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Behind the scenes of Franklin’s busiest Christmas maker 🎄
Published about 1 month ago • 8 min read
Hello, my dear Frankies!
The Christmas countdown is officially getting serious - exactly one week until the big day! 😅🎄
And honestly…while we’re all out here trying to finish work, buy the presents, sort the food, and make everything feel a little bit magical (without losing our minds), I thought it’d be fun to step into the shoes of someone on the other side of Christmas chaos. This week you’ll meet Ash - a total local legend who runs Creative Addictions and has been absolutely run off her feet making the most gorgeous personalised gifts. It was so cool chatting with her and seeing what this season looks like from behind the scenes.
Also, quick little heads up: over the next few weeks we’ll be publishing a day earlier, and we’ll mostly stick to the events list while everyone does that festive semi-hibernation thing between Christmas and New Year.
But! Coming into 2026 we’re very excited because we’re launching something new: the Frankie Squad - a bunch of local Frankies who’ll head out to events, try the local eats, and report back so we all know what’s worth the hype. If that sounds like your vibe, keep reading and sign-up!
Ok. Deep breath. We’re nearly there, guys! 💛
R. and the Frankie Team xx
Meet the Maker: Ash from Creative Addictions
This is the gorgeous Ashleigh, also known as Ash. Ash’s life right now is basically a three-tab browser situation: mum to two tiny humans, co-running a local electrical business, and running Creative Addictions - a laser-cutting, engraving, and gift-making wonderland that has grown and evolved over the past few years in the gaps between daycare, dinner time, and the general chaos of small-kid life.
So, how did Creative Addictions actually happen?
Creative Addictions started the way a lot of great Franklin businesses do: as a hobby that accidentally got very real, very fast. Ash has always been into making things - her “creative addictions” have hopped from painting and photography to resin and wood (the OG fans will remember her gorgeous resin surfboards - rumoured to be making a comeback!), with plenty of market stalls along the way…and then she levelled up and bought a laser cutter/engraver.
After that, it basically snowballed. Because once you can make things and personalise them, people appear like, “Hi yes, can you create the exact thing I’m imagining in my brain?” Luckily for everyone, Ash loves that part - bringing ideas to life, making custom pieces, and teaming up with other local businesses for things like cake toppers, shelving, and engraving. Peak “Franklin supporting Franklin.”
Some of the beautiful Christmas edition
What even is Creative Addictions?
If you haven’t come across Creative Addictions yet, here’s what it actually is: Ash runs a laser cutting and engraving studio in Franklin, alongside an online shop of handmade gifts and artwork. She creates custom pieces for both individuals and businesses, and she’s especially known for her photographic art panels - some of which are on display at River Road Nursery, and she’s also exhibited work at the Franklin Art Centre.
At markets, her laser-made personalised items are the big sellers - especially her Christmas range. Think personalised Christmas Eve boxes, name baubles and teacher gifts, resin Christmas tree boards, cheese and serving platters, and kids’ organisers (yes, including unicorn hairclip holders)...seriously, go check out her Instagram right now to see all the beautiful ideas! Her only issue is the classic maker problem: too many ideas, not enough hours.
The reality of mum-life + business-life
When she’s not “Creative Addictions Ash,” Ashleigh is in full mum mode with two little ones (4 years and 20 months) - which means her life is a loop of snacks, daycare drop-offs, and tiny people with huge opinions. She’s also a partner (soon-to-be wife!) to Cam, and together they run local electrical business Bespoke Wiring Solutions - and somehow still find time to do the classic Franklin thing: potter around the property, garden, and accidentally turn “a quick DIY job” into a full-blown weekend build.
Personalised cake toppers!
The juggle is real, though. With the kids in part-time daycare, Ash gets a few work days a week…but those days are also where the chores and admin live (rude). And as Ash has found "the hardest part is time - not just finding the hours, but finding the headspace to be creative". And when sickness hits (if you have kids you know how often that can be!), it can derail the whole week and push orders back. On the messy days, she leans on what works: lots of lists to keep things moving, designing and planning in the evenings, and saving the hands-on making for daycare hours - with a firm boundary that the kids aren’t in the studio when the laser is running (because laser safety + toddlers is a hard no).
