Saturday, December 28, 2013

OTIS & OTTO // ONLINE SHOP IS OPEN



Seasons Greetings! I hope you are enjoying the sunshine & silly season festivities! 

The Otis & Otto shop is officially open & going silly with orders! Yippeeee! 

More products arriving in early 2014 . . . Happy New Year!!!

Image: Otis & Otto // A Visual Guide

Thursday, November 28, 2013

KINFOLK AUSTRALIA // SYDNEY WORKSHOP



Recently I visited the idyllic coastal retreat of Dickebusch, Patonga as part of a very special two-day Kinfolk workshop. Gathering just outside Sydney, we met with organic chef & cookbook author Jane Grover at Eveleigh Farmers Market who guided us through the markets local & delicious seasonal offerings. 

Following our mouthwateringly good organic breakfast by Kylie Kwong, we then made our way to the NSW Central Coast for a weekend of foraging, kneading, weaving & preserving. During the four masterclasses, we were endlessly spoilt by Sarah Glover & her blissfully yummy treats . . . sooo gooood!   

Gastronomy aside, the weekend was made undeniably special by the people involved. Placing faces to the names of so many "online" friends was affirmation of a truly lovely weekend. 

Photography: Jonathan Wherrett      

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

COMING SOON // STAMPEL STUDIO



My eyes have pleasantly adjusted to the fetching stock-pile of objects amassing in the office nook & are particularly fond of these Stampel Studio timber vessels.  

Made from post manufacture timber, each vessel is finished with a plant-based eco wood oil & beeswax lined inner cavity to keep your flower stems content. 

Happy in groups or flying solo, Stampel Studio's highly coveted Fasett Flower Vessels makes a lovely addition to any mantelpiece, desk space or window sill. 

Coming soon to the Otis & Otto online shop. Squeeeeeeel! 

Image: Otis & Otto

Monday, October 21, 2013

ANOTHER FEATHER // ARTEMIS II COLLECTION



As I sit in my little office nook & stop to review the latest work of jewellery maker Hannah Ferrara, I'm reminded of the Japanese aesthetic Wabi Sabi. A mindset that celebrates simple living & objects that reflect authenticity & a makers touch.

Looking over the Artemis II collection, Hannah's appreciation for well-made craftsmanship is refreshing & unequivocal. Using traditional metal smithing techniques & tools, Hannah champions pieces from sustainable resources, conscious to embrace their raw & natural imperfections & re-purpose where possible. 

Soon you will be able to buy some of her lovely pieces from the O & O shop!!!!! Find out more about Hannah & her Another Feather label here

Image: The Delos Necklace // Another Feather 

Sunday, October 6, 2013

PORTLAND // INSPIRATION



Sheesh! Where did September go? With 2 months of collaborations & new projects on the go, the blog space has been a little neglected. Oops! Absence noted! 

The BIG news is that I am launching an online shop attached to the OTIS & OTTO blog. The shop will feature a curated collection of objects by makers & artisans who share my affection for handmade processes & production. More details to follow very soon!!!

Amidst shop plans, wrangling, entertaining, baking & gardening, I've also been trawling Pinterest & Instagram for inspiration (P & I are both fantastic resources for sharing ideas & connecting with creative folks). Earlier this year I met freelance stylist & collector Jen Vitale via Instagram. Jen's effortlessly cool approach to simple living (& incredible indoor plant collection) is a constant source of inspiration. See her work here

Jen & her husband John inhabit a lovely navajo hued home in Portland, Oregon. Their thoughtfully curated sanctuary was recently featured by international interview magazine Freunde von Freunden. A MUST-SEE home tour! Looky now! 

Image: Jen Vitale. Photographed by Carissa & Andrew Gallo.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

COMING SOON // THE KINFOLK TABLE



Rarely do I come across a publication that so perfectly combines engaging, uncontrived - ad free narrative with first-rate photography. Now in it's 9th issue, Kinfolk Magazine continues to delight readers with thoughtful sentiments on entertaining & simplified living. 

