The Crafty World of Hip Brown

This week the BrisStyle team caught up with Rachael Honner of Hip Brown, creator of fabulous belts for kids.

How would you describe your work?
I would describe my belt range as colourful, bright, simple and precisely made.

Hip Heart

How did your Etsy shop come into being?

The early inspiration for Hip Brown began from my own frustrations as a mother, being somewhat dissatisfied with mass produced, cheaply made and highly themed children’s clothes and accessories.... I knew I could do better so… I thought I'd start in a very simple way by creating a new line of children’s belts that were hand made with attention to detail, and a little love to boot.

I am really interested in labels that maintain this focus rather than those that focus on profits. I do have plans to expand beyond children’s accessories to women’s (itching to create some up-cycled belts and home wares) but I want to do it as time permits & without work load stress. My focus right now is to balance my business with chasing my very fast toddler, school drop offs and enjoying family life.

Hip Pirate

Who or What inspires you?

I am inspired by everything however I will attempt to articulate this more thoroughly….beautiful fabrics (really love mini sized, nana florals right now), beautifully made goods and creative people. I enjoy reading Frankie and Inside out magazines… both magazines are so visually creative and inspirational. I particularly love all things hand made, it can add an abundance of style, love, character and thought to anything… this inspires me.

Hip Lilly

Do you ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ as part of your creative process?

I reuse buttons from Op shops because it’s a good way to keep production costs low and recycle at the same time. Op shops also provide an alternative source for fabric. Provided I am inspired by the fabric, can envisage it will work with the Hip Brown range and there is sufficient quantity, I will use it. I spotted the fabric for Hip Charlie in a charity shop. It’s a lovely red vintage upholstery fabric. I like that it was most likely heading for the scrap heap, and all it needed was a tiny bit of imagination. I would never consider myself an intentional greenie, I just like to be open to such things because maybe even selfishly you never know where it may creatively take you.

Hip Charlie

Can you describe your studio / work area?

My work area is always changing, kitchen, lounge and even a friend's house. However we’ve recently completed some renovations at home which should allow me to have a dedicated area for focusing on my work, which is exciting. I am looking forward to making it a more inspirational space and more “my work area”.

What is your favourite thing in the shop at the moment?

I would have to say my favorite item in my shop right now is either Hip Polka or Hip Rosie because I love their fabric covered buttons. You can never have too many fabric covered buttons! I like each belt to have its own character even if it’s subtle/ conservative.

Hip Rosie

Do you have any other places that people can view/purchase your work?

My belts can be found at Rellie Bellies in Paddington, Brisbane and Mumma’s Home in Wilston and on my Facebook page.

Thanks so much Rachael for your time! You can check out more fabulous Hip Brown belts in Rachael's Etsy shop.

Happy Birthday BrisStyle!

Rebecca, Helen and Sam

BrisStyle celebrated its 2nd birthday on Saturday at the fabulous Bleeding Heart Gallery!

BrisStylers enjoyed a leisurely lunch in the heart of the city followed by loads of crafty chats, laughs, gossip and a fabulous story from Robyn about the first ever BrisStyle meet up – two years later and that handful of Etsy sellers has turned into 120 fully fledged members and counting!

Tammy and Melinda

The day ended with a crafty swap of handmade gifts and some browsing in the Bleeding Heart shop full of local handmade goodies including some of our own BrisStylers.

Happy Birthday BrisStyle and here's to the next year – bigger and better than ever!

The crafty world of TIGA Designs

This week the BrisStyle team caught up with Ali from TIGA Designs for a chat about her gorgeous work inspired by her children.

Magnets - Red Rainbow - Set of 5

How would you describe your work?
Cute, simple uncomplicated designs that entail high quality workmanship. Every item I create is designed to perform a function, meet a need, and be aesthetically pleasing.

Lady Bug Messenger Bag

How did your Etsy shop come into being?
When I started creating items for my children to enjoy and then their friends, I realized that there were a lot of people that could not sew, and were not satisfied with the mass produced items that were constantly being presented to them as the only option in stores.

My messenger bags were designed for my 2 year old and 4 year old children who were seeking independence and wanted to carry their own bags into and out of day care. The bags they had were just too heavy for them to manage. I designed a bag to be lightweight, with a strap to be worn across their body to distribute the weight, and just the right size to carr
y their lunch, water bottle and a hat. When other parents saw them and told me they were exactly what they had been looking for, I launched my etsy store.

TIGA Designs Messenger Bag

Who or what inspires you?
I always feel so inspired when I see other people that are pursing their dreams, and achieving small goals through hard work, positivity and dedication. It helps to reinforce my belief in myself and the knowledge that “GIRLS CAN DO ANYTHING”.

