Friday, June 29, 2012

Handmade Mumpreneur: Baby Button



Janell Fowler of Baby Button is one of the finalist for the 2012 Connect2Mum Award for Favourite Handmade Mumpreneur of the Year.


As you know we asked each of the finalist what was the best business advice they received, here is Janell's answer. 


The best business advise I have ever received is to sell to my target market instead of the masses. You want to find the exact people you are selling for through narrowing down, demographic, gender, geography, income etc. That will allow you to focus you attention of the specific people who will be interested and wanting to buy your product. You will no longer be wasting your time and money trying to please everyone or convincing someone they need/want your product. Stay true to yourself, your product and your business and you will go far.


To vote for Janell simply click on the image button below

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Handmade Mumpreneur: RedPoppy Handmade


Esther Houben, founder of RedPoppy Handmade Handbags Australiais one of the finalist for the 2012 Connect2Mum Award for Favourite Handmade Mumpreneur of the Year.

As you know we asked each of the finalist what was the best business advice they received, here is Esther's answer.



Hello everyone, My Name is Esther Houben, founder of RedPoppy Handmade Handbags Australia.


The best business advice I was given was from a friend who is an accountant and my confident.
I was unsure as to whether to leave part time work at the time and asked him how he felt about the idea.
Obviously my main concern was whether my business would keep growing to hopefully one day be able to support me, his answer to me was;


"Sometimes we need to take some un-calculated risks"


A broad but true statement. Suddenly it dawned on me, this is right, we cannot calculate the future, we can calculate our finances but can't calculate what might happen.


I have since left part time work, my business is thriving because I am giving it 100%. A little risk has changed RedPoppy for the better.

To vote for Esther click on the link below:

Award Season

It's that time of year again when Connect2Mums hosts their annual AusMumpreneure Awards.

What I love about these awards is that they have a section just for Handmade. Their 'Favourite Handmade Mumpreneur of Year' category is for the most popular Mum that designs and creates handmade products.
  
There are 18 Mums vying for this award in 2012, one of them being Ali of Cheeky Pickle, who is a regular contributor to the CHA.

Here at the CHA we asked each Nominee what was the best business advice they had ever received.  Responses to this question will be released over the next few weeks while the first round of voting is taking places (closes 22nd July). Stay tuned for some great advice.

NOTE:
I must acknowledge that there are non-Mums and Men in the handmade Industry (I'm thinking of you Jeanie of Inspired Wish and Gemma from GemmaJoy) but it has been my experience that many Handmade peeps are Mums, including myself.   Personally I think it would be great if the Australian Handmade Industry had their own Awards that catered for everyone.  

Monday, June 25, 2012

Visual Merchandising 101 - Be Different!

Be Different!

We all know that most retailers cater to the masses.  To be frank, it’s really boring and it’s just one of the reasons why markets are so great.

Have a think about something that will make you stand out from the competition.  Think about your brand, the theme of your range, or the mood you are trying to encapsulate and go from there.
Props play a great part here: think of a unique way to store and display your products.  Old suitcases and crates are gorgeous if you have a vintage look.  Books are fantastic to add some height here and there, or try some small shelves out for size.

Hone in on all the senses: play some music, burn a candle, have a bunch of fresh flowers, artificial grass and a white picket fence…whatever – just be creative.

Don’t be afraid to mix it up a little and stand out.  People will remember you for it.

Image used with permission by Little Muse

Next Post: Lighting and Safety



As a design addict and lover of all things artistic and crafty, Elizabeth can't get enough unique handmade goodness on her life!  When she's not working, playing Mum, Wife, re-styling her house or planning the next renovation, Elizabeth is wandering the markets, hunting for vintage goodies, reading blogs and watching Grand Designs. Preferably whilst drinking a strong espresso.   Elizabeth sells vintage craft and sewing supplies on Craftumi and feeds pinning addictions here and her Instagram addiction here  (username @walkamongthebirds) and lets not forget facebook

Monday, June 18, 2012

Visual Merchandising 101: Focal Point & Height

Focal Point

Depending on the style or size of your display, you should have at least one main focal point in your stall.

In the market arena it’s easy for a customer to mosey on by, 1 or 2 meters away from your table, and keep on walking with having made any emotional attachment.

