Posted on Leave a comment

Big changes at 2 duck

Bonjour everyone.

A big hello from our part of France. We finally made it after talking about it for quite a few years. It is just wonderful and we are so delighted to be here in Spring and see the nature waking up after the winter. We have a huge renovation project ahead of us as we add some extra bedrooms, pool and another living space.

As part of the big changes for us, we also needed to find the right person to continue 2 duck trading co too. So in a momentous week we are pleased to announce the new owner of 2 duck trading co  is Julia Bills from Sissy Bags in Queensland.   She has been importing bags and hats from Madagascar and is delighted to add 2 duck French market baskets from Morocco  to her  range. Julia will continue the wholesale and online part of 2 duck trading co but as she is based in Queensland she won’t be attending the markets.

A few words from Julia-

I am absolutely delighted to be give the opportunity to purchase 2 duck business from Miriam and Martine.

How beautiful are these French Market Baskets

I cannot wait to continue weaving my way around this wonderful business and connecting with each of you.

Please be patient as new stock is being produced as we speak and will arrive just in time for the warmer months.

Over the coming week we will be transferring the 2 duck business over to Julia, it is amazing what we can do from anywhere in the world.

Julia has begun her first order with our trusted suppliers and looks forward to having new baskets in the coming months.  Once the transfer is complete she will contactable at info@2ducktrading.com.au

 

To follow me and my adventures in France find me on instagram @mimigoestofrance or our house account @la_grange_drome we plan to be able to offer accommodation from 2025.

Merci for all the support of our fantastic small business it has been a real joy over the last 17 years to share the love of baskets with you all. We are so pleased to share her to some new hands and see where 2 duck goes next.

Miriam and Martine xx

Posted on Leave a comment

February at 2 duck

January always seems to evaporate in the haze of lazy days at the beach and catch ups with friend and families.  Now we are in February and the world is getting back to normal, kids headed to school and the weekly routines prevail. This means it is time to head back to the markets for the weekly vegetable shops and all the other goodies on offer.

Baskets of the Month

A classic basket is always a hit in every situation. The weekend market, trips to the beach or the pool. The classic short handle basket is the right basket everyday.  Woven with an extra reinforced base and strengthening around the rim. This basket can do the hard work every week. Short but soft handles mean you can load it up without sacrificing comfort.  Pop over to the shop for this or one of our other baskets. https://2ducktrading.com.au/product/classic-market-basket-with-short-handles/

Markets

 Carriageworks Farmer Markets –  We will be at Carriageworks Saturdays 3rd and 17th of February.  Open from 8am to 1pm the market is at top destination for fresh local produce, great food options and of course a 2 duck basket. 17th February we will have a further moving to France sale. So be quick to grab a bargain. Next market 9th March.

 

Le Marche – Willoughby –   Every 2nd  and 4th Sunday at the Laurel Bank Cottage is Le Marche – Willoughby .  A full Sunday morning celebration of everything French.   Join us on Sunday 11th February with all the other artisans, food producers. We are in New Zealand, so away Saturday 25th February.

 

Have a  great month  from 2 duck.

Posted on Leave a comment

December and the festive season

We are almost at the last month of the year and getting ready for December and the festive season.  We have so many wonderful things to help you celebrate. Our gold baskets is just the total bling needed be bright and sparkly. There are so many markets coming up with all our range of table wares to make the perfect festive gathering.  Visit us at one the markets to see our lovely tablecloths  –  see all the details for the markets below. We are super excited to be back at the Wahroonga Village fair this year and will have a few treats on offer for our lovely clients.

Big News

It is with an equal measure of excitement and sadness that we announce that next year we are moving to France.  We are following our hearts and are fulfilling a long held dream to live permanently in France and our gorgeous little home @la_grange__drome. We will also be much closer to our son in the UK.

We have been busy with 2 duck trading for over 16 years – which has lead to the most amazing friendships, exciting travels and wonderful connections with our stockists, suppliers and customers. Running a small business is the most varied work, that truly means that no two days are the same. While we won’t miss waiting for containers of baskets, or getting up early for markets,  we will miss the warm and special relationships we have made with all of our customers. We have been so grateful for your support of 2 duck and our wonderful baskets.  
For now we are still selling all our current stock until March when we will  say adieu to Australia and bonjour to France.  We still do love our baskets and will look at ways we can operate in France. Stay tuned.

