Candy Bandit

2011-11-28T16:49:00.001-08:00

Three Things i've purchased from Etsy that have Enriched my life! :D

2011-06-08T18:53:00.000-07:00

Pictured above are three AMAZING purchases i have made on Etsy within the last few months.

First is a "box of three little mushrooms " which i have sitting on my bookshelf (far away from my pet rats who just want to gobble them up even though they're not actually edible!) These mushrooms are from Etsian 'Chez Sucre Chez' and i just swoon every time i see them... so simple, yet so delightful! They come in many shapes, colours & patterns, in a delicate little wooden box filled with Spanish moss. ADORABLE! MAGICAL! You should definitely get some of your own :)

The second two pictures depict my "fox pouch black and orange faux" which is a one of a kind (i think!?), but available in many other colour combinations! This was purchased from 'squirrellicious', from whom i have also purchased an eye-mask that lulls me to sleep every night! :) Her store is full of unique amazingness and i am sooooo in love with my pouch it's not even funny!!! Everyone who see's him when he comes on a night out with me, just falls in love with him as well....

The last two pictures show my new "Stick Stickers Set" (hilarious and wonderful concept!)
I am yet to recieve these, as i just purchased them today (yay!) but i look forward to plastering them in places where i need inspiration around my home... i bought these from 'ginettepomette' (LOVE the name) and her whole store is filled with quirky and most perfectly coloured items which i feel the need to collect because they make me feel infinitely happy... i just love it all! Ah!

So there you go... Etsylize your life! (you won't regretsy it. HA, yeah i'm silly)

(fake) Leather is Better!

2011-05-05T16:58:00.000-07:00

Make way Felt, Leather is the new black!... Synthetic leather from recycled handbags, purses and wallets, that is!

I have been re-vamping my style & my new products are much more sustainability-conscious too!
A mix of felt, leather & pompoms (made from op-shop wool & yarn) in a tribal, whimsical, sophisticated yet fun style featuring lots of feathers and faces!
Candy Bandit has stepped it up a notch. And boy am i happy with the result... the leather is sooooooo much fun to work with, and because i am now sourcing my materials from op-shops (good little girl aren't i?!) it makes the pieces more special, as i never know if i'll be able to find the same materials again, which means they are all limited edition or one-of-a-kind! Yay for you and yay for me!

None of my new designs are available anywhere online for purchase yet, but they will be soon! For now you can swoon over the pictures... OR if you want to claim something right NOW because you just adore it, email me to discuss! candybandit@y7mail.com

Below are some FABULOUS leather/fake leather finds that i have come across on Etsy from some of my favourite stores... click the images to be taken straight to the seller
:D

Gem xo

Do the Doily!

2011-04-12T17:40:00.000-07:00

i have always loved Doilies... not sure exactly why... could be their pretty, soft, intricate, delicate, lace-like appearance.

Well, whatever it is, i decided to try making them even more lovable! Here are the results:

You can buy any of these delightful doilies right here to make your home just that little bit more amazing... and there will certainly be more to come!

Friday Etsy Faves - 18/3/11

2011-03-17T15:08:00.000-07:00

This Weeks 'Friday ETSY Faves'...
Chunky flippin' Neck-Wear! Completes your outfit. Love it.

Have a look at some of the amazing things i've come across by clicking here

Etsy Favourites for 4/3/11

2011-03-03T13:22:00.000-08:00

This Weeks 'Friday ETSY Faves'... i'm in love with Golden shoes & Raccoons... but who isn't, right?! Hmm... a raccoon WEARING golden shoes, now that i'd like to see! Okay i'm off to day dream.....

Have a look at some of the amazing things i've come across by clicking here

The reason(s) i have been less creative lately... whoops!

2011-02-24T13:50:00.001-08:00

PEACH
DAISY
RAFFI
COBWEB
SOX

Ummm... awesome!

2011-02-23T21:06:00.000-08:00

Ummm... so how awesome is this sweater!!!? Me wants it!

I found it in Past Poisons Etsy store. Brilliant!

At the hilarious price of $333.33 (USD) i will have to save my pennies, but by gosh, i will own this one day! (i hope!)

Take a closer look here (but don't you dare buy it or i'll punch you!...nicely...)

Etsy Front Page Features...

2011-02-17T15:01:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you know much about Etsy, but being featured on the front page of the Etsy Website is kinda a BIG DEAL!

I have been featured on the front page (or 'FP' for those Etsy-savvy peeps!) SEVENTEEN times now! It feels amazing each and every time & i have so much gratitude! :)

Now, for your item to be featured on FP, it first needs to be included in a 'treasury', which are member curated collections. These collections then get selected to be on the Front Page.
Ever since getting involved in the wonderful world of treasuries, my Etsy experience has been enriched ten-fold!

So, as a big fat thank you, i have featured some screen shots of my favourite treasuries that were featured on FP, and links to the shops of the Etsians that curated them, along with a favourite item from each of their shops! Enjoy!

The treasury above was made by ArtHistory101
My favourite item from their store:

Below Treasury made by CreaShines

My Favourite item from their store:

Below Treasury made by HippieKingdom

My Favourite item from their store:

Below treasury made by MeekMeg

My Favourite item from their store:

This weeks Friday Faves!

2011-02-17T13:49:00.000-08:00

This Weeks 'Friday ETSY Faves' for me... i'm in love with bold colour, intricate patterns & round shapes this week!

Have a look at some of the amazing things i've come across by clicking here

Friday ETSY Faves.

2011-02-10T13:35:00.000-08:00

New Friday topic which i will be posting weekly... a collection of fabulous things i have found on Etsy & compiled into a treasury. Feel free to buy me anything i include as a gift & i will love you FOR. EV. VER!

Take a peek right here to see the treasury and swoon over the wonderful things i have come across this week! :)

Nuts on Necklaces!

2011-01-26T14:46:00.000-08:00

Okay... so it's been awhile since i've blogged... gosh i'm bad!
I am trying to figure out a plan for myself to blog a certain amount of times a week about certain things... so hopefully i get that kicked into gear VERY soon... yikes!

