madeit.com.au :: the handmade market open all day every day

Seller who Blogs :: splishsplashdesigns

2012-01-18T15:24:00.000+11:00

Seller who Blogs :: splish splash designs
Blog :: splishsplashdesigns.blogspot.com
Shop :: madeit.com.au/splishsplashdesigns

Tell us a bit about yourself and what do you sell on madeit?
I’m a busy mum of 2 boys aged 4 & 2. I started sewing for a hobby when I was on maternity leave with my first son and was hooked. Soon, I was sewing things for my son, for my house and for friends until I had no one left to sew for! With a bit of a push from a crafty friend, I booked my first market in 2010 and started sewing in preparation for it. I enjoyed the market so much that I registered my business name and my business was born. I now attend markets and sell online on www.madeit.com.au

I sell superhero capes, plastic bag storage bags, bunting, softies, library bags and hair accessories. I have plans of adding more things to my range throughout the year.

How long have you been blogging and why did you start?
I have been blogging for just over 2 years. I started blogging to keep a record of my life, my craft and my boys. I enjoy taking part in swaps with other bloggers and try to do some little challenges for example I’m taking part in a photo a day challenge for January 2012.
I find it so interesting looking back over my blog to see what I was up to.

Do you have any advice for other sellers who are thinking of starting a blog?
Start writing about the things that are happening around you and the things you are making and soon you’ll have lots to say. Participating in challenges helps to break the ice with other bloggers and is a fun way to get into blogging.

What are some of your favourite blogs and why?
www.fatmumslim.com.au - I find Chantelle’s blog entertaining, funny and inspirational.
www.retromummy.blogspot.com - Corrie’s blog is about family, craft and life. I enjoy reading it every day and love the way she writes
www.herlibraryadventures.blogspot.com - all about Thrifty things. It always amazes me the things that Sophie finds in her travels
www.mysweetprintsblog.blogspot.com - Jeanette is a wonderful Graphic Designer and her blog is so lovely

When you aren't blogging or making what do you like to do?
I play trivia once a week at the pub with one of my closest girlfriends. It’s our little weekly night out in the middle of the week and we both look forward to it each week. We’ve gone from coming last to being in the top few teams frequently. We must be getting smarter!

I also spend a lot of time with my children and watching them grow. They keep me entertained and they surprise me by all the wonderful things they say and do.

madeit new seller :: madebyally

2012-01-16T12:37:00.000+11:00

madeit new seller :: made by ally

madeit.com.au/madebyally

How did you find about madeit?
Since I have started sewing, the people I make things for have gotten alot of comments on their handmade items and people have said I should sell them. I had never really thought about it and asked a friend who sews if she knew a good place to sell handmade items and she suggested madeit.com.au, so I figured I'd give it a try

Explain your style
Bright! Happy! Fun! I try to let that reflect on the things I create.

What makes you happy?
I love bright colours, reading crafty blogs and shopping for fabric definitely makes me happy!

What makes you sad?
Rainy days and seeing other people sad.

What can't you live without?
Family, friends and my sewing machine!!

craftumi seller quick five :: purple-uni

2012-01-11T12:44:00.000+11:00

craftumi quick five :: purple-uni

madeit.com.au/purple-uni

Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m a 36 year old married Mum of two kids aged 9 and 11. When I was young my Mum had a craft shop and as an adult I’ve only ever worked in shops that sold craft supplies!! After my second child was born, I found it very difficult to actually make my own craft items, my daughter always wanted to sit on my lap when I was sewing!! So I guess it wasn’t too big a surprise when I found myself getting my crafty fix by selling supplies! It was something that just sort of happened...and I’ve been selling craft supplies ever since. I love following the trends and seeing all the new items that come out.

How did you find about craftumi?
I had run my own website for many years but what I sold was quite specific. I really wanted to be able to sell other products and keep working from home but didn’t want to deal with setting up a new site. So, I was looking into other ways of selling online. In my research I stumbled over craftumi and haven’t looked back.

What do you sell on craftumi?
I opened my shop earlier this year. My shop name came from my friends adorable daughter. Every time they drive past my house she says....’that’s Jacs ouse’!! I thought that was just too cute, so Jac’s House it was!! I sell quite a range of things, my favourite are the wooden picture cabochons. They are just gorgeous!! I also sell hair accessories, beads, findings and many other little bit and bobs! I try and add new products regularly as I tend to sell whatever I am currently tinkering with myself!!

What is your favourite craft activity?
I genuinely don’t have a favourite. I enjoy so many different crafts!! ...sewing, knitting, papercrafts, beading, ceramics, candle making, woodwork. I just enjoy making things and having fun with new idea’s. I often don’t finish my larger creations as its really the creative process and tinkering around that I enjoy! For that reason I tend to stick to small projects and researching new stock!!

What would be your perfect day?
Wow, the options... I’m not sure, there are so many different things I would try and squeeze in! I love junk shopping and seeing what treasures i can find...so I guess my perfect day would be to stumble over the best stocked (and cheapest, it has to be a bargain!) junk shop!! I love old books, fabrics and vintage art or craft supplies!

madeit new seller :: ethelanddot

2012-01-09T10:47:00.000+11:00

madeit new seller :: ethel and dot

madeit.com.au/ethelanddot

How did you find out about madeit?
I regularly look at a number of blogs as I love to see what other people are making both for themselves and in their businesses and for inspiration with my own sewing. I also love looking at blogs to keep up with what fabric ranges are currently being designed. It was through this blog surfing that I first heard about Madeit.

Explain your style.
I love fabric that is fresh, modern and full of beautiful colours. At the moment, I am particularly enjoying using fabric covered buttons to create simple small items that are practical- whether it be magnets, hair accessories, wall art or bibs. In addition to this, I love the challenge of how to best show off the colours, patterns and pictures on the fabric for such small items.

What makes you happy?
I would most definitely have to say my little girl who is 10 months old. She brings such joy to my husband and I. I often catch myself during the day just watching and smiling as she explores the world, tries to figure out the whole walking thing, looks inquisitively through books and rolls around on the floor laughing- the list could go on. It is just amazing to watch her grow and develop, so much has happened and it has only been 10 months!

What makes you sad?
I am hopeless when it comes to watching sad movies. I even cry when it is a sort of happy moment but still sad- like in Toy Story 3 (I won't give away what happens, but those of you who have seen it will know what I mean), boy did I cry!

What can't you live without?
My Husband and daughter would have to be at the top of my list. Having said that, I also could not live without my family as I am very close to my Mum and twin sister. With my sister it is like having a permanent best friend. Oh, and I had better not forget my dog, Stanley.

Xmas Post :: Calico Lane - The Christmas Pudding

2011-12-23T15:18:00.000+11:00

Guest Blogger - Calico Lane

madeit.com.au/CalicoLane

.....................................................................................................................................................................

The Christmas Pudding is kind of a big deal in my family. It is carried, reverently and aflame with brandy flame into the dining room after our huge Christmas lunch, ready to be smothered in custard, complimented and devoured.

Over the past four years or so, the preparation of The Pudding has become my job. I take it very seriously and use the same recipe that my mum has used since she was married; from The Australian Women’s Weekly in 1974. I have a photocopy of the recipe that was ripped out of the magazine, well stained and dog-eared from over thirty years of Christmas cooking.

The thing is, is that it is dead easy to make. But don’t tell anyone. It’s nice to impress people with a rich, fruity, moist pudding, and let them gush over what a wonderful job you have done.

Firstly, gather up all your dry ingredients. Yep, there’s carrot in it. Just trust me. It will be ok.

Also, did you know it’s much easier to cut prunes up with kitchen scissors than a knife? Awesome kitchen tip of the day.

Sift your flour and spices together, then add those to the fruit and stuff.

Gather your wet ingredients. Melt the butter and add it to the rest of the liquids. It’s best to let the butter cool a little first so you don’t end up scrambling your eggs.

Then dump the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix. You’ll need some muscles for this bit. You can be ruthless with the mixture – you can’t overmix this! It’s considered good luck for everyone in the house to have a mix of the pudding. Hubby does this under much duress.

Once mixed (by everyone) you can pour the mixture into greased pudding basins. This mixture makes either one big and one little pudding, or two medium puddings (or one super large pudding!)

Now the tricky part (i.e. where I wish I had four hands). If you’re using a regular pudding basin, you need to tightly cover the basin so that the pudding steams and cooks. Cut a circle of baking paper and a circle of foil quite a bit bigger than the top of the basin. We always fold a little pleat in ours to allow for steam, but I’m pretty sure you could get away with not doing that!

Put the two circles together, and with the baking paper on the inside (yes, I did it wrong) fold the edges over the edge of the basin. Take a long length of kitchen string and tie a loop in it like a noose. Lasoo the basin and pull the loop tight, securing the edges of the foil. Tie securely and then tie the string at the other side of the basin forming a loop with which to lift the pudding in and out of the water.

If you have a pudding steamer with a lid, easy! Pop the lid on and lock it.

