Monday, December 22, 2008

red bamboo is....

Come the January 4th Designers Emporium Market - red bamboo will be having a genuine Clearance Sale!
After being involved with the markets for several wonderful months, red bamboo is leaving Brisbane and heading south to Tasmania and needs to clear as much stock as possible. With discounts and other great deals, come along for a chance to nab a great variety of handmade goodies such as:

  • Goat Milk & Vegetable Glycerin Soaps
  • Hand & Body Lotions
  • Lip Balms
  • Bath Salts and more!
With only select stalls available, come along on Sunday the 4th for some great deals and a chance to kick off the new year with a bargain or two!
See you there!



Saturday, December 13, 2008

New Market Trading Times

Beginning in January 2009, our market trading times will change. Our new market trading times are from 9am til 1pm, replacing the 2008 finishing time of 3pm. And with many of our fabulous retailers on a well deserved holiday in January, we will be trading in CC'sLounge Bar at the front of the Everton Park Hotel, rather than in the indoor marquee for our January market.

Monday, December 8, 2008

A Christmas to Remember

Many braved the stifling heat yesterday to come along to our annual Christmas Market. With marquee open on all sides to let the breeze through, and the fans and cool drinks running all day! Even the brief thundery storm didn't stop peoples enthusiasm to come and shop for that special gift - and shop they did! A massive turn out which thrilled our 35 strong boutique retailers with customers eager to scoop up a handmade item..... or two or three! we ran a fabulous raffle as well with proceeds going to the Royal Children's hospital and people generously bought tickets. The first prize of $100 'market cash' was won by Michelle Kohler, second prize $50 'market cash' was won by Ada Smith and third prize of $20 'market cash' was won by Lucy Buchanan. Five random $10 'market cash' prizes were also given away through out the day. Winners were delighted and have 12 months to come along and spend their cash at our marketplace. The kids weren't left out of the fun with lots of bouncy fun on the fabulous jumping castle, kindly donated by Grasshopper Jumping Castles. The wet weather closed the carousel down for a brief time, but we managed to raise loads of cash from these kids rides and activities to bring smiles to the RCHF. A big thank you to the volunteers from the Hospital who kindly helped out on the day and everyone else for their involvement.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Christmas Market Retailer List


Billy Bobbins - boyswear
Blue Gum Inspirations - cards and jewellery
Bombalaska - children's swimwear
Bra Strap Pizzazz - fashion bra straps
Cloth to Creation - craft and vintage
Cute as Buttons - childrens wear
Dragonfly Designs - jewellery
Fudge From Heaven - fudge
Heart on Your Sleeve - childrens keepsake jewellery and accessories
HeMaKa - womens jewellery
knickerbocker - childrens decor and linen
Laugh Land - costumes and childrens wear
Mags Bags - knitted and handmade bags
Mango Wednesday Ceramics - hand painted functional and decorative ceramic pieces
My Cheeky Monkeys - little girls hair accessories
Nature Play - childrens toys
Peg & Kate -children's school accessories
Queenie Sleepwear - childrens sleepwaer
Red Bamboo - handmade body products
Rachael Zelensky Art - adult and childrens art
Taryn Newland - Natural, location-based photography
Wimcee - original hand-crafted designs in paint, paper and fabric
Shower Scene - shower caps
Bags & Boxes - childrens school bags and accessories
Bouncy Costumes - costumes for every age
Friends With Glass - handmade glass plates and jewellery
Hot and Painted - handpainted glasses
Mainly Mosaics - mosaic home decor
Peacock Glass - handmade glass jewellery
Pauline Bushnell Christmas Cakes - christmas cakes
Tree Party Design - silicone bakewear and treats
Blossom Child - childrens wear

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Christmas comes but once a year....

Christmas might come once a year, but it seems to last for months! 
All the planning and the buying, then the wrapping and the hiding away, followed by the stuffing (both the turkey and ourselves!) and then the inevitable afternoon snooze - it can take a lot out of you.The good news is there are great gifts and bargains to be had, if you know where to look. I plan to stay away from as many of the big shopping centres as I can again this year (who needs the stress?!). 
With great markets like the Designers Emporium around, it is even easier to find that 'difficult to buy for' present or something of quality and craft at a price to suit any budget.
Take some time to look through this website and blog and you are sure to find something of interest or perhaps even, the very thing you've been looking for!
Don't be afraid to ask questions and find out what went into creating some of the amazing items for sale. A small, but well chosen gift can trump the flashiest bulk made gadget if you take the time to look.
So here's hoping to see lots of new faces for our Christmas Markets on Sunday. It's sure to be a great day out for everyone!