Baskets of the Month

We just can’t go past some glitter for the festivities, get our full gold basket to celebrate over the summer! Our gold basket is completely covered in gold sequins and has the handy double strap carrying options for a perfect day out. See this basket and more over on the shop  https://2ducktrading.com.au/product/gold-basket/   Remember we have free shipping until 19th December.

Wholesales

We are still sending out wholesales orders every week so don’t delay as the delivery cut off dates will start in early December.  We will be open in early January for top up orders too.  As soon as the delivery services open again we can re stock you for the summer.  To make your first order contact us via the contact form https://2ducktrading.com.au/contact-2duck/

Markets

  Carriageworks Farmer Markets –   In December find us on Saturday 2nd December and then again at the Christmas market extravaganza on the 23rd December.   Carriageworks Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8am to  1pm. We will be back in January on the 20th.

 

 EQ markets-    For December we will be at the market only on Saturday 16th December.  This will be our last market at EQ after 19 years so do come and see us for the last time.   We will have our full range of baskets, St James tops, linens and more. The market is from 8am to 2pm.

 

Le Marche – Willoughby –   Find us at this gem of a Sunday market on Sunday 10th and 24th December.   We will have all our favourite baskets, St James tops, fab raffia hats and great table linens and a few of our French vintage linens finds from our time in France.  We had this lovely write up in Time Out this week https://www.timeout.com/sydney/shopping/le-marche?fbclid=IwAR1KbHV9zxS99dYkk1leJtfsQelG-ypzvDJ1Jztf6MPnkl9zW0Iv696LUrY.

 

Dates for December

Bastille Market: Paris to Manly Xmas market:  Saturday 2nd December  St Paul’s College Manly,  from 3-8pm. French food, shopping,  a few bubbles what more could we want!

Wahroonga Village Fair : Sunday 3rd December,  In the Wahroonga Village in our usual spot.  Event is from 9am to 4pm. We are in the same spot on Railway Ave. We will have a few sale baskets and some French vintage  sheets on sale too.

Double Bay Christmas Fair:  Saturday 9th December Guilfoyle Park  from 10.00am to 2pm.  A new boutique Christmas market with lots of Xmas fun for all.

 

Stay safe and happy this December

2 duck trading co x

 

Posted on 1 Comment

October update

For this October update,  I am taking refugee in my office away from the searing heats we have been experiencing this mid September. Wow it is incredible that we are already facing such extreme temperatures. Thankfully I am getting back into swimming most days and my trusty 2 duck basket comes with me every time.  October is really the start of the busy season and we have quite a few special events coming up. We are also away at the beginning of October celebrating my Mum’s 80th birthday,  so there are few markets missing early October.

 

Morocco update: in the wake of the devastating earthquakes near Marrakech and in the Atlas Mountains we have been reminiscing about our visits to this wonderful country. We were lucky enough to spend a day trekking up to a gorgeous berber retreat, having lunch and and then come down through a number of hill villages. These are such special memories so we were so sad to know that these areas had been badly affected. To our relief all the artisans based near Marrakech, who do the leather work on the baskets, were unharmed during the quake.  Whilst the city of Marrakech may be bouncing back, the surrounding areas will take some time to recover. Our thoughts are with the people of Morocco.

Baskets of the Month

A perfect basket for Spring – our single strap basket.  A great option for those that aren’t required to carry for the multitudes! This is a small/medium basket with long strap handles that go so easily over the shoulder. Perfect for a Turkish towel, water bottle, sun block and your favourite book. See this and all our baskets –  https://2ducktrading.com.au/product/single-strap-basket/

Wholesales

Don’t forget to  stock up on baskets, as we head to the festive and summer season. To look at our full wholesale range send us a contact request https://2ducktrading.com.au/contact-2duck/

Markets

  Carriageworks Farmer Markets –  find us in October on – Saturday 21st.  Carriageworks Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8am to  1pm and we are usually there, the first and third Saturday, but exceptionally away the 1st Saturday – 7th October  (got to celebrate my Mum’s 80th after all).

