Only a few handmade markets listed on Market Angel this week –
At Westfiled Kotara NSW, will be the Handmade Craft ˜Pop Up Market where shoppers can enjoy everything from jewellery, fashion, kidswear, decor to beautiful handmade accessories and clothing for young ones and the not so young. Shop for quality unique products and see up and coming designers.
In Eltham VIC you will find Eltham Community Craft & Produce Market which has been operating for over 30 years, & offers up to 120 stalls of handmade, homegrown goods/products.
Dont forget to head over to Market Angel to see what other markets are coming up.
The Winnie&Clem Winter 2012 Collection is a collection of handmade hats with style and colour inspired by the 1920’s vintage era.
The lucsious wool, veleveteen and corduroy fabrics in the typical winter hues of red, grey, charcoal, chocolate, winter white and plum adds an instant warmth to the range.
But Winnie&Clem is not just about the practicality of warmth but also about being stylish. These hats will have you and your little ones stand well out from the crowds of beanie clad heads. The range is finished with a beautiful and equally stylish collection of accessories including flower brooches and the latest of the Winnie&Clem Bag range for the Mums.
Now youve all just got the hang of Pinterest, Im going to through another time waster into the ring! Craftgawker is my number one go to site whenever Im looking for anything crafty.
It is a curated site that has a band of photographers shifting though a daily pile of crafty submissions to bring you the very best.
Today I have gone through and picked out a few kids craft posts from the site which may come in handy with the school holidays almost upon us.
1. The long reach gizmo is from Bloesem Kids
2. Water toys from sponges by Every Little Day
3. For the older kids, Friendship Ear Buds by Crown Hill
4. Milk Art with Say Yes to Hoboken
5. Marshmallow Art by A Happy Nest via the DIY Studio
6. Craft by Amanda makes can telephones
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This crafty guest post was bought to you by Jodie Maloni of The Haby Goddess where you will find loads of crafty inspiration. The Haby Goddess will also be ˜popping up for one week only from Tuesday 26th June to Sunday 1st July at 7 Kilvington Drive, Emerald, Melbourne. So pop in and say hi!
œFunky threads for funky boys is the tag line for Puppy Dogs Tails and the 2012 winter collection is certainly living up to the claim. Handmade in country NSW by a mum of two boys (& a little girl) it is clothing that is created with the aim of dressing your child for longer through the use of multifit sizing and quality materials. If you are looking for clothing that both you and your son will love look no further!
The signature piece of the 2012 Winter range is the updated Daddy Warm-Legs. Available in cord, denim and drill options these pants feature contrast details on the waistband, front pockets and adjustable cuffs. The adjustable elastic waist and adjustable cuffs mean they will grow with your child and customising the fit to ensure maximum wear time is no issue. Dress them up further for that special occasion by adding a matching reversible waistcoat.
This collection also sees a number of pieces utilising the natural warmth of bamboo fleece with the œrock collection of hooded vests “ perfect for layering between seasons and made with iconic David and Goliath prints “ œYou Rock, You Rule and œRock is Dead, Long Live Paper and Scissors
and for when it really gets cold these bamboo lined hooded jumpers are perfect for keeping warm. And with a dual pocket system they keep slugs and snails and all those other treasure little boys love to collect out of the cold as well!
Another popular item – especially with those lucky enough to not suffer a cold winter is these adorable suspender shorts. Luckily they can also be ordered in full length versions for those in the colder parts of the continent not wanting to wait until things heat up again to get their hands on a pair!
Follow Puppy Dogs Tails on Facebook for all of the latest news and special updates!
Today we have the pleasure of getting to know Gill from Oz Handmade a little bit better, so Gill….
Tell us about your business:
OZ Handmade is an online market place!
With each store selling their own variety of lovingly hand crafted items.
Most of our stores are run by work-at-home Mums (WAHMs),
and all of them are located in Australia.
What better way to stimulate the economy than to shop with us?
In January 2012 we branched into allowing our stores to also sell items that compliment œHandmade eg: ribbons and trims, sewing and craft supplies, magazines and patterns. The OZ Shop stocks Mollie Makes and Sew Hip direct from the U.K. You can also sell vintage handmade products.
What inspired you to start your business?
OZ Handmade was already in operation and had been for 2 + years when I took ownership in June 2011. I have been running OZ Handmade for just on a year now and everyday it brings me a great amount of pleasure seeing the amazing handmade products available from fantastic men and woman working from home from all walks of life right here on my doorstep.
It is because of the talents of the WAHM and WAHPs that keeps me inspired.
Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?
OZ as in Australia and Handmade because the products that you can purchase at OZ Handmade are Handmade with love.
What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
The most satisfying part would have to be without a doubt the excitement that the store owners get when they first open a store and have their very first sale. The other part would be hearing from customers about how happy they are to have received their purchases from the OZ Handmade stores
Have you tried something in business that didnt work as planned, or on the flip side “ worked out better than expected?
I am still tweaking what works and what doesnt. In December last year I started a full on ad campaign with express publications and I have been excited by the response from those. So that is something I am going to get doing as I feel advertising is certainly the key to a successful business. The hardest part is finding the best place that suits your business needs when it comes to advertising.
What would be your best tip for someone thinking about selling their handcrafted goods?
Do you research about what is available and make sure the market is not already saturated with that product. I also cannot say it enough¦ PHOTOs with your customers being online it is important that your photos are sensational. At the end of the day your photos, sell your product. You are also your own worst critic so if you wouldnt be proud to wear it or be seen with it or put your children in it. Then dont sell it.
What is your favourite item you make?
On a personal level (Frillys Designs) I make Buntings¦ Fabric, Frame and Peg Bunting. I also have a store on OZ Handmade.
Any personal or business highlights in the last year:
Personal highlights would have to be moving house in July last year, becoming a step-grandma to a beautiful little girl in January this year and my daughter becoming School Captain in her last year of primary school.
Business highlights would have to be when I was asked early in June last year if I would consider becoming the new owner of OZ Handmade. I have enjoyed the ride so far and feel blessed that I have such great people around me. My family are my biggest fans!
3 things about you (not business related) that people might not know:
I am petrified of spiders and I mean petrified.
I am a meat-a-terrain, I dont eat cooked veggies.
I live in a rural community (not in the city)
Thank you Gill, it has been a pleasure meeting you, the maker!
