arthur's circus

YE OLDE GARAGE SALE

2011-11-29T13:47:00.001+11:00

we have rummaged and asked some friends to join in for another Garage Sale at ye olde shop front this weekend... new stuff, old stuff, stuff at less than wholesale stuff, good stuff....

garage sale bonanza

2011-11-07T09:16:00.001+11:00

we be having a garage sale to end all garage sales on Sunday 13 November. It's a good excuse to hit North Melbourne as after you've popped by our former shop front you can wander up the road to the North Melbourne Market and then eat at one of the many cafes popping up around there.

making new stuff

2011-10-25T14:52:00.000+11:00

Head over to our website to buy a few new things... sets of transfers for t-shirts / pillowcases / tote bags etc and the sweet set of raygun note cards. All made by us.

new prints

2011-10-24T17:05:00.001+11:00

Our home is about to be featured in the very ace Milk Decor in France, so it has prompted me to pull out some old toys and create 2 new prints to add to our collection. However now they will be available in 2 sizes - same as before small size 18 x 18cm image size and the larger 30 x 30 cm image size. The smaller size is available with or without the mount to fit a 30 x 40 cm ikea frame and larger size no mount. Head here to peek and here.

ebay onslaught

2011-09-04T12:00:00.001+10:00

So it seems I don't have much time for blog posting these days, I tend to upload any info over at our facebook page which automatically links it to our twitter account. So perhaps head there to keep up with more consistent happenings.... So at the moment we have begun tackling left over items from our shopfront and storage and are selling on ebay. If you're after a piano, vintage bicycles, fabulous retro chef cooker etc etc head over and take a peek.

july- you were not fun

2011-08-02T15:05:00.002+10:00

so July has come and gone and good riddance I say.... August started better with Dawn Tan visiting and having an art class with Arthur. Have a peek at Dawn's website or shop where you can find details about the classes she runs, oh and a link to her blog as well.

ick and uck

2011-06-25T16:27:00.002+10:00

another recent purchase of mine was this beauty...another reason why we shut the shop - I had too much trouble parting with some of the ace items we find.... and that I always have Arthur as a reason - well he is in grade 1 and learning to read.

where does the time go

2011-06-23T17:25:00.003+10:00

The weeks keep on ticking by and I keep thinking I really should add something to my blog... so in tune with the passing of time I shall show you a very recent acquisition... constructo straws - for Arthur of course, but maybe me too. I loved playing with these as a kid. I have some other show and tell which i hope to photograph tomorrow.... Recently I have been busy with a photoshoot or two for this magazine.

vintage market

2011-05-30T21:52:00.004+10:00

This weekend sees the Ashburton Scout Hall transformed into a vintage market place. Tamarah has hand picked some fine connoisseurs of all things vintage and they will be selling some of their wares. We're not involved in this one but I hope to pop by and take a peek. Although sometimes it's easier to not go and be tempted.

this is my Nan

2011-05-19T10:29:00.003+10:00

This is dedicated to my Nana, who passed away last Friday aged 96...My Nana taught me how to sew and how to knit. Although I never really progressed to zips or knitting anything other than scarves. She was a seamstress and originally worked at Myer in the city. When visiting we would always be treated to a slice or cake she had baked. A few days ago when I was going through old slides, you can imagine my joy at finding this one. The kitchen was never this colour when I was growing up. How wonderful it is and I would be more than happy with my kitchen looking like this today.

beci's mobiles

2011-05-19T10:23:00.002+10:00

I recently photographed some of Beci Orpin's super colourful and sweet paper mobiles. They are now available at her online shoppe. And you can see more of Beci's loveliness on her blog.

alain gree

2011-05-04T07:31:00.003+10:00

Nick's all time favourite book from his childhood is "the House that Beebo built" by Phillipe Fix, Janine Ast and Alain Gree..and I had been trying for 2 or so years to find a copy for him to share with Arthur. As I found out this book is very rare and very expensive (so if you have a copy look after it). But one day on my internet searchings, I came across the wonderful illustration work of Alain Gree. He is very well known in France. So this led me to getting a few items featuring his illustrations in the shop. And I have finally added them online. The tattoos were popular at the recent Magnolia Square - they make a nice change to usual ugly ones. Oh and yes I did eventually find Nick a copy and I didn't pay $955 but about $80.

I think I need to go to rehab

2011-05-01T15:13:00.003+10:00

If only there was a vintage anon. meeting to go to... this morning we were up early and headed to Camberwell Market (on the way to somewhere else of course) and how could I pass these up. Yes it's true Arthur is now 6, we don't have a baby (and are 99.9% unlikely to have one), I do not need any more squeaky toys, we now only have an online shop that I am very slack to add anything new to....need I go on. GULP. But so ace and cute and colourful and great for use as props in my photographic adventures.

my neighbours

2011-04-29T14:25:00.002+10:00

how could I resist these... vintage clown cupcake decorations, found on my neighbours table at Magnolia Square. The Cupcake Wrapper Co have really sweet wrappers as well as a great bunch of vintage cake toppers such as clowns, ballerinas, footballers and more...Now I just need to get my fifties chef cooker to actually bake cupcakes all the way through.

where to find us

2011-04-26T15:23:00.002+10:00

click on the pic above to find where we'll be over the next wee while. First up is Magnolia Square - opening this Thursday at the Malvern Town Hall.

lili scratchy

2011-04-09T18:04:00.005+10:00

Yay...I finally bought something from Lili Scratchy, and it arrived unbroken all the way from France. Lily makes the most wonderful ceramics and illustrations and when we visited France last year we were lucky enough to visit her and her amazing home and studio. So it has been worth the wait to get this sweet bowl. Now I just need to find a place to put it, so that little 6 year old fingers don't touch... Oh and her online shop is here.

