Chenille for the bubba...

From BubbaChenille of course.

My fab new heat pack.

Just before X-mas the lovely gals from Handmade expo, Miriam, Liesa and Micky all came down for a Melbourne holiday and made the time to pop into work and say hello.
We shopped a little, lunched a little and swapped a little.

Liesa and I.

The lovely Miriam of bubbachenille took a fancy to one of my wrap skirts and I've always loved her chenille delights so we organized a swapsie.

A week later, Miriam returned home to a state that was flooding and sadly, those muddy waters made way into 'Mimmis' her newly opened shop.

I tell you, these women... the handmade crew, are absolute warriors for representing new designers and supporting handmade.
From there fabulous monthly markets to there own amazing shops Mimmis and Handmade heaven and in the face of rising rivers and sinking communities they all became local warriors and helped out at evacuation centers, started craft stash collections for the less fortunate and put on brave faces for their kids and neighbors. You can read Liesa words on it here.

After making sure family and community were managing o.k Miriam just took it all in her stride, came back and mopped up the shop, cleared out the mud and started again

A week later she was asking me what color chenille goodies I wanted, so she could honor our swapsies.

What a woman.

After all that, she was still thinking about her promise to make me some pants for Finny.
The energy, courage and goodwill of this family never ceases to amaze me.

So here is mr Finn in his new goodies.

No longer a boy that poses for the camera, but you can see the cuteness added to his life by owning some new Bubbachenille pants.


Rebuilding clientele in a flood affected region has got to be hard so if you're in the neighborhood looking for some awesome, original and beautiful goodies for yourself and your home, make sure to support this amazing little family and visit Mimmis or Handmade Heaven today.

They sure are a family worth supporting.
Jay xx

Love is in the air....

Inspired by all the Valentines day reminders around, I decided to do a small range of Finki inspired gift cards perfect for the day.

A little bit retro, a lot bit colorful...I luvs them all.

They are a combination of modern scrap booking papers, retro art and my own graphic designs.


For a limited time, these cuties are available exclusively in my little space at Handmade Heaven.
Pop in to the shop or drop Liesa a line if you must have one for your sweet valentine....

Earring display...take two!

I revisited my new rack sooner than later and re-painted it black.

I was almost going to let the green stay but when I finished the second rack ...

a shorter version for Handmade Heaven that I painted black, I decided it looked much better.

Much more 'ME' and it shows off all the bright, bold colors fabulously. Yay!

Some other little cuties I finished for the shop yesterday too....

Check out my rack.....

Not that sort of rack! This sorta of rack......

I have been thinkin' and thinkin' and thinkin' of a better way to display my earrings, as I was never happy with the bowl arrangement I had.
It was a lovely wooden bowl with 6 compartments and I would color code them so that each section held one color. I tend to always work in bold color blocks, so that arrangement work well,to an extent............

You could see the few on top only, and people had to dig around to check the others out. Inevitably by the end of a market day they were all upside down with only my backing cards showing. So instead of spending my shift turning them right way round I figured there had to be a better way.

I noticed some people used pin boards or dangle two from a store bought earring display, but....I work in big quantities and tend to have 50 plus to choose from at each stall, so I'd end up having 50 little stands dominating my table. Not the look I was going for....

So after many months thrifting at local oppies and trash n' treasure markets hoping to find the perfect display solution, I gave up...

I gave up on the notion that I was going to find exactly what I needed already made up.

So off I went to Bunnings with my little sketch and basic measurements in hand, feeling very much like a tomboy in amongst all the blokey builders and craftsmen.

I wanted to fit 10 pairs on a shelf and have 6 shelves, so that the finished height was no bigger than 45cm. This was so it would fit perfectly on one of the shelves at the shop. (Olive Grove)

With that in mind, I grabbed some pine that was 60mm wide 240mm long. My idea was to have dowels as the legs that held it all up, so we grabbed 12.5mm dowel in 2 long lengths to be cut up.

I got the man in the cut shop to saw the wood for me as I only have a coping saw at home and why spend hours cutting little itty bits of wood in crooked lines, whilst risking finger loss.... when they can do it in 2 minutes flat. Too easy.

Back at grandpas we measured up hole placement and shelf alignment, sawed the dowel to even lengths (cause the Bunnings peeps could only cut the square wood) and borrowed a 12.5 mm drill bit.

Thanks for helping me nut out the finer details gramps, made assemblage a dream!

Next it was home with all the bitses for assembling.

First we drilled big holes.....