Think about your stall - what is it that will catch their eye?  Think of the item/s that you are displaying here in your focal point and make sure they are a strong representation of your brand or the theme that you wish to convey.

When making a display with a strong focal point, don’t forget to keep balance and order in mind; they are your friends!!
Image with permission from One Little Sparrow
Taken at Lollipop Markets

Height

If you can add some height to your market setup – go for it!

This is an area that is often forgotten as many stallholders opt to display their products simply on a table.  Think back to your focal point – you want to catch the customers’ eye, and where is the customers’ eye?  Up high!!

If you are going to use this option, ensure balance by creating a pyramid or stepped display (again, the rule of 3 is applied!).

Image with permission from Memories by Mel
Taken at 
Mummy Tree Markets
Stall – S
winging Tales

Next Post: Be different!



As a design addict and lover of all things artistic and crafty, Elizabeth can't get enough unique handmade goodness on her life!  When she's not working, playing Mum, Wife, re-styling her house or planning the next renovation, Elizabeth is wandering the markets, hunting for vintage goodies, reading blogs and watching Grand Designs. Preferably whilst drinking a strong espresso.   Elizabeth sells vintage craft and sewing supplies on Craftumi and feeds pinning addictions here and her Instagram addiction here  (username @walkamongthebirds) and lets not forget facebook

Saturday, June 16, 2012

The Annual CHACraft Swap - SWAP RULES


By taking part in the CHA Annual Craft Swap you will have a great opportunity to challenge yourself! You are not restricted to only swapping things that you sell; in fact we encourage you to challenge yourselves! Go nuts and try something new.  You can do it!

Here are the SWAP RULES you need to follow to ensure a smooth, fair and fun experience!
  1. Once you have received your swap partner details you MUST contact your swap partner within 14 days or you will be left out of the swap and your partner will be allocated another partner. 
  2. Please note that this is a direct swap, that is you send to and receive from the same person. 
  3. Through out the swap to keep in contact with your swap partner via email. If you want to, you can give the person who is sending to you an idea of your likes and dislikes - or you can go for a complete surprise, it's up to you.  Make sure that you check out your partner’s website to get an idea of who they are, and what they might like.
  4. If for some reason you have to drop out of the swap – please contact your swap partners and the co-ordinator (aka Christine Percy) as quickly as possible, as we might be able to arrange a new swap partner for that person. 
  5. Before sending your parcel, take a photo and remember to include a note with your gift, telling how you decided to make what you did. If possible a personalised label on your gift is a great way for your swap partners to remember you for years to come. 
  6. All swap items must be in the post no later than 30th July 2012.  Please send items via registered mail or prepaid satchel so the item can be tracked.  
  7. You must email you partner notifying them that their item has been sent.  Please note down the date sent, the tracking number and the location you sent it from.  
  8. Email your Swap Partner when your item has been received. 
  9. Once you have opened your gift, ensure you thank you swap partner.  We are also encouraging participants to post post a message on their Facebook page (or similar social media tool) with a link back to their partners business, with a description and photo of your gift.
  10. If you find you are having problems with a swap partner: Before posting a message about this publicly please contact the co-ordinator who will try to resolve it for you.  NB: CHA cannot take responsibility for people who fail to follow through on their swap
  11. Please don't disappoint your swap partner, please remember that you have committed to creating an item:
    • that is hand-crafted item which you would value between $20 - $50.  You can send multiple items to bring it up to this value if you like.
    • that is for an adult (and not a child); your item is a gift for your partner.
  12. If you don't follow these rules you wont be accepted to be in any swaps.

Take this opportunity to get to know someone in the industry!

CHA cannot take responsibility for people who fail to follow through on their swap.  After we assign your partners, it is up to you and your partner to establish communication and complete the swap by the due date.

PLEASE NOTE THIS SWAP IS FOR AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS ONLY

Follow Up

We welcome you to send in a photo of the items you send to you partner, for potential inclusion in our post swap review.  You can email them to: contemporaryhandmadealliance@hotmail.com.

Ensure you make it clear who (business name) produced the item, as well as your business details:
NAME:
EMAIL:
FACEBOOK:
WEBSITE:
BLOG:

We would also love it if you could spend the word about our fun Craft Swap.  You can do this by tweeting about it, doing a shootout on Facebook, mentioning it in one of the forums you are active in, Pinning our Pin-able to you Pinterest Page, blogging about it etc.

