Huckleberry girls.....

Good morning.... it is going to be a cracker of a day again.  The weather this week has been brilliant...and my pile of washing is now gone, thanks to these sunny Autumn days. Cool evenings, dewy mornings and sunshine, my absolute favourite time of year by far.  To top it all off, Port Phillip bay has been calm and still, so beautiful to look at from our front deck......what a gorgeous place our Peninsula is!!!

So, down to the business at hand.  Last Sunday, I planned a quick visit to the Huckleberry Market at the Peninsula Community theatre in Mornington.  As usual, I headed out the door telling my worse half that I would "be back shortly".  As I made my escape, I am sure I heard him sniggering in the background?  Ok, so I may have stretched the truth a tiny bit.  I really had planned a quick peek around, a quick hello or two, a couple of photos and out the door fairly soon after all that.  Didn't happen.

I love going to any sort of market and if I have the chance, I will amble around them, browsing and oohing and aaahing to my heart's content.  I did have a quick browse around this time, but kept getting caught up with stallholders and before I knew it, a one minute chat had grown to a five or ten minute chat.  Multiply that by at least a half dozen........and bingo! Two and a half hours disappeared in a flash, as my "be back shortly" comment keep rearing its annoying head up in my mind.

Julie from My Sweet Florence

Is it my fault I found such lovely people to chat too?  I think not!  Put two or three girls together and of course there will be talking......especially when we all love the world of crafts and handmade.

Lisa from Rafi and Hannah

Kristy from Two Little Monkeys

Lauren from Love a Rhino

It was great to meet a new maker at this market.....Lauren from Love a Rhino, pictured above.  Lauren had a very cute stall, featuring her decor prints and artwork.

See you all soon, enjoy this gorgeous day!

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

Huckleberry comes to town!

This weekend we will have the Huckleberry Market back in Mornington......looking forward to popping up for a look-see! This boutique babies and children's market is being held at the Peninsula Community Theatre, corner of Wilson's Rd and Nepean Highway, Mornington. Opening times: 9am - 2pm.  Several local businesses are having stall, it will be great to see the wonderful local products on show.

Bring your children down for the Easter Egg Hunt, what fun!!  Time slots for the Easter Bunny and Egg Hunt are as follows:

10.00am - Kids 4 years old and under
10.30am - Kids 5 - 10 years old
11.00am - Kids over 10 years old


Entry is by gold coin donation and 100% of this is donated to the Bears of Hope charity.

Hope to see you there!

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

New local market......to be or not to be???

I would love some feedback and comments today.......either via Facebook or reply on the blog or email.  Several ladies I know who have handmade businesses, ask me about starting a new "Makers" market here on the Peninsula.

What I would love to know from you all is, do we need another market down here??  We have quite a few...yes.....but do we have a 100% locally made market?  I think not.  Most of the local markets attract makers from far and wide......plus many from the Peninsula too.  I keep thinking how wonderful it would be to have purely Peninsula products, all in one place, showcased to the public.  I mean really, I know when I go on holiday, I am lured like a magnet to any local markets......women love to shop!!  Even when I am home, I still love markets!

So my question is.......How viable is setting up a "only locally handmade/homegrown market??  And where would we hold it?  And how often?  Once a month is probably overkill, but what about a quarterly market, or biannual market?  This would make it a bit more select, something more of an event!

And how do we go about setting up this market?  I don't know anything about this type of thing.......it could be really complicated.......  So, if it were to go ahead, I think a team of people could be the answer.  How do we fund the setting up costs?

So many questions!!  I know I am thinking out loud here and would really love your ideas......and quite possibly your help if it looks like a go!

Get your thinking caps on......

Cheers,

Jodie
MPHxx

All you need is love.......

That day is just around the corner......yes, Valentine's Day!  Whether you celebrate it or not, it is nice to know that for some, it is a special day.  It always brings back memories of a young me........at high school, hoping for a romantic anonymous card, slipped into my locker or letterbox.  Alas, the locker Valentines card never materialised......but I do remember getting a card in my letterbox once.....many years after the nervous high school time......not from some mysterious stranger, but from my boyfriend at the time.  Very sweet!

These days, when I mention Valentines Day, my partner looks at me in horror and mumbles some unintelligible comment and then strides off, as fast as his legs will carry him.  The actual day comes and goes in my household, like any other day.  If he happens to be down on the Peninsula, I could perhaps hope for a nice dinner?  But usually he is up in the city and gets off the hook nicely!  Don't get me wrong, my "has an answer for everything" other half, can be quite romantic and even chivalrous, but only when he plans to, not because of a day on the calendar.  So I patiently wait........for his next plan, lol.

