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!!

Happy Birthday BrisStyle!!!!

(photo sourced from jossy02116 on Flickr)

Welcome to the BrisStyle 1st Birthday bash!!! Come in. Pop on a party hat. Grab a balloon, and get ready to talk some serious craftapalooza!

Ok, so I'd better be honest. I'm sure not many of the 60 odd members of BrisStyle are actually extroverted enough to rock up to an outdoor cafe wearing party hats and waving balloons. But we did manage to get at least half of our group together on the exact anniversary date of the birth of BrisStyle. And 30+ people all sitting around talking about craft and doing show and tell around an enormous table, is still a formidable effort (sorry to any tourists who were hoping for a quiet lunch at this lovely Roma Street Parklands cafe)!

So it was only 12 months ago that a small group of 12 Brisbane-based crafty ladies who had never seen each other in real life, all met up at a West End cafe with a view to maybe starting their own little local craft collective. An Etsy Street Team. And fast forward to now. Sixty plus members and growing every week. A very successful BrisStyle market under our belt, and more to come. A blog that has people from all over the world drop in and say hi! And many more things in the pipeline that will come to fruition this year - a bi-monthly newsletter, a website to be a central repository for all things BrisStyle. And even better than all these achievements, is that a whole heap of nice people have managed to meet a whole heap more nice people. And you know, that's just really, well...nice! Friendships have been made, inspiration has been fueled, creativity has been nurtured, and a real sense of community has been fostered.

Speaking of community, the very lovely Therese from Little Mary Moo, made a simple request to the BrisStyle group recently, asking if anyone who sews could make a little bag to help in the Oncology Unit where she works as a Registered Nurse. The bags are used by patients to take their chemotherapy infusions home in, and are used by people of all genders, and ranging in age from 16yrs - 80+ yrs. As Therese said, "having a nice bag to take chemo home in often makes the patients feel a little better about such a difficult experience".


Many members said they would bring some bags to the next meet-up.


And this is just a sample of what was given to Therese on the day. There were many more that wouldn't fit on Therese's arms!!! Not a bad way to kick off a birthday party, with a little community spirit, and lots of ooh-ing and aahhhing over everyone's different interpretations of a simple little bag!


And although we didn't whoop it up with party hats and birthday cake, we did do a crafty lucky dip, with people popping in a handmade gift, and pulling out a surprise for themselves.


Yours truly made a sensational score, with these fabulous handmade oven mitts - something I not only actually need, but totally love.


Thank-you so much Robyn from Hot Fudge!!! And thanks so much to Catherine from Made by Maisie who organised the lucky dip swap :)

And of course no birthday get-together would be complete without a little speech looking back on the past twelve months.


Helen from Ruby 2 GoGo and Ruby Red Studios, who was one of the original 12 members at the very first meet-up, gave a great speech, that made us all feel proud to be a part of this little (ok, maybe not so little anymore) group.

Thanks to everyone who has made and is still making BrisStyle everything it is today. It is a true collective, full of inspiration, motivation, community spirit, and general loveliness. And I feel very proud to be a part of it all.

So please raise your glasses people....

Hip Hip, Hooray!
Hip Hip, Hooray!
Hip Hip, HOORAAAAY!!!!!

Happy Birthday BrisStyle, and here's to many more wonderful birthdays.

In the words of the lovely Helen, "...it's good to be crafty"!!!

PS. Don't forget our giveaway is still happening. Comment on this post to go in the draw!

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!

February Giveaway Winner!!!

Congratulations Lisa of The Princess and the Monkey blog.

The random number generator decided that you are the winner of the Edward and Lilly Lavender Scented Birdy!!!!

Please send us an email with your postal address to brisstyleteam@gmail.com and Rebecca from Edward and Lilly will pop your birdy in the mail for you :)


And thank-you to everyone who entered. Don't forget, we will have another big giveaway starting on 1st March, so check back to get your entry in for that one. In fact, from now on each month will be a double giveaway - so twice as many goodies to win!! Our BrisStyle team is growing so quickly, and more and more members are keen to give away a sample of their work to help spread the word about our crafty collective!!!

So watch this space, and we'll be back in only 4 days with more BrisStyle excitement!!

Handmade Help Bushfire Appeal

I am sorry but am feeling too heavy hearted to write much about the horrific bushfires and firestorms that have swept through Victoria, Australia recently (and which are still continuing to burn).


If you have not heard about these devastating events you can read news articles here, or a personal account here.

Quite simply, this post is a call to all lovers of handmade goods to pull together as a community and help out where you can.


Please, visit the Handmade Help blog for a full list of information on how you can help out. There are so many crafty and non-crafty ways to provide assistance and support.

