MEET THE CRAFTY SQUIRREL

 

Today it’s my pleasure to introduce you all (although I’m sure some of you will already know of her awesome) to Morgan Wills of The Crafty Squirrel.

I was lucky enough to meet Morgan when I attended the Melbourne Quilt and Craft Fair this year. Morgan is as wonderful in person as she appears to be online. She’s funny, generous with her time and her smile is super contagious. She’s the poster girl for all things creatively awesome.

Want to know a little more about the lady behind The Crafty Squirrel then read on…

How did you come to be a crafter?

From my earliest childhood memories, I desired to make things. I had a shoebox (more a treasure chest) which I filled with countless items I found here there and everywhere. I then used these bits and bobs to create crafty creations! I was also influenced by my mother who made lots of my clothes (sewn or knitted) and decorated the house with her macramé wall hangings and plant holders and ceramics.

By age 10, I had decided I wanted to be a fashion designer but in the end my education/vocational histories have ranged from Furniture Design, Interior Design, and Event Management. I started my boutique design label in 2006; its focus, crafting unique eco-friendly products of the highest quality, whilst embodying my passion and love of colour.

What is it that you love about being a crafter?

That most days I get to play with all sorts of lovely materials and colours. I work mainly using re-purposed and upcycled materials such as – vintage sheets and linens like tea towels and tablecloths and lambswool and cashmere woolen jumpers which I felt and refashion.

What made you start your business; The Crafty Squirrel?

In January of 2011 my family and I made the tree change from inner city Melbourne to Ballarat and in June of that year – I opened my bricks & mortar retail store – The Crafty Squirrel. The Crafty Squirrel sells my own products, the work of other designer/makers from Australia and abroad, craft and gift items from all over the world and a special mix of vintage treasures. I also take The Crafty Squirrel on the road to craft fairs and various design markets and have an online shopping site.

What gives you the most joy from working at The Crafty Squirrel?

I love meeting new people and talking to them about what they like to make and the memories they have of their Mothers and Grandmothers sewing, knitting and crafting. I have customers who come from all over the place now and sometimes when they open the door to come into the shop they just gasp…I don’t think they can quite believe it when they first see it. Probably because there is so much stuff to be seen and digested…but also because it is so colourful. It’s a bit like being a kid in a lolly shop again. I also love being able to make smaller quantities of things that I can just sell in the shop and not have to make hundreds of them.

Image courtesy of Morgan Wills – The Crafty Squirrel.

 What are you most proud of from your business experience?

I have just been awarded the inaugural winner of the Creative Industries category in the CGU Commerce Ballarat Business Awards – such a great honour!

What’s the one piece of advice about crafting that all new crafters should know?

I think the most important thing to remember with any crafting is to have fun! Enjoy the process and take your time. Crafting is not a race – the pleasure comes from seeing whatever it is you are making come together bit by bit. There’s always a great satisfaction that comes when you are finished whatever it is that you are making – and you can pat yourself on the back and think “I made that!’.

Who’s the crafter(s) that inspire you at the moment?

I am inspired by so many people that I have met in my travels. Particularly by those that I meet at the markets. The women who run successful small home based businesses and juggle kids and housework at the same time. There are some super clever and crafty women (and men!) out there that are just doing their thing – and doing it really well!

What craft challenges would you like to conquer in the next 12 months.

I’d LOVE to be able to get the hang of crochet! I just can’t get it right!

Behind the scenes I’ve got a number of new products in development stages – so my craft challenge is to get them from initial concept and sampling to actual real life products that I can sell in store.

What’s your 3 favourite craft projects that you’ve made that reflect who you are as a crafter?

I think my Mumma & Baby Bushka dolls would have to be a favourite – I’ve made hundreds of them and they are all one of a kind – so when you adopt one you know you are getting your own unique doll – the story of their creation is also one that is dear to me as it involves my daughter and explaining to her that Mummy had a baby in her tummy! I made my first doll for her.

My upcycled cast offs range of scarves and blankets is also a favourite as I love working with the beautiful wool felt I make out of old jumpers and lastly the work I have been doing with Emma Jansen using vintage sheets to make quilts, cushions, bunting kits and more!

If you weren’t a crafter/business owner, what other creative endeavour would you like to master?

I’d love to be a travel writer or create a magazine – I also think there is a book in me! Stay tuned!

You can find Morgan in the following places: Website | Instagram | Facebook