Friday, December 12, 2014

BrisStyle twelve gift guides for Christmas - decorations

It's time to deck the halls, dress the tree, share kind words and christmas wishes with loved ones and most of all enjoy the spirit of Christmas with the BrisStyle Christmas Decoration Gift Guide.


Clockwise from top left - mini dream catcher ornaments - Spirit Fire, snowflake and sheet music garland - 3 Girls and A Goat, origami ornament - Kimono Reincarnate, Dalek Christmas card - Planet Pickle, assorted gift tags - The Print Press Studio, hand painted reindeer magnet - Marta Walenda, felt star ornament - In Pink Ink

Don't forget it's the final City Hall Indie Market on Saturday and it'll be your last chance to pick up some fab handmade cards and decorations from your favourite BrisStyler.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

BrisStyle twelve gift guides for Christmas - presents for the eco conscious

Looking for something for the eco warrior in your family this Christmas? Many of our lovely BrisStylers incorporate ecologically sound practices into their work. From those who creatively reuse paper and found objects to those who only use recycled fabric, findings and silver there are plenty of eco friendly goodies to keep the greenies happy this festive season. Here's just a small selection to whet the appetite:


Clockwise from top left - vintage map necklace - Myclectic, recycled papier-mache earrings - Flight Paths for Paper Birds, one of a kind necklace - Wimcee, woodland decor - Kuber Store, screen printed cushion - Easter Bonnet, raindrop necklace - Epheriell, tallowood possum brooch - Core 

Don't forget it's the final City Hall Indie Market on Saturday and it'll be your last chance to pick up some fab handmade wares from your favourite BrisStyler.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

BrisStyle twelve gift guides for Christmas - girls under 10

Quirky and unique gifts for girls under 10 are easy to find with the BrisStyle Gift Guide! From lego jewellery to bath products and even something for the little chef, there's something to make every little girls christmas wishes come true.


Clockwise from top left - My Tote House - Red Fox Ink, fine art print - Poppy Wynter, Rabbit brooch - I make it au, apron and chefs hat - C.HottesStuff, hair pins - Kimono Reincarnate, lego ring - CacyCat, bubble bath cupcake - Oasis Products Au.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

BrisStyle twelve gift guides for Christmas - work colleague

Looking for a special something for a work mate or friend? Marta has collated a collection of BrisStyle goodies to help you with the last of your Christmas shopping.


From top left corner clockwise - silver earrings - Two Plums, cake plate - Take Two, coin purse - Shelley Berelli, Japanese fabric, resin and silver earrings - Kimono Reincarnate, Twist, turn and tie 50 Japanese Braids - Braid and Bead Studio, polka dot crochet hook - The Spotted Hook, music note earrings - Myclectic, writers blocks - Red Fox Ink, glass covers - C.HottesStuff, textured silver bracelet - Small Green Leaf, handmade soap - Oasis Products Au

Monday, December 8, 2014

BrisStyle twelve gift guides for Christmas - Mum

With the tradition of the twelve days of Christmas I've brought you twelve gift ideas by BrisStyle members for Mum. These gifts cover craft, art, homewares and the much needed bling of uniquely made jewellery. You may even find something you like! Happy holidays and enjoy the selection.

Michelle Pujol


1. open pod earrings - Two Plums 2. Japanese print wristlet - Shelly Berelli 3. stacking art work - Cross your heart 4. polka dot crochet hook - The spotted hook 5. yarn bowl - Servant Ceramics 6. teardrop earrings - Small Green Leaf
7. blue woven fused glass fruit bowl - Simone McCluskie  8. ruby throated hummingbird fine art print - Winnifred's Daughter, 9. sterling silver open drop earrings - Kimono Reincarnate  10. art work wooden block - Mon Manabu
11. new growth specimen pendant - Michelle Pujol Jewellery 12. tree branch slice necklace - Mon Manabu

Sunday, December 7, 2014

BrisStyle twelve gift guides for Christmas - geek gifts

Are you looking for something for the geek in your life? Looking for something a little different? Something original? Are you a supporter of local artisans? Then check out these geek gifts, handmade by our wonderful BrisStyle members.

