Showing posts with label Etsy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Etsy. Show all posts
Friday, 8 May 2015
Friday, 19 December 2014
kaetoo 2014
2014 was a great year for kaetoo and I hope that it was for you too.
This year has been kaetoo's biggest yet and my products have shipped to more countries than ever before. kaetoo display boards, art kits and mini pegs can now be found all around Australia, as well as in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Ireland.
I have received some marvellous feedback this year, which makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.
Amazing communication, product and imagination as always. X
Fabulous gift and friendly and helpful seller. Thanks!
Great pegs, thanks for the excellent customer service, gorgeous product, and quick delivery.
I've had a great time getting out and about in Internet land. This year, kaetoo reached 100 features in Etsy treasuries, as well as being seen in multiple Madeit Sellers Picks, in the shopping guide and front page of Madeit, and in the shopping guide at Craftumi. I was interviewed at EtsyKids and Handmade Cooperative, was a Madeit Sellers Picks Editor, wrote a guest post over at EtsyKids and took part in a collaborative design challenge between {KID} independent and Handmade Cooperative. Phew!
Wishing you all a safe and relaxing festive period. See you in 2015!
xx Kate
This year has been kaetoo's biggest yet and my products have shipped to more countries than ever before. kaetoo display boards, art kits and mini pegs can now be found all around Australia, as well as in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Ireland.
I have received some marvellous feedback this year, which makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.
Amazing communication, product and imagination as always. X
- Ebony, November 2014
Fabulous gift and friendly and helpful seller. Thanks!
- Sally, September 2014
Great pegs, thanks for the excellent customer service, gorgeous product, and quick delivery.
- Natalie, June 2014
I've had a great time getting out and about in Internet land. This year, kaetoo reached 100 features in Etsy treasuries, as well as being seen in multiple Madeit Sellers Picks, in the shopping guide and front page of Madeit, and in the shopping guide at Craftumi. I was interviewed at EtsyKids and Handmade Cooperative, was a Madeit Sellers Picks Editor, wrote a guest post over at EtsyKids and took part in a collaborative design challenge between {KID} independent and Handmade Cooperative. Phew!
Wishing you all a safe and relaxing festive period. See you in 2015!
xx Kate
Friday, 28 November 2014
Paint Your Own
Paint your own kits are ideal stocking stuffers. They come with watercolour paint and one mini canvas designed with super cute outlines. More canvases for artistic kids or siblings are available for purchase alone.
Why not grab some for your little ones this year?
Visit my Madeit or Etsy stores to see the full range.
Why not grab some for your little ones this year?
Visit my Madeit or Etsy stores to see the full range.
Friday, 14 November 2014
Mini Washi Tape Pegs
Friday, 7 November 2014
Materials and Techniques: Skaapie
The creative world is full of talented people doing amazing crafts. Every fortnight I talk with another designer about how they make their creations. Today's guest is Cathryn, a South African living in Jersey in the Channel Islands. Cathryn has the handmade store Skaapie and she makes felted, beautiful toys, blankets and accessories. Cathryn is a fellow member of EtsyKids.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
I'm Cathryn, a South African living in Jersey in the Channel Islands with my husband and 2 beautiful daughters. I started up Skaapie (which means little sheep in Afrikaans) 7 years ago in Cape Town after my first daughter was born. I taught women from underprivileged backgrounds to felt and sew, and designed a range of children's toys, blankets and accessories which I sold at markets and in boutique shops. This wholesale business is still running in Cape Town, while I now concentrate on coming up with new ideas and designs and selling online in the UK.
What materials and techniques do you like to use?
I use 100% wool tops, mainly merino to make felt using wet felting and nuno techniques. I experiment a little with needle felting too. I think it's safe to say, my favourite material has to be wool felt, it's versatility is endless! I also dye my own felt.
What challenges have you faced in the creative process?
