The Piccadilly Market!

When: We visited on a lovely autumnal Sunday morning (25^th March 2012)

Where: Deakin University Waterfront

A perfect state of delirium….

If you are a follower of our little G-Town blog you would know that we had the Piccadilly Market penciled into our Oh! Hello Geelong diary months ago. You would also know that we were just a wee bit excited about our pending visit, especially the week before the big event. Sooooo it’s going to be no great surprise when we tell you that we entered a state of design delirium during our frolic through the wonderful world of Piccadilly!

Victor Fox + Crayon Chick

Two floors of fab finds to be found, cruisy tunes and yummy food to boot!

So we had gathered the backstory behind the markets last week (check out our Q&A with Janina Lear aka Piccadilly Market Lady) but nothing could have properly prepared Oh! Hello Geelong for the Piccadilly buzz. This market is an opportunity for designers, makers, creators and crafters from near and far, to share their work with the people of our lovely town. The market’s venue was so perfect for this event; we just love this building, the open plan design, the exposed wooden beams and the flood of natural light that snuck in through the large windows on the ground floor – perfect party venue we say. As for the ambiance, the sound of the piano, kiddies chatting and laughing and big kids (including Oh! Hello Geelong) ooohhhing and ahhing…what can we say? It was bliss.

And when it came to filling our adventuring bellies, there was no problem there for waiting in the wings was the glorious Dos Diablos, the mobile cantina serving yummy Mexican out of a retired canteen truck for the local fire service…such a sweet idea!

Oh! Hello Geelong faves…

We felt so much love on market day, but there were definitely some standout stallholders for us. We absolutely adored everything about Crayon Chick (by Michelle Harvey) especially her range of divine crochet ball necklaces and crochet garlands, not to mention her lovely selection of our beloved Orla Kiely stationery. Look carefully and you will find Oh! Hello Geelong sporting Crayon Chick around town! We also loved Victor Fox’s vibrant range of awesomely designed cards, gift tags, lolly bags, prints for your walls and her laser cut cuckoo clocks made to order – Clare Miller (Westwood) is a star.  We also went a little gaga over Tilburg’s range of earthy beautifully made handbags, some made using Ink & Spindle fabrics and finished with handmade wooden brooches made from bits of fallen branches. And because they made us smile so much, we have to mention Chook Leaf’s bright and very very fun shoes for tiny tots (and the not-so-tiny).

Tilburg + Chookleaf + Zee and Me

A highlight from the day was making friends with a totally gorgeous Ballarat-lass named Emily Van Der Molen who is the designer behind Buntyandsars. We loved Emily’s illustrations (especially her vintage caravans) and her quirky range of original art blocks, brooches, hairclips and cards. BUT without doubt the star of her show was her cutesy colouring books for kids; get this, there’s even one where you can colour in and cut out clothes for a cute little paper-girl, if only we were little girlies again! Each book is individually bound using slips of vintage paper – gaa!

Oh, and whilst Baby Alexander didn’t make this adventure, he certainly wasn’t forgotten. Our little man was treated to a super cute tee with a funny monster on the front from Zee & Me (who do all their own printing, designs and sewing – talented!) Their florally colourful girls tops are just beautiful!

Bunty and Sars + Dos Diablos

A market of special finds and extra special people…..

Piccadilly Market truly puts Geelong on the market map and is a fun celebration of all things beautiful and creative. The event however would not exist, nor would it have the pop and fizz factor it does if it weren’t for the Piccadilly Market lady herself, Janina Lear. Janina is the hostess with the mostess and blew Oh! Hello Geelong away with her energy and passion for the markets and for life – you’re the best Janina!

If you haven’t been down to the market before get your diary out (right now) and block out Sunday 29^th July 2012, no more excuses, this is a G-Town must! And if we’re preaching to the converted, see you folks in July!

PS: If you’re the super duper organised type, the last Piccadilly Market of 2012 is on Sunday 25^th November.

PPS: We were a little crushed that we didn’t get to see the Wiggles who were performing in the same building on the day…there’s something about grown men in bright skivvies.

