Waltzing through with Talent - Sanchia from Little Red Wagon Kids

Nope, I've not forgotten that this segment exists! I have had to do some minor reshuffling of the schedule of artisans but here's a complete surprise for those with little toddlers and young children!




With us today we have Sanchia from Little Red Wagon Kids

Sanchia is a lovely fellow DUSTer who resides in Sydney, Australia. She makes the most delightful children wear and swim wear that I really really wish came in my size! Children wear that embraces the imagination and embodies the joy and fun of childhood. Her range tends to be contemporary and playful with her fabric choices ranging from wild to amazingly colourful. Much like the imagination of a child, isn't it?

Sanchia was kind enough to take time out to answer a few questions for us, so do read on to learn more about the woman behind these fantastic pieces of work! I must warn you though, Sanchia has an amazing sense of humour. This may be a long read, but trust me, it's definitely worthwhile!



Teeny Weeny Sea Breeze Blue Little Splasher


Who are you and what do you sell?

My name is Sanchia and at present I'm a Mum to two "free-spirited" little girls. They were called "wild" once by a woman in the shops, but I prefer the term "free-spirited." Needless to say she was put in her place with a witty comment! I'm also a partner to a Dutchman, a domestic engineer, a chef, a cleaner, a nurse, a peace negotiator, an accountant, a receptionist, a taxi driver, a teacher, an entertainer, wanna be disciplinarian and....a sewer. So I've been at home for 4 years now and starting to go a little stir crazy. As much as I think my girls are smart, they don't really offer much in terms of intelligent conversation. So, after much encouragement I've started making and selling bright, playful easy-wearing children's clothing and swimwear on-line.

What inspires you, what acts as your muse?

I find Kids in general are inspiring. I love that they can make anything out of something. I love their imagination and how they view the world. I love clothing ranges such as Oilily, Big by Fiona Scanlan and Oobi. On a creative artistic level I have always loved Vincent Van Gogh, Monet and my Grandmother, who is a very talented painter and my mother who is also an artist and designer (she owns "Red Brolly"- if there are any quilters and stitchers reading this).

What does your creative space look like?

I have to laugh...my "creative space" involves a kitchen table, a sewing machine called "Millie" and my Living room!!!! And any spare cupboard, under bed space, nook and cranny I can find to store things. It can be very chaotic and very frustrating! Especially since I think I am a good candidate for Alzheimer's on most days.



Cranberry Crush little Splash

What makes you tick?

I love Elvis! I grew up watching Bill Collins Sunday afternoon movie sessions and loved Elvis movies. Before kids, I was a Year 6 teacher living in Bondi. I used to be one of those mad people up and running laps of the beach in the sand at 5am! I absolutely loved it. I'm still up at 5 these days, but just a different alarm- my kids are early risers. I love travelling. I've lived in Ireland for awhile, Edinburgh for a lot longer while (twice actually) and we moved to Holland for a what was intended to be a long while, but a pregnancy changed things. I still have itchy feet to this day...it's the longest I've stayed put in one spot. I grew up in the country with 3 brothers, several cats, many dogs (that kept running away), a rabbit, a few quails, budgerigars and my 5 cousins living next door-all boys. My Mum, at the time, was the visual arts teacher at 3 local primary schools, so she always made sure there were creative, crafty, arty things to make and play with in the house. I'm proudly Australian, I love summer, the beach and the Australian lifestyle. When I 'm not doing any of the above, you'll also find me selling potatoes! My Dad is a farmer and sells potatoes at Farmer's Markets, namely Eveleigh in Newtown and the Good Food and Wine at Pyrmont in Sydney and I help him out on weekends.

Tell us about your proudest achievement, your personal best!

Most proud of in my crafting/art life is when I was teaching, my classes art murals and sculptures being on display around the school grounds and being asked to paint a mural with my class for the National Maritime Museum for an exhibition and create an artwork for the local council. I'm also proud, and very nervous, to be selling on Etsy and Madeit. My personal best achievement?? There's a couple, firstly packing up my bags at the age of 22 and backpacking to Ireland to live, travelling through Finland on my own!! Not sure if this was brave or foolish. And, corny I know, but (sorry if I gross anyone out) but giving birth without drugs.



Hearts and starbursts Reversible Pinafore


Complete these sentences:

I love: dark chocolate, mint (preferably both together), mojitos, red wine, Elvis (of course) actually any music, sewing, painting, lemons, spots and stripes and the thinkings behind the power of "positive thinking"....just wish I could adhere to it!

I cannot live without: mint sauce, and if I can't get mint sauce...brown vinegar. I believe it's the perfect condiment to almost everything. Is this where I put my partner, kids and family and friends??? :)

I hope: that my girls never have to worry. Having lived on 1 income for 4 years, it's not fun, and so I hope my girls never have to worry and have the options and sources available to do whatever their dreams are.

When I grow up: I want to travel. Italy is next on the wishful thinking list, with a stop over to Holland to visit the in-laws.

What do you like about the crafty/artsy world?

Everywhere is inspiration. I'm in constant amazement and in awe at how creative people can be.

Where can we get more goodies from you?

At the moment I live at www.littleredwagonkids.etsy.com and if you want it in Ozzie dollars...www.madeit.com.au/littleredwagon.



Now wasn't that just amazing? I love Sanchia. Her answers just blow me away!





We wouldn't let you walk away empty handed, especially after having stayed with us till the end!

Sanchia has been ever so generous and is offering up a Pineapple and Raspberry Sorbet Spotty (children size) to one lucky winner!



Pineapple and Raspberry Sorbet Spotty

How cute is that? Sanchia is able to make it for a range of sizes from 9 months to 3 years old! How's that for awesome?

So how do you win this? It's simple really and here's how:


The question is:
Do you have a story or have heard a story involving a bicycle, billy cart or a little red wagon?
Share it with us and the best story wins!
This step is compulsory

After you have answered the above question, to obtain extra entries you can do the following:

For 1 extra entry: Follow this blog either through your feed reader or via the Google Friends Application. Please leave a comment saying you have done so / am already following.

For 1 extra entry: Go to Little Red Wagon Kids and heart Sanchia's shop!

For 5 entries: Purchase anything from Little Red Wagon Kids

For additional entries (worth 1 each), you can:

- Blog about this entry. Remember to leave a seperate comment with the linkback.
- Tweet about this entry. Remember to leave a seperate comment with your twitter name.

This giveaway will end 16th November 2009, 10am Melbourne time. The winner will be announced on the following Waltzing through with Talent post.

So why wait? Get cracking and you could be that lucky winner!



Would you like to be considered for this feature? Send me an email at petite.valse (at)gmail.com and tell me why you'd like to be in the feature!

Waltzing through with Talent - Sanchia from Little Red Wagon Kids