Everything has changed but a lot has stayed the same.

Its been 3 years since I last visited the old blog.

In the days of Instagram, FB and tweeting, where we get small bite size pieces of information to digest, the idea of reading or writing whole blog posts seems to have become a thing of the past.

I do miss sitting down with a cup of tea and formulating thoughts on paper or screen in this case.

It's almost a cathartic dear diary experience of sorting the thoughts out in your head and writing them down legibly enough for others to understand and hopefully enjoy reading.

So much has happened in the last 3 years.

A lot has changed, but a lot has stayed the same.

Finki is still my main jam and if I go a day or two without getting to sew or be creative I get all sorts of grumpy and not nice to be around. Its the air that I breathe, this creative life of mine.

Hubby and my daughter have joined team Finki and its become more a family business which I love.

After 10 years trading at 159 Sydney rd, we finally had to accept that the rent increases were killing our spirit and bank account, so we moved shop location.

Our new shop is in Northcote, 48a Arthurton rd.

Opposite a train station and walking distance from trams and buses.

Sort of central, but also sort of tucked away from the main high street, which I like.

After the busyness of being on such an inner city main road in Brunswick, our new shop is quite peaceful.

Its been quite a disruptive start to the year, with bush fires, moving house and shop and now amidst a global pandemic that forced us to close our doors.

Despite such upheaval, uncertainty and mayhem, we're ok.

We have a roof over our heads, food on our table and news today is that from May 31st the restrictions will be lifted so that we can shop, dine and enjoy time with our family and friends again after 2 months of isolation.

Its a new normal we're told, where we still have to social distance and wash hands and stay safe. But its a new normal that we look forward to, just to get back into doing what we love and seeing those we love.

Despite it feeling like an unlucky time I actually can't help but feel lucky.

Lucky to have my health, lucky to have my family, lucky that the government has offered help to small business so we could get through this ok.

I was very fearful when this all began, that it would be the end of Finki, but we've had nothing but overwhelming support from our community that has kept us going.

I feel very lucky indeed.

As it stands, we have my son home with remote learning until June 9th, so I think until hes back at school we won't have the hours at the shop back up to full trading.

But we are open Monday to Saturday:11-4 for people who need us.

Over the last 2 months we put all our energy into filling up our online shop with all our beautiful products, we introduced pick up and local delivery options and we streamlined our delivery process to make it easier for our customers to shop with us.

Had we not had the last 2 months away from the shop to focus on these things, I think we may never had found the time. Silver linings... always gotta look for the silver lings hey!

Hope you've all been ok and if there is ever anything you need, drop me a line.

Jay. xx

Last one.....

Tonight is my last market for Christmas... Hooray!

Kris Kringle night market
Northcote town hall
189 High st, Northcote
5.30 pm - 10 pm.

I have been frantically finishing off some new and exciting goodies, to keep it all looking fresh.

So if you've still got a few things to tick off the list... you'll find at my stall,

A sea of cuff links...

Screen printed Ties

screen printed tee's and note pad holders,

and my new screen printed, little girls singlets (size 0 - 6)

Don't forget you can still use your bloggy discount voucher and get a handsome 20% off too.

Hope to see you there.
Jay xx

Night market on Thursday.....

After a rainy start to the x-mas markets last week, it's time for number two...

Kris Kringle night market is on again.

Northcote town hall, 189 high st, Northcote Vic
December 2nd, 9th and 16th
5.30 - 10pm

Whilst day one was quiet, it gave me a chance to do the rounds and get a few of my own chrissie presents organized. It also gave me time to get the layout organized and make sure I could fit everything in. My first time trying to set up clothing, so I was a bit anxious. But it all came together looking really good.
I'll take a camera for photo's this time I promise.

There are four of us hailing from Olive Grove at the market. Well five really, as Mrs. Beckinsale aka jenny has some of her famous tram cushions on display. It's almost like we are bringing the shop to you.

So if your in the neighborhood, do pop down and say hi and don't forget to bring your v.i.p bloggie voucher.


Also coming soon will be my stall at Craft Hatch.