 

 

 EQ markets-   Whilst there may be a change in management at the markets at EQ,  you will still find the same market traders at this favourite market. For October find us on there Saturday 14th. We will be away exceptionally on Saturday 28th in Wagga Wagga.  Find us under the market canopy area near the vegetables or flowers.   We will have our full range of baskets, St James tops, linens and more. The market is from 8am to 2pm.

Le Marche – Willoughby –   In October we will be at the market on Sunday 22nd October.   We will have all our favourite baskets, St James tops and great table linens and a few of our French vintage linens finds from our time in France.

Events Coming Up for the calendar.

CMRI Christmas Fair Wagga Wagga  – 27th and 28th October, join us and many other wonderful stallholders at the annual CMRI Xmas fair at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club for this much anticipated event.

FANS French market –  Sunday 5th November at Killarney Heights school  for the annual celebration of all things French in the North!

Iris Country Fair – Frensham Campus Saturday 18th November

Popped Up at Kimo – Thursday 23rd November at Kimo Estate Gundagai.

 

Take care and keep cool

2 duck

Posted on Leave a comment

September at 2 duck

Welcoming Spring

September, what a perfect time to return to Australia and be back in Sydney.  Spring is just around the corner and it is the right time to head out to the markets, pick up a new basket and get ready for the warmer weather.  We are also glad to be missing the latest heatwave in France too. 40 degrees in our village this week.

September always bring a few spring fairs and we will be back at Shore school American Tea mid September.  See below for markets and events.

Early September is also has father’s day, and whilst most people might think that baskets are only for woman – mothers actually we think baskets are for all! Our basket of the month is makes a great present for Dad.

Baskets of the Month

 

This is the perfect basket for everything!  Ideal for shopping, an everyday tote, a picnic – you name it this one has you sorted.    We love the rectangle shape of this basket. It is woven in the rustic weave with the leather trim for strength and with short comfy leather handle  for ease of use. To see this basket and our full range pop over  Our Shop for the baskets   https://2ducktrading.com.au/product/medium-rustic-basket-with-brown-trim/

Wholesales

Is it time to stock up on baskets, as we head to the spring and summer season. To look at our full wholesale range send us a contact request https://2ducktrading.com.au/contact-2duck/

Markets

  Carriageworks Farmer Markets –  find us in September   – Saturdays  2nd, 16th and 30th.  Carriageworks Farmers Market  is open every Saturday from 8am to  1pm and we are there the first and third Saturday.

Cambridge markets EQ  We are back to the markets  two Saturday a month. Find us on  9th and 23rd September under the market canopy area near the flower at the Entertainment Quarter.  We will have our full range of baskets, St James tops, linens and more. The market is from 8am to 2pm.

Le Marche – Willoughby   For the month of September we are there on the 10th and 24th.   We will have all our favourite baskets, St James tops and great table linens and a few of our French vintage linens finds from our time in France.

Shore American Tea

Friday 8th September  8am to 2pm, at Shore School North Sydney, find us on the Chapel lawn.

See you at a market some time soon.

2 duck x

Posted on Leave a comment

Marching along

Wow March already!

 

Already we are into March,  Autumn and the beginning of the change of seasons. Gosh the time goes so quickly.   Please see our update on the goings on with 2 duck trading co this month.    We have all our regular markets plus looking forward to the Burrawang Easter market in early April.  Even though the year moves along quickly,  I am thrilled in one way,  as our trip to France and our little French house comes so much closer. We are off late April and will be back in August for more basket fun.  To follow our French adventures check us our on instagram @2ducktradingco or our house account @la_grange_drome

Baskets of the Month

Our wonderful rush basket makes the perfect harvest basket for all the garden produce. It is also an amazing basket to have around the house. So versatile, this baskets is made of rushes in a very rustic style. See this and the other baskets over at the shop https://2ducktrading.com.au/product/rushes-basket-medium/

St James

We have a full range of Saint James trans seasonal tops in stock at the moment.  The classic Galathee 3/4 sleeve in white with a navy stripe is the ultimate French classic and  is just perfect for the weather right now. Shop our full range over on our shop page.  https://2ducktrading.com.au/product/galathee/

Wholesales

To look at our full wholesale range send us a contact request https://2ducktrading.com.au/contact-2duck/

Remember Easter is coming and we have super cute little baskets for collecting Easter eggs and other little Easter bunny treats.

