Showing posts with label make. Show all posts
Showing posts with label make. Show all posts

11.11.14

CATCH UP OF THE WEEK

we deliver.

Those of you who listened up to our extended edition of the craftiverse on Monday Morning's RRR Grapevine will have heard us touting a brand spanking list of new workshops on offer in the run up to christmas and start of next year as well as outing a few of our must haves on our christmas list. We've been asked by a flock of little birds if we could make available the links to said items and classes. So here, in no particular order, they all are!

WORKSHOPS
Choose one (or a few) of these options and learn new skills or whip up goodies for gifts. And for us nothing says 'I love you' like a weekend of concentrated crafting with like minded souls.


Ilka White is one of the most generous and knowledgeable textile artists in Australia, and she's holding a few more workshops before the end of the year, one of which we'll be attending! This weekend on November 9 at the University of the Front Room and again on November 20 she'll be presenting her one day Braided Rug workshop at The School Of Lost Arts Geelong, an amazing location in one of the cities oldest residential homesteads that has to be seen to be believed. I attended a workshop there a few months back and it was so amazing i'm dragging Ramona back there to experience it for herself! Ilka is also holding her super popular Introduction to Natural Dyeing workshop at Ceres (which i've had the previous pleasure of) on December 7. This will definitely sell out and is just brilliant so do yourself the proverbial favour and get in quick!


North City 4 are offering their 'ring in a day' workshop again on November 22. This workshop not only comes with the guarantee of a brand new piece of jewellery hand made by you but also offers a brilliant insight into the craft of gold and silversmithing in a real studio workshop environment and tutelage of the highest order. Bookings here.





Northcote Potter guest artist in residence and all round lady of awesome Sophie Moorhouse Morris is running her Small Porcelain Pieces weekend workshop at Homework Studio on the 6th and 7th of December. We've done the three week version of this one and it was brilliant. Here I am holding my big pot pre-firing, a breakfast set I made and a planter Ramona made. Serious fun, loads of learnings and highly recommended. 


Speaking of Homework the inimitable design powerhouse that is Beci Orpin will be holding a day long Make and Do book project workshop on the 13th of December. If nothing else this will be a wonderful day full of laughs, colour and making in the most fun environment possible. 


And if you're thinking of upskilling in 2015 get in now as both Slow Clay and North City 4 are both taking bookings for all classes starting in January. Check out what's on offer and book in quick or get someone to buy you a course for Christmas! check websites for details.

SANTA'S SACK
Yes this year we're making lists instead of gifts  - well ok, we'll still be whipping up baked goods in the kitchen in the last week before santa comes but no 100 decorations in 100 days like last year. Instead we've started a little list of what things we'll be buying either ourselves or our loved ones this Christmas. Because if you can't make handmade you should at least buy handmade!


1. Linen Smocks from Cottage Industry. 
When it comes to dresses we love sacks, and as it happens Pene Durston makes the best sacks in town. Soft well washed linens, yarn dyed checks, and super light denim are just some of the super limited editions of this perfect dress that comes in such a variety of covetable cloths multiple purchases are obligatory. The Harvest Smock comes in short, medium and long lengths and is THE perfect urban uniform. Its also roomy enough to hide a ham, pavlova or indeed the results of eating said seasonal without any tell tale bulges. Plus any visit to the cottage comes with a dose of Jethro the super cat. (see above)


2. Hand printed tunics by Indie Ladan of Monolog.
Every year Indie brings out pieces that are must haves in my wardrobe, but this year she's outdone herself with a new tunic that could well be the ultimate urban uniform. I've already snapped up one in white moss but the rest of the range is also a cracking collection of must have items… so much so i've already put in an order for number two.


3. Whisky ice bucket and cups by Andrei Davidoff.
For the second year running Craft will be presenting exclusive limited editions of works by some of Australia's best artists and makers in their Supermarket show, opening December 5.  This years collection includes Kate Jones, Kris Coad, Bin-Dixon Ward, Karla Way, Katherine Bowman, Pennie Jagiello and Amanda Dzedzic amongst others. Its a fantastic opportunity to pick up affordable production works by artists that often only work in an exhibition paradigm. And this year its hml favourite Andrei Davidoff athat are topping our supermarket trolley this year.



4. Jewellery by Emma Homfray.
Represented by Pieces of Eight Gallery, Emma's new collection literally stopped us in our tracks on sight. We've both been blown away with her tactile approach to surfaces decoration and bold mid century modern stylings - as a result she is currently topping our Santa list. Ramona is looking for a silver with gold plated ring, while I'll take a pair of her giant disc earrings. Hubba Hubba. Hopefully our nearest and dearest's will get the hint.

