Nearly Market Time Again

Market mayhem strikes again.

This Saturday I will be at Sisters Market and as always looking forward to it.

Looking forward to it for 2 reasons, the first as I will be having a bit of a sale on the day. I still have some things I would like to clear to make room for my new 'screen printed' items. Gee that's making it very official and now making me very accountable.

The second reason is because by the time the next market comes around, I will have pretty much a whole new collection to show off. Gee I am excited.

This week I have done a stock take, repriced some items, made lots of new bookmarks, cut out some more transfers and have made 3 new friends to go along with the 2 that have been sitting in my work place.

I would love the Melbourne locals to come by and say hi.

Hope to see you there :)

My Labels arrived YAY

I am so excited my labels have arrived and they look great. Simple and perfect. I bought them from Worldwide Label on Etsy and they were just wonderful to deal with. After a few emails back and forth we got everything I wanted perfectly. So here they are...

The journey has begun.....

I mentioned a blog or 2 ago that I was finally going to dive into some screen printing due to my frustration of not finding the right fabrics that I want to use. Actually I will rephrase that,I do find the right fabrics but so does everyone else, and with friendly Etsy crafty competition out there, it's hard to generate those extra few sales and stand out. Well that's my thought process anyway, some may think differently, but hey whatever works I say.

So I went and bought the "basic" essentials from Dean's Arts on Saturday, and the excitement running through me was great, like a kid in a candy store. I haven't bought like that at an art store since college, where I visited weekly to get art supplies. For those who professionally screen print, may think my purchases are "crafty" and not professional real deal.

But I guess we have to start somewhere.

Now I have my pieces, some designs scribbled about I feel a bit paralyzed, it's like mmmm where to I begin. Well I will keep you updated on the success and hopefully not too many disasters.

Design Your Own Party Bag

I am very excited as a selection of my bookmarks are being stocked by a wonderful business called "Design Your Own Party Bag"
Cathy, also a mother, is the brains behind this fabulous concept. When speaking with her she mentioned that mums were over the rubbishy lolly bags, and also were not always interested in themed parties. I feel exactly the same & dread the day Hudson becomes obsessed with 'Bob the Builder', or 'Diego', but Sesame Street I will allow (It was my fave show growing up).

What is great about this concept is that you have the option to,

Now I am talking about creating your own bag with amazing items.

There are specific items for girls, boys, and even mixed items so everyone is please

Not sure what to buy, the premade items are fantastic also.

Pop on over to the website and have a look for yourself, and definitely keep this shop in mind for you next birthday party.

Free Shipping For Christmas In July

What a build up & not too long to go, actually only

days until Christmas in July. This is my first involvement with such an event, but I will be checking out whats happening helping promoting the threads. My god I hope I do it correctly.

There are so many talented people involved, you can get a sneak preview here to see who is involved.

I am offering FREE SHIPPING on all items until July 26th.
I haven't changed all shipping to $0, so I can either reimburse you or create a listing for you without shipping charges.

Calling Robot Lovers

If you or your kids love a robot I am sure you are going to like these...

Sit Back & Refocus

I have been a bit off the radar of late. You know sometimes you just need to sit back & refocus a little on where you business is heading and what you want to achieve.

I have also had some bad news about a family member which has left me a little distracted.

There has also been waiting on something desperately to arrive so I can start taking that next step, and getting some inspiration flowing.

I have a love of yardage prints, I think it stems from designing what feels like a zillion of them

when I worked full time.

As a designer I find it frustrating knowing I can draw them but getting them to the cloth is another story altogether. I found this fabulous book that I am planning to use as a step by step guide,

as I have heard some great reviews about it.

I am wanting to create placement prints at the moment, but who knows where it will develop to.

To read more on this book click on this link.

I also needed a bit of inspiration & direction as well and I can't recommend this enough. Even if you don't and are completely in control of you daily structure there are some great inspirational snippets of artists who started of like most of us and are now international companies. I was very inspired.

Click on the link if you want to read more.

Happy reading & enjoy, Ky xx

Delicious Designz Giveway

I have made a new Etsy friend.... Del from Deliciousdesignz, we met, well have emailed quite a lot, due to her buying heaps of my ladieswear clothes that I am selling to clear. You can find the tab for the clothes on the LHS of my blog.
Anyway more importantly she is having a giveaway that I don't really want you to enter as I would like to win her ultra sleek resin jewelry creations. I love white jewelry, especially in summer, but winter is great too!! Those rings are so cool. Take a look.

