DESIGNER PROFILES - TOY MAKING AND BABY CLOTHES

Welcome to the March Designer Profile collection.  Make yourself a cuppa and sit down and let me introduce you to 3 ladies who are making wonderful items in the Toy Making and Baby Clothes area.

 Cuppa coffee on a Huggleknits coaster.

Carinne (C) from  EilishTree

Maria (M) from  LollipopsDaydreams

Yolk (Y) from  COCOYOstore


Mo:
Hello ladies and thank you all for coming forward to be interviewed for this month's Profile Collection.  Can I start by asking each of you to introduce yourselves.

C:
Hi Mo, my name is Carinne Meyerink (EilishTree).   I am Australian with a Dutch background and have lived in Ballina, Co Mayo for almost 4 years.

M:
My name is Maria Ryan (Lollipops and Daydreams) and I live in Carlow with my family.

Y:
My name is Monika (COCOYOstore) but my artistic nickname is Yolk.  I am from Poland and I live in Dublin.

Super Hero doll from Eilishtree

Birdie dress from Lollipops and Daydreams

Cat and Girl Print from COCOYOstore

Mo:

A truly international grouping of creators living in different parts of Ireland.   How did you get started?

C:
I have always loved sewing and made my first doll about 15 years ago.  Then when I came to Ireland I joined with a group of local crafters and sold some of my creations at a Christmas Craft Fair.  After that I set up my shop on Etsy and now hope to combine it with further craft fairs.  

M:
My background is in finance but I always had a love for sewing and interior design.  Then a few years ago I wanted to get some bunting for my children's room and couldn't find anything I liked within my budget so I bought a sewing machine and some fabric and it grew from there.

Y:
For some years I have been working with animations and illustrations in the virtual world and needed to get back to the pencil and paper of my youth.  To the smell of paint and ink, to having my hands dirty, to cut outs!  So I bought some equipment and started the next part of my journey.

EilishTree

Lollipops and Daydreams

COCOYOstore

Mo:
Do you have a typical day?

C:
I have 4 children so I sew between school runs, music lessons, sports, making dinner, washing clothes etc. - not unlike a lot of mums out there. My husband is very supportive and as he works from home I sometimes get bigger chunks of time to create.

M:
I too have young children and after the school run in the morning I do a quick check online -email, etsy, facebook - then its fabric cutting and sewing until school is over.  I start again after 8 in the evening for a few hours which suits me as I am a night person!!  I also have help with the children other days when I need to do a lot of sewing.

Y:
I start my day by feeding my 2 kittens, Sherman and Mako.  Following my morning exercise I sit and create.  I love the freedom to be able to make what I like.  As well as nursery prints I also make soft toys.

  

EilishTree

Lollipops and Daydreams

COCOYOstore

Mo:
Busy ladies.  What are your future ambitions?

C:
My superhero dolls have proved to be very popular so I will continue with them.  I have decided to expand into selling patterns for my dolls and am working on other designs including a monster rag doll and a smaller one with inter-changeable cloths, a bit like a cloth barbie.....

M:
I hope to expand into fabric design and design more little girl dresses.  My ultimate goal is to have a complete range of children's wear.

Y:
While I continue to make my nursery prints and toys I am dreaming of having a small studio where a group of women could work together and support each other with ideas and experience.



Mo:
Do you have any designers, crafters etc. that you follow and get inspiration from?

C:
I  really like the paintings of Lindy Longhurst on Etsy because they are bright, bold and based on myths and fairy tales. Also Sarah Jane's blog is great with some excellent free tutorials to use with her fabrics.

M:
I love to see what other crafters make and I love Pinterest for that.  I also follow a number of bloggers - Tori Jayne for example.  The online support network is so important when you mostly work on your own.

Y:
I love rummaging through the resources of Pinterest too.  Its an amazing treasury.  My greatest role model would have to be Uli Meyer and his studio of animation where I was fortunate to work.  Also I just love the beauty of everyday life.

Mo:
We have loads to look forward to from you all.  In the meantime, do you have any advice for new crafters?   

C:
Enjoy making first, don't always think about your target audience or selling.  Just enjoy the creative process!

M:
My first piece of advice is to persevere, keep growing with your skills and learning. Also register for tax and don’t expect to make a profit straight away!! Believe in yourself, have patience and you will get there!

Y:
Do what you love and be open to the beauty around you.