Tianni


From top left corner clockwise - Star Trek gold earrings - Planet Pickle, Tardis bobby pin hair slides - ChocRain, robot crayons - Poppisox, Dr Who Ood wallet - Sharlzdolcz, linen thread nest sculpture - Kuberstore, Troy crystal point necklace - Love Chrissa, Starry night brooch - Edward and Lily, acrylic black cat - Short Cuts Laser

Saturday, December 6, 2014

BrisStyle twelve gift guides for Christmas - Dad

Dads are always super hard to buy for, but we have you covered with a range of beautiful handmade gifts that are sure to have Dad smiling through Christmas day.

Enjoy
Felicity


From bottom left to top right - muscle energiser body massage blend - Ameretat, Sea Spray Soap - Oasis Products Au, hand painted pendant necklace - Marta Walenda, Tardis cufflinks - Handmade High Street, The Beatles Series, Genius Blocks - Red Fox Ink, desk organiser - I make it au, leather flip wallet - I make it au, elephant cushion cover - Jane Blue Horn

Friday, December 5, 2014

BrisStyle twelve gift guides for Christmas - teacher presents

Today Pattie Murray presents her selection of perfect teacher presents. Nab them online ASAP or pop in to the Brisbane Twilight Market tonight in King George Square and pick something up directly from the your favourite local artisan.


From top left corner clockwise - botanical cards - Brenda Marshall Art, neon and linen Christmas tree  decoration - Splendid Love, glass fused coasters - Simone McCluskie, embroidered zip purse - Edward and Lily, crocheted earrings - Treble Two, Skyscape necklace - Each to Own, little dumpling coin purse - Kerri's Hangups, button magnets - Designs of the Heart

Thursday, December 4, 2014

BrisStyle twelve gift guides for Christmas - teenage boy

Hello, it's Robyn from Purple Salt joining you today to share another BrisStyle gift guide. As a mum to two teenage boys I often find it difficult to know what to buy for Christmas gifts that aren't game related or plastic money. I hope you will find something here to suit your teenage boy!


From top left corner clockwise - hill tribe silver necklace - Escape Jewellery, mixed media art - Cross Your Heart, poli blocks - Red Fox Ink, dinosaur mug - Servant Ceramics, 'Richie' fine art print - Winnifred's Daughter, pencil roll - Kiss My Patootie, leather card holder - I make it au, no entry sign cushion cover - Jane Blue Horn

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

BrisStyle twelve gift guides for Christmas - teenage girls

Today's gift guide is brought to you by Anna-Margot

If you are looking for a fun, unique gift to buy a teenage girl this Christmas then look no further as our BrisStyle members have you covered with a range of cool and quirky handmade goodies.



From top left corner clockwise - cherry stud earrings - kazzy caboodles, flower stamped silver bracelet - Escape Jewellery, cloud brooch - I make it au, crochet hook - The Spotted Hook, handmade soap - Oasis Products Au, fine art print - Winnifred's Daughter, mixed media art - Cross Your Heart, lego stud earrings - Cacy Cat, fine art print - Red Fox Ink, origami fox stud earrings - Kimono Reincarnate, dream catcher - Spirit Fire Designs, forged silver necklace - Michelle Pujol, hand painted earrings - Marta Walenda 

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

BrisStyel twelve gift guides for Christmas - boys under 10

Boys are always hard to buy for, yes!?!! No!! BrisStyle has made it easy to put a smile on the face of even the fussiest little man this Christmas!

:) Vicki


From top left corner clockwise - portable wooden farm - Red Fox Ink, mixed media art - Cross Your Heart, lego key rings - Cacy Cat, wooden pencil holder - I make it au, monster colouring in bag - Kiss My Patootie, loom band hook - The Spotted Hook, art work on wooden block - Mon Manabu, travel bags - Jane Bluehorn

Monday, December 1, 2014

BrisStyle twelve gift guides for Christmas - baby

Want to shop local this festive season? Then we've made it super simple for you with our twelve gift guides for Christmas. Over the next twelve days we'll be showcasing a fine selection of goodies from our lovely BrisStylers. With a different focus each day we've found fabulous Brisbane made pressies for everyone from babies to teenagers, mums and dads and even teachers and work colleagues.

