NEW Freebies for Golden Ticket Members

Last week, I gave a few hints about something that I would love to give to my 'Golden Ticket Members'...

 I have now launched a 'Resource Library' where members can login and access FREE downloadable items that I have created. I aim to update this library monthly with new designs and items.

Existing members would have received login details in the latest update that was sent out.

Not a member? Never fear, signing up is FREE and simple to do. Just click here, and enter in your email address. You will receive all the info about your freebies once signed up.

If you are having any troubles, feel free to email me.

Thanks for viewing!

~ Jen.

A new FREE gift for members

It is November already and Christmas is just around the corner (scary, right?). I love everything handmade and homemade and love to share that with others by making handmade gifts or supporting other handmade artists.

But at this time of the year, I am also thinking about you (yes, you)! I often reflect on the support that I receive from my family and also from people like you that purchase my items and  provide me with lovely feedback. Some of you have signed up to be 'Golden Ticket Members' and for that I would love to give you some freebies as a way that I can say 'thanks'.

I have been busily working on a special resource library where 'Golden Ticket Members' can log in and download freebies that have been designed by me. It is very close to completion and I can't wait to email you so that you can check it out for yourself.

Not a 'Golden Ticket Member'? Don't worry ... you can sign up here! It is FREE and you will receive updates, member discounts, 10% off of your first purchase from the web store ... AND access to the resource library when it is set for launch.

I hope to email you soon, with more details!

~ Jen.

P.S - If you have enjoyed reading about the story behind Tupsy Turvy Designs' products, why not become a 'Golden Ticket Member'? It is FREE and membership entitles you to regular updates, exclusive sales, discounts and opportunities. Simply click here and enter your email address. Easy! I look forward to sharing more ideas with you soon ...

Dandelion seed head canvases - "It is well with my soul"

"It is well with my soul..."

The words

These words are from a hymn, the words written by Horatio Spafford, after he suffered the tragic loss of four daughters as the result of an accident at sea. Only a few years earlier, he lost real estate due to fire and  had mourned the death of a son. He was a very wealthy and successful lawyer that resided in Chicago, and a man that was very strong in his Christian faith. (I sourced a lot of this information from this website).

  The thoughts it evokes

I find that these words are words that exude strength. In my thoughts, I can imagine dark, thunderous storm clouds of turmoil, grief and tragedy and in the midst of the swirling winds, a man quietly, yet firmly stating "It is well with my soul...". To me, it promotes a resolve, that no matter what horrid event develops in life, nothing can rip faith and inner strength away. This in turn provides encouragement and hope.

The canvas collection

 I must admit, the canvas design did not start with the words, rather it started with a photo that I took when I was walking the dog...

 Dandelion seed heads were standing tall in a patch of greenery on the edge of the footpath. I decided to take a photo and add it to my bundle of art inspiration. I then decided to create colourful backgrounds on canvases, trying out different paint techniques. I have been inspired by a number of mixed media artists that incorporate beautiful patches and patterns of colour and I wanted to create art works using similar techniques.

I remembered the dandelion seed head photo and got to work developing simple sketches of dandelion seed heads, until I was happy with the look. This idea was then transferred onto the canvases. I wanted to add a quote or relevant words to the art works and the words of this hymn came to mind. I thought they would match perfectly with the dandelion seed head - standing strong despite being blown in the wind and still holding firm to the majority of the seeds. I also thought that the loose dandelion seeds offered freedom - freedom from the crushing forces of life. All these thoughts combined with the strength evoked by these words.

"It is well with my soul..."

Hoping all is well with you!

~ Jen.

P.S - If you have enjoyed reading about the story behind Tupsy Turvy Designs' products, why not become a 'Golden Ticket Member'? It is FREE and membership entitles you to regular updates, exclusive sales, discounts and opportunities. Simply click here and enter your email address. Easy! I look forward to sharing more ideas with you soon ...

Unique Paper Mache Christmas Baubles

There are 24 hours in everyday, but as I am getting older, it seems like time is flying by ...

Recently, we enjoyed two weeks break from school and that time seemed to pass by like we had only days. Stores are already promoting Christmas decorations, October is nearing an end and countdowns to Christmas are beginning. Christmas is definitely looming!

