OUR mission statement

MADE ON THE LEFT was founded in 2008 by independent designers to support Western Australian creative talent. We hold bi-annual handmade craft markets to showcase local designers.

Being on the left hand side of Australia no longer

means you'll be at a disadvantage.

Our aim is to support all creative designers and events showcasing independent labels. MOTL is a not-for-profit, non-partisan organisation. You may wonder why we promote other markets besides MOTL; it’s because it’s not about us, its about you; the buyers and sellers of indie wares. Here at the blog, you’ll discover up to date information about our latest market, the low-down on some of Perth’s emerging talents, other opportunities for artists and designers and a little bit of fun stuff too. It’s all right here… welcome!

Thursday, December 18

A big Christmas THANK YOU


At the Made on the Left November 15 Market, many of our sellers donated handmade products towards a raffle held to raise funds for Charity Link's Christmas Appeal. The $587 raised has been given to Charity Link to provide toys, food and food vouchers for West Australians in need over Christmas. Charity Link helps over 115 charities support more than 10,000 Western Australian individuals who are experiencing financial hardship - to find out more go to http://www.charitylink.org.au/ . We would like to thank our sellers for their generosity and the November market customers for their enthusiastic support of the raffle.

We have come to that popular time of the year for 'reflection' (oh, as well as eating too much, drinking and general merry-making!). From the Made on the Left perspective, what began as a seed of an idea on an Etsy forum back in May has snowballed into two very successful markets and a new association over the last eight months.
We've seen a range of new markets pop up across Perth, created a beautiful window display for Windows on William, launched markets where artists and crafters can dip their toes into retailing, created a website and blog to share information about further opportunities, went on a dusty road trip to the York Jazz festival and started brainstorming about exciting activities to launch on the unsuspecting WA public next year!
All in all, we have been very pleased and excited about the positive reception Made on the Left has received and the supportive comments and enthusiasm sent our way have made the time and energy volunteered to create Made on the Left well worth it.
So thank you to all the artists, crafters, designers, venues, customers, bloggers, retail outlets, media and others who have backed our fledgling group this year. We wish everyone a relaxing, creative and joyous Christmas and New Year and look forward to making more on the left with you in 2009...
Love and Christmas tidings from the MOTL team:
Jacquie, Dara, Ali J, Rosanna, Beth and Sarah

Tuesday, December 16

Ali J helps to support the RSPCA

Here at Made On The Left we not only want to support upcoming designers, but we are also very happy to support charities. So when one of our co-founders - Ali J, the illustrator - was presented with an opportunity to create something for a charity auction, she jumped at the chance.

Ali J is one of five Australian artists invited by Leeloo to redecorate a vinyl record bowl which will then be auctioned off with all proceeds from the auction to be donated directly to the RSPCA Guardian Angel Christmas Fund.

Without ado, here is the record bowl up for auction -

CIMG3113

CIMG3124

CIMG3122

For more pictures & information, please visit the auction page.

Bidding has commenced at a low $50, so dig deep this Christmas and not only will you be getting an original work by Ali J on a record bowl, but you will also get a warm fuzzy feeling knowing your money is going to a great cause!

You can see the auction in all it's glory here - Ali J Record Bowl Auction Site

Wednesday, November 26

More Graduations - Jewellery This Time



So what else do the particpants of the MOTL markets do? Well obviously quite a few are, and have, studied in their artistic field. Here's and email we just recieved:


Hello,
My name is Sally and I took part in the most recent MOTL markets that was held. I am a jewellery designer currently studying at Central Tafe.
I am almost finished my studies and we are having our graduation show on in a few weeks.
I would love to have it listed on your sites calender as I feel many people would enjoy coming and seeing the beautiful handmade works from graduate jewellery designers. It is free entry. The details are as follows:

Opening Night: Thursday 11 December at 6:30pm


Central Tafe, 12 Aberdeen Street Northbridge

The Exhibition will run from the 11-17 December

Opening hours:
Mon-Sat 10am-4.45pm
Sun 1pm-5pm
I hope everyone goes down for a look!

Monday, November 17

Osier in the Hills Gazette

Here at Made On The Left we work really hard to get exposure for the designers who become involved in our events, so we were very pleased when Lauren from Osier had a story published in the Hills Gazette. Congratulations Lauren!

(click for a bigger image)

Denmark Market

Denmark Arts are inviting new stallholders to the award winning annual Denmark Market Days. New stallholders producing visual art/craft or growing/producing fresh produce and small scale/community fund raising food stalls providing fresh healthy food are sought to add to the village atmosphere of the Denmark Markets.

First established in 1981 the Denmark Markets has become a showcase for Denmark's craftspeople, entertainers and arts community. Held only four times a year it now attracts a great array of stalls and provides free entertainment throughout the day to over 8,000 visitors each year. The Denmark Markets aims to provide an outlet for regional craft, art and performing arts in a village atmosphere. The stalls are an essential part of the Market Day, with handcrafted, innovative designs encouraged.

The 2008/2009 dates are:
Saturday 13th December 2008
Saturday 10th January 2009
Sunday 25th January 2009
Easter Saturday 11 April 2009

Where: Berridge Park on the Denmark Riverbank, Hollings Road, Denmark WA. Sites for 100 handmade art, craft, home-produce and fresh food stalls with free entertainment all day.

