bags + accessories

Green Sprout Hat (left, USD $35) and Bouquet Arm Warmers (right, USD $65) by Artish

I hope you have enjoyed our little "winter wear" series of posts :) Lucky last is a collection of colourful creations made by Leticia Maguire for her label, Artish. Leticia wants to make fashion personal, and both her online store and Etsy store are bursting with one-of-a-kind handmade scarves, hats, arm & leg warmers, and more... By the way, Leticia has just announced a massive sale with 50% off everything for the month of September! (So, take 50% off the prices listed on our image captions.)

Rose Cowl (left, USD $50) and Lion Tamer Scarf (right, USD $45) by Artish

I LOVE the colours Leticia weaves together, especially in the Lion Tamer Scarf pictured above. Vibrant colours can really seem to make your skin glow... I usually wear fairly dark clothes, so for me, accessories like scarves & gloves are ideal for adding just a small dose of "bright" into an outfit.

Red Basketweave Cowl & Wrist Warmers (left, USD $70) and Tightrope Scarflette (right, USD $35) by Artish

Over time, Leticia has developed an appreciation for fiber, and how it can be used in so many ways. You can clearly see this in her creations - the small details & unique combinations weave her personality into the mix. She is especially delighted when the blend of textures and colours in the end result surprise her.

"It's a real pleasure to create something, and watch it go out into the world, knowing that it will transform and evolve along with the style of the person who is wearing it."

Solo Cowl/Head Thread (left, USD $30) and Chai Tea Scarflette (right, USD $40) by Artish

I will leave you with Leticia's cute description of herself (on her Etsy profile):
"I love things that go fast, just about anything that is red, old fashioned bicycles, a cup of tea. I'm not sure that I could live without a computer and the internet, and I certainly couldn't survive without something to create something else with. I can't help tapping my toes to a catchy tune, and can't resist hot chips. I'm perpetually searching for the perfect handbag."

You can read more about Leticia's handmade knitted accessories on her web site (and online store) at www.artish.com.au or on her blog at www.artishhandmade.blogspot.com. You can also find Artish in the following retail stores:
NSW: Newcastle Regional Art Gallery (Newcastle)
VIC: in.cube8r (Fitzroy)
ONLINE: whipit australia

Recycled Wool Necklace Scarves - left: Orange, Soft Green, Purple, Neutrals and right: Purples, Greys, Black, Light Blue, Neutrals (AUD $38ea) from Gaye Abandon's MadeIt store

Gaye Abandon makes the cutest & cleverest winter accessories - all from upcycled, felted jumpers. (No wonder they're warm!) We're long-time fans of the Gaye Abandon label - you might remember our "wallets & winteries" post from way back in May 2007... Designer Gaye Naismith is originally from New Zealand, and now calls Melbourne home. She loves thrift shopping and collecting vintage fabrics and patterns, old postcards and jumpers to transform into her handmade creations. The Necklace Scarves pictured above look like a string of woollen autumn leaves & they're available in just as many colours.

Tubeway Armies - left: Grey Rib and Red with Red Cross Stitch and right: Oatmail Rib with Handstitched Layered Circle (AUD $33 per pair) from Gaye Abandon's MadeIt store

The original Tubeway Armies are a signature style of the Body Parts range. Along with the Scarves and Midriff Warmers, the Body Parts woollen accessories are made in partnership with Gaye's stitching buddy Melanie Hill (of Textile Allsorts). I love the stitching & vintage button details which make each pair unique!

Recycled Wool Midriff Warmer Haramaki - Grey and Geometric (AUD $37) from Gaye Abandon's MadeIt store

The Midriff Warmers can only be described as brilliant... how did we ever live without them? In Japan, the haramaki (belly warmer) is a common item of clothing. It is traditionally worn next to the skin as an under layer, but the Body Parts pretties are designed to be worn as part of a layered look, peeping out from under your jumper or shirt.

I particularly like the geometric design pictured above. Not only does this four panel design swivel, allowing you to choose which panel faces the front, but the two patterned panels are cut with the finishing edge of the jumper at the top to form a fitted waist.

