Wednesday, December 15, 2010

BrisStyle Indie "Christmas" Twilight Market









This Friday Night - 17 December - 5pm-9pm

BrisStyle indie "Christmas" Twilight Market - Handmade Holidays

King George Square and Burnett Lane, Brisbane CBD

Presented by BrisStyle inc and Brisbane Marketing and supported by Brisbane City Council

'Tis the season to be jolly.....

This Friday night the Brisbane CBD will come to life with Christmas good cheer and holiday wishes as the BrisStyle indie Designers once again light up the night with not only their lantern lit stalls but their stunning array of top quality handmade items including jewellery, accessories, clothing, homewares, toys, artworks and heaps, heaps more.
It will truly be a night to remember and one the whole family will enjoy. Stalls will be set around the famous King George Square's Christmas Tree and travel down the Grand Ramp as well as the hip and happening Burnett Lane.
In particular, Burnett Lane will be the hub of the cool and eclectic where you'll find a collection of quirky and unique handmade items as well as local indie performers at the junction of Albert St.


Picture courtesy of Robyn from Hot fudge
A video installation by Brisbane Artist Andrew DK Forsyth will be projected onto the walls at the beginning of the Laneway. There will also be a quirky roving projection throughout the entire market that will also conjure up memories of Christmas in Queensland with a kitschy, handmade twist!

Hot Fudge

Music and Entertainment

King George Square will be filled with the big band sounds of the 'Brisbane Excelsior Band', while the 'Allstar Jazz Trio' mingle amongst the crowds.
There will be roving street performers wowing the crowds so keep your eyes peeled for Angels and Elves and all sorts of Christmas characters roaming through the stalls.
Local Indie Bands will be pumping out the tunes under the gorgeous blue lit arbour at the junction of Burnett Lane and Albert St.
In between all your festive BrisStyle retail therapy make sure you catch:
Soloist Eleanor Angel 5:00pm – 5:40pm
Simon Gardner Guitar duo 6:00pm – 6:40pm
Saruzu 4 piece ensemble 7:00pm – 9:50pm
Gerard Mapstone trio 8:10pm – 9:00pm


Lord Mayors Community Trust

The Markets will be supporting the Lord Mayor's Community Trust by raffling a hamper full of gorgeous handmade items donated by all the stallholders so make sure you grab your ticket (or two) from the BrisStyle Promo Stand in King George Sqaure. Councillor, Fiona King will be drawing the winner on the night at 8pm!
For more information and a full rundown of which indie Designers will be there on the night, head on over to our website.
And don't forget to check out the BrisStyle Christmas Gift Guides starting with these fabulous Stocking stuffers.
Make it a handmade holiday! Shop ethically and support your local community at Brisbane's HOTtest destination for everything Handmade this Holiday Season, the BrisStyle indie "Christmas" Twilight Market this Friday night from 5pm-9pm!!

STOP PRESS:

We'll be trading rain, hail or shine so if it's too wet to set up in the square we'll be up on the undercover Deck area above the Groove Train restaurant in King George Square.
Access is via the stairs from the Square or straight up the elevator from the King George Square car park for total undercover shopping!

We look forward to seeing you there and take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a happy and safe holiday season topped off by a fabulous new year!!



Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Behind the Scenes with Starring Nobody!

This week the BrisStyle team was lucky enough to steal a glimpse into the world of fashion forward accessories label, Starring Nobody! Designed and made in Brisbane by Kirsten Morrison.

How would you describe your work?
I would describe our accessories as affordable everyday pieces for the fashion forward girl on the go!


How did your Etsy shop come into being?
I lived overseas in Europe for just over a year, and was amazed at the affordability and quality of the high street fashion.  Absolutely amazing pieces for a steal! Being surrounded by such incredible, interesting and daring fashions for a year definitely inspired me, and I wanted to bring a little piece of it home with me to share.


Who or What inspires you?
I am inspired by a little bit of everything! High end fashion designers that take risks in ready to wear fashion such as Alexander McQueen, Sass & Bide, Balmain, Ellie Tahari and Proenza Schouler, as well as other emerging designers, vintage and street style.


