Etsy Design Awards 2014

Finalists have been announced for the Etsy Design Awards for Australian Etsy sellers and four of our lovely BrisStylers are on the list:

Alice - Alice Nightingale

Jess - Epheriell

Melanie - Kimono Reincarnate

Belinda - Belinism

The awards recognise unique, high quality design and craftsmanship and celebrate the people who make etsy.com a destination for great design. Nominees fall into five categories - new talent, home & living, art & illustration, fashion & accessories and business as unusual - and all are eligible for the community choice award. Entrants have a chance to win a trip to New York and be featured in the December issue of InsideOut and you can win yourself a $250 Etsy gift card by voting for your favourite item or shop.

To view all the finalists and cast your vote head over HERE

Eco Marketeers!

Once a year our 'green' artisans put their eco crafting practices on show at the BrisStyle Indie Eco Market. To check out the stellar line-up of marketeers who will be setting up shop at tomorrow's market pop over here.  You can check out the site map for the market on our website too!

Every handmade item for sale at the Eco Market must meet BrisStyle's strict eco-criteria, guaranteeing ethical shoppers can purchase unique and exquisitely made creations without putting a strain on their wallets or our earth's precious resources. Along with amazing handmade wares, there will also be a selection of vintage, collectible and crafty destash items for sale.

Mel from kimono reincarnate will have her suitcases filled to the brim with Kimono fabrics ready for her Kimono Fabric Sale + Destash.

Mel's Stash

Ruby Red Studios and Ruby 2 Go Go is having a huge Vintage sale to make way for new season stock.  Gotta love a sale, particularly of the vintage variety!

Vintage 80s Style Red Polka Dot Pumps from Ruby Red Studios

Warm Sigh Soap will be launching their new range of hair wash. They are totally natural and include Chamomile, Horsetail & Nettle and Rosemary & Lavender.

And to get us all in the mood for a bit of eco shopping, our resident muso,  Dennis Geraghty from Music 4 You, will be sharing his 'recycled' tunes including the much loved 'Crafty Lady'! We can't wait for this!

Dennis

If you're a lover of creative eco artisans and want to help us give the earth a big green handmade hug come along to the BrisStyle Indie Eco Market tomorrow! Our marketeers would love the support and so would we!

BrisStyle Indie Eco Market

Saturday, November 12

9.00am - 2.00pm

St. Augustine's Church Hall & Grounds

Racecourse Road Hamilton

Kimono Reincarnate Kanzashi workshop at SotLA

If you love vintage kimono fabric and gorgeous accessories you do not want to miss the Kanzashi workshop Melanie of Kimono Reincarnate is running as part of Saviours of the Lost Arts!

Learn how to make traditional Japanese “kanzashi” folded flowers using vintage and antique kimono fabrics. Then finish off your flower in a brooch-pendant.

Melanie's workshop will be held on Wednesday 8 June from 6-8 pm at Bleeding Heart, 166 Ann Street, Brisbane City. Bookings can be made here.

Check out the full SotLA program here and pop back to the BrisStyle blog in the next few days to find out what other BrisStylettes have planned for this fabulous festival!

Tutorial: Japanese Paper Dolls

This week Melanie from Kimono Reincarnate shares a special tutorial with us for Ningyogami (Japanese Paper Dolls). They're super easy to make and Melanie's fabulous photo documentation will have you whipping up a pile of little ladies in no time!

Check out the tutorial here.

Thanks Melanie :)

Kimono Reincarnate SALE at BiDM!

Kimono Reincarnate is having a sale and encourages you to go "nude" at the BrisStyle Indie Designer Market this weekend. There have been some changes happening over at Kimono Reincarnate lately, with new pendant bases, new brooch designs and soon, new packaging.

For the last couple of months, Melanie of Kimono Reincarnate has been slowly changing her fabric and resin ring and pendant bases over to sterling silver plated pieces, accompanied with sterling silver plated chains. She's excited to announce that the switch is now complete! After this weekend, some of the prices will have to go up to reflect the new materials, so this will be a chance to grab a few at their old, lower prices.

