12 Days of Christmas - Day twelve

If you have 'met' Greer of Typically Red while wandering from one blog to another, you are most likely already a follower. Greer has a way with words, as well as a way with knitting needles. Recently, Greer combined her love of handmade items, beautiful yarn and vintage style to create a collection of hand knit bonnets. A special piece to pop under the Christmas tree as a "something I need" gift for little ones.

For our final giveaway, and the opportunity to win a custom order bonnet (winners choice of colour/style/size) please have a peek at Greer's shop and leave a comment below telling us which colour you would choose if you won. The giveaway is open internationally and will be drawn tomorrow morning.

You can find out more about Greer and Typically Red, or purchase your own gorgeous hand knit, by clicking over to her shop, blog and facebook pages.

Let's support our local talented knitters this Christmas!

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A big thank you once again to all the wonderful crafters who have been a part of the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways. A very big thank you too to all the wonderful readers who have left comments, liked facebook pages, started following blogs and of course, made purchases from these talented ladies too. I have really enjoyed this project and look forward to undertaking it again next December.

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And the winner of the final giveaway, care of Random.org, is comment 25!

Samantha - Just checked out Greer's Etsy shop - how absolutely cute! Gorgeous work!

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway - Day eleven

"Hi I'm Allie of Allie's Handcrafted Gifts! I am a working mother of 3 children and wife to a kind and supportive man! My background is in Veterinary nursing and I have always had a love for animals and a passion for Art and Crafts. I make a range of different gifts so there is something for everyone, I make softies from Dolls and Daydreams patterns and also mini felt toys from Ginger Melon Patterns as well as covered wipes cases and knitted dishcloths and much more! Please pop by my page and say hi! xxalliexx"

Lenny the Mini Owl Softie, $30. 

Lenny loves rock and roll! He also loves London! He is a cool little bird who can play a wicked tune on the base guitar! His favourite band is the Rolling Stones and his favourite snack is English muffins!

Of course, it wouldn't be Christmas without toys. And there is nothing like the creativity and love that goes in to a cute handmade toy. For your chance to win Lenny, please leave a comment on this post. This giveaway is open internationally and will be drawn tomorrow morning.

To find out more about Allie, or to purchase your own handmade gifts, visit her blog, shop or facebook pages.

Let's support our local crafters this Christmas!

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And the winner of day eleven, care of Random.org, is comment number 9!

eskimo*rose - Oh he's such a cutie!

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway - Day ten

Epheriell, by Jess Van Den, is a collection of eco-conscious, sleek, contemporary jewellery, handcrafted in a solar-powered studio in the country north of Brisbane. 

"My style is both contemporary and classic – creating clean and stylish designs that can be worn every day. I craft each piece myself, putting care and passion into my creation – just for you. 

I adore working with metal – my favourite material. I’m also passionate about using recycled and reclaimed materials in order to make my jewellery as eco-friendly as I can. I now source all of my sterling silver and gold from an Australian company, which supplies 100% recycled metal. Almost all of other metals I use are reclaimed or salvaged."

Treble Clef Earrings

For the opportunity to win a pair of Jess's handmade sterling silver Treble Clef Earrings please leave a comment on this post. The giveaway is open internationally and will be drawn tomorrow morning.

You can find out more about Jess and Epheriell, or purchase your own handmade pieces, by clicking over to her blog or shop.

Let's support our local talented jewellers this Christmas!

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And the winner of day ten, care of Random.org, is comment 26!

Karlene - Such a clever design

12 Days of Christmas - Day nine

Independent textile designer Susie Stubbs is based in Sydney, Australia. Her company Flower Press produces screen printed and digital textiles including tea towels, cushions and fabric yardage, as well as art prints and cards. The name Flower Press reflects Susie's love of the natural world, a theme that runs through her work. She loves natural fabrics, crafting, thrifting, vintage design, cooking and gardening which she writes about on her Flower Press blog! Susie is also a community minded blogger, creating and hosting the Show & Tell interview series, which features Australian creative bloggers, as well as the successful brooch swap. There is no end to Susie's creative talents!

Tomato Filigree Linen Tea Towel and Ruby Slippers A4 Print

For the opportunity to win the beautiful Ruby Slippers print and Tomato Filigree linen tea towel above, please leave a comment on this post. The giveaway is open internationally and will be drawn tomorrow morning.

You can find out more about Susie and Flower Press, or purchase your own little piece of Flower Press goodness by clicking over to her shop, blog and facebook pages.

Let's support our local talented textile designers this Christmas!

