Monday Maker - Meet Huis Design

This week I have selected another newcomer to Brisstyle as our Monday Maker.

Meet Juliette Hooper and her label Huis Design.

Hi Juliette,

Were you creative as a child/do you come from a creative family?

I was always drawing as a child and if I could get my hands on clay I would go for hours. My Dad is very creative; he has spent much of his life restoring antiques, and he is a painter, quite successful too.

How would you describe your work?

Bold, simplistic with touches of modernism and yet the timber softens the look and adds natural elements.

How has your work evolved since you started?

I was following a vintage vibe for quite a while so it started with a rockabilly feel. I am now developing and forever created my own look, I think through my love of the retro era and art deco, my work has evolved into a slight modern look.

How did you start selling online/ via Etsy?

It was a fairly natural flow on from the markets I’m doing, it’s so simple to use with the appropriate apps etc.

Who or what inspires you?

I’ve recently come to find Lisa Messenger, she is very inspirational. My sister-in-laws, they have their own businesses and have been a wealth of support to me. Buildings, nature, shapes, the all play their part.

Do you reduce, reuse, recycle as part of your creative process? 

I try to use only local timbers, and the waste from larger cut objects is always used in some way and all our products are painted with low VOCs.

Describe your studio/workspace?

It’s basically a 1200mm desk! Yes, I really should fix that! It’s surrounded with colour swatches, art and quote, things I love.

What is your favourite thing to make?

Probably my triangle necklaces, I can mix each one up with metal and spikey bead, they all start the same but once strung on leather the look changes for each one.

How did your business/shop name come about (if applicable)?

My mother is from Holland, huis means home or house in Dutch, I have plans to expand the homewares section of huis design and cross over into interior design.

Where do you see your creative journey taking you in the next 12 months?

At the moment we are looking into getting some pretty cool machinery set up and from that bigger scaled items will be produced, homewares etc. It’s going to be fun.

What’s your top tip to others wanting to break into the handmade/creative market?

If you love it, jump in.

Describe your typical creative day?

Do the school drop off and get into it, if I have a market coming up I’m generally working in the studio putting pieces together. I’ll check my email a few times a day and post at least twice a day on Instagram. There are always tunes playing and copious amounts of tea flowing.

What is your Favourite quote?

Follow your bliss

Music or movie while creating?

Music

What is your favourite handmade item that you have bought?

They are some very new stacking rings from Glass Rainbows, they are really beautiful. Denise is so talented.

Where can we find you online?

Instagram @huisdesign

Facebook   https://www.facebook.com/huisdesigns

https://www.etsy.com/shop/huisdesign

How long have you been a member of BrisStyle?

This is my first year, I wanted to join for a long time and have finally taken the step, and have found it so worthwhile for my business.

How did you find out about BrisStyle?

Social media

Why did you become a member?

Community support, to meet likeminded people, develop my knowledge and learn.

Why do you craft?

It just wants to come out of me, I tried to stop once but I just kept coming back to it. I think it’s built in, I love it and it’s fun. I like the way it makes others feel too, that’s a big plus.

Thanks so much Juliette, it was great chatting to you. Stay tuned for our next week's Monday Maker!

Anita x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shop Indie: Fabric Fusion

We always shriek with delight when we hear of a new handmade retail outlet opening in crafty Brisbane.  This week we were so thrilled to catch up with Sasha, owner of Fabric Fusion to discuss all things fabric, craft and handmade.


Tell us a little about your background and what path led you to open Fabric Fusion?

I have loved fabrics and creating for as long as I can remember, and when I did a ‘learn to quilt’ class in my early 20’s, the obsession was revived.  When Brad and I started our little family, I couldn’t make my career as a lawyer work with how we wanted to raise our kids, so I became a stay at home mum.  That led to lots of playing with fabric, starting an Etsy shop, buying fabrics in larger quantities, and the rest is history!  Fabric Fusion opened as an online fabric shop in September 2009, and we opened our shopfront retail store in North Queensland, in July 2010.  Since then a transfer has brought us (and all the fabrics and craftiness) to Brisbane, which we love J

Tell us what Fabric Fusion is all about?

I wanted to start a craft and handmade shop that didn’t feel like a shop – it should feel like you are coming to visit me in my craft room, can sit down, have a cuppa and a chat and stay as long as you like.  We aim to support Australian fabric designers and handmade artisans, and try to feature as much local product in store, both by way of supplies and handmade items, as possible.


