My first thoughts when I heard the name, The Drowned Rat were 'huh...what...my daughter won't be happy when I tell her we are off to The Drowned Rat'. See she has a deep affection for rats {yes she's a rat kinda girl not the cuddly Koala type}. Then my mind pondered, what on earth does it mean? Drowned rat, hmm, the owners must have a good sense of humour!

Well it turns out there is a fairly simple explanation; Clontarf's newest-eclectic-cool cafe, The Drowned Rat Expresso Bar was named after the 'unofficial' dog off leash area along Hornibrook Esplanade where the super cute cafe resides. Owner, Georgie Hitchlock, {may or may not of} took her dog for a swim there and later commented he looked like a 'drowned rat' - uh-huh! Yep I get it and the name instantly forms a lovely connection with a local pastime. 

On entering the cafe I was in visual heaven, the citrus tones, vintage knick knacks, the hand painted mural, the comfy chairs and long wooden tables and then the pop of sweets on the counter sitting next to an impressive coffee maker.

Rose & I ordered the sweets platter, an iced tea and iced chocolate. Out came the sweets presented perfectly on a cake stand & the drinks arrived in super cool jam jars with paper straws. The paper texture as I sipped the gorgeous beverage just added to the decadent experience, not that paper straws are terribly decadent but they certainly are the 'in thing'. 

I asked Georgie a few questions about the inspiration behind her divine cafe so we could all get to know the lady behind this wonderful new addition to Redcliffe ~ a place to wind down after a run along the beach with the furry friends.

Q. What was the inspiration behind opening The Drowned Rat Expresso Bar? How did you settle on the location? Love the connection with the name & the unleashed dog area on the beach!

"After having my now 1 year old son I was feeling unchallenged and told my partner Matthew I was feeling less than excited about returning to work in the city as barista manager of an 80-kilo per week high volume espresso bar, he suggested I open my own and the seed grew....driving home one day I spotted the newly built and unfinished space at 80 Hornibrook Esplanade in the new apartment block and realised it was the old Jandals cafe site and 'felt' like it was perfect. The beach across the road is an unofficial off-leash dog beach, horse swimming beach with the occasional pod of dolphins and the lovely pelicans! It made sense to us to make it locational with regards to the name 'The Drowned Rat' which may also have a lot to do with our puppy's first swim there and looking like a wet rat indeed!! 'The Drowned Rat is crazy and unique so you definitely can not mix it up with any other coffee bar and it sets new customers expectations quite low as they come in and see whats happening inside!"

Q. The design of the cafe is super cool, what processes did you go through when designing it and then rolling it out? The mural you've been working on is beautiful!

"If you're serious about serving good coffee you have to be prepared to put a bit of money into your machine and grinders and so leaving little in the kitty for fit out! This is where I think Redcliffe is an amazing place to live because of the amount of retro, antique, vintage and second hand stores throughout the Peninsula!! I can happily confirm that there is at least one piece from every single shop in the Peninsula in my coffee bar! The costs associated with setting up any business can mean you have to get thrifty and hands on and I am so grateful to my partner who nailed, hammered and sawed his way through benches, tables, seating and bar after bar to appease me! The outside porch was a dark grey and I decided to carry the dark grey in and add pops of colour throughout the bar with lots of bits and pieces and of a course a big yellow piano! We also have our own drowned rat custom blend coffee with the ecuadorian zumba adding a smooth rounded caramel taste to our coffee that was cupped and blended by myself and local roaster Ed Thomas from Neli. Ed has entered my blend in the national coffee roast awards and already won a medal."

Fitted out with local finds from second hand stores & coffee sourced from local roasters, Neli Coffee

Q. Tell me about your menu? How did you decide what made the cut? What other surprises are there to find at The Drowned Rat Expresso Bar?

