Handmade Artisans

I've started a new project these last few months, and it is entirely in keeping with the handmade local and artisan niche we have been cultivating here at Merewether Life.  It's a brilliant lifestyle, working with people who are following their passion and making a difference in their own communities and actually getting to meet the stallholders in their element. 

I've had some good times travelling around markets in New South Wales and meeting the people behind the brands and having them reveal the story that is behind their successful markets stall.
Here's an excerpt from Find Handmade - an New Australian feature designed to inspire and promote those working handmade artisans but also others who are considering taking the leap into starting their own business.

Here's just a glimpse of what I have learned by talking with literally dozens of stallholders selling their handmade wares at the markets.

I meet handmade artisans every week and we get talking about what they are up to and where they want to be.
And every now and then, a stallholder will tell me she doesn’t want to know anything about growing her digital profile or being more effective at selling online.
And I can see where she is coming from – who wants to climb the online digital mountain when you’ve already come so far? |
You’ve moved away from your boring career job, you’ve got a loyal core of customers, and you are managing the practicalities of producing handmade – now I have to do the whole online thing?

The key moment I am working with some stallholders is when they choose to make the step into online sales and turn their hobby into a thriving online business.  If you would like assistance or help following this path, you can read more here.

Read feature interviews with 

inspiring individuals who work as 

#handmade #artisans.

Toby and Rosie

Here's an excerpt from the interview with two Sydney based markets stallholders...

Toby, proudly calling himself a hippie at heart, initially made a body butter and as is often the case – it was soon sought out by family and friends and before long he was making larger batch sizes to meet demand.  Combining this with a love of natural, authentic ingredients and Toby and Rosie was born – not before meeting Rosie in her native Guatemala and launching back in Sydney.

For inspired skincare and cosmetics with a natural organic flair, head over to Toby and Rosie.


Charlie Middleton Leather Bags

Charlie Middleton is a successful brand of handmade artisan leather goods...

Like many others I meet at find handmade, Ben’s journey to his current position began in a different niche.    And again, his journey to being a successful stallholder began with a humble start up selling handmade t-shirts, hoodies and jackets.  All handmade, with handmade printing.  Then, a chance exposure to a three hour leather working course turned Ben’s attention to leather – and he began producing hard wearing belts for friends and more as word spread.

Charlie Middleton is an international brand with a solid reputation based on Ben's attention to detail and committed work ethic - you can read the full story here.

Milly Molly Mandy

Milly Molly Mandy is a delightful concept impeccably managed by handmade artisan Shannon who finds the time to balance her work with a pretty full family lifestyle.

The products at Milly Molly Mandy are all designed, cut and handmade by Shannon and you can sense the real innocence in the eyes of the soft toys – something that engages with customers instantly. The stall layout is relaxed and inviting, with soft tones and products displayed like they are arranged in a child’s bedroom.  I could feel the quality of the fabric and the balance of the stuffing – and it is no accident that these toys are sold as heirloom quality.

You can read all about Milly Molly Mandy and how Shannon has built for herself a niche with wide online exposure in find hand made.

I will be posting regular updates as things evolve and would love to have you along for the ride!  Good luck and see you next time!

Oil Painting

Nothing better than getting hold of some oil paints and learning the difference between "washes off in water" and "washes off after you try a few different solvents" - still, managed a great result and learned that all of the colours mixed together come out a sort of olive/brown.

Get Crafty Today

Please welcome a posting from a fellow blogger at http://toneko-therapy-centre.net
Crafts are more popular than ever. But some people shy away from taking up a crafty hobby because they don’t think they have enough time to learn something new and don’t really know where to start. You could always spend some time at the library reading about your chosen field, or you could do it the easy way. Pick up a craft kit and start crafting right away.

If you’re looking to learn a new skill or take up a new hobby, a craft kit is a great first step. You get to test the waters so to speak without investing a lot of time and money in something that might not be fro you. If you decide that you don’t like your new hobby, no big deal. You won’t end up with lots of money invested and a garage full of equipment you’ll never use again.

I doesn’t matter what craft you want to try out, chances are you’ll find a kit just for you. There are sewing kits, needlepoint, macramé, woodworking, candle making, ceramic kits, and more than I can go into here. What all the kits have in common, is that you get everything you need for a project. Kits not only include all the supplies you’ll need like cloth, thread, or patterns, but you’ll also get any special equipment you might need to complete your project. Depending on the kit, the tools you get may not be the highest quality, but until you decide to peruse your new hobby further, you may not want the best most expensive tools. The best part about crafting from a kit, is you get simple step by step instructions.

Even if you’re not looking to take up a new pastime, a craft kit can make addition to family nights. You hear so many people talking about never having enough family time these days. A kit you and your kids can work on together can be a great solution. Much better than sitting in front of the TV and not talking. The best part is you get to keep the finished product. Unlike a jigsaw puzzle that goes back into the box when you’re finished, you can keep your craft for years as a wonderful reminder of time spent with the ones you love. Craft kits are also a great way to keep kids occupied when they’re out of school.

Don’t forget about craft kits when it comes time to give gifts either. I’m not talking about just giving someone a kit, but using the kit yourself to make a handmade gift. Gifts you make yourself are incredibly personal and can show that special someone just how much you care. If you’re not exactly crafty but want to experience giving a handmade gift, just pick up a craft kit.

No more excuses, if you’ve been wanting to try out something new, pick up a craft kit today. You’ll find all kinds at your local craft store from starter kits to more complex kits. Find one that’s right for you and get crafty today.
Copyright 2007 Marge Snow