the Con Artists Market

late summer craftiness

2012-02-20T15:54:00.000+11:00

get yr craft on, the markets are here! saturday march 3 from 11-3 is the first of our march markets, the second being our april market that is actually going to be on march 31st, but i'll post more about that another time. for now, we're coming up to another market of handmade crafty goodness, hopefully some lovely bits of sun and summer breezes, live music from the conservatoriums cushion concert and bunches of fabulous folk - what a way to kick off yr weekend...

if you're new to the con artists market, it's a community market that focuses on local handmade products with an eco-friendly, DIY bent, and sold to you by the maker themselves. we've been doing since september 2010 and have some of the best makers showcasing their wares. if you're a maker and keen to participate in the con artists market please send us an email and we'll give you all the info you need to get started.

we're back!

2012-01-21T00:21:00.000+11:00

it's been a lovely few weeks that we've had off over the summer, but it's gone ever so quickly...

and so we're back again already for another season of con artists markets, and word from some of our fantastic stallholders is that there are some great new projects in the pipeline, which means more exciting treasures for one and all.

our first market for the year again coincides with the conservatorium's cushion concert, the pulse cafe will no doubt be open again and we welcome our diverse range of stallholders back to bring you another lovely year of local handmade goodness!

see you at the northern rivers conservatorium on saturday february 4 for the first con artists market of 2012 x

eco-friendly christmas markets & local handmade goodness!

2011-11-27T01:30:00.000+11:00

well... we could go on about how fast the year has travelled, but it's all been said before. something much more exciting is how far the whole handmade, local, eco-friendly christmas consumerism message is branching out. evidently it's very in vogue right now, and those of us who have been making handmade our way of life for ages might be rolling our eyes just a little bit, but it's fantastic to see nonetheless. ideally each community would be able to support and sustain an endeavour such as the con artists markets, and hopefully this is what we will be seeing into the future. it's a tiny and great pleasure to know that our community is able to support our makers to create for them, to be an important part of creating and maintaining a sustainable local economy. because what's even more exciting than people coming to shop at the con artists markets is the idea that our market existing is encouraging people to think about what and how they do, and the ripples from that circle can have the most profound effects. we're getting a bit philosophical over here at the con artists markets. perhaps this is equivalent to the way people start thinking about the whole religious side of christmas... we like to think of it transformed - craft being the religion and the way through to a whole new enriched way of living. and so on that note... two more markets to finish the year, and an ode to crafting we're sure they'll be. lots of handmade eco-friendly locally made crafty things for the people you love most & some more x

november movember...

2011-10-30T20:34:00.001+11:00

join us for the con artists november market - there'll be live music from the conservatorium's cushion concert, a moustache making workshop for those who feel a bit left behind in movember and of course our fine array of handmade makers.

come see what our stallholders are doing with old vinyl records, discarded bottle tops, vintage and retro linen, seatbelt offcuts, silverware, old books and a sortie of other bits and pieces... recycling and upcycling in action. we're keen to promote thoughtful consumerism, especially in the lead up to the climax of consumerism that is christmas, so if you're looking for something original, quirky, inventive with an eco-bent and ethically produced you'll probably be able to find it at the con artists market ♥

♥ the moustache making workshop is just a gold coin donation to participate in. materials supplied, though feel free to BYO if you've got some ideas brewing

♥ we'll also be running our raffle - just $2 gets you in the draw to win a $50 voucher to spend at any of our stalls. tres fantastic!

october and the con artists market ♥

2011-09-22T08:40:00.000+10:00

springly summeryness, crafty folk and live music. we're looking forward to a lovely day in the sun on saturday october 1st for the market and cushion CONcert.

it's getting on in the year and if you're a celebrator of christmas and the new year now is a good time to get in and start collecting a few treasures for your nearest and dearest so you don't have to be part of that mad rush of consumer mayhem in a few months time. we're loving the variety of wares we're seeing at the con artists market these days and are always happy to have new makers on board - if you're keen, be it as an established or new maker send us an email and we'll let you know how it goes.

next blog post we'll let you know all about our exciting new minishop in cultiver ♥

first birthday market party

2011-08-28T18:08:00.000+10:00

It's hard to believe, but this September marks one whole year of the Con Artists markets in Lismore. We've done 13 markets over the year and reckon we have seen some of the best handmade art and craft that there is on offer in the region, while creating a unique space for makers to collaborate in and market goers to connect with.

