Humble Pie Design

INTERVIEWED BY Michaela Stehr

We chat to Kayla Archer about her Humble Pie range, a collection of seriously cute dolls and clothing.

How did Humble Pie come about?

Humble Pie started after a sudden and unexpected move back to my little home town in Knysna. I was a bit stuck in a mind-space and didn’t know what to do with myself, so I started to sew as a way to clear my head. After a few animals were made and given to friends and family as gifts I was convinced to open a Facebook page and start selling them. I didn’t expect it to go very far, a fun side project and a way to get myself exposed as an artist, graphic designer and illustrator (which is what I initially wanted to be). I do still take on graphic design projects and I would love to illustrate more children’s books; including some of my animals in them would be great fun as well. But that is for the future.

What is the inspiration for your creations?

I grew up on a big farm in Rheenendal and my parents and grandparents used to surround me with fairytales. I was forever making forest fairies, animals and my own soft toys. I love seeing children playing and using their imagination instead of watching television, their cellphones or tablets. My aim is to give kids a proper childhood where tomfoolery and playing dress-up are the main elements. I think that is important. Some of the artists I am inspired by are Mount Royal Mint, Cat Rabbit and Lesne.

Do you have a favourite doll?

My favourite piece has to be my sock bonobo. He was the first animal I made for myself, and is now the mascot to Humble Pie Design. If there was ever a fire in my house, I would most definitely grab him first.

How long do they take to complete?

The duration varies, depending on the size and complexity. If an order is serious and needs to be done ASAP I can usually whip it up within a day, but my production time is 1 – 2 weeks, and it’s generally a week before it is posted. This includes the time to draw up the design (I make all my own templates), buy the fabric, sew it, and prepare it for posting.

Where can we find your work?

I mainly work online via email or my Facebook page. I have a shop open on Etsy and Hello Pretty, and some of my dolls are on SCOUT Collections, but I prefer to work directly as my dolls are made to order and I like making them for a customer specifically; it is more special when they can be a part of the design process. It is, after all, for them. Some of my toys are found in HANDS Design Collective in Woodmill Lane, Knysna. They will be featured in some of the local markets around the Knysna area as well this December.