Semi-retired travel agent, Nicole, creates homewares and accessories inspired by Japanese art and a collection of textiles accumulated from her global travels.

20 March 2020

Designer Spotlight: 4Ever Blue Creations

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Travel agent, self-confessed fabric hoarder, and textile artist, Nicole: ‘I can honestly say that I never return from an overseas trip without some new material in my suitcase'

Hi, I am Nicole, the one and only “artist” @ 4Ever Blue Creations. The name is derived from the measurement of time it took me to start my label, and my love of indigo blue (think Blue Jeans) and its fading characteristics.

Boro inspired Japanese fabric patchwork make-up bag / purse by 4Ever Blue Creations

I have been on Madeit since December 2019 and I like that it is an Australian selling platform, “made in Australia- sold in Australia” keeping it local and supporting our own economy and community ☺️.

Semi-retired travel agent, Nicole, creates homewares and accessories inspired by Japanese art and a collection of textiles accumulated from her global travels.

I am now semi-retired and besides being very passionate about my creative business, I love doing Ikebana (Japanese Art of Flower Arranging), and enjoy working out at the gym, socialising with my friends, cooking, and spending time with my family.

4Ever Blue Creations handmade sign against a weathered timber fence

My family consists of one husband (and no, he doesn’t always come first 😉), one dog, two blue-eyed cats and two guinea pigs. We all live happily together in a leafy suburb south west of Brisbane.

Nicole matching fabric and trims in the 4Ever Blue studio: ‘I am very lucky to have an actual studio to work from’

I am very lucky to have an actual studio to work from; it’s above a shed in Sumner Park Industrial Area. I refer to it as my “Happy Place” and I enjoy working there without the self-imposed interruptions I would have at home.

A colourful selection of Nicole’s linen fabric collection, and a pile of salvaged denim jeans waiting to be reimagined by 4Ever Blue Creations

There I store most of my fabrics & notions and like most crafters, I am a bit of hoarder…I can honestly say that I never return from an overseas trip without some new material in my suitcase.

Nicole conducting a workshop for fellow crafters in her Brisbane studio

I have a large cutting table, another table for my sewing machine & over-locker, ironing board etc, all set up and ready to go at the drop of a pin.

A range of Nicole’s textile creations on display in her Brisbane studio

There is also a little display area, where clients can come to view or order custom-made items or just pop in for a chat and a cup of coffee. I am planning on running more Boro/Sashiko inspired workshops there in the near future.

Work in progress: three stages of making a Japanese embroidered drawstring bag

Most of the hand-sewing and embroidery I do from home, whilst “listening” to the TV. There I also have quite an extensive stash of Japanese and Vintage Fabrics, Sashiko Threads etc.

The end product: a beautifully textured and details embroidered linen Japanese embroidered linen drawstring bag by 4Ever Blue Creations

I have worked as a Travel Agent in Australia, South Africa & Switzerland for nearly 30 years. Having always had a passion for crafts, I’ve been sewing, knitting and embroidering since childhood.

Detailed view of the embroidered patterns on one of Nicole’s boro-inspired purses: ‘I developed a fascination for Japanese arts & crafts in my early twenties’

I developed a fascination for Japanese Arts & Crafts in my early twenties and am now a qualified Ikebana Teacher.

A colourful Chiku Chiku embroidered pin cushion; ‘I learned more about Sashiko and various other embroidery techniques such as Kogin and Chiku Chiku’

Having travelled through Japan on a textile tour in December 2018, I learned more about Sashiko and various other embroidery techniques such as Kogin and Chiku Chiku. And of course, stocked up my stash of vintage fabrics and embroidery threads!

A hessian market bag handmade from upcycled coffee bags: ‘I also love working with up-cycled and pre-loved materials’

I also love working with up-cycled and pre-loved materials such as jeans, hessian coffee bean bags, vintage silk kimono/saris in combination with natural fabrics such as calico, hemp, linen & leather.

A pair of salvaged trousers being turned into a top by 4Ever Blue Creations

I am often found in op-shops, “just to have a look” and then come home with bags full of rescued items. From those I create mainly pouches and larger bags and also dabble a bit in dress making.

Two patchwork soft toy puppies from upcycled fabrics; ‘I love simple yet well designed patterns, that will allow the colour and texture of the material used to be the showcase.’

I am regularly inspired by things I see on Instagram and Pinterest; there are so many talented makers out there! I love simple yet well designed patterns, that will allow the colour and texture of the material used to be the showcase.

4Ever Blue gift wrapping

I love to buy handmade items from other makers because they are so much more special than buying a mass-produced item and I feel good knowing that my money is going to support those individuals.

Nicole in her happy place: behind her sewing machine at the 4Ever Blue studio

Hand-making items makes me happy and allows me to express my creativity; product numbers are low, ensuring that every single item is unique and allows customers to have their input too.

Upcycled denim and leather cross-body bag by 4Ever Blue: ‘Rescuing pre-loved pieces of clothing… saves them from going to the tip’

Besides, rescuing pre-loved pieces of clothing & homewares and turning them into pieces of textile art saves them from going to the tip and creating land-fill.