Designer - Mandy Harvey

Once again we have the wonderful creations of Mandy in the guise of Beads Me and Radical Glass.

When Mandy is wearing her Beads Me hat she produces an array of beautifully designed and handcrafted jewelry using a variety of swarovski crystal, gemstones, handmade lampwork beads and freshwater pearls.

 Radical Glass is Mandy's crazy glass business. You will find an array of fused glass designs from 'radical' colours to cute fairies, imps and dragonflies.

Come along on the 26th and see what yummy new creations Mandy has to show.

Next Mountain Makers Event

The next Mountain Makers event is happening on
Saturday 26th November 2011
at the Presbyterian Church Hall in Springwood
from 10am to 4pm.

Watch this space for more info!
It will bigger and better than last time!

We are currently seeking applications from new stallholders. Please contact Tess: tcarrad[at]bigpond[dot]com for more information.

Mountain Makers

On Saturday the culmination of several weeks of organising reach a grand crescendo!


Eleven fabulous crafty people joined together and held a special Mother's Day art and craft fair.


It was small and sweet but the room looked great, packed with such wonderful colourful goodies.


The customers seemed to really appreciate the quality and variety too judging by the number who left clutching bags of treasures.


These are an amazing group of ladies, I really enjoy joining with them for events like this.


Hopefully we'll be able to do it all again on a bigger and better scale later in the year.


Look out for more from Mountain Makers in the future!

Designer :: Sami Bop

Since the wee '80s I have been recycling all sorts of fabrics to create something entirely different and fun. I extended my knowledge by studying Fashion Design and Production and worked within the industry for a period of time.

I individually make each and every Sami Bop garment myself using selected vintage and recycled fabrics in unique styles and pattern combinations. I love working from my home studio (with my two little ones) creating girls and boys clothing mostly in sizes 00 to 8



We last spoke to you here and since then your business has continued to grow from strength to strength – which is great – but sometimes means having to spend less time being creative and more time on the “business” part. How do you manage that?

I have learnt that to be able to promote the creative side of my business I need to incorporate all the other aspects involved in producing it.

When I researched the Blue Mountains Business Advantage Awards 2010, I discovered there was an ‘Innovation and Environmental award section. I was advised to attend a workshop on how to apply. It was a wonderful exercise in marketing as well as realising how far my range has developed over the years. I have been so passionate about what I do that I found the questions quite simple to answer, and was so pleased to be awarded Finalist in both categories I had applied for.

I have distributed my time as best I can between all the different tasks required, and although it is a challenge at times, I find this makes the whole process more varied and interesting.



Like all the exhibiting artists, you’re a Blue Mountains local. Where are you based and what do you love about your village?

I am based in Hazelbrook. I think the best thing about living here is the convenience of being located in the heart of the mountains area, where the weather is great and the people are friendly.

And now for a big one: Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

I plan to be doing some interesting and exciting things with all the fabrics I have accumulated over the past 6 years or more. The possibilities are endless - although the time I have to do what I want is not!



What will we get to see from you at Mountain Makers this year?

Since the previous Mountain Makers was around Spring/Summer, this time I will be presenting some Autumn/Winter garments and I have also got a reversible hat/cap style which is proving quite popular for both Kids and adults.
Due to popular demand from my customers over many years, I have finally embarked on a women’s A-line skirt range as well.

Discover more about Sami Bop here

Designer :: Forget Me Not Paperware

Forget Me Not Paperware is a grass roots Australian business offering unique designer stationery, proudly crafted by hand from environmentally conscious materials.
We create writing sets, individual artcards, notelets, gift tags, jotters, printed paperware and special event stationery with an eco edge. Our range is always changing and evolving, so be sure to check back regularly.

We last chatted with you here. What's been happening since then?

Lots! But in a nutshell, I've continued to balance {not always very successfully, mind} work, family and study. Last year saw some of my work featured in some noteable print media as well as the design publication Handmade Living. At the current time I am working on an exciting new project called Making Spaces in conjunction with Kirrily.



Like all the exhibiting artists, you’re a Blue Mountains local. How long have you lived here and what do you love about your village?

