textiles

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

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

"Drape It In Sound" is a one night exhibition celebrating the rich textile culture of Brunswick (Melbourne). It will be held tomorrow night (Wednesday, 31.7.2008) and will showcase a diverse collection of local artists who have created works using many different materials & techniques - costumes, felting, screen printig, embroidery, silk painting, photography & installation. indie art & design fave Nicole Tattersall will be exhibiting works based on new illustrations & made from 95% recycled materials. (Nicole also launched her blog not too long ago at http://nicoletattersall.blogspot.com)

If you'd like to see a variety of creative approaches to using textiles in art, make your way to The Spot, 133 Sydney St, Brunswick, from 7pm - 10pm. (There will be a glass of bubbly waiting for you at the door...)
ONE NIGHT ONLY!

Melbourne boutique Alice Euphemia is having a vintage & retro fabric sale this weekend (May 24-25), so if you're in Melbourne, I'd get there early on Saturday - I'm sure the best pieces will be snapped up quickly!

"Alice is helping one of our special friends make room in their studio-probably for more fabric! There are delightful silks, furnishing velvets, fruity cottons and crazy oversized florals amongst hundreds of other designs. Most pieces are from 1-5 metres long. Priced from less than $10 a metre."
Alice Euphemia is located at 114 Gertrude St, Fitzroy. Opening times are 11am - 6pm Saturday, and 12pm - 5pm Sunday. (Call 03 9417 4300 for enquiries, cash only.)

I thought I'd continue the creative fabric theme with a feature on Duckcloth, a Melbourne-based online store full of fresh fabrics for print & pattern lovers! The cute name is from the Dutch "doek", (linen canvas) and refers to heavy cotton fabric. Duckcloth's founder, Lisa Edwards, offers cotton fabric by the metre in all sorts of gorgeous prints and patterns. These cottons are ideal for heaps of craft projects - whether you're making toys or table runners, cushions or clothing, bags or board shorts. I've chosen a selection of fabrics by Australian designers to feature here... all currently in stock at Duckcloth, of course!

The beautiful work of Melbourne designer Lara Cameron is pictured above with her limited edition "Gingko" prints in Olive Green (left) and Robins Egg (right) on natural linen. This is a medium weight fabric which is AUD $40/m from Duckcloth. I love the colours in both of these prints - though I'm not sure I could choose between them!

Kristen Doran is a Sydney-based textile designer whose gorgeous fabrics are hand printed right here in Sydney. Pictured above left is the limited edition "Mollybirds in Chocolate & Aqua on Stone". This is a light to midweight cotton fabric which sells for AUD $26/m. On the right is "Lily Pads in Red on White", another limited edition print, this time on a lightweight cotton for AUD $33/m from Duckcloth.

Another Kristen Doran design in stock at Duckcloth is "Owls" (above) which is available in two colourways - Chocolate on White or Red on White. Both are printed on lightweight cotton fabric and are AUD $33/m. Our curious readers will probably also want to check out Kristen's blog, Cheeky Beaks - "It's all about the craft and a tiny bit about life..."

These are friendly faces! Shannon Lamden's quirky designs are hand screen printed in Melbourne. "Cranes" (available in black or cherry red) is AUD $33/m and "Cookies" is AUD $38/m from Duckcloth.

I fell in love with Sprout Design after I received an orange giraffe card for my birthday & subsequently discovered their range of screen printed textiles! The label is a relatively new venture for Adelaide's One Small Room, a styling consultancy/retailer with a unique concept. The show room is in fact an installation where continually changing themes unfold for clients interested in 20th century style, retro groove & vintage flair. Sprout Design fabric is available off the roll in store, as well as in the form of soft furnishings - gorgeous bedlinen, cushions, lampshades and more.. The label brings together a collection of works by clever, creative women who design something a little different for the little (and not-so-little) people in your life. Their designs are hand screen printed onto 200gsm cotton fabric here in Australia.

