artist profile :: Poppiin {mosman}

Posted on September 6, 2011 by susanne @ mosman

tell us about your background

Growing up in the semi-rural countryside of Sydney both Poppiins had a childhood filled with fun, laughter, occasional grazes from climbing trees, treats of afternoon tea with Oma, winter bonfires toasting marshmellows and cuddles with an ark of pets. On the way to growing, up a University degree of Business and a COFA degree of Fine Arts were achieved to whence Poppiin was born as a way to stay in touch with a childhood now lost in the responsibilities of everyday adulthood.

tell us about what you create

We create things that remind us of when we were small and nice things that we wish we could buy somewhere but can’t because no one else has created them.

what made you start making your pieces?

It all started when one Poppiin was falling asleep one night and dreamt of making a blog full of fun and sweet things but needed the other Poppiin to help steer this crazy ship . Turns out the other Poppiin had the same dream and now we are chugging along in a steady direction.

what is your inspiration/influences?

We get excited about things we see every day, from pretty cakes to a nice pair of socks or a cute little something that we come across. We also love to travel and seeing the world from different wonderful places is an inspiration in itself. But we also have a special stash of old photographs from when we were small and when our parents and grandparents were small Poppiins as well. The world can be a very serious place and sometimes we need to be reminded of the simpler times. We try and put this essence of Poppiin into every piece we make.

what materials do you use?

At the moment we are exploring with felt, thread and silver but will be using a range of materials as we develop our range.

tell us about your creative process?

Our process is a series of researching, drawing, stitching, sewing, soldering, photo-snapping, emailing, smsing, researching, uploading, installing all repeated with plenty of afternoon teas throughout the process!

why did you choose in.cube8r?

We love In.Cube8r! Not only do they provide a supportive platform for emerging artists to showcase their works but they also believe in the artists that stock with them.

where else can we find you?

www.poppiin.com

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Valley’s first birthday party {the valley}

Posted on August 30, 2011 by vicki @ the valley

Artists, friends, family & lovers of handmade came together to celebrate this pink shop’s first anniversary recently, with some lovely memories & information shared

The amazing Jess from *bespoke* was on hand to answer questions from artists, and to assist people who want to know “how to turn your passion into a sustainable business.” See Jess’ post here to find out more

There were numbers exchanged for future commission works, tools of the trade were swapped, and the s’mores were a wonderful sweet treat for all that attended!

Thanks to all the artists, new & old, who have been a part of the pink shop in it’s first 12 months. We have a new bigger location, and some WONDERFUL customers who love what you do – you keep on making your amazing handmade goods, and we’ll keep on selling it for you ;)

The prize box was brimming with toys, books, jewellery, candles, & fabric delights from many generous artists.  The lucky recipients were very chuffed with their items, so a big thanks is due to the following artists for their kind donations:

Nan’s Garden
Peeping Thomasina
Endless Memories
Erica Aptroot
Sybella
Aartwolf designs
*bespoke* zines
Waxing moon candles
Juwel designs

Thank you to Andrew Denford Photography for taking photos on the night.

I’m not very comfortable with computers, but I’d like to get my business online – where should I start?

If you’re a complete novice with computers and the internet, the simplest thing you can do is to start a blog! For a novice, I recommend you start a blogspot blog (blogger.com). It’s very simple to set up and use, and the majority of crafters have a blogger blog, which will make it easy for you to connect with them. Another very simple option is a Tumblr blog – again, easy to set up and it’s a big community.

If you’re a little bit more web-savvy, and you’re serious about having a business long-term, I’d recommend that you buy your own domain, and set up a WordPress self-hosted blog (go to WordPress.org for details). Many web hosts will have the option to install WordPress with one click, which makes it nice and easy! The benefit of this approach is that you own your domain, and therefore have more freedom and control over your content.

Where else can I sell online (Etsy isn’t working for me).

Etsy is an amazing venue – but it’s also incredibly swamped with sellers. It can be really hard to stand out in the crowd.

For Aussies, I’d definitely recommend you check out madeit. Only Australians can sell there, and it’s all handmade goods. It’s run by a fantastic and helpful team, and you’re much more likely to get noticed and get sales.

I’d also recommend Blue Caravan – another Aussie site. BC has a focus on eco-craft – so if your work is recycled/upcycled/sustainable etc, it’s a great venue for you!

