Bizoo Present: Workshop & Book Launch @ VPHG

to see full size poster head here

(From the Bizoo Media Release)

QLD Creatives head South to share Bizoo, DIY Skills and a CULT-ure Map!

To celebrate the launch of Bizoo’s final release: The Best, The Worst and the Trash That Never Made It', the crew behind Bizoo Zine invites you to a free CULT-ure Map workshop on Thursday 20^th December and the official launch as part of the ‘End of the World’ exhibition on Friday 21^st December .

What’s a zine? Zine is pronounced ‘zeen’, or like magazine without the ‘maga’ at the front. Generally, it is a non-commercial and often handmade publication devoted to specialised subject matter. Bizoo started life as a zine. The subject matter on its inception was supporting and growing the cultural sector in and around the Darling Downs.

3550 CULT-ure Map will be part zine, part community created tourist map.

Bizoo’s final release is a free retrospective, carbon neutral book that covers the highlights and lowlights of the music and arts zine, Bizoo. Bizoo grew up in Toowoomba Queensland, that’s right; it is home to more than just the Carnival of Flowers. Over its twenty-five issues, Bizoo rounded up a tribe of 60 contributors from across the country and became an underground platform that supported the arts nationally.

For five years, Bizoo woke up a sleepy town and brought to life a thriving arts community. The Bizoo crew will tell the tale on how they achieved this and plan to pass on skills that can assist the growth of Victoria’s regional cultural community. Bizoo gave the folk of Toowoomba an outlet to create, collaborate, and connect while supporting the development of their regional town.

Two of the creators of the publication are spreading the word throughout regional Victoria via workshops and events throughout November and December. With their eyes set on planting cultural seeds in every town they visit. They plan to share their success story and strategies with the Bendigo community and show how a small group of young people created, collaborated and connected.

View Point Handmade gallery has invited Jeremy Staples; the creator of Bizoo and Elouise Quinlivan; owner of the online zine shop Smells Like Zines as well as Bizoo book contributor to come along and facilitate the creation of the 3550 CULT-ure Map zine and launch it and the Bizoo Zine book the following night as part of the ‘End of the World Exhibition’!

You know those boring tourist guides found at backpackers and bus interchanges that show only the money spinning attractions and restaurants that have paid to be on the map? We want to reclaim the streets by highlighting the real events, attractions, cheap eats, artist-run spaces and affordable or free events that only locals would know about. In short – we want you to add your secrets to the map.

Bizoo is coming with your help to create and compile, print and distribute the 3550 CULT-ure Map. We’ll bring along all the resources and creative tools - you need to add your story, insights and secrets.

If the ‘End of the World’ exhibition on the 21^st of December wasn’t enough, Bizoo and the 3550 CULT-ure Map will be officially launched as well as The Covers of Bizoo exhibition with highlight all the artists who created covers over the past twenty-five issues. Some have gone onto working at Disney, some have helped to make our street walls shine and others have gone on to create their own zines and start their own DIY collectives. ‘The Covers of Bizoo’ exhibition will highlight all the amazing talent that wrapped around the little zine and made it stick out from the rest. Come along and checkout what Ken Taylor - the now house hold name for rock posters, movies and art design, Rowan Tedge whose work was featured in Vice mag as well as his own zine collections, Simon Degroot whose iconic pieces breathe life into Brisbane’s traffic signal boxes, Sam Mackenzie, an illustrator and well known Brisbane poster and graphic designer and so many more. These artists weren’t in it for the coin, which is great, because Bizoo had no money to pay them, but we thank them for getting on board to kick off a DIY community across Australia.

If we haven’t sold you yet! For one night which could very well be our last! Come learn and print your very own souvenir Gocco postcard. Originating from Japan which mixes the elements of screen printing and pressure printing together. Its easy and simple, even your five year old sister could do it.

If you’re interested in attending or have any questions, please don’t hesitate in getting in contact. You can reach Jessica Cola on info@viewpointgallery.com.au

Vintage Clothing Pop-Up Shop - Coming Soon!

Retro Heaven Bendigo presents VPHG's 1st Pop Up Shop, with a selection of retro and vintage clothing and accessories on sale in the Upstairs Gallery @ VPHG. 

