Earring fun for pair of mums

WHENEVER Erica Stoney and Kim Allan needed a break from family life during the pandemic, they put their time towards a creative outlet.

Both mothers of two and with children beginning prep, the duo would spend their free evenings crafting clay earrings, dangles and studs.

The effort led to the creation of Hobbymums, the duo’s online earring store which Stoney said allowed others to share in their enjoyment.

“It’s a very therapeutic process, almost like meditation, for both of us after a day spent just being a mum,” she said.

“It was something we both really needed at the time and continue to need, and because this is a hobby first, we don’t need to be making any big bucks off this.

“We’re wanting to bring a little joy and be more accessible to the mums in the community who maybe can’t afford $40 for a new pair of earrings.”

Hobbbymums launched in 2020 via Facebook and Allan said neither had prior experience in working with clay.

“Erica’s more artsy than I am with paint and abstract work, so she approached me with the idea first and I was very open to it,” she said.

“I like earrings, of course, and we both put our own spin on what we make but those first few batches were definitely a learning process for both of us.”

On average, it takes between one to two weeks for the pair to create 20 pairs of a design including crafting, sanding, baking and painting.

Each design is original with some creations based around a holiday or seasonal theme.

Now, after two years, Stoney said Hobbymums is ready to expand to include a website and further fundraising involvement.

“We’ve contributed to a few Mother’s Day fundraisers through schools and a fun giveaway challenge around the city, but we’re wanting to do more of that,” she said.

“That’ll be followed by a proper website. It’s just about making it distinctive but it looks like there’s a lot on the horizon for us.”

Hobbymums can be found at facebook.com/hobbymumsballarat.