necklaces + pendants

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.

Masked Bandits by Iggy & Lou Lou (AUD $190ea)

We're excited to bring you the second instalment of our "Three of a Kind" interview series - this time with Irene Grishin-Selzer the artist & designer behind the gorgeous Iggy & Lou Lou jewellery label.

To be honest, I'm a little in awe of Irene and her Iggy & Lou Lou creations. Her style is so unique, and each time I browse through her web site (which is truly an artwork in itself), I find myself adding up what it would cost me to buy... everything! (Well, a good selection anyway!) Her latest collection, "Love Bandits" explores the concept, "Stolen time stands still, and love lasts forever...", with pieces that possess a mysterious quality whilst at the same time connecting with the viewer (or wearer) on a very personal level.

Iggy & Lou Lou was launched in 2003 and since then has released seven successful jewellery & artwork collections. Irene draws on the rich history of porcelain and each piece is lovingly hand crafted and kiln fired up to four times to attain the patina of buried treasure. Collections are rich with historical references, decorative themes and narratives, and influences - from ocean depths to forest folk, sixteenth century Memento Mori and the black and white character of Film Noir - imbue each piece with the presence of a much-loved heirloom.

'Just Like Honey' by Irene Grishin-Selzer (AUD $2600 - SOLD)

I What makes you 'three of a kind'? The motivations behind your works, your techniques & approach or the themes that run through the artworks, or a little of each?

ILL There is an element of humour, mystery and fun that runs through all of our interests, approaches and themes. I think its evident in all the different mediums we tackle.

Dinosaur with rainbow medallion by Iggy & Lou Lou (AUD $185)

I What led you down this career path?

ILL I always liked making things and selling them from when I was little. I studied up to Masters in ceramics and applied arts (with jewellery as a minor subject) I wanted to find a job that gave me a sense of creative freedom but I couldn't find anything that I liked. A business grew out the demand for the jewellery I was making and with the help of those who work with me, I'm able to devote time to making artworks as well. It doesn't really feel like a 'career' choice as it just grew out of a need to retain my creative freedom.

Horse Bandit Sculpture - Black Tear by Iggy & Lou Lou (AUD $820, jewellery and skull not included)

I What do you love most about being an artist/designer?

ILL I love being able to take ideas and feelings and make them into concrete objects... Making things by hand is really rewarding for me. Sometimes it takes longer than expected but there is a real sense of satisfaction from seeing it through from start to finish. I also enjoy the practical aspects of sending things all around the world via the website - its nice to feel a connection with people from far away places. I also love being able to travel overseas and meet and work with other artists who make beautiful things like Madeleine and Beci.

'Cant Tell The Birds From The Blossoms' by Irene Grishin-Selzer (AUD $1800)

I Does living in Melbourne influence your artwork?

ILL I'm not sure. Maybe it does unconciously... but I don't know in what particular way. I don't live in the city as I love the sea, but I always think I'd make the same kind of work whevever I lived - but who knows?

I What is the focus of your work for the Three Of A Kind exhibition?

ILL I often work in 3D but am showing some limited edition photographs and prints for the first time. I've also made some new wall sculptures which are in between 2-3D. I generally work with themes of love and mystery. I like working with dueling themes that often work out as opposites of the same coin, eg.the dualities of love/beauty vs loss. Dreams and reality often collide and an element of humour or playfulness is always there to keep things in check!

Double Bluebird Necklace by Iggy & Lou Lou (AUD $110)

I What do you love most about the work of the other two girls?

ILL I love lots of different things about both Madeleine and Beci's work. Probably mostly the playful but considered dreaminess…that gets me every time!

Thanks so much, Irene for finding time amongst the exhibition preparations to tell us about the journey and inspirations behind Iggy and Lou Lou. Wishing you all the best for the upcoming show! Do make sure to visit www.iggyandloulou.com to see many more beautiful porcelain creations from Iggy & Lou Lou's six collections.

There's not long to go until the doors at Lab X Gallery open to reveal new works by this trio of artists: Iggy & Lou Lou, Madeleine Stamer and Beci Orpin. Opening night is Friday 20th November 2009, from 6-8pm. In the meantime, you can follow the show preparations at http://threeofakind09.blogspot.com.

