Artist of the week - Amy from "ara133photography"

I love posting about artists that are interesting, and a completely different genre from my own, and love to meet new people from all over the world.
Amy from "ara133photography" in Pennsylvania USA, was lovely enough to accommodate me this week. Also a fellow Etsian, I found her work when I posted on my blog a couple of weeks ago about how winter was coming, refer to image 1 & 6. She has an amazing eye for detail, please do yourself a favour and stop by her shop, she is also having a grand opening sale for their newest shop.

My favourite "Cardinal in the Snow"

1)Tell us a bit about yourself?
I'm a silly, ovaltine-drinking, photographer and plant biologist. I love to take those personality tests - the last type I took said I am an INFP, which basically means I'm introverted and cannot tell fantasy from reality - which is basically true, and makes things quite interesting in the research lab where I am working to get my PhD in plant biology. I started painting when I was in Jr. High (I took classes from a wonderful woman in her home - I can still remember the paint-and-turpentine smell of the studio, and her beautiful paintings on the wall... and all of the art books; the old wooden tables...). And I'm not even sure when I began taking photos, but it became serious when I was in high school.

2)Where did your business name come from?
ara133photography was partially gleaned from my email address (didn't read the "you cannot change it later" fine print!), and the name for my second shop, Monko Photography, is my married last name.

3)Tell us a bit about your business?
We opened our photography business last year, and are selling on Etsy and also have displays in some local shops. It's been an exciting year!

4)What inspires you to create what you make?
Sometimes dreams (I have really vivid, colorful dreams about strange places!); sometimes I get ideas from music and poetry; sometimes I just happen to be somewhere at the right time!

5)What do you think is the key to achieving successful sales?
I'd have to say marketing and advertising. I think it's important to match the type of item you're selling to the venue and its customers. For example, I would have a lot of Penn State campus photos at a local craft fair, or classic nature photos... but at a local cafe I would probably put out more surreal or food-related images. The same idea applies to online sales.

6)What is your favourite music/artist/movie/book/website?
I'll warn you - I can never choose one favorite anything!! :) music: John Denver, Jack White, Bob Marley, Jewelartist: Henri Rousseau, Edward Hopper, Van Gogh book: Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart - I think I've read it 80 times!website: Etsy! :) and I always check the pollen report on accuweather.com; also like anthropologie, sephora


7)If you could interview anybody in the world who would it be?
Albert Schweitzer

8)Where is your next holiday destination?
Ooh a holiday would be lovely!! My husband and I are going to meet my parents in the Catskills (somewhat half way between PA, where we live, and ME where my parents live), but we don't have it planned yet.
Thanks again Amy for your time and insight to your business. I must say I agree with you for your love of the Anthropologie store, I think it's my all time favourite. I have been to them a couple of times when travelling with my old job, everything is to die for.

Ky x

Getting on the Wednesday Wish List Band Wagon

I have read enough of everyone else Wednesday wish list & decided to start expressing my wishes. I hope you other Wednesday wishes don't mind?

My wish is simple......I would love my back garden finished. I have posted earlier on the beginnings of the master piece in work, and slow progressive stages are being achieved. My main objective was making sure Hudson had a play area for swings and slide, as well as a sand pit. I can proudly say they are complete, and I have had several amazing days outside with Hudson watching him explore the feeling or bark, which I assume didn't taste so great with him spitting it out so quickly, and also the feeling of squish sand between his toes.

Here is Hudson playing in his first outdoor play station. A great inheritance from my sister in law Peta.Here is his play area covered with soft fall bark, his 1st Tonka truck, and to the left the sandpit which has been covered with a silver tarp to stop birds and potential my dog doing hi business there.What is so important about this garden bed you ask? Well it's my very first attempt as growing vegetables. I am having a go without high expectations but will be thrilled when I can pick my first crop. I have down there baby carrots, spinach, beetroot, baby broccoli & cauliflower, garlic, spring onions and a strawberry plant. I am so excited I have even potted herbs, a lime tree and passion fruit tree. MMMMMMM fresh food hopefully for the picking.

