markets

Nikki Catalano and edward & lilly, Australian indie labels participating in the Indie Avalanche of Prizes, a joint project by indie art & design and The Finders Keepers.

We all had a fantastic time this weekend at The Finders Keepers Markets! Thanks to all the indies who came to visit - it was really lovely to meet you in person. We held the prize draw for the Indie Avalanche of Prizes at about 7.30pm on Saturday night. The winning tickets were drawn by Kevin Tran, whose "Finders Keepers" artwork featured on the cover of our "25 reasons to shop indie" booket, Finders Keepers cofounder Sarah and myself. We were so excited to find that two of our winners were in the crowd for the draw!

Bonnie Poplar and Saffron Craig, Australian indie labels participating in the Indie Avalanche of Prizes, a joint project by indie art & design and The Finders Keepers.

A big congratulations to Natalie (ticket B31), Karla (ticket B54) and Kirsty (ticket D79). Both Natalie and Kirsty had come to Sydney especially for the Markets, so the trip was definitely worth it! By the way, Kirsty's dad (who was excited as both Kirsty & me), runs the Star of the Sea apartments in Terrigal. If you're looking for luxury accommodation for a special holiday, look no further!

Duckcloth and Gaye Abandon, Australian indie labels participating in the Indie Avalanche of Prizes, a joint project by indie art & design and The Finders Keepers.

Our three indie gift hampers were incredible, and I want to extend a big thank you to all the labels who contributed their designs to the Indie Avalanche of Prizes. There was a fantastic mix of different products and we've featured images from each label either in this post or the last... If you'd like to order from these designers, you can contact each label directly using the links below. (You'll also find some items in the new indie store which will launch this week - eek!!)

Lark and geritom71, Australian indie labels participating in the Indie Avalanche of Prizes, a joint project by indie art & design and The Finders Keepers.

All the lovely labels...
a skulk of foxes, benconservato, Bonnie Poplar, Chimney House Shoes, Duckcloth, edward & lilly, feedthedog, Gaye Abandon, geritom71, Iggy & Lou Lou, Lark, Little Jane St, little white dish, Made by White, Mainichi, me and amber, Nikki Catalano, Non-Fiction, Saffron Craig, Sarah Rothe, Simone Walsh, South for the Summer, Trove, Umbrella Prints.

Little Jane St and Mainichi, Australian indie labels participating in the Indie Avalanche of Prizes, a joint project by indie art & design and The Finders Keepers.

An extra special thanks to D&O Printing, Artarmon, for printing the Indie Avalanche of Prizes booklet. With D&O's support, we were able to give each entrant something special to keep long after the markets are over. Each label's name and URL are included with the images, and we do have copies left over. If you weren't able to attend the Markets and would like a copy of the booklet for yourself (and friends), email your address to Carolyn at nineteen.toes@indie.com.au and I'd be more than happy to pop some in the post!

little white dish and Trove, Australian indie labels participating in the Indie Avalanche of Prizes, a joint project by indie art & design and The Finders Keepers.

D&O Printing have provided us with excellent quality printing for many years. The business is family-owned and not surprisingly, the service is exceptional. They printed our booklets at very short notice, and worked late into the night last Thursday - delivering the booklets to me personally to make sure everything was ready in time for the Markets!

me and amber & Chimney House Shoes, Australian indie labels participating in the Indie Avalanche of Prizes, a joint project by indie art & design and The Finders Keepers.

If you purchased a ticket in the Indie Avalanche of Prizes, you probably met Kathryn of geritom71. Kathryn and my little sister Melissa were invaluable helpers on both Friday & Saturday and we had lots of fun manning the Non-Fiction / indie art & design stall...

Non-Fiction and Made by White, Australian indie labels participating in the Indie Avalanche of Prizes, a joint project by indie art & design and The Finders Keepers.

We look forward to future collaboration with Sarah & Brooke & The Finders Keepers!

Simone Walsh and Umbrella Prints, Australian indie labels participating in the Indie Avalanche of Prizes, a joint project by indie art & design and The Finders Keepers.

Iggy & Lou Lou and benconservato, two of the Australian indie labels participating in the Indie Avalanche of Prizes, a joint project by indie art & design and The Finders Keepers.