To celebrate turning one we're launching our new series of creative workshops, starting with hula hoop making which will be run by us Con Artists co-ordinators and assisted with skillsharing by the lovely Louise Moriarty. We'll also be running our raffle, listening to live music from the Conservatorium's cushion concert and checking out all the fabulous stalls. It's father's day on Sunday too, so if you've got a dad in your life to celebrate the market will be sure to have a fine sortie of treasures...

After the market, the folk from RealArtWorks will be finalising their fundraising art auction over at SeeSpace at CBlock (just behind where the markets are) til 9pm.

markets, music, community artspace - it's all going on x

2011-07-25T22:47:00.002+10:00

This month's market is full of all sorts of fabulous things... The Conservatorium is having their annual open day, including the live concert. The markets are on, of course, and we're excited to let you know that there are some fabulous new stallholders who will be joining us. And new stuff by our regular stallholders too. The spring vibes have been going a long way in the assorted studios we inhabit. We will also be revealing our plans for our 1st birthday celebrations in September, so you'll definitely want to be there for that! And finally, after the markets you can make your way over to SeeSpace at C Block where there'll be an early opening of their new creative venture. A lovely Saturday indeed. See you there x

a snippet of news & ramblings

2011-07-19T23:56:00.001+10:00

we're getting ready for our next market on saturday august 6, which coincidentally falls on the same day as the conservatorium's open day - hopefully a lovely sunny one for us all with great music, crafty folk and plenty of treasures. we'll be running our raffle, where you can win a fabulous $50 voucher to spend at any of the con artists market stalls. there are also a few new and exciting makers who'll be joining us in august, as well as old favourites and fresh creations from our regulars, so stay tuned for more details closer to the time.

there are a few rumours flying around that you'll soon be able to pick up some con artists market postcards - even some suggesting that our favourite bum poster might be in the running - but you'll have to wait for our 1st year birthday celebrations to find out for sure. in there meantime, here's a snapshot from some of our makers at our july market - a very crafty bunch of folk indeed...

Featured above: Pip Rose, Jesse Mackintosh, Decadent Decoupage, Dash Robin, Marika Bryant, Nityama Martin, Natasha Stafford, Rekindled. Alan Ussher, Pygmy Possum, Pirates Dreaming and Taunia Brayshaw...

midwintery market warmth

2011-06-21T23:29:00.001+10:00

Bring on the markety goodness! Some months it's so good to know that the Con Artists Market swings back around so fast, and it being the Winter Solstice it's been a very busy month in the world of out and about, art, craft and making. We're looking forward to another lovely day in the sun, live music from the Conservatorium's cushion ConCert and lots of Lismore folk and friends out and about.

We're excited to have a few new stallholders on board for the next market on July 2nd - it's always great to see a couple of new faces and fresh products. That said, many of our existing stallholders have been working on new treasures, so there will be all sorts of new and lovely to check out. If you're a keen crafter and have been wanting to get involved with the markets do get in touch - the Con Artists Markets are a lot about providing a platform for new and emerging makers as well as those who are already established. We'd love to hear from you - our email address is on the right hand margin, or you can come and see one of the organisers at the next market.

While you're here you might want to scroll down and read our last post - we did an interview with the uber talented Alan Ussher. Al is super inspiring because he relies on his making to survive - definitely great impetous to keep making and continually refine your crafting. We'll be doing more interviews with our makers as time goes, so keep an eye out for more of the in the future.

The line-up for the cushion concert on Saturday July 2nd is:

11.00am: Mr Speaker (Hip hop/Funk)

11.55am: Thrillbilly Stomp (Bluegrass/folk duo)

12.50pm: Andrea Soler Band (Pop/Folk singer songwriter

It's gonna be good - see you there xxx

in the studio with alan ussher - a bit of an interview...

2011-06-16T23:43:00.004+10:00

It’s been a while between interviews with us here at the Con Artists Markets, so we thought it was high time to get back in the swing of delving a bit deeper into what it is that our makers do and what motivates and inspires them. We hope to bring you more of these interviews throughout the year.

