Friday Friends, Australian Etsy Makers, maplemist

 

Happy Friday once again lovely Maddabling blog readers! It is a long weekend in the West and I am hoping to catch some of the exhibitions on the Bendigo Bank Great Southern Art Craft Trail, watch this space :) Apart from that, those who love their AFL, like me, will be watching the Hawks battle the Dockers in the 2013 AFL Grand Final. 

This week it is my great pleasure to introduce the very clever creative Debbie of maplemist designs. Debbie is an Australian Etsy maker and this weeks featured Friday Friend. 

Debbie makes two of my favourite things - being handbags and purses, plus clutches and pincushions! The designs and fabrics are nothing short of gorgeous - let me share a few favourites with you now. I will start with the fabulously retro colours of bag - made of genuine vintage fabric with a barkcloth texture in bold black with a fluoro pink and purple paisely pattern. Debbie has added a black velveteen trim and handle. Just delicious! 

Next I want to share this treasure, a small aluminium tart tin holds this sweet pincushion made from a vintage unused pure linen tea towel and featuring gum leaves and flowers.

And last but certainly not least, how divine is this small purse, with an Art Nouveau inspired scroll pattern in soft creams, pink, peach and brown, with a striking cornflower blue in the centre of the flowers.

Readers, now that I have shared my favourites with you, it is time for me to pass the blogging reigns over to the lovely Debbie to share with you The Fabric of maplemist. Have a wonderful weekend everyone x 
The Fabric of maplemist
Who is maplemist? I’m Debbie, the creator of maplemist designs.  I make handbags, purses and clutches, with a little sideline of pincushions, just for fun. 

Sewing has always been a part of my life, thanks to the guidance and encouragement of the women in my family.  I’ve nurtured and grown my passion for sewing through my years as a uni student, as a mum to three boys, working and fundraising for schools and charities.  My lucky boys had a great collection of costumes and dress-ups for every occasion!

Somehow, without really trying (well actually I was trying), I ended up with a mountain of beautiful fabrics, which was fine for me but taking over the house!  In a light bulb moment their future as unique handbags and purses appeared…and so began the maplemist journey.

So I’ve been designing and making handbags and purses now for five years and loving every moment.The dance between colour, pattern, shape and texture constantly inspires me. I’m especially drawn to natural materials: linen, cotton, silk and wool. I always start with the fabric and the mood it evokes. I picture it being used and touched. From this flows the shape, function, how it’s detailed and embellished and what other fabrics it’s combined with. That magic moment when the bag finally emerges from its inside-out cocoon.... 

My favourite creation so far is my beach wedding clutch – it’s connected me with so many brides around the world and it’s totally heart-warming to know I’ve contributed to their special day. You’ll often find me checking out op shops for fabrics and trimmings. Tucked away in a small corner I’ll find half-finished projects, small pieces carefully cut by gentle hands. I take a moment to imagine the woman who had plans for this fabric. What was her story? Who was she making it for? I will never know, yet I do know she was motivated by love. To me it’s a kind of honour to bring the pieces to life and in a way to carry on the story. Unexpected inspiration from unfinished business. 

What are my hopes for my work on the future? 

    Find fun in the quirky

·      Connect with the immense talent out there

·      Learn more about what my customers love and stretch myself to provide it and...

·      Maybe, just maybe, give up my day job!

Dear readers, would you like to see more? Here is how you can connect. 

Buy lovely things on Etsy here:

www.etsy.com/au/shop/maplemist

and become a follower on Facebook here: 

facebook.com/pages/MapleMist/424289620966679

Friday Friends - Australian Etsy Artists - Kitchen Aromas

Happy Friday lovely Maddabling blog readers ! I hope you are all happy and well :) The Maddabling 22 Day Mid Month Photo Challenge is well and truly underway now, have you enjoyed the photos so far ? There are certainly some very talented photographic folk out there! This week, I introduce to you a terribly clever creator, fellow sandgroper and Australian Etsy Artist, meet Jenny of Kitchen Aromas.

Jenny is a very creative West Aussie who has combined hand poured soy candles and a sweet recipe card in one decadent + super cute package, making delicious candles that will scent your home and make it smell like you have been cooking up a storm. I have done some online snooping in preparation for this blog post and have picked out three scents that are definitely on my "to try" list. Mango Daiquiri anyone ? Yummmmmm !

Or can I tempt you with some delicious Orange Crepes ?

Perhaps the old school charm of the Cinnamon Bun, which in particular, takes me back to childhood tuck shop memories, is more your flavour ?