The next Sydney Finders Keepers Markets is fast approaching! On Friday & Saturday (4th & 5th December 2009), Carriageworks will once again come alive with a crazy array of art, design & craft products. You'll be able to do all your Christmas shopping at once!

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN INDIE... BIG TIME!

Announcing: indie art & design and The Finders Keepers have joined forces to give you the chance to win the BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT EVER with the INDIE AVALANCHE OF PRIZES!

Cover art by Kevin Tran, featured on the gorgeous booklet of labels accompanying tickets in the Indie Avalanche of Prizes, a joint project by indie art & design and The Finders Keepers.

In fact, we have assembled 3 different indie gift hampers valued at over AUD $1200 each! The gifts have been provided by 24 of our favourite indie labels, and for $5, a ticket can be yours! $2 from each ticket purchased will be donated to Oxfam, and with every ticket, you'll also receive a very special booklet we've had printed, featuring artwork by Kevin Tran (who created the December Markets flyer) on the front cover, and images from each participating label inside!

Sarah Rothe and feedthedog, two of the Australian indie labels participating in the Indie Avalanche of Prizes, a joint project by indie art & design and The Finders Keepers.

The incredible Indie Avalanche of Prizes will be on display at the event, where you'll be able to meet us in person! Artists & designers have given us some of their favourite pieces, including an original painting by benconservato, a 'PaperCuts Small Fan Pendant' by Sarah Rothe, a very special hand printed and embroidered cusion by feedthedog, gorgeous ceramic pendants by Iggy & Lou Lou, a sterling silver 'lovebirds' pendant by a skulk of foxes, exquisite feathered head bands by South for the Summer and many more gifts from Nikki Catalano, edward & lilly, Bonnie Poplar, little white dish, Trove, Simone Walsh, Umbrella Prints, Little Jane St, Non-Fiction, Mainichi, Made by White, Saffron Craig, Lark, geritom71, Duckcloth, Gaye Abandon, me and amber and Chimney House Shoes.

South for the Summer and a skulk of foxes, two of the Australian indie labels participating in the Indie Avalanche of Prizes, a joint project by indie art & design and The Finders Keepers.

Stay tuned as we'll be revealing more later in the week! To enter in the draw & grab your chance at winning the best Christmas-gift-to-self you could dream of, come and visit us at the Non-Fiction/indie art & design stall! We'd love to say hello, and hope to see you soon...

Our thanks to D&O Printing, Artarmon, for their generous sponsorship!

Ceramic magnets by Little Jane St.

STARTING TODAY: The first ever Brisbane Finders Keepers markets!
Our favourite designers markets have headed North to welcome Queensland fans to indie shopping heaven. Many Queensland-based designers & makers will be exhibiting at Finders Keepers markets for the first time. They'll be alongside designers who have travelled from up from Sydney, Melbourne & elseware to showcase their products to a new crowd.

Below, we've pictured a small selection of delights you'll find this weekend at the Old Museum (next to the RNA showgrounds in Brisbane). Featured is the work of Little Jane St, Courntey Brims, Edward & Lilly and Bespoke Letterpress We'll let you discover the rest...

Sweet ceramic herb nametags by Little Jane St

Little Jane St is the stationery label of Brisbane-based designer, Alarna Zinn. She makes a great variety of greeting cards and gorgeous little accessories like the ceramic herb nametags and paper garlands pictured below. There are many more beautiful photos on her web site, www.littlejanest.com.au and blog, littlejanest.blogspot.com. Do visit! (Both her sites and her stall at Finders Keepers!)

Greeting cards by Little Jane St - displayed in a cute vintage suitcase.

Paper garland by Little Jane St - who also makes cute confetti packs from the paper cuttings!

Courntey Brims is the Brisbane-based artist responsible for the exquisitely beautiful illustration on the Brisbane Finders Keepers markets flyer (which we pictured in our post about Brisbane applications). Her work is so finely detailed - with fairytale girls and shy forest creatures drawn into intriguing tales of their own.

Greeting cards by Courtney Brims

Don't you LOVE the "Blossom" illustration below - where the little dear's antlers have sprouted blossoms (and attracted a couple of resident spiders)?! You can see more of Courtney's gorgeous drawings at www.courneybrims.com.