First up is BrisStyle Operations Manager Belinda with the Baby Gift Guide:

Looking for something for the smallest person in your family this Christmas, then look no further than our BrisStyle gift guide for the bundle of joy in your family.

Happy shopping
Belinda x


From top left corner clockwise - felt wool garland - 3 girls + a goat, gold leather bow moccasins - Mosov, baby girl knot headband - Poppy Wynter, nursery print - Little Scamp Prints, hair bow - Chelley Bean, sun hat - LaLaLa Designs, Christmas dress - Hot Fudge

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Etsy Pop Up Store


Opening tomorrow at BrisStyle HQ and featuring over fifty Etsy selling brisstylers. The first ever Brisbane Etsy Pop Up Shop will be showcasing a selection of jewellery, clothing, homewares and art from local makers and designers. 

Join us on opening night - Thursday 6 - 8pm and share a glass of bubbly, nab a goody bag and have a chance to win some hand made awesomeness with a lucky door prize.

Or pop in over the four days and get your Christmas shopping sorted whilst supporting a local artist. It's win win!!

Where: BrisStyle HQ 1F/24 Macquarie St. Teneriffe
When: Thursday 27th Nov - Sunday 30th Nov
             10am - 2pm each day

Thursday, November 20, 2014

:: BrisStyle Bazaar - this Saturday::

This Saturday the Queensland Museum Whale Mall will come to life with the fabulous BrisStyle Bazaar. With over fifty stall holders offering an eclectic mix of quality handmade goodies, vintage and the always popular craft destash, this is a pre-Christmas market not to be  missed.

Image courtesy of ImageInCafe
Presented in conjunction with Undressed: 350 years of underwear in fashion the Bazaar will feature a a bra-banner stretching across the width of the mall. To create the banner Queensland Museum teamed up with Mater Chicks in Pink and BrisStyle to decorate the bras and assemble the nine meter banner all in aid of breast cancer awareness. The banner will donated to Chicks in Pink in mid-December for their permanent use.

Image courtesy of Qld Museum
When: 9am - 3pm - Saturday 22nd Nov
Where: Qld Museum Whale Mall
Cost: Free


Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Meet the maker - Isaac Patmore

This week we meet one of our few male Brisstylers - Isaac Patmore. So get your cuppa and a biccy and settle down for a read and who knows perhaps you other creative blokes out there will be inspired to join the ranks.


Were you creative as a child/do you come from a creative family?Looking back I'd say I was creative from the amount of tree houses built rock dams created and adventures had as a child creativity and imagination come hand in hand with living and outdoor physical life. 

How would you describe your work?
My art is strongly based in ceramics. My main focus is tableware. I work quite eclectically within ceramics, I fire in different styles but I am always searching for the same thing the marriage between the form, function and surface. 


How has your work evolved since you started?
It is still evolving. 

How did you start selling online/ Etsy?
I am currently setting up my online shop on my website and hope to get etsy running before the end of the year.


Do you reduce, reuse, recycle as part of your creative process?
I like to collect and use naturally found ceramic materials. Some of my work is fired in a wood burning kiln and we use waste timbers from industry to fire the kiln. 

Describe your studio/workspace?
As I’m writing this my studio is in a state of flux. I moved out of my art space at Maryvale, just last weekend, and have just moved back to Brisbane. I currently just have the basics set up. By the end of this year I hope to have found a commercial space to set up a co-op. Watch this space. 


What is your favourite thing to make?
Mugs How did your business/shop name come about? Isaac Patmore Ceramics. I kept thinking of branding ideas - caveman creations? Martha & Mable? The more I thought about it I couldn't separate, product from self. I have thought a lot about this topic.


