About me: My family originally moved to Townsville when I was a toddler but generations of my family are from here. After finishing high school I moved straight to Brisbane to study Ceramics at TAFE and had some of the best years of my life. In 2003 I moved to America to pursue love and had an amazing time learning all about the handmade industry. We moved back to Australia in late 2011 and Townsville has become home again. I love my job with Renegade Handmade market and gift shop and juggle a busy career with two young girls.
My Bag Tiff Manuel is one of my absolute favourite Australian designers. I must confess I have several of her bags in different sizes, they are perfect pops of colour for any outfit and mood. I feel like they take everything that I love about colour and the handmade industry, and roll it into one amazing product that makes everyone smile.
Sunglasses in handmade case I love wearing my sunnies out and about. My case from Handmade by Design was custom made for me as Jo knows I love cats and colour. It makes me smile every time I see it.
Passport I’m hoping to travel back to the States soon for a creative markets seminar and a long overdue visit with friends and family.
Expired Permanent Residency card for America I lived there for nine years so I’m really quite homesick.
Coffee loyalty card Otto’s at Warrina is my home away from home. I walk in and it’s full of familiar faces and hello’s. I don’t tend to have keepsakes from my family but I grew up just three blocks over so it’s a building full of nostalgia for me. As a teenager I would walk here to buy bread and milk, or waiting at the phone box, coins in hand to phone a friend long before mobile phones. I left Townsville at 17 and was away for 20 years, so to return to this and have found my bliss is magical.
Brooch A Little Vintage cactus brooch. It’s pretty big so people always notice it. I have a collection of brooches now that I seem to wear necklaces a bit less, so you need to have one to suit each dress. I have a fantastic Frida Kahlo one, and Iris, who is a NYC fashion icon.
Denz + Co earrings These are my new faves. I’ve only had them a week or so but they are made by a lovely friend I’ve made via the handmade community.
Frankie Spaces I love peeking inside the interiors of creative people for inspiration.
Car/house keys We moved back to Australia five years ago with a collection of suitcases so having a lovely home is a wonderful thing. I do love my car which I purchased on my 40th birthday.
Purple Cow Book by Seth Godin I’ve read this little book many times over the years and I catch a piece of inspiration every time.
Shop keys with Flock of Two tassel My little shop is my life. I feel truly thankful that I could create such a beautiful, fun and cheerful space. Every time I see these keys in my bag I feel proud of what I’ve achieved in just a few short years just by putting one foot in front of the other.
Flock Curiosity Assembly earrings I love, love, love the work from these ladies. I bought this pair when I was in Melbourne selling my pottery at the Finders Keepers market a couple of years ago.
Pom poms from the shop as I’m always making them when I have time.
Bok Bok Gerk coffee cup brooch. It’s pink and it’s coffee. Two of my favourite things in one.
Covergirl Outlast Red lipstick. I feel naked without it so this long lasting lipstick is perfect for me.
Perfume Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess. I’ve been a fan of Estee Lauder for years. Pleasures was a favourite for years but this new scent has a beautiful vanilla scent which I’m loving.
Wallet Tiff Manuel. What can I say. I do like a bit of Tiff.
Resin Bangle Nanna Woo is one of those brands others describe as the cream of the crop in Australian independent makers. It’s actually a team of two sisters in Tasmania and made using eco resin.
