We’ve found some lovely pieces created by our Felt makers which capture the silhouettes of winter.

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Yes, that right, the Encraftment market folk are back and this time they’re channeling Ol’ Blighty, in celebration of the Queen’s unofficial birthday. Many Felt makers will be stepping up, including…

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Also making a gala appearance at this Mother Country of markets, you’ll find…

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Remember, if you miss them at Encraftment you’ll always be able to find their goodies here on Felt.

The Great British Encraftment Market is happening at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, 59 Hewitts Road, Merivale, Christchurch on Saturday 1 June 10am until 3pm.

This week’s new seller selection features some lovely decor items for your home.

shamrockart – slippers for all ages
bluetiful – cyanotype print cushions
cockabilly – children’s clothing
cathysroom – New Zealand themed photographic fridge magnets
robotflower – decor items, toys and clothing for babies
thebirdsnest – pin cushions, drawstring bags and babies clothing
nic02 – button earrings
arae – jewellery
tukituki – cajon drums
pmintsquirt – soft toys and cushions
daysh – bags, placemats and cushions
purks – surf board bags made from vintage and recycled fabrics
grandmalove – hand knitted children’s clothing
leebo – fabric flowers
pennywhistle – bath and body products
annettebax – bags and cushions made by a textile artist
misswhite – accessories
piece – coin purses, purse and pin cushion patterns
molynscrafts – felted shawls and felting kits
adeliadesign – dribble bibs and nappy wallets
macs – wooden rocking horses
palmano – women’s coats
dollicious – dolls’ clothing

Coming up Roses: The Story of Growing a Business
By Cath Kidston with Sue Chidler · Reviewed by Katy McRae

Cath Kidston is famously quoted as saying her shops provoke a ‘Marmite reaction’ – “People either love it and want a little bit of it very much, or want to stab us.” Regardless of whether or not her aesthetic makes you homicidal, you have to admire the woman for pretty much single-handedly leading the whole modern vintage trend. Describe something as ‘very Cath Kidston’ and chances are everyone around you will understand what you’re talking about – her particular style of rose-and-polka-dot hell has grown into a global brand with a cult-like following.

Coming up Roses: The Story of Growing a Business is the official business biography of Cath Kidston. As the company celebrates its 20th anniversary, Cath shares the story of how her idea for modern vintage came about, how the business was born and how things have grown from her first shop in Clarendon Cross to the multi-million dollar global business that it is today. It is an interesting insight into the woman, her motivations and inspirations.

Given her penchant for roses, it is something of a relief to discover that Cath doesn’t take a rose-tinted view of her company’s history. She narrates her story in a way that is genuinely engaging, and refreshingly honest. It hasn’t all been plain sailing and she has made mistakes. The early years were hard slog and, even once she was established, she still had ‘growing pains’ (which is the name of a whole chapter and the reason why you don’t see Cath Kidston in the US).

Fascinating fact (or at least I find it fascinating) – the Cath Kidston company has never advertised. They do catalogues, but not ads, which makes their brand awareness all the more impressive.

Another fascinating fact – Cath’s first prints were based on old, out-of-copyright designs that she tweaked. That seems a bit uninspired . . . until you remember that Cath did it first. Before vintage was cool. She recognised the appeal of the old designs and had the vision to give them a fresh, contemporary twist. She also had the balls to do patterns when patterns weren’t fashionable and she just bided her time until consumers caught up.

Coming up Roses is a really easy and engaging read, helped by the fact that the text is quite big and there are plenty of full-page pictures. The narrative can be slightly choppy – you have to make a conscious effort to keep track of the speech marks, else you can end up a little confused about why Cath is suddenly referring to herself in the third person. However, if you are at all interested in how this powerhouse of all things rose-printed and spotty came to be, then this is the book for you.

Katy McRae likes formica tables, sharp scissors, fabric (especially felt), strong-smelling solvents and words. She also likes to make stuff. She’s not a fan of the colours peppermint and royal blue.

Phill tells us “The Cajón (pronounced: kah-Hon) is the name used for a box-shaped instrument which uses a wooden resonance body and a one or more thinner wooden striking surfaces. Where conventional modern drum-kits, djembes, and many other drums use animal or synthetic skins, the Cajón playing surface is a thin, strong piece of wood, typically made of several layered pieces of timber (plywood).”

The variation in tone which such an instrument can produce is remarkable. Deep punchy bass, resonant boomy hollow sounds, tight snappy or loose rattley buzzing snare sounds, cracking wood-on-wood, and bongo-style highs and lows. Check out this video by Tukituki for an idea of what Phill’s drums can do.

Groove Box from Tukituki Instruments from Tukituki Instruments on Vimeo.

