Perth Makers Market

Perth Makers Market is a new market south of the river that is having its launch market on Sunday 7th February 2016. Its home will be at Heathcote Cultural Precinct in Applecross. It will be running as a bi-monthly market, on the first Sunday of the month. The market's opening hours will be from 9:30am – 3:30pm.
The goal of Perth Makers Market is to provide a platform for the talented, high quality handmade crafters that call Perth their home in a family focussed, friendly location. With strong ties to the community and a focus on giving back, Perth Makers Market is unique.
Applications are open until the 20th of December so get in quick! 

To learn more or to apply please head over to their website: www.perthmakersmarket.com.au or Facebook page: www.facebook.com/perthmakersmarket

Made on the Left Christmas Markets

On this weekend! A great way to get all your Christmas shopping done in one place and support local creatives. Everything is made in WA and sold to you by the maker.

Summer Night Markets applications open

Applications are now open for OnWilliam's annual Summer Night Markets in the Perth Cultural Centre!

This open air night market will be held on Friday 11th of December from 4 to 10pm. These pre-Christmas markets have become a must in the calendars of both local designers and city shoppers.

The Cultural Centre will be jam packed with 60+ stall holders, live music on the Wetland stage, fun activities, delicious food at 'Truck Stop', and outdoor bars at PICA and Bar Pop in the Urban Orchard.

Stall prices range from $150 - $300. Applications are due Sunday 1st November. Apply via the application form.

Angove Street Festival

The Angove St Festival is back again! With an eclectic mix of entertainment, music, food, culture and family fun, this one-day event attracts over 50,000 people each year. Angove Street Festival celebrates all that is North Perth – the award-winning cafes, restaurants, retailers and cultural diversity that create the unique community surrounding Angove Street. 

There will be a selection of Made on the Left stallholders and the Golden Days Vintage Markets will be back to ensure an interesting range of goods will be available to buy. 

An amazing festival is planned with a trapeze act, baby animal farm, Rosemount Music Stage, sustainable gardening advice, a school fete will be run by the North Perth Primary School with book sales, cake stalls and lucky dips for the kids, not to mention a range of food from all corners of the world.

Date: Sunday, 25 October 2015 
When: 10am – 5pm 
Where: Angove Street, North Perth 
Website: www.angovestreetfestival.com.au 

Made on the Left Christmas markets poster!

We are pleased to present the poster design for our Christmas markets! It is by the talented Laurie Melia and shows a pink haired girl surrounded by Christmas lights and a succulent wreath. Laurie describes it as, “fun, quirky and colourful” which fits the vibe of the market. Thank you Laurie, we love it!  

The Perth City Christmas Markets are presented with the City of Perth on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd November in Forrest Place from 10 - 5:30 each day. There will be over 50 stallholders each day and we hope to see you there!

Fringe World market vendors - applications open!

Fringe World Festival is the largest annual performance platform in Western Australia. The 2016 Festival will run from 22 January to 21 February during the city’s buzzing summer festival period.  Nestled in the colourful village style gardens of the hugely popular Fringe World Festival sites in Northbridge, stalls selling DIY experiences and local artisan wares, with an emphasis on the innovative, fun and unique are being sought. 

Successful applicants will be required to: 

• Commit to at least one block of seven consecutive days of trading during the Festival period (22 January to 21 February); 
• Commit to having the stall manned during the operational hours of the festival site each day (maximum operational hours on any one day would be 12pm – 2am): and 
• Pay an upfront site hire fee of $500 + GST per week per stall by 10 December 2015 


The following will be provided:

• 1 x 3m x 3m marquee;
• 1 x trestle table;
• 2 x chairs;
• 1 x overhead light;
• Power;
• Onsite Secure Container Storage; and
• Site Manager Support.

To register your interest in becoming a market vendor for Fringe World 2016, complete this form and return to venues@fringeworld.com.au by 5pm Monday, 2 November 2015. For more information, visit the website.


Christmas in Claremont - stallholders wanted

As part of the annual Christmas in Claremont event, the Town of Claremont is holding a festive themed market, inspired by the German Christmas Markets. Think fresh food, fine craft and everything Christmas themed!

