WOW ... look at the Sydney Event

If you are in Sydney then you simply MUST pop into Magnolia Square at the Randwick Racecourse. We are located in the beautiful white marquee right on the racetrack. Enter the carpark at Alison Rd.

Thursday 19 Nov 2pm-9pm
Friday 20 Nov 10am-9pm
Saturday 21 Nov 10am-4pm

Pru from Little Bird Photogrpahy has been whizzing around the marquee capturing these beautiful images of our retailers ...

Scissors, paper, cake really is a sight to behold ... they can help you style the birthday party of a life time for your little person!

Kindergallery are back at Magnolia Square with stunning Meredith Gaston original works and the Tamar Morgendorff birdhouses.

Bride and Wolfe with their inspired creations to decorate the home ... great alternative to a Christmas wreath for the front door.

Lox and Savvy paper products. Speaking of paper products make sure you see our stunning paper christmas tree collage made with the input of our paper retailers ...

And Me Too are showing their childrens wear range ... orders may be placed and will be posted out asap!

Little Jane St have beautiful frame worthy cards and we love these printed ribbons.

KEK - a colour explosion ... LOVE it!

The bold and bright work of Prints Charming who have the most divine display of textiles and made up products ... quilting enthusists don't miss this.

Truffaux are showing with us for the first time ... these pananma hats are just SO cool, the range is extensive and best part, they custom fit them to your head while you wait!

These pretty as a picture cushions are from Habitat Baby ... oh so cute. Habitat Baby are one of the Australian Stockists of UK artist Mandy Sutcliffe from Belle & Boo ... if you are a fan then come by tomorrow from 11am and have a print signed by Mandy herself!

Hunt & Gather have it for cool eco design. This is a really well curated range of innovative product from around the world.

And this is our entrance ... we are having a "doily" moment and have used these humble perforated bits of paper to do amazing things in our space. There are lots of other paper ideas for that matter ... including a very beautiful white paper tree by Jo Neville from Paper Couture in Paddington.

We are thrilled to have Pratten at Mag Square ... these purses are just heavenly dont you think? Can't possibly stop at one colour though!

These very sweet Christmas tags are by so smitten ... they have a really lovely range, we are feeling very smitten!

Oh deer! Such beautiful cards by me and amber ... we love their simple take on a Christmas card and they would look stunning as a bunting on brown string ...

These heart boxes are the work of Lisa Tilse of the red thread ... we are very excited to have Lisa at Mag Square as we have been long time admirers of her work.

decisions decisions....

Visit us at The Oaks Lawn Marquee Royal Randwick Racecourse Alison Road Randwick

Thursday 2-9pm Friday 10am - 9pm Saturday 10am - 4pm (mini fair11-2pm)

Magnolia Square Sydney is only days away! We have been toiling away ensuring our second Sydney fair is even better than the first.

An indoor, licensed cafe to meet the girls over a glass of champagne, a craft table and mini fair ( Saturday) for the children, easy on site parking and the most amazing line up of unique retailers ... its all here for you! The only thing you will be left with is the decisions..where to start; where to look, what to buy, what colour, do I need another handbag....its going to be tough!

Top to bottom - Me and Amber, Little Jane Street, Angus and Celeste, Koolaman Designs.

all the fun of the fair....

A week from today the Magnolia Square mini fun fair will be in full swing! For you there are more than 80 retailers showcasing the very best in unique home wares, jewellery, fashion, children's clothing, art and edible goodies and the chance to have all your Christmas shopping done in one spot. For the kids, Saturday (21st) brings just as much fun. There will be balloons, pony rides, face painting and cupcake decorating classes from Sparkle cupcakery.

Cupcake Decorating sessions 11.30 and 1pm (limited spaces)
Face painting sponsored by My Child between 11-3pm
Pony rides 11-3pm

LMNOP Craft table - every day ( inside the Marquee)

You will also have the chance to meet British artist Mandy Sutcliffe from Belle and Boo - pop over to Little Snippets to read more!

The Oaks Marquee Royal Randwick Racecourse Alison Road Randwick. Click here for trading times.

essential reading ...

Today we have received a fabulous mention in the essential section of the Sydney Morning Herald!! To read the article click here.

the golden ticket ...

We have 20 double passes to Magnolia Square Randwick * to give away ... and it is really easy to win! Tell us in 25 words or less what you love most about Magnolia Square.

