Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Stallholder Profile {PETITE MARGUERITE}

We are very lucky here at the Makers Market to be blessed with lots of pretty ace crafters.
We figure everyone has a story of how they got to where they are and where they are going.


Rebecca Strahan
{PETITE MARGUERITE}



Who do you live with? Any pets?
Husband, ten year old son, 3 year old daughter, 8 month old cat!

Where do you do your crafting? Kitchen table, studio ect...
A corner of the Bedroom. But, hey, it's better than it was - it was originally in the kitchen!! When I grow up I want to have a studio!!

Why did you choose your business name and what does it mean to you?
Marguerite is my daughter's middle name and she was 810grams when she was born - so she was REALLY petite! It also rhymes and sounds sophisticated and European (not like my cards at all!!)

Why do you do your craft?
I have always made cards and invitations for people - particularly my kids. I love ideas. I'm always making, decorating, playing.


When do you find the time to do it?
After midnight usually - when no one is stirring (not even a mouse!). I always have an ideas book with me wherever I am too.

How else do you spend your time?
I am a freelance graphic designer. I still work for some big publishing companies but I am concentrating on helping out small businesses with their design needs. I also do design work for a premature baby charity. It's nice to be able to use my skills other than for just selling washing powder (etc.)...

How do you relax?
I go to sleep!

How has your style or craft evolved over time?
It's an evolving thing! I seem to have a continual stream of ideas so I'm constantly wanting to update, refine, explore.
I do have some particular favourite designs though that I try to leave alone. Hazard of the job I think though!

How would you describe your style?
Quirky, witty, bright. It comes naturally. It's the only way I can draw!! And I love vintage kids books and retro fabrics - and visual gags!

What is your most precious possession? 
The diaries I wrote to my children when I was carrying them and all of their baby pictures. Possibly some of my shoes!!!

What is your most prized project?
My wedding invitation. 

What advice do you have for a beginner, or someone interested in learning your craft?
Do something that makes you happy - and stick to your own style. 

What is the first thing you can remember making by hand?
A book about me when I was 4. I still have it. It has a finger painted cover and is full of insane drawings and backwards writing!
It was a school project. Not that I needed any encouragement to make anything...

Where do you draw your inspiration?
Inspiration is everywhere! Anything that makes me laugh, the unexpected, original thinking (that kind of sums up children!)

What couldn’t you live without?
Music, chocolate and my friends and family. Sadly, also probably my i-phone. 

What do you expect the future holds for you and your craft?
I have no idea! And that's really quite wonderful. Personally, I am hoping to do less computer stuff and get into something more raw - like screen printing and I'd also like to do more with my photos. 
In conjunction with that, I hope to build up more small design clients. I've met some amazing, talented and brave people over the past 6 months. It's such an inspiring environment to be in. I hope there is room for all of us to follow our little dreams and succeed. 


Why should people support handmade?
I love the fact that there's a rebellion brewing - a rejection of mass production and disposability. It's time to get some soul, to seek out things that have been made with love and to really appreciate what you're buying and how that impacts your life. 


Well said Rebecca! Petite Marguerite will be at our November 28th and December 19th markets. 
I know what alot of peeps on my Christmas list will be getting this year:)

cheers fi xoxo