Sneak Peak....

Stock is arriving daily and it's like Christmas come early.

For an avid shopper, this gig is doing what I do best:

Searching and sourcing hand-crafted items from across the globe, in order to curate a selection of gifts to offer you in my online shop.

That's 'creative finds'  in a nutshell.

The big reveal is still on track for October, but in the meantime, here is a little taster of some of the hand-made gift solutions you can expect to find via the creative finds website:


Leopard Print Leather Coin Purses and Clutches for the gals:

Cotton and Satin Pocket Squares for the Guys:

Tangle Free Headphones for the Tweens:

Stunning Photo Display Stands - for just about anyone:

Oak and Silicon Teethers for the Little-uns:

....and so much more!

In the meantime be sure to follow creative finds on instagram and on facebook.
Sx

Ceramics & their imposters

I've been enamoured by all the new age ceramicists who are working their magic to produce beautiful wares for both the home and the body.

Bridget Bodenham is one such potter, based in country Victoria who has been popping up with her delightful vases, vessels, rings and even spoons in the most spectacular style.

Check out her recent stall in Sydney at the Finders Keepers Markets....bearing in mind she needs to transport this stunning set up interstate:

photos courtesy of Bridget Bodenham

Having bought one of these grey, blue and gold, 3 x legged planters above,  it was little wonder the Vessels below caught my eye. There is an uncanny resemblance while being absolute polar opposite in terms of their making!

These photos are taken by Lisa Tilse who has fashioned some very high end looking pieces as an IKEA Hack, using a $1.99 vase, some material and curtain rings! I absolutely love the finished product. 

Should you wish to make something similar, you can find Lisa's step by step instructions over on her blog.

photos courtesy of We are Scout

Clever pieces whichever way you look at it. 

Sx

Pint Sized Pixies

I just had to share the cuteness overload that are Pixie Dolls by Carmela.

Each of these pixie and fairy dolls are handmade from pure natural fibres and are sure to create hours of imaginative play for children.

They come in 3 sizes, perfect for creating little families.

And just look at the accessories.

Swoon.

The most perfectly endearing gift for a small person.

Prices vary. Some of the little accessories are as little as AUD$2 and some of the big, intricate houses AUD$80.
Carmela sells at a number of markets over the weekends, sprinkling magical pixie dust wherever she goes.

Oh to be a kid again.

S x

Winter Warmers....

We've another month and a half of Winter in the Southern Hemisphere, so I've been searching for handmade products with a toasty theme to keep the Winter chills at bay.


The finest British yarn has been used by RowPinto in London to handcraft this beautiful cashmere dream set.  I'd be sure to dream sweetly with these luxurious pieces. GDP240

Crochet Tea Party made this Hot Water Bottle Cover using a crocodile stitch. Who knew there was such a thing? And if you're so inclined, she shares her patterns on her blog too. 

Animal Liberationists look away now, as this colourful scarf by daymisfurry is made using genuine fox fur. GBP40

Made in Nepal, I could have done with this 100% cashmere neck-warmer on our recent ski trip. For AUD$59, you can pick one up at Black Arrow Label

We've all heard of a tea cosy right? Well Twinkknits makes a mug cosy. Tea sure, but I think this would be perfect for keeping the mulled wine as well as your hands warm around the campfire this winter. AUD$14

To be fair, we barely get a winter in Sydney. When the mercury drops below 18 everybody starts to freeze and hibernates indoors. I for one, would choose summer over Winter any day, but will concede that there is something comforting about rugging up and inhaling that crisp, fresh Winter air.  

Plus, Winter is the perfect excuse to purchase cashmere. 

Sx

Let's hear it for the boys...

Not only are there plenty of handmade creations designed specifically for the blokes, there are also an ever increasing number of chaps following their passions, flexing their artisan muscles, and making superior handcrafted products.

Afternoons with Albert is the avenue by which Perth Pilot, Shane, brings form, function and beauty together, by designing & making products to enhance our lifestyle.

His Cord Roll is everyone's answer to tangled earphones, chargers and the lost minutiae of life. Available in Tan, Black or Grey, these are equally at home housing lipgloss and hand-cream in a handbag, as they are in a backpack or jeans pocket keeping cables in check.