The bright & bold animal prints pictured are "Caterpillars Grass Green" (above left, AUD $55/m), "Elephants Ink and Green" (above right, AUD $60/m), "Tortoises Red" (below left, AUD $55/m) and finally, "Hippos Ink and Light Blue" (below right, AUD $60) and are all available from www.duckcloth.com.au.

In a fun twist to this story, Sprout Design is currently working on a collaboration with a handful of Australian textile designers - including Lara Cameron whose work is pictured at the top of this post! The new fabrics are yet to be released, but Lara recently posted images of her design contributions on her blog, Kirin Notebook. The gorgeous print, "My Little World in Plum for Sproutdesign", is pictured below.

To keep up with the latest happenings at Duckcloth, you can sign up for the Duckcloth Newsletter, or check out the Duckcloth Blog at www.duckcloth.blogspot.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.

I'm sure many of you are familiar with the friendly face of Aunty Cookie (as seen on her blog, www.auntycookie.com). Aunty Cookie is in fact Melbourne designer Shannon Lamden, who specialises in fabric design and illustration. Her product range includes hand-printed fabrics, bags, softies, original drawings, one of a kind fabric bunting and limited edition fabric craft panels.

The versatile fabric Craft Panels measure 75cm x 75cm and feature various character poses and squares of patterns - perfect for quilting, appliques and a multitude of crafty projects just waiting to leap out of your imagination. The fabric is a 200gsm cotton drill and has been hand screen printed using environmentally friendly inks. I love Shannon's distinctive drawing style & the expression on her characters' faces. The simplified lines work so well with the patterned areas (which are also picked up in the funky outfits worn by the cookie people).

Originally available in black on white or cherry on white, the Craft Panels are also now available in a blue colourway. Each panel is US $28, and as Shannon says, "This Crafters Panel is limited edition so what are you waiting for?".

If you're looking to make a larger piece, there are another two eye-catching prints currently available for purchase by the metre. (These are sold per 50cm/20" length for US $15. Fabric measures approx. 750mm wide, with the printed area measuring 700mm wide.) Pictured above is "Trinkets" which is available in fire engine red on white or light grey on white. "Butterflies" is pictured below, and is available in black on white or light grey on white. I love the subtlety of the grey prints, but I also love the contrast in the black & red... I just can't decide which is my favourite! Once again, these prints are limited edition & really something special.

As well as being stocked at Patchwork on Central Park, Arthurs Circus, Cocoon, Meet me at Mikes, Duckcloth and One Small Room, Aunty Cookie has clocked up over 500 sales through her Etsy store! No doubt, many of you have you have taken to the sewing machine with your own length of Aunty Cookie fabric - let us know if you've made something you'd like to show off!

P.S. I'm also looking forward to seeing Shannon's new designs which will be released in March - stay tuned for more!

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

love jewellery by geneine honey

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

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

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

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

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

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

mens tees by pocket

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

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

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

christmas sponsor:

christmas cards by dudley redhead

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

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

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

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

prints by eveline tarunadjaja

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

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

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

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

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

linen by out to lunch

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

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

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

t-shirts for all by wildgarden

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

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

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

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

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

christmas sponsor:

There's an exciting new art & textiles exhibition opening tonight (Tue 23.10.2007) at Kudos Gallery (Paddington, Sydney) and you're all invited! "Sensory Bodies" is a collection of works by Kate Scardifield and Jennifer Tapia. Both of these young artists have meshed new technologies with textile traditions to create an artistic exploration of the historical and cultural multiplicities of gender and identity.

"Tapia's recent works incorporate audio scapes with hand embroidery & intricate embellishments, whilst Scardifield's ephemeral fabric silhouettes evoke a corporeal sense of uncanny." I'm intrigued by the the artists' use of materials & am looking forward to seeing more at the exhibition. The opening is from 6pm-8pm this evening (Tuesday, 23.10.2007) and continues to 27.10.2007.