The pleasant beams of the mid-day sun illuminated a winter’s afternoon with the most delightful warm glow.
The sunshine state really turned it on for the Brisbane Finders Keepers markets. Held within three studios, along the balcony and within the grounds of the Old Museum the sunshine, live music and constant smiles created an exciting atmosphere for an artisans market. Over 85 stall holders from around Australia attended (like my dear friends at Huddle and Co from Wollongong, NSW) and many artists shared their stories behind their work with interested shoppers. Mum and I arrived around noon and it was bustling with people (although this photo of the entrance doesn’t do the packed insides any justice!)
Shuffling along stalls shoulder to shoulder with other shoppers chorusing between ‘ooo’s’, ‘ahhh’s’ and ‘oh, look at this!’ isn’t our ideal browsing session; so we decided to get coffee and some lunch before the crowds hit the food stalls (and of course head back inside when they did). Our plan was fruitful. An hour later it was far more enjoyable. 
This was the first time I’ve tried a cold pressed and bottled soy coffee and boy did my eyes light up and my tummy say howdy! If anyone knows where these beauties are sold in Brisbane, please let me know in the comments.
We nibbled on chicken nachos in the garden, people watched (yes, it is an activity and one that’s far less stalkerish than the average person’s use of Facebook) and admired the origami stars falling from the nearby tree.
We laughed and admired the girls that stood beside the bar with the same hats. So do you think a) they bought the hats that day? b) worked at a nearby shop where this is uniform or c) are all just super-trendy friends that are so in sync with each other, not only do their menstrual cycles align but also their wardrobes?
Give me coloured poppy’s or David Austen roses any day of the week and I’ll be a happy lady. Or natives, natives like these always win.
Over priced, but pretty cool prints were at this stall. Mum said the world maps were like those she had at school. I’ll be searching the internet for an authentic vintage one I think!
I loved these necklaces filled with tiny succulents, however I’m unsure how practical they are – you wouldn’t want to wear white with one!
I wish I wrote down the stall name that had these necklaces – I love them! If anyone can help me with finding this shop, I would greatly appreciate it.
Bizzare hand surfboards? Apparently these are becoming quite popular Tony’s informed me!
So lovely to see Australian letterpress companies and for a reasonable price. When I was getting married I had an American letterpress boutique print my invitations as they were FAR less expensive than Australian companies at that time.
Alice Nightingale was my favourite designer by far, I’m hoping to purchase this dress and poncho (100% wool and it was only around $100!) later. Alice Nightingale has an etsy store – go have a browse!
Mum bought this darling scarf. We thought it was nice to have one that doesn’t make you look like you have an awkward third boob when you tuck it in your jacket. Snaps to the creator of that nifty design!
Noting these cute friends for my future nursery. So adorable.
Of course our favourite stall was the lovely Huddle and Co. Tony and Chrisy brought us three of their boxed succulent plants and they now sit on the coffee table on our front porch. I find wooden accessories and earthy tones always help make a place more inviting.
The size of this basil bush below blew my mind – how the heck do you get one to grow this big? It certainly put our knee high bushes to shame!
I was so impressed by the Finders Keepers markets! We picked up a few other quirky, adorable and/or just plain cute things for gifts (hence I can’t picture those!) for a few friends. Jubilantly, we strolled out of the gardens our hearts pleased to have seen Chrisy and Tony do so well and rather content with our few little purchases.
Finders Keepers Markets run twice annually in most cities around Australia – if you’re a Melbournian they are hitting your town next weekend! Sydney has already been on, however there is another market on around Christmas. An event worth attending!
Amy Darcy
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