Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Ideas to sell online

I thought I'd share some great places for new designers to sell online. It's a great way to start and get some presence...


Made it : buy, sell and talk independent

Made it is an online community where you can buy, sell and talk independent with other designers. This is an Australian website and a great way to get going with your designs as its open to everyone.


Leeloo
: treasures from emerging Australian designers and artists.

This site has put together a range of one-off's and exclusives. The best bit about being a stockist for Leeloo is that they buy wholesale - not consignment!


Modamuse : independent Australian and NZ designer gifts.

This is a great collection of unique pieces, and you have to be invited by them to stock. All items are sold based on consignment but this gets a great international audience.


Georgielove : the first Australian website to sell Australian independent.

This site is filled with a mix of energy, eclectic, funky and beautiful pieces with most items not being found in stores elsewhere. I'm not sure if this is consignment or wholesale but there are lot of fun things!


Dawanda : unique things and creative people.

From Germany, this site sells in Euros. You can upload items in English, German and French - but they don't recommend you do unless you really know your languages! This is based on paying a % on sales, but at the moment its free to upload items.



And of course, etsy.

The largest online handmade store, US based and billions of items loaded constantly. This is great to check out but very competitive. You pay % for sales so you get to keep most of your money, but selling your items in US dollars. I think it's 20¢ US to upload each item as well.

So there you have it, there are probably more out there - but that is a good start!

K

Monday, April 28, 2008

Handmade



This morning I created this lush big bag, Mirabel, out of recycled fine silk fabric. She would be perfect for a snazzy night out but also as a big, practical bag for a blushing bride's wedding night. I still haven't really looked into the whole bridal thing - its another world, but definately something to consider...

Had a weekend in Newcastle and very happy to be back in the cold Mountains!

Kara

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Shirring for Sailing


Here is a trio of shirred dresses whipped up this week.

Kate, a photographer living on the Sunshine Coast, requested three light skirt/dresses in her choice of fabrics.

She works as a photographer on cruise ships, and needs a wardrobe that is light to pack and suitable for sunny climes.

She posted me the fabric, and I posted back the dresses.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Lawson markets - what I LOVE


I love the Lawson markets!
But my most favorite Blue Mountain markets were cancelled on Sunday.(magpiemarkets.com.au) There has been to much rain...so I couldn't stock up on all my usual supplies. I was going to write all about the fabulous stalls..but I will now write about 2 f favorites instead. 

Really if you ever get the chance though, the Lawson markets every 3rd Sunday of the month at the school beside the highway, in the sunshine is a great visit. There are about 120 very different stalls that cover all and every need,want and fetish.

Ok -"Purely heaven scent" - There is a woman at the Lawson markets who makes all her own skin care products...I don't know her name but I look at her beautiful skin all market and then buy a jar of body butter and cleanser from her when a few Tea towels have sold. There are no preservatives in her products, they are luxurious in texture but not oily...they are honestly the best skin care products I have ever used. www.purelyheavenscent.com

And for kiddies clothing I love Samibop. Well actually its myself and my little 1 year old girl Zoe that do. All the clothing are 1 off pieces made out of vintage fabrics. It is so good to have kids clothing that is fun and actually appeal to the kids. Zoe's favorite item is a pair of chenille pants with teddy bear faces on the knees. She always makes a point of showing me the bears when she has them on. My favorite is a sun dress with blue and yellow flowers, and a red and white polka dot trim. They wash really well and look fantastic on. www.samibop.com

Hope to see you there soon!

Sunday, April 20, 2008

T-shirt comp for Australian designers!

Check this out at madeit!

ENTRY
• To enter the competition you must donate a small handmade item which will go towards the main prize hamper.
• The good is to be valued around $10-15
• Please send your goods to be Madeit and we will post the winners parcel free of charge
• We will also take a picture of the prizes once all have been sent and post on the forum

TSHIRT
• T-shirt can be any size for a male, female or child
• The tshirt can be made or bought

DESIGN

• You can use whatever materials or media you like.
• You may like to ‘rework’ the T-shirt in someway…Make as many additions/changes as you like. As long as the design starts from a blank shirt.

CONCEPT
• The concept is to be designed around something that starts with the letter M
• A short paragraph of your concept will need to be submitted with your tshirt

SHOW
• Photograph your work of art for all to see
• You may like to take a photo of yourself wearing the T-shirt

POST
• Madeit will be posting the designs on our competition page with links to your shops
• The forum and blog will also be used to post images.
• A flickr group will set up to show off your tshirts

DISCUSS
• Use the forum to discuss, bounce ideas and get feedback on your designs

REGISTER
• To register please email madeit and we will supply our address for you to post your entry.

DEADLINE
• The Tshirt Comp officially starts on Friday 11th April and will finish on Friday 30th May.

JUDGES
• Your peers and madeit will judge the winners (more information to follow)

PRIZE
• A bumper handmade hamper from your creative peers
• We would like to give away a 1st and two runners up prizes, (this will depend on how many entry numbers)

AND MOST OF ALL - HAVE FUN!!!

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Birthday Scarf

This week was my daughter's third birthday, and I wanted to share with you one of her gifts - a stunning hand-felted scarf made by the talented Kate.

It was a big hit, due especially to the warm sunset colours of orange, pink, red and deep purple.

