NicJ Designs

 This week our feature business is the super talented NicJ Designs and I am so excited to be able to share her gorgeous designs with you!! 

Nicole is a 30-something (hehe) North-Eastern suburbs (S.A) working woman and wife. During the day Nicole works as a Research Scientist and on the weekends she becomes creator and owner of NicJ Designs. 

Nicole loves to keep busy and you will rarely see her sitting still for long periods of time. She loves her daily job because it helps her to support her main passions in life which includes food, wine, travelling and creative outlets!

We asked Nicole how she came across and started NicJ Designs and here is her lovely reply:

"For as long as I can remember I have always done something art & crafty. In high school I loved art class, and have always made cards and beaded jewellery for family and friends.

Just a little over 12 months ago, I decided that after working two jobs and studying for the last 10 years (or more), it was time to do something just for me! I wanted to explore my creative side, and started painting with acrylics as well as making fabric wall hangings using Japanese fabrics. This creative outlet is a great stress reliever and I feel like I can go into my studio and zone out from the world around me. I have many wall hangings on display in my house and received lots of wonderful comments from family & friends, so thought “hey this might be a viable business idea”. 

My very first market was in August 2011 at Market Moo, to complement the wall hangings I decided to try my hand at making resin jewellery. I have always loved jewellery (what girl doesn’t), and this was a unique way to explore my creative talents as well as offer customers something unique.

I think one of the hardest things about setting up a business is deciding on a name! I used to call myself Possum Creations or Possum Designs as I loved and hand raised possums for many years. With this venture I wanted to reflect my creative involvement and keep my name present in the business… so NicJ it became, derived from my name Nicole and my middle initial."

Currently at NicJ Designs you will find a unique and creative range of limited edition resin jewellery and accessories, plus acrylic and mixed media artwork. NicJ Designs jewellery is made using jewellery grade resin and includes Japanese paper, specialist gift papers, digital images and glitter or acrylic inclusions. 

The jewellery range includes rings, earrings, bracelets and pendants of varying shapes and sizes. 

The accessory range includes compact mirrors, purse hooks, key rings and cufflinks. So there is something for both men and women! Which is something we love here at Once Upon A Market. 

NicJ Designs is also trying to expand her custom photo jewellery and accessories by creating a unique gift for customers with their chosen photos. Nicole plans on expanding her range and designs of resin jewellery as she starts experimenting with moulds and different colours. When Nicole is not making jewellery she also paints using acrylic and mixed media on stretched canvas.She likes to explore the use of texture and often incorporates sand and impasto, or other textural components to add another dimension to her work. 

Nicole says that you could describe her artwork as abstract and she draws her inspiration from nature and loves using vibrant colours. You can purchase Nicole's artwork as well. I must say that Nicole is an incredibly talented lady :D 

 

 When asked what she likes most about creating and buying handmade Nicole told me:

"Firstly I love buying handmade items as I know how much time, effort and love has gone into the creation. Handmade items are unique, and no two creations are the same (no matter how hard we try sometimes). I love creating and making handmade items, it gives me a sense of satisfaction and joy, knowing that no-one else has made something like it. The custom photo designs are my favourites, as I know these are unique and very special to the customer." 

We certainly agree. Nicole's items are wonderfully unique and I myself own one of her beautiful necklaces.

If you would like to find out more about NicJ Designs or you would like to check out more of her wonderful creations you will find her on Facebook at: 

http://www.facebook.com/NicJDesigns?fref=ts

or you can contact Nicole personally via email:

nicj.designs@gmail.com

Firetail Creations - Gourmet Truffles and Chocolates

Firetail Creations

 This week I get to share with you all a lovely and super delicious business!! My mouth is watering just thinking about it :P 

'Firetail Creations - Gourmet Truffles and Chocolates is run by the wonderful Jamie who first started making truffles and chocolates years ago for her family and friends (lucky buggers - hehe) but after taking them into her workplace and being told how delicious they were and that she should sell them, Jamie decided that it was time to take her talent and create Firetail Creations. Thank goodness for that! 