Upcycled Sweater Hot Water Bottle Covers - left: Grey, Red & Black and right: Orange, Red & Grey Stripes (AUD $45ea) from Gaye Abandon's MadeIt store

More brilliance! These "hot under the collar" hottie covers are little jumpers for your hot water bottle. They feature the cuttest button up neck with collar which turns up to cover the rubber neck when the hottie is in use. (Of course, the hottie jumper can be unbuttoned for easy removal and is fully washable.)

Tubeway Armies (AUD $33 per pair) from Gaye Abandon's MadeIt store

Find out more about Gaye and her clever creations at www.gayeabandon.com, www.madeit.com.au and www.gayeabandon.etsy.com.

Gaye Abandon will be exhibiting as part of Incubator at the Sydney Stitches and Craft Show which opens today (19-23 August 2009). She also has a stall at Rose Street Artists Market in Fitzroy every Saturday, and will be at Maribyrnong Makers Market on Saturday 29th August, 10am-3pm.

The Gaye Abandon & Body Parts ranges are also stocked at many boutiques around Australia:
VIC: The Cats Meow (Melbourne City), Claude the Bird (Armadale), Craft Victoria (Melbourne City), Flying Fishes (Lorne), House of Balaklava (East St Kilda), i dream a highway (Northcote), Petranilla (South Melbourne, Queen (Fitzroy), Sea of Love (Lancefield), Shiva Designs (Canterbury), Threads of Nature (Croydon), Tomorrow Never Knows (Fitzroy), Village Idiom (Yarraville)
ACT: The Hive Gallery (Braddon)
NSW: Cicero Clothing & Accessories (Leura), One Wise Owl (Pyree), Shady Fig (Nowra), woodpapersilk (Petersham)
SA: Storison (Hahndorf)
TAS: Cocoon (Launceston), Love & Clutter (Hobart)
WA: William Topp

Pink Bobble Hat (left, USD $35, less 20% for Aust. buyers) and Grey Cable Wristwarmers (right, USD $30, less 20% for Aust. buyers) by Me and Tex

The pink bobbles around Me and Tex's winter hat (above) are the cutest! Designer Judith Macrae is a Sydney-based visual artist who loves painting & drawing, good design and is excited by the many different ways to express creativity - including knitting!

Blue Aviator Helmet (left, USD $40, less 20% for Aust. buyers) and Pink Bow Cotton Beanie (right USD $30, less 20% for Aust. buyers) by Me and Tex

Judith leant to knit as a child & remembers her first experience of creating something with her own hands. Her range of unique hand-knitted accessories reveal her love of different colours & textures - especially natural fibres like wool & mohair.

Skinny Red Stripy Scarf (left, USD $38, less 20% for Aust. buyers) and Black Glamour Headband (right, USD $18, less 20% for Aust. buyers) by Me and Tex

By carefully adding little details and playing with colour combinations, Judith weaves her personality into the Me and Tex range. Each piece is equally cute & cosy! You can find more of Judith's knits at www.meandtex.etsy.com.

Pure Wool Beanie with Detachable Flower (was USD $27, now USD $19 for a limited time) from Sheeps Clothing's Etsy store

Since I've spent the last couple of days shivering & freezing, I decided to put together a wish list of winter woolies and cosy clothing that I would like to wear right now, all at once! (As well as a bundle of knits for the whole family - like the sweetest little girl with the cream woollen beanie above.) I went 'virtual shopping' at Etsy and spied treasures from six different Australian sellers: Sheeps Clothing from Melbourne, Heidi and Seek from Melbourne, Me and Tex from Sydney, Lyptis from Melbourne, melpdesigns from Perth and Gaye Abandon from Melbourne (I love her motto, "Remember: belly warm = body warm").

Throughout the next week, I'll be posting my favourite winteries from these lovely labels, so make sure to stay tuned!

Vintage Button Scarflette in Pure Wool (left, USD $36) and Pure Wool Scarflette (right, USD $30) from Sheeps Clothing's Etsy store

Sheeps Clothing offers a gorgeous range of hand knitted accessories in colours and sizes to suit everybody. Each one is slightly different and made to order, specially for you. I really love the vintage button detail on the scarfette above left - and the design looks particularly warm too!