My biggest challenge apart from trying to balance family life and house work with being creative and productive is probably the pricing and marketing. It's not easy trying to sell your own product, especially online, with millions of choices and about 800,000 sellers on Etsy alone. My products aren't cheap to make and many people don't realise the process involved in making one toy from raw wool to the finished product. Trying to compete with a higher than average retail price and no marketing budget can feel very daunting. Not sure what advice I can offer, but what's worked for me is having faith in my product and going ahead in trust and following where the creative process leads. Everyone's journey is different, so believe in yours rather than try follow someone else's.
What drives you to create?
It's hard to say where inspiration comes from, but when it's there, you know it and have to run with it. I am a very outdoor person and don't think anyone could not get inspired by nature! I'm inspired by my children, by my amazing creative friends and family, by island life, by children's books and pinterest and dreams. And of course Africa and my inspiring childhood.
What is coming up next?
I'm hoping to start working on a children's book soon, something I've wanted to do for a long time, mixing my felt creations with illustration. Can't say too much about it yet, but am very excited. Am hoping this will take me in a new direction.
If you enjoyed finding out all about how Cathryn makes her products, you can read more interviews in the archive. Do get in contact if you would like to share your handmade story.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
I'm Cathryn, a South African living in Jersey in the Channel Islands with my husband and 2 beautiful daughters. I started up Skaapie (which means little sheep in Afrikaans) 7 years ago in Cape Town after my first daughter was born. I taught women from underprivileged backgrounds to felt and sew, and designed a range of children's toys, blankets and accessories which I sold at markets and in boutique shops. This wholesale business is still running in Cape Town, while I now concentrate on coming up with new ideas and designs and selling online in the UK.
What materials and techniques do you like to use?
I use 100% wool tops, mainly merino to make felt using wet felting and nuno techniques. I experiment a little with needle felting too. I think it's safe to say, my favourite material has to be wool felt, it's versatility is endless! I also dye my own felt.
What challenges have you faced in the creative process?
My biggest challenge apart from trying to balance family life and house work with being creative and productive is probably the pricing and marketing. It's not easy trying to sell your own product, especially online, with millions of choices and about 800,000 sellers on Etsy alone. My products aren't cheap to make and many people don't realise the process involved in making one toy from raw wool to the finished product. Trying to compete with a higher than average retail price and no marketing budget can feel very daunting. Not sure what advice I can offer, but what's worked for me is having faith in my product and going ahead in trust and following where the creative process leads. Everyone's journey is different, so believe in yours rather than try follow someone else's.
What drives you to create?
It's hard to say where inspiration comes from, but when it's there, you know it and have to run with it. I am a very outdoor person and don't think anyone could not get inspired by nature! I'm inspired by my children, by my amazing creative friends and family, by island life, by children's books and pinterest and dreams. And of course Africa and my inspiring childhood.
What is coming up next?
I'm hoping to start working on a children's book soon, something I've wanted to do for a long time, mixing my felt creations with illustration. Can't say too much about it yet, but am very excited. Am hoping this will take me in a new direction.
Skaapie Facebook (UK) Facebook (SA)
Skaapie Instagram
Skaapie Pinterest
If you enjoyed finding out all about how Cathryn makes her products, you can read more interviews in the archive. Do get in contact if you would like to share your handmade story.
Friday, 31 October 2014
Friday, 24 October 2014
Materials and Techniques: Wildflower Innocence
I am a big fan of handmade, so each fortnight I have a chat to another artist about how they go about making their products. Today I am talking to Suzanne, who makes dolls for her store Wildflower Innocence. Suzanne is a fellow EtsyKids team member and is based in Northern California in the US.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Suzanne, and I am the owner, designer, and creator behind Wildflower Innocence. We are located in the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Mountains in Northern California, USA.
For as long as I can remember, I have been surrounded by creativity. My father is a toy maker, and the owner of Elves and Angels and my mother was always creating some beautiful doll for myself or one of my many siblings. My parents both have an amazing gift for creativity, and toys were something that we always had a great abundance of... and not the Made in China garbage that you find at Walmart and Toys R Us... most of our toys were lovingly handmade by my parents or an older sibling.
