Meet the Makers Part 2

In the lead up to Australian Design Centre’s Makers Market on Saturday 13 October, we get chatty with some of our crafty stall holders. In Part 2 of our Meet the Maker conversation, we delve into topics of craft as an evolving practice and how our makers engage with Sydney's craft community.

In Part 2 we talk to: Ceramist Christina of Trade the Mark; jewellery maker and designer Sophie of Scoops Design; textile designers Georgie of littlecrow design and Mia of Ruby Raisin; fibre artist Sky Carter; and fashion designer Jane of By the Sea .

Can you tell us about the evolution of your creative practice.
Georgie, littlecrow design:  I’ve been collecting inspiration for years and years. A shell, an odd shaped stick, a quirky stamp, random packaging material from my days working in a warehouse. And photos! Of shadows, fences, branches, pebbles. This library of things found and photographed bring memories of place and people. I start here and extract elements of shape and texture to create patterns for my fabric. It’s important to me that the design is connected to a real story, and that the fabrics and colours I choose reflect this story.
 

littlecrow design has evolved over the last few years to include the design, screen printing and sewing of homewares and accessories for others to enjoy. And it’s a dream come true for me.
 

Jane, By the Sea Collection: Having a degree in fashion design is definitely a big advantage for me. I started off with a small range and by doing markets across Sydney, I was able to meet and talk to my customers directly and they often give me ideas and suggestions of what they want made. As a young start-up business, I’m still fine-tuning and there are constant changes to my work with improvements along the way.
 

Mia, you just rebranded from The Raisin did it to Ruby Raisin. Can you tell us more about why you made the change and what your customers can expect from the Ruby Raisin brand?

Mia, Ruby Raisin: I had been doing kid’s clothing for over a decade but was gradually being pulled into women’s clothing by my customers. I had several of them ask for a particular girls dress in their size and I created the Collage Top in response. It provided great creative expression for my love of vintage fabric and pattern and my waste not want not ethos, and more ideas for adults flowed from there. It got to the point where the range was so big I was finding it difficult to manage, so I decided to refine and focus on what I was getting most joy from making. Part of that meant letting go of the old name and starting afresh with Ruby Raisin. I’m so excited and bursting with ideas, playing around with beautiful fabrics and colours, I can’t wait for your market!
 

Customers can expect the same aesthetic and quality they are used to - lots of vintage print and bold block colours in flattering, comfortable dresses and separates. I’ll be continuing some of my existing styles, launching new shapes (all with pockets of course, pockets are mandatory!) and for the first time I will be able to do use some of my illustrations as screenprints for the ladies, it’s only been the kids and men who have enjoyed those so far!  
 

What do you love about the ADC Makers Markets?

Mia, Ruby Raisin: There are so many reasons! The ADC are leaders in the art, craft and design scene and I have so much respect for all of their work. I think this market provides a really playful and down to earth platform to connect with other makers and customers who truly value unique, quality creations from small businesses and local creatives. I always look forward to it and have a great day where my throat hurts from all the interesting conversations and laughs I’ve had with the visitors and my fellow stallholders. 
 

Sky, Sky Carter Colour: ADC market is a properly curated art/design and makers market so I am very chuffed to be a part of the Sydney Craft Week lineup. My challenge will be not to spend all my money on the other stands... I’m not joking!  The great thing about this market is it’s not overwhelming either and it attracts a really interesting customer base of serious design connoisseurs so is its always a great networking opportunity. 
 

How do you engage with the Sydney craft community?

Georgie, littlecrow design: I love the community of makers here in Sydney! I’ve come to know fashion designers, ceramicists, silversmiths, screen printers, illustrators, quilters, weavers, cooks, beekeepers… They have encouraged and inspired and commiserated with me! Our crafters are an essential part of a healthy community, connecting us to the objects surrounding us. These handcrafted objects become part of each person’s story - quietly, daily - bringing joy and meaning over the years.
 

Sophie, Scoops Design: I love to meet up with fellow designers and makers to share new ideas and designs. This is really important to my process as a maker. I also teach in Visual Communication at UTS so I get to spend time with lots of creatives and see all types of inspiring design. 

Chris, Trade the Mark: I have so many friends who are makers and educators. It’s always so heartening to chat to your peers about your work and theirs. The struggles and wins. Our makers community is vast and that connection is invaluable.

Sky, Sky Carter Colour: I get a lot of crafters both hobbyist and practicing in my workshops and relationships and connections evolve from there. Crafters are always so open and welcoming as a community.... not just Sydney but globally too! There is something about yarn that attracts the best people! It’s also a very refreshingly unpretentious community and I respond to that, I love anything that is not about elitism. I believe every creative endeavour has value. 

ADC Makers Market on Saturday 13 October, 10am – 4pm. To see the full line up of makers and the festivities on the day, check out the Sydney Craft Week event page here. Also, mark yourself as 'Going' on the facebook event page for more information, updates and maker profiles.