Nerissa Cassidy’s crafty inclinations took on new proportions with the arrival of her children. Working from home whilst caring for two boys under the age of 4, her range of cute and colourful designs have evolved from cuddly creatures originally made as Christmas gifts for her family into the thriving mini-enterprise of Mushymoo.
What do you make?
Children’s toys and accessories (although big people love them too!), basically things I would love to have myself or give to my kids… I have to love what I make. My toys tend to be less mainstream and slightly quirky.
How did you get into your craft?
I’ve always been a crafty person, but when I finished work to have children my need to do craft became a real sanity saviour! I started by making monsters as Christmas presents for my children and it just evolved from there.
It feels wonderful being able to stay at home with our children as well as doing work that I love!
Your favourite materials, tools and processes?
I just adore gingham, stripes and felt. Up-cycling is also something I do as often as I can, an old pair of jeans today may become a purse tomorrow!
My sewing machine is an essential tool and is my mother’s hand-me-down but still does the job well. Also my scissors…they cut through fabric like a knife through hot butter, the best investment ever!
One of my favourite parts of the creative process is sitting on the floor in my sewing room selecting fabrics for my latest project.
What inspires you?
Wow loads of things! I get inspiration from everywhere, magazines, internet, fabrics, emporium or op-shop finds…sometimes a design will be created around the discovery of a cool button!
Is there a philosophy behind your work?
Create and make things that I would love to keep or give as gifts with a quality finish that my perfectionist nature would be happy to purchase.
Describe your workspace:
I recently merged the children’s playroom and bedroom into one so I could create my own creative space (they have a huge bedroom and it was much easier to tidy just one room anyway!). I live in a house full of boys, my husband Scott and two children, Hamish 4 and Max 2 ½, so it was wonderful to create a “girly” sewing room. It also stores all my stock, market displays and fabric.
Five words that describe your mind:
Creative, perfectionist, evolving, determined, hyperactive!
What are you currently listening to? Adele
Recommend an album: Adele 21
What are you reading? Nigel Latta, Politically Incorrect Parenting. Love it.
What was the last handmade item you bought?
A gorgeous hand painted plate from Odd One Out…I love it and it looks amazing on my wall.
Your favourite feedback from a customer:
“Thank you so much, I love all four gorgeous, unique and beautifully made soft toys. They are going to make the kids very happy on Christmas day!”
Nerissa and her creations can be found most months at Devonport Craft Market and of course you can visit her Felt shop, Mushymoo, anytime!
Whenever a baby gift is required I head straight to mushymoo to get something gorgeous. I am always waiting for the next amazingly creative toy invention Nerissa comes up with!
My son has 2 Mushymoo toys in his cot and every morning when I go in to get him up, he is playing with them – he adores them!
Gorgeous – the kinds of gifts Grandmothers love to purchase – homemade with love.
I LOVE your cute toys and my youngest Ben sleeps with his robot toy every night
Nerissa’s toys are amazing and well worth a purchase. My wee boy has about 3 of Nerissa’s creations and her rattles are given as gifts to a lot of my friends having babies.
Highly recommend!
Sarah