Oh this is the view from my back door. Ahhh it will be lovely when it's all completed.

Ky x

Cousins.....And new things

What a weekend. I was with my cousins on Saturday and Sunday night which was fabulous, great conversation and great food. I will blog more about my cousins one day, as I only met them all last November 2008. It's a such a long story, and something that could be made into a novel, maybe even a motion picture one day. MMMMM who would play me? Anyway to make a very long story short, my mum after 58yrs found out she was adopted. She found out that who she thought was her mother, (my nanna), was actually her aunt. Who she thought was her aunt, was actually her mother. Who she thought were her cousins, who she never saw, are actually her sisters. Who she thought was her sister all her life, was really her 2nd cousin. Sound confusing YES YES YES. See what I mean I would need to right about it slowly and clearly. Anyway it has been the most phenomenal experience, as I now have 6 amazing first cousins who are all of similar age to me who are all brilliant. A couple of them I look just like, and 2 in which I feel are, & will end up being more like sisters. It sounds really corny, but I kind of feel a gap has been filled in my life, even thought prior to this I was unaware of it needing to be filled.

Life is great....This cute 'Dandy Cat' sums up my mood. I found him at Marjji's Esty store.

On top of a great weekend I found some time to finally photograph some new items to post about. My geometric bib, where Hudson has kindly modelled for me, and a matching nappy compact. I have had a good response to this design, I sold one of each at the sisters market the other week. I hope that's a sign of more to sell. Check out my Esty store to read more about them.

Better go an rug up, if you live in Melbourne you know what I mean. A cold snap has hit us and it's freezing.

Ky x

Artist of the week - Mitch from mqsquare

I found these adorable little owls during the week & purchased one called Partridge (little pink guy below), he is so cute and so tiny, and will be coming to live with me all the way from sunny California. I decided to contact the artist involved and asked her a few questions, as I was really interested to here about their work.

Introducing Mitch from mqsquare...

There are some truly unique answers to my questions, make sure you drop past their etsy store, and especially have a look at her owls.

1)Tell us a bit about yourself?

I have a degree in Applied Design with an emphasis in Ceramics, brick making really, so professionally I’m a full time restaurant manager. I live with my partner of eight years and our two absolutely adorable, sweet cats. I’m also brown, squat and half an inch taller than the short end of the pool.

2)Where did your business name come from?

The business name mqsquare is a combination of my name, Mitch Quina, and my fondness for the square form. Aside from being the perfect shape, when it comes to design, I find it ideal for all practical purposes. As a table, it holds more versus a round one. As cabinets generally come with corners, utilizing circular containers makes less sense as these only create trapped spaces. Nothing against the wheel, but less I want things to roll, I’m square all the way.

3)Tell us a bit about your business?

I’m a sucker for great design, which results in my inclination to try something at least once. Great design, however, doesn’t always come with quality workmanship. My shop offers items that marry these concepts, and although these are handmade, I make it a point to ensure my goods are “finished” products. Customers can take comfort in knowing they’re receiving items that can withstand the test of time and use. Thread ends are double knotted and tucked and squares are squared.

4)What inspires you to create what you make?

I don’t do well being idle, which is not to say I can’t delight in a friendly conversation over coffee, but I especially enjoy working with my hands. It’s rewarding to experience small successes. Really, it’s therapy for my neurosis. These days, we can’t afford to go a day without hearing about some sort of horror. Knowing chaos exists compels me to make nice things. There’s nothing more satisfying than adding a bit of glee in someone’s day. At bedtime, I feel content I’ve done something good.

5)What do you think is the key to achieving successful sales?

You have to enjoy what you’re doing, show that you care, that it matters. Including thank you notes is important. It shows you’re willingness to stop for a moment and be appreciative. Equally important is your ability to ship orders in a timely manner. At the point items are purchased, we need to recognize that these are no longer ours.

