My 10 picks from The Finders Keepers market

Happy Mother's Day for yesterday! I hope you had a great day; mine started with can't-be-topped cuddles and handmade cards from the kids and an amazing breakfast and cup of chai tea made by my husband. Then my little family took me to Autumn/Winter 2015 The Finders Keepers market in Sydney where we spent a few hours checking out all the goods, catching up with friends and making new ones. I didn't get to see every stall, but here are my 10 picks, including cute kids' fashion and artwork (and a little something for grown-ups too)...

Sydney's The Finders Keepers market June 2013 - my favourites

My friend Anni and I spent a wonderful afternoon wandering around the Sydney The Finders Keepers market today. I caught up with lots of old friends and made a few new ones. There was a fangirl moment with Emily Green, some snatched hugs from QLD friends and I made some great new discoveries too.

The new venue at Australian Technology Park was perfect - a hip industrial-chic setting with plenty of room between stands. There was the requisite be-bearded musician on stage, food trucks, potted fir trees, and a serious amount of talented, creative people selling their wares.

I fell head-over-heels in love with everything in the Beattie Lanser-for-Harvest Textiles collaboration (and in fact anything at all from Harvest Textiles). The melted icecream jumpsuit had my name written all over it. One day...

Then there was the just-like-a-string-of-marshmallows necklace by BOXY that looked good enough to eat...

Emily Green's new polymer clay egg-shaped drop earrings are hot, hot hot. I'd never be able to pick just one...

And I loved everything from new-comers Fable Baby and Super Trooper Studio. In fact, they were so amazing that I'm going to dedicate posts to each of them. Watch this space!

Loving: The Storybook Rabbit iPhone Cases

I can't take any friends with me when I go to The Finders Keepers market. They get so bored - probably because I spend all my time catching up with stallholder friends and introducing myself to new ones, collecting business cards and sussing out gorgeous Australian-designed goods to write about.

This weekend I went with my friend Lisa (the red thread) (and her daughter Roxy) who does exactly the same thing, so it was perfect. Here's a cute photo that Lisa took of me devouring a bowl of raw pumpkin, pesto, olives and tomatoes from the Veggie Van. Hee hee!

And here is the Christmas present to me from my girls that I bought and surreptitiously handed to Mr Bondville to wrap up for me - the cutest ever iPhone case by The Storybook Rabbit. You might remember (from this post) that I have been looking for an iPhone case for the longest time - mine is black leather - and finally I found something that spoke to me straight away. Bunting! Cute shy rabbit wearing a dress with Peter Pan collar! Australian illustration! And something the girls will love too. Perfect.

These were just one of the many great products for sale by The Storybook Rabbit (read more about Kelly and her designs here on Bondville) and many other Australian designers at the markets. More favourites coming your way soon!

In the meantime, you can find the iPhone cases and more in The Storybook Rabbit online store. 

Image: The Storybook Rabbit

Loving: Sconnie and Jam Kombi brooch and BrisStyle indie designer markets

I learned how to drive in a Volkswagen Kombi/Combi van, just like this one! My Dad had infinite patience, and there were tears over the hill starts, but I got the hang of it, and now I can drive anything. So this super-cute Kombi brooch from Sconnie and Jam is just my style.

You can find Sconnie and Jam as well as a host of other amazing QLD artisans at the upcoming BrisStyle's indie Designer Markets in Brisbane. Entry is free and the markets feature local emerging and established artists, crafters and designers from South East Queensland. You'll find a amazing range of quality handmade goods including handbags, art, jewellery, children's wear and more. Get all your Christmas shopping done in one place! Here are details of the next two markets:

BrisStyle Indie {Christmas} Designers Market
9am- 4pm, Saturday December 8, 2012
St Augustine's Church Hall and grounds, Racecourse Rd, Hamilton, QLD

BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market

 5 - 9pm, Friday 14 December

King George Square, Brisbane City, QLD

Image: Sconnie and Jam

The Finders Keepers market Sydney June 2012

Mr Bondville treated me to a solo morning on Saturday and I spent it wandering around the always-excellent The Finders Keepers market at the Carriageworks in Redfern. There were lots of gorgeous things to see and friends to catch up with.

It was so great to catch up with the lovely Andrea Smith who came along to the last abcd meetup and designed the amazing poster for the market using her signature paper cut style. WOW!

