profile : arna sweeney

An environmental consciousness and interest in design featuring Australian flora and fauna led Arna Sweeney to the discovery of several independent textile designers. This selection of high quality materials and components featuring unique hand screen printed, ethically produced and sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton, linen and hemp, translates into a gorgeous collection of bags, purses, and home wares. All products are completely handmade in Arna’s Launceston studio, guaranteeing individuality and some lovely one off designs.

Do you have a day job, if so what is it?
Firstly I’m a mother to my 14 year old daughter. My husband and I also have a club in Launceston, PYCSAM Health & Fitness. I’m pretty much behind the scenes these days, helping out at times with staff training and act as mentor to our club manager.

When did your business begin and why? 
My mother sewed and I grew up with a sewing machine often out on the dining table, so it seemed like a natural thing for me. I’ve always loved to sew and know I’m a much happier, fulfilled person when I’m creating. During a three year sabbatical to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, USA my love for sewing was rekindled during the long snowy winters. After my return to Tasmania in 2008 my first bags and purses were created. From a great response from family, friends and the public I started supplying a few local stores supporting the hand made revolution including Cocoon and The Mill. Late last year I expanded and launched my online store.


Inspiration/design aesthetic? 
Simplicity of style and an almost extreme plainness is the core of my inspiration. I’ve always drawn inspiration from nature and in particular the raw Australian landscape and our unique flora and fauna. Following this interest and an environmental consciousness led to the discovery of several independent textile designers. Each of my products combines high quality materials and components featuring unique hand screen printed, ethically produced and sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton, linen and hemp.

Designers you admire? 
I absolutely adore the work of designer and artist Julie Paterson, from Cloth. Another favourite is Stewart Russell who heads up Spacecraft, and his team of designer/makers hand screen printing onto any surface that attracts their attention such as fabric, concrete, wood, paper and glass. Lara Cameron and Tegan Rose, owners and designers of Ink & Spindle are two girls I admire too.

What do you love about what you do...and any little gripes or niggles? 
I love the search for beautiful textiles and being surrounded by them in my studio, sometimes hard to part with! I love the process of making that fabric come alive into a creation, that other people can enjoy. I simply love sewing – does wonders for the mind and soul!

What can our lovely customers expect to see you exhibiting? 
I’m always on the lookout for new textiles and have some beautiful new colourways and designs to create into gorgeous homewares and accessories. I’m currently working on some new designs and hope to bring those to the market too.

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Missed our July event? For more interviews with our exhibitors check out our look book.

profile : curmilla designs & illustrations

Lara Carbone creates original artworks and adorable little bundles of whimsy to wear. We’re talking miniature, intricately handmade fairytale themed jewels…think bespoke bears, little red riding hood and pretty much every favourite character from your childhood you can think of….adorable!

Do you have a day job, if so what is it? 
I am currently attending University in Hobart, Tasmania so as to obtain a BFA in photography, which is one of my other passions. My approach to photography is similar to the approach I have when I create my designs. I actively participate in each creation. In fact, my photographs are often self-portraits combined to elements that derive from the world of dreams, childhood memories mixed with imagination and fairy tales.

When did your business begin and why? 
I began to create different types of objects, draw and take photographs ever since I can remember. I grew up with a mother who adored painting and a grandmother who loved every form of art. Art, therefore, has always been part of my everyday life. I completed numerous art courses when I was a child and subsequently enrolled at an Italian secondary school, which lasted five years, specializing in art subjects, especially illustration and modelling. This was the start of what has turned out to be the path which led to Curmilla Designs & Illustrations, where I express myself freely and share the joy and oddity of “my” world by creating little stories to wear, to display and to share.

Inspiration/design aesthetic? 
My inspirations always spark from my childhood memories which are tied either to what I actually experienced or to my dreams; stories and moments linked to facts, things that really happened or on the contrary that are totally invented, taken from books of folktales or simply from my imagination. My inspiration is my world, made of animals that can talk, plants that can move and of course the wind, which is the best ballad singer ever.

Designers you admire? 
I admire a multitude of contemporary designers, however, my favourite is probably Donna Wilson, who was the winner of “British Designer of the Year 2010”.

What is your favourite part of Tasmania? 
My favourite part of Tasmania… is Tasmania! I adore this island and one thing that I could never do without is the feeling you have when you drive from one town to another enjoying the ever changing landscape. It’s amazing and unique!

What do you love about what you do...and any little gripes or niggles? 
What I love most about handmade items is that all handmade items are unique and unrepeatable, just like human beings. Each and every one of us is unique and unrepeatable, and this is what makes us all so special. Whoever decides to buy handmade items chooses to recognize a person’s creativity and to reward the time and the passion that each designer puts into each creation.

What can our lovely customers expect to see you exhibiting? 
They can just about expect anything and I have to admit it’s true! What they can surely find is a variety of unique and unrepeatable objects for grown-ups and children, created by an “almost grown-up” who remains a child at heart.

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Want to see who else will be at our July event? For more interviews with our exhibitors check out our look book.

profile : birdy & me / dancing at dusk

Kelly Smith is the incredible illustrator behind the Birdy & Me label. With a seriously impressive list of clients (Vogue, H&M, L’avion) Kelly focuses on fashion illustration and portraiture and also produces limited edition prints and artworks that are whimsical, beautiful and inspiring all at once. This year she has delved into homewares (yay!) and has teamed up with Lauren Stevenson to produce a collaborative collection of cushions and bags under their brand new offshoot label ‘Dancing at Dusk’….we’re excited!

