SEPTEMBER2013
hazedspring WELCOME TO THE SPRING EDITION OF HAZED
Spring is a time of new beginnings and that definitely rings true over here at Hazel Loves Design, we are on the verge of some exciting evolutions and we just can’t wait to take you on this journey with us. With the help of our supporters Hazed is going to print this Summer, if you haven’t already pop on over to Pledgeme and see how you can become a part of this exciting initiative. Hazed is a social enterprise, the majority of our contributors and stake holders are volunteers. We are on the hunt for a number of new volunteers to take on various roles in the evolution of the magazine, if you could be interested check out the blog to find out what roles are available and meet our team of contributors. To celebrate the launch we will also be hosting a fabulous launch party and a Craft Love Festival market, if you are interested in attending either event please contact us for all of the details, we’d sure love to have you! Stay tuned for more news on ‘Pay It Forward’, by the time the Summer edition arrives this new co-operative store will be in full swing! Love,
Hazel x
Cover Photo: New Zealand pinafore dress from Lulu’s Closet
WIN
THE CO VER DRESS BY LULU’S CLO OVER O SET FA C E B N OOK
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MADELOCAL
papercuts
A MODERN TAKE ON SEWING PATTERNS HANDMADE IN NELSON
With home sewing on the rise once
after her initial idea of placing the patterns
again, one Nelson designer is filling
inside a tube fell through when a supplier let
the need for on trend and beautifully
her down.
styled sewing patterns with her online store. Katie Brown of Nelson launched
Of the new design, she says “I woke up in the middle of the night with the idea and sketched
Papercut Patterns in 2010 and since
it in a book that was next to the bed. Then the
then her business has gained strong
next day I started developing it”.
international recognition along with a large customer base in the US.
However, Katie hit further stumbling blocks
When Katie initially left school, she chose
her ideas were unachievable and impossible
to pursue graphic design. However, it was
to do. “It was dead ends everywhere I went
partway through this course that she decided
... nobody thought outside the square. They
to transfer to fashion instead. “My Dad told
just said “oh, no, we don’t do that”. Finally
me not to do it. That there is no money in
I found one print place who was really open
fashion”, she laughs. It’s a good thing she is
minded and he said “Yup, I’ll send it to my die
so determined and decided to do it anyway.
maker and find out”. It took ages, it was so
The next 18 months, though, were intense
frustrating”.
when various printing agencies told her that
as Katie juggled full time study and weekend work at a fabric store. “I really loved it. Being
“It was the same with the printing of my
surrounded by creative people all the time, it
patterns”, she continues. “I went into different
was a great environment”.
places and they said “oh, no, we can’t do that”. I just wanted large format printing and I
Katie’s stunning designs don’t just stop at
went to a drafting place that did large format
her patterns. Putting her graphic design
printing and they just said they couldn’t print
skills to good use, she has created functional
on tissue, but I didn’t want to print onto
packaging that also doubles as a hanger for
tissue. I wanted it on paper and they wouldn’t
that work room feel. She developed this look
accept it”, she shrugs. You can’t help but love
her determination and drive. It’s this paired
business is like having another baby”. From a
with her uncompromising vision that has
technical point of view, Katie has opted to use
made Papercut Patterns so unique and
Shopify as the base for her website. “It has a
appealing worldwide.
good back-end. It can be expensive but it’s better than a professional ecommerce site.”
Working by herself from her home-based
She has found that paying a monthly fee is
studio, Katie designs, prints and packages
more achievable than a large up front fee that
all the patterns herself, although she may
you may get from a professionally made site.
occasionally enlist the help of her daughter
It also allows her to make any changes herself
when there is a mountain of folding and
without needing to employ someone further.
packaging to be done. With a strong New Zealand made ethos, Katie also ensures all
With some big plans for the future, I get the
packaging is not only 100% recyclable, but
feeling Katie is only just getting started. An up
made from recycled materials too.
and coming collaboration with other fashion designers means we’ll soon have access to
Within her studio, you’ll find a large printer
some rather enviable patterns. With New
for the patterns which takes up an entire wall.
Zealand
Katie is about to install a folding machine
Tyson, on board, it’ll be a venture any keen
that attaches onto it, to save her finger
seamstress will want to keep an eye on for
tips from being constantly sanded down
creating that designer look at home.
based
fashion
designer,
Brooke
when folding the patterns. It is the first folding machine of it’s kind in New Zealand and
Katie has an inspiring vision and drive that is
she’s understandably excited about adding it
exciting to see. While already making waves
to her workforce.
internationally, there are plenty of good things ahead for this talented pattern maker.
With interest from the popular UK magazine Glamour,
it
seems
publicity
is
finding
Papercut Patterns rather than Katie having to
SEEMORE
go hunting for it. Although, after dabbling in advertising on blogs, Katie has found that a
ONLINE STORE
featured blog post will have more impact on
www.papercutpatterns.com
sales than a sidebar advertisement will. While
an advertisement does bring in visitors, the sales aren’t necessarily instant, so are harder to gauge. A feature blog post will tend to have a larger more traceable impact on sales. Because it tends to be cold in the studio, most work days will start with a morning of computer
www.facebook.com/papercutpatterns RECEIVE A 15% DISCOUNT DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER BY USING THE CODE: HAZED AT CHECKOUT PAPERCUTPATTERNS.COM
work or printing, followed by an afternoon of studio work doing drafting and packaging before the kids return home and family life
Interviewed by: Katrina of Offsquare
takes over. Although Katie admits “Having a
Photos by: Kate Gaskell
CRAFTLAB
takingcredit WHETHER A HOBBYIST AT HOME OR A FULLY FLEDGED BUSINESS, ACCEPTING CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS FOR SALES MAY NOT BE AS HARD AS YOU FIRST THOUGHT
Whether you’re a hobbyist at home
the invoice to them for payment. Once you
or a fully fledged business, accepting
have received the payment, you can proceed
credit card payments for sales may
to send off the goods to the buyer. Although
not be as hard as you first thought.
there is a small fee for the sale, it is one of the cheapest and easiest options for the
When a potential customer chooses to buy
occasional credit card sale. The invoice
something, having multiple payment options
system isn’t instant though and depends on
available to them can make the purchase even
the customer remembering to pay. So if you
more attractive. But we often push aside the
want something more immediate and don’t
idea of accepting credit cards as just being
want to be creating invoices for every sale,
too hard or expensive. Fortunately, times are changing and this service is now more accessible than ever. While there are a number of companies offering various credit card services, it’s worth bearing in mind that people may feel apprehensive using a system they are not familiar with. Here are several reputable options for you to consider. PAYPAL Paypal.com is a popular option for paying and receiving by credit card and rightly so. Even if you only operate from a Facebook page, you can still use Paypal for those one off sales.
you can use “website payments standard” with Paypal. This option requires you to already have a website in place, but will allow you to essentially create your own e-store there. By placing custom generated Paypal buttons on your site next to items for sale, buyers can select items and add them to a shopping cart. Once finished, they will be sent to the Paypal site where the transaction is securely completed, before being transferred back to your website again. Of course, there are some transaction fees involved in Paypal. For
When you sign up for a standard Paypal
domestic sales it’s 3.4% of the total sale plus a
account, you have the option of creating
fixed fee of $0.45. International sales are 3.9%
an invoice within the site, even if the buyer
plus a fixed fee dependent on the currencies
doesn’t have a Paypal account themselves.
being used. There are also withdrawal fees
Simply enter the customers email address
for moving funds from Paypal to your bank
in the buyer section and Paypal will forward
account of $1.00 for anything less than $150.
a flat fee of 2.75% per transaction thereafter
KIWIPAY Found at GetKiwiPay.co.nz, this is a New Zealand
based
option
(Nelson,
actually!).
