Little Shop

Home Sweet Home

2012-03-02T11:33:00.002+11:00

Printed and sewn right here in Melbourne by Lumbi. 100% Cotton with invisible zipper.

Available with or without insert instore or online

Wednesday - What I pinned!

2012-02-29T09:06:00.002+11:00

FOOD: Yum!

DECORATE: Simply Dotty

MAKE: Woven Rug

SPACE: Adore

GREEN THUMB: Can the Can!

Little Shop on Pintrest here

xBec

Nicely Folded

2012-01-19T07:32:00.000+11:00

Vintage Kantha Quilts

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T09:45:00.000+11:00

Happy Weekending!

2011-10-01T07:29:00.000+10:00

Here's hoping your weekend consists of a bit of this!

here, here and here

Eye Candy - Snap Shots

2011-09-28T08:29:00.001+10:00

Cute Handmade Shoes • Sweet Greenery • Let Me Work From This Home •
Strawberry Milk

About time!

2011-09-10T10:01:00.003+10:00

It's about time we updated this poor neglected blog.

We are going to try and update at least once a week.

But you know already that you can keep up to date with all things Little Shop Of on facebook & Twitter yeah?

So whats new in store and online?

For all the young dudes from the makers of Frankie.

Polynesian style handmade cushions.

Lovely smelling plainandsimple candles, the Lime, Basil & Mandarin one is a winner.

and the lovely Nicole James is in todays Herald Sun Home Magazine - a FULL PAGE - and we just happen to stock all of the yardagedesign goodies.

Have a great week!

It's me again!

2011-06-04T10:45:00.007+10:00

So Saturday has rolled around and off I trot to The Little Shop to help spread some happiness.

I love hearing about the customers day and why they are buying what they buy.

When I walk in each week I always find new goodies to make me go OOOOHHH!!

Today they are:

Arthur's Circus SUPER CUTE T's

BEAUTIFUL Liberty Scarves

Kabwears SIMPLY LOVELY garden markers

I am totally addicted to Instagram and I hope to get Bec hooked in!
Thanks for looking & Shopping.

Justine

Oh hi!

2011-05-28T11:39:00.011+10:00

Hello Peeps!

My name is Justine and I work here at The Little Shop of Handmade MOST Saturdays. Now I've been working here since March this year and have known Bec for a couple of years. I used to publish mixtapezine and also write a personal blog called 62cherry.

So I'm going to start writing semi regularly over here. I thought I'd start with TWO of my favorite pieces in store at the mo!

These WICKED ampersand purses have just arrived in store and a really good friend of mine is getting it for her birthday present!

Cute badges from Kearnsie -- not sure which one is my favourite.

I'm going to leave you with 5 reasons I love working in the shop:

** Sweet small runs of handmade goodness

** CUTE customers

** Listening to great music -- currently playing Kitty Daisy & Lewis & Pulp

** I can blog in between serving customers

** I get some kid free time

OK! That's all from me this week.

Justine

Cushion Love!

2011-03-12T18:48:00.002+11:00

eeekk! I will shortly own these

2011-03-10T18:42:00.000+11:00

image via here

“If with me you'll fondly stray, Over the hills and far away.”

John Gay quotes (English Poet and Dramatist, 1685-1732)

Do it yaaself! Sweater Sweetner

2011-02-20T16:33:00.001+11:00

I love a good cardi, I also love a green cardy and what I most love is this awesome tart up tutorial of the humble cardi that I found over at Lori Marie Pretty Little Things. This will have to move up the must make list for 2011.

Feeling blue'vy

2011-02-02T07:44:00.000+11:00

here

Get Gifted!

2011-02-01T20:32:00.000+11:00

The Hello Sandwhich Gift wrapping zine has arrived and its packed with so much cleverness... eeeeeekkkk, squeal and weeeeeeeee. You can grab a copy here and check out a sneak peek below.

Yipppeee!

2011-01-31T09:55:00.000+11:00

Lovely stuff written by the lovely Erin at the Melbourne Age. What a way to start the week.

Tealightful

2011-01-29T19:17:00.001+11:00

Yay for the most cleverest thing I have seen so far this year!

Birdies and tea... nuff said.

Teapot Birds Nest from here

Do it yaaself! Car"DUO"gan

2011-01-27T09:12:00.001+11:00

Wowser another great tutorial form here

Customise your own shoes

2011-01-26T10:12:00.001+11:00

This neato tutorial arrived in my inbox this morning courtesy Burda Style website and I so want to give this a go - I am rather partial to wearing flatties, however what I am not partial too is the fashion dictators choosing for me what colours I can wear on my feet - I don't think it's highly inappropriate to wear electric blue shoes when only pastels are in fashion . So now my problem is solved and luckily k-mart have a great plain pair of flats for $10 that I can give this a go on. Here is the link to the full tutorial

Welcome To Today...Tomorrow

2011-01-25T19:42:00.002+11:00

from here

Excuse my part/time casual blog posting. Happy belated New Year! This is indeed the most perfect poster for my first blog post of 2011.

I'll be back!

A merry Christmas to everybody! A happy New Year to all the world!

2010-12-21T09:08:00.001+11:00

Christmas Ordering at Little Shop

2010-11-25T08:23:00.000+11:00

If your order is being shipped outside of Australia or within Australia the recommended last postage dates for Christmas delivery are approaching!. To maximise the chance of your package being received before Christmas see the dates below

INTERNATIONAL - All orders must be received by 2pm - Friday December 3rd
AUSTRALIAN RURAL - All orders must be received by 2pm - Friday Dec 17th
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL CITIES - All orders must be received by 2pm - Monday Dec 20th

Please note we will not be shipping ANY internet orders from Tuesday 21st Dec till Monday 17th January

Please note, these dates are Australia Post recommendations only and are not guaranteed by the Little Shop of Handmade

Who do you think you are?

2010-10-17T18:49:00.003+11:00

I found this cute little personality test and for me the results were scarily accurate!

