morning tea with

This morning I am having a cuppa and chat with Jennifer Sheehy from
EvieAndLei Designs.

 

Jennifer is based in Kiama N.S.W. where she makes

the loveliest clothing dividers I have ever seen.

 

 

How did your business  begin for you Jennifer?

I was looking for something with an under the sea theme for

my grandson's bedroom and when I couldn't find something

just right I decided to make my own.

 

How do you go about designing your dividers?

I spend a lot of time researching the latest trends and sourcing digital papers.

 

And then?

I design the templates and then put them through my Silhouette Cameo.

 

Excuse my ignorance but what is a Silhouette Cameo?

A Silhouette Cameo is just like a home printer but instead of just printing

it uses a small blade to cut fabric, paper, cardstock and vinyl up

to 12" wide and ten feet long.

 

Where do you source your dividers?

Here in Australia.

 

So these gorgeous dividers are just for home wardrobes?

Well yes they can be but my business has been growing

due to the demand from stores and markets where clothing

is sold and the sellers are wanting something to make their

business stand out.

 

Can their logos be added?

Yes I can custom make your dividers.

 

Where do you sell Jennifer?

I have a facebook page  EvieAndLei Designs and a lovely store ~

 Little Missy and Moo

in Shellharbour stock them as well.

 

Thank you so much for having a chat with me this

morning Jennifer I really love what you do.

 

 

Would you like to have a chat with me?

 

Do you have a friend that might like to have a cuppa with

me to chat about their craft?

 

Have a look at my other posts here where I have had ladies over

for morning tea and see if you would like to join me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

morning tea with

 Good morning to Fiona Tully from Two Brown Birds .

What is your business ? What do you do ?

My business is called “Two Brown Birds”.  I design and create craft textile patterns, including quilts, stitcheries, and soft toys.
How long has it been going ? How did it start out ?
The business has been running for almost two years.  It started out when lots of people told me I should write up my patterns and try selling them – so I did!
How do manage around your family ?
Ah yes, the balancing act!  I try to mange balancing everything by schedueling “work free days”, and doing as much work as I can while my girls are at school, or after they’re in bed at night.
When your craft becomes your work how do you relax ?
Other ways I relax are by reading, baking, or every now and again when my brain is completely drained from over-work, I might work on a craft project by another designer – that way I can enjoy stitching without having to think about the technical pattern writing aspect.
Do you make things and sometimes keep them for yourself ?
I often keep things for myself!  When I make something, I feel quite attached to it, and if I give it away I feel like I’m giving away one of my children!  But there are times when I decide that I will make something for some-one, and if I know that from the start of the project, I’m happy to give it away.
What is your favourite craft ?
I don’t have one, but several that I rotate. I love designing  and working stitcheries – I feel like it’s colouring in on fabric.  Quilting is a big love of mine – there’s nothing better than having a new pile of fabrics to play with, arrange, re-arrange, and make into a quilt.  Sometimes I will have an idea for a new little character or playset, which I love making.  I decide on the personality of the character as I create it.  Every now and then if I’m feeling a bit overworked, I love to knit – I find the rhythmic repetition of the needles click-clacking relaxing, and it’s rewarding to see knitting grow quickly!

Are your designs your own ?
The designs that I feature on my blog are my own.  Occasionally I work on a project made by another designer if my brain needs a break after months of working on my own designs, but I tend not to blog about those projects.
Tell us something quirky about yourself ?
Hmmm…….well I don’t think it’s quirky ( I think I’m normal ha ha!), but anyone that watches me tie my shoelaces always comments and says “Wow!!  You tie you’re shoelaces different to anyone else I’ve ever seen!”

 

 

What are your plans ? How much further do you plan to take your business ?
I am so excited that the wonderful people from “Creative Abundance” have recently invited me to  join their list of talented designers.  This has truly been a dream come true for me, and I am so excited to see where this will lead.
Where do you sell ? 
 Creative Abundance distribute my patterns to retail and online craft shops.  Anyone that’s interested in my patterns can follow my blog at   to see pictures of my current designs, and sneak peeks of upcoming projects.

