DIY Macramé Kit by TMOD

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Arts, Australia, Calvin Trillin, Crafts, Crochet, DIY, Do it yourself, Macramé, Shopping

TMOD DIY (completed) Macrame Kit in mint
(Image from TMOD)

Anybody caught selling macrame in public should be dyed a natural colour and hung out to dry.(Calvin Trillin)

Is there a verb for macramé?

My Mum macramé-d when it was last fashionable. About a million years ago. I remember her macramé onion bag. Truly. A macramé bag just for onions. If my memory serves, she was quite good at it, too.

Fast forward about a million years (or at least thirty) and Georgie Swift and Milenka Osen are the creative minds behind funky Aussie label TMOD. They’ve designed this nifty DIY macramé kit. I’m seriously considering trying it out. Only you know how I went with learning to crochet…

TMOD DIY Macrame Kit in natural
(Image from TMOD)

The girls assure me this DIY kit will make me feel proud of my craftsmanship. I would believe them, except that my crochet teacher said she could teach anyone how to crochet. I was very definitely the exception to THAT rule.

The kit apparently comes with simple easy to follow instructions to make it, then hang it in my home, and fill the glass jar with a plant, flowers, make a terrarium or even house a gold-fish?!

It includes 10 metres of rope, 4 wood beads, a glass jar, 1 ring (to hang it from), and weaving instructions…

TMOD DIY (completed) Macrame in mint and natural
(Image from TMOD)

The kit sells for AU$39.95 from the TMOD online store. There are also a variety of international stockists listed here.

What do you think? Should I risk it?

 

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Maura Ambrose Makes Me Want to Quilt…

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Arts and Crafts, Bedding, Crafts, Fiber art, Folk Fibers, Foraging, Homewares, Maura Grace Ambrose, Natural fiber, Natural Fibers, Quilt, Quilting, Shopping, Terrain, Texas

Miter Stripes Quilt by Maura Ambrose at Folk Fibers
One of a kind Terrain exclusive
(Image from Terrain)

Maura Grace Ambrose of Folk Fibers has a goal: to share the craft and folklore around natural dyes and quilting.

Before you imagine a hippie, hemp wearing, flower child – take the time to check out some of her beautiful and amazing quilts. They are gorgeous. Maura uses natural dyes for some of her fabrics and patchworks them with others – both vintage and new. She is committed to using 100% natural fibres because she believes they feel better (totally agree) and she favours solid colours.

I think her work is stunning…

Colorado Quilt by Folk Fibers
Vintage wool, linen, and cotton fabrics arranged in a strip quilt format.
(Image from Folk Fibers)

Denim Strip Quilt by Folk Fibers
(Image from Folk Fibers)

Miter Strip Quilt by Folk Fibers
(Image from Folk Fibers)

California Quilt by Folk Fibers
New and vintage cottons come together in a bold strip quilt style. The bright modern color palette is softened with subtle accent strips, a select few are naturally dyed with onion skins.
(Image from Folk Fibers)

Flying Geese Quilt by Folk Fibers
(Image from Folk Fibers)

Cross Quilt by Folk Fibers
(Image from Folk Fibers)

All Maura’s quilts are hand-quilted in Texas. They arrive packed in a handmade, screen printed cedar box.

If you’d like to learn more about the fab’ work of Maura at Folk Fibers, check out her website here. As you might expect, her quilts are not cheap, but what an heirloom…!

Helena Seget Creates Quirky Porcelain Tiles for Animal Lovers

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Arts and Crafts, Ceramic Art and Pottery, Ceramics, Crafts, Dogs, Interior design, Pets, porcelain, Shopping, Tile, Unique Gifts

Paw Print Tiles by Helena Seagate
(Image © Helena Seget)

According to Helena Seget, it’s a unique idea (and perhaps only animal lovers will understand it)… I think its wonderful.

