Fiona Kate

Huge News -

2012-02-20T07:14:00.000+11:00

It has been awhile... alot is going on... really.
After 4 years we though we would test the theory that an online business can be run from anywhere in the world, with the dream of anywhere in mind.

Two months of testing later it seems not quite.. or not as well as our customers deserve.

With 2 alternatives either

a - cross our fingers , hope for the best and that our customers forgive us for the less than lovely packaging, occasional missing item and blue instead of pink...

b- pop fiona kate in hibernation, continue planning fabulous things to be released in spring

we chose option b

you can read all about where and what we doing here

to thank you all

we would like to offer our fiona kate customers

2 for 1

on all boxes, chalkboards ,sacks, labels, cushions & letters for all orders

feb 20 - 25

so make a list ,
get sorted,
buy a gift one for me & one for you
memory boxes
store photos
create a playroom
artworks sorted
baby gifts
plan a winter revamp

while stocks last!

a gorgeous cafe needed

2012-02-03T11:05:00.000+11:00

We are on the look out... can you help?
we need a gorgeous concept store or cafe...with a comfy sense of style... your local? A place where people stop to chat, look in your windows... our fiona kate local favourites are the armchair collective and the sugar mill
If you know one send them here. We have a gorgeous range of cushions we want them to use, mix up & get their space sorted .... for absolutely nothing... just a few great pics that we can show and share... like us and comment your favourite things at that destination. to be in the running...australia wide

We figure it's always lovely to hear great things about new places and we will get the positive feedback to the cafes too.

all the things to think about

2012-01-31T21:06:00.000+11:00

Back to school.. everyone is happy with their new teachers and now it's on to the practical stuff..

getting a little organised... or in denial and having fun

2012-01-16T20:49:00.000+11:00

Recently we have moved out of the little blue house. For 9 months. Right now that seems to be a very long time. we love our home. I will share more about this later. One thing we did was sort everything out. We have so much more room and found lots of lost treasure. the one thing i did notice was how much lighter I felt with each cupboard or room sorted. It was addictive and truly our house was done in no time. Lots of our friends are having a try before they buy with tents bikes kayaks etc.

A fabulous start to 2012

Will this year be a bench full of treasure that turn to scrap? Missed parties and lost school stuff? nope.. not this year. Have some fun before it all starts again. Aa box waiting for the artwork. Pop it in each day and at the end of the term have a good sort through , a trip down memory lane and cull cull cull cull. ( really it's for the best)

Add a new label to last years folders.

Always wanted a postie and couldn't justify it. imagine all those photos, postcards business cards and colour charts within easy reach. You can use a noticeboard also.

We have lots of lovely new stockists that are keen for this year.

Hopefully there is one near you

happy new year

2012-01-03T08:16:00.000+11:00

Are you feeling all summery and relaxed? we are
During January the fiona kate blog will be weekly.
Whilst we are all enjoying the the sun sand and our families.
Happy 2012

things made & found

2011-12-21T06:48:00.000+11:00

I am sure you are packing, wrapping and finishing this week too. A pact made back in winter no more purchasing means all decorations and wrapping are to made using bits and pieces at home

( there is a reason for this I will share this later)...

Once agin washi tape comes to the rescue

We also have a wonderful giveaway on facebook so make sure you enter. I would much rather send you this box chock full of gorgeous storage goodies than keep walking around it... wanting to open it...wanting to use it...

Only 4 days to go until the man in red arrives.
we love christmas at Fiona kate so many people have our gorgeous sacks ready and waiting

interview made in australia - Robert Gordon

2011-12-19T19:07:00.000+11:00

At the time of year when it's all about family. Todays interview is with Kate Gordon from Robert Gordon. 3 generations of the same family have worked in this business. Can you imagine the cacophony of ideas when they are all together! it would be lovely to see the evolution of pieces

We were thrilled when our postie was used in the robert gordon display at the trade fair.... more design crush.

Why did you decide on australian made initially?

My parents, Robert and Barbara Gordon, started the pottery in 1979. Dad's mum, June Dyson, was a potter. We are three generations of potters, with a heritage that goes for over 60 years. We have always made pots in Australia.

Did you look into manufacturing overseas also?

About eight years ago the Australian market became very tough. Australians were no longer supporting local manufacturing. The gift industry became all about the dollar and in order to compete we started manufacturing overseas. We continue to work with factories in China and

Vietnam, developing quality products. We are very proud of our imported product. My family and I all work very closely with the factories overseas, designing and developing the products. It is a very hands-on process.

We are pleased that today there is a shift and more and more customers are supporting our Australian made.

Can you describe the process of idea to first samples? Was the learning

curve steep

Ideas for our products come from all sorts of places - our history, my grandma's pottery, my mum's heritage (she is English), what our customers want or need and so on. There have been some hits and some misses over the years. We try not to dwell on anything and to learn from our mistakes.

What would you do differently if you did it again?

We are learning to follow our instincts better, and not necessarily follow trends.

The best thing about australian made?

The quality and the people who make it.

What do you hope for australian manufacturing in the future?

I hope that Australians continue to support Australian made products. There has been a big return to buying quality local made products. People are looking for things that they love and that have a history. We are so very proud of our product and of our factory in Pakenham. Our

staff are hard working. Supporting our Australian made supports them.

write your name - revisited

2011-12-16T07:32:00.000+11:00

Todays post is a revisit and a little walk down memory lane. while my little guy can now write really well and we have finally worked out he is a lefty this is a great off to school gift or a lovely activity over the school holidays.

Does it matter if they know how to write their name before going to school? knowing how to open their lunchbox is much more pressing.

if you have little ones eager to learn or who love to write anywhere at anytime this may be the idea for you.

Our chalk letters have been a hit for all those little ones eager to get their letters right.

Our little guy is off to school this year and although great with the tiniest lego bits, the accuracy of the pencil is not quite there yet. He loves chalk so we stuck his name up on the wall and he loves to write his name over the letters. So simple and a lot of fun....

the names of the whole family are useful too.

We used the 'a' most commonly used in picture books to make recognition easier when reading.

If you prefer to teach writing with the a just chop the stick from the d yes I know we do concentrate ALOT on detail here

http://www.fionakate.com.au/detail-chalkletter.php $14.50

a little tag - free printable

2011-12-14T07:30:00.000+11:00

If summer ever arrives ... we are still wearing our winter clothes... including our wellies.
these are the tags I am going to use to pack the clothes away. I had alot more fun making the tags than it will be sorting and folding.

As this is the first time I have attempted to upload and share . if I completely mess it up feel free to email sales@fionakate.com.au and I will send it to you as an attachment.

Cross your fingers
Click the below image and save it
Print out onto an A4 piece of paper/card.
I used the back of a watercolour I did that was completely rubbish

interview made in australia - Fink & Co

2011-12-12T07:44:00.000+11:00

An amazing interview this week. Robert from Fink & Co interview reads like the what to do of australian manufacturing design and brand building. I have long admired Fink & co product. When I saw them In New York I felt an immense sense of australian pride that they looked so good in the big apple too.
This is an inteview you will return to time again.

Why did you decide on Australian made?

There are various reasons that we choose to be part of Australian industry and make our products solely in Australia. F!NK & Co evolved toward manufacturing much the same as the traditional Crafts and Arts transitioned into mass production during the industrial revolution of the mid 1800’s. We took our hand making knowledge and aesthetic sensibility and fed it into manufacturing. We have always placed strong emphasis on fostering Australia’s emerging Design industry (F!NK & Co started in 1993) with products aimed at challenging and responding to the beautifully styled products from Europe and Scandinavia. F!NK & Co set about using the refined skills and of its crafts and design practitioners to create surprising and distinctive designs through their in-depth knowledge of materials, process and aesthetic. Much of F!NK & Cos distinctive style was achieved through a rigorous programme of developing new and advanced production processes and this high level of exploration remains pivotal to the company today.

F!NK & CO commenced in 1993 and in the initial stages of F!NK & Co’s development we had the philosophy that as much of the product as possible should be made outside of the business. However this rational became an issue, when faced with continual quality control problems and the difficulties arising in establishing a strong feed-back loop between the design intent of a product and the manufacturer. Trying to develop a new product remotely was difficult and expensive when it involved the types of advances and new approaches to production we were attempting to adopt. Over the past 18 years we have now learnt that it is far easier and more cost effective to develop tooling, test new processes and do all of our manufacturing in house. This way we have total control over the quality and integrity of the products we strive to produce and are renowned for.

In the long run we have been able to provide our clients with high quality and individualistic products that stand aside from other imported products and we are proud to promote our product range as pure Australian design and manufacture.

Did you look into manufacturing overseas?