Every item in the Sheeps Clothing range of hats, scarves and hair accessories is lovingly created using 100% Australian pure wool. If you don't see the size or colour you are looking for, just contact them with a custom order...

Set of Two - Sweet Knitted Flower Hair Clips with Fabric Backing (left, USD $7) and Pure Hand Dyed Wool Beanie (right, USD $27) from Sheeps Clothing's Etsy store

When Stacey's boys were babies, she began searching for high quality, great looking knitwear for them, with little luck. Since she comes from a long line of knitters, she began knitting beanies and scarves herself, and experimented with different types & styles. The comments & compliments convinced Stacey to take the next step and launch her own label - and so, in 2007, Sheeps Clothing was born.

Since then the range has been expanded to include adult sizing and a beautiful new range of vintage button accessories. We're excited to hear that the label will be expanding and even exporting to the USA this year!

Pure Wool Open Knit Hat with Flower (left, adult size, was USD $29, now USD $20 for a limited time) and Pure Wool Beanie with Detachable Flower Feature (right, child/teen sizes, USD $27) from Sheeps Clothing's Etsy store

Stacey is passionate about teaching young people to knit and has a series of workshops planned for 2009 to hopefully introduce a lifelong love of the craft.

Find out more about Sheeps Clothing at:
the web site www.sheepsclothing.com.au
the blog www.sheepsclothingknits.blogspot.com
and of course, the store www.sheepsclothing.etsy.com

Sheeps Clothing is stocked in the following retail stores in Australia:
VIC: Kids in Berlin (North Melbourne), Little by Little (Black Rock & Hampton), Meet Me at Mikes (Fitzroy), My Poppet (Caulfield South), Noah's Aeroplane (South Yarra), The Owl and The Pussycat (Sandringham) and Scadoodle (Southgate & Melbourne)
SA: Bimbo (Adelaide)
WA: Red Feathers & A Hula Skirt (Melville)
ONLINE: Leeloo.

Wooden Doily Brooches by States of Nature (AUD $35ea, photo by Carolyn)

The "pretty crafty" Issue 3 of our favourite mag, the Peppermint Magazine is out now, and on p76 is "natural states", our indie art & design interview with Simone Madigan from States of Nature!

Newcastle-based designer Simone Madigan loves to print, and to experiment with new products and design styles. Her imagery ranges from bold and graphic to intricate and decorative, and is featured on a range of beautiful products under the label States of Nature. She filled me in on the story so far... By the way - I had the opportunity to take many of the product photos myself. I had a lot of fun finding 'natural' locations & getting the products to pose... hope you like the pics!

Red skirt with flower print by States of Nature (Photo by Carolyn)

I 1. How would you describe your label?

SoN States of Nature manufactures specialist hand-crafted prints using water-based inks and sustainable practices. Designs are printed onto cotton, linen and hemp blends to create clothing, accessories and homeware. Certified plantation timber grown in New South Wales is used to to create a range of brooches. All products are designed and made in Australia. States of Nature is down to earth stuff for down to earth people!

Scarves with circles print by States of Nature (AUD $38ea, photo by Carolyn)

I 2. Is your background in traditonal fine art printmaking?

SoN I have a degree in graphic design but I spent a lot of time in college making prints and experimenting with techniques, from etching and lithography to screenprinting. Luckily I was able to combine my love for design with my love of fine art and I got a job as an illustrator in the fashion industry. As my career developed I continued with printmaking as an outlet for my need to get away from the computer screen. I love the hands-on process of printmaking, even though it can be physically exhausting sometimes when working on large projects.

Scarves by States of Nature (AUD $38ea, photo by States of Nature)

I 3. What sparked the ideas for your first products?

SoN The ideas for my first products came from wanting specific things that I couldn't seem to find anywhere. I wanted to buy clothes and accessories that had a cool design aesthetic as well as being made in a sustainable, carefully considered way. I also like things that are made in Australia, affordable, and durable so that I can wear them to death and not have them fall apart in the wash.

T-shirt & Scarf by States of Nature (Photo by States of Nature)

I 4. How did you progress into making your full range of accessories, clothing & homewares?

