happy wedding day

Kate and Wills gloves by Donna Wilson

Royal Wedding Plate by Rob Ryan via Etsy

Crown Charm (18k gold) by Tiffany & Co.

Big Giant Gold Number Balloons Via Mylar Balloons 

Royal Wedding Printable Photo Booth Props by Paper & Cake

it's the hair... and the fashion

So after my hat hair post.... I really wanted to see how designers were playing with dip dying... and to my delight Jeremy Scott played with dip dying in his Fall 2011 collection. But Oh... My.... God... his designs have blow me away. Among others, I love the pink skeleton knit (top left). If you check out the rest of his collection you will find that Coke is God, girls play football and Super Woman looks way better in uniform... that's if she even exists...

(pictures via Style.com)

hat hair

Last night when I was trying desperately to get to sleep... I had this hair as hat idea. However ingenious I thought this idea was... I thought that I was probably not the first to think of it. Some mid-morning searching led me to these stunning hair hats by Nagi Noda.

jo davies

Zsa Zsa vase
Choker vase
The Flare vase

After the long weekend I decided to refresh myself by cleaning up, washing and buying fresh flowers. But of course you need something as beautiful as the flowers themselves to hold them. These vessels by Jo Davies fall nicely into this category and have fallen from the heavens. You should take a peek at some of her lighting designs, shining a heavenly light from London.

too droog for words

one. Bottoms Up Doorbell by Peter van Der Jagt

two. Mouth-Watering Spoon by Marije Vogelzang

three. Sky Planter (extra small) by Patrick Morris

four. Work Gloves by Masao Lurozumi

five. Swing with the Plants by Marcel Wanders

six. Sticky Lamp by Chris Kabel

seven. Famous Heads Shawl by Meike Gerritzen

eight. Colour Plaid (pink) by Scholten & Baijings

(pictures via Droog)

put more eggs in your basket

Milk pitcher & Egg Cups (x2) by Takahashi kougei via Mr Kitly  .  Farmer's Egg Crate (sky) via Anthropology

Porcelain Egg Cup by Coe & Waito  .  Illustrated Egg Cup with Hat Cozy by Heidi Burton via Etsy

Birdnest Egg cup by Studio Gijs  .  Egg Tray by Have You Met Miss Jones

easter eggs

Ceramic Egg Crate by Artis & Grove  .  My Adventure ceramic tile by Rob Ryan via Etsy

Moustache Egg Mold via Urban Outfitters  .  Egg Cups (Meg & Mog) by Donna Wilson

Egg Sprouts by Revisions via Etsy  .  Egg Cup with Moustache by Lenny Mud via Etsy

eat me

I'm pretty sure that Good Friday is the official day of hot cross bun eating... but let's live a little. If you have a craving for hot cross buns (like me) try making your own with the recipe provided on your Mozi recipe tea-towel. What a cute novelty piece!

love a good egg

Receiving chocolate eggs at Easter time is the best part of Easter! Often these eggs are not too pretty... so I have designed my own wrapping. All you need to make a good egg is a simple pattern. Can't wait until Sunday so we can eat up!

happy good friday!

1. Rabbit Sitting Lamp Base by Have You Met Miss Jones

2. Paper Planes and Rainy Days print by Pocket Carnival

3. Love Bunnies Ring Holder via Urban Outfitters

4. Rabbit Ring (matte silver) by Pigeonhole

5. Lindt Chocolate Bunny (white) by Lindt

6. Framed Alice Rabbit Wall Art via Urban Outfitters

7. Easter Greeting Card by Collecting Feathers via Etsy

8. Calourette Rabbit Necklace via Urban Outfitters

it's not a sock fetish

1 Grey Pencil Knee-Highs  .  2 Fishing Boat Socks  .  3 Green Forest Socks

Even though I don't wear cute socks myself, I'm keen to try... and with these beauties around, how could I resist? Kvast do cute and super cute so well. You can purchase these via Adam & Eve (for cheaper shipping within Australia) or go direct to Kvast.

(pictures via Adam & Eve)

ellery land

Ellery land is a beautiful place. The Fall 2011 campaign is absolutely stunning! Kym Ellery has grown over the past few years and developed into an internationally renowned designer. I love, love, love the colours, textures and shapes in her latest collection. You can buy some lovely pieces at their online store... or one of the many online stores who stock stunning!