Sunday, November 30, 2008

A Special Thankyou

So many local business's have been wonderfully generous to our markets, especially when proceeds from their kind donations goes to support wonderful charities like the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation. We would like to say a special THANK YOU to Ben and Sacha and the team from Grasshopper Jumping Castles, who have come on board and sponsored our Christmas Market with the kind donation of a jumping castle for our very special Christmas market. Their fantastic castle will be available from start to finish of our Christmas market, and you can let the kids jump for a gold coin donation - with 100% of this money going directly to the RCHF.Grasshopper Jumping Castles is one of Brisbane's premier jumping castles party hire companies offering a fun range of brightly coloured children's and adults jumping castles for all occasions such as birthdays, fetes, breakup parties etc. Grasshopper Jumping Castles is a family owned and run business that prides itself on providing a fun, safe and professional service no matter what your celebration may be.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Have a Peg & Kate Christmas

Christmas can be costly and back to school expenses are creeping up too. Shop smart this Christmas with Peg and KatePeg & Kate offer a beautiful range of handcrafted pencil rolls to help you wrap Christmas up and cover Back to School as well. A special Peg & Kate Pencil Roll complete with quality Lyra artist’s pencils will thrill your special someone this Christmas. At our Christmas Market Peg & Kate will be showcasing a wide range of brand new fabrics you’re sure to find something that captures your child’s personality.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Christmas Range on show

Come along to our christmas Extravaganza to view my wonderful new Christmas Clips and bows that will bring life to your little girls hair this festive season. In a range of reds and greens with beautiful spots, stripes and patterns, you are sure to find that special clip to set off the new outfit.Also available will be a selection of my school hairtie range with the option for you to order your children's school hair accessories in their very own school colours - no colour is too hard to match. Visit My Cheeky Monkeys at the Christmas Emporium and see my school range and take advantage of the special offers available...

Friday, November 7, 2008

my christmas wish list

Finding something to add to your Christmas wish list this year won't be hard to do with the vast array of products on offer at our annual Christmas market. Over 30 of our regular designers will trade along with a few more festive retailers selling boutique Christmas products, And with economic times as harsh as they are (for all of us) be assured that there is something on offer for everyone at our marketplace in every price point. Don't troll your way through the busy shopping centres at this horrid time of year looking for gifts for loved ones - it's all right here for you, on a leisurely Sunday, with fun and games for all of the family and somewhere quiet to grab a cool drink and put up your feet while the kids have a play. Now that's something on my Christmas wish list - the perfect family shopping day.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Christmas Market to benefit Children's Hospital

The Designers Emporium is holding a very special Christmas market to raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. The market to be held on Sunday the 7th of December at the Everton park Hotel will encompass donations of goods and services from many local business’s who have come on board to help fund raise. Special thanks to the Everton Park Hotel who will kindly donate all proceeds from a sausage sizzle and carousel rides on the day. With jumping castle and face painting as well, this special day will showcase the north side’s ability to come together in great festive and community spirit for a very worthy cause.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Welcome Hot Toffee

We are delighted to announce the inclusion of hot toffee to our list of new November retailers to our marketplace. Hot Toffee offers a vast range of handmade Fused glass jewellery, Resin & fabric jewellery, Printed plastic earrings (hana fuda range), Fused glass cuff links, brooches & hair accessories, Hand drawn gift cards, Hand pressed pocket mirrors, Hand pressed badges & magnets. Visit hot toffee's website for more on their fabulous products.

+++ SALE SALE SALE+++

Come and see Little Diva at the markets this Sunday 2nd November where you'll find all Wall Art, Fabric Wall Hangings and Craft Aprons on sale. You'll also see some of my new designer fabric wall hangings with matching 36cm cushions. 
Please click here to visit Little Diva's website to see some of the range that will be on sale. Also on the website is my range of handmade gifts including the next family of softies and their gorgeous new faces.

Getting ready for Market!

This time of year, for some of us, there are Markets to get ready for almost every weekend. For the past few weeks I have been constantly making up batches of soaps, lotions, lip balms and more! Keeping my stock replenished is still a lot of fun and I hope that comes through in each product. These are some of the products I have made recently, awaiting labels and packaging. Yes this ismy kitchen table! The Designers Emporium Markets are a great place to find something different and something new. Either as a great gift or a treat for yourself. With Christmas just around the corner, it's never too early to start getting ready. With the creators actually selling the wares, it's also a great opportunity to have a chat and learn about how each item is made. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Annie
redbamboo handmade things

Saturday, October 25, 2008

fundraising

Over the last few months, we have received many phone calls and emails from schools, community groups and kindies asking if our retailers be interested in participating in fundraising events through trade and market nights. We are thrilled at these requests as it validates the quality and workmanship of our stallholders and their products. We are happy to distribute details of such events to our stallholders and if you email us, we can pass your event information on to our stallholders. 

