to carry

Guess what? We're currently visiting Melbourne with new season samples for our own label, Non-Fiction! In addition to printed womens tees & greeting cards, we've released our first range of mens tees, totes & archival prints. I love travelling around to so many of my favourite boutiques - especially since I don't get to see the Melbourne ones all that often, but it's definitely torture resisting temptation at each stop!

We're so excited about the new prints - we'd love to hear what you think & photos should appear on our web site (www.non-fiction.com.au) within a couple of weeks... Pictured above, clockwise from top left are: "Family Portrait II" womens t-shirt, "Bowerbird" tote, "Satellite" mens t-shirt & "Inka" greeting card (from the Family Portrait series). Hope you like them!

P.S. If there are retailers who stock Australian designers reading, we'd love to hear from you, wherever you are!

I know time is tight, but if you're looking for some last minute gift ideas for Mother's Day (Sunday 11th May), here are some beauties!

cushions by publisher textiles

Aren't these prints fabulous?! I found it hard to choose which fabrics to feature... The six pictured here are, at top (L to R): Botanica ochre, Bugsey white & sand, Botanica duckegg, and below (L to R): Snow Pea latte & pigeon, Botanica red, Apollo mist.

These cushions are from the Publisher Textiles homewares range. Each cushion measures 50cm x 50cm and features a quality foam feather insert. Made with natural fabrics including cottons & linens with a contrasting backing fabric, these guys are made to be used, not just looked at! They are machine washable (gentle wash, cold water) and with so many fabric print options, there's sure to be a few that would look fantastic at your Mum's place! Cushions range from AUD $48 - $160 (most are around $88).

Publisher Textiles was established in 2002 by Mark & Rhynie Cawood. & they moved into their studio & showroom in Leichhardt, Sydney. With Mark's background in screen printing & Rhynie's in textile & fashion design, they make the perfect team for producing handmade fabrics & wallpapers. The Publisher Textiles Studio is open to the public on Saturdays from 10am - 3pm or by appointment during the week. Their homewares can also be found at the following stockists:

NSW: Made590 (Newtown), Honeybee (Newcastle)
SA: Monsoon Homewares (Glenelg), Terrace Floors & Furnishings (Eastwood)
TAS: Inside Home & Gifts (Hobart)

pendants by Girls Made This

I spotted these gorgeous pendants in the Glamourpuss email newsletter last week & was really taken by the beautiful bird designs. "Crane Pendant" on the left is AUD $110 and "Swan Pendant" on the right is AUD $95. They are by oneofone, the first label developed by Girls Made This, which is a design cooperative striving to nurture, develop and promote creative endeavours by women in Australia. The collective is headed up by Jane Peacock, who is also the talented designer for the oneofone collection. For the new range, Jane found inspiration in the vintage imagery and objects of desire that were hidden away from reach at her nannas house - pretty ornaments, old buttons, jewels, kitsch paintings etc. Oneofone pendants are available from boutiques around Australia & New Zealand including:

QLD Artisan (Fortitude Valley), MOB Store (Brisbane City), Bessie Head (Brisbane City), Adrenalin (Southport)
NSW: Glamourpuss (Erskineville), Bracewell (Paddington), Tuchuzy (Bondi Beach), Mon Petit Chou (Potts Point), MCA Store (The Rocks), Orson & Blake (Woolahra), Mushu (Surry Hills)
VIC:Husk (Melbourne), Elizabeths (Melbourne), Latrobe Regional Gallery, Melody Nelson (Brunswick), To the Max, Phillips, Belki (Carlton North)
ACT: Cowboys & Angels (Canberra), National Gallery of Australia (Canberra)
SA: Naked
WA: FORM (Perth), Finity, Billy + Rose (Mt Lawley), Harry + Gretal (Leederville), Sana, Eldorado (Perth)
TAS: Inside Home & Gifts (Hobart)

padded scuffs & printed scarf by elk

Ooooh, your mum will love you for these! Keep her toes toasty with these soft padded cotton scuffs by Elk Accessories, available in black or grey for AUD $35. Or perhaps she'd prefer the printed scarf on the right (AUD $85)? Made from 15% cashmere and 85% pure wool, this light winter layer scarf comes in either dark brown or dark ash grey. Elk Accessories is based in Melbourne and designed by partners Adam and Marnie. Their bi annual ranges include so many beautiful things - knits, leather & felt bags, accessories & jewellery, and always in gorgeous, calm hues (with a few dashes of brighter colour featured in necklaces & bracelets etc!).

Elk Accessories ranges are sold through independent retailers across Australia and New Zealand in city and regional areas. Contact them via www.elkaccessories.com.au to find your nearest stockist...

tie clutch by nancybird

Nancybird makes the most delightful decorative leather bags, and these tie clutches are no exception! This soft, slouchy clutch is a versatile little beast, which can be folded down to reveal fabric, tied in a bow at the back or tied around the body as shown. The wrist strap is removable too. It measures 26cm x 16cm adn is available in desert orange (left), black (right) and fudge for AUD $128.

