after-hours crafter :: Twinkietwink

after-hours crafter :: Twinkietwink
madeit.com.au/Twinkietwink

Tell us a bit about yourself?
I am a 37 year old mother of 2 who works up to 4 days a week in the airline industry.... and crafts in every spare moment.

Can you explain your craft/art and the materials you like to use?
I love trying new things and make a range of goodies mainly using fabric, paper and buttons. My current range includes hair accessories, jewellery, lip balm, solid perfume, magnets, keyrings and pocket mirrors. I am addicted to beautiful fabric and spend far too much time online searching for it.

How long have you been creating and how did you get into making handmade goodies?
I've been creating since I was a kid. My mum was an avid crafter and we grew up with or lounge room covered with craft supplies..... I'm keeping up the tradition.....

How do you juggle work & crafting/managing your business?
I have many late nights making stuff because I start after everyone is safely tucked up for the night. Time just flies when I am creating and I have to force myself to go to bed otherwise I know it will be ugly in the morning getting organised for school, daycare and work. I try to organise a lot the night before before I begin making. (that's the theory anyway)

Do you have any advice to other workers who are wanting to start creating handmade goodies?
My advise to others wanting to start creating is go for it. Madeit makes it so easy to sell your wares because you can commit a little bit of time or a lot. Depends what you can manage. No pressure - some weeks are more productive than others.

button it...

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Visit madeit.com.au for more handmade goodies

new seller quick five - Frankys

new seller quick five - Frankys
madeit.com.au/Frankys

How did you find about madeit?
I came across madeit whilst browsing through a magazine and was instantly taken by the whole concept of the site. I signed up straightway and so the story began.

Explain your style
I'm just a plain old fashioned 60's girl. And I love everything about that era and hence most of my items and clothes are 60's themed fabrics and styles, but I am open to all sorts of ideas.

What makes you happy?
I'm happy when my family is happy, I'm happy when I get good school reports, I'm happy when I get good feedback and that my creations are being enjoyed by those who buy them. But most of all I'm happy when there is complete contentment at home and all around.

What makes you sad?
Sadness, well I try not to go there, but I do get upset when I run out of my favourite fabric, and I cant squeeze another drop of champagne from the bottle.

What can't you live without?
Well I cant live without my family, cant live without my computer, I cant live without my sewing machine, I cant live without morning tea and I just cant live without chocolate, lollies, op shops, vintage fabrics... mmmm...

black friday

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Visit madeit.com.au for more handmade goodies

envelope paper bag tutorial

Price: I made mine for free
Time to make: minutes
Requirements: envelopes, glue, hole punch, decorations.
Ability: Beginner

For those of you who are selling your gorgeous handmade goodies packaging your product is the final touch. I lived in Japan for 12 years, believe me, no one does packaging quite like the Japanese! The product in sealed plastic or paper wrap, placed in a box or tin (if its a gift they put it in a cellophane bag with ribbon as well) before placing it in the stores own carry bag. Fortunately, in Australia we are a little more conscience of such waste.

Its amazing what one can do with a brown paper bag, tape and left over ribbon. An old envelope even! If you want to get crafty some pinking sheers and a calligraphy pen can do wonders, use your business cards as a part of the packaging to spread the word at the same time!

Lets start with something super easy... An envelope. First, seal it. Second, open one end, pinking sheers would be a pretty touch. Thirdly, and this would depend on what you are actually putting in it, fold the sides and bottom in. Could be a centimeter, if you are using a large envelope it may even be an inch (you may even leave it flat). Make the crease nice and sharp using your finger nail, this will make the next step easier. Open the folds, put your hand inside to flatten the sides and base out. This will leave you with triangles on either side of the base, fold and glue these under.

Viola! Now you have a bag! The final touches are really up to you, punch some holes at the top and thread with ribbon to make handles for a carry bag or simply fold it down and staple your business card to seal it.

If you have more time on your hands we have included a paper bag pattern for you to print out onto your favorite paper. You can finish it the same way as above or try sandwiching soft wire between some tape and sticking it to the top of the bag, once its folded the wire ends hold it in place, very swish!

