Everyone's A Winner, Baby

…that’s the truth (yes, the truth)…and I can’t remember the rest of the lyrics. Hot Chocolate were right in saying everyone’s a winner. This is the time we announce the three winners of our first ever BrisStyle Giveaway! Please know that each and every one of you who took the time to enter, are winners in our eyes. You’ve won our hearts. Our love! For what that’s worth to you. The response to this giveaway has been quite overwhelming and we are really chuffed with the amount of entrants. Over 300! A super special thanks to all those non-BrisStyle bloggers who promoted the giveaway on their blogs. It was very much appreciated! If your name wasn’t one of the names randomly drawn this time, don’t worry, as there will be plenty more opportunities to win in the future. To kick off the New Year, each month a featured BrisStyle member will be contributing something to giveaway here on the blog. So 2009 will be the year of BrisStyle monthly giveaways! Anyway, let’s move on to the all-important announcing of the winners. Oh what am I saying? You’ve most likely already scrolled down and haven’t read a word of this…

The tin holding over 300 carefully cut out & folded names! Onya Bec!


The winner of Prize Pack #1 is...

Girl Ferment (Woohoos! Streamers! Applause!)
The winner of Prize Pack #2 is...

The Crafty Librarian (more Woohoos! Streamers! Applause!)
The winner of Prize Pack #3 is...

Sue from McHats (followed by more Woohoos! Streamers! Applause!)
Thud! Thud! Thud! … Thud! Thud! … Thud! … Thud! …is the sound of BrisStylers passing out from drinking far too much celebratory wine. The giveaway draw took place at our BrisStyle Christmas gathering, so do pop back in for a mid-week post featuring lots of fun photos from the event!

Congratulations to the winners of our giveaway! We will contact you shortly to request your postal details. Just as soon as the Panadol starts taking effect…

HO HO HO - The BrisStyle Gift Pack Giveaway IS GO!!!!!

Christmas is often associated with stressed out department store crowds and crying kids being photographed on Santa's knee. And why do we do it? Because it is nice to give and receive. And Christmas is a chance to celebrate this. Seeing faces light up as we hand out presents, and receiving thoughtful gifts ourselves, most often makes all the pre-Christmas stress worth enduring.

So to celebrate the warm fuzzy side of the upcoming festive season (and to kick-start our own holiday cheer as we approach our first ever upcoming Christmas market) the BrisStyle team has put together three huge packs of handmade goodies from 17 BrisStyle members, to be given to three lucky random winners. And you don't have to elbow your way through any crowds to enter either!

"And what's the catch?" I hear you say. Well there's none, fair readers! Very simply, this is a promotional exercise for BrisStyle and its members, to showcase the quality and variety of our wares, and to make people aware of our blog, and our members' shops, which we hope you might visit. But you don't have to. No pressure. Really. We're just not like that.

To enter is simple.

Just leave a comment at the bottom of this post, answering the following question: "How Did You Hear About BrisStyle?" Simple as that. Winners will be posted on this blog on Monday 24th November and you will have a week to contact us to arrange the postage of your gift pack! Easy peasy :)

Please note that this giveaway is open to international readers as well as Aussies!!! The only people who cannot enter are BrisStyle members and their immediate family. Also, only one entry per person - just to be fair.

So what can I win?

Here it is folks - time for me to rub my hands together in glee and do a little happy dance as I show you the goodies to be won. Each gift pack is valued at over US $100, and they are all of equal quality, value and gorgeousness!

Drum roll please..... (now imagine a lovely assistant with a cheesy smile and an evening gown doing wonderful ballet-like display motions with her hands as we present these packs....you know....like Sale of the Century....all classy like. Noice!)

You can click on the item name to view a larger image in Flickr, or click on the shop name to view the associated member's shop - go on, you know you want to ;)

GIFT PACK NUMBER 1

1. Billy (Little Jelly), by Jellygnite 2. Grammo Girl mini painting & Mini Canvas Bird Magnet, by Hey Harriet 3. Kumihimo Bracelet, by TrishAlan Designs 4. Noah's Ark Library Bag, by Hot Fudge 5. Child's Pants size 4, by Ogekko 6. Owl Brooch, Bookmark, Hair clip & Hair bands by EmBelISH

GIFT PACK NUMBER 2

1. Messy Matilda, by Wicked Child Designs 2. Carousel Rose (girls room art print), by Twinkle Star Art 3. Denim tote, by Little Mary Moo 4. Paper Gals Paper Doll, by Sharlzndollz 5. Vintage sunglasses & handstitched case, by Art Decadence 6. Ruby Red Vintage Button Earrings & Love2GoGo Charm Bracelet by Ruby Red Studios & Ruby2GoGo

GIFT PACK NUMBER 3

1. For Girl & For Boy Softies, by Made by Maisie 2. Brooch from old books, by REread 3. Butterfly print (matted), by Eliza's Art 4. Brooch from old books, by REread 5. Dandelion Clock shoulder bag, by Beckybean 6. Brooch from old books, by REread 7. Julie Coquelicot (pretty pop) Hat by SMboutique

So to quickly recap, here's all the essential details:

How To Enter: Answer the question: "How did you hear about BrisStyle?" in the comments section below.

Giveaway End Date: Entries will close on Friday 21st November midnight Aussie time. We will draw the winners at a special BrisStyle function on Saturday 22nd November, and the winners will be posted on Monday morning (24th November 2008).

Who Can Enter: Anyone (international readers as well) except for BrisStyle members and their immediate families.

Good luck everyone - and thanks for joining us in raising a bit of Christmas Spirit. And a merry merry pre-Christmas season to you all :)

Cheers,
The BrisStyle Team!

