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 - Cuillere moi

It must be the week for showcasing stockists with brilliant business names, today we're featuring Cuillere moi, which is French for "spoon me".

Corbert and Jenae began making this unique style of jewellery from antique cutlery in 2012 whilst living in Castlemaine. Their range proved to be very popular, especially at the Castlemaine Artist and Bendigo Square markets.

Jenae and Corbert certainly have a passion for this which is reflected in the professional quality of their pieces.

Their rings are now world-wide, with customers from England, France and Germany have fallen in love with them also.


During April, Culliere moi will be showcasing their full range, so why not pop in and take some of this old-world charm with you. 

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.

Little Lee Designs presents 'Kiss Clasp' Purse Workshop @ VPHG

'Kiss Clasp' Purse Workshop Info Pack

Class Details:

Dates Offered: 23^rd Feb, March 16^th or April 20^th 2013

Duration: 5 hours, 12 noon – 5pm

Cost: $65, including purse frame & pattern

to sign up or find out more details, head to the sign up form on our website

Materials List

Participants are expected to bring with them the following:

• sewing machine in working order
• 2 x fat quarters (for lining and outer)
• coordinating thread & bobbins
• medium weight fusible woven interfacing (2 x 30cmx20cm pieces)
• light fusible wadding (2 x 30cmx20cm pieces)
• Basic sewing kit (good fabric scissors, pins, needles etc) is recommended, however class sets will be provided to share.
• Lunch (snacks and water will be provided) and any other personal requirements.

Class sizes are capped - A 20% deposit may be placed to secure a spot prior to full payment being made, however full payment must be made within 14 days of the workshop to confirm your place in the class.

Cancellations made within 14 days of the class will be subject to a $10 cancellation fee. In the event that a class is canceled by VPHG or the instructor, a full refund will be made to the participants.

Payment can be made in store by cash or EFTPOS. Alternatively you can request an invoice be sent via email, which can be paid via Paypal or direct deposit.

to sign up or find out more details, head to the sign up form on our website

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).

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

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!

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!!

 

Stockist Spotlight - Naomi of Calumma Images

Who are you?
I grew up in Elmore and Bendigo before heading off to North Queensland to study Marine Biology and Zoology. Since finishing my studies I have worked in a number of countries around the world, mostly on the conservation of endangered species. My job as a Marine Biologist and Zoologist has meant I have been able to travel to some of the world’s most amazing places and see firsthand many of its amazing wild creatures. My family still live in Bendigo and so I am home as often as I can be and always look forward to spending time back in Central Victoria.


What do you make?

I make handmade cards and bookmarks that feature original photographs. I focus on wildlife, especially endangered animals, and landscapes from around the world. Many of the handmade photo cards I make use recycled or handmade card or envelopes. I can’t always control this so I ensure a percentage of the profits from my products support conservation work and projects around the world. I have also started to print and mount larger versions of a number of the photos.

When did you get started?

I have been carrying my camera around with me on adventures, above and below the water, for many years now and making handcrafted and designed photographic cards from my favorite wildlife images for a while. I had mostly just by printing the photos and sticking them on handmade cards and initially I made them just for friends and family. With everyone spending more and more time using email and computers to stay in touch I made an effort to send postcards to my friends from places I was visiting from work and so also started using my images to make postcards. I have recently branched out a bit after some encouragement to share some of the images a bit wider and a friend helped me set up a photo blog website.

Why do you make your 'thing'?

I have always been fascinated by animals and landscapes and often got frustrated by the lack of postcards and greeting cards available in locations around the world that feature images of the amazing wildlife I was seeing, especially the endangered ones and the smaller little known ones. So I started to make my own to send to friends and family. I always try and include information on the animals featured on the cards and bookmarks as time permits.

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

I want to continue to take images of wildlife from all over the world. With a new position working in South East Asia combating illegal wildlife trade I want to try and use my work to raise awareness of some of the unique, threatened and little known animals from around the world.

