Showing posts with label bags. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bags. Show all posts

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Oktoberfest in Brisbane otherwise known as little Germany

It's October in Brisbane and the weather is doing silly things. So much so that I would have to liken it to irrational behavior of lederhosen wearing people under the influence at Oktoberfest. And, on that note see below for some BrisStyle goodness that embraces the festive month, be it the black, red and yellow of the flag or the heady smell of yeasty brew and pork knuckle.

Silver Cored Bead by Creative Arty Facts
Has brand new large hole beads that fit either the Pandora or Biagi bracelet systems. This one is made from gorgeous Lauscha glass from Germany.


Mango sherbet hair piece by SM Boutique
For the Fraulein that likes to bet a bet on the GGs. This cute fascinator is handmade piece using feathers and natural fibers.


Retro Envelope Clutch by Nosovich
Gorgeous little clutch to take to Oktoberfest. This retro little number will bring out the 70s style in anyone.


Rosa Chinensis by Shelly Berelli
What says Germany like chopsticks! This bag is big enough for a day out in the park with friends, suncream, hat, punnet of in season blueberries.


Small Spring Days by Little Mary Moo
Channeling the patriotic colours of Germany's flag this cute to boot purse is perfect to put a small bratwurst in for a midnight snack. If your not partial to pork in your purse, then your keys, phone and lippy fit in here perfectly.


Red and white pattern sling bag by A Creature Strange
You're wunderbar friends will have no trouble spotting you in the beer hall with this bright little number over your shoulder.


See you next week ... hopefully with less dust and wind
Guten Tag!

Monday, July 13, 2009

It's gonna be a bright, sunshiny day!

At last, the beautiful Brisbane Winter sun has found us. How lovely to be enjoying the warming rays that have been cutting through the crisp air. Perfect for outdoor market strolling and lazy Sunday bike rides...

But if sunshine has been a little scarce around your neck of the woods, don't despair. Let this selection of sunshiny happiness warm the cockles of your heart, and bring a smile to you face :)

By Maudie's Millinery




By Raspberry Pink


Tulip Brooch
By Little Chrissy




Life Arcadia Ruffle Pants
By Bettsy Kingston

Monday, June 22, 2009

Feeling a bit dotty!

Did you know that polka dots are ancient? They first became common on clothing in the late nineteenth century in Britain, when polka music was extremely popular.

Disco Dot Ruffle Pants
By Bettsy Kingston


Apparently (according to Wikipedia!), the name was also applied to the pattern, despite no real connection between them.



And while the polka fad has all but disappeared in most circles, the polka dot pattern has remained popular, and its name left intact over the years!



Also interesting to note, is that this happiest of patterns rarely appears in formal contexts, and is generally confined to more playful pursuits.



So get your giggles on, and lighten up with a bit of happy dottiness.

Because lets face it. Sometimes it's fun to be a little bit dotty :P

Thursday, December 18, 2008

It's a Christmas wrap!

Get ready for the last BrisStyle post for the year folks. And let me warn you. It's a biggie. You might like to settle yourself down with a cup of tea first. Break out the tim tams. And enjoy the wrap-up.


In case you haven't already heard around the bloggy/crafty traps, the first ever BrisStyle market was an outstanding success. And on so many levels too! Not only was there a steady stream of smiling happy people all day (I think I got to sit down for all of about 20 mins for the entire 7 hour day!!!), but even the heat couldn't keep the huge smiles off the faces of the stallholders. Quite simply, it was heaps of fun.


The atmosphere was festive indeed, with music flooding the hall and courtyard, and excited stallholders chatting away (many of us had never met in real life before, although we had all communicated online regularly, so getting together was exciting in itself!).

From a personal perspective I could go on and on about what a fabulous market it was, and how proud I am to have been a part of it, and what an amazing group of people the BrisStyle crew are. But I'll spare you and let the pictures do the talking (unfortunately I was way too distracted to get round and take photos of all the stalls, so here is just a selection of market pics I've cobbled together from those organised enough to take some snaps!!).