The exhibition continues until November 29.
Lab X
40 Pakington St, St Kilda, 3182.
ph. 03 9534 8838
Gallery hours are 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

NEW BROOCHES: Cream Ladder, Chocolate Giraffe, Plum Elephan & Cream Flamingo Brooches from Shonah Jewellery Design (AUD $32 each)

Having just returned from Spain & Italy, I couldn't resist posting these gorgeous new designs from Shonah Jewellery Design... We saw so many hand painted patterned tiles, and mosaics featuring mythical birds & beasts. Of course, in Rome, you barely need a handbook - there is something of historical significance around almost every corner.

Spanish Tiles Pendants from Shonah Jewellery Design (AUD $49 each)

I love the gentle colours in Shonah's Spanish Tiles Pendants - particularly the pale blue & tan combination.

European Monuments Pendants from Shonah Jewellery Design (AUD $49 each)

We first featured Shonah Tomkin's jewellery pieces back in May last year. Since then, this Melbourne-based designer has been developing new collections to add to her impressive line-up. As well as pendants and earrings, Shonah now offers brooches. The animal & object shapes really stand out, as do the fabric textures - simply dyed with warm hues of chocolate, cream, red, plum & black. Isn't the step ladder cute?! (Selected styles pictured at top.)

In The Woods Pendants from Shonah Jewellery Design (AUD $49 each)

Shonah's jewellery pieces begin life in the hands of her father, who hand crafts pieces of Tasmanian oak in a quaint country town. Shonah then combines them with resin & fabric, and has them laser cut to shape. She uses a blend of her original screen-printed fabrics, patchwork and vintage fabrics, and more recently, has sourced gorgeous fabrics from local designers such as Ink and Spindle and Shannon Lamden. The pendants above and below are from two of her new collections, "In The Woods" and "Eclectic".

Eclectic Pendants from Shonah Jewellery Design (AUD $49 each)

For more info & designs, beautiful photos, or to place an order, visit www.shonah.com, or find Shonah's pendants, brooches & earrings at one of the following stockists:

VIC: Allure of Alexandra (Alexandra), Antipodes Bookshop & Gallery (Sorrento), Arbor Redux (Brunswick), Body (St Kilda East), Five Boroughs (Brunswick East), Honey (Echuca), House of Balaclava (Balaclava), i like you (Fitzroy), Just Planet (Sunbury), Love It (Melbourne City), Queen Clothing (Collingwood & Windsor), Souk Lifestyle (Northcote & Armadale), Sentient Being (Eltham), Spoilt Gift and Homewares (Melbourne), Watermark Clothing & Lifestyle (Point Lonsdale), Wild Jam (Flemington), Wilkins and Kent (Melbourne), Wolf at the Door (Daylesford), Zinc Lifestyle and Gifts (Camberwell)
NSW: Goulburn Regional Art Gallery, Honeybee (Newcastle), Morrison (Sydney), Mushu (Balmain & Surry Hills), Precious Fusion Contemporary Jewellery & Metalwork Gallery (Stanwell Park & Cronulla), Sturt Gallery (Mittagong)
Portrait Gallery Store (Parkes), The Style Emporium (Nicholls)
QLD: D’Pinga (Noosa), Lavish Essentials (Wooloongabba), Sunnibel (Currumbin), The French Door (Paddington)
WA: Eshe (Bunbury), Lotus Accessories, Method Clothing, Morrison (Fremantle & Claremont), Spoilt (Subiaco)
SA: Ikeguchi Creative Life (Adelaide), Red Poles Gallery (McLaren Vale)
TAS: Homebody (Launceston), Luxe
ONLINE: Georgie Love, Miss Koo, Moose: Art for Living

Eclectic Fabric Pendant (AUD $49 each) and Antique Keys 2 (AUD $54) from Shonah Jewellery Design

Hohloma Bird Chain in Ivory, AUD $38.50 (was $55), by A Skulk Of Foxes

You'll need to move as quickly as a fox... or a rabbit... or a hummingbird to catch this one! Indie fave A Skulk Of Foxes is having a ONE DAY SALE where you'll save 30% on the entire range! (Friday 8th May 2009.)

Wolf red acrylic brooch and Hummingbird mirror acrylic brooch, each AUD $12.60 (were $18), by A Skulk Of Foxes

You know we love Melbourne label A Skulk Of Foxes! Launched by jewellery designer Natalie Cirillo in 2006, the label has gained a loyal following, and the silver & resin critters now inhabit shops & galleries across Australia, New Zealand and the UK. (You can also read more in our previous indie art & design posts Forest Dwellers, July 2007 and Skulking Around Melbourne, August 2008.)