In 2004, we moved the manufacture of one of our most popular products off shore to China. Our reason for doing this was that we could not sustain the production of our hand polished water jugs for export orders such as MOMA in New York within a cost effective margin. The amount of hand work required to polish the jugs and high failure rate in the anodising process made the production costs prohibitive. So we developed a close working relationship with a manufacturer in China and after moving tooling and investing considerable skills and time training workers in the production of this product. Initial the quality of the product we received was acceptable and the relative ease of quality controlling proved a worthwhile exercise, however only after two years the quality of the production dropped significantly mostly due to the quality of aluminium the manufacturer was able to source. Although we worked together with the manufacture to source new aluminium suppliers, the issues in the raw material could not be overcome. As a result we decided to cease production in China of this product and discontinue the production of the hand polished jug from our range. We also worked with another manufacturer on the production of one of our table lights in 2003, however we encountered the same issues with repetitive quality problems and lack if initiation to correct these issues, so again we ceased production of this product.

I don’t think we would manufacture off shore in the future, we think it is far more environmentally and politically beneficial to keep manufacture in Australian and support the Australian design industry. The greatest problem we had with off shore manufacturing was with communication issues and the refined understanding of manufacturing. We also had issues with design appropriation and IP attached to the processes we had developed. Although we had IP agreements, four of our products were copied and other products made by our company used our IP to make other similar products. This experience has made us considerably less trusting and more cautious in our manufacturing approach.

Today we adopt the philosophy that new products should be designed and evolved in the most cost effective manner as possible. Product design must utilise the most cost efficient tooling and manufacturing systems as possible, while still maximising the aesthetic appeal and functional merits of the product, otherwise it is difficult to remain competitive. We try to use innovative and specialised manufacturing techniques as a way of protecting our brand from copying and plagiarism. We always aim to create products that stand out, have longevity and ingenuity built into their style and function. We don’t believe in adding new items to the massive quantity often poorly made and designed object out there, unless it really adds value to the world and does not become part of the throw away ethos.

Can you describe the process of idea to first sample?

Every product has its own mode of development and as I work both on my own and designs and collaborate with other designers/artist the process is never really the same. However there is usually a combination of three ways as to how a new work begins. They are; 1. To design a specific product that fits a niche in the market, 2. Develop a production system or techniques that can create something exceptional and unique, 3. Translate a design that started as a one-off art work or a prototype design concept and refine it so that it is possible to manufacture.

Design Development begins with drawings/sketches, mock ups, or initial tooling to test potential forms. Most often I use my hand making skills to prototype a finished item, enabling the assessment of its visual assets and functionality to be fast tracked. This information is then used to evolve tooling by creating it digitally or directly in an analogue manner. New design concepts are reviewed throughout the design process according to their potential cost efficiency and manufacturing credibility in an effort to preclude the development of a product that is overpriced or has inherent manufacturing problems or inefficiencies.

In the first years of F!NK & Cos evolution, we developed products that either took too long to make or in which production systems were unreliable and ultimately the product failed. Thus the investment was waisted before the product could bring a reasonable return. We quickly learned that all efforts should be made early in the design process to stop poor investment returns; unfortunately being human often involves learning the hard way!

Good design always considers a composite of issues throughout its progression and works through every detail, miss something unseen and the product can become a burden, not liberation. One of the great advantages of having in-house manufacture is that such details can be addressed expediently through a good feedback system. Another very important consideration is to always try and keep the essence of the initial design, its “spunk” and to ensure that the manifestation is not contaminated during its progression to finalisation. We are also not hindered by traditional manufacturing methods or techniques, which can often lead to the watering down of the initial idea or concept due to manufacturing constraints. We take the opposite approach and create a technique or process to allow us to produce the true essence of the idea.

What would you do differently if you did it again?

What I would do differently given the chance is a hard to know, as exploring new ground often involves making mistakes which can inform new ways of thinking and for me exploration is inherent in my design process. The process of exploration is a critical part of creating things that are exceptional and success must always involve a level of failure. If anything I would say that we could have experimented more often and being looser with our boundaries. We could have taken greater risks but when you are working on a shoe string budget and every day is an issue of survival it is difficult to capitalise on risk taking and experimentation. The products that have proven most successful and have endured over time are those that have a distinctive and courageous look but still fit within consumers acceptable boundaries.

The best thing about Australian made...

Fostering a design industry, albeit small, that manufactures its products in Australia is very important for the long term health of our nation for several reasons.

Given the ever growing concern over global warming keeping it local would certainly decrease the carbon footprint of the product and allows for greater control of environmental considerations. There are advantages in terms of control over the quality of the finished product and of the materials used.

But possibly the greatest advantage to keeping it Australian made, is the direct or close link in the development of products between the designer and manufacturer and therefore many more doors are opened and the quality and value of the product can be improved more easily. Succinct dialogue between parties leads to greater innovation and more cost effective manufacturing. Issues to do with quality control can be also be addressed more immediately rather than after they have landed on shore and the manufacture has been paid and then the costs to address these issues is compounded. Innovative production is hard to achieve at a distance and with language and cultural differences this can narrow the potential design outcomes. Off shore manufacturing could lead to greater mediocrity where it is harder to create a product that stands out from the rest. Supporting a local industry also helps foster up and coming designers and design culture.

The real problem with “Australian made” is that we have a shrinking manufacturing industry with expensive labour costs where important knowledge and skills are disappearing, unfortunately much of it is not being transferred to new industrial economies.

What do you hope for Australian manufacturing in the future?

I have always believed that there is enormous value in pushing the boundaries of existing technologies as well as developing new ones. New ways of producing things, informs new objects and aesthetics which intern gives you an edge on the market. This type of intellectual property also protects your brand and makes it much harder for others to appropriate your designs. Copying or appropriating IP can halter progress and in some ways is blight for design worldwide. Everyone stops taking risks and starts watching each other, consumers are coxed into buying copies and choosing the lowest common denominator with brands that have little integrity.

I believe that a model similar to Scandinavia is where Australian manufacturing should be heading. We are a small country so we need to form an identity based on high quality, well designed products, that says something about essence of OZ. An often used compromise is to import components or materials from off shore and value add to them with more complexly made components that demand greater care or need there manufacturing IP guarded.

There will always be people willing to pay for high end products; the trick is to find ways to manufacture products that look, last and perform like a Rolls Royce but don’t cost a lot to make. Smart and innovative design and manufacturing is the way to go. We are a nation of pioneers and explorers let’s do something that no one else has, instead of following what is already past!

Supremely functional but never mundane

DIY Wreath

2011-12-08T10:28:00.000+11:00

I feel that I have built this humble wreath up a little due to technical issues.

Super easy and I think a little gorgeous. We make a wreath every year and this year december was almost here with little thought given to it. My little girl wanted to make something for christmas and we looked around the house for things we could use.

Off to the rag bag to see what we could find.

We tend to keep the clothes so worn that we can not send them to vinnies. They come in handy for all sorts of things. There was plenty to use. A lovely morning was spent talking about the clothes and whose they were as we were cutting . Amazing the memories. We now have the strips of the first pair of boardies I bought for my now husband. He was just someone lovely then - nothing serious ( famous last words). A skirt I bought with a great friend, a cushion cover from our wedding list, a babyish dress, and the wrong cushion covers from the upholsterer that we had to live with for ages...finally they look good

You will need
1 x wire coat hanger
old clothes - fabric etc

Pull hanger into a circle shape. You don't have to be exact. ( see pic)
Cut strips out of clothes approx 3cm x 17cm
Tie around hanger. bunching then up as you go

When you have a full circle a little haircut will be needed to make it a lovely shape

Hang on the door
it's beginning to look alot like christmas. it's sits well near our DIY bunting from last year. that survived and still looks good

interview made in australia - carman's museli

2011-12-05T07:38:00.000+11:00

There is a trend with this interview series. When I send out a request for interview from some brands there is no response from, others immediate with a view for a future date so they can consider answers and offer insight. The resulting interviews are insightful with people generous with time and experience and have changed the way I look at our Fiona Kate brand.

Mud - own stores sooner so they could represent their products they way they see them
Hanks Jam - commercial application before development.
Castle - patience during the process

This interview was a little tricky to get organised but the wait was well worth it. I spoke with carolyn from Carman's a hugely successful Australian brand. Carolyn shared some great insights that made me feel energised about Fiona Kate and I am sure she will inspire you also.

Why did you decide on Australian made?
We began using Australian products. Our brand stands for depth and integrity. A huge part of that integrity is that all of our ingredients are Australian made, and all of our manufacturing is Australian owned including the packaging.

Did you look into manufacturing overseas also?
No

Your brand has always been very approachable. Can you explain the importance of relationships both with your customers and suppliers?

We listen to what our customers need and look to supply that need. We know what we are good at and what our end customers expect. Just get your foot through the door for the larger stores and go from there. Listen to what they need rather than what they want. See if you can fulfil that need. If not work out a way you can and come back in 6 months ... a year. Don't be afraid to approach larger companies. The worst they can say is no.

We do not wine and dine and see customers after hours, a work life balance is part of our brand too. Deliver to their needs, great service & preparation.

Our suppliers know we have an uncompromising commitment to quality and have always worked with us to supply products that are good for you and taste good too.

Have you had a product that you have loved not do as well as you hoped?
We have learned that changing our product to suit the customer does not work. for example adding pineapple because a buyer thinks it will work. We can change packs and packaging not the integral product and contents. Part of this is open communications with our customers.