Anyway, my point was; i have gone nuts on necklaces lately! I love wearing them, making them, looking at them... aaaah necklaces make me swoon....

Here are some i have recently produced (all available from Etsy & all OOAK)

The Hanging Space

2010-11-22T15:26:00.000-08:00

Oh Look here now!

You can purchase a select range of Candy Bandit Brooches & Necklaces from The Hanging Space!

The Hanging Space is actually a personal favourite online Shopping spot for yours truly, with some amazing dresses by Tara Ziems & Calabash and some cute as a button accessories by Hungry Designs .... go check out all of the fresh Aussie talent!

And may i just say, the photography of my range looks amazing...

Hood Hoodie Hooded!

2010-11-08T16:13:00.000-08:00

I love Hoods. They rock. Whether on a jumper or a dress, you can't beat a good hood! I have been making some lovely hooded clothing lately... these are all available through my Etsy store here.

They are all either One or Two of a Kind, which makes them extra special! :D

Animal Wrist-Cuffs for Charity

2010-11-04T15:48:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Just a quick post to let you know that from now on, 10% of proceeds from the sale of each Animal Wrist-Cuff will be donated to an animal-oriented Charity.
For now it is WWF, but i am on the look out for other wonderful charities involved in animal welfare & i'm open to suggestions!

You can buy yourself (or someone special) a sweet little fellow to wrap around your wrist and add some cuteness to your outfit!
Animals available at the moment are (all adorably named); Maurice Monkey, Raphael Racoon, Ferdinand Frog, Salvador Sloth or Samson Sloth, Fredrikus Fawn, Lars Lion, Rufus Rabbit or Boris Bear (my personal fave). I am also working on a squirrel at the moment! I am happy to be challenged by custom requests...

Here are some shots of the little sweethearts:

My Cup of Tea!

2010-10-25T14:27:00.000-07:00

'My Cup of Tea'

Okay, it's time for the third Candy Bandit brooch project!!
Anyone can participate - details as follows...

THE THEME is 'My Cup of Tea'
This can be interpreted any way you please! What does 'tea' mean to you? Whether you like it yourself or not, surely there is some part of the notion of a cup of tea that reminds you of something or incites some form of emotion or idea...
Pretty tea cups and saucers, delicious (or not so delicious) aromas, yummy biscuits, relaxing, perk-up, good conversations, comfort, warmth, leaves, teapots, sugar, visiting grandma, caffeine, addiction, kitchens, burnt tongues, front porches... The possibilities are endless and personal. You don't even have to explain the concept behind your design, it is just there to inspire you!

YOUR DESIGN
You will need to submit a design by emailing candybandit@y7mail.com, abiding by the following guidelines;
- 300dpi jpg (high-res - as in, draw your picture and scan it in at 300dpi) - COLOUR DRAWING/IMAGE! - Along with the following details - Your name/alias, your creative field, your website/blog and the TITLE of your design.

Please email my photographer/graphic designer, Pete, if you are having any trouble with the submission format
Pdbruyn@live.com.au

Your design can be a drawing, painting, computer generated image or even a photo of a 3D piece, as long as you can submit it via email in the required format :)

Then what happens?? THEN I will be making TWO brooches from your design.
YOU will receive one of these brooches as a thank you for taking part.
The second brooch that's been made from your design will be sold to the lucky little public with 20% of proceeds going to the following charity -
http://www.foodbank.com.au/

Some people aren't as fortunate as others and simply can't indulge in a nice hot cuppa with a tasty biscuit as an afternoon snack. Let's change that for someone :)

I WILL NEED YOUR DESIGN BY NOVEMBER 30th.
I will aim to have all brooches completed by February (depending on number of submissions, I may take more or less time!)

You may submit an existing design if it suits the theme. Please look here at this photo album-
http://m.facebook.com/album.php?aid=95688&id=88155345068&v&fbb=r70aae0df&refid=29
to see the brooches and designs from my two previous projects. Simple and bold designs translate well. Felt is hard to work with on such a small scale so more detailed designs are difficult. But hey, I love a challenge!!

Email me with any questions or to let me know you're taking part! Candybandit@y7mail.com

READY, SET...GO!

Naughty Blog Neglect!

2010-10-20T22:28:00.000-07:00

Oh i'm sorrry my pretties!
I have been neglecting my blog and i will slap myself on the wrist for you!! (ouch!)

I promise it is because i've been doing lots & lots of wonderful things (which i guess is a reason TO blog but hey...) Now that i'm back in "not so crazy busy" land, i have vowed to do AT LEAST one blog post per week... so be excited!!!

I do have a new newsletter (join up using the form at the top of my blog!) which will be a monthly newsletter updating you on all things Candy Bandit & beyond!!!

Here is something lovely for you to look at for now, and as of next week, be prepared for lots o' bloggin!!! x0

Busy as a bee!

2010-07-14T21:35:00.000-07:00

I have been RIDICULOUSLY busy over the last few weeks, especially the last 2 days! I have taken a step & gone beyond brooches.... and here are some photos of my new NECKLACES and TOPS!

You can see more, and purchase, these new items here.

New things for YOU!

2010-07-07T17:13:00.000-07:00

Owl in flight brooch

Wrinkle Walrus Brooch

Deer Bulb Brooch

Perched Owl Brooch

Candy Bandit meets Candy Bandit!!!

2010-06-16T18:39:00.000-07:00

Well this is a bit special...
This week i got an email from a young Lady from New Zealand named Emma.. aka Candy Bandit!

There are some strange yet wonderful parallels in this world, and this is surely one of them!

Emma Candy Bandit messaged Gemma Candy Bandit to introduce herself and find out a bit more about this Australian double she seemed to have!

She came across my stuff when, procrastinating from exams, decided to google herelf! Up showed links to my blog & Etsy etc...

Turns out she is a tad "cooler" than me, in my opinion... i mean, Candy Bandit is her Roller Derby Pseudonym... which is just rad because i think Roller Derby is amazing! And me, well i just sit at home on my couch sewing pretty brooches... not very bad-ass...

