DENIM JACKET DIY

August 01, 2014 | Written by Katie | Artwork by Katie

I recently embarked on a denim jacket adventure! I have always wanted a customised jacket and so over the holidays I took the plunge and made one.
The process itself was simple enough but it took a hell of a long time! All up I would say around eight hours. I have almost cut this time in half now, but seeing as it was my first one I definitely tip-toed a lot.

You'll need:

• Denim jacket (check out the one I used here).
• Jo Sonja's textile medium.
• White pencil
• Acrylic Paints

The first step is to get your ideas down! Make a general mock up of what you want your design to look like even if you don't know what colours you intend to use. I was pretty set on what I wanted (always with the skulls).

The next step is to translate this design onto your jacket. I used a white pencil so it was easy to rub out in case I made mistakes etc. I wanted to cover the majority of the jacket but it's up to you how big you want your design to be!

After all this I got painting! I used acrylic paint that I already had at home and added Jo Sonja's Textile Medium in order to make the design last. It ensures that the jacket can be washed/can get wet. In all honesty though I have just spot cleaned mine so far (it took too long that I'm paranoid I will ruin it).
This part of the process took me around 6-8 hours. However this includes coffee/food breaks and the fact that I was being very particular since it was my first time.

This is the finished product! I'm super happy with how it turned out, it was well worth the effort.

If you can't be bothered to DIY one for yourself get in touch with me and I can make you one! I am creating these on a custom made basis as they take too long to have stock on hand.

PAOM/LUNACANDY: SHARK ATTACK

July 10, 2014 | Written by Katie | Textile Design by Katie

I've been dabbling in textile design lately and so I have made one of my designs available for purchase at Print All Over Me! I have made the print, 'Shark Attack', available for purchase on a unisex t-shirt and a summer style flippy skirt. The t-shirt is 100% cotton and the skirt is 100% rayon!

Check them out and let me know what you think!

ART ADVENTURES

June 29, 2014 | Written by Katie | Artwork by Katie

Of Beast and Brow

Of late, as a result of my studies, I have been experimenting with my art using different digital mediums. I recently tried my luck at hand lettering, live tracing my original work and using different combinations of colour. Here are a few of things I have been working on.

Lyrics from 'Bullet' by Franz Ferdinand

Flutterfly Flattery V2

CRYSTAL CASTLE

June 09, 2014 | Written by Katie | Photos by Katie

The weekend just gone saw me take a quick getaway to gorgeous Byron Bay in New South Wales. A close friend of mine is soon off to explore the world, as a result we needed a few sangrias and a boogie to say goodbye.
On the Saturday morning, post a delicious breakfast at The Top Shop (Carlyle Street), we were on route to a fantasy retreat. The drive to Crystal Castle alone was beautiful enough, scenic and serendipitous. Crystal Castle is home to enchanting garden paths, exquisite natural crystals and an ancient labyrinth.
I thoroughly enjoyed the walk through the labyrinth (about 20 minutes), as its not often enough that I take time to be completely and utterly alone with my thoughts.
We enjoyed the remainder of the afternoon on a bench, just the three of us, overlooking the byron hinterland.
Once back in town we enjoyed more wine and good company. I can't say that the weekend wasn't perfect and I wouldn't change a thing. The perfect way to say goodbye.

TASTY TREATS

March 17, 2014 | Written by Katie | Photos by Katie

This weekend I was lucky enough to co-host a tiny high-tea full of tasty treats! Lexi and I spent some quality time baking in order to create some delicately sweet and savoury delights. What better way to celebrate a birthday than with an intimate lunch time affair full of bite sized bits of happiness. 

All of the recipes that Lexi had pre-prepared were so simple. Simple enough that most of my time was spent whisking, texting and licking the bowl. 

My favourite recipe was for the mini flourless lemon curd tarts, genius! I've included the recipe because they were too tasty not to share.

The thing I love about this recipe is that you can cook the tarts the night before and fill them with lemon curd when they're ready to eat. Lemon flavoured anything is my absolute favourite so I can't complain when there's left over curd in the fridge. 

Ingredients: 

Tart

2 cups blanched almond flour

1/4 teaspoon celtic sea salt 

2 tablespoons coconut oil 

1 egg

Lemon Curd

2 eggs, plus 2 egg yolks

3/4 cup caster sugar

1/3 cup chilled unsalted butter 

zest and juice of 2 lemons

Method:

Tart

Grease a mini 24 piece muffin tray. Combine everything in a bowl and whisk until it forms a ball. Break the mixture into small amounts and flatten in the tray. Cook at 180 degrees for about 10 minutes or until golden brown. Place tarts in a container until the following morning or wait until they've cooled to serve.

Lemon Curd

Whisk whole eggs, yolks and sugar in a saucepan until smooth, then place pan over a low heat. Add butter, juice and zest and whisk continuously until thickened. Strain in to a jar. Our mix filled two small jam jars. Lemon curd can keep, if covered, in the fridge for two weeks. But really will it last that long?

**When you're ready to serve fill the tarts with lemon curd and hey presto you have delicious flourless lemon curd tarts!**

We had a few mishaps along the way, ie. a tray of burnt scones, but the lunch itself was gorgeous. I ran with the overall theme and gifted another skull porcelain plate (relevant) and a print of my new illustration. 

Nothing makes me happier than tiny food because in all honesty doesn't it feel like you're eating less? High tea, where it's acceptable to gorge as long as you're napkin is printed with floral. Perfect Sunday.

DIY PORCELAIN PLATE

March 10, 2014 | Written by Katie | Artwork & photos by Katie

My latest creative pursuit comes in the form of decorative porcelain plates! 

