Denim by Deborah

Back in the Swing for Christmas

2011-10-30T16:36:00.003+10:00

Well today was a lovely welcome back to the market scene at Mummytree Markets at Morningside. It was exciting to be setting up my stall with a few changes for display of the many new denim handbags I have been creating. It was lovely meeting current and new customers of Denim by Deborah and to be in the mix again with all the lovely Mumpreneurs!! I have been able to list all the remaining bags from todays market on my website www.denimbydeborah.com.au and will continue now until last week November creating denim designs to meet the demands for Christmas. Next Market is Boutique Market at Portside on Sunday 13th Nov 8 til 1pm, followed by Mathildas Market at Eagle Farm Raceway , Saturday 19th Nov. Who has started their Christmas shopping?!!

Versace by Deborah

2011-07-19T12:45:00.003+10:00

Let the denim do the talking!

Designed by Pamela Mary!

2011-04-17T20:14:00.003+10:00

A few weeks ago, whilst my mum was staying with us, Pamela Mary potted around (dug through the mess!!) my work room finding pink and greeny toned embellishments for denim by Deborah to make her a new well earnt bag! Mum had found some gorgeous pink recycled plaited handles and decided that the colours of her new bag had to compliment her find. So I left her to it, Mum put all the goodies she found into a bag and instructed me where she had left it, and when I had time she would love a new bag. Mum does a lot of my op shop shopping this day which of course I cannot thank her enough, as time in my life these days is a little stretched as can also be seen by my lack of blogs!! I will have to get mum onto that side of the business too, but not until I put her to work as my new designer!!!! The colours she gathered and the style of embellishments are just gorgeous and the bag came together in 10 minutes as everything just complimented each other.

So Mother, wow well done with your design and can't wait to give it to you. Thank you for all that you do for me. And most of all thank you for being you. x

Denim by Deborah online shop!!

2011-02-23T19:14:00.002+10:00

Very excited to announce that Denim by Deborah has an online shop now....

http://www.denimbydeborah.com.au .

With current bags for sale and a few added pieces of apparel and accessories, I look forward to keeping on adding to my denim products, so keep checking back to see what I have found and what new bags have been created!!

If you love the Market scene, look forward to seeing you at my next market, Mathildas Market 12th March Eagle Farm Raceway! 9am to 1pm.

Denim Uniforms

2011-01-21T20:44:00.003+10:00

Guess what......kids go back to school next week!!!!!!!! Firstly where does time disappear to? School ended, we went on holidays, we came home for Santa to visit, celebrated the arrival of 2011, started thinking of getting ready for back to school, and now here we are! Did I say the kids go back to school next week?!!!!! They are soooo looking forward to it.....I will miss them greatly. My day will be left to be very dull and quiet! What will I do......

Back to school time got me thinking and wondering if somewhere in the world there was a denim school uniform....I thought surely not, but never say never!! Denim Pinafores!!!

So for all you mums and dads out there that will be as down in the dumps as me that school days are back in town, I hope you all can find something to fill the void of the emptiness and quiet that will fill our homes.......did I mention they go back next week!!!!!!!!!

Denim Rain Blues

2011-01-08T09:46:00.004+10:00

Well if you don't have your Rain boots out now, you must live on a hill!!! Prayers go out to all those who are experiencing life even wetter than what we are ! If I play another game of UNO or scrabble.... but hey its quality time with my beautiful children. The last few days they have even been out in the rain on the trampoline, and remember when the sun came out, we went to the Sunshine coast for a beach day. But when I do actually reach the goal of wearing them out, I have started making denim handbags again!!!!!!

Next Friday offers come out for the Universities, and fingers crossed under the M section will be my name with acceptance into Psychology. So life will be interesting for a while juggling being a mum, wife, good friend, denim by deborah and Uni student. So with this I have had to review my market schedule and applied to Mathildas Market which is 4 times a year, and I got accepted for the 12 March market!! Woohoo!

Also a goal for early 2011 is to create a website to sell my bags from. Although I have been listing my bags on madeit.com I find it difficult to update the bags with the fantastic turn over I have been experiencing.! So less markets, I need another outlet to sell my bags so there fore will need a website I think!! So if anyone can recommend a business that creates smallish websites for smallish businesses, that would be great to know, love recommendations.

So hope that you too have been able to lay out some goals for 2011, it is so important to have goals! Another goal for the year for me is to understand and handle calmly the behaviour of my beautiful children!! So before bed at night I am reading a book called Tricky Kids by Andrew Fuller. I am finding it hard to put it down! 2011 a massive year of achieving Deborah Maher goals. Best wishes for your New Year....x

Christmas Denim Wishes

2010-12-01T22:18:00.003+10:00

Even Santa has a pair of Jeans!!

As Friday quickly approaches, the thought of actually not making bags for a few weeks does not sit well with me, but after a few days of doing not much I am sure I will get used to it.

Denim Handbag making has now been a major part of my everyday life now for a bit over 2 years, there isn't a day that goes past that I don't touch denim in some way!! whether purchasing from the various charity second hand outlets, to cutting, stitching and glueing, Denim is nearly an obsession!! But a fun light hearted one to have.

So for the next few weeks I am going to try to break the mould that I have fallen into and relax and unwind with my family and some friends in the Far North.

To those that check up on me and my blog Many Merry Christmas Wishes to you and I hope that Santa finds you wherever you are hiding over the festive season. Surround your self with love and laughter, and children if you can, let them bring the child out in all of us!!

Catch you all again in the New Year 2011

Mummy Tree Giveaway!!!

2010-11-23T07:42:00.002+10:00

This weekend is my last market for the year! And what better way to celebrate end of year with a bang.....a Denim by Deborah giveaway to the value of $70.00. go to my facebook page to answer a question and enter to win a Denim by Deborah handbag!!

New Stock for Sunday

2010-11-10T12:34:00.005+10:00

For 8 -15 year old

For 1-5 year old

For 8-15 year old

For 4-8 year old

Ladies

Sold this one this morn,

And of course many more to make!!