Enjoy a summer night of carols in the park with a huge sideshow of entertainment, kids activities, food and market stalls!

Date: Sunday 13th December 2015, from 4pm.
Location: Claremont Park, corner of Stirling Highway and Bay View Terrace

To apply, fill in the online application form. Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday 4th November. Visit here for more details. 

Etsy: Made Local applications open

Following the success of last year’s ‘Something Different’ in Leederville, the ETSY WA Street Team is excited to announce ETSY: MADE LOCAL in a location with a difference.

WHAT IS THE EVENT?

ETSY: MADE LOCAL is a “nationwide, Etsy-supported Christmas market on November 28… [which] celebrates the crafter, collectors and artisans in local communities across the country. From coast to cost, these community building events will be run by local Etsy Teams and participating sellers.” – Etsy Australia.

ETSY: MADE LOCAL (Something Different in Northbridge)
28 November 2015
10am – 4pm
State Theatre Centre of WA Courtyard. 

This event is presented by ETSY Australia and run by volunteers of the ETSY WA Street Team. The event will feature around fifty individual artists and makers, all selling their own products.

To apply to be a stallholder head here: http://goo.gl/forms/5kkdhiKvT2

An ETSY jury will select stallholders based on application merit. Categories of sellers may include: Fine art, home décor, stationery, jewellery, ceramics, furniture, clothing, vintage, children's or infant's products, beauty, fashion and accessories, packaged food products, plants & garden ware. All products will be designed, created and produced in Western Australia.

THEY ARE LOOKING FOR:
♦ Attendees! Please share the event, tell your friends, make sure you come along and support handmade in Western Australia
♦ Sellers... purveyors of beautiful and unusual, high quality goods that are hand made in Australia
♦ Others that want to be involved… People who wish to promote or cover the event, people who wish to volunteer in the lead up to the event, musicians who might wish to provide some musical entertainment… People who have talents that can assist in ways that we haven’t even considered yet!
Please, get in touch!

Kate Stevens – WA Etsy Team Captain (mobile 0404 722 046)
Davina Farinola – WA Etsy Team Leader (mobile 0408 936 031)
ESTY WA Street Team

email: streetteamwa@gmail.com
website: www.wastreetteam.weebly.com
facebook: www.facebook.com/wastreetteam

meet | join | chat with the team:
https://www.etsy.com/au/teams/11638/western-australia-street-team

shop | browse | follow the work of the team:
www.etsy.com/pages/wastreetteam
#etsymadelocal #etsy #etsyau

Mosaic photography project and exhibition

Sign up for this year's MOSAIC Capture Day by midnight Friday 25 September, so you can be part of the collective experience and have your image displayed at an exhibition at 140 William! 

On Saturday 26 September, Propel Youth Arts WA once again invites you to join in documenting 24 hours of life in WA directly through your eyes!

For the past three years, hundreds of people in WA have simultaneously captured and submitted an image from their day to MOSAIC, a community-based photography project and exhibition.

Anyone and everyone in WA who can set aside a couple of minutes on Saturday 26 September to capture part of their day can take part. 

Once again in 2015, the person who takes the most popular photo as nominated by the public will win a prize pack worth over $150, which is another great reason to take part!

It's really easy (and free) to get involved in 2015. You can even submit photos as part of a group or an organisation. Register now! 

stARTup Art Market @ Beaufort St Festival applications open

Applications for the Beaufort Street Festival's stARTup gallery are now open for visual artists!

The stARTup gallery offers an exciting exhibiting space for emerging and innovative local artists (illustrative, photography, sculptural, graphics) to display their art for public purchase.

Applications and T&Cs for stARTup can be found at http://bit.ly/bsfstartup2015 and applications must be submitted by 5pm, 9th October.

For visual artists only (no craft-based work). Must be able to provide your own shade & decorations and be prepared to be available until the close of the event (10pm). A live art/demonstration component is encouraged.

Further information can be found at http://www.facebook.com/stARTupartgallery or by emailing startup@beaufortstreetfestival.com.au.

