Words: Lara Pacillo // Main photo: Peter Fong
Any excuse to get a group of mates together — we’ll take it. Graphic designer Isabelle Byrne does so too, and it’s this that Friends of Friends Market was founded on.
The 29-year-old who creates under the name Club Creativa was working with shared work space in. Studio + Cafe on Pirie Street last year when the chance arose to diversify their space and markets.
Isabelle took up the opportunity to establish an artisanal market which not only would bring together her network of creatives but also celebrate their work and invite others to do so too. It’s about meeting the maker and making some mates too.
“Adelaide has always had a high calibre community of artists, which I am lucky enough to know a few of,” Isabelle says.
“I was very lucky to have some friends recommend their friends for the first market. From there, it has grown from word of mouth. Adelaide is great like that.”
While the first Friends of Friends market took place in November last year, its second market will take place on Saturday, May 13. Isabelle aims to feature a fresh roster of local artists each market, while the same high quality of products can be expected every time.
“I curate the artists as if I were shopping for high-quality pieces for myself. Things that I would be super proud to tell others where it came from. I try to select artists based on merit and how their items will present alongside the other artists of the day.”
This time around, there will be a live DJ playing throughout the day, soundtracking the vibrant energy, face-to-face connection, and excitement of what Adelaide has to offer.
“If you’re looking for a weekend activity, or a place to shop, or you just want to feel inspired, stop past Friends of Friends this May 13th! Come visit us for a coffee, a last-minute Mother’s Day gift, or even just to treat yourself.” With that being said, here are the artists who you’ll get to meet on the day >>>
TRICOTE
Elaine Thomas’s knitwear brand, Tricote, offers tactile and colourful pieces, from balaclavas to sleeves. With a focus on sourcing second-hand and local artisan-spun yarn, each garment is made with primarily natural fibres. Tricote’s playful high-quality pieces are perfect for elevating your wardrobe.
SISI STUDIOS
Sienna Gardiner’s handmade jewellery brand, Sisi Studios, offers pieces inspired by a mix of earthy and rough finishes, and colours/shapes of old-style Roman jewellery. Sienna has been creating with silver since the age of 14, where she dabbles in other materials too through her brand, with knitting, weaving, sewing, and clay work.
JASON VAN HAMBURG
Garment maker Jason van Hamburg creates long-term wear clothing, objects, and goods using found materials. His minimalistic aesthetic spotlights the beauty of the materials with ageless pieces. He designs and assembles fully in-house, leading to one-off pieces and value on intuition.
BAILEY DONOVAN
Emerging glass artist Bailey Donovan specialises in hand-blown glass with inspiration from everyday textiles and sweets. He incorporates ancient art Venetian techniques of murine and cane into his modern statement pieces. His creations have a soft pastel aesthetic and combine design and functionality.
LILlY BUTTROSE
Lilly Buttrose is a local artist working in textiles and jewellery with completed residencies in Adelaide and Japan. Her pieces are visually simple, with an emphasis on material texture. Lilly will have her recognised jewellery range on offer at the market, as well as new pieces and framed embroideries.
ABURI
Ceramic artist Jordan Gower creates handmade tableware through his brand Aburi. Jordan draws on the rich history of wheel thrown ceramics to showcase the quality and charm of stoneware clay. While he often supplies restaurants and wineries, Jordan maintains exhibition practice in support of local craft and design.
CAROL HERBERTSON
Carol Herbertson is a fibre and textile artist who spins and weaves everything from scarfs to tea towels. With a passion for sewing, textiles, and fashion from a young age. The Scottish-born, Adelaide-based artist’s current pursuit is refining techniques with natural fibres. With all designs handwoven, no two items are the same.
FOOL MOON
The handmade beaded jewellery brand FOOL MOON offers polished glass beads strung on durable nylon coated stainless steel wire with sterling silver hardware. Pieces are made by designer Isabelle who creates unique artwork prints with a focus on vibrant colours.
PETER FONG
Custom furniture maker Peter Fong specialises in considered pieces with a focus on traditional joinery techniques and simple, functional designs. He avoids the use of nails and screws where possible, with visible joinery often a proud feature. For the market, he will be creating a collection of small one-off pieces for the home.
Friends of Friends Market: Saturday May 13 // in. Studio + Cafe 268 Pirie Street Adelaide 5000
