Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Sandra Darling: Visual Artist

This week the BrisStyle team met up with Sandra, the talented visual artist behind Sandra Darling. Here's a little peek into her creative world.....

How would you describe your work?
Creative, Feminine, Unique, Inspired, Captivating.

My art work is available as Limited Edition Fine Art Photographic Giclee Art Prints (archival, printed on Hahnemuhle Rag Paper), Art Cards, Blank Greeting Cards, Calendars, as well as my new fabric design range.
Through my artwork, images rich in layers and textures, I explore all that is intrinsically human and in particular feminine. I think the quote "the present is just a moment passed" sums up our fragile existence and offers an insight into the world of what my art work explores.

How did your Etsy shop come into being?
Late last year I made the decision to re-engage with my visual art practice, as although I had originally majored in painting and drawing in my Degree, I have recently been enjoying photography as a medium. Through this I developed my own style of digital collage. I use photography and photo editing software as a tool much the same way as an artist uses a brush or a drawing implement or collage techniques. I wanted a place I could share my art with a wider audience. Etsy offered me a good global, as well as local platform to showcase my work.


Who or What inspires you?
My influences are first and foremost everything I see, feel and experience, but I've always had a great love of the Decorative Arts and Crafts, the Art Nouveau and Art Deco period, the great 20th Century Artists, and I have a great admiration for the artists of the Renaissance period, where images of mythology and flora are in abundance.

We are the sum of our experiences and as such I believe everything leading up to this moment is the inspiration for all those who create. A kind of 'joining the dots backwards'.

Do you 'reduce, reuse, recycle' as part of your creative process?
I am currently working on a project which is the extension of my art work to 'wearable art' through fabric design. My range of Sandra Darling Fabric Designs include organic cotton based fabrics which are suitable for different applications including retro inspired fashion creations, home furnishings such as beautiful cushions, window dressings and upholstery, and fabric accessories such as stylish clutches and tote bags. My fabrics are available by the fat quarter or yard.
I have introduced a small selection of my fabrics and will be extending my range in the very near future. I am working on a collaboration project to launch a selection in the near future via an art exhibition and fashion parade where I will be working closely with Jennifer from Jennifer's Gift, another BrisStyle member. It is very exciting and we can't wait to share our joint creations with you! Stay tuned and mark February on your calendar. Please email me at sandradarlingvisualart@gmail.com if you have any enquiries about my Fabric Designs or would like more info about the upcoming exhibition!

A future project I am also working on is a small range of 3 dimensional jewellery pieces where I utilize recycled sterling silver as part of my process! This range will be developed through a process of 'lost wax casting' and will be based on organic and fluid forms. The individual pieces will also see additional embellishments of vintage fabric, ribbons, lace and other parts incorporated into the final design - making each jewellery piece completely unique and with an eco conscience. I hope to launch my designs in the first half of 2011. Stay tuned.


My Art Cards and Prints are also from sustainable resources. They are printed on a 'supply and demand' basis which ensures these resources are in small batches only as well as offering better quality control and minimizing waste. I have included a link below from the makers of the paper I use for my limited edition prints showing that having a green conscience is part of this company's ethics as well. Click here to read more.

Can you describe your studio/work area?
My studio is largely 'Mother Nature' herself! Whether it is my own backyard, where many of my images of roses have originated from, or from further afar, gardens of natural, abundant and rugged landscapes - this is my studio!

The other part of my studio/work area is based in my 'Queenslander' home where I am surrounded by an eclectic mix of art and collectables that I have accumulated along my travels. I try to keep my work space to one area but in reality it follows me to every room and space I go, including my car and other workplaces that I inhabit.

What is your favourite thing in the shop at the moment?
My favourite thing in my shop at the moment is 'Above an Awakened Surface'. Although my 'favourite' changes on a daily basis, and to be honest, they all have a special place in my heart - there is a little piece of my soul in every creation. I normally find my latest creation becomes my new favourite, until the next new creation!


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

Incube8r

Bleeding Heart Gift Shop


Thank-you Sandra for taking the time to chat with us!

Deck the Halls with Handmade

With the first day of December just one sleep away it's time to dust off the tree and get into the Christmas decorating spirit. Choose handmade and ethical decorations this year with some top decorating tips from our very own Christmas crafters. Available both online and at the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market this Saturday at St Augustine's Church Hall and Grounds, Racecourse Road, Hamilton from 9am-4pm.

