merry christmas..

I love this time of year - wrapping presents, catching up with family & friends, enjoying the summer sky and the hint of a New Year on it's way with exciting possibilities. I'd like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and thank you all for your support and encouragement over the past year - it really does mean a lot to me.

tagged

Sally from caffeinated prints tagged me over a week ago to share '6 quirky/unimportant things that make me happy', then tag 5 other people to do the same...finally I've had the chance to sit down and write some of the little not so quirky things in life that make me happy..

1. visiting garage sales & op shops with my Mum

2. buying notebooks/sketch books or any other kind of stationary

3. drawing 'my little girl' who still has no name!

4. driving to get our vegies from a local farmer on Saturday mornings

5. eating fried rice cooked by R (it's soooo good!)

6. looking at the moon when it's a crescent and looks like a smiley face

and I choose to tag Lyssymay, Paisley St Claire, LITTLE JANE ST, red bamboo and Trinkets & Roses

a little more...for Sally xx

I took my camera to the market with every intention of trying to capture the day, but I'm happy to say the day captured me! It was such a great atmosphere that I didn't even think to get my camera out. As all the stall holders have shops on etsy.com we had a lot to talk about, for many of us it was also the first time to meet face to face.

a little more...

As you walked into the hall there was a large table set up where our raffle was held. Each of the 30 stall holders added something to the basket of handmade goodies being raffled in order to raise money for the charity Knitting For Brisbane's Needy . This was just the first of many markets BrisStyle plans to have in the future, each time supporting a different local charity.

In the hall & on the stage there were approximately 20 stalls selling bags, jewellery, baby's clothes, quilts, soft toys, bookmarks and much much more. More stalls were out in the courtyard where there was also the sound of the acoustic guitar and the smell of gourmet food enticing people to the market.

4ZzZ broadcast live from the hall in the afternoon as part of their popular and award winning At The Local program which is hosted by BrisStyle member Olivia from Scampsville. If you would like to listen to the program you can listen to their podcasts anytime.

I've always really enjoyed going to markets on weekends and love to also be part of them. This market seemed to have all the special market feelings rolled into one. It was in a fantastic setting, great quality goods for sale, gourmet food, acoustic music, laughter - it just had everything I'd like a market to have as a customer and as a stall holder. I can't wait until the next one and I'll be sure to make time to snap a few photos but for now here a couple of my purchases...

'Rudolf can't take the heat' by Twinkle Star Art

Little purse by Little Mary Moo

the market...

The brisStyle Christmas market at Hamilton Hall was one of the best markets I've been part of. The setting in Hamilton Hall with it's high and ornate ceilings, the atmosphere created by live music in the court yard & happy people combined with the quality of the items for sale made for a lovely way to spend a Saturday. So hats off and a big thank you to Helen from Ruby Red Studios for the weeks and weeks of planning and organising!

Christmas Market

This Saturday I will be taking part in the brisStyle Christmas market at Hamilton Hall, Hamilton. It's going to be a great day with live music, gourmet food and stalls specialising in handmade goodness! More details below:

BrisStyle, a collective of artists, crafters and designers from the Brisbane area who sell their wares on Etsy.com are having their very first market.

The market will specialise in quality handmade goods including handbags, jewellery, funky footwear, babies and children's wear, soft toys, graphic artworks and vintage re-creations to name a few.

The gourmet food stall in the leafy courtyard is catering for the Brisbane summer with cool drinks and traditional Christmas treats while the soothing sounds of the acoustic entertainment will kindle your Christmas Spirit.

So if you are a budding ethical consumer who is looking for gifts that are unique and well-made with a little soul and a lotta style, then The 2008 BrisStyle Christmas Market in Hamilton is the place to shop!

BrisStyle Christmas Markets:

Location: Hamilton Town Hall, Cnr Rossiter + Racecourse Rd, Hamilton Brisbane

Date: Saturday 13th December 2008

Time: 9am - 4pm

frankie 2009 calender is here!

The team behind frankie magazine have been busy again - this time putting together a special 2009 calender of beautiful artworks from their most beloved artists - Katherine Brickman, Catherine Campbell, Jen Corace, Tinee Kleinschroth, Marjorie Liucci, Kat Macleod, Beci Orpin, Erin Paisley-Stueber, Lilly Piri, Rob Ryan, Mel Stringer and Eveline Tarunadjaj! The calender is a limited edition and would make the perfect gift so to order or find out more head over here....quick!

rain drops

I hardly slept on Saturday night as our tin roof was pelted with rain drops and our water tank overflowed. This is one of my favourite sounds usually but knowing that I would be at the Southbank Young Designers Market all day the following day I was hoping the rain would clear. Luckily, it turned out to be a hot, humid sunny day with only a few drops of rain. The market was bigger than it's been in the past and was filled with some wonderful work by talented designers and artists - some of whom I will blog about in the not too distant future. I'd like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came and said hello and supported me, it really is so appreciated -
Thank you!