Now we can support NZ made, not only in what we buy, but how we buy it. While they don’t yet have the volume of integrations that established payment tools have, any talented web developer should be able to work this into your existing site. Fees are refreshingly straight
with no monthly fees. The application process is said to be an arduous one, so you may like to utilise the online chat service to help you get through that. Don’t let it put you off though, as the app itself and the service SwipeHQ provide make it all worthwhile. DIRECT WITH YOUR BANK
forward with a startup option of 3.9% per sale.
All major banks have merchant services
No fixed fee per transaction like the competitors
available to anyone wanting to receive credit
enforce and both Visa and MasterCard are
card payments. A chat with any of the staff
accepted. KiwiPay will allow you to settle funds
there can get the ball rolling for you, but it will
with all New Zealand banks and have a number
cost a monthly fee as well as a per transaction
of references online so we can see what the
fee. While a costly option for the small
early adopters have to say about it. If you are
business, this could be useful if you process
doing lots of monthly transactions, you could
large quantities of credit card payments.
opt to pay a monthly fee and receive a reduced
Another benefit to this is the ability to receive
sales fee in return. Of course, in true Kiwi spirit,
payments at markets (or anywhere, really) by
they also offer 0% fees for selected charitable
manually taking an imprint of someone’s credit
events and appeals. Now that’s a business
card and having the customer sign for it. No
after our own hearts.
internet, wi-fi or even electricity needed. It’s very old-school and obviously the transaction
SWIPEHQ
isn’t instant, but it does offer some flexibility.
With an app for your phone, SwipeHQ.com
EXPERT ADVICE
allow you to receive credit card payments almost anywhere. While they do have plans
Finally, if you want to receive credit cards on
to bring out a card reader for your phone very
your existing website, you may need to chat
shortly, you can currently process a credit
with the IT professional who help you set it
card transaction by manually entering the
up. The platform they used may have some
card details (called a MOTO transaction) into
limitations as to what plug-ins are available
the app. An extra nice touch is the electronic
and these changes will often require expert
receipt it generates and emails directly to
assistance. They can also advise on which
the customer for their records. SwipeHQ will
option would suit your needs best and make
charge a one off setup fee of $99 and then
sure you are well taken care of. Whatever option you choose, it’s important that both you and your customer have complete confidence in using that service. The less hurdles to purchasing, the better it is for everyone and your customers will certainly appreciate it once they discover your beautifully crafted wares. Written by Katrina of Offsquare
Imogen Wilson | www.imogenwilson.co.nz
Paper Bird Society | www.thepaperbirdsociety.bigcartel.com
Erupt Prints | www.eruptprints.com
Red Flax | www.redflax.blogspot.co.nz
OUTSIDESQUARE
munchiedips TRY THESE DIPS FOR YOUR SPRING PICNICS
Carrot Pate and Hummus easily my
CARROT PATE
two favorite dips and they only take
• 1 clove crushed garlic
moments to make! Great on crackers
• 2 carrots peeled and chopped
or just chuck a wrap under the grill
• 1 cup raw unsalted cashews
until it blisters and cut into squares
• 1/4 cup of grapeseed oil.
for a healthy cracker alternative.
How to make Carrot Pate
These dips are great added as spreads
You
on your sandwiches or as tasty side
grapeseed because it has such a mild
dishes with roasted veggies. Yummy.
taste. Combine cashews and carrots
can
use
any
oil
but
I
like
in a food processor and mix until well
To serve sprinkle with cumin seeds and a dash
grounnd. Add crushed garlic and oil
of virgin olive oil
and mix again. You can keep it chunky or mix until it’s really smooth, it’s up to
How to Make Hummus
you. And that’s it! The cashews make
Combine chickpeas and crushed garlic in
this raw dip rich and creamy, while
food processor and blend until well combined.
the carrots add colour, vitamins and
Add cumin, tahini and blend again. Add in oil
sweetness.
and lemon juice, salt and pepper. You are ready to serve.
HUMMUS • 2 cups chickpeas • 1 large clove of garlic crushed • 2 teaspoons cumin • 2 teaspoons tahini
You can buy chickpeas in a can already cooked just drain, rinse and they are ready to use. Or you can buy chickpeas raw (they are so cheap) all you need to do is cover with water and leave to soak over night in fridge.
• 1/2 cusp of grapeseed oil • juice of one large lemon
Drain then pop into pot with boiling water to
• salt and pepper to taste
cover and let them gently boil away until soft. This can take about 30/40 minutes. Drain and rinse and they are ready to use.
Recipe and words by: Adele from Borrowed Earth
W IfN ip ect d
on per d e a h T t he ook s u J l bow to Faceb over o enter t
a Win y! cop n o r e Entebook Fac
pinterestpower JASON MILES & KAREN LACEY
Most of us have whittled away many
and how to sign up for an account, the first
glorious
Pinterest.com.
few chapters may seem tedious and overly
With its visual appeal and ease of
basic to someone already familiar with the
hours
on
use, Pinterest has made light work of gaining inspiration and tips on almost anything in life. Yet, as with other social media sites, there is the
site. But if you can look past this along with the wildly enthusiastic writing style, there are some handy tips and tricks to be learnt about harnessing its marketing prowess.
opportunity here for a bit of business
With useful and practical advice scattered
marketing too.
throughout, it is worth pressing through the first few chapters to find the gold nuggets
Pinterest Power, by Jason Miles and Karen
within. Pinterest Power is an interesting and
Lacey, looks at how you can increase website
valuable read for anyone looking to improve
traffic and sales through Pinterest. Starting
the visibility of their website and build up their
with the basics such as what Pinterest is
marketing using social media outlets. Reviewed by Katrina of Offsquare
W O R K S PA C E
inmybackyard MEET KATIE THE DESIGNER EXTRODANAIRE
one-woman
garden in Aotearoa, New Zealand”. And
operation, so I design, illustrate, sew
how everything your produce is in tonal
and print all my items from scratch. I
harmony. Was this conscious? And do you
In
My
Backyard
is
a
mostly make prints and paper goods, but also make screen printed fabric, soft toys and accessories like scarves and brooches. I have a degree in Graphic Design and Illustration but I
have any tips for others trying to define their brand? Though it is definitely a conscious decision to ensure everything is in harmony and that there is a definite branded identity, I think a lot of it comes intuitively to me as well. I try to have
don’t get to utilise these skills so much
fun exploring what exactly makes up my style
in my other job, so In My Backyard is a
and brand and am constantly defining and
great creative outlet for me.
redefining it. I find it helps to often take a step back and look at a collection of your products
I’ve been making things for as long as I
and marketing materials - whether set up as
remember, but have been creating and selling
a market stall or looking at your online shop
things as In My Backyard on and off since
- and see if anything jumps out as just not
about 2007.
fitting and try and find out why that is.
