called to feed your mind, nurture your body, nourish & enrich your spirit. Quiet contemplation, meditation & time alone to support personal & spiritual development will appeal. Seek inspiration from the natural world. It’s an ideal time to make a start on that novel you’ve always wanted to write. #8 Time to: reap rewards. Prosperity, financial abundance & reward for all your hard work & effort - at last! This is a great time to move your life forward. It is likely you’ll receive recognition & it should be easy to advance in any projects you have underway. Step into your power & own it by giving time & energy to the things you’re really passionate about. #9 Time to: complete. The final stage of your 9 year personal cycle is about achievement & completion so it’s out with the ‘old’ to make way for the ‘new’. There’s lots of creative energy around you. Bright ideas could see you inspired to take new directions. You may find others will naturally be drawn to you for advice or teaching so it’s a perfect time to offer to share your knowledge & skills through workshops.
Off to Market... with Katrina
Did you know potential customers will judge your stall in about two seconds? Having an eye catching display does take a little forethought, but like any retail space, your display communicates a lot about the quality of your product and also who you are as a designer. When laying out a table for display, it’s good to think in terms of heights and textures. Variety creates points of interest and allows you to showcase some key pieces. Think of your table as a backdrop or a frame for your beautiful creations. Using “risers” or boxes near the rear of your table is an easy yet effective way to achieve height. By covering these with a neutral coloured paint or fabric, it allows your items to stand out and shine without visual interference.
Photography by Squiltz
Spring will be here sooner than you think and that’s when many markets take place. Now is an ideal time to start building stock levels if you hope to run a stall of your own. It’s also a great time to begin gathering items that will enhance the visual appeal of your market space.
Photography by Squiltz
After you have booked your spot and created sufficient product, you may find you succumb to nervous-fueled dreams at night. You know, the ones where it’s the big day but you forget to take your stock. Or you get lost and can’t find the market. Or the market is buzzing ... but you forgot to put on any pants! Breathe. Relax. We’ve got your back. While we can’t come help you put on pants, we can help you have some confidence on the day.
Photography by Squiltz
If you’re a designer or crafter with wares to sell, you may have considered running a stall at a local market.
Alternatively, you can create height and interest by hinging two noticeboards together as a display stand. Mesh or a chalkboard inside an old frame would work well too. Smaller items can look charming when gathered together in a cute jar, bowl or even a cocktail glass. Being resourceful with your display will not only be cheaper, but is a great way to enjoy your creativity on a new level. Make the most of the floor space by placing a vintage suitcase or coffee table in front of your main table. This helps to add various heights for visual interest and larger items can be displayed there to free up your valuable table space. Also, if you make adults clothing or accessories, make sure you wear your work if possible. People love to see how clothing falls on a real body and how an accessory sits on someone. Pricing your work is a small but crucial step and can lead to missed sales. Some people hesitate to ask and may assume it costs more than they can afford.
Photography by Squiltz
One final point to bear in mind is that clutter is not your friend here. While you want variety and choice available for
customers, make sure your space feels clean and orderly. You want an atmosphere that is relaxed and enjoyable. Now your stall looks amazing and you’re all set to go! You are totally gonna rock that market. Keep in mind though that there are some elements beyond your control. Bad weather can strike, the market may be poorly advertised or the stars generally haven’t aligned in your favour. A market can be very fickle in terms of sales, so if you have a bad day, don’t take it too personally. Of course, there is no harm at looking objectively at your stall and making improvements for next time, but don’t give up completely. Pamper yourself when you get home, unwind a little and tackle everything else tomorrow. One good experience can undo several bad ones and at the end of day, nothing is lost as it is still good for brand exposure. Selling any remaining goods online means you’re not left out of pocket and any customers following you up in the days afterwards can be referred directly to your online listings. There is something special about this opportunity to connect personally with your customers and to hear what they have to say. Take the time to listen and chat with people, including other stall holders. We can all learn a lot from each other when we just slow down a little.
Things you’ll need on the day: Water. It’s thirsty work! Snacks Scissors Sticky tape or bluetack Business cards Pen Cash float
If you go down to the woods today...
you may get a nice surprise..
