Artist in the Spotlight: Designs of the Heart

This week the BrisStyle team caught up with the lovely Sarah from Designs of the Heart. This is what she had to say:

How would you describe your work?

Over the years I have done so many different things, I have always loved making things even when I was a little girl. Lately I have been drawn to glass tiles and making magnets of all different shapes and sizes. I have worked with resin for a few years as I love the finish you can get with it. I do get bored easily so I need to keep trying new things.

How did your Etsy shop come into being?

It was sort of an accident really. I overheard someone talking about it at The Handmade Expo at Ipswich one month and went home to investigate as I had never heard of it. Then I was hooked. That was almost 2 years ago and I just love it.

Who or What inspires you?

I get inspired by so many things. Sometimes it's just a picture, or some little crafty thing I bought ages ago and just found again. I try and stop at craft markets when I see them. I love to look at what others are making, there seems to be no bounds to what you can create.

Can you describe your studio/work area?

My work area is chaotic, to say the least. I try so hard to keep it clean but I think I work better when there is stuff all around me. That way I know where everything is, if I clean up I'm sure to lose something.

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

At the moment I am really loving the new pocket mirrors, it's the latest thing, I think that's why. But my favourite magnets are the Paris ones. I don't know what it is but I really love the Eiffel Tower. My whole house seems to be French right now.

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

I have actually just put some stock in my Made It store. It has been open for a while but I had done nothing with it. It's been going really well. Also, I love Twitter. After really putting some work into it about a year ago it really increased my sales. Love it!

Etsy Shop

Made It Shop

Blog

Twitter

Facebook

Thank-you Sarah for taking the time to chat with us!

Designs of the Heart at BiDM!

Sarah from Designs of the Heart will be launching a new product at the upcoming BrisStyle Indie Designer Market - Pocket Mirrors! All of the Pocket Mirrors have been hand pressed and are 2.25" or 5.5cm in diameter. The image side of the mirror is protected by a sheet of mylar with the reverse side being a real glass mirror. Sarah says 'the mirrors are the perfect size to put in your pocket, purse, car or desk'. These cute little mirrors are sure to be the envy of all of your friends!

The mirrors come packaged in their own little organza bags making them the perfect little gift for a friend or as a treat for yourself.

Sarah will also have some new styles of her popular glass magnets at the markets.....these would also make a great little gift.

If you would like to see more from Designs of the Heart be sure to pop along to the:

BrisStyle Indie Designer Market

Saturday September 4th, 9-2pm

St Augustine's Church Grounds and Hall

Racecourse Road, Hamilton

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

** 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!