The Last Sunday of each month...

Sunny Sundays don't come better than this. Water views, sustainable surroundings, organic food and creative artisans can be found on the last Sunday of each month at the Historic Coal Loader Site in Waverton (North Sydney).

What was an industrial site, is now home to an inspiring Sustainability Centre with best practise sustainable tecnology, workshops, organic gardening and stunning flora and fauna with Sydney's harbour as a backdrop.

I supported (ie: purchased from!) a number of the talented artisans who were exhibiting their wares, when I visited last month.

The most divine "kiss and hug" earrings from Ayana Jewellery, came packaged complete with polishing cloth for AUD$18.

photo courtesy of ayana jewellery

Although there are no teething babies in my current network, I couldn't help but grab one of these beechwood teethers to pop in the gift box.

Made by Wildwood Kids, the beads are made using food grade silicon and since the combination of colours and shades are so on trend, these little beauties wouldn't look out of place on display.

Various shapes are on offer, as well as pram accessories and necklaces.  AUD $29

You may have seen on the "creative finds instagram account" the gorgeous succulent arrangements by Marilyn at For the Love of Succulents?

The big wreath is equally at home on the wall / door or the table with a large candle in the middle. The living wall is customisable to your requirements and Marilyn makes sweet little wedding or party favour succulents too.

A more picturesque, peaceful market I haven't come across.

Tranquil with a capital T.

Sx

************** ammendment: the Coal Loader Markets have recently changed to the end of each Season, rather than monthly. Next date will be end of August : Sunday the 27th 2017 and then Sunday Nov 26th. ***************

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

Rubbing Shoulders....

Thrilled to be setting up shop for the day at the monthly Mosman Markets this coming Saturday.

Set on the Mosman Square and Village Green, I'll be in great company with over 150 art & craft stalls plus gourmet food and entertainment.

I'm secretly hoping to be positioned next to the exquisite hand poured Maison Petale Candles as the scent wafting from their stall is just divine. And don't get me started on the packaging. Yum. Website prices AUD$59 but cheaper at the Markets!!

photo by Maison Petale

Sailor Made will be there with their funky tote and duffle bags made from recycled sail products. Prices start at AUD$75.

photos courtesy of Sailor Made

Printmaker Fiona Roderick will be showcasing her range of lino prints, tea towels and wall art of truly Australiana scenes. Tea Towels such as this delightful Maggie are too good for the dishes surely? And at AUD$25 make economical art!

pictures courtesy of Fiona Roderick

The latest take on the Pic-nic Rug are these beautiful, oversized & waterproof rugs by Pixie Rugs. Doing the rounds, their colourful designs are hits at markets everywhere. From AUD$85.

photos by Pixie Rugs

So many more stall holders at Sydney's Premier Artisan Market. Some of whom have been selling there for 20+ years!

Looking forward to introducing the find...found...forage ballet flats to the market goers.
Come along!
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 

All the fun of the fair...

Sunday saw find...found...forage sitting front and centre at the Kincoppal Spring Fair. And what a fair it was! Held once every four years, it is a community event eagerly anticipated by both the Eastern Suburbs locals and the school girls, and it attracts over 5 000 people.

The weather was kind and the patrons were out in force. When you have an interior decorator of the calibre of Leanne Smeallie on the organising committee, the fair was always going to be a stylish affair.

I'll showcase some of my fellow market stall holders in my next blog post, but for now here are some snaps from the day.

How good do the bunting, hay bales and picket fences look?
And you couldn't possibly have Devonshire tea without chandeliers, roses and proper English china tea cups, could you?

The market stalls from external exhibitors (like me!) were set up indoors.....

Thanks to the Kincoppal community for an atmospheric & supportive Spring Fair.

Spring has sprung.
Sx