Upcoming local and general markets

Local and General Markets have some fairs and markets coming up:

Sunday 6th of September, 10am to 2pm
Austin Lakes Local & General Markets
Austin Cove Baptist College Oval – Inlet Blvd, South Yunderup

Saturday 19th of September, 4pm to 9pm
The Glades Arts & Produce Markets
Village Centre by Lake Allambee (Cnr Gallant Turn & Doley Road, Byford)

Apply via online form. 

Saturday 26th of September, 10am to 2pm
South Perth Local & General Markets
South Perth Community Centre – Cnr of Sandgate St & South Tce, South Perth

Sunday 18th of October, 10am to 4pm
Secret Harbour Spring Market Fair
Secret Harbour Primary School Oval – Maratea Pde, Secret Harbour

Sunday 1st of November, 10am to 2pm
Honeywood Local & General Markets
Honeywood Estate – Cnr of Bruny Meander & Labatt Gardens, Wandi

Saturday 7th of November
Baldivis Country Fair, Baldivis Fairgrounds
Stallholders can trade 11am to 5pm on the fairground OR 11am to 7pm on the Oval
Email bcf@streethassle.com.au to apply

Sunday 22nd of November, 10am to 4pm
Rockingham Community Fair
Village Green – Cnr of Patterson Rd & Flinders Lane, Rockingham 

Saturday 28th of November, 10am to 2pm
South Perth Local & General Markets
South Perth Community Centre – Cnr of Sandgate St & South Tce, South Perth

Sunday 29th of November, 11am to 3pm
Noranda Christmas Festival
Noranda Village Shopping Centre – Benara Rd, Noranda
Christmas festival with market stalls and activities and a special visit from Santa!

Contact Local & General Markets for further information.

Father's Day Gift Guide

Father's Day is just around the corner and I've put together a mini gift guide for the day celebrating the amazing produce of the creatives of Western Australia.
1. Hello Mr Badger: An eclectic collection of authentic vintage jewellery using vintage watches and these cufflinks look superb. Starting from $38 buy online or find her selling her wares at handmade markets. Website - Facebook - Instagram
2. Beau Est Mien: Beau Est Mien is a store and studio dedicated to the joy of creating and these reproductions are to look as good as our original and hand printed Collagraphs produced by Magali who founded the store. Reproductions start from $50 and you can buy this print and others online or in store. Website - Facebook - Instagram
3.  Rocket Shots by Marika Brock: Marika Brock takes bright, punchy photographs of anything.. often gorgeous places on her travels around the world, sometimes just of the ordinary, from a different viewpoint. The selection of colourful and stunning photos are available online or at the Fremantle Markets starting from $50. Website - Facebook - Instagram
4. One Happy Leaf: Sweetly designed accessories for all, One Happy Leaf has created this awesome "Best Dad" tie pin at $19. Something every dad needs. Buy online here. Website - Facebook - Instagram
 5. Boonadoo: Local laser engraving duo created this popular accessory - a wooden bow tie. With a magnetic backing it is suited for formal and informal ware. Starting from $20 they are available online and at local markets around Perth. Website - Facebook - Instagram
6. Tall Rabbit: Well known for everything cute and such amazing designs, Tall Rabbit has created this awesome zombie keyring. High quality in design and production this keyring would appeal to many a fan of zombies. Buy online here. Website - Facebook - Instagram

Made on the Left Christmas market applications open!

Applications for our Christmas market are now open!

The market will be on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd November from 10am - 5.30pm and 10am - 5pm in Forrest Place, Perth. Stalls are 3x3m space with marquees provided. Stall cost is $250 per day, or $470 for both and there is an option to apply for either one or both days.  We are only accepting applications from Western Australian handmade designers! Please make sure you have read the FAQ before submitting your application. Complete the online application form here to apply. Thank you!

Beaufort Street Festival applications open

Applications are now open for stalls at the Beaufort St Festival.

Prices for a 3x3 marquee are $450 +gst or $675 +gst for a 3x6m marquee.

The Business Incubator provides an opportunity for new/starter, independent and/or home-based businesses to have a space at the festival. These stall spaces are provided free of charge to selected businesses to encourage new enterprise and diversity at the Festival. Those selected 15 Business Incubator will be housed within one mini-market and share a marquee.