selling not buying

2011-03-26T09:08:00.002+11:00

As you may be aware we have been having quite a few stalls at Camberwell Market, the whole point is to be selling our things not buying and adding to our already overflowing house, but sometimes I cannot resist. Such as these great tins and sweet old doll... We are back at the market tomorrow at stall 86.

hello again

2011-02-08T10:45:00.003+11:00

I've been banging new holes in walls at home and sorting though things, as we are having a stall at Camberwell Market this weekend. We have decided to take the shop space in a new direction and will be having stalls for the next few weeks at Camberwell. This Sunday come find us at stall number 250. The shop space in North Melbourne is now open for appointment only.

summer time fun

2011-01-17T22:07:00.002+11:00

so the last month has whizzed by without a word from us here at Arthur's Circus so in a nutshell here's what we've been up to: checking out Christmas lights, riding a new (but old) scooter, eating icecream and lollies, making gingerbread houses, visiting friends, going to the beach, having a 6th birthday (thanks women's weekly kids birthday cake book and Nick's Mum for the spooky house cake)... water fights in the park and adding the latest family santa photo to our photo board. With just over 2 weeks left of the school holidays all will be quiet on this here blog and shopfront. The webshop is still open but there will some new news soon.
Happy 2011.

christmas 2010

2010-12-16T15:17:00.002+11:00

Santa headband was back - although this year not without a little bribery and the promise of it taking less than 5 minutes.. (which it did)...phew. see how my boy has grown... 2009, 2008 and 2007

night lights

2010-12-11T12:05:00.002+11:00

I have just uploaded a few night lights to the shop. They have all been re-wired with a new switch cord for Australia. And in other news Arthur's Circus is now also facebooking... eek technology I am a little behind the eightball.

thankyou

2010-12-10T10:49:00.002+11:00

a quick thankyou to small magazine and lmnop... for their kind words. I think that's all for today, tho I have photographed some nightlights for the online shop, now I just need to add uploading to the list of things to do today.

super ace vintage posters

2010-12-08T16:14:00.004+11:00

oh so delightful original old poster is in the online shop along with 2 others. You seriously better buy, buy, buy them before I change my mind and frame up and keep for myself.

I survived...

2010-12-06T19:03:00.006+11:00

4 days at Magnolia Square... It was exhausting but fun and a big thanks to my sister and sister in law for manning our stall with me over the weekend. I met some lovely people especially my 'hood of stall holders who were all lovely and make awesome stuff. so here are some links to their websites... Knuffle Kid, Wendy June, We heart Books, Little Rivet Jeans, Mae and Little Lamb. I had a self-imposed embargo on buying whilst there, which proved to be more than just a little hard and I failed... So today our wee family played hookey and went into the city to have our annual family photo with Santa and to check out the Myer Christmas windows.... House painting to be done tomorrow and then back to the shop on wednesday where I'll be busy photographing lots of fabulous framed book illustrations and board games and more to put online.

new card designs

2010-12-04T07:40:00.005+11:00

So here is the latest range of my card designs, which includes 'hedgie' Nick's favourite toy from his childhood. They can bought from us this weekend at Magnolia Square or at our online shop.

ready (ish) for market

2010-12-01T16:27:00.003+11:00

Okay we are all set for tomorrow at Magnolia Square.... much making and sorting and cello bag stuffing with new card designs (photos yet to come) and a range of children's t-shirts in assorted designs and styles by me/us. I have put some on our website but at the moment they are in limited numbers until after this weekend. So the shop will be closed whilst we are at Magnolia Square - St Kilda Town Hall. The trading hours are Thurs 2 Dec 5pm-10pm, Fri 3 Dec 10am - 5pm, Sat 4 Dec 10am - 5pm and Sun 5 Dec 10am - 4pm. For more info please check their website. There is plenty of unrestricted parking in the surrounding streets as well as good ole public transport.

our creative space

2010-11-25T12:49:00.002+11:00

Nick has managed to inadvertantly sneak in to be a part of Kirsty's my creative space this week..(too many records and random amplifier bits) in fact Arthur probably has as well. Whilst I have been packaging Christmas cards, Arthur has started packaging his own with random lego pieces. Lot's of last minute creating and organising and stand designing for next weeks Magnolia Square.

shop open

2010-11-19T21:13:00.003+11:00

the shop is open again and I have photos to prove it. You can see over at flickr . Shop hours are 10 - 4pm Wednesday - Saturday....

christmas postcards

2010-11-18T16:54:00.002+11:00

I bit the bullet and had a wee set of christmas postcards printed up. A great way to snazz up your gifts instead of tags or to send some Christmas cheer in the post. There are 3 designs and you receive 4 of each in a pack. head over here to buy online or come to the shop front in North Melbourne.

2 weeks in a row

2010-11-18T15:57:00.002+11:00

I am joining Kirsty's my creative space again this week...although I have now taken over the kitchen table. Looks like it might be take-away or tv dinner for tonight.

my creative space

2010-11-11T11:15:00.003+11:00

For the first time I am joining Kirsty's my creative space. I think I shall re-name it my messy space... though I will say in my defence that a friend is staying for a few nights, so what was resting on the spare bed is now upon my desk. Hmm no excuse really...

1960's nat geos

2010-11-11T10:29:00.002+11:00

I've had pile of 1960's national geographic mags for years, they've moved house with us at least 3 times and every time I think, why do I keep these? So recently I decided to liberate a few and start making them into magnets. We have been busy behind the scenes of Arthur's Circus, framing, designing, printing and photographing so that we can re-open our North Melbourne shop front next week and also be a part of this market come December. So I am looking forward to receiving my order back from the printers next week and also unveiling a few other items we have been creating on this here blog next week.

flea market goodness

2010-10-11T19:38:00.004+11:00

We posted a small box of stuff back home and it arrived today... great vintage fabric, I'm still deciding what to make / do with these, unfortunately I don't think Nick would go for the pink animals as a living room curtain and an old tin sign, which is now living in our bathroom.

photo of photos

2010-10-07T15:44:00.002+11:00

I'm still sorting through photos of the digital kind, I wish I wasn't so fussy. In the past I'd take my film and get it developed and not umm and aah over which to get printed, how much photoshop is required on each photo, blah blah...no wonder I have a computer filled with images and not one photo album since 2006. (sorry Arthur)... I miss film and am glad I lugged my trusty old hasselblad and film away with me. If all else fails at least I have these photos printed.... in other news we will be heading to the shop next week and tackling the mess in order to re-open by Thursday I think.

spilling the beans

2010-09-29T08:51:00.003+10:00

The real reason for our internet (and shop) hiatus was for a 5 week holiday to London and France. I'm none to keen on divulging much personal stuff on the internet but figure now that the trip is in the past I can spill the beans and also share a few of the vintage goodies we bought for ourselves whilst away...

Arthur was seriously addicted to orangina.

We lucked upon an amazing flea market in a small town square and it was so good, people very friendly and cheap. Double sided board game and roly toy for my wee collection.

Great old keyrings and absolutely ace old rubber stamps. We seriously could have bought so much more from here, tho' I think there are a few more treasures I've yet to photograph....and speaking of photographs I've over 2500 digital pics to wade through and am yet to develop 8 rolls of film from my hasselblad. We're still recovering from the flight so we'll hopefully get back to shop life once Arthur's back at school.

internet hiatus

2010-08-20T08:36:00.002+10:00

The bath photo has absolutely nothing to do with anything, but it was to do with a lovely person who organised a wee photo expedition for myself and Nick...and speaking of expeditions we're taking a break from the internet (not that we've been here much of recent) and also our webshop will not be shipping orders until the end of September. See you on the sunnier side of winter/spring.

come and find us

2010-08-04T08:31:00.003+10:00

This weekend sees us having a stall at Camberwell Market. I do wonder where on earth time disappears to. 3 months ago I booked the stall and now this week sees us putting together a random array of stuff to take. We're stall 214 which is near where the Salvation Army band play I think. I'm definitely not looking forward to the 5am torch brigade, so fingers crossed it's not raining as well.

you can never have too many squeaky toys

2010-07-21T16:50:00.003+10:00

A very kind person contacted me recently to ask whether I would be interested in a few old squeaky toys and night lights... Indeed I am. Not the greatest of photos, but they arrived via post yesterday. And I have not seen the cat or elephant night light before.

a few more maps

2010-07-08T07:49:00.002+10:00

Yesterday after a bit of rummaging and photographing I have put a few more vintage maps up in the online shop. Take a peek here.

side of the road

2010-07-03T13:12:00.003+10:00

Would you believe that Nick found this set of drawers on the side of the road a few weeks ago. A couple of the drawers are a little stiff and in need of a bit love and the whole thing could do with a coat of oil, but other than that it's all good.

birthday pressie

2010-06-19T08:21:00.006+10:00

During the week I had a couple of framing jobs to get done, but unfortunately the frame requested wasn't in stock, so with a wee bit of time to kill I cut some mounts. First pic is from an old nursey rhyme book that my sister and I used to read at our grandparents when we were little. I'm planning on framing up 3 of the pictures for my nieces and nephew's birthday which are all coming up.

And it's been awhile since I made any of these, but I busted out some old memory cards and have mounted them up. (Arthur actually helped pick out the cards and we arranged them together.) They are available framed or unframed from our online shop. Incidently we played with the same set of memory cards at my grandparents too. I also framed two great screenprints for myself. I'll get around to photographing, once I've hung them at home.

new cushions

2010-06-16T18:34:00.002+10:00

I finally found some time to break out my sewing machine and a bunch of old flour, sugar and potato sacks and turn them into cushions. They're now for sale over at our website in the decor section.

big news

2010-06-15T12:55:00.002+10:00

After much discussion and indecision, we have decided to close the shop front of Arthur's Circus in North Melbourne. There are many reasons which I won't bore you with, but the location has been a major factor. It is hard to get a shop to work in an offbeat location. We would have liked to be open longer hours but it can be pretty boring sitting in a shop waiting for people to come by and ultimately it's not for me. Nick and I have other plans and ideas a brewing and we will still be running our online shop. So we are no longer open Thurs - Sat, we will open by appointment as we still have a shop full of great artwork, vintage and new items available. We're around, just not tied down to specific shop hours. So please call us. 0408557459 or 0412713202. Oh and we may do a few one off weekend sales and that sort of thing in the near future, so please keep a lookout.

calling all housewives

2010-06-11T13:45:00.003+10:00

How ace to see our beloved Donald Duck in this magazine (made in Melbourne) from 1972 in one of the local cafes. We were told when we bought him that he originally came from the carousel at the Melbourne Zoo.

clean out

2010-05-31T19:27:00.004+10:00

the time has come for us to sell off a few more items which have been in our pile of "in need of cleaning/sanding/sandblasting/ painting etc" and just never seem to get done and make it to the shop. My favourite is this fabulous retro kitchen cabinet / dresser. It's got such a lovely shape and a design that's not often seen. You can find it for sale here.

dolls house for sale - Renovator's delight

2010-05-13T11:57:00.003+10:00

Can't afford to renovate an entire home, well then look no further and renovate a lovely dolls house. 2 storeys with optional attic conversion. It's rather large and has an amazing handmade wooden staircase...hmmm trying to think of other annoying real estate speak... We've actually listed it on ebay with a few other things. You can take a peek.

show and tell

2010-04-23T10:41:00.003+10:00

A wee while ago we had a barter exchange in the shop, a few old things in exchange for an artwork. And one of those things was a bunch of cool souvenier felt pennants. They sat on my desk for a while with me admiring them and then I bit the bullet and finally sewed them into bunting. Oh and other vintage love this week is a new cookie jar for me...