$55 Stall site (3mx3m)
$20 ‘kids stalls’ - stallholders under 16 years
$20 ‘shared site’ - ‘card table size site’ (1mx1m)
Applications for stall sites are available from Denmark Arts; (08) 98483623 Thursday

Application form available on website: www.denmarkarts.com.au

Tuesday, November 11

News from the western front

News is spreading about the second Made on the Left Market this coming Saturday 15 November at the Hyde Park Hotel, West Perth.

Check out this article from this week's Western Suburbs Weekly:


Monday, November 10

Oxford St Market Opening Announced

Yep, the new markets just keep on coming! It is great to see so much support for independent design popping up all over Western Australia!

Oxford St Market


The final council approval has been given for an outdoor market to be held this summer in the park at 100 oxford street (a short 100m walk from the train station). This new weekly highlight will be a very positive addition to Perth, providing a space for independent designers, artists, fair traders, and collectors of vintage and rare items to sell their goods. The new Oxford St Market will launch December 6th, and will run each Saturday from 9am until 5pm until the end of the season on March 28th.

Interested in being a vendor? Contact Katrina Thomson on
0414676684 or at oxfordstmarket@mail.com for an information pack.

FYI From the MOTL team - You can choose to share a stall ($65 - 3 x 1.5m), or have your own stall ($130 - 3m x 3m). You are provided with a sun protected marquee but tables and display equipment are not included in the exhibitor fee. What a great way to get some exposure without having to outlay the traditional setup costs for an outdoor market!

Vincent Cappuccino Festival 2008



Driving around North Perth, you may have seen signs up about the upcoming Cappuccino Festival. With markets, local crafters, coffee and chocolate.... what could be a better day out? Hope to see you there!

Thursday, November 6

Perth's Design Students are graduating!

So it's the sticky end of the academic year...
There must be some relief and jubilation for our next wave of Design students out there!
Check out the new talent:

DESIGN me...

2008 Graduates Exhibition for Central TAFE's Furniture and Industry Design students


QV1 building foyer, 250 St. Georges Tce. Perth
Open to public from 18th - 21st November 08

PLUS...
Curtin Design Graduation Exhibition

Building 201, Level 3 corridor and Level 4, room 18.
Curtin University
Bentley
14 - 18th November 2008

Wednesday, November 5

St Jerome's Laneway Festival - Stallholder Callout

Another opportunity for the artisans of Perth:

The legendary St Jerome's Laneway Festival is finally crossing the red centre and coming to Perth with its boundary-pushing line-up on 6th February 2009.

Featuring a quality line-up pitched straight to the heart of discerning music fans, the boutique street party delivers a collection of bands that lie left of centre, hand-picked purely for their amazing live shows. With an indie cinema, art installations, ten pin bowling, boutique fashion markets and cocktail bars, the 2009 Laneway Festival will give music fans a full day of sonic revelation. The Laneway Festival is heading west for an extra special twilight show at Perth Cultural Centre - a truly exceptional urban space right in the soul of Perth City. Be a part of Perth's very own cultural revolution.

We are currently making a call-out to local artists interested in being part of this inaugural Perth event. We are looking for contemporary pieces with strong lines and/or a street art feel or influence. Works will need to be in digital format and will be projected via laptop on to the side of a marquee wall at night.

A similar opportunity is also available for Stereosonic on 30th November 2008.

If you would like to be a part of the St Jerome's Laneway Festival or Stereosonic please contact Sally
sally@sunsetevents.com.au by Wednesday 12th November with a quote for your services.

Thursday, October 30

Perth Foreshore Christmas Market - Bell Tower

Yep - another market just in time for Christmas!

This market is a general market, limited to 90 stallholders only.

When : December 14th
Where : Perth Foreshore (Belltower)
Time : 9am - 4pm

This market will be an art, craft, food & related market.

Interested in being a stallholder? Contact hillarysmarket@yahoo.com.au for an application form. All forms & full payment for stalls are due by November the 5th.

P.S. This is the same day as Perth Upmarket, so it will be a great day to venture out and check out all the markets in Perth just in time for christmas!! In total, between both markets which will only be a short walk away from another there will be over 150 vendors! WOW

PLEASE NOTE: This Market has been cancelled. Word is that the organisers left it too late to advertise & organise. Unfortunately they haven't responded to our e-mails, nor contacted most of the vendors who were going to be involved to personally disclose any information, which is unfortunate. The event is being reorganized for February 2009.

Windows On William

Here are some more photos of our window display -






Thanks to all the participating designers!!

The window will be up for another month, so be sure to pop on by fi & co on William St, Northbridge.



New Perth Markets - Good or a Bad thing?

E-mails have been flying around lately of new markets coming up & there have been murmurs of more markets on the way in various places around Perth. It is great news to see that so many people want to support local talent - but at the same time there are those of us who are concerned that Perth will be oversaturated with them. I mean there are only so many vendors who are ready to sell their goods to the public, and only so many ways that you can do so.

The difference between Made On The Left and every 'other' market is that we want to keep our markets full of fresh new talent by showcasing work from all levels of designers as well as travelling around Western Australia. Next year we hope to take our markets out of Perth into regional areas, so be prepared to be blown away by the talent hiding away in our state.

Don't forget our upcoming market is just over 2 weeks away!! Make sure that you put November 15th into your diary and pop on down to the Hyde Park Hotel on Bulwer St, North Perth between 10am and 4pm.

