Kim from Cacycat is this week's Monday Maker

This week we get an insight into our own Lego lady, Kim from the label Cacycat. Kim and I have shared a table often at BrisStyle markets and during that time I have seen firsthand how she has grown with her label. Let's find out where her creative journey has taken her now.

Hi Kim and thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.

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

I've been crocheting since I was about 7 years old and have always been interested in lots of crafts from a young age! 

Mum used to make us a homemade playdough so we would make little things out of it. Then she'd dry it in the oven or on the windowsill and we'd paint it to put on display or give as gifts :)

How would you describe your work?

My work is generally inspired by geeky/nerdy or quirky things so lots of colourful jewellery made from LEGO(r), crochet amigurumi toys of movie characters, trendy baby things and funky toys. 

How has your work evolved since you started?

I do my research, what's trending, check what lots of other people are selling so I don't sell the same or at least have my own spin on it that is unique to my brand. That's how I started making more crochet things like toys as I tested out my style and found a wanted gap in the local market :) 

How did you start selling on Etsy?

Someone mentioned it to me years ago so I just looked it up and signed up! After attending a BrisStyle workshop I finally found graphic design packages on Etsy for an Etsy Shop look and feel. I bought it and it was a turning point in establishing my online brand through Etsy.

Who or what inspires you?

Colour inspires me. And yarn, the touch, the feel, the possibilities! And I'm obsessed with Pinterest. LOL!

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

Lots of the LEGO I use is either used or vintage so I upcycle it and I've rescued plenty of yarn from deceased estates (donated to me). 

Can you describe your workspace to us?

Things are constantly evolving from sitting in front of the TV working out of a small container to having a desk and office space and now several shelves full of yarn. I do a lot of my work still on the couch though binge watching Netflix ;)

 Do you have a favourite thing to make?

Anything crochet is my fave. Mostly toys that are my own design.

How did your business name come about?

I've had the email address Cacycat since I was a teenager it came from my maiden initials K C - Cacy and I've always loved cats! So it made sense to keep it and use Cacycat as my business name as it feels like part of my identity.

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

In the next 12 months I'd like to expand my range and set up and finally create my own website.

Do you have a top tip for others wanting to into the handmade market?

Find the niche that suits you. 

Do your research and find something different you can do to a great quality for a reasonable profit.  

Can you describe your typical creative day?

I crochet on the bus to work, at lunch, on the way home on the bus or in the car and there after dinner on the couch!

I feel weird if I haven't crocheted all day!

Do you have a favourite quote?

"Fail to Plan: Plan to Fail"

Do you have a favourite TV program to watch while making?

Just watching my soapie or movies with my toddler :) And my fave movie is 'Silence of he Lambs'.





Where can we find you online and in the flesh?

I have stock in Reverse Garbage Emporium.

And I can be found online here:

www.etsy.com/shop/Cacycat

www.facebook.com/cacycatdesigns

How long have you been a member  of BrisStyle?

I think it's been about 5 or 6 years.

And how did you find out about BrisStyle?

I honestly can't remember, LOL, I think I heard through another stall holder at another market. Or maybe just through my research online.

Why did you become a member?

For the support, the info sessions and at the time, access to be a part of a regulated genuine handmade marketplace.

My favourite question Kim is, Why do you craft?

Because it makes me happy and calm, (mostly) and gives our family a little extra money to do the things we want or need to do.

Thank you so much Kim for sharing your wealth of experience with us today, and see you at the next BrisStyle market.

Jenny from Thorigami - Monday Maker

Jenny must be one of the cheeriest creative people I've ever met. Always helpful and often helping out as one of our gorgeous 'market Angels'. I've been wanting to interview her for quite a while. Well the opportunity finally came.

And here it is. Hello Jenny and thank you so much for being this week's Monday Maker.

Do you come from a creative family?

Both my parents are creative in different ways, so were my grandparents. My mum always knitted, crocheted, baked and stitched. As a child l would watch her, she was also very good at sewing, as was my grandmother, who was a seamstress. My parents are also very creative with their garden, creating an amazing space in their back yard and at their summer house in the forest. 

My Dad is incredible at creating things from his own designs, he builds outdoor rooms from recycled windows, outdoor showers, he can basically build anything and is a very creative person. They have both inspired me in different ways to be creative.

Were you creative as a child?

As a child l was sick a lot, so l guess l always had a lot of time being creative. I loved drawing and cutting things out and sorting my grandmother's buttons into colours. 