Luckily we both appreciate & enjoy what the other CB does though, so we are happy to share the name! In fact, we are even going to swap some goodies via the postman :) Joy!

Here are some photos of her & her team "Mascara Massacre" (best name in the world) from the Pirate City Rollers roller derby league in Auckland.

If you like, you can take a looksies here at some more Roller Derby goodness! Now i have no excuse but to act upon my derby fascination and get out there to watch them in action!

More Etsy stores to raid...

2010-06-15T21:24:00.000-07:00

I have added 3 more wonderfully deliciously talented Etsians to my "Etsy Stores You Should Raid" link list... here are some of my favourite items from these stores...

Teal & Pink Playsuit

Buck Yourself Brooch - Zebra Edition

Red & Black Handmade Dress

The OOAK Collections - June Edition - JellyFish

2010-06-15T16:46:00.000-07:00

Here is this months "One Of A Kind Nine" collection!!
Jiggley Wiggley JellyFish! Neat!
They are all available on Etsy here. But quickly now my little sweets, there is only 7 left!
Eee!! xx

Mushroom Crazy!

2010-05-26T18:49:00.000-07:00

Okay... so i went a bit mushroom crazy!!! Just take a look at the pics!
These brooches are all available here or here!

The "OOAK Nine" Collections - May Edition - Eyes

2010-05-16T17:33:00.000-07:00

The latest "OOAK Nine" series has been listed on Etsy today!
This months theme is 'Eyes'
Nine new one of a kind brooches are available for you to get your hands on for only US$16 each!! Quickly quickly now though my lovelies!! The Mushroom series almost sold out on the day i uploaded them!!...
Check them out here - Eye Series on Etsy
Each brooch is special & unique so good luck choosing your fave!! x

Butterfly + Elephant = Butterphant

2010-05-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

These are my favourite brooches so far! Butterphants...

I actually came up with the idea whilst trying to think of tattoo designs for my very first tattoo... instead, i decided to turn the idea into a brooch! (still wearable, but a little less permanent!)

I listed these guys on Etsy yesterday, and there are only 4 left already!! Take a look at what remains here. There was only 8 available in total, 2 Orange ones, 2 red ones, 1 blue, 1 yellow, 1 green & 1 red... Though i may just have to make an extra one for myself... hmmm.... byes!

Lovely Love Birds

2010-05-03T17:31:00.000-07:00

Hello!!!

Back in November, i designed & made a pair of Love Birds for my partners sister's birthday!
A lot of people loved them and asked if i would be making more... so finally i have!!

There are 3 pairs now available on Etsy, but you can also buy each one as a single bird as well!
Have a look here to see if any of these pairs or single birds tickle your fancy....

The thing is though, these are limited edition... each bird is only available in a pair & as a single bird, which means only 2 of each bird will ever exist...

chirp chirp chirp!

more pretties!

2010-04-26T20:24:00.000-07:00

Just thought i better quickly introduce you to the rest of the "Something Pretty?" series!
Here are; (pictured above)
Bunny Rabbit brooch
Little Fawn brooch &
Seahorse brooch!

you may purchase one, if you please, right here along with the rest of the "Something Pretty?" series!

Something Pretty on Etsy!

2010-04-21T18:44:00.000-07:00

Hello lovelies!

Just so you know, i have now uploaded a few brooches from the "Something Pretty?" series onto my Etsy store.
Go take a peek here!

There are unicorns (like the red fellow pictured!) & birdies at the moment and i intend to slowly get more on there asap!!

The OOAK Collections - April/May Edition - Mushrooms

2010-04-18T18:16:00.000-07:00

I have come up with a new idea to keep my stock fresh & to inspire myself into coming up with wicked new designs on a regular basis. A bi-monthly release of 'OOAK Nine' brooches!!

In other words, every 2 months, i will release a new edition of NINE brooches that are all one of a kind & have a common theme! Exciting yes?

The April/May Edition theme is MUSHROOMS!
Yes, you heard correctly. Mushrooms. Who doesn't love mushrooms? Well actually, i only listed these nine new Mushroom brooches on Etsy about an hour ago & two of them are already sold! Quick, look here to see whats left!

And to tantilise the tastebuds of your eyes....

And this is where you can check out the whole collection & future 'OOAK Nine' collections

Sloth Wrist Cuff

2010-04-14T18:23:00.001-07:00

Hello!!

This little fella is a sloth. He is also a wrist cuff! I made him for myself after i saw something similar on Etsy in a shop that was no longer up & running.
I guess the easiest solution was to make one myself!

He is rather cute & i'm happy with how he turned out. He's very comfortable to wear, so perhaps if i get some positive feedback i might make to sell??

In the meantime, i'll enjoy him all on my lonesome! :)

Dorothy & Evelyn

2010-03-30T15:23:00.001-07:00

Oh hi!
I just thought i'd share with you that Candy Bandit brooches are now available at Dorothy & Evelyn. How neat!
They have 3 stores across Melbourne - Chapel st in Windsor, Barkly st in St Kilda and Sydney rd in Brunswick, and i have sent off 6 lucky little brooches to each store.
So pop in and have a browse at the new homes of the Candy Bandits! They are living amongst all kinds of wonderful things!
Along with brooches from the 'Baby Creature' series, I sent in brooches from the new series, 'Something Pretty?'. Dorothy & Evelyn are the first store to stock brooches from this series!

Here is a little portion of their 'About Us' section on their website which i thought was lovely -

"At dorothy&evelyn we believe in supporting our local artist's and creative minds. These lovely little things are the result of skilled craftsman not large-scale manufacturing, a one-of-a-kind item with meaning.

Buying handmade is better for people.

The ascendancy of chain store culture and global manufacturing has left us dressing, furnishing, and decorating alike. We are encouraged to be consumers, not producers, of our own culture. Our ties to the local and human sources of our goods have been lost. Buying handmade helps us reconnect.

