It's Monday Maker Gen Rossouw from Jhoomka

Hi Gen and thanks for participating in the Monday Maker interview. 

I'd love to ask you just a few questions.

Firstly, do you come from a creative family?

Yes, I have a family of creatives, my mum makes quilts and my 3 aunties have all been very successful crafters.

How would you describe your work?

My earrings are funky ;)


Has your work changed since you started?

Yes, slowly and bit by bit I have tried new styles of earrings to make and improved the doilies heaps.

How did you start selling on Etsy?

I opened my Etsy store through joining  Brisstyle and talking to members. It seems to work for a lot of people so I thought to give it a go!

What inspires you?

Art, street art especially! 

Do you reduce or reuse as part of your creative process?

Yes I do! My earrings are from old tableclothes, reused and repurposed! They are eco-friendly :)

What is your work area like?

I have a small table set up at home.

Do you have a favourite thing to make?

Knitted beanies. There is an odd satisfaction that I get from knitting.

Where did the name Jhoomka come from?

Jhoomka means earrings in Nepalese and I recently spent a lot of time there and it seemed fitting and different.

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

I hope to get a small thriving business going as part of my creative journey as well as delving into different aspects of jewelry making such as wire work and making beads.

Do you have any advice for others trying to make it in the creative industry?

Persistence, patience and belief in your work.

Do you like to watch movies or listen to music while creating?

I watch movies when I make earrings or listen to blues music. Keeps the juices flowing :)

What is your favourite handmade object that you have bought?

A handmade bed spread from Cambodia. It must have taken hours for someone to make and it's so so gorgeous!

Where can we find you online?

https://www.facebook.com/Jhoomka

How long have you been a member of BrisStyle?

I joined only a few months ago.

And how did you find out about BrisStyle?

Through Facebook.

Why did you join?

I became a member to learn more about making my crafts into a business, how to do the markets and overall inspiration.

Why do you create Gen?

I can't sit still and it's a great way to release tension and stress

Thanks Gen and welcome to BrisStyle.

Anita

:: BrisStyle Bazaar - this Saturday::

This Saturday the Queensland Museum Whale Mall will come to life with the fabulous BrisStyle Bazaar. With over fifty stall holders offering an eclectic mix of quality handmade goodies, vintage and the always popular craft destash, this is a pre-Christmas market not to be  missed.

Image courtesy of ImageInCafe

Presented in conjunction with Undressed: 350 years of underwear in fashion the Bazaar will feature a a bra-banner stretching across the width of the mall. To create the banner Queensland Museum teamed up with Mater Chicks in Pink and BrisStyle to decorate the bras and assemble the nine meter banner all in aid of breast cancer awareness. The banner will donated to Chicks in Pink in mid-December for their permanent use.

Image courtesy of Qld Museum

When: 9am - 3pm - Saturday 22nd Nov

Where: Qld Museum Whale Mall

Cost: Free

Let's go shopping

Good morning,

The weekend is fresh and ready to start on this Saturday morning :)
So lets put the kettle on and take a little browse through our members creations inspired that have a little vintage flavour today!

First with a Stunning glass plate from the vagrant duck

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A Stunning messenger bag from Alipink

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A vintage banner from Collecting Feathers

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A pretty girls pinafore by Maikacreations

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And one for mum...with Rubyred Studios

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Hoping you enjoyed our little selection today!

Feel free to play with us below by entering your link.

Collecting Feathers at the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market

The Collecting Feathers spring collection is set to be unveiled at the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market on September 4.

Nick from Collecting Feathers has been busy making 'Nana Cushions' from her amazing vintage tea-towel collection and there's something to suit the tastes of adults and kids alike! You might even be able to grab one for Dad for Fathers Day with themes such as fishing and other nautical delights. All cushions are trimmed with lusciously kitsch fringing and pom-poms.

Make sure to also check out the Collecting Feathers range of vintage Little Golden Book bunting and vintage paper garlands, all made from vintage and pre-loved paper.

The gorgeous Collecting Feathers range is a brand new addition to the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market so make sure to come along and take home a piece of upcycled treasure!