Qantas needed a savoury snack for the PM flights and came to Carmen's. At that stage we did not have anything savoury so I said we would keep an eye out for something suitable. We now partner with another company supplying a chick pea product for the PM flights.

In the beginning was it just you? or did you start out with a team?
For 10 years it was just me with fantastic suppliers. It was all about sales. I knew it was all about sales. The aim was to grow each year by 25% and each year I surpassed that aim with sales growth of 100%.

Did you have a business plan that you followed?
Nothing written down as such other than to grow by 25% each year.

What would you do differently if you built a business again?
After the first 10 years initially I hired senior people thinking the skills in marketing and business was lacking from my own skills. To do it again I would hire junior people to follow through on all the ideas and goals I had. The passion, belief and direction were there, I just needed more hands to get it done.

Favourite Australian brand?
Many
aesop,
Red Balloon,
Kikki K,
grilld

a white rabbit in the snow

2011-11-25T08:32:00.000+11:00

Can you see it?
No not really we are just running blind here at HQ. technology has us over a barrel today. All of our posts are ready without any vision i'm afraid. Refusing to offer you the tantalising copy of your very own gorgeous wreath for absolutely no cost. It can be done.... and an 8 year completed most of it...

I will hold off until next week in the meantime hold on to the old clothes,especially shirts

Have a wonderful weekend

a very simple gift - your house

2011-11-23T07:24:00.000+11:00

There were quite a few post all ready to go for this week. We bumped the lot to pop this one up. there has been much discussion in the little blue house about the present we are hoping ( we don't always get them finished) One of my sons if forever drawing. Line drawing mostly it's all about getting what is on his mind down on paper and quickly. The sketchbook is packed , disordered and to my eye a real insight to what makes up a 9 year old boy.
For my birthday he asked what I would like. a drawing of our house. it is beautiful and very treasured.

if you have a budding artist the gift of a house is fabulous for those with a new home, an old home or a family home, or a favored destination. Grandmas home is always a winner too. for us this year it will be for a wonderful aunt and uncle who are about to move into their very first home...

keep it simple and have alot of fun

a couple of ideas for inspiration

line drawings - have a look at all the buildings in New York by james Gulliver amazing or the made by joel cities we attended the one in sydney with LMNOP it was alot of fun

scan one image ( drawing or photogrpah) play with the colour ala andy warhol for inspiration

Plan B send me a photo of your house and I will send you a line drawing back. feel free to colour or reproduce as you wish

a very simple , personal gift

interview made in australia - telling tales

2011-11-21T09:35:00.000+11:00

This weeks interview is with a fairly new business Telling Tales that makes the most divine books. The illustration and finishing make them a book worth keeping forever. I thought it especially relevant when you are all planning for christmas although they make the perfect gift at any time of the year. One photo is all you need.

Would you like to share a little of the Telling Tales story?
Telling Tales is an online store and we create photo personalised children’s storybooks. The idea to create photo storybooks evolved when we started putting together personalised books for our own children. It was interesting to see how these books quickly became their favourite ones to read – they loved seeing and hearing about themselves. We also received an incredible reaction from our friends who were all asking if we could develop a personalised book for their children.Telling Tales was therefore created to offer beautiful, educational and affordable photo personalised storybooks for all children.

Why did you decide on australian made?
Because our books are made to order Telling Tales needed an Australian printer.

Did you look into manufacturing overseas also?
No, overseas printing is only viable for large volume orders, and doesn’t work well for bespoke products.

Can you describe the process of idea to first samples? Was the learning curve steep?
Finding a printer that understood our vision was difficult at first. They didn’t want to set a price that came with variable size orders. But with a lot of searching we found a company that understood us completely and was even supportive of us being a start up business. They could see the future possibilities.

What would you do differently if you did it again?
Everything is a learning curve so no real regrets.

The best thing about australian made?
The best thing about Australian made is the pride that it gives you in your product. We also are happy to be supporting local businesses to keep manufacturing sustained here at home.

What do you hope for australian manufacturing in the future?
To keep manufacturing alive in Australia we need to support it. With more demand we would see some improvements in prices too

I wanted to share a ‘thank you’ email from one of our customers, because her comments on our quality of our printing says all you need to say about Australian manufacturing and why it’s great to buy Australian made. x

"Oh my goodness!! My 3 books arrived this afternoon and all I can say is.... they are amazingly awesome!! The pictures look amazing and the book quality is fantastic. I don't have enough words to tell you how happy I am about my purchase! I know 3 little girls who are going to be very happy for Christmas this year.

Thank you to all those involved at Telling Tales, you really have made my day and I can't wait till Christmas to give these gorgeous books to the girls. I will be spreading the word and it won't be too long before I purchase another of your gorgeous books"

a gift idea

2011-11-16T07:15:00.000+11:00

This is a gorgeous gift idea for men who are hard to buy for, or big or little boys with an obsession. they look fabulous in a man shed, study or kids room. Obsessions can be difficult for an outsider to understand. Be it surfing, trains, lego or racing cars it is always lovely to receive a gift recognising that passion.

It was exactly this idea that became the poster grid. a little boy with a train obsession and a mum who didn't want thomas blue tacked all over the room. the poster arrived in a huge triangular tube. such and interesting shape and in the sack on christmas morning. the grid was there so we could pop it up quickly. Now that little boy who is much bigger still likes trains, loves the idea of visiting New York. I think he will need a chaperon don't you.

We don't have many poster grids left and our happy manufacturers are on hols until 2012 ( well deserved).

quick would be my tip

these are a few favourites that I have picked out at all posters... although the possibilities are endless
http://pinterest.com/fionakate/posters/

interview made in australia - mud

2011-11-14T07:31:00.000+11:00

A fabulous way to start the week. I was thrilled that the people from mud were happy to be interviewed and what an interview. Well considered answers in a truly generous spirit. There is so much precious information and it gives you a true insight to the values of the mud brand and the people behind it.
The Mud range have always been a stylist favourite.
Yes I have a huge design crush.

Why did you decide on australian made?

We're Australian and we started the business here to manufacture our own designs. As we've grown we've realised that, despite the difficulties, manufacturing locally has allowed us a unique selling proposition and also the ability to fail and succeed at our own scale.

Did you look into manufacturing overseas?

We've looked at it but only academically. The complexities of our line - over 50 shapes in 20 colours - means we'd have to completely relocate the business and we haven't found another location that has the right blend of geographical, cultural and social elements enticing enough to make us leave Sydney.

Can you describe the process of idea to first samples? Was the learning curve steep?

We researched the market before we started our line and knew there was a gap. The learning curve for us was extremely steep. If you start small, like most Australian companies in our industry, then you need the following skill sets to survive: designer, manufacturer, administrator, manager plus sales & marketing skills. There's no degree that encompasses all these skill sets and the only way to do it is try and either succeed or fail.

As mentioned above, doing our own manufacturing allowed us to prototype and introduce shapes and colours at minimal set up cost. If we'd been working with third party manufacturers then the set up and production run minimums would've meant a very different product line - probably a lot less colour and shape.

What would you do differently if you did it again?

We would definitely have done our own retail stores sooner. It's a great and rewarding opportunity to properly express your brand and engage directly with customers. No-one has the product knowledge we have nor do they have the range. It's also allowed us to sell other lines that have similar design and manufacturing values.

The best thing about australian made?

I'm not sure if there's a best thing. Not really into nationalism for nationalism's sake. We have very consciously structured our business around the idea of people, places & products. Our priority is to do business with good people in nice places selling quality products - that could be Newtown, New York or Tokyo. Locally and globally there are so many companies in a rush to the bottom when it comes to design principles and manufacturing values. (For example: Matt Blatt ... Why don't they design their own furniture rather than poorly imitate other peoples intellectual property?) We're very happy for them to have that market while we concentrate on quality goods, with slower sell through at higher prices.

What do you hope for australian manufacturing in the future?

Would love the design manufacturing industries to be big enough so that the trajectory from student to career designer is more like the Scandinavian and European countries, where industry is closely aligned with the schools. Would also like it if our government recognised the value of Australian design in our overall local and international identity and actively encouraged the industry a little more. It's a big world and the main markets for our products outside of Australia are very protective of their industries and make it extremely expensive for Australian companies to compete due to taxes, freight and duties. In Australia, we are very free trade and basically allow overseas design companies access to our market with very little restriction. It'd be nice if the playing field was a little bit flatter.

simple necessity - first aid kit

2011-11-11T07:06:00.000+11:00

For years I have coveted the the cross medicine cabinet designed by thomas ericksson for cappellini knowing full well it was not to be my destiny. I don't have that kind of family, house or husband to be honest

The medicine cabinet & the travel first aid kit. The travel one is easy to keep stocked looks great and is too small for everything you need. The last minute kit I pop together for quick trips is never safe from spills and always a trial and the last thing to be packed... the cabinet at home is has spread to the kitchen also... so that if anything is needed it is always "Fi where is the..."

I have decided to put one together that does everything we need.

It needed to fit a space we had

Have handles
waterproof
can be wiped out
all products need to be able to stand up
easily accessible.
not too tricky to see in a tent, car, or the dark.

