Monday, September 29, 2014

Peppermint Magazine : Issue 23

Have you snapped up the Spring issue of Peppermint mag yet?

buy a copy from Etsy here
This issue - "food for thought' is chock full of food related articles and interviews including chats with ten inspiring folks from around the world - including Simon Bryant, Stephanie Alexander, Liz Wolfe and Belle Gibson -  discussing everything from the environmental impact of food to its emotional resonance. You can learn how to make pantry staples from scratch with Emma Galloway, read about Ron Finley - the man transforming LA's food desserts into food forests, visit Kyneton in Victoria and find out how Claire Dunne survived a year of back to basics wilderness living.

And just inside the front cover* you'll spot a few of our fabulous BrisStyler's including - Handmade High Street, Each to Own, Jetta's Nest, The Art and Craft Cottage, Karissa Chase, Michelle Pujol, The Thinktree and Ministry of Handmade


Make sure you grab your copy soon.

*Peppermint Mag is the major media sponsor of BrisStyle Inc

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Meet the maker - Angela Tracey - Poppy Wynter Designs

This week we meet the lovely Angela, creator of boutique stationery label Poppy Wynter


Were you creative as a child/do you come from a creative family?
Yes, I have always been inspired to be creative since a young age, my Nana who is now 92 still takes Art Classes for her bark paintings every week. And my mum who has been sewing since she was 15. I hope that I have inherited just a little of their creativity.

How would you describe your work?
Unique, I love doing custom designs for customers and have something that is different to the rest.

How has your work evolved since you started?
I have learnt a lot from other designers along the way but I think the moment I evolved was when I decided to go it on my own. This has been a huge learning curve and I am so excited about it.


How did you start selling online/ Etsy?
It was only natural to jump straight into the selling online scene and Etsy is just an amazing place to sell. 

Who or what inspires you?
Everything, I could spend hours looking through wedding blogs and homeware blogs love, love, love it!!  


Do you reduce, reuse, recycle as part of your creative process? 
I am always conscious of reusing and recycling.  

Describe your studio/workspace?
Sometimes at the kitchen bench, other times out on the deck. Depends what mood my 4 month old is in. But when I do get a chance to work in my studio its on my lovely vintage wood desk with lots of inspiration around.

What is your favourite thing to make?
My ‘love story’ invitations. I love getting my customers love story and creating it into a special custom invitation that is as unique as their wedding.  


How did your business/shop name come about (if applicable)?
I always said if I have a little girl I would name her Poppy Wynter. Um I now have a 4 month old and her name is Olive. So it became my business name.

Where do you see your creative journey taking you in the next 12 months?
I would love to grow my business to be more of a full time job. Would really love to build my brand by doing a lot more markets within Brisbane.

What’s your top tip to others wanting to break into the handmade/creative market?
Consistency. It’s really hard to stay motivated when you see nothing happening but keep that consistent flow of new products, facebook/instagram post and eventually you will start to reap the rewards.


Describe your typical creative day?
My brain starts at 5.00am. I always lay in bed with ideas of new designs, so this just gets me motivated to get up and put them down on paper. In between looking after the girl, I always sit down for creative time during the day.

What is your favourite handmade item that you have bought?
When I got married I bought a beautiful “twigs and honey” headpiece. I think I will always have it on display.

Where can we find you online/stockists (links etc)?
Instagram – Poppy Wynter Designs

Sunday, September 21, 2014

September Kids School Holiday Workshops

Our popular kids school holiday workshops kick off this week. Here's some of our sweet participants from last holidays:



All workshops are hosted by the lovely Kate of My Aunty Anna. Kate is a textile artist and uber crafter - perhaps you've stumbled across her giant weaving projects at community festivals on the northside. 

This holidays there's plenty of sessions to choose from for both boys and girls ages six and up. Kids can get crafty making pom poms, torn paper collage, jewellery, string art, macramé and pet rocks to list just a few.  
 

Here's the full program. Tuesday and Thursday workshops are $25* each or $45* for the full day and Wednesday sessions are $20* each or $50* for the whole day.
*+GST and booking fee


To book head over to BrisStyle and click on the image for the workshop you're after.

