The Balmain Boat Company Messes About With Boats

Tags

Arthur Ransome, Balmain Boat Company, Boating, Childrens Book, DIY, Do it yourself, Flat Pack Boat, How to be an awesome grandparent, Kenneth Grahame, Sailing, Swallows and Amazons, Wind in the Willows

The Classic Balmain Boat Company Rowboat at Watson’s Bay
(Original Image from here)

Better drowned than duffers, if not duffers won’t drown. (Arthur Ransome, Swallows and Amazons)

I’m feeling a little nostalgic today. It’s my Dad’s birthday and he’s on my mind…

When I was a child, Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons was one of my favourite books. His writing had the ability to transport me into all the action and adventure that the Walkers and the Blacketts experienced in their little sailing dinghies. I vividly remember wanting to be a member of Team Swallows so badly.

Mr Ransome wrote the book way back in 1929, so it’s a sign of his seriously good writing that I was still so engaged almost 50 years later. Just thinking about it makes me want to go back and read it again, to see if I can still feel that sense of escapism… Perhaps I will!

I was lucky enough to grow up in a boating family. Not all that surprising when you consider that the City of Sails was my home-town.

My Dad is still boating today. And, I know how much he appreciates messing about in boats. So, when I first found out about the wonderful Balmain Boat Company, it made me think of him.

The Pilot by Balmain Boat Company
(Original Image from here)

Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. (Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows)

The good people at Balmain Boat Company reckon anyone can build a boat. They create flat-packed, DIY rowing and sailing dinghies so that anyone who has a hankering to get out on the water, can do just that.

Founded by Nicole Still and Andrew Simpson, the awesome Balmain Boat Company  mission is “to make parents and grandparents look like legends.” Brilliant!

Purists can rest easy – the design of these beautiful wooden boats (no tinny’s here, thank you!) is a combination of yester-year rowboat (think Swallows and Amazons!) coupled with the clean lines, not to mention neat edges, of computer-led wood-cutting.

I think they are just lovely.

The Classic Balmain Boat Company Rowboat at Watson’s Bay
(Original Image from here)

And, you want to know what else?

You can even design your own figurehead for your Balmain Boat. All Balmain Boat Company boats come with a standard figurehead, inspired by the co-founders first built boats. Nicole’s figurehead is a Fairy Penguin, inspired by the world’s smallest penguins, which come to shore on Phillip Island here in Australia.  Andrew’s figurehead is the mythological flying seal.

Nicole and Andrew rightly feel that every boat has a story, and your boat should tell your story.  So, you can send them a photo of your family dog, your favourite animal or your lucky charm, and they’ll design a custom figurehead just for you. I think that’s inspired!

The Penguin Figurehead
(Original Image from here)

If you have a hankering to make your own Balmain Boat Company boat, you have a couple of options:

• If you live in Australia, the DIY boat kits can be dispatched from the Darlington, Sydney warehouse within 7-10 business days of ordering.
• If you live in the USA, the DIY boat kits can be dispatched from the Poland, Ohio warehouse within 7-10 business days of ordering.
• If you live anywhere else in the world, shipping charges are determined by order size and postcode. The company has shipped to Taiwan, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

If you’d like to learn more about the very fab’ Balmain Boat Company (including how to have your boat built for you!), check out the website here.

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An Open Letter to Bryce Longton at KTCHN13…

Tags

Australia, Bryce Longton, Christmas, Design, food, Food Stylng, Food52, Foodie Gifts, Homewares, Kitchen Letters, KTCHN13, Personal Gifts, Provisions, Recipes

Jenny’s Chocolate Cake Recipe
A Longton family recipe immortalised in print by KTCHN13
(Original image from here)

Dear Bryce,

I know you’re probably very busy being the Shop Editor & Stylist at Provisions for the very fabulous Food 52. It’s a seriously beautiful site – so please know your styling is much appreciated!

And, I know Provisions only launched in July.

Salt Plate from Provisions
(Image from here)

And, I also know your wonderful Kitchen Letters – where recipients receive letters in the mail from chefs only really kicked off in May of this year.

I think this is just the best idea. I have a number of foodie friends who would just love a gift like this. How ever did you think of it?

Kitchen Letters at KTCHN13
(Original image from here)

And, now your Custom Recipe Print concept has popped up in my in-box. How wonderful are they?