Squirrel Studs in Sterling Silver, AUD $62.30 (were $89), by A Skulk Of Foxes

For TODAY ONLY, ALL A Skulk Of Foxes products listed in the online store have been reduced by 30%.

Pagoda Acrylic Brooches, each AUD $31.50 (were $45), by A Skulk Of Foxes

Time is short, so I chose a few of my favourites from A Skulk Of Foxes' new products at www.askulkoffoxes.com.au and got typing straight away! Let us know which pieces are your favourites too...

Rabbit Cufflinks in Sterling Silver, AUD $104.30 (were $149), by A Skulk Of Foxes

We're thrilled to tell you that the second issue of Peppermint Magazine is now available!! (Lots of pics coming soon...) On p82 is "breaking the pattern" - our indie art & design interview with Umbrella Prints. This design duo are from South Australia and they create vibrant hand screen printed patterns on organic fabrics. They've also collaborated with a number of other designers to produce jewellery, quilts & more... The full interview with designers Amy Prior & Carly Schwerdt is below - hope you enjoy it!

I 1. How did you find each other & then form the Umbrella Prints partnership?

UP We both have young daughters, drive old holdens, studied art and design, love colour and pattern - it was inevitable really! No seriously, we were both running businesses next door to each other and became great friends.

I 2. What are your favourite making processes or Umbrella Prints designs/products?

UP All Umbrella Prints designs come from first sketching and our love of art, we take from our own artwork and design from there. For example a beautiful garden scape by Amy will have a little flower hidden amongst the folliage and we will play with that. It is a process of discovery through our own art. We invest a lot of time into this design process, what we do is unusual and very deliberate, we concentrate on really exploring the potential within each design instead of churning out product.

I 3. Do you have individual specialities, or are you both involved in every step?

UP We appreciate each other's own individual style so much so that we don't need to box ourselves into roles. We are very lucky to work so well together, it sounds corny but we are like Ying and Yang.

I 4. How does your approach enable your label to be environmentally friendly?

UP At all levels of running Umbrella Prints we are always striving to find better ways of doing things, from the postconsumer waste paper we print our stationary on, to the durable 100% organic hemp/cotton base cloth we print on. Making a product that lasts is important and using every last scrap means less waste.

I 5. Tell us about your Tandem collaborations!

UP An umbrella is a symbol for bringing people together and we use the word 'Tandem' because it describes two entities propelling each other forward. So far we have collaborated with crafter Brooke of Boobook, quilter Jenny from Ciuccio, San Francisco & silversmith Ceeb Wassermann. We look forward to working with many other artists, designers and crafters.

I 6. You're both mums and Carly – you also run Nest Studio art classes for children. Do you find inspiration in the works created by such little hands?

UP Children are by far the most creative people. They are intuitive and they work free of judgment, something we can all only hope to achieve.

I 7. Where else do you both find inspiration?

UP Inspiration is everywhere.

I 8. You've had the opportunity to contribute to a number of craft books – have you had a great response?

UP The books, Meet Me at Mikes and Quilts Baby! which showcase our fabric by way of Carly's crafty sewing patterns, are available in March. They already look fantastic based on the covers alone so one can only imagine they will be a success.

I 9. Have you exhibited your work, either individually or as Umbrella Prints?

UP Yes, we have both exhibited as artists, Amy with her most recent show 'Papercuts'. Umbrella Prints has exhibited for 'Modern Australian Textiles' alongside Publisher Textiles, Nicola Cerini and many other Australian Designers.

I 10. You obviously enjoy working as partners. Is it difficult to keep the balance right or does everything just fall into place?

UP If we fight it's because 'my ego's bigger than yours!'

I 11. Do you keep in touch with fellow creative types via your blogs (Rain & Shine - http://umbrellabella.blogspot.com & Moopy & Me - http://www.neststudio.typepad.com)? What are some of your favourite blogland reads?

UP We have both met some amazing people via our blogs. We love so many but here is just a taste : Julie of Four Leaves, Amanda of SouleMama, Claire of Loobylu, Hillary of Weewonderfuls and Pip of Meet Me at Mikes. Check our blog rolls for more!

