A Silver Circle Design.

Tell us about your label, A Silver Circle Design, and what inspires your designs?

A Silver Circle Design is a handmade contemporary Jewellery practice. Combining Sterling silver and subtle elegant forms I focus on materiality, craftsmanship and balance. The pieces are modern, refined and adaptable. My design philosophy explores materials and the natural world. I use unrefined pieces of wood and highly refined polished silver to contrast the textures, forms and qualities of each material. I focus on combining the binaries of hard vs. soft, light vs. dark and warm vs. cold to find a balance between in the in the conflicting elements.

How do you source your materials?

I source my silver from a local (Sydney) supplier and all my additional materials are things that i have collected over the years. I use recycled circuit boards, branches and scrap pieces of wood in my work. Some materials i have had for over 10 years and had not known how i was going to use it until the inspiration strikes so they hang around until my vision is clear for them. I really enjoy giving something a new life.

What do you enjoy most about selling online and being able to do markets as well?

I really love doing markets and meeting new people. I enjoy seeing someones instant and raw reaction to my work as well as their continual surprise when they notice more and more details. When viewing it online you get to see these details instantly so you are drawn to that first. So it is an interesting contrast as to what is noticed more at markets as opposed to the online platform.

What item in your studio could you not live without and why?

My Jewellers Saw. It is the one thing that i usually start a project with and is one of the most essential tools in my practice. It is the first tool i learnt how to use and i now find it quite relaxing to do a lot of saw piercing.

What can market folk expect to find at the December 5 event?

Lots of beautiful jewellery and a friendly smile! Market-Folk can have fun mixing and layering my pieces together to create different looks while keeping it clean and elegant.

MY FAVE THINGS

Fave place to unwind: My Loungeroom. It has beautiful coloured windows and ornate ceilings as well as a big bookshelf full of art books. It is my place to relax, read a good book with a cup of tea. It is also where i get inspiration for new jewellery pieces.

Australian Jewellery Designer: Marian Hoskings. I have always loved her references to nature, her ability to use simple ideas in repetition to create amazing things as well as the textures she uses in her work.

Meal to have cooked for you: Roast Chicken and Vegetables. It reminds me of home cooked Sunday meals with my family when i was growing up.

Fave piece you have made: The first A Silver Circle Ring. Mostly as this really cemented my style, my brand name and gave me a clear vision of what i wanted to make.

Guilty Pleasure: Chocolate! Lots of it!!!

Murphy and Me Handmade.

Tell us about your label, Murphy and Me Handmade, and what the name means?

Murphy and Me is all about creating quality but funky handmade jewellery! I strive to create unique designs that are well presented and everything boring mass produced generic jewellery is not!
Most people wonder who Murphy actually is, they often guess that it is my maiden name or my child’s name but those guesses are both wrong. Murphy is my childhood dog, a mini schnauzer cross terrier and yes he is (touch wood) still kicking!

Where did your love of jewellery and hair accessories evolve from?

As a young girl I always remember admiring my mum’s jewellery and accessories. I love colour and I love to mix and match patterns. It is so hard to find affordable jewellery that is wearable everyday AND not identical to the rest of the population. So I began making earrings for my friends and family and when they kept coming back asking me to make more as gifts for their loved ones I thought I should give it a serious go. Since beginning Murphy and Me seven months ago I have focussed on handmade earrings but also added necklaces and hair accessories to the brand.

What do you enjoy about selling online and being able to do markets as well?

Selling online gives me great freedom in terms of when I can make jewellery as I also have an 8 month old son at home. It also means I am open for business 24 hours a day! While I love using social media to build an online presence and to connect with people across Australia and the world I do love the personal interaction and sense of community when meeting new people and supporting other local makers. I also love that ‘buzz’ that you get when selling at a Market.

When you're not working what do you like to do for fun?

I am not the kind of person to sit still for long! I like to create, bake, read and go on road trips where the route is not yet planned! As I mentioned above I also have the sweetest little boy (not at all bias) who is changing and learning about the world every day. He takes up a lot of my time… but he is fun to be around so I don’t mind!

What can market folk expect to find at the December 5 event?

A colourful and affordable fun range of handmade goodies that are suitable for those small and tall!

MY FAVE THINGS

Fave fashion piece you own: Tough one…probably my Turquoise Kate Spade handbag. It is bold and bright! It was a beautiful gift from my parents when they visited NY.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: I always wanted to work for a trendy magazine or be an interior stylist (which is still a dream!) but I am happy creating jewellery and teaching in a primary school.

Australian Fashion Designer: Alice McCall.

Item in your studio: The lolly jar! Always there to help a girl through late night making sessions.

Song on your ultimate mixtape: Summer Rain remix… the ultimate sing out loud, feel good dance song!

Ahoy Birdy.

Tell us about your label, Ahoy Birdy, and what the name means?

Ahoy Birdy is a jewellery label that aims to create beautiful one of a kind pieces with a meaningful story behind it.

Where do you draw your design inspiration?