Place your pudding on an upturned saucer in the bottom of a big pot and fill the pot with boiling water so that the water comes about two thirds up the side of the basin. Replace the lid of the pot and boil gently. A big pudding takes 4-5 hours and a small one about 3 hours. Keep an eye on the water and refill it if it starts to get a bit low.

These puddings will keep for a very long time! To help preserve them and make them even yummier, poke some holes in the pudding with a skewer and pour some brandy over the top every now and then. I’ve kept puddings for years – they really do improve with time.

When you are ready to serve, boil the pudding in the basin for another hour or so to warm it through. Turn it out of the basin onto a serving plate. Pour over brandy and light at your own risk! Have the custard and cream ready and fill yourself with pure Christmas joy!

And remember, not a word about how easy it was to make!

Christmas Pudding recipe {adapted from a recipe in The Australian Womens Weekly 1974}

Ingredients:
375g seeded raisins, chopped
375g sultanas
250g currants
185g prunes, chopped
90g slivered almonds
grated rind of one lemon
one large carrot, grated
250g soft white breadcrumbs
1 cup sugar
1 cup plain flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon mixed spice
4 eggs
¾ cup milk
½ cup brandy
½ cup stout
250g butter, melted

Method:
1. Grease pudding basins. Mix together the raisins, sultanas, currants, prunes, lemon rind, almonds, grated carrot, breadcrumbs and sugar.

2. Sift the flour with the salt, nutmeg and mixed spice and add to the dry ingredients. Lightly beat the eggs and add the milk, brandy, stout and melted butter.

3. Fill the prepared basin(s), leaving a space of about 1cm at the top. Cut a round of baking paper and foil and place of the top of the basin. Tie securely with string, leaving a large loop with which to lift the basin in and out of the boiling water.

4. Place an upturned saucer in the bottom of a large saucepan half filled with boiling water. Carefully place the pudding basin in the pan, making sure the water comes two-thirds up the sides of the basin. Replace the lid on the pan and gently boil for 4-5 hours for a large pudding and 3 hours for a small. As the water boils away replace it with more boiling water. The day the pudding is to be served, boil it for a further 1-2 hours.

Xmas Post :: little ray - Biscuits Jar Gifts

2011-12-22T15:08:00.001+11:00

Guest Blogger - little ray

madeit.com.au/littleray

.....................................................................................................................................................................

I recently was part of a Christmas market, The Sugar and Spice Children’s Market in Woodend, Victoria where the organisers gave a biscuit mix in a jar to all of the stallholders as a present. I thought this was such a wonderful idea that I decided to make a few myself and give them as Christmas presents.

I found a great recipe on allrecipes.com which could be altered slightly for a Christmassy feel. Looking on the internet there are many versions that could be adopted or you could use your favourite tried and tested biscuit recipe.

It’s a very easy, quick idea for a present or alternatively you could use the recipe to make some biscuits for yourself!

I bought some glass jars at Spotlight (thought I’m sure you’d be able to find similar ones at many other places). They need to be approximately 1 litre in size to fit all of the ingredients.

The ingredients are -
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup Christmas themed red and green M&M’s (or other similar chocolates)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cups plain flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup rice bubbles (or similar)

With the jar layer the ingredients in as follows –
• White sugar
• Rolled Oats
• M&Ms
• Chocolate Chips
• Brown Sugar
• Plain flour, Baking Powder, Salt
• Rice Bubbles

insert image

Pack each layer down so that they will all fit in the jar. The jar I chose to use already had a nice lid but if you wanted to make it more festive you could cut a round of Christmas themed fabric or paper and tie it over the lid.

Place a label on the jar (or tied to the lid) with the following instructions –

Preheat oven to 175 degrees C. Place baking paper on a tray. Empty the entire contents of the jar into a medium bowl. Add 1 large egg and 1/2 cup of margarine melted; mix well. Form dough into balls and bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven.

Enjoy!

Xmas Post :: a {she} state of mind - Gingerbread Love Gifts

2011-12-21T14:19:00.001+11:00

Guest Blogger - a {she} state of mind
madeit.com.au/ashestateofmind

................................................................................................................................................

Every Christmas my girls, Tahlia and Ellie get their baking grove on to make and decorate a batch (or two) of gingerbread to give to their cousins on Christmas Day. I think the part they like best is selecting the lollies they use to decorate the gingerbread

There are many Gingerbread recipes out there but we use this recipe from one of the girls’ cookbooks each year. The recipe is easy to follow and it makes Gingerbread that is nice and soft (just the way I like it).

Gingerbread
This recipe makes approx 25 medium size cookies or 15 large gingerbread peeps

115g butter
1 tsp baking soda
4 tablespoons golden syrup
2tsp ground ginger
175g soft brown sugar
1 beaten egg
340g plain flour

Preheat oven to 190c and line a baking tray with baking paper.

Put the butter, sugar and syrup in a saucepan on a very low heat. Stir with a wooden spoon until all ingredients have melted.

Sift the dry ingredients into a large bowl and stir in all of the wet ingredients. Mix together and then knead it into a ball. Wrap in cling wrap and pop it into the fridge for 1/2hr.

Sprinkle your bench and rolling pin with flour and roll the dough until it is approx 1/2cm thick.

Use your biscuit cutters to cut out some shapes and put them onto the baking tray.

Bake the biscuits for 10 to 15 minutes until they are golden brown (keep an eye on them). Pop them on a wire rack to cool.

To decorate the biscuits you will need:

Lollies, lots and lots of lollies. This year we are using fruit sticks, mini marshmallows, M&Ms, mini M&Ms and some liquorice allsorts (sliced thinly). When the biscuits are cold, make up an icing mixture to use as the “glue” to hold the lollies to the biscuits by mixing 1 cup icing sugar mixture, 1 tsp butter and a splash of boiling water. Keep adding water until a nice consistency is achieved (you may need to add another splash during the decorating process as the mixture hardens).

We use toothpicks to spread the icing onto the biscuits but of course you can use a piping bag too. Now in years gone by I was known to hover and make sure they were doing it “just right”....of course just because my eyes think it’s just right doesn’t mean their eyes do. So because this is their gift to their cousins I sit back and enjoy an hour of quiet time while they get to create their little masterpieces.

After the icing has set the girls pop some gingerbread into a bag for each cousin and add a little Christmas touch. This year we are using clear plastic bags tied with ribbon and decorated with some holy (from Woolworths) and some little jingle bells (available from spotlight). The girls stamped this sweet image onto some white card and added a handwritten message to the back.

And ta da...one down, eight more bags to go!

Xmas Post :: Designery - Christmas Wreath tutorial

2011-12-20T16:33:00.000+11:00

Guest Blogger - Designery

madeit.com.au/Designery

.....................................................................................................................................................................

This wreath looks great and is really simple to make. I have been meaning to do something with a roll of hessian webbing I have been hoarding and now I have a snazzy new wreath for my front door!! I absolutely love natural colours mixed with red, they look so good! I hope you enjoy the tutorial and...... of course, have a great Christmas and festive season..........with love from Designery xx

This wreath looks great and is really simple to make. I have been meaning to do something with a roll of hessian webbing I have been hoarding and now I have a snazzy new wreath for my front door!! I absolutely love natural colours mixed with red, so this is very much me!

Materials and tools needed:

Cane wreath, approx 25cm in diameter (I found mine in an op shop and recycled it for this project)
Hessian webbing (approx 5 metres)
Hot glue gun
Linen ribbon (30-40cm)
Scissors

Instructions:

1. Using your hot glue gun, glue an end of your webbing at an angle, on to cane wreath. (Take care not to burn yourself with the hot glue!)

2. Once the glue has set (wait a few minutes for it do do so), you can start wrapping your wreath with the webbing. Wrap on angle. I used a 2cm overlap on each wrap of the webbing. Make sure you wrap quite tightly, or you will end up with lumpy bits on wreath.

3. Continue wrapping the wreath until you have double wrapped it. (I tried a single layer of wrapping, but it looked a bit thin). Snip off the remaining webbing. Using the glue gun, glue the end of the webbing at the rear of wreath.

4. Making the ribbon.
As I am completely hopeless at tying ribbons, I used a bit of a cheats way of getting a nice finish. I took a length of the leftover webbing and made two loops on the left hand side, the back loop slightly bigger than the front one. Now do the same on the other side, using the remaining webbing. Take the leftover end of webbing and wrap around the wreath and centre of your "bow", until it is secure enough to glue at rear of wreath behind the bow.

5. At the rear of the wreath (as pictured below), take a piece of linen ribbon and hot glue both ends to the back of the wreath. Wait a few minutes for glue to dry.

Your wreath is now ready to hang!

Xmas Post :: Idea Liza - All wrapped up in handmade

2011-12-19T20:48:00.005+11:00

Guest Blogger - Idea Liza
madeit.com.au/IdeaLiza

.....................................................................................................................................................................

Hopefully by now you’ve got most of your Christmas presents sorted,
but have you wrapped them?

In this post I’ll show how to add some handmade flair to your wrapping paper, by block printing Christmas motifs onto plain paper. I’ve used brown recycled paper, but any plain paper could be used.

