The Breath in Between: Why I Keep Showing Up for Tumbleweed Atelier
Tumbleweed Atelier isn’t just a side hustle. It’s not just a market stall. It’s not even just a creative practice. It’s the part of my life that lets me breathe in between all the other work I do — work that’s heavy, urgent, and close to the bone.
Suicide prevention is my crusade. But TWA is my breath in between. It’s the thing that feeds my soul.
Every item I sell has passed through my hands. Dyed, stitched, curated, pressed, and packed. Every product is a quiet act of care, a tiny declaration that slowness, playfulness, and beauty still matter. That handmade things still hold meaning.
Not everything on my stall is handmade — but everything is handpicked. Whether it’s stitched by me or sourced from faraway marketplaces, every item has been chosen with care and a clear sense of what belongs in the world of Tumbleweed Atelier. A world of whimsy, slowness, soul, and delight.
The magic doesn’t come from where something was made — it comes from how it’s chosen, how it’s paired, how it’s presented. From the quiet little stories each piece can carry.
Tumbleweed Atelier isn’t just a brand. It’s an expression of who I am — the parts that seek meaning, that love colour, that get giddy over texture and pattern and possibility. It’s my creative pulse, stitched together with care and curiosity.
Preparing for a market takes effort, but it's become part of my rhythm. Planning stock. Making new pieces. Printing signs. Tetris-packing the car so it all fits. Loading up in the dark, driving out while the streets are empty, and unfolding my little world in a 3x3 metre square. Then, I wait.
Sometimes markets are buzzing. Sometimes they’re not. Sometimes it’s hot or windy or someone nearby decides that what the moment really needs is a thumping early-2000s playlist. And sometimes, despite the slowness, the weather, and the sore back, I still find magic. A customer who sees the soul in something I’ve made. A child who lights up at the sight of a Lafufu and carries it home like treasure. A conversation about dye, or fabric, or creative practice that reminds me I’m not the only one who cares.
Even on the dead days, I show up. Because every quiet hour is still part of the build. Because every person who lingers, asks a question, or gently touches a piece of fabric is part of something I’m trying to grow.
Tumbleweed Atelier is not a hobby. It’s not a side project. It’s a living, breathing part of me. It carries my care, my curiosity, and my belief in doing things with intention. And while it might not be the loudest stall at the market, it’s mine. It matters. And I’ll keep showing up for it.
If you’ve ever stopped by, bought a piece, asked a question, or just shared a smile across the table — thank you. You’re part of what keeps this magic going.
That handmade things still hold meaning —
and that the magic is made not just in the making,
but in the showing up.
Thanks for being part of it.
Candy – Tumbleweed Atelier 🌾
Bringing Bluey’s Bunting to Life: A Simple Contribution to Something Epic
When I was asked to create bunting for Bluey World, I was thrilled to play a part in such a monumental project. Bluey is more than just a cartoon; it’s a worldwide phenomenon that sparks joy and imagination in people of all ages. Contributing to something so beloved felt like a true honour.
A Unique Project
For this project, I was provided with fabric that already had the bunting triangles printed on it—designed to perfectly emulate the bunting from the show. My role was straightforward but essential: carefully cutting and constructing the bunting to bring it to life.
Precision and Care
While the design work was done, I took care to ensure every piece was perfectly cut and neatly sewn. It was rewarding to transform the flat fabric into something vibrant and ready to flutter in Bluey World. Knowing this simple yet cheerful element would be part of such a special space made the process all the more meaningful.
An Honour to Contribute
Although my role was small, it was a privilege to contribute to Bluey World. Seeing the finished bunting installed and imagining it delighting visitors—young and old alike—was incredibly satisfying. It’s not every day you get to help bring a piece of such an iconic show to life.
Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to the amazing folk behind Bluey World for supporting a small, fledgling Queensland business like mine. Your encouragement and belief in local creators make a world of difference.
Reflections on Creativity
This project reminded me that creativity isn’t always about grand designs. Sometimes, it’s about taking part in something larger and knowing that even a small contribution can add to the magic.
Welcome to Tumbleweed Atelier
It all begins with an idea.
Hello and welcome to Tumbleweed Atelier! I’m so glad you’re here.
In my small studio in the heart of Australia’s remote outback, I create unique and thoughtful pieces inspired by my love of textiles, fashion, and homewares. This is where artistry and practicality meet – where each item carries its own story and a little bit of my heart.
Tumbleweed Atelier is more than a business to me; it’s a reflection of freedom and creativity. The name itself is rooted in my journey – a nod to my childhood nickname, ‘Weed,’ and the tumbleweed’s symbolism of flexibility and adventure. It’s this spirit that fuels my work: creating quirky, beautiful, and practical items that bring joy to daily life.
This blog will be a space to share the inspirations behind my creations, tips and tricks for making your home a reflection of your personality, and occasional peeks behind the scenes in the studio. There might even be a story or two about the creative process – the challenges, triumphs, and happy accidents that come along the way.
Whether you’re here as a fellow maker, a lover of handmade pieces, or simply someone who’s curious about what Tumbleweed Atelier is all about, I hope you find something that resonates.
Let’s celebrate individuality, embrace the imperfect, and find joy in the little things together.
Thank you for stopping by – I can’t wait to share this journey with you!