Quest Business Achiever Awards

A while back I posted that Lyssy May had been nominated for a Quest Newspapers Business Achiever award and I forgot to follow up and let you know that I made it through to be a finalist - very exciting!

The awards dinner was held last night and whilst I didn't take out the top prize I was very humbled to see my little store up there on the big screen! Being nominated in a fashion category felt a bit strange as my store is such an eclectic mix of accessories and gifts - when I think fashion, I think 'Sass and Bide' etc! Lyssy May was nominated alongside local favourites like Mother and Child, Thousand Island Dressing, Moo and Bear, Shugah Boutique and the winners, Ashleigh De Ne (congratulations ladies!).

As you may have seen in the local mags and on my website, my little store is soon to close as a I am heading off to Melbourne! More news to come on this but I wanted to make special note in this posting to thank those that nominated me for the award as it is a nice high point to nearly 4 years in Morningside. Plus I wanted to thank the team at Quest who have over the time run some great articles on my business - in particular Jessica Lim and her shop girl column (pics from her article on my made to order service on the right) and also Sarah from Image Magazine who has been a great advocate for my store and has always had some great advertising deals for me - thank you!

Wall to Wall Wallets

A few weeks back Shannon from My Girl found a gorgeous roll of retro wallpaper in an antique shop which she generously shared with me. When I saw the pattern my first thought was how it would look made up into wallets and the answer is gorgeous! As a result I have dug up a few other pieces that I had bought ages ago from Georgie Love and plan to make these as part of a soon to be released new collection of wallets thanks to Marianne from Applehead helping me out with her range of papers. I love how there's no limit to how paper can be transformed into accessories!

Screen Goddess

Yesterday I spent a couple of hours visiting Thea (of Thea and Sami) at her screen printing studio where she creates her wonderful textiles and designs. Thea is busily preparing her Autumn/Winter 09 collection to appear at Fashion Exposed in Melbourne next month where she as been selected to appear as a Debut designer. This is a fabulous achievement and recognition that Australian fashion is heading in an exciting direction where eco friendly designs are concerned.

Pictured is one of the spring/summer designs which I couldn't resist ordering and know will be a great dress for summer.

Thea has a great set up in Capalaba and it is possible to attend one of her workshops to learn how to screen print and she is also able to work with designers to create their own fabrics etc. I am excited to announce we will soon be collaborating on some new fabrics for the Lyssy May range so stay tuned!

Arking it Up

Even though water restrictions have been lifted here in Brisbane we are a long way from flooding rains but just in case the heavens open, check out these Noah inspired goodies...

Kid's drawstring bag

Retro smock by My Girl and Wellies

Handknit Birdy Mobiles

Green Fever in Paddington

A while back I flagged that a great new mag was about to hit the Brisbane market and the time has arrived! Peppermint will be officially launched as part of the overall celebrations for the launch of Paddington's Green Precinct this Friday (22nd) between 6 and 9. Paddington has always been at the forefront of great retail in Brisbane and this new initiative is bound to be a winner for both consumers and the environment.

Kelley of Peppermint will soon be dropping off some copies for Lyssy May customers to enjoy for free so be sure to pop by for one - especially as you can win a Lyssy May design!

Whilst I am talking Paddington I also want to make mention of an exhibition called 'Gentle Persuasion' at the Perculator Gallery which features the work of the talented Silke Savran whose textile designs are a favourite at Lyssy May. The exhibition is being launched this Saturday night and runs until Sept 9.

Where's Lyssy?

Whilst I would like to say I haven't written in over a week because I was buried in fabrics and tied to my sewing machine I must confess I was sitting on a deck and taking in this view for a few days (that's the Whitsunday Islands you can see out on the horizon - apparently this is what winter looks like in North Queensland!). Good news is that I am now back in Brisbane and ready to pull together some new designs which will soon be launched to celebrate spring. It is going to be a busy few months ahead for Lyssy May and I have some big news to share in the next few days which is incredibly exciting!

A Clever Blossom

I had a fun time in Melbourne - despite the chilly temps! Last week the local news here in Brisbane was talking up the 'arctic blasts' were were experiencing. All I can say is move a bit closer to the Antarctic and you will soon experience what that truly means (but I think that was more my Qld bones being a little sensitive as the locals weren't overally phased).

One of the highlights was visiting the beautiful Life In Style trade fair at Flemington. I have always wanted to visit one of these events and wasn't disappointed. It was great to see Erin from Blossom Creations exhibiting there (one of her napkins pictured above). We were both in the Springboard program together and I am so impressed with not only her commitment to her design work but also to creating sustainable products.

Other news from the fair is that owls, birds, deers and babushkas are dominating giftware and children's design. So expect to see them on the shelves for a while to come and I can't say I am disappointed as they are just so gorgeous.