With so much goodness in every issue, it seems fitting that a BOOK should be on the way! WOOT! The Kinfolk Table will similarly reflect the Kinfolk aesthetic & philosophy of 'putting the emphasis back into the relationships that surround eating' with a collection of 85 delectable recipes & accompanying photographs from creatives around the world. 

Kinfolk lovers can pre-order a copy here

Image: Kinfolk 

Saturday, September 7, 2013

FOG LINEN WORK // JAPAN



In a time where many of us are looking to realign & reassess our money choices, the search to find & support makers who create meaningful, sustainable, functional pieces has never felt more important (for me anyway). 

Over the past decade, Fog Linen Work owner & creator Yumiko Sekine has steadily expanded her empire of simple (& affordable) linen products to accommodate our growing desire for durable 'natural-living' staples with a timeless design aesthetic.

Durable. Simple. Classic...three words I'll be considering next time I reach for my wallet.

Image: Parker Fitzgerald // Kinfolk Magazine Vol 8. 

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

LOCAL INSPIRATION // GEMMA PATFORD



Whether you're in the market for a set of giant hamburger scatter cushions or an intricately hand stitched rope vessel, Melbourne based craft dynamo Gemma Patford has you covered!

Since first discovering Gemma via Instagram, I have steadily followed her prolific output of playful, quirky handmade designs & wondered...how DOES she do it?!? When she's not busy weaving her highly coveted rope vessels or food sculptures, Gemma can also be found sharing DIY tutorials on her blog, baking yummy recipes & collaborating with other local artists. SUPER mad-skills!   

I recently secured an incredibly sweet indigo-dipped rope vessel from Gemma, a product of her latest collaboration with local Shibori artist Victoria Pemberton. TOTAL SWOON! 

To view Gemma's current collection of crafty amazingness...looky HERE

Image: Gemma Patford

Thursday, August 15, 2013

A VISIT TO SHOP FREDA // MARFA, TEXAS



In assembling the mass-anthology of our honeymoon ephemera & miscellany, I feel especially nostalgic when I reminisce over the Marfa landscape. 

As with others curious enough to embark on this seemingly obscure pilgrimage, I felt profoundly moved by Marfa's sprawling, outdoor art installations & the progressive mindset of it's pocket-sized community. Along our journey, I had the pleasure of meeting local inspiration - Susannah Lipsey, owner & curator of Shop Freda

Within the cosy confines of Freda, Susannah exhibits a thoughtfully curated mix of objects, crafts & talismans. Be it for novelty or functionality, each item is expertly sourced according to her meticulous eye for quality & innovative design. Freda is unquestionably one of the most inspiring retail spaces, I have EVER frequented! 

And you can now visit too...online. Yay!!!

Images: OTIS & OTTO // A Visual Guide

Sunday, August 11, 2013

ANA KRAŠ // BON BON LOVE



Now based in New York, Serbian-born industrial artist & multidisciplinary phenomenon, Ana Kraš continues to enchant us with her auspicious eye & minimalist production techniques. 

Following her move from LA to Manhattan, Ana's feverishly coveted Bon Bon lamp shades continue to morph & expand into new multi-coloured configurations. 

See above. I'm in love. 

Image: Ana Kraš

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

GIVEAWAY // THE BRAINERY STORE - SIBLING LECTURE



Following the recent success of The Brainery Store's opening lecture with Rohan Anderson, I was suitably hyped to see Melbourne based design collective SIBLING next in line to present...

A network of 8 talented folk trained in architecture, the SIBLING group 'work at the intersection of architecture, urbanism, cultural analysis & graphic communication to produce new & unexpected spatial outcomes...' Focused on delivering innovative, adaptable designs while fostering a socially engaged agenda, SIBLING are set to get ideas flowing at their lecture next Monday 12th August at BOOM Gallery. 

