{ a creature strange }

Poster Tuesday : It's back!

2012-01-31T13:51:00.000+10:00

It's been a while...a long while, since I've had a poster Tuesday, but don't worry because it's back! Today I've been inspired by the work of Dutch designer Marius Roosendaal. View more work here and you can even order prints here.

Simply divine cheesecake slice

2012-01-27T12:00:00.001+10:00

I've stumbled across a wonderfully easy cheesecake slice recipe using Arnott's lattice biscuits (remember those from your childhood?). Great for a quick cheesecake craving! I've made a few tweeks to make it my own (and slightly healthier).

Ingredients
1 pack lattice biscuits (possibly 2 packs depending on the size of your dish)
125g light cream cheese
approx 200g fresh ricotta
1/2 cup castor sugar
1 tsp vanilla essence
zest and juice of one lemon
2 tsp gelatine (dissolved in 1/4 cup hot water)

Method
Beat together the cream cheese, ricotta, sugar, and vanilla essence until smooth. Add in the lemon zest, juice and dissolved gelatine and mix until combined. Cover your dish with non-stick paper (optional) and place a layer of biscuits on the base, sugar side down. Evenly spread the mixture and place another layer, sugar side up, of the lattice biscuits. Cover and refrigerate until set. Enjoy with friends!

Vietnamese delights

2012-01-26T16:42:00.000+10:00

A few experimental shots of our tasty vietnamese lunch using my new camera lens.

Afternoon tea

2012-01-22T15:34:00.002+10:00

If you're ever in need of a fool-proof afternoon tea, I can highly recommend homemade instant pancakes from the Nigella Express cookbook. I make mine slightly smaller and serve with jam and whipped cream – yum!

What’s in my handbag

2011-10-23T11:14:00.000+10:00

I love my Mimco handbag, but it's starting to feel the ravages of time. I think the ridiculous amount of things I keep in there has something to do with it. I've recently purchased a fabulous travel wallet from my dear friend at fellowfellow to keep all my letters, receipts and other miscellaneous paper goods neatly together. I usually have an excess of one particular item in my bag – it seems to be lip gloss and business card holders right now! Here's a peak at what's floating around in my handbag at the moment.

La dolce vita : honeymoon : part 3

2011-10-12T19:47:00.000+10:00

The final instalment of photos. Hope you've enjoyed them!

La dolce vita : honeymoon : part 2

2011-10-10T07:43:00.000+10:00

A few more photos from our journey through Italy.

La dolce vita : honeymoon

2011-10-08T19:06:00.000+10:00

A few images from our honeymoon in lovely Italy!

14 years in the making

2011-10-07T17:49:00.002+10:00

The most wonderful day of my life, married to my teenage sweetheart on a beautiful (albeit a little windy) Spring day, surrounded by great friends and family. Just a taste of the day – thankyou to our talented friend Kristian for the photos.

Flood relief sales

2011-01-25T11:41:00.004+10:00

A big thankyou to all who have purchased items from my etsy store to help the Premier's Flood Appeal! Only one item left! So far BrisStyle has raised over $3000 to assist with the relief efforts for Queenslanders affected by the floods. For those readers in other parts of the country or world, you can see some amazing before and after images from the floods here.

Don't forget to check out the other amazing items being sold by BrisStyle members for this appeal. Here are just a few of their fabulous works.

Whimsical Birdcage by Retro Bird, Black and White Earrings by MarjonScheffer, Miss Scottie by madebymaisie.

More items added the the Handmade Ark Flood Appeal

2011-01-13T15:15:00.002+10:00

I've added another two bags to my etsy store to help BrisStyle's Handmade Ark Flood Appeal. Thankyou to those that have already purchase items, all proceeds of which will go to the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal for Queensland residents affected by the floods.

BrisStyle's Handmade Flood Appeal

2011-01-13T11:13:00.004+10:00

It's been a while between posts I know, but I thought the current Flood Appeal which BrisStyle has organised is well and truely worth getting back online for. Devastating floods have damaged 75% of the state where I live and displaced so many families. To help donate to this Simply purchase a handmade item from a participating BrisStyle members Etsy shop and the funds will be donated directly to the Pre mier's Flood Relief Appeal.