We'll be adding new things to our own hand made christmas lists, showing you loads of cracking options for DIY wording you up week by week on workshops and markets happening around town as we head into the heart of the silly season.

and finally I just want to give another plug for the most important event of the week (aside from my going away dinner at Smith and Daughters tonight)

THE WRITE STUFF 



Craft's annual professional development series "craft to consumer" focuses on candid conversation and insider insights from makers, writers, thinkers and designers in an intimate setting. This one is especially special as it stars HML's own Ramona Barry alongside artist and curator Kent Wilson of the Town Hall Gallery and media maven Jo Walker of Frankie Magazine. This session is essential for makers seeking to discover their authentic 'voice', create meaningful social media, write artist bios, statements and cv's or how to successfully get into press or exhibitions. It will be weird to be in the audience rather than beside my craft companion but now that i've finally I quit my day job at Craft I can at least safely heckle from the back row! There are only a few seats left, and I know Ramona has even got a booklet ready for attendees so get on board - read more about us here and book here.
$20 for Craft Members and $40 for non members (but seriously why would you not be a member!)

AND for those of you who missed the broadcast you can always catch it again on the RRR's hereBECK


14.7.14

CHAT UP OF THE WEEK - RRR GRAPEVINE

great heads for radio




Its that time of the month again people. Ramona and I will be joining the Grapevine around 10:15 to talk up all that is crafty. We've both been battling bugs and mid winter blues - although those familiar with Ramona and my own instagram feed will note that we've both just as busy! It will be very good to get behind the mic with the lovely Grapeviners and talk up some exciting ways to make the most of the time indoors. 


We'll also be waxing lyrical about the new Gallery Oh retrospective show at Mr. Kitly which features the work one of our all time craft crushes, Bertjan Pot amongst others. Ramona and I have literally been waiting years to see Bertjan's rope masks and are still pinching ourselves that they're available for viewing now as part of Annexe Oh only one suburb away!


We've got two shows of the week to bring to your attention - Super ace DJ, painter, craftster, curator and all round legend Gemma Jones has a new shop How Am I Not Myself opening at Outré Gallery this Thursday night and the equally awesome Anita Cummins  is also opening her new show Quick Copy on Wednesday night at Bus Gallery. Gemma's latest collection of paintings, prints and wearables all featuring her signature sharp mod stylings and super pop girl groups straight outta Carnaby street, and just to up the multi dimensional craft action she's also collaborated with the equally talented and lovely jeweller Victoria Mason on enamel flags and banners.  We're excited. Anita on the other hand blew us away with her pom pom show a few years back and is continuing her own prismatic exploration of the spaces between knowing and unknowing via texta drawings and artfully arranged colour assemblages. we're pretty sure it's gonna be awesome.


This month however is really all about getting ready for Australia's biggest Craft Festival, Melbourne's own Craft Cubed which takes place right across Victoria throughout August. Last year there were over 120 satellite events and this year's even bigger so there'll be plenty of banter about what to book in for, what to save your pennies for, what to learn and what to see. Over the years we've seen and learnt some incredible things at this festival and we couldn't recommend it more highly.

Highlights for us so far include CulturalThreads  featuring a stack of amazing textile artists including HML favourites Eddy Carroll and Kate Just just to name a few.


And there's a brand spanking addition to the festival consisting of an entire week o free atrium activities at Fed Square from craftivism to ceramics, markets, makers, demonstrations, workshops and amazing Lost Trades. 


As usual there's a slew of killer workshops and events with some of Melbourne's finest makers covering everything from the ancient art of darning to a pom-pom and Pimms party, open studios a plenty and a long awaited and highly anticipated new exhibition by master gold and silversmith Vito Bila.


Also we'd be remiss not to mention the best and most inspiring annual seminar for craft makers Craft and Design as a Career which this year features jeweller Natalia Milosz- Piekarska, Melbourne Fashion icons Georgie and Alex of Alpha 60, the team behind the amazingLost Trades Fair, Artist and illustrator Jane Laver from Chapel Tattoos, Irene Grishin-Selzer of Iggy and LouLou fame....



And just announced as a speaker at CDAC is super cool graphic and textile designer Alice Oehr who's work pretty much blows our minds and who we cannot wait to hear speak. It always blows our mind just how incredibly talented, energetic and diverse our local craft scene is. Thankfully during August there's pretty much no craft stone left unturned so if you're interested in exploring we're giving the heads up now so you do not miss out! 


