Meet the Northside Crafters: Finki Handmade

Jay from Finki is a Northside Makers Committee Member, that will also be a stall holder at Octobers Northside Makers Market.

Tell us about what you sell ...
I have a rather eclectic range. Spanning from art pendants, rings and hair bobbies to stitched baskets, journals and vintage tea towel stools.What inspires you?
All things retro, vintage and wildly colorful.

What's your favourite medium to work in?
I would have to say fabric. 50's, 60's and 70's prints are just out of this world. I still get ridiculously excited when i find good lengths of retro fabric at oppies.

What would you be lost without?
The computer...that sounds so nerdy I know. But I do a lot of graphic design. My images begin on paper, but come to life with the magic of illustrator and photo shop. Not to mention my latest addiction to blogging. Where would I be without that.

What's your fave crafty read
I just bought 'Handmade in Melbourne'.
So inspirational to read about so many talented people that I might even bump into at my local Woolworths.

What do you like to listen to when you craft?
I'm a bit of a silence girl. Is that odd. I get into the zone when I'm the only one in the house and it's dead quiet.....Bliss.
If I'm doing something that's a no brainer and music won't distract me, then I'll go for 'Ministry of sound' or Triple J's like a version.


What crafty forums do you lurk in ....
Are blogs forums... I read lots of blogs. Real people, real experiences. I love the human connection.
I'm such a visual person too, so if i find sites full of art, design, and good taste then I'm lost for hours.
Whats up next for you on the craft front?
A big crafty Christmas.
I have a market every 4 weeks or so, and always challenge myself to have a new product on the table each time. So this month I have funky little 'weekly bill ledgers' and next month I'll have my knitting bags ready to go.
Having this personal challenge is what keeps it interesting.

Do you have any UFO's (unfinished objects),what are they?
Lots and lots and lots. Mainly, I would have to say it would be clothes i tried to make for my self. I'd see stuff on other people and think I could make that! I sort of overlooked the little fact that maybe I also needed that hot bod, to pass it off. I'm not always too good on the visualizing part...


Where else can people shop for your goodies?
www.finki.etsy.com
I also do the sisters market, www.sistersmarket.com.au
Made n' Thornbury market www.madenthornbury.blogspot.com
and of course our new Northside makers market www.northsidemakers.com

About Us

A little bit about us .... the founding members of the Northside Makers Collective.

Jennie @ Mrs Beckinsale

Having stitched her way from maternity frocks to bridesmaids from hell this WAHM has embraced her urban pride and now lends her talents to the quirky and fantastic W Class Cushions.

A growing range of products that will leave you nostalgic for the days of conductors, hole-punched tickets and state-owned public transport.

Jay @ Finki
Crafting for the masses after a life of mass crafting, Jay from Finki displays a love of fine food, vintage garb and objects rich in color, print and form.

Creating an eclectic array of jewelery, stationary and home wares to sell both online and at local Melbourne markets Jay looks forward to the time when the government announces longer days, free childcare and a craft store on every corner.

Margaret @ Konstant Kaos
Teacher, Crafter, Businesswoman and Mother ... Margaret runs a small business called Konstant Kaos, which is reflective of the changes in her life since she had her daughter.

She comes from a teaching and costuming background and is interested in all crafty things!

Wrap up: Coffee and Craft in Thornbury

It was fun for all at the first Northside Makers Craft and Coffee in Thornbury.


We crocheted and crafted the afternoon away while drinking coffee, tea and eating yummy hazelnut brownies!


Who came? Northside Makers Members Jay from Finki, Jennie from Craving Frocks and Margaret from Konstant Kaos. Beky from Pivotal Expressions, Sian and her friend Rachel, Melanie from M* and Chrissy.

Most of us crocheted away, some first timers and some real pro's, whilst others (see Jennie's pic with robot arms) stitched together little projects.
We also shared some great resources that we had discovered on crochet:

• The Art of Crochet - Teresa Youtube Videos
• Learn to Crochet - Crochet Australia
• Crochet Mania Blog

Thanks to every one who dropped by to say hello, it was lovely to meet you all.
Stay tuned for our next coffee and catch up at a suburb near you.................