SoN One day I realised that nobody was going to give me my dream job, so I had to create it for myself. I worked away in a variety of jobs while I was researching and planning my business. I had meetings, made mistakes, had some small successes and generally burnt the candle at both ends. And then I took a leap of faith, without a safety net, and I couldn't be happier.

Scarf with red zipper print by States of Nature (AUD $38, photo by Carolyn)

I 5. Your label's name (& designs) reveal your love for the natural world. What practices do you incorporate into production to ensure your products are environmentally-friendly?

SoN My first consideration is the environmental impact of my work, from the materials I choose to the processes I use. I have developed systems so that I am able to use minimal water in my production, also recycled and tank water wherever possible. I create very little waste by-product in manufacturing my goods, by designing with specific methods in mind from the beginning. I use only natural fibres, hemp and organic cotton grown in NSW, and certified Australian plantation timber. I have a great team of local makers who sew my products, so we don't waste resources on the raw materials travelling miles just to get made up.

The States of Nature stall at the winter 2009 Finders Keepers designers markets. (Photo by States of Nature)

I 6. Are design markets a large part of your retail & marketing?

SoN They haven't been, but it looks like they will be in 2009. Because my business is primarily wholesale and online, I don't get a chance to communicate directly with the individual people that like or buy my work. I deal with the wholesale buyers for stores, and the people who buy off my website. The great thing about the design markets like Finders Keepers or Magnolia Square, is that I get to hear lots of people's comments about my designs, and I find that feedback very valuable to help me improve the next product.

Close up of scarves with circles print by States of Nature (AUD $38ea, photo by Carolyn)

I 7. Do you have any products which are personal favourites? (I LOVE your doily brooches!)

SoN I live in my a-line skirts, especially the birds print on blue at the moment.

Tea Towels by States of Nature (Photo by States of Nature)

I 8. Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

SoN I find inspiration walking my dog on the beach, in the garden, in nature, traveling near or far, and in my collections of vintage fabric and ceramics.

Wooden Doily Brooches by States of Nature (AUD $35ea, photo by Carolyn)

I 9. What are the best (and worst) parts of running your own label?

SoN The best part is the challenge and freedom of running my own business. The worst part is managing cash flow when I don't get paid on time.

Timber Brooches by States of Nature (AUD $25 ea, photo by Carolyn)

I 10. Who do you bounce your ideas off? Are your friends & family creative or do you keep in touch with other designers online?

SoN I have extremely creative friends and family, and my husband James is the one I bounce my ideas off most of the time. He is a musician, but he has a very good eye and helps me see things from another perspective.

Scarves by States of Nature (Photo by States of Nature)

I 11. You participated in The Springboard Project in 2008. How did the program help you develop your business? Would you recommend this type of program to other emerging designers?

SoN The Springboard Project was fantastic and I found it inspiring and useful in practical terms. There are lots of little insights that I remember from the guest speakers, the workshops and the other participants that help me in so many decisions I make. There's always more information and knowledge to be had, so I'd absolutely recommend this kind of program to other designers.

Wooden Doily Brooches by States of Nature (AUD $35ea, photo by States of Nature)

I 12. What's next for States of Nature?

SoN More design, more fun and more freedom!

Thank you Simone for this wonderful insight into your label! For more natural goodness, visit www.statesofnature.com or browse the States of Nature online store. You'll also find States of Nature stocked in the following stores:

VIC: Claude (the bird) (Armadale), Counter @ Craft Victoria (Melbourne), Duck's Nest (Geelong West), Lulamae (South Melbourne), Mac Pelican (Hawthorn), Safade (Williamstown), The Cats Meow (Melbourne), Village Idiom (Yarraville), Wilkins and Kent (Melbourne)
NSW: Betty Mim (Cooks Hill), Bowerbird Emporium (Murwillumbah), Collect @ Object (Surry Hills)
QLD: Artisan (m)art (Fortitude Valley), Bliss Ecowear (Paddington)
WA: lala orange (Northbridge)

A surprise is in store when you purchase the May/June issue of Inside Out magazine! Talented designer Grace Lee (who is responsible for adding gorgeous handwritten text flourishes throughout the pages of Inside Out) has dreamed up this cute little accessories bag. Inside Out collaborated with Australian label Apple & Bee to produce the hemp bag organisers - one especially for each Inside Out reader! Grace's bag may not take charge of your hectic schedule, but it promises to keep you handbag contents under control.

