Canberra :: April brooches wrap-up

logo by Mikaela @ Danvers Creative

Helloooo owls!

We had a wonderful time at our April meeting, with one of our local owls Angie giving a workshop on how to make these gorgeous wood and fabric brooches. As well as being an all round crafty and amazing lady, Angie has recently taken on a position as shop girl with local business Canberra Creatives and all our supplies came from the online shop (I hope you don't mind the plug, but we did get loads of questions about where people could get their hands on them when we posted some pics on Instagram =))

They all turned out so beautifully - I had loads of comments on mine when I wore it to work on Monday =)

If you missed out and would like to make your own brooch, Angie has also blogged the tutorial over at her gorgeous blog GnomeAngel

Thanks so much to Angie, and to everyone who was able to make it!
Don't forget our next meeting will be on Saturday 25th May.

We will also be at the Mega Craft Day being held this Saturday (see below)!
It is going to a be a super fun day with free craft demos, shopping (yay!), even some activities for the kids.
Bron from Canberra Brown Owls will be there demonstrating the art of english paper piecing, and if you're lucky there might be some space left in Angie's brooch workshop =)
Pop over here for more info and to book workshops
Hope to see you there!!

Parramatta NSW Brown Owls

A beautiful autumn day today - lovely for a gathering of the Parramatta Brown Owls at Mars Hills Cafe in Sydney's western suburbs. Fantastic company, delicious drinks, and great sharing and stories. Just an intimate four of us today (plus one very creative 7 year old). We had spinning, crochet, and sewing going on with plenty of space in the cafe's upstairs room which is used for live music events in the evening.

We're a fairly new bring-your-own-craft Brown Owls group. We'll be continuing to meet at Mars Hill Cafe, 331 Church St, Parramatta, NSW on the last Saturday of the month at 11 a.m.


Thanks for coming out ladies (and son). See you May 25th!

Brisbane: Meet up at the BrisStyle indie twilight market

We are so excited to let you know that we've been invited to have a Brown Owls meet up at the BrisStyle indie Twilight market this Friday night as part of the Saviours of the Lost Arts festival launch!

It will be a busy little evening as I'll be running my own stall but I'm hoping to have a few helpers on hand so that I can give you some quick little demos on crochet, rag rugs, macramé knots and more and to help you out with any little crafty questions or probs.

This is a great opportunity to bring in anything you are stuck on or not sure about from a previous meet up! So bring your own craft along or if there's something specific you want to know/learn reply email so I can be prepared to give you a hand :)

There will also be loads of other craft guilds, demonstrations, workshops and more on the night. Plus all that handmade shopping! For more info about all of the activities and stalls on the night head here.

When: Friday 26 April, pop in any time from 5-9pm
Where: BrisStyle indie Twilight Market, King George Square, Brisbane CBD. We will be on the deck above Groove Train.
What to bring: Your own craft or if you would like a demo or quick lesson on another craft email me for a chat.
RSVP: Not essential but I would love an email to brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com so I have a rough idea of numbers.

See you there!

Mitcham brown Owls

Hi There owlies,

The days are getting shorter and the mornings are cooler - winter is around the corner, time to rev up those craft needles and get creative!

We have another workshop this month, if you have some basic crochet skills, come along and learn Tunisian or Tricot or treble crochet, which is like a cross between knitting and crochet.

We will be making this dish cloth, and I have more of this delightful bilious green yarn or you can bring a knitting or crochet cotton of your own if you prefer.  I also have Tunisian crochet hooks as shown, which you can borrow.  Can you please RSVP so I know how many Tunisian Crochet hooks to bring.

Don't forget to bring along any finished pieces to show off.

I'll look forward to seeing you.

The Details;

Where:

Gallery One 1 Torrens Street Mitcham PH Lianne, 8271 2624

When:  Saturday April 27th 1.30 pm to 4.00 pm

Cost :  room hire $7 per person.

Canberra :: wood & fabric brooches

Hey Canberra Owls!

 

Our next meeting is fast approaching - 27 April - and I'm so excited about what we've got planned this month: Angie from Canberra Creatives has agreed to come and show us how to make some really ace accessories!

 

I'll hand you over to Angie now - don't forget to check at the end of the post for all the important details!

 

****

Hello Brown Owlers! 

My name is Angie and I'm the Shop Girl for Shop Creative at Canberra Creatives.  (http://www.canberracreatives.com.au/shop/)  

I'm so excited to have been asked by Bron to come and share with you the joy of making wood and fabric brooches, just like these:

A kit costs $7 and for that you will get your choice of a wooden embellishment (hot air balloon, sewing machine or camera), a piece of fabric, a brooch back and adhesive.  

