Tuesday Treasury

Good Morning :)

For our first treasury of October, we will be featuring some beautiful jewellery and accessories made in BrisVegas!

Aren't they all just gorgeous!?

Image Source Etsy Treasury

To have the full details, please follow the link here :)

Happy "accessorising"!

Tuesday Treasury

Good morning everyone :)

This morning we have created a collection for the wood lover out there.

So much gorgeous accessories made with that beautiful material.

So much talent, don't you think?!

EtsyTreasury link here

Have a great Tuesday!

The crafty world of Strat Designs

This week the BrisStyle team caught up with Sophie from Strat Designs to get the low down on her gorgeous resin jewellery range!


How would you describe your work?

Bright, bold, stylish and fun. I predominately use a range of resin beads in my designs but also feature glass beads, felt balls and whatever else takes my fancy.

How did your Etsy shop come into being?

A friend told me about the handmade expo. From their website I followed a link to the BrisStyle blog and from there...ETSY! And wow! That was such a mind blowing experience, I just read and read and looked and looked. I was totally hooked. I couldn't rest until I was signed up and listing stock. It was a huge learning curve but one I’ve really enjoyed. I had to close down my Etsy shop for a time recently and got serious withdrawal symptoms! It’s so good to be back and a part of the Etsy/BrisStyle world again.


Who or what inspires you?

This constantly changes! My background is actually in fine jewellery, both antique and modern, so I’ve got a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and design talent of jewelers, and try and bring that into my own designs. But colour is what really gets me going, I love how it can enhance your mood, lift you up or soothe you. I’m a great people watcher and sometimes just seeing someone with a certain style will set me thinking about what piece of jewellery I’d design for them and then that’ll morph into something on the bench, which will in turn develop into a new item.


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

I certainly do! I’m a collector of vintage jewellery/objects from way back and am slowly putting together a micro collection that will use some of my older pieces re-purposed with my more contemporary resin range. I love felt balls, and often they are made from re-purposed clothing, but best of all, any Strat designs that don’t sell, or I just change my mind over, I simply break down and re use the components - one of the real benefits of using beads - you’re never stuck with old stock – they’re all reusable!

Can you describe your studio / work area?

It’s very modest and was once our spare bedroom/study. It has French doors out onto a verandah where I do all my photographing, and this means people can come straight into the workshop from outside without having to come through the whole house – handy when I haven’t got around to vacuuming!


When I first started Strat Designs we still had a bed in there and I sort of squeezed in along with the computers and the furniture. Now the bedroom is a distant memory. My husband made me workbenches and shelves and I’ve spread throughout the whole room. The computers are still there, and I love to have my son in doing his homework while I’m working – that way I can keep an eye on what he’s up to and he sees what I’m doing at the same time! I do have to be pretty organized to stop the stock and supplies from spreading out of control, but I love it, and probably spend far too much time in there.

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

My new “bubble ball” lariat and bracelet range. It’s quite delicate by my standards and so a bit different for me to work on.


Check out more fabulous Strat Designs here:
www.stratdesigns.com
www.stratdesigns.etsy.com

The Crafty World of SMBoutique

This week the BrisStyle team caught up with Sandrine from SMBoutique for a little chat about her beautiful felted creations. Sandrine will also be at the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market this Saturday 5 June, 9am-2pm at St Augustine's Church Hall and Grounds, Racecourse Road, Hamilton.


How would you describe your work?

The best description I can think of would be:
Colourful Handmade textile accessories…with a predominant use of natural fibres.

I like to make the fabric using various methods of Felting, Australian merino wool, silk, linen, cotton…or straws for the race hats.

You will find a range of hats and fascinators, scarves, shawl, silk tops, brooches even cushion and table runner for the home accessories!


How did your Etsy shop come into being?

I have always been fascinated by hats and eventually I got the opportunity to spend some time learning and practicing Millinery.