I am now officially a local apparently. I've lived in the mountains for 7 years, and Wentworth Falls for most of that. Whilst it took me a while to settle into the pace of life here, that's now exactly what I love about my village. You'd have a difficult time convincing me to live anywhere else.

What do you think are some of the limitations for indie business owners here (if any)?
I echo what has already been stated by others regarding supplies - however, that really is easily overcome with the internet. In terms of customer base, most of my sales derive from overseas or interstate so my location does not limit me at all in terms of business.


What works of yours will we get to see at Mountain Makers this year?
I have a new printed range of recycled stationery for household organisation, and also fresh season notelets, artcards, wrapping paper, stationery sets, office accessories, jotters and more!

Visit Forget Me Not Paperware online here

Designer :: Tanya Carter

Note: this is a direct reprint from The Nook - full acknowledgement of text and images is credited to The Nook and designer Tanya Carter

Working from my Wentworth Falls home studio I have been creating leadlight pieces for 12 years, joining The Nook in early 2006.

Specialising in the copper foil technique I produce a colourful and decorative range of butterflies, fish, flowers, hanging light catchers and Christmas decorations. More practical pieces such as jewellery boxes, candle holders, tissue box covers and serviette holders also showcase the range of colours and textures available in glass today.


Each piece of glass is hand cut, the edges ground smooth, wrapped in copper foil then soldered. The finished piece is then polished to prevent tarnishing.

I have recently begun making leadlight pendants for necklaces. Using lead-free solder, they are a unique fashion accessory, with handworked wire highlighting beautiful shades of coloured glass.


My second passion is photography, with greeting cards being a great medium to present my photos of the Blue Mountains close-up. The photos depict the changing colours and beauty of the Blue Mountains, with all the photos taken either in my own garden, the area’s public gardens or the Blue Mountains National Park.

Designer :: Claire Broughton

Welcome Claire to your first Mountain Makers event! Please share with us a little about yourself and what do you do

I'm Claire Broughton and I'm a patchworker and quilter. I make a range of patchwork bags, table runners (long and short), table mats, childrens cot quilts, and wall hangings with pockets. I really enjoy quilting and have been doing it for around 20 years, having first done a class and realised that it was my calling. I love cutting perfectly good fabric into tiny pieces and then sewing it back together again!



Like the rest of us, you are a Mountains local. Where are you based and what do you love about living here?

I've lived in the mountains for 15 years and currently live in Springwood. The mountains are an interesting mix of artists and crafts people and I enjoy meeting all the different people at the local markets. I don't have as much spare time as I'd like to get out and explore the area.

Where can we find you?

You can find me on the second Saturday of every month at the Ivy Market, Springwood and the first Saturday of every month at the Cobbitty Market down at Cobbitty.



What are you looking forward to showing off at Mountain Makers?

I will have my full range of patchwork products with me, including some beautiful new log cabin pieces. Come along and find the perfect Mother's Day gift!

Designer :: Beads Me & Radical Glass

Born in the UK, moved to Australia in February 2006 with my husband, son and 2 dogs. The rest of my family, including my daughter, remain in the UK. I work full time as an accountant and design and make jewelry for a hobby. Confession - I am a beadaholic.



We last chatted with you here. Since then you’ve travelled, created, and continue to balance a busy day job with your businesses Beads Me and Radical Glass. Phew! Just how do you do it? How do you stay on top of all the demands?

I just do not know! What day is it today??

I very rarely watch the TV, or just tend to listen to it in the background. Before creating jewellery you could say I was a “couch potato” but then in the UK I didn’t like going out in the cold and it was much nicer to curl up on a sofa with the central heating on and watch a good soap. I must admit travelling gives me the time to relax and check out the designs and new gems from overseas. I always come back with something, if it’s not an item created by someone else it’s a string of gems and beads. Twice in Thailand I ended up in a jewellery manufacturing company when asking the taxi driver for a bead shop – I soon gave up.

Like all the exhibiting artists, you’re a Blue Mountains local. What do you love about your village?

