Piccadilly Market: April 2014

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Thank You Geelong

Thank you to everyone who came along to Piccadilly Market in Geelong on Sunday. We had a great day, with a great vibe and tunes provided by the fabulous Mettaphor and an awesome debut from Ella Walsh.

You can view a slide show of photos from the day here.




The next market date is June 22nd in Melbourne at Williamstown Town Hall and then August 3rd back in Geelong.




Friday, April 25, 2014

In the Spotlight: Laskas Lullabies

Meet Mary from Laskas Lullabies, a newcomer to Piccadilly Design Market in Geelong on 27 April.




Hi my name is Mary Lynton-Moll

I am a Grandma of 3 now living in Eltham who had a 40 year career in Health but have always loved design, craft and dressmaking.
When I retired from my career 3 years ago I thought it was a good time to try to forge a new direction and set up a business doing something I loved.

At the time there was a lack of affordable natural fabrics for baby & children’s bedding and after a long search I decide to have some organic brushed cotton made and started to make blankets for babies and young children.



I wanted a fabric that was natural, would not cause allergies and be breathable yet warm.

I applique nurturing animals onto the blankets and have now extended my range to include organic cotton sheets and cushions creating a nursery package. The blankets are sized to fit bassinets, prams, cots and also work as a throw on a single bed.

The name of my business is Laska’s Lullabies which was named after my beautiful grey mare who is no longer with us – Laska.  When we investigated business names all the obvious ones were already taken so we came up with this and then discovered Laska also means “love” in the Czech language and is the name of a town in Poland.



As my father was Polish this seemed meant to be, so Laska’s Lullabies was born.

In addition to my blankets I love to make greeting cards and this is my big relaxation, I sell baby cards to go with my range.

My favourite website is “Pinterest” I am absolutely addicted to it and spent most evenings while “watching” TV with my husband getting ideas for cards, planning my garden, looking at fabulous destinations for travel, finding wonderful recipes and indulging all my favourite pastimes.   Thank goodness for tablets and IPads!

I also love to read and have recently enjoyed The Rosie project” and just finished “The French Promise” both Australian authors and great reads.

I love to travel would love to go back to Norway to try and see the Northern Lights.

When my children were young I was lucky enough to meet and speak with Princess Diana, which was very special, she was such a genuine person. 




Wednesday, April 23, 2014

In The Spotlight: Me Half Designs

Another fantastic newcomer  to Piccadilly Design market on 27th April is Me Half Designs.



Tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a research student who, in her spare time, likes to get the creative juices going with jewellery making. I also really love meeting and chatting with people, so markets are heaven to me. I’ve been making jewellery for myself for years now, but have only been selling my pieces for just over 6 months. I love making pieces that are easy to wear, but also versatile with what you’re wearing.

How did you come up with your business name?
mehalfdesigns reflects the creative and crafty side of me. Studying for a career in science is very different to that, and has a very different mindset. I guess mehalfdesigns means half of me designs, and half of me does science!

Tell us how your product/range came about?
I always played around with jewellery making, custom making pieces for my outfits. It came to a point where I was accumulating so much handmade jewellery that a friend recommended that I take my hobby to craft markets.



How long have you been in business for?
Mid to late 2013, so mehalfdesigns is still very new.

What inspires you?
I’m inspired by so many things. I’m inspired by the simplicity of some jewellery pieces, but at the same time I like chaotic statement pieces too. I guess it all depends on the mood I’m in when making jewellery. I do love the look of well loved jewellery as it ages. I also love when pieces bring back amazing memories because you were wearing it when something great happened.



Have you always been ‘crafty’ or has it bloomed later in life?
I’ve always tried to DIY everything, and I always have several projects on the go! 

What is something cool that most people wouldn’t know about you?
I’m a very keen diver who never dives without her camera. I’m obsessed with underwater macro photography.  Me too but not underwater

If money was no object what would be your dream destination?
Anywhere with an inspiring view that I haven’t seen before, and that has access to a dive site!