Nancybird bags are stocked in many boutiques all around Australia & New Zealand. Since there are too many to list here, you'll have to visit www.nancybird.com/forms/stockistlist.html to track down a stockist near you!

mothers day sponsor:

in.cube8r gallery opened its doors on Smith St, Fitzroy (Melbourne) last year and has gained quite a following - (in fact, I've read snippets & seen references in blogs all over). They've helped many emerging artists & designers introduce their products to the retail marketplace, and provided a great environment for more established labels to expand their product range, exposure & of course, their customer base.

All the products on display at in.cube8r gallery have been made by hand. Over 80 Melbourne artists & crafters are represented, which means there is a vast range of original clothing, accessories, jewellery, artworks & gifts. The gallery is based on the concept of a market or bazaar, but without the need to get up at 5am & wrestle with your trestle table. in.cube8r spaces (including glass cubes) are available from $20 per week and, best of all, there is no commission on sales.

Founder of this unique retail space is Isy Galey, who nurtured the dream to open a top-notch but friendly & approachable handmade gallery for over a decade. In July 2007, her dream was realised when the spaces between the fuchsia walls became filled with all sorts of handmade delights & the doors were opened to the public. Within 7 weeks of opening, in.cube8r spaces were booked out & there was already a waiting list!

I recognise the contents of this cube! This is the work of artist / illustrator Julie Knoblock who lives in West Gippsland, Victoria. Through her label, Tummyache, she produces bags, toys, necklaces, brooches, artworks & limited edition prints. I love the vibrant orange satchel at the back of this display & her illustrations look so sweet when turned into pendants.

There are too many people whose work is on display to list in this post, but the in.cube8r gallery web site features designer profiles so that you can learn a little about person who made your special find.
Visit www.incube8r.com/designerscube.html to see a sampling of the many & varied products available & the people who make them, and if you live in Melbourne (or are just visiting), make sure you drop by in.cube8r gallery at 321 Smith St, Fitzroy (t. 03 8415 0321).

Designer Kara Smith's collection of handbags is good enough to eat! It all started when she happened upon a piece of gorgeous fabric, begging to be made into something beautiful. As she tucked it into her trusty yet tired-looking handbag, she resolved to transform that piece of fabric into a new bag for herself... From that first bag sprang many more, and the Kara Smith label was born.

Kara lives in the Blue Mountains (about an hour from Sydney) where she creates a variety of handbags for all sorts of different purposes - every one perfect for the girl who wants to stand out from the crowd. She uses 100% vintage & retro fabric, chosen for head-turning appeal, and adds gorgeous detailing including pockets, vintage buttons and recycled buckles (collected with an eye for the odd, delightful and the cute). The series of photos of the blue Bronte Clutch (right, top of post) highlights the detailing which makes her bags so special.

The fabrics Kara has chosen are truly unique. I think my favourite bag is the Willow Tote pictured above. I just adore the print (nature enthusiast here), and the off-centre band with red buttons is a treat!

Kara Smith bags are all individually named and Kara has grouped the styles into Small, Medium & Large sections on her website (www.karasmith.com.au) to help you choose! The geometric Odetta Clutch (above left, sold) falls into the Small bags section, as does the Germaine Clutch with it's fabulous original 60's screenprinted fabric (below left, AUD $62.95).

The large Leonora Ballerina Tote (above right, AUD $119.95) is a beautiful creation with pale blue denim soft cotton contrasting against the careful folds of a pastel floral print. The Dottie Sue (below left, AUD $119.95) is another Ballerina style tote - but with a completely different flavour. This time spotted fabric from the 60's contrasts with red gingham used for the front pocket & detailing.

Kara's medium-sized bags are currently on special, reduced from AUD $89.95 to between AUD $69.95 - $79.95. This includes the very retro Vesna (above right, AUD $69.95). Featuring recycled black and white gingham lining, a large chocolate button & warm, bold colours - it will be perfect as we come into Autumn!

I must say I was really taken with the dreamy photos of Kara's bags with model Belle. Her photographer is talented UWS design/photography student Lisa Musico. I have no doubt I'll be featuring her photographs for a variety of design labels in the future! Pictured below is a screenshot of the Kara Smith home page - isn't the photo stunning?!

To read more about Kara's collection, you can also visit her blog, "Fabric Fantastic", at www.fabricgal.blogspot.com. Kara's bags are stocked in boutiques around Australia, and she will have a stall at the Rose Street Artists Market (Fitzroy, Melbourne) on 22.3.2008. She also takes customs orders, so if you have something already in mind, contact her through her web site at www.karasmith.com.au.

NSW STOCKISTS: Handcut (Crows Nest), Todae Environmental (Glebe), Mrs Peel (Leura), Guanabana Designs (Cooks Hill), 76 Jam Cafe (Fairy Meadow).

VIC: Arthur's Circus (North Melbourne), I Dream A Highway (Northcote), Meet Me At Mikes (Fitzroy), Lulu (Balaclava), Fanny's Flat (Talbot).