Saturday December 11th, 253 Flinders Lane, City Library, Level 1 Gallery, Melbourne

11am-4pm

There is an amazing line up of talent for the day, so I'm a wee bit nervous that I don't belong, but I'll fake it till I make it... and pretend I am a designer worthy of such a high profile city central market.

Fingers crossed, that I am convincing enough.

Jay xx

Markets and discounts for all.....

Did I say NEVER....
Did I really say I was NEVER was doing markets again....

Well I may have used the word a little too liberally, never say never. Just say .... not for a bit. Not quite as dramatic but leaves yourself open for change of mind.

So, I did say I was no longer doing markets and that held true alllllll year. But there is no better way of testing a product in such a busy and face to face environment.
At Olive Grove we only work one day a week, so you only see a small percentage of the customer that is drawn to your stuff on any given day. You don't entirely get the feedback you need.

What colors were they drawn too, did they withdraw once they saw the price, did they say "how cool would that octopus be on a green tee instead" All the important feedback you need and all the different perspectives from a range of people is really important. Because as much as hubby, kids and in laws say they like it all, it is important to appeal to a wider audience and hear what others have to say.

and.....I can tell you, at markets......they don't hold back.
It's almost like you are invisible sometimes. Some shoppers forget, or just don't care that you have spent hours of love and devotion, creating every little thing they look at and quite freely they'll dish out stellar remarks like "how tacky is that" or "you'd get one cheaper at k-mart" Yep I've heard it all.
But it's all good.
Really.
Diversity and difference is what makes Melbourne such an interesting place to live in.

It's what you do with those comments, that can make or break you.
As far as the negative Nancy's go....I say shop at K-mart my love as you were probably brought to this craft market under sufferance from your mum or crafty gal pal, who is the one that appreciates handmade. No point at all trying to argue the value of handmade to someone like that. It's like water off a ducks back. My advice would be, switch off internally, smile and carry on.
The price comments are always good ones to listen too. But you have to keep in mind that people often speak loudly about how something is too expensive, when they are on a budget. If they are shopping for a $15 kris kringle present and your hand screen printed tee is $60. Then it's possibly just an exclamation that it's out of there KK budget.

More so, if you hear rumblings of lets go back to the other stall that had screen printed tee's, his were only $25.......well then you may want to investigate.
Is your quality, technique, fabric choice and artwork comparable to what else is on offer in similar products your fellow crafters produce.
Possibly, you have over estimated the worth of your funky tee's or possibly....comparably... you have used sweat shop free, made in Australia base tee's, as apposed to others using made in china tee's.......you have used solvent free, water based inks, and eco packaging.
The point here is, find your unique point of difference and capitalise on that. The average Jo will not know the difference that sets you apart from Mr. t-shirt in the corner...

Have as much signage or information available, to educate people on what makes your stuff special. Then you can most definitely hold your head high when confronted with "look at the price" comments and be proud that you are not ripping people off, you are offering a little piece of your heart and soul presented in a way that is so you....for them to embrace.

Anyway's I do ramble.....I hadn't intended on a 'why markets are good for sellers' speel, just sorta happened.

My mission today was to tell you, I have taken on board a few markets for the silly season.

BUT.....it is not FINKI as you know it.

You will not see one single thing you saw on my stalls last year. This year it's all new.
There will be diaries, bags, cuff links, ties and tee's for men and children all hand screen printed with my own graphic designs.

I still do all my girly stuff, which you'll find this x-mas at the shop, but men's and children's wear is very new for me. S0 I'm taking it to the streets, to get some honest feed back and hope that one or two people along the way like it enough to take it home with them.

My first market will be this Thursday at Kris Kringle night market. 5.30 - 10pm, Northcote town hall and as per usual....I'm so anxious I just wanna throw up. Yep, I still get stage fright!

But no, I shall write my lists and check them twice to make sure I don't forget anything. And it will sorta be like a crafty reunion with all my market peeps, so It's all good....


I'll be sharing with the lovely Anna from Polly Pratt and most importantly, I'd like to offer you, my bloggy followers and friends a discount.