6)What is your favourite music/artist/movie/book/website?

I was a big fan of The Smiths. Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Morcheeba and BitterSweet. A few books I’ve enjoyed are Hotel New Hampshire, 100 Years of Solitude and Siddhartha. I love Japanese animation; my favorite is “Ninja Scroll.” Films that stand out are “La Femme Nikita,” “Superman,” and “Eat, Drink, Man, Woman.” I have a great collection of urban vinyl toys, too. My latest obsession is Julie West; I love her Bumble and Tweet dolls! Wait. Let’s not forget about Wonder Woman! Love her!

7)If you could interview anybody in the world who would it be?

Believe it or not, I’d be delighted to meet Martha Stewart. Despite the not-so-nice labels, I admire and respect her diligence and perseverance. Contrary to belief, she was "little people" who achieved success. People also forget that she's human, capable of erring.

8)Where is your next holiday destination?

I have the best time traveling with my sister. Next year’s destination is Scandinavia. Brrrrrrrrrrrr. I look forward to learning more about their food!

Thanks Mitch so much for your owl, and also giving up you time to answer my 8 questions. All the best with your future design endeavours.

Kylie x

25% OFF SALE ON ALL CANVAS'S

It's sale time at Tiges and Weince time to clear out some surplus stock so I can fund some new stock. Quite a while a go I made some children's canvas's to sell, and believe me I have made so many more. They have been perfect for kids 1st birthday presents that I have either given, or others have asked me to make for them. All of my applied designs are made of felt, most of the time handstiched together and then securely glued to a cotton stretched canvas, that I have either painted or applied some other medium too. Well it's time to say goodbye to a few old friends, as I know they will look a lot better in someones bedroom than left sitting in my studio packaged up in canvas. They were originally $49.95, but with 25% are now USD$22.75 (AUD$37.50) there is a choice of 4 left. I haven't discounted the canvas's on line yet, but should you order I can either refund the difference or send you a fund request though PayPal, your choice!

Lady Bug

Owl

Flower Pop

Tip Truck

Also make sure you head across to Kookie for the latest giveaway from Felt Food Creations. They are the most adorable stuffed food items. What a fabulous concept, I think this is the most ideal ways to introduce good food into your child's life before they are brain washed with Macca's and other foods alike. Great products, especially the coffee scroll MMMMMMMM!!!!!

Have a great night

Ky x

Happy Market

I had a great day on Saturday at Sisters Market, actually I always do, great sales or not. I had a great day of sales but met & spoke to some extraordinary women there.

Justine from MixTape who is the loveliest person was there which I was glad about, as I got to make sure I renewed my subscription to her amazing zine. Anybody in this business loves her zine as it is always filled with amazing stories about talented crafts people, artists, articles about past activities revamped and reintroduced so they're cool again, like roller derby for example, and as she puts it "making time for the small things". Head over to her blog to find out more. Receiving her zine in the post always puts a smile on my face.

I also met Vicki from Ines Botanica who makes they most divine smelling candles. They are all soy wax based and blended with the highest quality essential oils and fragrances. She does everything from selection the honey she requires from bee keepers, to making the perfect concoction of essential oils to hand pouring the wax herself. Everything is made in her Melbourne studio, make sure you have a look. She was so busy on Saturday her candles were just walking out the door.

I have another market on this Sunday, I am off to the Flemington Market which I just love and am so happy as this is my 3rd in a row. It took me so long to get in there as I really want it to become a regular. I am busily preparing as I did quite a few sales which I am thrilled about on Saturday, so I need to replenish some stock. I will be at site #361 and would love to say hi to those who come on down. I will have some new pieces to show, and would love to know what you think. Also come down to Flemington as I will be offering 25% off my hand made canvas's, also check out my Etsy store for the same discount.