Alternately, if you are looking for ways to fund raise without the hassle - why not organise a luncheon, brunch or morning tea at theEverton Park Hotel on market day, and have your event goers browse the markets. Why search high and low for stallholders when we have them all there waiting for you! We are happy to help with raffle prizes through donation of goods or market cash. Some stallholders will offer special discounts to event goers too! What a simple no fuss way of organising an event!


Our most recent event last night at All Saints Parish school saw 7 of our retailers showcased, with special mention to Maggie ofmagsbags, who had a fantastic night's trade selling almost out of all her bags - happy sewing Mag this week for next weekend's designers emporium market! Leasl from My Cheeky Monkey's stole the show by selling almost all of her product line! And, Lisa and Sharon of Cute as Buttons also had a fabulous night - after madly restocking from massive sales at the Eaton's Hill Kindy Trade night. Well done girls!


Other trades shows and markets our stallholders have attended or have been asked to attend include the Red Hill Fair, Chapel Hill School Market night and St Lucia Kindy Melbourne Cup Luncheon. We are always happy to support!

welcome to our new november retailers

A warm welcome to our newest November retailers from all of us at the Designers Emporium. This month along with our regulars, we would love to introduce you to Bombalaska who offers a fabulous range of children's swimwear - perfect for the coming summer months. Also new to our marketplace is ookeemee, who offers a unique range of beautiful ladies clothing made from pure wool, linen, cotton and blends (winter range pictured above). ookeemee, will also showcase at the Melbourne cup Luncheon in the Fashion Parade, on November 4th and be trading at the mini-market that will be held in the venue to coincide with the luncheon.

Friday, October 17, 2008

eyespy with my little eye.....

eyespydesigns is custom designing cases for your reading glasses and sunglasses. OUR MAIN FOCUS FOR THE BUSINESS IS SUCCESS:But success can mean different things to different people. After a trip to Bali and witnessing first hand the devastation that the bombing had on the local villagers, we started searching for a business that would enable us to give back something to these beautiful people
Our business is not run in the conventional way. Because we believe giving and receiving are one and the same, we look upon our business an
d the products that come to it, with a source of great joy. It is our way of connecting with people, both our clients and the people we help, with love and respect. This is our definition of success – unconventional?Yes definitely!!!! And we wouldn’t have it any other way. Catch us at the Melvourne cup Luncheon at the Everton park Hotel, we have a new collection of womanswear being featured in the fashion parade.

Happiness always, Beth and Clare

Monday, October 13, 2008

PRIZE winning jewellery

Hemaka's distinctive, award winning pieces will delight anyone with an eye for fashion and a love of the unusual. Come and see us soon to find the perfect accessory to compliment your outfit and if we don't already have it, we are happy to fashion a unique item especially for you.
Winner of 2 nd and 3 rd place in the Wearable Art category at the 2008 RNA Show.

Behind Hemaka are Helen, Mary and Kathy who combine their love of travel and passion for jewellery to bring you contemporary pieces made of treasures and beads gathered from around the world. We specialise in necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings.Our pieces are crafted from glass, metals, wood, pearls, crystal, cloisonné, shell, bone, gemstones, acrylic and dichroic beads and trinkets melded together on wire, cord and leather. Each piece is locally made in Brisbane to be sold at Designer's Emporium.

Bedroom Packages

Knickerbocker has teamed up with Rachael Zelensky to offer you are fabulous opportunity to create the dream bedroom for your child. Knickerbockers complete range of bedroom decor, including the beautiful raggy patchwork quilt above and the standard quilt cover set below, can be purchased with matching raggy cushions, bunting flags and teamed with Rachael's fabulous artwork to create a personalised room for your child.