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And the winner of the day nine giveaway, care of Random.org, is comment 82!

sascedar - i have such a sweet spot for beautiful tea-towels, one my nana gave me is one of my most precious things. these prints are lush, off to check out the shop! have a lovely evening :)sarah

12 Days of Christmas - Day eight

While her children are at school Marina loves to create beautiful children's clothing. Her all-time favourite design is the sweet ruffle nappy cover below. It's not difficult to see why.

For the opportunity to win a sweet ruffle nappy cover and matching singlet in your choice of size (000, 00, 0, 1, 2) please leave a comment below. The giveaway is open internationally and will be drawn tomorrow morning.

You can see more of Marina's beautiful work, or purchase from her collection, by clicking over to her online store Wild Blossoms.

Let's support our local talented makers this Christmas!

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And the winner of the day eight giveaway, care of Random.org, is comment 34!

Sara - Oh that's the cutest thing! A size 2 would be perfect!

12 Days of Christmas - Day seven

"A graphic designer with an intense love of fabric, a crafter with a
huge fascination with printing... it was only logical that someday I
would start designing and hand printing my own textiles. Muted tones,
dramatic shades and natural fibers; improvisational and beautifully
organic quilting; toys that are as cuddly as they are unique - that is
what Maze & Vale is all about. Designs are originally created as
sketches or carved block prints and become screen prints that I pull
by hand in my one room studio. My obsession with colour is fulfilled
by custom mixing shades with my own hands using environmentally
friendly, water based textile inks and printing them on natural fibers
of cotton and linen."

A festive set of five hand printed fabric panels (each measuring roughly 34cm x 42cm) in soft and lovely 100% cotton, valued at $40.
















I love the tones and shapes in Leslie's work. Each piece fits beautifully in to the whole picture of her work, her style shining through. I am also rather in love with her oobees too and have brought a kit, in order to make one for Emerson.















For the opportunity to win the beautiful fabric panels pictured above please leave a comment on this post. The giveaway is open internationally and will be drawn tomorrow morning.
















You can find out more about Leslie and Maze & Vale, or buy your own hand printed goodies, by clicking over to her shop, blog and facebook pages.














Let's support our local talented crafters this Christmas!



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And the winner of day seven, care of Random.org, is comment 15!





Jacinta - She has some amazing designs!

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway - Day six

This month's issue of CLEO magazine features the work of Anna, from One Happy Leaf, a maker who works with bamboo to create sweet, nature inspired jewellery.

Eco friends wooden bird earrings

"Hello there, I'm Anna from Perth, Western Australia. I live with my fiance and naughty kitty cat. When I'm not making jewellery I'm in the veggie patch growing lovely organic vegetables, or reading a good book with a hot tea in one hand! 

I opened my Etsy shop last year after I was feeling stifled working in a government job. Working on my jewellery pieces gives my right brain a workout and gives me a sense of satisfaction that my job doesn't. My fiance lends me practical supports with the shop, encouraging me to expand, improve and acting as quality control on my packaging before it gets popped in the post. 

All of my pieces are inspired by nature. Those who know me well know that I am a lover of animals and bush land, so it was only natural (excuse the pun!) that I would make nature themed jewellery. I have recently branched out into making jewellery out of eco-friendly wood. I'm hugely excited by this, and the hippy within me can't stop doing a little happy dance." 

Eco friendly wooden bird earrings

For the opportunity to win these two pairs of earrings, (a pair for yourself and a pair as gift perhaps?) please leave a comment below. The giveaway is open internationally and will be drawn tomorrow morning.

You can find out more about Anna and One Happy Leaf, or add to your jewellery collection, by clicking over to her Madeit shop, Etsy shop and facebook pages.

Let's support our local talented makers this Christmas!

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And the winner of day six, care of Random.org, is comment 38!

Bek - Very sweet! I wear the same earrings every day and would love to change them out with lovely earrings like this- or give them away... Perhaps!

12 Days of Christmas - Day five

Lamina lives in lovely sunny Sydney, where she indulges her passion (obsession) for screen printing textiles, sewing and her love for making beautiful handmade items. She also enjoys sharing her inspiration and creative adventures on her “do a bit” blog.  Lamina believes there is nothing better than handmade and it makes her happy to "do a bit" creatively... everyday. 

For the opportunity to win a beautiful 100% linen Aqua Cats tea towel and a 50% linen, 50% cotton Aqua Cats pouch, both screen printed with eco friendly ink, please leave a comment below. The giveaway is open internationally and will be drawn tomorrow morning.

