Creative Peeps Interview - Jay from Finki

All photos remain property of Finki Handmade and have been used with permission

Name

Jaylene Falkner.

Crafty peeps call me Jay ( :

Blog

Finki Handmade
Olive Grove Studios

What is your favourite creative pursuit?

Creating imagery, via sketching, collage or graphic design.

I find this is the starting point for all my adventures.

My crafty mission has always been finding a way of getting images and artwork into practical and fashionable items. So for example, each process might begin with an owl, then i try to think of as many ways as possible to bring that owl into your surroundings. A pendant, a pen holder, journal, t-shirt or stool.

What is your earliest creative memory?

At age 7 or 8, I nagged mum to let me use her big fancy metal sewing machine to sew clothes for my cabbage patch doll. See, even from the beginning, I didn’t model my fashions on Barbie, it was a cuddly lovable cabbage patch instead. It was all a lead up to making plus size clothes today ( : 

Who inspires you?

Real people...

Like:

Tinniegirl, for following her dreams and becoming the artist she knew she was.

Like:

Polly Pratt for giving up her boutique and life in NZ to move to Melbourne for a boy. Then starting over and building it all back up from scratch in a town where you know no-one.

Like all the girls at Olive Grove (the co-op where I work), because they all manage to be fabulous mums, wives and artists.

Each time I work a shift, I see the new things they have worked on in their week off. 

It constantly inspires me to not rest on my laurels, because if these girls can mange two and three kids, hubbies working overtime, and filling a retail space with the most creative and inspiring delights, then I reckon I can too.

What are you currently working on?

As per usual, I’m working on about 10 things at once. Everything is done in phases, so I tend be continually working on bringing a few things to completion.

Today I’m screen printing some nautical inspired body tees and whilst they dry, I’ll continue on my new vests. In the washer and dryer, I’m preparing some denim for new wrap skirts, all whilst on the table, my new brooches are drying from a recently applied coat of varnish.

Ok so that’s only four things on the go today, but you get the picture. It all happens in little bits all at once ( :

What is your ultimate creative dream?

To have my own shop, supporting handmade.

One of the most pertinent things I have learnt about handmade is that you cannot do it all by yourself...

Being in a co-op, I see that even though we have 8 or 9 members at any given time, I’m still working 50+ hours a week to keep the shop stocked.

Because you can’t just drift in at 9, work your 8 hour shift and go home. You have to put all the hours in behind the scenes to make sure that there is something on the shelf to sell...and whilst you do that, who’s doing your accounting, shopping for supplies and feeding your children. It’s all you, baby.

So yes, one day I want to have a shop, but I will have a tiny wee shelf with my own designs on it whilst the rest of the shop is full of handmade loveliness from all my bloggy friends. Oh and it wouldn’t hurt to have a coffee lounge out back for the local crafty groups to meet up in and share ideas ( :

That’s my ultimate creative dream.

Is you work for sale, and if so, where can I buy it?

Currently all my goodies are on show down at Olive Grove Studios.

159 Sydney Rd, Brunswick, Vic.

Monday - Saturday : 10am to 5pm
Sunday: 12 am - 4 pm

Phone: 9388 - 8006
Email: olivegrovestudios@gmail.com

Do you have any upcoming events planned (exhibitions, markets, interviews, courses, launches, shows etc)?

The only highlight is a fabulous interview by the ever so creative, crafty, clever and kind CurlyPops ( : (awww shucks thanks Jay)!

Do you have any advice for others who would like to follow their creative dream?

Just do it!  Oh bugger, that ones taken.

But truthfully, it makes the most sense.

Don’t over think it, don’t procrastinate, don’t hesitate or put it off 'til tomorrow.

You need to do it ....today.

Maybe it won’t be 100% and maybe it won’t be all you dreamed, but your actions today will teach you invaluable lessons and put you in a position to meet people and see places that you can only experience if you take action.

Where you are today will not change into where you need to be tomorrow unless you grant yourself permission to follow your dreams.


Thanks so much for a wonderful interview Jay!
I was lucky enough to meet Jay at the first makers meeting for the Made'n'Thornbury market many moons ago. She's actually one of my crafty inspirations, and not only is she a lovely friend (and super crafter), but she's also provided me with lots of crafty business tips and advice - all of which I've been very grateful for.... and you'll find many Finki creations if you ever visit my place!