Children's Winter Collection 2013

This years Childrens Winter Collection was all about creating timeless peices that can be worn with a range of layering garments.

For girls -  all things lace, frilly and girly, using gorgeous embellishments with a hint of vintage elegance.

 

And for boys - keeping it simple using strong bold colours and fabrics with a touch of textures such as stars and stripes.

 

It's always been about matching garments and accessories for me and my collection this year stays true to this guiding philosophy. Matching hair accessories and scarves compliment one another and should be worn together.

 

Children should be comfortable in their clothing, free to play, and most of all enjoying wearing a garment that is a little bit different and made with a whole lot of love!

 

My favourite reason for creating something handmade is it's uniqueness; something thats not available in the big stores. The collection itself makes no apology for the use of limited fabrics, embellishments and laces.  Hence the collection is small, so if you love something - don't hesitate as some styles will definately sell out.

The professional photography of my range was shot by the very talented Jo O'Kelly from www.jookelly.com 
Jo specialises in natural light and working with children, so for me there was no other choice. I wanted to capture the children at play, outside and having fun in a rustic setting. 

Here is just a snapshot of our shoot.................

 

 

 

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All images by  www.jookelly.com

 

"When I Buy Handmade, I Am Buying More Than A Product........"

"When I buy handmade I am buying more than a product. I am supporting an artist who has put care, creativity and love into the product. I am supporting thier vision. The product has such a personal history and story".  Pamela Sherry

 

It's no secret that I love handmade everything. Creating for myself and others, people often see my products and the products of others and want to know more about my handmade purchases! So I thought it's time I share some fabulous little business' out there. And what a great day to share too being AUSTRALIA DAY!! 

Some are purchases from markets, friends in business or others are through making new networks with the fabulous social network community. Guaranteed though, these business' offer high quality handmade items and most importantly are by talented local and regional designers and artists.


Pictured below are some of my purchases:

Fine Lady

www.facebook.com/finelady

Family Picture: www.facebook.com/lefrenchcatphotography
 

 

Firstly I want to start with this picture of my beautiful family recently taken at my nephews birthday. It shows me and one of my bolero purchases, handmade by my gorgeous friend Rachael Brown. Aside from the fact that Rachael's Fine Lady offers a unique range on quality handmade clothes and bolero's, she is one amazing girl with a depth of business knowledge and provides me with so much support and advice for my little business. I can't thank her enough for keeping me sane with all the ideas I present to her! She channels me in the most productive way.

 

Lisa Ralston Design

www.facebook.com/lisaralstondesign

 

Everyone loves a bit of Rock 'n' Roll! Banjo and I both love this singlet! Not only a gorgeous design, but being black it's a great colour for spirited boys that love to get outside! Goes fabulously with any item of clothing including patterned shorts and especially coloured jeans. We have a lot of 'muso' friends so no noubt they'll be wanting Lisa's details! Lisa also makes a number of Handmade Retro inspired Bags, toys, clothing, decorations & earings. I love her motto: "Support local & buy a piece of history".

 

Liv Happy

www.facebook.com/livhappy

 

Couldn't be more happier with our purchase of Poppy's Handmade doll for her birthday this year. Since her dramatic start to life, there was something pretty special about having a little girl and my mum probably started the tradition by her precious gift of a handmade doll for her birth. I love and that was to purchase a handmade doll every year for her birthday. This year through a mutual friend, I was able to discover a local business and found a lovely confidant in Olivia Elder. Olivia came to my home, discussed what I wanted and ended up leaving with some of my fabric so she could perfectly match our dolly to Poppy's room. Now thats what I call great local service!! We have since been discussing everything handmade and I love bouncing ideas back and forth with her. Our discussions then led me to the idea of setting up a local handmade facebook support network for the Ballarat area. If you have a local handmade business and would like to join the group please feel free to contact me or follow this link:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/396585533749473/

 

Enamoured Creative Obsessions

www.facebook.com/enamouredcreativeobsessions

 

 

What do you buy someone you love that does so much for you in 10 fold? My gift to my husband for his birthday was a set of dog tags. On one side is our wedding date, while the other is a reminder of the date his three beautiful children entered the world. I couldn't be more happier with Rebecca's creation of our family's most significant dates. Rebecca makes personalised hand-stamped, mixed metal jewellery. Unique, custom made pieces for the ones you love. Perfect for new mums, dads or that special someone in your life. Brass, Copper, Aluminium and Sterling Silver are all available. 

