Designing: Shop Handmade

Here's a sneaky preview of my latest adventure in design... my first retail space! Designed for the founders of Handmade Market, Shop Handmade is a designer collective, and we have the most amazing goods arriving daily, ready for display. I'll be doing the merchandising displays and window showcases. A mammoth task is ahead of us, but we are confident the store will be looking perfect in time for our media launch this Thursday evening!!!

Another first for me is the wall papering (above) which was not as awful as I feared, I'm in love with the results - instant gratification!!!

The great challenge in designing this space has been to offer a range of varied and flexible display opportunities as the mix of products is extremely diverse and will be ever evolving. We have been striving to incorporate a handmade touch to the entire fitout, with a mix of pre-loved, thrifted and revamped furniture pieces being used as shop fittings where possible. I have also been working hard at some gorgeous DIY display techniques which I will share with you in detail soon.

We managed to grab a few mannequins from a closing store next door, with a vacant haunting nude face and hair (bottom picture) - I have given them a make- up and hair makeover, above is 'Ivy'.

Check out the Shop Handmade blog, where just some of our amazing local designer goodies are being revealed daily... LOVING!!! And if you are in Canberra, the store's the grand opening is Friday April 16, doors open at 9am! Come and see us at 20 Allara Street, City Walk in Civic (it's kinda toward the Casino, (where the Electric Shadows bookshop was).

Come and check it out and meet some of the designers! xxx