Come along to the cosy May market

Date: Sunday 2nd May

Venue: Masonic Temple (3 Sandy Bay Rd)
Time: 10am - 3pm

It’s getting a dash chilly outside, but here at the market, things are just warming up...literally. The Masonic Temple is the perfect venue for an Autumn market in Hobart, with warm lighting, a cosy temperature, and a snugly selection of stall holders showing the very best in local art + design.

This month, we have a lovely line up of assorted goodies, (just perfect for Mother’s Day actually). We think we have the nicest collection of mummy friendly gifts, ready to go to a good home. Think of extra special linen, jewels, soaps, bags + purses, scarves and of course all things sublime in the stationery department.

Do have a peek at our mini blog interviews this month, with Little Snoring and White Paper. We’re definitely a bit spoiled with all the talented stall holders this market!

And of course, while you’re out and about, remember to crunch through the leaves, up to the Melville Street car park between 9 - 1 for the Farmer’s Market. Here you can gather all the freshest and yummiest local produce, sold to you straight from the source.

Look forward to seeing you on Sunday,
Shannon + Holly :0)

on the menu

sunday 2 may

Once again the lovely Bree from Mondo Mama's Eats has come up with a DELICIOUS menu for our May 2nd market. I will have the roast pumpkin salad this month please...YUM! {click menu image to enlarge}

stall holder profile:

Jen, Nathanael, Lou + Jimmy from White Paper

We always look forward to the White Paper stall at the market. Maybe it’s because of the ever changing designs and products, maybe it’s that they always look like they’re having so much fun. Or maybe it’s because their products are really rather perfect. This is stationery at its most special, the kind that makes you buy and send a lovely, and completely unplanned, card to a friend, just because.

When and why did your business begin?
White Paper is a collaboration between four friends: Jen Cane, Nathanael Jeanneret, Louise Bloomfield and Jimmy Clough. It began as a great way to share ideas and designs over a coffee. Or two. Or more… (Hello Pigeon Hole) Now we share stuff over Gin and tasty gluten-free corn chips.

What are your creations inspired by?
Words, thoughts, fun, thinking we’re clever, other stuff…
White Paper is essentially two distinctly different styles that share the same table space. Some things are elegant, clever, well planned and very considered (that’d be Jen and Nathanael). Other things change more radically than David Bartlett’s eyewear.

What’s the best thing about what you do?
Ernie and Bert (co-operation!). The feeling that we’re producing something that tells people a little bit about who we are or how we think is nice. And when people nod or smile or can picture someone who our objects immediately should belong to – that’s pretty good as well.

Favourite colours/materials to work with?
White + Paper (well, duh). We’ve printed our wares onto tea towels, magnets, card, paper… Who knows what’s next. Printing onto Chux wipes, maybe. Or knitting.

What can customers coming to the market expect to see at your stall?
Clever stuff, enthusiasm, empty coffee cups and big smiles. And, at the moment, predominantly cards.

Favourite piece you make?
They’re all favourites. Awwwwww…

stall holder profile:

Edwina Morris from Little Snoring

It’s no secret that Holly and I have been slightly obsessed for some time now, with the ridiculously adorable ‘pocket pandas’ from the lovely label Little Snoring...The talented Edwina Morris will be bringing these + many more handmade delights for a visit to our May Market. Little Snoring has a refreshing and engaging simplicity in its approach to designs for little people, and her products are beautifully (and sturdily!) made . Do come along next Sunday, and join in the panda parade!

When and why did your business begin?
I don’t really think of it as a business, more of a therapeutic necessity! But I suppose I’ve been beginning for the past few years. The general theme for the business is creating inspirational pieces for children but there is a lot of cross-over appeal and I find myself working on things that generally make homes more colourful and comfortable for families. The collection has grown like topsy and includes Pocket Pandas, French Poodle Toys, Patchwork Pillows, Glass Bird necklaces, Eiffel Towers, Mermaids, Babushka’s and Chubby Faced pendants. I have also just added some Gumball Necklaces and Headbands and soft pillow regalia with hand printed Union Jack Cushions. I like to make simple jewellery for children that is a bit special, but not too precious, that can be a gift from Mum or an Aunt but is still age-appropriate and fun.

