The Crafty World of Hip Brown

This week the BrisStyle team caught up with Rachael Honner of Hip Brown, creator of fabulous belts for kids.

How would you describe your work?
I would describe my belt range as colourful, bright, simple and precisely made.

Hip Heart

How did your Etsy shop come into being?

The early inspiration for Hip Brown began from my own frustrations as a mother, being somewhat dissatisfied with mass produced, cheaply made and highly themed children’s clothes and accessories.... I knew I could do better so… I thought I'd start in a very simple way by creating a new line of children’s belts that were hand made with attention to detail, and a little love to boot.

I am really interested in labels that maintain this focus rather than those that focus on profits. I do have plans to expand beyond children’s accessories to women’s (itching to create some up-cycled belts and home wares) but I want to do it as time permits & without work load stress. My focus right now is to balance my business with chasing my very fast toddler, school drop offs and enjoying family life.

Hip Pirate

Who or What inspires you?

I am inspired by everything however I will attempt to articulate this more thoroughly….beautiful fabrics (really love mini sized, nana florals right now), beautifully made goods and creative people. I enjoy reading Frankie and Inside out magazines… both magazines are so visually creative and inspirational. I particularly love all things hand made, it can add an abundance of style, love, character and thought to anything… this inspires me.

Hip Lilly

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

I reuse buttons from Op shops because it’s a good way to keep production costs low and recycle at the same time. Op shops also provide an alternative source for fabric. Provided I am inspired by the fabric, can envisage it will work with the Hip Brown range and there is sufficient quantity, I will use it. I spotted the fabric for Hip Charlie in a charity shop. It’s a lovely red vintage upholstery fabric. I like that it was most likely heading for the scrap heap, and all it needed was a tiny bit of imagination. I would never consider myself an intentional greenie, I just like to be open to such things because maybe even selfishly you never know where it may creatively take you.

Hip Charlie

Can you describe your studio / work area?

My work area is always changing, kitchen, lounge and even a friend's house. However we’ve recently completed some renovations at home which should allow me to have a dedicated area for focusing on my work, which is exciting. I am looking forward to making it a more inspirational space and more “my work area”.

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

I would have to say my favorite item in my shop right now is either Hip Polka or Hip Rosie because I love their fabric covered buttons. You can never have too many fabric covered buttons! I like each belt to have its own character even if it’s subtle/ conservative.

Hip Rosie

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

My belts can be found at Rellie Bellies in Paddington, Brisbane and Mumma’s Home in Wilston and on my Facebook page.

Thanks so much Rachael for your time! You can check out more fabulous Hip Brown belts in Rachael's Etsy shop.

BrisStyle Weekly Round Up

** BrisStyle Member News **


Looking for great stocking fillers this Christmas? In the spirit of all things a lil prim and proper this "Hip Polka" belt is the new addition to Rachael's Hip Brown belt range. Available online now at Hip Brown and at Brisbane stores Mama's Home in Wilston and Relllie Bellies in Paddington.


Trishalan Design's fabulous and fun Kumihimo Project has been re-published in Beautiful Beading magazine. Congratulations Trish!



Megan from Nosovich is pleased to announce two new Brisbane stockists for her beautiful bags and clutches, Nook in West End and Sacha Drake in Paddington. Read all about it on Megan's blog here.


** BrisStyle Member Giveaways **



Rebecca from edward & lilly was stalked this week which means it's giveaway time! For your chance to win a cute embroidered brooch head to the e&l solo exhibit and giveaway on Etsy Stalker. The only place where stalking is a good thing!


Rachael from Hip Brown has been very busy making these lovely decor friendly Christmas stockings and to celebrate she's giving one away! To be in the running, head to the Hip Brown Facebook page and become a fan, it's that easy!

BrisStyle Indie Designers Market - 3 weeks to go...

...or 18 sleeps to be exact. Can you wait, I know I can hardly wait so without further ado, let's take another peak at what we can expect to find at Brisbane's HOTtest destination for all things handmade, the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market (BIDM), 5 December 2009, St Augustines Church Hall and Grounds, Racecourse Road, Hamilton).

(satchel by alipink)

First up this week we're checking out the range from alipink. Ali's got mini, midi and maxi satchels, fun zippered purses and condom/tampon wallets (excellent stocking-stuffers for that special someone who has everything!), extra large shopping totes, up-cycled nylon shopper bags and iron-on fabric patches ALL from vintage fabrics. You can check the whole range out here.

(knot dress by Hot Fudge)

Next stop is Hot Fudge. Robyn has been working on a range of must-have knot dresses that are just perfect for little ones to wear to all their festive parties this season. Robyn's working on some different designs this week which will also have the Christmas season in mind. You'll find the gorgeous Hot Fudge range at the BIDM, and you can peek at it here.

(very hungry caterpillar skirt by Tutus and Muddy Shoes )

At Tutus and Muddy Shoes it's been all about skirts this week. Check out this way too cute number featuring our much beloved very hungry caterpillar! You can see more of the range that will be available at the BIDM here.

(decor friendly christmas stockings by Hip Brown )

Rachael from Hip Brown has gone silly season mad (inspired) and is currently working on some "Decor Friendly Christmas Stockings". Happy snaps of the production line can be found here. There is also a giveaway for Hip Brown fan members drawn December 4.

(mmmm - DIY Cookies by EmBelish )

Bel from EmBelish has been busy in the kitchen creating a batch of - DIY Cookies - yep that’s right, they're all ready to go and even come with the essential wooden spoon. Just add the wet ingredients (instructions provided) and hey presto, a yummy batch of chocy cookies ready to enjoy!

There will be a limited number of these available at the BIDM so if you are interested and would like to pre-order just send Bel an email or leave a comment on the EmBelish blog and they will be in contact.

('recycle' hankie by Wicked Child Designs)

Next stop is the home of Wicked Child Designs. Teneale's been screenprinting old hankies (freshly laundered of course) ready for the BIDM. There's 'recycle', 'snot face' and 'wicked child designs'. Hmm....recycle, how wicked!

(skittle girls by Jetta's Nest )

Sam from Jetta's Nest has been making new Skittle Girls and Boys this week for the BIDM. They're made from new and recycled fabrics so they're not only sweet to look at, they're easy on the environment too! Keep your eyes peeled at the BIDMfor some limited edition Skittles with Wings...perfect for Christmas!

(funky kids threads from Bubbachenille)

Miriam from Bubbachenille has provided a little sneak peek at what to expect on her stall at the BiDM. It's all about super bright, super cheery and super-fly fashion for little ones.

What's that you say....you still want more?? Why not take a trip down memory lane and check out the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market Wrap Up from the July market. Exciting stuff!

Stay tuned for next week's post with heaps more goodies and other stuff about Brisbane's HOTtest destination for all things handmade, the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market!!!