Why don't you give it a try and let me know what you think.

A new market for South East Melbourne

2010-09-27T20:02:00.000+10:00

The Mulgrave Makers Market

Starting 24 October 2010

The Mulgrave Makers Market is a new and exciting showcase for all things handmade in Melbourne.

On the fourth Sunday (usually the last) of every month (8am -1pm), the Makers Market takes place alongside the thriving Mulgrave Farmers Market in the grounds of The Body Shop's HQ in the heart of the southeastern suburbs. This market boasts more than 45 stallholders selling everything from seasonal fruit and vegetables to fresh-cut flowers, and attracts more than 2,000 customers every week.

Little Shop of Handmade along with Mixtape are big supporters of this brand new exciting SE Makers Market and all applications wil be curated by us! Applications are now open for the first Market commencing Oct 24. click here

The Mulgrave Makers Market is a great opportunity to discover local creative talent in a relaxed and sociable community hub, and to get your hands on unique gifts before they reach the shops. Meet the crafters themselves and get inspired with regular workshops.

Become a part of Melbourne's newest Makers Market!

Little Shop Wins

2010-09-22T08:04:00.000+10:00

Our awesome customers had a helping hand in casting the votes - making Little Shop of Handmade one of Melbournes FAVOURITE local businesses.

A BIG, BIG thanks again to you all!

Bec
xo

What's the word bird!

2010-08-27T08:06:00.000+10:00

Oh how I do love a yellow birdy...

Have a greet weekend!

We like to things a little different... that's just how we roll!

2010-08-26T07:57:00.003+10:00

In 2007 we eloped to Thailand to get married - just us two and a couple of $50 lady boy bridesmaids to top it off (Apparently we need some one to hold the rings)

You see we had been already been together for 12 years and then the hubby kinda got a bit ole fashioned - we both come from broken families - with twice divorced parents and have seen first hand the lack of value adding "that" official piece of paper to a relationship can mean!.... so it was kind of MEH to marriage for me!

I wont change my name to the hubby's surname - I kinda find that a bit creepy seeing we are not related an all! and if we ever have kidlets I am so having that fancy double barreled surname combo.

It was a pretty easy process and cost us about $1100 for the document translations, government paper work (makes it legally binding in your home country), ceremony, photographer and the blessing by the monk ( Who so perved at my boob's!). We then spent a month traveling around Thailand and all up the entire trip cost us $6000 - all inclusive with spending money and that was during the peak Christmas Season and New Years. If we were to get married on Christmas Day or New Years Eve the wedding cost tripled to $3000 (Eeekk) so we settled for Dec 19th.

Five mins before the ceremony the heavens opened up with crazy thunder and lightening - then it stopped just as suddenly as it started - with the sun beaming down and not a cloud on the sky... but then ensued the HUMIDITY! It was hideously hot, my super sleek hair do was no more.

If your a little unconventional like us - I highly recommend taking the eloping route - I would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have if you are considering the ole run off to get married thingy!

Let's just hang here for a while! - Spool Hooks Tutorial #3

2010-08-21T18:30:00.001+10:00


Images courtesy of Design Sponge

Little Shop is always super pressed for space at the best of times. I am most delighted with this awesome tutorial and will be attempting this myself very soon!

You can view the full tutorial (along with so many others) over on Design Sponge

A little perspective!

2010-08-18T08:20:00.002+10:00

image source

Nothing rhymes with orange!

2010-08-17T11:08:00.000+10:00

1.la dominant cardigan 2. a clock work orange 3. vintage phones 4. Tin Tin poster 5. orange trunk 6. enameled vintage kettle 7. ty wilkins foxy print 8. felt owls 9 orange peeptoe clogs 10. tea cup

A charming idea not to be sneezed at - Framed Hankies Tutorial #2

2010-08-11T07:32:00.005+10:00

Display vintage hankies as charming art pieces

MATERIALS

Vintage handkerchiefs (find a few online (try etsy) or in you local op shops)
Album art frames
Picture-hanging kit

Step 1: Narrow down your collection

Handkerchiefs  recall a more genteel era, when people politely offered them up to  friends and strangers in need. Today, vintage versions are sold in an  array of patterns and make a colourful art alternative that can inject  patina and history into your decorating scheme. Sort through your  collection and select a few prints

Step 2: Place hankies into frames

Picture frames with a slim profile, like these album art frames from Urban Outfitters,  won’t overpower small-scale prints. Don’t worry if the hankies don’t  fit the frames exactly; seeing the finished edges adds extra texture and  dimension. Use a blank piece of white paper to create a backdrop for  any hankies that don’t reach the perimeter of the frame.

Step 3: Hang frames in a grid

A  simple grid helps bring order to a mix-and-match collection. Place each  frame about 2" apart. Since they’re all the same size, it’s easy to  change up the order of the prints as desired later. Pair them with a  no-frills industrial task lamp and simple furniture like a rustic table  to keep the look from feeling old-fashioned.

Tutorial found over on  house and home 

Neat Feet - Mary Jane Slippers Tutorial #1

2010-08-05T09:12:00.000+10:00

Along with my daggy PJ collection (because I think PJ's need to be super daggy and generally 2 times larger than my actual size and generally bought in the supermarket when on special for $9.99) I also have a crazy assortment of house slippers - that have seen better days.

Since I have semi mastered the art of crochet, unless crochet is meant to be a little wonky in that case then I have "mastered" the art of crochet! I am going to make these super sweet mary jane slippers over the weekend. Not sure what colours I will use yet, I will let the basket of wool talk to me on Saturday night.

I found this free tutorial over on Good Knits blog - thanks good knits you are ACE!

Drawer - Adore

2010-08-02T16:32:00.001+10:00

Oh gosh! How divine are the drawers from Kent and London way out of my price range at at $4600 plus the $800 to ship it all the way from the UK - But if I could I most definitely wood! (pun intended) Lets see... If I give up my $24.50 a week caffeine hit and saved all my pennies for 4.3 years this baby could be mine!

