Gussy Up Gals

Pitter, Patter

2009-08-18T15:39:00.003+10:00

With many babies being born to dear friends, I have developed a fail-safe gift idea. These little shoes, made from scraps of fabric and leather off-cuts, are good first walkers or slippers.

I've used cordoroy for the outside and a bright print for the lining.

Fashioning Now

2009-07-08T22:10:00.001+10:00

For anyone with an interest in sustainable design and fashion, a new exhibition will be opening at the UTS gallery in late July.

Bringing together fashion design, textiles, illustration and digital media, the exhibition aims to present new models for the fashion industry to move forward for a less wasteful, more sustainable future.

Most excitingly, the key note speaker at the accompanying symposium will be Dr Kate Fletcher, author of 'Sustainable Fashion & Textiles: Design Journeys'.

Fashioning Now: Changing the Way we Make and Use Clothes

Delicious scarves

2009-05-02T16:41:00.002+10:00

New delicious handmade scarves up on my site! All individual and one-off! Be quick!

Congratulations!

2009-03-12T12:20:00.001+11:00

Congratulations to Freedom and Tony on the birth of baby Pia. We hear she is a whopper at 4 kgs and can't wait for a cuddle!!!

Tea towel

2009-03-01T08:09:00.003+11:00

Well I have to admit us Gussy Up Gals are pretty hopeless at posting!!

I scored this beautiful vintage tea towel and deciding now what to do with it. It would make a beautiful clutch purse... but its also too nice to cut up! It says 'Made in Poland' but I don't know the history of it otherwise.

Eccentric... moi? Kara Smith

2009-01-02T07:30:00.000+11:00

Thank you everyone that responded to my December Newsletter about getting a copy of Virgin Blue's 'Voyeur' magazine. I had so many offers to track down a copy for me and I did get hold of it in the end!

At first I wasn't sure about being included in the 'Eccentric Aunt' section, but seeing the beautiful layout of the magazine and the selection of gifts around my handbag - well, I'm quite pleased.

Change mat for baby : Kara

2008-12-05T17:03:00.003+11:00

Yesterday I made this change mat for my baby due in January. I had been looking at change mats online and in stores - they were either horrible or really expensive... so I finally just made one!

I used some leftover polyester quilting fabric that I had lying around and recycled denim and kiddy print (it's hobby horses which are actually zebras).

More from Kara...

2008-11-18T06:53:00.002+11:00

Loads of new bags uploaded to my site - including 1960's geometrics, 1950's florals and more! If you buy online and purchase over $100 (+p&h), you will receive an exclusive one-off Anna Laura badge - while stocks last!

Thurs 20 - Sat 22 November is the Lindesay xmas gift fair at Darling Point, Sydney. This is a fantastic market to buy unique xmas gifts. Come past and say hi!

Kara

Piecemeal production

2008-11-09T20:57:00.002+11:00

I found a half-completed quilt I started years and years ago this week. It's quite lovely, scraps in browns and reds forming interlocking circles on a dusty pink ground. Trouble is, I can't see myself hand-piecing the remaining square metres required, yet if I stash it away again, whole decades of my life could pass before I pull it out and attempt to complete it.

So I've decided to make it into a doona cover, hardly the utterly handmade masterpiece I envisaged at first, but at least the work-in-progress can be enjoyed day-to-day. The plan is to applique the large pieced section onto a plain background, then scatter the remainder of the smaller pieced shapes around it, to celebrate the unfinishedness.

Hopefully in a few more years I can post a photo of the results.

Things I like on madeit : kara

2008-11-07T10:26:00.005+11:00

Here are some gorgeous gift ideas by Australian Designers on madeit. Christmas is coming soon and what better way to say 'Merry Christmas' than by buying Australian independent design! I'm sure your loved one will love something a little more unique and unusual.

Autumn leaves brooch : Mattea : $15 AUD

Cosmetic Bag : 0049Design : $40 AUD

Recycled wool necklace scarf : Gaye Abandon : $35 AUD

Cute summer dress : Dick & Jane : by Brusselsprouts $18 AUD

Blue Mountains Business Awards

2008-10-23T09:59:00.003+11:00

Kara: Last Friday night I went to the Blue Mountains Business Awards at the York Fairmont Resort at Leura (very swish). I still can't believe it but I received 2 awards: New Business and Home-Based Business!