Wednesday, October 29

WOW what a show




Made on the Left's contribution to Windows on William can be seen at Fi & Co, William Street (near Aberdeen Street) Northbridge until 23 November 2008.


Visit William Street for this and other exciting window displays by Western Australian artists, at the funky end of town. Collect the limited edition postcards at each participating location.


For more information, visit On William's website

Sci Fi Comes To Northbridge

We love supporting upcoming talent, so when we heard about the debut solo exhibition of Martin Wills, we just had to tell you all about it!


Territory Twelve is the first exhibition of emerging twenty-six year old artist Martin Wills. The exhibition, a brooding and apocalyptic mash-up of futuristic dystopia, science fiction disaster and comic book kitsch, runs from opening night on November 12 until November 18 at Gingers Garage, 267 William St, Northbridge.
Territory Twelve slices Ridley Scott's Blade Runner with Marvel Comics and Fritz Lang's Metropolis to create oppressive, colourful sci-fi vistas. Tripod invasions, zombie plagues, and city-crushing robots - they're all featured in work ranging from scrap-paper sketches to epic landscapes and portraits that take on a super-human scale.
Martin has been active in the local arts scene for years, but when his band 'Civilised' imploded after three years of performing and recording, he crossed over to the visual arts as his main creative output. Freelancing as a designer for local bands and record labels, his parents divorce provided the trigger for his themes to coalesce. The gloomy and oppressive world of Territory Twelve was originally conceived as a short novel, but after six chapters he quickly switched back to visuals. The writing, he will quickly admit, was probably the worst kind of tripe, but luckily the cinematic sheen he couldn't conjure with a keyboard came more naturally with a brush.
Territory Twelve is just one of a string of new exhibitions in the newly established Gingers Garage, a gallery space which has added to the resurgence of independent stores and galleries along William Street in Northbridge. The exhibition kicks off with opening night on Wednesday November 12 and runs until Tuesday November 18. For more information please visit www.territorytwelve.com.

RSPCA Open Day, Fete & Market


From the website -

November 9 is gonna shine!
20 October 2008
It’s going to be big, bigger than any event ever staged at the RSPCA and it’s going to be fun, more fun than anyone’s ever had in Malaga!
The ‘All Things Bright & Beautiful Fete’ at the RSPCA’s WA headquarters is the first time the team has staged an event at our Malaga HQ and we hope it will raise much-needed finances for the animals under our care as well as raising awareness about animal welfare throughout the State.
Packed with fun things for everyone to enjoy, including a bouncy castles, mechanical surfboard, lucky dips, a fashion parade (including a cat walk with Brent Staker, Candice Falzon and more!), more than 20 stalls and all the animal-oriented activities you’d expect from the RSPCA.
We've also laid on (pardon the pun) a very special interactive box with an educational twist aimed at educating kids all about the chicken and the egg!
We will also be providing every visitor with information on a range of animal welfare-related issues with experts on hand to answer all your questions.
This is the inaugural RSPCA Fete which – if you come along – will become an annual day out for you and all your family, so mark Sunday 9th November 2008 in your diary as All Things Bright & Beautiful Day!

Where: RSPCA 108 Malaga Drive, Malaga (corner of the Reid Highway)
When: Sunday November 9 2008, starting at 9.30am till 3.30pm
What’s on: Market and Fete Stalls, Kids’ Activities, Animal Demonstrations and Displays, Fashion Show, Kids’ Rides, Pony Rides, Lots of fantastic prizes to be won and much, much more...

How much: Children under 16 $3, Adults $5, Family $12
NO PETS! Please note you cannot bring your pet to the Fete. We apologise for any inconvenience but we cannot risk any contamination. Many thanks for your understanding.
For more information visit http://www.rspcawa.asn.au

Tuesday, October 28

A Voice in our favour

Thanks to Perth Voice for the shout out about Made on the Left in this week's edition:If you spot press activity about Made on the Left in your local paper or hear us mentioned in other media, please let us know!

The article mentions the Charity Link Christmas Appeal, for which we plan to raise funds via a raffle at our November 15 market, with the grand prize a hamper of designer goodies from our very talented Made on the Left participants. All proceeds from the raffle will go to Charity Link, a collaborative charity organisation that helps out over 100 charities assisting West Australians in crisis or financial hardship.

If you would like to find out more about Charity Link and how you can help, visit http://www.charitylink.org.au

Designers who would like to donate a prize, please let us know!

Thursday, October 23

Market Update


The Guardian newspaper has published the following article about a proposed new summer market for Leederville being put before council this week, which will run weekly if approved:



This would join other markets such as Hillarys Market www.hillarysmarket.com to provide a regular sales venue for artisans who have this as part of their business plan.
This Sunday October 26 is shaping up to be a busy one for special annual market events. Just some of those we have on our radar are:
Distracted Market Day Aranmore College Hall, corner Franklin & Oxford Streets Leederville 10am-5pm
Subicao Craft Fair The Oak Lawn, University of WA 9am -4pm http://www.subiacocraftfair.org.au/
WA Fest The Espanade, Perth http://www.wafest.com
Fingers crossed for good weather for the events that are being held outdoors!

Monday, October 20

Stressed out of your skull? Tips for crafty types 101

Illustrated with skullies made by The Tiny Little Girl

For many independent designers, artists and crafters, we are hitting a frantic time of the year. Not only is it ‘market season’ with its demands of stock production and good looking displays, but it’s also the busiest few months for many people sales-wise in the lead up to Christmas...if only you can find the time to update your websites and online stores! On top of this come all the other demands – ‘real’ jobs, families, relationships, networking, ‘downtime’ (what was that again?) and so on.

