The Crafter's Way 149 - Master Crafter

This week's Messenger column features Kellie Christie - Master Crafter.

If any of my readers are MasterChef fans then you will already be familiar with Kellie Christie’s work. Celebrity Chef, Maggie Beer wore Kellie’s button necklace during her appearances on the show. Kellie will also be featured in a book called Handmade Living, available early December. I recently caught up with Kellie and had a chat about her work.


Can you give us a brief rundown of your craft journey to date? When I first left school I studied Graphic Design, which I never actually used. I started beading shortly after finishing this course then studied Fine Art at QCA. I worked in a café for a few years and started selling my jewellery through the Museum of Brisbane Store.I got married and have had two children. Being at home with the kids has given me more time to focus on my jewellery and create a vision of where I see my jewellery going. I joined Brisstyle last year and also started to sell my jewellery through a few other stores locally and interstate.

Do you create the pieces especially for a specific exhibition and/or market or do you create a range? I create a range of pieces; my most popular are my Flat Button Necklaces which are always available. I do have other designs that are also button themed and compliment my necklaces. These are rings, brooches, earrings, bracelets and different style necklaces.

How planned is each piece before you start or does it evolve? Each piece definitely evolves; I start with colours and then stack, sort and line up my buttons until I get something that I like that also have a great aesthetic.

How has your Fine Arts Degree prepared you for a) creating & b) the business side of things? I absolutely loved my course and gained a lot out of it. I really enjoyed being around so many other creative people and having people to talk through ideas and designs with, something that I have found again through the Brisstyle group. Creatively speaking it was a fantastic course however it didn't cover the business side of art. That is something that I am stumbling through by myself and learning a lot along the way.


You can visit Kellie at the BrisStyle Markets on Saturday 4th September, 9am -2m. Visit http://brisstyle.blogspot.com/ or http://www.kelliechristie.blogspot.com/ 

Hit the Refresh Button

First up this morning I quickly dyed some offcuts of fabric. They are from the end of the roll and have some gold printed text on it. They are very popular in our bargain bin although one of the market vendors has dibs on this lot. She uses the fabric in her wallets and journals.

Last week I ran out of stock of our Dye Kits. This morning I decided that I would redesign the way they are packaged. I went a little more rustic. When  I saw them in the Dye House I was very pleased with how good they looked en masse.

I was on a roll so I decided that I would also refresh the packaging style of some of the fabric. Then that lead to reorganising the shop and on and on.

Now I just need to iron the dyed fabric and I'm done for the day.

Garden Elephant

I received a present in the mail this morning from the lovely Michaela Laurie from Wren's Nest Studio

Miichaela made one of her gorgeous Paper Quilts for me. Michaela creates each Paper Quilt individually, they are machine stitched and hand finished .

Michaela recently published her first book, Paper Quilts. To learn more about Michaela, her Paper Quilts or to purchase her book visit Wren's Nest Studio Thank you Michaela, I will treasure My Garden Elephant.

New Handbag Sample

I'm posting this blog as a bit of test to see if it automatically links to my Facebook pages, as promised. But I do have some update images.

First of all this is the bracelet I made from my Fabric Charms. Bracelets are really hard to photograph by yourself. I decided it might look better of I wore it.

Bad plan. Not only is it harder to photograph but know that I have it on I can't hold it steady enough to undo the clip. So I'm typing this with this great big statement bracelet jangling around.

I have also finished the Faux Crazy Patch Bag sample. The pattern is from one of M'Liss Rae Hawley's Books. 

I'm not selling the bag, it is for display purposes only. This one sample shows customers my Eco Dyed Fabric, the Hand Printed Fabrics, my Eco Dyed Threads and a Kumihimo Braid.  Off now to see if this posted to Facebook

Business Coaching for Creative Professionals

Are you ready to take the leap but still a little scared of the risks?  I met Vinh Van Lam and Stuart Horrex, co- owners  of Quantum Compass at the Melbourne Stitches & Craft Show. What impressed me was how grounded and 'real world' their advice and ideas were. Their Business Coaching model has been developed esecially for Artists, Artisans, Crafters, and Designers who are ready to take their business' to the next level.

Quantum Compass is a boutique Business Coaching practice based in Sydney, Australia
working with a select group of clients:

• EXISTING SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS who are ready to take their business to the next level and have operated their businesses for three (3) years or more.

• Intending Entrepreneurs who are currently employed full-time but are planning a TRANSITION TO SELF EMPLOYMENT within six (6) to twelve (12) months.


ArtSHINE is a specialised coaching program for artists, artisans, crafters, designers, fashion labels, and all professionals working in the creative communities. Working extensively with clients, and also drawing upon the knowledge of experienced industry professionals, Quantum Compass has worked to create and develop the ArtSHINE program as part of our commitment to support the development of business and entrepreneurial skills of Australian Artists,Designers, Crafters, Artisans, and associated creative communities.

Vinh Van Lam is the creator and founder of ArtSHINE - a specialised coaching program for artists, designers, crafters and all professionals working in the creative/ arts industry. “Whether you’re a freelance designer who needs help with their business, an artist who would like to paint full time or an existing design practice that wants to take their business to the next level, ArtSHINE is all about honouring your creative spirit and working towards a healthy, balanced and successful lifestyle”.

