christchurch

Fabric from the people to the people, since 2009

Monday, 29 April, 2024Wednesday, 1 May, 2024 Comment

In the early days of Felt, one of the most exciting things about growing an online community was the many new opportunities to connect with like-minded people doing amazing things around New Zealand – and one of those new friends, back in 2009, was Josie Brennan, the founder of Fabric-a-brac. This year Fabric-a-brac is celebrating its 15th anniversary with five new locations around Aotearoa, and an incredible grand total of over $140,000 raised for hospice in New Zealand!

Ōtautahi rising: the Christchurch designer celebrating her city

Tuesday, 28 November, 2023Wednesday, 29 November, 2023

Christchurch-based graphic designer Donna Robertson is devoted to creating illustrations that grab people’s attention and hearts. She finds inspiration in her beloved city of Ōtautahi Christchurch, creating illustrations that celebrate city’s revitalisation. Her work has recently been recognised by the Christchurch City Council, who value her designs as as gifts for visiting dignitaries, and her beautiful designs also feature in this year’s Felt Christmas Gift Guide.

Everyday poetry: the Ōtautahi woodcarver combining beauty with utility

Tuesday, 3 October, 2023Tuesday, 3 October, 2023 1

John Robertson of Wood and Chisel crafts beautiful wooden homewares from his Ōtautahi Christchurch family home. His work is a response to the absence of beauty and meaning in modern day mass production. His mission? To create beautiful and useful objects with unique pieces of reclaimed timber, to bring moments of joy as we go about our everyday activities.

Nature, wellbeing, and embroidery: an Ōtautahi stitcher’s journey

Thursday, 27 April, 2023Wednesday, 3 May, 2023 1

Bianca Escobar, also known as Bee, creates intricate pieces of hand embroidery for her Felt shop Embroider with Bee. Based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Bee designs and stitches original works, mainly inspired by nature and promoting positive mental health. She also embroiders custom pieces, and has recently embarked on a new project involving creating patterns and teaching.

Tiny treasures: miniature bouquets wrought in vibrant glass

Tuesday, 1 November, 2022

Selma Rainey of Rainey Designs is a self-taught glass and jewellery artist who creates unique, tiny forever flower bouquets. Based in Christchurch, she works alongside her husband Sean producing her miniature pieces of art. Working full time and doing what she loves, she is also a proud mum of two very creative girls.

Deco dreaming: the Canterbury maker creating a legacy in leadlight

Tuesday, 30 August, 2022

Tamryn Howard was born in South Africa, but has lived in Aotearoa since she was two and a half. Not so long ago she moved to the United Kingdom with her partner, but they couldn’t stay away! Her stunning Art Deco inspired glass art is designed and handmade locally in Ōtautahi, using the traditional methods of leadlighting to create unique contemporary pieces.

The joy of playing with mud: bringing healing and connection through ceramics

Tuesday, 3 May, 2022Tuesday, 3 May, 2022

Clae is an innovative ceramics concept thought up by artistic sister-duo Tatyanna Meharry and Natasha English. Through Clae, budding creatives can try their hand at pottery and other arts with classes, kitsets, and beautiful tools and accessories. Tatyanna is currently at the helm of Clae, sharing her love of clay as a medium, the power of making as a healing balm, and the joy of a beautiful new studio space.

From physical therapy to full time venture: the rise of Wellhandled Ceramics

Tuesday, 1 March, 2022Sunday, 27 March, 2022

Christchurch potter Hilary Cowburn of Wellhandled Ceramics is inspired by nature, necessity, and the need to reduce waste. A lover of handmade New Zealand products, her journey into ceramics and becoming a full time maker started from an unexpected place – her fight with cancer.

Family, $40, and a passion for pants: the rise of Frankie Raine

Tuesday, 27 April, 2021Tuesday, 27 April, 2021 2

Christchurch maker Kate Batt of Frankie Raine is a busy maker and mum of five, and she’s passionate about producing beautiful, durable, long lasting clothing for her rough-and-tumble little ones. She makes all her gorgeous baby and children’s clothing to order using locally sourced, silky soft 100% merino and organic cottons.

Foraged flora and natural fibres: textile landscapes by The Clothworks

Tuesday, 30 March, 2021 4

Inspired by the green spaces of Ōtautahi Christchurch, Seonaid Burnie of The Clothworks looks at closing the loop when it comes to the art on our walls by re-purposing second-hand fabrics, employing eco-printing and dyeing techniques using plants and trees foraged from our City’s residential red zone, and bringing a little bit of the Garden City back into our homes.