Email your answer to info@magnoliasquare.com.au with the subject heading VIP PASS. Include your address so we can post out your ticket. Winners announced on blog Sunday 15th November.

*Admission to Randwick event normally $8, which includes all day parking at venue

stopping all stations ...

A love of typography was the starting point for this business. Founder Tracy Strange loved the bold and iconic graphics of old tram banners and bus destination scrolls. Taking it one step closer to home Tracy launched a personalised service to create meaningful, contemporary art works which looked fabulous and did not cost the earth.

Customisations have been as simple as banners listing favourite travel destinations right through to banners listing marriage dates, childrens names and special places for a family. They have proven to be a terrific gift for husbands and fathers, weddings and special milestone birthdays.

Tracy's work was featured in the October 2009 edition of Home Beautiful.

Tram Banners will be at the Magnolia Square Christmas Event at the Malvern Town Hall 26, 27, 28 November - check www.magnoliasquare.com.au for location and trading times.

ordinary to extraordinary.....

Tea and biscuits, fresh flowers and other fancifal objects are transformed into little pieces of wearable art by the very talented Victoria Mason. Described by the artist as a 'celebration of simple every day items' the collection is handmade from scratch using sterling silver and traditional jewellery techniques.

You will find necklaces that will remind you of summer holidays, a long forgotten love for Derwents, and earrings and rings reminiscent of high teas shared with Nana.

These pieces are not only beautiful keepsakes; they are contemporary talismans to remind us that it’s often the simplest things, which give us the greatest pleasure.

View new designs in time for Christmas such as the portable-vase necklace, 'Say it with Flowers', the delightful 'Sandwich' range & 'Morning Tea' ring set at Magnolia Square Malvern.

melaMINE!

Fresh, bold and fun homewares - Kek! is coming to Magnolia Square Sydney!

Based on the philosophy that homewares need not be boring, the RICE range of homewares makes living with colour all part of the fun. From funky pink canisters to polka dot veg table peelers and pastel rolling pins, Kek! pieces are both functional and visually stunning.

Offering individuality and a little bit of eccentricity, Kek! has everything you need to turn your home from bland to beautiful!

Magnolia Square shoppers visiting on Friday the 20th after 6pm will receive a complimentary glass of champagne and will go into the draw to win this gorgeous Kek! bag valued at $175!!! Simply pop your business card or name and number into the box as you arrive ( champagne limited to first 150 guests after 6pm).

time to get crafty....

The Crafty Minx is about making simply gorgeous things from preloved, remnant and vintage items. Written especially for non-crafters with the will but not necessarily the 'how', author Kelly Doust shares the delicious rewards of living with and sharing thoughtful handmade treasures. With over 75 projects to choose from; summer beach bags; cotton apron tops to cosy lambswool throws and cashmere-covered hot water bottles there is something for everyone. Each project sets about to give traditional crafts a modern makeover and is suitable for crafters of all skill levels. Featuring innovative ways to get creative, it reflects the huge cultural shift taking place towards recycling and buying locally.

For regular updates on all that is hot in the world of craft and handmade inspirations you can tune into Kelly's blog by the same name. Our thanks to Kelly for including Magnolia Square in the latest post. Kelly also runs workshops around Australia - click here for more information.

all the colours of the rainbow....

Red and yellow and pink and blue........its the smorgasbord of colour from Pratten. Each vibrant piece has been designed by Australian duo Monique and Justine Pratten and made from luxuriously soft eel skin and other high quality leathers.

The likes of Carrie Moss, Jessica Biel and Megan Gale have been seen with a Pratten purse in hand and who could blame them....all of us here think they are divine!

Pratten has recently expanded their classic wallet and clip purse range, adding glamorous evening clutches and stylish day bags to their classic favourites. The only hard part is choosing a colour......I have my eye on the yellow. Note to Pratten girls..we need shoes to match!!

See the range at Magnolia Square Randwick November 19, 20 and 21.

marie claire says so ...

We were delighted to find ourselves featured in the Marie Claire events diary this month. Its been great to see some of our favourite publications promoting Magnolia Square and supporting Australian talent. To see more recent press from the likes of Vogue Living, My Child, Inside Out ,Donna Hay and Notebook click here.

towards a betterworld......

Its not only the striking colour palette and amazing patterning that caught our eye when the application for Better World Arts came through - it was also the business model that we loved.

Better World Arts produces and sources high quality art and handicrafts using the traditional skills of artists and craftspeople. Profits are distributed fairly amongst traditional artists ensuring profits go directly into indigenous communities.

