Wednesday Wicked Design

As you all know I love bringing you a new designer every week. I get so excited to find a new Australian talent, and am often amazed at their creativity. This weeks designer is no exception.

Quail & Co are also fellow BrisStylers who love to mix vintage and new to create a unique upstyled look.

I just love their super cute shoes .....

And their jewellery ....

A complete range of their designs can be viewed via their Etsy store.
Enjoy.
Michelle

Racecourse Raod Carnival

Just wanted to do a little advertising for the Racecourse Road Carnival that is coming up on 5th June. Those of you who live in Brisbane will know that Racecourse Road is a beautiful little coffee strip located in Ascot. What you may not know is that the carnival, formally known as the Racecourse Road Street Party (started in 1993), is back after a two year break!

The Carnival will block off Racecourse Road, run from Beatrice Terrace to Lancaster Road, then through the gates of historic Eagle Farm Racecourse … and into the Eagle Farm Fresh Food Markets. There will be over 120 stalls (of which I am happy to say I will be one), street entertainers, live music, children's entertainment, and of coarse all the gorgeous stores, cafes and bars along the strip will be open too.

What: The Racecoarse Road Carnival
When: 5th June 2011
Where: Racecoarse Road, Ascot
Time: From 9am to 5pm
Entry: Free

I'm really looking forward to participating in the Carnival with the lovely team at BrisStyle. It should be a really fun day out for the whole family ..... so mark it in your diary, I'd love to see you there!
Michelle

p.s. I think I have a lot of work to do between now and 5th June in preparation!

Social Media

from here

A little while ago, I was lucky enough to attend a Social Media information session run by the wonderful ladies at Bris-Style. The speaker on the day was Jessica Van Den from Epheriell Designs who gave an amazing talk on many topics for us crafty folk, including the different social networking sites.

I don't know about you, but until the course I have to admit I had a facebook phobia, I thought twitter was only for self-indulgent people with plenty of time on their hands, and as for things like stumbleupon .... well I guess I never have! Thanks to this course I can now see that I simply must be on facebook, definitely have to look into tweeting, and could also benefit from a good dose of stumbling, among other things!!

I guess I have known for a while now that I am behind the times when it comes to 'socialising', and that I need to start 'hanging out' in more places! I have made a promise to myself that in the coming months, along with a new website, I will make sure I have a presence in other venues.

Thanks very much Jess for giving us an informative talk. And most of all for giving me a kick up the you know where!

How about you, are you a networking wizz, or does it all seem really overwhelming? Where do you like to 'hang out'? I'd love to know (even if it does make me feel like I have been waaay behind the times for far too long).
Michelle

In The Studio

Just thought I would share some of the things I have been 'crafting' in my studio in preparation for the BrisStyle Indie Twilight Markets.

Tags stamped on recycled card ...

Loving my new retro inspired cards ...

Hope to see you all at the markets in the city on Friday, 25th February in King George Square.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Michelle

p.s. I told Miss 4 yesterday that she had to go to school 5 days a week - to which she replied (with hands on hips) "that's preposterous !" Even though she used it in context I'm not sure she knows what that word means! :)

Wednesday Wicked Design

This week I wanted to introduce you to Meggy Green. Meggy is a fellow BrisStyler who is also a mad keen collector of vintage storybooks. Among other designs, she produces wonderful little notebooks from her studio on the Sunshine Coast.

Following is a little collection I have put together from her etsy and madeit stores. I'm sure you will agree, all of these notebooks are simply divine!

scooter boy

Recycled Owl Notebook

Camera Notebook

I hope you are having a great week. It's Wednesday and I am already exhausted from the school week! I wonder how Miss 4 must feel!
Michelle

BrisStyle Handmade Ark Appeal

Hi everyone. I was hoping to return to blogging last week, but with all the heartbreak in our beautiful country I just couldn't - it somehow didn't seem right.

We are lucky to live high on a hill and were untouched by the water - friends of ours were not so lucky, with some losing everything. I hope you and your families are safe and well.

With the horrible flood situation in mind, I thought I would let you know about BrisStyles Handmade Ark Flood Appeal initiative. The clever folk over at BrisStyle have been encouraging their members (and non-members) who have an etsy store to list a handmade item, with proceeds to go towards the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal. You can read all about their initiative on their blog.

Of coarse, I was keen to jump on board and have listed my "four seasons in one day" framed artwork to be sold in my etsy store with all proceeds going towards the Premier's fund.

