Monday, October 31, 2011

Craft Your Own Christmas


The lovely folk from cultiver are helping you 'Craft Your Own Christmas' with an awesome selection of crafty workshops to keep you busy in the lead up to the silly season.  There's a little something for everyone with workshops available across a variety of crafty fields including.....natural skin care, creative gift wrapping, softie making, UPcycled lamps, felting, gifts for him and screen and relief printing.



For all the info about the workshops and details about how you can get involved check out the cultiver blog here.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

:: Oct 22 :: From Hobby To Wholesaling Wrap :: Art Bites Forum Q&A

For those who have always dreamed of selling their handmade wares in a shop or gallery, last Saturday's Q&A  session provided valuable insight to help them on their crafty ways from Hobby to Wholesaling.

 There were also many emerging and established artists and crafters who not only learned some extra tips and tricks from the panelists but had the opportunity to ask questions and share their experiences too.

Super assistant Teneale took notes throughout the day on her trusty vintage typewriter and added them to the the BrisStyle Indie "Tree of Knowledge" for all to take noted from.


Nicole from Collecting Feathers held court with her colourful and down to earth experiences about when she first started out wholesaling.


Amanda from Hungry Designs explained how wholesaling has given her more freedom and time to illustrate, create, and develop her  unique range.


Belinda from Sybella shared her experiences about selling "bespoke" items and the importance of pricing "one of a kind wares" accordingly.





Mel from Kimono Reincarnate captivated everyone including the panelists with her wealth of information from her full time crafting practices and trade show experiences.

  Kellie Christie gave very practical advice about pricing items which involve salvaged or recycled/ vintage components and how to evolve that range into a signature style of your own.


 The vibrant Vicki from in.cube8tor gave valuable advice from a retailers perspective as well as how  their gallery make it super easy for both customers and artists alike.



Delicious morning Tea :: Indie Cupcakes by Tanz
 
10 TOP TIPS to get you inspired:
1)  When working out how to price an item, take into account: materials, research
for materials/ designs, prototypes, consulting time, time taken to drive to your
stockists, all your packaging and merchandising materials, photography etc.

2) Selling your wares is all about building relationships and there’s nothing more
important than establishing sound relationships with any party selling your
wares. These relationships need to be nurtured and clear lines of
communication right from the start are paramount.

3) Another benefit of consigning is that often you have control over your displays
therefore experimenting with a different look for every story you create.

4)  Ensure you obtain and understand a written consignment agreement & don’t be afraid to
negotiate.

5) Stay in contact with the retailer to ensure your stock levels are at their optimum.

6)  Simple Wholesaling Formula:  Cost Price (Labor + Materials Cost) x 2 = Your Wholesale Price
Wholesale Price x 2 = Retail Price.

7)  Branding is very important to both potential stockists and customers alike. Some people will
even notice your name, logo, font or business card before your actual product ! From a stockists
point of view, tags are extremely important.

8)  If other people are making something similar then take the time to think about
how you can put your own twist on it – make it truly yours in your own unique
way.

9) When meeting with a potential retailer dress in a way that you want your product to be looked at. Your own personal presentation is paramount as it reflects the quality and energy of your work.

10) Love what you do and look at every experience as an evolution to a better and stronger business.


Most of importantly embrace other crafters and the crafting communities that you are involved in and continue to build relationships that will support and inspire you!

Thank you to the panelists, the wonderful and creative audience and to all the team from Brisbane City Council's Creative Communities.
 
Our last BrisStyle Info Session for the year is being hosted next Saturday and is set to be a real hoot.
 
STOP PRESS: More Seats have just been released so to secure to secure your place please email: brisstylemarketing@gmail.com  so we can lock you in!!!


Here are all the details:

 :: NOV 5 :: Social Media :: From Etsy and Beyond ::
with BrisStylette Jess Van Den from *Bespoke Zine* and Epheriell



 It's hard to ignore the popularity of social media in today's competitive marketplace. With so many social media outlets available, it can be hard to know where to begin and how to make it work for any emerging indie craft business.

If you would like to know how to get started with social media and how to make it work for you, then this information session will answer all of your questions.

Presented by top blogger and social networker, Jess Van Den - from Epheriell Designs - participants will be sure to come away with lots of tips and tricks to kick start their success with social networking from handmade websites such as Etsy, to facebook, twitter, blogs ...and beyond.

