Brisbane's first Brown Owls meet

Fifteen crafty peeps gathered today for the first Brisbane Brown Owls meet. There was loads of chatting, eating and sewing.



Bel kept our energy levels high with tasty treats like owly cupcakes, banana caramel tarts and Mars Bar slice.

Mmmmm... she is definitely the cupcake queen!

Clever Abbey ensured we were occupied with little brown owl and blue bird brooch making kits, perfect for our 2 hour time frame. I wore my blue bird for a trip into the city afterwards and received quite a few compliments! Nice one Abbey :)

There were lots of ideas for future meetings including group afghan knitting, sewing totes and crochet (ooh... and a post-craft dip in the pool!) I think I speak for everyone when I say how fabulous it was to share a Sunday morning with like-minded people.

Dates for the next few meetings will be confirmed soon and we will aim to have a sewing machine or two available. I can't wait!

Melbourne Meet - Update!

Hey Melbourne Girls!

Hello all! Yikes it's been busy here at Camp Brown Owl! We are only a couple of days away from our Melbourne meet! Yay! I know there are HEAPS of girls coming - but don't be daunted, this is a mixer (not a craftalong) - and we will be gentle! Then next Melbourne meet will be announced very soon - it will have limited places - and will be first in first dressed allocation. Stay tuned for that.

A few things I wanted to go over with you all:

If you can - bring some excess crafty things - we will be packing up things for the Re-Stash a Crafter arm of Handmade Help. We especially need - fabric pieces, little SCISSORS, needles and cotton, nice yarn (scraps are fine!), zip-lock bags. Could you comment below if you will be able to bring any of these?

I need : someone to print out the crafty Handmade Help tags to go into the bags - please let me know in the comments if you could do this on Monday or Tuesday and bring them along - we are planning to make about 100 packs up - so it will be maybe 50 pages maximum to print (maybe less!)

You will also receive your membership tag on the night - and interstate and international girls will either have their memberships now - or be receiving them next week - phew!

If you are going to arrive early for dinner - perhaps comment here - I think there are 3 or 4 girls making that plan - sounds like a great plan! If you arrive later - walk through the main bar/eating area and hang a right turn at the end - ahead of you is the back room - we'll be in there!

We will have name tags on the night - and prefects will be mingling and chatting and introducing all night - so don't be shy. If you are terrified come up and hang onto my skirt for the night - I don't mind!

We will have a 'Restash' packing station and a 'Membership' station (also known as trestles!). When you arrive - check in and let us know who you are - then go get your membership stuff - grab a drink or coffee from the bar - and then you can mingle or help to pack.

Gemma will be there too - selling raffle tickets - so look out for her Art Fights Fire stand!

Okay - that's all for now - don't be scared - it's going to be great!

xx Pip

PS - The Brisbane Girls met today! I wonder how they went!!!!?

First Canberra meet-up!

Hellooo-hoo fellow Brown Owlies!

You know, here in Canberra we had our VERY FIRST Brown Owls meet up yesterday!!!
It was rainy, so we sat inside - it was very cosy!! It was so so busy, but luckily we had our mascot so everyone could find us!



It was lovely that most of our Canberra Brown Owls could make it -
Michelle L
Georgie K
Naomi D
Bec C
Renae B
Melissa Mc
Amanda R
Emma A
Jess B
Lea D
and me - Bron S
were all able to come along.

Michelle W and Jodie W couldn't make it this time, but we are looking forward to meeting them next time!

There was lots of crafty goodness, and of course refreshments!


And plenty of book/magazine show and tell
(ooh look - it's Pip and the girls in Frankie mag!)

Our very own Bec has been the Canberra contact for the Blankets of Friendship project - collecting 12" knit and crochet squares to sew into blankets for Victoria's bushfire survivors, so she brought along a few bags of squares and crochet queen Michelle showed us how to join them up!


Wow those hands are fast!

Busy little owls!!!

We also collected some lovely things to send to Melbourne to help re-stash some crafters!

Thanks girls for an excellent afternoon!
We're already looking forward to and planning for our next meet-up!
And we can't wait to see how much fun the other Brown Owl groups have at their meetings too!

xo

NSW Brown Owls - Help re-stash a crafter

Hi NSW Brown Owls,

If anyone would like to bring excess craft supplies to the first Sydney Brown Owls meeting that would be great. We will package them up into kits and organise for them to be delivered to Mike's to be shared out for "Re-stash A Crafter".

Some ideas from the Handmade Help website are:

• yarn, knitting needles, yarn needle and little scissors
• yarn, crochet hooks, yarn needle and little scissors
• fabric, threads, needles, pins, scissors
• felt, threads, needles, pins, scissors
• rovings, drop spindle, bobbins
• canvas or linen, embroidery hoop, threads, needles and little scissors

If you want to donate some handmade items to 'Handmade Help' you can also bring them to the meeting.

Some items needed include:

• Handmade quilts, bed linens, knitted and crocheted blankets, cushions
• Handmade Kitchen Linens
• Home-made Curtains
• Handmade Jewellery and Accessories
• Knitted and crocheted winter clothing
• Hot Water Bottles with Covers
• Handmade Toys
• Handmade Stationery
• Handmade Clothing

If you want to donate some craft supplies or handmade goodies but can't make it to the meeting, send me an email and we can work out an alternative drop off point.

