The Crafty World of SMBoutique

This week the BrisStyle team caught up with Sandrine from SMBoutique for a little chat about her beautiful felted creations. Sandrine will also be at the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market this Saturday 5 June, 9am-2pm at St Augustine's Church Hall and Grounds, Racecourse Road, Hamilton.


How would you describe your work?

The best description I can think of would be:
Colourful Handmade textile accessories…with a predominant use of natural fibres.

I like to make the fabric using various methods of Felting, Australian merino wool, silk, linen, cotton…or straws for the race hats.

You will find a range of hats and fascinators, scarves, shawl, silk tops, brooches even cushion and table runner for the home accessories!


How did your Etsy shop come into being?

I have always been fascinated by hats and eventually I got the opportunity to spend some time learning and practicing Millinery.

After a little while, I realize that it was moving into a bigger house or starting to part with some of these creations …

So I started with a local Art and Craft market in Maleny. The people's comments and feedback were so warm that it gave me the courage to keep on this path of creativity…

I found Etsy browsing the web and was really impressed with the creativity and the concept so I decided to take the E-plunge! ;)

I am now very grateful as this has allowed me to enter such an inspiring and supportive community !

Who and what inspires you?

This is a great and hard question at the same time ;)

I believe there is soooo much involved in this creative process…but if I tried to summarize I would start with…

*People: My artistic Dad, my seamstress grandma, as I mentioned earlier amazing people I meet along the way, my family…

*Places: Beautiful landscape I grew up in (Provence/France, Europe), the one I was blessed to travel to and live in (Africa, Australia)…

*Colours and Textures: I am always attracted to colours, their amazing combinations, pattern…a flower in the garden, a bird’s amazing colours, the pattern on a leaf…

*Fabrics, books, music, movie, a taste a smell in the kitchen, a smile….So many sources to draw from!

Living in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland has been a wonderful way of being surrounded by nature a great reminder that we are so much part of it and always so inspiring!


Do you reduce, reuse, recycle as part of your creative process?

I had chosen a few years ago to learn to make my own felt so I could create the fabric using Australian Merino wool which I am lucky to have easily on hand, this was the start of a more sustainable approach.

The felting process itself involves warm water, soap and loads of elbow grease.
Water being so precious, I try to reuse my water as much as I can and left over soapy water is used around the garden. I also have a rain water tank on hand…

In terms of recycling I have collected throughout the years lots of little fibers/fabrics bits and pieces that can always be integrated into a project…not much wastes there!

Can you describe your studio/work area?

here lies the dilemma:

There is the studio of my dreams with everything in the same spot, well organized, equipped …

Hmmm and then there is my “various work areas” a forever work in progress!

No, I am very privileged that we are slowly renovating our house and I could find a little spot for an office with a view!

A spare room to store wool, fabric and use my sewing machine…

And last year we decided to split the garage so I could have a "felting area" which has a roller door that opens right into the lush garden.

What is your favourite thing in the shop at the moment?

At the moment with the chilli mornings and evening my heart goes to my little scarf they are all so cosy and different it is hard to pick one in particular.

I love adding a flower brooch to them and can change the colour with my moods.


Do you have any other places people can view/purchase your work?

People can purchase on my Etsy store:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/smboutique

Know me a little more via my Blog :

http://histoiredesoie.blogspot.com

And finally view some past and new work on my Flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/38663804@N02/

Thanks Sandrine!

Check out Sandrine's work in person at the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market this Saturday 5 June, 9am-2pm at St Augustine's Church Hall, Racecourse Road, Hamilton. Sandrine will be in the hall!

BrisStyle Indie Designers Market (BIDM) this Saturday!!!!!

There's only 4 sleeps to go until Brisbane explodes with handmade goodies and there's no excuses......you must make it down to St Augustine's Church Hall and Grounds at Racecourse Road, Hamilton this Saturday.

This week in BrisStyle land we're checking in on the dynamic sister duo, Bec and Jade of Beckybean. The girls have ditched the dishes in favour of turning the humble tea-towel into one of a kind bags and clutches that are sure to be a talking point. You can see more Beckybean creations here.

