Oct 31, 2009

Getting mold out of fabric?

Getting everything ready for my market tomorrow and realised that my table cloth has mold in the fabric. It got wet at my last market and stupidly I forgot about it. I have put it through two hot washes in the machine, the second time with stain remover, and its still there!

Any tips or ideas gratefully received!

Friday Favourites


Oct 29, 2009

Markets Galore!

This will be a great weekend to start your Christmas shopping if you live in the Brisbane with a great selection of Handmade Markets to choose from!

First up is the monthly Young Designers Market at Southbank. This is on Sunday from 10.00am to 4.00pm. I will have a stall there with my sterling silver jewellery. YDM features many up and coming designers in the worlds of fashion, accessories, homewares and art - something for everyone.







Then there is the Mathilda's Market at the City Hall in the centre of Brisbane. This market is also on Sunday and runs from 9.00am to 1.00pm. The Mathilda's Market specialises in handcrafted baby and kids goods including homewares, accessories, clothes and toys.


Finally there is the Finders Keepers Market making its inaugural visit to Brisbane. This market will be held at the Old Museum in Brisbane and is on Saturday from 12.00pm to 9.00pm and on Sunday from 10.00am to 5.00pm. As with the YDM this market features up and coming designers in fashion, accessories and homewares.

Different BrisStylettes will be selling at each of the markets so come along and see our goodies first hand!

Oct 28, 2009

Geometric Square Bracelets Back in Stock

My Geometric Squares Bracelet is one of the only designs that I have repeated, albeit with different gemstones - its a fun design to do and seems to be well liked!

Well, I now have two bracelets back in stock - one with Peridot Jasper, and one with Rhodonite!


Of course, if you prefer to "do it yourself" I also have the tutorial for making the bracelet in my store too.

Oct 27, 2009

Tree Agate Tumbled Stone Pendant

Sometimes it can be fun to use a tumbled uncut stone in a design rather than a nicely domed cabochon or cut gemstone - and that's what I've used in this pendant.

These uncut stones can be picked up quite cheaply since they haven't been cut to show off the gemstone at its best, but the very irregularity of the stones makes them interesting- and of course they are in a much more natural state.

This Tree Agate is a lovely stone, with a strong white background and clearly defined green markings and the stone proved to be a good shape to work with.

I wire wrapped the stone in sterling silver with three strands of wire sweeping down the length of the stone and swirls of wire on top of the stone.

So - my Tree Agate Tumbled Stone Pendant.

Oct 26, 2009

Monday Feature

My feature this week is another member of the BrisStyle team - Daneve of Chicuff.

A fun and outgoing individual, Daneve was born into a very creative family and gives that as the reason why she has a strong interest in Arts and exploring various creative concepts. Having traveled from one end of the world to the other before settling down, Daneve describes herself as a person who is always doing something with her hands.

Having used her crafting abilities to create many different styles over the years, Daneve recently decided she wanted to try and base her craft on something that was new and innovative. Exploring the popular concept of recycling Daneve came up with the idea of using Environmentally Friendly, Non-Woven material bags and transforming them into wearable art... and so Chicuff was born. Daneve's designs are ever-increasing and she hopes to keep broadening her designs to cover a larger cross section of people...

The stand out items in Chicuff are the wonderful fascinators but there are also a great range of hair ornaments, cuffs, rings, brooches and wallets - so go check them out - they are well worth a second glance!

Oct 25, 2009

Fused Cab and Sterling Earrings

With a bunch of cabs from Guru Creations still to use I managed to find a couple that were a near match so decided to go for earrings this time. Earrings are also a great way to use up the offcuts of wire from my bangles and pendants.

I used twisted wire to outline the cabs and then some more wire to shape in front of the cabs securing them in place. I then rolled the wire over all around the top of each cab. Jump rings were then used to secure the cabs to some hand shaped ear wires.

Oct 24, 2009

Sterling and Ocean Jasper Wired Pendant

Been in Adelaide for a business trip this week hence the reason I'm a couple of blogs short but now I'm back let me tell you about my new piece.

