Crafter's Corner & News

I just love seeing what people make with our fabrics so was delighted when Julia Oberhardt sent me these images of her clasp purse. The fabric used is our Fretwork printed hemp/organic cotton although the purple colour is not from our usual range. It was an off-cut from a custom-printed order.

The purse was made using Nicole Mallalieu's 200mm Chunky Purse Kit. The lining is made from a Henry Glass fabric.

The craft kit brings me to one of the announcements that I must make. As my life has been very hectic lately and my health has been suffering with regular headaches, I have decided that I must focus on what is working and what is not. I feel like I have become "a Jack (or Jill) of all trades and master of none". So over the next few weeks, I need to continue my staff training and concentrate on expanding and marketing our hand-printed home-wares range. As such, Thea & Sami will not be participating in the Stitches and Craft Shows. This decision has eliminated much of my stress.

In addition, we have just bought a new house and will be moving in a couple of weeks. The property is large enough to allow us to build our own screen-printing studio on site. The plan is to add another yardage printing table and to print non-stop! Of course, I will be keeping you up-to-date with my home decorating and studio building.

Screen Printing Class

A lovely group of ladies attended our screen-printing class on Saturday. The following is a selection of their work to inspire you all.

Mmm, what is this stylish lady thinking? Only creator Celia Swales (pictured below) knows for sure.

White ink seems to be very popular in the Thea & Sami studio lately. Everything looks so elegant when it's printed in white including Celia's linen tea-towel with her stylised peacock.

While we're on the subject of peacocks, Emma Speak is nicely coordinated with our hanging Peacock Print. This is the print that I had originally designed for Lyssy May's summer bag range. We will soon be releasing the fabric for sale in various colours on organic cotton and natural linen.

Emma is a nutritionist but was very keen on exploring her creative side and wanted to produce scarey but elegant images. I think it's always interesting that the same print can look so different in another colour.


I wrongly assumed that this was a lovely chair but it is actually a guillotine print. It does look pretty and elegant in the lilac though. It's so easy to forget that that Paris has a gory history.

Unfortunately, there always seems to be somebody that I miss photographing in my haste and this time that was Michelle Cornish. So sorry Michelle but where were you hiding? Never mind, we can still admire your lovely abstract prints. Update: See what Michelle did with her fabric prints here.

Mother and daughter Suzanne and Ramona Raggl have recently started a business called Anton's Lane specialising in organic nursery bedding.

Suzanne printed this sweet silhouette from the range.

Also from that range is this apple print. When something is hand-made, it's nice when it's obviously so, don't you think? I love the raw beauty of this.

Today, I'm a little sad as I drove my son to the airport. He is flying to Greece and staying for a year to spend time with his father and to figure out what he wants to do. As he was born in Greece, he will probably have to go to the Greek Army for national service. And tomorrow morning, I am picking up my husband from the airport as he is returning from a hectic week in Canada.

I will have so much to announce this week. There are many changes happening in my home and business life. Firstly, I won't be teaching as many workshops as I was, due to the growing demands on my time. I think not more than once every 3 months at this stage. I have listed a class for June so you can now book that on-line.

Don't forget that you can see us screen-printing fabrics at our Open Studio Day.

Friday Follower - Audra

No, John Travolta is not our blog follower this week but read on to see how he fits into this post. However, we do feature somebody from outside the craft and design scene as lots of different people read this blog (thanks).

Audra Starkey is a veteran shift worker and we could all benefit from her extensive knowledge on how to combat fatique and live a healthier life. Audra shares some great tips and information on her blog, The Healthy Shift Worker. Let's find out more from Audra.

1. You have some great tips that can be used by all of us who work long hours. What inspired you to start writing a blog?
Well, as a 17 year shift work veteran - I certainly know what it's like to struggle with working crazy, long and irregular hours and all of the side effects that go along with it. Things like constant fatigue and tiredness, sleep deprivation, stress, weight issues, having no energy to exercise and to constantly getting sick all of the time are just some of the things that shift workers struggle with every single day. And I've certainly "been there and done that" over the years.