Just print this little flyer and bring it on market night to receive 20% off any goodies by 'Finki', if you have presents to buy for the girls too, or just need a dose of finki color for yourself I'd like to extend the offer to my goodies over at Olive Grove too.

Some of the funky tee's at Olive Grove... A mix of work from a few of our designers.
*(If you decide to shop at Olive Grove, Don't forget, discount only applies to 'Finki' stuff)

So from now till Dec you can take this voucher to any of my markets stalls to buy stuff for the men or to the shop where my accessories and ladies clothes are on display 'Olive Grove Studios' and get 20% off 'Finki' stuff.

If you do visit the shop, don't forget it is a co-op with the work of 8 other designers there too and your Voucher only entitles you to a discount on 'Finki' labeled goodies.

Hope to see you all at the markets and if you are offering bloggy discounts over Xmas too, let me know. Because...as always, I pledge to only buy handmade for all my x-mas presents and who doesn't love a bargain.
Jay xx

Market day tomorrow.....

Not much blogging going on this week as I'm busy making new stuff for the Northside Makers market tomorrow. If you're in the neighborhood , do pop down and say hello.

Check out all the stallholders coming, over at the Northside blog

Once again there will be free balloons, and craft table activities for the kids, as well as badge making, a sausage sizzle and a face painter from 10:30 - 2:30.

Northside Makers Market

Saturday 6th Feb
9.30am - 2.30 pm
251 High St, Northcote

Hope to see yah there!

First selection.....

We'll be sitting down tonight to select the first lot of stallholders for our next Northside Makers market on 6th February.

So if you haven't popped in your application yet.......quick stix!

But what happens if it rains........

That was the question on everyone's lips last night when heading off to the first Kris Kringle night market for the season at Northcote town hall.

The girl with the most colorful umbrella by: the dreamy giraffe.

I left work at 2.30 just as the heavens decided to open up, thunder included, and pelt down for 40 mins. So I too pondered the question....What do I do if it rains?

and what can you do.....

I can't control the weather, the organizers would love it if they could control weather....but the reality is, it all comes down to mother nature and even the best attempt at planning a big event can be marred by the forces of nature, so unpredictable and so unforgiving.

So what can you do:

The easy option is to cancel, stay at home on the couch and think of what could have been.

Or

Buck up, be prepared and wear a smile.

Cause you know what....the organisers have gone to a hell of a lot of effort to promote the event and you won't make any money or friends, sitting at home on the couch.

I chose option two and I'm so glad I did.

Margaret and I shared an outside stall which was a lovely big space to set up in, we brought tarps, marquees, raincoats and a can do attitude.

Apart from the bit of rain during set up, the weather eased up and served us a great night out.
It was a profitable venture for both of us and when i asked each customer if they were just passing by or if they came intentionally.....every one of them said "a friend told me about the market and I really wanted to come to the first one and get a head start on my x-mas shopping."

Come rain, hail or shine, the customers come...... so come rain, hail or shine, the sellers should be there too.
See you at the next one on the x-mas market calendar this Sat, 28th Nov Northside Makers market, 251 High st, Northcote.

Thanks so much to Jen, Cathy, Louise, Lou, Claudia and mum, Rachielle, Liz and all the other lovely peeps that popped by to say hello. It ended up being a fun night for all......

Oh what a day....

Finally a chance to sit and tell you all about my time at the "Northside Makers Market" on the weekend.Words like fun, sun and lots of glitter come to mind. Along with a sense of absenteeism from the event. Strange but true! I had that sort of out of body experience where you're there but not really present. There was just so much going on.

It felt just like organising a wedding.
Months and months of planning. Making sure uncle Earl gets to sit next to auntie Bess. Remembering to have stuff for the kids to do so they don't get bored, wondering......did I put the milk in the fridge? Did I remember to stop and chat to everyone?
And of course...we left something at home and had to do a runner at the 11th hour.......
that was soooo gunna happen, no matter how organized I tried to be.

But, gosh it was fun.

I finally got myself set up, the craft table organized and headed in to the kitchen to set up tea and coffee when I stopped for the first time to look around.

