Meet Nine Marvellous Makers Slinging Wonderful Wares at The Finders Keepers
above THE FINDERS KEEPERS MELBOURNE AW23 BY SAMEE LAPHAM
Did you hear the news? The Finders Keepers markets are returning to Melbourne this weekend and we couldn’t be more excited.
Running from 13–15 October, 250 incredible stallholders will be taking over the Royal Exhibition Building and turning it into a magical hub of all things creativity and colour.
To help you plan your visit, we caught up with a bunch of marvellous makers (including some delightful debut stallholders!) who you can shop with. And, word to the wise, some of these lovely stallholders are offering specials if you mention this article. What delightful humans!
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MELBOURNE CANDLE COMPANY
Tell us a bit about what you make or do…
Hey! Edward here, founder and head candlemaker at Melbourne Candle Co. I create eco-friendly candles that are influenced by urban landscapes. Each candle in our signature collection is named after a selection of streets or suburbs of our great city, and the front of the label features a reproduction map of the area as it appeared in the 1920s, along with a brief history of the neighbourhood and its connection to the fragrance.
Each candle is made from soy wax and is encased in an aluminium tin that was produced in Australia from recycled materials. The next step is to naturally scent each candle with the best fragrance oils available, all of which are made in Australia. Finally, before the candle hardens, a hemp wick is added to reduce its environmental impact.
What are you looking forward to seeing or doing at The Finders Keepers Melbourne markets?
There are so many vendors I can’t wait to check out! Dogboy Knives, from Brompton, South Australia, makes knives that are works of art in addition to being practical. We are restocking our pantry at Josh and Sue’s, where they sell relishes, chutneys, jams, and salts that have won multiple awards. Luke Abbot’s handmade silver and titanium cicada earrings have been on my wish list for a few markets now – I absolutely adore them! But there’s so much more than just these fantastic artists included here.
The creative community is one of the few places I have ever felt truly at home.
What specials/goodies/new releases do you have planned for market-goers?
We are wrapping up the final touches on our Finders Keepers debut of the ‘Everyday Range’, which will feature eco-friendly candles and reed diffusers. Featuring abstract desert landscapes with lush green and tan borders, these limited-edition beauties are lovingly hand-crafted onto our recycled tins.
In anticipation of the upcoming holiday season, we will be releasing a special holiday-themed home fragrance range that will feature three custom-blended scents available in the form of candles and reed diffusers.
If you stop by and mention this article, we will give you a free gift with any purchase (we have new deals every day of the market)!
Why do you think the creative community is so special?
Being a part of the creative community is fantastic; we are the small businesses that blossom into something bigger and provide essential services to other communities. The creative community is one of the few places I have ever felt truly at home. Everyone there has been nothing but kind and encouraging, and always there when I needed a shoulder to cry on or a cup of coffee with someone who gets it when my own family didn’t.
MARISOL THE LABEL
Tell us a bit about what you make or do…
Marisol the Label is designed for women to feel confident and stylish in the most effortless way possible. We’re a small team, designing and making on the Mornington Peninsula (coastal Melbourne) in natural fibres like linen, cotton and our new collection of hemp. We love designing women’s clothing that is comfortable and feminine, will last wear after wear, and that you’ll feel drawn to wear time and time again.
What are you looking forward to seeing or doing at The Finders Keepers Melbourne markets?
I love the buzz of a market, the happy faces of stallholders, seeing our customers face to face and introducing more people to our community! I absolutely love connecting with people at markets and having a chat about our locally made products. Finders Keepers has the best quality of products so I know I can also make a good start on my Christmas shopping as well.
I love the buzz of a market, the happy faces of stallholders, seeing our customers face to face and introducing more people to our community!
What specials/goodies/new releases do you have planned for market-goers?
We are releasing our new collection named ‘Del Sol’ – a celebration of summer and those balmy moonlit nights, warm sun-kissed skin, that first cool dip in the ocean and the smell of freshly cut citrus in the air. This includes our first-ever hemp range and a new linen jumpsuit, both a dream to wear with a market bundle price for our gorgeous hemp range.
Why do you think the creative community is so special?
As a creative, you spend so much time working through your ideas, often alone. Getting together for a market, although hard work, is like a celebration of creativity. The community is so supportive, of one another.
YUILE STREET STUDIO
Tell us a bit about what you make or do…
I design and print lino print cards, tags, gift bags and limited-edition prints. Each piece is a hand-signed original artwork rather than a digital reproduction – with all the textural beauty and individuality that comes with that.
What are you looking forward to seeing or doing at The Finders Keepers Melbourne markets?
I’m just so excited to be a part of the action. I have attended many Finders Keepers markets as a customer and have been blown away by the quality and range of the products and work. Last year I wouldn’t have believed I’d have my own debut stall – but here I am!
Last year I wouldn’t have believed I’d have my own debut stall – but here I am!
What specials/goodies/new releases do you have planned for market-goers?
I will have brand new card designs, specials for multi-purchases, gift tag giveaways, and free Peppermint magazines for five lucky customers! I will also have a bunch of cards and tags perfect for Christmas.
One new product I am testing at the market is gift bags. They are a full gift-wrapping solution – a paper bag with a lino print on the front, a piece of matching tissue paper for wrapping/scrunching and a matching gift tag. All of it – bag, tissue and tag – is made from recycled paper (as are my cards and tags).
Why do you think the creative community is so special?
The support and enthusiasm of the community is fantastic. Everyone is so willing to share knowledge and ideas. I’m especially looking forward to meeting my neighbouring debut stall holders in person at the Finders Keepers.
FAWNLEE STUDIOS
Tell us a bit about what you make or do…
Hello, hello! My name’s Madelynn. I’m an autistic watercolour artist who also happens to be dyslexic. I create whimsical watercolour artworks and stories of Australian animals – Beverly Bilby and friends – with the goal of publishing my own book!
Since the beginning of my journey as an autistic artist, these little friends have bounced off the page and onto an array of products from archival prints and greeting cards to tote bags and earrings! I do hope you can come and meet them yourself. Through my art, I also raise funds to donate to the Save the Bilby fund and the Australian Platypus Conservancy.
What are you looking forward to seeing or doing at The Finders Keepers Melbourne markets?
Beverly Bilby and I are beyond excited to be amongst like-minded creatives. It’s a dream come true to be able to stand alongside other artists putting sustainability first on their creative journeys. To be involved in such an iconic and ethical event is truly a special achievement. Especially due to my hidden disabilities, I never thought this to be a possibility. I’m really looking forward to seeing our Melbourne friends and supporters as we haven’t been able to come and say hello until now!
This community is so special to me for many reasons. I have always had trouble participating and connecting with people, so diving into the creative world and meeting other souls on a similar journey is invaluable.
What specials/goodies/new releases do you have planned for market-goers?
As well as my prints, greeting cards, bags and earrings, I am especially looking forward to debuting my new handmade wheat bags exclusively at the Finders Keepers. With designs of Nimby the Numbat and Beverly Bilby, I’m also excited for the newest friend that has joined our little bush community – Mae the Red Kangaroo (who largely represents my autism). I think she looks adorable on the wheat bags I’ve hand-made.
Why do you think the creative community is so special?
This community is so special to me for many reasons. I have always had trouble participating and connecting with people, so diving into the creative world and meeting other souls on a similar journey is invaluable. Being able to process and articulate a lifetime of experiences by expressing myself through art and seeing that I’m not alone has brought so much comfort to me.
Not to mention the forward-thinking mindset that Finders Keepers curates! Seeing so much energy directed towards sustainable business practices and ethical consumption is something the creative industry could learn from and benefit so much from doing. Plus our little animal friends would be so grateful too!
READ MORE – Say It Ain’t Sew: We’re Launching Something Very Special at The Finders Keepers
ANNALISE PAINTS
Tell us a bit about what you make or do…
Hi! My name is Annalise and I’m a watercolour pet portrait artist. I specialise in transforming your pet’s photo into a beautiful hand-painted watercolour portrait to be displayed in your home. Each of my portraits is painted with the utmost detail, love and care. All my products are created to celebrate the cuteness of pets. I have a range of hand-painted cards, deliciously smelling candles, tea towels, pet stationery and more!
What are you looking forward to seeing or doing at The Finders Keepers Melbourne markets?
I’m looking forward to making new connections with fellow small business owners as well as reaching a wider community of pet-loving customers. As someone who has visited the Finders Keeper markets since it began, I’m looking forward to attending and experiencing the market from a stallholder’s point of view. I’m also looking forward to reaching this new milestone in my small business.
The creative community is so special to me because they are like family.
What specials/goodies/new releases do you have planned for market-goers?
