michvanetta

Merry Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 23:17:00 +0000

To all my wonderful internet friends, customers, suppliers and readers of my blog I wish you all a wonderful Christmas.

May 2011 be all that you want it to be and more!

I look forward to bringing you the news of our 3rd precious little person who's due to enter the world on the 1st of the 1st 2011.
We're very excited to meet this little one.

Until then enjoy this special time of year with those you love: eat, drink and have a blast!
xx Mich

Image 1: Tabletop Christmas Tree by Red Zebra Designs on madeit

Image 2: retro merry christmas // 12 pack eco friendly gift tags by lemon tree lane on madeit

Image 3: Christmas Ornament - 3D Star Decoration by The Papertie Affair on madeit

A lovely surprise from Daisy & Mister

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:25:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago, I received a lovely email from Arita of Daisy & Mister.
She wrote to tell me I had won her competition - the beautiful "Halla" necklace.
I was very excited and I love it!

Please be sure to view more of Arita's pretty creations at:
Daisy & Mister on Madeit
Daisy & Mister on Etsy
And read more here-
Daisy & Mister Blog

Thanks again Arita x

Mosiac Workshop Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 00:53:00 +0000

Over the last two Saturdays, together with my mum, I've completed a two day workshop on Mosiac.

I didn't expect much from it, but I was very much looking forward to spending some quality and creating time with my mum. I can't even remember the last time we had time together without anyone else around, so to have a few hours sitting side by side meant alot to me :)

Being our first time we were asked to make a simple plaque.
I decided upon a flower design as I knew my girls would like it, even if I didn't like the end result.

My favourite part of the whole process was cutting the glass and mirror, and placing the pieces around, much like working on a jigsaw puzzle.
I must say after grouting and polishing I'm quite happy with how it's turned out.
What do you think?

Cognac Necklace - new in September

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 21:45:00 +0000

This is one of my new pieces for September.
I'm in love with this necklace and if nobody snaps it up from my Etsy Shop, it's mine :)

It's made up of these deep and rich topaz faceted beads and topaz cathedral czech glass beads. I've placed one big Sterling Silver Bead in there too, can you find it?

To view more of my new pieces in September feel free to click here!

Look - a gorgeous clutch from alipink!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 01:47:00 +0000

Last week I won this gorgeous vintage (chocolate swirl) fabric clutch by alipink.

The clutch is made from a Seventies print cotton fabric and features a swirling floral pattern in chocolate and white. It is lined with dark brown fabric and is secured with elastic and a vintage button.
I love. love, love it, the colours are fab (just my style) and the vintage button on the front I adore.
Thanks again Ali x

Check out Ali's:
~Website

~Etsy Shop (USD)
Shoulder bag I love orange

~Madeit Shop (AUD)
Mini messenger bag - Paper Doll

for more of Ali's lovely creations.

Celia's Creations

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 23:14:00 +0000

Celia loves her Play-Doh and yesterday was no exception.

After some time playing with her blue doh she came to ask me for a pencil, I said "sure, what will you use it for?"
Celia said, "To make eyes, a nose, a mouth and boobies".
Well I tried my hardest not to laugh and had to check out what she was up to!

Taking a peek at what my 3 year old was creating - I discovered this:

Haha how cute! Soon after they were squashed and the Blue Play-Doh put away for another day of creating.

Sunday Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 02:48:00 +0000

Today: I'm having a wee little sale on my facebook page

These items are not listed anywhere else so let's say it's an "exclusive" to my michvanetta Facebook page.
All prices include postage to anywhere in Australia.

Can you find something that will make a nice present for someone?
....or treat yourself. All pieces will arrive beautifully giftwrapped, like Christmas coming early.

DUST Craft Swap - Kellie Christie

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 01:03:00 +0000

Flat Button Necklace by Kellie Christie

This month I participated in the DUST Craft Swap and I was paired up with Kellie from Kellie Christie.

My parcel from Kellie arrived 2 days ago and I've gotta tell you it felt a little bit like Christmas opening my package.
She was very generous and I love everything.
I would post the pictures of the goodies I made for Kellie, but I'll wait until she confirms with me that she received her parcel, I don't want to ruin her surprise :)

This is what I received:

Pair of dangly earrings, pair of dark blue floral studs, and a super cute brooch.

