"nook" where Ruby's been!

Built in the 1930's the home for Brisbane's most enchanting new retail store has been lovingly brought to life by Michelle Gillies and her partner Jules over the past few months. The house and neighbouring boarding house are steeped in history with 3 generations of Jules family breathing new life into them over the years.

nook is the end product of Michelle and Jules vision to bring some eco friendly, vintage and handmade uniqueness to Brisbane's West End - in fact they have really tapped into their own brand of contemporary cool style - warm and open with a distinctive vintage vibe.

Michelle is of course famous for bringing "Pedrosprout" felt booties to the world. Her gorgeous designs are constantly in demand worldwide and so she has set up her sewing machine behind the counter so she can create away til her hearts delight


Not so tonight as the people tumbled in to celebrate nook's official launch. Michelle was busy wrapping up the constant flow of purchases while Jules played the consummate host.


Seen proudly sporting new purchases in nook's signature eco friendly carry bags were Thea from Thea and Sami, Eleni from Curly head Design, Em and Bel from EmBelish, Ali from Jellygnite and Little Jellygnite, Teneale from Wicked Child Designs

Bec and Jade from Becky Bean

Sylve and Ellie from Red Seed Studio , Miss Ruby and Jade from Beckybean

Ooh what a lovely night it was to catch up!

During the week nook aquired some Ruby goodness with a collection of one of a kind Vintage Fabric covered button rings made from original buttons from the 50's, 60's and 70's. They look pretty fabbo nestled in with all the handmade creations from Brisbane and beyond.

There is so much to discover in this lil' nook so pop on down and do a little exploring of your own. In the meantime you can check out all the amazing eco, vintage and handmade designers at the nook blogspot here

Happy nooking .... once you've discovered it you'll be entranced forever.

xh

The Resonance of Bricolage by a travel and treasure hunting Bricoleur

Well it's on again but this time bigger and better than before. Brooke the new curator of Echo's Gallery and shop at Reverse Garbage has not only transformed the entire supply area into a user friendly recycled shopping heaven, but is using her expertise to really bring a contemporary edge overall.

I've been really impressed with the professionalism, new direction and drive that Reverse Garbage is taking. They are now sourcing a diverse range of eco friendly artists, crafters and designers to make the new look gallery area a thriving local enviro hub.

So I'm really excited about this latest exhibition which I only got involved in at the last minute. It has been the perfect opportunity to utilize many of the preloved treasures I acquired from the BrisStyle Craft Swap a few months back. They already had a sense of community stamped on them from the bringing together of kindred spirits at the swap, so they were the perfect raw ingredients to use.

I also wanted to set myself a challenge to use as many materials as possible that I had immediately on hand at home in my studio ( pretty easy my friends may think knowing the eclectic array of "unsual , different and noice even" curios in my lil' place ) Anyhoo yes it was pretty easy to do with only one trip around the corner to Mad Monnies for some replacement jump rings and crimps.


So here's the my official Artists Statement and and all the goodies below. They still have the ruby Red signature "Recycled Vintage Swish" tag but this time with a very natural and earthy feel.

The Resonance of Bricolage by a travel and treasure hunting Bricoleur

The art of Bricolage is a term used in several disciplines, among them the
visual arts and literature. It refers to the creation of a work from a diverse
range of objects and ephemera which happen to be available, or a work
created by such a process.

The term is borrowed from the French word bricolage, from the verb bricoler
– the core meaning in French being, "fiddle, tinker" and, by extension, "make
creative and resourceful use of whatever materials are to hand (regardless
of their original purpose)."

This collection celebrates the art of Bricolage and the resonance it has with
the concept and fascination of Reverse Garbage to myself and the
community at large.

The Resonance of Bricolage feature's a small collection of necklets, pendants, earrings and bracelets using a variety of preloved, rescued and vintage curios and natural treasures.

- timbre character quality tone reverberation significance meaning -

Bricolage Bracelets:
vintage book pages set in enviro resin and hand carved, recycled handmade paper, vintage buttons, vintage treasures and curios from the BrisStyle craft swap,
natural fibre string, new antique gold plated findings

Bricolage Necklets and Earrings:
Natural preloved treasures and beads from the BrisStyle Craft Swap -
beads of coral,wood,bone,nuts and stone, super strength salvaged left over fishing line strands from Andy's sculptures, vintage book pages set in enviro resin, recycled handmade paper , laminex , natural fibre string, new antique gold plated findings

Swiss Folk Music Pendants:
Vintage Swiss Folk Music plastic figurine's from the Adelaide Antique Bizarre, vintage book pages set in enviro resin and handcarved, recycled handmade paper, vintage buttons, vintage treasures and curios from the BrisStyle craft swap,
natural fibre string, new antique gold plated findings

So if your're looking for some laid back resonating fun this Saturday night 15th August then pop along to the opening night for some organis beer and wine, good music and recycled art.

or pop along next time you're in need of a recycling fix.

stop press.....
( I've just had my duty changed for tomorrow so am on call - send out the vibes that I'm home in time to come and soak it all up too!)

BIG PS - I'm improvising at the mo with my phone camera as my proper you-beaut one is playing very funny games ...pretending to be dead! Hmm let's see what the ol' 5mp Nokia can whip up over the coming weeks..

enjoy

...and Ruby's taking her love to town again!

Yep that's right this little Ruby Red chicky babe is heading off to sunny Portside again with lot's of new goodies!

The list of amazing local retailers just keeps growing and so does the Markets so you're all in for a real treat!

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Sunday 9th August to the Boutique Markets!
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But the fun doesn't stop there....................

Brisbane's favourite Etsy Street team BrisStyle is having a

HUGE SALE

to celebrate the EKKA coming to town!

Ruby 2 Go Go and Ruby Red Studios is having 2 offers across both stores:

Offer 1: Get 20% off your second item (discount applies to the lesser priced item).

Offer 2: Get any 3 vintage button earrings $20.

Woo-hoo!

There are loads more fabbo EKKA Extravaganza offers over at the BrisStyle Blogspot
So pop on over and start your Christmas shopping now!

Now where has that Miss Ruby been?

Well this little cookie has been fulfilling her Air Hostess duties and studying like a banchee to pass her 6 monthly Emergency Procedures exams and practicals. It's not all tea and cupcakes you know - boo hoo!

The left hand side of my brain sure had a work out. Crikey have been so used to using the right hand side lately that I think it went into shock- poor brain!

Anyhoo it was all good - after yelling out a few evacuation commands whilst donning my life jacket, then learning why it's just not safe for one do their nails on board, then sitting the final and not-so-scary-after-all-exam it was all over - yahoo!

...actually there was a lot more involved but not nearly as glamorous as this vintage pic above!

Oh so nice to be back in Crafting Heaven - for a few hours at least.

xh

Ruby takes her love to the YOUNG DESIGNERS MARKET, Southbank

It's YDM time again and Ruby 2 Go Go and Ruby red Studios will be zo0ming on down to
Little Stanley Street, Southbank tomorrow Morning :- Sunday 2nd August 10 - 4
with some new goodies in tow!

Looking forward to seeing you all there.

xh