Stockist Spotlight - Your Organ Grinder

Who are you?  Simmone Spring, the creator of Your Organ Grinder

What do you make?  Anatomical, Biological and Medical Art and Accessories, made from Wool Felt and Fleece, sewn and needlefelted.

When did you get started?  I started making my "specimens" about 4-5 years ago (2007), but have always been a "maker" and before Your Organ Grinder I was only doing my other label The Little Orchard (cute and quirky felt and fabric goodies).

Why do you make your 'thing'?  I ask myself this a lot, and cannot say for sure why I am interested in Body parts and medical oddities.  I have always liked things that are "interesting" and "detailed."  I used to collect bugs as a kid, had a microscope and wanted a telescope, and have wanted to be a taxidermist since I was about 12.  I also really love the learning that goes along with making Body parts.

Where to next for you? (what direction do you see your work heading in?)  After finding some very awesome anatomy books and making more and more specific and odd things for people I really want to continue in making more medical anomalies, as well as studies of how parts intereact and work, such as the links between the liver,pancreas and spleen.  I also want to do more bones that really look like bones and joints. I also want to do more and more large pieces.  I've made a life sized Spine and a Anatomical Woman (5ft tall), and really want to keep working on large displays.  I also want to make Zombie Marionettes!  

 

 

Stockist Spotlight - *bespoke* zine

Who are you?

My name is Jess Van Den, and I'm a full-time creative entrepreneur.

What do you make?

I'm the publisher and editor of *bespoke* zine - a magazine made for, and by, the creative and craft community. It's full of inspirational stories, interviews, features, tutorials, recipes, reviews and much more.

When did you get started?

*bespoke* Issue 1 launched in October 2010, and we're now up to Issue 5 (out in early December).

Why do you make your 'thing'?

I started *bespoke* because I decided that I wanted to create something inspirational and tangible for the creative community. I already had a blog, so I didn't want to make an ezine - I wanted to make a paper magazine that you could hold, flick through, and enjoy in a quiet moment with a cup of tea.

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

I'd love to see *bespoke*'s readership grow over the next year, to the point where I have to start hiring some more helpers!

Stockist Spotlight - Villa Hunter

Today we're spotlighting Krystle from Villa Hunter - a Ballarat based maker who is now stocking a selection of her gorgeous homewares with View Point. Make sure you check out her fabulous Christmas range.


There's still time to enter our giveaway, you have until the 24th of November to get your entries in!

Who are you?
I'm Krystle Hunter and I live in Ballarat. I have 2 babies- one Villa Hunter and 2 my 3yr old daughter who is where a lot of my inspiration comes from. The name Villa Hunter came from spending some time in Spain and loving it! And with me making home wares 'Villa' meaning house fitted nicely, and my husband said he'd like the business name to have our name in it too- So Villa Hunter was born :)

What do you make?
 Well it started off with cushions with panels that I had woven, then while I was pregnant I got all maternal and started making girls reversible pinafores. Tees, singlet and long sleeve tops were then added and I started screen printing my designs. I cut back a bit from the house wares cause I got really busy with the clothing side of things. Now the maternal side of me has gone and I have refocused back to the home wares including cushions, birdie buntings and at current Christmas decorations. I am still heavily into the screen printing side and enjoy it a lot.

When did you get started?
 6 years ago I had a foot injury that made me stop my work with Nicola Cerini. After a while of trying to rest I started to feel like I was going to go crazy if I didn't start doing something. I started weaving and making cushions and then it has moved and changes since.

Why do you make your 'thing'?
hmm why not :) I enjoy making things. I also feel that it is important for Children (and adults) to learn by using their sense of touch, so I try and incorporate texture into my work and I like to encourage people to touch my work.


Where to next for you? (what direction do you see your work heading in?) :) I'd love to one day have a studio space away from my house (so household chores etc aren't a distraction) with at least a couple of people, either working for Villa or sharing the studio space. Being around other crafties helps and inspires new ideas grow. Also I'd love my work to be in more shops :) But this still might be a couple of years off with a little one at home- but that's the aim :)