Happy cutting and decorating!

Vanessa
project and research gal.

August - Blog about madeit Giveaway!

Winners Announced!!

1st Prize
buttons by lou lou
madeit.com.au/buttonsbyloulou
visit blog buttonsbyloulou.blogspot.com

2nd & 3rd Prize
AnK Bowtique
madeit.com.au/ankbowtique
visit blog ankbowtique.blogspot.com

The Clip Cafe
madeit.com.au/theclipcafe
visit blog theclipcafeblog.blogspot.com


Thank you to all our sellers who have been blogging their favourite madeit finds. We are glad to announce our first prize pack for the past month.

1st Prize
$30 madeit seller credit
Newsletter advert (worth $38.50)
Book - Handmade Home by Amanda Blake Soule

2nd & 3rd Prize
$10 madeit seller credit

Giveaway Details
• The posts can be madeit finds for example five or so items based on a theme, new items or just items you love for the week.
• The month will end on the 15th of each month.
• To be eligible for the prize you must blog every week of the month.
• In return for blogging about madeit we will add you to our "Lovely Peeps who blog about madeit" list. Please email your blog to madeit
• Winners will be contacted via email and published on our blog.

If you aren't listed in our "Lovely Peeps who blog about madeit" list, please leave your blog address in the comments.

Thank you for promoting madeit.

chocolate box finds

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Visit madeit.com.au for more handmade goodies

new seller quick five - citruspop

new seller quick five - citruspop
madeit.com.au/citruspop

How did you find about madeit?
I love blogs and instead of TV watching in the evening I like to blog-hop :) So of course I heard about madeit way back when it first started and love that it is an Aussie based website, supporting Aussie designers. Also love the fact that I can order something and know that it will arrive on my doorstep in a few days - nothing beats internet shopping in my jammies!!! (P.S. Feel free to check out my blog... www.tonicoward.blogspot.com)

Explain your style
I love love love colour. Anything bright and happy makes me feel good. Citrus pOp haripins and necklaces are vintage-inspired...I have tried to combine vintage with funky and modern to create unique jewellery and accessories to pretty up an outfit.

What makes you happy?
Happiness is when there is harmony and love in our home. When there is order and a little chaos (but not too much!) to keep things interesting. And of course, being surrounded by a whole heap of crafty supplies and unlimited time to create :)

What makes you sad?
A day in which I haven't been able to express myself creatively - in any way or form, whether it be making new hairpins or necklaces for the shop, sewing, designing new patterns for my other business or decorating our home, if I don't get to squeeze in a little bit of creative "me time" each day, I just don't feel complete!

What can't you live without?
Chocolate!!!!! But before chocolate, my three beautiful little children and wonderful, supportive husband.

AnK Bowtique and Ava’s Tea Party

AnK Bowtique first heard about Ava's story several years ago. Tragically, Ava passed away at the age of three. You can read about Ava's Story here: www.avarosemeyer.memory-of.com

Last year, Ava's family started the tradition of Ava's Tea Party. "An idea borne out of wishing and missing and a beauty-full way to honor the birthday of our Super-Princess each year. Ava’s Tea Party is about taking time. Making time. Moments put aside to love and laugh with those you adore. Bake a cake. Or open the cookies. Make pink milk and sing. Wear pretty aprons and pick fresh flowers and above all else be glad, give thanks and cherish.” Ava’s Tea Party is celebrated around 22nd August each year



AnK Bowtique wanted to do something beautiful, something unique....something worthy of a Super –Princess.

The Ava’s Tea Party Set is a limited edition clip set created especially for Ava's Tea Party, in loving memory of Ava Rosemeyer (2003 -2007). All proceeds will be donated to Paradise Kids to support families experiencing illness and loss. The Ava’s Tea Party set will be available in the AnK Bowtique madeit store during August. View the Ava's Tea Party Clip Set here

You can read more about Ava’s Tea Party here: www.avasteaparty.com