Cars Messenger Bag

Do you ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ as part of your creative process?
I am pleased to say that most things in my store have a component to them that has lived a former life. My "messenger bags" often have repurposed fabric in cute designs on their cover flaps, and old buttons that have been reclaimed. My little boys “car cards” have been made using old paint colour swatches sourced from a friend that owns a colour consulting business. Some of the magnets I have in store were once old business cards that had an error in the email address when printed. I want to leave this planet in a better state than when I arrived and will look out for every opportunity to create from the unwanted items that surround me.

Light Blue Car Card

Can you describe your studio / work area?
Studio/work area….what’s that? I can only dream. I always do my actual making at the kitchen table as it is a lovely flat surface to work, and allows me to oversee what mischief the kids are getting up to. I also think that it the best place in the house to enjoy the winter sun, the summer breeze, and the lovely outlook. I find that I produce high quality craftsmanship when I am relaxed, comfortable and enjoying the making experience.

What is your favourite thing in the shop at the moment?
Sometimes it is the simple things you love the best. My cute “Girls of the World” magnets.

Girls of the World Magnet - Set of 3

Check out more TIGA Designs here:
TIGA Designs on Etsy
TIGA Designs on madeit

Alice in Wonderland Gift Guide

Tim Burton's movie, Alice in Wonderland, has reignited interest in the Lewis Carroll classic. Tap into the magical world of Wonderland as you flick through this Brisstyle Alice in Wonderland Gift Guide. Go check out the stores; there's more magic to be had.

Starring, in no particular order ♥Alice’s Offering Bookmark from Sharlz n Dollz ♣ Alice Locket from Mrs Smiley ♦ Queen of Hearts Bootees from Little Chrissy ♠ The Door’s Too Small Print from Jetta’s Nest ♥ Cheshire Cat Softie from Jaffajaf ♣ Rosey Teacosy from Seamstress Daughter ♦ Tea and Toile Apron from Wimcee ♠ Alice’s Drink Me Earrings from Up In Annie’s Room ♥ Alice in Wonderland Teapot and Cup Set from Artdecadence ♣ Bunny from Edward and Lilly ♦ Cup of Tea Ring from Denim Days ♠ Set TtV Photos Coffee and Tea and Milk and Sugar from Hey Harriet ♥ Bronze Butterfly Earrings from Angelene ♣ Believe Magnets from Designs of the Heart ♦ Queen of Hearts OOAK Necklace from Gradum Gypsies ♠ Bunny Pants and Singlet Set from Tutus and Muddy Shoes ♥ Maeve Bunny from Little Jellygnite ♣ Tea Party Brooch Set from REread ♦ Heart Cake Toppers from Enticing Icing

BiDM Wrap Up

1. Boorah Designs, 2. Rock n Wrap, 3. Little Mary Moo, 4. Obi Lane

The BrisStylers were up bright and early on Saturday morning for our first BrisStyle Indie Designers Market for 2010!

1. Enticing Icing, 2. Beckybean, 3. Jellygnite, 4. Happily Ever Artist

Stalls were loaded up with handmade goodies from totes to soft toys, jewellery, clothing, homewares plus lots of sweet treats for the launch of Enticing Icing!

1. Crowds outside, 2. Ruby2GoGo crowds, 3. Setting up final stages, 4. Snack time

Despite the looming clouds, our rain dances during the week paid off and the crowds soon turned up ready to take in the very best of handmade in Brisbane!

1. Hot Fudge stock, 2. SM Boutique, 3. Little Chrissy, 4. Retro Bird

BrisStyle has set the scene for an exciting year of handmade shopping in 2010, next up is the very first BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market at King George Square in the City on Friday 30 April from 5-9 pm. You do not want to miss it!

1. Miss Dish, 2. REread, 3. Made by Maisie, 4. Kimono Reincarnate

And if that's not enough to whet your appetite check out these fabulous posts from our very own BrisStylers:

{a creature strange}
Alipink
Angelene
Boorah Designs
Cute as Buttons
Hot Fudge
Jetta's Nest
Little Mimoo
Miss Dish
Moose & Bird
Rocstar Dog Boutique
Wimcee

The Big BrisStyle Giveaway

The Big BrisStyle Giveaway is on again!

At the start of each month a group of BrisStylers will be hosting a giveaway on their blog!

So, what are you waiting for? Get clicking and check out these great giveaways. BrisStylers will be entering links on this post throughout the day so check back later for more glorious giveaway updates!

Please note only members of BrisStyle are eligible to enter their link below.

Come and hang out with the coolest crafters, artists and designers at the HOTtest destination for everything handmade in Brisbane at the

BriStyle Indie Designers Market
tomorrow Saturday 6th March from 9am - 2pm
at St Augustine's Church Hall and Grounds, Racecourse Rd Hamilton.

We'll be there rain, hail or shine so pack your brolly and your shoppin' shoes and head on over to join in all the fun!