Gidget goes Ga-Ga for BrisStyle!

It’s United Nations Day on the 24th of this month. It’s the International Year of the Potato this year, as declared by the United Nations. How does this relate to BrisStyle you may well ask? Well, it doesn’t really except for the fact that potatoes are a popular vegetable and most BrisStyle members likely eat them on a fairly regular basis. When I think of potatoes I think of chips. Hot chips. With fish. Yes, fish & chips on the beach! So this post will feature a selection of BrisStyle seller items that fit in with the theme of sunny days on the beach eating fish & chips. So you see, there is a link to potatoes after all that. Phew! Lucky my first thoughts were of chips and not mashed potatoes. That would be a tricky theme to work with…

Print - Teasing the Waves Original Artwork
by Elizas Art

Dazzling Board Shorts for your Little Surfie

by Ogekko

Surfers Paradise - Vintage button Earrings

by Ruby Red Studios

Julie Coquelicot (pretty pop) Hat

by SM Boutique

Little Portrait of a SURFER GIRL - Art Print

by Twinkle Star Art

Northern Waters Wolf Brooch

by RE-Read Designs

Haven’t seen any wolves on any of the beaches I frequent, but sure wish I did. They’d chase away those pesky Ibis birds that are so fond of rudely stealing my lunch!

Pink Sun Top

by Hot Fudge

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd

by Wicked Child Designs

I swear I saw our PM Kev on the beach recently. Or somebody who looked remarkably like him. He was wearing speedos. And it wasn’t pretty.

If you fancy purchasing any of the super items featured here, then simply click on the seller name to be transported to their Etsy shop. Best of all, in celebration of United Nations Day this month, if you purchase any of these items during October, a bucket load of good karma will be headed your way. That good karma will also extend to the purchase of any item from any BrisStyle member by the way. There’s plenty of good karma to go around! And chips! Would you like one? Ooops…too late. All gone.

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

Let's hear it for the boys!

It is often said that it is difficult to find quality handmade gifts for boys. But never fear, BrisStyle is here to help! Here you will find a selection of goods perfect for lovely lads ranging from newborn babies to big little boys.


Shirt - long sleeve cotton weave check - Size 5
by Hot Fudge
$35



African Inspired Toddler Pants - 6 mths to 4 yrs
by Ogekko
$20



FIRE FIGHTER kids personalized fire engine truck name print with boy's NAME, HAIR colour, BIRTH date
by Twinkle Star Art
$19.00



Phizz-z-z-z - boy's 'cash and cards' wallet
by Beckybean
$18



Neon Blue Dottie Baby Booties
by Pedrosprout
$30



Funky Little Kiddies Singlet
by Bubba Chenille
$7



Travel Crayon Roll - racing cars
by Bugs in Rugs
$9.50



Camouflage Cameron
by Wicked Child Designs
$30

Spring into Spring

Spring has sprung - the flowers are out, the birdies are chirping, and sunny Brisbane is living up to its name! So what better way to put a spring into your step than with one of these sunshiny creations from a few of our talented BrisStyle members.

Hair Clip Holder - Daisy Fabric
by EmBelISH
$15.00

Pixie Pin
by Art Decadence
$5

Swarovski Crystal Wire Pendant
by Marlier
$28

Red Daisy Sling Bag
by Little Mary Moo
$35

Her Daintiness - Featuring Pale Pink Rose
by Trinkets and Roses
$64.95

Vintage Delight - Spring Garden
by Love, Janie Lou
$34

60s Retro Ladies ACEO - Dotty Blue
by Jellygnite
$4.00

Lime Blossom Studs - Fused Glass Earrings
by Hot Toffee
$25

Sunlight Pair Necklace
by Scampsville
$17

Sunrise at 5.16am - ACEO
by Hey Harriet
$11

Paper Gals Paper Doll - Hearts and Flowers
by Sharlzndollz
$6.30

The Schoolhouse Quilter's Exhibition

If you were in Brookfield this past weekend, you may have been lucky enough to pop into the Schoolhouse Quilter's Exhibition, which was set in the beautiful Brookfield Hall (a very pretty heritage listed building and the perfect place to hold an exhibition).


One of our very talented BrisStyle members, Robyn of Hot Fudge, was one of those taking part in the exhibition, which was a roaring success, with a gorgeous display of bright sunny weather to grace the weekend, and an even more gorgeous display inside the Brookfield Hall, which was a kaleidascope of quilting colour!


The crowds on Saturday morning were very large and kept the girls in the sales room quite busy - so much so that Robyn didn't even have the chance to stop to take some photos. However, to give you an idea of the loveliness on offer, Robyn sold many many of these sweet little booties.


And is now very busy restocking her Etsy shop after seriously depleting her stock of wonderful children's clothing and accessories.


The exhibition was enjoyed by all who came and most people took advantage of the refreshments room or sitting outside under the marquee, renewing their strength with cups of coffee and tea and enjoying lovely sandwiches and home baked slices.

For the first time, this year the Schoolhouse Quilters invited the local primary schools to participate in a competition to make a quilt using the theme of fire prevention (as the proceeds from the charity raffle quilt this year went to the local bushfire brigade.


As Robyn herself puts it, "frankly, we were gobsmacked when the entries poured in from little children in Grade Three - 7 and 8 years of age - and this was their first attempt at making a quilt. My hat goes off to those dedicated school teachers who guided their pupils in such a way that the enthusiasm oozes out of the finished products".

Overall, the event was a huge success. And by the sounds of it, there is now a whole new generation appreciating the craft of quilting! Well done Robyn, and thanks for sharing the experience with us :)