I've listed a Red white and blue heart pleated handbag and a Black, white and charcoal frame clutch. For more etsy sellers participating in the appeal visit http://brisstyle.blogspot.com/

The disappearing act

2010-11-15T23:07:00.000+10:00

I'm back!...I'm not sure where I went, but rest assured I'm fine, no injuries or memory loss....just a general feeling of missing something. Apologies for the unattended blog of late, but life and full time work seem to be hijacking all my free time. Sewing has continued very sporadically behind the scenes, but I am pleased to share with you my latest etsy offerings. I did make these frame clutches a little while back, but thought it was time that they get their share of etsy time. I also have a selection of smaller coin purses currently underway, just in time for this Friday's BrisStyle Twilight market, 5-9pm in King George Square, Brisbane.

kitchen kitsch

2010-09-26T21:19:00.001+10:00

I'm doing a little house hunting at the moment, so interior things are catching my eye. These gems from Dwell.

Weekend market wrap-up

2010-09-06T22:16:00.000+10:00

Thanks to everyone who came to the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market on Saturday. Despite the rainy/windy/hot (obviously confused) weather, it turned out to be a great day. Thanks to Nick from Collecting Feathers who shared the space with me. The new bags were a hit so I have plenty of sewing to do in the lead up to the Twilight and Christmas markets. I have a few bags remaining which I'll list on etsy in the next week or so - stay tuned!

A few shots from Saturday of A Creature Strange, Collecting Feathers and Jetta's Nest.

Springtime accessories

2010-09-02T14:03:00.002+10:00

I'm proud to present my latest bag release, just in time for spring! These cute and funky handbags will be making their debut at Saturday's BrisStyle Indie Market at Hamilton. There are only a few available so get in quick. I'll also have a range of large clip frame clutches, yo-yo necklaces and brooches available, so drop by and say hello :)

MIA

2010-08-25T18:57:00.000+10:00

Ok, not quite MIA, but definitely a little absent from the blog lately. Sometimes life gets really busy and little things you love to do (like blogging), sadly get left behind. Things are still very busy at work, house hunting has begun and all the painfully boring things that go along with it, but I have managed to start making a new range on bags on the weekend (pictures to come) just in time for the BrisStyle Designers Market on Saturday 4 September. Oh, and I did manage to fit in a weeks break with my boyfriend in Sydney and the Hunter Valley. Just what we needed!

Market reminder

2010-07-29T22:32:00.000+10:00

Just a quick reminder that A Creature Strange will be at the Twilight Markets in King George Square, Brisbane from 5-7pm tomorrow night (Friday 30 July) and also at the Red Hill Fair. Visit their website here for details about the event. Hope to see you there!

Minature Hanoi

2010-07-21T22:57:00.000+10:00

A photo taken from my trip to Vietnam earlier this year. A crazy street from the top floor of a building in the centre of Hanoi - made mini! Click on the image for a better look.

Inspiration

2010-07-20T19:02:00.000+10:00

Beautiful works by the very talented, L.A. based Andrew Holder.

New pieces

2010-07-19T17:42:00.001+10:00

Just a couple of new pieces that I've been working on (while not feeling sick and miserable!). I'll have these guys available next Friday night (30 July) at the BrisStyle Twilight Market in King George and Saturday at the Red Hill Fair (31 July).

Brighten your day

2010-07-07T19:06:00.000+10:00

Brilliant colours to make us all happy on a cold day. Images by MWM Graphics (Crystals & Lasers) and Russian Dolls by Audree Lapierre.

100 posts!

2010-07-05T20:59:00.000+10:00

{ a creature strange } has reached the one hundred post mark! A big thankyou to all my avid readers out there, whether you're a follower who has supported me from the beginning, or just a casual reader dropping by to check things out. It's been great having an outlet to share my work and the brilliant work of others with the world. Although it's been a struggle at times (especially since working full time again) to find time to post, it's always worth it getting all your supportive and fantastic comments. So here's a celebratory coffee and bagel on me :)

Larger than life

2010-06-28T21:51:00.000+10:00

Saturday was the day that I finally visited the Ron Mueck exhibition at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art. His sculptures are truly amazing and his attention to detail is astounding - make sure you have a look before the exhibition closes on the 1 August.

Tea anyone?

2010-06-14T11:18:00.001+10:00

Yesterday I enjoyed high tea with friends at Franklin Villa (very appropriate I think since it is the Queen's birthday holiday). It was my first ever high tea experience, and far from my last! Tasty little morsels enjoyed with hot brewed tea - yum! Hooray for holidays!

New in store

2010-06-13T15:56:00.000+10:00

I've finally managed to add a few new items to my etsy and made it stores (which were both looking pretty sad and empty!). Here's a peak...

