Lots of exciting developments are currently happening at Tribe Katalyst. One I can let you all in on is that I am lucky enough to have the highly talented Ms Amy Carmichael come onboard as a contributor to the Tribe Katalyst blog.
Amy is a freelance writer and transplanted Canuck who now calls Australia home. After falling in love with an Aussie boy she then went on to fall in love with our sunburnt country! After making the big move she co-wrote ‘Every Last Drop’, a book about drought in Australia and how we can all save lots of water.
In her first post for Tribe Katalyst, Amy gives her take on Melbourne’s first Finders Keepers market . . .
We went deep into Frankie territory at Melbourne’s first Finders Keepers market on the weekend . . .
I kind of felt like I knew everyone there. Call it the sisterhood of the crafty pants. It was like a giant kitchen tea in a metal and concrete shed at the Docklands. Talented vendors managed to make the hanger-like space cozy, lining it with with handmade blankets, mobiles, jewellery, stationary, dresses, fascinators, tea towels, pillowcases, bespoke wallpaper and so much more.
I think it’s fair to say this market had everything a girl could want: a bar, comfy vintage couches, cute boys in plaid shirts, horn rimmed glasses and not-too skinny jeans.
The kitchen was serving pumpkin and chick pea salad with coriander-yogurt dressing. There were bands channeling Angus and Julia Stone. And shopping like you would not believe.
Here is just a selection of my highlights . . .
Tinker by Printink Studio
All who nipped into the birthplace of the Collingwood Football Club, the Grace Darling Hotel, to pray, commiserate, stand watch and finally celebrate, would have noticed the wallpaper. Printink Studio created a deco ship and anchor pattern with a vintage tattoo feel especially for the hotel. In addition to wallpaper the studio prints fabrics and creates childrenswear, fashion accessories and home furnishings.
Printink’s Jason Cesani with the Tinker signature piece, the Melbourne tea towel.
Sunday Morning Design
“Normally we wouldn’t work on a Sunday,” says artist Jitske Wiersma. Understandable – this design group makes the softest pillowcases bearing dreamy illustrations which practically beg to be cuddled. I had a strong urge to procure one and curl up with in a sunny spot while listening to that poetic song by the Velvet Underground.
Sunday Morning Designs is a collaboration between Melbourne artists Lichen Kemp and Jitske Wiersma. The distinctive fine line illustrations featured on many of the products (screenprinted clothing, vintage fabric scarves, silver jewellery and stationery and pillow case sets), are by Lichen’s partner Dylan Martorell. And, Jitske says a doona cover is in the works!
Gretchen Hillhouse Design
Gretchen Hillhouse’s porcelain flowers make any wall look lovely. They shimmer when they hold a tea candle. They are divine on wedding tables. And they provide a delicate touch to a dinner party. Gretchen loves to uses them to serve food – especially Japanese. Also keep your eye out for her fabulously unique jewellery made from Australian porcelain.
Gretchen Hillhouse with her new fave product, the Wall Flower.