After a little while, I realize that it was moving into a bigger house or starting to part with some of these creations …

So I started with a local Art and Craft market in Maleny. The people's comments and feedback were so warm that it gave me the courage to keep on this path of creativity…

I found Etsy browsing the web and was really impressed with the creativity and the concept so I decided to take the E-plunge! ;)

I am now very grateful as this has allowed me to enter such an inspiring and supportive community !

Who and what inspires you?

This is a great and hard question at the same time ;)

I believe there is soooo much involved in this creative process…but if I tried to summarize I would start with…

*People: My artistic Dad, my seamstress grandma, as I mentioned earlier amazing people I meet along the way, my family…

*Places: Beautiful landscape I grew up in (Provence/France, Europe), the one I was blessed to travel to and live in (Africa, Australia)…

*Colours and Textures: I am always attracted to colours, their amazing combinations, pattern…a flower in the garden, a bird’s amazing colours, the pattern on a leaf…

*Fabrics, books, music, movie, a taste a smell in the kitchen, a smile….So many sources to draw from!

Living in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland has been a wonderful way of being surrounded by nature a great reminder that we are so much part of it and always so inspiring!


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

I had chosen a few years ago to learn to make my own felt so I could create the fabric using Australian Merino wool which I am lucky to have easily on hand, this was the start of a more sustainable approach.

The felting process itself involves warm water, soap and loads of elbow grease.
Water being so precious, I try to reuse my water as much as I can and left over soapy water is used around the garden. I also have a rain water tank on hand…

In terms of recycling I have collected throughout the years lots of little fibers/fabrics bits and pieces that can always be integrated into a project…not much wastes there!

Can you describe your studio/work area?

here lies the dilemma:

There is the studio of my dreams with everything in the same spot, well organized, equipped …

Hmmm and then there is my “various work areas” a forever work in progress!

No, I am very privileged that we are slowly renovating our house and I could find a little spot for an office with a view!

A spare room to store wool, fabric and use my sewing machine…

And last year we decided to split the garage so I could have a "felting area" which has a roller door that opens right into the lush garden.

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

At the moment with the chilli mornings and evening my heart goes to my little scarf they are all so cosy and different it is hard to pick one in particular.

I love adding a flower brooch to them and can change the colour with my moods.


Do you have any other places people can view/purchase your work?

People can purchase on my Etsy store:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/smboutique

Know me a little more via my Blog :

http://histoiredesoie.blogspot.com

And finally view some past and new work on my Flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/38663804@N02/

Thanks Sandrine!

Check out Sandrine's work in person at the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market this Saturday 5 June, 9am-2pm at St Augustine's Church Hall, Racecourse Road, Hamilton. Sandrine will be in the hall!

The crafty world of Up in Annie's Room

Amidst all the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market preparations this week we caught up with Emma from Up in Annie's Room for a chat about her fun and fabulous accessories.

How would you describe your work?
Eclectic would probably be the best description. I often joke that I suffer from “crafter ADD”, I love to try something new but I always make time for my old favorites as well. I like to think I make fun, quirky and affordable pieces. At the very least I have fun making them and when others have fun wearing them that’s a huge buzz for me.

Earrings Spring Garden

How did your Etsy shop come into being?
I actually started out on a site called OzeBaby sewing flongies (yep, it’s a real word!) and modern cloth nappies before I had a go at making scrabble tile pendants and then I was hooked. I got the jewelry bug and there was no turning back. From there I built up my own online store and a lovely friend put me onto etsy about 2 years ago. The name “Up in Annie’s Room” often confuses people as my name isn’t Annie, it’s something my grandmother always used to say when I lost something “It’s up in Annie’s Room behind the clock”.

Chunky Birdcage pendant

Who or what inspires you?
Oh gosh, anything and everything. Books I’m reading, music, art, my kid’s books, things I notice out and about and there’s probably a good dose of cheesy nostalgia in there too for good measure.

