Wishing you a very Happy Christmas from the Barn Market!

Thanks to Natalie Mendham Photography for helping to make the Christmas Barn Market so special with those festive images. Our thanks also of course have to go to the wonderful stallholders who worked so hard, the amazing and talented buskers,  our lovely customers and supporters, Clarence City Council (especially the Arts and Events team) and the numerous helpers behind the scenes offering ideas, support and cups of tea.

Have a very happy Christmas and a well-earned break over the festive period.

Tamsin and Sonia. 

Win a Merry Barn Market Voucher to spend at the Christmas Barn Market!

Christmas Craftacular at the Barn Market

The Christmas Barn Market is fun for everyone and we are very excited to be able introduce Colette Goyne to the Make-It Marquee!

Colette is a primary school teacher with three children, and she especially loves the creative aspects of teaching.

Colette says, " I still remember the joy of making my first toilet-roll Santa many years ago, (soon followed by miles of paper chain and blizzards of snowflakes)!  This Santa is still part of my mother's treasured collection of Christmas decorations and takes it place on the tree each year.  For me, Christmas and craft go together like disco and sequins, and every year my kids and I make a new decoration to add to the growing number of beautiful, memory-rich and slightly wonky treasures that beautify our house.  I am really looking forward to the Christmas Craftacular and helping lots of Barn Marketeers make something special for their family and maybe use too much glitter!"

Colette will be in the Make-It Marquee on the 21st and 22nd November. Join your child in creating some fabulous Christmas memories.

Craft sessions will be $5 per child with the opportunity to make three different Christmas decorations that make fabulous gifts or would bring Christmas cheer to any home.

Friday and Saturday, limited places available. Please book on the day,

Featured Designer: Emma from Morse Consulting and Design

The Spring Barn Market is only a week away (October 11th) and we are very excited to announce our first workshop in the Make- It Marquee! Emma from Morse Consulting and Design will be running the workshop and we thought it time we found out a little bit about this talented stylist!

Emma, you have a creative background but what lead you to become an Interior Stylist, specialising in colour and paint selection?

I’ve always been passionate about colour and design, but for years it took a backseat to my studies and work in psychology and counselling. I dreamed of one day combining both somehow. 

While my kids were babies I did a Cert IV in Colour and Design by distance. I adored learning the theory but really missed working with people. When I finished the course a friend asked for help choosing a new colour scheme and it all clicked! I got to help people identify their needs, limitations and resources, and then apply design theory to answer those problems practically. So my dream of combining both passions found its path! I discovered that lots of people feel overwhelmed by choosing colours, or making their house feel like a home, and the work flowed from there. **

A living room corner, styled by Emma.

As an Interior Stylist, you see trends come and go.  What guides you when you are making a purchase for a home you are working with?

My clients are normal families on a budget who want to make the most of what they have. So, I love to hunt down quality pieces that bring character to a space and will stand the test of time. Handmade and locally made are always my preference. Just like clothes, with a good quality, classic base, the occasional on trend accessory is all you need to be cutting edge, yet not wasteful. Also, at the moment trends are so focused on the '70s to '80s, it’s very easy to upcyle and re-purpose.

Emma loves macrame and is running an Introduction to Macrame at the Spring Barn Market. 

When you are working with your clients, where do you draw your inspiration for each design from? 

 My first step with clients is to get a good sense of their style. I get them to show me their favourite object, fabric, or image, and we work from there to build the room, taking into account the things that can’t be changed. I often have to work outside my own style preferences, but it’s so important that a space represents the occupants and tells their story, to create a sense of home for them.

Emma also works with paint selection for building exteriors. 

If you could give one piece of advice to all those people out there who are about to start a decorating project, what would it be?

Start by collecting images of things you love, and try to identify a common theme. Clarify your limitations and budget. And a little bit of professional help goes a long way when it comes to getting a great result.

Can you tell us what we should be doing to freshen up the look of our homes leading into summer and the festive season?

One of the hottest trends at the moment is to bring the indoors out and the outdoors in! Our outdoor areas are becoming more like lounge-rooms, and our indoors are getting a lot greener. Now is also the perfect time to de-clutter, simplify and streamline your space after being inside over winter. Get ready for more entertaining.

Emma Morse, Morse Consulting and Design.

**Emma is also giving away a 1.5 hour home interior colour consultation to one lucky visitor to the Barn Market on Saturday 11th. Entry forms at the Barn Market.

Pop over the say hi to Emma at the Barn Market. 

You could participate in her workshop or contact her on the links below.

Email: morseconsulting@outlook.com

Facebook : www.facebook.com/morseconsultinganddesign

Instagram: www.instagram.com/livingxdesign

Pinterest: www.pintrest.com/morseconsulting

Pony Black Co - Featured Designer and Maker

With just three weeks to go until our gorgeous Spring Barn Market, it's a great time to delve into some of the stories behind the incredible designers, makers and artisans who bring their beautiful wares to the Barn Market.