Designer Market wrap-up

2010-06-08T20:11:00.000+10:00

A big thanks to everyone who dropped by to support me at the recent BrisStyle market. Also, a big thanks to Nicole from Hot Toffee who shared my stall with me and made the day even more enjoyable. Here are a few shots from the day (the last 3 are of Hot Toffee's amazing products!). Unfortunately I wasn't able to unveil my latest product on Saturday (just wasn't quite ready!) but I'll have a few photos to share in the coming days!

One more sleep!

2010-06-04T08:55:00.002+10:00

Only one more sleep until the BrisStyle Indie Designers Markets! If you're a Brisbane local make sure you drop by St Augustine's Church grounds on Racecourse Rd, Hamilton on tomorrow (Sat 5 June) to pick up some fabulous locally made handcrafted goodies! I'll be there sharing a stall with Hot Toffee, and will have a few new items for sale! {I'll hopefully be able to share a sneak peek later today}. In keeping with the current sale fever that's hitting our stores I'll also have some discounted items for sale.

Hope to see you there!

macaron envy

2010-06-01T20:52:00.001+10:00

I've only ever attempted to make macarons once, and it wasn't very successful. Fortunately other people can make them, so I will admire theirs instead, and their fabulous packaging by Anagrama.

Awe inspiring photography

2010-05-25T20:18:00.000+10:00

Simply beautiful works by German photographer Maria Grossman.

loft love

2010-05-23T21:05:00.000+10:00

I used to dream of living in a warehouse...renovated of course. Unfortunately I only have an apartment, but if it was I think I'd like it to look like this. From here.

A little something

2010-05-16T13:37:00.000+10:00

Adapted from something I created for work.

Twilight Markets wrap-up

2010-05-06T20:50:00.000+10:00

A big thanks to all of you that dropped by my stall at the BrisStyle Twilight Market last friday night. As it was the first of these events we were a little unsure of how it would go, but it proved to be a fantastic night! There are a few more planned for this year, the next on July 30, so if you missed out on the last market make sure you pencil in the next!

Here are a few shots of my stall taken by the lovely Bec (and stall neighbour) from Where's Becky Bean.

felted geometry

2010-05-06T12:41:00.000+10:00

By Aurelie Tu. Find more here.

Shining under the stars

2010-04-29T22:47:00.000+10:00

Just a quick reminder to all you Brisbanites that tomorrow night is BrisStyle's first Twilight market. Pop on down to King George Square in the city from 5pm, pick up a few fabulous handmade goodies, soak up the fun atmosphere and have a great time in the recently renovated King George Square. There'll also be some live tunes to keep you grooving! I'll be sharing a co-op stall with a few other BrisStyle girls, so keep an eye out!

Sneek peek

2010-04-26T11:54:00.000+10:00

Here's a little look at some of the things I've been up to this weekend...

Natural inspiration

2010-04-21T21:41:00.000+10:00

I just love the simplicity and clean lines of the work from Pawling Print Studio.

Ramblings

2010-04-20T21:51:00.001+10:00

Sorry about the lack of posts again lately! I've acquired a new full time job so have been too exhausted after work to put together a half decent sentence, let alone a blog post! It's good to be back out working with other creative types after freelancing solo for a while.

Things are starting to get exciting on the BrisStyle front with heaps of new markets this year and new logos and graphics which I've also been working on. The inaugural Twilight Indie Design Market kicks off in less than two weeks in King George Square, Brisbane City where I'll be in one of the co-op stalls with a range of clutches, bags, necklaces and brooches. Very exciting!

And to keep the tradition going, I present 'Poster Tuesday', film posters with all images courtesy of Terry Posters.

what I've been up to

2010-04-11T11:25:00.000+10:00

Involves lots of little colour disks, scattered all over my coffee table, filling up bowls, hiding under the couch. I think they are breeding when I'm not in the room. I've managed to control them though, stitching them together to make it harder to escape. Some have been transformed into necklaces, others brooches. All will be available as the BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market, April 30 in King George Square from 5pm.

poster fun

2010-04-05T19:49:00.000+10:00

Hunt & Gather print series from Lab Partners.

Easter bunny happiness

2010-04-05T10:39:00.000+10:00

Hope you all had a wonderful easter and aren't feeling too ill from copious amounts of chocolate! To make my easter even more special I've won a kit to sew this cute little guy from Tikiboo Kids! Hopefully mine will turn out just as cute.

Apartment loving

2010-03-30T18:40:00.000+10:00

A few inspiring apartment interiors...to help motivate me to make mine nicer.

Images courtesy of Apartment Therapy.

