Powered By Blogger

Friday 30 March 2012

Local craft fest

Craft fest!
Oh I love the sound of those two words.....!
Tomorrow is the Westernport Craft Fest!  I have only just discovered this information yesterday, so I apologise for the lateness......
I will be going along for sure, it is just the sort of thing that would be perfect to do on a gorgeous Autumn day on the Peninsula....the weather is set to be great!

New crafty things, demonstrations, workshops......can't wait!!

Details are listed below.....

Hope to see you there!!

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx


Western Port Craft Fest 2012
Saturday, 31 March 2012

A celebration of the best craftwork in Western Port and on the peninsula.

Our aim is to promote craft groups, demonstrate various techniques and teach basic ‘get started’ skills with a variety of mini-workshops for adults and children throughout the day.

Learn a craft for winter!

Community groups are invited to participate with a ‘display and sell’ table at no cost to the group.
Craft businesses are also invited with a basic charge of $10 for a stall to display and sell their wares, and to
advertise their business.
Morning & afternoon tea/coffee and light lunches will be available.
Entry to be - gold coin.

Hastings Uniting Church Hall
 
DateSaturday 31st of March 2012
Time: 10am - 4pm

Corner Marine Parade and Hodgins Rd,  Hastings Victoria  Australia







Thursday 29 March 2012

Huckleberry girls.....

Good morning.... it is going to be a cracker of a day again.  The weather this week has been brilliant...and my pile of washing is now gone, thanks to these sunny Autumn days. Cool evenings, dewy mornings and sunshine, my absolute favourite time of year by far.  To top it all off, Port Phillip bay has been calm and still, so beautiful to look at from our front deck......what a gorgeous place our Peninsula is!!!

So, down to the business at hand.  Last Sunday, I planned a quick visit to the Huckleberry Market at the Peninsula Community theatre in Mornington.  As usual, I headed out the door telling my worse half that I would "be back shortly".  As I made my escape, I am sure I heard him sniggering in the background?  Ok, so I may have stretched the truth a tiny bit.  I really had planned a quick peek around, a quick hello or two, a couple of photos and out the door fairly soon after all that.  Didn't happen.

I love going to any sort of market and if I have the chance, I will amble around them, browsing and oohing and aaahing to my heart's content.  I did have a quick browse around this time, but kept getting caught up with stallholders and before I knew it, a one minute chat had grown to a five or ten minute chat.  Multiply that by at least a half dozen........and bingo! Two and a half hours disappeared in a flash, as my "be back shortly" comment keep rearing its annoying head up in my mind.

Julie from My Sweet Florence
Is it my fault I found such lovely people to chat too?  I think not!  Put two or three girls together and of course there will be talking......especially when we all love the world of crafts and handmade.

Lisa from Rafi and Hannah
Kristy from Two Little Monkeys
Lauren from Love a Rhino
It was great to meet a new maker at this market.....Lauren from Love a Rhino, pictured above.  Lauren had a very cute stall, featuring her decor prints and artwork.

See you all soon, enjoy this gorgeous day!

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

Tuesday 27 March 2012

The girls get busy......

Oooh what a weekend it was! So much going on in the world of handmade here on the Peninsula.  Saturday brought around my very own Leukaemia Foundation Papercrafting Fundraiser.  Needless to say, I was running around like a headless chook right up until starting time - bringing craft equipment down from my studio, setting out the worktables, preparing last minute kits for the ladies to use, forgetting things, forgetting more things and running up to the studio for them for what seemed like the umpteenth time......!



1pm came around and we started not long after this. Beginning with a somewhat nervous me, rattling off some garbled speech (always nervous at the beginning, lol) and then I settled into speaking mostly sense for the rest of the afternoon......I hope? Anyway, in my roundabout way, I guided the girls through four projects, with only a couple of hiccups along the way.... (this involved a couple of trips to backyard studio for more forgotten things). A couple of ladies were fairly new to paper crafting, others a bit more experienced and the lovely Teena helped out where needed.  At the end of the day, it was lovely to see that everyone had thoroughly enjoyed themselves.  Thanks girls!!


Mid way, we stopped for an amazing afternoon tea, very kindly served up and attended to by my Mum's cousin, Lorraine.  There was quite an array of homemade goodies on offer, so OK, the diet got put on hold.

At the end of the day, we drew the raffle tickets and everyone got to win a great prize, thanks to the kind Donations from Stampin' Up Australia.  During the day I also gave out some spot prizes and a brilliant door prize was won by lucky Joan!

So far, we have raised just over $500.00 and there may be one or two more donations to come in this week hopefully.  Then it is off to the bank for a cheque to send off to the Leukaemia Foundation.  I want to thank those ladies (and children) who gave me their time on Saturday and to those who gave donations because they were unable to attend.

We finished four projects, as pictured below.  A neutral coloured easel card with embossing detail and die cut flowers,  a pink card with an embossed die cut background with punched and stamped flower, a gift box with wheel stamped pattern and a smaller gift box which was embossed and antiqued with ink.




Have a great day!!

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

Wednesday 21 March 2012

Meet the Maker..........Sheraleen from "Vintage Ruby"

Sorry about the late Meet the Maker interview, I have been out of the house all day......only just got to sit down!  Tonight I have the lovely Sheraleen from Vintage Ruby.  The products are just gorgeous.......sit back and take a look.......

Name:  Sheraleen Pattison

Business Name:  Vintage Ruby


Website:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/vintagerubygiftware

Twitter:

Questions:

1.  So, tell us about yourself.......
I am very fortunate to have grown up on the Mornington Peninsula, enjoying all its great places and spaces as a kid.  While I have always loved working with fabrics for my own pleasure, it wasn't until I became a mum that I seriously considered giving it a stronger presence in my life.  I was a Sales Manager in IT and felt that the time had come, as well as listening to the encouragement of my friends and family, to recognise my creative side just a little more.  So, these days I enjoy creating children's clothing and baby furnishings under my label "Vintage Ruby", while spending quality time with my 2 beautiful children, Lachlan 7 and Ruby 3.  They keep me on my toes, especially my 3 year old.  And they also keep me forever road testing my products.


2.  Why handmade?
There is something uniquely special about receiving a handmade gift, knowing that someone has put their heart and soul into creating it for you.  Even more so for personalised gifts......these are the gifts you treasure forever.  Given that I work with vintage material quite a bit, I love that my items have a story to tell, even before I have finished with them.


3.  What influenced you to start your business?
For as long as I have been able to, I have been making gifts for friends and family.  I used to crochet baby blankets, but they used to take me a while.  It was on the way to visit a friend with a new baby and I was racing to finish a blanket in the car, that I realised I needed to do something different.  My husband bought me a sewing machine and that was it!  I started making rag quilts and I was able to whip one up pretty quickly.  I then discovered vintage chenille bedspreads and fell in love.....actually, it borders on obsession with over 70 bedspreads in my collection.  My friends were on my back to start selling them, so I decided to start my own business and haven't looked back since!

4. What type of products do you sell?
I sell giftware for babies and toddlers mainly.  Most of my products incorporate vintage, recycled or new fabrics.  I make quilts, chenille dresses, bibs, burp cloths, bags, buntings, hats and framed pictures.




5.  What are your inspirations for making your products?
I am constantly inspired by the creativity of others.  I have so many ideas, but don't always have the "free" time to play around with them.  I am also inspired by the spontaneity and innocence of children.

6.  Where do you sell your products?
My range of products is currently available at MP Kids in Dromana ( a huge supporter of local handmade ) and previously at Miss Kitty's in Red Hill, but sadly they have since closed. There are some annual markets that I do, but I sell most of my products through word of mouth.