Alan Ussher has been part of the Con Artists Markets from the beginning, or thereabouts, and you can see him each month set up with his display of intricately pattern glass pendants, beautiful perfume vials and various other hand blown glass creations. Earlier this month he brought his mobile glass blowing studio to the market – we were able to see him in real live action, which was a treat for us all. Al has been receiving a bit of press in the local region lately, and we thought it’d be a great time for us to hear about how he got into glass blowing and his journey to becoming Lismore’s very own flaming star… (appropriate puns being a bit thin on the ground, we thought we’d borrow this gem from Al’s recent brush with the local paper). Anyhow, here’s how the story goes:

I recall you telling me some time ago that you got into glass blowing almost by default. Can you tell us about this?

I was sharing a house with a late friend of mine – Marcel Le Bars, and he had a very small studio set up on the front verandah at a house out at Barkersvale. One day he asked me if I’d like to have a go at it, and so that’s how I got started. That was in 2000. It was Marcel's generosity that was the catalyst for me to begin. We decided to apply for the NEIS program as partners, though we were involved in a head-on collision the day we were to mail in the application. I wasn't injured badly, and a few weeks later I decided to continue with our idea of making and selling glass. I did the NEIS scheme alone and that helped me to invest time and money into a small business. I then had a fairly intensive 5 years or so doing a lot of practice and research.

Can you tell us how you’ve gained your skills in the area – have you studied, worked closely with a mentor, learnt on the job?

After a couple of years of glass blowing I flew to Canberra and travelled out to a little town called Binalong to do a six day 'one-on-one' intensive tuition with Peter Minson. Peter is third generation from a family of glassblowers and has followed a path of scientific glassblowing through to functional and art glass. Peter put me on the right track with hand skills that formed a solid foundation of skills. We covered a lot of techniques and Peter gave me demonstrations of everything from sculpture through to wine glasses, teapots and a myriad of tricks and properties of borosilicate glass.

Has your journey as a crafter always been with glass, or have there been other mediums you’ve worked with?

I've always had an interest in art and craft – my father Bruce is a rigger and very knowledgeable when it comes to fixing, modifying or building things, so I guess I come from a hands-on kinda family. I did 3 Unit art for my HSC, and my Nanna taught me how to crochet when I was a boy, so I used to make hemp bags and hats. It wasn't until I got hooked on glass that I became a professional craftsman.

What kind of glass work do you specialise in?

I specialise in a style of glass blowing called Lampworking, and I use a type of glass called borosilicate. Borosilicate glasses are known for having very low coefficients of thermal expansion, making them resistant to thermal shock, more so than any other common glass. Such glass is less subject to thermal stress and is commonly used for the construction of scientific apparatus. So it’s great for making hot and cold drinkware.

Borosilicate was only invented in the late 19th century, so this particular form of lampworking is quite a young movement. It has only been since 1986 that coloured borosilicate glass began being developed and sold!

There is no way to accurately measure the age of lampworking because many of the techniques associated with working glass at a flame were actually in use for many thousands of years before the first lamp, or burner was invented. Depending on how one defines what lampworking is, much of early glassmaking could be thought of as a kind of lampworking, or perhaps as a precursor to lampworking. Rosemary Lierke states in her paper entitled Early History of Lampworking, "if one would extend the definition of lampwork and permit a ‘small fire’ as heat source instead of single flame only, almost all ancient glass working could be defined as lampwork.

Is glass blowing a personally sustainable give up your day job kind of affair for you?

In 2005 I took the plunge and decided to do glassblowing full time, and I have supported myself solely from glass since then. Poverty is the best motivator I’ve found!

We know you’ve been doing glass blowing for a while now. Are you content to keep on working as you are or do you have plans for expanding what you do?

Glass has taken me far beyond what I had ever envisioned to be honest. Not only in regard to learning a lot of different skills outside of the studio like how to photograph glass, website building, accounting etc., but on a personal level it has helped me become more confident and enjoy a pace of life that I have the freedom to set. I love the lifestyle.

I do plan to continue as I am with the glass blowing journey. Even though I have been doing it for 11 years, there is still a lot to learn, and creatively I feel like I am only just getting warmed up.

I plan to do more teaching and recently I submitted a proposal to 30 high schools for possible future school excursions to my studio. I recently did a glassblowing performance in the intermission of "Experiments In The Dark" a NORPA gig at city hall – so there are a few alternative ideas floating around also.

