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The Finders Keepers & Gaffa present: The Arcade Project!

Finders Keepers — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 02:28:30 +0000

We’re really excited to let you know that the Finders Keepers will be taking over the Arcade Project at Gaffa from September to December this year.
The Arcade project is a unique opportunity for emerging designers to have their own small retail pop up spaces for a short term, hosted by contemporary art space Gaffa in their amazing Gallery space in Sydney’s CBD. There are 4 small pop up retail spaces that will rotate every month, that the Finders Keepers will be co-hosting.

For designers: This will give you an opportunity to further grow your brand and experience being in a retail space whilst under the guidance and help of us alongside Gaffa. This also gives you the freedom to carry on working outside of the retail space whilst it is being hosted, so you do not have to physically be there 6 days a week whilst your retail space is in operation. The spaces are open to your creativity an empty white canvas for you to make your own!

The Arcade project is a new concept that was started by Gaffa this year, they are currently offering 3 month blocks in this retail spaces. The Finders Keepers saw this as an exciting opportunity to get involved and exclusively offer designers shorter leases of making the space exciting with rotating designers, and helping them bring their work to the next level, beyond what market stalls can bring.

For customers & design enthusiasts: Alongside the Arcade spaces The Finders Keepers will also be offering support with ‘Meet the Makers’ launch evenings and some very exciting workshops and talks over the last 3 months of the year. Stay tuned for the exciting program and more details. It is also an exciting way to bring emerging design to Sydney’s CBD and with fresh new retail every few weeks, as well as Gaffa having new shows in their 3 galleries every 2 weeks, it will be a great and unique place to visit and shop!

Interested in finding out more?? Email us at info@thefinderskeepers.com and we can send through more info, you may apply as an indivdual or a collective shop space. Applications are open for a limited time so get in quick!

http://www.gaffa.com.au/

Winterland Stallholders Announced!

Finders Keepers — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 23:54:17 +0000

We’re looking forward to embracing this cold weather at Winterland this July! Experience all the magic of a glittering European winter in the heart of Sydney’s inner west. Come to CarriageWorks for their first ever Winterland festival! We have been working alongside CarriageWorks to bring you the Winterland Markets. Each weekend there will be a small selection (around 20 stalls) of the below designers, and each weekend will change. Below is a sneak peek of the designers that will be showcased. For more info about Winterland head here & for profiles & weekends for the below stallholders.

6.5 Stitches

Arthur Ave

Beej

Bird Textiles

Blueberry Paper

Boniko’s Safehouse

Bornagain Books

Cherry Morris

Find me, Keep me

Flying Penguin

Ginny & Jude Design

Herbert & Friends

Hot Chocolate & Marshmallows

House Shoes

IMOK

In An Instant Photography

Inkassoul

Jock & Tilley

Keiko Matsui Ceramics

Kristen Doran Design

Kylie Hawkes

Kyoko

Ladies in Style

Made by White

Magdalena Duma

Mechelle & Anney

Neckachief

Nikki Catalano

Notions

Painted Horses

Peppermint Jewels

Queen Justine Vintage

Rocket Fuel

Roger & Peach

Shady Designs

Sparkle Cupcakes

Tamptation

The Broken Heart Repair Shop

The Fudge Shop

The Hamper Store

The Horse

Thingk Baby Int.

Twice Designs

Wah-Wah Wears

Creative Sydney: Making it Happen

Finders Keepers — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 05:17:06 +0000

We were very honoured to be asked to be on the panel discussion at Creative Sydney’s ‘Making it Happen’ session last night. For those who didn’t make it along we have included our intro film below about some of the stats of what goes into one of our events. The time lapse camera was filming from 8am – 10pm the first day of the Sydney May Markets that were currently held at CarriageWorks. This is only a part of the area at CarriageWorks that we were filling, not to mention two extra rooms and the art and music area!

The Finders Keepers from kodamapixel on Vimeo.