There was a sea of people shopping, stallholders chatting, a line for buying cupcakes and a kettle slowly boiling....... Just perfect.

From then on in the day ran so smoothly. Each and every stallholders had such a beautiful table of handmade goodies on offer. (See more pics here) The vibe was a buzz of art, creativity, family, and fun. Which was our aim, 100%. So I'm so glad it all panned out the way we had hoped.

Mr. Finki did a marvellous job of manning my stall all day and the glowing baby mama, Auntie Jessamy helped Yaya take care of my sisters stall. We had uncle Ben and Kierah on the craft table all day and all the committee members hubbies were steadfast in hanging around to help set up and make sure the day ran smoothly.

I was humbled to see that many of our members rocked up super early to help us set up tables, and stayed back to pack up at the end of the day. It makes it such a joy to volunteer our time when we know that our members are behind us all the way. Thank you.

You know my day would not have been complete without a spot of shopping too, so without further a do let me show you some of the gorgeousness I scored on the day.

Some fabulous screen printed singlets for Finn from 'Whittaker rose baby'

A snazzy new purse from 'Whittaker rose designs'

An awesome s'octopus from 'chuckles'

more accessories from my favourite brooch maker 'Curlypops'.

A journal or two, from the amazing selection on offer at 'found n' bound'

Some button accessories for Kierah.

and more birdies to surround myself with.
Paper cranes by 'Tirese Ballard' and brooches by 'made by Sarah'.

There was more.....but I best stop there before Mr.Finki starts counting the $$$$ spent....

Sadly two other things didn't get ticked off my shopping list:

Melbourne Epicure 'Sold out' so I missed out on my gingerbread fix.....

and time got away from me, so I missed out on getting a massage.....boy I needed it.

Next time!

I'll make sure I get in early next time.

Keep your calenders free on Nov 28th for the next 'Northside Makers Market'. It's gunna be huge!

Almost the big day..................

When I jumped on board the committee for organizing a new handmade market in my neighborhood, I had no idea what I was in for.
In part, I thought it would be a big bloggy love in, with the odd friend roped in under pressure.

How wrong could I be.

After months of planning, online collaboration, talking, texting, making bookings, twitting, blogging and dreaming we, Margaret Jennie and I, the Northside Makers, have created one hellava market event right here in Northcote this Saturday.

There were times when all our patience was stretched, whilst we juggled our own craft business, our day jobs and our young families.
There were the inevitable delays with banks and corporations, the tedious tasks of setting up liability insurance and booking tables....but I would not change it for one second.
Cause come Saturday, I think we will all be able to stand there, so proud of what we have achieved.
Not just for creating this opportunity for all the crafty people in our community to come together and shine, but for laying the stepping stones for this event to pave the way to the ongoing growth of this fabulous community of handmade artisans.

This.....is just the beginning.

There will be over 40 stalls of handmade wonder. (check our blog for the list of stallholders)
We have cakes, coffee, a fundraiser sausage sizzle, face painting, balloons and craft tables for the kids.
I look forward to beginning my Christmas shopping whilst I'm there and continuing my mission of only buying and giving handmade presents for all.

Amidst the craziness of planning this great event, I may have overlooked the fact that my name is on that poster advertising me as a stall holder too aghhhhh....

Till this week of course.

So I have been crafting from dawn to dusk...I kid you not! and look forward to displaying:

A few of my new bill books

Some new big berthas! I had sold out of all my large glass pendants and had trouble sourcing the glass till now, so finally......... they are back.

A selection of fabric button bracelets in vintage and vintage inspired fabrics. So many peeps pick these up thinking they are for the kiddies.

I must just be a big kid at heart, cause I love all the fun colors and most definitely make these for the grown ups.

Some 'match box minis'.

Little glass pendants for the petite at heart.

Lots of new glass rings......just love them colors I do.....

and releasing the 'Finki art pendants' in my new oval design.

Whew, I'm exhausted.

Just some last minute running around tomorrow, early night for R & R, then a super duper Market Day on Saturday. Hope to see yah there.

Come along and support all the new faces to the market scene, as well as some of your old favorites.

Pay your bills....

