Introducing Colzart DuxzArt

Introducing Col from Colzart DuxzArt. If you'd like to have your business/hobby featured on a blog post, please use the Contact Us tab on our blog and send us your article! For tips on writing your article please read Writing a Blog Post. It's completely FREE!

How Colzart DuxzArt started:

Having spent many years behind an office desk dealing with the general public it was time for change. Strolling through a furniture shop a group of raw wooden ducks caught my eye, I bought a couple, took them home, gave them a light sanding, out came the paints and paint brushes, and then my imagination was given the green light to create! With the idea of painting unrelated animal prints like zebra stripes, cowhide patterns, tiger & leopard spots on the ducks, they changed from “naked” to “not so naked” – I also love bright colours and unusual patterns.    The Dux came alive and inspired me to create the Tuxedo duck or more precisely my “Duxedo Dux Series” silk bow ties and matching buttons were added - closely followed by the “Brux Dux Series” (bridal dux) brides are adorned with lace, pearls, veils, organza shawls and bridal garters. All Colzart Dux are unique hand-painted original designs finished off with a shiny coat of varnish for a long and happy life. Each Duck inspires me to create another one!

Thanks Col for introducing us all to Colzart Duxzart! I wish you all the best in the future x

Introducing In Loving Memory of Cash

Introducing Tiona from In Loving Memory of Cash. If you'd like to have your business/hobby featured on a blog post, please use the Contact Us tab on our blog and send us your article! For tips on writing your article please read Writing a Blog Post. It's completely FREE!

Since losing my son in February 2013 I have become an advocate for pregnancy & infant loss awareness. I want to make sure that no Angel gets forgotten. I want to break the silence and bring pregnancy & infant loss out into the open. I want to ensure that all bereaved parents can speak their child’s name without judgement. I want society to accept that babies die and we don't need to sweep the issue under the carpet.
I have given up a 15+ year corporate career to open a memorial boutique in honour of my son's brief Life.
'In Loving Memory Of Cash' aspires to ensure that bereaved parents have an opportunity to save the moment, without thinking about the details. Creating memorial keepsakes is a great outlet for my own grief. A piece of my heart & soul goes into every one of my creations.
IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT MAKING SOMETHING SPECIAL; IT'S ABOUT HONOURING A LIFE.
The most comforting words when grieving are “You Are Not Alone”. I am able connect with bereaved parents on a level that not everyone else can. I understand the intense pain & sorrow, the never ending heartbreak, and the heavy burden of empty arms.
~ MY STORY ~
Having previously carried five pregnancies to term; all producing healthy babies, I naturally assumed my sixth pregnancy would be a breeze.
Thirteen weeks along I had gone to the hospital with heavy bleeding. I was devastated, sure that I was suffering a miscarriage. An ultrasound the next day put my mind at ease; I heard my baby’s heartbeat. Doctors confirmed that my pregnancy was “viable” but advised they had noticed some “bruising” on my uterus. I was sent home and told to rest as much as I could.
At 9am on Monday February 4th 2013 I received a call from the Director of Maternity. They had found “something” in my routine 20 week ultrasound results and an appointment with my Obstetrician was scheduled for 2:30 pm that day.
At the appointment I was informed my baby had a “cleft lip”. I would need further tests and may have to deliver early. Having never heard of this, I googled ‘cleft lip’. The images shocked me; I was shattered, what had happened to my perfect baby?
Devastated & emotional I began calling my family to inform them what was happening.
After what seemed like an eternity, the phone rang. It was the Director of Maternity asking me to come in ASAP. My mind was racing with thoughts of what else could possibly be wrong. When I arrived I was informed that the Obstetrician had given me another patient’s information!
My baby was perfectly formed. There was however another problem. They told me I had extremely low levels of amniotic fluid and I would certainly not be able to carry this pregnancy to term. Arrangements were made for me to attend another hospital in a few days for more tests. Then I was sent home.
Dazed and confused after the day’s events I cried myself to sleep.
At 5am on Tuesday 5th February 2013 I gave birth to a baby boy at home. He was 20 weeks and 1 day gestational age and weighed a mere 340 grams.
I held my son his whole life; 8 minutes.
I named my son Cash Alan.
I watched Cash as he struggled for life; it is an image that will forever haunt me. I shared his pain and fear but there was nothing I could do to save him.
By the time ambulance officers arrived, Cash was already gone. I was taken to hospital and had the placenta surgically removed. When I woke up everything felt surreal. My mind and body went into autopilot. All I could think about was my precious baby boy who was gone forever.
Leaving the hospital with empty arms is the hardest thing I have ever done.
An autopsy found that my premature labour was caused by an infection of the uterus and placenta due to low levels of amniotic fluid.
Cash was cremated on Thursday February 14th 2013. I keep his ashes with me in a small urn. I plan to honour Cash’s Life on his birthday every year by releasing a butterfly. His five sunshine siblings will also release balloons with messages to their baby brother.
I have found some comfort in knowing that all Cash knew of Life was my love for him, but I will never truly come to terms with his death.