Tintastic!

2010-07-15T08:27:00.005+10:00

Little Shop houses a few of my tins (I have many) that I use as props in the shop - gosh I don't know how many times I could have sold them and I am asked at least 3 times a day by customers - I even get sneaky customers who have asked me before and still try. These tins are mine and I love them and I get up super early and hunt through boxes at the markets when your all probably snuggled up in bed. I love them even more because 98% of my tins have actually been made in Australia - back in the day when most things were made in Australia. I also love the wear and tear, the rusty bits and dings and the fact that sometimes you cant remove the lid and when you shake them you can hear surprises lurking inside... is it just cake crumbs or vintage sewing goodies or Nanna's secret $5 note stash?

iDIY
Annie Little
The Fabric of my Life
High Street Market
Apartment Therapy
Paisley and Polyester
Vintage 1962 Mrs Lelands Peanut Butter Candy Tin
Bird Spice Tins
Vintage-Tin Crafts Supplies Organiser
Queens of Vintage

Vintage Linen Booty

2010-07-13T12:40:00.000+10:00

I never had a girly room as a child and my husband thinks that I deserve one! So out with the androgynous look we have been sporting for the past 15 years and dust off and unwrap all those gorgeous linens I have had packed away for ever and a day. O' Happy, Happy day's!

New cushions and other bits for Cása la little shop

2010-07-09T08:34:00.000+10:00

These new cushions by Roddy and Ginger are on their way to my home! After much deliberation - I went for one of each colour. Ahhh... Sweet Birdy Love!

Along with this scalloped bunting by sweet jessie, for who knows where I will put it - but who cares! It's scalloped and cute! and will look equally adorabe packed away in my closet until I find the right spot. FYI the bunting I purchased last week from Made by Mosey is looking a real treat across the bedroom window - in which lé tall husband played a most helping hand.

Le early morning purcháses

2010-06-24T07:50:00.002+10:00

I am always up super early every day - which generally gives me the heads up with gorgeous goodies my email subscriptions send through to me. And today is no exception.

The design files newsletter had arrived in my inbox and in less than a nano second had I spied this vintage hanky lap blanket and some blue bunting which will look great in my bedroom...or lounge or ...maybe even the bathroom.

Needless to say - paypal account has been drained again and I now excitedly await delivery of my new purchases. Might I add both thee items are made right here in Melbourne by Madeleine Sargent — Made By Mosey she also have a blog too which I will add to list and sneaky peek when I have the time (Time = Bahahaha!)

The early bird catches the worm... or the quilt and bunting

Bec
x

No Way José

2010-06-23T08:07:00.000+10:00

Am I behind the times? Anthropologie now ships to Australia!

I just love this stunning print with such glorious detail by Anna Emilia Spring is coming

Sunday Super Cuteness

2010-06-20T16:24:00.002+10:00

Issuu is one of my most favourite online pleasures (Lady Porn as my husband call's it). Issuu has lot's of international publications, magazines and newspapers available for online viewing and it's all totally FREE!

This week I came across Issue 1 by FRYD. Hello super cute! Lot's of pretty pictures and a few ace tutorials. What more could you ask for?

She also has a sweet blog too.

Looking forward to issue 2 already

Meet me at Mikes Envelope Project

2010-06-17T19:25:00.000+10:00

My cute little package is heading off today to the Meet me at Mikes Envelope Project I will keep my contents a secret for now but here is a pic of my pretty package.

Look at all the rad submissions on display in the super clever Meet me at Mikes shop window.

Join along cause it's fun and it's cute and it's clever and you have the chance to win the entire booty of cutey cuteness from all who participated.

Paperchase...

2010-05-18T12:54:00.000+10:00

No one ounce of spare time for me at the moment!

Guess I'll see you much later when the desk is cleared and the inbox emptied.

We're Back...

2010-05-11T06:54:00.000+10:00

Refreshed, super tanned and ready to reopen Little Shop again this week. Here is a sneak peak of the view from my office on Koh Chang - Thailand and our daily $10 BBQ seafood platter for lunch!

LITTLE SHOP WILL BE CLOSED Friday April 23rd till Tuesday May 11th

2010-04-19T09:42:00.004+10:00

Here's Looking at Blue

2010-04-18T13:59:00.001+10:00

Camberwell Markets was exceptional shopping this morning - all my purchase seemed to all turn out to be blue.

1. Vintage electric blue fabric with super sweet yellow, pink and white floral detail - my friend Theresa from Rummage Style - scored the most amazing vintage fabrics for her frocks.

2. Powder Blue Bird Cage for use in the shop (sorry folks another one of those NOT FOR SALE items)

3. Electric Blue and Spearmint Green Meat Safe

Me Likey.... a lot

2010-04-16T09:45:00.000+10:00

1. Merci Liberty Collection 2. Small Things - Sterling Silver and Glass Pendants 3. Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker - This is the only perfume I have worn for about 5 years 4. Genius! expect to find these adorning the wall at little shop soon 5. Blog crush 6. Ever After print by Paper Sparrow and 7. Lui et Elle - Him and her print - by Cosas Mínimas both these prints remind me a lot of my marriage and they both adorn my walls.

10 Things about me

2010-04-14T07:46:00.004+10:00

Joining along with Pip from Meet me at Mikes 10 things about me

1. I was the owner of a Bar from 1996-1999
2. I used to smoke 60 cigarettes a day
3. Am painfully shy when meeting new people in social situations. ( Most people I know will not believe this)
4. I have a bad potty mouth - must have been a sailor in previous life.
5. I am very, very, very saddened by homelessness and mental heath problems.
6. I have been with my partner for 16 years and in 2007 we eloped to Thailand and married. But I still call him my boyfriend
7. I don't have any family in Melbourne and I don't know my Grandparents
8. I have 60 pairs of shoes
9. I never ask for help
10. I am always smiling : )

Bec
xo

LITTLE SHOP WILL BE CLOSED Friday April 23rd till Tuesday May 11th

2010-04-13T11:31:00.003+10:00

As most of you are aware Little Shop of Handmade also houses my studio out the back of the shop where I make a small % of what you find in-store.

