ornamental

Christmas Birds (AUD $14.95ea) by Paper Boat Press

Christmas is almost upon us and as people and places dress up for the occasion, we bring you a selection of handmade pretties to adorn your own living room and the gifts beginning to appear under the tree (or in our case, the resident peace lily)!

5 Pack of Small Stars (AUD $20) and Petite Round with Heart (AUD $12.95ea) - ceramic decorations by paper boat press

I'm really in love with ceramics at the moment, and these sweet pieces are handmade in Brisbane by Kylie Johnson. Her label, paper boat press, began as a boutique greeting card range featuring Kylie's one or two line poems. paper boat press has now grown to include ceramic ornaments, ceramic jewellery, original illustrations and functional ceramic vessels. Many of Kylie's designs incorporate her poetry. Her poetry collection "count me the stars" was published by Murdoch Books in 2008, and she has a second book, "a once courageous heart" due for release in March, 2010. You can see more at www.paperboatpress.com

Handmade Kid Leather Christmas Bauble Decorations (AUD $10ea) by Emerge Shoppe

Look at these leather decorations! They have been handmade by Emma Greenwood, who also exhibited her work in the "Shoe Show" at Craft Victoria last month. Each decoration measures approx. 9cm high, and will certainly catch Santa's attention. The kid leather Trees and Baubles have been top stitched and sparkled-up with Swarovski crystals, while the Owl cuties have been overlaid with additional leather pieces and given good sled-spotting night vision with big round eyelets for eyes!

Handmade Kid Leather Christmas Tree and Owl Decorations (AUD $10ea) by Emerge Shoppe

You'll find Emma's creations in her online store, Emerge Shoppe and you can also follow her blog, aprons & hammers, at www.apronsandhammers.blogspot.com. Emma also makes leather accessories which would make great gifts - especially for people who are hard to buy for... like boys! Choose from keyrings, belts, brooches, pins & cuffs...

Set of 3 Double-Sided Recycled Silkscreen Ornaments in Blue (AUD $22ea) by etsa sketch

etsa sketch divides her time between art & study, and creates really lovely drawings & prints. The printmaking process can be hazardous and unpredictable at times, and she likes to "take any mistakes, imperfections or bad decisions and repurpose them into something beautiful".

These sweet wooden discs feature small glimpses of hand-pulled silkscreen prints. They are double-sided and would make great ornaments for Christmas or any other time of year! You'll find them in etsa sketch's MadeIt store, and you can follow her blog at estasketch.blogspot.com.

Pack of 5 Flora Tags, Letterpress and Lino Cut (AUD $9.50) by RubyVictoria

This post has been a real mix-up of materials - ceramics, leather, silkscreen prints and lastly... letterpress! I love these Christmas tags by Tasmanian printmaker & artist RubyVictoria - in fact I just purchased a dozen of the Naughty/Nice Coaster Tags pictured below! 'Nice' tags will be going to grandparents; siblings will definitely receive 'Naughty' tags, (despite all the help I received at Finders Keepers)... I wonder which of our parents & friends will make the 'Nice' cut?

Pack of 5 Letterpress Christmas Gift Tags (left, AUD $7) and Pack of 6 Letterpress Coaster Tags (right, AUD $12) by RubyVictoria

You'll find lots of loveliness in RubyVictoria's MadeIt store and you can follow her blog at www.rubyvictoria.blogspot.com.

If you're looking for even more Christmas decoration inspiration, we recently featured the Polli Decoration Kit of 30 (AUD $19.95) and edward & lilly's gorgeous lavender birdies (AUD $15).

Wishing a Merry Christmas to all our indie readers!
With love from Carolyn & Martin xx

Decoration Kit (AUD $19.95) by Polli - 30 decorations with 6m of ribbon to make a garland, hanging decorations or gift tags. Each kit contains the Tree, Dove and Olive branch designs and are, printed in Australia on 100% recycled card.

Issue 4 of our favourite Peppermint Magazine has launched, and in it you will find our indie art & design interview with Polli! Read the full length interview below... PLUS GIVEAWAY: Simply leave a comment to enter the draw to WIN a pair of the incredibly beautiful POLLI WOVEN DRAGONFLY EARRINGS pictured below! (The winner will be drawn on Saturday 12th December 2009 so the earrings will make a lovely Christmas present for somebody lucky...)

