Finders Keepers Markets

The Finders Keepers Markets are a bi-annual event that showcases the work of emerging designers and artists from all around Australia & even New Zealand. With a passion for bringing independent design to the forefront and encouraging the Australian emerging art & design scene. I went last year, and loved every bit of the evening – so great to see new things and the vibe is very cool, I will try and take some  pictures this year to share with you all.  If you can make the time to go yourself, its definately worth it.
CarriageWorks
245 Wilson Street Eveleigh NSW
Friday 7 & Saturday 8 May 2010
www.thefinderskeepers.com



 


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Rabbit Trap Timber

I am a sucker for anything old, recycled, antique and what my husband will regularly refer to as ‘junk’.  As a child I spent years of trawling after my mother through antique stores and clearing sales. I can still hear myself complaining of the boredom and pleading “can we go now?”.  As it turns out I have now grown to love those same shops and it is my turn to quietly bribe my children and whisper, “don’t touch or the shop lady will eat you!”

A few of my favourite haunts have recently gone online, so for those of you who need a fix of ’something old is new again’, try these

Rabbit Trap Timber is rescued, reclaimed, recycled furniture.  The  creative duo Robert and Justine Taylor  have developed an ecclectic collection inspired by 1930’s depression furniture.  The designs are simple with a quirky edge, due to the nature of recycling each piece is unique and has its own character and beauty. Justine also a flair for rescuing neglected peices of furniture and bringing them back to life.  You can vistit Rabit Trap Timber at their online gallery, they update with new furniture daily and all pieces are very well priced.  or they have a stall at the Bowral Farmers Market on the Second Saturday of Each month.

 


David Met Nicole

The names itself fascinates me.  Who is David and when and where did he meet Nicole.  I need to know the storey!  What I do know is that this is a fabulous store with products ranging from furniture, lighting, eclectic pieces for the home and clothing,vantage and contemporary, both men’s and women’s.
The DavidmetNicole online store is overwhelming.  Their range is enormous – my favourite parts are the lighting (I have a fascinations with industrial lamps at the moment) and don’t forget to check out the ‘items of interest’, but be warned you may get stuck there, so much to see.
A sale is always a good excuse to buy something and it just so happens DavidmetNicole has one until the 6th of March.
So does anyone know how DavidmetNicole?

homeware & interiors

 


blackwhite-spot blue-and-red gina-&-may

Gina & May

Well with all the rain we have had in the last week, I thought it timely to talk about umbrellas. I also need one myself, so I may as well share my discovery of these super stylish brollies. I am tired of always carrying the umbrella that has been dragged home by my husband after some promotional golf day, they are generally black with an insurance company logo splashed across the side. I am not sure if I lose them on purpose, or I am just forgetful (perhaps it’s both) none the less, I seem to be stuck with no umbrella. Not any more.

Gina & May Designer umbrellas are my answer. Gina & May have created a boutique collection of umbrellas that speak to high quality and functionality. mybowerbird loves the wooden handle, and especially loves the compact size the umbrella can fold down to (folds down to 19cm). Perfect for the hand bag or storing in your glove box. Vibrant colours and graphic shapes. The simple, yet bold look of this playful range, make for a striking statement, particularly on a cold and miserable day, when a burst of colour can brighten up your day as well as passers-by.

My biggest problem now, which one? Don’t wait until it rains and then wish you had of purchased one of them, have a look at the online store.

 

SAMBAG – My New Boots

Well it is coming to the time of the year where we get to discuss winter essentials.  A good pair of boots, in black and brown are essential to every girls wardrobe.  I have only just started looking around for the perfect pair and this pair of SAMBAG boots is looking like they belong on my feet.  They just look soft and perfect to slip into everyday.  These boots come in black, elephant grey and tan (pictured) and I think are well priced at $400. 
Take a peak at their trench coats, they are a classic cut and come in fabulous colours and are a steal at $220. SAMBAG online also have some yummy cashmere jumpers and of course a new range of their signature ballet flats
If you are a bit scared to by shoes online you check the website for the boutiques in Sydney and Melbourne - don’t be shy though if you get the size wrong you can just post them straight back. Winter here we come.


