Around the store... April

A brief glimpse of View Point Handmade Gallery during April - a snapshot of what we were stocking and tunes you probably heard in store...

Owl & Sparrow sent along a huge restock

Amor Amor, Clay & Clasp and Badger & Coyote all restocked

So many new stockists came in - stay tuned for their Stockist Spotlight features in the coming weeks

The top three albums played for the month were:

VPHG's Cat Burglar (Introducing our new 'Caturday Girl')

 If you've visited VPHG on a Saturday you may have noticed a new face at the counter - Ivy has come on board as our new regular Saturday staff, I hope y'all will make her feel super welcome!

She couldn't wait until next Saturday to sneak a peek of our fancy new shelving set up, so she snuck into VPHG after dark - here's what happened next...

From now on I think I'll call her our CATurday girl!

Stockist Spotlight - Clay & Clasp

Who are you?

My name is Lucy, I am from the UK originally but now live in Perth with my husband Jake, dog Archie and cat George!  

What do you make?

I make jewellery and homewares from clay!  

When did you get started?

I started in September 2012 as I was feeling a little frustrated in that my job was not creative enough. So I started making jewellery to keep my design brain ticking, and do something really visual at the same time. 

I am a Heritage Architect by trade so come from a design background. I’ve been using clay since I was a child and I never gave it up. Even whilst studying I was always trying to sneak something made out of clay into my architectural models!

Why do you make your 'thing'? 

I have an obsession with tea and cake and have always been a really keen baker.  I tasted my first macaron at Laduree in London (not Paris unfortunately) and think I probably became obsessed with the look of them rather than the taste. I spent hours slaving in the kitchen trying to perfect the art of making them look perfect! Several thousand hours later (er, and several thousand kilos heavier), I still can’t get it right every time so it got me thinking if I’m doing this for looks over taste, maybe I should make some in clay!

I am also a big animal lover and hence many of my pieces feature birds, bunnies, owls and foxes!

Most other things I make stem from a piece I've wanted to make for myself, usually to go with a certain outfit or for a specific occasion.  

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

I would like to develop my custom pieces so that I can make pieces for families or individuals that are truly unique to them.  I am forever thinking up new designs, inspired by something I've seen (or eaten) and so who knows what I'll make next!

Stockist Spotlight - Bok Bok B'Gerk

Today we're featuring Michelle from Bok Bok B'Gerk - a very talented laser cut jewellery designer who hails from Ballarat. I am personally quite smitten with the Bok Bok B'Gerk range and had a lot of fun setting it up in store (and taking pictures of it, hence the photo heavy post today!)

Who are you?  Hi!  My name is Michelle and I live in Ballarat with my lovely husband Matt and our two little ones, Corben (3 years) and Alexis (1.5 years). 

What do you make?  I make a range of laser cut jewellery under the label "Bok Bok B'Gerk".  The inspiration for my pieces is varied, and usually comes from things my kids ask me to draw for them.  I also create custom pieces for people who want something just a little bit special for a loved one. 

When did you get started?  I started Bok Bok B'Gerk when I was pregnant with Lexi.  I had wanted to start my own business for a number of years, however I could never come up with an idea for a profitable business that I thought I would enjoy long term.  One night I just decided I would make laser cut jewellery.  To be honest I didn't really expect it to go anywhere, yet here I am two years on with a business that has well and truly exceeded my expectations.

Why do you make your 'thing'?  I have always been creative and believe that expressing yourself through the art of making things is beneficial to the soul... and a lot cheaper than therapy :)

Where to next for you? (what direction do you see your work heading in?)  Over the next year or so, I plan on expanding my product line to include more items for the male folk in our lives!  They are always so hard to buy for, so I am hoping to have an epiphany sometime soon as to an item I can make that all men will want!

Stockist Spotlight - Cinders

Today on the blog we're shining the Stockist Spotlight on Lucinda of Cinders Jewelry, here's what she had to say about her beautiful pieces:

Cinders Jewelry is all about mystery, seduction and beauty. 
I started Cinders Jewelry Design in early June 2012, as a hobby because I have always loved being creative and I have been a painter my whole life.

I am a huge animal lover and the only animal products I use are naturally shed feathers. My items are 100% cruelty free, and I only source the highest quality materials for my work.

I love experimenting with different colours, textures, themes and mythologies to create intricate and beautiful wearable art.

I have always adored the allure and mystery of Bohemian and Gypsy cultures and I also love the gorgeous femininity of the Victorian era. 
I have always loved quantum physics and studying the inner working of things, hence my love for Steampunk. 

I adore making custom designs and collaborating with someone  to create something truly unique for them to love and cherish. 

All of my items are one of a kind, and a lot of care goes into every single piece.

Every day I work with beautiful crystals, tiny watch parts, lots of lace and feathers. I am always surrounded by sparkle. :-)

Sublime Stitchery - Now In Store!

The Sublime Stitchery display is up and I am LOVING some of these embroidery patterns, there is everything from Mexican wrestlers to woodland creatures! 

We're offering buy 4 get 1 free, so make sure you pop in soon to check out the range!

 Currently we're stocking a large range of their embroidery patterns but only a sample of their flosses (Glow in the Dark and metallic no less!) However, if there's interest we'll move towards getting in more varieties in the floss.

Fresh stock

Here's just a snippet of the awesome new stock we've got in at View Point. I will be running a giveaway on the mailing list for one of the Badger & Coyote 3-bead necklaces, so make sure you're signed up to be in the running! Just add your email to the sign up form in the right side bar -->

(side note: the purse pictured is by Little Lee Designs, our purse workshop presenter. There's still a few spots left in this weekend's class, get in touch if you're keen to book in!)

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?

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. 

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!

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!

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.