Bicycle goodness

2010-03-28T08:50:00.001+10:00

It was my birthday a few weeks ago...yes, a big birthday. One that you try not to mention too much. Although I didn't blog about it I did celebrate with family and friends - nice Italian food with the family and a great cocktail party with friends.

But the funnest part was presents (of course!). Apart from a fantastically sharp (and appropriately adult) cooks knife I got a bike (well, I get to choose one) ! I've never actually owned a bike, except for a tricycle when I was about 4. Living upon a giant hill means I need a bike with some serious gear-power, so I've gone with a roadster/hybrid looking thing (plus basket and stylish mud guards of course!). In the lead up much drooling over European-style roadsters happening, so here's a taste of the beautiful bikes I found.

Images and gorgeous bikes courtesy of Velorbis.

Poster Tuesday : USA Style

2010-03-23T19:48:00.001+10:00

The brilliantly vibrant works of The Heads of State.

Studio Violet

2010-03-16T17:24:00.000+10:00

Fantastic goodies from Swedish duo, Studio Violet.

Newest listings

2010-03-10T16:34:00.000+10:00

Just a few things I've recently listed for sale on my Etsy and Made It sites. More will be listed in the coming days, so stay tuned!

Belated poster tuesday

2010-03-10T11:17:00.000+10:00

I can never seem to get my act together for a tuesday. Better belated than never...here are some of the amazing works of Swedish illustrator Jonas Bergstrand.

March market wrap-up

2010-03-08T11:20:00.001+10:00

A big thanks to all of you who braved the drizzly wet conditions to come to Saturday's BrisStyle market! Although not nearly as busy as December's, the market was still great fun, and great to chat and say hello to all of you who dropped by A Creature Strange's Stall!

A special thankyou to my little stall helpers on the day who helped me setup, pack up and kept me laughing in-between!

I had grand plans on photographing some bags to list online today, but the overcast weather is making that a little difficult! Hopefully some great photography weather will come my way in the next few days. In the meantime a few yo-yo necklaces have been listed on my Made It store.

Don't miss out!

2010-03-04T17:28:00.002+10:00

Where have you been I hear you ask?! Well, I've been speedily cutting, sewing and making in preparation for this Saturday's BrisStyle Indie Designers Market! Don't miss out on this years very first BrisStyle market with heaps of fantastic local crafts and goodies. Here's a few goodies that I'll be selling on the day.

Look out for A Creature Strange's outdoor stall. Rain, hail or shine I'll be there...drop on by and say hello!

St Augustine's Church grounds,
Racecourse Rd, Hamilton
Open 9am – 2pm

Poster Tuesday

2010-03-02T10:37:00.000+10:00

It's back, with the fabulously retro work of Alex Varanese.

I'm featured!

2010-02-25T13:26:00.001+10:00

Much to my amazement today I found out that my red, white and blue clutch purse has been featured in a snippet about the upcoming BrisStyle Indie Designers Market in this months Style Magazine. It's so nice to see your work in print!

Holiday shots in red

2010-02-20T18:45:00.000+10:00

Holiday shots in blue

2010-02-19T19:43:00.000+10:00

A few more photos from my Asian adventure.

Back at last!

2010-02-18T21:52:00.003+10:00

Sorry for the pause in transmission! But I'm back! I'm finally home after a fantastic month travelling through Cambodia and Vietnam. It seems like an eternity since I blogged, and no doubt have missed out on a lot of goings on in blogland. After spending so long away from computer screens and sewing machines I'm feeling a little technophobic, but will endeavor to get back into the posting swing.

Here's a little taste of what I've experienced, with many more photos to come.

New instore

2010-01-12T18:47:00.009+10:00

I've had these little guys up my sleeve for some time now, and it's time for them to make their debut! Those of you who came to visit my BrisStyle stall in December might have seen, or in fact bought, the few 'test' necklaces I had with me. Not sure of the response they'd get, I was pleasantly surprised when they were the first things to sell out! Now they are available on my etsy store, with more in the production line. A few of these are made from some fantastic vintage scarves I found.

Inspirational home

2010-01-09T20:48:00.007+10:00

Beautifully simple and fun interiors. The work of Ethanollie.

Simple and stylish

2010-01-06T16:55:00.005+10:00

All images via Jordan Michael Gray on Flickr.

end of a great year!