Oh and before we forget... Clear the decks this weekend people for the most hotly anticipated studio sale of the year as Craft Queen Penelope Durston of Cottage Industry opens her doors to the public. Seriously you will not believe what is in the offing. We've had some inside insights into what's on offer and we can tell you YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS IT... we're actually kind of hyperventilating already. As always folks, plenty of craft to see, make and do! BECK

20.6.14

EVENT OF THE WEEKEND - TONERPALOOZA

staple diet


It's going to be a gloomy old winter weekend here in Melbourne. Perfect opportunity to head into the State Library for the delightfully monikered 'TONERPALOOZA' zine fair. In fact it may inspire more of you to go photocopier crazy (we've done it, we loved it!). Saturday is more for the makers, with workshops and demos. Sunday hosts a fair of 100 zine makers. A fun day out and just for a few gold coins you'll return with a stash of original printed matter. You can find out more here at Sticky Institute.

5.5.14

AIRWAVES OF THE WEEK - HML ON THE GRAPEVINE, ANNA VARENDORFF, FRESH! AT CRAFT, MOTHERS DAY AND CRAFT CUBED

we're back...

Yes back at the RRR's and back on air today around 10.30ish on the grapevine. Hear us wax lyrical on what's on around town, what we've been up to, what you need to see, make and yes do... basically covering all that is crafty in Melbourne. 

SEE


Slip
Group show Slip at Anna Pappas gallery brings together a collection of artists creating work that in some way articulates change, slight almost imperceptible but most definately present. Features HML favourite and top five exhibition of the year candidate Anna Varendorff. 

Until May 31.
2-4 Carlton Street, Prahran.

Fresh! at Craft Victoria

Elise Sheehan
We reviewed this one last week but we can't talk it up enough. Its a GREAT show. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year it has an alumni that reads like a who's who of contemporary craft and has proven record unearthing craft superstars of the future. This year is no exception.

at Craft until June 8.
31 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Lifestyle Concept 

Alex Vivian
This one is gonna be great!!!  Lifestyle Concepts features some of Melbournes finest makers and thinkers from conceptual fashion duo Dolce and Kabana, set designer, sculptor and illustrator Madeline Kidd (currently also exhibiting in the window at Craft) to contemporary abstractionist Lisa Radford, superstar craft triple threat Meredith Turnbull and object manipulator Alex Vivian. 

May 7 - June 7 at Daine Singer 
Basement 325 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
opening 4-6pm saturday may 10.

MAKE 

Martha Friedman macaroni necklace
Lucy Folk
Mothers Day is right up there in the lexicon of craft holidays and its not too late to whip up your own original work for Mothers Day. Getting kids to make something for mum (other than a mess) is always a winner and getting your first gold sprayed macaroni necklace is definitely a right of passage. We're both hoping our boys take a leaf out of Lucy Folk's book and make this our year, but given the impact of loom bands and mine craft we're probably going to end up with a pixilated pick axe or plastic choker. 



If you're looking to make something simple but a little more sophisticated for either your kids or you to make have a crack at a simple silhouette portrait, hand painted pot and planter or a dip dyed t-shirt or tote bag. Also remember craft books and supplies never go astray for making mums if you're still stuck for ideas we'll be showing you a couple of super quick projects guaranteed to please during the week. Watch this space.

DO


The annual Scarf festival is an international open entry competition, sales opportunity and exhibition Originating at Craft Victoria many years ago it's been held at the National Wool Museum in Geelong for the last five years or so and just keeps getting bigger and better. Felters, knitters, crochet masters, dyers, patchworkers and fibre artists of all kinds welcome and call outs have been extended until May 16. Get more info HERE and get on board.

Closing date for entries Friday May 16
Exhibition Launch June 5
Exhibition open from Friday June 6 - Sunday September 5

Craft Cubed 



Craft is currently taking expressions of interest for satellite programs for this years festival. Got a great idea for an exhibition, workshop, performance, market, pop up shop, open studio, or happening or already have something taking place during august? Join the growing list of amazing people, projects and events in Australia's only festival of craft! Seriously this is a great for event for makers of all kinds and well worth becoming a part of! Check out details here, or call Program Coordinator Gemma Jones at Craft.

There are also bucketloads of new courses starting up all over Melbourne which we'll be reporting on this week, so keep your pencils or smartphones handy if you're interested in either serious upskilling or starting a new hobby.

whew lots on... see you on air - BECK AND RAMONA

29.4.14

CATCH UP OF THE WEEK - EASTER MAKEATHON

making and baking


Apologies for our week off air, but what with Easter, school holidays, ongoing health issues and crazy chocolate fueled children we've kind of been swamped. This hasn't however meant that we haven't been busy making, we still both manage to find time to get creative even if its in a stolen half hour between boys bath and bedtime.