Franklin is the secret sauce
When I asked Ash how the Franklin community has supported her, her answer was basically: in every way that matters.
She’s found support through other local businesses - not just through sales, but through genuine interaction, sharing, collaborating, and showing up for each other at promotions and markets. And the coolest part? The majority of her sales are local - friends, friends of friends, people who love buying from someone they actually know (or at least know-of through the great Franklin grapevine).
In her words: the community keeps her dreams alive.
More of Ash's work!
Support local!
If you want to support Ash and keep the dream alive and growing, keep an eye out for Creative Addictions online (and at local markets), share her work when you see it, and think of her when you need a gift that doesn’t scream “I panic-bought this at the supermarket on the way to the party.”
Because personalised, locally made, and actually beautiful? That’s a pretty great way to do gifting - especially in Franklin.
Unscramble the letters above to find the Christmas-related phrase! Answer at the bottom of the newsletter!
🎟️ Calling all Frankie Squad members!
Franklin friends…We're officially building a tiny-but-mighty crew of locals who want to help sniff out the best stuff happening around our patch. Think: markets, openings, workshops, family events, live music, cute little community moments - and all the “wait, how did I not know this was on?!” gems.
What even is the Frankie Squad? A rotating bunch of lovely humans who are keen to pop along to local events (when it suits you), take a few pics or clips, jot down a couple of thoughts, and report back so Dear Frankie can share the good bits with everyone.
Not a job-job. Not influencer-y. No awkward posing next to a balloon arch (unless you want to!). Just local people helping local people find the fun.
What you’ll do (in very normal-human terms): You might:
Attend an event you were already going to (or one you’re curious about)
Snap a few photos/videos and send us your favourite moments or tag us on your storeis and posts
Tell us the vibe: “worth it/who it’s good for/what to expect/any hot tips”
Occasionally, try something new on behalf of the newsletter
Who this is perfect for: If you’re the friend who always says “we should go to that” - you’re hired! Mums, dads, students, retirees, night-market lovers, art gremlins, food sniffers, fitness folk, introverts who can observe quietly from the edge…all welcome!
Perks (because joy matters):
You’ll get first dibs on cool local happenings
You’ll be credited in the newsletter (if you want!)
Sometimes there may be freebies/entry covered when possible (depends on the event and partnerships)
You’ll be part of making Franklin feel even more connected and alive (cheesy, but true!)
🎨 Paint Your Own Christmas Decoration (Waiuku Zero Waste) Waiuku Library (10 King Street, Waiuku) 10:30–11:30am Come and make a Christmas decoration out of recycled materials with Waiuku Zero Waste.
🚁 Swellpro Drone Demo Kariaotahi Beach 12:00pm Full breakdown of the new Swellpro Fisherman Max and FD1+ non-calibration drones. Limited gear on the day—email to pre-organise: outdooradventureswithkz@gmail.com
🌮 Food Trucks at Pukekohe Park Raceway Pukekohe Park Raceway 4:30–8:30pm International street food at competitive prices (Thai, Asian, Mexican, Indian, Greek/Turkish, hāngī, gourmet burgers).
🍸 Thursday Cocktail Happy Hour Little Ed 6:00–7:00pm All your favourites, just a little bit cheaper!
✨🚂 Counties Energy Christmas Lights – Trains at Night Glenbrook Vintage Railway 6:00–11:00pm Festive trains, lights, Santa, Christmas night markets, and food/drinks. Tickets!
🧠 Quiz Trivia Night Blue Ox Babe 7:00pm Weekly quiz night—round up a team and get competitive.
🎄 Christmas Wonderland Waiuku - Everyday until Christmas! Waiuku War Memorial Hall 3:00–9:30pm Walk-through wonderland—vote for your favourite locally-decorated Christmas tree. Entry by donation or bring a children’s gift to donate. All the info!
Friday
🧵 Textile Transformation Lab Franklin Arts Centre (12 Massey Avenue, Pukekohe) 9:30am–4:30pm 19 December - 13 January A community space to experiment with recycled fabrics, mend clothing, and add to the community rag rug. Check it out!
