About. (the formal one)

Tamara Maynes is a third generation Australian, farm raised in rural NSW. Her cultural background of Irish/English working class descent has shaped her families rich history of labouring the land, working with their hands, and resourceful creative expression. Nurturing an innate curiosity and ability for design and making, her creative output began as a young child and continues to span varied disciplines. Tamara is a freelance stylist, co- owner/creative lead of Est Prop Library and a commissioned maker for art and craft based design projects of all sorts. Occassionally she creates one-off and limited edition art and craft works for exhibitions, friends and her own space.

About. (the one I like)

‘Folk Artist’ is a long-standing term for rural folk who craft things for themselves and their homes using what they have on hand - in both material and skill set. None hold an esteemed art school education, however their superpower is endless ingenuity and learned adeptness.

I am one of these people, only these days I’m considered city folk and it’s here that my love of design intersects.

I’ve made a lot of things, spoken about how I’ve made a lot of things, taught others how to make a lot of things, and written about how to make a lot of things. Too many to go into. Read on if you want the key run down.

Some of the things.

2007. The Six Week Boutique In a case of favourable timing, my online craft design store breaks the internet.

2009. Darling of Craft Many interviews, articles, editorial craft contributions, and VIP craft design commissions in I find myself gifted this very affectionate label.

2011. Supercyclers Much attention transpires around my make-it-yourself Cardboard Quilt Light following the sustainable design collective shows at London and Milan Design Weeks.

2013. The School Teaching the ways of making to all and sundry, state to state.

2014. The Maker Yes, I made a book. An image and inspiration packed, informative weighty hardcover with a delightful curved corner featuring the work and words of tens of makers from all over the world. It is published in Australia, the US, the UK, and translated to French.

2016. The Establishment Studios Nine years and counting are spent making a boutique photography studio, prop house, studio sets and beautiful interiors for commercial, campaign and editorial images.

2022. Casa Coburg The slow and steady making of a modest one bedroom post WWII apartment into a cleverly created space.

2024. Est Prop Library The goal of a curated prop house servicing Melbourne’s image creation industry is made real.