I had a triangular shaped cabochon of Ocean Jasper and so decided to go with another wired pendant. In common with other types of Jasper, the Ocean Jasper has a lot of natural patterning within the stone. In a colour that I can best describe as an orangy tan type of colour, there are a lot of amber coloured circles within the pattern, as can be seen quite clearly in the picture.

I therefore didn't want to distract too much away from the stone with my wiring. Having shaped the wire enough therefore to hold the stone securely in place, I just have three strands of wire, two twisted, sweeping across a section of the stone. I have fanned them slightly so that the stone is still clearly visible.

So, my latest design, my Sterling and Ocean Jasper Pendant.

Oct 21, 2009

Perfect for Autumn/Fall

Another of my new designs, this necklace combines tubes of Carnelian with Red Aventurine 'grape' beads, all on copper wire. The colours of the carnelian and red aventurine compliment each other so well and the copper wire just helps to add to the warm rich tones of the necklace.

Oct 20, 2009

Dichroic and Sterling Pendant

Another of my new designs featuring a fused glass cabochon by Guru Creations, this time a pendant.

The glass cabochon has a black base with three distinct squares of dichroic glass in pink, green and a pink/green combo. Wrapping in sterling silver I decided to try and outline the squares with my wire and so shaped a top wire between the two larger squares then sweeping it around the smaller top square. I then twisted the top wires and swept them in pairs across the top of the cabochon. A spiral was then created to sit just in front of the twisted wire.

So - My Dichroic Glass Cabochon.

Oct 19, 2009

Monday Feature

My feature this week is another BrisStylette - Steffen of 3 Girls + a goat. An architect and interior designer by day, Steffen finds the enjoyment of having another creative outlet is fun, rewarding and immediate.

Steffen likes to use a range of materials including new and recycled papers, new and vintage fabrics and buttons, rubber stamping, machine stitching, and screen and lino printing to create multi- layered paper goods.

Steffen's range of materials and techniques is evident in her shop which features a great range of "petite packets of stationery" including gift tags, gift cards and petite envelopes. So if you are looking for that something special to lift your gift wrapping out of the ordinary then pop on over and explore the range on offer.



Oct 18, 2009

Cloudy Day Bangle

A few months ago a glass artist, Guru Creations, whom I have bought from before had a sale, selling off sets of cabochons. While buying one of the sets I was also tempted into buying a focal cabochon entitled "Cloudy Day".

Playing around with the cab I decided it would make a great bangle, the cab making a great focal (and talking) point to sit on the wrist.

I wire wrapped the cab in sterling silver then used the wire to continue on to the bracelet base. I decided to twist the inner wires in each set of three to help add some texture as well as make the sides look a bit more interesting. Then, since the cab was quite large, I decided to shape the 'sides' of the bangle to help create some balance against the focal. Preferring this type of bangle to be 'all in one' I then created a simple hook clasp with the ends of the wire.

So - my Cloudy Day Bangle!

Princess - Pink Charm Bracelet

I finally have some new pieces - not only made but also photographed! I will gradually share them, and the design with you over the next few days.

The first one I am going to share with you is "Princess" a pink charm bracelet.

I'm calling this a charm bracelet for want of a better term because there are no traditional 'charms' on it, but there are a great variety of different beads wire wrapped onto a charm bracelet chain.

I decided pink was always a popular colour and it was also a colour I had a great variety of beads in. I wanted to do a mixture of types of beads so I have included two different gemstones, Rhodonite, and another that is Ruby and Calcite combined. I have also included three different shades of fresh water pearls and four different shades of Swarovski crystals. The shades of the beads vary from a very pale pink, to fuchsia, to a more wine/purple colour. I wire wrapped each bead individually onto the chain thereby ensuring they are all well and truly secure. Finally, I had a lovely art deco toggle clasp that I decided would finish off the piece perfectly.

The number of beads used, 64 in total, ensures that this bracelet has a real lushness to it, and yet, because the beads are all quite small, the bracelet is surprisingly light to wear.

Finally the name, having already used pretty in pink, and pink passions, Princess seemed to fit well with the lushness of the bracelet as well as its pretty pink colour!

Oct 16, 2009

BrisStyle Indie markets - Countdown is On!