Pedrosprout (top) and Hot Fudge (bottom)


Oh, I'll just also mention, that we raised $247 for Knitting for Brisbane's Needy, the charity that we supported by way of a raffle of members' goods and general donations (congratulations Diane Jones on your win, we hope you love your handmade items!!) .

Raffle Goodies

We also had the lovely Olivia from Scampsville doing a live cross from the market as part of her radio show At The Local on 4ZZZ. So if you'd like to hear a bit of live action from the day you can listen to the podcast, where Olivia interviews Helen (from Ruby Red Studios & Ruby2GoGo), Hayley (from REread) and myself (Beckybean). She also has a chat with Karen from Knitting for Brisbane's Needy, if you're interested in hearing more about this very worthy local charity.


Little Diva (top left) Kitty Boo Boo (top right) and Not Sew Shabby (bottom)


So it was a fun fun day (even if a bit hot...). Did I mention the food? My homemade iced tea (made with real Billy Tea) was refreshingly divine, as was my roast veggie wrap, and don't even get me started on those gorgeous mini christmas puddings that were handed around by Sharlene from Sharlzndollz!!!

Salt Sea Tees (top left) Little Diva (top right) and EmbelISH (bottom)

Bel and Em from EmbelISH also turned into little elves, delivering star-shaped gingerbread delights and other goodies.

Beckybean (top) and Hot Fudge (bottom)

Oh, and I haven't even mentioned yet the sneakiest little elf of all, fellow BrisStyle blog editor Tracy, of Hey Harriet. Although Tracy didn't have her own stall at the market, she was there manning the BrisStyle table, and relieving stallholders, and basically being the most amazing Girl Friday. Thanks so much Tracy - there is no way the day could have run as smoothly as it did without your help. I know you prefer to stay behind the scenes, but I simply can't type this without saying a huge THANKS! XXX

REread (top) and Twinkle Star Art (bottom)

Did I say I was going to let the pictures do the talking? I'm not very good at that am I? Oh well, while I'm at it, can I just say, see that gorgeous little mermaid doll at the front of the dolls shown below? That's MINE!!!! Well, actually, it will be my daughter's on Christmas day, but I can't wait to give it to her :)

Made by Maisie (top) and Bettsy Kingston (bottom....he he...get it???...sorry...)

While I'm rabbiting on here, can I also say I huge THANK-YOU to all the people who supported us in this huge venture. I was amazed at how many people came down to say hello, from other local Etsy sellers to South East QLD bloggers, friends, families and general passers-by. Even the very lovely Kelley, creator of Peppermint Magazine came down to check us out and say hello. Thanks everyone - your support was very very much appreciated and it really added to the wonderful vibe happening on the day.

Oooh ooh ooh, and seeing as though I've dropped all pretense of showing any kind of restraint with my waffle, can I also say.....see that t-shirt at the very front below (with the dog applique)? My sister bought one of those for her son, and oh my goodness he looks SO gorgeous in it. He wore it for his first photo with Santa. You can't tell from this pic but the nose is fluffy - EEEKKKK, too cute!!!!

Sharlzndollz (top) and Tees 2 Knees (bottom)

The only problem with this market. *Sigh* I now have the hugest wish list. I'm sure my sister and I bought things from at least half the stalls at the market (thank-you Little Mary Moo, Hot Toffee, Strat Designs and Raspberry Pink to name but a few, and I'm looking forward to extending Kate's Made by Miffy wardrobe next year too....hmmm...and maybe some Mimoo pjs too - they were SOOOO cute). But if you're getting the idea that I could easily have had one of everything then you'd be spot on. Like most people it seems, I came away so inspired by the handmade brigade.

Sunshadow (top left), Ogekko (top right) and Jellygnite (bottom)


And lastly, this whole big event would not have even happened at all if it weren't for the tireless effort, energy and enthusiasm of this amazing lady below. Miss Ruby Red there are not enough words to say thank-you with. The success of this market is a testament to the wonderful person you are. We are all so very very grateful.