My grandmother taught me how to crochet at the age of about 7. She was a cool grandmother as she also taught me to play poker, with tooth picks as money, it still makes me laugh thinking about it. 

l would make Christmas gifts for my family, pretty wonky potholders mainly.  My dad also would take the time to teach me how to make my own wooden butter knives, cutting boards etc, which found their way into Christmas presents. 
I basically loved doing things with my hands and creating little things from a very early age.

How would you describe your work?

I would describe my work as a little bit whimsical and very much inspired by nature. 
I love to watch things come to life, it really gives me a happy feeling. 

So basically my work is colorful and mainly inspired by nature. The shape, the colours all play a big part, even in my daily life. 

What is your favourite thing to make?

Big crochet toadstools, cacti and colorful mandalas are some of my favorite things to make, as well as folding origami into tiny little creations and then making them into earrings. 
I find the process really calming.

Focusing internally on one little thing, and being very repetitive, is almost like meditating.

Has your work evolved since you started?

I guess l am always evolving, l think if l stop evolving my craft, l would get immensely bored.

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

I try to use as much recycled paper as l can, as well as buying recycled silver findings. Op shopping for yarn and ripping up sweaters. I like to do as much as l can, another example is that the stuffing l use for my toadstools and cactus are usually from old cushions. 

Most of the things l make can also be taken apart and recycled or reused for other things, if you get tired of them.

Describe your workspace?

I work from many places in my house, in front of the TV, on my sunny deck, out in the back yard or cafes. My craft is easy to take on the road, l guess because both paper and yarn are very portable.

l also have a sunroom, which l love sitting in, on my old yellow vinyl, late 60's chairs, around my octagonal table. The space is so full of light and also very close to my yarn and other things l need.

How did your business name come about?

My name came about, talking to my partner about names and just mucking around. He said "how's about Thorogami? Your surname and origami merged!" l liked it and from there it went. 

Hopefully l will still feel happy and inspired in the next year or so and keep coming up with new things to make. But l will never stop being creative, making and creating makes me happy and challenges me in many ways, l love it!

What's your top tip to others wanting to break into the creative market?

I would say to any one wanting to start selling their crafty creations, just do it, be brave, jump in! Join a creative group like BrisStyle and get involved, talk to other creative people and make things you love.

Describe your typical creative day?

The great thing about working from home is that l can stay in pj's if l want, drink tea all day and be around my two dogs, who sometimes get tangled in my yarn, especially my Chihuahua, Pippi, who likes to sleep on my lap. 

I really like it. But I guess my typical creative day doesn't just last 9-5, it goes into the evening, weekends and pretty much anytime. I love that it's flexible and that l love doing it, l never feel bored.

Do you like to listen to music or have any fave  movies while creating? 

I love listening to all sorts of music whilst creating, and also binge watch series on Netflix, naughty, l know. Sometimes l just love sitting outside with only the birds and the sound of my little back yard, it all depends on my mood.

What is your favourite handmade item that you have bought?

One of my favorite handmade things l've bought is a pair of silver earrings from a silver village in Sumatra, it was a really lovely place to visit and it took us a couple of hours to walk there, something l will never forget. 

But l also love many local Brisbane makers. Buying handmade is wonderful.

Where can we find you online

I am a bit of a procrastinator and have been saying for about 1 year that l'm going to start my etsy and madeit shops, l have started filling out everything, but then l get distracted. 

But you can find me on Instagram @jemthorsan_thorogami
and here www.facebook.com/thorogamibythor

Thank you so much for wanting share my journey

Do you have a Favourite quote 

One of my favourite quotes are 'My religion is simple, my religion is kindness' HH Dalai Lama

How long have you been a member of BrisStyle?

l think l am on my third year now that l have been a member. 

How did you find out about BrisStyle?

I was invited to the Christmas party at Southside Tearoom, by Sharon, from Treble Two. We met at a crochet group, she thought l should come along. l am so glad l did, l loved it, even though l think it took me another 6 months to join. 

Why did you become a member?

l became a member because it felt like such a lovely community, easy going and encouraging, very friendly. l also wanted to feel part of a group of other creative people. 

Why do you craft?

l craft because it is part of me, l always have and always will craft, make things and think of things l want to try. Crafting challenges me and also keeps me happy, 

Well thank you so much Jenny, it's been lovely talking to you.

It's Monday Maker Gen Rossouw from Jhoomka

Hi Gen and thanks for participating in the Monday Maker interview. 

I'd love to ask you just a few questions.

Firstly, do you come from a creative family?

Yes, I have a family of creatives, my mum makes quilts and my 3 aunties have all been very successful crafters.

How would you describe your work?