Buying handmade is better for the environment.

The accumulating environmental effects of mass production are a major cause of global warming and the poisoning of our air, water and soil. Every item you make or purchase from a small-scale independent artist or crafter strikes a small blow to the forces of mass production."

Make sure you check them out - Dorothy & Evelyn.

Something Pretty?

2010-03-28T16:53:00.001-07:00

I have decided to add a whole new series to the standard brooch collection available from Candy Bandit. I already have the 'Baby Creature' series, which all of the cute little monsters & creatures are part of, but i thought that, in case these creatures don't tickle your fancy, perhaps you would prefer something a bit more pretty?? Hence, the 'Something Pretty'? series!!

It is still being developed, but thus far, it includes a Unicorn (pictured above), a rocking horse, a robin (pictured below) & a flamingo, and i plan to add a seahorse, a fawn & a bunny rabbit... to see a few more, check out this Facebook album, and stay tuned for more designs to be added! These guys will always be available, like the 'Baby Creature' series, in all different colours!

Wearing Brooches.

2010-03-22T15:43:00.000-07:00

I decided that it was time to take some photo's of the Candy Bandit brooches on people.
I always find, whilst shopping online, that i much prefer to see photos of the products on actual people, so that i get a better idea of size etc.

Unfortunately, i am currently low on funds & so i thought it might be a brilliant idea to just get a whole bunch of my friends around to model for me, and pay them in 'brooches'. A simple & cheap solution.

On the weekend that i intended to shoot the pics, no one could actually make it. So i was left alone with a whole bunch of brooches & a camera... I tried taking a few shots of myself on timer, but it just proved too difficult to get the kinds of shots i wanted. SO!

I figured the best resolution was to take photos on all of my favourite dresses. I hung the dresses up around my lounge-room, pinned a brooch to each one & snapped away!

At least this was, it almost gives the same effect as being worn. You get an idea of how the brooches look against different colours & fabrics and what size they are compared to the clothing.
I'm pretty happy with the shots. To see the full facebook album, click here.

Still, i would like to get an photoshoot happening with some real life models (aka my friends), but i'll need to be a bit more organised it seems...

FaceBlob Brooches.

2010-03-21T17:38:00.000-07:00

These little fellows are known as 'FaceBlobs'

They are special because no two FaceBlob's are ever the same. They are made without a template so will come out a random shape each time. The only guarantee is that a FaceBlob will always have an adorable face and one bung eye.

This is my new collection that will always be available from Candy Bandit as a standard collection. I will be listing certain FaceBlobs on Etsy, to see which ones are currently available please click here.
Otherwise, you can request a colour and certain characteristics (ie. face type, ears etc) as a custom order through Etsy or via email (candybandit@y7mail.com).

I hope you like my new babies as much as i do!

The Logo Brooch.

2010-03-14T16:45:00.001-07:00

Greetings!

Just thought i'd share with you the newest additions to the CB family! Brooches made from the awesome Logo that Pete de Bruyn designed. These little guys are cute, bold, simple & come in almost any colour you can think of! Therefore, they will go with every outfit ;)

These brooches will be available for purchase very soon from my Etsy store, so keep your eyes peeled :D

A little something for YOU!

2010-02-23T15:18:00.000-08:00

Just because i'm nice, and i think you're also nice, i am giving away a free Baby Zombie Brooch (pictured below) with every purchase of a brooch from The Candy Kings Collection (pictured above). This offer stands for the rest of February, so quick sticks!! You can find the Candy Kings Collection by clicking here
Why own one Candy Bandit brooch when you could have TWO?? :D

ETSY Stores you should raid...

2010-02-02T19:00:00.000-08:00

I have added a new link list to my blog, which is a collection of links that lead to some of my most favourite Etsy stores....

Make sure you check out the fabulous wares that these talented young artisans are pedaling...

Here are a few of my favourite items from the stores listed...

Deluxe Mixtape Pouch - Love Songs by BraveMoonman

Cat with Bowler Hat - Earrings by CatRabbit Plush

Smile Polka Necklace By MargauxLange

Memento Mori Necklace by TillyBloom

Retard Cup & Saucer by TrixieDelicious

Keep an eye on my list of links to raid-able Etsy stores because i will add to it over time!! Enjoy!

heartFELT update

2010-01-31T21:06:00.000-08:00

Behind the CB scenes, i have been working away at turning all of the beautiful designs i have received for heartFELT into brooches that do the designs justice! I thought i would just give you a quick list of the designers/artists involved...

1. Catherine E. Rabbit – Plush Artist / Illustrator
2. Busy Bird - Textiles, Stop Motion Animation
3. Marisa Brown – Music & Film
4. Anna Corkhill – Curating, Writing & The Culinary Arts
5. Luke Feldman (aka SKAFFS) - Multimedia Designer/Artist
6. Celeste Twikler (aka C’estt) – Illustration/Design
7. Steve Boyd – Illustrator / Musician
8. Jessica Hyde - Graphics/Illustration/Architecture
9. Darcy Prendergast – Animator
10. Maria Rozalia Finna - Painting, Drawing & Digital Art
11. Beth de Bruyn – Graphic Design/Illustration
12. Bee the Comics Widow - Arts Writer
13. Chris Marx
14. Matthew Pham – Graphic Design
15. Tom Finch - Photography & Design
16. Andrew Brown - Animation
17. Kareena Zerefos – Illustration
18. TMOD – Jewellery design/Object design/Graphic design
19. Lauren Curnow – Jeweller
20. Gemma Pobjoy – Artist / Crafter
21. Jodie Lia - Artist/Botanist/Ecologist
22. Brooke Van Keulen - Artist
23. Pete de Bruyn - Photography/Graphic Design/Fashion Design
24. Elizabeth Adelle - Owl
25. Joey Klarenbeek - Artist

And a few more crafty people yet to be confirmed. Of course, there is always plenty of room at the moment for more, but contact me asap, as I’m at the tail end of the project & am looking forward to wrapping it up!!!

Online @ Leeloo!!

