Hi there, and welcome to our little corner of the internet! Most folks know us by our nicknames, "Xaria" and "Nighthawk," but our given names are Paula and Dale. Feel free to call us by either—we respond to both!
About Styled Crafts
Xaria (Paula) has a passion for sewing, whether it's crafting beautiful quilts, creating bags and wallets, or fashioning various clothing items. She simply loves all things crafty! On the flip side, Nighthawk (Dale) is all about woodworking, from crafting small projects like toys and coffee tables to building tools and jigs, as well as tackling crafty-ish endeavors and everything in between.
The concept of Styled Crafts has been brewing in our minds for quite some time. We knew we wanted to create things for people, but we weren't quite sure how it would all come together. When we got our hands on the xTool D1 Pro 10-watt Laser Engraver, it sparked the beginning of our journey. While we've had the D1 for a while now, we spent a lot of time in the background—learning to use the laser, creating some stock bag items, and developing a database (courtesy of Nighthawk) to track and manage various projects. We also took the time to purchase domain names and build our website, all before going public.
At Styled Crafts, our aim is to offer you what we've made. Whether it's a bag, wallet, or quilt crafted by Xaria Creates, or one of Nighthawk's Wacky Wood Works projects, we're excited to share our creations with you. While we're not taking custom orders just yet, we'll be selling what we have on hand, ready to find new homes.
About Xaria
Hi,
Nighthawk and I have shared over 23 years together, initially residing in an inner-city flat for a decade while diligently saving for a home. In 2011, we fulfilled our dream of homeownership.
In my earlier years, I found joy in computers and digital scrapbooking. However, upon moving into our own space, I discovered a passion for crafting, while Nighthawk reignited his love for woodworking.
My interest in quilting and sewing blossomed after being inspired by a colleague skilled in these crafts. Since then, my repertoire has expanded to include creating bags, clothing, and various other sewing projects.
Throughout my career journey, I've held diverse roles, ranging from my humble beginnings at "The Warehouse" to working in the butchery section of "New World" supermarket for many years. Subsequently, I transitioned to administrative roles in a construction company before landing my current position at "PlaceMakers."
Growing up with a father who was a builder provided me with a solid foundation in home maintenance and tool usage, which has proven invaluable in my crafting endeavors.
Now, I have my own cozy craft room, lovingly constructed by my father and Nighthawk. Though modest in size, it serves as a sanctuary where I indulge in sewing and various other crafts. While I often find myself longing for more space, navigating the arduous and costly consent process has restricted our expansion options.
One of the bags made by Xaria
With Nighthawk's woodworking expertise, I enjoy watching other crafts and projects come together, combining both of our inputs to create gifts, cards, and fun items for our home and friends.
In addition to crafting, I enjoy reading a good book and partaking in gardening and baking. While I used to share Nighthawk's love for motorcycling and attending bike the various rallies, an accident during a walk with our Jack Russel "Rimu" led to me selling my bike. Recently, I purchased a small TriCity 155 bike for around-town rides, although Nighthawk tends to use it more than I do. I also find inspiration from sewing and crafting YouTube channels, constantly learning new tips and tricks along the way.
Cooking and baking are also passions of mine, often showcasing my skills at dinner parties or gatherings with friends. Whether it's baking cookies and cakes for Christmas gifts or simply enjoying good food with loved ones, I find joy in sharing my creations.
About Nighthawk
Greetings,
I've been in a partnership with my significant other, Xaria, for 22 years now, and 12 years ago, we acquired our current home. Back in my school days, I dabbled in woodworking, but my journey took a different turn when I joined the Royal New Zealand Navy, embarking on adventures across the globe. During my time in the Navy, I gained invaluable experiences, honed various skills, and cherished countless memories.
Upon leaving the Navy, I ventured into diverse roles, from fruit picking to founding and eventually selling a motorcycle courier company. Eventually, I pursued a different path, enrolling in the first assessment builders course at the local polytechnic, which led me to become a builder's hammer hand. Over the years, I engaged in a multitude of building projects, spanning from constructing houses and silos to renovating properties and erecting shearing sheds.
Returning to my hometown of Dunedin, New Zealand, prompted me to explore yet another passion: art and graphic design. Despite surprising even myself, I found fulfillment as a graphic artist, initially working for a local community newspaper, Inside Otago, and later at a printing company, Penplus (2003) Ltd. Concurrently, I embarked on the journey of establishing my own small graphic design company, where I crossed paths with my current partner, Xaria.
becoming a graphic artist which was a complete surprise to even me!
The purchase of our current home reignited my passion for tinkering and crafting, particularly woodworking. Despite the less-than-ideal basement space, I was determined to make the most of it, reviving my love for woodworking that had lain dormant since my school days.
For the past 10 and half years, I've been fully employed as a plastic fabricator, crafting various plastic plumbing fittings and other products. However, on May 8th, 2024, I faced redundancy, prompting me to seek new full-time employment opportunities.
Driven by newfound inspiration, I've returned to my creative endeavors, eager to tinker and create in my own space. Through my website and YouTube channel Wacky Wood Works, my aim is simple: to inspire others to embark on their own crafting journeys. I draw inspiration from fellow woodworkers and makers on the internet, and I hope to reciprocate that inspiration by sharing my projects and ideas with others. Whether it's woodworking, plastic fabrication, or any other medium, my goal is to encourage others to say, "I can do that."
Beyond crafting, I have a range of hobbies, from composing music (all of which can be found under a Creative Commons License) for my YouTube videos to indulging in graphic artistry. I also enjoy motorcycle riding and immersing myself in a good Sci-Fi movie.
Warm Regards
Nighthawk