QLD: Cherry Blossom (Paddington)

SA: Three Bears Shoes on Semaphore (Semaphore)

ONLINE: www.karasmith.madeit.com.au, www.modamuse.com, www.leeloo.com.au, www.karasmith.etsy.com, www.neco.com.au.

My partner knows I love the Polli jewellery range, and has planned to surprise me with Polli earrings a couple of times now. Last Christmas, he was foiled by their popularity as they'd all sold out... This time he made it to Made 590 a little earlier and chose these stunning stainless steel Gulls earrings - a brand new addition to the range. Modeled here by our black bamboo, you can see the delicate effect of the etched surface on the front, bringing the birds further foward & adding to the sense of weightless movement.

Pocket is another favourite in this household, and here my partner is showing off the latest edition to his wardrobe. We both love this cool new design - the superfine detail is amazing & we love the colour combination of aqua & white on a chocolate brown tee. I wouldn't mind piloting one of these babies... (I do love a bit of sci-fi!)

This beautiful leather wallet was such a thoughtful gift from my partner's parents. It was handmade by Melbourne artist & printmaker Emily Wright for her label Nancybird and is called the "Pearl Wallet". It takes its inspiration from old cameo brooches, with their decorated border and inlays depicting portraits and landscape scenes. The bird image screen printed by Nancybird onto the front panel comes from the carved wooden inlay on a 17th century German handbag. The detailing is exceptional from the hand stitched border around the front panel, to the patterned fabric lining, curved zipper pouch & photo window, to the gorgeous red beads on the zip - oh, and the Italian leather is SO soft! (Emily even develops the colours for the leather with an Italian tannery!)

Make sure to email me if you were surprised with something really special for Christmas! We'd love to feature it on indie art & design.

The festive season is upon us and with the "big day" just around the corner, we'd like to help out with some gorgeous gift ideas! We've selected a wide range of different goodies to suit Christmas stockings of all shapes & sizes.

love jewellery by geneine honey

love is a Melbourne based fashion label begun by Geneine Honey in 2002. Geneine uses her whimsical and intricate drawings as a source of inspiration for her designs, which include jewellery pieces and accessories in shapes that hark back to the innocence and romance of childhood's imaginary worlds. Pictured above is the "Girl and Bunny Brooch Set", a gorgeous duo available in a mirror finish or black acrylic. (AUD $45).

I fell in love with these wooden birdhouses when I first saw them at Made590. One lucky friend may just receive the wooden finish Birdhouse Necklace (above left) for Christmas. That's if I don't give into temptation & keep it for myself! The Birdhouse Brooch on the right has an ivory acrylic bottom layer. The contrast between the cream-coloured background and the darker delicate wooden pattern is very pretty. Both are available as necklaces or brooches for AUD $35 each.

Aren't these clever? They have hinged joints just like a real wooden doll! Titled "I wish I was a real boy/girl", they are just adorable and you can choose between a wooden (below) or handpainted finish (above). Once again, they are available as necklaces or brooches, for AUD $55 each.

Can we tempt you with a shiny red apple or a forest mushroom? I have no doubt that these red mushrooms (toadstools!) are laced with trickery, but I reckon those apples look trustworthy! You can try these fruits of the forest as necklaces or brooches, all are AUD $35 each. (They are available in a number of different finishes.)

Pictured below is the "Printed Tote Bag" featuring the beautiful illustration upon which the "Girl and Bunny Brooch Set" is based. The silhouettes of the Girl & Bunny are surrounded by their forest friends, drawn with such delicacy! The tote bag is fully lined with pocket and magnetic clasp. It has been digitally printed and is machine washable. For more love & hate, you can view their comprehensive catalogue at www.lovehate.com.au, or visit one of their retail stockists:

NSW: Bulb (Double Bay), Bang Art and Gift Shop (Potts Point), Made590 (Newtown)
VIC: Little Salon (Fitzroy & Melbourne City)
WA: Remedy (Fremantle), More (Subiaco, T. 08 9381 8085)
QLD: Queensland Art Gallery (Brisbane), Maiocchi (Fortitude Valley)
SA: Flourish (Hyde Park), Storison (Hahndorf, T. 08 8388 7331)
TAS: Cocoon (Launceston), Small Rhino (Hobart)
ACT: The Hive (Braddon)

mens tees by pocket

Pocket Designs is one of my favourite new discoveries. Based in Perth, this graphic designer has created a number of t-shirt ranges which make perfect gifts for our better halves! In fact, the above picture features my partner showing off his brand new birthday present... He's wearing the "Seventh Armoury" design in black with a yellow print - a special glow-in-the-dark edition! The t-shirts fit well & are a lovely quality. Also in his personal wardrobe are the "Tokyo Puppeteers" and "Soldiers V2" designs pictured below. The prints are inspired by Japanese anime and come in a variety of colour options. I particularly like "Soldiers V2" printed in aqua on a navy tee. The styling of the designs themselves is great - sleek & cool. The expression on the puppet's face in "Tokyo Puppeteers" is so twisted!