Mini Bib pendant One of a kind Supergirl

Do you ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ as part of your creative process?
I reuse old game pieces for my scrabble and domino tile pendants and old typewriter keys on the TypeStyle bracelets. I do like to repurpose and upcycle wherever possible.

Typestyle Bracelet

Can you describe your studio / work area?
We live in an old Queenslander where space is at a premium so half of the study I share with my husband is usually covered in stock at various stages of completion as well as my mac which sometimes looks more like a jewelry rack. I did make an attempt to convert the laundry downstairs into a work area but as it floods in heavy rain I had to retreat from that idea.

What is your favourite thing in the shop at the moment?
My new Kite Girl acrylic pendant, this is my first design I have had laser cut as part of a limited edition of acrylic and sterling silver jewelry.

The Red Kite - Red acrylic and sterling silver pendant

Do you have any other places that people can view/purchase your work?
Australian store
Blog
Etsy Shop

You can also find Up in Annie's Room at the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market this Saturday 6 March, 9am-2pm at St Augustine's Church Hall and Grounds, Racecourse Road, Hamilton, Brisbane.

April Featured Members and Giveaways!

This month, please give a warm welcome to Louise from Made by Miffy and Christine from Little Chrissy, as they give us a sneek 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 - simply 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: Christine Flatley

ETSY SHOP NAME: Little Chrissy

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

Two Little Chrissy Brooches

A yellow felt bird brooch and one of my tried and true square felt and fabric brooches. Both have been hand-stitched with love and will brighten your fave autumn jacket or bag.


2. How would you describe your work?

Colourful, fun, a little quirky, and made with love to make people smile. I am in love with felt and use it in almost everything I create. Ditto pre-loved fabrics which I find in op-shops. Oh and buttons. Sigh. I really love buttons. Until now I have predominately been making brooches, but have also been making some cute felt baby booties. Family members are currently receiving felt art to hang on their walls, so perhaps some of those might spring up in my shop soon too.

3. How did your Etsy shop come into being?

I first fell in love with Etsy as a shopper, but kept keeping all my purchases and making gifts for friends and family instead. Whoops! I finally decided to open my own shop late last year and have had very kind feedback from a lot of people.


4. Who or What inspires you?

Brisbane artists and crafters of course – we have so much talent in this city it blows me away. I use my blog to motivate myself, but also take inspiration from much-loved magazines like Frankie and Black+White. I always create each piece while thinking of one of my friends, because they are the sort of people I imagine wearing my brooches. Oh and long moonlit walks on the beach, soft kittens etc.

5. Can you describe your studio / work area?

I had managed to hog the study for myself for six months but my partner has just started his own full-time business and so gets priority. I’ve now got a small table beside his desk so we can work together sometimes (cue soppy smiles and fluttered eyelashes). Most of my materials are stuffed unceremoniously in bags in the wardrobe, and I dream one day of having my own room with everything neatly stacked and stashed. Organisation catalogues are my porn…


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

My pink doughnut brooch. It’s been there forever and I’m surprised nobody has bought it because it makes me laugh every time I look at it. I’m thinking very seriously about keeping it for myself… mmmm… pink doughnut.


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

My blog www.little-chrissy.blogspot.com. Please swing by and say hello!

********


Introducing BrisStyle member...


NAME: Louise Stuart

ETSY SHOP NAME: Made by Miffy

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

This is the apron that I will be teaching in the Craft Labs at the Stitches and Craft Show in Brisbane 29 April – 3 May and again later this year in Sydney. I will have fab colour combos for people to choose their own kits. Come and join in – it’ll be fun.


2. How would you describe your work?

Work…? Is this work? Are you sure? Well if it is work I would describe it as fun, all consuming (the housework is now way down the priority list!) My style is colour – lots of it. Clashing or complementing combinations that are fun to make and fun to wear. I make the coolest boys boardies, gorgeous little girl’s clothes and sassy Aprons for Mamas. I have just ventured into the world of pattern design and am in the process of publishing my first apron patterns – exciting. Now, are you sure this is work?