Have a great day,

Ky x

Tomorrow at Sisters Market

I will be attending the Sisters Market tomorrow from 10am-4pm, at the Brunswick Town Hall, corner of Sydney Rd & Dawson St. It's an indoor market which is just fab as the weather is never a problem. I would love to see those craft loving Melbournians who are looking for a good shop, and to say hello. There are some wonderful stalls there that offer everything from babies wear obviously, art, woman's clothing, shoes & even yummy food. I will be showing off some new prints in my designs that haven't been loaded on to my Etsy store or regular website.

Come down and see them before everyone else does.

Hope to see you there.
Ky x

Winter is coming

After many many warm days here in Melbourne, I woke this morning to a cold snap. The wind was blowing and even had a howling to it. It absolutely rained in buckets, and the sky was grey. It felt so cold as yesterday was a magical 27'C, it was so beautiful. I think the best days of sunshine are slowly ending & winter is soon approaching. I am not a huge fan of winter, but I am of dressing in layers, I love hats & scarves, and of course soups and the heavier foods winter brings. In anticipation of the season coming I went looking for a few winter items and found these stunning items, on Etsy of course.

1. ara133photography's - Cardinal in the Snow - 4x4 Fine Art Photography Print, Lustre
2. loveliette - Beth Goes for a Walk Greeting Cards with Envelopes
3. gayeabandon - Recycled Wool Necklace Scarf - Red, Orange, Camel, Chartruse
4. Castlegate - 12-24 Months Child's Newsboy Cap - Tan with Poppy Trio and Leaves
5. Niknod - 0-3 Months Cherry Vanilla Beanie
6. ara133photography's - Winter Berries - 5x7 Fine Art Photograph Print

I am all wintered out...

Ky x

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter, & filled themselves with decadent chocolates and other delightful Easter treats.

A little bit of crafty business first. To help Amy from Giggleberry celebrate her 1"st Etsyversary" she has a great celebration deal for everyone. Giggleberry is offereing free shipping on everything listed in her shop until the 26th of April. All items are marked including this fabulous saving so shoppers don't have to contact her or wait for refunds - just pick your favorite, complete checkout and the shipping/postage costs are on Giggleberry!!

I had so much on I managed to literally fall off the radar. I was here in Melbourne, just so busy busy busy. I caught up with family, and spent 2 of the days in my back yard transforming it into something that could be considered a garden. It was quite enjoyable but so bloody tiring. It has gone from this boring barren land. It had to be cleared & levelled before anything could begin. I must admit I hate that boring stuff.

To this, the beginnings of a garden bed....Still boring

Getting there, at least there is some dirt & bark for Hudson, & the beginning of a sand pit!!

This is my favourite photo of the day, my husband in his tractor, Hudson on his lap, & his mum in the bucket who didn't think it was very funny. It was a good laugh at her reaction of sheer terror!!

It's hard work gardening especially when you have to keep a watch on a baby at the same time. I have kept a section of the garden bed for an attempt to grow my own veggies which i am looking forward to. Deciding what to plant in gardens beds is a challenge in itself. If anybody has any great websites with planting tips, let me know.

Keep posted as tomorrow I have some new items to show off.

Have a great night Ky x

Artist of the week - Jewellery By Ange

This weeks featured artist is Ange from Jewellery By Ange. She is a Brisbane based designer who is completely obsessed with making jewellery, and seems to have some form of separation anxiety when her pieces are sold as she loves them all so much ha ha. Ange loves using shell, stone, crystal, and silver, which gives her collection a very natural charisma about it.

Make sure you visit her etsy store and see her stunning pieces for yourself, the details and workmanship of her pieces are amazing. To learn more about Ange and her inspirations keep reading.....

1)Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Ange (short for Angelene), I'm 28 and have been crafting all my life. I started making jewellery when I was a kid - starting with seed beads and fishing line stolen from my dad's shed!