Can you describe your studio/work area?
My home is my studio right now! I'm sure that anyone that is starting out can empathise that there is literally bits and pieces everywhere, taking over the dining room table, bookshelves, floor space - you name it! Hopefully in the next few years or so I would like to own my own studio, so that everyone can once again dine at the table at home.


What is your favourite thing in the shop at the moment?
My favourite item in the shop right now is the "Hear Me Roar" Fringing Bib Necklace.  It is such a statement item that can easily transition from day to night.


Do you have any other places that people can view/purchase your work?

Apart from my Etsy shop, I also sell on Made It and am also stocked at 'The Tribune' on Arthur Street for any Brisbane dwellers.  For updates and sneak peeks you can also view my blog.

Thank-you for taking the time to speak to us Kirsten!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Stocking Stuffers!

Christmas is only just around the corner.....13 more sleeps to be exact! If you really want to impress your loved ones on Christmas morning then here are some handmade gift ideas to stuff their stockings!!!








We're sure your friends and family would be pleased to find one of these gorgeous handmade gifts in their stocking this Christmas. To purchase, you can visit all of our BrisStylers shops online or come and visit us at our last market for 2010.  For a full list of marketeers that will be at the BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market click here.

Friday December 17, 5-9pm
King George Square, Brisbane City

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Shop Handmade: Mimmis

The handmade revolution is taking over Brisbane and its surrounds with a new 'handmade' shop on the scene, Mimmis! Mimmis is a boutique style store that stocks a gorgeous array of quality handmade items, vintage pieces, collectables and old furniture, fresh flowers and gifts! Mimmis is owned and operated by BrisStyle's very own Miriam, from bubbachenille.
The story so far, as told by Miriam.....
I don't quite know how I got here as there was never a huge amount of planning, just a flicker of a dream and then the sudden realisation that I should just go for it because if I don't someone else will and I'd never forgive myself if that happened!


My whole life I have worked mainly in retail, always wishing I had control over merchandising, shop floor plans, admin, rosters and all sorts of other things that were always set in place and beyond my control.  I always thought I had a better way of doing things being the one on the shop floor so to speak, and wondered how the decision makers could make all the rules when they weren't in touch with the customers or staff! I left paid employment outside the home about three years ago to do what I love and hoped the money would follow! Well.....I haven't made my first million  yet (and doubt I will) but the only person who gets to tell me what to do nowadays is me!


I started making what I thought were the most gorgeous bags the world had ever seen, sold all of those whilst at the same time falling in love with vintage chenille and other vintage fabrics.  I started making little children's clothing, then heat packs, purses, pillows, coasters, scarves, eco cloths, hats, Oh my, whatever I looked at I would ponder "could I make that from vintage chenille?"


I have come close to opening a shop once before but was swayed to the negative and then totally put it out of my mind until after about a year of seeing this empty shop across the road from our fave coffee place.  My daughters convinced me to "just do it Mum!"

Here I am 4 weeks into being a real life shop owner, "Livin' the Dream".

I am lucky to have many contacts who have come from my daughters and I organising The Handmade Expo Market, so I was able to approach many creative people to help me fill the shop with their lovely handmade goodies.  Lots of locals have found me too and are happy to have an outlet for their creativity.


I am still making my vintage chenille creations under the bubbachenille label and enjoy the company of Nicole Lacey who is the artist behind the Hot Toffee label, who has her studio set up in the rear of the shop.  It's a lovely arrangement as we both have company through the day as well as being able to showcase and sell our work, whilst creating.  See we ARE "Livin' the Dream!"

33B Victoria Street
Forest Hill  QLD  4342

Opening Hours
Tuesday - Saturday 9am-4pm
Sunday 9am-1pm
After Christmas Mimmis will be closed Monday and Tuesday

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

An Inspirational Crafter.....

This week the BrisStyle team took some time to get to know Liv, the lovely lady behind Etsy shop 'Forever Inspired by Liv'.

How would you describe your work?
Handcrafted Jewellery with Heart.


How did your Etsy shop come into being?
My youngest son has a complex heart condition and one of the nurses that look after him mentioned that she regularly buys from Etsy. She suggested I check it out as she knew I made jewellery.