I think eventually glass will take me overseas, and I have ideas of blowing glass abroad/residencies or living and working in Asia for a time. It isn't that hard for me to go somewhere and continue working…

Aside from attending the Con Artists Market each month, where else can people find your creations?

My studio is open to the public Tuesday through Friday 12 till 6pm where I have a collection of my most recent work for sale. I can do custom orders as well. You can also view a beautiful collection of images of my work online, and I have pieces that are available for purchase via shopping cart on my website – www.alanussher.com

I sell my work throughout Australia and overseas – I wholesale, and I also have work in select galleries in Sydney, Melbourne and Northern Rivers. So, too many to name.

Do you ever collaborate with other artists and makers?

Yes I do collaborate with other artists. Every year I travel to Melbourne to participate in an annual exhibition called “Glass On Flame", which is the only exhibition of its kind in Australia. It is a showcase of Australia's finest Lampworkers. We set up in the Atrium at Federation Square at the front of Kirra Gallery (one of Australia's finest glass galleries) and perform demonstrations for the public and exchange skills. There we often collaborate and each make components for a group sculpture that we assemble.

What are the eco-credentials of glass blowing? If you do break something in the course of making it, is it possible for you to re-use the glass in another product?

Yes I put most of my broken things in a big box and at times I re-melt the clear glass down and add metal oxides to it and make my own coloured glass that is then stretched out into what’s called a cane. The glass is then stored or used again.

What do you love about being a crafter, and what inspires you?

I like a challenge, and glass is a very challenging medium. It takes co-ordination, timing, you are constantly working with gravity, and it takes years and years of practice to master. I think to get desirable results after huge investments of time and money is very satisfying, and I have a sense of pride that I have created my own business from nothing. Also I am playing an important role at helping to grow the public’s appreciation and acknowledgement of lampworking as a serious art form in Australia.

I get inspired when I finally get a good result after practicing something for literally years…

Anything else?

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of my friends who organise and set up the market and make the posters etc. You have created a really great little market, and I hope it continues for a long time to come. Thanks for the interview! Oh yeah, and thanks to the Con. And all the crafties!

Alan Ussher Glassblowing Studio

14 Foleys Rd, South Lismore

m: 0439 468 983

alussher@yahoo.com

www.alanussher.com

A big thanks to you too Al for sharing your crafting story with us, and all of the pics too xxx

an update of all things wintery goodness and us

2011-06-03T00:29:00.000+10:00

well, these months do go by so fast and it's exciting and daunting all at once. there's been lots of making on the go and we're looking forward to a lovely big market this coming saturday.

the reason for the extra post is that there are going to be a few bits of extra goodness at the june 4 market that we wanted to let you know about... firstly, the lovely and talented alan ussher is going to be doing some live glass blowing, so you'll get a chance to see how he creates some of the beautiful things he makes. we've also recently done an interview with al that we'll be loading on to the blog very shortly - it's a great insight into his creative journey and very inspiring to know that he's so committed to the glass blowing form, something that seems relatively rare these days.

some other bits of exciting for saturday are that some of the lovely folk from evoke yarn and fabric will be joining us on the lawns after midday for a spot of knitting in preparation for international yarn bombing day. you may have read about some crafty guerilla knitters who are getting ready to decorate the streets on june 11, and this is your chance to join in the fun. BYO knitting needles and yarn - there will be some provided, but if you have some bring them along. unlike many other places in the world, lismore council is actually embracing international yarn bombing day, so even though it may not have the appeal of genuine civil disobedience, it's awesome that the relevance and changing face of craft is being acknowledged and given space to develop and thrive. we hope to see you sitting on the lawn knitting for at least part of the day!

we're also going to be running our raffle again on saturday - tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5, and you go in the draw to win a fabulous voucher to the value of $50 to spend at any of the con artists market stalls. gotta be in it to win it...

and finally, there's a great line up of local music as part of the conservatorium's monthly cushion concerts. see our previous blog post for all the goss.

the market of wintery goodness ♥

2011-05-25T17:09:00.001+10:00

So, it's getting kind of chilly in these parts and there's lots of crafting going on behind closed doors. We're looking forward to a lovely day in the sun on June 4 to show you all our collected crafty treasures - there will as usual be some new creations by new and old stallholders, and live music from the Conservatorium's cushion concert. Last month was the first time in many many months that it was good enough weather for the musicians to brave it as well, which we crafters were pretty excited about, and so were the lovely folk of Lismore who popped by for a visit. Stay tuned for an update of the musicians who will be playing alongside the next market, and also for an interview with one of our fabulous makers. We'll keep you posted ♥

Okay - so here's the lowdown on the live music. We're hoping for another beautiful sunny day so we can enjoy the music in the outside with the markets... Either way, we'll all be there inside or out.

