We are so proud to welcome Our Songlines by Kayla as our Melbourne Spring/Summer 2025 Indigenous Program recipient. Kayla’s work embodies connection, culture, and creativity, and we couldn’t be more excited to share her story and her practice with our The Finders Keepers community.
Through her brand, Our Songlines, Kayla brings weaving and cultural knowledge into the everyday, creating pieces that are both beautiful and deeply meaningful. Her stall will not only showcase stunning handmade works but also invite visitors into a space of learning, connection, and respect for one of the world’s oldest continuing cultures.
It’s an honour to have Kayla join us as part of this program, and we can’t wait for market-goers to meet her, experience her craft, and be inspired by her vision.
What can our market-goers expect from your stall?
We are 100% Aboriginal-owned. We have hand-designed and handwoven unique raffia products from homewares (baskets, wall hangings) to jewellery (bangles and earrings). For those who like to DIY and create for themselves, we have weaving kits in our signature colour ranges: Billabong (blues and greens), Native Lavender Haze (purples) and Ochre Hills (pinks, yellows, oranges and purples). These are all perfectly imperfect handmade goods, so no two products are the same.
What are you looking forward to most about being at The Finders Keepers market?
This will be the biggest market I have ever done. As someone who loves to go to these markets and see all of the incredible things people have made, I feel so lucky and excited to have my own stall here and show off Aboriginal practices (with my personal modern twists).
How did our Songlines begin? What was the inspiration behind the brand?
Our Songlines started as a way to connect people to Aboriginal culture. I am extremely proud of my heritage and have been brought up as very lucky to be connected to the oldest living culture in the world. I started Our Songlines as a way of bringing people together to be proud of the strength in this culture.
Our Songlines is all about making First Nations culture accessible in a safe and supportive environment. What does that mean to you, and how do you bring this vision to life through your work?
I began this work by offering small group weaving classes which were tailored to individuals’ requirements, I really love doing this and offer different services like Auslan, LGBTQIA+ and diverse spaces where possible. Some people like to learn in the comfort of their own home first and then may decide to come to a class, and then I have people come along class after class just to have a yarn together. As someone who suffers with anxiety, it is at my core to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and is able to contribute and participate in the way that feels right to them.
Weaving is such an ancient practice with deep cultural roots. What do you hope people experience when they sit down to weave with you/ engage with your work?
Weaving is traditionally a chance to sit, be in the moment and connect with those around you whilst creating useful tools. It is my hope that when people approach the art of weaving, they can truly be present in that moment and connect to one of the oldest practices in the world. It is such a surreal thought to understand that this practice dates back many thousands of years, and by participating in this, you are connecting to the longest living culture in the world.
You’ll find Kayla at The Finders Keepers Melbourne Design Market, 10–12 October at the Royal Exhibition Building. We wholeheartedly encourage you to make a beeline for her stall, discover her beautiful creations, and take the time to connect with the stories and culture woven into every piece.