The name Firetail Creations comes from Diamond Firetail Finches which Jamie used to love watching when she was younger.

We were lucky enough at Once Upon A Market to have Firetail Creations join us at our September market and everybody absolutely loved Jamies Gourmet truffles and chocolates.

 

 The most popular flavours at Firetail Creations are:

Milk Chocolate Rocky Road

Dark Chocolate Cherry Ripe

Honey Almond Nougat

and Turkish Delight Hearts

My favourite truffle flavour would have to be the Bailey's Irish Cream!! YUM!! 

But that is only a small sample of the wonderful goodies you will find at Firetail Creations. Jamie has an extensive flavour list available on her Facebook page and she is always willing to trial new flavours at her customer's request! YAY! 

 

Jamie has always been a lover of chocolate but as she has gotten older her tastes have changed and she now prefers to enjoy small amounts of the finest quality. This inspires her to use only the finest ingredients including delicious Belgian chocolates and the freshest produce. Which is certainly why they taste SO good!!

 We asked Jamie what she loves the most about local markets like Once Upon A Market and here is what she had to say: 

"Other than the fact that I LOVE getting out of bed early on a Sunday morning to go to work, Markets provide an opportunity for me to see people enjoying my hard work and praising what I can do. If I couldn’t see the look on someone’s face when they bite into one of my tasty treats I think I would be more nervous about getting my products out there."

Firetail Creations currently stocks Truffles in a cafe in North Adelaide and Jamie has attended a bridal fair in order to get her name out to the public. Her chocolates are the perfect addition to any desert table and can be boxed or bagged individually to use as favours or bonbonnieres. 

 You will also find Jamie and Firetail Creations at our next market on Sunday October 7th from 10am - 2pm at the Reynella Neighbourhood Centre, 164-170 Old South Rd, Old Reynella. 

So make sure you come and say hello and try some of these delicious gourmet truffles and chocolates for yourself. I promise you won't be disappointed :D 

If you would like to find out more about Firetail Creations you can check out her Facebook Page at:

www.facebook.com/firetailcreations

Or if you would like to place an order or ask any questions you can also contact Jamie via:

  email:  firetailcreations@hotmail.com

Phone: 0407801805

Lauren's Lovely Giftables!

This week our feature blog is another amazing business from Adelaide,

Lauren's Lovely Giftables! 

We had the wonderful pleasure of having Lauren's Lovely Giftables join us as a stall-holder at our September 2nd market and we got to see her wonderful creations firsthand :) 

Lauren is the owner of Lauren's Lovely Giftables, and she is 25 years old and newly married. Lauren and her husband currently live in Murray Bridge and are looking forward to settle down in a home they can call their own, preferably in the countryside with beautiful surroundings. 

 Lauren's Lovely Giftables is a new venture for Lauren, she has always dreamed of having her own business and doing something that she loves for a living. For now Lauren has a full time job as well but she is hoping that in the future she will be able to open up a shop and be fully independent. 

Lauren's Lovely Giftables all started after Lauren began creating baby bouquets for her friends who were having babies and she found that they were not only practiacl but very much appreciated by those who received them. One day Lauren was approached by a lady who asked if Lauren could make any other baby gifts. This inspired Lauren to start aking other items such as Nappy Cakes and gift boxes, it was really addictive for Lauren and every weekend Lauren would put together even more items and come up with new and practical ideas for new parents. And we are certainly glad that Lauren continued her venture and created Lauren's Lovely Giftables. 

At Lauren's Lovely Giftables you will find Nappy Cakes, Baby Bouquets, Baby Gift Boxes, Funky button decorated photo frames, Facewasher pops, Soft toys, Cup and Saucer sets, pamper gift sets, Mug and chocolate gifts and more. 