While I tend to work on longer term projects that can be picked up and put down easily like tapestry weaving and coiled baskets Ramona knocks out new works on a daily basis like some kind of crazy making machine - you can see the results of her current totem obsession above. Having these long weekends is such a luxury for home crafters, giving you a whole day to get busy on bigger projects (like overdue wedding gifts) without having to think of the barrage of domestic duties and needy family members that fill regular weekends.


Over the past ten days Ramona's been busy with hand painted totems, paper flowers while I've been working on dyed indigo bedding, needle weaving, and baking... lots and lots of baking (I even broke my old oven over the weekend courtesy of my new-found obsession with freshly baked sourdough) and the kids have been making mine craft craft and covering the concrete with chalk drawings.




Busy busy crafting creatures we are... what did you get busy with over the long weekend? BECK

17.4.14

PROJECTS OF THE WEEK - WREATHS AND EASTER

egg on

he took great care getting the colour combos right
The ladies of HML are REALLY looking forward to Easter this year. Work and home have been unusually mental and we could sure use some downtime (if you call cooking Easter lunch for 8 people downtime). The school holidays have beautifully coincided with Easter this year so there has been much seasonal crafting. Thom excelled in the crepe paper stuffing of clear eggs for the branch.

$2.80 shops are the best for odd craft supplies

I even went one step further this year and made an Easter wreath for the front door. I'm a little wreath obsessed I admit. I find that they work best if you amass bits and bobs over time and have a beautiful wreath base so you don't have to cover the whole thing. You'll need a hot glue gun too because you need instant grip of odd shaped items like eggs, felt flowers etc

it wouldn't be Easter without those chicks
The branch looks particularly pretty.  I wrapped it in different coloured wool first and then dotted it with those crazy yellow chickens. It showcases both this years clear eggs and last years bedazzled gilded ones.

a hot glue gun is your best friend to get this much stuff on!
The front door wreath was so successful someone passing by asked me where I bought it! She then offered to buy it off the door which was sweet but a little crazy. It only took me 30 minutes and cost about $10 (wreath from a $2 shop, papier mache eggs covered in  scrap fabric and lace trim, felt flowers made out of cheap acrylic felt which is better outdoors, and Peter Rabbit acting as the Easter bunny  printed out from the internet and mounted on cardboard - it's not rocket science).

looks great in my Iggy and Lou Lou vase!

We'll be back next Tuesday with a show of the week. We hope you all have a lovely break with family and friends, eat some chocolate, read a book, listen to the rain, have tea, ignore the housework, sleep in. 
That's our plan! HAPPY EASTER! RAMONA AND BECK 

10.4.14

CRAFTS OF THE SEASON - EASTER EGGS

EGGCELLENT

painted egg cups serve as place names for Sunday lunch

With only a week to go I thought I would start sharing some of my family Easter crafts past and present with you. Easter comes under the banner of a 'very big deal' in our home. Despite having let many of my childhood traditions slowly go (religious ones mainly) I cling to the Easter ones like old friends.  I give up something for lent, make hot cross buns, serve fish on Friday and decorate eggs for around the house.

Fabric covered eggs make good gifts for non chocaholics

I plan Easter egg hunts (Beck has the edge there with a beautiful sprawling backyard and a knack for hiding things in fruit trees). I go to the Stations of the Cross at the cathedral, and I always always watch Easter Parade. This year I also intend to make an Easter bonnet but I'll save that for another post.

last year's place name eggs can with gifts inside

We go for the mad rush at the market on the Friday for seafood and return on Saturday for the big weekly shop. Mum and I cook up a storm on Easter Sunday, this year my daughter's boyfriend (whose nickname is baker boy) is in charge of sweeties. I've put in an order for a plaited sweet bun, and some hot cross buns for breakfast.

yeah I will gild and bedazzle ANYTHING

Haven't decided on the menu yet but am enjoying pouring over cookbooks for inspiration. My mother always puts in an order for roast chook as it's what she grew up with, her own grandmother choosing which one would get the chop from the backyard.

Thom made these a couple of days ago - crazy cute.

I've always been so envious of northern hemispereans as they are celebrating Spring at Easter while the autumn chill is settling on us here.It's good weather for hearty soups and crusty breads so who am I to complain?

these stencilled papier mache eggs are a favourite
It doesnt matter where your belief systems operate for this holiday. It's about taking a couple of days off to rest, recuperate, rejoice in each other's company and sing along with Judy Garland and Fred Astaire (oh and to go hunting for rarities on record store day of course!) RAMONA