indie gifts

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!

We are so excited to bring you this gorgeous collection of festive gift ideas for Christmas 2009! This year's Gift Guide is bursting with indie goodness - designs that we absolutely love. Every product featured here can be purchased online with ease, and there's something here for everyone...
Happy shopping this holiday season!

Thank you to all the gorgeous labels and boutiques who accepted our invitation to support the indie art & design Christmas Gift Guide 2009.

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 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!

A surprise is in store when you purchase the May/June issue of Inside Out magazine! Talented designer Grace Lee (who is responsible for adding gorgeous handwritten text flourishes throughout the pages of Inside Out) has dreamed up this cute little accessories bag. Inside Out collaborated with Australian label Apple & Bee to produce the hemp bag organisers - one especially for each Inside Out reader! Grace's bag may not take charge of your hectic schedule, but it promises to keep you handbag contents under control.

Inside Out has recently launched their own blog to which all the staff contribute. Sally (editorial administration manager) asked Grace to draw a little portrait of her cat, Olive, which you can see on her Saving Grace post, (along with two more of Grace's illustrations).

BRAND NEW Small Make-Up bag by Apple & Bee, AUD $21.95

Apple & Bee is an Australian label that designs and makes cosmetic, travel and baby bags. Their impressive debut range sprung up in stores all over the place early last year, and the brand has already gained a loyal following! The bags are finished beautifully, and the fabric prints really set them apart. Pictured above is the Small Make Up bag from the BRAND NEW range which will be availble from next week. Loving the colour palette (as well as the cute birdie print)!

Fold Out WC by Apple & Bee, AUD $49.95

I do love all the fabric designs, but I think the navy peacock print remains my favourite. We've given the travel cosmetic bag pictured above to a couple of lucky mums! (I think I might just purchase one for myself too...)

BRAND NEW Pencil Case by Apple & Bee, AUD $30.00

Behind the Apple & Bee label are Brett Pattinson and Claire Morris. Brett is the founder of successful natural skincare company bod and bod for bubs and Claire is the former Art Director of marieclaire. Through Apple & Bee they've combined their experience and design skills with a committment to making the lowest possible impact on the environment. Both share a passion for the best in contemporary design and a belief that it can and should be applied to practical, everyday objects.

BRAND NEW Wooden Handle Clutch by Apple & Bee, AUD $89.95

The gorgeous Wooden Handle Clutch pictured above is proving to be really popular, so if you'd like one for yourself, don't be slow! (It will be available to purchase from next week.) It is lined with the finest bamboo silk and is a great accessory for day or night. The entire Apple & Bee lineup comprises eco-friendly material choices - natural fibres such as certified organic cotton, bamboo silk, hemp, burlap/calico and genuine leather. Apple & Bee is a carbon neutral company and applied its philosophy to every level of the business, from design and sourcing to manufacturing, warehousing, packaging and delivery services.

Large Make-Up bag by Apple & Bee, AUD $36.95

Apple & Bee products are available throughout Australia, as well as in the UK and USA. Visit www.appleandbee.com to locate your nearest stockist or to see more of the range!

Vintage kimono silk Crazy Cat softie, AUD $35 by sallymac

I spied sallymac's Crazy Cat (pictured above) at Platform (at LIFE inSTYLE). I love his cheeky expression and wild eyes, AND the amazing graphic print on his vintage kimono coat. He had to come home with me...

Japanese cotton play mats (100x80cm) by sallymac. Polyester filling, machine washable, AUD $64 each. Cotton dog softie AUD $15.

The term eto refers to the Japanese zodiac. It is based on the ancient Chinese concept of zoning time and direction into twelve blocks, each block being given an animal name. Your eto is decided by your birth year and the twelve animal signs are the mouse, the cow, the tiger, the rabbit, the dragon, the snake, the horse, the sheep, the monkey, the rooster, the dog & the wild boar.

Japanese cotton machine washable bibs (AUD $15 each) and cotton Dog softie (AUD $15) by sallymac

Sydney designer Sally McCarthy has based her gorgeous range of sallymac softies on the Japanese eto. She combines exquisite vintage kimono silks and contemporary fabrics to create these sweet characters, as well as various baby gifts, accessories and unique kimono silk lampshades.

Japanese cotton Cat softies, AUD $18 each by sallymac

I love the serene expression on faces of the Japanese cotton cat softies pictured above - sleep tight kitties!

Waffle Towel with Japanese cotton hood, 70x70cm, AUD $35 and cotton Sheep softie, AUD $35 by sallymac

This here is just too cute for words!

Japanese red cotton Dog softies, AUD $25 each by sallymac

These pups are perfect for those who prefer bright colours for babies - bold red prints on Japanese cotton. (I think you could be forgiven for naming them Spot!)

Japanese cotton Dog softie, AUD $18 by sallymac

You can see that sallymac's Japanese cotton Dog softie (pictured above) has a classic "cuddle me" shape. These are toys which will become instant favourites with your little ones...

Japanese cotton Dragon softie, AUD $25 by sallymac

This one represents me! The dragon (tatsu) is apparently the most peculiar of the 12 signs of the Zodiac cycle. Supposedly we are healthy, energetic, excitable, short-tempered and stubborn, but also honest, sensitive, brave and inspire trust in people. (We can also breathe fire!)

