Eclectic Moi

Another amazing talent found on etsy! Gillian of Eclectic Moi has a lovely sense of style and colour/tone combination. Her shop is filled with beautiful pendants and earrings. Her pieces often elicit a feeling of whimsy and old world charm but are also right at home in the world today. Also working in mixed media she has been published in many Paper Craft Magazines in Australia! To read more visit Eclectic Moi's blog.

Among my favourites are the Wings necklace and the Lotus necklace.

opening doors

Last week I joined both the Australian Etsy Street Team - DUST and the Brisbane Etsy Street Team - BrisStyle. The members of the Brisbane team have meet ups once a month where all sorts of crafty goodness is appreciated and discussed.

Vintage Green Envy -laminex necklace - by Ruby 2 go go

On Saturday I had the pleasure of attending the August meet up and meeting some of the other members. On either side of me sat 2 lovely creative souls who both use recylced materials in their work. On my right was Helen from Ruby 2 Go Go who makes unique jewellery from rescued printed ephemera set in resin. My favourites have to be the laminex necklaces which include all sorts of delightful rescues such as laminex swatches, trinkets and charms.

Romance Cover Bird - by RE-read design

On my left was Hayley from Re-read design who makes charming animal shaped brooches made from old children's books that her mum rescued from being thrown away. It's difficult to decide which one to choose as they each have their own little personality - the fact that they are all different makes them even more appealing! Also available on madeit.

I'm looking forward to showcasing some of the other member's work but in the meantime please pour yourself a cup of tea and visit the BrisStyle blog!

it was a good day

Today was a good day - that means I was able to tear myself away from the computer and blog land and get some actual work done. It was one of those days where I was fully aware of how lucky I am to be doing what I am doing,

the windows of the studio were open,

it was sprinkling outside,

I was listening to music

and 'playing' with fine granules of glass, glue and water.

Often when creating I start to get inspired by the things around me..

today I felt like I was playing with sherbet,

then I was reminded of the beauty of Japan by a simple plastic spoon

and then my creations seemed like snow cones..

..it was just one of those special days where everything was appreciated.

My orders are all in the post so I start this weekend guilt free

- it actually feels like Friday!

the next little market

I've posted about this little market before and it's on again next Friday Evening 29th Ausgust, 5pm - 8pm. There are always special handmade treasures at this market so I recommend popping in. It's held at the back of Avid Reader bookshop in West End, Brisbane.

the cutest shoes ever!

On Saturday I made it to the last hour of the Ipswich handmade expo ,which was just enough time to have a quick look at the amazing handmade treasures. I picked up a few business cards so that I could have another look online when I got home. Next time I will allow much more time to wonder around and appreciate the creations on show. One of the first stalls as I walked in the door was selling the cutest little booties I've ever seen. Pedrosprout as it turns out is also an etsy seller. Here are a couple of examples of her lovely felt booties - the perfect gift for a new baby!

I know where I'll be doing some of my Christmas shopping. I will keep you posted as to when the next handmade expo will be held.

a taste of China

Sorry for my lack of postings recently - I've been busy with study tours over the past month. The last group of students we had were from Xian province in China. The following paper cut is just one of many I received at the end of the tour. I was totally blown away by the detail in some of the paper cuts, apparently they are all cut by hand using scissors. The paper is so thin and delicate - they are just exquisite. They are often pasted onto windows or lanterns in China during celebrations to express joy!

I am in the process of catching up on my emails and orders. All outstanding orders will be in the post by Friday (22nd August).

Spoon & Tamago

Every now and then I come across an amazing blog and Spoon & Tamago fits in this category. They feature everything from emerging photographers to furniture design. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy.