Meet the Maker: Clover and Ivy - Handmade for Babies

 From her charming home, set in regional New South Wales, Alisha Clarke makes magic happen. We have been in awe of her talents for some time and simply wanted you to know more about the talent that is Clover and Ivy - Handmade for Babies.  

We asked and this is what she had to say.....

I’m Alisha mum to one 8 month old, very active little boy, Milton and married to an amazing supportive, caring husband. We live in the small but thriving country town of Coolamon NSW.  Whilst on maternity leave from my government job I decided to pursue my love of sewing and fabrics and just get creative and that's how Clover and Ivy - Handmade for Babies was created. I made a nappy clutch with built in change mat and sensory soft block when we were (patiently) waiting for our son to arrive.  When he did, we found them both so useful and I just knew that if I found them useful so would other parents.  I was excited about using many different fabrics to create unique handcrafted items that you just cannot buy in a store.  I feel so passionate about the products I create.  I know the nappy clutches are a grab and go item that will be used over and over and over again.  They wipe clean so are perfect for any mishaps and they just happens to look amazing in a variety of beautiful prints.  The sensory soft blocks have so many features packed into a little soft block perfect for little hands, eyes and ears to explore the ribbons, rattles, textures and sounds of the block; A great addition to the bag when heading to the doctors office.

I have found it a bit of a challenge to balance getting creative with being a new mum, but it has been a really positive focus for me.  Having a reflux baby meant the days were long with very little down time, so when that gradually started to change and naps became 1-2 hours and sleeps became longer at night, I took the opportunity to create.  It’s a bit of a stress release for me and has been a wonderful sense of achievement to see pictures of parents and babies using my products all around Australia.  Every time I get a new order I do a little happy dance, it really makes my day.

As for the future, I have many ideas for handmade products and love trying new patterns out, so as long as I can create them in a time and cost effective manner there will be more to come.  I currently supply to ‘The Boutique Box’ for addition into their amazing baby and mum gift boxes and ‘Fisher & Farmer homewares’ in Ganmain NSW. I’m looking at attending some local markets later in the year and I hope to spot my products in the hands of many parents and babies making their lives a little bit easier, happier and fun.

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