Receiving New Business Award from Phil Koperberg, MP.
(photo by Jessica Lindsay)

Receiving Home-Based Business Award from
Gold Medallist Swimmer, Duncan Armstrong.
(photo by Jessica Lindsay)

Then, this week, Freedom turned up with a lovely bunch of flowers to say congratulations! I've photographed them here with the awards... which I'm not sure what to do with. Perhaps bookends?

Wrapping up

2008-10-21T15:14:00.003+11:00

Hello There,

Laughing Bird has been busy printing gift cards with wildflower prints and printing up tea towels which make fantastic recyclable wrapping paper..for those organized and in a pre Christmas - wrapping up mood already!

Leura Markets

2008-10-20T13:51:00.005+11:00

April & Freedom
Kara & Freedom

We had so much fun setting up our stall at the 2 day Leura market festival. Such a great idea to do it all together. The weather was sunny & the people were friendly, everyone loved our work..

Leura Village Fair

2008-10-10T07:40:00.003+11:00

Come and say hi to us at Leura Village Fair this weekend! Freedom and April are sharing a stall and Kara is next door. We are just outside of the Wayzgoose Café (nice and convenient for treats).

Bakelite Buttons

2008-10-05T23:04:00.006+11:00

Katoomba boasts quite a few antique shops, Mr Pickwick's being one of them. I found some lovely bright buttons there recently, and used them on the dress below. The hexagonal buttons are 1940s casein, and the two toggles on the sleeves are bakelite, probably 1920s. The supplier, Button Bower, also has a stall in the Victory Theatre antique centre in Blackheath.

The dress is made of hand-dyed hemp silk.

Squirrels clutch

2008-09-27T16:19:00.002+10:00

This fab lil' clutch purse is made from original 60's recycled screenprint. I've sewn a big plastic white button on the front. Would look so cute with a summer frock!

More news: I have made it as finalist in the 4 categories I entered for Blue Mountains Business Awards. The categories are: Environmental Business, New Business, E Business, Home Based Business. I can't believe it and am so excited. Winners announced 17 October at Fairmont Resort where we have booked 2 tickets.

Kara

Creation's Doom

2008-09-23T10:14:00.005+10:00

Just finished, a belt and detachable pocket made from hand-dyed hemp silk. The belt was quilted with images from a favourite book of mine, a Pictorial History of Science Fiction. I stitched Icarus falling to earth from a Durer woodcut, a few monsters and lightening bolts, and 'a city of the future' as imagined by a 1920s sci-fi artist. The pocket flap says "Creation's Doom, See inside", a phrase pinched from the cover of a 2 shilling sci-fi weekly.

I quilt with the image I've chosen propped up beside the sewing machine, so I guess it is stitch - sketching.

The belt is fastened with big siver press studs, and lined in black hemp silk. The pocket detaches to be a little clutch purse, also lined in black with a touch of turquoise round the opening.

Busy little bees...

2008-09-19T09:37:00.003+10:00

Yep, we are all slack and so busy that we have been neglecting this blog! Sorry...

Last night we had a catch up: Freedom is exhausted with big wholesale orders, Alice busy with teaching at UTS now and children, Kara with custom orders and graphic design and poor April is going through some turmoil too.

Back on board soon!

Clutch purses go to Texas

2008-09-12T10:54:00.002+10:00

Today I finished these 2 clutch purses for a girl in Houston, Texas. She bought five clutch purses to give to her bridesmaids as thank you presents. What a great idea!

Kara

Jean Genie

2008-09-07T19:10:00.004+10:00

With all the talk of recycling and upcycling and so on, I was intrigued by a DVD I watched the other day featuring Charlene O'Brien, a Western Australian fashion designer. One particular process was using denim offcuts to create a yarn.

The scrap denim was colour-sorted, then shredded, then respun into a sturdy yarn (like an 8 ply) that is then knitted or crocheted into new garments. She made the point that denim is heavily processed with dyes and finishes that mean that even though it is a natural fibre, it will not biodegrade. The resulting knitted garments had that lovely denim colour, ranging from indigo through to washed-out blues.