At the upcoming BrisStyle Indie Designer Market she will also have her popular landscape pieces back, a format she hasn't used since her work was done with glass. Melanie will also be bringing a sales box of her older pieces and a few good-condition-but-not-quite-perfect seconds. A great chance to grab a few bargains for the Christmas stocking!

Her "Kyoto" series of bamboo and vintage kimono fabric brooches has also recently expanded. The Japanese "kokeshi" dolls are now joined with origami cranes, cast iron teapots, butterflies and "Zen Garden" circles. The Kyoto series boxes have yet to arrive, so they will all have a $5 discount this weekend.

Actually, all of Melanie's boxes are yet to arrive and her pendant tin stock is running low so anything that you see in a tin, feel free to tell Melanie that you'd like to "go nude", or if you're shy, just that you'd like it without a tin, for a $5 discount. She'll happily pop it into a little bag for you to keep it nice and safe.

If you would like to see the entire range of Kimono Reincarnate products and pick yourself up a fabulous bargain pop along to the

BrisStyle Indie Designer Market

Saturday September 4th, 9-2pm

St Augustine's Church Grounds and Hall

Racecourse Road, Hamilton

New Kimono Reincarnate products to be launched at BiTM!

With only 3 more sleeps till the new BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market, Melanie from Kimono Reincarnate shares some exciting news for the big night!


"Only a few more sleeps until the BrisStyle Twillight markets! And quite possibly even less actual sleeps as I’m so excited with still lots to do. Not only do I have a new marquee for the occasion, but I also have two new lines ready to debut on the night.

I’ve been stitching and folding away, preparing my new vintage kimono origami cranes with embroidered wings. Many have “love” and “joy”, but there is also “hope” and “peace”, and a “health” in the making. As the Japanese origami crane is not only a symbol of peace but also traditionally of longevity and fidelity, they make a great gift for new babies, weddings and for any lover of things Japanese.


I keep joking that as my kimono offcuts keep getting smaller and smaller, my range continues to expand as I can’t bear to throw them away. Well, with my new range of sterling silver studs, I don’t think even I can get any smaller. They are lovely delicate little pieces that you wouldn’t believe the detail found in the vintage textiles I use. The resin captures the light to really make them shine as well as preserving that tiny little sliver of history forever.


Now I have one big job left before our lovely market under the stars; a new hanging display for the cranes. The power tools come out tomorrow! Come by and say hi at the market, and I won’t mind if you sneak a peek to check that I still have all my fingers intact."


Check out Melanie's exciting new products at the BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market this Friday 30 April at King George Square, Brisbane City from 5-9pm!

BrisStyle Weekly Round Up

** STOP PRESS! Vote for you favourite BrisStyle Indie Marketeer and WIN!**

For those attending the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market on Saturday keep your eyes peeled for the BrisStyle Promo Stall where you can vote for your favourite BrisStyle Indie Marketeer and win!

While enjoying a spot of retail therapy have a little think about who you think has provided the best BiDM experience:

- Has someone knocked your handmade socks off with superb service?
- Is there someone with handmade Indie designs that you just can't live without?
- Is there a stall that really stands out as being unique and inviting?

If so then submit your vote for your favourite BrisStyle Indie Marketeer at the BrisStyle Promo Stall for a chance to win a Limited Edition BrisStyle Tote and your Favourite Marketeer will win an award and prize!

BiDM: Saturday 5 December, 9am-4pm @ St Augustine's Church, Racecourse Road, Hamilton.


** New BrisStylettes **


This week BrisStyle welcomes Louise from Cloud Seven Designs. Louise makes unique jewellery in a wide range of styles and materials. There's bound to be something for everyone at Cloud Seven Designs. Our pick is this statement piece Branch and leaves pendant necklace.


