Tuesday, 3 April, 2012

Fresh on Felt

There are lots of great children’s items this week – so many in fact, I had trouble deciding which ones to feature!

selizabeth – jewellery
gracie55 – mosaic objects
mandh – handcrafted wings for children
suzierae – children’s toys and clothing
kcdesign – illustrations
ruru_publish – children’s books
auntelsie – armwarmers and cowls
huego – t-shirts with a message
whirly – wind sculptures and ornaments
lilly-belle – bags and fabric dollshouses
cr8tvlycrftd – New Zealand wildlife soft toys and puppets
odianddee – fine art prints and pendants
lini – clothing for girls
newbeginning – cot duvet covers
muffinman – lego necklaces
lucymaes – retro cushions and bunting
nanakraft – unique upcycled blankets
belindadavie – fabric bangles
rickitinic – pen and ink illustrations
lapd – wood block ring sets
brackenwood – elves and fairies
stripes – photo albums and guest books
stace – cushions
littlebylittle – handcrafted soft fabric books
razzberriee – personalised signs and wall art
babimite – baby accessories
furball – merino felted balls

Monday, 2 April, 2012

Extra Curricular issue 8 – pre-order yours now!

Extra Curricular issue 8 – pre-order yours now!

The Autumn issue of Extra Curricular is all about self publishing. And living overseas. And apples. It’s just three short weeks away, and you can order your copy on Felt now for priority delivery on 20 April!

Extra Curricular is a beautifully designed journal about folks who get creative with their spare time. It contains 80 pages of creative goodness printed in full colour with vegetable based inks on 100% recycled stock. At A5 size Extra Curricular is perfect to pop in your bag to read in a quiet moment – beware, it’s quite addictive. Once you’ve got one, you’ll be totally hanging out for the next issue.

As well as answers to all those burning questions about self publishing, in this issue the Martha Goes Green crew have come up with some delectable recipes for the season featuring the humble apple – including a beautiful apple pie, which features in the cover illustration by Grace Lee.

Make sure you secure your limited edition copy of issue 8 – order yours now!

Featured Seller: Creative Aertz

Creative Aertz showcases the talents of crafter Sonia Foster (née Aerts), who lives and works in a small town in the South Waikato with one husband, two children and a fluffy three legged cat. Her distinctive designs range from brightly coloured hats inspired by sweets and strawberries to more subtle baby knits and sewn soft toys.

Licorice Allsorts Hats by Creative Aertz

What do you make?
I hand craft a wide range of funky hats from baby size right through to adult, tea cosies, fabric bunnies, baby wear, dolls clothes and lots more.

How did you get into your craft?
My Mum taught me everything I know. I started my business when I became a stay-at-home Mum for my sanity and little bit of extra pocket money.

What inspires you?
Everything inspires me – even an acorn on the ground, which was the inspiration for my acorn hat. I like to try and see the world through my children’s eyes and they come up with some wonderful ideas for me.

"I like to try and see the world through my children’s eyes and they come up with some wonderful ideas for me." Sonia Foster, Creative Aertz

Your favourite materials, tools and processes?
Wool, acrylic, my large supply of knitting needles and my ratty old notebook that holds all my handwritten patterns are my most treasured items. I also love quilting fabric – I can’t walk into a quilting shop without buying something. I love making lots of different things with the beautiful designs – especially my fabric bunnies and clothing for my daughter.

Your favourite feedback from a customer:
“This is the most gorgeous hat I have ever seen! Thank you for making this especially for me.”

Delicious Strawberry Hat by Creative Aertz

Describe your workspace?
My “dream” workspace would be my own studio and shop but I am waiting to win Lotto for that so at the moment I work from a little corner in the garage, the dining room table, the sofa and the car when hubby is driving. Read the rest of this entry »

Tuesday, 27 March, 2012

Fresh on Felt

I have picked out an autumnal orange and green theme this week – enjoy!