You can find out more about Lamina and Do a bit, or purchase prints of your very own, by clicking over to her shop, blog and instagram pages.

Let's support our local talented crafters this Christmas!

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And the winner of the fifth giveaway, care of Random.org, is comment 11!

Kat - Love the blue!

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway - Day four

Melbourne based illustrator Simone Downy creates whimsical art prints and greeting cards of deer, bunnies, foxes, owls, bears and other cute creatures. Her label, Nomuu, is characterised by her use of pastel tones and ink pen lines. The adorable animal children that appear in her art works make them perfect gifts for little people or expecting Mama's.

For the opportunity to win this beautiful A4 Kitty Cat print in Coral, which sells for $16, leave a comment below. Open Internationally, this giveaway will be drawn tomorrow morning.

You can find out more about Nomuu, or purchase prints for yourself and loved ones, by clicking over to Simone's shop or blog.

Let's support our local talented illustrators this Christmas!

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And the winner of the fourth giveaway, care of Random.org, is comment 29!

Donna - Had a look at them last night. So sweet

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway - Day three

Mellie Lang recently moved to the Sunshine Coast from the UK, where she was a clothing designer. With a creative dream and notebooks full of designs, she left her day job to set up a studio in her house, where she could indulge her passion as a designer and maker. Here she puts her love of natural materials to work on her knitting machines.

Partridge and A Pear Knitted Cushion 

Mellie's work combines a love of nature with a conscious commitment to using only sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. From wool to packaging, each item Mellie sources needs to suit these requirements and wear well over many years.

This beautiful cushion, A Partridge and A Pear, was inspired by the traditional Christmas song Twelve Days of Christmas. It seemed the perfect choice for today's giveaway.

For the opportunity to win this beautiful cushion, which retails at $45, leave a comment below telling us your favourite thing about the Christmas season. Open Internationally. The giveaway will be drawn tomorrow morning.

You can find out more about Mellie Lang, or purchase her beautiful designs, by clicking over to her shop or blog.

Let's support our local talented crafters this Christmas!

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And the winner of the third giveaway, care of random.org, is comment 18!

Tammi Nepia - Hmm, there are so many things to love about the silly season but my favourite would have to be watching the excitement of our kids as they decorate the tree.

Gorgeous cushion.
x

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway - Day two

"Hello! I’m Nic (Nicole), and I’m a textile designer with my own little label called Yardage Design which has been around since 2009. When I’m not designing, screen printing or sewing, I am a mum to an (almost) 6 year old and wife to an engineer. I hand print a small range of home wares (mainly tea towels and market bags at the moment, with plans to expand) and fabric, with my own designs. I print on natural fibers like linen, cotton and hemp, and, at the moment, I am a bit obsessed with neon pink!"

I already have two of Nic's gorgeous tea towels wrapped up under the tree, as they make lovely gifts. (I have one put aside to frame and hang in the kitchen after we have renovated too!)

For the opportunity to win a neon pink 'Stash Market Bag and a Freckle Print Tea towel (in neon and grey,) both hand printed by Nic, leave a comment below. The giveaway is open internationally and will be drawn tomorrow morning.

You can find out more about Nic and Yardage Design, or purchase your own bit of handprinted loveliness, by clicking over to her shop, blog and facebook pages.

Let's support our local talented designers and screen printers this Christmas!

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And the winner of the second giveaway, care of random.org, is comment 37!

Imogen Eve - Love, love, love a little neon pink.

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway - Day one

Behind the Red Tree Designs label is Northern New South Wales based creative Margeaux. Her work includes unique handmade bags and purses which combine discarded, reclaimed and vintage materials.

"I’m most proud when I’m able to create something lovely and functional from materials destined for the scrap heap including; gorgeous upholstery fabric or leather scraps salvaged from my local upholsterer, pristine zippers and leather handles rescued from tattered, broken handbags found in the depths of an op shop, or old, unwanted curtains -in beautiful, earthy colours.

I’ve been ‘re-fashioning’ fabric finds since discovering op shops as a child and have been upcycling ever since. I can’t bring myself to buy anything made with new materials since discovering the huge amount of perfectly usable resources that are just thrown out. I’d rescue them all if I could...alas.  Upcycled bags (and some compulsive op-shopping) will have to do for now." 

For the opportunity to win your choice of Margeaux's beautiful Doiley Clutches leave a comment below telling us which clutch you would choose. The giveaway is open internationally and will be drawn tomorrow morning.

You can find out more about Margeaux and Red Tree Designs, or purchase your own sweetly stitched items, by clicking over to her shop, blog and facebook pages.

