Friday Friends - Australian Fashion - Random Ally

Happy Happy Friday everyone ! I don't know if I told you but I became an Auntie again this week. Just in case you missed it. I am a bit excited :D
We have had a little more sunshine this week which has been lovely and seems to take the winter chills away for just a little while. I had a dear friend visit this week and we cooked up a storm with Toasted Turkish Bread and Dips, an Asian Inspired Salad with a Citrus-Chilli-Lemongrass-Soy Dressing and Chilli Lemongrass French Lamb Cutlets, followed with some delicious Maggie Beer ice-cream, a meringue and some fresh mixed berries. What a treat !

I want you to meet the most fabulous Australian fashion team this week, Sarah and Kat from Random Ally !



I was incredibly lucky to win one of the fab scarves that Sarah and Kat create



and it has become a fashion staple in my wardrobe this winter ! It is so soft and stylish :D

I also really love this t-shirt and the sentiments "Send in a Rebel In A Party Dress" which reminds me of 80's flicks like Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink and The Breakfast Club.



And is it time to gear up your wardrobe for summer ? This mens Voodoo Singlet is simply cool !



Dear Readers, I hope your weekend is simply wonderful - I invite you now to take an online journey and explore a fine Australian Indie Fashion label that is Random Ally.

The Fashionista Journals of Random Ally


Hi my name is Sarah Lloyd and together with my sister Kat Lloyd, I am the owner/creator of Random Ally, a clothing label/boutique from Robe S.A. Random Ally is an emerging indie clothing label producing unique hand printed designs with a strong artistic influence, on high quality, ethically manufactured clothing.



Random Ally was born in 2008 when Kat and I collaborated to create a small line of ethical hand printed t-shirts. Typical of our way of doing things, I was the only one who had ever tried screen printing before. That is if you can call once in year 8 art class experience. So we brought ourselves a screen printing kit for $100 and worked things out for ourselves. Our first print run was 5 designs across 100 tees.




Looking back I have no idea how we managed to pull this off. But we did and started selling our product at a local market and then through Etsy.com and Madeit.com.au. It wasn’t long before we expanded into men’s tees and then after a year produced or first winter range. Featuring our super comfy cotton jersey scarves, which have been a huge success. In early 2010 we launched randomally.com The labels official website and online store.



In late 2010 Kat and I took a leap of faith and launched our first retail store. Situated in our seaside home town of Robe SA, The store features the ever expanding Random Ally range, plus clothing and accessories by other independent designers from Australia and abroad. The aim of the store is to bring independent design and ethical and sustainable ideals into the spotlight and to give our customers an alternative retail experience.



In fitting out our shop, we used mostly reclaimed or hand built fixtures to display our wares. Our railings were built by me with the help of our close friend/welding extraordinaire Phil Kennett and we created shelves from restored wooden chairs and old table extensions. We have added artworks throughout the store and placed displays of things that we collect and love throughout bare parts of the shop. Kats Lego men displays are always a hit. Although we do find them moved into very interesting positions at times. Our aim is to create a space that is like no other.



Today we are in the process of expanding the label further through a more extensive range of clothing. We will be moving into manufacturing a broader range of garments ourselves, in conjunction with the quality tees that we currently use. Items will include dresses, skirts, tops etc. We have also sourced amazing ethical, organic cotton to produce our products with. We are very excited to be able to combine our prints and these new garments and be able to push the boundaries of standard screen printed clothing. We are also interested in expanding our line of accessories, especially in the jewellery area.



So the big question, what’s with the name Random Ally? The label was named in honour our grandma, Alison Gibbons, a woman who lived life to its fullest. How many people can claim to have had a ride on a Harley on their 90th birthday? She couldn’t see much but she had a blast. Oddly enough the guy who took her for a ride was dressed as Santa. Go figure! But that was grandma. A woman, who loved life, loved her family and was always looking for an adventure. For this she is our biggest inspiration.



And to what does the future hold for Random Ally? Well Kat and I are currently moving our studio into grandma’s house, Fate perhaps? But it will definitely get the creative juices going and produce some amazing designs.



Over the next few years we are hoping to move into the wholesale market and grow our online store to include other products that work well with our own. We ideally would love to open a second store in either Adelaide or Melbourne. Overall we would simply love to be able to commit to Random Ally on a full time basis and not have to work outside of the business to help pay for our coffee and chai habits. To me Random Ally is not work, so when this happens I will never have to work again.

