tsk tsk

new week::new discoveries

i'm a day late for my second new week::new discoveries entry. I wanted to blog about something else but haven't had a chance to photograph/scan the images...maybe next week.

So, if you love textiles and surface design, this is a must visit. grab a tissue to mop up your drool.

ID textile is a french blog that offers a beautiful range of textile samples and trends. My French is poor, but I have spent some time just looking and gathering new designers' names that inspire me to create.

new week::new discoveries

I often sit down on a Sunday, click away on my little computer and add a few new URLs to my Bookmarks. So I thought I would share.
I've been a little focused on fashion and textiles recently and one of my favourite finds was through Bloesem's website where I discovered Mina Perhonen's design work.I just love the simplicity of these skirts.

Another link is from The Girl Effect. You must watch this. Once upon a lifetime a go I taught graphics and 2D animation and this took me back to the wonderful and powerful things you can do with typography. It is so well done.

So maybe I might make Sunday night a new discovery night and try to post a little of what is inspiring me. Join in if you would like.

Wishing Tree

A little while I ago I commissioned some artwork by Becky Blair who resides in the UK. I have admired and been influenced by her work ever since seeing it in a Real Living magazine some time ago. Anyway, I took the plunge and asked her to paint a canvas. Isn't it lovely? It is titled Wishing Tree and the colours are so warm and rich. The sun (not much today) filters through my verandah doors and draws out the most amazing honey hues.

Mr N has been wanting a new TV for ages, but even he admits that this is way better than any TV.

More photos can be seen here.

I'm also loving natural and organic shapes at the moment. Pears and seeds are timeless favs.

surface love

There has been a lot of textile action happening here of late. Designing. Purchasing. Promoting.

I stumbled across Michelle Engel Bencsko's work via flickr today. She makes the most beautiful fabrics, amongst other things. And what a joy to find out that she has two Etsy stores, Cicada Studio, for homewares and What's Buzzin Cuzzin, where you can buy her fabric.

Now if you are in Melbourne at the beginning of August get yourself down to the Life in Style Boutique Tradeshow and have a look at Sprout designs latest fabric range, (uhum, of which I have been apart of..just a little wee mention). You might even see me, if I can organise a flight and someone to take care of the kids! I so need some mummy-free time and a Melbourne fix.

Now in other news, I have been asked to design some more textiles for Paper and Cloth. That's all I can say for now, all hush hush. But they are keeping me busy!!!

inspiration for the week

Things I am loving right now.

These great storage boxes called the pj pocket pillow from modern twist, found on growmodern.

The magic of a linen pinafore from pamela tang

The simplicity and richness of these shapes by Geninne.

change is as good as a holiday

this time last year we were running away to Hayman Island for a child free holiday. No plans as yet for this year. I'm even having to twist Mr N's arm to book in  a January holiday for next year. What is it with some men and not knowing how to slow down and take a break from work! So I'm venting all my no holiday frustration into decorating. And I have shocked myself into what I am about to do!

You see I'm not an overly girly girl. I like simple lines, muted colours, I don't wear much makeup, and I might slip on a pair of high heals once a year. When Miss M was born I vowed and declared that she would never wear pink. This lasted for quite sometime, and fortunately she doesn't look good in pastels and pinks anyway.

This also meant no pink in her room! I decided to keep it a little soft, by incorporating lavender and sage decor. (you remember the quilt saga right?) But I'm over that. Now I want red in her room. Except we just painted one of her walls a pale sage green. And then I saw this wonderful linen embroidered cushion on the net from Room Seven.... If fell in love.

How can I combine red and green in her room without it looking like a Christmas table setting?  Well maybe, I could soften the red and make it a little pink! WHAT!!!! PINK!  Well, actually I'm calling it raspberry red, that sits with me better. And adding a touch of black makes it not so girly. Right? So now I am stitching and sewing away with any spare minute of the night and day to make it all happen.....and of course to get it finished before I change my mind AGAIN!

so so busy

Life seems to be full steam ahead here at the moment. I don't feel like I have stopped to smell the roses in weeks. The crazy thing is, I'm loving it. I been very busy with orders and ideas. These nesting dolls sitting ever so still for a photo are apart of a limited edition series called 'Rooster Girl'. (not mine) Based on an original set that represented a peasant family. I love the simple design and the subtle, earthy shades used for decoration. Some nesting dolls can be so over the top.

wants and haves

I've been waiting for the mail to arrive for a few items. Yesterday I received a couple of items, and I'm crossing my fingers that some more things will arrive today before the weekend. I purchased this fabric from Azalea Studio. Thinking of making some cushion cover for Miss M's room. And this by far is my most expensive but most treasured Etsy purchase. I'm in love with this Kokeshi doll, and she looks just right with my other little purchase.

Now I wish I could purchase some of Danny Mansmith's bags. Have you seen his work? He has a little shop too. I'm fascinated by his organic use of embroidery. And if you are after some cute dresses or pouches, Studio Globe is another great find.

I've been a little busy to with orders. I have made some more greeting cards and hope to add some more artwork into my shop soon.

bird on a rock

For years I have tried and tried to paint on a large canvas. All my results have ended up horribly and under a bed. But since discovering Becky Blair's work recently I feel this amazing energy and enthusiasm to paint. So with great  inspiration I created this. You'll see some likeness to her works if you link, but there are elements of her work that have always been in mine, albeit hers are of far better quality. Have you ever discovered someone on the opposite side of the earth or even your country that projects a similar aesthetic to you and you are just so glad that you find that person?

baba ganoush

I love it when little kids get their words mixed up.

Mr A: Mummy. What are you doing?

Me: Painting. Aren't you meant to be having a rest in your room?

Mr A: I feel too sick to lie down. Mummy?

Me: Yes.

Mr A: Can I paint  a baba ganoush doll too?

Here are some I have just been admiring in a new book I purchased.