"We specialise in coffee 'additives' and by this we mean mostly sweets! we have experimented with quite a few different types but settled on some staples: chocolate brownie bites, carrot cake, orange & almond cakes, passionfruit and coconut slice, caramel fudge, chocolate and cookies. I let the customers decide what stayed by what sold the most and added two savouries in there to go with our breakfast snack items such as fruit loaf, muffins, scones etc. The cakes had to be moist and the eggs had to have been cracked by hands!! which our bakery does! I also made it imperative that we offer at least four gluten free options for food and lactose intolerant milk options. We like to add in something new every week or so and look forward to our Christmas treat offers. We will be getting our food licence shortly and offering bacon and egg rolls for the men!!"

Q. What are your opening times?

"We are open 7 days a week from 6am-3pm Monday to Friday and 7am-3pm Saturday and Sunday. We have free wifi and iPads that can be hired for browsing, work, or watching movies for the kids while mum has a nice coffee date with her girlfriends! We cold brew coffee and our organic teas; make our own cold press iced coffee and iced teas served in funky jam jars and paper straws. We offer various spaces and sweet catering for group bookings and also do a 1 or 2 person petite treats high tea on saturday and sunday afternoons. We are looking to offer live music sundays in about three months and want to hold coffee appreciation & dessert nights in the near future along with wonderful expansion plans."

Q. What do you love most about being a {hip & happening} business in Clontarf?

"We are some of the few people who get to live and work here in the Peninsula and avoid the dreaded 'commute'. We love that we get to meet so many wonderful locals who have lived on the Peninsula all their lives and can tell us so much of its history, offering good coffee served with smiles and mixed in with laughter. We enjoy what we do and we want everyone to feel relaxed, content and of course looking at the water all day is good for the soul so we feel that everyone should experience it!"

Q. Where do you go to chill in Redcliffe {other than your own gorgeous cafe of course with its sea views & dolphin spotting opportunities}?

"My all time favourite place to go have great coffee and awesome food here on the Peninsula is Workshop Co Espresso Bar on Redcliffe Parade: 3 Hat-chef-owner-Vince, is also a business mentor of mine! The place to go to for a wicked pork belly sandwich and two piccolos finished off with coffee talk and bizzo advice! Delicious!! There is only so much cake and cookie a girl can handle!"

Be sure to pop in and see Georgie & Ebony & let us know what you think! I'm sure you'll be in swoon heaven.
The Drowned Rat
www.drownedratespresso.com.au
Facebook
80 Hornibrook Esplanade
Clontarf Q

GIVEAWAY~
We have 4 Coffee & Cake vouchers to give away, each worth, $10.00. Simply RSVP to Handmade Redcliffe  for our upcoming HANDMADE REDCLIFFE SAND & SEA market this Saturday 2 November 2013 2.00pm - 7.00pm. Collection is from Handmade Redcliffe this week, good luck! Enter here ~ RSVP or email us your RSVP if you're not on Facebook here.

This week Becky from PortfolioPics got busy with her pens & watercolours for Handmade Redcliffe!

This is her sweet depiction of our market, isn't it beautiful? All the little pieces of Handmade Redcliffe sitting together. Thank you Becky for this drawing, which will be very much treasured.

I asked Becky a few questions so you could get to know her more.

Who have you done artwork for?

"So far I have done artwork for two B & B's, Scarborough Beach Resort, Reef Point Café, Redcliffe High School, Redcliffe Coastguard, Handmade Redcliffe, I Love Living on the Redcliffe Peninsula Facebook page, lots of Pet commissions and my Redcliffe Peninsula Postcard series".

Where is your favourite place on the Peninsula?

"My home is my favourite place with its beautiful outlook over Moreton Bay Boat Club, the yachts and the glasshouse mountains in the distance".

Where do you take your friends to lunch in Redcliffe?

"I take my friends and visitors for lunch at Reef Point Café as it has the best location, service and atmosphere".

Who are your favourite local makers?

"I love anything & everything handmade locally and try to always use local suppliers for my artwork and business".

