interviews

Mr Rabbit hand-knitted soft toy based on original vintage knitting pattern by Lark (AUD $64.95) Mrs Rabbit also available!

Lark is well known for handmade childrens toys, clothes and gifts, & certainly well-loved by many! Combining sweet vintage graphics with the cutest of handmade products, and with an ethical approach to every part of production, Lark is a label to be admired.

We're so excited to be posting this interview with Allison Jones to coincide with the launch of the first issue of Peppermint Magazine. You'll find our little piece published on those fresh-scented* recycled pages too! (*Pages not actually peppermint-scented.)

We have another treat for you - our little indie store is stocked full of gorgeous Lark handmade goodies, from guilt-free cupcakes & doughnuts, to vintage storybook mirrors & magnets guaranteed to bring back happy memories. Strike while the iron is hot & before our cupboard is bare! indie store products are ordered especially to accompany a selection of our feature interviews. We have just a handful of handmade Lark goodness, so don't be slow! (Don't forget to take a look at the Anna Laura badges & Meringue wristlets while you're there...)

Watermelon hand-knitted fruit rattle by Lark - AUD $14.95 (incl. GST) from indie art & design store.

I 1. How did Lark get started?

LARK I rented a room above my son’s crèche, in a big old Victorian house, filled it with all the things that inspire me, and spent every spare moment in there for six months thinking about how I could turn my obsession with vintage design and craft into a business.

Owl organic soap by Lark (AUD $11.95)

I 2. With stockists thoughout the UK & Australia, is it a big challenge to manage it all from Daylesford (Victoria)?

LARK No, actually Daylesford is the perfect place to run a small business from – all the facilities I need (school, post office, shops, coffee) are within 5 minutes walk! And we are part of a really small, close community, so whenever we need to travel for business meetings or trade fairs, there are friends on hand to help with childcare and look after our home and pets.

Set of 6 hand-knitted doughnuts by Lark - AUD $39.95 (incl. GST) from indie art & design store.

I 3. What inspires you & influences your designs? (Your own little ones?)

LARK I'm a collector – since my teenage years I've hunted down vintage textiles, fabrics, old children's books, vintage signs and packaging. This is where my visual inspiration comes from – my ideas for new products come from my memories of my own childhood, as I was lucky enough to be given mainly home-made clothes and toys, and I still think they are better than mass-produced products.

Apple hand-knitted fruit rattle by Lark - AUD $14.95 (incl. GST) from indie art & design store.

I 4. Social & environmental issues are obviously close to your heart. How has this influenced Lark's manufacturing & materials?

LARK Ethical production is an essential part of Lark - whenever I come up with a new product idea, it wont go into production until I can find materials and suppliers that I feel comfortable working with. We have recently started to work with Windarring, an organization for adults with disabilities near my home, which means that for the first time in 4 years I can finally hand over the production of some of our badges and mirrors!

Blue and white vintage fabric button hairpins by Lark - AUD $9.95 (incl. GST) from indie art & design store.

I 5. The Knitted Toys are perhaps the most recognisable of the Lark lineup – tell us about working with the women who do the knitting!

LARK It's been a long, complicated, often frustrating journey, but ultimately very rewarding. I would recommend fair trade manufacture to anyone with a craft business. The women in Bangladesh who knit my products have incredible skills and they benefit directly from our association – as well as fair pay for their labour, they have the opportunity to work with their children nearby and they receive training and career opportunities. Any profits that are made are used to fund much-needed facilities like schools and midwifery centres.

Vintage linen baby shoes by Lark (AUD $29.95)

I 6. Which products are your personal favourites?

LARK The pocket mirrors made with vintage storybook pages were one of the first products I designed back in the 'room above the creche' days and I still love them – every piece is a mini and unique artwork that you can carry about in your handbag!

Vintage storybook pocket mirrors by Lark - AUD $5.00 each (incl. GST) from indie art & design store.

I 7. Do you see the market expanding for handmade & vintage products?

LARK Absolutely – it's become clear that mass-production, whether it be food, clothing or children's toys, is neither desirable nor sustainable, so I think that people will increasingly value products that are hand-made, fair trade, recycled or pre-loved.

Assorted vintage storybook pocket mirrors by Lark - selected designs AUD $5.00 each (incl. GST) from indie art & design store.

I 8. The "gifts to make" are a fun way to introduce kids to craft, and Miss Buttons is adorable! (Miss Buttons is the creation of Melbourne designer Angela White.) Have you heard many entertaining tales of Miss Buttons making process? Does the Lark online store stock many labels other than Lark itself?

LARK My partner and I have recently launched 'Lark and Friends', a small collective of indie designers from the UK and Australia with a similar ethos to Lark. We sell on behalf of the collective to retailers and via our larkmade.com.au web shop. Angela was the first person to join us - I adore Miss Buttons and she has a huge fan club. There is a customer gallery on the Sew Your Own website and it's fantastic to see the photos and notice how children have customised their kits to make every doll unique to them.

Red with white spots vintage fabric button hairpins by Lark - AUD $9.95 (incl. GST) from indie art & design store.

I 9. The Lark online store is full of handmade treasures. Is the online store a popular way of ordering products, or do you think most people seek out a local stockist?

LARK I think that most buyers who appreciate hand-made goods would prefer to browse in real shops (like me), but an online store is really handy when you need to buy a last-minute gift or if you are really busy with your work and/or kids!

Christopher Robin and Caterpillar vintage picture book magnets by Lark - AUD $5.00 (incl. GST) from indie art & design store.