2010-01-30T23:22:00.000-08:00

My brooches have been available via the wonderfully wonderful world of Leeloo for a few months now, but they kept selling out at markets etc before Ms Angela had a chance to actually put them all up online to be sold... now they are finally there!

Give a cheer & go check them out, along with heaps of other lovely wares from creative & talented people from around Australia! :D

---> Candy Bandit @ Leeloo

Candy Kings Collection!

2010-01-24T15:16:00.000-08:00

Yes, i've been a bit slack with my blog lately... but!
Hopefully this new collection i have developed while i've been busy designing & sewing rather than blogging, will keep you happy & allow you to forgive me!

Introducing the Candy Kings Collection. This is a limited edition collection of 5 characters. The 5 rulers of Candy Land. There is only 5 of each character available.
Their names are -

Zoo Funk the Pirate Fawn
Jubar the Blue Gentleman
Wiggle the Rhino Princess
Atticus the Spider Wolf-Cub
Suki the Dreaming Brown Panda

And this is what their cute little faces look like!!

And if you wanna snap one up (quickly before they sell out!) then stop by my Etsy store -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CandyBandits?section_id=6728238

Yet another project idea! Eep!!

2010-01-14T15:41:00.000-08:00

Ok, so a lot of ideas are flowing out of my imagination, inspired by the wonderfully creative people around me, but also thanks to looking back at work from the past...
What better way to jot down my ideas than share them on my blog... at least this way i won't forget them!! :S

My last post was on an idea about making a felt collection inspired by my metal work (nice contrast, no?) but then i went further & looked back to my work that i was doing before jewellery was such a huge influence on me. Painting! I started painting in high school... i have looked back through a lot of my work & think that some of the images would translate very well into brooch form... Perhaps you agree? Well take a look any way!

Some of these images could certainly be modified to become a neat little brooch!

How i landed here...

2010-01-12T14:43:00.000-08:00

Hello! Yes its been awhile since i've blogged it up, but Christmas was a very busy time for the Bandits!! Many little fella's were sent away to new loving homes, in which i hope they are very happy :)

Anyhow, i thought as it is a new year, i'd give myself a new challenge. I'm still working on heartFELT, but that will be over soon, and although i do have other projects lined up, i'd like to work on something just for myself in the mean time.

I thought about how i ended up at this point, working with felt! I started with metal, which is almost the opposite material to felt actually!!
So, looking at some of my metal-smithing work, i thought it would be nice to make a felt collection based around some of my metal creations... here are just a few (i mainly made rings)

Deer-Oh-Dear!

2009-12-14T15:50:00.000-08:00

Hello! I just thought i'd introduce you to one of my newest creations, the Deer-Oh-Dear brooch (pictured top).

I made thinking i would keep him all for myself because he is so so cute & creepy. BUT! I had the Blackbird Market on soon after he was finished, so i thought to myself, 'Ok, i'll put him up for sale at the market, and if he doesn't sell then i'll definitely keep him for myself'...
Well, the rest of the story goes; he was the first brooch i sold that day! Yay & Boo!

The gorgeous picture underneath the deer brooch is an original painting by one of new favourite artists, miss Emma Klingbeil! Her work very much inspired my Deer-Oh-Dear brooch.
Please check out her Etsy store (i purchased some prints for Chrissie presents this year!!)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/emmaklingbeil

Don't Forget! Blackbird Market Stall!

2009-11-25T20:00:00.000-08:00

The Blackbird Market is only a week away! I'm busy making making making a horde of brooches for my stall! Hope to see you there :)

[WIN a free copy of MIXTAPE zine!]

2009-11-22T00:12:00.000-08:00

Issue #11 of MixTape Zine is finally here! This is the re-launch issue, with a great new shape and more pages to jam-pack in even more Mixtapey goodness! INCLUDING....A 2 page article on Candy Bandit!!! To celebrate the release of the Zine & our article (written by Ms. Amanda Ferguson), we have
2 FREE COPIES TO GIVE AWAY!

Its EASY to win! ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS....

- Comment on this post, letting us know the TOP 3 FICTIONAL SONG TITLES you would put on a MixTape

- INCLUDE YOUR NAME & EMAIL ADDRESS OR YOUR ENTRY WON'T COUNT

- Then we'll pop your name in the draw

Now remember, the song titles you enter are to be MADE UP by you! Felt puns are definitely encouraged ;)

Good luck! The winners will be drawn on WEDNESDAY THE 2ND of DECEMBER....

The Little Rhino Who Swallowed His ♥

2009-11-17T21:53:00.000-08:00

This is the LIMITED EDITION SERIES Called; 'The Little Rhino Who Swallowed His Heart'

There are only THREE different designs in the series, and only TWO of each is available!! That means only 6 of these cute little Rhino's exist, and i will not be making any more! I just think that limited edition brooches are that little bit more special, and knowing that you are one of the only people to have one is exciting!!

If you want one of these special little guys, you ...better snap one up quick!!! ONLY AVAILABLE HERE- http://www.etsy.com/shop/CandyBandits

Love Birds!

2009-11-11T14:03:00.000-08:00

I would just like to introduce you to the 2 newest Candy Bandit creations!
Meet Lady Birdie & Mr Birdie, a pair of pretty little Love Birds!
I made the pair for my Boyfriend's sister, Nadia, for her 30th Birthday.
I was actually inspired by Beth de Bruyn's pair of Lovebirds that she designed for my first brooch project ...

I loved the colours especially, and i knew that Nadia liked this design as well.
Thankfully, she adored my interpretation... and so did a lot of other people!
So, i'm considering making these bird designs (perhaps not as detailed) and adding them to a new standard collection, or selling them as a limited edition series?

Well, i hope you like them, and keep your eyes peeled for more Birdies to fly on out of my imagination...