I 12. Where is Umbrella Prints next headed?

UP Umbrella Prints is very fluid and we like to let our insprirations lead, that being said the essence of Umbrella Prints is always about beautiful pattern. For now though, our next print run is well and truely underway, new colours, new pattern and we have also been creating many lovely wooden objects, such as wall brooches and mobiles.

Thank you so much Amy & Carly for this insight into your design practice! We'll be looking forward to seeing much more from Umbrella Prints!

You'll find Amy & Carly online at:
Umbrella Prints
Amy's blog Rain & Shine
Carly's blog Moopy & Me
Nest Studio - art classes for children
Umbrella Prints' Etsy shop
Umbrella Prints' Big Cartel shop
and their fabrics & products can be found at the following stockists:
SA: Ikeguchi Creative Life (Adelaide), Little Bird at Elliot (Port Elliot)
ONLINE: Mid Century Modern
INTERNATIONAL: Rose and Radish - San Francisco

Long Hexagonal Necklace (oxidised sterling silver, AUD $345) by Emma Sher

Melbourne jewellery designer Emma Sher currently has her work on display at the Charles Smith Gallery in Fitzroy (Melbourne). Emma's first solo exhibition is titled "Progression" and explores her gradual transformation from art & design student into professional jeweller. Each piece is a further refinement of what has been learnt from creating the piece that precedes it.

Triple Entwined Bangles (sterling silver, AUD $415) by Emma Sher

My favourite pieces from this collection use the geometric imagery of the crystal system of gems, along with facetted and flat stones. I love the play between 2D & 3D, and the delicate linework which sits beautifully within sterling silver.

Crystallized Cufflinks (AUD $245) by Emma Sher

Emma works from her studio in Collingwood (Melbourne), which she shares with three other jewellers. She first began designing jewellery in 2001, and studied Engineering Design (Jewellery) at TAFE before completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Gold & Silversmithing at RMIT in Melbourne. She has exhibited work both nationally and internationally and was a finalist in the Kaiserman Jewellery Prize.

My Etched Heart Necklace (AUD $345) by Emma Sher

All of Emma's works are handmade - either one-offs or limited edition pieces. If there's something special you have in mind, she can also custom make pieces to order. The silver limited edition works (many of which are pictured here) can be made with either an oxidised or unoxidised finish, and can be created from yellow or white gold. The agate and freshwater pearl pieces are one-of-a-kind, and can be made to order with preferred colours and styles.

Triple Geometric Necklace (AUD $345) by Emma Sher

I REALLY love this piece, the "Triple Geometric Necklace". The repeated shape has a wonderful sense of balance. Although each shape is essentially flat, each would appear slightly different to the others depending on the curve of the body and the angle of viewing - like glimpsing different facets of the gem all at the same time.

Ladybug and Rose studs (AUD $100 - $480) by Emma Sher

The studs pictured above have been especially popular at the Progression exhibition. Most are priced under $200 too...
Pictured left to right are:
Ladybug Studs #1 - Sterling silver sapphire, diamond, AUD $160
Ladybug Studs #2 - Sterling silver sapphire, diamond, AUD $180
Ladybug Studs #3 - Sterling silver, sapphires, AUD $200
Rose Stud Earrings - Sterling silver, AUD $100
Rose Stud Earrings - 18ct Yellow gold, AUD $480

Oval earrings - sterling silver, freshwater pearls (left, AUD $225) and Oval earrings - sterling silver, pink tourmaline, 18ct yellow gold (right, AUD $345) by Emma Sher

Emma finds inspiration in her collection of organic, man-made, modern & vintage materials and objects. She uses precious and semi-precious stones, pearls, gold and silver as core materials and focusses on how the elements relate to one another. I love the gradients of pink tourmaline!

Aqua Agate Necklace (long, AUD $895) and Mauve Agate Necklace (double, AUD $875) by Emma Sher

See more of Emma Sher's work at www.emmasherjewellery.com or check out her blog at www.emmasherjewellery.blogspot.com. Emma's jewellery pieces can be ordered online, but please note that all prices listed here are valid for the duration of the exhibition, March 3rd - April 4th, 2009. Please contact Emma with any enquiries.

If you're in Melbourne, get along to the exhibition! Progression continues until April 4, 2009 at Charles Smith Gallery - 65 Smith St, Fitzroy, Melbourne, 3065.