Pictured below are details of the "Metalight" and "Wasp" designs. The "Wasp" print comes in yellow on a coal coloured tee which I just love. The larger part of the design (featuring the wasp) is printed on the back with a selection of honeycomb shapes & vector lines on the front. Fantastic! The Pocket tees range from AUD $60-$70. Visit www.pocketdesigns.com.au to see more of the range, or stop by one of their retail stockists:

ONLINE: Teknoscape
NSW: Crazy Horse (Newtown, T. 02 9519 2199, Darlinghurst, T. 02 9326 0800), Haku (Potts Point, T. 02 9380 8768), Oxi Clothing (Newtown)
VIC: Kids in Berlin (North Melbourne), Tomorrow Never Knows (Fitzroy, T. 03 9495 6645), Robio (Fitzroy), Moji (South Yarra, T. 03 9824 1104), Villain Store (Brunswick)
WA: The Pulse (Perth, T. 08 9322 7210), Atlas Divine (Leederville, T. 08 9444 4663), Ginza (Subiaco, T. 08 9381 6067), Lucky Stripe (Fremantle, T. 08 9336 6299), Locale Clothing (Floreat), Method Clothing (Mt Lawley), Tade' (Applecross, T. 08 9364 7891)
QLD: Ginza Swim (Paddington, T. 07 3369 1131)

christmas sponsor:

christmas cards by dudley redhead

Hunting for unique Christmas cards & gift tags? These adorable designs are made by Dudley Redhead, otherwise known as Sydney-based designer Tara Axford.

Each Note & Tag set (pictured above, AUD $15.00) includes:
3 x Christmas Bunny & Wren Postcards measuring 110mm x 135mm. They have been professionally printed on 215gsm gloss card, have rounded corners and are blank on the reverse. Post to a friend or attach to a gift!
3 x Christmas Wren Button Badge Gift Tags measuring 70mm x 110mm. The button badges have a pin back & are a lovely little bonus to your gift!

The Christmas Wren Gift Tags are also available individually for AUD $3.00 each.

May all your parcels be prettied by Dudley Redhead's illustrations! Christmas Cards & Tags are available from Georgie Love's treasure of hand made pleasures at www.georgielove.com, and you can find the Dudley Redhead blog at http://dudleyredhead.blogspot.com.

prints by eveline tarunadjaja

Eveline Tarunadjaja is an exciting young artist who was born and raised in Indonesia. At age 15, she moved to Melbourne where she has lived for almost 10 years. Her work has been exhibited over the last couple of weeks as part of the "Cups and Cuddles" group show at Per Square Metre Gallery in Collingwood, along with fellow artists Andrea Innocent, Catherine Campbell, Crystal Hartley, Lilly Piri, maricormaricar & Nobuko Washiyama.

Many of her artworks are available as stunning & very reasonably priced prints through her web site at www.lovexevol.com. Pictured above are the prints "Wait" (AUD $40, 15 x 20cm, pen, coloured pencils & markers) and "The Blue Dress" (AUD $40, 15 x 20cm, pen & markers). I love the effect of limited areas of bright colour, especially where the background colour of the paper is peeking through. Both are simple, graphic works where the detail lies within the careful linework. "The Blue Dress" was actually featured as the free poster in Frankie Magazine issue #15. Both of these works were created in a little drawing journal Eveline filled with imagined characters and words that got stuck in her head.

Eveline finds inspiration in the feelings evoked by little random experiences... doings, sayings, conversations, people, stories, artist, movies, films & music. The next four images are good examples of the artistic results! I love the colour & humour embraced by "Tomato Head" (above left, AUD $45, 18 x 26cm, pen, acrylic & digital artwork). Eveline says she often produces "something that's really dumb" - "Tomato Head" was drawn when she was thinking just too much & her head started to feel like a big heavy vegetable!
In contrast, "Airfish" (above right, AUD $40, 18 x 26cm, pens & markers) is something really personal. It is about a dreamer... "unreal thoughts float like fishes fly..." The original artwork is also available framed for AUD $250.

In prints such as "Animal Hoodie (Octopus)" (above left, AUD $40, 16 x 26cm, pen, markers & coloured pencil), Eveline has depicted imaginative items of clothing that whe would love to have or make. She also plays with the idea of "semi-porn, because it's fun and funny!" "Familia Octopie" (above right, AUD $30, 16 x 26cm, pen) is about "a royal family of octopus that capture two humans and force them to have sex with each other". Enough said! The prints are printed on to 240gsm fine art paper, and are unframed. To view these works, and many more, visit http://www.lovexevol.com. You can order online through the site, making them ideal Christmas presents.

The two works pictured below were exhibited in "Cups and Cuddles" and the originals will be availble for purchase very soon. They are so beautifully drawn & the fine lines curl & twist in rhythm with the natural grain of the wood.

linen by out to lunch

Out To Lunch's Lucy Bromell has created an elegant range of hand-printed and uniquely Australian tableware. The collection is inspired by native flora, and features four different designs - Banksia, Stem, Casuarina and Eucalypt, each of which come in a range of natural colours all organically printed on linen, cotton and silk. Pictured above are the "Casuarina" and "Banksia" linen napkins. Both are available as a set of four napkins for AUD $64.

