OUR mission statement

MADE ON THE LEFT was founded in 2008 by independent designers to support Western Australian creative talent. We hold bi-annual handmade craft markets to showcase local designers.

Being on the left hand side of Australia no longer

means you'll be at a disadvantage.

Our aim is to support all creative designers and events showcasing independent labels. MOTL is a not-for-profit, non-partisan organisation. You may wonder why we promote other markets besides MOTL; it’s because it’s not about us, its about you; the buyers and sellers of indie wares. Here at the blog, you’ll discover up to date information about our latest market, the low-down on some of Perth’s emerging talents, other opportunities for artists and designers and a little bit of fun stuff too. It’s all right here… welcome!

Monday, July 6

Crafting With Kids: Interview with Kate Henderson

1. Please introduce yourself
Hi my name is Kate Henderson. I live down in Bridgetown with my husband and three children. I have 4 year old twins and a one year old. I sell mainly soft toys, bags and hand dyed yarn, but have also sold clothes and hats.

2. Creativity and Kids is always an interesting combination, how do you find the time to do something so hands on while looking after them?
We have gone through phases when the children are happy playing on the floor around me or happy drawing and playing by themselves and then some weeks I can get nothing done during the day and have to do it all at night. The older two are in Kindergarten now so on two days a week when Evie is asleep I sew as fast as I can! Saturday mornings has become my time while everyone else in the house goes out for milkshakes.

3. Are there ways that you include your kids when you are making things?
It is getting much easier to involve the girls as they get older. They love playing with my fabric and all the scraps. They learnt from a very early age what they are allowed to touch and not touch (like scissors). I have big bags of buttons they like to sort through and beads they like to thread. They have started talking about wanting to learn to knit and sew.

4. Any tips for Mums (or Dads) out there who are wondering how to balance both kids and being involved in the hand-made industry?
I wish I did - it has been a learn as I go process. I am still trying to find the right balance. It is usually quite crazy around here, but I hope they grow up seeing that they can combine work and a hobby and their work can be something they really love doing.

5. Where can we find you on the net?
My blog is
http://www.neverenoughhours.blogspot.com/
I sell my toys and bags.
http://www.neverenoughhours.etsy.com/
and my hand dyed yarn can be found here
http://onefatslug.etsy.com/

2 comments:

Little Mo and Friends said...

hello kate's kids! you look so sweet like mum!

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www.littlemoandfriends.com

Kate said...

Thanks Helena!
And thanks Amanda for doing the interview!