Pop-Up Shop Ballarat & luvfromamy Product Range

Yesterday was the final day of trade for the Pop-Up Shop Ballarat - we took down the bunting and packed up our stock (..to be honest it was a little sad to see the wonderful space go!)

Images courtesy of Kate Healy, the Courier

But seriously, what a fantastic experience participating in the Pop-Up Shop has been.. The response to our products was overwhelming and I cannot thank the organisers (Deborah, Laura from Learn 2 Screen-Print/MESH and Lisa from Deer Little Parties) enough for allowing luvfromamy to be part of this high quality, first time event. I was extremely nervous as the Pop-Up Shop would be my market/pop-up shop début, but I left feeling even more confident, inspired and planning for what's next :-) I can't wait!

Thanks again to my friends, family and my lovely partner who visited and listened to me ramble on about stamps and crochet for the last couple of months haha, to the organisers (such a superb job!), to the other markers - your products were amazing and such high quality, to everyone who spread the word of the Pop-Up Shop, to our lovely customers (hope you like your goodies!!) and an extra special thanks to Laura, who has been a massive, massive motivator and inspiration with all her hard word and small business success!

If you missed out this time (shame on you! Haha only joking) Pop-Up Shop Ballarat will be an annual event so make sure you keep an eye out this time next year! :)

As this post is quite picture heavy I'm afraid I haven't included many images from the shop.. But I highly recommend you have a look at the fantastic makers that were featured here and here). 

I've shown you bits and pieces of the luvfromamy product range via this blog and facebook, but haven't introduced my handmade and stationery items  officially.. So without further adieu...

♥ Crochet bow adjustable rings. Available in red, pink, white.

♥ Crochet hair bows on an alligator clip. Available in pink, white, grey, purple, red, orange, teal, black.

♥ Crochet bow headbands. Available in red, dusty pink, teal, pink.

♥ Crochet bracelets. Available designs blue navy, red navy, black skull, grey stud, black stud.

♥ Crochet Christmas decoration 4 packs (2 wreaths, 2 love hearts).

♥ Alphabet and number stamp set.

♥ Lovely Animal stamp set.

♥ Small ink pads. Available in blue, pink, purple, red, green, orange.

♥ Cotton bakers twine. Available in 15 different colours

♥ DIY fabric tape. Available in a variety of colours and patterns.

I also have a collection of 8 x 10 prints and greeting cards which I adore, but am yet to photograph :)
 
At luvfromamy, I not only make my own products, but also love YOU making your own goodies too ♥  I hope to ignite and inspire creativity with my stationery and DIY products. I pick products that I, a self-confessed craft geek, LOVE so you will hopefully have a crush on them as well!

I'm excited to announce my *online store* will be open for business within the month, so keep an eye out for all these items (plus regular additions). If you'd like to be the first to know of the my store opening, email: hello@luvfromamy.com and I will add you to my mailing list!

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The Pop-Up Shop is a great addition to the Ballarat retail scene and I've been lucky enough to meet some wonderful, creative and inspiring ladies and gents. I hope to participate in more markets with them in the future :)

Featured designers and markers: ♥ MESH/Learn 2 Screen Print ♥ Deer Little Parties ♥ Sago on Tuesdays bindery ♥ Margie Balazic ♥ Le Mutt dog accessories ♥ Trunk & Orderly ♥ Steph Wallace from Red Brick Gallery ♥ Bok-Bok B'Gerk ♥ Sillee Billee ♥ Morgan Wills / Crafty Squirrel ♥ Chloe Harmon ♥ Melinda Muscat ♥ Emma Bulpit ♥ Earnest & Joe ♥ Jodie Lee ♥ Red Echidna Studios ♥ Made by Truly, Bread & Butter pottery ♥ Angela Hayward ♥ Pauline O'Shannessy-Dowling

Ballarat Pop-Up Shop

In 28 days I'll be making my luvfromamy market debut at the Ballarat's first Pop-Up Shop! Located at the Backspace Gallery, the Pop-up Shop Ballarat presents 7 days of retail bliss, bringing together the best of regionally made independent art, design, craft and hand-made products. A shopping experience never seen before in Ballarat!

When: November 30th - 9th December, 12pm - 4pm

Where: Backspace Gallery (Huyghue House, Alfred Deakin Place, Camp St, Ballarat. More info here).

Elsewhere: Pop-Up Shop Ballarat's facebook and tumblr page

How amazing is the below invite??? The gorgeous paper cut artwork is thanks to the super talent Steph Wallace of Red Brick Gallery

I'm so excited to be a part of the Pop-Up Shop Ballarat!! I have been a busy little bee of late; creating product, designing my business cards and organising the small (but very important) details such as packaging.

Here's a little sneak peek of the products I will display in the Pop-Up Shop Ballarat :-) Not only will my handmade crafts be for sale, I'll also showcase lovely stationery items and stamp sets to keep you inspired and DIY'ing!

♥ Crochet bow ring - $3 ♥ Lovely Animals stamp set - $12 

♥ Varieties of korean fabric tape - $3.50ea or 3 for $9 ♥ Crochet collar - $38

If you're in Ballarat on Friday, 30th November why not call in and say hello at the special lunchtime launch or gala opening night - I'd love to see you there! :-)

luvfromamy sneak peek

There's something brewing behind the scenes at the luvfromamy HQ (aka my lounge room ha!) and here's a little sneak peek!