How awesome is this necklace, it's so bold, I love it!

Thanks again Kellie!

A little about my suburb - My dream ring

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 01:05:00 +0000

I thought it'd be a good idea to show a little bit of my local community every now and then.
To kick things off I wanted to share my dream ring and the man/gallery behind it.
It's by the very talented Michael Wilson who has a lovely gallery here in Eltham.

If your ever in the area you must stop in, his work is divine.

Me time, ahhhhhh!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 04:28:00 +0000

I have just taken Miss 3 to her afternoon Kinder session and I have an hour before collecting Miss 7 from school.

This (right now) is a little bit of me time.

I will be consuming these lollies, a warm cup of tea and the latest issue of Dumbo Feather with my feet up.

Have a lovely afternoon all.
x

New Fab Find

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 03:46:00 +0000

Black Cat Pendant
This black cat is my "childhood" favourite!

Recently I found myself browsing through some very talented sellers on madeit and quickly fell in love with these gorgeous pieces of yummy jewellery.

Adelaide based jeweller Minnette Michael makes jewellery from whatever materials she can get
her hands on, she has been known to use sterling silver, resin, buttons, silk thread, vintage fabric,
enamel paint, 100s and 1000s, yellow gold, cork, and most recently recycled plastic.

Strawberry n Creme Pendant

Minnette's inspiration is drawn from her love of mixed lollies, umbrella's, jewellery, chocolate,
couches long enough for laying on, rain, buttons, plastic, knitting, Corey, vintage fabric, socks,
lamps, Enid Blyton, sunshine, little ceramic containers, cowboy boots, mittens, colour, wallpaper,
daisy's, Minnie Mouse, board games, travel, chocolate chip cookies, kittens, black & white photos,
recycled paper, ballon animals, cupcakes, clouds, rainbows, snow, champagne, strawberries,
moonlight, picnics, mint green...

Resulting in what has been described as 'wonderfully nostalgic, whimsical and colourful jewellery
that often looks sweet enough to eat'.

Check out Minnette's other delicious creations here.

Green Frog Pendant

The 1st CHA Craft Swap

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 04:17:00 +0000

I recently participated in The Contemporary Handmade Alliance's very first craft swap.

Partnered with the lovely and talented Tania from Chicken Ink Creative was a real thrill.

Here's what I received:

Visual Diary

Notebook

Here is what I sent to Tania:

Necklace

Floral Pink Screwback Earrings

Retro Green Earrings

Everything together - necklace, earrings and magnet set including a brooch

It was a pleasure dealing with Tania be sure to check out her shop on madeit.

Big Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 03:03:00 +0000

Everything in michvanetta can be now be purchased at 30% off.
Including all items in my Etsy shop (USD)
and in my madeit shop (AUD)

All prices HAVE NOT been marked down, I will either send a revised invoice or simply purchase and make payment and you'll be refunded the discount (excluding postage costs).

Get in quick this sale ends at 11.59pm on June the 30th (Melbourne- Australian time).

A cold winters day and frankie

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 01:11:00 +0000

A cold winters day and my new copy of frankie.

My cute Bolivian Cholitas guarding my frankie collection.
Have a happy Monday all xx

And the winner is......

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 27 May 2010 06:38:00 +0000

Joanna!
Congratulations Jo, I'll be in touch soon, thankyou to everyone who entered.

Have a fabulous weekend and keep warm.
xx

Facebook Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 19 May 2010 04:01:00 +0000

Due to the crappy new laws on Facebook I've had to work out the best way to hold my giveaway for my Facebook Fans/Likers, (thanks so much for joining), if you're not already a fan or liker feel free to visit here: michvanetta's Facebook Page

Up for grabs are these sweet pink rose stud (sterling silver) earrings and $25USD to spend on anything you fancy in my etsy shop - how cool is that?!

My 3 year old sweetie will pull the name out of a hat. All you have to do is leave a quick post below.
To gain an extra entry feel free to blog, twitter or facebook this giveaway and let me know.
Please no anonymous posts, I won't know who you are :)
Entries open until May the 26th.

Best of luck to all :)

Win a $100 madeit voucher!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 14 May 2010 00:14:00 +0000

To celebrate the recent Frankie Magazine advert madeit are giving one lucky buyer a chance to win a $100 madeit.com.au voucher! Hooray!!