Looking forward to meeting everyone at Centre House, Lane Cove Thursday March 5 from 7-10PM.

Thanks,
Bell (Sunny Day Owl)
bellinda(at)gmail(dot)com

Brisbane Owls - Bring your projects for VIC bushfire victims to the meet

Hi Everyone,

As you know Mike's is organising a Handmade Help Appeal for the victims of the Victorian Bushfires. There is also a collection being made by The Toy Society for Handmade Softies to be sent down to bring some cheer to the kids who have lost everything.

I have bought 2 bolts of fabric to make softies for this cause and will be bringing some "kits" cut out to our Brisbane meet (no charge) if anyone is interested in helping sew them to life. You could bring along any extra embelishments that you might like to add, like hair or ribbons etc. Also if you are working on a Softie project or Handmade help project you might like to bring along with you on the day, please do so and we can all help each other.

Can't wait to meet you all on the 22nd!

Cheers Em

Attention All Brown Owls! Restash a Crafter!

Hello to all of you!

I'm sure you are all aware of the dire situation we face in Victoria at the moment. Many, many homes destroyed. Many, many precious people lost. So many people have lost so much. We're channeling our sadness into positive action via Handmade Help.

This is a call-out to all Brown Owls. PLEASE - could you make up a 're-stash a crafter kit' and either send it to Mike's - or bring it to the first Brown Owls meet in your state - so that we can distribute these to crafters who have lost their craft stashes (and their homes).

It's very important to be keeping people busy at the moment. Knitting or crochet or embroidery might be just the trick for some people in these trying circumstances.

As Brown Owls it is our responsibility to help others. So either bring your excess craft items and make up the kits at your meet (or in the case of Melbourne, just donate them in the donations box on the night and we'll make them up - (maybe even on the night!)).

Please rally those you know for donations too.

We're sure you are all already working on your Handmade Help donation too, aren't you?! There is absolutely no rush with that one - just make something beautiful - it might become someone's new family heirloom.

Membership Packs - nearly done!

Hi peeps!

Just checking in to let you know that Membership Packs are being made up as we speak - but Handmade Help is eating into our packing time a wee bit. Please know that we are nearly there - and that we are doing our best! Thanks a bunchy and CAN'T WAIT for the first round of meets!

Melbourne girls who are attending the meet at Dante's on the 24th - you will receive your packs then! Gals that don't attend with have their packs posted! Any worries - email me!

Don't forget that all members can post on this blog - just email me your posts and I'll forward it on to the prefects. I'll be updating all the prefect links into the side-bar extremely soon too!

xx Pip

Yipppeee! Brown Owls Melbourne Meet - Tuesday 24th February 7.30pm

Where -

Dante's
150 Gertrude St
Fitzroy
Telephone - 9417 2468
Get directions

Tuesday 24th February
7.30 pm until 10pm


Super Huge Brown Owl Mixer! (Not crafting - just chatting for the first meet!)
ALL Melbourne Girls invited! The venue can hold us all!!

We really need to let the venue know how many guests to expect - so please DO RSVP here before 22nd February! YOU MUST RSVP with your first name and initial in the comments HERE!!!!

You might like to arrive early and have some dinner - Dante's is cutting us a GREAT deal!

Please note that drinks are BUY YOUR OWN - so bring your pocket money! Also bring a notebook so you can write down the phone numbers of all the nice, crafty girls that you will meet!

Further Brown Owls updated details here - please read them before you email me your questions!

I CAN'T WAIT to SEE YOU ALL!!!!! Don't be shy! I will be sure that you meet someone lovely on the night!


xx Pip

Update and...

Okay, everyone! Much excitement about Brown Owls this year!!!! I just want to clarify a few things before I announce the Melbourne meet details!

• as previously mentioned, the membership packs will be posted out in the next week - they have been delayed due to LOTS of paypal transactions in husbands and brothers' names - as well as lots of incorrect addresses and other complications. As promised though, the packs will be mailed in early February (so I think we are actually on schedule!)
• Brown Owls meetings are open to members only - if you would like to attend and are not a member then you should email me and I'll put you on the waiting list
• if you have a Paypal receipt for your membership, then you are a member!
• the Brown Owls store will tell you what memberships are still available
• to rsvp for an event, please RSVP on this blog - with your first name and the initial of your surname - blogger IDs won't always let us know who you are!
• the State prefects will have a list of all the State members and those who has RSVPd for attendance at each Brown Owls meet
• numbers have been limited interstate due to the fact that all Prefects are volunteering their time and love - and we don't want to overload them!
  

Are there any other questions (apart from when the Melbourne meet is?!)...? Let me know here so I can be sure to inform everyone in the comments of this very post! I'm looking forward to a great year!

xx pip

Sydney Brown Owls Meeting

EDIT - NO MORE RSVPS for this meeting, please! It is FULL! If you missed out on a Sydney membership - email me with WAITING LIST in the subject line. I'll let you know when we start other chapters (which I hope we will!). If you RSVPd and you are not a member - you won't be able to attend this event. But we'll let you know about future larger events (like Brown Owls picnics) which you can attend! Thanks for your understanding!



