Tell us a bit about yourself
Hi I'm Lee-Anne and I live in Newcastle, Nsw. I am married to Tim and between us we have 6 kids, a very UNBrady Bunch! 4 of those kids live with us, the last two, Jack and Hannah, just started big school on Tuesday. Hannah is the little model in most of my photos.
Can you explain your craft/art and the material you like to use? I love fabric! And colour! I love dressing my kids up and taking photos. The whole Hannah Banannas came from there. The Dress, the hat or headband. I like girly clothes for girls, fun and twirly. But depending on my "mood" sometimes I like them a little shabby chic, sometimes a bit more retro! Boys should be funky!
Where do you get your inspiration and what is your creative process? I love looking at fabric and thinking that would look great as... I spend lots of late nights looking at fabrics and drawing ideas so I dont forget by the next day! I look at a lot of vintage pattern books too for inspiration.
How long have you been creating and how did you get into craft/art? I have always been crafty, it runs in the family! Weekends spent with my Grandma I learnt to crochet, if I spent weekends with my Nanna I was knitting, ( not very well, but Ive made some pretty cool scarfs over the years!) Mum taught me to sew on an old knee treadle sewing machine, when I was nine or ten? I've done cottage craft, dried flower arranging, bag making, silver jewellery making...
How did you come up with your business name? A Business name was hard! Hubby and I couldnt agree on one, so we went with Hannah's nickname, since she was the model and often the inspiration!
What resources 'have or do you' use to help your creative pursuits (i.e. groups, classes, shops, websites etc)?
The internet is an amazing place and there is so much information and tutorials about everything! You can learn to crochet, photoshop/photography. Forums are great also for networking and being able to ask for advice and suggestions. Facebook is amazing for easy communication with other crafters and customers, its also a great way to showcase your creations.
What's your best advice for someone starting up?
Be Patient and keep adding new things. When you get that first email, congratulations your item on madeit has sold, its so exciting!!
Do you have any advertising/promotion tips for sellers to be successful?
I take a lot of time photographing my clothes and trying to present them well. Communication is also key, and of big importance. I think the main thing though is to have a good product! I have a lot of repeat customers now and I love it when you get a message Like "I cant wait to get another of your gorgeous creations!"
Can you share any lessons that you have learned the hard way? Time management is the hardest lesson I'm still learning. Some weeks I can have so many orders and then it might go quiet. But you can only do what you can do! Just let people know if you're running a bit slow! Mostly they're OK!
What do you like to do besides creating? Timeout for me is spending time with the family, we have an onsite caravan in Port Stephens where we can just hang out by the pool or we 4wd and go sandboarding and surfing. We're also keen campers and go away skiing (the kids) and kneeboarding (me), love being out doors hanging out with friends and family!
What is your favourite music, television show, film, book, website My favourite music is mostly 80's, but I like singing along to Pink and Katy Perry in the car. TV I dont watch often, I work nights, so usually its Icarly or Victorious with the kids, a closet Hannah Montana fan too! Movies, I love Notting Hill and the Time Travellers Wife, also anything Adam Sandler.. The Wedding Singer! Books, Bridget Jones Diary, Time Travellers Wife, Wally Lambs “this much I know is true” Blogs!! I love them and follow heaps, at the moment I am following Ashlee from Lil Blue Boo as she bravely battles cancer. I also love the Madeit blog!
What would be your perfect day?
A sleep in, the kids are all quiet! Roll out of bed around 10 the sun is shining and the house is tidy. A picnic lunch at the lake with family, lots of watersports and fun. Home for a wine or two on the back deck with Hubby. Children would not fight all day!!
Who is one of your favourite madeit seller, explain why in less than 10 words? Bobkin – Gorgeous girls clothes made by a truly lovely lady!
