The crafty world of Bubbachenille

This week the BrisStyle team caught up with the mother of all things chenille, Miriam of Bubba Chenille for a little chat about her fabulous wares.


How would you describe your work?

Funky and modern, creating smiles for passers by! After all, who of a certain age, hasn't had a chenille bedspread? When people see my work and realise what it's made from you can see the connection from realisation to smile!

How did your Etsy shop come into being?

I seem to recall Trish, from Trishalan Designs telling me all about Etsy and BrisStyle in 2008 when I first met her at The Handmade Expo Market, I got onto it straight away!


Who or what inspires you?

Well if I didn't say my family first and foremost I'd be in big trouble. After that I think simply the materials I work with are the inspiration!


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

All of the chenille I use is vintage, (the new stuff just isn't the same!) and I am now sourcing bedspreads further afield in the US, where there is more available, patterns and colours that you just don't see here. I also use vintage sheets in some of my work, they are nice and soft, all cotton and great for linings and trims. It is the part of my life where I am being a true recycler, not just a half hearted one like in other parts of my life!


Can you describe your studio / work area?

I have a separate studio detached from the home, in the backyard. We were getting sick of all the fluff in the house from the chenille, so when we were looking to relocate, this was something we had on our list of wants. I kind of go to work and come home every day now.

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

I love everything.


For more Bubba Chenille check out these hot spots:

Blog
Handmade Heaven
Etsy
Flickr
madeit
Facebook

Thanks Miriam!

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 this week to Debbie from Jaffajaf Designs, a family collective that specialises in all things handmade. There's a wide range of goodies at Jaffajaf including pin cushions, Tea Cosies and cute softies like this cheeky Handmade Softie Steggie Red.


This week BrisStyle also welcomes Lisa and Sharon from Cute as Buttons. These lovely ladies combine quality materials and unique designs to create gorgeous gifts for small folk like these very sweet Appliqued Car Shirts.


** BrisStyle Member News **



After a couple of busy markets, Miriam from BubbaChenille has restocked her very popular bathmats! Made from vintage chenille Miriam's bathmats will be available at upcoming markets including the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market on Saturday 5 December. There'll be some new and interesting colours too, check them out on Miriam's blog.

Sally from Flight Industries is going Printsy this week! Printsy is a group of printmaking artists on Etsy. All Printsy members have work using original hand-pulled printmaking techniques for sale in their shop! Check out the printmakers here and Sally's shop where you can pick up this beautiful Woodcut - iron lace criss cross design here.


Rebecca from edward & lilly is creating a limited edition run of this beautiful hand-stitched White Christmas Bird. White Christmas Birds are made to order and will only be available for purchase online.


** BrisStyle Member Giveaways **



Amanda from Twinkle Star Art is giving away an art print from her latest Butterfly illustration collection. To enter, all you need to do is leave a comment on Amanda's blog with the hair colour of the little girl you would love to give this art print to. The winner will receive the Butterfly Girl art print with their choice of hair colour. Entries close in just one week! Friday 20th November, midnight America/New York time (2pm Saturday 21st November for Australians).


El from Rock'n'Wrap is having her first ever giveaway this week! For your chance to win a pair of El's hugely popular Ear Candy in your choice of style and stone head to this blog post.


Sandrine from SMBoutique is excited to announce the opening of a giveaway this week on her blog. In preparation for the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market Sandrine needs your help to decide on colours. Head to Sandrine's blog for your chance to win a hand felted brooch in your choice of colour! Giveaway ends 1 December.


Sarah from Designs of the Heart is also celebrating her first ever giveaway! For your chance to win this lovely glass magnet set plus a set of Paisley Flower clothespin magnets head over to Sarah's blog. The giveaway closes 1 December. Designs of the Heart will also be at the Samford Valley Markets, Cnr Serendipity and Main Sts, Samford this Saturday 14 November and The Handmade Expo in Ipswich on Saturday 21 November.

And if you haven't already entered don't forget the BrisStyle Monthly Featured Members Giveaway here.

BrisStyle Weekly Round Up

It's been a busy week for BrisStyle members with loads of good news and giveaways.


Michelle from Pedrosprout had a huge week with her sweet booties making it to the front page of etsy plus her booties pattern is featured in the current issue of Homespun magazine No. 72 Vol. 10.5

Miriam from BubbaChenille entered 5 handmade items in The Ipswich Show and received 4 places!

Katie from Kitty Boo Boo, Teneale from Wicked Child Designs and Olivia from Scampsville were all featured in RAVE magazine after participating as stall holders at the 4ZzZ Trash and Treasure Market.



Sandrine's etsy shop SMBoutique has officially reopened and she also has a new blog!

Following her success at the Stitches and Craft Show, Christine from Little Diva has opened a new etsy store called Usew2 with easy to follow sewing patterns including the Easy Peasy Girls Skirt.

**BrisStyle Member Giveaways**

Tracy from Hey Harriet is celebrating Shadow Shot Sunday's first birthday with a surprise giveaway for participants. Taking part in Shadow Shot Sunday is easy: take a photo of a shadow, post it on your blog and add your link to Tracy's blog. What a fun and creative way to spend a Sunday! For more info click here.

