Meet the Maker - Creative Aertz

Please tell us who you are & what you do?
My name is Sonia Foster (nee Aerts), I am a stay at home mum with two children under 5. I love creating quirky and gorgeous items using my knitting and sewing skills.

How did you get started? Have you worked in other creative areas before the kind of work you’re doing now?
When I had my son I developed Post Natal Depression. As an outlet, and for something especially for me, I picked up my knitting needles, which I hadn't done for years, and started knitting and haven't stopped and so Creative Aertz was born!

Is there a story behind the name of your shop?

My maiden name was Aerts and wanted to incorporate that into a business name so how. As I also have a typing business using the same name I decided to change the "s" at the end of Aerts to a "z" so it didn't look like I had made a typo with the "e" in our name. A typo wouldn't have been a good look to my typing business:-)


How long have you been creating for?
Since I was really little (learnt my skills from my precious Mum). I always designed and knitted my own funky jerseys and made all my dolls clothes.


Is your business a hobby, a profession or a happy marriage of both?

It is a happy marriage of both.

Describe your work setting.

The whole house is my work setting. I have an allocated area in the garage but it is too cold in winter and very lonely so everything tends to gravitate to the dining room table.

Do you work alone? With a team? Do you engage your family or friends in the work? What is your process? How do you ensure you get your work done yet still have a life?

I work alone. My brain is constantly being filled with images of wonderful new things but my needles won't go fast enough to make everything I want to. To ensure I get my work done I knit a few rows at a time through the day and then do most of the work at night while watching my favourite tele programmes.

Why do you do what you do? What inspires you? When do you get most excited?
I have so many ideas in my head and love to create new things and it can be very relaxing. Everything inspires me from an acorn on the ground to licorice allsorts (check out my hats). I get most excited when I make a sale and I check my e-mail all day long to see if I have any orders - sad but true!


Can you remember your first sale? What was it?
My first sale was to our local pharmacy who purchased some of my pillowcase wheatie bags and I was so thrilled I skipped out of the shop.


Have you ever been in business before?
Nope.


At what point do you consider yourself successful?

I consider myself successful when everyone in my family is happy, including me. It is neat to have some pocket money to use for some fun with the kids to create lasting memories for us all.

Where do you do your best thinking?
I do my best thinking in the evenings when I am knitting.


What stops you from giving up when you are frustrated?
The satisfaction I know I will get when I have finished something and when the customer loves their handmade product.

If you had time to learn a new skill what would it be?

I would love to learn how to do patchwork.


When you are not involved in your craft/business- what can you usually be found doing
I am usually doing my housework or playing with the kids.


Do you have a favourite handmade purchase?
I love the green pinafore that I purchased for my daughter from Somerton (on LKN too). She wears it heaps!


Do you buy on impulse or do you go out looking for something you need?
It depends on what mood I am in.




FAST FIVE ...

1. What is the last thing that made you belly laugh? When I found a trail of knitting wool all around the lounge and then finding my 1 1/2 year old daughter trying to fight her way out of the web of wool she had found herself in. It wasn't very funny when I realised I had to roll each ball up and unknot everything:-)
2. What was the last cd/ipod track etc that you listened to? Taylor Swift CD.
3. Where do you hide your secret stash of chocolate? Now that would be telling and its all MINE!
4. Who controls the remote in your house? Definitely ME.
5. What was your cheapest holiday? Staying in a luxury 3 storey house at Mount Maunganui for free.

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PROMOTION TIME!!!

If Creative Aertz's cute beanies aren't enticement enough to go shopping, how about this ...

For the month of July take 10% off everything instore!

Shop HERE

Meet the Maker - Yours, naturally

Please tell us who you are & what you do?

We are the daughter (Franda) and mother (Fran) team making and selling the Yours, naturally Baby Care Products and accessories.


How did you get started? Have you worked in other creative areas before the kind of work you’re doing now?
Yours, naturally almost happened by accident. I (Franda) started making a baby balm for my (then) 2 month old son. I love natural and organic products, but just couldn't afford to buy them for him. They are all so expensive! So I thought I could make him one myself. I did some research, looked into some family recipes, and made a batch for our personal use.

Some of my friends wanted to try it as well, and they loved it so much that I started getting orders for more.... so I started selling them!


