new seller quick five :: Brilliant Trees Collective

New seller :: Brilliant Trees Collective
madeit.com.au/BrilliantTreesCollective

How did you find about madeit?
Picking up the Made It brochure at the Finders Keeps Market in Brisbane last year. I had a look at the website and book marked it and when I was finally ready to sell online I signed up. It’s great that you are able to find handmade Australian products in one place.

Explain your style?
I suppose it’s a bit of everything and really depends on my mood – eclectic, Rock’n’roll, chic, a slight Asian influence and a little bit of glamour thrown in for good measure. This applies to everything – fashion, interiors and my designs.

What makes you happy?
My hubby would say it would be my feet up and a glass of wine. But having my loved ones around me and seeing them smile. Also having the beach nearby is be a bonus.

What makes you sad?
The mistreatment and neglect of animals – really breaks my heart. I am huge animal lover so it really makes me mad seeing any animal mistreated.

What can't you live without?
Hubby and my girl Jaz - a 9 year old border collie and music! I suppose I would also be a little lost without my Iphone but only for a little while. And chocolate!

Project: Post Packet with a twist

Post packets, we all need them at some time or another and this is a brilliant way of personalising your post. If you've got any unpopped bubble wrap (I know, its hard to resist!) then this is a much better way of using it up rather than just throwing it out. Check out the tutorial here.

The instructions are for a 7x5 inch pack but I made mine to fit a C.D. so needed a piece of paper 30x20 cm. The beauty of this project is that it really is up to you what size you make it! I found the standard size scrap booking paper (30x30cm) was a bit squeezy so keep your eye out for bigger cuts of strong paper. Also, keep in mind that you want your precious parcel to reach its destination in one piece so strong paper (wall paper), good glue and decent bubble wrap is essential. Of course, the usual tools of the crafters table, scissors, ruler, pencil, glue and tape are also necessary. Once you've made one you shouldn't need to draw in the lines, in fact, the end product has a much more professional look if there are no lines visible at all, folds alone should see you through.

Big thank you to madeit.com.au/cpercydesigns for suggesting this great tutorial!

Happy folding, sticking and posting!
Vanessa
project & research gal

fresh of the grapevine!

Click on the picture to view item





..............................................................................................................................
Visit madeit.com.au for more handmade goodies

mum who makes :: Pork Chop

mum who makes :: Pork Chop
madeit.com.au/porkchop

Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Leonie and I’m a mum to Tyler, 2, and Holly, ten weeks. I live in Blacktown NSW but am comfortable being a ‘westie’! My dream is to one day open a cafe/gallery space that supports local artists however the budget won’t allow that at the moment so I am content to hide in my closet-sized spare room and get crafty.



Can you explain your craft/art and the materials you like to use?
So far I’ve been working with fabric making baby things and pretty home wares, although who knows what path this will eventually lead me to... I also love calligraphy, scrapbooking, ceramics, landscape design, graphic design, dyeing, beading, sculpture and loads of other things, so I’m hoping the process will be quite organic I will eventually find my niche quite by accident!

How long have you been creating and how did you get into making handmade goodies?
I’ve been crafting in some sense ever since I can remember, and am constantly drawn to creative roles, spaces and people. I’ve worked as a copywriter, founded a boutique marketing firm, done mindless admin, cleaned hearing aids, made sandwiches, sold safety glasses and headhunted staff but nothing makes me as happy as just sitting down to sew, draw or paint. I’m hoping that by building a small business making quality products, I’ll eventually be able to sustain my soul as well as my bank balance.

How do you juggle motherhood & crafting/managing your business?
With great difficulty!! Seriously though, being organised is super important, as well as not having an expectation that you’re going to be able to create when you want to. We all know how unpredictable kids are so being able to go with the flow is imperative, and when you do find those precious moments when both kids are asleep at the same time, pack in as much as you can! I have a little to do list stuck to the fridge, and its full of enjoyable things – the washing can wait!

Do you have any advice to other Mothers who are wanting to start creating handmade goodies?
Don’t expect everyone to be supportive and say things to boost your confidence, especially your friends and family. My husband comes up with such gems as ‘you’ll never make any money from sewing’ and ‘wow that’s great’ (loaded with sarcasm). He’s my toughest critic! But if you don’t believe in yourself nobody else will, so when people ask what you do, say with confidence ‘this is my business’, rather than a sheepish ‘uh, this is kinda my hobby’.

new seller quick five :: wingbysea

New seller :: wingbysea
madeit.com.au/wingbysea

How did you find out about madeit?
I can't quite remember the first time I heard about MadeIt, but it was really brought to my attention by the feature article you did on Kirsten of ForgetMeNot. I love buying handmade, and I love the idea of being able to buy all Australian handmade - all while the little one sleeps!

Explain your style.
My style - well it gets a bit eclectic, because sometimes I'm feeling a bit more fun and tomboyish, or glamourous, or chic and minimalist. I'm also very influenced by people watching and the feel of where I live, Avalon is a pretty relaxed, beachy place, with a hint of urban influence.

What makes you happy?
Those unplanned moments of family time when it all clicks and we are just happy to be together are the best. The opportunity to be creative and make something, that's pretty good too!