Pony Black Co has captured the attention of many a visitor to the Barn Market and Rachel Dean is the talent behind this highly successful label. Pony Black Co is an independent studio situated in "deep, dark Tasmania". There is a quirky, humorous and evocative element to all her work that reveals itself in designs, motifs, details and bold and colourful accessories. I can't help but be drawn to the beauty and intrigue of her designs and had to find out more about the mysterious Rachel Dean and Pony Black Co.

Can you tell us a little bit about how your travels and experiences of living in Tasmania influenced Pony Black (and lead to its creation)?
I moved to Tasmania about four years ago while on long service leave from my employment in Melbourne.  After about three weeks, I started playing with the idea of starting up a small business. I've always liked fashion design and construction, so I gave it a go.  That's what I love about Tasmania- she provides you with the opportunity and the freedom to follow your passions. Travel is something that I love doing too (I'm working on off-setting my carbon footprint!) and now with Pony Black I have guilt free fabric acquisition experience -it's for Pony Black after all!

Your preference is to work with natural fibres, albeit luxurious ones, what comes first, the design or the fabric?
Usually the fabric comes first - I just love scouring fabric shops and markets around the world and at home. Each country expresses itself differently, ranging from gorgeous batiks from Bali, fabulous kimono fabric from Japan and exquisite silks from Cambodia and Thailand. Instead of buying souvenirs, I buy fabric.  I have a stash of beautiful fabrics at the moment - lets see what happens!

What has challenged you most about Pony Black Co since its inception?
Working by myself- I spend a lot of time in my studio by alone.  My community consists of artists and musicians and even though we all have a mainly solitary working experience, we do try and mark the working week with Friday night drinks and dinner. So it's all good really.

If you could say one thing to each person who stops by your stall, what would it be?
Buy local - not only do you get a fabulous product that is lovingly crafted and exquisitely made, you get to support your community and local economy.  You often have the opportunity to talk directly to the maker too.  Its amazing how many fabulous and talented artisans Tasmania has!

What can we expect in the future at the Barn Market from Pony Black Co?
I picked up some gold leather while I was in Melbourne a couple of weeks ago, so expect accessories using fabulous gold leather!  A bit Royal don't you think?

You can meet Rachel at the Christmas Barn Market, November 21st and 22nd and see more of her fabulous work.

Website: Pony Black Co

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wisheswerehorses

The Barn Market in the Eastern Shore Sun!

The Eastern Shore Sun ran a fantastic story about Helen Mansbridge and the Barn Market for their July issue.
If you would like to read the full story online, please go here and turn to page 8.

In the meantime, here are a few pictures from the beautiful Midwinter Barn Market.  Our thanks go the fantastic stall holders, Clarence City Council for all their support and to Helen Mansbridge who has done such a superb job of creating such a wonderful market over the years.

And just in case you were wondering, Sonia Skegg and I (Tamsin Singleton) will continue together to make sure the Barn Market is a continued success.  Having both been stallholders at the Barn Market in past years as well as customers and now part of the management team, we have had plenty of opportunity to experience just what makes this market so special.

But, it wouldn't be a market without you, the customers, so thank you for supporting us! Please keep coming back.

Anna Jayne Designs

Babushka's Bazaar

Backyard Bounty

Busker- Jane Shearer

Continued

Continued

Herb and Co

Herb and Co

Joli Jewellery

Manning Polymer Clay

Murdoch Designs

People at the market

Pili Pala Pieces

Pony Black Co

Raven Design Co

Sally Cassandra

Schooza

Snow Queen's Garden

The Happy Nest

Worsley Bears

Belar Bakery

Don't forget to pop October 11th in your diary for a beautiful SPRING Barn Market!  Lots of exciting things to come with that market - but I won't reveal all now :-)

Thank you!

Tamsin and Sonia

The countdown to the MIDWINTER BARN MARKET Saturday July 19th 10:00- 3:00

Images: Necklace- Pony Black Co., Snowglobe- Dick & Dora, Snow Queen - The Snow Queen's Garden.

It's finally time for our festive Midwinter Barn Market!  Pull on some winter woollies and come to the Barn, Rosny for a bit of winter indulgence!

Gingerbread House Decorating

The lovely Alecia, from Belar Bakery will be sharing her Gingerbread House decorating secrets in a Barn Market craft demonstration.

Surely no- one could resist one of these lolly-jewelled treats!

This craft Demonstration will be happening from 10:00 -2:30 in the Barn at the Midwinter Barn Market.

Inside the Barn and outside in the Courtyard, you'll find home-wares, accessories and jewellery.....

Images: Brooch- Scissor Sisters, Scarf- Ewenicity Handcrafts, Porcelaine Bowl- Sally Cassandra.

images: bag - Raven Design Co., Necklace - Manning Polymer Clay, Bracelets- Pony Black Co.

Images: Scarf- Raven Co Design, Bracelet- Willow Tree Lane, Skirt- Anna-Jayne Designs

We've got plenty for the kids:

Clothes, toys, accessories and imaginative play as well as winter-themed face-painting in the Courtyard.

                                    Images: ABC - The Happy Nest, Bear - Worsley Bears, Dinosaur dress-ups - Schooza.