Here are some strategies adapted from an article by Kate James on the Australian micro business website http://www.flyingsolo.com.au to help you manage stress and stay creative during this busy season.

1. Know your prioritiesWhat is most important to you? Make sure you plan time for activities that you find pleasurable and for the things that really matter, whether it’s spending time on ‘non-commercial’ creativity, chilling out with a magazine, or spending time with your family or friends. Sometimes you will have to make time for yourself by clearing out other obligations (refer to point 6!).

2. Choose your attitude
Have a positive outlook and believe that things will work out for the best. Close your eyes and visualise yourself being incredibly prepared for your markets. Picture:
· You being prepared with all your stock ready ahead of time, so you are relaxed and chilled out on market day
· Your stall looking fantastically professional and your goods display effectively on it
· Crowds of customers coming up and giving you positive feedback on your designs – and buying them
· You putting money into your apron/pocket/moneybelt or whatever you use on the day.

If you care to, you can use affirmations. Write down the words you want to use in the present tense, and look into a mirror while you say them ‘with feeling’. Feel free to lock yourself in the bathroom and turn music up if you feel a bit stupid at first. An example of an affirmation is “I feel very satisfied making $800 or more at the Made on the Left Market. I’m excited about how much people appreciate my work”. This might sound very ‘new age’, but there is a great deal of evidence that this works by stimulating your subconscious to make your affirmations reality!

3. Make time to relax and exercise
It’s important to pay attention to physical as well as mental relaxation; especially if you spend hours hunched over a piece of jewellery, sewing or similar! Go for a walk or a run, or even try yoga or stretching. It’s also a great time of the year to start getting up early and making the most of our fantastic beaches or swimming at a local pool before the working day begins. Exercising will give you more energy, as well as releasing endorphins that help counter stress. And of course, try to balance any chocolate fuelled creation with lots of healthy food and plenty of water, especially as it gets warmer.

4. Breathe
Well yes, we know breathing is an autonomic response and you can't really choose NOT to do it, but did you realise that taking a few deep breaths is one of the most effective ways to reduce and manage stress? Try to take deep breaths not into your chest but right down into your belly, slowing down your breathing with each breath. If you have time for nothing else, just five minutes of slow breathing each day could have a significant impact on reducing your stress.

5. Talk over problems with friends
You know the old saying ‘A problem shared is a problem halved’...reaching out to others helps you gain perspective, which will definitely help to relieve and manage your stress. Problem solving with people in a similar situation to you (such as fellow Made on the Lefters) can also help you find new solutions to issues you thought were insurmountable. It’s also important to remember how to let go of ‘issues’ once it’s time – dwelling over people or things that have hurt you or made you angry does you a lot more harm than it does to anyone else, and takes up a lot of that precious energy!

6. Know your boundaries
Learn to say ‘no.’ Be clear about your boundaries and learn how to turn down requests politely but firmly when people ask things of you that you don’t have time or energy to fit in. Sometimes we say ‘yes’ to things that we don’t want to do because we are avoiding conflict or because we like the person who asked and don’t want to let them down. The result of this is often a feeling of resentment plus increased stress through having even more on your plate. People usually understand that you have good reasons for saying ‘no’ and will appreciate all the other things you say ‘yes’ to!

7. Laugh!
Laughter is one of the best ways you can reduce and manage your stress. Catch up with a funny friend, watch your favourite TV comedy or panel show, or check out some funny movies on YouTube – whatever rings your bell. Remind yourself to lighten up and not take life so seriously.

It’s widely accepted that high levels of stress inhibit creativity and reduce your effectiveness. By putting some or all of these techniques in place during the busiest time of the year for many independent artists and designers, we hope you’ll be stay at your creative peak.

If you have any stress-busting hints to share, we’d love to hear your comments.

Tuesday, October 7

Facebook

Are you on facebook? Want to help put out word about the market? Come and join our event!

Candy Cult

Candy Cult - A group character art exhibition.
Drawn from a diverse range of media including graphic design, game art, animation, graffiti, comics, and illustration, this bright and deranged group of homicidal bunnies, homeless robots, gothic orphans, zombie schoolgirls, candy monsters and bearded mutants will descend on the Breadbox Gallery for two weeks of hyper-contrasted explosive cartoon mayhem.

Opening night + Character Art Fair:
Saturday the 18th of October from 6pm.

Where? The Breadbox Gallery, 233 James St, Northbridge.

Gallery opening hours:
12 and 5pm, Wednesday to Friday
2 to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday
Candy Cult will run from the 19th of October through to the 2nd of November.

Artists:
Yok, Sean Morris, Jodee Knowles, Creepy, Ali J, Suspecto, Deathbot, Luke Milton, Jessica McLeod, Edward J Grug III, Peter Long, Isobel Knowles, Paul Robertson, Yui Matsubara (Japan), Lisa Max (Germany), Marco Recuero (Spain), Kimiaki Yaegashi (Japan), Stick A Thing (Germany), Ciah Ciah (Poland), Zoé Byland (Switzerland), Hylton Warburton (South Africa), Talita Hoffman (Brazil), Studio Aiko (Thailand), Maximillian Goldin (South Africa), Mr Roboto (Colombia), Dale Murray (UK), Format Brain (Argentina), Mutsuko Okayama-Everitt, John Patterson, Stefanie Bop, Tim Waters, Teresa Watts, Emma Lurie, Karen de San Miguel & Michael Lombardi.
More info:
Facebook event page
www.candycult.net
info@candycult.net

P.S - this event features FOUR of our participants - Ali J, Lisa Max, Sean Morris and Jessica McLeod so be sure to pop on by and show your support!

