felt

Felt & Ceramic Nesting Owl Eggwarmers by OMA available from moose: art for living for AUD $22 each.

moose: art for living is celebrating it's 2nd birthday! It doesn't seem all that long ago we were congratulating them on turning one... To celebrate, Moose have given us an extra special exclusive discount code which will enable you to recieve 15% OFF everything in the store, including the new category Space, which is all about artful things for living and working areas. Ok, ready? The code is: indiemoose.

The offer is valid from now until the end of Monday July 15th, so why not pop over now to http://www.shopmoose.com.au!

Curved Fish Pendant (Silver) and Arched Abstract Pendant (Brass) by E&D Metallic, available from moose: art for living for AUD $44 each.

While we're on the subject of birthdays, I'd like to sing out a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to meet me at mikes who turned 3 not long ago, Tabitha Emma who herself turned 22 a few weeks ago, in.cube8r who are having 1st birthday celebrations in store tomorrow (Sat 12th July, 7pm-10pm, all welcome!) and finally a Happy 1st Bloggiversary to Betty Jo's Lino Forest blog. Best wishes to all!

Local Perth designers will be making their mark this year with the launch of two exciting new designer markets: Made On The Left (which is on this weekend!), and Perth Upmarket (being held in September).

The lineup for both markets is looking great - there is a long list of designers who will have stalls this Saturday (12.7.2008) at Made On The Left and the lineup for Perth Upmarket is growing every day it seems!

Enthusiasm for handmade crafts & locally designed products is bubbling over in Perth. There are already lots of gorgeous retail boutiques, but up until now there has been a distinct lack of markets specifically for designers' products. It looks will be following hot on the heels of established design markets in other states such as Hope Street Markets (Sydney) & Rose Street Artists Market (Melbourne).

"I Dream of Boab Trees Three" by Dara Clemens, one of the driving forces behind Made On The Left

To get a feel for the market mood in Perth, I quizzed a selection of organisers & stallholders... I asked DARA CLEMENS (of Made On The Left):
"Made On The Left was founded by a number of Perth designers. How did you find each other & what motivated you to to launch the Made On The Left market?"

"The Made on the Left committee is made up of Sarah, Jacquie, Ali J, Rosanna and myself. We met on the Perth forum thread at Etsy.com and setting up a designer art and craft market along with a complimentary website came up in conversation. To make a long story short we came together to make it happen!

"Open Mines", a triptych by Dara Clemens depicting the open cut mines that are spreading like wild fire throughout WA. Each canvas measures 255×255mm and the work will be availble at Made On The Left Market for AUD $200.

Between the 5 of us we have an amazing variety of skills and have managed to do everything from the press releases (5 different local papers and hopefully a few state ones this week), poster design (Ali J and Jacquie for graphic and Jacquie put the whole thing together), administration (forms, liaison with venue etc) and promotional distribution (leg work around town plus a whole lot of emailing).

Our motivation...I guess we all feel that Perth desperately needs more avenues in which local designers, artists and crafters can display and sell their wares. And that it would be great to have a website that brought together information from around WA, an easy link between sellers and those interested in buying either as an individual or retail."

Limited edition bibs by Oli B Designs, who will have a stall at Perth Upmarket. (AUD $14.95 each)

JUSTINE BARSLEY is responsible for launching Perth Upmarket. The Market will make its debut on Sunday September 14th at the Perth Town Hall. She is looking forward to making it a regular event, so Perth shoppers are in for a treat! (You can also keep up-to-date with Upmarket happenings at their blog). Justine is also the talented work-at-home-mum behind the label Oli B Designs & makes limited edition kids wear such as the funky little bibs pictured above. I asked Justine:
"Having moved to Perth just 2 years ago, what do you think is unique about the Perth design scene? How will this be reflected in the Perth Upmarket?"

"Having only moved to Perth two years ago I have found that there are lots of creative people, but they can be a bit hard to find. What I think is unique about Perth is the diverse mix of creative people and the openness of designers to work together. Whilst there are a few quality annual events, Perth has lacked a quality market where designers can showcase their designs on a regular basis and encourage repeat business. Perth Upmarket will bring Perth's talented artists, craftspeople, designers, stylists and gourmets all under one roof."