When: Saturday November 14, 2015
Time: 12pm - 9pm
Where: Beaufort Street, Mt Lawley.

Head to www.beaufortstreetfestival.com.au to apply. 
Applications must be submitted by 5pm, 21 August, 2015.

Joondalup Twilight Markets - Calls for Expression of Interest

The City of Joondalup is seeking expressions of interest from stallholders to take part in the 2015 Joondalup Twilight Markets. 

The Joondalup Twilight Markets will be held 5:30 - 9:00pm over five Friday evenings leading up to Christmas in November and December and will feature high quality market stalls, live music and children’s activities. If you are a stallholder offering gourmet food, fashion, jewellery, design, arts, crafts, homewares and giftwares, the City would like to hear from you. 

View the Twilight Markets Stallholder Information Pack for more information and complete the online application form to submit an expression of interest. Applications are now open and close Friday 11 September. 
Stall prices start from $53 for a 3 x 3m space.
For further information contact the City on 9400 4921 or email. 

Kingfisher names!

Our kingfisher mascots have names! They were chosen by the artist, Sally Ridge Illustration, from the competition entries. So we'd like to introduce... Lucy and Lass!

Get to know the stallholders!

With the Made on the Left markets at the Perth Concert Hall happening tomorrow we thought it would be a good idea to meet a couple of the stallholders that will be there so, get to know...

RED COPPER FOX

My name is Georgina Drury and I'm a New Zealander living in Perth (don't hold it against me). I have been here now for four years and I've always been interested in anything crafty whether it be painting or jewellery making. The items I have been creating for Red Copper Fox are wooden geometric necklaces, they are all hand painted with my own colour combinations. Recently I have gotten into making geometric concrete pots that my partner designed and made the mold for and taught me how to pour the concrete. I have just started making concrete pendants too- these are a work in progress, but I should have a limited number available at the upcoming market.

Red Copper Fox is fairly new, I only created the etsy page in May, but I have been making Jewellery for myself for over 5 years if not longer. I started making jewellery for myself after seeing a particular colour combination of a necklace and discovering my love for geometric beads. People started asking me for them so it grew from there. The concrete pot side of it was because I wanted one for our house, but couldn't find them anywhere so my partner made me one and from there we just kept making them.

Although I love the necklaces so much I think my favourite thing I'll be selling this weekend at the markets will be the geometric pots- I think they are very special, especially the ones I have hand painted on.

I wish I could do this full time but not yet so I have a full time job as a Merchandiser for a greeting card company in Perth. I have a huge love of painting and have done so ever since I was a kid so on the weekend you would probably find me with a paint brush in my hand trying to create something. 

You can find me at:

www.etsy.com/shop/RedCopperFox

www.facebook.com/RedCopperFox

instagram.com/red.copper.fox

RUGGED AND REFINED

I'm Jenna Love, a metalsmith and jewellery designer from New Zealand. My current work often features faceted geometric forms made from sterling silver that have been embellished with random, spontaneous layers of fine gold. The result is jewellery that is angular and bold to wear, whilst being warm with a rich palette. 

Rugged and refined is my new brand name, but I've been making jewellery since 2008. My best performing subject in school was sculpture- I surprised myself and tutors by having an eye for detail and having a knack for putting interesting materials together. I also spent time years living in Nelson, a well known town for many talented jewellers and artists. On returning to New Zealand after a handful of years in the States, I was inspired to give Silversmithing a go after seeing lots of beautiful work in galleries around the country. After my first class, I was well and truly hooked! 

My current favourites are geometric shaped earrings, adorned with splatters of gold, also my oxidised domed round studs are sweet. 

Being a mother to my three year old daughter is my other gig. The jewellery fits in alongside that perfectly and I have some exciting plans for building my jewellery business over the coming months. Please check back in!

Instagram: @ruggedandrefined

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RuggedandRefinedJewellery

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/RuggedandRefined?ref=hdr_shop_menu

Melbourne Collective: http://www.ikeandflycollective.com.au/

New website coming soon and online shop. 

