Looking for a fun crafty challenge this month? Why not join And Sew We Craft’s Photo a Day Challenge. Here’s the list of crafty prompts for this month ~
All you need to do is take a photo each day using the list as inspiration and upload it to your favourite social media site and hashtag it #aswcraftphotoaday.
This months list was created by Blossom Heart Quilts, one of the contributors of the And Sew We Craft blog.
“How you choose to interpret each days prompt is totally up to you. Go literal, think abstract, get arty, be simple. But most of all, try to make it crafty!
If you miss a day, dont stress! Either skip it, or play catch up “ its up to you. The easiest way to remember to take a photo is to save it as your phone screensaver/lock screen.” Blossom Heart Qulits
Korinas Kreations began in 2011 and is a home based small business. I only use Funky Friends Factory patterns to make all the toys and only good quality prewashed fabric and stuffing is used. Each toy is made with love and only perfectly made toys are sold.
What inspired you to start your business?
I kind of fell into my business as it only really started out as a desire to learn to sew. I had just received my first ever sewing machine and stumbled across the Funky Friends Factory shop at my local market.
I met Pauline the pattern designer and got talking to her about her business and the toys she designs. Her passion for what she does left a lasting impression with me. I left that day with one of her patterns and I absolutely fell in love with it. I then made a few toys for my daughters and friends and so I bought a couple more patterns. One day my husband suggested I try selling them at a market. Needless to say 2 years later I have 55 patterns, attend 5 markets a month, stock 4 shops in Brisbane and sell online.
Im now a SAHM due to the fact my husband works overseas for long periods and Ive now converted my desire to learn to sew into a desire to make good quality toys for those who love handmade.
Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?
When I was thinking about what to call my business I found choosing the œright name quite difficult. I wanted something that would be noticeable and different. It was my husband who suggested I call it Korinas Kreations because basically I made them so they were my œKreations.
What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
The most satisfying part of what I do is knowing that I’ve created something different and something that you cant just buy anywhere. Every toy I make is unique and it doesn’t matter how many times I make one from the very same pattern they are all different.
Have you tried something in business that didn’t work as planned, or on the flip side “ worked out better than expected?
I took the huge plunge this year to put my toys in various shop locations around Brisbane. This is probably one of the best things I have done so far in my business as its been very successful for me.
What would be your best tip for someone thinking about selling their handcrafted goods?
Make sure you are passionate about handmade and what you are making. Keep it original and NEVER copy someone elses ideas.
What is your favourite item you make?
My favourite item to make has to be the Sugar Plum Fairy Ballerinas. They are just adorable to make and I just love how animated they become once their cute little faces are sewn on.
Meet the Maker – Korina’s Kreations
Any personal or business highlights in the last year:
Being featured on madeit.com.au regularly as Staff Picks and in the Monday New Finds section this year has been fantastic. I’m pretty proud of that as there are so many talented creators out there.
3 things about you (not business related) that people might not know:
This week lets meet the lovely Katherine from The Print Press Studio (now known as She’s Peachy)
Tell us about your business:
The Print Press Studio delivers a range of Wall Prints and Greeting Cards illustrated with cute and sometimes quirky graphics. It also includes a range of custom nursery prints that have proved popular as unique keepsake baby gifts.
What inspired you to start your business?
I work by day in a creative profession and am one of those crazy types that really struggles to stop designing, drawing and doodling. Whilst on maternity leave, I knew I would need an outlet to keep my brain ticking along so, after the encouragement and compliments of friends I jumped straight in!
Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?
The name is more a dream than anything! One day I would love a design studio, complete with its own vintage print press. For now, a digital œpress will just have to do!
What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
Receiving the lovely compliments from both market and online customers. I always get such a buzz out of someone who is really happy they have found the perfect print for their child’s room or another greeting card to add to their unique stationery collection.
Have you tried something in business that didn’t work as planned, or on the flip side “ worked out better than expected?
I am forever updating my product photos online. It’s a constant process of working towards achieving the perfect display of my products. When a customer enters my online store, I want them to see beautiful illustrations that they can imagine in their own home. The more I develop my photos, the better the response seems to be!
What would be your best tip for someone thinking about selling their handcrafted goods?
Love what you do and do what you love. Both of these are so important because the success of your brand is dependant on passion and hard work.
What is your favourite item you make?
That’s a tough one! I do love doing the custom birth print orders. Seeing all the beautiful names people call their new little bundle is always exciting.
Any personal or business highlights in the last year:
Having only just started The Print Press Studio this year, I think that means that the whole year is a highlight!
