The crafty world of Up in Annie's Room

Amidst all the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market preparations this week we caught up with Emma from Up in Annie's Room for a chat about her fun and fabulous accessories.

How would you describe your work?
Eclectic would probably be the best description. I often joke that I suffer from “crafter ADD”, I love to try something new but I always make time for my old favorites as well. I like to think I make fun, quirky and affordable pieces. At the very least I have fun making them and when others have fun wearing them that’s a huge buzz for me.

Earrings Spring Garden

How did your Etsy shop come into being?
I actually started out on a site called OzeBaby sewing flongies (yep, it’s a real word!) and modern cloth nappies before I had a go at making scrabble tile pendants and then I was hooked. I got the jewelry bug and there was no turning back. From there I built up my own online store and a lovely friend put me onto etsy about 2 years ago. The name “Up in Annie’s Room” often confuses people as my name isn’t Annie, it’s something my grandmother always used to say when I lost something “It’s up in Annie’s Room behind the clock”.

Chunky Birdcage pendant

Who or what inspires you?
Oh gosh, anything and everything. Books I’m reading, music, art, my kid’s books, things I notice out and about and there’s probably a good dose of cheesy nostalgia in there too for good measure.

Mini Bib pendant One of a kind Supergirl

Do you ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ as part of your creative process?
I reuse old game pieces for my scrabble and domino tile pendants and old typewriter keys on the TypeStyle bracelets. I do like to repurpose and upcycle wherever possible.

Typestyle Bracelet

Can you describe your studio / work area?
We live in an old Queenslander where space is at a premium so half of the study I share with my husband is usually covered in stock at various stages of completion as well as my mac which sometimes looks more like a jewelry rack. I did make an attempt to convert the laundry downstairs into a work area but as it floods in heavy rain I had to retreat from that idea.

What is your favourite thing in the shop at the moment?
My new Kite Girl acrylic pendant, this is my first design I have had laser cut as part of a limited edition of acrylic and sterling silver jewelry.

The Red Kite - Red acrylic and sterling silver pendant

Do you have any other places that people can view/purchase your work?
Australian store
Blog
Etsy Shop

You can also find Up in Annie's Room at the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market this Saturday 6 March, 9am-2pm at St Augustine's Church Hall and Grounds, Racecourse Road, Hamilton, Brisbane.

BrisStyle Weekly Round Up

** New BrisStylettes **


A big BrisStyle welcome to Michelina from Bella Mea, our final member for 2009! Michelina's shop is definitely worth checking out for unique children's softies, fabulous cushions and beautiful aprons like this Pretty Snowflake Apron guaranteed to make you feel creative in the kitchen!


** BrisStyle Member News **

Mocha Capp Pleated Eco Shoulder Bag with hemp lining (...so what did you get...) from Beckybean

It's true! The Beckybean crema range of bags made from jute coffee sacks are back! The perfect Christmas gift for anyone who adores toting a high quality one of a kind bag while poppng out for an espresso. Plus purchase any Beckybean product (including sale items!) before 24 December and Bec and Jade will discount the item by 10%! Read more about the sale here.


Ali Ward has a new Etsy shop TIGA Designs full of gorgeous products for kids including cute little headbands, nappy pockets, buntings and this very cool Rainbow Reversible Messenger Bag.


TypeStyle Bracelets are back in stock at Up in Annie's Room plus Emma is having a 20% off sale for selected items, perfect for last minute Christmas shopping. Head here for the details.


** BrisStyle Member Giveaways **


Liz from Creative Arty Facts is giving away a piece of her gorgeous jewellery. All you have to do is pop over to the Creative Arty Facts facebook page and become a fan!


Plus if you haven't entered the BrisStyle Featured Members Giveaway, head to this post for a chance to win gorgeous items from Art Decadence and Rock'n'Wrap.

BrisStyle Weekly Round Up

The BrisStylettes have had a super busy week, we'll be back tomorrow with a wrap up of the hugely successful BrisStyle Indie Designers Market held on Saturday. In the meantime here's a little taste of what the BrisStylettes have been up to this week.