One day, by chance, Helena’s pet rat ran across some floor-tiles she had been making. She noticed two things – that the running lines created an indelible memory of the living creature she had already struck up a relationship with; and that the accidental nature of the pattern produced a fascinating yet organic design in its own right.

Helena experimented further by laying the floor-tiles in a bathroom area, where she noticed a third thing – the fact that the prints were made by a creature she knew meant that, curiously, she never felt alone when in that room. The creature’s ‘genius’ inhabited the room.

And from there, the Paw Print Floor Tile project was born.

Helena’s tiles apparently attracts two kinds of buyers. Firstly, those who simply request paw-print patterns for kitchens, utility rooms, conservatories & bathrooms. As each set is custom-made, the patterns too are always different, and designed to fit the area and the clients’ own ideas.

But secondly, there are people who want their creatures to be fully involved in the process. Helena works with them and their pets (from gerbils to dogs!) to make fully individual tile-sets.

Helena says: “As someone who knows how significant the relationship can be between a human being and an animal, I find this way of working the most satisfying. And it’s amazing how the animal ‘lives on’ this way – even after it may have died.”

Paw Print Tiles by Helena Seget
(Image © Helena Seget)

Paw Print Tiles by Helena Seget
(Image © Helena Seget)

The tiles are made of porcelain fired to a high temperature, which makes them hard-wearing and resistant to discolouration, and can be ordered in any amount.

Helena does not lay the tiles herself, so you will need a competent floor tiler.
On the other hand, you could just buy one or two (or three or four) and use them for decoration!

Helena Seget is based in Newcastle upon Tyne. If you’d like to learn more about her work, or if you’d like to order some tiles, you can find out how here.

The World of Origami – Who Would Have Thunk It?

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Amazon, Art, Books, craft, Crafts, Design, Dollar bill, Gilda Radner, Origami, Paper, Paper Craft, Shopping

Dollar Bill Origami
(Image © How About Orange)

Dreams are like paper, they tear so easily. (Gilda Radner)

So, since knitting does not seem to be an option for me…. And, given crochet has also has me beat (and everybody told me it was easier than knitting. Bah Humbug!)… I’m considering origami as a possibility. I’m quite fascinated by these folded wee artworks. I quite like their whimsy.

What do you think?

Dollar Bill Origami Rabbit
(Image from here)

Of course, an origamist* is not limited to using US dollar bills. I just happened to like those examples (and there is no such thing as an Australian dollar bill any more so I couldn’t find any Australian examples).

Anyhoo – in my quest to find a form of haberdashery that I can actually achieve, I had a quick squizz at Amazon to see what they had on offer. Well, it seems there is a whole world of origami just waiting to be discovered. Here’s a taste of what I discovered…

Prepare to be amazed!

Money Origami Kit: Make the Most of Your Dollar!
(Image from Amazon)

Sticky Note Origami: 25 Designs to Make at Your Desk
(Image from Amazon)

Barfbag Origami: Twenty-Seven First-Class Gags to Get Your Creative Juices Flowing
(Image from Amazon)

Erotic Origami
(Image from Amazon)

Adult Origami
(Image from Amazon)

I may have to order one of these books just to see what I can come up with. Any suggestions as to which one I should choose?

* a made up word meaning ‘one who creates origami’

Rebecca Wilson Creates Paper-ware Out of Porcelain…

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Art, Arts and Crafts, Ceramic Art and Pottery, Ceramics, Crafts, Delft, Design, Paper, porcelain, Rebecca Wilson, Shopping

Rebecca Wilson’s Delft Porcelain Paper-ware
(Image © Rebecca Wilson)

Can you believe that beautiful paper-cup with the Delft floral image is actually made out of porcelain? Is it not gorgeous?