(pictures via Ellery)

homemade is best

Homemade Is Best by Forsman & Bodenfors for Ikea 

Proportion in an element in both design and cooking. Forsman & Bodenfors used the Homemade Is Best campaign to represent traditional Swedish recipes for the promotion of Ikea kitchens. I love the minimalism and the simplicity of the idea, which suits the Ikea brand.

(pictures via Brit Insurance Designs of the Year)

the cup you want to keep

So I don't need to tell you that the environment is so 'hot' right now. It's so nice to see that everyone is doing their bit... even me! I bought a medium Keep Cup about two months ago and it has come in handy in more ways than one...

1. Obviously you're helping the environment
2. You can design your own cup... (my cup design is top left)
3. Staff know exactly what you're after when you enter your fav cafe
4. You know which is your coffee when the barista puts it on the counter
5. Not too hot to handle
6. Once you're done, you swivel the lid plug so there's no spillage in your bag!

I got mine from Mag Nation, but check out the Keep Cup website to order online! You can also design your own cup on their website, and there are three sizes to choose from.

(pictures via Keep Cup)

third drawer down

1. Pastel Rainbow by Clementine Henrion
2. Frog Speaker
3. Attention Tea Towel by Allyson Mellberg
4. Multi Coloured Garland by Confetti System
5. Blessed Ceramic Plate by Kat Macleod
6. Swiss Cheese Door Wedge
7. Hand Soap by Foliage

(pictures 1-6 via Third Drawer Down, picture 7 via Foliage)

cut & colour

I have a cutting board fetish. If anyone knows a cure, let me know... otherwise I'll keep browsing... which will probably turn into buying soon! Love these, Switzerland is a lovely place, so it doesn't surprise me that these lovely things are from Bern by Trois Miettes via Etsy.

a motherbird named kevin

After a lovely visit at our friends at Positive Posters I bring you Motherbird (they lended PP a helping hand with their branding). After exploring their website I discovered some interesting ideas, great photography and some new typography. Their font Kevin is utterly adorable! I also loved the photography project, America del Sur, that one of the Motherbirds (Dan) took on an adventure in 09/10 (bottom image). They are doing a great job as young graphic designers, I look forward to seeing more of their ideas flow onto the page...

(pictures via Motherbird)

positive posters

Us. by Hilary Sloane  .  Someday You Will Eventually Fly by Mike Nguyen
See The World Through Rose-Coloured Glasses by Amelia Ericksen 

Positive Posters aims to give graphic designers their own voice to inspire and challenge the community to think differently. A competition is held each year where designers create a poster in response to a theme. Submission is two months later with finalists exhibited in Melbourne, judged by an international panel. When the winner is finally announced, their poster is printed and pasted in the streets of Melbourne and throughout the world to spread a positive message.

I think it's a great idea and everyone should get involved somehow. Pictured above are some of the finalists from 2010... maybe that will be you in 2011. (love the glasses)

(pictures via Positive Posters)

worn out

I'm a huge fan of stop-motion! I effort that goes into making even a short film is incredible. Photographer Ryan Kothe has made a short film about the deterioration of everyday objects. Worn Out is simply beautiful to watch!

(photography and video via The Awesomer)

it's all knit wear

A friend of mine introduced me to ALL Knitwear today... she was wearing the Sticker Stripe Box Top (jealous)! Annie Larson designs the label and I am just begging for an excuse to buy something (anything) from her online shop. I am trying to save money, but I may have to make an exception.

eat cake

Suddenly, everyone became nostalgic and started talking about the Australian Women's Weekly Children's Birthday Cake Book after years of the book lying battered in the corner of the kitchen. Don't let the 80's cover fool you, it is full of wonderful cake designs that will blow you away...

This book filled my childhood with great memories (and lots of sibling cake rivalry) and you can find the book on Ebay and other small online shops. There is now another cookbook, Australian Women's Weekly Kids' Birthday Cakes, which looks as though it would excite the taste-buds and the eyes. For more great recipes see the Australian Women's Weekly website.