I’m really impressed with your brand, I
I love your product range, I love that
love the way your introduction on your
despite covering a multitude of disciplines
website links back to your business
your range feels inter-linked and well
name, “Welcome to my backyard! Patches
curated. This is something that many
and pins, pendants and scarves, magnets
indies struggle with (many not realising
and gocco prints, and lovely things, all
so). How did you decide what to make,
handmade in a little old house with a big
what colours to use and what focus area
you wanted to influence your range? I guess I think of my In My Backyard work as creating my own little world! All of my toy patterns and fabric designs originate from my own illustrations so that naturally lends a coherence to my work. I’m constantly trying to define my style and tend to use colours and textures that I am naturally drawn to. The overall themes and motifs that reappear in my work originate from my love of the outdoors and the natural word and again are what I am drawn to and focus on. Of your
your
product
favourite
range
which
piece? Which
is
is your
favourite thing to make? And which is your ‘best seller’? At the moment my favorite piece would be my Three Trees print - I love the colours and simplicity of it, and for me personally it marks the direction I want to go with my illustration style. I love the process of screen printing so my fabric pieces are the most fun to make. I love the hands-on aspect of printing each piece, seeing my designs appear before my eyes and I love seeing them all hanging up to dry! My best seller would have to be my Little Bird Pins - I started making these way back at the beginning of In My Backyard in 2007 and they have remained a popular seller ever since. I think that they appeal to a wide range of ages and tastes, they are reasonably priced and, if I may say so really, really cute! Each bird is hand-painted so every one is an original and has it’s own character. What direction do you see your product range developing into in the future? Oh my gosh, I have so many products I want to make! At the moment my focus is on the
illustrative work and applying that in a cohesive way to other products as well as the archival prints. Some things that are definitely in the pipeline are a new range of screen printed scarves, some more prints and some greeting cards. And hopefully I’ll be making more screen printed textile designs if I can find the time!! I love that you are one of the few kiwi indies designing your own fabric to sell, do you ever see your fabric made into things? I love seeing my fabric being used - I’ve seen it made into purses, wall hangings, baby shoes, brooches and as detailing on clothing. One of my favorite uses is the quilted purse kits made by Piece as I love how they encourage people to create a little something for themselves.
How do you sell your products? I sell through Felt, Etsy, a few shops around the country and at local craft markets. I find the markets to be the most fun and the most successful - I think people like to meet the face behind the work and also pick up and
to keep them interested. A happy smiling face always helps - stand up and say hello to the people looking at your stall. What is the best piece of creative advice you have ever been given?
touch the actual object. I’ve noticed that in
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; draw, draw,
the weeks after a market my sales online often
draw and then draw some more; and always
rise, people come and have a look in person
carry a sketchbook!
and then feel more comfortable buying online.
What does the term ‘Indie Design’ mean
What is your secret for a successful
to you?
market stall?
To me the term Indie Design encapsulates all
I try really hard to make at least one new
those makers who are doing it themselves,
product for each market, as lots of the same
creating wonderful and unique things for the
people come to each market so I want them
love of designing.
Interviewed by Hazel Schreiner Photos by Jen of Utterly in Love
SEEMORE ONLINE STORE www.inmybackyard.co.nz BLOG inmybackyard.blogspot.co.nz FELT inmybackyard.felt.co.nz ETSY inmybackyard.etsy.com
BORROWEDEARTH
coconutoil ANTIBACTERIAL, ANTIMICROBIAL+ ANTIFUNGAL
DEODORANT - Ingredients • 1/4 cup coconut oil • 5 drops lavender essential oil • 5 drops tea tree essential oil • 6 tablespoons baking soda • 6 tablespoons corn flour
Commercial deodorants contain many harmful ingredients which are easily absorbed through your skin. Even some deodorants that are labelled as natural contain
ingredients
like
fluoride,
titanium dioxide and aluminum. With a few kitchen ingredients you
How to Make Deodorant Mix coconut oil with a fork until it softens, add other ingredients and mix well. To get every thing mixed in properly you may need to use your hands. You will end up with a big ball which you can either keep covered in fridge, bring out when needed and wipe under your arms. Or keep in a jar in the bathroom and just
can make your own natural deodorant
pick off a little bit and rub under your arms.
that is good for you.
Both ways work well.
Just like deodorant commercial toothpaste has a bunch of toxic ingredients in it as well. Just check the labels next time you go out shopping. Sodium fluoride, sodium laurel sulfate to name a few and again you’ll even find these in the ‘natural’ brands. TOOTHPASTE - Ingredients
COCONUT BODY OIL - Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 cup of coconut oil and essential oils
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
You can use any combination of essential oils
• 10 drops of peppermint essential oil
you like. I used 16 drops of Rose Geranium,
How to make Toothpaste
10 drops of Jasmine and 8 drops of Vanilla
Mix baking soda and coconut oil with a fork
How to make Body Oil
until it forms a paste add peppermint and mix again. Store in jar. Now this has no sweetener in it so it is a little bitter but does make your mouth feel really fresh.
Put everything into a large mixing bowl - don’t melt the coconut oil because if you do it will never whip up! Mix with an electric mixer until you have a fluffy consistency, it looks like vanilla
To use just dip your toothbrush into your
icing! Will take about 3 -5 min of mixing and
mixture and brush like normal.
that’s it. Store in jar and use all over your body. Recipe and words by: Adele from Borrowed Earth
a boo is d m a B Go base d n a l a e rd N e w Z ff e r i n g a w a e, any o adabl r g comp e d g bio ay winnin everyd , e l b na s u s t a i s m a d e f ro m ct p ro d u oo. bamb
WIN A SET FOR YOU
Blooming Pinks 1. BLACK WIDOW FASCINATORS | 2. CREATIVE KATE 3. NEW CREATIONZ | 4. THE ART ROOM | 5. MY HEART SINGS
SERENDIPITY
letterwriting
HAVE YOU EVER WRITTEN A LETTER TO YOURSELF?