Now, if you are one of those hopeless romantics or you just want some love trinkets to display around your house......I have the handmade solution for you!!

Valentines Love Message Hearts tutorial:


From the very talented Kim Archer at Etzcetera Magazine.  She has created these very cute hearts, with embroidered messages on them.  Link for tutorial:  Valentines Love Message Hearts

Valentines Love Blocks Tutorial:

And if you have a hubby or partner who can whip you up some timber blocks ready to decorate (or you can get timber cut to size at your local supplier, such as Bunnings).  I found this groovy Valentine Love Blocks tutorial from the talented family over at Six Sisters Stuff. These blocks are so easy to make and the huge choice of beautiful scrapbooking papers to use is amazing.   I can see some made in neutral colours, looking right at home in my front lounge room!  In case you are wondering where you can get Mod Podge, I happened to spot some the other day in Spotlight, or most craft stores would stock it.
Link for tutorial:  Valentines Love Blocks

Weekend markets:
Don't forget to pop into some local markets this weekend if you have the time.......
Saturday:  Rosebud Primary School market
Sunday:  Mornington Racecourse market

Have a brilliant weekend.....and don't forget your umbrella, some rain has been forecast!

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

Stall holders wanted for fundraiser.....

Just though I would share an email with you all, in case you might be interested..........?

Hi There,

After searching Facebook I came across a link to your website and thought you may like to contact some of your stall holders that might be interested in having a market stall at the following event:

The Teddy Bear’s Picnic is at Ripponlea and is their biggest fundraiser of the year. This will be the first time they have invited stall holders to the event and are hoping that it will add to the traditional ‘Olde world’ feel of the day.

Ripponlea Teddy Bear’s Picnic
Sunday Feb 26th
10:00am – 4:00pm
192 Hotham Street,
Elsternwick VIC 3185
http://www.ripponleaestate.com.au
Site fee: $120 per 3 metre wide stall.

We are looking for approximately 20 stall holders to attend on the day selling handmade items, arts and crafts and children’s products etc. I would say it would be best to have items for sale from a couple of dollars up to about $30-$40 because it will mostly be impulse buys and people have already bought their tickets to the event. They are hoping for around 3000-4000 visitors at the event. Mostly families with kids between 1 and 10 yrs.

If you know any stall holders who you think would be appropriate please feel free to pass on this info or let me know what you think the best way is for me to attract some good people with interesting and popular products to sell. Thanks for your time.

Kind regards,

Amy VeermanSales Manager

Entertainment Store Group
aveerman@entertainmentstore.com.au
po box 285, st kilda, victoria 3182, australia
tel 03 9527 8644 | fax 03 9527 8330
www.entertainmentstore.com.au 

Shopping galore.......

Good morning to everyone..

Don't forget tomorrow night brings the Twilight Mornington Racecourse Market, held at the racecourse from 3 - 8pm.  Last chance Christmas shopping from some of our lovely local handmade businesses.  AND also, the Boneo Market is on tomorrow morning.  The weather is putting on a good show tomorrow, so no excuses.......head out to a local market!!

If I have the energy to go to the markets, that is.............

Because tonight I am off to Southland for some Christmas shopping, with a great friend of mine......am I crazy??  Arrgh! Yes, I think I must be, but it has been ages since I had a shopping trip with a mate, so off I go!  I am going down the daggy and sensible footwear road and wearing my running shoes because no doubt, within an hour I will have a good case of "Shopper's feet".  Nothing worse!!

My friend thinks I am an unorganised fool (and she may be right?) and has suggested a prepared list of items to shop for.  What is a list, I ask??  I am notoriously hopeless at shopping lists and keeping a diary, but I suspect on this occasion, I had better get one sorted or she may slap me!!

Although I am definitely giving some of my handmade items as presents, I still have to get a couple of extra gifts from the retail world.........as I am not sure my brother-in-law would have the need for a handmade book bag or linen heart??

Wish me luck!

Cheers,

Jodie
MPHxx

Mornington Racecourse Market.......