As thoughts about Christmas began swamping my head, I wanted to create something for Christmas. Amongst my mixed media art creations, I have been enjoying creating with paper mache. I thought that this would be the perfect medium to create a special decoration.

I wanted to create a Christmas bauble that stood out from traditional Christmas baubles. Each bauble is spherical, however, the middle of each bauble cascades reclaimed fabric to add a splash of colour against the white outside. I still wanted each bauble to portray a key feature about Christmas, hence the words: joy and love; the letters cut out of newspaper and adhered to a scroll made from old book pages. I also wanted to retain Christmas colours, but put a modern twist on them, therefore I used red, white and silver.

These baubles have been designed for the person who loves Christmas and decorating, but wants a splash of originality and a modern feel.

Soon available in store. To view what is in store, please click here.

Thanks for viewing!

~ Jen.

P.S - If you have enjoyed reading about the story behind Tupsy Turvy Designs' products, why not become a 'Golden Ticket Member'? It is FREE and membership entitles you to regular updates, exclusive sales, discounts and opportunities. Simply click here and enter your email address. Easy! I look forward to sharing more ideas with you soon ...

Give some encouragement with a paper mache heart!

Did you miss out on the last 'Snail Mail Surprise Challenge'? Well ... good news!

Everything is set and ready to launch! ‘Snail Mail Surprise #2’ is about to proceed.

For this ‘Snail Mail Surprise’ challenge, you are required to surprise someone that is a friend, particularly one that might be going through a tough time.

I’m very excited about this. This is NOT a competition or a giveaway, rather it is a way a way in which we can do something little, yet wonderful to encourage others – to simply show them that someone cares. I’m calling on you and others to join with me to help out.

It’s simple to join! Here are the steps:

• ·         You can now visit the sign up page. To do so, please click here. There are limited places available.

• ·         If you are successful, you will be sent one of the above Tupsy Turvy Designs mixed media decorations and tags (for free!).

• ·         Use this pack to surprise a friend, particularly if they are going through a tough time. As an extra idea, you could team this pack with a cooked meal or a bunch of flowers, or any other idea.

• ·         Take a photo of it – the pack with your gift, or the decoration and tag on your table as you are about to write in it, or as you put the pack in the letterbox, or any other idea. Please do not photograph any names or photograph the recipient as I will post these photos on social media.

• ·         Send me your photo – either by email or post it on Instagram or on my Tupsy Turvy Designs Facebook page and tag me (@tupsyturvydesigns) and add the #ttdsnailmailsurprise2

• ·         Please note: By sending in your photo to me you are giving me permission to use it on social media, my blog and newsletter.

• ·         Make sure you complete all these steps by: 14th October 2016

I will participate in this challenge as well and will follow the above procedure. As a special surprise and as a random act of kindness, I will surprise one of the registered participants with a little gift from me.

You don’t necessarily need to live in Australia to register, as long as you receive post I will send you the pack (still for free) in order for you to participate. By registering, you are prepared to receive the pack and undertake the challenge.

Want to join in the fun? Click here to register.

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Jen.

P.S - If you want to know more about Tupsy Turvy Designs and receive special offers, why not become a 'Golden Ticket Member'? It is FREE and membership entitles you to regular updates, exclusive sales, discounts and opportunities. Simply click here and enter your email address. Easy! I look forward to sharing more ideas with you soon ...

The benefits of creating art

Life is busy, isn't it?

 Work takes a big chunk of the day or week. Yes, I create artworks, but I also have a busy and demanding part time job and some of the preparation time is after hours. Then, there is the house ... helping to raise two bouncy boys (as well as my husband) and ensuring that they are fed, clean, have clothes and cuddled also takes time. Add onto this housework ... well, trying to ensure that the house is clean and clutter isn't piling up everywhere. Even with my creative works, there is time taken to take photos, edit them, email, blog, etc.

It is busy and I think that it is life.

When I took along my crafty items to markets and people found out that I made them, a popular question would be, 'Where do you find the time?' Good question! I simply make time. For me, art is my passion and my outlet to relaxation. When I create, pressures of life, worries and stresses are momentarily boxed away and creativity, imagination, colour and problem solving reign. I find that if I get too swept up with life and I go too long without sitting down and creating, I begin to get restless. It is like I seek that time to sit still and simply create. Art does not solve my problems or stresses but it helps me to manage them.