I 10. There's a thriving online community of crafty people – both hobbyists & those with their own handmade labels. How is Lark involved?

LARK I have my own blog (http://www.the-lark.blogspot.com/) and am in touch regularly with other crafters every day, which is essential for support and inspiration – especially living in a rural area. It's also a great way for Lark to get involved in community projects – for instance the Softies for Mirabel campaign (http://flickr.com/groups/softiesformirabel/) which is raising funds for children of families affected by substance abuse in Melbourne, through craft.

Pumpkin hand-knitted veggie rattle by Lark - AUD $14.95 (incl. GST) from indie art & design store.

I 11. You, Pip from Meet Me At Mikes blog & Angela from Sew Your Own exhibited together recently at the Life inStyle trade fair (July/August 2008, Melbourne). What new products can you tell us about?

LARK Yes! The new Meet Me At Mikes blog label includes the cutest pendants made with vintage swap cards, and a whole lot of other hand-made goodies. As for Lark, I was launching a new range of knitted soft toys based on vintage patterns, and many new children's accessories. Sew Your Own's Miss Buttons was joined by a gentleman friend (of the superhero variety) as well as a brand new babushka-style doll, Miss Allsorts. We received a tremendous response from retailers and are now busy packing up boxes of goodness to send all over Australia!

Set of four hand-knitted cupcakes by Lark - AUD $39.95 (incl. GST) from indie art & design store.

I 12. Where is Lark headed in the future?

LARK Wherever there are opportunities to work with awesome people to make and sell things that children (and their parents) will love and be inspired by!

Thank you so much Allison for this wonderful insight into the life of Lark! I think it's really something to turn such a passion for vintage-inspired products and responsibility for ethical & environmentally-friendly production into a thriving business. Keep up-to-date with Lark happenings through The Lark blog at www.the-lark.blogspot.com.

On tonight is the book launch of The Weekend Artist by local Sydney artist Gerard Smith, better known as "the guy in the art store". If you're in Sydney, why not join the celebrations at:

Oxford Art Supplies
221 – 225 Oxford St,
Darlinghurst, 2010.
Thursday 10th July, 6–8pm

The Weekend Artist is full of projects designed to release your inner artist. It gives you just enough technical information to create contemporary, achieveable works that would be a bold addition to any home. Gerard has kindly answered a few of our questions to give us some insight into the process of getting published!

I 1. How did the book come about?

GS When I decided to study graphic design, I scored a part-time job at Oxford Art Supplies in Darlinghurst. After a while I began to notice that there was a demand from customers for simple projects that they could do in a weekend and no be embarrassed to hang on their wall. I started to draw up some basic projects and it sort of went from there.

I 2. So how did you get the deal?

GS I literally rang Murdoch books out of the blue and asked them the process involved in getting a book published. They in turn sent me a list of requirements which was quite in-depth. I gave myself two months to put together a proposal, which involved developing more projects, writing sample text and designing the format. I really want to stress that I didn't get this deal through any connections - I come form the least artistic family in the world. If you have the desire to do something you can always make or find your own breaks.

I 3.What was the process like?

GS It was fun, but exhausting. Each project has step-by-step photographs, so I had to make up about 3-4 prototypes for each project because the photographer obviously can't wait for paint to dry. I really enjoyed writing even if some of my more slightly risque puns were cut out by the editor. I did manage to get the word 'piss' (as in piss off) in there which I was quite proud of. I had this silly thing in my head where I wanted to be the first 'how-to' book with a swear word in it!

I 4. What's it like to see your book on the shelf?

GS The first time I went to find the book I went into Borders and asked the assistant did they 'have a book called The Weekend Artist, by some guy called Smith, I think' - I was too embarrassed to tell her it was my book. She said they had one in stock and we went to the shelves to find it. It wasn't there, so she did some more research and told me that it had been stolen! I took that as enormous compliment. I figure if it's good enough to steal, then it's good enough to buy!

I Thanks so much Gerard & all the best for the book launch tonight! Fingers crossed for The Weekend Artist going platinum... can books do that? You'll find copies of Gerard's shiny new book (AUD $34.95) on the shelves of quite a few Australian bookstores, including Oxford Art Supplies (Chatswood & Darlinghurst, Sydney & ONLINE).

"Hello Owl" by Kareena Zerefos.

Kareena Zerefos is an incredibly talented artist & illustrator from Sydney. She has exhibited in a number of group shows this year, and her work has been appearing all over the place! She is responsible for the stunning artwork on the Sparkadia album covers, and many of you would have seen her work featured throughout Yen Magazine's Issue 31. (We also mentioned Kareena's work when we posted about the Grrrls exhibition at aMBUSH Gallery in February.) Kareena's first solo show opens next week, and she has taken a little time out from drawing to answer some of our questions, so read on!

MTV Gallery flyer - an exhibition of illustrative works by Kareena Zerefos.

I 1. Firstly, congratulations on your first solo exhibition! How are you feeling about the show?

KZ Thank you! Very excited and extremely nervous, I’m just not sure what to expect. I kind of feel like a teenager putting on a party, I’m like 'will anyone show up?' and 'how do I get enough drinks?'. More seriously, I'm pretty happy with my new pieces and its going to be great seeing peoples responses to them.

Sparkadia Animals album cover by Kareena Zerefos.

I 2. I'm sure many of our readers would absolutely love to earn a living as an artist/illustrator. What path did you follow to get to this point your career?