You don't need to bring a thing, but if you have some fabric that you would like to use then bring it along.  

If you have a favourite pair of sharp scissors or a craft knife bring that as well - there will be a limited number provided on the day.

To ensure everyone gets the brooch that they would like if you could please specify what type you'd like (hot air balloon, sewing machine or camera) when you RSVP that would be great.

(Additional kits can be purchased, just let Bron know when you RSVP how many you would like and what type!)

I will have other craft supplies available for purchase on the day as well (things like washi tape, scrapbook supplies and other wooden embellishments) - you can check out the store (http://www.canberracreatives.com.au/shop/) in advance to see if there's anything in particular you might like me to bring.  Just email me at shop@canberracreatives.com.au so I can arrange it.

I can't wait to share this quick and easy craft with you all and see the magic that you make!

See you there!

 

****

 

Hooray - I can't wait!!

 

Here are the important things to remember

 

The meeting will be held on Saturday 27th April  at the Downer Community Centre at 2pm

Please bring $5 for room hire, and something to share for arvo tea if you would like!

Don't forget to RSVP in the comments with which kit you would like, and bring $7 to pay for your kit

 

Of course, if brooches are not your thing we'd still love to have you along - please bring what ever crafty piece you have on the go, and join us for a cuppa and a chat.
 

Please let us know if you have any questions!  

Brisbane: Rubber Stamps

 

Make your own personalised rubber stamps!

When: Wednesday 8 May 2013, 6-8pm

Venue: Grange Library, 79 Evelyn Street, Grange

 

RSVP: As soon as possible by emailing brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com

What to bring:
A design: This could be as simple as a little drawing or a pattern, bring at least one design to learn the basic techniques and then you can make more from there.
Eraser: any type of standard eraser will be fine as long as it's the size you want your stamp to be. If you're looking for a larger size Eckersley's in the city sells rubber sheets for printing which you can cut down to size. If you have problems finding something suitable let me know.
Stamp pads if you have any, we will have some on the day but eventually you'll want your own anyway so you can use your stamp at home
Xacto or stanley knife
Carving tools (the type used for sculpting and lino printing, the one with the V shape specifically)
Cutting mat if you have one
Paper for stamping onto

Check out the Brown Owls Pinterest board for inspiration.

See you then!

Brisbane: Rag Rugs

 

As part of Saviours of the Lost Arts we're tackling rag rugs!

Learn the easy and fun 'toothbrush' technique of knotting, upcycle your old and unwanted fabric into a fabulous rug! The meet up will cover preparing your fabric to make the rug, the basic knotting technique and a few tips for creating a nice flat circle through increasing. 


Meet up details

When: Saturday 27 April, 10:30am-12:30pm

Where: Carindale Library, Westfield Carindale, 1151 Creek Road, Carindale

What to bring:
Scissors
A ruler
Fabric: Cotton is best, check out local op shops for damaged sheets, use up some of your old remnants or head to Reverse Garbage.
A rag rug tool: You can purchase rag rug tools online (I got mine from here) however if you'd like to try out rag rugging before investing it's super easy to make your own rag rug tool. You can use a hair clip, a large paper clip, a large crochet hook or bring a piece of thick wire and some tape and we'll make one.

If you have any trouble finding fabric, options for a tool or you have any questions please email me at brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com as I may be able to bring along some extra.

RSVP: This meet up is now at capacity however you can join the waiting list in case a spot becomes available by emailing brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com ASAP!

See you then!

Brunswick Brown Owls get crocheting!

Come to Brunswick and get your crochet on!

Brunswick Brown Owls love crochet! What about you? Do you want to learn? Do you want to teach? Do you want to show us your amazing granny square blanket, or your pot holder? Or do you want Debra to show to how to change colours?  No matter what your skill level (I’m still on my first granny square) you are welcome to join us and learn (or assist). It’ll be fun!

Come and join us, 

Wednesday 24^th April at 7pm at 

the Sporting Club, Weston St, Brunswick, Vic. 

for a wild and wooly gathering of crochet craftiness. 

Put it into your diary, or your digital calendar thingy. We meet every fortnight. Set an alarm! It's fun to be organised!

image from ING THINGS

Feel free to bring your own project if crochet is not your bag, there will be lots happening in the fine Ladies Lounge. We’d love to organize dates for our crafty calendar together.

