Let's Go Shopping

Out with the old and in with the new? 

Not today.  BrisStyle is loving the vintage era with these gorgeous finds!

Vintage 60's Jan Brady I Presume White and Mauve Party Dress

Ruby Red Studios

Wartime Retro Ladies Note Paper Set

Jellygnite

Pear Shaped Pillow

Moose and Bird

Whispering Low Softly and Slow Vintage Sheet Music Locket

Mrs Smiley

Vintage chenille wash cloths

Bubba Chenille

To take part in our weekly Let's Go Shopping meme, post your Etsy finds on your blog then pop back here and add the blog post link below. Don't forget to link back to this post so everyone can check out all the fabulous Etsy finds. Anyone can play along so come join in the fun!

::::September 10::::BrisStyle Information Session:::: ::Lights, Camera, Action::Photography Tips & Tricks for Online Selling

BrisStyle's resident photographer and Kimono aficionado Melanie Gray Augustin is back to share her insighful online photography expertise.

:::Diana Camera Print :: Hey Harriet::: 

In this session Mel will impart her easy to apply tips on:

• Lighting, including super easy lighting set ups
• Camera angles
• Image styling including backdrops and using props and models
• Basic camera know how
• Photo editing

:::Teapot Brooch ::  Kimono Reincarnate:::

Crisp, gorgeous, contemporary photos are the key to selling your work online and this session will show you how to convey the style and feeling of your brand as well as the shape, size, color and texture of your work. You’ll leave with practical tips, as well as lots of great links to transform your online shops ready for selling success!

Date:  Saturday September 10,  2011

Time: 10am - 12noon

Place: St. Augustine's Church Hall, Racecourse Road, Hamilton, Brisbane

Price: Free to BrisStyle members. $20 for non-members

Bookings open from: Now -  29th August

RSVP by emailing: brisstylemarketing@gmail.com with your name (s) and business details (if applicable)

Non-member payments due:  September 1st

NB: Payments are non refundable or transferable

Bring along:

• Your sense of adventure and humour
• A notebook and pen
• Your business cards to leave on our 'networking' table

Tea and Coffee are provided but please feel free bring along a small plate of goodies to share for morning tea.

:: STOP PRESS ::

Be the first to book in and WIN one of 10  in-season double passes to see Hopscotch 's new indie flick  'Beginners' starring Ewan McGregor!

PLACES ARE LIMITED SO BOOK NOW!

To get all the news on the upcoming BrisStyle Information Sessions subscribe to our Monthly eNewsletter ( via the little box on the side bar).

New BrisStyle Members

Please give a warm welcome to our latest BrisStyle members, and check out their fantastic stores online.

Holly and Mereana at Me and Holly.B

Fiona at Design By Fee

Simone at A Touch of Glass

Rishka at RB Johnson

Claire at Lil Curly Top

Pattie from PM Ceramics

Let's Go Shopping

Got bare walls?

BrisStyle's arty folk will sort that out!! Check out the Etsy stores listed below right now to brighten up your home or office.

You are my sunshine print with birds

Kathy Panton

Spring Bunting Eco Wall Hanging

Little Chrissy

Fuchsia gold butterflies hair clip organiser

Holdilocks

She's singing her own song - limited edition art print

My Nostalgic Feeling

Butterfly artwork kit

Paper Tree Design

To take part in our weekly Let's Go Shopping meme, post your Etsy finds on your blog then pop back here and add the blog post link below. Don't forget to link back to this post so everyone can check out all the fabulous Etsy finds. Anyone can play along so come join in the fun!

call out for facilitators - art bites – free arts workshops for beginners

The fabulous team at the Brisbane City Council's Creative Communities are currently calling for expressions of interest from Brisbane based artists, crafters, musicians, dancers, writers, performers, makers and shakers to deliver short one-off workshops as part of a free community arts program across Brisbane suburbs in October and November 2011.

