Introducing the very talented Artisan, BLISS by Waddell & Co. Jen loves to create bath and body products and small gifts that nourish wellbeing from her home in Aintree, Victoria.
Find out why Jen started creating and why she is so passionate about the value of handmade.
Tell us about your creations and your handmade process.
I love creating bath and body products, and small gifts that nourish your wellbeing and help create rhythms of self-care. I have a selection of gift boxes for any occasion, often sent for birthdays and to those grieving. Each gift box is carefully wrapped in the love and thoughtfulness of the giver, with a handwritten card. Every item I make is crafted using high-quality, earth-friendly ingredients, with generous amounts of essential oils, botanicals and minerals.
I redesigned the labels a couple of years ago with a native floral wreath, so that many of the labels include an affirmation of worth. As you collect and reuse the recyclable jars and tins, you will be surrounded with daily reminders that "I am Worthy," "I am Brave," or "I am Enough."
Tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a handmade artist.
I am an artist and crafter. Since I was young, I have always given handmade things to others as gifts, like embroidery, crochet, quilts or preserves.
I also made things when people were going through a difficult season, to show them care, such as quilts, meals, gift boxes or bath salts.
After a couple of years of encouragement and questions of "Do you sell this?" I finally took the plunge to begin BLISS. I tested the waters with handcrafted decorations at Easter and Christmas also, but found that gift boxes, bath and body products were my best sellers to stick with.
What is your inspiration or where do you find inspiration?
My family, friends and customers. Listening to the requests and needs of those around me has been really important as I have evolved over the years. I have had an increasing amount of people ordering gift boxes for grief, or illnesses, as an alternative to flowers. Outside of BLISS, I am inspired by beauty, especially nature and art.
Where did you learn your craft?
Fourteen years ago, as a new mum, I was having difficulty sleeping between feeds. My friend made up an essential oil sleep roll-on for me, which helped. That began my journey into exploring essential oils for my family. I began to research oils and botanicals further and attended workshops to hone my knowledge and skills.
Why is handmade artistry so important to you?
Handmade means love you can hold. I come from a long line of artists, musicians, crocheters, cooks, carpenters, lacemakers, embroiders, calligraphers, and dressmakers, who have all used their skills to bless their families and communities.
In this knowledge, I create my best with the highest quality ingredients I can find, then I send it out with love and kindness, to nurture the someone who receives it.
Jen is a much loved member of the MadeIt Collective, posting regularly in our Facebook Group ~ MadeIt: Handmade not Massmade Australia ~ and sharing her new creations as they are released. If you haven't connected with BLISS by Waddell & Co. make sure you join our FB Group and say hi!