** BrisStyle Member News **


There's no rest for the wicked for super-fly Sam from Jetta's Nest! Sam's beautiful bloomin' buttonhead brooches took out the Living Creatively Beautiful Brooch competition! And we know why, who could resist those beautiful big eyes. Bloomin' Buttonheads will be available at the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market and at Jetta's Nest headquarters. PLUS Sam will be available at the BiDM to sign limited edition BrisStyle totes featuring a Jetta's Nest design.


Kimono Reincarnate pendants now come in a new shape! Elegantly tall and slender, each piece is made from vintage kimonos and preserved under resin. Check them out here or in person at the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market on Saturday!


Show your support for Sharon from Shazzabeth on Etsy Voter this week! Sharon's beautifully crafted Exotica and Amethyst necklace has been nominated for Etsy's favourite Lux Gift, be quick and cast your vote for Shazzabeth here.


The latest pbyers design product is in the works! The ultimate accessory will debut along with new Summer fun dresses at the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market this Saturday 9am-4pm at St Augustine's Church Hall, Racecourse Road, Hamilton. Here's a hint of what the ultimate accessory will look like... but you'll have to come to the market to be the first to see the finished product retailing at $20 each.


Miriam from BubbaChenille is sewing away for the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market. Be sure to check out her vintage chenille bibs and eye-catching bottle bags with funky trim, perfect for keeping your water cool and preventing drips in your bag and car.


** BrisStyle Member Giveaways **



Christine from Little Diva is running a giveaway that'll make you feel good and look good! Head over here for your chance to win 2 Little Diva adjustable rings and a tin of Nudey!Rudey! "Mother's Little Helper" Organic Soothing Balm.

And of course don't forget to enter our December Blog Giveaway - PART 1, where you have the chance to win a gorgeous Noah's Ark tote made by Robyn from Hot Fudge;

and a gorgeous Dashie Dog made by Ali from Jellygnite and Little Jellygnite, as part of her Little Loxie range.

BrisStyle Weekly Round Up

** New BrisStylettes **


A big BrisStyle welcome to Melanie from Kimono Reincarnate. After spending a number of years living in Japan, Melanie recently returned to Brisbane loaded up with reincarnated kimono goodies like this divine Kimono Kanzashi Pendant Brooch in Red and Pink.


A big welcome also to Natalie from Miss Dish Designs. Natalie makes jewellery and accessories from beautiful vintage beads, crystals and lace like this gorgeous Lace Choker with Vintage Black Rose and Pearls.


** BrisStyle Member News **



Gorgeous Clothespin Fridge Magnets from Designs of the Heart are featured in the current issue of Notebook magazine. You can check it out on Sarah's blog post here or head straight to her shop for these Paisley Flower Decorated Clothespins Fridge Magnets - the perfect Christmas stocking stuffer!


Congratulations to Amanda from Twinkle Star Art whose beautiful artwork was featured in Modern Handmade Child online magazine. You can purchase a sweet print like this gorgeous Matryoshka Girl Art Print from Amanda's shop.

Summer Top and Skirt - One of a kind - Baby Red

Kitty Boo Boo will be at the Kustom Krafts Market on Sunday 8 November from 10 am-3 pm at Jagera Arts Centre, 121 Cordelia Street, South Brisbane. There will be plenty of parking, markets to suit Vintage and Alternative lifestyles - Rockabilly, Vintage and Retro lovers. New and second hand items, mini car show and band 'Dirty Wings'.

Photo courtesy Udessi

Edward & Lilly embroidered brooches are now stocked at Udessi online gallery shop. Check them out here and a little bit about Rebecca here.


** BrisStyle Member Giveaways **


Julia from { a creature strange } is having her very first giveaway! For your chance to win this stylish Charcoal & White leaf iPod/iPhone case head over to Julia's blog or if you just can't wait head to her shop.


Sam from Jetta's Nest is giving away a set of her brand spanking new Nostalgic Deer Christmas Cards and Gift Tags. To be in the running, just leave a comment here about your favourite Christmas memory.

And don't forget to enter the monthly BrisStyle giveaway here!