What are your creations inspired by?
The era of the 1930’s. Childhood seemed simpler then. Toys were handmade. Clothing had a charm. Life wasn’t rosy, but I like its simplicity. It’s not that I want to turn back the clock, but I think kids today still respond the simple and authentic objects and toys. I think we all respond strongly to something when we know where it came from and who made it or grew it.

What's the best thing about what you do?
I really like it when children walk off with a Panda or a Poodle and take it into their lives and have a relationship with it. Sometimes I get to hear stories about where they go or what they do... I know of 2 Pandas that get tucked into pyjama pockets every night before bed, and sometimes I catch a sighting posted on blogs with them tucked under little quilts in a dollhouse somewhere.

Favourite colours/materials to work with?
I mostly sew using American quilting cottons because of their quality and variety. I like glass because of its ability to hold and reflect light. I’d say I use colour fearlessly and my favourites at the moment are turquoise, jade, cherry red, Rajasthani pink and inky navy blue.

What can customers coming to the market expect to see at your stall?
I’ll be bringing some new Union Jack pillows, which are hand-printed and ‘antiqued’. I am really loving them because the symbol is so striking and it appeals to my inner ancestor (my father’s family is from Scotland and my Mum is English and the Union Jack is a combination of the Cross of St Andrew and the Cross of St George). They are also being featured in the upcoming issue of Studio Bambini due for release in early May 2010. If you want a sneak peek of the lastest collection head here

Favourite piece you make?
That’s tricky. I really enjoy making the Pocket Pandas and French Poodles. I never really know what character they’ll have until the last stitch. Their expression almost always surprise and amuse me. But I would have to say it is a lot of fun to make is the patchwork cushions, which I make in editions. It is both challenging and a lot of fun choosing colours, patterns and fabric palettes and I really enjoy it when they come together.

The lovely lucky door prize...

Ellen was the very lucky visitor to our 1st birthday market who won the lovely lucky door prize - a present from every single stall holder there! Congratulations Ellen.

:o)

Things that made us smile at our 1st birthday market...

Defiant bursts of colour, on a cold and rainy day.

Local love...what a huge turnout of locals, supporting our state’s best.

The most beautiful collection of candles we’ve ever seen.

Intricately handcrafted jewellery by Emily Snadden, nestled amongst moss.

Rebecca roth, who after one year is leaving the market team to focus on her gorgeous family + some exciting new projects. Thanks so much for your hard work, your passion for the local art and design scene, and your sense of humour, we wish you all the very best xx

Bye for now,
Shannon + Holly :0)

ps. if you've been following our blog please head over to our lovely first birthday present - a brand new website! You'll find lots more photos in the gallery section, stall holder profiles and much more. Tell us what you think!

stall holder profile:

Anna Wadley from Red Wren Designs

We’re looking forward to welcoming back the very clever (and recently married!) Anna Wadley from Red Wren Designs this Sunday. Anna’s home wares make a perfect present, or a nice little treat for yourself. Her designs are current, have a beautiful colour palette, and are very appealing in their natural simplicity. Red Wren Designs makes us want to have cosy Autumn themed dinners with friends...surrounded by soft cushions and lovely handmade tableware...

When and why did your business begin?

Red Wren Designs was officially launched in early 2009. I had been dabbling and developing designs for some time before this but it was a small outdoor market in northern Tassie which saw the launch of the business. Since then Red Wren Designs has been a regular stall holder at The Market and Niche in Launceston plus my linen tea towels are stocked in a handful of galleries and gift shops around Tassie and I have sent orders to various corners of the globe through sales on my online Etsy shop. I guess I started the business as I was craving an outlet for creative expression which I don’t really get from my day job and things have lead from there. Plus I love the process of screen printing.

What are your creations inspired by?

Nature especially trees, simplistic bold designs, Scandinavian design & patterns and Florence Broadhurst the queen of amazing prints.

What’s your favourite thing about what you do?

The whole process really, from finalising a sketch to cutting a new stencil and the excitement of seeing the first print of a new stencil. I love being in the printing zone, sipping away on cups of tea with good music and doing a print run, it’s a lovely way to spend time.

Favourite colours/materials to work with?