Simply buy from any of the Frankie advertisers (see here) and you could win a $100 madeit voucher. Giveaway runs from the 13th May to the 27th May. Winner will be picked via random.org!

Visit my madeit store here, make a purchase and go into the draw to win the $100 madeit voucher - good luck!

Retro Pinwheels - Japanese Vintage Glass and Brass Earrings

My interview with Christina from Billy Mac Clothing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 01:41:00 +0000

I was thrilled to interview the lovely Christina from Billy Mac Clothing. She may be fairly new to the DUST Team and Etsy, but look out for her and her gorgeous creations.
I predict only good things for this lovely clothing designer from Sydney.

1. Tell us about yourself (where you live, your family life, where you grew up)
I live in Sydney with my husband and my 2 girls who are 3 and 18months. My house is quite hectic – the girls are both very active and determined and I run 2 businesses from home so there is always something going on and a mini-drama to deal with. I’ve always lived in Sydney, I moved around a lot when I was at Art School so have experienced life in quite a few suburbs but home for now is the North West of Sydney. I grew up in a reasonably large family – 3 older brothers and I was the only girl, and the youngest! My Dad gave us all nicknames, mine was Bill and as our surname started with a Mc, I became Billy Mac.

2. Describe yourself in 5 words.
Creative, stubborn, ambitious, honest, cuddly

3. When and how did you first start creating/crafting?
I’ve always been artistic. I was always drawing, painting or dancing as a child but when I reached high school I knew that this was it, Art was my ‘thing’. I went to UNSW, College of Fine Arts for 4 years and when I graduated moved around in a few different jobs within magazines and retail advertising where I was amongst very creative people but I wasn’t being creative myself. In the back of my mind I knew that I was still an artist but I had pushed aside the ‘making’. After having my 1st child I started my own graphic design business which meant that I took the lid off my artistic self again and after having my 2nd child I started billy mac clothing. It has been so fantastic to use my creative skills again – with billy mac clothing I am creating my own work and not channeling my artistic side through my clients work. It’s an absolute joy and my kids have great t-shirts to wear.

I found after having my girls that there were fantastic garments for babies, but then for around the 2 years up age group the reasonably priced garments were either printed with Disney or Bratz Dolls licenced images or they were attempting to make girls in particular, dress much older than they were. I needed to find t-shirts for my toddler to wear to Pre-school that I wasn’t too precious about if she got paint on them, had her shoulders covered in case of sunburn when she was playing outside, but also made her look like ‘the coolest kid in town’! I couldn’t find anything within my price range so decided to focus on making my own.

4. Where is your favourite place in the world?
My favourite place in the world is wherever my family and friends are, and hopefully there’s good wine and nice cheese there ... and if there’s not, I’ll bring some with me!

5. Where would you like to travel?
It’s no secret to anyone who knows me that my dream is to travel to Europe. I’ve been dreaming and talking and planning my trip for years and years but life keeps getting in the way! My husband works for Qantas so there’s no excuse. Our trip will be a little different now with 2 little girls in tow but we will definitely be going to Europe before they start school. Top of the hit list is Florence, Rome, Tuscany, Paris, Barcelona, London .... I could keep going but they’re the obvious big cities for most travellers!

6. Describe your business in 5 words.
Cool, retro, quirky, bold, fun

7. Where do you create your items and what materials do you use?
My studio is at home, I have a room at the back of our house which at the moment is chaotic as I’m preparing to sell at my first markets. All my designs are done on a Mac using Adobe Illustrator. The design part is my favourite part of the process, they are then printed via a couple of different methods depending on the design and heat pressed onto the garment. All of my t-shirts are 100% cotton and are printed with sturdy vinyl or digital prints. I’m experimenting with a few different print methods and weighing up the options between quality but still trying to keep costs reasonable. I’ve been focussing on short-sleeve t-shirts square cut for the boys and a gorgeous puff sleeve for the girls, but now that the weather is getting cooler I’m expanding the range to include long sleeves, baby onesies and am trying to decide if hoodies might be the way to go?