2 new paumes books

2010-03-31T16:36:00.002+11:00

I've just added 2 of the latest Paumes books to our shop they are both my new favourites. Paris Family Style and Appartements de Garcons. Also getting adjusted to the new functions on our website. So here and there may double up on the news front.

new website

2010-03-30T09:26:00.002+11:00

It's finally up and running our new website so please go take a peek. And to celebrate we will be giving away a few copies of the latest mixtape zine, with my design on the cover. So if you're one of the first to buy something you'll get an added bonus in the mail.

not open

2010-03-25T14:50:00.002+11:00

This is very late notice but unfortunately we will not be able to open our shop tomorrow. (Friday 26th March)... But on a brighter note how ace is this pencil brooch by the sniffle co. It's my new favourite. When our new webshop finally opens you'll be able to see him there along with some of John's other fabulous designs such as Woody Allen and Radar from MASH. Any day now really....it's true.

while you were waiting

2010-03-19T20:39:00.002+11:00

still waiting for our new website to be finished. I had hoped it would be ready by now, so whilst behind the scenes I am busy photographing away I have also re-arranged the shop. The garage sale is done and dusted and the shop now resembles a shop and not a jumble sale which makes me happy. No more "what on earth is that, it looks like it's an acme part from a Road Runner cartoon", followed by a phonecall to Nick, "what on earth is that orange thing?", his response "a detonator"...hmm to have a hoarder/ collector/recycler for a partner sometimes has it's lowpoints...

mixtape now out

2010-03-05T10:25:00.002+11:00

how good is the cover...ha ha I actually made it. I was thrilled when Justine asked me to design the cover for Mixtape, especially with the theme "Life is a Circus".... You can buy it here. And in other news we are about to launch our new website... No more bigcartel shop, you'll be able to buy straight from our webby. A little more tweaking with the shopping cart function and then me uploading photos of items, so now everything you see will be available to buy. I'll let you know when it's ready. Mid next week me thinks. Have a good Labour day long weekend local folk.

train set for sale

2010-03-04T19:45:00.003+11:00

A wee while ago we came across a big ole model train set in an op shop. Someone's hobby no longer loved. So after a little discussion (ahem arguing) between Nick and I, Nick won the battle and the train set has joined us in the shop. Sadly it takes up too much room to make it a permanent item, so I am currently photographing all the bits and pieces to upload and sell online. So if you or someone you know has a big old shed with plenty of space, free time and is a train boffin, send them our way. One of my fave models is this Kentucky Fried Chicken stand. (Not KFC)...

goes on...

2010-03-04T12:17:00.002+11:00

unfortunately the bear dish above was left on the roof of our car and then run over by a tram...so sadly he is no longer, but on a brighter note our GARAGE SALE is still on. We have decided to keep bringing in items and running the shop as a bit of a garage sale for the next few weeks. So lots of cheap random old stuff that you normally wouldn't find at our shop. However we will not open this Labour Day weekend... as our usual back-up filler-in-er-a is away.

Arthur's GARAGE SALE

2010-02-26T11:24:00.003+11:00

We are sorting through boxes and shelves from behind the scenes at Arthur's Circus (and Arthur is selling some of his toys - he's after some new lego)....and are having our first big GARAGE SALE. It's on this Sunday 28th February from 9am - 4pm. So come to North Melbourne and grab a bargain and then head to the Lithuania club on Errol Street, for the North Melbourne Market.

grand sale...grand sale

2010-02-11T12:23:00.002+11:00

the sale is on and I'm currently uploading and putting items on sale in ye olde bigcartel shop too.

shop half sorted

2010-02-04T20:03:00.003+11:00

With Arthur starting school this week, life has begun it's unescapable (is that a word?) routine... To be honest I'm not great with routine so whilst we're getting used to the school thing, tomorrow the shop will be shutting at 3pm. Saturday will be 10am - 4pm.
I am feeling better after spending the day re-arranging and cleaning and looking forward to bringing some new ideas / things into Arthur's Circus. Our sale will start next Thursday and go for the rest of February. Items will be priced at between 10-40% off. Time to make some room for new stock.

we're back

2010-02-03T15:32:00.003+11:00

Arthur has started school so the shop is back open tomorrow... we'll be doing a little rearranging over the next few days (so that the shop isn't as messy looking as my desk) and then we will be having our first ever sale... We'll also be having a wee sale online too for those far away. Keep looking as it will be a discount code thingy me thinks

have map will travel

2010-01-11T08:18:00.004+11:00

It's still holiday time at Arthur's Circus, no grand travelling to far away destinations but the good ole taking each day as it comes, days at the beach, hanging out with family and friends. Arthur starts school this year, so we have decided to keep the shop closed until school starts in Feb. Also North Melbourne is always a bit of a ghost town come summertime... but we have plans to change the shop around a bit and have our first big sale when we open again. The online shop is always open and we mail out once a week. It's going to be 41 degrees today so we're off to see the Fantastic Mr Fox at the cinema and eating ice cream. Hope your holidays are fun.

christmas card 2009

2009-12-17T12:18:00.003+11:00

Tis the time for the unveiling of ye olde christmas card 2009. Arthur's back and the santa headband may no longer be flashing and fitting quite so well, but we did it in record time with no kerfuffles. If you want to peek at 2008 head here and 2007 is here

oh no ho ho ho

2009-12-10T13:29:00.002+11:00

we are open for a wee bit longer over the next 2 weeks....click on the pic to see and read.

heading to market

2009-12-04T15:14:00.003+11:00

tomorrow I am taking the circus to the Yarravillle Christmas market. Nick will be in the shop and after Arthur's (ahem) help at the previous market he's off to play elsewhere. It's open from 10am but sometimes people sneak in a little earlier and on until 3pm. If you need more details and a list of some the lovely stall holders attending head here. It's also on Sunday too, some stallholders the same some different.

random home photo

2009-11-20T10:44:00.002+11:00

I have been meaning to do a blogpost for about 10 days now but figured I'd only be whinging about the hot November weather, the fact that Arthur and I have colds and that Arthur is having grommets put in and adenoids taken out in the very near future. See not very exciting, no wondrous tales of second hand finds or fancy photographs to share. See I told you I would whine, but I am working on some new ideas and a fun project too - I just can't share that stuff as yet.

we're back again

2009-11-05T15:27:00.002+11:00

the shop is now open again and I have spent the day re-arranging (more about that soon) and getting back to shop life, including photographing some new (old) things to put online. Which may or may not happen today. Tomorrow is a day in the shop dedicated to breathing some new life into the online shop and perhaps a foray into ebay... we have some things that really don't suit the shop but like most people don't want to just give away. But I do have 3 bags of old clothes and stuff to donate to the op shop. It seems a spring cleaning be on me.

tis the time of the year

2009-10-15T14:21:00.004+11:00

to take a break.... it seems like this time last year one of us in the land of Arthur's Circus hit the wall - now it is my turn. To keep it short and not delve too much info, I have been struggling to balance the life, shop and mother load. This year Arthur has had a never ending supply of bugs and colds and ear infections.( We're now heading down the ENT path). So for the next 2 weeks I want to be hanging out with my little fella, looking after him and not running a shop.
Also thanks to everyone who came to see our Milkbar show. It was fun and encouraging to meet new people who share a love for nostalgia and 20 cent paddle pops...So we're open tomorrow and Saturday 11-5pm and then will be back the first week of November. Please call us if you're planning a visit from afar, we can arrange a time for you to visit whilst we take this time out.

catching bugs

2009-10-09T16:44:00.002+11:00

unfortunately we've been catching bugs of the cold and flu kind, as opposed to the creepy crawlie ones....although maybe not so unfortunate after all. We do have a huntsman spider lurking upstairs, whom Arthur has named Tigger. Our last resident spider a few years ago was called Neville...so perhaps I should get Arthur to set his bug catcher trap... Which is circa 1970's by the way and unused me thinks. We have a couple of these bug catchers and I'll be putting them online today.

a to the y to the z - an online guide

2009-10-01T16:48:00.004+10:00

today I photographed some new things to add to the online shop, once I started a pattern emerged and the next thing it was the abc's. Most are yet to be added, I cheated a little as a few are already in the online shop. I only wish the alphabet consisted of 25 letters, though I'm not sure which letter I'd leave out.
UPDATE: all up and online here.

not quite exhibition pics

2009-09-25T17:17:00.002+10:00

I had planned on uploading a few new photos taken around the shop of our exhibition (and re-arrangement), however in my cleaning frenzy I can't seem to find my card reader to upload photos. So instead a pic of a sweet old child's toy and a link to Gemma's flickr where she has some snaps from opening night.
A big thanks to all those who came and ate way too many lollies and those who have visited us in the pouring Melbourne rain. My favourite part of the night was manning the milkbar / lolly counter with Arthur and watch people umming and aaahing trying to decide what to buy with their $1. (Everything was 20 cents).

a sneak peek and 20 cent sunnyboys

2009-09-22T08:33:00.003+10:00

A quick reminder that our exhibition opens tonight from 6pm. After a trek halfway across Melbourne and back we have procured some tasty milkbar treats....and all for yesteryear prices of 20 cents. The best and freshest snowballs in town, sunnyboys, mixed lollies and more. So raid your money box and re-live your childhood and enjoy Gemma, Nat, Miikel and Eamo's look at the fading history of the milkbar, laundromat and urban beauty.
Gallery/shop hours for the exhibition are Thursday to Sunday 11am - 5pm. And contact us for an appointment outside those hours.

awesome squared

2009-09-15T20:52:00.003+10:00

we happen to stock a very awesome kid's (and adults) book, which is incidently called "an awesome book" by Dallas Clayton. Well things have gotten even more awesome as he has now set up a kids book foundation. Basically for every copy he sells, Dallas donates one copy to a child or school or hospital etc... So please take a look at this link and go buy an awesome book and dream big.
PS I have just added it to our online shop. Buy from him or us.

snowballs, sunnyboys and sherbert cones

2009-09-12T16:38:00.003+10:00

figuring out the logistics and all important opening night treats... the shop is now closed for the week. Our online shop is open for business as usual. And Arthur has been helping me out with a little milkbar etc magnet and badge making. And to answer many a question you don't need to RSVP to attend. So come and hang out at our milkbar for the melbourne fringe festival.