Finally, in the long run, you’re better off setting up your own website and selling from there. If you’re doing the hard work to market your business, why not reap the rewards on your own website?

Read more about how to turn your business passion into a successful business from Jess here. 

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artist profile :: Kristy-lee Agresta Jewellery Designs {fitzroy}

Posted on August 23, 2011 by isy @ fitzroy

tell us about your background

Recently graduated from BA Jewellery Design at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga.

tell us about what you create

Handmade Laminate Jewellery either made entirely from laminate samples or in combination with Sterling Silver. Current range includes pendants and rings.

what materials do you use?

My laminate jewellery is created through a unique process. I layer together multiple laminate samples to create a large block of laminate. I then use traditional jewellery techniques such as filling, burring and carving to reveal the line of the colour of the laminate, leaving an interesting and unique material to build upon and to create jewellery.

why did you choose in.cube8r?

In.cube8r gave me the opportunity to display my jewellery in the heart of Melbourne surrounded by artists and designers. In.cube8r also allows interstate participation which was great, making it simple and easy for me to display and sell my jewellery in the city, which I previously did not have access to being from rural NSW.

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artist profile :: bySAGEdesign {mosman}

Posted on August 16, 2011 by susanne @ mosman

tell us about your background

I worked in Graphic Design for many years then left the office structure for a more artistic and poorer life of a student by studying my Bachelor if Visual Art at SCU.

I now focus on making my own little art infused home wares and craft products through my home based business, bySAGEdesign.

tell us about what you create

I create mostly products to decorate the home. They currently include lanterns, jewellery displays, decorative ornaments and Christmas decorations. I also make craft items such as jewellery pendants and buttons, and I have recently designed some wallpapers.

what made you start making your pieces?

I have an appreciation for nice things, I love making items from start to finish, and I have so many ideas!

what is your inspiration/influences?

I draw inspiration for my designs from nature, childhood and my everyday life. Many of my ideas for products revolve home decoration and art.

what materials do you use?

At the moment I use various different types of wood and some acrylic. I work a lot with a laser cutting machine to turn both hand drawn illustrations and digital designs into objects.

tell us about your creative process?

I love to mix together hand made marks with digital processes so my creative process varies and often includes drawing with pens and paper, scanning, digital manipulation and Wacom board drawing.

why did you choose in.cube8r?

In.cube8r has a design/art based focus and the stores are in good locations to be seen by shoppers. I think it is a good way to test products in a shop situation and to get exposure for my art and my brand.

where else can we find you?

www.bysagedesign.com
www.madeit.com.au/bysagedesign
www.craftumi.com.au/bysagedesign
and soon to be found on www.youngrepublic.com.au

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artist profile :: Love is…. {the valley, mosman}

Posted on August 9, 2011 by vicki @ the valley

tell us about your background

My background is in the food industry – developing recipes, food photography, cake dec etc.
Have always been interested in being creative!!

tell us about what you create

I design and create romantic vintage style jewellery – necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings.
i have developed a signature design  line of bracelets – Romantic in Ribbon These involve vintage style ribbon woven through large silver or antique gold plated rings connected and adorned with small charms, crystals, beads.

what made you start making your pieces?

A love of jewellery and vintage elegant style.
Being able to create a small unique piece of affordable art for others.

what is your inspiration/influences?

A love of vintage, romance and the style and elegance of yesteryear!!

My inspiration for each range is also influenced by my surroundings – eg my last range was the result of watching the movie “Burlesque”

what materials do you use?

I love using glass pearls, swarovski crystals, and lampwork beads.
I also incorporate resin flowers, cameos, and my own handmade pendants into my work. Charms, buttons and ribbon adorn. I use antique silver and gold plated chain and findings.

tell us about your creative process?

I like to sit and look out at my garden while i create – while listening to my fav music – Dido, Annie Lennox, Adele and Angus & Julia Stone

why did you choose in.cube8r?

A fab venue for all style of artists and crafters to showcase work for as long as you wish, and at an affordable cost.
The great range of product also attracts a wide range of customers.

where else can we find you?

