Minxes, take my hand and come on a trip to Scoopsville City.

Why?

Because I’ve hooked up with the radular Zoe Larkin, the designer-girl responsible for creating the ‘Blake’ brooch that become an iconic addition to the craziness that is Amy Winehouse’s beehive – I know, awesome, right?

I’m a li’l bit in love with all of Zoe’s Love From Hetty & Dave creations, but my totes favourite is the double sided personalised heart necklace – le sigh. I want it in pink with a silver chain and for it to say ‘Sassy’ on one side, and ‘Minx’ on the other – hot, non? All her creations are handmade and are perfect-o for rockin’ up a blazer, a girly dress or a big ‘do ala Miss Winehouse oh, and I’m a li’l bit in love with Zoe too, as we share a love for the same inspir-o girls, 1950’s tattoo designs and Frida Kahlo – come share in the awesomeness that is Love From Hetty & Dave…

So Zoe, what’s Love From Hetty & Dave exactly? Care to share?
Love From Hetty and Dave is all about handstitched leather jewellery and accessories, in bright colours, and designed with a sense of humour, guaranteed to cheer up an upside-down smile.

What made you set it up and what’s the inspir-o for your awesome prods?
I studied Silversmithing and Jewellery Design at university, but I don’t think my heart was really in it.  Then I discovered the loveliness of working in leather, and being a bit of a crafty lady at heart, began handstitching appliqued handbags.  Over the years, i scaled my designs down, and now mainly make squashy brooches, and necklaces. I’m particularly influenced by Mexican arts and crafts, with a bit of fifties kitsch and rockabilly thrown in for good measure.

When did you realise you were a creative girl who could make pretty, pretty things for kick-ass girls?
I’ve always been a creative girl – only truly happy when my hands are busy making something, be it outfits for Barbies when I was teeny, or gigantic plush hotdogs more recently! Love From Hetty and Dave came along about 4 years ago, and that’s when kick-ass girls could get their mits on my pretty, leathery creations…

What’s your fave prod that you’ve created?
Ermmmm, this is a tricky one.  I created a beaut of a bag with a shrimp curled up on it, in pink and chocolate and gold leather, many moons ago. It took me forever to make, and was one of my first designs, but I have never been able to sell it. I saw this as a sign that I should keep it for myself.  Shame.

Can you share a li’l bit ’bout your creative process please, Zoe? Tell us about a typical day – is this your day job?
I’m a bit of an unorganised mess, so it amazes me that I have managed to make this my day job. Particularly as I waste much of my time hunting around for one of my many, many pairs of scissors, or a pen that works or something stoopid!

I usually wake up quite early, and if it’s a good day I go for a swim in the sea before I start work. It’s a good way to wake up and think about what I have to do for the day.  Then the rest of my day is filled with sewing, emails, updating the blog and website, and coming up with new designs.  I have a vast array of lovely picture books and I keep scrap books, going back years, filled with nice things I cut out of magazines- these are always a good starting point for new ideas. I usually work into the night – I find it hard to just sit around doing nothing – I always have to keep my hands busy, so if I’m not sewing stock, I have a knitting or cross stitch project going on.  I’m a non-stop crafter I guess.

Do you have to be all business-y too? How do you manage to juggle being creative and rocking the business side too?
I try to be all business-y, but I’m not very good at the serious stuff.  Luckily my product speaks for itself, so I don’t have to do the hard sell, which means I can concentrate on the lovely creative stuff!

Can you share your own top 3 shopping destinations – pleeeaaseee??
Oooh, does eBay count?  I am a total eBay queen!  My last purchase on there, was a metallic green spandex catsuit, with hands and feet, all attached and a crotch zip- brilliant, yet disturbing.

I heart Brick Lane for vintage shopping. Unfortunately my favouritist vintage shop has long gone- I got an amazing vintage, boobalicious dirndl there, and a beautiful turquoise Mexican dress.  They had vintage from all over the world- it was grrrreat! I miss it.

Goldhawk Road in London for fabric shops.  I nearly wet myself with excitement the first time I went there. Every type of fabric under the sun, I swear!

What 5 tracks would be essential to a Love From Hetty and Dave soundtrack?
Super Freak- Rick James
The House of Bamboo – Andy Williams
I Only Have Eyes For You – The Flamingos
S s Single Bed – Foxx
Warm Leatherette – The Normal

Who are your style icons and inspir-o-girls?
Frieda Kahlo. I want to be her, sans hairy face. Stylish AND an artistic inspiration – what better combination?

I’m also a little bit in love with Edith Piaf, after watching La Vie en Rose.

Ooh, and Amelie. Who doesn’t love Amelie?!

What are your five must-have life items?

• A leopard skin fur coat (faux of course)- I don’t know how I lived without one for so long!
• Matching underwear. Always.
• Some sort of music playing device. I cannot live without music playing in my ears.
• A Chanel handbag- I’m working towards this one.  A massive must-have!
• I, personally, must have a house with a swimming pool, at some point in my life.  It’s always good to have a goal to work towards!

We love to visit new places – can you introduce us to your city? what would be your perfect way to spend a day there? what would you do? Where would you go?
I’ve only recently moved back to my home town of Bournemouth, after a few years of London living, so I’m still getting to grips with this place.  The pace is very s-l-o-w, which has taken a bit of getting used to, but seeing as I practically live on the beach, I guess the perfect way to spend a day here is an early morning dip in the sea, while the beach is empty, and the sea is calm, followed by the most amazing breakfast of pancakes with summer berries and maple syrup, I have ever experienced at the Overstrand along the prom. I love love love eating out, so probably afternoon tea at the Print Room in town, then fish-licious dinner at West Beach. Basically, lots of sea air and eating is my perfect day!  Finished off with a cider fest at the local! Nice!

Who and what makes you jump-in-the-air happy?
My brother’s children are THE BEST!  I have a niece and two nephews, and I absolutely love them to pieces!  They are the most hilarious, sweetest, loveliest, crazy kids ever, and spending time with them makes me super happy. There’s never a dull moment when they are around!

What’s your motto for life?
Work hard and be nice to people. I have that Anthony Burrill print in a massive frame on my wall, and I think it’s a pretty good motto for life.

Also, ‘Chin up, chest out, and don’t forget that smile’ when things are a bit tough.  I think my friend’s mum made that one up, but it’s a good ‘un!

Quick fire round: What’s your favourite…
Shop: Liberty
Book: This Is For You by Rob Ryan
Website/blog: Oh, eBay, always!
Hang-out: The beach
City: London
TV prog: Diagnosis Murder- I heart Dick Van Dyke!
Food: Green & Blacks Maya Gold choco
Must-have beauty item: Chanel liquid eyeliner

Go check out all the Love From Hetty & Dave goodness – if you can choose just one item, then g-friend, you are better at being a girl than I!