The countdown is now on for the next BrisStyle Indie Designers market to be held on Saturday 5th December. With my stall booked and space allocated I now need to start planning my stock and layout - and decide whether or not to have any Chrissie specials. With the last BrisStyle market having been one of my most successful markets this year the anticipation is running high!

Oct 13, 2009

Dalmation and Honey Jade

This is another necklace that I primarily made while sitting behind my market stall. I've had the Dalmatian jasper beads for quite a while now and decided it was time to do something with them. I decided that they really wouldn't work well with silver so decided to use a copper base. Then, in order to enhance the warmth of the copper base I decided to add some honey jade to the mix. So - my Dalmatian and Honey Jade necklace - Its a one piece necklace that can be worn either as two short strands or as one long strand.

Oct 12, 2009

Monday Feature

My feature this week is another BrisStyler - Rebecca of EdwardandLily. Edward and Lily products began life as a gift for a loved one and the designs evolved from there.

Rebecca enjoys the creative process from original sketch through to a completed product line. She feels attached in some way to every piece she creates. Rebecca believes in the value of handmade to effect change environmentally, culturally and socially.

Recently selected to be part of the first Finders Keepers market in Brisbane, Edward and lily specialise in embroidered products, particularly brooches, and in cute critters. With some gorgeous scented birds included in their range of products as well as the cutest cats their range is well worth checking out!

Oct 11, 2009

Ups and Downs

Really mixed weekend re sales - The downs were two really disappointing days of markets, two markets and barely a sale between them. However, when I picked up my jewellery from the exhibition I discovered I had some decent sales. My Chrysanthemum Chain and my Black magic bangle (as well as a couple of others) finally have good homes. Then, I came home to another good sale on line. So it just goes to show - you never can tell!

Oct 10, 2009

Boutique Market - October

Well its the second Sunday of the month tomorrow and time for the new Boutique Market. So, if you're in the Brisbane region head down to Portside Wharf, Hamilton between 8.00 and 1.00pm. I'll have some new designs on sale, including three new pieces not even photographed yet!

Oct 8, 2009

Wonder of Art Exhibition

I was thrilled to receive an invitation to exhibit some of my jewellery at the St. Elizabeth's Wonder of Art Exhibition being held this weekend in Brisbane. The exhibition will be formally opened by the Curator of the Queensland Art gallery - Gallery of Modern Art.

Since I also have a market on the Sunday my biggest problem now is working out which pieces to send to the exhibit and which pieces to take to the market!

Oct 5, 2009

Monday Feature

My feature this week is Helen of Ruby2gogo and Rubyredstudios. A fellow BrisStyle member, Helen specialises in recycled swish.

An Air Hostess by day, Helen describes herself as a recycler of preloved and vintage swish. Heralding from a long line of eccentric eclectic artists, crafters and collectors (or maybe that should be hoarders) Helen's intent was to carry on the family tradition by designing and creating goodies that breathe new life into curios.

Making great use of her distinctive scooter trademark, Helen has developed a great range of products made with recycled materials, including button jewelry, layered paper brooches, soda-pop cuffs and cards. Go have a rummage and see what's available!

My Pictures of Sea Lions

Time out from the jewellery - now I'm not an expert photographer by any means, but I thought I'd share some pictures I took of some Sea Lions on a visit I made to Kangaroo Island in South Australia. These were taken on a protected beach. (Spot the baby having a feed in the last picture!)

Oct 1, 2009

October Giveaway

Well, its the 1st of the month and so time to announce my new giveaway. But first things first.

The winner of my September Giveaway is 409cope! Congratulations! Your new Interchangeable earrings will soon be winging their way to you.

And now for my October giveaway. This month I will be giving away a Dragonfly necklace. With a lovely antiqued brass dragonfly as the focal, the necklace is made of green Czech fire polished beads with some further small antiqued brass dragonflies in the shorter row of the necklace.

This month there are three ways to enter my giveaway:
  1. Become a follower of my blog (or let me know if you already are)
  2. Become my Facebook fan (again - let me know if you already are)
  3. Blog about my giveaway and let me have the link

For anyone who is interested in a further chance to win one of my pieces, I am one of the featured members on the BrisStyle blog this month and there is a giveaway to win one of my chainmaille necklaces.

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