Journal

On the road at Fonzie’s Diner

April 16, 2021 by Deanna Roberts Leave a Comment

If you haven’t been there before, Fonzie’s Diner in Kilsyth, Victoria is certainly a trip worth making. Step back in time to that era when Elvis was kicking goals and Betty Boop certainly left her mark. (I could’ve sworn her eyes followed me around that restaurant and spotted me taking a photo…).

The restaurant is highly decorated with memorabilia, posters, models and other nostalgic pieces and if you’re really bored you can always sit at the bar and read the news articles and other publication excerpts to keep yourself occupied. Be sure to get out of your seat and take a stroll around the restaurant to check out the cabinet of old icecream cups and other nostalgic bits and pieces. Fascinating stuff!

Fonzie's Diner - Deanna Roberts Studio blog

I have to say too that the service was outstanding. We were greeted at the door, shown to a table and served a bottle of cold water with 2 Coke glasses immediately. Cutlery and serviettes then appeared while we browsed the menus, also really colourful!
We chose a Big Al’s Breakfast and a Ciabatta and eggs your way plus some avocado and bacon on the side. Me… thinking it would be a smallish serve… well… I was quite surprised. The amount of bacon on that plate made me feel like a real pig rather than the other way around… heh heh. The servings were certainly very generous and the food was really tasty, plus, the service was fast and efficient and the food hot…. as it should be.

The waitresses were dressed in the appropriate attire for the time period in the tuille-lined and flared skirts, hair done appropriately too right down to the white frilly bobby socks and white runners. Very cool. They were only too happy to assist with anything we needed too. Be sure to check out those mushrooms as a side dish! OMG… divine. Creamy, tasty, lush… just scrummy.

Pop by and lap up the good times. Get down and boogie to the juke box too if that takes your fancy.

On the road at Betty’s Burgers and Concrete Co

April 11, 2021 by Deanna Roberts Leave a Comment

Nope… they don’t make concrete there or really hard ice-creams!

Betty's Burgers - Deanna Roberts Studio blog

Outdoor dining at The Glen shopping centre in Glen Waverley, Victoria offers a selection of restaurants, from Mediterranean to American, Italian to Asian… so much to choose from and such a lovely atmosphere, especially on a balmy Autumn evening. Typical of Melbourne’s weather, 28 degrees C one day, 14 degrees C the next.

Betty’s Burgers and Concrete Co is very cool indeed. We sat outside and watched the world go by, kids giggling and playing blind-chasey on the nearby grassy patch and others just out for an evening meander. We were told that we’d have to choose from the menu and then go up to the bar to order… which we did. We had our little buzzer at the table and when the other half decided to disappear for a bit, of course the buzzer went off. The super-friendly waiter then popped over and offered to pick up our meals for us instead, given I was sitting at the table alone. Impressive. However, coming from a restaurant background myself, I am super-critical when it comes to dining out and service and would expect that if you’re paying premium prices for food that the service level should match. So, yes, the waiter offering to collect our food was nice, but in my opinion, should’ve been done that way anyway.

Tasty onion rings, fries (with the skin still on the spuds.. yum) and one big burger and mine – the burger without the bun – just wrapped in lettuce. Avocado was on offer too but didn’t make it to my plate. Otherwise, it was totally sufficient and totally yummy. Pigging out on fries and onion rings meant that a big carb fix with the addition of a burger bun just wasn’t necessary. The concrete factor was about how they prepared the ice-cream. We didn’t indulge as we were so full from the burgers, but gees… it was tempting!

One thing they could do differently is add cushions to the backs of the chairs – those wire frames are hard on your back and the threaded ‘sides’ to the chairs look great, but just not necessary. If you’re not on the small side and have hips that lend themselves to booths more than chairs, then you might find rope imprints in your thighs afterwards.

Besides all that – very clean, great service, good food and a lovely atmosphere… and not overly priced either. You could easily start with an appetiser and one restaurant, a main meal at another and dessert at another again. Lots to choose from and that smell of the charcoal grill is rather lovely too.