milkbars, laundromats & urban beauty

2009-09-02T19:46:00.002+10:00

Back from the printers is our exhibition invite for our upcoming photography show here at Arthur's Circus. Featuring the photographic talents of Gemma Jones, Eamo Donnelly, Miikel Doomernik and moi - Natalie Jeffcott. The exhibition is part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival and also celebrates our 2nd year in business. Opening night is Tuesday 22 September from 6 - 8pm . We will be extending our hours for the duration of the festival. And fingers crossed we'll have less circus and juggling in Arthur's Circus and be able to open an extra day of the week. We shall keep you posted.

hmmm

2009-08-31T19:33:00.003+10:00

We received an unhappy (and anonymous) note under our door yesterday, so I thought I would reply on the off chance that the disappointed person / people will read it. I am sorry you drove 1.5 hours to visit our shop only to find us closed. However our website clearly states that we are only open Thursday - Saturday 11am - 5pm, or by appointment. We have not been open on Sundays since the beginning of this year. If you had rung the telephone number on the door, we would have answered and been more than happy to come and open the shop for you. We were not far away....
On a similar note, we also endeavour to post information on this blog, our door and our website if we have any changes in regards to our opening times. And it so happens that we do. This Saturday 4th September we will closing early at 3.30pm. Also in preparation for our upcoming photography exhibition (more info soon) we will be closing the shop for the week of the 13th - 19th September in order to prepare and re-arrange the shop. Please call us on 0408557459 or 0412713202 if you want to arrange a time or have any questions.

new to the shop

2009-08-23T07:21:00.003+10:00

in no particular order (though the top one is my favourite)....
framed vintage tea week sign

map magnets made by me

magnets made from old (and incomplete) children's lotto pieces

a new range of screenprints from the UK

....now heading to the online shop to add a few things too.

flour sack cushions

2009-08-19T13:53:00.005+10:00

Here is the latest in our cushions created from vintage flour sacks. I am attempting to put these up in the online shop today - though it depends on Arthur and his television watching while I do so....it may be this evening I have a feeling. A big thankyou goes to Miss Peta Pledger for helping sew up a storm....by the way she makes the best dresses, skirts and tops in town.

cushions online

2009-08-15T14:15:00.002+10:00

since our article in Inside Out magazine, we have had a few enquiries in regards to our cushions made from old flour sacks and army blankets. So I have photographed what we currently have in stock and have added them to the online shop. I plan to get my sewing on this evening and create a few more. Fingers crossed I won't fall asleep before Arthur and actually get some done.

vintage toys + photography

2009-08-13T13:44:00.003+10:00

= me happy. I have been working on a photo job (shh dont tell them I told you) which incorporates the use of vintage toys. Perfect for me really. So I thought that I would share one of the rejects so to speak. Some of you may remember this space set from your own childhood. It got me thinking about my favourite toys which I didn't have - but got to play with at friends' houses. Kenner family treehouse, this space set and simon (electronic game).

thread den market

2009-08-07T11:38:00.002+10:00

the above photo has nothing really to do with the fact that the lovely thread den girls have organised a market and we are having at stall at it. It is on this Sunday August 9 from 10am -2pm at the Lithuanian club, 44 Errol Street, North Melbourne. There will be over 50 market stalls, activities for the kids and great door prizes. Entry via gold coin donation...the money raised is going towards their spring fashion show. And also thankyou to all the lovely comments and emails re: our feature in Inside Out. Whilst articles about ourselves and our shop / home have been seen in other mags and websites, this is by far my favourite. Yay...

I had been thinking...

2009-08-03T06:34:00.003+10:00

that I hadn't posted anything for a while and lo and behold, it's true...so this week sees our house in the latest edition of Inside Out magazine. It's due to hit the stands August 4 or 5. This week we are being interviewed by a newspaper, along with photos of our kitchen and bathroom - so the mad cleaning panic is about to begin and lastly over the weekend the lovely Jenny and Ian from lmnop popped into the shop. So I think that has the media covered.
On Friday I embarked on a wee shop re-arranging, kind of like a giant game of tetris. I sometimes have some crazy idea and won't let up on it - such as moving large pieces of furniture that you cant get to, nor move by oneself. Yet somehow I think it is possible. Luckily Nick got back to the shop with Arthur and helped. (Once I had emptied almost everything from under the stairs into the shop - to get to large piece of furniture)...but I did get to finding some buried vintage treasure, which I'm hoping to add online this week.

kit cat clocks

2009-07-17T13:22:00.004+10:00

our shipment of kit cat clocks has finally arrived and they are very ace. We have only 2 versions of the clocks at this stage - being the black and red 75th anniversary ones (as seen in the pics.) Now I just need to get to the shop to buy some batteries to see them tick tock in all their eye moving, tail wagging glory. Oh and I'm about to put on sale in the online shop too.

for your listening (and viewing) pleasure

2009-07-10T11:29:00.004+10:00

I have uploaded a few photos from our trip up north to our flickr site. Just don't be expecting your usual touristy and family snaps, as you wont find them there. Whilst I was uploading and photoshopping I was listening to an album, by James Yuill. You should check his music out. I'm not good at musical descriptions so I won't try but here is a link to one on you tube. I have decided that now is the time to improve my feedback skills and linking to other people. I am hopeless at it. You should see how much feedback I have never left for ebay, etsy, comments on flickr etc. We receive many kind words, in person and via the web. So I actually emailed James Yuill, to tell him I liked his music and do you know what, he emailed back and said thankyou. So I would now like to thank everyone who visits us and leaves comments, we do appreciate it and may I also apologise to all the folk I've never feedbacked (except the ones who don't package things properly) and left nice comments on blogs I regularly read.