It’s strange in a fun way. We communicate with others all the time – but how often do we really try to communicate with ourselves? There is a power in the written word. Along with repetition, that is what makes positive affirmations so powerful. We understand language at a primal level – beyond the ways our conscious mind grasps concepts. Recently I was watching ‘The Secret’… which is essentially a motivational video about the Law of Attraction. I was folding washing at the time, minding my own business, when I had that familiar urge to write. Anything, it didn’t matter. I had the inspiration, and I had to use it! So what follows is a letter written by me, to me. The reason I put it that way is because it felt like the words were coming from beyond me. Perhaps right there, in my sunny lounge room, doing housework and watching TV, I connected with my higher self. Who needs Tarot cards, when you have house work? Obviously not me. Written by Nicole of Paganesque
Dear Nicole, I have been with you since before time, in one
them, how would you know goodness?
form of energy or another. I am proud of you,
How would you know love? How could you
and I love you. You are destined for greatness,
appreciate what you really have?
sometimes you don’t believe it, but it is true. Everything that has happened to you in your
And you found it. You are on the precipice of
lives, this one, the last one, and the next one,
understanding - this is the journey that you
has brought you to now, and you are on the
were born to take - this is the journey you will
precipice of greatness.
take your children on. They are pure images
Don’t define yourself by your story; you are so much more than that. You have many stories,
of love, images of me, of the Universe. They are your gifts to the world and you are here to
which you love to share, and they are all part
guide them. The best way you can do that is
of you - but your book is unwritten. Don’t let
to find peace within yourself. Meditate. Run.
fear stop you from using your potential. Don’t
Write. Learn. Love.
let life get in the way, and if it does, don’t forget to come back to your Source. Close
You have the power to have the life you have
your eyes, envision yourself in that pink loving
dreamed of. You have seen your dreams and
circle. Know that you have guides, angels and
synchronicity and the Universe in action - you
the energy of the universe within and around
know this to be true. Now is the time for you
you - all you have to do is open yourself up to
to remember. Now is the time for you to reach
the messages we send.
to me, to love and trust.
All
that
pain,
negativity,
bad
memories,
Trust that everything will be ok. Have faith
morbid thoughts, self-doubt, fear, hate, anger,
in the Universe. I love that your favourite
resentment.... they don’t belong here. They have no place within your heart and you must remove them from your mind. Whenever you feel swept away by them, you need to hang on, stop. Wait for the wind to die down, turn around and take a step in another direction.
poem is Desiderata. YOU ARE a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. I love you. I will always
The more you do this, the less they will
love you. You need to forgive those who have
come, they will leave you alone. Inside you
trespassed against you, and forgive yourself
is a suitcase full of yuck that you have been
for the human things you have done. Keep
carrying around for so long. Open it, clean it
your thoughts positive. Manifest that beautiful
and throw it away.
destiny. Believe.
Write these things on a piece of paper and
Go and be Serendipitous, my Darling Girl.
burn it - release them back into the universe. I’m sorry you felt these things, but without
BEJEWELLED
hellolovely
TRAVEL INSIDE THE MIND OF JEWELLER EXTRODAINAIRE KIRSTY
and
to experiment and make stuff. With hours
designer at Hello Lovely. I’m wife to
spent surfing the internet I soon discovered a
Todd; mum to Liam (5) and Dylan (2);
plethora of tutorials, and the wonderful world
I’m
Kirsty
Robinson,
owner
and now Policy Analyst & Criminologist turned unlikely-jewellery designer. I’d like to tell you that I’ve always been a creative person who wanted nothing more than to run her own indie business making jewellery, but to be
of Etsy where there are supplies to make almost anything your heart desires. I bought a few bits and pieces, and through trial, error and the help of my talented and resourceful Aunty I taught myself how to make jewellery and other crafty wee things.
completely honest, that isn’t really
At this time I began to think about what I was
the case.
going to do work wise; I decided that it was time to make my own opportunities and carve
Up until a few years ago I was pretty staunch on the whole idea of reaching great heights in the Public Service & playing an integral role in the overhaul of our corrections system. All that changed with the birth of my children, our move back down to my hometown of Christchurch, and the onset of serious postnatal depression (PND) in early 2011.
a new career path that would work around being a Mum. I decided that I’d use some money my lovely Nana had left me when she passed away, buy in some supplies, make some more stuff, and try to sell it at markets. I attended my first market, the Woodend Market & Spring Flower Show, in August 2011; sold my first $100 worth of crafts; and haven’t
During the initial stages of treatment for PND
looked back since! From these beginnings
I suddenly had this strong desire to indulge
Hello Lovely has evolved into a thriving and
the more creative side of my brain; I wanted
successful business.
We love your current product range, you
up with novel ways to use componentry; to
have a fabulous variety of well made
introduce new materials into the collections;
pieces in your range. How do you think
and to keep learning, experimenting with, and
your range has evolved since you first
implementing new techniques.
started out? When I first started, my range of products was pretty hap-hazard . I found pretty designs and
Where do you find the inspiration for so many great pieces?
papers I liked the look of and made them into
I’m inspired a lot by colour, and usually
jewellery without any real thought of creating
begin designing a new Hello Lovely release
a cohesive range or of putting my own real
with a colour palette in mind. From there I
stamp on what I was making. I guess at the
find inspiration lurking everywhere – on the
very beginning I was still working out what I
television, online, in the landscapes that
wanted Hello Lovely to be. Over time, and with
surround me, flicking through magazines and
the explosion of other crafters making ‘glass
newspapers, thrifting through second-hand
dome’ jewellery, the Hello Lovely range has
shops, from music I’m listening to at the time,
become much more thoughtful and planned
even at the mall or supermarket! I think it’s fair
- I really try to bring something unique and
to say I’m never short of inspiration for new
different to the table even though I am using
collections and often find it in unlikely places.
similar materials to others.
For example, the idea to make wee caravan
I now digitally design or paint all the imagery
earrings came about one day as I was thinking
used in the Hello Lovely signature collections.
about a pair of Minx boots I really wanted while
My ethos for Hello Lovely is to continue coming
I reading an article in a waiting room about
great kiwi holidays. This got me to thinking
brainstorm and sketch for a couple of weeks
about the gorgeous wee retro caravan that
and then sit down and work through my ideas,
Minx had at the Martinborough Fair, which
make myself an inspiration board (or two) on
got me to thinking about being there selling
Pinterest, and decide on the direction of the
earrings and all of a sudden I was thinking
collection. This helps me to keep on track
tiny retro caravan earrings, yup gotta figure
and make sure the pieces I’m working on are
out how to make me some of those – random
cohesive and work together.
really! At the moment I’m working on the Hello Lovely Spring/Summer release. I’m a little obsessed with colour-blocking bright tonal colours and fusing that idea with floral and geometric patterns. I’ve also been listening to a bit too much synth-pop/indie-pop lately, which to me translates to bright, bold and slightly quirky designs; so there’s a bit of that influencing this collection too!
The old saying ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’ often applies to businesses who offer a broad range of pieces, but that doesn’t really apply to you, you have mastered all of your techniques really well. How do you manage this? Have you professionally trained? Are you self taught? That’s a really nice thing to say – thanks! I have no formal training in design. I did
I do get easily carried away and tend to
complete both the introductory and advanced
want to make anything and everything. To
classes offered by the Silversmiths Guild
try and produce a good collection though, I
here in Christchurch, but other than that I’m
completely self-taught. Practice, practice,
Tell us a secret, which of your pieces
practice is key and experimentation goes a
would be your favourite at the moment?
long way!
