There’s no denying Brunswick is a creative place, and Sydney Road, with its stores full of hand sewn creations, unique accessories and one of a kind gifts is at the centre of this artistic bubble.

We spoke with the makers and creators along this iconic street, and with the shops that stock them about their inspiration, passion and love for what they do.

Jay Falkner – Finki

“Finki is the label I begun in 2008 when my crafting adventures could longer be contained to the living room, kitchen and bedroom of our little rental house,” explains owner Jay Falkner.

Starting off on Etsy, progressing to markets, a collective space, then finally it’s own store, Finki has grown into a stunning collection of clothing, accessories and other handmade goodies.

Aside from Jay’s own designs, in fabulous fabrics and cuts, the store also stocks the work of over 40 makers, and Jay says she is constantly inspired by the creations they bring in.

There’s also something magical about the handmade elements of each piece she that she loves sharing with others.

“What I love about handmade is how unique things are… infused with the stylings, heart and soul of the maker,” she explains.

“Handmade rejects modern trends and fast fashion and is more about connecting with pieces that were born from a place of pure passion.”

Ellinor Mazza – Arbor

Offering creations from over 30 different designers, as well as commissions and remodeling work, Arbor is, as director Ellinor Mazza describes it “a very busy little hive of activity.”

“We work really closely with all our artists and we are kind of like a big sprawling family,” she explains.

Born in 2011, Arbor has been Ellinor’s chance to explore her love of “making anything and everything” while also promoting the work of Australian designers in the Brunswick community.

“We place a great focus on hand fabricated work, when pieces are made from start to finish from metal, as opposed to wax carved and cast or overly produced works,” Ellinor says.

This, she explains, adds a little touch of magic to each creation.

“When a piece is handmade, the artist is fully present while designing and creating that piece.”

“I think our locals and customers who seek us out are after the connection, the feeling that they have a connection to the person who created their piece.”

Jode Cowie – Santa Carla

For owners Jode Cowie and Alix Jackson, establishing Santa Carla has been a way to work with and support independent artists.

“Working closely with a diverse group of makers we’ve been able to create a permanent space for a carefully curated collection that is growing and evolving with time,” says Jode.

“Establishing a space like Santa Carla validates their work which provides the support they need to keep on working. We love the work they do.”

Stocking a huge range, from jewelry, giftware and accessories to comics, prints and music, this little store is the place to find something special.

“Pieces are often either exclusive to Santa Carla, unique, or form part of a limited collection. Everything is crafted with love and attention to detail and forms part of the artist’s creative life,” says Jode.

“These artists are creating work that is honest and true to the life they are living, a celebration, a reflection, or a cathartic response to what is happening in the world.”

Bree Claffey – Mr Kitly

Five years spent in Japan, “between the ages of 20 and 25”, was where Bree Claffey’s inspiration for Mr Kitly began.

“I was like a sponge, unknowingly soaking up lots of impressions of the architecture, beautiful crafts, and urban environments filled with plants,” she explains.

“It wasn’t until I was a bit older that I started to reflect on how that time spent in Japan had influenced how I see and find beauty in the world.”

A desire to create a real-world space reflecting this and her interest in ceramics and plants was what led Bree to open Mr Kitly in 2010.

Now the store is an oasis of indoor greenery, handmade ceramics, ethical clothes and Japanese foodstuffs.

Bree works closely with artists from all over the world, and says she is constantly in awe of the “unwavering dedication [these] makers bring to their craft.”

“It’s not an easy choice,” she says, as “most of the artists have to supplement their creative life with other work,” but it’s a constant source of inspiration that “in amongst all that they continuously create beauty.”

“I feel rewarded just having the chance to be around these folk,” she says.

John Reading – Lumin’s Workshop

“The thing we love most about props and costumes is the act of bringing something out of a movie, book or game into the real world,” says John Reading.

“After you’ve spent weeks… slaving over a new costume it’s just a great feeling seeing it all come together with the makeup and special effects.”

Opened by he and co-owner Maggie Hu, after they “first got into cosplay and prop making,” Lumin’s Workshop offers a unique blend of cosplay materials and supplies as well as various workshops.

What sets their store apart, John explains, is the fact they don’t simply offer complete costumes for hire or sale.

Instead, the focus lies in equipping cosplay lovers with the skills and materials they need to create their own masterpiece.

“We’re completely focused on providing the education and materials for people to make their own unique costumes and props,” says John.

“[We also] understand that the community is a large part of what makes cosplay, cosplay, so we try and offer the best help and advice we can.”

“The cosplay community itself is also quite special. Everyone is generally so welcoming and willing to share knowledge and help each other out, even if you’re total strangers.”

Published in Inner Circle Magazine Feb 2018. Sponsored by Sydney Road Brunswick Association.