DIY first aid kit.
4 easy steps
1. a red crate ( we do have them lying around)
2. add letters for first aid. Cut strips from the extra paper for the crosses
3. add pouch to the inside ( it's super sticky so add it quick)
4. gather all medicines and pop them inside

what do you think?
a water proof pouch containing scissors, measuring cups, torch etc
bright easy to see
and now the bathroom cabinet
just has the beautifying bits instead of the avalanche every time you open it
one crate, removable letters, clear pouch.

I do have lots of pouches from a previous shoot. if you would like one with your next order just let us know and we can pop one in.

The best bit of all I have a spare. I made two. Would you like one?
Like our facebook page and you could.

* winner to be drawn Friday November 18th

things for storing & adoring

2011-11-09T10:43:00.000+11:00

We have had a little bit of ipad love... or is it app love. Not too sure but here it is.
Daily Telegraph.

Our made in australia series will continue next monday with some fabulous brands. I am really excited. The people we have interviewed have really shared alot about their experiences. It seems really successful people are generous with their time and experience it made me love their products even more.

If you have ever thought about a product, starting a brand or giving an idea a go check back here on Monday.

a little dose of inspiration

2011-11-04T07:34:00.000+11:00

A little gift for friday. The latest issue of covet is out... always a great dose of inspiration. It's a favourite here. enjoy

we will be back next week we are just so busy packing and sending sacks, sacks and more poster grids
the christmas rush is beginning

present ideas

2011-11-02T20:09:00.000+11:00

Have you noticed how many people let you know it's the count down to the end of the year. We have plenty of time. plenty of time to give a few thoughts about presents and decorations.
Over the year we have amassed in our things to do folder quite alot. My aim is to have a cuppa this week and trawl through to see what inspires me. I have just started today a present for the newest member of or family. Not yet here but thought about often and no we are not getting a dog....

We are expecting a nephew or niece in january and so I have asked a friend to teach me to crochet ( using only one kind of stitch) so I can make a baby blanket that will be given to my sister at this christmas.. It's so soft we just keep patting the wool.

We had a wonderful time painting petals on the weekend and have decided to paint many more as our gift tags this year. The fun part is collecting the leaves and petals to paint.

a friend is slowly hijacking her friends kids and photographing them giving a USB and a proof sheet as a gift. she is a creative soul and always thinks of clever things to do.

our guests always anticipate fudge

What do you make? or hope to make this year?

a fantastic solution

2011-10-28T07:09:00.000+11:00

Not often do I get super excited about a product... but I discovered this yesterday ( I realise I am a bit behind on this) and the possibilities are endless. It came to me via poppy talk

Giant washi tape... we use the usual kind for everything around HQ we love washi. I recently used it on a shop window I propped... I now covet the giant kind. Imagine a whole washi room

it's easy being green

2011-10-26T21:53:00.000+11:00

I think kermit had it wrong. it's very easy being green. The lime sacks arrived and they are so beautiful. I am popping a couple away for when we feel like a change of colour. a few quick shots taken after their arrival

What better way to freshen up the old christmas tree stand. so very practical ( but not so pretty)

the watermelon and lime look so spring like together. Even the dry cleaning pile looks good in this

a sack race anyone?

made in australia interview - hanks jam

2011-10-24T13:07:00.000+11:00

Todays interview was so enlightening. I have been thinking on the one concept the whole week.

"it has to have a commercial application"

if you need volume as most people manufacturing do the conundrum is always how to get there? retailers, online, niche business or one great big business that has to have your product...we are in the very painful & extended long long and still long process of an amazing new product. This week we have been thinking what is our commercial application...

what's yours

Would you like to share a little of the hanks jam story?
Hank started making jam in 1993 making his own Rich Orange Marmalade for breakfast customers in the inner city Sydney restaurant in which he was working others became interested and so the business grew
Why did you decide on Australian made?
Supporting Australian growers when we can. Preference is always with Aussie grown.
Did you look into manufacturing overseas also?
Yes but are keeping pretty busy here in Brookvale with Local market and export but may have to set up a production facility for our tropical range in the future.

Can you describe the process of idea to first samples? Was the learning curve steep..
always a challenge and always a series of tests, experiments and re cooks. 1 in 10 go into production. It has to have A commercial application because manufacturing here in Australia is expensive.

What would you do differently if you did it again .
Invest in more machinery earlier.
The best thing about Australian made:
keeping people in Jobs and also being able to be flexible with the products we produce as we make 100% on site
What do you hope for australian manufacturing in the future:
that support is provided at the state and Federal level to encourage manufacturing, which is a challenging sector to be in.
Anything else you would like to add?
Hanks is a high quality 100% natural product manufacturer who now export to 6 countries (New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Dubai, India)

lego - an artful solution

2011-10-19T07:33:00.000+11:00

As you know we have been dealing with lego here at HQ for a long time now. Not only our but our customers too. Lego is wonderful one of the best present for boys age 3 and over. Our kids spend hours creating amazing ships. the collection now being so large that the constant sound shugsh shugsh shugsh can be heard every morning from around 6am.

Coming up with a very simple, inexpensive and reusable solution. I love this. all the lego is there colour coded with a tabletop on top to keep it all neat. We have used both the bases and the lids of the mini depending on how much of each colour you possess. I was helped by 3 toddlers to sort this today and was hoping to run it by my very critical R&D team. a tabletop was added on top to keep them together and hidden from view. The result was unanimous.

it's a winner

shall we call it the lego solution? and make it available in blue, pink, red & white

made in australia interview - rachel castle

2011-10-17T07:35:00.000+11:00

Happy Monday. You will really enjoy this interview with rachel castle of castle. I covet castles pieces Not once but twice stylists have used them in shoots at my house they looked so good just like they belonged.... only to have them popped back into their little van and driven away at the end of the day.

Made in australia too . Yay!

Why did you decide on australian made?

When I started the business, and with respect to manufacturing particularly the bedlinen, I never even considered going offshore for production. I have truly the most amazing manufacturer in Melbourne who supplies me with my fabric and does all my cutting and make up. The business has been in operation for over 100 years in Coburg and I would say they have been pivotal in the success of my brand. Having the flexibility to order low quantities at the start, and to fiddle around with the makeup has meant the difference between growing slowly and sustainably, rather than at the scary make or break pace driven by the high quantities you need to order to get started overseas.

Having said all of this, manufacturing is limited here print wise, I am still using printers on tables for some of the placement prints, and the printable sizes are much smaller than overseas which is very limiting. And the cost, well, it is far more expensive to produce in Australia, but it is just so much more rewarding and meaningful.

Did you look into manufacturing overseas also?

No, I didn't but am constantly being told to! I am a control freak, I'm too nervous about the quantities and the room for error!

Can you describe the process of idea to first samples? Was the learning curve steep?

Yes the learning curve was steep. The production of simple unprinted bedlinen is pretty straight forward, its the printing that adds the trouble areas. It was a lot of too and fro, getting it wrong, then gradually working through the problems to get it right. It looks really simple, but sometimes it can get quite complicated for a non-technical person like me.

What would you do differently if you did it again?

I think the process has been very valuable throughout, without wanting to sound like a goody two shoes, I think all the problems were and are necessary to get a better product. The only thing I would do differently and battle with constantly is following my own intuition, I need to keep telling myself 'people want to buy what I like' so I always try to make sure a product is EXACTLY the way I want it to be.

The best thing about australian made is....

Just that simple fact, its Australian made, it doesn't get any better.

What do you hope for australian manufacturing in the future?

I hope that people continue to buy Australian, that people understand that buying Australian comes often with a higher price tag but a better, more considered, loved and cared for product. This is what I wish for Australian manufacturing. We want to work hard, we're not greedy, we just want to offer a beautiful product made on shore.

Anything else you would like to add?

Thank you to everyone who has purchased from me in the past, there is a long chain behind me from the makers, to the printers, to the web makers, to the label makers, the button makers, the delivery people, the lovely post office people. I just want to say thanks, it keeps us all busy and working hard. xxx

imagine -

2011-10-14T07:44:00.000+11:00

The sacks are back. Each year we have a little look at the colours available ( leftover from a year of knitting) . This is how they arrive and from this we choose. Each year we get a little more adventurous. Red is always popular . Last year we added nautical blue and pink candy stripe. This year squeaky green. I was hoping there would be a nice sunny yellow on offer but maybe later in the year...

Our clever sales person sascha had the great idea of offering them to kindys as fundraisers. No selling required these sacks they sell themselves. Simple gorgeous fundraising.

Would you use it as a sleep sack or santa sack? wash bag or for dress ups?