7.  How much time do you spend making your products each week?
It all depends on what I have on at the time and how many orders are coming through.  Usually I spend at least a few days a week sewing.  As I mentioned earlier, my children keep me busy, so most of my sewing is done at night.

8.  Do you have a dedicated craft area or studio in your home?
I wish!!  Unfortunately, like so many in the craft industry, I don't.  I do all of my cutting out at my kitchen table and all of my sewing in my bedroom.  I sew at my dressing table and lay my work out on the bed.  It's not unusual for me to be sewing a 3 o'clock in the morning.  My poor husband has learnt to sleep through it, often oblivious to the fabrics draped over him....



9.  Are you self taught or have you had a good teacher?
I am self taught.....my mum showed me how to use a sewing machine when I was young, but didn't really get into it until my husband bought me my own.  I've really enjoyed the journey so far.


Monday 19 March 2012

Huckleberry comes to town!

This weekend we will have the Huckleberry Market back in Mornington......looking forward to popping up for a look-see! This boutique babies and children's market is being held at the Peninsula Community Theatre, corner of Wilson's Rd and Nepean Highway, Mornington. Opening times: 9am - 2pm.  Several local businesses are having stall, it will be great to see the wonderful local products on show.


Bring your children down for the Easter Egg Hunt, what fun!!  Time slots for the Easter Bunny and Egg Hunt are as follows:

10.00am - Kids 4 years old and under
10.30am - Kids 5 - 10 years old
11.00am - Kids over 10 years old


Entry is by gold coin donation and 100% of this is donated to the Bears of Hope charity.



Hope to see you there!

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

Friday 16 March 2012

Look what's new....part 3

Phew, it has been a busy week and my weekend is shaping up to be just as hectic!!  My gorgeous Mum turns 70 tomorrow, so it is a big family bash to celebrate this wonderful event.....my poor sister is hosting it but we are all pitching in to help with food and necessary party goods.

Sunday brings my first kid's paper craft party....EEK!!!  ......My friend thought it would be a lovely theme for a birthday party and booked me to do it.  I will be helping 6 little girls and 2 boys to make a scrapbook page, a bookmark and a handmade greeting card.  I am looking forward to it immensely.  I have asked that each child brings a photo of themselves to include on the scrapbook page.....then they get to decorate it with punch and die cut shapes, textured and patterned paper, etc.  I will take some pics and show you next week!!

Just one last post for this week, with an assortment of local products to explore!

CheekyWheez Creations is based in Rosebud and the clever Nicole designs very cute prints, ready to be framed and hung on your wall.  Birth prints, invitations, custom orders and decor prints are all part of the range.  Some new things Nicole has been working on......




I have also added a couple of new things to my range over at Designery.  The personalised cards have been quite popular and I love making these one-of-a-kind designs.



I have also started producing fabric luggage tags, available in patterned fabrics and natural linen with appliqué shapes.  The tags include an insert to record your personal information on them.  This group pictured below are ready to be shipped off to their new home over at The Noble Box, an online eco gift box company, based on the Peninsula.


I hope you all enjoy a lovely weekend and please pop by next week, for more handmade news.

Cheers,

Jodie
MPHxx

Thursday 15 March 2012

Look what's new!....part 2!

Today I have some more handmade goodies to share....I hope you like them!

Local jewellery maker Joanne Tighe creates unique and beautiful pieces from her business White Tiger Designs, based in Mount Martha.  Joanne also works to commission, designing one-of-a-kind pieces and collections.  The whole collection can be viewed at www.whitetigerdesigns.com.au



Poetic Baby.......such cute things for little ones!  Upcycled, vintage and new materials are all used to create one-off designs including children's wear, accessories, jewellery......head over to the Poetic Baby Facebook page and take a peek!



Madison's Flutterbyes have a new line of Neon Rainbow Wands which I have pictured below.  These colourful wands are great to get the kids up and about......such fun!!