PortfolioPics gorgeous stuff! Thanks again for this treasure! View the original at the next Handmade Redcliffe market on Saturday 2 November 2013 2.00pm - 7.00pm Humpybong State School, MARGATE Q ~ enter from the beach on Margate Pde for a celebration of our SAND & SEA!

NEWS~ HANDMADE REDCLIFFE shortlisted for the 2013 Australian Craft Awards, category: Craft Market. This award celebrates the leading craft market that provides an opportunity for craft practitioners to sell directly to the public. Consideration given to the range of craft, community involvement, awareness and support. Help us along by rating HANDMADE REDCLIFFE!

This is super exciting for all our makers and team being considered for this prestigious award. Voting open till 28 October 2013. Finalists will be announced thereafter! 

Thank you for your support from the beginning! 2013 has seen many highs for HANDMADE REDCLIFFE ~ it's been a special year and we look forward to bringing you market #5 on 2 November 2013!

Here's to handmade,

Janmaree

I would like to introduce one of our very talented stallholders, Kelly, who is one part of the duo that makes up Colourscape Studios along with her partner, Adam.

The work of Colourscape Studios is magic and captures the beachy, seaside essence of Redcliffe beautifully.

At the last Handmade Redcliffe market I bumped into Kelly with her camera dangling around her neck just before we were about to open! She was taking a look around at all the beautiful stalls while she had a minute. 

Of course, with her talent and that camera staring at me I had to ask the question ~ would she mind snapping a few pics of our talented stallholders? She happily agreed. I then thought what better way to showcase her photos than to ask her to write a guest blog.

Thank you so much Kelly!

Last year I moved back from Adelaide, bringing my Adelaide born and bred partner Adam, our cheeky little daughter and grumpy old black cat with me. I'd been gone for 9 years (with only a few trips back), and it was like coming home. Nothing had really changed and yet things were different. But one thing I did notice, that unlike where we lived (closer to the Barossa than the City), there seemed to be only a small community of hand-makers. All that changed when I stumbled across Handmade Redcliffe on Facebook, which was in the throes of the first market happening.  Unfortunately we couldn't get ourselves organised fast enough to be part of it, but made ourselves a promise we'd be at the next one! We  went and supported the first one, stocking up on jam, cupcakes and fudge. I also had a chat to Cat from Indulgence At Shorncliffe, and she cemented in my mind that we wanted to be part of this gorgeous and unique market.

And so we have been, since August 3rd, a part of this gorgeous boutique market. We've made some great friends, we've enjoyed ourselves and it's been wonderful talking to local shoppers about what this means for the area. So many have made the comment that before Handmade Redcliffe, they just didn't see the point of going out of their way for handmade. Now they can come to the one place, it's convenient, and best of all, we're right by the sea so they can enjoy an afternoon out!

I don't know if I'll call it official, but I went around this markets taking photos this month. I'd brought my camera initially to get some shots of our stall. The October market had the theme of Spring and a lot of stallholders had brought in flowers so the markets not only looked gorgeous, but smelt it too! The beautiful acoustics of Matthew Taudevin inside the hall were a wonderful addition to the ambiance.

Debra from Very Debra had a gorgeous range of floral clothing, while Flame Tree Aromatics had some beautifully scented candles that I just wanted to keep sniffing all day. Lynne from The Chocolate Cakery had gorgeous looking (and tasting!) classic and not so classic treats, and Vanessa and her team at Dolly's kept the coffee coming.  Monkey and Poppet, Whistling Kite Collective and Pappiyon were just some of the stalls that had the kids covered and to pamper yourself was easy, as Indulgence at Shorncliffe, Valley Wicks, and Little Luxuries Handmade Soap were on hand to look after you!

We're so proud to be a part of this unique handmade market place, and we thank Janmaree and her team for all the work they put in to make sure each month is better than the last! We're personally in our element this coming market, on November 2nd, as it has a "Sand and Sea" theme. There will also be CHILDREN'S WORKSHOPS by Red Music Centre down on the oval behind the hall. So bring your family down to enjoy our little slice of handmade, some great food, music and of course, the beautiful beach views!