Monday, September 15, 2014

Meet the maker - Deb Magee - Lady Brass Steampunk Garnishes

This week we catch up with Deb, the creative mind behind Lady Brass Steampunk Garnishes

 
Were you creative as a child/do you come from a creative family?
I loved drawing and art as a child through school & college and I was encouraged by my family to continue doing something I loved so I’m just about to finish my Fine Arts majoring in Assemblage Sculpture & Assemblage Ceramics.

How would you describe your work?
My Lady Brass work is an extension of that art background with my jewellery & garnishes being “assembled” and original pieces created in the Steampunk genre.

How has your work evolved since you started?
I find myself exploring and engaging in all the different styles within this look which has resulted in some fun pieces.   I was always being asked where I got my own jewellery from and said that I made my own so people wanted me to make them something and so my work evolved.
 
-->

Who or what inspires you?
The whole Steampunk genre. Just love it J and all things Vintage Victorian Steam Metal Clocks Cogs – things made to last! Things made by craftsmen with time honoured skills.

Do you reduce, reuse, recycle as part of your creative process?  If yes, how is your art/craft eco-friendly?
I use a lot of recycled parts/pieces and bits in my work as I love Metal! In all its forms and I’m a regular caller at the Brisbane Metal Scrap Yard!! I also love Reverse Garbage for some fascinating bits & bobs to create my garnishes.  I’m a bit of a bowerbird!

Describe your studio/workspace?
Haaha that’s funny as my family will tell you I’ve taken over the – garage!  The Study! and the entire dining  table!

What is your favourite thing to make?
I think I like assembling Brooches the best as I can combine so many elements to create a unique one of a kind piece.

 
-->
How did your business/shop name come about?
Whilst going over a number of name options – my gorgeous son came in and said “Mom you love Brass and you are a Lady – why not “Lady Brass” – now who could refuse such a lovely compliment! So Lady Brass Steampunk Garnishes was born.

Where do you see your creative journey taking you in the next 12 months?
Creating a more comprehensive range and for Men as well and expanding my work to bigger pieces such as gauntlets, chest strapping’s etc.

What’s your top tip to others wanting to break into the handmade/creative market?
Hey – take a Big Breath and Step Out – be confident in what your “mark making” is and the BrisStyle group are the best and most supportive people to start with!
  

-->
Describe your typical creative day?
Well – my dining table is right in the middle of the room with all my bits & pieces on it! so I’m always “doing” throughout the day J

Favourite quote
Life is like a Cherry – each bite is sweeter than the last!

Music or movie while creating?
Hee hee – “Flashdance” & “Star Trek”

What is your favourite handmade item that you have bought?
A gorgeous brass heart split in the middle then riveted together – the imagery of the piece speaks volumes

Where can we find you online/stockists?  
facebook - lady brass steampunk garnishes

Thursday, September 11, 2014

{I heart craft} - creative development session - marketing and social media

Top tips on marketing via social media with Jess Van Den
Social media trends change by the minute. Let local entrepreneur Jess Van Den from Create & Thrive give you the latest on why social media is vital to your online business, and how to work smarter, not harder on your social media marketing strategy.
Jess Van Den
{ABOUT} Jess Van Den is a self-employed silversmith working under the Epheriell label. She has been making jewellery since 2008, when she opened her Etsy shop to sell her jewellery as a hbby, and turned Epheriell into her full-time occupation in 2010. Jess holds a BA, BSc. and BEd, and transitioned from traditional teaching to speaking and writing about handmade business best practice as she grew her jewellery business. She's the founder and editor of Create & Thrive, where people learn how to turn their handmade hobby into a full-time business from those who've done just that.

When: Saturday 13th September
Where: BrisStyle HQ - 1F/24 Macquarie St. Teneriffe QLD 4005
Time: 10am - 12:30pm
Cost: FREE - BOOKED OUT - REGISTER NOW to be placed on the wait list

Monday, September 8, 2014

Meet the Maker - Kristina Pusakowa - Needlefruit

Welcome to another edition of 'meet the maker' this week we're getting to know Kristina from Needlefruit



Were you creative as a child/do you come from a creative family?
Hmm, I don't think I was overly creative as a child. My mother and grandmother were both very good at sewing. I remember a few childhood princess costumes and flared pants in my teens that they have made for me.

My dad used to wood carve little scary masks when he was young and there are still a few in my parents home. I like them even though they are scary :)

I never thought I had any creative talent throughout most of my adult life. Then I started getting into sewing and hand embroidery and slowly noticed there might be something creative bubbling to the surface ;)


How would you describe your work?
I make hand embroidered wall hangings, some would call them hoop art I think, and cushions.

How has your work evolved since you started?
It started as a hobby as for most handmade micro business owners. And then I had the amazing opportunity to teach sewing for beginners for a lovely sewing studio in Paddington and absolutely loved it! I was working full time in the “real world” job and was teaching at nights and the weekends.

The business had to go on a break and I soon started missing the laughs and stories and the proud faces of the students. So I decided to start teaching hand embroidery.
Long story short, I started Needlefruit in June this year (2014) and cannot wait to start the next round of classes!


How did you start selling online/ Etsy (if applicable)?
I have not started selling online yet. I am still working on making wall hangings and cushions for my first market with you guys (BrisStyle) in September.

I have sold embroidery classes on my website in July and am planning more classes for September as well. Uh, I can't wait I love teaching embroidery!


Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by Russian folk art and their amazing use of colours and I think there is a bit of English rose garden, mixed media and our beautiful nature in the pot as well.

Do you reduce, reuse, recycle as part of your creative process?  If yes, how is your art/craft eco-friendly?
Yes, I sometimes do use fabric scraps that I have left over from sewing dresses and just bought a pile of fabric from Reverse Garbage. I am hoarding even the tiniest leftover scraps, just in case they come in handy one day haha!


Describe your studio/workspace?
I am very lucky to have my own little sewing/ workshop room at home. It's small and packed with stuff but I love it!

What is your favourite thing to make?
I love making my wall hangings, especially the more complicated ones. They can take a couple of days to finish, but I am a little proud of every single one of them.

How did your business/shop name come about (if applicable)?
I like the idea of something growing out of my needles, like fruit from a tree. It takes some rain, sunshine and time to grow fruit but when they are ripe they are delicious. Hahaha! Is that too cheesy?


Where do you see your creative journey taking you in the next 12 months?
I will be running regular classes at Knitch (a beautiful yarn shop in Paddington with an amazing studio space underneath).

I am also planning to get involved in regular markets and meet some of the amazing creative people out there. I would sell a few things as well :).
An online shop would be neat too, but I have not made my mind up where to set up shop.

What’s your top tip to others wanting to break into the handmade/creative market?
Gosh... I have only been doing this full time for a couple of months and it still feels a little weird.
I would say try to get involved in social media groups and meet like-minded people at markets. It definitely helps me a lot to talk to people who are doing it, you know?

Describe your typical creative day?
I try to get up early. I have just started running again (well it's more walk walk run walk walk...) so that's the first thing I do in the morning.

Then I am off into my room and start stitching or create a new design for the next wall hanging. In between I am still working on my website, branding and class structures.

Music or movie while creating?
Depending on my mood, I like to listen to very different music. I might go with relaxing spa music or Rock and PunkRock ;)

What is your favourite handmade item that you have bought?
It's a beautiful turned and hand sawn wooden wall/window decoration from Germany. It's traditionally a Christmas decoration, but I have it hanging out all year. It's a winter woodland scene with deer, birds and squirrels and it has a built in light. When you switch in on the little wooden creatures look magical.  It reminds me of home and of cold snowy winters and warm houses.


Where can we find you online/stockists (links etc)?

{ Become a Marketeer } Oct 24 Brisbane Twilight Markets :: Applications NOW Open!

BrisStyle Web Banner 2014
10440965 10152504035605930 4894379300583729238 n

{ APPLICATION NEWS }

If you are a hobbyist, emerging or established local crafter or food artisan making high quality handmade, get on board and be part of the BrisStyle Markets experience today!

APPLY MONDAY SEPT 8

Oct 24 Brisbane Twilight Market

STOP PRESS:

Applications NOW OPEN for Oct 11 City Hall BrisStyle indie Market
Application details below....
PicMonkey Collage222.jpg

{ GET INVOLVED }

 As a BrisStyle Member
20% off market fees
site priority & additional benefits apply
 As an External Marketeer
Handmaker or
Pre-packaged Food Artisan
 As an Event Sponsor
Support the local Brisbane creative community
PicMonkey Collage333.jpg-1

{ BRISBANE TWILIGHT MARKETS }

SITE CHOICES

When you apply, you will be asked to select which site location you prefer:
 CO-OP SITE - 1/2 trestle table - approx 90x80cm (see more info about the Co-op below)
BrisStyle Member: $55 (Inc.GST)
External Marketeers: $66 (Inc. GST)
 3x3m SITES :
- Grand Ramp Sites: These are pole position sites located on the ramp which leads from Adelaide St up to the Square (the main access point if coming from Queen St Mall)
- Centre Pod Sites: There are four 3x3m marquee sites to one pod and have great exposure. All sites here are corner sites and ideal for those sharing a stall.
- Side Sites: These sites run along the City Hall side of the markets and are in the high traffic area which take pedestrians from the City through to Roma St Station and surrounding hotels.
BrisStyle Member: $99 (Inc.GST)
External Marketeers: $118.80 (Inc. GST)

MARQUEE & SANDBAG HIRE

If operational requirements allow, there may be several BrisStyle 3x3m Marquees to hire on the night. Please indicate whether you are keen to list for one on your application.
$55 (Inc. GST)
10420081 10152591998130930 4313616027643203910 n

{ THE NITTY GRITTY }

TABLES & CHAIRS

Along with your marquee's you will need to provide your own tables and chairs (unless you opt for the Co-op).

SHARING

If you're keen to share your stall, please pre-arrange your buddy and BOTH submit applications indicating who you'll be sharing with.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

As well as Direct Debit, we also accept payments via PayPal.
(Please note that PayPal fees and charges will apply with this option)
1170336 279403725558671 469093455 n

{ THE CO-OP }

Are you new to marketeering and want to test the waters with your product?
If you answered yes, then "The Co-op" is for you!
The aim of the Co-op is to encourage, nurture and support new members who are emerging hobbyists or new marketeers. It's the perfect opportunity to meet new people, network with fellow emerging crafters and work your way up to having your own stall... or build relationships with the other Co-opers to eventually share a stall.

WE SUPPLY

Marquee, chairs and trestle table.
You will need to supply:
Tablecloth and battery operated lighting.
IMPORTANT: All site requests will be actioned on a first in, first served"basis, based on the operational requirements of each market with current financial BrisStyle Members receiving priority.
090 Marketeer Button HR-01

{ APPLY }

APPLY MONDAY SEPT 8

OCT 24 Brisbane Twilight Market
Opens 6am Monday SEPT 8
BrisStyle Members APPLICATION FORM
External Marketeers APPLICATION FORM

APPLY NOW

OCT 11 BrisStyle indie Market :: City Hall
BrisStyle Members APPLICATION FORM
External Marketeers APPLICATION FORM
SITE DETAILS
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contactbrisstyleevents@gmail.com
unnamed
 
unnamed  1
5d6570b6-ca72-43ac-adca-a28fff9c49aeThe Thinktree MadeIt Banner-01
sm Website Address Banner  1  copy

Thursday, September 4, 2014

{I heart craft} - heart to heart with Maryann Talia Pau


This Saturday is your chance to meet and have a chat with weaver, artist and designer Maryann Talia Pau.

Born in Apia, Samoa, Maryann is now based in Brisbane and describes herself as  practising to be a Matuauu or a lover of weaving.

Maryann's woven breastplates have been seen on singing sister's Vika and Linda Bull, ABC broadcaster Namila Benson, Nai Palm from Hiatus Kaiyote and in a fashion collaboration with The Social Studio for L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival, 2011. She is also the first artist of Pacific Island heritage to have work purchased by the Victorian Foundation for Living Australian Artists for the NGV.  In 2012 Maryann embarked on what became an international weaving project - 1 million stars to end violence - in response to the rape and murder of Jill Meagher in Melbourne.

I had the good fortune to attend a workshop with Maryann at the Brisbane Unleash Creative where she taught us some weaving basics and shared a little about her inspiring creative journey. This is truly a lady with making in her soul, keen to share her love of making and connect with her community so don't miss this chance to meet this lovely woman.



Time: Saturday 10:30 - 12:00pm
Venue: Brisbane Square Library, Brisbane City
Cost: Free
Bookings Essential: directly through Brisbane Square Library - 07 3403 4166
places are limited so book now!!