Christmas Catch Ups

Yesterday my darling friend Tegan came over for Christmas cheer, coffee and cake (however the cake didn't quite make it into the oven in time so we had crackers and dip instead!)

I wanted to share with you one of the greatest presents I have ever received, because it is just so darn cute! Everyone, meet Suki, my new doll friend from Dumpling Dynasty!

She is an easy-sew kit that I would recommend you buy for any young girl (or young girl at heart!) who has an interest in dolls, crafts, sewing or just plain cute things! It all came packaged in the cutest tin, too. I'm almost too tempted to have the kitty image tattooed on me.

Created by British illustrator, Fiona Hewitt, the Dumpling Dynasty range was inspired by years spent living in Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong, endlessly trawling flea markets and junk shops.



Click here to be taken to the Dumpling Dynasty range at Lark Handmade.
If you would like to purchase the Kimono Doll Kit I received, head over here.

Pannikin's Caravan!

Surprise! You can now find a select range of Pannikin goodies on ethical design website Blue Caravan!

Their website introduces itself as:

"Bluecaravan supports and promotes direct trade. We support ethical production both locally and overseas. We love fairtrade and sweat-free certification. We believe that objects ‘warmed’ by designers, artists and artisans have a quality like no other… and that ‘ethical’ is no longer a choice separated from style and design.

Bluecaravan is a venue for buyers and sellers of all things independently designed and ethically made. It’s about lovely, interesting and edgy products - beautifully finished, made with heart, and bought directly from the designer/maker."

Click here to be taken to the shop!

Mini Suitcase Rummage

Thanks to fellow Suitcase Rummager Steph aka Pear from Pear and the Awkward Orchestra, I was invited to have a mini stall at their Old Museum gig on Thursday 9th December along with ten or so others. Please give them a listen, the songs are so beautiful.

It was a lovely night, and Suitcase Rummage organisers Daniele and Isabel did a wonderful job lighing our wares using battery-operated tealight candles and strings of pretty fairy lights.
To say thank-you I gave Steph, who is absolutely wonderful and sweet (with a voice to match!), one of my cross-stitch pear badges only to be met with the offer of a swap for one her darling pear-themed creations that were for sale during the evening. I hear she will be opening an Etsy store soon, so stay tuned.

My neighbours were Tell Tale Zine, a monthly publication by Sarah Hazlehurst and Kirstie Sequitin.

Felt Up

Felt. An almost unlimited supply in every colour of the rainbow (well, almost) has been tucked away in my craft stash since I put a hiatus on creating my Owl , Moody Cloud and Sweet Tooth brooches in early 2010. Now it has been rediscovered and the results? Well, you'll have to decide for yourself! Felt Cat Brooch - $20 - Etsy

Felt House Brooch - $20 - Etsy

Each brooch has been lovingly hand-stitched and has a latch-type brooch pin sewn on the back for added security!

Keep a lookout for new designs: origami cranes, paper planes, owls, foxes and so much more.

Homeward Bound - My First Etsy Treasury!

Sometimes I love nothing more than taking a stroll around the neighbourhood and looking at all the different houses. In my part of town, there are buildings from way back when, post-war houses and sweet cottages full of charm and quaint little gardens.

This treasury is for all the homebodies out there. Click here to be taken to the webpage.

November's BrisStyle Twilight Market

The BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market, which was held on the 26th November, was a great lot of fun! I shared my co-op table with the ever so helpful and friendly Rebecca from Edward & Lily.

Here are some quick snaps from that afternoon. I've become a little attached to the Hipstamatic app for iPhone, as I don't have to to take a huge amount of photos for a decent shot. Plus it automatically takes square photographs, which is something I am rather fond of.

Finders Keepers Wrap Up

Yes, it's long overdue, but here it is! My first Finders Keepers experience. Putting the final touches on my stall (the biggest I have ever had!) A big thanks goes to Tess for lending me her gorgeous floral tablecloths, and to Sue (Tom's mum) for giving me her brand-spanking new wooden dish rack for my postcard display.

Helper #1: Tom (my beloved!)
Carrier of heavy bags and boxes, director of taxi drivers and Sunday's super salesman.

Helper #2: Gina (my mum!)
Tidier of displays, a bringer of lunch and Saturday's super saleswoman.

I almost completely sold out of my plastic illustrated brooches on the first day of the markets!
At the moment I am trialling different ways to futher impove these brooches and come up with new designs, so you might not see them for some time. Hooray for cross-stitch! These are so much fun to make, and with a growing number of designs you can collect them! Designs so far include (but are not limited to): acorns, anchors, bunnies, coffee, cats, diamonds, hearts, moustaches, icecream, bows, alphabet, pears, spools of thread, pine trees...

In the lead up to Finders Keepers, I made 500 badges. Some were illustrated, some used my own photographs, some were made of origami paper and some were covered with fabric. Making badges is so satisfying for me. The instant gratification of pressing a few layers together to create a wearable object is rather magical. I think it's the kid within me.

By Sunday's end I completely sold out of my Vintage Valentine fridge magnets. I know Teneale from Wicked Child Designs snapped one up for herself!

Speaking of magnets, I have new designs to show you! These shadow magnets are quite sizeable, perfect for holding those hard-to-stick-down notices or even two smaller memos. I've illustrated five different silhouettes, which include a little girl, lamb, piglet, bunny and squirrel (my favourite!) These will be available in my Etsy and MadeIt stores very soon!
Did you know that I now have seven different tote bag designs? I almost can't believe it! So hands up if you like Mushrooms, Pigeons, Crafting, Dinosaurs, Silly Kids, Dala Horses, and Fancy Cats! My latest designs will be listed in my online stores this week, so keep your eyes peeled!

Gasp! What's this?! New products, yay!
My 'Word Up' Scrabble tile necklaces are an idea I have been sitting on for years, but have only just recently had the time and correct supplies to execute it. These necklaces are chunky, bold and fun. Each piece is coated in a clear, glossy resin and connected with a nickel-coloured chain and clasp. These particular necklaces are covered with varying fabrics on the reverse, however the next 'batch' will have something very different and slick. I can't wait to show you all!
As usual, I had my animal menagerie with me in the form of pendant necklaces galore! So many found new homes over the weekend, I hope you are all enjoying them!
There are now six postcard designs for you all to choose from and at $2 a pop they make great gifts and stocking stuffers. New designs include:

The Joy In Discovery
Owl Always Be Here For You
EnidWhat did you find at Finders Keepers?

I didn't have much time to leave my stall and wander around, but I think that's probably for the best, as the array of art, design and craft on offer would have sent me to heaven, and my wallet to the grave.

Some favourite stalls include:

Lauren Carney Art
Penelope and Pip
Frankie Magazine
Cat Rabbit
Delilah Devine
Paper Boat Press
Tree Party Design
REread Design
Miss Dish
Courtney Brims
Red Revival
Ra Ra Superstar
Leeloo