Crafty Girls Talk

A few months ago local Ballarat author Jennifer Forest (of Jane Austen's Sewing Box fame) sent me an email inviting me to be interviewed for her new book - Crafty Girls Talk. Naturally I was delighted to be asked and had a lovely afternoon chatting with Jennifer about the ins and outs of my business - what I do and how I do it. Of course my story is only one of many.

Crafty Girls Talk is a collection of interviews from around the world of women who craft for fun, for profit and for others. Each story is an exploration of that crafty girl's world, what they make and where they have taken their passion for creating.

Those of you who know me will know that I love a good chat! I love to hear the stories of those that pop into the shop or whom I meet at a market. I love to hear about what others are creating, crafting, making. What inspires them, who they learn't their skill from be it sewing, knitting or crochet or just what inspires them in their creative lives.

This book is like having a good chat about all of those things. Learning from others about what they do and why and namely how is just so inspiring. This is definitely the type of book that you could sit down with a nice cup of tea and get totally lost in the stories of these creative women from across the globe.

When the book was nearing completion - Jennifer got in touch again to ask if it would be ok to use a photo I had taken of one of my apple pincushions on the front cover of the book. I was honoured!

Yesterday after much awaited anticipation - the book arrived! How exciting! And in the name of celebration - I have decided a little giveaway is the order of the day!

From now until 3pm on Saturday 6 October - if you like and share my photo on the Crafty Squirrel facebook page - you will go into the draw to win your very own signed copy of Crafty Girls Talk and also a handmade apple pin cushion made by yours truly. You've got to be in it to win it - so get liking!

I will also have copies of the book for sale at The Design Exchange Market on Sunday 7 October at the Mining Exchange, Ballarat - with Jennifer Forest herself hosting a book signing from 11am and also at subsequent design markets I am attending this year and of course in the Crafty Squirrel Shop!

Spring Sale at the Maribyrnong Makers Market

Many moons ago now I had an idea...to start a craft market that supported local artists and craftspeople within the inner west region of Melbourne where I lived.

After finding a lovely group of like minded souls who saw the potential in my vision - we finally (after lots of discussion and planning) launched the Maribyrnong Makers Market (MMM).

Run as a not-for-profit volunteer organised community craft market - the MMM has now been running for 5 years and even though I made a tree change to Ballarat 18months ago I have continued to have a stall at the MMM - because it is like a family reunion every time I visit.

The market happens 3 to 4 times a year and is so well loved by the local community and visitors a like - I always really look forward to having a stall there.







































Each year at the September market it has become a tradition for me to have my big Spring studio clear out sale. Over the year I save up all of my samples, seconds and end of season lines and offer them up at bargain basement prices.

Of course this year is no exception! I have lots of Mumma & Baby Bushkas, scarves and bits & bobs I have made for the shop - great for pressies or just because!

This is one sale not to be missed! Love to see you there!