Oh! Hello Geelong’s first ever Q & A post! Janina Lear – AKA Piccadilly Market lady

Where:Deakin University Waterfront

When: Sunday 25^th March 2012

Web: piccadillymarket.blogspot.com.au

Who: Janina Lear 

Some might think we’re being a little bit cheeky this time round but Oh! Hello Geelong just couldn’t resist the urge to get a sneak peak into the world of the Piccadilly Markets pre-market day! Whilst we didn’t get to see, touch, feel or smell any of the stalls yet (we would have if we could have)…we did get to ask the market’s founder and Geelong wonder woman Janina Lear a few questions about the market and where she gets her magic touch!

So where did the Piccadilly Markets story begin?

I have always been a market junkie. I have vivid memories of Red Hill Market as a young girl. I have been lucky enough to have travelled and lived overseas in all sorts of places and markets always made me hyperventilate with excitement!

I started with the Geelong Baby and Children’s Market with my business partner Susan six years ago. We always loved to include a number of new stallholders who have creative homemade items to sell. Two years ago I decided to take a leap of faith and start my dream business, which was what we know today as Piccadilly Market. As a single parent of three children it was a huge chance and I was terrified, but as it turns out I had nothing to worry about. The first market had 25 stallholders, the second had 50 and now it is just over 80 (and counting)!

And where does Janina’s own story begin?

At 19 years of age, I went and lived in Poland for a year on a scholarship program. Poland was communist, it was freezing and it was hard but I think it taught me one of my greatest life lessons and that is to ‘never give up’. I spent most of my pre-children working life as a travel agent, three years of which were living in New York City and Washington. My travel career certainly taught me all my crazy organizational skills! Oh and I did spend a period of time as a function coordinator as well. I think they were all pieces of a giant jigsaw puzzle that is only now coming together.

Wow, wow, wow…this life story has the makings of a movie! 

Can you share with us some of your favourite stalls and products from Piccadilly Markets? 

Way too hard! I really do love everything as I have a great appreciation for all types of creativity even if it’s not always my personal style.  I probably most love the items that have a story behind them and have personal meaning to the creator. I am pleased to have such a great range of women’s clothing available and love that “unique” is becoming more main stream.

What are your biggest inspirations? 

Life is my biggest inspiration. I am always present and observing the world around me. The Internet has to be one of the best sources of inspiration for someone like me. Never before have we had access to so much information and knowledge. My kids inspire me every day to keep dreaming and keep

achieving and showing them how great life can be.

So what’s next? What are your aspirations?

My aspirations are to continue to grow Piccadilly into a bigger and better event. I aspire to help creative women get their own micro business dreams off the ground (and of course I have the perfect platform for them to showcase their creativity!) I would also like to advise women on where to start, marketing, social media etc.

Oh! Hello Geelong will most definitely be attending the Piccadilly Market this Sunday 25^th March! We are trying to contain the excitement levels, which is no easy feat seeing as we have 80+ stores to peruse on the day! If like us you need a pre-market fix, check out Janina’s blog where you can look back on past markets and find out more about Piccadilly…but don’t forget, nothing beats the real thing so see you down there!!!!

Handmade heaven at Artefact Market

When: we visited on a balmy Friday evening (16^th March 2012)

Where: All Saints’ Hall, 113 Noble Street, Newtown

A church hall full of handmade things…our idea of heaven!

Oh! Hello Geelong is still coming down from the high of its most recent blogging adventure…a trip to the Artefact Market! With one super exhausted post bad day in the office lady (Penny) and one very tired Mama and bubba (Laura & Alexander), attempting a Friday evening expedition could have been a recipe for Oh! Hello Geelong disaster! However crisis was averted after a delish glass of bubbly, super welcoming and friendly chats and the making of an amazing list of discoveries.

Celebrating local handmade goodness…

The Artefact Market (originally called The Artists’ Market) was established around four years ago by a sister duo who wanted to show off (and rightly so) and sell handmade wonders created by Geelong’s local artists and designers. The market was a fast success and a strong local following developed. The job of running the market was taken over 12 months ago by Delia Boatwood, Melissa Laffy and Di Mead, who together with a small committee host this beautiful market three times a year at the All Saints’ Hall (such a pretty space).

The market itself is the coming together of like-minded people who have a passion for making and creating by hand. The market showcases such a lovely selection of super creative design, craft and handiwork  Most of the artists and designers at the market have regular day jobs and put their creative hats on in their spare time (so inspiring), which adds to the relaxed and joyful feel of the market.