(pictures via The Cake Mistress) - thank you for these yummy images

italian lands and french mansions

A mini Cinque Terre to take home with you. It was such a fabulously gorgeous place, it's almost a shame that so many people are traveling there to see its beauty... as I fear its attraction will be its demise. It is a shame when places become overrun with tourists. Even so, I would recommend going there if you ever get the chance (yes I'm all talk). These mini clay houses would look great in my humble abode. If I could live in an old French mansion, with a French Country kitchen... I would die a little happier (and a lot less wealthy). These figurines are handmade by Artisanie, she also does jewelry, so if you want five villages hanging on your neck (or just one) go for a shop on Etsy.

go nuts for doughnuts

1 Pink Donut Tights by Lonely 8 Bit Heroes via Ruby Avenue
2 Grand Donut (fraise multi) by Calourette
3 Chocolate Doughnut Rattle by Lark
4 Yummy doughnut I ate on Friday on Lilly Pilly side-plate by Mozi
5 Felt Donut Brooch (pink icing) by Odd One Out via Etsy
6 Green Tea Donut USB drive by Vavolo

australian characters

Australian Characters by Spike Hibberd and Sarrita King
Herd Drinking at Sunset by Sidney Nolan 1963 (background)

I picked up this flier at a local coffee spot... that advertised an exhibition opening for Australian Characters, a new typeface by Spike Hibberd and Sarrita King. The typeface was created to explore ideas about who we are as Australians, what defines us and where we are going. It opened at Gallery 577 on March 5th... but ended on March 27th! I was shattered. But apparently there are more exhibitions to come. If you want to have a look-see then i suggest checking out Spike Hibberd's website for more info still to come. 

viktoria & woods

I have an amazing vibrant turquoise cardi I bought from Viktoria & Woods two years ago... and their Autumn 2011 collection is set to amaze you! My cardi is 100% wool, it's nice and light with cute little buttons and surprisingly fitted in all the right spots. Many of my friends have a piece in their wardrobe and it's a staple basic. They have expanded their range this season so you can definitely find more that you like! 

(pictures via Viktoria & Woods)

keys please

1. 2x3 Phone Keys Wallet Rug via Urban Outfitters
2. Skeleton Key Bottle Opener via Urban Outfitters
3. Key on Leather (white) by Pigeonhole
4. Cupcakes Keycaps via Urban Outfitters
5. Keyhole Ceramic Pendant by and O Design via Etsy
6.  'Lies Asleep' Laser Cut Key (blue acrylic) by Rob Ryan

pouch for a pad

The iPad 2 came out about two weeks after my dad got his iPad. But none-the-less you can accessorise either with these super cute iPad pouches by Ambette! Liz Doust hand makes each design, which you can also buy for iPhones and Laptops. The colour combos are lovely and there are many more on her Etsy store. If you want to get a friend one, but can't decide on a design, then get them a gift certificate!

(pictures via Ambette via Etsy)

after a little rant...

1 Millie Beanie Adult (grey marle)   2 Pom Pom Loop Wrap (grey)
3 Snood Scarf (navy)   4 Alfie Scarf (chartruese)
5 Avenue Scarf (chartruese)   6 Waffle Loop Wrap (oat)

After my little rant (some may call a little hissy fit) I introduce Ella Sanders (although to some she may not need introducing). Danielle Sanders has been designing these beauties since 2008, when she launched her first collection. Her pieces are 100% pure wool and come in warm winter hues. Her AW/2011 range includes cardis, dresses, beanies and scarves (and a kids range too). You can buy online or see the real thing by popping into a stockist near you!

(pictures via Ella Sanders via Big Cartel)

a little rant about wool...

Pinky Sheep Print by Caitlin Kuhwald via Little Paper Planes

Stuff acrylic! Wool is wonderful! I find it quite odd and slightly frustrating when people pick up acrylic, comment on how amazingly soft it is.... and then they happily prance over to the shop counter and pull out their credit card (and I used to be one of them, don't tell anyone). But I have been educated my friends, and now I know better...

Here's a little rant about choosing wool over acrylic... gather around boys and girls...

Most of you would know that wool is a natural fiber and acrylic is synthetic (man made). When you are buying your winer wardrobe please consider the following... wool breathes and acrylic doesn't. I don't wish to have sweaty (and therefore smelly) people sitting next to me on the train (it happens more often then you may think). As acrylic doesn't breathe well, you may feel yourself getting hot and bothered even though it's cold outside. That's not to say that wool won't make you sweat. I have been the culprit of inappropriate fashion choices for weather conditions outside (meaning I sometimes wear a wool item just because it looks nice, without considering what mother nature has decided to dish up for the day). But when it's cold, wool comes in handy, as wool is warmer than acrylic.

