Jenni Shah’s love for yarn came about as a result of sitting at her Nan’s knitting machine as a child – and the absolute certainty that she needed a football scarf made by her own hand. A lot goes into her Wrapt Weaving creations: there is more than half a kilometre of yarn in a scarf or runner, a blanket has 800 metres, and a whole kilometre of yarn goes into one of her gorgeous wraps!
Coffee-fuelled late nights, an off-beat sense of humour and a talent for spreading joy are the driving forces behind Andy Heyward’s diverse Fat Spatula range of quirky art and novelty products.
Emmaline Bailey, the talented hand behind the striking images of Bailey’s Alchemy, is a self taught artist. Born and raised in Auckland, Emma enjoys drawing, painting and making jewellery (her second love after her art) and she also has a huge interest in interior design. Her dream goal is to have a shop in a few years. (She’d prefer now, but good things take time!)
We’ve had a stunning range of talent to showcase in our featured seller blog posts in 2014 – we’ve really been blown away by the skill and artistry of our fantastic Felt makers. Here’s a visual salute to the featured sellers of the past year…
Carragh Knapp of Badger Hollow is a part-time sculptor, part-time gallery minder, and part-time crafter with a love of handmade. The things she makes play with texture, tactility and contrast.
Earlier this year Waikato couple JR and Dee Rolston took the massive step of pursuing their dream and making for a living. They started Needle & Nail in May, and after six months they haven’t looked back. JR is the genius with wood, while Dee is well-known for her beautiful dolls, created in between homeschooling the couple’s five children. Dee gave us a little glimpse into the story of Needle & Nail.
Charlotte Adams, who sells as C E M Adams on Felt, is an artist and film technician based in Wellington, New Zealand. As a contractor at Weta Workshop, she paints props, costumes, and prosthetic make up. Her personal practice is angled more towards sculpture and jewellery, with a particular interest in the beauty and elegance of animal skulls.
Glenn Jones is a freelance graphic designer and illustrator based in Auckland. Glenn and partner Julia wanted to find a project they could work on together, so Glenn Jones Art began. It’s a family business – Glenn creates the artwork, Julia takes care of the business and their kids help provide lots of inspiration!
The Woodbotherer is a collaboration between creative couple Phil Stokes and Sam Dickenson. Phil is a scenic carpenter for film and television and Sam is a craft whizz. Whilst juggling a busy family life with two kids, they make toys and games from their home workshop in a quiet suburb in Auckland.