Well we have finally come to the end of the year, so quickly, I’m sure everyone’s with me on that..I have had another fun year creating new bags, discovering new materials to create with, people, places, colours, and environment around me to inspire. As I  now have plenty up my sleeve for the New Year. Exciting too that I am starting to get the word/product out there, with mentions in both the blog design-scale and also a recent mention through Frankie Magazine blog  via  Blue Caravan a wonderful ethical online marketplace, through which I also sell my wares..As well as the fun we had at the many markets through the year @ Young Designers Market  in Brisbane and the  Bangalow Markets, and not to forget Splendour in the Grass, let’s hope it’s down our way next year!

Thank you too everyone who has seen, purchased, supported, partook, responded, listened and discovered me and my wares throughout the year, and look forward to more participation in the New Year.. Remember to buy local and support local. Here’s a great initiative for those of you who are wanting to shop with a social conscience this silly season. Occupy Christmas, in the same vein as the Occupy protests taking place over the world, is encouraging people to take control over the Chrissy present frenzy and buy local, handmade goods this year…

Hope your Christmas is Merry and a Happy New Bag Year !

Don’t forget to Find us On Facebook: Francesca Rockette Bags&Accessories

Till next year ..

Francesca x

I have to say, I was left many a time with my head spinning. One theme that stood out for me was the amazing shop displays, cafe and bar fitouts, that you just don’t find here, probably because they have such a creative license and the ability to build and create anything easily, and of course cheaply, even down to the local street vendors selling fruit and drinks.. Such a display of colour, so simple but so effective..

mangosteens, mango,bananas..

few places stood out for me, new bar called potato head beach club, amazing display of vintage shutters, and mismatch of vintage chairs and tables, with an incredible view onto the crashing waves to boot..http://trendland.net/potato-head-beach-club-bali/# certainly a place to visit when your there.  Of course the usual bars and retaurants where also beautiful experience, La Lucciola, Sarong, where we went for a 6 course meal for friends birthday..What I loved about La Lucciola was the table light setting made from Banana fibre and surrounded by tuber rose. ..http://www.lostateminor.com/2011/04/15/la-lucciola-bali/

banana fibre candle@ La Lucciola

Cafe Bali on Laksmana Seminyak, was another creative sponge for me, transformed into a french colonial farmhouse infused with Bali Morrocco and India, clever use of lights and interiors, flower petals in pressed tin bowls with lace tablecloths, and lounges with mixed  mirrors on the wall and moroccon decor, even the bathrooms were gorgeous..  Oh and the chocolate croissants and dumplings weren’t bad either! lovely place to hang out..

http://www.travelfish.org/blogs/bali/2011/02/16/cafe-bali-on-laksmana-seminyak/

interior to Cafe Bali, use of plastic lace cocoon lights.

mosaic floor tiles @ Cafe Bali

Whitewashed cane baskets Cafe Bali

Continuing on the light theme, which seemed to really catch my eye here, was the ever passing on the side of the roado was these Cockfighting baskets which were woven out of bamboo, so simple but I loved them , we managed to bring some home for our beautiful fig tree and of course put lights in them..certainly wasn’t going to put my rooster in them!

Bamboo Rooster baskets

and use of them in a cafe in Amed,  a fisherman’s village on the east coast of the island..ahhhh Amed!

Rooster baskets as lights.

which I will be attending.. Since there will be no market on the 1^st weekend in September as well  due to the River Fire event @ Southbank….

Some of the new products I will have there, the suede fringe pouch which I made especially for Splendour…Would love to see you there..

This is my stall @ last market featuring NEW suede Fringe pouch..

Some of the NEW Eyelit & rope purses, and vintage fabric purses..

I recently did a stall @ Splendour in the grass with my old friend Elle who sells Vintage clothing, she usually does the Valley and Byron markets. Although  Splendour is well and truly done and dusty…it was certainly energetic and a laugh! ……the music was great as always.. highlights would have to be The Kills, PULP, Goyte, Regina Spektor, the Hives and Thievery Corp..

We met some great people, who I might thank for supporting us, visiting us, and keeping us amused. There were some great moments for me where the talented and humble Claudia Karvan came to visit and bought some of my bags. You should check out her  witty new series “spirited”.www.wchannel.com.au

Coffee bags & Suede Fringe pouch  bags at our stall @ Splendour..

The front of stall..mmm….the dust!

Every Festival bag you ever dreamed of !!

Talented Elle, altering clothes in the stall, that’s a service!

Thanks again to those who bought, laughed and conquered! till next year!!

New colours in the Slouchy Knot bags..

Cherry..
New Olive colour..

And some Piped Purses..

Cherry & green, with eyelits at the side to add your own strap..

Tan colourway.. Many other colour combinations too..

See you then..

Francesca

Made from cane, feathers, paint, cotton twine..  One of my favourite masks in the exhibition.. All headpieces were worn for celebrating successful warfare and during rainmaking rituals. At night, the dancers shake their heads vigorously to vibrate the feathers, causing a shimmering effect that resembles the glint of a pearl shell sinking to the bottom of the clear sea water.

The most elaborate of all..

GHOST NET BASKET

Mahnah Angela Torenbeek

Wagalgai people QLD

knotted-netted polypropelene fibre, same netting used in fishing nets..

GHOST NET GEAR BAG (blue Flowers)

Reggie Sabatino

Meriam Mir people QLD

Woven reclaimed acrylic fishing net.

WEAVING BASKETS

Traditionally weaving was usually done with natural materials such as pandanus leaves, coconut and banana leaves, as well as using these in everyday life. Today women on the islands and on the mainland compromise using synthetic materials, such as multicoloured strapping tape, to hold produce and to protect food during cooking..These woven bags are now desirable modern accessories with wide appeal..

Jenny Mye – Darnley Island

 If you are in or around Brisbane you must go and have a look, it was very inspiring…

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