Felt Skull Hairclips by The Tiny Little Girl (label of Perth designer Beth Wachla). Beth will have a stall at Made On The Left Market.

I also asked a few of the stallholders, "What are you most looking forward to with the launch of the new markets?"
BETH WACHLA who creates the friendly, creepy faces above & below for her label The Tiny Little Girl answered:

"I'm most looking forward to meeting fellow indie designers and sharing our hard work with the lovely people of Perth. I think the markets are a sign that Perth is moving forward in having our own identity on the Australian art scene, and that’s a really great thing."

Felt Skull Pin Cushions by The Tiny Little Girl.

You simply can't go past felt skulls when they're this cute - I feel like jumping on a flight just to grab one for myself next weekend! I'm sure there will be many, many to choose from, but my favourites from the photos above would have to be the orange skull with white moustache hairclip and the blue pin cushion with the white sad face skull. Which ones do you like the best?

Owl & Kittie Cushions by Lisa Max, (AUD $20 each). Lisa will have a stall at both Made On The Left and Perth Upmarket.

LISA MAX is a designer who will have a stall at both upcoming designer markets in Perth. She makes the gorgeous animal cushions pictured above, and answered my question as follows:

"Everything! Designing and selling things is a completely new experience for me and I am not quite sure what I'm doing yet... I'm very much looking forward to meeting other designers and craftsters to see how they work and hear about their ideas and experiences."

1" Badges by Ali J Art, (AUD $3.50 each). Ali will have a stall at both Made On The Left and Perth Upmarket.

ALI J (Alicia Rosam) is a freelance illustrator. She creates products based on her gorgeous & very distinctive illustrations of characters with red rosy cheeks & wild crazy hair. She answered my question as follows:

"This is such a difficult question as I don't have enough fingers to contain my excitement at being able to display my work at these new events. I think what I am most looking forward to is meeting new people and finding some subjects who I can use in future illustrations. I am also looking forward to being inspired and challenged by fellow designers and proud to see how much of the public will come out and support independent handmade design."

Pocket Mirrors by Ali J Art, (AUD $8 each).

Felt Skull Badges by The Tiny Little Girl. I thought these guys should have the last laugh...

Our very own dozen! Twelve felt lady badges made by Anna Laura, taking inspiration from the indie art & design colour scheme.
Each gal is now available for online purchase through the indie art & design STORE!

Earlier this year, we interviewed two lovely Melbourne-based indies: Jodie Nicholson who handmakes fabric bags for her label Meringue, and Anna Laura Blanford who is well known for her felt lady badges, screenprinted handmade bags and original artworks. Along with this double interview, we have a big surprise! We asked both Jodie and Anna Laura to each create just a dozen products especially for indie art & design, taking inspiration from our site colours. I've patiently kept this interview under wraps while we prepared for the launch of the INDIE ART & DESIGN STORE and would like to announce the online arrival of twelve little felt ladies and twelve gorgeous fabric wristlets!

The idea of the indie art & design store is to promote a handful of the labels we love by stocking strictly limited numbers of selected products to accompany feature articles & interviews. There will only be a small window of opportunity for you to snap up these exclusives - so get your mouse moving to avoid disappointment! Now that's enough stalling, here's the interview...

Blackforest Wristlet by Meringue - AUD $35 from indie art & design store.

I 1. You two have been friends for some time, often mentioning each other in your blog posts. How did you meet? Was it through your common interest in design?

M I met Anna through Etsy. I had seen her posting in the forums and through that, became a fan of her work. She left a funny comment on my blog and then I started stalking her.

AL We met via Etsy, I’m not sure on the exact details but I think it involved a common interest the products we make, design, fabric and creativity. We both had a similar sense of humor, I laughed a lot at Jodie's emails.

Fiona, Jenny & Olive giggle over Carol's 80s hairdo...
Felt Lady Badges by Anna Laura - AUD $20 each from indie art & design store

I 2. What is it like to have a close friend who shares similar aspirations? It must be great to have someone who really understands when things are tough & of course someone who appreciates how much it means when things are going well!

