Kerri-Anne Anderson

August has been a fun month indeed! The highlight was definitely the instagram challenge I took on board created by Jess Van Den from Create and Thrive . It was called #CTMonthInTheLife and that's what it was! A month in the life of creative people. A prompt was provided each day and after putting together the perfect pic, it was time to explore each other's pictures with the hashtag. It was certainly a lot of fun and I'm a little sad it's all over now! Check out all my photos on instagram - @kerrianneanderson. A selection of the photos from the challenge. Prompts from L-R: Raw Materials, Insitu, Post Office Hands, Photography, Sketchbook Tools, Work in Progress, Why This month I also extended the Pick your Pattern range - it now includes tote bags! Available in three versions, red, grey and blue, the panels are interchangeable with the messenger bags too. I also added three new panels for a bit of variety - a music theme, hearts and hexagon pattern. The ba...

This month I finally got around to executing an idea I've been floating around with for almost a year. And it feels great to get it done! Let's begin with the back story... It all began two years ago when my boyfriend asked me to make a new messenger bag for him. He came up with the idea of zipping on and off a panel on the flap to change the theme of the bag. Making the bag itself was a challenge for me (he wanted so many pockets!) and really proved to myself what I could do. And then about a year ago I thought about adding the design to my store but really struggled with what to put on the panels. My problem was the five panels my boyfriend came up with for his bag were all based on licensed characters. I had a play with coming up with my own but it just wasn't right. I eventually moved on from the idea, even though I'd bought all the zips needed. Finally I decided it was time when I found some cool fabrics that would be suitable. Of course I then had to decide ...

June brings about the middle of the year and wow it's gone fast! I applied for the Old Bus Depot Markets at the beginning of the month and was quickly accepted to my surprise. The OBDM is described as 'Canberra's Sunday Best' and runs every week in an industrial building in Kingston. Featuring a mix of fabulous foods and beautiful handmade items it really has something for everyone. The hard part was then deciding which week I wanted to attend as I'd specified I'd like to trade once a month. I chose the 2nd Sunday with the exception of this month. Find out more about the Old Bus Depot Markets here My first stall was on the 15th which coincided with the annual Kid's in the Shed day, and it brought lots of the people to the market. I enjoyed meeting new people including fellow stallholders and the visits from a few Canberra Etsy team members. I'm looking forward to the next market on the 13th of July which is also another theme day - Creative Fi...

It's been a month full of ideas and improvement this May. I began the month testing new techniques and proceeded to feature them in new designs. I also attended a business mentoring session from a fellow Etsian. It was a great meeting catching up and sharing ideas with local artists working towards a similar goal. The internal zipper pocket The bag of the month is a large tote featuring a patchwork collection of prints. The bag utilises my new techniques with a wide flat bottom and my proudest feature - an internal zipper pocket along the back! Inside also houses two open pouch pockets - I love using these for keys and my phone. The bag closes with a secure zipper. New tote bags in store here Lastly it's time to introduce the cutest member of the family, Riley the Rex! During May he has been settling in (and causing mayhem!). It's not so easy to sew with a kitten around, we've had to fight over the tape measure a few times. Riley's got me thinking abo...

Easter's come and gone and one of the highlights was receiving a special Easter gift from a fellow Australian Wandarrah team member. The Etsy team ran a Bunny Swap following the success of last year's Secret Santa. I received a super cute egg cosy from Alma who also sells them in her store Heaven to Seven , along with adorable children's items. I sent Alma a purple flower printed clutch from my store. This month's new additions in store were tablet cases made in both 7 and 10 inch sizes. They are styled with an asymmetrical design with piping trims and feature a front pocket. The main compartment is lightly padded to offer some protection. The good news is they don't even have to be used with tablets! In Store Now And finally, it's my Etsy Anniversary this month! To celebrate more than 70 sales to 7 countries in three years I'm offering a $5 discount on purchases over $50. Simply use the coupon code THREEYEARS at the checkout, valid until ...