This Sunday will be my last Boutique Market for the year. My husband has been able to obtain holidays so we are whisking the Family off to the Far North for a few weeks then back for Santa.

My last Market for the year will be at the

Mummy Tree Markets at Colmslie Nov 28th

9am -2pm

Time for some Red I think!!

2010-11-04T12:41:00.003+10:00

Tis the season to be.....RED!!

What a day!!

2010-10-25T21:00:00.004+10:00

The sun did shine, and we and our customers did smile. The ship (not boat!) arrived, the sailors shopped. The Macaroons disappeared far too quickly ( I still have not tasted one!) and the new retailers soaked up the atmosphere of the Pink Boutique Markets. I had my work cut out for me with manning the Cute as Buttons marquee aswell as Denim by Deborah which of course made for time to fly and for a very busy day. Thank you to all that visited us and started their Christmas shopping. Just a little reminder as I hate to disappoint, but if you did have denim by Deborah handbags in mind for Christmas presents, I will not be trading in December. My last Boutique Market at Portside will be November 14th. I am very happily filling orders and will take them on that day. Until the denim by Deborah boat - I mean ship - sails again....

Creations

2010-10-23T14:14:00.001+10:00

An Array of Colour with Denim

2010-10-23T13:37:00.005+10:00

All for sale at tomorrows Pink Boutique Market at Portside 8am to 1pm.

What are you doing on the 24th of Oct.

2010-10-13T17:30:00.003+10:00

Well the rain and the wind did come and stay for a few days making the Sunday 10th 0f the 10th of 2010 a postponed Pink Boutique Market. What designs will I pull out of denim trunk for the rescheduled market, Sunday 24th Oct at Portside Hamilton. We will try again for our Pink day, hoping for blue skies and smiles all round for valuable funds raised for Breast Cancer.

Don't forget to wear your pink fashionista!!!

A Pink Boutique Market!!

2010-10-09T15:44:00.005+10:00

Come one come all!!! Tomorrow sees the Boutique Market at Portside Hamilton go Pink for the month of October for Breast Cancer Awareness. denim by Deborah has been busy refilling stocks of small and medium bags ready for purchase for Xmas presents, I will not be trading at any December markets but am happy to take orders up to the end of November. Please note Handmade Heaven will continue to have stock thru the month of December, will stock them up before I get whisked away for Christmas holidays. A big thanks to Lisa at Cute as Buttons who has offered to stock some of my denim handbags over the festive month, complete the look with denim handbag with one of her cute denim skirts and appliqued tee's!!

The above bag is going into one of numerous raffles to be won tomorrow, valued at $35.00 and suitable for all that love pink and denim!! Bring a pink umbrella!!!!! and help raise some funds for cancer research and care. See you there!

Celebrity Denim!!

2010-10-07T11:04:00.003+10:00

Have you started Christmas Shopping Yet??

2010-09-17T14:30:00.003+10:00

Tomorrow is the Handmade Expo at Ipswich where many crafty people sell their gorgeous handmade products. These young ladies denim by Deborah Handbags and many more gorgeous great Christmas presents can be found at the Handmade Heaven stall manned by the lovely Liesa.

I also hear Lisa from Cute as Buttons will be selling her Christmas kids tees, get in early so you don't miss out!!

Something Blue...

2010-09-16T11:29:00.004+10:00

Bags for Sale

2010-09-11T11:39:00.003+10:00

Two bags I finished this morning for sale at Tomorrow's Boutique Markets at Portside. Hopefully many more will follow today and tonight!!! See you there.

my bags

2010-09-09T11:56:00.001+10:00

Examples of work

2010-09-09T11:39:00.003+10:00

Talking to a few new customers lately and they mentioned that I didn't have enough pictures of examples of the bags I make on my blog.....so thank you for the feedback and please find some bags that I have sold lately. Will try and list some ones that are for sale too!!!

Look at this!!

2010-09-06T21:32:00.003+10:00

I soooo love finding these weird and wonderful uses with denim!! How creative!! I need one to sit in at my market days!! I wonder how much these would sell for!! I would like to meet the person who made these, another person obsessed with denim!!

Restocked Handmade Heaven

2010-09-03T22:38:00.004+10:00

My bags caught a lift today with Lisa from Cute as Buttons to Handmade Heaven - yes there is new stock to see on the ladder. So make sure if you are out Ipswich way to pop in and see Liesa at Handmade Heaven, the Old Flour Mill, Brisbane Rd Ipswich. Is it time to start Christmas Shopping??! Lisa restocked her Cute range too with all new designs including Mr Lion seen here. You can see all her new designs here.

Cuddles with Denim

2010-08-30T19:44:00.006+10:00

Creative people using Denim for a cuddle! Too fidley for me but obviously do-able.

Not to mention cute!

Denim Wedding?!

2010-08-30T19:33:00.004+10:00

Thank goodness my denim obsession only happened in the last 2 years!! I am just short of my ten year anniversary, and would hate to reflect on a denim wedding!! It would be memorable tho!

Chris Palmer - Musician

2010-08-09T14:03:00.002+10:00

I have to comment on the musician that was playing at the Boutique Markets on Sunday. His voice was like velvet, wow it was awesome to listen to. It really set the atmosphere and made strolling around the market even more relaxing! His name was Chris Palmer and he played an electric guitar - I think!!!! He was dressed the part, funky black and dark glasses and the entertainment was missed when he took a break. He sang covers but truly in his own style, it just made you listen. So if you are looking for entertainment for a special occasion I can't say enough that you would truly enjoy this man!! Chris Palmer - Musician - 0409613045

Best way to set up??

2010-08-09T13:50:00.002+10:00

What a beautiful day is was at the Boutique Markets on Sunday. I must admit the early start was a bit testing with the low temp but after a few trips from car setting up marquee it does not take long to shed a few layers! But...I am left asking what is the best way to show case/ sell my bags? I did try on the weekend having a table across the front of my marquee with bags sitting on the table leaning against one another. This did seem to make more people pick the bags up and try them on their shoulders. I normally use a screen to hang them on but I feel the screen can become too crowded making the bags hard to see. So maybe use the table and the screen? This display concept makes my mind boggle, and maybe I just have to realise that no matter how I display them, if people are after something different like a denim handbag made out of jeans it will catch their eye and they will walk away with one!! But if anyone has an opinion or an idea they would like to pass on, I am all ears!!