Random Ally can be found at:

Random Ally, Shop 2, 30 Victoria St Robe, South Australia



Connect with Random Ally .........
Online at:

http://www.randomally.com/

On Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Random-Ally/81882525185

On our new twitter page:

http://twitter.com/#!/random_ally

The Blog :

http://randomallyclothing.blogspot.com/

Made It:

http://www.madeit.com.au/RandomAlly

It's a Boy ! Wednesday Wishlist

It's A Boy - Blue and Brown Clothesline Banner by postscripts

I received wonderful news this week - the arrival of a brand new nephew ! Welcome to the world Marley, this wishlist is dedicated to you from your Auntie Sam xo


OOAK Artist Bear, Bee Bear Augustine by Wayneston Bears


Handmade Baby Boots, Embroidered, Felt, Wool, Pastels, Baby, by giselagerstorfer


BOY Baby Photo Album and Journal - MINI - Blue - Newborn Birth Record by KezzallCrafts


organic baby blanket and bib set in mod lines eco friendly kids stripes by SewnNatural


ORGANIC Retro Kombi Baby Boys Onesie Romper 0 size in Sky Blue, short sleeve by
billymac


owl mobile boy by BeanieBella by BeanieBella


New Baby Boy - Blank Card by DragonflyAvenue


Sensory Minky Baby Shower Gift Set for Boy or Girl - Baby Block Rattle, Crackle Crinkle Taggie Square, Lora Giraffe by LoraBelleBoutique


Monkey Wrap Dino BABY by tidabellamonkey

Friday Friends - Dusty Divas - Vintage SewandSo & Gravina Sister's Kitchen

Welcome dear readers to Friday, may it be a fabulous day for you. I have done some lovely things this week, caught a movie "Bridesmaids" with my lovely hubby and went to the hairdresser for a long overdue spruce up. I have a deliciously different Dusty Diva and Friday Friend to introduce this week, meet the gorgeous Kerri



of Vintage SewandSo and Gravina Sister’s Kitchen.



Kerri creates the loveliest homewares from Upcycled fabrics and makes decadent edible delicacies in her kitchen. Let me share with you two fabulous items from Kerri's homewares range. I have these funky eco napkins which we used last Saturday when friends came for lunch

and this eco coffee cuff which I won when Kerri had a giveaway. The eco coffee cuff is highly recommended for busy people, who tend to forget to drink their coffee until it has gone cold - like me.



Dear readers, I now extend the invitation for you to take some time out, relax and read the tale of Vintage SewandSo & Gravina Sister’s Kitchen, the Cook and the Seamstress. I hope you enjoy this tasty blogpost.



The Cook and the Seamstress - The Tale of Vintage SewandSo and Gravina Sister’s Kitchen

I’m Kerri Anastasia Gravina from Vintage Sew and So & Gravina Sister’s Kitchen. I am a mum of 3, so life is very busy and that’s the way I like it. My quote is “Life is to live” and my mantra is “Just breathe”.



I truly believe you can achieve anything if you set your mind to it and are prepared to take a different approach to doing things. I am passionate about my work; if something doesn’t work I change it. I get bored very quickly, don’t sit still & I am very eclectic.



I’m inspired by music, art & people, I’m constantly coming up with new ideas. I have 2 businesses Vintage Sew and So & Gravina Sister’s Kitchen. Sewing & cooking are so very important to me.



I spent a lot of time when I was little with my Nonna who made everything from scratch. We made bread for the week on Saturday, every summer the whole family would get together & make pasta sauce. They grew most for their food and preserved what wasn’t needed at the time.



If my nonna & I weren’t cooking we where sewing she would give me scraps of fabric so I could make things for my dolls. My mum baked all our sweet treats and knitted our jumpers. So I guess this is why I recycle and don’t waste anything.



Vintage sew and so is a sewing label from The Dandenong Ranges in Victoria. I make vintage inspired homewares , using vintage fabrics, new fabric & reclaimed fabrics. I love to recycle so I have a huge fabric stash & once people find out I love to give fabrics a new lease on life they are always giving me fabric.




I have just started Gravina Sister’s Kitchen which is a biscuit and cake making business; I use whole ingredients and no added preservatives. Most of my biscuits can be ordered as gluten free and I have large range of Gluten free cakes. I have won quite few 1st places at the Royal Melbourne Show and local shows too for my cooking.