Two of the "Stem" designs are pictured above. The table mats have a matching coloured trim which frames the delicate print beautifully. They retail for AUD $88 for a set of four. Once again, the set of four napkins is AUD $64. The earthy colours of the prints & natural texture of the fabric would surely look gorgeous atop a wooden dining table!

The contrast is striking in these black on natural linen "Eucalypt" designs. The table runner is AUD $70, and the matching table mats are AUD $64 for a set of four. Depending on who is cooking on Christmas Day, the full size cotton aprons below (AUD $55 each) could also make lovely gifts. (Perhaps not the best idea though for someone who has been slaving over a baking turkey with all the trimmings!) Either way, there are plenty of gorgeous Out To Lunch products to choose from & you'll find them online at Moose: Art for Living.

t-shirts for all by wildgarden

Wildgarden is a gorgeous Australian label born out of a desire to create products featuring simple, yet sophisticated designs produced by hand. The talented designers are Sydney-based sisters Nancy & Jessica Lim. They are inspired by the environment which surrounds them - both natural and urban. You may also know of these two from the Modamuse online store & blog - another wonderful site featuring the work of independent designers from Australian & New Zealand.

Wildgarden is currently offering 25% off everything in the lead up to Christmas! They have a colourful range of screen printed t-shirts for all of the family. Here we've included our favourite summer styles for women & a few for the little ones too! Pictured above are "Radiate" which features a striking metallic silver print (above left, AUD $34.50) and "Floss" with a white branch motif across the front (above right, AUD $33).

These singlet designs show off Wildgarden's love of colour & form. The graphic layering of black & grey in "Twiggy" (above left, AUD $31.50) look fantastic & I also really like the placement of the stylised, floral-patterned bird in "Fly Away" (above right, AUD $31.50)

The "Winter Blossom" tee (above left, AUD $34.50) would be really versatile. With an assymetrical lavender blossom branch motif placed high on the shoulder front and back, it would look equally striking worn casually with jeans, or dressed up with a pretty skirt for day or night. The fitted styles of these tees lend themselves to such situations! The Spiro print (right, AUD $34.50) looks great in yellow & white on an ashphalt-coloured tee. This retro design is also available in pale blue & green on olive.

Aren't these children's designs gorgeous? Pictured above are "Birdy Jazz Trio" (left) and "Elephant Walk" (right), while "Ducky" appears below right. All are AUD $25.50 each. I think I'd quite like "Birdy Jazz Trio" in a grown-up version! We couldn't resist including the "Bossanova Shopper" black cotton tote - at AUD $9.75, it's a steal! To see more Wildgarden designs & place your order online, visit www.wildgardendesign.com.

christmas sponsor:

Aren't these little guys sweet? They're from Melbourne label Mistress of the Upper Fifth who designs & makes original & quirky accessories. These two are perspex brooches, with Scotty on the left and Kitty on the right. (AUD $35 each)

I remember many afternoons spent with my Mum & Nan in department stores (when they still sold haberdashery!) and fabric shops, leafing through pattern books that were almost bigger than I was at the time. Mistress of the Upper Fifth has used those familiar vintage dress patterns to create her range of Dress Pattern Wallets, (AUD $40 each). Each one has it's own unique personality.

How cute! These twin button sets are designed to be worn as pairs, with half of the image on the first button, and the other half on the second. Pictured above are the Girl with Balloons (left) and Giraffe (right). (AUD $12 each)

This Zip Wallet (AUD $35) provides the perfect solution to the drama of finding the right shrapnel from the depths of a crowded purse under the pressure of a surly cashier with a queue of impatient customers behind you. This ingenius design allows you to bypass the credit cards & receipts by zipping open at the depth of the coins themselves - or, zip open closer to the top to access a card with ease. Functionality aside, it looks really funky too!

Mistress of the Upper Fifth accessories & brooches can be found at the following stockists:

Online: Georgie Love
VIC: Hunter Gatherer, Hummingbird 60, April May, Kids in Berlin, Pussycat Black, Meet Me at Mikes, I Dream a Highway and A-nom'-a-ly'.

These sumptuous, predominantly leather handbags have been hand-crafted by Chenny K, who is based in Adelaide, South Australia. Everything here is a limited edition and each design has its own name and personality. Pictured above is the Flippod leather shoulder bag which is available for AUD $169.
It fastens with a magnetic clasp, and has been designed to stay comfortably around your arm.

Leather was chosen as the main focus for the label due to its strength and textures, as well as being a long lasting material. Chenny K uses a classical approach to design - using simple forms and adding a twist of something new and surprising to make each bag truly unique. They have created an impressively large collection of original designs, all of which reflect the essence of the brand - playful, chic & functional products that make a difference to the way in which a woman feels when purchasing or receiving a Chenny K gift. Pictured above are the Kou (left, AUD $129) and the Future Biscuit leather handbags (right, AUD $139). I particularly love the bold style of the Kou bag with its use of negative space to create handles.

