31 August 2010

Introducing Our New Friends..

This week I have the pleasure of officially introducing the new ‘Friends of New Zealand Handmade’ to our blog readers.


You may have seen snippets about them on our Facebook page or noticed one-liners about their happenings at the top of our blog, seen their links and galleries on our ‘Friends of NZHM’ page, or read the 1st interview with one of our Friends last week. A very talented and diverse bunch that we’re delighted to be associated with and who you will get to read more about in upcoming interviews.  They are:

• Marian (of ‘Marian Smale’, Napier – although sadly soon moving North) – fabric artisan and creator of beautiful garments and accessories using repurposed and sometimes handpainted fabrics.

• Erin (of ‘Erin Carver’, Wellington) – artist specialising in vibrant, texturally rich mixed media collage works, mosaics, and wall hangings utilising patterned papers, vintage stamps, loved postcards, ephemera and more.

• Melanie (of ‘Felted Kiwi’, Northland) - Felter and soap maker – and believe it or not – these things can be combined into one product - Felted Soaps!  Handbags, wearable arts, and felting kits also feature.

• Louise (of Bibliographica, Waiheke Island) – handcrafter of the most exquisite miniature leather journals and botanical photographic studies.  Each journal lovingly bound by hand.

• Aimee (of Lily Pad Designs, Auckland) – maker of specialist 100% cotton children’s textile products – universal harness 'lily pad' liners and 'lily' keepsake pinboards using beautifully patterened fabrics.

• Christine (of ‘My 2 Monsters’, Hokitika) – knitter of  gorgeous baby and children’s beanies, booties, and toys with a difference.  Sewn girls ruffle skirts and peg bags are also a highlight.

• Jo (of ‘Jo Pearson’, Hastings) – print and textile creations utilising vintage fabrics, woollen blankets, coffee sacks and prints of days gone by in homewares and accessories – cushions, coasters, and more.,

• Irma (of ‘Fairyspit Dolls’, Hamilton) – felt and cloth art creations, creatures, and dolls with a distinctly magical edge .

• Pam (of ‘Fantail Digital Art’, Whangaparoa) – specialising in digital arts producing cards, invitations, canvases, vinyl word decals and prints, often with a New Zealand flavour.

• Rosie (of ‘Honey and Spice’, Dunedin) – concocter of delicious lotions and potions including soaps, lip balms, massage bars, conditioners and more, with divine flavours such as 'Kaffir Lime and Cardamon Creme Brulee'.

• Brenda (of ‘Natural Star, Christchurch) – gorgeous baby knitwear designer – beanies, mary janes, blankets, singlets, headbands are just a sample of their range. With a focus on timeless, classical , and vintage inspired.

• Greta (of ‘Topography’, Auckland)– creator of  top quality custom-made children’s t-shirts with unique logos and wording made up from handcut stencils and appliques.  Each shirt is made to order.

You can see more of ‘Friends’ work and links to their on-line shops and blogs by clicking here.

I am the lucky person from the NZHM admin team who gets 1st contact with potential new ‘friends’ and processes successful applications. If you would like to know more about what it means to be a ‘Friend of New Zealand Handmade’ and how we can help promote your business, share ideas and to become part of a great creative network of like-minded people set on getting our wares to the world, or even if you are just keen on meeting some new people – you can find details under our ‘contact us’ page. Or you are welcome to email us with specific questions – info@newzealandhandmade.co.nz.

-Mel

4 comments:

  1. Thanks for the mention, as always. I'm proud to be a Friend!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Such a cool line up of talented folk, cheers Marie

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a talented group of amazing creatives...

    ReplyDelete
  4. how lovely, thank you for the mention and fab to see this great creative community growing! x

    ReplyDelete

We love hearing what you have to say, please feel welcome to leave your comments...