What is PayID?

January 5, 2021 by Deanna Roberts Leave a Comment

Some time ago the big banks introduced a system whereby you could pay someone using a PayID instead of a BSB and Account number? Why? Well, for one reason, a PayID is easier to remember.

A PayID can be your phone number, email address or even your ABN and needs to be set up with your bank if you are to receive payments from customers. If you want to pay someone using PayID then you don’t need to set it up on your account, you can simply use their PayID as an alternative to using their BSB and Account no.

So, next time someone asks you to pay them using their PayID, simply access your banking as you would normally. Where you would normally select the BSB etc there should be a dropdown list or selection buttons to opt for say, an email address or phone no. or ABN or whatever the bank allows. Select the appropriate option to suit and you can easily make a payment.

One of the best things about using PayID is that it’s instant. Payment should appear in their account immediately, ideally minimising any unnecessary delays with your purchase!

If you’re not sure about it all or would like to set up your own PayID to quickly and easily receive payments from customers, get in touch with your bank.

Cheers, Deanna

Fabric & Sewing Acronyms – WT do they mean?

November 8, 2020 by Deanna Roberts Leave a Comment

On social media there are a lot of fabric and sewing groups designed to allow users to sell, discuss, share advice, inspire and collect a wealth of sewing ideas. Often we find acronyms are used – what do they all mean? Here’s a list in alphabetical order compiled so far (and I welcome any additions!) that may assist you in navigating your way through all those wonderful posts.

(Original Image by Robin Higgins from Pixabay)

If you have any other suggested terms/acronyms/abbreviations that may also assist, please comment below.

BNIP – Brand New in Packet

BRB – Be right back

BUMP – Bring Up My Post

CB – Centre Back

CF – Centre Front

CL – Cotton Lycra

CQ – Crazy Quilting

DBP – Double Brushed Polyester

DD – Direct Debit

DISO – Designer in Search of / Desperately in search of

ETE – Edge to Edge

F – Following

FBA – Full Bust Alteration/Adjustment

FBMR – Fabric by Missy Rose

FL – Fold Line

FM – Free Motion

FMQ – Free Motion Quilting

FOE – Fold Over Elastic

FOMO – Fear of Missing Out

FW – Fusible Web

GL – Grain Line

HST – Half Square Triangle

HTF – Hard to Find

IDK – I don’t know

ISO – In search of

ITD – In the Ditch

LA – Long Arm

LAQ – Long Arm Quilting

LOOP – Listed on other pages

MBJM – Made by Jack’s Mum

MTO – Made to Order

NF – Not Following

NIL – Next in Line

NOS – New Old Stock

OF – On Fold

OOAK – One of A Kind

OOP – Out of Print

OP – Other Person/Original Poster

PDF – Portable Document Format

PHD – Project Half Done

PP – Plus Postage or PayPal (or sometimes ‘Per pack’) or Paper Piecing

PPU – Pending Pickup

PUL – Polyurethane Laminate

QAYG – Quilt As You Go

QC – Quilting Cotton (or Quilter’s Cotton)

RSO – Right Side Out

RST – Right Sides Together

RSU – Right Side Up

RTW – Round the Waist / Ready to Wear

SA – Seam Allowance

SIY – Sew it Yourself

STL – Standalone Lace

SUF – Sew Unique Fabrics

TIA – Thanks in Anticipation

TTYL – Talk to you later

TY – Thank You

UFO – Unfinished Object

WC – Woven Cotton

WIP – Work in Progress

WTB – Wanted to Buy

WOF – Width of Fabric

WS – Wrong Side

WST – Wrong Sides Together

Why every potter needs a split-leg apron

April 2, 2020 by Deanna Roberts 13 Comments

When I first visited China in 2015 on a pottery residency, I noticed so many potters using a split-leg apron. Upon returning to Australia I sought out various fabrics that would suit my own design and began to source upholstery fabrics for their hard-wearing capability and endurance. We potters do make a mess and this type of fabric is perfect for the clay and glazes we tend to throw at it.