While leather is the signature material of the Chenny K collection, other fabrics such as silk or denim are used to compliment the range. Pictured above are two fabric handbag designs - the Incu .03 (left, AUD $59) and the Scroll .01 (right, AUD $79) which features a wonderfully-shaped wooden handle.

The leather theme is continued above in the Ripe leather bag with its narrow straps and folded edge (left, AUD $99) and the Forever shoulder bag (right, AUD $139). The traditional shape for a handle has been rotated 90 degrees for the Window Wrist .01 (below left, AUD $49), creating both a striking visual shape, and a bag that fits comfortably around your wrist without ever getting in the way. The feature silk panel adds a finishing touch to this creative design. Finally, the gorgeous Camera Bag pictured below (right, AUD $39) may not fit my 30yo SLR, but it would be perfect for your slimline digital camera :) Once again, the detailing is simple, functional, and compliments the design perfectly! The entire range is designed & made in Australia and full descriptions of each bag are available at Chenny K's online store at www.chennyk.com. Delivery is free, no matter where in the world you live and the quality of craftsmanship ensures you will love your purchase for many years to come!

Father's Day is fast approaching, so here at Indie Art & Design, we've been assembling a selection of great gift ideas for September 2nd (next Sunday). I know at least three lucky dads who will receive some of the following pressies!

Deshabillé is an Australian luxury lounge & sleepwear label which offers casual clothing perfectly suited to unwinding at home - fashionable yet practical garments in which to relax, retire for the night, or even pop out to the shops. A concept perfectly suited to Father's Day, don't you think?

Pictured above is the mens Summer Tee - perfect to be worn with the Summer Stripe Pant (above left) or maybe the Husk Pant (above right), perhaps even for an afternoon snooze in the sun this Sunday. The Summer Tee is a slim fit, 100% cotton jersey with a soft vintage wash and comes in Aqua, Warm Grey or White (AUD $29.90). The Summer Stripe Pant is available in Warm Grey (pictured) or Aqua stripes for AUD $49.90. The Husk Pant is available in Warm Grey or Green and is currently on special - reduced from AUD $49.90 to just $25.00!

The Whitewash Pant (below left) is a new addition to the Deshabillé range for this summer (which is nearly here, judging by today's warm weather - in Sydney at least). This 100% cotton 'whitewash' printed mens pyjama pant has front pockets, elastic waist & drawstring. Available in two colours - White (as pictured) and Deep Sea, AUD $49.95. All of these, plus many more styles are available (WITH complimentary Father's Day gift wrapping) from the Deshabillé online store at www.deshabille.com.au or from stockists throughout NSW, VIC, QLD and WA.

This stylish handmade leather bag is the "te. fold" from te., a label that began while designer Jarren Borghero was living in Japan. "Te" is Japanese for "hand", signifying that all te. products are hand made from start to finish. The designer sketched the idea, cut the pattern, sourced the materials and contructed the product. In other words, he poured his heart into its creation so that you too will fall in love with it!

Featuring quality craftsmanship, vegetable tanned leathers, hand stitching and a range of colours combining rich browns with contrasting aqua, blue or green, the te. fold would make a unique gift. Something your dad would keep for years to come... It measures 19 x 20cm and comes with three large pouches and a pocket and adjustable leather straps. The te. fold is available from www.temono.com.au for AUD $165 and you can also find it at www.georgielove.com.

Is your dad a purveyor of all things cool? If he's hip to the jive or just needs a few fashion tips, he might find some clues in "Cool Hunting" by Australian photographer and net junkie, Dave Evans. The book was published last year by South Australia's East Street Publications and features an irreverent, ironic and eclectic mix of products designed in every corner of the globe.

Cool Hunting takes trend watching from the virtual world and places it carefully on your coffee table, along with a plate of URLs and chocolate biscuits. (Chocolate biscuits not included.) It retails for AUD $24.95 & I spotted a copy at Better Read Than Dead in Newtown the other day...

These washer bags are from the Mister Uchi range. They are made from PVC coated nylon and would make ideal gifts for dads who like style & simplicity. Pictured above is the Carry All bag which measures 24cm x 12cm x 12cm, and sells for AUD $36.95. The versatile Hanger Bag (below left) features an internal metal hook to allow it to hang while open. It measures 28cm x 8cm x 8cm and sells for AUD $54.95. (Prices are quoted from the Rushfaster online store.)

The Uchi label was launched in 2001 with the intent of providing travel and bath bags that are both functional and beautiful. The popular Uchi product range is now sold thoughout Australia as well as internationally. You can see more of the range at the Uchi web site at www.uchi.com.au - you can also email them for a list of stockists (which includes Pentimento in Newtown, Sydney).

If your Dad already has everything he could ever need, why not give him something for his best friend? Dogue, House of Canine Couture has a great collection of canine accessories to totally spoil your pooch. Pictured above is the luxurious Ruby range of leather collars. These top quality collars are handstitched and come in four sizes, ranging in price from AUD $80 (S) to $140 (XL).