COMING TO HANDMADE REDCLIFFE 3 August 2013 2.30pm - 7.00pm Woody Point Memorial Hall Cnr Oxley Ave & Hornibrook Esplanade, Woody Point ~

1. SATORI ORGANICS & JUICEBAR
Bringing to market on Saturday will be Satori Organics their organic salad boxes. I am expecting signature twists of flavour which delight and surprise all packaged in sweet brown boxes finished with elegant stickers, yes, I am a sucker for the details, to me this is where I feel the love come in. Not to mention the sourcing of their organic produce from Woodford, QLD, which is really just down the road, which I appreciate. You may have seen the popular & divine little store in Brighton? If you haven't, you should and if you are anything like me, you will be hooked.....by the food but also by the smiling eyes of owner, Lindy and her trusty friend and colleague, Jen.

2. RAYMOND & RAYMONE
Raymond & Raymone purveyors of the 'couchnap' blanket! Look special huh? So looking forward to feeling the soft textures of the Alpaca & Merino wools used to make these beauties. I love the mauve and cream ones. Completely on trend and complete labours of love. And with a name like Raymond & Raymone how to resist? So cute!

3. TROVE SCENTS
Trove Scents luxury hand poured soaps ~ adore the stylish eco friendly packaging and cannot wait to smell their bespoke scents. Owner, Lisa, was one of the first to book in for a stall, so the wait has been long anticipated. You will be able to find Lisa as you walk through the front gate of the Woody Point Memorial Hall this Saturday 3 August 2.30pm - 7.00pm.

Excited? Just a little! Come and stock up.....

SEE YOU AT HANDMADE REDCLIFFE ~ the monthly coming together of handmade artisans on the beautiful Redcliffe Peninsula ~ it's that special time again.

xx

Janmaree

Well there are few people I have met that have left an impression on me like Marie Dillon-Krech, Proprietor of Ruby & Rose Interiors and my Graphic Designer. Marie is one of those 'amazing people' you meet in your life ~ multitalented and able to juggle a squillion things. Marie and her husband, John were right by my side for the launch of handmade redcliffe and the support was not just emotional but very much hands on: interpreting market maps in a flash, welcoming our stallholders, setting up tables ~ yes totally willing and wanting to get their hands dirty. 

So without further adieu I introduce my guest blogger to you, Marie Dillon-Krech with her FAVOURITE FIVE from handmade redcliffe.....

LIFE is full of extraordinary people and Janmaree Lowe is one such person ~ she is somewhat of a kindred spirit and the little sister I never had. Remember the saying ~ “it’s all in the details” ~ well thanks to Janmaree they were in abundance on Saturday ~ from the welcome sign to the tables adorned with little posies to the distinctive crocheted bunting dotted around the venue. Janmaree’s vision for handmade redcliffe is unique ~ and as stallholders you are lucky to have this remarkable woman encouraging you on your creative journey.

In my role as official photographer on Saturday at the inaugural handmade redcliffe market I found it very hard not to rummage and forage for myself! I was continually saying ~ concentrate and take photographs woman! Trust me, as a self-confessed lover of anything scrumptious ~ focussing my energies on taking photographs was very hard to do.

Even harder to do is select “My Favourite Five”. I made the grandiose promise to Janmaree that I would BLOG about “My Favourite Five” ~ then when I got home and started thinking about what I would write, I did wonder if I should have promised a “Top Ten” ~ because there was so much more that I loved and adored. Perhaps next time!

Okay, when you see this “Harry Hideout” by Harry High Pants ~ who doesn’t want to be a kid again? For me it certainly conjured up memories of sheet tents and playing cowboys and Indians ~ but the colourful chevron and star fabric made it enormously on trend. The styling by this stallholder was divine!

I am kicking myself that I did not purchase more of this 2 DIE 4 fudge. Why? Because it was to die for! Creme Brulee was seriously awesome, melt in your mouth yumminess. Note to self ~ get more next time and do not share with husband!