A denim toilet?

2010-08-06T15:51:00.007+10:00

I am always amazed at the things I find made out of denim or made to signify denim jeans....

Imagine coming up with this...in my denim obsessed house, I think I need one of these!!

Those boots are made for walkin!

2010-07-27T22:48:00.003+10:00

Now we all know how hardy denim is, but the Kokoda Challenge truly tested my boots out!! with the event exhausting my supply of denim shoes.....it was the toughest thing I have ever done!!!! But Team Wewannachecken finished as a team of 4 in just over 29 hours. We are all very proud of ourselves for finishing as there was some dark hours thru the night when demons were calling for particularly me! to give up and go home to bed. But they did not win, my bro stood firm behind me, let me have my hissy fit and told me to hurry up and get walking!! One foot after the other! Will I be doing it again.....there is absolutely no chance I will be enduring that again. Did I mention the team that finished first finished in 11 and a half hours! Hmmmm that is ultra fit!

It was for a great cause with the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program making a difference in young local people's lives, we contributed to this and it feels good to do so. Just not the body!!!! Still limping around 10days after with knees taking a beating, and the boys suffered what they called Baboonitis!!, serious chaff in the nether regions. Thank you to all who encouraged me and my team, the texts at 4am, 5am and when times were tough. I so appreciate it.

Back to denim by deborah, bag making has begun again, my clean organised work space (thanks mum xxx) is back to looking like organised chaos, unfortunately it doesn't take long with a 2 year old's help playing with ribbon and yo yo's. Hopefully my enthusiasm will continue and stock levels for The Butterfly Tree Market this weekend will be in abundance and then to follow up with Boutique Markets 8th August.

Butterfly Tree Markets

2010-07-24T18:54:00.005+10:00

Lisa from Cute as Buttons and I have joined forces to have a stall together at next weekends Butterfly Tree Markets down the Gold Coast. Lisa has now been incorporating into her sweet range a variety of girls and boys designs using denim, as seen below, which of course ties back to my story with Denim by Deborah. It is the first for the year for The Butterfly Tree Market on Sunday 1st August, at The Arts Centre, 135 Bundall Rd Surfers Paradise from 9 til 2pm. I am looking forward to experiencing a new market and new customers as my permanent market is of course The Boutique Market at Portside at Hamilton and I have also had a few visits to The Handmade Expo at Ipswich.

Glimpse of denim Cute as Buttons t shirts

The Butterfly Tree Markets - perfect for a girls catchup/day out!! See you there.

Kokoda

2010-07-16T09:39:00.003+10:00

The Kokoda Challenge is Australias premier bushwalking team event where teams of 4 people trek a 96km course through the Gold Coast Hinterland within a 39 hour time limit. The event is held on the 3rd week of July every year with registrations open on Feb 1.

The Kokoda Challenge is designed to reflect the key elements of the Spirit of Kokoda with 96km representing the actual distance of the Kokoda track and the 39 hours symbolising the 39th Militia who were the first of our Australian troops to arrive at Kokoda on 15th July 1942.

And I still can't believe I said yes to my bro's request to do it with him, insanity!!!

The four person teams are required to advance through15 checkpoints to the finish line. At designated checkpoints teams are able to take a break and regroup with the help of their support crew. The route incorpates 5000 metres of ascents and 5000m of decents throughout the course. There is no doubt that those who take up the Kokoda Challenge will need to call on the spirit of ANZAC that was born in Gallipoli and held fast in Kokoda -ENDURANCE , SACRIFICE, COURAGE AND MATESHIP.

Funds raised from this event finance the cost of the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program, which includes training and bush camps and the associated costs of travel to Papua New Guinea to walk the Kokoda Track. The Kokoda Challenge Youth Program (KCYP) is an experiential learning program offereing young people the opportunity to realise their full potential and gain a brighter future for themselves and their families. Since its inception five years ago, the KCYP has made a difference in the lives of 115 young people and in 2010 will be expanding to take on 52 young people between the Gold Coast, Brisbane and the Tweed Branches. The length of the program (14 months) combined with the strong physical component and use of the Spirit of Kokoda is proving to be a winning formula. The fundamental philosophy of the program is about structure, discipline and boundaries, what is referred to as old fashioned values.

If you would like to find out more, or make a donation please follow this link www.kokodachallenge.com . Our teams name is Wewannachecken No. 28. Donations are fully tax deductible.

Back to denim handbags maybe Wednesday!!!!!!!

For Sale Boutique Style

2010-07-10T17:29:00.006+10:00

Can't believe the school hols have been and are just about gone!! I have enjoyed it just as much as the kids I think, we can start term 3 refreshed with numerous sleep ins and most of all relaxed time together doing not much! But tomorrow is work as usual, the best type of work with the Boutique Market being on from 8am to 1pm at Portside Hamilton. With a range of new retailers why not come and check out the new talent both with art and craft, childrens wear and gourmet food including breads and relishes. Check out a few of the completed works of art that will be for sale in the Denim by Deborah handbag range, both for young and oldish!!! Hope to see you there.

School holidays!

2010-06-28T10:50:00.003+10:00

With this pile in front of me, I thought I might have a go at a few other projects like the ones below. With kids home I might have to hypnotise them with a denim obsession too. Watch this space.....and wish me luck, especially with the hypnotic powers!!!!

Mums Jeans

2010-06-24T14:03:00.002+10:00

I have been sent a pair of jeans from a lady whose best friend has recently past away. Her best friend has a daughter and has requested that I make a bag out of her mums jeans. What a privilege to be able to do this and provide a small but meaningful memory for someone that has lost her mum, it brings tears to my eyes still as this is a thought that I cannot fathom, my mum is my best friend and of course very dear to me, a beautiful mother daughter relationship, one in which I so wish to duplicate with my 2 baby girls. But in life, these opportunities are taken away and to be able to create a keepsake for this daughter was a lovely part of my obsession with denim.