Many many BrisStylers have been making goods to go to victims of the fires, many are donating proceeds of their sales to the Red Cross, Wildlife Victoria, and other assisting agencies, and others are helping out wherever they can. Please join us by doing whatever you can.

Be well,
The BrisStyle Team
XXX


Handmade Help
Etsy DUST team's Bushfire Appeal Etsy Shop (all proceeds donated)
Shop at coles this Friday - 100% of profits to Bushfire Appeal
Shop at Woolworths/Safeway next Friday - 100% profits to Bushfire Appeal
Visit the Bushfire Appeal Etsy Shop to help raise funds
Donate money to the Red Cross
Donate handmade Toys to The Toy Society
Create a rainbow comfort pack

February Featured Member & Giveaway!

Introducing...


NAME: Rebecca Cason

ETSY SHOP NAME: edward and lilly

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

Lavender Scented Bird

The aroma of lavender lingers after this sweet little bird. The flowers are hand embroidered on linen set in felt. The bird’s belly is full of lavender flowers and scented with essential oil sourced from Australia. A cute little ribbon holds the bird to a coat hanger, hook, door handle, anywhere you like the scent of lavender.


Lavender Scented Bird Giveaway
2. How would you describe your work?

Edward and lilly designs begin as a gift for a loved one and the design evolves from there. The current rage includes softies, scented birds and zip pouches which are all handmade original designs. Sewing and embroidery are my favourite creative outlets and feature predominantly in my shop. I enjoy the creative process from original sketch through to a completed product line. I feel attached in some way to every piece I create. I believe in the value of handmade to effect change environmentally, culturally and socially hence the edward and lilly blog

3. How did your Etsy shop come into being?

Last year I designed my first softie, a blue dog in a basinet for my animal-loving niece. I uploaded it to flickr and the response took me by surprise. Soon after, a fellow Brisbanite contacted me to commission a similar design in a different colourway. She became my first client. I was still teaching myself to sew and hadn’t thought seriously about selling my designs until then. I was already an Etsy shopper so it seemed to be the best option. I soon followed this up with a madeit shop for Australian buyers.


4. Who or What inspires you?

Every day I feel inspired by something or someone different. Lately I’m inspired by French magazine Marie Claire Idees, Apolline, Julie Arkell, Dries Van Noten, nature, fashion photography, linen, Japanese fabric and the many crafty blogs I read each day. I’m always craving new inspiration so if you have a great find I would love you to leave me a comment on my blog.

6. Can you describe your studio / work area?

My sewing area is the dining table so I try to keep projects fairly contained in case we need to use the table. Every couple of days I like to pack everything away so things don’t get too carried away. The design process usually takes place while I’m walking, that’s when I have my most creative ideas/solutions to problems.


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

That’s easy, the ear flap beanie zipper pouch. It was very difficult putting that one in the shop.


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

Blog
Madeit (Australian online selling place)
Flickr (Photo gallery)

Thanks so much Rebecca!
The rules: Simply leave a comment on this post to be in the running to win this giveaway. 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!

A Very Happy 2009!

Fireworks by Artdecadence
Happy New Year everyone! This may seem to be a rather belated new year greeting but it’s not really. With Chinese New Year celebrations still in full swing, our new year wishes to you are right on time according to the Chinese lunar calendar. The BrisStyle holiday break is now well and truly over and we are back to regular weekly posting. We hope you enjoyed your Christmas and that 2009 is treating you well so far. The BrisStyle Team are all very enthusiastic about this year and have many exciting things planned. Most of which will be revealed closer to the time of them happening, but one of the fun things planned for the year can be mentioned now. The BrisStyle Monthly Giveaways! Each month one of our talented members will be kindly offering something to giveaway to YOU. Yes, YOU! The beautiful readers of this here blog will have an opportunity to win a fab prize each month. Every month! At the beginning of each month the giveaway will be announced, along with a feature of the BrisStyle member who is giving away that particular item. It will be a nice way for you to get to know our members a little bit better, while being in the running to win cool free stuff from them. The winners of the giveaways will be randomly drawn and announced here at the end of each month. The monthly giveaways kick-off in February, so please be sure to pop back in early next week for our very first member giveaway/feature.

In other news...

While BrisStyle was on holidays we were very happy to discover that we were featured on the extremely beautiful and popular Desire to Inspire blog as part of their Brisbane (and beyond) bloggers post. A huge thanks to the Desire to Inspire crew for including BrisStyle. It meant a great deal to us all. Especially so, because Desire to Inspire is a big favourite and much loved blog amongst BrisStylers. If by chance you’ve not yet had the pleasure of seeing this stunning blog, do head on over to take a peek. You’ll be totally smitten with it!

We’ll be back early next week for our very first member giveaway of the year. Just thought to mention it again in case you missed that info in the first paragraph. And it's far too exciting to miss! So until then take care and have a great week!