I have had owned a café / catering business before & worked in the hospitality industry for quite few years. After being asked to make biscuits and cakes for a few friends I decided that I would go back into food again. My plan is to have my biscuits and cakes in cafes, restaurants & bed and breakfasts throughout Victoria by the end of the year. I will also be bringing my kitchen wares over from Vintage Sew and So to give people the opportunity to put together a gift pack of both bikkies & kitchenware. My big plan is to write a cook book.



Is your mouth watering or do you want to see more of Kerri's homewares ? Check out these links.

Connect on Facebook :

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vintage-Sew-and-So

Buy Kerri's wonderful goodies on ETSY :

http://www.etsy.com/shop/vintagesewandso

or Madeit

Gravina Sister's Kitchen Madeit

http://www.madeit.com.au/GravinaSistersKitchen

http://www.madeit.com.au/VintageSewandSo

or on Kerri's online store :

http://www.gravinasisters.bigcartel.com/

Read more about Kerri and her craft on her blog :

http://vintagesewandso.blogspot.com/

catch sweet tweets on Twitter :

http://twitter.com/#!/KerriAnastasia

Crayon Box - Wednesday Wishlist

Happy Hump Day lovely readers !

This week I joined the Treasury Challenge Non Team on Etsy. A creative challenge open to all members of Etsy!

This Non-Team promises :

"Great shop exposure and lots of fun! No commitments. Participate as much or as little as you'd like. A new treasury challenge every week. Create a treasury around the current Inspiration Item. Win the Challenge and the Inspiration Item for the next Challenge will be something of yours! Who knows how many treasuries will be created with your item!

* No applying
* No commitments
* Spreading the treasury love to ALL members of etsy.
* Great shop exposure just for participating. Amazing exposure should you win a challenge!

Read more on our blog and jump right in!
http://treasurychallengenonteam.blogspot.com/ "

I had so much fun creating a treasury based around this item


the crayons-colorful-fine-art-photograph by Montagyoo in Challenge 40.

A warning - treasury making quickly becomes an addiction :D

Here are some of my favourite items that were included in my Crayon Box treasury !



One of a Kind Harris Tweed Patchwork Satchel by peskycatdesigns



Crayon Rings set of 4 - Custom Colors by OhMyLuckyStar



Bright Crayon Domino Pendant by taylorrain



Chemistry Crayon CLEAR labels - set of 8 by QueInteresante



Vintage Neon Green Cherokee Lace Up Indian Sneakers size 10 by volkerwandering



Classic Blue Green Plaid Stereo Headphones by antibromide

Friday Friends - Dusty Divas - Bella Moon

TGIF. Seriously. I started back at my old job this week and the transition is exhausting. I feel like I am back at school - so much to re-learn. Last week's mini holiday (well an 1800km-ish round road trip) to surprise my little sister for her birthday seems all too long ago now. It was a fantastic surprise for her, almost a candid camera moment in fact, as she truly had no idea we were coming to visit. I am stoked that we made her birthday one to remember. Anyway, enough of my grizzles and reminiscing, I have a new Dusty Diva & Friday Friend, an amazing artisan to introduce this week !

Meet the marvellous Marti



of Bella Moon



As with all of my featured artists, I research, have a good nose around the online shops and websites, so that I can share with you why the artists I feature are so wonderful.

I find Marti's techniques quite fascinating. You should really pop on over to her blog to read the story behind the creation of this shell pendant :



http://blog.bellamoon.com.au/2011/07/04/jewellery-inspired-by-nature/

And, I would love to share two more pieces of Marti's that caught my eye

the gorgeous piece Ginger a hand crafted sterling silver pendant necklace with pearls



and a fresh new take on the classic pearl earring - Cha Cha in White


Now lovely blog readers, indulge yourself by browsing the luxurious creations of Bella Moon, is there any girl out there that doesn't love a beautiful piece of fine handcrafted pearl jewellery ? Have a read of Marti's story, read her inspirational blog and relax for a while. Happy Friday everyone xo



The Blurb on Bella Moon

Who is Bella Moon Jewels?


Bella Moon is the jewellery brand of designer and maker Marti Cuatt.

How and When did your handmade journey begin?