More Baby Zombie Lovin'

2009-11-09T16:26:00.000-08:00

As aformentioned, i was ready to give up on my sweet little Baby Zombie, until he happened to be the very first brooch i sold on Etsy!! Now, he seems to be getting even more attention that i realised!! Check out these links and see if you can spot him....

http://www.polyvore.com/arcturus_black_guess_should_go/set?id=12826796

http://www.polyvore.com/gothic_limecrime/set?id=12577240

http://www.polyvore.com/queen_heart/set?id=12390552

2009-11-09T16:18:00.000-08:00

CANDY BANDIT WILL BE HOLDING A STALL AT BLACKBIRD SUMMER MARKET!!! :D

"Blackbird Summer Market is a monthly event held at the wonderful Worker's Club on Brunswick St, Fitzroy.

It's a collection of vintage fashion, up and coming Australian designers in fashion and jewellery, a place for artists to display and sell their wares and an opportunity for a browse, shop and mingle in a relaxed, exciting atmosphere.

The bar and kitchen is always open with a delicious menu waiting for you to try! Music will always be spinning whether in the form of live band or DJ.

The first Blackbird Summer Market will be held on Saturday the 5th of December from 11AM to 4PM. We do hope to see you there!"

Etsy Cherry Popped! :D

2009-11-08T15:42:00.001-08:00

My very first Etsy sale has finally happened!!

I was sitting at home last night, waiting for some glue to dry on a brooch i was making for my boyfriends sister, so i thought I'd check my email while i waited.

What do i find?
An email congratulating me on my Etsy sale! Oh my oh my!

And of all the brooches, I happened to sell one that has thus far received the least attention! A Baby Zombie brooch in Black.
Admittedly, I was almost ready to give up on the Baby Zombies & take them out of the standard collection, but boy-oh-boy do i feel guilty for having such a thought!!

Kudos Baby Zombie! :)

Here's to future Etsy success!

Happy Birthday To Pete!

2009-10-28T21:18:00.000-07:00

Candy Bandits Photographer & Graphic designer, Pete de Bruyn, just turned 24... and to make his birthday extra special, i decided to make him some felty goodness!

Almost a year or so ago, Pete was sitting in my loungeroom one Sunday after a night out, and my housemate & i were asking him to draw things for us... he ended up drawing this character that i really loved, it was a very quick rough sketch, but i adored it so i grabbed it and put it in a safe place. I intended to do something with it one day...

It sat in a box in my cupboard for months and i forgot about it! Then one day when i was cleaning up, viola! There was this character, still waiting for me. I thought to myself, i need to bring this to life! Seeing as Pete drew it & he does so much for me, i'm going to make him a present!....

So here you have it. Pete is not one for wearing brooches, so i made this guy and framed him, without glass so you can see all of his lumps & bumps clearly.

Designed by Pete de Bruyn, brought to life by Gemma Pobjoy.

Lovely Leeloo & Finders Keepers!

2009-10-27T21:52:00.000-07:00

We will soon have brooches available at one of our FAVOURITE online stores, Leeloo!
This is most excting, as i'm a little bit addicted to shopping at Leeloo myself... please go to their site and take a look, you may just become as addicted as me! Selling goods from some very talented Aussie artists/designers/crafters, it's hard not to.. plus they hace so much more to offer!

But! Firstly comes a market stall before my brooches are posted for sale online! Leeloo travel around monthly to markets and sell their goodies as well, and will be having a stall at Finders Keepers in Brisbane!

Hopefully my little fella's will sell so well that they won't even make it online yet & i'll have to send in more!! Well.. here's hoping...

Mixtape Issue 11!!!

2009-10-18T16:44:00.000-07:00

As you may know, Candy Bandit is going to have a 2 page article featured in the next issue of Mixtape... This is the relaunch issue of Mixtape & has a bigger & better size so they can fit lots more loveliness into their wonderful Zine :)

Here we have a special preview of the new cover, which i think looks amazing!!
Its in stores November 16th so keep an eye out, but we'll also have a few copies to give away to some lucky lads & ladies!

One-Off 'Horse In Dress' brooch

2009-10-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

Just thought i'd give my lovely blog readers the heads up on my latest Etsy addition... a brooch titled 'Horse In Dress', which is a special Candy Bandit One-off, is now available! (Pictured above)

Better snap it up quick smart though, as i won't be making another one!! Whoever is lucky enough to purchase this little Melancholic, dress-wearing Horse, will be happy knowing that they are the only person on earth to own this unique brooch!

You can find the listing here --> http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=8135286

Have a lovely day :)

Etsy Update

2009-10-12T19:31:00.001-07:00

I have now registered an Etsy store... and it is coming together slowly but surely...

I still need to get some lovely photographs together, that show off the brooches to their full potential, and i need to make a wonderful eye catching banner for the store too. Once everything looks all pretty and enticing, I will concentrate more on which products will feature frequently, and i'll even make some one-off brooches to sell... Keep your eyes peeled....

Anyhow, the store is up and running as we speak, so pop by and take a look...
http://www.candybandits.etsy.com/

Much lovely love xx

Breathing Colours

2009-10-12T17:52:00.000-07:00

Candy Bandits are now Available at A Gallery in Sydney named Breathing Colours. :)
I sent 27 brooches into the Gallery Store recently, so pop in and have a look if you live in the area!

Here is a little bit about the gallery from their website...

"This exciting contemporary gallery rests in the heart of Sydney's newest design precinct. Buy an original artwork from our extensive display, commission a unique piece from one of our many artists, or simply have a browse and enjoy the creative atmosphere.
Breathing Colours Gallery showcases a new exhibition every two weeks. Here you will find both group and solo shows in a variety of media from contemporary jewellery and objects through to large scale sculptures, paintings and prints. Check out a sneak preview of our current and upcoming exhibitions right here on the website and visit our blog for regular updates.

Alongside the gallery, our permanent retail space showcases over 30 of our favourite Australian artists, designers and makers. With a focus on contemporary jewellery and object, Breathing Colours have quickly become known throughout Sydney as a remarkable source of unique pieces. Whether you’re looking for a distinctive piece for yourself, or a unique gift, you're sure to find something you love!Visit their website her"

For more info on the Gallery visit their website here --> http://www.breathingcolours.com/

Hopefully the Candy Bandits do very well in their new home :)

Batty Boo!