Greeting cards by Courtney Brims

Edward & Lilly is another Brisbane label who will be showing off super-sweet creations this weekend. Designer Rebecca Cason embroiders gorgeous little characters onto linen & Japanese fabrics. The expression on Kitty's face (below) is perfect!

Embroidered Kitty softie and sweet girl illustration by Edward & Lilly

Rebecca incorporates her embroidered designs into accessories, softies and decorations beautifully. The pile of birdie shapes below will have been filled with lavender by now so that you can decorate your Christmas trees with Christmas birdie cheer! You can read more about Edward & Lilly and see many more photos & designs at www.edwardandlilly.com, or visit the MadeIt and Etsy stores...

Embroidered brooches and lavender-filled Christmas birdies by Edward & Lilly

Bespoke Letterpress create beautiful stationery and limited edition prints using rich 100% cotton paper, deep impressions and their antique 1893 Letterpress.

The prints are illustrations by a variety of artists including Nancy Mungcal, whose "Honey In Sunshine" design is pictured directly below, and Chrissy Lau, whose "Geraldine & Walter in Love" illustration is underneath. You can find out more at www.bespokepress.com.au and the Bespoke Press blog.

The Finders Keepers opens today at Old Museum (next to the RNA showgrounds in Brisbane), cnr Bowen Bridge Road & Gregory Terrace,
Herston. Hours are as follows:
Saturday 31st October: 12pm - 9pm
Sunday 1st November: 10am - 5pm
Best wishes to all the Brisbane indies who will be attending or exhibiting at their first Queensland Finders Keepers!

Flyer for The Finders Keepers designer markets at the Old Museum in Brisbane.
We always look forward to seeing whose artwork appears on the Finders Keepers flyer... This incredibly delicate fauna & flora girl was drawn by Brisbane artist Courtney Brims. (Her web site is to-die-for!)

The Finders Keepers markets are heading north, with the first Brisbane markets planned for Saturday 31st October and Sunday 1st November.

The markets have been hugely successful in Sydney, and now independent Brisbane makers will have a chance to showcase their designs locally! Indies from interstate will also have the chance to expose their talents to an eager Brisbane audience.

Applications are about to close (Friday 11th Sept - that's tomorrow!), so if you're interested in a stall, get along to www.thefinderskeepers.com where it is easy to apply online.

The Finders Keepers are always looking for fresh, new talent to keep the markets interesting & diverse, and encourage applications from makers who produce creative, original work, have a commitment to developing their label, and have a professional approach and uniqueness in the marketplace.

Flyer for The Finders Keepers designer markets at the CarriageWorks in Sydney this weekend. This time, the gorgeous artwork is by Catherine Campbell!

OPENING TONIGHT: The bi-annual The Finders Keepers markets (formerly Hope Street Markets) have become an unmissable event on the Sydney calendar, and the much anticipated winter markets will welcome us all this weekend! With market stalls in high demand, the Finders Keepers showcases the very best in indie design from around Australia.

Shagpile - funky accessories handmade from vintage, reclaimed & unusual fabrics

Opening tonight at 6pm, The Finders Keepers will come alive with over 100 design stalls, including many new faces selling products you're yet to discover! Click here to check out profiles on each & every designer.

Ruby & Scarlett - letter press studio, Balmain, Sydney.

I'm especially looking forward to browsing the wares of Ruby & Scarlett, a small letter press studio from Balmain and Shagpile who handmakes interesting & funky accessories from vintage, reclaimed & unusual fabrics. Curious am I!

Artworks by Kevin Tran - featured artist at The Finders Keepers.

One highlight of the The Finders Keepers Markets is the Artists' Wall - a showcase of works by local artists, illustrators & graphic designers. Featured this winter will be:

"Burden Best in Show" (top) and "Burden Python" by Beastman - featured artist at The Finders Keepers.

If the overload of art & design isn't already enough, The Finders Keepers will also be showcasing a line-up of local independent musicians & djs. You will be entertained throughout the event by live performances from Caitlin Park, Telafonica, Clairaudience, Nina Stamell and many more. Visit The Finders Keepers for the full music line up.

