2013 Saviours of the Lost Arts :: Join in the Celebrations!

Image courtesy of the Brisbane City Council LIVE program The Crafty Adventures Continue! It’s time to bust out the Bernina and pull out the 8ply, as Saviours of the Lost Art (SotLA) gets ready to once again reignite crafty passions across Brisbane’s creative communities from April through to June 2013. Social networks will be nurtured, creative development skills imparted and the sharing of age‐old craft traditions and their newest indie interpretations showcased throughout the four corners of the Brisbane City Council area. The stars of the show will once again be Brisbane’s seniors, the custodians of the ‘lost arts’ and alongside the generations of new and emerging Brisbane indie creatives, they are set to share their given crafts with each other and the eager creatives from various suburban locations. Even if you’ve never crafted before, this is your opportunity to embrace your creative side and give some of the beginners’ workshops a red-hot go. Image courtesy of ImageIn Cafe Hands on Workshops :: Hosted by BrisStyle Inc. These 'make and take' workshops are an opportunity to celebrate, preserve and share traditional arts and crafts practice. Spread throughout Brisbane, these hands-on sessions will provide opportunities for intergenerational connectivity between seniors and younger crafters within their given communities. Tell me more.... Image courtesy of ImageIn Cafe Hands on Workshops :: Hosted by Brisbane Brown Owls The Brisbane Brown Owlswill spread their crafty wings throughout Brisbane, sharing creative knowledge and skills as well as a good cuppa. For the everyday crafter no matter what age or skill level, get set to learn a new craft or bring along your own unfinished projects. Anyway you join in it’s bound to be a hoot! Tell me more.... Image courtesy of Yan Chen Suburban Networking Marketplaces Suburban Networking Marketplaces at the four points of the compass will highlight the imagination of Brisbane’s creative communities. Meet representatives from local craft groups and guilds and mingle with emerging indie crafters in an old fashion suburban marketplace environment. South DATE Saturday 25 May 35 TIME 10am-2pm VENUE New Inala Hall, Corner of Corsair Avenue and Wirraway Parade, Inala West DATE Saturday 1 June TIME 10am-2pm VENUE Cedar Creek Hall, Cedar Creek Road, Upper Kedron East DATE Saturday 22 June TIME 9am-2pm VENUE St Augustine’s Church, Racecourse Road, Hamilton North DATE Saturday 29 June TIME 10am-2pm VENUE Northgate Hall, Corner of Scott and Ridge Streets, Northgate COST FREE Tell me more.... Image courtesy of ImageIn Cafe Craft Group Discovery Days Free craft classes and meet ups take place across Brisbane everyday of the week so take time to discover a new craft or reinvigorate an old passion. Those UFO’s (unfinished objects) hiding in your craft cupboards may get finished yet! DATES, VENUES and TIMES Various COST FREE Tell me more... BrisStyle Destash and Dash :: Pop-up Crafting Supply Sale To get you ready for the SotLA creative explosion, BrisStyle is hosting a pop-up Destash as a super thrifty way of stocking up on crafting supplies. For two hours, you’ll be able to power shop through some of Brisbane’s most eclectic and amazing craft supply collections. DATE Friday 12 April TIME 6pm - 8pm VENUE St Augustine's Church Hall, Racecourse Rd Hamilton COST FREE Tell me more... BrisStyle Markets – Locally Created Handmade BrisStyle markets are renowned for supporting lovingly handmade local craft and connecting likeminded creatives throughout Brisbane. Throughout SoTLA you’ll be able to meet the makers and experience firsthand the wealth of creative talent from the Brisbane area. Image courtesy of Yan Chen SoTLA Launch:: BrisStyle indie Twilight Market :: King George Square Get ready for one of the craftiest BrisStyle indie Twilight Markets of the year. Meet the makers selling and demonstrating their locally handmade craft in a lantern lit King George Square. Then take to the Deck area to meet local Brisbane crafting groups and immerse yourself in several make and take workshops. With the big bands playing in the square and bar and restaurant onsite, it’s set to be a night for all the family. DATE Friday 26 April TIME 5pm - 9pm VENUE King George Square and Deck, Brisbane City COST FREE Tell me more.... Image courtesy of Yan Chen BrisStyle indie Market :: City Hall These new monthly markets will combine high-end handmade with the gorgeous surrounds of one of Brisbane’s best-loved landmarks to create a celebration of locally made independent art, craft and design. DATE Saturday May 11 and June 8 TIME 9am - 2pm VENUE Brisbane City Hall, Ann St Brisbane COST FREE Tell me more.... BrisStyle indie Market :: Hamilton (As part of the Suburban Networking Marketplaces) With free workshops, demonstrations, market stalls and creative talks throughout the day, there will be plenty of opportunity to meet likeminded souls and make new creative connections. DATE Saturday June 22nd TIME 9am - 2pm VENUE St Augustine's Church Hall, Racecourse Rd Hamilton COST FREE Tell me more.... Image courtesy of Terry Summers Vanishing Arts :: A conversation of knowledge skill and material Vanishing Arts is a series of free city-wide creative workshops as part of the Saviours of the Lost Arts program. The workshops in April and May will be facilitated by nationally-respected, Brisbane sculptor, Terry Summers, who works with recycled cardboard. DATES, VENUES and TIMES Various COST FREE Tell me more... Image courtesy of Tangled Yarns Brisbane Craft Guild, Group and Organisation local Directory Your one-stop guide to Brisbane's craft guilds, groups and organisations. Tell me more... If your group doesn't appear on the register please fill out the Expression of Interest below.. Craft Guild, Group and Organisation involvement If you belong to a local craft guild, group or organisation in the Brisbane City Council area we would LOVE to hear from you! How can SoTLA benefit my craft organisation? • Connecting with other local craft organisations and individuals. • Membership growth through promotion of your group/guild. • Educational support through Creative Development Sessions. • Attracting new audiences through the use of social media promotion. Register your group's Expression of Interest HERE Here's to celebrating creativity throughout Brisbane from April to June 2013...and beyond! 2013 Saviours of the Lost Arts is an initiative of BrisStyle Inc. and the Brisbane City Council ©2013 BrisStyle Inc. | Brisbane

