Bon voyage!

Hello! You may remember in my last post, I mentioned a road trip on the horizon for Elkhorn and myself. Well there's just one destination in mind, Melbourne! It's a no return journey making Melbourne my new home! It's time to spread my wings(as corny as that sounds) and start a new adventure. Breathe in the city air(cough cough) and get amongst all the other creative types! Sadly this means I will be saying goodbye(for now) to the beautiful Central Coast which I have called home for the last 2 and a half years.
So this Saturday there will be a 'Bon voyage Studio Sale' to send off some Elkhorn designs to homes around the coast. Just so you don't forget us. If your a local or feel like a little road trip yourself, I would love to see you. Please come say HI! The sale starts 8am and finishing up about 1pm. The studio is located just near Woy Woy, at 407 Orange Grove Road, Blackwall. Please email me if you would like further directions. If you are keen enough to be coming from Sydney it's about 1.15hrs drive and from Newcastle it's about 1.3hrs. Either way it's worth the visit! I promise. You could even make a day of it and have lunch at Woy Woy Fishermen's Wharf, which is a must! That's where I'll be later in the day. The sun is meant to be shining, so it should be a fab day!

Before I head off I would love to share a few things that I will miss the most on the Central Coast...
In no particular order

The Wharf, Fishermen's Wharf Woy Woy. They have been so welcoming to me, even letting me use their gorgeous restaurant to shoot the latest Elkhorn range. 

Wharves, wharves and more wharves. Have provided me with endless inspiration, and tranquil spot to hang out and have a coffee.

The Beach! Bliss

Bush tracks

Putt Putt's! Who would of thought they would be so photogenic

Elkhorn Mother... Sadly I can't take her with me. She has been my rock, offering endless support to me and Elkhorn! She will be most missed!

The token Pelican. Always managing to get into my product shots.

Studio visitors

The cute factor triples in spring

Dreamy Boat houses

and last but not least, time spent kayaking with dad and friends.

I will miss it all but look forward to new adventures in Victoria and exploring new coast lines, and bush tracks! Let me know if you have any must see places, that you think I'd love!

Good Bye tranquil Coast. You have truly been the best place to relax, reflect and create in peace, all things Elkhorn. Thanks for having me. You will always be home xx

On the Road

Open publication - Free publishing - More handmade

I absolutely love the monthly look-books that Poppytalk Handmade put together. This month's theme 'On the Road' captures the essence of Summer, getting out and exploring. This would have to be one of my favorite themes... there's nothing not to love about this look book! And of course if you flipped through about half way you'll find Elkhorn ;)

Browsing 'On the Road' reminded me of my road trip I did last year with a great friend. We squeezed many kilometers into just 2 weeks, driving from Perth up north to Monkey Mia and then back again, going further south to Margaret River(which is divine by the way). I would have to say it was definitely a very scenic trip with long long stretches of road(with nothing in between and no sign of good coffee)... which is what you'd expect from this coastline but the long drive didn't seem to faze us. With some great music, silly banter, ever changing landscapes and exploring the 'unknown' it was a great adventure in itself! I've wanted to share some of the photos for ages... but you can imagine how many photos I took. But this has prompted me to finally share a few...

 

 

It was such a diverse trip, it's hard to some it up over a few photos. But I think it shows how beautiful WA is... it left me wanting more! Love to hear about your road trips! I have a little solo one coming up soon... a big adventure for me xx

Etsy Winter Loving

It's been a while since I put together an Etsy Treasury of my favourite designs. For those who don't know what a Treasury is, it's a Etsy thing where members curate a shopping gallery with their favourite Etsy designs, bringing them together in a theme for everyone to see. It's a great way to help promote Etsy sellers. I try and do one at least every season... hence 'Winter nesting'.
This collection is prominently Australian which is so cool! So many talented EtsyAU sellers. The Aussie Etsy shops have been growing which is so great to see! Although I do still have a few fave international sellers thrown into the mix. If you see something you love then make sure you click here to take travel further into their shops! xx
P.S how cute are those Squirrel's spooning ;)

Elkhorn Sale Time!!!

As a little thank you to all our wonderful & supportive Elkhorn friends we are treating you to 25% off our full range of Elkhorn in our Etsy Store until July 2nd. Just use coupon code: 'treat' to receive the discount at checkout. We also have a few extra specials for sale, one-of-a-kind and short run designs. Thanks for everything xxx Hope you treat yourself!!!
Please pass on to any friends that you think would also love a Elkhorn special!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ElkhornDesign

Handmade Markets

This weekend...

