Frida & Co. Design by Toula

So Greek Easter is now done and dusted. The day included the annual tradition of egg smashing wars (the competition is real and fierce my friends and not for the feint hearted), food that could stretch twice around the planet, desserts to put Brunetti’s to shame, the same family stories we’ve all heard a million times but love nevertheless, the welcoming of new people into the family, the missing of family that couldn’t be with us and an after party of carb coma victims catching a few zeez.

All’s well.

Some days despite your best efforts you achieve little. It’s easy to feel dejected but when you look at what you have achieved in a week you can often surprise yourself.

This week my focus has been creating crocheted beads to add to my clothes, bags and accessories.

It was a great idea in theory but in practice it was oh-em-gee territory. They took sooooo looooong to make, so by the end of a day of measuring, cutting, sewing, stuffing tiny bundles and then beading them I had little to show for all my efforts.

But I’m a stubborn creator and I persisted. By the end of the week my little bundle of beady treasures looked somewhat respectable. I’ll chalk that one up as a win.

Other wins (swipe to see) included going to my art group where the topic of conversation was about the meditative Japanese sewing practice of sashiko, reading The Cuckoo’s Calling a rollicking crime fiction novel, watching a Domestika course on making resin based jewellery, signing up for a series of upcycling classes with a local artist, attending an online business seminar, practicing using air dried clay, painting a rusting old tray in bubblegum pink, getting a flat tyre and being cared for by kind strangers, buying old jewellery to upcycle into new treasures, and sprouting some peas to plant in the garden. I may or may not have watched a few too many funky dance routines (especially the routine by Mads Mikkelson) and cute animal videos along the way.

All in all not so bad after all. All’s well that…..

So I guess before we judge ourselves too harshly let’s try backing up a little and looking at our lives with a wider, more forgiving viewing lense.

Here’s to broadening our horizons and being a little kinder to ourselves this week. Tell me what you see.

Credit: Crocheted Frida beads photographed on an illustration designed by über talented illustrator Georgia Perry as featured in the current edition of my favorite magazine Frankie

❤️Toula

Common business wisdom will say I have bitten off more than I can chew in trying to set up Frida & Co. I hear the words ‘niche down further’ but I’m whistling Dixie and can’t (or won’t) hear it properly.

I am determined to stick to my original vision which is to crochet clothes, bags and accessories for my beloved ageless style queens.

Have I bitten off more than I can chew? Yep. Am I taking longer, much, much, muuuuuch longer than I thought to launch this business into the world. Yep. Am I concerned. Nope.

I guess the sane thing would be to scale it back, go smaller but I’m more of a ‘Go Big or Go Home’ kinda gal.

I had not realised how much work was involved in building not just a business but a little sustainable brand by yourself. Ain’t nobody here but this chicken, but this chicken is finally getting help with the bits I don’t have time to do or don’t like doing.

Luckily I’m okay-ish with taking my time. My beloved friend Carm over at says I’m too cautious and overthinking it and she’s right. I’m that too.

Thankfully it’s all fascinating (we’ll mostly), from learning about customer avatars, setting up newsletters, an e-commerce website, plumping up my blog, writing effective product descriptions, social media, product photography, setting up payment facilities and my most dreaded activity selling.

But I love having all these plates spinning. I thrive on the challenge of it all and in a counter-intuitive way is keeping me sane.

I may or may not get there but l’m going to give it a red hot go.

Here’s to walking and chewing gum at the same time. 💃🏽












hic

It’s a Mona kinda Sunday.

I only recently learned how to make these flowers. Hopefully they will embellish a F&C creation soon. Stay tuned.

Bless your Sunday bits. May your day be filled with creativity, naps and endless cups of tea in beautiful China cups. 🎨💤🫖☕️

These are my womenfolk.

My grandmother (seated in the middle) was widowed early. She kept her five daughters alive through famine, world war, N**i occupation, civil war and later on a dictatorship. She made the ultimate sacrifice to send three of those daughters to the other side of the world to marry men they didn’t know, all in the hopes that they would have a better life.
They have passed down enduring gifts that are encoded in my DNA.

Giving thanks just doesn’t seem nearly enough. I stitch my gratitude for these gifts in every stitch I make. I learned to craft things with my hands from these women. Frida and Co. is a creative practice that honors these women and their extraordinary legacy.

