Australian-born Diane Leyman (notes…) aims to create practical and durable bags, accessories and home furnishings, and to provide an alternative to high-street, mass-made products.
Made with care and attention to detail, notes’… designs are simple and unique. With bundles of buttons and colourful fabrics, all notes… items are machine stitched, but also include a hand-sewn element.
WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
I am originally from Brisbane, Australia, but am now based by the seaside in Hove, East Sussex. I’ve been living in the UK for three years.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST START BECOMING INTERESTED IN CRAFTS?
My mum was always sewing and making things when I was young, so I’ve always been around crafts of some sort. I suppose I started becoming more interested in crafts when I was in my late teens though, partly so I could have some kind of creative outlet, partly because I believe in the do-it-yourself ethos that anyone can do it, and partly as a way of making something unique, in an attempt to move away from high-street, mainstream shopping culture. Joining Etsy and attempting to sell my wares has been more of a recent development.
GREATEST INFLUENCES?
Well I guess it’s my mum for trying to teach me to sew! I also take inspiration from patterns, textiles, interiors, design, books, music, art, photography, friends… these are the things that make me happy.
GREATEST PROBLEM YOU’VE OVERCOME?
Having no time to get anything done, and no space to do it in (although I’m not quite sure I’ve overcome these problems just yet – I one day dream of the ever illusive ‘craft room’!).
WHAT PIECE OF WORK ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
I love the cushions I made for our couch (out of some lovely Joel Dewberry fabric), but that’s just because they’re pretty more than anything else. I don’t think there is one piece of work I’m most proud of. Every time I finally finish sewing something I always feel a little bit proud!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT ON SELLING THEIR GOODS?
As a self-proclaimed list writer, I think it’s a good idea to sit down and write a list before you start. Decide how much time and effort you want to put into your craft making and selling. Decide how you’re going to organise things. Aside from the actual craft making, there is a lot to think about that might not seem obvious at first, such as storing your wares, photographing them, uploading and resizing photos, writing descriptions, branding your shop, making labels, tags, and business cards… There’s a lot to think about and it’s all quite time consuming. I’m definitely still learning and trying to get my head around everything!
WHICH 4 PEOPLE (DEAD OR ALIVE) WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE AS WEEKEND GUESTS – AND WHY?
I’m way too indecisive for hypothetical questions! But anyway, at this moment in time, my unintelligent answer is: Joaquin Phoenix, because he is lovely; Irvine Welsh, because I like his books; Jeffery Brown, because I love his graphic novels; and the Flight of the Concords, because they make me laugh (I know they are technically two people, but they come as a package deal!).
WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU KISSED?
Adam (my boyfriend).
WHAT’S ON YOUR BEDSIDE TABLE?
A lamp, a clock and a book. Very simple and uncluttered compared to the rest of my bedroom!
HOW WOULD YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY DESCRIBE YOU?
I’d like to think they’d describe me as creative, friendly, funny and intelligent, but to be honest they’d probably just say I was a bit of a grump!
NEW YORK OR BARBADOS?
New York. It’s on my ‘travel list’ for next year, if anyone has any good New York suggestions or tips?!
FERRARI OR MINI?
I know nothing about cars, but I’m going to say Mini, purely because they’re little.
EASTENDERS OR HOLLYOAKS?
Shamefully, it’s Hollyoaks. English people seem to love terrible Australian soaps, so I figure I’m allowed one English soap-watching guilty pleasure in return!
CHOCOLATE OR CHAMPAGNE?
Chocolate!
IF YOU COULD ONLY ACCESS 3 WEBSITES, WHICH WOULD THEY BE?
Oh dear, another hypothetical question! Eek! I’m going to go with Etsy (of course); printpattern.blogspot.com, for inspiration; and… maybe vegweb.com, for yummy recipes. What a geek!