It’s so nice to get some handmade love in the mail! 

Thursday, June 14, 2012

{Promotion} 'KEEP Craft Your Business'


So, you have a craft based business.

But now what?

How do you stay focused?

Where do you meet other lovely handmade businesswomen?

We think we have the answer

KEEP Craft Your Business’ is an informal workshop run by Thornbury Womens Neighbourhood House.

The workshop is an extension of our very successful Make Craft Your Business Course and Made ‘n Thornbury Craft Market.

This  workshop will be lead by Deanne Wild, Make Craft Your Business co-ordinator and handmade business owner.

Our guest speaker is Kylie form Change Agent Coaching. Kylie’s presentation will focus on building your handmade business.  Change Agent Coaching have a unique approach for business coaching handmade business’ and are keen to share this with you.

Other topics will include market preparation, staying motivated and social media skills.

This workshop is designed to bring together handmade business women to learn skills to maintain and grow their businesses. It is a great opportunity to meet and network with other handmade business women and share our skills and ideas.

KEEP Craft Your Business is being held in Melbourne at the Leinster Grove Community Centre, Thornbury on Saturday July 14th 2012 from 10 am – 2.30 pm.

The price of the workshop is $25.00 per person which includes a light lunch.

To book your place please email Trisha Collinson -  trisha@twnh.vic.edu.au



 
Contributor
Deanne Wild. Deanne  is passionate about all things handmade. Deanne is coordinator of the Make Craft Your Business Course and Volunteer Coordinator of Made ‘n Thornbury Craft Market. When not sewing, blogging or trawling through opshops, Deanne can be found enjoying Melbourne’s dynamic handmade and craft market scene. Or drinking red wine whilst eating great food  or  taking photos of red wine and great food. 

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Counterpoint: Branding

After reading Ali's series on Branding, Jeanie of Inspired Wish shared this post by Pugly Pixel with me.
Click on the image to go to Pugly Pixel's post

I love this post by Pugly Pixel as it has an interesting point of view, that being from the consumer.

Have you ever been disappointed by a products lack of branding?  

How important do you think the branding of your handmade products?

We'd love to know your thoughts, leave a comment below. 



Further Reading:
Getting the Best from your Graphic Designer - Part 1
Getting the Best from your Graphic Designer - Part 2



About the Contributor: 
Christine is a Wife and a Mum of 3.  She is the owner of C Percy Designs and the Editor of The Contemporary Handmade Alliance.  She is also the co-editor of the Handmade Cooperative - Australian Handmade 4 Kids and is a little obsessed with all things crochet. 

To find out more about Christine go to her blog - cpercydesigns.blogspot.com or follow her on Facebook.


Tuesday, June 12, 2012

The Annual CHA craft swap 2012

 

Taking applications now!

All items to be mailed no later than 30 July 2012


Yes! It is that time of year again when we host our annual craft swap to get your warm and fuzzy, handmade love on!

The last two years have been a resounding success, with a multitude of great handmade businesses swapping lots of lovely handmade goodness.

This year, we are hoping for 100 participants. So remember to spread the word and encourage fellow crafting businesses to get on board. Post about it on your Facebook page, blog about it, pin our pin-able to your Pinterest board. After all, who doesn’t adore getting handmade love in the mail?


THE DETAILS
Please create a hand-crafted item(s) which you would value between $30 - $50. You can send multiple items to bring it up to this value if you like.

Please create an item for an adult (and not a child); your item is a gift for your swap partner.

Please ensure that your item is in the post no later than 30 July 2011. If you have any issues meeting this deadline, please contact the CHA and your swap partner to advise.

Make sure that you check out your partner’s website to get an idea of who they are, and what they might like.

You will need to contact your partner via email to get their postal address. Take this opportunity to get to know someone in the industry!


IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW
It is really important that people don’t miss out because their partner doesn’t follow through on their commitment. Therefore we ask 3 things of you:
  1. Only sign up if you are committed to your participation and to creating quality items for your swap partner to enjoy.
  2. Only sign up if you are able to post your item no later than 30 July 2011
  3. That you supply AT LEAST 1 of the following: Facebook page address, blog address, website address to ensure you are contactable and legitimate.
CHA cannot take responsibility for people who fail to follow through on their swap.