I also chatted to Kylie about the latest at paper boat press, and snapped up a lovely letterpress print and cards from Alischa and Hayden at Bespoke Letterpress Boutique....

(c) Bespoke Letterpress Boutique

Wendy June (and her cute, cute Mum) had some great products on offer featuring her children's book-inspired illustrations. I couldn't resist the brooches (that look ceramic but are child-friendly acrylic)...

(c) Wendy June

The faceted vases and vessels by Phil Cuttance were breathtaking...

(c) Phil Cuttance

I loved the embroidery hoop artwork (and everything created) by Gretel Girl...

(c) Gretel Girl

I was really taken with the illustrations of Emma Leonard (oh my gosh soooo talented)....

(c) Emma Leonard

And so many more - the amazing embroidered wall art by The Land Of Fig, bed linen from Sunday Morning Designs and the dreamy artwork of Beth-Emily. More on those lovely ladies later!

I also bumped into Deni from Free Range Living - shopping and social event rolled into one! Did you get to the market and pick up anything lovely?

Events: Dear Charlotte, Love Banjo sale, BrisStyle Indie Eco Market and Free Range Living grand opening

Hi friends, hope you are gearing up for a glorious weekend. It finally feels like celebration time and I bet there will be barbies firing up all over the country over the next few days. Just thought I'd give you an update on some things that Bondville friends are hosting over the next few days if you're looking for something to do:

Dear Charlotte, Love Banjo is having a huge Pre-Christmas sale today only on the website. They are selling items from as cheap as $5 from all three collections. Original prices will resume as soon as the sale period is over. They are also including free Christmas gift wrapping, and free postage if you spend over $100. Head over before you miss out. Read more about this lovely label here on Bondville.

The BrisStyle Indie Eco Market is on tomorrow, showcasing the wares of BrisStyle members who "live; craft, stitch and dye by the mantra of reduce, reuse and recycle". Also available will be a selection of vintage, collectibles and crafty de-stash items all from the collections of the BrisStyle members. And don't miss the Indie Eco Workshops and demonstrations where participants will be able to explore their creative sides and "make and take" Eco items as well as newfound skills. Saturday November 12, 2011. 9am- 2pm, St Augustine's Church Hall and grounds, Racecourse Road, Hamilton, QLD. More information on the BrisStyle website.

Bondville Loves members and long-time Bondville readers Deni and Loren from Cheeky Chickies are opening the Free Range Living store this weekend in Sydney. The store is "an emporium of beautifully crafted Australian handmade gifts, fashion and home wares, and a creative learning environment to inspire all who visit". Congratulations Deni and Loren! Head over for the grand opening this weekend at Shop 1, 2-4 Prince Charles Parade, Kurnell, NSW 2231.

Events: Brisbane Mathilda's Market and Finders Keepers

I had a great time at both the Brisbane Mathilda's Market and The Finders Keepers market, trawling for new designers, catching up with friends and checking out the gorgeous new wares on show. If only my SLR hadn't died and gone to camera-heaven this week. I'm sure you can use your imagination...
I started the day at Mathilda's Market at City Hall which was packed with familes, children, prams, babies in carriers and protruding tummies. Some special highlights:
* Seeing the incredible Momie et Enfant pieces for girls up-close. Divine! See the Bondville profile on Momie et Enfant here.
* Scoring a half price pettiskirt (don't tell Sophie, it's for Christmas)
* Drooling over new prints from Tsk Tsk.
* Admiring the gorgeous handcrafted threads and publishing designs from Kidiki from Kallangur, QLD.
* Loving the handmade soft toys from Honey Bunch Designs.
* Being bowled over by the exquisite quality of Suzy Allen's clothes and accessories for girls.

Then it was off to the first Brisbane The Finders Keepers market at the Old Museum - a fantastic venue full of character off-set by lovely gardens and live music/food. The crowd was cooler than cool, and the market buzzed with activity. I have to admit that I spent most of my time chatting to friends, behind their stalls, and it was great to hear that many had sold out of items. GREAT photos of the event on Mark Lobo's Facebook Album here. Some things that caught my eye:
* The incredible ceramic jewellery by my friend Kim Wallace. I knew that there was a line in the works, but was really excited to see Kim's vision realised in beautiful flat lace-impression pendants strung on string and chain. See the Bondville profile on Kim Wallace here.
* Mishy Lane's cool photographic calendars sold out completely by Sunday morning - hot property! See the Bondville profile on Mishy Lane here.
* Very sweet hand-embroidered tissue covers from Edward & Lily with the same cartoon animal styling that I covet in my Edward & Lily brooch.
* Lovely ceramic button magnets from Little Jane St to coordinate with the stationery line. See the Bondville profile on Little Jane St here.
* Frankie magazine Afternoon Tea books are back in stock (hooray!) so I stocked up for Christmas at the Frankie stand.
* My friends Danielle and Ellie are close to securing an outlet for their fabric/craft supply business Selvedge House in Brisbane, stocking many of my favourite Australian-designed textiles. Yay! More details coming soon.