To take the idea further, the yarn that has been created this way could be claimed again from the knitted garments, and then knitted once more into fresh garments. To me, it is a start towards a cradle-to-cradle design model.

Lucy carry-all by kara smith

2008-09-01T09:25:00.002+10:00

Yesterday (Sunday) I made Lucy.

I was feeling a bit out of sorts and wanted to be creative and try something outside my regular patterns. I had some old vinyl bag handles that I had been meaning to use for a while and the base of the bag is an old 60's hot pink heavy cotton dress that I wanted to make something funky with.

CELEBRATE THE RE-OPENING OF THE BIRTHING SERVICE AT BLUE MOUNTAINS HOSPITAL

2008-08-25T14:34:00.000+10:00

Monday, September 1st at 10.00am

Blue Mountains Hospital

(Great Western Highway side)

The provision of local birthing services is vital to our community. Come along and show your support for our local maternity unit.

Enquiries to Janet Mays of HEAL Ph: 0424 720 720

x-large tote designs : kara smith

2008-08-13T12:17:00.001+10:00

These are my new x-large tote designs that I will be taking to the Powerhouse Museum Youngblood Designer market tomorrow til Sunday. Hope to see you there!

Kara

Dyed by her own hand

2008-08-09T12:03:00.005+10:00

Enlisting the help of my dye-guru Leanne, yesterday was spent dyeing massive amounts of hemp/silk charmeuse. The fabric supplier warned it was a notoriously hard fabric to dye, so we did a fair bit of swatch testing first. Above is a shot of one of the steaming dye baths.

The final fabrics, with the original natural colour on the left. I am not 100% happy with the colours, but I think we (read: Leanne) did exceptionally well in light of all the variables in the process. The final proportions of the colours in the design will be crucial.

Swatch tests, colour chips and design roughs.

Jane Pollard jewellery - studio sale

2008-08-07T16:42:00.001+10:00

Friday 22 August 6-8:30pm

10 Cambridge Street

Enmore, Sydney

Jane is a fabulous jewellery designer and I hear her studio is wonderful, so its a shame she has to move on... go take a look if you are around and feel welcome to pass this flyer on.

Kara

Puffy Playful Curtains

2008-08-06T21:09:00.002+10:00

This week I was asked to make a soft padded curtain for a local daycare centre, ideally using donated fabrics in neutral colours.

The idea was to make the room more soothing and less echoing for the children. The donated fabric was masses of synthetic semi-sheer fabric, and I used nearly all of it for my crazy creations. I stitched some of it into large sheets, then bunched up the rest to form a wadding-like mass sandwiched between.

I quilted on top, and this was the fun part: I went a bit crazy with ships and houses and mermaids and stars and clouds and umbrellas and raindrops and suns and snails and butterflies....

The entire contraption is puffy and soft, though bulky. I have yet to see it fully installed, so hopefully it works ok in the space!

SOYA - Spirit of Youth Awards 08

2008-08-06T10:37:00.002+10:00

I was sent this by Springboard and thought I'd share with any talented young Australian designers who might be interested to enter the SOYA awards. There is an industrial and object design category with a $10K prize plus a mentorship with Marc Newson.

Entries close this Friday August 8th so be quick!

Object designers: functional, experimental, conceptual, manufactured, handcrafted, furniture, appliances, accessories, objects, ideas, innovations... are you the next big thing?

"Design Sponge"... round up for Australia

2008-08-03T15:02:00.002+10:00

Hello.

An american based design blog..."design sponge" is looking for Australian designers to feature on their blog this month after a successful edition based on Icelandic designers last month. Check out their site at www.designspongeonline.com, and if you are interested in submitting work email Anne at pretavoyager@gmail.com.

Youngblood designer market

2008-07-28T15:47:00.004+10:00

I got a call yesterday to say that I am in the Sunday Telegraph's Style section! Part of 'The It List' showcasing eco-friendly fashion. Looks like Sportsgirl and adidas have caught onto the organic, eco-friendly connection...