I just love the 20 minute drive up Bells Line Of Road, jump out of the car and feel like I am in the middle of nowhere without a care in the world.



What do you think are some of the limitations for indie business owners here (if any)?

Personally, I really find it hard to obtain supplies. There is so much choice in the US but then it us a big country.

For sales I feel that there is a shortage of resources to get yourself seen locally and Australia wide. This shows with my online sales being roughly 80% going overseas, majority of them to the US.

And now for a big one: What’s your ideal day look like?

Hmmm difficult.
The first thing that pops in to my head is a whole day of pampering, massage and total relaxation. Or there could be the day at the biggest craft shop or show that I have ever seen – someone tell me where that is. I have got to also add that I would love to spend a day with a wire wrapping or PMC (precious metal clay) expert. I have a whole new set of toys for PMCing but need to find the time to sit and study some books. This may be an Easter time task.



What works of yours will we get to see at Mountain Makers this year?

I have been spreading my wings lately. Concentrating a fair amount of time on semi precious gems and wire wrapping. I was hoping to get some PMC creations prepared but I need to study and get this right. I would love to say that there will be a few creations with me but at this very moment I am not sure. It has to be perfect.

There will be plenty of earrings, necklaces, glass pendants and bracelets to choose from and I have added a few slumped bottles and plates to my glass designs. Discover more about Mandy on her blog or visit her online stores

Designer :: Planettreasures

“I have been designing and making jewellery for more than 15 years. I began just making earrings for myself when I couldnt find any I liked. I'd been living in the US for three years and was inspired by the wonderful choice of bead shops and local gemstones from where I lived in Arizona. since then my range has grown to include earrings, necklaces, brooches, bracelets and hatpins featuring glass beads from around the world - from Venice, the Czech republic, Austria and glass artists from Australia and the USA. I incorporate these beads with semi-precious gemstones and freshwater pearls”



Since the last time we spoke you’ve had lots of adventures, including a broken leg and overseas hiking trip. Can you fill us in on that?

I have had lots of adventures! I was in training for a Himalayan trek when I slipped and broke my ankle. This kept me indoors for 8 weeks in which time I did lots of small beadweaving projects and some knitting as well as catching up on movies.
We finally went on a 13 day trek in the beautiful Sikkim region of the Indian Himalayas. It was amazing, exhausting, and enlightening!



Like all the exhibiting artists, you’re a Blue Mountains local. What area are you in and do you love about living here?

I live in the Lower Blue Mountains on the high side of a western facing ridge so we have wonderful views of sunsets over the mountains. My workroom also looks out over the view and it a great space. I know I’m lucky to have a dedicatedworkspace – but I have so many beads – and other bits and pieces – they fill my whole room!

And now for a big one: Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

In 5 years time I will be travelling around Australia with hubby in a caravan stopping off at all the craft markets along the way. Grey-ish nomads!



What works of yours will we get to see at Mountain Makers this year?

I’ll be bringing my big, bold necklaces and earrings that are great for winter wear. As well as some simpler designs using freshwater pearls or Venetian glass beads.

Discover more about Planettreasures on her blog or visit her online store

Designer :: Needle vs Thread

“Needle vs Thread is all about beautiful and practical bags, purses, homewares and accessories made by a girl who is just a little bit pedantic about making sure things are top-stitched, sewn straight, reinforced, centered, spaced evenly, and as perfect as she can get them!”



Since the last time we caught up you’ve had a name change! Can you tell us a little bit more about that?

Plus 1 Design was the name of my graphic design business and when I first started selling my sewing I kept using it, but it never quite fit right. So when it came time to register my business name, I wanted to come up with something new. One of the first paid sewing jobs I ever did was when my friend Cameron from the band Seaworthy commissioned me to make twenty or so different bags to package an album called Needle vs Thread. It seemed like the perfect business name for me, so I went ahead and borrowed it! It is proving a great choice and people often comment on how much they like it.


Like all the exhibiting artists, you’re a Blue Mountains local. Have you always lived here?