I am sooo bad at keeping track of my spending.
Occasionally I write the weeks budget on a scrap of paper, only to go desperately searching for 'that paper with the numbers all over it' later, so I can remember what I had to pay whom.

So it got me thinking that I needed a little book, separate from my art journals and note books, that was just dedicated to paying boring old bills. After a few dodgy prototypes, I've settled on this design.

The new Finki 'bill book'. A 20 week bill ledger.

I'll be making them in a few funky colors, and giving them different titles....depending on where your money goes. For me it's "but honey, I did budget for that fabric......."
I could quite as easily say, "but honey, I did budget for that .... bag ..... makeup ..... shoes ..... clothes ... etc .. etc .....

Without a doubt, my new little 'bill book' is gunna solve all my financial woes.Well maybe not!
But hopefully I'll avoid a few of those lovely texts, saying ma'am have your overlooked paying your TRU energy bill!

The new range of 'bill books' will be released at Northside Makers Market, Oct 10th.

A little bit of something new......

Finally my new Art pendants have hit the shop.....

I posted not long ago about my prototypes, that were sawed out of some tragic colors I had lying around. It was just to test the shape, the process of applying the images, the glue bond and most importantly this visual effect of the size and shapes that I designed.
I'm wrapped with how they turned out and have a new oval shape on the drawing board in preparation for release at the upcoming Northside Makers market.

Having decided on two shapes I love as my background, I can now move my focus to producing some new art work to adorn them. The fun begins.....

Bring your talent this way..........

Stall applications are now open for Northside Makers Market.

It's going to be huge.


We've been talking with muso's and foodies and crafters alike, to make sure we get the right mix of people to create something really new and exciting in the Northern suburbs.

So if you've been thinking about it.........

wait no more.

because now is the time.

Melbourne wants to see what you've got!

Visit Northside Makers today, to download you application form.

Coffee and crotchet....................

I'll be heading along to the crotchet and coffee afternoon held by the Northside Makers on Sunday.

Crotchet queen print by Helloo Sunshine.

If your around, come too.
I get to see glimpses of you all visiting me at my markets, but would love to be able to sit and chat with no distractions.
Every one is welcome and even if you can't crotchet, just bring any hand held projects, or better still, just come for the coffee and conversation.
You can R.S.V.P over at Northsides blog

Sunday 23rd August
1.00-3.00
Crunch Cafe
660 High st, Thornbury.

Winds of change....

'Follow the wind' by naokosstoop.

The winds of change are finally breezing in.
After what seems like an eternity.....I think.....no I'm sure that I've found my direction.

Born with a sewing needle in one hand and a Lincraft club card in the other, I was always destined to be creatively driven and when you have mountains of people telling you "you're so creative, you should make something of it" you think, sure, good idea. I can make stuff! Why not turn that in to a career.

But somehow being creatively gifted just doesn't translate into a career path. It definitely gives you something to do on the couch on cold winter nights, and it surely pleases many family and friends to get another handmade present. Surely!

Following crafty pursuits, for me, is like the need to eat. It's the petrol in my tank.

But I felt drawn to make something more of it.
What though.............Life can be put on hold, trying to decide on the whats! even more so, combating the what if's.
So after much procrastination, I made the leap into selling online on Etsy over a year ago.
I cried happy tears when I had my first customer who wasn't family or friend.

Soon, I ventured out in to the market scene. With trepidation, fear, and a great amount of self doubt.
Once again I cried happy tears that it was such a success. Tears too, because I had waited soooooo long to take the leap.

One year on, I can't tell you how much I have learnt and grown. Personally and professionally.

So I reach this happy place.........two kids, devoted beau, crafty business, life is good. A little messy and chaotic, but good.

Except for that little, itty bitty niggly feeling in my tummy, that says 'there is more to this crafty adventure, you're not there yet'

Soon I make new crafty friends through my market endeavors and we all have this itty bitty niggly feeling nagging at us, that there is something more...........

It's hard to stop your self going full speed when you discover other people with the same niggly feeling . "We could do this, we can do that, lets try this, how about that........" So we slowed down, took ourselves seriously and started planning.