Tess Lloyd & Maja Rose are the designers behind well-known Sydney label Polli. By fusing product and fashion design, and pairing industrial processes with handmade techniques, they have created a unique style which is both delicate and contemporary. Polli's jewellery and homewares are instantly recognisable, with intricate details and patterns cut from larger geometric shapes. We discover a little more about the world of Polli...

Woven Dragonfly earrings (AUD $99.95) and pendant (AUD $74.95) by Polli

I 1. Where do you find inspiration for your designs? What led you to the gorgeous new hand-stitched woven pieces?

P We find inspiration from our experiences, our local environment and travel to interesting places. For example, the woven range emerged from our desire to add colour and texture to our classic stainless steel pieces. The inspiration is from a family tapestry that has been in designer Maja Rose's family for 3 generations. We like to take inspiration from the things around us and work with them in interesting and new ways; translating experiences into jewellery.

Hoot Stainles Steel Brooch (AUD $69.95) by Polli

I 2. Did it take a lot of experimentation with materials & manufacturing processes before you settled on the Polli signature style paper-thin stainless steel & aluminium?

P From the beginning we have been interested in using materials and processes more commonly reserved for industrial uses. Aluminum and Stainless Steel seem to fit into this category. We originally started making accessories from a type of plastic – Polypropylene – which is where our name Polli is derived. Our designs were always a fusion of industrial techniques and bespoke finishing.

Printed Polypropylene Scales mobile (AUD $89.95) hanging above the Polli herb garden

I 3. Polli products are instantly recognisable - did you have a clear vision of your style & brand from the beginning?

P Our design style and business have evolved organically. We would never have thought when we started selling plastic baskets at local markets that our jewellery would later be exported worldwide. That being said we've always had vision for an accessible range of products – both in their design aesthetic and price point. We strive to make classic designs that out live fashion; pieces that the owner can treasure and wear for years. Sustainability speaking good design should never be disposed of and this is important for our ethos.

Woven Jasmin earrings (AUD $99.95) and pendant (AUD $74.95) - pink multi by Polli

I 4. How did Polli emerge from the ideas of two design students? In the beginning, how did you juggle design, manufacturing, admin, sales & marketing?

P We're very lucky to have a strong partnership with complementary skills. Our different backgrounds gave us exposure to a variety of roles and allowed us to build skills in areas like supplier liaison, graphic design, administration procedures, book keeping and product finishing. In running a small business you need to wear many 'hats' which can be challenging but also keep our daily roles interesting, allowing for a lot of variety.

Stainless Steel Tandem pendant (AUD $74.95) by Polli - photography by meligrosa from Bikes and the City, San Francisco - notice Duffy the dog perched at the back!

I 5. You've built Polli into the type of business many independent designers dream of... What decisions/approaches helped contribute to your success?

P That's very flattering! We were lucky to be able to reinvest in our business because we had full time employment – this helped us build capital without having to find external funding like bank loans. A strong partnership – commitment to each other and our business is important so we can support and encourage each other. Doing something you love is the best motivator – we like our products, our team and believe in our philosophy.

Jack mobile in Autumn by Polli (AUD $49.95 ) Each leaf features two curved cuts that allow it to hold a photo, card or postcard.

I 6. Are you sometimes tempted to make something completely different? If/when you have spare time, do you have side-projects on the go?

P We always dabble in new homewares – this is an interest of ours that we'd love to pursue further but our jewellery is still our core business and what we're known best for. Polli was originally a side project from our 'day jobs' but nowadays we don't get much time for any other projects!

Tea Light Shade Kimonos (AUD $49.95 each) by Polli

I 7. The tea light shades are so beautiful. Was the shadow play an integral part of the design from the start, or a lovely surprise?

P The tea lights are beautiful! They're like jewellery for your table! Our stainless steel hanging mobiles have always made beautiful shadows so the tea light shades were a natural progression – having a product with its own light source.