Thanks Tiona for introducing us all to In Loving Memory of Cash! I wish you all the best in the future x

We're Back!

After 10+ months without a solid internet connection I am now back online with a reliable connection. This means AHS is back in full swing! We now have a third admin on our facebook page, the lovely Christine from Quirky Chicks volunteers her time to share as many wonderful Australian Handmade facebook pages as possible. Please make her feel very welcome :)

I am hoping to get our blog back in to full swing also, so if you'd like to have your business/hobby featured on a blog post, please use the Contact Us tab on our blog and send us your article! For tips on writing your article please read Writing a Blog Post. It's completely FREE!

I look forward to checking out all the wonderful pages out there :)

Sally

Introducing Personal Art

Introducing Laura from Personal Art! If you'd like to have your business/hobby featured on a blog post, please use the Contact Us tab on our blog and send us your article! For tips on writing your article please read Writing a Blog Post. It's completely FREE!

I've been an artist for as long as I can remember, I studied art all through school, I then went on to study illustration at university. I'm at my happiest when I am ‘creating’ whether that be painting, renovating furniture, upcycling clothes or painting surfboards. I just can’t get enough of seeing what I am can make. So recently after 14 years in the rat race I finally broke free and opened Personal Art. An art company which transforms your photos into art. A lifelong dream coming to life, an art company with a difference.

The idea came about through meeting my now business partner on the Restaurant Tram in Melbourne. Warren an art lover and successful business man had plenty of ideas and had been trying out turning his photos into pieces of art. Then there was me, I had just been through a hell of a time at work and was looking for a new opportunity. It hadn’t crossed my mind at the time that a creative opportunity would come my way but as we got talking and I told Warren about the personalised art I was creating - our ideas started flowing and Personal Art was created.

Every art concept you see on the website was devised by myself. I had to create commercial ideas that I would market. Ultimately the majority are made using Photoshop, and use the same kind of techniques but I realised that the general person doesn't have the same kind of imagination I do so I had to come up with different concepts to inspire them. Pin Up Portraits was the first idea, creating beautiful fantasy sexy art. But this only appeals to a very small demographic, what about families and children? That's when Kandy Kids was created. Cute magical fairy tale artwork of children. This concept has proved to be the most popular.

 

My favourite concepts are Typo Face and Comic Strips. Typo Face is typography art, making images out of words. it is what U call ‘Smart Art’ allowing you to convey any message through images. Comic Strips are just awesome, tell me a story and give me photos of the characters and I will turn that into your very own personalised comic strip.

 

As well as these there are Comic Characters, Abstract, Pop Art, Graffiti, Monsters, Caricatures and more. I can’t take credit for all the art produced. Once I figured out my art concepts I went to find some specialists. Majic from the Phillipines designs the comic strips, he is an award winning comic designer and has his own comic called Big Fat Ben. Razvan is a genius with typography and he produces some of the Typo Faces. Then there is Raf who is a true genius on Photoshop who creates some of the Pin Up Portraits and Kandy Kids pieces.