KZ I always wanted to be an artist, but never thought I'd be able to make a living from it, so I took design at the College of Fine Arts – I thought being a designer seemed more viable. Then I worked as a graphic designer, and dabbled in web design, while I continued to draw and develop my style on the side. It's only been the last few months that I've been lucky enough to be able to drop the job, with enough freelance and commission work to keep me fed and the bills paid.

"His Name Was Sebastien" by Kareena Zerefos.

I 3. Do you think it's a difficult industry in which to carve your own niche, or do you find that agents/galleries/publications are receptive to new talent & ideas?

KZ It is a difficult industry, but I think if you just go with your own ideas and style and really put it out there, you then find that people are always looking for someone fresh.

"Hot Air Balloon" by Kareena Zerefos.

I 4. You have a drawing style that I personally adore, and it is quite recognisable. Have you always used this approach, or did you develop this style through experimentation over time?

KZ My style has very much evolved, and it still is evolving. I originally worked in a way that was based on graphic design techniques and was often finishing my pieces off digitally... but I then found that I wanted my pieces to stay away from the computer, so I started working with different media – particularly letraset, ink and even tea, as well as my favourite pencils, gouache and felt tips.

"Bumblebee Girl" by Kareena Zerefos for the Jeremyville Sketchel project.

I 5. How did you find exhibiting earlier this year in the Grrrls group exhibition (aMBUSH Gallery, Waterloo)?

KZ It was great to exhibit along side so many fabulous female artists. Our styles, materials and techniques were all so varied, but it came together really well.

"Girl with Mouse" by Kareena Zerefos.

I 6. Have you been to any recent exhibitions that you've just loved?

KZ To be honest, I feel like I haven't left my studio for a long time now. So the last show I went to that I loved was Kids Today at MTV.

"Portrait" and "Little Boy Daydreaming" by Kareena Zerefos.

I 7. From what I've seen, your artworks seem to be based on very personal themes. Your approach seems subtle & emotional. What inspires you to create these works?

KZ I work with themes of isolation and escapism – I guess essentially this is inspired by living in my own little dream world, and that feeling of loneliness and the desire to be somewhere else, that a lot of people relate to. I mostly use images of children and their imaginations to depict this, and look at old photographs, film and children’s books to draw inspiration.

"Across the Board" and "Element Bluebird" by Kareena Zerefos.

I 8. Do you have any favourites, or new works you’re particularly excited about?

KZ I'm excited about quite a few of my new pieces, I've been drawing quite a few pictures of children with their animal friends and have also done a series of bumblebee children, which have a really nice bittersweet feeling about them.

Sparkadia Postcards album cover by Kareena Zerefos.

I 9. Do you like to collaborate with visual artists & other creatives? (I love the new Sparkadia album cover – how did this come about?)

KZ I do! I've recently collaborated with fashion designers, eve and sera from sewn, creating a delicate repeat pattern for their next spring/summer range; as well as sparkadia, with their album, singles and ep artwork; and I just finished up some pieces yesterday working with the mambo goddess designers.

... and thank you! I met Alex years ago at a BBQ and have worked with the band ever since; the Lion illustration came about after Alex and I discussed 'Sparkadia' as being a place or another fantasy world and the lion is the king of the jungle. It is also a reference to the last track on the album, Sleeping Lion, which is one of my favourites.

Kareena Zerefos web site screenshot.

I 10. Do people discover your artworks through your web site (www.kareenazerefos.com) & online "Corner Store", or do you see the site as a resource for people who already know & love your work?

KZ I'd like to think that its for both, I try to keep my site updated with new work and a bit of a news blog so people can come back and see what has been happening.

"They Defeat The Mean Giants" by Kareena Zerefos.

I 11. What are some of your career highlights so far?

KZ This year has been quite exciting in terms of 'highlights' - I quit my job to be an artist full time; I've exhibited work amongst amazing local and international artists at Curvy, Kids Today and Grrrls; and I have just over a week left until my first solo show!

Exhibition of artwork by Kareena Zerefos.

I 12. Where are you headed artistically in the future?

KZ Doing more of what I'm doing now, continuing to develop my style and hopefully have solo shows in other cities later in the year.

Kareena Zerefos.

I Thank you so much Kareena, and all the best for the exhibition next week - I'm really looking forward to the opening night! For those of you in Sydney, get along to MTV Gallery in East Sydney (4-16 Yurong St) on Tuesday night, 3.6.2008! The opening is from 6pm - 9pm, and there will be an acoustic performance by Alex Burnett from Sparkadia. If you can't make it to the opening, the exhibition continues until 10.6.2008.

Our very own dozen! Twelve felt lady badges made by Anna Laura, taking inspiration from the indie art & design colour scheme.
Each gal is now available for online purchase through the indie art & design STORE!

Earlier this year, we interviewed two lovely Melbourne-based indies: Jodie Nicholson who handmakes fabric bags for her label Meringue, and Anna Laura Blanford who is well known for her felt lady badges, screenprinted handmade bags and original artworks. Along with this double interview, we have a big surprise! We asked both Jodie and Anna Laura to each create just a dozen products especially for indie art & design, taking inspiration from our site colours. I've patiently kept this interview under wraps while we prepared for the launch of the INDIE ART & DESIGN STORE and would like to announce the online arrival of twelve little felt ladies and twelve gorgeous fabric wristlets!

The idea of the indie art & design store is to promote a handful of the labels we love by stocking strictly limited numbers of selected products to accompany feature articles & interviews. There will only be a small window of opportunity for you to snap up these exclusives - so get your mouse moving to avoid disappointment! Now that's enough stalling, here's the interview...

