I’m Debbie but my friends (yes hopefully that’s you too!) call me Debs. Officially my documented birth name, also known to me as my ‘Sunday name’ is Deborah. In 2004 I came to spend one winter season in Wanaka and fell in love. I can’t explain it, I just didn’t want to leave and for the past 11 years this June, I’ve worked hard to make it home. I’ve had to leave on a jet plane more than once but last year my partner and I got NZ Residency! A dream come true for me and now… this is it, I’m settled in my one slice of paradise and I’m happy! Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, the magnificent outdoors, independent passion, and the friendliest people I’ve ever come across, is where you’ll find me…
Much of what Wanaka has to offer has come from people who’ve built a business around sharing their personal interests, and that’s my dream too. But there’s a story behind it all and who doesn’t love a good story!
Deborah. “Really?” my Grandma asks.
It’s the middle of the night. I’ve safely arrived into the big wide world and Dad has rung my Grandma and Grandpa to share the news. “Well it’s certainly different”, she congratulates them and says they’ll speak again in the morning. Dad’s baffled, not entirely the reaction he expected I’m sure.
Apparently speaking to them the next morning, it all became clear… Grandma had heard and thought Mum and Dad had chosen ‘Zebra’ for my name! Haha. Really? Really! Birthdays and Christmases always came with a token something stripey; a piece of stationery, candle holder or clothing, not to mention the cuddly toys. It was an on-going family joke and I loved it, a little something special between a girl and her Grandma.
So that’s ‘Stripey Zebra’.
Inspired by a very special lady and a passion for home decor, little people and DIY; these stripes are going on a journey to bring you goodies handmade with love. I’ve started this blog to share my story, the inspiration and experiments behind what I do and some of the beautiful things I find along the way.
It’s been 13 years (yikes!) since I was accepted into Art School and turned it down, and 13 years of ‘kind of’ trying (and failing!) to find my creative side again. But that good old cliché ‘there’s light at the end of the tunnel’ rings true. I’m happy, settled and ready to share so I guess you just can’t rush these things.
I would like very much for this blog of mine to be an open forum – if you have questions, comments or feedback, please feel free to comment on any posts.