Just the thought of taking a favourite recipe and having it designed, printed, and shipped to a friend’s door, so they can hang it in their kitchen makes me smile. It’s such a personal gift.

Perfect Guacamole by KTCHN13
(Original image from here)

There’s just one teensy-weensy catch. I live in Australia. And, you don’t ship outside the United States. And, nor does Provisions, for that matter. (sniff). So, that means I can’t acquire any of your fab’ offerings this Christmas.

Do you realise the potential market you are missing out on down here?

And, I know you are obsessed with all things food, travel, and style, and living a great life (because you told me so on your website). Did you know we have some seriously cool and cosmopolitan chefs down here. I’d be happy to write you a list of say, my top 10… Or, even my top 20 – if only you would start shipping down under. Please?

In much anticipation,

TSL xx

Boskke Does it Again…

Tags

Boskke, Ceramics, Christmas gift ideas, Design, Flowerpot, Gardening, Great Design, Interior design, Lewis Black, Morris and James, New Zealand, Patrick Morris, Sky Planter, Sustainable Design

The Boskke Sky Planter in Brooklyn
(Image from here)

If the people of New Zealand want to be part of our world, I believe they should hop off their islands, and push ’em closer. (Lewis Black)

Lewis, you’re a very funny guy, but I don’t think I agree with you on this matter. There are some people from New Zealand who seem to be taking the world by storm without pushing the islands any closer…

I mean, everyone knows about the Boskke* Sky Planter, don’t they? It seems to pop up all over the place. And, it is a great concept. And, it’s designed by a Kiwi.

An inverted pot for flowers, herbs, and other leafy companions, the Sky Planter was designed to save space, conserve water, purify your air, improve your health and transform your view of nature. The boys at Boskke left out ‘provide great design’ in their product spiel.

Because no matter how pure my air becomes or how my view of nature is transformed, I’m not interested in a hanging planter if it is ugly. Call me shallow.

Boskke Sky Planter Kitchen Garden
(Image from here)

What I did not know is that Boskke founders – Patrick Morris, and his brother, Jake – happen to be the progeny of founders of the world-famous-in-New-Zealand ceramics producer that is Morris & James. Sustainable design is kind of in their blood.

But, now they’ve gone and done it again. The Sky Planter wasn’t enough. Now they’re launching the Boskke Cube…

Boskke Cube with Orchid
(Image from here)

I think it looks fab’.

Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication. (Leonardo da Vinci)

Apparently, the “Boskke Cube reassembles the humble plant pot, putting the organic process of growth on display, rather than hiding it away.

The clear body of the Boskke Cube is also a water reservoir, supplying up to four weeks of moisture through the same Slo-Flo watering system that the best-selling Sky Planters use.”

And again – great design.

Boskke Cube 3 – with herbs
(Image from here)

Boskke have a number of distributors around the globe. In Sydney, my favourite is Terrace at 47 Queen st, Woollahra, NSW 2025

*The name ‘Boskke’ is derived from the old English word ‘bosky’ which means ‘a small forest’ and that’s exactly what the team from Boskke want us to create with each of their clever eco-sensitive designs.

Stumbling Across Planet of Surry Hills

Tags

Australia Made, craft, Cushions, Homewares, Interior design, Local Artisan Shopping, Shopping, Soft Furnishings, Softies, Surry Hills, Sustainable shopping, Sydney, Tara Badcock

Planet Showroom
(Image from here)

I think I got off on the wrong planet. Beam me up Scotty, there’s no rational life here. (Robert Anton Wilson)

Sometimes, I wonder what planet I have been on. Two or three of weeks ago, I was picking up some fabric from the lovely Tessuti for a wee haberdashery project I’m playing with. A couple of doors down, sits Planet – a most wonderful treasure trove of hand-crafted and sustainable furniture, ceramics, textiles and home-wares. And, it smells gorgeous! And, I never even knew it was there…

I struck up a conversation with the friendly assistant (I think she was from Michigan?) Turns out Planet has been around for over 20 years. Their philosophy is to make the world a more beautiful place. They aim to achieve this using natural fibres, handcrafting, sustainability, integrity and style.

It was such a lovely space – I could have pottered around for much longer…

Planet Dining Table & Chairs
(Image from here)

I ended up picking up a few 100% beeswax candles and three wee beautifully turned wooden holders. But, I’m going back because there are some lovely offerings that may be just the ticket for one or two Christmas pressies.