Find Fionas gorgeous designs at Creative Abundance (wholesale enquiries)
Fiona is having some great pattern giveaways on her blog at the moment too !
Or maybe you'd like to chat with my friend on facebook .

Thanks so much and and congratulations Fiona x

morning tea with

 

 

 Hi everyone!! I am Meegan from What Meegan Makes  

I am so happy to be here this morning with Clare for"Morning Tea".

I am an ocean loving, grand baby kissing, vintage finding, paint hungry woman and wife that loves to blog about all of the above.

 

Coffee or tea ?
  I personally like Hazelnut Herbal tea

 

What is your business ?

 I write a blog about my crafting and designing. I also do wedding flowers occasionally.  I enjoy making our home an oasis from the stresses of the world. My hope is to help others create a warm and cozy home with minimal cost.
 

How long has it been going ? I have been blogging for 9 mths.
 

 How did it start out ? We had moved into a condo from living in a fairly large home. I decided it would be fun to change things up and make it "our home". I was using up a lot of our family blog space to share my projects-so I decided to start my own .
 

How do manage around your family ?
 Our 7 children are all grown with families of their own. Our youngest gets married this Nov :) But, I still need to manage my blog around them and my Hubby. I try to keep balance between Hubby, his job (and school), and all my projects. Sometimes I am not so good at it.
 

When your craft becomes your work how do you relax ? I like to watch old movies and eat ice cream. But, I LOVE to lay out by the pool most of all.
 

Do you make things and sometimes keep them for yourself ?
  Most times I do keep them. But, lately it has been fun to share them with friends and family.
 

Are you right or left handed ? Yes I'm not afraid to ask the tough questions
I am right handed :)
 

What is your favourite craft ? I would have to say painting a frame, piece of furniture, or any kind of home accessory such as a candlestick, end table, or mirror. I like to refresh items and give them new life!!

 

Describe a normal day for you ? 

  My brain is constantly creating and working. My husband will often ask me,"Does your creativity ever stop?" My answer is always no. So, when I get up in the morning, I am already looking and starting the next project. Sometimes the idea comes right away and others I have to sit on them awhile-then the creative juices start flowing. When the projects come together I can't stop until it is done. I LOVE seeing the finished project. I walk by it several times to see it from all angles. Then I decide how I could perfect it, and maybe I even just look at it for a day or so. Then it finds a place in our home.
 

Are your designs your own ? I LOVE to make my own creations, by putting a little twist or highlight to it. But, there is so much to see "out there" that who can resist being inspired by others .
 

What is the very first thing you would buy if you won the lottery ?
A home by the beach so all of our family could come play in the sun. Then give the rest to charity to help others.
 

Tell us something quirky about yourself ?

  Hmmm...There are SO many things!! I like ice cream and cookies for breakfast. I don't eat it-but I certainly like it !
 

What are your plans ?

  I would love to make a little money from my blog. But am enjoying floral design as well.

 How much further do you plan to take your business ?
I want to do what I love for as long as I love it. Once the love is gone, so will be the business
 

Do you sell your crafts if yes where do you sell ?

 People ask me all the time if I sell my crafts, or furniture. I haven't sold any yet. But I would want to if the time and price was right.
 

Thanks for having me for "Morning Tea today, Clare! It has been an honor and a pleasure. I hope your readers will come by for a visit .

    Come join along with me as I share what I love, and love what I do.

 

Find Meegan at her blog ~ here or at pinterest ~ here

or on facebook ~ here or hometalk ~ here

or stumble upon ~ here   

and if Meegan isn't in any of these places she's probably

transforming a boring piece of furniture into a thing of beauty !

 

I have another special crafter next week and she has BIG news for us !

Ooooh don't you just love a bit of mystery .......

 

morning tea with

 

Good morning Melissa from Ms Midge .

 

 

Coffee or tea ?

   Weak black tea with one sugar in the morning - but Jarrah hot chockie in the evenings!

 

What is your business ? What do you do ?