First up, you need some stamps. You could use store bought stamps and an ink pad, but you can also easily create your own. To make a stamp, first draw the mirror image of your desired motif onto a material like lino, rubber such as ezycut, or a half potato.

You then need to cut away the material which you don’t want to print (using a sharp knife for a potato, or lino cutting cools for lino or rubber). If you’re using a soft material like lino it can be useful to then glue the material onto a piece of wood, to give the lino more support and create a rigid stamp.

To make a stamp pad, you need a flat surface (something like the inside of a cd case), some paint (acrylic paint is fine), and a piece of absorbent material like felt. Spoon some paint onto your surface, cut a piece of material slightly bigger than the area covered in paint, and place the material over the paint. You’re now ready to start printing.

Xmas Post :: Joyfoolery - Re-usable Fabric Christmas bags

2011-12-19T11:41:00.001+11:00

Guest Blogger - Joyfoolery
madeit.com.au/Joyfoolery

I have wanted to do this for many years, but always found myself too busy (or lacking in desire) to get it done. With four children I knew this would be a mammoth task, but also worthwhile. Here is why I love this idea:

It's eco friendly, lots of energy saved in not buying wrapping paper (especially when you get the fabric second hand from op shops like I managed to).

They look fabulous!

They are reusable. This means I have very little work to do next year! (I really, really like that part).

No filling up the rubbish bin on Boxing Day. I just need to fold the bags and store them away for next year.

Cost. The price of the fabric and my time was the only cost and that was a one off.

Want to make your own? There is still time, these bags are so quick and easy, especially when you make a whole heap at a time like I did. Here's how:

Choose your bag size, you can make your bags any size you want! Start off with your fabric in a square or rectangle shape.

Then fold it in half (right sides of your fabric together).

If you have an overlocker use that to sew together the bottom and one side edges. Or you can use a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine to keep the edges tidy. Stop around 2 inches from the top.

So it should be looking like this:

Now fold those edges back and zigzag them. I should note here, I used white cotton so you could see my stitches, but it would be much nicer if you matched your cotton to your fabric!

If you don't have an overlocker you can skip this next step. I overlocked the top edge.

Now you just need to fold the top edge down to make a casing for your ribbon. If you don't have an overlocker, you will want to use a zigzag stitch or fold the hem under for a neater edge. Fold down around 1.5cm depending on the width of the ribbon that you want to thread through.

That's it, looking good, only one more step now.

You can turn your bag right side out now. Pop a safety pin onto the end of your ribbon (I used bias tape that I picked up in the op shop) and thread it through.

Tie a knot in the ends of your ribbon, and you are done!

Now go and make a whole heap!

No. More than that.

That's better. Merry Christmas!

.....................................................................................................................................................................

Tupsy Turvy Xmas Gift Guide - Follow the stars

2011-12-18T10:43:00.009+11:00

Guest Blogger - Tupsy Turvy

madeit.com.au/TupsyTurvy

Music for me sparks emotions and it is especially so at Christmas time. I love hearing the carols that play, and join in with singing the words, telling the story of Christmas. I have a simple carol in my memory from Christmases past, as a child participating in a Nativity play, about the three kings following a star. Even many years later I can still remember the words and the tune. Music has that effect.

My favourite carol is ‘O Holy Night’. It not only tells of the Christmas story, but the tune lilts and seems to build in reverence. The carol begins with ‘O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining…’ The ‘star’ is a symbol of Christmas and part of many gifts and decorations at this time of year. I thought I would peruse the lovely handmade items and find some starry products. Follow these stars…

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

enchanted creations by narelle Xmas Gift Guide - The Christmas Tree

2011-12-17T10:00:00.000+11:00

Guest Blogger - enchanted creations by narelle madeit.com.au/enchantedcreationsbynarelle

A big part of Christmas for me is the traditions that take place. A tradition I have always loved at this time of year is putting up the Christmas Tree. It has always been a family event. With Christmas carols playing the background and everyone taking turns putting on the decorations, it is a time to relax and just enjoy the moment. The youngest in the family has always had the honour of putting the angel on top. This was how my parents always put up our tree and this is how I have always done it with my children.

So in honour of the Christmas Tree, here are some tree themed items I have found.

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

creative wishes Xmas Gift Guide - Celebrating with Food

2011-12-16T11:53:00.000+11:00

Guest Blogger - creative wishes

madeit.com.au/creativewishes

December for my family is full of fun gatherings with friends and family, get togethers with work collegues and end of year break ups. The one thing all these occasions have in common is food. I am always trying new recipes at this time of year and love it when I can share a plate with friends. My in laws are Greek so their gatherings are very food focussed (you would never starve at a Greek get together) and feature dolmades, spanikopita and a lamb cooked on the spit. I love a traditional turkey with cranberry sauce, Christmas pudding and trifle. The kids love to help out in the kitchen too making gingerbread men, white Christmas and rum balls. If your family is like mine then I am sure you will be inspired with all the wonderful food related items to be found on Made It.

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

Bella Stationery Studio Xmas Gift Guide – For Santa and his Reindeers

2011-12-15T17:07:00.001+11:00

Guest Blogger - Bella Stationery Studio
madeit.com.au/bellastationerystudio

Every year on Christmas Eve my three younger sisters and I would leave a plate of food out for Santa, and some carrots and fresh water for his reindeers. Santa was always treated to a slice of Mum’s homemade fruit cake, some shortbread or gingerbread cookies and of course an ice cold beer.

On Christmas morning after opening our presents we would run outside to find a half eaten carrot and, depending on how hungry Santa was the night before, a few crumbs left on his plate.

Here is a selection of beautiful handmade treats that you might like to leave out for Santa and his reindeers.

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

Handmade Canberra Christmas Market this weekend

2011-12-15T15:40:00.006+11:00

Handmade Canberra is bursting with gorgeous Handmade gift ideas in the Nation’s Capital.  

Saturday 17 Dec & Sunday 18 Dec 
National Convention Centre Canberra!
9am - 4pm
 FREE entry & Parking

For event details Click Here
 Find us on Facebook Click Here

Below are some of our madeit sellers who will be attending Canberra Handmade. Click the image to visit their madeit shop.

cloud love baby Xmas Gift Guide - My favourite parts of Christmas

2011-12-14T12:14:00.000+11:00

Guest Blogger - cloud love baby
madeit.com.au/cloudlovebaby

Growing up, Christmas was never about how much money was spent or who had the most presents - although on any given day you could find my brother and I under the tree tallying who had how many presents but we grew out of it. When we 28 and 25 respectively ;) - it was about family and traditions and the things that your tiny little band of people did that made you felt like you belonged. I love being a mum for so many reasons, but being able to be the instigator and keeper of traditions for my family now would have to be one of the things I love most! Christmas is the perfect time to build routines, rituals and traditions into your family. Those same ornaments you look for every year, the decorations, the ritual of preparing Santa's snack, the art of wrapping the perfect present with a matching tag, your family's own elf on the shelf to look for each morning… These are some of my favourite parts of Christmas. From my family to yours, Merry Christmas!! xo

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

loved Xmas Gift Guide - shades of grey & white

2011-12-13T12:56:00.000+11:00

Guest Blogger - loved
madeit.com.au/loved

Anyone who knows me or is familiar with my blog knows just how much I adore all shades of grey or white. Team them together or with other neutrals and you have the perfect combination all year round! Always fashionable, classic and elegant. Here are just a few favourite things on my wish list this Christmas...

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

two cheeky monkeys Xmas Gift Guide - Intellectuals

2011-12-12T12:29:00.005+11:00

Guest Blogger - two cheeky monkeys
madeit.com.au/twocheekymonkeys

Do you have a "hard to buy for" person in your circle of friends or family? For me, the hardest individuals to buy for are the geeks whose IQ scores soar into the summer sky (my husband, my late father, my sister and my father-in-law all fall into this category) as I struggle to find them the perfect Christmas present. Being a huge fan of handmade (and possibly being a bit of a geek myself, cough, ahem), I find myself drawn to quirky, funny or ingenious geek-themed handmade creations as Christmas approaches. There's just something so right about presenting that super intellectual doctor friend with an anatomy-themed gift or giving the techno geek a handmade case for their iPhone or iPad. Here are some geek-themed gift ideas for you to give your favourite geek a laugh this Christmas.

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

the {christmas} market : this Saturday + Sunday, Hobart TAS

2011-12-10T11:44:00.007+11:00

the market extra special 2-day Christmas event is full of the most gorgeous gifts, the most beautiful cards and wrap, the sweetest little stocking fillers, and best of all, it’s all created by an exceptionally talented and most importantly local collection of artists, designers and makers....Christmas Spirit anyone? We hope you can join us, and being a two day event, we have a fresh batch of designers arriving each day!