Markets

 

  Carriageworks Farmer Markets –  find us in March on Saturdays 4th and 18th.  Carriageworks Farmers  market  is open every Saturday from 8am to  1pm.Cambridge markets EQ  We are back to the markets every Saturday in March. We have our full range of baskets, St James tops, linens and more. The market is from 8am to 2pm.

We will be away on March 18th due to the fabulous Ministry of Sound event on the Showing that day. Making way for music.

 Quays Quarter Lane Market  Custom House Quay,  this market will be back March 8th from 8am to 2pm.

 

Le Marche – Willoughby The best little French market on the North Shore. Come to see us in March on Sunday – 12th and 26th March.  We will have all our favourite baskets, St James tops and great table linens.

Events coming up

Burrawang Easter market – we are so delighted to be going back to the Burrawang Village for the famous Easter market, Saturday 8th April. We are in our usual spot across from the Burrawang Pub in Hoddle Street. See you there.

 

Happy March, love,

 

 

Posted on Leave a comment

December news.

 

Well I won’t pretend it has been an easy start to December  – didn’t plan on getting Covid to slow us down. It was such a disappointment to miss a few markets especially Wahroonga Xmas fair.  However we are on the road to recovery and will be back at the markets this coming weekend. There is still plenty of times to catch up with us until Xmas and the holiday season. For all our events and markets see the info below.

We will be posting baskets online right through the holiday season too.  If the Post office is open then, we will post.

Wholesales

For those who haven’t ordered it is not too late to do so.  We are packing orders most days and do our best to get them out as quickly as we can. Better in your shops than our warehouse.  Don’t delay though as the  delivery cut off times are coming.  If you are not on our list just drop us a line via our contact page https://2ducktrading.com.au/contact-2duck/

Baskets of the Month

 

Got to feel a bit festive now that it is December,  and you can’t go past a cherry basket!  We have 3 sizes of cherry baskets so there is is something for everyone.  https://2ducktrading.com.au/product/cherry-basket/ Pop over to the shop and check them out.  Especially for the super cute mini cherry baskets.

Markets

 

  Carriageworks Farmer Markets –  We are at Carriageworks on Saturday 17th December from 8am til 1 pm. As well as back  for the annual Xmas twilight market on Wednesday 21st  December.

We are attending Cambridge market EQ every Saturday til Xmas.  Find us there for baskets, St James tops, great saucisson, French linens, French gourmet treats,  hats and more.   Saturday from 8am to to 2pm.

Our last market will be Xmas Eve.  Then we taking a short break.

For the folks in the city Quays Quarter Lane Market  Custom House Quay,  will be back in December,  we will also be attending the 2nd market  on 14th December from 8am to 2pm.

Le Marche – Willoughby  This is another big month for Le Marche. We will in Willoughby for the Sunday 11th December market and for the Xmas Twilight market on the 22nd December.

 

 

 

Lots of love for the festive season 2 duck x

Posted on Leave a comment

September at 2 duck

Yippee September means Spring and hopefully some beautiful warm and sunny basket weather.  Please find our full update on September for 2 duck trading co.

We are delighted that our new baskets will be here any day now, so we can celebrate the beginning of Spring.  It is always a joy when we have new stock and styles available for you.  We also have lots of events and special markets coming up this month too.  Plenty of places to find us and get a basket, raffia hat or a St James top.

Baskets of the Month

It always feels a little like Xmas when the new container arrives.  This rustic rectangle basket is one of my favourites and the basket that I use every day.  So glad to have this back in plentiful supply and ready to send. https://2ducktrading.com.au/product/medium-rustic-basket/

Wholesales

 

Returning this year is the classic market basket with the red leather handles. We have missed you.

If you are not on our email list and would like to be, send us through a contact form and we will send you all the info regarding baskets and add you to the list. https://2ducktrading.com.au/contact-2duck/

Markets

 

  Carriageworks Farmer Markets –  We have changed our days at the market and will be coming to Carriageworks every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month.  For September find us only Saturday 17th September with all our new baskets. We are also away 1st Oct back on the 15th October.