ONE HAPPY LEAF

I established One Happy Leaf in 2013 to inspire people to reconnect with their authentic selves. In a fast paced and sometimes stressful world we often lose touch with ourselves and how we used to be. For some of us, that means spending less time in nature and fewer moments experiencing the richness of the world. I create jewellery to remind the wearer to live true to their individual selves, because living authentically is when we are at our happiest. We can see joy in the simple things in life and we find the courage to follow our passions. We experience all the wonder of the world while being true to ourselves. 

My favourite jewellery piece is my "bubble necklace". It's my number one seller and a personal favourite of mine. (See picture)

I quit my day job in 2014, so One Happy Leaf is now my full-time job. I am an environmental scientist by education and was working in a government job previous to working full-time on the jewellery business. By starting One Happy Leaf I found a new passion in creating beautiful, simplistic jewellery that is designed for authentic women to be their happy, natural selves. I love my new day job and am happy I took the leap to working full-time on what was my "creative hobby".

W: onehappyleaf.com

F: www.facebook.com/onehappyleaf

I: www.instagram.com/onehappyleaf

Stores in Perth - Common Ground Collective (82 Hight Street Fremantle)

You can find these amazing creators and a whole bunch of others at the markets this weekend- Perth Concert Hall, Sunday 26th July, 10am - 4pm, see you there!

x

Name our mascots!

Name our market mascots and win! Our kingfisher friends need a name. If you come up with our favourite names, you will win a print of the poster artwork by Sally Ridge Illustration. We'll be taking entries here on the blog, on our Facebook page and on Instagram (@madeontheleft). Please get your suggestions in by Wednesday 22nd July, 2015. We look forward to hearing your name choices!

Sponthanaeity - KickstART best stall winner

Each year at the Propel KickstART Youth Markets, we choose one of the stallholders to have a free place at our winter market. This year, the judges chose Sponthanaeity by Hanaé Myer. Here is an interview with Hanaé and make sure you come along to our market on Sunday 26th July at the Perth Concert Hall to check out her work in person!

Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Hi there! My name's Hanaé Meyer, I'm 23, and I started the Sponthanaeity stall in early 2015. I have a background in fine art, a BA in Creative Writing (yes, not only is that a real degree, but it's also one I'm very passionate about), and presently I'm undertaking honours at Curtin. I grew up in a very arty household, and have helped out with my parents' market stall, mthreeidea, for the past five years. I've lived in most of the states at some point, but for the past thirteen years I've called Perth home, and I absolutely love it. 

Where did your business name come from?
Clearly I put my degree in creative writing to good use when I decided on my business name, combining my first name with the word "spontaneity."
I'm always having new ideas pop into my head at the most inconvenient of moments (you wouldn't believe the number of times I've left a room mid-sentence to find a scrap of paper to write some of them down), so that's where the spontaneity part comes from! There's a bit of irony in the name though, as most of my art actually takes a really long time to produce.

What sort of items do you make and sell?
I do a bit of everything really, but I love to work with paper and books. Most of my work will either be about books or made from books.



The collage pieces are a labour of love. I love old books, reading, and collecting novels to add to the ever-growing "to-read" pile, so when I see a beautiful antique or vintage book that has been battered about and damaged, I love giving it a new life as a work of art when it can no longer be enjoyed or appreciated for its intended purpose. I particularly enjoy working with paper from the 1800's and early 1900's. The paper is so thick and textured, and the golds and browns which evolve as the paper ages look beautiful against the white backgrounds. If I have some gold gilt-edged pages to play with, even better! The gilt will just glow when light hits it.

I use vintage atlases to create fun pinwheels (even if there's no breeze, they're an interesting abstract geography lesson).

I also create what I call Literary Prints. These are designs which look like the covers of popular book titles from a distance, but up close, you'll see they're composed of quotes and lines from that particular title.

At the moment I'm creating a series of watercolour drawings of vintage typewriters, cameras, and various objects that have captured my attention.