8. Where and what would you like to be doing in 5 years time?
In 5 years time my girls will be 8 and 6 ... so they’ll both be at school (will this mean I’ll have some free time?). I’d love to be living somewhere near the ocean and near great schools for my girls. I imagine my days will be filled with school drop offs and pickups; and running my graphic design business and billy mac clothing in between. I’m hoping the hard work that I’m putting in now will reap rewards in the future and that life will be a little smoother! Oh and I’d love our house to be filled with all the gorgeous paintings, and homewares and pretty little things that I picked up during our travels through Europe.

Join Billy Mac Clothing's Facebook Page here.

Feel free to check out more Australian Etsy Sellers from the DUST Team

Thrifty finds

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 02:24:00 +0000

Two beautiful glass containers both Made in Belgium.

I was lucky enough to have a spare few hours up my sleeve yesterday and instead on working on some new pieces I took myself out in the crisp, cool Melbourne morning air to a few local op-shops (thrift stores).

I came across a few beauties. The first few pictures are of these gorgeous containers in perfect condition. Both made in Belgium, both found in different shops, and now they both sit together on my shelf.

I found this adorable jewellery box that I'll pass down to my daughters when they're a little bigger.

I picked up four vintage necklaces that I'm thinking to pull apart and remake them into pieces for my shop, but I haven't fully decided upon this idea yet.

Have you found anything special in op-shops lately?

Blackbird Market - April the 10th

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 04:10:00 +0000

Catch me at Blackbird Market this Saturday from 11am through to 4pm.

Located at The Worker's Club
51 Brunswick Street (corner of Gertrude St)
Fitzroy
free admission!

I'll be selling lots of new creations.
Hope to see you there!

Happy Easter!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 02:15:00 +0000

Fuchsia the Hot Pink Bunny Faux Fur Plushie Momma Size by Zygopsyche on Etsy

Mini mosaic eggs - Set of 3 by Sigmosaics on Etsy

Happy Easter to all my friends, family and lovely blog followers.
I hope you enjoy the next few days with loved ones.
Hope that big, fluffy bunny brings you a lovely treat!
xx

Rabbit Whispers Print With Thread 4 Easter Gift by artdecadence on Etsy

Look what I received...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 01:19:00 +0000

The lovely Chris from littlechrissy posted these gorgeous goodies to me and I've been wanting to blog about them for awhile now... and finally here I am.

littlechrissy is an eco-friendly shop, using as many pre-loved, re-purposed and recycled materials as possible.
You'll find Brooches, Purses and even cute little booties in her shop.
You can even contact her for a custom piece/design, how cool is that!
Follow Chris's blog here.

Super cute little felt pouch in yellow with brown circles and a funky brown button for closure, love it!

Beautiful red felt and turquoise beaded pendant on silver wire. This necklace is a burst of colour, just the way I like it :)
Thanks again Chris xx

Our gorgeous girl turns 7

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:37:00 +0000

Last Friday was our eldest daughter's 7th birthday....WOW how fast the time has gone, I still remember holding her very late the night she was born, the midwife came in to check on us and she told me to go to bed, I just couldn't stop holding her and looking at her, and look at her now.

Latesha has grown into a beautiful, funny, creative and intelligent little girl.

We held her party at Balance Gym, she had a fabulous time with all her friends, and how cool that the party girl gets to have a go on this.....

Happy Birthday sweet cheeks - here's hoping the next year drags on a bit longer xx

Autumn is here

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +0000

Autumn in France tea cup Soy wax candle by TwilightSpells

Autumn has arrived.
It's my favourite season, I love the cooler nights, mornings and warm afternoons here in Melbourne.
I love seeing the change in colour of leaves and walking with my girls ontop of crunchy leaves.

the last rays bracelet by wingbysea

What's your favourite season?

Please check out these lovely Autumn inspired items by talented Australian Etsy sellers.

WOOLY AUTUMN DAYS by ashleightaylorsydney

renaissance cushion by tractorgirl

Sunny Yellow Flowers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:24:00 +0000

Yellow is such a happy colour for flowers - something about the brightness just make me smile.
Perfect for men and women, friends and family.
I love the way Miss 3 pronounces the word Yellow, she says "LAL-LOW".
What's your favourite coloured flowers?

My Spring in the City Flowered Earrings can be found in my etsy and madeit shops: