Welcome to the Hope
Street Markets Website!
Welcome to the Hope Street Markets Website! We are a design and art markets event held seasonally, that celebrate and bring independent designers to the forefront - we are not your average markets!
4th June 2008 - Web update
We have successfully rounded up our 4th Hope Street Markets.
The Autumn Markets weekend in May was a complete success and we raised
$2,741 for HopeStreet's Winter Appeal - which goes to support Sydney's Homeless.
For those that missed out, see our gallery for images of the markets.
For now we wish you all a great Winter, unfortunately we will not be
running a Winter market this year but you can expect to hear more news from
us in a couple of months with any new dates.
In the mean time keep connected with us via our mailing list.
Kara Smith
What do you make? Tell us about your product!
Delicious handmade handbags out of vintage, recycled and salvaged fabrics, buttons and buckles. My handbag range includes clutch purses, handbags, ballerina bags and large totes – there is something for everyone! New to my range is exclusive handbags made out of very special fabrics and finishes and gorgeous lush scarves.
What's your creative background, your day job and how did you start making things?
After 15 years as a graphic designer I really felt I needed a change and a new creative outlet. I had designed in Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin and Alice Springs. I love travelling around but was growing tired of designing for someone else’s company.
The handbags were just a hobby I was playing around with while living in Brisbane, using a borrowed sewing machine and making up my own patterns. I made one and started carrying it around. Then people asked where I got it and wanted one... Plus I made a couple as gifts. So it grew from there...
My day job now is creating and running my own business making fabulous accessories for the gal who likes something unique (as well as freelance graphic design on the side).
What are the things you find most inspiring?
Other designers creating their own unique pieces, vintage fabrics for their gorgeous colours and designs, beautiful vintage furniture for the way things were built and designed that doesn’t happen so much anymore, people that don’t accept the ordinary!
Where is your workspace and what is it like?
I am based in the beautiful Blue Mountains in Katoomba. My workspace is in our big rambling house which is in the bush and next door to a beautiful running stream – it’s always misty! My workspace includes my sewing machine and overlocker as well as wall to wall pieces of vintage fabrics, recycled trims and other fun stuff.
Why did you choose Hope Street Markets?
I was part of Hope Street Markets last year and had a fantastic time, meeting some firm designer friends and loved being amongst so much creativity!
Where can we buy your stuff?
Online:
www.karasmith.com.au
www.modamuse.com
www.leeloo.com.au
www.ku-ture.com
www.neco.com.au
Stockists:
New South Wales
Handcut- Shop 2/59-61 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest
Todae Environmental -83 Glebe Point Road, Glebe
Betty Mim - 167 Darby Street, Cooks Hill
Delilah Living - Shop 3, 19-21 Princes Hwy, Fairy Meadow
Guanabana Designs - 1/115 Darby Street, Cooks Hill
Mrs Peel - Shop 4/148 The Mall, Leura
For a list of stores outside NSW – please visit Kara’s website