Where do you see your creative journey taking you in the next 12 months?
I guess getting a consistent production flow established to maintain a market stall. I have always worked sporadically for exhibitions. So there will be a shift in the way I work. 

What’s your top tip to others wanting to break into the handmade/creative market? 
Keep Making the rest follows. 


Describe your typical creative day?
Somwhere amongst recycle, wedge, throw, turn, decorate, carve, stamp, dry, sponge, bisque, wax, glaze/dip/pour/brush/spray, glaze fire, cool, open, clean up, photograph, sell. 

Favourite quote?
The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge, but imagination.-Albert Einstein. 

Music or movie while creating (if applicable)?
Always applicable,  something on radio, movie or music. I have only just started throwing pots and having a movie going on the tablet. It changes the forms I make, because my attention is focused on the movie. It also slows down the speed at which I work, the bonus is I stay in the gallery for much longer.


What is your favourite handmade item that you have bought?
Too many to list, I have been collecting handmade mugs for about ten years and I have many favourites in that collection. I feel the cup is like a signature for the potter you can feel someone's personality through the cup. 

Where can we find you online/stockists (links etc)?
isaacpatmore.com
Sturt Gallery-Mittagong.

all images from - isaacpatmore.com

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Meet the Maker - Kat Parsons - Kazzycaboodles Creations

This week we catch up with Kat Parsons PhD student and creative mind behind Kazzycaboodles Creations


Were you creative as a child/do you come from a creative family?
Yep I sure was – I have been drawing ever since I was old enough to hold a pencil. My parents are also creative - mum is a botanical painter and my dad likes to build things.

How would you describe your work?
A reflection of myself as a scientist, fossicker and cartoonist, most of my works are related to either one or all of these roles. 


How has your work evolved since you started?
I guess it has become more involved in terms of geology (active mineral collecting in the field) as well as more focused upon recycling and reusing found objects.

How did you start selling online/ Etsy?
I found out about Etsy through BrisStyle and decided to open a store. Since then I haven’t looked back. I have met so many wonderful people on there! :)


Who or what inspires you?
Science inspires me (specifically geology) and the rush of getting out in the great outdoors to find items. My fianc̩ and family also inspire me along the way Рkeeping me motivated and contributing ideas.

Do you reduce, reuse, recycle as part of your creative process?  
Yep I sure do. I use recycled clothing and fabric remnants to make my fabric button stud earrings, use vintage buttons for my button earrings, salvage / recycle photo frames for original artworks or displays, and even use copper wire out of dumped televisions to wire wrap raw minerals.


Describe your studio/workspace?
Chaos! In all seriousness it is a room in our small three-bedroom townhouse.  In there I have my trusty table and chair (which I got for free) with an extensive collection of vintage buttons and minerals displayed in glass jars. I also have a large amount of vintage / collectible items in there too so it feels more like an antique store than workspace.

What is your favourite thing to make?
Oooh that’s a hard question! I guess it would be hand drawn wooden brooches as I can create something that’s small, colourful and full of character in one sitting.


How did your business/shop name come about?
My nickname is Kaz, I have the whole kit and caboodle when it comes to my creations (earrings, artworks etc).

Where do you see your creative journey taking you in the next 12 months?
I am hoping to become more involved in markets (whether that be volunteering or having a stall). I would really love to meet new artists and make friends.

What’s your top tip to others wanting to break into the handmade/creative market?
Create what you love. This ensures that you love every bit of the process. Also don’t give up. Persistence is key.


Describe your typical creative day?
PhD, craft, PhD, craft. Rinse and repeat. I tend to mix my creative hours between hours of study.

Favourite quote?
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” -  Norman Vincent Peale.

Music or movie while creating?
Indie / alternative music – Tired Pony, Snow Patrol, Interpol, Doves, Turin Brakes etc. The album I have on repeat at the moment is The Ghost of the Mountain by Tired Pony.


