Creative Finds Blog

In my third instalment of Meet the Maker, I am introducing you to designer and seamstress, Alexandra Pengly. Alex is the talent behind such beautifully hand-stitched creations as the Cosmetic Bags, Leather purses, Hot Water Bottle Covers, Pom-pom Sport Socks, Dog Leads and the Liberty Print Hankies - and many more - all are available in the Creative Finds online gift store. Introduced to me by my friend Jane, Alex lives in our neighbourhood on Sydney's North Shore, and has a sewing space any creative would envy. Her collection of vintage Liberty print fabrics left to her by her Grandmother...

With so much success these past few weekends on my market trail, I've broken down my finds into 2 x blog posts. Here's the second instalment - handcrafted gift ideas galore: With a tag line of "why should tea get all the glory?" are this range of eco friendly, hand-painted tea towels. Except they're called Coffee Towels!  Of course I bought the orange and pink one ;) Made in Sydney by local Mum of 4 in her home studio, the colours on these tea (coffee) towels stay vibrant after many washes.     I brought home a couple of exquisite...

I've so enjoyed putting together this collection of handcrafted goodness from the gifts on offer in the Creative Finds online store. And I was thrilled to be able to offer the loot as a Give-away and a thank-you to my subscribers for all the support over the past 6 x months since the launch of Creative Finds. The winner is Alice Kennett and the prize basket will be delivered to her in the next couple of days. I'll be sure to ask her to post a photo or two. A very Happy Mother's Day to all the magnificent Mums out...

This past couple of weekends are traditionally busy ones in the artisan market game. Pre Mother's Day is the perfect opportunity for makers to promote their beautiful creations and for gift shoppers to pick up something unique and something with a story. While I've frequented my local Organic Farmers Market, who also has a range of creative stall holders, this past weekend I visited the Sydney Finders Keepers Market as well as Sydney Made who are at The Rocks Markets for the month of May. Too many earrings is never enough, so it's a good thing I loaded up on...