Winner of the singer 160 Limited edition is....

Sam Gibson from Monkey Hugs!

Congratulations Sam.. I will be sending you an email very shortly :)

GIVEAWAY TIME - Hand-Made.com.au Turns 2!

On the 30th September Hand-Made.com.au turns 2! It has been 2 fabulous years, not without it's up's and down's (as with all businesses) but I have to say its been an amazing ride!

Of course, as we roll out the birthday cake, and prepare to blow out those candles, it means it is time to celebrate in style. And when it comes to style, we couldn't go past the Singer 160 Limited Edition (pictured below) as one classy prize!

 

First a few details about this gorgeous machine!
The Singer 160 Limited Edition has:

• Quickview Stitch Setting & simple Stitch Adjustment
• Onetouch™ Stitch Selector
• Extra-large Sewing Space (374mm)
• Drop & Sew™ Bobbin System
• Presser Foot Sensor
• 3 Staybright™ LED Lights
• Swiftsmart™ Threading System With Automatic Needle Threader

So just how do you enter??? Well that's easy!

1. Like the hand-made.com.au facebook page
2. Be an active (have items listed for sale) selling member of hand-made.com.au
3. Have at least three items for sale on hand-made.com.au

Each person will be given one entry for every five items they have listed, for sale, on hand-made.com.au, up to a maximum of five entries. See the points below:

• 3-5 active items = 1 entry
• 6-10 active items = 2 entries
• 11-15 active items = 3 entries
• 16-20 active items = 4 entries
• 21+ active items = 5 entries

Not a member of Hand-Made? You can register here to get started. You may also like to check out our help section along the way, which you can find here.

  

The competition will be open for entries from September 23 2013, at 8am AEST, and will close off at 5pm on October 12 2013 AEDST. And drawn via random.org at 7pm on 12th October 2013 and announced via the Handmade Blog, facebook and emailed directly. 

Happy creating and goodluck!

 __________________________________________________________________________________

Terms and Conditions...

You must be over 18 years of age to enter this competition
To be considered for the draw, you need to have met the following criteria:
1. Liked the hand-made.com.au facebook page
2. Be a member of hand-made.com.au
3. Have at least three items for sale on hand-made.com.au
The competition will be open for entries from September 23, at 8am AEST, and will close off at 5pm on October 12 AEDST. 

 Each person will be given one entry for every five items they have listed, for sale, on hand-made.com.au, up to a maximum of five entries. See the points below:
• 0-2 active items = no entries
• 3-5 active items = 1 entry
• 6-10 active items = 2 entries
• 11-15 active items = 3 entries
• 16-20 active items = 4 entries
• 21+ active items = 5 entries
Items must be active in during the promotional period
Open to residents of Australia only
The competition will be drawn using random.org on October 12 at 7pm (19:00) AEDST.
The winner will be notified by email, and through our facebook page, immediately after the drawn has been completed.
The lucky winner will have their prize couriered out to them within two weeks of the draw being completed
No redeemable for cash

Licence Number:LTPS-13-07662

DIY Spring Crafts

1. No Sew Flowers
2. Cactus Pincushions 
3. Fabric Pots
4. Zipper Rings
5. Washi tape Vases

Introducing Carolina's

What inspired you to start your business?

After leaving a desk job that I had been at for several years, and having two young boys, one just about to start school, I decided that I would like to try and start a small WAHM (Work at home Mum) business that would give me the flexibility to work my own hours, do something I enjoy and still be able to contribute the the household budget on have time for the kids. Carolina's was founded in May 2012 and started with basic sewing handmade designs. In August 2013, I purchased an embroidery machine and started to create and design new and original embroidered products to add to Carolina's.

What is your handmade business all about?

There are many business that do embroidered products. I wanted Carolina's to have some unique and original designs so I learnt to digitize my own embroidery designs to create something special and different to stand out from the crowd. For example. Carolina's 'Sew My Memories' product takes your child's treasured hand drawing and embroiders it onto a tea towel to use as a keepsake for years to come. I create many handmade products including, personalised Monogrammed Towel Sets, Birth Samplers, Family Tree Frame Mounts and Blankets, Embroidery Tea Towels, Free Standing Lace Bookmarks and Coasters, Personalised Baby Bibs and Blankets plus many other products. I am also happy to create an original design to suit your requirements.

What do you enjoy most about your business?

I love all things lace. My Mum being from Nottingham and having visited there myself back in 1998, I fell in love with the stunning and beautiful handmade Nottingham Lace, it is just divine. So creating Carolina's Free Standing Lace Bookmarks and Coasters is a passion. I also love creating original pieces of handmade artwork, so Carolina's 'Sew My Memories' is a close second.

What is your favourite product to make?

Anything NEW. I love to create and design custom handmade embroidery that suits the individual's needs and wants in colours to match their home decor. At present, Carolina's 'Our Family Tree' is my favourite and most popular design.

How did you learn your craft? 

My Mum use to be a seamstress when she worked as a young girl in Nottingham England before she came to Australia, so I learnt from her at an early age to do basic sewing and mending. I have always been creative and built my knowledge and skills as I grew up.

What handy hints do you have for people who are starting up a hand-made business?

Be patient. Just like anything, it takes time and experience to succeed. Network with other businesses, get ideas, listen to suggestions and be perseverant and enjoy.

What plans do you have for your business in the next year?

I will continue to increase my customer base, create new and original designs and look for new avenues to increase Carolina's exposure in the local community and beyond.

Visit Carolina's Hand-Made shop

DIY Fathers Day Gifts

1 - Mustache Mug
2 - Phone Sleeve
3 - Laptop Sleeve

4 - Leather wallet and other leather crafts

Intorducing Annie’s Lane Couture

What inspired you to start your business?

Having 2 autistic little girls who I couldn’t find the ‘right’ things for with their sensory needs inspired me to start Annie’s Lane Couture.

What is your handmade business all about?
I make Weighted Soft Toys. They’re used in conjunction with other therapies by children with special needs. They help them calm & then they’re able to concentrate on things & enjoy family time & other activities as they’re not fidgeting or shuffling around constantly. Imagine having a heavy blanket on your lap (or pet).

I also make Sensory Drawstring Backpacks (reversible) for special needs children to keep their needed items in.

What do you enjoy most about your business?
It allows me to do something productive & help other families with making a connection with their child. The feedback from a parent that their child was able to watch a TV program or laughed with them for the first time after getting a weighted soft toy is the most rewarding feeling you can get as a hand-made person.

What is your favourite product to make?

My Weighted Soft Toys. They bring such a terrific feeling to me when they’re completed.

 
How did you learn your craft?

I’m self taught after my Mother-In-Law gave me her old sewing machine & deciding I can do this, persevered until I could.

What handy hints do you have for people who are starting up a hand-made business?

Don’t give up, choose your target audience & make something that you know you enjoy making that

doesn’t feel like a chore to make & brings enjoyment to the end buyer.

What plans do you have for your business in the next year?

To actually roll back to just my Weighted Soft Toys & occasionally making a limited run of bags. The Weighted Soft Toys bring me much more reward & therefore I feel need more attention.

Visit Annie's Lane Couture on Hand-Made 

Buttons, Buttons, Buttons!!! DIY Button Tutorials!

1. Button Pillow 

2. Button Thongs
3. Button Art
4. Button Clock
5. Button Push Pins
6. Button Baubal