I've been a little quiet on the blog front for the last month or so, but it's for a really good reason trust me :P
I've started to develop my first line of handmade crafts (yay!) and sourcing stationery and other cute DIY goodies that can be found in my soon-to-be online store and at various local markets.

My personal branding has taken a new leap into business cards, product cards and market visual merchandising. It's an exciting time for me and I can't wait to show you the full deal within the next month.

Happy Hooker - my new obsession...

I haven't blogged tooooo much about my newest obsession... but if you follow me on twitter or instagram (add me! @luvfromamy) you'll know I am one happy hooker... hang on... saw WHAT?? Yep, you read correctly.. I'm a happy hooker, but don't get too worked up - it just means I am utterly addicted to the lovely art of crochet.

I first learnt to crochet at a local Stitch n Bitch meet up, and have since explored new stitches, tecniques and made a few projects that might tickle your fancy!

♥ Learning the basics from a "Learn to crochet" booklet I purchased from Lincraft.

♥ Red & blue headband... Self declared Master of the chain stitch!! My first "creation."

♥ Starlight headband - made from single crochet band and buttons I purchased from my local Spotlight. I really like how this one turned out and it's not too bad for one of my first attempts; I often wear this to work.

♥ Granny square love! One of the first granny squares I made - it's pretty messy but I was really stoked with my progress:-) I used Meet Me At Mikes, Granny Squares 101 video tutorials to learn the basics. 

♥ My first attempt at crochet flowers... as you can see something is errr... missing? Haha I didn't count correctly so my little flowers were missing a petal!! They still look quite sweet though don't you think?

♥ A be-dazzled 5 petal flower. AH so this is what they are meant to look like! These flowers have to be my fav, they can be used on so many things and I can't get enough of making these little babies. I made this be-dazzled flower (I adhered hot-fix rhinestones) to go on a headband for my niece's 3rd birthday.

♥ Mustard and hot pink bow. I love this mustard yarn, it's such a nice colour and very "in" right now. This bow was really easy to make, I'm planning to attach it to a chunky, hot pink double crochet headband.

♥ I was feeling a little fancy one day and thought I would (attempt to) make a crocheted collar. BOY was I chuffed when it turned out really well! This was my first try at scalloped edging; fairly certain I've found my new fav technique!! Progress shot and the finished result. I'm toying with adding some rhinestones/pearls/beads... what do you think?

♥ Up until this week I've been using the same affordable (aka cheap Kmart branded) yarn and thought it was time to branch out on some new supplies. I stocked up on bamboo hooks and Panda Magnum soft 8ply yarn (I purchased red relvet, dark grey and white). It's magical to work with, so soft and luxurious!
♥ Heart - I've wanted to make a heart for aaages but found the patterns a little daunting, but last night I sat down and gave it my best shot! Happy with the results ♥ and the pattern was a lot easier than I thought it would be yippee!!

Hehe not entirely accurate but almost :P haha jk

Are you on ravelry? If so, let's be friends :-) My profile can be found here, I'd love to see what projects you are working on!

Stitch n' Bitch - The Church Retro Cafe club

 

Introducing the newest "Stitch Bitch" on the block.. me!

The weekend before last I had the pleasure of attending my first "Stitch n' Bitch" session at a gorgeous little church-turned-vintage cafe in Ballarat (appropriately named The Church Retro cafe). 

Every second Saturday from 11am, the Church Retro cafe welcomes knitters, stitchers, crocheters (and most importantly bitches!) to come along for a morning of gossip and craft. The Retro's comfy interior, warm wood fire and friendly company is so inviting, especially during Ballarat's long Winter months, you'll end up staying there well into your afternoon. BYO needles and wool and the lovely owner Noreen (and her gorgeous and very talkative daughter, Sive) will teach you the basics of knitting and crocheting (experienced stitch mistress' welcome too). 

I've always wanted to learn to crochet but found the patterns a little daunting... During the Retro's Stitch n' Bitch I learn how to create a slip knot, hold the wool correctly and how to daisy chain.. I made a daisy chain headband and was pleased with my efforts on this basic stitch. 

I was totally inspired and wanting to nail the treble stitch, so that night I stayed up really late and learnt how to crochet a granny square by watching YouTube videos and step by step instructions. I'm a very visual person, so while "on the day" instructions are fantastic, I also need to learn the correct loops and pulls while making my own goodies.

I'm proud to say, after a few frustrating moments and a whole heap of persistence I am now able to crochet my very own granny squares yayy! Admittedly, they are a little messy and at times not exactly "square" but I  am super proud of my progress so far.

I found the Meet Me at Mikes article Granny Squares 101 extremely helpful and easy to follow. When I'm a little more advanced I will make crocheted flowers and think about making a throw rug (massive task I know!) There are many YouTube channels dedicated to crochet including the helpful, Crochet Greek.

♥ This granny stripe throw rug from The Gifted Shed is gorgeous! What an amazing mix of colours.  

  

♥ I love these crocheted flowers from Attic 24. They would be the perfect addition to a knitted headband.

 ♥ What an amazing fan ripple afgan blanket from Meet Me at Mikes

Do you crochet? How did you learn this skill and what are some of your favourite patterns?