Thursday, March 31, 2011

*bespoke* - Issue 2 OUT NOW!



Issue 2 of *bespoke* zine has just been released! *bespoke* is a Brisbane-based, A5, professionally printed, full-colour Australian zine all about handmade, vintage, art, photography and living a creative life. Readers of *bespoke* also enjoy reading frankie, Peppermint and Mixtape.

*bespoke* Issue 2 has a limited edition print run of 1,000, and is already stocked in over 20 places throughout Australia. So get in quick! There are a total of 4 issues planned for 2011.

To find out more about *bespoke* and to see a full list of stockists, please visit the website - http://bespokezine.com

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Happy Birthday BrisStyle!

What a month of celebration it has been!!! BrisStyle turned 3. In 2008 a small group of Brisbane based Etsy sellers met and started what we now call BrisStyle. Over the past 3 years, our membership base has grown to over 150 and we are so proud to be supporting the handmade movement in Brisbane.  On March 16th, we celebrated in style at Lock n' Load, West End. What a great night it was.....delicious food, great company, lucky door prizes and a much anticipated handmade gift swap.

Our special birthday cupcakes, handmade by Bel from Enticing Icing

Bel from Enticing Icing and Rebecca from edward & lilly

Emma from Red Revival, Sophie from Strat Designs and Teneale from Wicked Child Designs

Shadi & Shidan from Shhh Accessories and Renee from insulate

Great company!

Chrissy from Little Chrissy with her lucky door prize.....a $50 gift voucher from nook!

The lovely Helen from Ruby Red Studios (centre) making a heartfelt speech

Maleena from Maleena Eve Designs, Kellie from Kellie Christie and Bronwen from Whizzbangle

Renee from insulate and Krystal from Denver Mackenzie

Shelley from shelleyberelli and Rachel from Darling Girl

Steph from Wimcee, Renee from Renee's Artwork and Amanda

Happy Birthday BrisStyle!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Tutorial: Japanese Paper Dolls


This week Melanie from Kimono Reincarnate shares a special tutorial with us for Ningyogami (Japanese Paper Dolls). They're super easy to make and Melanie's fabulous photo documentation will have you whipping up a pile of little ladies in no time!

Check out the tutorial here.

Thanks Melanie :)

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Let's Go Shopping

Can you hear something?  There's a lot of music coming from the BrisStylers on Etsy.  Think I'll go investigate...

Music decorated clothespins
Designs of the Heart




Do you want to play our new Saturday meme Let's Go Shopping?  Post your Etsy finds on your blog ,then pop back here and add the blog post link below.  Don't forget to link back to this post so everyone can check out all the fabulous Etsy finds.  Anyone can play along so come join in the fun! 

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Shop Handmade: The Collective Store


Welcome to another month of BriStyle's 'Shop Handmade' series. This month we caught up with Leonie McIntosh from 'The Collective Store'.  Read on to find out how it all began, how you can be involved and what Leonie has in store for 2011 and beyond.


Tell us a little about your background and what path led you to open 'The Collective Store'?
I’m a married mum of two ratbags (Ollie who’s 9 and Rose who’s 4).  Most of my working life has been spent behind the controls of photo processing machines and in retail.  I’ve always been crafty and about 6 years ago I discovered silver smithing.  I completely fell in love!!  I worked an online store and did the long haul at the markets before embarking on the grand adventure of opening The Collective Store – a shop that exclusively sells, exhibits and promotes handmade items by independent artisans across Australia.  It’s an amazing place!


Tell us what 'The Collective Store' is all about?
The Collective Store is all about handmade and the artists, designers and craftspeople that make it.  It’s an affordable boutique space where handcrafters can sell their wares, be promoted and network 5 days a week without having to do that work themselves.  It’s about the customers being able to buy amazing unique, high-quality goods from jewellery, handbags and health and beauty items to baby toys, home décor and original art.  It’s a great little boutique packed with beautiful treasures, that supports indi handmade.  It’s wonderful!