 

Ella and Kate

Here you will find lots of gorgeous hair accessories for little people. All handmade in Australia! 
The range includes hair accessories for girls of all ages from our beautiful Baby Bows to our Big Satin Bow for older girls. Baby Hair Bows, the Signature Hair Bow and now Flower Hair Clips, you will find it all at Ella and Kate.
My daughter will testify that I am no amazing hairdresser, much to her dismay.  So anything that makes my life easier and her hair look pretty I am very happy about.  Don’t miss the section on school bows – perfect.  I actually went shopping with my daughter (age 7) here, she could chose her bows and we had fun.  So I have introduced Ella to the world of online shopping.  It was great, no complaining, no getting tired and no bribing required and she loved checking the post to see if her parcel arrived.  A happy experience for all involved.



 

Pamper Hamper Gifts

Celebrate with Vera Wang 08 021Pamper Hamper Gifts will make your life much easier searching for that perfect gift. At Pamper Hamper Gifts the receiver will be blown away by their high quality gift and luxurious packaging.

Bianca Kristallis’ attention to detail is evident in the click of every button on this comprehensive website.  The images are clear, and mybowerbird loves the the gift price guide, there is a hamper to suit every person and every occasion.  Delivery is Australia wide.  Try it, you wont be disappointed.  p.s. if you can’t think of who to send a hamper to, I would be very happy with the Veuve Clicquot!

 

Le Black Book

resized-for-fashion-directoLe Black Book is Australia’s first true luxury online fashion experience. It sets itself apart with an exclusive experience unlike any other. At Le Black Book, you can unwind, read designer profiles and keep up to date with the latest in fashion news.

Le Black Book is known for its addictive qualities as a luxury online shopping experience; offering all price points, updated daily with universal appeal.  Don’t waist time – if you purchase before December 20th Le BLack Book is offering a 20% discount, just type in ‘mybowerbird’ at the check out

 

Grosgrain

Grosgrain Home & Design was established by Pru Kellaway and Lisa Cribb, giftsfriends who share a passion for beautiful homes and gardens. Specialising in furniture and home wares, inspired by the relaxed lifestyle of the French countryside and the classic look of the Hamptons, Grosgrain adds to their collection a gorgeous array of fabulous gifts.

Be sure to take advantage of their free gift wrapping, your packages will be wrapped and tied with their signature black grosgrain ribbon and delivered to your door. Their is a little something for everyone in this store, mybowerbirds favourite in the gifts section is of course the little bird soap dish – take a look.

 

kitchen

mybowerbird believe’s that if you only buy pieces that you truly love, your home will be a warm and inviting space that reflects your individual personality. Pru Kellaway and Lisa Cribb followed this rule when they source their products, inspired by the relaxed lifestyle of the French countryside and the classic look of the Hamptons, they buy pieces that are Beautiful as well as functional, this results in the particular look that is Grosgrain.  Be sure to take advantage of their free gift wrapping, Your packages will be wrapped and tied with their signature black grosgrain ribbon and delivered to your door.Grosgrain has chosen the best of the best homewares to complete any room in your home, from the kitchen to the garden.

 

Bassike

300x200The name is intended to say it all: Bassike, a label of lust-worthy proportions born out of the simple desire to provide wardrobe staples that could be worn with ease. The brainchild of close friends Deborah Sams and Mary Lou Ryan, it stepped onto the Antipodean design scene in July 2006.  From that point on, it has flourished; and what began as a breezy collection of organic cotton-jersey T-shirts, dresses and trousers has since rounded out into more softly tailored territory. The intention however, lives on: current, eternal and effortless, each piece is designed to work seperately but also in conjunction and although new styles have been added – namely wool jersey, cotton shirting, denim and leather – beauty still belongs to the wearer. With Bassike, personal style resonates.
Check out their online boutique, so striaght forward and easy to use. All items make great staples for your wardrobe.

 

Shoes of Prey
Shoes of PreyWhether you’re pouring over a glossy magazine, clicking onto your favourite fashion blog, or lusting after a girlfriend’s most recent stiletto purchase, we all know that the spark of shoe-desire takes just a moment to take hold, and then the need to find that perfect shoe is intoxicating.  The journey to find the perfect shoe is often a long one that ends in compromise.
Being too familiar with the long days of shopping that accompany the usually disappointing search for the perfect shoes, Shoes of Prey sought out a solution to this conundrum.
Shoes of Prey creates beautiful bespoke women’s shoes, designed by youYou choose the heel, toe, fabric, colour and embellishments. Their expert craftsmen then make your shoes to measure, swaddle them in a soft dust bag and crisp new box,
and ship them straight to your waiting feet.

