BLACKBIRD MARKET
Blackbird is held the second Saturday of every month at the Cape Lounge Melbourne and last Sarurday of every month at The Newtown Hotel Sydney.
Applications for our 13 July market are now openmarket are now open!
Miranda Costa - McDrawn
Miranda Costa, the brains behind the wonderful label, McDrawn shows us around the place where all the McDrawn magic happens - her studio.
My creative space is one that knows how to multi task. It’s a room filled to the brim which acts as my working studio, study and bedroom. It is a space that holds much – perhaps a little too much (eeek!).
I love my space though as it’s full of inspiration, treats from friends and trips and, well, after working hard on design work (while singing out loud to my stereo) it is convenient to be able to chill out with a good book, or zone out to watch my pet fish, or just flake out and take a full nanna nap.
A ‘typical’ day could hold any of the following: Freelance design work (mostly computer based), illustration generation via traditional hand drawn methods (preferably watercolour, ink and pencil), photographing items while trying to keep my balance leaning over things, or I’ll sewing up a storm with my desktop computer’s space traded for some sewing machines. Phew. Typing this I feel as though I need a nap! Hmmm there’s a thought.
Thanks so much for showing us around your place Miranda! Be sure to catch McDrawn at the 8 June Blackbird Market!
Jackie Made This
Jackie Made This series of hand woven scarves and shawls using heritage craft techniques.
With the weather being rainy and miserable, Jackie Moscovitch Made This Will warm the cockles of your heart. Or, at the very least, your neck.
Jackie makes incredible, bold and comforting pieces that you’ll be dying to add to your wardrobe.
On the lead up to her debut appearance at Blackbird, we got the chance to pick her brain about her handmade label.
Tell us a little about your label and what you do?
Jackie Made This are a series of handwoven scarves and shawls created by me - Jackie Moscovitch.
After completing my degree in Textile Design from RMIT I realised that what I enjoyed most in my time there was the hands-on work weaving. After acquiring a loom I started designing scarves for my family and friends.
What inspires your work?
I am inspired by traditional patterns and beautiful modern colours. I am also inspired by the natural fibers I work with. They let you know how they should best be used.
What’s your creative background?
After high school I did the Brighton Bay Art and Design course which allowed me to explore many different art mediums - from photography to illustration to ceramics. They introduced me to the basics of textile design and I went on to study my Textile Design degree at RMIT. That’s where I discovered handweaving and my new passion.
What’s the best part about having your own business?
I’m doing what I love. It motivates you to get out of bed in the morning and work late into the night.
What keeps you up at night?
Weaving…and thinking about what to weave next!
Catch Jackie Made This at the 8 June Blackbird!
Email: jackie_moscovitch@hotmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/jackiemoscovitchmadethis
FORGET ME KNOT
Bold, bright necklaces handmade with love
Amy is a talent lady - Not only is the name of her brand, Forget me Knot amazing, but her knot necklaces are fun, bold and bright. They’re the kind of thing that make you smile just looking at them. They’re also our definition of the perfect accessory.
With the weather starting to get cooler, you need to add a bit of colour into your life, and your wardrobe!
We got to speak with Amy about Forget Me Knot in the lead up to her stint at Blackbird Market.
Tell us about your label and how you got started?
My label is called Forget Me Knot. On a cold and wintery autumn afternoon in Melbourne a couple of months ago I came across some old 1970s craft books my mother had passed on to me. From there I had the idea to design some really modern knotted necklaces in beautiful coloured rope. I wanted to create something totally unique, eye catching and a statement piece. And it certainly worked as I began to get lots of comments from family, then friends and finally compliments from friendly and inspired strangers on the street!
What challenges have you faced since starting your own label?
I think one of my biggest challenges is having the confidence to sell! I’ve never tried to sell anything before and its very exciting, daunting (and flattering) that people want to wear my pieces with as much enthusiasm and passion as I do!
What can we expect to see from you at Blackbird Market?
Something totally unique! This is my first Blackbird market and I’m looking forward to sharing my current collection of necklaces and bangles. I’ve also gone back to the basics of macrame and created some beautiful hanging ‘baskets’ - the technique might have originated from an era of big hair and bad fashion - but you’ll find this macrame anything but dated. Its bright, colourful and a lot of fun.
Cats or Dogs?
I love the company of both. However I have a very elderly 18 year old Tonkinese cat - so I guess that makes me a cat lady. Not wanting to attract any bad karma for her… but I would love to own a mini sausage dog in the future.
Pick yourself up something wonderfully pretty from Forget Me Knot at the 8 June Blackbird!