Come and say HIDEE HI to the Brunswick Brown Owls! If you can’t make it, we’ll pop up photos of the evening on our Brunswick Brown Owls Facebook page so you can join in the fun too.  We have OVER 160 members, and you can be a part of our crafty community too! Come along and learn some new skills with us! No need to RSVP. No probs if you're early or late. No dress code either!

The Sporting Club still has delicious tapas and cocktails. Tasty. 

Bring your friends, we’re a friendly bunch!

Winter is coming...

Brown Owls Melbourne 3000 CBD - Date Change

Hi All

Please note that I've had to change the date of the May meet up and the Melb 3000 CBD group will now be meeting on 16th May (not 23rd), all other details remain the same and can be found here.

Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

Cheers

sue x

Hi Brown Owls!

 

Dear Brown Owls - fellows

 

Having had our first meeting we are ready to introduce ourself.

 

Being inspired by your wonderful initative we have started our own Brown Owls in Helsinge a small danish town north of Copenhagen, Denmark.

 

We have a really enjoyable time as your might see Ü

 

Having formally been accepted by the municipality as a local association we are able to use rooms at the local school (which also ment our work was accompanied by the linedancers next door).

 

The wonderfull knittet doll is inspired by these fantastic couple - Arne and Carlos from Norway - http://www.arne-carlos.com/ 

 

We meet first tuesday and second sunday each month.

 

May you all feel invited to join us if you come by our part of the world....

 

Best regards

 

Brown Owls Helsinge

St George and Sutherland Brown Owls THIS SUNDAY!!

HURRAH!

It's that time again!

Sunday 14th April 2013

Buzzbar Mortdale

2pm - 5pm

Bring along some craft (or not!) - Indulge in coffee, cakes and conversation!

Sunshine Coast Brown Owls, April Dates.

Hello All!

April Date has been released. It will be held on Saturday 27th!

Theme: RECYCLED

- it looks like we are all brimming with ideas - so bring along your recycled material craft to work on and share your techniques/tips with others... Open to volunteers who want to demonstrate anything new... I will be working on doing something with my fused plastic bags... and can demo how to make recycled paper-beads if anyone wants?

BYO materials, and cake/food to share if you like!

Cost: $3
Max number: 14 participants

Look up our Sunshine Coast Brown Owls Facebook Page, it has more details on location & times, also you can advise us if you are joining in :). 

I will be making easy, but lovely, envelopes from old magazines. Here is the link if you want a sneek peek on How-To. 

Happy making!
Christine - SC Brown Owl 

Brown Owls Melbourne 3000 - May meet up DATE CHANGE

Well, who'd have thought it.
Yes, we all thought it was over, but we just don't want it to be.....

Given no one has put their hand up to co-ordinate the Melbourne 3000 CBD Brown Owls group, after I hung up my hook at the end of last year, I thought I'd just have to organise a little gathering for all those that are missing some Melb 3000 action.

I would still love it if someone would like to co-ordinate the group on a regular basis (please let me know if you'd like to generously put your hand up to do so), but until that occurs I may occasionally organise an adhoc catch up. And, hence, I am happy to announce we shall meet in May - yes indeed hooray!

When: Thursday 16th May Thursday 23rd May, 6.30-9pm
Where: Madame Brussels (in the Parlour room, up the rear), Level 3, 59-63 Bourke Street, Melb 3000
What: BYO crafty catch up for old and new Brown Owlers alike
$$$$: there is no fee to attend but you may like to purchase a beverage or/and a tasty snack from the fabulous Mme Brussels tasty offerings, by way of saying thank you for letting us use this space
Why: because we love it
RSVP: Please RSVP with your name eg. Sue L, in the comments below, so I know to expect you.

It's a laid back, easy going, friendly group which welcomes old faces as well as new ones, dont worry if you've never been before and are feeling a bit nervous - just DO IT! If you want to read about my first Brown Owls experience you can have a look here.

There is no theme at this May session, just bring some hand held craft activity to work on. I will bring crochet, so will Shannon probably, others may bring knitting, stitching, cutting and sticking, those kinds of things.

See you in a few weeks!

Sue x

Southside Owls at Frankie and Swiss

Hello everyone!

Michelle here, from Frankie and Swiss. This month it's Brown Owls at my place, 199 Toorak Road South Yarra. And Magdalena from The Craft Revival is our SPECIAL GUEST. She'll be bringing along her brand spankin new paper die cutting machine and letting us all have a go. Brilliant! I've seen what it can do, and it's cool. In fact, I'd like a giant one that could die cut fabric - that would be very cool...