  My little "hobby business" is Ms Midge! I sew a variety of yummy goodies, but mostly now make little girls clothing.

 

How long has it been going ? How did it start out ?

  I started out in late 2010, making art smocks and library bags for the kids at my children's school. I then began getting orders outside of that circle and it just sprung from there. I've made a whole lot of different bits and pieces, but find it most fun to try new patterns using gorgeous prints. 

 

How do manage around your family ?

I only have the youngest of my four children at home, and she is four. So when I want to sew, she is generally happy to amuse herself, or she will come in and "help" me. I also work part time, so having full days to get projects and orders completed are pretty rare. I basically just fit it all in when I can.

 

 

Do you make things and sometimes keep them for  yourself ?

   Quite often! When I use a pattern for the first time, I generally make it in one of my girls' sizes, so that I can check the sizing. On many occasions they have asked to keep them, and I have said yes.

What is your favourite craft ? 

Sewing! I used to do a lot of scrapbooking, but found that I needed big blocks of time to be able to sit and get what I wanted done, which just doesn't happen.

 

Describe a normal day for you ? 

  A normal day starts around 7am, getting all four kids out the door to school or swimming, then returning home to clean up before I can get stuck into whatever it is I am creating. I could spend hours looking for fabrics, but once I see something I like, it's ordered and on its way. I can also spend hours working out fabric combinations and sizing choices. I like to get all my sewing done by the time school finishes - but it doesn't always work out that way!

 

Are your designs your own ? 

Nope! I use a multitude of different patterns, from all different pattern designers. I would love to be able to design my own patterns, but am not confident. I alter patterns to suit what I want and to make them a little different!

 

Tell us something quirky about yourself ?

  I am a serious creature of habit! I eat the exact same thing for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea every single day. My workmates think that is very bizarre! I also do not like melted cheese - a fact that shocks many.

 

What are your plans ? How much further do you plan to take your business ? 

I'm more than happy where my little business is at present. I honestly couldn't do much more than I am doing now without burning out. I want to continue enjoying doing what I'm doing, without it becoming a task or something I HAVE to do.

 

Where do you sell ?

I have a website www.msmidge.com but just don't have the time to keep it up to date at present. So I mainly sell on my FB page www.fb.com/msmidgemadebyme where customers can find ready made items as well as custom order options. I also have a blog which is a mix of personal and sewing - www.msmidge.blogspot.com.au

 

Thanks so much for coming over for a cuppa Melissa .

 

Another fantastic crafty girl next week , seeya then x

---

 

morning tea with

It's Jane from Lil Pip !

Coffee or tea ?
Coffee although I don't mind a Chai Latte in the afternoon.

What is your business ? What do you do ?
My business is Lil Pip and I make mainly girls clothes and children's toys. My 'famous' product is the Boobook ribbon owl that I designed and I'm currently working on a pattern for release in the next couple of months.

How long has it been going ? How did it start out ?
I started the business in August 2010 when I started making creations for my daughter and as gifts and all my friends asked me if they could buy them!

How do manage around your family ?
Oh this is a constant juggle. I work 4 days a week in a marketing role (yes it comes in rather handy for the business!). I have one day at home on Friday but by the time I walk my eldest to school, take my younger daughter to swimming lessons, rush home for nap, then back to school for pickup, it is no wonder that I don't seem to get much done that day! I usually try to cut out and prepare during the week and sew on the weekends. I have an incredibly supportive husband and he and the kids seem to disappear for hours (usually on a Bunnings related adventure) which leaves me to sew in peace. I love you honey! School holidays are coming up and I'm looking forward to two solid weeks of sewing in preparations for markets coming up.

When your craft becomes your work how do you relax ?
See for me craft is the relaxing! Because I have another 'real' job, sewing for me is my creative outlet. I just love putting my Boobook owls together, deciding on fabric, matching the ribbons and putting it together. Is there nothing more rewarding then seeing the finished product? I have changed my focus over the last year and moved away from selling online. I don't take orders and just sew what I want, when I want and only sell at markets. It has taken most of the stress or pressure away and now I just do what I love!

