the swan lake

I have a thing for swans. They feature in my childhood memories quite a bit. I could possbily write an essay on how weird, amazing and strange all of that is - but instead, here's "the swan lake" 

donkey days

Here's a new illustration - the first inaluxe (not yet finished) donkey. Still needs some detailed little brush work here and there, but, by and large - mostly done. This is also the first collaborative piece between Jason and myself, and our donkey is all about festive fun, holidays and good times! More on donkey and us soon.   Have a great weekend!

light through fabric

Repeat pattern, and overlap... reminds me of my old net curtains from the 1970's... Have a great weekend everyone.  xo Hope you're loving whatever it is you are doing - or not doing.

the skirt party

OK. So, every so often someone says something and I get all inspired. It happened yesterday!  I'd like to introduce you to "Veronica Darling's Skirt."  Thanks Veronica, I had so much fun playing with this - you're a real treasure! If I ever turn it into a Giclee, you'll get one in the mail! x  Which one do you think works better? I'm torn - torn between 2 skirts!

 

avoidable catastrophe

The ball wants the bird to move, but the bird will not budge. Not an inch. Any second now - accident!

ever the eternal (optimistic) forest

Earlier this year I put a new years post in about 'when life gives you lemons make lemonade" well, I guess another thing to do is plant an eteranal (optimisitc) forest. I don't have one growing in my backyard just yet, but it's there - in thought, and my day to day.

So here's my forest - a work in progress.  Part of my trees series.

New Card Design Ordered

Well, a bit of too-ing and fro-ing, but I decided on this design to print up. Titled "when I think of you" it will be available in a postcard format size, and a larger print.  Should be ready in about a week! Then into the shop! 

This is an extension of the previous post.  The first draft for the work had the big bird in it, minus the fox, and well, a few different aspects. I really like the first work, but this revised and finished piece just kind of spoke to me in a slightly different way.  It's hard sometimes to step back from it all, and look at it with fresh eyes - especially when you've been working on a design for days.

I love the fox, and I still love that corny "sea within" part. Now it's just double fun (fox + bird).

when I think of you

Another holiday shenanigan  -  working on possible card designs. Here's the latest... Rather corny really, but well, it's supposed to be, but hopefully without just being that.  As long as you don't actually say things like "there's a sea in me when I think of you" it's all good!

  

No matter what...

A new work, part of my ongoing fascination with the fox, and part of my new illustration work. Maybe a card?!

holiday shenanigans

More of my holiday shenanigans... I'm so loving drawing at the moment.  The image below is rough inital sketch for a card series.  The kind of card you give to someone you love, or like, someone who rocks, or curls your toes. Someone who makes you smile, and makes everything that little bit more three dimensional!   Working through this series also ties into my comic book projects too: nice! And more importantly -  I haven't had this much fun in ages!

fox + fox

Possibly part of a comic I'm working on - early stages...

Wolves + swans

The perfect treasure aka my latest purchase.  A big thank you for kickcan and conkers for posting this great link. And thank you to Hanna Rivka for selling it in her awesome shop! 

Agniya Barto (1906-1981) is a Russian poet and children's writer. Drawings by G. Makaveeva. Softcover, 28 pages. Moscow : Malish, 1982

Brendan Halyday Feature

Brendan Halyday
Artist / Illustrator
Melbourne Australia

I want to share a bit of an insight into the talented (and way awesome) Melbourne artist Brendan Halyday.

An illustrator/designer living in Melbourne, Australia, Brendan has worked in the industry since 2002, illustrating childrens books, educational and chapter books, posters, comics and more for both children and adults, working on original and licenced properties. Prior to working as an illustrator, he worked as a designer and continues to do so on a project by project basis.  He's a man of many talents!

I first found Brendan's work on Etsy. I think I was cruising for comics and zines....

