Madeit Seller Feature - Kate from 'My Pretty Ivy'

What girl doesn't like adding a bold, beautiful necklace to their outfit? Kate from the Madeit store 'My Pretty Ivy' sure likes to create beautiful necklaces that are washable - perfect for Mums that have bubs that love to put items in their mouths.

I had the opportunity to ask Kate about her creations and her store and is my feature Madeit seller for this month. So sit back, grab a cup of tea and enjoy reading about 'My Pretty Ivy' ...

**Note: If you like an item, click on the photo and it will take you to the My Pretty Ivy shop and will give you more detail about the items**

Tell us a bit about 'My Pretty Ivy'...

Hi my name is Kate and I'm a first time mum to my very pretty Ivy (I am no doubt like all mothers biased!). Like most women I love pretty little things and realise that having a baby and wearing jewellery don't often go hand in hand!

After struggling to find well priced and good quality jewellery made from silicone I decided to create some. Initially I began creating necklaces for friends who have also recently had babies! A couple of friends who received these necklaces as gifts made the suggestion of me creating an online store and given I am on leave from my role as a registered nurse I had the opportunity to explore my creative side! so My pretty Ivy was created! These pretty and affordable necklaces are made from 100% non-toxic food grade silicone beads that are free from BPA, lead and any other nasties!

Each necklace is unique and one of a kind (I wear plain coloured clothes and like to add colour through accessories...I know I am not the only woman who does this!)

I love that these necklaces can be washed with warm soapy water (as little fingers are cute but usually grubby!) and come with a safety clasp(little hands are strong!)

They are great for wearing when feeding to keep little fingers distracted!

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

I love designing necklaces with customers as it allows both of us to create a piece they will love and wear! I know that there are times when you feel like you lose your sense of self as a new mum. Making these necklaces and exploring my creative side allows me to feel connected to me. It is very therapeutic working with different shaped and coloured beads! 

I feel that there is something special about handmade items in this day of seasonal and mass produced items....you can feel the love and energy in them!

What is your favourite item (that you have created)?

It would be unfair to label one of my necklaces a favourite! I like them all especially when I receive a thankyou note from a happy recipient!

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

At this stage My pretty Ivy is still very new....so who knows where it will travel!

Thank you very much Kate for sharing your ideas! I, too, echo the love of handmade items - the joy and relaxing in creating them and also the care that these items exude in a mass produced world.

If you would like to visit My Pretty Ivy, please click here. Why not drop Kate a message and leave some feedback about her creations (email address is located on the My Pretty Ivy store page)!

To see other Madeit stores, please click here.

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 ...

For Jack - a personalised, custom name embroidery

I sometimes find creating for boys a challenge, and hey ... I have two of them! They are full of adventure - with energy to explore, curiosity and a yearning for discovery. Just how  does one encapsulate that in a work of art? Well, I decided to go with a space theme as astronauts bravely venture out to the unknowns of space to bring to Earth new insights of far off places.

 

 

 

However, some little boys are bravely undertaking experiences of a different kind - sicknesses that are robbing them of being able to explore to their full potential. One such little man is 'Jack'. When the opportunity arose to design something for him, this was what popped into my mind. The inclusion of glittering stars wasn't just to add to the space theme, rather it was to add the notion of 'aiming for the stars' and to keep a positive mindset. I sincerely pray that this little adventurer is feeling better soon so that he can continue on the path to adventure and fun.

 

 

This design is also available for your little adventurer and has been listed in both the Madeit and Etsy stores as a custom design. Each item is handmade, therefore no two embroideries will be exactly the same. Please visit one of these shops for more details.

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 ...

 

Madeit seller - Michelle from 'The China Hutch'

For this month's Madeit seller feature, I am introducing Michelle, from 'The China Hutch'. Michelle makes the most gorgeous porcelain products that she hand paints. Grab a cuppa and enjoy reading about her products ...

Tell us a bit about 'The China Hutch' ...

My shop is called The China Hutch and I hand paint on white bone china or porcelain. I only use the best quality pieces to paint as there is such a lot of time and firing of each piece involved. First off I decide what I shall paint - unless it is a commission! It is a combination of my imagination, old pictures in books, especially things for young children or something that has caught my eye somewhere. Then I  sketch the design either straight onto the piece of china with a special pencil or onto paper and transfer it onto the china with graphite paper. Once that is done I use an old fashioned pen with a fine nib and the paint is the consistency of ink and ink over the pencil lines. Then fired in the kiln at 825C. Next I can start to apply the on glaze paints, and refire. Depending on the colours required, it can take a few trips to the kiln to keep applying the paint until the depth of colours has been reached. When the kiln reaches the high temperature the glaze on the piece melts and the paint sinks into the glaze so that once it is cold the glaze has re hardened and the paint is set into the glaze. 

What is a favourite item that you have created?

My favourite piece I think was a lovely Royal Doulton plate with a handle that I painted with Morning Glory, or it could have been the higeldy, pigeldy dutch village I painted on a long plate when we were living in Holland for nearly 7 years and I had a full time business there as my dutch was not good enough to work as a nurse on a neonatal intensive care unit. 

What is next? Do you have some new products or ideas planned?

I just paint what I like and think might sell or take on some commissions and try to do what that person wishes, I always send them a photo of the outline before I do the 1st fire to see if it is what they want.

Thank you Michelle for sharing with us about your Madeit shop and about your items.

To visit 'The China Hutch', please click here. 

If you are a Madeit seller or if you have a favourite Madeit shop that you would like to be featured, please let me know by clicking here.

Thank you 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 ...

5 Top Reasons Why A Visit To The Op Shop Is OK

Ok ... I love it! I visit my local Op Shop weekly and I can't help but purchase a few goodies. If you have never visited one before, don't feel bad. Shake off any stigma and  embrace the treasure trove of delights in front of you, as those days are long gone.