Blackforest Wristlet by Meringue - AUD $35 from indie art & design store.

I 1. You two have been friends for some time, often mentioning each other in your blog posts. How did you meet? Was it through your common interest in design?

M I met Anna through Etsy. I had seen her posting in the forums and through that, became a fan of her work. She left a funny comment on my blog and then I started stalking her.

AL We met via Etsy, I’m not sure on the exact details but I think it involved a common interest the products we make, design, fabric and creativity. We both had a similar sense of humor, I laughed a lot at Jodie's emails.

Fiona, Jenny & Olive giggle over Carol's 80s hairdo...
Felt Lady Badges by Anna Laura - AUD $20 each from indie art & design store

I 2. What is it like to have a close friend who shares similar aspirations? It must be great to have someone who really understands when things are tough & of course someone who appreciates how much it means when things are going well!

M I can't even measure how great it is to have a handful of friends on Etsy, who are all experiencing the same rollercoaster. It's definitely a support I don't take for granted because I think I'd be lost without it. Having Anna to brainstorm with and vent to is brilliant, she is also responsible for me pushing myself harder than I otherwise might have.

AL I think it is handy to have someone you can touch base with who knows what you do because they do it themselves. I often will email Jodie for advice on things, however it is not always about art and design, I emailed her today on overlocker advice, so she is really my counselor. But she gets paid much less.

Ittybitty Totes by Meringue

I 3. Do you bounce new ideas off each other for designs & new products? Do you provide each other with constructive criticism?

M We regulary share ideas, which some might find weird given that we both make bags. Anna has a definite 'art' leaning with everything she makes, whereas I base my designs more on function first. We come at pieces from different angles, which I think balances everything out nicely.

AL I think this is something that is really valuable, because if I only asked my partner for advice nothing would get made. He has his particular styles he likes and more often than not my stuff doesn't fit into that category. I think we also offer good feedback, I know Jodie won't sugar coat things and I respect that kind of advice.

Twelve wristlets by Meringue, each available for AUD $35 from indie art & design store!

I 4. When you share market stalls, do you think customers are enticed by the wide variety of products, colours & textures on display? In this way, do you think shared stalls are beneficial in creating extra interest & maximizing sales?

M Sharing a market stall with Anna last year was physically hard work but we had so many laughs, even when we were beyond exhausted. Our stall set up changed each week and evolved into a really appealing display that gave customers loads to look at. Spending the day with someone else meant that there was always someone else to reply on, even if it was just having someone to buy you an icy pole when the mercury soared!

AL I think our stuff has a different look, so although some of the products we make are similar (as in they hold all your stuff) it hasn't been a problem in terms of us competing with one another. We did have some people who purchased from both of us at Rose Street, so I think our items work well together. I think the major benefit from sharing a stall was having someone to sit with all day. It can get lonely on your own and having someone to laugh with was always good. I looked forward to the market because I was spending my entire week mainly with 15 year olds, so it was nice to sit and eat SuperDoopers and laugh at the world with someone who isn't trying to draw a dick on your stuff.

Gwen, Aileen, Fay & Joan discuss what they're wearing to Ladies Day the racing carnival...
Felt Lady Badges by Anna Laura - AUD $20 each from indie art & design store

I 5. Have market stalls helped find you new stockists? What sort of responses have you had when boutique buyers discover your labels – do you think your pairing influences them to place orders with both labels, or does it just depend on the individual?

M I actually thought I'd meet more stockists than we did, although I was really happy with the amount of stores I signed on with in the lead up to Christmas. Anna has provided me with plenty of leads and I'm still working my way through that list.

AL One stockist who had contacted me previously, contacted me again and saw my market photos on Flickr. She asked about Jodie's bags and so now both of our items are stocked there.

Wristlets by Meringue - AUD $35 each from indie art & design store

I 6. Do you ever combine forces & approach new boutiques together or just provide moral support for each other before/after?

M We don't really approach stores together but we do share resources and tell each other where we're at as far as short term goals go. I think both of us are now very comfortable in approaching stores, although we've both been lucky in being sought out by stores who have seen our work online or in person.

AL We did go on a drive to find possible stockists in Melbourne and we do help each other in terms of contacts and passing on details to people we know. I think within the indie community it is really important to have this kind of support, because it isn't an easy industry when you're small as you don't always have the contacts. Without it I would be way back at square one.

Purse by Anna Laura from the Bamakko Screened Exhibition (19.4.2008 - 11.5.2008)

I 7. You both use a variety of fabrics to make wristlets, bags & pouches. Do you ever go hunting together to source materials?

M We've never actually shopped for fabric together but by sheer coincidence, we do sometimes buy exactly the same fabric. However, we use it in such different ways and it's always interesting to see how Anna has applied a fabric to her bags, that I may have used for a wristlet.

AL We have not yet had a trip to Spotlight yet. I think this would be fun. There are a lot of fabric stores in the area I have just shifted to that I previously didn't have time to go to when I was working full time. I'm looking forward to having time in the day when I can go to op-shops and fabric shops and finding some really decent fabrics to work with.

Fabric wristlets by Meringue - AUD $35 each from indie art & design store.

I 8. What do you each admire most about the other?

M I love that Anna is so quietly passionate about her label. She is driven to make it a success but it's more about creating art, sharing it and making a living, not about finding fortune and fame... ...although I'm sure secretly she longs to appear on Mornings with Kerry Ann.