What are you reading right now?
Have just started The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho

What is your favourite website(s)?
I love anything DIY:
www.the-brick-house.com/    
thedesignfiles.net/
www.thesweetbeastblog.com/
www.abeautifulmess.com/
www.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/Mehalfdesigns
I do also love instagram

Have you ever met anyone famous?
Depends on what is considered famous. I’ve meet some amazing musicians, actors, scientists, writers, and entrepreneurs who wouldn’t make it into a glossy magazine or be instantly recognized on the street, but are brilliant and well recognized in their field. I love that

Monday, April 21, 2014

In The Spotlight: Cheeky Little Fox

Please meet Anna from Cheeky Little Fox who will be at the next Piccadilly Design Market in Geelong on 27th April with her beautiful hair accessories.


Tell us a little about yourself?
 My name is Anna and I am a mummy of 2 little boys; Benny (29 months) and Archie (10 months) and you could say that Cheeky little fox is my ‘little girl’! I am currently on maternity leave from my job as a secondary school health and food technology teacher and I am loving being a work at home mum.




How did you come up with your business name?
My mum has always loved foxes (even though I grew up on a farm and they are pests) and when Benny was a baby if he was cheeky, I would always call him my cheeky little fox. I loved the name so much and thought that it was playful and cute. I worked closely with a  great graphic designer to come up with the ‘pretty’ fox, as seen in my logo and from there, the name has evolved into what it is today!

Tell us how your product/range came about?
 I started off by making 30 hair clips and sold these to friends and online quite quickly. Worried it was a fluke, I purchased enough materials to make another 30 and they too, went just as quickly. From there I dabbled in headbands and didn’t really find my mark until about 6 months later when I founded my most popular style, the ‘triple Betsy’ and late last year this further evolved into my shabby Betsy range. This gorgeous headband design came about by accident late one night when I was packing up. I have been very fortunate that over time I have been lucky to receive lots of valuable feedback from my clients and have been able to modify and tailor my products to better meet their evolving needs. In recent times, I have also introduced headband styles that are suitable and made to size for everyone from newborns to adults.


How long have you been in business for?
 Realistically, since September 2013, but officially since September 2012, however, soon after launching I became quite ill with severe morning sickness and could not continue with my work until March 2013. I worked for a couple of months and had my second son in the May and then got right back into it in September. All the while, I was just itching to create and attend markets and get Cheeky little fox ‘out there’.

What inspires you?
I love creating pretty things and as evident in my range, I love colour. My biggest motivation though, is my 2 little boys. Being able to work from home has allowed me the flexibility to spend as much time with them as I can. The bonus is that I absolutely adore what I do. I think this happiness and contentment shine through in my work.

Have you always been ‘crafty’ or has it bloomed later in life?
 Yes! My first ‘job’ was making and selling scrunchies at the local market when I was about 11.


What is something cool that most people wouldn’t know about you?
 Most people just assume I started out making hair accessories because I had a little girl. They are generally shocked and laugh when I say I have 2 little boys and NO girls!

If money was no object what would be your dream destination?
 I would love to visit New York for the shopping and also travel through Italy and France, mainly for the foodie experience.

What are you reading right now?
Unfortunately nothing, I haven’t had time lately. I am hoping to load up my Kindle for my next holiday though.

What is your favourite website(s) ?        
 Very soon it will be www.cheekylittlefox.com.au, but until that goes live I would have to say I love ‘Down that little lane’ for beautiful gift ideas and Taste.com.au for everyday recipes.

Have you ever met anyone famous?
I have had a couple of clients who are household names which is exciting, but a girl never kisses and tells ;).

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

In the Spotlight: Lauren and Angie

In my opinion we can never have too many new clothing labels at Piccadilly Design Market, so very happy to welcome Lauren and Angie on the 27th April here in Geelong.