New felt goodness by The Finders Keepers fave 0049 Design. Rex Keyholder and Bird Laptop Case.

The Finders Keepers opens this evening at CarriageWorks in Sydney, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh. Hours are as follows:
Friday 15th May: 6pm - 10pm
Saturday 16th May: 12pm - 10pm
See you there!

Ravishing Vintage Neckpiece by Anna Vedelago, exhibitor at Perth Upmarket

Christmas is fast approaching and over the next few weeks, there are a multitude of handmade markets to provide pressie potential, including:

• Sat 22.11.2008 Canberra: Handmade Market
• Sat 22.11.2008 Melbourne: Market3031
• Thu 4.12.2008 Perth: Unwrapped: Subiaco
• Fri-Sat 5-6.12.2008 Sydney: The Finders Keepers
• Sun 14.12.2008 Perth: Perth Upmarket

I've included a little information on each of these events below, starting with the soonest - the first two are being held TOMORROW!

THIS WEEKEND sees the launch of Canberra's Handmade Market. If the web site design pictured above looks a familiar, that's because the founder of the Handmade Market, Julie Nichols worked with Justine Barsley during the launch of Perth's Upmarket earlier this year. She was inspired to bring a similar event to Canberra, and introduce locals to the amazing wealth of talent within their own city - so the Handmade Market is 'Canberra's Upmarket'... The Handmade Market will be held this Saturday from 10am - 6pm at Canberra's Albert Hall. There has been a great response from local designers - you can see profiles on the stallholders here, and already, a second event has been planned for February 2009! All the best for the launch Julie - and to our indies from Canberra - make sure to get along & show your support!

Left, jewellery by Sinead Buckney, and right, ceramic piece by Joanne Searle & Lia Tajcnar. (Exhibitors at Canberra's Handmade Market.)

ALSO THIS WEEKEND... the Melbourne suburbs of Flemington and Kensington will host Market3031. 3031 is, of course, the suburbs' postcode, but the event is sure to draw in handmade fans from much further afield... The first Market3031 was held in November 2007 as an artists' market designed to profile and showcase local people's work. There are lots of lovely pictures on their Flickr site - do have a look!

Handmade by Lauren Williams - exhibitor at Market3031.

Unwrapped: the marketplace was the first of the designer markets to appear on the Perth indie scene. Conceived in 2006 and launched in March 2007, the third Unwrapped event is about to take place. Unwrapped: Subiaco will be held as part of the Subiaco Street Festival on Thursday, 4th December. Rather than being a regular market with the same stall holders each time, Unwrapped: the marketplace aims to provide emerging designers with a platform to gain brand awareness and secure retail stockists... The designer lineup changes with each event so there is always something new to look out for!

Flyer for The Finders Keepers designer markets at the CarriageWorks in Sydney in December. Recognise the dreamy artwork?! Of course, it's by indie fave, Kareena Zerefos!

Fans of Sydney's Hope Street Markets will be delighted to discover The Finders Keepers - a new identity for the vibrant event. The new name is based on the simple joy of discovery, and reflects the move to working in association with the CarriageWorks. Under this banner, the team also plan to expand the markets into other areas of Australia. The first Finders Keepers markets will be held over two days, from Friday 5th to Saturday 6th December. (I'm personally rather pleased The Finders Keepers is now within easy walking distance of my house!)

December also sees the return of Perth Upmarket. Building upon the success of September's debut, founder Justine Barsley has expanded the event to include over 65 stalls. The market is located at the historical Perth Town Hall which is apparently Australia's only medieval style town hall (built during the Victorian Gothic revival movement in the nineteenth century). For those of you who are curious, you can check out the pics here. Perth indies are in for a treat, with Perth Upmarket now a quarterly event - this as well as the Made on the Left markets (which were held last weekend) and Unwrapped (described above).

Silver Princess Pods by Eucalypt Homewares, exhibitor at Perth Upmarket

So, if you live in Canberra, Melbourne, Perth or Sydney, mark these dates in your calendars! If you live in other areas and know of a handmade market coming up before Christmas - please leave a comment & let us all know. Happy handmade shopping everyone!