Here are a few that caught my eye:

Tara Badcock hand embroidered silk and leather purse
(Image from here)

Japanese vintage silk cushion
(Image from here)

Hand-knitted woollen cockatoo
Truly, the picture doesn’t do these gorgeous knitted toys justice.
(Image from here)

Herbal pantry pest repellant packs
Set of 3 sachets containing rosemary, cloves, wormwood and plant oils.
I think I want them for myself!
(Image from here)

Silk turkish ikat cushion
I don’t even like ikat, but I like this cushion!
(Image from here)

If you don’t reside in Sydney, Planet has a shopping cart on their website (here). Depending on size, they will send internationally, too.

Alternatively, pop in for a look-see. It’s definitely worth it. You can find them at 114 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010.

 

Bespoke Letterpress Christmas Shop is Open…

Tags

Christmas, Christmas Wrap, Greeting Cards, Johannes Gutenberg, Letterpress printing, Powerhouse Museum, Printing, Vivienne Westwood, Wrapping Paper, Young Blood Markets

(Image from here)

Following on from yesterday’s post on ‘Modern Day Snail Mail’ – and, my pledge to make the time to handwrite more often in this modern, digitised world we now text in; it seems timely that today I bring you the very lovely Bespoke Letterpress (and news that their Christmas Shop is now open for business…)

I’m the proof – you can’t throw away tradition. (Vivienne Westwood)

Lovely letterpress printing is a form of relief printing and was first invented by Johannes Gutenberg way, way back in about 1439.  For the longest time – or, until the 19th century at least, it was considered the norm in terms of printing.  Then, offset printing was introduced and the craft of letterpress was moved aside for the more efficient ‘modern’ way of printing…

More recently, like many arts and crafts of old, letterpress printing has seen a renaissance. Happily so, I say.

I first discovered the particular old-meets-new charm of Bespoke Letterpress a couple of years ago – I think it was at the Powerhouse Museum’s Young Blood Designers Market. I’ve long enjoyed the old-fashioned craftsmanship of letterpress, but the Bespoke stand jumped out at me because of a print they had developed around ‘Love you the longest time‘.

My sister has signed off both telephone conversations and letters to me with, “Love you long time”, for as long as I can remember. So, of course, I had to get this for her…

Love you the longest of time by Bespoke Letterpress
(Image source unknown)

I think I may have mentioned my slightly anal habit of selecting a themed, matched Christmas wrapping style each year. I’m seriously considering the Bespoke double-sided wrap for 2013. The big question is, do I go with the Nordic/Confetti option oor the Holly/Stars…? What do you think?

Nordic/Confetti double-sided wrapping paper
(Images from here)

Holly/Stars double-sided wrapping paper
(Images from here)

Of course, that would mean I’d have to go the whole hog with gift tags and red and white striped ribbon, too…

Bespoke Letterpress Gift Tag and Ribbon
(Image from here)

Do go and check out the Bespoke Letterpress Christmas shop – it’s quite gorgeous. You can find the beautiful double-sided wrap and much more…

Currently Crushing on Christina Vanko and Her Modern Day Snail Mail

Tags

Calligraphy, Christina Vanko, Cursive, Email, Emilio Estevez, Erik Estrada, Graphic Design, Handwriting, Indiana University, Modern Day Snail Mail, Snail mail, Technology, Text messaging

(Image by TSL)

Oh, Erik Estrada. I loved you when I was about 11…

If you’re old enough to know who both Erik Estrada and Emilio Estevez are without googling them, then you may better understand just why I love the quirkiness of Christina Vanko’s recent project, ‘Modern Day Snail Mail’.

There is something so much more personal in the handwritten word than of those merely typed onto a screen. There is a sense that the writer is closer to you. That a little piece of them is on the page.

I’ve always had a thing for beautiful handwriting. Especially, when one has such a fabulous calligraphy technique as Christina Vanko! 

Sadly, my calligraphy skills are not up to par with Christina’s
(Image by TSL)

Anyhoo, who is this Christina Vanko of whom I speak, you may ask?

A fairly recent graduate of Indiana University’s BFA Graphic Design, she started this whimsical project after trying out her father’s calligraphy pen and falling in love.

She decided to create handwritten text messages for a week – 7 days without using the keyboard on her phone to send a message. Instead, she wrote out all her messages on paper before taking a photograph, which was then sent as a text message.