2009-09-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

In a previous post (Introducing the Candy Bandits...) I introduced you to 8 of the 9 characters in the Standard Collection.
That post neglected the Batty Boo character, only because i was yet to take a photo of a Batty Boo brooch!
But here we are, finally... I'm pleased to introduce you to our last (but far from least) character in the collection...

Batty Boo in Blue, Purple & White... Enjoy

The Etsy Plan!

2009-09-24T16:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I've been setting myself some goals lately, to stay motivated & to get things rolling! My next goal is to....

start up an Etsy store before Christmas!
Step one (getting approved for a credit card) has been well & truly ticked...

The next steps are as follows, (which i plan to tick off one by one before December hits!)

- Select which brooches/mobiles to stock in my Etsy store
- Make a quantity (1-5) of each item selected to be stocked
- Take some LOVELY photos
- Log on to Etsy & start creating my store!!!

I'm going to have to do this between the new heartFELT project, the designs are flooding in and i'm very excited about making those brooches! But i do believe that i can achieve my Etsy goal, so fingers crossed.....

Mixtape Zine Article!

2009-09-15T19:26:00.000-07:00

Hello!
One of our absolute favourite zines, Mixtape Zine, is going to publish an article in the next issue (out in November) about Candy Bandit's first Designer Brooch Project!

This is very exciting, as Mixtape as been a huge source of inspiration, motivation & information for Candy Bandit from when we were a budding little brooch label.

The article is written by Amanda Ferguson, an amazing writer & great friend of the Candy Bandit team, with photo artwork carefully crafted by Pete de Bruyn.

The most exciting thing is that this is Mixtape's re-launch issue, and we are very proud to be involved! If you have not yet checked out Mixtape, please do so here - http://www.mixtapezine.com/

Win a One-off Designer Brooch!

2009-09-15T18:21:00.000-07:00

We have a very special one-off designer brooch up for grabs! (pictured above)
This brooch is from our first Designer Brooch Project and is designed by the very talented lady behind Satchel Bags, Melanie Menz.

How do you win this fabulous brooch?
It’s simple.
Follow these easy steps & you’ll be in the draw to own this unique brooch…

1. Go to our Blog Post titled ‘Introducing the Candy Bandits…’ (http://ilovecandybandit.blogspot.com/2009/09/introducing-candy-bandits.html)
2. Check out the photos of our Characters from the Standard Brooch Collection
3. LEAVE A COMMENT voting for your favourite Character, along with your NAME & EMAIL ADDRESS (so we can notify you if you win)

Your name will then go into the draw to win this lovely Brooch!
The winner will be drawn on 01/10/2009 so get voting! (Winner will be notified by email on the date of the draw, so if you don’t leave your email address, your vote will not be counted.)

Good luck & Lots of Love, The Candy Bandits x

Introducing the Candy Bandits...

2009-09-08T18:47:00.000-07:00

Introducing 8 of the 9 characters in the standard Candy Bandit Collection!
These little guys are available, in a wide variety of colours (almost any colour you can think of!) to YOU whenever you feel like adopting one to make your clothing look that little bit more exciting... These guys just LOVE to adorn your clothing. For stockists details, see right hand side of blog.
(We also have a Batty-Boo character available)

Dark Green Zombie Frog

Purple Robot-Monster

Red Pajama Devil

Green Mr. Octopus

Black Baby Zombie

Light Grey Baby Vampire

Orange Baby Monster

Purple Baby Frankenstien

New designs...

2009-09-08T18:40:00.000-07:00

So far i have received some very inspiring designs for the new project, heartFELT.
I love the fact that this time we have an over-all theme, as it really connects the pieces in such a lovely way.
I still have more than half of the designs to receive yet, so my amazement ceases to end! Every time i get a design in my inbox, it's like receiving a little present! I adore it...

Also, a range of Charities have been chosen by the artists so far, which i was hoping for. I hope that everyone chooses Charities that really mean something to them, seeing as all the money made from the sale of the brooch they designed will be donated to their chosen Charity :)

I'd love to give you a sneak peek at some of the designs... but that would be naughty of me, so you'll just have to stay tuned & be wonderfully impressed when they are all released at the culmination of the project....be excited! I am.

Newsletter Giveaway! :D

2009-09-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

Hello!

As you may have noticed, we now have a Candy Bandit Newsletter up & running so that you never miss out on any of the juicy Candy goss!

Today, we are offering the next 10 people who sign up to the Newsletter a free 'Candy Bag'(containing a Candy Bandit decal & set of 3 button-badges) as a reward!

We just don't want you to miss out on anything that goes on in our delicious world!

All you have to do to win is;

- subscribe to our Newsletter(top right hand side of this blog)

- Email your postal address to candybandit@y7mail.com

- Wait to see if you were one of the first 10!

We will only reply email the first 10 people who sign up & email their postal address to us. If you don't receive an email (AND THIS IS EXCLUDING THE AUTOMATED 'THANK-YOU FOR SIGING UP' EMAIL), you didn't win... but! It's ok, because now that you have signed up to our Newsletter, you'll be made aware of all our other frequent Giveaways!

Yay!

Ok, Ready... set.. GO!

Goodbye My Babies...

2009-09-02T18:18:00.000-07:00

Finally, i have sent the brooches from the first project off to their new homes...which is simultaneously very sad and very exciting! It's wonderful that the brooches will finally be able to be worn and loved instead of sitting in my loungeroom longing to be touched...

Seeing as the brooches were to go to an artist that DIDN'T design them (here at Candy Bandit, we love to share the art & design love around!), i asked each artist to give me their top 3 favourites from the project (and if they didn't mind which one they were to receive then to just let me know that) so i could make sure that they got one of their top 3 at least. This worked out well, especially as there was people who didn't mind... which meant me having to choose them! Eep! But if i do say so myself, i think i did pretty well with allocating the brooches amongst the artists.