I have always loved working with my hands and making toys and clothing for my own 3 daughters. Last year however, I decided to launch Wildflower Innocence. I was driven by my love of beautiful, simple toys. There is something different about a toy made by hand and a toy that is mass produced in some far away factory... it is like meeting the farmer who grows your food... or better yet, growing your own. Being able to have something of meaning to share with future children and grandchildren links the past and their future. In today's world of tech products and over the top toys, it is my hope to bring a little simplicity and innocence back to childhood.
What materials and techniques do you like to use?
I work with felt and cotton designer fabric the most. Cotton and wool yarn are also used a lot. There is something to be said for a toy that can truly be felt... the softness of the wool felt, or the different textures and colors make creating each doll a joy. Every little wing and cap, hand cut and hand stitched... and with each step you watch someones new little playmate come to life.
What challenges have you faced in the creative process?
I would say that for me, the biggest challenge would be marketing. I was never the most tech savvy person, so in the beginning it was all a bit overwhelming. This last year I have spent a lot of time researching and learning and I can honestly say it has paid off. I now have active Etsy, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Blog pages as well as my website. Things really seem to be coming together.
What drives you to create?
My daughters, my childhood... so many things... I rarely have a hard time coming up with ideas. Most often I have to get myself to stop coming up with new dolls so that I can continue producing inventory of the dolls I already have! I also do a lot of custom orders and have received some wonderful ideas from customers.
What is coming up next?
More dolls! I am hoping to continue growing my business and adding to my line of Storybook Dolls. I'm also planing on adding dolls of different ethnic background to my dollhouse family sets, and I am hoping to add fairy houses within the next year. To me, the possibilities are endless!
Please tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Suzanne, and I am the owner, designer, and creator behind Wildflower Innocence. We are located in the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Mountains in Northern California, USA.
For as long as I can remember, I have been surrounded by creativity. My father is a toy maker, and the owner of Elves and Angels and my mother was always creating some beautiful doll for myself or one of my many siblings. My parents both have an amazing gift for creativity, and toys were something that we always had a great abundance of... and not the Made in China garbage that you find at Walmart and Toys R Us... most of our toys were lovingly handmade by my parents or an older sibling.
I have always loved working with my hands and making toys and clothing for my own 3 daughters. Last year however, I decided to launch Wildflower Innocence. I was driven by my love of beautiful, simple toys. There is something different about a toy made by hand and a toy that is mass produced in some far away factory... it is like meeting the farmer who grows your food... or better yet, growing your own. Being able to have something of meaning to share with future children and grandchildren links the past and their future. In today's world of tech products and over the top toys, it is my hope to bring a little simplicity and innocence back to childhood.
What materials and techniques do you like to use?
I work with felt and cotton designer fabric the most. Cotton and wool yarn are also used a lot. There is something to be said for a toy that can truly be felt... the softness of the wool felt, or the different textures and colors make creating each doll a joy. Every little wing and cap, hand cut and hand stitched... and with each step you watch someones new little playmate come to life.
What challenges have you faced in the creative process?
I would say that for me, the biggest challenge would be marketing. I was never the most tech savvy person, so in the beginning it was all a bit overwhelming. This last year I have spent a lot of time researching and learning and I can honestly say it has paid off. I now have active Etsy, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Blog pages as well as my website. Things really seem to be coming together.
What drives you to create?
My daughters, my childhood... so many things... I rarely have a hard time coming up with ideas. Most often I have to get myself to stop coming up with new dolls so that I can continue producing inventory of the dolls I already have! I also do a lot of custom orders and have received some wonderful ideas from customers.
What is coming up next?
More dolls! I am hoping to continue growing my business and adding to my line of Storybook Dolls. I'm also planing on adding dolls of different ethnic background to my dollhouse family sets, and I am hoping to add fairy houses within the next year. To me, the possibilities are endless!
Do you love reading about materials and techniques? Read more in the archive. If you'd like to share your story, just drop me a line.
Friday, 10 October 2014
Materials and Techniques: DeeDeeDeesigns
I'm a big fan of the handmade world and I love finding out about the different ways in which artists create. Each fortnight, I chat with a different designer about how their products come about. Today I am talking to Dawn from Ballarat in Victoria, Australia. She is a practicing artist working in ceramics who has the online store DeeDeeDeesigns
Please tell us a little about yourself.