Indies Anonymous... With Ana of Anarashii
I’m sure many of you having been asking yourselves for quite some time now – just what exactly is this Indies Anonymous thing all about? Well, in a nutshell it’s pretty much all about dobbing your fellow Indie friends in for all the other awesomeness that they get up to (in addition to their regular everyday awesomeness that is) – but let me explain. Indies Anonymous really started when I learned that the Dark Chocolate Fudge recipe that I had entered in a Whittakers’ Facebook competition had made it through to the testing stage. Recipes which shone in the testing stage would be published in the forthcoming Whittakers’ cookbook “A Passion for Chocolate” and as an Indie Designer naturally my thoughts turned to how I might use this fortuitous opportunity to garner more attention and interest in Ami Ana! But when the time came for me to blow my own horn, I was suddenly not so keen. By contrast when fellow local Indie Colleen of Dear Colleen had the PR dream of a lifetime come true, I couldn’t say enough about her fantastic artwork and talent. In fact when it comes to celebrating Indies and their gifts there is nothing I love to do more - I relish in raving over Gill of Mudbird’s gorgeous ceramics, I am forever swooning over Mel of Black Swan’s stunning and uniquely NZ Jewellery, I am a hopeless sucker for Sema of Artiflax’s flax bouquets and artwork, I have long mental lists of go-to Indies that I would readily run to for shopping emergencies or that I frequently highly recommend to others, and Indie advocating initiatives and the people behind them are high on my list of favourite people. Put simply, I revel in lauding fellow Indies, imaginative Indie promoting people and initiatives, and all their general cleverness, but am loathe to talk up my own. It occurred to me that this was a tendency not limited to just myself, but that other Indies quite possibly whilst shy to celebrate their own Indie amazingness and multi-talented abilities, likewise savoured in gushing over and drawing attention to the awesome work of fellow Indies. It occurred to me that these tendencies to hide ourselves and our work in the shadows whilst shuffling others out onto centre stage could be put to good use. After all are we not still achieving the same desired effect of garnering attention for Indies regardless of who is doing the garnering? And from that the idea for Indies Anonymous came into being – a place, a forum if you will, for Indies to gloat over and extol the talents of their fellow Indies and friends – be they related to those individual’s Indie ventures or no – where we can enjoy unabashedly talking each other up, thus creating great opportunities for exposure for NZ Indies, their ventures and those who champion them, while at the same time still allowing us to remain acceptably modest and coy – but only about ourselves! ; )
SO this is the part where all of you out there come in. WE. NEED. YOUR. HELP! We want to tell New Zealand, nay the world, about how fantastic our Indie designers, artists and crafters and the people who support and champion them are – but we need you to out them for all those marvellous things that they are too shy to share with us. That’s why we need you – your job is to tell us what you know! If a fellow Indie has multiple closeted other talents they’re keeping from us, if one of their many other talents has landed them in the limelight, if dedicated Indie advocates are quietly doing amazing things in your area then WE. WANT. TO. KNOW! We want to know so that we can let other Indies know how wonderful they are and we want to know so that we can say this secret squirrel home baker just so happens to also be an Independent Fashion Designer to be reckoned with!