Where did the name ‘The Collective Store’ come from?
The name The Collective Store came from a need to reflect what the store is really about – a collective of artisans under one roof.  It really is a little community of  different people displaying and selling their unique work. 


How does 'The Collective Store' support independent artists and crafters and/or the handmade community?
A big part of any independent artist or crafter’s job is finding the right avenue to sell, display and fine-tune their wares.  The Collective Store supports them by offering practical, real-life (as opposed to online) and affordable space in a lovely, fresh boutique.  Their work is viewed, spoken about, sold and packaged beautifully, spreading the word about their work and the handmade community. The Collective Store’s only job is to support independent artists, crafters and the handmade community!


How can local designers and crafters get involved with 'The Collective Store'?
People can get involved with The Collective Store by emailing a short description of their work to info@thecollectivestore.com.au to request an info pack or come in to the store for a chat.  The Collective Store welcomes artisans from all over Australia.



Does 'The Collective Store' have any exciting upcoming events?
Absolutely!  The Collective Store is always planning new events and exhibitions so if you’d like to be in the know just head to our Facebook page –The Collective Store. For our most recent event I teamed up with several other craft boutiques in Wynnum to create Wynnum Up Late – a shopping event which was held on Thursday March 17 from 5:30- 8:00pm.  It was a magical night under the stars where lit lanterns lead you from store to store, discovering the beautiful treasures within.  Each store that was involved hosted a special event of their own.

What’s in store for 'The Collective Store' in 2011 and beyond?
2011 is going to be a big year for The Collective Store.  It’s our first year open so we’re looking forward to growing our network and being a part of other handmade enterprises including partnering with local markets to extend the exposure opportunities for artisans and the wonderful world of handmade.  Instore there are some wonderful art and photography exhibitions coming up as well as special event nights planned.  It’s going to be huge and I’m so excited!

Thank-you so much Leonie for taking the time to chat with us and share your story! If you would like to visit 'The Collective Store' pop into:
78 Bay Terrace (main street) Wynnum QLD
 Phone :: 07 3129 4606
Open :: Tuesday to Friday 9:30 – 4:00
Saturday 9:30 – 2:00

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Barnes Open Day!

We're super excited to announce that Barnes is opening in Brisbane!

Barnes sells heaps of DIY materials for making resin jewellery, sculpting, moulding and casting, Candu DIY kits and lots of other fun things.


Barnes is having an open day on the 2nd of April with face painting for the kids, sausage sizzle, free show bags with product samples, demonstrations and a chance to talk to experts on moulding, sculpting and casting projects.

Barnes is offering readers of the BrisStyle blog 10% off store-wide from 2-9 April. Simply print the voucher below and take it along with you.



Check it out on 2 April from 10am-3pm at Barnes, 1/16 Nile St, Woolloongabba QLD.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

BrisStylettes in the Media!

Our 'handmade' loving BrisStylettes have been working their magic on the media circuit over the past few weeks. Below are some of the great features heralding the comeback of 'handmade'!

Sandra Darling & Jennifer's Gift in The Courier Mail!

Red Revival in Frankie!

little chrissy, Red Revival, edward & lilly and moose & bird in The Courier Mail!

edward & lilly in the Sunday Mail!

Robyn Van Holland in Textile Fibre Forum magazine

Way to go BrisStylers!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Etsy 101: Useful Resources


When it comes to running your creative small business there is an endless supply of information available on the web offering advice and telling you how to run a SUCCESSFUL business. Each week Etsy puts together an 'Etsy Success Reading List' which contains links to great web and blog articles useful for creative small business owners and hobbyists like ourselves. Today, we thought we would share some of our favourite 'Etsy Success Reading List' links:

1. Taking the Leap: When to Start Selling Your Work
2. Stop Making Average Products for Average People
3. 9 Creative Women Share Secrets to Succeeding with Social Media
4. Pimping your Business in 5 Steps
5. The Little Book of Procrastination Remedies

If you've come across a great article that you would like to share please feel free to leave a comment below. Have fun and happy selling!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Let's Go Shopping

BrisStyle goes green for St Patrick's Day this week with some gorgeous finds, to be sure to be sure!!  Find your pot of green gold below!

