Monday Maker : Kumihimo Designs experts - Lesley and Wal from Offbeat Designs

Who hasn't heard of 'French Knitting'?

Well how about French Knitting WITH BEADS! Pretty clever.

One of the trademark features that make 'offbeat designs' easily recognisable.

Let's have a chat with Lesley:

 

Hi Lesley, firstly would you say you were creative as a child?

No, I wasn't.

Well you certainly are creative now, how would you describe your work?

I love to create distinctive designs. We also welcome Custom jewellery as well as Repairs and Workshops.

How has your work evolved since you started?

We started off with simple techniques, which we then constantly refined and updated by studying the work of successful designers.

And by participating in workshops at the Tucson Bead and Gem show.



Kumihimo Bracelet

Do you sell online or on etsy?

Not yet, but we intend to do so.

Where does your inspiration come from?

I'm always inspired by Creative design and Innovative use of colours and materials.

Do you reduce, reuse, recycle as part of your creative process?  

Yes, we use some Vintage beads dating from the 1940’s

Describe your studio?

We enclosed our balcony to create a secure workspace totally devoted to workshops and a workroom.

One of our Workshops in progress

 Do you have a favourite thing to make?

No, I just love to make anything that appeals to my creative fancy at the time.

How did your business name come about?

It is the same name we originally used for our interior design business – before the jewellery bug got us.

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

Our redesigned website with our new product range should be up and running.

And we are also excited about our new branding. 

Do you have a top tip to others wanting to break into the handmade/creative market?

Study your craft, pick a direction, then go for it.

Describe your typical creative day?

Simply put, Chaotic !

Do you have a favourite quote?

-  “ Jewellery can change an outfit more than anything else.  TRANSFORMATION, PUNCH, 

INDIVIDUALITY - is why you should wear jewellery”. - Iris Apsel - ( Famous New York Designer )



French Knitting Beaded necklace

What is your favourite handmade item that you have bought?

An original African Feather Headdress

Where can we find you online?

www.offbeatdesign.com.au 

How long have you been a member of BrisStyle?

About 12 months

How did you find out about brisstyle?

We did some workshops for Tracey from Side Street Vintage and Tracey recommended Brisstyle to us.

Why did you become a member?

It was an excellent fit for our business - designing and making jewellery, and teaching.

And lastly, my favourite question that I love to ask everyone, Why do you craft?

Because Design is our passion.

Thankyou Lesley and we look forward to seeing both you and Wal at a Brisstyle market soon.

 

Anita x

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.

SoTLA 2013 :: Hands on Workshops :: Hosted by Brisbane Brown Owls

Brisbane Brown Owls meet once or twice a month in various locations throughout Brisbane. At each meet up we either learn a new craft or you can bring along your own craft to do. It's all about sharing crafty knowledge and skills, meeting like-minded people and having a cuppa. Joining Brisbane Brown Owls is easy, just sign up for the email list HERE

WORKSHOP COSTS          FREE

BOOKINGS                      Essential through brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com (Places limited)