Tell us a little about yourself?
I am a fashion graduate with a love and passion for anything organic, ethical and sustainable

How did you come up with your business name?
I originally wanted to call my business something else but unfortunately I couldn’t use the name, so then it was a long process of thinking of something else. I wanted something that related to me but I didn’t just want my name. My mum came up with Lauren & Angie after remembering my imaginary friend I had when I was little, her name being Angie. Angie had to come with us everywhere so it seemed fitting that she continue to be a part of my life through my business name.

Tell us how your product/range came about
I studied fashion design for 3 years at The Gordon in Geelong, and it wasn’t until my final year when we started learning about sustainable fashion, and I did an internship with a sustainable label and I based my final range around eco-friendly/sustainable fashion that I realised that’s where my passion lay. My passion for fair fashion and slowing down fast fashion grew and I decided I couldn’t work for companies that produced something I didn’t believe in so it only seemed fitting to start up my own label and base it around sustainable and eco-friendly fashion.



How long have you been in business?
I started Lauren & Angie the middle of last year.

What inspires you?
Everything and everyone around me inspires me you can’t shut yourself off to certain things. You should always think laterally. I am always looking and observing my surroundings and the people walking past me.

Have you always been crafty?
Yes, I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t creating something. I have come a long way in my creative world from the cardboard dogs I used to make.

If money was no object what’s your dream destination?
I would definitely be going everywhere! But my first destination would be the Canadian ski fields.

What are you reading right now?
I am reading The Perks of being a Wallflower

What is your favourite website?
I don’t really have a favourite I like a lot of websites but I do spend a lot of time on Pinterest – so many cool things on there – and Etsy not just looking after my store but browsing through all the creative people out there stores.



Have you ever met anyone famous?
I have had the privilege of meeting two amazing fashion designers. Alex Perry at a business seminar in Geelong and Paul Smith in his Head Office in London. COOL

Sunday, April 13, 2014

In The Spotlight : Tvianaa's Henna Tatts

Piccadilly Design Market has a really cool newcomer on April 27th in Geelong and that is Hinal from Tvianaa's Henna Tatts. She will be doing them on the day and if I can force myself to sit down I am definitely getting one. I got my first one at the school fete a few weeks back and loved it.



Tell us a little about yourself?
Name is Hinal, born in Oman, Indian by origin, lived in Dubai, travelled the world, and now truly happy to be in Geelong.

How did you come up with your business name?
Tvianaa’s Henna Tatts – My daughters Tvisha and Jianaa, hence combined to make Tvianaa. My princesses are the inspiration behind all my art.

Tell us how your product/range came about?
As a little girl, I used to love getting Henna Tatt’s…..and doodling Henna designs…..so I had to pursue it further. After moving to Geelong, I thought I’d like to take Henna art a step further and apply it on canvas.

How long have you been in business for?
Less than 6 months, but loving it so far since new ideas are continuously pouring in.

What inspires you?
The love for trying new ideas and the joy of implementing them.

Have you always been ‘crafty’ or has it bloomed later in life?
I have always been crafty, have done quilting, appliqué, cake decoration, crochet, bead bags, henna, ceramic flowers and pots and so much more when I was in school/college. All my craft work took a back seat (during the last 10 years) whilst I juggled a career in the corporate world and my studies and family life with kids. But now that I am a stay at home mom after moving to Geelong, I thought, it’s time to get crafty once more.

What is something cool that most people wouldn’t know about you?
Most people in town may not know that I am a qualified Chartered accountant and am a MBA. In my last job I was Head of Finance, DBS Bank Dubai. I had a team of 20 people who would follow my instructions but now I have to run a family of three and they don’t listen to me J. Mine don't either sadly
(In Dubai I had my mum to look after the kids, and having moved here, we are not keen on day care for the kids, so I have decided to stay at home)

If money was no object what would be your dream destination?
In a water villa in Cocoa Island, Maldives……..ah now I am lost in my dreams J. One of my dreams too

What are you reading right now?
ONE by Richard Batch…….it opened my eyes to the fearful clinging and self-doubt that prevents so many people from reaching their full potential. It also renewed my resolve to take responsibility for my every dream, doubt, achievement, and failure. Every choice you make in every moment of your life, affects more than your next few seconds or minutes or hours. It can affect your entire future and the lives of others. It’s all about the power of our choices in life.