I couldn’t do it without these guys, not to mention a few others. Personal Art is a collaboration of creativity from across the globe. It is not just an art company but also a platform for artists to make a name for themselves. My company vision is to ‘Revolutionise Art”. Bringing commercial design ideas into the everyday home, giving customer very reasonable prices that are affordable because all the pricing is driven from the artists. I’ve searched high and low for a similar company, there are a few who will Pop Art your photo but not to the quality of ours, ours are hand painted.

Every single product created is created from the customers photos, no two pieces are ever the same. I create a design brief with every single customer ensuring we create what they want and not what we want to create. After all no unknown artist made big money creating what he wanted to. We create 100% original unique and personal artwork with huge sentimental value. There is nothing better than seeing the customer cry with tears of joy on receiving their artwork.

You can view my website at www.PersonalArt.com.au

You can find me on Etsy - http://www.etsy.com/shop/PersonalArtShop

You can follow me on social media sites also

Facebook - www.facebook.com/personalart.com.au

Twitter - https://twitter.com/PersonalArt

Tumblr - http://personalartstuff.tumblr.com

Thanks Laura for introducing us to Personal Art. x 

Support Australian; Support Handmade; Support Australian Handmade!

The message is simple... 

Support Australian;

Support Handmade;

Support Australian Handmade!

When was the last time you dropped by a few of your favourite Australian Handmade facebook pages? If it hasn't been for a while then why not drop by now and see what they've been up to? Take the time to like a few things, comment & share. Together we can support each other.

If you'd like to be a featured business in one of our blog posts please contact us on the tab on the blog.

Thanks :) 

Auction Supporter ~ Hope Packages Greensborough

Over the next few weeks I will be featuring business who are donating some wonderful products for our Charity Auction on April 3rd. All money raised will be going straight to the L'il Aussie Prems Foundation. For more details please visit our Facebook Page.

This morning's feature is Hope Packages - Greensborough. The lovely Belinda hand makes beautiful cards and gifts and also runs punch classes. She has generously donated this set of cards to be auctioned on April 3rd. Please click the photo to be taken directly to the auction. 

Thank you Hope Packages - Greensborough. Please head over and support this wonderful Australian Handmade Business. 

x 

Auction Supporter ~ Fiddle Dee Fi Quilts and Handmade Goods

Over the next few weeks I will be featuring business who are donating some wonderful products for our Charity Auction on April 3rd. All money raised will be going straight to the L'il Aussie Prems Foundation. For more details please visit our Facebook Page.

This afternoon's feature is Fiddle Dee Fi Quilts and Handmade Goods! The lovely Fiona hand makes a wide range of sewed and quilted goodies. Fiona has generously donated the item below up for auction on April 3rd. Please click the photo to be taken directly to the auction.

Thank you Fiddle Dee Fi Quilts and Handmade Goods! Please head over and support a wonderful Australian Handmade Business!

x 

Auction Supporter ~ Xanthe Photography

Over the next few weeks I will be featuring business who are donating some wonderful products for our Charity Auction on April 3rd. All money raised will be going straight to the L'il Aussie Prems Foundation. For more details please visit our Facebook Page.

This morning's feature is Xanthe Photography. The lovely Mandii, from Xanthe Photography, is located in North Brisbane and photographs in a more relaxed setting. Mandii has generously donated a 30 minute Mini Session for a children's portrait to be auctioned on April 3rd. Please click the photo to be taken directly to the auction. 

Thank you Xanthe Photography! Please head over and support this wonderful Australian Handmade Business.

x 

Auction Supporter ~ Little Olly

Over the next few weeks I will be featuring business who are donating some wonderful products for our Charity Auction on April 3rd. All money raised will be going straight to the L'il Aussie Prems Foundation. For more details please visit our Facebook Page.

