Boo! RAH!! Woooooooo!
Halloween is drawing near and I thought, who better to celebrate it with than Teneale Muir, the super awesome gal from Wicked Child Designs!
Just think meticulously hand-crafted softies in the form of hairy monsters, famous (sometimes dead) superstars and poised politicians wearing budgie smugglers, all with their very own quotes attached … and you’re well on your way to wicked child world!! So, prepare to be spooked and delighted my Teneale’s interview below …
Who is the person behind ‘Wicked Child Designs’?
I guess that would be me, Teneale Muir! I'm the one behind the sewing machine, and my husband helps out with some of the quotes and ideas.
‘Julia Gillard’ by Wicked Child Designs
How would you sum up your work/style in a couple of sentences?
My style is a little on the geeky side. I like dolls that I can relate to because they're a little different, and ones that are cool and hip. Rather than the sort that involve brushing loads of knotty hair and looking pretty.
Sgt Pepper Dolls by Wicked Child Designs
How did your practice begin?
Well, my husband Tim bought me a sewing machine a few years ago. I had no clue what I was going to make, so I went on a hunt for inspiration and found the book Softies. I made lots of weird and cute things like owls and dogs, and then started making little people. I added some little stories to make them a little bit more fun. I also read Real Living magazines, and about four years ago they mentioned this crazy land called Etsy. Intrigued, I went there and couldn't quite find my way back.
Have you faced any challenges in your work to date?
Getting to bed before midnight. That's my biggest challenge.
Jeffrey and friends by Wicked Child Designs
Who have you learnt from?
I think I've learnt most from my family the concept and struggles of running your own business. My husband Tim started a technology business here years ago which he shares with two others in Ireland, my mum ran her own floristry business, and my auntie used to run two hairdressing studios.
I'm also inspired by Pip Lincolne from Meet Me At Mike's, and the awesome small business' in BrisStyle that I've watched progress further into bigger and better things, like Michelle from Pedrosprout opening her shop Nook and Miriam from Bubba Chenille opening her shop Mimmis.
Recycled Golden Book coaster set - Cookie Monster by Wicked Child Designs
What do you love most about being an artist?
Being able to create something that is unique that others would like to own or give to someone they like, rather than buying something boring from David Jones.
Do you have a ‘day job’ or is art your full time occupation?
I have a full time job as Office Manager. Wicked Child Designs is my 'every other hour in the day' job! It also keeps me sane, I think.
Tony Abbott by Wicked Child Designs
Can you finish these sentences:
In another life I would love to ……. do what I'm doing now, but at a much earlier age so I have longer to enjoy it.
If I had all the power in the world I would ……. conserve it.
The first thing I do every morning is ……. go to bed.
My motto is ……. sewing, sewing, sewing, what do we do we sew sew sew.... (think Dory from ‘Finding Nemo’).
Jesus by Wicked Child Designs
Do you have any links, upcoming events or advice you’d like to share?
I'll be running another Softie Workshop at the BrisStyle Indie Eco Market. I did my first at Capalaba library earlier this year, and it went really well. People can book the November workshop by emailing me at wickedchilddesigns@yahoo.com.au, and see more info on my blog www.wickedchilddesigns.blogspot.com .
We will also have loads of monsters made from vintage and recycled fabrics, and Golden Book coaster sets for sale.
And check out my etsy store here and facebook page here
Thanks so much Teneale!!