Want to ‘Dibby Dob’? Email: indiesanonymous@ hazellovesdesign.com
What Ana’s been revisiting
creative ceramics shop at http://felt.co.nz/shop/thebusyfinch
Crochet Shoe Straps My favourite heels always slipped off whenever I would wear them so, I came up with a solution
You will need: one pair of pumps/strapless shoes a craft knife a tape measure a thick round-tip wool needle 8ply cotton yarn 4mm crochet hook and know how to crochet a ‘chain’
Step One... Crochet four x 55cm lengths of a simple ‘chain.’ To start a chain, tie a slip-knot about 4 inches from the beginning of the yarn and put the crochet hook through the loop. Wrap the yarn over the hook and pull it through the loop, making the first chain. Repeat until the length is 55cm, then cut the yarn and pull the end of it right through the final loop. Making sure to pull each end tight to make a secure knot. Trim off the tails to about 2cm away from the knot. Put the shoes on and mark, on one of the shoes, where you want the straps to tie on. A couple of small dots with a pencil is enough. Use the tape measure to make sure both shoes are the same, measuring from the center seam at the back of the shoe. Now using the craft knife, make sure it’s sharp, ‘push’ it through the leather/vinyl/fabric. ‘Push’ and wiggle it a little, rather than dragging it. If you drag the knife along, you could slip and accidentally cut a big gaping hole. Push the knife through to make a small slice about 5mm long. Step Two... Take one of the lengths of crochet chain and fold it in half. Depending on how big the hole is, you might be able to push the chain through with the big end of the wool needle. Other wise, thread the chain on and sew it through the hole, first from the outside of the shoe, then fold it back and sew from the inside to the outside, creating a loop like I have in the picture. Put the ends of the yarn together to make sure they are folded in half and are the same length. Then Step Three... take the ends and feed them through the loop. Pull them tight Step Four... And there you have finished one strap. Now, repeat for the other side of the same shoe, and then for the other shoe. Final Step... Now put them on, tie them tight and go for a walk. You can tie them a couple of different ways as shown in the final pic - either treat them as one tie to make one big bow or tie them separately to make two bows on either side of your shoe. Phew, not too hard! Enjoy :)
Fabric Fixation I bought Fabric Fixation in January 2012. I live rurally so for me online shopping has become a way of life and how I was buying all of my fabrics. I began thinking about starting an online fabric shop, as I was now a stay at home mum and I saw it as a way for me to feel independent again and to give me a project to work on.
Then low and behold Fabric Fixation came up for sale and I bought it. I knew absolutely nothing about running a business, as I was a Primary School Teacher before stopping work when Lilly was born in 2010, and the only thing I knew about fabric was that I loved it! So with many SOS emails to Kelly (the previous owner) I learnt pretty quickly the ins and outs of running an online fabric business. We are a year and a bit down the track now and I have a wonderful and loyal customer base, and now offer over double the amount of fabric and sewing supplies. What do you like about selling at markets? Being an online business owner, things at time can get quite lonely. You don’t get the feedback and interaction from your customers like you would in a shop so to me selling at markets is a really important part of my business as I get to meet and Photography by Utterly in Love interact with those customers. I also get to wonder among the stalls and see many of my fabrics made up into things for sale. I love chatting with people and finding out what they are going to turn the fabrics into, so usually when I leave a market I’m full on new wonderful ideas which I never get time to do! I also love the look on people’s faces when they find the fabric they have been searching for, or the way people just come and touch the fabrics (to get their fabric fix). Another aspect of selling at markets, which I get a buzz
Photography by Utterly in Love
out of, is the number of young children/ adults becoming interested in the art of sewing, and I love chatting with them. I started designing Kits to Make which are aimed at a younger audience to encourage them to get into sewing and when buying fabrics in I try to bring in a broad range to cater for the quilters, the dress makers, the designers etc.
pad of paper & pens, price stickers, table cloths and my small display stands. It just makes it so much easier because I know that everything I need is there and all I have to do is pack my products to sell.
How do you find social media influences your business? Growing up I had an amazing Nana who sewed everything for us so I never had the desire to start. After What is your top tip for a successful having Lilly, a friend taught me how to market stall? Organization is the key! It make the Blossoms & Bloomers Dress, and takes me a least a week to prepare for a wham I was hooked, so much so I even market, as I have to decide which fabrics to started Lillyput Designs selling handmade take and then cut them. The one thing I do clothing, accessories & toys for babies and find when selling at markets is that I never young children. I think there is more in have enough room on my table to display all the sewing and craft world now to inspire the fabrics so now that I’ve been to a few of younger sewers. The range of fabrics the same markets you get a feel of the available is endless and with Magazines customers who you’ll meet and cater for such as Molly Makes, Hazed etc Craft is their needs and tastes. I now have a market becoming cool again. Social Media also box which stays up in my attic and contains plays a big role, as Facebook for example is a roll of masking tape, all my price signs, a a showcase of crafts for sale. I rely heavily
‘Indie’ means to me ‘Express yourself’ there are no limits to where you can go, no boundaries to stay within. Create what you feel inside, what makes you happy, not trying to fit in someone else’s box, create your own box then then push the sides down.
on Facebook to interact with my customers and show them what’s new in stock, I attach links to free tutorials I find and it’s also how customers show me what they have turned their fabric into, I guess it’s the online form of interaction that I would have if I had a shop.