Feline Fox necklace in cherrywood, AUD $49.50 by limedrop

Since I first spied the Feline Fox printed tee in Kids in Berlin a few seasons back, I've been in awe of the talent behind Melbourne label limedrop. I'm very happy to report that I now have my own Feline Fox in the form of the sweet cherrywood pendant draped over my neighbour's lime tree pictured above.

Lockface necklace in cherrywood, AUD $49.50 by limedrop

Platform (at LIFE inSTYLE) lured limedrop to Sydney to show off their unique line of cherrywood accessories. The stand was a beacon for those on the prowl for something edgy & cool! The intricate designs have been laser cut & engraved into cherrywood, which is also availble with a black, white, silver or gold veneer finish.

HER: Heart Turtleneck Long Sleeve Sweater (Charcoal) & Pleated Twist Pocket Skirt (Red Fade Check) and HIM: Soft Drape Cardigan (Black Modal), Moosehead T-shirt (White) & Baggy Pants (Cable Knit Print) by limedrop

limedrop's wooden accessories began with a set of hanging mobiles designed for an exhibition at Melbourne's Milly Sleeping (as part of the L'Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival in 2007). A number of extra hanging pendants were made into necklaces & quickly snapped up by customers!

Sinking Ship necklace in cherrywood with black veneer, AUD $49.50 by limedrop

I love limedrop's fresh & tangy marriage of illustration and jewellery design. The collection has a spirit of fun & adventure, storytelling & romance... just like the tale of the intrepid twosome who brought the label to life. limedrop began as a love story between designers Clea Garrick and Nathan Price. After falling for each other in their hometown in the tropical far reaches of the Northern Territory, they travelled hand in hand to Brisbane, Sydney, and finally to Melbourne, where they launched the label in 2005.

Floaty Fluted Collar Dress (Navy Check Crinkle) & Sateen Racer Jacket (Black Sateen) by limedrop

limedrop's sixth fashion collection entitled "The Huntsman" has arrived for Autumn | Winter 2009. limedrop are known for their use of clear lines, bold colours, structured pieces and curious proportions. I just love the colour & textures of the Floaty Fluted Collar Dress pictured above. Doesn't it make you long for chilly winter evenings?

Doily necklace (AUD $49.50) and Doily pop-out earrings (AUD $39.50) both in cherrywood with gold veneer by limedrop

The limedrop fashion range is both contemporary and wearable - and you know I adore the cherrywood accessories! There is so much energy in this label. Clea & Nathan are a clever pair and I can't wait to see where the fashion world takes them!

T-rex necklace in cherrywood, AUD $49.50 by limedrop          GRRRRRR

The limedrop tree branches out to the following locations:
NSW: Our MishMash (Bondi), Via Alley (reopening in Surry Hills, March 2009), Pigeon Ground Records & Clothing (Camperdown)
VIC: Milly Sleeping (Carlton, Melbourne), Kids in Berlin (North Melbourne), In the Woods (Northcote, Melbourne), Lady Boutique (Melbourne City), Pussycat Black (Brunswick, Melbourne),
WA: Atlas Devine (Perth), Ruck Rover (Perth)
QLD: Outpost (Brisbane)
ACT: itrip iskip (Canberra)
ONLINE: Pitbull Mansion
INTERNATIONAL: Slick Willys (Dunedin, New Zealand), Iko Iko (Wellington & Auckland, New Zealand), Epitome (Singapore), Actually (Singapore), Tomodachi (Indonesia)

...and of course, they can be found online at www.limedrop.com.au!

Hey there Indie readers, Laura here!

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

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

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

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

Collect at Object, 2008

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

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

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

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

Brooke Johnston, Doily series, sterling silver, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

Your Objector, Laura

Come and Visit! 2008

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

Shinzo Necklace Felt and Leather by Mainichi (Sold)

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

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

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

Digit Recycled Leather Necklace by Mainichi (US $39.00)

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

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

Konomi Necklace by Mainichi (Sold)

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

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

Mushi Brooches by Mainichi (US $24.00 each)

I 4. What are some of your inspirations?

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

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

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

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

Recycled Leather Earrings by Mainichi (US $18.00)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mushi Leather Keyrings by Mainichi (US $7.50)

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

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

Shinzo Felt Necklace Small by Mainichi (US $34.00)

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

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

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

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

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

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