Just keep making

I was showing this book to a friend the other day, and I realised that a number of the makers profiled in Handmade in Melbourne Volume 2 aren't making any more. This book was published in 2009, but already so many of the creatives have had a career change, sold all their tools and equipment, or put things on hold, for whatever reason.

It made me feel sad that these makers had gone to the lengths of presenting their work for inclusion in this book, had written profiles about their passion for their chosen craft, the desire to keep their skills up, to grow their practice or their business, but now only 4 years later they are no longer pursuing that dream.

There are also a few inclusions in this book who have gone on to great things, their business has expanded, product range is new and exciting, they have gone from little local markets to massive stockist lists, and huge fancy markets, Angus and Celeste I'm looking at you!

Over the years I've had some ups and downs grappling with what it means to be a maker, and recently had some fantastic conversations/peptalks with Esteemed People Who Know Important Things, who assured me that I just need to keep making, but to be honest there's no way I could stop tinkering.

So in between Christmas and New Years' festivities, endless bickering of my children, an Instagram feed full of peeps on holidays, and both of my neighbours renovating, I have somehow found the time to begin a new pair of shoes.

It took me a while to decide on which leather to use

It has been far too long since I made a pair of sneaks, I mean a proper adult sized, fully lasted and constructed pair of custom kicks. It feels amazing to flex these muscles again.

Coco helped me cut the pieces while I listened to Ashes cricket - clean sweep!

They are almost stitched up and ready to be lasted, more pics coming soon.

Edition X

I'm very excited to have my work included in the amazing collection at Edition X. Housed at Pieces of Eight, at 28 Russell Place, Melbourne, Edition X focuses on presenting the 'affordable collectable'.

'Edition X is unique, bringing you completely exclusive commissioned works from a variety of artists and makers from around the globe with all collections made in very limited set editions.

The works range from jewellery, textiles and books to sculpture and works on paper.'

The Pinwheel earrings are available in three colourways, pictured above, and are a limited edition of three in each colour. 

Deck the Halls

Without filling this already image-heavy post with too many words, let me finally introduce my Christmas goodies for 2013. As many of you on Instagram will know, I have been cutting, stitching, attaching, painting and crocheting these beauties for a little while now, and I think that finally people are ready to hear about them!

I've taken many studio shots on the iphone, but also got some great photos taken by Natalie Jeffcott, and you can tell she is super talented and knows her schizz. Thanks Nat!

I have both an Etsy store, and one over at Bigcartel, possibly confusing but best to spread the eggs into many baskets. The entire range is also available at Craft Victoria, they have the wreaths, as do Klopper in South Melbourne Market. I am not selling wreaths online as the postage is a bit crazy, plus they are rather fragile.

 Christmas Bunting is my version of tinsel, a generous 3metres of red satin bias binding, with either gold or silver leather flags. Drape it around your Christmas tree, or pin to a mantelpiece or wall, to bring instant joy to your home.

 The Gift Cards feature festive postage stamps from all over the world, and are a gorgeous decorative touch to add to any gift. They are sold in packs of 10. I have been making these since January!

 

The wreaths are 30mtrs of rope, crocheted around a polystyrene core. They measure approx 45cm across, so are rather large, and have been a lot of fun to make! Instore at Craft and Klopper.

Finally the decorations, in four designs: bird, snowflake, present and Christmas stocking. These are made from robust kid leather, in the traditional colours of red and white, and feature a silver charm on satin ribbon. These decorations are set to become modern heirlooms, to be cherished by generations and remembered fondly each festive season.

I'm also doing the next Craft Hatch market from 11-4 this Saturday 30th November, at 1000 Pound Bend, 361 Little Lonsdale St in the city, all these goodies will be there, and a whole lot more!

And if that wasn't enough, Craft Vic will be selling this range at their stall at the Big Design Market Dec 6, 7 and 8, at the REB in Carlton.

Go forth!

Dressing up

Made a new Postage Belt to go with an outfit for a party, I dressed as Frida Kahlo which is no great stretch, what with my strong eyebrows and embroidered clothing, that's an everyday look for me!

It was great to get back to Radelaide again with the kids, we caught up with some old friends I hadn't seen for over 15 years, also did a lot of op-shopping, cupcake baking and beach visiting.

Back to work now, keeping the momentum going with all the Xmas stock, I'm having a stall at the next Craft Hatch market on Nov 30th at £1000 Bend in Lt Lonsdale St!

Freaking genius

Oh Walter, you are too good!

Sorry that this show has ended, but I am mighty glad I visited RMIT Design Hub to witness the fitness that is Walter Van Beirendonck.

Hot damn.

After Market

Wow - almost a week since Finders Keepers, what a whirlwind it was!

I was situated under the domed roof,  my neighbours were the lovely Jo and Andy from Olive and the Volcano, they had driven all the way from Byron Bay with 3 kids in tow.

I debuted my Christmas collection, which was too early for most punters, but at an 'event' market, as opposed to a regular market, I figured I would show everything. Surprisingly I sold a few Christmas pieces, and had the love from the organised Christmas folk!

Hazel and Leo came to play shops for a while, Haze insisted on bringing her cash register which was quite a prop. She started interrogating the customers so I eventually sent her off to the Museum with Granny.

I still have a few pieces in stock, so if you were keen on anything let me know, I'll post pics of available stock ASAP.

Apologies for updating so late, since the market I have been catapulted back into domesticity and parenting. There's only so long you can outsource childcare for, the little blighters now need their Mama for a while.

Market Eve

 Hello peeps, it's all happening here, as I make last-minute preparations for the market tomorrow. It's on at the Royal Exhibition bldg in Carlton, from 6-10 pm tomorrow night, and then 10-5 pm Saturday. I've set up my practice stall in the studio to see what should go where, printed price cards etc and I think I am ready for action.

 I'll be selling my new Christmas goodies, including decorations, gold and silver bunting, and the good-old gift tags featuring festive postage stamps.

I'm already feeling the Christmas spirit, I hope it's not too early for you!

 Postage Belts will be back on display, I have a beautiful group of these in all sizes, at a special market price. Any items not sold over the weekend will go into my webshoppe, so stay tuned for that info.

Lastly, we went to visit the Royal Melbourne Show yesterday, it was the last day and happened to be Leo's 9th birthday, so there were a lot of treats and rides. It seems that Hazel is a real daredevil (no surprise really) as she loved the rides and wanted to go on all of them!

Snapped a pic of my Hero boots which won First Prize in the open needlework embroidery category, pretty chuffed with the result, and my shiny blue ribbon!