Threaded each shelf on....

checked on the visuals for spacing....

Nailed each pole in place.....

painted it....and put it in the shop!

I'm so happy with the end result.
It looks like there is so much more to choose from, and it takes up minimal surface area on the shelf. YAY!

I'm not 100% on the color. I wanted something quite neutral, but the washed out green is a bit girly...

I might revisit the finish at some stage, but for now it does the job.

To think, for all those months of shopping wasted when I could have just bit the bullet a lot sooner and made one. Oh well...now I know what I'm doing I 'll make a shorter black one for my space in Handmade Heaven.

Looks what new at the shop...

Like all fans of handmade , I too have greeted the new year with a sense of wanting new and exciting things to work on. I still love everything I do, no doubt about that, but..... you just become a little complacent if things remain...same old...same old.
So I spent last week on a new little range of beaded beauties to take in to 'Olive Grove'.

It's been so nice to have a little break away from my usual time takers and there is something about beading that is so meditative.


Standing back and looking at it I'm so glad I detoured a little. It's such a splash of color and fun. I luvs them!

All newly on display at 'Olive Grove' and available in Feb at Handmade Heaven (Qld)

The Ethical clothing challenge...................

Inspired by Jennie's commitment to the ethical clothing challenge, I have decided it's high time I put a little 'E' for effort into the choices I make with how I dress.

Of course there are the usual choices to be made when buying clothes, like can I afford it, does it fit, will I get the wear out of it....

But I have never included thoughts like, is it ethical, fair trade, handmade or organic.

Having spent over a year doing markets, I'm confident to say that I can buy handmade accessories and home wares to fill my home. (and I do...)
But....I cannot say the same about clothes. Sure there are clothes makers out there, but not for plus size. So as much as I'd like to support handmade in the clothes department, I haven't been able to find many, that do a size 20.

Seems as though I might have to be the one who does the making. Which is o.k Just makes me all the more determined to get a clothing range happening for us bigger girls that is hand made local and fabulous.

Of course that's just a pipe dream ...... one day.

For now, I can indeed follow a few rules pertaining to the ethical clothing pledge to get myself sorted for a year of ethical fashion.

So, created by Isis over at Isis Made, is the Ethical clothing pledge.
I plan to follow the pledge for at least a year. If all goes well...it may continue on.

The basic rules are:

I pledge to only wear clothing that is one or more of the following:
1. Pre-loved
2. Handmade (preferably by me)
3. Reconstructed
4. Made with ethical / environmentally friendly materials
5. Made by a company with strong ethical policy & workers' rights

To add to the challenge, I'm going to try my bestest to make colored clothes...GASP! (mum will be so proud!)
I have just ended up a job with a plus size company that whilst fabulous in design, have filled my wardrobe with black, black and more black clothing. Whilst classic and timeless indeed, I do crave the bohemian and Moroccan prints i see and adore Amy Butler and Joel Dewberry fabrics.

So I will also pledge to fill my wardrobe with color....

My concern like many when taking this challenge is what to do about undies. Lucky Isis has got that one figured out too.
Firstly a few ethical makers who do under wear and a great tutorial on making your own. Very funky indeed!

So I'm exciting to become reacquainted with the old sewing machine. It will help fulfill my 2010 resolution to make more time to sew for me and will also start the process of teaching me to take the time and think a bit more about the choices I make when shopping.

Oh, oh, oh....I almost forgot.
I already made my first non black thing today.

It's hot hot hot in Melbourne today and I just wanted something colorful, light weight, and summery to wear. So instead of rushing to the shops for a quick fix I turned to my fabric stash and made a new top with some batik I had.

Not a great photo, but I had to document the beginning of a great pledge.

I'll be back tomorrow to draw the first theme for my monthly design challenge, so don't forget to send through any ideas that you'd like to be included.

Flashback on 2009......the year that was.

Joining in with Curlypops reflection of the year that was, I decided to revisit all the wonderful and not so wonderful things that happened in 2009.

I only started blogging in January 2009, and kick myself for not doing it sooner. What started as a crafty adventure to share my creations, has turned into so much more.....

An outlet for views and discoveries, a way of sharing my joys, fears and sorrows and most of all an amazing meeting point for all the new crafty friends I have.

I never...never expected so many great things to evolve out of a little online journal.

Thank you!

So without further ado, here are some highlights of my bloggy/crafty/personal year..... in '2009'

January:

I began blogging on Jan 9 2009. This was when i decided that i needed my own crafty space.......my blog post back then read:

"It's so liberating to make the commitment to having a special little place for being creative. It's like saying this is the real deal man. I don't JUST... knit, or paint or play with beads, this is serious stuff. This is my life. The handmade journey, the road I travel, my creative cul-de-sac."