For something more colourful, the Stanley range features striped leather collars to suit any shade of coat or personality. Five sizes are available ranging from 35cm (AUD $31.50) through to 60cm ($48.50). These Dogue collars, as well as matching leads and everything else your dog could desire are available from the Dogue online store at www.dogue.com.au.

Welcome to the first Indie Art & Design feature interview! We are lucky to have with us (virtually speaking) Sally Morrigan, founder of the wonderful Georgie Love web site, as well as her gingery mutt, George.

Georgie Love is a popular Australian online store which features a large selection of one-of-a-kind or limited edition products handmade by artists from all over Australia. (Most of the products can't be found in stores anywhere else!) Browsing through the multitude of jewellery pieces, artworks, clothing, bags & accessories is a real treat - there are so many items I'd love to buy as gifts for friends or to keep for myself... Sal & George embrace the online marketplace with the same enthusiasm and personal touch that the Georgie Love artists pour into their products.

The site itself is a pleasure to navigate and Sal provides large clear photos of every item. The flat rate for shipping makes it all too easy! (AUD $3.50 within Australia or AUD $10.00 for international orders.) A visit to the site is a must: http://www.georgielove.com.au.

Meg Meeowl and Missy Meeowl by Tricky George (AUD $39.99 each), available from www.georgielove.com.au

I Hey there Sal & Georgie, what's news? Have you added any new designers to the site this week?

GL Yes! We have just introduced the delightfully named Tricky George to the mix, with some wonderfully cuddly toys… I have some clothing items from Tricky George to put up as well, probably over the weekend. The photos are still unfortunately on my camera. It’s a long process from start to finish and sometimes I get behind. Apart from that, we have new toys and badges from Wendy June, new neck scarves from Frankie and Ray. I have some amazing new people and things in the wings too, which will all be revealed soon!

Little Art Badges by Wendy June (AUD $5.00 each), available from www.georgielove.com.au

I How do you find out about new designers? Are you constantly on the lookout, or do you find that most people approach you?

GL Mostly now people approach me through the website. I am always on the lookout though. There is a Melbourne designer I am a HUGE fan of that I have been trying to track down for more than a year… They don’t have a web presence so it’s harder to make contact! Hopefully at some point they will contact me and we can showcase their work. People tend to send me emails with images of their work or phone me up to have a chat about what they are making and whether it would be a fit for the site. It always baffles me though when people contact me without looking at the site first – most people are able to determine if their stuff is a fit or not. If they are not going to find the right market on the website, I try and point them in the right direction of where may be the right fit. It’s not always possible.

I What qualities do you look for in new items and designers to add to the Georgie Love lineup?

GL There is a definite Georgie Love aesthetic, which mainly boils down to what I would love to wear / use / play with myself. I am really struck by quirky and off-beat things, cute and melancholy things are always a winner and of course stuff that is beautifully made! I have had people approach me who have designed products, but then had the items made in China and that is just not right for the site. I love supporting people crouched over their sewing machines, putting their own blood, sweat, tears (and love!) into the product. I am really passionate about promoting the people who make stuff at home or in their studio, as a labour of love in between the day job or sticky infants. I think there is a definite place for these folk in the world of design! I am really passionate about supporting local products that are produced ethically, especially using recycled and reclaimed fabrics. I think it’s part of a larger trend, where people are seeking more meaning from the items they buy.

Kissy Kissy Monkey (AUD $142.50) and 9 Lives Kitty (AUD $120.00) original artworks by Beck Wheeler, available from www.georgielove.com.au

I What sort of items are your best sellers? Do trends in product types or motifs come and go, or do you find that strong sellers remain popular?

GL Accessories! They have always been very popular, whether it is buttons, badges, earrings, pins or belts. I don’t wear a lot (or any) jewellery so I am drawn to really interesting accessories – hence why there is a ton on Georgie Love. There are trends – some items could be featured in fashion journals and suddenly they will be everywhere, plus things go in and out of fashion – badges have been really popular for ages, particularly Perspex. Besides that, anything with birds, cats or polka dots and you are on to a winner. I have had artist Betty Jo on the site for a year now and her range has sold consistently.

I When people pour so much of their time & love into handmade goods, do they have trouble with pricing or parting with their creations? Do you have a wonderful collection of items you couldn't part with?

GL I think people tend to underprice themselves and I am quite baffled with how low people will originally want to price their products (earning them only 2-3 dollars per hour for their work) – I try to encourage people to pay themselves more fairly for their work, otherwise the passion and momentum will wane very quickly. I think people are often shy and vulnerable when approaching someone (a customer or retailer) with their work because the feedback is so immediate (and sometimes harsh) – it is something they have invested time, energy and passion into and this is why the internet is a fantastic medium – it removes some of the angst when presenting work to the world. I think there is a real joy in creating something and putting it out into the public and having someone find that item and love it. I know most artists who have kept their prototypes or a particular item which takes their fancy or they have grown fond of, but other than that, I think people are on the whole happy that their creations find new homes. I have a collection of things I love! As most of the items on the site are unique – toys, paintings, handmade pins etc, they all have their little quirks and expressions and people tend to get more attached to them as a result. I have heard devastating stories from customers who have lost items they have bought – you know it’s handmade, unique and "yours" so losing it is emotional. You feel that far less if you have lost or broken something and can pop into the local shopping centre and find 1000 more just like it.

