Marg Hutton

Marg is the brains (and the green fingers) behind going Potty with Marg.

Marg creates succulent and cacti arrangements in a variety of individual and often quirky pots.

These mini gardens are very resilient making them a perfect gift for someone with a busy lifestyle (don't we all!?)

Marg goes to a lot of trouble selecting the plants, which she propagates and grows herself, matching them with suitable pots.
Sometimes she enhances the arrangement with stones or figurines.

Marg will be bringing a large range of her potted creations to Mountain Makers next week, so be sure to check out her display.

You'd be potty not to!

Idle Hands

Idle Hands are Imogen and Amber ...and they make stuff!

Such varied and wonderful stuff!

Idle Hands is a Blue Mountains home-based business
focusing on contemporary handmadeness.

Their aim is to use quality supplies of Australian origin where possible.

And to be as green as possible - by the use of recycled and upcycled supplies.

And to create everything with love and care.

And it sure shows!

Teangi Chambers

We're so delighted that Teangi is joining us this time - she makes the cutest sculptures!

You can really see that Teangi has a passion for animals and nature which she expresses through her one-of-a-kind metal sculptures.

All of Teangi's sculptures are individually handmade, they are not mass-produced and each one is an individual , signed by Teangi.

Teangi uses steel to produce wild and exotic animals as well as taking commissions for her popular "sculpt my pet project".

All of Teangi's sculptures are suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

Come along and be delighted by Teangi's metal sculptures.

Alison Dickin

Alison Dickin is a botanical artist who specialises in painting native Australian plants and birds.
Alison works mainly in watercolours but has also recently been using coloured pencils to add another effect to her work. 

Originally from Shropshire, UK, Alsion has a degree in textile design and has had previous careers as a knitwear designer and a graphic designer.

Moving to  the Blue Mountains inspired Alison to begin drawing and painting again.
She says that she loves the ancient forests of the Blue Mountains National Park and is inspired by the amazing local wildflowers including the Banksia, Kangaroo Paw, Flannel Flower and Waratah. 

Some of Alison's most recent creations are a series of fruit and vegetables.

Her artwork will be available at the market as prints, cards and originals.

Indigo Elephant

Sash Hinton is the creator behind Indigo Elephant.
She is an interior designer turned full-time-mum to her sons, and IndigoElephant was born to satisfy her need for a creative outlet whilst also allowing her to look after her family. 
Sash says she has been creating things for as long as she can remember, and has a love for all forms of colour, pattern and texture.

She first began sewing for her first son when he was a few months old and she discovered there was very little available, especially for boys, that was different to what you could buy in any large shopping centre.

So Sash began her foray into a creative sewing business producing a whole range of items including -
Burp Cloths
Crayon Wallets
Dribble Bibs
Dummy Clips
Feeding Bibs
Hair Accessories
Library Totes
Pram Blankets
Softies

Sash's use of fresh modern fabrics and eye-catching designs really do stand out from the crowd.
If you have young people in your life that you need to buy gifts for them you'll find something here.

Wyck Candles

Wyck is a family owned and operated candlemaking business based in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. They specialise in hand-poured palm wax pillar candles, highly scented with quality essential and fragrant oils.

Wyck candles combine natural sustainable waxes with customised essential and fragrance oils to create uniquely scented candles.

At Wyck, the philosophy is that it takes time and the best ingredients to create true quality. You won’t find any production lines or automated machines in their studio – every candle is individually hand poured, scented and packaged.

Wyck uses natural waxes that are - 

• Free from chemicals and additives, allowing our candles to burn cleanly with minimal smoke and soot.
• Sourced from sustainable plantations, ensuring no habitat loss for endangered species.

 Wyck produce two styles of candles - long-burning pillar candles and smaller votives.

 The votives come beautifully packaged in origami gift boxes - perfect for Christmas gifts.

With their emphasis on quality rather than quantity, Wyck have made the decision to sell directly to the public and only a handful of carefully selected retail outlets.

Come along to Mountain Makers and experience Wyck candles!

Designer - Mandy Harvey

Once again we have the wonderful creations of Mandy in the guise of Beads Me and Radical Glass.

When Mandy is wearing her Beads Me hat she produces an array of beautifully designed and handcrafted jewelry using a variety of swarovski crystal, gemstones, handmade lampwork beads and freshwater pearls.

 Radical Glass is Mandy's crazy glass business. You will find an array of fused glass designs from 'radical' colours to cute fairies, imps and dragonflies.

Come along on the 26th and see what yummy new creations Mandy has to show.

Next Mountain Makers Event

The next Mountain Makers event is happening on
Saturday 26th November 2011
at the Presbyterian Church Hall in Springwood
from 10am to 4pm.

Watch this space for more info!
It will bigger and better than last time!

We are currently seeking applications from new stallholders. Please contact Tess: tcarrad[at]bigpond[dot]com for more information.

Mountain Makers

On Saturday the culmination of several weeks of organising reach a grand crescendo!


Eleven fabulous crafty people joined together and held a special Mother's Day art and craft fair.


It was small and sweet but the room looked great, packed with such wonderful colourful goodies.


The customers seemed to really appreciate the quality and variety too judging by the number who left clutching bags of treasures.


These are an amazing group of ladies, I really enjoy joining with them for events like this.


Hopefully we'll be able to do it all again on a bigger and better scale later in the year.


Look out for more from Mountain Makers in the future!