Here are a few photos of 'work in progress' pieces that I have been working on lately ...

I hope that life isn't too busy for you and that you have a chance to unwind and relax.

~ Jen.

P.S - If you have enjoyed reading about the story behind Tupsy Turvy Designs' products, why not become a 'Golden Ticket Member'? It is FREE and membership entitles you to regular updates, exclusive sales, discounts and opportunities. Simply click here and enter your email address. Easy! I look forward to sharing more ideas with you soon ...

New inspiration, new techniques and new mixed media canvases

I find that there are times when artistic ideas and creative inspiration is dry. The next idea for the next product is just not there. Often it is combined with busyness in life and frustration with the inability to sit down, relax and let the creative juices flow.

At this point in time, I am feeling quite the opposite ... not that life is not busy (helping to run a household with a husband, a dog and two bouncy boys produces a busy, more like hectic pace of life!), rather, I am enjoying the artistic processes of the items that I am currently making and am relishing seeing them arrive at completion.

Paper mache has become a love of mine. Yes, it is messy and gooey and takes a long time to complete, due to the time taken to dry each layer, however, I am enjoying getting my hands sticky and am inspired at what can be created using this medium. I just need to remember that this art does take time and if I want to produce items, I have to add layers daily to keep the process going.

I have also enjoyed taking time to research artistic techniques and have enjoyed viewing fellow artists' work, in discovering how they create their art works. I have enjoyed reading a book, that I borrowed from our public library titled 'Wabi-Sabi Art Workshop' (by Serena Barton), that explores a range of mixed media techniques. I have then enjoyed trying out some of these techniques in new designs, to see if they work for me or in adapting them to suit my artistic style.

Included in this, is my latest range of tiny canvases. I have created a few sets of these daisy flowered works, however, with this current set, I wanted to try out a looser daisy drawing style and I wanted to add words to describe daisies around the centre of the flower. I also developed a heart design, with similar, loosely drawn hearts with words to do with love and friendship around the main heart. What do you think of these additions?

These canvases are currently available in store. To view them and other products, please click here.

Thank you for joining me. I hope that you are currently feeling creative and inspired in whatever you are doing.

~ Jen.

P.S - If you have enjoyed reading about the story behind Tupsy Turvy Designs' products, why not become a 'Golden Ticket Member'? It is FREE and membership entitles you to regular updates, exclusive sales, discounts and opportunities. Simply click here and enter your email address. Easy! I look forward to sharing more ideas with you soon ...

Introducing Fellow Madeit Seller - Ari - from 'Honeysuckle and Lime'

This month I introduce to you Ari - from 'Honeysuckle and Lime'. 

Ari creates beautiful homecrafts including beanbag covers, cushions and bags. They are totally gorgeous! She is one of many talented crafters on 'Madeit'.

Here, Ari shares about her craft and her work on Madeit.

Enjoy!

 

 

Tell us a bit about 'Honeysuckle and Lime'

Honeysuckle and Lime is my "slow food". It is my attempt to make something wholesome, durable, beautiful and personal that will stand the test of time. My background in bedlinen design and product development (pre children) gave me many opportunities to travel and see amazing mills in China and India and work with some incredibly skilled people but the one element that I really had trouble with as the huge amounts of waste involved in bulk production. I really wanted to try to cut down on the waste and make individual special items uniquely for someone which could be valued and treasured. In order to do this I bought myself a beginners screen printing kit and from the very first screen I was hooked! I love the way the different ink colours all have a slightly different consistency, smell and characteristics. It might be a little crazy but I think of them all a little like people.... I have the high maintenance ones and the easy going ones and the super cool dudes.

 

 

What do you like most about being a handmade designer/creator?

I love the flexibility and the fact that I can make to order and customise designs to customers tastes. There is something so special and rewarding about making something especially for someone! I also think it is great for my kids to see that you can make your own clothes, bags, toys etc, My daughter is my biggest fan :)

 

 

Why do you choose to create with fabric?