** New BrisStylettes **

This week BrisStyle welcomed two fabulous new members:


Bec from Spunmud is a ceramic artist whose collections feature charming, sculptural, fluid forms and enchanting, decorative retro designs. We're loving this Small Green Paisley Bowl decorated with original screenprints.


Susan from The Rainbow Patch prides herself on creating practical items that make kids of all ages smile. At The Rainbow Patch you'll find seat belt covers and cute hats like this Lizards/Geckos Handmade Bucket Hat.


** BrisStyle Member News **


It's sale time at Nosovich! Grab yourself a bargain like this Oversize Japanese Evening Clutch from the Nosovich shop. And for a full run down of the Nosovich Pre-Christmas Sale head to this blog post.


** BrisStyle Member Giveaways **


If you haven't already entered the Up in Annie's Room giveaway you only have two days left to win this gorgeous Fly Away sterling silver necklace! Head to this blog post and sign up for the newsletter, it's that easy!

And don't forget to enter the December BrisStyle Giveaway here!

2 weeks to go - BrisStyle Indie Designers Market (BIDM)

Can you believe it's Monday again already?? The weeks are flying by faster than a knitting granny as we count down the days until the BIDM!

The grand tour for this week starts with some gorgeous fun items from Wimcee. Steph is very excited about this new range which includes skirts, dresses, brooches, bags, and/or beads to team together or wear separately. There's also brand new over-the-top aprons for the play dough princess or cup cake queen.

(fun from Wimcee)

Check out the latest from Chicuff by Daneve. Daneve's coiling the days away making new earrings and brooches for the BIDM. You can check more out here.

(coil earrings by Chicuff by Daneve)


Maudie the milliner (whynotstreet) will be introducing her "little maudie's creations" at the BIDM. Here's a sneak peek..

(little maudie's creations by Why Not Street)


Let's take a peek now into the world of Little Diva Crafts. This week Christine's been working on some new fabric covered button rings using 'cute as buttons' Japanese Linen. Find out more here.

(new button rings by Little Diva Crafts)

This week, Liz from Creative Arty Facts has been making Polka-Dot Hotties, spotted earrings in cherry red and green apple.....hmmmmm.....delicious!!
(polk-a-dot hotties by Creative Arty Facts)

Bel from EmBelISH has been busily making new magnets and rings for the BIDM. You can see more on the EmBelISH blog including the cutest lego rings you've ever seen!

(magnets by EmBelISH)

Up in Annies Room, Emma has been making brand new 'typestyle' genuine typewriter key bracelets. You can see more here.

('Typestyle' bracelet by Up in Annies Room)

Miriam from Bubbachenille has been making her ever popular heat packs and working on a prototype for a new make up purse. You can see more here.

(ever popular heat paks by Bubbachenille)

Next stop is at Mrs Smiley's. Vanessa has been making new locket charm bracelets ...who says lockets must be worn around your neck??! These charm bracelets will be available at BIDM and custom requests are welcome.

(locket charm bracelet by Mrs Smiley)

This week, Melissa from Taybian is introducing a new product to the 'Italian Dreaming' photographic series. This limited edition collection of prints are beautifully framed with hand crafted leather bookmarks. They'll all be available at the BIDM.

(Italian Dreaming leather bookmark by Taybian)

Marylin from MJMosaics has just released the first of her brand new mosaic pendants and rings that will be available at the BIDM.

(MJMosaics pendants and rings)


Sam from Jetta's Nest has unveiled some sweet new monsters. Oogabooga and friends are made using recycled/vintage chenille and some use recycled fabrics too. They'll all be available along with others at the BIDM.

(Oogabooga and friends - Monster tees by Jetta's Nest)

And finally, Teneale from Wicked Child Designs has been creating more wicked dolls. Check out the latest addition, Vince Noir (from the Mighty Boosh) complete with sequined outfit! You can find more out about Vince on Teneale's blog.

(Vince Noir by Wicked Child Designs)

Stay tuned for next week's post with the all important information about cupcakes, coffee, our resident musical duo and more details about Brisbane's HOTtest desination for everything handmade, the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market!!!

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!!