M I can't even measure how great it is to have a handful of friends on Etsy, who are all experiencing the same rollercoaster. It's definitely a support I don't take for granted because I think I'd be lost without it. Having Anna to brainstorm with and vent to is brilliant, she is also responsible for me pushing myself harder than I otherwise might have.

AL I think it is handy to have someone you can touch base with who knows what you do because they do it themselves. I often will email Jodie for advice on things, however it is not always about art and design, I emailed her today on overlocker advice, so she is really my counselor. But she gets paid much less.

Ittybitty Totes by Meringue

I 3. Do you bounce new ideas off each other for designs & new products? Do you provide each other with constructive criticism?

M We regulary share ideas, which some might find weird given that we both make bags. Anna has a definite 'art' leaning with everything she makes, whereas I base my designs more on function first. We come at pieces from different angles, which I think balances everything out nicely.

AL I think this is something that is really valuable, because if I only asked my partner for advice nothing would get made. He has his particular styles he likes and more often than not my stuff doesn't fit into that category. I think we also offer good feedback, I know Jodie won't sugar coat things and I respect that kind of advice.

Twelve wristlets by Meringue, each available for AUD $35 from indie art & design store!

I 4. When you share market stalls, do you think customers are enticed by the wide variety of products, colours & textures on display? In this way, do you think shared stalls are beneficial in creating extra interest & maximizing sales?

M Sharing a market stall with Anna last year was physically hard work but we had so many laughs, even when we were beyond exhausted. Our stall set up changed each week and evolved into a really appealing display that gave customers loads to look at. Spending the day with someone else meant that there was always someone else to reply on, even if it was just having someone to buy you an icy pole when the mercury soared!

AL I think our stuff has a different look, so although some of the products we make are similar (as in they hold all your stuff) it hasn't been a problem in terms of us competing with one another. We did have some people who purchased from both of us at Rose Street, so I think our items work well together. I think the major benefit from sharing a stall was having someone to sit with all day. It can get lonely on your own and having someone to laugh with was always good. I looked forward to the market because I was spending my entire week mainly with 15 year olds, so it was nice to sit and eat SuperDoopers and laugh at the world with someone who isn't trying to draw a dick on your stuff.

Gwen, Aileen, Fay & Joan discuss what they're wearing to Ladies Day the racing carnival...
Felt Lady Badges by Anna Laura - AUD $20 each from indie art & design store

I 5. Have market stalls helped find you new stockists? What sort of responses have you had when boutique buyers discover your labels – do you think your pairing influences them to place orders with both labels, or does it just depend on the individual?

M I actually thought I'd meet more stockists than we did, although I was really happy with the amount of stores I signed on with in the lead up to Christmas. Anna has provided me with plenty of leads and I'm still working my way through that list.

AL One stockist who had contacted me previously, contacted me again and saw my market photos on Flickr. She asked about Jodie's bags and so now both of our items are stocked there.

Wristlets by Meringue - AUD $35 each from indie art & design store

I 6. Do you ever combine forces & approach new boutiques together or just provide moral support for each other before/after?

M We don't really approach stores together but we do share resources and tell each other where we're at as far as short term goals go. I think both of us are now very comfortable in approaching stores, although we've both been lucky in being sought out by stores who have seen our work online or in person.

AL We did go on a drive to find possible stockists in Melbourne and we do help each other in terms of contacts and passing on details to people we know. I think within the indie community it is really important to have this kind of support, because it isn't an easy industry when you're small as you don't always have the contacts. Without it I would be way back at square one.

Purse by Anna Laura from the Bamakko Screened Exhibition (19.4.2008 - 11.5.2008)

I 7. You both use a variety of fabrics to make wristlets, bags & pouches. Do you ever go hunting together to source materials?

M We've never actually shopped for fabric together but by sheer coincidence, we do sometimes buy exactly the same fabric. However, we use it in such different ways and it's always interesting to see how Anna has applied a fabric to her bags, that I may have used for a wristlet.