11.00am – 11.40am: Dan Brown and Shelly Hughes

11.55am – 12.35pm: Romaniacs

12.50pm – 1.30pm: Repentance Creek Sinners (Kristina Olsen and Al Hughes)

Dan Brown and Shelly Hughes are one of the region’s busiest musical couplings. They form part of Red Bantoo, who are known for their original mix of Electronica and Jazz, beat driven and soulful tones. Dan and Shelly have toured nationally and internationally in a variety of musical incarnations and the North Coast is lucky to have them call it ‘home’. With Dan’s keyboard stylings and Shelly’s lush vocals, you are sure to be delighted with the mix of blues, jazz and soul they dish up.

The Romaniacs music is inspired by Gypsy, Folk, Latin, Celtic, and Spanish roots grooves.

Leo Glass, Guitars, Bouzuki, Vocals

Phil Levy, Guitars Mandolin, Vocals

Guy Madigan, Cajon, Darabuka Percussion.

Kristina Olsen and Al Hughes as the Repentance Creek Sinners

Kristina Olsen, USA and Al Hughes, Australia have teamed up before playing original music by Kristina, but the pair met at a jam playing nouveau bluegrass. This concert will highlight the music that brought them together. The pair will be mixing and matching on guitar, banjo, dobro, mandolin, slide guitar and vocals, a wild mix of tunes and songs from a wide variety of styles played on traditional bluegrass instruments

a little something for every mother...

2011-04-19T19:58:00.001+10:00

it's mother's day just around the corner, and we have to tell you that our market is brimming full of goodness for all your favourite mothers out there... a treasure trove of all things fine and lovely, the con artists markets have a growing sorty of handmade delights to satisfy all tastes and crafty persuasions.

check back closer to the market, or join us on facebook to find out the details of which stallholders will be joining us on the day - it'll include recycled jewelry, ceramics, upcycled and steampunk fashion, screenprinted tees, handblown glassware, botanical arrangements, toxic free candles, homewares, toys & plushies for kids and big folk, crafting kits, kids creative art, giftcards, art, buttons, leather bags and perhaps even a bit of performance poetry...

there'll be live music from the conservatorium's monthly cushion concerts, a host of fabulous crafty stalls and your chance to win a $50 voucher to spend at any of our con artist's market stalls. we'll be seeing you there

and finally, here's the lowdown on the musical offerings from the conservatorium's cushion concert:

Running Order:

11.00am – 11.40am: Karl and Sharon Mullan

11.55am – 12.35pm: Pat Curley and Davey Bob Ramsey

12.50pm – 1.30pm: Stipsky

Stipsky are a local 6 piece band who are just crazy about funky world music. They think it’s fun to play, fun to listen to, and it even has a great beat for dancing. Drawing on influences such as Cat Empire, Waiting for Guinness and Amsterdam Klezmer Club, Stipsky’s vibrant live performances will have you out of your seat and grooving in no time. Band leader and Conservatorium teacher Mark Bromley is a thoroughly accomplished multi-instrumentalist who is at ease with most things strung. The band features another Conservatorium teacher, Julius Hofstetter on saxophone. Stipsky’s most recent CD is a compilation album that is available on iTunes.

Pat Curley and Davey Bob Ramsay are two local musicians who share an understanding and an appreciation of what has recently come to be known as roots music. In this concert setting they will be performing songs from the seminal Folkways release ‘An Anthology of American Folk Music’
In the 1940’s film maker and eccentric Harry Smith made an extensive collection of American tunes and ballads. He would later distill them into a three volume anthology at the request of the eminent American label Folkways. This collection saw the rebirth of folk music in the 1960’s but more importantly showed the world where modern American music, including rock and roll, had it’s genesis.
For this concert these songs have been interpreted, some close to their original versions and others with a twist, but all with the same sense of vibrancy and urgency of the original recordings. They are magnificent songs that traverse the depth of human experience. They are meant to be shared, to be sung and enjoyed by ordinary folk. This is a rare chance to witness this extraordinary music come alive again.

