Sunday, October 31, 2010

Indie Eco Workshops at BiECO

We're so excited to announce a fabulous line up of Indie Eco Workshops taking place at the BrisStyle Indie Eco Market on Saturday 6 November at St Augustine's Church Hall and Grounds, Racecourse Road Hamilton from 9am-2pm.


Brisbane artist Chrys Zantis will grace the markets with her famous interactive Knitting installation, Landscape of Resilience. Chrys will bring needles and hooks, threads, fabric and wool of all colours. So come and knit and sew with Chrys under the beautiful tree and reflect on your inner resilience.


After much demand, Wicked Child Designs will be running another Softie Workshop! Teneale will be on hand to provide help with constructing a basic softie, and all the materials will be provided on the day so you can have it finished to take home. You can then keep it for yourself, give it to someone for Christmas, or even donate it to Softies for Mirabel! Seats are limited and priced at a bargain $15 each, so book a seat quick smart by emailing Teneale now - wickedchilddesigns@yahoo.com.au.


Sue from Spoil and Indulge Natural will not only have all their Eco-Friendly Candles and Natural Soaps for sale but she will also have her famous "Kool Candles"! Sue will be conducting interactive Workshops where everyone can make their own colourful fragrance candle in a jar for a special price for the BiECO of $5 each. This is great activity for all ages as there is no heat involved in making the candle and you‘ll be using ECO friendly tiny coloured wax beads along with ribbons and stickers to decorate the jars.

Eco dyer and designer Trish from TrishAlan will be demonstrating the super addictive craft of Kumihimo braiding throughout the day and will have her range of eco dyed threads and kits to purchase.


The BrisStyle Indie Eco Market is proudly supported by Peppermint magazine who will also be there on the day!

BrisStyle Indie Eco Market
Saturday 6 November, 9am-2pm
St Augustine's Church Hall and Grounds
Racecourse Road, Hamilton

Stay tuned for more exciting eco announcements!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Enrich Your Life With an Oldie!

The BrisStyle Indie Eco Market is now less than 2 weeks away. In support of our chosen charity, Peninsula Animal Aid, we will be featuring a selection of furry friends on the blog each week to assist in finding them all a loving new home. This week we are featuring some of the older dogs currently available at Peninsula Animal Aid.

There's no such thing as a typical oldie, and there's no such thing as a typical home. Maybe you want a companion but your own health means you are unable to satisfy the exercise needs of a young dog. Oldies are often quite happy with a potter around the garden and a 20 minute slow-paced stroll around the neighbourhood.

Some oldies are ideal for families/couples who are active, but out for some of the day. These dogs thrive in a lively household with a couple of brisk walks each day and longer walks at weekends, but enjoy the peace and quiet when their owners are at work, and they're left alone to snooze in their doggy bed.

How many of us know what we will be doing in five years time, or ten? Many people could offer a fantastic home to a dog but 'would like to travel in a few years' or 'will go back to work when the kids start school'. When you take on a pup or a young dog you need to be as sure as you can that you can honour that dog with a home for life, which can be anything up to 18 years or more. With an older dog, the commitment is just as immense, but the time-frame is likely to be shorter.

Obviously oldies are not for everyone but they do have so much to offer. They are generally less problematic than younger dogs that still need guidance and training, given that very few oldies will not have spent at least some of their life in a home environment. For this reason they make ideal choices for first-time dog owners. The reward of knowing that you have given a noble and faithful dog a warm, loving home for the last few years of his life is incalculable.

This week's featured furries include Tazz, Button and Mitchell. Check out their doggy profiles below.

Tazz is an 8 year old Staffy X. He was left tied to the fence at Peninsula Animal Aid with a note saying "Unable to keep him, loves children but dislikes cats". Tazz has a loving personality but is becoming very depressed in the shelter. He wants a family where he can get lots of love and cuddles. Tazz needs to go to a home where he is the only pet, and must have 6 foot fences for his own safety. He needs to be allowed inside as part of his new family.