What is your favourite handmade item that you have bought?
A three pack of handmade hair bows from Lavender Latte. They are so cute and so incredibly well made!!!


Where can we find you online/stockists?
www.etsy.com/shop/kazzycaboodles
www.facebook.com/kazzycaboodlescreations
www.instagram.com/kazzycaboodles
www.pinterest.com/kazzycaboodles

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Etsy Design Awards 2014

Finalists have been announced for the Etsy Design Awards for Australian Etsy sellers and four of our lovely BrisStylers are on the list:

Alice - Alice Nightingale



Jess - Epheriell



Melanie - Kimono Reincarnate



Belinda - Belinism


The awards recognise unique, high quality design and craftsmanship and celebrate the people who make etsy.com a destination for great design. Nominees fall into five categories - new talent, home & living, art & illustration, fashion & accessories and business as unusual - and all are eligible for the community choice award. Entrants have a chance to win a trip to New York and be featured in the December issue of InsideOut and you can win yourself a $250 Etsy gift card by voting for your favourite item or shop.

To view all the finalists and cast your vote head over HERE

Monday, September 29, 2014

Peppermint Magazine : Issue 23

Have you snapped up the Spring issue of Peppermint mag yet?

buy a copy from Etsy here
This issue - "food for thought' is chock full of food related articles and interviews including chats with ten inspiring folks from around the world - including Simon Bryant, Stephanie Alexander, Liz Wolfe and Belle Gibson -  discussing everything from the environmental impact of food to its emotional resonance. You can learn how to make pantry staples from scratch with Emma Galloway, read about Ron Finley - the man transforming LA's food desserts into food forests, visit Kyneton in Victoria and find out how Claire Dunne survived a year of back to basics wilderness living.

And just inside the front cover* you'll spot a few of our fabulous BrisStyler's including - Handmade High Street, Each to Own, Jetta's Nest, The Art and Craft Cottage, Karissa Chase, Michelle Pujol, The Thinktree and Ministry of Handmade


Make sure you grab your copy soon.

*Peppermint Mag is the major media sponsor of BrisStyle Inc

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Meet the maker - Angela Tracey - Poppy Wynter Designs

This week we meet the lovely Angela, creator of boutique stationery label Poppy Wynter


Were you creative as a child/do you come from a creative family?
Yes, I have always been inspired to be creative since a young age, my Nana who is now 92 still takes Art Classes for her bark paintings every week. And my mum who has been sewing since she was 15. I hope that I have inherited just a little of their creativity.

How would you describe your work?
Unique, I love doing custom designs for customers and have something that is different to the rest.

How has your work evolved since you started?
I have learnt a lot from other designers along the way but I think the moment I evolved was when I decided to go it on my own. This has been a huge learning curve and I am so excited about it.


How did you start selling online/ Etsy?
It was only natural to jump straight into the selling online scene and Etsy is just an amazing place to sell. 

Who or what inspires you?
Everything, I could spend hours looking through wedding blogs and homeware blogs love, love, love it!!  


Do you reduce, reuse, recycle as part of your creative process? 
I am always conscious of reusing and recycling.  

Describe your studio/workspace?
Sometimes at the kitchen bench, other times out on the deck. Depends what mood my 4 month old is in. But when I do get a chance to work in my studio its on my lovely vintage wood desk with lots of inspiration around.

What is your favourite thing to make?
My ‘love story’ invitations. I love getting my customers love story and creating it into a special custom invitation that is as unique as their wedding.  


How did your business/shop name come about (if applicable)?
I always said if I have a little girl I would name her Poppy Wynter. Um I now have a 4 month old and her name is Olive. So it became my business name.

Where do you see your creative journey taking you in the next 12 months?
I would love to grow my business to be more of a full time job. Would really love to build my brand by doing a lot more markets within Brisbane.

What’s your top tip to others wanting to break into the handmade/creative market?
Consistency. It’s really hard to stay motivated when you see nothing happening but keep that consistent flow of new products, facebook/instagram post and eventually you will start to reap the rewards.