Mo:
Thank you all so much for taking part in the interview and sharing with us. You have such a range of wonderful work,  and all so different.  Very inspirational.  Now all we need know is how to find you, the links to your shops etc

C:
Find EilishTree on Facebook:   EilishTree
Find my blog: http://eilishtree.blogspot.ie

M:

Links for facebook/twitter/blog etc. www.mariahomedecorations.com  (blog)(www.facebook.com/lollipopsdaydreams)

Y:
website :  cocoystore
facebook:  cocoyolk

That's if for this month.  It has been great getting to know 3 new crafters on such different journeys and with an amazing collection of creations.  

You too can be included in future collections if you are a member of Etsy Ireland and create in any of the following areas

April           - Vintage
May            - Paper craft 
June          - Textiles incl Weaving and Spinning
July            - Woodwork and Rushwork
August       - Sewing incl Patchwork
September - Knitting and Crochet
October     - Other Crafts
November - Christmas Crafts
December -  To be decided 

A maximum of 5 crafters will be interviewed and highlighted each month. Some categories are already nearly full so get in touch soon if you want to be sure of your place.

Next month its  Vintage (jewellery section full)  - cant wait.......

Cheers for now
Mo
huggleknits

Designer Profiles 2014

Hi there and Happy New Year to one and all.

Mug rug by Patchworkdelights with egg cosies by /HuggleKnits

Welcome to the monthly article highlighting some of the amazing designers at work here on the Etsy Ireland team.  Each month I hope to introduce you to one or more people at work in a particular field of crafting - maximum of 5 in each area.

Doggy soap from  Cloud9HandmadeSOAP

Over the last year we met some amazing crafters from many parts of the country, both north and south, and were shown some of their amazing creations.  

Doing a Downton from  QueenofCuffs

We also learned how they started on their crafting path and what inspired them.  

Warm and Wollie from  SelkieCrochet

Here is the Calendar of Monthly Designer topics for the coming year.

February   - Jewellery
March        - Toy-making and baby clothes
April           - Vintage
May            - Paper craft 
June          - Textiles incl Weaving and Spinning
July            - Woodwork and Rushwork
August       - Sewing incl Patchwork
September - Knitting and Crochet
October     - Other Crafts
November - Christmas Crafts
December -  To be decided

If you are involved in any of these crafting areas and would like to be included please contact me at my shop huggleknits.  I would also like to include anyone who makes or has supplies for these crafts to be included so do let me know what you have and how we can contact you.

This is now down to you - if I dont hear from you, you wont be included so do get in touch.   And remember there is a limit of 5 being showcased in each area so get your name in soon to avoid disappointment.  Lets show the world what great designers we have in the Etsy Ireland Team.

Cheers for now

Mo 
huggleknits

DESIGNER PROFILE

Another month has passed and the June Bank Holiday weekend is nearly over here in Ireland.  I wish we had the weather to go with it.  Still, its not raining and that's a bonus.

This month I am delighted to introduce you to Fi from  Patchwork Delights

Mo:  Tell us a bit about yourself, what do you do?
Fi:    My name is Fiona and I am the owner of patchworkdelights.  I make baby gifts in colourful patchwork, the most popular being the baby balls and quilts.

Mo:   How did you get involved in this lovely craft?
Fi :   My mum showed me years ago how to make a patchwork pincushion.  I really enjoyed the process and about 4 years ago I picked up my hobby again and started making gifts and selling bits and pieces to friends and the extended family and friends circles.

Mo:  Describe a typical day
Fi :  I have two young boys, so between working in a full time job, looking after them and sewing in the evenings I have a pretty hectic schedule! I like quick projects as at the moment I have very little spare time!

Mo : Have you any future goals and ambitions in the craft world?
Fi :  I would love to be able to make my patchwork a full time business and work from home.  Who knows, hopefully in the future.

Mo:  Designers, blogs, crafters, arty people you follow
Fi :  I follow the modern patchwork world.  I love learning about new methods and seeing the amazing fabrics that are being produced.   The colours, the designs, the quilts and products that these designers make - it’s mind blowing.  All beautiful work!

Mo: Do you have any advice for new crafters?
Fi:   Use the social media outlets to get your work out there.    PatchworkDelights on Facebook,   instagram (@patchworkdelights) and twitter patch_delights  .  Make sure you connect with like minded people.

