Rachel Van-Walsh
Read more about Rachel Van-Walsh
Rachel Van-Walsh
Your hometown and your favourite thing about it?
I am originally from Sacramento, California, currently living in Dublin, Ireland. My favourite thing about my hometown is that it is my hometown... it's where nearly all my friends and family live and it is where I spent the whole of my youth. I went back recently to visit, after 4 years of being away, and it was incredibly weird and wonderful all at the same time.
Favourite food?
Oh gosh, yes, yes I do. I love hommus! Love it! and if I could live off nothing but bread, cheese, chocolate and naan with hommus (not all together!... although...no, eww) I would die a very happy girl.
Favourite restaurant?
We don't get out to eat much. I think I've seen Ramseys Kitchen Nightmares one too many times and I don't generally trust other people making my food. Ha. Also, we're vegetarians, my husband and I, and the choices around here are pretty limited.
Favourite recipe?
Hmmm, that's tough. The only thing I make really well from scratch are these Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter muffins that are so very, very unhealthy for you. But, they're GOOD. (oh peanut butter is a favourite of mine, too.)
Favourite market?
I can't say that I do. I love to attend craft fairs, flea markets, boot sales, etc. It's just a matter of having the time to go.
Favourite travel destination?
Amsterdam. And anywhere around Ireland, really. It's all still new to me.
Dream travel destination?
Africa. My husband and I desperately want to go on a safari! We would love to see these wild animals in their natural habitat.
What do you enjoy most about making your products? Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I just love that I can create something out of different elements. I get my inspiration mostly from my surroundings. I have always had a love of nature and I include nature a lot in my pieces. I'm also greatly influenced by women in my life and I love to create something especially for someone. I also love the thought of people around the world wearing things that I made with my own two hands. It helps me feel more well traveled.
How long does it take to make one of your creations?
This can vary greatly. It really depends on what I'm making. If it's a beadwoven piece it can take many hours, sometimes days, but the process for me is very therapeutic and I believe it is my favourite medium. If it includes metalwork, it can be time consuming as well. It's messy and loud, but still very meditative and rewarding. I am just another one of those crafty artsy types who has to keep my hands busy.
In your words, what makes your products unique?
I believe my products are unique because they are my visions, no one elses. I decide what works and what doesn't work. I create for other people, but I also create for myself. If I wouldn't wear it, I wouldn't expect anyone else to.
Anything else you would like to share?
I am just happy to be here and I am grateful for and thankful to each and every customer of mine. Without them, I would just be a jewellery hoarder. :P
Beckie Vandehoef
Read more about Beckie Vandehoef
Beckie Vandehoef
Mt Martha in Victoria. I grew up around here and love bringing up my little boy in the same area. We are super close to the beach and an easy drive to the city so we get the best of both worlds.
Favourite type of food?
Hmmm....really good Thai!
Favourite restaurant and where is it?
The Vegie Bar on Brunswick St in Fitzroy, I dont get there nearly often enough though!
Favourite recipe?
An egg free, dairy free, chocolate fudge cake that is TO DIE FOR! Or my special white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake.
Favourite market?
Mornington Racecourse Market by far! Fantastic mix of stalls, great organic coffee, and the greatest pretzels!
Favourite travel destination?
When we get the chance to travel, I love Byron Bay, and also Hamilton Island. I can't wait to go back to Alice Spings either.
Dream travel destination?
Either Germany or Holland, to visit extended family, and I have a sneaking suspicion I'd feel strangely at home there. although I'm not sure I'd last the distance on a plane?!?
What do you enjoy most about making your products? Where do you draw your inspiration from?
My favourite part is being able to make something that serves a purpose out of materials that are otherwise useless, and the satisfaction when someone else loves it as much as me. Childhood inspires me, and a sense of nostalgia, along with the overriding need to recycle.
How long does it take to make one of your creations? Anything interesting about the process that you would like to mention?
Some items take a lot longer than others, on average it takes a week for each run of items. my creative process involves a lot of me looking at fabrics, laying fabrics and trims out to see what goes with what, and pondering. Sometimes though, I know exactly what fabric will make what and which trims to use.
In your words, what makes your products unique?
They are all made entirely of reclaimed materials, I turn unloved or unwanted fabrics and trims into retro inspired fun!
Isabella Viau
Isabella Viau
Linda Vydra
Linda Vydra
I am born and bred in Melbourne. I love Melbourne because of it's fun and funky laneways, it's many hidden galleries & boutiques and there is always an exciting event on.
Favourite food?
Without a doubt it has to be strawberry dumplings. My family is from Czech Republic and traditionally if someone goes away, upon their arrival we have dinner consisting of strawberry dumplings. The strawberries are wrapped in dough, boiled for a couple of minutes and then served with hot strawberry sauce and icing sugar!
Favourite restaurant?
I love nothing better then heading down to Taco Bills on Russel St in Melbourne. The mexican food is amazing and fishbowl margaritas always result in a fun night.
Favourite recipe?
Well I would have to say strawberry dumplings, it's easy, tasty and never disappoints!
Favourite market?
Rose St market in Melbourne is a great market in Fitzroy that is tucked down a laneway and has a great vibe and atmosphere.
Favourite travel destination?
Loved, loved, loved India. Buzzing with madness, colour, so disorganised but yet so much fun! I bought a heap of fabrics to do an exclusive India range, which will come with a piece of photography as well. Stay tuned...
Dream travel destination?
South America. I have been dreaming about heading over for a while now for the annual Carnival festival. I could just imagine the food and people being amazing! Hopefully this dream holiday will happen late 2011.
What do you enjoy most about making your products? Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I love transforming a piece of fabric that is most likely going to waste and making it into something beautiful and exquisite, that will be treasured again. Fabrics, trims, colours, textures are my inspiration. Designer Issey Miyake has shown how manipulation of fabrics can create various shapes and forms.
How long does it take to make one of your creations? Anything interesting about the process that you would like to mention?
How long is a piece of string? With every piece it's a matter of sourcing the right fabric, scavenging through thrift shops, interior remnants or donations that I am given. Then once they are sourced, the process of cutting, sewing begins.
In your words, what makes your products unique?
Each product is one-of-a-kind due to the nature of using preloved fabrics. As there is a limited amount, each product is unique to its owner. All products come with their own name that describes where they came from and a name that suits the product. The idea behind Lydra is that much like each person, each product has their own personality and charisma.