The Launch Party will be on Friday the 30th of November, between 7-9pm.

The collection will be on show Friday 30th November - Sunday 2nd December and then Thursday 6th November - Sunday 9th December.

A Week of Crafternoons

We're opening the upstairs gallery as an escape from the hectic nature of the festive season.

BYO craft project and enjoy the serenity of the gallery while getting your creative on.

from the 13th of Dec - the 19th of Dec, between noon and 4pm.

Entry by donation, all proceeds will go to the Mirabel Foundation!

Contact us for more info

VPHG Crafternoon - Softies for Mirabel

'Softies for Mirabel' is an annual handmade toy drive for families dealing with parental substance abuse.
View Point Handmade Gallery, along with Mayhem and Chaos, are hosting a crafternoon to bring softie makers together for the cause!

When? 24th November, Noon until 4pm (come when you can!)
Where? Upstairs Gallery @ VPHG (13 View Point, Bendigo)

What should I bring? supplies to make your softie & a plate of goodies to share, coffee and tea facilities will be available.

As we are asking you to donate what you create, there is no ticket charge for this event - if you can't make it along but would like to donate a softie please drop it into VPHG no later than 28th of Nov, as we will be posting them off after this!

here's a link to details about the drive from coordinator Pip @ Meet Me At Mike's: http://meetmeatmikes.com/2012/10/our-handmade-toy-drive-softies-for-mirabel/

here's a LONG list of free softie patterns: http://www.hillcrestcf.org/crafting/150-free-animal-softie-patterns-tutorials/

 

Meet Me At Mikes Softies For Mirabel Toy Drive

 

Jess @ VPHG Online

I've just finished setting up the Jess @ VPHG web version of our instagram profile and in the process I realised just how many accounts we have for View Point Handmade Gallery on various social media and sharing sites.

I'm definitely an early adopter; I love discovering something new and learning the tricks to make it work for me. I'm always searching for new ways to share View Point with people and create meaningful connections with creative, talented and inspiring people.
 
I've been dipping my toe in a few new ones that I won't share yet, but here's a list of the other places you can find View Point Handmade Gallery and Jess@VPHG (that's me!) online:

VPHG Website :  Our website is a great starting point - it has links to most of our online activities, photo galleries, current and past exhibition details, an events calendar and additional information about the gallery.

Jess @ VPHG on Pinterest  :  I love this visual bookmarking site - I use it to collect ideas for visual merchandising the store, finding new makers I'd like to stock, showcasing the store, keeping track of DIYs I want to try (both personally and at VPHG) and all of the other wonderful, inspiring things that I stumble upon on the internet.

Jess @ VPHG on Instagram  : This is where I share more of our day-to-day visual updates - this can be everything from new stock deliveries to my daughter's first day at school. It's a mini visual blog gives a little insight into the daily happenings both in the world of VPHG and the person behind the counter.

Jess @ VPHG on Twitter  : Similar to the Instagram profile, the Jess @ VPHG is an insight into the going-ons at the gallery and personally. I also like to share info about what's on in and around Bendigo, such as community events and other local businesses that I'm loving.

VPHG on Facebook:  We share a lot of photos and details of instore events on our facebook page - it allows for lots of interaction between View Point Handmade Gallery customers and the makers/artists we represent. It's also one of the places we regularly ask for opinions and ideas for new stock, creative events and general feedback.

VPHG Newsletter:  Finally we have our newsletter - this is VPHG delivered straight to your inbox! We share news and event details, sales and all manner of subscriber only goodies. With only 2-3 emails each month, we try not to overwhelm our fans, but to keep them up-to-date with all that is on the horizon at the gallery.

What online communities are you a part of? Are there any that you recommend VPHG jump on board with?

VPHG Crafternoon 3: Softies For Mirabel

Lock in November 24th 2012 for View Point Handmade Gallery's third craft for a cause crafternoon! This month, in conjunction with Mayhem & Chaos we'll be supporting Meet Me At Mikes's - Softies for Mirabel handmade toy drive. We're still nutting out the details but the basic premise will be the same; spend an afternoon crafting in fabulous company for a good cause.