Secure your place in the discussion via The Brainery Store website asap - seats are filling quickly. 

I also have 2 tickets (valued at $18 each) to GIVEAWAY! You can enter to win by leaving a comment on this post or the OTIS & OTTO Instagram 'SIBLING Giveaway' post. 

Note that this lecture will take place at BOOM Gallery Geelong (Victoria) so please consider the location before entering. The winner will be notified via e-mail or Instagram by Saturday 10th August. Good luck! X

Image: SIBLING

Saturday, August 3, 2013

KINFOLK HONEY HARVEST // MELBOURNE



The FIRST Melbourne Kinfolk gathering is happening. Hallelujah! The Honey Harvest series will have guests involved in a hands-on honey harvesting lesson, getting to know the basics of bees & learning how to make deliciously decadent spice-infused honey. 

If that doesn't already sound like the bees knees, guests will be treated to wine & take home honey-laden treats. Ooooh, yes please! 

Partnered by several local talented folk including Cake Wines, Sarah Williams Photography & POP & SCOTT, this delectable Melbourne event takes place on Saturday 10th August (which is only 1 week away!)...so secure your ticket pronto! 

Image: Luisa Brimble

Friday, August 2, 2013

DOUG JOHNSTON // WOVEN SHAPES



Since 2010, New Yorker Doug Johnston has been busy coiling rope & meticulously weaving shapes into baskets. And although the process of rope weaving has become very popular among the masses, Doug's minimalist style & earthly forms remain effortlessly cool & distinct. I dig.

Peep Doug's current collection here

Image: Michael Popp via Doug Johnston 

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

THE BRAINERY STORE // VISITS REGIONAL VICTORIA



Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Sarah Cooper, the innovative virtuoso behind Australia's latest conceptual phenomenon The Brainery Store.  

Launching at the end of this month, The Brainery Store will take it's pop-up style roadshow to Geelong, Victoria...the first regional outpost in a series of personalised, traveling forums intended to reach audiences with limited access to city based happenings. 'It is a simple idea about sharing the things we know...& introducing people who inspire us in word & deed' says Sarah. 

The Winter / Spring term launches next Wednesday 31st July with modern day hunter-gatherer Rohan Anderson kicking off the first discussion at contemporary art space BOOM Gallery. Over the coming months, the Geelong region can also look forward to discussions with...

+ Melbourne design collective Sibling 
+ Designer & Instagram sensation Stephanie Somebody
+ Melbourne City Rooftop Honey  
+ Nick Ray from Ethical Consumer Group

Each forum will also be accompanied by a curated pop-up shop of goodies. 

Enrol now via the The Brainery Store online! 

Image: Stephanie Somebody

Thursday, July 18, 2013

GIVEAWAY // ABOUT A GIRL BY EMMA LEONARD



Ok folks...it's time for that other giveaway I promised a few months ago & it's a doooooooozy. One of my all time favourite prints by Melbourne creative genius Emma Leonard...'About a girl'. Another beautifully crafted 8 X 10 giclee print using archival heavy-weight hahnemuhle cotton-rag paper. 

SWOON! SWOON! SWOON! 

You can enter to win by leaving a comment on this post before 5pm Friday 26th July (Melbourne time) OR commenting on the OTIS & OTTO Instagram / 'About a girl' post.

One lucky reader will be drawn at random & notified by e-mail or direct via Instagram. 

Good luck! X

Thursday, July 11, 2013

A MINI GUIDE // SAN FRANCISCO



San Francisco. A city of diversity, fog & rainbows. It was nice to be back.

We spent a good chunk of our time hovering around Judah Street in Ocean Beach, admiring the pastel painted architecture & weaving through it's eclectic community of coffee houses, shops & restaurants. Heaven!