Saturday 10th December, 10-3
Sunday, 11th December, 10-3

For more information visit the market blog

little muse Xmas Gift Guide - Sugar & Spice - Hansel & Gretel / Gingerbread

2011-12-09T17:15:00.006+11:00

Guest Blogger - little muse
madeit.com.au/littlemuse

In our home, Christmas is a time for generosity and tradition, and one thing encompasses both more than others...gingerbread. Lots and lots of gingerbread! Gingerbread men for friends, gingerbread houses for family, gingerbread fingers for mum, gingerbread kisses for dad, gingerbread tummy aches for the little ones, & a gingerbread carpet for the kitchen floor. This Christmas be generous with your smile, and sweet with your spirit. Share your moments with love and with loved ones, and always remember to add a little spice! Here are some Hansel & Gretel inspired finds, because who wouldn’t want to live in a Gingerbread house? "Nibbling, nibbling, little mouse! Who's nibbling on my little house?"

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

run rabbit run Xmas Gift Guide - All things Australian

2011-12-08T14:57:00.005+11:00

Guest Blogger - run rabbit run
madeit.com.au/runrabbitrun

I love the Christmas and holiday season here in Australia. Nothing beats the ringing noise of cicadas, watching the kids play under the sprinkler and going to the beach for a swim after dinner. I am fortunate to have all my family and friends here in Australia, but realise that there must be many Australians who will find themselves overseas at Christmas time away from their families. So I have chosen an Australian gift guide theme with plenty of “aussie” gift ideas just perfect to send overseas.

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

crafty mummy Xmas Gift Guide - Celebrating Family

2011-12-07T17:26:00.006+11:00

Guest Blogger - crafty mummy
madeit.com.au/craftymummy

Christmas for us is a relaxing family day. It is one of the few times in the year that we see all our brothers and sisters, and their children, as well as the grandparents. After the busy lead up to Christmas Eve, it is lovely to finally relax and enjoy each others' company.

One of our traditions is to play games together on Boxing Day. It used to be that we played board games - the ones that take forever like Monopoly. But more recently we have played Wii games while the kids played with their new toys.

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

ladybughugs Xmas Gift Guide - Gifts for Boys

2011-12-06T19:42:00.007+11:00

Guest Blogger - lady bug hugs

madeit.com.au/labybughugs

Christmas at our house is a crazy time spent with lots of little children enjoying the magic and excitement of the day. This year we will celebrate with my in-laws, and among the children are 3 little boys. They are far outnumbered by their female cousins, so I thought I'd help them share the limelight this year by trying to find some truly unique handmade gifts for boys. Enjoy.....

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

little pipika Xmas Gift Guide - Handmade Decorations

2011-12-05T12:15:00.002+11:00

Guest Blogger - little pipika

madeit.com.au/littlepipika

Xmas is soooo close, but still a little early for us to be putting up our christmas decorations. We usually wait till the beginning of december, only a few more days to go. With a 3 yr old and a new 11 month old, there is certainly plenty of excitement when colourful baubles and tinsel come out of hiding. Ive been collecting beautiful ornaments for years, and have a lovely collection of handmade glass ornaments originating from different parts of europe. They get a special spot right up high on the xmas tree, where durable al-cheapo plastic ones are at the bottom, (as there is no chance of them being broken).

For me and my family, the weeks leading up to xmas, is so much fun, as we play with all things that twinkle & crinkle, get sprinkles of glitter on our noses and enjoy the family time shared in all the wonderful preparations of christmas time. So to carry on from this l have chosen beautiful xmas ornaments handmade right here in australia, they are not fragile, or made from plastic and deserve to be at the top of the christmas tree.

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

wombats picnic Xmas Gift Guide - Fairy Tales

2011-12-04T17:59:00.004+11:00

Guest Blogger - wombats picnic

madeit.com.au/wombatspicnic

We have many books on our family bookshelf, but one of the most worn and dog eared is a copy of Grimm's fairy tales. My sister and I received the book from a family friend as a Christmas gift when we were about 8 years old. The book is now being read by the next generation in our family, my two daughters age 3 and 7. They love stories of the like of Snow White, the princess and the pea, the swan princess and Cinderella picking out a story or two for me to read to them at bedtime from the book.

And who doesn't love a fairytale? If you have a fairytale lover in your life there are lots of fairytale inspired gifts for little (or big) girls on Madeit. Below are just a few :)

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

Miss Wright Designs Xmas Gift Guide - A Travelling Holiday

2011-12-02T12:14:00.009+11:00

Guest Blogger - Miss Wright Designs

madeit.com.au/MissWrightDesigns

Christmas holidays are a fantastic time to explore and travel both locally and further afield. With many businesses closed the delights of summer beckon us to seek new adventures.

Hailing from England, I’ve had the pleasure to visit no less than 12 European countries, creating happy memories of wandering through hidden laneways, admiring wonderful architecture and feasting on obscure local specialities. There is something romantic about the escape of travel that captures the imagination, inspires and lingers in our hearts for a lifetime.

Here are some travel inspired presents for the travellers among us, or for the travel fanatic on your gift list.

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

nest interior styling Xmas Gift Guide - Create some Christmas Magic with Textured Trimmings!

2011-12-01T16:53:00.006+11:00

Guest Blogger - nest interior styling
madeit.com.au/nestinteriorstyling

There is nothing more exciting than the Magic you can create at Christmas!
A big part of the magic for me growing up was, & still is, the Decorations & Trimmings!

As well as the sentimental ornaments, flashing lights, coloured glitter baubles & a little tinsel, each year my creative Mum inspired us to make different decorations - dough glazed angels, paper garlands, spray painted pinecones.
My Mum still makes a different decoration each year for us & i love to set a colour & theme each Christmas to decorate the tree & wrap the gifts. Beautiful memories & traditions were created.

This year my colour theme is simply silver & white with a splash of red - and it will be magic all over as I share the excitement of trimming the tree & wrapping the gifts with my own handmade collection of Clay Tags 'mud by nest'!

Tho I am sure my children will still come home with their own handmade tinsel wreaths & glittered pinecones, i hope my clay tags will become a magic memory & new tradition for them to cherish each Christmas.

My picks celebrate the handmade Trimmings & Decorations of Christmas!
As my choice of texture this year is clay, i have found an array of unique trimmings handmade with different textures like felt, wood, wax, hessian, glass, silverware, pearls & cotton - all of which i hope will inspire you to create some magic with trimmings & decorations as you feather your Nest this Christmas!

May it be Magical♥

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

Georgie Girl Xmas Gift Guide - Gifts for Little Girls

2011-11-30T16:16:00.006+11:00

Guest Blogger - georgie girl
madeit.com.au/georgiegirl

Christmas time is a time for family and in our home it is about making it a memorable and exciting time for our little girl. Children make the festive season seem like a wondrous adventure and there is nothing quite like the look on their faces when they open their gifts on Christmas morning. One of my favourite things to do is buy meaningful gifts for others and with lots of little girls to buy for, I am always thrilled to be able to find so many beautifully crafted goodies for girls on madeit.com.au Be it sparkly, sweet-smelling, pretty or cuddly, these selections are sure to put a smile on the face of any excited little girl.

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

bubby makes three Xmas Gift Guide - Beach Baby

2011-11-29T10:53:00.000+11:00

Guest Blogger - bubbymakesthree

madeit.com.au/bubbymakesthree

Growing up on the East Coast of Australia, my childhood Christmas holidays were mostly spent at the beach - gathering starfish in buckets, lazing on the hot sand, diving under the waves, licking icecream before it melted in the hot sun... to me, the beach is synonymous with the Australian Summer, so today my gift-guide is a reflection of all things 'beachy'! Enjoy my picks and here's to the Aussie Summer Christmas filled with warm gentle breezes, barbeques on the back deck and gorgeously wrapped handmade gifts!

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

Herewegoloopylou Xmas Gift Guide - Setting the Christmas Table

2011-11-28T15:43:00.010+11:00

Guest Blogger - Herewegoloopylou
madeit.com.au/Herewegoloopylou

I love Christmas. I love sitting around the table, chatting with my family and sharing in a wonderful meal cooked by my Mum! Somehow the meal always seems to taste better when you are surrounded by pretty things!! I hope you like this gorgeous selection of handmade items that would look great on (or near) the table this Christmas!

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

Perth Upmarket this Sunday - Come & say Hi to madeit

2011-11-25T23:11:00.007+11:00

When: Sunday 27th November 2011
Where: University of Western Australia, Stirling Hwy Crawley
Time: 10am-4pm

Perth Upmarket is Perth's premier quarterly market for original and handcrafted wares. The market brings together over 150 of Perth's most talented artists, designers, craftsmen and gourmets all under one roof at the University of Western Australia's Winthrop Hall.

Incorporating a dedicated Junior Upmarket and Gourmet section.

Parking and entry are free and the venue is easily accessible.
Two ATMs onsite.
www.perthupmarket.com.au

Click here to see the participating retailers
www.perthupmarket.com.au/november-retailers-gallery

Below are our madeit sellers attending the market, click the images to view their madeit store.

ali-kat creations Xmas Gift Guide - Family & Friends at Christmas time

2011-11-24T17:27:00.007+11:00

Guest Blogger - ali-kat creations
madeit.com.au/alikatcreations

Where do I start? Ever since I can remember, Christmas and the New Year are about your family and close friends (who really are part of your family too). Being Greek it's about getting together at one time, especially around a table, and we eat, talk, dance, sing, play games and just generally have a traditional family day. There are no other people in the world I would rather be with on this day and can't image my life without them. Some of the items I have chosen around the family theme this Christmas are beautiful handcrafted Christmas Family Cards, Handpainted Family Platters, a Family Cake recipe (yum), a Family Tree and a Babushka Family doll set. These really represent a broad range of family things to me and arent they just gorgeous?