What makes you sad?
I start getting sad when I'm too tired! Also watching the news, and being faced with situations or problems - especially those of close friends and family - that I can't fix makes me sad. I'm a fixer-upperer.

What cant you live without?
I cannot live without my husband, my son, sunshine, water, and laughter. My morning coffee is pretty important too!

pattern love!

Click on the picture to view item






..............................................................................................................................
Visit madeit.com.au for more handmade goodies

mum who makes :: Here We Go Loopy Lou

mum who makes :: Here We Go Loopy Lou
madeit.com.au/herewegoloopylou

Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Melinda and I live in Melbourne. I am Mum to two little boys aged 4 and 2, and I have another baby due in April! I am also a social worker. Like all Mums, my days are jam packed, but I wouldn’t have it any other way right now!

Can you explain your craft/art and the materials you like to use?
I make and sell fabric greeting cards. I would say that I have a slight addiction to fabric! I am always amazed at all the wonderful designs, patterns and colours available and the endless possibilities fabric creates. I love how a beautiful fabric can transform a greeting card into something so unique and worthy of being a keepsake.

How long have you been creating and how did you get into making handmade goodies?
I have enjoyed creating things since I was a child. Here We Go Loopy Lou started about one year ago after I became frustrated trying to find Birthday Cards for little ones that weren’t mass produced or covered in licensed products. I decided to experiment with some of the beautiful fabrics I had in my stash, and my business has just grown from there. I am always inspired and motivated by the encouraging comments I receive from my wonderful family, friends and customers. I love introducing new designs into the store and I still get excited by every single sale!

How do you juggle motherhood & crafting/managing your business?
Some days are better than others!! I adore spending time with my boys – going to the park, the Zoo, the library, playgroup, etc. However, Here We Go Loopy Lou is my “me” time. It is my creative outlet, my time to engage my passion for designing and creating. That being said, the business is mostly fitted in around the kids, naps and kindy runs. I probably do most of my work at night when the house is quiet! This is working well for now, but I would love to grow the business to a point where I need dedicated business days! We all need goals!

Do you have any advice to other Mothers who are wanting to start creating handmade goodies?
Never think you cannot do it because you can. Find something that you love doing and pursue it. I think it is great for Mums to have a passion that is all their own. We all need our “me” time. You can start small and build from there. You don’t need to build a creative empire overnight. Made It is a great place to sell online. There is so much work going into promoting the site and therefore your own handmade goods. There is a really fabulous online supportive community through the forums. Just do it, you won’t look back!

new seller quick five :: Sarah's House

New seller :: Sarah's House
madeit.com.au/SarahsHouse

How did you find out about madeit?
I was thinking about selling online for a while, and I found made it purely by chance whilst surfing the net! I really loved the idea of an Australian site selling handmade wares...so I excitedly opened my store.

Explain your style.
For me this is a tough question because I have only recently discovered craft as an outlet for my creative side (that I never knew existed until last year..at age 38..argh) I have always had eclectic taste in homewares and I love lots of colour in my house. I also believe that recycling/upcycling is an important part of current day life. SO, I would say that my style is colourful, eclectic and eco conscious.

What makes you happy?
My "morning cuddle" from my little 5 year old makes me happy and gives me a warm feeling to carry me through the day. I also must say that colour in my surroundings makes me happy...

What makes you sad?
I am saddened by others distress or unhappiness and by wastefulness.

What cant you live without?
I cannot live without coffee, colour, cuddles or almost obsessive visit to the local op shops!!

Perth Market this Sunday!

Perth Upmarket is Perth’s premier quarterly market for original and handcrafted wares. The market brings together over 100 of Perth’s most talented artists, designers, craftsmen and gourmets all under one roof at the University of Western Australia’s Winthrop Hall. The market showcases high quality wares such as handcrafted clothing, jewellery, skin care products, handbags, wall and paper art, wood products, toys, cupcakes plus lots more. Parking and entry are free and the venue is easily accessible.

Next Market:
When: Sunday 28th March 2010
Where: University of Western Australia
Time: 10am-4pm
Entry: Free
Future Market Dates: Sunday 27th June, Sunday 12th September and Sunday 28th November.
This event proudly supports the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Visit website www.perthupmarket.com.au

Canberra market this Sunday!

Next Market:
When: Sunday 28th March 2010
Where: Kamberra Wine Company
Time: 10am-4pm
Entry: Free, Parking Free
Future Market Dates: Saturday 5th June, Saturday 11 September, Saturday 4th December
Website www.handmademarket.com.au


Handmade - Canberra's quarterly Upmarket brings together talented artists, designers, stylists, craftspeople and gourmets all at one destination. It is a unique event to connect the makers of beautiful things to people who appreciate the quality, handcrafted and locally designed.

Established in 2008, Handmade market has quickly established itself as Canberra's Premier Quarterly market for handcrafted wares. Due its popularity, in 2010 Handmade will move from the Yarralumla Woolshed to the beautiful Kamberra Wine Company.

The new venue offers more room for customers as well as easy access and free parking.

Handmade is also about to launch the fabulous Shop Handmade, A place to browse beautiful handmade goods. Our gorgeous shop will be full of Handmade designs. Shop Handmade will open on Friday April 16 2010. Shop Handmade is an extension of the very popular Handmade Market established in 2008.