5 Minutes with Floral & Plaid

Today we are spending five minutes with Floral & Plaid – here is what Julie had to say.

Tell us a little about how your business came to life.

I’ve always loved being creative, and after having 2 kids of my own, I decided I wanted to start a business where I could work from home and use my creative talents and make something unique for the baby market.  I was able to bring my love for all things vintage and shabby chic into the design process.  Although my business is still relatively new, I love what I’m doing and have had fantastic feedback and support.  I’m looking forward to sharing more of my designs.

Can you remember your first sale? What was it? How did you feel?

Yes, I was so excited and nervous at the same time.  Wow, someone liked my creations, but would they love them as much as I did?  They did!  And the praise motivated me to continue creating and sharing those creations.  I love hearing back from customers and getting to know them a bit too.

Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?

Once I had decided to create for the baby market, I visited a large material shop.  Wow, I was in heaven!  I was drawn to all the pretty shabby floral fabrics, but you can’t dress a boy in flowers, can you?  That is when I spotted the plaid fabrics.  Perfect!  So that is how the name emerged, floral designs for girls and plaid designs for boys, hence, Floral and Plaid Designs was born.

Where does most of your creating take place?  Show us … if you want.

Being a busy mum with 2 small children (1 and 3) to care for during the day, I spend my evenings at the dining room table designing new products.  I’m surrounded by all the things I love there including my large shabby chic table, antique clocks, oil lamps and family photos.  I also have a work desk in our sunroom, but I tend to gravitate to the lounge room.

What is your favourite item that you make? Show and tell!

I’ve just recently started making Black Apple Rag Dolls.  I love making these because you can give each one their own personality by changing the clothing, skin colour, hair colour and style, and accessories.  They are also gorgeous soft toys that children can love and cuddle and make their best friends.  I love that they are the sort of toy that can be treasured into adulthood.

What is your most favourite handcrafted item you have brought?

I didn’t actually buy it, but was given this beautiful hand knitted doll by a friend of my mum’s (who has now sadly passed) when I was pregnant with my daughter.  It is so sweet and you can tell it was made with love.

What handcrafty thing couldn’t you live without?

I love my pinking sheers.  They are fantastic.  And as much as I love my sewing machine, I’m just as happy hand sewing.

5 Minutes with Floral & Plaid