Since opening last July my own “Little Shop” brand has gone from being stocked in 10 stores to now being stocked 48 stores and growing. Hurrah!

Little Shop is a pretty much one woman show - with a little bit of help from the Hubby, so in order to prepare our new exciting ranges for Spring/Summer we will need to close up the shop for a few weeks so I can have some much needed design time and tinker out the back.

LITTLE SHOP WILL BE CLOSED

Friday April 23rd till
Tuesday May 11th

You will still be able to order online - however we will not be processing orders until the 7th May.

Thanks for your kind understanding and I look forward to showing you all our exciting new goodies later this year - you will all be most pleased!

Bec
xo

Finders Keepers Interview

2010-04-07T07:20:00.002+10:00

I was interviewed recently by The Finders Keepers gang in Sydney.

I have gone all War and Peace so It's quite a long one... Grab a cuppa!

Bec
x

Featured Shop: Little Shop of Handmade

FK talks to Bec about her Melbourne shop, Little Shop of Handmade

Tell us a bit about Little Shop of Handmade and the idea behind starting it.

Little Shop (and seriously we are little) sells handmade/crafted goodies made in Melbourne and rural Victoria all retailing for under $50. It’s a treasury of handmade goodies to say the least! We cover Newborn to Nanna – not to much stuff for the boys – but we have certainly made it easy for a boy to pop in and buy a gift! My husband Jon was beside himself at Christmas – I made it a bit tricky for him by stocking all the things I like!

I actually live 1 minute walk from the shop – and have lived in the area for about 3 years. We are pretty close to the CBD and the area is full of professional 30 something couples with young families. Our local shopping strip really does not reflect the demographic that lives here at all! We have only recently got a great coffee shop on the strip. The space came available about 3 weeks before I was going to India for a month’s holiday. Originally it was going to just be my studio for making my own goodies as I had totally outgrown my spare bedroom just making stock to sell at the markets, online and wholesaling. I have had such great success with selling my own brand at the markets so I thought why not open a shop selling the best of what you can find at Melbourne markets. It all happened very quickly and the next thing I knew I opened a shop! Little Shop of Handmade is such unexpected find in the area – the locals just love it! It’s nice to also have something quirky represented on the South Side of Melbourne.

What is your background and how did it determine the direction of the shop?

I certainly did not grow up in a nurturing household full of craft, baking and bed time stories. I am very much a self taught creative and crafter and that only really started in my late 20’s, I’m a bit of a late bloomer. I have always been very independent and entrepreneurial and have worked for myself since I was about 25. I was running my own bar with my husband for 4 years and I would design all our posters and flyers but after working from 8pm till 5am 5 days a week I wanted a BIG change!

I decided to study Graphics Arts as a mature age student and luckily landed a pretty good job in design half way into my 2nd year – which I subsequently took and dropped out of my course. I then spent the last 9 years in Product Design for the mass retail gift market working my way up from the graphic designer to the product development manager. By the end of the 9 years I was so over it – basically it was the same product year after year with new packaging, and a product I would never have purchased myself in a million years!! I did come away from Product Design with a pretty savvy business head though – I just soaked up as much knowledge as I could from my last job, so I walked away knowing how TO run and NOT run a business.

My business head knew retail is a very competitive market and to be successful you need a really strong concept – shop selling handmade not entirely unique, shop selling handmade in unexpected shopping strip – unique, shop selling with a maximum retail point very unique. There are so many shops in Melbourne that I just adore, so instead of copying their greatness I actually drew inspiration from their weaknesses. But the most important thing for me was I wanted to be doing something I loved, 100% on my terms and 100% inspiring to all involved! It’s a swell ride to say the least!

What made you focus on only Melbourne designers?

How hard is it these days to find awesome stuff from around the globe – it’s so accessible to everyone online. Little Shop stocks over 50 Melbourne and rural Victoria designers. About 20 of them are actual local residents (Mums and Teens with amazing craft skills)! I really did not have to look too hard – Melbourne has some amazing talent – so why not support and nurture your own backyard. I am happy to give anyone who fits the bill a chance at stocking at Little Shop of Handmade. Some of our designers are painfully shy – it’s great to be able to give these folks the confidence I am so excited when something sells for them. It’s inspiring to say the least! We do stock international and interstate craft kits and books – but then our customer goes ahead and makes it in Melbourne, so it still fits the theme!

What are some of your favourite products in the shop right now?

Yikes – for the record – everything is my favourite! But big shout out to Rummage Style – adorable bloomers and frocks made using recycled/up-cycled vintage fabrics, Betty and Hamish Softies, Elly Oak Cards, A Girl Called Mike sterling silver button rings, plus I am totally loving our “Little Shop of” dinky acrylic earring packs…too cute!

How do you get the word out about Little Shop of Handmade?

Having a stall at the markets every week has been a great form of marketing – I go through about 500 Business cards every Sunday and that’s 500 people who want to take our card. Also having a great product at a great price helps – dealing with suppliers in the past has made me pretty ruthless when it comes to getting the best price possible! People love talking about the bargain they just scored – so word of mouth just cant be under estimated. Of course we have a blog (reality is I don’t have the time to post to it at all) you can find us on Twitter and Facebook which are ingenious marketing tools. All of our stocked designers are very proactive on the internet and have been a tremendous help with spreading the word – I feel very grateful that it really has been a “build it and they will come” success. The shop is actually busy as it is just servicing the local residents without the need to be marketed at all – which is FAB! I have also been fortunate enough to have had some designs in Frankie – which has been instrumental in sending people to my website and also Angela from Leeloo who is one of my online stockists took my wares to the Finders Keepers Markets in Sydney and Brisbane and that kind of exposure in big capital cities is priceless.

