It’s getting a dash chilly outside, but here at the market, things are just warming up…literally. The Masonic Temple is the perfect venue for an Autumn market in Hobart, with warm lighting, a cosy temperature, and a snugly selection of stall holders showing the very best in local art + design.

This month, we have a lovely line up of assorted goodies, (just perfect for Mother’s Day actually). We think we have the nicest collection of mummy friendly gifts, ready to go to a good home. Think of extra special linen, jewels, soaps, bags + purses, scarves and of course all things sublime in the stationery department.

Do have a peek at our mini blog interviews this month, with Little Snoring and White Paper. We’re definitely a bit spoiled with all the talented stall holders this market!

And of course, while you’re out and about, remember to crunch through the leaves, up to the Melville Street car park between 9 – 1 for the Farmer’s Market. Here you can gather all the freshest and yummiest local produce, sold to you straight from the source.

Look forward to seeing you on Sunday,
Shannon + Holly :0)

When and why did your business begin?
White Paper is a collaboration between four friends: Jen Cane, Nathanael Jeanneret, Louise Bloomfield and Jimmy Clough. It began as a great way to share ideas and designs over a coffee. Or two. Or more… (Hello Pigeon Hole) Now we share stuff over Gin and tasty gluten-free corn chips.

What are your creations inspired by?
Words, thoughts, fun, thinking we’re clever, other stuff…
White Paper is essentially two distinctly different styles that share the same table space. Some things are elegant, clever, well planned and very considered (that’d be Jen and Nathanael). Other things change more radically than David Bartlett’s eyewear.

What’s the best thing about what you do?
Ernie and Bert (co-operation!). The feeling that we’re producing something that tells people a little bit about who we are or how we think is nice. And when people nod or smile or can picture someone who our objects immediately should belong to – that’s pretty good as well.

Favourite colours/materials to work with?
White + Paper (well, duh). We’ve printed our wares onto tea towels, magnets, card, paper… Who knows what’s next. Printing onto Chux wipes, maybe. Or knitting.

What can customers coming to the market expect to see at your stall?
Clever stuff, enthusiasm, empty coffee cups and big smiles. And, at the moment, predominantly cards.

Favourite piece you make?
They’re all favourites. Awwwwww…

When and why did your business begin?
I don’t really think of it as a business, more of a therapeutic necessity! But I suppose I’ve been beginning for the past few years. The general theme for the business is creating inspirational pieces for children but there is a lot of cross-over appeal and I find myself working on things that generally make homes more colourful and comfortable for families. The collection has grown like topsy and includes Pocket Pandas, French Poodle Toys, Patchwork Pillows, Glass Bird necklaces, Eiffel Towers, Mermaids, Babushka’s and Chubby Faced pendants. I have also just added some Gumball Necklaces and Headbands and soft pillow regalia with hand printed Union Jack Cushions. I like to make simple jewellery for children that is a bit special, but not too precious, that can be a gift from Mum or an Aunt but is still age-appropriate and fun.

What are your creations inspired by?
The era of the 1930’s. Childhood seemed simpler then. Toys were handmade. Clothing had a charm. Life wasn’t rosy, but I like its simplicity. It’s not that I want to turn back the clock, but I think kids today still respond the simple and authentic objects and toys. I think we all respond strongly to something when we know where it came from and who made it or grew it.

What’s the best thing about what you do?
I really like it when children walk off with a Panda or a Poodle and take it into their lives and have a relationship with it. Sometimes I get to hear stories about where they go or what they do… I know of 2 Pandas that get tucked into pyjama pockets every night before bed, and sometimes I catch a sighting posted on blogs with them tucked under little quilts in a dollhouse somewhere.

Favourite colours/materials to work with?
I mostly sew using American quilting cottons because of their quality and variety. I like glass because of its ability to hold and reflect light. I’d say I use colour fearlessly and my favourites at the moment are turquoise, jade, cherry red, Rajasthani pink and inky navy blue.

What can customers coming to the market expect to see at your stall?
I’ll be bringing some new Union Jack pillows, which are hand-printed and ‘antiqued’. I am really loving them because the symbol is so striking and it appeals to my inner ancestor (my father’s family is from Scotland and my Mum is English and the Union Jack is a combination of the Cross of St Andrew and the Cross of St George). They are also being featured in the upcoming issue of Studio Bambini due for release in early May 2010. If you want a sneak peek of the lastest collection head here

Favourite piece you make?
That’s tricky. I really enjoy making the Pocket Pandas and French Poodles. I never really know what character they’ll have until the last stitch. Their expression almost always surprise and amuse me. But I would have to say it is a lot of fun to make is the patchwork cushions, which I make in editions. It is both challenging and a lot of fun choosing colours, patterns and fabric palettes and I really enjoy it when they come together.