Cultiver Workshops in store now!

This year the girls at Cultiver are aiming is to share their love of making and UPcycling by offering you a variety of workshops to fulfil all your crafting needs.

Here's what's happening in 2013:
21 April - UPcycled earrings - half day 
26 May - crochet for beginners - all or half day 
30 June - screen printing - all day
28 July - t-shirt yarn crochet - half day
25 August - UPcycling t-shirts - all or half day 
29 September - screen printing - all day
27 October - UPcycled clothing for children - all or half day24 November - printing and sewing soft toys - all day
And here's all the nitty gritty details:
LOCATION: all workshops held at 126 Brisbane Street, Ipswich.
FOOD, DRINK ETC: take advantage of our stellar position near a number of wonderful cafes including Cactus Espresso Bar, Bon Laneway, Fourthchild and Deanne's Coffee House.And here's all the nitty gritty details:
LOCATION: all workshops held at 126 Brisbane Street, Ipswich.
FOOD, DRINK ETC: take advantage of our stellar position near a number of wonderful cafes including Cactus Espresso Bar, Bon Laneway, Fourthchild and Deanne's Coffee House.

Image courtesy of Cultiver

Craft RehabCome and craft with us in a supportive and non-judgemental environment.

TIME: 10 - 2
LOCATION: Cultiver cosy corner
DATES:Saturday 13 April - UPcycled plastic animal key ring holder
Saturday - 8 June - Babushka doll bag
Saturday 10 August - UPcyled tea-light holders
Saturday 12 October - Men's shirt cushion cover
Saturday 14 December - Papery decorations
COST:
Members - free (materials cost only)
non members - $10 + materials
BOOKINGS:
you can simply turn up on the day or RSVP via cultivershop@gmail.com
PLEASE BRING:
if you're up to it please bring along a plate of something yummy to share

Image from Paint Me Plaid

For more information or any questions, just email Bec or Kyla at cultivershop@gmail.com

Handmade map: West End edition

An independent guide to local shops that stock handmade products in West End Brisbane. 

#1 nook

What you’ll find: the handmade mecca of the West End. Nook carries products from Brisbane companies such as washi tape by Paper Boat Press, cups by Raw Ceramics and soy candles by Coco Daydream. 