So, there I was going through check out, and here I am some many months later writing about how great he is.  I love his sense of style, humour, honesty, and personal approach to his work.  I also have to say that getting packages in the mail from Brendan is like getting a present. Even the envelope looks amazing!

In a recent email exchange, Brendan filled me in a little on what he's been up to, what's happening, and future plans. He has also (quite excitedly) just completed his Diploma in Illustration.

"I have recently finished a new collaborative zine called the garbage truck failures with James Andre, it has an awesome cover by Bobby N too. I also have a small zine called The Funnies that I did earlier in the year. I have illustrated a couple of comics for other writers this year, including a three page story for the Tango anthology published by Cardigan Comics, and a 10 page story that was recently published in the anthology Kagemono: Tooth and Claw. At the moment I am working on 3 projects (i like to work on multiple projects concurrently, so if I ever get bored or hit a mental block with one I can just switch to another. I find working that way always keeps me fresh too).

The first project I am working on is sketchbook four, and I am working really hard to get this finished asap. The drawing is pretty much done, it's just the writing that is holding me up with this one. I am writing about some pretty personal stuff and have been struggling to express myself the way I want too. I'm also working on a comic anthology that will be about 32 pages in colour. It's about half finished, I hope to finish it this year. I'm also working on a small little kids book, hope to get it done in the next month but we'll see.  All these are projects that have been in the work for a while and are slowly moving towards completion. I have another couple of projects that I've agreed to do but havent really started yet, but hopefully soon..."

Below are examples of some of Brendan's work. You can purchase some of these delights here :)

Check out Brendan at these locations!

Brendan's  website, shop, & blog

Thanks heaps Brendan - you're a champ!

Not afraid of romance...

Romeo and Juliet had it down pat. Cathy and Heathcliffe did it with gusto, and Edward and Bella left us all swooning. Yes folks, we're talking romance.

Bella fluer - TWILIGHT Series Inspired Necklet

By Ruby 2 GoGo
(catch Helen this weekend at the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market)

And what better way to warm up a Winter's night, than with a little romantic inspiration from a few of our talented BrisStylettes. So get out your rose coloured glasses, and enjoy these romantic offerings...

"I Heart You" TtV photo

By Hey Harriet

KISSING FROGS limited edition art print

By Twinkle Start Art

70s Love Mini Notebook

By Jellygnite

(catch Ali this weekend at the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market)

Garden Party picture hat

By Maudie's Millinary
(catch Christine this weekend at the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market)

Queensland - Beautiful one day...

...perfect the next!

OK, not sure if this is still the official slogan of Queensland, but it is certainly the one most remembered. I guess because it is so true. Sun drenched beaches, golden sands and tropical palms are but a few of our iconic Queensland images....besides The Big Pineapple of course!!

SURFER GIRL art print
By Twinkle Star Art

And in celebration of the glorious outdoor lifestyle we all enjoy in sunny Brissy we have put together a few items by our talented BrisStyle members, that embrace our sunshiny culture. So grab a pina colada and take the chill off with these Queensland inspired creations!

Diva Dress
By Little Diva

Palm Trees
By Hey Harriet

Vintage chenille kiddies hat
By Bubba Chenille

Baggy Shorts - Carp Fish
By Hot Fudge

Blue Sea Pendant
By Creative Artyfacts

BrisStyle Weekly Round Up

Word is spreading quickly about the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market including a special feature on MixTape blog this week. Thanks for your support Justine and for all the Brisbanites out there be sure to mark 4 July in your diary and we'll see you at St Augustine's Church Hall, Racecourse Road, Hamilton for a huge day of shopping!

Raincloud Brooch from littlechrissy

BrisStyle was the featured etsy team this week on The Australian Etsy Blog. Pop over to read a fabulous interview with Chris and featured wares from Little Chrissy, Beckybean, edward and lilly, PretaPawte, Hey Harriet and Hot Fudge.


Liesa from The Handmade Expo has taken the retail plunge and is opening Handmade Heaven, a shop selling handmade items in Ipswich. Handmade Heaven can be found at Shop #11, The Old Flour Mill, 231 Brisbane Street, Ipswich.