If you know of someone who can join in, please pass the message on as if we all do our little bit for the appeal, we will see Australia recover stronger than ever!!
Michelle

Twinkling Market Lights

mothers get inspired

Thought I would share an image of the Christmas Tree in King George Square with you. As always it looks absolutely gorgeous, and was a fantastic backdrop to the BrisStyle Indie Twilight Markets on Friday night.

We had a wonderful evening with no rain!

Everyone's stand looked magical with lots of twinkling fairy lights. Unfortunately I forgot to charge the batteries on my camera so I don't have any of my own images to share :(

As always, we met lots of lovely handmade supporters.

We were lucky enough to be next to KW Ceramics and Renee Treml - we had an amazing spot right at the entrance to the square. Both of these girls are so lovely. I treated myself to an early Christmas present, a necklace from Kim - I just adore her hand pressed porcelain jewellery. It is very similar to the one below:

Thanks to everyone who purchased, or simply dropped by to say hello.

Michelle

p.s. there will be some small changes happening around here over the next week - I'll let you know very soon

A Chat With ...

Just popped over to Shabby Art Boutique this morning to have a chat with Kerryanne about buying handmade - click here if you would like a read. As I mentioned earlier in the week Kerryanne is running Simply Christmas until the 24th December - all of her posts are aimed at "putting the homemade and homebaked back into the holidays"! Check out today's post full of fabulous 'festive tips' to make your Christmas a lot less stressful. Thanks for the chat Kerryanne, and congratulations to Anne-Lise form Rag, Tag, Bobtail who won my Christmas giveaway via Shabby Art Boutique.

Speaking of stress, I am trying to remain calm as the weather appears to be getting no better here in Brisbane. I have a stand at the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market tomorrow, and will be very sad if this rain keeps up. I don't think there are enough people doing the happy sunshine dance right now .... fingers crossed it clears up for a fine one tomorrow. Would love it if you popped by.

My Christmas cards are ready....

My Christmas Garlands are ready ....

My Christmas Peg Magnets are ready ...

So lets hope the SUNSHINE is!!!

At our house this weekend my gorgeous little one turns 2! Can't believe it, she is definitely not a baby anymore. We are having a very low key celebration with family, and lots of chocolate cake!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend whatever you are up to.
Michelle

Wednesday Wicked Design

This week, at the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market, I am lucky enough to be on a stand in between two lovely jewellery makers! Strat Designs and Bella Bjoux both stock gorgeous handmade jewellery so to be fair I had to shine the spotlight on both of these wonderful designers.

To the right of me this weekend is Strat Designs whose jewellery is primarily made of resin. With delicious names such as Lime Square Drop and Tutti Fruiti I know you will want to brighten up your party frock with one of their designs this summer! You can view all of Strat Designs jewellery at their etsy store.

Necklace resin bead all raspberry pink assortment


Liquorice Resin Square Drop


Lime Resin Tutti Fruiti Squares

To my left this weekend is Bella Bjoux whose designs are primarily made with stones and crystal. Conjuring up images of far off exotic places Bella Bjoux jewellery has names such as Zanzibar, Malabar, and Avalon. Their jewellery would be the perfect addition to that little black dress you plan to wear on New Years Eve! You can view all of Bella Bjoux jewellery designs at their etsy store.

Zanzibar Genuine Baltic Amber Lava Stone, and Smoky Quartz Statement Necklace

Serendipity Faceted Turquoise Earrings

Voodoo Sparkling Druzy Agate Slice and Silk Ribbon Necklace


With all this gorgeousness surrounding me I will have to show a lot of restraint and not purchase until the end of the day! Wish me luck!

Hope to see you all at the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market where you can see all this lovely jewellery along with many other fantastic handmade designs from other BrisStyle members.
Where and when I hear you ask?

See you there - Michelle

Wednesday Wicked Design - Shazzabeth

This weeks spotlight features the gorgeous designs of Shazzabeth Creations. Sharon handcrafts beautiful designer jewellery from her studio in Ipswich. As she states in her etsy profile, she started out creating beaded jewellery, but now the majority of her work uses chainmaille and wirework. She also works with sterling silver, gemstones, Swarovski crystals, copper and brass.

As you will see her designs are exquisitely beautiful. I'm sure, like me, you would love to find one of these pieces under your Christmas tree!

Here are just a few of her 100 plus designs currently available in her etsy store:

Dear Santa, I promise I'll be good ....

Sharon also has a beautiful blog devoted to all things jewellery which is a feast for the eyes.

A fellow BrisStyler, Shazzabeth Creations will be on the stand next to mine at the BrisStyle Indie Twilight Markets this Friday night.
I would love to see you there.
Michelle

Wednesday Wicked Design

What better way to kick off my new segment than with a fellow BrisStyler who is not only wicked by name, but wicked by design! Teneale from Wicked Child Designs states on her blog she simply 'likes to make softies'. As you will see there is nothing simple about her softies - made from felt, retro fabrics and wool her designs have a distinctive eco cred.

With each softie having a name, and wicked story attached to it, you will be begging to take them all home!

Meet some of Teneale's wicked wicked little designs available in her etsy and madeit stores ....

Sam is a kleptomaniac, and fears someone might find her spoon collection under the bed.

The Beatles like to twist and shout till midnight. Then they twist a little more.

Meet Jeffrey.

He doesn't like vegetables. He doesn't like meat either. He will only eat lolly bananas and pretzels. And they have to be eaten together. Not separately. Got it? Right.

Cookie Monster and the Cookie Tree Coasters

Teneale obviously has a wicked sense of humour!

I know she would love it if you took the time to pop by her blog and say hi.

Thanks for taking the time to read a little about a fellow crafter - we love it when you support handmade!

Hope everyone is having a great week.
Michelle

Can You Keep A Secret??

from here

That's the name of the new vintage store in Greenslopes, Brisbane.
After visiting this store, you may well want to keep it a secret, as it's packed full with with retro lovin' goodness!

The store, owned by Emily Jane, is part boutique and part lounge. Emily stocks hand-picked vintage clothing, retro homewares, and collectibles. From old typewriters to the skates you probably wore in the 80's, it is an eclectic vintage lovers mix!

The store is beautifully laid out in an old Queenslander at 653 Logan Road, Greenslopes. I chanced upon it by accident, and wish I had taken my camera so I could share some of Emily's vintage style with you all. It's definitely a store I will be adding to my list when doing the retro rounds. Good luck with your new venture Emily!

At My House This Week - I am madly preparing for BiECO which is on this Saturday. With all the reno's going on at my place this week it has been hard to concentrate.

my magnets drying


Don't forget to pop down to Racecourse Road on Saturday to visit me if you can. I will be inside the Church hall on stand number 10. You don't have to buy anything, it would just be great to meet you!


Hope everyone is having a great week.
I'll be round for a visit if I get a chance.
Michelle

BiECO Christmas

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?
Well, I know just the place for you to start - the HOTest place to buy all your handmade goodies this Christmas - the BrisStyle Indie Eco Market!

The green carpet will be rolled out ........

Saturday, 6th November
St Augustine's Church Hall and Grounds
Racecourse Road
Hamilton
9am - 2pm

I'll definitely be there along with many other BrisStylers selling their eco wares.

Along with my usual goodies I will be selling some handmade eco Christmas tags
and decorations .....

and some Christmas cards .....

Along with all the handmade goodness the BrisStylers will be selling vintage, and vintage inspired wares. I'm sure there will be something there for everyone!

Don't forget to mark it in your diary .....

I'd love to see you all there. Once again, I'm inside the hall so if you have time please
pop in and say hi!

Other than sending out lots of orders and preparing for BiECO this week I have been watching my bathrooms slowly taking shape - I'll have some more pictures for you all on Friday. My tiles have arrived so I'm looking forward to seeing them go down soon - yay!!! Hope you're all having a fantastic week. Michelle

One More Sleep to BiMC

Only one more sleep until the BrisStyle Indie Mother and Child market!! My owls and I are ready to go!

So are all my pink goodies ...

Today I am really excited - can't wait to meet all the other BriStylers, and of coarse catch up with some bloggie friends too!

Just finished doing all my last minute stock bits-n-pieces. Packed all the essentials - I've even pre-ordered my lunch. Now all we need is a fine day:)!
If you are in town, and have the time, please drop in and say hi. You can find me inside the hall on stand 5.

Must finish by apologising for not having the time this week to come around and visit you all. I can assure you everything will be back to normal next week though! I must say I have missed you.

Hope you have a fantastic weekend whatever you are doing. Michelle