Hmmmm, it’d have to be the new Neptune
I do have an enquiring mind and like to think outside the box – to that end I’ve always been interested in finding out how things work, how to make things work better, and how to put ideas in to practice. I guess in
Geometry pendant from the Luxe range – love, love, love the deep rich metallic blue hues. My most worn piece though is definitely the Turquoise Bird pendant – that baby seems to go with every item of clothing I own!
the past I’ve applied this type of thinking in
I find it thrilling that you often go further afield
my work as a Policy Analyst, and now apply
to attend the larger markets and events. What
the same logic and thought processes to
would you say to others that are considering
jewellery-making. I’m constantly squirrelling
doing the same? And what do you love
away in the background with new techniques
most about taking these trips? Going further
and materials – working out how to do this
afield to attend larger markets and fetes is
and that, finding out what does and doesn’t
so worthwhile from a marketing perspective
work from a practical perspective, and then
– meeting new customers and potential
testing out prototypes. I’m very conscious
stockists who don’t otherwise get a chance
of balancing aesthetics with practicality and
to view Hello Lovely jewellery in person is
wear ability.
fantastic. Most of my business is done online,
but I know there are a lot of people who like
owned by Maureen Taane & Yuri Bacas-
to touch and see things before they buy them.
Hosaka. Maureen & Yuri have both been
My advice is to definitely give it a go, but don’t
really supportive of my work, which has given
go with an immediate sales focus; go with
me confidence in the wholesale side of my
expanding your customer base and meeting
business. It’s now a real privilege to have my
new people in mind. Personally, I love meeting
work stocked in a number of fantastic stores;
my online customers and Facebook likers in
many of which are full of incredible handmade
real life – I get a real thrill when they’ve made
pieces. I find this really provides impetus to
the effort to come along and say hi! It’s also
make sure my work is top-notch.
nice to have a wee break away from the chaos of home; I attended Craft 2.0 in Wellington earlier in the year and ended up making it a
I owe a lot of Hello Lovely’s ‘following’ to other great indie designers who have pointed
girls’ weekend away with a few friends – it
people in my direction and championed my
was the best business trip away yet!
work. The ‘craft scene’ here in New Zealand is really supportive and convivial – I think
Your brand has such a strong presence
without this community, Hello Lovely would
on Facebook and in the street scape
not be anywhere near what it is today. I also
of Canterbury. Do you have a business
belong to ‘New Zealand Handmade’; quite
mentor or somebody that has supported
apart being a fantastic resource this is also a
you to grow and develop ‘Hello Lovely’
great group of people who have an incredible
into the business that it is?
wealth and depth of knowledge to share when
I don’t have a formal business mentor as
it comes to turning your craft into a business.
such, though my husband is pretty clued up on the financial and business side of things.
What would be your top ‘business tip’ for
Making some key relationships has certainly
growing a developing business?
helped Hello Lovely’s presence grow. About
Develop good relationships with the right
18 months ago, I was lucky enough to have
people, accept offers of help, be open to
Hello Lovely stocked at HAPA in Re:Start,
advice, do your research, keep the financial
side of things in order, have a plan, have some goals, act with integrity… I’m not really sure! There are so many things that go into making your business successful. I think as a starting point you need to set some goals and be prepared to put in the hard yards – growing a business is time-consuming & challenging in so many different ways – there are certainly a lot of very different hats that you need to be prepared to wear!! As a busy Mum, how do you ‘juggle’ it all? What systems do you have in place to make the juggling easier? Juggling is still something I’m learning to do successfully – some days it’s really tricky trying to balance priorities, deadlines, needs
working in any other job it’s something I would
and wants! My most successful approach this
have had to do anyway and with a lot less
far has been setting some ‘work hours’ when
flexibility than I have now. As things continue
my boys are at school and day care. Trying
to take off with Hello Lovely, I have to be much
to work and look after the boys at the same
more organised in my approach to work – I
time was a disaster, nothing was getting the
have systems for managing both my web and
attention it really needed. I had pretty bad
wholesale orders, stock lists, and try to keep
‘Mummy-guilts’ sending the boys to day care
everything neat and tidy so there’s no mucking
for three days a week so that I could work at
around looking for this or that. At the moment,
home; however, in the end I figured if I was
I’m trying to schedule ahead for the Christmas rush – making sure I have the supplies I’ll need, setting things up so they’re ready to go, and working out when I need to have stock ready for the big fetes and markets I’ll be selling Hello Lovely at in the lead up to Christmas. When my kids are around, being a Mum is my top priority and Hello Lovely things get done when my boys don’t need my full attention – packing orders while I supervise breakfast, sending a quick round of emails while they’re busy playing and doing their own thing – there’s no such thing as sitting down for five minutes to do nothing during the day around here. I’m also incredibly lucky to have a very supportive family – they all help me to make Hello Lovely successful.
Interviewed by Hazel Schreiner and some photos by Jen of Utterly in Love
SEEMORE ONLINE STORE www.hellolovely.co.nz FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/hellolovelynz INSTAGRAM @hellolovelyjewellery
creativex100 WITH FLEUR WOODS
It’s Friday, day 50 of my 100 days project.
a permanent option. Public art, flowers…you
Half way, hallelujah! Today’s song, is,
could get pretty creative.
quite aptly I think – 50 Ways to Leave your Love, Paul Simon. This image is part illustration part digital mash up & represents bitter/sweet ways to leave
The 100 days project in New Zealand is run by Emma Rogan & the principal is simple, participants like myself (I think there’s over 700 of us!) choose one creative project & repeat it daily for 100 days.
your lover. The suitcase could be filled with belongings or … the lover…blood oozes onto
My project is to listen to a song daily and
an envelope from the war office, that’s possibly
respond creatively. Most of the songs have Listen to Paul Simon
been suggested by friends, family & Fleur Woods Art facebook friends, it’s always interesting & sometimes wonderful to open my Spotify list each day & encounter new music. This creative journey has been amazing thus far. Firstly to be ‘forced’ to create daily is becoming a discipline that feels incredible and is rather addictive, there are days when I’d really rather not (like moving house day, or kids with chicken pox day) but the reality of dealing with life and still be creative is something that as an artist I am learning to embrace. The project is definitely helping me to find my ‘style’ and the feedback from posting entries online daily is so incredible. Paranoid Android | Inspired by Radio Head Listen here
La Caravane | Inspired by Caravan Palace | Listen here
Fantastically I have a few fellow creative close by who are also doing their own 100 days projects & we’re celebrating our halfway milestone with lunch at a winery on Monday! I’d recommend this experience to anyone creative. Check out my entire project (so far) and this years participants at: 100 days Project | 100daysproject.co.nz There will be an exhibition at the end too, so keep an eye on the site for more details.
SEEMORE FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/fleurwoodsart BLOG fleurwoodsart.wordpress.com LISTEN TO THE MUSIC THAT HAS BEEN INFLUENCING FLEUR’S WORK HERE!
