Handmade Mum

Here's my experiment - Look what happened!

A whole labour of love. The handy little bag made for all the LITTLE things!

This is a one-of-a-kind handmade patchwork makeup bag, created from beautiful fabric scraps that were simply too good to let go to waste.

This was my first time making a patchwork bag, and I absolutely fell in love with the colour, texture and interest that comes from bringing so many different prints together.

And the surprise doesn't stop on the outside… the lining is patchwork too! There are two large tabs either side of the zipper.

Every little piece has been carefully sewn together to create a bag that is completely unique — there won't be another one exactly like it. Lovingly made in the Handmade Mum studio here in Thames.

Roomy, practical and made with lots of love, it's perfect for makeup, toiletries, sewing bits and pieces, or simply keeping all those little things together.

Once this one is gone, it's gone — the exact combination of fabrics can never be recreated.

She's for sale over on Trademe 👇🏻
https://www.trademe.co.nz/6112388315

🩷🩷🩷 Brand New Product Alert 🩷🩷🩷

A pretty little everyday essential for keeping your small must-haves close.

Say hello to the little wallet that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without.

These beautifully quilted keychain wallets are just the right size for those essentials you want to keep together – whether you’re heading out for a quick errand, attaching it to your handbag, or popping it inside your favourite makeup bag.

Each wallet is lovingly handmade by myself in the Handmade Mum studio. They have a quilted outer, coordinating lining and a secure zip closure. The handy lobster clasp means you can clip it straight onto your keys, handbag, nappy bag or anywhere you want to keep it in reach.

Perfect for bank cards, folded cash, coins, lip balms, beauty essentials, earbuds and small everyday bits & pieces. Approximate size 11.5cm x 13cm.

Find a print you love? Don’t leave it sitting in your cart too long – once it’s gone, it may be gone for good!

Shop them here 👇🏻 RRP $22
https://handmademum.nz/product-category/thoughtful-things/handmademum-nz-products-quilted-keychain-wallet/

💚💜🩷 Meet... Puriri Twilight!! 💚💜🩷

Every Handmade Mum Hottie Cover begins its journey as a rescued vintage New Zealand wool blanket.

This beautiful blanket started life at Napier Woollen Mills before being lovingly transformed into something new. Instead of sitting forgotten away, it'll soon become a small collection of cosy Hottie Covers, each with its own story to tell.

Giving beautiful old treasures a second life is one of my favourite parts of what I do 🥰

Only a handful of Hottie Covers will be made from this blanket, making each one a limited edition!

Available soon 😘


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☆☆☆ Another Brand New Treasure has just landed - available online now ☆☆☆ 'Rimu Ridge' $35

Remember the cosy comfort those pure wool blankets gave us as kids? Nothing warms you like cuddling a hot water bottle. They’ve been around forever, and for good reason. Wool is naturally antiseptic and absorbent. Hot water bottles provide warmth, comfort and can soothe aches and pains.

Handmade by me in my studio by up-cycling vintage New Zealand made wool blankets including the original blanket stitching. They will keep your hot water bottle cover warmer for longer. They each have an envelope closure. Simply pull up or down over the top of the bottle, there is no need to remove the cover to fill.

Handmade Mum’s Hottie covers are a lovely, snuggly and caring gift, perfect for any time of the year.

Shop them here 👇🏻
https://handmademum.nz/product/hot-water-bottle-cover-rimu-ridge/

✨ Market Prep Update! ✨

Market prep has been coming along slowly but surely, and I'm so excited to share the latest batch of my handmade e-Reader Sleeves! 📚💕

I absolutely love the prints in this collection... from sweet Strawberry Shortcake and Hello Kitty, to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Star Wars, beautiful Kiwiana, woodland mushrooms, sewing-themed prints and more! 🩷💛💙

These are $35 each and are available to purchase now if you'd like to snap one up before market season. They won't be added to the Handmade Mum website until later in the year so if you see one you love, send me a message before it's gone! 💌

Each sleeve is lovingly handmade with:
✨ Soft padding to help protect your e-reader from everyday bumps and scratches.
✨ A fully lined interior.
✨ A sweet bow-tie closure.
✨ A handy front pocket for earbuds, pens, bookmarks or little notes.

