Thursday, December 18, 2008

It's a Christmas wrap!

Get ready for the last BrisStyle post for the year folks. And let me warn you. It's a biggie. You might like to settle yourself down with a cup of tea first. Break out the tim tams. And enjoy the wrap-up.


In case you haven't already heard around the bloggy/crafty traps, the first ever BrisStyle market was an outstanding success. And on so many levels too! Not only was there a steady stream of smiling happy people all day (I think I got to sit down for all of about 20 mins for the entire 7 hour day!!!), but even the heat couldn't keep the huge smiles off the faces of the stallholders. Quite simply, it was heaps of fun.


The atmosphere was festive indeed, with music flooding the hall and courtyard, and excited stallholders chatting away (many of us had never met in real life before, although we had all communicated online regularly, so getting together was exciting in itself!).

From a personal perspective I could go on and on about what a fabulous market it was, and how proud I am to have been a part of it, and what an amazing group of people the BrisStyle crew are. But I'll spare you and let the pictures do the talking (unfortunately I was way too distracted to get round and take photos of all the stalls, so here is just a selection of market pics I've cobbled together from those organised enough to take some snaps!!).

Pedrosprout (top) and Hot Fudge (bottom)


Oh, I'll just also mention, that we raised $247 for Knitting for Brisbane's Needy, the charity that we supported by way of a raffle of members' goods and general donations (congratulations Diane Jones on your win, we hope you love your handmade items!!) .

Raffle Goodies

We also had the lovely Olivia from Scampsville doing a live cross from the market as part of her radio show At The Local on 4ZZZ. So if you'd like to hear a bit of live action from the day you can listen to the podcast, where Olivia interviews Helen (from Ruby Red Studios & Ruby2GoGo), Hayley (from REread) and myself (Beckybean). She also has a chat with Karen from Knitting for Brisbane's Needy, if you're interested in hearing more about this very worthy local charity.


Little Diva (top left) Kitty Boo Boo (top right) and Not Sew Shabby (bottom)


So it was a fun fun day (even if a bit hot...). Did I mention the food? My homemade iced tea (made with real Billy Tea) was refreshingly divine, as was my roast veggie wrap, and don't even get me started on those gorgeous mini christmas puddings that were handed around by Sharlene from Sharlzndollz!!!

Salt Sea Tees (top left) Little Diva (top right) and EmbelISH (bottom)

Bel and Em from EmbelISH also turned into little elves, delivering star-shaped gingerbread delights and other goodies.

Beckybean (top) and Hot Fudge (bottom)

Oh, and I haven't even mentioned yet the sneakiest little elf of all, fellow BrisStyle blog editor Tracy, of Hey Harriet. Although Tracy didn't have her own stall at the market, she was there manning the BrisStyle table, and relieving stallholders, and basically being the most amazing Girl Friday. Thanks so much Tracy - there is no way the day could have run as smoothly as it did without your help. I know you prefer to stay behind the scenes, but I simply can't type this without saying a huge THANKS! XXX

REread (top) and Twinkle Star Art (bottom)

Did I say I was going to let the pictures do the talking? I'm not very good at that am I? Oh well, while I'm at it, can I just say, see that gorgeous little mermaid doll at the front of the dolls shown below? That's MINE!!!! Well, actually, it will be my daughter's on Christmas day, but I can't wait to give it to her :)

Made by Maisie (top) and Bettsy Kingston (bottom....he he...get it???...sorry...)

While I'm rabbiting on here, can I also say I huge THANK-YOU to all the people who supported us in this huge venture. I was amazed at how many people came down to say hello, from other local Etsy sellers to South East QLD bloggers, friends, families and general passers-by. Even the very lovely Kelley, creator of Peppermint Magazine came down to check us out and say hello. Thanks everyone - your support was very very much appreciated and it really added to the wonderful vibe happening on the day.

Oooh ooh ooh, and seeing as though I've dropped all pretense of showing any kind of restraint with my waffle, can I also say.....see that t-shirt at the very front below (with the dog applique)? My sister bought one of those for her son, and oh my goodness he looks SO gorgeous in it. He wore it for his first photo with Santa. You can't tell from this pic but the nose is fluffy - EEEKKKK, too cute!!!!

Sharlzndollz (top) and Tees 2 Knees (bottom)

The only problem with this market. *Sigh* I now have the hugest wish list. I'm sure my sister and I bought things from at least half the stalls at the market (thank-you Little Mary Moo, Hot Toffee, Strat Designs and Raspberry Pink to name but a few, and I'm looking forward to extending Kate's Made by Miffy wardrobe next year too....hmmm...and maybe some Mimoo pjs too - they were SOOOO cute). But if you're getting the idea that I could easily have had one of everything then you'd be spot on. Like most people it seems, I came away so inspired by the handmade brigade.

