All in the family

There's always lots to be done at Lyssy May so I was very lucky to have a helping hand from my cousin's daughter, Olivia, seen here stamping carry bags for my market stalls. Olivia's love of art and craft knows no bounds and she was very thorough in sorting buttons, threading beads and tracing appliques needed for Christmas orders. She said she had a fun day helping and I had equally as much fun sharing some time with someone who loves creating things as much as I did at her age. Thanks Olivia!

Suits me to a Tea

Just added to lyssymay.com, a range of 3 shoulder bags called Tea House which have been made from handblocked fabrics. These fabrics were crafted by a family of 9th generation Ajrakh Block-Printers in the desert region of Gujarat, India.

The traditions of using colours derived from nature (such as indigo, turmeric, madder root, iron & red mud) and hand-carved teak printing blocks are still practised today by this family. It is always special to work with materials that have their own story before being a part of Lyssy May's own narrative.

The fabric alone does not need any embellishment so I have added a fabric button (made from calico with feather stitching) to the strap. These buttons were fun to make- more will be coming on other designs soon!

Market 3031

Fingers crossed for a lovely day on 12th December - I'm looking forward to sitting under the lovely trees in Bellair St with a stall of Lyssy May goodies. I hope if you are in Melbourne you have a chance to pop by and say hello to the Kensington and Flemington crafters!

Time travels

Today I received a call on my mobile from a lovely lady who was on her way with fabric for me to make a bespoke bag for her and just wanted to check I was at the store. After some initial confusion I realised she was in Brisbane and on her way to where my old store was and it was quite amazing for me to think that it is well over a year now since I moved on (she was very happy to learn though that I am still in operation we will be creating the design 'long distance'!).

Speaking of time going fast - Monday is the cut off for international orders that I can guarantee will be there for Christmas if being sent directly from Lyssy May (edit: sorry deadline now passed). These 3 new drawstring bag designs below would dearly love to travel for the holiday season!

Map out a trip to Melody Nelson

A fresh batch of recycled street map wallets have headed off to gorgeous Melody Nelson in Brunswick but be quick as they are of local suburbs and they are a popular seller to Brunwickans (or Brunswegians!?).

If you have some street directories you are hoping to recycle please send them Lyssy May's way and not the wheelie bin's! I'd be happy to swap you a directory for your very own wallet made out of the page of your choice.

Friday 13th - lucky for some!

Handbag circle members keep an eye on your inbox today for a Friday the 13th special offer!

Everybody needs good neighbours....

No, not for Ramsay St! Ironside Studios (where Lyssy May is based) is expanding...if you are looking for studio space in Melbourne details are below:


NEW STUDIOS AVAILABLE!

The extensions at Ironside are nearing completion and there are still a few studios available!

They range in size from 18sqm to 40sqm and in price from $64 to $122 per week inc GST.
These prices include all expenses except internet access. High speed internet is available at a further $15 per month. Each studio is an individual lockable space with floor to ceiling white walls. The studios are suitable for a wide range of artistic practices, particularly those that require ground level access and a more industrial space.

All spaces have lighting and power points, 24 hour access and use of the communal kitchen and sink area. Some studios have natural light. The studios are located in Kensington and are easy to get to on public transport, or by bike or vehicle.

Ironside currently houses a variety of artists and designers. These include several sculptors, industrial designers, textile and fashion designers, screen printers, set designers, lighting designers and animators.

Ironside would love to hear from any practicing artists and designers who may be interested in a studio space. If you would like further information, or to register your interest, please contact Laura at admin@ironsidestudios.com.au with a brief description/images of your practice and an indication of the kind of space you may be interested in. If you know of any others that may be interested please feel free to forward this email on to them.

Oh me, oh my little miss

There is definitely a high degree of satisfaction involved when I see a row of bags hanging ready to fly off to different parts of the country. Today I just had to capture the cheery handles of some little miss designs.

A little something Thea whisked up...

As you may have already guessed I am a big fan of the textile work of Thea (of Thea and Sami fame) and I am loving this new range! I can greatly identify with Thea's dilemma of working as a designer in your own small business which often leaves little time in the day to actually devote to designing so I am always excited to see her new designs. Her latest collections focus on organic homewares and are just beautiful. Yum!

Also if you are in Brisbane check out the details of the Thea and Sami open studio on November 14.