Introducing Marie from Hidden Dreams Creative Weaving. Where every item is handmade!! From her home in the Northern Rivers, NSW, Marie hand makes all of her amazing creations.
Find out why Marie started creating and why she is so passionate about the value of handmade.
Tell us about your creations and your handmade process.
I am a weaver, producing individual weavings, handwoven on different size Rigid Heddle Looms and weaving frames. In my woven world, I find a sanctuary of calm and creativity. I'm drawn to the quiet meditative process of selecting yarns, letting the colours and textures guide me and embracing the surprise of the final piece.
My handwoven wall art, scarves and home decor items are more than just objects - they're reflections of this mindful journey. The freedom of design is a special feeling when creating a piece of weaving.
Having the options to choose between soft natural yarns from sheep or alpaca to the variety that comes from commercial yarns is endless. This allows me to create something beautiful and unexpected for you to enjoy.
Tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a handmade artist.
Creativity has always flowed through me, a spark ignited from the moment I was born. I remember using my mums sewing machine as a child, creating things so persistently that she eventually gifted it to me. School subjects involving art and textiles were my favourite, a path that naturally led me to art college after high school.
Experimenting with various mediums there further sparked my passion for crafting.
I've always been drawn to the artistry of weaving, a craft that's always captivated me - though the source of that fascination remains a mystery to me. As a child watching spinners and weavers on their wheels was mesmerizing.
Moving to Australia from England, that desire never faded. One day, I discovered a local spinner and weavers' group, and my dream finally becomes a reality. Learning the basics from skilled women, I am eternally grateful, and I finally embrace my role as a handmade artist. This led to starting local markets and then becoming part of Madeit.
What is your inspiration or where do you find inspiration?
Living in the Northern Rivers of NSW I am lucky to be able to find inspiration from my natural surroundings. Sometimes my inspiration comes from what I feel on the day and putting colours and textures together as I feel.
Vibrant blues and earthy greens for example, with handspun art yarn mixed with laceweight yarn. It can also come from an idea in my head as I'm trying to sleep or maybe from something I've seen out and about. So really from absolutely anywhere!
Where did you learn your craft?
I learnt the basics of weaving at school and art college, having to use paper to weave the different patterns. Never having any trouble understanding the process. The real learning came from meeting beautiful ladies at my local spinner and weavers' group, that I now call friends. Learning the basics of weaving and taking myself on an experimental journey self-teaching and referring to books for new ideas.
Why is handmade artistry so important to you?
Being a creative person and understanding the time and effort put into each individual piece. I can really appreciate what the individual artist has done. Creating with your hands is so special and should be recognized for what it is. You are buying something unique, something that someone has lovingly made. For me being able to showcase this traditional craft, it gives me the opportunity to allow people to reminisce about the past and introduce something new to the younger generation.
Marie is a much loved member of the Madeit Collective, posting regularly in our Facebook Group ~ The Handmade Marketplace of Australia ~ and sharing her new creations as they are released. If you haven't connected with Hidden Dreams Creative Weaving already, make sure you join our FB Group and say hi!
