Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Meet the Seller - Emma from Sweet Event Stationery


Meet Emma from Sweet Event Stationery

Emma is the creator of beautiful stationery for any and all events. Affordable and beautiful you will be guaranteed to have something special for your party, wedding, hen night or pretty much any event. Check out our interview with Emma below.



When did you begin making and what was your inspiration?
Last October I was planning a joint party for my two boys and was frustrated the partyware I could find at the time. I wanted to go all out with a theme so make their party really personal to them, and decided to have a go at designing it myself. It wasn't such a far leap to make, as I have been working as a graphic artist for the last 18 years - more of a natural progression. I enjoyed the experience so much, and got so many compliments on what I had done that I thought I'd try doing the same for other mums :)

My inspiration for craft markets goes back to days spent in London trawling Spitalfields and Camden markets. I used to spend my weekends inventing new card designs and dreaming of one day selling them. It's something I've always wanted to do, so I've come full circle.



What do you make?
Event stationery for every occasion, be it partyware, cupcake toppers, banners, invitations, thanks you notes, birthday cards, wedding invitations. I'm a stationery addict and love trying out new ideas. I'm always expanding my range and trying new ideas, recently my father's day bottle labels and chocolate wrappers have proved a big hit. I'm also developing a range of Sweet Es gifts, so check out the new items on my table at the next market :)      

Who has been the most influential in your craft?
My friends and family and mainly my soon to be 4 year old - he road tests every new idea and let's me know if it's a winner ;)

What inspires you?
Beautiful typography and the colour red. Being involved with people's special occasions is inspiring and so rewarding when a collaboration or idea for  a theme takes shape and becomes a reality.

What do you like to chow down on?
Curry, chicken tikka massala and garlic nan - get's me every time :)



Where do you find your online inspiration? Favourite Blogs/ websites?
There are so many party websites I turn to for inspiration, but pinterest is usually my first stop :)

When you are not at the Devonport Craft Market - where can people find your work?
Online (www.sweetevents.co.nz), facebook (www.facebook.com/SweetEventStationery) and from pixie party supplies

What handmade possession do you most treasure?
I was recently given a beautiful bracelet by Trena at YGM design, it's incredible. I'm blown away by how many talented people I have met since starting Sweet Es.



Apart from making/creating, what do you do?
I also run a freelance graphic design company (Elk Design) and look after my 2 boys Toby and Thomas. Life is hectic and busy but lots of fun!!         

What music is on 'high rotate' on your stereo or iPod at the moment?
Bruno Mars, I love the soppy lyrics and Adele.



Sweet Event Stationary has a wonderful special offer for all of you readers…
Mention you read Emma's profile and you will receive - 50% off  any pack of cupcake toppers (usually $10) - Awesome!!

Thank you so much Emma!

Meet the Seller - Erin from Creatures of Chaos


Meet Erin Knock and her Creatures of Chaos


When did you begin making and what was your inspiration?
I have been making and creating since I was a little girl. My mum said i use to make the strangest little creatures all the time. But it's only the last couple of years that I really got back into it. Creating things has always been part of who I am.

What do you make?
A bit of everything but for "creatures of chaos" I focus mainly on making soft toys. I've also started a new service of turning children's artwork into soft toys. It's a great challenge and lots of fun. What I do is take what your child has drawn and create a soft toy that replicates the child's drawing as closely as possible.         

Who has been the most influential in your craft?
My son, when he was around two, because that's when I got my creativity back. I found myself making costumes for him, fueling his desire to transform into different characters and it's taken off from there.           



What inspires you?
Ha,ha..receiving costume party invites,... that puts me right into a creative frenzy. Travel, art, animals, children's movies, music, Tim Burton, life in general.           

What is your favorite book?
Would have to be the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde, pretty much anything by him.

Where do you find your online inspiration? Favourite Blogs/ websites?
Lots of places but my favourite would be "coolhunters", i love that site. I also find myself just googling a topic and surfing the images, I can lose myself for ages doing that.          

Where did your brand name come from?
The name "creatures of chaos" was  the inspiration of my brother-in-law and came about well after i had started making my creatures.

When you are not at the Devonport Craft Market - where can people find your work?
You can find me at my website (www.creaturesofchaos.co.nz), my felt shop (www.felt.co.nz/shop/creatureofchaos) or at my facebook page

What handmade possession do you most treasure?
I have these Indian shirts i've inherited from my mother's boutique back in the early 70's. Silk, block printed by hand in fantastic colours.

The other handmade possession I love is an appliqué embroidered bird.
I found this treasure on Saba an island in the caribbean, when I was living and working on another island doing a conservation program.

Apart from making/creating, what do you do?
Mother to my beautiful boy  

What music is on 'high rotate' on your stereo or iPod at the moment?
Florence and the Machine, Bat for Lashes, The Hunger Games- various artists.

Special Offer
One lucky customer will receive a monster blob for "FREE" at the September Devonport Craft Market. All you have to do is be the 15 purchasing customer at my "creatures of chaos" stall on that day.