Winter Deer Bag by Julie Knoblock (AUD $65.00), available from www.georgielove.com.au

I What are some of your currently listed faves? Do you have some favourites that you've kept for yourself from the past year or so that readers might remember?

GL Oh dear… well, I do have just about one of everything… I LOVE Julie Knoblock’s range of bags and purses, however do not own one because I quite simply CANNOT choose which one I would want. Plus I secretly have in my mind that the next thing she creates will be the thing I can’t live without – it astounds me how cute and well made everything is that she does.

Chirpy Bird Purse by Julie Knoblock (AUD $35.00), available from www.georgielove.com.au

I am addicted to the Lamby Brooches by Allira Tee – her stuff is fantastic and has a bit of a different twist to other Perspex badges I have seen around (plus she makes some in wood). These badges are cute and cheeky! I can’t resist. Studio Chapiz who is no longer with us (she is making beautiful things and trouble in Spain) made these wonderful hand felted badges – birdies, cats and dogs. When she left, so did the badges! They were wonderful and I haven’t found something similar. … and finally (it’s like you are making me choose between my children), for leather goods and handmade wallets – you can’t go past te. He is a wonderful guy making really beautifully made wallets and belts. He makes bags too (but I don’t have any on the site) and I am saving for one. His work is really starting to take off in Aus and people are going crazy for it, which is wonderful to see. He really deserves it.

Karuma Belt by Te (AUD $85.00), available from www.georgielove.com.au

I Where do you find your inspiration - primarily in the arts, or do a variety of interests contribute to keeping the Georgie Love site fresh & exciting?

GL Australia is an embarrassment of riches in the art and craft department! There is so many wonderful and diverse crafty things happening both locally and internationally and I try to keep an eye on everything that’s going on – more for the excitement of it. Little pockets of craft are exploding everywhere and it’s so exciting to see where things are going – new markets, websites, shops are cropping up devoted to supporting independent designers and crafters – which is brilliant. A real market for this type of work is developing and it’s inspiring and exciting to be involved.

I How did you originally arrive at the idea for the Georgie Love site? Were you surrounded by creative types who needed an online presence or was handmade design a long-time interest that eventually found an outlet through the site?

GL A long time craft-envier (it’s my sin), I had the idea floating around for about 2 years before I had the time or technical expertise on hand to kick it off. Plus I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by vibrant and crafty folks who were making fabulous stuff that not a lot of people got to see and were very supportive about the vision of what I was trying to achieve (GL being more of a community than shop). I have a genuine love for handmade and unique items – the site is born out of passion, not money (it’s mostly a labour of love!).

Cat-Rabbit Pin #4 and #3 (AUD $24.00 each), available from www.georgielove.com.au

I Georgie Love has been established for more than a year - how has it grown up over this time?

GL Well, there is the obvious thing – the number of artists! I think the diversity of artists has grown too – there is also a real range of people on the site from age, gender, location and whether people are just starting out or if they are a lot more established with their craft business. I think also they way I do things has changed – I am so time poor I have had to work out ways to work smarter, not harder, while still maintaining the same quality and customer service. Everything is far more streamlined.

I Is Georgie Love a full time pursuit? How do you juggle your work, interests & personal life?

GL Badly! But better than I used to. ;-) I have a full-time, 9-5 day job, which is enjoyable but not too taxing, so I can go home with still enough energy to spend a few hours on the site. Most of the photography and uploading of photos is done on the weekend. Fortunately my partner (who I live with) is a hard working academic, so we are both often found in the study hunched over computers (George at our feet) working away. I also get him to work on the production line, packing and sending items! I am always trying to seek balance with everything and I have had times of focusing too much on one area, but I am doing pretty well now.

Keep up with what's going on behind the scenes at the Georgie Love Blog.

I Do you feel that there is a stong indie design community around where you live? Does this contribute to development & growth of the Georgie Love site?

GL Well, living inner city – probably. There are a number of shops close to me that support hand and locally made, which is inspiring to see. However, I think that is a sign of a bigger trend. I sell a lot to people in rural areas, who don’t have access to the same shops and yet they are still seeking out the same items. To be honest, I think the online design community contributes more. I am a bit of a techno-geek and spend hours looking at things and getting ideas and planning for the site. My sense of a design community is more global!

I How would you like to see Georgie Love develop in the future?

GL I envisage Georgie Love being a full-time pursuit. I have a million ideas about what I want to do with it and grow it. I would like it to expand with more artists and variety of handmade products – more clothing and home ware items. So basically – bigger and better! My main goal at the moment is to grow it, while still keeping the same level of customer service, quality and comfortable feel to the site. I would hate to lose any of those.