23 February 2012

A Conversation with Claire of FinndieLoo




Making the most delightful toys and accessories, Claire of Finndie Loo uses gorgeous bright fabrics to create fun and funky items including everything from owls to fabric books.  Here she tells us more about her creative world ...

Who is Claire?

I am a mummy to 3 beautiful bright eyed children, Luka is 4.5, Finn is almost 2 and Indiana is almost 8 mths. I am also a fiance to Stefan who is the best partner and dad I have laid eyes on. We have just celebrated our 11th year together. I like to laugh at my own jokes!

What’s your “handmade groove ?”


I love creating soft toys. I enjoy both hand stitching and the good ol' sewing machine! I also crochet but I think my passion lies with the hand sewn soft toys. They just turn out so darn cute and to imagine them being snuggled and enjoyed by a little treasure is just more than worth it!

What’s on your bedside table right now? (hey, no tidying up or censoring)


mmm...a lamp with no light bulb and a hair tie! Oh and right now there is a beautiful cut out heart than has the words 'MUM' written in pencil which my 4 year old handed me this morning at wake up time!

Who are your creative role models? What music, books, images, poetry spark your creative fire?

I don’t remember my Mum or Dad being very creative. Both my granny's used to knit and sew, but other than that I cant think who would be my creative role model. I love Brian Froud and all his good and bad Faeries oh, and Lady Cottington's squashed Faery book. I love the faces he puts on them they all have such personality! I very often listen to Manu Chao, Coldplay and Dave Matthews Band whilst I am in creative mode.

What could you talk late into the night about with like minded people?


Ohhhh there are loads of things. I can ramble on for ages about winning Lotto!!! I love talking about gardening - veggie patches in particular. Coming up with idea's on what to make for markets etc. Talking about places that I have travelled and finding out aboutnew countries. Talking about parenting - well that’s an ongoing thing now since my first son 4.5years ago!!

If you could go to three free workshops/creative events this year which ones would they be? What are they about?

I would love to go to a workshop that taught me how to use my (if any) physic awareness etc. I would love to learn how to make soap. and my third if I MUST stop at three would be screenprinting!

How do you balance your creative life with your family, life commitments?

Initially I found it quite a challenge. I mainly sew when my two youngest babies are asleep. I also found that having a supportive partner makes the world of difference on those busy nights and weekends when I have to fulfill an order etc. Something had to give for sure and it so far has been my housework!! I keep the living room and kitchen as tidy as possible but I sure don’t hoover nearly as much as I used to. I am still trying to find that happy medium but working from home isn't as easy as I had thought. Often I am interrupted to either wipe a sticky hand or make a peanut butter sandwich!!

What is your favorite creative screw-up?

I left this question till last....and I still cant think of one....that must mean either I don’t have one or, it was so bad that I blocked it out!!!!

Kitchen table or studio?

KITCHEN TABLE ALL THE WAY BABY!! (not by choice though!!!)

Do you have a wish list? Can you tell us what’s on it?

Oh my word do I???? I wish I had an outside studio with one of those floor to ceiling sliding shelves that display a MASSIVE variety of fabric. I would also have a stereo in there playing Manu Chao!! I would love to own a batch by the sea that can remain in the family for generations. I would love a bigger car so that when we have a visitor they don’t need to walk!!! LOL. I would love to have a snap press (I will soon!) to make bibs. I wish I could see my mum again. I wish South Africa wasn't so far away!




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4 comments:

  1. Lovely work Claire, I really like the dolls at the top.

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  2. What a lovely read - we sound like kindred spirits - loving watching the unfolding potential of FinndieLoo!

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  3. Loving that hobby horse, Claire, cheers Marie

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  4. Your work is lovely Claire .... I especially love the owls :)
    Julie

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