Video Capture: Lukasz Karluk
Post Production: Scott Brown
Music Composition: Eli Murray (Track: gentleforce – “Learning to Forgive”)

To capture the essence of our talk here is some of the points we shared (and some extras that we wanted to share!)

Identifying the need/ birth of our idea:
We firstly identified the need of the markets this was out of:
- our own personal frustrations as designers.
- being part of every market/ exhibition possible and feeling discouraged and disheartened by our experiences.
- lack of opportunities for emerging artists/ designers.
- for what was on offer it was competitive and intimidating.
- being bored & uninspired of the current markets/ events in Sydney.
- searching for something that didn’t quite exist.

Adapting processes already in place:
- We assessed what we liked & didn’t like about the current markets/ events we had been to.
- Instead of trying to re-invent the wheel we adapted and planned from what we had experienced.
- We wanted a fun inspiring environment that was accessible to everyone, so we thought about the elements that would create that.

Collaboration:
- Starting from nothing we had to be resourceful and do alot of the work ourselves, or work on ways that we could do it for low-cost/ free!
- Alot of the work we didn’t know how to do we had friends to lend a hand, and others in the design community that helped us.
- Strength in partnership and building community, developing commited followers and people to support our vision.
- ‘Work in progress’ mentality – continually growing, learning and developing after each event.

Quality Control:
- Standard and consitency was an important factor for us, and a concept we really wanted to push.
- We felt at the time of starting in 2007, there was little to no quality benchmark in market based events in Australia.
- Developing and investing in handmade work, and the concept of quality before quantity.
- Innovative and unique work, nuturing creative standards.
- Curation of the markets to feel like an exhibition, this was something we had to build over time.
- Maintaining intergrity and never compromising what we stand for, however always evolving.

Passion for Change:
- Passion for changing and developing the art & design community in Sydney.
- Being open to developing the process as we went along meant things organically started to grow.
- Our aim was to change the way that emerging independent design was percieved in Sydney.
- Maintaining ethics and a non-profit mentality, putting all the money back into the growth of our events.

Developing ideas into action:
- Not waiting for a business plan to happen, acting on the moment and opportunity.
- Learn by doing & sometimes failing, not being scared to learn the hard way.
- Key area of our development was learning from our mistakes, evaluating them and moving on.
- Being open to develop our ideas and the input of others.

There is also a whole list of great videos & podcasts up on the Creative Sydney blog from other talks and presentations over the past week.

Special thanks to:
Scott Brown from Angrypixel for the below images & for the film editing of the wonderful video.

And lastly… some behind the scenes pics!

Registration at the Finders Keepers bump-in. Courtney, Frankie & Sarah.

Michelle & Brooke preparing the mushrooms around the stage.

A month of preparation to create this beautiful installation!

Preparation in the lead up before the event.

Stallholders starting the bump-in process.

Brisbane Music Lineup announced!

Finders Keepers — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:15:44 +0000

Here is an introduction to the music that will be showcased at the upcoming Brisbane Finders Keepers at The Old Museum on Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th June! The live music is FREE for everyone to enjoy. Check out the below for the line up and some snippets of the bio’s of some featured musicians.

Saturday June 26th
12 noon: Spring Skier
1:30 pm: Matthew Vale
2:30pm: Dan Parsons
3:30pm: Hello Yoko

Sunday June 27th
12 noon: Cascadeer
1:30 pm: Bell Divers
2:30 pm: Charlie Mayfair
3:30 pm: Mr Maps

Spring Skier: What happens when Hungry Kids of Hungary vocalist Kane Mazlin and The Paper & the Plane bassist Remy Boccalatte get together? Apart from the usual creation of language to be added to popular culture, and the over-indulgence in barley based treats, music is also created in a somewhat reminiscent pop folk vein. With the combination of dual vocals that both explore an entire range, leading the way over melodic guitar and keyboard, it’s not hard to find yourself drift off into more nostalgic times. Open minded to explore in various percussion and range of instruments, Spring Skier is surely going to create something for everyone. Currently working on tracks for a debut release, keep your eyes on the pines and ears to the snow…