Here are all the details:
Event: art bites
Venue: various venues across Brisbane’s suburbs
Dates: weekend days in October and November
Times: workshops should between two to five hours in length
Demographic: targeting adults in Brisbane, wanting an arts experience
Workshop numbers: depending on the art form – no less than ten
Concept: art bites is a series of free arts workshops designed for the artistic beginner to explore and discover their creative sides. The program has two key aims:

(a) to provide opportunities which enrich the lives of the participants through arts and cultural experiences that are both instructive and meaningful,
(b) to offer access to a diverse arts and cultural activity program to those community members:

• who may have no history of artistic involvement
• who may have no belief in their own creative ability
• who have previously had no access to arts activities
• who wish to access to a professional artist
• who are unable to afford traditional classes

Your expression of interest: please send the following information to craig.ball@brisbane.qld.gov.au by no later than close of business Monday 25 July 2011:

• a workshop outline, detailing format, duration and essential equipment or space requirements
• a summary of costs including artists fees and workshop materials
• a one page resume (including whether you hold a current Public Liability Insurance Policy)
• details of your availability

Further information: please contact Craig Ball on 3027 5710

We love new stuff!

If you're a lover of fine art cards and stationery as much as we are you will want to get your 'art loving' little selves over to the 'My Nostalgic Feeling' Etsy shop. The gorgeous Chrissy has just released a brand new range of fine art cards that you will most definitely be impressed with.



Art Card: Where Unicorns Live

Art Card: The Peacock Aura Soarer

Art Card: You Make Me Happy

Deck of Artist Cards: Limited Edition

Art Card: Because I Love You This Much



Each card features an artwork on the front and a blurb on the back explaining the artwork, printed onto quality archival eco paper and packaged with a recycled envelope - making them original, unique and personalised. Just the way we like them!

In the Spotlight: Mum's Cupboard

This week the BrisStyle team 'took 5' with Anita Gosden from Mum's Cupboard to talk all things craft!

How would you describe your work?
Varied, a little eclectic and constantly changing.

How did your Etsy shop come into being?
Quite by accident, simply put I wanted to join BrisStyle and it was a requirement.

Who or What inspires you?
Other artisans inspire me and so do colours.  I LOVE COLOUR. I'd hate to be a dog and only see in black and white (if that urban myth is true).

Do you 'reduce, reuse, recycle' as part of your creative process? If yes, how is your art/craft eco-friendly?
Yes, I definitely 'reduce, reuse, recycle' everything. I love the challenge of making something out of nothing. That's also how I cook, I can make a fabulous meal out of seemingly nothing in the fridge.  Just ask my husband - I'm actually pretty good at it.  Originally craft began long before craft shops were ever around. Imagination and Mum's Cupboard were all you needed. I treasure a pair of slippers a friend's Mum gave me. They are knitted from old panty hose (I'm wearing them now). Can you believe it! Now that is what I call craft.

Can you describe your studio/work area?
Always messy. We live in a two room flat (three if you count the bathroom). It used to be a garage and my brother-in-law built an extra room onto it so he could live here many years ago with his wife and two little toddlers.  Well the extension is our kitchen/lounge/bedroom and hubby's soundroom but the second room (the garage) is mine. All mine. It's better than nothing. I have two tables set up and the stereo. It works.

What is your favourite thing in the shop at the moment?
I love my vintage fabric bag. It's made of a sheer fabric and is reversible and I was given the idea for it by Paula, the lovely lady who supplied all the vintage fabric that she had inherited from a dear elderly friend.

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

Etsy Shop

Blog

Facebook

Thank-you Anita for sharing your creative inspirations with us!

:::: August 13 :::: BrisStyle Information Session :::: :: I Heart Etsy :: Building an Online Relationship with etsy.com

This is the first in the series of Q&A information sessions where a panel of creative experts will impart their knowledge on various industry and business related topics in a forum based setting.

In these interactive sessions you'll gain insight into the different practices of each panelist and then have the opportunity to ask questions directly to them . After the main section of the forum Q&A each panelist will be on hand to chat about any other burning questions you may have related to the topic.


So with no further ado, here's all the info you'll need to share a fun morning of crafty goodness with creative like-minded souls...

I Heart Etsy :: Building an Online Relationship with etsy.com ::

Falling in love with Etsy is so easy and discovering all her secrets can be the start to a beautiful relationship. Get some heart-warming advice from our panel of BrisStyle experts on how to get intimate with the largest online marketplace for everything handmade… etsy.com

Whether you are just starting out or have been an Etsy seller for some time, this session will give you basic tips and tricks on making the most of this global online community to further your Etsy experience.