My inspiration comes from anything magical, mystical or cosmic. Totem animals, folklore, fables and mythology from all cultures inspire many of my items. I hope when people wear my pieces they can relate to the story behind it, perhaps using it as a talisman or charm, maybe reminding them of something good or powerful in their lives.

What do you hope to achieve over the coming year for Ahoy Birdy?

I’d like to keep creating and working on my jewellery, making custom pieces and being continually inspired.

Your jewellery is hand crafted using recycled metals and ethically sourced gemstones, tell us about this sourcing process and where the materials come from…

My silver comes from a local Sydney manufacturer, the metals are recycled and I collect my scrap pieces to be recycled again.
All of Ahoy Birdy gemstones are purchased in Jaipur. I have been travelling to India for many years and I really do find the most beautiful gemstones there. My gems are all cut to my specifics and I then carefully check each one for quality, colour and cut. I never purchase gems that have been treated for colour enhancement as I believe this not only takes away from the gems natural beauty, but also affects the gem on a metaphysical level.
My turquoise is purchased from Arizona in the USA. I believe this is where the most beautiful and varied turquoise comes from and has been widely used by Native Americans for centuries.

What is it about Hustle&Scout that made you want to be a stallholder?

It’s a fresh, creative market with loads of beautiful items on display. I’m all for encouraging local businesses and I’m really looking forward to being a part of it!

MY FAVE THINGS

Fave place to unwind: Walking through the rainforest after some heavy rain with my partner and border collies. Everything is fresh and clean, it’s a great time to re-focus my mind for new inspiration.

Australian Jewellery Designer: William L Griffiths of Metal Couture is my favourite Australian designer. His work is so inspiring. He creates beautiful, incredibly detailed pieces that truly are works of art. His style is very quirky, he’s the Salvador Dali of jewellery design.

Meal to have cooked for you: I would have to say anything Thai or Indian, it would have to be vegetarian and spicy.

Fave piece you have made: My favourite piece so far is the dream catcher with the Royston ribbon turquoise. I’d purchased the turquoise for myself, and had it hanging around my studio for a while waiting for the right design. It was a few months before it all finally came together. I’ve only just recently discovered ribbon or boulder turquoise, which I love. It has similar qualities to boulder opal, my all time favourite gemstone. The lines across the boulder section of the stone really make the perfect ‘web’ for my dream catcher.

Guilty Pleasure: Shopping online! There’s something about waiting for the postman to arrive with a package just for me.

Bamikbam Design.

Colourful and patterned wooden studs.

Tell us about your label, bamikbam design, and what the name means?

bamikbam design has been in existence since 2002. Frankie created the brand with her unique colour and material combos, taking them to the Canberra market scene. More recently and after many brainstorming sessions, Myvanwy - the creative powerhouse - came on board; adding a few hand sewn treats to compliment an incredible collection of necklaces, earrings and brooches. We decided to stick with the name bamikbam as we think every accessory adds BAM to everyone’s wardrobe.

What inspires you creatively and keeps you motivated?

Colour, patterns and the desire to make outfits pop with fabulous accessories. We’re inspired in our everyday life to be that ‘little bit different’ and having bamikbam has given us a platform to spread the joy! We are forever brainstorming new ideas and ways to bring our customers products and accessories that they’re missing from their wardrobe and haven’t even realised.

What are your creative goals for the coming year?

We definitely plan to expand bamikbam's customer base by attending markets and increasing our online presence. Also to continue creating distinctive and unique pieces.

What do you enjoy most about being part of the creative scene in Canberra?

Having recently rejoined the Canberra creative scene, we are most looking forward to getting to know other makers and creators and gaining inspiration from Canberra’s amazing collective hub.

What is it about Hustle&Scout that made you want to be a stallholder?

Hustle & Scout offers us an arena to put our brand out there in the best possible style with exciting venues and an all inclusive market. We really feel this is how markets ‘should’ be with an emphasis on connecting with artists, soaking up the atmosphere and buying locally.

MY FAVE THINGS

Fave item you have made: Frankie: I recently made a necklace for my amazing sister, it was a wooden silhouette of a woman's head decoupaged with inspiring thoughts…blessed, love, live, good times, create. She loved it. Myvanway: I love the ‘spike’ infinity scarf. The pineapple fabric was my first sourced online and I was just so excited. It continues to be one of our biggest sellers.

Meal to have cooked for you: As mothers of young children, we will gladly eat any meal not cooked by us! If it’s hot, bonus!!

Fave place to unwind: At the risk of inciting groans because it's pretty soppy, we both unwind making things for bamikbam! This is the thing that allows us to explore our creative passions.

Item in your studio: Myvanway: Mine is definitely my overlocker followed closely by my rotary cutter. I guess I should also give an honourable mention my sewing machine. Frankie: Hardcore glue, I use E6000 and my Dremel...formally my partner’s Dremel!!

What you wanted to be when you grew up: Myvanway: Sad tale - I’ve always wanted to be a mum with the opportunity to explore my crafty side. Frankie: I was desperate to be a chef as a child. Once I entered hospitality I discovered that the kitchen was quite hot (der!) and the fun was usually being had out on the restaurant floor!