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Maker Monday #7 - Erin Lightfoot

We are excited to be stocking the lovely and talented Erin Llightfoot's beautiful porcelain earrings. A little bit deco and ever so classic!

 

YOUR NAME

Erin Lightfoot

o BUSINESS NAME

Erin Lightfoot

o HOW LONG HAS YOUR BUSINESS BEEN GOING?

4 years

o ARE YOU A LONE WOLF OR HAVE STAFF/HELPERS?

There is no way I could do it alone. I get boat-loads of help from my boyfriend, Tang.

Gorgeous deco golden scallop earrings 

o WHAT MAKES YOUR DESIGNS SPECIAL?

They start from a bucket of wet clay and are crafted into crisp, lightweight contemporary earrings. Porcelain is a classic and beautiful material which lends itself to decoration with colour, pattern, lustre and marbling. The process of producing ceramics is slow and tricky but when crafted carefully can look very clean and sophisticated. 

o WHAT HELPS WHEN THE CREATIVE JUICE IS FEELING SLUGGISH?

Just pushing through! I have many times when things aren't working creatively but I find the only way to get through to the other side is to sit there trying out bad ideas until one of them turns into a good one. Going for a walk can also help. 

o IS YOUR WORKSPACE A MESS/ORGANIZED MESS/SUPER TIDY OR…..?

Organized mess unless Tang has been reforming the space in which case it is super tidy. 

o WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGN/COLLECTION SO FAR & WHY?

I am very happy with my new marble earrings. The marble slab is enjoyable and satisfying to make and you never quite know how it will look until it has been fired. Once the earrings are polished up into their geometric shapes they look very smart and are lovely to wear. 

Deco marble pointed earrings

o DO YOU LISTEN TO MUSIC WHILE DESIGNING/CREATING?

I listen to a lot of podcasts and audio-books. Music wise I have been enjoying Wilco, The War on Drugs and Father John Misty.

o PIZZA OR BURGER?

A really good pizza is best but so hard to find that I will go with burger. There are a lot of great burger bars popping up around the place.

o 3 THINGS IN YOUR BAG YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT. 

My bag is not really the glamourous assortment of lady things I'd like it to be. It's more the tissue, pens and receipts collection....so lets go with, money, passport and comb.

o ARE YOU A DESIGN LARK OR OWL?

An owl.

o TODAY I AM MADAME ‘ Procrastination‘ PANTS 

 

THANKS ERIN!

Pop over to our website to take a gander at Erin's designs or head in store to see them in person and try them on!

xclaire

 

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Maker Monday #6 - Rachel Kennedy Designs

Rachel Kennedy in love and it's fun print

YOUR NAME 

Rachel Kennedy 

BUSINESS NAME

Rachel Kennedy Design 

HOW LONG HAS YOUR BUSINESS BEEN GOING?

Since 2012 

ARE YOU A LONE WOLF OR HAVE STAFF/HELPERS?

We have a beautiful posse of helpers. My husband jarrod takes care of the everyday running of the business, along with Bec, JT and Riley. 

WHAT MAKES YOUR DESIGNS SPECIAL?

They're special to us because it's all original work and it's a very personal process. We want everything we do to have an underlying positive message while being as environmentally responsible as possible. 

WHAT HELPS WHEN THE CREATIVE JUICE IS FEELING SLUGGISH?

I usually can narrow it down to 3 things; sunshine, space or rest. 

IS YOUR WORKSPACE A MESS/ORGANIZED MESS/SUPER TIDY OR…..?

an organised mess.. I like everything to have a place and I usually can't start working until it's spotless.. but creativity is a process. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGN/COLLECTION SO FAR & WHY?

oh, LOVE LETTERS. It was fun to try some new techniques and play with paper that was beautiful in itself. 

DO YOU LISTEN TO MUSIC WHILE DESIGNING/CREATING?

With little kids at home there's always a lot of back round noise, but when it's quiet I do like to put on some tunes. 

WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT FAVE ARTISTS/SONGS?

Ryan Adams, John Legend, Tay-Tay.. 

PIZZA OR BURGER?

Can I be difficult and say neither. Vegetarian options are not that special.. 

3 THINGS IN YOUR BAG YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT.

Phone, Wallet, Keys. I'm a minimalist

ARE YOU A DESIGN LARK OR OWL?

Both. Naturally a morning person, but late at night gives me an uninterrupted run.  

TODAY I AM MADAME content PANTS 

-Thanks Rachel (& Jarrod!). Check out their fabulous wall goodies over here 

- xclaire 

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Maker Monday #4 - Arielle Mermin

This week we asked the talented Arielle to answer our Maker Monday questions.

Read on!

YOUR NAME

Arielle Mermin

BUSINESS NAME

Arielle Mermin LTD (really had a hard time with that one!)

HOW LONG HAS YOUR BUSINESS BEEN GOING?

3 years

WHERE ARE YOU BASED?

Okato, Taranaki Population 641

Arielle in her home - image Taranaki Times paper

ARE YOU A LONE WOLF OR HAVE STAFF/HELPERS?

Wolf that needs a pack!

WHAT MAKES YOUR DESIGNS SPECIAL?

I think what makes my brand special is that I am offering NZ women lifestyle clothing from a Californian perspective. The main reason I started the label is when I moved here 7 years ago, there wasn’t anything I could identify with and wear. I felt (and still do) that the Californian and Kiwi lifestyle are so similar so I created a brand that showcases what I love and sharing it with you all.

WHAT HELPS WHEN THE CREATIVE JUICE IS FEELING SLUGGISH?

It never does. My main problem is deciding what not to use… I have way too many ideas and wish I could use them all!

IS YOUR WORKSPACE A MESS/ORGANIZED MESS/SUPER TIDY OR…..?

Chaos then spotless then chaos again-  it’s a lovely revolving pattern until the season is finished..

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGN/COLLECTION SO FAR & WHY?

This summer and next winter are my strongest seasons. I designed summer (in stores soon) when my father had passed away and it 100% is dedicated to him and celebrates his life. It’s a beautiful authentic collection. AW16 MIDNIGHT RIDER (not yet released) was inspired by the after math of losing him and I created a very luxe refined collection that truly speaks from my heart.  Starting out, my first few ranges were so riddled with worry about fitting in the NZ market and in the last year, I have focused on what I love and find the collections have grown immensely and gaining much enthusiasm.

DO YOU LISTEN TO MUSIC WHILE DESIGNING/CREATING?

I listen to all sorts of music to inspire me but when I have to sketch or create, music is off and I need total silence. NOOOO distractions.

70’s rock , 60-70’s garage rock and psychedelic blues, and 60’s soul - are my main interests. Bowie, Allman Brothers, Steely Dan, Black Sabbath to Blue Cheer, the Seeds, Ramsey Lewis etc—, Current stuff (well not so current) like Dead Meadow, Dead Moon and I occasionally dip into old reggae or 90’s hip hop. I basically haven’t strayed from what I listened to from when I was in high school.

PIZZA OR BURGER?

Cheeseburger w avocado and a side of onion rings please! 

3 THINGS IN YOUR BAG YOU COULDN'T LIVE WITHOUT.

Debit card, keys and phone…I’m ridiculously no fuss. Plus I lose everything so generally just shove everything in my pockets.

ARE YOU A DESIGN LARK OR OWL?

Owl all the way…

TODAY I AM MADAME grateful PANTS. Sometimes I can have a major moan about how this job is def beyond stressful most days, I’m so lucky to have beautiful women wearing my clothes everyday and amazing stockists (like you!!) who have supported me from day one.

-Thanks Arielle!! We can't wait to have all your summer range in store!

- xclaire 

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Maker Monday #3 - Gwyneth Hulse Design

This week we asked the talented Gwyneth to answer our Maker Monday questions.

