New website

Hello everyone!

It has been forever and this project has taken me longer than I'd like to think about right now.. SIGH.

Anyways, I have finally been able to get my new website up and running! There are a few things I still need to tweak (including uploading more photos from my collections) but for now I have a site and that's all that matter ;) Thank you to everyone for their patience and sticking around.

www.millicentrussell.com.au

I would love for you to all check it out and let me know your thoughts. Any feedback would be much appreciated.

As Christmas approaches, I'm hard at work with new pieces for the Christmas rush. These will be available at my stockists as well as through my ETSY store.


xoxo Amelia

Time passes me by

Hi Everyone,

I've been flat out at work and have a few personal issues going on at the moment which has seen me pulling out of the Canberra Handmade September markets. I am so sorry to those who were looking forward to the new collection. This will be available through Shop Handmade and also Itrip Iskip in Braddon.

I have also had some problems with the server that both my emails and website sit on. I can't access either and have not been able to for the past few weeks. If you need to email me while the site is being repaired, please email meals_mills@hotmail.com

Thank you for all your patience and Millicent Russell will be up and running again soon.

xoxo Amelia

A sneak peak into the world of Millicent Russell

Hi Everyone! I'm finally back - I ended up going to Malaysia for a short break a month after my visit to Taiwan so I haven't had much to report during that time - I have been relaxing and getting ready for the second half of the year.

 
I'll start my return by finally getting to give you a bit a 'behind the scenes' look into Millicent Russell. I finally got a hold of the photos that were taken as part of my interview all those months ago. Please note this was in the lead up to the Canberra Handmade Markets so I'm not normally as messy as this but I was in a groove!

More photos are available to view here

These photos were taken by my lovely friend Amy Dunham - thank you!

There will be more giveaways this half of the year so please stay tuned. With the lead up to the next Handmade Markets in September I'll be busy at work. I'll be sure to keep you up to date with the progress.

I'm also about to launch my new website in September which will coincide with the launch of my Spring/Summer collection. This collection will be launched at the Canberra Handmade Markets.

xoxo Amelia

Feature Artist #2 - Ring-a-ling

FEATURE ARTIST #2 - VINTAGE DESIGNERS AND SELLERS

Name: Ring-a-ling
Country: United States

Etsy Store: ringalingbybeth

Why do you love vintage? What inspires you to create pieces using vintage materials?

I love the idea of something being unique. It is really easy these days to get mass produced items, but when something is handmade or vintage it is nostalgic and special. It sets you apart. There is a sense of something living on and having a whole other life......that is the cool thing about repurposing items. When I find a cool vintage button or old clip on earring I think where did this come from? It gets a whole new life once I make it into a ring.

What type of feedback do you get from your buyers - why they love your pieces so much?
My rings are conversation pieces. When people buy them or comment on them are , they are 99% surprised to find out they are buttons or vintage earrings etc.
I guess when people think of buttons they think of a sew through plain flat button, and the buttons I search for are unique and most do not look like typical buttons. So they appreciate that they are one-of-a-kind pieces, wearable art.

Where do you see repurposing and recreating designs out of vintage materials going in the future?

I think these days people are keen on recycling items and buying more organic and earth friendly items. I think there has been a surge of helping the environment, and going back to basics in a way.

I know for myself, anything that reminds me of my grandmother always makes me feel sentimental. Whether it be a juice glass she had in her kitchen or an old button that she had on her favorite sweater it always evokes a nice memory.

What would you say to someone starting off in this style of design?

I would say it is oodles of fun, but it is hard work. Out of every 100 buttons that I search through, I would say that I make a ring out of 5 interesting pieces that I come across. It is a little like art, where it is subjective, not every one is going to like every ring I make, that is why I try to create a variety. It is funny because I try to love all the rings I make, but honestly every once in awhile I will make a ring that is not my particular taste or color palette but I know that everyone is different, so I try to think of everyone's taste level and style, not always just my own.

What is your goal with your craft?

I want to have fun with it, and Iam also hoping it will prove to be extremely lucrative:) I would say that it is important for me to provide rings that are affordable, but also special as well. I like the fact that there is a

story behind each item, that is the whole beauty of handmade vintage items.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Magazines, flea markets, televison. Every once in awhile I will see someone on tv and think "Her outfit needs a big chunky ring.....I have just the one".

What advice would you give to crafters just starting out?

Seeing as I am still in the beginning stages I do not have many words of wisdom, but I would say take pride in what you do. If you love what you create, that is most important.