My earrings are funky ;)


Has your work changed since you started?

Yes, slowly and bit by bit I have tried new styles of earrings to make and improved the doilies heaps.

How did you start selling on Etsy?

I opened my Etsy store through joining  Brisstyle and talking to members. It seems to work for a lot of people so I thought to give it a go!

What inspires you?

Art, street art especially! 

Do you reduce or reuse as part of your creative process?

Yes I do! My earrings are from old tableclothes, reused and repurposed! They are eco-friendly :)

What is your work area like?

I have a small table set up at home.

Do you have a favourite thing to make?

Knitted beanies. There is an odd satisfaction that I get from knitting.

Where did the name Jhoomka come from?

Jhoomka means earrings in Nepalese and I recently spent a lot of time there and it seemed fitting and different.

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

I hope to get a small thriving business going as part of my creative journey as well as delving into different aspects of jewelry making such as wire work and making beads.

Do you have any advice for others trying to make it in the creative industry?

Persistence, patience and belief in your work.

Do you like to watch movies or listen to music while creating?

I watch movies when I make earrings or listen to blues music. Keeps the juices flowing :)

What is your favourite handmade object that you have bought?

A handmade bed spread from Cambodia. It must have taken hours for someone to make and it's so so gorgeous!

Where can we find you online?

https://www.facebook.com/Jhoomka

How long have you been a member of BrisStyle?

I joined only a few months ago.

And how did you find out about BrisStyle?

Through Facebook.

Why did you join?

I became a member to learn more about making my crafts into a business, how to do the markets and overall inspiration.

Why do you create Gen?

I can't sit still and it's a great way to release tension and stress

Thanks Gen and welcome to BrisStyle.

Anita

Monday Maker - My Aunty Anna ( she's not really MY Aunty Anna )

This week I have selected Kate from the label 'My Aunty Anna' as our guest for the Monday Maker series. I met Kate via Instagram and was just amazed at her creativity in her everyday life. And also her prolific use of recycled materials for her work.
Would you like to meet Kate?

So tell us a bit about yourself  My Aunty Anna, 

Were you creative as a child? 
My Mum taught me to knit when I was about seven - I still have the first thing that I made, all weird and full of mistakes and holes. I was always knitting, sewing, embroidering, and just generally making stuff all through childhood and my teens. I stopped in my early 20s because I started to feel self conscious about being able to do all of those 'feminine' and 'domestic' things.

I started crafting again when I was traveling about 12 years ago, I found myself spending lots of time on buses and trains and feeling like I could be spending the time being productive. I bought some yarn and knitting needles in an op shop in the   UK and that was that! 

Do you come from a creative family?
Yes. Mum was always knitting, sewing, spinning, doing pottery etc. She still quilts and does mosaics and lead light.

I love the way that people of all ages, men and women, are now embracing these skills again and how it's being done in a way that empowers people.

How would you describe your work?
My spin at the moment is that I create community 
through craft. 

I do this by facilitating workshops and social crafting groups, installing communal craft projects at events and festivals (giant communal weaving loom, giant knitting loom, and other communal weaving projects), and by creating temporary interactive craft spaces where people come in and experience a colourful and tactile space and can also make something to add to the installation. 
Often the materials involved in the communal craft or temporary space have been donated or produced by others in my community - so there's a real sense of ownership and of having contributed to the project.





How has your work evolved since you started?
It's always changing. I'm always moving from one thing to another, and experimenting with different techniques and materials. 

When I joined BrisStyle I had this idea that I was going to make things to sell - and I do, but it's never been my main focus. I really don't like mass producing things - I don't enjoy making the same things all the time I have to be moving and changing what I'm doing. 

After doing one market I realised it just didn't feel like my thing. Maybe I'll do more of that when I find the time!  Often I feel like I provide an experience where people can take a break from the real world for a bit and take some time for themselves to be creative and hang out with other people - rather than creating a product as such.

Anouk - the next generation of crafter

Nature Wands

 Do you sell online? 
it's still on my 'to do' list :) 

Who or what inspires you? 
So many things. The obvious eye candy like Instagram and Pinterest trigger ideas, but ideas can come from anywhere. 

Often when I'm asleep or half awake some crazy idea pops up and I run with it. But I'm definitely inspired by retro and vintage crafts and craft books etc. 

So much of what we are doing really isn't new - these crafts and techniques have been around for a really long time. 

We think about the most recent craft resurgence in the 70s when we think of things like weaving and macrame but they've been around for much longer than that and across so many different cultures. The way we do these things now has definitely changed and evolved - different styles and materials, a real emphasis on upcycling, and even different motivations for doing these things because of how our lifestyles have changed and the influence of technology etc.  
But the crafts are essentially the same as they've always been and I have a deep respect for all the crafters and makers that come before us - it's like we stand on each others shoulders with those skills having been passed on from one generation to the next stretching back in time. 

When I think of my Mum teaching me to knit and her mother having taught her and so on, it's just mind blowing.

  

T-Shirt Yarn Tassels

 Do you reduce, reuse, recycle as part of your creative process? Always and as much as possible. 

I use a lot of vintage/retro materials. I op shop a lot - and always have so I have way too much stuff. People are always giving me stuff! 

It's also great to be able to make do with what you have and what you can find - it can make some crafts really affordable and therefore accessible to people. 

 For example, my large communal weaving loom is constructed from timber salvaged from building sites and the materials that are used for the weaving are donated clothing, linens, fabrics, bedding and other random things. I cut these into strips and create a type of yarn out of them that is used for weaving. 

Describe your studio/workspace?
Messy. Out of control. Mostly my studio just acts as storage and most of the making happens in my dining room :)

What is your favourite thing to make?
I can't answer this - certainly I tend to make things with fibre and yarn etc the most. So things like weaving, knitting, crocheting, etc are things that I always come back to. And PomPoms!


 How did the name 'My Aunty Anna' come about?
I spent ages thinking about this - I wanted a name that somehow suggested the past or things being recycled/upcycled/preloved, without being too obvious or using words like vintage or retro. I was on a weekend away with friends when one of the kids taught my daughter an old clapping rhyme called My Aunty Anna - I liked the alliteration and that the rhyme has it's own history, ( now and again I come across someone who knows the rhyme).

I also think the word 'Aunty' suggests an older woman and a link with a past time. 

As a business name it seems to be remembered and people identify me with it so I guess in that sense it's worked as a branding exercise.

Where do you see your creative journey taking you in the next 12 months?
I just don't know. I can't predict it. Probably doing bigger things, creating bigger spaces and installations.

I have some crazy ideas and I'm always up for a ridiculous crafting challenge. Everything just seems to be getting bigger at the moment - just in the last couple of months there was a 6.5 m tall knitted/macrame teepee that I made with a friend (Jennine from Fibre Arts Road ) a really big yarn bombing installation in my local area, and then PARK(ing) Day for BrisStyle last week - we had three parks so it was almost 18m long.

What’s your top tip to others wanting to break into the handmade/creative market?Join BrisStyle ;) find something that you love and something that you do well, and make it yours, make it unique. You'll be inspired by others, we all are, but try not to rip off the work of others even though there is rarely anything that is truly new or unique.Love what you do and own it, but realise that you have to work very hard to make it work. Think about your motivation for wanting to do it - is it money, or is it something else? 

Describe your typical creative day?Drop the kids at school. Work like crazy on whatever it is that I'm obsessed with at the time, ignoring things like housework, then pick the kids up again and try to tidy up a bit so it looks like I've done something other than craft.

  

Maths comes in handy when building a Teepee

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

                          I prefer silence. I don't get enough of that. 

                          Do you have a favourite quote?
                         "It is what it is" - author unknown 

What is your favourite handmade item that you have bought?I have a lot of jewellery from local makers. One of my favourite handmade things at the moment is a bangle made on a 3D printer - a friend made it for me and I'm a closet science nerd so I love it.

Where can we find you online?My online life is mainly Facebook and Instagram. 

https://www.facebook.com/MyAuntyAnna

https://instagram.com/myauntyanna/

How long have you been a member of brisstyle? Maybe two years. 

How did you find out about brisstyle?

I've known Bel for a long time. So I've known about BrisStyle from the early days and visited the markets in their various locations. 

Why did you become a member?

Partly for the support that BrisStyle and it's members provide, and to support BrisStyle and everything it does for makers/crafters/artisans. 

Being a member of BrisStyle has given me opportunities to do a whole range of things -  workshops, presentations, markets, installations, and meeting a bunch of other creative people.

Why do you craft?

Because I have to. I have no choice, it's in my DNA. I can't help myself and have to always be making something, being productive and busy. Other people watch TV or read or whatever, I make. It also keeps me sane (ish).