Gold Globe pendant (left, AUD $59.95) and Gold Sweep pendant (right, AUD $59.95) by Polli

I 8. You both share a passion for sustainable design, and in July, Polli was awarded 100% Low CO2 from the Carbon Reduction Institute. How did you achieve this, and what's next on the carbon neutral to-do list?

P The assessment by the Carbon Reduction Institute (CRI) was quite rigorous! They're a very thorough organisation – we even had to 'weigh' our trash! Our general philosophy is not to create excess waste where possible – for example by collecting production off cuts and reusing them to avoid them ending up as landfill. The CRI helped us to offset any additional emissions that we couldn't eliminate – for example electricity, car and plane travel.

The next step is to become No CO2 and to have products whose lifecycle has been fully assessed and offset. This process is far more in depth but its something we're working towards. We've started by only using 100% recycled packaging made locally and making products which utilise 'reclaimed' materials.

Stainless Steel Succulents earrings (AUD $59.95) and pendant (AUD $49.95) by Polli

I 9. As Polli has grown, you've had the chance to travel extensively. Which destinations have stood out, and who has surprised & inspired you?

P We love NY – we've been lucky enough to travel there twice a year and it's always a buzz! Europe has been very inspiring – there is a ceramic studio in the Marais in Paris which we'll never forget and a lot of our designs are inspired by personal travel in India. But most of all we love Australia, our studio in Stanmore, our walks around the inner west – it's a beautiful country.

Stainless Steel Terrace pendant (AUD $49.95) by Polli

I 10. Now that Polli has an international following, will you continue to manufacture the range exclusively in Australia?

P It's important to us to manufacture in Australia as it helps local industry and reduces the products carbon footprint by eliminating extensive freight and allowing us to control what happens to any production off cuts. For these reasons we hope to always manufacture locally but export globally.

Elm Stainless Steel cufflinks (AUD $89.95) by Polli

I 11. Do you collaborate on each design or do you work independently around a common theme? With so many exquisite designs, do you each have personal favourites?

P We work together sketching and discussing general themes. Once we've got some rough ideas we sort of swap designs to get a different perspective. Because of this every design has a bit of both of us in it which is great! Our favorites change all the time – but Baskets is one of our very first designs and is still a strong favorite. The new woven are beautiful, it's so refreshing for us to have endless colour combinations to play with.

Polli display at cameron Marks Boutique - Santa Cruz

I 12. Where is Polli headed next?

P That's a big question – hopefully some collaborations with other designers, to be No CO2 and export to new markets – we'd love to see Polli sold in Japan!

White Wreath (AUD $69.96) and Fractal Eco Clock (AUD $89.95) by Polli

Thank you so much to Tess and Maja - for both the interview and the GIVEAWAY! The Woven Dragonfly designs are my favourites at the moment... wishing I could enter myself! Make sure to enter the draw by commenting on this post before 12.12.2009 - perhaps you can tell us which Polli piece is your favourite?

You can browse all the beautiful shiny Polli things at www.polli.com.au and follow the Polli blog to keep up with their news & travels.

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)

Welcome to the Object page on the fantastic Indie website!

I am Laura, a devoted Indie fan and staff member at Object: Australian Centre for Craft and Design. Many of you will have heard of Object, but some may not... So, to give you a quick background about us, Object is an organisation situated in the design and arts hub of Sydney, Surry Hills. We are a gallery, a magazine and a retail store, Collect.

Our approach to design is unique – we believe that creative innovation occurs most successfully through exploring the unexplored and pursuing the hybrid.

What does this really mean...? Well, we show exhibitions in our gallery space which challenge you to think and to imagine – we love to inspire our audience! Our magazine explores new ideas and brings you insight into the design world of today.

Object Gallery at night, Joy Lai, 2007

Over the next while, my aim is to get you acquainted with Object, who we are and what we do... I will update you on our current happenings - events and exhibitions, and let you know what beautiful items we have in our store.

Object and Collect are a must visit – we are at 415 Bourke Street, Surry Hills. Admission is FREE and we are open Tuesday – Sunday 11.00 – 6.00pm. Being a not-for-profit organisation we aim to give back to the Australian artists that are represented in our store– over the past 3 years we have given over $1 million back to Australian artists through retail sales.