No – I'm totally a new kid! Most of my mum's family live in Springwood so I spent many a Christmas here as a child, but have only lived here for a little over two years. I grew up in Central Western NSW, then did a stint in Wollongong, then another in Canberra, then spent five years in Marrickville before moving up here. It's been a big change, but I'm almost settled in, and that is largely thanks to the friends I've made in the craft community.



What do you think are some of the limitations for indie business owners here (if any)?

Sourcing supplies up here has been by far the most difficult thing I've found. There just isn't the range that is available in the city. That hasn't always been a bad thing – it has just forced me to change the way I buy certain items. I'm buying more wholesale now which is an important part of growing my business.

The upsides of living up here outweigh any inconveniences. Selling at markets has become a key thing for me and that is a lot easier to start doing up here. The Mountain Makers exhibition in 2009 was my first time selling in real life (as opposed to online selling). It gave me my jump start into markets, which I may not have gotten in the city.


What do you enjoy most about market trading?

Seeing real life reactions to my work! After selling online for years, this is so refreshing and so valuable. I always thought I was too shy and too bad at maths to trade at markets, but I really love it. I get such a boost from the compliments that I receive about my work. I also get a kick out of seeing all my work arranged together in one space!



What works of yours will we get to see at Mountain Makers this year?

There will be some familiar pieces – hand embroidered purses, plus wallets, keyfobs, wrist cuffs, handbags and cushions. And there will also be some new vinyl satchels that you might not have seen yet. Mostly, there will be lots and lots of beautiful fabric prints to chose from. I try hard not to repeat anything too many times, so there's always something new to see in amongst my work.

Discover more about Needle vs Thread on her blog or visit her online store

2011 Exhibition

It's on again!

Mountain Makers
Exhibition and sale of work by local Artisans and Designers

Following the success of our previous showcase, a collection of independent Blue Mountains artists and designers are coming together to bring you another - on Saturday 30th April at Springwood. You'll find a collection of locally made artwork, jewellery, bags & purses, homewares, fudge and other sweet treats, clothing, fibre and textile art.

We'll be trading from 9am-4pm in the Presbyterian Church Hall (158-162 Macquarie Road), Springwood. Mark the date in your diary, as we'd love to see you there!

5 minutes with... Going Potty with Marg

Who are you & what do you do?
Hi, I'm Margaret and I create succulent / cacti arrangements in a variety of colourful and unique pots of various shapes and sizes. These mini gardens are resilient and involve minimal care making them suitable for our busy lifestyle.

How did you come up with your business name?
Over the years I had collected numerous pots, so I started making succulent / cacti arrangements for family and friends and it was suggested that I could sell them to the public. As my family thought I'd "gone potty" with the amount of pots I had collected, the name "Going Potty with Marg" was an obvious choice!

Can you please walk us through making one of your products, from conception through completion?
1. Based on the pot I wish to use, I think of a theme (stylish/modern, novelty pots for the kids, old world etc.)
2. I then match the pot with the appropriate colour and shape plants
3. After potting the plant, I then enhance the arrangement with stones, figurines etc.
4. Pricing is then determined by the size of the arrangement, the number of plants used and my output (costs and time).

Where can we find you?
The easiest way to contact me is via phone 0412 413 325 or email margaret@thehuttons.com.au

I also attend various markets including North Sydney Market on Miller, Gordon Rotary Markets and Riverside Markets (Huntley's Point).

What are you looking forward to showing off at Mountain Makers?

I'm looking forward to bringing a selection of pots from my extensive range, including "Air Plants" which are a new edition to my range requiring no soil.

5 minutes with... serpent mandalas

Open Heart - Dream Series Print


Who are you & what do you do?
My name is Lindy Longhurst and I am a fulltime artist. I work with acrylics on canvas, and mixed media on paper.I paint and draw mandalas as well as figurative works on canvas.I sell original artworks, prints, cards, accessories and jewellery with my images on them.