 

Little Me Things To Love....

www.facebook.com/littlemethingstolove

 

 

Carla makes the most devine little gifts. Poppy's first from her range was a Babooshka bought by a friend and then I chose Carla to design her first Birthday Dolly in reds to match her room. We love this doll and poppy loves redressing her with her removeable skirt!

 

Tias Secret and Olicartia

http://www.facebook.com/Tias-Secret

 www.facebook.com/Olicartia

 

Simone from Tia's Secret has been making a wide range of hand made hair accessories for years. Her grosgrain ribbon bows are to die for and I simply couldn't resist buying some for my neices and even my little girl before she had hair! The great thing about Simone's clips is that they can be attached to any headband or hat and come in a range of fashion and school colours. Simone has also made me a number of bow runner to hang Poppy and my neices clips in their rooms. Just simply gorgeous. Simone has just started a new business venture in Creswick opening up a gorgeous gift shop in Creswick. Take a little drive and browse her beautiful wares!

Apple Crumble

www.facebook.com/applecrumble

 

 

How devine are these shorts made by Elaine from Apple Crumble? I discovered Apple Crumble at the last Designer Craft Market we both had stalls at. Thank goodness it was the end of the day, otherwise I think I would have spent far too much money! And how's this for service?..... I couldn't decide on the size without my little girl with me so Elaine let me take home a couple of skirts and pairs of shorts to try. I love local handmade products and most importantly finding wonderful local service!

The next Designer Craft Market will be held in Buninyong on 23rd March 2013. Come say hello! http://www.facebook.com/thedesignercraftmarket

Amaya Handmade

www.facebook.com/amayahandmade

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Amayahandmade

 

 

 And my gift to myself at the minute?...... One can never have too many bags or shoes!! At the moment I have asked the talented Jenny from Amaya to make me a new bag. Love all of her work, and hence, I just couldn't decide so I have asked Jenny to use her creativity and come up with something for everyday use. I'm just a tad too excited and can't wait to see what she comes up with! Along with with bag, Jenny also makes purses, scarves and clutches. All with quality fabrics, a mix of new and vintage/repurposed, creating unique items that are mostly one of a kind.

 

So what a wonderful way to showcase some Local Handmade Australian Owned Products on Australia Day! Be sure to visit our friends and remember to tell them @16feathers sent you!

 

HAVE A WONDERFUL AUSTRALIA DAY!!

 

 

News at 16feathers HQ!

It's been a while since my last post so I thought it's time to blog and welcome in the new year. Officially back sewing now! Have really enjoyed my break with my little family. Lots of activities, sun and outings to spend some wonderful and much needed family time together!   I hope the new year has also been a fabulous start for you and brought you much joy and some time with your loved ones :)
News at 16feathers HQ?... Oodles of sweet new materials have arrived and I can't wait to share the new creations for ladies, girls and boys that I have already started creating! Think the usual like Vintage, Lace, Doilies, Chiffon and Ruffles but adding a whole lot of glam too. Here's one of my new singlets- YES finally something for me!! Absolutely loving this one as it's very girly but has lots of room around the tummy area to hide my overindulgence for the finer things this festive season! Only thing is, it hasn't got a name yet so I've started a little competition on facebook to kick start the new year? If you would like to be involved please head on over, share, like the pic and suggest a name!!

http://www.facebook.com/16feathers#!/photo.php?fbid=413190838759747&set=a.119378748140959.24096.113846342027533&type=1&theater&notif_t=photo_comment 

 

 