Today on International Women’s Day I want to celebrate not just my womenfolk but all our womenfolk, past, present and those who will come after us.

May we continue to weave stories of resilience, hope, and creation, one stitch at a time.

Sistas from other misters I salute you.

xxToula

Nothing quite like the threat of public humiliation to get one’s posterior motivated enough to Get Things Done.

I was asked by a local Warburton mover and shaker (I’m looking at you Melanie) if I would like to exhibit one of my crocheted pieces in an upcoming exhibition of local artists.

My Inner Critic was the first to arrive on the scene and in abject terror screamed NOOOOOOO!!!!…what if you… what if it doesn’t…what if… and that’s where I shot my hand up in the dear critic’s face and said “Talk to the hand, I’ve got this, I’m good“ before I allowed the rest of the OMG NOOO Brigade to arrive and p**p on my party. I threw up a little in my mouth but I just said yes.

Usually, my anxiety needs to have all my ducks in a row, the house meticulously clean, and the planets aligned just so before I can even consider saying yes to anything that might involve the public in any way but this year I have decided to gird my loins and take a stroll beyond the strongly fortified walls of my comfort zone. So yes it was.

Brené Brown says that our first foray into shame often involves creativity. She says that about 50% of us have art scars.

The Great Pom-Pom Incident of 1966 is my indelible and invisible shame scar but that’s another story for another time. Saying yes was a bold way of getting out of my own way and staring shame down and getting on with the business of being an artist in the world, of being a person who feels the shame and does it anyway. That’s who I want to be and if I can share this newfound courage with my brilliant posse then I will be all the richer for it. Maybe we can all collectively stare down shame and share our gifts with the world.

My crochet piece the Eleni Crossing bodice is the story of my mother‘s migration to Australia. It is now standing shamelessly at the Warburton Waterwheel Art Gallery and will be showing until 30 October 2023. Come along and see what very special artisans this little pocket of the world has to offer.

Warburton Waterwheel Art Gallery
3400 Warburton Hwy, Warburton VIC 3799

Nothing quite like the threat of public humiliation to get one’s posterior motivated enough to Get Things Done.

I was asked by a local Warburton mover and shaker (I’m looking at you Melanie) if I would like to exhibit one of my crocheted pieces in an upcoming exhibition of local artists.

My Inner Critic was the first to arrive on the scene and in abject terror screamed NOOOOOOO!!!!…what if you… what if it doesn’t…what if… and that’s where I shot my hand up in the dear critic’s face and said “Talk to the hand, I’ve got this, I’m good“ before I allowed the rest of the OMG NOOO Brigade to arrive and p**p on my party. I threw up a little in my mouth but I just said yes.

Usually, my anxiety needs to have all my ducks in a row, the house meticulously clean, and the planets aligned just so before I can even consider saying yes to anything that might involve the public in any way but this year I have decided to gird my loins and take a stroll beyond the strongly fortified walls of my comfort zone. So yes it was.

Brené Brown says that our first foray into shame often involves creativity. She says that about 50% of us have art scars.

The Great Pom-Pom Incident of 1966 is my indelible and invisible shame scar but that’s another story for another time. Saying yes was a bold way of getting out of my own way and staring shame down and getting on with the business of being an artist in the world, of being a person who feels the shame and does it anyway. That’s who I want to be and if I can share this newfound courage with my brilliant posse then I will be all the richer for it. Maybe we can all collectively stare down shame and share our gifts with the world.

My crochet piece the Eleni Crossing bodice is the story of my mother‘s migration to Australia. It is now standing shamelessly at the Warburton Waterwheel Art Gallery and will be showing until 30 October 2023. Come along and see what very special artisans this little pocket of the world has to offer.

Warburton Waterwheel Art Gallery
3400 Warburton Hwy, Warburton VIC 3799

Creativity is not the sole domain of artists. Do your thing!

“Eco-brands are increasingly challenging the status quo, bringing in fashion-forward, chic designs with vibrant shades and, at times, a cheeky edge.”
The Guardian

The art (and evolution) of eco-design When it comes to eco design, bland is out, with more environmentally inclined brands favouring the bold

“I don’t want to create clothing, I want to create an environment..When you have an emotional connection to something you’re less likely to throw it away.”
Emotive Fashion | Michelle Lesniak

This is a fascinating talk about how Michelle Lesniak approaches her design process and the high value she places on collaborating with other creatives to create haunting and engaging fashion experiences.

