Wishing you a Safe & Happy Easter

Image Kuberstore

From our family to yours wishing you all a safe and happy Easter and hoping you get a chance for some relaxing crafting too xx

Meet the Maker....LaLaLa Designs

Hello friends and a happy Saturday to you all!  This morning we're lucky enough to catch up with BrisStyle member, Linda Aitken from LaLaLa Designs!

How would you describe your work?

Fun, colourful and individual.  I really love creating products that show the individuality of a child or person that’s why I am very open to customising anything I do.  When you buy mass produced items you can be one of 100,000’s of people who own that product.  I like to think I can allow someone to buy something that reflects who they are – something unique.

How did your Etsy shop come into being (if applicable)?

At first I was only selling at local markets on the Gold Coast.  Another seller told me she was opening an Etsy store and I should have a look.  I was impressed with what I saw so I decided to open my own.  However, I then decided I was not totally ready so I put it on hold until July 2012.  I am very happy now that I have gone down this path as I love selling on Etsy.

Who or what inspires you?

When I first started LaLaLa Designs my children were little and I was spending a lot of time in children’s shops (as you do!) so my kids were, and still are definitely an inspiration.  But, I have always loved the beautiful papers that you find in scrapbooking shops.  I get very inspired to create when I find gorgeous paper and embellishments.

My new inspiration is definitely the divine material available now.  Forget housework, I could spend a whole day cruising the net browsing material.

Do you ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ as part of your creative process?  If yes, how is your art / craft eco-friendly?

Yes I do to a degree.  I have a collection of frames at home that either had pictures in them or were bought to hang but never made it to the wall so I  use some of these for my smaller, simpler frames or affirmations.

I check out local second hand shops for things like buttons, zips, material and lace etc.  It’s amazing what people discard that is still in good condition – even unopened that you can use.  I have also started searching second hand stores for photo props and displays for my stall.

Can you describe your studio / work area?

To begin with my work area was basically all over the house! (much to my husband’s frustration) but now I have taken over what used to be the kid’s toy room.  It has been good to have one area to work in.  The room has 2 windows that face toward the front yard so I can work and see my lovely green garden.

I have also put up affirmations and goals to remind myself where I want to go with my business.

Unfortunately I was not blessed with skill of organisation so the room can get a bit messy. Luckily I just close the door.

What is your favourite thing to make?

At the moment my favourite thing to make would be my kids’ mobiles.  They are very time consuming but it’s lots of fun coming up with themes and using brightly coloured ribbon and felt to create a highly visual accessory.

How did you decide on your business name (if applicable)?

My business name, LaLaLa Designs, came from combining the initials of my first and last name along with those of my son and daughter. We are all L.A.’s. Unfortunately I could not make my husband’s first initial (M) work so he has become the silent partner.

Where do you hope to see your creative journey taking you in the next 12 months?

I have a few specific goals for this year but essentially I would like to increase my online sales and see my products in some bricks and mortar stores.  Ultimately I’d like to grow a successful business so I can than help other women achieve the same.

What is your favourite handmade item that you have bought

It was actually an item my husband bought me. He gave me a handmade sterling silver necklace which had 2 rings each representing my children.  Their names and date of births are stamped on the rings.  It is such a beautiful and personal item and I wear it all the time.

Do you have any other places that people can view/purchase your work? (eg. Other online selling sites, Flickr, Blog, Facebook, Twitter etc)

Web: www.lalaladesigns.net

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lalaladesigns

Twitter: www.twitter.com/lalaladesigns

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/lalaladesigns

Madeit: www.madeit.com.au/lalaladesigns

Etsy: www.lalaladesigns.etsy.com

Thanks so much for sharing with us Linda!

xSam

WIN :: double pass movie tickets to see First Position!

We have been very lucky here at BrisStyle HQ to receive 6 double passes from one of our lovely supporters Hopscotch films, for the premier screening of First Position, next Friday April 5th at 6.40pm PalaceCentro Cinemas, Fortitude Valley

"For the young dancers at the Youth America Grand Prix, one of the world's most prestigious ballet competitions, lifelong dreams are at stake. Bess Kargman's award-winning documentary, First Position, follows six young dancers as they prepare for a chance to enter the world of professional ballet, struggling through bloodied feet, near exhaustion and debilitating injuries all while navigating the drama of adolescence."

A showcase of awe-inspiring talent, tenacity and passion, First Position paints a thrilling and moving portrait of the most gifted young ballet stars of tomorrow.

