We visited The Olive Tree Market at The Junction today for the first time. I’ve put off going along for a long time, largely because I knew once I started going I would be hooked, but I could resist no longer. I think I was there for all of five minutes before I was making plans to return again when the Market is on in December.
Sorella Strings
There is a wonderful atmosphere at the Market. The stallholders are friendly and helpful, there were some lovely instrumentalists playing in different areas and there are so many bright colours and appealing displays that it would be difficult to not enjoy the experience of having a relaxed wander.
Paper cranes from Rumpelstiltskin
My arty 11-year-old daughter was in raptures almost the entire time we were there. She had a wonderful time looking at the various clothing and homewares stalls as well as the different products offered by artists. Her absolute favourites were the paper crane products at Rumpelstiltskin and screen-printed skirts, bags and prints at sketch & jones. After looking at all the handmade clothing, accessories, cushions and various other items, she is all fired up to design and create as well as learn how to use my sewing machine, which is great.
Skirts by sketch & jones
An Owl & the Pussycat skirt by sketch & jones (It’s on my wishlist)
There are plenty of options for food and drink to sustain you while you shop as well. My husband and the boys had sausage sandwiches for morning tea, we had delicious Turkish gozleme for lunch (my 8-year-old son opted for Dutch poffertjes instead) and we brought home some Greek shortbread and baklava (A Taste of Greece) for dessert tonight. I also picked up some organic Lemony Ginger tea (Tea by Grete) and some handmade fudge (Hunter Belle Fudge). Sadly we were too late to sample the cupcakes from The Sweet Boutique, but now we know to get in early next time, so we won’t miss out again.
Cupcakes at The Sweet Boutique
I have been feeling increasingly frustrated with the sameness of the items on offer at the shopping centre, especially when I venture out to buy birthday and Christmas gifts. I’m planning to have a gift list ready when I visit the Markets next month and I’m really looking forward to buying unique, handmade items for family and friends (and quite possibly for myself). I also love that anything I purchase at the Markets is supporting a local small business and/or artisan.
Gorgeous magnets featuring paintings by artist Julie Baigent
We visited the Markets today as a family and we all enjoyed our time there, although my 13-year-old son isn’t quite so keen to return again. His reluctance is understandable as there wasn’t much on offer for teenage boys, with the obvious exception of the many delicious food stands. Stalls included clothing (mostly for babies/toddlers, young and teenage girls or women), artworks (prints, magnets, ornaments etc), jewellery and accessories, soft toys, paper and cards, and homewares (such as lampshades and cushions).
Cute magnets. Stallholder name unknown.
The Markets are generally open on the first Saturday of each month from 9am – 3pm in the grounds of The Junction Primary School, Union St, The Junction. There is an additional market day planned for November and December (17th and 15th respectively) to help with all those last minute Christmas purchases and the market hours are extended from 9am – 5pm for both of the December dates. It’s worth wearing a hat, as most of the stalls are set up in an open, uncovered area. Parking is on the streets surrounding the school. It was quite busy when we arrived, but we were still able to find a park only two blocks away within easy walking distance.
Necklace from Butterfly Heart by D
You can keep up to date with the latest news and information about the Markets by following The Olive Tree Market on Facebook or visiting their website.
Rock car (side view). Stallholder name unknown.
![]( "Rock car")
- Rock car (front view). Stallholder name unknown.
by 