It's been way too long since I've updated Elkhorn Happenings! This is just a quick Hello to let you know Elkhorn will be traveling down to Canberra for this weekend's Handmade Markets.
It's been nearly two years since we last visited and can't wait to say hey again!
I'm looking forward to the long weekend away... not sure about the -4 weather forecast? Teeth chattering! See you tomorrow. xx

Etsy, Artist & Technology event

Hello Hello!! I just wanted to let you in on an exciting event lined up for the 30th May!! At first I didn't really want to share it with anyone as I am one of the guest speakers which was freaking me out! I'm shy. But since meeting all the fabulous organisers Angela from EtsyAU, Bree from Apple, Leland from EtsyUS (Director of Product) and the other Etsy seller guest speakers I feel so much better about it. Leland who will be heading the talk was just so enthusiastic & personable very American(fun & chatty) that it has put me at ease(for now). He's made it sound less like a presentation and more of a casual conversation.

 

SO I should tell you about the event! As you can see from the title it's all about Etsy, Artists and Technology... sounds cool, right?! It's a collaboration of Vivid Festival, Apple & Etsy. Leland will be talking to us about how we use technology in our work and how Etsy has helped us grow our online presence. I hope to learn a few more tips too! So if your in town drop in and say hi, ask me some questions! I dare you ;)  The other Etsy designers talking will be Jennifer from Idoityourself and Marc from Marc Barer. All our work is quite varied so you should hear a few different stories.

Apple Store, Sydney
367 George St. Sydney
6:30pm

Also, if this sort of event appeals to you, then you would love love the Etsy Success Sydney also part of Vivid Festival. It looks amazing and definitely worth investing in. There are sooo many great speakers attending. Unfortunately I can't make it as I will be having fun at The Finders Keepers Markets. You could could go to both and report back to me on everything you learn from Etsy Success! xx

Market Love in Newy!

Ahhhh! I can't believe it's the start of May! I seriously don't know where the time's gone, and sometimes how to account for it... me and time are not good friends of late!
But I'm taking control this month and breathing in deeply and heading full steam into May. With lots of different and hopefully exhilarating changes in the midst for Elkhorn and me and, an exciting but scary presentation ahead(which I'll fill you in on if I'm brave enough). But for now I'm happily preparing for this Saturday's Olive Tree Markets... that I can do!

Jo Dyer

These are a few images from last month Olive Tree Markets. We have been continually lucky with the weather, the last market was particular warm with the sun blazing down on the Elkhorn stall. I was on my own so I didn't get a chance to venture out but I did manage to head two stalls down to Little Papercup, where Jo Dyer resides. I stood and oooh and aaah at one of her beautiful original art works she had modestly displayed... wow that is one talented lady!! (that's not Jo in the back ground but one of her friends I caught off-guard, it looks like she's waving but I think she was just pausing inbetween texting someone.. hello friend)

I've been slowly working away on a few new designs and one-off pieces to keep things interesting. The nautical rope print as shown on the tank top, is one of them. This has since been further developed and printed onto our Wrap scarves. Personally I think they turned out wonderful(not that I'm biased) the print is quite bold and the knotted rope detail looks like it's even more intertwined when worn. I'm lucky to have 'Elkhorn Mother' back on board this market(after her wee hiatus). She'll be modelling one of the nautical knots wraps for your viewing pleasure! Hopefully they will give you the sea-worth touch of nautical that day-to-day life requires! I'll try and post a photo of them later today!

The Terrariums have been a huge success! They have created so much interest(selling out at the last couple of markets) while also giving the Elkhorn stall a fresh feel. There's just something so wonderful about plants, especially when they are suspended in a glass globe! I hope I've made enough to keep up with the demand this weekend. There will be quite a few lovelies for you to choose from!

Anyway I better get back to it! I should of mentioned this earlier in the piece so hopefully you have made it this far... if you haven't already seen it The Design Files has been having a week extravaganza on all things wonderful & inspiring in Newcastle! Their post today features a guide to the best in the city, The Olive Tree Markets and our Elkhorn Stall being one of them!! So chuffed to see us included with a photo to boot! Make sure you pop over and have a look here!!
See you Saturday!! xx Great spot of Mother's Day shopping to be had!!