I love the range and quality of our local Peninsula handmade products.  Tomorrow I will have just a few more to show you......can't wait!

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

Wednesday 14 March 2012

Look what's new!

Today I am featuring the first part of "Look What's New!"  I love to see what you have all been busy working at.......

Meet the Maker will resume next week, of course, with a new and exciting story to inspire you all.  I am pleased to say that these posts are my readers absolute favourites.....so make sure to check in each Wednesday to see who we will "Meet".

Apart from the wonderful online world of Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter (which I have yet to dive into) or advertising your web page.....it can sometimes be difficult to get your new products out into the big wide world.  Here at MPH,  I am constantly amazed and proud of the talented people in our Peninsula communities and love to help local businesses get their new products showcased.

So without further ado......

Fantasy Creations......custom made wooden decor......http://www.ivyjade.webs.com  These clever, artistic products are produced by Anne, who is a full-time crafter (sigh of envy......well done Anne!!) based in Tootgarook.



Peta McGinley makes these wonderful button flowers and vintage inspired greeting cards. Peta originally started making the buttons as a fundraiser for the Black Saturday bush fire appeal.  She now has a market stall at the Boneo Market, selling stems of the buttons along with her cards.  To contact Peta, please email:  peta@hotkey.net.au



Elgan's Emporium......vintage inspired party costumes, party packs, decorations, plus much more.  Make it a party for your little ones to remember!
For more information please visit  http://www.elgansemporium.com



Tomorrow will bring another batch of local handmade goodness.......until then.......

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

Thursday 8 March 2012

Local Bunting galore!

This weekend brings an exciting handmade event in Sorrento.  There is bunting galore as an attempt to set a new World Record for "the longest bunting joining two schools" takes place!  Sorrento Primary School and St Josephs Primary School have joined forces in trying to smash the existing record of 2, 737.72 metres, held by Malbank Secondary School and Sixth Form College, in Cheshire, UK.  The record was set in November 2010.  The Sorrento schools are aiming to produce a whopping 4000-5000 metres of bunting, which should most certainly secure the record!!

The idea was the brainchild of the Fete Committee, who wanted a unique project to inspire community spirit.  The two primary schools are having a combined Fete this Saturday March 10 and the bunting will be displayed for all to see.  The bunting production has been a community effort, with kids and mums getting busy with their sewing machines.

Guinness World Records has set strict guidelines for the size of each flag - 19cm across the top and 29cm down each side, with a gap of no more than 5cm between each flag!  A qualified surveyor has to measure the total length and two independent witnesses need to verify the flag sizes.  Kevin Sheaves from Coastal Surveys has kindly offered his time to measure up the attempt.  A local Police Officer and a Pharmacist have kindly agreed to be witnesses.  The record will be recorded and statements sent off to verify the World Record Attempt.  The official word does not come for around 5-6 weeks, so fingers crossed and good luck to both schools!!  A great effort!

Surveying the bunting length

Production line of bunting.

One of the dedicated team of bunting sewers!

Measuring up the bunting...

I wish both schools all the best of luck in their record attempt.
If you are in the area this Saturday, be sure to pop into the Fetes and support our local schools!  The approximately 16000 flags on display should be a sight to behold!!

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

Wednesday 7 March 2012

Meet the Maker..........Lisa from "Elefunk"

Another inspiring Meet the Maker interview today, from the very talented Lisa and her business, Elefunk!
Thank you Lisa for the wonderful piece and cute product photos x

Name:  Lisa Foran
Business Name:  Elefunk


Website:  www.elefunk.com.au

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/elefunks

Twitter:

Questions:

1.  So, tell us about yourself.......
I'm a wife, a mum to 4 year fold Mietta and now, a business owner and crazily, a crafty sewer!

2.  Why handmade?
I've always felt handmade items have so much more meaning than mass produced items. It's the love and care that goes into every stitch, and of course the unique designs and the quality.

