BrisStyle Indie Designers Market (BIDM) this Saturday!!!!!

There's only 4 sleeps to go until Brisbane explodes with handmade goodies and there's no excuses......you must make it down to St Augustine's Church Hall and Grounds at Racecourse Road, Hamilton this Saturday.

This week in BrisStyle land we're checking in on the dynamic sister duo, Bec and Jade of Beckybean. The girls have ditched the dishes in favour of turning the humble tea-towel into one of a kind bags and clutches that are sure to be a talking point. You can see more Beckybean creations here.

(one of a kind fairy penguin tea towel shoulder bag - beckybean)

Julia from A Creature Strange is having her first market appearance. A great range of A Creature Strange shoulder sling bag styles in new exciting fabrics will be available at the BIDM, as well as a selection of funky drawstring bags, frill clutches and iPhone/iPod cases! Check out the latest items on Julia's blog.

(goodies from A Creature Strange)

The SMBoutique market stall will be filled with hats, fascinators and loads of hand-felted goodies. Sandrine's also been making some scarves, brooches, wraps and silk tops for yourself and for your home as well as some 100% Australian Merino wool hand felted items that will make the perfect gift for your "cooler" friends and family this festive season.

(SMBoutique silt top)

Amanda from Twinkle Star Art has extended her artwork into four new mediums! She will be launching her illustrated badges, pocket mirrors, gift cards and art pendants this Saturday at the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market. There's certainly something for everyone in the new Twinkle Star Art range. Check out more here.

(Twinkle Star Art gift cards in packs of 5)

The Selvedge House Girls, Ellie and Danielle, have been busy printing their newest designs onto their beautiful signature hemp/organic cotton fabric. Check out the Selvedge House blog to see their latest printing adventures at the Chook Shed. Ellie and Danielle have also been busy making new craft kits and patterns for the BIDM, all tied up with string ready for gift giving or making for yourself. They'll also have their range of Skate Jewellery, hand crafted by Sam. And many new treasures and pretty little things, including some new softie friends, and of course, they'll have their fantabulous badge and mirror making machine, where you get to pull the lever and have the fun!

(Offerings from Selvedge House)

Steph from Wimcee has been making aprons for angels, frilly bottoms for Christmas bubs and silly season skirts for petite party-goers. You can see the whole Wimcee range at the BIDM.

(silly season skirts from Wimcee)

Patricia from PByers Design will be debuting two new products at the BIDM. Get a closer look at these amazing summer fun dresses here.

(fun summer dresses from PByers Design)

Anyone for a coffee? El from rocknwrap is bringing along freshly home-roasted coffee beans to the BIDM. She's also been making classic hoop earrings, Labradorite Ear Candy and well, actually El's gone completely earring mad!! Check out all the designs on the rocknwrap blog.

(labradorite ear candy from rocknwrap)

In addition to felt brooches and fabric clutches, Chris from littlechrissy will be unveiling her fabulous felt and fabric necklaces at the BIDM. You can see more on the littlechrissy blog.

(felt and fabric necklaces from littlechrissy)

Sally from Flight Industries has been busy getting her prints ready for the BIDM. As requested at the July BIDM, a large owl print is now available and of course there's the absurd coat of arms print. Each print is wrapped in a biodegradable cello bag, with some sturdy card backing to ensure no dog ears! Check out more of the range here.

(urban avine lino print from Flight Industries)

Bel from EmBelISH has been working like a whirlwind creating super sweet pincushions for the BIDM. They're all so cute, which one will you pick?? Check out the EmBelISH range of onesies and other great products on the blog.

(sweet pincushions by EmBelISH)

Sam from Jetta's Nest has been working poor old Suzy Scroll-saw into the ground this week cutting little timber frames and other wooden shapes to create her new range of brooches. You can see more Jetta's Nest market chaos on the blog.

(timber brooches by Jetta's Nest)

Now for the finer details. The BrisStyle Indie Designers Market is this Saturday folks (5th December) from 9.00am to 4pm at St Augustine's Church Hall and Grounds, Racecourse Road, Hamilton. There's plenty of parking available and most importantly lots of ATM's sprinkled along Racecourse Road (not to mention yummy places to eat!).

Should you require a caffeinated or chilled beverage whilst you enjoy all our handmade goodies, you'll be pleased to find the Di Bella Coffee stand serving coffee, tea, frappe's and other cold drinks too. Just follow your nose!

Right next door to Di Bella Coffee you'll find the amazing cupcakes of Tabitha's Place. These cupcakes are a feast for the eyes and the belly and are made from the finest of ingredients. Get in quick though, these tasty morsels are always in high demand!