Who do you have behind the scenes? So who works with me here at Fabric Fixation? Well I would like to say just me, but I have a lovely husband who works in Christchurch so each morning he takes in my packaged orders to put on the courier and goes to the post office to post the overseas orders.
The other form of social media, which is becoming more widely used with Fabric Fixation, is Pinterest. By putting a link button on my Facebook page I have noticed a huge increase of customers who are now following my boards and I now follow a lot of them too!
My mum is my accountant. She lives on the West Coast and is a quilter and sewer herself. She has helped me immensely in the business and financial side of things, as well as answering the odd quilting question I throw at her now and then. So although I run the business I couldn’t do it all and be a full time mum as well without the help of those around me.
It’s extremely addictive but at the same time reassuring that there are others out there who are like-minded, and that in the crazy world of fabric is a good thing!
Describe a typical working day? A typical working day for me consists of checking the emails and making up orders when they I find it is a great way of showing people come in. Many fabrics when they arrive just what they can do with some of my fab- come on rolls or as folded fabric, so they all rics and a lot of the projects have step-byneed to be put on bolts for easy storage and step tutorials which is great for those sew- cutting (my husband has become an expert ers who need just a little help (like myself). at this). Every six weeks I have visits from my numerous fabric reps. People often say
Photography by Utterly in Love
to me “What a great job you have choosing all these beautiful fabrics” but to be honest it is an extremely hard job. The fabric reps come armed with suit cases of stunning fabrics, but as with all businesses there is a limited budget so to try and narrow down what to bring into the business to suit a wide range of customers and tastes can be very time consuming and difficult. Many customers email me with requests for fabric which may be out of stock or an older design, so some days a lot of time is spent on the internet trying to source fabrics from different parts of the world to bring in for these customers. However, it is worth spending the time doing as the feedback and satisfaction from customers makes it all worthwhile. Business wise do you have any tips for emerging online retailers/designers? Know your target market and think, “How will I stand out from the others, what is my point of difference?” I think sometimes people think having an online business is easy, you put it on the web, start a Facebook page and the people will come. It doesn’t quite work like that, getting your name out there is key and staying in people’s faces. It is really easy to become forgotten online so regular posts and pictures to entice people to come to you is very important. I find having a regular newsletter which people sign up to keeps you in touch with them, even if they haven’t visited your website in a while.
But for now, I am always looking at ways to reach more customers and have started doing some out of town markets. I am also toying with the idea of maybe opening a shop from home where people can come for a drive in the country, have a cuppa and be surrounded with beautiful fabrics. What is the best piece of creative advice you have ever been given? The best piece of creative advice I have ever been given is “If you can dream it, you can do it”. There are no limits as to what you can create. My Nana never used patterns for knitting or sewing. She had visions of what she wanted to create and she used the materials and wools that she had to do it. Believe in yourself and others will too. Some days this can be harder to do than others but then again I have a fabric room I can come and sit in, it’s my inspiration and sanctuary!
x Amanda
Where do you see ‘Fabric Fixation’ headed in the future? In the future I would love to start up a retail shop somewhere in Christchurch or maybe North Canterbury where I live. My husband owns a coffee company so we have talked about one day in the future setting up a fabric café, but I think those dreams will have to wait until the children are at school.
. Facebook . Website . Pinterest .