 

Runwaygirl.com.au

directory-image-300x200Runwaygirl.com.au is all about fashion for women with style. Featuring an amazing line up of designer labels it’s an exciting, easy and fun way to shop online.
You can buy the latest fashion clothing, accessories and shoes from top name brands including Tigerlily, White Suede, Karen Walker, Peep Toe Shoes and more.
If you like being ahead of the fashion game then the runwaygirl.com.au pre-order option is perfect – buy before it’s released and you’re guaranteed be the first to wear it.
Visit the site now to pull together your summer wardrobe with the exciting collection of new season dresses, tops and some amazing shoes and jewellery… 


 

Palas

resized-pearl-necklacePalas is an Australian jewellery design, manufacture and wholesale company.  The Palas collection features sterling silver (925), quality gemstones, glass, shell, pearl, antique brass, leather, mother of pearl, ribbon and chain. Fashion focused, not fashion driven, the Palas concept achieves a simple and modern aesthetic teamed with cool functionality that is evident in every beautiful piece.
These are timeless designs that are beautiful in their simplicity – quality workmanship at extremely affordable prices.
The Palas collection is extremely affordable with prices starting at AUD$26 retail (RRP) for uniquely designed and hand crafted jewels. Over 70% of the Palas jewellery collection retails under AUD$100.

 

resized-logoThe Dharma Door sources products with integrity and collections that are truly unique. Apart from supplying exquisite handcrafted products, they wholeheartedly support Fair Trade, with their range created by artisans in developing communities in India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines and Bangladesh. Stunning bags, baskets, journals, fair trade tea, table ware and home decor can be found on this wonderfully easy to navigate website.  Visit the blog spot to share in the Dharma Door story.
The Dharma Door is equally committed to their environmental policy and all of their new products are created from sustainable or recycled materials. 


 

dir-listingEternal Creation’s gorgeous range of childrens’ and womens’ wear is lovingly crafted and ethically produced in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Eternal Creation works with Tibetan refugees and the local Indian community to produce beautifully tailored outdoor and party wear, sleepwear and accessories.
There’s something for every child, from size newborn to ten.
This site is not just about the amazing clothes EC produces, it is about the people and the place behind the clothes.  Take a tour of the Himalayan workshop, meet the tailors and experience the journey the cloth has made to be on your doorstep.  Inspiring.

Become part of the amazing Eternal Creation story.




 

resized-imageEveryone who has ever renovated, put up curtains or wall papered a room always has that little bit left over that they store at the back of the linen press, with whimsical thoughts about what they might use it for one day…Or are you the person who has pounded the pavements searching for the perfect lamp to finish of your favourite room? Shady Designs is going to solve all your lampshade dilemmas, they offer a range of custom made lampshades in an array of gorgeous fabrics or wall papers;  They specialise in pendant feature lights, elegant table lamps and floor lamps, illuminating both homes or commercial spaces.  The lamps are all handcrafted in Sydney and may be sent anywhere around the world.  Take a look, you will love it.

 

resized-for-webSkedaddle is a fabulous website – two clever women Kate Brownie and Louise Rogers had a passion for fabrics, design and beautiful children’s accessories.  Unable to find backpacks, lunchboxes, overnight bags, and toiletry bags with out superheroes all over the cover, Kate and Louise answered the plight of many a mother.The backpack specifically designed for three to eight year old’s with an insulated lunch box is mybowerbird’s favourite. 
Many other co-ordinating accessories are also available.
These include luggage tags, coin purses, children’s tote bags which fold into a pouch when not in use, and many other items.
The range is constantly expanding with new ideas and new designs.Take a look.

 

 

Petite and Belle

All I want for Christmas is a shopping voucher at Petite & Belle. girl-for-directory

Trudi Jeffrey, a mother of two daughters grew tired of the hour long drive to Canberra to buy pretty dresses and bed linen, deciding instead to set up a children’s boutique in her NSW home town, Yass.  For those mums that love quality, style and the ability to purchase everything you need for your children in a one stop shop – topped off with beautiful gift wrapping. Join the Petite and Belle mailing list for regular updates on whats new in store.  The online shop is easy to use and the images and products make you want to redesign your children’s bedrooms and wardrobe all over.