(YUMMY!!!)

When you've shopped till you're about to drop take a load off and listen to the sweet sounds of Rob and Kev. There's nothing like some good jazz and blues to unwind with after a super day out at Brisbane's HOTtest destination for all things handmade, the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market!!!!

See you there :)

November Giveaway Winners!

Congratulations Sarah-Jo and Rebecca.

Sorry about the tardiness of this draw folks. No excuse other than the general craziness of the lead up to Christmas, and um...well...I just forgot. Oops!!! So moving right along, the random number generator decided that Amanda from Twinkle Star Art will be posting off her Paris Art Collection prints to Sarah-Jo.

And Rebecca is the winner of the wonderful magnets, push-pins and tea-bag wallet by Em and Bel from EmBelISH.

Sarah-Jo and Rebecca, could you please send us an email with your postal address to brisstyleteam@gmail.com, and Amanda and Em and Bel will pop your items in the mail for you :)

And thank-you to everyone who entered. And keep your eyes on this space during December, as we will be having not just one but two DOUBLE giveaways in December, with the next one starting on 1st December and the second double giveaway starting on the 14th Dec. So stay tuned and check out the blog in a few days time for the first December double giveaway featuring gorgeous giveaway items from the awesome Robyn of Hot Fudge and the lovely Ali from Jellygnite and Little Jellygnite.

So check back to get your entries in for these great giveaways, and enjoy reading about our featured members at the same time.

2 weeks to go - BrisStyle Indie Designers Market (BIDM)

Can you believe it's Monday again already?? The weeks are flying by faster than a knitting granny as we count down the days until the BIDM!

The grand tour for this week starts with some gorgeous fun items from Wimcee. Steph is very excited about this new range which includes skirts, dresses, brooches, bags, and/or beads to team together or wear separately. There's also brand new over-the-top aprons for the play dough princess or cup cake queen.

(fun from Wimcee)

Check out the latest from Chicuff by Daneve. Daneve's coiling the days away making new earrings and brooches for the BIDM. You can check more out here.

(coil earrings by Chicuff by Daneve)


Maudie the milliner (whynotstreet) will be introducing her "little maudie's creations" at the BIDM. Here's a sneak peek..

(little maudie's creations by Why Not Street)


Let's take a peek now into the world of Little Diva Crafts. This week Christine's been working on some new fabric covered button rings using 'cute as buttons' Japanese Linen. Find out more here.

(new button rings by Little Diva Crafts)

This week, Liz from Creative Arty Facts has been making Polka-Dot Hotties, spotted earrings in cherry red and green apple.....hmmmmm.....delicious!!
(polk-a-dot hotties by Creative Arty Facts)

Bel from EmBelISH has been busily making new magnets and rings for the BIDM. You can see more on the EmBelISH blog including the cutest lego rings you've ever seen!

(magnets by EmBelISH)

Up in Annies Room, Emma has been making brand new 'typestyle' genuine typewriter key bracelets. You can see more here.

('Typestyle' bracelet by Up in Annies Room)

Miriam from Bubbachenille has been making her ever popular heat packs and working on a prototype for a new make up purse. You can see more here.

(ever popular heat paks by Bubbachenille)

Next stop is at Mrs Smiley's. Vanessa has been making new locket charm bracelets ...who says lockets must be worn around your neck??! These charm bracelets will be available at BIDM and custom requests are welcome.

(locket charm bracelet by Mrs Smiley)

This week, Melissa from Taybian is introducing a new product to the 'Italian Dreaming' photographic series. This limited edition collection of prints are beautifully framed with hand crafted leather bookmarks. They'll all be available at the BIDM.

(Italian Dreaming leather bookmark by Taybian)

Marylin from MJMosaics has just released the first of her brand new mosaic pendants and rings that will be available at the BIDM.

(MJMosaics pendants and rings)


Sam from Jetta's Nest has unveiled some sweet new monsters. Oogabooga and friends are made using recycled/vintage chenille and some use recycled fabrics too. They'll all be available along with others at the BIDM.

(Oogabooga and friends - Monster tees by Jetta's Nest)

And finally, Teneale from Wicked Child Designs has been creating more wicked dolls. Check out the latest addition, Vince Noir (from the Mighty Boosh) complete with sequined outfit! You can find more out about Vince on Teneale's blog.

(Vince Noir by Wicked Child Designs)

Stay tuned for next week's post with the all important information about cupcakes, coffee, our resident musical duo and more details about Brisbane's HOTtest desination for everything handmade, the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market!!!