	CROCHET GRANNY SQUARES AND CROCHETING IN THE ROUND Learn the basics of granny squares to create fabulous homewares or wearables or whip up crochet baskets and owls in no time once you have perfected the art of crocheting in the round.  WHEN                 Sunday 21 April / 10.30am -12.30pm WHERE               Brisbane Square Library COST                  FREEBookings are essential.  Contact brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com (Places are limited)
	CROCHET BASICS The perfect opportunity for those who previously missed out on crochet basics or who would like to brush up on their hooking skills! WHEN                Friday 26 April 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE               Ministry of Handmade, 11 Eclipse Street, Bridgeman Downs COST                  FREEBookings are essential.  Contact brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com (Places are limited)
	RAG RUGS Upcycle your old fabric scraps, sheets or t-shirts into an oval or circle rug using a quick and simple knotting technique. You won't believe how easy it is!  WHEN                 Saturday 27th April / 10.30am -12.30pm WHERE               Carindale Library COSTS                FREEBookings are essential.  Contact brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com (Places are limited)
	Mother's Day Card and Gift Box Set with Shirley McAvoy fromStamping Elephants Learn from the super talented Shirley McAvoy of Stamping Elephants to create a beautiful card and gift box set just in time for Mother's Day! Stamp, assemble and finish a handmade Mother's Day Card and put together and decorate a matching gift box that can be used to fill with chocolates or little handmade gifts. WHEN                 Tuesday 30 April, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE               Caboolture Library at The Hub, 4 Hasking Street, Caboolture COSTS                $5 for materials Bookings are essential.  Contact brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com (Places are limited)
	RUBBER STAMP MAKING Custom make your own series of stamps using basic erasers. Bring along your own designs and transform them into sweet stamps in a matter of minutes. WHEN           Wednesday 8th May / 6pm - 8pm WHERE         The Grange Library COSTS          FREEBookings are essential.  Contact brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com (Places are limited)
	RECYCLED T-SHIRT CRAFT Bring along your old t-shirts and transform them into new wearable items, homewares or t-shirt yarn. We'll show you all the tips and tricks and discuss great ways to use every part of the t-shirt in new and functional ways.  WHEN           Thurs 16th May / 6pm - 8pm WHERE         Indooroopilly Library COSTS          FREEBookings are essential.  Contact brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com (Places are limited
	FABRIC BROOCHES Hand-stitch brooches from your old fabric scraps. Rebecca from edward & lilly reveals the 17th century button making technique she uses to make her embroidered brooches - because age-old crafts really do die hard!  WHEN           Sunday 19th May / 10.30am -12.30pm WHERE         Brisbane Square Library COSTS          FREEBookings are essential.  Contact brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com (Places are limited)
	CROCHET EDGES ON CARDBOARD AND FABRIC Finish off your face cloths, tea towels and blankets or create memorable gift tags and postcards with beautiful crochet edges.  WHEN           Saturday 25 May / 10.30am -12.30pm WHERE         Ashgrove Library COSTS          FREEBookings are essential.  Contact brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com (Places are limited)
	LINO PRINTING WHEN          Sunday 26 May, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE         Imogen's Art Space, 9 Morgan Terrace, Bardon COSTS          TBC Bookings are essential.  Contact brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com (Places are limited)
	KNITTING FOR CHARITY Find crafty ways of giving back to your local community through knitted craft. Learn basic knitting and crochet skills. WHEN          Sunday June 9  / 10.30am -12.30pm WHERE         Indooroopilly Library COSTS          FREEBookings are essential.  Contact brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com (Places are limited)
	BASKET WEAVING Weave a lovely basket for your home with upcycled sheets, t-shirt yarn or fabric scraps.  WHEN          Sunday 16 June / 10.30am -12.30pm WHERE        Brisbane Square Library COSTS         FREEBookings are essential.  Contact brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com (Places are limited)
	SCREEN PRINTING WHEN          Sunday 23 June, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE         Imogen's Art Space, 9 Morgan Terrace, Bardon COSTS          TBC Bookings are essential.  Contact brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com (Places are limited)

Presented by Brisbane Brown Owls and proudly supported by BrisStyle Inc. and the  Brisbane City Council

Sew Gorgeous

Today, we are so excited to be introducing you to one of our new website advertisers, Sew Gorgeous!

Sew Gorgeous runs fun and modern sewing workshops around Brisbane. They teach ways of creating different effects on your projects, enabling you to create a number of different looks with the one pattern - there is no inside the box sewing at any of the Sew Gorgeous sewing classes and workshops!

From vintage inspired dress workshops to 'Learn to Sew' classes Sew Gorgeous caters for all skill levels,  and all their classes are perfect for ladies who want to be able to create their own gorgeous clothes either through beautiful fabrics, vintage patterns or just inspiration!

All of the Sew Gorgeous sewing classes and workshops are carefully designed, combining the right level of fun and education and are really social as well as a great opportunity to learn sewing tips and tricks that will see you creating professionally finished projects.

You must pop over and have a browse around the beautiful Sew Gorgeous website. It is utter eye candy! Sew Gorgeous also have a facebook page so show them some crafty love by skipping over and 'liking' them!

:: Oct 22 :: From Hobby To Wholesaling Wrap :: Art Bites Forum Q&A

For those who have always dreamed of selling their handmade wares in a shop or gallery, last Saturday's Q&A  session provided valuable insight to help them on their crafty ways from Hobby to Wholesaling.

 

 There were also many emerging and established artists and crafters who not only learned some extra tips and tricks from the panelists but had the opportunity to ask questions and share their experiences too.

Super assistant Teneale took notes throughout the day on her trusty vintage typewriter and added them to the the BrisStyle Indie "Tree of Knowledge" for all to take noted from.

Nicole from Collecting Feathers held court with her colourful and down to earth experiences about when she first started out wholesaling.

Amanda from Hungry Designs explained how wholesaling has given her more freedom and time to illustrate, create, and develop her  unique range.

Belinda from Sybella shared her experiences about selling "bespoke" items and the importance of pricing "one of a kind wares" accordingly.

Mel from Kimono Reincarnate captivated everyone including the panelists with her wealth of information from her full time crafting practices and trade show experiences.