What is your favorite website(s) ?
Too many to list J.

Have you ever met anyone famous?
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai

Friday, April 4, 2014

In The Spotlight: Print Patch Australia

Print Patch is another newcomer to Piccadilly Design Market in Geelong on Sunday 27th April.
Meet Elly.




Tell us a little about yourself?
Grew up an an extremely busy household, oldest of 5 kids, father an Entrepreneur, mum a nurse. Moved house virtually every year of my life as a child.  I'm passionate about my family, my church and helping people.  I also love coffee, shopping, and quality 'girl' time.  Lately Print Patch has become a special thing for me, it is a life long dream that is starting to come to life.

How did you come up with your business name?
A spontaneous pluck out of thin air.  But I wanted 'Print' in the name and for it to role off the tongue!  I knew too complicated wouldn't work.

Tell us how your product/range came about?
I have an art background, have always drawn and come up with ideas and ways of making things.  Sometimes an idea wont leave me till I make it.  The laser cut jewelry was one that pestered me till I made it.  And screen printing started because I saw a tea towel and wondered how it was made.




How long have you been in business for?
In a serious way.....not long.  Have given it a half hearted effort many times in the past.  Now its the right time to just go for it.

What inspires you?
Colour, anything I see that's new, unique and different.  And I love shapes, pattern and fabric.



Have you always been ‘crafty’ or has it bloomed later in life?
I have had ambitions to be an 'artist' all my life, hence I did a Bachelor in Fine Art out of High School.  But I remember getting a buzz out of making things at a young age, like the bibs I made for my cousins Cabbage Patch dolls (the first time they were popular)



What's something cool that most people wouldn’t know about you?
I have jumped off a moving train, don't know if that constitutes 'cool' though?  Stupid probably!

If money was no object what would be your dream destination?
Italy, Greece, anywhere mediterranean.

What are you reading right now?
The Bible

What is your favourite website(s) ?
Pinterest           

Have you ever met anyone famous?
Tammy Macintosh passed me at the airport the other day!  But no, not really.  Recently I met Cath Derksema, I got my photo taken with her (gush).  She's famous to me.  She owns Prints Charming fabrics.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

In The Spotlight: Third Fox

The lovely Alison from Third Fox will be joining us at Piccadilly Design Market on 27 April in Geelong with her beautiful pillows, tea towels and wooden products.


Tell us a little about yourself? 
I am a mum of three and have a super supporting husband. Neither of us know how to sit still!  I love gardening and creating things. Strangely, I really love to work!

How did you come up with your business name?
The third came from having three children and fox because I love foxes and their beautiful bushy tails! Hence "Third_Fox"

Tell us how your product/range came about?
I hand screen-print on pillows, Tea - Towels and a range of other linens.  I also make a range of timber vessels and bangles.  My range is continually expanding!

How long have you been in business for?
About three months!

What inspires you?
Colour and the drive to make Australian products available in Australia.

Have you always been ‘crafty’ or has it bloomed later in life?
When I was a child I was very crafty but as I got older I found it too easy to buy things.  Now that I have surrounded myself with people that love to create, I feel a real sense of wanting to be a part of that!

If money was no object what would be your dream destination?
A year long stay in Italy! So my kids could experience the food, school and the Italian culture!

What are you reading right now?
I just completed  " The coffee house in Kabul" 

What is your favourite website(s) ?     
I'm slightly obsessed with "Instagram" It's not really a website, but I find it extremely inspiring! We have so many talented people in Australia and it's a great forum for new businesses!

Have you ever met anyone famous?
They aren't exactly famous but two weeks ago we met "Steve and Chantelle" off the block and had a private tour of the apartments!  The kids were pretty excited!

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