Dan Parsons: At just 22, it’s somewhat surprising that Dan Parsons has already been on the scene for a couple of years. Having made his foray into the musical world with his heritage-flavoured debut release Old Brown Shoe in 2007, Parsons continued on this path for a short time. Then after gradually being absorbed by a new musical world of peers and influences he found a new desire to make a different type of music. Bravely scrapping his next lot of release-bound recordings he decided to start from scratch and after six months of demoing and experimenting in his one-man-band style, Parsons created a new band and enlisted the help of Melbourne producer John Castle and collaborator James O’Brien (The Boat People) to complete the transition. With his debut album all but complete, flag-ship single ‘Run With Me’ is the opening taste of grander things to come.
While now taking his cue from modern indie classics like Wilco and Death Cab For Cutie, Parson’s ongoing journey sees him glancing into the rear view mirror at the history of artists that encompassed his childhood world. It’s a range of genres that he messes together seamlessly, somehow making you forget that they were really that different to begin with.

Cascadeer: are a handful of busybodies who sometimes pause to take rest amongst the rolling hills of Brisbane town and lend their talent and charm to the songs of ex-Canberran Kieran Ryan. The result is a sometimes floating, other times fiery journey of lyrical folk and layered harmonies. Their first 4 track recording was independently produced by Ryan. They have recently completed a mini tour of Sydney and Canberra with Voss (ACT) and amongst other things, have been called “truly a beautiful band to watch and to hear.” (Phil Smith, ABC Radio)

HELLO YOKO: are are a young Brisbane 5 piece band who have been known to craft some dangerously catchy indie/ pop tunes.
Charming audiences with beautiful vocal harmonies and a real honesty in song, HELLO YOKO always aim to deliver a captivating show that will win hearts and bring delight to the ears.
The band have been playing together as a duo since 2008 and with a full band from late 2009. They have spent most of last year working the Brisbane music scene. Drawing upon their noted influences of Sarah Blasko; Beach House, Washington and Arcade Fire; the band of multi-instrumentalists truly understands what it means to be songwriters.

Brisbane Autumn/Winter Designers Announced!

Finders Keepers — Mon, 31 May 2010 01:51:27 +0000

We’re very excited to share with you a sneak peek of the new designers & artists for the upcoming Brisbane Autumn/Winter 2010 Markets. Once again we are showcasing lots of new designers from Brisbane and also from all around Australia – The countdown is now on for the next big event! Make sure you mark this event on your calender, and if you want to help spread the word via your social networks here is our facebook event invite. Stay tuned for the new designer profiles to be launched here.

A Skulk of Foxes

Able and Game

Almond Tree Frames

Andy Geppert

Beattie

Beau and Trouble

Belles and Whiselles

Black and Bird

Clay Australia

Corky Saint Clair

Das Monk

Edward and Lily

Eillim

Electric Boy

Empress Design

Flamboyant Joe

Ginny and Judes

Kicking Ts

Kindling

Kristina Brenke

Lauren Carney

Liana Kabel

Looseleaf.paper

Made by White

Mondo Cherry

Mother Maria

North for the Winter

Obelia

Ola and Olek

Only Midge

Paper Boat Press

Pear Shaped

Pigeonhole

Pippijoe

Sanoii and Six

Secret Squirrel

Sharon Muir

Smug Designs

South for the Summer

Stannard Inc

Te. Mono

The Red Thread

Tree Party Design

Udessi

Uncielo

Unnaked

We Are Messengers

White Square

Young Eve

Sydney Autumn/Winter Markets wrap up!

Finders Keepers — Tue, 25 May 2010 00:21:33 +0000

The calm before the storm – stallholders setting up before doors open. Photo by Scott Brown

A few weeks ago we had our held our 4th Finders Keepers Markets at CarriageWorks in Sydney. Representing over 90 designers & artists and spanning over the beautiful CarriageWorks foyer and two extra rooms. Featuring designers and artists from all around Australia and a great line up of music from local independent musicians.