Where you’ll find it: 19 Browning St.

http://www.nookbrisbane.com/

#2 Shibui Homewares

What you’ll find: Japanese ceramics imported from Kyoto, cushion covers sewn in shop by the owners and paper flowers made of Japanese newspaper. 

Where you’ll find it: 27 Vulture Street. http://www.shibuihomewares.com.au/

#3 The Happy Cabin

What you’ll find: In addition to apparel for guys and gals, The Happy Cabin carries Canadian felt acorns, hand-crafted leather wallets and greeting cards featuring folksy illustrations. 

Where you’ll find it: 58 Vulture St

http://thehappycabin.com/

#4 Hanasho Florist

What you’ll find: earrings and necklaces designed by local jewelers, hanging pinch pots and framed paintings among the Asian inspired bouquets. 

Where you’ll find it: 5/235 Boundary St

#5 Spiral Community Hub

What you’ll find: colourful dolls made by women in Bangladesh, t-shirts designed by Brisbanites and crocheted rabbit rattles. 

Where you’ll find it: 192 Boundary St 

http://www.spiral.org.au/

Download the map to print and take with you on your West End adventure. 

Written by Katie Fedosenko

About the Author

Katie Fedosenko is a freelancer journalist and communication consultant. When she’s not knitting amigurumi vegetables or sewing Very Easy Vogue dresses, Katie can be found producing zines and slamming poems. Visit her at www.krfedosenko.com. 

Meet the Maker - Image In Cafe

Hi there.  I hope you're having a fabulous Saturday.  Today we're in for a real treat with an interview with BrisStyle member, Sandrine Marsh and her new venture, Image In Cafe (please note, this interview is best read whilst imaging the captivating sounds of Sandrine's fabulous french accent)!!

How would you describe your work?
Image In Cafe is all about my passion for styling and photography.  I am here to help people shine!  I love to use natural light for my photography.  I create images for online listings, promotions, profiles, marketing material and anywhere else you need a nice shot of you do or make.  I love to connect with what I photograph, it makes me happy!

How did you start selling online/Etsy?
I have been involved in the craft world for quite some time now.  I started many moons ago with my label, SM Boutique and while it has been a fantastic learning experience, I have gently developed some side effects.  I discovered an amazing passion for styling and photography.  I also love being involved in the creative community and I like to be in the background helping out so my passions grew and developed over the past few years and it came to the stage where it felt right to start a journey of it's own!

Who or what inspires you?
I tend to get almost oversensitive to beauty in the little things around us.  The colour of the waves, the little shoots starting to grow in my garden pots...I am totally addicted to curating Etsy treasuries.  The beauty, the amazing creations and the colours, I get a real energy buzz from that visual feast!  I am also a self-confessed magazine addict, I constantly move furniture around my house and collect beautiful images amongst many other things.

Describe your studio/workspace?
My workspace is anywhere I can feel that soft light around me.  I have been building up a little collection of objects that I connect with, vintage pieces, old pieces of wood and metal.  Another big part of my work is done over my desk, editing, organising and of those little bits!

What is your favourite thing to make?
This is a hard question.  I feel happy when I am able to reach people with the images I create.  I love creating an atmosphere or being able to capture one.  I have a huge soft spot for food photography, maybe because I am also very passionate about food....eating and cooking it!!  My family wait patiently before they can take the first bite of the cookie batch.

How did your business/shop name come about?
Well it is all very simple...I am here to get you a great shot, right?  So I see Image In Cafe a place where you can relax and chat about your dreams while being surrounded by beautiful inspiring images.  So goes Image In Cafe!