Dear readers, can I offer you a virtual cup of tea and some Vanilla Bean Slice to devour while you read all about this terribly tempting selection of fragranced soy candles. Remember - they aren't for eating, just smelling *wink* - I hope you enjoy Recipes for Baking with Kitchen Aromas - see you all again this evening for day 8 in the Maddabling 22 Day Mid Month Photo Challenge. Have a fabulous weekend everyone xo

Recipes for Baking with Kitchen Aromas 
My name is Jenny and I run Kitchen Aromas, creating specially fragranced soy candles.  I have always had two passions in life – animals and the enchanting world of fragrances….from beautiful roses, to cooking, to incense or the sweet smell of the Australian bush, scents can move my emotions like nothing else.

As I’m sure is the way with most small businesses, Kitchen Aromas was started by accident.  A few years ago I ordered my first “DIY candle making kit” from Ebay.  I’ve always loved candles and thought I’d like to give it a try myself!  In this pack, along with all the ‘usual’ scents like lavender, an ‘Apple Pie’ fragrance caught my eye.  I set to work and created my first ever candle.  Once I had sampled that scrumptious scent, the idea for Kitchen Aromas was born!  

I began scouring the internet and craft stores for fragrances that made my mouth water, even altering some to bring them closer to my childhood memories of the aromas that would drift out of my Mum’s kitchen.   The idea of soy wax appealed to me above paraffin wax due to environmental and health factors.  I have a dog who is highly allergic to many chemicals, so natural soy seemed like the perfect option to me. 

After that first candle was created, I spent hours upon hours researching all the tips and tricks on how to make the perfect candle… then several months of trial and error, conquering all the little variances that can cause imperfections.  I find that it’s certainly not a ‘one size fits all’ process when I craft each candle.   I take the time to carefully scent each of my candles, stirring the hot wax and pausing to let the aromas wash over me as I add fragrance, to ensure the scent is just right.  The idea to add a recipe card to each candle was born simply by my craving to sample the treats my mind was telling me must be in the house! I had tricked my senses and my taste buds were telling me they’d like to be compensated thank you very much!

My inspiration comes from delicious recipes, some handed down through my family, and the warm feeling these cooking aromas produce in many people.  I find our sense of smell, more than any other sense, can transport us to a different time and place.  Maybe remembering family gatherings with delicious desserts, shared stories and laughter, or special evenings sampling decadent treats with favourite people.

It’s very important to me to feel connected to my customers – I try to hand select fragrances that will have them feeling that same warm, content feeling I do when I’m crafting their candles.  Whether it’s creating a memory of their Grandma’s kitchen with an Apple Strudel aroma or taking them out of the daily grind and back to their tropical holiday spot with a Pina Colada fragrance.  I have such a passion for my candles and the handmade industry itself.  I hope to one day be able to continue creating candles as my full time career. 

Dear readers,  do you want to see more ? Here is how you can connect with Kitchen Aromas.
Buy lovely things on Etsy here: www.etsy.com/KitchenAromas or
check out the Kitchen Aromas Website here: www.kitchenaromascandles.com

Become a facebook follower here: www.facebook.com/KitchenAromas

and catch sweet tweets on twitter here: www.twitter.com/KitchenAromas

Friday Friends, Australian ETSY Sellers - Art by Aune

Happy Friday lovely Maddabling Blog Readers. Yesterday, the 26th of January 2012 was Australia Day !

How did you celebrate ? I listened to Triple J's Hottest 100, ate lamingtons, cocktail sausages and party pies, then watched the fireworks display in our town !

I have a wonderful artisan to introduce this week - meet the lovely Aune from ArtByAune !

Aune opened her Etsy store quite recently and I was browsing Australian Sculpture when I stumbled upon her gorgeous shop ! I think I may have mentioned once or twice before that the best part about featuring artists on my blog is that you get to have a really good look around their shops and you fall in love with new creations every week. Here are two of my favourites from ArtByAune !

 I love the composition, textures and colours in this painting  http://www.etsy.com/listing/83540682/abstract-painting-large-textured

which Aune describes : "Abstract Painting large mixed media original was created by Aune using Tar, Acrylic and oil pastels on oil paper. It was so fun to create as you are not sure how it will turn out with the reaction of tar and acrylic.Then I added the lady in the oil pastels. It is very textured. the back is a bit marked from the tar."

And then there is this little lady.  http://www.etsy.com/listing/83280449/sculpture-garden-art-original-small

What is not to love ! She really is just the cutest ! Aune describes here as : "Sculpture Garden Art Original small punky fairy,black witch,indoor,outdoor This garden sculpture is a one off original created by Aune using a wire base and wrapped and dressed with fabric dipped in Wrapertoire / paverpol a textile hardener. sitting on a wooden block."