And found out that I have been accepted into the Youngblood Designer Market at the Powerhouse Museum (over 4 days) 14-17 August. A lot of work now booked in for the next 3 weeks but it should be fanastic. It will be running as part of the Sydney Design 08 festival.

Hope to see you there!

Kara

A Fairy Wardrobe

2008-07-26T20:00:00.007+10:00

Here's the latest of an ongoing cheery side project of mine: making fairy dresses for my three-year old daughter.

Last month alone I made four, for her and for her friends. This month's is a frothy rainbow concoction, that has been worn solidly day and night for three days.

Blue Mountains Birthing Unit

2008-07-23T14:39:00.005+10:00

The Blue Mountains Maternity unit has closed the doors to birthing women for 3 months or indefinitely due to staffing issues.

Loads of upset expectant Mums joined in a rally on Monday outside the hospital.

My natal experience at The Blue Mountains Anzac hosptial for my first daughter was wonderful.

The staff were caring and professional..& in fact couldn't have be better and the facilities brand new.

The gazette tells me that regional hospitals all over NSW are closing their birthing units due to lack of staff.

I am concerned about the many families who have moved to the mountains from Sydney to start families and what their laboring experience will be like with a 1 hr drive in either direction to give birth. I am more concerned given the current situation for birthing units in NSW about new families starting in 10 years time.

Let's put pressure on local and state and federal governments to make sure staffing issues are sorted out promptly and we see a steady improvement and not a decline in birthing unit services.

Dinner last night

2008-07-23T11:26:00.004+10:00

Last night the four Gussy Up Gals went out for a celebration dinner (a post-Winter Magic catch up). We headed out to the fabulous Canton Palace in Katoomba and ate EVERYTHING!

Discussion wasn't very crafty... babies, weddings, engagements, boob jobs, movies, food, colds. But it was lots of fun and I wish now that I'd taken the camera.

Kara

Victorian Design Festival

2008-07-20T13:51:00.004+10:00

Hello There,

L bird had a wonderful holiday and came home wishing she had told the gussy up blog about the Victorian design festival before she left..The last day today.... Website is www.stateofdesign.com.au for the best Victorian innovative products in all discipline's, and spotlight events including getting 6 Top Victorian designers to make a designer Pizza each!

Umbrella Collective no more

2008-07-14T10:13:00.004+10:00

Flying Star Toys at the last Christmas Umbrella show.

I was sorry to read on Liana Kabel's blog that the Umbrella Collective has disbanded. Liana has blogged that they have all grown and changed, with common goals no longer.

This group of like-minded crafters was a real creative inspiration for getting the Gussy Up Gals going.

We hope they are all happy and moving forward in their businesses.

Mend and Make do

2008-07-11T21:02:00.005+10:00

This week's task was a little something for a local company I do a bit of work for, Earthly Goods. Earthly Goods creates bespoke quilts and homewares for customers, with a sustainable ethos, using recycled and vintage fabrics, hemp and organic cotton wadding.

Many people may have a stash of special fabrics or embroidered linens, without really having a way to make use of them. So the idea behind Earthly Goods is to take these precious fabrics and showcase them on a quilt or some such so they can be enjoyed in daily life.

No project is too big, or too small, as can be seen by this little makeup case I whipped up for an Earthly Goods client.

Whoa!

2008-07-07T10:04:00.002+10:00

This swing tag, by 'Do It Baby', was spotted on the Living Creatively website (story about Design-A-Space in Melbourne). It had me in stitches... mainly cos it's what a lot of us indie designers THINK but may not SAY. You go, guys!

Analogue Piracy

2008-07-05T23:24:00.002+10:00

This week I made a flag for painter Phil Williams. He's designed a skull and crossbones out of a cassette tape... not the most obvious pairing...

It will be on display in the window at his exhibition 'For the hate of paint', 13 June 2007 - 7 July 2007 at Peloton gallery, Chippendale.

Textile exhibition in Adelaide

2008-07-03T12:07:00.003+10:00

Freedom is on holidays but I spied this exhibition she is in down at Adelaide (I got this from Anna Laura's website). I'm sure she will fill in more on the details but tomorrow night, Friday 4th is opening night. So if you are down that way, check it out.