To enter visit her blog.

Mini Maestros

This morning I started a new activity with Hudson, "Mini Maestros".

I have noticed that he seems to have a love for music, whenever he hears something with a rhythm his body & hands bounce along, not always to the beat but it's very cute. Lets hope that he has more talent than what I have. I love my music but can't string 3 notes together and my voice, well you never want to hear that. The class went only for 30 minutes, Hudson was mesmerised by the teacher playing the guitar and singing, we shook maracas, did hand actions and danced under a parachute. I also received his first music book today, I am not sure what is to come of this but hey I am as excited as him. If you have time to do this I highly recommend it.

Super Saturday Steals

Yay the weekend is here, and what a way to begin it with a "SUPER SATURDAY STEAL".
For all of today in my Etsy shop you can buy ONE PIECE & GET THE SECOND HALF PRICE!!!

Yep you heard it buy ONE PIECE & GET THE SECOND HALF PRICE!!!

The steal last for 24hrs only.

I haven't posted any specific listing for today, after you have made a selection just contact me at Etsy or via my email & I will send you an invoice via Pay Pal, or Australian customers you have the option of direct debit.

Please note this offer is before shipping.

Fab Friday Finds

In the spirit of Christmas in July here are some reindeer that I thought had a golden touch.

1. Reindeer Vintage Button Hair Clips by artdecadence

2. Startled by jewelryvine

3. Golden Reindeer by The BakersDaughter

4. Darling Deer Necklace by cravejewelrydesign

Elephant Iron On Transfer

New Elephant iron on transfer....Ready an waiting to embellish something for you.

Wishlist Wednesday

I am wishing for the "Organising Fairy" to come and tap me on the shoulder and sprinkle her magic dust all over me and my workspace. I have always been a bit messy when it comes to my desk, even when I worked full time, however I could always pin point where everything was. I am told that creative minds work like that. Do you think it's true or just an excuse? MMMMM I have never been sure, maybe I am just genetically built this way? Lately I have been a little disorganised, don't ask me why I just have, basically I have been lazy when it comes to putting your things after I have finished with them. Below is my space, see what I mean?

Now Wishlist Wednesday if there is a fairy out there, I would LOVE this....Pretty Please.. I found these fab images from past posts of one of my favourite blogs Modish.

Maybe a trip to Ikea will sort this out?

On the mend

It feels like forever since I have posted, actually it was only last Friday.

My poor bubba has had a dreadful cold, and it was my very first experience with a high temperature of 39.5!! Scared the bergeezas out of me.

Anyway he's turned the corner and in recovery mode, and now I feel like I am getting what he has. But what can I expect he has been so miserable he hasn't left my arms or my bed for that matter. Oh well I would take his cold from him any day if I could.

During the very limited time I have had to myself, I decided to make another friend, and I'd like to call him 'Ollie the Owl'. I quite like making these little toys, so who knows what is around the corner for me?

Fabulous Friday Finds From Melbourne

I have window shopped locally today, local being Melbourne, and also because I love purple today.

1.SusannahTucker 2.itchykoo 3. Wilkinte 4.Finki

5.designsbydanna 6.Lyptis 7.kokovanilladesigns 8.clearcutcrafts2007

Iron On Piggy Transfer

If you are a fan of pigs you are going to love the 10 new transfers available in my shop.

Don't forget buy 2 transfers and save $$$

Warning to others...Please read

I have been meaning to blog about this but was initially was reluctant as I admit felt a bit stupid.
The other week I received an email from a man called David Handerson from Korea requesting a wholesale order. He was from Korea. Having dealt with Asian customers and companies, doing importing with them I didn't think twice about it. Anyway I thought it was my lucky day & he ordered a $1000 wholesale order. Yippee!!