This week’s post features a vibrant array of bags and textiles from our newest sellers.

beadsnknots – macrame bracelets
acozyflock – hand knitted scarves
sweet-seawater – miniature original paintings
knitterbug – hand knitted children’s clothing
ajcdesign – coat racks
willowtree – jewellery
littlegemdesign – vintage teacup candles
cudorable – baby blankets and comforters
natterbug – home decor items
feltworks – hand felted shoulder bag
emmart – digital prints of original artworks
crystalrose – cryrstal jewellery
funkyfrock – women’s and girls’ clothing
facrafts – home decor items
themakery – girls’ clothing
fabknitz – wool hand knitted baby clothes
marljdesign – jewellery
norshoredays – jewellery
fiberartemis – hand dyed merino/silk roving and silk handkerchiefs
chikako – japanese style bags
littlepixies – children’s clothing

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But wait, there’s more…

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Blimey, we’re not done yet!

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Phew! We’re breathless just trying to get round them all here! At least if you run out of energy you’ll be able to find them on Felt.

The next Crafternoon Tea will be held on Saturday 18 May from 10am till 2pm at the Trinity Methodist Church Hall, corner of Sandringham and New North Roads in Crafty Kingsland, Auckland City.

Please note that the market does not have eftpos but a lot of the stall holders do.

She feels very strongly about what jewellery is about. “It’s important part of who you are. You can express yourself through it and it can make you happy, and be intimate and special.”

What do you make?
Anything and everything! I enjoy the concept of making jewellery and manipulating metal. I like to push the eye to see other angles and contours that can be a little different and challenging. I like my jewellery to be statement pieces; talking pieces that speak volumes on their own.

How did you get into your craft?
I fell into it! I went for a interview at a retail jewellery outlet store and they turned me down (I may have been too friendly and forward to sell!) but they mentioned a manufacturing jeweller close by that was looking for a apprentice. I had just come out of a diploma of visual arts and liked to express art in a physical manner so I thought I’d inquire – turns out it came naturally to me!

Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
I started a full bench apprenticeship back in 1999 (that’s four years, or eight thousand bench hours). I’ve been manufacturing fourteen years this year!

Your favourite materials, tools and processes?
I mainly work in silver nowadays, but I do also love working in 18ct red gold, a personal fav! I also love any forming or forging of metal and interpretive work, trying to push limits and design aspects.

What inspires you?
Laughter, life, nature, family… I’m a hugely family-orientated person and have a very warm and supporting family. Laughter is also highly important for the mind and how I design – because if you can’t laugh about life and what it hands you, you may as well cry!

Is there a philosophy behind your work?
I view jewellery as an extension of one’s personality and I love making a piece that is perfect for the individual. All my jewellery is handmade with precious metals and stones; it’s really about the owner of the jewellery and interpreting their wants.

Describe your workspace: Chaos! But I know where everything is most the time…

Five words that describe your mind: Active, spongy, crazy, creative and excitable.

Your favorite feedback from a customer:
Tears are usually a good sign in jewellery – that means it’s perfect! A “Thank you!” is all I love truly.

What are you currently listening to?
I’m all over the place depending on what I’m making – I adapt my music to what I’m producing. It can range from Adele to Fleetwood Mac or Led Zep, INXS to DMX!

What is your favourite childhood book?
I’m a Wizard of Oz girl… my dream as a child was to go to Oz.

Your hero/heroine? My Dad.

How about a favourite quote?
“Sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” From Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass… wouldn’t it be nice?

Do you have any pets?
I have a chocolate Labrador called Hershey who loves my workshop in the sunshine and a kitten called Hammy.

If you were a crafty superhero, what would your name and superpower be?
Everything and Anything Girl, and it would be that I could work at the speed of light! Just so I can get done everything I need to get done.

Roseanne has very kindly offered one lucky winning Felt customer the choice of either a pair of her sterling silver “Pod” earrings or one of her sterling silver “Beaten” rings. Tell us what you like about Roseanne’s work, or how it inspires you, in the comments section below and you’ll be entered into the draw to win one of these beautiful prizes. The winner will be drawn on Friday 24 May. The draw is open to New Zealand residents only.

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Now I just have to choose! Make sure you don’t miss out of these exceptionally cosy and cute ways to keep warm this winter.

There are some lovely decor items featured this week from Felt’s new sellers.

daisyandbee – jewellery
arwenace – aprons and writing paper packs
brianna123 – teacup candles and tin can lanterns
fireglass – fire and garden glass rocks
sarah1400 – hair accessories
bibsforbubs – children’s clothing and accessories
craftybird – rings
paperheart – handmade custom papercuts for special occasions
myrtlestar – crochet children’s hats
mystitchyhug – hand embroidered cushion covers
garybroad – bespoke furniture
lemonpip – crochet purses and soft toys for children
beckybell – handcrafted bowls
judydrok – photographic notecard sets
staceymoore – paintings on recycled pallets
babbes – decor items for children’s rooms
quirkybright – jewellery
beadingthis – costume jewellery
jessicat – greeting cards
buntingbaby – fabric bunting
smallthings – balloon covers
rocknsparx – cushions and upcycled soft toys
hazelgirlz – girls’ dresses
ctbdesigns – prints and original artworks