DIY + FIESTA + PLANNING + IDEAS

Whether your planning a large scale gathering or just a laid back fiesta, there are loads of DIY touches you can add to personalise an event without a BIG budget or the skills of a craft genius...

Many of our Wedding details were simple DIY ideas brought to life with the help of willing family & friends (& the amazing Marsha Golemac who expertly crafted paper flowers for us en masse). It was a lovely way to include many of our interstate relatives in the pre celebration planning & a great excuse to get together for marathon tea drinking sessions & cake "sampling" outings. 

Photography:       Brooke Holm 

Paper Flower Art: Marsha Golemac

Event Styling:      Kirsty OTIS & OTTO // A Visual Guide

KINGS COUNTY DISTILLERY // NEW YORK

In a century old Navy Yard building in Brooklyn, Kings County Distillery are busy crafting moonshine & bourbon whiskey. Upon opening in 2010 as the first legal distillery in NY since prohibition, they have been busy winning awards & impressing design nerds with their minimalist "no frills" style packaged flasks. 

Sounds tasty. Looks tasty. Slurrrrrrrrrp.

Image: Pulplab

GIVEAWAY // EMMA LEONARD ILLUSTRATION

Using a delicate mix of gouche, ink & watercolour, Melbourne based illustrator Emma Leonard continues to delight us with images of ethereal femininity & beauty. A regular contributor to the pages of Madison & Yen magazines, her work very recently graced the inaugural cover issue of Hitched magazine. What a talented fox!!!

As a long time admirer of Emma's work, I am thrilled to let you know that Emma has kindly donated some of her dreamy prints for a GIVEAWAY on the blog. Yippeeeee!

Our first treat is the whimsical 'Little Indian'... a signed 8 X 10 fine art Giclee print on archival heavy-weight hahnemuhle cotton-rag paper. 

For your chance to win, simply leave a comment on this post before 5pm Friday 17th May (Melbourne time) & one lucky reader will be drawn & notified by e-mail (don't forget to leave one). Good luck! 

P.S - To see more of Emma's creative musings make sure to visit her sweet blog & happenings via the Jacky Winter Group. 

STAY WARM IN A SOOPASCARF

With temperatures cooling & clocks turned back, our long Victorian Winter is fast approaching...

To avoid the chill, keep cosy in some woolly goodness from Atlanta based knitwear designer Yokoo Gibraan. The Soopascarf looks Soopa toasty!

Image: Yokoo / Etsy Store

DIY // PAPER CRAFT KITTY

Paper craft kitty...a good rainy day DIY project. Simple & fun. 

After spotting the idea for recycled paper puppets via Pinterest / Art for Small Hands, M & I set on a mission to create some cute crafty creatures. We liked Kitty Meow Meow the best.

To make your own Paper Puppet, you will need: 

+ Coloured Paper
+ Kraft Bag or Recycled Brown Bag (Handles cut off)
+ Glue 
+ Ruler
+ Scissors 
+ String

Happy crafting! Meow Meow!

Image: OTIS & OTTO // A Visual Guide

A HIDDEN PLACE // EXHIBITION OPENING

HOLY SMOKE! Thanks to the fine folks at Lamington Drive, another AMAZING exhibition opens in Melbourne this week...'A Hidden Place'. 

Beci Orpin & Kat Macleod have combined their illustrative super powers to create their first joint show, comprised of a select number of large format solo pieces as well as a series of (soon to be coveted) collaborative works. MAJORLY exciting!

'A Hidden Place' opens in Collingwood at Lamington Drive on Thursday 18th April until May 25th. 

Image: Lamington Drive

WHO GIVES A CRAP // LOO PAPER

Feel Good. Do Good. Toilet Paper. 

Launched by Melbourne lads Simon, Jehan & Danny, the 'Who Gives A Crap' campaign has many of us thinking about our lucky bottoms & how we can help improve sanitation in the developing world. 

When you purchase 'WGAC' loo paper, you don't just buy lush loo paper guaranteed to make your bottom smile, 50 % of all profits are donated to Water Aid to help build toilets & improve global sanitation. 

Flush poverty down the loo. Get rolling now. 

Image: Who Gives A Crap

KIRRA JAMISON // STILL POINT EXHIBITION

For those folks lucky to be living or visiting Melbourne in Autumn, there's one exhibition happening right NOW which should not to be missed... 

'Still Point' the latest collection of dreamy pastel artworks by Melbourne based artist Kirra Jamison is showing at the Sophie Gannon Gallery until April 20. 

Avec Magnifique!  

Image: Kirra Jamison 'Loop' gouache on paper / Sophie Gannon Gallery

THE P.A.M. 'BLACK GOLD' COLLECTION

A sample of the latest P.A.M. 'Black Gold' collection...'Dance Dance Sleeveless Dress'. 

Available in-store at Dagmar Rousset, Fitzroy or online via Someday Store. 

Swoooooooooon.