Who or What inspires you?
That's such a strong question.  When I was growing up, it was my parents.  They migrated from Denmark with 2 children in the 70's. My brother was 2 1/2 years and I was 6 months old.  They came with little else.  They are both incredible artists in their own rights.  My mother is a print maker and my father is a potter/ceramic sculptor and has guided me in my own journey.  Recently, it's been my 4 year old son, Dane.  As a newborn to 2 month old baby he fought and won a battle against an illness that kills most people and he's the only baby born with it.  For over 5 weeks we were told he would die but he had a point to prove and even now having to face numerous open-heart surgeries he shows such courage.  He will never really know what an incredible fight he put up but to me he will always be awe inspiring.  But now as a woman who is making her own story in life I have come to admire all women.  No matter what path we lead, all women weave an intricate story of their own.  Whether it be as a mother, a career woman or a bit of everything, there is something in each woman that lights their fire and gives them passion.  Nature has also always been a place of inspiration to me, whether it's the shape of a flower petal or the way the clouds swirl in the sky.


Do you 'reduce, reuse, recycle' as part of your creative process?
With the price of precious metals soaring through the sky, recycling has become the way of making jewellery.  Most commonly I will have customers come with their old jewellery and ask me to remodel it into something they really like.  I also save every tiny little shaving of scrap metal and have it refined so I can reuse it.


Can you describe your studio/work area?
My work area is chaotic to the untrained eye but I know exactly where everything is! I currently reside in the garage BUT there are plans for a studio when we renovate the house.....one day. As far as jewellery benches go, it's the Rolls Royce of benches.  I had my father build it for me so it was made to fit me perfectly.  It's my place of Zen.  Often I'll go sit out there just to centre myself if life gets too stressful, and with four children that can be quite regularly.


What is your favourite thing in the shop at the moment?
I personally love everything in my shop, that's why I made them.  But the pieces that I hold close to my heart are my fingerprint jewellery pieces.  I sell these to all corners of the world.  I developed this idea after we almost lost our son.  It made me realize how important those connections are.  By being able to make these pendants for people, I give them that connection in a new level.  Whether it be with their baby, child, spouse or parent.


Do you have any other places that people can view/purchase your work?


Thank-you for sharing your story with us Liv!

Monday, December 6, 2010

BrisStyle Indie Designers Market: It's a Wrap!







Despite the midday downpour shoppers were out and about on Saturday morning for BrisStyle's Christmas Indie Designers Market at Hamilton.

Photo from Hot Fudge

Dedicated handmade BrisStyle fans came from far and wide to nab themselves some of the HOTtest , if not slightly dampest. handmade Christmas gifts in town!



Photo from Kellie Christie



As the rain came down the every one's Christmas spirits remained high and each person coming into the market was armed with everything they needed to shop rain, hail or shine. Umbrella's popped up, shoes came off, in some cases gumboots came on, prams were decked out in their wet weather gear and people were hopping from shop to shop gathering their Christmas gifts.



Teneale from Wicked Child Designs, an avid shopper walking towards {a creature strange's} stall , Kellie Christie and Sybella's stall kept smiling through the deluge.


It was admirable the camaraderie and genuine care that each stallholder took with their customers as well as their fellow BrisStylette's to ensure that they were safe and sound throughout the day.




The Stallholders inside turned on their Christmas cheer with a warm welcome with everyone who came inside to shelter. Special bargains were afoot as well many gifts with purchase and no attention to detail was spared.


Renee Treml. looking across to Bontons Photo from Hot Fudge.

So a big thank you to all those handmade loving souls who came along and kicked up their gumbooted heels despite the rain!


( one little shopper who came dressed appropriately for the weather)

*************************

The next BrisStyle event is just around the corner and as our final market for 2010 we'll be taking over the City to bring you the very best of handmade Christmas shopping - once again rain, hail or shine!



THE BRiSSTYLE iNDIE TWiLIGHT MARKET!

Celebrating the "HANDMADE HOLIDAYS"
of the Queensland Christmasses of old


Friday 17 December

5-9pm

King George Square, Albert Street and Burnett Lane!