  Kellie Christie gave very practical advice about pricing items which involve salvaged or recycled/ vintage components and how to evolve that range into a signature style of your own.

 The vibrant Vicki from in.cube8tor gave valuable advice from a retailers perspective as well as how  their gallery make it super easy for both customers and artists alike.

Delicious morning Tea :: Indie Cupcakes by Tanz

 
10 TOP TIPS to get you inspired:
1)  When working out how to price an item, take into account: materials, research
for materials/ designs, prototypes, consulting time, time taken to drive to your
stockists, all your packaging and merchandising materials, photography etc.

2) Selling your wares is all about building relationships and there’s nothing more
important than establishing sound relationships with any party selling your
wares. These relationships need to be nurtured and clear lines of
communication right from the start are paramount.

3) Another benefit of consigning is that often you have control over your displays
therefore experimenting with a different look for every story you create.

4)  Ensure you obtain and understand a written consignment agreement & don’t be afraid to
negotiate.

5) Stay in contact with the retailer to ensure your stock levels are at their optimum.

6)  Simple Wholesaling Formula:  Cost Price (Labor + Materials Cost) x 2 = Your Wholesale Price
Wholesale Price x 2 = Retail Price.

7)  Branding is very important to both potential stockists and customers alike. Some people will
even notice your name, logo, font or business card before your actual product ! From a stockists
point of view, tags are extremely important.

8)  If other people are making something similar then take the time to think about
how you can put your own twist on it – make it truly yours in your own unique
way.

9) When meeting with a potential retailer dress in a way that you want your product to be looked at. Your own personal presentation is paramount as it reflects the quality and energy of your work.

10) Love what you do and look at every experience as an evolution to a better and stronger business.


Most of importantly embrace other crafters and the crafting communities that you are involved in and continue to build relationships that will support and inspire you!

Thank you to the panelists, the wonderful and creative audience and to all the team from Brisbane City Council's Creative Communities.
 
Our last BrisStyle Info Session for the year is being hosted next Saturday and is set to be a real hoot.
 
STOP PRESS: More Seats have just been released so to secure to secure your place please email: brisstylemarketing@gmail.com  so we can lock you in!!!


Here are all the details:

 :: NOV 5 :: Social Media :: From Etsy and Beyond ::
with BrisStylette Jess Van Den from *Bespoke Zine* and Epheriell

 It's hard to ignore the popularity of social media in today's competitive marketplace. With so many social media outlets available, it can be hard to know where to begin and how to make it work for any emerging indie craft business.

If you would like to know how to get started with social media and how to make it work for you, then this information session will answer all of your questions.

Presented by top blogger and social networker, Jess Van Den - from Epheriell Designs - participants will be sure to come away with lots of tips and tricks to kick start their success with social networking from handmade websites such as Etsy, to facebook, twitter, blogs ...and beyond.
Presenter: BrisStylette Jess Van Den from Bespoke Zine and Epheriell
What: BrisStyle Information Session
When: Saturday, November 5, 2011, 9.30am for a 10am start til 12pm
Where: St Augustine's Church Hall, Racecourse Rd Hamilton
Cost: FREE

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL : email:: brisstylemarketing@gmail.com 

Looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday!

{piece together}

On July 11 piece together will be opening its doors and encouraging visitors to make their own hand made items.  Piece together is a studio, workshop and marketplace where people can come together to make. The inspiration for the studio comes from a time when items were made with a sense of pride and purpose and were not simply another disposable item.

They have just released an enticing program of sewing, crafting and kids club workshops.  A line up of local designers, many whom are BrisStyle members, will be teaching you to create some beautiful jewellery, bags, scarfs, clothes and accessories.

So if you love the designs of Melanie from Kimono Reincarnate, Jess from Epheriell, Stephanie M of Wimcee, Jennine of ladybug markets and Julie from the Mountain Spinnery..... join them and more, and learn to make some handcrafted items or sew some clothes or accessories for yourself or your children.  When you book mention BrisStyle and we will give you 10% off the cost of the workshop.

Piece together workshops are created so that you don't need to do a lot of running around or packing to attend a workshop.  Equipment and machinery is available for your use and additional materials are
packaged up so you can arrive and join in straight away.  The studio consciously stocks local handmade items and uses tried and tested patterns from small businesses.

We are constantly reviewing the schedule of projects and looking for unique items for the marketplace, so if there is something you would like to try your hand at;  if you are interested in running a workshop
or would love to see your handmade or vintage items in the market we would love to hear from you.

Visit the piece together website to register your interest in one of their great workshops! Don't forget to mention BrisStyle for a 10% discount.....