Mo:  Where can we find you?
Fi :  On facebook/twitter/ etsy shop = links above, and you can follow me on my blog  patchworkdelights.blogspot.

Mo:  Thank Fi for being my Designer of the Month for June.  It was great to chat and see some of your amazing work.  
Fi:  Thanks Mo.  It was great to see you again.

(I am the proud owner of one of her lovely mug rugs seen here as a backdrop to my wee egg cosies)

   
Well folks, thats it for June.  It is just great meeting so many of you wonderful crafters each month and having a look at all the amazing crafts you produce.  

If you would like to be showcased on Etst Ireland Team blog and be our Designer of the Month, get in touch with me through my shop  huggleknits and we can take it from there.

Cheers
Mo 
Etsy
Facebook
Blog

Guest post: Nina from I FEEL CRAFTY

Hi, my name is Nina! With my loving husband and our two children, a dog and two cats we live in County Donegal. I'm a fashion designer and work from my home-based studio. My passion is crafting and everything handmade. More about me here. Or have a look at my Etsy shop 'A Vixen's Magic Den'.

Recently I started a website I FEEL CRAFTY about everything handcrafted.

My aim is to get people inspired and be creative. You can find tutorials and DIY projects about sewing, knitting, crocheting, felting & more. I share my crafty & handmade findings and makings. Maybe you try something new!

The website also introduces small businesses such as Designers, Illustrators & Artists. Some of them give a great inside look in their work (interviews). You may be tempted to start your own business or find helpful tips to improve your work.

My most recent favorite articles:
SEWING: A Girl's Dress

INTERVIEW with Jill McDonald

St.PATRICK's Day KNITS

HOPPY Easter Bunnys

Come join the 'I feel crafty' community! Get creative!

Thank you to Nina for this lovely post, I'm sure I'm not the only one feeling inspired after reading these :)! You can read so many more lovely and inspirational posts at I Feel Crafty . Be sure to check out the post on Handmade Retro Weddings- it's all the rage this Spring :)!x

How to make hexagons

Today, Fi from patchworkdelights takes us down memory lane with her tutorial on how to make old fashioned hexagons for crafting.

Fi explains why hexagons are so versatile: "Hexagons are great, they are simple and portable which means so long as you are organised you can take them anywhere. It is not uncommon to see me with some needlework on the train and these will be great travel companions (sorry hubby!)."

Read on...

Introducing Textile Workshop Dublin!

Hello and welcome to the lovely world of Textile Workshop Dublin!


We offer contemporary textile and craft workshops that are designed to provide the inspiration, techniques and confidence to be more creative.

These workshops came into being because we wanted to show people that with just a little knowledge and a gentle nudge how enjoyable and easy creating wonderful textiles can be. We often heard people saying, “Oh, I’d never be able to do that…I can’t sew…I’m not creative…I wouldn’t have the confidence” and we decided that enough was enough! With a few easy, accessible skills anyone can enhance their everyday environment by designing and producing beautiful items. And of course they make fantastic gifts!




We offer a variety of embroidery, print and sewing skills workshops. As well as learning, or refreshing, essential skills, you walk away with a lovely finished product at the end of each workshop.



Textile Workshop Dublin was set up by myself, Paget, and Rebecca in the summer of 2009. Rebecca has gone on to specialize in Art education and our 2 women tutoring team now consists of myself and the talented Jane from the independent Irish boutique label JaneyClothing.

Our workshops are based in two locations- the lovely Pearse museum in Rathfarnham, and the charming Nelly's cafe run by the lovely Caroline on South Circular Road in Dublin.


Do visit our website!
Textile Workshop Dublin

Drop us a line on textileworkshopdublin@gmail.com and we can email you our monthly newsletter, full news of upcoming workshops, as well as design tips and inspirational designers to check out.