If you're wondering where to find one of sallymac's eto critters, I heard they live in the following habitats:
NSW: MCA (Circular Quay), Bella Emporio (Rozelle), Ekho (Thirroul), Kido Store (Randwick)
ONLINE: Karimu

For a full list of stockists, visit www.sallymac.com.au.

I hope you all had a wonderful break over the holidays! We took some time off over Christmas followed by a camping holiday at Depot Beach (near Bateman's Bay, NSW). As you can imagine, we've returned feeling much refreshed and a little over-excited once again about all things indie...

Guess who has launched a shiny new online store? The well-known & much loved Ruck Rover General Store! Ruck Rover began in 2006 when sisters Claire & Isabelle decided it was time to work for themselves doing what they wanted, playing any music they liked and buying everything they loved.

Well.. they've spent the last two years selling all those things they love, supporting small, independent designers from Australia and all over the world, and making quite a name for themselves in the process.

Outskirts Opulent tee (left) & Broken Eyes tee (right), AUD $69 each.

Ruck Rover General Store has offered the folk of Perth a truly unique shopping experience, and now they've made it a whole lot easier for the rest of us to join in... and look at what I found! The illustrations of Melbourne's Dylan Martorell are incredible, and featured on the Outskirts t-shirts pictured above and below.

Outskirts Fox tee (left, AUD $69) & Ruck Rover Hearts top (right, AUD $20)

My pick of the girls' fashion is the Ruck Rover summer lovin' top (above right), which just happens to be an absolute steal at the moment - reduced from AUD $88 to only $20! Plenty of love there...

Moe Moe earrings, L to R: Flight earrings, Ruck Rover Bird earrings, Tricycle earrings - AUD $29.95 each pair.

Moe Moe earrings are always a favourite, and if you're wondering about those birdies - YES, they are the Ruck Rover signature chirpers.

Sunday Morning Old Map and Plants exercise books, AUD $15 each.

More Dylan Martorell illustrations on these Sunday Morning exercise books containing graph paper pages. I really want some of these for myself, and at AUD $15, they definitely won't break the budget.

Pop over to www.ruckrover.com.au & choose your own favourites from Ruck Rover's selection of womens, mens & babies fashion and accessories, stationery and homewares. Or if you live in Perth, drop by in person to
Shop 4, 595 Beaufort St, Mt Lawley, WA, 6050.

Phone: (08) 9228 3502.

It's out!! We've been eagerly awaiting this years' edition of the Bob Boutique catalogue, and it arrived in my post office box just a couple of days ago... It is bursting with delight, but before I get too carried away though, I should make some introductions. For those of you who haven't heard, Bob Boutique is an independent boutique and gallery in the heart of Bendigo (near Melbourne). Owner & fellow artist/designer Sonia Brit first opened the doors to Bob Boutique in 2004. Located in the Hotel Shamrock building, the atmosphere is a mix of old world charm with the cute and kooky, quaint and quirky...

The adjoining gallery space showcases work by new labels and unique artists. Recent exhibitions have included animation cell prints by Melbourne artist Wendy Tyrer, ink & watercolour works by Bendigo artist Logan French, storybook inspired prints by London's Mandy Sutcliffe (AKA Belle and Boo)and hand printed works by Griffith artist Kristy Brown.

Currently showing are original works, badges, stationery and fashion from Sydney designer Akina's recent trip to Japan. The Akina exhibition closes on December 20, so if you're in Bendigo, be quick!

Next up at the Bob Boutique gallery will be yours truly! (I'm currently working on a selection of original paintings to accompany our series of Non-Fiction Family Portrait prints. I'll tell you more closer to the date!)

Bob Boutique has a large mailorder following, so each year Sonia puts together a tempting catalogue for the out-of-towners... Titled "Amazing adventures in the land of bob", the catalogue is packed full of products you'll LOVE. Around 80% of labels are Australian, including many favourites such as A Skulk of Foxes, Princess Tina, Stickmeon, Young Eve, Love, Drink Me Alice, Jewelree, Zeph and Millie, Mikiya, Button Tree, Mingus, Fable 15, Two Little Ducks, Akina, Dirt Child, Pocket Art, Alma B, Moe Moe, Twitch Toys & more...

I have a few spare copies of the Bob Boutique catalogue to post to the first three people who leave a comment on this post & I'll pop a couple of our Non-Fiction greeting cards in too :)

Visit the Bob Boutique web site & register as a member to be sent a copy of the catalogue, and be kept up to date with happenings in the land of bob!

Bob Boutique is located at:
17 Williamson Street, Bendigo, VIC, 3550.
Ph. 03 5444 3522
www.bob.net.au

This Christmas, we have a real treat for you! A Gift Guide full of gifts we absolutely love. We don't even need to encourage you to shop indie - these products speak for themselves. Each and every one can be ordered online, and there are ideas to suit everybody. Happy shopping this holiday season!

Thank you to all the gorgeous labels who accepted our invitation to support the indie art & design Christmas Gift Guide 2008.