Brisbane City

NB: If needed weather threatens then we will relocate to the stunning undercover deck area above the Groove Train in King George Square


More details coming soon!




Sunday, December 5, 2010

BrisStyle Mega Giveaway Winner


It's time to draw the winner of our BrisStyle Mega Giveaway. There were 60 entries and the lucky winner is ..... drum roll ....

Chrissy Foreman

By coincidence Chrissy is a member of BrisStyle, but we can assure you that the winner was chosen through a random computerised system. Congratulations Chrissy. We will be in touch to arrange delivery of your parcel of goodies.

Thank you to all the wonderful participants who took part in our mega giveaway - we loved your comments. Sadly there can be only one winner, as much as we'd like to reward you all. Keep up-to-date with BrisStyle happenings by reading this blog or subscribing to our eNewsletter. We have a really exciting year ahead and we'd love you to be a part of it.

Friday, December 3, 2010

BrisStyle Indie Designers Market Tomorrow!

The BrisStyle Indie Designers Market - Christmas 2010

THIS Saturday 4 December - 9am-4pm

St Augustine's Church Hall and Grounds, Racecourse Rd, Hamilton



Hi there BrisStyle friends...

Get your jingle bells on this Saturday and head on down to Brisbane's HOTtest destination for everything handmade this Christmas, the BrisStyle indie Designers Market from 9am-4pm at St. Augustine's, Racecourse Road, Hamilton.
Featuring a stunning and varied array of top quality handmade jewellery, accessories, clothing, homewares, toys, artworks and heaps, heaps more this is your one stop destination for extra special gifts for that special someone this Christmas season.

Music and Entertainment

Take in the glorious sounds of our very own Eliza and Gloria the Harp. Roving Gaelic carollers, The Shieling will also be spreading the Christmas spirit throughout the day.

The fabulous girls from Wowee Creations will also be back to "wow" the crowds with their amazing face painting. If you have littlies make sure you pop by and if you are partial to a bit of Christmassy sparkle yourself then having something small like a glitter tattoo would go down a treat!

Competitions and Free Stuff

Spend $10 with any of our BrisStyle stallholders and you'll go into the draw to win either a trip for two (2) to Tangalooma Island Resort (valued at $920) or a day trip for two (2) to Tangalooma (valued at $330). To enter, simply collect your entry form from each stallholder and take it along to the BrisStyle Promo Stand!!
While you're at the Promo Stand, tell us how heard about the market and grab your 2 for 1 pass to the latest Hopscotch indie romantic comedy, "Heartbreaker" along with our 2011 flier of BrisStyle Indie Market dates.
All the businesses along Racecourse Road are also participating in the 'spend $10' Tangalooma competition so you can make a real day of it and enjoy all the fantastic food and drinks on offer! There's an ATM directly across the road from the markets at the Bedigo bank as well as a smattering along Racecourse Road for your convenience.
Don't forget to check out our website for a who's who of which stallholders will be at Saturday's market. For a spot of online shopping, you'll find all our members Etsy stores there for your convenience.

Mega BrisStyle Giveaway and Gift Guides

Head on over to this post for your chance to win over $300 worth of handmade BrisStyle treasure!
That's right folks, the Mega BrisStyle Giveaway is on, just in time for Christmas. What a fantastic way to get all your shopping done in one hit! Check out the blog for all the entry details.
We've also put together a whole host of fabulous Gift Guides to suit all budgets and tastes.


Shop ethically and support your local community at Brisbane's HOTtest destination for everything Handmade this Christmas, the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market.

We look forward to seeing you there!!


The BrisStyle Indie Designers Market - Christmas 2010

THIS Saturday 4 December - 9am-4pm

St Augustine's Church Hall and Grounds, Racecourse Rd, Hamilton


Remember that the fun doesn't stop there as we celebrate a fabulous year full of markets and "Handmade Holidays" on December 17th back in our home in Brisbsane's CBD


The BriStyle Indie Twilight Market
Friday Decemeber 17 5-9pm
King George Square around the giant Christmas Tree , Albert St and Burnett Lane