Our Stick Of The Week! is Amiee Bowker. Amiee is in the NOW as founder of Handmade and Heritage, creating embroidered, printed and mixed media gifts made from new, up-cycled and vintage finds. Handmade and Heritage is heavily influenced by birds, insects and flowers and creates unique pieces either as one-offs or small runs.
"I am a borderline hoarder (much to my husband’s displeasure) and I love a thrifty bargain. When I’m not running a home and my business Handmade and Heritage, I like to grow veggies, read and bake… and occasionally I get I sleep!"
Amiee Bowker is happily married and is a mother of two. She lives in the UK with her dog, three chickens, hedgehog and two fish.
Tell us about your NOW (Noodle On the Wall)
My NOW is Handmade and Heritage. It's an evolution of various projects and ventures I have undertaken since leaving my career as a headwear designer. Handmade and Heritage features my favourite things - embroidery and print. This is my escape from the real life and I get to indulge in a bit of ‘me’ time.
My NOW is Handmade and Heritage. It's an evolution of various projects and ventures I have undertaken since leaving my career as a headwear designer. Handmade and Heritage features my favourite things - embroidery and print. This is my escape from the real life and I get to indulge in a bit of ‘me’ time.
Is your NOW simmering, al dente or fully cooked and why?
At the moment it’s simmering away nicely. This year has been my busiest and most creative yet. I’ve finally found the confidence to approach shops to stock my designs and I’ve been really blessed with positive feedback and approval. I’m not one to sit back and ride the wave. I’m always looking for ways to improve and develop my noodle.
At the moment it’s simmering away nicely. This year has been my busiest and most creative yet. I’ve finally found the confidence to approach shops to stock my designs and I’ve been really blessed with positive feedback and approval. I’m not one to sit back and ride the wave. I’m always looking for ways to improve and develop my noodle.
What recipes can you give other Creative Moms Taking On The Creative?
Don’t give up!!! If you love what you do, whatever it may be, you must always strive to reach your goal. There is nothing wrong with a little bit of selfishness… yep those dishes can wait and the kids will be ok if you let them occupy themselves for an hour. If you are happy and living your dream, your kids will feed off of it and be happier for it too.
What motivated you to throw your noodle?
It was financial to be honest. I wanted to be at home for my two children but needed an extra source of income to do this. I’m very lucky to have a supportive husband who lets me do this and he’s been very patient in letting me find my way and slowly build up Handmade and Heritage.
Don’t give up!!! If you love what you do, whatever it may be, you must always strive to reach your goal. There is nothing wrong with a little bit of selfishness… yep those dishes can wait and the kids will be ok if you let them occupy themselves for an hour. If you are happy and living your dream, your kids will feed off of it and be happier for it too.
What motivated you to throw your noodle?
It was financial to be honest. I wanted to be at home for my two children but needed an extra source of income to do this. I’m very lucky to have a supportive husband who lets me do this and he’s been very patient in letting me find my way and slowly build up Handmade and Heritage.
What inspires you as a Mom and as a creative person?
My mum and my dad. Both are amazing parents and also extremely creative. From a very young age, they nurtured my creativity and have always supported me in what I do. I also find inspiration by nature and my surroundings. I take lots of photographs and sketch when I can. I particularly love birds. There is something about them that seems to inspire me – maybe it’s because they’re so graceful and each one has their own little character.
My mum and my dad. Both are amazing parents and also extremely creative. From a very young age, they nurtured my creativity and have always supported me in what I do. I also find inspiration by nature and my surroundings. I take lots of photographs and sketch when I can. I particularly love birds. There is something about them that seems to inspire me – maybe it’s because they’re so graceful and each one has their own little character.
How do you juggle Mamahood and your NOW?
It’s not easy. My working day starts at 7pm when they are tucked up in bed. During the day, I do the admin and promotional work (if I’m lucky) which leaves a few hours at night to "make." These last few months have been extremely busy for me and I’ve found that I’ve had to "make" during the day to keep on top of my orders. My daughter is in school full time and my son has started pre-school which has helped a lot. I’m hoping once he starts full time next year. Then I can really push onto the next level with my noodle.
What is your ultimate pasta dish?
It has to be my husband’s Spaghetti Bolognese! It’s actually my mum’s recipe and when I showed him how to make it, he claimed it as his own masterpiece…it does taste delicious.
It’s not easy. My working day starts at 7pm when they are tucked up in bed. During the day, I do the admin and promotional work (if I’m lucky) which leaves a few hours at night to "make." These last few months have been extremely busy for me and I’ve found that I’ve had to "make" during the day to keep on top of my orders. My daughter is in school full time and my son has started pre-school which has helped a lot. I’m hoping once he starts full time next year. Then I can really push onto the next level with my noodle.
What is your ultimate pasta dish?
It has to be my husband’s Spaghetti Bolognese! It’s actually my mum’s recipe and when I showed him how to make it, he claimed it as his own masterpiece…it does taste delicious.