What has been the most challenging aspect of running your own shop and label?

Well Little Shop is pretty much a one woman show and it’s not all granny squares, cupcakes and cups of tea let me tell you! I wear a lot of hats thats for sure! My awesome husband Jon helps with deliveries and helping to make up the market stock every Saturday and he also comes along to the markets every Sunday which is ACE.

Definitely balancing having the time to create vs time in the shop is the biggest challenge for me at the moment. When I opened the shop last July my brand was stocked in only 10 shops that has now risen to over 40 shops – hurrah! But I am also the front person for the shop and most customers generally want to hear about the concept, designers, how things are made etc and that can take up most of my day sometimes – it does not help that I can be a bit of a have a chat too. I do work 7 days a week and my brain never switches off so finding time to relax at the moment is a bit tricky. Everything in the shop is placed on consignment so the weekly paperwork associated with that is challenging to say the least – I too have stuff on consignment in various shops – and lets just say some of them really suck at paperwork (and payments)! I like to lead by example and be diligent (diligent = time consuming).

Organisation is the key but it’ s really organised chaos and I would not have it any other way!

What do you love doing in Melbourne unique to the city itself?

Melbourne is such a fantastic city. You can never be bored in Melbourne I am constantly in awe by what we have to offer. I love just popping over the other side of town for a coffee, dinner or a drink and always being able to find some place amazing without looking too hard. It’s the best place to be a grown up for sure!

What plans do you have for Little Shop of Handmade in the future?

Plan is a second shop in Melbourne, most definitely a ” Big Shop of Handmade”! Hmm maybe a “Little Shop of Handmade” in each state – who knows, the possibilities are endless. With the “Little Shop of…” brand we are moving into sterling silver and home wares which is exciting. We bought a new toy that cuts paper, fabric and vinyl – but I need to find the time to plug it in for a play. Oh and hopefully my husband Jon can come onboard full time this year too! Since I am 40 next year maybe think about chucking a “little shop of” baby into the mix too!

All the specific details:
Little Shop of Handmade
8 Woorayl St
Carnegie Vic 3163
Opening hours:
Wed – Friday, 11am – 6pm
Saturdays 10am – 4.30pm
Closed: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday
www.littleshopof.com

Show off...Show off, pick your nose and ........

2010-04-01T08:14:00.004+11:00

I was walking down my local shopping strip the yesterday and I came across the Country Womens mobile van parked outside the bank - real thrifty treats were to be had let me tell you.

I cant believe I found issue #1 of the Golden Hands series... Umm let me clear my throat... .50c - pristine condition and full of all the basics you need for Knitting, Crochet and Sewing.... I wonder where the other copies are?

I also scored some vintage aprons and the most amazing linen (which has gone to the dry cleaners).

Easter at the Little Shop house will rearranging furniture and tarting up the house after scoring a few hints from some great books.

Wearing my most favourite Chinese velvet slippers $5.99 Victoria St. All that beaded embroidery it just the best. These are a staple when chillaxing at home.

When we pop over to THY THY every couple of months - I pop into the Asian supermarket and leave with $25 worth of velvety goodness.

Fave 5's Meme

2010-03-29T08:31:00.009+11:00

It's not often I get to post to my blog but today I am joining along in the fun with Meet Me at Mikes Five Faves meme this week.

Here are my faves...

1. Everything old is BLUE again - wardrobe overhaul. Tarting up some cardies with some navy dye and red buttons and bringing back to life some faded tee's

2. Carvers Chairs - made in Czechoslovakia scored at Camberwell Markets for $50 each. - STUNNING

3. Loving my friend Theresa's new product range and stunning photo's from her very first photoshoot.
Plus my little yellow Tweety brooch looks ACE too.

4. Jamie at Home.... um third Monday in a row I am cooking the Slow Roast Lamb Shoulder

5. OP SHOP FIND - Brand new and $2.50! Beyond the Square; Crochet Motifs - 144 Circles, Hexagons, Triangles, Squares and more - this will certainly make my winter crochet project A-mazing!

Melbourne Hidden Treasure

2010-03-24T10:01:00.000+11:00

Unexpectedly 2 weeks ago the Melbourne Weekly popped into littleshop for an impromptu interview and declaring we are one of Melbourne's best hidden treasures and the nicest store they have seen in a long time... aww shucks!

The article is published in this weeks Melbourne Weekly - not only did we score a wee article but also a close up shot of some goodies from our window display on the front cover.

Bec
x

WARNING! Crazy Cute ALERT!

2010-03-15T09:57:00.001+11:00

Not sure how this came into my possession - but Hurrah to the peeps who took this pic.

I could just squeal with delight over this totally adorable pic of a rescued baby Owl.

Most definitely would be on my "Want One" wish list... but alas totally abhor the thought of any caged or captive birdies.

How can you not love OWLS!

Bec
x

To disorganised to regulary post to my blog but I just had to share!

2010-02-11T08:07:00.000+11:00

This image really sums up how I feel at the moment. For now the logical side of running the shop and business is taking up a lot of my time (Don't get me wrong I am not complaining all elements of running the shop are super exciting), but these forlorn looking abandoned pencils are just the gentle reminder my magpie mind needs to refocus the creative vs business balance...... bring on the next sparkly object please!

Giant colored pencils by Jonna Pohjalainen via Mandr

Looky Look!

2010-01-15T08:01:00.002+11:00

One word "DIVINE!" Four words "HURRY UP MOVIE RELEASE!"

In the Hood! Represent!

2010-01-14T08:46:00.003+11:00

I came across this last night - how exciting to have a handmade show on this side of town! Do pop along and support... although I wont be able to make it myself as I have shop commitments on Saturday's : (

If you are making the special trip over for the Handmade Show - we would love for you pop into "Little Shop of Handmade" to take a peak at our Handmade in Melbourne goodies. We are open 10am - 4.30pm 8 Woorayl St Carnegie.