3. How did your Etsy shop come into being?

Seemed like fun! I love to sew – and it was getting obvious that people liked my style – as all my friend’s kids were wearing Miffy threads.


4. Who or What inspires you?

Fabric, colour, design, Dr Seuss!

5. Do you ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ as part of your creative process? If yes, how is your art / craft eco-friendly?

Well I haven’t reduced the size of my fabric stash – it has taken on a life of its own – however I do repurpose items as part of my creative endeavours. On my blog there is a tutorial for a bureau redo I did last year for my daughter Darcy. It has won some blog awards and always makes me happy in a way the 80’s ugly pine chest of drawers it was formerly known as never did! I also love to find creative ways to use leftover fabric. See my tutorial for no – sew fabric flowers as one such idea!


6. Can you describe your studio / work area?

I have taken over a room in our house. It is a lovely north facing room and I love calling it my studio – much nicer than “the spare room” isn’t it? My cats hang out in the window whilst I sew. I love having the tv on whilst I work and I am now so well versed on Dr Phil that I can offer advice on almost any modern social dysfunction dilemma you may have!


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

Well – not actually in my shop – but my favourite thing is my new Saucy Apron Recipe! It is guaranteed calorie free fun in the kitchen! The pattern will be launched at the Stitches and Craft Show in Brisbane and also in my Etsy store and at Madebymiffy.com too!


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

Made by Miffy Website
Made by Miffy Blog
Miffy's World on Twitter
Louise Stuart on Facebook
Founding member of The Apron-Nation - come and join us. We are taking over the world one kitchen at a time!

******

Thank you Christine and Louise!

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.

The very best of luck to you all!

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.

Wicked Child Designs (top) and Bellabijoux (bottom)

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

Celebrate Christmas, the BrisStyle way!

If you are a budding ethical consumer who is looking for gifts that are unique, well-made, with a little soul, and a lotta style, then The 2008 BrisStyle Christmas Market in Hamilton is the place to Shop.

Find all these goods and more at the BrisStyle Christmas Market

The Historic Town Hall in Hamilton creates the perfect environment for this boutique event. Ample Street parking & easy access via the Rivercat, the hall has wheelchair and pram access as well as plenty of shade.

The gourmet food stall in the leafy courtyard is catering for the Brisbane summer with cool drinks and traditional Christmas treats.

Meander through the stalls of the distinctive and the fresh, chat to the makers and learn about them, and their wares, while the soothing sounds of the acoustic entertainment kindles your Christmas Spirit.

You’ll find something very different here. Like most sellers on etsy.com, the BrisStyle designers take great pride in adding that little extra for their customers. Whether it’s beautiful packaging, personal gift wrapping, little cards, or extra gifts, it’s sure to be something that touches the heart.

This Christmas the artists and designers of BrisStyle will also give their support to various charities with the hope that through your gift giving, you and they can make even a small difference to someone’s life.

So embrace the BrisStyle enthusiasm, support your local community and shop ethically this Christmas.

Location: Hamilton Town Hall, Cnr Rossiterand Racecourse Rd, Hamilton, Brisbane
Date: Saturday 13th December 2008
Time: 9am – 4pm

PARTICIPATING SHOPS
(watch this space, as we add more shops to the list over the coming month)

Beckybean
Bellabijoux
Bugs in Rugs
Eliza's Art
EmBelISH
Hot Fudge
Hot Toffee
Jellygnite
Little Diva Crafts
Little Mary Moo
Made by Maisie
Made by Miffy
Moore Taste
Pedrosprout
Ruby 2 GoGo
Ruby Red Studios
Sharlzndollz
StratDesigns
Sunshadow
Trinkets & Roses
Twinkle Star Art
Wicked Child Designs