Outside OB, we roamed the city's many vibrant districts including the Castro, Mission & Haight enjoying the diverse selection of arts, culture & amazing food! A quick list of SF must sees: 

Food / Drink: 

NOPA 
Judahlicious (Vegan)
Gracias Madre (Vegan Mexican)
Bi-Rite Market (Ice Creamery) - Worth lining up around the block for!

Retail:

Images: OTIS & OTTO // A Visual Guide

Saturday, July 6, 2013

CORTEZ // ECHO PARK LOS ANGELES



Following a long list of recommendations, we were pretty amped to indulge in a bit food porn at the very hip 'Cortez' in Echo Park while we were in LA. 

Similar to their Cookbook Market only a few blocks away, Marta Teegan & Robert Stelzner's Cortez delivers a simple, communal style dining experience, full of meticulously sourced ingredients & seasonal organic offerings. 

I opted for the Kale Salad, a flowing compilation of super greens, cauliflower & pepitas topped with a fried egg...the perfect antidote to my hangover from the night before. Thanks Cortez!

Image: OTIS & OTTO // A Visual Guide

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

COBRA ROCK BOOT COMPANY // MARFA TEXAS



Our first port of call in Marfa was Cobra Rock, a small yet distinctive workshop where Colt Miller & Logan Caldbeck combine their creative super powers to make 'South Highland Boots'. 

The 'SHB' is a unisex 1940's square style riding boot, custom made to suit each owners hoof size. And...they have laces, a nice contemporary twist on the traditional desert boot! 

Check out their store now. They are worth the wait! 

Image: OTIS & OTTO // A Visual Guide

Sunday, June 30, 2013

FORT STANDARD // OBJET D'ART



Hola Amigos! I am officially back & into the swing of things. What a honeymoon! BEST. TRIP. EVER.

We met so many interesting people, ate so much tasty food & visited so many AMAZING places. I have much greatness to share with you!

Our stay at El Cosmico in Marfa was...transcendental. One of the many cool trinkets I spotted in their lobby was a Fort Standard bottle opener.

Cast in brass, each individual opener bares the raw markings & hand made filings necessary to make these functional devices seem more like a contemporary art collectable than an ordinary house hold tool.

Simple. Beautiful.

Image: Fort Standard

Sunday, June 2, 2013

THE TIN BAG // EATABLE OF MANY ORDERS



Hand-crafted in Atami, Japan, the EOMO 'Tin Bag' & it's sculpted wooden handle make for serious bag lust. 

Available from the lovely Shop Anaïse

Image: Shop Anaïse

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

GENERAL STORE // VENICE BEACH



OK...I know I blogged about General Store not that long ago but we're going there next week so I'm all excited again! YIP YIP!

Image: The Brickhouse Tumblr

Friday, May 24, 2013

TRACY WILKINSON // TW WORKSHOP



After spotting Tracy Wilkinson's pottery on Laure Joilet's website, I've been deliberating over how many TW planters I can squeeze into our suitcases on the way home from LA...it's no easy choice - they are all SO good. 

Tracy, who lives in the LA hillside suburb of Mount Washington so perfectly captures the essence of California cool...rustic, bohemian, organic. 

With a background in fashion & textile design, Tracy also has a range of similarly cool, super relaxed wearables as well as an incredible eye for interior decoration & design (see her amazing home / work space on international interview mag Freunde Von Freunden). 

Visit Tracy's TW Workshop for more info pronto!

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

BEST MADE COMPANY // ESSENTIALS



Beyond Best Made Company Axe fame lies a collection of quality goods similarly intended to delight & impress outdoor lovers.

Boasting double dipped enamelware, silk screened maps & wait for it...a HALF-GALLON jug of Maple Syrup...!?! I'm in camping heaven!

Images: Best Made Company

Friday, May 17, 2013

DIY FIESTA PLANNING // GUIDE



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

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

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

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

Friday, May 3, 2013

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

Thursday, April 18, 2013

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. Looks SOOPA toasty!

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

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. 

Friday, April 5, 2013

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

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