The Everton Park Hotel

Suburban Everton Park is blessed with one of the family friendliest hotels in Queensland, if not Australia, with wonderful staff and facilities including the amazing million dollar Children's Playcentre, complete with Carousel. The hotel also offers a great value bistro, function facilities, a lounge bar and a sports bar, gaming room and motel-style accommodation. The hotel was built in 1975 but was fully renovated in 2005 into the incredibly popular venue it is today. Bar - The laid back Lounge Bar is situated adjacent to the bistro, and offers light meals and a fun tasty cocktail list, while the livelier Sports Bar features all the excitement of the big sports on the big screens, a selection of beers on tap, 4 pool tables, Keno and the relaxing front deck. The Sports Bar is connected directly to the TAB. Food - From the moment you glimpse the unique open kitchen, you know that the bistro at the Everton Park Hotel is not a standard pub bistro. The venue offers an affordable a la carte menu, with a refreshing selection of light meals and salads as well as the signature hotel dishes such as the steaks and delicious seafood. There are always daily chef's specials as well to tempt your tastebuds even more. The bistro offers indoor and outdoor dining. The outdoor courtyard is situated next to the Children's Play centre giving parents easy visibility of the children'sactivities. However, another great feature of the bistro is that the Children's Play centre is shown on closed circuit television inside the venue, so no matter where you choose to dine, you can still monitor your young ones. The Children's Play centre is something special and is designed to provide a safe and happy environment for kids of all ages. The spacious playground and fun rides, including a Carousel which operates daily, ensure that all children will have a memorable and active time at the hotel. The area was built in 2005 and has won numerous awards since. The hotel often, especially during school holidays, offers extra entertainment for families as well such as clowns, face painters and even kids karaoke. Children's parties can be organised at the Children's Play centre simply by calling the hotel or asking any of the hotel staff.
Gaming - The Gaming Room is an enclave of bright lights and jackpots with 40 of the latest machines, two link jackpots, a loyalty program, members draws and daily promotions and giveaways. Functions - The Everton Park Hotel is perfect for other parties, dinners, weddings or meetings as well, with function facilities available for 30 to 200. There are three rooms available, and AV equipment, decorations and special menus are all available by contacting the hotel's Functions Coordinator. The hotel also features Dinner Theatre shows at least once a month (Bookings are essential).

Friday, October 10, 2008

Ento Art

Janine Clark has always had an interest in things that creep and crawl and a natural inquisitive nature and scientific bent; this combined with her interest in arts and crafts has led her to combine her two passions and create Ento Art*. Ento Art is not just about artwork. Janine is very interested in maintaining local populations of her beloved insects, especially butterflies. 
Janine studied at Griffith University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science, Environmental Studies, majoring in Land and Water Processes. Her interest in entomology was developed during the mid 1990s when she worked for a period of several years for the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries in a couple of their insect identification projects. Ento Art is about appreciating the beauty of insects as enduring pieces of artwork. On this site, you'll find a range of pinned insects that have been framed on hand painted backgrounds that bring out and enhance the colours of the specimen. Each piece is unique. The insects framed are either caught or hand reared by the artist. Looking for that perfect gift for the 'difficult-to-buy-for' person at an affordable price? Why not consider some Ento Art? Prices start at as little as $30.00. A range of gift ware is on offer including framed insects, poetry and paintings. Pieces can be duplicated, although because they are hand made each one is slightly different. Requests for particular butterflies can be accommodated, however, the specimens may have to be sourced form external contacts by the artist if they are not in stock. For information contact Janine via email. 

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Summer is here!

Brastrap Pizzaz....Be free to wear anything you want this summer - you will flatter any outfitwith these elegant bra straps. We look after your skin: Metallic bra-straps are plated with gold or hypoallergenic nickel-free silver. We want the wearer to appreciate receiving our products:
• Prestige & Diamante bra straps are supplied in velvet lined clear plastic display cases
• Signature bra straps are packaged in soft, white drawstring bags • Beaded and Daisy bra straps are supplied in hard plastic packs ....so ... they make beautiful gifts! SPECIAL OFFER - FOR A LIMITED TIME. Bra Strap Pizzazis offering any customer who purchases $25 or more worth of product a complimentary $20 Gift Voucher to spend at Simone Perele Factory Outlet stores at DFO Jindalee or DFO Brisbane Airport. Offer valid until 31st December 2008.

bring on the fun....

One of our most popular retailers, LAUGH LAND has on offer an extensive range of gorgeous items perfect for your little one. For Imaginative play LAUGH LAND has a fabulous range of children's costumes including capes (princess, performer, magician, superhero etc), skirts (fairy, princess, dancer), vests (cowboy, police, animal handler, transport driver etc), coats (hairdresser, doctor), soft butterfly/fairy wings, performers' tail jackets, clown outfits (also clown pants), aprons (fabric and vinyl), pirate gear. For kindy or school age children, LAUGH LAND carries a range of handmade library/drawstring bags, lined craft smocks, plus a fabulous range of cushions, beanbags with filled insert, giant 1m x 1m cushions, shopping/tote/swimming bags, felt hand puppets and covered coat hangers. LAUGH LAND also sells custom-made sheet sets through many local kindies and preschools, these are also available to order - just pop down to the markets and see Anne to place your order.

