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By day Rose Wells works as a graphic designer in Christchurch - by night she is Rose Among Thorns, candle-maker and crafter extraordinaire. From recycling old convent candles to testing out new scent options on her friends and colleagues, Rose is full of ideas and always has something on the go.



What do you make?
Currently I make candles in unique shapes and styles, and purses made from crocheted
recycled cassette tape. I have made many crafty things in my time, and have plans to add more
things to my range.

Your favourite materials, tools and processes?
I enjoy the whole process: thinking of an idea, figuring out how to make it, trying it out, making adjustments and then getting it right. Not perfect though, I'm not a machine!

What inspires you?
Challenging myself to find uses for things that might otherwise be thrown away.
I like to see what other crafty people are doing.
The internet is a great tool for seeing all the cool things other people do.
Pretty things.

Is there a philosophy behind your work?
There is an underlying theme of recycling. I don't like throwing things into landfill, so I try to think of ways to use things that can't go in the recycling bin. Some may call this hoarding... but it's not if I actually make it into something... right?



Describe your workspace:
My candle making is done in the garage, because it gets a bit messy. Currently there are lots of boxes of old candles to be recycled, and all my other bits and pieces I need. It also includes a car, a couple of bikes, and other garage type stuff. My other workspace for less messy activities is the spare room upstairs. It gets lots of afternoon sun, and when I've finished recovering my couch for the second time, it will be a great spot to sit while I dream up new things to make.

Five words that describe your mind:
Complex, analytical, intuitive, observant, optimistic. I go against the grain by being good with numbers!

What's your earliest or most vivid craft-related memory?
I learnt crafts at an early age, so can't identify the earliest memory. However I recall my mother teaching me things like sewing, knitting, spinning and weaving. She also taught me crochet, but I wasn't very good at it, so asked her to teach me again last Christmas. I'm a lot better at it this time round!



What are you currently listening to?
I've always been a bit of a fan of dance music, and it seems to be back in at the moment, so I'm liking that. I find upbeat music energising.

Recommend an album: In Ghost Colours by Cut Copy

Your favourite childhood book?
I read a lot of books as a child, so don't have a stand out favourite. However I think I read all of Roald Dahl's books, and a good quantity of Enid Blyton's as well.

What are you reading now? The last book I read was Mansfield Park by Jane Austen.

If you were a crayon, what colour would you be? Red
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Rose's candles and crochet are available from her Felt shop, RoseInThorns. Head to The Night Market on Thursday 3 December to see her latest creations - bring along your old candles (including tealights) for a 10% discount voucher from Rose Among Thorns!
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Images courtesy of Rafael McStevenson and Christchurch City Council

Crafty Business is back! Monday 1 February is our first session for the year, and due to renovations underway after a change of ownership at Churchills, we are temporarily shifting to Our City O-Tautahi for the February and March sessions.

For this first session we're very lucky to have Jenna-Lea Philpott coming along to speak to us about her experience working in the UK craft sector over the last two years.

Jenna-Lea is an experienced arts advocate, creative business advisor and craft consultant who has founded several charitable trusts and groups such as the NZ Creative Industries Trust, the Christchurch Music Industry Trust (CHART), the Christchurch Creative Industries Network, and has supported the development of other organisations such as the UK-based Heritage Crafts Association.

Employed by Creative & Cultural Skills UK, Jenna recently led the public consultation and co-wrote The Craft Blueprint: A Workforce Development Plan for Craft in the UK which was launched at the House of Lords in London last year. Establishing and developing close working partnerships with craft makers, guilds and societies, and organisations such as the Crafts Council, Craft Northern Ireland, craftscotland and others, Jenna helped to pioneer new research and qualifications in the UK craft sector.

Now back in NZ, Jenna runs her own business, Tango Creative Consultancy, providing business advice and support to arts organisations and creative practitioners. She's keen to support the development of the NZ craft sector and work with craft makers, so we hope to give her a great introduction to the Crafty Business community.

Come along to Our City O-Tautahi on the corner of Worcester Boulevard and Oxford Terrace at 7pm on Monday 1 February, meet Jenna-Lea and join us for your monthly dose of crafty company!...more events

1 Smoky Blue Journal Set by Bibliographica | 2 Cushion by April May | 3 Owl
Doorstop – Little Blue by Zippity Doodah | 4 Blue Floral Oven Cloth by Juli
Hunter | 5 Crown Lynn Plate Clock by Plateclocks | 6 Fabric Drum Shade by
MyDesign | 7 Listen – original 4 x 12" painting by Erin Carver | 8 Black & White
Designer Rug by Design & SKC | 9 Little Blossom Cup by The Busy Finch

Click here to check out more suggestions in the Felt Wedding Gift Guide....go to the blog