The Mirabel Foundation are a fantastic organisation, they provide support for children and families affected by parental substance abuse. This will be the sixth year that the Softies For Mirabel campaign has run - toys are handmade with love, sent to be displayed in Meet Me At Mike's shop window from the 1st - 20th of December and then matched to one of the Mirabel kids.

We will be sharing more confirmation details as they are arranged, but for now keep the 24th free!

Stockist Spotlight - Amor Amor

Today in our Stockist Spotlight we're featuring the creative talents of the Colombian trio Amor Amor, enjoy!

 

Who are you?

We are 3 Colombian friends (2 sisters and a best friend) who all left there homeland at different times to follow dreams of building a new life in Australia. We fell in love with the country and of course the people. The way of life here suits us and we now can't imagine leaving this amazing place.

The team comprises of Luisa (Graphic designer) Viviana (fashion designer & psychologist) and Juliana (Scientist with a big passion for craft and design).

We all went to the same high school but reunited here in Melbourne in 2004. 

 What do you make?

We specialize in kids clothing and stationary with a big emphasis on hand drawn illustrations of Monsters. We create an imaginary world with stories behind them for little people.

 When did you get started? and Why do you make your 'thing'?

Actually the initial idea started a few years ago when Viviana was studying fashion design at University. She was asked to do a project on kids clothing ’inspired by monsters’. Once Luisa heard about the project she was extremely excited to do some sketchbook drawings to help Viviana with her character design. The concept of the sisters lending a hand through school was not new. Luisa and Viviana often shared their ideas and drawings through many school terms at University. Looking back at that project we remember how much fun it was and at that time we actually said, “One day we should bring these characters to life as a business”.

A few years later when Luisa had her first baby, the two sisters had the courage to fulfil their crazy idea and they took the collection of Monsters to Juliana (an old friend from high school who they made a promise to start a business with as teenagers). The three fell in love with the idea and of course the monster characters. Shortly after (in 2011) Amor Amor the business was born. This is the how our cute monsters came to life! 

Above Vivi's university project before we started.

Where to next for you? (what direction do you see your work heading in?)

We still have a large archive of monster illustrations that we haven’t yet associated products with.  In addition to the illustrations we have many more stories that are just waiting to be connected to each little character. We are so excited about the potential here and what the stories may evolve to. Our imaginations are constantly on the go thinking about what new fantasy worlds and pretty images we can create. 

Stockist Spotlight - Emma Kidd (benconservato)

Who are you?
Emma Kidd is my name, I go frequently by the name of benconservato.

What do you make?
I create works on paper mainly. I like to create dreamscapes and imaginary animals. I like to monoprint and add to them from the skeleton of that with gouache (paint) and give them more detail and colour. I also make a lot of articulated creatures. Some I have reproductions of, some I create hand painted decorations.... some are just originals.

When did you get started?

I have, it seems, always been doing something creative, I am told.

 

 

Why do you make your thing??

I think if I couldn't create things, or paint or draw, I actually get kind of frustrated. I don't like drawing in front of other people, so if I am trapped in a situation where this is the case, I tend to take analogue photos.

 

Whats in store for you?

I actually can't say where it is heading. It has changed a lot in the past year, I think, It is a constantly evolving thing (even though I am sure people could possibly still see it is my work).

New makers, new exhibitions and newsy news!

 

We're presenting our first annual, affordable, rotating art show - the premise is that, unlike a traditional art show, as each piece sells it will be sent home with the buyer and be replaced with a fresh piece. With works starting at $50 and nothing over $500, it's the perfect chance start or to add to your art collection, or to give the gift of art this Christmas!

 New makers abound this month in the retail section, this is a snapshot from The Tea Children - pop in to have a look at all of the new goodies we've got in store! 

If you're at View Point in October, don't be alarmed if you're served by an oversized school girl; Team VPHG are participating in the Do It In A Dress campaign, raising funds and awareness to educate the girls of Sierra Leone.If you’d like to support Jess and the View Point team just head to http://doitinadress.com/jessVPHG

 

The Bendigo Advertiser ran an article on Team VPHG's campaign, this is one of the images for it and the full article can be found here.