The wonderwoman herself, Helen of Ruby Red Studios & Ruby2GoGo

And if somehow after reading this you are thinking "I need to know more" then never fear. Below is a list of links to other blog posts about the BrisStyle market. So you can get more perspectives, more photos, and more info about the wonderful day that was the first ever BrisStyle Christmas Market. Please Enjoy. And on behalf of BrisStyle can I wish you much merriment, happiness, health, love and craftiness for the Christmas holidays. We will be back, bigger and brighter in the new year. Cheers, Bec XXX

Bits of Toffee - a little more...for Sally xx
Charlie and Grace - Tis the season ...

Hot Fudge - Not all Markets Crash
Just Needs Salt - So many things to love, to want, to buy
Kitty Boo Boo - BrisStyle Christmas Markets Review

Little Diva - The first BrisStyle Market was a HUGE Success
Made by Maisie - Maisies Go To Market
Sharlzndollz - Mighty Market Roundup
The Small Stuff - And LO it was awesome!
The Small Things - The BrisStyle purchases
Twinkle Star Art - My first post

Monday, December 8, 2008

Merry Market Mania!

Oh! You better watch out,
You better not cry,
You better not pout,
I'm telling you why:
BrisStyle is coming to town!

(town in this case referring to the sweet suburb of Hamilton)

Only five more sleeps until the very first BrisStyle market! It’s just as exciting as that other big event which takes place later in the month involving the chimney sliding shenanigans of one very jovial fellow with an odd fondness for furry red suits.


(a selection of some of the delights created by stall-holders)

Approximately 30 BrisStyle members are participating in the market, so there certainly will be a diverse range of well-crafted and exciting wares on offer. It promises to be a fun and festive day, with live music, and tasty treats and refreshments available in the beautiful courtyard of the charming old Hamilton Town Hall. Also, BrisStyle’s favourite radio station 4ZzZ will be broadcasting live from the event in the afternoon as part of the popular and award winning At The Local program which is hosted by BrisStyle member Olivia (Scampsville) between 1pm and 2pm every Saturday. And if you ever miss the program the good news is that you can always listen to their podcasts anytime.

This market is the first of many that BrisStyle plan to have in the future and it was decided that the group will support a different local charity at each market event. The stall-holders will be donating a gift or voucher towards a raffle prize and tickets will be sold on the day, with all money raised being donated towards the chosen charity. The charities will also be given the opportunity to have a stall (at no charge) at each market to further promote themselves and provide information about what they do. The charity BrisStyle are supporting this Saturday is Knitting For Brisbane’s Needy and all the details can be found here about this crafty cause.

For those who are unable to attend the market, here is a list of all the participating BrisStyle member Etsy shops to check out at your leisure. From wherever you happen to reside. We certainly don’t want our faraway friends to feel left out of the fun!

Beckybean
Bellabijoux
Bettsykingston
Bugs in Rugs
EmBelISH
Hot Fudge
Hot Toffee
Jellygnite
Little Diva
Little Mary Moo
Made by Maisie
Made by Miffy
Mimoo
Miss Kitty Boo Boo
Not Sew Shabby
Ogekko
Pedrosprout
RaspberryPink
ReRead
Ruby 2 Go Go
Ruby Red Studios
Salt Sea Tees
Scampsville
Sharlzndollz
StratDesigns
Sunshadow
Tees2Knees
Trinkets & Roses
Twinkle Star Art
Wicked Child Designs

This little piggy will be going to market, and then this little piggy will be going Wheee! Wheee! Wheee! all the way home…happily loaded with lovingly handmade Christmas gift purchases!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Party Pics, Renaissance, & more FREE stuff!

Here are some pics taken at the BrisStyle Team meet-up at The Book Café in Mt Gravatt last Saturday. It was a fun morning, with our Secret Santa swap, the drawing of the blog giveaway and enthusiastic planning for the upcoming BrisStyle Christmas Market happening on Saturday 13th December.




I don’t recall that festive frog being in attendance. Frog face must have crashed the party after I left. Luckily another BrisStyler had left by then also. Would have been embarrassing because they were both wearing exactly the same outfits! Thanks so much to Em and Bel from EmBelISH for making the awesome Ferrero Rocher Christmas trees and for organising the meet-up! A great time was had by all!