Better World Arts recognizes that culture is strengthened when traditional skills and life styles are valued and supported. They aim to create innovative products and business structures which support local communities culturally and economically, and engage the global marketplace.

Each paintings and design used on the range is an authentic work by a traditional artist and reflects the culture of the Indigenous people whose art they promote.

Better World Arts is promoting harmony, goodwill and economic links between communities across the globe and offering a unique and stunning product range in the process! See the range and learn more about the artists at Magnolia Square Sydney The Oaks Lawn Marquee Royal Randwick Racecourse.

hello paris....

Across the board women share a love for beautiful jewellery - and jewellery created in romantic France - well, need we say more?

So French So Chic brings together unique French designers each with a distinguishable handwriting and stand out style. Cendrillon, Zoe Bonbon and Oscar Galea, are among the range that aims to get you noticed.

Be sure to stop by So French So Chic at the Sydney and Malvern events.

mobile art...

These wistful pieces of floating art are the handiwork of Nina Still from Puka Puka Designs. The result is a modern Matisse meets Scandinavian sculpture only lighter and enhanced by natural movement.

Each mobile is the creation of trained architect and jewellery designer, Nina and is inspired by the Australian landscape. We love the combination of texture and lightness which plays on the eye creating a kaleidoscope of moving colour.

Nina describes her mobile range as "meditative artwork that creates shadows, moves and sings in the space". The mobile becomes more of a moving sculpture than a mere decorative object.

You will meet Nina at Magnolia Square in Randwick November 19, 10 and 21. Come after 6pm on Thursday or Friday evening and receive a complimentary glass of champagne. (limited to first 150 guests)..art and wine..can't get much better then that!

fashionell.....

Nell is a collection of women's fashion, accessories and home wares designed by Emmanuelle Flahault. Each piece is wearable, practical and beautiful in equal measure produced with simple, strong bones ready to be made the wearers own.

Playing with fabrics and colours has occupied Nell since she was a child, when she used to amuse herself in her grandmother’s wardrobe and disappear into the attic, sifting through for inspirational things.

Today, Emmanuelle hunts for treasures on her travels, and then finds new ways to interpret them into all the various facets of her collection. Her next destination will be Malvern Town Hall and Randwick for Magnolia Square Christmas events.

dreaming of summer......

As we sit inside hiding from the wind and rain outside, summer seems little more then a distant memory....but it will of course be here before we know it.

Beaches and Dream ( such a great name!) is just the thing to have you looking super glamorous as you lounge around the pool or head down to the sand. Sourced from around the globe, the collection centers around coastal lifestyle and includes swimwear throw-overs, beach dresses and cover ups. All are beautifully designed with practicality and easy care at the core.

We love the range so much that we have invited Beaches and Dream to all of our Christmas fairs...Brighton Town Hall, Malvern Town Hall and The Oaks Marquee at Royal Randwick. Bring on the sun!

sweeter than honey....

You can't get much sweeter then this...the delightfully child-like range from Bluebird and Honey. Think bold felt applique, oversized, colourful buttons, playful animal critters and nostalgic fabrics on cushions, layettes, pinafores and softies.

The range is Australian-made with contributors from many different walks of life and pride's itself on 'being devoted to no particular style but to style itself'

Visit Bluebird and Honey at Magnolia Square in Sydney where you will find the stand is as much a treat as the collection.

a treasure trove.....

The new collection from Trove Designs is bolder and more daring then the last but are just as amazing. Designer Brooke McAlary combines carefully sourced papers from Tibet, Japan and India with resin to create her geometrically distinctive pieces.

Each is hand poured, hand cut and hand finished in Brooke's Blue Mountains Studio ensuring no two pieces are exactly the same.

See the range at Magnolia Square in Randwick November 19-21.

olives a plenty....

Wollundry Grove olive products reflect the special role small, dedicated producers play in the setting of quality and flavour standards.

Our Premium Australian Olive Oil and Table Olives are produced with pride and without compromise, resulting in a quality and character difficult for larger producers to match.

Owners Neville and Chris guarantee the origin and health of our fruit, the hygiene of their processing practices and the veracity of their agricultural methods.

They pride themselves on producing a Premium Australian Olive Oil, a medium to intense fruity oil with a complex aroma, olive freshness and distinct herbaceous flavour.