They are arriving on monday... so all of your orders will be shipped on tuesday. Yay... if you haven't ordered yours yet.. it might be time to think about it

we have a great interview lined up for monday.. if you ever wanted to know about gorgeous bed linen....

even better than expected - BIG kids magazine

2011-10-12T06:15:00.000+11:00

When something arrives in the post it is always exciting. When something arrives in the post that surpasses your expectations even better. Awhile back I heard on the grapevine about a new illustration magazine for kids.
It arrived and my kids love it.... and keep going back to it and have shown it to friends... and are now working on maps to send in

BIG Kids magazine

for every one bought another is given
"We are committed to partnering with organisations that protect, support and enrich the lives of children, and in this regard will be working towards donating one magazine for every issue sold, so that BIG is truly accessible to all children everywhere."

their blog is great too

made in australia interview - innergreen

2011-10-10T09:59:00.000+11:00

This weeks interview is with tristan from innergreen. The comfiest cushion fillers ( and pillows ever) we use them for our storage cushions...

Why did you decide on australian made?

Well the product we manufacture is actually more cost effective to produce locally, plus I really loved the idea of contributing to the Australian economy. We now employ over 10 workers and pay our fair share of taxes.

Did you look into manufacturing overseas also?

Yep, we looked into it, but it ends up becoming more costly than if we are to produce locally.

Can you describe the process of idea to first samples? Was the learning curve steep

Well depending on your venture, you need to have cash on hand, and usually twice the amount than you anticipated. I started with ordering samples from overseas suppliers, and then taking the samples to potential customers to see what they though. After getting some good feedback, I order 1000kg of fiber and a small pillow-making machine. I started small, picking up a new customer every day, and working a night job to save more money.

What would you do differently if you did it again.

Take a weekend class on Excel (God’s gift to numbers)

The best thing about australian made.

Paying Australian taxes and providing people with jobs.

What do you hope for Australian manufacturing in the future?

For us, a higher dollar is great, but I know it cripples the export trade. I would have to say, a stable economy would be nice.

Anything else you would like to add?

If your looking to start a business, make sure you wear a rain jacket. You never know what the weathers like around the corner. Have fun, lose it all, and then figure out how to make it back again. Oh, and go to www.innergreen.com.au to buy a new Bed Pillow Online

2011-10-06T20:05:00.001+11:00

made in australia - a good wrap ( a giveaway too)

2011-09-26T09:11:00.000+10:00

I am really looking forward to speaking to the many people who manufacture their amazing products here in australia. For many products it can be done. It will be great to share their journeys, learn a few tips and acknowledge it's not always and easy road nor is it endless with many of our designers starting our here and due to limitations ( not price) end up collaborating overseas.

The first is Tik from a good wrap I truly love and use this product. It ticks so many boxes, easy to use, saves time and looks great.

Why did you decide on Australian made?
Basically, I just wanted to give it a go! My professional background is importing homewares from overseas, but I really wanted to try to produce something locally. The key driver behind A Good Wrap is to minimise waste so to produce something locally is a natural extension.
Personally, I love to buy Australian made whenever I can and I wanted to provide that opportunity for others.
Did you look into manufacturing overseas also?
Yes - and we still are. Sadly, for big promotional orders, my makers here in Australia cant keep up. My plan is to keep the Australian line going as well - some people really want to buy Australian made and seek it out. Plus, by keeping it here in Australia, I can be a bit more creative as far as the fabrics and design go.
Can you describe the process of idea to first samples? Was the learning curve steep?
My background in designing and sourcing homewares meant that I was not intimidated by the process - but having said, I had no experience with textiles or manufacturing in Australia. Getting up to speed on buying fabrics, which fabric fits where and production quantities is never ending but fascinating. I am still learning and trying to iron out the kinks in my supply chain!
The hardest part was finding professionals to actually manufacture the product. I started by making them myself, which is great for prototyping but its not my forte’, so I started working with local fashion consultants to look for makers/sewers all the while playing with fabrics and patterns.
I have three children and a dozen nieces and nephews who’s lunch boxes all featured early versions of the product, and still do.

What would you do differently if you did it again?
Nothing as far as the made in Australia element goes. The trial and error of finding the right team members was hard at times but crucial to understanding what can be done. I love that they are being made here and that we are supporting local people.
The best thing about australian made?
Being able to say that it is and know that it is! I especially love it when I can use an Australian made and printed fabric as well. It feels good to know its genesis and where it comes from. I know my makers really well and their families and I love it when I can give them more business.

Lucky us the good wrap have offered our readers a chance to win a three set valued at 34.95. A great gift for a little starting school or kindy. We have not lost one yet
Comment on our wall for a chance to win. Entries close at midnight on thursday.

Can you make it? yes you can right here

2011-09-21T07:20:00.000+10:00

Tonight I was a little stuck for a post... not stuck because I did not have anything to write but stuck because we have quite a few projects/ products in the process. Several are at really exciting stage - we have been jumping on, and hiding amongst them all month. Which brings me to a subject close to our hearts here at fiona kate. Manufacturing in australia.... it's very very slow. Especially when you are a small brand...& extremely fussy about detail and quality. It's a bit like finding the one.... you will kiss alot of frogs on the way.

Many of you reading may remember the timeline test we did. the week we popped the great crate in for prototype and testing was the same week we found out our little guy was on his way...so 40 weeks or so later we met oliver...here is oliver in the first fully tested prototype on the day it arrived. Yup quicker to make a whole person

It's funny instead of always designing the product first we often have an existing relationship with a manufacturer and find out what else they can do for example our storage sacks came first... then the storage cushion was made and on a little factory visit we discovered the binding for the fatman. The process can be a windy old path but ultimately you get there... mostly not always but often.

we like to make it here to keep the process simple, great quality and lower miles travelled make our recyclable products even friendlier. in our interview series that runs on a monday i will be interview other amazing people who have fought the good fight to have their products made right here. I am expecting to learn alot and I am sure it will make for interesting reading

interview - nest

2011-09-19T13:18:00.000+10:00

Another great start to the week natalie from nest. each of our stockists are lovely. I would love to do a fiona kate tour of australia just so i could see each and every store.... and have a further natter with the people that work there. natalies finds are amazing (see second sister). Nest is a store run with passion the displays are amazing...

grab a nice cold drink of water ( on my list of things to do drink more water) todays post will lead you to some very beautiful things ... blacklist studio blog is delightful

How did you come to start your business?

The home-wares store that I had been managing sold and I found myself at a cross road of either continuing to work for someone or do something for myself... The latter won!

How long has your business been running?

Nest has been in operation now for 16 months.

Can you describe your average day?

My average day consists of meeting with customers, ordering goodies, merchandising and catching up on the computer.

What are you excited about for spring?

Aside from the warmer weather {!}, I am looking forward to new stock arriving in the form of new cushion collections, new ceramics , lovely light summer weight scarves {nice to pack the winter woolly ones away for awhile!} , as well as some Christmas goodies arriving!

What is your favourite part about your job?

Hmmm...I LOVE my job completely so this is difficult to answer...It would be between meeting lovely people and probably the obvious, buying stock! I think my husband feels that the shop is now a good cover for a problem that I may have!...lol

Your least favourite task?

Breaking down the boxes that the stock arrives in for recycling!

Do you have story about a day, reader or customer you would like to share?

I once had a customer that gave me the loveliest compliment that I have ever received...she explained to her friends that visiting Nest was like the visual experience of listening to Angus and Julia Stone...I think that is beautiful.

Where is your favourite spot to sit during your work day?

I adore sitting at my counter as it looks directly at the sea...I have a million dollar view!

What's the best thing to do in Tasmania?

Come to Penguin and visit me at Nest!

interview - wild on the beach

2011-09-12T07:38:00.000+10:00

This weeks interview is with Murray from wild on the beach in Lorne...
the store so new it only opened on the weekend... unique posters and a bit of a chat... what a great place to visit

How did you come to start your business? It's something we've always wanted to do...all my family has a love of the beach and we're all fascinated by the vintage years of our local beachside town-Lorne

what did you do before that has helped in your new venture?

My family has had a long career in surf retail....I veered out of that for quite a while and into a career as a writer- books on Australian surf and beach culture, as well as one hefty coffee table book on Australian rock, pop, and jazz posters-fifty years of gig posters. That book is Plastered- the Art of Australian Popular Music.

Can you describe your perfect day?
An early morning surf check for some uncrowded waves, followed by breakfast at a local bakery, or toast at home listening to a Monty Alexander cd. ....a quick read of the daily papers then back to the beach until the sun goes down. An inpromptu family dinner at home washed down with a couple of brandy's and colored with some classic pop for dancing.

What are you excited about for spring?

Feeling warm again..we've been feeling chilly since moving back to Victoria from five years in Noosa!

What is your favourite part about wild on the beach?
The three-sheet, linen-backed vintage posters!

Your least favourite task?
I'd forgotten how much of a chore doing all the paperwork was going to be

favourite product?

Secrets of The Boat in the Bottle.

Would you like to share your first day experience?

Its too much of a blur..maybe when I've had a chance to think it all through.

Where is your spot to sit during your work day?
Out the front- in the sun, watching the cars swing over the bridge and into town- but within earshot of the phone!

a great ideas for the coming holidays

2011-09-09T15:47:00.001+10:00

it's that time of year again almost... and no I am not going to start sending around christmas posts yet....or hanging decorations

I want to enjoy spring...
it is the time to celebrate by planting your sunflowers.