Image: Someday Store

CRAFTY PACKAGING BY A LA MODO

As a lover & purveyor of good packaging design, I was stoked to discover the innovative work of Seattle based creative, Stephanie Brubaker. 

Perfect for sweet & savoury goodies, Stephanie designs wedge shaped boxes & colour dipped bamboo cutlery which make for the cutest take-away-style treatment EVER. 

Planning your next crafty soiree or picnic? Head over to Stephanie's little Etsy store A La Modo for a look pronto! 

Images: A La Modo / Etsy 

OBJECT + TOTEM

Thanks to Pinterest & Instagram I'm invariably ranting on about exciting new discoveries such as that of Pennslyvanian studio... Object & Totem.

Based in Philadelphia, this little studio embraces a simple, raw design aesthetic firmly focused on individualised production to create objects which 'maintain novelty, craft and memory'. Furthermore, they use locally sourced materials to craft their exquisite range of ceramics & jewellery...how good. 

Images: Object & Totem

CAROLINE Z HURLEY

Ok. I JUST discovered the work of Caroline Z Hurley. Amaaaaazing.

Thanks to a little update from Mr. Kitly, I found myself on Caroline's website this morning, coveting many of her impressive artworks, ceramics, throws & wearables.

The 'Hannah' black triangles throw was my top pick (& purchase). Made from 100% linen, this versatile gem looks perfect for cosying up with on those cool, autumn nights. Winner!

Image: Caroline Z Hurley

NEXT STOP, MARFA TEXAS

Around 3 years ago I was happily plowing through a fresh stack of magazines on holiday in Perth when I came across a small travel piece on the far West Texas community of Marfa...

Since reading that first article, I've kept a curious eye on Marfa happenings & wondered how I might visit this cosmic little hub before "it" gets too BIG (which according to Google Maps is approx 24,400 km's away from where I live...)

WELL, thanks to my lovely husband, we have managed to wrangle a few days on our honeymoon to drop in & say hello!

First stop...El Cosmico & our classic 1950's Vagabond trailer.

Images: Janna Gould Photography

SUN, SANGRIA, TACOS & A WEDDING

One of my favourite snaps by the lovely Brooke Holm from our Wedding Fiesta. Tacos for everyone! Yaaaaariba! More coming soon...

Tasty Tacos made by Raph Rashid & the amazing team from Taco Truck

Image: Brooke Holm 

OUR DREAMY WEDDING FIESTA

Soooo I'm still working on a 'Wedding Fiesta' post...but here's a little preview.

Taken at Split Point Lighthouse, Aireys Inlet by our talented friend & photograher Chris McConville. Check out his blog Pestpective for more wedding snaps here.

So lovely. Thanks Pest.

Image: Chris McConville

BEN MEDANSKY CERAMICS

Sheesh. What a week. Sorry for the lapse between blog posts...it was our Wedding Fiesta was on Saturday...Woot! 

Sun, Sangria & Tacos. Happy days. (More to share with you soon)

In the meantime, I HAVE to spread the word about the sweet work of Ben Medansky. A Silverlake, CA resident, Ben has worked alongside some of my artistic idols including Peter Shire (swooooon) & his quirky cool ceramics are stocked in some of the best retail spaces in the world including IKO IKO & Melbourne's very own Third Drawer Down.

Need a one-off Ben Mendansky buff mug for the collection? Hell yes!!! Visit Ben's online store here...

Images: Ben Medansky

WHERE CHEFS EAT - INTERNATIONAL GUIDE

Where Chefs Eat...an über cool international restaurant guide full to the brim with recommendations from the world's best chefs. Niiiiiiiiiiice. Yummmmmm. 

Would make a great birthday present...hint hint.

Images: Phaidon Press

A TEEPEE + A MONTAUK WEDDING

Chanelling a little bohemian wedding inspiration from the amazing Pamela Love.

Count down is ON!!!

Images: Gary Ashely of The Wedding Artists Collective.

Found via 100 Layer Cake

THE COPENHAGEN COFFEE CUP

Simple. Modern. Perfection. by Paper & Clay Studio. 

A nod to Scandinavian design, The Copenhagen Coffee Cup looks pretty & is intended for everyday use (unlike some pretty ceramics), suitable for dishwashers (not that we have one) & will make a nice addition to my chock-full mug collection (obsession). 

Love a good Etsy find! 

Images: Paper & Clay Studio

AT SWIM-TWO-BIRDS TEXTILES

At Swim-Two-Birds textiles & mobiles made by Belgian artist Renilde de Peuter are the bees knees...dreamy, versatile, spectacular.

I discovered Renilde following another late night Pinterest frenzy & shortly after spotted a few of her goodies at Mr. Kitly. Major score!

These goodies include kooky cushions & pot holders which double as wall hangings & a collection of highly covetable mobiles. 

Need & want ¡por favor!