Do you make things and sometimes keep them for yourself ?
Oh rarely which is terrible. I do however make lots of things for gifts for friends and family. mmmm maybe I should make that skirt pattern I've 'been meaning to get around to' for ages!

What is your favourite craft ?
Sewing for me but I have done scrapbooking, cross-stitching and last year I taught myself to crochet thanks to YouTube.

Describe a normal day for you ?
When I create my Boobooks it is a rather involved process! I surround myself (on my bed since that is my 'sewing space') with piles of fabric and put together a 'suite' usually about 4 of each colour or design. I'm determined that each one has to be different (which is saying something now that I have created over 200 owls!). Then I match the ribbons for wings, feet and the handle. Last is cutting out the felt eyes, beak and the minky back. That is before I have even started sewing! I then tack down the background eyes, tummy and wings with hemming tape (rather than iron on interfacing), stitch around all the pieces and put it all together. Stay tuned for a pattern though - with much more detail! I'm also planning some variations and have already sketched out the most gorgeous giraffe, elephant and turtle!

Are your designs your own ?
My children's clothes are usually sourced from other designers patterns but my Boobook ribbon owl is my own. I have adjusted it quite a bit over my time making them and only now feel like it is ready to put to paper, so to speak.

Tell us something quirky about yourself ?
I finally got my drivers license when I was 7 months pregnant with my second child, after having my learners in three different states over a period of 13 or 14 years! Yay for my patient hubby that got me there!

What are your plans ? How much further do you plan to take your business ?
I just want to keep doing what I love doing. I do plan to sell my patterns and that's what I'm working towards now. I also am a committee member helping to organise the Maribyrnong Makers Market <http://maribyrnongmakersmarket.blogspot.com.au/> and have loved gaining the insight from the other side.

Where do you sell ?

Facebook ~ Lil Pip
Blog ~ Lil Pip

You will find me at the following markets: Craft Markets here
Werribee Park Market, Saturday 13 October, 8am - 1pm
Flemington Twilight Market, Saturday 17 November, 3pm - 8pm
Maribyrnong Makers Market, Saturday 24 November, 9.30am - 3.30pm
Werribee Park Market, Saturday 8 December, 8am - 1pm


Thanks so much for having me over for morning tea Clare.
Did you enjoy the banana cake I made? I just couldn't come empty handed!

Jane

Thanks Jane you and your cake are welcome anytime .

Next week another fantastic crafter is coming over for a cuppa , seeya then !

morning tea with

 

Cam from Curly Pops !

Coffee or tea ?

Both - but I love a great cappucino. It's one of the benefits of living in Melbourne. So much great coffee everywhere you go.
What is your business ? What do you do ?
My business is named CurlyPops. I make and sell a unique range of textile based handmade Accessories, Lifestyle Products, Crafty Things and Boutique Fabrics. I'm also a Retail Stockist of You Sew Girl Sewing Patterns. For my handmade items, I design my own fabrics and transform them into finished products.

Are you right or left handed ?
Right handed
If you won the lottery what would be the very first thing that you would buy .
Oh gosh, that's a very hard one! There's nothing that I really need that money could buy. It's been a long time since I've had a holiday though, so maybe that's what I'd spend it on.
How long has Curly Pops been going ? How did it start out ?
I started my business some time in 2008. It was sort of slightly accidental after I started my CurlyPops craft blog.
How do manage around your family ?
It's only myself and Mr Limpy Houdini Dog around here. It's lucky that I don't have a family, as they'd probably starve to death while I was carried away with my sewing, or lost for hours playing around with new designs in illustrator. There's not really a routine or a schedule at my place.
When your craft becomes your work how do you relax ?
That's the hardest part about working from home. Work is always there. On the plus side, I love to go out to a nice cafe with friends for brunch or lunch. That's how I relax.
Do you make things and sometimes keep them for yourself ?
I hardly ever keep anything for myself, but I have been trying to occassionally make something just for me. I've made a bigger effort over the last twelve months to challenge myself to make more of my own clothes to keep.
What is your favourite craft ?
At the moment, it's definitely sewing. Machine sewing though, not hand sewing. I love making textile art pieces with the sewing machine.
Describe a normal day for you ?
There's nothing really normal or planned around here. My business has to fit around my medical schedule (I'm currently on the waiting list for a double lung transplant). Most of my computer based designing takes place during the three hours that I spend each day having nebuliser treatment. I also have sketchbooks stashed all over the house to write things down as my brain is constantly whirring.