Perfect for popping into your handbag, taking on holiday, or gifting to your favourite bookworm 📖

Outside measurements: 17cm × 22cm
Fits: 📚 Kindle Touch 6" 📚 Kindle Paperwhite 6.8" 📚 Kindle Paperwhite 7" 📚 Kobo Clara 6" …and other e-readers with similar measurements. (Please check your device and cover measurements before purchasing.)

As always, there are more to come as I find time to sneak down into my craft room between Mum life and everything else ❤️

Which print is your favourite? 😊 Enjoy your weekend!

Natasha
www.handmademum.nz

Happy Matariki, everyone ✨

Sending lots of love from beautiful Thames this Matariki 💙

We're spending the morning doing one of our favourite things—strolling along the beach, hunting for little treasures with my girls. From shells to driftwood and everything in between, it's the simple moments like these that make my heart so full.

I hope today gives you a chance to slow down, spend time with the people you love, and reflect on the year that's been while looking forward to the one ahead.

Happy Matariki from our whānau to yours. ⭐🌊

Natasha, Perrin, Beau & Maddison
HandMade Mum
2026

🩷 Reading feedback like this never gets old...

Every single hot water bottle cover is handmade by me, so receiving reviews like these truly makes my day. Thank you so much to everyone who's taken the time to leave feedback—it means more than you know.

I've recently started listing my Hottie Covers on 'Trade Me' as another way for people to discover Handmade Mum. Whether you shop there or directly through my website, you're still supporting my little handmade business 🧵✨

If you've purchased from Handmade Mum and love your goodies, I'd be so grateful if you'd tell your friends and family, share my page, or recommend me when someone is looking for a thoughtful handmade gift.

Word of mouth is the biggest compliment a small business can receive 💕

Thank you for helping Handmade Mum continue to grow. It really does mean the world 🥰

Natasha
www.handmademum.nz

📦 A quick update on postage rates

As of today (1 July 2026), NZ Post has increased their postage prices. This means you'll notice a small increase in shipping costs on my website.

The changes are only minor—most parcels have increased by around 60–70 cents, with rural delivery increasing by an additional 30 cents.

I always aim to keep my postage as fair as possible and don't make a profit from shipping, so I wanted to be upfront and let you know about the change.

Thank you so much for your continued support of my little business.

It truly means the world to me 💕

Natasha
www.handmademum.nz

☆☆☆ Another Brand New Treasure has just landed - available online now ☆☆☆ 'Southern Lakes' $35

Remember the cosy comfort those pure wool blankets gave us as kids? Nothing warms you like cuddling a hot water bottle. They’ve been around forever, and for good reason. Wool is naturally antiseptic and absorbent. Hot water bottles provide warmth, comfort and can soothe aches and pains.

Handmade by me in my studio by up-cycling vintage New Zealand made wool blankets including the original blanket stitching. They will keep your hot water bottle cover warmer for longer. They each have an envelope closure. Simply pull up or down over the top of the bottle, there is no need to remove the cover to fill.

Handmade Mum’s Hottie covers are a lovely, snuggly and caring gift, perfect for any time of the year.

Shop them here 👇🏻
https://handmademum.nz/product/hot-water-bottle-cover-southern-lakes/

🎉✨ Happy 1st Birthday, Handmade Mum! ✨🎉

One whole year ago, Handmade Mum was just an idea, and today I'm celebrating an incredible first birthday! 💜

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to every single person who has supported this little business along the way. Whether you've:
🌸 Liked a photo
🌸 Left a comment
🌸 Shared a post
🌸 Visited me at a market
🌸 Purchased online
🌸 Recommended Handmade Mum to a friend
..you've all played a part in helping my dream grow, and I am so grateful.

Being a mum to Beau and Maddison is my greatest joy, and one of my favourite things is having my girls by my side in the craft room while I create.
From choosing fabrics to "helping" with projects, they've been part of this journey from the very beginning. 💕🧵

What started with a sewing machine, a love of handmade creations, and a dream has grown into something I am incredibly proud of. Here's to many more years of creating beautiful handmade treasures for you all.

Thank you for supporting my small business, my family, and my dream. 🥂🎂

💜 Natasha
Handmade Mum 💜

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