Finders Keepers Autumn Market

words by niall roeder

The Finders Keepers Market is like Woodstock for independent designers, and it’s back in 2017 in a brand-spanking new location. Barangaroo’s cavernous The Cutaway will host the market this year, with thousands set to pour into the waterside locale, stroll amongst the 200-odd artisan stalls and discover something that can’t be found elsewhere.

As the weather cools, we notice our instagram favourites fill up with images of rugs and soft furnishings, which is why we were delighted to discover @fondindustries wool rugs and cushions! Available at our Sydney market, this 12-14 May at our new venue, The Cutaway, Barangaroo Reserve. #sydneyfinderskeepers #thefinderskeepers

A post shared by Finders Keepers (@finders_keepers) on May 8, 2017 at 3:08am PDT

In what has grown to be Australia’s leading design market, Finders Keepers is pitched as a mini-festival showcasing independent designers from around the country. It gives the makers an opportunity to offer their handcrafted fashion, ceramics, jewellery and the like to hoards of design-loving market-goers.

And we’re not talking about back alley, trinket-spruiking – this sh*t is top notch.

From the hand-lettering illustrations of Mary & Sally to the contemporary African accessories of Ovazania, there is really is something for everyone, including Mum… you remembered Mother’s Day is on Sunday, right? Adding to the buzz in the air and to fuel the scoring masses, there’ll be live tunes, coffee carts, bars and food trucks.

Make sure you don’t miss the following stalls:

Will & Bear
This Australian label makes epic unisex hats that are designed for the adventurous and the open road. The legends at Will & Bear also plant ten trees for every hat sold, which is just bloody great.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTVr2PMFFVx/?taken-by=willandbear

McMurtrie Illustrations
Kimberley McMurtrie is a freak. She may be an emerging artist, but scrolling through her works you’d be forgiven if you thought she was a Jedi of the art world. Her graphite and coloured pencil illustrations are a blend of hyper-realism and the bizarrely beautiful, and you’d be doing any wall a favour by hanging one.

Growing again. This pretty is almost finished… 1/4 left to go and a whole lot of foliage to draw in. I'm so excited to get this finished!!! #mcmurtrieillustrations #florals #sketch #prismacolor #pencils #colour #kingportea #eucalyptus #olivebranch #pinks #greens #blues #love #obsessed #illustration #design #unique #original #botanicals #drawing #pretty #beautiful #flowers #bliss #madeinsa #supportyourlocal #adelaide #mclarenvale

A post shared by mcmurtrie illustrations (@mcmurtrie_illustrations) on Apr 25, 2017 at 12:32am PDT

My Little Succulent
This backyard business turned market stalwart offers an extensive range of succulents potted in eclectic handmade pots, planter boxes and plant hangers. Keep an eye out for the wicked matte black skull planters – a crowd favourite that’ll get snapped up quickly.

Outer Island
Touted as “souvenirs from planet earth”, Outer Island makes stunning ornaments and home wears using natural or recyclable materials. Pretty and ethical, tick and tick.

We love that @outer.island's mission is to bring awareness to the magic of this world by creating products that focus on native plants, animals and habitats. Read more about Sydney based couple Amy and Stephanie's label on the blog, and catch them at our Sydney market, launching next week! #sydneyfinderskeepers #thefinderskeepers

A post shared by Finders Keepers (@finders_keepers) on Apr 30, 2017 at 8:59pm PDT

Finders Keepers Autumn Market runs May 12 – 14 at The Cutaway, Barangaroo Reserve.