Where do you see your creative journey taking you in the next 12 months?
I close my eyes and I wish that in the next 12 months I have made lots of people smile, produced many beautiful images and helped many creative people to achieve the image quality they deserve.  If they are happy and I helped in their road to success then I am happy I have completed my mission!
Images taken at Potato Studio in Laidley


Where can we find you online?
You can find my Etsy store for an idea of pricing and service at ImageInCafe.etsy.com
You can connect with me on Facebook at Facebook.com/ImageInCafe
I have a new blog at ImageInCafe.blogspot.com
A lot of people's projects are very unique so I encourage anyone to come and chat via my email at Sandrine.marsh@gmail.com

Thanks Sandrine and best wishes with your new venture!

xSam

INVITATION:: THE CRAFT OF PRICING – Product Pricing Demystified :: I ♥ Craft :: Creative Development Session

Image courtesy of Liana Kabel ::THE CRAFT OF PRICING – Product Pricing Demystified :: Pricing your products is a craft unto itself and can leave many creatives mystified Presented by local iconic professional jeweller and creative business coachLiana Kabel, this session will give you all the tops tips to make pricing super simple and fun! "It's pricing for those of us who would rather be making - that includes me!" Says Liana, who has been balancing her professional career with being a mum and creative for over 10 years and knows firsthand how important it is to keep it simple. DATE Saturday 20 April 2013 TIME 10 – 12.30 pm VENUE Chermside Library, 375 Hamilton Rd, Chermside 4032 COST FREE Places are limited BOOK NOW Presented by BrisStyle Inc and supported by the Brisbane City Council ::Creative Development Intensives:: IMAGE ARTISTRY - Product Photography and Styling Bring your images and products for a night of workshopping the latest styling trends. This four hour intensive session will focus solely on product photography and styling. DATE Thursday 28 March, 2013 TIME 6.30pm-10.30pm VENUE Chermside Library Chermside COST $80 SPEAKER Melanie Gray Augustin from Kimono Reincarnate & Sandrine MarshImageInCafe SOCIAL MEDIA INTENSIVE - Promoting Your Online Business This four-hour intensive session will focus solely on Social Media for your small business and give you hands-on tips you can apply instantly to take your networking to the next level. DATE Thursday 2nd May, 2013 TIME 6.30pm-10.30pm VENUE Chermside Library Chermside COST $80 SPEAKER Jess Van Den from Create & Thrive Keep up with all the 2013 BrisStyle action, via the: BrisStyle Blog Facebook Page Instagram @brisstyle Twitter ::BrisStyle Membership:: Are you passionate about handmade? Would you like to meet like-minded creative people? Do you want to take your craft to the next level? Are you keen to take part in markets and events? BrisStyle Inc. provides support and creative opportunities for independent artists, crafters and designers who call Queensland and Northern New South Wales home. The 2013 BrisStyle membership experience includes: creative business development sessions;  markets, events and exhibitions; promotional opportunities;  personal website profile;  social networking;  access to our online forum;  Etsy team affiliation; and much, much more!! For less than a ball of yarn per week, you too can be a member of BrisStyle’s fabulous and fun crafty community. STOP PRESS! Join now and take advantage of our half-year, HALF-PRICEmembership special! From now until June, membership is just $40 for individuals and $50 for partnerships.Tell me more....

Meet the Maker - Poss & Wom and Minty Baxter

Hey all, happy Saturday to you!  This morning we're getting to know artist, Helen Shadforth from Poss & Wom and Minty Baxter.  Read on for glimpse into Helen's sweet, whimsical world:
  

How would you describe your work?

Poss & Wom is a brand I developed based on two characters, Poss the possum and Wom the wombat. Quirky, modern Australian art for children and adults to enjoy. It is stylish, whimsical with a humorous twist.

Minty Baxter is a pseudonym I use as my ‘designer name’. Under this label I create prints, stationery and textiles in a variety of styles, depending on what happens to capture my imagination. I feel my overall aesthetic is organic, quirky and textural.

How did your Etsy shop come into being?

I opened my Poss & Wom Etsy store over 2 years ago. As a graphic designer by trade, I found it quite a natural step. Poss and Wom are characters that evolved in my mind as a result of motherhood – realizing there was a real lack of beautiful Australiana, with an international appeal, for children. I quickly came to realise this was something a lot of ‘grown ups’ were after too!

Minty Baxter is a new label just started this year. As I expanded into textile design with Poss & Wom, I realized I wanted to dive in further and design other projects as well as Poss & Wom. I decided to brand myself as a designer under a pseudonym that would not limit the type of work that I do. This label will allow me to explore more as an artist.

Who or what inspires you?

Nature is a huge inspiration. I love to use animals , plants and food as my subjects. I also love patterns and textures.