Where did the name Fabric Fusion come from?

Brad and I tossed around names for weeks, but I kept coming back to Fabric Fusion.  It really feels like the right fit for our concept – fresh, interesting, different, a mix of old and new – not your average craft and handmade shop!

How does Fabric Fusion support independent artists and crafters and/or the handmade community?

From the start of our retail store journey, we have always had space in the shop for local artisans to display and sell their beautiful handmade items.  As a maker and designer myself, I know how difficult it can be to bring your product to your target market – we aim to provide an avenue for creators to bring their items to an audience of people who are passionate about handmade.  We have display space for rent, and also do wholesale orders with some fabulous handmade artisans around the country J

How can local designers and crafters get involved with Fabric Fusion?

In so many ways! 

We have display space for rent, to showcase local handmade artists.  This includes in-store and window front feature spaces.  We love to have a little written ‘blurb’ about the creator and their inspiration, to display with the items, to help buyers know the time and expertise that goes into each piece.

As relative newbies in town, we are also seeking anyone who would be interested in conducting classes and workshops in our little crafty space.  

You can sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, Sew Inspirational, at our website for regular updates.  Or just to chat with me about handmade in general, you can always call Sasha on 0431 178 678!

 
Does Fabric Fusion have any exciting upcoming events?

2012 is going to be a big year for us – in the pipeline are:

•  ideas for workshops and classes;
• we are starting a Crafty Mums Group, where Mums are welcome to bring along their kids for an organised activity while you get some crafting done (Wednesdays at 10.00am);
• 'meet the artisans' in-store sessions, with local handmade creators;
• and perhaps a Grand Opening in the New Year - any excuse for a glass of champagne.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

With 2 young children, there is usually one little ‘helper’ at the shop with me!  We open at 9.30am, and between chatting and serving customers, displaying new items that arrive, and some more chatting, I create and fill orders for my own design label, Buster Boo, making fabric baby shoes and kids sun hats.  Cutting, ironing, sewing, labelling etc.  Some games of hide and seek and pushing trucks around in our back area with Mr 2, then back to work!  Close up at 5.00pm and go home to the usual family life!

How do you promote Fabric Fusion?

We have a Facebook page and a monthly e-newsletter that currenlty goes out to over 500 subscribers. We feature a handmade artisan in each newsletter, as well as what's new in store, upcoming classes etc.

We also do local and inter-suburb advertising, and are looking at local newspaper advertising.

What is your favourite item in the shop at the moment?

I just received a delivery of beautiful items from the lovely Rachel of Miss Isa. The paper flowers are my absolute favourite at the moment. Closely followed by the owl softie that my 4 year old daughter filled with fiber-fill today!

All images courtesy of Fabric Fusion

  
What’s in store for Fabric Fusion in 2011 and beyond?

Crafting world domination! No, seriously, we would like to consolidate our place as a niche market for beautiful crafting supplies, Australian fabric designers and handmade artisans, in Brisbane.  I want to meet as many local creators as possible - hearing people's stories and learning from them is such a rich opportunity.

I already have my eye on where the next outlet of Fabric Fusion will open up - hopefully in 2014!

Business-wise, the website will be expanded and freshened, to provide creators an online retail outlet for their items as well as the in-person retail store.

And a whole lot more fabric!

Fabric Fusion

19B Samford Road, Alderley, QLD, 4051

Tel: 3352 7997 or 0431 178 678

Shop Indie: Handmade Highstreet

Handmade Highstreet is a brand spankin' new indie marketplace in Brisbane! This week we were lucky enough to catch up with part owner, Kath Chown, in the lead up to their grand store opening on December 12.

Tell us a little about your background and what path led you to open Handmade Highstreet?
The owners of this shop are myself (Kath Chown), Benjamin Williams and Ryan deVeau.

I am a member of BrisStyle and have my own Etsy store called bunnyhornet. I mainly make polymer clay accessories which I sell weekly at the Davies Park West End Markets. I have always wanted to own a shop after working in retail for over 10 years but felt that the bigger businesses were choking out the independent shops and making it impossible to make a living. Since I have been investigating the notion of starting this handmade store and the idea of sub-letting space for artisans, I have found that so many people in our community want this kind of shop in their area. These are the people who are disenchanted with large corporations and want to directly support their local area and businesses.