(one of a kind fairy penguin tea towel shoulder bag - beckybean)

Julia from A Creature Strange is having her first market appearance. A great range of A Creature Strange shoulder sling bag styles in new exciting fabrics will be available at the BIDM, as well as a selection of funky drawstring bags, frill clutches and iPhone/iPod cases! Check out the latest items on Julia's blog.

(goodies from A Creature Strange)

The SMBoutique market stall will be filled with hats, fascinators and loads of hand-felted goodies. Sandrine's also been making some scarves, brooches, wraps and silk tops for yourself and for your home as well as some 100% Australian Merino wool hand felted items that will make the perfect gift for your "cooler" friends and family this festive season.

(SMBoutique silt top)

Amanda from Twinkle Star Art has extended her artwork into four new mediums! She will be launching her illustrated badges, pocket mirrors, gift cards and art pendants this Saturday at the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market. There's certainly something for everyone in the new Twinkle Star Art range. Check out more here.

(Twinkle Star Art gift cards in packs of 5)

The Selvedge House Girls, Ellie and Danielle, have been busy printing their newest designs onto their beautiful signature hemp/organic cotton fabric. Check out the Selvedge House blog to see their latest printing adventures at the Chook Shed. Ellie and Danielle have also been busy making new craft kits and patterns for the BIDM, all tied up with string ready for gift giving or making for yourself. They'll also have their range of Skate Jewellery, hand crafted by Sam. And many new treasures and pretty little things, including some new softie friends, and of course, they'll have their fantabulous badge and mirror making machine, where you get to pull the lever and have the fun!

(Offerings from Selvedge House)

Steph from Wimcee has been making aprons for angels, frilly bottoms for Christmas bubs and silly season skirts for petite party-goers. You can see the whole Wimcee range at the BIDM.

(silly season skirts from Wimcee)

Patricia from PByers Design will be debuting two new products at the BIDM. Get a closer look at these amazing summer fun dresses here.

(fun summer dresses from PByers Design)

Anyone for a coffee? El from rocknwrap is bringing along freshly home-roasted coffee beans to the BIDM. She's also been making classic hoop earrings, Labradorite Ear Candy and well, actually El's gone completely earring mad!! Check out all the designs on the rocknwrap blog.

(labradorite ear candy from rocknwrap)

In addition to felt brooches and fabric clutches, Chris from littlechrissy will be unveiling her fabulous felt and fabric necklaces at the BIDM. You can see more on the littlechrissy blog.

(felt and fabric necklaces from littlechrissy)

Sally from Flight Industries has been busy getting her prints ready for the BIDM. As requested at the July BIDM, a large owl print is now available and of course there's the absurd coat of arms print. Each print is wrapped in a biodegradable cello bag, with some sturdy card backing to ensure no dog ears! Check out more of the range here.

(urban avine lino print from Flight Industries)

Bel from EmBelISH has been working like a whirlwind creating super sweet pincushions for the BIDM. They're all so cute, which one will you pick?? Check out the EmBelISH range of onesies and other great products on the blog.

(sweet pincushions by EmBelISH)

Sam from Jetta's Nest has been working poor old Suzy Scroll-saw into the ground this week cutting little timber frames and other wooden shapes to create her new range of brooches. You can see more Jetta's Nest market chaos on the blog.

(timber brooches by Jetta's Nest)

Now for the finer details. The BrisStyle Indie Designers Market is this Saturday folks (5th December) from 9.00am to 4pm at St Augustine's Church Hall and Grounds, Racecourse Road, Hamilton. There's plenty of parking available and most importantly lots of ATM's sprinkled along Racecourse Road (not to mention yummy places to eat!).

Should you require a caffeinated or chilled beverage whilst you enjoy all our handmade goodies, you'll be pleased to find the Di Bella Coffee stand serving coffee, tea, frappe's and other cold drinks too. Just follow your nose!

