Jane Foster

images via www.janefoster.co.uk

I recently discovered the fabulous work of U.K artist Jane Foster. I was instantly attracted to her retro-folky style, her bold use of colour and B & W imagery. She is a clever lady who appears to be good at everything! Take a peek at her blog and browse through her older posts to see her amazing collection of vintage goodies and the interior of her super cute home. Definitely my kinda style.

Otomi Fabric

images via Jacaranda

Probably everyone in blogland has seen the recent Otomi fabric headboard DIY post by Grace Bonney from design*sponge but I couldn't resist spreading the word a little further just in case you don't have the slightest idea about what I'm talking about... What an ambitious project! I'd love to drape every household item with Otomi fabric, even clothe the kids in it...

Embroidered Otomi fabric is handmade by Mexican Otomi Indians. The colours and characters are absolutely beautiful. Otomi fabric and other lovely textiles are available from Jacaranda, it is pretty much the most reliable online store where you can purchase a variety of Otomi fabric in various colour combinations and sizes. I've been eying off the Jacaranda selection for a long time and I love visiting the site for a quick inspirational fix. If you are in Melbourne Otomi fabric is also available in store at Market Import, Armadale, worth a visit no matter what!

The Blackeyed Susans

I'm a huge fan of The Blackeyed Susans and feel SO honored that they have used my art to adorn their soon to be released retrospective box set. Thank you to the BES boys and the crew that tweaked and refined my images to make them look as good as they do. It's a little bit of a shhh secret at this stage but be on the look out soon for some very cool merchandise (possibly jewelry) with my birdy design (see front cover above) in collaboration with some fine Aussie crafters.

See more album picks on the Blackeyed Susans facebook profile.

The Blackeyed Susans are releasing the 'Reveal Yourself 1989–2009' retrospective box set through the Liberation Music label on Friday October 30th, 2009. It features hits, rarities, 8 previously unreleased songs, yours and their favourites from across their career to date on 3 audio discs and a DVD. It also includes an extensive and informative booklet. It will be available in all good music stores and from the merchandise desk at The Blackeyed Susans upcoming shows.

In conjunction with this physical box set release, the entire Blackeyed Susans’ album back catalogue will also be available for digital download purchase via Liberation/itunes.

tweeting and in a flutter!

So I finally got around to see what all the twitter fuss was about and got myself on board the twitter train... Personally it's doing my head in, it's so distracting! Fun, but bloody distracting!!!

BTW to all my new twitter pals thanks for the warm welcome, I don't know how committed I'll be, but I'll certainly have a crack at this twitter business!

beci orpin = three of a kind

O.k so it doesn't get much better than this...

The little show that Irene and I have been organising for November at Lab X has just stepped up about a million notches of excitement now that lovely lady Beci Orpin has joined in on the fun. Beci happens to be one of my favorite artists bar none! She is a Melbourne lass, prolific artist extraordinaire, sassy business lady, style queen, regular blogger, loving wife and mother of 2! And If I really wanted to embarrass myself I could go on with a truck load more of dorky adoration, hero worship and gibber jabber, but I must curb my enthusiasm before I start sounding like a tool. I don't like wishing days away but I really can't wait to get all our work under the one roof. I bow to you both Irene and Beci as I stand in the presence of absolute greatness.

coming soon

Keep posted for links to our pop up blog which will be devoted to the show and kept up to date with loads of nitty gritty detail.

Mimi Kirchner Dolls

I couldn't resist sharing the gorgeous work of Mimi Kirchner with you. Her handmade dolls are absolutely exquisite. The detail on each doll is phenomenal, their personalities certainly shine through and their accessories are to die for. Some are quirky, some pretty, some creepy (in a good way), some mysterious and others down right too cute for their own good. Check out Mimi's etsy shop, save up your pretty pennies, it would be worth the investment, these dolls are definitely heirloom worthy.

Old Treasures Unearthed

On the weekend Karl started cleaning out the old shed preparing it for a semi workspace/storage area. Over the years we have collected and hoarded a heap of stuff which we re-discovered again thanks to Karl's hard work, see some of the gems above. Poor Karl became increasingly infested with dusty old cobwebs and as Ada snoozed, Wilhelmina and I had a play in the backyard. Lo and behold we had a couple of visitors who dropped by unexpectedly. Bold as brass they entertained us for hours, pure magic! After a good feed (by hand), a swim and a bit of mucking about they shot off into the sunset... Please come back soon!

Make

Make shop facade
Make interior

I always feel good about supporting local business whether it be online or from a real brick and mortar shop front, I think that justifies my guilt for my little shopping sprees I have every so often. I also dislike getting bitten by nasty exchange rates and so on.

So I was very pleased when I came across a great local design store that stocks two of my favorite things... Flensted Mobiles and Marimekko products. Make is situated in Carlton, Melbourne but they also have a very impressive online store. I purchased a few items (at a great price) with a flat rate of $5 for local delivery and my goodies arrived 2 days later straight to my door! It would have cost me more to drive!!! I am one very content shopper, ooh I love a bargain. Go check out their line up of Australian and Scandinavian design products.

By the way, I truly love the explosive colours and gargantuan floral motifs used in many of the Marimekko fabric designs. The above interior reminds me of my parents kitchen when I was a little lass. We had the sensory overload Marimekko curtains and bright yellow laminated table cloth. Wicked!

make

194 Elgin St, Carlton, VIC, 3053

Tel: 03 9347 4225

www.makedesignedobjects.com