Benjamin works in disability services and has an education in the dramatic arts. He has been the President of a small university theatre company called Underground Productions and this is where his seed of creativity was born. He has been desperate to begin his dream career of furniture restoration ever since we met and we plan to make this an avenue which he can explore by selling his creations through the store.

Ryan studied Art at university and was a successful graduate. His love of drawing and watercolour has been hiding behind his various jobs in the administration and banking sectors. His creative talent needed an outlet and this store can help him to display his amazing works.

Our team is dedicated to treating our contributors with respect and providing them with a space where they can be proud to display their work. We want every customer to feel like there are strong values residing in the management of the store. This means that we look after our own and provide a happy place to co-operate.

Tell us what Handmade Highstreet is all about?
We are aiming to give independent handmade artisans a marketplace in which to display their goods without the need to sit at a market all day. Keeping rent low will be a focus so that the contributor can make the most of their sales and profit. After the agreed rent is deducted from their sales, they will receive 100% of the remaining money.

We also have plans for a tea service which will showcase the hand-blended and ethically sourced Herbal Teas of KT Teas by my friend Kate Maxwell.

Where did the name Handmade Highstreet come from? When I chose the name for my own Etsy store, bunnyhornet, I just chose something which sounded quirky and fun. People have since told me that they weren't sure what my business was as they couldn't work it out from the name! So when we were talking about the name for this store, I wanted it to convey exactly what would be sold there. Hence Handmade Highstreet sounded catchy and true to our products. I asked each of my friends to listen to the name once and then the next time I saw them I asked if they remembered it - and they all did!


How does Handmade Highstreet support independent artists and crafters and/or the handmade community?
We believe in handmade, having artisans among us. We also believe that small business has a place in modern society even though it sometimes feels like big corporations and businesses have the market-share in retail. We would love to give like minded people the opportunity to support local artists. We would like customers to be able to see and touch all the items in store and educate them on the makers and their process.

Giving handmade artisans a viable option for selling and customers a place in which to appreciate the complexities and impressive skills which these artisans display is paramount.

How can local designers and crafters get involved with Handmade Highstreet?
We can't get enough of Brisbane and Queensland crafts and art. There is so much talent here and we want to nurture it! So we would love anyone who has the desire to sell their beautiful wares to contact us at handmadehighstreet@mail.com.

Does Handmade Highstreet have any exciting upcoming events?
Our Grand Opening is on the 12th December and we will be hosting an evening soiree at the shop from 4-7pm with a glass of free bubbly and a chance to see the amazing and talented crafts of Brisbane's finest!

What does a typical day at work involve for you?
At the moment we spend 90% of our working hours on our email accounts liasing with our contributors to ensure we have a full-to-the brim shop when we open! We have also been busy restoring old furniture which will house the beautiful wares supplied by our contributors.

When we open we hope to give customers as much opportunity to shop instore as possible with extended and weekend opening hours. Our aim is to revitalise the area of Annerley in which we are situated and bring the masses of wonderful residents back to our high street.

How do you promote Handmade Highstreet?
Currently we promote through our Facebook page, Twitter account (@handmadehighst), Blog and through attending markets in the Brisbane area.

We are having a fancy-schamncy webpage designed by a good friend and when that is up and running, we hope to use this as a great tool for spreading the word.


What is your favourite item in the shop at the moment?
We are so excited to have some amazing and talented artisans onboard; Aqua Door Designs, Has Bean, Kiss My Patootie, Hermia's Wishes Paperia, Off the Hook, Mini Mayhem and Wind and Water Designs just to name a few!


What’s in store for Handmade Highstreet in 2012 and beyond?
We hope that Handmade Highstreet will be a busy and well-patronised small business.

Eventually we aim to offer space for small workshops, knitting circles and meetings. It is our hope that we can make a space which our community can be proud of and which is vital and vibrant!

Handmade Highstreet

1/466 Ipswich Rd,

Annerley QLD 4103

Mon 10am - 4pm

Tue 10am - 4pm

Wed 10am  - 4pm

Thur 10am - 5pm

Fri 10am  - 5

Sat 10am - 4pm

Tel: 0432 307 300

Email: handmadehighstreet@mail.com

A big thank-you to Kath for taking the time to chat with us! We look forward to seeing Handmade Highstreet become a vibrant hub for local artisans.