AL Jodie is fantastic at customer service and dealing with people and she can tell it like it is. Plus she has a good sense of humor and doesn't mind it when I say things that are probably inappropriate.

Spagetti Tote by Anna Laura

I 9. How important is the online component of your businesses? As I write this, I can see you’re both about to tip over the Etsy 150 sales mark – are any celebrations planned? How do you find sites like Etsy, MadeIt, Mintd etc? Do they provide a significant percentage of your sales, or do you see them as more as a source of supplementary income & marketing with retail boutiques the main focus?

M Online selling has been important for getting noticed by retail stores. It has been a steep learning curve that has taught me far more than I ever could have learned in any class. My online sales only account for a small percentage of sales but they have played a vital part in my business.

I am looking to set up my own website shortly, with its own shopping cart but I will definitely be keeping my other online stores and moving my main store from Etsy to Dawanda. I really like the Dawanda site and the way it operates, the attitude towards members appeals to me far more than Etsy.

AL I just calculated today what my online sales are over the last six months and it is about 25% of my income. As for the 150 sales on Etsy I had not planned anything big. Maybe I could shout Jodie a cask of Lambrusco and a ride in my car, I think she would like that.

I've just started a shop on Dawanda and I really like the look of the website and the fact that it is European based. Madeit is also a great site and growing all the time, the woman who started it, Bec is really supportive and friendly as well.

Wristlets by Meringue - AUD $35 each from indie art & design store

I 10. In addition to maintaining your online stores, you both post regularly to your weblogs, www.meringuediary.blogspot.com and www.annalauraart.blogspot.com. Your posts feature product updates, descriptions of your process and progress, and entertaining tales of skylarking & gossip as you travel through the various designers markets & events around Melbourne. Much time is obviously dedicated to keeping us all in the loop – is it a struggle to fit it all in, or is it something you just enjoy doing? Does maintaining your blog help to keep everything in perspective?

M It was with some hesitation that I started my blog last year but now I can't imagine not having it. I've been somewhat remiss in posting for the last couple of months thanks to long working hours and illness but I can't wait to start posting regularly again.
I'm always amused to see how Anna and I post about the same event. I normally come off sounding like such a whinger by comparison!

AL When I was working full time it was hard to keep it updated. I often worry its boring and dull and I tried to keep my posts nice as I also worked as a teacher. I'm no longer teaching so I am not so worried about people finding the blog so will probably make it a little more personal. I enjoy blogging because I have a history of my work and because you can get a response from other bloggers on your work. I love reading other peoples blog as well to find out what they are making and some insight into their life. I love seeing photos of the spaces they work in and where they live. I know it is a little nosey, but I'm really interested in that side of things. I also like blogs, which are not all happy la la. People make mistakes and mess and I like to hear about that side of life and see it as well.

Damask Pendant by Simone Walsh and screen printed fabric by Lara Cameron.

I 11. How do you find the indie community in Melbourne, & have you met designers in other parts of Australia either through blogs or markets etc?

M I am also good friends with Simone Walsh from Etsy. She makes the most fantastic jewellery and I've found that having both her and Anna in daily email exchanges have kept my motor running. I'd like to be more active in the Melbourne Indie community but finding the time is a battle.

AL I've meet a few people from Etsy as well as other people in the indie community. Someone who is really lovely is Lara Cameron. She makes the most amazing things and he designs are beautiful and she is so down to earth and friendly. I am sure I will be saying "I knew Lara when..." very soon and I will be rather proud of that! It is great to have a support network all over Australia, I know if I went to other Australian cities there would be people there who I could meet with and tell me the good places to visit and I like the fact that I can email people who I might not have spoken to for advice and they will always be willing to help.

Button Art by Meringue

I 12. Finally, please tell us some of the highlights of your design experiences so far & where each label is headed in 2008!

M November and December last year was a blur but it was so incredible. I was working more hours in my day job, the wholesale orders were rolling in, I was doing the markets with Anna and also filling online orders, it was crazy busy.

I've started this year slowly but I plan to leap into it shortly. I'm really excited about 2008 because I have so many plans. First will be my website launch, which has been a long time coming. I've also got two new handbag lines in the works and a top secret project involving buttons. Yes, buttons! My big goal for this year is taking my wholesale side to the next level both here and in the US.

AL I think highlights are having things featured in the press and online. Often running a small business you have to work really hard on the promotional side of it, so when people like Frankie, design blogs like Indie and Modish and The Age are willing to expose smaller brands like myself it is exciting and it pleases me they are willing to support smaller brands. When you are making things you need to hear people tell you what you are making is good, you get so lost in what you are making you often lose sight so when someone lets you know it looks good it motivates you to keep working.

My aim for 2008 is an exhibition. I've been making a lot more art and I would love to have a show. I would also like to do some more fabric design for my bags and learn new screenprinting techniques.

Original artworks by Anna Laura. On the left is an image of one of her badges with a body, and on the right, "Wild Boys", an original monoprint & drawing available from Anna Laura's Etsy store for US $35.