I have a couple of other special things to show you from the markets this week. Stay tuned.

Events: Mathilda's Market Brisbane

Reminder - don't forget to make your way to Brisbane City Hall this Sunday 19th July, 2009 for the Mathilda's Market to check out local entrepreneurs creating beautiful products for kids and babies.

Date: Sunday, 19th July 2009
Address: King George Square, Brisbane City.
Time:From 9am to 1pm
Parking: available under the City hall (fees apply).

All the details here in this post about the markets, or on the Mathilda's Market website.

Image: Mathilda's Market

BrisStyle Markets round-up

Crowds in front of the Ruby 2 Go Go stall at the BrisStyle markets.

Beautifully handcrafted bears from Edward & Lily.

Break-your-heart dolls from Made By Maisie.

I loved all the brooches from Edward & Lily (and scored the green squirrel for me!)

Stunning handprinted make-up bags/purses from Red Seed Studio.

Hand-sawn buttons from recycled skateboard decks by Sam, one half of Red Seed Studio.

The crowds packed in to the hall and surrounded the stalls - here is Casey from Prettyhead Designs with the accessory du jour - brooches.

Beautiful critter brooches made from vintage storybooks by ReRead. I picked up a feline brooch for my sister in Vancouver.

How cute is this top that I picked up for Sophie from Jetta's Nest! Sam creates sweet faces and uses recycled fabrics for her appliqued children's clothes.

Sunshiney crochet and button brooches from Jetta's Nest set the tone for the market - beautifully handcrafted.

The crowds were out in force and I had a stroller with me, which means I didn't get to see many stalls at the hugely successful BrisStyle markets this weekend. But I did get to visit some of my favourite local designers and meet some new ones too.

The BrisStyle markets are organised by the BrisStyle Etsy team (and led by Helen from Ruby 2 Go Go who did an amazing job) and feature a host of hard-working independent Queensland designers. This was the second market for the group and it elbow-to-elbow inside the hall (and the cupcakes had sold out within an hour!). It was heartening to see Brisbanites come out in droves on a chilly morning to support handmade.

I did a little shopping of my own - I picked up an amazing top for Sophie from Jetta's Nest and the coolest chenille pants from Bubba Chenille, a brooch from ReRead for my sister and a killer Edward & Lily squirrel brooch for me. I managed to wave at Bec and Jade from Beckybean, and say hi to Christine from Little Diva, Helen from Ruby 2 Go Go, and Ellie from Red Seed Studio (who had the most incredible buttons hand-sawn from used skateboard decks), and meet the very lovely and talented Catherine from Made By Maisie (whose exquisite dolls captured my heart) and Casey from Prettyhead Designs with her super-professional felt brooches.

It was a fantastic turnout for a great event and I really look forward to the next one (Christmas holidays, Helen?)

Images: Steph Bond

Welcome New Sponsor Mathilda's Market

Last week I wrote about the great markets coming up in Brisbane this month, and would like to extend a huge welcome to Mathilda's Market as a new Bondville advertiser. These luxury markets for kids and baby goodies will be running in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne during July so you can stock up on baby gifts or just something special for your little one.

I attended the Brisbane Mathilda's Market last year which is where I first discovered some amazing designers including Tees 2 Knees, Nanny Pickle, Salt Sea Tees, Wild Things of Noosa, Tikiboo Kids, Flying Star Toys and Ruffian Industries. The markets seem to keep getting better with more cool indie stallholders each time. Here are all the details for this month's upcoming markets. Entry is free!

Sydney: 5 July 2009 - St Ignatius College Riverview, Lane Cove. From 9am to 1pm; plenty of free parking on the College grounds.

Brisbane: 19 July 2009 - Brisbane City Hall, B/w Adelaide & Ann St, King George Square, Brisbane City. From 9am to 1pm; parking available under the City hall (fees apply).