Since then it evolved into more products, and I also got my Mom (Fran) involved. We are now a registered company, and we supply to quite few online retailers, locally and overseas, and some retail shops.


Before I started Yours, naturally I've always been in creative type jobs. I have a Fine Arts degree, specializing in Painting, drawing and Ceramics, and also completed a Make Up Artist course. I also worked at the Body Shop for a few years as a manager and make up artist - where my interest in natural products intensified. My Mom (Fran) is a librarian, but has run a successful business before. I think I got my entrepreneurial skills from her!


Is there a story behind the name of your shop?
We wanted it to sound like the way you would end a letter: "yours, naturally" Just simple and clean.


How long have you been creating for?
I started making the baby balm in February 2009, and started selling them under the Yours, naturally label in April 2009.


Is your business a hobby, a profession or a happy marriage of both?
We are trying to make it into a fully fledged business! We would both LOVE to be making enough money with this to support our families!

Describe your work setting.
The Kitchen mostly!


Do you work alone? With a team? Do you engage your family or friends in the work? What is your process? How do you ensure you get your work done yet still have a life?
Usually team: Franda and Fran, although the whole family tends to get involved. From baby sitting duties (so we can get some work done!) to them helping out with some money when we need it!


Why do you do what you do? What inspires you? When do you get most excited?
We love the fact that we can supply a natural alternative that is AFFORDABLE! We love getting all those positive feedback from customers, and since we use all the products ourselves we know they work! I enjoy the creativity of the business. Not only do we get to make things, we do marketing, selling and promoting. It's stimulating and very rewarding!!

Have you ever been in business before?
Just selling my art, and doing some Make Up freelance. My Mom is the real business woman! As a child, I remember going to markets with her where she sold her art (Yes, she paints too!) and she owned and ran a shop for years back in South Africa, where we are from. I do have an extensive retail management background though.

At what point do you consider yourself successful?
I think we are doing pretty well now - but when we both can call this our only income, I will call us successful!


Where do you do your best thinking?
In bed when I'm supposed to be falling asleep... most annoying.


What stops you from giving up when you are frustrated?
I hate losing or admitting defeat. If you know me - you will know this. If I get challenged, or comments are made that someone doesn't think I can do it, I want to do it even more.


If you had time to learn a new skill what would it be?
Crochet and sewing!


When you are not involved in your craft/business- what can you usually be found doing
Playing with my 17 month old boy, Matthys, or just hanging out with my husband and family. We are all very family orientated!


Do you have a favourite handmade purchase?
Too many! At the moment it is a brooch by Ruby in the Dust - she made it with recycled embroidered fabric - I love it!


Do you buy on impulse or do you go out looking for something you need?
I go out for something I need - and end up buying that, and buying other things on impulse! My Mom is a real Libra - takes her AGES to make up her mind!


FAST FIVE ...
1. What is the last thing that made you belly laugh? Matthys - Spraying himself in the face with a water bottle.
2. Where do you hide your secret stash of chocolate? My husband hides it (not too well) in his drawer.
3. What statement do you hear yourself say to your kids that remind you of your upbringing? Look with your eyes, not your hands.
4. Who controls the remote in your house? ME!
5. What was your cheapest holiday? Mozambique


If you have any questions you would like to ask the ladies at Yours, naturally please leave a comment below!

Shop for your organic products by Yours, naturally HERE

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Meet the Maker - Beinzstalk

Please tell us who you are & what you do?

Hi, I'm Roslyn from Beinzstalk a fun and funky clothing label that clothes beans (newborns) to stalks (approx 10 years old). Beinzstalk is depicted by simple styles that are transformed into unique creations with the use of colour, texture, fun prints and embellishment. Quality fabric and craftmanship is paramount. Wherever possible garment adjustability accommodates ever growing bodies.

Beinzstalk also has other fun stuff like beanbags, swimming ponchos, various carry bags and handbags, stylish aprons and blankets. Detachable embellishments like brooches, cuffs and necklaces also make fun accessories that add a creative touch to any outfit.

How did you get started? Have you worked in other creative areas before the kind of work you’re doing now?