We also hosted our first crafternoon as a fundraiser to raise additional money for Do it in a Dress - the afternoon was such a success that we've decided to make it a regular event, focusing on a different charity each time. Now we just need a name for the crafternoon group and some charities - do you have any suggestions?

View Point Handmade Gallery Do It In A Dress

The team at View Point Handmade Gallery will be donning school dresses to send girls in Sierra Leone, West Africa to school.

For the month of October View Point Handmade Gallery staff will serve customers, meet artists and attend openings in school uniform. Their mission is to raise $2000 which will give girls in Sierra Leone, West Africa access to education through scholarships, school rehabilitation projects and access to sanitary pads.

Inspired by the quirky nature of the challenge and the cause behind it Jess Cola, the owner and manger at View Point, said “the gallery is always keen to support good organizations that are engaging people in a fun and unique way. We all appreciate the work that One Girl is doing in Africa, and that they are inspiring people to do more.” View Point is also putting the challenge out there to other people in Bendigo – “Join our team, pick your own challenge and Do It in a Dress!”

Do it in a Dress is global movement where individuals and teams sign up to wear a school dress, so that girls in Africa can go to school. In 2011, it’s inaugural year, 77 people from six countries wore a school dress, so that girls in Sierra Leone could wear one too. In 30 days, participants raised an incredible $43,000, which will sent 100 girls in Sierra Leone to school, and provided access to sanitary pads to 147 women. “60 million young girls around the world are not getting an education,” explains Jess Cola. “We can change that by having some fun in a school dress.”

In Sierra Leone, only 1 in 6 girls has the chance to attend high school, and almost one third of the girls born there will be married and pregnant before their 15^th birthday. However, when a girl is educated, everything changes. She will marry later and have a smaller, healthier family. For every year she stays in school, she increases her income by 10% and invests 90% of that in her family. “Educating a girl improves the local economy more than any other type of investment.” says Jess.

Last year, Do it in a dress participants wore dresses to run half marathons, perform on the streets, bungee jump and surf the waves. Others simply wore their school dresses for an entire week. View Point plan to serve customers for the month of October in school attire, but they are encouraging others to participate in whatever way they can, Jess says “It doesn’t matter what activity you do, just as long as you do it in a school dress.”

Do it in a dress participants develop their own challenges, publicise them and collect donations by creating a personalised page at doitinadress.com. The Do it in a dress campaign will officially run for them month of October, with people taking part all over the world, including USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Italy and more! “It’s a really fun way to raise money to give a girl the opportunity to go to school. I would challenge everyone to give it a go! Men AND women can put on a school dress, raise $240 and send a girl in Africa to school, it’s THAT easy. And when you educate a girl, she can change her world” Jess says.

If you’d like to support Jess and the View Point team just head to http://doitinadress.com/jessVPHG

The boss lady serving customers on the 1st day of the challenge

Exciting times ahead!

It's hard to believe that next month we will be celebrating View Point's 1st birthday! This past year has been incredible - we have met so many wonderful people, seen so many amazing things and been a part of so many exciting projects!

To celebrate this momentous occasion we are throwing a birthday party! A group art exhibition centred around the theme of 'time'. There have been some fabulous submissions and we can't wait to share these pieces with you.

The opening night is Friday the 7th of September from 7pm in the upstairs gallery at View Point Handmade Gallery, 13 View Point Bendigo. We would love to see you there!

The first 50 people through the door will receive a goodie bag (some will contain extra surprises!), so make sure you get along early. We're still in the final planning stages of the event, so be sure to RSVP on the facebook event for more details.

The exhibition runs from the 8th of September - 20th of September, so if you can't make the opening you can still catch a fantastic show!


Keeping with the theme of Art Parties (how ALL good exhibition openings should feel!) we're calling for submissions to our end of year show, here's the details:

I'm always astounded by the talent and creativity of our handmade stockists, they have a knack for creating the most devine 'wantables'! These are just a small sample of some of the recent stock additions/restocks - click through to the facebook album for more photos of the new things in store this month!

August Stock

 

 

 

 

With spring just around the corner we're putting out the call again for skilled makers interested in hosting workshops at the gallery. If you've got a skill you'd be keen to share we want to hear from you!