I have been a practicing artist for about twenty years and also teach in my studio, community centres, schools and anywhere that wants me! I have travelled overseas on artist residencies and to exhibit, and have also exhibited widely in Australia. I also enjoy writing about art and have had a few articles published here and there. I am new to Madeit, though I joined a while ago, I only started the store a few months ago. The work I have listed in the store is mainly functional domestic ware, as most of my artwork would be too big and heavy to list in terms of postage costs. Having said that people can place a custom order via my shop for a sculptural or art piece and have the cost of the art absorb the postage.
What materials and techniques do you like to use?
The materials I use in my Madeit store at this stage are only clay - mostly wheelthrown, though there are a few hand built pieces listed. Within my wider art practice I use almost everything and anything. A lot of my sculpture is mixed media - I love scrounging for rusty found objects and combining them with the organic qualities of clay.
What challenges have you faced in the creative process?
Challenges can range from anything from physical to financial! It was a physical challenge, for example, that initiated me into making ceramic jewellery. I chopped off my finger a couple of years ago while preparing work for a pit firing (firing ceramics in the ground) and couldn't make any large work for a long time, so began making beads and pendants and various small trinkets. And of course financially it is always difficult being an artist, especially if you don't want to work in a conventional job at the same time - which I don't as I find you then have no energy for art. So I do a lot of teaching and workshops to supplement that side of the equation.
What drives you to create?
Most of my artwork is inspired by natural textures, colours and shapes - I live in a regional part of Australia, so finding this inspiration is easy. In term of getting started.... that is not too much of an issue for me because, as mentioned earlier, I don't work outside of my arts practice, so there is nothing else distracting me or filling my head except my art practice.
What is coming up next?
A little while ago I wrote a book titled Pit Firing Ceramics: Modern Methods, Ancient Techniques. The book has officially launched in July in Australia in the town where I live at the Gallery of Ballarat. It was being accompanied by an exhibition of pit fired works by a range of international artists. After that I was involved in a group exhibition in August and a solo show in September - both local to where I live. Apart from that I'll just keep making stuff!!
Please tell us a little about yourself.
I have been a practicing artist for about twenty years and also teach in my studio, community centres, schools and anywhere that wants me! I have travelled overseas on artist residencies and to exhibit, and have also exhibited widely in Australia. I also enjoy writing about art and have had a few articles published here and there. I am new to Madeit, though I joined a while ago, I only started the store a few months ago. The work I have listed in the store is mainly functional domestic ware, as most of my artwork would be too big and heavy to list in terms of postage costs. Having said that people can place a custom order via my shop for a sculptural or art piece and have the cost of the art absorb the postage.
What materials and techniques do you like to use?
The materials I use in my Madeit store at this stage are only clay - mostly wheelthrown, though there are a few hand built pieces listed. Within my wider art practice I use almost everything and anything. A lot of my sculpture is mixed media - I love scrounging for rusty found objects and combining them with the organic qualities of clay.
What challenges have you faced in the creative process?
Challenges can range from anything from physical to financial! It was a physical challenge, for example, that initiated me into making ceramic jewellery. I chopped off my finger a couple of years ago while preparing work for a pit firing (firing ceramics in the ground) and couldn't make any large work for a long time, so began making beads and pendants and various small trinkets. And of course financially it is always difficult being an artist, especially if you don't want to work in a conventional job at the same time - which I don't as I find you then have no energy for art. So I do a lot of teaching and workshops to supplement that side of the equation.
What drives you to create?
Most of my artwork is inspired by natural textures, colours and shapes - I live in a regional part of Australia, so finding this inspiration is easy. In term of getting started.... that is not too much of an issue for me because, as mentioned earlier, I don't work outside of my arts practice, so there is nothing else distracting me or filling my head except my art practice.
What is coming up next?
