Diving in the Deep End - Our First Yarraville Market

So, I did it! After almost two years since my last Warrandyte Market - and much thought and discussion - I finally decided it was time to take the plunge and return to the market scene.

But I was determined not to go back to any old market. It had to be upmarket, classy and quaint, but most importantly indoor. Yarraville Market seemed to fit the bill perfectly, so I thought I'd give that go.

Located in hired-out Masonic Hall around the corner from trendy Ballarat Street, this was my chance to 'step up' and experience something new. And I sure did.

Yarraville Market

I didn't know quite what to expect. I only knew was that it wasn't going to be anything like Warrandyte... No dust. No dirt. No worries about whether our stall would survive the day. Or our stock for that matter...

Yes, this was a plunge into new unventured territories. And I was more then a little excited! As much as I loved atmosphere of Warrandyte, I was so over the hassles that came with setting up shop there. 

So hello Yarraville  and good-bye dust! 

Here's how my new look stall looked on the day... And yes, for those of you who remember my old market stall at Warrandyte, I did somehow actually manage to squeeze the best part of a massive 3x6 metre outdoor stall into a relatively tiny 3 metres space, and make it look reasonable pretty and organized. Not half-bad first attempt, I think!

(Apologies though, about the poor photo quality.. I, of course, had to forgot to take my better camera, didn't I...!!)

My 'New Look' Stall...

Full of pretty accessories

My lovely helper & I

And here's some of my fellow stall holders...

Handmade by Jacinta

Greediebird

Mr Moo

Endota Spa

Midge and Judy

Rainy Days Joy

The Little Sparrow

Beaded Works

Coushi

Here We Go Loopy Lou

Luana's Bead Jewellery

Mimoko

Winter Built

Spirit of Light

Soap Cuisine

Tasha's Treasures

Totally Innocent

Squirt Baby

Boldandstriking

So, now that I've go my feet 'wet', I very much look forward to doing a few more markets next year, all going well of course!

♥

Tell me, which market would you like to see me next at?

Kids Style Hub meets Indie Lane

Life is unpredictable. I well know that. Sometimes things happen that turn your whole world upside down and make you wonder if you'll ever get back on your feet again. Yep, been there many times.

And then sometimes things happen that truly renews your strength and will to go on just when you need it the most.

Incredibly, I've experienced both of these moments already this year, and although I can't recommend having your life turned upside down by a freak storm, I am now in some ways thankful that I did experience it, for I may not as fully appreciated what followed if I hadn't...

What do I mean? Well, a few weeks ago I was invited to include my creations in a professional photo shoot with the talented Donna from Indie Lane photography. Little did I know at the time just how much I needed this opportunity, a break from the seemly never ending task of sorting through mess. Suddenly there was something positive for me to work towards, a chance to turn my hands to creating again, a chance to restart the year on a more positive note.

Doing the photo shoot with Indi Lane and along with a  few of the lovely designers at Kids Style Hub was just what I needed at that particular moment to remind myself that although my whole world might occasionally be turned upside down by unforeseen circumstances, that eventually it will turn right way up again. A little reminder I very much needed at the time... (Thank you again Nicole & Donna!)

So, here's to restarting the year on a better note!

Now for some photos, and a little sneak preview of a few new creations coming soon...

Outfits by Alice Loves

Alice Loves 'Clover' & 'Amy' Dresses, and 'Susan' Bolero. 'Yellow Daisy' Shoes by Cocco & Phoenix

Detail of Alice Love's 'Clover' dress.

Detail of Alice Loves' 'Amy' dress with matching 'Bubblegum Bloom' hair snap by Minky Minx.

Reversible Bucket Hat by Pooki Boo

'Baby Doll' & 'Mr Robort' Tees by Zee & Me

Dresses by Nicole Herrick Ltd Ed with accessories by Minky Minx

Detail of Navy Floral dress By Nicole Herrick and 'Juliet' hair snap by Minky Minx.

Shoes by Coco & Phoenix. 'Bella' Stretch Lace Headbands by yours truly, Minky Minx. 

Detail of small 'Bella' Bow Headband. Available soon.

Dresses by Miss Mienna and soon to be released accessories also by Minky Minx

Detail of Miss Mienna's 'Paris Post' Dress & matching rosette headband (available soon)

'Butterfly' dress by Miss Mienna. Matching flower clip by Minky Minx, of course.

Detail of matching felt flower clip. Available soon.

To book your own fabulous photo session with Donna too, be sure to head over to her facebook page.

A time to celebrate!

After quite literally months of preparation, it finally all came together - a new store was born - and I was fortunate enough to see it.

Kids Style Hub - Opening day 15th October 2011

But first the lead up...

Only days before Kids Style Hub was to be launched, when I came by to drop off a few of my hair accessories, the store was a chaotic mess (sorry, Nicole). Boxes piled up high, half finished tasks lay everywhere, I had my doubts if Nicole really could pull it off in such a short time.

Kids Style Hub 3 days before opening

Rays of hope - front display window ready for stock

But, somehow, with much help from others, she did. And come Friday night, there was certainly a reason to celebrate.
Dressed in cocktail attire, the store was filled both with designers and others to meet, some for the very first time in person, and mark this incredible millstone at the pre-launch party.

Myself, Suzie Renda (Minky Minx) with my
sister Christine.

Julie Allen (Moops and hoops), Nicole Herrick (Kids Style Hub)
Melinda Weaver (Baby Ink) & Lauren Kirkwood (Boondie Baby)

Tracey (Melbourne Mumma's Market), Alli Price (Motivating Mum),
Katrina Musgrave (Market Angel) & Irene Tan (Missy Minzy).

Alli Price (Motivating Mum), Cath Connell (Leaf. Paper for Life)
& Janell Fowler (Baby Button).

And get a glimpse of the store so far...

...and some of it's many gorgeous handmade products.

Dollies by Deluli.

Hand sewn pretties by Miss Mienna.

We also were able to see firsthand some of the other spaces Kids Style Hub had to offer, including cafe, kids' play area, party room and gallery (although we had to use a little imagination for the gallery space which was still filled with boxes of stock at the time...).

Kids' Style Hub Cafe & seating area (aka Parents chill out zone)

Rubble Art Kids' play & crafting area

Upstairs Party Room - Decorated by Kiddilicious

Kids Style Hub Gallery

I'm sure I wasn't the only one who left that night completely astounded, not only at the amazing transformation of this store, but to be hand picked to be among such talent.

And to think that one person, one truly amazing lady, Nicole Herrick, could pull all this off with just a little social networking... Incredible!




(Many thanks to Lauren Kirkwood, Alli Price, Nicole Herrick and Lainie Brookman for taking the photos I didn't...  xx )