Family to me is also the close friends I have and love dearly. Recently I lost my gorgeous rockstar friend Mariyana to cancer and at this Christmas time I will be thinking of her too. I have found just the perfect things that would symbolise my love of all my wonderful friends, those being, Best Friend prints, a Plantable Card (what a marvelous idea, I just might get one!) and Wooden plaques.

Always keep family and friends close to you at Christmas time, I know I do! Have a great Handmade Christmas everyone, I know I will :)

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

bopper craft Xmas Gift Guide - Gifts for Men

2011-11-23T14:14:00.000+11:00

Guest Blogger - boppercraft
madeit.com.au/BopperCraft

So you want to buy handmade for Christmas, you've found heaps of great gifts for all the women and children you know, but what about the men in your life? Don't worry I've done the hard work for you and searched through madeit to see if there are any gift ideas.

The good news is I found a lot of great products available for men, so many I found it hard to narrow it down to 10. I've chosen a variety of items to give you ideas for your partner, brother, uncle, dad etc.

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

edward and lilly Xmas Gift Guide - Vintage/Re-purposed

2011-11-22T16:13:00.005+11:00

Guest Blogger - edward and lilly
madeit.com.au/edwardandlilly

I try to incorporate eco or sustainable materials into my products as much as possible. Having just taken part in the BrisStyle indie eco market and with the Reverse Garbage Christmas exhibition coming up I have been inspired to use more vintage fabrics when creating. These picks celebrate the idea of breathing new life into vintage materials to create gorgeous wares that are super friendly to our earth.

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

Literary Design by ZP Xmas Gift Guide - Winter Wonderland

2011-11-21T17:36:00.000+11:00

Guest Blogger - LiteraryDesignbyZP
madeit.com.au/LiteraryDesignbyZP

Christmas in Australia is usually a hot affair and I love that despite the heat so many Christmas traditions invoke the feel of winter. Hot pudding, decorated fireplaces, cards with winter scenes and, of course, the image of a rugged up Santa. Here are some winter wonderland inspired goodies to add a little wintertime magic to your Christmas!

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

two please Xmas Gift Guide - A Home for Christmas

2011-11-20T16:09:00.001+11:00

Guest Blogger - two please

madeit.com.au/twoplease

When I think of Christmas, the first thing that pops into my head are images of my Nanna's welcome little house for a breakfast of raspberries and toasted leg ham sandwiches. Then, my parents' house, with beautiful sprawling lawns & the same decorations I remember from childhood, my aunty's cottage perched on the hill, with cows in the paddock & a turkey in the oven... and the inlaws, for an outdoor seafood feast on their hobby farm by the river. Christmas is all about family for us, Christmas shared in homes that I love. With each turn of the calendar, the question pops up ...Where are we having Christmas this year? So, with these treasured places in mind, my search for little handmade homes uncovered an abundance of gems, including these:

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

molly and mama Xmas Gift Guide - Vintage Inspired Children's Clothing

2011-11-17T16:19:00.000+11:00

Guest Blogger - mollyandmama
madeit.com.au/mollyandmama

Christmas is without a doubt, the most magical time of year! And what I love the most is the opportunity to craft and sew, to create something special for the people I love. This is a lesson I learned from my mother. Every year Mum always made sure we had a brand new outfit to wear on Christmas day. I remember going through the pattern books and magazines with her to find something I thought was just perfect. And Mum would create these amazing pieces from just a picture or a daydream! Even if I didn’t always have the latest big thing at Christmas, I always felt special knowing Mum had created something unique and precious just for me. Whilst I can’t sew quite like my mother, I do try and create something special with my own kids. Or I shop handmade. And what better place to look for vintage inspired handmade clothing this Christmas, than on Made It?

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

Little Deer Creations Xmas Gift Guide - an Earth-friendly Christmas

2011-11-16T13:38:00.001+11:00

Guest Blogger - Little Deer Creations
madeit.com.au/LittleDeerCreations

I'm a self-confessed tree-hugger, and proud of it! I like nothing more than to sit in my garden watching the ladybugs hunt aphids, or to go hiking through rainforest with centuries-old trees towering above me, listening to the clicking of frogs in a nearby creek. I am passionate about protecting our Earth, so that future generations can still appreciate and experience the beauty, diversity and wonder of life that so many of us today take for granted.
For most of us, Christmas is a time when we think of our loved ones, family and friends. What better way to show we care about them, than to ensure they have a planet to sustain them for years to come?

So this Christmas, why not give the Earth a gift as well, by choosing handmade products which have been created from organic, recycled, and environmentally sustainable materials?
There are so many beautiful eco-friendly gifts to choose from, it was hard to pick just 10!
Happy shopping, and I wish you and your families a safe, fun-filled and joyous Christmas!

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

Squiggle and Stitch Xmas Gift Guide - Summer Finds

2011-11-15T20:04:00.005+11:00

Guest Blogger - squiggleandstitch
madeit.com.au/squiggleandstitch

For me xmas reminds me of my favourite time of year - summertime! Christmas day in my family usually ends with a delicious ice-cream desert as opposed to plum pudding and growing up we always spent summer by the beach. I love everything about summer and so it was an obvious choice of theme for my xmas gift guide. So when your shopping this xmas forget about snowflakes and santa suits and instead grab yourself a paddlepop, pop on some boardies and head for the beach with my collection of summery finds from some these madeit sellers.

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

Artefacts Xmas Gift Guide - Personalised Gifts

2011-11-14T18:53:00.005+11:00

Guest Blogger - Artefacts
madeit.com.au/Artefacts

I’ve always loved the idea of personalised items – things that are just for the owner and no-one else. So, what better combination for a Christmas gift than a hand-made, personalised goody? Hand-made items, by their nature, are not mass-produced, so the chances of there being an exact copy somewhere else in the world is small; more so if your name is on it. And now is the best time to get your orders in before the Christmas deadlines. I hope you enjoy these picks – you’ll find something for almost everyone, even the family pet!

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

{spring} the market hobart this Sunday

2011-11-10T16:58:00.002+11:00

the market welcomes everybody to our super sprightly spring event. The Spring flowers are out, the sun is shining (well, sometimes it makes an appearance) and we have a brilliant seasonal showcase ready to spring upon Hobart on Nov 13th.

the market's specially selected stall holders have been as busy as bumble bees, creating fun new products and designs for Spring, and as always, we have some exciting new talent debuting at the market. Plenty of colour peeping up from our designers this time round too, which is lovely to see, and a huge variety of stalls to cater for all sorts of shoppers.

For more information visit themarkethobart.blogspot.com

sunday 13th november, 10am - 3pm
masonic temple

Tiges and Weince Xmas Gift Guide - Hope, Joy, Peace & Noel

2011-11-09T13:59:00.001+11:00

Guest Blogger - tigesandweince
madeit.com.au/tigesandweince

Hope, Joy, Peace & Noel are words that I just love and adore at Christmas.

Hope we all need every day to live life to the fullest
Joy is the fun and happiness we share with friends and family
Peace is what we should all strive for amongst one another, and within yourself.
Noel, means Christmas in French.

They all definitely bring Christmas spirit and cheer to me at this festive time of year with my family.

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

Rainbow Lollies Xmas Gift Guide - Kris Kringle

2011-11-08T16:05:00.000+11:00

Guest Blogger - Rainbow Lollies
madeit.com.au/RainbowLollies

When I first moved to live in Australia, one of "Christmas tradition" that I learned was taking part in the Kris Kringle or Secret Santa games during the holiday season. It did not take me long to get acquainted with Mr Kringle as I had my share of strange gifts in addition to useful ones. Personally I like taking part in this fun tradition as there are usually a lot of laughs (and groans!) involved. Finding the right gift that looks gorgeous, useful and of course within the set budget can be quite challenging. This year if you are participating in an annual Kris Kringle either at your workplace or at your family Christmas party, why don't you check out these selection of items that is not only handmade but best of all under $10.

Have a happy handmade Christmas!

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

Lovestamp Xmas Gift Guide - My little Hero

2011-11-07T10:23:00.003+11:00

Guest Blogger - Lovestamp
madeit.com.au/Lovestamp

I have a 5 year old son named Hudson. He is truly a divine little man and I love him to bits. Being 5 his world revolves around a few certain things, as much food as he can consume, singing “Dynamite” over and over, matchbox cars, the wii, soccer and all things superhero..he wears sweatbands to bed at night, he says they “protect him from the baddies while he is sleeping” too cute. So my theme for the xmas gift guide is Superhero...that gorgeous time in the wee ones lives where then can throw on a tied up scarf build a cubby house and save the world from destruction. Imagination is a powerful thing.. we believe in our house that our kids don’t need expensive toys and gadgets to be happy. They just need some awesome cuffs, a cool cape and their minds...so this Christmas give the gift of their own imaginations!