The 16(feathers) Days of Christmas

So who doesn't love Christmas? Well maybe the Grinch!............ Myself on the other hand, I have always been a true lover of the Festive Season. There is something still truely magical about this time of year which hasn't left me since childhood. Then when you 'technically grow up' and have children (or the four legged variety for some of my friends!) to share in that joy of the holiday season surrounded by the people who you adore and love most in life, well it just gets even more magical.
So today marks the 1st day of the Festive Season. And today we took some time to share the 1st day of December as a family. This sounds all planned but believe me it wasn't really! In our household we lead busy lives; between work, the kids, training (exercise) and my sewing addiction. So sometimes its just nice to stumble on time together, without the itenary card.
We found ourselves down the street; me hoping to have a browse at dresses to wear for a friends wedding and also at the local farmers market. Here you could explore the delights of everything handmade and yummy. Local stallholders tempted onlookers with everthing from fresh organic vegetables to baked breads, samosa's, relishes and even organic beer!
Now with two toddlers, we found ourselves passing the stalls quicker than what we would have liked but the lure of the giant jumping slide and the firm hand (or should I say yanking?) of my 3.5 year old little man, I eventually give in. At this time, it's probably safe to say both parents had been stressed at a number points for the last hour. Funny that, the way a mind of a toddler works- we usually have the rule hold mums hand or the pram and most of the time, this works well. In & out of shops and past stalls, today our little man was on a roll. So here he was ducking in and out of clothes racks, running full pelt down the rows, taking pictures on the iphone of the girls behind a counter and speaking at the top of his voice. Aren't things like iphones meant to help and calm them down? No, tried that, not today bless his little cotton socks! Mmmm make a mental note....... next time it's probably safe to say don't take the kids when trying on clothes. But I do love my husbands opinion and it's just a given our kids pretty much come everywhere with us due to us living away from family.
So here I was back at the giant jumping slide. Before he got on we had a 'little talk' about what to expect and what should happen when the man tells us its time to hop off. (Last week buying seedlings up at 'Trash' for our vege garden, we found ourselves in the same prediciment and it did not end in a nice way!) Fingers crossed. And then all the feelings of concern lifted a little as I watched a little boy grow in confidence after the first run where he called out "I can't do it mum! I can't get up!" I egged him on and the joy on his face when he reached the top was priceless. Run after run, I watched him climb the set of tall stairs and bolted down that slide. He was having an absolute ball and still running off all that energy. It's amazing how watching that pure joy in his face took away the embarrassing thoughts I'd felt earlier. I was a pround mumma. Daddy was called over several times for a 'watch me dad'. Then the man called time. I held my breath. What could we expect? Then my joy continued as I watched a pleasent little fellow get off the slide hassle free. Whoo Hoo.
Next stop was the 'Petting Zoo' and of course both toddlers were as keen as mustard to get into there as quick as they could. But mumma was wary. Another 'little talk' and then we went in. I must say this was an absolute delight. Growing up on a country property I tend to forget what my children miss out on that I encounted everyday growing up. Experiencing and touching all sorts of animals. There were goats, lambs, guinea pigs, rabbits, piglets and ducklings.What a delight! They had an absolute ball and I just wanted to stay as long as I could and continue to watch that joy in their faces. Hence my decision to share a few pics of the day.
Then tonight we finished off with one of my most favourite things ever! We put up and decorated our Christmas Tree. I have been bursting to do this! As usual I put on the 'Frank Sinatra' Christmas CD and thought perhaps it was time that I should update this. The kids were not into the 'crooner' as I was. Still it was easy to continue watching all three children interact and discuss where there were placing their decorations. (Well Poppy gabbles rather than talks still!). I love unwrapping the decorations. Our tree has it's own theme. It tells the story of our travels overseas. Can't say I came up with the theme but a past collegue gave me the idea before I went away on my first trip overseas. Each country I have travelled to since, I have collected an ornament/decoration that I can hang on the tree. And somehow I find myself going back in time to all those places as I see each decoration unwrapped every year and ready to be hung on the tree. Such a wonderful time to reflect on in my travelled life and also another way to share those times with my kids as they grow older and understand more.

 

Oh how I love the Festive Season! What a truely remarkable day with the family. Unplanned......

And to coinside with this remarkable day I thought I wouldshare a little more christmas cheer. As mentioned on our facebook page, to help us celebrate reaching the 900 milestone we are doing the 12 days of christmas with a few specials and giveaways but in true 16feathers style....................... so it will run for 16 days.

So if you are still after the perfect handmade gift or stocking filler then look no further!

These specials and giveaways will sometimes come with a 'catch' so make sure you read all the fine print! They will be done randomly when I get a spare minute from my two little cherubs or in between sewing :) To make sure you don't miss out, by receiving all our specials & status updates head on over to our page and ensure you hover over the 'LIKED' button on our page & tick 'GET NOTIFICATIONS'.

www.facebook.com/16feathers

Lets have aVinty Christmas!



AVA SPRING COLLECTION: MARKET NIGHT FREEBIE!

So here's the announcement.....
One lucky winner will recieve a few hair accessory from the Ava Spring Range Collection or $10 off the total cost of one of the sets from the collection if you are a lucky winner. Head on over to facebook to enter your details and I'll announce the winner here on my blog.........

AND THE WINNER IS SARAH BLAIR!! Congratulations Sarah. Ill send you an email.

http://www.facebook.com/rebecca.perks.750#!/photo.php?fbid=370892536322911&set=pb.113846342027533.-2207520000.1350213373&type=1&theater

AVA SPRING RANGE COLLECTION

Drum Roll........Here's the news!!! Finally have put all the pieces together. To welcome all our new and old friends on facebook, we have decided to launch or "AVA SPRING RANGE COLLECTION". This will be available first to our fb followers and anything left over will placed here or at our srping markets coming up. There are limited stock and sizes available so first in best dressed for a Market Night. 8:30pm, Sunday 14th October is the time & date..... so keep it free, place in your diaries and save those $!
 