The Danks Street Festival is being held in Waterloo (Sydney) this Sunday (26.10.2008) and over 80 designers' stalls will inhabit the warehouse of the pyd building. With over 30 000 visitors expected, it will certainly offer great exposure for both emerging and established Australian labels, including those whose products are pictured here: Eliza Mok, Millicent and Frank, Forbidden Linen, Klei and Zaishu. The Danks Street / Young Street area has fast become one of Sydney's well known & dynamic creative precincts and pyd is a unique destination presenting the best in interior design. The building actually takes its name from the bordering streets: Phillip, Young and Danks.

The delicate creations pictured above are part of the 'Shan Shan' collection brooches (left, US $35) and bowls (right, US $55) hand cast silicone rubber by Eliza Mok. 'Shan' represents coral in Chinese, and she uses the different stages of the coral life cycle as a metaphor to represent her past experiences through jewellery and object design.

The timber "Alphabet" by Millicent and Frank is pictured above. This Australian label creates a variety wall hangings, objects and centerpieces. Many feature clean crisp lines and geometric shapes, and of course, the gorgeous curves of serif typefaces.

Forbidden Linen is an unusual collection of "textile titillation". Sydney designer Louise Murphy has joined forces with London based artist 'UnCut', to create a seductive selection of erotically inspired textiles. The image above features a twin handkerchief set (US, $50) - women's kerchiefs are finished with lace while men's are sewn with metallic coloured cotton.

We first posted about Klei back in March 2007, and they keep producing more & more original ceramic creations. With a gorgeous muted palette and organic shapes & textures, each piece is one of a kind... Pictured here are the Pebble Necklace and "two faced" Rivet Rings. View many more designs at Klei's blog.

Well known and admired by many is Zaishu, "a hip combination of style and substance". Using certified sustainable materials, innovative ideas and a collaborative design approach the Zaishu is a versatile slot-together seat and/or table that serves equally as art. I really love the hand-printed artwork in the Australian Bushland design pictured above (AUD $350).

The Wonderkind Bazaar took place last Wednesday, and from the numerous photos, it seems there was plenty of wonder! Here's a snapshot of the event...

Above: Weird and wonderful softies by Nikko De Jesus, who shared a stall with fellow softie-maker & indie interviewee Julia Rose Pattenden. Both are Communication Design students from Swinburne.

Above: Photographic Coasters by Reece A Duncan (who we interviewed in our previous post) and apparel by RMIT fashion design student Karn Kulla-Ark, who was selling his sample collection of jeans, shorts and tees.

Fabric bags (above) and purses (below) by Michele Taylor who buys fabric in Japan to make into her lovely creations. They are part of her label Harper & Edie. You can see her photos of Japan as well as a selection of her products on her Flickr page.

Above: Crystal Bead Dogs by Bio Tech student Jo-Ann Lai, who makes these super cute handphone/bag accessories out of crystal accessories as her hobby.

Above: Merchandise for an animated series by The Little Slobbers (Pei Jien, Sabrina Tee, Given Seranos and Jacky Yu) Visit their blog to find out more or join their Facebook group...

Above: T-Shirt design by Karn Kulla-Ark and yellow cases by Quentin Irvine. Quentin was unable to man a stall at the Wonderkind Bazaar, but his housemate (and one of the organisers of the Bazaar) Reese Geronimo took charge.

Above: The Wonderkind Bazaar team sporting their cute parachute-printed tees. Look out for Media student Simon Ramirez, Advertising student Reese Geronimo, Journalism student Andrew Chung Wei Wen, Advertising student Mia Hood and PR student Emily Lehmann. Congrats to you all!

Accessories by Two Ladies + 1 Bird, who are exhibiting at the Wonderkind Bazaar at RMIT 8.10.2008 (sponsored by indie art & design).

As the Wonderkind Bazaar is nearly upon us, we'd like to share with you some of the thoughts & motivations of three of the stallholders - Two Ladies + 1 Bird, Reece A. Duncan and Julia Pattenden. Hope you enjoy these mini-interviews & there's more to come very soon... (P.S. Isn't the X-Ray lamp brilliant?!)