2009-12-31T18:12:00.005+10:00

Well, we've done it! We've reached the end of 2009! With 2010 but hours away I just wanted to say a big thankyou to everyone that has been following and sharing your thoughts and comments on my blog over the last 6 or so months. It's been an exciting half year with so many new things happening for me - leaving fulltime employment to work for myself, sewing and patternmaking lessons, making and designing bag after bag and having people buy and enjoy them (a creature strange started out as a bit of a hobby but it has turned into so much more), attending my first market, and starting this blog and being part of a great online and Brisbane craft and design community.

So what does 2010 have in store?....a bit of travel, developing more a creature strange products, a few more market appearances and all-round general good times! Hope to see you lurking and grinning around the blogs in 2010!

Image via wardomatic.

Just not enough relaxing

2009-12-31T09:28:00.012+10:00

I hope you all had a wonderful xmas break and plenty of time to spend relaxing with friends and family. I seemed to have dropped off the blog radar over this festive season, but I think I can be excused, right?

Apart from eating leftovers and lounging around I've been busy booking our overseas holiday. Looking forward to doing even more relaxing, trying some tasty (and probably not so tasty!) local food and shopping in the markets! Here's a photographic taste of where I'll be!

Images via here.

Gingerbread reindeer cookies

2009-12-21T17:29:00.008+10:00

Today I had the pleasure of babysitting my almost 4 year old nephew, so to entertain him we decided to make gingerbread cookies (as well as make paper aeroplanes, draw food that started with the letter 'C', draw other food stuffs including a rotten orange (this was a black scribbly circle), make and eat lunch, watch and critique the wiggles, build marble racing towers....phew!). So here's the low down on these delicious treats:

{ ingredients }

125g softened butter

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 egg yolk

2 1/2 cups plain flour

3 tsp ground ginger

3 tsp cinnamon (can also add a bit of nutmeg if you like!)

1/2 cup golden syrup

{ method }

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Beat butter, sugar and yolk until smooth. Add dry ingredients and syrup and mix well to form a dough. Knead dough and divide into 2 batches. Roll out between 2 sheets of baking paper until about 5mm thick. Cut out awesome shapes (I opted for scandinavian forest creatures courtesy of ikea cookie cutters!). Bake on baking paper for about 15mins. Enjoy!

Poster...friday?

2009-12-18T10:33:00.004+10:00

Ok, so I've been neglecting Poster Tuesday somewhat. It's the end of the year so I hope you can forgive me! Until I tuned back into the days of the week, here's a few goodies to keep you happy :)

Credits (from top down): Small by Alice L. Robertson, Nature by Samashton, Family by Craig Williams, & Science by Pat Bradbury. Via Don't Panic.

Guess who's going on holiday? Me! I'll let you know where very soon!

APT6 {part 2}

2009-12-14T09:55:00.006+10:00

More images from the 6th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art currently showing at the Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane.

APT6 {part 1}

2009-12-10T15:15:00.008+10:00

Today I spend the morning wandering through GOMA checking out the latest exhibition, the 6th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT6 for short). It was great to see all the amazing artworks together within such a wonderful space (I love the GOMA building!). Since there was a lot to see, I'll have a few entries to cover all the great bits!

First up, my absolute favourite contemporary artist, Yoshitomo Nara. I'm a little obsessed with him actually, with numerous prints and postcards of his gracing the walls and shelves of my home. Below are images of a collaboration (YNG) of Nara with Japanese design group, Graf - Y.N.G.'s mobile studio. I really really wanted to get inside the van and drive away with it, up the coast, through the mountains, into the countryside...just me, the artworks and stuffed animals!

Stay tuned for more APT6 action!

my love of type

2009-12-09T08:56:00.007+10:00

I admit it, I love typography. Especially the big real kind. Giant cut out letters really take my fancy. Maybe it's a graphic designer thing, maybe it's just me?! I've been collected type for sometime now and have letters scattered around my apartment, hanging on garage walls and patiently waiting in boxes to be unveiled. I day dream about stealing giant type from the front of buildings. These are the kinds of things I like.

From the top:

Etsy christmas wishlist

2009-12-08T17:39:00.007+10:00

I've been very good this year....promise!

Clockwise from top left:

Modern Baby Clock - Squirrel by decoylab, Remnant's Abstract ReClaimed Fibers Embellished Neckline TShirt in Olive n Grey by PeekoApparel , Liam - Little Red Forest Fox by Sleepyking, A Lady Ought by UntamedMenagerie, POISON deep dark charcoal grey raw silk bolero by maryandangelika, wild hedgehog, antiqued pewter and sterling silver necklace by makeit.

Now selling on made it!

2009-12-07T18:24:00.003+10:00

A creature strange bags and accessories can now also be purchased on made it, the Australian handmade online market! Stock is gradually being added to my store, so check back regularly to see what's available.