I have seen these babies just about every where on Pinterest (clearly I spend too much time on Pinterest). 

Once again I was trying to create an innovative gift idea, this time for my sister, that was different to what I usually create for Lunacandy. 

As I had to search through several blogs to get a simplified/australian idea of materials and methods I thought I would let you in on my process.

Have a read yourself of the post by Craftaholics Anonymous and distinguish the facts.  It's also great to have a read about everyone else's experience. Based on reading the article I'm considering trying out Pebeo Porcelain Fine Tip Markers. They are a little bit more expensive but have great reviews!

Another note on the crockery, according to ALL blogs, the cheaper the better as there is less glaze to work with. I went with antique store because I loved the pre-existing floral pattern. A great example of what you can do with a plain white plate is by Nervard Yerkanian that I found on Behance.

Nervard Yerkanian Porcelain Plate (Behance)

Materials:

- Plate & Teacup: I realised after I bought two pieces from Treasures 4 You in Stones Corner that I had in fact bought a plate and teacup, rather than a teacup and saucer. 

- Sharpie: There was a lot of discussion that the Sharpie you use also has to be oil-based. To be honest I used the one that I had at home and it worked fine.

- Oven: You need access to a conventional or fan forced oven. Once you have finished your design you need to bake your creation!

Once you have the materials then you can begin creating!

- Wipe down/clean your porcelain to ensure there is no residue/dust/price stickers.

- Get drawing! People suggest stencils however I went free hand. There were a few mess ups but I covered them up (almost)

- Once completed place your plate in the oven when cold and then turn it on to 220 Degrees. I let the oven heat up to the required temperature and then let it bake for 30-40 minutes.

- Turn the oven off after the specified time and allow it to sit in the oven until it cools. When the plate cooled I wiped it with a chux wipe and no colour lifted.

- As this was a gift I don't know how many times you could wipe it before the colour lifts but others suggest it lasts forever (obviously a dish washer is not a good choice).

I plan to make more porcelain pretties as soon as I get the chance. Next time I think I shall trawl the vintage stores for a bit longer to see what treasures I can find! 

I love that this project allows you to create any design, from a personalised plate to an art deco piece.  

Happy crafting!

DIY WOVEN CHAIN NECKLACE

January 10, 2014 | Written by Katie | Photos by Katie

I am constantly looking for new DIY projects and ways to surprise my friends. With uni about to start and financial insecurity looming over my head I have been looking for ways to give 'thoughtful' rather than 'expensive' presents. I have seen these kinds of chains/bracelets about the market place and yet I thought it would mean a lot more if I made it myself instead of buying it mass produced. 

I found a great tutorial posted by Erica on www.honestlywtf.com. The girls at honestly are fantastic and if you're into accessorizing there will be more than a few things for you to do-it-yourself!

For the woven chain the steps are simple and easy to use so this is one that everyone should give a go. My only comment is that you need a fair bit of patience.

Image from honestlywtf.com 

I made a few adjustments to the method as the tutorial actually details how to make a bracelet. If you're interested in a necklace I recommend purchasing one metre of chain in order to make two necklaces. I sourced the chain from a supplier but local bead shops and some markets can help you out! I also used less thread as I did not want the detailing to be as chunky for around the neckline. Instead of two sets of 15 strands I used 2 sets of 10! 

Give it a try at home and let me know how you go! Since the first one I've given, sold and a made a few more. I have got a lot more experimental with my colours and thickness of the weave. If you're after a real statement chunkier thread and embellishments like the skulls above are a fun way to do so! This is definitely a project I will keep making in the future. 

IN THE RAW: RAWARDS 2013

January 10, 2014 | Written by Katie | Photos by Katie and Emily Nelson

Lunacandy Promotional Poster for RAWards

Oh what a night it was! The second annual RAWards was conveniently located in Brisbane this year and thus I was blessed to be a part of this national event! Though not a title taker I felt privileged to be named alongside the winners as a Director's Highlight for 2013. The evening was home to live music and performing art, runway shows, visual art and photographic exhibitions.

Once again The Arena was filled with a fruitful crowd of family, lovers, supporters, media representatives, photographers and Australia's emerging talent in the arts. The vibe was a lot more relaxed for me this time round and I even allowed myself to do a bit of shopping! Its so hard not to be carried away when you're surrounded by such magnetic creative energy!

Two of my favourites for the night were Bonnie Hislop and Amanda Whitelaw from Hungry Designs. Bonnie's work is whimsical and intricate and I was so inspired. I only recently started dabbling in the art of pencil and so I'm mesmerised when I see someone else's work in this medium!

A snap of Bonnie's display from the night!

'Him' - Bonnie Hislop

The Secret Keeper - Bonnie Hislop

As for Hungry Designs, Amanda's work is amazing! A lot of the pieces are inspired by popular culture and thus it was automatically right up my alley! Myself and most of my friends are obsessed with Disney and so it didn't surprise me that we all took at least one of Amanda's designs home! Check out Amanda's Etsy store here! All my photos of Amanda's set up are blurry so heres one taken by Interlaced Media who also covered the event!

Hungry Designs Brooches shot by Interlaced Media

Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose was once again a stand out for me and almost everyone who came to the event! Congratulations to Julia's model that they used for the installation, she was perfectly still for almost four hours! It definitely would have been a challenge but it was overall a success. I feel like this was the most uploaded moment of the night! Gorgeous, no?

Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose

I'll sign off with a few snaps of my stall by RAW photographer Emily Nelson and some sneaky ones by yours truly. 

Tinsel-tastic!

Lunacandy at RAWards - Shot by Emily Nelson

My ever faithful Flamingo friends - Shot by Emily Nelson

Lunacandy at RAWards - Shot by Emily Nelson