CRAFTLAB
webstores MAKING THE CHOICE EASIER
Whether you have been selling at markets or
start - setting up online takes time and is not
online through Etsy and Felt there might come
something you want to do twice (I learnt this
a time that you decide you want your own
the hard way). Only you know the specific
website. Starting your own website can be an
quirks of your business, your budget and
intimidating and expensive step and most of
what you want a website to be able to do: for
us don’t have the time, money or expertise to
one person an integrated blog might be vital,
build our own website. This is when you might
for another it will be the ability to add multiple
start looking at hosted ecommerce platforms.
product options such as size and colour to
A what? Hosted platform you might be thinking - to be honest I probably would have had the same look on my face a few weeks ago but if someone had mentioned Shopify or BigCartel
a product, another might be more concerned with which will provide the best value for the least amount of money. Unfortunately we don’t all have the time to try different ecommerce
I would have felt more comfortable. Both are
providers, even if they have a trial period, so
different examples of hosted ecommerce
we have to rely on boring, heavily American
platforms, businesses designed to help you
focused reviews: luckily I did trial a few
get online and sell; they do all the hard work
different providers and while I can’t guarantee
like developing the software (or skeleton)
this won’t be dull it will compare two well
on which you build your shop, making sure
known providers, Shopify and BigCartel,
your shop is actually online (web hosting) and
and two providers specifically targeting New
keeping payment information secure.
Zealanders, MYOB Atlas and Small Fish.
There is a huge range of different hosted
Vague disclaimer – I’m not a computer expert
ecommerce
there
but I did try all four platforms, I also trawled
so it pays to do a little research before you
the community forums of each to see if there
platform
providers
out
MYOB were any consistent problems and asked a
While relatively easy to set up, ongoing use
few long term users for their opinions.
of MYOB Atlas quickly becomes frustrating
The first thing many people look at when setting up online is price; with prices ranging from nil to US$179/month it could be a significant or minor part of your income used up. If your budget is tight or you are just starting out you might think that a free website such as MYOB Atlas is all you need, after all what’s better then free.
due to its limitations: one image per product, product description character limits and lack of product options (whether or not you can add sizes/colours etc to a basic product description). Being successful online requires your customers or potential customers to be able to find you and unfortunately, despite claiming to be partnered with Google, MYOB Atlas has very poor search engine optimisation
MYOB ATLAS is a collaboration between
(SEO) and it is difficult to rank highly in
Westpac and MYOB, an accounting software
Google using it – the lack of colour options
firm, designed to help get New Zealand
and themes also means that if someone does
businesses online. It is free to use for the first
find you, chances are your website won’t be
year with plans after that ranging between
the most inspiring and it may turn people off
$5-$29/month. It charges no success fees
rather than generate sales. Another problem
and appears to have no limit on the number
customers might have with the website is its
of products you can add to your shop. While
awkward contact form and the inability to
this sounds good you do need to look further
search for products.
then price – there is no point in a website if it doesn’t do what you or your customers want
MYOB Atlas does allow you to manage orders
or if you can’t be found and unfortunately
relatively easily and you can get decent store
beyond price MYOB Atlas doesn’t have much
statistics, such as best sellers and average
to recommend it.
cart value, but it fails to go the extra steps other
ecommerce platforms provide: promotions
free plan does have some limitations, such
(discount
multiple
as only one image per product and limited
shipping options (single option limiting you to
store statistics, it is a great way to test the
NZ sales), full mobile optimisation (allowing
water. It also has the ability to grow with your
people to shop from their smart phones etc)
business with the first paid option costing just
and perhaps most importantly to those that
US$9.99/month for 25 products or less. Even
lack confidence setting up an online store a
with very little computer knowledge BigCartel
good support network.
allows you to design a great looking site with
codes,
voucher
etc),
three free themes at the gold level and more So if MYOB Atlas is one you should stay away
customisation available on paid plans - you
from, what other options are there? Designed
can even buy complete themes.
specifically for artists and designers Big Cartel has four different plans; the most basic, gold,
Among the downsides to BigCartel is the
allows you to list up to five products for free
fact it only accepts PayPal, this means every
- if you are looking at getting online and only
sale you make will be subject to PayPal
have a very small range of goods BigCartel is
transactions fees and you may lose customers
a far superior choice to MYOB Atlas.
who would prefer to make a payment by other means such as direct credit. Other areas
BIGCARTEL is easy to set up and maintain;
where BigCartel could be improved is SEO
customisation, integrating most forms of
(how customers find you on Google), shipping
social media, and managing orders is easy
options (you can only set a per country rate
and intuitive and it is much more attractive
for each item making it difficult to charge rural
and versatile then MYOB Atlas. While there
or Saturday delivery fees), and e-marketing
are a few areas BigCartel could improve it
(capturing email addresses so you can send
is one of the few platforms that specifically
newsletters etc directly to your customers).
targets
artisans
and
creatives
-
it
was
originally designed by a musician wanting to
Another platform aimed specifically at small
get his band merchandise online. The fact
businesses, but this time specifically New
it claims to have over 200,000 artists using
Zealand businesses is SMALLFISH. Based
it suggests it meets their needs. While the
in Wellington at $39/month for up to 150
BIGCARTEL
products SmallFish may initially sound more
One area that will quickly become frustrating
expensive than some of the other options
for some is how product options are set up:
however this is a consistent fee not reliant on
in BigCartel and the next platform we look at,
the exchange rate which may appeal to those
SHOPIFY, product options are added as the
that like to plan their monthly outgoings. It has
product is listed, SmallFish manages product
several improvements over BigCartel however
options in a separate tab. Once you become
there are still some let downs.
use to this it is relatively easy to use however if you delete a product it is easy to forget to
SmallFish is easy to use with a series of walk
remove the corresponding product option
through steps and default settings that allows
and end up with an unmanageable range
you to develop a consistent look without a lot
of product options. SmallFish does provide
of hard work or prior experience. Unlike a lot
strong support to its users with businesses
of e-commerce platforms SmallFish doesn’t
promoted via Facebook and its marketplace,
have a range of themes you can pick from,
regular improvements, and prompt, helpful
instead it has multiple options such as tab
responses to email support questions.
style, colour, image size, font etc, while this does allow for some versatility most shops
Out of all the platforms I tested Shopify is
end up looking similar which is probably its
the one with the most bells and whistles and
biggest downside especially considering it is
ranked the highest in all the categories tested
pricing itself towards the higher end of the
although this does come at a cost: plans cost
fully customizable BigCartel plans.
between US$14-$179/month with up to a 2% transaction fee on all sales.Â
Adding different shipping options, promotions (discounts,
vouchers,
coupons,
shipping
Like BigCartel, in Shopify you can fully
discounts etc), and integrating social media is
customize the look of your store; in fact you
all easy to set up and maintain in SmallFish as
might be surprised at just who uses Shopify.
is managing orders and improving your SEO.
If you know coding you can fully customize
SMALLFISH
SHOPIFY
the look of your shop yourself or if you don’t
I did strike a few problems when trying to set
have the confidence or know how you can
up direct credit as a payment option however
still easily modify one of its many free themes,
after
purchase different themes or get someone to
community forums, and help sections I think
design your store for you.
this was more user error than anything else.
