Presenting Tamsin Cooper’s TVNZ Debut

For a woman who grew up with no television set at all, Tamsin Cooper is about to hit New Zealand TV screens herself in a brand new show being launched Easter Saturday on TVNZ 7 Called “Hearts In Crafts”.

The show is a first of its kind is all about embracing New Zealand’s appetite for craft; sharing the stories and meeting the personalities of some of this country’s finest crafters. While reflecting on traditional crafts, “Hearts in Crafts” reveals emerging and contemporary crafts, and most importantly profiles the people passionate about craft.

As a designer of luxury fashion accessories and coats, Tamsin is no stranger to the art of design but was completely blown away by the amazingly talented craftspeople she met while filming the new series.  Never one to shy away from a challenge, she learned a myriad of new skills like potting, stencilling, book binding and of course the art of working along-side her co-host Justin Newcombe. 

It’s a role that Tamsin feels she was ‘tailor-made’ for and she launched into it - petite sized five vintage shoes and all.  “In a past life I graduated from Otago University with a BA majoring in theatre studies, so I felt right at home in that environment, but to say that I wasn’t nervous wouldn’t be completely true.  There were moments where I definitely felt out of my comfort zone, but the rewards were so worth it – I’m thrilled with the results” says Tamsin.

However, the producer of the show Adrienne Anderson says they knew Tamsin was right for the job the moment they viewed her audition tape.  “When looking for presenters to front the show, a key priority was that they had empathy and passion for the subject matter and Tamsin exudes both. This coupled with her outgoing, bubbly personality made her the perfect choice for the role.”

Tamsin is hugely excited about the show and about the resurgence of craft and the appreciation of hand-made products.  “Hearts In Crafts” also gave Tamsin the chance to showcase her own personal style with her vintage wardrobe and the accessories she wears on camera are all of her own design.

“To see these wonderfully passionate people getting the same pleasure I do out of creating, was both an honour and a privilege and I’m so excited to be part of this unique new show”

“Hearts in Crafts” airs 6.30pm, Saturday April 7 on TVNZ 7