You won't just find gifts for babies though. You can also find some gifts for adults too, and if you find Lauren at some of the country markets you may even see some of her small range of baked goods :)  

Lauren loves to see the joy on peoples faces when her gifts are given and this inspires her to look around for unique and beautiful items that she knows the person receiving will love and appreciate. Making a gift from Lauren's Lovely Giftables even more special.

When we asked Lauren what she loves to buy from markets she replied:

"

I love to buy unique items at Markets. I love all the quilted items, I appreciate how much work goes into the making of them. I also love buying anything crafty!"

And we appreciate all your work and gorgeous items too Lauren :) 

If you are interested in finding out more about Lauren's Lovely Giftables or you would like to place an order you can contact Lauren via: 

Facebook: Facebook.com/LaurensLovelyGiftables

Phone: 0431 935 677

Email: Lovelygiftable@gmail.com

August Newsletter

It has been a SUPER CRAZY month here at Once Upon A Market headquarters! I must say I have never been so busy in my entire life and I am absolutely loving having you all follow me on this wild and incredibly fun journey :D 

The biggest news of all was our BIG change. After thinking long and hard it was deicded by myself that Once Upon A Market would benefit greatly if it was just based in the south for now! So we have cancelled all future Littlehampton dates and now have brand new Reynella dates. Which you can see on the flyer below:

This new change is proving to be very popular and I am so grateful for everybody who has supported our super cool new market :D This year has been so much fun and although I will miss Littlehampton I know that basing Once Upon A Market at Reynella will help our market grow immensly over the years to come! Once Upon A Market Reynella will see many more changes as I embark on a new journey with lots of fantastic ideas........and you all get to come along for the ride! :D

Due to our market changing we now have a new logo, It is incorporating my favourite pastel colours. I hope you like it. You will mostly be seeing our purple theme around the south as you find our flyers and banners going up!! I will be working extra hard on advertising to spread the word of our fantastic market. 

I have had lots and lots of applications for our Reynella markets and I am so excited to be able to showcase so many wonderful businesses with the southern community. I know they will absolutely love everybody and their clever items.



The Reynella markets will be held on the first Sunday of every month until December.

Starting in December the markets will be held on the first Saturday of every month. By holding the market every month I am hoping that we will be able to not only share stalls around more often and offer variety to our customers but also we will be able to create a community feel about our market days and become a regular outing for our customers.

There is only 9 sleeps until the next Once Upon A Market and we hope to see an even bigger turnout than the first one as the word spreads.

We hope that you can come and join us for a fun filled day! We know that it is being held on Fathers Day 2nd September but we hope that you will bring dad along for a day our or even come down to grab dad that final fathers day gift! I am sure he would love some of the yummy treats our stalls will have available on the day!

Grab a hot chocolate or coffee from our canteen and bring your friends and family along for a lovely day out!  Just look out for the purple balloons and the Once Upon A Market signs:

 

You will find us on 2nd September 2012 at the Reynella Neighbourhood Centre 164 - 170 Old South Road, Old Reynella from 10am - 2pm.

 See you there xxx 

 

Sweet & Sassy

 We have a newcomer joining the Once Upon A Market family on August 4th and it is with great pleasure that I get to introduce this wonderful business to you all as they are our feature business this week!! So join me as we get to know a little bit more about........

Sweet and Sassy

 Sweet and Sassy is run by the lovely Kylie who is a busy mum who lives on a farm with her husband and 3 children, 2 girls aged 12 and 4 and a boy aged 10!

Kylie first started her business after making some hair accessories to match her youngest daughters clothes. Kylies eldest daughter liked the headbands her mum created and so some were made for her. It seems that this is how the chain started. Soon enough friends were asking Kylie to create items for their little girls and it wasn't long before Kylie's business blossomed.

And we are certainly glad that Sweet and Sassy is around today. 




