LIVING WELL

through our social media to keep going and chase their dreams, then that’s truly a bonus.

What’s the most rewarding part about running your own business? And what’s

the hardest? The most rewarding part would be that I get to spend time with my kids when they really need me. I don’t have to work to a schedule, so I love the flexibility. The hardest is definitely being a social media-led business, which means even if the physical work stops, everything else never does.

Has becoming a mother changed your approach to living and decorating?

The first few years of motherhood have changed me for the better. It has helped me slow down and really reassess my life and what I wanted to do with it. I had a lot more time to think and to be inspired by others. And, although I couldn’t see it myself in the past, I’ ve always been creative. So, over the years of motherhood, my creative mind and styling skills online – and at home – have developed with content creation and the opportunity to style nurseries, bedrooms and living spaces.

What’s unique about your products?

Everything is unique about our products. The fact that they are all handmade and no two are the same. Each one of our patterns/stencils are handmade by us, which means they have their own specific shapes. And they are made with a whole lot of love, passion and hard work.

How has Lune & Co evolved since

you started? We have grown so much bigger than I could have ever dreamed of. We started with two shapes, four sizes and one colour only. Fast forward a year and we stock more than 10 different shapes, ranging from various different sizes, and with approximately 20 plus colours. We are now doing collaborations with other small businesses and expanding our product range, which is very exciting.

What’s your top tips for styling a

nursery? Start with a neutral base and add some warmth to it, whatever style you want to go for. Begin with white or white and natural wood such as rattan, which styles really well, especially for items such as cots and drawers. Add some warmth to the walls with art pieces or accessories on a shelf, a throw in an armchair, a rug etc. Small details make a huge difference. But mostly, take your time. Good things take time.

It’s amazing to see a young Kiwi business being stocked overseas, as far as Canada and the Middle East. How was that

process? It is incredible. I feel very, very lucky to see my products sold overseas, especially in brick and mortars. Social media has definitely been my magic wand when it comes to marketing and being seen online and overseas. I always wonder how people find me in little Tauranga, but never underestimate yourself (or the power of social media).

What’s next for you? Any exciting

projects coming up? Yes, lots. The next big thing for us is to hire an extra set of hands to help scaling up the business and growing it overseas. But for now, I am concentrating on maintaining our growth and finding a better family/ work-life balance. luneandco.com

Jen’s top tip for styling a nursery is to start with a neutral base and to add warmth from there. “Small details make a huge difference, ” she promises.

I N A P I N C H

Go beyond bowls and get creative with the modelling clay. Think small planter pots for cacti, embossed gift tags, Christmas tree decorations, candlestick holders, herb garden markers or incense holders.

E L E A N O R O Z I C H

Home wellness expert L I V I N G W E L L

Small wonders

Bowl everyone over with your creativity and keep things tidy with these hand-crafted containers

These sweet, little rustic pinch bowls are easy to make and come in handy for holding all kinds of things. I love their forgiving, imperfect form and the many possibilities for creativity. I also find the making process to be calming and therapeutic. Let your mind focus on the organic process of creating something handmade. It’s the perfect project to put the busyness of life aside, even just for a little while.

Made with air-drying clay, these bowls are an excellent introduction to making pottery at home as the clay cures naturally on its own without having to be baked in the oven or in a kiln. It also comes in various colours and is relatively simple to handle. I used the Jovi brand, which is available from most stationery, craft and hardware stores, including The Warehouse and Spotlight. Not only do they make lovely gifts, there’s a plethora of other beautiful things you can create using this inexpensive medium. eleanorozich.com

How to make clay pinch pots

1First, start by laying some baking or regular paper on your work surface to protect it from mess.

2Start with a small piece of clay and roll into a smooth ball using your hands.

3Next, gently press your thumb into the centre of the ball to create an opening, allowing at least 0.5cm at the bottom to create the base of the bowl.

4Using careful pinching motions, slowly shape into bowl form while working in a circle to keep the bowl somewhat even all the way around. Ensure the bowl still has a relative thickness (at least 0.5cm) to stop it from cracking when it dries. You ’ll find out the best thickness through trial and error – this is the fun part.

5Once you ’re happy with your creation, place the bowl in an undisturbed location to harden. Most of the manufacturers’ instructions will say for up to 24 hours, but I find it takes a little longer to set completely.

A few ideas for getting creative with your bowls

+ Emboss the creation with lace or by pressing certain items onto the surface of the clay while it is still soft. You can also carve out lines, dots or grooves using a toothpick or other household items. + Consider what household items can be used to shape the clay into different designs. For example, a patterned glass bowl or small egg cup might create a lovely interior pattern for your clay when shaped around the outside of the vessel. Just be sure to keep your clay at least 0.5cm thick to prevent it from cracking when you gently remove it afterward. + Once the clay is dry, you can experiment with different paints. I used nail polish to create a soft pink hue inside my bowls; however, acrylic craft paint also works well. Something to note is that unless the pots have been glazed with varnish, they cannot be used for food or liquids.