February:

The month of Feb was overshadowed by the devastation of fires that were far too close to home, I wrote:

"By the time we left and hopped back in the car, the sky had transformed itself to a thick red and grey cloud. Ty said it was dust.......but I knew that it was that same sky I saw as a 7 year old, during the ash Wednesday fires, full of peoples dreams and hopes going up in flames. You could sense it in the air.
We turned on the radio, and sure enough, fires were blazing in Whittlesea and Kinglake. Only 30 minutes away. Going home we did everything we could to keep the house cool, and prayed for the cool change. Watching the news with fascination, awe and fear, we listened to the horror stories and the growing death toll."

March:

The first 'Made in Thornbury' market happened in march. It brought about the opportunity to meet so many bloggy peeps in real life, the best part...

"The highlight of my day was an adorable lady who bought one of my gift cards and said she loved it so much that she was going to frame it and put it in her lounge room. The artwork on it was a Finki original, so I was tickled pink."

April:
This month Ben and Jessamy tied the knot, My thoughts were.....

"Kierah (my daughter) was their flower girl for the day. I had fears of her picking her nose whilst walking down the aisle, but she was the perfect little lady all day. "

May:

My absence in blog land for 2 weeks out of this month was to take stock, refocus and put the hard yard in with some new designs:

So the scissor holder and recipe card holder were born....

June:

More markets under my belt....and I think I'm starting to learn a few things!

I realised:

"I am none the wiser as to 'what people want', which really just reinforces the fact that you should just do what you like, rather than guess what people might like. At least that way you can stand there and really love everything you have to offer, knowing it wasn't influenced by fashion or fad, just pure personal inspiration."

July:

I realised that working on new stuff, is what keeps this all so exciting for me.
Back then I said:

"I am always.....always...thinking of my next project and the next four after that matter of fact. But I try to focus on one new project a month to bring to fruition.
Between my day job, raising two kids, catching up on my cleaning, bills, website and blogging......... it doesn't always happen so effortlessly, but I try.
For me personally, this time is of essence, so life doesn't become same old, same old."


August:

Two crafty friends and one big idea saw the beginning of 'Northside Makers'.

I wrote:

"It's hard to stop your self going full speed when you discover other people with the same niggly feeling ........We could do this, we can do that, let's try this, how about that........ So we slowed down, took ourselves seriously and started planning.
A big part of me feels overwhelmed and scared, but a bigger part of me feels exhilarated and as though finally......this is where I'm meant to be."


September:

I reflected on Fathers Day, and how the meaning has changed for me over time.....

"I'm one of many who shares a touch of sadness on fathers day for a father who has passed on, but also celebrates the new father in my life. The father to my children."

October:

After incubating for the full 40 weeks and then some....bubba no.2 for my little sis finally decided to join the world.

I call her Lillie Pillie.....really, she is Lilliana Rose an absolute angel.....

November:

In November 'Finki' begun it's foray into a retail space...not once, but twice.......


Firstly by leasing a space at the fabulous Handmade Heaven in Queensland then by being accepted as a co-op member at Olive Grove.

Not only that....I also turned 34!

Such an exciting month!

December:

A full month of markets...up to four in one week at some stages almost led to a crafty meltdown, but I made it out alive.
The month ended with me quitting my day job...YAY...... and meeting my new little niece, born on the 20th, Miss Elsie Velvet.

So that's a glimpse of 2009 in my little neck of the woods. This year has seen more creativity, personal growth and obstacles over come then any other year of my life.

So 2010......all i can say is "Bring it on"

Had to change that little number....

What a big week...what a big month...hell...what a big year!

Today I had to change that little number in my bio..... the one that said 33 years young!
Cause on Saturday I turned 34.

My beautiful cake, a present from the lovely Cathie at M.E

All growed up now! Nah, not really. It's just a number and I hope I present as young at heart, even though my body may disagree.
34 is a lovely age to be. I much prefer it to any other number I've turned. I feel so much more 'Me'. Is that silly.

I've always been me of course, but still growing and learning in this big old world.
These days I know what I like, I know what I'll tolerate, I know who I call my friends and I know where I'm headed.

All my beautiful birthday presents.

That's all so much to have learned in 34 years. Many do it quicker than that, but for me that's such a biggie.