Karl and Sharon Mullan met through music. Sharon is the chanteuse and Karl the guitarist. They sing songs they love from two stylistically diverse universes. She likes Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis and Ella Fitzgerald and he likes Johnny Cash, Garth Brookes and Paul Kelly. They have played extensively around the Northern Rivers and southern Queensland region. They both have a strong connection to the Conservatorium, Karl studied the Certificate IV course and Sharon is currently a vocal student of Conservatorium teacher Anita Bellman

con artists market # 9

2011-03-24T21:15:00.000+11:00

a lovely laid back market of fine handmade crafts and lovely makers, local lismore goodness and... quite magically the very thing that you've been looking for~! see you at the markets for crafty goodness and great live local music from the conservatorium's monthly cushion concert, 11am to 3pm, byo friends and make some new ones too.

the market of march

2011-03-03T22:09:00.000+11:00

trinkets, treasures & other handmade delights - see you out on the conservatorium lawns this saturday for another lovely day. live music from the conservatorium's monthly cushion concerts and real live handmade makers too ♥

feb & the con artists

2011-01-28T11:04:00.000+11:00

hi all. we are all go for february and quite excited about getting back in the handcrafted saddle. to which i have to make reference to my friend swifty who literally upcycles cycle saddles with much style and dedication... anyhow, back on track with this month's market - we've got lots of our lovely stallholders returning and a few new ones in the mix too, so as usual the market will be something a bit different from last time. if the current weather is anything to go by, we'll be enjoying the live music from the conservatorium's cushion concerts out on the lawns which has always been the intention but hasn't come to pass since our market was established in september last year. our most trusty logistics co-ordinator jesse is having an adventure in indonesia, so in his absence punkin will be looking after a mini no good clothing stall.

for a sneak preview of some of our new stallholders who will be joining us on saturday feb 5 follow these links: nadine of 13am; ali of alipink; and tony the photographer.

bring in the new year crafty style

2010-12-28T01:07:00.000+11:00

Come unwind, unravel, find some treasure and get over your new years hangover in good crafty company at our very first market for 2011. Lots of our fabulous stallholders + new years cheer + you lovely folk = a beautiful day ♥

We're hoping to have some live music organised as the Conservatorium and they're monthly ConCerts aren't due back for a while yet. Last time we had the fabulous Black Train play for us - if we're lucky and the planets align in just the right way they might be back... If it's raining flood-like we won't be on, but otherwise, we'll be seeing you there. BYO banana lounges & new years cheer xxx

music & craft = market goodness ♥

2010-12-17T13:59:00.000+11:00

Our fifth and last market for 2010 is on tomorrow and we've got another great line-up of fabulous local makers, as well as the lovely blokes from local band Black Train, who, fresh from their Beer Garden of Eden gig will be playing for you all in the open air at the Conservatorium.

There'll be another great raffle to win a $50 voucher to spend at any of the Con Artists Market stalls and of course, lots of lovely people. See you there ♥

some snaps from our makers

2010-12-13T22:40:00.001+11:00

Pendant by Helen Simpson, screenprinted cushions by Joanna Kambourian & naturally dyed woven basket by Krissy Krazen

Adelaide from Pirates Dreaming at the Tanglehead stall, ceramic buttons by Gibbo, skirts by Tiffany Sassafrass

Ceramics & leadlighting by Simon Falomir, screenprinted fabrics by Marina Cavalieri & ceramic tableware by Jessica Hammond

Assorted kids things by Kat and Rowena, kids tops by Pygmy Possum and plushies by Lucy Broomhall

Recycled & screenprinted gear by Jesse Mackintosh, paper crossword skirt by Tiffany Sassafrass & artwork by Jimmy Willing

today ♥

2010-12-04T08:40:00.002+11:00

we're on today in just a few more hours and either inside or out - the weather is yet to be totally honest with us about it's intentions... however, we're all set for either scenario and rather excited about our band of merry makers joining us for this month's market.

