Foxy Thinking

Creative Journeys at Crafty Talks by Hollye Murphy,  I Love Markets

Crafty Fox is one of my favourite non-daily markets of all time. Usually on once in Spring and once near Christmas (although there are three markets for 2013 – hooray!), I count down the days until I can squeeze into an absolutely packed out Dogstar in Brixton and make my way around the trail of creativity, all three floors of it. The buzz that spans round the market is literally infectious (although maybe enhanced by the pint that’s usually in my hand – it is a pub after all!) and stallholders continuously tell me what great times they’re having. My purse usually gets a bit hurt, but at Crafty Fox I can just buy myself a new one, so who cares!

I therefore could not contain my excitement when I got myself a ticket for the FIRST EVER Crafty Fox Talks on 6^th June 2013. Chaired by Lisa Rodwell of WOOL AND THE GANG, inspirational and honest speeches were given by Lisa Comfort of Sew Over It, Sam Wingate of Mr Wingate, and Lisa Levis of Betty & Walter and Ada Rose. The theme was Creative Journeys and was a treat for any of you budding and creative entrepreneurs out there. From the logistics of wholesale to the tips behind keeping your sanity, Crafty Talks had the answers!

InStitchYou of Greenwich Market sewed portraits next to the DJ decks

The content was both important and intriguing for any people who are trying to step their business up to the next level. For any ILM members who dream of housing their wares in their very own shop one day, Sew Over It’s talk was been well worth a listen. Lisa detailed the process from ideas through to reality, bringing in the practical elements that some of us forget about: what demographic is right for your brand? How will you define your USP? How do you sort out a cashflow forecast? The beauty of Lisa’s talk was that it truly was a success story. Whilst ups and downs are inevitable and continuous, the Sew Over It dream did come true. If that’s not inspiring, what is!

 Rachel Loves Bob and Miss Holly's Boutique have both traded at Crafty Fox

Lisa Levis’ talk was equally significant. We all have an emotional, mother-like attachment to our products and brands, so dealing with saying goodbye to them can be heartbreaking. Lisa detailed how this can happen but more importantly how to deal with this if it does. Her lovely brands Ada Rose and Betty & Walter were born out of this, and while caution was a key part of the tale, so was never giving up! 

The speech by Mr Wingate however was the one I related most to our ILM community. Mr Wingate started out on our beloved Brick Lane market, followed on by a shop in Columbia Road. After learning to identify what sells and what doesn’t, he was picked up by Selfridges and has been on his adventure ever since. 

Do you have a great idea? At Club Workspace in Kennington

We love all our stallholders at ILM because they all have their own individual stories. These were three stories that were sincere, motivational and inspirational. Anyone who can make it down to the next Crafty Talks, SHOULD.

Some of our very own ILM stallholders have traded at Crafty Fox Market. Browse their wares at our online shop or check out some of our faves below…

Dog and Fox Ceramic Mug by Lil3birdy

Rabbit Bag -Miss Ella

Jimi Hendrix Greetings Card by Mister Peebles

Tattoo Rose Ceramic Tile Coaster by Juan is Dead

Moustache Necklace by Miss Holly's Boutique

Paper Back Letter Rack - Room in my House

Brass Statement Necklace by Rachel loves bob

Retro Sweets Passport Holder - Sew Smitten

Kissing Doves Mirror - Chido Bueno

Animal Print Geometric Earrings by rachel loves bob

Bird and Floral Coasters by Lil3birdy

Hollye Murphy

Soho Flea Market 2013

Design and lifestyle blogger, Geraldine Tan visits the Soho Flea Market and shares her stand-out stall holders!

Today, after work, I was determined to have a daughter-mother day. Especially since my dear daughter had only just returned from her one week holiday to Mallorca with her best friend and family.

We decided to explore the Soho Flea Market together. This is an annual Summer market selling vintage furniture and new designs in London’s Dean Street. The weather was looking up. Summer had arrived at last !

My daughter’s eyes lit up when she saw the Meringue Girl’s stall. The stall was run by Alex and Stacey, both trained chefs who have catered for major celebrity clients like Vogue and Alexander Mc Queen.

The Meringues came in a range of infused flavours such as Pistachio/Rosewater, Lavendar, Passion fruit, Raspberry, Lemongrass/Ginger, Matcha and coconut.

My daughter had an Ultimate Eton Mess which comprised of the meringues combined with fresh strawberries, vanilla cream, coulis and freeze dried raspberries. It was so delicious, she had a second helping.

The next stall that caught my eye was Roam which sold bespoke 100% Scottish cashmere blankets and knitted accessories.

We bought the blue bear and pink bird, after feeling how soft and comforting they were. The blankets were also heavenly.

As we strolled down the street, there were amazing bursts of vibrant colours. I love how these shades of blues and greens combine to stunning effect.

If you are looking for a colourful floral lampshade, then The Baobab Tree is the place to visit.

Set up by Heidi Awford, these bespoke pieces of home furnishings are made from collected vintage fabrics dating from the 1950s onwards.

I love signage and typography, so was instantly drawn to the Something Or Other stall. The clean cut lines of the black and white perspex alphabets above would be perfect for a Contemporary Scandinavian interior.

One of the vintage letters above would be perfect for styling a corner or used to create an interesting vignette.

These ties from Emma Ashford were so colourful and fun, I simply had to take a shot. They are designed by Emma Fenton Villar.

Hope my husband doesn’t read this, as my daughter has purchased the yellow Rosie Lea Goldfish silk tie with the teapots for Father’s day.

Well, my dear daughter didn’t leave the market empty handed. She got the Bear sweatshirt above from a wonderful brand Monster Threads that we so happily discovered. The designer for this item is Jan Avendano, a Canadian graphic designer from Toronto.

Monster Threads is an Australian art print apparel label. The illustrations for their clothing are created by a carefully curated group of leading Australian and international artists.

My son got the T-shirt above, designed by Patricio Betteo, an illustrator from Mexico City.

The prints from Eight Bear by Katie Viggers were also one of our favourite finds. I couldn’t decide between the bear or the bird print but finally settled for the bear. Which one do you like?

These blocks by Eight Bear are so beautiful. I think too beautiful to play with. I would display them proudly on a shelf. This is the prototype, they will be produced for sale in the coming weeks.

I hope you have enjoyed following us on our jaunt through the soho flea market. I can’t wait to go again next year. The great weather was the icing on the cake.

Wishing you all a wonderful week.x

Geraldine Tan, visit her blog, Little Big Bell.

LONDON has lots of fab weekly markets, click here to discover them.

See the I Love Markets events calender to see upcoming special market events!   

P.s, check out Made In Chelsea stars, Caggie Dunlop and Proudlock both stalling!