Cute as a Button! Button is a 7 year old Staffy X. He's house-trained and would like to be an inside/outside boy. He is very nice on the lead. A older family or couple would be best suited for this boy. Button has lived with a smaller dog and seems to like other doggy company. He was adopted from us as a pup and now he is back at the shelter through no fault of his own. Button must go to a home with secure 6 foot fencing for his own safety.


Darling Mitchell is an 8 year old Staffy X. He's an inside/outside boy who loves being with the family. He is wonderful with other dogs, and will be a great family pet if given half the chance! He loves to play doggy games and just wants a family - he will return your love tenfold. His new home must have 6 foot fences for his own safety.


If you are interested in providing a loving family home for one of these little guys please contact Peninsula Animal Aid. Their details can be found here.

You can also support the work of the Peninsula Animal Aid by coming along to the BrisStyle Indie Eco Market and purchasing a ticket in the BrisStyle raffle. All proceeds from the raffle will go to Peninsula Animal Aid and you could win yourself a basket full of handmade goodies.


Saturday 6th November, 9-2pm
St. Augustine's Church Grounds and Hall
Racecourse Road, Hamilton

Monday, October 18, 2010

The Mayo Festival 2010

The Mayo Festival, named in honour of Daphne Mayo, a St Margaret's Old Girl, is St Margaret's biennial celebration of the Arts. Mayo 2010 promises to be an exciting weekend! The festival incorporates the Mayo 2010 Gallery, performances, student gallery, workshops, food and craft stalls including the following fabulous BrisStylettes:








BrisStylettes can be found at the craft markets at the Arts Centre terraces, St Margaret's, 11 Petrie Street, Ascot on Saturday 23 October from 10am-5pm.


Other highlights for the festival include:


Mayo Gallery Preview - Friday 22 October 2pm - 4pm

Mayo Gallery Opening - Friday 22 October 6pm - 9pm to be officially opened by Geraldine Turner

Bec Lavelle – Saturday 23 October – 6pm – 7pm – Arts Centre Terraces

Illuminate - Saturday 23 October 8pm– 9.30pm - Featuring Collusion, Encorah and Chamber Strings

For more information visit the Mayo Festival website.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

BrisStyle Indie Mother & Child Market: It's a wrap!


It may have been raining outside but the BrisStylettes were out in full force on Saturday for our second BrisStyle Indie Mother & Child Market!



St Augustine's Church Hall was pinked up to the max in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Chicks in Pink, the Mater Charity raising funds to have positive, significant and real impact on people who are affected by breast cancer.



Buddy of the Galozels, even little Gem worked tirelessly throughout the day to raise much-needed funds for Chicks in Pink.



Mums were able to take a load off thanks to the Australian Breastfeeding Association, Australia's leading authority on breastfeeding, provided practical advice and information on the day.




A BrisStyle market wouldn't be complete without some hot entertainment and punters were in for a treat with wheeleR, a Brisbane band of brothers who deliver a fresh mix of indie pop-rock featuring melodic guitar, meaningful lyrics and a healthy dose of teen angst. Check them out on facebook.




Even the beautiful BrisStyle fairy came out to play, casting fairy wishes and delivering magical stones to all the little market shoppers in sight.


So a big thank you to all those handmade loving souls who came along to bring some Sunshine on a rainy Day!

The next big BrisStyle event is just around the corner and promises to be bigger and better than ever!

The BrisStyle Indie Eco Market is back!

Saturday 6 November
9am-2pm
St Augustine's Church Hall and Grounds
Racecourse Road, Hamilton

See you there!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Halloween Gift Guide!

Halloween is fast approaching.....so it's time to gather some goodies for the trick-or-treaters, organise a costume party, carve a jack-o'-lantern, visit a local haunted attraction, gather your best horror films and buy some apples for a bit of apple bobbing fun. These gorgeous handmade goodies from some of our talented BrisStylers should get you on your way to organising your best Halloween yet!