Website: madeit.com.au/ForgetMeKnot
LAUREN NICHOLSON
Melbourne based Illustrator
Eeeep i’m totally thrilled to have Lauren Nicholson make her Blackbird debut this June. Lauren is so talented she’s practically bursting at the seems.
Lauren’s work is deep, striking and has a kind of playfulness to it that’s hard to articulate. It’s dark, but bright, meaningful yet fun - all the while you know it would make the perfect addition to that wall in your lounge room that’s in need of some love or a really lovely gift for a friend just because.
I got to pick the brain of Lauren Nicholson and discover just what inspires her obscenely beautiful work.
How did you start your business/project and how long have you been creating?
I finished study last year and wanted to jump straight into selling my work as a way to get out there and continue with my practice after the uni bubble was popped, so it was a bit of a transitional thing as an emerging illustrator. I also completed NEIS earlier this year which was super helpful so I now feel ready to make a go of what I love.
Foremost, I have always drawn but it took me a little while to work out this was the path to follow, so I have just completed a bachelor of illustration here in Melbourne. I’ve only recently started selling my work at art and design markets.
What artists or ideas inspire your work?
I’m often influenced by the idea of adventure and unknown places, landscape and how nature transcends. I’m interested in exploring these ideas through colour and texture, found imagery and my own illustrations. The treasure hunt of finding old books gets me pretty excited too.
At the moment I am liking the work of Sean Morris, Micah Lidberg and Wayne White very much.
Describe your workspace and what inspires you?
I create my work in a shared studio in the city with three other artists. I’ve just moved in so it’s quite clean at the moment! It’s inspiring to have a space solely dedicated to making and it’s the best feeling to have a day in the studio.
What do you love most about being an artist/creator?
The quiet time involved in creating something. The process of experimentation. Exploring ideas and getting lost in it all.
Tea or Coffee?
Coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon
Be sure to snap up something from Lauren at the 8 June Blackbird!
Email: lauren.nicholson@gmail.com
Website: www.lauren-nicholson.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/laurennicholsonillustration
Instagram: @laurennicholso_n
IRIS LOVES FROCKS
Vintage and classic dresses
We’re thrilled to have Iris Loves Frocks at the 8 JUne Blackbird Market - we’re already dying to get our mitts on the emerald green dress.
In the lead up to Iris Loves Frocks will be bringing their classic dresses and vintage styles to Blackbird we got to have a chat with them and see just why they love the clothing of an era gone by.
So, Tell us a little bit about your label and what you do?
Iris Loves Frocks is a hobby turned business. I get to do what I love best and indulge in my love of vintage by hand picking delicious dresses from years gone by. I don’t buy in bulk purely to make up the numbers. I go to great lengths to source original, handmade and replica vintage frocks from around the world.
What inspires your work?
I enjoy the challenge of pursing that collectable but also highly elusive frock. A unique, vintage dress is a great investment and sought after for its craftsmanship and rarity. So the most exciting part of my business is finding a beautiful frock that has survived for many decades and will continue for many generations to come.
What’s your creative background?
Well I’ve collected vintage attire for over twenty years. The problem is it can walk that fine line between costume and chic. The reason I started Iris Loves Frocks, is because I wanted to provide a one-stop shop for wearable and affordable vintage. So each piece is chic first and foremost.
What is the best part about having your own business?
It doesn’t feel like work. It never has. I don’t think I could wish for anything better than that.
What keeps you up at night?
Used to be my husband. Now it’s my kids!
Buy yourself something chic and timeless when Iris Loves Frocks comes to the 8 June Blackbird Market!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irislovesfrocks
Website: www.irislovesfrocks.com
We love our mums, they give us hugs when we need them, listen to our problems, don’t get mad when we snap at them (sorry mum!) and love us no matter what. With the May 11 Blackbird Market happening the day before Mothers Day, we thought we’d share a little bit about our leading ladies and we’re offer everyone who brings their mum a special promotion.
We asked our stall holders to share with us what they love to do with their mums and which piece from their collection they think mums would love the best and it’s made our hearts melt.
Up next is Zahara and her mum!
My mama’s favourite things from my baking list include my Chocolate and Toffee Biscuits, Puff Pastry Palmiers, and Honey Pecan Florentines. She loves the fresh taste and crunchy snap that comes along with these treats.
The present I would give my mum from my range would be the ‘Beurre Delish Traveller’. Starting at $10, these boxes include tasty treats of your choice in simple and elegant packaging. Something you can share with your mum or favourite lady in your life.
Treat yourself, or your mum, to something delicious from Buerre Cakes and Pastries!
We love our mums, they give us hugs when we need them, listen to our problems, don’t get mad when we snap at them (sorry mum!) and love us no matter what. With the May 11 Blackbird Market happening the day before Mothers Day, we thought we’d share a little bit about our leading ladies and we’re offer everyone who brings their mum a special promotion.