Copies of Christina Vanko’s Handwritten Texts
(Image from here)

Copy of Christina Vanko’s Handwritten Texts
(Image from here)

In this modern age of texting in lieu of telephone conversation, or even face-to-face communication, this is no mean feat. And, if you think I am joking – consider this: the teenager has been known to sit on the same couch as his best friend while they text each other. Seriously.

And, don’t even get me started on whether he can write in cursive…

So, as I received so much pleasure out of Christina’s project, I am making my own wee pledge to hand-write whenever I can. Instead of dashing off an email ‘thank you’ note, I am promising myself that I will make the time to hand-write a card and send it via snail mail. And, who doesn’t love receiving a handwritten note or letter in the post…?

Pony Rider for Christmas…?

Tags

Australian Design, Christmas, Christmas gift ideas, Cushion, Gift ideas, Homewares, Kelly Searl, Lou Reed, Napkin, Quilt, Shopping, Tea Towel, Wall Decal

Pony Rider Wall Dot
$39.00
(Image from Pony Rider)

I like creating a set of rules because generally I’ll break them.(Kelly Searl of Pony Rider)

You gotta’ love a designer who creates rules simply so she can then break them, I think…

I have started thinking about Christmas. I know its only the beginning of November. Believe me, LM thinks I’m crazy (but then, he doesn’t like to plan beyond next week). Here’s the thing, though – I’m a Kiwi. And, I live in Australia. And, I take Christmas-pressie selection seriously. And, I need to factor in shipping times if I’m to order just the right gift from the northern hemisphere. And, I started seeing Christmas decorations in the middle of October, so that makes me positively tardy!

Anyhoo, all that means is I’ve started browsing some of my favourite online stores for Chrissie ideas. A surprisingly time-consuming process. And, one of those favourites is Sydney-based design label Pony Rider.

With a design ethos all about celebrating the beauty in the ordinary everyday things, the very talented designer (and co-founder) Kelly Searle, creates locally manufactured home-wares with a uniquely quirky bent. The hardest thing is picking a favourite.

Here’s a sampling of some of the pieces that particularly appeal…

Pony Rider Perfect Day Wall Banner
In memory of Lou
$119.00
(Image from Pony Rider)

I don’t like nostalgia unless it’s mine. (Lou Reed)

Pony Rider Gran’s Recipe Wall Flag
Not a bad idea for a kitchen…?
$79.00
(Image from Pony Rider)

Pony Rider Players Welcome Quilt – Queen
$660.00
(Image from Pony Rider)

And, with matching cushion…

Pony Rider Players Welcome Floor Cushion
$129.00
(Image from Pony Rider)

And, mining the Players Welcome’ theme (because I kinda’ like it)…

Pony Rider Players Love Heart Teakin
A teakin is a hybrid size between a tea towel and a napkin!
$36.00
(Image from Pony Rider)

Pony Rider Block Cary All Bag
A stylish wee number, don’t you think?
$89.00
(Image from Pony Rider)

You can check out more of the great offerings at Pony Rider through the beautifully styled ‘collections‘ section of their website.

Pony Rider have a number of online and international stockists. They also have a shop facility through their own website. Check it out here.

Lucy Gauntlett’s ‘Sweet As’ Mixed Media Art

Tags

Art, Auckland, Bach, Kiwiana, Lucy Gauntlett, Mixed media, New Zealand, New Zealand Art, Peter Jackson, Photography, Vacation property

‘Sweet As’ by Lucy Gauntlett
(Image from here)

New Zealand is not a small country but a large village.(Peter Jackson)

In New Zealand, the ownership or use of a bach (or, ‘crib’ if you hail from the South Island) is almost part of our cultural heritage. And, for the initiated, a bach is an unassuming, sometimes even rustic, holiday home.  

My parents have a bach about an hour’s drive north of Auckland. And, when I say ‘bach’, I mean a modest-yet-lovely wee house nestled into the bush.

The last time I visited, my Dad was talking ‘bach refurbishment’ with me. He wants to spruce the place up a bit, without spending too much money.

So, I’ve had bach refurbishment on my mind… And, I quite like the ‘Kiwiana nostalgia’ feel that Lucy Gauntlett’s work evokes in me.

New Zealand based professional photographer & graphic artist, Lucy Gauntlett specialises in creative New Zealand limited edition landscape photography, large-scale panoramic landscape photographs and prints of local New Zealand scenery. While these range from rugged West Coast beaches to edgy graffiti ridden streetscapes, my favourites are from her hand painted fruit and vegetable signs that she photographed and layered.

