And yet another lovely newcomer to Piccadilly Market on Sunday 3rd August in Geelong, Artichoke Designs. Meet Michele.

Tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Michele Hume and I studied textile design at RMIT.  I started up the label artichoke so I could showcase my products. I once had a shop with some friends on High St. Northcote that was fun.
On a more personal level,  I have a weakness for collecting chairs, the designer type. I don’t like cooking….all that work and then you eat it. I do most of my designing when I’m horizontal which often interrupts my sleep.

How did you come up with your business name?
I love artichokes, they remind me of my grandfather in his magnificent veggie garden……and the name starts with ART.

Tell us how your product/range came about?
My handcrafted bags are always simple and practical. You can feel and smell the beautiful solid hides I use. My designs are governed by the texture, weight and colour, of the leather.If the leather is soft and subtle I design a more relaxed hobo style, and if it’s thick and heavy I design a Tote or Messenger styled bag.



How long have you been in business for?
I’ve been designing leather bags for about 5 years.

What inspires you?
Colour and texture.
Light and shade.
Wabi Sabi.

Have you always been ‘crafty’ or has it bloomed later in life?
I have always been creative; I’m known to stare into space, when I’m working on new designs, to the dismay of people around me.

What is something cool that most people wouldn’t know about you?
I can still do a 360’ on the monkey bars.

If money was no object what would be your dream destination right now?
I could eat my way through Scandinavia again, but I would choose Japan for its great and quirky design.

Favorite book?
The Australian Ugliness. By Robyn Boyd

What is your favorite website(s) ?    
Pinterest.
 
Have you ever met anyone famous? 
I said hi to Annie Lennox at an Art exhibition in London.