In The Spotlight.......

For anyone that knows me, knows how obsessed I am with pears, so when i first came across Melindas page 'moose & bird' the first thing that drew my attention was the pear pillow - I don't think I looked any further than her Pear Pillow album for the next hour. I ended up buying three, one for myself and one for each of my sisters for Christmas. Wrapping them and giving them away was heartbreaking, and I imagine the feeling was not too unlike the feeling of giving away a kidney or a million dollars!!!

But Melinda does so much more than just that, her creations are so unique and stunning that it makes me want to boil the kettle and settle down with a nice hot cup of sweet tea and just look through her albums or Etsy store forever!! I want to decorate my whole house with things from moose&bird! And Im well on my way to doing so :)

The Beginning of a very beautiful friendship was started with one of these pillows...

One of the cutest bottoms i have ever seen, 
including my daughters. 
The pear pillow bottom :P

Normally I would write up the interview but Melinda answered it so well I am just leaving it as is this time :) 

Below is how it went ...

How did you end up where you are.... with moose & bird? What made you start you own business?

I’ve always been a ‘crafty/arty’ kind of girl from as far back as I can remember. Dabbling in lots of different crafts including sewing, embroidery, ceramics and paper craft. It was never really something that I took seriously though, it was purely for fun and relaxation in my free time. After finishing high school I embarked on a number of different university degrees which never quite sparked the passion within. In my early 20s I decided enough was enough and I took a leap of faith and studied Design. I enjoyed every minute of it!  To this day, I still believe it was the best decision I ever made. I learnt so much.

After I completed my Design studies I worked as a machinist for a sportswear company before landing my ‘dream’ job with a childrenswear label. I started out as a Production Assistant, then moved onto an Assistant Designer position before finally being offered a position as a Designer.  I thought all my Christmases had come at once. After a number of years, however, the lifestyle was just not for me anymore. The overseas travel and long hours had worn me out.....as they do!!!  It was then that I embarked on my moose & bird adventure. And what a fun adventure it has been!

Patchwork Pincushions 

Tell me a bit about your business name and how it came to be...

It took me months to think of a business name! Every name I thought of just wasn’t right for some reason or another and I wanted a name that had meaning to me.  I think my husband was getting sick of my indecisiveness so one day he said ‘just call it moose & bird’. Perfect, I thought! My Mum and I are very close and when I was growing up I would fondly call her ‘moose’. Don’t ask me why! I have no idea. And I am a big fan of all things ‘birds’, hence, moose & bird!

Doily Brooch..

What inspires you when u work...where do you draw inspiration from?
Inspiration is a funny thing, it can come from the most unlikely of places at the most unlikely of times.  I love reading magazines and blogs, these never fail to inspire me and I am also really inspired by reading the stories of other creative types and the successes they have had!

Patchwork Pillows

Who is someone you admire, like a designer or business person?
I really admire crafty people who just give everything a go and are just so passionate about their art or craft! Some people who come to mind include Alarna from Little Jane St, Michelle from Nook and Laura from Kit & Nancy!

Scalloped Buntings..

What is some advice you would give to other women? About anything...
Be true to yourself.....always!

{Ive had the pleasure of dealing with Melinda several times, her products are impeccable, i couldn't fault them even if i wanted to! Such talent coming from one lady is amazing!! AND She is the most WONDERFUL lady, so sweet and such a generous soul.

I wish her all the best in her business venture now and in the future, I for one cannot get enough of her work and will be a regular forever! I also look forward to our growing friendship and feel honoured to have met such a person :)}

Franny Doll..

Melinda also has a fabulous blog of her own - read all about her finds and work here 'moose & bird blog' 

Winking Girl Pillow..