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

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. ***************

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

Eco Resin

While Dinosaur Designs might have put resin on the map, there are many talented makers using this medium to create homewares and jewellery.

One duo go by the name of Nanna Woo Handmade. Sisters who live in different states (Vic & Tassie) collaborate to design and make an eclectic range of eco resin pieces.

Either one of a kind or limited edition runs, it was the gold, copper and silver flakes in their pieces that I couldn't resist!

above photo courtesy of Nanna Woo Handmade

Here is the sweet purchase I made recently. Couldn't possibly leave it behind. AUD$60

A sustainable product, resin is not the only medium that Nanna Woo creates with. Polymer clay, precious metals and natural fibres are also used to create their fully sustainable and earth friendly business.

Visit Gabby and Hanna's Etsy shop for more drooling and guilt free (these are eco items remember!) purchasing. 

S x

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

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

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