Speaking of making things - we're also looking to take on extra handmade stockists over the festive period (Oct-Dec), if you're making rad things please get in touch so we can talk 'shop'!

I think we've covered enough ways to get involved at View Point for one blog post!
Take care and we will see you soon!
Jess from VPHG

Sneak Peek: Renovations

Here's a little sneak preview of what's been going on behind the scenes at View Point - we've been lightening and brightening the (soon-to-be) cafe seating area and the stairwell to the gallery, stay tuned for the finished product!

Beating those mid-winter blues, Bendigo style!

Oh Bendigo, how I love thee!! 

I have been a super proud citizen of my town recently - there have been pockets of sweetness to add a little light to the mid-winter 'blah'.

Our town has it's very own yarn bombers! Under the cover of night some wonderful locals have been helping the town rug up against the chill - trees and poles now wear scarves,  bicycle racks are now snuggly and the trees are decked out with pom-poms and assorted colourful woolen creations. I took the above snaps of the most recent additions to Bendigo's Hargreaves Mall, but here are some links to some other local delights:

 House of Humble - Post Cosies and the Snuggliest Tree

Bendigo Advertiser - Yarn bombers blanket Bendigo

Bendigo Advertiser - Bombers Knit Hargreaves Mall

It seems to have had a massively popular response, I posted the photo above to our facebook page to thank the anonymous yarn-bombers for brightening up the place and our fans have been very vocal about how fantastic they think it is. I have to agree, it has added warmth and run to a space that (since refurbishment) has been criticized for being a bit of a 'concrete jungle'.

I spotted these most recent yarn bombs Tuesday morning, on my walk to work, only to be greeted by this adorable welcome when I arrived. Thank you to whoever was responsible for the phantom flower delivery - it was the perfect way to start my morning!

 

These two moments have given me a much needed boost this winter! Perking me up by filling mundane daily events with joy - I still can't help but smile each time I look at either of these images.

Yarn Bombers and Phantom Flower Deliver-er, I salute you!

Pop-up Shop-portunity!

View Point Handmade Gallery are now accepting submissions from handmade/independent businesses interested in running short-term pop-up shops in the upstairs gallery space. We're looking for fun, innovative and fresh pop-up ideas - the more creative the better!

contact info@viewpointgallery.com.au for more details or to express your interest.

Limited Nov-Dec 2012 bookings are available, a fantastic opportunity to build some buzz over the Christmas period!

Huge Birthday Exhibition - Artist Call Out!

“Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.”

CALL FOR ARTISTS

It's our first birthday! To celebrate this auspicious occasion View Point Handmade Gallery will be hosting a group show, based around the theme of 'time' – works in all mediums will be considered, please contact us if you have any queries regarding your submission.

Opening night will see the gallery transformed into a surreal birthday party, complete with cake and festivities - Come along and help celebrate one year of business and wish the gallery a Happy Birthday!

All artists are invited to participate, so if you'd like to be a part of this great show, email info@viewpointgallery.com.au with a URL or 1-3 lo-res images of your previous works, plus a little bit about yourself, and any other exhibitions you've been in(if any). Spaces are limited, successful applicants will be notified. A $10 fee will be payable for each selected piece ($5 for each additional piece, in the case of multiple submissions) and 25% commission will be taken on all works sold.

IMPORTANT DATESAugust 5^th 2012 - Last date for expressions of interest
September 4^th 2012 - All works to be delivered to gallery ready for hanging or display.
September 7^th 2012 - Opening Night
September 20^th 2012 - Last day of exhibition. Work to be collected within 7 days of exhibition closing.

Latest exhibition details - Co.Lab 2012: Words & Art

Media Release for Co.lab project.

James WF Roberts

It's not often that writers get to their hang their work in a gallery, next to a work of art. It's not very often that the individual act of reading and appreciating the printed word, is done communally. And it is not often these days that artists and writers come together to create work based on each other's own vision. But this is what's going on in Bendigo at the moment. The Co.lab project, brought together by Hugh Waller, of Bendarts, and Jessica Cola, of View Point Handmade Gallery, is one of the most remarkable exhibitions going around. The artists and writers either responded to each other's work, worked together on a new project or used existing pieces to create something new.