Hello,
Finally I went to a Mornington Racecourse market that didn't have torrential rain!
Ha ha, yesterday I dragged my partner out to the racecourse market........oh you would think it was an instrument of torture I was subjecting the poor man to.  Really, I should learn, that markets and this man DO NOT MIX.  As soon as my back was turned, or if I stopped to talk to one of our lovely local Handmaders........whoosh, off he went, as fast as his legs would take him.  Into the next aisle of the market and he would vanish into thin air!  Twice I had to call him on his phone, to find out his whereabouts or see if he was still in the same town, let alone at the market.........  By the end, I had to link arms with him, in the vain attempt to keep him in the same vicinity as me.  MEN!

Now, apart from the amazing trick of the disappearing man, I was lucky enough to find a new stall, from Marna Moo.  This stall was colourful and appealing, with lots of shoppers milling around it, looking for Christmas gifts.

Check out their Madeit store for more of these gorgeous pencil rolls pictured below.  These are a great gift idea for kids.........they can have all their pencils in one place, ready for travelling in the car!

See you all tomorrow for more of the Christmas Prezzie Wrap Up gift ideas!

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

Market Christmas shopping......

Hi everyone...
I hope you are all feeling good today!
Tomorrow brings the last Red Hill Market for this year and most importantly, the last chance to grab handmade Christmas gifts from there!!  I am going to try to sneak up there, but at this stage I am not sure.  Hopefully I can, to say hello to a few people who have stalls there tomorrow.

I think Mornington Sea Glass, Marnie Louanne, Elefunk, Magnolia Nursery Decor and Cheeky Pickle will be selling their gorgeous wares tomorrow......apologies if I have forgotten anyone?

AND........on Sunday, if you are in that neck of the woods, the delightful Huckleberry Market is having a Childrens and Babies Market at Croydon Leisure Centre, 11 Civic Square, Croydon.  If you have friends up in that area, don't forget to mention this lovely market to them.

I hope you all have a great weekend.......see you next week for more handmade goodness!!

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

Dromana market

Hi everyone,
Late night posting........
Last Friday night, some local handmaders and myself had stalls at the Dromana Primary School Christmas market.......I felt quite at home in my old Primary school hall and even saw my Grade 3 teacher amongst the marketgoers!
Luckily, the downpour cleared up while we were all carting our wares into the hall, ready to set up our stalls.  Now most of you have probably seen these businesses on our Facebook page, but it's nice to put a face to the name.........!

D'Lushies

Funky Stars

Juliet's Bags

My Mum at the Designery stall

I Am Daniela

Karen from REN

Vintage Ruby

A good time was had by all.....and it was lovely to chat with the other stall holders on the night.  Great to see some familiar Dromana faces in the crowd......xx

Cheers,

Jodie

MPH xx

Crafty catch up........

Hello to everyone on this gorgeous day...
After a rather busy weekend, I finally have a chance to sit down and catch up on some crafty finds from the weekend.  Yesterday I popped down to have a browse at the Rosebub's Babygoods Market and found some very clever handmaders.

I finally remembered to take my camera along and now I have some pictures too!.......

Lisa from Rafi & Hannah with her beautifully sewn products

Sally from Little Lala......gorgeous lamps, library bags, aprons and much more

I found these adorable appliqued singlets from Penstar.....contact details:  penny.blyth@gmail.com

Katrina from FunkyStars and her huge array of hair accessories and clip holders

The lovely Nicolle from Rosebubs with her unique vintage picture book artwork

I hope you enjoyed meeting some new makers, I most certainly did and it is one of the nicest parts of composing the blog posts.

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

Whoops, forgot one!

Oh dear, I forgot to mention it is Red Hill market tomorrow morning also.........I think the camping has relaxed my brain!
Now, I can't get to all these markets, but I hope some of you catch one or two of them...enjoy!!

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

Back on board......

Hi to everyone,
It is nice to be back home.  A short camping break for a few days soon turns into a week's worth of washing and unpacking, at last I have it under control, I think?

I have heard a little whisper from Lisa from Rafi & Hannah, that she is having a stall at the Rosebub's Babygoods Market this Sunday at the Eastbourne Primary School, Allambi Avenue, Rosebud from 9am to 1pm.  So on Sunday morning I will popping down to say cheerio to the stallholders.

If you are up in the Chelsea area, or would like a pleasant Sunday drive...........I am pleased to announce the lovely Amy from Huckleberry Market has a handmade babies and children's market on this Sunday at the Chelsea Town Hall, 4 Thames Promenade, Chelsea.  Amy devotes a lot of time and effort to making these markets a success and this one is sure to be fantastic.  The gold coin entry to the market is donated to charity and I believe this Sunday's proceeds go the Bears of Hope organisation.

