A Teddy Bear's Picnic... and a Historic Home

Bright and early last Sunday morning. I once again packed up the car and headed off to the historic Rippon Lea mansion for their annual Teddy Bear's Picnic. It was the second time I attended as a stall holder, and despite my initial hesitations about going, and the less then favourable weather forecast (32 degrees!), that morning I felt a sense of calm come over me. I had done my best to prepare for it, and no matter what challenges the day would throw at me, I was determined to make it a good day. And for the most part it was.

Sharing a stall with four other local designers - BabyButton, Fourzero, Piccaninny Rugs and LimeDaisy Design - we stocked our stall with a variety of goodies to please both boys and girls of all ages.

Our Combined stall. And, Yes, we remembered our teddies!!

One side of our stall showing delightful play rugs, balloon bags and cute softies by Piccaninny Rugs.

And the other side packed full of goodies by Fourzero, LimeDaisy Design, BabyButton and, of course yours truly, Minky Minx!

Of course, besides the many other market stalls on offer, there was plenty to keep the kids entertained, including rides and bear hugs, ice cream and parades...

   

But there were also things for the grown ups to enjoy too, such as visit the historic mansion. Thankfully this is something I too managed to do, and was most certainly the highlight of the day for me, especially as I had not done so for quite some time.

The historic Ripponlea mansion - built in 'polychromatic romanesque' style.

The grand entrance way with original marble pillars and stained glass window doors.

The living room - restyled in Hollywood glamour during the 30's.

Lovely period details - a stunning parquetry floor and gilded fireplace mirror. 

The dining room.

The grand staircase, with original Victorian wallpaper, over-painted in white in the 1930's. Can you imagine how it might have looked in the 1800's when it was embossed in gold?

The 'green' bathroom - in the 'jazzed up' style of the 1930's. Oh, did you spot Mr Ripponlea Bear??

The master 'best' bedroom overlooking the lawns. Note the original Oriental screen given to Frederick and Marian Sargood as a wedding gift in 1858.

The master bathroom, complete with 'modern' plumbing.

A rocking horse (which may have been ridden by the Sargood family children) and elaborate cast iron plant stand.

I'm not sure why, but it was only really until I explored the servants' quarters downstairs, that one of my favourite period dramas - Downton Abbey - came to mind. It felt as if, at any moment, Mr Carson or Mrs Patmore might come around a corner, and ask me what I was doing there. After being locked up for fifty years, it was wonderful to get a glimpse at the beating heart of the house, and see how it might have been 100 years ago.

The original Victorian kitchen.

The pantry and cool room.

Although used as a laundry in the 1930's (hence the sink under the window??), this was originally the servants' sitting room, where they could spend their 'time-off'. 

While the house has undergone much change in it's lifetime, and sadly only a few of the original furnishings remain, it is still wonderful that it remains today along with much of its extensive gardens, in much the same way as it's last occupant, Mrs Louisa Jones, left it. It therefore is a magnificent example of how such stately homes changed and adapted with time.

Now in the safe hands of the National Trust of Australia, this is a property well worth visiting for yourself. By doing so, you will not only get a glimpse at life now long gone, but also help preserve this unique house for others to enjoy.

~ ♥ ~

Congratulations too, to the winner of our fabulous 'Baby Hamper' - N. Brain!! We hope you enjoy your prize!

♥

Finding Balance

Balance. 

Isn't that a word we all struggle with at some point in our lives? In whatever area of life it might be in, I think it is for most of us. Finding the perfect work/life balance is getting increasingly hard, and that's even without having to deal with major problems! So I know I'm not at all alone in finding it hard to get the balance right...

As I mentioned in my last post, I recently decided to take a step back from my creative work for family reasons - and I've found that to be immensely beneficial. It's helped me to care for my family's needs without additional stress, while giving me time to reflect. Time I really did need!

Perhaps it was just withdrawal symptoms, but it was during this time that I realised how much I missed my 'creative outlet', my work. At the same time a big opportunity came my way. What to do?!

At first I felt guilty to even consider it. I had made my decision to take a break, and this would just complicate things again. But the more I thought about it and discussed it with my family, I realised that this was where finding the right balance and being reasonable was important. This opportunity was a once off, not a long term commitment. I basically had everything already ready to go, so I wasn't going to have to spend a lot of time preparing for it. And it might actually help, rather then hinder. Yes, I had been feeling down and finding it hard going. Could this be just what I needed to get back into the swing of things again?? Maybe...

The more I carefully considered it and discussed it with my family, I realised that, Yes! it just might be. And you know what??s Strangely enough it already has helped! Although I haven't really done anything for the event (which, mind you, is in a little more then a weeks time!) besides write this blog post, I already feel more energised and focused.

So the decision is made. We're off to Ripponlea's Teddy Bears Picnic again on the 24th of February!! And as it's likely to be a while before we do another market or event, we so hope you can join us there. If you'd like to come and say hello, please head over to their website for further details on the event and how get there.

See you there!! 

♥

P.S. Here's a helpful map to find us... We'll be at stall number 13 & 14. Oh, and don't forget your teddies!!

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?

Miss Mienna goes to Market

As you may remember from my post back in March, over the last few months I have had the pleasure of working together with the lovely Lainie from Miss Mienna to create an exclusive range of hair accessories to compliment her collection of vintage inspired outfits for little girls. And earlier this year Lainie took a few items to the markets with her.

So, with just one week to go before Miss Mienna heads off to the The Square market next Saturday, I thought I might share a few pics from the last two markets she attended...

The first one was the Artefact Market in Geelong.

Happy browsing shoppers at Artefact.

Miss Mienna's stall - all set up and ready to go!

One of her many stunning creations

... and a few more.

... as well as a few by Minx Minx.

Some of the other fabulous stall holders there included Mardi Moo Designs, Unmatched Candles, and Kuna's Pure Food.

Funky handmade cards by Mardi Moo.

Beautiful hand-crafted soy candles by Unmatched Candles

Yummy gingerbread houses by Kuna's Pure Food.

Then shortly afterward, Miss Mienna went to the wonderful Piccadilly Market held at the Deakin Waterfront University in Geelong. 

Miss Mienn'a new look stall at Piccadilly

Lot's of pretty accessories to match...

... and cute little helper - the REAL Miss Mienna.

So, if you happen to find yourself in Bendigo next Saturday (16th June 2012), be sure to stop by at The Square - Bendigo's Handmade Market. I'm sure you won't be disappointed, especially with Miss Mienna there...!  

♥