Winterland

So, you know how much I love boutique markets,

and The Finders Keepers has been earning itself a brilliant reputation,

I myself checked it out last November and was thrilled, but so bummed to miss

out on getting to the last one that ran in May.

So when I heard that The Finders Keepers were curating the markets at

Winterland - a festival being held at Carriageworks through July,

I was so excited to arrange an afternoon with Mr Chicken,

and without the little chickies, to venture in towards the city and check it out!

To say the least, i was a little surprise, and unfortunately, a little disappointed.

I suppose I was expecting the buzz and excitement that i found at Finders Keepers Market, however there were literally only ten market stalls. They were all very talented artisans of course, but was hungry for more. There will be different designers in the coming weeks, so I may just have to pop back to see some more variety to fulfill my needs!

An ice rink had been set up to one end of the grand warehouse, surely a school holiday favourite, and down the other end a gypsy style band played in front of the cafe.

We enjoyed the live music, and had a bite to eat. Mr Chicken was very well behaved too, considering I caught up with my good friend Allie, and spend a while chatting with my dear friend Natasha Dwyer, from Arthur Ave (bottom two pics in the following collage) My old time followers will remember that Cheeky Chickies used to stock Arthur Ave and we even got one of their skirts in to Shop 4 Kids a few years back :)

Tash is a very talented designer, having won numerous awards, dressed all the contestents in the Miss Universe 2009 contest, and has been commissioned to design the national costume for Australia's Jesinta Campbell, to wear in the Miss Universe Finals for 2010! The project is top secret and will be revealed on 29 July!\

Go Tash you are a totally top chick!

So I couldn't leave empty handed.

Below is a little self portrait with my purchase from the event.

Mr Chicken and I then ventured over to Entertainment Quarter for a bit more shopping, a yummy quiet, romantic dinner and a movie - Knight and Day - good fun and a laugh.

Overall a most enjoyable date arvo/night!

Winter Markets Part 1

So we have recently been involved with a couple fantastic events.

The first one in June was the Northies Designer Markets

Launch of Winter Fashion.

This was opened by the Minister for Small Business

and there were fashion parades throughout the day.

Above:

The Cheeky Chickies display, lots of layers of lovely yummy colours.

Mrs Chicken with a purchase from Summerblossom (you will see more of them at Allies Attic)

Stevie and Me - the most frou frou gorgeous girlie gear you can get

and they also joined us at the recent Allies Attic market!

It was also lovely to meet Christina from Billy Mac kids' clothing

and one of our all time fav's from Northies, Fabz shoes !

The fashion parade was photographed by Six Degrees Photography.

Big thanks to all our models, they looked gorgeous!

There is also a great little video by Rob Cook Videography on our Facebook Page :)

Next we move on to Allies Attic - held on Saturday 10th July.

As always, a most deeeeeelightful day.

Love working alongside of such gorgeous and talented designers

(thanks for being great company Andrea - Karimu)

There is always a buzz in the atmosphere, and with our special

BOGOF sale, we had a great shopping day.

Little Talia above loved her new gear and modelled it for us!

Her mummy Marissa found Cheeky Chickies after the lovely

Bub&Moo from WA did a blog on us a few months back :)

Gotta luv the internet!

Selkie Smith ....

Bloss Dolls and Summerblossom

Jaluki Designs................. Moosey Fresh Baby Foods

The Australian Baby Nursery................... Blucy Funky Kids Designs

Winter Markets Part 2

Clockwise from top left:

Kids Blitz..... Wonderlandia......Owly Molly........

Butterfly Garden....... Taylored 4 Baby....... Essential Habitat

La Petite Chambre and Mou Giddy

Jazy Jae's and L'il Cherubs

Charli Bee Designs....... L'il Cherubs

The Kid's Kraft Korner hosted by Shire Nannies

Small Print

Karimu......... Archie and Moo

my apologies to the stalls that i didn't get to capture, but if you

like what you see and want it in the flesh!

You must come by our next Allies Attic market:

Saturday 18th September

Cronulla Sharks Leagues Club

We will be welcoming some exciting changes as the market doubles in size

and we start our spring and Christmas shopping!

I have caught the craft bug!

Yes, well some might think that i would have already been infected, and to an extent yes, spending the amount of time that i do amongst such talented people at our Allies Attic market, and with my visits to other handmade and designer markets. However, when you run your own business, you find after time, that you no longer have that spare bit of time to engage in the follies of crafts for your own pleasure - you know, it is always about the business.

Well , I am taking a stand and making a change!

Recently I participated in a craft mini market in my local community. It was very small, there were only ten of us, and held in the church hall. I didn't take Cheeky Chickies things, instead, I decided that my jewellery would make an appearance. This is jewellery i had made BC (before children) over 5 years ago, and has been sitting in a box every since. I thought it would be nice to do something different for a change.

Although we didn't pull massive crowds, the buzz in the little hall was infectious, and the devonshire tees were just so yummy!! The community spirit was beautiful and I really enjoyed being amongst it. There was a great variety of hand made treasures, and I will first say, that the market rules were that stall holders had to be residents of our village, so it was so nice to meet other locals, and see their talents.

As a result of this little event, I have now joined the local crafter's club, and attended my first meeting last night at the church hall. It was a fantastic pleasure, and so nice to be there for me, just for me, not my business, not the kids, nice chatter, tea and biscuits, admiring the works of others, and playing around with different ideas of things I would like to try a hand at.

Top pics are of some of my jewellery. Glass Beaded Charm Style Bracelet and then a new little one that I was playing around with, mixing a rosette, with plaited leather, beads and buttons. Wasn't sure about this one, but it was my first piece sold :)

Amalia wears a gorgeous hand knitted jumper that i purchased from the market, just love the colour! Think that will be the next colour in the Cheeky Chickies range :)

Mali also wears one of my kids beaded necklaces, as shown on the mannequin below (I had a cute little green one too and look forward to making more of these). Also shown in this pic is a little applique top by Tu Tu Delightful, who make applique tops, hair accessories and also sell great little tu tu - I have one on hold from their next batch due in August!

Now, my top pic for the day were the bags. These were hand made from recycled clothing. There were a few different styles, and also some wheat bags (which sold out).

What impressed me most, was that the girl who was selling them had only just taught herself to sew, and had never done anything like this before. She demostrated some fantastic talent and can't wait to see more of her creations!

Lasty, how gorgeous are these colours! These beautiful chunky knitted scarves really caught my eye and had i sold a couple more pieces of jewellery, i was going to nab the orangie red one!

A Boy and His Bear

Little man loves his teddy!

Typical of big sis - always has to get in on the action.

They are best of mates though, and really love each other's company.

Makes for a very happy mummy.