My mother taught me to sew from an early age and I have such great memories of all her wonderful fabrics. I have a degree in Archeology but it did not take me long after leaving uni to realise that that was not my calling. Hence I ended up in textiles working with bedlinen brands for almost 20 years. Textiles are my happy place!

 

 

What is next? Do you have any new products/designs/ideas planned?

Over the past few years I have used the proceeds of my sales to buy new machinery and this year I have added a lovely new embroidery machine and a heat press which is making life much easier and opening up creative opportunities to combine the screen printing and embroidery on a bigger scale. My latest product addition has been a range of bean bags which my kids are crazy about and I have a new Christmas range which is almost ready. I always have a million ideas but I have to keep things in check because my kids are still little and time with them is really precious so I need to do my best to find a balance.

 

 

Thank you Ari for sharing about your beautiful designs!

To visit Honeysuckle and Lime's Madeit store, please click here. 

You can also view Honeysuckle and Lime's creations on Facebook, here.

Thanks again,

~ Jen.

P.S - If you have enjoyed reading about other handcrafters and want to know more about Tupsy Turvy Designs, why not become a 'Golden Ticket Member'? It is FREE and membership entitles you to regular updates, exclusive sales, discounts and opportunities. Simply click here and enter your email address. Easy! I look forward to sharing more ideas with you soon ...

 

Paper mache hot air balloon

Are you the type of person that loves to scale heights? I'm not and I think that I am fearing heights more and more as I am getting older.

 I am the person that is clinging to the handrail of a lookout that incorporates beautiful views of a scenic place, not daring to look at the view, let alone look down. Contrast this dilemma to my two fun loving boys, that will scale any tree or gladly look over any handrail, so much so, that often they need to be encouraged not to climb up so high.

Which got me thinking about the hot air balloon that I have been working on. Would I ever ride in a hot air balloon? Hmm ... as the balloon gently soars higher in the air and the items below shrink smaller and smaller, I can see myself flattening myself on the floor of the basket underneath the balloon. Hence the answer would be a resounding 'no'.

Luckily for me, this balloon is only small scale. This little beauty is made out of paper mache and painted up in a similar style to the backgrounds of my canvases. I made up matching flags to circle the balloon and a hessian basket underneath. This balloon still needs a few adjustments, but essentially it is finished.

I am very happy with the results, although I did accidentally knock it as it was drying and I realise that this mishap has caused a slight split down the bottom of the balloon. It is only my prototype, so I will fix it up and send it on a trial run as I want to be completely happy with the design. I would love to hear your feedback - is this something that you would use/purchase? Would you like to see more the same size in a variety of colours or smaller? Do you like the general look - what do you like the most or least? I would love to hear from you as I can change some of these features before making a new batch.

Thank you for stopping by. Enjoy whatever you are doing - particularly if you are scaling new heights. As for me, my feet are firmly planted on the ground!

~ Jen.

P.S - If you have enjoyed reading about the story behind Tupsy Turvy Designs' products, why not become a 'Golden Ticket Member'? It is FREE and membership entitles you to regular updates, exclusive sales, discounts and opportunities. Simply click here and enter your email address. Easy! I look forward to sharing more ideas with you soon ...

What a week, but these paper mache hearts are taking shape ...

I suppose I have always been one to have a 'schedule'. My part time work requires me to follow a timetable and even at home, I have certain times and certain days for different activities. Everything fits neatly in its box and everything has its allocated time. It gives me guidance and I know what is going to happen next. I like it when things are predictable ...

However, life is not so easy to contain into schedules or timetables and last week was a perfect example. It was like a 'perfect storm' - all male members of the household just happened to fall ill at the same time. There were pick ups from school, attempts to enforce rest, doctors appointments and medication administered. In all of this was the difficulty in watching precious people in pain as they battled their sickness. Pre-planned schedules and timetables went out the window while nursing duties were undertaken. That is life and that is motherhood and despite the difficulties and the weariness, particularly in these moments, it is indeed a precious gift. I am happy to say that all are well on the mend and are feeling considerably better.

It also meant that my creative time was very limited last week, however, I did get these hearts started. The base layers have been administered and are busy drying. They will have a white top coat applied, some sparkle and some encouraging words added. They will then become part of the surprise packages for my next 'Snail Mail Surprise Challenge'. More details will be released soon about this.

