Mudbird website service announcement

Hello friends, if you've been looking for my shop website you'll find it's not there. For most of this year I've been a bit unwell & since June I've had to stop making ceramics... I know, I'm really sad! It wasn't expected and hopefully only a season. Every now and again I'll hold some sales on my Facebook page with my remaining stock. I do have a limited amount of Emerge jewellery left so if you are in need, please email mudbird(at)gill.co.nz

 xx Gill

Mudbird & Tiny Eyes, a winter collaboration.

 I'm proud to introduce my Mudbird doll, made by the incredibly talented, homeschooling Mum of 5  ... Dee from Tiny Eyes. A few months ago Dee asked myself and 6 other creative people to design a doll as part of her Winter 2013 Collaboration, to be auctioned off for sale!!  I showed pictures of my fabrics and ideas here ( if you need to refresh your memory) I was honoured to be asked, and I hope I have done her Doll designs justice.

Piece by piece Dee made each detail of the doll designs come to life and I just love them all.  The details on mine are fabulous, the mini puffed sleeves, the tiny little collar - so pretty dont you think? And the glasses.... so cute!

 I also made 3 mini Doll sized dishes for my doll, made with the same woodblock design I used to 'print' onto the denim for her skirt. These wee dishes can be used for tea parties... or Mum can use them in the kitchen or anywhere in the house! ( they made beautiful little ring dishes next to your bedside or sink.)

To get an idea of the size of the doll, my dishes are 2.5inches wide!

So... how do you get to buy this doll or any of the other designs? Dee is running an Auction over on her facebook page that starts TOMORROW at noon. Details below...

If you already follow Tiny Eyes on FB, you'll have seen the special event Dee has created. Once you join you can bid on the Mudbird doll, or any of the other beautiful dolls. The auction starts on Friday lunchtime ( 12pm, NZT), and finishes on Sunday at 12pm. I'm absolutely sure it will be a very exciting event, I've got my eye one particular doll... so watch out!




The dolls are also on display at the Walton Street Cafe in Te Awamutu TODAY, from 8-2pm. Dee has created a stunning exhibition, so if you live near by, please pop in for a visit.

I also want to say a HUGE Thank you to Dee ... you have done the most beautiful job and I'm in awe of your talents. I hope my doll does you proud and goes to a loving home.

xx Gill

Drum roll please.....

If you know me well, or even just a little, hopefully you'll 

know I just love to give my pieces away...

So this year for Mother's Day I thought I'd host another little giveaway on my Facebook page just because all my likers are amazing, nothing was needed to be done to be in the draw and I was blown away by all the lovely comments, shares and likes - I totally didn't expect it all !

Originally I wanted to offer up just ONE gift, but I decided to offer up THREE instead. One for a Facebook Business page who likes my page and two for Facebook fans old or new!

So without further adieu... the winners are:

Bibliographica  

You can choose 1 ROUND DISH {top row of pics}

Ana Lydiate

You can choose 1 BIRD dish {middle row of pics}

Aimee Teddy

You can choose 1 TEA or JAM tag {bottom row of pics}

YAY!

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !

Please make contact with me ASAP via email with your address & mobile number (incase I need to call) and I'll get your gift sent off to you! Or if it's a Mother's Day present, then send me a message and I'll send it direct to your Mum with a note!

Please feel free to pop over to the post on FB to make yourself known as one of the winners.

Till next time... I can't wait to share with you whats been happening over the last 3-4 weeks so stay tuned for the next blog post 

xx Gill

www.mudbird.co.nz

Hey Hey - Congratulations!

Thanks to everyone who entered my Giveaway - there were 5 lovely pieces being offered and we have 5 lovely winners!

I hope you all enjoy the goodies I shall be sending your way. There were 62 entries in total. 

And the winners are...

Tatting Cloud  - Karen McNair

Thistle Cloud - Amanda Joblin

Lego Plane - Charlotte Dunning

Heart Brooch  - Alison Kroon

Mini Square Dish - Fiona Ranchod

xx Gill

Ready, steady, GO!

That's right, it's time to start entering this awesome Giveaway! 

5 lucky folk will win one of the following handmade ceramic pieces, made by me... Mudbird ( Gill )

So here is what's on offer.

Land of the long white cloud... Wall Art in Thistle pattern
(17.5cm x 8.5xm with wall hook on back)
Also available in my Felt shop HERE

Fluffy clouds not to be left out... Wall Art in Tatting Pattern
(15cm x 9cm with wall hook on back)
Also available in my Felt Shop HERE

Dusky Pink heart Brooch, impressed with a real leaf.