Images: At Swim-Two-Birds

RAW + SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FROM ALCHEMY

Designed & made in Melbourne, the Alchemy range delivers a beautifully curated selection of handmade jewellery, objects & aromatherapy products.

 

Talented Alchemy maker & designer, Belinda draws on her background in environmental sustainability to craft thoughtfully designed pieces from high quality, raw, sustainable materials with the intention of bringing joy & beauty to everyday life. So inspiring!

 

Belinda is also very kindly popping a free chocolate lip balm in with all orders over $50 while stocks last. YUM!

 

Follow Belinda's daily inspirations & work via Instagram (IamAlchemy) & her lovely blog Elements of Alchemy. Hooked!

 

Images: Alchemy Online

LAURA BLYTHMAN 'FEATHERED FOX' GIVEAWAY

Laura Blythman has got it going on! Independent designer, illustrator & creative director, Laura is also one half of the talented duo behind the popular online city guide 'Oh! Hello Geelong'. 

For those unfamiliar with the Oh!HG phenomenon, Laura & Penny Phipps share their retail discoveries & happy adventures on their cute blog, keeping us informed of emerging talents & cool happenings in the Geelong area as it grows. An absolute must read for locals & visitors! 

Blogging aside, Laura is also an incredibly talented graphic designer & illustrator. Her whimsy, sweet illustrations have fashioned stationary packaging & clothing as well as the lovely layout of Oh!HG blog. Most recently, Laura showcased her work in the 'Love, Lyrics, Neon' exhibition at Kaleidoscope Gallery in Geelong & has just released a collection of hand drawn & hand stitched prints through her online studio. Amazing!

This week we are giving away one of Laura's beautiful artworks...'Feathered Fox' pictured above. An original hand drawn illustration & paper collaged A3 giclee print signed by the artist! WOOP!

Simply leave a comment on this post before 5pm on Friday 1st February (Melbourne time) & one LUCKY reader will be drawn at random & notified by email. Good luck! 

OUR PLACE ON THE DESIGN FILES

Wowsers. What a week!

We were extremely chuffed (more like ecstatic) to see our home featured on The Design Files this Wednesday. MAJOR excitement! We have been longtime fans & daily subscribers to TDF! 

The lovely & talented Lucy Feagins posted a very kind article on our family along with a series of beautiful photographs taken by the equally talented (& lovely) Brooke Holm. 

The response has been overwhelming. We are very grateful to Lucy for sharing our space & to those who left kind words of encouragement. You can view the full home tour on TDF here

Hope you like. Have a great weekend!

Images: Brooke Holm. Production Lucy Feagins /The Design Files.

ECO-FRIENDLY GOODNESS FROM UIMI

It was on a recent trip to Barwon Heads & a quick drop into Bambolotta that we discovered uimi. What a FIND! 

uimi is a fantastic Melbourne based lifestyle brand specialising in eco-friendly knitwear products. Their products are also designed & manufactured locally (in Melbourne) which is super impressive!

Made exclusively from natural fibres with an eclectic range of colourful, geometric design combinations, it wasn't easy to pick a favourite...Eventually, M settled on the organic cotton Indiana Blanket in Tang (as above). Über cute choice!

Tick! Tick! Tick!

Images: uimi online

CALIFORNIA DREAMING + GENERAL STORE

In preparation for our next USA trip, I'm compiling an epic list of new spaces to visit & old favourites that need re-visiting. Top of my retail list is...General Store (Venice Beach & San Francisco). 

Both stores are expertly curated with an interesting selection of vintage wares & hand made goods from local artisans. Plus the interior fit outs look amaaazing!? 

It's going to be difficult to leave without a plant purchase...dang customs restrictions!

Any other places I should be visiting?

Images: General Store Blog

FROM ANTWERP / MIEKE VERBILJEN

Mieke Verbiljen takes lovely photographs of lovely things. 

Based in Antwerp, Belgium, Mieke documents eclectic apartment interiors, photographing talismans & workspaces, pets & plant life. Simple & beautiful. 

Photographic talent aside, Mieke also has an distinctive knack for decorating. See her recent apartment tour on Design*Sponge. Amazing!!!

To see more of Mieke's work, look here. 

Images: Mieke Verbiljen

NATURAL + SLOW DESIGN / CAROLINE GOMEZ

It won't surprise you to see more of Caroline Gomez' work featured here...she is one of my favourite artists!

Drawn to her simplistic & functional art pieces, her craftsmanship exudes a natural elegance, full of colour & light. Caroline's photography is also a constant source of inspiration & contentment not to be missed.  

Check her blog pronto! 

Images via Caroline Gomez

THE SOUVENIR COLLECTION + REALITY STUDIO

Reality Studio | Berlin

Made by Portugese artisans, the 'Souvenir' footwear collection designed by Svenja Specht, fuses contemporary design asethetic with raw, natural materials to create the perfect cork flat. 

Awesomenessssss.

Images via itfashion