Stay Cute!
Bec

New Places to find Little Shop of... Goodies

2010-01-08T12:27:00.003+11:00

Yay 5 new stockists for Little Shop this year already! - off to a super NEW YEAR start!

Eva Green Boutique 138 Lygon Street Brunswick East VIC
Blonde Vintage 425 Sturt St Ballarat VIC
Nook 19 Browning St, West End Brisbane QLD
Nikky B's 76a Princess Hwy Milton NSW
Milk Thieves10A, 157 Crown St Wollongong NSW...

If you are passing by any of these lovely shops do call in!

Stay Cute!

Bec xo

Well what can I say.... This years been GREAT, SWELL and MARVELOUS. What a DECADE!

2009-12-28T19:39:00.002+11:00

Lucky, lucky me to have my sweety owl brooch featured in the latest issue of Frankie What's even sweeter is that it has only been 18 months since I chucked in my full-time design job to focus on making my brooches and here I find myself up amongst my all time fave brooch makers. SWEET!

A BIG Thanks to all my customers for lovin my brooches too!

HAPPY, HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL - What an end to a decade and I cant wait to take on 2010.

Be Safe and Don't drink and drive.

Stay Cute!
Bec

image courtesy of The Lark Blog ( Thanks Allison )

My Latest Craft Venture

2009-12-16T08:08:00.002+11:00

Oh look at my latest crafty venture - a trio of Alice in Wonderland brooches made by yours truly using recycled vintage wooden scrabble tiles. Alice - Drink Me, White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter.

Each tile is lovingly sealed (and sometimes not so lovingly depending on if the resin decides to play nicely!) using a doming resin.

Back pin is a 2 piece lapel pin with clutch back ( or Tie back as know in the... USA). Can be worn together as a fetching ensemble or separately.
Each brooch is approx 2cm x 2.2cm.

Only $22 at little shop of handmade

Christmas - Extended Trading Hours

2009-12-16T07:17:00.002+11:00

DECEMBER Shop Hours:

16th 11am - 6.30pm
17th, 18th 12pm - 8pm
19th 10am - 5.30pm
20th: 12pm - 5.30pm
21st CLOSED for packing last minute internet orders and a hair cut!

22nd, 23rd, 24th 11am - 7pm ish

8 Woorayl St Carnegie Melbourne.

Shop will be closed 25th December - 12th January

Delivery in time for Christmas 2009!

2009-12-11T07:44:00.008+11:00

Hello Little Shop of Handmade Peeps!
Please note, our last day for postage to make sure your orders get to you by Christmas Eve...

Australia: Thursday 17th December, 2009 for regular Mail.
If you use our OTHER POSTAGE OPTIONS overnight express the cut off date for Australian Capital cities is Monday 21th December - RURAL areas Thursday 17th December.

We will do our best to ensure that all orders placed by these cut off dates will arrive in time for Christmas, but please note, these dates are Australia Post's recommendation only and are not guaranteed by Little Shop of Handmade.

Orders placed between 18th and 23rd December 2009 Will be shipped on Thursday 24th December, 2009. Expect usual delivery times.

Apologies in advance for any delays or disappointment, we will do our best to get your goodies to you!

For those of you in Melbourne our retail store will be trading right up until 8pm Christmas Eve.

DECEMBER Shop Hours:
16th 11am - 6.30pm
17th, 18th 12pm - 8pm
19th 10am - 5.30pm
20th: 12pm - 5.30pm
21st CLOSED
22nd, 23rd, 24th 11am - 7pm ish
8 Woorayl St Carnegie Melbourne.

Shop will be closed 25th December - 12th January

Thanks to all for your wonderful support over the past year both in-store and online and most of all thanks for supporting locally made!

Have a happy and safe holiday season!
Stay Cute,
Bec & Jon
xo

PS: Our little Sweety Owl Bamboo Brooch will be gracing the pages of the new FRANKIE magazine due out 14th December - keep your eyes peele

[[peek_image]]

Lucky Dip - Mystery Giveaway winner is.....

2009-11-30T09:53:00.001+11:00

Thanks every one for your adorable comments and entries.... Lucky dip winner has been selected courtesy of http://www.random.org/ and Comment #8 from Tam! Woo Hoo it's you! Hurrah, Hooray and YIPEEEEEEE. You will receive a $50 "box o treats" all made by me!

Tam please send me your email details through the little shop of website contact page

Stay Cute!
Bec
Little Shop of Handmade

We are on Facebook
Why not become a fan of the Little Shop of Handmade on Facebook - keep upto date with new stock arrivals, more mystery giveaway's and special discounts only available to Facebook Fans!

Lucky Dip - Mystery Giveaway

2009-11-25T08:06:00.005+11:00

image courtesy of imprintables.blogspot.com

$50 value - mystery giveaway ....

Winner drawn Monday 30th November.

Don' t forget to visit us online at Little Shop Of Handmade!

Stay Cute
Bec
xo

PS: Happy Blog Birthday to you Meet me at Mikes

$20 and under gift ideas!

2009-11-20T07:26:00.002+11:00

Online at Little Shop of Handmade

Simply Stated!

2009-11-02T06:42:00.006+11:00

I am one of the lucky ones who gets to do what what I love doing all day everyday!
No more Monday-itis for me ever! Whatever it is your looking for - inspiration, motivation... I hope this pic helps you start your week on a wonderful note!

Stay Cute!
Bec
xo

image courtesy of Dos Family

New Dress for Me!

2009-10-27T10:54:00.002+11:00

Totally in love with this Cimarosa frock I spotted at makoollovesyou
Very Maria - sound of music esq... just makes me want to run to the top of the mountain for an impromtu " the hills are alive" - well no mountains are out my way - but maybe later at the gym I will incline the treadmill to the highest setting and sing ever so loudly (in my head) and since the sizing is for only sweet petites I better put in an extra few hours on said treadmill if I ever want to own this!

Wow - this took my breath away!