Watch the trailer HERE  -  IN CINEMAS APRIL 11 

HOW TO WIN::  As BrisStyle will be helping to Save Lost Arts  real soon, we'd love to hear everyone's earliest tales of creativity.  So to go into the draw to WIN one of these double passes, simply head on over to the BrisStye Facebook page and tell us what your first childhood memory was of being creative.  Was it ballet lessons on a Saturday morning,learning how to finger knit with your Nan or another lost art? 

Join us from April - June for the  Saviours of the Lost Arts festival - a celebration of craft for young & old. Come along and take workshops, listen to inspiring speakers, network with like minded crafters and attend our fantastic markets and events. 

For more information head on over to our website

Happy Birthday BrisStyle!!

It's hard to believe we've just celebrated BrisStyle Inc.'s 5th birthday, the years seem to have flown by!  What a whirlwind it's been since that very first chat over coffee to our now thriving little community of amazing artists, crafters and makers of all kinds.

We celebrated with a well deserved night out at the fabulously cute Southside Tearoom where the cider's on tap, the sweet bar guy, Ben makes ace cocktails and the chip platter is an assortment of Twisties, Pringles and potato chips with a generous serve of delicious homemade french onion dip!  Did I mention the pizza?  The pizza was amazing also and then there was cake...three different flavours in fact with candles too.  I highly recommend not only the caramel carrot cake but the vanilla cake which was a sweet, sweet journey to sugar land!

So many wonderful members came out to play and we all had such a lovely time catching up away from the usual market environment.  

The air was electric with creative conversations, market anecdotes, general silliness and lots and lots of laughter from our very newest members to those who've been with us from the very beginning!

Big thanks to everyone who donated a lucky door prize and congratulations to everyone who won!  For a full run-down see below:

$50 Collective Store voucher - Barry Johansen (Barry Johansen Creative)
$50 Nook voucher - Jennifer Bell (i do it yourself)
$25 Tangled Yarns voucher - Candy Barnes (Candykins Crafts)
$50 Incube8r voucher OR 1 month shelf space - Kathy (Ra Ra Superstar)
Earrings and hair-clip set from Hot Toffee - Sandrine Marsh (Imagein Cafe)
Movie Passes to the preview screening of First Position at Palace Centro - Dyani (Little Deer Creations) and Maciek (Marta Walenda)
$50 Handmade High Street voucher - Clare Collyer (Zillpa)
$50 Ministry of Handmade workshop voucher - Kirsten (Each to Own)

Check out more fabulous photo's from the night here.

Until next time, as they say, that's all folks!

xSam

What's HOT & NEW!

Good morning lovely friends!

I am very excited to announce that our favourite blog post "What's HOT & NEW" is back!

YES!

A great way to keep up to date with what our talented BrisStylers have been creating for us.

Introducing you to our lovely Glass Bead Artist Hilary Tiling today.
Hilary has been launching her new gorgeous Website here.

Image courtesy of  www.jocaledesign.com

You can go and subscribe here and you will receive a 10% Discount!!

How great is that ?!

Another great news...
Our talented Jennifer the creative behind "I Do"it yourself 

Has a new collection of printable goodness inspired by hand painted Portuguese and spanish tiles!
Just gorgeous!

You can view the details here.

Image courtesy "I Do" it Yourself

Also, the lovely Shannon, creator behind the Etsy shop Rabbit and the Duck, has just added a new range of Washi tape supplies to her handmade goodness !

More D.I.Y ideas here for you to check out!

Image courtesy Rabbit and the Duck

I hope you enjoyed having a sneak peek into what is Hot & New this week.

Wishing you a happy & creative rest of the week!