The who's who of your panel ::

These gals have been rockin' the Brisbane craft and market scene for some time now, all the whilst cultivating their relationships with etsy.com. Collectively they have a wealth of knowledge not only about the practicalities of using Etsy to nurture their practices but also to build relationships with lovers of handmade the world-over ::

Rebecca Cason from Edward and Lilly
Rachael Smith from Penelope and Pip
Nicole Lacey from Hot Toffee
Jess Van Den from Epheriell and Bespoke Zine
Melanie Gray Augustin from Kimono Reincarnate
Sophie Straton - Ferrier from Strat Designs
Emma Gascoyne Red Revival Design and Indie Laser
El Holland from Rock n Wrap

Date: Saturday August 13 2011

Time: 10am - 12noon

Place: St. Augustine's Church Hall, Racecourse Road, Hamilton, Brisbane

Price: Free to BrisStyle members. $20 for non-members

Bookings open from: Now - 1st August

RSVP by emailing: brisstylemarketing@gmail.com
with your name (s) and business details (if applicable)

Non-member payments due: 4th August

Bring along:

• Your sense of adventure and humour
• A notebook and pen
• Your business cards to leave on our 'networking' table

Tea and Coffee are provided but please feel free bring along a small plate of goodies to share for morning tea.

PLACES ARE LIMITED SO BOOK NOW!

To get all the news on the upcoming BrisStyle Information Sessions
subscribe to our Monthly eNewsletter ( via the little box on the side bar)

Let's Go Shopping

Art and craft is never boring.  As we've learnt at BrisStyle, there's a few peeps out there who like to have a laugh, and share their humour within the crafty goods they make. 

Here's a few items that our BrisStylers have made recently for your enjoyment!

Eye chart brooch

Gone Dotti

Important information 003 Six degrees

Penelope and Pip

'I got a sewing machine' fridge magnet

Designs Of The Heart

Royal wedding canvas

Treeparty Design

Bitten gingerbread man brooch

Good Boy Cracky

To take part in our weekly Let's Go Shopping meme, post your Etsy finds on your blog then pop back here and add the blog post link below. Don't forget to link back to this post so everyone can check out all the fabulous Etsy finds. Anyone can play along so come join in the fun!

A year in the life of a handmadie.....

One of our favourite Brisbane handmade stores, in.cube8r, will be celebrating its 1st birthday in August. Hooray! What an achievement! We caught up with Vicki, the passionate handmadie behind the Brisbane store, to discuss what has changed and what lessons she has learnt over the past year.  This is what she had to say.....

Wow, that didn't take long!!! Did I blink and miss 12 months!?!! Was it really nearly a year ago when I blubbered like a baby in front of 150 people at my opening party!?!!

Yes, indeed, this does seem to be the case! And SO MUCH HAS CHANGED.....yet so much stays the same!

I'm still dangerously passionate about supporting the handmade industry in Brisbane (I always will be, it's part of who I am). I still wake up each morning and pinch myself - did this opportunity REALLY come to me? Did I really take this MAMMOTH task on? Did my husband SERIOUSLY support me in this crazy business venture!?!!

Yes yes and yes.....I can gladly say that one year down the track, I still have that fire in my belly when an item sells, and that tear of excitement when customers announce this as their 'favourite gift shop' (and it happens on a regular basis!).

SO.....what's changed!?!!

Well, our location for a start!!! We have been lucky enough to find a BEAUTIFUL new spot at 368 Brunswick Street.  Still in the Valley, still supporting handmadies, still taking NO COMMISSION ON SALES!! The new shop is bigger and busier than our lovely first location - but don't take my word for it - best you be getting your lovely self down to visit me!!

VICKI'S TOP 5 LESSONS LEARNT IN THE LAST YEAR



1. handmadies come in all shapes and sizes, from all different walks of life, with all different levels of enthusiasm and baggage - I love them all and their 'stuff' and am ALWAYS AMAZED at what new work comes through the doors with each new submission.
2. location, location, location - I hate to admit it, but those real estate agents know what they're talking about (curse them all!). We had a great following in the original store, but since moving to prominence, our sales nearly doubled in the first month, and our profile in the Valley has increased dramatically. This also goes for artists who display their work in store - it's all about location and being SEEN!
3. We aren't markets or a gallery - we're that space in between.  We are ALL HANDMADE MEDIUMS,  we are a place for artists to trial different products - but we are solid bricks and mortar, with PINK WALLS that scream out individuality - there isn't anyone else like us!
4. Our (artist's) customers are never one offs - they discover us, and they return often - they appreciate that the shop evolves over time (as the artist's range changes), and they love to be a part of the handmade revolution.
5. And on a personal note, if you do nothing, you get nothing back - if you work hard setting up - then sit back and expect the world to do the work for you - all that the world will do - is revolve around you.  Business in any form will always need you maintaining and promoting.  Feed that creative beast, but make sure you're sharing your story, or promoting others - as long as you WORK AT IT.