Underlying its structure is a balance of vegetal bitterness and spiciness indicating the significant presence of phenols, which give the oil its flavour and extraordinary health properties.

Wollundry Grove Olives Premium Australian Olive Oil is ideally suited to a wide range of dishes, particularly green vegetables, rich soups, crudités and pasta dishes.

Be sure to sample some of the good oil and their range of table olives at Magnolia Square Randwick this November.

berlovely......

We love finding talented crafters breathing new life into old and abandoned bits and pieces. Berlinski caught our eye for that very reason...and because designer Alison Willis crates a gorgeous, thoughtful end product. Each piece within the homewares and fashion accessories range is unique and made using vintage Japanese kimono pieces, antique and vintage tablecloths, laces and embroideries.

Berlinski grew through Alison’s passion for sewing, design and beautiful vintage fabrics and linens. Each piece is based on a simple design using good quality structural fabrics which allows the unique hand picked vintage fabric to be the feature.

"Berlinski accessories are created to be beautiful, functional works of art!" says Alison and when you see the range at Magnolia Square at Randwick in November I am sure you will agree!

first impressions....

In a time where everything old is new again, the art of hand written letters in enjoying a revival.

The motivation behind Audrey's Desk was to provide a family friendly creative outlet for mother of two young boys, Tina Cabela.

Tina's designs are contemporary and elegant and combine timeless letterpress techniques with more modern off set printing methods.

"I've been interested in stationery from an early age as I was brought up to expect that a card with its message is as important as the actual gift itself. My card range tries to bring back a time when a beautiful card with a handwritten message creates that first impression in a person's gift giving experience. It's a special way to create an impression that is meaningful in a card that is just right."

Couldn't of said it any better myself. You will find Audreys desk at Magnolia Square Sydney - just in time to purchase your chrissy cards.

ring o moss....

Tree huggers unite.....feel at one with nature by wearing a little piece of earth on your finger. This very cool Moss ring is brought to you by Heaven In Earth; our very favourite for all things yard and garden.

What a spectacularly unique Christmas gift for the green thumb in your family...get your hands on one at Magnolia Square in November at Royal Randwick Racecourse.

charming prints.....

Cath Derksema and Kirsten Junor are the talented duo behind Prints Charming both with a passion for changing the world, one craft project at a time! The ladies describe themselves as 'designers, hand screen fabric printers and modern crafters'

Hand printing fabric in their Sydney studio leads the team to be inspired in many directions. By printing only 3 metre lengths at a time they are able to constantly change colour palettes and designs so making a visit to the studio a new experience every time. The style could be described as fresh and modern with bold, edgy designs dancing on the fabric.

"We love to sew as well, fabric often going straight from the print table to the sewing machine. Stitched into quilts, soft furnishings, women’s wear, bags and anything else we can. Hand embellishment is a strong influence and we love to embroider round and round our organic printed motifs."

We are thrilled to have Prints Charming joining us in Sydney this November but if you can't wait that long, check out their online store or if your feeling creative learn more about their craft classes here.

glory fied......

Your days will be glorious indeed with a tailor made bag from Glorydaze. Play in a virtual smorgasbord of fabrics and styles as you choose each element of your custom made bag.

Whether your into vintage fabrics, screen printed designs, designer materials or love a piece in the signature range, you will find the perfect fabric for your new bag. Available in tote, messenger, satchel styles, the combinations are endless.

Glory Daze is committed to providing you with a beautiful bag, each hand cut and sewn just locally using the very highest quality and most durable materials.

Pick and choose your bag at Magnolia Square in November Malvern Town Hall.

mad hatter....

Hats Glorious Hats..........The Truffaux is the culmination of extensive research, toil and trouble in order to unlock the secrets of fine hat wearing. Birthed from extensive South American travels, decades of passionate hat collecting, a powerful disgust for the cap monoculture, and most importantly, dreaming of a world full of beautiful hats.

Each Truffaux hat is designed by hat fanatic couple, Oska and Imogen and hand woven in great Ecuadorian tradition. In essence, they are beautiful, well made hats for real people who are after a hat to love.

"The Truffaux is the result of our genuine desire to make the world a stranger, more beautiful place" says Oska.

You will see the range at Magnolia Square Christmas fairs in both Sydney and Melbourne....go forth!

art in stone....

Mayriel Luke from ARTipelago set about designing an interesting combination of contemporary jewellery using local materials to create unique designs.