PLEASE NOTE THIS SWAP IS FOR AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS ONLY


SIGN UP
To get on board, sign up by completing the below online form. Then wait for us to email your swap partner details through. Once you receive them, make contact and get to know each other. I know that last year’s craft swap helped many participants make new, genuine connections with other handmade businesses; and some friendships bloomed too! How nice.

ONLINE APPLICATION FORM


Please review the Craft Swap Rules before signing up.


Some images from the 2011 CHA Craft Swap

Have fun!

Christine

Monday, June 11, 2012

Visual Merchandising 101: Tell a story

Tell a story

If your item has a purpose - other than being beautiful - show it!

If you sell clothing, a mannequin is a great addition to your stall. It gives your items form and adds a new dimension to your product – just how photo frames look far more attractive with a photo in them.
Show the customer how the item would look in their home or in action; it takes the guesswork away and will hopefully lead to more sales!

Image with permission by Banana J

Next Post: Focal Point and Height

Further Reading:

Part 6: Be different!


 As a design addict and lover of all things artistic and crafty, Elizabeth can't get enough unique handmade goodness on her life!  When she's not working, playing Mum, Wife, re-styling her house or planning the next renovation, Elizabeth is wandering the markets, hunting for vintage goodies, reading blogs and watching Grand Designs. Preferably whilst drinking a strong espresso.   Elizabeth sells vintage craft and sewing supplies on Craftumi and feeds pinning addictions here and her Instagram addiction here  (username @walkamongthebirds) and lets not forget facebook

Thursday, June 7, 2012

An ipad giveaway, and why I'm thankful.

I found myself in an odd predicament. I became the owner of two ipads! I'm a good typist and multitasker, but two was one too many. The first was a birthday gift from my husband, the second I won via an online survey. What to do with the second one?

In the survey I was asked
'what would you use the ipad for?'

There was only one thing to do! I said I would give it away on my blog. Well, that's exactly what I'm doing. Many of the entries (aka comments) have included 'thanks for the generous giveaway'.



I don't feel generous, I feel thankful

Thankful that I'm not in need of a quick buck from ebay.
Thankful for all the fun I've had on my creative journey.
Thankful to all the friends and contacts I've made.
Thankful for my corner of the blogosphere.
Thankful that I made it to 100 blog posts.

When I started making handmade jewellery for my Madeit store, there was sooo much help and information available. I had jumped on to a step learning curve. I quickly discovered there was much more to this than simply making and posting jewellery to a new owner. There was branding, promoting, social networking, pricing, photography, blogging, and more.

What's really cool, is that you can learn all about that here online for free. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. From the comfort of my home, usually whilst wearing my PJ's, I set up and ran an online store. I got busy networking and being social. I launched a blog. Got a logo designed and business cards. Amazing sites like Contemporary Handmade Alliance were around to guide me. I didn't feel so lost. In fact I felt inspired.

Whilst I no longer make jewellery to sell, I have a new found passion for photography, photoshop and blogging. These have become the tools to help me inspire women to be beautifully confident (regardless of size or age). I'm thankful for the readers who share my interests and passion.

What are you still doing here. Jump over to Inspired Wish and enter the ipad2 giveaway! The sweepstake is open until 6pm EST 16 June 2012 to Australian residents.

Are you still here?

CHA Contemporary Handmade Guest Writer
Jeanie is a curvy, accessory loving, blogger. She is passionate about accessories, colour, & style to suit a plus size. Jeanie gets her geek on with blogging, photography, photoshop and love of handmade.

Visit Jeanie at inspiredwish.com
or follow her on Facebook.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Getting the Best from your Graphic Designer - Pt 2


Last time we talked about how to get the best from your graphic designer, with Tanya from Tanya Collier Design. Today I thought we could ask some similar and totally different questions to another designer to use as a comparison. I think it’s very important to do this. Look around; get some quotes and even call the designer to get a really good feel of whether yours will be a good, if not great working relationship.

Remember!! Communication, communication, communication.

So today we are talking to Greta from Colour and Spice, a graphics business that now has a string of very satisfied customers trailing behind them. E.g. this is how Suzie from Hoots and Kisses sums up her experience with Greta “I was lucky enough to work with Greta on my entire business package, from logo to blog banner. She (Greta) took direction, without fluttering an eyelid and her communication was brilliant”

Sonia from Osonia Designs also had a particular positive experience with this designer.