2)Where did your business name come from?
Jewellery by Ange isn't a very imaginative business name is it? I am Ange and i make jewellery - ahahahahah

3)Tell us a bit about your business?
I handcraft jewellery using a range of techniques - beading, wire wrapping and hammering sterling wire. I especially love hammering when I'm in a bad mood :) The noise drives my boyfriend nuts but it's his fault for buying me a hammer and anvil for my birthday!! I also work fulltime and run a home spray tanning business. I must have some form of attention deficit because I have to be doing something ALL the time.

4)What inspires you to create what you make?
Usually inspiration for pieces come from the beads themselves - I sit there with everything in front of me and say "now... what do YOU want to be" - sounds weird but it's true :)

5)What do you think is the key to achieving successful sales?
Getting out there - advertising, referrals and repeat business. I sell most of my jewellery in person - people wear my stuff and their friends and family ask "where did you get it!" - and they get referred to me. Repeat business and referrals are a big compliment - to think that people go out of their way to find me, and purchase from me.

6)What is your favourite music/artist/movie/book/website?
Music - 90s rock! Artist - Salvador Dali. Movie - Interview with the Vampire. Book - anything by Laurell K Hamilton (awesome vamp books). Website - etsy of course!!! I spend heaps of time on the forums - there are so many lovely and talented people out there.

7)If you could interview anybody in the world who would it be?
I'm not really big on interviewing - but I would love to have a beer and a chat with someone really cool like Adam Brand - I would probably spend the whole time laughing!!

8)Where is your next holiday destination?
Once our renovation is done and we have saved the cash, my boyfriend Josh and I plan to go somewhere tropical and relaxing like Koh Samui (Thailand) or Fiji... but the renovations are taking up all our cash and time right now so it won't be for a while!!!

Thanks Ange for you time, I hope your holiday comes sooner rather than later.

To keep posetd with all new products and information in the world of Ange, you can visit her several ways blog, twitter facebook and flickr her.

Finally if you live in the Brisbane area, I hear she does a fab spray tan which she runs from home, as well as working full time, and runs her Etsy store. Phew.......How does she find the time?

Have a great day

Kylie xx

Easter is nearly here...

It's been a while between posts, due to a hellish week, Hudson is teething and boy are Daniel (hubby) and I paying for it. Poor bubba has been waking during the night every couple of hours. He is so damn restless. Those who know, know what I am talking about, and I am buggered! Anyway things have slowed down thank goodness, I thought I had returned to when I first brought him home, which was challenging as he was a screamer!

On a brighter and more delicious note Easter is here. MMMMMMMMMM I love chocolate, hot cross buns, and chocolate. I have been quite controlled this year, as I don't have the "I'm pregnant" excuse to keep scoffing anymore. It will be Hudson's first Easter, and it will be his first chocolate experience too. I am looking forward to seeing his face, I hope he shares the same love for chocolate as I do. I was fluffing and surfing around on Etsy and came across the solution for all calorie free chocolate. I was really amused by this;

FAT FREE EASTER BUNNY!!

By sassafrass2's Shop. Yep I think that is what I should be indulging in!!

Here are a few more adorable Easter finds,

I especially love these eggs by sabahnur's shop, also considered fat free!

Aren't these little animals the cutest? By Amy Gaines.

Such a pretty chicky. By Magical Garden.

That's all from me tonight I am busily working and preparing for Saturday as I am having a stall at the 'Sisters Market' in Brunswick Melbourne.

Better get back to it.

Kylie xx

Super Cute Sale

A friend of mine Belinda, emailed me the other day with a"thank you" in the subject box.

MMMM I was thinking, thanks? What for? She already thanked me for her birthday present which was in January. Anyway I opened up and there was the very cute little Sadie, her daughter thanking me for the outfit I gave her when she was born. Obviously she is now big enough to wear it, as she approaches her 6 month birthday. Doesn't she look adorable.

