January 2012: Karyn’s back after competing alongside her daugther and husband at the NZ NRA National Target Shooting Competition and the Ballinger Belt (NZ’s oldest sporting trophy). My daughter Charlotte won C Grade, came 37th in the Ballinger Belt & was selected to represent the North Island in the Nth vs Sth shoot & her Club in team events. My husband Steve made the final of our FTR category and came 5th and I came 9th 
“It’s in my blood I started making and selling things at an early age ……
…….… now both my teenage daughters show the same talents”
Karyn’s been making these beautiful hand crafted badges since 1995.
“It’s all in a name, it’s what makes each of us special”
How it all began….
Val Lewis began making name badges in 1975, they began with round discs with names on and progressed to named animal badges.
Beginnings of an Artist Karyn began selling her own works when she was 10 years old at the Victoria Market located in Willis Street, Wellington where in the mid 1970’s her mother and family friend Val Lewis shared a co-op stall until the market closed. Karyn’s parents expanded their craft business and went on to own and operate a sucessful screen printing business selling personalised items both domestically and internationally.
As a teenager Karyn managed a stall at the yearly Wellington Trade Fair, and enjoyed selling at fairs and exhibitions around NZ until she moved to Sydney in 1989.
The Martinborough Fair in the Wairarapapa was always a highlight.
Val and Karyn’s badges were exhibited at The Martinborough Fair for 25 years between 1978-2003, Karyn had her own stall from 1996-2003.
“I love the Martinborough Fair, I travelled home twice each year when I lived in Sydney to help out my parents with their stall”.
Karyn returned from Sydney in 1995 after Val Lewis’ passing took over the name badge business. Karyn went on to develop a successful mail order and online business.
Inspiration: “When designing new badges I often find myself looking back and getting inspiration from Val’s original works, ideas and techniques”.
Each badge is unique and beautiful. They come in bright cheerful colours and are very popular with nurses and teachers.
Karyn’s email address sales@badgeorders.co.nz
Karyn’s old email address flanagan@paradise.net.nz