BrisStyle Indie Designers Market - 3 weeks to go...

...or 18 sleeps to be exact. Can you wait, I know I can hardly wait so without further ado, let's take another peak at what we can expect to find at Brisbane's HOTtest destination for all things handmade, the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market (BIDM), 5 December 2009, St Augustines Church Hall and Grounds, Racecourse Road, Hamilton).

(satchel by alipink)

First up this week we're checking out the range from alipink. Ali's got mini, midi and maxi satchels, fun zippered purses and condom/tampon wallets (excellent stocking-stuffers for that special someone who has everything!), extra large shopping totes, up-cycled nylon shopper bags and iron-on fabric patches ALL from vintage fabrics. You can check the whole range out here.

(knot dress by Hot Fudge)

Next stop is Hot Fudge. Robyn has been working on a range of must-have knot dresses that are just perfect for little ones to wear to all their festive parties this season. Robyn's working on some different designs this week which will also have the Christmas season in mind. You'll find the gorgeous Hot Fudge range at the BIDM, and you can peek at it here.

(very hungry caterpillar skirt by Tutus and Muddy Shoes )

At Tutus and Muddy Shoes it's been all about skirts this week. Check out this way too cute number featuring our much beloved very hungry caterpillar! You can see more of the range that will be available at the BIDM here.

(decor friendly christmas stockings by Hip Brown )

Rachael from Hip Brown has gone silly season mad (inspired) and is currently working on some "Decor Friendly Christmas Stockings". Happy snaps of the production line can be found here. There is also a giveaway for Hip Brown fan members drawn December 4.

(mmmm - DIY Cookies by EmBelish )

Bel from EmBelish has been busy in the kitchen creating a batch of - DIY Cookies - yep that’s right, they're all ready to go and even come with the essential wooden spoon. Just add the wet ingredients (instructions provided) and hey presto, a yummy batch of chocy cookies ready to enjoy!

There will be a limited number of these available at the BIDM so if you are interested and would like to pre-order just send Bel an email or leave a comment on the EmBelish blog and they will be in contact.

('recycle' hankie by Wicked Child Designs)

Next stop is the home of Wicked Child Designs. Teneale's been screenprinting old hankies (freshly laundered of course) ready for the BIDM. There's 'recycle', 'snot face' and 'wicked child designs'. Hmm....recycle, how wicked!

(skittle girls by Jetta's Nest )

Sam from Jetta's Nest has been making new Skittle Girls and Boys this week for the BIDM. They're made from new and recycled fabrics so they're not only sweet to look at, they're easy on the environment too! Keep your eyes peeled at the BIDMfor some limited edition Skittles with Wings...perfect for Christmas!

(funky kids threads from Bubbachenille)

Miriam from Bubbachenille has provided a little sneak peek at what to expect on her stall at the BiDM. It's all about super bright, super cheery and super-fly fashion for little ones.

What's that you say....you still want more?? Why not take a trip down memory lane and check out the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market Wrap Up from the July market. Exciting stuff!

Stay tuned for next week's post with heaps more goodies and other stuff about Brisbane's HOTtest destination for all things handmade, the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market!!!

November Featured Members and Giveaways!

This month, please give a warm welcome to Amanda from Twinkle Star Art and Bel and Em from EmBelISH, as they give us a sneak peak into their fabulous worlds of crafty goodness, and give away some of their wonderful handmade items to two lucky readers. To enter is simple - just leave us a comment at the bottom of this post. For more info (and to find out how to score an extra entry) read The Rules at the bottom of the post. Good luck everyone :)

Introducing BrisStyle member...

NAME: Amanda Francey
ETSY SHOP NAME: Twinkle Star Art

1. Can you please describe the items you are giving away to one of our readers?

Paris Art Collection - set of three 8 x 8 inch (20 x 20cm) art prints.


Paris 'POODLE WALK' and 'GIRL'S ROOM' art prints, featuring a parisian girl wearing her mother's oversized shoes which have an uncanny resemblance to her pet poodle. (You can request any colour you wish for the little parisian girl's hair.)



The third art print, Paris POODLE 'letter art' name print. Personalised with the child's first name and initial. (This may also include the child's birthdate if requested). A gift card in the matching Paris design will be included.


2. How would you describe your work?

Sweet illustrations of childhood with a spoonful of yesteryear and pinch of today for good measure. Each artwork begins as a traditional graphite pencil drawing on paper. Then completed with a mixed media of watercolour wash, digital colouring and vector illustration.

