Seam is on it's way! Hurray!

A new independent magazine supporting young and emerging creative folk will launch nationally in Brisbane on October 30th.

Editor Linsey Rendell will launch the first issue of Seam Magazine at an intimate event at Brew in the city.

“Seam Magazine is a creativity-­‐based indie magazine covering fashion, art, craft, design, music, travel and food, with the first issue focusing on start-­‐up independent designers, artists and creatives,” Linsey said.

“We want to showcase and tell the stories of the lesser-­‐known creative individuals in Australia and overseas, people who are starting to climb the ladder in their particular craft.

“Book, zine and product reviews are also included in the magazine, along with fashion shoots featuring handmade garments and accessories from emerging Australian designers, with a touch of vintage mixed in for good measure.

“An independent magazine is a great platform to help start-­‐ups gain exposure, showing how unique and inspiring their work is through a like-­‐minded medium.”

Seven months of planning, interviews, photo shoots, writing and editing will finally take shape with the release of Seam’s The Start-­‐Ups issue.

And with planning for issue two already underway, there’s no rest for Linsey.

“It’s been an exciting and challenging year, and I’m so grateful for the support that I’ve received from family, friends and industry professionals.

“I’ve been inspired by so many creative people during the process of making Seam, and everyone I’ve met along the way has been so friendly and encouraging.”

Seam Magazine will be sold all around Australia at independent bookstores, fashion and craft boutiques as well as online.

Including Blackbird Corner as we've been chasing them since it was first announced! Hurrah!!

We love supporting Independent Australian Magazines!

Find them online:

seammagazine.com

facebook.com/seammagazine

twitter.com/seammagazine

Oh Pirdy! You're so fine!

WHO ARE YOU & WHY IS YOU RANGE CALLED WHAT IT IS CALLED?
Hi, I’m Juliet, and my label is Pirdy. Pirdy was my daughter Pearl’s nick name for a while, and when it came to naming my business, It just seamed to fit. I love the response it gets.

"Oh look it's so Pirdy!"

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
I live in Melbourne Australia.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN CREATING YOUR LUSH WARES?
Pirdy has been around for 4 years now.

DO YOU CURRENTLY HAVE A FAVORITE ITEM IN YOUR RANGE?
Yes I do. It changes from day to day, but at the moment I love my new little sparrows! I love all the colours, but especially the glossy red and the way they sit in my hand. Sometimes I talk to them?

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO KEEP CRAFTING/CREATING?
I really like getting better at what I do, even after 4 years, I’m still learning, and some of the mistakes I’ve made along the way have led to some of my best ideas.

ARE YOU SOMEONE WHO GENERALLY TENDS TO BUY HANDMADE OVER MASS PRODUCED? WHY?
Always! There is nothing like buying and giving gifts that are handmade. You can see the love, thought and care in anything hand made and that’s a real gift.

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW ITEMS IN THE PIPE WORKS THAT YOU’D LIKE TO HINT TO US ABOUT?
Oh yes I do Nici, I’m working on some new adorable doggies and pussy cats in both my home wares and jewelry lines. I’m always thinking of new little lovely’s to make. Keeps me going!

DO YOU SELL ONLINE?
Yes I do. I have an ETSY shop.

WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO LINK YOUR STORE FOR THOSE POOR PEOPLE NOT ABLE TO GET TO BLACKBIRD?
Thanks Nici, that would be ace. You can visit my website here: www.pirdy.com.au

ARE YOU SICK OF ANSWERING THESE SILLY QUESTIONS?

Not at all, its nice to talk to you, gets a bit quiet in the studio sometimes, lucky I have some birdies to keep me company.
Love Juliet.

xxx

Proud Novocastrian

There is something about Novocastrians.

(That is what people from Newcastle are called - in case you were wondering if it's a nationality!)

Despite what current events may lead you to believe; most of us embrace our town's history. So when the gorgeous Bec from Little Shop Of... introduced me to Bob from Lumbi I was a tad stoked!

We've commissioned Bob to make Blackbird Corner some gorgeous Newcastle-centric zip up pouches in a variety of sizes - exclusively for us!

The first lot pretty much sold out - the below are photos of just some of the latest shipment. They're divine!

They make fantastic gifts!