Having worked in a very non-creative environment all my career I seized the opportunity soon after my first child was born to enjoy some creative freedom. I started with hats and before I knew it other products kept sprouting up. Even though the business background is useful doing creative things is far more satisfying.

Is there a story behind the name of your shop?

The name had to meet several criteria - be suitable for children as well as babies, boys as well as girls and be a bit funky. I was forced into changing the spelling when listing the business (while living across the ditch) as beanstalk had already been taken. Determined to still use the name and seeing an opportunity to not conform I changed the spelling and managed to fit in a bit of NZ at the same time - beinNZstalk.

How long have you been creating for?

I've always enjoyed the creative process even as a child. At school dressmaking was great and I soon learnt how to get the opportunity to use the best machines of the day. The slow mechanical singers just didn't stack up against the fancy berninas. Ironically now most of machines are industrial and really are more similar to the old singers.

My Mum was a great role model too embracing many crafts as well as dressmaking while I was growing up.

Describe your work setting.

Creative chaos. One room dedicated to machines, fabrics, other materials and finished product. It looked like a big room when it was empty but alas - not big enough at all.

Why do you do what you do? What inspires you? When do you get most excited?

I'm very visual so patterns and colour combinations in nature, fabrics, creative blogs and magazines with lots of pictures cook up a storm in my brain. Customers with great feedback, my kids, the tui singing perfectly every morning, a sunny day in Autumn all inspire.

Over the last year I have also been truly inspired by the work at the uniform project http://www.theuniformproject.com/year1/monthly/May.html where an amazing woman wore 1 black dress for 365 and managed to change the look with accessories and other clothing items all repurposed or thrifted. While doing this she has raised nearly $US100k for Indian slum children to be able to go to school. Fashion, sustainability and helping others - what a powerful combination.

Can you remember your first sale? What was it?

A beanie. I was amazed and encouraged that someone liked what I did enough to buy it.

Have you ever been in business before?

No but its in my blood. I grew up seeing first hand what owning your own business was all about - the excitement, the influence, the challenge and the hard work.

At what point do you consider yourself successful?

When my label is sought after (because its uniqueness/quality are valued) to such an extent that supply can't meet demand.

Where do you do your best thinking?

At the sewing machine or pounding the pavements.

What stops you from giving up when you are frustrated?

Knowing that many famous people had their best eureka moments when highly frustrated and supposedly run out of ideas. Even though all their friends have long given up on them they kept going. If they hadn't we wouldn't have many of the things we take for granted today - light bulbs, phones etc

If you had time to learn a new skill what would it be?

To play the saxophone - nothing beats the oozy music made by a sax.

When you are not involved in your craft/business- what can you usually be found doing

Family, friends and providing a taxi come cheerleader service for kids. This year I have also taken on some voluntary work within Guiding. Plenty of room there to keep the creative brain active while doing some good for young kids today.

Do you have a favourite handmade purchase?

Several lariats (I can't get enough of them - so versatile) that experiment with the use of colour from http://www.dianekerrdesigns.com and a number of gifts for others (next time it will be for myself) from the beautiful paper quilting of Michaela from Wren's Nest http://www.wrensneststudio.com/default.html.

Do you buy on impulse or do you go out looking for something you need?

Both

FAST FIVE ...

1. What is the last thing that made you belly laugh? One of my kids telling a joke.

2. What book is on your bedside table?  Have a new kid by Friday - Dr Kevin Leman. Changing your child's attitude, behaviour and character in 5 days - very practical and thought provoking.

3. What was the last cd/ipod track etc that you listened to? Roald Dahls "The Twits" (audio book) in the car with the kids - surprisingly creatively and captivating.

4. Where do you hide your secret stash of chocolate? In the freezer - oops did I say that!

5. Who controls the remote in your house? The man of the house but remotes aren't everything.

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FREE GIFT WITH PURCHASE!!!

Beinzstalk is offering a fantastic gift with purchase until June 11, 2010.  Simply purchase $60 in her store & receive a funky (& extremely warm) beanie of your choice for FREE.  Enter the words 'free beanie' upon check out to receive your gift.

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Brighten up your winter with a piece or two from Beinzstalk's funky collection HERE!