“My experience with Greta was rewarding and fruitful because of her wonderful communication and availability. There was a great deal of communication both via emails and verbally and I was made to feel as if I were her only client at the time.

I approached Greta, not knowing exactly what I wanted. I had many ideas, but realistically they were just that!  She guided me in the direction she felt I should be headed and I love the end result.

Make sure when choosing a Graphic Designer they make themselves available to you, as if you are a priority to them.  Perhaps have some idea of colours/graphics you may like to see used”

Enough said, I would say!

Interview with Greta from Colour and Spice.

1. In your own words, describe the word BRAND

Brand to me is everything about your identity as a business. Your branding is everything. I guess if you think of some very large worldwide brands such as Coca Cola, G-Star, Caltex, IKEA etc, they all stand for something and are simply recognizable as a strong and successful international brand. Your brand or identity is what you stand for and what you represent so it needs to be right and you need to back it up with strong marketing and a visual presence and it needs to back you up in terms of your products/services. Your business and brand go hand in hand always and if they make a good match then more often than not, if you drive your business well, it will become successful and your brand image will carry you a long way.



2.  What are your top 5 tips for getting the absolute best from your designer?

I think the best way to get the best from your designer is to be as prepared as possible with providing as much information about what you envisage for your brand and knowing what you stand for and where you are heading in terms of your target audience and product range. This is critical in terms of branding a business for success. My top 5 tips would be:

  1. Know whom your target market is and whom you aim to capture in the future and share this information with your designer. It helps to create an image instantly about the overall look and feel of your branding.
  2. Have a strong product range in place that supports your brand and what you stand for and share these with your designer. This ties in with point 1.
  3. Provide any images, logos, looks, colours or any other concepts you have in mind to your designer. The more information the better as there are so many possibilities and options for your designer to explore. The more you can narrow it down the sooner you will discover your ideal logo and it will save you money in the long run with the restriction of revisions.
  4. Share ideas, concepts or images that would not be suitable for your branding as this will also help your design head in the right direction in the first instance.
  5. Always ask your designer about what you get for your money – how many concepts and revisions are included in the logo price.

3. How do you help the customer who wants a logo, but really has no idea what they want?

This can be tricky, but I always have a set of questions initially for the business owner so that I can try and obtain some information about their business and what they stand for and the overall look and feel, which may prompt them into creating some form of visual in their own mind, which they are content with. I can also provide some input into their decision making in regards to what other businesses in the same industry may do or what I have provided for similar clients in the past. This will often help. Or they will often browse through my portfolio to provide feedback about the looks they like and don’t like for their business. Discovering what they don’t like is as important if not more important, than discovering what they do like.


4. Can you think of a customer /job that really stands out as being successful? If so, can you explain why you think it was so successful?

There are a few that come to mind and I have the same answer for each one – a strong and consistent branding and marketing material. Your logo and branding is the forefront of what you do, like a sales person on the shop floor, so it is critical to get this right and make a strong branding piece that carries across all facets of your business. Your logo/look is your identity, and is what you stand for and is what people will ultimately recognize and remember!

5. As a customer, what should you expect from your designer? 

As a customer I would expect quite a lot of communication and input from the graphic designer. Not only are you paying for them to be creative and to physically create your logo, you are paying for their expertise and advice in terms of setting up your brand image. Communication is critical and is the key element to every design project in my eyes. Nurturing and working with and not for your client, is the way to go. Clients often will require advice as they go through the design process and reassurance that decisions they are making are the right ones for them and their business. Typically the design process can take between 2 and 4 weeks depending on how complex the brief is and how many revisions are required to get the logo just right. It also depends on how quickly the design and client can respond to one another to get the process moving ahead. Many emails to and from one another is typical as well as chatting over the phone which can make the process quicker and more informative.

6. What happens if you follow the customers brief and then they really don’t like the finished result? 

This is rare but it can happen to some clients. It comes back to the initial process of working out where their business is heading and designing something to best suit them and their business and for the business owner and designer to carefully consider the look of the design work and for the two parties to agree before once again moving forward with any design work. It can often mean that new designs need to be created and the process needs to start again.



7.When a customer comes to you wanting a logo/brand designed, what do you do, where do you start?