Market wrap-up

2009-12-06T12:02:00.004+10:00

Phew! The big day is all over now! I've officially survived my first market! Had a fantastic day yesterday at the BrisStyle market, slight sunburn, a little dehydration and sore biceps from helping hold the marquee down in the sudden wind bursts, but all round a great day! Shared my stall with the fabulous Melanie from Kimono Reincarnate – thanks for keeping me company and making it such a good day! Also a big thanks to all of you who came out to support the market, especially those that came to visit and purchase from me :)

I have a few items left so I'll be popping them online in the next day or two. I'll let you know what's available and when – so stay tuned!

Getting ready!

2009-12-04T15:27:00.006+10:00

I'm been getting ready for tomorrow's BrisStyle market...finishing bags, making swing tags, signs, you name it! Drop on my and say hello, Sat 5 Dec at St Augustine's Church, Racecourse Rd, Hamilton!

market update

2009-11-30T17:51:00.012+10:00

So you may have been wondering why the lack of posts...laziness? busy? bad memory? Well, yes, all those things are true, but mainly I've been a busy little bee, sewing for the upcoming markets! Here's a peek at some of my new bags that will be for sale on the day and through my etsy store (soon!).

I've also been making a few funky drawstring bags for the day - great eye-catching fabrics (I particularly like the birds!) and colours. Library bags, santa sacks...heaps of uses!

If you're a Brisbanite and need to get some christmas shopping done, or just feel like having a day out, come and visit the BrisStyle markets, this coming Saturday (5th Dec) at St Augustines Church grounds on Racecourse Rd, Hamilton. Heaps of locally made, fantastic handmade goods for sale. I'll be outside, so make sure you say hi!

my creative space/mess

2009-11-25T10:37:00.005+10:00

It's been a busy few days working crazy hours, having a very unsettling blocked ear, while still trying to get more stock ready for the Brisbane Indie Designer Markets on the 5 Dec! Thought I'd share with you my work space (ie. the whole living room!) and the craft-plosion (craft + explosion) that seemed to have occurred over night. There are more shoulder sling bags in the making (currently in about 12 pieces each!) and some new drawstring bags.

Follow along with more (neater!) creative spaces here.

Catchups and etsy featured seller

2009-11-21T09:06:00.006+10:00

Hello my neglect-arinos! Sorry for my blogging absence of late, but a lot of work and sewing has been going on lately. Not to say I haven't been doing anything exciting! Thursday night was the ABCD meetup {artists/bloggers/crafters/designers} where crafty types got together over a drink or two to chat about things and meet new people. Had a great time chatting do some really lovely and hilarious girls!

Thought I'd share the wonderful work of etsy artists Jen and Vera. Very cute!

All images via jenandvera.

Poster Tuesday

2009-11-17T21:28:00.003+10:00

All images by ISO50, available here.

And the winner is...

2009-11-15T16:51:00.003+10:00

Thanks to everyone who entered my iPod/iPhone case giveaway and thanks for all the great feedback on my products. The lucky randomly drawn winner is Bec Hem! I'll be in contact soon and a little package will arrive for you in the post. Enjoy!

1 day left on the giveaway!

2009-11-13T17:33:00.001+10:00

If you haven't entered already, make sure you get your entry in to win a new iPhone/iPod case. More details here: http://acreaturestrange.blogspot.com/2009/11/giveaway-time.html

Best of luck!

Getting ready for the markets!

2009-11-11T17:00:00.004+10:00

Here's a peek at what I've been making for the upcoming BrisStyle markets on Dec 5. New frill clutch purses! There's 5 so far, in a fantastic red, denim and geometric black, grey and white. I've also been busy cutting and sewing some more shoulder sling bags, and a new medium sized sling bag that has a slightly different shape than the others. Starting to get a few blisters on my cutting hand!

Poster Tuesday, Austria style

2009-11-10T20:40:00.005+10:00

I nearly missed it! I was too distracted sewing some fancy little clutches for the upcoming BrisStyle markets! Anyway, todays' theme is Austria. Sure are some funky looking skiers in Austria!

All images via The Boston Public Library on Flickr.

creating time & markets

2009-11-07T18:47:00.006+10:00

That's right folks, I've been creating in preparation for my very first ever market appearance (can you tell I'm excited?!). I'll be sharing a stall at the fabulous BrisStyle Indie Designers Market on Saturday 5 Dec at the St Augustine’s Church Hall and Grounds, Racecourse Rd, Hamilton. I've been busily planning my space (including cardboard signage – apologies for the appalling kerning!), building a display stand, and designing new stock to be made! Along with my standard range of sling bags, clutches and iPod/iPhone cases I'll have a few new items on sale! Stay tuned for more info closer to the date.

