29 March 2012

A Conversation with Christie of Chills Designs



Handcrafted wall decor is what Chills Design is all about - beautiful, bold fabrics feature in memo/pin boards, magnet boards, hair accessory organisers, and photo display boards to brighten and make a statement on any wall.  Here, Christie shares an insight into her creative life...


Who is Christie?
I’m a stay at home Mum to two little monkey’s – Dylan 4 and Ruby 20 months. Me, my husband and then baby Dylan moved over from the UK 3 years ago and have settled in Christchurch. My husband Phil is a butcher and I love being at home to watch my little one’s grow. We love spending time together as a family and enjoying the beautiful NZ outdoor life!

What’s your “handmade groove ?”
I love interiors and have discovered a passion for beautiful fabrics. Since I’m not the best sewer, I love to transform the gorgeous fabrics I buy into unique pieces of wall art to bring together all the colours/themes of the room whilst organising or displaying photos, notes, artwork etc.

What’s on your bedside table right now? (hey, no tidying up or censoring)
My current book I’m reading and a beautiful ceramic bowl my Mum made which is filled with treasures my kids collect: for me, like pebbles, shells and a mini “Best Mum’ teddy bear.

Who are your creative role models? What music, books, images, poetry spark your creative fire?
My Mum for sure, I grew up with my Mum making pottery, painting, sewing and knitting (shame I didn’t inherit her sewing skills!) I have always loved colour and interior design but my real ‘creative’ self has only really developed since having kids. Sadly my Mum passed away 2 years ago and never got to see me make a business out of my creativeness.

What could you talk late into the night about with like minded people?
Wow what couldn’t I talk about! Anybody who knows me (and especially my family) will tell you I NEVER stop talking!! My favourite things to talk about are my kids (they’re by far the best thing I’ve made!) and style. Whether it’s fashion, home décor or anything in between, I love to plan and organize everything; layouts of rooms, themes for kids parties, outfits and of course the ever changing designs of my memo boards.

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 learn more about Interior Design, it really inspires me to flick through a good magazine and I have a head full of ideas of what I’d love to do when we buy our own house. Graphic design is another of my interests, I’m always playing around on the computer editing pics, designing invitations and logo’s, it would be great to learn more about that. And last but not least sewing, I have basic sewing skills but it would be great to take a class and start making beautiful clothes for my kids – maybe one day if I find the time!

How do you balance your creative life with your family, life commitments?
I suppose it was tricky at first but now it just kind of works (don’t ask me how!) I love the saying ‘If you want something done, ask a busy person’ Although I juggle looking after my kids, housework and creating my boards, I don’t actually feel busy. I try to get most done whilst my youngest is napping or my eldest is at Pre-school, but am known to be stapling into the late hours if I have a busy week of orders.

What is your favourite creative screw-up?
Erm that’s a tricky one, I can’t think of a particular “screw-up” but do look back at the very first memo boards I made my kids and  can see how far I have come. I have since binned them and made new ones!

Kitchen table or studio?
Oh its kitchen table all the way for me…much to hubby’s annoyance!!

Do you have a wish list? Can you tell us what’s on it?
Oh yes! Top of my list is having my very own ‘craft room/studio’ would be so nice to have my own space to work and be un-interrupted and also to not have to clear my work space every night for dinner!  I would also really love to have my boards sold in shops all over NZ! I have just had my boards stocked at a local gift shop which I’m hoping will be the first of many!



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2 comments:

  1. Cool memo boards :-)
    I do like the beach huts magnetic board, I can see it looking fab in my bach by the sea (once I get it!)

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  2. Great designs Christie, something for everyone. cheers Marie

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