Presenter: BrisStylette Jess Van Den from Bespoke Zine and Epheriell
What: BrisStyle Information Session
When: Saturday, November 5, 2011, 9.30am for a 10am start til 12pm
Where: St Augustine's Church Hall, Racecourse Rd Hamilton
Cost: FREE

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL : email:: brisstylemarketing@gmail.com 

Looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday!

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Let's Go Shopping

Phew what a busy week! The BrisStyle Information Session last Saturday then the BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market last night!

A huge thank you to everyone that made it to the BrisStyle Information Session last week on 'Hobby to Wholesale'.  And thank you to the star panel on the day!  We hope you all enjoyed the session as much as we did.

Below we've picked some stunning items handmade by BrisStylers that you will have met on the panel.



Sybella Boutique



Collecting Feathers



Kellie Christie



Kimono Reincarnate



Hungry Designs


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!

Stay tuned for next week's post featuring BrisStylers attending the BrisStyle Indie Eco Market!

Friday, October 28, 2011

Crafty D.I.Y

We're gearing up for the BrisStyle Indie Eco Market on November 12 with this Easy-Weave Newsprint Basket tutorial from the FamilyFun website. We all have old newspapers, magazines and packaging lying around so why not turn them into something practical and pretty with this Crafty D.I.Y.

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We love a crafty tutorial, especially of the 'eco' variety. Happy Weaving!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Twinklin' Twilight

Come along and join us for a night under the stars at the BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market tomorrow night. With over 55 artists, crafters and designers on show it will be the perfect place to get your Christmas shopping started early.  For a full list of market stallholders pop over to the BrisStyle website and click on the site map at the bottom of the page. 


Our friends from peppermint magazine will be there too along with the Brisbane Metropolitan Band who will enchant you with their smooth sounds.  You can also pop past the BrisStyle promo stand for all the latest goss on upcoming markets, creative information sessions and membership info.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Friday, October 28, 2011
King George Square, Brisbane City
5.00pm - 9.00pm

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Softies for Mirabel 2011



The Softies for Mirabel Christmas Craft Appeal is in its 5th year and once again Pip from meet me at mikes is calling on the crafty community to get behind this worthwhile cause.  With such an amazing, generous and crafty community here in Brisbane we thought you may be interested in making a softie to donate to the appeal.

For those of you who don't know about the Softies for Mirabel Appeal it is a worldwide softie drive which encourages crafty peeps to make and donate handmade toys for the children supported by The Mirabel Foundation. The Mirabel Foundation assists children who have been orphaned or abandoned due to parental illicit drug use and are now in the care of extended family.

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The Softies for Mirabel mailbox hasn't opened yet but we thought we would give you plenty of notice so you can squirrel away a bit of time in your busy schedules for a spot of softie making. Keep an eye out on the meet me at mikes blog for details on when the mailbox is open, address details etc.  All softies must arrive in Melbourne by December 5th.

The softies received will be exhibited in Melbourne (hooray!) as well as showcased on the meet me at mikes blog and in this online gallery.  After they have been shown off to the nation they will be given to The Mirabel Foundation who will distribute them to children just in time for Christmas.

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Some important details:
  • Softies can be knitted, crocheted or sewn.
  • The softies don't have to be made super professionally (so even beginners can get involved), just make sure they don't fall apart!
  • Get your crafty group or friends involved!
  • Remember that some of the toys will be going to little babies so toys with no buttons and choking hazards are also required.
  • For more details pop over to the meet me at mikes blog
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Links to free softie patterns:
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If you know of any great softie patterns feel free to share them on our facebook page! If you choose to get involved we'd love to see what you make too.  You can send us photos to brisstylemarketing@gmail.com.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Creative Spotlight Events

The Brisbane creative scene has come of age and we are revelling in the variety of events and workshops now on offer to nurture creative business.

Over the coming weeks, Queensland Arts Council, Creative Generator SEQ and Brisbane City Council will present a series of ‘Creative Spotlight’ networking events across Brisbane on Wednesday 26th October and Wednesday 2nd November 2011. 