Little Boys Love Lego... and Planes, so I combined them both.
This little plane can hang on your wall - approx. 10cm

When you need a teeny tiny dish - this is for you!
Approx. 5cm

You can enter over on my Facebook page by clicking HERE... 

it's really easy and all the details are there too!

 Entries open to New Zealand and Australia only.

Closes 23/9/12 Drawn 24/9/12

So if you won... what would you choose?

x Gill

Wait for it.... Goodies to come!

That's right, if you know me, you'll know I LOVE giving things away. I love my business and it has blessed me so much. I get to do what I love, to create with clay and play with gorgeous glazes... the ideas are endless. 

Without all you lovely folk, my friends, supporters and customers I wouldn't be here today ( I know I've said that before but I truly mean it!)

So...I'm gearing up for a hugely busy season with stalls at big fetes like the Culverden Christmas Fete & the Geraldine Summer Fete (quietly panicking as they are a week apart!) and then Christmas markets in December and before it gets all mad around here I'd like to do something fun.

[All my markets are listed on my website HERE ] My next one is THIS friday  -  The Paparoa St School Hall Shop me Pretty.

 Entries will be open this Saturday for the giveaway and all the details will be up in a new post. I'll put the link up on my FB page Mudbird when we are all ready to go!

In the mean time... here is a taster with what's on OFFER :-)

xx Gill

Fine Fashion & Flair...

This week's 'Friday Finds' is a showcase of some fine New Zealand designers. These 3 ladies are an inspiration, and I know just how amazing their work is as I am lucky enough to own a piece or two!

When I look at the stunning handcrafted jewellery that Julia makes at Relique, I want it all! I LOVE her combination of Silver and Copper, all 100% handmade in Christchurch. I am lucky enough to have done quite a few markets alongside Relique Jewellery and have no problem helping to promote her beautiful work... 

(and am lucky enough to own a few pieces!)

These beautiful Forget Me Not Copper & Sterling Silver earrings are my new favorites.
Available on www.relique.co.nz.

 The label 'shelley d' is by Auckland based designer Shelley Dunn and her range of products are top quality. Shelley uses premium leather and other high quality fabrics in her designs and her craftsmanship is beautiful. I have one of her card holders.

This beautifully made Patent Nude Pink Clutch is just gorgeous, I haven't seen anything quite like it! 
Available from www.shelleyd.co.nz

 

Over on the West Coast of the South Island, Artist and Jeweller Fiona McDonald from Brightonmine creates stunning 

Enamel, Copper and Sterling Silver Jewellery. Fiona also paints, and I've seen a few of her paintings up close and I'd love one for my home. I have a pair of earrings like this in a deep blue.

 As these are in my favourite colour... 

how could I resist picking this pair to show you. 

Available from www.felt.co.nz/shop/brightonmine.

Till next time x Gill

Paua, Purses & Prints

Friday finds is a wee bit late this time. Started early but just didn't make it before midnight, but it is here anyway! 

Mel from Wildflower Designs makes the most stunning jewellery with a twist. Her use of beautiful New Zealand Paua shell and gorgeous pearls, polished beads and crystals is just stunning. 

Sweet Matilda's Felt shop is loaded with gorgeous upcycled goodies like this sweet crop jacket, There are also sweet aprons, dresses, bags, skirts and super cute clutch purses.

Cushions by Stacey have some wonderful fabric range, ready to  enhance your couch, chair or sofa! I'm particularly drawn to the Turquoise Bird prints... I wonder why! You can see all her fabrics on her Facebook page and ready to buy cushions in her Felt shop.

You can find links to their shops in the comment below the photos, and Facebook links here:

• www.facebook.com/wildflowernz
• www.facebook.com/SweetMatilda
• www.facebook.com/pages/Cushions-By-Stacey/284421874976646

Not sure if I'll have time next Friday to blog... I'll be up to my ears in last minute prep for the Spring Encraftment Market - I can't wait. I'll be outside in my white gazebo near the main entrance. I've got a whole lot of new glazed birds, Christmas ornaments, jewellery & more ... so much fun getting ready for this one. If you do come down, please say hi. If you mention you saw this blog, I'll even give you a wee gift!

Spring Encraftment Market - Saturday 1st September, 10-3pm 

x Gill

Crochet, Cosies & Cute Finds!

Welcome to Mudbird's Friday Finds, edition two.