I mean it is a lot nicer when other people also enjoy what you do:), but you have to enjoy it yourself first. Crafting is fun, but when you try to create a business out of it, it does

take on a whole other life. There are things you probably won't enjoy as much as the creation process......like bookeeping or promotion. It is a different experience for each individual.

Please visit Ring-a-lings or make contact via email

• Etsy Store
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xoxo Amelia

Vintage Designers and Sellers - June Feature

Hi Everyone!

I'm finally back from my holiday and I had a fantastic time. I'll post some photos of the trip to Taiwan as well as a few sneak peaks of the pieces and materials that I brought back with me to make special things for you all.

In the meantime I'd like to announce my first Feature Artist in my Vintage Designers and Sellers June Feature. I'll be posting one new artist/seller a week so stay tuned! They are all fabulous and have great initiative and ideas!

FEATURE ARTIST #1 - VINTAGE DESIGNERS AND SELLERS

Name: Nathalie

Country: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Etsy Store: Natural History Retro Jewelry aka Eco Retro Bling

 

Why do you love vintage?

I abhor shopping - I really do. I rarely go to stores anymore, I almost always leave disappointed and empty handed. I prefer to buy second-hand, vintage or handmade. The increased demand for cheaper and cheaper prices has resulted in poor quality mass-produced goods not to mention a skewed sense of the true value of things. I have a vintage percolator that is made entirely of metal (!) with no need for a disposable paper filter: It's is a beautiful thing:) The other reason vintage appeals to me is that it's an easy way to be eco-friendly and not be so dependent on a specific product designed for one specific use. I use vintage mug holders and dishes to hold my jewelry. I make gift bags out of vintage childrens books. I buy all my clothes, furniture, dishes, etc, second-hand or vintage. Not only is the quality often better but they have their own unique charm and aesthetic.

 

What inspires you to create pieces using vintage materials?

My goal from the beginning was to make my jewelry as eco-friendly as possible. Sure you can buy recycled materials but even the process of recycling uses up energy and resources.With vintage it's all there ready to be used. I use mostly un-circulated vintage stock from US jewelry manufacturers that operated until they could no longer compete with the overseas market. The materials have been sitting in boxes and shelves for sometimes 50 years + waiting to be used. There's so much materials out there waiting to be used, and not just for jewelry but everything from paper crafts to sewing.

 

What type of feedback do you get from your buyers - as in why do they love your pieces so much? The most common response I get is how unique my jewelry is compared to what is available in box stores. I think this is often a result of things that are made by someone who is also involved emotionally and creatively in what they make. I prefer buying handmade for those reasons and can't see myself ever buying a mass-produced gift again! There is also a creativity that results from having a limitation on what you can use. Anyone who chooses to use eco-friendly materials, whether it be vintage, recycled, organic, etc, soon finds out that it's not the easiest thing to do. You can't resort to going to the craft store everytime you need a certain material. That limitation forces you to think outside the box and the result can be the creation of your own personal style.

 

 

Where do you see repurposing and recreating designs out of vintage materials going in the future? With the increased demand for eco-friendly products vintage has become much more popular and in the handmade market it's actively sought after by buyers looking for something unique so it is very much a 'material of the future' for crafters.

What would you say to someone starting off in this style of design?
I don't think there is such a thing as a vintage design. Using vintage materials you can create very modern looking items. I think whatever your style, no matter how contemporary, you should definitely look into using vintage as a source of materials, you might be surprised at what you can create. There are also a lot more suppliers who sell used and un-used vintage then there used to be so it's really not that hard to find nowadays. Be prepared to pay more though and reflect that in the price of your items: people who want eco-friendly and vintage-made know they are buying something valuable and are willing to pay for it: you shouldn't try to compete with similar products made with new materials. Also advertise that you use vintage - it is not something to be ashamed of but something to be proud of.

What do you want to see more of in the world of vintage?

It would be nice for vintage to hit a more mainstream audience but it so goes against the consumerist imperative to constantly buy things that it seems destined to remain in the small business/handmade arena. We hear all this talk of eco-friendly products but it's just another marketing scheme to get you to buy more stuff while feeling good for 'doing something for the environment'. There is nothing eco-friendly about buying detergent in a disposable plastic bottle I don't care how many pictures of flowers it has on the label:). Really the best thing you can do for the environment is to stop buying so much stuff, the second is to re-use what you can and third to recycle the rest: "reduce, re-use, recycle" should be practiced in that order.

Please visit Nathalie's

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Winners of the Double Giveaway Bonanza

Wow, a record number of entries for this giveaway. Thanks to everyone who entered!! I wish I could give you all a gift just to say thank you as you are all wonderful!

The winner of the Porcelain Flower Ring is Vanessa!

The winner of the $40.00 Gift Voucher is Fisiwoman!

Congratulations to the winners! I'll be in contact via email.

So until I return in June - it will be a little bit quiet on the Millicent Russell front. I will be enjoying a little bit of holiday time but also spending some time sourcing new materials to bring home to show you all.

Stay tuned for the next giveaway in June.

xoxo Amelia

A Vintage Wedding

I'm currently working on jewellery for a friends wedding and I'm completely inspired by all things wedding.

I found these amazing designs on Etsy - ahh to add to the ever growing wish list.

1. Vintage bridal bouquet by Noaki

2. Glitterati garter by Florrie Mitton Couture

3.Colourful vintage bridal bouquet by 1 Amanda

4. Romance garter by Florrie Mitton Couture

5. Vintage chunky necklace by Raquel Castillo

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!! xoxo Amelia

Meet the Designer - exclusive late night shopping event

I'm enjoying my first lazy Sunday afternoon...It's been another lovely day in Canberra with the sun shining brightly all day - but the chill is starting to set in. I can feel that Winter is just on the verge of showing it's very cold head.

For anyone in Canberra or in the surrounding regions needing a reason to come and visit, Shop Handmade is having an exclusive late night shopping event where people are invited to come and Meet the Designers and pick up something for Mothers day.

This will be a great event to chat to some of the local designers - I'll be there, alongside some amazing local talent :)

Here are some of the pictures of my pieces in store - Thanks to Lisa for sending these to me!

To have a look at what else is in store - visit the Canberra Handmade Market Blog or Canberra's Got Style Blog

xox Amelia

April/May Double Giveaway Bonanza!

wSo apparently April was a busy month for me - too busy to post a giveaway and in a couple of weeks I will be heading overseas to Taiwan to visit my mum, dad and little sister and enjoy some relax time.

I will also be on the hunt for new treasures to bring back and share with you all!

So before I go, here is a double giveaway to take you through till I get back.

I'm giving away a beautiful porcelain flower ring and a $40.00 gift voucher to use in my ETSY store.

These porcelain flower rings are striking and bold and will stand out in a crowd. They are chunky yet delicate and will really make an outfit look fantastic. What's even better is you get to choose one in your favourite colour! They come in canary yellow, baby pink, green, baby blue and mauve.

To enter - please let your name and address in the comment section .

For extra entries, please join my Facebook page or Twitter and let me nkow you've done so!  (if you are already a fan of either, let me know in the comment section and I'll add in the extra entries)

** Giveaway is open from now until 10 May 2010

This is an international giveaway so anyone from anywhere can enter!

Good luck! xoxo Amelia

A night out at Parliament House

Wow am I exhausted! Very relieved too - the 5th Annual Safe Work Australia Awards which I was managing went off without a hitch!!! It was a great night to celebrate those who have done exceptional things in work health and safety around Australia. They are some of the greatest people I've ever met.

As promised, here are some photos from the night. It was fabulous and everyone had a great time.

View from above - The Great Hall decorated in our colour theme

The 10kg trophies!!!

Adam Spencer our amazing Master of Ceremonies

The fantastic band - "Smooth Operators"

And finallly the team who put it all together!!

I've got plenty of behind the scene shots which I'll upload in the coming days.

But for now, It's time to sleep

xoxo Amelia

Kinda Busy....

Wow Autumn is in full swing and I haven't had time to look out my window. I've been flat out at work organising a big event which will be held on next week at Parliament House in Canberra! I'll post some pictures of the final event - it's been eight months in the making!

When I get back I'll  also post a few piccies from my visit to Shop Handmade - they have displayed everyone's pieces beautifully - including mine (*thanks so much girls!)

I'll shall also post my April giveaway - slightly late. Sorry everyone!

This weekend I will be enjoying a little bit of relaxation at the south coast, for the last time before winter hits I think... I'll have some photos to share with you from that experience too.

I've been going to boot camp three times a week and I can't tell you how beautiful the sun looks (I think I've already told you) when it's rising over the lake. But it's even better now that Autumn is here! The leaves are bright yellow and red and some have started to fall so it's really worth waking up at 5.30am to see it all. I am greatful every day at the beautiful things I get to see - it's funny how you respect things so much more when you get older.

I hope you have a wonderful Anzac weekend (those of you in Australia) and to the rest of the world - have a great weekend!

xoxo Amelia

Shop Handmade - a collaboration of love for handmade!!