 A statement piece will bring the room to life. Check out the Kimono Reincarnate beautiful handmade vintage kimono fabric origami crane mobile.
  

Sweet, one-of-a-kind and eco, Jetta's Nest decorations are hand-cut from salvaged timber and finished with individually drawn details, each flying bird is completely unique!

Hand crafted by Good Boy Cracky from forest green wool-blend felt and featuring vintage buttons in blue, green, white and red, this piece is sure to add that something special to your tree. Hand sewn detail in green thread completes the design.


You know it's Christmas when edward & lilly signature lavender birds make a comeback in red. Hand-stitched with eco felt and filled with organic dried lavender, these little birds will add a heavenly scent to your Christmas morning. Look out for White Christmas birds available for pre-order at the market or online.


For more felty fun you can't go past Chelley Bean Designs Christmas Tree decorations in red, green and pink!

Check out more of our BrisStylettes online here or meet them in person at one of the following markets:


Saturday December 4th, 9-4pm

St. Augustine's Church Grounds & Hall

Racecourse Road, Hamilton



Friday December 17th, 5-9pm

King George Square, Brisbane City



Sunday, November 28, 2010

BRISSTYLE MEGA CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY

It’s the giving season and BrisStyle is entering into the spirit with our BIGgest giveaway ever. How would you like to win over $300 worth of handmade goodness from us to you? Take a look - just in time for Christmas.



For the children, clockwise from top left: Baby Frilly Pants, Size L, Bettsy Kingston; Chocolate Carp Onesie, 6-12 months, Small Town Carousel; Vintage Picture Canvass, Designs by Rondelle; 2 Girl’s hair clip sets with non-slip grips, Chelley Bean Designs; Stripes and zigzags large drawstring bag, Laughland; and Bermuda Shorts, Blue Coral, Boy or Girl, Size 5, Hot Fudge.



Something for the adults, clockwise from top left: Simple Swirls Necklet, Rock N Wrap; Festive Season brooch, SM Boutique; Set of four dandelion TtV photo prints, Hey Harriet; Dear Prudence earrings, Miu and Umi; Tea Cozy Notecards, Renee’s Artwork; and Red Lavender Scented Bird, Edward and Lilly.

And finally,



Clockwise from top left: Mini mounted art print, My Nostalgic Feeling; Caravan Brooch, Tree Party Designs; Happy bag, Wimcee; Yellow and white polka dot drawstring bag, Shelley Berelli; Decorated Clothespins Fridge Magnets, Designs of the Heart; Cupcake Towel Set, Cute as Buttons; and Handmade soaps, Warm Sigh.

So how do you enter? It's open to all subscribers to our newsletter. If you are not a subscriber, you can join by leaving your name and email address in the appropriate slots at the top right hand of this page and hit the sign up button. Then simply hop back to this post and leave a comment to be in the running. How easy is that?

Please note: only one entry per subscriber. IMPORTANT: Don’t forget to leave your email address with your comment so that we will be able to contact you if you are the lucky winner.

*** The giveaway will be drawn on Sunday 5 December, so don’t delay. This is our way to thank you for all your wonderful support during the year. ***

Note: You will be able to meet the fabulous BrisStylers who have so generously donated their gorgeous handmade goodies at the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market on Saturday 4 December at St Augustine’s Church, Racecourse Road, Hamilton between 9.00am and 4.00pm. It’s going to be a wonderful day and we’d love to see you there.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Cute & Quirky Creations from Hikaria Mini Sweets!

Over the past few months the BrisStyle team has been busy compiling interviews with some of our talented artists and crafters. This week, the BrisStyle team caught up with Tiff from Hikaria Mini Sweets!

How would you describe your work?
Really, really sweet and really cute! I absolutely love desserts and I often think that half the beauty of dessert is how it looks. Unfortunately, desserts don't last forever, either they melt or they find themselves in my stomach (much more likely!), so I have had this bizarre wish to immortalise desserts so that they don't melt or disappear and I can just look at it forever. That's how I ended up making clay sweets jewellery and accessories.