And if you would like to explore further check out our own design work and online shops-
PagetScottMcCarthy
ScottMcCarthy on Etsy
JaneyClothing on Etsy

I'll Show You Mine...Nice Day Designs

Hi this is Ruth from Nice day Designs and Nice Day Supplies, and here is a peek into my studio. I was really lucky when we moved into this house last April, the recession was good to us in the fact that rent prices came down. So we were able to afford a second bedroom that I could use as a studio. Cheekily I took the large master bedroom, that uses up the whole top floor of our house. I really love the high ceilings and exposed beams, and all that great storage was already here when we moved in.
As you can see I have A LOT of stuff, I work in many different disciplines, so this means I need tonnes of supplies. I try to keep it somewhat tidy, but it's a contstant struggle to control the chaos. Since I've started selling supplies I now have loads of extra boxes in the space that I really haven't found a proper place for yet. But I'm hoping to take a trip to Ikea soon, and all my troubles will be over then.... hopefully!
I attempted to make the place look a bit tidier for the photos, but I realised I will never have one of those pristine spaces. It think this room looks a little like the inside of my head, lots of things/ideas going on, lots of colour, and a bit scatty, but with a strange kind of logic. Having said that it looks a lot better than during the start of January, which had the left over carnage from the Christmas madness. I also hung up a few extra drawings/paintings that I had lying around, left over from exhibitions. It's nice to have pretty things to look at, I must also get myself a notice board so I can make some cool collages....oh another thing for the list!!
I feel really lucky that I have loads of space to let the business grow, it's heaven working there all day. Most of the time I'm squirrelled behind my desk sewing and listening to my audiobook. I also have a second work desk set up, because over the past year I've had a few people come in and do work experince, which is nice to have a bit of extra company.
Hope you liked my little tour!
Nice Day Designs
Nice Day Supplies
Nice Day Blog

My sewing Nook-and some tips for yours by TwoBoos

Hi! I’m Hayley, half of TwoBoos. We moved to

Ireland about 10 months ago and part of that move was obviously setting up a new “nook” for my crafting! Back in Sydney I had a VERY small

area in a house that we shared with two other people.

I tried to think of the area as an opportunity to test me and make the most of the space, rather than the tiny hobbit hole under the stairs that it was!

I found a tall narrow bookcase in the junk room that tucked into the corner nicely and I got a VIKA AMON table from IKEAwhich slotted under the stairs. I used one end for my sewing machine and the other for cutting and laying things out.

I guess the point I’m trying to make is that no matter what space you have it’s possible to make the most of it with some clever storage and the right furniture!

Look at this great example that I found:

It’s a tiny little corner but they have fitted so much in!

Everything has a home but it doesn’t look to regimented or sterile!

I love that they are surrounded by colour!

Find a way of organising your area so it suits YOU and only YOU. You work there so make it personal!

When I came to Ireland we were lucky enough to have a spare bedroom, we decided that it needed to be a guest room, office, sewing room AND storage room… it’s not huge so we had to split it!

Whatever size space you have, think about:

What do I have?

What do I need?

What do I use?

I started by looking at what I had to begin with, a heap of fabric, my machine, findings, patterns etc…. and thought about what I’d need to store them. I hate rummaging for fabric in boxes so I chose to hang the fabric that I used the most on the rail, small pieces were folded into the SKUBB hanging shelves.

The fabric that I hardly ever use is under the bed in a big flat storage box so it doesn’t get too creased. Remnants and left overs are in the tub under my hanging rail.

All the little bits and pieces like buttons and zips I keep in a big chocolate tin (mainly because I like the idea that old ladies do that so it must be good). I also bought the HELMER drawer unit so I could sort my stuff easily rather than having it sloshing around in huge drawers. I have a draw for paper, one for cables and computer stuff, one for postage packets, one for sweets and chocolate (essential), one for brochures and books and the top one is just for junk. I use my laptop and sewing machine the most I make sure they both have a permanent space. (if I’m sewing something large my laptop sits in front of my printer).

So, stuff I have is stored in a place which suits it, stuff I need is easy to access and stuff I use is out and ready to go.

It’s also really important to remember that your space is for YOU! Don’t worry if it looks cluttered or messy, if that is what you like! Always surround yourself with inspiration and ideas, I have a collage above my desk that is constantly changing! If I see something I like I just stick it on there! Then if I run out of ideas I can sit and look at it, that usually gets my brain in gear!

There are some great storage ideas out there and I like to look at this great site called Apartment Therapy, here are a couple of their articles that I found inspiring!

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc/flickr-finds/flickr-finds-sewing-room-brings-thoughts-of-spring-079101

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/workspace/diy-tour-marthas-crafts-room-076244

IKEA also has some fantastic solutions for sewing or craft rooms! (not to mention a FANTASTIC range of fabrics to help you spruce up your studio!!!)... You may even see both the Boos there!