Shop Indie: Bleeding Heart

We're so excited to be bringing you the next installment in our Shop Indie series of posts. A few weeks back we caught up with the lovely Holly from Bleeding Heart to talk all things 'handmade' and 'ethical'.  This is what she had to say.....

Tell us a little about your background and what path led you to join Bleeding Heart?
My name is Holly Leonardson and I have a very keen interest in art, craft, design and handmade. My own personal obsession with making and drawing led me to start my own handmade ‘wearable art’ accessories label, Pannikin, back in 2007.

An opportunity to join the always-cheerful team at Bleeding Heart arose at the beginning of 2011, where I happily took up the role of retail-coordinator in the ever expanding gift shop and monthly city market. It is my job (and pleasure!) to make contact with a variety of creatives who may need help with that first step in approaching a retail outlet for their handmade products, or for those who are looking for more ethical retail businesses to stock their wares.

Bleeding Heart was born in 2008 and is an initiative of the Wise Foundation, which aims to empower disadvantaged and marginalised individuals and strengthen communities by providing business and creative opportunities.

Tell us what Bleeding Heart  is all about?
Bleeding Heart is many things – an event space for hire, a cafe, an art gallery, an artisan retail outlet and a wireless internet hub.

Sporting the motto, “Using our powers for good and not evil”, we pride ourselves on our operation as a “profit for purpose” organisation. This means that every dollar YOU spend goes into funding charitable and community enterprise.

We encourage and support positive activism, social andeconomic inclusion, education and self-supporting, ethical business practice.

Where did the name 'Bleeding Heart' come from?
The expression ‘bleeding heart’ has long had negative connotations and has been used to disempower and belittle those who champion human rights and care about other people. We are dedicated to assisting communities and marginalised people and are determined to reclaim‘Bleeding Heart’ as positive terminology.

How does Bleeding Heart support independent artists and crafters and/or the handmade community?
The Bleeding Heart Gift Shop aims to provide the discerning shopper with beautiful handmade, locally produced items. The items in our store make wonderful gifts and are original, unique conversation pieces. By selling these types of products, we seek to encourage social and community interaction and the notion of personal identity associated with craftsmanship. We take great pride in supporting local artisans and their small businesses!

We also take ZERO commission so all sales are returned to the artisan. Our current vendors are local artists and crafters and occasionally interstate creatives, all who we’ve chosen for their outstanding products.

How can local designers and crafters get involved with Bleeding Heart?
Simply contact us by emailing an enquiry to retail@bleedingheart.com.au or by calling 3229 0395. We’d love to hear from you!

Does Bleeding Heart have any exciting upcoming events?
Sure do! The Bleeding Heart City Markets are held every first Friday of the month from 10am – 4pm and dates have been confirmed until the end of 2011. We are always on the look out for fresh handmade talent and vintage gatherers so if you would like to know more about becoming a stallholder simply send through an email.

How do you promote Bleeding Heart?
You can sign up for our email newsletter to keep you up to date on all the goings on at our website, you can befriend us via our facebook page and if you still can’t get enough we also have a twitter account @bhgallery.

Visit Bleeding Heart at:

166 Ann Street, Brisbane QLD 4000

Tel: 3229 0395
Website: www.bleedingheart.com.au

Open: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

A big thank-you to Holly for taking the time to share the story of Bleeding Heart with us.  An ethical retail store creating 'profit for purpose', what's not to love!  Stay tuned next month for another installment of Shop Indie!

Shop Handmade: Cultiver

It's that time of the month again when we bring you the latest offerings in handmade and indie shopping. This month we caught up with Rebecca Lewis and Kyla D'Aubbonnett from Cultiver to discuss all things handmade, ethical and crafty!

Tell us a little bit about how Cultiver came into being?
Rebecca and I met whilst making coffee in a local Ipswich espresso bar. When we met we had no idea that it would be the start of something incredibly creative.  Over the 12 months that we worked together at the espresso bar we realised that we shared a love of handmade, up-cycling and all things 'granny'.