A little while ago I wrote a book titled Pit Firing Ceramics: Modern Methods, Ancient Techniques. The book has officially launched in July in Australia in the town where I live at the Gallery of Ballarat. It was being accompanied by an exhibition of pit fired works by a range of international artists. After that I was involved in a group exhibition in August and a solo show in September - both local to where I live. Apart from that I'll just keep making stuff!!
DeeDeeDeesigns Etsy
DeeDeeDeesigns Madeit
DeeDeeDeesigns Blog
DeeDeeDeesigns Facebook
DeeDeeDeesigns Google+
DeeDeeDeesigns Pinterest
DeeDeeDeesigns Twitter
Don't you just love finding out about how artists create? Find out more through the archive of materials and techniques interviews. If you'd like to contribute your story, leave a comment.
Sunday, 28 September 2014
We're taking a short break
We're off on a road trip to meet my new niece. Whoop! I'm looking forward to a relaxing break and some fun family time.
kaetoo stores will remain open, but orders will be shipped from 6 October.
kaetoo stores will remain open, but orders will be shipped from 6 October.
Friday, 19 September 2014
Friday, 29 August 2014
Friday, 22 August 2014
Friday, 15 August 2014
Friday, 8 August 2014
Friday, 18 July 2014
Materials and Techniques: Dainty and Divine and Cheeky Moose Co.
The materials and techniques series is a fortnightly collection of interviews with artists who talk about the ins and outs of their creation process. Today I am talking to Melanie who makes christening and wedding accessories for her two labels, Dainty and Divine and Cheeky Moose Co. Melanie is based in Melbourne, Victoria and is a fellow member of Handmade Cooperative.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Melanie, I live in Melbourne with my husband and two young children and am the designer behind the Cheeky Moose Co. label and the new christening e-boutique Dainty and Divine. The creative force behind the hand crafted heirloom quality accessories comes from a rich tradition of design, pattern making and bridal couture creation across three generations. A career break after the birth of my second daughter afforded me the time to further develop my millinery skills and to work full time on designing and hand crafting special occasion accessories. Originally Cheeky Moose Co., was born out of the interest that I was receiving for the hand crafted hair clips and head bands that I was making my two daughters, I began to take orders, many wanting bespoke pieces to match particular outfits for special occasions such as weddings and christening.
What materials and techniques do you like to use?
I love working with dupion silk, satin and lace most of all. I mostly create for christenings and bridal so I mainly work in white and ivory tones although I think that I stock every colour of satin in the rainbow. I hand craft each flower myself starting with quality fabric. Each petal is hand cut and shaped and meticulously hand sewn together and hand beaded using pearls and swarovski crystals.
What challenges have you faced in the creative process?
When I started out with Cheeky Moose Co. I found that I was getting lost in the saturated category of hair accessories. I needed to find my point of difference and sell that to my customer. For me my point of difference was that I make my own fabric flowers from scratch and therefore could create bespoke pieces for special occasions in any colour, design or size. My advise to others is to sit down and think about what makes you, your product or process unique and the find ways to show the customer why that is the reason that they should choose you.
What drives you to create?
My creative process begins with the fabric, It allows me to have full control of my pieces. I am a bit of a fabric hoarder, when I see a fabric that I love I NEED to buy it. My hand crafted flowers are inspired by nature, each piece is my creative interpretation and artistic representation of flora whether it be a poppy, a carnation, hydrangea or peony. Most of my new designs come from a customer request, it allows me to truly use my imagination and come up with something that is unique that will serve as a memento from a special occasion in a persons life be it a wedding, christening or babies first birthday.
What is coming up next?
My future plans include re-branding my Cheeky Moose Co. label to tie in with Dainty and Divine and expand into bridal accessories, I am currently working on a range of ring bearer pillows, garters and guest books. My plans also include expanding the Dainty and Divine e- boutique to make it a one stop shop for everything christening related. Exciting times ahead!
All images provided by Melanie of Dainty and Divine and Cheeky Moose Co. Photography by Katherine Gabrielle Photography.
