Melbourne Markets: Meet the Makers
There's something appealing about browsing through stalls of handmade products, discovering unique treasures and interacting with the very people who created them. This idea of forgoing mass-produced goods for something hand-crafted, with a story, is what draws Melburnians to the myriad of craft markets on each week around the city - come rain, hail or shine.
With dozens of events to choose from and hundreds of crafters selling their wares, we thought it was time to meet the makers - to find out who they are, where they began and what they do.
Name: Lara Ivachev
Brand: EAT.ME.DO
What do you create?: Kitsch, playful food inspired jewellery that doesn't come with a Best Before Date.
What's the story behind your business?: It all began with a little ball of clay which ended up taking the form of a bone, and from here it sort of just snowballed into a whole array of yummy looking goodies. I wanted to create something that challenged design and pushed the boundries of what was considered to be wearable jewellery and art. I believe delicious and maybe not-so-delicious food should last forever, be loved and worn upon the body.
Where do you sell your products?: Online on
EAT.ME.DO's etsy store or you can get your takeaway fix at various designer markets such as the
Hello Sailor Vintage Fair at Melbourne Central on June 24 or the
Rose Street Artist Market on July 21.
Favourite Piece: It's a little hard to pick my favourite piece as each one has their own unique qualities, but if I had to choose I'd say my bone necklace which is part of my 'Eaten' collection. It reminds me of Pebbles and Bam Bam and the remains of a big fat meal.
Name: Shannon O'Shea
Brand: El Rancho Relaxo
What do you create?: Soft furnishings
What's the story behind your business? My beloved yet raggedy old couch needed a boost of colour and accessorising, I couldn't find any fun or bright designs in stores and when I did find something a bit different, they were well out of my price range. So I took some of my fashion training and tried a few of my own bold designs on lovely linen I had on hand. A few friends took a liking and word spread. I'm enjoying a wonderful and very surprisingly positive response.
Where do you sell your products?: I'm
on Etsy and in Craft Victoria's market - Craft Hatch. There's one this coming Saturday 16 June, 11-4pm at 1000 Pound Bend.
Favourite Piece: Aztec Disco
Name: Bec Ross (actually it's now Bec Gionis, I just got married but I'm still adjusting to the name change)
Brand: Stone Fever Vintage
What do you create?: I modify and alter vintage and retro clothing, and also sell vintage shoes and bags.
What's the story behind your business?: A number of years ago I started selling a few vintage pieces on ebay. Sales became consistent and now I'm totally addicted. It's such a fun way to make a living.
Favourite Piece: Well my all-time favourite piece from my personal vintage collection is an amazing pair of 1970s tan leather cuban heeled boots. They cost me a whole $4 and they are a perfect fit. My favourite piece currently for sale... well there are too many to choose from, but I do have a great pair of lace-up fur boots made in France. They're pretty special.
Name: Fiona Stafford
Brand: Glasslands
What do you create?: Living landscapes in glass (also known as terrariums)
What's the story behind your business?: Plants have always played an important role in my life. I was fortunate to grow up next door to my nanna who had a beautiful garden established by her parents. After so many years learning in and about gardens, recreating smaller versions is something that came naturally to me.
After owning a terrarium years ago, the thought of creating a more modern design has always been on my very long list of things to do. When i finally got around to making my first few terrariums as gifts the interest in them grew rapidly, hence Glasslands was formed.
Where do you sell your products?: Bank Street Market (on today, tomorrow and every third Saturday of the month), Southside Handmade and Vintage Market and Little Village Elwood. I also commission privately for my work.
Favourite Piece: One of my favourite landscapes is in the image below!