Inside Out has recently launched their own blog to which all the staff contribute. Sally (editorial administration manager) asked Grace to draw a little portrait of her cat, Olive, which you can see on her Saving Grace post, (along with two more of Grace's illustrations).

BRAND NEW Small Make-Up bag by Apple & Bee, AUD $21.95

Apple & Bee is an Australian label that designs and makes cosmetic, travel and baby bags. Their impressive debut range sprung up in stores all over the place early last year, and the brand has already gained a loyal following! The bags are finished beautifully, and the fabric prints really set them apart. Pictured above is the Small Make Up bag from the BRAND NEW range which will be availble from next week. Loving the colour palette (as well as the cute birdie print)!

Fold Out WC by Apple & Bee, AUD $49.95

I do love all the fabric designs, but I think the navy peacock print remains my favourite. We've given the travel cosmetic bag pictured above to a couple of lucky mums! (I think I might just purchase one for myself too...)

BRAND NEW Pencil Case by Apple & Bee, AUD $30.00

Behind the Apple & Bee label are Brett Pattinson and Claire Morris. Brett is the founder of successful natural skincare company bod and bod for bubs and Claire is the former Art Director of marieclaire. Through Apple & Bee they've combined their experience and design skills with a committment to making the lowest possible impact on the environment. Both share a passion for the best in contemporary design and a belief that it can and should be applied to practical, everyday objects.

BRAND NEW Wooden Handle Clutch by Apple & Bee, AUD $89.95

The gorgeous Wooden Handle Clutch pictured above is proving to be really popular, so if you'd like one for yourself, don't be slow! (It will be available to purchase from next week.) It is lined with the finest bamboo silk and is a great accessory for day or night. The entire Apple & Bee lineup comprises eco-friendly material choices - natural fibres such as certified organic cotton, bamboo silk, hemp, burlap/calico and genuine leather. Apple & Bee is a carbon neutral company and applied its philosophy to every level of the business, from design and sourcing to manufacturing, warehousing, packaging and delivery services.

Large Make-Up bag by Apple & Bee, AUD $36.95

Apple & Bee products are available throughout Australia, as well as in the UK and USA. Visit www.appleandbee.com to locate your nearest stockist or to see more of the range!

Now who wouldn't want one of these?! The Par Avion laptop sleeve by new Melbourne label shuky would have to be one of my favourite products from Platform (at LIFE inSTYLE) - I think it's just brilliant! Possibly even the perfect excuse to upgrade your laptop...

Well padded with 360 degree 2.5mm EVA padding and a soft plush fabric lining, the Par Avion will keep your electronic partner in crime safe & scratch-free. Available in two sizes, the Small (AUD $119.99) is designed to snugly fit the new aluminium MacBook 13" or MacBook Air, while the Large (AUD $139.99) will provide beauty rest to the MacBook Pro 15". The colour range is perfect too, with the cheeky smaller sibling coming in light camel, dark tan, black, patent red & patent white while her big sister is available in sophisticated light camel & black.

The Par Avion belongs to an impressive collection of women's leather laptop bags and oversized clutches. Launched during 2008's Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, the shuky label has already attracted a lot of attention - from customers and celebrities alike! Designer Shuk-Yee has developed the shuky range using beautifully soft leather and unique detailing - and the Par Avion will have many designers drooling... shuky aims enrich your mobile lifestyle, reflect your fashion sense, and meet your demand for product quality, and the Par Avion delivers function & style in one neat package!

shuky's Par Avion is due to depart at www.bagsnpacks.com.au and www.rushfaster.com.au... and check out the full range of laptop bags & oversized clutches at www.shuky.com.

Hey there Indie readers, Laura here!

Just thought I would check in with you all in the lead up to Christmas - in the midst of working hard I have suddenly realised that it's that time of year again!

Christmas is fast approaching - there is shopping to be done! Indie has some fantastic ideas for Chrissie gifts for those creative people in your life. Object has some FANTASTIC ideas too!!

