Melbourne Mini Break

I've just spent the weekend in Melbourne with a posse of local ladies from my 'hood.

While there was plenty of eating and drinking, (we were assigned the task of researching the perfect cocktail for an upcoming school event - but didn't really need the excuse!) there was lots of time for creativity too.

My weekend consisted of both intentional and incidental Creative Finds.

Commencing with the Dior Exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria on Friday, and continuing with both the Book of Mormon Musical and the Rose Street Markets in Fitzroy which is held every Saturday.

There was oodles of creativity around every corner in the CBD. Street Art was bringing to life what would've once been some fairly unsavoury areas.

Unofficially in charge of "documenting" the weekend,  I took on this responsibility with gusto and my Camera Roll is chock full of my Melbourne observations.

Here's my wrap up in images:

Melbourne did not disappoint. The weekend away was voted 11/10.

Free tram rides throughout the city, fab food, internationally acclaimed cultural events, super friendly locals,  and a groovy vibe. And no time for any AFL!!!

Even the weather was kind to us Sydney-siders who have conniptions at temperatures under 18degrees.

Sx

Popping Up...

If you're in Adelaide and you fancy ticking off some Christmas Shopping before December hits, and you fancy the idea of doing this in a relaxed atmosphere boasting friands and fizz, then diarise a little visit to Kensington Gardens this weekend.

The Adelaide Test Match is an event firmly etched into the psyche of every local whether they are interested in cricket or not.

So while the air is electric with summer and socialising, the time for shopping couldn't be better.

Before heading off to the Pimms tent on the lawns behind the cricket oval, the Brown Button Pop Up Shop will provide you with an opportunity for some bespoke gift buying sure to put a spring in your step and get your Christmas shopping off to a flying start.

The girls at Brown Button have an eye for the delightful.
Home decor, kids gifts, party ware and stationary. Even the coveted Italian toothpaste is part of the BB offerings.

If for some sad reason, you can't get along in person, jump on their website for some online shopping and free delivery for orders over $150.

Here's a little taste of the Brown Button goodies....

As it turns out, the girls at Brown Button have invited find...found...forage to Pop Up with them, so I'm thrilled to be able to showcase my hand made finds and offering them at special Pop Up prices. 

The super soft Ballet Flats will be $75 a pair, while Christmas decorations, candles, key rings, jewellery, baskets and more start from as low as $5.

Kris Kringle? 

Stocking Filler?

Pressie to self?

Pop Up = One Stop Shop.

Sx 

To Market, to Market...

Fellow peddlers of hand-made loveliness at the recent KRB Spring Fair, these small businesses were just some of the delightful folk I met while exhibiting the find...found...forage wares.

Fi from The Inspired Paddock had set up the most stylish stand. She was selling pieces such as antlers that have been naturally shed, wreaths made from barbed wire, and lamps, vases and decor items made from the trunks of Birch trees.

Looking for pheasant feathers? Want a deer hide? Or how about a hand-made backgammon or chess board? Fi has gotten busy in her studio shed and made all these items herself. By hand.

Be prepared to drool....
(all photos taken by Fi herself)

Need to get your Christmas Gift Wrap theme sorted? Are you using wrapping paper as a centrepiece for your Christmas table? What about the bon bons?

Wrappsody were also at the KRB Spring Fair with the most comprehensive array of wrapping papers, co-ordinating ribbons and gift tags. Not only were there tons of options, but the rolls of paper came in quantities sure to wrap all your loot.

Rolls of 10m or 50m of the highest quality papers are sourced with co-ordinating ribbons. I for one, cannot wrap a gift without finishing it with a ribbon. Amy and her team solved my Chrissie wrapping conundrum.

I've already wrapped a trio of gifts on their way to the UK...

photos from Wrappsody 

Lucy from Frayed was another talented crafts-lady with scrumptious offerings. This time of the Shibori kind. All manner of linen delights were on offer from cushions, to napkins, placemats and bunting.

Her gift tags alone will convince you to style your Christmas blue this year!

photos courtesy of Lucy

Fairs and markets are on in abundance at this time of year.
Get yourselves along to one and pick up some pressies that are sure to tick the 'unique' box.
Sx