Knitters, keep your yarn (and your sanity) safe with these beautiful pottery yarn bowls from West Coast potter Karoro. There’s a lovely range of styles to choose from: single or double directional “hook” cut-outs, with or without lids, and a variety of pleasing glazes.
Choose your Karoro yarn bowl today »
They’re all the rage as a toy right now, but they’ve also been recognised for some time as a valuable tool in helping with concentration and anxiety.
We think these fidget spinners, from Canterbury maker Re-Arranged, are the nicest spinners on the market, being beautifully made from a choice of attractive, tactile timbers in a range of engaging shapes.
Purchase your perfect fidget spinner today »
Whoop whoop! This Sunday is the Winter Encraftment Market, Cantabrians – mark it in your calendar and make sure you get to Lincoln for this great gathering of 70 stalls, showcasing premium products designed and produced by the stallholder. A great day at Encraftment is easy with ATMs, parking and great food and coffee onsite.
Date: Sunday June 25
Time: 10am–3pm
Place: Lincoln Event Centre, 15 Meijer Place, Lincoln.
Cost: Free entry
More information: www.encraftment.com
Fresh on Felt: sweet dress-ups for the kids, warm accessories for the grown-ups, and gorgeous gift tags and memory boxes. Have a peek…
children’s clothing, accessories and toys
kendallstew – adorable felt crowns for birthdays and dress ups
flower-child – sweet 70s-style nighties and dresses from new or preloved retro fabric
clothing, jewellery and accessories
mizdaisy – snuggly 100% New Zealand wool beanies
amylg – warming hats and scarves for winter. 10% of proceeds go to school supplies for kids in Nigeria and DRC Congo
gifts and goodies
mhdesign – gorgeous designer floral gift tags
m-in-the-box – unique handmade memory boxes and photo albums
Night: landscape in atmospheric blues by DuvalSmith. An original work in acrylic ink on paper.
Purchase from DuvalSmith now »
Debbie of Wiredlove is a full time office worker, busy Mum to two teenage daughters (and one chocolate furbaby) and wife to Chris. Debbie creates her individual wearable art works in her spare time and dreams that one day her creations will adorn the necks and fingers of the rich and famous…
What do you make?
I make handcrafted jewellery items using Sterling silver, copper, brass and mixed media.
How did you get into your craft?
I have always done crafty things, be it clothes, or toys for my children or family or friends’ kids. But in the last four years I have gotten into jewellery – this started with a friend giving me some artistic wire and some beads and it went from there.
Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
In 2014 I attended a level 1 and 2 silver course with The Silversmiths’ Guild of Canterbury, who run courses at The Tannery in Woolston, Christchurch. From my very first lesson you could say I was hooked – I enjoyed it so much I became a Committee member on the Guild! The SSG run monthly workshops for members – so I’m always learning new techniques.
Your favourite materials, tools and processes?
I love mixing silver and copper in my creations. Both metals react differently once heated – over-heat silver and it will melt!
Tell us about the techniques involved in producing one of your jewellery pieces:
Where do I start? Designing, handsawing a piece of silver plate, heating, forming, soldering, filing… not my most favourite job, but must be done!
What inspires you?
Everything inspires me. I love everything to do with nature, shapes… the list could go on. I also love looking at fashions overseas to see which way the trends are going.
Describe your creative process:
Sometimes I will wake up with ideas and sometimes just looking at something will give me an idea. I can’t say I have certain look to my jewellery (i.e. a range) – I’m forever trying new ideas out.
Describe your workspace:
Cluttered, disorganised and a work in progress. I currently have my work station set up in our office and my soldering station set up in our garage. My dream would be to have a bright airy studio in my backyard or at least a jeweller’s bench, which I’ve been waiting a couple of years for my brother-in-law to make, LOL!
Your favourite feedback from a customer:
Just seeing the customer’s face on seeing an item is feedback enough.
What are you currently listening to?
Imagine Dragons – Thunder.
Recommend an album:
Imagine Dragons – Smoke + Mirrors – they are my favourites at the moment.
What are you reading right now?
Nora Roberts – Whiskey Beach.
A favourite quote:
Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.
Tell us about your pets:
An eight year old chocolate lab named Rusty – he’s finally starting to get out of the puppy stage! 
What would your advice be for those starting out in a crafty business?
Never give up on your dreams.
What was the last handmade item you bought and what attracted you to it?
Some beautiful body butter by Inga Ford Soapmaker, in Peachy – smells divine and leaves my skin feeling beautiful.
What’s in store for the rest of 2017?
I’m currently working on some commission work which I love doing. Perhaps some markets once the weather warms up, and The Silversmiths’ Guild have an exhibition later in the year – so I’ll be working towards this.
Debbie has generously offered a sweet prize of a stamped Sterling silver adjustable bracelet with either ‘Aroha’ ‘Love’ or ‘Kia Kaha’ stamped on it, valued at $45.00 (see above) for one lucky Felt reader. To be in to win this beautiful bracelet, simply leave a comment telling us what you like about Debbie’s story and her creations. The draw will be made on Friday 30 June and is open to New Zealand residents only.
Purchase from Wiredlove here »
Attention stitchers and seamsters! We’re loving these practical and good-looking cotton reel and bobbin holders from Woodwise, available in various sizes and peg depths.
Pop in a draw or attach to the wall to keep those wayward reels in line!
Purchase from Woodwise today »
Aucklanders, make sure your schedule is clear tomorrow, because the place to be is Shed 10, Queen’s Wharf for the final Auckland Fair, a maker event like no other. Come and purchase from 100 talented New Zealand designers, artisans and craftspeople, all under one roof for one day only!
Date: Sunday June 18
Time: 10.30am-5pm
Place: Shed 10, Queen’s Wharf
Admission: $6, children under 12 free
More information: aucklandfair.com