In my last post I introduced you to our retail store Collect. If you have not visited us before, then now's the time.

We have so many ideas for Christmas gifts - it's a one stop shop!

Collect at Object, 2008

Let's start with some stocking filler ideas shall we? Bison offers ceramic vases, bowls and pourers in beautiful colours and sizes. (At the moment I own 3 pieces, but hoping to have more after the 25th!) Also, we have a range of Tjanpi baskets - funky woven pieces by Tjanpi desert weavers, Indigenous woman with an eye for detail. (Don't tell my Mum, but she's getting one of these!) We also have gorgeous items by Honor Freeman - her Warp and Weft series of ceramics are so popular, and there are more or her items coming in for Christmas!

left: Husque Bowls, Marc Harrison, Macadamia nut shell; right: Kenji Uranishi, beakers, porcelain with inlay

In jewellery, we have so many pieces to choose from. We have Dick + Dora jewellery, which includes the cute ABC brooches made from Tasmanian wood. We also have the iconic 'Bowling Arm' bracelet - these are bracelets made from actual cricket balls, and are rolling out the door fast!

For those special people, we also stock exquisite jewellery from Australia's leading jewellers. There are rings, necklaces, brooches and earrings that would tantalise any tastebuds - I am definitely hoping to add to my ever growing jewellery collection!

Brooke Johnston, Doily series, sterling silver, 2008

Alice Potter, Bye Bye Birdie series, sterling silver and laminate, 2008

As you know, in our gallery right now we are showing the Liz Williamson Living Treasures exhibition. For those people who would love to own their own Liz Williamson original, we have a selected range of Liz's "Woven in Asia" series, which are just sumptuous.

You don't have to go far for stationery either - we have a range of Christmas cards and tags by Poppies for Grace that you will fall in love with.

Collect is happy to gift wrap your purchases, with our original and funky gift wrap and ribbon. Waking up to a Collect package under the tree would be all your wishes come true (or mine at least!)

Have a delicious, decadent and delightful Christmas - I will see you again in the New Year!!

Your Objector, Laura

Come and Visit! 2008

(don't forget where we are! 417 Bourke Sreet, Surry Hills, 2010)

Shinzo Necklace Felt and Leather by Mainichi (Sold)

I've admired Dearne Herrenberg's jewellery designs for a long time - she has a real flair for mixing colours & textures to create truly individual pieces. Dearne has recently launched her Etsy store at www.mainichi.etsy.com and I thought it was time to delve a little deeper...

I 1. I know you began your career as an interior designer. What initially drew you to interior design?

M Design was a means to providing me with a much needed creative outlet that would also give me a "qualification" at the end of years of study. It was just a matter of choosing what design path to take that would eventually also allow me to work for myself in a home based business.

Digit Recycled Leather Necklace by Mainichi (US $39.00)

I 2. When did you start creating your jewellery pieces? Was it a hobby for long before you launched Mainichi Design?

M I used to make jewellery as a teenager from all sorts of scraps that my Dad had lying around in his workshop – coloured electrical cable was a favourite, as well as the eighties staples like paperclips and zippers. I also used to make earrings by cutting up the plastic from Coca Cola bottles when they had the black bases! Mainichi was launched in 2004 after I purchased some interesting materials to use in my creative pursuits during a holiday in Japan.

Konomi Necklace by Mainichi (Sold)

I 3. What elements of your interior design experience to you see coming to the fore in your jewellery designs? One aspect of your work that I personally LOVE is the use of colour – I imagine you've always had a way with colour?...

M The colours used in my jewellery pieces are often inspired by my interiors work and work of other interior designers and architects. I've always been intuitive with colour and loved to play around with it in my creative work.

Mushi Brooches by Mainichi (US $24.00 each)

I 4. What are some of your inspirations?

M Architecture, Fashion, Nature, Travel, Pop Culture and life in general.

Shinzo Felt Necklace Extra Long by Mainichi (US $64.00)

I 5. What motivated you to start transforming everyday materials into wearable art?

MI was interested in exploring the idea of turning something discarded or not considered particularly "precious" into something appealing and special like a piece of jewellery to adorn the body.

