This is Maddles Made.

A Strathcona-based designer and maker whose business it is to sew, craft and design out of her studio at Maker Labs in Strathcona.

She sells fun, handmade wears like earrings, jewelry, textiles, homewares and fashion items playing with bright colours, fabrics, fuzzy textures and up-cycled material.

You can find Maddles Made in-store at Awen Haus or online via her website maddlesmade.com

Tell us a little bit about your brand and what you do.

I’m a hybrid designer-maker-artist-thingymajig with a background in engineering. MaddlesMade is my brand of quirky colourful functional items that I dream up and create.  I design and make a lot of bags, jewelry and home pieces with a focus on using repurposed materials. The aim of all my creations is to make fun things that make people laugh or smile.

How did your love for creating begin and when did you decide to turn your passion into a business?

I’ve always loved creating, I’m just one of those people that always needs to keep their hands moving! I’ve been selling my work on the side on and off for years, but my business got more serious when I moved to Vancouver from Australia and got my studio in Strathcona. The community here is supportive and encouraging of the things I make, which really fuels my creativity.

Where in Strathcona are you based and what makes this neighbourhood special to you?

I have a small 90-square-foot studio inside the MakerLabs building. It’s been such a fun process to build out my space exactly to my needs over the years (no space is wasted). I have two industrial sewing machines in my space, a desk, computer, an ironing station and overflowing tubs of fabric and colourful supplies. The community here is great, I’ve made many wonderful friends who inspire me daily and I love having access to all the communal workshops and tools.  Outside of MakerLabs I love the Strathcona area, there are many fun shops, bars and places to get snacks. I regularly go for little walks through the neighbourhood when I need to take a break from sewing or making.

How does your work impact the community?

The MaddlesMade brand is all about fun. I like to make pieces that make people feel happy when they use them. I believe wearing or interacting with items that have bright colours or fun textures can have a positive impact on people’s emotions – especially when you’re in the depths of a grey rainy Vancouver winter. 

Where can we find you?

Online at www.maddlesmade.com or @maddlesmade on Instagram.
My products are also stocked in The Nooks in Gastown and Awen Haus (the in-house artist store we have at MakerLabs).

Interested in meeting more Strathcona makers? Learn more about Settlement Brewing, Birdies, Scavenger Coffee, Orii Jewelry, Yardi Grabz, Living Lotus Chocolate and Awesome Sauce Designs.