A Friends Request

2010-06-24T13:55:00.005+10:00

I always feel special when asked to make a bag for a friends mum, and this is a request I fulfilled today. Rach wanted colours that were easy to wear with most things such as black and brown so I was able to gather together some contrasting yo yo's and buttons to complete a neutral look. Thank you for the opportunity to check the gift list off for your mum and hope she loves wearing and using it.

New Stock still in possession!!!

2010-06-18T13:23:00.003+10:00

I think I am getting ahead. I have fulfilled some orders are actually have some bags to hang on my display! Please let me know if you would like to know the dimensions and price or if you would like to own them!! and I will be sure to let you know the details.

Is it Friday yet?!

2010-06-18T13:21:00.003+10:00

Say no more!

Not attending

2010-06-06T21:49:00.003+10:00

This coming long weekend is The Boutique Markets at Portside's Big Day Out featuring a world of entertainment for the kids, animals and animals lovers!! With a petting zoo, face painting, story telling and a sand wizard, not to mention pet and children's fashion parade, how could you stay away!! I will tell you how.....by your 20 years school reunion being on this weekend where you grew up! So unfortunately denim by deborah will not be present this weekend at Boutique Markets, but I am available on debraleigh73@hotmail.com for any enquiries or emergency special presents and will be trading again at the next market on July 11th. So to all have a lovely long weekend.

On a Personal Note

2010-06-02T19:57:00.002+10:00

The last 10 days have been quite exciting in the Denim by Deborah household, and not in the denim bag trade way but in my personal life. My spirited 8 year old Lily completed her First Communion and Confirmation a few Sundays ago followed by her 8th birthday the next day. Lil and I's birthdays are a week apart (and we are very similar in many ways - not that I admit that often as she drives me nutty) so of course today was my special day of aging! So it has been cake, cake and hey have some more cake!!!! A beautiful close friend of mine Kimbra is an avid cake maker and spoilt us rotten so I thought I would share her creations visually.....I am telling you they were devine in taste and did not take long to demolish. Thank you for everyones birthday wishes, and cheers to being 30 something......a day older than I was yesterday!

My new uniform for markets

2010-05-31T12:31:00.002+10:00

When I seen this dress my first thought was oh my goodness how many needles would this have broken making!!! Then how heavy would it be to wear! Then I wonder how many pairs of jeans were actually used to make it, denim is really unlimited to what can actually be created out of it!
It was refreshing to see that is share my obsession with denim with someone else in this crazy world!! Maybe a future project, but definately more down the list!

Cute Denim

2010-05-31T12:29:00.003+10:00

Are these just so cute, if I saw them for sale I would have to buy them. Definately a future project.

Ladder restocked!

2010-05-11T19:37:00.003+10:00

Had a lovely drive out to Ipswich today with Lisa from Cute as Buttons to visit Handmade Heaven. The lovely Liesa was having her day off today so unfortunately I didn't get to catch up with her! Lisa had to restock her beautiful towels and washers and I had to fill the ladder up again with all sizes of Denim Handbags. It was a busy morning as we also caught up with Cathy from Peg and Kate as I had to collect my daughter Georgies fairy covered pencil roll. I have previously purchased pencil rolls for my other two delights and Georgie was claiming theirs as hers so all arguments are now diminished, she has her own.

So if you are out Ipswich way and looking for a fashionable denim handbag, there are now plenty to pick from at Handmade Heaven. And don't forget the Handmade Expo this weekend at the Ipswich Turf Club.

Denim by Kathryn

2010-05-08T10:09:00.002+10:00

Kathryn from the stylish HEMAKA decided to design her own bag as soon as she seen my new concept. Kathryn went home and went through her cupboards looking for bits and pieces of her own to embellish the bag with and found some stylish pretties - pieces of fabric, brooches and even a keyring. Kathryn already sports one of my denim bags but wanted one a little on the bigger side. She went with a pair of Calvin Klein Jeans in a size 12, to make a bag with room. Her colour scheme of red white and black is one you can't really go wrong with, although she was torn between this and going with her beloved animal prints bringing in brown tones. I will be delivering the bag to Kathryn tomorrow at the Boutique Markets at Portside Hamilton (8am to 1pm) so fingers crossed I was able to finish the bag to bring a smile to her face.

Denim by Stacey!

2010-05-08T09:54:00.003+10:00

I met Stacey at the last Boutique Markets in April when she took on the challenge of designing her own denim bag. Right from the start I could sense that she had an idea in her head and continued to work at it til it was just right. Then it was my job to put it together.....!! After quite a few emails back and forth, corrections to be made etc, the final product was just lovely. At first I thought the bag was going to be too small (I am a big bag person) but as the bag revealed itself the size was perfect, not too big not too small at all. The jeans were a Gripp brand and the colour of the denim was quite different to what I have had before. Stacey selected one of my favourite fabrics for embellishing a pocket, the colours look great on denim. I was suggesting to Stacey to add more to the bag to finish it but on reflection the bag did not need more, it was embellished perfectly for the size. I was really happy with the final look and more importantly so was Stacey.

I was able to pick up a few tips from Stacey's creation - have some pins at the market so people can actually place embellishments where they want them - have a designing table so creators can lay out their design with jeans etc - take picture at market of what they have designed - have a little basket or container for clients to collect their selected embellishments - don't permanently place the embellishments until final email of pics ok'ed!!

Watch this spot for Denim by Kathryn!

What do we think of Cord Handbags!

2010-04-29T14:53:00.002+10:00

Come across this pair of cords, threw them to the side dismissing them then grabbed them again with a light bulb moment. And I must say I am not disappointed. The cord handbag recreated perfectly, was actually easier to shape and sew and not to mention lighter than denim!! So I might very well have to go Cord jeans shopping for a few more, maybe a few different colours!