Southbank Young Designers Market

I've been busily preparing for the Young Designers Market at Southbank which is on tomorrow - Sunday 7th December - 10am - 4pm.

So if you are looking for something to do tomorrow or want to start your Christmas shopping head to Southbank - it's going to be bigger than ever before and is moving to the Stanley Street lawn area across from its previous location at Ernest St. This is a fantastic market to snap up designer pieces by emerging designers like Jaime Beattie, Hayley from REread and Lily&Cino just to name a few. Hope to see you there!

Another great market which is also tomorrow is the designers emporium at Everton Park Hotel, this market too is filled with locally made creations. If only I could split myself in two!!

sunlight and rain

On Sunday I went to the paper boat press Christmas show in Milton. There were so many lovely things to choose from. I couldn't help but bring these gorgeous cloud earrings and this quote tag home with me. To see more of artist Kylie Johnson's work head over to the paper boat press website or visit her blog instinct and grace.

easily side tracked..

When I attend markets I like to take photos of my displays to help me remember what works well and what needs to be changed. A few weeks ago at the designers emporium market I was doing just that when the reflection of this industrial fan in my mini mirror caught my eye...and of course began photographing it instead.

Right now I'm supposed to be cutting and firing glass but I'm blogging..when I plan to blog I usually end up cooking! When I need to start dinner it seems absolutely neccessary to check my email ..you get the picture - I get side tracked easily but everything seems to get done in the end.. and often I find a few new things along the way.

designers emporium

little hapa

hapa is Japanese for leaf..

Last night, Eba san & Connie of Hanasho held an artists night to celebrate the first anniversary of their flower shop & art gallery. All artists who have exhibited throughout the year were invited to speak. Eba san made a real leaf brooch for each of the artists. It was such a lovely touch - such a simple idea but so lovely I had to take a photo of it (above). The space quickly filled up with artists, customers & friends who have supported Hanasho over the past year - music, conversation & laughter filled the evening air. Congratulations Connie & Eba san on creating such a wonderful space and Thankyou for supporting so many local artists!

HANASHO 5/235 Boundary St, West End QLD

Christmas Gift Pack GIVEAWAY!

17 of the lovely brisStyle members have put together three fabulous gift packs each valued at over $100! To win one all you need to do is to head over to the brisStyle blog and find out how to enter - it's simply a matter of answering a very easy question! It's open to anyone & everyone - worldwide! Most of the items have been handmade so this is a gift pack like no other - it's full of one-of-a-kind creations which would make perfect Christmas presents! Enter now my friends...visit here for details.

red bamboo

Yesterday at the designers emporium I met more creative souls with amazing products including Annie from 'red bamboo' who makes soaps & body products which are so appealing to the senses you'll almost want to eat them. With fragrances like Vanilla + Red Grape, Honey + Poppyseed, Chocolate + Rose (just to name a few) there is something to suit everyone! Annie's passion for aromatherapy and natural products stems from her work in Day Spas. She believes in providing people with a safe, more natural choice to put on their skin. To read more about Annie and her growing business visit 'red bamboo handmade things' .

To treat your senses to Annie's creations visit her at the following markets:

Designers Emporium Markets

Everton Park Hotel, 101 Flockton St, Everton Park QLD -

1st Sunday each month

and

Manly Creative Markets - Bayside Park, Esplanade Manly, QLD

2nd & 4th Sunday each month

Also, if you are in the Everton Park area tomorrow we will be having a special designers emporium market to celebrate Melbourne Cup. Trading will be from 10.30am - 2.30pm.

Hope to see you there!

boutique market

I'll be at the designers emporium market this Sunday from 9am -to 3pm so please drop in and say hello. This is a boutique market aimed at unique talent and boutique items and after a peek at the list of stall holders on the website there seems to be something for everyone.

It's held on the 1st Sunday of every month at Everton Park Hotel,

101 Flockton St, Everton Park QLD.

hot toffee now available at Province

Hello & sorry for my lack of posting recently - it's been a busy couple of weeks with visitors, markets and new stockists (details & photos below).

Hot toffee is now available at 'Province' 197 Brisbane Street Ipswich. Naomi George, owner & manager of Province has an amazing selection of vintage & classically styled furniture and interior collections - there is something for everyone. The setting for this beautiful store is an old building that has been lovingly restored and features gorgeous wall paper, painted trims - not a single detail has been overlooked and the result is nothing less than breathtaking!