BrisStyle Indie Designer Market

Saturday 4th September, 9-2pm

St Augustine's Church Hall and Grounds

Racecourse Rd, Hamilton

BrisStyle Indie Eco Market Highlights

With only one more sleep till the BrisStyle Indie Eco Market we're bringing you all the highlights so you can plan your big day!

Over 35 BrisStyle Indie Designers showcasing their very own handmade eco-friendly and vintage wares. You'll find an amazing array of homewares, bags, jewellery, accessories, art and heaps more made from eco-friendly, upcycled, pre-loved and vintage materials. There'll also be loads of vintage goodies on offer!


Our good friends from the coolest eco-fashion magazine around, Peppermint are proudly sponsoring the event. Pop into their stall on the day and grab yourself a copy of the latest issue and don't forget to cast your vote for your favourite BrisStyle Indie Eco Marketeer for your chance to WIN yourself a year's subscription to Peppermint magazine!


All proceeds from our raffle on the day will be going to Knitting for Brisbane's Needy. Please feel free to bring along any unwanted yarn or needles you've got and we'll pass them on to this worthy cause.


Reverse Garbage will also be there with a stall featuring a myriad of salvaged materials as well as examples showcasing the type of handmade goods that can be created.


Pop inside the hall for more goodies from our marketeers including the huge Kimono Reincarnate vintage kimono fabric sale! This opportunity only comes along once so for all the fabric conoisseurs out there, get there early to pick up a bargain!


When your tummy starts to rumble, follow your nose to the delicious aroma of Brisbane's very own Hellhound Hotdogs. These vegan delights are sure to satisfy your eco-friendly tastebuds and make you hungry for more! Finish it off with a hot drink from the mobile coffee van from the good people at Xpresso Coffee.


Join Trish at the TrishAlan Designs stall for Kumihimo demonstrations (Japanese braiding). Kumihimo is suitable for all ages so pop by and have loads of fun experimenting with different colours and designs.


Kim from KW Ceramics is marking down a selection of her gorgeous ceramic wares by 30% or more! Some of the items on sale use patterns or colours Kim won't be creating anymore, so they'll be the last ones available! Get in early to grab a one-of-a-kind bargain!


and announcing our entertainment for the day Tim Jackman! Tim will be bringing his own special eco groove to the markets with his recycled tunes from the 80's and beyond!


BrisStyle Indie Eco Market
Saturday 10 July, 9am-2pm
St Augustine's Church Hall and Grounds
Racecourse Road, Hamilton

We can't wait to see you there!

Ruby takes her love to the BiECO

It's all a Go Go at Ruby Red Studios where Recycled Australian vintage swish meets recycled mixed media jewellery and supplies. All the treasures from both Ruby Red Studios and Ruby 2 Go Go will be coming along to join in all the fun of the fair this Saturday at BiECO. In particular there will be an exciting new stash of vintage clothing bric a brac and supplies together with all Ruby's contemporary signature icon jewellery.

"Heralding from a long line of eccentric eclectic artists, crafters and collectors my passion for everything nostalgic is well and truly in my genes. The intent of both of my Etsy stores is to carry on the family tradition by designing and creating fun and exciting pieces that breathe new life into curios that would have otherwise ended up as landfill.....most importantly to bring some Australian love and sunshine to all that experience shopping at the Ruby's online and at the BrisStyle Indie Eco Markets"


Pick up your little bit of Ruby magic at the BrisStyle Indie Eco Market tomorrow (10 July), 9am-2pm at St Augustine's Church Hall and Grounds, Racecourse Road, Hamilton. BiECO is proudly supported by Peppermint Magazine.

a little original at BiECO

If you're looking for some sweet eco-friendly threads for your little ones swing by the BrisStyle Indie Eco Market. Vanessa from a little original has got you covered with gorgeous clothing, toys and accessories.


"Just about everything at my stall will be close to 100% recycled - kids clothing, toys, kids accessories. I make kids clothes out of upcycled vintage fabrics as well as repurposed adult clothes, and add details like lace, doilies and buttons that are all recycled as well. Usually with my clothes, the only things that are new are the thread and elastic, with toys it's just the thread and stuffing and with accessories like crayon rolls and art totes it's the thread and velcro!"


"At the moment I'm at home parenting our children while they are young but I'm also an ecologist (environmental scientist) so using existing resources is very important to me. I like to think that as a family we tread gently on the earth by recycling as much as possible, and I think this really translates into my craft. I think my stall will look very boheme on market day with all my recycled goods, and being my first BrisStyle market, I hope it goes ok, but I'm so excited and really can't wait!"


And we can't wait to check out your fab stall Vanessa! A little original will be at the BrisStyle Indie Eco Market on Saturday 10 July, 9am-2pm at St Augustine's Church Hall and Grounds, Racecourse Road, Hamilton. BiECO is proudly supported by Peppermint magazine.

Bringing ‘Bling’ to BrisVegas!

Step out in sparkling style with a bit of ‘bling’ from the BrisStyle team.

Sterling Silver Dragon's Back Chain
by Shazzabeth Creations
$100
This is a sterling silver chainmaille bracelet in the Dragonsback weave. It is a chunky, heavier weave with a lovely rounded dome shape running down the middle of the chain. The bracelet is fastened with a sterling silver toggle clasp. Not for the faint hearted, this beautiful bracelet is ideal for those who like their jewellery to make a statement.


Rainbow Swarovski Gold Pendant
by Marlier Designs
$28
This pendant has been made by me, using a rectangular shape frame, constructed from Artistic Non Tarnish Wire in Gold. I've used a rainbow colour combination of Swarovski Crystals this time, in 4 and 6mm. It gives a totally different look with the gold wire! Fast becoming one of my fave pieces!


Handcrafted, Rough with the Smooth, Sterling Silver Necklace
by Moore Taste
$118
This is a gorgeous and versatile Sterling Silver Necklace made from a combination of hammered and unhammered links, hence the rough and smooth name. All the links and the clasp have been made from Sterling Silver by me. Each link is shaped, soldered and then given a hammered finish if required.


Gold Blinger - Vintage Button Earrings
by Ruby Red Studios
$6.50
Shiny, pearly and simply irresistible these golden coloured acrylic buttons were just yearning to become earrings x x
...and here they are 1.5cm diameter and allergy free surgical steel posts and backs.


Natural Stone Beaded Anklets
by Kaylees Room
$15
I am really into the look of natural stone. There is something gorgeous and serene about it. Each bead is hand-wired with two spacers and then linked with jump rings and finished with a lobster clasp. These anklets will be sold individually. The colours in the photo are actually pretty true to life so you know what you will be receiving.


Vintage Silver and Yellow Layered Button Brooch
by EmBelISH
$5.00
This one-of-a-kind, all original, Silver and Yellow Brooch was made using 3 vintage buttons on a metal bar pin back. The base is a large silver vintage button, topped with an opaque yellow button and finished with a pale yellow and glitter feature button. A great way to transform your look!


Vintage Button Earrings Pink Ice
by Jellygnite
$14.00
These sweet button earrings reminded me of pink coconut ice - mmmm yum! The buttons are a pearly pretty pink - so girly! They are genuine vintage buttons from my Aunty's collection. The buttons are attached to silver-toned earrings using silver wire.

Ruby a Go Go

“First I was afraid, I was petrified. Kept thinking I could never live without you by my side”. And then I discovered that the world had suddenly shifted and it was cool to be, dare I say - a hoarder.

If only I had looked up the definition of the word “hoard” before, I would have saved myself from years of therapy:

“A hidden fund or supply stored for future use; a cache”.

Visions of pirate ships and 60s uber cool secret agents came to mind. A cache eh? Well I’ll be darned! Now I was sure that it would be safe to share my family penchant for keeping all that is weird and wonderful from this world.


There was also a revolution at hand that gave me greater hope. Reduce, re-use and recycle - what joy, what rapture unforeseen! I was not alone in this kooky old world, in fact, I may even be 'en vogue'!


Now I find myself in a haven, surrounded by like minded crafters who love their collections, covet their caches like the crafty pirate queens that we all are. They have introduced me to a new therapy in the wonderful world of planet ‘blog’, a place where you can actually share all your collected treasures - big sigh!


So thanks Brisstylettes, I will be your little grasshopper as I take ruby red studios on its next adventure. Here are some pics that are all part of my new range soon to be launched in my etsy shop - enjoy.

x helen from rubyredstudios