Request brings a smile

2010-04-16T12:53:00.004+10:00

My turning 8 year old has only shown interest in my bag making since before Christmas. She was deeply embarassed when I wrapped up Denim by Deborah handbags for previous birthday parties. "I don't want to give my friends something you have MADE"!! And after th 5th time giving a little denim bag as a present and seeing how much they loved them, she was then happy to do so!! And now even uses one herself! Miss Lily is off to a birthday party this afternoon for Isabella and came to me on Wednesday and requested I make Isabella a denim bag for her birthday. I just smiled and said that I would love to make her one. As she walked away I said thank you to her for asking me to MAKE her friend something special. She replied "Isabella is very lucky"! Don't you love your children.

Denim by You by Josie!

2010-04-04T13:08:00.002+10:00

The beauty about this creation is that there are a lot of brooches so Josie will either be able to move them around to where she would like or simply change them as she changes her scarf colour and colours of what she is wearing, or even to what the colours are for the season. Enjoyed putting it together. Josie supplied me with her own jeans and with a lot of her own treasures to make the bag even more personalised by her.

Denim by You finally completed!

2010-04-02T14:39:00.004+10:00

As mentioned previously , I launched my new concept of Denim by You at the Boutique Markets in March. And can very proudly say that I had 3 creative ladies visit my marquee and take on the challenge of designing their own denim handbag. It was very enjoyable watching their minds tick over and create their master pieces, and I was very excited about the opportunity to go home and put them together for the ladies. But.....when it came to actually cutting into the jeans they selected and starting the project....I found myself very nervous!! I have now made over 500 Denim by Deborah handbags so think that I well and truly know what I am doing these days, but to be making a bag for someone else who has designed it was a different experience. So I spent the rest of the month of March avoiding starting the Denim by You projects... how long can you avoid a job when you have to have them ready by the next market, 11th of April.
So I bit the bullet and started....and once I stopped thinking about what I was doing and let it all happen, the master piece came together beautifully. I hope Joanne thinks so too.
Hope the easter bunny finds you all wherever you may be spending the easter weekend, and look forward to seeing you at Boutique Markets at Portside 2nd Sunday of April.

Very Excited

2010-03-15T16:16:00.005+10:00

The sun did shine, but the rain did fall!!! not for long, but long enough to then make it steamy. The motivation I have gained by just going to market again is unbelievable. Thank you to all that visited and purchased. I was really happy with customer response to my new concept 'Denim by You' and just need to make a few changes with presentation of embellishments and signage etc to make it all work like clockwork. It was exciting to watch and help people create their own designs and colour pallettes, denim handbags that are works of art!!

I also got a call from Liesa at Handmade Heaven today that my bag stocks are low so I will be replenishing the ladder at Ipswich on Wednesday. Now best get off this computer and go and do some creating of my own!!

Thank you

2010-03-13T08:08:00.004+10:00

xx ** ** ** ** Thank you! ** ** ** ** xx

I wanted to say thank you so much for all the comments, emails and phone calls about my latest idea for denim by deborah. Hope fully I have the same amount of success as the amount of encouragement! I really appreciate every ones kind words and look forward to this new branch of my little hobby and helping others create their own 'one of a kind' denim handbag!

Denim by You

2010-03-11T19:08:00.009+10:00

Experience your own creativity.!

Design a Denim Handbag yourself!!!!

HOW?

1. Select a pair of jeans/skirt, so many colours and styles of denim on the rack.

2. Choose fabric for your lining, handles and scarf or belt.

3. Select 12 embellishments from my range to complete the look of your denim handbag.

4. Pay in full at time of order - $85.00

5. See you at the next months Market to collect you Denim by You Handbag

And you can do all this on Sunday at Boutique Markets Portside. Come and visit Denim by Deborah from 8am to 1pm.

Denim Helmets!!!!

2010-03-09T13:33:00.003+10:00

If someone had told me that there was helmets covered with denim, I would not have believed them....until I seen it with my own eyes. This is just too cool, thank goodness I don't ride a motor bike....yet!!

Guest Blogger at Boutique Markets

2010-03-09T13:20:00.005+10:00

The lovely ladies at Boutique Markets invited me to be the Guest Blogger for this weeks blog entry. Read the post by following http://www.boutiquemarkets.blogspot.com/ .

Now back to my craft room to make more stock for Sunday. Looking forward to my return to Boutique Markets at Portside in Hamilton on Sunday 14th March 8 til 1pm

Restocked....and had to purchase!

2010-02-13T10:28:00.006+10:00

I finally made it to Handmade Heaven on Thursday to restock my denim handbags. It was lovely to see Liesa and the shop in all its changed glory with the clothes area now and of course the door thru to Di's lovely cupcakes. Liesa and I of course had to have a coffee, cupcake and natter which made for a delightful morning

I was also greeted with a surprise from Miriam at Bubba Chenille with little chenille pants that I enquired about for my 2 year old but then did nothing more than enquire. She had made them for miss G in a size 2, so gorgeous and just a must have.

When I was little....hmmm....my brother and I collected all the smurfs we could from the BP Petrol Station back in them days. My brother Craig has just had his second little man Luke who is of course getting very spoilt with gifts and cuddles etc so when I seen these smurf PJ's I had to buy them for Matthew my eldest nephew, maybe Craig will drag out the smurfs from his hiding spot (yes he kept them all) for him to play with

Sign off for now, off to Physio!

Oh to be 2!

2010-02-08T13:43:00.003+10:00

Of course family always comes first. The little person that keeps me on my toes just turned 2! My baby is disappearing before my eyes. Gorgeous but an absolute terror. My eldest who is 7 got an impressive Hi 5 cake in shape of hand made by me! when she was 2. My son who is 6 got a number 2 cake with car track and cars made by me when it was his 2nd. And my third treasure got a Cheesecake White Mud cake with 2 scribbled on it not made by me. Do you think she will have a go at me when she gets older. Its only a cake!!

Tendonwhatsamacallit!!!?

