This week, we welcome Button-maven, Kellie Christie! Maker of bright button-y goodness, and another fellow Australian!

Where do you live?

Brisbane, Australia

Where do you do your work?

A few years ago we converted our garage into a studio space for me and a computer room for my hubby. We share this space but my husband thinks that I am out growing it.

What’s your favourite place in the world, and why?

I don’t think I have been there yet! I LOVE London but there is still so much travelling overseas that I want to do. I want to see Europe and Asia, but this won’t be on the cards until the kids are much bigger. It is always nice to visit my parents, they still live in the house that I grew up in. I have a lot a great childhood memories of the Bunya Mountains. We went there a lot when I was a kid and we still go there once a year with my family.

Tell us a little bit more about yourself! Your ‘day job’ or business, family, hobbies…

I am a Mum of two small boys. Noah is 2.5 yrs old and Liam is 8 months. Looking after my boys is my ‘day’ job and my creative time happens at night when the kids are asleep. My husband is very supportive of what I do and I am very thankful, even though he sometimes thinks I’m crazy. He is definitely not the person to go to for creative feedback. I have 3 great friends who are probably my best customers! We all grew up together in a small country town and have been the best of friends for years, I usually test out all of my new ideas and items on them.

What did you want to be ‘when you grew up’?

I wanted to be a geologist (study rocks)!! Ahhhh I couldn’t think of anything more dull!! My bestie still teases me about it occasionally.

How did you first get into your craft/art?

I have always been a creative person, I remember that I used to sew my own pencil cases when I was at school. My mum is also very creative, she is a potter and I used to play around in her pottery shed trying, and sometimes successfully making little pots and bowls. I studied Fine Art at uni and I started making beaded jewellery nearly 10 years ago. From here I stumbled across a bright little packet of buttons that I had in my sewing box and I created my very first button necklace. I received so many great comments whenever I wore this necklace that I knew I was on to something good and began creating more button necklaces.

What do you make?

I make jewellery using new, salvaged and sometimes vintage buttons. My most popular item is my Original Kellie Christie Flat Button Necklace, but I also make brooches, rings, earrings, bracelets and some hair accessories.

What are you most proud of making?

I am most proud of making a few necklaces for Maggie Beer, she has worn them on Masterchef and has also been photographed wearing them in a few magazines and newspapers.

What do you like the most/least about selling your wares online?

The thing I like the most is the chance to connect with people from different countries who normally wouldn’t get the chance to see my work. The thing I like the least is the time it takes to take photos and list items.

I love…

coffee, chocolate and wine 🙂

What’s your favourite word?

Pineapple, it sounds weird when you say it over and over.

If you could sum yourself or your work up in one sentence, it would say…

Bright, bold, statement jewellery made with buttons!!

Find Kellie Online!

Shop: http://www.kelliechristie.etsy.com

Blog: www.kelliechristie.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/kelliechristie

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kellie-Christie/92736937571?ref=ts

Kellie is very generously giving away a button ring and a resin filigree pendant this week – open internationally!!

To Enter:

1. Visit Kellie Christie and come back here leaving a comment about your favourite piece from the page.

2. For additional entries, leave a comment saying that you: followed or subscribed to Epheriell Designs (or already do); have twittered about the givewaway; have shared the giveaway with friends on Facebook, or; you have written a blog post about it.

3. Entries close next Friday, the 24th of September, at 12pm Australian EST.

The winner will be chosen via Random.org

Remember to leave me a way of contacting you.. and Good Luck!

***

The winner of last week’s giveaway is Eleni – congrats!

***

Want more Epheriell-y goodness? Subscribe to Epheriell Designs! Also, you can follow me on  Twitter!