🎨 Paint Your Own Christmas Decoration (Waiuku Zero Waste) Pukekohe Library (12 Massey Avenue, Pukekohe) 10:30–11:30am Come and make a Christmas decoration out of recycled materials with Waiuku Zero Waste.
🕯️ Sip & Shop at Little Batch Wax Co Little Batch Wax Co (152A Manukau Road, Pukekohe) 4:00–7:00pm 10% off everything, free gift wrapping, refreshments, cookie decorating station, Christmas music and more. Follow along
🎭 The Christmas Quilt (Elim Christmas Production) Elim Christian Centre (12 Cape Hill Road, Pukekohe) 3pm and 7pm Free family-friendly Christmas production—no tickets required. More info
🎸 Friday Night Bands with LOOP The Longkeeper (249 King Street, Pukekohe) 9:00pm–late Christmas Band Night with LOOP—festive tunes, drinks, and a big silly-season night out.
Saturday
🛍️🎄 Waiuku Twilight Xmas Market Waiuku Rugby Club 2:00–8:00pm Twilight market with live music, Santa, competitions, karaoke, giveaways and end-of-year Christmas chaos (the fun kind).
🎭 The Christmas Quilt (Elim Christmas Production) Elim Christian Centre (12 Cape Hill Road, Pukekohe) 3:00pm Free family-friendly Christmas production—no tickets required. More info
Sunday
🥕 Franklin Market Pukekohe Park Raceway 8:00am UpMarket vibes with produce, crafts, antiques, collectables, food trucks, live music and car boot stalls.
🛍️ Glenbrook Country Market Glenbrook (Corner Glenbrook Road & Glenbrook Station Road) 9:00am–2:00pm Community market supporting worthy charities and organisations—bargains, crafts, and plenty of unique finds.
🏃 STRIDE TRIBE Run Club Waiuku (21 Martyn Street) 5:00pm Free, fun, pressure-free 3km—walk or run at your pace and stay for the community vibes. More info!
🎶 Sunday Sessions at Mr Henry Mr Henry (17 Patumahoe Road) From 2:00pm Live music from The Shed Shakers from 2pm, plus $20 mussel pots all day.
monday
🎅🦌 Christmas Magic with Santa & His Reindeer Navigation Homes Franklin (28 Te Rata Boulevard, Paerata Rise) 5:30–8:00pm Magical evening at the showhome—reindeer rides throughout and Santa arrives at 7:00pm. Learn more!
🧠 Monday Quiz Night Appetite 7:00pm A classic Monday night quiz—lots of fun.
🎲 Board Game Night Otakumart 6:00pm Free entry—bring your own games or borrow from the collection for a chill Monday hang.
Tuesday
🎨 Painting Club Franklin Arts Centre 6:00–8:00pm Bring whatever you’re working on for two hours of dedicated painting time and connection (term time only).
🏃 STRIDE TRIBE Run Club Waiuku (21 Martyn Street) 7:00pm Free, fun, pressure-free 3km—walk or run at your pace and stay for the community vibes.
🧠 Quiz Night Ed Street (27 Edinburgh Street) Quiz night with prizes—good banter and bragging rights.
Wednesday
🏺 Wednesday Drop-Ins: Air Dry Clay Decorations Franklin Arts Centre (12 Massey Avenue, Pukekohe) 10:00am–12:00pm Free drop-in—make Christmas decorations for your tree or to gift (no booking required).
🎄 Christmas Wonderland Waiuku Waiuku War Memorial Hall 3:00–9:30pm Walk-through wonderland—vote for your favourite locally-decorated Christmas tree. Entry by donation or bring a children’s gift to donate.
Word Scramble answer: Tree baubles
p.s. If someone awesome sent you this email and you want to subscribe yourself, sign up here 👉 dearfrankie.co.nz
"Think Waiuku + surrounds are boring? You haven't signed up for Dear Frankie yet!"
Find out what's going on in town this week - the fun way! 💥
*NEW FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER!* Covering Franklin's community gatherings, gigs and events, job postings, digital farmers market, weekend getaways, local stories and more...all delivered straight to your inbox for free! New editions every Thursday at 9:16 am. Subscribe free! 👇
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