Halloween Plushy Galozels by Galozels


Halloween Cape by LaughLand

Craft Wrap by shelley berelli


Edible Fondant Sugar Ghost Cake Toppers by Enticing Icing


Pumpkin Pie Earrings by Rock Ribbons


Meurte's Tea Party Limited Edition Archival Giclee Photographic Fine Art Print by Sandra Darling


Autumn Tree Brooch by dash robin design


Children's Belt by Hipbrown


Twilight/New Moon Soda Pop Cuff by Ruby 2 Go Go

Black as Liquorice All Sorts Necklace by Strat designs

Autumn Leaves and Moth Fridge Magnet by Oz Wildlife Studio
Skull Patchworked Pixel Cushion Cover by Voodoo Rabbit Stitches

Monday, October 11, 2010

The 'Crafty Lady' behind dash robin design!

This week the BrisStyle team caught up with the very crafty lady behind dash robin design, the lovely Kate! We hope you enjoy this insightful post into her crafty world.

How would you describe your work?
I make bags, brooches, knit wear and toys, with a friendly, indie twist. It is quirky and uniquely styled while being hopefully very warm and fuzzy to look at, wear and hold. I try and make each piece as if I am making it for a treasured friend and I enjoy using traditional techniques in a totally fresh way.


How did your Etsy shop come into being?
I was told about Etsy by a dear friend of mine, Melania. She encouraged me to set one up after I commented on some things she had purchased via Etsy. I love taking photographs so it comes naturally to me to create a little space to share my pictures and introduce my work to a wider audience.

Who or What inspires you?
Nature! Trees, animals, birds, anything and everything around me. I spent a lot of my childhood with my father who is a keen bird watcher and we would walk together in the forests very quietly observing the environment around us. I am a huge fan of Andy Goldsworthy - his work is delightful and meditative at the same time and it is hugely inspiring to me that he uses natural materials to create such incredibly beautiful evocative art.

My friends and family too, past and present. Also the community in general - the older women I meet with at their residence once a week, the diverse people I work with when doing workshops, from African refugees to French travellers.....everyone has something to share.


Do you 'reduce, reuse, recycle' as part of your creative process? If yes, how is your art/craft eco-friendly?
Yes. I use atleast 95-100% recycled materials in all of my work or use organic materials. It is the core of my artwork to create beauty - to me that equates to creating without causing harm to either myself, others or the environment. I use vintage fabrics and buttons, I make felt from damaged knitwear and use remnants and items purchased from Reverse Garbage and op shops.


Can you describe your studio/work area?
I have a messy room to store all of my things, with a large set of shelves and tubs from Reverse Garbage with my wools and things in them. However, I take my crafting materials all over my house and rarely work in there!

What is your favourite thing in the shop at the moment?
My pine tree brooch is one of my newest things and because I am enjoying the process of making these so much, this would be a favourite!


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


Thank-you so much for taking the time to talk with us Kate!

Friday, October 8, 2010

Get your pink on rain, hail or shine!


Rain, hail or shine our BrisStylettes are still preparing to get tickled pink tomorrow at the BrisStyle Indie Mother & Child Market so come along and show your support for Brisbane's HOTtest destination for everything handmade!

BrisStyle Indie Mother & Child Market
St Augustine's Church Hall and Grounds
Racecourse Road, Hamilton

Saturday 9 October (tomorrow!)
9am-2pm
See you there!

Bubba Chenille at BiMC!

The BrisStyle Indie Mother & Child Market is on tomorrow and we just can't wait to check out all of the great handmade products that will be on offer. Miriam, from Bubba Chenille has been working on a new product for all the Mum's out there.....gorgeous coin purses made from, you guessed it, chenille. Aren't they just the sweetest things?

If you would like to treat yourself to a little bit of Bubba Chenille goodness come along to the:

BrisStyle Indie Mother & Child Market

Saturday October 9th, 9-2pm

St. Augustine's Church Grounds & Hall
Racecourse Road, Hamilton

Forever Inspired by Liv 'Pinking' it up at BiMC!