Perth: 19 July 2009 - Oasis Leisure Centre, Progress Way, Belmont. From 9am to 1pm; parking available around the Leisure Centre.

You can find out more information about the Mathilda's Markets in your state on the Mathilda's Market website, where you can also sign up for the e-newsletter, and get a sneak-peak of upcoming stall-holders.

Images: Mathilda's Market

Welcome New Sponsor Magnolia Square boutique fair

It's not only Brisbane that has some happening markets in July, Sydney-siders are so lucky to have the fabulous Magnolia Square shopping event pop up from Thursday 2nd July - Saturday 4th July, 2009 at The Teahouse, Royal Randwick Racecourse.

I would like to extend a huge welcome to Magnolia Square as a new advertiser on Bondville and encourage everyone in Sydney to get along to this boutique fair and support your local designers, crafters and independent artists. There will be more than 50 retailers to browse, including a "Tiny and Small" section to get your stylish gear for little ones, and late-night shopping on Thursday night. And the first 500 guests will receive a complimentary Magnolia Square tote filled with goodies.

Here are the important stats:

Venue: The Teahouse at Royal Randwick Racecourse
Address: Alison Rd, Randwick NSW
Dates: Thursday 2nd July, 2009 - 2pm to 9pm
Friday 3rd July, 2009 - 10am to 5pm
Saturday 4th July, 2009 - 10am to 4pm
Admission: $8 (children under 18 years free) includes all-day parking at the venue

For more information, check out the Magnolia Square website and the excellent Magnolia Square blogs Snippets (which features lots of great indie designers) and Little Snippets (which features fabulous things for kids). You can also join the email list here to hear about new dates first.

Image: Magnolia Square

Events: Winter Brisbane design markets

Start counting your pennies. July is a stellar month for independent design in Brisbane with at least four great markets to spend your dollars on. Support handmade local artisans and get yourself along to one of these dates:

BrisStyle Indie Designers Market
(as seen on Channel 7's The Great South East)
Saturday 4th July, 2009
9am - 2pm
St Augustines Church Hall
Racecourse Rd, Hamilton, QLD

Young Designers Market South Bank

Sunday 5th July, 2009
10am - 4pm
Little Stanley Street
South Bank, Brisbane, QLD

Boutique Markets
Sunday 12th July, 2009 (same day at Coffee & Chocolate Affair at Portside, 10am-4pm)
8am - 1pm
Portside Wharf
Hamilton, QLD

Mathilda's Market for kids fashion and goodies
Sunday 19th July, 2009
9am - 1pm
Brisbane City Hall (Main Auditorium, floor level)
Between Adelaide and Ann St, King George Square
Brisbane City, QLD

GoMA Gallery Store Design Christmas Market

If you are in Brisbane next month, definitely head along to the Design Christmas Market at the Gallery of Modern Art gallery store. The markets will be held on Saturday 6th December 2008, from 9am - 5pm, outdoors in the GoMA forecourt at South Bank. Stalls will feature jewellery, ceramics, craft and lots of unique gifts for babies, kids, and adults.

The line-up is huge this year, including Blossom Creations, Flying Star Toys, Kylie Johnson of paper boat press, Red Chalk, and Udder. Full details here.

This is a great opportunity to support indie labels, locally-made, and handmade products. And you might even get all your Christmas shopping done at once. And if you're not going to be in Queensland, Kim at Udessi has a great list of design markets in the next month around Australia.

Image: GoMA Gallery Store

Drool-worthy Design: Sweet Fanny Adams

I love supporting handmade products, particularly by local artists, and the markets are always a great source of new design. A stand-out at the Eumundi Markets on the Sunshine Coast this week was the lovely Rachael of design label Sweet Fanny Adams who creates one-off pieces of wearable art.

Gorgeous tops and skirts are screenprinted or handpainted with Rachael's sweet illustrative designs. Many pieces are created using recycled and organic fabric, so the brand is easy on the conscience too. Rachael says that her inspiration comes from the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast.

The Sweet Fanny Adams Website is coming soon but in the meantime savvy shoppers can find Rachael's pieces at the Eumundi Markets (while I was at her stall a beautiful Danish girl was snapping up pieces to take home to Denmark), Synergy at Noosa, and by email at mattray at optusnet dot com dot au.

Image: Steph Bond