In the meantime, I hope that you stay well. I have been enjoying some beautiful, sunny days and a breath of warmer weather which is so uplifting (and will hopefully get rid of all the sicky germs!)

Thanks for viewing!

~ Jen.

P.S - If you have enjoyed reading about the story behind Tupsy Turvy Designs' products, why not become a 'Golden Ticket Member'? It is FREE and membership entitles you to regular updates, exclusive sales, discounts and opportunities. Simply click here and enter your email address. Easy! I look forward to sharing more ideas with you soon ...

A story and a balloon

The other night I read one of my son's library books to him. It was a fascinating recount of a historical story of a teenage, American inventor that was caught up in the hysteria about 'flying machines'. He had a dream of building a 'sky cycle' - a cross between a bicycle and a hydrogen balloon and ended up creating one that won awards in flying machine competitions.

This story and an urge to get back into paper mache has led to my newest project - a paper mache hot air balloon. This balloon has been carefully created out of paper mache which has then been painted red with splatterings of turquoise, in a mixed media style. I am now applying sealer and varnish and then I will add a knotted net over the top. Of course, it will have a basket for travellers underneath.

I am still working out whether this balloon will become one of my products. They do take quite a lot of time to create (and I LOVE the creation process), but that will also effect the product cost (added labour). The time spent on my paper mache also takes time away from my canvas and jewellery creation, therefore I either need to find a balance with time or work out whether time spent on these bigger projects are worth it. I will also need to test the balloon out myself or have a volunteer trial it to ensure that this creation is sturdy.

I would love to know your initial thoughts. I tend to generate a lot of ideas - but I do need to be realistic as well. Feel free to leave a comment or email me your thoughts (see email address in the 'Contact' tab).

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Jen.

P.S - If you have enjoyed reading about the story behind Tupsy Turvy Designs' products, why not become a 'Golden Ticket Member'? It is FREE and membership entitles you to regular updates, exclusive sales, discounts and opportunities. Simply click here and enter your email address. Easy! I look forward to sharing more ideas with you soon ...

The result of sending some encouragement via handmade

I finally achieved what I set out to do ...

I wanted to help people to encourage others in some way, using what I make as a springboard. Hence, the 'Snail Mail Surprise' challenge was created.

Well, the deadline for completion has arrived. And the result? A small group of us (including myself) signed up for the challenge to encourage someone who was sick or has been sick, and I posted out packs. I have received photos/feedback from a couple of participants, showing how these cards have been used to write encouraging messages, particularly for those who have been in hospital.

Despite the small number of participants and feedback, I would still call it a success. Why? Because if this exercise brought just one smile and one realisation that someone cares, then it was all worth it. Am I going to organise another challenge? You bet! Not only was it fun creating items to be placed in surprise packs, but I firmly believe that sharing words of encouragement, love and compassion can be powerful in the midst of despair and hopelessness.

Therefore, I'll keep in touch with the details of the next challenge. I already have ideas for new items to be placed in surprise packs. As for my special surprise that I am sending to one of my participants, that will be sent out very soon!

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Jen.

P.S - If you don't want to miss out on the next Snail Mail Challenge, why not become a 'Golden Ticket Member'? It is FREE and membership entitles you to regular updates, exclusive sales, discounts and opportunities. Simply click here and enter your email address. Easy! I look forward to sharing more ideas with you soon ...

Introducing Fellow Madeit Seller - Andrea - from 'AZ Pictured'

This month I introduce to you Andrea, from 'AZ Pictured'. 

Andrea is a talented photographer, which I found on Madeit. She creates the most gorgeous dog silhouettes!

Here, Andrea shares about her craft and her work on Madeit.

Enjoy!

Tell us a bit about az pictured.

az pictured is me. Andrea. Married to my soul mate and Mum to two boys who are well on their way to outgrow me. Our house is perched between beautiful Lake Macquarie and the ocean. We have a dog, Lilly, and her and I stick together, being the only girls in the house and all.

az pictured was born a bit over four years ago when I found myself doing a lot of portrait photography and digital restorations for family, and friends, and friends of friends, and mates of friend’s cousins. Things took over in such a way that it became apparent that it all needed to be done ‘properly’.

What do you like most about being a handmade designer/creator?