But after 13 years of struggling I decided to make it my business to research ways to improve my own health so that I could actually function at work and not have to resort to quitting my job! And after years of research I decided to put what I had found into writing in a Free Report titled - 'Why Shift Workers Are Prone to Tiredness, Ill Health and Unhappiness - And What You Can Do to Fix It!' - to help other people that were having similar struggles that I was having. The blog has simply become an extension of my free report.

2. Do you spent a lot of time researching your topics?
Absolutely. I am an avid reader and have a bookcase that is quickly out growing itself! I also attend a lot of conferences and workshops (here and abroad), to learn as much as I can on finding ways to improve our health.

When you work long hours it's incredibly easy not to look after yourself. So my aim is to motivate, inspire and empower people to take responsibility for their own health because without good health - you have nothing.

3. What is your best tip for overcoming tiredness even when you have slept?
So many people confuse thirst with hunger and tend to just grab something sweet to eat to give themselves a pick me up. But one of the best, and yet simplest ways to overcome fatigue is to drink more water. Now this does not include copious amounts of coffee and energy drinks - as they are just full of sugar and caffeine, and only end up making you feel even more tired later on.

I will use an example of a plant to help explain. You see, if you don't water a plant often enough it will start to wilt, and that's exactly what happens to you if you don't drink enough water. You end up feeling deflated and constantly tired all of the time.

So you just need to keep drinking plenty of water - and snack on some fruit in between (because fruit is made up mostly of water) - and you'll be feeling a heck of a lot more energized during the day.

4. What are your future plans for "The Healthy Shift Worker"?
Actually I'm about to launch a new website which will include not only my blog, but an extensive list of some of my best tips and resources to help people cope with working crazy, long and irregular hours.

I'm also writing a book which will give shift workers and anyone who suffers from constant fatigue and tiredness - even more tips and tricks to help them to 'Beat the Shift Work Blues'.

And I also plan to launch my own consulting company where I will facilitate workshops for shift working organizations to help their employees.

5. Is there something interesting about you that you could share and that isn't common knowledge?
A few years ago I got to meet John Travolta in person at a customer service awards night in Sydney. As you can see from the photo I was able to get 'up close and personal' with him and have a bit of a chat. He was very down to earth, incredibly polite and courteous - plus exceptionally good eye candy :)

Thanks Audra, I certainly need to start drinking more water and agree that John Travolta is good eye candy indeed.

Open Studio Day

Hey Brisbane! Have you ever wondered how we screen-print our fabulous fabrics? Then you need to be at our Open Studio Day. Mark your diaries for Sunday, 11th April. See location details here.

We will be open from 10.00 am - 2.00 pm with screen-printing demos at 11.00 am and 1.00 pm. All are welcome so grab your mothers, babies or friends and come along.

Thea & Sami won't be appearing at any more markets but you will be able to view and purchase our fabrics directly from the studio as well as many bargains such as used screens, polyester lining fabrics ($2 per metre), plain coloured fabrics and American Apparel kids' organic cotton t-shirts (sizes 8 - 12) for $5 each while stocks last.

Of course, we will have many new and fabulous homewares for Mother's Day.

Are you coming? RSVP is not essential but it would be nice to know that we will have company :) Photo of Natalie Lane printing taken by Thea.

Another Great Shop

I don't think I could be any more excited. One of my all-time favourite Brisbane shops is now stocking Thea & Sami hand-printed homewares.

Abode & Bod has long been a local destination for beautiful gifts, home accessories, babywear and fashion. Look around. There is eye candy everywhere!

Are you surprised to learn that stylish owner Eleanor has an interior design background? I don't think so.

Products are even displayed by colour to help you find that perfect gift.

With so many temptations, it was impossible to leave the store yesterday without a little treat for moi. How great is this sticky note set by Poppies for Grace?

The Abode & Bod store doesn't have a website but you can find location details here.

I am still hoping to show you some new products this week. All photos taken by me :)

New Store and High Tea

Who says you can't mix business with pleasure? Today I did exactly that. Firstly, I visited and delivered some Thea & Sami products to Lace and Bark, a gorgeous little store in the Brisbane suburb of Nundah.

Would you like to know how I met the lovely owner, Daniele Bywater? She was one of my classmates in Holly's Blogging Your Way course (see previous post). You can check out Daniele's blog here.

