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indie art & design blog

more & more fabric

Lara Cameron Ginkgo screen printed fabrics, available from www.duckcloth.com.au

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 screen printed fabrics - Mollybirds and Lily Pads, available from www.duckcloth.com.au

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.

Kristen Doran screen printed fabrics - Owls, available from www.duckcloth.com.au

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..."

Shannon Lamden screen printed fabrics - Cranes and Cookies, available from www.duckcloth.com.au

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.

Sprout Design screen printed fabrics - Caterpillars and Elephants, available from www.duckcloth.com.au

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.

Sprout Design screen printed fabrics - Tortoises and Hippos, 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.

Upcoming fabric print My Little World in Plum - designed by Lara Cameron for Sprout Design

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

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Friday, April 11, 2008.

freshly baked

Aunty Cookie Wanna Play limited edition digital print

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?

In The Garden Red linen print by Aunty Cookie

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

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.

Aunty Cookie Home Sweet Home Teal limited edition fabric
Aunty Cookie Home Sweet Home Olive limited edition fabric

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

Aunty Cookie decorative fabric hoops

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.

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Thursday, April 10, 2008.

hatching talent

Artworks displayed at in.cube8r gallery, Fitzroy VIC.

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.

in.cube8r gallery, Fitzroy VIC.

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.

Signage and founder Isy Galey at in.cube8r gallery, Fitzroy VIC.

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!

Julie Knoblock's display cube at in.cube8r gallery, Fitzroy VIC.

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).

Bags, tees & jewellery at in.cube8r gallery, Fitzroy VIC.
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Saturday, April 05, 2008.

perpetual kagemi

Mizuko and Hanako art prints by Luke Feldman (aka SKAFFS)

Mizuko and Hanako art prints by Luke Feldman (aka SKAFFS)

Opening tomorrow night at Paper Shadow Gallery is "Perpetual Kagemi", an exhibition of works by Luke Feldman (aka SKAFFS). Luke has spent the last few years travelling between San Francisco, California & Melbourne and sees this exhibition as a chance to showcase his original works in acrylic & graphite on wood, ink sketches & digital artworks in his home town.

The opening night will be filled with art, live painting, music, drinks & Crumpler giveaways, so if you're in Melbourne, head to Paper Shadow Gallery at 34 Franklin St, Melbourne (within Miss Libertine). The opening begins at 7pm on Friday 4th April, and the exhibition continues on Saturday 5th.

Travel To Mirai art print and Contemplation (acrylic & graphite on birchwood) by Luke Feldman (aka SKAFFS)

Travel To Mirai art print and Contemplation (acrylic & graphite on birchwood) by Luke Feldman (aka SKAFFS)

Luke's work is synonymous with stunningly beautiful and whimsical depictions of the female form. His use of vibrant colours, fluid linework & careful composition & design give these works a distinctive style which has caught the eye of many local & international reviewers (as well as some big brand names).

Original acrylic artworks by Luke Feldman (aka SKAFFS)

Original acrylic artworks by Luke Feldman (aka SKAFFS)

"Perpetual Kagemi" is an exploration of femininity in a traditional and modern context with an Asian twist. The term "Kagemi" means to "look at each other" and it specifically refers to traditional Japanese arranged marriages (Omiai). During the ritual, Kagemi refers to a "hidden look" - a sneak peak at a potential bride. Today Japanese Omiai is becoming replaced by "love match" marriages. In this context, the Kagemi would not be a quick peek but a continuous viewing of women. Perpetual Kagemi explores changing attitudes, old traditions and female beauty.

Nito and Mai art prints by Luke Feldman (aka SKAFFS)

Nito and Mai art prints by Luke Feldman (aka SKAFFS)

Luke has adapted his style for multiple applications. In addition to original artworks & limited edition prints, you can also purchase "Skaffnets" (magnets), skatedecks and vinyl adhesives through the SKAFFS web site. Vinyl toys are also in production!
His work is also available to purchase through the following Australian stockists:
Villain Store (Brunswick, VIC)
Robio Store (Fitzroy, VIC)
Nice Produce (Online store featuring Melbourne artists)
Lost At E Minor (Online)
(International stockists are listed at www.skaffs.com.)

Art prints by Luke Feldman (aka SKAFFS)

Art prints by Luke Feldman (aka SKAFFS)

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Thursday, April 03, 2008.

the sea rests

All Alone Necklace by Psychoglam

"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.

Sweet Escape Earrings by Psychoglam

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.

Sweet Escape Pendant by Psychoglam

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.

Hidden Pearl (It's Your Secret) Draped Earrings and First Kiss Necklace by Psychoglam

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.

High Tide Pearl Earrings by Psychoglam

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)

Down By the Sea Necklace by Psychoglam
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Sunday, March 30, 2008.