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

To my dearest... Diy Greeting Card

Last weekend the lovely Laura (from Learn 2 Screen-print) and I caught up for a quiet afternoon tea and craft session. Gaining inspiration from Laura's plentiful supplies we created this cute deer greeting card. Using just a few materials and easy print making techniques you can make your own handmade cards for friends and family!

Let's get started shall we...

What you'll need:

♥ Card stock , A5 to be folded in half

♥ Patterned rubber stamp larger than your card face (you can buy these at your local craft store). We used the "Chevron" Darkroom Door background stamp

♥ Stamping ink - we used Tim Holtz "Antique Linen"

♥ Acrylic paint in a bold contrasting colour

♥ Metallic detail paint

♥ Craft knife/stanley knife

♥ Skewer

♥ Crafter roller

♥ Stencil cut from ezi cut stencil paper

Step 1: Take your rubber stamp and cover with your stamping ink. Pat repetitively over your stamp making sure the whole surface is evenly coated.

Step 2: With your inked stamp, line up the fold of the card with the edge of your stamp, then press it gently down onto the card. Apply pressure with your palms all over the back of the stamp. With a bit of force hold your palms down for at least 3 seconds in each spot, make sure you are not "rolling" or moving the stamp, as we don't want the print to be smudged.

Step 3: Once you've pressed the bejeebers out of your stamp, lift it up to reveal the print! :-) Looks great doesn't it?

Step 4: Take your animal stencil that you carefully cut out with a craft knife (you can use various clip art or pre-designed silhouettes if you're not comfortable drawing your own animals) and place it in the center of your card front - don't worry if it's not exact! Keep it in place by taping the corners down with masking tape.

Step 5: Load your roller with the contrasting acrylic paint. Lightly start to roll over your stencil to apply the colour, continue to roll until you are happy with the coverage.

Step 6: Remove your stencil to reveal your animal silhouette! I love how the pattern slightly peeks through the deer - adds a little character I think ;-) We are almost there!

Step 7: Using a skewer and your metallic detail paint, spot three small dots on the rear of the deer (or anywhere that suits your animal of choice..) Let dry. Fold in half then sit back and admire your work! :-)

Ta-dah the end result! :-) Handmade cards are perfect for any occasion (special or "not") and add a personalised and heart-filled touch to your gifts.  

Laura and I had a great time preparing, creating and photographing this project for you today! Hope it not only is inspiring but also demonstrates how easy it can be to make your own DIY greeting cards!

If you'd like to learn more about Laura and her Learn 2 Screen-print classes check out her website, class descriptions or add her on facebook... Laura is super lovely and such a inspiration!

Note: Please, please excuse my horrible nails!! I often pick at my nail polish and I was not expecting to star in a photo DIY - haha how embarrassing!