Lois Parkes and Barbara Hawkins have lived in New Plymouth all their lives, pursuing creative hobbies. They noticed the resurgence of the retro theme and loved it themselves, so they designed toys using retro candlewick bedspreads and NZ woollen blankets, recycling them to give them a new lease on life. They are safe for children, but very popular with all ages, and sold throughout New Zealand. As gatherers and collectors, they had accumulated crockery and were reluctant to throw away any broken ones, which came in useful to make the mosaic wall hearts. They are always looking for new ways to express their creativity especially with regard to anything to do with New Zealand. They are members of the Buy NZ Made campaign and are proud to be kiwi and making kiwiana. Their label is Handmaidenz because they are two women hand making their product in New Zealand.