2010-02-08T13:33:00.002+10:00

Unfortunately my creative side has had to take an unexpected break. Well the truth is I knew this was coming but did nothing about it. Way back in Oct I started getting pain in my wrist and my fingers in my right hand but just thought it was arthritis!!!! I have done nothing until last week about the pain, so hence everything I do now, even just driving the car -hand on steering wheel and turning- hurts. Opening jars, changing baby bottoms (hopefully soon to be toilet trained!!!) etc etc. Diagnosis - chop it off!! At the moment I wish but just Tendonitis (they did say some other word but too big and hard to spell!) so Tendonitis will do. So instead of ignoring warning signs, deal with health things early and maybe they can be fixed easier. I have been told this problem will not go away if I keep over working the tendons. Easier said than done when you love what you make and love the time spent making them. See how I go. Drop to one bag a day!!??

Purple.....Jeans!

2010-01-17T21:54:00.001+10:00

Pretty with the right outfit! Definately a one off!!!

Mums Request

2010-01-16T21:13:00.004+10:00

For the new year, mum has requested a new handbag. So while visiting from Hervey Bay she selected some Guess jeans, handles, belt and numerous embellishments from my interesting array and this is what appeared. Hope you love it mum. Love you

Experimenting!

2010-01-16T21:02:00.005+10:00

This is the result of todays productivity. It was such a nice change to not play with blue denim!!! I think I will keep it for myself!!

Experimenting!

2010-01-16T21:02:00.001+10:00

Cupcaked

2010-01-08T16:43:00.003+10:00

A friend of a friend came around today with some teeny jeans that she could not give away that are her daughters, too small now. And to make the jeans even sweeter, they had cupcakes on them. So I did not have to do much for them to be reinvented into the cutest handbag. Her daughter is turning two next week and Glenys has a cupcake skirt for her to wear now, I will need the picture of her daughter when sporting skirt and denim by deborah cupcake handbag.

1st Bag for 2010

2010-01-06T12:58:00.004+10:00

Happy New Year to Blogland!!

Wow 2010 is upon us and so too is continued school holidays!!!! If only I could teach my kids to make denim bags, not much to ask for them to sew denim is it!!! Its all about balance.....some time for them, some time for me!!!! Hmmmmm.

With my little one asleep and my other 2 on the lounge watching dvd after an outing riding their bikes while I chased them with the pram, I HAVE COMPLETED MY FIRST DENIM BY DEBORAH HANDBAG FOR 2010!!!!

It is a little girls bag, size 4 jeans, and the next break thru for 2010 is that I have listed it on www.madeit.com.au/Denim by Deb !! I am going to keep listing them for this month after deciding my first Market will be 14th March at Portside Hamilton with Boutique Markets.

I have a few new ideas floating around in my head and on paper for Denim by Deborah this year, so watch this space for new bags and new concepts, maybe even new markets!! I visited a clairvoyant over the festive season who told me that my success would branch out mid year, so fingers crossed this means Denim by Deborah and not my parenting skills!!!!!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-13T20:46:00.003+10:00

Wow the 13th of December has come and is nearly over. So too is my last market for the year. I can put my denim to rest for 2009, not to mention my fingers, arms and brain!!!!!! What a blast this last week has been filling orders and preparing stock for this weekends markets. Friday nights Twilight Market at Boutique Markets was a pleasure to be at, the cooler temps of the evening making shopping for Christmas so much easier! Surrounded by many celebrating work Christmas cheer the night was very enjoyable and successful.

Today at Boutique Markets was indescribable!!!!!! The HEAT bearing down on all was a real test so many thanks to keen shoppers who visited my stall and ticked off their Christmas lists with denim by deborah handbags.

I would like to wish readers, blog land and followers a very Merry Christmas and an enjoyable festive season. I have experienced so much encouragement and support from so many people, and most of all friendship which I can't express how much I appreciate. Craft world is definately a lovely environment to create and express yourself in when surrounded by such talented and caring people.

Stay safe and hope Santa finds you. Until 2010....

Twilight Markets

2009-12-10T22:08:00.003+10:00

A vacancy has become available at the Portside Hamilton Boutique Markets tomorrow night so I have grabbed it excitedly and am happy to say I will be there tomorrow night from 5 to 9 with bells on!!!! I am eating, sleeping, dreaming, talking denim!! Sunday will be my last market again at Portside for the year and then my family and I are off to Far North QLD!! Holidays here we come and my denim can have a well earnt rest. See you tomorrow night. Mention my blog and receive $5.00 off purchases.

New Stock

2009-12-07T09:51:00.003+10:00

Scrapbooking denim

2009-12-06T21:47:00.002+10:00

Jody Urquhart from Stick n Giggle (next door shop to Handmade Heaven) asked me if I would mind her doing a scrap book page on my bags that I am selling in Handmade Heaven. Not at all of course. So here is the finished product. Love it!!

Handmade Heaven

2009-11-25T20:29:00.004+10:00

I have finally rented some space at the only Handmade Shop to be displayed in - Handmade Heaven at the Old Flour Mill, 231 Brisbane Rd, Ipswich. Liesa herself is sporting one of my denim lovelies and is always so complimentry and encouraging when it comes to my creations! So thank you Liesa, and I hopefully look forward to supplying you with some more!! Unfortunately at this stage I will not be able to be part of the Handmade Expo on the 12th of Dec, so instead you will be able to race into Handmade Heaven. Great presents for those loved ones that are too hard to buy for - why not a denim by Deborah handbag!

And the winner is.....

2009-11-23T15:41:00.003+10:00

A wee while ago I did post that I was doing a bag giveaway and that the winner would be announced before the Boutique Market on the 8th of Nov. Well that has come and gone and in all the glory of slackness, not to mention busy- ness, if that a word!!, I have not announced a winner...........so with no further or do I put those ladies names who very graciously gave me some new fresh ideas for next year in a hat and drew one out ..........and the winner is the very special Lisa Carter from Cute as Buttons. I am not quite sure what she is going to do with this lucky blog prize but a girl can never have too many handbags - especially denim by deborah handbags - and with Christmas around the corner, a bag may very well tick off another required present. So congratulations to Lisa and thank you ladies and gents for your brain waves.

3 more sleeps....

2009-11-05T14:12:00.002+10:00

How many more denim by deborah bags can I make before Sunday for Boutique Markets at Portside? Does anyone else measure their productivity by the state of their work area!!! I may just have to take a picture of my organised (not) chaos, maybe I would be more productive if I did a bit of a clean up! Anyway these few are what I completed today.

Tie it together - WAAALA!

2009-11-04T14:24:00.003+10:00

I started this bag with this awesome coloured mens tie as a belt hmmmm.....what could I do and went from there. Found the jeans, then the lining and the rest just fell into place....love it when it all comes together faster than I can think! WAAALA!

Private Practise Creation

2009-11-04T14:14:00.005+10:00

This one was made while watching the return of 'Private Practise' last night. Took twice as long to make as could not concentrate on bag making and TV at same time! Love that show, Tuesday night proving to be a non productive night with Packed to the Rafters and now Private Practise - and yes Violet lived!!

New Borns

2009-11-03T11:43:00.004+10:00

Email me for any measurements or information on these creations if you can see them in your possession! or a present for someone on your Christmas List, and I will of course let you know!

Time Flies.....

2009-10-30T13:01:00.005+10:00

Countryside outside Kingaroy...red and just so dry!

Boutique Ladies at Mummy's Wish Fundraiser at Onyx.....and a pampered.com man!

Myself and Rachael from Boutique Markets after a

few 'Flirtini's' which went down just way too fast!

Where has this week gone? After a visit last weekend to a fete at the red soil country town of Kingaroy, I returned to Brisbane for a busy week of social interaction with a few Cancer Fundraisers to attend (Breast Cancer Morning Tea and Mummy's Wish)and a Black Tie event (Cricketers Club celebrating 50 years of being established) so much fun catch up with people you don't get to chat to often enough and to get dressed up and pull out the bling for great causes. But it means the sewing machine and glue gun were not turned on often enough and with Xmas orders to fill and the up and coming Boutique Market at Portside next weekend, 8th Nov, there is no better time than the present to get off blogging and go make some creations!! I have an 18th to go to tonight and am celebrating Holloween for the first time ever Sat night, don't know who will enjoy trick a treating more, myself or the kids! Sunday I am endeavouring to visit Mathilda's Market at City Hall, busy busy busy. Its that time of year.....

Excitment - I am Branded

2009-10-22T06:57:00.003+10:00

My latest creation. Very exciting. Business cards and now a brand tag.

Denim Research

2009-10-20T13:14:00.002+10:00

I found this article somewhere.......in the fashion pages of the internet!!! I would definately quote the source if I could find where I got it from.........but just thought it could be useful to others as it was to me!! Bring back my butt, tummy and legs from pre-children!!!!

Question - I have been looking for the perfect pair of jeans that is flattering and comfortable to wear for what seems like a lifetime. Is there a brand out there that you would recommend I invest in to suit a late 30ish! lady that is prone for the dreaded 'muffin top'?

Answer - jeans are generally the most baffling purchase for may women. With so many styles out there just walking into a store can be overwhelming, let alone going through the motions of trying multiple pairs to find the perfect fit!

Many styles out there are aimed at the young and hip-less and skinny-leg, low-riding jeans rarely look good on anyone out of their teens so its best to steer clear. A pair of jeans new to the market, Tummy Tuck jeans, are worth giving a go. These jeans combine a classic jeans style with shape wear technology, they suck you in and hold you up in all the right places, just like shapewear undergarments like Nancy Ganz briefs - but without the bulk. Tummy Tuck jeans will definitely get rid of that 'muffin top' and give you the confidence to wear your jeans with form-fitting tops. Tummy Tuck jeans retail from $229. call (02) 83381900 for more details.

Carla Zampatti has been designing since 1965 and knows what styles flatter the female form, her range of jeans have a slightly higher waistband to get rid of any unfortunate 'overhang'. Snap up a pair of dark denim straight leg jeans in a forgiving stretch fabric, a timeless chic style much like the lady that designs them. Carla Zampatti jeans retail from $299 call (02)92609700 for more details.

American companies seem to have denim down to a fine art. Pink Zebra stores stock a wide range of American denim labels, including Paige, True Religion, J Brand, 7 for All Mankind which all have fantastic reputations, a huge celebrity following, fashion forward styles as well as traditional fits. Paige jeans are designed by a woman, for women. When Paige is taken on photo shoots for 'real' women this brand always gets the best response for their great fit and flattering style.

For a one stop denim shop Just Jeans is the place to go to find that perfect fit. Housed in Just Jeans stores are their house brand, Luck Brand, Riders by Lee, Levi's White(exclusive to Just Jeans) and Levi's. Lucky Brand are aimed at a slightly older market, their fits take into consideration your curves and moulds to the body like a glove. The have styles with a higher waist band and clean sophisticated washes and with an in-house alteration service they can guarantee a perfect fit! Prices starting from $79.95.

Hope you enjoyed the read and that is was at least a little bit helpful!!

On this day a year ago.....

2009-10-14T11:48:00.003+10:00

This is where I am at at the moment....

and this is how I started my creative journey.

On this day a year ago I cleaned out my husbands wardrobe of many clothes that he had not worn for quite some time and of course in the clearance were pairs of jeans. There was a pair of French Connection ones that caught my eye for the colour and detail and were in great condition so I thought 'what can I do with these' and for some unknown reason I decided to cut the legs off and sew them shut and use cardboard in the base to create a bottom! Little did I know but this was the start of something that has definately changed my year and my life!

Sounds extreme to say but from making the bag for myself lead to me making one for my mum, my sister in laws, and friends. I had already started trading at Designer Emporium Markets at Everton Park only for a month with Scrapbooks, memory boards, and photo albums so already had an outlet where I could try to sell the denim bags. And here I am today with a fun hobby of creating bags out of recycled jeans.

At the time I thought I was a jeanious!!!! until I googled denim jean bags and found that there were many talented creative ladies out there already doing it but more so in America. I have found various way of making them but not like DENIM BY DEBORAH!!!!!