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

Plushka Xmas Gift Guide - Handmade Christmas Cards

2011-11-03T14:53:00.007+11:00

Guest Blogger - Plushka
madeit.com.au/Plushka

Every year, I try to buy handmade or make gifts myself but paper craft is something I just not attempting to tackle. Firstly, I am not that good at it and secondly there is just so many talented gift cards designers to buy lovely cards from! As most of mine and my husband's families live abroad, sending Christmas cards is something that we love doing every year. I always have fun picking something handmade and unique. They accompany gifts nicely and make them a little bit more special and personal. If you are buying handmade gifts this Christmas, why not go all the way and attach a sweet handmade Christmas card too?!

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

craftumi quick five :: verri vintage

2011-11-02T11:44:00.007+11:00

craftumi quick five :: verri vintage
craftumi.com.au/VerriVintage

Tell us a bit about yourself.
Luke and I are a husband and wife team, with two little girls, who love all things vintage, retro or quirky. Verri Vintage was born when my own vintage fabric stash for my other business, Verri Charmed, started getting a little out of hand and Luke thought why not sell some? Verri Vintage has allowed us to turn our love of rummaging through Op Shops and car boot sales into a justifiable business. I do think Luke's de-stashing idea has back fired on him a little though, as it seems to have just fed my addiction!

How did you find out about Craftumi?
I have been a long time fan of Madeit and found out about Craftumi through a Madeit newsletter long before Verri vintage was born, it was a natural choice for us when we needed a place to sell our products.

What do you sell on Craftumi?
We primarily sell vintage and upcycled (usually vintage bedlinen) fabric through our Verri Vintage Craftumi store, though we also sell hand dyed vintage crochet as well as vintage lace, buttons and buckles.

What is your favourite craft activity?
I discovered "Farrah" my very 70's sewing machine about 18 months ago and I haven't looked back, though I do of course also love getting crafty with my 1 and 3 year old girls, painting is always lots of fun! I would say that Luke's craft of choice is brewing Beer LOL! But he has also been known to crack out the sewing machine (his is a 50's number!) for various projects like upholstering carseats or making beds for our dogs.

What would be your perfect day?
Anyday shared with my family is amazing, however throwing in things like treasure hunting at a carboot sale with the girls in tow, sunshine, a movie with Luke, running along the beach, a nice glass of wine with some brie, a long bath, reading a few chapters of a good book, laughter, friends, bare feet, sewing.... well all of those things help to make a day perfect!

Do you have unique pieces that fit in a 40 x 40cm cube?

2011-11-01T13:08:00.000+11:00

our friends at in.cube8r are keen to meet the high demand of their annual christmas sales!!

in.cube8r would like to represent ALL mediums of handmade, is yours represented in one of the galleries? melbourne :: brisbane :: sydney :: geelong

they have some beautiful jewellery,
BUT now they're calling out for all other mediums - wood, fabric, paper, ceramics, photography, resin, skin care, small sculptural pieces... ANYTHING handmade!!

Do you have unique pieces that fit in a 40 x 40cm cube?
NO commission taken on sales!
Visit incube8r.com.au

ShadeOfABonsaiTree Xmas Gift Guide - THANK YOU gifts

2011-10-31T18:46:00.006+11:00

Guest Blogger - ShadeOfABonsaiTree madeit.com.au/ShadeOfABonsaiTree

Christmas is the perfect time to say THANK YOU to the fabulous people who have helped throughout the year - teachers, cleaners, babysitters, gardeners, co-workers, neighbours.

I've chosen some gorgeous handmade products which would make a perfect little gift!

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

hark home Xmas Gift Guide :: Blue & Green - be seen!

2011-10-27T14:54:00.008+11:00

Guest Blogger - hark home www.madeit.com.au/harkhome

The theme I've chosen is 'Blue & Green - be seen!'. I never quite understood the idea that 'blue & green should never be seen' - they are my two favourite colours and I think they are both calming colours and complement each other nicely.

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

Seller who Blogs :: prettyandprint

2011-10-26T12:51:00.008+11:00

Seller who Blogs :: prettyandprint
Blog :: prettyandprint.blogspot.com

Shop :: madeit.com.au/prettyandprint

Tell us a bit about yourself and what do you sell on madeit?
I am a graphic designer of more than 15 years and mum of 3 little ones, 7, 5 and 8 months. I have freelanced and worked from home for most of the past 7 years but after baby number 3 I decided that rather than continue designing for corporate and commercial clients (sometimes you don't get the chance to design the prettiest things;). I wanted to venture somewhere a little more pretty and fun. I have loved stationery and paper since I was a little girl and have always been passionate about it. So I have made the move to design my own range of DIY boutique party printables, stationery and invitations.

How long have you been blogging and why did you start?
I starting blogging about 2 years ago as a way to showcase and chat about my design work to current and potential clients. However, Pretty and Print is a new blog that is specifically about pretty and fun stuff, parties, kids and gorgeous paper things.

Do you have any advice for other sellers who are thinking of starting a blog?
I always try to blog about what I love and am passionate about whilst including a touch of my personal and home life. I think people feel more connected when they hear about your daily life, your ups and downs, the crazy and fun things that go on always make interesting reads. Of course, any new designs and printables go up there too.

What are some of your favourite blogs and why?
I browse so many blogs through facebook links etc, I tend to go through phases where I am obsessed with specific ones for a while but I am really slack at actually following them long term.
However, one that I always end up going back to is Bloesem Kids.

When you aren't blogging or making what do you like to do?
Well, with 3 under seven there isn't a lot (if any) extra time left over after pretty and print. But I do try and make myself take a break at least once a week in the evenings so my husband and I can actually have a good conversation without my head in my laptop. But if you don't find me with laptop in hand it is probably my camera instead, harassing my kids to look at me and smile.
A glass of red, chocolate and a good movie always go down a treat too;)

Mrs Monkei Xmas Gift Guide :: Christmas Baking

2011-10-25T15:59:00.008+11:00

Guest Blogger - mrsmonkei madeit.com.au/mrsmonkei

I love to bake cupcakes, yo-yos and other sweet treats and give them to friends, family and co-workers. This goes double for Christmas time, when I tend to go a little crazy making truffles, mini puds and other such things to give away in pretty boxes.
(Santa likes lemon curd filled cupcakes, right? I figure he'll appreciate the change!!)

You can bet I'll be pointing Mr to madeit for my presents, there are so many beautiful gifts to find!

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

craftumi quick five :: denimdays

2011-10-20T15:02:00.005+11:00

craftumi quick five :: denimdays
craftumi.com.au/denimdays

Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Tracey, I am 41, married with one lovely teenage daughter (I put all my eggs in one basket there, hopefully she will supply me with lots of grand children) I grew up in a handmade household, Mum and all her friends were always into some sort of craft, it was such a thrill for me to be included and make something myself. I am so lucky to be working, doing what I love. I also work in a cute toy store, a scrapbooking shop and my husband and I have a little shop in an antique centre.

How did you find about craftumi?
I have been a fan of Made it for a long time, I also have a Madeit shop www.madeit.com.au/denimdays. I was very excited at the launch of Craftumi, and finally I have opened my own Craftumi store

What do you sell on craftumi?
I have just bought myself a lovely ‘Big Shot’ die cutting machine. I am having lots of fun making cute embellishments, too many for me to ever use, so I thought I would share. My range of paper cuts will grow as my collection of dies expands (as quickly as my wallet allows!) I also sell some great jewellery findings and cabochons. I search far and wide to find the best value and quality and use everything I sell in my own products. I am also constantly reorganising my craft room (to make more fit in!) so will quite often have some destash items at ridiculously cheap prices.

What is your favourite craft activity?
I love new ideas, so my favourite craft activity is forever changing, but if I had to pick one I would choose card making as for me that includes stamping, die cutting and colouring with copics which are all lots of fun.

What would be your perfect day?
Sleeping in!!! Then waking to a nice cooked brunch, bacon, eggs, tomato, mushrooms, coffee…. Yum! pottering around the house and garden, a spot of shopping in my favourite shops, then an evening of crafting…sigh, if only every day could be Sunday!

Ruby & Lo Xmas Gift Guide :: Deer Finds

2011-10-19T13:54:00.013+11:00

Guest Blogger - Ruby & Lo madeit.com.au/rubyandlo

As a child, the first thing I would do on Christmas morning (apart from open presents!) was go and see if Santa and his Reindeer had enjoyed their snacks of milk, cookies, carrots and apples that I'd left out for them the night before. I would fantasize about Prancer, Dancer, Donner and Blitzen parked outside in my backyard, and Rudolph, Dasher, Vixen, Commet and Cupid taking Santa and the sleigh from house to house.

My love of deer has followed me into adulthood, and into the creative minds of many madeit sellers!