At both events, the spotlight will be shone on 4 artists and arts organisations who are leaders in their field and give them an opportunity to give those attending some insight into their creative journey. What was there path? How did they turn a creative concept into a reality? Did they get a lucky break or was it just hard work and a passion for their artform? You will also have the opportunity to ask each speaker questions during a special Q&A following each presentation.
The evenings will also be an opportunity to network with artists and arts workers from across the city.
Events will be webcast via www.flyingarts.org.au/ChannelV3

:: Creative Spotlight Event - 26th October ::
Location: Sherwood Neighborhood Centre – 38 Thallon Street, Sherwood
Date: Wed 26th October 2011
Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm

Speakers
Liesel Zink – Choreographer www.lieselzink.com
Rebecca Cason – BrisStyle www.bris-style.com
Dr Robert Davidson – Topology www.topologymusic.com
Erika Scott – Accidentally Annie Street Artist Run Initiative www.accidentallyanniestreet.com

:: Creative Spotlight Event - 2nd November ::
Location: Zillmere PCYC – Cnr Zillmere & Church Rd, Zillmere
Date: Wed 2nd November 2011
Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm

Speakers
Daniele Constance – Suitcase Rummage / Creative Producer www.suitcase-rummage.blogspot.com
Zane Trow – MAAP / Access Arts / Creative Producer www.maap.org.au
Andrew Gibbs – Human Ventures www.human.org.au
Deb Wilks – Flipside Circus www.flipsidecircus.org.au

All events are FREE but registration is required so please click here to register. If you come along to the 26th October event you will be able to catch our very own BrisStyle President, Rebecca Cason, talking all things BrisStyle!

 

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Let's Go Shopping

Good morning handmade lovers!

Can you believe it's less than a week till the BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market?

You better pencil it in your diary now, and get those comfy shoes sorted. Next Friday night Brisbane city's King George Square, you'll find loads of crafty goodness made locally by our BrisStylers. Just look at these beauties!


Simone McCluskie



Beetle Creative



Loves By Gio



Rock Ribbons



Insulate



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, October 21, 2011

Crafty D.I.Y

Get your skin 'summer ready' with this simple homemade Citrus Scrub from the 'Yesterday On Tuesday' blog.  We think these little pots of Citrus Scrub would make great christmas gifts too! Don't you agree?

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Be sure to check out the 'Yesterday On Tuesday' blog for lots more inspiration. We're sure you will love it!

Happy Making Crafty Peeps!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Tip Your Hat for ACCF.....

Are you organising a Melbourne Cup Day luncheon or event this year? If so, you may like to consider doing something really worthwhile and raising funds for the Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation.  In the time it takes the horses to run the Melbourne Cup race this year atleast 1 woman will die of cervical cancer somewhere in the world. The ACCF is trying to change this!


By fundraising for the ACCF you will be contributing to the life-saving work that the foundation does to educate and vaccinate women in order to eliminate cervical cancer both in Australia and in developing countries. In countries like Nepal, Bhutan and Kiribati, where cervical cancer is the no.1 cancer killer of women, ACCF is working to help vaccinate girls and screen women who would otherwise not have access to this health care. It costs just $50 to vaccinate 1 girl or to screen 3 women, so every dollar counts!

The person who raises the most money (minimum of $500) will win a Celebratory Race Pack which will include a $300 basket of cosmetic goodies, a bottle of Moet and a custom designed race hat or fascinator by BrisStyle's very own milliner, Sandrine Marsh. The winner will be able to choose between the below two designs or pick something from Sandrine's shop.

Photo Credit: Taryn Newland Photography
Photo Credit: Taryn Newland Photography
To find out how you can get involved pop over to the ACCF website!

Monday, October 17, 2011

UPDATE: chicks in pink fundraiser

Thank-you to everyone who has supported our chicks in pink fundraiser so far! To our lovely members who have offered their gorgeous handmade items for sale and to our friends and supporters who have kindly purchased these items. We couldn't have done it without you!



We thought we would give you a bit of an update on how things are going with the fundraiser so far.....

  • $400 worth of chicks in pink merchandise was sold at the October 8 BrisStyle Indie Mother & Child Market.

  • Our resident artist, Eliza, from 'A painting a day' auctioned off a free portrait sitting at the BrisStyle Indie Mother & Child market and raised $119.60. Her gorgeous pup, Gem, also collected donations on the day. Gem was definitely a crowd pleaser!
  • Our friends over at the Racecourse Road Business Group are also raising funds for chicks in pink during October.  Their scheduled World Record Attempt was cancelled on Oct 8 due to the rain but has now been re-scheduled to be bigger and better.  See the image below for all of the details.....