On the days where I don't have any appointments, I try to get as much sewing completed as possible, but it really depends on what orders I'm working on, or whether I'm making shop stock.

Are your designs your own ?
Yes all of my designs are my own. I've taken it a step further by designing my own unique range of fabrics too.
Tell us something quirky about yourself ?
I have to put my vegies through a blender and hide them.... because I just really don't like them!
What are your plans ? How much further do you plan to take your business ?
World domination.. teehee..

I'm a bit limited in what I can take on at the moment, until I receive that amazing call to tell me that they have some new lungs for me, but really, the sky is the limit!

Where do you sell ? 
You can find me via my own Big Cartel Shop, as well as Made It and Etsy. I also have a Craftumi Shop where I sell my very own CurlyPops designed fabrics.

 

Thanks for popping in Cam it's been great having you here .

http://curlypops.bigcartel.com/
http://www.madeit.com.au/storecatalog.asp?userid=212
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CurlyPops
http://www.craftumi.com.au/storecatalog.asp?userid=4566

Who will be here next week ?

morning tea with

Hello there , thanks for coming over . Make yourself comfy .

This morning Mich from Lilli May Designs is here for morning tea .

Coffee or tea ?

Decaf Tea please .

What is your business ?

  Lilli May designs.

What do you do ?

 I hand make clothes and decor items for children and the home.

How long has it been going ?

 8 months

 How did it start out ?

  I have been sewing for over 20 years, but really started focusing on it when I was made redundant late last year.

 

How do manage around your family ?

 When Lilli May (16 month old daughter) sleeps, that's when I sew.

 If I am particularly busy, then my husband will take her out for the day on Saturdays and Sundays.

When your craft becomes your work how do you relax ?

 I have allocated Friday's as my 'day off' so even when she sleeps I don't sew any orders. If I feel like sewing on a Friday, I will make something 'just for fun'

Do you make things and sometimes keep them for yourself ?

Yes all the time! Sometimes I create a fabric combo for an order, and realise how great it is, that I make one for Lilli May as well!. Plus I am in the middle of making a skirt and vest for myself.

What is your favourite craft?

Sewing and all things fabric

Describe a normal day for you ?

Get up and dressed, have breakfast and play outside and then go for a walk with the pram with Lilli May. Come inside and have lunch. Lilli May then goes down for her nap so I get 2 hours of sewing done. I will usually spend this time working on orders, locked away in my cougar cave with the radio on. Then after dinner whilst we both watch her, I respond to emails, search for fabrics and do the invoicing.

Are your designs your own ?

 Some are my own, some are purchased and some are modified from purchased patterns

Tell us something quirky about yourself ?

I LOVE to eat lemons and salt!

What are your plans ? How much further do you plan to take your business ?

 I plan to keep creating beautiful handmade items for my family and customers and to grow it so that I can continue to help support our family and spend precious time with Lilli May as she grows.

Where do you sell ? 

 I currently only sell online, with a view to start street markets next year

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lillimaydesigns

Blog: http://lillimaydesigns.wordpress.com/

Keep smiling

Mich

 

Mich it was lovely having you here for a cuppa thanks !

Please pop over and visit Mich and say hello and

see her beautiful items for yourself .

 

I'll be back for morning tea next Wednesday with .......

 

morning tea with....

Hello there ! I'm so glad you are here to have morning tea .

Jos from Sew, Cook , Laugh and Live is here having a cuppa.

 

Coffee or tea ?

 Oh tea for sure!!

 

What is your business ? What do you do ?

