I love to support Australian businesses when I need to purchase gifts or something special for myself. I am particularly passionate about the handmade and artisan sector. These industries have serious originality that you may not find in your everyday store. Making the item you purchase unique and special in every way. It makes me feel good knowing I am supporting my fellow Aussie and I have full confidence that the product I buy is either handmade or produced here in Australia.

Do you struggle though with what to buy your nearest and dearest when it comes to that perfect present? I know I certainly do with mother's day coming up I am feeling a little anxiety over what perfect gift to give. It feels like I have that same old question every year when birthdays, anniversaries, mothers or fathers day comes around. There is always a mad dash scouring the shops or the web looking for that perfect gift to bring a smile to that the receivers face. The answer to your problems.... Bindle!

What is Bindle you may ask?

Bindle is an online eco gift service that blends sustainability with style and celebrates local talent in the collaboration of Australian products and design. They have developed a range of tailor made Bindles for every occasion. Bindle was born due to the difficulty in finding unique and beautifully presented Australian eco presents for special times with little time to do so due to the demands of modern life. Sourcing only boutique Australian products, mostly local (Melbourne), Bindle is in sync with those who wish to fulfil a social responsibility by purchasing Australian. In fact everything about Bindle is Australian, from the products in the Bindles, to the boxes that contain them, to the hand that wraps them.

The real definition of a 'Bindle' is 'a bundle of possessions carried by a hobo'. Like many the creator of Bindle has had her hobo chapters and lived nomadically with very few possessions. Catherine liked to think of it as character-building, but back to the origins of Bindle. Unlike hobos who have no prescribed boundaries, Bindle is defined with a sense of place.

Each Bindle is a compilation of several talented individuals that brings to it his or her own personality and creativity. It’s the inter-relationships that make each Bindle unique. The artisans, farmers, families, friends, and recipients. Each experience and exchange influences the final product both in a physical and in an attitudinal one. Gifts for your friends, your family and your colleagues. They assemble it, you take the credit.

Short Black & Sides Bindle - $50

Teensy Boy - $50

Now doesn’t that have a beautiful ring to it – eco friendly, local Australian products all gift wrapped and sent to your door. Now this excites me. Every occasion is catered for both sexes from birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers to a simple “thinking of you”. I would have to say one of my favourite Bindles is the Short Black & Side – coffee and biscuits, need I say more or the Teensy Boy which is positively CUTE! Catherine Blackford the creator of Bindle is here with us today to tell us a little about herself and about Bindle.

Catherine the brains behind Bindle.

Tell us a little about your family and where you grew up?

I grew up on a property and spent my formative years clambering over sheep’s backs and fossicking in creek beds. I have memories of overalls, chook buckets and shearing sheds. My mother is where my creativity comes from. She is very quirky and has a tendency to reinvent the most mundane of situations into an entertaining novel. I hope she writes a memoir. My father was an energetic man with a great sense of humour. I have an older brother called Thomas who taught me the art of sheer grit at a very young age.

Tell us a quirky fact about yourself?

My nickname is Tat. This often confuses people, as unfortunately I’m not hipster enough to pull off a sleeve of Tattoo’s. My brother couldn’t say Catherine, so it was shortened to Tatherine which soon became Tat for good.

Three things you just can’t leave the house without?

Hand cream, a few coins for a coffee and Sunglasses. My favourite sunglasses are Karen Walker bold tortoiseshell style. I have had them for years and love them as much as when I first bought them.

Your signature dish?

Chilli mussels.

What’s your best decorating tip?

Blend old with new. Add personality with vintage items that tell a story.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in all around me. However, the greatest inspiration is from people and their stories.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

In a home with stories to tell, a herb garden and giggling children at my feet.

What are you currently working on?

In any snippet of spare time my creative energy is poured into my new online gift business ‘Bindle’. My energy is focused on engaging talented local artisans and producers and discovering beautiful products to make up hand-made tailored gift packages.

What is your favourite Bindle pack and why?

It is difficult to have a favourite as it depends on the recipient. However, i love the ‘Life’s essentials’ Bindle as just add a beautiful cheese and it includes all the perfect items for a night of indulgence.

How long has Bindle been established for?

I established Bindle in August 2012.

What future aspirations do you have for Bindle?

I would love to focus more on the corporate market and bespoke gifts for events as I believe it is important for businesses to communicate a message of sustainability whilst impressing clients.

House Warming Bindle - $100

With Mothers day coming up in a couple of weeks why not invest in one of these Bindles to impress your mum, mum-in-law or wife with. You will be guaranteed to be shot to number one in the favourite gift-giver arena.

Catherine has kindly given all my readers a 10% discount on all Bindles until Mother's day - Sunday the 12th of May 2013 so get your orders in quick. Simply use the codeword: whimsical on your order to receive your discount.

Click over and visit Catherine on the Bindle Facebook page and say hi!