Sunshadow (top left), Ogekko (top right) and Jellygnite (bottom)


And lastly, this whole big event would not have even happened at all if it weren't for the tireless effort, energy and enthusiasm of this amazing lady below. Miss Ruby Red there are not enough words to say thank-you with. The success of this market is a testament to the wonderful person you are. We are all so very very grateful.

The wonderwoman herself, Helen of Ruby Red Studios & Ruby2GoGo

And if somehow after reading this you are thinking "I need to know more" then never fear. Below is a list of links to other blog posts about the BrisStyle market. So you can get more perspectives, more photos, and more info about the wonderful day that was the first ever BrisStyle Christmas Market. Please Enjoy. And on behalf of BrisStyle can I wish you much merriment, happiness, health, love and craftiness for the Christmas holidays. We will be back, bigger and brighter in the new year. Cheers, Bec XXX

Bits of Toffee - a little more...for Sally xx
Charlie and Grace - Tis the season ...

Hot Fudge - Not all Markets Crash
Just Needs Salt - So many things to love, to want, to buy
Kitty Boo Boo - BrisStyle Christmas Markets Review

Little Diva - The first BrisStyle Market was a HUGE Success
Made by Maisie - Maisies Go To Market
Sharlzndollz - Mighty Market Roundup
The Small Stuff - And LO it was awesome!
The Small Things - The BrisStyle purchases
Twinkle Star Art - My first post

12 comments:

KH said...

It all looks wonderful! I'm sad I missed out, although my husband is probably relieved, as I probably would've spent more than I made!

Hey Harriet said...

Woohoo! This is a most awesome post Bec! Thanks so much for all the effort you put into this. If I wasn't at the market I would be totally kicking myself after reading this that I missed out! It was an amazing day! Everybody involved contributed towards making it the success that it was. Congrats to everybody who participated!

Oh and thanks for the nice little mention Bec. Awww shucks! It's been great blogging with you. You rock! Enjoy a well deserved rest & see you in the New Year. 2009! The year of BrisStyle! :) xo

Green Envy Designs said...

i am just so very sad i missed out on this! seeing this all coming together from afar still is cool... even if i should really have been there!. helen thank you so much for taking over from me and making it such a succes. it's a true christmas gift! :)

hugs all

es

Hot Fudge said...

I've just come up for breath - what a marvellous post. Congratulations Bec for putting so much effort into it. I've been transported back to last Saturday and I want to do it all again!

At least I know who stole that doggy t-shirt. I settled on one with a little girl on it and one of my darling graddaughters will look so cute in it on Christmas Day.

I can't go without giving Helen of Ruby Red Studios a big internet hug. Without her cheerful, quietly determined leadership, I doubt this would have been half the success it was.

Have a wonderful Christmas everybody. I don't know about you, but I can't wait for our next market!

Unknown said...

thank you for the great post and the collection of great snaps form the day ...

Ali said...

Yay! what a fantastic post - your 'waffle' is so eloquent and fun - thanks Bec :D When's the next market? Let's do it again, it was so fun!!
And I love Tracy's idea; '2009, the year of BrisStyle'! yahoo ;)

Anonymous said...

That was the best waffle yet Bec! I loved every bit of it. That Tees 2 Knees puppy shirt is very cute, I bought a pink puppy fluffy nosed one for my daughters birthday.

Anonymous said...

Oh it's me again. Just thought I would let you know my first post on my new blog is about our market too. Although it's quite brief.

Anonymous said...

Excellent post Bec!

I am about to rabbit on a bit more about the markets on my blog this weekend. I have just been so busy since our markets with my day job (sigh) and Maisie orders (yay).

The photos of the market stalls have come up beautifully. How awesome is the one of Helen in her stall. Wish I looked that good in the heat of the day.

x Cat

Anonymous said...

so nice.. by http://neodrops.blogspot.com

Me and My 4 Fellas said...

Hi All.
Certainly sounds like the day was a huge success. Congrats. Micky, Miriam and myself are so sad that we missed it...It looked like an amazing day out.

Merry Xmas to all
From
Liesa

XUE said...

Great pics of the stalls! Too bad I'm nowhere near Brisbane as I would have love to be at this colourful market especially to catch a glimpse of Tracy from HH !