Let's support our local talented crafters this Christmas!

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And the winner of the first giveaway, care of random.org, is comment number 9! 

Clare - This is a lovely giveaway! I love the sage green clutch :) (and the red one..!)

x

12 Days of Christmas Giveaways!

The positive response I received to my pledge to have a hand made Christmas encouraged me to find a way to make it easier for others to join in. To trade in the aisles of major shopping centers, in favor of the aisles of craft markets or online marketplaces. To invest their shopping money into the community of makers around us, rather than off shore corporations. To buy beautiful, hand crafted and meaningful gifts, as opposed to mass produced plastic with a short life expectancy. It can be difficult to change our habits. It is faster to wander through a major store that has 'everything' than it is to browse though the many independent little stores, looking for the right thing. So, I have been hatching a plan to celebrate and advertise Australian makers here on the blog and make our job as consumers easier too. 

I have sought out twelve of my favourite makers, each of whom are offering one or two of their beautiful handmade items in a giveaway. One giveaway a day for the first twelve days of December! Each giveaway will be drawn the following day, giving everyone one day to enter. Twelve winners in total. (If you miss out on winning a giveaway but fall in love with an item, you will have time to purchase and receive it before Christmas.) 

My aim is to encourage those wanting to add a little or a lot of handmade to their Christmas, while supporting some of my favourite crafters at the same time, by introducing you to them. So join me by celebrating the first twelve days of Christmas with a giveaway a day, beginning with Red Tree Designs on the first of December. Please feel free to share the 12 Days of Giveaways on your blog, facebook, twitter etc.

(I want to be completely transparent and let you know that there is no financial gain in this for me. I am not being paid in products either. I was so encouraged by the sense of community I felt with the ornament swap, that I thought this was another way to extend the networks in our community. The cost to the makers is the giveaway item/s and postage to the winner only.) 

A huge thank you to the twelve wonderful makers who have offered their wares for this 12 days of Christmas celebration, and a huge thank you to everyone reading. 

Wishing you the best of luck!

A Handmade Christmas

I have made a pledge to have a handmade Christmas. Will you join me?

My intention is to make, and buy handmade, where ever possible. In particular I want to support Australian crafters and independent businesses. I love the idea of Christmas. Of traditions, sharing, giving and gathering as a family. But too often all the 'stuff' leaves me with an empty feeling. The plastic toys inside the crackers which will be cleared in to the bin along with the expensive wrapping paper. The 'stocking fillers' which will amuse the little ones for a few days until they are lost or broken and then find their way to landfill too. The toy baskets stuffed with all the new gifts, but no real appreciation for them. Instead I want my money to support the talented crafters whose blogs I follow. I want less, with more meaning.

Vintage Tram Roll Menu Tea towel designed and hand screen printed by Nic of Yardage Design. 

Instead of wandering the aisles of chain stores, I am clicking on the shop links on my favourite blogs. Instead of browsing markets filled with items made in China, I am browsing Madeit.com. There are so many talented makers, I don't think it will be very difficult to swap store brought for handmade. Handmade doesn't have to mean daggy hand painted door stops (unless that's your kind of thing.) Handmade can mean beautiful, original, unique, well crafted. It can mean supporting independent designers, stay at home mothers, self taught artisans, sewers, print makers, jewellers and ceramic artists.

Doilie clutches handmade by Margeaux of Red Tree Designs.

I am being realistic about this pledge. I know there will be no escaping the purchase of such things as books for Grandpa, band shirts for the uncles and Lego for a certain toddler. I'm sure you will have a few of those inescapable purchases too. But given that we all probably spend more money on gifts at Christmas time than at any other time of the year, I think this is a great time to support the makers that form such a big part of our blogging community. If you don't have the time to make it yourself, why not buy it handmade rather than store brought? Why not think about buying less gifts, but better quality items? Like Jodie, I embrace this saying regarding gifts for my children, "Something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read." More gifts doesn't mean you love them more. Thoughtful gifts last and hold their meaning.

Hot water bottle and knitted cozy designed and knitted on a hand powered knitting machine by Mellie Lang.

So, will you join me? Have I encouraged you to make and buy more handmade gifts this Christmas? I'm sure I'll be preaching to the choir for many of my readers, who already strive for a handmade Christmas. Perhaps you could leave a comment about the ways you celebrate with handmade in December? Or the ways you'd like to make your Christmas more crafty this year? I have a plan to help, which I will unveil soon. I'll just say, it includes the talented crafters whose work I have included in this post.