We are attending Cambridge market EQ every Saturday. In September/ Oct  there a few exceptions due to events and family matters. Our dates are  17th and 24th September.  We will also be away the 1st and 8th October.  Find us there for baskets, St James tops, great saucisson, French linens, hats and more.  Our range of  long awaited St James tee shirts has been expanding (finally) so do pop and see us for the perfect trans seasonal tops.

 

Le Marche – Willoughby  this month we will be at Le Marche  Sunday 11th and 25th September. Visit us for baskets, St James tops, French pates and foie gras,  French linens and French fun.

Events

Saturday 3rd Sept –  Bastille market Saint Paul’s College Manly  10-3pm. Postponed due to weather in July  this full French experience is going ahead this Saturday. Fingers crossed for the weather again!

Friday 9th Sept  – Shore school American Tea fete day 8.30-2pm at Shore School North Sydney

Saturday 10th SeptWenona Fair Day 10.00- 3pm.  Wenona School North Sydney.

 

All the best 2 duck

Posted on Leave a comment

August

Gosh time is racing by and we are in August already.  We are just back from the brilliant trade fair –  Life InStyle Melbourne and are eagerly awaiting our next shipment so we can send out all our lovely baskets. It was a real joy to reconnect with many of our long term clients and a bonus to meet many new ones. With so much uncertain news and talk in the retail world it was great to be seeing our supportive clients again and be doing face to face orders. We feel strongly that our baskets are an essential part of every day living and it was lovely to see this reflected in the comments from our stockists.

Baskets of the Month

 Kids baskets are a great way of getting children into basket life. It is so cute for kids to have their own baskets and mini me with their parents.  These small woven baskets are also handy for storing  food or other items around the house. Pop over to our shop for these great little baskets. https://2ducktrading.com.au/product/baby-basket-with-sisal-handles/

Wholesales

Our lace basket is back again after being  very popular last year. If you didn’t make the trade fair and still want to place an order for baskets in the lead up to new container arriving (some time in late September)  please pop on to our wholesale page and have a look at what is available and drop us an email. https://2ducktrading.com.au/wholesale-2021/

If you are not on our email list and would like to be, send us through a contact form and we will add you to the list. https://2ducktrading.com.au/contact-2duck/

Markets

 

  Carriageworks Farmer Markets –  From August we will be changing our days at the market and coming to Carriageworks every 1st and 3rd Saturday.  So find us both the 6th and 20th of this month for baskets.

We are attending Cambridge market EQ every Saturday in August – so find us there for baskets, St James tops, great saucisson, French linens, hats and more. We have started receiving long awaited St James tee shirt stock (finally) including some great ones for kids  in both white and blue stripes or white and red stripes.

 

Le Marche – Willoughby  this month we will be at Le Marche Sunday 14th and 28th August. For baskets, St James tops, and French linens and French fun.

 

Keep safe and well and see you at the markets soon.  2 duck

 

 

Posted on Leave a comment

July

Well all good things must come to an end!  Sadly our trip to France is almost over, it has been a most wonderful time reconnecting with our wonderful spot in Drôme.  Now we are getting ready to pack our bags and close up our darling wee house in France and head back to Sydney.

The good news regarding baskets, the new container is now on it’s way. We don’t have an ETA on the arrival date – probably some time in September.  We will back and be getting right back into markets and preparation for  Life Instyle Melbourne.

Wholesales

2 duck trading  will be attending Life Instyle Melbourne at the end of July. Find us at Stand 2126 in the glorious Royal Exhibition building from Thursday 28th – Sunday 31st July. Here is a sneak peak of what is coming. So cute.

 

Baskets of the Month

Even though it is the winter months, a basket is still the perfect accessory for shopping and collecting your fresh produce. The buckle basket is ideal  as a daily tote or carry all. Pop over to Our Shop page to see this and all our other baskets. https://2ducktrading.com.au/product/classic-trim-basket-with-buckle/

 

Markets

 

 We return to  Carriageworks Farmer Markets 23rd July.  Then from August we will be coming to Carriageworks every 1st and 3rd Saturday  starting Saturday 6th  August.

Find us  back at Cambridge markets EQ from Saturday 16th July.

 

Le Marche – Willoughby  –   We return Sunday 24th July to continue to celebrate Bastille day and the Fête Nationale.  Apologies we won’t be able to make the 10th July due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

See you very soon x