So, what is Cultiver all about?
Cultiver is the collaboration of our two handmade businesses into a brand new and exciting business.....Cultiver: Indie Arts and Design. Cultiver (cul-tee-vay) is an eco-ethical, handmade, fashion, accessories and homewares store with a designated atelier (workshop) for hosting formal workshops as well as a 'comfy zone' for informal craft clubs or simply lounging around and 'making'.

What are your individual creative pursuits?
Bec has her own label called Little Brown Dog. She is a self professed 'reverse engineer' finding new uses for old clothing and fabrics. I sell felt and fabric pieces under the Little Bird label. I am obsessed with vintage, retro prints and stationery.

How does Cultiver support independent artists and crafters and/or the handmade community?
Bec and I have been 'Craftisans' for a long time and have been through the hard slog of markets and online selling.  Through Cultiver we are determined to raise the status of modern, handmade designers and help them grow through promoting them in a retail venue.  There are over 40 Craftisans supplying Cultiver with their handmade goods and the number is growing with more and more exciting products filling the shelves every week.

How can local designers and crafters get involved with Cultiver?
If you are interested in becoming a Cultiver Craftisan you can send an email to cultivershop@gmail.com and we will send you an application package.

Can you describe the Cultiver retail space?
The retail space is huge and filled with fantastic handmade goodies from all over Australia.  The feel is granny-chic, harking back to the good old days when handmade was a way of life.  We found all of the shop fittings in local second-hand shops, we had many adventures sourcing the amazing pieces.

Where can we find Cultiver?
The combined retail and workshop space is located at 2/126 Brisbane St, Ipswich, with street frontage in the thriving Top of Town precinct.

Opening Hours:

Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm

Saturday - Sunday, 8.30am - 1.00pm

A big thank-you to Bec and Kyla for taking part in our popular 'Shop Handmade' series. You can follow Cultiver online via their blog or facebook page.

All images courtesy of Cultiver

Shop Handmade: Belle Bazaar Boutique

Belle Bazaar is a beautiful little boutique style store in Upper Mt Gravatt, Brisbane. We were lucky enough to catch up with Jessica, the owner of Belle Bazaar, to get a glimpse into the world of her gorgeous little shop!

Tell us a little about your background and what path led you to open your shop?
For the past 10 years I worked as a Travel Agent and loved shopping all over the world. My dream one day was to open a little shop that I could fill with amazing items from all over the world. I had my son and soon realised I needed something little to do other then just being a Mum, which I loved. So in September 2010 I started an online Blogazine called Belle Bazaar where I wrote about everyday beautiful things. Through this I met amazing designers who created beautiful clothes, jewellery and much more. In December 2010 I decided to bring my blogazine to life and showcase all of the amazing people I had met in the form of a Twilight Market which launched on 30th April. While organising that a beautiful shop became available and made me think about the possibility of opening my long awaited dream of a little boutique. So in  Feburary this year I asked my network if they would like to be apart of my shop and they all did and that is how the Belle Bazaar Boutique was born.

Tell us what the shop is all about?
Belle Bazaar Boutique is a beautiful shop filled with handmade clothes, jewellery, gifts and much much more. We try and source handmade as well as small boutique manufactured items that are different to most other shops. A shop where you can find quirky and unique gifts from all over the world.

Where did the shop name, Belle Bazaar, come from?
I love the Bazaar's in Morocco and wanted to create a little version of them here in Australia filled with beautiful items, so that is where Belle Bazaar came from, meaning Beautiful Market which I think sums up our shop and market.

How does the shop support independent artists and crafters or the handmade community?
The shop let's people explore what it would be like to showcase their items in a store without having to take on the large costs of opening one themselves. We love supporting all handmade artists by showcasing their wares in the shop or Twilight Market as well as writing about them in our Blogazine. Sharing their beautiful creations with our large network. We also host stall holder get togethers where they can meet other handmade crafters in a nice relaxed social get together and people can talk and swap stories. Usually these get togethers lead to exchanging precious information that helps them grow their business.

How can local designers get involved in the shop?
They can contact us via email belle.bazaar@hotmail.com or check out our Terms & Conditions on our blog www.bellebazaarboutique.blogspot.com or pop in to us at 139 Lumley Street, Upper Mt Gravatt.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?
Depends on if I have my little one with me or not.
I come in and mop and clean the floor. 
Get all my paper work together and ready for the day.
Depending on the week I might change the window display.
Then I answer all of my emails and if I have time I will source new items for the shop.
Try to update the shop, markets and blogazine blogs, check facebook and then it's time to go home.
How do you promote the shop?
I just had a delivery of 10,000 flyers so I will hand these out to promote the shop. I also have a shop stall at the Twilight Markets displaying what we have at the shop. I am continuously updating facebook and my blogs whenever we get anything new into the shop.

