Heavenly Handmade...

Do you buy handmade?

There has been a real resurgence for handmade in Brisbane, and steady growth in clever local artists selling their beautiful goods – and I for one am very glad. Sites like madeit and Etsy have made accessing handmade even easier, and little boutique markets are popping up all over the place and developing a loyal handmade following.

I love handmade items – and no, it’s not just because we run Quill and Ink Handmade, and love making gorgeous things for lovely people. I love buying handmade because it supports local artists, stay-at-home mums and dads, hobbyists, and clever creative types; I also love buying something that’s been made with care and love, something that’s been locally designed and produced, and something that supports our local economy.

But my favourite reason for buying handmade? Every artist generally has a great story to tell about the origins of their business; and therefore, every piece has a great story.

Take, for instance, the lovely Steph from Mon Petite Poppet: she began her French inspired clothing label when little daughter Bijou was born. Admitting to having a passion for all things French, Steph wanted to create clothes for her little jewel Bijou that weren’t frilly or fussy, that were practical, made with beautiful natural materials, and that shied away from the brand name gauntlet. The result is the most divine collection of French inspired blouses (and one seriously cute denim cape with red and white polka dot lining), which feature beautiful patterns in soft natural colours.

 Available at Mon Petit Poppet on Etsy

Another favourite: The beautiful and very sweet Kia from Hello Kia. Kia handcrafts the loveliest stamps sets which combine traditional Japanese carving methods, learnt in the mountain village of Takayama, with the Danish idea of hygge (sense of warmth, homeliness), and taking joy in ordinary things. Quite a culture mix, huh?

Her stamp sets are distinctive, quirky, fun, and sweetly simple – and each one celebrates the everyday in the most delightful of ways. The clever Kia also makes gorgeous crochet baby rattles using super soft Australian merino wool – a skill learnt as a child from her mother, and an old fashioned style that she’s lovingly reviving.

 Available from Hello Kia on Etsy and Kia Hing Fay's Website

I love that Brisbane is bustling with handmade loveliness, and that ordinary people are taking the plunge and creating extraordinary, beautiful, and meaningful things. And it’s a lovely thing to be a part of this blossoming community of creatives.

 Do you like buying handmade? Have you recently bought a handmade item with a great story behind it?

Nat

Ps. Follow Kia and Steph in blog-land too!

Kia: http://www.kiahingfay.com/blog/

Steph: http://monpetitpoppet.blogspot.com/