In the end, i have 2 left over, unclaimed little babies... which i am unsure what to do with. Perhaps a giveaway? Perhaps i will keep them myself as a reward for all my hard work ;)... we'll just have to wait & see...

WIN A COPY OF FRANKIE!! :D

2009-08-26T20:36:00.000-07:00

Thursday 27th August 2009
Issue #31 of Frankie Magazine (the current issue) features a write up on Candy Bandit's Designer Brooch Project! We are very excited about this... so excited that we have 3 copies of Frankie to give away to 3 lucky people!!

All you have to do WIN is comment on this blog post, finishing the following sentence in 25 words or less...

"I deserve to win a free copy of Frankie because..."
AND PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS SO WE CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN!

THEN, tomorrow morning we will choose our favourite 3 comments and the people who wrote those comments will receive a free copy of Frankie Magazine!!

Ps. Don't forget to sign up for our Newsletter :)

Frank Goodness!

2009-08-25T21:38:00.000-07:00

The mail-man was very well loved by Candy Bandit on Monday... he delivered to my door a very special issue of Frankie Magazine... the issue containing a write up on our very first Brooch Project!
It was very exciting to read the lovely little write up and to see Cat-Rabbits brooch design from the project pictured above. This is the beginning of something very wonderful indeed...

Shop Moose!!

2009-08-18T22:15:00.000-07:00

Yay! Brooches now available at online store, Shop Moose!
This online store is also chocka-block full of lovely products... take a look

http://www.shopmoose.com.au/

NEW BROOCH PROJECT! HeartFELT!

2009-08-04T19:15:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone!

It's time for Candy Bandit to begin a new brooch project!!

(for those of you involved in the first project, i will be sending you out your brooch soon, we just need to get one last article for Mixtape Zine written first & then they'll be set to go. Also, the project is going to be in the next issue of Frankie Magazine out on the 24th August)

Now! Details of the new project titled HeartFELT.

As you may be aware, i make my brooches from felt, but this time i am asking artists/designers to submit a unique 'Heart' design in their own style, which i will make from felt AS WELL AS recycled materials from Opp-Shops etc. Its all about being Eco-friendly & loving the planet :)

Also, this time the brooches will not be going to the artists, but will be auctioned and the money donated to the charity of the artists choosing :)

ANY QUESTIONS OR TO GET INVOLVED, EMAIL gem.pob@gmail.com :D

Here is the photos from the first project-
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=95688&id=88155345068

(and for those of you involved in the first project, i promise this one will be much more efficient & organised! haha)

Love Gemma & the Candy Bandits :)

Georgie Love

2009-07-28T15:39:00.000-07:00

Candy Bandit Brooches were going to be stocked at online store, Georgie Love.
Yesterday, the Candy Bandit products were officially put up on the site for sale to all!!
Make sure you click the Georgie Love link on the right-hand side of this blog so you can have a look at the lovely website... there are so many wonderful products available from so many talented crafters/designers/artists...

Also, this is what Georgie Love thinks of Candy Bandit (i just love this little paragraph about my work, it really put a smile on my face)

"These quirky little creatures are irresistible! They are kind of spooky and kooky, but are so cute and lovable, I am sure they would only use their teeth and horns to nuzzle you softly, rather than cause any damage. Yup, am convinced.

Made from completely original designs and each one is individually made from felt and cotton, and come sweetly presented on a vintage playing card. Adopt a new felty friend!"

Have a lovely day, Gem & the Candy Bandits x

Designer Brooch Project #1

2009-07-22T18:55:00.000-07:00

Ghostpatrol - Artist

Darcy Prendergast - Animator

Jason Jacenko - Tattooist/Illustrator

Matthew Pham - Graphic Designer

Beastman - Artist/Designer/Photographer

Pete de Bruyn - Graphic Designer/Fashion Designer/Photographer

TMOD - Jewellery Design/Object Design/Graphic Design

These are a few of my favourite Designs from Candy Bandit's first Brooch Project. I started this project initially because i felt stuck in a 'design rut' and was sick of looking at my own designs. I wasn't inspired to create! Plus, i had just decided to take a year off my Metal-Smithing course and needed something that would keep me creatively busy.

Solution... ask as many of my willing artist/designer friends to send me a design that i could make into a one-off designer brooch collection! Soon the project grew beyond just receiving designs from my friends. I ended up with 25 wonderfully talented artist and designers involved (some of whom i have admired for a long time!), with the intention to send each participant a brooch to keep after the project was finished. The catch being, you didn't get to receive the brooch you designed, but one designed by someone else from the project.. it was all about trading the talent between the talented...

I've met and worked with some lovely people and can't wait to do it all over again soon!!
For a look at all of the designs from this project, here is the link to Candy Bandit's Facebook Album...
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/album.php?aid=95688&id=88155345068

Cloud Mobile for Baby Bella

2009-07-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

Candy Bandit's weekend consisted of finishing off a custom order for an unborn baby girl, Bella.
Her father ordered a Cloud Mobile for her, with her name written on it.
The mobile was finished over the weekend & sent out today.
Bella is due to be born in September, and hopefully when she arrives, this Cloud Mobile will be something lovely for her to look at... :)

Candy Bandit, you say?

2009-07-21T18:55:00.000-07:00

Having completed my Bachelor of Visual Arts in 2006, where i majored in photography & created sculptural works that focused on themes relating to jewellery & adornment, i then went on to study Metal-Smithing & Jewellery Design.

I have been making felt brooches since early 2008, initially beginning to keep myself creatively busy during the break between study years. At first i was only making brooches as presents for friends and family, but urged on by my photographer/designer friend, Pete de Bruyn, i decided to start selling them.

Now, not only do i make brooches & mobiles to sell, but Pete & i also do larger side projects, involving various artists from around Australia to design unique one-off brooches to exhibit, which get swapped between the artists so we can share the art & design love around.

I love being challenged by the designs of other artists & designers, and translating them into a felt brooch with a tiny hint of my own style. Then of course i find relief & comfort in sewing my own designs, as they came from my own imagination.