Happy Happy Friday lovely Maddabling blog readers. It is with a twinge of sadness that I concede today is the last day in the current Maddabling 22 Day Mid Month Photo Challenge. I have had so much fun hosting this challenge, that I intend on hosting another one in October for anyone that may be interested! Keep an eye on the Maddabling facebook page for details.....the final blog post will be posted this evening. The photo challenge posts from the last 22 days will be updated with missed photos for the final time over the weekend.
Today it is my great pleasure to introduce you to a cleverly creative DUSTy Diva - meet Jay of Finki Handmade at Olive Grove Studios !
Dear readers, I confess, as an Etsy Addict and lover of Australian Handmade, I made a purchase from Finki many moons ago - a funky Smokin Geisha Notepad ! The notepages are gone but I still have the cover as I just adore this image.
I have had a chance to reconnect with Finki through the Maddabling Photo Challenge and looking through the Finki Handmade store, there are so many new favourites that I simply MUST share with you now..... starting with the Raspberry Bouquet Jersey Skirt
followed by the Textured Tunic, both of which are made from super comfy jersey fabrics.
I must also share with you this Funky Little Notepad - too too cute !
Dear readers, time to grab your handbag and explore the Fabulous Finds at Finki Handmade and of course to read the story of a very creative DUSTy Diva ! See you all this evening for the final instalment in the Maddabling 22 Day Mid Month Photo Challenge.
Fabulous Finds at Finki Handmade
Who is Finki Handmade?
Finki is the result of my obsessive need to create something on a daily
basis. I think, no I know I have been drawing, sewing and making STUFF since
cocky was an egg, so it was inevitable that I would end up making this my
life.
I only started to take my craft seriously when I hit my 30’s and since then
have just followed my heart from my humble beginnings in my little Etsy shop, to
markets and now to a space in an awesome brick and mortar shop in Melbourne
called Olive Grove Studios.
How and When did your handmade/artistic journey begin ?
Way back when, I can remember sewing clothes for my cabbage patch on mums big
old metal singer. I would design summer clothing ranges for barbie and spend all
my time doodling on scraps of paper. Oh and much to my siblings delight I would
dress them up, do their hair and makeup, create sets and take photos. Looking
back now, I’m surprised they ever let me get away with it. But I guess it was all leading up to a creative life today.
One that I didn’t really allow time for until I was on maternity leave with
baby number two. A part of me just did not want to return to the rat race, so I
started selling my crafty wares on Etsy, which after a few months gave me the
confidence to step out into the world and sell face to face. It was such a scary
concept to me, to open myself up to criticism and speculation but it has been
well worth it. You just gotta put yourself out there or you never make that allowance for
opportunity to come your way.
What inspires you ?
Gosh...everything! I remember after having my daughter, I was so eager to learn as much as I
could about the world of art, so I decided to return to study as a mature age
student...I felt like a nanna...but it was the best thing ever.
I did a diploma
of visual arts and was exposed to so many different ways of capturing the world
around you. Through photography, print, ceramics, jewellery, paint and more...
so as if i wasn’t already enamoured with all the fine details in the world
around me, this course flicked a switch and I suddenly found inspiration in even
the most mundane things.
What mediums do you work with - do you have a favourite ?
Well I have many a medium to work in and quite often have people say to me
that I need to stop learning new skills, but I yearn to learn and fill my world
with many a curious set of skills.
At present I sew, paint, screen print, bead, play with resin and spend far
too much time on the computer. I tell myself that I’m working on my graphic
designs, but really I’m off on pinterest, F.B or blog hopping instead. If only I
could get paid to Blog hop ( :
At the moment though, I’d have to say Resin is my new love, it’s ability to
magnify, and encapsulate images of old, giving them a new life in a pendant or
earring makes my heart skip a beat.
What kind of things do you
make/create ?
When i finished the diploma of arts, i really fell in love with the jewellery
making component of the course and followed on to study that at TAFE.
So my
heart lies in making jewellery, which I still do, but I also dabble in making
screen printed clothes, cushions, journals and cards.
Do you have a
favourite piece that you have made/created ?
Gosh, how could I choose a favourite, they are all my babies. I guess my favourite is always the one I just finished. But really, everything I make is something I would and do wear myself. I think that’s key in being a maker. You have to make the things you love.
What are your future
plans/dreams/aspirations ?
One day, when I’m old and grey or maybe sooner if fate allows I’d love to
have my own shop. A shop with a little display of Finki goodies whilst the rest
of the place was brimming with handmade wander from all my crafty Australian
friends.
Want to see more dear readers ? Or perhaps do a spot of shopping ? Here is how you can connect :
Buy gorgeous things at the Finki Etsy store here : http://www.etsy.com/shop/Finki
Become a follower of the Finki Handmade Blog here :
http://www.finkihandmade.blogspot.com.au/
and become a Facebook fan here : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Finki-Handmade-at-Olive-Grove-Studios/253249501357517
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