This is a typical day to day scenario for me, and clients often need to be walked through the design process and what to expect from me as a designer, as it is a daunting process that they most likely have not experienced in the past. I provide them with some initial questions about their business and what they envisage for their new logo/look as part of the initial brief process. Some clients prefer to chat over the phone so they can discuss in more detail their concept. I have some general information including with my price list that they are welcome to browse through before the process begins. I also do my homework in regards to looking at their business website or facebook page etc and look at their products and overall look which will often create an image in my mind in addition to the customer brief. I expect the customer to have some ideals in terms of what they are after but I also do my ground work to fill in any blanks that I or the client may have.

8. On a typical project, how much communication is involved and what form does it take? 

On most projects there are several emails and mock ups passed to the client before finalizing the new logo. A lot of communication (usually mostly emails) in the first instance with establishing the brief and obtaining some visual information from them before even starting on their project is typical. Once the process begins it’s a lot of emails between the client and myself with mock ups and feedback and then revisions until the client is happy with the end result. Sometimes a few conversations over the phone is also of benefit to establish a clearer brief and to discuss options with the client.




Thanks so much to Greta, Sonia, Suzie and Tanya for taking valuable time out of their very busy schedules. Answering some of our burning questions with regards graphic design, what to expect from your designer and not forgetting that rather important ingredient. Branding!! I hope that has helped some of you.


Good Luck!

Monday, June 4, 2012

Visual Merchandising 101 - Colour Blocking

Part 3: Colour Blocking

Even the op shops are doing this!

People will always be attracted to their favourite colours and let’s not forget the emotional impact that colours give us.  So, entice customers into your stall by showering them with some colour and trigger the receptors in their brain.

If working with a large range of colours, blocking should be carried out from light to dark and left to right to ensure balance is maintained.  If your product range is neutral or you have a limited colour in your range, choose colours that harmonise well with each other and balance the display that way.

Image used with permission from Bibs for Dummies

Next Post: Tell a story

Further Reading:

Part 6: Be different!


 As a design addict and lover of all things artistic and crafty, Elizabeth can't get enough unique handmade goodness on her life!  When she's not working, playing Mum, Wife, re-styling her house or planning the next renovation, Elizabeth is wandering the markets, hunting for vintage goodies, reading blogs and watching Grand Designs. Preferably whilst drinking a strong espresso.   Elizabeth sells vintage craft and sewing supplies on Craftumi and feeds pinning addictions here and her Instagram addiction here  (username @walkamongthebirds) and lets not forget facebook

Friday, June 1, 2012

Ch ch changes ... Facebook is at it again!


Its happend yet again! Only a few months ago the Facebook business community was getting their knickers in a twist about Timeline and now its the 'Promote' feature.  

Ali from Cheeky Pickle summed up how I feel about this beautifully:


I know one business owner who had decreed that from now on if a business they Like does a 'Please Like my page' plead she will unlike them.  I totally understand where she is coming from, every second fan page seems to be doing it and its such a turn off!

Personally I don't rely solely on Facebook to promote my business and I don't pay much attention to how many Likes I have because I don't think it's all that important.  What I think is important is that I engage with those people who interact with my fan page and that I reach potential buyers through other avenues such as blog advertising, adshares in print media (via the Handmade Cooperative), participating in magazine call outs, promoting my business through giveaways on strategically selected blogs, being an active member on a few forums etc.

Yesterday I thought I would use the 'Promote' feature to see how many people I would reach using it. 



When I did a normal status update on Wednesday about a giveaway I was doing on {KID} Independent I reached 231 people.  Then on Thursday I wrote a similar status update but this time I used the 'Promote' feature.  This second post reached 271 people, a 3% increase.  

Now before you start spending your money I want you to look at the stats in the blue box. 

Without using the promote feature, offering a freebie or tagging another business I managed to reach 351 people. Why?  Well I'm putting it down to engagement.  As I said before, I believe that by engaging with the Likers that interact with your page you will reach more people.

So stop asking your likers to like your posts - they already do, that's why they can see your post in their feed - instead engage with them and see what happens.

About the Contributor: 
Christine is a Wife and a Mum of 3.  She is the owner of C Percy Designs and the Editor of The Contemporary Handmade Alliance.  She is also the co-editor of the Handmade Cooperative - Australian Handmade 4 Kids and is a little obsessed with all things crochet.

To find out more about Christine go to her blog - cpercydesigns.blogspot.com or follow her on Facebook.