I am a blogger. My blog is called Sew cook laugh live. http://sewcooklaughlive.blogspot.com.au/

  The name of the blogs sums up my life in 4 words. I blog about all of my sewing adventures, cooking, crafting & my wonderful family. It is a little insight into my creative world

Are you right or left handed ?
I am right handed but I play some sports with my left.
 

 How long has it been going and how did it start ?

I have been blogging for around 1 , 1/2 years. I started off blogging to keep in touch with my family & friends who live all around Australia. Also to have a place of reference for myself to know where all of my recipes & patterns are! My blog is like my recipe box and sewing diary all rolled into one!

 

 

How do you manage around your family ?

My husband is an interstate truck driver so my nights are pretty much mine once the girls go to bed. That is when the blog writing goes into overdrive. I try to stick to a rule of never blogging on the weekend. That is family time & blogging takes second place. I also like to blog once all the housework is done during the day....ok, I lied, my housework is second to my blog!

 When your craft becomes your work how do you relax ?

No matter what, sewing will always be my way to relax. If I don’t make something, I go a little crazy. The old saying is true of, “If you do something you love, you will never work a day in your life!”

Do you make things and sometimes keep them for yourself ?

I always make things for myself. I make a lot of my own clothes & handbags. My bedside table is full of accessories that I have made for myself & my handmade necklace collection is of ginormous proportions!

 What is your favourite craft ?

Sewing, for sure! I love to see a piece of fabric turn into something truly amazing! I also love to make jewellery. Taking a few bits and  pieces and turning them into a necklace is something that brings me so much happiness.

 

 Describe a normal day for you ?

I start a creative day by sketching what I want my newest project to look like, then I make sure that the preparation is done. It is important to me to make sure I have all of the fabric, thread, needles, scissors, pattern paper, pens, rulers, etc all organised before starting so that the day runs smoother. It is the same for blogging. I have to make sure I have a cup of tea and a snack with me at the computer so I know I can settle in for at least an hour of blogging.

 Are your designs your own ?

I love to design my own clothes. I sometimes use a pattern but most times, my designs feel more like me.

 Tell us something quirky about yourself ?

I am completely scatterbrained in all aspects of my life except for my sewing, cooking and crafting.
 I am always late paying bills but I will never be late making a dress for an event!

 What are your goals ? How much further do you plan to take your business ?

One day I would like to make some real money from blogging. Right now, it is more of a hobby. I would love to be a famous fashion designer but I love being a housewife too much. I know, I am crazy right? But I do love being able to blog from home and not have to deal with deadlines, traffic, paying workers, etc.

Where do you sell ?

 I don’t sell but you can find out more by visiting the blog http://sewcooklaughlive.blogspot.com.au/

 

Finally Jo what would be the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery ?

 

Ok, the first thing I would buy if I won the lotto is a tropical island.

 

Thanks for stopping in for a cuppa Jos it was great to have you here .

 

Next week ????  is coming for a chat I hope you can join us .

sprung

 

Good morning and Happy Spring !

I've been busy , busy , busy as a bee Spring cleaning

for my guests that are starting to come next week for morning tea.

Very exciting !

 

Are you a Spring cleaner ?

 

If you would like to make some of these daffodils my tutorial is here .

Gosh I love daffodils they are my favourite flower ever .

 

Do you have a favourite flower ?

morning tea with .........

 

I always make time to have a cuppa so I thought

it would be nice to chat with some other crafters while I'm having one.

 

Starting next Wednesday I will be sharing the goss with a crafter each week .

 

Some you will already know , some you won't .

 

We will be chatting about crafting (of course) , designing ,

balancing a business , working from home or going out to work .

The design process , getting ideas out there and lots of other things.

 

The chatty crafter will have this button on their sidebar so

keep a lookout for it , hard to miss really.

 

Who would you like to know more about ?

What would you like to know more about ?

Would you like to be interviewed?

 

I have quite a few fabulous crafters ready to have a chat with me

but I'd love to hear from you if you are interested .

 

Will you be joining us next week for a cuppa ?