Emotive fashion | Michelle Lesniak | TEDxOregonStateU Where does fashion come from? Fashion designer Michelle Lesniak talks about her footsteps in creating a fashion line. By using unusual methods and pulling fr...

5 Crochet Makers to Watch

1. .bad
Knot.bad is a crochet artist who creates stunning and unique crocheted clothing pieces.

Knot.bad’s work includes fabulously bold colors and interesting textures, and a variety of crochet stitches to create beautiful patterns. The clothes include fringe, tassels, and other embellishments into the designs. Got to love that.

2. .rose.designs
Saint Rose Designs is a crochet artist who creates beautiful and intricate crocheted clothing pieces.

Their work is characterized by delicate lace patterns and feminine designs, like their stunning crocheted dresses and tops. They often use natural fibers like cotton and linen to create their pieces.

3.
Daisy Farm Crafts is a crochet artist who creates beautiful and cozy crocheted sweaters, cardigans, and other clothing items. Their work is characterized by classic designs and neutral colors, and they often use bulky yarns to create cozy and warm pieces.

Their Instagram is full of beautiful photos of their work, along with patterns and tutorials.

4. Hooked on Homemade Joy is a crochet artist who creates beautiful and colorful crocheted clothing pieces, like their stunning crocheted ponchos and shawls.

The clothes include bold colors and interesting stitch patterns, and often includes gradient or variegated yarns to create beautiful color transitions.

5.
Sewrella is a crochet artist who creates beautiful and modern crocheted clothing pieces, like their popular crocheted cardigans and tops. The simple, clean designs and neutral colors, make their pieces versatile and easy to wear. They often use soft, lightweight yarns to create comfortable and wearable pieces.

All of these crochet clothing makers are incredibly talented and their work is definitely worth checking out!

…and of course if you’d like to see what I’m up to, you can visit me at Frida & Co. Design by Toula (Facebook) and (Instagram).

I post different types of content for on each account to keep it interesting. I’d love you to drop by.

💋Toula

Frida & Co. Design by Toula 🧵Artisan quality, one of a kind timeless crochet, sustainable luxury that won’t cost the Earth

Can working with your hands improve your anxiety and depression? According to Dr. Susan Biali the Effort Driven Reward Cycle working with your hands (even when you’re procrastinating) can significantly lift your mood.

Guess that’s why I’m happiest when I’m making things for Frida & Co. Busy hands, calm brain and happy heart. It’s a win, win, win. 🧵🪡💃🏽

Working With Your Hands Can Do Wonders For Your Brain | Dr. Susan Biali Haas Take a break by doing something with your hands. Activities that use your hands can relieve stress and help you solve problems.

Do you have an Aesthetic Mindset?

Find out by taking this great quiz developed by the authors of Your Brain on Art How the Arts Transform Us, Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross.

Questions Take the following short survey and find out the ways in which aesthetics and the arts affect you.

Behind the scenes today at Frida & Co. World Headquarters.

Just me and my kookaburras.

What shall I work on today?

Some sound wisdom on quality from Benjamin Franklin:

“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.”

…because beauty is its own reward.

Despite how hard my head wants minimalism I have a maximalist’s heart that is fatally drawn to beauty. I swoon and worship at the altar of Aphrodite, Venus, Helen, Lakshmi and all the other mythical beauty babes.

Frida Kahlo was of flesh, blood and viscera but she’s been given mythical status over the years for her legacy of beauty, sass and gorgeous gumption.

My business Frida & Co. is a homage to her indomitable spirit and all the other women artist makers whose shoulders I stand on (that’s the Co. part).

Frida and a tribe of other women (real & imagined) watch over me from every corner of my house. Here is the woman herself beaming inspiration and meaning into my physical and psychic space. Sure, it’s just an object but when an object is imbued with meaning it’s a form of consecration. We make the mundane holy.

My beloved surprised me these stunning glasses at a recent reunion after not seeing each other in the flesh for way too long. Now I will not be able to look at these treasures without thinking of my beloved friend, of friends I dearly miss and of the soul and sanity saving presence of friends.

So my lovelies hold on tight to all the beautiful people in your life, ditch the ugly and shamelessly worship at the altar of beauty. This I know to be true.

Tell me, what’s one mundane object that is precious and holy to you?

My cup runeth over. Have a beauty filled day.

❤️Toula

🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