The Finders Keepers Market Is Coming To Melbourne And We Want All The Things
- Words by Emma Mulholland
Do you happen to fancy any (or all) of the following: caffeine, cookies, crafts, cocktails? And how do you feel about sitting for a super-cute three-minute portrait by Eleonora Arosio? Keen? Then you’d better get yourself to The Finders Keepers Autumn Winter Markets, which will be bringing all of life’s pleasures to the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, Melbourne, from July 12 to 14.
If you’ve ever been to The Finders Keepers, either in Sydney or Melbourne, you’ll know what to expect: sitting somewhere between a makers’ market and a festival, the clever FK organisers dial up the revelry with DJs, top eats, natural wines and craft brews (and if that’s not your jam, that’s ok! Sunday’s low-sensory hour from 9-10am offers perusing without the party vibes).
There are activities for little makers, too, including sensory play with Mikaela Egan, maker of Ochre Dough, non-toxic playdough infused with sweet-smelling lemon myrtle, quandong powder and strawberry gum. Mikaela is one of 50 new stallholders at the Melbourne market and, as a proud Muthi Muthi/Gunditjmara woman, she’s part of a growing mix of First Nations makers who are selling their wares at Finders Keepers.
Fancy a little window shopping? Here are three more Indigenous-owned businesses that might just have you parting with your hard-earned market moolah…
above KENITA LEE
Based in Gunaikurnai Country (Gippsland, Victoria), Aimee McCartney brings a contemporary (and very bright) eye to the art of her ancestors. Inspired by her Taungurung, Wotjobaluk, Wemba Wemba and Boon Wurrung heritage, Aimee’s artworks, homewares and accessories are full of meaningful details (as is her business name, which means “Your Sister” in Taungurung, a nod to her upbringing as the eldest of nine children). Of her work, Aimee says: “I hope to continue the sacred tradition of storytelling through art and to inspire people to connect and learn about First Nations’ culture, history, stories and language.”
Expect smiles all around when you have a pair of Ailsa Walsh’s Spirit Flyer sugar gliders hanging from your lobes. Crafted from cherry wood and resin, this cheeky duo is part of a gorgeous range of earrings that take their cue from Ailsa’s Lardil, Kullilli and Yuggera heritage. Many have special meanings, like the platypus pair, which represents a gentle spirit and friendship. The perfect gift for a BFF, we think.
If you know a strong woman (or happen to be one), then we suggest you take a look at Kenita-Lee McCartney’s “Matriarch” collection. White dots gathered throughout the paintings symbolise women who’ve led the way and who continue to guide us today. A Wemba Wemba, Wiradjuri, Wotjiboluk, Nari Nari and Boon Wurrung woman, Kenita-Lee draws on her diverse lineage and life’s many seasons for her work, which also includes decals, prints and corporate collabs.
THIS ARTICLE WAS CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR GOOD FRIENDS AT THE FINDERS KEEPERS. MELBOURNE’S AUTUMN WINTER 2024 MARKET RUNS FROM 12 TO 14 JULY AT THE ROYAL EXHIBITION BUILDING AT CARLTON GARDENS. SINGLE-DAY TICKETS ARE $6 (PLUS BOOKING FEE); ENTRY IS FREE FOR KIDS UNDER 13.
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Any New Year’s resolutions on your list? We love this from @OtterBeeStitching - “be brave enough to suck at something new”.
There’s no points for perfection, but you’ll get a trophy for trying. If nothing else this year, take the leap and try something new.
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A toast to the old you 🥂
We wholeheartedly love this post from the brilliant @EmilyOnLife:
“2026: Reinvent, burn it down, let it go (whatever it is). Year of the Snake it up. Exercise your boundaries, exercise your body, take one teeny step every day towards a life that feels better to be in.
But don’t you dare shit on your old self while you do it.
Hold yourself with reverence and tenderness and respect, because you got you this far. You did your very best with the information and tools you had at the time. You scraped yourself together, you made it work, you survived what felt impossible to survive: again and again and again.
You are perpetually in the process of becoming, whether you can feel it or not, whether or not you add it to your 2026 to-do list.“
Some very wise words from @Damon.Gameau to take us into 2026 🙌🏼
⭐️ We made it!!! ⭐️
Happy New Year, friends. To those who smashed their goals and achieved their dreams, and to those who are crawling over the finish line hoping to never speak of this year again (and everyone else in between): we made it. However you got here is enough. Be proud.
It’s been a tough year for many of us in small business, so here’s to a better year in 2026. We’re forever grateful for all your support and are jumping for joy to still be here bringing you creativity, kindness and community.
We’re also excited to be leaping into the NY with our special release sewing pattern – the Waratah Wrap Dress!
How great are our fabulous models: @Melt.Stitches, @KatieMakesADress and @Tricky.Pockets - and also our incredible Sewing Manager @Laura_The_Maker! 🙌🏼
Ok 2026: let’s do this. 💪🏼
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Putting together our annual Stitch Up brings on all the feels! We feel humbled that you’ve chosen to sew Peppermint patterns, we feel inspired by the versions you’ve created and we feel proud of you.
Where to begin?! As always, there has been a plethora of Peppermint patterns flooding our feeds this year, and we wish we could showcase more than just a handful of magnificent makes from you, our clever community. We encourage you to flip through the me-made items in your wardrobe or scroll through your grid and remind yourself of the beauty you’ve created with your own two hands (and maybe a seam ripper and some choice words). Congratulations to all of us for our creative achievements this year!
We’ve put together some (but absolutely not all) of our favourites from 2025 over on our website. We hope it inspires your next make!
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Pictured: @FrocksAndFrouFrou @MazzlesMakes @KatieMakesADress @_Marueli_ @IUsedToBeACurtain @Nanalevine.Couture @PiperInFullColour @MadeByMeJessieB @SarahMalkawi @Made.By.Little.Mama
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