The Lace and Bark shop was borne through the couple's desire to make unique handcrafted furniture easily accessible to the public. Daniele's husband, Stuart Bywater, is a talented furniture designer/maker who completed a degree in furniture design at the Canberra School of the Arts over 15 years ago.

He has since been creating individual pieces of furniture using plantation and recycled timber. All are made using traditional woodworking techniques and Stuart can also be commissioned to create something special for you.

Lace and Bark represents both soft furnishings (lace) and wooden furniture (bark) and all homewares are proudly sourced from all over Australia.

You will find exquisite pieces for the home personally selected by Daniele such as these metal roses. The store is open every day except Sundays and Mondays.

Around the corner you can enjoy high tea at Queenie's Tea House which is where some family members and I met to celebrate my mother's birthday this morning.

Poor mum doesn't look too happy but she has been stumbling around on a broken leg after a third operation to correct it. She was our queen for the day and yes, I did print and make my mummy a scarf. She still loves her not-so-little girl making things for her.

Happy Birthday Vivi!

All photos taken by me :)

Blog Class Love

As many of you know, I recently participated in Holly Becker's Blogging Your Way class. Wow! I knew it would be good but the course seriously exceeded all of my expectations. Covering everything from overcoming writer's block to legal issues and photography from Colour Expert, Leslie of A Creative Mint.

I am glad that the class started in January as it was quite intense and I don't think I could have presently devoted the time to benefit as much as I have. If you are interested in participating in a future class, I do believe that Holly plans to teach another one in September so it's best to follow her blog for updates.

Needless to say, my classmates included many talented bloggers and it's been interesting to see their blogs develop over the 7 week period. I would like to share 5 such blogs here. I have not necessarily chosen the most established ones but those that I thought were interesting but perhaps not known by you yet. It was difficult choosing from 180 blogs but I will be featuring others in future as part of my "Friday Follower" series. Please note that each image is courtesy of each respective blog and may have been cropped to fit my page.

The beautiful crochet cushion covers are from Dutch craft blogger Petra. Visit by Petra for more lovely images and inspiration.

A little further south and we travel to Bordeaux, France to visit Nathalie's blog Flowing Moments. Nathalie has recently renewed her love of photography and shares her creative journey with text that often includes inspirational quotes and poetry.

Have you ever wondered what to cook? Look no further than Alison's Beets and Biscuits. Alison will share mouth-watering recipes and cooking tips with you such as this Wok-fried Salted Chili Crab.

Mitzi takes us on an adventure around America's midwest to discover vintage and hand-made treasures such as these exquisite birds from artist Ann Wood. Visit Mitzi's Collectibles.

For those who can't resist vintage clothing and accessories, you will absolutely love Strawberry Lemonade. Alexandra is the author, has personality plus and models her own envy-worthy wardrobe.

I have so much to share with you over the next 2 weeks including new homewares, craft kits and stockists so please come back folks!

Screen-Printing Class Update: fully booked for this Saturday. Future class dates are unknown at this time but definitely not before June.

Friday Follower - Emma

Emma Gascoyne is this week's lovely Friday Follower who I know through the Brisbane Craft and Market scene. As designer of the label Up in Annie's Room, Emma creates a variety of interesting jewellery items from new and found materials.

We had plenty of time to catch up for a chat when we were neighbours at the last Young Designers Market. That's Emma on the left and the customer admiring her wares is none other than one of my previous Friday Followers, Holly Leonardson who popped by to say hello.

Emma made the bird in the hanging cage that represents her logo.

Emma's vintage typewriter keys bracelets are a favourite of mine.

Modern pocket watches with Emma's drawings.


Emma's newest creations are these modern cuffs made with beautiful hand-printed fabrics from Thea & Sami (I guess I am biased here).

Okay now it's question time.

1. Where does the name "Up in Annie's Room" come from?
When I was young and things went missing, my grandmother would always respond that it was "up in Annie's room".

2. Have you always been a crafter?
Ermm no. I remember my grandmother trying to teach me to knit as a child and I probably resembled a demented stick insect with her huge needles and seemingly not enough fingers to keep it all under control. But I have always loved to draw and enjoy art in general so guess that's sort of craft.