Every time I go into Collect I find a new thing I HAVE to have, a beautiful new necklace or pair of earrings, a new vase for my home, or a scarf that is just yummy!

At the moment, I am loving the silver pieces by Anna Davern – I am wearing one of her rings right now! I adore Brooke Johnston's creations and Mel Young's funky acrylic rings. I have a great Fink brooch on hold at the moment, which I can't wait to wear!

Our pieces are affordable and one of a kind. There are so many Christmas ideas, too many to name.... We stock Edols Elliot's glass creations and cool new pieces from South Australia's Jam Factory. We also have Marc Pascal vases, Husque macadamia nut bowls and Insync Design brooches – powder coated stainless steel pieces that would be a statement addition to any fabulous outfit!

In our exhibition space right now we are showing a beautiful textile exhibition by Liz Williamson, the fourth in our series of Living Treasures exhibitions. We also have a breathtaking collection of nests, collected by Gay Bilson. It is almost unbelievable that such gorgeous pieces were created by birds – you must come and see them!

Liz Williamson, new work, 2008

Liz Williamson exhibition at Object Gallery, Joy Lai, 2008

Nest, Gay Bilson exhibition, Joy Lai 2008

Our website is object.com.au – please visit online and in person. I welcome comments through this blog – please let me know what you think, and if you have been inspired!

Your Objector, Laura

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).

While I was in Melbourne, I was determined to visit the LIFE inSTYLE trade fair. I've heard so much about it from so many different people & really wanted to see it for myself as I'm planning to exhibit at the next Sydney fair in February (with my label, Non-Fiction). After an unbelievably hectic Thursday July 31st, I drove into Flemington Racecourse at about 8.15pm & had just 45 minutes to devour four floors of design! Both the organisers & the designers had done an incredible job - each & every stand looked stunning & this fair certainly showcases the best in gifts, homewares & things for littlies. Unfortunately I didn't have time to stop & chat to many of the labels we've featured on indie art & design, but I thought it would be a great opportunity to revisit some of our favourites & show you what they've been up to recently! First cab off the rank is Melbourne jewellery designer Natalie Cirillo of A Skulk Of Foxes.

Since we first featured A Skulk Of Foxes a year ago, Natalie has introduced a series of intricate acrylic brooches to her original handcrafted silver jewellery lineup. Both designs above have been created with a solid base layer of ivory acrylic bonded to a carefully cut & contrasting dark design layer. I really love the swirling floral design in Bergen (top, AUD $39). I'd like to imagine myself in Horse & Rider (above, AUD $39) but my other half has stubbornly maintained a "no horseriding" policy for way too long!

The brand new & super-sweet "Forest Scene" (above) is a glass mirror framed by an acrylic mount - which is available in either black or red. It measures 30cm x 30cm and sells for AUD $136. Also available are mirrors featuring incredibly beautiful Wisteria and Creeping Cherry designs.

Natalie has also continued to add to her range of gorgeous animal silhouettes which she handcuts into silver. I adore "Birds on a Wire" (above, AUD $138).
I love wearing short necklaces & chokers, and it's such a clever idea to use the cable as part of the design. Cute "Birdy" pendant below (AUD $79) & the galloping "Horse" brooch (bottom, AUD $127) are more stunning new designs.

The LIFE inSTYLE trade fair was a big success for A Skulk Of Foxes - not surprisingly, Natalie's designs have found many new homes and will be appearing very soon in shops all over (from Australia & New Zealand to the UK)! For more info & to see the entire catalogue of designs, visit www.askulkoffoxes.com.au. I'm looking forward to seeing Natalie again in Sydney in February!

Check back soon for the next report from the Melbourne LIFE inSTYLE trade fair! If you attended as either an exhibitor or a visitor like me, we'd love to hear from you!

P.S. Grace Bonney from Design*Sponge is also currently featuring some of our finest from Melbourne - she's halfway through a four-part feature at http://www.designspongeonline.com.