He requested I use his choice of shipping company "Errandex" as he said the product may get lost in transit as his apartment/working space was hard to find. I was fine with that too, as I understood that definitely happens from experience.
;As the communication continued a few things alarmed me;
1. When I googled "Erranex" the website advised it was dangerous. I wanted to check that as I wanted to see their Aust office locations so i could drop order off. When I asked where they were I was told "Southern Australia"!!!
2. He would only provide a credit card, and ignored all Pay Pal requests, and insisted I had to transact it 3 times at $299 a time.
3. The quote from his shipping company I received came to a total of AUD$498, & I quoted AUD$100 through Australia Post.
4. Lastly he wanted me to pay for shipping initially into "Western Union Money" which I also learned is a foreign exchange fund & he would pay money back to me via credit card payments.
Very strange hey???
I called my cousin who is a financial controller for a huge Australian company & obviously great with figures, international transactions & so forth. She said it sounded like I was being scammed & got me to google his email & the shipping companies email.
Well what do you know the first words that came up SCAM, SCAM, SCAM & warnings from others who had fallen victim.
To put it in a nutshell his intentions where as my cousin explained;

"There was no order. I would have transacted payment which in turn I would have lost as it was obviously a stolen credit card. Then before I found that it was stolen he would have claimed he didn't receive goods & would have been able to make a claim of some sort which would have been financially crucifying as I would have had to reimburse him, then get copped with paying back the money to the stolen credit card. So not only would I have had to pay money back I would have lost $1000 worth of stock at wholesale as we all know is a HELL of a lot, of not just money but time & effort".

I tried to make that as short as possible but wanted to let you all be aware of this as it's very exciting to get a wholesale order request. I know for sure I was thrilled, & spending the money in my mind before I had received it.

Just be cautious people.
xx

Recognise this?

Yes my profile avatar, now available to buy.

Wishlist Wednesday

I am wishing for Hudson to hurry up & walk properly. Without any prompting today he just got up & took 6 steps. It's funny how we count steps & consider them such milestones. I was initially worried he wasn't walking fast enough as he is the last one in my mothers group still not walking. He is coming on 14 months, & I will admit was quite a big baby, (which I was told was the reason he didn't walk at 11 or 12 months), but has slowed down considerably since crawling. He was a porka believe me, my poor old back will tell you. Anyway back to my point....I have has several people say "you'll regret it when they walk as all you do is run after them". Mmmm I don't know if I will, as it will make winter so much easier, amusement wise, instead of being stuck indoors so much.


Well here is my positive thoughts on this;
1. We will be able to do some walks on cool sunny days like today as opposed to crawling through wet grass.
2. We will be able to get in our gumboots & explore my very neglected back yard, instead of crawling through mud, & yes I will weed.
3. We will be able to go to stop at the park on our walks, as opposed to crawling in the wet again.....
If I am out of my mind please tell me.
I took a photo of him on the go last night.

Nice transfer on your tee, mmm I wonder where you got that??

Places for Scissors

My title to today's blog "Places for Scissors" MMM you wonder, but watch.....

Lonely scissors, nowhere to live.....

Fear not...Finki is here....

Jay from Finki makes these awesome scissor covers amongst other very cool items, but these I just love. I have one now I am thinking I may need two, one for the paper scissors of course!

I also bought some super cute earrings

Do yourself a favour check out her Etsy shop you won't be disappointed.

Some new friends

I have had a go at making some softies last and here are the results.

I am very happy with my new friends "Eve & Eddie".

Lets hope somebody takes them home from the Sony & Coco market tomorrow.

Yes it's that time again, my favourite time of month that I absolutely thrive on MARKET TIME!!!! I am so busy the week or 2 leading up, planing, procrastinating, planning, stressing and it goes on. This month I am trying Sonny & Coco in Preston.

I haven't done this one below, but Jay from Finki said it was quiet good. So here I go. I love, like all of us the vibe on the day, new people I meet, and even better if sales have been good. It compensates always for what I may not have gotten on Etsy. I always find the market crowds different to Etsy, not sure why.
But if you're around come & say hi, I love putting a face o the blogger.

Something not hand made

Some of you may know or may not, well I used to work in the fashion industry & also had my own label which is no longer. Besides doing what I do, seeing what you amazing fellows crafters do, & blogging with everyone is far more rewarding.

I just sent out to my newsletter group the following ladies clearance info & thought I should at least let you all know.

Well I worked on was called MayBel, and is 100% Australian made, not handmade, but better than 'made in China'.

The collection was designed and produced only in knits, meaning everything stretches and is extremely comfortable. The product is ageless and takes many women through all facets of their lives. It is absolutely perfect to wear casually and easy enough to dress up.