As a pottery teacher I have made myself many of these aprons as teaching a few classes a week requires a clean apron each time! Many of my students have also purchased these aprons and are proud to parade them around the studio and even at work.

The aprons are ideal for when you’re sitting at the pottery wheel working as they keep the mess off your clothes and cover your legs (usually to below the knee depending on how tall you are. Aprons can also be customised to suit your height).

They’re also great for working at a bench as it saves having to have a towel draped over your legs.

There’s quite a bit that goes into these aprons:

Firstly… the fabric is sourced (as much as possible) from industry off-cuts that usually end up in landfill. Website image - pottery split-leg aprons 1 These offcuts are new and unused and by using them means that in a small way, we’re all contributing to saving the planet, one apron at a time.

Secondly… the fabric is pre-washed to minimise shrinkage and paired up with a contrasting fabric.

Next…. pieces are laid out and cut to size, individually overlocked, seams ironed and pieces sewn together with a designer label and washing instruction label inside.

Website image - pottery split-leg aprons 2

Next… neck and waist straps are then chosen from either, black, white or cream-coloured herringbone tape and measured to fit. These are then ironed once sewn on.

Next… each apron is photographed, each photo edited and then used to advertise online.

Website image - pottery split-leg aprons 6

Then… upon purchase, each apron is carefully folded and packed and on its way to you.

As a side note – caring for your aprons is a must. If they’ve got a lot of clay and glazes and other residue on them, be sure to give them a good hose-down by pegging them to your washing line first. For many, this type of wash will suffice. You can then throw them in your washing machine on a gentle cycle and add fabric softener too if you wish.

Thanks for all your support. It’s such a pleasure making these aprons and I’m only too happy to share the joy around. Please leave me a comment below or testimonial from having bought your own, unique split-leg apron.

To purchase your own unique, one-off apron – visit the Shop

Cheers, Deanna

19 How to organise a market stall

May 17, 2018 by Deanna Roberts Leave a Comment

So, you’re looking to sell your wares at a local market? There are lots of things to consider when thinking about how to organise a market stall. Here are a few hints and tips that may assist you when getting organised:

How to organise a market stall (1)

Local Markets

Do your homework. What markets are in your local area?
What do the markets sell now that may be in competition to your items or that sell well? Are there buyers queuing up to buy your type of goods?
What is the weather going to be like? Is it a factor in whether the market runs or not? Does it affect your setup?
How often do the markets run?
What is the cost for a stall? Is it going to be worthwhile?
Are you required to have your own insurance? (highly recommended)
What happens if you cancel your stall?
Check the Market’s terms and conditions. If there aren’t any, be wary.
Is the market purely for arts and crafts? Is it a trash and treasure market combined with crafts? Generally, buyers expect markets to offer cheaper prices. Be prepared to barter with your customers and to bring your prices down if you’re at a carboot sale or trash and treasure type market.
Have a look at online reviews of the markets you’re interested in, or visit one for yourself and check out the local traffic, parking facilities, custom, hours of operation etc. Talk to some of the stallholders and regular visitors for their thoughts and what they’re looking for and expecting to pay for goods and stalls.
Book ahead and pay for your site. Plan ahead and think well in advance about how you want to stock and set up your stall.
Night markets v. day markets? Which ones suits you best? Which ones will most likely attract your target market?
Does the market allow you sufficient space? Your stall size could be 3 m x 1.5 m, or 3 x 3 m or something different… see what options are available.
Does it allow you space to demonstrate your craft?

Stock

Make sure you’ve got plenty of stock.
Don’t lay out all your stock first. Clutter = confusion and makes it really difficult for a buyer to choose the right item.
Once an item is sold, then replace it from your stock.
Pricing your stock is not always an easy task. Check out what your competition is charging. Talk to the market organisers as to what their customers expect – cheap or higher pricing? Visiting a trash and treasure market might be ideal for you to offload some of your excess stock or seconds at a cheaper price than normal.