Throughout July, Melbourne's Husk boutiques are celebrating the beginning of the new season with a SPRING BUNNY EXHIBITION! 30 curious critters have been specially "dressed up" by friends of Husk including Willow, Kate Cebrano, Easton Pearson, Bouvier and Michi Girl. (I first spotted Michi Bunny dressed up to the nines in one of Michi Girl's afternoon emails. Michi Bunny is a vision in pink ruffles, complimented by pearl earrings.)

Bunnies all dressed up by Jasmin Wall of Husk (left), Michi Girl (centre) and artist Matt Eddelbuttel (right).

I don't know how you'd choose from so many personalities! However, artist Matt Eddelbuttel's creation (pictured above) certainly caught my attention. I just love his little hat!

EP Bunny by designers Easton Pearson - available through silent auction at Husk.

The bunnies are on display throughout July in the three Husk boutiques - located in Melbourne City, Toorak & Albert Park. They are availble to purchase through a silent auction - so you'll have to visit your bunny regularly to make sure he/she will be coming home with you!

Konnichi Wa Husk Bunny by designer Brigid McLaughlin - available through silent auction at Husk.

Look! Konnichi Wa Bunny by designer Brigid McLaughlin has her very own wooden Japanese sandals... too cute! I wonder how she can hop in those?

Driving Miss Bunny by artist David Bromely - available through silent auction at Husk.

The Spring Bunny exhibition is being held in support of the Cup Half Full charity which helps young people in need. Proceeds from the sale of the 30 fashionable friends will assist Husk in placing 30 kids through the Cup Half Full program which provides an accredited barista training course and follow up work experience. So when you bid on your favourite bunny, you are also supporting a very worthy cause!

So hop to it & bounce into Husk to admire these one-of-a-kind creations & maybe choose one to be your own! Husk is located at:
Melbourne - 176 Collins St, ph. 03 9663 0655
Toorak - 557 Malvern Rd, ph. 03 9663 0655
Albert Park - 123 Dundas Pl, ph. 03 9690 6994
ONLINE - www.husk.com.au

Love Tattoo Bunny made by Stacey, friend of Husk - available through silent auction at Husk.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GEORGIE LOVE!
It's been two years today since Sally & George (her gorgeous mutt) launched www.georgielove.com, the first Australian online store to stock local handmade goodies & promote Australian emerging artists & designers!

"Life Aquatic Earrings" by Trove, AUD $30, and "Double Dove Necklace" by Erana & Daska, AUD $60 from www.georgielove.com

To celebrate this milestone, Georgie Love has kindly given us a $50 gift voucher - to be won by one lucky indie reader! The winner then gets to go shopping & choose whatever takes their fancy from the Georgie Love lineup. (By the way, there are plenty of products for the boys, too!)

"Moths Wall Hangings" by Made by White, AUD $70 from www.georgielove.com

Entering couldn't be easier...
All you need to do is tell us whether you're a CAT PERSON or a DOG PERSON. (There's even a third "non-committal" option for those of you who can't or dare not decide!)

"Robot Notecards" by Dudley Redhead, AUD $8, and "Quilted Wrap" by wife, AUD $150 from www.georgielove.com

Though I don't think I'll be eligible to win, I couldn't help but browse through the Georgie Love treasure trove & think about what I might choose if I were about to spend that voucher... Hope you like my picks! Of course, you can visit www.georgielove.com to make your own choices - if there's something that catches your eye, why not leave us a comment...

I think these are my favourites! I've had my eye on them for quite a while... "Lady Stitch Studs" by Sweet Dreams & Monsters, AUD $20 from www.georgielove.com

Entries will be open until the end of April (30.4.2008), so if you're not already an indie art & design member, register now, and VOTE on that all-important poll! Both the winner and the poll results will be announced in the first week of May. I'm certainly looking forward to it! (Can you guess which way I'll be voting?)

"Grumpy Rabbit Spotty Coin Purse" by Pocket Carnival, AUD $20 from www.georgielove.com

Melbourne designer Shannon Lamden has been hard at work making lots of new goodies to fill her Etsy store. New fabrics, art prints, too-cute softies, and decorative fabric hoops to brighten up your walls... The colourful & light-hearted "Wanna Play" limited edition digital print is pictured above (US $12). Who wouldn't want to venture outside into this garden?

