Hi, I'm Hayley, the artisan maker behind Design Create Inspire NZ.

I design and create unique handmade toys, accessories, native decorations and thoughtful gifts.

Working from my home in Lower Hutt, I take inspiration from my two children at play and the native flora and fauna surrounding us – my focus is on exquisite detail and quality from beginning to end. I’m passionate about working with natural fibres like wool and cotton and employ tradition techniques such as knitting, crochet and hand embroidery to create my unique products.

My ecological tertiary studies has also driven my passion for natural fibres and my desire to create toys and decorations which celebrate New Zealand's unique flora and fauna. As a family we spend a lot of time outdoors, at the beach or in the bush. It’s how I recharge and it in turn provides the inspiration for my textile art. I'm a visual person and also a passionate photographer.

The rhythmic movement of stitching, knitting and crocheting is so relaxing! I can work at home, around my children’s school hours and help to care for my grandmother.  I’m that mum that has a crochet hook or needle in my hand everywhere we go from the school gate to the side of the sports field making use of all the spare minutes within our busy schedule. 

My mum is a talented textile creator and I was lucky to have her nurture my creative side from a very young age. She taught me the basics of knitting and sewing and to revel in the joy of making something yourself. Thirteen years ago, I became a mum myself and this gave me the time and inspiration to completely immerse myself in so many creative endeavours from knitting and crochet to sewing and embroidery. I’m so proud to say I’m self-taught. To look back and see how far I’ve come since the beginning; how I’ve evolved and taught myself techniques and processes I would never have dreamed I would be able to do.

Many of my products for sale were first designed and created as gifts for my children and because I enjoyed creating them so much they became gifts for their friends and then evolved into products I now sell. 

What began with local markets has gradually grown into a business supplying around 25 shops and outlets throughout New Zealand. I love partnering with stores that celebrate locally made products — they're exactly the kind of shops I love exploring when I travel myself. It's incredibly rewarding to see my creations reach people all over the country through these beautiful independent shops, and I still get a thrill every time I imagine one of my pieces finding its way into someone's hands and becoming part of their story. I can imagine someone’s joy at hanging a unique NZ decoration on their Christmas tree or a child immersed in imaginative play with one of my pocket pal playsets.

If you're interested in learning more about me and to see what's coming up you can follow me on Facebook or Instagram.