Meet the Maker - imba

Please tell us who you are & what you do?

imba is Catherine McAra. I’m a Mum (I have an 18-month old daughter called Molly), I live in Wellington, and I design and make beautiful babywear: whimsical, contemporary & delightful designs for new babies through to age four. New Zealand designed. New Zealand made.

How did you get started? Have you worked in other creative areas before the kind of work you’re doing now?

imba began when my daughter was a few months old. Bibs were an essential item for her – but I couldn’t seem to find any that looked great and functioned well. So I set about designing and creating a line of baby bibs that fit well, absorbed spills, looked fabulous, and kept clothes dry. I then began designing and making clothing, and I now have a small range of seasonal items in natural fibres and wearable styles.

Is there a story behind the name of your shop?

Yes! I asked my 5-month old daughter for a suggestion: "imba!" she said. The name stuck.

How long have you been creating for?

Almost one year. I think there must be a birthday party coming up soon....

Is your business a hobby, a profession or a happy marriage of both?

It’s a hobbfession. Or a profobby. Very much a happy marriage of hobby and profession. I love what I do – the creative process is just the way I tick. I’d go mad if I couldn’t design and make stuff.

Describe your work setting.

My workspace is my home. It’s a flexible arrangement – the work moves around with me according to how much space I need. I have a little loft and a big cupboard for storing fabrics, fold-out trestle tables for cutting and designing, and a small worktable for the sewing machines. My latest acquisition is a fabulous 1940’s roller press – it can iron a bolt of fabric fast!

Do you work alone? With a team? Do you engage your family or friends in the work? How do you ensure you get your work done yet still have a life?

Until recently I’ve worked entirely on my own. Designing, cutting, sewing, finishing, marketing, etc. Recently I’ve contracted the help of a couple of machinists in order to get some big wholesale orders completed in a short timeframe – however everything in my Little Kiwis Nest store (and at my market stalls) is entirely hand-made by me.

My daughter likes to wear the finished items, but I don’t work while she’s awake. I sew and design during her afternoon nap time. I’d love to have more time to design and sew – there are so many ideas in my workbook and fabrics in my cupboard – just not enough nap-times to see it all happen!

What is your process?
My work process is straightforward one: I think of the style I want to create then find the fabrics (or sometimes the other way around). Many of my fabrics I import from overseas. Then I wash, tumble dry and iron the fabrics. Preshrinking means that the finished garment won’t shrink or warp in the wash, and that’s the result I want. Then I refer to my sizing charts and pattern blocks and begin drafting my pattern. I sew a toile/trial to make sure it’s working the way I want it to, and then I’ll cut the garments in a range of sizes from one piece of fabric. Sewing happens next – I lay out and work all the same seams at the same time. Then I quality check, take photographs and write my online listings.

Why do you do what you do? What inspires you? When do you get most excited?

It’s a compulsion! I'm a visual magpie - colour, shape, line, textures, found objects, combinations and contrasts - my eyes like picking them out and piecing them together. Working from home also allows me to be full-time Mum to my daughter. I get most excited watching her grow up – stringing funny words together, walking, learning – it’s an incredible process to watch.

Can you remember your first sale? What was it?

Yes – it was a baby bib I sold to my Mum!

Have you ever been in business before?

Nope – it’s all new, although I’ve been doing the accounts for my husband’s photography business for several years, so I’m familiar with that side of things.

At what point do you consider yourself successful?

When the balance is right – time for family, time for work, time for housekeeping, fun, friends...

 Where do you do your best thinking?

In the bath.

What stops you from giving up when you are frustrated?

I know it’s part of a process.

If you had time to learn a new skill what would it be?

Video editing.

When you are not involved in your craft/business- what can you usually be found doing

Spending time with my daughter and family. Visiting my friends and my sister. Walking. Doing housework!

Do you have a favourite handmade purchase?

For me: A paua ring (it has a naturally formed hole in the centre) that my husband gave me. For Molly: a crocheted cloche hat made by Lisa Van Klaveren of Holland Designs.

Do you buy on impulse or do you go out looking for something you need?

Very much both.

FAST FIVE ...

1. What is the last thing that made you belly laugh?  Last night my daughter said I was cooking bibles for her dinner! She meant spirals (pasta).
2. What book is on your bedside table? A notebook full of ideas, reminders, and notes to self!
3. What was the last cd/ipod track etc that you listened to? London Bridge is Falling Down... (kid music!)

