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Friday, December 18, 2009
the udessi gift guide
For those of you still in need of some last minute Christmas gift ideas check out these beautiful items.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
one to heart
Going through my Etsy faves this week looking for some last minute Christmas gifts and stumbled across this piece of pretty. Too far away from me to make the Christmas post in time yet too beautiful not to share. A moyen doily whatnot dish by dottieangel will have to linger in my favourites for another day.
3 Quick Questions: Dandelion
Who could resist those eyes and that soft, soft alpaca blanketing? Who doesn't wish they owned that sweet green cardigan and pretty skirt? If you haven't ventured into the lovely world of Dandelion yet consider this a little entree...
What inspired you to start creating?
I've always loved making things and growing up in a family of artists it has been a very natural process. My grandmother taught me to sew and knit and is still such an inspiration to me today. Three years ago I started trying to create some kind of soft toy that was individual, made with recycled materials and that could be loved and become part of a child's life, their history. I then discovered the beautiful alpaca offcuts from the Creswick Woollen Mills and the Blanket Bunnies were born.
Making the bunnies has been such a great experience as I have refined their look and am so happy with how they have evolved. Each one is different and I really enjoy matching up colours, fabric and personalities. I also love making other little things like brooches, cards and my lavender filled Love Hearts.
If you could spend more time on one thing, what would it be?
I've always loved making things and growing up in a family of artists it has been a very natural process. My grandmother taught me to sew and knit and is still such an inspiration to me today. Three years ago I started trying to create some kind of soft toy that was individual, made with recycled materials and that could be loved and become part of a child's life, their history. I then discovered the beautiful alpaca offcuts from the Creswick Woollen Mills and the Blanket Bunnies were born.
Making the bunnies has been such a great experience as I have refined their look and am so happy with how they have evolved. Each one is different and I really enjoy matching up colours, fabric and personalities. I also love making other little things like brooches, cards and my lavender filled Love Hearts.
If you could spend more time on one thing, what would it be?
What I should really say here is TIDYING up and REORGANISING my sewing room which looks like a cyclone has hit it! But also I would love to have some more time to make great tags, labels and packaging. I really enjoy this aspect of creating but often don't have enough time.
What's next for Dandelion?
That's a good question. I will be having a good think about this over the summer holidays while I quietly work on my bunnies. I have my work in a couple of shops now and with commissions and markets I'm really as busy as I want to be. I have five children, I am also studying & running a small organic garlic business with a friend so I can't take on too much more. I hope to get more Dandelion bunnies out in the world, luckily I can work on them at home while the kids and life whirl around me. I feel really lucky and happy that I get to be creative and have lots of variety in my life. Its often a bit hectic but also really satisfying and fun!
For more Dandelion fun check out Beck's blog.
What's next for Dandelion?
That's a good question. I will be having a good think about this over the summer holidays while I quietly work on my bunnies. I have my work in a couple of shops now and with commissions and markets I'm really as busy as I want to be. I have five children, I am also studying & running a small organic garlic business with a friend so I can't take on too much more. I hope to get more Dandelion bunnies out in the world, luckily I can work on them at home while the kids and life whirl around me. I feel really lucky and happy that I get to be creative and have lots of variety in my life. Its often a bit hectic but also really satisfying and fun!
For more Dandelion fun check out Beck's blog.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Gifting
Are you still doing Christmas shopping? I am and I've been trawling the web trying to find the perfect gifts for a few people left on my list so I thought I'd share a couple of gift-worthy items I've come across.
KeepCup - The first barista standard re-usable coffee cup. Perfect as a stocking filler or secret santa and super affordable plus it's good for the environment. There will be a number of these heading off to new homes on Christmas day!
The Indie Rock Colouring Book - One of the perks of being an Aunty is the opportunity to colour in again so when I found the The Indie Rock Coloring Book I fell in love. This is perfect for anyone young or old who loves rock and loves to get creative. There are so many cool bands involved in this project plus the proceeds go to the Yellow Bird Project. This one ticks a lot of boxes in my book!
