Orbit Earrings in Coffee – handmade by Happy in Finland

Jewellery designer, Rosie, is a sixth generation Tasmanian with a business named Happy in Finland, chosen for it’s uplifting vibes when said aloud.  Working in acrylic and brass, the newest release from Happy in Finland is big, bold and brassy. We chat with Rosie to discover more about her passion below. 

Happy in Finland will have a stall at Finders Keepers Brisbane AW18, 22-24 June

How did you come to be a seller at Finders Keepers?

It was destiny! As a child I was always raiding the ‘useful box’ and I think I finished just about every project in the Women’s Day Kids Craft Book. Twice. As a kid my most prized possession was my Crayola Caddy. There were a few detours along the way (a short stint as a nanny in England and an abandoned PhD), but I finally found my way back to my creative path in the late 2000s.

Happy in Finland is latest in a line of creative business I’ve run. In previous creative lives I made fabric covered hair accessories and brooches and then polymer jewellery. I’ve been lucky enough to have participated in Finders Keepers with all three of these enterprises.

Rosie in her Happy in Finland stall at FINDERS KEEPERS Melbourne AW17 – BEAUTIFULLY CAPTURED BY Mark Lobo

Tidal Earrings in Blue – handmade by Happy in Finland

Rainbow Earrings in Transparent Blue- handmade by Happy in Finland

Talk us through a typical day in the life of Happy In Finland.

One of the most attractive things about working for oneself is that there are no typical days. Although a morning coffee or two is always a must. During Winter I split my time between working at home in front of the wood fire and in my studio at the Salamanca Arts Centre.

Depending on whether or not I have orders I’ll either be making stock, doodling new ideas, working on prototypes, or any of the hundred other things on my to do list. If the weather is nice, I like to squeeze in a walk with the dog.

What would be one piece of advice you would give a first time seller at The Finders Keepers?

Make sure you have comfy shoes, plenty of stock, water and a sense of humour. And don’t be afraid to ask other stall holders for help or advice. That’s the way you make market buddies!

Orbit Earrinsg in Shell – handmade by Happy in Finland

Fortune Cookie Brass Earrings – handmade by Happy in Finland

Jetty Earrings in Blue – handmade by Happy in Finland

Tell us about your inspiration for creativity?

I can find inspiration in almost anything- landscapes, street signs, brick walls! My eyes are always seeking out pattern and colour. When it comes to other stall holders there are so many creatives out there that I admire.

Off the top of my head I love Clay Canoe ceramics, Tara Whalley’s clothes, Nanna Woo’s jewellery, everything made by Shuh Lee and Bridget Bodenham. I suspect I may have almost as many of Bridget’s mugs as she does!

What goals do you have for your business over the next five years?

My only real goal is to continue doing what I do- making things.

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Geometric Earrings – handmade by Happy in Finland