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.

Spring Open Studio Sessions

I am spring cleaning and springing into action with some open studio dates just announced! If you are local feel free to drop by on a Saturday in October (10, 17 and 24) between 10 and 2 as I'd love to show you what Lyssy May has been up to. Plus I am clearing out some bits and pieces so if you are a crafter/sewer there may just be a little gem or 2 for you.

Ironside open studio this Sunday

This Sunday afternoon (20/9) the doors of Ironside Studios (where I am based) will be open for everyone to have a chance to come and meet the various artists and designers and check out what they are working on. Unfortunately I will be away this weekend so Lyssy May's studio won't be open for business this time but I encourage you to come and check it out! 4 Chelmsford St, Kensington (short walk from the train station).

Humpty back together again

Today was a big milestone as my industrial sewing machine was delivered to the studio. I had it moved by a professional as many of you know the story about my poor Zoje which was dropped off the back of the removals truck in Brisbane. It really is amazing it survived as I can still hear the sickening sound it made as it crashed on my driveway and the whole machine came unhinged from the table. Miraculously it has made it to its new home and with some TLC it is back in business.

Here is a first look at how I am setting things up. At the end of my space is a beautiful big warehouse window. It had been completely painted over but with the help of Laura and Jem at Ironside it has been transformed to let in lots of light. I am still working on how to best configure the space as it is as large as my whole store in Morningside (24 sq mtrs) so what I once used for both retail and designing and making will primarily be a designer space which is such a luxury. There will be a display area of the range for my open studio days and customer appointments (this is yet to be tidied so no pics yet!).

The bench in the middle of the room almost didn't come with me. It was made by my Grandad Milton over 20 years ago and had been sitting in my garage for ages having been 'inherited' when my parents downsized for retirement. At the last minute I decided to bring it with me and my father kindly gave it a coat of white paint. I am so glad I did as it is the perfect height for me to cut fabrics or pack orders. My Grandad used it as a woodworking bench so I really like the fact that I am continuing the tradition to use it for a creative pursuit.

From one side to another

Here is the entrance to my new location! I love the tiny door within the door - its all a bit Alice in Wonderland. I am taking a place at 'Ironside Studios' which is a wee bit different to my last spot at Morningside but promises to be just as fun. The amazing Laura Woodward has created a fantastic studio concept in this beautiful 100 year old warehouse and I am so excited to have the opportunity to take a space. My things are now in my studio (in a jumbled sort of a way) and it should be ready within the next few weeks for me to start working in earnest from there. I plan to have regular open studios where you will all be welcome to visit to see my latest designs or to have something custom made and of course meet the other artists and designers who will also be at Ironside.