Right next door to Di Bella Coffee you'll find the amazing cupcakes of Tabitha's Place. These cupcakes are a feast for the eyes and the belly and are made from the finest of ingredients. Get in quick though, these tasty morsels are always in high demand!

(YUMMY!!!)

When you've shopped till you're about to drop take a load off and listen to the sweet sounds of Rob and Kev. There's nothing like some good jazz and blues to unwind with after a super day out at Brisbane's HOTtest destination for all things handmade, the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market!!!!

See you there :)

BrisStyle Weekly Round Up

** New BrisStylettes **


A big BrisStyle welcome this week to Debbie from Jaffajaf Designs, a family collective that specialises in all things handmade. There's a wide range of goodies at Jaffajaf including pin cushions, Tea Cosies and cute softies like this cheeky Handmade Softie Steggie Red.


This week BrisStyle also welcomes Lisa and Sharon from Cute as Buttons. These lovely ladies combine quality materials and unique designs to create gorgeous gifts for small folk like these very sweet Appliqued Car Shirts.


** BrisStyle Member News **



After a couple of busy markets, Miriam from BubbaChenille has restocked her very popular bathmats! Made from vintage chenille Miriam's bathmats will be available at upcoming markets including the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market on Saturday 5 December. There'll be some new and interesting colours too, check them out on Miriam's blog.

Sally from Flight Industries is going Printsy this week! Printsy is a group of printmaking artists on Etsy. All Printsy members have work using original hand-pulled printmaking techniques for sale in their shop! Check out the printmakers here and Sally's shop where you can pick up this beautiful Woodcut - iron lace criss cross design here.


Rebecca from edward & lilly is creating a limited edition run of this beautiful hand-stitched White Christmas Bird. White Christmas Birds are made to order and will only be available for purchase online.


** BrisStyle Member Giveaways **



Amanda from Twinkle Star Art is giving away an art print from her latest Butterfly illustration collection. To enter, all you need to do is leave a comment on Amanda's blog with the hair colour of the little girl you would love to give this art print to. The winner will receive the Butterfly Girl art print with their choice of hair colour. Entries close in just one week! Friday 20th November, midnight America/New York time (2pm Saturday 21st November for Australians).


El from Rock'n'Wrap is having her first ever giveaway this week! For your chance to win a pair of El's hugely popular Ear Candy in your choice of style and stone head to this blog post.


Sandrine from SMBoutique is excited to announce the opening of a giveaway this week on her blog. In preparation for the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market Sandrine needs your help to decide on colours. Head to Sandrine's blog for your chance to win a hand felted brooch in your choice of colour! Giveaway ends 1 December.


Sarah from Designs of the Heart is also celebrating her first ever giveaway! For your chance to win this lovely glass magnet set plus a set of Paisley Flower clothespin magnets head over to Sarah's blog. The giveaway closes 1 December. Designs of the Heart will also be at the Samford Valley Markets, Cnr Serendipity and Main Sts, Samford this Saturday 14 November and The Handmade Expo in Ipswich on Saturday 21 November.

And if you haven't already entered don't forget the BrisStyle Monthly Featured Members Giveaway here.

BrisStyle Indie Designers Market (BIDM) Update - 4 weeks to go!!

With only 4 weeks left until the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market (BIDM) things are really starting to heat up!

(Teapot Hat by The Seamstress and the Daughters)

This week, we're starting off our tour or all things BIDM by paying a visit to Suzanne, Marie and Melissa of The Seamstress and the Daughters. Marie has been sewing up a storm making cute little skirts and boys shorts while Melissa has been busy whipping up hats, bibs, toys and cars. Suzanne's been getting out the sticks and crocheting "Teapot Hats".

(Summer Satchel & Accessories collection by Taybian)

Next up we're visiting Melissa of Taybian. Melissa has been expanding her popular current collection to include other accessories, as well as designing a new Summer Satchel & Accessories collection. This will include matching belts, purses and clutches. You can check it all out here.

(Colourful Stretchy Chainmail Bracelets by Shazzabeth Creations)

Sharon from Shazzabeth Creations has been working on brand new Colourful Stretchy Chainmail Bracelets and a new stall setup complete with personalised bunting!