Two Ladies + 1 Bird

I 1. What motivated you to take part in the Wonderkind Bazaar?

2L+1B The opportunity to share our designs with the public and our passion for radical & funky styles. Also to know that there are people who would appreciate it out there.

I 2. Describe your process & products for us!

2L+1B We use plastic beads and heat them to make accessories. We mainly do necklaces and pins/brooches. Custom-made designs are also available to order.
P/S: Products are made with love!

I 3. What are you most looking forward to at the Bazaar?

2L+1B SALES!
(But also to help make the Wonderkind Bazaar a success!)

I Also make sure to check out the Two Ladies + 1 Bird Blog for heaps more fantastic plastic designs!

Lamp by Reece A. Duncan, who is exhibiting at the Wonderkind Bazaar at RMIT 8.10.2008 (sponsored by indie art & design).

Reece A. Duncan

I 1. What motivated you to take part in the Wonderkind Bazaar?

RAD The Wonderkind Bazaar is exactly the kind of DIYFS (Do it your fucking self) industriousness that everyone needs to get behind. These days trends are so homogenized. Wonderkind is a cure for unimaginative purchasing. Wonderkind could be huge if RMIT and the wider community of Melbourne take it into their hearts. And well they should. Even traditional places like the Vic Market started as a few farmers with stalls. I love Melbourne and our street culture so much that this was too good not to get behind.

I 2. Describe your process & products for us!

RAD I like products with something to say. Not always good things, but something at least. Most of my products come with stories. The "Corporate Punishment" shirts clearly tell a story. The X-Ray lamps come with a story too. Same goes for the randmfoto coasters and a lot of the other stuff that I'll have for people to peruse and purchase.

I 3. What are you most looking forward to at the Bazaar?

RAD I'm looking forward to the communal spirit, really. People admiring and checking out each others' handy works. Buying things that speak to them, laughing at things that tickle their humour. Enjoying the experience. I know everyone will want to see what the stallholders will be bringing to the table for themselves.

Handmade softie by Julia Pattenden, who is exhibiting at the Wonderkind Bazaar at RMIT 8.10.2008 (sponsored by indie art & design).

Julia Pattenden

I 1. What motivated you to take part in the Wonderkind Bazaar?

JP My bestest friend sent me a cheeky email on the day that the Wonderkind Bazaar form was due in. With it she had attached the form and the guideline and requirements. The email read:

"Hey Jules,
Thought you may be interested in setting up a stall with your badges and cutie stuff?
Charlotte xx"

Intrigued, I had a look at the 'guidelines and requirements' document and read about the Wonderkind Bazaar. I love markets, I love people and I love arts and crafts. This all seemed too fun to miss!

I 2. Describe your process & products for us!

JP I love little creatures. This led me to drawing them and stylizing them. I also have a habit of buying pretty floral fabrics and colorful buttons. Put these things together and you've got yourself a little soft toy badge, or as I like to call them, 'Your New Friend'.

I 3. What are you most looking forward to at the Bazaar?

JP Seeing other people’s beautiful creations and chatting with lovely people. It is also a great opportunity to showcase my work and get some feedback on it and possibly suggestions for future pieces.

Taking place at RMIT next month is the first ever Wonderkind Bazaar. An array of handmade products will be for sale, created by students who are enrolled in creative courses, or have creative hobbies. This is a fantastic chance students to gain exposure for their work - and some financial reward! It will also provide an opportunity to meet like-minded peers, see each other's work and get feedback in a professional and community environment. I think it's a great idea to encourage hobbyists as well as those currently seeking careers in design-related fields. So many people I know are pursuing careers that developed from hobbies & loving it!

If you're a crafty creature & happen to study at RMIT, perhaps you should book yourself a stall! Don't be shy, and definitely don't miss out on this opportunity... (The only cost involved is a $20 refundable deposit.) For more information, check out the Facebook event page. To enquire about becoming a stallholder, email Mia & she'll fill you in on the details!

If you live in Melbourne, add these details to your diary!
The Wonderkind Bazaar
Date: Wednesday October 8th 2008
Location: Bowen St, RMIT University
Time: 10am to 2pm
Sponsored by indie art & design - that's us!