There is something so special about handmade gifts, knowing the story behind your present and the person who made it.

And this one will be warm and cheery through a bleak Mountain's winter.

You can check out some of Kate's other work at http://www.alchemyfelt.com.au/

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Melbourne design market - applications now open!


Be a part of the renowned Melbourne International Design Festival, 17-27 July – now in its fourth year!

Melbourne Design Market - Sunday, 20 July 2008 Stallholder Applications Now Open

The Melbourne Design Market is back again. As one of the most highly-anticipated events on the Melbourne International Design Festival program, the Market is a fun-filled, family-friendly, design-drenched day.

Importantly, the Melbourne Design Market has helped position and profile a range of design businesses, supporting their marketing and sales strategies in a highly effective and accessible environment.

It is a trade event like no other, and consistently attracts large crowds every time it is held.

A stringent selection process applies to all stallholder applications, ensuring that the highest quality, commercial products are admitted. It is this high standard which distinguishes the Melbourne Design Market from all other events.

The exposure was incredibly valuable to me as an emerging designer. Everything went really smoothly on the day. The only negative experience I had was being exhausted from talking to so many people!
– Piers Morgan, previous Melbourne Design Market stallholder


Stallholder applications are now open. To access the online application form, click here.

Applications close: 5pm, Wednesday, 4 June 2008.
For more information on the Melbourne Design Market click here.

___________________________________________

Studio Open Day - Friday, 25 July 2008
Register your interest now!

Studio Open is one of the Melbourne International Design Festival's most popular annual events, opening the doors of local design studios to reveal their day-to-day processes and activities.

Aimed to encourage understanding and appreciation of the design profession, how it works and the value that it offers, this year’s Studio Open Day will take place on Friday, 25 July 2008.

Studios that have taken part in previous Festivals attest to the importance and enjoyment of meeting with people interested in engaging with the design profession.

Melbourne and regional design studios of all disciplines and sizes are invited to participate by opening their doors, explaining what they do, showing their projects and inviting questions from an interested audience.

Studios wishing to participate can register their interest by emailing their business name, contact phone number, street address and web address to Kate Hannaford at kh@nationaldesigncentre.com, or phone 03 9654 6335.

Applications close: 5pm, Wednesday, 30 April 2008.

Before registering please read the Studio Open Day Guidelines, or download them at nationaldesigncentre.com.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Cahills Lookout



Hello There,

Had a magic afternoon on Saturday.
I've been printing up the latest lot of Tea Towel designs. Most were finished so we went to Katoomba's Cahill's lookout to photograph them. It was an awesome time of the day, warm Autumn sun and just a bit of wind. The views there are just incredible. 
There was a couple climbing the Boars head while we were photographing...so I have included them when they reached the top. And a Tea towel mugshot...
Its so handy to live in a world heritage lists park when we need to pop out and take some location shots!

Hope to go back soon with some pizza and a bottle of wine for sundown. Anyone want to join me?
XXxx L Bird

Monday, April 14, 2008

New by kara smith


I have to say that creating these scarves out of exclusive textile remnants makes me so happy. I love seeing things come to life - out of nothing! As its a bit cold here in the Blue Mountains they are already handy... but bring on winter (and the Winter Magic Festival!).


Other new stuff I have been creating is my handmade handbags in posh fabrics and clutch purses. I have been invited to showcase my bags and scarves at Vetro Gallery in Warnambool, Victoria, in April and May during the May Cup Carnival season down there. Better get cracking!

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Frock for a Finalist

A good friend Leanne is a finalist in the Design Institute's GOTYA awards for textiles, and needed something special to wear. She picked out two gorgeous fabrics from Tessuti - a burnt orange silk satin and a steel grey silk double georgette.
The design is simple, slightly gathered at the waist, with the sleeves turning up to reveal the contast colour beneath. Here is a shot of the dress nearing completion... just the hemming remains (sigh).


Posted by Alice

Friday, April 11, 2008

NSW Home-based Business Week

















NSW Home-based Business Week - imagine, create, evolve. . . . .
19 – 23 May 2008


Forward plan and keep the week of 19-23 May free – Home-based Business Week is just around the corner!


The NSW Department of State and Regional Development is in the process of coordinating more than 30 must attend events, to be delivered throughout the State covering topics such as future trends, advances in e-marketing, pitching skills, innovation, product development, costing and pricing and exporting from home.

The week offers home-based business operators the opportunity to hear expert speakers, network and learn practical tips to improve and grow their business. Most events are FREE to attend.

Make time to work on your business - update your knowledge and polish your skills.

Keep an eye out for the full schedule of events and details on how to register at www.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au/hbbweek, or call 1300 134 359 for updates.

You can also visit our forum for a list of events and talk to other creatives about these opportunities.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Get the ball rolling...

Last night we had our second meeting at Freedom's house and decided on a name for our creative collective here in the beautiful Blue Mountains : Gussy Up Gals. This name sums up the group nicely and now we just have to get our 'look' going!

After a bottle of red, hot chocolate, dip 'n' cheese and chocolate biscuits, we managed to knock over a lot so that we are ready for Winter Magic festival. Applications close next month and we are ready. The 4 of us will be creating a beautiful stall which we hope will really stand out as something different this year.