A different selection of handmade this week. Amazing sewing crafts using nostalgic old and new designer fabrics, lovely crochet handwork and Pretty Jewellery. I love that crafters re-use and give life back into vintage fabrics, there is something about these old patterns & colours that bring back memories of childhood. And let us not forget the humble crocheted granny square, if you like bright colours or muted tones go and check out the Hottie cover! Perfect for this wet and wild weather we have been having.

Recognise any of these patterns from looooong ago? I do!
(I have a set of sheets in that top pattern!!)
Wonderville upcycles fabrics into lovely Arts & Crafts from Nelson

RuthsPatch makes these wonderful Bodum Plunger Cosies in gorgeous fabrics plus other goodies like Jackets and Bags.

If you love to sew and are after some inspiration, Berry Patch Cottage sells the most amazing fabrics and even a few patterns like these super cute Bella Pants.
I love the 'Pear Tree - Blue Trees' fabric, wish I had a project on the go so I had an excuse to get some!

How cute is this! Emilie Berri Switchblade makes these quirky
and irresistible Vintage Plush Monsters, available on Felt & alot more designs on her Facebook page.

It was hard to pick a favorite from the range at Pretty Birds -
so many lovely designs & options.
I thought these four Robins were pretty sweet.

Oh I LOVE the colours in this cosy granny square hottie cover
from Alexandra Mackenzie. Go and check out all her amazing crocheted creations - available on Felt.

Paula from Slipstitch makes these gorgeous Little Red Riding hood pinafores  and other very cute kids items. This is a size 2-3 and available on Felt and also check out her wares at the Spring Encraftment Market coming up!



And to finish off - a wee shout out for a new Fair coming up.Crafty Christchurch is a boutique craft supply and quilt fair running from the evening of 23rd August to the 25th August 2012 in the Geodome at Hagley Park. This fair will include stands from local craft suppliers, exhibitions, and demonstrations.

General information

Thursday August 23rd 5-9pm (Opening Night)
Friday August 24th 10am-6pm
Saturday August 25th 10am-6pm

Profits from this event will be donated to Bellyful Christchurch.https://www.facebook.com/BellyfulChristchurc

Check out the links to their Facebook pages if not listed above in the photo comments links:

• www.facebook.com/BerriSwitchblade

• www.facebook.com/wondervillenz

• www.facebook.com/slipstitchnz

• www.facebook.com/pages/Ruthspatch/303721876359306

• www.facebook.com/BerryPatchCottage

• www.facebook.com/PrettyBirdsCreations

• www.facebook.com/alexandramackenzienz

• www.facebook.com/Encraftment

If you are in Christchurch, you'll also find some of us at the Spring Encraftment market - 1 September 2012. So you'll be able to meet the maker and see these lovely items in person.

www.facebook.com/mudbirdnz

If you want to be in the next blog, keep an eye out next Thursday night on my Facebook page - be in quick, limited to the number of pages listed that day.

x Gill

Monsters, Milk Bottles & Mixers

Welcome to the first 'Friday Finds'

I really appreciate the support on my Facebook page, so I invited my lovely 'fans' to share their business pages. 

What a talented bunch!  I have really enjoyed looking thru all these pages and can't wait to spend more time looking... (and some serious shopping!)

Here are my top picks from some of these clever crafters, arty folk & purveyors of fine things. 

Gorgeous Ceramic bottles from Surrey Park.
I'd LOVE these in my kitchen!

Such a gorgeous range of fabric bags in Jacolily's Felt shop.

Gracious Plum from the UK makes these unique designs.

This little monster would be perfect for my William!

Joe has been making Bibbles Dribble Bibs for years! - such a brilliant design for bubs.
Love these Eco Bibs!

Who could resist one of these clever creations from Kids Lidz.

Cookware Essentials sells gorgeous things for your kitchen -
 I wonder if this would make me a better baker?  I love it!

Stacey from Art Out Loud creates these one off original paintings for you  - isn't she clever?

The Art Room makes these stunning limited edition prints and sells them on Felt.
 I love the idea of collecting & investing in something special for my children.

See you next week! x Gill

And the winner is....

Lucky #72.... which is indeed....

PRUE  FOTHERGILL.

Prue has won her choice of some LoveBird Earrings or a Necklace, and she choose a pair of Blue Lovebird earrings and decided to give them to her Mum in Christchurch as a wee pick me up! How lovely is that. I love it when things like that happen, the prizes always seem to go to the best people. 

Thanks to all who entered and showed their support - we had 75 entries in total.

Till the next time.... Gill

LoveBird Giveaway!

** Giveaway has closed now **

 Thank you for entering. Winner will be announced 18th June, 7pm.