AUD$75

Kiwi mates George and Willy also have a penchant for making simple, timeless, and functional products. Working with 'honest materials' these guys create products from their workshop in NZ, that will be around for generations to enjoy.

One of their best sellers, the Studio Roller, makes list making an interior design statement. Various sizes available, they come in either black or white frames, with prices starting at AUD$133.  You'll need your best writing implements - no biro please!

Often the men in our life prove the trickiest to buy for. 

No need to cop out by giving socks and jocks ever again. And handkerchiefs should be banished from the gift drawer once and for all. 

Plenty of handcrafted blokey goodness out there. And lots on offer soon in the Creative Finds Store! 

Coming soon...

Sx

Ear Candy

So I bought 4 x pairs of earrings for my good self at the Sydney Finders Keepers Markets last w/end.

It has to be said, I have been in "need" of some ear candy updates - and it was just so damn hard to choose!

While there were polymer brights, acrylic numbers with coloured foil, wooden studs, titanium hoops, the overarching theme was tassels!

I am not complaining. Love me a tassel.

Some were dainty, others audacious.

But all are guaranteed to dress up a plain outfit, or give you a confidence boost on an otherwise dreary day.

I bought a pair like this from core jewellery for AUD$38. Tin foil, acrylic, ply wood - so tactile yet, so sparkly.

photo courtesy of Core Jewellery

And these two pairs from Kingston Jewellery:

Turns out my Mum has been eyeing off the colourful and impossible-to-choose-from earrings from Kingston. Handcrafted in Victoria using mixed mediums such as clay, brass, painted elements and of course tassels, it took me an age to decide on these two pairs above.

If you head over to Jemima's facebook page there are literally hundreds of photos of her creations. No two pieces are the same, and I read a feedback comment from one of her customers that said:

"These earrings are the BOMB DOT COM". Prices started at AUD $45.

I walked out of the market wearing this pair from the girls at Polli in Bryon Bay  (and yes that is another burgandy tassel). They went perfectly with my green and gold sparkly jumper... AUD$45 

I could have easily loaded up on more earrings, but to be honest, the crowds were huge and some stands I just couldn't get close to!

A kid in a candy shop, I kept justifying purchases as Mothers Day gifts to self...

Will be sure to share more of my purchases.

Sx

Finders Keepers - this weekend

Excited about the Sydney Finders Keepers this weekend in it's new venue?

Me too.

They're holding it in the Cutout at Barangaroo!

Particularly looking forward to buying a couple of gifts to self (it's Mothers Day Sunday after-all).

I've gifted this Hello Sydney book a couple of times, but I'm super keen on picking up some of McKean Studio's other new age souvenirs.

Husband and Wife team Joshua & Megan McKean design and make bangles, acrylic ornaments, mini city-scapes, scarves and prints in a huge range of cities from their Sydney studio.

Got an international visitor coming to stay, or a colleague leaving for an o/s post ? These make the perfect gift!




New York City Bangles AUD$75:



Palm Springs is on my Bucket List, but in the meantime, how groovy is this Mini City Scape? AUD$89



And this Paris City Scene is AUD$60






Finders Keepers Sydney - this Fri night, all day Saturday &  Sunday.

In it's 10th year, it keeps getting better & better.

See you there peeps.

Sx

Diary Dates...

At any one weekend around the country, there are a plethora of artisan markets being held.

If you love perusing for unique finds in the great outdoors and with coffee in hand, then here are some upcoming events you might like to consider...

First up this weekend is Handmade Canberra - Held at EPIC in Canberra, this quarterly market was launched in 2008 and now attracts over 20,000 visitors.

Showcasing the best in handmade design and produce, over 250 local and interstate designers will represented on Sat 18th & Sun 19th March.

The team at The Grounds of Alexandria in Sydney's Inner West have the midas touch. As part of their urban sanctuary that is the outdoor cafe, sustainable garden & coffee roastery, they now offer a weekly market held each Saturday and Sunday. 

With 80 different Stall Holders who alternate weekly, local bakers, makers and creators are eagerly ready to be discovered.