Can you please walk us through making one of your products, from conception through completion?
1. I usually start with very quick sketches, a flash of inspiration from a dream or a vision, single words usually play an important part in the unravelling of an image.
2. I paint it...I often have about 10 - 15 paintings on the go at once. I have periods of lots of activity and then periods where I won't paint for ages.
3. When its done I scan it, piece it together and make reproductions from it. I do all my own printing and make up all my own products.

Where can we find you?
Online:
http://serpentmandalas.com/
http://serpentmandalas.blogspot/.com

Online Shops:
http://serpentmandalas.etsy.com/
http://backyardabundance.com.au/
http://www.willowtreegiftshop.com.au/

Markets:
Glenbrook monthly market, see my website for other market dates and times.

Shops:
The Nook, Leura
The Turning Page Bookshop, Springwood
The Brook, Glenbrook
Yuko Moon, Blackheath
Uttam London, Paddington, Sydney
Stonehouse Gallery, Warrandyte, Melbourne

What are you looking forward to showing off at Mountain Makers?
Some new paintings, my normal range of products and new prints on canvas blocks.

5 minutes with... Anna Kling

Anna Kling Fine Art Service

Who are you & what do you do?
I am Anna Kling, I am a full blood artist who is passionately painting large oil paintings of trees, vegetables and women.
From all my images I then create cards, magnets, journals, prints, blocks and even matchboxes to shrink these big things down to something smaller and affordable.

My business name is Anna Kling Fine Art Service.
You can order your painting in any size of whatever you like.

Can you please walk us through making one of your products, from conception through completion?
steps of making:
1. get inspired in the bush or garden or at life drawing sessions.
2. get my oilsticks or inks out and paint, usually very quickly. It has to be finished in 3 days, if not it’s crap.
3. put it on my wall, if I still like it when I come back to my house, I might make a product out of its image.
4. having exhibitions in galleries, public spaces or at home.
5. selling the artwork to a happy person who will treasure and enjoy it every day.

Where can we find you?
http://www.annakling.com
29 Westbourne Ave Wentworth Falls
:: The Nook, Leura Mall :: Moontree, Leura Mall :: Turning Page, Springwood Mall ::
:: Rare birds, Station St, Wentworth Falls :: 3 Sisters Tourist Information Centre ::
:: Mount Thomah Botanic Garden :: Longview Garden Centre :: Eden Gardens Lane Cove Rd ::
:: Kiku Gallery Bungendore :: Coast Gallery Milton :: Gallery Altenburg Braidwood ::

What are you looking forward to showing off at Mountain Makers?

Looking forward to presenting new smaller paintings with cheeky spring vegetables and all my products.

5 minutes with... Plus 1 Design

The Adorn Purse

Who are you & what do you do?
My name is Kirrily and I spend a lot of time sewing! My business goes by the name Plus 1 Design. My sewing mostly involves making girly things like handbags and purses. I'm not all that much of a girly girl, so I often have a giggle at this, but after sewing a lot of different things, I have decided that this is truly what I love doing.

How did you come up with your business name?
I went to see a band one night and my friend's name was on the guest list with a +1 next to it, so when we were going in, she introduced herself to the door person, and introduced me as +1. At the time I thought it would make a good tshirt. By the next day, I thought it would make a good business name and have been using it ever since.

Can you please walk us through making one of your products, from conception through completion?
The first step is usually the hardest - deciding what to make! As my range increases, this is becoming more and more difficult. Often though, it is dictated by a piece of fabric. So I'll choose one, then let it tell me what I should make it into.

If it is a handbag, then the next steps are deciding which of my patterns to use, or whether to draft a new one. This decision comes from a combination of things - what will work with the chosen fabric and what hardware (o-rings, d-rings, closures, feet etc) and coordinating fabrics I have available. Once that is decided, the fabric is pressed, cut out and interfaced where appropriate. Next is the sewing part which takes many hours. Then there is more pressing, adding the hardware, more sewing, tying off threads and a final press.

I'm a little bit pedantic about small details like making sure things are top-stitched, sewn straight, reinforced, centred, spaced evenly etc etc. This adds to the time it takes me to make something, but the perfectionist in me just can't let it go and I'm glad about that because to me, these little details make for quality work.

Where can we find you?
Etsy and my blog.