There are many reasons, why shopping at an Op Shop is benefitial. I share my top five ...

#1 - Save Money

This one is HUGE! I have purchased new or near new clothing for a fraction of the price that you would pay in retail shops. Instead of buying one item for around $30, I can buy around six items. It is amazing value. Worried about their past? Simply throw them in the washing machine. At my local Op Shop, they have half price days for certain price tags, making it more of a bargain!

#2 - Find A Treasure

Ever heard of the saying, "Another man's rubbish is another man's treasure"? Well ... it is totally true. People get rid of the most amazing things which can in turn can be delightful to you.

One of my boys wanted a pair of footy boots. I just happened to find a pair, my son's size for a bargain of a price. All they needed was a little scrub. My other son desperately wanted a tie to wear (yes ... a little crazy, particularly when he doesn't like to wear his school uniform tie!). Guess where I found one? Yes ... the Op Shop! Even if his 'tie faze' is brief, it only cost me a couple of dollars.

#3 - Reduce Landfill

This is a good reason! People like to declutter their belongings now and then. When donated to an Op Shop, these items are then given another chance in the big, wide world rather than simply being dumped. They can be reused and recycled by someone - like me! My products are all made with at least some element of recycled material. The source? Yep ... the Op Shop! It's the place where I purchase material, threads, books and picture frames, sparing these items from life at the dump. Not only do I save money on my craft supplies, but I also do a little part in saving the environment.

A word of warning though ... don't let that item sit on the Op Shop shelf as these items also have a limited time span. Unfortunately, if they are not snapped up, they too will be discarded at the dump after a number of weeks.

#4 - Inspires Creativity

Oh, yes! Clothes that are purchased can be layered with others to create your own individual style or they can be altered to create a totally new look. I often purchase materials or items that are then transformed into new items with some tweeking. Earrings are used as pendant bases, book pages have paint splattered on them to create bases for artworks, photo frames become embroidery frames ... the list continues. Search the internet and examples of clever crafters appear with beautiful and creative designs that use recycled doilies, tea towels, clothing, cups and saucers, etc.

#5 - Support Charity

When I walk out the Op Shop door with my bundle of treasures, I walk out happily ... not only because I have scored a bargain or have found something special, but simply because I have helped someone out. The money that is paid for purchases at a charity organised Op Shop, supports their work in helping others. I find this the easiest way to support charities.

Added to the above list ... visiting an Op Shop is fun as it is totally unpredictable! You never know what you will find.

Thanks for stopping by. I would love to know your favourite item that you found in an Op Shop.

Have fun shopping!

~ 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 photo, a rabbit and perspective

Do you have a favourite photo? I do ... it happens to be a photo of my dog that was taken quite a few years ago. Here it is ...

I love how he is looking up at me with his expressive face. He seems to have a look of 'demand' - I want you to play with me, I want you to take me for a walk, I want a treat ... the list continues.

The opportunity arose to design a fabric and paint art work for a dear, little girl that had experienced a tough time of late. The result is similar to the above photo ... take a look ...

The little girl loves rabbits, so once again I made the motif a rabbit. I thought I would change the perspective of the rabbit, compared to the earlier rabbit design, this one looks as though it is looking up you. I ended up creating two of the same design. The first one I made had white highlights around the ears and on the feet and it was the design that I ended up giving to the little girl I had in mind (photos are available for viewing on my Instagram feed. Click here.) This one has dark brown highlights and this one is currently in the Etsy store (Click here to view).

Which one do you like the best?

Thank you 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 ...

Now open ... Tupsy Turvy Designs Etsy Store

Tupsy Turvy Designs NEW Etsy Store is now open! To view, please click here.

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Jen.

Sunny, Daisy Flower Mixed Media Canvas

We all need some motivation and encouragement, right? This sunny, daisy flower mixed media canvas was created with this in mind.

I love flowers. I love the range of vibrant colours that they burst forth with. I love how a group of them can't help but look cheery and happy. Combine these happy flowers with tones of yellow and green and a tone of happiness is set!

I also believe that we are all created by God for a purpose and that there is a need to stop life from clouding or diminishing this at times. The words that I wrote on the canvas are meant to remind us of our value, to be strong and to proudly do what is required.

Paint is a wonderful medium to work with. I enjoy working with it so much as it offers such freedom in creativity. I love blending colours together and adding textures. I have been inspired by other mixed media artists, of late, and have experimented with new techniques. I have even started an art journal to make the most of trying out these new ideas. In this canvas, I have used bunches of thread as a way to create some extra dimension. I have also used torn magazine pieces as the centre of the flowers.

This canvas is currently available, although I am having a bit of a hiccup listing it in the new shop that I hope to open soon online. 

(Feel free to contact me for more details about this canvas, if you have any questions though).

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 ...

Rabbit Embroidery

How have you been?

It seems like a long time since I have sat down and shared about what has been happening.

I am slowly getting back into the routine of things after a lovely holiday break and embracing a new year that is filled with new opportunities and ideas.

One such idea is the notion in being more active in helping others. Mim from 'Hero Happy Mail' has the wonderful idea of assisting 'little heroes' that have experienced a tough time of late. It has been delightful to join a community that is focused on giving special surprises to these little ones. I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to create something each month, especially for a little hero. Everyone loves a handmade gift, right?

Here is my first ... a little bunny nibbling on some grass.

I wanted to merge my love of painting, a different medium to paint on, in this case, some reclaimed fabric and embroidery. Instead of purely painting on an image, I have stitched an outline in part and then added some paint to fill in with colour. The finished product is then framed in a recycled frame with a touch of padded softness added.

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 ...

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 ...