Pssst.... it is coming...........


Keep your eyes peeled, these posters will soon be popping up all over the place advertising our next event.

The countdown is on.

There is now only six weeks to go until the November Made On The Left Market! We are so excited, we can't wait to see you there! Please start telling everyone you know - with over 60 stallholders of handmade items from local designer talent - they wouldn't want to be left out!

Windows On William

Made On The Left is very excited to announce they will be participating in the upcoming "Windows On William" event as part of the Artrage Festival and The Northbridge Festival.

What does that mean?

Well from the 29th of October until the 23rd of November we will be taking over the windows of Fi & Co and creating a window display. It will be anything but average with our poster girls being brought to life with a story to tell and be surrounded by an amazing array of western australian designer products.

We will be inviting past/current participants of the Made On The Left community to join us. We have the concept but we need your wares to show to everyone!

Keep an eye on your e-mail inbox as invitations to participate are going out shortly.

More news and an invitation to the opening night will be coming soon!

Wednesday, October 1

From handmade to wholesale

The Living Creatively website has a new article on how to take the step from selling directly to customers, to wholesaling to a retail outlet. There is particular reference to Etsy sellers that makes the advice in this article an interesting read:

http://www.livingcreatively.com.au/creative_business/in_business/handmade_to_wholesale

Wednesday, September 24

Condor Tower Car Park - Artist Call Out




CONDOR TOWER CAR PARK | ARTIST CALL OUT

Local art collective 'ololo' together with artist Creepy, invite aerosol artists and those who are deft with spraycan and stencil to roam free on the walls of the Condor Tower Car Park.

Situated on St Georges Tce, Perth, the carpark encompasses five levels - Core, Underwater, Land, Sky and Space.

With access to a huge artillery of paint, artists will be asked to respond to the thematic constraints across five weekends, beginning October 4.

Register your interest by emailing carpark@ololo.info before September 30.

www.ololo.info

Monday, September 22

Unwrapped: Subiaco

Unwrapped: Subiaco is seeking vendors for their upcoming markets.Location: Rokeby Road, Subiaco (between Roberts Rd and Hay St)
Date: Thursday 4th December 2008Time: 5pm - 9pm

Unwrapped: the marketplace provides a low-risk platform for emerging designers to test the commercial viability of their products. It enables early-career designers to launch their brands and engage directly with their target market, providing a unique platform to secure immediate sales from style-savvy shoppers, generate further interest from retail buyers and network with other industry professionals.
This event is part of the Subiaco Street Festival 2008 and proudly supported by Pro Subi and the City of Subiaco.If you would like to apply, please see attached application form and follow the instructions below:Send the application below to unwrappedperth@gmail.com with the subject line 'Your brand name' Application Subiaco before the 7th of November. Please don't forget to send along 3 images and a 300 word biography in addition to the application form.

Want to send it via post instead? No problems! Just contact unwrappedperth@gmail.com for the address details.

Want more information? Visit the Unwrapped website.

Stall Costs -

$50 - Current Student
$75 - Recent Graduate
$100 - Open




Sunday, September 21

York Jazz and Soul Festival 2008


Do you want to participate?
They are still interested in applications from Arty & Crafty stallholders...

Two wonderful days of jazz in the middle of spring!
Saturday 18 October 11am-10pm & Sunday 19 October 11am-10pm.
The York Jazz & Soul Festival announces the best lineup of jazz talent ever assembled in Western Australia. The artist lineup offers international, national and local legends, masters,
maestros and the best emerging jazz talent in Australia.
It happens in the middle of Spring across 7 wonderful stages which are all complemented by the authentic vintage backdrop offered by the historic town of York in wildflower season, gourmet food and beverages, poker, markets and more.
Here are the artists making a hottest weekend of the coolest jazz and soul!

Click on the above image to go the the incredibly detailed and helpful website.


Stalls are $50 for the weekend. Enquires and requests for application forms can be emailed to stalls@yorkjazz.com.au

Tuesday, September 16

Be a part of the Northbridge Festival

The Northbridge Festival needs you....

Entertainers

ARTRAGE are looking for all styles and sizes of performers & groups to appear across various stages throughout James St amidst a bustling street market on Saturday November 1st, with slots from 1pm – 11pm.

There are ten micro-stages to program and the aim of the game is diversity & difference, eclectic & hectic, short, sharp, fast & furious.

5 – 30mins.

Dance, musical instruments of all varieties, spoken word, acoustic, comedy, puppet, carnival & vaudeville, ventriloquists, emcee, barber shop quartets, magic, choirs & chicken mesmerists.

All stages located in the heart of the Festival strip, where over 20,000 people will pass through over the Festival weekend.

Limited powered stages also available.

You do it, we'll consider it.

Professionals, amateurs, bedroom geniuses.

Come one. Come all!

REGISTER INTEREST NOW TO GET MORE INFO! THERE'S LIMITED NUMBERS SO MOVE FAST!