3.  What influenced you to start your business?
2 years ago, my husband asked me what I'd like for Christmas and I said "A sewing machine".  Such a joke in our family, as I have never shown the slightest interest in sewing! My intention was to make clothes for my daughter, but I thought I would start with a soft toy elephant as both my daughter and husband love elephants.  I wasn't quite happy with the pattern, so I adapted it, found some funky fabric and it became an EleFunk!  Personalising them for friends who had babies became the next step.  I gave them as gifts for 18 months and then people started asking me to make them for them to give to friends.  By the way, I never did make those clothes for my daughter!

4.  What type of products do you sell?
Funky cushions, soft toys and bunting flags.  All can be personalised.




5.  What are your inspirations for making your products?
My daughter has an unusual name which I knew I wouldn't find on any commercially made items, so I wanted to make things I could put her name on to.  Aside from that, I wanted kids items that were bright and funky and that would brighten up a child's room.

6.  Where do you sell your products?
On my Facebook page and at markets around Melbourne.  Currently I'm at Mornington Racecourse market, Red Hill Community market, and I will be at Mathilda's Market and Huckleberry Market in months to come.




7.  How much time do you spend making your products each week?
Depends if it's the week before a market or not!  I sew almost every day, always trying to balance it as second to my family.

8.  Do you have a dedicated craft area or studio in your home?
I do now!!  Our billiard table used to be used for billiards, now it has a cover that was designed as a cutting table for me.  We used to have an office/study too, but the laptop has been relegated to the far corner to make room for three sewing machines!



9.  Are you self taught or have you had a good teacher?
I'm mostly self taught, although my mum does sew and has given me some good tips along the way.

Monday 5 March 2012

Crafting afternoon for the Leukaemia Foundation....

I am excited!  Yes!  Woohoo!

As some of you may know, I am an acute leukaemia survivor who is counting her lucky stars to be in remission.  Since my diagnosis four years ago,  I have received help, inspiration and support from the Leukaemia Foundation......the dedicated staff are wonderful and nothing is too much trouble for them.  Blood cancer research is expensive and along with patient support, the Leukaemia Foundation fund research into curing these types of cancer.
Since finalising my treatment nearly two years ago, I have been wanting to hold a fundraiser to help give something back to the Leukaemia Foundation.  Well, guess what?  I have finally decided to do it......and it is in a few weeks!  Eeeeeek!  Time to hit the PANIC button!

What to do??
Having lost most of my hair due to chemotherapy during my treatment, I wasn't too keen to go down the road of shaving my head (e.g. World's Greatest Shave).  That may be slightly vain and the G.I. Jane look was really easy to do in the morning, but probably not something I would do again in a hurry!  On the other hand, I certainly got a great run out of my bandannas and beanies that year, lol.  Anyway.......I had to come up with another way of raising funds (thinking cap on....).

So it came to me, quite simple really!!  Craft!!  Or in particular, paper craft.  I get to kill two birds with one stone - donate to my favourite charity and spend a few hours doing something I love!  So last week I whipped up a flier, popped the event on Facebook and emailed some friends.  Good response so far and some people who cannot attend have already given donations!



The fundraiser is Saturday 24 March.  Cost: $25.00.  ALL entry proceeds are donated to the Leukaemia Foundation.   The afternoon begins at 1pm and will consist of making four paper craft projects (projects yet to be finalised).  We will break mid afternoon for some afternoon tea.  I aim to finish up at approximately 4pm, but please allow a little bit extra in case we run over time!  To support this fundraiser, Stampin' Up Australia have most generously donated products for me to use a raffle prizes and door prize.  I cannot thank them enough for this kind gesture.

Thank you to Stampin' Up for donating prizes for the day!



I hope you can come along and help me raise funds for the charity which means so much to me.  If you are unable to attend and wish to make a donation, I would be very grateful.

For event details (I will email a flier out to you) or to make a donation, please email:  designery3@hotmail.com

Many thanks and cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx