Thinking outside the square...

Issue 10 is being designed as I write and will be out in the first week of September, yipppeee!

We are now however taking submissions for the re-launch Issue 11 (out NOV 15) and the theme is:
"Thinking Outside the Square"

So if you would like to put forward an article or tutorial please send it on in.
submissions.mixtapezineATgmailDOTcom

1 Page = 300 words
2 pages = 700 words
Please send to us in a non formatted word document .doc (not just written in the email body)
word count needs to be adhered to and work needs to be original/ not published anywhere else.
images need to be 300 dpi

Cheers
Justine

Listening: Wilco & Jen Clother
Reading: Dead as a Doornail
Loving: Cold weather with blue skies

surreal

Last night I spent an hour on skype with the infectious Jennifer Ackerman Haywood of CraftSanity fame. CraftSanity is a labour of love for Jennifer as is mixtape for me. Jennifer has been a long time supporter of mixtape and I feel absolutely honoured to have been invited to chat with her about all things mixtape.

jennifer - craftsanity

We talked about how mixtape began, my life before mixtape, how I run mixtape and what the future holds. We chatted about our kids and what it's like to juggle a family whilst also trying to fulfil your own personal needs. We talked about taking a leap of faith and following your heart. I have no idea how the podcast is going to sound as I (as always) had so much to say and said it before I got my words together .
So we'll see. It should be up as a podcast by the end of July. I will link to it as soon as I get the details. While I am at it I will also put a link to the RRR interview I did with the grapevine chicks.
Check out all of Jennifers podcasts here - sooooo many amazing peeps to listen to on your computer, while driving or on your ipod whilst doing whatever else it is you need to do!

This little Intern went to market...

So hello lovely’s,

I’m not very good at sleeping in. If I sleep past 8am I usually wake up in a panic because I’m sure I’ve missed something or needed to be somewhere very soon or now! However, I’ve been making an effort, or lack of effort, to sleep in till 12pm this past week and it feels so lovely, especially since it is so cold. I think Mixtape is finally making me realize that I too need to make time for the small things. I also took time to bake this week. I made a lemon cake like the ones my mum used to make when I was small and carefree.

Master Chef styles.

I also did some sewing, fixing up op-shop dresses is undemanding and cheap! However I need sewing lessons, does anyone know of a good sewing school in Melbourne? So thank you Mixtape for making me take time for the small things this last week. I’ll be buying a tote to remind myself of it everyday.


Anyway to the blog...


This week is a Q & A with Theresa Evans from Rummage Style. DO DO DO check out her new online store! Her skirts and dresses are making me feel summery even in the dreary wintery cold. I think I had best buy one to remind me that one day the warm sun will be defrosting my bones in a few months.

How long has Rummage Style existed for?
Rummage Style has been going for about 2 and a half years now.

What does Rummage Style do?
Rummage makes women’s garments from recycled and salvaged vintage materials. They are generally one offs, occasionally a couple are made the same but you can be sure that you won't see someone in the street wearing your same Rummage dress!

How many Markets have you set up stalls at?
I only do Camberwell market each Sunday but have done other markets in the past...university markets and St.Kilda night market.

What got you stared on the Market circuit?
I started selling my old vintage clothes at Camberwell and then moved on the altering them and then eventually into designing my own garments and producing my own label.

What markets do you frequent with your store?
I'm at Camberwell market every Sunday in the same place which means that I have built up a client base that come to me every week so it acts basically like my own little shop front.

Do you have a day job?
I'm a full time mum and before that I was doing Rummage Style full time and still do really. I also have stockists in Melbourne that stock my label so I am kept pretty busy.

What makes your stall and the items in it special?
I think the reason that my garments sell is that they are one offs, and use sustainable practices. People are sick of mass production and want to be individual. But they also want this without paying huge amounts and being environmentally friendly.

Where do you get your inspiration?
I get my inspiration from all over the place. I surf the net a lot but also just look at what people like to wear right now...I follow the trends but put my own mark on them.

Is it inspiring to see other stalls of creative goods?
I love seeing other people's store of creative things. I love going to other markets and buying from people who hand make their own things.



love to all of you,

The Intern xxx

tote action - tea towels are coming also....

We finished the design today and have sent it off to get the screen made up.
We are aiming to get these baby's screened in the next two weeks.
They will definitely be ready for the Stitches & Craft Show in Sydney.
We are making up a small amount of both totes and t-towels. If you are interested in being notified when they are up for sale email us feedback.mixtapezineATgmailDOTcom and tell us~!

Big thanks to Sime & Ginger xx

whip up and mixtape do a dance!

Its been a busy week in some ways - last week of the school term - lots of social stuff going on for the kids - preparing for the school holidays. But its been quiet for me at work - I took a couple of days off to work on some projects at home. Didn't get much done - but its been nice anyway - some baking - I have been surfing the food blogs and my new favourite food blogs are joy the baker and smitten kitchen - I made the sugar cookies and the lemon cake - both turned out perfectly and we had chicken dumpling stew too - very very good.

Whipup has been busy too ... We have a story on recycled and upcycled alternative yarns from etsy sellers : Thinking of making yourself some lovely swimwear this summer - here's how (why not make your own knickers too while you are about it) : a new magazine on the scene for textile lovers : gearing up for the holidays - here are some activities to keep your kids occupied :

A bit of embroidery and paper: embroidery on paper : paper cutwork : tissue flowers : this paper flower for card making is super cute :

Doing some knitting and crochet : try this adorable froggy pattern : I love the ring tailed lemur : knitted crustacean is too cute : crochet stash basket is lovely.

For the littlies : little princess : we are gearing up for vintage baby knits blog tour - see the schedule and win a book : travel pillow for your darlings.

Have a lovely weekend wherever you are and whatever you are doing.

Did you miss last weeks roundup? get them all here or subscribe to this weekly newsletter via email here - if you already subscribe why not forward this email to a crafty friend you think may enjoy it.

Get the whole blogging tips series here.

Get your featured on whipup button here.

Follow us on twitter: whipup: @whipup and Nicole: @craftapalooza

Ps. feel free to send in letters, ideas and links to whipup[at]gmail.com

QLD Love - Support Handmade!

WARM UP AT BRISBANE’S PREMIER WINTER MARKET

BrisStyle Indie Designers Market

What: BrisStyle Indie Designers Market
When: Saturday July 4, 2009
Time: 9am-2pm
Where: St Augustine’s Church Hall, Racecourse Road, Hamilton, Brisbane
Cost: Free

The BrisStyle Indie Designers Market on July 4, at the St Augustine’s Church Hall at Racecourse Road in Hamilton, is a chance for budding ethical consumers to buy local handmade goods from a group of very talented ladies.
The markets feature a wide range of quality, beautiful and unique goods – everything from bags, accessories, jewellery and clothing to art, papercraft, softies and homewares.

The weather has cooled down, but Brisbane’s hottest market destination is just about to fire up.

****

The BrisStyle Indie Designers Market is run by members of BrisStyle, a collective of emerging and established artists, crafters and designers from Queensland’s South East.
In March 2008, 12 likeminded artists met to discuss forming a group with an aim to foster and support the local creative community, while also stimulating the local economy.
One year later, with an active membership of over 70, BrisStyle members meet regularly to celebrate their shared love of creating beautiful things.

Members sell their wares through online stores, and promote their crafty talents through the BrisStyle blog.

mixtape and me

(dearfii clan and my baby)

I caught up with a friend yesterday and while we were talking she said ... I'd like to read more about what you are doing, on the blog - make it a bit more personal Justine.
Ok! so I will endeavour to do that and make you the reader feel more a part of mixtape.
You are all the reason why mixtape is about to release it's 10th issue! you are all the reason mixtape has been going for 2 years! you are all the people that give me the motivation and inspiration to keep the zine going. Thanks from the bottom of my heart!

So it's school holiday time here in Melbourne and we have been keeping busy. Our little girl has embarked on a 2 x a week yoga course (run by a good friend of mine) The course is specifically tailored to 4-6 year olds. As far as I am concerned it is never too young to start being aware and connected to your body. The teacher puts all the postures into almost like a game and little do the kids know that all their muscles are getting a work out - they even top it off with relaxation at the end. By the end of yesterday I had the little one saying "Mummy you just need to breathe".