Dear readers, time for you to take some time just for yourselves now, and explore the Art by Aune Archives. Enjoy and see you all next Wednesday for Wednesday Wishes !


The Art By Aune Archives

Hi !  My name is Aune I live on the NSW/ QLD border of Australia and love it. I started sewing at a young age and wanted to become a designer but family commitments put an end to that. Later I started painting and creating as a hobby in all types of media eg. Watercolour, acrylic, mixed media, mosaics and paper clay sculptures and my fabric garden sculptures.

I went to all different workshops to see the different techniques and loved them all. My favourite might be when I just throw everything onto paper and then later look into it and bring out what I see. You never know what you will end up with and that is exciting.


I also started holding workshops with my fabric sculptures - such a fun day, you have ladies saying they haven’t got a creative bone in their bodies and they go home with this piece that they have made and are so proud of themselves it is so wonderful to watch.

I just started my ArtByAune Etsy shop at the end of 2011 (wow into 2012 already ), when I finished working and decided to put some of my works I had online and focus on that. Just had my first Etsy sale last month, which was a fabric sculpture of a Hippy that went to the USA ! So happy with that !

The painting below of the dolphins head was featured in Australia Artist magazine they did a wonderful critique on it. The other is one I painted and was sold straight after I framed it they both are based in water colour with a few other things thrown is such as onion net and cord.




Then there is a fabric sculpture that I did - they can be placed outside in the garden you can hose them down, I’m not sure how they would react in extreme conditions but in normal weather they are fine.

Dear Readers, are you keen to see more ? Here is how you can connect with ArtbyAune.

You can buy her wonderful creations on Etsy here :

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

or follow ArtByAune on Facebook here :

https://www.facebook.com/ArtByAune

Friday Friends - Australian ETSY Sellers - Belinda Morris

Welcome dear readers to a new edition of Friday Friends. For those of you who celebrate Christmas, it is very nearly upon us, I hope you are all prepared and wish each and every one of you a fabulous time with friends and family. I will write a special Christmas Eve Blog Post filled with some festive finds, pictures of the recent DUST Team Secret Santa Craft Swap and a peek at a wonderful poetry book that a dear friend Cyndy sent to me in a gorgeous recycled handmade envelope !

I digress......... This week it is my great pleasure to introduce Australian Etsy Seller and Seamstress Extraordinaire  Belinda Morris !

I think Belinda is a terribly talented seamstress and I love the flattering and feminine designs of Belinda's frocks, they are such beautiful classical lines. Elegant yet casual, the dresses remind me of yesteryear in their patterns and styles. Retro Glamour and Vintage Inspired at its very very best. Dresses for the modern girl with a vintage heart. I really adore these three styles and want to share them with you now.


Mia Dress in Red Floral

Sandra Dee Dress in Blue and White Gingham

Sophia Top and Faye Skirt in Indigo and Red Rose

Dear blog readers, I invite you now to release your inner fashionista, and indulge in some online exploration of Belinda Morris and her Fabulous Frocks. I wish each and every one of you a happy and safe festive season with your loved ones. Eat, Drink and be Merry - see you all tomorrow xo

The Fabulous Frocks of Belinda Morris - A Fanciful Fashion Feature

Hi, my name is Belinda Morris and I am a designer from a small town on the South Coast of New South Wales in Australia. I hand-make one off or small runs of vintage inspired, women’s clothing and handbags.

 



I definitely love a bit of a vintage feel. All that style, glamour and playfulness of bygone eras is really appealing to me. I love clothing and accessories that are soft and feminine, but with a twist. I definitely have a soft spot for a few ruffles and bows.



I like my pieces to be a bit of a personal expression and not the standard ‘off the rack’ look and love a handbag that makes a statement all on its own.



I work with all natural fabrics such as cotton or cotton-silk blends and I try to emulate all the amazing tailoring techniques of the past. The finish of the garment is really important to me.




I started designing and making clothing when I was a young girl. My Mother taught me how to sew and by the time I was in High School I was making a range of crazy outfits for myself and friends. I love the creative process and am always finding new things I want to learn how to make or sew.



My favorite pieces at the moment are these Sophia Dresses in bright summer prints. I love the simplicity of them and the subtle femininity that comes through in the design.



I sell the Belinda Morris range through Australian Boutiques and two online stores - Madeit and Etsy. The online stores are unfortunately both closed for the Christmas Holiday period, but you can see many of my creations on my Facebook page :

http://www.facebook.com/BelindaMorrisDesigns

If you would like to sign on to my page I will be sure to let you know when the online stores are reopened in mid-January.

