Introducing Anne from Kantakoru. Where every item is handmade!! From her home in Redlands Coast, Queensland, she makes unique wall hangings, gifts and jewellery - all from palm leaves and various upcycled materials.
Find out why Anne started creating and why she is so passionate about the value of handmade.
Tell us about your creations and your handmade process.
I create handmade palm leaf decorations, small gifts, and Hello angel keepsakes. I use good-quality fallen palm leaves in my work, which I collect from our own yard. Just washing the palm leaf pieces, soaking them in strong vinegar, and completely drying them takes several days. To cut the dried pieces, I only use hand tools like scissors; the saw tears apart the thin surface of the palm leaf.
There is no machine involved.
I also like to mix palm leaf with other materials, which are mostly recycled. Any scraps left behind are never wasted. I can use those little pieces in pendants I handmade from natural clay. In addition to palm leaves, I also use other materials from different palm trees in some of my works, such as the stem of the inflorescence, and the fibre of the bark.
Tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a handmade artist.
There was one question waiting for an answer! There were more and more fallen palm leaves on the yard, some even in good condition. Can I create something from them? The beautiful natural golden hue and resilient fibrous structure of palm leaves ignite my imagination, fuelling my creativity, and inspiring new ideas. Then it all started with palm leaf earrings.
Since 2022, I have been transforming fallen palm leaves and recycled materials into one-of-a-kind creations, making a meaningful difference in our environment. What started as a hobby slowly grew into something more, and now I feel so grateful that I get to share my work with others who value handmade pieces. When I look back at 2022 and compare my creations from then to what I create now. I am amazed at how far I have come.
What is your inspiration or where do you find inspiration?
I usually have so many ideas rolling around my head. A lot of my inspiration comes from everyday life, nature, and our large yard. I am also inspired by the materials themselves, such as the natural beautiful colour of the palm leaf, and the grooves and curved shapes of the leaf. And of course, all my wonderful supporters. Every follow, like, kind word, and purchase encourages me to continue to create in Kantakoru.
Where did you learn your craft?
I still remember and use some of the skills and knowledge I learned in Artisan carpentry studies in Finland. Palm leaves are a completely different material than wood, so I have learned to work with them through trial and error. The learning of the processes is endless; with every piece I create I continue to refine and deepen my skills.
Why is handmade artistry so important to you?
Creating is a truly empowering experience for me. My studio is my happy place, where creating with my own hands brings me joy. Each handmade piece is unique and original, and you can feel and see the artist's effort, time, and love. It is made slowly and carefully by hand, not pressed by machine. While some of my Hello palm leaf angels may look identical, there is always details that keep them special. Handmade is something you can't find anywhere else.
Anne is a much loved member of the MadeIt Collective, posting regularly in our Facebook Group ~ MadeIt: Handmade not Massmade Australia ~ and sharing their new creations as they are released. If you haven't connected with Kantakoru make sure you join our FB Group and say hi !