By hosting special VIP Nights at the shop. Also the shop is starting to be used for locations for magazine shoots which is great as that is extra exposure for the shop and of course hiring space in online magazines as well as hard covered magazines.

We have been nominated for New Small Business of the Year for the Quest Newspapers Small Business Awards so fingers crossed we can win this.

What is your favourite item in the shop at the moment?
Oh my I don't think I could pick just one.... I am quite partial to all our beautiful girls clothes (as a Mum of 1 boy can be) by Sisters & Co, JD Baby, Charli Jean and Aq Prettiness..... But I am loving the quirkiness and cuteness of Kawaii for You range of Japanese gifts. But for me Jewellery is a must so Ruby Olive, Just Lovely Things, Killari and Petit Plat. Petit Plat is from France and we are the only store outside of Europe which stocks her amazing miniature food jewels.

What's in store for 2011 and beyond?
I have come so far in such a short amount of time pretty much the sky is the limit. I never thought I would be where I am today. I have some great ideas for the handmade scene and getting it out to more and more people, hopefully expanding the markets to other cities and of course the shop as well.

If you would like to pop in and visit the Belle Bazaar Boutique it is located at:

139 Lumley Street, Upper Mt Gravatt, Brisbane

Opening Hours: Tuesday - Friday 9.30am - 4.00pm

Saturday 9.30am - 2.00pm

Closed Monday, Sunday & Public Holidays

Thank-you Jessica for taking the time to share your boutique with us!

All photos copyright to Musie J Photography

Shop Handmade: Tangled Yarns

Tangled Yarns is a beautiful little yarn shop in the thriving Newstead area, in Brisbane. We were lucky enough to catch up with Kelly Kingston, the owner of Tangled Yarns, to find out all about her shop and her plans for the future.

Tell us a little about your background and what path led you to open Tangled Yarns?
My grandmother taught me to knit when I was 6 or 7 years old. I dabbled here and there over the years, knitting, sewing, always tinkering with something crafty but the 'bug' truly bit when I was pregnant with my first child.  The nesting instinct kicked in with a vengeance; there is something very special about creating something handmade to wrap your tiny newborn in.

Prior to opening Tangled Yarns I was working in the corporate IT world and as much as I enjoyed my job I felt my creativity was being stifled.  I found that I was squeezing my creative desires in at night when the rest of my family was sleeping. After the birth of my second daughter I had a decision to make, my maternity leave was coming to an end and I was no longer looking forward to returning to my job.

By this stage I had been running a small online store selling my hand dyed yarns and knitting accessories for around a year and it was obvious that that was where my real passion was. After much soul searching I decided to take the leap of faith and turn my online store into a bricks and mortar store.  I had visions of a light, open, peaceful space, filled with colour and plenty of space for like-minded people to meet, socialise, share, learn and create.

Tell us what Tangled Yarns is all about?
If I had to describe Tangled Yarns in one sentence it would be 'An inspiring space where people can purchase high quality yarn and spend time with like-minded yarnies'.

We supply high quality knitting and crochet yarns along with accessories, books, magazines, patterns, needles, hooks and dyes.  I would also like to think that we are a great source of inspiration. We pride ourselves on being more than just a retail store.  We have a very vibrant social community both in store and online.  Our regular social groups of a weekend add an extra element to the store and we are constantly welcoming new crafters to the mix.

As a long time online consumer (going to a large shopping centre with two small children isn't my idea of fun) I understand the importance of speedy turn around times and excellent communication.  We strive to process and ship our online orders the day they are placed and have often shocked customers  when they order online at 4.30pm in the afternoon only for them to wake up with a lovely express parcel on their doorstep the following morning.

Where did the name 'Tangled Yarns' come from?
When I was in the planning stages for Tangled Yarns I knew that I wanted a business name that meant more than just describing what we sell.

For me, knitting is not just creating the end garment.  It is about the entire process from selecting the pattern and the yarn, the excitement of casting on and the thrill of finishing. There is nothing like giving something that you created yourself! And of course when a group of crafters get together the conversation just flows!