You'll find the most exquisite pieces:

Images: Spoon,  Twig Necklace - Emily Snadden Design, Candle- Avadon.

And we know its cold outside, so when its time for a bit of nourishment:

Join our foodstalls in the courtyard for luxury Belgian Hot Chocolate, Barista made coffees, Wood-fired pizzas and the incredible Home Harvest Soup. Be quick as it sold like hot cakes last time!

Images: Soup - Home Harvest, Coffee -Coffee Mio, Stock Concentrate - Home Harvest

We're excited to be able to bring to youfreshly harvested veggies & fabulous plants:

Images: Seasonal Produce- Backyard Bounty, Herbs and planters- Herb & Co., Heritage Carrots- Backyard Bounty

The Fabulous Midwinter Line-Up:

Joli        Willow Tree Lane      Pili Pala Pieces      Murdoch Designs       Wakky Taz Creations  The Snow Queen's Garden     Schooza     Flash Glass     Continued     Worsley Bears     Avadon   Nina and Bess       Babushka Bazaar     Pony Black & Co.     Ewenicity Handcrafts     Elois Lark     Original Lizzie     Manning Polymer Clay       The Happy Nest     Belar Bakery     Sally CassandraDick and Dora     Scissor Sisters    Millie's Maa Soaps     Backyard Bounty  Anna- Jayne Designs    Pebel    Herb and Co     Raven Design Co    Coffee Mio Home Harvest   The Wood FieryRedhead    Henley &Co  Once Upon A Time Face-painters       Alan Gogoll   Fiona Hutchison     

See you on Saturday 19th 10:00- 3:00 at the Midwinter Barn Market!

Featured Grower: Herb & Co.

We're coaxing some of the Barn Market growers, designers, makers and creatives out of their studios and workspaces to share their unique stories and passions behind the beautiful handmade and grown items they bring along to the market.

There is a real passion for gardening behind Herb & Co's range of edible and medicinal plants. Jane and Harriet work from their greenhouses at home, promoting seasonal growing and organic gardening practices. Working on a smaller scale than your average nursery, Jane and Harriet's plants are living proof of their commitment to gardening and raising the healthiest of plants to bring to the market. 

We asked them to share a little bit more about their unique Tasmanian business, Herb & Co.

What brought you both together to create Herb & Co?

Harriet and I met at the Botanical Gardens (RTBG) in early 2011, when we both embarked on a new career and life-changing course. We were both accepted into the RTBG’s inaugural Certificates 1, 2 & 3 in Horticulture. Both of us had young families and were looking for a new focus in our lives.  This course was just what we were looking for. Juggling young families and all that life throws at us, we were nearing the completion of our course in 2012 when an opportunity to purchase a stall at Salamanca Market arose.  In what has become our signature style we jumped at the chance.

We began our small business venture in April 2012, purchasing the Salamanca Market Stall.

After an enthusiastic start with a dash of blind ignorance thrown in, Herb and Co is now up and running.

What has been the most challenging aspect of running Herb & Co:
We work from greenhouses set up at our homes and continue to juggle the busy, unpredictable lives of our families, but it works and we love it.

Finding our way in an industry that was new to us both has been the greatest challenge. Our course at the RTBG was fantastic and gave us the skills to grow and propagate our plants but what it didn't teach us was the skills to negotiate a new industry. 

We all have bad days at work, what is it about Herb & co that keeps you going?            Not the money! (We are still working on that part of the business).To be honest we laugh a lot! Also we are passionate about growing and promoting edible (and medicinal) plants that are suited to Hobart's climatic conditions. We love talking to like minded customers and sharing ideas and experiences.

Is there anything you wish you could say to everyone who stops by your stall at the market?

Lots of keen gardeners are confused about when to plant basil and coriander! Plant your basil in late spring when you put your tomatoes in! Basil needs hot weather conditions. Coriander is a short lived plant that thrives in our calmer, cool weather; plant it in early autumn all the way through to spring. Plant coriander every 3 weeks for a continuous supply.

It's midwinter, is there anything we should be growing right now in our gardens and windowsills?

At the moment we have strawberries, rhubarb crowns, saffron, parsley, winter greens and all your perennial plants (lavender, sage, oregano, thyme, rosemary). These can go into your gardens now ready to take off in spring.

It is always nice to have a few annual herbs sitting on your window sill ready to go. Parsley, coriander, heartsease (edible viola) and even a nice pot of winter greens always look good on your windowsill.

Herb and Co are newbies at the Barn Market, what can we expect to see for your first market and into the future?

We are excited to be joining an Eastern Shore market. We will have a large range of beautifully presented herb and vegetable plants, gifts of potted herbs and fruit. Plus our clever husbands hand made recycled timer boxes of herbs. Our range of plants will continually evolve with the seasons.  Expect a smile and lots of enthusiasm.

We can't wait to have such a fabulous plant stall joining us at the Barn Market on July 19th. Please give Harriet and Jane a warm- welcome !

You can find Herb & Co on facebook and at the Barn Market.