DIY :: STATIONERY DISPLAY STAND

Like I mentioned yesterday, I searched far and wide for something I could display my stationery in for the markets. I wanted something that a whole collection could be displayed in and each piece could be seen. I was thinking 'dish drainer'. I even asked one of my fave homeware stores if I could buy some of their plate rack displays...no go!

(image source: Crate & Barrel)

I came home dejected and asked my handy husband to make something similar for me. We worked out a much simpler version which had a solid base so that my smaller items wouldn't fall through the racks. Here's a little of our how to.

1:: Base Wood cute to size at hardware store - 15cm x 40cm (I think mine was a little skinnier in the end)
2:: Marked out drill holes
3:: Dowel cut to 10cm lengths
4:: Sanded off the ends
5:: Drilled holes
6:: Plugged in the dowels, evened up.

I pretty much came up with the sketch, dimensions and then project managed the rest...

I had some handy men doing all the hard work :)

Painted them white...and viola! My own personal stationery stands! Sometimes you just can't buy what you need...

P.S. Only one more day to get your 31% discount in my store - details here.

'THIS WEEKS WRAP UP FROM THE MARKETS'

Missed me? I collapsed on Saturday afternoon after a big week that culminated in an even bigger day at Mathilda's Markets here in Brisbane. This is the third time I have done these markets, and while I love them, and so enjoy getting out and talking...it is exhausting! My normally 'tucked-up in front of the computer' feet, have to actually stand and walk me around all day...poor things!
I had a lot of product to get ready, printing, packaging, and even a few new things that will be in my store soon! It was fun! A big thank you to those who came and said hello!

(new packaging available soon)

One thing I find the hardest about markets, is the display - making sure I have enough of the cute, inspiration factor, and also enough room for the actual product. It takes me ages to decide (and stick to!) a certain display. This time round, I just stuck to a style-up I'd done before, taking out one less thing to organise. I've often thought there needs to be a central 'market display inspiration website or something. One place that is a gem, is the Finders Keepers gallery. If you know of any others or even have a set-up of your own, maybe you could share in the comments, I'd love to know about it.

And, after searching far and wide for the perfect stationery display, I ended up making my own. I'll run you through a little DIY tomorrow. But for now...off to care for these little pegs of mine!

Behind the Scenes :: Photoshoot & Mathilda's

If you're a fan of Polkadot prints on facebook, you know that I have played a part in a Christmas/New Years project for Peekaboo Magazine's next edition.
The New Years shoot was last week, and I promised to show you some behind the scenes, but the photos I took would have either revealed a little too much of the finished product, or they were a little bit *too* behind the scenes if you know what I mean (blinking, blurry, strange facial expressions etc) So here are a couple from the Christmas shoot we did a month ago...

(All the paper, ribbon, props ready to go)

(Sharnel & Naomi making sure they're getting the right shots...serious work! :)

I always enjoy seeing what goes on behind the scenes of other people's projects, I hope this gives you a little glimpse into mine.

Also, I had a wonderful weekend at Mathilda's Markets on Saturday. I laughed when a couple of people introduced themselves as 'blog stalkers'! So funny to think I have stalkers :) Well, welcome to my new 'likers' and followers, stalkers or not. Thank you for kind words over the weekend and I hope you enjoy your paper goods!
I have a Christmas craft on my list to do this week with a tutorial to share with you. Better get gluing!

In the company of dreamers

A huge thank you to all who came by and said hello at Mathilda's Markets on the weekend. Such a fun and rewarding morning with so many women, mum's, prams and babies! It was a huge highlight to meet & hug real people whom I hadn't seen in a while, or had only previously known by name & email! 
I found it so encouraging to be standing alongside some amazing women who run their own business', and in doing so are living out their dreams and passions.  Following an average couple of months, it has spurred me on in my own dreams for this little business of mine, my family and my future. I really feel so blessed. xo
I plan to share the rest of the farmyard design with you this week, as well as some other party good-ness...talk to you soon!
Image source

Boutique Markets Debut & DIY Canvas Lettering

It was hot. It was exhausting. But it was so worth it! I'm still unpacking and my feet are sore, but my first market experience on the weekend was a great success! It is a small market of all handmade & boutique products, there were some really classy stalls and I met some lovely ladies. One highlight was meeting one of my readers in the flesh - I love that!


I have some photos of the display I created based on my Archie print to share in the next couple of days but in the meantime, I thought I would post about these canvases I used in my stall.

With my time restraints, I ended up having to hand make them...oh yes, that meant hand cutting and placing way too many adhesive backed letters!! The canvases I pulled from my lounge room wall on Friday night and got to work...

I think they turned out quite nice considering, but I'm so glad we have such things as vinyl lettering these days...

Thanks to everyone who came and said hi! xo

Boutique Markets here I come!

So after a bit of deliberating, I am officially going to be trading at the Boutique Markets. Held at the portside wharf, where cruise ships come into Brisbane, these markets full of unique handmade items, all classy and stylish.
The next market is on the 11th April! Nothing like a deadline to motivate you eh? 

I have been checking my friend Ros' blog & market tips for some pointers for preparing for my market debut. But I'm keen to learn more tips from those of you who have been a vendor or even if you've not, but have some great ideas as a shopper...I'm all ears!! Wish me luck as I juggle some freelance work and market preparations this week!


Oh, and breaking news...I have a new nephew!! My sister who we hosted the Ice Cream baby shower for here & here, had a little boy...so cute! I will have to post a photo...