We asked our stall holders to share with us what they love to do with their mums and which piece from their collection they think mums would love the best and it’s made our hearts melt.
Up next is Georgia from team Blackbird Market and everything peppermint and her mum, Heather.
The everything peppermint label relies on a lot of inspiration from my mum. Mum is always ringing me to say she has found me some amazing material at the op shop or some books that I could cut up and make bunting with. She talks though ideas with me and lets me know if she thinks a design will or will not work.
Mums favorite piece from everything peppermint is her special Heart Softie that I originally designed for her last Christmas. It sits on her bed and reminds her of the love and friendship that we have.
Come down to the May 11 Mothers Day Blackbird Market and see everything peppermint. Bring your mum for special deals on beautiful Paper Bunting - Buy two get one free! Or grab your Mum a special Heart Softie only $20 each!
We love our mums, they give us hugs when we need them, listen to our problems, don’t get mad when we snap at them (sorry mum!) and love us no matter what. With the May 11 Blackbird Market happening the day before Mothers Day, we thought we’d share a little bit about our leading ladies and we’re offer everyone who brings their mum a special promotion.
We asked our stall holders to share with us what they love to do with their mums and which piece from their collection they think mums would love the best and it’s made our hearts melt.
Up next is Lenora Cook and her mum!
This is my mum and I wearing a couple of Radcat Bandits products!
My mum, Clarita, is my number 1 fan! Always excited to see new products that I’ve come up with and always willing to accompany me on my thrifting adventures.
Her favourite accessory in the Radcat Bandits collection are the glasses links and owns one for her reading glasses and one for her sunnies. Mum loves to show off her links to friends and family overseas via Skype!
We love our mums, they give us hugs when we need them, listen to our problems, don’t get mad when we snap at them (sorry mum!) and love us no matter what. With the May 11 Blackbird Market happening the day before Mothers Day, we thought we’d share a little bit about our leading ladies and we’re offer everyone who brings their mum a special promotion.
We asked our stall holders to share with us what they love to do with their mums and which piece from their collection they think mums would love the best and it’s made our hearts melt.
2/3 of the Blackbird Market team Courtney (head honcho) and Megan (patient all rounder) tell us what they love to do together
My mum, Megan, is without a doubt one of the most important people in my life. She is a source of constant inspiration and support - without her encouragement and help, Blackbird Market would never happen. She puts up with my snapping at her (sorry mum), has great ideas for the stall, helps pack and unpack the car, and has let me take over not 1 but 2 rooms in her house for the market, even though I don’t live there any more.
We both love a lot of the same things, we like to read the paper with a big coffee, we love clogs, we shop online together, we read magazines and when my boyfriend tells me he can see that i’m an exact mix of my mum and my day, I’m proud. I hope to one day be half as kind, beautiful and loving as she is - as anyone whose met her can attest, life is better with her in it and I’m proud to call her mum.
Megan:
New to us is a wonderful selection of unique brooches featuring all things healthy, such a wonderful way to contribute to your seven a day!
The brooches have a delightful sense of fun about them; they add a sense of colour to my outfits and strangers have been known to comment whenever I am wearing them. Much interest too was shown by customers during their debut at April Blackbird. My personal favourite is the peas, closely followed by the egg, I look at them, I wear them, and they make me feel healthy and happy – they surely are organic!
Bring your mum with you to our stall and receive a 10% discount off any clothing purchased!
We love our mums, they give us hugs when we need them, listen to our problems, don’t get mad when we snap at them (sorry mum!) and love us no matter what. With the May 11 Blackbird Market happening the day before Mothers Day, we thought we’d share a little bit about our leading ladies and we’re offer everyone who brings their mum a special promotion.
We asked our stall holders to share with us what they love to do with their mums and which piece from their collection they think mums would love the best and it’s made our hearts melt.
Next is Vicki Leigh and her mum
Mum & I love exploring the antique jewellery in the lanes of Melbourne when she visits, closely followed by a visit to the Hopetoun Tea Rooms in Block Arcade.
Mum is wearing one of my Quill necklaces here which was the first design I made, she loves the black & wood look and the imperfections in the handmade beads that makes them so unique….and, also, that it matches her polka dot top :) x
From my collection, for my mum I would choose a one-off art brooch - brooches are a great accessory for winter when your neckline is always covered by scarves and jumpers.
As a mum, I would love my kids to get me some big colourful earrings to brighten my wintery days!
Happy Mothers Day Mum!
Bring your mum to Blackbird Market on 11 May to get a special offer from Vicki Leigh!