I began making jewellery in 2004 after putting together a very simple necklace for my niece’s 21st birthday. My husband and I had wanted to give her something unique and we went into a bead shop in Collingwood to see whether there was any way we could make her something. I saw endless strands of beads and something in my head went crazy – I could picture finished jewellery. I went back the next week and bought some little freshwater pearls and red coral beads, plus some basic stringing tools, was given some basic how-tos, then went home and started making.

I learnt by just reading heaps, trawling the internet for instructions, tips and tricks and watching You Tube videos. I did loads and loads of research!
In 2008, frustrated with just beading, I did a basic silversmithing course, which taught me enough to set up a little home-based metalsmithing studio and start to vary my work. I was then able to add hand made metal pendants, earrings and rings to my range.



Around this time I was coming to the end of my tether doing senior corporate communications contracting. I had worked in short to medium term roles for almost ten years and the lack of stability and real career building was burning me out.

While I loved the robust mental challenges my work gave, it lacked true creative expression and I had needed to take a break from it for a while.
I guess being a contractor is a bit like being a temp – you’re the short-termer so the expectations of you are so much higher than those in permanent roles. My last contract, a senior advisory role in the Victorian Government, completely did my head in. But that’s another chapter. Back to jewellery.



I opened a shop in Sydney Road, Brunswick towards the end of 2009 and did quite well, however the chore of being a shopkeeper was distracting me from why I opened the shop – to design, make and sell my jewellery. When I was offered the chance to leave the lease early (one of my landlords’ friends wanted to set up in my space) I took it.



Six months later, in September last year, my husband and I sold our house in Melbourne and packed up and moved to Tasmania. This year I’ve started making and selling online again. I sell quite a bit of jewellery to people who see it up close, but really want the online business to get started. I also have some galleries interested in my work. So things are moving along again.



What inspires you?

Great design. To me this is a combination of balance, style and excellent crafting. I love all sorts of design – from architecture to fabric prints and even the designs mother nature offers – clouds, shells patterns in a stone or on a piece of tree bark. There’s something to inspire me every day.



Creating custom designs for my customers also inspires me. One of my favourite things is sitting with a client and working out his or her style, then making jewellery that they love and they know it’s created just for them (or the person they’ve bought it for). I used to do quite a lot of custom design work in my Melbourne shop. I guess I could always Skype a design meeting these days.

What mediums do you work with - do you have a favourite? 


I adore pearls.



The fact one can open a shell and pop out something so naturally beautiful that doesn’t need cutting and shaping and polishing is just gorgeous.
Of course I love gemstones too. Once I clear some of my current jewellery range I’m embarking on a new blingy, higher end gemstone and pearl range. But that’s going to have to wait a little while.

What kind of things do you make?

I have rather an understated, elegant style and use that primarily in necklaces and earrings. I’m working on developing a bolder, more risky range, but I do find that difficult. One thing about my jewellery is that it’s very wearable. I just love making something different each time I sit down to work, but am working on designing a limited collection. And I do need to make some bangles and bracelets. Dangly earrings are a particular favourite, as are necklaces that are strung on silk, they have such a luxurious feel to them.



I love working in metals, but my skills are still so limited. I persevere though and keep getting better at it. I’ll be adding handcrafted rings soon. There’s a particular style of ring I’ve made in the past that I’m going to do again that people just go mad for. That makes me feel really good.

Do you have a favourite piece that you have made?

My current favourite is my Japanese Akoya pearl and 14K gold knotted necklace.
It’s a classic design, a perfect size and is total luxury. I wore it to a wedding in Melbourne recently and received several compliments for the way the pearls glowed. Yum.



Apart from that, I like everything I make – if I don’t I pull it apart and start again! I couldn’t offer for sale something I wasn’t completely and utterly happy with. My jewellery needs to be out there being worn, as it was when I had my Sydney Road shop. People traveled across town to buy my jewellery and I had a lot of repeat business. It was a great testament to my work.

What are your future plans/dreams/aspirations?

First and foremost I want Bella Moon to actually earn me a living and I need to get my jewellery physically into real shops and galleries. That’s step one. As for steps two, three … I’ll keep you posted.



Want to see more ? Check out these links :

Explore Bella Moons website at the Website Home page :

http://www.bellamoon.com.au

follow the Bella Moon Blog :

http://blog.bellamoon.com.au/

buy Marti's creations at her Etsy store :

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BellaMoonJewels

catch Marti's sweet tweets on Twitter :

http://twitter.com/BellaMoonJewels

or become a follower on Facebook :

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bella-Moon/148036773647