How did your Etsy shop come into being?
It actually came to being many years ago when I started making mini polymer clay earrings. I decided that I loved working with clay, but I always ended up with way too many items for myself to wear, and my friends and family don't like my style of items! Left with a lot of items but nothing to do with them, I decided to try my hand at selling on Etsy. Unfortunately I couldn't find a theme for what sort of items I wanted to make, one minute I was making miniature ducks and the next minute teapots, there was just no theme. It was only recently that I decided that I will stick with clay desserts and I'll make jewellery out of them.


Who or What inspires you?
Mostly French patisseries or Japanese bakeries, both of these stock breads and desserts that are real works of art! There's also a lot of modern Japanese influence in my items, more specifically from a cult fashion movement called 'lolita fashion' (it's not what the name implies, I promise!) where the general premise is that you dress like a beautiful, ornate Victorian porcelain doll. There's a love for pink, frills, bows and macarons in lolita fashion, and these things feature a lot in my work too.


Can you describe your studio/work area?
Absolutely chaotic! It's just my own bedroom, with a super cramped desk with boxes and boxes of clay all over, and another box to keep all my glue and paints, and a tile and a cutting board as a workspace. It's all really dark.....I prefer to work in the dark with only one lamp on, and I know I sound like a crazy vampire saying that, but it's just a bizarre preference of mine!


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

The green tea swiss roll cake.....I remember making it feverishly wishing that it would turn into a real cake that I could eat! And the little cherry blossom petals on the top took a lot of time, but it was well worth it. You can see it here.


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




Thank-you to Tiff for taking the time to chat with us!

TONIGHT! A very special "BrisStyle Indie Designers Market" as part of the "Racecourse Rd Community Christmas"








Start toning your tonsils and merrily window shopping all the fabbo BrisStyle online Etsy Stores for a night of Christmas Carols and Shopping galore!

There will be over 40 of your favourite BrisStylettes turning on the HOTtest Christmas cheer and goodies in town along with a host of other amazing entertainment from 5p this afternoon...........................



For more info on what to expect pop on over here and we will look forward to seeing you all tonight with your Christmas Bells on from 5pm-9p tonight

Friday 26th Nov 2010
then back again next weekend....

Saturday 4th December 2010
9am-4pm

BOTH at St Augustine's Church Hall and Grounds, Racecourse Rd, Hamilton

.....then we'll see you back for more fun at the HOTtest destination for everything Christmas at our final Market for the year...........

Friday 17th December 2010
5pm-9pm
King George Square, Albert Street and Burnett Lane, Brisbane CBD

See you all there!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Christmas Gift Guide: $30 and Under

Christmas is only just around the corner.....31 sleeps to be precise! To give you a head start on your Christmas shopping, below are some handmade gift ideas from our talented BrisStylers that are $30 and under!






Little Leaves Embroidered Pendant Necklace $30 from edward & lilly

Birds In Flight Pillow $30 from moose & bird


Amethyst Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Nest Ring $26 from rock n wrap

You can view our $15 and under gift guide here.

Don't forget that you can visit all of our BrisStylers online shops here or visit them at one of our upcoming markets.

Racecourse Road Community Christmas

Friday November 26th, 5-9pm

Racecourse Road, Hamilton



Saturday December 4th, 9-4pm

St. Augustine's Church Grounds & Hall

Racecourse Road, Hamilton



Friday December 17th, 5-9pm

King George Square, Brisbane City

Monday, November 22, 2010

Win a double pass to Gumball Theatre!


BrisStyle and Gumball Theatre are very excited to offer all fans of the BrisStyle facebook page the chance to win a double pass to the launch of Gumball Theatre this Friday night!

What: Launch of Gumball Theatre, Brissie's newest improv comedy company
Where: Tribal Theatre (the old Dendy Cinema) 346 George Street, City
When: This Friday 26th November 2010, 7.30pm
Followed by the launch after party at Tin Billy's, George Street City
All tix: $10 at the door

For your chance to win a double pass head to the BrisStyle facebook page and become a fan, it's that easy!

The giveaway will be drawn on Wednesday night so get in quick!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

The Creative Hands behind Rachel Darling Girl

This week the BrisStyle team was lucky enough to catch up with Rachel, the creative talent behind accessories label Rachel Darling Girl.


How would you describe your work?
My work is all hand-sewn. There are no machines employed in my making! I hand-sew small pleated 'flowers' and use them to make jewellery and hair accessories. I think my jewellery is fun, pretty and colourful!