Do you have a day job, if so what is it? 
Kelly is an illustrator who has worked with local and international clients including Vogue Australia, Portmans, and H&M. Lauren is part of the office grind by day, creative genius by night.

When did your business begin and why? 
B&M : I graduated from art school itching to start drawing again after 4 years of focusing primarily on photography and graphic design. I started a blog and etsy store to display and sell my work and things progressed from there!
D@D: We are brand new, launching our products this Feb at the market. Our business blossomed from a conversation about how badly we wanted to design and create our own products so we thought ‘why not!’ and went for it.

Inspiration/design aesthetic? 
B&M: My work has quite a soft aesthetic; it’s very monochrome with subtle pops of colour. I find most of my inspiration in fashion, film and fairytales. I’m literally addicted to fashion magazines so photography always plays a huge part in my process. I like to create a strong sense of character and whimsy in my girls!
D@D: Both of us are very inspired by colour and pattern. It’s quite a girly aesthetic, but with a lot of tribal, bohemian influences.

Designers you admire? 
We love the work of Kat Macleod, Julie Verhoeven, Stina Persson, Kate Banazi and David Downton. They use colour amazingly well.

What is your favourite part of Tasmania? 
Both of us would probably say Salamanca or the huge amount of coastline. Give us some sun, a park or a beach and we’re happy.

What do you love about what you do...and any little gripes or niggles? 
B&M: The fact that I get paid to do what is essentially my hobby is pretty much the best thing ever! Of course no job is ever perfect, we all get that difficult client, or unexpected deadline. But I wouldn’t trade jobs with anyone! (Apart from maybe Anna Wintour)
D@D: At the moment everything is so new and exciting it’s hard to find any negatives. As with any new business, we’re sure to hit a few bumps in the road as we continue to learn more about it. We’ll get back to you on that one!

What can our lovely customers expect to see you exhibiting? 
We’re launching with a range of cushions, zip bags and cards in two different ranges. We have the ‘Tigerlily’ range which has a bit of a Navajo vibe, and our ‘Sweet Nectar’ range which is all about blossoms and colour.

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Want to see who else will be at our July event? For more interviews with our exhibitors check out our look book.

profile : jemma clements handblown glass

Jemma Clements brings a distinctively fresh style to the world of glass blowing. Trained under renowned glass artist, and father, Richard Clements, Jemma has embarked on a career which has seen her selling her intricately handcrafted pieces interstate and internationally. Her products include a bright colourful range of jewellery, bespoke perfume bottles and gorgeous decorations. All with Jemma’s strong original sense of style, focusing on spontaneity, light and colour.

Do you have a day job, if so what is it? 
I was working full time as a glass artist but since the birth of my two daughters, I am currently working part-time.

When did your business begin and why? 
Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Huon Valley, I grew up in a family that was passionate about glass. I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in glass so in 1995 I embarked upon an apprenticeship with my father, Richard Clements. In the beginning I focussed primarily on perfume bottles, selling both interstate and internationally. After many years I discovered bead making and was instantly hooked! Pursuing bead making enables me to combine my love of fashion with my work. I spent every Saturday of my childhood at Salamanca Market “helping” behind the stall. It was a natural progression for me to have my own market stalls. I love the whole process from making to selling and interacting with customers.

Inspiration/design aesthetic? 
As mentioned I was initially inspired by my family’s love of glass. I feel fortunate to have had a trade as well as a creative passion passed down to me. My father and I share a workshop in Franklin and he inspires me always. We both influence each other’s work. I also have my own workshop at home now, which is great as it gives me more time to tinker on my work. I endeavor to have a strong, original sense of style. I want my work to be a celebration of the medium.

Designers you admire? 
Tasmania is overflowing with talented artisans. While there are many excellent designers interstate, I think it is great to celebrate Tasmania’s exceptional local designers. I admire Richard Clements, Carmen Blythe, Natalie Holtsbaum, Emily Snadden, My Mother Mabel, Little Lari, Roger Webb and Alex + Marion Ceramics…I could go on and on! I love anything Japanese, especially Japanese hand made beads. The skill and their attention to detail are phenomenal.

What is your favourite part of Tasmania? 
I just adore Tasmania now, when I was younger I took it for granted. We are blessed with beautiful beaches, amazing wilderness and an extraordinary way of life. My favourite part of Tasmania now would have to be MONA. I love everything about it; the building, the art and the artefacts, the food and wine, everything. It is world class and out in Berridale…Amazing!!

What do you love about what you do...and any little gripes or niggles? 
Being self-employed is wonderful, although not being paid for sick days is quite upsetting! When I am feeling uninspired it can be difficult to motivate myself. That is probably one of the more challenging aspects of being self-employed.

What can our lovely customers expect to see you exhibiting? 
A wide variety of my work including a full range of my bight, colourful studs, sterling silver and hand blown bead necklaces and perfume bottles.

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Want to see who else will be at our July event? For more interviews with our exhibitors check out our look book.