Perfect little outfits for spring and summer. Wear as layers in the cooler weather with huggalugs, stockings and longsleeves underneath. Also perfect to get organised for christmas too... Here's the link
http://www.facebook.com/rebecca.perks.750#!/media/set/?set=a.349144461831052.81159.113846342027533&type=1

The gorgeous photography work was done some time ago by the the super talented Joanne at www.jookelly.com. Love the fact that we were able to get the girls outside in the sunshine to show off the beautiful little sets in the natural spring light. Joanne has recently relaunced her website so take the time to check out her amazing work with children and familes. You will be amazed as I am when we always set up for our photography shoots. Joanne has an amazing ability to make the atmosphere so relaxed and enjoyable- even in uncontrollable environments such as the weather. Her beautiful nature when working with children is truely a gift. Here's a couple of shots from the album:

 







 

 

400 facebook liker competition!

Recently we hit the 400 mark on facebook and I thought why not celebrate and have a market night for our all our wonderful fans.  The market will be held this Sunday 23rd September, where you can find a few of our popular products at a reduced price or special discount.  

 

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=nf#!/photo.php?fbid=362018413876990&set=a.362018403876991.85246.113846342027533&type=1&theater

 

But the big news is to help us celebrate we are giving away a FREEBIE!

I don't know about you but it's always so hard to choose and just offering one sex kind of limits one sex children families sooooo

We are going to let you choose! Either a girls gift or a boys gift! And you can choose the colours too. How easy is that?


So here's what we are giving away.

For the girls, choose one of the following from the 16feathers range

1. 1 x Camellia Headband. Your choice of colour!
 

or

2. 1 x Mabel Headband. Your choice of FOE colour!

or

2 x 16feathers Clips Mabel, Eve and Camellia Range

 



 

For the boys, choose one of the following:

1. 1 x Boys Applique T-Shirts. You choose between Stary Night, Lucky Sevens, Ble Eclipse or Robots
(T-Shirt colour will be dependent on sizes available)
 

 

or

1. 1 x Boys Applique "Candy Cane Stripes" Singlet.

So now you know what you could win, how do you go about getting your hands on one of these prizes????

1. "Share" on the 16feathers 400 Giveaway Prizes. Choose the following Link To Share on your personal Page    http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.362018403876991.85246.113846342027533&type=1#!/photo.php?fbid=362978057114359&set=a.362018403876991.85246.113846342027533&type=3&theater
2. You must be a LIKER of our Facebook Page
3. Come back here, and comment below when you have completed the above, state your facebook name and which prize pack you're keenest to win.
4. Entrys close 8:30pm Wednesday 26th September. Winner will be decided by the Random Number Generator and posted here on my blog!

***********CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Toni Hill - You are our winner. Please email me rebecca.16feathers@gmail.com with your details!

16feathers on madeit

16feathers on madeit

Finally added a few items to our madeit store; just as another avenue for those interested! Might use it in future as a way of securing special promo's and releases............. Good idea?

Passion, Energy and Full of Life!!

Well I must say tonight I sit here feeling a little embarrassed how long it's been since our last post! 2012 has been a very hectic and busy year to say the least. The days and months just seem to slip away. The start of the year looked bright. I started my long overdue health kick after having my two young children. I was then knocked for six with my health, which saw me requiring surgery and then, well lets just say the recovery took a while. Then as you think positive and try and get back on your feet, others too have their own set backs. 2012 has been a very difficult year to start for so many of those that are close to and surround me. I can't remember a year where I have seen so much heartache and loss of life in such a small time frame. Supporting those that need you most can take a lot of your own energy, but it's so important..... so you 'Pay It Forward'. I love that expression. I wouldn't be here if those people weren't giving me love and support in times when I've needed them. So why is this important? Well I like to surround myself with positive, happy and supportive people...... 16feathers is back, full of energy and full of life! If I sound passionate - I AM. I am passionate about sewing and and loving every minute of this little creative journey that 16feathers is travelling on. So here's a sneak look at what we have been working on over the last few months......... And its exciting to say, there's so much more to come!!

Thank you again to the amazing Joanne O'Kelly who provides her precious time and artistry to showcase 16feathers for you all to see......
Check out her website www.capturebyjookelly.com