The school holidays this year are about 12 weeks out so perfect in time for the big day and as you know my easy way to avoid the how many sleeps... how long ... when ... etc

Anticipate the lovely sunny flowers instead... they do make great presents too... for all those december birthdays of corse

this bit is last years post for a little bit more information
a sunflower is a really lovely way to avoid the constant questionhow many days until?

usually a sunflower take about 11-12 weeks to grow. now is the time to plant your christmas ones.

we did this before a march birthday several years ago and the kid have asked to do it each year for chistmas since. they make a lovely present too. a happy flower or a large bunch of them that will bloom around christmas day is a great thing to take home..

Have a wonderful afternoon planting some in a pot. Try to plant at least 3 just in case your green thumbs have lost their magic.

a little water each day and a nice sunny spot and these flowers are a lovely way of saying not yet. everytime the kids ask when i answer i the sunflower out yet? after a while they will just check daily and the excitement when the yellow face blooms it's hilarious

have some fun. plant yours soon

a great brief

2011-09-07T06:45:00.000+10:00

it's spring and we know you are all cleaning, planting and getting sorted... we have been run off our feet packing all of the orders. Which is great thank you. We have had alot of chatting on facebook too. I am slowly getting the hang of it I do love chatting to customers. You feel like you are part of a big collaboration when you can ask what colour would you pick?

I was organising the props for a window this week. A gorgeous shop full of fair trade and eco things. beautiful things that you would have no idea of their green credentials. The brief was spring and in keeping with the stores philosophy upcycling and recycling were the parameters..

A fabulous brief and I will post pics when it is complete. To gain height in the window and change the space around i used 3 tubs ( bulk medicine containers) from reverse garbage and covered them in offcuts leftover from the beautiful quilts in store. They came up a treat....

Am thinking several may the solution to a temporary seating solution too??

interview - hawkes general store

2011-09-05T07:11:00.000+10:00

This week we meet coco from Hawkes General Store in Orange NSW. (Coco is same age as me and my daughter was 2 when we started Fiona Kate) and the family business is where she grew up. Pop over to the site to see how wonderful that must have been and still is...

How did you come to start your business?
Hawkes general store is a family business - my mum opened it when i was 2. I purchased it from her nearly six years ago. It was in my blood I think.

How long has your business been running?
Hawkes General store opened in 1976 - so 35 years ago.

Can you describe your average day?
hectic! setting up, coffee, phones ringing, laughter, unpacking boxes of stock (lots of them), more coffee, wrapping, lots of chat, packing in, cleaning up, PHEW time to go home.

What are you excited about for spring?
all the beautiful dresses & accessories and colourful home wares! and SUNSHINE.

What is your favourite part about Hawkes General Store?
The ever changing stock and all our gorgeous customers!

Your least favourite task?
nothing - i love it all!

Where is your favourite spot to sit during your work day?
I can't remember the last time i sat down at work! but if i did it would be under the weeping mulberry tree in our sunny courtyard - feet up, having a coffee (made by our baritsa Danny)

Hawkes general store is the first of our stockists to have the yellow and black ( 2 separate colours not like a bumblebee) poster grids.

kids stuff... books and such

2011-09-02T12:43:00.000+10:00

a bit of a wordy post today

A kids playroom can be a whole room, part of a common area like lounge room or even just a large cupboard on the deck or set of shelves in the shed. Every family has the same issues

Lots of toys with lots of pieces. Books, books & more books.. we will tackle the topic of books first

The key to a great reader is accessible books

In my experience different ages require different things and a well thought out strategy that’s is flexible is the key. A great idea is to separate all of the books you will be amazed how much use all of the books get this way instead of only a few favourites.

Craft books – keep together where kids can reach them. A lower shelf or box with no lid in the lounge or under the dining room table depending on where you would do your craft. Upright is great so they can be sorted through like records used to be. On a rainy day it’s always great to browse through and plan your day. Sometimes the planning is the only part of the activity to get done and that’s fun too.

Special books ( not a very creative name , just call it as you see it) Keep a select few the special ones and keep them up in a cupboard out of reach where the kids can see them but they are saved for great moments. Our special ones are the books so beautiful you know you want to save them, ones with great inscriptions or interactive parts like letters ( easily damaged) We pull these down for reward a quiet time with mum, or when we really want to encourage quiet time, if someone is unwell the Christmas and birthday books are kept here too… if I reach up to this shelf you can see the excitement in their faces…

Bed books Near each bed a selection of 4 picture books plus a great one that usually sends them to sleep. A Dr Seuss is great for this When they are little there can never be too much repetition….as you already know. One fish two fish….When they are a little older 2 chapter books are great. Tucked under the bed, in a pack , on the beside table or for bunks a shelf or slipped under the pillow. Make it easy for kids to pop them in their place when making their bed… or helping you make their bed,

The rest of the books and their will be a alot of them. Stack on a shelf or in a cupboard, display on a rack make a seat out of the books themselves, create a reading nook a place to sit this can be as simple as a cushion. Keep them accessible . Some will outgrow their use and can be donated. Vinnies are always glad to have them. The damaged ones can go in the craft box or be used as wrapping paper and folders.

Books can be used to decorate also a pieces of string on a picture rail, a clothes line. The artwork on some covers are stunning and a functional design element to any room

A cozy spot and a great book it doesn’t get much better than that

a great source

2011-08-31T07:13:00.000+10:00

not a blogiday... my mac has been off sick... it's been quite amazing to realise just how much of my life is spent in front of it. I have many posts.... all in my head.

today I received a copy of the most amazing ezine. christie from childhood 101 has released a mag and it is so full of things to do, ideas to try and so much more I have no idea how she will fill a 2nd issue. it's all here....

school holidays are around the corner

mud monsters are on our list

spring fever

2011-08-24T10:33:00.000+10:00

it's been hard to buckle down this week with the sun out. lots of bubble paintings and verandah and vegie patch picnics but not so much blogging.....will do better .

finally finally finally the newsletter is out today. If you are not a subscriber and still want to enter the most fab competition...the ultimate baby makeover dulux, coccoon couture, eeni meeni mini mo and more go here.

yellow was the winner of the choose a new colour. the sunny yellow poster grids will be here next week! if you need want covet one we will let you know as soon as they arrive

we will have a super post here on friday... promise

simple gorgeous and practical floor

2011-08-19T07:31:00.000+10:00

A friend asked me about this yesterday. Our playroom floor the result of a last minute quite frantic nesting attack several years ago. This is great for a playroom, store, cubby or anywhere you would like a quick floor covering that you can do yourself. all carpet squares are the same size and a mix of odds and ends looks great and is easy to remove if damage does occur. A trip to our local Carpetland to ask if they had any 2nd hand carpets squares led us to a dusty back room with stacked pallets of left over, end of run and second hand squares.
So many great colours that we decided a mix was the way to go for us.

So many possibilities. Any configuration would be lovely though not all carpet tiles are created equal so do try kneeling on each style before counting how many you need.( some are really scratchy)

Easy to cut with a sharp boxcutter ours are stuck down with wood glue straight onto boards....

Tip if you have a large area and need lots of tiles they can be heavy in the boot and your lowered car may bottom out leaving the car park while everyone is watching

a great gift idea

2011-08-17T07:37:00.001+10:00

This one was suggested ( asked outright for ) by a friend as a present for her little boy who turns 7 tomorrow.

"make a box of odds and ends he loves craft and he is not fussy as long as he can stick something to it he is happy"

initially reluctant and in favour of lego I was persuaded. I had an absolute ball putting it together. Obviously we do have quite a lot of lovely boxes here so that bit was easy. I raided the present bag for new textas and a writing pad and the rest has been hunted and gathered from around our home, props box and warehouse . The kids helped
( which meant ALOT of tat was rejected) you could do the same at reverse garbage

here is what we managed to crammed into the box .
lots and lots of treasure

owl paperclips
coloured rubber bands
various handmade paper
red tissue paper
trend boards
ribbon
wooden clothes peg
chalk label
rubber
textas
sketch book
foam cone
cardboard cone tube
strapping
labels
cards
screened paper
photo paper
shiny board
corflute strips
tape
round box
interesting shaped envelopes
golden book pages
string
cord
binding
multi coloured card
pattern petals

if you have a crafty friend I would highly recommend it. can't wait to see his face.
if you don't have such bower bird tendencies and you live in sydney or would like an excuse to visit

reverse garbage is the ultimate day out for a crafty friend.
grab a box and have a ball or you can now order online.

interview - honeybee homewares

2011-08-16T09:00:00.001+10:00

this weeks interview is with Tracy from honeybee homewares a beautiful store in fairlight - I have been propping from there for years.

How did you come to start your business?

I was a devoted customer for a long time and was passionate about the shop. It was a natural move to me, to be part of Honeybee Homewares

How long has your business been running?

The shop is in its 13th year, but I took over less than 6 months ago and I'm loving every minute of it.

Can you describe your average day?

I love opening up in the morning and putting items outside the shop on display, it's just a lovely ritual to start the day off. We never know who is coming. Some are regular customers coming to see our new stock, or some are customers who have heard about us or seen something in a magazine and have travelled to see us specifically, which delights us enormously.

