'Making It Handmade' is available on DVD!

"So you think craft is for Nannas? Well think again. Come and explore the subculture of indie craft in Melbourne through four women who are subverting domestic craft techniques drawing from punk culture, politics, feminism and modern aesthetics."

Melbourne film maker, Anna Brownfield has released her documentary 'Making It Handmade' on DVD. The film features 5 crafty women, Rayna Fahey, Pip Lincoln, Gemma Jones, Casey Jenkins, Faythe Levine and interviews with them talking about their careers as crafters, the craft groups they have started and their opinions about what it is like to be a crafty woman in 2010.

Whether you are into making craft, buying craft or are simply interested in a sub-culture that you may not know much about, this movie will do one thing for you, leave you feeling with an inexplicable feeling of empowerment.

You can buy the DVD from here.

Hooray! Gemma Jones has released three new Gocco prints

The awesome Gemma Jones has released three new Gocco prints for sale in her etsy store and I am excited!

As some of you may know by now, aside from the fact that Gem is my friend, I am a really big fan of her artwork and her little collection of prints featuring pennants and beautiful 1960's inspired girls has not let me down!

Pictured is 'Hooray', printed on a page from a children's novel titled 'What Katy Did'. I have ordered all three and I will be stalking my letterbox until they arrive.

You can buy 'Hooray' (pictured) from here.

'Like' from here and 'Yes!' from here.

Note that all images are Copyright Gemma Jones 2010/2011

Speaking of Pilgrim...

I blogged about the dress I made for Pilgrim Lee of draw! pilgrim the other day. However, I don't feel that I don't you enough about the girl behind the delightful designs.

I first read about Pilgrim Lee and her wonderful artwork on The Vine. The article was written by paintergirl - someone who has introduced me to many cool people and things over the years - and I instantly fell in love.

What caught my eye was her Alphabet series, my favorite being the one pictured above. I love the colours and I love the indirect way the pills and letter C remind me of The Carrie Nations from the movie Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.

I bought the print and had it framed by the amazing people at Melbourne's Outre Gallery.

Not long after reading the article, I started following Pilgrim via Twitter, and after learning that we both had sons the same age, I asked her if she was interested in a playdate. Thankfully, she said yes and we (and our sons) have been friends ever since.

Whether it's a sunny day or a grey & rainy day, Pilgrim always fills up my day with colour...technicolour to be exact!

She launched her Etsy store recently and is planning on adding new items every couple of weeks.

If you're after a pretty bright print for your wall or some super cute gift tags, visit her store and be sure mention that I sent you for a 10% discount off your purchase from her etsy store!

Website: draw! pilgrim
Twitter: pilgrim_lee
Etsy store: draw! pilgrim

milkbars, laundromats & urban beauty - tomorrow!

If you are like me and go weak at the knees for anything related to the milk bars of yesterday, don't miss this upcoming photographic exhibition titled milkbars, laundromats & urban beauty.

Featuring the photographic talents of Gemma Jones, Eamo Donnelly, Miikel Doomernik and co-owner of Arthur's Circus - Natalie Jeffcott.

The exhibition is part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival and also celebrates Arthur's Circus' 2nd year in business. Opening night is Tuesday 22 September from 6 - 8pm . They will be extending their hours for the duration of the festival.

Keep an eye on the Arthur's Circus blog for opening time information.

Arthur's Circus is located at 631 Queensberry Street in North Melbourne, Victoria.

Craft City Melbourne and my citizenship award

I say that old news is good news!

Back in May 2008, I won a Craft City - Melbourne Citizenship Award for the suburb of Fitzroy.

Craft City Melbourne is run by Gemma and Pip and is a wonderful resource for local cool and crafty places and people.

You can read the interview with me here.

Baby tees still available

As part of the t-shirt collaboration Gemma Jones and I did, a very limited run of baby tees were made.

Almost all of them have gone, however if you still want one of these collectable cuties, please visit Meet Me At Mikes.

Meet Me At Mikes are located at 63 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy in Victoria.

They have a wonderful store with a homely feel filled with handmade clothes, crafty delights and vintage too, so please pop in and check it out.

Tee collaboration with Gemma Jones

Last year, I was lucky enough to do a t-shirt collaboration with Melbourne Pop Artist, Gemma Jones.

When Gemma agreed to doing this project with me, I admit I was very excited and a little starstruck!

Both the Cherry Starlet and Dusty Secrets tee are a limited run of 20 each.

I have been late blogging this, however a limited number of tees are still available, from my Etsy store and Meet Me At Mikes in Fitzroy, Victoria (Australia).