How did your Etsy shop come into being?
Well, I have a small confession to make. I heard about the BrisStyle Twilight Markets first and then I decided I wanted to be involved in BrisStyle, so I set up an Etsy store! I am slowly discovering more and more about Etsy and am really excited about expanding my store.

Who or What inspires you?
I am primarily inspired by my materials. I LOVE ribbon and lace. The possibilities are limitless and that inspires me. I am also inspired to pursue my passion for making, designing and creating things by my Dad, who passed away in 2007. His illness and experience reminds me that life is short and doing the things we enjoy is really important.


Do you 'reduce, reuse, recycle' as part of your creative process? If yes, how is your art/craft eco-friendly?
I use buttons on some of my chokers and headbands. I have a few bottles of old buttons from my Gran and my Mum that they have collected over the years and I try and use them wherever I can. I would love to use more re-purposed ribbon, so if you have any old ribbon lying around, I would appreciate any donations!


Can you describe your studio/work area?
I live in a little blue house with my boyfriend Nathan, and our guinea pig, Trevor. I do all of my work in the sun room of our little worker's cottage. My desk is a spray painted old door and my cupboard is my grandparent's old laundry cupboard. It is a little make-shift but it is my own and I love it.

What is your favourite thing in the shop at the moment?
I love taffeta ribbon. My favourite thing in my shop at the moment are the pastel taffeta ribbon earrings. They are really pretty and spring-y. I am going to expand my shop really soon, and include some of my other products, including headbands and necklaces.


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




Thanks for taking the time to talk to us Rachel!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Christmas Gift Guide: $15 and Under

Are you stuck for ideas on what to buy your loved ones this Christmas? Well fret no more, over the coming weeks we will be bringing you a selection of BrisStyle gift guides to help you choose the perfect present! Below is a selection of handmade goodies from some of our talented BrisStylettes that won't break the bank!



Wash Cloth Roses $4 each - Love, Marriage, Baby Carriage Gifts


Soap Kebabs $5 each - Spoil & Indugle Natural Products


A Very Tired Wombat Set of 5 Notecards $15 - Renee Treml

Brooch Card $10 - alipink









Christmas Stocking $15 - Jaffajaf Designs

Satin Drawstring Bag $12 - shelley berelli

Hypoallergenic Purple Anklet $15 - 2Much2Handle

Stay tuned for more BrisStyle Christmas gift guides and happy shopping!

BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market - one more sleep!

BrisStyle indie Twilight Market Friday 19 November 2010 5pm-9pm

 

 

If you're looking for Brisbane's HOTtest destination for everything handmade under the stars, look no further than the BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market. Showcasing a huge lineup of Brisbane's Indie Designers, you'll find an amazing array of handmade homewares, bags, jewellery, accessories, art and heaps more. Make sure to check out the BrisStyle Inc. website for a sneak peek of which designers will be there!!
Head on up to King George Square this Friday, 19 November between 5 and 9pm before a spot of late night shopping or on your way home after a hard day's work. 
 Holly from Pannikin

Cute and quirky Pannikin, accessories and jewellery from local designer, Holly Leonardson will be creeping out for a night under the stars. All created and handmade with love in her little studio in Brisbane, Pannikin specialises in pendants, screenprinted totes, brooches, cards and a smashing variety of badges featuring Holly's vintage illustration inspired artworks.
Get in quick for your own little piece of Pannikin fun!!


While you're feasting your eyes, don't forget to indulge your ears by taking in the sounds of big band music at its best with jazz and swing standards from QWAZZ (Queensland Wind and Jazz)!
When your tummy starts to grumble grab a delicious bite or thirst quenching beverage from the Groove Train.
Sponsored by the Brisbane City Council the BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market is an event not to be missed, so support your local community and shop ethically amongst the stars at Brisbane's HOTtest destination for everything handmade!

BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market
Friday 19 November, 5-9pm
King George Square, Brisbane CBD




 

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

BiTM Gift Guide for Her

With only 2 more sleeps till the BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market, our BrisStylettes bring you the very best of handmade goodies for the special lady in your life. Mums, girlfriends, best friends, aunties, grandmothers, etc will just love a little handmade treat this Christmas.










Available now directly from our BrisStylettes online or visit the BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market on Friday night!


BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market
Friday 19 November, 5-9pm
King George Square, Brisbane CBD