Hand.Hook.Yarn

Is there a particular theme, style or ethic behind your current collection?
My collars are inspired by vintage fashion, and it shows, iv been going to op shops since i was a little tacker with mum and i dont think i’ll ever stop. It’s when im happiest going through racks of random stuff and the smell, it’s like a treasure hunt. I think it’s taught me to really appreciate the styles of old, the thought and skill that goes into garments, and quality of materials, and above all it’s just an aesthetic i resonate with the most.

How long has your label been an ongoing project for you?
I came up with the label early last winter, after thinking about it for a while it just came to me. Hand Hook Yarn seemed so fitting, it describes the organic process of what i do, my hand controls the hook which weaves the yarn. It’s all i need and i can do it anywhere, sometimes i jump on the train and crochet to the end of the line and back, or i go to the park, it’s better than staying home.

Who taught you how to crochet?
In 2006 i volunteered in a program which was based in a remote aboriginal community called Papunya, another volunteer ‘Zowie’ was crocheting on the bus as we headed out from Alice, it looked interesting and i asked her to teach me. I really enjoyed it and i think being a knitter had helped me understand the concept, i picked it up pretty easily and after a while i started to experiment and come up with my own designs.

Tell us a bit about your favorite piece, if you can pick one as they’re all so adorable!
My collars are my baby’s now, since i started them i havn’t paid much attention to any other projects, i like them because they’re smaller and more interesting, i don’t get bored because i can constantly challenge myself with formulating new designs.

What are your future plans for your label?
i have no idea! its crazy and exiting and so satisfying to have my talents recognized. I take everyday as it comes, but i’d be lying if i said it wasn’t the unlimited dream to make a living off my art, i know a lot of people agree with me on that one.

Any advice for others wanting to follow a creative career?
Do it! don’t delay, don’t procrastinate, make a plan, break it up into small achievable tasks and do one of them right away. It feels good.

Simple, stylish and sustainable

Independent with a sustainable focus, Melbourne fashion label Green Eyed Monster is celebrating its first year of creating beautiful clothing for women who care about the environment.

Designer Anne Ryan’s simple, silhouette designs printed on super soft 100% certified organic cotton fabrics using eco friendly dyes have attracted the eye and support of boutiques keen to stock Australian independent designers.

Her current range of whimsical bird designs are made using predominantly Australian made certified organic cotton, accredited Oeko Tex 100 Eco dyes for colour fastness and printed using water based inks.

Anne said, “Encouraging people to think about the cotton before they buy is one way we can initiate a change. Current cotton mass production practices use astonishing amounts of unnecessary harmful bleaches and chemicals at the growing, processing and manufacturing stages.

in.cube8r currently carries 60 of these fabulous t’s :: come in and see!!

a new year a new chapter…

we’ve been busy beavers this last year and it’s official…

WE ARE FRANCHISING!!

people have told be over the last 2.5 years that they’d love an in.cube8r in their state or town.
i can’t open anymore, but we’ve worked together with the franchise alliance to create a very neat and tight package.

with specially written software that all the artists can log into to see their sales and inventory, it’s just plug in and go.
we’ve made all the mistakes and now it’s defined, refined and polished.

i’m a very proud mama indeed!!
it’s all about keeping it handmade, homemade and ethical!
we are the only business (that i know of) in victoria which take zero commission.

we have one franchise ready for every state of australia.
if you know of someone or are interested yourself write to us :: info@incube8r.com.au

we are not a jewellery shop!!

in.cube8r welcomes in some new goodies… and there’s lots for the little ones…
there’s lots for everyone!!

in the quest to find balance and represent all things handmade,
we have closed off to almost all jewellery over the last 6 months… come and see!!
… and remember us for christmas,

we have over 4,000 handmade items covering all the glory ‘handmade’
has to offer!!

shabana jacobson

Working from her Fitzroy studio and gallery, Shabana continuously creates new pieces of wearable art jewellery from her multi medium background in fine arts. Each piece is a one-off item made from various materials from fine porcelain, wood, etchings, resin and sterling silver to whatever she comes across next.

To view more or for a custom made piece visit www.shabanajacobson.com or www.sjsgallery.com
You can also review my jewellery at the in.cube8r gallery!