 
So they are the most recent things I've found out - only took me 12 months.....and I'm sure in another 12 months there will be more to add. As long as you're doing what you are truly passionate about, it will all work out.

Stay true to what you love, ignore the sceptics, but DON'T STOP!

A big thank-you to Vicki for sharing her thoughts, we wish her all the best for the next 12 months and beyond. To get your handmade fix pop in and say hi at 368 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley.  And keep early August free for their 1st birthday celebrations!

Shop hours:

Tuesday & Wednesday 10.00 -5.00pm

Thursday & Friday 11.00-6.00pm

Saturday 10.00-6.00pm

Sunday 11.00-3.00pm

Let's Go Shopping

Are you heading to the 

BrisStyle Indie Designers Market

today?!

The BrisStylers featured below, plus many more listed here, will be selling their goods at the lovely St Augustine's Church Hall in Racecourse Road, Hamilton today between 9am and 2pm.  If you're looking for something gorgeous, handmade and original, you best not miss this market.

And don't forget to say goodbye to Robyn at Hot Fudge today - it will be her last market with us before she heads to Sydney.  It will be very sad to see our committee member and children's wear extraordinaire go!

Pernilla messenger bag

Alipink

Yellow wood and marbled agate necklace

Daughter of James

Einstein softie

Wicked Child Designs

Arrogant card

ReRead

Aqua retro design teapot

Spun Mud

To take part in our weekly Let's Go Shopping meme, post your Etsy finds on your blog then pop back here and add the blog post link below. Don't forget to link back to this post so everyone can check out all the fabulous Etsy finds. Anyone can play along so come join in the fun!

BrisStyle Indie Designers Market - TOMORROW!

Get ready for things to warm up this winter at Brisbane's HOTtest destination for everything handmade, the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market on this Saturday at St Augustine's Church Hall and Grounds, Racecourse Road, Hamilton.

It's our first Hamilton market for the year and we're super excited to bring to you all the very best in handmade homewares, bags, accessories, jewellery, art, toys and lots, lots more that you have come to know and love!

Make sure to check out the BrisStyle website for the site plan and mega list of which of your favourite marketeers will be there on the day!

Now for all of the juicy details:

Food: Local Ascot not-for-profit group, The Australian Kelpie and Cattle Dog Association will be running a sausage sizzle to warm your belly.  They will also be offering tea, coffee and hot chocolate as well as a selection of cold drinks and water.

For those with a sweet tooth look no further than BrisStyle's resident sweetie, Enticing Icing for a great homemade array of cookies, cakes, chocolate crackles and other yummy delights!

Entertainment: Local band, The Mice and Free Association are set to fill the air with their great sounds.

Charity Raffle: It's raffle time again and this time the proceeds will be donated to the Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation (ACCF).  Make sure to get yourself a ticket from the BrisStyle Promo Stand to be in with a chance to win a fantastic selection of handmade treasures all donated by our generous members.

BrisStyle Promo Table: Once again the BrisStyle Promo table will be laden with goodies and information including collectors editions of MixTape, Bespoke and Peppermint Magazine along with our famous BrisStyle totes! Now selling for $7.50 it's a great way to carry all your handmade goodies around as you shop and browse at the stalls.

We'll also have some fantastic 'show bags' from the Racecourse Road Business Group filled to the brim with vouchers from local restaurants, cafes and businesses as well as loads of BrisStyle goodness too, so why not make a day of it and soak up all the local fare the Racecourse Road Precinct has to offer!

BrisStyle Indie Designers Market

Saturday, July 9

9.00am - 2.00pm

St. Augustine's Church Grounds & Hall

Racecourse Road, Hamilton

Shop ethically and support your local community at Brisbane's HOTtest destination for everything handmade the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market.