In one short year, I started Finki, I started a shop on Etsy, I started blogging and doing markets, which led to me meeting sooo many new friends and especially meeting Jennie and Margaret the two powerhouses that helped me begin Northside Makers.

My recent stall at Northside Makers market.

From there, we turned our craft club into our own market venture, from which came the opportunity to meet the lovely Anna of Polly Pratt.
Anna introduced me to Olive Grove, the amazing artist studio/retail co-op i joined in November.

Through blogging I also met Miriam aka: Bubba chenille, the talented mother of the Lovely Liesa at Handmade heaven, whom offered the opportunity of stocking my 'finki' stuff in her beautiful shop. So now my goodies are in retail land in both Melbourne and Queensland.......and not by being wholesaled to retailers who double your price to on sell, but by shops who support handmade by offering cheap rent, so I can set my own prices and keep my own profit.


It has been an AMAZING year....

Personally and professionally.............. and I can only see it getting better.

I call this the year of saying Yes. Saying yes to every positive opportunity that came my way.
Previously I would have drowned in a sea of 'what if's' when presented with opportunity's but this year I squashed that little nagging voice of concern and doubt and just followed my heart.

I'm so happy that through all the twists and turns life has thrown me this year, I have come out of it, inspired and motivated to do so much more.

I say it all the time.......but really, the days are too short.

Thank you, to all my bloggy readers, mum, yaya and sis included, from the bottom of my heart for your friendship. It has made such a difference to my little world and I am so appreciative of all your support and encouragement.

I know I have been absent of late, the silly season is in full swing in my little end of the world, but I'm still reading and keeping up with you all.
As soon as it settles in 'Finki land' I have much to update you with....markets, shopping, new products and life.....

Till then, take care. And start saying Yes to everything good! Might take you somewhere you least expect!

My little patch of heaven......

Handmade heaven that is.....

I have just joined all the fabulous Queensland handmadies and rented myself a space at Handmade Heaven.

I'm so happy with my decision to be there.....and I'll tell you why.

I've often been tempted to stock in retailers, but I'm really put off by the equation of having to figure out a wholesale price that makes you a fair profit, so that a retailer can then double it to sell on to the customer.
Of course this is totally viable and common practice. They have overheads to pay....big ones. They have to make a profit too. Only natural.

But it means my customer, the average Joe, would be paying double. That kills me.

So when I heard of how Liesa was planning on running Handmade Heaven a little differently to other retailers, I was eager to learn more. The business structure she's come up with, makes it so affordable for crafters like me to give it a go.

Bottom line...... this means I can stock in a fabulous Queensland retailer and keep my prices the same as I do for my Melbourne markets. That idea sits very well with me....hopefully it does with you too.

shop 11, The Old Flour Mill, Brisbane st, Ipswich.

So do pop by if your in the 'hood and support all the work on display in Handmade heaven. I'll be up there in a few weeks doing all my x-mas shopping too. I can't wait.

If you'd like to see your goodies up there in the sunshine state too, just email Liesa for all the info. Spaces start at only $5....... That's less then a mc value meal!

email: handmadeheaven@optusnet.com.a

Girls only!

I'm heading off to Brissie next weekend for a girls only catch up, whilst hubby holds down the fort.
Most of my family live in the sunshine state, so I try to visit as often as I can. But when you have a family and business to run, whilst holding down a part time job it really doesn't get to happen as often as one would like.

My little Sis is 8 months pregnant, so I couldn't have left my visit much later if I was gunna see her before bubs arrives.
We'll be picking up mum, a big box of tissues and heading off to see 'my sisters keeper'. What two better people to see a chick flick with. Hubbies been spared....this time!
First stop Saturday will be The Handmade Expo at the Ipswich Turf club, Bundamba. I've read so many wonderful things about this market and this time it's extra special as the girls of Handmade Expo, Miriam, Liesa and Micky are celebrating there 1st birthday.

I've followed all there blogs and seen there adventures grow, from selling there own crafty wares, to promoting other crafty peeps by running markets and now one of them taking on board Handmade heaven, a retail space supporting handmade.
A truly inspirational little family, who are doing there all to keep handmade alive and kickin'.

With 100 + stalls of handmade, Gourmet fresh, Farmer Dave and birthday cupcakes for the first 500 early birds, I will definitely be going along to join in on the market day celebrations.

The rest of my time is open to suggestion.....well in between good food, family and friends that is.

So if you know any good oppies or markets happening over the weekend of the 15th-16th in between Brisbane and Ipswich, let me know and we'll add it to the itinerary.