:: A Simply Gorgeous Springtime Market at Brisbane City Hall ::
It wouldnt be springtime in Brisbane without a splash of colour and a dash of simply gorgeous handmade from Brisbanes blossoming craftisans.
Perfectly nestled on the ground floor of the iconic Brisbane City Hall, the October 12 BrisStyle indie Markets are set to create a welcome pre-Christmas shopping experience for all lovers of locally crafted handmade goods.
Find homewares, vintage styled fashion, ladies and mens wear and accessories, childrens wear, art, jewellery, beauty products and more as you wind your way through the boutique-styled stalls of over 50 contemporary independent artisans.
Relax with a traditional cup of tea and cake at the Shingle Inn and take in the historic surrounds of one of Brisbanes best-loved landmarks, all in air-conditioned comfort.
With BrisStyle renowned for its support and development of Brisbanes vibrant creative community, these markets make for a perfect opportunity to give the gift of locally created handmade.
WHEN Saturday October 12, November 9 and December 7
VENUE Ground Floor, Brisbane City Hall, Brisbane City
TIME 9am-3pm (December 9am-4pm)
COST FREE
EMAIL brisstyleevents@gmail.com
Support local indie artisans and shop ethically at Brisbanes most gorgeous destination for everything handmade.
Christmas Artwork designed by Ella Mobbs – www.ellamobbs.com.au
Imaginative kids label My Arkadia is set to launch their Summer 2013/14 range that showcases creativity and fun in memory of a carefree childhood, in a range entitled Down Memory Lane.
Inspired by their own childhood memories that fellow children of the 80s would well relate to, Down Memory Lane draws upon the free-spirited times of riding your bike around your local neighbourhood, treats from the local corner store, games of pretend, hilarious and carefree mischief, exploring nature, retro toys, fun parks and storybooks that set your imagination alight.
Down Memory Lane features t-shirts, onesies, tights, and raglans with Arkadians unique blend of retro style graphics and nature inspired sketches, in a range of neon brights,coloured marles, neutral organic t-shirts as well as staple classic colours.
The range caters for bubs from 6months through to a kids size 8, with custom orders for other sizes also available. All Arkadian garments are made with boutique quality and designed for maximum comfort to move and play all day – some designs are offered in organic cotton too!
The range will be available for purchase through the My Arkardia website from 4th October 2013.
My Arkadia | Go Against the Grain
Arkadia was brought to life by Gold Coast t-shirt enthusiasts, parents and partners in crime, Ammber and Justin.
Arkadia is a label for kids and the young at heart, crafting apparel and lifestyle merchandise that inspires, amuses and enlightens. Committed to using quality garments,the designs are built to endure the rigors of adventurous kids and become heirlooms to pass onto future Arkadians. Using ethically made garments of exceptional quality as a canvas for these classic, quirky graphics! Each one has been lovingly designed and printed in Australia in small, limited edition print runs.
Let’s meet the lovely Greta from – Colour and Spice
Tell us about your business:
Colour and Spice is a Melbourne-based, Australian-owned business that specialises in creating original and personable framed prints, canvases, bedroom décor and so much more all at very affordable prices. From their gorgeous birth prints, through to family and love prints, personalised cushions and clocks, there is sure to be something for everyone.
The majority of Colour & Spices creative work is aimed at children, with their cute birth prints a real feature with a wide variety on offer. You can choose prints with individual graphic motifs such as tractors, robots, flowers and fairies, or even a print with a photo of your precious bundle.
Other items in the Colour & Spice range include personalised clocks, cushions and name art, and just recently launched, backpacks and all feature bright and colourful designs such as birds, owls, trees, lions and rockets. All items are individually designed and created, to add a touch of flare to any childs bedroom.
Founder and creator, Greta Zaffino brings with her many years of national visual merchandising expertise, interior decorating and graphic design skills. She also has a genuine love of art, stationery and paper products. She says what appeals most to her customers is the individuality she is able to offer them.
Colour & Spice is always evolving to meet market demand, with new product lines constantly being developed and launched and with ranges expanding with new designs. Brighten your world with Colour and Spice!
What inspired you to start your business?
I have always wanted to create something crafty, personalised and with stationery or decor since I was a little girl. It was always my dream to have my own card range that I would sell in major retailers and although I have taken a completely different road, there is still that little dream and love for creative and personalised pieces that keeps me going. There was always going to be a day where I started my own creative business and after having my first baby, the time was finally right!
Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?
No, not in particular but I think it represents what I do and create with my products oozing colour and vibrancy and spice! It’s a non-descript business name which can span across all types of product areas without being child or design specific. This is what I wanted so I had room to move as a brand later on down the track.
Meet the Maker – Colour and Spice
What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
I love creating for customers and hearing the fabulous feedback knowing that what I have designed or created is just for them! And they love it as much as I love designing and creating. It keeps me going. I love the challenge of new product design and designs for the products themselves. I always have a head full of concepts, ideas and designs, which I am always bursting at the seams to sit and create.
Have you tried something in business that didn’t work as planned, or on the flip side worked out better than expected?
The clock range I have to say has been phenomenal. I never expected such a great response to our gorgeous handmade clocks but I have been pleasantly surprised with the reaction to these and the sales numbers. These are such an affordable and fabulous piece for any bedroom or nursery. I have even created custom clocks with business logos. Including mine of course!
What would be your best tip for someone thinking about selling their handcrafted goods?
Do your homework very thoroughly and know from the get go that it’s not about designing and creating and then selling. In fact this is only the tip of the iceberg. You need to be across so many important facets of business in general, which I fortunately have had exposure to in my full-time professional career. There are so many important hats to wear when getting started – designer, creator, accountant, warehouse and dispatch, custom service, marketing and branding, social media, product and material sourcing, profit and loss, wholesale, presentation and the list goes on and on. It is so important to know a little about all of these areas before embarking.
What is your favourite item you make?
I have to say I adore designing new cushion ranges and I always love piecing together a framed print. The perfect finished personalised gift for the home ready to hang!
Meet the Maker – Colour and Spice
Any personal or business highlights in the last year:
I have expanded so much in the last 9 months, with creating new ranges and designs, to branching out and selling my products elsewhere, to meeting new people and having new and valuable contacts. The year just gets more exciting as it progresses and the business goes from strength to strength. The product side of the business (opposed to the graphic design side) has taken off beyond expectations and I am so excited to say the least!
3 things about you that people might not know:
I have a huge love of music and own 2 guitars. Although they haven’t been played in some time sadly.
I have a sugar addiction I think who doesn’t?! I love my mums desserts – amazing cook!
I love markets, shopping, vino and having a good belly laugh with family and great friends – it’s the best medicine!