Just a few doors up is more temptation with coffee & cakes at Cactus Espresso Bar .

life portraits - Hang Le

Hang Le is a Melbourne based photographer who takes photos of people of all ages and occasions through life - from musicians to 2 week old newborns. Through the lens Hang is able to capture a moment in time and tell each persons' individual story. In perfect time for Christmas she is offering a special promotion for newborn, maternity, children & family portraits - so if you are in the Melbourne area and would like to book a sitting or learn more about this talented photographer visit Faces and Features Photography or Hang Le on redbubble .

a cup a day

I love green tea & I love my collection of cups even more! It's calming when it comes to that time in the afternoon when a break is needed - sitting out on the deck letting myself rest for a minute - this particular cup was a gift from my partner's parents, bought from a local potter's studio on a trip together in Northern Japan. We have one each, different shapes and colours but definitely thrown by the same potter.

the little market. full of springness.

It's time for The Little Market at Avid again.

All handmade goods!

Avid Reader Bookshop Courtyard

193 Boundary St

West End, Brisbane

a simple pencil..

..makes me so happy, it's like a new sketch book or a blank canvas - unlimited potential!

I love stationery so was instantly drawn to the Peg & Kate stall at the handmade expo on Saturday. Cathryn who makes gorgeous pencil rolls also sells German made Lyra pencils & sharpeners. I wanted to buy a roll with a full set of pencils right then and there but decided on just one! It took me a while to choose but I ended up going for the deep red, I think I'll add to my collection every time I come across the Peg & Kate stall. I'm definitely keeping this in mind as a birthday gift idea for my niece.

all set up..

This is a picture of my stall all set up and ready to trade for the day. As there were a few other events on in the area the market was a little slower than anticipated but still a nice day talking to customers and meeting creative stall holders. I met Trish from Trishalan Designs who hand dyes fabric and thread. She can be found in her studio & shop at Old Petrie Town, Dayboro Rd, Petrie.

handmade expo

Tomorrow I will be having a stall at the handmade expo for the first time. I dropped into this market last month and was pleasantly surprised by the variety and amount of handmade goodies available. I purchased this hand crafted wooden spoon there. It's made from 'very old weather boards' from a house in Stanthorpe. I love that this has history and that I was able to meet the maker, Ron Sleep, in person, hopefully he will be there tomorrow as I wouldn't mind adding another spoon to my collection.

The expo will be held at

Pavilion81

Ipswich Showgrounds Exhibitors

Warwick Road, Ipswich

Entry - $2 Adults and Children are Free

Lyssy May is moving..

The very first time I dropped into Lyssy May and met handbag designer Alyssa is still crystal clear in my memory. A beautiful shop painted in peppermint showcasing handmade bags made on the premises brought out more 'oohs ' and 'ahhs' than I thought was possible! Listening to Alyssa describe the fabrics and trims - many of them collected on overseas trips, I could see she absolutely loved what she was doing and since that day has been a great friend & inspiration to me.

Over the past 5 years Alyssa has created something very special in Brisbane, her love of design teamed with her appreciation of handmade goods has seen her little shop become a treasure trove of handbags and gifts made with love. While the store will close this Saturday (20th September) the creativity will continue, the Lyssy May product range will still be online and Alyssa is working on new designs which she is planning to release in the lead up to Christmas.

There's still time to drop into the store to snap up a creation or order a design from one of the most creative souls I've met.

Lyssy May's Shop & Studio
676 Wynnum Road Morningside, 4171
07 3899 5335
http://www.lyssymay.com/

it was a great day

Thanks to everyone who dropped into the market to say hello, I love meeting customers face to face so thank you! The next Young Designers Market is set to be held in early November followed by another one in early December, I will post further details on my blog closer to the dates. I forgot to take my camera so will leave you with a couple of shots from the June market.

don't miss it!

Just a reminder that the 'Southbank Young Designers Market' is on this Sunday.

There are over 40 stalls showcasing work of local designers!

welcome spring..

Well Spring is finally here, the days are warmer and a little longer, the birds are singing and the scent of jasmine fills the air. I love it!!

I'm currently preparing for the 'Young Designers Market' which will be held this Sunday 7 September. This market features up and coming designers and artists selling a range of fashion, accessories, jewellery, homewares and more! The perfect place to begin your Christmas shopping!

I've been working on the little brooches above, they are made from my glass off cuts and millefiori. They are small but oh so pretty! Another small batch of them are in the kiln as I type.

The Young Designers Market is situated on Ernest Street between Grey and Little Stanley Street. Trading hours are 10am - 4pm.

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.

lemon lilac cuff links - fused glass

I've had a fun couple of days in my studio experimenting with cuff links. I particularly love these - the yellow combined with lilac and white is just delicious! More cuff links are available in my etsy shop.

little bird cuff links - fused glass

Tiny green birds fly high in the midnight blue sky on these new cuff links. Available now in my etsy shop.

Linea Carta

I've wanted a gocco machine for at least 8 years now and still don't have one. So in true gocco love I've found one of my favourite gocco artists on etsy to share with you. Below are a few pieces from Liana Carta's alphabet cards. To find out more about this talented artist visit her website or blog.