Shannon has introduced linen prints to her crafty fabric lineup. These can be mounted on canvas & hung or framed, or even sewn into a quilt as a decorative panel. "In The Garden" features a sweet & smiling, vegie lovin' couple holding hands in their vegie garden. It is available in red (above, US $22), black, blue & green and measures 22cm x 30cm.

Aunty Cookie Fabric Softies! Look how gorgeous these girls are - each clutching her three pet owls! Shannon has brought her illustrated characters to life (with the help of a little softie stuffing & ribbons). The Cookie character is hand screen printed onto cotton drill, and backed with printed fabric - some spotted, some vintage. At US $18 each and approx. 22cm in height, they are perfect for little hands to hang onto.

Shannon is well known for her limited edition hand screen printed fabrics, and pictured above is one of her new prints, "Home Sweet Home" in teal & olive on birch linen (above, US $18). This print is also available in either mustard or cherry printed onto chocolate brown linen.

An ideal way to display these funky fabrics is in a fabric hoop. The simple, round shapes look great hung in small groups & the tiny weight of each frame makes them ideal for renters & those who hesitate to put too many holes & hooks in the wall. You can purchase combinations of three fabric hoops for US $36 from www.auntycookie.etsy.com

I know I've told you where to find Aunty Cookie products before, but in case you'd like a reminder, stockists include: Patchwork on Central Park, Arthurs Circus, Cocoon, Meet me at Mikes, Duckcloth, One Small Room and of course Aunty Cookie at Etsy. For snippets of what goes on behind the scenes, & updates which are always entertaining, check out Shannon's blog at www.auntycookie.com.

Bird Song 14.5cm Ceramic Disk by by Linogirl (sold).

These ceramic pieces by Linogirl are just so lovely! I'm really taken by the ceramic disk pictured above, titled "Bird Song", even though I know that it has just been purchased by another lucky Linogirl admirer... "Down the Garden Path" is an exhibition currently showing at Mad Gallery featuring the work of Kerry Scheen. On display are Kerry's small (8cm) and large (14.5 cm) hand painted ceramic disks which are designed to hang and are double sided. She describes them as "what one might find in a true garden one that hasn't been affected by toxic herbasides and pesticides".

First Bird in Spring Ceramic Pendant by Linogirl, AUD $60.

"Down the Garden Path" is showing until February 24th, and the gallery is located in Lancefield - part of the Macedon Ranges shire and 1 hour from Melbourne heading towards Bendigo. Kerry is lucky enough to work from her home studio in the Macedon Ranges. I have no doubt that her own garden provides plenty of inspiration for her whimsical, cheerful imagery.

Sebastian 8cm Ceramic Disk by Linogirl, AUD $115.

The ceramic disks on display are an extension of Linogirl's range of wearable ceramic objects. The disks, pendants, brooches & rings are all handmade and one-off pieces, each with it's own character and beauty. I'm sure some of you have visited Kerry at the Linogirl stall at the Rose Street Artists Market in Fitzroy, or perhaps spied her pieces in Brunswick Bound (Brunswick, VIC), Louey & Lane Gallery (Glenhuntly, VIC) or Two Birds in the Bush (Woodend, VIC).

Small Bud Ceramic Brooch by Linogirl, AUD $40.

A selection of Kerry's ceramic jewellery is also available to purchase through her web site at www.linogirl.com.au. A Linogirl ceramic object would certainly make a special, unique gift (or gift to self)!

Search 14.5cm Ceramic Disk by Linogirl, AUD $220.

I really love the dual textures of the hand shaped ceramic and the hand painted images used throughout the Linogirl collection. The contrast between the two is shown beautifully in the ceramic disk above, titled "Search". I love the colours too... and the gorgeous surprised expression on the girl's face.

Ping 8cm Ceramic Disk by Linogirl, AUD $115.

If you live near Melbourne, make sure to visit "Down the Garden Path" sometime in the coming week! Mad Gallery is located at 19 High St, Lancefield, VIC. (Ph. 03 5429 1432) Apparently, they serve fantastic coffee, so all the better!

Collecting 14.5cm Ceramic Disk by Linogirl, AUD $220.