How to organise a market stall (4)

Display

Keep it minimalistic. Less is more.
You can pick up all sorts of display items cheaply at trash and treasure markets, carboot sales, local tips – where they keep items back from landfill for sale, recycle centres and op shops.
Think about display boxes, cloths, ornaments, food (for functional ware) eg apples in a large bowl, trinkets, dividers and any sort of partitioning and shelving.
Be sure to check whether you need to BYO tables and chairs or whether they’re provided. Investing in a couple of trestle/fold-up tables and camping chairs is a great idea.
Think about the setup and how your customers are going to feel when they see your display. Is it welcoming? Is it intimidating? Is it light or dark and easy to see your display? Sometimes people don’t feel comfortable having to move into a space where you’re sitting or if it’s too far back from the main path or if they feel they’re being watched. Consider a u-shape design where they can move around easily or even just a front table where you sit or stand behind.
Storage boxes are great to turn upside down and place under cloths to gain extra display height.
If the ground is uneven on the market site, take chocks along to raise your table height, or if possible and safe to do so, use a hammer or pick to create a hole in the ground to lower one side of the table.
Keep your cash float hidden. When customers purchase using a credit or debit card keep the card in their view at all times so that they know that it’s not being tampered with or scanned etc. I’d highly recommend using Square for credit card purchases – it’s cheap, quick and easy and you receive notification (via email) of sales instantly. It takes about 3 days for the cash to hit your back account and yes, they have a fee, but you can also include that in your purchase price of course. If you’re interested in signing up for their services, just click here and receive free processing on up to $1,000 in sales during your first 180 days – Square.

Signage

What signage do you have to promote yourself and/or your business? Do you have a banner?
Business cards and posters
Display signs showing the price of items
Consider displaying a short paragraph or two about yourself and your background, how you came to produce the items you do, your inspirations etc – people love a good story.
Think about the colour of your signs. They need to be easy to read and also stand out. Bargains are always a standout in a red coloured font.
Sandwich/A-frame boards are also a good idea as people will see them before they even get to your stall

How to organise a market stall (3)

Insurance

Consider purchasing your own public liability and product liability insurance. There are plenty of providers out there for one-off events or for an annual premium. If you’re an Australian Ceramics Association member you can organise insurance along with your membership. Regional Arts Victoria also offer insurance packages, as do various insurance brokers. It’s worth doing your homework.
Keep insurance at the top of your priority list and protect yourself.

What to take

A friend to help you setup and sell!
Marquee/display tent
Cash float
Tables, boxes, shelving, racks
Table cloths
Display boxes and stands
Stationery (bulldog clips, notepad and pen, price tags, price stands, scissors, rubber bands, Blu-tak, thick textas,
Wet wipes and cleaning cloths (some sites can be dry and dusty)
Promotional banner, business cards, gift certificates, flyers
Carry bags, gift wrap, gift bags
Tools – hammer, rope, tent pegs, sandbags, S-hooks
Food and drinks
Wet weather gear – umbrella, rain coat, gumboots, tarpaulins, plastic cloths
Your products
Trolley for moving items from your car to your stall
Camera – always good for PR shots of your stall and promoting the event on social media!

Markets are great fun and can be a wonderful community of people who are willing to help you out on the day, look after your stall and share their hints and tips. Get along, have some fun and sell your stuff!

How to organise a market stall (2)

Leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts and experiences in setting up your own stall!

18 How to write an artist statement

August 7, 2017 by Deanna Roberts Leave a Comment

So, you’ve got an exhibition in mind and you’re ready to apply right? They’re asking you for an artist statement and you’re wondering how on earth you write something like that? Ok… maybe you’ve written a few already and are still not sure whether it’s the right thing… or you’ve done an online search on how to write an artist statement.

Well, let me say, I’ve written a few myself too and I’m still not 100% sure what’s right or what’s wrong, but I am sure that there is no 100% right or wrong. Different gallery owners and exhibition judges look for different things, I do know that. Remember too that there are a lot of people that are going to read your statement, should your application be successful. Of course you can have it featured on your Faceboook, Instagram page and website but also, if it’s going to be displayed on a plinth at an exhibition, people will stop and read about you.