MiMi from whynotstreet

Handmade Heaven will be stocking the wares of BrisStylettes Christine from whynotstreet and Miriam from Bubbachenille.


Pedrosprout's Ruby Red Dottie Baby Booties were featured in Etsy's Eco friendly gift guide this week. Not only are Pedrosprout booties super cute but they're also made from Kunin Eco-fi felt, a high quality polyester fibre made from 100% certified recycled plastic bottles. You've gotta love retail therapy that's good for the environment!

Lavender Scented Bird from edward and lilly

Edward and Lilly was featured in Sarah's Favourites this week on the new Sewn website. Created by Sarah Fielke Sewn is an "online website revolving around the quilting and sewing community in Australasia with a strong focus on providing a forum to connect designers, suppliers, shops and customers."


*** BrisStyle Giveaways ***

Each week Hayley from RE-read gives away one of her cute little brooches. Pop over to Hayley's blog for your chance to win. Giveaways are drawn each Thursday and all you need to do is leave a comment.


Benita from Bettsy Kingston is giving away these oh so fabulous Leopard Ruffle Pants. For your chance to win check out the Bettsy Kingston blog.


Amanda from Twinkle Star Art is giving away one of her Matryoshka art prints to celebrate her latest creative triumph and re-opening of her etsy store. Head over to the Twinkle Star Art blog to enter. Congratulations Amanda!


Plus don't forget our very own BrisStyle giveaway! Scroll down or click here to enter.

It's a Christmas wrap!

Get ready for the last BrisStyle post for the year folks. And let me warn you. It's a biggie. You might like to settle yourself down with a cup of tea first. Break out the tim tams. And enjoy the wrap-up.


In case you haven't already heard around the bloggy/crafty traps, the first ever BrisStyle market was an outstanding success. And on so many levels too! Not only was there a steady stream of smiling happy people all day (I think I got to sit down for all of about 20 mins for the entire 7 hour day!!!), but even the heat couldn't keep the huge smiles off the faces of the stallholders. Quite simply, it was heaps of fun.


The atmosphere was festive indeed, with music flooding the hall and courtyard, and excited stallholders chatting away (many of us had never met in real life before, although we had all communicated online regularly, so getting together was exciting in itself!).

From a personal perspective I could go on and on about what a fabulous market it was, and how proud I am to have been a part of it, and what an amazing group of people the BrisStyle crew are. But I'll spare you and let the pictures do the talking (unfortunately I was way too distracted to get round and take photos of all the stalls, so here is just a selection of market pics I've cobbled together from those organised enough to take some snaps!!).

Pedrosprout (top) and Hot Fudge (bottom)

Oh, I'll just also mention, that we raised $247 for Knitting for Brisbane's Needy, the charity that we supported by way of a raffle of members' goods and general donations (congratulations Diane Jones on your win, we hope you love your handmade items!!) .

Raffle Goodies

We also had the lovely Olivia from Scampsville doing a live cross from the market as part of her radio show At The Local on 4ZZZ. So if you'd like to hear a bit of live action from the day you can listen to the podcast, where Olivia interviews Helen (from Ruby Red Studios & Ruby2GoGo), Hayley (from REread) and myself (Beckybean). She also has a chat with Karen from Knitting for Brisbane's Needy, if you're interested in hearing more about this very worthy local charity.

Little Diva (top left) Kitty Boo Boo (top right) and Not Sew Shabby (bottom)

So it was a fun fun day (even if a bit hot...). Did I mention the food? My homemade iced tea (made with real Billy Tea) was refreshingly divine, as was my roast veggie wrap, and don't even get me started on those gorgeous mini christmas puddings that were handed around by Sharlene from Sharlzndollz!!!