Two other markets are also scheduled for this weekend..............
The Rye Rotary foreshore market is also on this Saturday morning, from 8am to 1pm, Rye Foreshore, Point Nepean Rd, Rye.
Eastbourne Primary School market, Saturday morning from 10am to 2pm, Allambi Avenue, Rosebud.

Wow, OK!  That should keep you all busy for the weekend.........have fun!

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

Spoilt for choice........

Hello to everyone........
I hope you have all had a great week!
Just want to let you know about this weekend's local markets, so spoilt for choice!  Today's sunshine makes me want to get outdoors, hopefully the showers hold off for the weekend.  The markets kick off with the Boneo Market, such a great little get together of handmade, homemade, homegrown and fresh produce.  I happen to know the House of Yoghurt will be having a stall there.........looking forward to seeing many more friendly faces too!  The Boneo market runs from 8am to 12 noon and is located at the corner of Boneo and Limestone Rd, Boneo.  Melways 252 K3.

Sunday brings two markets..........a new one at the Rosebud Secondary College, on the corner of Boneo and Eastbourne Rd, Rosebud.  Melways 170 A3.  Opening times are 8am to 12 noon.  It is on the third Sunday of every month.  I hope to find a lovely little local market.........will have to wait and see!

Last but certainly not least is the Mornington Racecourse Market.......on this Sunday from 9am to 2pm.  I love this market, so much to see!  Hopefully the weather is not like last month's one... It is located at the corner of Racecourse and Mornington-Tyabb Rd, Mornington.  Melways 146 B3.

Ok, that should give you all something to do and I am hoping to get out to all three markets........fingers crossed!

Cheers,

MPH xx

Boneo market brings out the best.........!

Hello there....
I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend, how nice to have the sunshine back!
Saturday morning found us wandering around the very busy Boneo Primary School market......with so much to do and see, we had such a lovely time!
I would like to mention some of the new handmade discoveries I found..........

Now if you are into fresh pasta and delicious sorbet, then look no further!  Bella Pasta e Dolci is a local company, run by Karl and Jenny and based in St Andrew's Beach. They make a range of delicious pasta, sauces, pesto, sorbets and icecreams, using locally sourced and home grown produce.  If you are in the Rye Back Beach area, they have a groovy little honesty box system, alongside a fridge and freezer at their property.....14 Bass Close, St Andrew's Beach Melway Ref: 251 H5.  For enquiries telephone: 0408 608 858 or email: markets@bellapasta.com.au

The best quality jams, relishes, sauces and mustards....to name a few!.....can be found at Cazan's Gourmet Foods 
Carol at Cazan's has a small commercial kitchen at her home in Rosebud and she sells her products at local markets and also supplies to local, Victorian and interstate businesses.  Her onion marmalade is especially delicious and fantastic for a cheese platter or for something different on a gourmet burger.  Hot scones are so yummy with her Raspberry Jam or Blueberry Conserve and a dollop of cream on top.
You can buy direct from Carol at her home: 4 Pearson Crt, Rosebud  03 5986 1483 or enquire by email: sales@cazans.com.au

It was lovely to meet Nicole from Nikki-Lee Designs and look through her beautiful stall. She makes delightful handmade products for toddlers and children from her home in Mornington.  I found some very cute soft toys, puppets, headbands and clothing.  Contact Nicole: nicoleburdett74@hotmail.com

We found the most incredible warm and delicious scones, straight from the oven and made by Araminta at Fire and Stone
Sensational savoury scones plus the traditional sultana, date and plain scones.  Fire and Stone also make stone fired pizzas and can cater for functions with their mobile Pizza Oven.  Contact details: richard@tastematters.com.au

And finally, the wonderful Driftwood Designs create unique and beautiful handcrafted driftwood sculptures in the form of mobiles and hanging decorations.  Cathy collects much of the driftwood from the Ninety-Mile Beach and uses it to create her lovely coastal creations.  Perfect to decorate a deck or verandah, giving that lovely beach feel to your home.  Contact Cathy Grant: 03 9787 7131.

Ok, that wraps the weekend market scene..........see you all tomorrow!

Cheers,

MPH xx

Friday at last! Boneo market and coming up Frankston Undercover Super October Market

Hi everyone,
Wow, what a busy week!  Now for the weekend at last.
This weekend the famous Boneo Market is on, Boneo Primary School, Boneo Rd, Boneo.  Wow, that is a lot of Boneo in one sentence!!  In case you haven't been there before, it is a delightful mix of handmade, home cooked and home grown, with a few other bits and pieces sold there too.

