Stockist Spotlight - Clay & Clasp

Who are you?

My name is Lucy, I am from the UK originally but now live in Perth with my husband Jake, dog Archie and cat George!  

What do you make?

I make jewellery and homewares from clay!  

When did you get started?

I started in September 2012 as I was feeling a little frustrated in that my job was not creative enough. So I started making jewellery to keep my design brain ticking, and do something really visual at the same time. 

I am a Heritage Architect by trade so come from a design background. I’ve been using clay since I was a child and I never gave it up. Even whilst studying I was always trying to sneak something made out of clay into my architectural models!

Why do you make your 'thing'? 

I have an obsession with tea and cake and have always been a really keen baker.  I tasted my first macaron at Laduree in London (not Paris unfortunately) and think I probably became obsessed with the look of them rather than the taste. I spent hours slaving in the kitchen trying to perfect the art of making them look perfect! Several thousand hours later (er, and several thousand kilos heavier), I still can’t get it right every time so it got me thinking if I’m doing this for looks over taste, maybe I should make some in clay!

I am also a big animal lover and hence many of my pieces feature birds, bunnies, owls and foxes!

Most other things I make stem from a piece I've wanted to make for myself, usually to go with a certain outfit or for a specific occasion.  

Where to next for you? (what direction do you see your work heading in?)

I would like to develop my custom pieces so that I can make pieces for families or individuals that are truly unique to them.  I am forever thinking up new designs, inspired by something I've seen (or eaten) and so who knows what I'll make next!

Stockist Spotlight - Cuillere moi

It must be the week for showcasing stockists with brilliant business names, today we're featuring Cuillere moi, which is French for "spoon me".

Corbert and Jenae began making this unique style of jewellery from antique cutlery in 2012 whilst living in Castlemaine. Their range proved to be very popular, especially at the Castlemaine Artist and Bendigo Square markets.

Jenae and Corbert certainly have a passion for this which is reflected in the professional quality of their pieces.

Their rings are now world-wide, with customers from England, France and Germany have fallen in love with them also.


During April, Culliere moi will be showcasing their full range, so why not pop in and take some of this old-world charm with you. 

Jubly-Umph Jewellery Sale

We have a lot of Jubly-Umph fans amongst View Point customers, so I'm sure this sale will interest a lot of you!

I want to clear out the Jubly stock we have in currently so that I can bring in a whole fresh batch - so we've marked it all down!!

Sale is while stocks last and I don't think they'll last long, so you'd better get in quick!!

Stockist Spotlight - Bok Bok B'Gerk

Today we're featuring Michelle from Bok Bok B'Gerk - a very talented laser cut jewellery designer who hails from Ballarat. I am personally quite smitten with the Bok Bok B'Gerk range and had a lot of fun setting it up in store (and taking pictures of it, hence the photo heavy post today!)

Who are you?  Hi!  My name is Michelle and I live in Ballarat with my lovely husband Matt and our two little ones, Corben (3 years) and Alexis (1.5 years). 

What do you make?  I make a range of laser cut jewellery under the label "Bok Bok B'Gerk".  The inspiration for my pieces is varied, and usually comes from things my kids ask me to draw for them.  I also create custom pieces for people who want something just a little bit special for a loved one. 

When did you get started?  I started Bok Bok B'Gerk when I was pregnant with Lexi.  I had wanted to start my own business for a number of years, however I could never come up with an idea for a profitable business that I thought I would enjoy long term.  One night I just decided I would make laser cut jewellery.  To be honest I didn't really expect it to go anywhere, yet here I am two years on with a business that has well and truly exceeded my expectations.

Why do you make your 'thing'?  I have always been creative and believe that expressing yourself through the art of making things is beneficial to the soul... and a lot cheaper than therapy :)

Where to next for you? (what direction do you see your work heading in?)  Over the next year or so, I plan on expanding my product line to include more items for the male folk in our lives!  They are always so hard to buy for, so I am hoping to have an epiphany sometime soon as to an item I can make that all men will want!

Stockist Spotlight - Cinders

Today on the blog we're shining the Stockist Spotlight on Lucinda of Cinders Jewelry, here's what she had to say about her beautiful pieces:

Cinders Jewelry is all about mystery, seduction and beauty. 
I started Cinders Jewelry Design in early June 2012, as a hobby because I have always loved being creative and I have been a painter my whole life.

I am a huge animal lover and the only animal products I use are naturally shed feathers. My items are 100% cruelty free, and I only source the highest quality materials for my work.

I love experimenting with different colours, textures, themes and mythologies to create intricate and beautiful wearable art.

I have always adored the allure and mystery of Bohemian and Gypsy cultures and I also love the gorgeous femininity of the Victorian era. 
I have always loved quantum physics and studying the inner working of things, hence my love for Steampunk. 

I adore making custom designs and collaborating with someone  to create something truly unique for them to love and cherish. 

All of my items are one of a kind, and a lot of care goes into every single piece.

Every day I work with beautiful crystals, tiny watch parts, lots of lace and feathers. I am always surrounded by sparkle. :-)

Stockist Spotlight - Neekie Noo

Today's Stockist Spotlight is Amanda from Neekie Noo - she makes beautiful accessories with a floral, whimsical style.

Don't forget to enter our giveaway, you have until the 24th of November to get your entries in!

Who are you?

My name is Amanda and I live in Melbourne with my husband, 3 yr old girl and little boy on the way. At the moment I divide my time into being a mother, casual teacher and estimator but my passion (the thing I spend a lot of time thinking about but not enough time doing!) is designing and making accessories.

What do you make?