Once again we had massive crowds pouring in and buying up a storm. Massive thanks to Michelle McCosker and the team at Reef Knot for their beautiful knitted installations at the markets. Featuring an amazing knitted patchwork backdrop, covered columns and clusters of mushrooms, creatures and wooden tree stumps. Special thanks to all that were involved in making the mushroom clusters and creatures at our weekly working bees.

If you fell in love with the mushrooms – yes we will be selling these at a later date! stay tuned for more details..

Charlie Mayfair performing on our amazing stage! Photo by Scott Brown.

Bikes lined up outside of CarriageWorks on Saturday morning. Photo courtesy of Jillian Leiboff.

The knitted covered columns by Reef Knot throughout CarriageWorks. Photo courtesy of Jillian Leiboff

Customers perusing the Bespoke Letterpress Stall. Photo courtesy of Alischa Herrmann

Customers enjoying the stalls. Photo courtesy of Jillian Leiboff

It was a beautiful weekend once again and we’d like to mention a big thank you to our host CarriageWorks again for their support and wonderful venue, our friends at Publissimo for their amazing ongoing publicity support, our product & media sponsors Made by White and Made590, and all of our media supporters Frankie Magazine, Leeloo, 3things by Oxfam and Indie.

Thank you to our designers, artists and musicians that made the event so unique – especially those who travelled from all around Australia! Don’t forget you can check out their profiles here.

Below is some feature images from the markets! You can see more at our facebook galleries or on our website gallery.

Flossy-P and Benconservato’s lovely artworks. Photo by Gary Compton

&Company’s beautiful installation stall. Photo by Gary Compton

The Horse’s amazing leather shoes. Photo by Gary Compton

Kindling’s beautiful dresses. Photo by Gary Compton

Lola & Bailey’s amazing pop up shop. Photo courtesy of Publissimo

Sydney Markets start tonight!

Finders Keepers — Fri, 07 May 2010 01:59:38 +0000

Just a quick little reminder that the Sydney Markets start tonight! The doors will open at CarriageWorks at 6pm and close at 10pm. Re-opening tomorrow again at 10am – 6pm.

Music Line-up: We have a live music lineup, check out who is playing here: http://www.thefinderskeepers.com/blog/2010/04/sydney-music-line-up-announced/

Eveleigh Growers Markets: Come down early to CarriageWorks and check out the Eveleigh Growers Markets outside from 8am – 1pm. Get yourself some fresh food & flowers.

Live painting at Frankie Magazine Stall: Check out the talented Catherine Campbell, who you may remember from our last year featured artist! She will be doing a live painting on Saturday at the markets. Special thanks to Eckersleys & Frankie Magazine

Reef Knot Knitting circle: Join in the Reef Knot Knitting circle Saturday from 12pm – 4pm! Michelle McCosker and her team of knitters have decorated the CarriageWorks foyer and are the creators of the award winning ‘I Heart Kings X‘ project!

Getting There guide & Stall sitemap: We have created an easy downloadable Getting There guide & stallholders sitemap for you to print and take with you to the markets! Go here for more information on Getting to CarriageWorks.

Sydney Spring/Summer Markets wrap up!

Finders Keepers — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:19:12 +0000

Just over a week ago we launched our third Finders Keepers Markets at CarriageWorks in Sydney. This was by far our biggest with over 80 design stalls spanning over the great CarriageWorks foyer and the addition of 2 new fashion rooms, including the Art Mill area which 16 featured artists showing their work! A collaboration art space put together by our friends at Happenstance with the Finders Keepers.

We also featured a set design installation by Michelle Mccosker at Reefknot in the theme of ‘Where the Wild Things are’ – with lots of little creatures and a very popular fabric wooly mammoth on display. We also had a great line up of live music from local independent musicians on the stage making the weekend truly special.

