BEHIND THE SCENES: PREPARING FOR THE ADELAIDE ODDITIES & CURIOSITIES EXPO
With the Adelaide Oddities & Curiosities Expo approaching, my studio has been buzzing with creativity, soldering tools, resin molds, feathers, bones — and a lot of excitement. Preparing for this event is one of the biggest moments of my year as an Adelaide jewellery maker, and this year’s collection is easily my most detailed and unusual yet.
For anyone who loves handmade jewellery, dark art, bone jewellery, and the beautifully strange, this expo is the perfect place to see my work up close.
CREATING NEW JEWELLERY FOR THE ADELAIDE EXPO
In the lead-up to the event, I’ve been focusing on crafting a curated range of alternative jewellery, designed specifically for expo-goers who appreciate unique, curiosity-inspired pieces.
This year’s collection includes:
Brand new jewellery designs
Fresh framed bird wings
Gothic-style earrings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches + key rings
One-of-a-kind curios
Limited-run pieces exclusive to the expo
Dark, botanical and macabre-inspired designs
Every piece is handmade in my South Australian studio using slow, intentional processes — the kind of craftsmanship that makes artisan jewellery truly special.
BEHIND THE SCENES: HOW I PREPARE
Preparing for the Oddities & Curiosities Expo Adelaide is more than designing jewellery. It’s about creating an entire immersive experience for visitors who love the unusual.
In the weeks leading up to the event, I’ve been:
Planning my booth layout to highlight key pieces
Creating new display props and signage
Building stands for the framed wings
Photographing finished pieces for social media
Packing trays of jewellery and curios
Re-stocking bestselling items from last year
Checking (and re-checking) inventory levels
Organising packaging, labels, and branding materials
The studio becomes equal parts creative workshop and organised chaos — which is exactly how I like it before a big event.
WHY THE ADELAIDE ODDITIES & CURIOSITIES EXPO MATTERS
This expo is one of the best events in Australia for:
alternative fashion lovers
collectors of the strange and unusual
fans of gothic jewellery
curiosity art enthusiasts
supporters of independent Australian makers
It’s a unique community that appreciates the blend of art, nature, oddity, and darkness that defines Olivia Dryden Jewellery. Exhibiting in my home city makes it even more meaningful — this is where my work began, and the Adelaide community continues to support it in the most incredible way.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT MY BOOTH IN ADELAIDE
If you’re attending the expo, here’s what you’ll be able to see (and shop!):
Exclusive expo-only designs
Limited-edition curios and framed wings
New releases created just for this weekend
Special show-only pricing
A curated selection of my darker, more unusual pieces
The opportunity to meet the maker (that’s me!)
Whether you collect alternative jewellery, love curiosity markets, or want to support handmade Australian jewellery, there will be something for you.
SEE YOU AT THE ADELAIDE ODDITIES & CURIOSITIES EXPO
I can’t wait to share everything I’ve been making and to connect with people who appreciate the strange and the beautiful. If you’re looking for truly unique, handcrafted pieces, the Adelaide Oddities & Curiosities Expo 2025 is the place to be.
See you soon, Adelaide.
Stay strange 🖤
Olivia