Do you want to play our new Saturday meme Let's Go Shopping?
Check out the instructions down below!
Ruby Red Studios


To take part in our weekly Let's Go Shopping meme, post your Etsy finds on your blog then pop back here and add the blog post link below.  Don't forget to link back to this post so everyone can check out all the fabulous Etsy finds.  Anyone can play along so come join in the fun!


Friday, March 18, 2011

So you think you'd like to become a member of BrisStyle?

Do you love to make things? Do you love handmade? Do you yearn to meet like-minded creative peeps to share your arty/crafty journey with? If you answered yes to these questions then BrisStyle could be for you!

BrisStyle is a not for profit incorporated cooperative with over 155 members who call Queensland home.

We formed in March 2008 through a shared love of making beautiful, quality items that we all sell on Etsy, the biggest global marketplace for everything handmade. Since that first little meeting over coffee 3 years ago, BrisStyle has grown into an extended family for those who's fingers itch and twitch with creative energy.

Through membership, we aim to provide support and creative opportunities to independent artists, crafters and designers living in Queensland.

As a member you will be able to take part in our fabulous giveaways and promotions and also be featured on our blog, website and Etsy Teams profile. You will also be able to participate in our world famous BrisStyle indie Markets (held in King George Square and Hamilton) and other key events, which are held at regular intervals throughout each year.

You will also gain access to our Forum where you can chat to other members, share ideas and gain invaluable support and advice in a casual, friendly environment and you are able to attend our very popular Information Sessions free of charge.

A dedicated Committee who facilitate your ideas as well as the day to day running of all group activities and administrative functions runs BrisStyle.

As we are an Etsy Street Team, to become a member of BrisStyle inc. you must meet the following criteria:

a) your Etsy shop must contain at least 10 active handmade items at the time of lodging your Membership Application;

b) you may have a mix of vintage items/supplies (non-handmade) which must comply with Etsy’s guidelines, however these items must be in addition to the 10 active handmade items as outlined in point a);

c) your Etsy shop must be fresh and inviting with good quality pictures, correct tagging and concise content;

d) your Etsy shop profile must be relevant and informative. Profiles containing one sentence will not be accepted;

e) your Etsy shop must be open and not in ‘vacation’ mode at the time of lodging your Membership Application;

f) use of mature, profane and/or racist language or images in the public areas of your Etsy shop is not permitted. This includes your banner, item titles, tags and descriptions; and

g) you must reside in Queensland.


If you feel you meet this criteria and would like to find out more about becoming a BrisStyle inc. member, please send us an email at brisstyleteam@gmail.com with your details and we’ll be in contact!

Hope to hear from you soon!!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

New BrisStyle Members

Please give a warm welcome to our latest BrisStyle members, and check out their fantastic stores online.


Danielle at Manx Minx



Kyla at Little Bird



Samantha at Hextasy



Shadi at Shh Accessories 



Lesley at Sweet as Spice



Krystle at Denver Mackenzie



Jane at Quail & Co.



Monday, March 14, 2011

Vote for Peppermint's Kelley Sheenan in the WWF Earth Hour Awards

We're so excited about the fabulous Kelley Sheenan's nomination for the WWF Earth Hour's People's Choice Awards!



Kelley is founder and editor of our favourite sustainable fashion & lifestyle magazine Peppermint and works tirelessly to promote awareness of the value of supporting sustainable products and businesses including those of our very own BrisStylettes.

To vote for Kelley head to the Earth Hour People's Choice Awards here.

Earth Hour is a call to action to every individual, every business and every community. It starts with a flick of the switch at 8:30pm Saturday March 26, in a collective display of commitment to protect the one thing that unites us all - the planet.


In other Peppermint news issue 9 is coming soon and looks to be another fabulous read! Don't miss a beat by subscribing to Peppermint today!

Way to go Kelley!