Sandrine ♥

2013 Saviours of the Lost Arts :: Join in the Celebrations!

Image courtesy of the Brisbane City Council LIVE program The Crafty Adventures Continue! It’s time to bust out the Bernina and pull out the 8ply, as Saviours of the Lost Art (SotLA) gets ready to once again reignite crafty passions across Brisbane’s creative communities from April through to June 2013. Social networks will be nurtured, creative development skills imparted and the sharing of age‐old craft traditions and their newest indie interpretations showcased throughout the four corners of the Brisbane City Council area. The stars of the show will once again be Brisbane’s seniors, the custodians of the ‘lost arts’ and alongside the generations of new and emerging Brisbane indie creatives, they are set to share their given crafts with each other and the eager creatives from various suburban locations. Even if you’ve never crafted before, this is your opportunity to embrace your creative side and give some of the beginners’ workshops a red-hot go. Image courtesy of ImageIn Cafe Hands on Workshops :: Hosted by BrisStyle Inc. These 'make and take' workshops are an opportunity to celebrate, preserve and share traditional arts and crafts practice. Spread throughout Brisbane, these hands-on sessions will provide opportunities for intergenerational connectivity between seniors and younger crafters within their given communities. Tell me more.... Image courtesy of ImageIn Cafe Hands on Workshops :: Hosted by Brisbane Brown Owls The Brisbane Brown Owlswill spread their crafty wings throughout Brisbane, sharing creative knowledge and skills as well as a good cuppa. For the everyday crafter no matter what age or skill level, get set to learn a new craft or bring along your own unfinished projects. Anyway you join in it’s bound to be a hoot! Tell me more.... Image courtesy of Yan Chen Suburban Networking Marketplaces Suburban Networking Marketplaces at the four points of the compass will highlight the imagination of Brisbane’s creative communities. Meet representatives from local craft groups and guilds and mingle with emerging indie crafters in an old fashion suburban marketplace environment. South DATE Saturday 25 May 35 TIME 10am-2pm VENUE New Inala Hall, Corner of Corsair Avenue and Wirraway Parade, Inala West DATE Saturday 1 June TIME 10am-2pm VENUE Cedar Creek Hall, Cedar Creek Road, Upper Kedron East DATE Saturday 22 June TIME 9am-2pm VENUE St Augustine’s Church, Racecourse Road, Hamilton North DATE Saturday 29 June TIME 10am-2pm VENUE Northgate Hall, Corner of Scott and Ridge Streets, Northgate COST FREE Tell me more.... Image courtesy of ImageIn Cafe Craft Group Discovery Days Free craft classes and meet ups take place across Brisbane everyday of the week so take time to discover a new craft or reinvigorate an old passion. Those UFO’s (unfinished objects) hiding in your craft cupboards may get finished yet! DATES, VENUES and TIMES Various COST FREE Tell me more... BrisStyle Destash and Dash :: Pop-up Crafting Supply Sale To get you ready for the SotLA creative explosion, BrisStyle is hosting a pop-up Destash as a super thrifty way of stocking up on crafting supplies. For two hours, you’ll be able to power shop through some of Brisbane’s most eclectic and amazing craft supply collections. DATE Friday 12 April TIME 6pm - 8pm VENUE St Augustine's Church Hall, Racecourse Rd Hamilton COST FREE Tell me more... BrisStyle Markets – Locally Created Handmade BrisStyle markets are renowned for supporting lovingly handmade local craft and connecting likeminded creatives throughout Brisbane. Throughout SoTLA you’ll be able to meet the makers and experience firsthand the wealth of creative talent from the Brisbane area. Image courtesy of Yan Chen SoTLA Launch:: BrisStyle indie Twilight Market :: King George Square Get ready for one of the craftiest BrisStyle indie Twilight Markets of the year. Meet the makers selling and demonstrating their locally handmade craft in a lantern lit King George Square. Then take to the Deck area to meet local Brisbane crafting groups and immerse yourself in several make and take workshops. With the big bands playing in the square and bar and restaurant onsite, it’s set to be a night for all the family. DATE Friday 26 April TIME 5pm - 9pm VENUE King George Square and Deck, Brisbane City COST FREE Tell me more.... Image courtesy of Yan Chen BrisStyle indie Market :: City Hall These new monthly markets will combine high-end handmade with the gorgeous surrounds of one of Brisbane’s best-loved landmarks to create a celebration of locally made independent art, craft and design. DATE Saturday May 11 and June 8 TIME 9am - 2pm VENUE Brisbane City Hall, Ann St Brisbane COST FREE Tell me more.... BrisStyle indie Market :: Hamilton (As part of the Suburban Networking Marketplaces) With free workshops, demonstrations, market stalls and creative talks throughout the day, there will be plenty of opportunity to meet likeminded souls and make new creative connections. DATE Saturday June 22nd TIME 9am - 2pm VENUE St Augustine's Church Hall, Racecourse Rd Hamilton COST FREE Tell me more.... Image courtesy of Terry Summers Vanishing Arts :: A conversation of knowledge skill and material Vanishing Arts is a series of free city-wide creative workshops as part of the Saviours of the Lost Arts program. The workshops in April and May will be facilitated by nationally-respected, Brisbane sculptor, Terry Summers, who works with recycled cardboard. DATES, VENUES and TIMES Various COST FREE Tell me more... Image courtesy of Tangled Yarns Brisbane Craft Guild, Group and Organisation local Directory Your one-stop guide to Brisbane's craft guilds, groups and organisations. Tell me more... If your group doesn't appear on the register please fill out the Expression of Interest below.. Craft Guild, Group and Organisation involvement If you belong to a local craft guild, group or organisation in the Brisbane City Council area we would LOVE to hear from you! How can SoTLA benefit my craft organisation? • Connecting with other local craft organisations and individuals. • Membership growth through promotion of your group/guild. • Educational support through Creative Development Sessions. • Attracting new audiences through the use of social media promotion. Register your group's Expression of Interest HERE Here's to celebrating creativity throughout Brisbane from April to June 2013...and beyond! 2013 Saviours of the Lost Arts is an initiative of BrisStyle Inc. and the Brisbane City Council ©2013 BrisStyle Inc. | Brisbane