What are you looking forward to showing off at Mountain Makers?
Everything! But especially my Adorn Purses. I'm really looking forward to people being able to touch and feel my work. It's something that you don't get when you sell online. This will be my first time showing my work like this so I'm a little nervous, but it should be a great experience.

5 minutes with... planettreasures

Carnival Necklace - brightly colored glass bead necklace

Who are you & what do you do?
I'm Tess.
I design and make jewellery.

How did you come up with your business name?
My business name is planettreasures. It's been so long I can hardly remember.
15 years ago I started making jewellery and my neighbour was a printer and was hassling me to get a name so he could print some display cards for me.
I settled on 'planettreasures' because i am using materials from the earth to make jewellery. Treasures from the planet.
also I'm a big fan of"the planet" on Radio National with Lucky Oceans

Can you please walk us through making one of your products, from conception
through completion, in 5 steps?
1.My creations start with beads.
which involves actually going shopping for them.
I love the whole looking at beads and feeling them and selecting them in person.
I love beautiful, special and unusual beads.

2. I take them home and play with them.
I might store them in drawers and boxes with other beads.
Or just leave them on my desk.

3. when I decide to make something I usually end up making something different from what I had planned.
I might start off with a colour idea and then I drag beads out and arrange them on my table or my bead board, until I'm happy with the result.

4. then I string them or thread them or hang them depending if it is a necklace bracelet earring brooch.

5. Work out the cost. label and it's done.

Where can we find you?
planettreasures.etsy.com
planettreasures.blogspot.com

The Nook, Leura
Glenbrook Market

What are you looking forward to showing off at Mountain Makers?
Earrings and lots of earrings! 'cus I love making earrings.
Also bright and bold necklaces, bracelets featuring Venetian glass, czech glass and handmade glass beads combined with gemstones and freshwater pearls.and some more dainty pieces that are hand woven using tiny glass beads.

5 minutes with... vanilla pixie

unique hair accessories

Tell us a bit about yourself?
I am a wife & stay-at-home mum to three. I enjoy reading (there is always a book on the go), shopping, hanging out with friends & family.

I am organized, structured & under control (ok, most of the time). My background is in administration – in my pre-children life I was Administration Manager to a top Australian hairdressing salon.

My retail obsession is bags (in any form), I am easily annoyed by anyone who doesn’t respect my personal space & I have a sweet tooth… mmmm, donuts.

Tell us a bit about your business?
I went looking for something & couldn’t find what I was after. As it turns out, I wasn’t the only one in this situation. For me, Vanilla Pixie was born out of necessity.

I wanted beautiful, stylish, well-made & hard-to-lose hair accessories for my girls. Having worked in the hairdressing industry for 7 years, I had inside information that told me they just weren’t available. So, with nothing to lose, I made them myself.

Now, 12 months down the track, Vanilla Pixie has achieved over 300 Etsy sales, has stock in 3 different children’s boutiques across Sydney & continues to grow!!

Where did your business name come from?
I wanted something that was fun, sweet & obviously, new. And I didn’t want to give the name any personal attachment.

So, I visited my friends at Wikipedia & looked up words that were evocative for me (food is always a good place to start). Eventually, after much trial & error – and lots of visits to ASIC making sure it wasn’t already taken – voila, Vanilla Pixie.

Along the way I toyed with pomegranates, lavender & thimbleberries :)

My creative process in 5 easy steps…
1. Sit in front of my HUGE ribbon stash
2. Reach for the ribbon that catches my eye today
3. Cut it up (eeek!)
4. Quick finger movements, dab of glue & hold for 5 seconds
5. And there you have it – a Vanilla Pixie original

Where can we find you?
http://www.vanillapixie.etsy.com/
http://www.vanillapixie.blogspot.com/

Retrospections
498a Miller Street, Cammeray NSW

Sweet Thing Boutique
Shop 16a/2 Sentry Drive, Stanhope Gardens NSW

What are you looking forward to showing off at Mountain Makers?
I’ve just ordered a stack of new ribbons from a new supplier in the USA. Can’t wait to see what gorgeous little things they will be made into…

5 minutes with… Button Bower Bird

Button flower bouquet


Who are you & what do you do?
Liz. Scientist (microscopist) working at a University in Sydney. In my spare time I collect vintage buttons, and craft things using buttons.