What do you find is the biggest challenge when starting to sell your art?
The biggest challenge has been trying to value my time and work! I'm so used to creating art just for myself, my parents, or giving things away to friends, so when it comes to markets I have complete strangers tell me to value my time and skills more! I've got my head around it now, but it's something I have to keep reminding myself because I really enjoy what I do and sometimes forget that it's also my only income!

What do you find is the best form of marketing for your business?
Meeting people face to face at markets is fantastic, and I enjoy being able to communicate my ideas on the spot and actually have a conversation with customers or get feedback.
As for marketing my business from home, even though I was late to the party, and only joined this year, I love Instagram! I really enjoy photographing close-up details of the antique and vintage paper pieces, so it's a great way for me to share the joy of these beautiful old books. I'm also on Facebook, which works really well for connecting with customers, taking orders from all over the place, and sharing market details with Perth locals.

What are your hopes for Sponthanaeity in the future?
I want to create large-scale works using the salvaged book paper and hopefully have a small exhibition, but until then, I hope to get out to lots of markets around Perth and continue meeting fellow book/art/typewriter lovers! A long-term goal is to take a working holiday adventure on the high seas with a sketch pad, water colours, and a camera, combining my art and writing to document my journey, turning it into a big creative project!

Where can we find you on the net?
You can follow me on Instagram, I'm @sponthanaeity
I can be contacted for orders, market details, or just to say hi on the Sponthanaeity Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sponthanaeity

Top five tips for young artists who are thinking of starting to sell their art:
1. Embrace your individuality! Trends will come and go, and you might feel really, really, REALLY tempted to join the bandwagon, but just remember that no one will draw, paint, sculpt, build, write, or create in the exact same way as you, so use that to your advantage. 
2. If you're going to join the market scene, be prepared for late nights, early mornings, and minimal sleep. And never run your market stall on an empty stomach... you will get cranky. 
3. Value your talent! Some days it will seem like no one you know appreciates the effort you put into your work, then a stranger will come along and say the most lovely things about your art, and you'll be on cloud nine all day.
4. Engage with your customers/audience. I find it so disappointing if I'm looking at a stall and the person there is more interested in their phone than telling me about their awesome artwork!
5. Keep track of your ideas, notes, and plans as you go (even if it's on little scraps of paper!). There's nothing worse than having a great idea get away from you!

Thanks, Hanaé, and congratulations on winning a place at the Made on the Left July market!

Collective Treasures Suitcase Market

Vic Park Collective are excited to present Collective Treasures! A monthly suitcase market happening in Vic Park, in the IGA laneway.

The next one is coming up on Sunday 18 July, 11am-2pm. Grab a coffee from a nearby cafe and browse to your heart's content. There will be one each season with next one after this on Saturday 24 October - Garage Sale Trail day! 

Stallholder spots are $10 but the fee is waived if you can BYO marquee.
To be a stallholder please contact collectivetreasuresvicpark@gmail.com

Winter Gift Guide

Winter is upon us in Perth so it's time to make our selves and our homes that little bit warmer. In this gift guide find a selected number of products from Western Australia each as special as the other.

View the gift guide here.

Made on the Left market applications open!

Applications for our July market are now open! Go to our website to apply and make sure to read the FAQs first. 

Poster reveal for next market!

We are pleased and excited to reveal the artwork for the next Made on the Left market by the talented Sally Ridge Illustration.

Sally says, "For me, the loveliest part of Made on The Left is arriving home with a treasure or two in tow. I put on the kettle and enjoy a sweet treat from a Made On The Left seller and finding a home for my newly acquired goodies. The feeling of bringing a treasure home to the nest was my inspiration for the poster design.

I chose Sacred Kingfishers because they are such beautiful, native WA birds – my husband and I often see them in our garden. The composition is a bit of a nod to Audubon’s ‘Carolina Parakeet’ – he is my favourite artist and an Ornithologist who had such an astounding knack for capturing the beauty of birds.

You might also notice some wonderful work in the birds’ nest from some of my favourite retailers and market buddies Enid Twiglet, Little Sketchy and Charlie and James too!"

Thanks, Sally! We hope everyone likes it as much as we do.

If you'd like to apply for this market, we will be opening applications soon, so keep an eye out here and on our Facebook page.