I Thank you both so much for providing us with an insight into the workings of your labels! With such gorgeous products, I'm sure we'll hear much more about Anna Laura & Meringue in the future... Current stockists for each label are listed below:

ANNA LAURA
VIC: Rose Street Artist Market (Fitzroy), Meet Me at Mikes (Fitzroy), Little Salon (Fitzroy, City), Kids in Berlin (North Melbourne), Brunswick Bound (Brunswick), Lumina Textiles (East Malvern), Anomaly (Belmont), Bob Boutique (Bendigo), I Dream a Highway (Northcote)
NSW: Dragstar Clothing (Newtown), Betty Mim (Newcastle)
ACT: The Hive (Braddon)
WA: Jac Boutique (Perth)
ONLINE: indie art & design store, www.annalaura.etsy.com, www.dawanda.com/shop/annalaura, www.madeit.com.au/annalaura

MERINGUE
ONLINE: indie art & design store, Meringue Shop on Etsy, www.dawanda.com/user/Meringue
Real World: Meringue is stocked at many boutiques (including on of our faves, Betty Mim in Cooks Hill, Newcastle) - please contact Jodie directly to locate your nearest Meringue stockist.

Welcome to another Indie Art & Design feature interview! This time round, we are graced by the virtual presence of Alana & Sara from stationery label Poppies For Grace.

Poppies For Grace web site

I Hi there girls! The new web site looks fantastic – what sort of response have you received to the new design?

PFG The site is doing really well, we're getting a great amount of internet orders without specifically setting up online purchasing. By the end of the year we’d like to have something more official set up. Our web designers skill to capture our style and put it onto a manageable, user-friendly site has delighted us. Finally we have a site to be proud of!

Bookplates by Poppies For Grace (AUD $9.50 each) Each set contains 8 bookplate stickers.

I You have such a large selection in the new Poppies collection – did these come together all at once or have you been gradually building up the new range over many months?

PFG The new poppies collection happened rather quickly. Its always an effort to get the image in my mind onto paper..however this time round it happened in a matter of weeks.

Alfred Berry & Alfred Flower Gift Cards hand assembled & sewn by Poppies For Grace (AUD $6.95 each)

I Do you have any particular favorites – either favorite cards styles or design characters e.g.. the birdie Alfred?

PFG Sara's favorite is our Alfred berry card... it was the middle of summer and we escaped to the cool of my kitchen to work. I drew a little bird, cut him out and put him in my hand... alfi was born. I adore the entire alfred range, the colours came out better than I'd hoped. And who doesn't love a scolloped image!

Pink Berry & Red Flower Gift Cards by Poppies For Grace (AUD $22.95 each).

I Quite a few of your products are hand assembled & stitched which must take a lot of work! I imagine that your stockists & customers really appreciate the handmade aspect of these details… Is this something you do yourselves & how do you manage the workload?

PFG Yep, we do all the assembling ourselves. When it's a busy week all I can say is thank goodness for Mothers, our mums are such great workers! We also have another friend we employ two days a week to help us pack orders.
Sara does most of the sewing, and we have a friend who sews for us for a few hours a week. The workload is getting bigger, so we will have to start thinking of employing some more helpful hands.

Thank You and For You Gift Cards by Poppies For Grace (AUD $5.50 each)

I The subtle textures & colours of paper goods are so lovely – what sort of papers and printing methods to you use to make the most of the medium?
(I love the effect of the white botanical images on the natural coloured background – have these been screen printed to achieve this effect?)

PFG Our printing is all offset and digital. We would love to add things like screen printing and letterpress to our range, however there are other brands like 'me and amber' and 'chapelpress' doing a really great job of these areas already. So we're happy to keep it simple.

Happy Birthday and Thank You Tags by Poppies For Grace (AUD $3.50 each)

I Not only do you provide us with contrasting textures on individual cards – you have also assembled boxed sets and three exquisite writing sets, Sycamore's Handwriting, Three Little Birds and Lovely Day. Tell us the story behind these offerings!

PFG The imagery for these sets came about really quickly, the rest came a little slower. Sourcing suppliers is a tricky business, and being young women, who look 16, its hard to be taken seriously. We got there in the end though, and we are really happy with the finished product. Adding writing sets and boxed cards to our collection meant that poppies became a stationery brand, enabling us to target the gift market more successfully.

Sycamore's Handwriting Stationery Set by Poppies For Grace (AUD $37.95).
This set features 24 printed pages on 100% recycled paper with 6 different designs, 12 printed recycled brown paper envelopes and four plain, 4 little sewn cards, 4 little recycled plain brown paper envelopes, and a tag.

I Where do you find your inspiration? From your own garden perhaps?

PFG My garden is a jumbly mess of wonderful things like lilac, roses and wisteria, and just outside its gate is 50 acres of orchard. Living and working in this environment is definitely my inspiration.

Items from the Three Little Birds Stationery Set by Poppies For Grace (AUD $22.95).
This set features 10 printed pages on 100% recycled paper with 2 different designs, 10 printed recycled brown paper envelopes, and 4 little sewn cards.

I How do you find working together? Do you each take on separate roles, e.g.. drawing, assembling, marketing etc, or do you both take part in every step? Have you been able to make the business a full-time pursuit, and if so, do you have to be super-organised to keep it all under control?

PFG Organisation is not my strong point, but I'm learning. As poppies is full time now for Sara and I we split up roles. This way more gets done. Sara is the business brain (thank goodness) and I am the illustrator, anything outside these areas we share. Working together is easy, we've been friends for 13 years, so we know each-other idiosyncrasies fairly well!

Birdie Mobile & Garland handmade by Poppies For Grace (Mobile $tba, 4 Bird Garland AUD $75)

I The mobiles & garlands are a beautiful three-dimensional addition to the Poppies For Grace avian lineup. Do you see these as an extension of your paper goods range, or are you planning to grow this section of the business into a large part of what you do?