Nest studio in Adelaide presents Modern Australian Textiles featuring work by Laughing Bird, Anna Laura, Umbrella Prints, Helena Gieger, Nicola Cerini, Publisher Textiles and Pip Willy.

16-18 Elizabeth Street, Croydon, Adelaide

K

This week

2008-07-02T12:48:00.002+10:00

Custom orders everywhere! I guess its good but there is a lot of tooing and froing to get each customer something totally unique that they love. This is what I am doing all week. Doesn't help when the car is dead (new clutch needs to be fitted)... arghhh!

Above is some beautiful recycled woven silks, ready to create an exclusive tote for a customer.

Kara

Clothing Exchange comes to Sydney

2008-06-28T21:26:00.003+10:00

'My Sister's Wardrobe' is a regular event in Melbourne, a way to reinvigorate one's wardrobe through swapping clothes with others. The idea is everyone brings along a few of their garments they no longer wear, but think that other people may value. Then, using buttons as currency, it's possible to 'purchase' a few delights that were hiding in other people's wardrobes.

To me this clothes swap idea has it all - a way to share your once-treasured garments with others, tell the story behind the garment, find a vintage treasure perhaps... and 'shop' in a sustainable way.

Now it is arriving in Sydney: 7pm Tuesday July 8th, 10a Fitzroy Pl, Surry Hills (upstairs, off Crown St).

www.clothingexchange.com.au

Carrington movie nights

2008-06-26T07:11:00.003+10:00

On Tuesday night I saw 'An Affair To Remember' at the Carrington Hotel. It's only $10 for a classic movie and you get a plate of popcorn and get to snuggle down into the big sofas near the fire in the lounge.

Or you can get a cheese or dessert platter with coffee or tea plus the movie for $25 which is delicious and way too much! Yum!

Upcoming movies are:

Tues 29 July - To Catch a Thief - 8pm

Tues 26 Aug - The Old Man and The Sea - 8pm

Tues 30 Sept - How To Marry A Millionaire - 8pm

Tues 28 Oct - Singing In The Rain - 8pm

Tues 25 Nov - West Side Story - 8pm

Tues 16 Dec - Miracle on 34th Street - 8pm

We have booked into most of them and noticed on Tuesday that some are now booked out. It's a great night out and hope to see you there!

Kara

Winter Magic Festival

2008-06-23T14:28:00.005+10:00

Thank you to everyone who came and visited the Gussy up Gals stall at our Eco themed Winter Magic festival.

It was a very exciting day, and my adrenaline was on full speed. It was very satisfying to see all the vibrant Katoomba made products side by side, so beautifully highlighted in the winter sunlight, and to hear such lovely and encouraging comments from the crowd. The Lil Bean kiddies T-shirts, Alice Payne recycled T-shirt hoddies with mouse ears, Kara Smith vintage bags and Screen printed tea towels together made for an original and fun display.

The Gussy up tent was the perfect place to watch the parade and congrats to the belly dancers who braved the cold bare bellied. Thanks Maryanne for your support of local arts.

Only 363 days untill the next one!

Banners

2008-06-19T12:44:00.002+10:00

Today Freedom and I did the banners for our Winter Magic double stall on Saturday. April scored some great plastic card and we used some old house paint to get our names up in lights!

All looking forward to our debut this weekend!

Kara

Madeit t-shirt competition : vote now!

2008-06-16T13:57:00.002+10:00

The guys at madeit have come up with a fab t-shirt design competition. Take the time to check them out and vote (on the right hand side)!

Click here to vote

Where to find us

2008-06-14T15:35:00.004+10:00

With only a week to go until Winter Magic, everyone is busy working away at their handmade delights.

Our stall will be outside the Uniting Church on Katoomba St, about half-way down. Here's a rather ancient photo of the location...

Hope to see you there!

Li'l Bean Organic Kids Clothing

2008-06-12T20:22:00.003+10:00

Today was a great day for me because I've almost finish the first run of prints bound for our launch at this years Winter Magic Festival. Modesty aside, I think the prints are looking unreal and its awesome to see some final prints after lots of hours spent in the design process.

Hope you enjoy these pics of 3 designs from the new range. Thanks heaps to our lovely models, and also to Freedom at Laughing Bird, who has been a huge support in making these a reality.