The very talented Rebecca Wilson is the ceramicist responsible for these pieces. She believes the paper cup is an icon of our ‘throwaway culture’. By imposing classical ceramic styling and transposing materials, she aims to highlight and question our tendency towards wasteful consumerism. It’s a lofty goal – but she certainly makes me reconsider the disposable paper coffee cup…

These cups are hand-built from cast sheets of specially formulated porcelain paperclay slip. They come in two different styles – both derived from traditional ceramic aesthetics. The ‘Jasperware’ version emulates Wedgewood’s iconic range using stained porcelain slip and embossed relief details in white. And, the Dutch classic ‘Blue Delft’ (my favourite) is alluded to in digital decals scanned from hand drawn decals in blue biro.

Rebecca Wilson’s Wedgewood Picnic-ware
(Image © Rebecca Wilson)

Rebecca Wilson’s Delft Paper-ware
(Image © Rebecca Wilson)

If the porcelain paper-ware wasn’t enough for you, how about some paper-ware that looks like porcelain…? Confused?

In response to the call for an affordable and disposable version of her ‘Finest Porcelain Paper-ware’, Rebecca created the ‘Finest Paperware (Paper)’ collection. People wanted a version of these that they could have and use.

These cups are hand-built from cast sheets of handmade paper. Like their porcelain counterparts, they come in the two different styles. The ‘Jasperware’ version emulates Wedgewood’s iconic range using stained dyed paper and embossed relief details in white. And the Dutch classic ‘Blue Delft’ is alluded to in hand drawn decals in blue biro. They are suitable for hot and cold drinks, and are made from sustainable materials in the UK, and are fully recyclable.

You can learn more about the very talented Rebecca Wilson and her deliciously irreverent ceramics here. You can also pick up a pack of 12 of her Finest Picnic-ware from Culture Label for just £10. Bargain!

Mademoiselle Maurice, Vos Rues Roches Origami!

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Art, Art Installation, Artist, Colour, Crafts, culture, Design, Mademoiselle Maurice, Museum, Origami, Paper, Paris, Street art

Images of Origami Street Art by Mademoiselle Maurice
(Images © Mademoiselle Maurice)

Disclaimer: The title of this post should read ‘Mademoiselle Maurice, Your Street Origami Rocks!’, in French. If it doesn’t, or if there are grammatical errors you cannot live with, please take it up with Google translate.

For me, there is something captivating about the fragility of any kind of art created out of ephemeral mediums like ice, sand, moss, chalk or – in the case of Mademoiselle Maurice – origami paper. That the artist knows their work is a temporary part of the environment seems to make it particularly special.

Through her work, Mademoiselle Maurice seeks to turn the outside world into an open air museum, one where her works are created in a way that communicates positive emotion in a purely subjective manner. She wants to brighten our lives, and I reckon’ she achieves that!

What do you think?

Images of Origami Street Art by Mademoiselle Maurice
(Images © Mademoiselle Maurice)

Mademoiselle Maurice works with different mediums – things such as origami, lace, photography, or painting and embroidery. For me, her works are a little naïve yet at the same time joyful. The images of her rainbow origami make me smile.

If you would like to see a more comprehensive gallery of Mademoiselle Maurice’s work, you can access her website here.

Ode to Donna Wilson – ‘Knitting Designer’

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Art, Arts, Björk, Ceramics, Colour, Crafts, Cushion, Donna Wilson, Gloves, Homeware, Knitting, Knitting and Crochet, Machine Knitting, Mel Bochner, Mel Brochner, Poetry, Softies, Surface Design, Tea Towel, Yarn Arts

Donna Wilson ‘Meg Plate’
Serve your dinner on Meg’s friendly face plate. Hand made and printed in Stoke-on Trent. 100% Bone China.
(Image © Donna Wilson)

Donna Wilson – you make me smile,
You’re the best ‘knitting designer’ I‘ve seen in a long while.

The humour you put into all your designs,
Makes each one seem like such a whimsical find.

I just love your kooky ‘Bearded Man’,
And ‘Peeping Tom’, I think he was there back when it began.

