Hi, I'm Angela, I'm a mum of one living in Perth, born in Singapore and lived in the US and the UK. I have a dog and two cats and have almost always been a voracious reader.
Nooks N Crannies was born in 2020 when the world was shut indoors and we all had time to reevaluate and focus more on hobbies. I was sitting in bed in Autumn, holding my book while warming the other hand under the covers and alternating when I thought “Wouldn't it be nice to have a pair of mittens that allowed me to turn the pages but still keep my fingers warm?”
Being an avid knitter, I took to my needles and after several prototypes, designed the two styles of mittens I offer today. I also discovered book sleeves a few years ago and I love the idea of something cute and pretty to keep my books safe when I'm on the move. I work part time and have another small business, a monthly book subscription NovelTea Book Club. I'm super busy but I love everything I do so I'm a happy bee.
I start by searching for fabrics, which happens a lot more than it should. I also try to plan by seasons and have complimentary fabrics. Once I've got it, I choose the backing fabric. Then I plan how to cut the main fabric based on the measurements and how many of each size I want. I try my best to limit wastage so every centimeter counts! Then I get cutting and sewing!
The mittens are easier and harder. There are only two styles and two designs, but as I make them to measure, I sometimes have to redo them to make sure the fit is as right as I can make it without having the model on hand.
While crafting I like to listen to audio books and burn candles so my craft room is almost a sanctuary and my "job" is definitely more of a passion I enjoy. Books and reading inspire me! Whenever I match my book to my sleeve it puts a smile on my face and I want other readers to experience the same joy. I am also in awe of how many wonderful fabrics there are out there and all the brilliant designers.
I joined Madeit as an alternative to Etsy because I feel it's not as supportive of its makers as it should be and also allows some very questionable products to be sold. So I jumped on the chance for something that was not just an Etsy alternative but with an Australian focus.
Loving the environment, I use as much natural materials as possible and all my packaging is either recycled or recyclable. I make things that are useful and pretty and try to waste as little material as possible. Every product I sell, I genuinely hope brings joy because this world needs more of this.
Handmade products have more love in them because each maker puts a bit of themselves into each product.