Facebook and Ladybugmarkets.com

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artist profile :: Fashion Ninja {fitzroy}

Posted on August 2, 2011 by isy @ fitzroy

Fashion Ninja

tell us about your background

Subconsciously always needing more zazz than off-the-rack clothing,  I always used to adorn and modify bought clothing to my liking. Having a number of performer friends plus a love for all things elaborate, over the years I have been making costumes ~ which enables me to get as elaborate as I want! Upon realising that it does not only have to be a hobby, I continued my learning’s at box Hill TAFE, and all the rest is history!

tell us about what you create

Clothing ~ skirts, tees, halterneck tops, singlets, dresses, pants….. lots of custom made garments and costumes for any occasion.

what made you start making your pieces?

A number of years of travelling contributed to the fact of me not wanting to ‘work for the man’. Coming back from my recent trip,  and feeling as if there is nothing to lose by trying, I started up my label!!

what is your inspiration/influences?

Rock n Roll, the challenge of thinking outside the square, the ability of opposite extremes coexisting in the same garment …and of course, my fellow stealthy warriors in black :)

what materials do you use?

I try to use as many natural fibres as I can; printed cottons and leathers are high on the list, but I love using fabrics which have a wee percentage of stretch in them  ~ great for the different fabrication techniques!! I recycle many old t-shirts, bandannas, random bits of fabric and prints, doilies, studs, eyelets, rivets, skullies, bedazzles…

tell us about your creative process?

Straight from the mind, down to fabric! Not being a fan of repetition, many of my garments are completely different in appearance and in the particular fabrics I use. Also, because of all the recycled components I use, unfortunately sometimes there can only be one!

why did you choose in.cube8r?

As supporters of all thing local and all things handmade, In.cube8r has my vote for sure!

where else can we find you?

In the process of getting onto the world wide web, best thing to do would be to email me. My stuff is currently in other boutiques round Melbourne, and I am constantly doing market stalls and festivals in inner city Melbourne and Victoria.

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artist profile :: Paloma Le Sage {mosman}

Posted on July 26, 2011 by susanne @ mosman

Paloma le Sage

Tell us about what you create

My current designs include pouches for mobiles and electronic gadgetry. I am passionate about being involved in my entire creative process …… from the initial design of my “product” the drawing of the image making my silk screens cutting and printing the fabric. Finally I stitch and assemble the pouches. I am always excited to see a customer pick up a pouch and smile.

What is your inspiration/influences?

I am always inspired by the sculptural and abstract qualities of the natural (especially the botanical) world. This world is never static.

What materials do you use?

I love the feel of natural fibres like linen cotton and felt. The colour selection and texture is also very important to me. I love to mix my own bespoke coloured printing inks.

Why did you choose in.cube8r?

The team are very professional. The interior design is inspirational. The location of the Mosman store is so special. It reminds me of Hampstead Village London.

I am happy to share a space with artists and designers that form such a creative community.

Where else can we find you?

www.palomalesage.com
Blue Caravan Ethical online shopping.
Milk Thieves Art & Design Wollongong.
Stanwell Park Village Market 1st sunday of the month
Madeit.com.au/palomalesagefabrics

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guest post :: mums who make {the valley}

Posted on July 19, 2011 by vicki @ the valley

Mums Who Make

my love

Firstly I would love to introduce myself. I am Alison – an almost 30 year old mother of 3, with all the “extras” including my husband, mortgage, barely existant social life & lack of time to myself!

I run a small but busy online candles and melts store, and also Mums Who Make – an Australian Handmade Directory.

This leads me to my love. Handmade. Pretty much anything and everything handmade.

A love that has brewed inside for over 20 years. My first creation that I can vividly remember was a cushion made from 2 washers. Hand stitched around the edges and then tassled with wool.

My mum still has it – and while not pretty to look at it was my creation. Since then I have tried my hand at many crafts – cross stitch, folk art, decopauge, knitting, wood work, glass painting, jewellery, décor items and the list goes on and on.

I must admit I am highly “unskilled” at crochet and hopefully one day find the time to learn to sew! Although in saying that I did successfully fully recover my lounge cushions with a $19 sewing machine from Go-Lo.

Sewers, feel free to laugh – It was a sight to see!

As a teenager I “hid” my love. My friends did not know what I thought about doing all day and that I could not wait to get home and create. I guess that also goes with being a teen and crafting was certainly not the “ ïn” thing to do!

BUT in recent years there has been a change. A massive shift in peoples thinking towards handmade products.

