Since I was last featured on TDF, I feel like I’ve grown into more of a fully-fledged practicing designer… I have an established business, tried and true methods of working, a defined aesthetic, and much more experience working within the industry. Over the last five years, I feel like I’ve been able to navigate the fine line between craft and design, and leverage off that to build a strong brand – it’s nice to look back and see how much I’ve learned!
I’ve wanted to write a book since I was 11 years old, so to now be launching my first one is a thrilling feeling. After being approached by my wonderful publishers Hardie Grant, I pitched a few concepts, but we all really loved the idea of a book entirely about piñatas. I had been making them for years and really enjoying the process of designing different quirky shapes and styles. In fact, piñatas were one of the first craft concepts that gained me some exposure as a designer back in the day, so it seemed like a fitting choice to celebrate that by making a book about them!
When I was growing up my Mum wore a gold necklace with a beautiful and intricate Greek Evil Eye charm hanging from it. These talismans are traditionally meant to ward off evil and protect the wearer from harm. That piece of jewellery was such a comforting fixture in my childhood, and I now wear it myself every day. There is a whole chapter in my book themed around magic, and so I thought an evil eye would fit in well, and also make a striking motif in piñata form!
