Biggest. Market. Ever. What were we expecting? There's nothing that can keep punters away from the magic that is Handmade, not even lousy weather and mudpits underfoot.
Saturday started out gloomy with spots of breaking sunshine and even a sliver of far distant blue sky, and - miraculously - the scattered rain that was forecast stayed away COMPLETELY until around 5pm with a teensy rain shower, before gathering up resources and crashing down around 6.30pm, when over 150 stallholders made a mad dash to pack up. What a day of virtually rain-free magic!
But did the threat of rain stop the crowds? Oh no no no. I may have been permanently tied to the handmade living marquee, but the few times I did wander into the grounds, I could not even see for the people covering the grounds and pathways. Stallholders were manic, everyone was smiling, there was laughter, music, product flying off tables, there was even a line for the handmade living marquee on at least 20 occasions. It was absolutely magical.
Louise Hall (Mrs Sew & So's and book contributor) and I headed up the handmade living marquee, and, despite wearing gumboots and standing in a mud puddle for most of the day, had nonstop handmade living buyers all day. I think I quite literally sat down for two minutes in the space of 11 hours.
Louise Hall and her mud boots
My ONLY regret is that I had no time to visit any stalls - I'm a little devastated, actually, because let me tell you - there was just a barrage of beauty. After nipping around with my camera, Rosalind of Grace Designs (and Handmade girl) came back with a stunning pictorial display... I almost wept at what I'd missed.
If you also didn't make it to Handmade Christmas Market, we hope to see you at the new venue - the Canberra Convention Centre - on February 19 next year. Even more handmade bliss. And no mud!
Enjoy this glorious glimpse into Handmade at Christmastime...
If you also didn't make it to Handmade Christmas Market, we hope to see you at the new venue - the Canberra Convention Centre - on February 19 next year. Even more handmade bliss. And no mud!
Enjoy this glorious glimpse into Handmade at Christmastime...
we replenished these books every 30 minutes
queue starts forming for the handmade living marquee
squeezing room only in the handmade living marquee
handmade living marquee designers
Wynona of Ivy Designs and Katie of MissChief Maker
Rachel of Ricochet Art and designer Catalina Voroneanu
Kirsten of Paper by Forget-Me-Not and Kathy of Studio Amara
Sarah of Winter Designs and photographer Hilary Wardaugh
Tanya of Seven Blueberries and designer Caleena Edkins
and take a look around the grounds!
market and shop owners Julie and Rachel
-:- photos by Tania McCartney and Rosalind Grace -:-
14 comments:
Wow, what beautiful handmade things! And it looks like you all had a wonderful time, Tania. Glad the rain stayed away.
Wish I could have been there, too :)
Oh yippee, you took me for a nice virtual tour & i WAS THERE!! Considering i had my first toilet break at 4.30p.m. i missed the market too, so busy at the Stall but i did get a glimpse of the Living Marquee, wow. Love your work, love Posie
OH WOW!! What an amazing market... im in sydney and jealous...i think ill HAVE to take a quick drive down for the next one in feb! Any chance of a sydney one?? Im just starting my own small buisness selling quilt patterns and i am LOVING this whole 'handmade' movement here in Australia... im just so passionate about all things Crafts!! What an amazing day... hope to see you at the next one! xx
OMG! looks amazing! I am so jealous I could not be there!!
Hi there thank you all again for a wonderful market. Just a question though regarding next years venue. Will there be enty cost for the Convention Centre? Hopefully the parking will be a little bit better there. Have a wonderful Xmas all. thanks
Thanks lovely, I think I want your camera :-)
Amazing market everyone, it was just fabulous.
No charge for attending a Handmade Market. We only ever ask for a donation for our charity for the day.
Cheers
Julie
Thanks for a fantastic day! Kate x
wow, looks like an awesome day - makes me want to move to Canberra :)
thankyou for organizing such a great day,it was lovely to meet the other designers and everyone was so friendly
caleena edkins x
What a wonderful day!! Thank you Julie and your handbag full of lovely helpers. I'm off to Sydney for a few days with my copy of "Handmade Living" tucked in my suitcase for some feet up reading time. Can't wait.
I am still flying high after a great day - thank you to all involved!
Also, I must know who the designer is that creates the grey printed leggings please?!
Hi Forget me not, glad you had a great day. the leggings are by Captain Robbo
http://www.captainrobbo.com/
Cheers
Julie
Hi Tania...this market was just so awesome!!! Loved everything about it all...meeting some of the designers...the stalls...the atmosphere...Even Mr Armchair loved it all too!!! Congratulations on the launch of the book...I just love it...and I loved meeting you as well...And I will make something from the book and let you know when I have!!!
Thanks so much for visiting my blog!!! Love Dzintra♥x
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