If you haven't discovered selvedge magazine already, I would be writing a strongly worded memo to you about getting a copy of this fantastic publication. (In fact, why not just order the entire back catalogue)
selvedge is focused on textile design and inspiration and just has me breathless at every page turn. My dear friend Eileen passed on one of her precious copies to me and I just can't put it down. Its so beautiful.
Just get it. It's so worth it.
A rather non-descript secret little laneway in the midst of our city. Along Elizabeth Street, down the lane on the right, go under the boom gate, walk a bit and you'll see that little doorway on the left hand side. Inside, our 'secret coffee place' - The Coffee Supplier - owned by most lovely James, enthusistic supporter of all things exciting and creative in the city. And makes the best coffee ever too.
And it was here a few short months ago, very early one Friday morning, Eileen decided she wanted to exhibit there. But what? So we ordered some jumbo flat whites, and let the caffine get to work (it was very early on a Friday after all) and hatched a plan so cunning, it should have pointy ears and a bushy tail. And, literally, it eventually did.
Behold Touch Wood Design's Scandi: Felt Folk!
To make this all the more impressive, Eileen did all this in just six weeks. Yep. Designed them. Sourced the materials. Made the patterns. Sewed them. Stuffed them. Six weeks. Yep.
I bought this lovely reindeer stamp one. Who couldn't resist. It was hard to pick a favourite:
See that snowflake one? We called it the 'snowflake from hell'. It is machine stitched around every edge. Perfectly. This is why Eileen is so awesome.
Woot!
More Woot!
She still has some versions for sale (she produces just three versions of each)- contact her directly if you would like one!
(We didn't match on purpose. Promise we didn't.)
Just when I needed some creative inspiration, my good friend Eileen sent me a link to this awesome free 2011 owl calendar download! My Owl Barn (strap yourself to your twig if you like owls, because its all owley goodness!) has collaborated with 30 of her favourite artists so you can create your own calendar using the images you most love! How owlsome is that!?
Trouble is, I'm finding it hard just to find my 12 favourites - they are all so great! I think my very favourite is by children's illustrator Flora Chang.
I've popped one of the cute My Owl Barn buttons over there on my blog so you can click through whenever inspiration strikes! Or you can make them for cute Christmas presents!
One of my very cleverest friends, Miss E of Touch Wood Design is having a new exhibition opening on Friday 10 September showing off her amazing new cushion collection entitled scandi: felt folk.
It's at our 'secret coffee place' down a back alley of Elizabeth Street in the city and is THE place for a cuppa java if you're serious about your coffee. Which we are. Sometimes several times a day.
I've had a sneaky peek at her new range and it is sensational to behold with scandi-inspired design (like this truly patience testing 'snowflake from hell')! I'm a bit partial to the featured moose I must say.
If you love these, Miss E often also stocks her wonderful cushion designs at Absolutely Fabulous.
One day she'll have an Etsy store....sighhhhhhh....
I shall report back on the opening!
PS Miss E has a very talented partner, Mr A who does amazing woodcut and woodblock designs. How is there so much talent in one house? I should just sit in their kitchen and let it soak through my pores.
There is SO MUCH great Easter stuff to do!
This week I'm planning on doing some great Easter cooking with Miss M. Here's what I'm thinking...ambitious, but will be lots of fun!
Hot Cross Buns Greek Easter Bread Chocolate Nests Sugar Bunnies
Those sugar coated bunny cookies would be great for the daycare teachers! Now I just need to find a bunny cookie cutter!
I also found some REALLY FABULOUS Easter menu and food idea recipes on the Woman's Day website...! My favourite is the four Easter Brunch menus...they look absolutely delicious and cater for all cooking skills - from no cook to 'wha la!'
The Woman's Day website also has some really great Easter crafts...
Pom Pom Chicks Easter Tree Stacked Bunny Box Knitted bunny!
I'm really looking forward to making an Easter Tree with Miss M!
I recently came across this great Sharpie art - barefoot shoes! Dom Chi's custom trompe l’oeil barefoot shoes were made by tracing his own feet over a pair of slip-on Vans first with pencil, he then drew over the lines with a black Sharpie.
He used acrylic paint to fill in the feet. Fantastic!
Check out more of Dom Chi's shoe art on Flickr.
The whole world of Sharpies is just starting to open up to me. For sublime Sharpie inspiration check out their blog (lurvin the Darth Vader mask!) - it makes me want to go and draw on the walls...
(image from Martha Stewart)
There is something about arty light switches that's always really appealed to me. I think it's unexpected, a beautiful detail and a little piece of art you can't help but notice. Although I've never done one!
I remember one of the first things I ever saw on eBay was a set of light switch plates that were handpainted with amazing Japanese designs. I don't think I've ever got over it.
Have a look at this selection over at Craftster!
You know, call me crazy, but I'm going to give one a go.
Now I'm usually a bit mad for Elsa's magical papercuts, but she has just listed these beautiful original art medallions in another of her etsy shops and I think they are SO beautiful!
I love to read Elsa's blog as I think she is one of the most amazingly resilient, strong and positive people on this planet. Her life story is most touching and her commitment and enthusiasm for her family unmatched.
Such beautiful creativity radiates from such an amazing person.
Because Susan sent me a link to the Book Depository and a 10% off code, of course I had to try it out and bought this much lusted after follow up to Material Obsession - Material Obsession Two! (FREE shipping worldwide - whoo hoo!). Even after the exchange rate, I purchased this book for over AUS$20 less than what it is available here - and it arrived on my doorstep in a nice brown cardboard packet!
The idea of this book is 'shared inspiration' - there is a common block, colour or theme and each of the authors, Sarah Fielke and Kathy Doughty, each give their interpretation for completely different, but equally delightful results.
The quilts in this book look a lot harder than in the first book, but there is again a section at the back that gives excellent technique instructions.
As with the first book, even if you don't ever make a quilt - this book is a goldmine for craftspiration.
Such creative blends of fabrics with some surprising results!
Modern and traditional - but all beautiful.
So inspiring!
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