Cultiver Workshops in store now!

This year the girls at Cultiver are aiming is to share their love of making and UPcycling by offering you a variety of workshops to fulfil all your crafting needs.

Here's what's happening in 2013:
21 April - UPcycled earrings - half day 
26 May - crochet for beginners - all or half day 
30 June - screen printing - all day
28 July - t-shirt yarn crochet - half day
25 August - UPcycling t-shirts - all or half day 
29 September - screen printing - all day
27 October - UPcycled clothing for children - all or half day24 November - printing and sewing soft toys - all day
And here's all the nitty gritty details:
LOCATION: all workshops held at 126 Brisbane Street, Ipswich.
FOOD, DRINK ETC: take advantage of our stellar position near a number of wonderful cafes including Cactus Espresso Bar, Bon Laneway, Fourthchild and Deanne's Coffee House.And here's all the nitty gritty details:
LOCATION: all workshops held at 126 Brisbane Street, Ipswich.
FOOD, DRINK ETC: take advantage of our stellar position near a number of wonderful cafes including Cactus Espresso Bar, Bon Laneway, Fourthchild and Deanne's Coffee House.

Image courtesy of Cultiver

Craft RehabCome and craft with us in a supportive and non-judgemental environment.

TIME: 10 - 2
LOCATION: Cultiver cosy corner
DATES:Saturday 13 April - UPcycled plastic animal key ring holder
Saturday - 8 June - Babushka doll bag
Saturday 10 August - UPcyled tea-light holders
Saturday 12 October - Men's shirt cushion cover
Saturday 14 December - Papery decorations
COST:
Members - free (materials cost only)
non members - $10 + materials
BOOKINGS:
you can simply turn up on the day or RSVP via cultivershop@gmail.com
PLEASE BRING:
if you're up to it please bring along a plate of something yummy to share

Image from Paint Me Plaid

For more information or any questions, just email Bec or Kyla at cultivershop@gmail.com

Handmade map: West End edition

An independent guide to local shops that stock handmade products in West End Brisbane. 

#1 nook

What you’ll find: the handmade mecca of the West End. Nook carries products from Brisbane companies such as washi tape by Paper Boat Press, cups by Raw Ceramics and soy candles by Coco Daydream. 

Where you’ll find it: 19 Browning St.

http://www.nookbrisbane.com/

#2 Shibui Homewares

What you’ll find: Japanese ceramics imported from Kyoto, cushion covers sewn in shop by the owners and paper flowers made of Japanese newspaper. 

Where you’ll find it: 27 Vulture Street. http://www.shibuihomewares.com.au/

#3 The Happy Cabin

What you’ll find: In addition to apparel for guys and gals, The Happy Cabin carries Canadian felt acorns, hand-crafted leather wallets and greeting cards featuring folksy illustrations. 

Where you’ll find it: 58 Vulture St

http://thehappycabin.com/

#4 Hanasho Florist

What you’ll find: earrings and necklaces designed by local jewelers, hanging pinch pots and framed paintings among the Asian inspired bouquets. 

Where you’ll find it: 5/235 Boundary St

#5 Spiral Community Hub

What you’ll find: colourful dolls made by women in Bangladesh, t-shirts designed by Brisbanites and crocheted rabbit rattles. 

Where you’ll find it: 192 Boundary St 

http://www.spiral.org.au/

Download the map to print and take with you on your West End adventure. 

Written by Katie Fedosenko

About the Author

Katie Fedosenko is a freelancer journalist and communication consultant. When she’s not knitting amigurumi vegetables or sewing Very Easy Vogue dresses, Katie can be found producing zines and slamming poems. Visit her at www.krfedosenko.com.