More Photos at www.lilbean.com.au as they come to hand.

April x

Unbleached Fabrics

2008-06-11T21:48:00.004+10:00

L Bird has just finished printing on a new range of unbleached fabrics. This includes linens for Tea Towels and Hemp/Yak hair for aprons. Not only are these fabrics better for our planet, they are more practical for utility kitchen fabrics, and they look really beautiful printed up.We will be displaying them at the "Gussy Up Gals" Tent for the "Winter Magic" festival in Katoomba come June 21st, and are avaliable through the Laughing Bird website.

Brrrr... it's cold!

2008-06-10T13:41:00.003+10:00

It's cold up here in the Mountains and I have begun the scarf creating frenzy in time for the Winter Magic Festival in 2 weeks... arghhh! Above is 'Bettina', made from recycled fine fabrics, weaves and silks.

We will post where we will be situated along the main street and would love everyone to come and say hi.

Kara

A Good Yarn

2008-06-07T09:14:00.005+10:00

Friday night is knitting night, or stitch n bitch, as it's been called. It's a little bit daggy, a little bit grandma, but perfect for bleak Mountains evenings.

Above is a sample of last night's efforts.

For the style-conscious there is the Jo Sharp and Rowan patterns and wool to drool over. With moody fashion shoots and gorgous models pouting in charcoal cashmere, you suddenly realise that a pair of elegant legwarmers with eyelets is what's been missing in your life all this time.

And coming soon... a good friend of mine and demon-knitter Leanne is designer of a new range of yarns and patterns, Morris Yarns, to be launched in 2009. Watch this space: http://www.morrisyarns.com/

Locally, Katoomba-ites may know the knitting shop under the library - a beautiful range of Jo Sharp and other specialty yarns, as well as bamboo knitting needles and other delights!

New Printed Aprons

2008-06-05T19:43:00.005+10:00

Hello There,

Laughing Bird is currently launching a new range of aprons, handprinted on a beautiful light weight, heavy duty, canvas like, woven hemp & yak hair.

They are to be custom made, so the customer chooses the print and print color. I have a few recommendations & will be displaying them at the Winter Magic festival in Katoomba on June the 21st. More designs are displayed on the laughing bird website.

Handmade handbags

2008-06-05T12:15:00.002+10:00

Yesterday I got my first delivery of handbags made by a local lady, Pat, in Leura. This is an exciting step for me to have some help producing my delicious handmade handbags and she has done a great job. Above is two that she has done, aren't they great?!

It's very hard to know how to expand your business and still have control over things. By having Pat sew locally it means my hard earned money stays within our Blue Mountains Community, which makes me really happy.

Kara

Hoodies

2008-06-03T10:59:00.005+10:00

I am fond of hoodies, whether hanging out the back of a jacket or slung low over the eyes for slinking down alleyways.

So I have designed a go-anywhere jersey hoodie that doubles as a scarf. Being a thrifty soul, I've made the hoods from old tshirts and jersey remnants.

Birth of a Label

2008-05-28T13:13:00.004+10:00

April Bernard was in the studio printing up the samples for her kids range "Lil Bean" yesterday.

It was very exciting to watch the fresh new designs appear on each T-shirt, in such vibrant colors. There is something magic about seeing the very first print from a screen emerge.

Lil Bean uses organic cotton and solvent free inks to make funky & hard wearing clothing for babies through 5 year olds.

The very first range will be launched at the "Gussy Up Gals" tent for the Winter Magic festival on June the 21st.

All the best Lil Bean!!

Norman Lindsay

2008-05-27T08:40:00.006+10:00

Photo of Norman Lindsay from Middlemiss.org

Norman Lindsay (1879-1969) is one of my most favourite artists, Australian and International, and was one of the most controversial and prolific artists, even today!

Benediction, Norman Lindsay

Those who have been to Norman Lindsay's house in Faulconbridge know what a treasure this fantastic place is. His beautiful old house is set on extensive grounds with an external painting and etching studios. It was on this beautiful property that he created etchings, oils, watercolours, sculptures, ship models that he created as a pastime. He also wrote the wonderful childrens classic, "The Magic Pudding" there. His garden is stunning, scattered with nymphs, satyrs and fountains that he created.