AL We have not yet had a trip to Spotlight yet. I think this would be fun. There are a lot of fabric stores in the area I have just shifted to that I previously didn't have time to go to when I was working full time. I'm looking forward to having time in the day when I can go to op-shops and fabric shops and finding some really decent fabrics to work with.

Fabric wristlets by Meringue - AUD $35 each from indie art & design store.

I 8. What do you each admire most about the other?

M I love that Anna is so quietly passionate about her label. She is driven to make it a success but it's more about creating art, sharing it and making a living, not about finding fortune and fame... ...although I'm sure secretly she longs to appear on Mornings with Kerry Ann.

AL Jodie is fantastic at customer service and dealing with people and she can tell it like it is. Plus she has a good sense of humor and doesn't mind it when I say things that are probably inappropriate.

Spagetti Tote by Anna Laura

I 9. How important is the online component of your businesses? As I write this, I can see you’re both about to tip over the Etsy 150 sales mark – are any celebrations planned? How do you find sites like Etsy, MadeIt, Mintd etc? Do they provide a significant percentage of your sales, or do you see them as more as a source of supplementary income & marketing with retail boutiques the main focus?

M Online selling has been important for getting noticed by retail stores. It has been a steep learning curve that has taught me far more than I ever could have learned in any class. My online sales only account for a small percentage of sales but they have played a vital part in my business.

I am looking to set up my own website shortly, with its own shopping cart but I will definitely be keeping my other online stores and moving my main store from Etsy to Dawanda. I really like the Dawanda site and the way it operates, the attitude towards members appeals to me far more than Etsy.

AL I just calculated today what my online sales are over the last six months and it is about 25% of my income. As for the 150 sales on Etsy I had not planned anything big. Maybe I could shout Jodie a cask of Lambrusco and a ride in my car, I think she would like that.

I've just started a shop on Dawanda and I really like the look of the website and the fact that it is European based. Madeit is also a great site and growing all the time, the woman who started it, Bec is really supportive and friendly as well.

Wristlets by Meringue - AUD $35 each from indie art & design store

I 10. In addition to maintaining your online stores, you both post regularly to your weblogs, www.meringuediary.blogspot.com and www.annalauraart.blogspot.com. Your posts feature product updates, descriptions of your process and progress, and entertaining tales of skylarking & gossip as you travel through the various designers markets & events around Melbourne. Much time is obviously dedicated to keeping us all in the loop – is it a struggle to fit it all in, or is it something you just enjoy doing? Does maintaining your blog help to keep everything in perspective?

M It was with some hesitation that I started my blog last year but now I can't imagine not having it. I've been somewhat remiss in posting for the last couple of months thanks to long working hours and illness but I can't wait to start posting regularly again.
I'm always amused to see how Anna and I post about the same event. I normally come off sounding like such a whinger by comparison!

AL When I was working full time it was hard to keep it updated. I often worry its boring and dull and I tried to keep my posts nice as I also worked as a teacher. I'm no longer teaching so I am not so worried about people finding the blog so will probably make it a little more personal. I enjoy blogging because I have a history of my work and because you can get a response from other bloggers on your work. I love reading other peoples blog as well to find out what they are making and some insight into their life. I love seeing photos of the spaces they work in and where they live. I know it is a little nosey, but I'm really interested in that side of things. I also like blogs, which are not all happy la la. People make mistakes and mess and I like to hear about that side of life and see it as well.

Damask Pendant by Simone Walsh and screen printed fabric by Lara Cameron.

I 11. How do you find the indie community in Melbourne, & have you met designers in other parts of Australia either through blogs or markets etc?

M I am also good friends with Simone Walsh from Etsy. She makes the most fantastic jewellery and I've found that having both her and Anna in daily email exchanges have kept my motor running. I'd like to be more active in the Melbourne Indie community but finding the time is a battle.

AL I've meet a few people from Etsy as well as other people in the indie community. Someone who is really lovely is Lara Cameron. She makes the most amazing things and he designs are beautiful and she is so down to earth and friendly. I am sure I will be saying "I knew Lara when..." very soon and I will be rather proud of that! It is great to have a support network all over Australia, I know if I went to other Australian cities there would be people there who I could meet with and tell me the good places to visit and I like the fact that I can email people who I might not have spoken to for advice and they will always be willing to help.