2009-10-24T17:50:00.001+11:00

Meet me at Mikes MEME join along!

2009-10-18T18:12:00.004+11:00

Well it's my first MEME and have decided to join along the fun with Pip from Meet me at Mikes and her My place and yours MEME - although cheeky Pip is not posting her pic till she does some dusting!. So here's my sneak peak dust and all!.

What's not to love!

2009-09-15T08:28:00.003+10:00

LoveBento....lovin my love a dove earrings

"We're super excited that the chilly winter mornings in Melbourne will soon be replaced by warm, beautiful spring. And of course, nothing captures the Spring feeling more than these super cute earrings from Morgan & Jane. Created in Melbourne by Bec Albinson these little laser cut acrylic birds will have you chirpy in no time."

LoveBento - This is what we love

Source: www.lovebento.com.au

LoveBento is Melbourne's most loved weekly email - featuring only the most loved bars, fashion, bands, cafes, gadgets, events and more.

Morgan and Jane - adorable selection of acrylic studs - stainless steel posts and cute to boot
$15 a pair available at Little Shop of Handmade

Want to know where to find the Little Shop of Handmade?

Fontastic Feature

2009-09-11T08:53:00.002+10:00

Well the Helvetica pendant has certainly been a popular item - hence my lack of upkeep with the blog... 120 orders since the 27th August PHEW! and orders are still arriving in my inbox.

It has received some mixed reviews and I have certainly upset the apple cart with a few "uptight" art directors... too funny!

Thanks to Trend Hunter for loving it.... we love you!

Newsy News!

2009-08-27T09:23:00.004+10:00

So super happy to see my Helvetica pendant in the latest and greatest ( I say this every issue) Frankie mag. Equally just as happy that it is being snapped up to boot! Woo Hoo! Those of you who ordered in the last 24 hours I am taking your parcels to the post office today.

How to sell your lovelies at the Little Shop of Handmade

In other news - those of you wondering how to get your goodies stocked by the Little Shop of Handmade - I have added a page to the website with all the deets .

New arrivals in store:

Polka Dot Rabbit
Empress Designs
Rabbit and the Duck
Buttons by Lou Lou
Morgan and Jane
Rummage Baby
Wee Small Hours
Covet Designs
Maggie Dolly

Bamboo Brooches - Back in stock

2009-08-17T06:47:00.005+10:00

Thanks ever so Melbourne Fashionista

2009-08-12T08:51:00.004+10:00

Thanks to the lovely Lynn for blogging about the "little Shop of Handmade"

Why not check out this sassy lasses blog too

melbourne shops

little shop of handmade

August 12, 2009

Only opened a few weeks ago in the quiet suburb of Carnegie is Little Shop Of Handmade! To quote Bec Albinson the owner, it is ‘a little slice of Northcote in Carnegie’. Little Shop Of stocks mostly items hand made right here in Melbourne (and quite a few local Carnegie-ans), with the exception being a few pieces from rural Victoria. Even better everything in the store is under $50 - so a trip to Little Shop Of won’t break the bank.

Bec is a former graphic designer and creator of all things gorgeous and oh so delightful. A market regular she fitted out Little Shop Of herself, sourcing the beautiful tables and drawers from the Camberwell market. One wall is covered with various picture frames, plates and curios, most of which came from her house originally. I love it! It is like Bec has brought parts of her house right here into the store.

At Little Shop Of alongside Bec’s handmade finds sit her adorable creations including recycled scrabble tile necklaces - which she gets her husband to help her with at night. She creates these from her own illustrations, old story books and vintage fabrics. One even has Michael Jackson - Bec confided in me she was one of the screaming and crying 13 year old girls who lined up to see him a number of years ago.

I could wax lyrical all night about all the fabulous things at Little Shop Of, but I’ll just say you have to go there yourself. There are beautiful necklaces made from recycled upholstery leather off cuts from Mainichi, recycled one offs made from vintage fabrics from Rummage style and gorgeous things from Pocket Carnival.

I stayed for a while and chatted with Bec who was so welcoming. We discussed life, hand making things and Little Shop Of. ‘A girl came in and checked out the shop. She then told her boyfriend that he could buy anything in the entire shop as a present and she would be absolutely happy!’ Bec told me ‘ that was kind of what I was hoping to achieve with the store’.

I agree. I HAD to buy a necklace AND a pair of earrings and am now the proud owner of a oh so cute Dorothy necklace and Dove earrings by Owly and the Fox.

Little Shop of, 8 Woorayl St Carnegie Wed, Thurs, Fri 11am - 6pm Sat 10am - 4.30pm

Magpie Mondays - what a way to start the week!

2009-08-03T16:43:00.007+10:00

I'm a little late on my Magpie Monday finds - I had some well overdue housework that just could not be avoided anymore...all that dust has made me feel a little sniffly and I am hoping it is not a dreaded cold creeping on in!

Well anyways these sugary sweet prints from BOOPSIE MART have satisfied my 3pm sugar fixx that's for sure and I cant wait to line my very dark hallway with their cheery presence.

Crikey have I got time too read!

2009-07-28T09:27:00.005+10:00

Good Morning...

Don't you just love the bleary eyed finds on the net first thing in the morning. Even before the first mouthful of coffee - I am draining my paypal account... 2 books and 8 fat quarters later... (plus another 10 sites waiting for me! God I love tabbed browsers)

I just wanted to share the 2 fantabulous books which I just purchased - me thinks all my crafty comrades may like these.

Visit French General and take a look in their paper section - by the way the rest of the site houses some lovely finds too.

1. Crafting a business - Make money doing what you love $19.95us
2. A shop of ones own $14.95us

They do offer shipping to Australia which was $18us for both the books

Magpie Mondays - what a way to start the week!

2009-07-27T13:27:00.002+10:00

A Beautiful Day File Folder Set

Autre Monde Pendant by Ach Ach Leibling

she embroiders

Little Shop of Handmade store NOW OPEN

2009-07-27T09:20:00.000+10:00

SO EXCITED PEEPS... Sorry this mail is so newsy.... but big news if you persevere...