A big part of me feels overwhelmed and scared, but a bigger part of me feels exhilarated and as though finally......this is where I'm meant to be.So what is it?
All this rambling and who harr!

It's about a new venture that I am so proud to be a part of. A new venture that I'd like you all to be a part of too.

Three crafty peeps, Jennie, Margaret and I have formed a non - profit association, specifically created to encourage and support craftspeople, hobbyists and micro business in Melbourne's northern suburbs.
We will be having crafty social events, summer markets and community outreach programmes.

After what seems like a mountain of paper work, a sea of insurance quotes and a month of venue hunting, we have finally come to an end, which really marks the beginning.

Today Northside Makers have gone live.

check out our blog, and start sending your ideas our way for what you'd like to see happen in your local craft group.
Our membership forms and stall applications will appear there real soon, so join up and follow us now at the early bird stage as we grow into something that I really think will be a wonderful crafty explosion in the North.

It can't always go perfectly......

My mum always said if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all....well..... that wouldn't make for a very interesting blog post at all.

So I'll reserve my negativity about Saturdays market stall to one sentence.
Cold, wet, windy, slow going, disorganized, and small.

O.k now that that's out of my system, lets move on to the good bits. Firstly, this bunch.


The talented faces behind Melbourne Epicure, Pepperberry and co, Mish mash mosaics, Polly Pratt, and Curlypops
The best group of girls to share a market day with. So supportive, friendly and amazingly talented. Along with them I had the pleasure of catching up with, Jen, Lara, Mel, Nic, liz and a few of the lovely locals.
Of course there was the best pear tart from Cathy's stall Melbourne epicure, with some gingerbread men stashed away for the kids.

and what day is complete without a spot of shopping. I got a fabulous bookmark from Pepperberry and co,

and another Curlypops brooch to add to my ever growing brooch collection.

I grabbed the cutest wizard of oz bib from curlypops too, but It had already been gifted before I could photograph it, but trust me when I say it was goooooorjus!

The lovely shannon of Rabbit and the duck also popped by, to deliver my new makeup purse, pictured here with some R&D magnets that I picked up at the last Sonny&Coco market.
I just adore my new zippy pouch right down to the red spotty lining.

We all gave up on having to chase our stock each time the wind blew, and called it quits an hour before home time. My apologies to Nikki and anyone else who braved the weather to pop by after we'd gone. I honestly didn't know we were going to be outside, and arrived terribly unprepared for the weather.

Next time, I know to ask!
What I love about all my other markets, is the fact they are indoors. So come rain, hail or shine I'll be there.

After we packed up, I headed down to the market at Northcote town hall and picked up a few goodies,before heading home and sharing those ginger bread men, alongside a hot cuppa.

Under pressure!!!!

A day and a half's notice about an opportunity to have a market stall may seem like the perfect way of inducing stress into one's life.
but me, I work well under pressure.
I thrive on the thrill of last minute preparation, and do some of my best work when the clock is ticking. Saying 'yes' to everything and sorting it out later, sorta works well for me.
Sorta, kinda...mostly!

On the off chance that I couldn't fill a table on short notice, I decide to share my space with the lovely Anna of Polly Pratt,


So for some fantastic market shopping this weekend, do head down to our stall at Northcote Uniting Church, 251 High st, Northcote. Saturday 20th June, 10 - 3.

You'll see the friendly faces, and talented crafty goodness of curlypops, pepperberry and co mishmash mosaics, the yummy delights of Melbourne epicure and much more.

As if that wasn't enough, you can also wander down high st two blocks to the fabulous winter artisans market held at the Northcote town hall. All this action is also part of the Northern exposure, visual arts festival happening over the whole weekend.


With so much crafty delight on offer, Northcote is the place to be this weekend.

If your from out of town, mark on your map, shop local, I dream a highway, and the book grocer all in the same block.
We also have the fantastic Westgarth strip of shops just over the hill, perfect for a movie and it's surrounded by numerous cafes for lunch or a coffee.

I won't have the whole Finki range on show, so if you have any special requests, let me know and I'll make sure I bring it along. Catch yah there....