To apply email hello@artrage.com.au with the subject heading "PUT ME ON A STAGE" by 30th September to receive an application pack.


Market Stallholders

Got something you want to sell to over 20,000 people in a day?

ARTRAGE are calling for unique and quirky traders to join in on the fun in the Northbridge Festival Street Markets.

Located down the center of James St. and surrounded by hours of eclectic performances, the Street Market runs from 1pm -11pm and attracts thousands of people for their unique charm, colour and collection of interesting traders.

A limited number of stalls are available for hire on Saturday November 1st, so get in fast!

Promotions will start hitting the streets soon, and the full program is launched at the start of October, so jump on board before the festival truck starts to roll…

To apply email hello@artrage.com.au with the subject heading "TRADER DELIGHTS" by 30th September to receive an application pack.

Please Note : No stallholder fees/ tables supplied / lighting supplied / power supplied / advertising & promoting by the agents / stall signage supplied. So what are you waiting for?

Volunteers

ARTRAGE is seeking skilled and reliable volunteers with vivaciousness & verve to work as part of the hard-core / big-fun ARTRAGE team assisting with the 2008 ARTRAGE programming, including the 'Silver' Artrage Festival – 25th Anniversary Edition, Northbridge Festival and other exciting events over the year.

This year, the SILVER ARTRAGE Festival – 25th Anniversary Edition runs from 16th October – 9th November with the Northbridge Festival taking place on 1st & 2nd November.

Volunteers can help in the following ares:

• Front of House, Gallery & Box Office Staff
• Marketing & Promotion Support
• Event Photographers
• Stage Managers
• Street Team
• Administration & Programming Support
• Construction & Build Teams
• Bump In & Out Teams
• Artist Support

If you have particular skills or talents in any of these areas or if you simply want to gain experience, email hello@artrage.com.au with the subject heading "I LOVE TO VOLUNTEER!" by 30th September to receive an application pack.

Don't forget to sign up to the weekly newsletter at www.artrage.com.au to stay in the ARTRAGE loop!

Monday, September 15

Come on over to Our Place


Pierre Bonnard. Siesta - The artist's studio. 1900, oil on canvas. NGV International, St Kilda

No room to create? Outgrown your 'spare room' and need to expand? Made on the Left has heard about another opportunity for those looking to take the next step and get their own studio space.

“Our Place” on Parry Street, Fremantle is described as a hub of artistic activity, currently housing a range people working in different mediums from performing to visual arts.

The rent deal includes wireless broadband all outgoings and access to larger workshop space. Cost is $110.00 per week per room.*

If you are interested or know anyone that might be, contact Jamie on 0438716804.

Proximity to Freo's cafe strip sure should help get those creative juices flowing!

*nude model not supplied.

Artsource Garage Sale


Gatherer Design Space

A new concept store looks to be on the horizon. The plan is to open up in Northbridge late 2008 and join the amazing array of stores on William St. The store will allow designers to hire a space, or a wall for a 3 month block to display their products. You can restock your goods as much as you'd like - all you'll be paying is the upfront fee and a minimal commission.

Curious? Contact Sam Cartmell with any queries.

East Claremont Primary School - Stallholders Required

November 2nd
11am - 4pm

East Claremont Primary School will be holding a family fair on Sunday, November the 2nd. They are seeking stallholders to be involved on the day. They anticipate 25-30 stallholders in total. Stalls will cost $100 per stall, and an item to be donated towards a raffle.

All stalls will be undercover and situated around the verandas of the school, but you are welcome to use your own shelter & you are free to setup in the open if you would prefer. Stall locations are roughtly 3m x 2m and can accomodate 2-3 trestle tables. If you require tables they can be hired. In addition to stallholders there will be entertainment, food, refreshments and second hand products.

Please register your interest ASAP. You can contact Donna Stomp at dstomp[at]bigpond.net.au

To market, to market

Today is the day for Perth Upmarket, so make sure you head on down to the Perth Town Hall (on the corner of Barrack and Hay Street) to check it out!

I'll be heading down with some friends to see all the amazing West Aussie sellers in action (and to buy some fantastic West Aussie wares).

Perth Upmarket runs from 12pm til 5pm this afternoon. For info on how to get there or to check out if your favourite seller has a stall, check out the Perth Upmarket website.

Hope to see you there!

Tuesday, September 9

Calling all WA artists!

My lovely friends over at Gallery Nine by Five - The Artists Gallery in Fremantle have recently decided to make a couple of key changes to their business in order to create a space that will allow more artists' work to be seen and that is better suited to artists' needs.

In order to facilitate the necessary changes, the Gallery will shift from its present 40% commission on the sale of work, to 0% commission with an entry fee and a monthly service charge.

The Gallery is now looking for artists who may be interested in joining them in this exciting new phase of their business. Artists who apply will go through a selection process, and places are expected to fill up fast!

If accepted, in addition to a space, you'll receive your own page on the Gallery Nine by Five website, professional promotion of your work, advice based on client feedback and industry experience, as well as being offered a solo show in one of the two gallery spaces once every 18 months.

If you jump on board soon you'll also get to be a part of the inaugural exhibition which is expected to attract considerable attention.

Interested? I bet you are! Shoot an email through to the Gallery for more info & to apply.Good luck!

When the weather gets warmer it's time for a POPSICLE!