My humble little webstore/market stall "AKA" Little shop of.... has now become the "Little Shop of Handmade" in a real brick and mortar store proudly selling handmade in Melbourne goodies all priced under $50. Ummm - yes that's correct under $50... Ummm hello - super fab !!! : )

We have secured some amazing designers and you will be delighted too with our finds. You may even recognise some of your Etsy and Melbourne market favourites too!

Shop Winter Hours ( Brrrrr too cold.... Yay! 11 am and lovin it, i'm the boss tee he he!) • Wed, Thurs and Friday 11am - 6pm
• Saturday 10am - 4.30pm
• Closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday.
8 Woorayl St Carnegie

We are right opposite Carnegie train station (outbound city side) and 2 streets behind the new Spotlight store - Cnr Dandenong Rd and Koornang Rd. So if your on your way to Chadstone why not pop on in!

Fear not - those outside of Melbourne - simply visit our website where you will be able to buy our splendid goodies online.

Hope to see you soon,
Stay Cute!
Bec xo

PS: OUR DESIGNERS Just to name a few... Buttons by Lou Lou, Printspace, Shei, Lekker, Rabbit and the Duck, Rummage Style, Little Gooseberry, Mainichi, My Very Button, The Crayon Chick, Pirdy, Shonah, Nilla Nilla, Pins and Thimbles, Here we go Loopy Lou, Peeping Tom/Papers, Boombi, Little Shop Of, Studio Leanne, Pocket Carnival, Mingus, Sooound - new stock arriving daily.

PPS: I will still be at Camberwell Markets every Sunday stall #349 and please note the store has been entirely furnished with my stellar Camberwell Market finds.... with the exception of 1 ikea peice (but I scored that from the ASIS section)

Little Shop

Home Sweet Home

Wednesday - What I pinned!

Nicely Folded

Happy New Year!

Happy Weekending!

Eye Candy - Snap Shots

About time!

It's me again!

Oh hi!

Cushion Love!

Do it yaaself! Sweater Sweetner

Feeling blue'vy

Get Gifted!

Yipppeee!

Tealightful

Do it yaaself! Car"DUO"gan

Customise your own shoes

Welcome To Today...Tomorrow

A merry Christmas to everybody! A happy New Year to all the world!

Christmas Ordering at Little Shop

Who do you think you are?

A new market for South East Melbourne

The Mulgrave Makers Market

Little Shop Wins

What's the word bird!

We like to things a little different... that's just how we roll!

Let's just hang here for a while! - Spool Hooks Tutorial #3

A little perspective!

Nothing rhymes with orange!

A charming idea not to be sneezed at - Framed Hankies Tutorial #2

Display vintage hankies as charming art piecesMATERIALS

MATERIALS

Step 1: Narrow down your collection

Step 2: Place hankies into frames

Step 3: Hang frames in a grid

Neat Feet - Mary Jane Slippers Tutorial #1

Drawer - Adore

Tintastic!

Vintage Linen Booty

New cushions and other bits for Cása la little shop

Le early morning purcháses

No Way José

Sunday Super Cuteness

Meet me at Mikes Envelope Project

Paperchase...

We're Back...

LITTLE SHOP WILL BE CLOSED Friday April 23rd till Tuesday May 11th

Here's Looking at Blue

Me Likey.... a lot

10 Things about me

LITTLE SHOP WILL BE CLOSED Friday April 23rd till Tuesday May 11th

LITTLE SHOP WILL BE CLOSED

Friday April 23rd till Tuesday May 11th

Finders Keepers Interview

Featured Shop: Little Shop of Handmade

Show off...Show off, pick your nose and ........

Fave 5's Meme

Melbourne Hidden Treasure

WARNING! Crazy Cute ALERT!

To disorganised to regulary post to my blog but I just had to share!

Looky Look!

In the Hood! Represent!

New Places to find Little Shop of... Goodies

Yay 5 new stockists for Little Shop this year already! - off to a super NEW YEAR start!

Eva Green Boutique 138 Lygon Street Brunswick East VIC Blonde Vintage 425 Sturt St Ballarat VIC Nook 19 Browning St, West End Brisbane QLD Nikky B's 76a Princess Hwy Milton NSW Milk Thieves10A, 157 Crown St Wollongong NSW...

If you are passing by any of these lovely shops do call in!

Stay Cute!

Bec xo

Well what can I say.... This years been GREAT, SWELL and MARVELOUS. What a DECADE!

My Latest Craft Venture

Oh look at my latest crafty venture - a trio of Alice in Wonderland brooches made by yours truly using recycled vintage wooden scrabble tiles. Alice - Drink Me, White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter.

Each tile is lovingly sealed (and sometimes not so lovingly depending on if the resin decides to play nicely!) using a doming resin.

Back pin is a 2 piece lapel pin with clutch back ( or Tie back as know in the... USA). Can be worn together as a fetching ensemble or separately.Each brooch is approx 2cm x 2.2cm.

Only $22 at little shop of handmade

Christmas - Extended Trading Hours

Delivery in time for Christmas 2009!

Delivery in time for Christmas 2009!

Lucky Dip - Mystery Giveaway winner is.....

Lucky Dip - Mystery Giveaway

Display vintage hankies as charming art pieces

MATERIALS

Friday April 23rd till
Tuesday May 11th

Eva Green Boutique 138 Lygon Street Brunswick East VIC
Blonde Vintage 425 Sturt St Ballarat VIC
Nook 19 Browning St, West End Brisbane QLD
Nikky B's 76a Princess Hwy Milton NSW
Milk Thieves10A, 157 Crown St Wollongong NSW...

Back pin is a 2 piece lapel pin with clutch back ( or Tie back as know in the... USA). Can be worn together as a fetching ensemble or separately.
Each brooch is approx 2cm x 2.2cm.