I love working with natural fibres especially linen & cotton, they are great surfaces to print on and with linen the more its used and loved the better the fibre gets, it ages well! In terms of colours I go through phases of favourite colours and combinations, I am loving chocolate brown and red. Its exciting to see how the different colours look on the various linens I use. Vibrant red on the rustic natural linen looks fantastic.

What can customers coming to the market expect to see at your stall?

Beautiful home wares of course! 100% linen tea towels, handmade linen cushions, cotton t-shirts, cotton napkins & placemats.

Favourite piece you make?

I don’t think I could single out one single piece as a favourite, I love making all my pieces!

stall holder profile:

Shauna Mayben from Mayben

Just the thing for an Autumn Market, a teeny tiny garden, that lives inside. Shauna Mayben and her gorgeous collection of terrariums and other special bits and pieces joins us this Sunday, for the first time. Her products are inspired by a love of the past and also have a strong environmental focus. We love the idea of having our own mini slice of garden, in a pretty jar!

When and why did your business begin?

It didn’t really begin rather it has grown and evolved. Why do I do it?….So many reasons, It’s a drive, addiction... a love. The love of the hand made the individual, unique styles.

What are your creations inspired by?

Anything antique. I love old objects, books, Jewellery, furniture, paintings; Renaissance, Elizabethan, Edwardian and Victorian periods. Secret letters, lost photos, precious nothings. In fact that is why I came up with idea to reinvent the old Wardian Cases, (better known as terrariums) that will be featured at the market. The Fern/Wardian case was discovered accidentally in 1827 by Dr. Nathaniel Ward, a London physician with a passion for botany. Dr. Ward built a fern rockery in his backyard, but the ferns kept dying. Ward was also studying moths and caterpillars and, while experimenting with a cocoon in a covered jar for observation, he noticed that several plants had grown in the bit of soil at the bottom of the jar. Among the bottled plants was a fern and, unlike the ferns in his garden, it looked healthy. Ward pursued his discovery in miniature greenhouses, which he named fern cases, and which are now known as Wardian cases or terrariums. Did I mention that I am a passionate gardener?

What's your favourite thing about what you do?

Researching; looking through old books, going to the library, day dreaming.That warm fuzzy feeling knowing that I am applying skills and techniques that have been passed down through generations. Thanks Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward.

Favourite colours/materials to work with?

Anything recycled makes me feel like I am doing my bit. I salvage Plastics heading to land fill from manufactures, I use the plastic/acrylic Perspex in the Wardian cases, and some jewellery. So let’s say Green :)

What can customers coming to the market expect to see at your stall?

Not only will they see the Wardian Cases, but a amazing collection of Tasmanian ferns. There will also be a range of jewellery celebrating the love of plants.

Favourite piece you make?

Making Jewellery commissions for people’s special moments and events in their lives. As well as getting my hands dirty in the garden. mmmm dirt

Happy Birthday to us!

Date: Sunday 11th April

Venue: Masonic Temple (3 Sandy Bay Rd)

Time: 10am - 3pm

Wow...Hard to believe that it was a year ago when the market held it’s very first event. Throughout the past year, we have hosted a range of Tasmanian talent...from emerging and undiscovered artists, to established designers and makers. We’ve worked hard to find brilliant products from around the state, and most importantly, to keep the market fresh and yummy each month, just like the delicious local food available every market. We are extremely proud of the calibre of our stall holders, and in particular, the comprehensive range of products we bring to you each event.

Our April first birthday market is no exception...we have opened up the top floor of the temple, to fit as many of our stallholders in as possible. These are the very clever people who have made the market a success, with their talent, hard work and unique and high quality products!

As always, we have a generous sprinkling of our favourite stalls to show off, along with some lovely new faces and products....Cute as a button terrariums by Shauna Mayben, and gorgeous locally made candles by Kate Allen, to mention a couple!

We would love you to join us on our first birthday, have a nibble on a cupcake, enter our very special lucky door competition, and join us in celebrating the incredible talent we have in our beautiful island state...hip hip hooray!

Bec, Shannon + Holly :0)

ps. as always Bree will be cooking up a storm - check out the delicious menu for this month...YUM! {click image to enlarge}