With food on my mind I purchased two of these prints by Stamping Elephants ~ the quirky foodie quotes by the infamous Julia Child are clever, cute and colourful ~ as were the other paper craft accessories created by this stallholder.

I am besotted with vintage and anything that smells wonderful ~ so these soy wax candles by Monoi Creations certainly caught my eye. Fragrances ranged from Coconut Lime to Pomegranate to Secret Champagne and the recycled vessels left you spoilt for choice. You can absolutely tell that they are made with love.

As the sun was setting I found myself meandering outside where I stumbled upon the handmade gorgeousness that is Claudette and Hester Handmade. I managed to capture this creation fluttering softly in the breeze. It reminds me of a jellyfish made from fabric, beads and lace ~ how apt for handmade redcliffe ~ Redcliffe’s one and only handmade market “beside the seaside”.

Make sure you visit the next handmade redcliffe market on Saturday, 3 August ~ and if you are anything like me ~ you will find it terribly hard to find a favourite amongst all the wonderful stallholders. Mx

Anticipation around Handmade Redcliffe was strong, we ran a Creative RSVP competition via our Events page on Facebook. 

There were three entries that really stood out.....

"Memories come and memories go
this memory stays from long ago
this little hall by the sea
where Handmade Redcliffe is to be.

Music, food and craft and art 
made with care by hands and heart
Come one, come all and don't be late
July the 6th ....it's a date!"

Seriously beautiful words by Gwen Berry, one of our buskers. Love.

Creative RSVP winner Bekk Delaine and gorgeous Pollyanna. Seriously how much work went into that? 

"I LOVE HANDMADE REDCLIFFE, RSVP Mummy & Me"! 

Bekk showed us how much she supported us by putting this together. Deserved winner! Here she is with her little munchkin.....

Creative RSVP winner #2 (because we couldn't decide on just one) Melinda Jane Walker - so excited about Handmade Redcliffe since its inception earlier in the year wrote this....

"I'm really looking forward to a day full of fun,
And I can't wait to share it with my dear mum!
Handmade Redcliffe thank you so much,
All the lovely goodies I can't wait to touch!
With just over 2 weeks to go,
I know the time is going to go slow!
But patience I must bear,
Can't wait to see you all there!!!"

We loved meeting Melinda and her Mum, proudly awarding her with a prize pack, which included, a copy of the latest Bespoke magazine , candle melt from Monoi Creations, vouchers from Pappiyon and Harry High Pants, pendant by Pixie Mik, card and link to pattern by Very Debra and $10.00 of market money.

SO THE DAY ARRIVED and what a magic day it was, the heavens were shining down on us I think! The weather was just perfect. We worked hard to get the word out, which paid off with so many locals and visitors coming down to support Handmade Redcliffe!

The ribbon was cut by the Hon Yvette D'Ath MP and goodie bags were given to our first visitors (and there were many of you)! We could not of thought of a more perfect person to open our market. And THANK YOU to everyone that came to enjoy the handmade wonderland we created for you!

My favourite, Mabel Jane was there, aren't these the most perfect looking cakes of soap? I adore the soft colours they design around but more importantly the products are so gentle on sensitive skin. My go to is the goats milk with red clay soap. And of course the scent is just as heavenly too.

This photo I just love! What a pampered pooch and happy patron of the market. Captures the day really!

Well it seems I'm not the only one with a sweet tooth, with The Chocolate Cakery selling out of their gourmet cupcakes and biscuits.

Our federal member supporting the market!

Me & my bubba at the Handmade Redcliffe welcome table, "hello!".

Well a picture paints a thousand words as they say, so I will leave you with this gallery of photos taken by my friend and colleague Marie from Ruby & Rose Interiors.

Catch you at the next one, Saturday 3 August 2.30pm - 7.00pm! Be sure to enter our next Creative RSVP competition via our Events page!

x Janmaree