For this market, I’m releasing new cute and adorable washi tape as well as my mini candle collection called ‘The Cheeky Litter’. I will also be giving out a free postcard to the first 50 customers. Alongside all these new goodies, I am also running a FREE giveaway (whoop whoop) for those who visit my stall where you can win your very own custom watercolour portrait of your pet.
Why do you think the creative community is so special?
The creative community is so special to me because they are like family. From starting out at a small market and being cheered on to apply to the Finders Keepers, they have all supported me like family as I worked up the courage to get to where I am today.
SITTING PRETTY DESIGNS
Tell us a bit about what you make or do…
Sitting Pretty is dedicated to creating unique, high-quality accessories for those who value creativity, quality and sustainability. From the carefully hand-selected leather hides to the locally sourced textiles, each piece is made with the utmost care and attention to detail. My studio in Kew is the birthplace of each creation, made using only the best materials and machinery. Whether it’s a quirky shower cap, a practical leather good or a soothing eye pillow, every product is made with the intention of adding a touch of luxury and personality to the owner’s everyday life.
What are you looking forward to seeing or doing at The Finders Keepers Melbourne markets?
I really love connecting with our creative community, as well as my new and returning clients. It’s a great way to seek direct feedback on current designs, as well as tweaking our leather goods to create bespoke pieces for your individual needs.
From the carefully hand-selected leather hides to the locally sourced textiles, each piece is made with the utmost care and attention to detail.
What specials/goodies/new releases do you have planned for market-goers?
Mention this article for a complimentary Soothing Lavender Eye Pillow with any purchase!
Why do you think the creative community is so special?
The creative community provides a platform to showcase our designs, and it opens up the opportunity for networking, collaborations and new projects.
LITTLORY DESIGNS
Tell us a bit about what you make or do…
Littlory Designs is a collection based on my own illustration and design, as well as my main character, PULU, the little chicken. Products include stickers, keychains, pins, earrings, tote bags and art prints.
What are you looking forward to seeing or doing at The Finders Keepers Melbourne markets?
I’m not only looking forward to revealing my brand, my products and my art to visitors, but also seeing more artists in Melbourne and learning how other small businesses work.
It is a supportive place for artists or business owners to learn new skills, challenge themselves by participating in markets and grow from seeing different perspectives.
What specials/goodies/new releases do you have planned for market-goers?
I have some new art prints that will be revealed at Finders Keepers, as well as some Christmas card sets as an early holiday reminder for market-goers.
Why do you think the creative community is so special?
The creative community is so special because learning and growth is the key to society. It is a supportive place for artists or business owners to learn new skills, challenge themselves by participating in markets and grow from seeing different perspectives.
SPIRITUS ECO CLOTHING
Tell us a bit about what you make or do…
I make small-batch womenswear with a focus on quality sustainable fabrics. I’m inspired by my natural surroundings in the Dandenong Ranges and love creating wearable designs that respect our resources and will be treasured for years to come.
What are you looking forward to seeing or doing at The Finders Keepers Melbourne markets?
I have a weakness for chunky earrings and handmade ceramics… I might be in trouble!
The creative community restores my faith in humanity time and time again.
What specials/goodies/new releases do you have planned for market-goers?
I’m excited about our new range of organic linen reversible jackets in pinks and purples. I was sourcing fabrics from The Fabric Store to decorate our backdrop and was so inspired! We also have some stunning new, easy-to-wear shift dress designs which are sure to become a wardrobe staple.
Why do you think the creative community is so special?
The creative community restores my faith in humanity time and time again – their appreciation for the simple things in life, their respect for the art of creation and the pure joy that beautiful things can bring to our lives.
MIDDLEMOST
Tell us a bit about what you make or do…
I design and make clothing using vintage and rescued fabrics. Hand-made by me in my Wagga studio in regional New South Wales, each piece is one of a kind.
What are you looking forward to seeing or doing at The Finders Keepers Melbourne markets?
As a debut stallholder, I can’t wait to meet new folks and immerse myself in the creativity. I’m looking forward to sharing my work with new people.
Spending time around other creatives is so inspiring. The community is so encouraging and supportive.
What specials/goodies/new releases do you have planned for market-goers?
I have created a souvenir collection specifically for this market – coats and jackets made using vintage souvenir linen tea towels and tablecloths. I also have a new line of gorgeous bolero jackets and dresses made from vintage cotton and linen tablecloths.
Why do you think the creative community is so special?
Spending time around other creatives is so inspiring. The community is so encouraging and supportive.