Also a big thanks for all those that have entered the giveaway so far (still open for another week!), and for all the great feedback on my products!

Giveaway time!

2009-11-04T16:00:00.005+10:00

I thought it was well and truly time for a creature strange giveaway! So to celebrate the release of my new range of iPod/iPhone cases I'm giving one away! The winner will receive a charcoal and white leaf with plum coloured lining case. Check out the pictures below. This competition is open to all countries!

All you need to do to enter is the following:

For one entry: Follow this blog (link on the right)

For additional entries (one each): if you have a blog, post about and link to this giveaway – spread the giveaway love!

and/or visit my etsy store and heart your favourite item or me.

Make sure you leave a comment below letting me know what you did and your email address. The competition will close midnight AEST on Saturday Nov 14 2009. I'll notify the winner by email.

Best of luck!

Please note this giveaway is now closed.

More etsy goodness

2009-11-04T10:53:00.004+10:00

These two new iPod/iPhone cases have been added to my etsy store, just in time for christmas shopping. Stay tuned later today for my very first ever giveaway!

New etsy listing!

2009-11-03T15:03:00.002+10:00

No more waiting on that sneek peek from the weekend, here's my latest sewing creation – the Yellow, navy and white spot iPhone/iPod case! There are a whole bunch of different colours and patterns to be released over the coming days. The first has just been added to my etsy store. I'd love any feedback or thoughts on this product!

poster...picture tuesday?

2009-11-03T11:33:00.005+10:00

Ok, so not exactly a poster...but surely a collection of pictures and postcards counts, right? A few bits and pieces from my lounge room wall. Featuring prints and postcards by Yoshitomo Nara, postcards from travels through Spain and Morocco, a Berkley illustration, miscellaneous other things!

Hmm...maybe I should have straightened them.

And here's a shelf. Just because I was slack with the posters. Featuring my handmade Aranzi Aronzo serious monkey (stop the scowling...you're getting wrinkles!), cute wooden owl from the Taronga Zoo, money box chicken (which I once modeled an indestructible pinata on), Kokeshi doll gift from Japan, and 1001 spanish recipe book (great illustrations, yet to make anything from it yet!).

Happy dia del los muertos!

2009-11-02T15:04:00.005+10:00

Hola! Just hanging out with my mexican skeletal buddies in the untidy office. Hope you're all having a good day. Hasta luego!

Sneek peek

2009-11-01T15:38:00.003+10:00

I've just returned home from the fabulous Finders Keepers markets in Brisbane, where I bumped into the lovely Rebecca from Edward & Lilly, and Ellie from Red Seed Studio, both peddling their wonderful wares! Very impressed with the variety and quality of items for sale at these markets, here's hoping it remains a regular Brisbane event!

All the wonderful and creative products and people has inspired me to keep going on my current project. Here's a little sneek peek of something I've been working on this weekend. Hopefully have a few for sale next week...I will reveal all then!

Etsy goodness :: Sollinero

2009-10-28T18:15:00.004+10:00

Time to share some etsy goodness! Sollinero from Buenos Aires makes fantastic illustrated prints...oh and how I love tea! Check out more here.

All images by Sollinero on etsy.

It's that time again

2009-10-27T10:20:00.003+10:00

For poster Tuesday! This time a very small selection of the brilliant works of Charlie Harper. Truly an illustrating genius!

All images by Charlie Harper, and can be purchased here.

Let me introduce Kimono Reincarnate

2009-10-26T10:00:00.005+10:00

Remember that Brown Owls post a little while ago with the Ningyogami paper dolls? Well, Kimono Reincarnate (commonly known as Melanie!) is the fantastic creator behind those cute dolls and other fantastic re-purposed japanese items. Melanie uses beautiful retro and vintage kimono fabric and creates gorgeous pendants and brooches. How adorable are these pendants! Check out her creations on etsy, ebay and for a fantastic giveaway be sure to drop by her blog.

All images are from kimono reincarnate's etsy store.

Pants-arama!

2009-10-23T18:12:00.003+10:00

Pants are great, even better when you make them yourself! Today I finished up a pair of wide-leg (extremely wide leg!) 3/4 pants from a pattern I developed in class (not the evil commercial variety) from a great stretch denim, with real pockets, fly zip and all! I've just finished sewing the button hole and attaching the button, but here are some buttonless images from earlier this afternoon. Happy pants-filled weekend to you all!