One of the beautiful sculptures on the grounds as you head down to the pool in the bush.

The property is run by National Trust as a gallery and it is filled with his beautiful works of art. For anyone that likes nudes - this is the place to be! The etching studio (1913) and main painting studio (1918) contains his brushes, canvases and printing press.

Oh... and there is a fantastic cafe there too!

Eco-fashion Collections

2008-05-24T09:09:00.003+10:00

Last night I went to an exhibition 'Stitch Made Hands' in Surry Hills, of photography, fashion and illustration. Fellow ex-UTS-ite Rachael was showing her latest collection of couture garments, so I went along.

Rachael Cassar creates couture garments from luxury salvaged fabrics - leather, silk, lace... Her pieces are hand-embellished with thousands of Swarovski crystal beads, feathers and embroidery. They have an extraordinary sense of drama about them.

She recently won the grand prize at the prestigious Mittelmoda Fashion Awards in Italy. All her past collections will be exhibited at 'Eco-fashion Collections', DAB Gallery, Level 4, Building 1, UTS, Harris St, Ultimo. The exhibition opens this Friday 30 May, and is well worth a look.

http://www.rachaelcassar.com/

T-Shirt Print Up

2008-05-22T20:14:00.006+10:00

Danielle Penn saw some "Laughing bird" tea towels on www.madeit.com.au and wanted to apply the prints to shirts. She sent me 5 t-shirts express post with instructions of her most loved prints & colors (red)....and a sprinkle of creative license. This is what L Bird came up with. Hope Danielle was stocked when she received her express package back, and that she is out on the town happily wearing a brand new custom print T-shirt and some dancing shoes. Thanks for the fun!

Xxx L Bird

Wife

2008-05-20T09:32:00.002+10:00

These two beautiful cushions are made by Wife, and I swapped them for one of my vintage clutches over the weekend at Hope Street Markets. Nicole (the maker) uses fabulous recycled materials (including the interior of these cushions!). It was lovely to meet someone with the same ethos.

I've picked up the following from Georgielove's site:

Wife. wearables for you + your home

A bold and adventurous collection of one-of-a-kind home ware and accessories individually designed and made by Sydney-based visual & performing artist, Nicole Barakat. Wife. offers a contemporary twist on traditional textiles, craft and the domestic. Wife. products are sustainable and designed with a sensitivity towards their distinctive materials, which are almost always 100% reused. All products are hand made and carefully crafted using the finest of fabrics including lush natural fibres like wool, silk, cotton and linen.

About the maker. Nicole Barakat

I’ve been ‘making’ in some way for as long as I can remember and feel as though I entered this world with a needle and (red) thread in my hand. Cloth and textiles have always been part of my creative process. My products give me a space to play with colour, texture and the exciting elements of traditional textile and craft processes. My practice focuses on finding the unexpected by drawing on that which is familiar. I am fascinated with the languages we are able to create through the manipulation of materials and processes. I currently lecture in the Textiles department at the UNSW College of Fine Arts.

Sun hats in winter

2008-05-16T19:28:00.003+10:00

This week was more birthdays, and so I made a couple of sunhats for kids as gifts. They are reversible, plain one side, printed the other. The two prints I sourced online were very sweet, a snakes and ladders design with dogs and monkeys performing tricks, and a little Holly Hobby design.

Emerging Artists of the Blue Mountains

2008-05-14T07:45:00.005+10:00

Hello There,

L Bird was introduced to a fantastic array of talent last week. There were 10 kiddies aged between 3 months to 3 years old here painting up tea towels for their grandmothers for mothers day.A fair bit of body art too!It was a great preview about what we can expect in term of art and design in the mountains 20 years from now,...the enthusiasm is certainly huge! Well done to Emmagen, Liam, Jackson, Hugo, Bryn, Pip, Zoe, Leanna, Ainsley, Willhamena (pic), and Theo for a fun morning...and no paint in the house!

Hope Street Markets

2008-05-12T12:40:00.003+10:00

Next weekend is the Hope Street Markets at Paddington Town Hall, Sydney. This market will be showcasing 60 new Australian independent designers and is a lot of fun.