How did you come up with your business name?
I collect vintage buttons, and my website is called the Button Bower. Being female, and an avid hoarder of vintage buttons, Buttonbowerbird seemed appropriate!

Where can we find you?
Website: http://www.thebuttonbower.com/
Blog: http://bowerbirdz.wordpress.com/
Etsy shop: http://www.buttonbowerbird.etsy.com

What are you looking forward to showing off at Mountain Makers?
Button bouquets, hair accessories, charm bracelets.

5 minutes with... sami bop

Sami Bop ~ vintage & recycled fabric kids creations

Who are you & what do you do?
My name's Danette. I have been sewing for over 30 years and have created my own children's vintage and recycled fabric range, named Sami Bop which I started in early 2006. I studied fashion design and worked in the industry for quite a while so it was a natural progression for me to be doing this from home when I started my own family. I have been recycling fabrics since I can remember and the fabrics I use date from the 1950s onwards so there is large variety of prints and patterns to choose from.

How did you come up with your business name?
Sami Bop was the actual name my son Jasper nicknamed his little sister (Samara) when she was born.

Can you please walk us through making one of your products, from conception through completion, in 5 steps?
1. Starting from a sketch, a prototype, or a combination of ideas and adding or omitting certain details I then draft a pattern.

2. Create a first sample for fit and style.

3. I then grade (or size) the pattern. Generally from a 00 to 5.

4. Then the fun begins with the fabric and print combinations. Pre-shrinking and washing fabrics is an integral part of this process too. I individually make each and every unique item myself, and spend a lot of my time sourcing fabrics and sewing.

Where can we find you?
You can find Sami Bop garments at:www.samibop.etsy.com
The Nook Art and Craft Gallery. Upstairs, 133a The Mall, Leura, NSW.
Glenbrook Market (Glenbrook Infants School, Ross St) 3rd Saturday of the month.
Magpie Market (Lawson Public School, Great Western Hwy, Lawson) 3rd Sunday of the month.
Blue Gum Rotary Market (Faulconbridge Public School, Cnr Grose Rd & Great Western Hwy) 4th Saturday of the month.

What are you looking forward to showing off at Mountain Makers?
I'm really looking forward to presenting my new Sami Bop spring/summer '09 range of dresses, pants, skirts and boys boardshorts at the Mountain Makers exhibition! Hope to see you all there...

5 minutes with... Beadsme / Radicalglass

Radical Glass ~ A Pink Sky - Glass Pendant

Beadsme ~ Bright Blue Skies - Earrings


Who are you & what do you do?
My name is Mandy Harvey and I live in Grose Wold. I am a jewellery creator and a new addition to glass pendant designers.

How did you come up with your business name?
Beadsme - jewellery store - that I cannot remember. I do recall trying for a name and found that someone else already had it (what that was is a mystery) but ended up chopping it about and came up with beadsme.

Radicalglass - glass store - obvious!!! Radical and hopefully unusual designs.

Can you please walk us through making one of your products, from conception through completion, in 5 steps?
Glass pendant - Firstly glass needs to be cut in various shapes. Cleaned thoroughly (or your fingerprints show) and different shapes put together to make different patterns. The glass then needs to go in to a kiln for firing, this can take between 4-5 hours. I then anneal and, usually, leave over night to cool. You never know how they will come out and it is so tempting to peek but you could crack the glass if you do. Pendants are then attached to a bail for hanging on a necklace. Voila!!!! Not too many secrets let out there LOL.

Where can we find you?
I can be found at
beadsme.etsy.com
radicalglass.etsy.com
beadsmeonline.com
beadsme-mandyharvey.blogspot.com
beadsme.silkfair.com

What are you looking forward to showing off at Mountain Makers?
Looking forward to - meeting more local artists and people. I really want to show off the new Radicalglass.