What are you excited about for Spring/Summer?

We have just received our new season for clothing from Lee Mathews and American Vintage, which is just gorgeous. We love styling the shop with French baskets, sheets, beach towels and the whole summer feel, it just makes you feel good! We are also sourcing our Christmas range at the moment.

What is your favourite part about honeybee homewares?

The customers! Our customers make us giggle, and come in and share their life or their home-creating moments. We love it when they describe what they have done with a piece of furniture or tell us about the table setting for a wonderful dinner party they had with their new table linen. We genuinely do get pleasure from the enjoyment people get spending time in our shop.
I also love sourcing stock for the shop, and am about to fly to Paris to go to their trade fairs for the first time, so am very excited about that!

Your least favourite task?

I haven't got there yet, it's all new still.

Where is your favourite spot to sit during your work day?

At the counter - we can see the world going by ... but I do like to try out all the new furniture that comes in!

a little note honeybee have the poster grid that appeared in home beautiful this month

home beautiful and a lot of inspiration...

2011-08-12T07:50:00.001+10:00

a big thank you to stephanie powell and the home beautiful team. How gorgeous does this hall look? what a lovely surprise yesterday. you can read a little more about stephanie powell and what it takes to be a stylist here at daily imprint. a must for your google reader

we have sold out of the white today poster grids today with more on their way.... we do have blue and silver... with red... sunny yellow and black arriving soon. place an order to be first for delivery then you can have a little fun styling your place .

thank you for all of our readers who helped choose the new colours

a new colour - please help us choose

2011-08-10T07:51:00.000+10:00

People often come to our site and can not choose between the blue and the red, or pink and silver. A really lovely way to choose your colour for most things

I find it easier to look around my home..... If it' something I covet...it tends to be of a certain colour or texture... something great but practical.... less of a standout

Having said this we are ordering new colours for our poster grids and we need your help. We can't always choose for our homes we would like to hear your thoughts on the subject too . please vote here...

yellow or orange? I think the black is a must

vote here or pop along to our facebook page and type yellow or orange. we would love to hear your opinion

interview - Fiona kate HQ

2011-08-08T11:22:00.001+10:00

Each week people ask many question about starting our business, I though an interview with us at HQ. We love getting the emails and seeing all the creative ideas out there so keep them coming.

How long has your business Fiona kate been running? 4 years can you believe it . We started on september 2007
Can you describe your average day in HQ? i always start the work day with the design files. No day is average. phonecalls, catching up with sasha from sales. Design, answering emails, interviews, talking with manufacturers.
packing orders always packing
What are you excited about for spring? a brand new product that we are roadtesting and making adjustments to today.... plus our gorgeous sack will be out in lime green stripe
What is your favourite part about fiona kate? Not having to explain to anyone the kid aren't well and i won't be able to make it to work. Also solving storage issues simply...the best ideas usually arrive when hanging out the washing or just before falling asleep
Your least favourite task? looking at the really long to do list

How did you come to start your business/ blog?
a long explanation about the business but a real one...

Proceed until apprehended

I’m not sure this would appear on any business plan but it didn’t sound as scary

Proceed until apprehended....
These are the magic words I needed to begin. Starting a business sounded daunting, proceed until apprehended did not. Surely the money would run out or someone very serious would let me know this was not the way successful businesses started out.

I was once a worker bee, an art director developing a homewares brand for a well-known company. I planned to be a mum who would do both successfully. Fulltime hours ( nights and early mornings) challenging job and still be with my little one during the day baking cookies. but 5 years and 3 children later something had to give. This cookie making mummy was tired. I had a little book of ideas, designs and ideas I had, over time. But first I needed to get the house sorted… and simple gorgeous storage began.

How hard could it be to have a toddler tough, inexpensive, storage system made in Australia?

I needed serious storage, tough, safe flexible and more importantly always available so we could add pieces as the kids multiplied and the amount of stuff did too. I had purchased many options but with little success so I designed what I would like and the box seat by fiona kate was born.

Of course once you decide to make the ultimate in storage you want it to do everything so it became a table, seat, and storage with removable decals to redecorate a room on a whim... Letters and chalkboard labels. This was the easy part. Late nights working on a sketch pad of ideas … the reality was a little more daunting. We made a list of what the box seat would be

Quality – there was a gap in the market for a brand that represented value for money so that our customer could rely on, super strong, colour fast flat packed but easy to assemble. The storage needed to be stylish too – not something that you would find in dads garage

Made in Australia – the box seat was designed here we wanted it made here too, less travel made eco sense

Suppliers were researched. But asking a manufacturer used to dealing with auto suppliers for a product in watermelon pink? Needless to say I had to have a thick skin and several suppliers on my list. Almost apprehended but not quite. I wanted the product to be made in Australia; another tough ask. This was the part that I thought would be easy but meeting with people around the kids was impossible. I needed people who understood I was serious about the business but my hours were not

9-5..

Gorgeous colours – we matched our colours to the top 20 bedlinen companies on the market watermelon pink, sky blue, classic white and lime green. The colours had to be stable and much testing was required. The customer needed to be able to keep adding pieces next season and the one after that.

Price – very important. It was no use having a storage system if the cost was so high people could only afford one piece. We needed people to automatically look for the Fiona kate box seat every time a storage crisis arose. This meant we had to take a tiny margin rather than convert the cost to a higher recommended retail price. But hey as it was such a great product we would sell truckloads!

Then my son started school and I had another little reason to keep going, being at the school gate at the end of the day

Once I had a sample made and made and made again. Each time making the product stronger and tougher as well as easy to put together. The testing began. Firstly my children and then their friends. This was fantastic fun. Not all kids are instructed to jump on mummys work. Go on try painting on it, let’s leave it in the rain and blazing sunshine too. In a hot car for 3 days, throw blocks into it again and again. Is it dented yet?

The kids were a great source of product development and we changed the product accordingly, to make it easier for mister 2 to carry his 40 favourite cars around. We widened one size so the fairy wings fit in the ‘girly” box. Then I asked friends to write a list of their dream sized containers.

The sizes were similar then I went shopping! No not really just to the shops. Lots and lots and lots of shops measuring shelves to see if our sizes would fit, bed heights will they slide under…. And then there were the colours watermelon pink, sky blue, classic white and lime green. I matched and decided my favourite was the green – loved the green couldn’t see past the green. Still have the green on the steps out the back from testing the green. The green was gorgeous but we only had the budget for 3 colours at start up. Oh the decision was horrendous but the green was considered a risk so it fell at the first hurdle.

Distribution - it is important for it to be easy for customers to find your product. In Fiona Kates first year we have had constant emails asking where the product was available. Which on one hand was fantastic as the word was out but many, many sales were lost through lack of distribution.
Sales was not something I had considered. Initially we sent out emails announcing our products and we had some wonderful stockist at start up but we needed more. The time it takes to talk to retailers, follow up and monitor sales is huge and as most mums know phone calls are the hardest. No sooner do you pick up the phone than Miss 4 will get nude and mister 2 will follow suit and head out into the blazing sun at midday and attempt to slide down the slide that has been sitting in 40 degree heat for hours AAAGGGHHH….actual story. almost apprehended....

I am not a sales person. I'm not sure how I thought people would hear about the fiona kate range but selling did not cross my mind. So hear I was with a list of stockists... A small list as I didn't include the really scary ones. (You know the large stores run by a lots of people who know what they are doing)
I emailed stores who sold products that I liked, or who merchandised well and then followed up with a phone call which was really nerve wrecking. This is not in my comfort zone at all but I had a product that was good and I was passionate about it. The first 10 stores sent orders in straight away. This gave me the drive to keep going. We were set to launch with 20 stores stocking our product our website was not up and running but the product was great and ready to be shipped on the due date September 1 2007.

If you have the passion for your product or business you don’t notice the hours. You have the drive to see it through. It’s the switching off that’s the problem. At the park you notice every toy. Would it fit in the mini? When people tell you about the toys taking over their lives and their homes it is very hard not to do a sales pitch. Everytime you see storage listed on the cover of a magazine you realise the editors mustn’t have tried your product yet so you vow to send a sample.

Since then we have had lots of happy customers with new ones everyday and some very near misses but each time I think this is too hard a new stockist calls to tell me they have sold out or a customer thanks us for helping with the new nursery. And now finally a year later than planned we are online. It took longer to get the online shop organised that it took to have our latest addition. Working from home was such a positive lifestyle change we decided to have another baby. Another huge learning curve right there. Not apprehended yet

Fiona Kate is now 1 year old and has changed our lives. I am a mum who works from home and feels I have the best of both worlds. I can be creative and part of a growing business that fits in with the family. Retailers are contacting us and our customers can buy online. In fact 75% of them come back within 3 months.

So I am not the only one with more stuff than I first thought. Now back to the green, after many requests the luscious lime sack is on it's way ... finally green

You don't have to have a huge business plan but you do need a great product that customers will recommend to others.

