Finders Keepers Market - Melbourne

Hoping to visit Finders Keepers this weekend here in Melbourne at the Exhibition Building in Carlton. 

Suitcase Rummage Market

I braved the heat here in Melbourne and visited the Suitcase Rummage Market at The Thornbury Theatre.

The Suitcase Rummage Market is a little different to the usual market.  The stall holders sell second hand items or handmade items from out of a suitcase.  Pretty simple really. 

Majority of the items that were on sale were second hand clothes, ranging from modern day to a little bit of retro clothing.  Saw these gorgeous shoes, tried them on (feeling a little like Cinderella), but alas, no, they did not fit.  

I am thinking of participating in one of their next markets.  There are not many markets left that are at a reasonable price and their stall or I should say a suitcase position is at a reasonable price.  When one sells stationery, one needs to sell a lot of products just to break even.  It's times like these I wish I sewed or made jewellery. 

The Big Design Market - a visit

Went to The Big Design Market this afternoon.  It was a really pleasant visit, and also really nice to chat with other creative stationery artists, such as Coocachuu Designs, Ask Alice and Red Parka Designs.

The atmosphere was relaxing and there was plenty of room.  However I dare say it will become more busy on the weekend.  I also noticed there were a lot more families at this big market, than what I see at the Finders Keepers markets.  I guess, where one advertises, can really effect the demographic of the types of customers who attend.

I look forward to the next Big Design Market.

Made 'n' Thornbury Market & Yardage Design

Got nothing to do tomorrow, besides work, we wont think about that. :-)

Well two events are happening tomorrow for creative buffs. Firstly Yardage Design is having an Open Studio for a few hours.  Check out more details here 

Also in the evening, Made 'n' Thornbury Twilight Market is being held between 4 - 9pm in Thornbury, Melbourne. 

Blogtoberfest Day 20 Finders Keepers & Sisters Market

Had the opportunity to visit two markets today. Firstly ventured to Finders Keepers at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, Melbourne.  I had a far better experience this year.  The layout of the market was heaps better this year and there was plenty of room, and one didn't feel you couldn't get near a stall holder.

The quality of design and craft this year is amazing. I met some amazing artists as well.  I was amazed with Gretel Girl, Linogirl, Coocachuu, Tasmania by hand , Pocket Carnival and Inky co.

Pocket Carnival

The Super Cool

Tasmania by Hand

After Finders Keepers, I popped into The Sisters Market at Northcote Town Hall.

Blogtoberfest Day 16 - Finders Keepers

This Friday and Saturday will be the Finders Keepers market. This will be the second time that they will be located at The Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, Melbourne.  Last time I went, it was the Friday night. I must admit I didn't enjoy it as much on the Friday night, because the lighting in the Exhibition building is a little dim.  I personally didn't get the full impact of colour etc when I visit.  This time I will visit Saturday morning. So plenty of sunlight.  Please note, take lots of cash!!!  The stall holders don't have access to card machines.

Blogtoberfest Day 9 - What to do this weekend

Trying to figure out what to do this weekend, well here are two activities that will be on in Melbourne.

CRAFT MARKET

The Made n Thornbury Market is on this Saturday.  Such a great local craft and food market featuring local artists.  I wont have a stall, but hope to have one in the future. To read more about the market click here

 
POP CULTURE EXPO

Armageddon Expo here in Melbourne, is for all, who are into comics, science fiction TV and movies, horror, costumes, and much more.  If you do go, I recommend you get there early.  Lines can be long, especially for the talks.  To know more about the Expo click here

 

Made In Thornbury Market - Overview

What a great day it was, at the Made 'n' Thornbury market on Saturday. I always have a great time at their markets, there is a real community feel. Also catching up with other crafters and soaking up the creative atmosphere is a joy.


My son came along and helped me with the set up and helping customers. He was a little cheeky as well, wanting half my profits from the day.  Cheeky boy :-) . He did receive a gift for his hard work helping me set up and even helping others at the 8.30am set up time.

I had some lovely comments about my work and the suburban greeting cards, always a little boost.

I must admit this was my last market for a VERY long time.  It's a lot of work and the fun is starting to disappear.  I said to one customer, when it's starting not to be fun and becoming a chore, then maybe to back out for awhile. So I'm taking my own advice, not do markets for a long time and to explore going into other avenues, which I will talk later about.  My online store will still be there, just taking a break from markets.

The Finders Keepers Market in Melbourne

Looking forward to visiting The Finders Keepers market this Friday and Saturday in Melbourne.  It's going to be lovely in the old Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton.

Bank Street Market - My Thoughts

On Saturday my lovely husband drove me all the way to South Melbourne at the wee hour of 7am. It was the weekend of the Grand Prix here in Melbourne, so the city was buzzing with traffic, hot air balloons and events.

Many moons ago I won a inside stall at the launch of the Bank Street Market, which was a buzz. However the buzz slowly disappeared when I discovered where I was, I was located in the doorway. You may remember, I didn't do well at a Thread Den market back in 2010. I was placed next to the door. I didn't sell a thing.

One thing I have learnt about having a stall near a door, you get to understand the psychology of the shopper. The following things I have observed:-

People use the doorway / entrances as a walk through
People who do stop, don't stay long, because they are pushed along by others
People's walking pace becomes quicker when they walk through, than what it is in the market hall.
People are pushed along by others who have prams.
People tend to ask for directions.
People tend to stop in the doorways and have conversations.
And finally it's bloody cold in the doorways!

