made’n’found had a great weekend at Yarraville Markets and also had a fantastic sponsorship offer - more to come on that soon.
I’m up to my eyeballs getting interviews organised, uploading to my Etsy and MadeIt stores and writing articles - so it is VERY busy - and that’s just TODAY!
Stay tuned!
As much as going to markets and introducing myself can be exhausting and a little bit scary, the up side always outweighs this. The best part of my job is meeting handmade artisans and talking to them, gauging their need for services and aiming to provide them in a professional yet friendly manner. Some are grateful, some are super enthusiastic. I love it, either way/
And the fun part is checking out the incredible creations… it is awe-inspiring stuff and really reaffirms by belief that handmade has an important place in the retail and manufacturing industries.
Today I went to Modish Market at Malvern Town Hall. Their second market, Kylie and Kelly have accummulated a very impressive range of stall holders that caters for every need, want and whim. Kylie has the delightful stall Tiges and Weince which I have seen at a number of markets around Melbourne and which is a market favourite of many.
I collected 44 cards from various stall holders today so I am hoping that means they want to join in the community of made’n’found. I am sure there will be some fantastic profiles and interviews coming up.
After Modish I headed down to meet Bec at Little Shop Of… in Carnegie. It sure IS a little shop but it is choc full of handmade goodness - I could have spent some serious dosh in that small space! I was good though and only purchased one item (the downside of doing this full-time is that I don’t have an income which means I can’t buy all the things I love!) - this little beauty from Kearnsie:
I could.not.resist!!! I think my Mum will HATE it but I love it and well, I am VERY busy and….well I am not so sure if important is right but it made me laugh!!!
Tomorrow I am heading up to the first Sugar and Spice market at Woodend, outside Melbourne (and <hooray> on my side of the tracks so not too early a start!).
Tonight - more writing but some down time with my family for a roast dinner <yum> and hanging out with the two cutest little men on earth, my nephews.
Have a wonderful weekend!
I’m looking forward to meeting a bunch of Melbourne Etsy sellers tonight at the Thread Den in Fitzroy. I am taking my crochet needles in case someone can miraculously teach me how to crochet without me getting tense (I find I have crochet/knitting tension issues!) and my hands aching. Most importantly, I am looking forward to telling people about made’n’found and getting their feedback and ideas about how we can help them in their endeavours!
On my way in I need to stop at spotlight for some wool (for crochet) and felt (for some rad ideas I have for my next market at Yarraville!)
Happy Friday!!
so it’s big steps here at made’n’found.
I quit my job this week so I can work on getting made’n’found up and running sooner, bigger and better than I could ever have imagined.
That means that, before the end of 2010:
and hopefully much, much more.
At this stage I am running made’n’found without an income so I hope that, if you like what we do, you might consider supporting us in a small way - it helps to pay for websites, promotional materials and the like….
In terms of articles and interviews, of course I have LOTS of ideas but I really do wecome and encourage feedback on what sort of information YOU would find useful. After all, made’n’found is about helping YOU find success and support in your business.
Finally, thankyou to those who’ve hit the LIKE button on Facebook, please tell your friends! And don’t forget we Twitter too!
We are heading up to network with crafters at Finders Keepers in Brisbane, later this month. It is very exciting - we met so many fantastic stall holders and artisans at Salamanca Markets, so we know Finders Keepers will be even more successful! If you are a stall holder, give me a shout and I will ensure I come and meet you in person. If anyone wants to meet up for a chit-chat, also let me know and we’ll organise it! I am pumped!!
I’ve started writing myself notes so I don’t forget the inspiration and ideas that are flowing through me for made’n’found. Last weekend’s market stall @ Yarraville Markets were a great start but I know my own products are only a small part of what I want to establish - in fact, they are really just to keep my happy vibes flowing, for my own satisfaction. My passion for made’n’found is in support and promotion. There are already some great things happening in this area, including the Contemporary Handmade Alliance. It’s fantastic. But I want more. Something bigger. And that’s what made’n’found will be.
For this, I need your support - join our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter, send me an email or leave feedback by clicking on ASK in the tabs above. Tell me what YOU want in support and promotion of your handmade. Let’s really open up conversation and create something unique, something special!
I believe in made’n’found, I believe in my ability to provide an outstanding service, and most importantly, I believe that Australia has the most talented handmade artists in the world. I’m on board - what are YOU waiting for?
Over the next few months I am travelling to various cities in Australia to check out top quality markets and meet with artists, designers and people who have a commitment to Australian handmade art and craft. If you have an event you think I should know about, please contact me.