To coincide with the exhibition a catalogue of the works has been produced in the form of a book - a first of it's kind, this anthology will serve to showcase the amazing works produced long after the exhibition ends. The book can be pre-ordered online via the co.lab website (www.colab.bendarts.org) or at View Point Handmade Gallery. Proceeds from book sales go back to the writers and the artists.

Jessica Cola, from View Point Handmade Gallery, states on the official site; “This exhibition has been an exercise in collaboration from the very beginning. Hugh Waller, founder of Bend Arts and one of the participating artists, approached us here at View Point with the idea of running a show to coincide with the inaugural Bendigo Writers Festival. Many coffees and brainstorming sessions later, we had thrashed out the idea of a collaborative exhibition, bringing writers and visual artists together to create a dialogue between words and art. The collaborative process has taken on a life of it's own within the individual pairings – with some groups choosing to create entirely new pieces, revamp past works or team up for the entire creative process, both written and visual.”

The book launch and exhibition coincides with inaugural Bendigo Writer's Festival in August this year. The exhibition opening will be held at View Point Handmade Gallery, 13 View Point Bendigo, on Friday the 3^rd of August from 7pm – 9pm to which the public are welcome to attend. The exhibition runs from Saturday, August 4th to Friday, August 31^st.

As a participating writer in this project, I can tell you that level of professionalism, dedication and enthusiasm coming from Hugh and Jessica, and pouring down to the rest of us, is like nothing I have ever seen before.

Book specifications: gloss soft cover, satin pages, size: 25 x 20cm it has 58 pages. Price $50.00

So do yourself a favour if you are anywhere near View Point Handmade Gallery in August, drop in and have a look and see the level of artistry that Bendigo has at present.

For further information contact:

Hugh Waller, info@bendarts.org 
Jessica Cola, info@viewpointgallery.com.au

co.lab exhibition

co.lab - order book here! 

facebook event - RSVP here 

“This exhibition has been an exercise in collaboration from the very beginning. Hugh Waller, founder of Bend Arts and one of the participating artists, approached us here at View Point with the idea of running a show to coincide with the inaugural Bendigo Writers Festival. Many coffees and brainstorming sessions later, we had thrashed out the idea of a collaborative exhibition, bringing writers and visual artists together to create a dialogue between words and art. The collaborative process has taken on a life of it's own within the individual pairings – with some groups choosing to create entirely new pieces, revamp past works or team up for the entire creative process, both written and visual.” - Jessica Cola, View Point Handmade Gallery

The exhibition and book launch coincides with the inaugural Bendigo Writer's Festival in August this year. The exhibition opening will be held at View Point Handmade Gallery, 13 View Point Bendigo, on Friday the 3rd of August from 7pm – 9pm to which the public are welcome to attend. The exhibition runs from Saturday, August 4th to Friday, August 31st.

Featuring the collaborative work of:
R.I. Sutton & Kain White
Mary Pomfret & Sharon Greenaway
Debbie Lee & Fiona Smith
Shane Day & Tony Day
Tru Dowling & Sharon Greenaway
Bridget Robertson & Julian Newman
Janet Fraser & Dominicka Baldwin
Terri Mackay & Phil Ahearn
Christine Sayer
James W.F. Roberts & Hugh Waller
Daniel Lidgett & Elise Lidgett
Mary Pomfrett & Genevieve Thornton
Kelly Hartland & Phil Ahearn
Susan McMinn & Teegan Wheeldon
Paul Donaldson & Jubly-Umph
Tru Dowling & Sandra Hosking
Vicki McKay and Robbie Buckman


To coincide with the exhibition a catalogue of the works has been produced in the form of a book - a first of it's kind, this anthology will serve to showcase the amazing works produced long after the exhibition ends. The book features the work of each participant in the exhibition, each page being devoted to a single work. Also included is a brief statement from participating Writers and Artists.

Shares of profits from book sales go to the exhibiters so by purchasing the book you not only get a quality book showing the work of local Writers and Artists you also support and encourage them all.

The book can be pre-ordered online via the co.lab website (www.colab.bendarts.org) or at View Point Handmade Gallery.

 

co.lab - pre-order the book here!

A few quick notes...