The first Sydney Brown Owls meeting is scheduled for Thursday March 5 from 7-10PM at Centre House, Lane Cove. It is an old brick house a few minutes walk from a bus stop.

Our meeting room is attached to the kitchen and has french doors which open onto a big deck. There are chairs and big tables, and we will be able to take tables and chairs out on the deck also.

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The first meeting will cost $5 (maximum, depending on numbers) as there is a small room hire fee. We will endeavour to get venues that do not have a cost for future meetings.

You can either bring your own crafting project or there will be kits available for purchase for $5 for beginning crafters or those who would like to do something different.

Refreshments will be provided or you can bring your own. Please bring a cup along as well for tea or coffee.

Please RSVP by Thursday 26 February by posting a comment on this post.

We can't wait to meet everyone and get Brown Owls Sydney started for 2009!

*Edit: only the first meeting will be on a Thursday night, we're looking to rotate the days of the meetings on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays so that everyone can come at least once!*

*Edit: as Lisa said, it is 178 Longueville Road, Lane Cove NOT 78. Thanks, Lisa!*

Canberra Brown Owls

Calling all ACT Brown Owls!

Parliament is session!
Our first meeting is scheduled for Sunday 15 February from 2:30pm-4:30pm at Tilley's Devine Cafe at the Lyneham shops.

If its lovely weather we might sit outside in the shade, but we'll make sure we're easy to find wherever we are!

You should bring your own craft, but if you're a beginner crafter, or just not sure what to bring, please get in touch with one of your lovely prefects and we'll be happy to help you organise something.

We can't wait to see who (hoo-hoo) comes along!

xo


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Brisbane Brown Owls

EDIT - PLEASE NO MORE RSVPS FOR THIS EVENT! IT IS FULL! ALSO - This is for MEMBERS only. If you are not a member and you wanted to attend - PLEASE email me (meetmeatmikes(at)gmail(dot)com). You will go on the waiting list - and we'll let you know when we have further chapters up and running. Thanks girls, for you understanding and niceness in general!

The first Brisbane meeting is scheduled for Sunday 22 February from 10:30am-12:30pm at the Recreation Room in Building 7 of Roma Street Parklands Apartments, Parkland Blvd, Brisbane.

The Rec Room is on the ground floor of building 7. Building 7 is the end apartment block furthest away from the City. There is plenty of parking at the Parklands or if coming by public transport catch the train/bus to Roma Street and take the Parklands exit at the back of the station.

Bring your own craft! (We will also be offering some fun small projects and kits a little closer to the date for those who are beginner crafters or looking for something different to do on the day.)

Morning tea will be provided.

Please RSVP by leaving a comment on this post by Thursday 19 February.

We look forward to seeing you there!


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Western Australian Brown Owls

EDIT - NO MORE RSVPS for this meeting, please! It is FULL! If you missed out on a Perth membership - email me with WAITING LIST in the subject line. I'll let you know when we start other chapters (which I hope we will!). If you RSVPd and you are not a member - you won't be able to attend this event. But we'll let you know about future larger events (like Brown Owls picnics) which you can attend! Thanks for your understanding!


Hi all West Aussie Brown Owls. Our first meetup is scheduled for Saturday 28 February from 2 to 4pm at Cafe Greens, 123 Oxford Street, Leederville. We'll be sitting at the back of the cafe and there may be a Brown Owls sign to keep an eye out for. Look forward to meeting you all. Bring your craft of choice!

Us prefects will put together a schedule of meetings for the rest of the year and we'll also look at doing some themed meetings.

Thanks and see you soon!




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Brown Owls 2010 - New Chapter Application

Brown Owls 2010 :: New Chapter Application

Brown Owls 2010 :: New Chapter Application


Copy and fill in the details - then email to me so I can keep a record of all the chapters and also invite you to author on the member blog! Please note that all chapters will be approved! More details here! My email is meetmeatmikes at gmail dot com


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Chapter Prefects - Who is in charge of your group?! ::

Name
Email
Postal Address



Name
Email
Postal Address



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Your Chapter Location ::

Suburb/Town
City
Country

**************************************************

Venue ::
(advise later if you don't know yet!)

Address ::


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How many members do you plan to have?
(you can change this later, if you like!)



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Proposed Number Of Meetings This Year
(minimum of one each month from March - November)



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Proposed Membership Fees - if any - (doesn't include one-off costs for special craft events or tea and coffee money!)

Brown Owls Code Of Conduct 2010

. Be inclusive
. Share your skills
. Meet monthly (or more)
. Membership fees kept to a minimum
. Find a free or low cost venue
. Eat cake (or cheese!)
. Make mistakes!
. Try not to be too perfect (see above)
. Have fun times
. Keep the member blog updated
. Encourage beginners
. Recruit new members if your venue allows
. Create a nice network
. Share ideas with other Brown Owls
. Be nice to other girls
. Try not to be too shy!
. Have a go.