PFG The mobiles and garlands began as gifts for friends, Abigail (one of our favorite little girls) has kissed every bird we've made, which has meant these birdies have become rather precious. We're going to continue selling the birdies online, but to keep them as personal as possible we won't be offering these to stores.

Farewell and Walk The Plank Invites by Poppies For Grace (AUD $22.95 each). Each set contains 15 invitations & envelopes.

I On the new Poppies web site there are 'coming soon' pages for both prints and wedding products. I'm sure many Poppies fans are looking forward to seeing what goes up! Can you tell us about these awaited additions or is it all under wraps until launch?

PFG We're keeping it a secret. Just for fun!

Indie Christmas Cards! Merry Card, Bright Card & Turtle Doves Tag Set by Poppies For Grace (Cards AUD $6.95 each, Tag Set - 24 tags - 4 of each design AUD $29.95.)

I How would you like to see Poppies For Grace develop in the future?

PFG We've enjoyed watching poppies develop naturally, we're just trying to keep up with it now. We are so happy to be in so many wonderful stores, and it's fantastic receiving emails and letters from people who are loving our things. What more could we ask for really. We are doing what we love.

Navy Thank You Card Set of 8 by Poppies For Grace (AUD $27.95)

I Thank you so much Alana & Sara! I'm sure all of our Indies will love reading about your gorgeous paper goods.

Welcome to the first Indie Art & Design feature interview! We are lucky to have with us (virtually speaking) Sally Morrigan, founder of the wonderful Georgie Love web site, as well as her gingery mutt, George.

Georgie Love is a popular Australian online store which features a large selection of one-of-a-kind or limited edition products handmade by artists from all over Australia. (Most of the products can't be found in stores anywhere else!) Browsing through the multitude of jewellery pieces, artworks, clothing, bags & accessories is a real treat - there are so many items I'd love to buy as gifts for friends or to keep for myself... Sal & George embrace the online marketplace with the same enthusiasm and personal touch that the Georgie Love artists pour into their products.

The site itself is a pleasure to navigate and Sal provides large clear photos of every item. The flat rate for shipping makes it all too easy! (AUD $3.50 within Australia or AUD $10.00 for international orders.) A visit to the site is a must: http://www.georgielove.com.au.

Meg Meeowl and Missy Meeowl by Tricky George (AUD $39.99 each), available from www.georgielove.com.au

I Hey there Sal & Georgie, what's news? Have you added any new designers to the site this week?

GL Yes! We have just introduced the delightfully named Tricky George to the mix, with some wonderfully cuddly toys… I have some clothing items from Tricky George to put up as well, probably over the weekend. The photos are still unfortunately on my camera. It’s a long process from start to finish and sometimes I get behind. Apart from that, we have new toys and badges from Wendy June, new neck scarves from Frankie and Ray. I have some amazing new people and things in the wings too, which will all be revealed soon!

Little Art Badges by Wendy June (AUD $5.00 each), available from www.georgielove.com.au

I How do you find out about new designers? Are you constantly on the lookout, or do you find that most people approach you?

GL Mostly now people approach me through the website. I am always on the lookout though. There is a Melbourne designer I am a HUGE fan of that I have been trying to track down for more than a year… They don’t have a web presence so it’s harder to make contact! Hopefully at some point they will contact me and we can showcase their work. People tend to send me emails with images of their work or phone me up to have a chat about what they are making and whether it would be a fit for the site. It always baffles me though when people contact me without looking at the site first – most people are able to determine if their stuff is a fit or not. If they are not going to find the right market on the website, I try and point them in the right direction of where may be the right fit. It’s not always possible.

I What qualities do you look for in new items and designers to add to the Georgie Love lineup?

GL There is a definite Georgie Love aesthetic, which mainly boils down to what I would love to wear / use / play with myself. I am really struck by quirky and off-beat things, cute and melancholy things are always a winner and of course stuff that is beautifully made! I have had people approach me who have designed products, but then had the items made in China and that is just not right for the site. I love supporting people crouched over their sewing machines, putting their own blood, sweat, tears (and love!) into the product. I am really passionate about promoting the people who make stuff at home or in their studio, as a labour of love in between the day job or sticky infants. I think there is a definite place for these folk in the world of design! I am really passionate about supporting local products that are produced ethically, especially using recycled and reclaimed fabrics. I think it’s part of a larger trend, where people are seeking more meaning from the items they buy.

Kissy Kissy Monkey (AUD $142.50) and 9 Lives Kitty (AUD $120.00) original artworks by Beck Wheeler, available from www.georgielove.com.au

I What sort of items are your best sellers? Do trends in product types or motifs come and go, or do you find that strong sellers remain popular?

GL Accessories! They have always been very popular, whether it is buttons, badges, earrings, pins or belts. I don’t wear a lot (or any) jewellery so I am drawn to really interesting accessories – hence why there is a ton on Georgie Love. There are trends – some items could be featured in fashion journals and suddenly they will be everywhere, plus things go in and out of fashion – badges have been really popular for ages, particularly Perspex. Besides that, anything with birds, cats or polka dots and you are on to a winner. I have had artist Betty Jo on the site for a year now and her range has sold consistently.

I When people pour so much of their time & love into handmade goods, do they have trouble with pricing or parting with their creations? Do you have a wonderful collection of items you couldn't part with?