Your ‘blah blah’ rug just makes me grin,
And now there’s ‘Grace’; she the yang to ‘Meg’s’ yin.

In addition, there’s another bit –
No matter how I try, I just can’t learn to knit!

(Sheepishly brought to you by TSL)

Donna Wilson ‘Peeping Tom’
He is inquisitive and likes telling jokes. He dislikes smelly feet. He is my favourite!
Material: Knitted wool & polyester stuffing
(Image © Donna Wilson)

Donna Wilson ‘Use My Beard Tea Towel’
Beautifully printed in the UK on quality linen/cotton.
(Image © Donna Wilson)

Donna Wilson ‘Meg Cushion’
Meg’s friendly face is printed on 100% cotton. She comes in 2 colour ways, with yellow or orange hair. Comes with duck feather cushion pad.
(Images © Donna WIlson)

Donna Wilson ‘Right Wrong Gloves’
For those sleepy early mornings – cosy gloves marked right and wrong just to make sure they don’t get muddled up. (I have a great mate in NZ who has trouble with right & left. These would be great for her…) One size only (adult). 100% lambs wool. Available in green, coral, camel and grey
(Image © Donna Wilson)

Donna Wilson ‘Blah Blah Large Throw’
100% lambswool, woven in Scotland. Available in white with ebony or blue with ebony. (Cheaper than a Mel Bochner original, too!)
(Image © Donna Wilson)

Donna Wilson ‘Swan Scarf’
100% lambswool, knitted in Scotland. Swan around and stand out this winter. Mini versions also available for children. (Now you, too can channel Björk!)
Available in black and white
(Image © Donna Wilson)

Originally from Scotland, Donna Wilson’s grandma taught her how to knit and crochet at a young age. She started selling her quirky knitted designs online after completing a sell-out show, along with her degree in mixed media textiles at the Royal College of Art in 2003. All her designs are created to make people smile. Works for me!

If you’d like to see more of the oh so talented Donna Wilson designs, or if you’d like to order something from her on-line shop, you can do so from here.

Donna Wilson, I salute you.

I Want to Crochet Like Luisa De Santi

Tags

Abstract, Baron Di Rondo, Colour, Crafts, Crochet, Design, Dolls, Fiber Arts, Luisa De Santi, Pattern, Shopping

Luisa De Santi
(Image sourced from Baron di Rondo)

One of my favourite things about writing a wee blog post each day is that it provides me with the excuse to forage for the most interesting and creative people. It is a real luxury and I really love it. Today, I want to share a little of Luisa De Santi and her incredible, colourful and creative crochet. I think her ‘Creatura Vegetale’ (Plant Creatures) work is out of this world.

In some wee corner of my mind, after I’ve attended crochet lessons, I dream I’ll be able to create otherworldly figures like she does. I did say dream…

Creatura Vegetale 03 Rossa by Luisa De Santi
(Image sourced from Baron di Rondo)

Creatura Vegetale 04 Verde by Luisa De Santi
(Image sourced from Baron di Rondo)

Creatura Vegetale 02 Azzurra
(Image sourced from Baron di Rondo)

Creatura Vegetale 01 Verde by Luisa De Santi
(Image sourced from Baron di Rondo)

Creatura Vegetale 00 Verde by Luisa De Santi
(Image sourced from Baron di Rondo)

Nicknamed ‘Crochet Doll’, Luisa De Santi originates from Trieste, Italy. She started stitching and crochet at a very early age.

A keen vegan and animal rights advocate, Luisa doesn’t crochet with traditional wool. Her ‘Creatura Vegetale’ creations were born out of a view that the lines between the plant and animal kingdoms are blurrier than we may realise. She likens the pieces to the experience of travelling to a tropical garden. What an imagination!

I know I have one or two readers (!) who are perhaps not so keen on abstract forms. Luisa is also a keen puppet and doll maker, so for you, a couple of images of some of Luisa’s more traditional ‘Bambole Moderne’ (Modern Dolls) pieces.