Hope all you Perthies have popped on down to Popsicle! to check out the really cool West Aussie designed and made wares for sale:

"Popsicle! is a pop up retail space that is the first of its kind in Perth. Discover the latest collections from a selection of our State's most exciting designers right in the heart of Northbridge.This 11 day event has been especially created for the Perth Fashion Festival and is where the public and buyers can shop for the latest in clothing, jewellery, accessories and more. Popsicle! showcases Perth's finest within an abandoned building, which has been transformed by interior designers and will stay open only for the duration of the festival."


Our very own Ali J is featured, check out this delicious photo of her work taken from the Popsicle!
website (head on over there to see the other featured designers).

Popsicle! runs from the 4th to the 14th of September, so hurry hurry down to 214 William St Northbridge before you miss it!

Thursday, September 4

Market Guide - Stock Levels

So you are going to have a stall for a market. Sounds exciting doesn't it? However there is always one question on the minds of those just starting out. How much stock do I need to take?

Well, there are a few different answers for that. The main answer = enough. If you set up a stall and sell out within an hour, that is poor planning. It isn't good if you earnt $200 and then sold out as you've lost the remaining days takings. A sold out stall is a poor reflection on the seller - buyers don't want to come to an event where everyone has sold out. They want to come and purchase goods that they find. You want want to aim for a well stocked stall with plenty of backup supplies. Especially if it is a multiple day event - as you don't want to be up until 4am the next night to finish stock for the following day! That is when mistakes will happen.

Just because you are going to have a stall at a big fair with over 1,000 people visiting doesn't mean you need 1000 rings because everyone will buy one. Sorry, but they won't. Some people won't like the colour, some people won't have enough money, other people won't like the style, and then there are those who just don't want it at all. That is human nature don't be offended. Only a certain percentage of those customers will purchase something from your stall, if any at all. I recently had a stall at an event which attracted 15,000 customers over multiple days. Out of all those customers I only had 30 sales. Compare that to another event where there was over 1,000 customers and out of all of those customers I had over 200 sales. It all depends on your location and your target market. That first market was a festival where people wanted to spend money on food, not products, and I learnt that very quickly!

In order to work out what stock levels you need there are certain questions you need to evaluate first.
  • What is the expected spending amount for each buyer? $5, $50, $500?
  • What is the target market?
  • What is the stallholders fee for the market?
  • What is the entry fee for the market?
  • How many stallholders will be present?
  • What type of market are you participating in?
  • Have you attended that market before?
They may seem like obvious, or not relevant questions in regards to what you sell - but they are. Some examples -
  • Glow in the dark and cheap character items sell well at night markets. Jewellery doesn't as most people will only want to buy jewellery in natural lighting.
  • Selling $10 pendants at a market where the average pendant prices are $500 will cause you to sell less. Buyers will compare you to the other vendors and challenge the pricing because it seems different.
  • You will find it hard to sell childrens clothing at a music festival fair
The main points you need to think about are -
  1. Is my target customer attending?
  2. How much money will they spend at my store?
  3. Were my products used for any of the advertising?
As a general rule at any craft fair/designer market you should sell a minimum of ten times the stallholder entry fee as that is what is considered to be a good market. So if I paid $50 for a stall, I should expect to generate $500 worth of sales. I wouldn't want to bring $10,000 worth of stock though as that would be excessive. You should plan to bring at least 4-5 times the amount that you would expect to sell. This way if one design is more popular then another, or if you come across a faulty item, you always have spares on hand.

If each buyer can only afford to spend $20, then you are not as likely to sell a bag for $240 then you are a purse for $18. So your stock levels would reflect this. Also if your products were used during the advertising - be prepared. Many people will associate you with the ads, and most of the time they will come to the event just to find you.

Other suggestions -
  • Tally up past markets/selling opportunities. Work out what has sold & what hasn't. Keep an eye on what your popular lines/products are. Make sure you always have those lines/products in stock.
  • You should always have one product in a large quantity. This product is usually a low cost item in your range and the 'drawcard' for buyers to your stall.
  • Create a product file. If you do happen to start selling out of designs you can place the file at your stall and allow customers to order them. Have samples on hand that are not for sale so people can see the items that are in the catalogue. Be aware though - some places will not allow you to do this.
  • Don't go overboard. If you've only sold one necklace of a certain design in the past year, don't go creating 50 of that line.
I can't give you exact stock numbers or counts of your items, because each business is different. It is better to worry about overstocking then understocking. I'd rather have stock leftover from a market then running out. At least overstock means you can resell those products at other venues. Remember that as an independent designer you need to make the most of every opportunity - and if that means building up your stock levels, then that is great!

What about you? How do you plan your stock levels for your markets/sales venues? We would love to hear about your experiences!

Faces Behind Made On The Left - Part 6 - Beth Wachla

We wanted to introduce to you our newest committee member of Made On The Left - Beth Wachla. Beth is an up and coming Perth designer who has been getting a lot of interest with her cool fabric skull brooches, and we are so excited to have her on board. On an official level Beth will take creative control of some future projects which we will release info about at a later date. It may include a spot of shopping and some informative reading. :)

Enough about that... for now I will introduce you to Beth!

Tell us a bit about you & your business.Hi, my name is Beth, I’m 27 and I create beaded jewellery and felt accessories under the label “the tiny little girl” whilst living in my tiny Perth flat with a houseplant named Herbert Greenleaf.I’m currently selling through Etsy, and have a couple of markets lined up (including the November Made on the Left of course!). Some of my skully brooches are soon to appear on www.shopmoose.com.au and I’m pretty excited about that. It’s one step at a time at the moment.What made you want to get involved with Made on the Left?