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

I do try to source eco-friendly materials for my work. Eco-friendly inks, some papers (as long as it doesn’t compromise the quality), fabrics, post-consumer envelopes, organic cotton and eco-friendly, non allergy cushion infills.

Can you describe your studio / work area? (you can provide a  pic for inclusion on blog if you wish.) 

I am lucky enough to have a beautiful home studio that overlooks a small forest with oceanviews! I have a lovely big imac that is like another limb to me. I like to surround myself with beautiful pieces of art purchased from other very talented artists also selling on Etsy. A hot cup of tea or coffee is usually in arms reach!

What is your favorite thing to make? 

I have only started dabbling in textile design in the last 12 months, so right now I am obsessed with making fabric and cushions!

How did you decide on your business name?

Poss & Wom: When my first daughter was born I always used to call her my little possum. This soon shortened to ‘Poss’. One day I was wondering what I would have nicknamed her if she was a boy, I thought ‘wombat’. Naturally, this would have been shortened to ‘Wom’. Voila! ‘Poss & Wom’ were born!

Minty Baxter: When I decided to brand myself I didn’t want to use my name for several reasons, mainly because I didn’t think it sound very ‘designerish’. After weeks of brainstorming I came up with Minty Baxter. Purely just a name I plucked from nowhere! I like it because it’s quirky and I think it suits my work.

Where do you hope to see your creative journey taking you in the next 12 months?

I would like to further develop Minty Baxter and get my etsy store nearly as consistent as Poss & Wom. I also plan to have more ‘grown up’ items for sale in my Poss & Wom store (like purses and bags).

What is your favourite handmade item that you have bought?

I have just purchased a Cat Rabbit alpaca, I am so excited! It hasn’t arrived yet but I am already obsessed with it!

Where can we find you online?

Poss & Wom: www.possandwom.com, www.facebook.com/possandwom Instagram @possandwom

Minty Baxter: www.mintybaxter.com, www.facebook.com/mintybaxterdesign Instagram @mintybaxter

Top 5 Lifestyle Magazines for Creatives

While craft-themed magazines like Vogue Knitting and Crochet Today have a special place in every maker’s heart, lifestyle publications can inspire and refresh. These five mags are chock-full of stories for creative types. 

1. Peppermint 

One of the most cherished Australian magazines, Peppermint promotes sustainable and ethical style. In other words, ‘eco’ is their middle name. From the story of Fair Trade chocolate to their online Sewing School, Peppermint’s variety of features keeps readers coming back for more.  http://peppermintmag.com/ 

2. Extra Curricular Magazine

Hailing from New Zealand, Extra Curricular Magazine is tiny and beautiful. They focus on part-time creatives, interviewing them in their homes and getting to the bottom of why they craft and build. ‘Self’ is a word you’ll see a lot of in Extra Curricular: ‘self-publishing’, ‘self-sufficiency’, ‘self-made.’ Pick up Extra Curricular if you’re into a DIY lifestyle. http://extracurricularmag.blogspot.com.au/

 3. Mollie Makes

From features on crafter’s homes to inspiring tutorials to covetable stash (as they call it), Mollie Makes is a must-read lifestyle and craft magazine from the UK. They also produce a weekly craft magazine for the iPad called Gathered full of videos, projects and stories. They even have a book club. http://www.molliemakes.com/

4. Uppercase Magazine

Graphic design enthusiast? Illustration africionado? Avid crafter? Uppercase is the magazine for you. Although Uppercase is a Canadian publication, their stories cover internationally interesting topics such as vintage etiquette and building community when you work solo. http://uppercasemagazine.com/

5. Anthology

Every month American magazine Anthology explores a different theme such as blending professional and personal lives, wit and whimsy, or handmade at home. Their most popular blog topics include Artists at Work and Decorating. Think of Anthology as a crafter’s Vogue Living. http://anthologymag.com

This post was written by Katie Fedosenko

About the Author

Katie Fedosenko is a freelancer journalist and communication consultant. When she’s not knitting amigurumi vegetables or sewing Very Easy Vogue dresses, Katie can be found producing zines and slamming poems. Visit her at www.krfedosenko.com.