Magic Muse Interviews No. 4 - Nina de Vries of Bijou Wolf

Off-grid, homeschooling mama-maker with a stunning passion for handcrafted textile creations that radiate joy.

I first met Nina many moons ago during my time working in health stores. I had many chats with her partner and got to see them begin on their parenthood journey, so it is really beautiful to have kept in touch via Instagram over the years - witnessing the evolution of her creative business Bijou Wolf alongside the blossoming of her beautiful family and off-grid dream. I know you’ll enjoy getting to know Nina in this interview, and be sure that you check out the links to her shop and explore what Bijou Wolf has to offer.

Introduce yourself - who are you, and what do you do?

Hi! I’m Nina, I’m a maker and unschooling mumma living off grid in a caravan in the northern NSW rainforest with my partner and two wild and free babes. I make using reclaimed fabrics interwoven with other mediums like natural dyeing, printmaking and recently leatherwork. I honestly just have way too many ideas so not all of them come to life and right now I don’t have the space for big projects so I’m mostly focusing on illustration work and just released a new collection of cards. The common theme running through all that I make is respect for our mama earth. Whether it’s using reclaimed fibres, eco friendly/natural materials or printing on recycled card. This is most important to me and often my ideas are inspired by textiles I find op-shopping

How did you get started on your path?

I’ve been making something ever since I can remember, I was raised in a creative family and my brothers and I were always encouraged to make. I studied art, textiles and fashion and refined my loves and style along the way. I worked for a few creative labels but always felt called to do my own thing, I started selling my vintage fabric bags and purses at Makers markets and on Etsy where they were well loved and it’s just evolved from there. I feel like all my projects are connected somehow and are a constant stream of evolving creative consciousness I’m compelled to follow.

What/who are your greatest muses and what/who do you draw inspiration from?

Nature, and all her offerings, flowers, animals, celestial bodies, bohemian 70s, vintage fabrics, people who are inspired and bring their ideas to life. Authentic homes full of unique finds that tell a story and evolve over time.  

What little rituals do you have to start your day?

I love to start the day with herbal tea and fruit. Setting intentions for the day with my loves.

Do you have any little rituals to end your day? 

Once the kids are asleep… More herbal tea! Something soothing and sleepy, CBD if my nervous system feels too shaken and then I love to zone out and draw, listen to a podcast if I’ve gotten it together to download one when I’m in reception. We have super limited internet at home!

Tell us what you like to do in your free time, do you have any hobbies?

Being a full time home/free school mumma there’s no real down time! I try to weave in projects we can enjoy together like drawing, crafting, gardening. We roller skate, ride bikes and hula hoop, explore in nature and hang with other like minded families.

Give us your best advice for either business or life (or both).

Ask nature for advice, tune in, she knows all.

Be yourself! Everyone else is taken, (cringey but true ) creatively and personally. Also gratitude, perspective is everything. Aaannd, others feelings are real, even if you don’t understand them. 

Do you have a favourite plant, and if so, what is it and why?

I really love flowers , I love to grow edible/medicinal flowers and plants and learn about/teach my kids their uses. I’m super inspired to grow so many things to use medicinally and for natural dyeing.

Do you have any dreams that you are wanting to bring forth in the near future?

I’m currently working on a colouring book which I’m super excited about. I have a deck of cards planned as well as earth dyed dresses , sunflower cushions and wall hangings.

How can our community support your work?

You can follow along with my creative process and offerings on my Instagram @bijou_wolf. Thank you so much for having me here to share!

Love and Blessings
Nina x

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You can find Nina and see more of her work on Instagram and via her website.