Poster tuesday!

2009-10-20T13:09:00.003+10:00

All images courtesy of Spike Press...and for sale! Awesome work, check them out!

Brown Owls – Ningyogami

2009-10-19T12:05:00.006+10:00

Sunday was a Brown Owls day, and lots of fun and laughter were had creating these awesome little Japanese paper dolls (a.k.a Ningyogami). Here are a few of mine in development. They've now been promoted to head bookmarks in my little library. Thanks to Melanie for showing us how to make these lovely gals (and to Jenna for the delicious brownies!).

...now back to work! Here's a taste of some of my day-to-day work (not the fabric-kind!).

colours of spain

2009-10-15T09:35:00.004+10:00

A continuation of the colours theme...this time from my trip to Spain.

Poster tuesday!

2009-10-13T10:34:00.005+10:00

It's that time of the week again! Poster time! Here's another great vintage travel number.

Image courtesy of bigdaddyhame on flickr.

New bag

2009-10-10T17:57:00.004+10:00

Here's the latest bag offering...a charcoal sling bag with cream, charcoal & raspberry geometric spot cotton lining. Just listed on etsy :)

What's Hot + What's Not

2009-10-08T11:20:00.005+10:00

Joining in on the fun with Loobylu.

{ Hot }

These pizzas I made a week ago (don't worry, they haven't been sitting around since then, they were immediately consumed). Handmade dough and all...Mmm, I could easily go one of those for lunch.

Finishing the concept design for a freelance project that has been trickier than I first thought. Hope the client loves it!
Completing a fully wearable pair of wide-legged black pants, copied from a designer pair I own. Hooray for learning and saving money!
Seeing the amazing work of other designers and crafters on etsy and in my own crafting community. Everytime I look I'm blown away by the talent people have!
Getting custom bag requests from etsy.

{ Not }

Getting custom requests from etsy for a bag in a fabric I can no longer get my hands on.
Ridiculous amounts of spam emails each day. Hooray for spam filters though (spam filters = hot).
Not doing the homework for my patternmaking class from fortnight ago. It seemed like a good idea at the time to say I was going to copy an Issey Miyake top...
The state that my office is in. I'm seriously lacking storage space and have way too many projects on the go - bookbinding, sewing x3, patternmaking, freelance work, my own design work/marketing. Would the body corporate mind if I extended my unit out on the pavement to create another room?

Colours of Morocco

2009-10-07T14:04:00.004+10:00

I've been working on a new freelance job that is inspired by Moorish and Spanish influences and have dug up my photos from my trip to Morocco a few years back. I'd forgotten how wonderful it was with all the dramatic colours and dazzling patterns. I'd love to be there right now...

Poster Tuesday

2009-10-06T18:53:00.003+10:00

Ok, I think this is actually a t-shirt print....but how fabulous would this look on a wall! Gorgeous.

Image by Marius Bauer.

Coconut macaroons

2009-10-03T17:21:00.004+10:00

I don't really consider myself a coconut-loving person, but these macaroons are delicious, and so moreish! Crunchy outside and gooey centre....fabulous!

{ ingredients }

4 egg whites

180g caster sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 tsp coconut extract (this can be omitted, but makes them super tasty)

120g almond meal

120g desiccated coconut (I used a combination of shredded and desiccated)

{method}

Preheat over to 150 degrees celcius & line oven trays with baking paper.

Beat egg whites until soft peaks form and gradually add sugar, beating until dissolved after each addition. Fold or gently stir in the extracts, almond meal and coconut.

Drop teaspoons of the mixture 5cm apart on the trays and bake until lightly browned (20-30mins). Share and enjoy!

Featured etsy seller - yaelfran

2009-10-01T22:53:00.006+10:00

I've just discovered the fantastic etsy store by Buenos Aires designer, yaelfran. Her brilliantly simple and whimsical designs really capture the imagination....and with a range of products, what's not to love! Here's just a taste:

All images via yaelfran.

Poster Tuesday!

2009-09-29T14:26:00.004+10:00

Very nice!

Image via mw82™ on flickr.

Brazilian Design

2009-09-28T18:44:00.005+10:00

Images via pianofuzz on flickr.

Latest bag listing

2009-09-27T22:10:00.003+10:00

Ok, a few days late blogging about this one, but I present to you the latest addition to my etsy store – the black, charcoal & white geometric leaf sling bag!