So the name Tangled Yarns encompasses the journey of creating something with thought, love and time plus the many stories that are told as the stitches are created. If you ask most knitters about a project they are likely to remember where they were and what they were doing when they were knitting it!

How does Tangled Yarns support independent artists and crafters and/or the handmade community?
Where possible I will choose independent over mainstream.  Although we do stock a small selection of the traditional knitting books and patterns our main resource are small independent designers.  We stock knitting patterns designed by many popular indie designers from the online knitting community and feature many more in our weekly newsletter.

One of our favourite yarns would have to be the Brisbane based Biggan Design yarns with their amazing colour range.  We stock both the 8ply and 4ply range and have designed a blanket to showcase the colours. We also stock handmade knitting bags by an independent designer which are so popular that we can't keep up to the demand.

How can local designers and crafters get involved with Tangled Yarns?
I am always on the lookout for new and interesting products to add to the store.  In the past we have stocked local hand dyed fibre, hand dyed yarns and hand spun yarns.

I also promote any up-coming local craft events that I come across and have had comments from our local customers saying how much they enjoy finding out about craft fairs that they might not have known about otherwise.

Does Tangled Yarns have any exciting upcoming events?
With winter in sight we have many new workshops scheduled to reignite people's love of knitting and crochet.  We have the wonderful Biggan Dups from Biggan Designs holding several workshops over March and April ranging from Continental Knitting to Colourwork.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?
Every day is a different day at work for me. Because I run my business around my two little girls I tend to multi-task a lot. My day starts early, usually with coffee and responding to emails. Several of my suppliers are in the US so sometimes the only way I can 'hold a conversation' with them is to get up and email them at 4am in the morning.

I try to call past the shop to prepare for the day before heading off to do the school drop offs.  Then it is back to the shop to attend to the online orders and admin/bookkeeping side of the business. Depending on the day and what is scheduled for the store we may have social groups or classes to attend to plus assisting a variety of shoppers in store and via our online store.

At this time of year I spend a reasonable amount of time ordering yarn.  It may sound like a dream job but it can be difficult not to get side-tracked by the pretty colours and remain subjective when selecting what to order!

A lot of planning also goes into my weekly newsletter which over the past two years has become a very large part of Tangled Yarns and our customers.  I have received many wonderful emails on a Friday evening after the newsletter goes out; it seems that it is just not a Friday until the Tangled Yarns newsletter is out. During the week I can take up anywhere from 200-400 photos that I edit and prepare for either the website or the newsletter.

I leave the store mid afternoon to pick up my girls from school and head home. Although I have left the store I am always on the end of my email and remain in contact with my staff.  I am certainly very lucky to have a wonderful team of staff that I can leave in charge while I go home and look after my family.

Once the domestic duties are done and my children are asleep I am back online researching new products, responding to more emails or knitting and crocheting projects for the shop. The days are well and truly full to the brim but I know just how lucky I am to be doing something that I am so passionate about!

How do you promote Tangled Yarns?
Our best form of advertising is word of mouth.  Our high standard of customer service and product knowledge means that our customers leave happy and spread the word. We also advertise on Ravelry with both banner advertising and through our Tangled Yarns group.

By far our best advertising is our weekly newsletter where we update with our latest shipments, launch monthly Knit-A-Longs, classes and workshops.  We receive wonderful feedback from our newsletter subscribers.

What is your favourite item in the shop at the moment?
This can change almost daily with new stock arriving in store often.  However, a long term favourite is our Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece range. I have recently finished a blanket for my 5yr olds bed.....

What's in store for Tangled Yarns in 2011 and beyond?

This month we have celebrated our 2nd birthday!  I hope to continue to offer exceptional customer service, support and inspiration whilst providing an interesting range of products to the crafty community.

If you would like to visit Tangled Yarns you can find the store at:

Studio A / 9 Chester Street

Newstead  QLD  4006

Tel: (07) 3666 0276

Email: tangled@tangledyarns.com.au

Web: www.tangledyarns.com.au

Opening Hours:

Monday to Wednesday 9.30am - 5.30pm

Thursday 9.30am - 8.00pm

Friday 9.30am - 5.30pm

Saturday 9.00am - 4.00pm

Sunday 10.00am - 2.00pm