The beautiful jewellery designs from Forever Inspired by Liv will be on showcase at this weekend's BrisStyle Indie Mother & Child Market.


In support of the Mater Hospital's "Chicks in Pink" Charity, Forever Inspired by Liv has been making up a storm with pink in mind. Along with her popular 'Fingerprint Jewellery Collection', Liv will also have an eclectic array of 'Inspirational Jewellery' on display. Liv has drawn from the strength that women have in their journey in life to design these pieces of jewellery.


There is a style to suit everyone and to show her support to "Chicks in Pink", Forever Inspired by Liv will donate 10% from the sales of her 'Inspirational Jewellery' made at the BrisStyle Indie Mother & Child Market this Saturday.


To see the complete range of Forever Inspired by Liv Jewellery and support the "Chicks in Pink" Charity come and visit the:

Saturday October 9th, 9-2pm
St. Augustine's Church Grounds & Hall
Racecourse Road, Hamilton

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Spoil & Indulge at BiMC!

Come along to the BrisStyle Indie Mother & Child Market this Saturday and treat yourself to some gorgeous products from Spoil & Indulge. Spoil & Indulge was born in 2008. Sue, the creator of Spoil & Indulge products always had a love of aromatic and scented candles and decided to have a go at making her own. On her journey, she discovered the advantages and disadvantages of different wax types and eventually settled on an environmentally friendly wax that was good for us and good for the environment. Sue now uses Soy Wax in all her candles and wax products. All Spoil & Indulge candles are highly scented but Sue will do special orders to meet customer needs.

After mastering the art of candle making, Sue noticed a gap in the market for natural soap and body products at affordable prices. Spoil & Indulge now has over 30 different types of soap with the most popular being their Goatsmilk Soap. The Body & Bath product range now includes salts, sherbets and lip balms. In the coming months they will be adding bubble baths and gels.

In support of 'National Breast Cancer Awareness Month' and 'Chicks in Pink', Spoil & Indulge have created a limited edition Soy Wax Melt in the symbol of the Pink Ribbon. $1 from each of the Ribbon melts will be dontated to Chicks in Pink.


These will be available at the:

Saturday October 9th, 9-2pm
St. Augustine's Church Grounds and Hall
Racecourse Road, Hamilton

Good Times Galore at BiMC!

This weekend the BrisStyle Indie Mother & Child Market will be pretty in pink in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Come along and enjoy all the handmade goodies, food and entertainment you have come to know and love. There is something for everyone and plenty of good times to be had!
The BrisStyle fairy will be back with balloons in tow.....

The talented Wowee Face Painters will be onsite to create the wildest designs for all the kids and grown-ups too.....


You can have a go at the BrisStyle Indie Colouring Competition next to the BrisStyle Promo stand where the winner will receive a gift voucher to spend at any upcoming BrisStyle market.....

Oz Wildlife Studio is also hosting an awesome colouring in comp with prizes coming from the great array of Lesley's intriguing studio accessories.....

Gorgeous childrenswear designer Robyn from Hot Fudge will be giving away her famous "fudge" with all purchases of her delightful range for girls and boys.....
If it's a story you're after, make sure you visit Eliza and Zoe from Galozels who will be hosting readings of their new children's books throughout the day......


Bel from Enticing Icing will have all her favourite sweet treats on hand for a well deserved sugar fix.....

And last but not least, St Augustine's will be hosting a traditional sausage sizzle and there will be great coffee onsite from local vendor Matt from Xpresso Coffee. There are a also a myriad of fantastic cafes and resturants that surround the market in the Racecourse Rd Precint so be sure to stop in and make a day of it.

There are so many good times to be had....so grab your friends and family and come along to Brisbane's HOttest destination for everything handmade for Mother and Child.

Saturday October 9th, 9-2pm
St. Agustine's Church Grounds and Hall
Racecourse Road, Hamilton