Teeny change purses $12

Medium Cooks Hill Streets Purse/Pencil Case $15

Medium purses/pencil cases $15 or larger

pencil cases/make up pouches $25

- in a variety of Newcastle themed prints.

Others in store (or on our Facebook Page.)

What do you think?

xxx

We are besotted with Lilac and Snow

Who are you & why is your range called what it is called?
I'm Kathryn, and my label is Lilac & Snow. I chose the name mostly because I like the way it sounds. I also love snow from afar - snow is something I long to see, as I never have outside of pictures.

Where are you located?
In sunny and gorgeous Newcastle. Just a short stroll away from your lovely shop!

How long have you been creating your lush wares?
I have been making jewellery for a little under a year. I am moving a bit more into paper goods right now (which is what I first intended to be doing - but I found that making jewellery was a lot of fun and got a bit side-tracked!), and have always enjoyed drawing and playing around with paper.

Do you currently have a favourite item in your range?
At the moment I really like the little notebooks (which your lovely customers can purchase from you at Blackbird Corner!) because they are my first step in the direction I'd like to take things. I also love making earrings, pins, and rings, etc. from vintage components - putting them together is a lot of fun! I really love the trio of "Little Folk" Pins which are made from vintage cabochons featuring cute Holly Hobbie style children.

What motivates you to keep crafting/creating?

My lovely supportive partner who encourages me without exception; the inspiration of seeing other artsy/ crafty folk doing what they love; the desire to have some kind of independence and liberation from an increasingly disposable society; and the simple love of making!

Are you someone who generally tends to buy Handmade over mass produced? Why? Well, to be perfectly honest, I'm far too poor to buy much of anything these days! But when I do, I much prefer to buy something that I know was handmade by someone who cared about what they were doing. I love to support people doing what they love, and quite often handmade products are far more interesting and unique than those that are mass produced.

Do you have any new items in the pipe line that you'd like to hint to us about? Hmmm... I can hint about resin and additions to our "Naturalist" range of jewellery... Also, some new book designs are on the way :)

Do you also sell online?
Why yes, I do.

I have a shop on madeit and one on etsy as well as our main site.

Would you like for me to link to your store for those poor people not able to get into Blackbird?
That would be lovely!

You can visit the website here: http://www.lilacandsnow.com and visit our shop (if you'd like!) via the "Shop" tab at the top of the page.

Are you sick of answering these silly questions?
Absolutely not! It has been a pleasure indeed :)

Thanks!
Kathryn x

Hop on the wagon!

Who are you & why is your range called what it is called?

Samantha Templeton - Red Wagon

Where are you located?

Melbourne

How long have you been creating your lush wares?

Red Wagon has been around for about 7 years, just over the past 2 years it has been re-launched with new products

Do you currently have a favourite item in your range?

Our Cushions and Flash Cards.

What motivates you to keep crafting/creating?

I love the childhood era of the 1950's and working with creating new products that reflect that era. My passion comes from seeing how this era is always talked about and how i can keep the vintage feel with our products. Our products are loved by all ages.

Are you someone who generally tends to buy Handmade over mass produced? Why?

I love to buy handmade unique products as I know how much work is involved in making handmade products.

I love products that are Made In Australia.

Do you have any new items in the pipe line that you'd like to hint to us about?

Our Santa Sacks are new for Christmas!

Do you also sell online?

Our customers can buy from our stockists or they can contact us via our website - www.redwagon.net.au

Would you like for me to link to your store for those poor people not able to get into Blackbird?

Yes please.

PS We adore the Red Wagon Flash Cards. We started stocking them because we found them such suitable gifts for friends and relatives with young 'uns. We bought some for our gorgeous niece Annabelle.

xxx

3143 days....and counting

My Sean has a few quirks you could say.

One is that he takes his own photo everyday.

He has been doing this for over 8 1/2 years now.

That's almost half of the time that we've been together.

We've lived in three homes over that time, fortunately they've all had the requisite white wall.

I'm not sure if it's because I know him so well or not, but I can tell what was going on in our lives at the time from the look in his eyes in the photos.

I actually feel a bit weird about sharing this, as it feels really personal, but he has spent so long creating it that just keeping it to myself seemed a waste.

Oh and he's still doing it. It's a compulsion.

xxx

PS The backing track is "Sweet Nothing" by Suuns.

A stroll down Whiskers Lane

Who are you & why is your range called what it is called?