Apprehended? not yet

A new business... 4 kids....
Sorted simple
Fiona

What a week

2011-08-05T07:16:00.000+10:00

Sometimes a week does not quite roll our the way you expect. Firstly the magnolia popped out - giving a sense of spring to the studio....if you are a sydneysider you will know what I mean. Fiona kate was caught up in a 24 hour Newscycle . Fabulous to get our brand out there. Nerve wrecking if you are better behind a sketch book. Page 3 of the SMH. Followed by a little chat on 6.30 for channel 10.

shopping online was the main topic. Did you know the amount spent online is almost the same as in the oil and mineral sector. Not in fiona kate online both here an overseas. I think there is a huge opportunity for a great australia wide delivery service. Virgin post anyone?

http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/boxes-a-building-block-in-50b-online-revolution-20110802-1i9z7.html

Thank you to everyone who sent through words of encouragement. Much appreciated

if you have time for a fabulous read this weekend. the new edition of paper runway came out this week. plus the latest Covet garden too

conversation starter -and maybe a cuppa too

2011-08-03T08:09:00.001+10:00

Yesterday afternoon was great . It took 5 mins but changed an afternoon. it's easy to do. Have a quick look around for all of the odd photos stuck in boxes, sticking out of albums, the ones not yet sorted.

I removed a framed newspaper we have in or kitchen and popped a postie filled with photos some no one other than me had seen and others from more than while ago. Hung it in the newspaper spot while the kids were at school / asleep.

All the kids filed into the kitchen with notes, needs and lots of chatter....mayhem . all stopped short and started looking the pics... remembering that trip... that day... and when our littlest was not yet born.... it was lovely.

it's been a chaotic week with croup, cough and an amazing amount of extras in our routine, visitors , parties from 6th to 90th... and so much homework! it was lovely to stop for a moment and look back

a real conversation starter

interview - be a fun mum

2011-08-01T07:34:00.000+10:00

This week interview is with kelly from be a fun mum a blog I had heard about from several people all in the same day. These sorts of signs I follow and am glad I did. There is so much to inspire on this blog. Fun things to do - ones that are possible with 5 mins notice. Pop this one in your google reader ( i have just discovered this) for a great read that will leave you with a laugh and loads of energising ideas..

what a lovely start to the week

How did you come to start your business/ blog? I started the blog out of my desire to get back into the habit of writing. Since I was knee deep in nappies at the time, talking about my parenting experiences seemed an obvious choice of topic. I had absolutely no plans for my blog to become a business. It just evolved over time. When you do what you’re passionate about, it’s easy to stay motivated and good things come from it!

How long has your business been running?
2 years this month!

Can you describe your average day?
Since I married my husband 11 years ago, we have moved 10 times so our life is pretty random. This means I live life very much in the moment so every day is a bit different. Mornings are rushed as I get three of my four children to school. Daytime for me encompasses housework, lunch meetings, catching up with friends, playing with my son and running back and forth to the computer at random intervals. I do the bulk of my work at night when the children are asleep.

What are you excited about for winter?
There is just so much! I love Winter. I love my bright red coat. I love holding a hot cup of coffee in my hands and watching the steam float up to the sky. I love the feel of a crisp wind on my cheek; Winter makes me feel alive.

What is your favourite part about be a fun mum?
Absolute favourite part is interacting with readers. It’s what keeps me motivated, energetic and inspired.

If I can make just a small difference to someone’s day, I’m absolutely thrilled! And if that someone takes the time to write to me, or comment, I treasure every word.

Your least favourite task?
Paperwork. And also dealing with “Hello There!” impersonal emails.

Do you have story about a day, reader or customer you would like to share?
I’ll tell you a fun story about a totally random meeting I had with a reader. I was at a blog function in Melbourne (I live in Brisbane) and I was Twittering away about what the speakers were saying (as you do when you’re a blogger). Unbeknown to me, a reader was following along with my Tweets. Next thing I know she sent me a Tweet saying she was next door playing with her daughter and asked if we could meet! And we did. It was fantastic!

Where is your favourite spot to sit during your work day?

I feel most inspired when I’m outside so I try and be outdoors as much as possible. Because most of my work is on my laptop, I can take it anywhere. This means I can work outside in the shade while my son plays in his rock garden and sitting at the beach while my son plays with his truck in the sand. The other place I enjoy working is late at night in with a cup of tea when all is very quiet.

jigsaw magazine- family daycare

2011-07-29T06:57:00.000+10:00

Guess where we popped up this week? jigsaw the family daycare magazine. family daycare was wonderful for my family when we needed care very quickly for our first baby. our carer was wonderful , I was a first time mum feeling guilty about care and completely out of my depth. i learned so much
hello juju

later one family daycare was a saviour once again, retta was the mum I wanted to be... free range chooks , vege garden and no craft too messy.

To see our major tabletop in the mag was a thrill

Not just labels - chalkboards

2011-07-27T07:23:00.000+10:00

chalkboards are sent from our warehouse everyday. There are more than one use for the humble chalkboard. We have many visitors to our home and usually it is chaos. Greeting everyone at the door or letting people know when lunch is or even what lunch is... made easier by the modest chalkboard.

if your handwriting is not great play with patterns - as above

On the front door... welcome or we are around the back....or on the fridge - drinks on the deck... even a reminder for grandpa on the door to the party - 6 so he can walk in and say

"I cannot believe you are six"

a way to communicate with the cranky people that live here too.... a little note when one has gone to bed with the ump...

today is going to be a great day xx mum

all communication is helpful.

chalk it up!

interview - green apple organising

2011-07-25T08:09:00.001+10:00

This weeks interview is with Adele our first organiser. Fiona Kate classic labels will be available from green apple organising plus tons of how to information for making your life less complicated. Green apple have their own tv channel with lots of great ideas.

How did you come to start your business?

I started Green Apple Organising as an extension of our hand's on professional organising service Blair Lifestyle Management. We created Green Apple Organising in response to the pleas from clients, we created a fresh approach to organising “The Marketplace for Fresh Organising Ideas in Bite Size Pieces”. The concept being that sometimes you just need a little bit of help about a specific area you are organising, whether it is your wardrobe, pantry or paperwork there is a small specific Fact Sheet, Book, or Product to help you achieve your organising goals.

How long has your business been running?

At Blair Lifestyle Management we are about to celebrate our 5th birthday, Green Apple Organising has been operating since December 2009.

Can you describe your average day?

WOW, no such thing as average! Really it is a mix of processing orders that have been received overnight, keeping in touch with our customers through our Facebook and Twitter pages and working with our private clients, no two days are ever the same.

What are you excited about for winter?

Winter clothes and boots. Winter in Queensland is so short I have to make the most of the winter wardrobe!

What is your favourite part about green apple organising?

Feedback from customers when they receive their products.

Your least favourite task?

Tracking down parcels should they happen to go astray, hate to have customers waiting.

Do you have story about a day or customer you would like to share?

I have this lovely lady who chats to me on Facebook who is always providing great tips. Yesterday she shared that the Junior Flipfold is perfect for folding nappies - something I'd never thought of!

Where is your favourite spot to sit during your work day?

In my office by the window, ironically my office is painted a lovely soft green and there is a frangipani tree outside my window, its lovely.

DIY toadstool cushion - 10 mins tops

2011-07-22T08:06:00.000+10:00

It's great to be on trend and toadstools are hot right now. Here is a quick diy toadstool perfect for your little tuffet. It would make a lovely surprise for a little miss after a busy day at school. of corse it is storage also... that's a must. This tuffet is filled with dads old shirts that are going to be used for something later. many of you have the cushions already and this is super easy

you will need
ribbon
4 safety pins
a stool
spot cushion - we used ours
but you could make one out of fabric also if you have more time or are a little handy with a needle...

Fill your cushion. push right into the corners so it's lovely and comfy to sit on.

attach ribbon to each corner. Push the safety pin through form the inside to keep it nice and tidy

Place the cushion on top of the stool . Hold both and flip
tie ribbon diagonally tightly

flip again and sit. so gorgeous. This brightened the kitchen and our rainy day easy to undo and reuse the ribbon, safety pins, cushion and stool. imagine 4 around a table with tiny cakes and pink lemonade. Just lovely

red spot cushion... 2 for 1 this week! order 1 receive 2

donna hay kids - out today

2011-07-06T16:50:00.000+10:00

we are so excited our gorgeous storage boxes are in donna hay kids out today... no we didn't advertise the lovely lucy styled a boys room with them. A huge surprise and a great big thrill when in arrived unexpected in the post this morning.

and we are using it to cook apple pies tonight!

holidays sweet holidays

2011-07-06T10:31:00.002+10:00

chances are if you love fabric you will love cushions too. when we posted last week about a quick and easy way to store fabric and make more room I came across lovely fabric I bought years ago from no chintz. if you ever are in need of inspiration and a little colour no chintz is the place to go. too nice for my lack of sewing skills. it's school holidays and it's always nice to change things around a little. a little project with fabric scraps... the ones left over from stuffing the cushions last week.

super quick just like wrapping a present, my little girl can do it. easy to wash and if my sewing skills every improve I can still use it to make something fabulous

jut a little note. next week will be a blogiday for fiona kate we will be back the following week bursting with ideas