billy boy & mia visit store



Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Sarah and I grew up with penguins under the house in Phillip Island, Victoria. I moved to Melbourne for Uni (Bachelor of Science) and spent a few years living overseas. My home now for the last five years is a little terrace in Footscray in Melbourne, and I love it!

Can you explain your craft/art and the material you like to use?
I sew bunny and birdie softies from a pattern in my head, and make purses, bags, scarves and cushions as well.

I love to upcycle material that has already been pre-loved, such as tablecloths, pillow cases, sheets and tea towels. I like that this fabric already has a history and now can be loved again as something different.  Plus I love the retro and floral designs of reclaimed linen. 

Where do you get your inspiration and what is your creative process?
What I make is determined by the fabric at hand and its pattern and texture. I am inspired by the material and will buy a sweet floral pillowcase from the op shop thinking it would be a good bunny or make a sweet lining for a bag. I make things that I would like to use. I also scribble ideas and designs in a notebook when I should be concentrating on other things!

How long have you been creating and how did you get into craft/art?
billy boy & mia has been going for about 2 years now, but I have always loved working with my hands. I started sewing when I was about 12 spending Saturdays at my grandmothers learning embroidery and making gifts for family. I still use the same sewing machine. Love the ancient husqvarna!

How did you come up with your business name?
Billy Boy was the name of a sweet blood red bay horse I used to ride, and Mia is my furball cat.  

What resources 'have or do you' use to help your creative pursuits (i.e. groups, classes, shops, websites etc)?
I am not involved in any classes or groups, but I like to use the madeit forum to bounce ideas off creative people. I also love reading blogs, books and magazines like Frankie and Peppermint to see what else is happening in the world of craft. Twitter has also been a great tool for networking and meeting like minded crafty people.

What's your best advice for someone starting up?
Jump in and give it a go. Use the forums and online resources and talk to people.  Everyone is supportive and helpful!

Do you have any advertising/promotion tips for sellers to be successful?
I am hopeless at self promotion, but have good friends and family that pass on my details to everybody. 
  
A tip for an online store would be to aim for good clear photos as they really sell the item. I have found Twitter to be great but be interactive and don’t just promote items.

Can you share any lessons that you have learned the hard way?
Don’t send a product without payment! Got a bit carried away at the post office one day, and although I did get the payment in the end, I had a few stressful days thinking about it. Now I am much more organised with my packaging and posting.

What do you like to do besides creating?
I like baking yummy treats, and enjoy random gardening, and sitting on the porch with a good cup of tea (or a glass of wine) chatting with a friend.

What is your favourite music, television show, film, book, website?
Music: Currently it’s Fleet Foxes, Jose Gonzalez, LadyHawke, and anything 80’s!

TV: Love comedies like Black Books, Flight of the Conchords, The Goodies

Film: So many, its hard to pick.  ‘One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest’, ‘The Party’, ‘Tron’, and more recently ‘Up’ and ‘ District 9’

Book: Jane Eyre, A Fortunate Life, The Princess Bride, Tuesdays with Morrie, The Book Thief

What would be your perfect day?
A sleep in with a cuppa and a book in bed, a lazy lunch with friends or family, a swim followed by a glass of bubbly and yummy dinner – preferably on a tropical island somewhere!

Who is one of your favourite madeit seller, explain why in less than 10 words?
michvanetta - stunning jewellery, gorgeous photos and brilliant customer focus.

billy boy & mia visit store

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Sunday 22nd November 2009