(I’m pretty sure patterns to the modern Dolls are still available)

Bambole Moderne 1
(Image sourced from Baron di Rondo)

Bambole Moderne 2 by Luisa De Santi
(Image sourced from Baron di Rondo)

If you would like to know more about Luisa De Santi, she seems to have more than one website. I found the most helpful was this one here.

Love Lace – Make Lace Not War

Tags

Arts, Australia, community, Crafts, creativity, culture, Design, Exhibition, Fibre Art, Lace, lace exhibition, Powerhouse Museum, style, Surface Design, Sydney, Textile, Travel, Visual Art

'Shadows of Memory' by Michele Eastwood
Materials: Textiles. Close weave calico laser cut into silhouettes, which are backed onto a dissolvable fabric and the fine threads are couched, holding the figures in space.

I know, I know – yesterday I talked about the ArtExpress exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.  Today I’m bringing you news of another exhibition, this time at the Powerhouse Museum.  What can I tell you? – I’m mining a theme. I’ve also had visitors from New Zealand staying.  You may get more of the same tomorrow!

The Love Lace exhibition is an impressive show of 130 Lace Works by 134 artists from 20 different countries. Each artist displays their passion for lace in this beautiful (if a little dark) exhibition of winning entries and finalists in the Powerhouse Museum International Lace Award.

To be honest, I had read about the Love Lace exhibition and, despite a keen interest in surface design and fibre art, wasn’t that motivated to go and see it. Well, I was pleased to be proved wrong. It is well worth a visit. The works are amazing, and my wee nephew even got to make slime from scratch as part of the school holiday programme. 

I am loving this renaissance of traditional arts and crafts with a modern interpretation.

'Nanduti Lace' by Griselda Gonzales
Materials: Linen needlework lace

'White Guilt' by Ashley Shepherd
Materials: Cotton, machine embroidered onto water-soluble fabric and burnt with incense sticks

'Collar of Petrified Lace' by Wendy Ramshaw
Materials: cut stainless steel, powder coated

Front: 'Intersect' by Tania Spencer
Materials: Knitted galvanised wire using s spinning ginny, fencing tools, pliers and bolt cutters. The wire is hand bent around the jig and then woven together.
Back: 'Lace Fence' by Joep Verhoeven
Materials: Bobbin lace technique using galvanised steel wire, fabricated in Bangalore, India

The Love Lace exhibition runs at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney until April 2013.

If you don’t live in Sydney, you can check out the Love Lace exhibition online at the Powerhouse Museum Website (here). Alternatively, another great reason for you to come and visit!

I Love my Rosenthal Paperbag Vase…

Tags

Arts, Crafts, Finnish Design, Floristry, Flower, Iconic, Paperbag, Photos, Pop art, Rosenthal, style, Tapio Wirkkala, Vase

Years ago, my Dad gave my Mum a Rosenthal Paperbag Vase. She then gave it to me for my birthday one year because she knew how much I loved it. I still do. Looking at it makes me happy. It’s a little whimsical. It’s a little charming. It’s stronger than it looks (and has moved countries with me).  I think of my Mum when I look at it. And, given my incredibly bad flower arranging skills, the hapless way flowers fall in this vase (and still look good!) – it is perfect for me.

Image from here

The porcelain Paperbag vase was created by Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal in 1977.  Today the Paperbag is one of the best-selling articles in Rosenthal’s collection. It reflects Wirkkala’s ability to find a little poetry in everyday life and, at the same, provide an amusing nod to the 1960s Pop Art movement.

Clearly, I am not the only one who loves their Paperbag vase.  Some have become almost obsessive about collecting them…

Not sure I need quite so many!
Image from here

If you decide life would be better with a Rosenthal Paperbag vase, you can order one (or more!) online from the Finnish Design Shop and it will even be delivered to your door!