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Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Kirsten. I am an ex Sydneysider who tree-changed a few years ago to the upper Blue Mountains (in New South Wales) and I’m a paper addict.

Can you explain your craft/art and the material you like to use?
I make all sorts of stationery items and the material I like to use is paper!
But not just any paper… the stock that I use for my creations is selected for its minimal environmental impact and includes…

Where do you get your inspiration and what is your creative process?
Possibility. I get my inspiration from possibility. The possibility that there is a positive eco element within the products I create & in the way I run my business. This extends to leading by example ~ and showing my children (rather than just telling them) that caring about the world we live in is important and that you really can do anything you set your mind to.

How long have you been creating and how did you get into craft/art?
As long as I can remember… from early primary school I would create naff little handmade gifts for family members.

How did you come up with your business name?
It is reflective of the ethos of my business… a commitment to not forget the earth & the impact we have on it through our living… to remember to make environmentally conscious choices

What resources 'have or do you' use to help your creative pursuits (i.e. groups, classes, shops, websites etc)?
I draw on a few resources… friends {for bouncing ideas off and garnering valuable feedback}; the small bush garden where I live {for colour selection and texture}; and the wider natural environment generally. Also the passion that others have for their own creative pursuits never fails to push me to explore my own further.

What's your best advice for someone starting up?
Patience, faith in self, objectivity… but above all, plan!

Do you have any advertising/promotion tips for sellers to be successful?
Although you can’t buy/purchase it, word-of-mouth is invaluable for generating new business & retaining happy repeat customers. Do all that you can to ensure that when people speak of your business, that it is with warmth & positive juju.  

Can you share any lessons that you have learned the hard way?
One, and it seems silly, but it’s been a big one for me… I’m not superwoman.

I can’t do it all on my own, no matter how hard I try or would like to. I’ve had to learn to hand over a lot more control than I’ve ever been comfortable doing ~ including, on occasion, the running of our household and primary care of our children to my husband so that I may fill orders. I find it difficult to ask for help, and this has been one of the toughest things for me to learn how to do during the growth of Forget-Me-Not.

What do you like to do besides creating?
Lots! But I don’t necessarily get to J. Besides raising three incredible peeps, I’m also completing a triple major in Education at the moment. Between that and Forget-Me-Not, every available minute in my day is pretty much allocated.

What is your favourite music, television show, film, book, website?
Music Music –sooooooooooo much variety, from classical through alternative through 60s-70s & back again
Books –Complete Works of Shakespeare (not only for its content, but its also great for weighing down handmade journals!). The Great Gatsby. Great Expectations. Little Women.
Film – Gone With the Wind. Stand By Me. Reality Bites. Once
TV - I don’t actually watch tv much *embarrassed* although I catch a fair whack of ABCKids by default
Website – www.pop-couture.com
www.meetmeatmikes.blogspot.com
www.mamamia.com.au
www.news.com.au

What would be your perfect day?
Sleep in, no pressing ‘to do’ list, a personal barista on hand, zero phone/email communication, sunshine, lots of smiles & giggles, ice-cream, chocolate… yep, that’s about it!

Who is your favourite madeit seller, explain why in less than 10 words?
Little Mo & Friends – adorable and functional eco art by a very talented illustrator

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Sunday 9th August 2009