Thanks so much Kate it was great chatting with you, Anita x

P.S Don't forget you can vote for Kate's amazing installation for BrisStyle as Part of BNE PARK(ing) Day, by heading HERE (voting closes at 9am Sept 21st)

SoTLA 2013 :: Hands on Workshops :: Hosted by Brisbane Brown Owls

Brisbane Brown Owls meet once or twice a month in various locations throughout Brisbane. At each meet up we either learn a new craft or you can bring along your own craft to do. It's all about sharing crafty knowledge and skills, meeting like-minded people and having a cuppa. Joining Brisbane Brown Owls is easy, just sign up for the email list HERE

WORKSHOP COSTS          FREE

BOOKINGS                      Essential through brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com (Places limited)

	CROCHET GRANNY SQUARES AND CROCHETING IN THE ROUND Learn the basics of granny squares to create fabulous homewares or wearables or whip up crochet baskets and owls in no time once you have perfected the art of crocheting in the round.  WHEN                 Sunday 21 April / 10.30am -12.30pm WHERE               Brisbane Square Library COST                  FREEBookings are essential.  Contact brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com (Places are limited)
	CROCHET BASICS The perfect opportunity for those who previously missed out on crochet basics or who would like to brush up on their hooking skills! WHEN                Friday 26 April 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE               Ministry of Handmade, 11 Eclipse Street, Bridgeman Downs COST                  FREEBookings are essential.  Contact brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com (Places are limited)
	RAG RUGS Upcycle your old fabric scraps, sheets or t-shirts into an oval or circle rug using a quick and simple knotting technique. You won't believe how easy it is!  WHEN                 Saturday 27th April / 10.30am -12.30pm WHERE               Carindale Library COSTS                FREEBookings are essential.  Contact brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com (Places are limited)
	Mother's Day Card and Gift Box Set with Shirley McAvoy fromStamping Elephants Learn from the super talented Shirley McAvoy of Stamping Elephants to create a beautiful card and gift box set just in time for Mother's Day! Stamp, assemble and finish a handmade Mother's Day Card and put together and decorate a matching gift box that can be used to fill with chocolates or little handmade gifts. WHEN                 Tuesday 30 April, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE               Caboolture Library at The Hub, 4 Hasking Street, Caboolture COSTS                $5 for materials Bookings are essential.  Contact brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com (Places are limited)
	RUBBER STAMP MAKING Custom make your own series of stamps using basic erasers. Bring along your own designs and transform them into sweet stamps in a matter of minutes. WHEN           Wednesday 8th May / 6pm - 8pm WHERE         The Grange Library COSTS          FREEBookings are essential.  Contact brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com (Places are limited)
	RECYCLED T-SHIRT CRAFT Bring along your old t-shirts and transform them into new wearable items, homewares or t-shirt yarn. We'll show you all the tips and tricks and discuss great ways to use every part of the t-shirt in new and functional ways.  WHEN           Thurs 16th May / 6pm - 8pm WHERE         Indooroopilly Library COSTS          FREEBookings are essential.  Contact brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com (Places are limited
	FABRIC BROOCHES Hand-stitch brooches from your old fabric scraps. Rebecca from edward & lilly reveals the 17th century button making technique she uses to make her embroidered brooches - because age-old crafts really do die hard!  WHEN           Sunday 19th May / 10.30am -12.30pm WHERE         Brisbane Square Library COSTS          FREEBookings are essential.  Contact brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com (Places are limited)
	CROCHET EDGES ON CARDBOARD AND FABRIC Finish off your face cloths, tea towels and blankets or create memorable gift tags and postcards with beautiful crochet edges.  WHEN           Saturday 25 May / 10.30am -12.30pm WHERE         Ashgrove Library COSTS          FREEBookings are essential.  Contact brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com (Places are limited)
	LINO PRINTING WHEN          Sunday 26 May, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE         Imogen's Art Space, 9 Morgan Terrace, Bardon COSTS          TBC Bookings are essential.  Contact brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com (Places are limited)
	KNITTING FOR CHARITY Find crafty ways of giving back to your local community through knitted craft. Learn basic knitting and crochet skills. WHEN          Sunday June 9  / 10.30am -12.30pm WHERE         Indooroopilly Library COSTS          FREEBookings are essential.  Contact brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com (Places are limited)
	BASKET WEAVING Weave a lovely basket for your home with upcycled sheets, t-shirt yarn or fabric scraps.  WHEN          Sunday 16 June / 10.30am -12.30pm WHERE        Brisbane Square Library COSTS         FREEBookings are essential.  Contact brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com (Places are limited)
	SCREEN PRINTING WHEN          Sunday 23 June, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE         Imogen's Art Space, 9 Morgan Terrace, Bardon COSTS          TBC Bookings are essential.  Contact brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com (Places are limited)

Presented by Brisbane Brown Owls and proudly supported by BrisStyle Inc. and the  Brisbane City Council