Gorgeous Girly Gifts.....


Little Diva's unique toys, gifts and accessories are mainly for girls but there are some for boys too. All are original designs and are lovingly handmade with very few ever made the same.

You will find lots to choose from including cuddly soft toys, gorgeous handbags, funky felt wall art, kids craft aprons, art hangers/name plaques and more.....
The newest addition at the November markets will be fabric covered wall art where you'll also be able to purchase a matching 36cm cushion for the bed (watch this space for some pics coming soon).
There's also some funky "Amy Butler" fabric on it's way for the wall art & cushions and these one's might not just be for the kiddies !!!

++SALE NOW ON++
Click here to go to Little Diva's website.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Nature play

Toys made from wood and natural materials for boys and girls. Constructive, Imaginative and creative playthings, educational and discovery toys - Toys that foster the imagination.Our online toy store is designed to help parents, grandparents, relatives, friends and teachers to select appropriate toys for individual children, from babies to teenagers.
Simplicity and beauty, selected from nature comes our range of traditional and modern toys lovingly created to encourage your children to play freely and creatively. Shop securely for a wooden toy, doll, dolls house, art supplies, farm toy, nature craft, wooden car and truck , certified organic baby wear, fair trade products and lots more. 

Based in Brisbane, Australia, we send our unique toys to customers around Australia and internationally. 
For more information or to order, come along and see us at the ma

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Tantalising the tastebuds....

The October 5th markets sees the launch of the Peachy Keen, who's creator Leah will be tantalising the taste buds of our customers with her range of delicious home baked goodies! 
Selling truffles, melting moments and other lovely biscuits and of course....herfabulous cupcakes! Peachy Keen's gourmet delights are filled with all the love and devotion found in the baking styles of years gone by - bringing back memories of yummies that your granny used to make. 
So stop by her stall when visiting our markets and treat yourself to some good old fashioned cooking. Grab some biccies to take home to have with your cuppa, or some cupcakes to send to school with the kids for a special treat. 
No-one will ever know that you didn't bake them yourself! **wink wink!

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

INASCENTS steps into spring

Inascents has been a regular trader at the markets for almost a year now, and is still offering a fabulous range of scented and textured candles for every occasion and taste. With a wide selection of candle melts in beautiful and exotic fragrances - a stunning range of votive holders, and crackle candle holders, Inascents is the perfect place to stop by at the markets when searching for that special gift for the fussiest of people, whether for now or with Xmas so close, stocking up on some special gifts at great prices.

Inascents retails exclusively at the Designers Emporium Boutique Markets and has almost sold out of the popular textured candle range. Featuring rectangular, large and small bowled textured candles in an assortment of colours and fragrances including African rain, Mulberry, Coffee, Ginger, Vanilla and Green Tea. Why not invigorate your house this spring with a beautiful scent from the Inascents range. For more information, stop by Inascents blog.

Experience Brisbane - Tourism Queensland

We are thrilled here at the Designer's Emporium to have been selected to have a snippet in the newest edition of the fabulousExperience Brisbane magazine. The magazine is distributed by Tourism Queensland quarterly throughout South East Queensland, in a glossy magazine lift out within the Sunday Mail. It's filled to the brim with everything you need to know about things to see and do when visiting our great city...including us! We have already had emails from afar a field as Toowoomba, after reading about us in the magazine. A big thank you from all of our stallholders goes to Tourism Queensland. A special mention and thank you must also go to the fabulous team at map creative who create and publish the magazine, and who initially stumbled across our little website and were impressed enough to include us.
image - Tourism Queensland website

Monday, September 22, 2008

New Retailers for October

We are really excited this month with the inclusion of fabulous new retailers to our marketplace.
Red Bamboo, Peachy Keen, Little Tinker Designs, Peg & Kate, Queenie Sleepwear and Eyespy Designs and Billy Bobbins will all be joining us at our October markets. 
So come down and check out their wares with a great selection on offer including, skin care and body products, decoupage children's furniture, yummy home baked goodies, children's school accessories, boys clothing, children's sleepwear and gorgeous sunglasses cases and bags.