At Sweet and Sassy you will find gorgeous handmade hair accessories. The amazing variety of colours and designs you will find at Sweet and Sassy means the little girls in your life will never run out of cute and beautiful items to wear and accessorise with.

Sweet and Sassy even creates wonderful hair accessories for the school kids to wear in a variety of school colours!!

But Kylie's talent doesnt end there! you will also find some beautiful girls clothing at Sweet and Sassy. Kylie did think about creating boys clothes as well but with so many girly hair accessories believed they may be out of place and has decided to stick to just Girls items.

 

 As Kylie will be joining us at Once Upon A Market soon I decided to ask her what she loves about attending markets:

"My favourite thing about markets is meeting new people and seeing all the fantastic things that people make."

Well I think that we are all looking forward to seeing what fantastic things Sweet and Sassy will be sharing with us on market day :D and I don't think anyone is going to be disappointed with so many gorgeous items! 

 

 If you would like to see more from Sweet and Sassy or you would like to order some of her gorgeous items you can contact Kylie via:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweet-and-Sassy/275227611388

or via email:  sweetandsassy@hotmail.com.au

Reynella - Grand Opening!

Raffle Table

Last weekend Once Upon A Market had its very first market at the new Reynella Venue! And boy was it an exciting day!!

Having a new venue meant lots of new work on top of our Littlehampton market but it sure was worth it in the end. A new venue also meant lots of new stalls and new talents which was amazing to see and even more amazing to showcase!!

Our day started off fairly early as me and my Once Upon A Market crew heading to the venue with a helium tank to blow up 50 Purple balloons to help draw in the crowds from the intersection and main road! and i'm glad I did!!

Just Chips SA

We had lots of yummy food on the day including Just Chips SA who were outside with their bright red gazebo ready to serve our very cold customers with some delicious cones of hot chips with some of the very best seasonings in Adelaide to go on top! They also had some of their brand new items, Sweet Potato Fries and Hash Browns! Yep we were very lucky that day!!

A few steps away from them were the Reynella Neighbourhood Centre Team who kindly organised a Sausage Sizzle for us and fundraised for the centre itself which was fantastic!!

Inside the building my own Once Upon A Market team  also kept everybody warm with Coffee, Tea and Hot Chocolate as well as some banana bread, scones and raisin toast! Yum!!

Outside we were also lucky enough to have some super scrumdidliumptious sweets from Fairy Floss Galore/Sweet and Sour.....I enjoyed quite a few of these delicious straps! and had to go back to get some more to take home for my kids!! they had an absolutely amazing selection of flavours that tickle both the sweet and sour fans!! My favourite was Lychee and Tutti Frutti!! 

chi-bird

Of course our day wouldn't have been a day without our lovely inside stall-holders as well and my oh my did we have a wonderful selection of stalls inside. As you can see from all these gorgeous photos! 

crafty creations by Melissa

LilCranny Handmade

Itzy Bitz

There were stalls for everybody including jewellery, dvds, remote control toys, clothing, baby items, hair accessories, pet accessories and much much more!! It really was remarkable!! 

Stacey Jane Nappy Cakes

Help Save the Furry Ones

We also had some brand new stall-holders to the market scene who chose Once Upon A Market as their first experience including Stacey Jane's Nappy Cakes and Dallas Bucket! they had some great items to showcase and we were lucky to be their first ever market! We also had some stalls that most of you have seen once, twice or even more around Adelaide local markets! and of course we has a couple of Once Upon A Market regulars that I know you all love :D 

Beautylicious

Sweet Cuddles

The kids were able to have fun at the market as well with our very own kids zone! which included a super cool playground and colouring zone! the perfect place for kids to run around and have fun! For the adults we had a fun raffle where one of our customers won herself a gorgeous gift hamper full of goodies from our wonderful stall holders!! 