Ellen was the very lucky visitor to our 1st birthday market who won the lovely lucky door prize – a present from every single stall holder there! Congratulations Ellen.

Local love…what a huge turnout of locals, supporting our state’s best.

The most beautiful collection of candles we’ve ever seen.

Intricately handcrafted jewellery by Emily Snadden, nestled amongst moss.

Rebecca roth, who after one year is leaving the market team to focus on her gorgeous family + some exciting new projects. Thanks so much for your hard work, your passion for the local art and design scene, and your sense of humour, we wish you all the very best xx

Bye for now,
Shannon + Holly :0)

ps. if you’ve been following our blog please head over to our lovely first birthday present – a brand new website! You’ll find lots more photos in the gallery section, stall holder profiles and much more. Tell us what you think!

Local love…what a huge turnout of locals, supporting our state’s best.

The most beautiful collection of candles we’ve ever seen.

Intricately handcrafted jewellery by Emily Snadden, nestled amongst moss.

Rebecca roth, who after one year is leaving the market team to focus on her gorgeous family + some exciting new projects. Thanks so much for your hard work, your passion for the local art and design scene, and your sense of humour, we wish you all the very best xx

Bye for now,
Shannon + Holly :0)

Our April first birthday market is no exception…we have opened up the top floor of the temple, to fit as many of our stallholders in as possible. These are the very clever people who have made the market a success, with their talent, hard work and unique and high quality products!

As always, we have a generous sprinkling of our favourite stalls to show off, along with some lovely new faces and products….Cute as a button terrariums by Shauna Mayben, and gorgeous locally made candles by Kate Allen, to mention a couple!

We would love you to join us on our first birthday, have a nibble on a cupcake, enter our very special lucky door competition, and join us in celebrating the incredible talent we have in our beautiful island state…hip hip hooray!

Bec, Shannon + Holly :0)

Check out her mouth watering menu below…
• bomboloni (italian citrus doughnuts)
• sweet ricotta, cinnamon & rose water pastries
• shortcrust free range bacon & egg tart
• shortcrust fetta, hard cheese & onion tart
• fattoush (home-made sourdough, tomato, cucumber & mint salad)
• pearl barley & roasted vegetable salad
• chick pea, roasted cauliflower & zucchini salad
• 70% cocoa chocolate & salted caramel tart
• cherry plum brown sugar cake

…and add to that, old fashioned, homemade lemonade…yummo.

When + why did your business begin?
‘Mondo Mama’ was born in 2008 out of a desire to marry together my love of good food, a career spanning 15 years in the hospitality/food industry, with my new role as Mum. As mother of two gorgeous boys I juggle my love for all things food with family life. A ‘Mondo Mama’ market stall seemed like the perfect option.

What’s most important to you about the dishes you create ?
Quality, flavour, enjoyment! Food starts with quality ingredients, quality means flavour and food is not just for sustenance but for enjoyment also.
What’s your favourite thing about what you do?
I love to share my ‘food love’. I’m a woman who is thinking about dinner at breakfast and more often than not will curl up in bed with a cookbook instead of a novel. Hearing positive feedback on the food I like to prepare is a fabulous feeling.

Favourite produce to work with?
Definitely home grown. It is inspiring to think about what is in season and therefore at optimum quality & flavour. Having a 5 month old isn’t necessarily conducive to an overly productive garden at the moment however, one constant and productive favourite is our free-range eggs. Our lovely chooks, (Dizzy Dora, Ginger & Princess Kiev), provide all eggs for us at home & for the Market goods. The eggs are divine and the yolks the brightest you’ve ever seen. I ‘m loving our abundant Moroccan mint & self seeded cherry plum trees.

What can customers coming to the market expect to see at your stall?
I’ll be doing a mix of sweet & savoury brunch & lunch fare. I’m excited by fresh and zingy ‘deep’ flavours at the moment such as mint from the garden & preserved lemons that have been macerating for months. I’m really into the marriage of salty, savoury, sweet as well as texture – crunchy, nutty, creamy. The weather has just been superb of late, so expect yummy Summer salads, tasty tarts and slightly wicked treats! All great for a munch whilst shopping at the market or taking over the road to enjoy picnic style in St. David’s Park.

Favourite treat you make?
Bomboloni (Italian citrus doughnut). Made from a yeasted dough, proved over-night, cooked quickly in clean hot oil and dredged in sugar. Perfect with coffee or hot chocolate. Yum!