Recycled Leather Earrings by Mainichi (US $18.00)

I 6. How do you find & choose your materials?

M I am always on the look out for new and interesting materials. In Brisbane I like to visit Reverse Garbage and fossick around. Op shops and markets are also a good source of materials. Or just art and craft outlets…anything that looks appealing I will grab even though I may not have an immediate use for it. and I am a hoarder.

Kawa leather and bead cluster necklace by Mainichi (US $39.00)

I 7. Your designs have such a tactile quality – how do you go about layering the different textures?

M Like the use of colour for me design is an intuitive thing and the layering is usually an organic process that begins with one idea and develops from there.

Kawa leather and bead cluster necklace by Mainichi (US $39.00)

I 8. Who do you imagine you’re designing pieces for?

M I don't have an "end user" in mind. I would like to think the kind of people who are attracted to my work are not able to be "labeled" or "categorized" into a particular type.

Mushi Leather Keyrings by Mainichi (US $7.50)

I 9. You also organise what sounds like a wonderful meeting place for like-minded women – The Creative Womens' Circle. How did this come about?

M The Creative Women's Circle has unfortunately just come to a close. It has been 4 years of gathering together like minded women involved in creative industries and small business and I think it has finally run its course. It has been a fun thing to do and it’s been great to meet lots of talented and creative women.

Shinzo Felt Necklace Small by Mainichi (US $34.00)

I 10. With a young family in tow, you must be busy. How do you manage your time & what do you have planned for the future?

M I'm not the best at time management and now I have even less of it with a toddler to take care of! I make a lot of lists and try to cross things off them!

In the near future I'm planning to focus more time on my jewellery making and building my Etsy online shop.

Further down the track I would like to spend some time exploring more sculptural pieces of jewellery and work towards an exhibition at some stage, but that will be some time away yet.

I Thanks so much, Dearne, for giving us an insight into your label & process. All the best for your fast growing Etsy store, and I'll be looking forward to seeing some of your future sculptural jewellery! More of Dearne's work can be found on her web site www.mainichidesign.com and her blog www.mainichidesign.blogspot.com.

The Danks Street Festival is being held in Waterloo (Sydney) this Sunday (26.10.2008) and over 80 designers' stalls will inhabit the warehouse of the pyd building. With over 30 000 visitors expected, it will certainly offer great exposure for both emerging and established Australian labels, including those whose products are pictured here: Eliza Mok, Millicent and Frank, Forbidden Linen, Klei and Zaishu. The Danks Street / Young Street area has fast become one of Sydney's well known & dynamic creative precincts and pyd is a unique destination presenting the best in interior design. The building actually takes its name from the bordering streets: Phillip, Young and Danks.

The delicate creations pictured above are part of the 'Shan Shan' collection brooches (left, US $35) and bowls (right, US $55) hand cast silicone rubber by Eliza Mok. 'Shan' represents coral in Chinese, and she uses the different stages of the coral life cycle as a metaphor to represent her past experiences through jewellery and object design.

The timber "Alphabet" by Millicent and Frank is pictured above. This Australian label creates a variety wall hangings, objects and centerpieces. Many feature clean crisp lines and geometric shapes, and of course, the gorgeous curves of serif typefaces.

Forbidden Linen is an unusual collection of "textile titillation". Sydney designer Louise Murphy has joined forces with London based artist 'UnCut', to create a seductive selection of erotically inspired textiles. The image above features a twin handkerchief set (US, $50) - women's kerchiefs are finished with lace while men's are sewn with metallic coloured cotton.

We first posted about Klei back in March 2007, and they keep producing more & more original ceramic creations. With a gorgeous muted palette and organic shapes & textures, each piece is one of a kind... Pictured here are the Pebble Necklace and "two faced" Rivet Rings. View many more designs at Klei's blog.

Well known and admired by many is Zaishu, "a hip combination of style and substance". Using certified sustainable materials, innovative ideas and a collaborative design approach the Zaishu is a versatile slot-together seat and/or table that serves equally as art. I really love the hand-printed artwork in the Australian Bushland design pictured above (AUD $350).