This is a country store with city quality.

 

300x200PrintDolls were the first to recreate vintage destination blinds. All Stops To… is the nostalgic range of artworks, inspired by the former cloth scrolls originally used to display the ‘end of the line’ on old buses, trams & trains. The prints, proudly designed & hand-made in Australia, now adorn walls of sentimental homes all over the world.In keeping with the era, it was essential to retain the vintage aesthetic of the original scrolls; hence the traditional techniques and materials chosen to create them. Each artwork is carefully screen-printed by hand, allowing the creation of pieces with slight imperfections which give the artworks additional charm

 

logos-web_brand_imageFly into birdsnest.com.au for the ultimate in online retail therapy – take a peak at the new summer  fashion arriving weekly – with more than 1000 items from 100 brands you’re sure to find something perfect. www.birdsnest.com.au

The range covers women’s fashion, shoes, accessories, bags, lingerie, maternity, sleepwear and gifts – and now, by popular demand mens fashion and toddlers clothing is now available through the site.  


Visit the birdsnest site today to go into the draw to win a $500 new wardrobe

 

mybowerbird.com has an add in this months (October) issue of Country Style, see below.  Don’t despair, if you want to enter and you are already a subscriber, you can subscribe again and your details will be entered into the competition.  Help spread the word, tell your friends and family about mybowerbird.com

Also, when you decide to purchase your favourite thing at the checkout, dont forget to let the shop know that you heard about their product and site on mybowerbird.com

A really quick way for you to help spread the mybowerbird.com message is by sharing your favourite post on your Face book page.  Choose your favourite brand/label/feature/treasure/event/sale and click on the Face book or Twitter icon and your personal log in details will come up – add your comment and voila – as quickly as that, your message is posted on your Face Book or Twitter site and your friend and fans know what you are up to.

Don’t forget to go over to the right hand column of this site and join up to be a friend of mybowerbird.com – we will be running special give aways and promotions exclusively to our Face book users. 

mybowerbird_advertA4

The other great feature I have added this month  is the “add comment” button.  Under each post is the ability for you to send a comment.  You can easily share what you like or don’t like about the brand or their site.  You can share your shopping experience or ask a question.  The comment does not go ‘live’ straight away, your personal details are not posted with the comment and it is up to you if you would like to include your name.  Opinions, short and sweet or long and passionate are encouraged.  Any offensive material is not.  Nasty stuff will be removed and you will not be able to sleep soundly for weeks.  I really love to hear people’s thoughts, it is the only way to keep improving the site – so don’t be scared, make a comment today.

 

 

 

logoOff the runway has just launched its site this month giving you access to a heady mix of sought-after labels that no other Australian website offers.
Get hold of the in-season statement pieces that both strangers and your friends quietly envy. With a few clicks of your mouse you could have your pair of Rupert Sanderson heels delivered in less than a day. Check out serious arm candy by
Anya Hindmarch, Lara Bohinc and After the Apple; and a series of rings by Mawi which Founder Emma Lunn calls her favourites.
Bowerbirds wish list are these Erickson Beamou (click to view)crystal chain earings, can someone buy them for me?

 

The_Present_Cupboard_LogoWas there a present cupboard at your place?
Angela Lavender has launched the modern day version, a present cupboard full to the brim with perfect gifts for grown ups. The Present Cupboard is an exciting new online store stocked with a collection of specially selected products from the Designers Guild, Dinosaur Designs, Doi Thung Homewares, Ruby Star Traders, Jan Logan, Elk accessories, Mozi, Ma Maison en Provence and more.
With extra services like specialised gift sourcing, the option of developing a present profile to help others buy for you and a gift reminder service, The Present Cupboard is more than an online store, it’s the gift solution.

 

Little Tricycle
A beautiful fairywing singlet. The fairy wings are made from 2 layers of 100% white cotton organdie with Green, Silver & Pink Tile print centre and trimmed with pink grosgrain ribbon and Pink Tulle. The fairywings are detachable for easy washing, fastened to the singlet with a velcro strip. A very special singlet which every little girl will love wearing.
Size 1-6
Buy now: $39.00

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