Profile: Soft Constructions

We would like to introduce our new 'profiles blogger', Alira Callaghan. Alira has a strong interest in supporting local artists, designers and creatives and she will be bringing you articles on talented local creatives. The subject of her first profile is Seonaidh Murphy’s Soft Constructions.

What sort of things does Soft Constructions encompass? 
Soft Constructions is a Perth based illustration and design studio focused on creating unique, original and playful designs and products for their customers and clients. I use popular culture as inspiration and then utilise both hand worked and digital techniques (combined with a twist of humour) to create designs that can find themselves on any number of products.  There is a retail side to the business as well as a design side that is more focused on creating custom designs and products for clients such as menus, uniforms, logos etc.

I know you have a background in both art and design, what was it that attracted you to the textile side of design?I had always been involved in working with textiles.  Even at art school I did a lot of experimentation with textiles and sculpture.  I guess there is something about the tactility of it being able to be used to create 2d and 3d shapes.  I enjoy working between the two spheres of art and design because it gives me a creative outlet but I can still be business focused.

Can you briefly explain what is involved in your design process?
I do a bit of trend research and come up with some ideas.  Then I collect imagery and after that I start piecing together my designs.  From there I start incorporating puns and drawing them and painting them as I see fit.  Next I scan the design in and do any digital alterations and edits to it and it gets made into whichever product it needs to be.
 

Images courtesy of Soft Constructions

Does Soft Constructions offer you a creative outlet that is different to when you have done work in the fashion industry?
Definitely.  Soft Constructions allows me to utilize more of my skills and gives me the freedom to cross over into multiple disciplines.  I also get to indulge in my illustration skills, which is great!

A lot of your designs incorporate humour, have you always enjoyed the pun game or did that come through developing your practice?
I’ve always had a bit of a sense of humour.  Some people enjoy it and some people don’t, it wasn’t always very well received when I was in art school.  I feel like I have the ability to switch between serious and funny though and know the circumstances in which to use my comedic devices. 

What is your favourite aspect of your work for Soft Constructions? 
My favourite aspect is constantly growing the business into new and exciting places.  As I grow more opportunities come up and I really enjoy the challenge of being faced with new problems to solve.

Do you try to source your materials and services locally?
I try to source as much locally as I can and if I can’t source it locally I use Australian suppliers.  It can be hard but I seem to be able to make it work at the moment.

Images courtesy of Soft Constructions

How important has it been to the success of Soft Constructions to have support from the community and likeminded people?
It has been really important.  Being able to be inspired by the people around you gives you the strength to grow and flourish as a business.  I love being around people that are as excited as I am to make a difference and create unique and successful businesses.

What project/s are you currently working on?
I have lots of little things in the works.  I have a few custom products with local businesses that I’ll be able to let you in on soon.  I also have plans to grow the business into a very exciting place next year but I can’t say too much.

Where can we find your designs and products?
You can find our products at www.softconstructions.com and in:
Sugar and Nice, Inglewood        The Little Cheese Shop, Bayswater
Common Ground, Fremantle      Kakulas Sister, Fremantle
The Tenth State, Nedlands         Perth Upmarket

And soon to be in: 
Compendium, Fremantle       Addison and Steele, North Perth
Beehive, Fremantle


Alira Callaghan

Mother's Day Gift Guide

We are flying through the year and Mother's Day is only 2 weeks away! I have put together a small selection of sweet gifts that are all locally made in Perth for you to consider.
1. These little Dreamy Mountain brooches made of polymer clay are created by The Forest Mori. Find these brooches and her other creations in her new Etsy store: www.etsy.com/au/shop/TheForestMori
2. Jayde's Braille Cards are truly an imaginative and creative idea. Each card is made featuring braille code which is used to create cards with braille writing as well as cute pictures you can both see and touch! Contact her via Facebook to order your cards: www.facebook.com/jaydesbraillecards
3. Keeping Sunday produces spa and beauty products for both men and women with products sourced locally. Consider an ideal Lip Scrub before winter sets in or have a look at her other products in her online store: www.etsy.com/au/shop/keepingsunday
4. If you haven't heard of her you should. K Gets Organised designs and makes the most beautiful of stationery, gifts and cards and she has collaborated with a local florist to offer a wonderful package at an amazing price. Find it on her site here: kgetsorganised.bigcartel.com/product/mothers-day-gift-pack
5. Little L has been cross stitching for only a few years but her has passion has created modern and quaint cross stitches. She has in stock a number of different cross stitches so you are bound to find one you or your mum would love. See them here: littlelonlineshop.bigcartel.com/products
6. Made from authentic vintage watches, Hello Mr Badger creates truly one of a kind pieces of jewellery from necklaces to rings. Find her at her next market or purchase something special online: www.etsy.com/au/shop/Hellomrbadger