Read up on more materials and techniques interviews. Want to share your story? Let me know.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Melanie, I live in Melbourne with my husband and two young children and am the designer behind the Cheeky Moose Co. label and the new christening e-boutique Dainty and Divine. The creative force behind the hand crafted heirloom quality accessories comes from a rich tradition of design, pattern making and bridal couture creation across three generations. A career break after the birth of my second daughter afforded me the time to further develop my millinery skills and to work full time on designing and hand crafting special occasion accessories. Originally Cheeky Moose Co., was born out of the interest that I was receiving for the hand crafted hair clips and head bands that I was making my two daughters, I began to take orders, many wanting bespoke pieces to match particular outfits for special occasions such as weddings and christening.
What materials and techniques do you like to use?
I love working with dupion silk, satin and lace most of all. I mostly create for christenings and bridal so I mainly work in white and ivory tones although I think that I stock every colour of satin in the rainbow. I hand craft each flower myself starting with quality fabric. Each petal is hand cut and shaped and meticulously hand sewn together and hand beaded using pearls and swarovski crystals.
What challenges have you faced in the creative process?
When I started out with Cheeky Moose Co. I found that I was getting lost in the saturated category of hair accessories. I needed to find my point of difference and sell that to my customer. For me my point of difference was that I make my own fabric flowers from scratch and therefore could create bespoke pieces for special occasions in any colour, design or size. My advise to others is to sit down and think about what makes you, your product or process unique and the find ways to show the customer why that is the reason that they should choose you.
What drives you to create?
My creative process begins with the fabric, It allows me to have full control of my pieces. I am a bit of a fabric hoarder, when I see a fabric that I love I NEED to buy it. My hand crafted flowers are inspired by nature, each piece is my creative interpretation and artistic representation of flora whether it be a poppy, a carnation, hydrangea or peony. Most of my new designs come from a customer request, it allows me to truly use my imagination and come up with something that is unique that will serve as a memento from a special occasion in a persons life be it a wedding, christening or babies first birthday.
What is coming up next?
My future plans include re-branding my Cheeky Moose Co. label to tie in with Dainty and Divine and expand into bridal accessories, I am currently working on a range of ring bearer pillows, garters and guest books. My plans also include expanding the Dainty and Divine e- boutique to make it a one stop shop for everything christening related. Exciting times ahead!
All images provided by Melanie of Dainty and Divine and Cheeky Moose Co. Photography by Katherine Gabrielle Photography.
Read up on more materials and techniques interviews. Want to share your story? Let me know.
Friday, 11 July 2014
Friday, 27 June 2014
Friday, 20 June 2014
Materials and Techniques - 'Minorca'
The materials and techniques series is a collection of interviews with other creators of handmade crafts. Every fortnight we talk about how each artist makes their creations. Today I am talking with Patricia and Isabel who make toys, puppets, jewellery and artwork. Their online store is Minorca ("little one" in Portuguese) and although they are currently based in Ireland, they are both Portuguese. Pat and Isa are fellow members of the EtsyKids team.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
Pat and Isa are a mum and daughter team of two artists from Portugal passionate about illustration and children toys. They currently live in Dublin and their shop took a little vacation while they were travelling the seas looking for inspiration and new adventures.
Pat is a Publishing grad, with a special interest in design, children books, educational and behavior development, and illustration. She's a book lover, a storyteller and a vegetarian.
Isa is a painter and an arts and crafts geek! She has a joyful personality and puts that energy in everything she creates. Her inner child is always ready to come out and play! She loves spring flowers, sparkly things and miniature softies to cuddle and play.
What materials and techniques do you like to use?
Mostly, we work with felt and fabrics (mostly cotton), wool and clay to mold our hand painted brooch pins, acrylics and watercolor, and foam for professional puppets. To make our soft miniature dolls and play sets we like to use the different textures but keep a natural feel and plush toy touch to the toy. We know sensory development is important in younger ages, so we are want to include even more eco-friendly materials and textures in our future designs.
What challenges have you faced in the creative process?
As toy makers, we are always thinking about the kids, what will they like to play with and how can we make it both fun and educational. Recently, we've been challenging ourselves to go beyond the fun and have in mind the creation of toys that have in mind children with special needs (e.g.: autism, muscular dystrophy). So that is our current personal challenge and our inspiration for future creations.