I speak to crafty types everyday who dream of turning their craft hobby into a fulltime business. Many have difficulty believing they can do it let alone seeing how it can be done. Undertaking Business Coaching can help you identify your  achievable goals, and assist you to realise your dream.

The Crafter's Way 148 - Blog Update

Here is this week's Messenger column - Blog Update.

If you are staring down the barrel of a midyear craft slump have a browse through some of these blogs, they are sure to reignite your passion.
 Judy Scott is a Textile Artist based in Scotland. http://judy-scott.blogspot.com/ I know I have covered her blog before however I think it deserves a revisit. Judy has been undertaking her City and Guilds Certificate and has charted her art trials and tribulations. I’ve really enjoyed sharing her progress to date. Judy is about to start University. Can’t wait to see what textile art journeys await her.http://judyscott-studentdiary.blogspot.com/

http://whatthecraft.com/ This blog is full of information. It has recently been named one of the 50 best craft blogs by guidetoartschools.com At first I found the site a little too fussy for my liking; lots happening across the nav bar, a few ads however I was glad that I stayed and had a good look around.

http://www.finecraftguild.com/diy-tutorial-linky-party10/ Fine Craft Guild is written by a team of fine artists and artisans who love to create & find art, craft, and designs. They have recently been posting a series called DIY Tutorial Linky Party. Lots of fun. The site is easy to navigate with a wonderful list of categories for easy choosing. There is even a category “Craft for Men”.

If you want to make your own stencil this site has an easy to follow tutorial using Freezer Paper. Beware they are not talking about the freezer paper we buy in our supermarkets. If you wish to find stockists give me a call and I will point you in the right direction. http://www.canadianliving.com/blogs/crafts/2010/02/09/tutorial-freezer-paper-stenciling/

I’ve included this link after the overwhelming response I received last year after my series of flower tutorials. http://www.howjoyful.com/2010/08/duct-tape-joyful-flower-tutorial/ Duct tape can now be bought in an ever increasing colour range. Not sure that I’d let the kids try this project on their own but you could have a little fun on your own.

DUST Conference

Last Saturday I went to the Gold Coast to speak at the DUST conference. At the time I promised more details. This is the first chance I've had to sit down and do it. And by details I mean sharing all the gorgeous handmade treasures in the goodie bag.

Jewelflyt

Angelene

                                                                      Tasha Chawner

Now I've just spent ages arguing with Blogger's image thingy and have run out of time. Gotta run.

This Week's School Is....

This week I had students from Ithaca Creek State School Learning to do Kumihimo.

I have this school every year but this is the first year they have chosen to do the Kumihimo. Usually they choose the Dyeing Activity beacuse it fits in well with Term 4 Science.

Mind you, I think they are converted  to Kumihimo. The teachers were amazed at the high levels of concentration.

Most of this group chose to take their braids homes for the Teddies. There was one boy who was thrilled to be able to wear his as bracelet. The colours were the same for the Newcastle Knights NRL team, his favourite team. I have a break from classes next week so I hope to get some dyeing done.

The Crafter's Way 148- Journey to Quattro

This week's Messenger column is - Journey to Quattro
This month we are to be spoilt by two very different exhibitions, one at Bribie Island and the second at New Farm. Both feature Artists from across the region.

Quattro at the Matthew Flinders Gallery features four artists, Bev Porter, Jackie Gasson, Helen Mitchell and Deborah Plumb, with complimentary artistic talents. Bev’s much sort after functional pottery with crystalline glazes will be on exhibit with Helen’s vibrant and textural mixed media artworks, Jackie’s earthy ‘Soda fired’ pots and as a Quattro first timer, Deborah will be exhibiting her innovative photographs.

The exhibition will be officially opened by Allan Baptist, artist and Curator of the Bribie Island Seaside Museum; on Friday 13th August at 6pm. Pianist Lyn Fry will also perform during the evening. Please RSVP to The Arts Centre on 3408 9288. Entry is free to both the Opening night and the Exhibition.
‘Quattro’ runs from Wednesday 11th August to Sunday 29th August. The Bribie Island Community Arts Centre, 191 Sunderland Drive Banksia Beach. Gallery Open Tues-Sun 10am – 4pm

The second exhibition is ‘Journeys” from the Artists in Redcliffe. Each of the five established and award-winning artists who make up the AIR group, has taken the theme “Journeys” and worked in differing styles and mediums over the last two years.

David May has journeyed through a deeper interpretation of his medium – wood – revealing its hidden character and beauty. Fran Robinson has chosen time and space, new worlds and the traces left behind to form a running thread throughout her stunning textile embroidery art.

You can visit Journeys from 31st August through 12th September at the Graydon Gallery, 29 Merthyr Road, New Farm.www.graydongallery.com.au For more information phone Tricia Reust 3889 4619 or email reust@powerup.com.au

Embroidery

One of my sewing projects at the moment is to create a bag out of my fabric to have in the shop. Last weekend I prepared the fabric for some faux crazy patchwork.