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

Markets we Love :: The Bluebird Market (Blue Mountains)

2011-10-18T17:19:00.009+11:00

Tell us a little bit about your market?
The Bluebird Market is an all handmade artisan market in the Blue Mountains of NSW and is held in the grounds of the beautiful historic Alexandra Hotel. The market overlooks the pretty village of Leura and has some spectacular views of the mountains. It's held on the first Saturday of each month, with a second market in December on the third Saturday of the month. We also have live music playing outside for most of the day and a charity raffle of donated items from local businesses. November's raffle benefits Save the Children's East Africa appeal.

When/why did you start your market?
The Blue Mountains is renowned for it's creative community and although there were quite a few local markets, I felt that they were missing something. I had attended quite a few handmade only markets in Sydney and surrounds as a stall holder with my own clothing and accessories label and thought hey! this is what the mountains needs!

It was kind of one of those things that I thought about doing, but stuck it on the back burner until one day two months ago I made my mind up to go ahead with it, started getting the word out and voila! The Bluebird Market was born. The market launched in October and has gained so much in popularity that the November market is booked out for stall holders already.

What is the favourite part about running your market?
My favourite part would have to be meeting and seeing all the talent in the region and bringing it all together in the one space. People are so incredibly talented, it's really nice meeting other like minded creative types. It's also nice to meet local people, stall holders and shoppers alike.

Why do you love handmade so much?
Creating a handmade item makes me feel happy :) I use a lot of upcycled and vintage fabrics with my clothing and accessories line so I enjoy promoting sustainable fashion that is both functional and fun that is kind to our environment. Plus coming up with new ideas keeps
me on my toes!

Buying a handmade item also makes me feel happy:) I'm purchasing an item that is individual. A person who made it may make something similar, but the nature of handmade means that no two items will ever be the same. I also love supporting their talent and hopefully my purchase will help encourage and push them along further in their creative endeavours (I know it does when I get a purchase of something I have created!).

Name 5 reason why your visitors should attend your market?
Atmosphere, Individuality, Friendliness, Magical, Fun.

......................................................................................................................................
Visit the The Bluebird Market Facebook Page for updates www.facebook.com/thebluebirdmarket

Next market 5th of November 2011!

Photos taken by Butterflyzee Photography
(click on the photos to visit madeit sellers)
......................................................................................................................................

madeit new seller :: patchwork families

2011-10-17T13:44:00.005+11:00

madeit new seller :: patchwork families
www.madeit.com.au/patchworkfamilies

How did you find about madeit?
I was introduced to madeit by a friend earlier this year. She suggested I check out the site! I was really pleased to know there was a site that was all Australian! When I visited I immediately decided I would work towards putting my illustrations onto madeit

Explain your style
My style is definitely something that I have put a lot of thought into! I would call it a little bit shabby chic, a little bit retro. I use water colours and ink to create my illustrations, once they are drawn and painted I use vintage fabric, usually bed sheets which I free motion sew to complete the design. My themes are influenced by my love of family mixed with my love of vintage.

What makes you happy?
I have simple tastes. I am made happy by fun times spent with family, walking along the beach and watching my girls jump in the waves in their clothes, and time to create!

What makes you sad?
I can be overwhelmed at times of the busyness that creeps into our lives. I prefer things to go at a slower pace.

What can't you live without?
hmmm so many special things in my life but I would have to say my faith, my family, time with friends and box of watercolours

craftumi quick five :: bysagedesign

2011-10-12T16:38:00.004+11:00

craftumi quick five :: bysagedesign
craftumi.com.au/bysagedesign

Tell us a bit about yourself
I am lucky! I love art and I love business, and I get to spend my days creating things and doing what I love. My background is in graphic design, I love to paint when I have the time and like most creative people my mind is always full of new ideas and possibilities for things to do and make.

How did you find about craftumi?
I found Craftumi through the Madeit website which I found somehow pottering around online one day a few years ago

What do you sell on craftumi?
At the moment I sell small laser cut wooden jewellery pendents and buttons for other crafty people to use in their creations. I am also making some bag handles which I will be posting on Craftumi soon.

What is your favourite craft activity?
I just love drawing stuff and thinking of new product ideas I can apply illustrations to. I also like aimlessly cutting and pasting things and seeing what comes out of it.

What would be your perfect day?
A run on the beach. A delicious healthy breakfast. Hours free to play with ideas and create. And some great conversation mixed into it all as well. Ahhh I think I just described today.

Seller who Blogs :: CalicoLane

2011-10-11T14:57:00.001+11:00

Seller who Blogs :: CalicoLane
Blog :: calicolane.wordpress.com
Shop :: madeit.com.au/CalicoLane

Tell us a bit about yourself and what do you sell on madeit?
I'm a stay-at-home mum to three boys. I have a background in the paramedical field so it was a lovely change to take up some creative pursuits when I stopped work to be a mummy. I must admit though, I never knew just how busy I would be - the boys are all under school age right now, and I feel like I spend all day getting food, doing washing and cleaning up after them!

I think the fact that I live in an all-male household (even the cat is a boy!) makes me want to play with pretty fabric, so I do enjoy making girly clothes for the store, but I will try to add some boy things every now and then! I so enjoy fabric shopping - I love choosing lovely combinations of colours and patterns for my items, and I tend to avoid pink, giving mums of girls lovely other options for dressing their princesses!

I occasionally add gifts to the store too - fun things to creatively inspire kids, like aprons and bean bags - things I would love my own kids to play with.

How long have you been blogging and why did you start?
I have been blogging on and off for over six years. I've always loved writing but haven't had an opportunity to write for fun since I left high school. I love having my little corner of the internet. Blogging is so self-indulgent in that way - you can write about whatever you like because your blog is all yours! There is also such a fun community out in blog land, especially where craftiness is concerned. Crafty people are so lovely.

Do you have any advice for other sellers who are thinking of starting a blog?
Don't worry that you won't have anything interesting to write about! Readers love getting a glimpse of your everyday life - your crafty mess, your crazy kids, a random internet find. Similarly, don't limit yourself to just blogging about your business and what you make. Include other businesses that you love, the places you find inspiration, other bloggers you follow. The blogging world is big and there is room for everyone!

What are some of your favourite blogs and why? I read lots of different blogs and they all give me inspiration in different ways.

onpolkadotlane.blogspot.com : Kell also has three gorgeous kiddies, and has been crafting the most amazing things lately!

nicolefinlayson.typepad.com/just_like_heaven: Nic is so super talented - she is an amazing photographer AND a beautiful Made It store selling funky hair accessories

lovelife.typepad.com/my_weblog: Kal makes me wish I could paint!

dearestsomeday.com: Jen's blog is just beautiful and her home decor projects are so super inspiring.

fatmumslim.blogspot.com: I recently discovered Chantelle's blog and it inspired me to revamp and ramp up my blog!

thedesignfiles.net: This Melbourne based design blog features pretty things every day.

When you aren't blogging or making what do you like to do?
There aren't all that many minutes left in the day if I'm not blogging, making or mummy-ing, but I do love to read a good book, look at pretty things on Pinterest and chill out with my girlfriends having a good laugh. I also love to cook, and dinner at our house can be quite a gourmet affair!

Handmade Canberra - Photo Essay!

2011-10-06T16:11:00.001+11:00

Handmade Christmas campaign launched

2011-10-04T19:38:00.001+11:00

This week we launched our Christmas Campaign
Choose Handmade this Xmas - We are! Are you?

Once again this year we will be encouraging buyers to buy Australian handmade at Christmas. Our campaign includes adverts in print & online, sellers & buyers competitions as well as a Facebook campaign. We will also be turning our blog into a Christmas gift guide and encouraging our sellers to be Christmas pick editors.

Madeit Seller what can you do?
Join our Facebook event here and encourage friends to join
Add a madeit Christmas badge to your blog
Pick 10 items based on a theme and send to hello@madeit.com.au
Start a weekly Christmas guide on your blog!

..............................................................................................................................................

Sellers Referral Competition

To say a big thank you for promoting madeit we are giving 10 sellers a choice of 50% off their listing fees or an advertising pack worth $64.

The winners will be the 10 highest referrals between now and 31 December 2011, winners will be announced on the 1st January 2012.

Winners will receive 50% off madeit listing fees for all of January 2012 or an $64 advertising pack to be spent before March 2012. The referrals (links) to both the madeit website & the madeit blog will be used to calculate the winners.

How do you get referrals? All you have to do is link to madeit website from your blog or website using a Christmas badge and do regular posts of your favourite madeit finds on your blog. Too easy!

Together we can Choose handmade this xmas!

..............................................................................................................................................

Choose handmade this Xmas Sellers Magazine advertising

We still have spots available in our Shop4Kids & Real Living adverts.

These adverts will be apart of our Choose handmade this Xmas campaign and we will be promoting the adverts online for extra exposure.

..............................................................................................................................................

Perth Upmarket this Sunday!

2011-09-28T16:31:00.000+10:00

Perth Upmarket is Perth’s premier quarterly market for original and handcrafted wares. The market brings together over 150 of Perth’s most talented artists, designers, craftsmen and gourmets all under one roof at the University of Western Australia’s Winthrop Hall. Incorporating a dedicated Junior Upmarket and Gourmet section.

