BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market

See you there!

My creative space ...

There's only one sleep to go until the BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market so I'm squeezing in some last minute tissue cosies then I'm done! If you're coming along to check it out pop by the co-op marquees and say hi, I'll be sharing with Shelley and Melinda.

For more creative spaces or to show off yours head to Kirsty's.

3 Quick Questions: Lauren Carney

Lauren Carney is an incredibly talented illustrator/crafter/designer who recently won the Finders Keepers art competition. I love her whimsical, quirky little world and am so pleased she kindly answered these 3 Quick Questions...


What inspired you to start creating?

I was always making stuff when I was a kid, sewing, painting, knitting, collaging... there were always so many craft projects going on all the time! When I reached high school I focused more on fine art, and neglected my sewing fixation for years after. It was only in the past twelve months I discovered the amazing world of blogging, where I reconnected with my creativity by being inspired by others. It’s amazing how someone's work, whether it is photography, painting, music, patchwork or sculpture, can impact on you. I’ve found myself sewing and crafting the way I used to when I was young, but in a way that my drawing and sewing can be combined. I constantly have to be inspired by others to function, whether it is going to indie markets, going to art galleries or people watching in Queen Street. I think once you’ve had your dose of inspiration for the day, anything is achievable!


If you could spend more time on one thing, what would it be?

I would have to say, sipping tea and drawing my art journals are something I could spend days on end doing. Documenting my day’s outcome with an epic illustration is almost selfish, because it’s not something that people can touch or hold and call their own, it's more something they can giggle at or perhaps relate to. For that reason I don't spend ages on them. It seems more constructive to make things that people can hang in their living room, or wear on a jacket.


What's next for you?

Well the next big event is preparing for the Finders Keepers markets in June, which I’m totally excited for! My house is going to be a creative disaster zone over the next few months, but I’ll love every moment of it (I can't say the same for my dear housemates though!) I think the next goal / dream after the Finders Keepers will be a Gallery exhibition! That is definitely something worth working towards I think!


Thanks Lauren!

Check out more of Lauren's work here:
Lauren Carney Blog
Dizzy Little Dotty Etsy Shop

playing catch up

Did you notice I've been a very bad blogger lately? I'm super busy getting ready for this market...


and this market...


and making stuff for fabulous stockists. A big top up of brooches is on its way to Moose (check out the other super amazing products there at the moment too) and did you see Nook's new online shop?

plus I've been doing lots of balcony gardening (got tips or links on this topic? Love to hear from you!), I've even managed to start composting :)

plus there's been truck loads of other behind the scenes BrisStyle and Brown Owls business going on as well as the day job...

(insert big deep yoga-style breath here...)

Luckily for me I discovered this inspiring lady's new book at my local library a few moths ago so am super charged for even more busy times ahead and I promise to be back very soon with some more enlightening posts ;)

My creative space ...

I've been working on embroidered brooches all week for Moose and for two upcoming markets.


If you're after an edward & lilly brooch at a bargain price check out the Udessi Autumn sale!

For more spaces or to show off yours head to Kirsty's.

recycled packaging

I'm always trying to work out more sustainable ways to package parcels so I love this tutorial over on A Beautiful Mess for recycled kraft packaging.


At the moment I'm using recycled envelopes from Scribble Shop, Flight Industries and Chicuff for my smaller items and I'll definitely be aiming to make my own recycled packaging for larger items. It may take a little longer but it will be so worth it. Don't you just love receiving special mail!

The little bookmarks on the package above have been going out with more recent purchases, they're made from recycled scraps of paper and card, mostly old gallery invitations. What do you think? Is the bookmark better than a business card?

easter gifting

There can be no doubting that most kids are going to receive loads of chocolate for Easter right? So, why not give them a treat that lasts a little longer, is better for them and supports the fabulous handmade movement. I love the nostalgia of paper dolls and once the chocolate rush is over these cuties from Little Mo and Friends are sure to be a girl's best friend on Easter morning. You can choose from 4 styles representing our 4 beautiful Seasons.


I really love the huge range of products at Pocket Carnival this year especially the sweet pencil cases. For all those little ones who have started school this year I reckon they'd love to go back after the Easter break with something as cute as this.


Mel from Retro Bird is all stocked up with so many pretty things that would make the most perfect little gifts. I'll be gifting a selection from the babushka range this Easter, I also love the pretty Easter egg necklaces and bracelets.


My nieces love it when I visit with a big bag of fabric scraps and some wooden peg dolls, there have been all sorts of creations made from those scraps, from batgirl to butterflies to a full fashion parade. I don't think any have been quite as perfect as Enchanted Belles' clothespin dolls, there's a gorgeous range of dolls including this Japanese inspired one, Alice in Wonderland and sweet wedding cake toppers.

Found any special Easter gifts? Leave a comment I'd love to hear about them.

Australian Bass completed

Australian Bass hand embroidery is finally framed and in the shop. For more info and a detailed description head here.

My creative space ...

I had planned on skipping Easter Chicks this year but then the lovely Tina asked me about them and I couldn't resist, plus I had a few half made from last year. So much better than a chocolate egg! A couple of them will be making an appearance in the shop this week.

For more spaces head to Kirsty's.

crafty weekend

Had a super crafty weekend, kicked off with the BrisStyle second birthday bash at Bleeding Heart Gallery on Saturday.

Me, jet-setter Helen and Super-fly Sam

Thanks to Robyn for the excellent photos, you can read more about the birthday celebrations here.


Followed by a very relaxing Sunday morning with the lovely Brown Owls, more on that here.

And of course there was loads of sewing and stitching over the weekend as well as a quick trip to the Kelvin Grove farmers market, highly recommended if you're a Brisbanite!