I love to make new designs, I have so many ideas in my sketch book begging to be rolled out, cut, stamped or pressed, fired and glazed. And usually when I am supossed to be adding to my current stock, the new designs are born. ( That's when most creativity happens doesn't it?)


Over the last few weeks I have made a new Robot necklace design in Turquoise & Green (Which was a big hit with my 5yr old son!), tinkled with my '2012 Christmas Dove' decoration, made some Twinkling star earrings, a cute 'wall art' Horse, and started on a new range called 'LoveBird'. I've made necklaces and earrings with a impressed design of a pair of sweet birds, perching on a branch, into a 3D raised heart necklace and simple circular earrings, glazed in Red, Royal Blue, Turquoise & Distressed Eggshell Blue.


I thought it was time for a Mudbird giveaway for all you amazing supporters here and on Facebook, so when the number of 'likes' hit 1100 on my Facebook page I though it was the perfect time!

So... would you like to win a pair of my Lovebird Earrings or a Lovebird Necklace?


Head over to my Facebook tab, click here for the GIVEAWAY tab, enter your details and be in the draw.
Entries are open WORLDWIDE, so there is no excuse not to enter.

Entries closed 17th June 2012

Good Luck 

x

 Gill

p.s Here is a photo of my cheeky boy (who is growing up far too fast for my liking) and his Robot necklace. He has been begging for me to make him something and I love it so much!

p.p.s Leave a comment here about your favourite colour in the LoveBirds range for an extra entry!

Hot off the Press!

Yikes, where did May go? Thought I'd better squeeze in a post this month before it ticks over to June 1st tomorow. I can't believe we are 1/2 way through the year, but I guess it has been kind of busy lately! I counted up that since February 22nd earthquake, I've had 12 markets... TWELVE! That's busy and wonderful all at the same time. Great for Christchurch that there has been such a creative scene. I've got 5 lined up for the rest of the year and there is another 5 or so to add to that! So if you are in Christchurch there are plenty more opportunities to get your handcrafted shopping fix!


In May the studio was humming as there were 3 markets that I attended, so I am taking a break from markets in June, to catch up on building up stock levels, an exciting commission { accounts / paper work - better put that in, incase my husband reads this } and working on wholesale orders - Yes, you read that right... I'm going to start wholesaling, just small to begin with. I've got a very long list of requests to supply to some wonderful stores, but I'm a one woman band, with 3 young kiddies and I do need to sleep ( contrary to popular belief that I don't need and sleep!).


So anyway - exciting news this week. Yesterday I was in the Christchurch Mail newspaper on page 4! The lovely Cate Broughton came over last week to interview me about my Emerge range, kind of like an update after my article in Zest Magazine ( 27 July 2011). It's been 10 months and I can't believe how much work I have packed into those months. Imagine what I could get done it this was Full time...!

I've also been contacted by TVNZ Breakfast show on TV1, and I'll be filmed next week (all going to plan) to be part of the reporters round up by Lacie Wilson. Pretty exciting to say the least.


I've also had fun making a new range of earrings and necklaces that I've called "Lovebirds" and to celebrate over 1100 likes on Facebook, I'm setting up a wee giveaway. Details will be posted in next few days.


Keep warm x Gill

St Patricks Day Treasure Hunt.

Have you ever found a 4 leaf clover before? Try your luck and search. I love giveaways, and especially love treasure hunts!

It starts at 8am on Saturday 17th March - which is of course St Patricks Day! I'll be hiding 4 images of a Four Leafed Clover throughout my store - once you find all FOUR of them, you just need click on the St Paddy’s day TAB on my website and you'll find all the details on how to enter. 

I'll be adding the FIRST clue on FACEBOOK at 8am, then you'll need to go to www.mudbird.co.nz to get the rest.

So get thinking and get clicking and find those clovers. There will also be a chance to get 2 extra entries - find the sneaky clover hidden somewhere on my website - If you find that you'll get an extra entry, and also if you SHARE the Treasure Hunt post from my Facebook page you'll get another extra entry.

And because it's the weekend, you've got until 8pm on Sunday 18th March to get your entries in! Good luck. Winner will be announced at 8.30pm Sunday 18th March.

Terms and conditions:

• The winner will win ONE of my new Green Leaf Dishes.
• The information collected from your entry will be used to contact you if you win. All entries will be put into a random draw and the winner will be drawn out of a hat ( green if I can find one).
• Entries open to all New Zealand and Australian addresses only.
• This is in no way associated with Facebook.