from the blue shed

The Fremantle Eco Shop

 

I have been absent for awhile from my little blog, the house, my daily routine...my kids! (sorry kids) working on an exciting project with my friend from eco peko. We have joined forces to open The Fremantle Eco Shop in the Fremantle Markets as a way to support each other and our own small businesses. It has been an exciting and hairy time as we find out way through the world of working parents, retail and paying for all day parking! I really tip my hat to working parents. "A constant juggle" is an understatement.
Here is a snippet of just a few of the things we are carrying along side Justine's organic clothing line and my jewellery; 

Lorgie and Me - sustainable, refillable notebooks
3 Girls and a Goat- vintage storybook gift cards
Cardboard cubby - made from from recycled cardboard
Ginny and Jude - vintage men's necktie headbands
Natalie Houston - Fremantle artist
Bambu - coconut bowls
eco peko - organic cotton clothing
Robin Gage Designs - upcycled jewellery

We have also just launched an exciting eco art competition called the WoCA (Wall of Contemporary Art) masterminded by Justine. Throughout the year there will be many opportunities for people to submit their artwork. There are prizes for each round winner with the chance to win the grand prize of a trip for 2 to stay at the Bali Eco Stay. I told you it was exciting! For details on the competition and how to enter, visit here.
I love playing shop. I get my fix every other weekend rearranging everything to fit in the next exciting thing that has arrived in the mail.
Next time you are in Freo, stop by and see us. We are inside the market next to the Market Bar. 
Check out our website here.  

Outskirts 2011

Outskirts 2011 took place this past Sunday. Hoards of people hit Northbridge to discovery what local artists were up to. Eight of us came together to showcase our latest pieces in the world of eco and fair trade designs to bring The Secret Garden to life. With eco peko's new organic range, Angel Ms. flowing silks, Pip Tangos hand felted beauties, Kijuuki Crane Art, hand painted pieces by Natalie Houston, hand screened organic tea towels by Fatty DeMonsey, skincare by Desert Shadow and my upcycled jewellery it was an ecclectic mix. The lovely Cindy Wieringa styled the shop bringing outdoor plants and furniture in to create a unique environment. It was one of those events where people kindly donated their time and talents to make the day a success. Our children hit the green carpet to don eco pekos new range. My niece and friends, their hair a nest of eggs created by Keiron from Blossom Hair, wore my latest pieces - to name just a few.  I am just sad to see it end. I wish I had taken more photos on the day. Here are a few from my collection and a few borrowed. 

Kiujuuki Crane Art

Robin Gage Designs

eco peko

 

Angel Ms.

Thank you to everyone who came down to Northbridege on Sunday and a BIG thank you to the Secret Garden gals for a great experience.

If you missed out on last weekend and you want to support the WA designer community, Perth Upmarket will be held this Sunday October 2nd at the University of Western Australia. Myself, eco peko and Kijuuki Crane Art will be there. 

 

Available this Sunday

@ Perth Upmarket 

Upcycled china plate pendants.

 

new in store

Hop on over to my shop at www.etsy.com/shop/robingage for a closer look. 

t-shirt necklace

My inbox has been overflowing this week with links from my girlfriend on how to make t-shirt necklaces. Why had I never seen this before?? It's just so brilliant! So yesterday afternoon I set out... alone (does this project get any better) to buy up old T's. Last night, armed with our supplies, a few beverages and a whole lot to talk about, we got slicing. End result - extremely satisfying. 

I am now completely obsessed. My husband is down a few shirts since last night, good thing he is away. Below are some links to some great tutorials.

ThreadBanger
a pretty penny
luv in the mommyhood

Get rippin'.

Perth Upmarket

It was another beautiful day at Perth Upmarket on Sunday. The sun was shining and the crowds were flowing. I stocked up on Turban Chopsticks, just loved Justine's new pop up shop at ecopeko and drooled all over Piper and Holly's fabulous clothes. Here are a few snaps of our set up.

 

Thank you to everyone who stopped by and to my lovely friends who spent the whole day with me. I appreciated your company and your "friendly" sales competition. Stock is excitingly low. Back to the grinder.  

RIP BeaDivine

After 8 years trading under the name BeaDivine I have decided to do a whole bunch of paperwork and start trading under the name Robin Gage Designs. Things are changing. It feels like a natural progression, changing my name. That and the fact that someone else is trading under the name Beadivine on etsy. Doh! Anywho, I am very excited. My lovely clever and talented friend has spent a lot of time creating a beautiful new logo for me. A lovely robin's egg. Thank you very much Nat!

The next Upmarket is only weeks away. I am busily working on new pieces. Along with my range of smashed upcycled china adornments, recycled wood beads in earthy and soft sorbet tones, pieced together with hand cut leather links and soft chiffon ties are making their debut appearance.

I am really excited to do it all again. The next Upmarket is Sunday March 20th. Put it in your calendars!

new pieces in store!!!

New 'Smashed' pieces in store just in time for the final Christmas countdown. I am offering free postage within Australia until December 24th. Anyone who is in the Perth area, we can arrange a pick up or drop off. For more pieces, hop on over to my shop here

Thank you to those who have requested new pieces. I hope you find a little treasure here for yourself or a loved one. Happy holidays!

 

Handmade Living blog tour

I hope you have been following along the great blog tour for Handmade Living. It has been so nice to be introduced to some of the contributors of this book and the sneak peaks at some of it's pages have me positively drooling. If you have missed anything hop on over to Handmade Living for all the destinations. Today they are visiting Justine @Perth Upmarket for a feature on the West Australian designers. Go on and have a read, you may just recognize someone (cue uncontrollable giddiness)

 

The post van arrived with a package today. I actually leapt from my seat and lunged at the door. It's here! my copy is finally here!!! I have to admit that my initial reaction was disappointment. The box was too big. No book. My disappointment quickly turned though when i realized that it was not only a Christmas package but that it was tree trimming day! Hooray! Get ready for an onslaught of holiday posts people. 

Whew!

After a lot of preparation Upmarket day finally arrived. We had a fantastic day in the sweltering heat. Thank you to everyone who stopped by and to my lovely friends for all their help. I couldn't have done it without you.

I had the chance to have a quick wander and was overwhelmed by all of the talented people and their beautiful ideas. Thank you eco peko for the goodies for my nephew, Turban Chopsticks has me clock watching for dinner, and I just can't wait to give my girls their new Cubeo bag tags. These tags are such a brilliant idea! I love the sense of community at a market and this one was no exception. It was so nice meeting so many friendly and creative people. Thank you Justine for organizing a great day.

Now it's back to the grinder. Stocks are low, YAY! I'll have more pieces available just in time for Christmas!