Sadie is wearing one of my very original Tiges and Weince products called "Baby to Go". A super cute collection of 4 items including a, bib, tee, pant, and hat all wrapped up and delivered in a noodle box.

a bib with stunning pink and red pears an apples

a short sleeve tee with pear applique motif

a pair of full length pants with with pear applique motif on the bum

a hat that knots at the top with an apple applique motif

all wrapped up for you in a noodle box.
All of the garments are made in super soft 100% cotton jersey. The bib is made also in 100% cotton and is back with soft cotton flannel. Please visit my etsy store or other website for garment dimensions. I have several designs for both baby girls and boys on offer.

I would like to offer a great saving on these boxes for the WHOLE month of April, just visit my Etsy store or other website, type in the message box at check out BABY TO GO to receive 10% off your purchase. Please not there are 2 Christmas designs that already have been heavily reduced and do not qualify for the 10% discount.

I hope you all take advantage of this discount. I have found myself these are just perfect for baby shower gifts if you know the sex of the baby, and fabulous for newborn gifts. All designs are made and ready to be posted, gift wrapped of course.

That's it for me tonight, happy shopping.

Kylie xo

Artist of the week - Jodie from Poss Bloss

Jodie from "Poss Bloss" is my featured artist of the week. I first spoke to Jodie on a forum quite a while ago, and she mentioned she was going to be attending the Yarra Glen Market in Melbourne. I thought I would seek her out and introduce myself, as I was attending too. Not only do I think her products are fantastic, but wow what a lovely person, so willing to help and super friendly. I remember asking her a million questions about business related topics, and not once did she mind and gave me a few pointers here and there.

Poss Bloss is in the business of Children's Accessories. The innovative range includes, Art Smocks, Aprons, Splat Mats & Change Mats, Bibs, Nappy wallets, Library Bags, Gift Sets and more. The extensive range covers ages 0 - 9 years and caters for both boys and girls. Jodie obviously felt there was a gap in the market and decided to give these items a design overhaul by producing high quality custom made items in both PVC and fabric.

Make sure to visit her website, so you can see what I mean. Before you do though have a read below to find out about herself, and some business insight.

1)Tell us a bit about yourself?
I am nearer to 40 than I would like to be, married to my best friend of more than 20 years and we have 2 girls, 6 & 10.
Having a background in Commercial Industrial Property Management, I longed to make a living out of being creative! Being at home with my girls has given me this wonderful opportunity and I fully appreciate the fortunate situation that I am in.

2)Where did your business name come from?
It's from the traditional tale of the wide- mouthed frog. I would call my girls Poss and they would reply "I'm not a Possum, I don't eat blossom", Poss Bloss is just Possum Blossom shortened.

3)Tell us a bit about your business?
The purpose of Poss Bloss is to create products that are practical and useful but also inspire little people to create too . The art smock developed from the needs of my own daughter when she started school. Most Poss Bloss products have a PVC component teamed with quality fabrics. Children are not the only ones in mind when I create a product, it needs to help out mums too!!!

4)What inspires you to create what you make?
Fabric, colour and other women designers, but positive feedback that I receive from customers one on one at markets is also inspiring.
5)What do you think is the key to achieving successful sales?
I love person to person contact with my customers but this can be very difficult when you are shopping online. I really try to add a personalised touch to my online service so people are comfortable purchasing. I also treat each sale individually and make sure that I am satisfying all the customers needs.

6)What is your favourite music/artist/movie/book/website?
I don't really watch much television but I love to blog surf!!! I can lose hours going from link to link, reading amazing stories, watching projects evolve and applauding their achievements. I love reading children's books, having a 10 year old I am always next in line to read what she has just finished.
7)If you could interview anybody in the world who would it be?
I am inspired by people who pick themselves up, dust themselves off and start again so probably Poppy King. I think she has an amazing story to tell.

8)Where is your next holiday destination?
We have a holiday house on the Gippsland coast so Easter will be spent there with friends, family and our 14 yo dog Bonnie. They're the best kind of holidays!

Don't forget there are other ways to hear about new products and news from Poss Bloss, follow her blog I do!!

http://possblossnews.blogspot.com/

Thanks again Jodie for your time.

Kylie xo