Saturday was fantastico!!!

What a beautiful day was Saturday!! I was trying to avoid the weather maps all week, although I did ask the weather gods to be nice, and thankfully they were listening. The market really seems to be thriving and evolving in lots of positive ways right now which is really heartening. The handmade wave is certainly in full swing, another of my mixed metaphors, and it really is the time to try and promote Newcastle's artisan community.

                                                       Diana Bower Camera brooch

I've been trying to think of new ways to get the word out about The Olive Tree Market so on Saturday I had filmmaker Neil Mansfield come to the market to make a little film about our talented community. I'm very excited about it as Neil has a great eye, and not only makes films, but as I've learnt of late is a very talented photographer. So... I'll hopefully have a lovely film to share with everyone very soon!! Some things from Saturday!!!

                            The Lovely Grace Turner

We were very lucky to have the lovely Grace Turner singing for a good few hours. She really has a gorgeous voice and hopefully she may have a CD some time soon so you can buy one the next time she plays at Olive Tree!!

                                                                  Copyright Tom Croft

We were also very lucky to have Indigenous Artist Tom Croft at the market for the first time and judging from the overwhelming response Tom received he is going to be a very popular stall-holder which is really fantastic!

                                                                        Elkorn Design

Elkhorn was at Olive Tree for the first time with their beautiful screen printed pillows and fabrics with flowers and feathers. Its great that we are starting to have a strong section dedicated to hand screenprinted work- both fashion and special things for your home. I really don't like the word 'homewares' it sounds like a word from a 80's housewife with big hair!!! Anyway... we seem to have more and more talented people wanting to join the market and thats fantastic!!

keeping up is a little tricky!

                                     Copyright Tom Croft

All the good intentions for blogging sometimes just go pear shaped!! Perhaps the problem is taking on other projects and spreading the love a little too thin! It’s that time again with the August Olive Tree just two days away. We have some first time stallholders this Saturday that I'm a little excited about!! Local Indigenous painter Tom Croft will be under the COLA and I'm really looking forward to seeing his beautiful paintings in the flesh and also to having an Indigenous artist at Olive Tree. Thats one of Toms' artworks above. We will also have photographers Frost and Roxburgh Studio with their unique photo booth which should be a lot of fun! You can dress up in some of their quirky gear, be photographed on the spot, then have a photograph or postcard printed. You can be your own work of art!! I'll post one after Saturday’s market! We will also have Elkhorn who design and screen-print lovely home wares and fashion and the fun and vibrant The Hare and the Tortoise who make gorgeous kids softies, clothing and other fun things!! So, lots happening people… Earthen Rhythms are playing as is the gorgeous Grace Turner and the talented strings trio Sorella Strings. There will also be some yummy new food including Indonesian, Spanish and gorgeous Cupcakes from The Sweet Boutique!! Hope to see you at Olive Tree!