Button Art by Meringue

I 12. Finally, please tell us some of the highlights of your design experiences so far & where each label is headed in 2008!

M November and December last year was a blur but it was so incredible. I was working more hours in my day job, the wholesale orders were rolling in, I was doing the markets with Anna and also filling online orders, it was crazy busy.

I've started this year slowly but I plan to leap into it shortly. I'm really excited about 2008 because I have so many plans. First will be my website launch, which has been a long time coming. I've also got two new handbag lines in the works and a top secret project involving buttons. Yes, buttons! My big goal for this year is taking my wholesale side to the next level both here and in the US.

AL I think highlights are having things featured in the press and online. Often running a small business you have to work really hard on the promotional side of it, so when people like Frankie, design blogs like Indie and Modish and The Age are willing to expose smaller brands like myself it is exciting and it pleases me they are willing to support smaller brands. When you are making things you need to hear people tell you what you are making is good, you get so lost in what you are making you often lose sight so when someone lets you know it looks good it motivates you to keep working.

My aim for 2008 is an exhibition. I've been making a lot more art and I would love to have a show. I would also like to do some more fabric design for my bags and learn new screenprinting techniques.

Original artworks by Anna Laura. On the left is an image of one of her badges with a body, and on the right, "Wild Boys", an original monoprint & drawing available from Anna Laura's Etsy store for US $35.

I Thank you both so much for providing us with an insight into the workings of your labels! With such gorgeous products, I'm sure we'll hear much more about Anna Laura & Meringue in the future... Current stockists for each label are listed below:

ANNA LAURA
VIC: Rose Street Artist Market (Fitzroy), Meet Me at Mikes (Fitzroy), Little Salon (Fitzroy, City), Kids in Berlin (North Melbourne), Brunswick Bound (Brunswick), Lumina Textiles (East Malvern), Anomaly (Belmont), Bob Boutique (Bendigo), I Dream a Highway (Northcote)
NSW: Dragstar Clothing (Newtown), Betty Mim (Newcastle)
ACT: The Hive (Braddon)
WA: Jac Boutique (Perth)
ONLINE: indie art & design store, www.annalaura.etsy.com, www.dawanda.com/shop/annalaura, www.madeit.com.au/annalaura

MERINGUE
ONLINE: indie art & design store, Meringue Shop on Etsy, www.dawanda.com/user/Meringue
Real World: Meringue is stocked at many boutiques (including on of our faves, Betty Mim in Cooks Hill, Newcastle) - please contact Jodie directly to locate your nearest Meringue stockist.

Look at the gorgeous Easter card I received from Anika & Svenja of 0049Design! Thank you so much girls - that was such a surprise. I know I'm a little late but I couldn't resist posting my goggly-eyed felt greeting, so a belated Happy Easter to you all.

Opening this evening is the Christmas 2007 Young Blood designers markets. Over 40 labels are participating & will be selling a range of new and original designs, including furniture, lighting, home wares, accessories and fashion. Pictured above are the stalls of Bamboo Chutney and People Like Us Collective. Make sure to check out 0049 Design who will also have a stall - their felt goodies are fantastic! Just look at their felt Christmas cards & boxes below...

The Young Blood design markets are on at the Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street Ultimo. Friday 7th December, 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Saturday 8th December, 8:00am – 5:00pm.

Hope Street Markets was certainly a popular desination on Saturday 6th!
I braved the hayfeverish winds sweeping Sydney that afternoon, and made my way to 182 Campbell St - a frosty white building which was positively glowing on the inside with a dizzying mix of colours, stalls & design enthusiasts.
A wonderful mix of indie products were on offer. Downstairs were labels such as People Like Us (who gave me a plastic wind-up walking owl), Kara Smith with her delicious handmade handbags, Made by White with their chirpy perspex jewellery friends, Ellenade with her assortment of handmade hats, 0049 Design, Dark Cloud Silver and many others...