History Repeats…

Tell us about your latest collection? Our latest collection is all about expressing your individual style.  Our designs are fresh with a flattering silhouette.
What are the materials and technques involved? Light cotton fabrics with a bold colour palette and unique prints influenced by days of old.
What inspired it? The 1960’s beach party scene.
If it had a scent what would it smell like? A warm ocean breeze.
Taste like? A refreshing cocktail.
Sounds like? Laughter and fun.
Feels like? (textures) Smooth, soft and refreshing.
Looks like? (key pieces and features) Our corset inspired singlet gives a great silhouette, without the restriction of boning.  With a zip and adjustable straps, this garment is easy wearing and moulds to the body.  Our shorts are styled on men’s boxers and are very comfortable to wear.
How would you describe your label? History Repeats is modern day wearable art, inspired by fashion and films from the glamorous and influential decades of Art Deco, Pop, Retro and Punk. Our limited edition merchandise range complements your own unique and individual style!
What inspires from yesterday? The glamorous fashion attire worn in the Silver Screen movies.
Today? The modern twist on classic designs to give an easier wearing garment.
What do you hope for in the future? For the History Repeats brand to be synonymous with individuality and style.
Why fashion? Fashion allows you to express yourself as an individual and sets you apart from the crowd.  It is the easiest way to show people who you are.
How did you get into fashion? Through dreaming and determination!
In your down time you love to… Watch old movies for design inspirations.
Style icon or moment? Style icon Brigitte Bardot – she’s sexy, stylish and the original free spirit

Check out historyrepeats.com.au or visit the incube.8r gallery to view the History Repeats range.

Interview with Jubly-umph creator Tasha Joy Miller

What is Jubly-Umph?
Jubly-Umph is hand painted jewellery and artworks all made by me, Tasha Joy Miller. I have always loved old school tattoo designs but i never had the patience for a real tattoo so I created tattoo style jewellery. All the pieces are hand painted onto solid polystyrene plastic then hand cut and sealed. I use stainless steel chains, bails and posts and each piece is signed and dated on the back.

How did it start and when?
It all started many years ago when I decided that i never wanted to get a real job. I learned the dark arts of selling online and then rehashed my old primary school skills of painting within the lines and cutting carefully. I didn’t put these skills to use until January 2009 when I started creating the jewellery you see now.

What are your influences?
I really love the work of Sailor Jerry and his contemporaries. Traditionally tattoos had specific meanings; a swallow or sparrow was a symbol of luck to sailors and a nautical star guided them home. A name would be written in a heart upon a chest or a mermaid would adorn a bicep. I am also strongly influenced by Victorian sentimental and mourning jewellery which contains similar symbolism.

Not all your work is based on tattoos though?
No, I gave in to the current trends and created some ‘cute’ pieces such as kokeshi dolls, babushkas and owls. I am completely over cute at the moment and really want to create more angry and dark art, consequently my kokeshis and owls have morphed and now have evil looking eyes…

Where are you located?
We have recently relocated our studio from the kitchen table to the back of Weird Stuff Carnegie. It is good in theory however I still have some stuff on the kitchen table.

And finally where of where did you get the name?
Jubly-Umph is in fact the exact sound that a gypsy child standing on a train station platform in Sighisoara, Romania made when she grabbed money out of my hand turned to flee and promptly ran into a pole. That is not true of course. The truth is far more obscure and less interesting.

Check out our new store www.jubly-umph.com for rockabilly, kitsch handmade jewellery and unusual body jewellery or visit the incube.8r gallery to view the Jubly-Umph range.

Ralph Haller-Trost Photographer & card maker, Melbourne

These gorgeous and environmentally responsible cards are lovingly hand made on our dining table using photos I’ve taken at home and abroad. Featuring street art, flowers, city and landscapes, animals, abstracts and a whole lot more, they are a riotous celebration of beauty, light and colour.
All cards are made using high quality, 100 % recycled paper, supplied with an environmentally friendly envelope and wrapped in bio-degradable cellophane.

Buy them to send or as a unique gift.
rhallertrost.weebly.com

RIOTVILLE

here are the riotville twins, in.cube8r latest addition!
the twins came in with their mum to set up their 2 spaces for jewellery and clothing, come check out their wares!!

after creating their clothing label in ‘08, they’ve decided to follow a family tradition and venture into porcelain jewellery. they gain their inspiration from the victorian era, rockabilly style and the beatnik movement.

riotville, proudly made in melbourne @ in.cube8r now!!

the in.cube8r website has a new look!

over the past 3 months we have been working on the new website and it’s great to see it live. you’ll notice that our blog is now part of our website and we will be making regular posts as well as guest post from our sellers.

we have added a fab new designer directory where you can view our latest designers – visit our designer directory here. we are also excited to announce that incube8r gallery now has 90 artist/designers under one roof.

if you are wanting to sell in our gallery then we have made a dedicated selling area just for you. here you’ll find our prices, policy, testimonials and how to apply. visit our selling area here.

thanks for visiting our fab new website and be sure to visit us at 321 smith street, fitzroy for all your handmade goodies.