there's going to be a special goldworthies stall today, bursting with merchandise goodness. lino prints & giftcards from the willing family, a sortie of funky clothes by mandy & toys for little people by rowena, kat and lucy, ceramic buttons, brooches & kitchenware, recycled upcycled scavenged & screenprinted clothes by jesse and handtailored fashion by punkin, screenprinted homewares by joanna from ms browns lounge and marina, assorted handblown glass products by al, horse-y treasures from jennifer and of course, the beautiful recycled silverware of pirates dreaming. there'll also be a selection of art - paintings by woo, and claudie, ceramic kitchenware by jessica, cynthia and nityama, adulterated toys by josh, unconventional jewelry by helen, cigar box guitars by kirk and most likely a few other things too!

we've got another raffle at today's market - this time to win a $50 voucher to spend at any of our market stalls, so come on down & try your luck! we'll see you there soon x

2010-11-29T13:33:00.000+11:00

Our glam new advert courtesy of the lovely Joanna Kambourian of Ms Browns Lounge, going in this week's Northern Rivers and Byron Echoes. We're in spruiking and making mode for our upcoming Christmas markets - we'll be seeing you there, filling up your eco-friendly shopping basket with all manner of fine and quirky gifts from our lovely community of makers and enjoying the sounds of Dougal Binns & the Winos from the Conservatorium's monthly ConCert.

the next best thing ♥

2010-11-23T21:01:00.000+11:00

we're pretty excited about our next market - our lovely makers are busy crafting away, we have a few newbies on board and we're pretty sure our market is going to be one of the best places to do all your festive shopping... and of course there will be some great live music at the conservatorium's cushion concert which we'll let you know more about in our next post. we'll also update you soon on some of the wares available on the day so you can write that list~!

2010-11-16T21:44:00.000+11:00

well, here we are midway between our markets for the year and it's been a great journey so far - lots of amazing crafting and lovely folk too. here's a snapshot of some of the findings from our market, through the lenses of jennifer boyle and louise irving. we had such a busy and overwhelming market earlier this month, what with the rain and actioning our indoor wet weather plan and a huge influx of new stallholders that someone (me) forgot to take some photos. so you'll just have to keep an eye out for an update of our craftiness after our december 4 market...

as well as organising our upcoming christmas markets (which we'll be giving you some more info about soon), we'll be doing another interview with one of our lovely stallholders, joanna kambourian of ms brown's lounge over the coming weeks so keep an eye out for that too.

fingers crossed :)

2010-11-06T00:23:00.001+11:00

Fingers crossed we've got the sun tomorrow cause we've done our duty with the rain already! Fortunately for us all we've got a great wet weather location inside the Conservatorium if the need arises... but there's nothing like a Saturday morning outdoor market and there's a whole host of us very much looking forward to it, including the fantastic musicians the Conservatorium has lined up for their monthly concert that we have our market in collaboration with.

Even though we have an informal close off date for intaking stalls we've let it slide and in the last few days this month's stallholder list has grown and grown... and grown! For a new market that's really quite small we're very impressed with our thirty three stallholders we've got turning up tomorrow and know that there are some fabulous products to be had for all. In the lead up to Christmas, we're encouraging you all to go green by buying local and handmade, and of course our market has a profusion of all things locally and sustainably made - you can check out some of our makers at the links to the right - or check them out at the markets of course. Otherwise, we'll be doing more interviews in the coming weeks, so keep an eye out for them too.

Talking of all things good, we decided after our interview with the lovely Aaron and Adelaide of piratesdreaming, that we'd like to give our market goers the chance to win a $50 voucher to spend at their beautiful stall, so make sure you come along and get some raffle tickets to go in the draw. We'll be seeing you there~

an interview with the pirates dreaming folk

2010-10-24T21:20:00.000+11:00

The pirates dreaming crew have joined us from the beginning of the Con Artist’s Markets journey and they have a beautiful little pop-up stall full of lovingly made pendants and rings, all with intricate patterns and an earthy vibe. At close inspection you recognise the previous forms of these rings and pendants – from the kitchen drawer. Craft markets have been seeing recycled silverware in various incarnations for some time now, but pirates dreaming have a decidedly refined and tasteful approach to what they do, and the results - very beautiful, lovingly made pieces at great prices and low impact on our planet. Rowena from the Con Artist interviews Adelaide from piratesdreaming...

How do you describe what it is that you do?

We enhance the beauty of antique cutlery, turning it into unique, wearable art.

What inspires you?