While the blog has been rather quiet, it would be safe to say that View Point has been a hive of activity lately!

We've welcomed many new and exciting stockists over the last few weeks, stay tuned for stockist spotlights in the coming weeks.

Bendigo was featured in the latest Peppermint Mag, including a mention of us in the shopping section! This issue is available in store (only a handful of copies left, so get in quick to secure yourself one).

We've also been in the local paper: Pleased with the progress by Rosemary Sorensen

We had a stall at the Peppergreen Farm Community Festival and spent the day spreading the View Point word far and wide!

We've been hosting an exhibition by Djonn Cosgriff in the gallery space upstairs, have you checked it out yet? With only a few days left before the exhibition ends, pop in and have a look through our gallery space at some incredible esoteric works by the Visual ENdjinnEER.

And finally we'll be altering our trading hours slightly over the Easter period, with extended trading hours over the Easter Saturday and Sunday.

Stockist Spotlight - Ineke Designs

Who are you?

Hello, my name is Angela and I have been living in Bendigo, Victoria with my fiancé and our two beautiful children for about 5 years now.
I have always been a lover of everything and anything handmade and come from an artistic background. Being lucky enough to spend some quality time at home with my children, and after admiring the work of so may talented work at home parents (WAHPs), I decided to have a go at making my own dress for my daughter. I enjoyed so much that I made another…and another….and the list goes on!! After receiving so many amazing compliments from friends and family and requests for me to make clothes I was encouraged to continue with my sewing and so hence “Ineke Designs” was born!

What do you make?

Currently Ineke Designs’ main focus is on the Ineke Dress and variations of, however, I am happy to say that there are many new designs and product ranges on the way, which also include clothing for the boys! You will also find a range of hand appliqued tops and soon to be released Full Front Waterproof Bibs for Toddlers! Ineke Designs only uses the highest quality designer fabrics and trims. Some of the regularly featured designers are Michael Miller, Amy Butler, Joel Drewberry and Riley Blake amongst many others.

When did you get started?
 

Ineke Designs was born in March of 2011, and have just celebrated out 1st Birthday!! It's been a very exciting first year and I am looking forward to the one ahead! Now to get all these ideas out of my head and onto fabric!!

 

Why do you make your thing??

 

Oh that's easy... I just love doing it!! I think it all stems from my arty history. I studied Fine Arts and Crafts at school and actually received top marks for the school for that year and had a piece accepted into the states touring gallery! It was very exciting! I really love doing quite abstract pieces using dye and charcoal! I was then accepted into university to follow this path...but I had other stronger passions at the time and wanted a career in medical science. I even did year 13 to strengthen my grades...but, alas, it wasn't for me. To cut a long story short I went on a very long and windy journey to get to where I am today. I still pick up a pen and some paint and have a play every so often but it wasn't until I had my children, particularly my daughter, that I decided to try sewing! I am a self confessed fabricoholic and LOVE  all the gorgeous designs and playing at matching colours together. I find it really feeds my arty side and I so very much enjoy putting it into exercise! I hope to one day put together my very own design to be put into print!! The other big part of why I like to do what I do is hearing and seeing the joy that my items seem to bring to others. I have had so many lovely comments about how much a customer has loved their dress or top and that it makes it feel all worth while! I love to make others happy!!

 

Whats in store for you?

 

I am really looking forward to participating in some markets this year, both local and around the state if at all possible. I am full to the brink with ideas and I am just itching to get them all into action. I have some great new lines I would love to see released in the near future, and some are already in the works! I am currently having a website designed so that should come on line in the near future. It will be a great place to view my previous creations, purchase ready to go items, order pre-designed items and it will eventually contain a place where you can create/designs your own dresses!! Very exciting!! I have in mind a new concept of bringing Ineke Designs to you at home as well... I can't say too much about that one at this stage...Ssshh! I am also participating in some great new online markets this year. Stay tuned to my facebook page to hear all about those! And.... I have been lucky enough to work with a brilliant Victorian doll maker on a recent collaboration making matching doll/mermaid dress sets!! Just loved doing it and we are planning on doing more, so stay tuned for more of that as well!! All in all, an exciting fun filled year ahead for Ineke Designs!!! I hope to be able to share it will you all!!