Winter Sunlight... with Ana of Anarashii
There’s an area I’ve heard of in the States that is notorious for its consistently grey skies, so much so that it has a documented history of high depression rates - the direct result of Vitamin D deficiency. Consequently residents in this particular area are required or at least encouraged to have special sun-like ultra violet lights that mimic the sunlight they lack and provide them with much needed Vitamin D. While we might not be in such a desperate need for sunlight and health promoting Vitamin D, nevertheless as we head into the Wintery months ahead and the inevitably dreary weather we too need our own “sunlight” – things that will serve to buoy us up.
fire gets a bit too toasty for comfort. And warming yourself back up with all manner of spicy food – Winter is a veritable treasure trove of options when it comes to treating ourselves with tasty delectables!
Let’s talk treats in terms of food – for me Winter is an EXCELLENT time to get into soups! I usually try to cook soups once a week, but Winter provides the perfect excuse to have soups even more often. And what’s not to like? Hearty, chunky soups, loaded with Vegetables, something that warms you to your depths and a great vehicle for consuming large amounts of pesto – definitely a treat to be indulged in during the Winter months. Then there’s flavourful hot drinks – Raspberry and Peach Tea is currently becoming somewhat of a breakfast staple for me – you’ve got me! I confess!
Recently I read an article about Gordon Ramsay and his recent visit to New Zealand – in one interview with him something he said particularly struck me. He said that we should hold onto at least one thing that we are good at from our youth and keep it up.
Speaking about spicing things up, that’s exactly what we can do with just a few simple wardrobe additions for a further Mid-Winter boost! After all, just because we’re rugging up doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it – we can spoil ourselves with fashion stockings and tights to liven things up. Or if we find stocking selections lamentable there’s always leggings or thermal long johns – worn incognito with cute boots who’s to know? – at least you can Simply put we deserve a treat and especially get long johns in red. during Winter when the dismal weather can affect us more than we realise. Treating In fact there’s a plethora of accessories we ourselves a little more regularly than usual can choose from in any number of colours – especially with arguably “justifiable” treats or make our own even – we are Indies after -is going to be that crucial element that tips all! If you cannot find what you want ready the scales in our favour and helps us keep made that is merely an opportunity, nay balanced through those cold, dull, of times a challenge to step up and make what we motivation quashing months. want for ourselves!
Ah and then there’s cooling down with a Blueberry and Banana Smoothie when your
What he said really grabbed my attention as it is something I totally agree with and that I think is particularly relevant for all of us as Indies – Independent Designers, Artists and Crafters – WE are the type of people who make things happen. We see a lack, a gap in the market, we fill it, we take up that challenge, we make things happen. Someone’s not doing something that needs doing, we’ll take the initiative, we’ll do it ourselves.
And I think we need to take Gordon Ramsay’s words to heart in that we need to not just apply those creative stubborn attitudes of ours to our work but to our lives in general. We need to enjoy ourselves. And if we’re not enjoying ourselves or finding things that we can have joy in, then why not do something about that, why not find something, create something, make something that we and potentially others can have joy in. Let’s look to revitalising ourselves by not looking at Winter as a cold miserable mopey time of year but rather an opportunity to revisit old hobbies and
talents and utilising it as a time to rejuvenate our creativity by extending forgotten talents and adding to current ones. Ultimately, treating ourselves to other creative outlets other than those which we do as Indies has the greatest potential to motivate us – yes there’s routine, edible treats, cosy’n’cute clothes and yet the thing that I feel will be our best source of “sunlight” and balance during the grey Winter months will be our own creativity and the challenges that we create to extend and increase it. Now who’s for justifying Wild Berry Bumper Bars and Bundaberg Sparkling Pink Grapefruit drink by their fruit content? My shout!
x Ana
Remember When You
Remember When You Used To Be A Rascal started out in Melbourne when my daughter was a baby, it started out called Tinksy and back then I just made my squeaky elephants, dribble bibs, toweling Bunnies and upcycled denim jackets. I sold them once a month on a little half table at The North Melbourne Market.