I have always been a visual person. Drawing and painting and creating got me through my childhood and teens and has stuck with me always. I sold my artwork at markets and art fairs and had the fortune to also exhibit my work. Creating and thinking in colour calms me down and has altogether a meditative effect on me. I feel I forget to breathe when I haven’t created something, anything in a while.

Why did you choose photography?

I’m not sure I chose photography. Probably rather the other way around: photography chose me. My parents had insisted on a solid education and after finishing business school I spent all my money travelling. That’s when photography began. It was just there. And it never let me go.

The digital age was a revelation. Film photography was great but the freedom and ease of digital photography is just wonderful.

My photography is diverse, I guess the rebel in me doesn’t want to be pinned down on one area alone.

Apart from documenting people’s lives and creating memories for them, and digitally restorating old or damaged photographs (my great, great passion) I find myself more and more using photography and  digital post-production to achieve a vision I have in my head.

What is next? Do you have any new products/designs/ideas planned?

When I spent many days as a stall holder at local markets, promoting az pictured, I realized that showing off photobooks with my photography and digital restoration work whilst selling my services was not enough to draw people in. I needed products.

Being involved with the local dog club, the dog silhouettes were almost a natural progression. I pride myself of having created all my silhouettes from a real-life dog, no online downloads here. My collection is constantly expanding, and I’m always on the lookout for that missing breed.

Madeit came into my life just at the right time. I like that it’s big enough but not ginormous, and that it’s focusing on Australia. Setting up my store helped me enormously to wrap my head around the whole concept of having to have products, how to go about producing them, and how to hopefully be able to find my own little niche. Previous custom orders, like acrylic blocks and greeting cards, have now permanently made it into my product catalogue.

A totally new product is in its last testing phase and shall be revealed soon.

The support from Madeit headquarters and fellow Madeit sellers has been great, and it is just wonderful that Jen from Tupsy Turvy Designs has chosen my little world to be featured on her blog. Thank you Jen. 

... and a big thank you to Andrea, for kindly answering my questions.

To visit AZ Pictured's store, please click here.

Thanks again,

~ Jen. 

P.S - If you have enjoyed reading about other handcrafters and want to know more about Tupsy Turvy Designs, why not become a 'Golden Ticket Member'? It is FREE and membership entitles you to regular updates, exclusive sales, discounts and opportunities. Simply click here and enter your email address. Easy! I look forward to sharing more ideas with you soon ...

Snail Mail Surprise Challenge # 1 - Send some Happy Mail!

Everything is set and ready to launch! ‘Snail Mail Surprise #1’ is about to proceed.

For this ‘Snail Mail Surprise’ challenge, you are required to surprise someone that is feeling unwell/has been sick.

I’m very excited about this. This is NOT a competition or a giveaway, rather it is a way a way in which we can do something little, yet wonderful to encourage others – to simply show them that someone cares. I’m calling on you and others to join with me to help out.

It’s simple to join! Here are the steps:

• ·         You can now visit the sign up page. To do so, please click here. There are limited places available.

• ·         If you are successful, you will be sent one of the above Tupsy Turvy Designs mixed media cards (for free!).

• ·         Use this card to surprise someone who is unwell or has been sick. As an extra idea, you could team this card with a cooked meal or a bunch of flowers, or any other idea.

• ·         Take a photo of it – the card with your gift, or the card on your table as you are about to write in it, or as you put the card in the letterbox, or any other idea. Please do not photograph any names or photograph the recipient as I will post these photos on social media.

• ·         Send me your photo – either by email or post it on Instagram or on my Tupsy Turvy Designs Facebook page and tag me (@tupsyturvydesigns) and add the #ttdsnailmailsurprise1

• ·         Please note: By sending in your photo to me you are giving me permission to use it on social media, my blog and newsletter.

• ·         Make sure you complete all these steps by: 30th July 2016

I will participate in this challenge as well and will follow the above procedure. As a special surprise and as a random act of kindness, I will surprise one of the registered participants with a little gift from me.

You don’t necessarily need to live in Australia to register, as long as you receive post I will send you the card (still for free) in order for you to participate. By registering, you are prepared to receive the card and undertake the challenge.

Want to join in the fun? Click here to register.

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Jen.