Don't forget we've got more exciting events coming up during the year, including Twilight Markets in King George Square in Brisbane city, so check them all out here

The crafty world of Up in Annie's Room

Amidst all the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market preparations this week we caught up with Emma from Up in Annie's Room for a chat about her fun and fabulous accessories.

How would you describe your work?
Eclectic would probably be the best description. I often joke that I suffer from “crafter ADD”, I love to try something new but I always make time for my old favorites as well. I like to think I make fun, quirky and affordable pieces. At the very least I have fun making them and when others have fun wearing them that’s a huge buzz for me.

Earrings Spring Garden

How did your Etsy shop come into being?
I actually started out on a site called OzeBaby sewing flongies (yep, it’s a real word!) and modern cloth nappies before I had a go at making scrabble tile pendants and then I was hooked. I got the jewelry bug and there was no turning back. From there I built up my own online store and a lovely friend put me onto etsy about 2 years ago. The name “Up in Annie’s Room” often confuses people as my name isn’t Annie, it’s something my grandmother always used to say when I lost something “It’s up in Annie’s Room behind the clock”.

Chunky Birdcage pendant

Who or what inspires you?
Oh gosh, anything and everything. Books I’m reading, music, art, my kid’s books, things I notice out and about and there’s probably a good dose of cheesy nostalgia in there too for good measure.

Mini Bib pendant One of a kind Supergirl

Do you ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ as part of your creative process?
I reuse old game pieces for my scrabble and domino tile pendants and old typewriter keys on the TypeStyle bracelets. I do like to repurpose and upcycle wherever possible.

Typestyle Bracelet

Can you describe your studio / work area?
We live in an old Queenslander where space is at a premium so half of the study I share with my husband is usually covered in stock at various stages of completion as well as my mac which sometimes looks more like a jewelry rack. I did make an attempt to convert the laundry downstairs into a work area but as it floods in heavy rain I had to retreat from that idea.

What is your favourite thing in the shop at the moment?
My new Kite Girl acrylic pendant, this is my first design I have had laser cut as part of a limited edition of acrylic and sterling silver jewelry.

The Red Kite - Red acrylic and sterling silver pendant

Do you have any other places that people can view/purchase your work?
Australian store
Blog
Etsy Shop

You can also find Up in Annie's Room at the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market this Saturday 6 March, 9am-2pm at St Augustine's Church Hall and Grounds, Racecourse Road, Hamilton, Brisbane.

The last of the red HOT Marketeers....

Superhero's and sweet damsels in distress will all be looked after at Tutus and Muddy Shoes' Take a sneak peek at one of Anneliese's winning designs on the cover of the latest Peekaboo Mag!

The wild and creative mind of Teneale of Wicked Child Designs has been hard at work creating the wickedest softies ever!

Lemon Ink’s sleek and stylish bags are made from recycled materials and are super durable and waterproof and perfect for work and play

The Rainbow Patch's bright, fun fabrics will bring smiles to both big and little faces as they discover lots of bugs and butterflies, snails and puppy dogs tails.


Made by Miffy will be there in spirit this time but check out her fab store online and keep an eye out for her return at the next BiM

Rock and Roll your way to the funky and fabulous designs of Miss Kitty Boo Boo . Katie’s cool dresses for big and little gals are hip and happening with retro colours set to rock your world.

A visit to Made by Maisie is a must to give a home to one of Catherine's beautiful handmade dolls - each with a personality and charm of their own.

Renee from Insulate works with funky recycled fibres from clothing and linen to make quirky cards and wool fibres from which she creates felt ~ brooches and book covers.


Melanie’s store, Kimono Reincarnate, is a home for items handcrafted from gorgeous vintage Japanese kimono fabrics, all made from textiles she collected whilst living over there.

Little Chrissy icreates the most loveable and swoon worthy brooches, baby's booties, bibs and jewellery all with a distinct eco twist...and soemtimes a cheeky one too.

TIGA Designs is set to rock the BrisStyle Co-op with bright and stunning wall canvases as well as children's accessories.

Sandrine from SM Boutique's stunning range of clothing and accessories that accent her much loved hats have become the talk of the town. This year Sandrine has a lot of new surprises in store and you'll find her in the main hall.

IPod and IPhone cases will never be the same again! Julia from {a creature strange} uses fabrics that are bold and retro-inspired in all of her designs and you'll find her handbags and accessories irresistible.

Shazzabeth Creations wirework and chainmaille jewellery are out of this world! In particular Sharon's intricate chainmaille has all the romance of a medieval time but with a distinct contemporary twist - just divine!

Spunmud's ceramic collection features charming, sculptural, fluid forms and enchanting, decorative retro designs that are inspired by traditional Queensland architecture as well as Pop Culture.

Michelle from Vintage Visions uses bold geometric patterns in her funky kiln fired glass jewellery designs. She also features hats and other glam accessories to swoon over.