There have been some very busy people in Canberra in a little shop in the heart of the city.

The name of this little shop is Shop Handmade

Inside this shop will house fabulous designers who hand make wonderful creations.

Shop Handmade is an extention of the greatly successful Canberra Handmade Markets which is run four times a year.

Millicent Russell will be stocked in Shop Handmade alongside a range of designers - and she's very excited about it!

The official opening is tomorrow so if you are in town, get along and check out the little shop which has been greatly anticipated. If you are not in town - Stay tuned as I will post some photos up for you to feast your eyes on.

xoxo Amelia

March Giveaway Winner!

And the winner is.............

ANNA!

Anna said...

I'm now a facebook fan... excited to be following you. Great stuff!
March 30, 2010 10:13 AM

 

  

 
Thank you to everyone's great comments and for entering - it really means a lot to me!
 
I will be taking into account a lot of the suggestions made:

• "More colour" - working on that for my new collection - stay tuned :)
• "Sterling silver for people who can't wear metal" - already looking into a new collection of sterling silver findings to use with my pieces
•  "Behind the scenes/work in progress pics" - I actually have a whole heap of these photos that were taken from my friend - just waiting for the CD so I can upload them to share with you. Can't wait!

Thank you again everyone! Stay tuned for my next giveaway at the end of the Month.

*please note that the winner is chosen from a random number generator so everyone is in with exactly the same chance as each other :)

xoxo Amelia

Love that Vintage

I honestly can't begin to express my love of vintage and in the little time I've had over the past few days to relax I've had a chance to read up on some of my favorite blogs which I'd thought I'd share with you today.

Great photography, great articles and great vintage finds!

BLEUBIRD VINTAGE

SALLY JANE VINTAGE - THE FASHION PAGES

LIEBEMARLENE VINTAGE







xoxo Amelia

Easter Holidays

What are your plans for celebrating Easter?

My Easter celebrations started this morning I woke up before the sun was up to get to my weekly Boot Camp by the lake. I will have to take my camera down there some time as the reflection of the sunrise on the lake is one of the most breathtaking things I've ever seen. I really think that is the motivation for me to get up in the mornings now that it is starting to get cooler. Anyways, I digress - the point to this part of the story was that in the spirit of Easter, our Trainer organised an Easter egg hunt for us after our grueling session. It was so much fun! I haven't participated in an Easter egg hunt since I was a kit.

When I got to work I found my desk littered (maybe the wrong word) with eggs and bunnies!! I don't think this was the best week do decide to try and cut my addiction to chocolate. Mega Fail.

Tomorrow I am heading to Barrington Tops and the Hunter Valley to enjoy some camping and hiking plus wine country!

I would love hear what you are all up to!

Happy Easter Everyone!

xoxo Amelia

March Giveaway - Beautiful Canary Floral Cuff

To celebrate the month of March, I'm pleased to announce another giveaway! I will be doing a giveaway at the end of each month.
Each Millicent Russell giveaway piece will arrive to you beautifully giftwrapped and tagged.

The giveaway for March/April is beautiful chunky gold canary yellow flower cuff. This was featured in Bride to Be Magazine last year. Only two ever made!

 

You can enter in the following ways:

• Follow my Blog - leave a comment and tell me what you'd like to see more of.
• Follow my Facebook - leave a comment and tell me what you'd like to see more of.
• Follow me on Twitter - leave a comment and let me know what you'd like to see more of.

 Everyone from around the world is invited to enter this competition!

** The March giveaway is open from now until 9 April 2010. Enter as many times as you'd like.
Good Luck! xoxo Amelia

Successfull Market Day!

Wow am I exhausted - The Canberra Handmade Markets were held on Sunday 28 March and Millicent Russell had a stall for the first time.

On Saturday I spent all day and into the wee hours of the morning getting ready for the big day.

Set up before the day

I showed up in the early morning to see a beautiful array of coloured marqees being set up outside the venue. The first thought that came to my mind was - what a beautiful day for a market! Oh, and what a beautiful venue! The lawns were filled with people eating lunch and enjoying the sunshine - just wonderful!

I found my spot inside and started to set up. As 10am came around the corne - so did thousands of shoppers. I was so taken aback by how many people came to the markets! It was incredible. The only time it was a little bit quiet, I had a chance to sneak out and get myself a refreshment.

My wonderful helper on the day - Larissa :)

A lot of my friends came to support me and I met a lot of lovely people on the day. It couldn't have been done without the support of the wonderful canberra Handmade Market organisers as well as my lovely helpers on the day (and behind the scenes)

It was a fabulously successfull day and now I've got a bit of a break before my next one in September. I now have a lot of good ideas for spicing up my stand on the day and making pieces which people loved!

Passers by

~ Apologies on the poor quality of my picutres - I had no time to really take good shots as it was contsantly busy all day!

I'll be posting the March giveaway in the next couple of days - so keep your eyes pealed!

xoxo Amelia

Make Your Market Day Bliss

I've been very busy getting ready for the Canberra Handmade Markets on Sunday, hence my absence on here.

I have done a lot of thinking about how I would like my stall to be set up on the day and seeing as it's my first market in my hometown I'd love to make it extra special.

I would love to hear your ideas if you have and suggestions as to how I could set my stall up to make it look different and unique :)

Setting up a stall so that it is enticing to those market goers is essential and I've gotten some inspiration from these wonderful blogs!

Meylah - How to set up a craft booth that customers can't resist

Canberra Handmade Markets - Tips for Market Stall Holders

Konstant Kaos - Displaying your Market Stall

Here are some fantastic photos on a fliker group:
Show me your booths!

I'll be posting pics from the Canberra Handmade Markets this Sunday so stay tuned. I'm a little bit nervous!

xoxo Amelia

Winner of the February Giveaway

Firstly a very big thank you to everyone who entered the February giveaway and thanks for the wonderful comments - it really means a lot! And the winner is......

CONGRATULATIONS to

Kimberly Marquez

Please stay tuned as I'll be posting my March giveaway in a couple of weeks.

xoxo Amelia

Up in the Air

My inner child screamed out today - what a wonderful day!

I was on my way home from boot camp in the very early morning and the streets were blocked and the traffic was a little bit crazy. This got me wondering what was happening by the lake that morning. Just as I turned the corner my question was answered - it was the Canberra Festival's Balloon Spectacular!

Hundreds (well maybe a little exaggeration) of hot air balloons were being blown up to fly the sky of Canberra that morning and I was lucky enough to get a few snapshots.

This was definitely my favorite - a Kookaburra!

On the drive home - you can't see them well but there were so many!

From the back yard - we had one land just over the fence last year

Artistic shot...... haha well sort of

It was such a wonderful and perfect day for a balloon festival and having just done a pretty brutal workout on the lawns of Parliament House, it really made my day and I just wanted to share it with you :)

xoxo Amelia

PS - Thank you to everyone who entered the February giveaway. I'll be announcing the winner on Friday - stay tuned!

A few more articles...

Millicent Russell has been featured in a few more blogs recently along side some other fantastic designers - it's been a very exciting year so far :) Check out some of the other upcoming designers in Australia.

•  Meet the designer: Millicent Russell 

• Design Federation - Friends of the Federation Artists 

Next week I'll be sharing some of my most favourite blogs with you and sharing some of my favourite artists out there across the world.

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend. xoxo Amelia

Pretty Vintage Arrivals

I'm very excited having just received a large number of packages in the mail!

Here is a sneak peak of what I've received so far and there's much more to come :)

These are some of the pretty things I'll be making exclusive pieces out of over the next few weeks in the lead up to the Handmade Markets.

xoxo Amelia

A day at the races - competitions galore

I recently entered into a Canberra competition called ‘The Myer Face of Canberra Racing.’

The competition was open to all women aged between 18 – 40 years of age.
All you had to do to enter was provide two photos of yourself, so I thought – why not?

I got a call a few weeks later saying I was chosen as one of the top 20 applicants! With only a few days notice I put together an outfit to portray ‘Classic Ladies Racewear’ which was the criteria for the day.

Rules which we had to abide by included:

• fascinator or hat essential
• gloves, umbrellas or other accessories advantageous
• no demin
• hosiery a must
• closed toe shoes only.

The final product:
 

I wore a checked skirt with tulle underlay, black top with silk ruffles accompanied by a red clutch, black gloves, white pearl and red lucite rose necklace and matching bracelet and a black/white netted fascinator with a red rose feature.

In saying all of this I didn’t make it into the top ten but I had a great day out at the races.
 
These girls did and you can see the array of wonderful dresses and stylish women I was up against!

But wait there is more! Yes a second part to the competition.

The top 50 women (from with the top 20 were first chosen) are now in the running to win the outincanberra (local magazine) Canberra Favourite Face.

This is a public vote and you can see the contestants here

Please vote for me! (Amelia Huang)

Voting ends on Friday this week and the winner is announced on Sunday 7 March at the Black Opal Stakes – Race Day at Thoroughbred Park.

xoxo Amelia