Fur Bliss - Wendy Gibb
Morere

A preference for self-employment and rural living, a passion for conservation and a good dose of entrepreneurial spirit are behind the direction work and lifestyle has taken for Wendy and Paul...
The first part of the equation would have to be Paul's work as a professional possum hunter. Add to the mix Wendy's desire for a new pastime other than reading, eating or watching videos back when she was deep sea fishing in the 90's and...the resulting teddy bear, crafted painstakingly by Wendy from possum fur. This first experiment led to orders from the crew members on the boat and the rest you might say, is history.
Wendy had never been a keen sewer until that point, so she's had to feel her way; she's taught herself the requisite skills and had to cultivate a bit of patience that is so essential for such intricate work.
Wendy has made the move from a bedroom doubling as storage space to a workshop from where she now creates a full complement of products all utilising possum fur, from teddy bears, foot stools, hats, mittens, to neck wraps and bags.
Wendy and Paul market their products under the label, Fur Bliss, and see their work as one way of contributing to the survival of the unique flora and fauna of the rolling valley that cradles Morere. They are also happy to be able to utilise a material that is not only luxurious to touch but is also hard wearing, eco-friendly, has high insulating properties and is warmer and lighter than wool.

If you would like to place an order with Wendy, she can be contacted on furbliss@xtra.co.nz or (06) 837 5571.