After we moved back to Christchurch I decided it was time for a change so that is when Remember When You Used To Be A Rascal came to be. The name comes from the song Fluorescent Adolescent by Arctic Monkeys. It reminded me of myself about 10 years ago!! I now find myself doing much bigger markets and constantly expanding my stock. Currently I am obsessed with kids school lunches and making them a little more exciting so I am introducing some great sandwich cutters and egg molds to my market stall. These will all showcase along side the old favorite vintage blanket cloud cushions. Where do you find your inspiration? My crazy daughter Frances and my cheese ball nephew Marcel inspire me the most but I also love browsing Pinterest and reading Your Home and Garden. What are your daily ‘must visit’ websites? Pinterest, Facebook and I’m a daily reader of a blog called ‘Ninja Tales’ . Best piece of creative advice you have ever been given? Rob often tells me to at least finish what i am doing before I start something else (I don’t listen) Best Kept Secret... Now it wouldn’t be a secret if I told you... What does the term ‘Indie Design’ mean to you? I guess to me it means something that cannot be brought in a mall.
x Jane
Used to Be A Rascal
Your all time favourite quote? “Goonies never say die
Jane's Must Have Ind
My design piece that I must have I actually got for mothers day and its this awesome mug that says ‘Sex, Drugs and A Cup Of Tea’ from Hapa
And any Nellie Ryan print would look amazing on my walls
These awesome pillowcases by my super talented sister Abbie are must haves... And of course I have to give a massive shout out to Shits About Get Dainty... You will not find cooler crockery anywhere!! I also have this on my wish for when I get my new kitchen installed
die Design Pieces...
My must have design piece from my collection of goodies is my ‘Merckel Bowtie’ totally indie inspired!!
Northlan
W Taranaki Manawatu
Tasman
Nelson Otago
West Coast
Southland
Can
nd
Auckland
Waikato
Bay of Plenty Hawkes Bay
Wellington
nterbury
Marlborough
Are You Up For A Road Trip?
Contributed by...
Oat Soak Baths...
Winter... long nights by the fire, cool short days, water tanks that are overflowing! Yes it’s time to enjoy those long luxurious baths and here are some great ideas to make your bath time even better....
Heavenly bath bag
3 Tbsp rolled oats - yes straight out of your pantry (if you can eat them you can soak in them!) 1 Tbsp chamomile flowers - you can used a chamomile tea bag if you don’t have dried flowers 1 Tbsp lavender flowers dried 1 Tbsp calendula petals dried Place all ingredients into a square of cheesecloth or any fabric you may have that has a loose weave, tie up tightly with ribbon or string. You are all done! Now just place into your bath squeezing to release the milky magic within. Ahhhh enjoy!
Rose Bath Salts
200g Epsom salts 1 Tbsp rose petals dried 1/2 Tsp pink clay 20 drops rose geranium essential oil Add clay to Epsom salts, mix then add essential oil, mix and add rose petals. Place in an airtight container and leave for a week before you use. This allows the bath salts to absorb the essential oils. Handy Tip: If you want to get really DIY harvest your own flowers and leaves when in season. Hang to dry in a warm dark place like your hot water cupboard. When dry and crispy pack away in clean jars or seal in brown paper envelopes. Just remember to label them!
Handy Tip: these bath bags are only good for one bath so when you are finished open up and discard contents into the compost bin, wash and dry your cloth and you are ready to go again. For dried flowers, coco butter, Epsom And just incase you wanted more...... salts, oils etc go to www.lotusoils.co.nz A simple Honey Bath to sooth and soften. Dissolve one Tbsp of honey (from your local bee keeper) in some hot water then pour into your bath. Apple Cider Vinegar Soak. Adding this 3 Tbsp rolled oats to your bath is great for restoring your skins 2 Tbsp crumbed coco butter acid mantle and reducing irritation. Add 1/2 1 Tbsp rose petals dried to 1 cup of organic apple cider vinegar to your 1 Tbsp lavender flowers dried bath water. 1 Tbsp peppermint leaves dried - from the supermarket dried herb section
Garden dream bath bag
Same method as above. Bath Salts sprinkled in the bath are a great way to relax and relieve tired muscles.
Beautiful milky handmade bags of bliss to sooth the skin and relax the mind.
Final Favourites
s...
...because freakish is fun
weheartit.com
Next Issue Out September 1st
Subscribe Here