The shape and form of each piece of silverware inspires each design. We are constantly amazed by the beauty of the cutlery that we find. We draw inspiration from nature, our surroundings and our adventures in life.

What are your backgrounds?

We have travelled and adventured together for many years. We have always created together, and share interest in jewellery, screen printing, sculpture, photography and design.

What are the eco-credentials of pirates dreaming?

We use recycled and reclaimed silverware to create each piece and almost all of our work is done using hand tools. Our display is created from natural and found objects and antique oddities. We like to keep our footprint as light as we possibly can.

I read on your website that you have both traveled overseas. Has making and selling your wares been something you have taken with you or developed along the way? Or both?

piratesdreaming began as a blog that we started whilst travelling overseas. When in Canada we settled on Vancouver Island for the winter and needed something to sustain us through the cold months. We began making jewellery using driftwood that we would collect along the wild coastline and mixed it with antique silverware. This really took off and we began selling through galleries and shops in Victoria, BC.

So there are two of you (well, now three really, but young Jupiter Max will probably be the (not quite) silent partner for a while yet) – I’m wondering what your designing/making/marketing process is and how you share these between you?

The design process is a shared one. Currently the making is mainly done by Aaron and the marketing by Adelaide. This is evolving as we work together on a new range of pieces. All dependent on Jupiter's support of course!

What do you listen to while you’re making?

We always have a quirky selection of music playing. We make playlists of old tunes that make us smile and funky beats. We also love listening to audiobooks.

You sell at a variety of markets in the Northern Rivers region. Where else can your products be found?

Through our website www.piratesdreaming.com. We have some special pieces that will be on display at an exhibition at Art Piece Gallery in Mullumbimby at the end of this month. We are also in the process of starting up a shop with Bluecaravan.

Is pirates dreaming a sustainable, give up your day job enterprise for you both?

We would like it to be! We are working on it and are slowly getting closer....

What advice would you give to others who are embarking on their crafting adventures?

Create each piece with love and abundance will follow.

get ready for november

2010-10-23T18:09:00.000+11:00

our october market

2010-10-12T17:15:00.000+11:00

well, it's that time of the year in our part of the world and our second con artist's market was the second wet one we've had... but unlike our first market it didn't fully clear and it was a hard decision - to be inside the conservatorium building or outside? we braved the outdoors and despite rain coming and going our marquees did the job and it was another great market with loads of local support - thank you! i reckon we've just filled our quota over the past week for rain, so it should be a nice dry one next time...

a big thanks to our stallholders and welcome to our newbies - we've got a whole host of local makers of all things fine and lovely who are keen to be involved, so the markets should see an ever evolving array of locally made goodness. the next two markets for the year will be a great opportunity to do your christmas shopping - local, sustainable and eco-friendly style.

see you there ~

con artists october markets

2010-09-21T10:05:00.000+10:00

handmade treasure trove... snapshots from our first market

2010-09-09T21:57:00.000+10:00

Well I'd have to say that a lovely day was had by all at our inaugral Con Artist's Handmade Market - we had an abundance of market-goers coming to check it out, supporting locally handmade products and enjoying the fabulous weather. We had fourteen stallholders making everything from steampunk bodices to porcelain brooches, functional ceramic wares to jewelry made from recycled silverware and knitting needles to handmade clothes. We're all keenly anticipating the next market on October 2nd where we will be joined by more fantastic artisans and their handmade wares.

Many thanks to the lovely Jennifer Boyle for the images she took of our market on Saturday. You can see more of the great photos Jennifer took on our Facebook page.

If you're interested in being part of the Con Artist's Market, contact us at conartistsmarket@gmail.com.

the first market is upon us...

2010-09-03T21:09:00.001+10:00

line up line up! stalls going for the con artists market~

2010-08-27T11:50:00.000+10:00

Just a quick post today - if you're a handmade maker of fine or fanciful things in the Lismore region and would like to participate in our very first Con Artist's Market next Saturday September 4, send us an email and we'll give you the low down for joining us. The 'rules' are that you have to make the items yourself, and you need to let us know how what you make fits with our general eco-friendly bent. Think broadly folks, it doesn't have to be made out of old newspaper :) conartistsmarket[at]gmail.com

a sneak peak from some of our crafters...

2010-08-07T20:19:00.001+10:00