3. How did your Etsy shop come into being?

My husband passed me an article about Etsy in the Financial Review just over two years ago. I was so excited, I don't think I even finished reading the article before setting up my own Etsy shop that very same day.

4. Who or What inspires you?

My three children inspire me everyday. I have a drawer jammed with pages of ideas from the funny, cute and crazy things they do. I would need ten lifetimes to transform all my scribbles into illustrations and/or children's books. Whenever I go digging around in that drawer, I find myself procrastinating for a very long time. I tend to avoid it whenever possible.

I'm also inspired by Enid Blyton's classic children book stories and childhood from yesteryear. A time when backyards were larger, streets safer to play and a child's day was filled with wonder, adventure and daydreams. A time before computer games and cartoon connection interrupted young imaginations.

5. Can you describe your studio / work area?

I work from our postwar home in the old laundry room converted to art studio. It's a very tight workspace and still looks like a laundry room with it's frosted glass louvered windows.


There's no room to actually draw in my overcrowded studio, so I tend to do all my drawing out in our dining room where there's more space, air and I can actually see out a window. We're hoping to extend our house in the near future and include a good sized room to be my new art studio. I would love to have a large art bench in the middle of the room with shelving underneath to store all my papers and materials. I try visualising this frequently in the hope it will actually come true.

6. What is your favourite thing in the shop at the moment?

My Aviator collection, although, I'm really happy with how my Butterfly Catcher preliminary sketches are going for my latest girls collection. I'm sure this will be my new favourite once it arrives in my Etsy shop.


7. Do you have any other places that people can view your work?

website: http://twinklestarart.com
blog: http://twinklestarart.typepad.com
made it shop: http://www.madeit.com.au/TwinkleStarArt
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Twinkle-Star-Art/77541206562
twitter: http://twitter.com/twinklestarart

********

Introducing BrisStyle member...


NAME: Em and Bel
ETSY SHOP NAME: EmBelISHhairclips

1. Can you please describe the items you are giving away to one of our readers?

A set of keyboard magnets in a sliver gift tin, a set of fabric button covered push pins and a tea bag wallet.


2. How would you describe your work?

Ever changing. Neither Em nor myself can ever stick to just the one thing. We are constantly coming up with ideas to bounce of one another and trying out new things to make.



3. How did your Etsy shop come into being?

We both had baby boys, a love of craft and lots of friends with little girls that we couldn’t find anything cute for them for presents so we decided to kill two birds with one stone, gain a little crafting time for ourselves and make some beautiful unique presents for all the cute little girls we knew.


4. Who or What inspires you?

Everything and everyone I guess, our boys are constant sources of inspiration plus just looking through ETSY and seeing all the amazing creations everyone comes up with and of course catching up with all the crafty BrisStylettes and Brown Owls girls.

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

We both love to use vintage buttons that we have collected from family and op shops, and our new keyboard push pin and magnet range as well as the car magnets are made using recycled goods that would otherwise be thrown away.

6. Can you describe your studio / work area?

I have a little section in our garage that I like to go and hide in (it’s not usually this tidy especially when I am in the flurry of creating) and Em has a special craft cupboard in her dining area and uses her kitchen table and breakfast bar, its super big and great for cutting out fabric.



7. What is your favourite thing in the shop at the moment?

It’s hard to pick just one but at the moment I would say the Russian Doll Magnet set, not only are they functional they are super cute too (I am also a sucker for Em’s Tea Bag Wallets too they are just so handy!). We still have so much extra stock still to photograph and list so if anyone has seen anything they like on our blog etc we happily accept custom orders and will try and meet your requests and will hopefully find some time to list lots more things over the coming weeks.


8. Do you have any other places that people can view your work?

Etsy Shop: www.embelishhairclips.etsy.com
Blog: www.embelish.blogspot.com

*****

Thank-you Amanda and Bel and Em!

The rules:

Simply leave a comment on this post to be in the running to win one of these two fabulous giveaways. Be sure to leave a way for us to contact you. If you don't have a blog, please include your email address. Only one entry per person. You may enter twice if you mention this giveaway on your blog. If you choose to do this, please pop back after posting to your blog and include the url address to the post it was mentioned on here in the comments. This will count as your second entry. International folk are welcome to enter. BrisStyle members and their immediate families (ie: husbands/partners, dependent children, and their computer savvy pets) are excluded from entering all BrisStyle giveaways. A name will be randomly drawn on the 25th of this month and the winner will be announced on the blog on that same day.