I'm Jodie and I'm the crafter behind Whiskers Lane. The name Whiskers Lane came about for obvious whiskered creature loving reasons and also the vision of my logo. The elements of my logo came to mind and a dear talented family friend made Whiskers Lane come alive through illustration. I like to imagine that Whiskers Lane is a real place like in the illustration :)

Where are you located?

I'm located in South Sydney - in a little place called the Shire and no I'm not a hobbit :)

How long have you been creating your lush wares?

Just a few months shy off 2 years now. Wow that has flown by!

Do you currently have a favourite item in your range?

I have a soft spot for my Fairybread Brooch and I still smile every time somebody picks it up and says 'So cute!!' and squeals. It's a nice feeling :)

What motivates you to keep crafting/creating?

Mainly the love and support of handmade lovers out there. The ones that buy my designs and give me compliments keeps me motivated. Knowing that there are fellow creative folk out there doing what they love also gives me a boost. There's this whole little connected crafting world out there it's amazing :)

Are you someone who generally tends to buy handmade over mass produced? Why?

Yes, I definitely. I love supporting the handmade world. You know when a lot of time, effort,love and care has gone into designing and making an item so it's a good feeling to support other crafters. I know how long items can take to make and it makes me feel happy that I'm paying for the creativity & craftsmanship from one hard-working individual.

Do you have any new items in the pipe works that you'd like to hint to us about?

Yes!! Some of my new designs are on my website right NOW! Let's just say whisker and tea lovers are going to adore me hehe :) Oh some ceramic friends may make an appearance too...

Do you also sell online?

Indeed I do !

Would you like for me to link your store for those poor people not able to get into Blackbird?

Oh yes please! You poor little people follow me to the Lane this way...http://www.whiskerslane.com.au

Are you sick of answering these silly questions?

Why of course not dear Nici :)

*bespoke* by *bespoke*

Who are you & why is your range called what it is called?

Hi, I'm Jess, the creator/editor/publisher of *bespoke* zine! When I first decided to create *bespoke*, I wanted a name that summed up the crafty, creative vibe I was going for. I asked around on a few forums, and with the help of my crafty friends, settled on the word bespoke. The asterisks were suggested almost jokingly my my friend Deb, but I liked them so much that they stuck!

Where are you located?

I live on 6 1/2 acres about an hour north of Brissie, in Queensland. My husband and I live in 2 converted rooms in a barn, and my parents have a house on the property. We'll get around to building our own house one day... when I'm not so busy, maybe!

How long have you been creating your lush wares?

*bespoke* was launched in October last year, and has been going strong ever since. We're up to Issue 4 now, with Issue 5 coming out in mid-to-late November - maybe we should have a big birthday party!

Do you currently have a favourite item in your range?

Every issue is like a baby, so I can't pick my favourite... though there is an awesome feature on collaborations in Issue 5 that I'm pretty excited about.

What motivates you to keep crafting/creating?

Since I run a full-time jewellery business as well as *bespoke*, it can be hard to keep on top of everything - but the Aussie creative community is so awesome, and their enthusiasm for *bespoke* is what keeps me going when I feel a bit overwhelmed.

Are you someone who generally tends to buy Handmade over mass produced? Why?

Absolutely! I've been immersed in the handmade movement for years now, and Etsy & Madeit are my go-to places online when I want to buy anything. I just love the personal touch that handmade has - and I love supporting other people like me who are living their dream of creating for a living!

Do you have any new items in the pipe works that you'd like to hint to us about?

Well, I would love to do a *bespoke* calendar next year (for 2012) featuring some of the amazing artists who've been a part of the zine, so we'll see!

Do you also sell online?

Absolutely - you can buy all current and back-issues of *bespoke* (as well as subscribe!) at bespokezine.com

Are you sick of answering these silly questions?

Haha, nope, because I love getting the word out there about *bespoke*. Though I may need another cup of tea :)

xxx

PS You can see Jess's other creative exploits epherielldesigns.com

I have one of her gorgeous bangles

& can highly recommend her jewellery!

Fantastic Plastic....

So.

Sometimes I'm an online shopper.

I admit it.

I know, I know we all need to buy in stores to keep them open!

Trust me I know that!

BUT

shopping online for Handmade items?

That's a completely different kettle of fish!