People sometimes shy away from wool when they read the label and realise it requires a 'cold hand-wash'. But you may not know that wool is generally more stain resistant then acrylic (requires less washing) and will last longer. But don't be lazy, please use a wool detergent (it will be worth it).

Do you have memories of sitting around a camp fire, singing Kumbaya toasting pink and white marshmallows on a small tree branch? Don't try it with acrylic scarves or gloves (highly flammable!). Wool, on the other hand, has been used my fire-fighters for years (so wool is sexy too)!

Do yourself a favor. Buy yourself some wool this winter :)

handmade

. rose .
. jade .

I don't even know how to begin telling you how much i love these colour combinations. devine!
Emily Green is studying textile design at RMIT and launched her label Made By Emily Green in 2010. You can buy her amazing handmade bead necklaces via Etsy. I would recommend you do!

spooky

Gorgeous art and creepy details (well not really) but these prints are by Art and Ghosts. I cannot decide for the life of me (sorry about the puns) which one(s) to get! The images have a realistic quality in a completely obscure situation. They are ridiculously well priced that I feel as though I need to get a set for the sake of keeping the world a beautiful place.

white and shiny

Reflective Simulations (Gregor Kregar) . Permanent Collection (McClelland Gallery)
Strange Fruit (Adrian Mauriks)
Permanent Collection (McClelland Gallery)

I couldn't help but show you some more sculptures from McClelland... they were so amazing! If you are getting married (like the boys and girls from my post on Saturday) then you can have it at the magical Gallery with yummy cocktails and three course meals (and other nice treats). 

Set up a marquee, have champagne and explore the park. You can sit by the pond, eat cake and take lovely pictures. If you don't have a wedding to plan, have all of these lovely things anyway!

hansel from basel

Recently I have been wondering how I can accessorise my winter wardrobe (as it's starting to get cold, ie it's raining outside my window) and I remembered this cute company I came across a few years ago... Hansel From Basel. Their socks are even better than I remembered! Pictured above are some from their latest collection which includes colour variations, reversibles, and knee highs! They also have great tights, some wool, some with writing, and some with bows. And just when you thought they couldn't do anything more, they also have bags!

You must check out the sale section, you can get socks for just $3! (amazing)


(pictures via Hansel from Basel & Google Maps)

playing in the woods

A White Nest (Chaco Kato)
Permanent Collection (McClelland Gallery)
DNA II (Jonathan Leahey)
Astra (Pemanent Collection) (Lenton Parr)

Playing in the woods is fun, but it's even better if you have pretty things to inspire. Following a dirt track at McClelland Gallery in Langwarrin was a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I enjoyed scones with jam and cream and banana bread with passionfruit butter. Delish!

The best part of the day was discovering hidden shapes and textures in an Australian forrest of bark and seedlings. My favourites were the white sculptures in stark contrast to their natural surroundings, as it's not common to find such pure white in a garden of earthy reds and woody browns. But I also loved the rusted metal sculptures which strangely seemed to be at home in the somewhat tamed bush land.

There were over 34 entrants for the McClelland Sculpture Survey & Award of 2010 (which exhibits until July 2011). The Sculpture Park also has permanent pieces which bring life to an open, rural Australian landscape. You can spend the whole day there, it's definitely worth the trip.

(Pictures via Paint The Woods White)

favourite things

raindrops on roses  .  Tree Slice Chalkboard
packages  .  Bunting Banner Fridge Magnets
tied up with strings  .  Sparkly Bow Cake Topper
warm woolen mittens  .   Mini-Memo Chalkboard Plaque
my favourite things  .  Chalkboard Scroll Banner

By Playing Grown Up
(layout by Paint the Woods White, text from The Sound Of Music,)

the wedding singer

Keep Memories with 1 Diana+ Aviator Camera via Urban Outfitters
Decorate with 2 Tassel Garland (blues/mints) by ConfettiSystem via Big Cartel
Dress up with 3  Nouveau Bride headband (black label) by Ban.do 
Keep on top of things with 4 Ring Baring bowl by Paloma's Nest via Etsy
Make it special using 5 Vintage Silverware Mr & Mrs by Wooden Hive via Etsy
Make memories like 5 Kat & Ben by Smilebooth

Don't worry boys, I'm not off the market yet. But here are some great wedding bits and pieces. But I have this friend, and her brother decided to surprise his girlfriend with a diamond ring on her 30th birthday. My other friends sister has a new fiance and they are a transcontinental couple! This means that they have two places to find inspiration, and three including me.