See that owl? It's a paper cut. Using Magdalena's machine. Awesome stuff.

Now, there is a CHANGE OF DAY this month. We'll be gathering together next WEDNESDAY 10th April. 

Date: Wednesday 10th April 2013

Time: 7:30pm onwards

Venue: Frankie and Swiss, Ground Floor, 199 Toorak Road, South Yarra. It’s the building on the corner of Toorak and Claremont Street. Right on the #8 tram or a 2 second walk from South Yarra station. I’ll also have parking available underneath the building. You’ll need to call me (9826 4261) to buzz you under:)

Craft: BYO a project. Maybe some paper bits and pieces to give the die cutting machine a go! 

Goodies: We will have tea and coffee. I'm pretty useless in the baking department, so please feel free to bring something along if you would like to show off your baking skills!

RSVP: You can leave a comment here, email me or tweet me! 

See you all next week!Michelle
x

Brisbane: Mother's Day Craft

Learn from the super talented Shirley McAvoy of Stamping Elephants to create a beautiful card and gift box set just in time for Mother's Day!

Stamp, assemble and finish a handmade Mother's Day Card and put together and decorate a matching gift box that can be used to fill with chocolates or little handmade gifts.

When: Tuesday 30 April, 10:30am-12:30pm

Where: Caboolture Library at The Hub, 4 Hasking Street, Caboolture
 
What to bring:
1. A basic craft kit including scissors, bone folder, double sided tape or tape runner. If you don't have these items Shirley will have a few extra on the day.
2. A plate to share for morning tea (tea and coffee will be provided)


Cost: Only $5 for materials! Shirley has kindly offered to donate her time for us :)

RSVP: As soon as possible by emailing brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com

Brisbane: Crochet Basics

RSVP now for crochet basics at Ministry of Handmade!

Julie from Ministry of Handmade has very generously offered to host another Brown Owls meet up! The perfect opportunity for those who previously missed out on crochet basics or who would like to brush up on their hooking skills!

Julie has a wealth of experience and knowledge teaching a variety of crafts so bring along your own craft and any burning crafty questions. It's also a great opportunity to check out her fabulous space!

Granny Squares from Ministry of Handmade

When: Friday 26 April, 10:30am-12:30pm

Where: Ministry of Handmade, 11 Eclipse Street, Bridgeman Downs

What to bring:
1. Your own craft or if you'd like to learn crochet basics a 4.5 or 5mm crochet hook, some 8ply yarn and scissors.
2. A plate to share for morning tea (tea and coffee will be provided)

RSVP: As soon as possible by emailing brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com

See you there!

Brisbane: Crochet in the round & Granny Squares

Following on from the crochet basics meet up, get ready to crochet in the round as part of Saviours of the Lost Arts!

Crocheting in the round is super easy and you can make loads of things from beanies to bowls and baskets, rugs or once you’re on a roll you can cover pebbles, stool covers, beads, anything round!

We’ll take you through increasing to achieve a circle, the base of many projects as well as little pitfalls along the way like what to do when your crochet circle curls up at the edges or goes wavy!

Plus learn the best stitch to use depending on the projects you’re embarking on. For those who are ready we’ll go through the magic ring to get you started for an even nicer look to your project.

If you missed crochet basics don’t worry, you’ll pick up crocheting in the round in no time and if there’s time at the end of the meet up we can show you a few extra tips and stitches that were covered at the basics session.

PLUS! Once you’ve got a hang of crochet in the round we’ll end it all off with the basic granny square!

And if crochet isn't your thing bring along your own craft and enjoy a fun-filled morning in the city. Or if crochet is your thing experience the joy of giving by passing your hooking expertise on to a beginner on the day, the more helpers the better! :)

Meet up details

When: Sunday 21 April, 10:30am-12:30pm

Where: Brisbane Square Library, 266 George Street, Brisbane CBD

What to bring:
A crochet hook (size 4.5 or 5)
8 ply yarn
Scissors

NB: As always there will be a number of hooks and yarn available to use if you would prefer to try before you buy :)

RSVP: As soon as possible by emailing brisbanebrownowls@gmail.com

Preston Brown Owls April Meeting

Hello Dearest Owls of Preston,

This month we are diving back into our craft bags at Cheshire Cafe.  So bring some hand held crafty goodness and join us in a cuppa.

Sunday April 21

2 - 4 pm

Cheshire

583 Gilbert Road Preston

(opposite the park and tram terminus)

Everyone is welcome - we love meeting new folks and catching up with those we haven't seen in a while.