Thea & Sami Tea Towels - Because we all know someone who wants their kitchen to look like a magazine photo shoot right? Linen tea towels in particular are super absorbant and dry fast, check out this great post from Thea & Sami on that topic. I nabbed a couple of Thea's gorgeous tea towels at the Young Designers Market on Sunday, I especially love this spoon and whisk design but there's also more to choose from here. Also worth a look in are gorgeous designs from Yardage Design and Flower Press.
Shagpile - I just love these necklaces from Shagpile, little morsels of fabric captured in time and there are so many styles to choose from there's bound to be one for everyone. They're super light and easy to wear making them the perfect Summer accessory. Plus they come beautifully packaged so you can pop them straight under the tree.
Stumbled across anything gift-worthy? I'm still on the prowl and I have a number of baby boomers left on my list who own everything so any suggestions for them are very welcome!
KeepCup - The first barista standard re-usable coffee cup. Perfect as a stocking filler or secret santa and super affordable plus it's good for the environment. There will be a number of these heading off to new homes on Christmas day!
The Indie Rock Colouring Book - One of the perks of being an Aunty is the opportunity to colour in again so when I found the The Indie Rock Coloring Book I fell in love. This is perfect for anyone young or old who loves rock and loves to get creative. There are so many cool bands involved in this project plus the proceeds go to the Yellow Bird Project. This one ticks a lot of boxes in my book!
Thea & Sami Tea Towels - Because we all know someone who wants their kitchen to look like a magazine photo shoot right? Linen tea towels in particular are super absorbant and dry fast, check out this great post from Thea & Sami on that topic. I nabbed a couple of Thea's gorgeous tea towels at the Young Designers Market on Sunday, I especially love this spoon and whisk design but there's also more to choose from here. Also worth a look in are gorgeous designs from Yardage Design and Flower Press.
Shagpile - I just love these necklaces from Shagpile, little morsels of fabric captured in time and there are so many styles to choose from there's bound to be one for everyone. They're super light and easy to wear making them the perfect Summer accessory. Plus they come beautifully packaged so you can pop them straight under the tree.
Stumbled across anything gift-worthy? I'm still on the prowl and I have a number of baby boomers left on my list who own everything so any suggestions for them are very welcome!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
My creative space ...
It's true, I'm making plush cars again! One is a special order for my sister who has been waiting very patiently and, fingers crossed, the others will make it into the shop soon...
BrisStyle Market Dec 5th 2009 Edward and Lilly by Kish Photography & Design, originally uploaded by Chicuff.
There's also lots of filling of orders going on this week after the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market on Saturday. I know I've only done 3 markets now but this one takes the cake for most relaxing day. Big thanks to the usual suspects who I couldn't do it without and also to the ever-inspiring BrisStylettes who I have loved laughing with this year. Brisbanites stay tuned to BrisStyle for news about 2010 markets - it's going to be a big year for shopping handmade!
BrisStyle Market Dec 5th 2009 Edward and Lilly by Kish Photography & Design, originally uploaded by Chicuff.
Notice the framed photos? Nothing like a few 'my creative space' shots to fill up a not as stocked as I'd like table!
There are a few market left overs looking for new homes in the shop now.
For more spaces head to Kirsty's.
Friday, December 4, 2009
It's almost here!
The wait is almost over and it promises to be a great day of retail therapy, freshly brewed coffee, cupcakes and live music.
I'll be in the hall between Peppermint and Flight Industries. If you're after a bird, a brooch, a tissue cosy or a softie get there early to avoid disappointment!
See you there!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Front page lovin'
I'm playing here today but just wanted to pop in to say that little red bird was on the front page of Etsy :)
Also in the indie gift guide.Wednesday, December 2, 2009
handmade shopping for the city slickers
Work in the city? Pop in to the Boutique Gift Market and say hi on Thursday and Friday. I'll be womaning the BrisStyle co-op stall on Thursday and Sam and Katie will be there on Friday. Plus there's loads of other Brisbane talents to buy handmade wares from.
Boutique Gift Market
@ Bleeding Hearts Gallery
166 Ann Street
Brisbane
Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th December
10am - 3pm
See you there!
giveaway winner
Congratulations Gill, the winner of the White Christmas Bird!
While this little bird may be flying off to a new home, you can still pre-order one for yourself in time for Christmas at Etsy (USD) or madeit (AUD).
If you missed out this time fear not, there will be more giveaways in the coming months and all newsletter subscribers receive an automatic entry so if you haven't subscribed yet enter your email here:
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
3 Quick Questions: Tiny Concept
I came across Tiny Concept after finding one of Kristina's cards in my bag of goodies from the last ABCD meet up. After checking out her blog and online store I couldn't resist featuring the amazing craftsmanship, beautiful detailing and sweet faces of Tiny Concept. Visiting Kristina's little world immediately made me me want to throw on a frock and roll about in a pile of lace, ribbons and taffeta.
What inspired you to start creating?
After designing childrenswear and textiles for various other labels, I always had dreams of creating a small collection of unique products under my own label. It wasn't until the birth of my daughter Peyton, that I began to create unique dolls. I began with ten one-of-a-kind handmade dolls and since then have created countless custom designed dolls sent anywhere from New York to Paris.
If you could spend more time on one thing what would it be?
I would definitely like to spend more time with my family! To spend quality time with my two children and husband is where I am at my happiest, but between creating for Tiny Concept and preparing for upcoming events it seems to be such a small time in my life at the moment.
What's next for Tiny Concept?
I created Tiny Concept just over 12 months ago, and in that time some amazing things have happened. I was honored to create a collection exclusively for Udessi gallery, I was able to accept wholesale orders from some inspirational stores and I created countless custom dolls as heirloom pieces. Given my workload however, for the next 12 months I am concentrating on custom orders only. Specialised markets, wholesaling and pop-up events are fantastic to spread the word about Tiny Concept while meeting the customer face-to-face, but given the overwhelming response I have received I am taking a break from these events to concentrate on creating my heirloom dolls only. I also have some very exciting news about illustrating my first book for a much admired author, but I can't say too much just yet - all will be revealed over the coming months!
Thanks Kristina! Check out more from Tiny Concept here:
Tiny Concept Website
Tiny Concept Blog
Tiny Concept Shop
After designing childrenswear and textiles for various other labels, I always had dreams of creating a small collection of unique products under my own label. It wasn't until the birth of my daughter Peyton, that I began to create unique dolls. I began with ten one-of-a-kind handmade dolls and since then have created countless custom designed dolls sent anywhere from New York to Paris.
If you could spend more time on one thing what would it be?
I would definitely like to spend more time with my family! To spend quality time with my two children and husband is where I am at my happiest, but between creating for Tiny Concept and preparing for upcoming events it seems to be such a small time in my life at the moment.
What's next for Tiny Concept?
I created Tiny Concept just over 12 months ago, and in that time some amazing things have happened. I was honored to create a collection exclusively for Udessi gallery, I was able to accept wholesale orders from some inspirational stores and I created countless custom dolls as heirloom pieces. Given my workload however, for the next 12 months I am concentrating on custom orders only. Specialised markets, wholesaling and pop-up events are fantastic to spread the word about Tiny Concept while meeting the customer face-to-face, but given the overwhelming response I have received I am taking a break from these events to concentrate on creating my heirloom dolls only. I also have some very exciting news about illustrating my first book for a much admired author, but I can't say too much just yet - all will be revealed over the coming months!
Thanks Kristina! Check out more from Tiny Concept here:
Tiny Concept Website
Tiny Concept Blog
Tiny Concept Shop