I remember telling the Thread Den Market organiser, that it would be good idea not to have a stall near doors. But alas they didn't take my advice. Next market, there was someone there. Sigh... I will advise the Bank Street Market organisers of my thoughts about the position. As the old saying goes, location, location, location. Also I feel 9am is too early for a craft market to start.

Anyway, as a 1st market. The selection of stalls were lovely, music and a cafe was available for the patrons. The school hall was classic and the court yard had a great feel, especially with those hay bails. :-) I wish the organisers the best of luck for their future Bank Street Markets.

Bank Street Market - South Melbourne

This Saturday I will be a stall holder at the Bank Street Market in South Melbourne.

I'm excited and just a little bit nervous. It's been over a year since I've participated in a market. I guess it's really happy nervous.

So come and say hello. Hope to see you there!

Made in Thornbury Market

Another Made in Thornbury Market is coming up, this Friday.
An excellent opportunity to start your Christmas shopping.

Magnolia Square

Well a new venue, The Centre in Ivanhoe, is being tried out this weekend for Magnolia Square, a market hosting work by artists, designers and makers.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time, looking at the gorgeous items. Thinking what should I buy. Alas I saw some cute Union Jack magnets, straight away thought, I'm going to buy those. Looked up and it was fellow crafter Michelle, from Crayon Chick! Funny.

Overall good market, but I thought it was very squashy. Because there was so many people, one was sometimes pushed along and you couldn't stop at stalls long enough to browse. Let's hope it's not like that next time.

Magnolia Square is on tomorrow, if you're in the Ivanhoe area tomorrow.

Finders Keepers Market

I was really looking forward to venturing to the Finders Keepers Market here in Melbourne. Seeing I enjoyed it so much last year. Unfortunately my positive mood was tarnished when I arrived to discover that I had to pay $13.00 for parking. I wasn't happy because last year it was free and secondly it put a dent into my budget. I asked at the gate why this year one had to pay, unlike last year, they blamed the football match. Mmmm

Anyway Finders Keepers was filled with many beautiful and well made products. There were many stalls that were there last year, but also some new ones as well. Not sure if it was me or what, but it felt smaller.

I don't have many photo's, actually very little, seeing my camera decided to play up. Sigh. But what I do have is photo's of The Paper Convention I had the pleasure of meeting Cathy, who was decorated with origami paper love hearts. I so do hope they are able to have their convention down here in Melbourne. To keep up-to-date with their news click here and sign up to their newsletter.

The Finders Keepers Market

Last year I had the pleasure to visit the first Melbourne Finders Keepers market. Well it's on again this weekend. So if you haven't got anything to do, I would recommend you visit The Finders Keepers Market down at the Melbourne Docklands.

My aim is to have a stall at this groovy market in 2012, cross my fingers.

What to do on a Saturday.......

So you're not sure what to do tomorrow, well there's a couple of things that might fill up your day

Made In Thornbury Craft Market

Pic: Ch.O'C-Smith

Tomorrow is the last Made In Thornbury Craft Market for the year. There will be plenty of locally produced products that you can buy for Christmas. Also recently I did a custom job for a new business, Ch.O'C-Smith So come along and check out the goodies and maybe buy a gingerbread house of some cookies.

Pivotal Xpressions wont be having a stall, but I will be back next year with a lot more stationery goodies.

Twilight With The Donkeys

Pic: Donkey Shelter Inc.

The Diamond Creek Donkey Shelter is having it's Annual Twilight With The Donkeys to raise needed funds. So go along with the family have a picnic, look at some stalls and get your photo taken with a donkey in a stable.

When:	Saturday 11th December 2010, 6pm until 8pm
Where:	Donkey Shelter 139 Ironbark Road Diamond Creek Melway 11 J2
Cost:	$20 per car

Photos
A4 poster:	$10
Calendar:	$15

Spread the word

The very cute Sugar and Spice Children's Market has had to change it's venue the last minute. So if you're in the Ballarat (Victoria) area head over to see some wonderful crafty goodies made for children. Other bloggers please spread the word about the change of venue. Thanks

Sugar and Spice Children's Market
St Alipius Parish Hall
76 Victoria Street, Ballarat
Sunday 28th November
9am to 1pm

Diamon Creek Craft Market Tomorrow!

The Diamond Creek Craft Market is on tomorrow, so come and say hello.

Please note the main road will be closed for a certain amount of time for the Diamond Creek Town Fair Parade. See web site for details.

A week from today.....

This time next week I will be attending as a stall holder at the Diamond Creek Craft Market. I am really looking forward to this market, seeing Diamond Creek is my home town. Lived there for 12 years. To coincide with the market is also the Diamond Creek Town Fair. Please note, the main street of Diamond Creek will be closed for a certain amount of time for the parade. See web site for details.

If you're not familiar with Diamond Creek, it is passed Eltham and on the way to Hurstbridge.


View Larger Map


So come along and say hello.

Diamond Creek Craft Market - Getting Ready

At the moment I'm getting ready for my last craft market for 2010. I'm in the process of putting together greeting cards that represent different suburbs around the Diamond Valley area. I thoroughly enjoy going around the suburbs, taking photos and really looking around. I feel like a tourist sometimes, seeing I've discovered places that I didn't even know were there.

Details for the Diamond Creek Craft Market on the 20th of November, click here