leemckenna – vintage paper packs
jewelsbyrach – unique, affordable handcrafted jewellery
greengnome – fun and colourful handknits
imagesbyrachel – photographic prints
bryony – women’s clothing
2parkneuks – recycled tie ukulele bags
lauraliberty – clothing, accessories and home decor
weavegotknit – handcrafted designer goods
cherryontop – hair clips
raquelbar – dolls and soft toys
freedomarts – bracelets and bags
midyre – spirit ladders, felt balls and soy candles
sparkles – soft toys, baby clothes and cushions
nzbeads – jewellery
tlcf – hand drawn cards
peonyk – hair clips and crocheted hats
bellarosa – cotton pillowcases and journals
janicer – jewellery
curiousfolk – folk art primitive dolls
serendipity – quilts, quilt patterns, teatowels and bags
craftybee – decor items and children’s clothing
magrittte1 – felt food and cross stitch bookmarks
gramlefleur – vintage inspired chandelier style earrings
trudiconnor – jewellery
littlej – fabric bunting
savvyrose – jewellery
poppypearet – bunting
cmetzel – hanging teatowels
swing – 40s inspired women’s clothing
dakotad – jewellery
suzieloo – jewellery

Monday, 26 March, 2012

Autumn Knack, Saturday 31 March, Wellington

Berhampore School fundraiser Autumn Knack starts at 9.30am this Saturday, giving you the chance to spend your pocket money on all manner of lovely handmade goods and support a good cause into the bargain. With such talented people as Kaye Bustin, Art Divine, Squibble, The Paperbird Society and many more selling their wares, it promises to be a fabulous crafty day’s shopping, so make your way to Berhampore School at 105 Britomart Street from 9.30am till 2.30pm on Saturday!

Friday, 23 March, 2012

From Me To You, 25 March, Christchurch

From Me To You, 10am–4pm Sunday 25 March, Christchurch

Christchurch designers Nin McKay, Rosie Miller and Megan Webber are joining forces this Sunday to show their collections in a collaborative pop up shop, From Me To You. Hosted by The Mohair Store in Beckenham, From Me To You features women’s fashion by Sailor Spy and Rosie Miller along with jewellery by Sly Fox Jewellery. You’ll find all three designers on Felt, but the shop will only be open from 10am till 4pm this Sunday, 25 March, so grab some friends, head along and take the opportunity to touch and try on some gorgeous local fashion!
 

Wednesday, 21 March, 2012

Put all your eggs in one gorgeous basket

Letterpress Easter Egg Hunt Invitations by Tumbleweed Letterpress

Not long now till the Easter Bunny comes hopping along, and these sweet invitations from Tumbleweed Letterpress are just the thing for rallying the troops for Easter egg hunt! Kit your kids out with gorgeous handmade baskets for optimum chocolate egg collection…or take the non-chocolate approach with special edition Easter Egg magnets from Tinch.

 

Tuesday, 20 March, 2012

Fresh on Felt

There is a great selection of toys for children and grownups this week.

fireflies – waldorf inspired dolls
fishfacenz – snoods (scarf/hoods)
cuteasabtnnz – children’s shabby chic clothing
designfx – merino baby wraps
bflygarden – greeting cards
bellesirvine – photo albums and greeting cards
seesawsew – upcycled wool blanket cushions
night-lights – lampshades
dmillerphoto – photographic prints
ragrugs – woven rag rugs
angelsgumbo – quilt patterns and decorative dolls
fathom53 – earring and pendant sets
madetime – doll bedding sets
ratbag – tote bags
lilygrace – clothing for girls
izzybearbaby – baby clothing accessories
madkao – roller derby toe guards
roseandfox – decor items
violetgabar – offbeat one of a kind hats
elephantoll – boutique bibs and gift sets
olielui – baby clothing
tidalgirl – beach glass jewellery
ginny – jewellery
lulalanz – jewellery
blessings – children’s bags
aldridge – fabric dolls
daxandmaisy – felt toys
sunshined – hand painted drawer knobs
bettyboop – noughts and crosses games
sarahsstuff – crocheted hats and scarves
rosesews – unique handcrafted items
nznatural – natural bath and body products
zebidee – children’s clothing and accessories
timefaerie – jewellery
kitsch – contemporary kitsch jewellery

Monday, 19 March, 2012

Featured Seller: Mushymoo

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.

Stella the hooty hoo by 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!

Babushka rattle by Mushymoo

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. Read the rest of this entry »

Thursday, 15 March, 2012

Crafternoon Tea, Saturday 17 March, Auckland

Crafternoon Tea is on this Saturday from 2 till 7pm at the Trinity Methodist Church Hall on the corner of Sandringham and New North Roads in Auckland’s crafty Kingsland.

Head along and check an amazing array of locally handcrafted products by such lovely folk as Odd One Out, Ruby Jude, Zippitydoodah and many more. Don’t forget your pocket money (only some stallholders accept Eftpos) and make sure you sign up to the Crafternoon Tea newsletter to be in with a chance to win a gorgeous gift basket!