necklaces + pendants

Felt & Ceramic Nesting Owl Eggwarmers by OMA available from moose: art for living for AUD $22 each.

moose: art for living is celebrating it's 2nd birthday! It doesn't seem all that long ago we were congratulating them on turning one... To celebrate, Moose have given us an extra special exclusive discount code which will enable you to recieve 15% OFF everything in the store, including the new category Space, which is all about artful things for living and working areas. Ok, ready? The code is: indiemoose.

The offer is valid from now until the end of Monday July 15th, so why not pop over now to http://www.shopmoose.com.au!

Curved Fish Pendant (Silver) and Arched Abstract Pendant (Brass) by E&D Metallic, available from moose: art for living for AUD $44 each.

While we're on the subject of birthdays, I'd like to sing out a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to meet me at mikes who turned 3 not long ago, Tabitha Emma who herself turned 22 a few weeks ago, in.cube8r who are having 1st birthday celebrations in store tomorrow (Sat 12th July, 7pm-10pm, all welcome!) and finally a Happy 1st Bloggiversary to Betty Jo's Lino Forest blog. Best wishes to all!

Hope Street Markets is on again tomorrow - in a brand new location at Paddington Town Hall. This wonderful event has gone from strength to strength over the last year or so & has collected a vast array of talent along the way!

Unique handmade jewellery by Raspberry Beret

Maggie Scardfield of Raspberry Beret creates unique jewellery pieces which each have a story to tell. Her collection of handmade, custom designed jewellery combines vintage & antique findings with semi precious stones, swarovski crystals, oversized chain and freshwater pearls. A few of her designs are pictured above & many more will be on display tomorrow!

Bronze & silver jewellery by Claire Suzy Stannard

Claire Suzy Stannard creates unique, striking jewellery & accessories utilising white bronze, feathers, leather & sterling silver. See more at www.clairesuzystannard.com or visit her stall at tomorrow's markets.

Pictures & fashion by Smitten by Stephanie

Smitten by Stephanie is the cutest! Stephanie creates all sorts of goodies - pictures, fashion, shiny things, soft stuff, jewellery & toys. She finds her inspiration in shiny things, rainbows, love poems, art, pop, ice cream, sad clowns, underworld, mythology, music boxes, crystals and kittens. Definitely one not to be missed!

CONGRATULATIONS, Kim! You've been selected by George (pictured above) as the winner of our Georgie Love Giveaway! George was very happy for you, though a little disappointed that you're a cat person! Not to worry - a $50 Georgie Love gift voucher will be on the way shortly. (We'll contact you directly for delivery details.)

Green Eyes Cat Pendant by Erana & Daska available for AUD $25 from www.georgielove.com

As for our poll, the dog people won by a nose... a fairly long nose, with whiskers! The actual results were: 49% Dog People (36 votes), 37% Cat People (27 votes), and 10 people either couldn't decide or consider themselves both... (Sorry to those who felt they were choosing between their children!)

Fido Long Lost Lovesick Puppy softie by Daniela Catalano available for AUD $36 from www.georgielove.com

Pictured above are a couple of gift ideas for people on both sides of the poll. Hope you enjoy the shopping, Kim, and thanks again to Sal & George for offering up the prize!

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:

As I listen to that haunting Portishead track, I'm admiring a range of brooches & pendants that also possess a wooden heart. These beautifully crafted jewellery pieces are made by Shonah Tomkins, a Melbourne designer who works with fabric, resin & wood. Her designs are stocked in boutiques around Australia, and a few weeks ago, the Shonah Jewellery Design web site was launched!

All of Shonah's designs feature her original screen printed fabrics or vintage & patchwork fabrics which are mounted on Tasmanian Oak. You can choose a rectangular shaped pendant to highlight the fabric patterns (including various prints from "Baroque Wallpaper", "Oriental" and "Arts & Craft Movement"), or go for gorgeous animal/object shapes including "Indigo Bunting Bird", "Giraffe", "Alpaca" & "Lantern". These are availble in the Arts & Craft Movement fabric options. I adore the Lantern design - the shape is so striking, especially when worn over a dark top... Pictured in both of the images above, it is available as a brooch for AUD $45 or pendant for AUD $77.

Shonah has a flare for textiles, and combined her skills with her passion for unique jewellery to launch her label in 2006. Her pieces begin life in the hands of her father, who hand crafts pieces of Tasmanian oak in a quaint country town. For her new range, Shonah then combines pieces with resin & fabric, and has them laser cut into the quirky animal & object shapes such as the "Indigo Bunting Bird" pictured above (brooch AUD $45, pendant AUD $77).

The Rectangle pendants and brooches are simple & stunning. I particularly like the red/cream design from the Baroque Wallpaper series, pictured below (brooch AUD $35, pendant AUD $55). For more info & fabric options, beautiful photos, or to place an order, visit the brand new Shonah Jewellery Design web site, or check out one of the following stockists:

VIC: Love It (Melbourne City), Luft (North Fitzroy), Body (St Kilda East), Dollhouse (St Kilda), Emia (Sorrento), Kundalini Rising (Fitzroy), Prato (Echuca), Lustre (Ballarat), Manque Design (Westgarth), Queen Clothing (Collingwood & Windsor), Souk Lifestyle (Northcote & Armadale), Sentient Being (Eltham), I dream a Highway (Northcote), Nicola (Armadale), Cactus Jam (Melbourne City, Hawthorn, Port Melbourne)
NSW: Morrison (Sydney)
QLD: D’Pinga (Noosa)
WA: Morrison Fremantle & Claremont
TAS: Lustre (Hobart & Launceston), Inside Home and Gifts (Hobart)
ONLINE: Georgie Love

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

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).