4. Where do you hide your secret stash of chocolate? Shhhh! It’s secret! 

5. What was your cheapest holiday? Many years ago on the Catlin Coast in Southland (in a tiny puptent).

view imba's online store
cowboy bib

Meet the Maker - Crochet by Beth

Please tell us who you are & what you do?

Hi, i'm Beth. I am married with 2 daughters and moved to NZ from the UK in 2008. I crochet toys and clothing for babies and children.

How did you get started? Have you worked in other creative areas before the kind of work you’re doing now?

I started to crochet when I was expecting my eldest daughter (now nearly 7) and just spent time making blankets and clothes for my own children. Since moving to NZ I found myself making baby clothes because they took the least time to make and ended up with quite a collection. After a few craft fairs I decided to venture to the internet and also began to make toys which have proven very popular. I have never really done much in creative areas before I learned to crochet but have always had great comments about my work.

Is there a story behind the name of your shop?

The shop name speaks for itself really- straight to the point- Crochet by Beth.

How long have you been creating for?

I have been crocheting for about 7 years now but have only been making items to sell for the last 12 months.

Is your business a hobby, a profession or a happy marriage of both?

It has always been a hobby for me, something I like to do to relax but who knows where it will lead in the future as my business grows.

Describe your work setting.

I tend to work in the living room, on the sofa and in front of the TV. I like to work where I can still be part of the family.

Do you work alone? With a team? Do you engage your family or friends in the work? What is your process? How do you ensure you get your work done yet still have a life?

Yes I work alone. My family and friends are great for feedback although my children always say they are great. My eldest daughter is keen to learn but it is going to be a long slow progression. My work fits in quite well around my family life, I quite often work in the evenings once the children are in bed which leaves my days free. Some days I do more than others depending on activities and my frame of mind but at the moment it all just works.

Why do you do what you do? What inspires you? When do you get most excited?

I love to crochet and creating things that other people will get enjoyment from. I get inspiration from things I see. Some yarns scream out to me to be made into something in particular or I might find a pattern that inspires something new. I love getting feedback about my creations- especially when it is good.

Can you remember your first sale? What was it?

My first sale would be one of my Bunnies- was a great feeling to know that other people love my work as much as I do.

Have you ever been in business before?

Yes. I ran an online Lingerie store in the UK before immigrating to NZ. very different to Crochet.

At what point do you consider yourself successful?

I would say that I have achieved a life balance that works for me and my family which to me is a success- i'm ready for what the future throws at me.

Where do you do your best thinking?

There is no set situation that helps me think. Being in a happy and stimulating environment helps me weather that be playing with the children or having some quality time to myself.

What stops you from giving up when you are frustrated?

Knowing that the finished product will make someone happy, knowing how I will feel when I finish something and I love it.

If you had time to learn a new skill what would it be?

I would love to learn to sew- I love clothes and things that are different so it would be great to be able to make clothes for myself and my children.

When you are not involved in your craft/business- what can you usually be found doing

I love to go walking, I love spending time with my family and watching my children develop- they grow up so fast.

Do you have a favourite handmade purchase?

Not a purchase really but I still have a wooden truck that my Dad made for me when I was a baby- my children still play with it now as as they grow up I hope to have grandchildren that will also love it.

Do you buy on impulse or do you go out looking for something you need?

I usually by on impulse- it isn't very often that I NEED something. I have a weakness for gorgeous things.

FAST FIVE ...

1. What is the last thing that made you belly laugh? My girls are always making me laugh with some of the silly things they do.

2. What book is on your bedside table? I am about to start on the Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris

3. What was the last cd/ipod track etc that you listened to? Gin- Holy Smoke album which is in my car.

4. Where do you hide your secret stash of chocolate? I often have a bar stashed in my handbag.

5. Who controls the remote in your house? Depends on the day and time but usually me.

Visit Beth & her store on Little Kiwis Nest HERE

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Receive 20% off all Crochet by Beth items until Sunday 2nd May!!!

enter the code maker04 on check-out to receive your discount

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Don't forget to leave a message to Beth in the comments below.  I know she'd love to hear from you :)