Here's my latest acquisition:

a gorgeous necklace + a knitting needle bangle by the very well known & respected jeweller Liana Kabel. I'm sure you've heard of her already! I have wanted a Liana Kabel knitting needle bangle FOREVER!

But my hints have been ignored (or perhaps just too subtle)

so I have finally bought one for myself!

I am so impressed.

xxx

Fair day Sunday!

Next cab off the rank - Extra Curricular!

Who are you & why is your range called what it is called?

I am Ellie Smith, and I put together Extra Curricular magazine - named so because it is about people getting creative with their spare time.

Where are you located?

Extra Curricular is New Zealand based, but covers NZ and Aussie - contributors live in both countries - and I am currently in London!

How long have you been creating your lush wares? The magazine has been going for two years. Before I started Extra Curricular I also did a lot of screen printing, which is on hold for the moment while I'm overseas.

What motivates you to keep crafting/creating?

I feel like the more I make, the better quality my work is - that goes for my illustration, screen printing and putting together the magazine as well. When I look back at some of the things I made for my first market, they look so amateur! So the motivation is to hone my skills and keep getting better.

Are you someone who generally tends to buy Handmade over mass produced? Why?

I think it comes down to that good feeling you get - you know you're helping out other independent sellers, and the shopping experience is much nicer, whether it's at a market, online or at a great little store like Blackbird Corner. The item itself has more character, it's better made, and it gives me far more pleasure than something made in a factory far away. The way we spend our money is one of the strongest ways we can stand up for our values. Because buying quality products often costs more, I justify it to myself by buying less - which can't be a bad thing either.

Do you have any new items in the pipe works that you'd like to hint to us about?

Issue 7 is dropping on November 24th. It's the summer one and has a jewellery featurette and a picnic theme.

Do you also sell online?

Yes, we send magazines off on exciting journeys to many faraway places.

Would you like for me to link to your store for those poor people not able to get into Blackbird?

That would be very kind - http://extracurricularmag.bigcartel.com/

Are you sick of answering these silly questions?

Not at all Nici, always a pleasure dealing with Blackbird Corner!

We are pretty stoked to be Newcastle's exclusive stockist of this popular & gorgeous crafty magazine! Thanks Ellie!!!

xxx

Spoonfully yours ...

Who are you & why is your range called what it is called?

Hello! My name is Anthea & I'm the creator & Editor of Spoonful, a happiness companion! Spoonful is meant to be short enough to read on a bus or a train ride & make you feel happy by the end... it's short but delicious (just like a spoonful of something scrumptious!) and of course there's the Mary Poppins reference of 'Just a Spoonful of Sugar helps the medicine go by' as we are all about helping readers survive the medicine that life hands out!!

Where are you located?

Sydney, NSW How long have you been creating your lush wares?

Gosh, almost 2 years now, and loving every second! Do you currently have a favourite item in your range?

Difficult question, but I think I'd have to confess to loving the latest issue - though the newest issue is often my favourite :) Issue 5 is packed with some truly beautiful writing and delicious artwork too!

What motivates you to keep crafting/creating?

Everything. Breathing. The therapy of it. If I'm not making something or creating I find I feel empty or unhappy. Are you someone who generally tends to buy Handmade over mass produced? Why?

ABSOLUTELY! I don't think you can beat the magic and the honour of holding something handmade in your hands. Not only is it usually an object of beauty, but it's something with a story, a history... hours went into making it, hours of love usually and passion which shine through a handmade piece. Plus you have the knowledge that you are supporting an artist/crafter/creator live a passionate happy & creative life which is unbeatable. We try to work with as many writers, crafters and artists as possible with Spoonful to support creative living and remarkable talent! Do you have any new items in the pipe line that you'd like to hint to us about?

Oooh, well we're trying to bring out an issue just before Christmas - the perfect soulful Stocking Stuffer! Some amazing artists are taking part this issue and the writing is beautiful - it's very exciting :) Do you also sell online (for those reading this who cannot make it into our store)?
We do, for subscription etc too - www.spoonfulzine.com

Are you sick of answering these questions?

Hee hee never!

This is the first (of what I hope will be many) "getting to know our stockists" blogs. I thought it'd be lovely to have this as our first; as Spoonful is our newest supplier - we are immensely proud to be the exclusive Newcastle stockist of these beautiful creations. They'll be in stock tomorrow morning!