The designers bring together work varying from art, jewellery, clothing, accessories and a great mix of product design. This is a mixed collaboration of the quirky, kitsch, clever and the crafty - all under one roof!

There will be a great line-up of local music hosted by Pop Frenzy over the weekend. There is also a great cafe there too!

About:
The Hope Street Markets were created from a love of independent, unique and different and the genuine love of finding new treasures at the markets. These days it is hard to find good local made and designed product, our aim is simply to introduce fresh, creative and original designs each season. We are proud to be supporting and exposing the work of designers both local and around Australia.

The markets are a fusion of art, design, music and a community of people connecting in one space.

Hope Street is a not an actual street address, it quite simply means “bringing hope to the street” the name was adopted from the cause we support... HopeStreet.

Hope Street Markets in a non-profit organisation. We raise funds from the markets to help support HopeStreet projects helping bring hope to Sydney’s homeless. The name was also given to the markets because we feel in essence we are also creating hope for new talent and inspiring others.

Autumn Markets:
Saturday 17th May 11am – 6pm
Sunday 18th May 11am – 5pm

Reckless with Jersey

2008-05-10T11:41:00.005+10:00

This week I turned to old jersey for my experimenting. I tried pairing viscose with cotton for a draping cowl-like neckline.

I also tried remaking an existing pattern in a cotton jersey. The original pattern was developed for a vest in a silk suiting...now its a bit sportier! If I can perfect my shapes and finishes, the next stage will be experimenting with colour and free-embroidery...

Sunny studio

2008-05-07T14:11:00.006+10:00

It has been a busy week for printing at laughing bird, luckily the wether has been kind and I have been able to weather dry the fabrics without using heaters!! It was snowing the week before in Katoomba...I always try to keep electricity usage to a minimum but I couldn't help myself...especially printing at night.

Just finishing off a few color combinations before presenting the new range next week. Very excited about having some new work to show. Adios!

10 totes released next week

2008-05-04T07:40:00.004+10:00

I'm blogging early as I'm heading 'off the mountain' today for a couple of days... I have created a series of 10 exclusive totes that will be released on my site next week. These are beautiful big totes created out of serious luxury salvaged materials. I'd quite like to keep one for myself but gotta pay the bills!

Today I am heading to Handcut's last fashion show. These guys do fabulous recycled/reclaimed clothing and carry my handbags. I am just a fashion junkie as I love seeing models carrying the bags (how sad!).

Locally, on Tuesday, I am beginning the Stepping Up: Young entrepreneurs Training & Mentoirng Programme as part of NSW State & Regional Development. I have already met lots of go-gettin' young business people who are like-minded and hope to forge some great bonds and networking opportunities - for the future of Blue Mountains businesses!

Kara

Toiling Away

2008-05-03T10:44:00.009+10:00

I have been working on the patterns and toile for a quilted vest and hood, with mixed results...

It all looked so good in my head, yet the toiles still need a lot of work. The vest sits funny, needs to be longer and the finishing idea on the hood looks dodgy!

Although a simple design, going through the patternmaking, cutting, quilting, stitching stages and then having to do it all again is rather tiring... I may come back to it in a week or two with a fresh outlook.

Ideas to sell online

2008-04-30T08:45:00.009+10:00

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

Handmade

2008-04-28T12:37:00.004+10:00

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

Shirring for Sailing

2008-04-26T18:55:00.005+10:00

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.

Lawson markets - what I LOVE

2008-04-23T14:20:00.005+10:00

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!

T-shirt comp for Australian designers!

2008-04-20T20:20:00.001+10:00

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!!!

Birthday Scarf

2008-04-19T10:18:00.005+10:00

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/

Melbourne design market - applications now open!

2008-04-17T18:05:00.001+10:00

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.

Cahills Lookout

2008-04-15T13:19:00.005+10:00

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

New by kara smith

2008-04-14T08:06:00.005+10:00

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!

Frock for a Finalist

2008-04-12T16:03:00.003+10:00

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

NSW Home-based Business Week

2008-04-11T09:16:00.001+10:00

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.

Get the ball rolling...

2008-04-07T08:25:00.003+10:00

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.