Now onto a few things that BrisStylers are currently up to. The Renaissance Exhibition at Reverse Garbage opened last Friday and included in the exhibit are lovely handcrafted eco-friendly pieces by Ali (jellygnite), Bec (beckybean) and Helen (ruby red studios and ruby 2 go-go). I visited on Monday and took a few photos while there.


I am a Brisbane crafter and Art teacher and my work celebrates and is inspired by paper ephemera, vintage designs, memories, thriftiness and simplicity.

A big component of my making process is the use of salvaged and recycled materials: most of my work features at least 75% salvaged materials. I enjoy collecting and salvaging abandoned, old materials and transforming them, giving them a new and different life. I enjoy the extra ‘history’ salvaged materials bring to a piece as well as supporting the idea of ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’. So many wonderful materials can be found on the ‘scrap pile’!
- Ali Chisholm


My inspiration comes from the materials themselves, and the story behind them. I love the idea that a soft floral linen used in a handbag may have once been a girl’s first tablecloth, stored in her glory box until her wedding day. Or maybe the big sparkly button on a bookmark once glittered under the lights of a blue light disco in the 80s.

My pieces say a lot about who I am. And who am I? My name is Bec, and I am a mum, a wife, a daughter and a sister. I sew and I sing and I walk and I play. And I really like tea and chocolate.
- Bec Hollis


Helen is a local Brisbane Artist whose passion for nostalgia inspires her work. A part time air hostess, she is also heavily influenced by her intrepid travel adventures and surrounds. Viva the “re-purposed revolution”! Recycle, repurpose, reclaim, remodel, revamp, redesign, rediscover, recraft, rework, renovate, rescue, rekindle, reduce and revolutionise! - Helen Berthold

(info sourced from the Renaissance Exhibition artist bio booklet)

These photos don’t do the pieces justice, so you’d best head on over to see how truly amazing everything is. The exhibition is on in the Echoes Gift Shop during regular Reverse Garbage trading hours. This is one not to be missed! Fanflipintastic!


More giveaways! The big BrisStyle giveaway may be over, but four very generous and talented BrisStyle members are currently offering super giveaways on their blogs.

Teneale (wickedchilddesigns) is giving away a cool Gothic Gretel doll.


To enter click here. Quick! Ends Thursday 27th November.

Hayley (Re-Read) is giving away a fab Fruity Goose brooch.


To enter click here. Ends Sunday 30th November.

Cat (madebymaisie) is giving away a sweet Christmas Maisie doll.


To enter click here. Ends Wednesday 3rd December.

Eliza (ElizasArt) is giving away a print of your choice from her new website.


To enter click here. Ends Tuesday 9th December.

And a big bunch of BrisStylers are busy preparing for this…


To enter click…umm, nope. Just turn up! No clicking required. Phew! One more link and my head may explode!

Monday, September 15, 2008

Spring into Spring


Spring has sprung - the flowers are out, the birdies are chirping, and sunny Brisbane is living up to its name! So what better way to put a spring into your step than with one of these sunshiny creations from a few of our talented BrisStyle members.

Hair Clip Holder - Daisy Fabric
by EmBelISH
$15.00


Pixie Pin
by Art Decadence
$5


Swarovski Crystal Wire Pendant
by Marlier
$28


Red Daisy Sling Bag
by Little Mary Moo
$35


Her Daintiness - Featuring Pale Pink Rose
by Trinkets and Roses
$64.95

Vintage Delight - Spring Garden
by Love, Janie Lou
$34


60s Retro Ladies ACEO - Dotty Blue
by Jellygnite
$4.00


Lime Blossom Studs - Fused Glass Earrings
by Hot Toffee
$25


Sunlight Pair Necklace
by Scampsville
$17


Sunrise at 5.16am - ACEO
by Hey Harriet
$11


Paper Gals Paper Doll - Hearts and Flowers
by Sharlzndollz
$6.30