Redflax is the brainchild of Justine, a talented and energetic crafter residing in a 100 year old bach near the beach in Christchurch. Coming from a background rich in crafty tradition, Justine’s colourful creations show both her skills and imagination. Read on to discover her inspiration and philosophy…
What do you make?
I currently sew little softies, and kids gear – hats, frocks, pants…I am also branching into running workshops on DIY softies, hats etc…
Your favourite materials, tools and processes?
Recycled, vintage, repurposed or retro fabric, and trims/buttons – combining lots of different textures and contrasting colours – that’s why I especially love making soft toys. I actually don’t like the sewing particularly – it’s a means to the end for a creative project. I love getting messy – and am currently exploring mixed media and fabric collage…
What inspires you?
The wild outdoors, native plants/birds, the ocean….my garden, my ancestors, the changing seasons, moss and feathers….my granny and nanna who taught me to sew and create…
Describe your workspace:
A tiny sunroom added onto our 100yr old bach in the 60s – it is constantly in chaos, but I can mostly find what I need…it has a view out into our garden which is awesome.
Five words that describe your mind:
Random, muddled, brimming, creative, spinning…
What are you currently listening to?
Nga Waiata o te Taniwha – my kids’ CD – great way to learn Te Reo
Recommend an album: Atom Bomb – The Blind Boys of Alabama
Your favourite childhood book? Mrs Wishy Washy
What are you reading now?
Collage Unleashed – awesome mixed media art project book
Your hero/heroine:
Bella-Mary Benson – my great, great, great auntie from Ireland – she and her feisty sisters were prohibitionists and organised protests demanding equal rights for women. They also ran a boarding house that took in women from the streets, and landed themselves in jail a number of times for ‘disturbing the peace!’
A favourite quote:
He toi whakaaro, he mana tangata – roughly translates: where there is creativity/artistic expression, there is human dignity/prowess.
Do you have any pets?
5 lovely chooks – Ginger, Honey, Mawhetu, Parrot and Bad Jelly
If you were a crayon, what colour would you be? Definitely orange!
Some favourite websites/shops/places:
- Blackbird in Heathcote Valley, Christchurch
- Redfish Bluefish in Sumner, Christchurch
- autonomousartisans.blogspot.com
- artfire.com
- citrusdaisy.blogspot.com
- The Supershed, Christchurch
- Creative Junk, Christchurch
- various op shops…
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