Hot Toffee goodness

I do love a nice parcel. This special one arrived from Hot Toffee the other day - I have many pairs of these fused glass stud earrings made by the super talented Nicole and I felt the need to update my collection with some soft green and grey hues.

Nicole's attention to detail in both her designs and her presentation of her products is to be admired!

More shopping!...

A highlight of the YDM on Sunday was to catch up with Nicole from Hot Toffee. I used to have the luxury of having her glass fused jewellery tempt me on a daily basis when it was in my store so to see her range glinting in the warm sunlight was a special treat.


I immediately looked for a new pair of lolly studs which are my favourites as they are just so easy and simple to wear (ended up with both a red and a black pair). Nicole's stall was next to Rowie Designs from Byron Bay where I was immediately taken with a simple black dress with an interesting turned down neckline in contrasting grey fabric - like the collar pictured below. I liked the idea of co-ordinating the dress with red so also added one of the Rowie Designs shrugs to complete the look - her website is still underconstruction but you can view Rowie's designs via their facebook group or myspace page.

Recycling history

It really is amazing how connections are made in the crafty world. For example, Cathy from Peg and Kate saw that Nicole from Hot Toffee had one of my recycled wallets and she contacted me about using the pages of a Queensland Times newspaper from September 1930 to create some customised wallets. Whilst a very delicate paper to work worth given its age, the pages were so interesting to read and the advertisements have such lovely drawings even though some of their claims seem a little outlandish with the benefit of hindsight. I love to work with customers to create something special. Thanks Cathy for passing on such a fun project!

If I were in Brissy this weekend...

... I'd be checking out the Young Designers Market at Southbank on Sunday! This time around they will be on the nearby lawns which I think will make a fabulous setting. Be sure not to miss the stands belonging to my buddies - Hot Toffee, Jaime Beattie and Thea and Sami. They will have brilliant handmade gift ideas for you this Christmas. Buy Australian Made and make a kangaroo smile!!

And as I am in Melbourne this weekend I hope to make it to the Malvern Magnolia Square market to take a little break from the sewing machine. Last week I made it to Magnolia Square in Brighton, followed by the Sisters Market in Brunswick and then on Sunday for good measure I went to the Melbourne Design Market at Federation Square. All of them with such amazing things to check out and all had very different vibes although I did note a some stallholders backing up from Saturday to be at Federation Sq on Sunday - hats off to your dedication as I know how tiring a one day market can be let along doing up to 4 days in a row!

This little piggy went to...

This Sunday is the quarterly Young Designers Market at Southbank. It is one year since the concept was launched and I have loved being involved as a stallholder. Unfortunately I will miss this weekend as I am visiting Melbourne. Above is a pic my friend Nicole of Hot Toffee took of my stall in June (at the time I didn't know it would be my last one there!). I really encourage Brisbane designers to get involved with the markets and for locals to support them. There is sure to be some wonderful things to check out - why not catch a city cat and make a day of it?

Hot Toffee Collaboration Bag

Visitors to Lyssy May will know this little character designed by Nicole (of Hot Toffee) as she appears on some of the pocket mirrors, badges and cards I sell. Last year Nicole and I worked together to have the image printed on a limited edition handbag. On Saturday I made up 2 of the remaining 7 in black corduroy which has a wonderful richness in the black that brings out the red in her little washi style dress. The front panel is actually a handy outside lined pocket so she is not only adorable but also functional! Click here to visit her on my website.