The concept behind the designs was to use classical pearls and combine them with other beads, mixed semi precious stones and cut crystals. What makes the range especially unique is the use of layering in three and five dimensional formations. The collection is vast and the quality impeccable making it a favourite among Magnolia Square shoppers.

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Spoil yourself at Magnolia Square in Randwick where the range will be on display or view online.

an artist in our midst....

Magnolia Square prides itself on seeking out emerging talent and delights in providing a platform for established artists and craftspeople. This November, we will be in very good company when renowned artist, Chris Chun comes to exhibit his distinguished collection.

Chris describes himself as (having) an appetite for fun, great food, adventure and beautiful things. His paintings celebrate joy and optimism. Whether it is luscious gelati from Rome, the serenity of the temples in Kyoto or the beauty of a peony rose, Chris is always inspired from living “la dolce vita”.

As an award winning designer Chris has worked around the world including Australia, Italy and the UK. Chris was selected as a finalist in both the 2004 Fleurieu Peninsula Biennale Art of Food and the 2005 Jacques Cadry Memorial Art Prizes.

Mee Chris this Novmeber at Malvern Town Hall.

we heart....handmade home

Regular readers of Little Snippets will be familiar with the gorgeous girls from We heart Books who bring us regular book reviews from their delightful range. Today they take us through something a little bit more grown up - Handmade Home.

I’m betting that you’d be hard-pressed to find a blog-reading mum these days who hasn’t come across the wonderful Soulemama in blogland…

Based in coastal Maine, Amanda Blake Soule is a truly amazing Mama of four. Her regular posts on her life full of the joys of crafting, thrifting, and exploring the natural environment are a constant source of inspiration to the hundreds of people who comment on her blog each day – and hundreds more who read it.

Handmade Home is Amanda’s second book, and is subtitled ‘Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Materials into New Family Treasures’. Beautifully presented, it is based on the idea of connecting to the past, preserving a more traditional way of life, and placing value on the work of the hands. The book offers gems of wisdom on repurposing fabrics, sourcing vintage materials and collaborating on craft with children, as well as thirty-three flexible and easy-to-follow sewing projects.

My favourite ideas from the book include ‘Family Sweater Hats’ (beanies made from old woolen jumpers), a vintage ‘Pillowcase Dress’ (for toddlers) and a patchworked ‘Beach Blanket To Go’.

This is a book that provides endless inspiration as well as a practical how-to – providing hours of browsing and re-browsing…

Handmade Home is part of a new range of 'Books for Mums' in the We Heart Books store.

Katie X

Thanks Katie - and all the best with your new bub due in a few weeks!

make dads day...

Fathers Day is almost here and its time to say thanks to our wonderful Dads. They come in really handy on bin night, when the lawn needs mowing and are only a scream away from removing those pesky creepy crawlies but sometimes need a little help in the style department.

Here's two fab Fathers Day ideas from Hunt and Gather that will have him thinking he is a bit all that!

With designs inspired by the forest inhabitants of Ontario, Canada these quirky hand made skinny lap top sleeves will keep his 'baby' protected in style. Padded with closed-cell foam inside tough stain-resistant fabric, wool felt applique and a luxurious rich red lining - perfect!

If gadgets aren't his thing, these funky belts from Bare Tree may just fit the bill.

Hunt and Gather will be showing at our Randwick Christmas fair November 19th - 21st.

bursting with gorgeous ...

The Spring Fair in Malvern was a blooming sucess .... images of our most recent fair in Malvern, courtesy of Little Bird Photography. Applications are now being taken for the Christmas fairs in Sydney and Melbourne so if you make or create...drop us a line and tell us about it!

Pictured above, paper birds nestled amongst mossy branches, party time at Sambellina and the newly launched book HANDMADE IN MELBOURNE which features lots of talented Magnolia Square retailers. Check it out!

spring is here...almost....

Our Spring fair in Malvern was brimming with gourmet delights and bursting with delicious take home treats.

The Ed Dixon Food Design Cafe was abuzz with shoppers refueling for a second (and third) round of browsing the aisles and provided the perfect meeting spot for a morning latte with friends.

Gateaux de Bordeaux caneles looked ( and tasted) amazing and added a french flair to our spring soiree.

And what is Magnolia Square without Riccis Bikkis..ever fresh with and expanding product range to taste and tempt.

We will be bringing you more pics of the Spring fair over the coming weeks so stay tuned! Images - Little Bird Photography