When: Sunday 2nd October 2011
Time: 10am-4pm
Where: University of Western Australia’s Winthrop Hall, Stirling Hwy Crawley
Parking and entry are free and the venue is easily accessible.Two ATMs onsite.

Click here to check out the Perth Upmarket experience.
For more information visit www.perthupmarket.com.au

..............................................................................................................................

Below: madeit sellers who will be selling at Perth Upmarket this weekend. Click on the items to view their madeit store.

Our blog will be offline this week

2011-09-19T12:01:00.001+10:00

Our blog will be offline this week as our lovely sister-law Shanean passed away from cancer on the weekend. Shanean was the loveliest person we had meet and we will sadly miss her and she will be forever in our hearts.

Love Bec, Jayc & Tian

Magazines we love :: tickle the imagination

2011-09-15T14:42:00.001+10:00

Tell us a little bit about your magazine?
tickle the imagination is a new online magazine celebrating the handmade and creative industry in Australia. Released quarterly, it aims to inspire creativity - showcasing talented artists, crafters and designers, discovering emerging talent and sharing real-life stories and diy projects. Each issue will be the collaborative work of many gorgeous, creative people!

Our first issue was released on the 1st of Sep, and we have had an overwhelmingly positive response! If you would like to take a look, you'll find it here, better yet if you subscribe (it's free!) you'll be notified each time a new issue is released!

We are currently working on our special 'a handmade Christmas' issue due to be released Nov 1, and our summer issue, to be released Dec 1!

When/Why did you start your magazine?
Creating a magazine is something I have always dreamed of, and back in May this year the concept for 'tickle the imagination' popped into my head! It brings all of my favourite things together into one magazine...gorgeous handmade creations, beautifully styled photo shoots, stories of talented creatives, details of upcoming handmade markets and workshops and practical business tips.

What is the favourite part about running your magazine?
Experiencing the generosity and passion of people in the handmade and creative community.

Why do you love handmade so much?
Growing up my parents were both really creative, so my love of handmade was nurtured from a very young age. The act of creating something with my own hands makes me smile and brings with it a sense of achievement.

Name 5 feelings that your customers will feel after they finish reading your magazine.
inspired, creative, motivated, desire, joyful

Check out the tickle the imagination website tickletheimagination.blogspot.com

.....................................................................................................

Market we Love :: The Wollongong Art & Design Market

2011-09-13T14:32:00.001+10:00

Tell us a little bit about your market?
The Wollongong Art & Design Market is unlike any other in Wollongong as it provides both emerging and established independent Australian artists and designers an opportunity to showcase and sell their handmade work in the Illawarra at a professional yet fun market. The next market is on Sunday 18th September 2011 at Pioneer Hall (84 Church St Wollongong - on MacCabe Park) from 11am - 4pm. We will also be holding another market on Sunday 27th November 2011.

When/why did you start your market?
We started this market in December last year - just before Christmas as a special event. We both were frustrated with the lack of options for us - and other creative people - to sell our handmade work locally. We also felt that Wollongong deserved a lovely event that promoted the talents of Australian designers. We suspected there would be a lot of people in the Illawarra who would be keen to attend and support the event - and so far we have been right!

What is the favourite part about running your market?
Meeting so many wonderful people. The handmade community is really a special thing to be a part of and we always get a warm feeling inside from the support and enthusiasm offered by the makers and our customers.

Why do you love handmade?
We love handmade so much because it has a soul, it has heart and it always has a story behind it. We love that handmade pieces have quirks, sometimes resulting from happy accidents and will often be a one-off thing. It's all about individuality and supporting creativity.

Name 5 reason why your visitors should attend your market?
Inspiration, fun, individuality, gifts, community

Next market: Sunday 18th September
Visit facebook.com/artdesignmarket for more details.

madeit new seller quick five :: Sugarbird

2011-09-12T12:05:00.000+10:00

madeit new seller quick five :: Sugarbird
www.madeit.com.au/Sugarbird

How did you find about madeit?
I find an advert for madeit in the back of a magazine. I cut the ad out to look at later and then lost it for 3 months. It was rediscovered in my huge yearly clean up.

Explain your style
Swirly and decorative with a touch of whimsy.

What makes you happy?
A clean house and a happy and healthy family. Time to sit on the lounge and draw. A phone call from my Mum and Dad.

What makes you sad?
Rude people, paying bills and when my kids are upset

What can't you live without?
Coffee, chocolate and a hug from my husband.

craftumi seller quick five :: created designs by rina

2011-09-07T12:37:00.001+10:00

craftumi seller quick five :: created designs by rina www.craftumi.com.au/createddesignsbyrina

Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Rina, I live on the Central Coast in NSW, I have a supportive husband, and have three children, the greatest gift of all, and about to be a first time grandma. I am so so so excited.
I have loved craft, and anything to do with it, since a young age. Each year I exhibit in our local craft fair, which I have been doing now for many years.

How did you find about craftumi?
I heard about your site on your big sister site, madeit and I also sell things on www.madeit.com.au/createddesignsbyrina and I am totally addicted to both sites. The first thing i do is log onto both sites, after making a coffee every morning. I thankyou for allowing me to be part of this.

What do you sell on craftumi?
I sell lots of different things on craftium - buttons, vintage buttons, books, stamps, charms, and more. I am only new at this and am always finding things to list on craftium.

What is your favourite craft activity?
I have many favourite craft activities, collecting buttons, making cards, jewellery, and i also love to paint.

What would be your perfect day?
My perfect day would be not having to go to work, going to handmade markets, country fairs and spend many hours browsing the op shops, this is also one of the relaxing things i like to do. It is amazing, the things you find in these places.

madeit new seller quick five :: Red Elephant Creative

2011-09-05T11:07:00.000+10:00

madeit new seller quick five :: Red Elephant Creativewww.madeit.com.au/RedElephantCreative

How did you find about madeit?
Initially I came across madeit by accident many years ago when I was dreaming of turning my creative urge into something everyone can enjoy. A very special friend (and former shop owner) further supported madeit in advice to turning the dream into reality.

Explain your style
A little bit kooky, a little bit fun.
Colourful paper art. Designs to make you smile.

What makes you happy?
The sound of my little boy laughing, sunshine and of course sitting in my studio making designs ... that make me smile ;)

What makes you sad?
Sad clips about children on the news.

What can't you live without?
My family & friends, my daily grind (coffee) and at the moment ....chocolate (I am 8 months pregnant)!

Magazines we love :: Paper Runway

2011-08-26T16:04:00.010+10:00

Magazines we love :: Paper Runway
www.paperrunway.com
Follow Paper Runway on Facebook

Tell us a little bit about your magazine?
Sharing a love and passion for paper Nikki Buckland and Maree Oaten have joined to bring Paper Runway to you. It began with virtual cups of coffee, glasses of wine, long nights, early mornings, grabbing a quick chat in between day time naps and school pick ups.

Paper Runway is a quarterly magazine that offers you a mix of paper goodness, hot paper products, beautiful paper, features about the hottest paper sculptors, artists, illustrators, creators and quick DIY projects. Each issue is packed with pages of inspiring images, easy DIY projects, the hottest products in the stores, ideas and projects that are affordable, stylish, practical and pretty, and caters for anyone looking to add a personal touch. We also bring to you feature articles on talented Australian and International paper artists, whether it be illustration, artist, graphic designers, paper sculptors or the like. They all have the common denominator of a love of paper.

Paper Runway is an independent publication. Designed, made and printed in Australia, Paper Runway uses cutting edge digital printing technology by an accredited FSC printer. The magazine is further enhanced by being on 100% recycled post consumer waste paper, which is a Carbon Neutral made stock. Each copy of Paper Runway also features a singer sewn spine and sexy curved edges.

Paper Runway is ageless, ambitious and creative. Paper Runway is where passions meets paper.

When/Why did you start your magazine?
We started Paper Runway in February this year and launched our first Issue on 1 May 2011. We are both captivated by paper in all its form. There are so many gorgeous inspirational magazines for our homes, kids and fashion but none that truly focussed on paper. We wanted to show the world that paper is not boring or mundane it is understated and regal. It is a niche market but the response from like minded people has been overwhelming. Paper Runway has certainly hit the ground running.

What is the favourite part about running your magazine?
There probably isn’t one favourite part but lots of great moments that we enjoy. There is so much to enjoy, even those pages that end up on the cutting room floor we love! We love grafting an idea and breathing life into the pages. We love interviewing and talking to many many talented and amazing people who work with paper and sourcing paper goodies that we cannot wait to share with our readers. We love receiving emails from our subscribers after the postie delivers Paper Runway to them telling us how much they love Paper Runway. It is hard work and long hours but so thoroughly enjoyable.

Why do you love handmade so much?
There is nothing better than something that is handmade. A machine can't add that handmade quality to a product. A product that is handmade has little quirks and the little touches. It has an emotional quality attached to it.

Name 5 feelings that your customers will feel after they finish reading your magazine.
Inspired, Creative, Delight, Wanting More, Happy.