This afternoon I'd like to feature Little Olly. The lovely Lyndelle, from Little Olly, hand makes some gorgeous clothes and accessories especially for boys. Lyndelle has generously donated two items up for auction on April 3rd. Please click on the photo to be taken directly to the auction. 

Thank you Little Olly! Please head over and support a wonderful Australian Handmade Business!

x

Auction Supporter ~ Amber Bates Photography

Over the next few weeks I will be featuring business who are donating some wonderful products for our Charity Auction on April 3rd. All money raised will be going straight to the L'il Aussie Prems Foundation. For more details please visit our Facebook Page.

Today's feature business is Amber Bates Photography. The lovely Amber, located in the Rockingham area (Perth) in Western Australia, has kindly donated a 30 minute Mini Session, for one child.
Please click the photo to be taken directly to the auction. 

Thank you so much Amber Bates Photography! Please head over and support this wonderful Australian Handmade Business.

x 

Auction Supporter ~ Made by Ren

Over the next few weeks I will be featuring business who are donating some wonderful products for our Charity Auction on April 3rd. All money raised will be going straight to the L'il Aussie Prems Foundation. For more details please visit our Facebook Page.

This afternoon's lovely feature is Made by Ren! The lovely Renata, the face behind made by Ren, hand makes gorgeous hair accessories & jewellery. She has kindly donated this gorgeous OOAK set just for our auction on April 3rd. Please click the photo to be taken to the auction. 

Thank you Made by Ren! Please head over and support a wonderful Australian Handmade business.

x

Auction Supporter ~ Carolina's

Over the next few weeks I will be featuring business who are donating some wonderful products for our Charity Auction on April 3rd. All money raised will be going straight to the L'il Aussie Prems Foundation. For more details please visit our Facebook Page. 

First up today is Carolina's! The lovely Carolyn from Carolina's hand makes some gorgeous embroided items. There really is something for everyone at Carolina's! Carolyn has kindly donated two gorgeous bookmarks up for auction on the 3rd of April. Please click each photo to be taken directly to the auction. 

Thank you so much Carolina's! Please head over and support a wonderful Australian Handmade business.

x

Auction Supporter ~ Forever Sturt St

Over the next few weeks I will be featuring business who are donating some wonderful products for our Charity Auction on April 3rd. All money raised will be going straight to the L'il Aussie Prems Foundation. For more details please visit our Facebook Page. 

This morning's feature is Forever Sturt St. The lovely Deborah, the face behind Forever Sturt St, hand makes gorgeous children's clothes using designer fabric. Deborah has kindly donated two gorgeous pieces to go up for auction on April 3rd. Please click the photo's to be taken to the auction.

Thank you so much Forever Sturt St! Please head over and support another wonderful Australian Handmade business.

x 

Auction Supporter ~ Scott Hynd Art

Over the next few weeks I will be featuring business who are donating some wonderful products for our Charity Auction on April 3rd. All money raised will be going straight to the L'il Aussie Prems Foundation. For more details please visit our Facebook Page. 

This afternoon I would like to show you all Scott Hynd Art. Scott's art is bold and bright, his unique works fuse elements of both pop & street/graffiti art styles. He has very generously donated a set of four prints to be auctioned off. Please click the photo to be taken directly to the auction. 

Thank you so much Scott Hynd Art! Please head over and support such a generous Australian Handmade artist.

Enjoy x 

Auction Supporter ~ 76 Tilly Lane

Over the next few weeks I will be featuring business who are donating some wonderful products for our Charity Auction on April 3rd. All money raised will be going straight to the L'il Aussie Prems Foundation. For more details please visit our Facebook Page. 

This morning I'd like to share 76 Tilly Lane with you. The lovely Elaine, one of the faces behind 76 Tilly Lane, hand makes some very gorgeous girls clothes. They have kindly donated the following gorgeous pinafore set, click on the photo to be taken directly to the auction. 