(urban avine print by Sally Flynn - Flight Industries)

Next stop is Flight Industries. Sally has had a big day in the studio revelling in printing. There's reprints of favourite card designs and new designs in store.... and that's not all! To celebrate the enthusiastic feedback Sally's Ibi tote design received, she's designed and printed an Ibis and Scrub Turkey print.

(Christmas skirts by Tutus and Muddy Shoes)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the Tutus and Muddy Shoes craft room this week! Anneliese has been working on Christmas dresses, skirts and bloomers. You can check it out here.

(Clothespin magnets by Designs of the Heart)

Sarah from Designs of the Heart has been busy making Clothespin magnets and small magnets with sweet sayings. You can see more of them here.

(Silk top by SM Boutique)

There's plenty of wrinkly fingers and elbow grease forecast for the next few weeks at SM Boutique. Sandrine has lots of felting in process with some accessories for you and some new items for your home. Sandrine's amazing silk tops can be pre-ordered now to be ready in time for Christmas. Just pick a design and colour (details here) and let Sandrine's magic do the rest!

(Ladybird by shellyberelli)

It's sweatshop central in the shellyberelli craft den (aka the dining table). Shelley has been working on lots of pretty purses and wristlets, new boutique lines including laptop cases, nappy bags/change mats, and colourful holdall handbags that will feature in the shellyberelli 'custom order corner' at the BIDM. You can see more of the range here.

(Nostalgic Owl applique on recycled fabric Flutterby Top by Jetta's Nest)

Last stop off for this week is at Jetta's Nest. Sam has been sewing like crazy and working on Christmas Cards and Gift Tags. Check out the sweet new owl design from her Nostalgic Collection featured on this Flutterby top made from recycled fabrics. You can check more out here.

*******

Still want more.....here's a sneak peek at some new stall setups from Up in Annies Room, Chi Designs and Shazzabeth Creations, a tasty morsel of what's in store 4 weeks from now at Brisbane's hottest destination for all things handmade, the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market!!!

(New stall setup - Emma of Up in Annies Room)

(New stall setup for Shazzabeth Creations)

(Chi Designs market setup from The Finders Keepers Market)

Stay tuned for more BIDM updates next Tuesday!!

BrisStyle Weekly Round Up

It's been a busy week for BrisStyle members with loads of good news and giveaways.


Michelle from Pedrosprout had a huge week with her sweet booties making it to the front page of etsy plus her booties pattern is featured in the current issue of Homespun magazine No. 72 Vol. 10.5

Miriam from BubbaChenille entered 5 handmade items in The Ipswich Show and received 4 places!

Katie from Kitty Boo Boo, Teneale from Wicked Child Designs and Olivia from Scampsville were all featured in RAVE magazine after participating as stall holders at the 4ZzZ Trash and Treasure Market.



Sandrine's etsy shop SMBoutique has officially reopened and she also has a new blog!

Following her success at the Stitches and Craft Show, Christine from Little Diva has opened a new etsy store called Usew2 with easy to follow sewing patterns including the Easy Peasy Girls Skirt.

**BrisStyle Member Giveaways**

Tracy from Hey Harriet is celebrating Shadow Shot Sunday's first birthday with a surprise giveaway for participants. Taking part in Shadow Shot Sunday is easy: take a photo of a shadow, post it on your blog and add your link to Tracy's blog. What a fun and creative way to spend a Sunday! For more info click here.

Jess from Epheriell is giving away two pairs of her Urban Earrings on the Aussie Handmade Giveaway website.

This foxy little brooch is up for grabs in Hayley's weekly RE-read giveaway. She's also on a campaign to unite two lovers Butterball and Ladybug.

Eliza from Elven Hair is giving away one of her keyrings made with Majestic Olive and 24 karat gold. Be quick! This one closes on May 18th. Eliza also has a number of items on sale in her shop to raise funds for Gem, her medical assistance dog who recently had an operation.

And don't forget the BrisStyle Monthly Giveaway!