I decided I may as well incorporate my Eco Dyed Threads in the bag as well as the Eco Dyed Fabric. I Have done the basic herringbone stitch all over and I've just started embellishing these stitches. I love this stage.

I have also started the embroidery on my Sunday Quilt. Slowly but surely this is coming together.

Now as it is Sunday I'm off to do a little more stitching.

More Kumihimo Classes

I've had another busy week with Children's Kumihimo Classes. This week's school was Somerville House.

The rotunda was well sheltered from the westerly winds.

It was a little strange seeing how the all girl group worked on the braiding. There was a lot more chattering than in the mixed girl/ boy groups.

And they were a lot faster as well. Most of the girls had their braids finished inside 35mins which is pretty good for a first time effort.

This young girl was the most persistent braider in all 3 groups. She was a little slower than all the rest to pick it up but she was not going to give up. She kept braiding until she had used up every last bit of thread. The rest of the girls in her group were so supportive and happily waited until she had finished. Lovely to see from 10 year olds.

Our Kumihimo School Packs are selling well. They are available to all children's group e.g. girl guides, homeschoolers, vacation care etc as well as schools. Click here for more info.

The Crafter's Way 147 - Artisan Wonderland

This week's Messenger column , Artisan Wonderland.

Artisan Wonderland is sponsored by Regional Arts Development Fund in partnership with Ipswich City Council and offers an incredible range of art and craft workshops to interested people all over the south east.

To date Participants have explored the magical land of mosaic, felting, basketry and a host of other art forms with talented artists from Ipswich and Brisbane. Due to its continuing popularity the Ipswich Arts Council has announced new workshops in Precious Metal Clay Jewellery and Enamelling. They will also be re-running some of the more popular workshops like Books with Flair, Mosaic and Resin Jewellery. Get in quick as they booked out very early the last time they were offered.

Here are some dates for upcoming workshops.

AUGUST

28th August – Precious Metal Clay

29th August – Enamelling

29th August – The Art of Beautiful writing (AM) and The Art of Illuminated Lettering (PM)

29th August – Exploring Clay - For all ages

SEPTEMBER

25th September – Life Drawing

25th September – Family History

25th September – Silver Smithing

26th September – Books with Flair

26th September – Drawing animals - For all ages 26th September – Bring your story alive

OCTOBER 17th October – Mosaic

30th October – Belly dancing

30th October – Resin Jewellery

31st October – Drawing - For all ages

While I realize that Ipswich is not just outside our backdoor where else will you be able to indulge in such variety for a low minimal cost. For more information visit http://www.artisanwonderland.blogspot.com/

Kids Kumi Classes

I have just finished 2 days of Kumihimo classes with the Year 4's from Tullawong.

We had the best of Queensland's winter sun and were able to sit under the rotunda and braid away.

I love that it is a craft activity that boys of that age enjoy.

Even if we stop and have a chat along the way. One of the girls told me her braid was going into her 'special box'. I asked her what else was in her 'special box'. She said, "nothing this is the very first thing". I thought that was so sweet.

And the Teachers enjoy it as much as the kids. One hundred Year 4's will be getting off the bus this afternoon wearing red  & blue kumihimo bracelets.

The Crafter's Way 146 - Craft Book Review

This week's Messenger column.The Moreton Bay Regional Council Libraries have a wonderful variety of craft books to borrow. Many of these books are recent releases. These books all came from the Redcliffe Library. Check with your local library for opening hours and how you can borrow from other libraries.

The Glorafilia Needlepoint Collection by Jennifer Berman & Carole Lazarus (746.442 BER)

Glorafilia is renowned in the world of needlepoint. For twenty eight years Jennifer Berman & Carole Lazarus have been creating innovative designs which appeal to all ages and abilities. This is their first book. If you have never attempted Needlepoint before this book is a great place to start. The General Information at the front and the Stitching Diagrams at the back provide all the detail necessary to get you started. Each project is accompanied by its own specific instructions including clear finishing and making up steps.

Glorafilia, The Venice Collection by Jennifer Berman & Carole Lazarus (746.44 LAZ)

This, the second book in the series, is so much more than a craft book. Inspired by their lifelong passion for Venice this book is visual feast. The twenty-five projects categorized across six Venetian Themes; Textiles, Decorative Venice, Backstreets and Backwaters, Food, Carnival and lastly Crafts & Characters. Each theme is accompanied by the most beautiful images, not only of the needlework projects but also of Venice. Rich text detailing their personal fascination with Venice, history and inspiration for each project makes this a fascinating read. Simply a gorgeous, gorgeous book.

Celtic Needlepoint by Alice Starmore (746.442 STA)

I must have a serious urge to do some stitching. My last choice is yet another Needlepoint Book. If the Glorafilia designs aren’t “your thing” this book may be. The short introductory chapter on the history of Celtic Arts lays the foundation for the projects that follow. Inspired by Celtic Jewellery, Manuscripts and the Book of Kells each project is beautifully photographed and clearly described. The author also provides options for thread and design alterations should you wish to add a personal touch.

I hope you enjoys these three books as much as I did.