Designer :: Sami Bop

Since the wee '80s I have been recycling all sorts of fabrics to create something entirely different and fun. I extended my knowledge by studying Fashion Design and Production and worked within the industry for a period of time.

I individually make each and every Sami Bop garment myself using selected vintage and recycled fabrics in unique styles and pattern combinations. I love working from my home studio (with my two little ones) creating girls and boys clothing mostly in sizes 00 to 8



We last spoke to you here and since then your business has continued to grow from strength to strength – which is great – but sometimes means having to spend less time being creative and more time on the “business” part. How do you manage that?

I have learnt that to be able to promote the creative side of my business I need to incorporate all the other aspects involved in producing it.

When I researched the Blue Mountains Business Advantage Awards 2010, I discovered there was an ‘Innovation and Environmental award section. I was advised to attend a workshop on how to apply. It was a wonderful exercise in marketing as well as realising how far my range has developed over the years. I have been so passionate about what I do that I found the questions quite simple to answer, and was so pleased to be awarded Finalist in both categories I had applied for.

I have distributed my time as best I can between all the different tasks required, and although it is a challenge at times, I find this makes the whole process more varied and interesting.



Like all the exhibiting artists, you’re a Blue Mountains local. Where are you based and what do you love about your village?

I am based in Hazelbrook. I think the best thing about living here is the convenience of being located in the heart of the mountains area, where the weather is great and the people are friendly.

And now for a big one: Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

I plan to be doing some interesting and exciting things with all the fabrics I have accumulated over the past 6 years or more. The possibilities are endless - although the time I have to do what I want is not!



What will we get to see from you at Mountain Makers this year?

Since the previous Mountain Makers was around Spring/Summer, this time I will be presenting some Autumn/Winter garments and I have also got a reversible hat/cap style which is proving quite popular for both Kids and adults.
Due to popular demand from my customers over many years, I have finally embarked on a women’s A-line skirt range as well.

Discover more about Sami Bop here

Designer :: Forget Me Not Paperware

Forget Me Not Paperware is a grass roots Australian business offering unique designer stationery, proudly crafted by hand from environmentally conscious materials.
We create writing sets, individual artcards, notelets, gift tags, jotters, printed paperware and special event stationery with an eco edge. Our range is always changing and evolving, so be sure to check back regularly.

We last chatted with you here. What's been happening since then?

Lots! But in a nutshell, I've continued to balance {not always very successfully, mind} work, family and study. Last year saw some of my work featured in some noteable print media as well as the design publication Handmade Living. At the current time I am working on an exciting new project called Making Spaces in conjunction with Kirrily.



Like all the exhibiting artists, you’re a Blue Mountains local. How long have you lived here and what do you love about your village?

I am now officially a local apparently. I've lived in the mountains for 7 years, and Wentworth Falls for most of that. Whilst it took me a while to settle into the pace of life here, that's now exactly what I love about my village. You'd have a difficult time convincing me to live anywhere else.

What do you think are some of the limitations for indie business owners here (if any)?
I echo what has already been stated by others regarding supplies - however, that really is easily overcome with the internet. In terms of customer base, most of my sales derive from overseas or interstate so my location does not limit me at all in terms of business.


What works of yours will we get to see at Mountain Makers this year?
I have a new printed range of recycled stationery for household organisation, and also fresh season notelets, artcards, wrapping paper, stationery sets, office accessories, jotters and more!

Visit Forget Me Not Paperware online here

Designer :: Tanya Carter

Note: this is a direct reprint from The Nook - full acknowledgement of text and images is credited to The Nook and designer Tanya Carter

Working from my Wentworth Falls home studio I have been creating leadlight pieces for 12 years, joining The Nook in early 2006.

Specialising in the copper foil technique I produce a colourful and decorative range of butterflies, fish, flowers, hanging light catchers and Christmas decorations. More practical pieces such as jewellery boxes, candle holders, tissue box covers and serviette holders also showcase the range of colours and textures available in glass today.


Each piece of glass is hand cut, the edges ground smooth, wrapped in copper foil then soldered. The finished piece is then polished to prevent tarnishing.

I have recently begun making leadlight pendants for necklaces. Using lead-free solder, they are a unique fashion accessory, with handworked wire highlighting beautiful shades of coloured glass.


My second passion is photography, with greeting cards being a great medium to present my photos of the Blue Mountains close-up. The photos depict the changing colours and beauty of the Blue Mountains, with all the photos taken either in my own garden, the area’s public gardens or the Blue Mountains National Park.

Designer :: Claire Broughton

Welcome Claire to your first Mountain Makers event! Please share with us a little about yourself and what do you do

I'm Claire Broughton and I'm a patchworker and quilter. I make a range of patchwork bags, table runners (long and short), table mats, childrens cot quilts, and wall hangings with pockets. I really enjoy quilting and have been doing it for around 20 years, having first done a class and realised that it was my calling. I love cutting perfectly good fabric into tiny pieces and then sewing it back together again!



Like the rest of us, you are a Mountains local. Where are you based and what do you love about living here?

I've lived in the mountains for 15 years and currently live in Springwood. The mountains are an interesting mix of artists and crafts people and I enjoy meeting all the different people at the local markets. I don't have as much spare time as I'd like to get out and explore the area.

Where can we find you?

You can find me on the second Saturday of every month at the Ivy Market, Springwood and the first Saturday of every month at the Cobbitty Market down at Cobbitty.



What are you looking forward to showing off at Mountain Makers?

I will have my full range of patchwork products with me, including some beautiful new log cabin pieces. Come along and find the perfect Mother's Day gift!