What drives you to create?
Our shop reflects our passion and values in every child friendly and educational toy we make. We believe it is important to surround children with positive influence, natural textures, colour and happiness during their development. We also believe that toys can be not only fun, but also a tool to develop imagination, social, communication and motor skills, so we work towards creating soft toys and professional puppets that will invoke that in all children, including those who have special educational needs.
We are always thinking back to our own experience as kids, from two different generations. Pat loved to play in the dirt, she was always connected to nature and animals (she used to have pet chickens!), so she always loved miniature softies. Isa loved to "play house" with her dolls. We believe it's important to create options to the constant flow of technological entertainment around kids, giving them a way to connect with nature and non-tech environments.
What is coming up next?
To keep growing, to make new toy designs, explore more materials, and give some focus to Isa's art in form of toys, not only wearable art jewellery.
Apart from that, we want to start a Blog and get more connected with people! We hope to achieve this last goal very soon.
As you can see, we love to chat!! So, by all means, visit our Facebook page and say "hi!", we will love to hear from you. You can also reach out to us on Pinterest (we love it!! it's like a waterfall of creativity and fun!!). And, of course, visit our shop and spread the love. :) We will be immensely grateful. :)
Use coupon code 5THANKS for 5% off.
All images provided by Pat and Isa of Minorca.
I'd love to hear about what you create. Have a browse through the archive of previous interviews and then share your story with us.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
Pat and Isa are a mum and daughter team of two artists from Portugal passionate about illustration and children toys. They currently live in Dublin and their shop took a little vacation while they were travelling the seas looking for inspiration and new adventures.
Pat is a Publishing grad, with a special interest in design, children books, educational and behavior development, and illustration. She's a book lover, a storyteller and a vegetarian.
Isa is a painter and an arts and crafts geek! She has a joyful personality and puts that energy in everything she creates. Her inner child is always ready to come out and play! She loves spring flowers, sparkly things and miniature softies to cuddle and play.
What materials and techniques do you like to use?
Mostly, we work with felt and fabrics (mostly cotton), wool and clay to mold our hand painted brooch pins, acrylics and watercolor, and foam for professional puppets. To make our soft miniature dolls and play sets we like to use the different textures but keep a natural feel and plush toy touch to the toy. We know sensory development is important in younger ages, so we are want to include even more eco-friendly materials and textures in our future designs.
What challenges have you faced in the creative process?
As toy makers, we are always thinking about the kids, what will they like to play with and how can we make it both fun and educational. Recently, we've been challenging ourselves to go beyond the fun and have in mind the creation of toys that have in mind children with special needs (e.g.: autism, muscular dystrophy). So that is our current personal challenge and our inspiration for future creations.
What drives you to create?
Our shop reflects our passion and values in every child friendly and educational toy we make. We believe it is important to surround children with positive influence, natural textures, colour and happiness during their development. We also believe that toys can be not only fun, but also a tool to develop imagination, social, communication and motor skills, so we work towards creating soft toys and professional puppets that will invoke that in all children, including those who have special educational needs.
We are always thinking back to our own experience as kids, from two different generations. Pat loved to play in the dirt, she was always connected to nature and animals (she used to have pet chickens!), so she always loved miniature softies. Isa loved to "play house" with her dolls. We believe it's important to create options to the constant flow of technological entertainment around kids, giving them a way to connect with nature and non-tech environments.
What is coming up next?
To keep growing, to make new toy designs, explore more materials, and give some focus to Isa's art in form of toys, not only wearable art jewellery.
Apart from that, we want to start a Blog and get more connected with people! We hope to achieve this last goal very soon.
As you can see, we love to chat!! So, by all means, visit our Facebook page and say "hi!", we will love to hear from you. You can also reach out to us on Pinterest (we love it!! it's like a waterfall of creativity and fun!!). And, of course, visit our shop and spread the love. :) We will be immensely grateful. :)
Use coupon code 5THANKS for 5% off.
All images provided by Pat and Isa of Minorca.
I'd love to hear about what you create. Have a browse through the archive of previous interviews and then share your story with us.
