Hi, I’m Karen
I'm the maker behind Kaybee Creations, a small handmade business based in Auckland, New Zealand.
For more than 20 years, I've worked as an optometrist, and I still do today! But I've always had a creative side too. I learned to sew many years ago, and it quickly became one of my favourite ways to relax and create something useful. Over time, sewing grew from a hobby into Kaybee Creations, where I get to combine my love of beautiful fabrics with my love of making practical, thoughtfully designed things.
And yes, being an optometrist probably explains my slight obsession with making a really good glasses case!
A lifelong book nerd
I've been a book lover for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest memories involve getting completely lost in a good book, and that love of reading has definitely stayed with me.
These days, you'll often find me with a book nearby, and I'm particularly drawn to chunky fantasy novels, beautiful editions and stories that make me want to ignore everything else and keep reading.
So it seemed only natural that my love of sewing would eventually meet my love of books.
That's where my Bookish Things collection came from — handmade book sleeves, book jackets and eReader sleeves designed to protect the things we love to read, while making them a little more special along the way.
A little bit obsessed with fabric
Fabric is a big part of the fun for me. I'm particularly drawn to beautiful designer prints from brands such as Rifle Paper Co., Tula Pink and Ruby Star Society, as well as fabrics with a distinctly New Zealand feel.
I source fabrics from both New Zealand and overseas, which means I can offer some beautiful prints that aren't readily available here in NZ. I often buy in small quantities, so many of the fabrics you see are limited — and once they're gone, they're gone!
I love choosing fabrics that have a bit of personality and imagining what they'll become. My collections are always changing, so there's usually something new to discover.
Made by me, in Auckland
Every Kaybee Creations piece is designed, cut and sewn by me in my Auckland home studio. I also take all of my own product photographs, drawing on my love of photography to capture the colours, fabrics and little details of each piece.
I put a lot of care into the little details — from choosing the right fabrics and materials to making sure each finished piece is practical, well made and something I'd be happy to use myself.
Whether you're looking for something to protect your latest read, a beautiful sleeve for your Kindle or eReader, or a pretty case for your glasses, I hope you find something that makes you smile.
Thanks for stopping by and supporting my little handmade business.