I wanted to get involved when I saw how hard the Made on the Left team were working to support West Australian design. I think it’s so important to be proud of where you come from, why should we have to move interstate or overseas when, if we work hard at it, we can find the recognition we want for our work right here in WA? I’m so happy to have been accepted into the team, and I plan to work my butt off to help achieve our goals.
What are your plans for the future?

Long long term I’d love to be able to quit my admin job and create and sell my crafts full time under the “the tiny little girl” label. In terms of Made on the Left I feel like I have a lot to learn as I’m jumping in later on in the game and the other members of the team are so much further along than me.
I really want to help to make Made on the Left into something truly great. An organization that is able to support all West Aussie designers in a lot of different ways.What was the first thing you ever created?

I believe one of the first things I ever made was probably a tiny jacket for one of my monster finger puppet toys. My brother and I loved playing with them when we were kids and used to make tiny books for them to read and clothes for them to wear. Such fun!
What inspires you?Embarrassingly I’m inspired by buying supplies! Scouring online stores for items I can use seems to bring the ideas forth. I try to buy the majority of my supplies on Etsy so that I can support little shop owners like myself.What do you think of Australian design?

I think Australian design is definitely on par with international design. We have some amazing artists in this country and I think that they’re starting to gain the recognition they deserve on the international market. Go Aussies!
What is the most important thing to you when you create your work?I love colour so it’s really important to me to include loads of colour in any piece I create. My flat looks like a rainbow exploded in it and I’d love for my work to reflect that feeling.Where do you see yourself in a years time?

In a years time I hope to be well on my way to supporting myself through my crafty endeavors. At the moment I work full time in an admin role, and then craft full time in the evenings and on weekends, and it’s quite exhausting! I’d love to be selling my work in stores all over the world, and to still feel as passionate about it all as I do right this second.

So, thankyou Beth for introducing yourself & coming on board with Made On The Left. I know it will be tough at first taking on your new role, but we are very excited to have another voice that will help us take our organization to the next level. We can't wait to tell everyone about our plans for 2009 and beyond!

Hillarys Boat Harbour Markets - Stallholders Needed

We want to make sure we keep you in the loop about everything market wise we come across. So lately our e-mails are filling up with news of new & exciting markets to come this summer! We thought we'd fill you in on some of them as news comes to hand, and then you can choose whether the location & target market suits your customer base.


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Hillarys Boat Harbour


The new market in Hillarys Boat Harbour are looking for committed and original crafters and makers to join in the vibrant weekly market. Get in early to be a part of this busy venue, set inside the complex, alongside the beach overlooking the marina and restaurants..

Trade every Saturday or once a month.

There is an introductory rate of $45.00 for the first two Saturdays of participation until mid November, with the regular fee of $65.00 per week. Public liability insurance is required, either your own , or we can provide it on a weekly basis. You also need your own marquees , and a 3m x 3m space will be provided with some smaller sites available on request. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be at one of the most popular venues over the summer for tourists and locals alike, as places are limited for each product.

Visit the website for more details and application forms or contact Deborah to confirm your booking sooner rather than later.

www.hillarysmarket.com

hillarysmarket@yahoo.com.au


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Dalkieth Christmas Gift Fair

Usually a local event, the organiser has decided to make the Dalkeith Christmas Gift Fair a little bit bigger then usual. Promoted through local schools, advertising and letter drops the fair will be in the second week of December (TBC). A proportion of the stall fees will go towards the P&C of three local schools (what a great idea!!). Interested? Contact Camille Lane - camille@camillelane.com with a brief description of your product and an expression of interest for an application form. (There will be a stall fee of about $50 - $100 from each vendor)


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Got anymore news & need us to tell everyone? Then please contact us at
mailto:admin@madeontheleft.com

Friday, August 15

November Made On The Left Market Stallholder Call Out!


We are very excited to announce the second Made On The Left Market and need you and your handmade goods!

Our intention is to give every type of designer an opportunity, no matter the scale of their business. Maybe you are a veteran or maybe you’ve just started out and this is your first event. No matter the experience level, we will try to accommodate you and your space preference in the best possible way.

The last event was a great success and we hope that you will join us this time.

Made on the Left Designer Market
10am – 4pm
Saturday November 15 2008
Hyde Park Hotel
331 Bulwer St North Perth

Stallholder Applications are now available in pdf or word format via the
Made on the Left Craft Fair page of the website. Submissions close 6pm September 30 2008.

Then submit them to
admin@madeontheleft.com or alternatively contact us for our mailing address.
Have a question that hasn't been answered on the application? Visit the
FAQ page for further information.

Wednesday, August 13

A Chance To Teach Drawing


Janet Pfeiffer is an Artist, Creativity Coach and was one of the vendors at the July Made on the Left Market. One of her art students is looking for a really good drawing teacher. She is unable to fulfill this role and is reaching out the the wider community to see if anyone would like a drawing student.
You can contact her via her website or email her directly janetpfeiffer@mac.com for details.

Saturday, August 9

July Market Photos

Our first event was an amazing success. Did you miss it? Here are some photos to remind you of how much fun it was!












Want to see more photos of the event? Have some photos? Then visit & add them to our flickr group!