Read on!

YOUR NAME

Gwyneth and Dave Hulse

BUSINESS NAME

Gwyneth Hulse Design

Gwyneth Hulse timber geometric pots

HOW LONG HAS YOUR BUSINESS BEEN GOING?

Two years

ARE YOU A LONE WOLF OR HAVE STAFF/HELPERS?

It began as my (Gwyneth’s) hobby and I did everything myself. However, as the business has grown my husband Dave has joined me. Dave now does most of the cutting and prep work, while I do the painting and finishing.

WHAT MAKES YOUR DESIGNS SPECIAL?

Our designs are based on the modernist principles of simplicity, geometry and the celebration of natural materials. This combined with the fact that we use only locally sourced, native timbers gives our work a cohesive look and simple elegance. Many of the timbers we use are rare and they hold special value.

WHAT HELPS WHEN THE CREATIVE JUICE IS FEELING SLUGGISH?

Talking to other people and working collaboratively is a good way to get the mind ticking again. For me it just takes a random comment or two from someone else to help me to look at work from a different angle or perspective.

IS YOUR WORKSPACE A MESS/ORGANIZED MESS/SUPER TIDY OR…..?

Quite messy! we try to spend as little time as possible on the not so important aspects of the business and unfortunately this is often reflected in the un-tidiness of our workspaces. We dream of a super organised minimal space with white walls and perfectly organised shelving systems and labels… At this stage of our lives it does not quite work with young kids and sanding dust, but we live in hope.

Gwyneth & Dave in the studio

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGN/COLLECTION SO FAR & WHY?

Our favourite item would have to be the Flying Bird, we love how they move and the way people are drawn to them. They were also the first item we made and we were only planning on making one for our kid’s bedroom!

DO YOU LISTEN TO MUSIC WHILE DESIGNING/CREATING?

No, our children and woodworking machinery are noisy enough without adding music to the mix. Silence is bliss!

PIZZA OR BURGER?

Can’t beat a totally homemade burger.  

3 THINGS IN YOUR BAG YOU COULDN'T LIVE WITHOUT.

Wallet, phone and car keys — I've got a very boring bag! If the kids are lucky there will be a snack or too lurking in my bag as well.

ARE YOU A DESIGN LARK OR OWL?

I’m naturally a lark, but also find it quite easy to be an owl as the quiet of the house is rather addictive.

TODAY I AM MADAME ‘industrious’ PANTS.

-Thanks Gwyneth (& Dave!). Check out their goodies over here (more heading our way in November!)

Also! Check out Gwyneth's interview in the NZ Herald.

- xclaire 

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Maker Monday #2 - Beau Bonnets

Your Name:

Alexa Whitehead

Business Name:
Beau Bonnets


How long has your business been going?
I launched Beau Bonnets on the 1st day of spring this year!

Are you a lone wolf of have staff/helpers?
I have been a lone wolf but have just hired a lovely sewer and knitter to join the BB ranks and help me produce all the bonnet-y goodness


What makes your designs special?

My pattern was drafted by me and I spend hours searching for the perfect materials, my bonnets are only made of natural fabrics as I believe it’s important for both our babies’ skin and the environment.

Beau Bonnets aren’t an original product - but an heirloom classic - reimagined with a modern and contemporary twist. They’re adorable and completely functional for all seasons. The sunbonnets have a great brim which stands outright out of your baby’s face to keep the sun away and the cosy merino wool bonnets are soft and snuggly and perfect for little ones. Merino Wool is the ultimate fabric for baby’s delicate skin and isn’t itchy like traditional wool.

What helps when the creative juice is feeling sluggish?
Coffee and hot cups of tea! When sewing I always have one nearby.

Is your workspace a mess/organised mess/super tidy or….
At the moment my workspace is a jungle of fabrics, feathers and coffee cups. We moved back to New Zealand from Australia at the beginning of August and my tolerant mother has had her house taken over my me, my mess, our cat and two dogs and our two young children! I do love to be organised - a creative mind finds such task hard to do but I will have to wait until our furniture arrives so we can move into our house and I can furnish my office!