"The Sea Rests, She Waits" is the current collection of swimmingly beautiful necklaces, pendants & earrings by Psychoglam. These jewellery designs are a peaceful reflection on the beauty and unpredictability of the sea. I think my favourite is the "All Alone Necklace" pictured above (Long AUD $130, Short AUD $110). I love the way in which the three skeleton shells hang together, amongst pearls, crystals & bone pieces - as if they've been swept together by the sea itself... perhaps entangled in a chain of silver seaweed.

Designer Emma Hyatt describes her inspirations as "a mixture of the lush bushland surrounding her, and the high fashion she adores". The contrast of natural elements and more traditionally glamourous crystals & pearls set the tone for her unique range. For the "Sweet Escape" pieces - Earrings (above, AUD $70) and Pendant (below, AUD $70) - Emma has added delicate cream cotton crocheted flower resting on a metal ring as the focus.

Emma creates each piece by hand in her studio in Invermay (which is just North of Ballarat in Victoria). She creates two collections per year, each with its own distinct theme. The Sea Rests, She Waits is delicate & romantic, with a hint of mystique. In "Hidden Pearl" (below left, AUD $110) the movement of the wearer reveals glimpses of the glowing creamy rough pearls amid the draped curtains of silver chain. "First Kiss Necklace" (below right, AUD $80) brings together many of elements in this collection with long sweeps of chain leading to a beautiful cluster of pearl and bone.

The "High Tide Pearl Earrings" (below, AUD $70) offer something more structured. A single pearl has been placed in the centre of the design, from which small lengths of chain cascade down. The "My Heart is Yours Necklace" (at bottom, AUD $90) is something special - a strictly limited edition piece featuring a vintage glass chandelier heart resting on a skeleton shell surrounded by pearls, swarovski crystals and tiny metal flowers.

This 2008 collection follows on from Emma's 2007 sell-out "Romance in the Moonlight" range. Her style also lends itself perfectly to bridal applications - if you are planning a wedding, Emma can create custom jewellery for you & your bridesmaids. Psychoglam is stocked in boutiques across Australia and each piece is also available to purchase online at www.psychoglam.com. Stockists include:

Online: www.letsshop.com.au, www.stylehunter.com.au, www.stylefile.com.au, www.ku-ture.com
VIC: Boutique 251 (Ashburton), Boxsta (Geelong), Brown Bag (Elsternwick), Cactus Jam (Port Melbourne), City Limitz (Mildura), Cocopink (Ballarat), Crimson Phoenix (South Melbourne), Lion in Love (Hawthorn), Mikaila (Brunswick), Oscar Calvo (Collingwood), Pen Haligons (Echuca), Qushi (Geelong), Rhubarb (Torquay), Tesori-Bellini (Brunswick), Wen & Where (Ballarat)
NSW: Blaise (Newcastle)
WA: Basement (Perth), Saints (Subiaco), Soul Sisters (Fremantle)
QLD: Boxsta Noosa (Noosa Heads)
NT: Epiphany (Darwin)

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.

Thank you to Hope Street Markets for the parcel of flyers that arrived in my post office box the other day! Sydneysiders will be happy to know that the Summer 2008 markets are on this weekend. The stalls open and celebrations begin tonight at 6pm, and continue throughout the weekend, with live music both tonight & tomorrow night.

There are lots of fresh faces in the designer lineup - A Bitter Harvest, Oh Fiddlesticks, Sanoii + Six, Fuzz Design, Indecent Exposure, Summerblossom, Shelbyville, Tamptation, Ellenade, Linda Blair, Bronzen Temple, Nanna Dee, Scottato, Mam Mam, Imoko-Tactile Curiosities, Peppermint Jewels and Oneredline will all be offering their unique wares for sale.
Meet them:
Friday 1st Feb, 6pm - 9pm
Saturday 2nd Feb, 12pm - 9pm
Sunday 3rd Feb, 12pm - 5pm
182 Campbell Street, Surry Hills
www.hopestreetmarkets.com

Dazzling goodies by Scottato

Scotatto brings to life an array of handmade treasures, from beautiful vintage fabric heels, charming leather character purses and patterned cushions, to bold retro-inspired bags. Vintage treasures found from scouring markets and op shops inspire and feature in Scotatto’s designs which are unique, one of a kind creations, handmade with love.

Sweet necklaces by Peppermint Jewels

I love the Peppermint Jewels range... I have a pair of Peppermint Jewels earrings that I received as a Christmas gift a couple of years ago & just adore! Designer Marina Civiero creates nostalgic, quirky neckpieces, earrings and brooches for contemporary girls using strong images and colours in simple, sometimes minimalist combinations that at once showcases elegant fun.

Vintage inspired jewellery & papergoods by Shelbyville

Shelbyville offers an intriguing range of books, badges, stickers, zines and other paper-based things. With a background in graphic design, creator Michelle Vandermeer uses illustration and typography, mixing the old and the new, the digital and handcrafted. The Shelbyville philosophy is one of reappropriating old things and redesigning them into contemporary items – 1960s Scrabble tiles recycled into jewellery; handbound leather notebooks with covers made from old sofas; handmade badges + stickers + bookplates + postcards made from remixing imagery from vintage storybooks and old atlases. Shelbyville is really just a love affair with paper and old things, combined with a relentless desire to make stuff!

Hats by Ellenade

Sydney-based label Ellenade creates all wonders of hats & headwear to frame our faces & shade us from the sunlight. Each hat is uniquely made from beautiful cotton fabrics sourced from around the world. Designer Ellen Adele has recently returned from a fabric sourcing trip to Japan, so there are plenty of beautiful and unique fabrics to choose from!