It was a beautiful weekend with a great vibe once again, great turnout with lots of crowds but with our new improved layout – plenty of space for everyone to come and enjoy the day! We’d like to mention a big thank you to our host CarriageWorks again for their support and wonderful venue, our friends at Publissimo for their amazing ongoing publicity support, our new Art Mill partners Happenstance, our product & media sponsors Made by White and Made590, and all of our media supporters Frankie Magazine, Leeloo, Twothousand and Indie. Also some supporters that have helped us – FBi radio, Udessi and Object. Also a very big thank you to our lovely intern Lauren and our great volunteers! We couldn’t have done it without you!

Thank you to our designers, artists and musicians that made the event so unique – especially those who travelled from all around Australia and even as far as New Zealand! Don’t forget you can check out their profiles here.

A few photos below by Sydney photographer Gary Compton. The rest of the pics can be viewed in our gallery.

Spring/Summer Brisbane Markets Wrap up!

Finders Keepers — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:27:00 +0000

We were very happy to launch our first ever Brisbane Finders Keepers Markets on the weekend and we’re overwhelmed with the response!

From the beautiful stalls, to the amazing music, the wonderful people and the lovely outdoor cafe and bar all contributing to make the weekend a complete success. The historic and beautiful Old Museum as the location which played host to a community and festival vibe and also a nostalgic place full of memories for lots of Brisbanites!

We’d like to thank our lovely sponsors: Frankie magazine, Leeloo, Publissimo, FourThousand and Fridaynite. As well as our fantastic event partners Mammoth Productions for providing the great live music line up for the weekend, and our catering partners The Pancake Crew for feeding our hungry crowds!

Also a special thanks to the designers & artists, musicians, event volunteers and organisers! Everything would not be possible with our your talents! We look forward to planning the next events in 2010! (Watch this space for new dates!!)

Here are some highlight pictures taken by Brisbane photographer Mark Lobo.

More photos to come on our gallery soon!

Brisbane Musicians announced!

Finders Keepers — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 05:37:26 +0000

Here is a sneak peek of some of the musicians that will be featured at the Brisbane markets, there is a full live music line up, and best of all it’s FREE for everyone to enjoy. Brought to us by the wonderful and super passionate about independent music Mammoth Productions based in Brisbane, we are very excited to have them on board!

Pikelet (Melb) – plays 7pm Saturday

sounds like? multi-tiered music of swirling and shifting melody, layered harmonies and charming story-telling

Mr Rascal (Bris) – plays 6pm Saturday

sounds like? contemporary folk described by Time Off Magazine as ‘songs that sound like old friends even before you’ve heard them’.

Kate Jacobson (Bris) – plays 5pm Saturday

sounds like? indie-country folk. Incorporating voice, guitar and foot percussion both audibly and visually enchanting, evocative and unique.

The Cardboard Kids (Bris) – plays 4pm Saturday

sounds like? funky pop melodies & folked up tunes. they have the tendency to use a handful of harmonies, catchy choruses and sweet, sweet glockenspiel to get the attention of others.

The Fox and the River (Bris) – plays 3pm Saturday

sounds like? modern folk music with a single guitar, soft harmonies and a twist of costumes to entertain.

Erin-Louise (Bris) – plays 1pm Saturday

sounds like? quirky music with an honest and original sound that infuses obscure yet innocent melodies with complex rhythms and talkative lyrics alongside the use of odd instruments.

The Bell Divers (Bris) – plays Sunday 4:30pm

sounds like? bright, clean guitar pop which some people call classically Brisbane, but they don’t quite fit in.

Lion Island (Bris) – plays Sunday 3:30pm

sounds like? Rolling ballads, catchy tunes and other subtle bits and pieces – an energetic foot-stomping endeavor.

JuliaWhy? (Syd) – plays Sunday 2:30pm

sounds like? An interesting mixture of grunge-inspired folk; the personal music of JuliaWhy? is sure to get you thinking and questioning.

Edge of Colour (Bris) – plays Sunday 1:30pm

sounds like? a fusion live electronica band, with an eclectic dance sound across the genres of ambient, dub, breaks and pop