So with talking about my anniversary I would like some inspiration. Is there anyone out there that has any suggestions or ideas about my bags? I am in the process of learning to put zips in...horrible job....and also have magnetic clips etc for fastening the bags. Sometimes it is great to look outside the square, look at what I do from another perspective so in saying that there is a denim by deborah bag up for grabs. The winner with the suggestion/idea that I can utilise or take on board will be able to come to Boutique Markets Portside or Handmade Expo and pick their own bag. I so look forward to hearing any views and can't wait for someone else to own and wear a denim by deborah handbag. I will announce winner before the next Boutique Market on the 8th November.

Little Bag for Molly Button

2009-10-13T11:26:00.003+10:00

At Boutique Market on Sunday Lisa from Cute as Buttons ordered 4 little denim by deborah bags off me to help tick off her Christmas shopping list. I completed this one just now and know it has to be for Miss Molly Button. The bags are easier to make when you have such cuteness in mind!

Successful Day But...

2009-10-08T21:03:00.004+10:00

I can successfully say I completed 7 uniquely different bags today but at a very high personal cost....my 20 month old went to her first day at daycare. I felt sick all morning thinking am I doing the right thing, I am needing more time to make bags but I have a baby.....oh oh oh!!! Anyway time to say goodbye Georgie kissed me and waved goodbye and went and climbed on the slide and left me to walk out to the car with tears streaming down my face!! I remember when my now 7 year old went to her first day and I ran out doing cartwheels, a day to myself!!! But as time goes on and the more kids you have I think you might actually genuinely start to love being a MUM!!!!!!!! My now 5 year old never went to daycare til nearly 3, and it was definately harder to say goodbye then. But I might have to admit Georgie has me wrapped around her little finger! Not to mention she is good company and not a real bother at all, but it did show today how distracting she is in terms of production of denim by deborah handbags! The best part of the day was picking her up and her running to me with open arms. Just priceless and totally unforgetable. A great day after all. Back to the sweatshop. See you Sunday.

Anyone for PINK

2009-10-05T15:48:00.005+10:00

My little lady slept for 3 hours today which let me finish these two and start another 2!! Amazing what I can get done with kids gone back to school! Who can believe it is Term 4 and October. Hope fully will have another 12 more finished before Sunday - Boutique Markets Portside .

Merchandising Consultations

2009-09-30T13:12:00.004+10:00

After reading Kerry's blurb on Merchandising Consultations in last months Boutique Buzz, I decided that this was definately an opportunity to fain some guidence with moving forward with my little business. We sometimes need to look outside the square, and even go further and get someone elses opinion. I felt that I was in a little bit of a rut with what to do next with my business name, and visually I felt my market stall was lacking something but I did not know what. Come to the rescue Kerry! Within minutes of starting the consultation and hearing Kerry's thoughts, the introduction of a new colour was installed into my marquee (secret!) and my name 'Fabricated' was left behind. I am now 'denim by deborah'. I had been toying with a name change for quite some time but had not convinced myself that I had found the right one. I was looking for something customers could easily remember and stood for what I create. So I hope you love my new name ' denim by deborah' as much as I do and look forward to showing off my new marquee flair, all found by engaging in a Merchandising Consultation with Kerry from Boutique Markets - next market 11th October Portside Hamilton. I would definately recommend utilising this Boutique service and hope you find the change you are looking for too.

Handmade Expo

2009-09-28T06:07:00.003+10:00

Saturday found Denim by Deborah at The Handmade Expo at the Ipswich Turf Club. The day started with the best news that I was going to be neighbours with the gals from Cute as Buttons.

My 7 year old daughter Lily wanted to come and be my shop keeper for the day so I suggested her having her own things to sell and she decided on Chocolate Truffle Balls, something I grew up making as a child her age. 4 for $2.00. It was gorgeous to watch her ask customers if they would like her chocolate balls, thank you to the stall holders who purchased them and just made her little face light up!!

I was very priviledged to have Miriam, Liesa and Micky organisers of The Handmade Expo purchase a Denim by Deborah Handbag. I hope you ladies enjoy being Denimised! and enjoy wearing them as much as I enjoyed creating them. Lisa and Sharon from Cute as Buttons also are Denimised, they could not resist after having to look at them all day!!

Leanne Churchward, my sister in law, from Cuddle Kids started her Ipswich campaign at this Handmade Expo. Leanne makes beautiful little characters in the form of pillows for our little ones to be comforted by and sleep with. Made from assorted pillowcases with their own head, arms and legs, even hair! Of course my children have one each and can be seen watching TV at the end of the day with arms around their Cuddle Kids.

It was lovely to catch up with Ipswich clients that I met back in March and also put some faces to people who have purchased on www.madeit.com.au so thank you for coming and saying hello.

Time to open up my sweat shop and start creating for the my next market - Boutique Markets at Portside Hamilton on the 11th Oct. To all my fellow mums out there, enjoy the no morning routine and school run for another week of school hols, and of course being surrounded by our cherubs!!

DIY - after you find out what you should AND SHOULDN'T DO!

2009-09-26T20:02:00.003+10:00

Would like to give you guys in blogland some tips on Do It Yourself Projects.

Do not spray paint in a shut enclosed area with no ventilation - yes it does mention this on the tin, which leads to my next tip read the tin label first. Do not spray paint on one of the most dusty and windy days of the year, yes the weather forcast did mention these facts of the day.

When you realise the overspray has gone all over the floor in your enclosed area, don't continue to clean the floor with Mineral Turps without opening all available doors and windows, and you may require a few out of the room experiences to recover from the fumes. You may think at this point that your husband is going to kill you as there is red paint spray covering his bar / sanctum in life floor and the panic that overcomes you leads you to head down bum up cleaning the floor as fast as you can without thinking of any consequence. If you do ignore all this good knowledge and advice you may very well have your husband find you laying on the floor totally off your face high as a kite from Mineral Turps!!! and having to call the ambulance for emergency oxygen to administer to wife who is off her face!

My sons best part of his day this day when asked when he went to bed was seeing the ambulance and fire truck parked out the front of his house!!!

But the stand IS red. But I think it will be the only red stand I have!!