As a fashion icon, the @rcade is aware that we must constantly keep up with the latest trends in order to keep our social standing atop the pyramid of the social elite… well if that wasn’t a lie then call us Pinocchio! We couldn’t tell you what is in or what is it out but we can tell what we think is cool and Blue Moon Bits and Bobs are definitely on the cool list.
Photograph by Adventures in Failure (2010)
Founded this year by Lydia Farrell, the jewellery and accessory designs have peeked interest all around the country and Lydia now finds herself taking new orders nearly every week! To be honest it’s no shock as to why – with such colourful, funky and imaginative designs, Lydia’s pieces are a must have for any guy or girl who wants to show off. The accessories are perfect for brightening up not just an outfit but your entire day and with a collection from felt Zombie Duck fasteners, to cupcake jewellery, there really is something for everyone when it comes to the work of Blue Moon Bits and Bobs and at affordable prices you really can’t afford to not pick up some for yourself or friends or both!
We pull Lydia away from her work to find out more about her pieces…
Can you tell us a little bit about who you are?
An unemployed 1950s throw back with a little bit too much time on her hands now I’ve finished in college! 🙂
Where did the idea for the ducks come from?
Well to keep a long story short, myself and my boyfriend are a bit mad about zombies and every week on his Facebook I post a picture of a rubber duck that in some way ties in with the week we’ve had. So when I found the instructions online for how to make a felt rubber duckie broach I had to make a zombie rubber duck to post on his page. Afterwards I posted a picture of the duck in my Facebook status and the general feedback on it was so positive and with a few of my friends asking if they could buy one, I decided to start making more of the little guys. The jewellery and hair flowers followed on from there.
What sort of products can people order from you?
Well I make felt ducks, a number of traditional tattoo inspired rings, necklaces and chokers, cupcake necklaces and broaches, felt geisha flowers, hair clips with orchid flowers and fascinators.
How long does it take you to make a single piece?
It really depends on what it is. For the ducks from cutting out the felt to stitching it all together it can take about an hour or so depending on how much detail I’m putting in. I’m quicker making the fimo jewellery though, so in the time it takes me to make a duck I can make maybe 2 or 3 pendants. Granted there’s also baking and glazing time too add to. The fascinators without a doubt take me the longest! Anything that involves glue and drying time will always take longer!
Is this something you’ve always wanted to? How did you find yourself the creator of some the funkiest accessories around?
Why thank you for the compliment, what a lovely way to describe them! 🙂 Honestly, I used to like the idea of being a clothing designer when I was a kid, one of many dream careers growing up, another being a detective like Sherlock Holmes. But, with my Bachelors degree under my belt I would like pursue a career involving psychology. Forensic psychology seems to be the main contender for me at the moment but the lack of an accredited course in the Republic is a bit craptacular.
Do you have to order a specific piece are can orders be customised?
I’ve been making batches of pieces just for general sale, so I’ll make them whatever way I think looks good, then if that piece sells, I’ll make a couple more. So yes people can order specific pieces that I’ve already made and yes I also make pieces to order. So far this has included cupcake earrings with specific colours, a cupcake broach and a heart key tag both with banners with personalised messages and a couple of pairs of true love heart cufflinks.
Are these available to buy in stores? Where can we get them?
It is possible to buy my pieces online through either my Facebook account, Blue Moon Bits and Bobs. I also do a stall at the Beauty Spot in the Dakota bar on Thursday evenings and a few other markets, details of which I’ll be regularly posting up on my Facebook page. For customised orders I recommend sending me an inbox message on Facebook.
Do you have plans to increase your line? What’s the future hold for you?
Honestly every time I have to make another batch I’m always trying to include a couple of new designs so I’ll have a few new pieces at my next outing. What the future holds? Who knows! A real job that pays minimum wage would be nice!
Finally if you were trapped in an Arcade for eternity, what one game would you play to pass the time?
Whenever I’m in an arcade I make a B-line for the air hockey tables and failing that, say there are already people on it, my next pick is Whack-a-mole. Great game for a pacifist vegetarian to play, huh?!
For your chance to win special LIMITED EDITION @rcade inspired ducks, head over to our FORUMS, sign up and post in our competition section! Competition closes tomorrow evening and all winners will be announced at 6pm! Best of luck!
If you would like to contact Lydia about some work or you would like to see more of her pieces then please click the link below and be sure to add her Facebook group for updates!
Click the pictures below for more examples of Lydia’s colourful creations!