What is your favourite design so far?
My favourite is the soft pink merino and Japanese cotton soft-bonnet. It was the very first one I made and my daughter wore it a lot. (She still does in this  l o v e l y  wet, spring weather we’re having here!) The fabric is dreamy-soft and the colour is just divine.

Do you listen to music while you are designing/creating?
Absolutely! A quiet workspace would be too lonely.

If yes, what are your current fave artists/songs?
Since I’m mostly just listening to the radio at the moment, my favourite song that pops on is “Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: Downtown” - it’s just such a fun song!

Pizza or burger?
Depends on the toppings/fillings of each! After not having Burger King where we were living for the last three years I am quite partial to a tendercrisp chicken burger!

3 Things in your bag you couldn’t live without?
Baby wipes, phone and lip balm! All pretty self-explanatory! 

Are you a design Lark or Owl?
Lark, definitely - I can’t handle late nights. Plus I like to leave my evenings for family time!

Today I am “Madame Chilly Pants” After living in QLD, it’s mighty cold here!

THANKS ALEXA! We are super excited to stock your darling bonnets!

- xclaire

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Maker Monday #1 - Promisedland

Welcome to our first Maker Monday blog!

Each Monday we will be posting up a bunch of questions answered by one of our lovely designers. So you can find out a little bit more about the designer behind the products we sell and you love! 

Enjoy!

-xclaire

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

o YOUR NAME - Aroha Mckerrow o BUSINESS NAME - Promisedland

o HOW LONG HAS YOUR BUSINESS BEEN GOING?
Two years.

o ARE YOU A LONE WOLF OR HAVE STAFF/HELPERS?

Lone wolf/master of many trades. With plenty of exceptionally helpful friends in photography, marketing and accounting etc. I do all the designing, developing and making prototypes. I have an amazing team in Vietnam who bring the designs to life. They are exceptionally skilled woman who have chosen to be tailors after having been rescued from some devastating circumstances.


o WHAT MAKES YOUR DESIGNS SPECIAL?

The printed silks are very unique and the attention to every step of the design. You will find that the we don’t skimp on anything. The fabrics are luxury, the fits are perfected and with French seaming they are finely finished.

o WHAT HELPS WHEN THE CREATIVE JUICE IS FEELING SLUGGISH?

If good coffee and tunes and don’t fix it, then a breath of fresh and a jog by the beach. My ideas are generally inspired by travels, different cultures, adventures, patterns, fabrics, art and nature. 

o IS YOUR CREATIVE AREA A MESS/ORGANISED MESS/SUPER TIDY OR…..?

Organised mess for sure, while designing there are fabrics and pictures galore!
Always makes me feel great walking into other designer’s office and hearing the apologies on entry! I strive to get better at this!

o WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGN/COLLECTION SO FAR & WHY?

The Stencil Dress from last year’s summer collection. Beautiful silk, feels gorgeous to wear. And is completely effortless if you need to go somewhere fancy and have minutes to get ready!

o DO YOU LISTEN TO MUSIC WHILE DESIGNING/CREATING?

Yeah, generally something with good beats and not to many lyrics.

o WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT FAVE ARTISTS/SONGS?

A lot of NZ artists, In Colour by Shapies is still a fav! I listen to a bit of instrumental hip hop and a lot of Christian tunes the new planet shakers & Arise Church Albums.

o PIZZA OR BURGER?

Pizza! My sister’s home made pizza.

o 3 THINGS IN YOUR BAG YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT.

Other than my wallet and phone I would have to say antipodes hand cream and lippy!

o ARE YOU A DESIGN LARK OR OWL?

Definitely an Owl, I love working at night, answering emails feels far more productive than watching TV, I feel like I get a head start for the following day!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Thanks Aroha!

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