I make accessories i.e. neckpieces, cuffs, purses, brooches. I love materials such as felt and fabric, ribbons, twine and beads both new and re-purposed and I am particularly drawn to vintage materials, fabrics and craft techniques. Hence, my latest addiction to the flower loom from the 1960’s which I have used to make my accessories for spring. I strive to create beautiful things out of inexpensive materials and I enjoy for example, breathing new life into an old vintage floral sheet or using something unusual like pink builders string in one of my designs. I must also mention I am addicted to daisies and any flowers really!!

When did you get started?

I have always loved textiles a spin off from many years working as a commercial interior designer. It all started however, with designing & making a dove and daisy mobile for my little girl after she was born- we had doves nesting in our courtyard trees at the time and well the daisy motif I’ve already explained! That led to sewing felt purses and learning the craft of needle-felting which expanded into brooches and led to the exploration of different crafts and designing accessories such as cuffs, neckpieces etc. I really enjoyed the hands on activity of making things after many years of designing interiors and drafting on the computer. My love of vintage has always been there also, I just love objects that have a history and I would rather spend money on an object that has a history and a bit of character (a crack or imperfection tells a story) I also remember as a child I loved spending time with my Nana looking at her jewels, mainly the costume pieces form the 1960’s and being delighted by all of her treasures! Exploring vintage crafts now and giving them a new spin is all just an extension of this.

Where to next for you? (what direction do you see your work heading in?)

I don’t really have a major plan for my craft, I am really just enjoying living in the moment with it and going with the flow of wherever this takes me. I am starting to teach myself macramé at the moment so who knows what will be next!

 

Stockist Spotlight - Miki Moo Designs

 
Who are you?
Yvette Muratti from MikiMoo designs.
I live in gorgeous Daylesford which provides lots and lots of creative inspiration for what I do.

What do you make?
I make glass jewellery such as pendants, earrings, cufflinks and rings with an emphasis on using recycled materials such as vintage childrens books, old maps, and
beautiful handmade paper that I've had and have sourced from oz and overseas.
I also love to bind, cover and embelish journals, create hand stamped card and envelope sets from old books,
beautiful old bookmarks and generally anything to do with my love of paper.
I also upcycle and felt old woollen jumpers to make childrens vests.
I'm always looking to create another new project.

When did you get started?
I started designing and creating ever since I was small as my mum always nurtured my love of creating and making beautiful things.
I remember that we would always draw, paint, embroider and sew together.
She was a very talented embroiderer and that was one of her loves in life.
MikiMoo designs started about a year ago and the name MikiMoo means my Miki, which is my gorgeous little daughter.
She's my inspiration for everything that I do.

Why do you make your 'thing'?
I make and create MikiMoo products because I get such a buzz out of starting out with and idea, creating it then feeling honored when it sells.
I love what I do, and I believe it shows in my products.

Where to next for you? (what direction do you see your work heading in?)
What I'm doing next is working on creating a beautiful series of  pendants for bridesmaids and cufflinks/ boutonniere sets
for groomsmen made from hand cast resin, silver, beads and recycled paper.
 It will be on my etsy site soon and at the ViewPoint handmade Gallery.
After which, my next project will be to source old armchairs and try my hand at upholstering them in funky vintage fabric.
Can't wait for that one !!!

Stockist Spotlight - Mel P Designs

Each day for the next few weeks we're highlighting one of our wonderful stockists - today we're featuring Mel of Mel P Designs.

Who are you?
Hey, I'm Mel Paton, and I am a crochet accessories designer and crafter from Perth. I also work part-time as a teacher.

 What do you make?
I design and make a wide variety of hand crocheted goods, from jewellery to mittens, hats and scarves and kids hats.

When did you get started?

I opened my first online store in April 2009, my little business has gradually grown, and I now also do craft shows and have my work in a boutiques across Australia.

Why do you make your 'thing'?

It has become an obsession ever since I picked up a crochet hook. I love to see an functional, wearable object grow out of nothing (well just a ball of wool, a hook and an idea). 

Where to next for you? (what direction do you see your work heading in?)

I want to continue to supply to a small range of boutiques (including the brilliant Viewpoint Handmade) and the occasional craft market. Next year I will be returning to full time teaching, so I will be cutting back the amount of crochet work I do. But I think this may actually help my range to become more focused as I will only have time to work on the really excellent designs! I could never give up my crochet.

Stockist Spotlight - Mrs Monkei Jewellery

 Each day over the next few weeks we will be featuring one of our wonderful stockists. Today we're getting to know a little more about Erin, the lady behind Mrs Monkei Jewellery.

 

Who are you? Erin / Mrs Monkei, married to Mr Monkei but not quite living in a tree.. we have a black cat named George who likes to take up my entire lap whilst I try to be creative.

 

What do you make? Beaded pretties with glass, semi-precious gemstone and swarovski beads. From earrings, bracelets and hair accessories to keyrings and (so far) 4 different types of bookmarks. I love bookmarks!

 

When did you get started? Around the 2004 mark I believe, with 18 months off in between to travel and hook my Mr. I am self taught and only made things for myself and as gifts originally, then I started getting orders when people were noticing my stuff. I've only been venturing into actively selling for around 6 months, still learning!

 

Why do you make your 'thing'? Beading is therapy for me, I love to sit and create after a long day at work. I am inspired by my mum who made her living from crafts when I was young - she did everything but what I do, I think! I get a lot of joy out of seeing someone love and enjoy wearing/using something that I have made.

 

Where to next for you?  My next big step is markets, which is how Mum did her thing back in the day. I've got 2 coming up in November to see how I go. I hope to keep expanding my little hobby, and I'm very much enjoying being a part of View Point as it does the same!