So much to LOVE…

We discovered many things on Friday night. Including that trying to juggle a pram, champagne glasses, a camera and an active little man makes photographing and note taking a little tricky. But despite the obstacles we found some really fab stalls that stood out for us! The 3 lovely market organisers are among those stall holders with fabulous wares. There was IMI Design (stands for I Made It – cute ha?!) by Delia Boatwood and her husband Rick have a unique range of metal art work, including barbed wire balls, as well as bright cotton scarves, cards and wheat bags. We also loved Reddy Inc created by the bright and colourful Melissa Laffy, her range included beautiful woolen up-cycled garments & accessories as well as her New York inspired photography woodblock canvasses (Oh, New York – one day we’ll meet you!) . We are also big big fans of Di Mead’s range of gorgeous illustrative framed screen prints, cards, buntings and textiles. Other creatives include the selection of chunky and bright resin jewellery by Olive Brown Designs (LOVING the colours), Little Golden Treasures and their nostalgic collection of childrens blocks and accessories made out of vintage Golden Story books, Bunny & Birdy’s vintage lady brooches and dolls, the elegant ceramic jewellery by Sylvia Segon and Midas & Nero’s lamps and cushions using our favourite Ink & Spindle prints.  And for it’s pure cute as a crumpet and kook factor, we really loved Wombat’s Picnic felted food range; weetbix and bananas never looked so sweet!

As for food of the edible kind, the market had a selection of the most delicious looking sweet delights fromSteampocket Pizzeria & Cafe  next visit we will bring empty stomachs!

Oh! And flowers! they even had a flower stall by Roberstons Farmgate, a delicious smelling stall right by the entrance. Perfect.

Catching the handmade love bug…

It’s been happening for a while now, but this market again proves that gone are the days when handmade items are associated only with old nannas with a blue rinse and a pair of knitting needles. Handmade has grown into a passion shared by women and men of all ages, shapes and sizes. And whilst the end product is unique and special, it is the passion of making that provides the common thread!!!

We were hugely overwhelmed by the warm welcome we received from the three organisers Mel, Delia and Di and Amanda Jane Hill (our lovely friend from Eclectica who was also there selling her own range of handmade jewellery), who made us feel right at home and gave us the low down and the much needed booze! Thanks girls we had so much fun!

Love Penny + Laura

PS: the next Artefact market dates for 2012 are Friday 31^st August (a lovely way to welcome Spring) and Friday 30^th November (Christmas gift buying time we think!)

Introducing the MINI Post! Yum times at Pizza Bar!

Pizza Bar

Where : 137 Pakington Street, Geelong West

Open: 7 days 

Ph: 5229 5394

What we ate on this visit? Oh! Hello Geelong shared a meatball pizza for our main and a banana and chocolate dessert pizza (a well-earned treat)!

What we drank? Multiple glasses of Pinot Gris

What did we love? Pizza Bar is a cool little bar + pizza place on Pakington Street which certainly wouldn’t be out of place in Brunswick, Windsor or Prahran in Melbourne. Pizza Bar ticks lots of boxes on our love list including; good music (inc. the Beatles, the Clash), warm atmosphere, cosy spots for eating and drinking, a swish bar area and friendly cute staff. We are big big fans of Pizza Bar’s interior design concept as well. We totally LOVED the rustic log cavern meets industrial space vibe created by the fusion of warm lighting, exposed wood beams and flooring, chalk boards and art on the walls, cute little nooks, vintage book collections, comfy couches and the mix of bold furniture and soft furnishings.  When we visited last, apparently they had 2 new lamps! Bonus! 🙂 AND if you feel the urge,  the books are a couple of bucks each if you feel like taking a piece of the place home with you.

Why should you go? Because everyone needs a place that is always going to serve up the goods, in this case good food, good wine and good vibes. Bring on wine time!

Why we’ll be going back: We hear the music & pizza breakfasts at Pizza Bar are G-Town must dos! Plus this place reminds us of our fav pizza joints at home (Melbourne) Aaaaaah!

Ps. many apologies, we did not get any good photos! Camera fail… we’ll try better next time…

Love Penny + Laura