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

http://www.etsy.com/belindamorris1



Friday Friends, Australian ETSY Sellers - Platypus Dreams

                             

Hello dear readers, welcome to another edition of Friday Friends. Maddabling took a well deserved Birthday holiday break this week and enjoyed really good food (including a Chocolate Factory and Ice-Creamery), the company of good friends and a fantastic time trekking around Mammoth Cave.

Mammoth Cave is located 21km South of Margaret River. Revealing prehistoric fauna from over 35000 years the Mammoth Cave provides easy viewing of fossil remains. The Mammoth Cave was first recorded in 1850, later explored in 1895 and was opened in 1904. It was quite a humbling experience to be in the silent gothic caverns of this cave, amongst the ancient formations.

This week I am thrilled to introduce you to an Australia Soap Artistan - Sharon of Platypus Dreams.

Platypus Dreams have been making unique gourmet soap and bodycare as a full time business for well over 8 years, a small boutique business based near Mackay in the Whitsundays in Queensland Australia.

As I am a bit of an addict when it comes to handmade bath and body products, this gave me the perfect excuse to purchase some products from Sharon to try for myself. They are all completely gorgeous; the packaging and presentation is just beautiful.

I had great difficulty in using the cupcake in my bath as it is so pretty and smells divine, but I relented and really enjoyed the beautiful bubbly bath it produced. The scent lingers on your skin too - luscious !

Seriously though, aren't these things just so pretty ? I can promise they really smell gorgeous too ! The soap really is a work of art and is delightful to use, soft and gentle on your skin.

Dear readers, I invite you to dip your toes into the virtual bathtub, take some time to relax and read all about The Delights of Platypus Dreams. See you all next week x

The Delights of Platypus Dreams

Who is Platypus Dreams ?
Hi, I am Sharon the artisan behind every product you see at Platypus Dreams. I have been making soap, bath and body products in the Whitsundays in Queensland under the label Platypus Dreams for the past 8 years.

Everything you see when you receive one of our products is handmade by me, from the beginning -
including the formulation, the mixing, packaging right through to the graphics on the labels. It is all printed and designed in house.

What inspires you?

Everything and anything can bring inspiration, the key is manipulating and moulding that inspiration so that it will fit the market place. Inspiration can come from art, food, nature, patterns on material or even a customers need for a product.

Inspiration is drawn from different places depending on the type of product that needs to be made, then the packaging and finally the label design and presentation. It can also come from a scent, close your eyes and smell something. What image does it create in your mind? What do you feel?  Now evolve that metal imagery into a product and take it even further, through every step of production to the finished product. Keep going further with that image, push it onto a shop shelf, in a customer’s hand, in the customers home. Does this idea tick all the boxes, if so then maybe it’s worth bringing into being.

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

I work with many mediums and hundreds of ingredients from herbs, botanicals, extracts, clays, colours, essential oils and fragrances. Shape, form and design is the strongest with soap and this is my favourite medium as it can be shaped and moulded within the constraints of what you can do with soap. There are limitations but first and foremost the formulation is the most important.

What kind of things do you make/create?

Where does one begin. I make mainly soap and it is all goats milk soap, the soap is divided up into different categories. Natural Soap or Fragranced Soap, plain square cut in bars or logs or fancy topped bars of soap. Then there are the cupcake and cake style soaps where I can really be creative.

I also make other products like bubble bath cupcakes, body scrubs, body butters, lip balms, bath bombs, liquid soap, body sprays, soy wax melts and perfumes.

Do you have a favourite piece that you have made/created ?

Everything is a favourite until I make something new and better which always seems to happen. Presently the cake range is my favourite and I love every one of them. This will change with time of course otherwise I would not be an artisan. I think an artisan never stops designing and creating new things. Funny thing you know... I never considered myself an artisan when I first started. I think we are all artisans one way or another if we create, the longer we do it the better we get.

What are your future plans/dreams/aspirations ?

Presently I am happy where I am at. I can see Platypus Dreams being around for a long time, that is while ever I still have the passion and love for what I do. I would like to thank Samara for contacting me to be a part of this blog.

Dear Readers, here is how you can connect with Platypus Dreams.

You can shop for lovely things here :

http://www.platypusdreams.com.au/

Read the Platypus Dreams blog here :

http://www.platypusdreams.com.au/blog

Connect through Youtube :

http://www.youtube.com/user/naturalsoapbodycare

or Facebook :

https://www.facebook.com/Sharon.PlatypusDreams