There's still plenty of time to get involved and help us raise much needed funds for chicks in pink.....purchase a handmade item here or get involved in the Racecourse Road World Record Attempt!

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Let's Go Shopping

Looking for some gorgeous handmade jewellery?  BrisStylers have got you covered, whatever your style may be.



Happily Ever Artist




RB Johnson




Angelene




Marjon Scheffer




Hextasy


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, October 14, 2011

Crafty D.I.Y

We stumbled upon this awesome photo transfer tutorial over on the 'A Beautiful Mess' blog the other day.  We thought it was well worth sharing.....

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For the full 'how to transfer a photo to fabric' tutorial pop over to the 'A Beautiful Mess' blog.  There's lots of other great D.I.Y projects over there too!

Happy Friday Crafty Peeps!

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Shop Indie: Bleeding Heart

We're so excited to be bringing you the next installment in our Shop Indie series of posts. A few weeks back we caught up with the lovely Holly from Bleeding Heart to talk all things 'handmade' and 'ethical'.  This is what she had to say.....

Tell us a little about your background and what path led you to join Bleeding Heart?
My name is Holly Leonardson and I have a very keen interest in art, craft, design and handmade. My own personal obsession with making and drawing led me to start my own handmade ‘wearable art’ accessories label, Pannikin, back in 2007.

An opportunity to join the always-cheerful team at Bleeding Heart arose at the beginning of 2011, where I happily took up the role of retail-coordinator in the ever expanding gift shop and monthly city market. It is my job (and pleasure!) to make contact with a variety of creatives who may need help with that first step in approaching a retail outlet for their handmade products, or for those who are looking for more ethical retail businesses to stock their wares.

Bleeding Heart was born in 2008 and is an initiative of the Wise Foundation, which aims to empower disadvantaged and marginalised individuals and strengthen communities by providing business and creative opportunities.



Tell us what Bleeding Heart  is all about?
Bleeding Heart is many things – an event space for hire, a cafe, an art gallery, an artisan retail outlet and a wireless internet hub.

Sporting the motto, “Using our powers for good and not evil”, we pride ourselves on our operation as a “profit for purpose” organisation. This means that every dollar YOU spend goes into funding charitable and community enterprise.

We encourage and support positive activism, social andeconomic inclusion, education and self-supporting, ethical business practice.


Where did the name 'Bleeding Heart' come from?
The expression ‘bleeding heart’ has long had negative connotations and has been used to disempower and belittle those who champion human rights and care about other people. We are dedicated to assisting communities and marginalised people and are determined to reclaim‘Bleeding Heart’ as positive terminology.

How does Bleeding Heart support independent artists and crafters and/or the handmade community?
The Bleeding Heart Gift Shop aims to provide the discerning shopper with beautiful handmade, locally produced items. The items in our store make wonderful gifts and are original, unique conversation pieces. By selling these types of products, we seek to encourage social and community interaction and the notion of personal identity associated with craftsmanship. We take great pride in supporting local artisans and their small businesses!

We also take ZERO commission so all sales are returned to the artisan. Our current vendors are local artists and crafters and occasionally interstate creatives, all who we’ve chosen for their outstanding products.



How can local designers and crafters get involved with Bleeding Heart?
Simply contact us by emailing an enquiry to retail@bleedingheart.com.au or by calling 3229 0395. We’d love to hear from you!

Does Bleeding Heart have any exciting upcoming events?
Sure do! The Bleeding Heart City Markets are held every first Friday of the month from 10am – 4pm and dates have been confirmed until the end of 2011. We are always on the look out for fresh handmade talent and vintage gatherers so if you would like to know more about becoming a stallholder simply send through an email.

How do you promote Bleeding Heart?
You can sign up for our email newsletter to keep you up to date on all the goings on at our website, you can befriend us via our facebook page and if you still can’t get enough we also have a twitter account @bhgallery.



Visit Bleeding Heart at:
166 Ann Street, Brisbane QLD 4000
Tel: 3229 0395
Website: www.bleedingheart.com.au
Open: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

A big thank-you to Holly for taking the time to share the story of Bleeding Heart with us.  An ethical retail store creating 'profit for purpose', what's not to love!  Stay tuned next month for another installment of Shop Indie!