Now speaking of local markets..........The Frankston Undercover Market is having a Super October market on the 8th of October, to celebrate the 50th birthday of the Heart Arcade.  Frankston Council is allowing extra curb side stalls plus stalls in the arcade.  They are looking for stall holders with their own awnings/marquees - space size 3 x 3m for street spots.  The cost for stalls is so reasonable..... 
October stalls are half price if you have your own insurance $5 (usually $10) If you don't have insurance $10 (usually $20) also $5 trestle table hire if you need one.

There will be also be street performers and musical acts to add to the atmosphere! 



If you are interested in becoming a stallholder, please contact: market@frankstonundercovermarket.com.au
or go to their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/FrankstonUndercoverMarket

Thanks for stopping by this week and have a great weekend!

Cheers,

MPH xx

Introducing ....... Huckleberry Market!

Welcome to Huckleberry Market!

Huckleberry Market is the new kid on the Melbourne market scene, specialising in boutique and hand made items for babies and children!

Huckleberry Market originally began as a once off fundraiser market for a little girl named Holly. You can find more details about Holly at www.hollyswheels.com

Our first market was such a success for Holly and her family and stallholders alike that the words on everyone's lips were, "When is the next one?.  We really had no choice but to make Huckleberry Market a regular event! Although no longer purely a fundraiser, Holly and her cause will always receive a portion of the proceeds of each HBM.

Our aim is simple:

Collect the best in boutique and handmade items for babies and children under one roof,  have fun doing it and lend a helping hand at the same time.

Our stallholders offer handcrafted goodies that range from T-shirts to softies, play rugs to beautiful quilts; almost anything you can dream of (and even things you didn't know you wanted) for your little one you will find at Huckleberry Market. We also have a select few that sell designer items from small manufacture lines, be it jewellery for all ages or art of all sorts.

And the shopping experience is just as much about the kids as it is the adults pushing them around in prams! Every Huckleberry Market will have some form of entertainment for the kids be it a face painting fairy, balloon twisting clown, gardening activities or craft.  It's all about the littlies!

We pride ourselves on listening to what both the stallholders and customers would like to see in a market and aim to better every Huckleberry Market based on this feedback – after all you are the people we aim to please! If you've been to one of our markets, let us know what you think - we can only get better at what we do by listening to your opinion!

We'd love to meet you face to face so come down and say hello to our stallholders at the next market.  And of course, you can contact us any time if you have a comment or question.

The next market will be held at the Chelsea Town Hall, Sunday November 6th 2011.

Contact details for Huckleberry Market:  info@huckleberrymarket.com.au

Wild time at market........

Hello and good morning...
How was your weekend? We hope everyone enjoyed it despite some very wild and chilly Spring weather down here on the Peninsula yesterday.  We decided to head on up to the Mornington Racecourse Market, which was in full swing when we got there around 11am.  After browsing through the undercover craft section and finding some very cute handmade treasures there, we headed for the outdoor stalls.  We were very pleased to get around and catch up on a few gorgeous stalls, before the heavens opened up and gave us a hefty dose of Spring rain.  It was lovely to meet Lisa from Elefunk, who makes delightful kids softies and clothes.........

Elefunk's gorgeous goodies

Next it was a pleasure to meet and chat with the lovely Lynne and Amy from Life is Like a Blanket.  We loved the beautiful handcrafted quilts and blankets, which can be personalised with the name of your choice....

Life is Like a Blanket's beautiful quilts

 And last of all and certainly not least, before we got drenched by the downpour........we discovered Magnolia Nursery Decor, which was filled with all sorts of delights for kid's rooms.  It was nice to meet Sam, the owner of Magnolia and chat about her very cute products....

So cute!  Owl mobile from Magnolia

It was a great market as always and we managed to come home with some yummy bits and pieces to have for dinner and dessert.

Next time we hope to meet another handful of makers and find some more gorgeous goodies to showcase.  Have to say, this is fun, fun, fun............


Cheers,

MPH xx

It's back.....!

The famous Red Hill Market is back on again this Saturday September 3 at the Red Hill Show Grounds, Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill.  Times: 8am - 1pm.  Over 300 stallholders, many of them local Peninsula makers!   Pop up for a great morning out and don't forget to pack a coat, you never know what the weather will do up there!

Cheers,

MPH xx