VelvetVolcano - 'An eruption of glorious things'
Hey folks!
My name is Tamsyn and I started VelvetVolcano in November 2009. Originally VV started as a hobby, and ‘escape’ for me as I’ve struggled with progressive chronic illness issues since I was young. My ‘hobby’ not only provided me with something to focus on but also provided friends and family with pretty things ^_^. From there, word spread and I was making pretty things for not only me and my family, but hundreds of others across the globe :).
It has been a rollercoaster ride over the last 10 years, I had to shut VelvetVolcano temporarily as my illness got quite extreme and I was bedridden for almost 2 years, suffering extreme allergic reactions and unable to do anything at all, let alone run my business - my pride and joy. Since then, I have stabilised quite a bit, I am thankful to say. I am no longer completely incapacitated but my life is very different than the average persons. I am extremely grateful to the (now thousands :O !!) of people who have supported VelvetVolcano over the years and continue to do so now. You are AWESOME! (If you are interested in my illness, as it is a rare disease and I want to raise awareness in hopes that it will improve care for the thousands of us that experience it’s debilitating effects, it is called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. I also have Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder, Erythromelalgia and Dysautonomia - because apparently my body couldn't pick just one, haha :P ).
Everything you see at VelvetVolcano has been designed, photographed and listed by me and everything has been made by my super-talented mother (who we call Mumma VV ^_^) - who is a crochet wizard (and has tried to teach me many a time, but so far.. it seems that talent did not run in the family ;) ).
I'm often asked 'Why the name VelvetVolcano?'
VelvetVolcano by my own definition means 'an eruption of glorious things' (and I swear it has nothing to do with a film called 'The Oh in Ohio' haha, though I was very entertained when I saw it mentioned :P) and is essentially the two sides of the brand. 'Velvet' is sweet and cute, inspired by rainbows, flowers, fruit and pretty things (with a lot of pink!). 'Volcano' is the dark side, inspired by horror, gore, the macabre and Halloween.
The general theme throughout my work (be it cute or ghoulish) is to encourage self expression.
I hope you like what you find at VelvetVolcano and love your colourful, creepy and cute goodies as much as we enjoyed making them for you!
Thank you for checking out our shop and supporting small businesses!
♥