the big pineapple

2009-07-08T06:34:00.003+10:00

Arthur and I snuck out of town, (while Nick manned the shop) on a wee break with my sister and her family. Hence the lack of Arthur's Circus internet ramblings. We stayed on the sunshine coast and of course had to visit the big pineapple. It has been a good 32 years since I was last there. It opened around 1971 I think and my sister and I went there as children, probably around the same age that our kids are. Nothing much has changed which is nice, but also highlights what was once a thriving tourist destination that the main motorway has now bypassed. No fancy amusement park rides here. A slow rickety pineapple express train and macadamia nut car is as good as it gets for thrills and spills. We loved it, although I was disappointed they didn't sell a giant pencil with a plastic pineapple on top anymore.

they're back

2009-06-26T13:34:00.004+10:00

Vintage galaxy bottles have returned to the shop and about to head over online too. If you don't know the history, they are an original, old-stock glass bottle, designed for syrup - think sodastream here in Australia, but oh so much snazzier. Designed to turn into a money box after you've consumed all that sugary goodness. Unfortunately they went belly up before the bottles were used, which is good news for us, as it means we can enjoy or their vintage, mint condition loveliness.

how good is this box?

2009-06-20T15:37:00.001+10:00

it's better than the game. I'm planning on framing this next week. I'd like to say it's for the shop, but I have a feeling this one may sneak upstairs for a wee bit.

as sweet as, sweet mama cotton candy

2009-06-16T20:22:00.005+10:00

I have finally (well bigartel behaved itself) uploaded a few new items online, and thought I'd show you the other set of super sweet (and salty) letterpress prints from Yeehaw. I can't decide between careless love and salty tears, but I think the crying pretzel may just have it. They are all great.

yeehaw

2009-06-12T12:44:00.003+10:00

how sweet is this set of prints...very I say. The set is called Jr Rangers - even more sweet. There's another set of yeehaw prints that arrived in the shop today called Careless Love, Salty Tears, Sweet Mama and Cold Turkey. They're just as ace. I'm putting some in the online shop today - once I figure my exchange rates.
On another note for the rest of June we are only going to be open in the real world on Fridays and Saturdays. You can call for an appointment still, but at the moment the climate both economically and meteorologically (is that a word?) - is a wee bit cold. So I'm taking a break and doing some personal photography instead. so 2 yeehaws it is for me today.

I speak, I laugh, I sing...

2009-06-04T14:36:00.002+10:00

just at the twist of the handle...oh humpty if only it were that simple....and also you're broken...but I still love you.

PG - artwork may contain bad language

2009-06-04T13:39:00.003+10:00

well actually it does. Super new giclee prints have arrived in the shop this week by the talented Mr Gary Taxali. Sneak peek of one which is my favourite. I'll be framing next week and show it off better then. My week this week is better, thanks to friends old and new, who have helped me better understand the land of retail and the juggle we all have in varying degrees, of work, kids, life, relationships etc. I really appreciate it, a big thankyou....well that and the 14715 viewed item in the shop has SOLD. yes indeedy do and to someone I don't know.

making amends

2009-05-30T13:22:00.004+10:00

Thankyou for your comments, after reading them and re-reading my blog post, I apologise if I sounded way too grumpy. I have never been great with expressing my thoughts into words. That's one of the reasons why I studied photography. I had been talking to friends about the similarity of some products seen recently, by different people / companies. And wonder how the original creator feels about the mutation of their idea or design. Also, how people can simultaneously create something with no knowledge of the other. The internet is a great tool for sharing ideas, creating and seeking inspiration but unfortunately people do get ideas stolen.
At the moment I am finding the balance of running a shop in person, maintaining it on-line and being a Mum a little tricky. As you may know Arthur heads to school next year, so time with him is precious. I wish our shop could be open more than 3 days a week, and that sometimes Arthur wasn't around when the shop is supposed to be open. But for the time being it is how we're running things and after all it is called Arthur's Circus for a reason. So to Anthony, Lisa, Kate, Clare, Jessi and LotelIT shoot me an email at info@arthurscircus.com with your address and a little something will be coming your way. I really appreciate your feedback, though I still can't figure out of 14,000+ views of one item in our shop, why no one has bought it. ;-)

mama's makin' bunting

2009-05-29T13:22:00.004+10:00

I've been making bunting from vintage children book pages for a while now and quietly selling them in our shop. I haven't seen the idea elsewhere but knowing what this online world is like, it's more than likely someone else makes something kinda the same too. And if not, here's my idea - and go forth and copy it, because that's what happens in this ole world. We share, we inspire and then we rip off. Yes I am feeling cynical today. : ) By "we" I mean people not specifially "us". BUT seeing as this is my 200th blog post, who would have thought I could manage that. So if you help me out with an answer to a question, then one or two of you will randomly receive a paper bunting and / or other Arthur's Circus treats. It appears we have a lot of viewers to our online shop. So here is my question what does or doesn't make you buy something from it or perhaps other online shops? Is it the price, is it the postage or is it something else? What are you looking for when you look online? You can email us if you don't want the world to see, although I moderate comments so no one has to know. Oh and you could also buy our bunting here.

adding a few new things

2009-05-28T14:29:00.003+10:00

Plugging away on my computer getting distracted by other links, blogs and things when I should just upload some pics to the online shop. Anyways a few new items added so far. Trying to have a bit of an online dust, sweep and clean. Other news is that this Saturday we will be closing early at 3.30pm. Yes I found the lost tickets which means we can go. I did actually sit down after a good frantic 1 hour search and ask out aloud "where are the tickets St Anthony". Lay down on my bed quietly and bam the answer came to me, I kid you not. Found inside a handbag used over one month ago, which was in the laundry, inside a large backpack. Obvious place to leave tickets right?

a day in bed...