3. You have a lovely, evolving range of products. What inspires new ideas and designs?
I love experimenting with textures and colour. I think it's fabulous to be able to use fabric but I'm not really crazy about sewing, for example. There is just so much you can do with all the goodies available to us as crafters now. I love how inspiration will hit you when you're not trying to make it happen (I think the reverse can be true too).

4. Do you have any formal design training?
No, I was a banker working in foreign exchange and interest rate derivatives before I had my kids (and hated it btw).

5. Is your craft business a full-time job?
Not really, I have a 2 and 4 year old that need my attention although they do try to "help".

6. Do you have future plans to expand your craft business?
I have had a few enquiries from retailers in the past but have always steered clear of wholesale. However, I am now exploring this option with some of my new stock and seeing how I can make it work for me.

7. Is there something interesting about you that you share and that isn't common knowledge?
I submitted a portfolio and won a place in the young artists program at the Queensland Art Gallery when I was 10 (and now wish I'd paid more attention). I also have secret obsession with 70's television.

Thank you Emma. For more, you can visit Emma's blog and Etsy shop. All photos are taken by me except for cuff image which is courtesy of Emma Gascoyne.

Friday Follower is my weekly column that features one of my blog followers. It allows me to get to know one of you a little better and to say thank you for your support. Will you be next?

Bangalow Treasures

Bangalow is one of Australia's prettiest towns with its historical buildings, first-class restaurants and great shops but I was most excited about one in particular; Heath's Old Wares.

Do you remember having those giddy feelings when you walked into a candy store as a kid? Well, that's how I felt when I walked into Heath's Old Wares. What a treasure cove of beautiful old things! I owe a thank you to Katherine of the Oldboathouse for giving me the tip. I didn't take any photos of the store but you can see some on their website. The owners are Ross and Eva Heath and they provide very friendly, small-town service.


Recently, I have been looking for some old wooden frames that I could use to display some of my fabrics at the upcoming Stitches and Craft Shows but had no luck finding any nice ones in Brisbane or on eBay at a reasonable price. You can only imagine my joy when I found these beauties. I regret not buying more of them.

The hand-carved detail of the frames is perfection.


My big kid (read husband) also got excited in the store when he discovered this old cow bell, a Latin percussion instrument. In fact, he wouldn't stop playing it so the owners gave it to him.

If you looking for old things such as ladders, cooking utensils, cotton reels, bottles and much more then this is the place for you. It's about a 2 hour drive south from Brisbane. For updates, Eva Heath also writes a blog.

Learning to Decorate

We had a lovely time in Bangalow. My husband drummed all day last Friday in a secluded cottage while I spent a fun day at Shannon Fricke's decorating workshop.

This is Shannon's gorgeous new range of ceramics which made their debut appearance on the day.


Here is the lady herself, teaching us the ABC's of decorating.

This is my mood board in process which I found fun and easy to do since I had previously done one as part of Holly's blogging class.

I was in love with The Little Cottage which by the way is Shannon's workspace not home. I wanted to live here!

Stylish ideas were everywhere even hanging from the ceiling. No waste of fabric here.

I must thank Nicky, Shannon's sidekick, for the wonderful lunch she prepared for us all. It was a spectacular feast of local produce and gourmet cheeses.

Thank you to Shannon for sharing your knowledge and stylish space with us and thank you to the other lovely participants who made the day such a pleasant one.

These photos were all taken by me but you can see more over at Shannon's blog.

Baskets and Headaches

Yes, I am alive - barely. After not having a day off in 3 weeks, my body decided to rebel and I was forced to stay home yesterday to battle a migraine. Of course, as fellow-sufferers will attest, this was not a fun way to have a day off. I had to work through the after effects today.

However, I am happy to report that I will be taking a few days off, as of tomorrow afternoon to participate in Shannon Fricke's Decorating Workshop in Bangalow in Friday. This is something that I am really looking forward to.


Meanwhile, we got a lovely batch of linen bread-baskets back today from our seamstress and they're perfect. Each one is reversible and can be tied and used either way. We have used eco-friendly bamboo wadding in these. If you are looking for something special for Mother's Day, these can be posted flat and purchased from our on-line store. Hemp/organic versions like the sample I posted about here, coming soon.

Natalie has been working on a new product for the craft kits that we are giving away at the Melbourne Sew It Together meet-up. Next week we are working on new kits for sale too. More will be revealed shortly.