Having hunted around on the internet myself on many occasions I’ve found that the main gist of writing is to include information about you and what inspired your work to come to fruition. It doesn’t have to be deep and meaningful or complicated. Keep it simple and keep it true. Avoid babbling on. You want to keep the reader there, looking at your work, not bored with verbal diarrhoea.

Add some humour to it too if it pushes your buttons. It may include a story (why not add in a cartoon perhaps?) from your childhood or an occasion where something ridiculous happened and from that came the inspiration for your work. For example… let’s say you face-planted a birthday cake one day by accident. From that point on you began to make face sculptures that had additional texture and layers added.

It’s all about sharing what’s true and genuine. Talk about yourself but keep it simple. We’re not sending out life stories here. Sincerity is the key.

Here are a few links which I’ve found helpful and you may also find can assist you in composing your statement:

Art League

Agora Gallery

Art Business Info

Of course, plagiarism is out of the question but do check out some of the artist statements of artists you admire and you know have built a reputation for their work. Compare and pick out the bits you like and ask yourself why you like them. What is it about those sentences or paragraphs that you like so much? What appeals? Then write your own with all of the above in consideration.

Lastly, get someone who’s done it before and had success to read yours and pick it to bits. You may get a gold star, sure, but you may also get some objective criticism, which is of course invaluable to your own success and progress. The key thing with succeeding at how to write an artist statement, for sure, is to look at those who have gone before you. What have they done to succeed? Learn from them and utilise those learnings in your own development.

Knock yourself out! And… good luck 🙂

17 Transformers autobot in San Bao? What the?

May 23, 2017 by Deanna Roberts Leave a Comment

Transformers in San Bao? What the? Keep reading…

So, you’re off on a day trip and someone’s suggested San Bao, about 15 mins from Jingdzhen. I guess you then wonder what to do in San Bao. Well… there’s plenty to keep you occupied. You can always hire a taxi to take you there, jump on the back of a motorbike or pedal your own way. San Bao is only a short distance from Jingdezhen and when you head up the main drag and hang a left, you’ll see that big blue sign on the road that announces the entrance to San Bao.

In 2015 the amount of roadworks undertaken in San Bao was huge. The roads certainly left a lot to be desired but have since been fixed up a great deal and make travel that much more pleasant. Be sure to find out what you can about the area before departing. There’s lots of history in San Bao, lots of stories and loads to look at.

Pop by the Ancient Artists Museum adjacent to the Hang Guang Ceramic Cultural Center and explore the grounds. The entrance road may seem long but the scenery is gorgeous and the mountains in the background are beautiful when lit up by the sun. Follow the path around to the left and you’ll see the artisans at work, displaying the old and traditional methods of craftsmanship.

There’s a great deal to see and the artists there may even offer you a paintbrush to have a go yourself. It’s really interesting to watch and you can only admire the patience and skill these artisans have. They spend hours and hours perfecting their craft and showing it off on beautifully crafted ware.

Venture out the back of the museum too. The buildings have been constructed in a very traditional manner using materials that look like their going to flake off at any time, yet have stood the test of time and endured the elements.

Not sure whether this workman was fixing the road or weeding the path, but either way it was hard work and lots of elbow grease as he painstakingly sat in the scorching sun chipping away at the sandy mortar between each stone block at his feet.

Be sure to look out for things along the way too and take your camera; you just never know what you might find!

Transformers in San Bao? What the? This ‘Transformers’ autobot figure pictured above was found behind this wall (below) – you can just see a glimpse of the autobot on the right of the archway. It was the archway that caught my eye straight away – the work that must’ve gone into it to put it together… and keep it stable no less! Amazing workmanship. Once you enter the timber yard, you’ll see little pockets of galleries along the side and a few bits of artwork scattered across the path. A fascinating place to visit.

On the road at Fonzie’s Diner

On the road at Betty’s Burgers and Concrete Co

What is PayID?

Fabric & Sewing Acronyms – WT do they mean?

Why every potter needs a split-leg apron