Jess from Epheriell is giving away two pairs of her Urban Earrings on the Aussie Handmade Giveaway website.

This foxy little brooch is up for grabs in Hayley's weekly RE-read giveaway. She's also on a campaign to unite two lovers Butterball and Ladybug.

Eliza from Elven Hair is giving away one of her keyrings made with Majestic Olive and 24 karat gold. Be quick! This one closes on May 18th. Eliza also has a number of items on sale in her shop to raise funds for Gem, her medical assistance dog who recently had an operation.

And don't forget the BrisStyle Monthly Giveaway!

March Giveaway Winners!

Congratulations Le of 'Le@Third on the Right' and Karin of Nordic Craft

The random number generator decided that Le is the winner of the Little Diva Crafts kids apron and beautiful card/coin purse;



and Karin, you are the winner of Bubba Chenille's gorgeous chenille zip pouch.


Could both of you please send us an email with your postal address to brisstyleteam@gmail.com and Christine and Miriam will pop your items in the mail for you :)

And thank-you to everyone who entered. Don't forget, we will have another double giveaway starting on 1st April, so check back to get your entry in for that one, and enjoy reading about our featured members at the same time. Keep watching this space, and we'll be back in only seven days with more BrisStyle excitement!!

March Featured Members and Giveaways!

Due to the overwhelming response to the first monthly BrisStyle blog member feature and giveaway, we will now be offering twice the fun each month, with two featured members and TWO giveaways to be won. This month it is Miriam from Bubba Chenille and Christine from Little Diva Crafts who have agreed to give us an insight into their crafty lives, and who are giving away some fabulous goodies as well. Don't forget to leave us a comment to go in the draw for these two wonderful giveaways!

****

Introducing BrisStyle member...



NAME: Christine Poole

ETSY SHOP NAME: Little Diva Crafts

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

Little Girl’s Craft Apron

Every little girl needs somewhere to keep her pencils and scissors etc when she’s being creative, so why not in her very own frilly apron!

Coin/Card Purse

This funky little purse measures 10cm x 9cm and is big enough to keep your money, license, credit cards etc in your back pocket on a night out. Or if like me, you have kids and rarely get a night out, any little girl would love this purse to play with. The fabric is Amy Butler French Wallpaper in Duck Egg with the lining in Red and White stripe.

2. How would you describe your work?

Unique, varied and funky.

3. How did your Etsy shop come into being?

I bought the fabulous book “Softies” and started making lots of them for my kids and as presents. Then I thought I’d design my own softies, who are now known as The Imbi Family. My sister had previously introduced me to Etsy and I thought that would be a fantastic place to start selling my “family” and many other creations.

4. Who or What inspires you?

Most of my inspiration comes from fabric. There are so many beautiful fabrics out there with the most delicious colour combinations and patterns that I really have to stop myself buying them all.

I also get inspiration and ideas from my children and the things they love and need.

5. Can you describe your studio / work area?

I would love my work area to be beautiful, organized and inspirational but unfortunately it’s not! (yet anyway). I currently use my computer desk, sewing board and dining table and keep all of my things in the study.

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

My Diva Dresses – I’ve got more on the way too as I’ve recently received more beautiful fabrics.

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

Little Diva Blog
Markets Online (Australian online selling place)
Facebook "Little Diva" - Beautiful handmade gifts for your little girl (mostly...)

I will also have my own website up and running soon with links to my online stores, details of upcoming markets etc. It will be www.littlediva.com.au

***

Introducing BrisStyle member...

NAME: Miriam

ETSY SHOP NAME: Bubba Chenille

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

Pink and brown chenille zip pouch

This is my new creation especially for this givaway, hope you like it... I have a few of these as they are soooo handy. Here are some uses: camera, small bag (will hold lippy, mirror, cards, cash, tissue and keys) make up bag, small sewing project, really the list is endless. It measures 8.5" x 5.5" or for the young ones 22cm x 14cm. The lining is the same as the third fabric from the top, all are 100% cotton.



2. How would you describe your work?

Spur of the moment! I get an idea and I go for it. It also has to be "quick" or I lose interest.

3. How did your Etsy shop come into being?

I wanted to try and sell my items amongst other handmade sellers and to "get out there" this is the best online store. I sell at markets also, mainly The Handmade Expo, a relatively new market for handmade only.

4. Who or What inspires you?

Clever crafters and sewers and there are trillions of them!

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

Anything that has chenille incorporated in it has come from pre-loved chenille, I am now a self confessed chenille-a-holic! I try to use chenille in all of my items, somtimes though I fall for fabric that I simply don't have the chenille to match but I still need to make the item... oh well!!

6. Can you describe your studio / work area?

My "design studio" is the third bedroom, no you can't look (a fabric bomb has gone off in there!) No bed of course, just sewing table, cupboards, shelves and storage boxes and not much floor!!!

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

The pink striped tote. I had a brain snap, and is made from a Mercer and Reid teatowel, with hot pink chenille trim. I'd rather be making bags than doing the dishes...


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

Madeit (Australian online selling place)
Bubba Chenille Blog

Thank you Christine and Miriam

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!