Describe your typical creative day?
My brain starts at 5.00am. I always lay in bed with ideas of new designs, so this just gets me motivated to get up and put them down on paper. In between looking after the girl, I always sit down for creative time during the day.

What is your favourite handmade item that you have bought?
When I got married I bought a beautiful “twigs and honey” headpiece. I think I will always have it on display.

Where can we find you online/stockists (links etc)?
Instagram – Poppy Wynter Designs

Sunday, September 21, 2014

September Kids School Holiday Workshops

Our popular kids school holiday workshops kick off this week. Here's some of our sweet participants from last holidays:



All workshops are hosted by the lovely Kate of My Aunty Anna. Kate is a textile artist and uber crafter - perhaps you've stumbled across her giant weaving projects at community festivals on the northside. 

This holidays there's plenty of sessions to choose from for both boys and girls ages six and up. Kids can get crafty making pom poms, torn paper collage, jewellery, string art, macramé and pet rocks to list just a few.  
 

Here's the full program. Tuesday and Thursday workshops are $25* each or $45* for the full day and Wednesday sessions are $20* each or $50* for the whole day.
*+GST and booking fee


To book head over to BrisStyle and click on the image for the workshop you're after.

Monday, September 15, 2014

Meet the maker - Deb Magee - Lady Brass Steampunk Garnishes

This week we catch up with Deb, the creative mind behind Lady Brass Steampunk Garnishes

 
Were you creative as a child/do you come from a creative family?
I loved drawing and art as a child through school & college and I was encouraged by my family to continue doing something I loved so I’m just about to finish my Fine Arts majoring in Assemblage Sculpture & Assemblage Ceramics.

How would you describe your work?
My Lady Brass work is an extension of that art background with my jewellery & garnishes being “assembled” and original pieces created in the Steampunk genre.

How has your work evolved since you started?
I find myself exploring and engaging in all the different styles within this look which has resulted in some fun pieces.   I was always being asked where I got my own jewellery from and said that I made my own so people wanted me to make them something and so my work evolved.
 
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Who or what inspires you?
The whole Steampunk genre. Just love it J and all things Vintage Victorian Steam Metal Clocks Cogs – things made to last! Things made by craftsmen with time honoured skills.

Do you reduce, reuse, recycle as part of your creative process?  If yes, how is your art/craft eco-friendly?
I use a lot of recycled parts/pieces and bits in my work as I love Metal! In all its forms and I’m a regular caller at the Brisbane Metal Scrap Yard!! I also love Reverse Garbage for some fascinating bits & bobs to create my garnishes.  I’m a bit of a bowerbird!

Describe your studio/workspace?
Haaha that’s funny as my family will tell you I’ve taken over the – garage!  The Study! and the entire dining  table!

What is your favourite thing to make?
I think I like assembling Brooches the best as I can combine so many elements to create a unique one of a kind piece.

 
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How did your business/shop name come about?
Whilst going over a number of name options – my gorgeous son came in and said “Mom you love Brass and you are a Lady – why not “Lady Brass” – now who could refuse such a lovely compliment! So Lady Brass Steampunk Garnishes was born.

Where do you see your creative journey taking you in the next 12 months?
Creating a more comprehensive range and for Men as well and expanding my work to bigger pieces such as gauntlets, chest strapping’s etc.

What’s your top tip to others wanting to break into the handmade/creative market?
Hey – take a Big Breath and Step Out – be confident in what your “mark making” is and the BrisStyle group are the best and most supportive people to start with!
  

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Describe your typical creative day?
Well – my dining table is right in the middle of the room with all my bits & pieces on it! so I’m always “doing” throughout the day J

Favourite quote
Life is like a Cherry – each bite is sweeter than the last!

Music or movie while creating?
Hee hee – “Flashdance” & “Star Trek”

What is your favourite handmade item that you have bought?
A gorgeous brass heart split in the middle then riveted together – the imagery of the piece speaks volumes

Where can we find you online/stockists?  
facebook - lady brass steampunk garnishes