GL I think people tend to underprice themselves and I am quite baffled with how low people will originally want to price their products (earning them only 2-3 dollars per hour for their work) – I try to encourage people to pay themselves more fairly for their work, otherwise the passion and momentum will wane very quickly. I think people are often shy and vulnerable when approaching someone (a customer or retailer) with their work because the feedback is so immediate (and sometimes harsh) – it is something they have invested time, energy and passion into and this is why the internet is a fantastic medium – it removes some of the angst when presenting work to the world. I think there is a real joy in creating something and putting it out into the public and having someone find that item and love it. I know most artists who have kept their prototypes or a particular item which takes their fancy or they have grown fond of, but other than that, I think people are on the whole happy that their creations find new homes. I have a collection of things I love! As most of the items on the site are unique – toys, paintings, handmade pins etc, they all have their little quirks and expressions and people tend to get more attached to them as a result. I have heard devastating stories from customers who have lost items they have bought – you know it’s handmade, unique and "yours" so losing it is emotional. You feel that far less if you have lost or broken something and can pop into the local shopping centre and find 1000 more just like it.

Winter Deer Bag by Julie Knoblock (AUD $65.00), available from www.georgielove.com.au

I What are some of your currently listed faves? Do you have some favourites that you've kept for yourself from the past year or so that readers might remember?

GL Oh dear… well, I do have just about one of everything… I LOVE Julie Knoblock’s range of bags and purses, however do not own one because I quite simply CANNOT choose which one I would want. Plus I secretly have in my mind that the next thing she creates will be the thing I can’t live without – it astounds me how cute and well made everything is that she does.

Chirpy Bird Purse by Julie Knoblock (AUD $35.00), available from www.georgielove.com.au

I am addicted to the Lamby Brooches by Allira Tee – her stuff is fantastic and has a bit of a different twist to other Perspex badges I have seen around (plus she makes some in wood). These badges are cute and cheeky! I can’t resist. Studio Chapiz who is no longer with us (she is making beautiful things and trouble in Spain) made these wonderful hand felted badges – birdies, cats and dogs. When she left, so did the badges! They were wonderful and I haven’t found something similar. … and finally (it’s like you are making me choose between my children), for leather goods and handmade wallets – you can’t go past te. He is a wonderful guy making really beautifully made wallets and belts. He makes bags too (but I don’t have any on the site) and I am saving for one. His work is really starting to take off in Aus and people are going crazy for it, which is wonderful to see. He really deserves it.

Karuma Belt by Te (AUD $85.00), available from www.georgielove.com.au

I Where do you find your inspiration - primarily in the arts, or do a variety of interests contribute to keeping the Georgie Love site fresh & exciting?

GL Australia is an embarrassment of riches in the art and craft department! There is so many wonderful and diverse crafty things happening both locally and internationally and I try to keep an eye on everything that’s going on – more for the excitement of it. Little pockets of craft are exploding everywhere and it’s so exciting to see where things are going – new markets, websites, shops are cropping up devoted to supporting independent designers and crafters – which is brilliant. A real market for this type of work is developing and it’s inspiring and exciting to be involved.

I How did you originally arrive at the idea for the Georgie Love site? Were you surrounded by creative types who needed an online presence or was handmade design a long-time interest that eventually found an outlet through the site?

GL A long time craft-envier (it’s my sin), I had the idea floating around for about 2 years before I had the time or technical expertise on hand to kick it off. Plus I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by vibrant and crafty folks who were making fabulous stuff that not a lot of people got to see and were very supportive about the vision of what I was trying to achieve (GL being more of a community than shop). I have a genuine love for handmade and unique items – the site is born out of passion, not money (it’s mostly a labour of love!).

Cat-Rabbit Pin #4 and #3 (AUD $24.00 each), available from www.georgielove.com.au

I Georgie Love has been established for more than a year - how has it grown up over this time?

GL Well, there is the obvious thing – the number of artists! I think the diversity of artists has grown too – there is also a real range of people on the site from age, gender, location and whether people are just starting out or if they are a lot more established with their craft business. I think also they way I do things has changed – I am so time poor I have had to work out ways to work smarter, not harder, while still maintaining the same quality and customer service. Everything is far more streamlined.

I Is Georgie Love a full time pursuit? How do you juggle your work, interests & personal life?

GL Badly! But better than I used to. ;-) I have a full-time, 9-5 day job, which is enjoyable but not too taxing, so I can go home with still enough energy to spend a few hours on the site. Most of the photography and uploading of photos is done on the weekend. Fortunately my partner (who I live with) is a hard working academic, so we are both often found in the study hunched over computers (George at our feet) working away. I also get him to work on the production line, packing and sending items! I am always trying to seek balance with everything and I have had times of focusing too much on one area, but I am doing pretty well now.

Keep up with what's going on behind the scenes at the Georgie Love Blog.

I Do you feel that there is a stong indie design community around where you live? Does this contribute to development & growth of the Georgie Love site?

GL Well, living inner city – probably. There are a number of shops close to me that support hand and locally made, which is inspiring to see. However, I think that is a sign of a bigger trend. I sell a lot to people in rural areas, who don’t have access to the same shops and yet they are still seeking out the same items. To be honest, I think the online design community contributes more. I am a bit of a techno-geek and spend hours looking at things and getting ideas and planning for the site. My sense of a design community is more global!

I How would you like to see Georgie Love develop in the future?

GL I envisage Georgie Love being a full-time pursuit. I have a million ideas about what I want to do with it and grow it. I would like it to expand with more artists and variety of handmade products – more clothing and home ware items. So basically – bigger and better! My main goal at the moment is to grow it, while still keeping the same level of customer service, quality and comfortable feel to the site. I would hate to lose any of those.