From September to April on the 4th Sunday of the month, the Adelaide Hills suburb of Stirling comes alive with the monthly Stirling Laneways Market.  Each market has it's own distinct theme, creating a fun and unique feel as you wander the streets and laneways of the gorgeous hills township. Local traders, artisans, entertainers and pop-up stalls are enter twinned. 

Next Laneways Market: Sunday March 26th 

I've super pumped about the new location for Sydney's upcoming Finders Keepers Market. I'll take any excuse to get myself down to the harbour at the stunning Barangaroo Reserve.  Renowned as the Design Market for independent makers from all across Australia, the Finders Keepers is now run bi-annually in Brissie, Melbourne and Sydney.  

And hurrah - they are coming to Adelaide for the first time in August 2017 too!

Open late on the Friday night this is more of a festival than a market, combining design, art, good food, live music and a fun community spirit under one awesome roof in major city locations. 

In my own 'hood this w/end and last is TGM - That Great Market , which aims to bring community together. It's a new player in the market game, a quality lifestyle market, with great food, local musicians, entertainment, in a convenient location. Crabbes Ave, Willoughby on every 2nd Sunday, and in Lindfield each 3rd Sunday of the month. 

A makers gotta make, so it's great to see even more outlets for makers to showcase their talents.

The Eltham Easter Twilight Market will be held in Melbourne from 4pm - 8pm on the back of the super successful Christmas Twilight Market. 

Shop small and support local artisits and small businesses in the heart of Eltham. Find the perfect gift, soak up the community spirit, enjoy live music, free kids activities and heaps more! 

Easter is 4 x weeks away.  How did that happen?

And let's not forget the West.  On April 30 the next Curious Collective Market will be held in the City of Melville Main Hall. I love what they are about: 

We aim to combine the contagious enthusiasm of small business owners and the curiosity of people wanting to seek out something a little bit different and buy or try something you don't see everyday. 

Boom! Now if that's not a reason to be in business, I don't know what is?!

Bowerbird - Adelaide's long running design market has just announced it's line up of Designers. Held on the w/end of 5-7th May in the Adelaide Showgrounds, you'll almost need all of the three days to cover what's on offer! 

In it's eighth year, the offerings are pretty and practical in a dynamic environment built on creative collaboration. Take the family as children have free entry. This event is perfectly timed for some Mothers Day Shopping!

To keep abreast of Markets coming up in your city, then jump on board and follow both The Local Market Guide or The Market Roll . 

You never know what handmade goodness is lurking under a gazebo near you.

Sx

Strategic Shopping...

I love to shop and I love a bargain.

I can justify another purchase when I've saved some dollars (which makes no sense as I'll usually end up spending more) as I'll have twice as much to show for it.

Lumiere Art & Co have many beautiful textiles to choose from, AND they also have a page on their website dedicated to SALE.

Unlike many other Sale pages, this one isn't the rejects; instead it's chock full of gorgeous linen towels, cushion covers, throws and art work.

Do you have a gift drawer? Do you gift your host/ess when you visit? Then might I encourage you to fill your cart with some of the following handmade goodies to always have something on hand?

You are sure to be giving something individual, something that will punctuate your host's living space and ensure you a repeat invitation!

Teatowels start from as little as AUD$10...in fact you could pick up one each of the following and have change from $150. Now if that's not a bargain...

Velvet Round Cushion - with pom pom!

Set of four linen napkins:

Linen bath towel with 'to-die-for' fringing:

Tea Towel:

Cushion cover (never could resist a pom pom!):

Based in Melbourne Australia, The Lumiere team want to share their craft. They offer workshops where you can learn the techniques to take home your own creation - think of it as a gift to self. 😉

S x

Gold threads

When I saw the words:

 "Handwoven"

"Beautiful" and

"Textiles"

in the introduction to Langdon Ltd's website, I was confident there was going be gold on the following web pages and I was right - literally.

Metallic threads weave their way into many of the designs by Langdon Ltd. Having spied their stall at the recent Life Instyle exhibition in Sydney, I was besotted with everything they have on offer.

The cushions, bags and rugs are to die for, but the idea of elevating my humble door mat to designer level with some gold, is, pure gold!

Start your salivating now. Prices start from AUD$79 for doormats.

Langdon Ltd pieces are designed by Sydney sisters who have a serious dislike for Polyester. 

Who's with them?

S x