It also has a bonus as it's perfect before, during, and after pregnancy. I have worn it through all three of the above mentioned stages. I have washed it over and over again, and each time it bounces back into shape, the colour stays fresh and it's great as I DON'T NEED TO IRON ANY of it. YAY!!
I guarantee quality is fabulous, and what is being offered to you is an amazing offer.
All pieces are $20 each...Two for $35....Or 3 for $50....
In my other website is wear it all is, just click here. I have listed everything individually should you be interested. under the "Ladies fashion" tab, there are also listed two buttons under the 'Shop Bulk and Save" tab stating the above deals. (This tab is under Ladies Clearance)

All you have to do is decide which deal you would like and add to cart as you would normally do. Just make sure to advise me at checkout the STYLE, SIZE, and COLOUR you require.

Please look through all individually offered items to have correct style names, and also for quantities.
Also click on the dowload in the "Ladies fashion" tab and there are photographs of the collection and the amazing mix and match outfits you can make. I have listed several but your imagination I guarantee will create more.

As I said I just wanted to let you know should you be looking for a sale.

I hope your all having a great Friday.

Artist in the Spotlight -

My 'artist in the spotlight' this week is the very talented jewellery designer Mary, from MaryGraceJewellery. Her Etsy store has been running now for just over 6 months, and she is loving every minute of it. Her work has such a nostalgic and vintage feel to it, when I look at them it's as if there is a story behind each of them. Some of them I could definitely see on famous women like Marie Antoinette, especially the hair pins, they are beautiful. Mary is truly amazing, she creates such highly crafted work as well as looking after her 6 children. Truly inspirational.

As well as learning more about her below, I would like to know more personally about her obviously good time management skills!

1)Tell us a bit about yourself?
I am a very happy and busy Mummy to 6 kiddies. I have 2 sets of twins and 2 older children. Life from day to day is busy but there is nothing else I would rather do. My children give me the greatest joy and fulfilment anyone could realise. Being Mummy gives me stability and purpose everyday.
I have always enjoyed arts and crafts since I was a girl. My first love is illustration. I love making jewellery as it gives me the creative outlet I need but also provides me the opportunity to learn business. I have no jewellery making or business training background. I am always learning so many things in taking my jewellery business forward.

2)Where did your business name come from?
My business name is not very creative I know- Its simply my first and middle name BUT it is who I am. I am Mary Grace.

Little Girl Hair Pin 2

3)Tell us a bit about your business?
Mary Grace is handcrafted jewellery made with quality materials and craftsmanship. Its a business that is evolving and growing and still being defined. Its a business that has big ambition! Hopefully my determination and HARD WORK will take it as far as it can possibly go.

4)What inspires you to create what you make?
Current trends and fashion. I make fashion jewellery. In terms of personal touches - I love colour. Alot of other artisans give me inspiration through their work.

N57 - Lilac

5)What do you think is the key to achieving successful sales?
HA! Well...lets see...I have at the moment made not very many sales. Mary Grace is still in its infancy. You tell me, can I have some advice? What is the key to successful sales?
I know this much, that persistence/consistency and determination will one day make me the sales that I desire. Trying every avenue and opportunity builds exposure.

6)What is your favourite music/artist/movie/book/website?
I love reading classic novels. I am not a movie/ TV person.

R1 Amethyst

7)If you could interview anybody in the world who would it be?
I would love to talk to anyone who can offer positive inspiration.

8)Where is your next holiday destination?
Ha! I think the more appropriate word would be "when". Luckily I love being home looking after my children "just" being Mummy.

Cluster Bracelet 3

You can also follow Mary on her blog http://www.marygracejewellery.blogspot.com/

Thanks a lot Mary for letting know more about yourself and you work.

x Kylie

Winner Of Wishlist Wenesday is.....

Thanks everyone who came to help grant my wish last Wednesday. For those who are unaware, I put together a new collection of bookmarks and for the life of me I couldn't work out what to call them. So I called out to others for some help and there were some great suggestions.

But we know there can only be 1 winner today, and the winner is......

Nic from Vintage Princess Pea

She has name them "The Vintage Collection" and now gets to choose one of the designs of her choice and I will post it up to her.

I will be getting these now up on Etsy during the day with their new name.
Thanks & Enjoy....