Miss Charlie Bubbles

Throughout the day we had so many customers but we had some VIP customers too!! including the lovely Amanda from Radelaide Rover who is also one of our Major Sponsors!! and we had the adorable Kristy from Moments of Forever Photography who very kindly took all these photos for us during the day! 

3 Angel Crafts

For some people the day went too quickly and most were sad to be going home but it won't be long before we are all back again to have even more fun! and next time we will even bigger and better with lots of new ideas, kids entertainment and more! Our next Reynella Market will be held on the 2nd September at the Reynella Neighbourhood Centre, Old Reynella from 10am - 2pm! and we very much hope to see you there to join us for a day of fun, giggles and shopping!! 

Heavenly Cake pops

But if you can't wait that long! (like I know i can't) Once Upon A Market will be on at Littlehampton August 4th from 10am - 3pm at the Littlehampton Peace Memorial Hall!! We hope to see you all there!!

Thankyou to everyone who has supported Once Upon A Market this year! we hope to be running for many more years to come :D 

Cute Clipz Etc!

This week I get to introduce to you one of lovely stall-holders who joined us on July 1st at Once Upon A Market. I couldn't resist buying a few gorgeous items from Cute Clipz etc on the day so I am extremely excited to be able to share this wonderful business with you all :D 

Cute Clipz etc is run by the lovely Luisa Eckermann a married stay at home mum to a gorgeous 17 month old little boy!! Although Luisa has a little boy that doesn't stop her from making some absolutely gorgeous pretty items for all the girls out there. And thank goodness for that because without Luisa I wouldn't have looked as good as I did at my family do without my Cute Clipz etc headband :D 

 When I asked Luisa why she started Cute Clipz back in October 2011 she replied:

"Making hair accessories was a small hobby of mine that I did late at night. I found it relaxing and it helped me unwind from my busy day! I began in October 2011 and really enjoyed doing it! When friends and family members came over and would look at what I had done, they all encouraged me to sell...but I wasn't so sure. Then a few of them started putting orders in and recommending me to their friends, and slowly I started getting quite busy! I was then encouraged to make up a facebook page, and then the likers started rolling in, as well as more orders from online. I was getting more and more excited about my hobby which was slowly starting to turn into a little business! I then attempted a small market and a few fundraising evenings. These were all a great success for me! So slowly but surely I am doing more markets and other events too."






And we are so lucky here in Adelaide to be able to have the chance to visit Luisa and Cute Clipz etc at our local markets!! We hope that Luisa keeps up the great work :D

At Cute Clipz etc. you will find gorgeous handmade hair accessories for girls and women of all ages. Including headbands, hair ties, large bows, alligator clips, bobby pins and snap clips!! Everything you need to make that outfit extra special!! 

All Cute Clipz etc items can be custom made to suit your needs or you can pick from their extensive range! How easy is that? 

You can get gorgeous hair accessories for formal and special occassions, school wear, everyday wear or just for fun!! All of Luisa's accessories are made with the utmost care and attention to detail to ensure that her final products are of the highest quality. 

(please remember that all children under 3 need to be supervised whilst wearing hair accessories as some may include small parts).

 While I was finding out a little bit more about Luisa and Cute Clipz etc. I got to find out what markets Luisa loves to attend as a shopper and a stall-holder:

"I love going to Once Upon A Market, Lollipop market and Fullarton Market for my handmade items, and for fresh produce I go to the Adelaide Hills Farmers Markets which are a gorgeous little market! As I am relatively new on the market scene, my favourite ones so far have been Once Upon A Market and the St Peter's Fair."

 If you would like to find out more about Cute Clipz etc or if you would like to purchase an item or make a custom order, you can find them on Facebook at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cute-Clipz-Etc/272379329461813

you can also contact Luisa via email at:

cuteclipzetc@gmail.com

So for all your hair accessories for the young and young at heart head over to Cute Clipz etc and don't forget to look out for her at local markets around Adelaide so you can meet Luisa in person and take a look at her outstanding products!!