2009-05-27T08:49:00.003+10:00

Some day I would like a day in bed, with nothing but books and magazines sprawled around me. It seems that day could be today but not quite as I imagined. My neck is out and I cannot move it....Lucky we use a laptop. However the many things I had planned to get done today are now not happening. My parenting skills are out the window, whilst Arthur is glued to ABC Kids television. With my regular yelling out, are you okay. He even got his breakfast this morning. Lucky the dishes were clean in the dishwasher is all I can say. Next noise of concern was dog food hitting the metal bowl. All good. Dog fed, child fed and I'm still in bed. Nick is working elsewhere. I wonder how much longer I have until I resume to 'mother' life. 10am I reckon, after Playschool finishes.

small shop update

2009-05-22T15:54:00.003+10:00

a sneak peek of two things added to the online shop today. I am trying to add a few more but with Arthur lurking in and out of the shop, armed with our water sprayer and window squeegie (how do you spell that) I'm keeping my eyes on him. Anyone in need of some cheap-child-window-cleaning labour? Oh the very lovely tea towel is by Susan aka spin spin. She hand screenprints them here in Melbourne on 100% linen and I didn't iron it for the photo., does that make me a bad photographer/shopkeeper ?

thankyou St Anthony

2009-05-21T13:25:00.003+10:00

I promise I won't call you Tony or Tone..... Yes my camera charger randomly turned up last night without me spending hours searching throughout our house and car. So now I can resume posting as I just can't have words on this here blog. So this week has seen me framing - first up a custom framing job for a customer who asked about us framing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles that he had spied in the shop. It was a tricky and time consuming one but I think it turned out well. Also more screenprints in store from the UK. Now I can finally make a start on photographing and uploading some new stock to the neglected online shop. Oh we were also were reviewed in The Age newspaper at the weekend. 4 stars ( I hope that's out of 5 ) and next time I'll try to remember to unlock the front door before a customer attempts to get in.

we've been busy

2009-05-16T11:55:00.002+10:00

I feel like I've been neglecting the online world of Arthur's Circus of recent. We have been rather busy with this wee project. Fingers crossed it will all be dandy asap. I haven't planned a fancy blog post, as it's been a week of Arthur having an ear infection and me feeling torn between being a mother and a shopkeeper and doing neither exceptionally well. I'm about ready for a new week to begin, finding my awol camera charger and awol tickets to Yo Gabba Gabba. Which Saint is it that I need to pray to for finding lost things?

stop me if you think you've heard this one before...

2009-05-07T14:38:00.002+10:00

I think I may have mentioned that we have too much stuff. Home stuff, shop stuff, child stuff etc etc... so sometimes I need to think outside the square when it comes to finding a home for certain stuff. We seriously lack cupboards, shelving, storage etc so what does one do? Well with a partner who collects old toy service stations (many of which young Arthur is not allowed to play with) and no more shelves available I have found a new home in our ensuite. Perfect to house yet more bathroom type stuff.

it runs in the family....

2009-05-01T11:14:00.004+10:00

Without going into too much detail, a little bribery was required a few weeks ago for a certain 4 year old, involving a toileting change in behaviour. Nothing too serious, so we asked if he would like to choose something for himself and if after 2 weeks of the new and improved behaviour he could have that chosen something. So he asked for our guide to vintage Fisher Price. Yes it's true. After much flipping of pages and ummming it was announced that he would like the huffy puffy train. Jeepers, lucky he didn't choose a 1930's original pull toy.... So a little internet searching I had found huffy puffy in the USA. It's a little tattered, but well loved and the postage cost way more than the train itself. But behaviour has changed for good.

all in all

2009-04-30T13:08:00.002+10:00

I have a photo in the above group show at famous when dead gallery, a hop skip and a jump away from us. Well a 10 minute walk really. It's with a group of artists who all work or live in the north / west melbourne neighbourhood. That's all I know, other than there's an opening for it tomorrow night from 6pm. So if you fancy a beer and a perusal come on by.

thankyou

2009-04-24T11:42:00.003+10:00

It seems my photos have been tarting themselves about the web of recent. Having been spied at bloesem kids, small magazine and spearmint baby. So a big thankyou to those blogs for giving them a mention... and I thought that I really should let you see what they look like framed. Not shown in Ikea, but tarted-up, custom-made frames - the same size as a 30 x 40cm Ikea ribba that they are designed to fit into.
Also I have been unsure whether we will be open for Anzac day tomorrow. We have decided that we will be closed. Not because we fancy a day off (but that is very Australian of us) but feel it's important to stop and think about the men and women who sacrificed so much for us.

hello again

2009-04-17T14:39:00.002+10:00

After a wee Easter break I wish I could write that we are feeling refreshed but I don't think that ever happens once children enter your life. When do 4 year old boys stop wanting to wake in the middle of the night and crawl into bed with you, stealing pillows and blankets? Today I have been photographing a few new things for the online shop the fun part is the photographing, the un-fun part is uploading, writing the blurb and quoting postage, that and I've run out of coffee. On another note I am thinking it's about time to re-do our website and actually incorporate being able to sell directly from there, as opposed to using bigcartel. I am thinking that if I actually blog about this, rather than just think it, I might just do it.... if not maybe some of you folk out there will hold me accountable for my words.