People don’t see “handmade” as grannies with glasses, knitting madly in a rocking chair.

Handmade is stylish, funky, and very much IN!

Parents want their kids to be seen in unique creations and carry around their custom made dollies, blankies and toys, women want to make a statement wearing “not massed produced” jewellery, clothing and shoes and even the men want to be seen in that OOAK t-shirt!

So to all creators and appreciaters of handmade products continue to embrace it, knowing that what you just made or bought was designed with passion and love.

So this is “my love” – something for me.
I can choose to keep it all to myself or share it!
And that is what I love.

mums who make is an australian handmade directory.

A collaboration of handmade products, local markets, craft suppliers, craft classes, retail stores that stock handmade products and a DIY section for adults and children.

mums who make connects you quickly and easily to over 600 businesses with the click of a button.

Mums who make began as a facebook page a year ago, as a supportive page for crafters. Behind the scenes, work began on the website which launched on the 1st march 2011.

We offer businesses the chance to “be seen” off the facebook arena and a way for consumers to easily find what they are searching for. You can choose to have your business listed via a free link or a paid banner listing. We also offer a monthly featured meet the maker page, and run monthly giveaways giving you the opportunity to win a gorgeous handmade item.

mums who make has only just begun and we will continue to thrive and grow.

http://www.mumswhomake.com.au/
http://www.facebook.com/mumswhomakeaus

 

 

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why why why delilah…?

Posted on July 12, 2011 by isy @ fitzroy

in case you didn’t know, delilah is the new fresh face of in.cube8r.

why?

we wanted something quirky and fun and with the new quote of “100% handmade, i KID you not”, it seemed perfect.

delilah-flymo has been my pet goat for 11 years.

delilah

i partly grew up in new zealand, it was quite normal that if you had a largish plot of land around your house (say 700 squares) you’d get a goat. kiwi ingenuity one goat; no lawn mowing.

when I moved into a new house passed down from friends in carnegie melbourne, there was a massive back garden. i once paid for a jim’s mowing kind of person to come and do it, but it was really expensive and he said he almost killed the mower as there had been market gardeners there a few years before me who’d put in railway sleepers now overgrown.

so, being single at the time and not knowing who else to ask, it seemed quite logical to go to the milk bar and pick up the latest trading post. within minutes i located $50.00 kids for sale in carrum downs and down i drove in my barina hatchback.

i had looked after a ‘flymo’ before at a flat i was in in auckland, so I had a fair idea…
so, back to carnegie we drove with lylah bleating from the back of the hatch and here we are 11 years later.

Delilah

she was 8 weeks old, tiny and cute as a button. she is now 120kg and lives with us on our acre in the dandenongs, but for 8 years i was known as ‘goat girl’ and delilah was pretty famous in carnegie. she got out twice and went across the main road into the local primary school…

oh, and btw the voice on the new video is me :)

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artist profile :: Sir Tom {mosman}

Posted on July 5, 2011 by susanne @ mosman

Sir Tom Mosman in.cube8r

tell us about your background

I am the mother of three great kids and have a beautiful hubby. I have a BA in Visual Arts and a Diploma in Design, and have spent my working career in the classroom teaching…until lately.

tell us about what you create

I create original fabrics which I then sew into purses. Some fabrics are screen printed in the traditional way, using hand cut stencils, other fabric is printed professionally using my digital illustrations.

what made you start making your pieces?

After popping out the third babe, I had the dilemma, do I get back into the classroom or find other means to raise the kiddies effectively and still make a bit of money on the side..and so Sir Tom prevailed.

what is your inspiration/influences?

Mother nature is my number one point of reference, then the rest follows closely behind. I am particularly interested in bold, graphic styles typically found in the Art Deco period and Constructivist movement.

what materials do you use?

Hemp, linen, denim, silk, anything earthy, beautiful and strong.

tell us about your creative process?

Lately, I have be responding directly to the beauty that lies within nature through photography. The immediacy and honesty of the moment is captured in my shots, which I can then manipulate to create bold, dramatic textiles.

why did you choose in.cube8r?

in.cube8r should be in every major shopping centre. It embodies more soul and love than an entire retail complex. I chose in.cube8r because it’s the genuine deal.

where else can we find you?

sirtom.etsy.com

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