RAW Perth presents EXPOSURE

On Thursday, 30th April Exposure will bring together 30+ local emerging artists spanning fashion, music, visual and performing arts, music and more for a one night extravaganza at Rosemount Hotel in North Perth. Exposure is the first of five emerging arts showcases to be run by RAW Perth in 2015 and this first showcase is packed wall to wall with Perth's best emerging creatives.

When: Thursday, 30th April // Doors open at 7:00pm

Where: Rosemount Hotel, 459 Fitzgerald Street, North Perth

How: Tickets are $16.50 (+bf) and are available through www.RAWartists.org/perth/exposure or $20 on the door.

Bassendean goes arty with 'Open'

The Town of Bassendean will once again showcase their creative townsfolk and celebrate art in all its forms. ‘Open’ is a day of open studios, creative workshops, exhibitions, installations and more. It’s all happening on Sunday 3rd May, 10am - 4pm in various locations throughout the suburbs of Bassendean, Ashfield, and Eden Hill.

More than 50 artists have registered their involvement, there will be 4 creative workshops, 8 exhibitions/displays and a design market.

Made on the Left stallholders Enid Twiglet and Sally Ridge Illustration will be there offering an embroidery workshop and pet portraits.

Download the brochure for more information or contact the Cultural Development Officer on 9377 8000 or email mail@bassendean.wa.gov.au.

Easter Goodie Gift Guide

Christmas doesn't seem that long ago and now Easter is right around the corner! I have put together a selection of goodies to treat yourself or others. Included are a range of products that you can pick up at WA markets or online. Be sure to check out the links!
1. Spool Courture has these amazing little dresses for children with printed patterns on them that can be coloured in with washable markers meaning they can be coloured differently after each wash! Find these dresses online here http://www.spoolcouture.com.au/
2. Alexibelle has created these adorable bunny toys in a range of patterns. Find these available on her Madeit store https://madeit.com.au/Main/Item?itemId=1053589
3. SELF Organics has a selection of delicious sounding soy candles to treat yourself with. http://www.selforganics.com/product/self-organics-natural-soy-wax-wood-wick-candles
4. The GiftBOOtique found on Facebook has a range of sweet kids clothing and toys. Depicted above is an adorable heard of little lamb toys! Do check them out https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Giftbootique/429074567183728?sk=timeline
5. Pip & Printer has a sweet range of plant bags to brighten up your house. These are made with the environment in mind and come in different sizes. Find them in her online store http://www.pipandprinter.com/products
6. Sally Ridge doesn't just do special pet portraits but also has some amazing prints available in her Etsy shop. The print above is of Henry Hare with a sailor's hat on! https://www.etsy.com/listing/221921464/henry-hare-print?ref=shop_home_active_22
7. Truffles by Trish has an assortment of truffles at her normal stalls but now has solid Easter rabbits and crackle road solid eggs available for order. Check out her Facebook page to find out how to order! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Truffles-by-Trish/140662466134282?fref=ts

Last little goodies for Easter that you should consider:
These sweet little ceramic flowers by BronsCeramics found on Etsy. https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/225913462/ceramic-flowers-10-small-only-handmade?ref=shop_home_active_3
And these colourful kids bracelets by ilyas honey. http://www.ilyashoney.com/7/jewellery-shop/16-Kids-Collection

I hope that has gotten some ideas going. Look out for more gift guides in the future!