Perhaps I’m just feeling sentimental, but I think some of these pieces might be quite nice at the bach…

“Market Kitchen I’ by Lucy Gauntlett
Available in sepia, black and inverse
(Image from here)

‘Market Kitchen II’ by Lucy Gauntlett
Available in sepia, black and inverse
(Image from here)

‘Sign of the Times’ by Lucy Gauntlett
(Image from here)

Or, for something with less Kiwiana but even more of a retro feel, this kitchen aid poster could be just the thing for the kitchen…

‘Kitchen Aid’ by Lucy Gauntlett
(Image from here)

For a more complete look at Lucy Gauntlett’s work, check out her website here, or visit Clever Bastards – they have a great range.

Page Thirty Three Emergency Candle – Every Home Should Have One!

Tags

Arts, Australia, Candle, Design, Eleanor Roosevelt, Essential oil, Gifts, Page Thirty Three, Practical Gifts, Shopping, Sydney

Page Thirty Three Emergency Candle
(Image from Page Thirty Three)

It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness. (Eleanor Roosevelt)

It’s hard to believe that almost a year has passed since I first discovered the clever design duo that is Page Thirty Three. It’s true. Time does fly. And, Page Thirty Three continues to marry great design with a hefty dose of pragmatism.

They also still, “draw reference and inspiration from trees, flowers, weeds, art, history, design, and the street. They love simple rituals, comfortable spaces, and natural themes. With a clear focus on Australian design & Australian manufacture, many of Page Thirty Three’s objects are hand crafted at their Sydney studio using renewable materials, ecologically friendly packaging, and a positive frame of mind.” 

So, not much has changed by way of their design ethos, but their range has expanded. Gotta’ say, my personal favourite (after the seriously beautiful essential oil burner which I still covet) is the Emergency Candle.

The Emergency Candle is made from 100% Organic Beeswax and sealed inside an airtight and waterproof tin can. In case of emergency, lift ring, pull lid, strike match & light. Safety matches enclosed.

Groovy, don’t you think? ! reckon’ every home needs one (especially mine!)

Page Thirty Three Emergency Candle
(Images from Page Thirty Three)

If you would like to get your hands on an Emergency Candle from Page Thirty Three, you can check out their Australia and New Zealand stockists here, or Page Thirty Three can send you one direct from their online store for AU$34.95 + $10 shipping (in Australia).

 

M.Pup – Designing for You AND Your Four-legged Companion

Tags

Design, Dog Bed, Dogs, Interiors, Korea, Korean Designer, M.Pup, Pet, Rita Rudner, RSPCA

Dog Sofa by M.Pup
(Image from M.Pup)

I just love dogs, and there really is no better companion than an animal. (Rita Rudner)

I know this blog is called This Sydney Life. And, I know I said I would be focusing on Australasian stuff. But, I saw this wonderful couch by Korean design-house M.Pup and I just loved it. It made me smile. And, Korea is kind of in the region. And, I had dogs on my mind because the lovely curator of the Australian Garden Show left a message on my NOT the Australian Garden Show post saying he was going to think about how to better cater for our four-legged friends in next year’s show. (Yay! One wee voice can make a difference) And, just because, really…

So, here’s to M.Pup who design “for you and your companion”. And, by companion, they definitely mean the four-legged variety.

Dog Sofa by M.Pup
(Image from M.Pup)

Dog Sofa by M.Pup
(Image from M.Pup)

Dog Sofa by M.Pup
(Image from M.Pup)

From what I can gather, the dog sofa is the brainchild of Seungji Mun, design director of M.Pup. Their design ethos was born out of the continued growth in nuclear families, and with animals increasingly co-existing with people. For M.Pup, pets are companions for everyday life. For me, too!

Here in Australia, we have one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. According to the RSPCA, a whopping 38% of Australian households have a dog. Perhaps I should tell M.Pup…? From what i can see, they don’t yet distribute their very cool dog sofa down under.

Dogs have boundless enthusiasm but no sense of shame. I should have a dog as a life coach. (Moby)

And. M.Pup don’t just design dog sofas…

Pet Bed by M.Pup
(Image from M.Pup)

Dog House by M.Pup
(Image from M.Pup)

You can check out M.Pup’s website here. I think their designs are seriously groovy. What do you reckon?