Monday Maker - Baby Bubba Steps

Hi Charlotte,

Were you creative as a child?

Yes, very creative. I was always thinking outside the box. My Grandmother and mother were very creative too. They sewed a great deal of my clothing as a child. I thought I was the coolest kid with a halter top (that my Mum made)!

How would you describe your work?

I design from 'real life'. I make ergonomic baby accessories that fit with my mission statement, "Making parenting....just a little easier".

I believe we all have our own talents and refuse to mimic other maker's wares. As my work takes shape, I mull over designs and ideas in my head until my artistry has exactly the feel that makes it complete.

How did you start selling on Etsy?

I heard about Etsy from other market vendors and after much reading of guidelines and well documented sales advice, decided this was the perfect handmade marketplace that had the ability to feature my Baby Bubba Steps - Bubba Gear in just the right environment for the exposure I aimed for, and in such a professional platform.

Who or what inspires you?

Literally my fabrics provide my daily inspiration. I imagine the happy faces of Mums and Dads as they pour over my brightly coloured bibs and burp cloths until they have found just the right one for their precious little one. I just love seeing those satisfied faces when they find it.

The person who inspired me to sew was my gorgeous mother-in-law, Diana! She always had several projects on the go. Her sewing room was a minefield of pins. One never went in without shoes!

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

My designs are deliberately created so as to minimise wastage, yet to be ergonomic. Nothing goes to waste.

Even my offcuts from bibs have become environmentally friendly reusable face washer pads.

Describe your work space?

I took over my daughter's granny flat style bedroom when she joined the Navy. I have cubby shelving and tubs for storing small pieces of fabric. I have over 20 entire bolts of fabric in my stock.

I work mostly off a 2m by 1.2m table, elevated on bricks to give me an ergonomic height. I keep fragranced candles in my work space as well as a photo of my family to remind me I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.

What is your favourite thing to make?

Pretty hair bows and fluffy head bands. I love seeing little girl's faces light up when they see them!
Everyone deserves to feel pretty.

And how did you come up with your business name?

A male nurse I work with calls everyone Bubba as an endearing name and he made me feel so special so I wanted to share that feeling with others. Baby Steps, is intended to fit in with the different items I make for the different stages of Babyhood. So we get Baby Bubba Steps.

Do you have a tip for others wanting to enter the Creative market?

Do your research!! Ensure you have an original idea. Shoppers always 'vote' for you with their wallet.

What is a creative day like for you?

A short walk into my sewing studio where I sit at my 'desk of creativity' and the juices are flowing.
If I already have a lot of stock I like to take out pen and paper and just draw, letting my imagination go. I always have 4 or 5 ideas on my "shelf".



Do you have a favourite quote?

'It's not done until it's fully done, and doesn't look 'homemade'.

What kind of music do you like to listen to while creating?

Please don't judge - I listen to very old funky music from Magic 88.2

Do you have a favourite handmade item you have bought from someone else?

A set of makeup brushes in a purpose made roll up travel case- from a BrsStyler at the Ipswich Rail Museum.

Where can we find you online?

www.facebook.com/baby-bubba-steps
www.facebook.com/dollybeesgiftsandhandmadecrafts
www.etsy.com.au/babybubbasteps
www.instagram.com/Babybubbasteps

How long have you been a BrisStyler and how did you find out about it?

Almost two years now and I found BrisStyle through an online search of Brisbane Markets.

What made you join BrisStyle?

I think it's important to have a sense of 'belonging'. The world is so 'me first' and I think people gain a greater sense of self and purpose when they belong to a group of likeminded crafters.

Every single market, I meet new crafts people and learn from them. I also share my knowledge.


Why do you 'make'?

I have a difficult time looking at things during Mall Shopping without thinking "I could make that better" so crafting is a natural.

Well thank you Charlotte.