Shopify supports over 70 different payment
While Shopify is a fantastic platform it can
platforms and is the easiest to integrate all
quickly become one of the most expensive
forms of social media, including a blog. Set
once you take in your monthly fee, transaction
up, adding products and product options is a
fees (and if someone pays by PayPal you will
breeze, although because of all the options it
get two lots of fees) and any apps you decide
is easy to get distracted and prolong your set
to add on. Out of the four reviewed the only
up. Additional apps can be purchased to help
platform I would strongly advise you to stay
either your customer e.g. A wish list app, or to
away from is MYOB Atlas. Otherwise look
help improve the behind the scenes functions.
at what you need from a platform, what you
Managing orders is made easy with all the
want, and what you can afford. Don’t jump
usual search, filter and process functions
in too quickly either, while most platforms
and the added ability to partially full an order
offer a free set up period and are contract
(perfect if you have a multipart order but need
free, setting up in the wrong platform and
to make one element), record your tracking
then having to change over to another will be
numbers and send notification of shipping
a frustrating and time consuming process - I
from within the programme.
learnt this the hard way.
searching
their
extremely
helpful
Researched and written by Vicki of Quirky Fox |
FASHIONMOMENT
refashionrunway WITH KATRINA FROM OFFSQUARE
If you’ve ever been to an op-shop, you’ll know there are way too many ugly clothes out there. Muu-muu anyone? But if you can see past a garment’s frumpy shape or dated look, you may discover there is a gem deep within. If the fabric is in good condition and
from readers and their fellow competitors. Being a sewing and refashioning blogger myself, I readily jumped in and applied. Beth and I had been following each others blogs for a while and something like this is a great way to challenge myself while having some fun and discovering other like-minded people.
with a print you like, a little magic
Run over four weeks, the competitors had to
can often be worked to create an item
complete one refashion each week that fit a
you’d be proud to wear.
particular theme.
There are a swag of blogs around that regularly
The first week it was stripes, followed by denim,
feature their refashions with dramatic before
copycat of a catalogue item and finishing the
and after photos. Most of them will openly
last week with a summer dress. All garments
inspire readers with tutorials and tips on how
had to be self-made and constructed using
each one was achieved as well, so you can
second-hand finds.At the end of each week
replicate the look yourself. Refashion Runway was an online competition hosted by one such blogger, US based Beth at Renegade Seamstress. Designed to be a friendly sewing competition, eight contestants were selected in a show down of sewing and design skills as hideous second-hand garments were redesigned into something beautiful.
there was a showcase of before and after photos for the themed refashion of that week. Voting on those entries then took place throughout a week, before a winner was announced and another competitor eliminated from the competition. When the first refashions were posted after the first week, we all quickly realised how stiff the competition was. One little aspect gone wrong
The idea was inspired by TV shows such as
could decide the voting results such as the
Project Runway and Great British Sewing
final fit, styling, workmanship or presentation,
Bee, so in like style, one or two competitors
so the pressure was really on for us to get
were eliminated each week based on votes
it perfect.
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
Needless to say, after that first week I started to panic and ended up working on, not one, but three different options for the denim challenge. Now starting to second-guess all my designs, I was hoping for some back up options, just in case the first choice was a disaster. But by the time that denim deadline approached, I found myself in a better, calmer place and had settled on more confidence in those design choices. My first design option was still submitted in the end. With each consecutive week my designing and sewing skills were pushed and tested as I worked to meet the cut off dates. The healthy competition was good motivation and it highlighted some areas that I could develop more when it comes to sewing and design. In the end, I made it through to the third week before I was eliminated from the competition. While it was disappointing not to get through to the final week, I gained so
much from the whole experience and I don’t
lot more. I remember many years back, when
regret a thing. I’ve meet some talented
my cousin made a pair of trousers out of an
seamstresses, pushed my limits and had a
old bedspread and I thought “Really? You
blast doing it all.
can actually make clothes out of other things like that?”. The thought had never occurred
I adore the blogging community for the
to me before, but it opened up a new way
way they support and encourage everyone
of thinking. The fact it’s so budget friendly is
so openly and Refashion Runway was no
definitely an added bonus too.Refashioning
different. There’s no jealousy or rivalry and I
isn’t just for the experienced sewer either.
think that makes for a very warm environment.
Revamping old clothes is a great way to gain
It’s a great place to share ideas and creativity.
some confidence while you’re learning to sew.
There’s also something beautiful about the correlation between refashioning and life. That
With all the construction work of button holes,
beauty and value can come from something
sleeves and zips already done, you can utilise
otherwise rejected or discarded. How a new
those and work on simple changes until your
lease on life can be found when you nurture
skill level grows more. By shortening a skirt,
the potential within.
taking in the sides of a dress or even dying a garment a nicer colour you can make a
Often we can hit a season in life where we
heinous outfit into a new wardrobe staple.
might feel a bit lost and in need of fresh perspective and direction. It’s a great time
I hope to continue refashioning and sewing for
to try looking at things from a different angle
many more years and can’t wait to teach my
and dream of other possibilities. I do find
kids to sew too. It’s such a valuable skill and
refashioning to be a great creative outlet and
there’s nothing like wearing something you
since having kids I’ve really gotten into it a
created yourself. It’s very rewarding.
ANARASHIIWISDOM
springresolutions WITH ANA OF AMI ANA
Despite the things we do to buoy
Here is where I have a little confession of my
ourselves up over the Winter months,
own to make. It may seem initially off topic,
we still inevitably have our dull and
but bear with me – it ties in. The second
even demoralising moments.
drawer from the top in my chest of drawers has accumulated contents to an honestly
The cold is an expert quasher of many
ridiculous state. At a glance it contains a
plans – it encourages us to make excuses
generous mix of either underwear that I pretty
for ourselves, it convinces us to put things
much perpetually mend and seem incapable of
off and is just generally a key factor when it
conceding should be thrown out and replaced
comes to lagging motivation. The best laid
or underwear that I refuse to acknowledge no
plans to keep ourselves motivated, happy and
longer fits me –stuffed in there vainly awaiting
living balanced lives fall by the wayside, easily
that fairytale day when I will once again fit them.
set aside by reason of something as simple
In addition to this is a completely unjustifiable
as off weather. And just as dampness and
bra graveyard. And also an assorted pile of
chills creep into the crevices of our homes
leggings, stockings, nylons and fishnets that
we can allow this often quiet time of year to
I delude myself I must keep – especially my
dampen our resolve and enthusiasm, leading
favourites – until that glorious day when they
us to second guess ourselves, the goals or
will reappear in stores, allowing me to throw
projects we had lined up to achieve and our
those raggedy pairs out. They are all essential
confidence to wane.
reference pairs.
But with Spring comes new life, beauty,
Craziness! So to sum up – this drawer is in
renewal, hope and opportunities if we will
dire need of a clean up! I know it is. Have
recognise and take hold of them!
I done it? No. Am I getting around to doing
it? I tell myself that I am. Then as this secret
fade away. I would in essence be throwing all
messy drawer weighed on my mind the other
that work away. Now what Spring promises
day it struck me how it is not unlike our lives
us is the hope of new life and new beginnings
and our plans over the Winter – accumulating
and the motivation to not only clean out our
discarded plans to the point of ridiculousness!
individual metaphorical messy drawers and
And as with my embarrassing drawer – it’s
reorganise both our work and personal lives,
time we had a good clear out! Spring is our
but also to not let the opportunities available
opportunity to do just that.
to us go to waste.