Salt Sea Tees (top left) Little Diva (top right) and EmbelISH (bottom)

Bel and Em from EmbelISH also turned into little elves, delivering star-shaped gingerbread delights and other goodies.

Beckybean (top) and Hot Fudge (bottom)

Oh, and I haven't even mentioned yet the sneakiest little elf of all, fellow BrisStyle blog editor Tracy, of Hey Harriet. Although Tracy didn't have her own stall at the market, she was there manning the BrisStyle table, and relieving stallholders, and basically being the most amazing Girl Friday. Thanks so much Tracy - there is no way the day could have run as smoothly as it did without your help. I know you prefer to stay behind the scenes, but I simply can't type this without saying a huge THANKS! XXX

REread (top) and Twinkle Star Art (bottom)

Did I say I was going to let the pictures do the talking? I'm not very good at that am I? Oh well, while I'm at it, can I just say, see that gorgeous little mermaid doll at the front of the dolls shown below? That's MINE!!!! Well, actually, it will be my daughter's on Christmas day, but I can't wait to give it to her :)

Made by Maisie (top) and Bettsy Kingston (bottom....he he...get it???...sorry...)

While I'm rabbiting on here, can I also say I huge THANK-YOU to all the people who supported us in this huge venture. I was amazed at how many people came down to say hello, from other local Etsy sellers to South East QLD bloggers, friends, families and general passers-by. Even the very lovely Kelley, creator of Peppermint Magazine came down to check us out and say hello. Thanks everyone - your support was very very much appreciated and it really added to the wonderful vibe happening on the day.

Wicked Child Designs (top) and Bellabijoux (bottom)

Oooh ooh ooh, and seeing as though I've dropped all pretense of showing any kind of restraint with my waffle, can I also say.....see that t-shirt at the very front below (with the dog applique)? My sister bought one of those for her son, and oh my goodness he looks SO gorgeous in it. He wore it for his first photo with Santa. You can't tell from this pic but the nose is fluffy - EEEKKKK, too cute!!!!

Sharlzndollz (top) and Tees 2 Knees (bottom)

The only problem with this market. *Sigh* I now have the hugest wish list. I'm sure my sister and I bought things from at least half the stalls at the market (thank-you Little Mary Moo, Hot Toffee, Strat Designs and Raspberry Pink to name but a few, and I'm looking forward to extending Kate's Made by Miffy wardrobe next year too....hmmm...and maybe some Mimoo pjs too - they were SOOOO cute). But if you're getting the idea that I could easily have had one of everything then you'd be spot on. Like most people it seems, I came away so inspired by the handmade brigade.

Sunshadow (top left), Ogekko (top right) and Jellygnite (bottom)

And lastly, this whole big event would not have even happened at all if it weren't for the tireless effort, energy and enthusiasm of this amazing lady below. Miss Ruby Red there are not enough words to say thank-you with. The success of this market is a testament to the wonderful person you are. We are all so very very grateful.

The wonderwoman herself, Helen of Ruby Red Studios & Ruby2GoGo

And if somehow after reading this you are thinking "I need to know more" then never fear. Below is a list of links to other blog posts about the BrisStyle market. So you can get more perspectives, more photos, and more info about the wonderful day that was the first ever BrisStyle Christmas Market. Please Enjoy. And on behalf of BrisStyle can I wish you much merriment, happiness, health, love and craftiness for the Christmas holidays. We will be back, bigger and brighter in the new year. Cheers, Bec XXX

Bits of Toffee - a little more...for Sally xx
Charlie and Grace - Tis the season ...
Hot Fudge - Not all Markets Crash
Just Needs Salt - So many things to love, to want, to buy
Kitty Boo Boo - BrisStyle Christmas Markets Review
Little Diva - The first BrisStyle Market was a HUGE Success
Made by Maisie - Maisies Go To Market
Sharlzndollz - Mighty Market Roundup
The Small Stuff - And LO it was awesome!
The Small Things - The BrisStyle purchases
Twinkle Star Art - My first post