Thank you so much 76 Tilly Lane! Please head over and support a wonderful Australian Handmade business.

Enjoy x 

Auction Supporter ~ Ma & Me

Over the next few weeks I will be featuring business who are donating some wonderful products for our Charity Auction on April 3rd. All money raised will be going straight to the L'il Aussie Prems Foundation. For more details please visit our Facebook Page. 

Tonight I'd like to introduce Ma & Me! The lovely Jennifer from Ma & Me hand makes gorgeous softies, from puppies to bears and owls. She has kindly donated these two gorgeous puppies up for auction. Click on each photo to be taken directly to the auction. 

Thank you so much Ma & Me! Please head over and support a wonderful Australian Handmade business :)

x

Auction Supporter ~ Beanie Up Baby

Over the next few weeks I will be featuring business who are donating some wonderful products for our Charity Auction on April 3rd. All money raised will be going straight to the L'il Aussie Prems Foundation. For more details please visit our Facebook Page. 

Today's featured business is Beanie Up Baby! The lovely Jodie hand makes these adorable beanies for ages 0-5. All beanies are just $12 + postage... WOW! Jodie has kindly donated a custom child-sized beanie of the winner's choice!
Click on the photo to be taken directly to the auction page. 

Thank you so much Beanie Up Baby! Please head over and support another wonderful Australian Handmade business!

x 

Auction Supporter ~ Iddy Bibby

Over the next few weeks I will be featuring business who are donating some wonderful products for our Charity Auction on April 3rd. All money raised will be going straight to the L'il Aussie Prems Foundation. For more details please visit our Facebook Page. 

Today's feature is Iddy Bibby! The lovely Penny, from Iddy Bibby, handmakes unique clothing for little boys and girls. Penny has generously donated the following gorgeous pinny up for auction. 

If you click on the photo it will take you directly to the listing on facebook. 

Thank you so much Penny! Please head over to Iddy Bibby and support another wonderful Australian Handmade business.

Enjoy x 

Auction Supporter ~ Tummy Bear

Over the next few weeks I will be featuring business who are donating some wonderful products for our Charity Auction on April 3rd. All money raised will be going straight to the L'il Aussie Prems Foundation. For more details please visit our Facebook Page. 

Today's feature goes out to Tummy Bear! The lovely Zoe from Tummy Bear specialises in cloth keepsake dolls made especially for premmie families. Each doll is custom made to the premature babies weight & measurements. The dolls have sculpted & painted faces, sculpted toes and metal joints in the arms & legs. The dolls are made from a skin-tone fabric and are stuffed with a combination of new stuffing and metal pellets. Each doll comes with a singlet and nappy. The dolls take approximately 8-10 weeks to complete, once payment has been received.

I personally have two of these wonderful dolls, they are perfect to bring out for 'show & tell' moments to show just how small my boys were.

Tummy Bear is proudly donating one custom doll up for auction! If you click on the photo it will take you directly to the auction photo. 

Thank you so much Zoe! Please head over to Tummy Bear and show your support for this wonderful Australian Handmade business.

Enjoy x 

Auction Supporter ~ Annie by Design

Over the next few weeks I will be featuring business who are donating some wonderful products for our Charity Auction on April 3rd. All money raised will be going straight to the L'il Aussie Prems Foundation. For more details please visit our Facebook Page. 

Today I would like to introduce you to Annie by Design. Leanne, the lovely lady behind Annie by Design, is donating 4 gorgeous pieces to be auctioned off. Leanne hand makes gorgeous pieces of jewellery, fascinators, accessories & gifts using a range of materials from resin to beads.

Below are the wonderful donations for our charity auction. Each photo is linked directly to the listing on our facebook page, all the information about each piece can be found there.

Thank you so much Leanne for your generosity. Please head over to Annie by Design and show your support for an Australian Handmade business! 

x