0049 Design (whose stall is pictured above) uses 100% wool-felt to produce
a multitude of "living accessories" featuring screen printed graphics and/or German typography. The crisp designs look really striking against the soft textured felt. The diary & book covers were perhaps my favourites - all designed to be reusable, so when you fill your latest sketchbook with doodles & ramblings you can transfer the cover straight onto a new one. Among their other products are bookmarks, sunglass cases, felt storage boxes and keyrings - one of which features the outline of a very cute sausage dog! These gorgeous felt goodies would make lovely original gifts.

The Dark Cloud Silver stall looked very luxurious with their shiny silver pendants & rings displayed against a slinky black background. The microphone, headphones, spraycan & turntable designs pictured are beautifully crafted and offer something completely different from the usual fare. They've combined the "urban" with the "precious" to create an intriguing range of jewellery pieces which are truly unique.

Here is the Imok artwork I wrote about in last week's post! The Imok girls had an upstairs stall where their characters came to life under the natural afternoon sunlight. The stall was busy with colour, and the canvasses were surrounded by t-shirts, hats & accessories - all sharing the Imok philosophy "I’m ok…if you are?".

The indie flavours continued upstairs with labels such as Fine Cloth, Little Angry Fang and Meet Tyrone (whose stall is pictured above). Designer Bill Chen has recently released his Spring Summer 07|08 collection titled "Animals in 3D". Featuring four different prints, 'Diamond Horse', 'Anubis', 'Reindeer' and 'Swallows 'n' Feathers' - each design is an experiment with popular geometric art, lines, shapes and patterns.

The Diamond Horse design from Meet Tyrone was my favourite, and is pictured in detail above (printed in silver on a white tee). Bill also creates some amazing artworks - just look at the surface texture pattern on the piece below! He's having an exhibition starting later this week - so stay tuned for my next post for details...

These beautiful, simple designs from Elk Accessories will match those grey winter days perfectly. Elk designers Adam and Marnie use fine quality raw materials sourced from all over the world to produce their comfortable + stylish accessory ranges each season. I spied the elk-themed Lambswool Hoodie (AUD $99) and Lambswool Hottie Cover & Hot Water Bottle (AUD $85) in Pentimento, Newtown a couple of weeks ago & fell in love with the whole Winter Textiles range when I visited their web site at www.elkaccessories.com.au.

Each of the products pictured is available in both grey or charcoal, with the Felt Satchel (AUD $55) also available in chocolate. I just love the sense of balance created by the stitching detail across the front of the Satchel. The Lambswool Blanket (AUD $270) is truly something special - soft & warm with a gentle square patterned texture.

Elk is based in Melbourne, and (lucky for us all) is stocked by independent retailers throughout Australia and New Zealand. Australian stockists include some of the following:

NSW - Pentimento (Newtown), Split Watermelon Design (Surry Hills), Plane Tree Farm (Double Bay), Lilifields (Paddington) & Stem (Balmain).
VIC - Luft (North Fitzroy), Belki (North Carlton), Hub (City), Husk (City, Albert Park & Hawkesburn Village). WA - Empire (Osborne Park).
QLD - Olive Home (City, Paddington), Kova (Fortitude Valley).
ACT - Don't Tell Phyllis (Kingston).
SA - Uccello (Murray Bridge).
TAS - La Cigale (Launceston).

P.S. I especially love greys due to the wonderful variations of almost-colour in my grey tabby's coat. Fellow cat-people can glimpse his beauty at www.meanderings.com.au!

Mainichi Design inverts the concept of precious jewellery and uses materials such as plastics, recycled leather offcuts, hemp & linen thread, recycled timbers, polypropylene sheet & bamboo to create imaginative & vibrant jewellery pieces. My favourites are the Mushi Brooches ($25 & $30) which are made from layers of offcut leather, vintage & recycled fabrics & felt randomly stitched together. The colours are so gorgeous & rich... Also pictured is the Oishii Necklace ($45) featuring plastic thread & mixed bead types on a leather choker. Mainichi's stockists include Eliana Design (St Kilda), Lulu Design Store (Balaclava), National Design Centre (Melbourne) and Mimosa (Daylesford).