On Monday I received my subscriber copy of peppermint #3. I had the pleasure of meeting the husband/wife team behind the mag during my time spent in Brisbane earlier in the year. What a beautifully put together, informative SPUNKY looking magazine. It is hard to believe that it is all put together by the amazing Kelley, not a multi - national company with heaps of mussle and money behind them!


We have done our very first print advertising in Peppermint and we also have a feature on us! Proud as punch I am.



The second issue of Modern Seamster is out - looking forward to the day this one comes out in hard copy. I also got a copy of Sugar City quarterly from my mate Jane - and it's a ripper. Craft Leftovers monthly also landed in the mail box late last week - and is packed to the rim with goodness.

The little lady and her Nanna spent some quality time together sewing the other week. I am pretty impressed with the 4 1/2 year olds skills. I'm thinking we might make this up a downloadable tutorial - would that be something you would be interested in? If so I'll get onto it.

I was interviewed by Anna on Monday here at home for an upcomming indi doco on the rise of DIY craft in Melbourne - exciting times - I am in very good company with this project - gemma jones, pip, craft cartel chicks.

MixtapeGiveaway Monday is on a two week break - we will be back Monday July 13 with a ripper of a giveaway - 5 in total so check back soon.

Justine

Guess who's turning 2? mixtapezine & in.cube8r

mixtapezine & in.cube8r and are turning 2 and we would like to invite you and a friend to our party!

Saturday 25th July 2009
in.cube8r gallery
321 Smith Street
Fitzroy
6.30pm - 9.00pm

Melbourne Peeps! come down and say hi and have a drink & bite to eat on us! There will be a DJ friend playing 70's soul and a nice warm vibe. Join us, all welcome , you just need to RSVP info@incube8r.com.au

The Importance Of...

So to mark the news released earlier this week, that Kodak is ceasing production of their Kodachrome film, after serving us well for 74 years (tear), I just wanted to stress to you all the importance on analogue, not just with photography but with every facet of life. This will be completed in list form below;

• Analogue doesn’t make error noises.
  
• Analogue’s file won’t corrupt.
• Analogue can be handed down to your grandchildren.
• Analogue doesn’t have it’s own language i.e. gigabyte, wav, jpegs, tiffs ??!! What is this jargon and why are we putting up with it people?
  
• Analogue isn’t automatically updating and requiring a restart in 35 seconds unless you click here now.
• Analogue won’t need a new hard drive.
• Analogue didn't just crash.
  
• Analogue doesn't need to be rebooted.
• Analogue isn't burning fossil fuels every time you use it.
  
• Analogue’s battery didn’t just run out.
• Analogue doesn’t need to be ground down into dust and mixed in with cement to then be used in high-rise buildings just to hide the information (this is what the Australian government has to do!).
• Analogue allows you to shake it like a Polaroid picture.

Finally, I am anti digital, big shock, I know! I love analogue cameras with film and one hour processing and prints and questions such as ‘with or without borders?’ and ‘glossy or matt paper?’. Digital makes me feel like a bit of a liar.
If you are like-minded or would just like to return to the days of old I will suggest the Golden Half camera. It takes 35mm film and instead of the usual rectangle negative it takes half a 35mm negative vertically. So for a 24 roll of film you will get 48 photos. So you can click away crazily without worrying about how many shots you have left, a bit like you might use a digital camera. Plus you get the euphoric feeling of doing something artistic, which film just seems to ooze these days. Get it here. Otherwise pop down to your local Op-Shop and grab an analogue 35mm camera for under $5, bargain!

Once you have your camera and some lovely film stop reading blogs and go outside and take some moody photos. I want to see evidence.

Love from the Intern

xxx

Tea Towels & Totes are go

Ok so after all your feedback I have decided to do a small run of both a Tea Towel & a Tote.
I will print 100 of each. The divine chicks that make up Ink&Spindle have kindly offered to let me use their studio space to do the screen printing part. I am still working out the price for them both but they will both be under $20.


As soon as we have the design I will start selling them!. Please email feedbackDOTmixtapezine@gmailDOTcom if you would like to be notified as soon as they go up for sale. Also stay tuned for the letter B in our limited edition badge collection...