First things first – we need to recognise and
Spring is the optimum time for having
acknowledge that we are in dire need of a
a thorough clear out – it is our time
clean out. We do this by making ourselves
to act! Trees are blossoming, daffodil
accountable – but not in a brow beating way, in a positive way. We build ourselves up by looking at all that we have achieved, all that we planned to do that we have achieved. Once we have done this we will be able to consider what we weren’t able to do from a stronger position and without beating ourselves up over it.
buds are peeking out, cute baby animals abound – it’s hard for that sense of optimism, happiness and new beginnings not to be infectious! It’s time for us to shake off the doldrums of Winter and remember all that we can do!
From that stand point we can begin to reassess where we are at, to re-evaluate and reprioritise. We’ll be able to determine with a clear head which goals from our mental to do list are keepers and which to discard sans self-imposed guilt and whispering doubts of failure, which can be repurposed and merely need our renewed commitment, and which are just that little bit trickier and require initiative on our part. There’s a phrase in Japanese that I just love and which pretty much sums up my general attitude towards life “mottainai” – basically it means “wasted opportunities”. For instance, for me to live in Japan, learn the language and learn to speak, read and write it fluently it would “mottainai” or be a tremendous waste for me to not put those skills to good use or to not make efforts to improve on those skills once I returned to New Zealand, but to instead let my skills in that area waste and
ANA
C U P PA T I M E
allyourstarsareout FIVE MINUTES WITH MIRABEL OLIVER
Where do you find your inspiration?
Your all time favourite quote?
I find inspiration in animals, people and
“All small beasts should have bows in their
storybooks.
tails” - Tove Jansson
What are your daily ‘must visit’ websites?
Best kept secret...
My favourite websites are often from far-off
Edgeware Village. What a place! Really good
cities I hope to visit one day. They are homely and full of art and life. Annaemilia, Is a Finnish blog by artist Anna Emilia. She describes her blog as a “weather diary of colours, wind speed and sounds under feet in my illustrated life.” The space she has created is beautiful, quiet and intimate. Mieke Willems, This blog is by a photographer living in Belgium and features photos of places, people, art, objects, collections, plants and animals. She
Thai, Indian and Japanese restaurants. Your ‘Must Have’ Indie Design piece... A terrarium! My friend has just started making these and selling at markets. They are wonderful. What does Indie Design mean to you? A freedom to make whatever you want.
makes the everyday - like banana stickers
Right now I have gone on holiday to look for
- whimsical and delightful and shares really
otters on the Orkney Islands and eat chocolate
beautiful art. And a local blog, Hungry and
in Belgium so my Etsy shop is currently closed.
Frozen, A food blog by sassy, cute Wellington self-confessed food perve. Love her recipes
In the meantime you can still find my cards
and her attitude. Rad girl.
online and in store at:
What is the best piece of creative advice
• Bread and Butter Letter (Auckland)
you have ever been given?
• Hapa (Christchurch)
This is really difficult to answer, but ultimately
• Kapa (Queenstown)
I think I’ve learnt to do what makes you happy
Follow me on Facebook to keep up to date
and do it as much as you can.
with my new designs!.
WOMENSBUSINESS
quirkyfox
THE BEST LITTLE SHOP IN HAWERA
We’d love to introduce to you our newest contributor the fabulous Vicki of Quirky Fox, who runs the coolest indie design store in Hawera, she even has a couple of top notch nominations
already taking a massive risk - the economy wasn’t strong, I was leaving a reasonably paid job, Taranaki doesn’t have
big handmade
markets like some of the bigger centres so I were going solely off Internet pictures and descriptions a lot of the time,
and I didn’t
in local business awards to prove it.
have a partner that could help me pay the
What do you do when you find yourself banging
mortgage if things went wrong.’
your head against the brick wall doing a day
Vicki initially made the decision to open the
job that makes you unhappy, in an economy
store as a mixture of handmade and more
that doesn’t offer a lot of job prospects? You
produced things but six months in realised
take a risk, and open a boutique. Well at least
that what gave the store it’s point of difference
that is what Vicki Fox decided to do last July,
and what she found herself pulled to the most
and she hasn’t looked back. ‘To be honest I don’t know if I had a clear vision about what I wanted to achieve when I opened Quirky Fox and if I did it has certainly evolved since then’.
was the same - working with independent designers. Certainly not the easier of the two markets, working with mass produced means working with one or two wholesalers,
Armed with a business plan and a lot of
working with designers takes a lot more time
research, Vicki put a lot of hard work and
to nurture, you need to build your reputation
effort into creating the store you see today.’I
and get designers to trust you. But it is a
looked at a lot of products, made both locally
challenge that Vicki appreciates. ‘I really
and internationally, and noticed the products
value the relationships I am building with my
that drew me were handmade pieces on Etsy
designers and it give me a challenge that
and Felt etc but I didn’t have the confidence
just selecting out of a catalogue doesn’t. It
to go just handmade initially. All the shops
is a harder business model to work then a
I looked at online supporting independent
traditional gift shop as often the profit margins
artists seemed to be very highend which I
aren’t great and you still have to pay all your
certainly didn’t have the budget for and I was
overheads but I think long term it is worth it.’
Vicki’s belief system when it comes to
by supporting independent designers you
independent designers links to what we
know the product comes from an ethical
believe here at Hazel Loves Design, ‘There are
source not sweatshop conditions which are
a few reasons it is important to me to support
often overlooked until a tragedy such as the
independent design, some more shallow
Bangledesh factory collapse earlier this year
then others. On the shallow end it is about
occurs. From an environmental perspective,
supporting individualism as each handmade
the toll is often much lower for handmade
item, even if another similar item is made, has
pieces too. I also like supporting independent
little quirks or flaws that make it unique.
design
I personally don’t want to give someone a gift that 100 other people might own nor
as
it
help
educate
people
that
handmade doesn’t have to mean either kitsch or an exorbitant prices.’
would I want to walk down the street and see
Being a one-woman business isn’t always
someone wearing the exact same outfit. I feel
easy, this sees Vicki doing everything from the
knowing who made something and where it
cleaning, the book work, selecting the artists
comes from adds value to both the product
right through to the gift wrapping. Vicki has
and the purchase and helps encourage a
made a number of conscious decisions in
more sustainable and ethical business model
her store, including making the choice to not
- supporting independent designers means
over-stuff the store, using the white space as
you are directly helping someone to feed their
an advantage, and spending time focussing
family, pay their mortgage/rent etc. Likewise
on the individual designers.
When you purchase an item from her online store, not only do you receive a fabulous item in your mail box, you also receive a biography telling you more about the designer behind the piece. I don’t know about you, but an item automatically becomes more precious to me when it has a story to tell. The long term dream is to have a store stocking predominately independent artists and designers incorporating a gallery and also holding occasional workshops. Sounds like a damn fine dream to me! I can’t wait to watch in come to fruition. Next time you are in the Central North, you must pop on in and say Gidday, or better yet, peruse her online store, packed to the rim with art, ceramics, jewellery, homewares, linen and textiles as well as so much more. You may even be able to spy some pieces hand crafted by the shop keeper herself. Interviewed by Hazel Schreiner
SEEMORE FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/quirkyfox ONLINE STORE www.quirkyfox.co.nz EMAIL quirkyfox@xtra.co.nz
Order your print copy now Due out December 1st