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.

 

Lusting After a Castle Cushion…

Tags

Castle, Christmas Gifts, Colour, Cushions, Gifts, Henry David Thoreau, Homewares, Rachel CAstle, Shopping, Velvet

Penny Round Cushions from Castle and Things
(Image from Homestyle NZ)

I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion. (Henry David Thoreau)

Well! If Thoreau had come across the gorgeous velvet offerings from Castle, perhaps he might not have been so willing to sit on a pumpkin…

More Penny Round Cushions from Castle and Things
(Image © Castle and Things)

The lust-worthy Penny Round cushion comes in nine colours. Apparently the hot pink has been so popular it is currently out of stock. No matter – the teal is lovely. But then, so is the charcoal. Or, maybe the green?

Teal Velvet Penny Round Cushion
(Image © Castle and Things)

Charcoal Velvet Penny Round Cushion
(Image © Castle and Things)

Green Velvet Penny Round Cushion
(Image © Castle and Things)

If you would like your own Penny Round cushion, the cover retails for AUD$49. For the down and feather insert as well, you’re looking at AUD$84.

You can check out the full range of Castle and Things offerings here. Shipping offered worldwide.

Native Agent from Aotearoa

Tags

Bedding, Blankets, culture, Cushions, Interior design, Madeleine Albright, Maori, Māori language, Native Agent, New Zealand, Russell Crowe, Shopping, Surface Design, Textile Design

Cushions by Native Agent
(Image from Native Agent)

God bless America. God save the Queen. God defend New Zealand and thank Christ for Australia. (Russell Crowe)

For a wee blogger who originates from the land of the long white cloud, I really don’t feature nearly enough New Zealand artisans. And, there is so much talent to choose from.

Given the Olympics are currently on, and I’m feeling just a touch patriotic, I thought it might be appropriate to introduce you to the beautiful textiles from Native Agent that are so very Kiwi.

I’ve never been to New Zealand before. But one of my role models, Xena, the warrior princess, comes from there. (Madeleine Albright)

Dan Mace Intaglio Etching
35 x 25cm, edition of 10
NZ$125 unframed
(Image from Native Agent)

In 2004, artist Rona Ngahuia Osborne, graphic designer Dan Mace, and business manager extraordinaire Lindsay Mace joined forces and launched the Native Agent brand.

During 2010 Lindsay became very ill and the trio closed the doors on their Kingsland store to focus on her care. They continued to sell Native Agent products through selected retail partners, and began to develop the online side of the business. Sadly, in 2011 Lindsay passed away but the Native Agent brand continues.

Rona’s creative handiwork is central to the Native Agent aesthetic. Inspired by the meeting of Māori and Pakeha cultures in New Zealand’s colonial past, she creates woolen blankets (my favourites), cushions, linen and clothing that have earned a place in many hearts, and many homes.

In 19th century New Zealand, Native Agents were representatives of the crown. They were fluent in the Māori language and therefore able to advocate for, and assist Māori, with land transactions and other matters of law. Dan is a descendant of a Native Agent, so this title seemed an appropriate name for their venture, an agency where the best ‘native’ New Zealand design could be showcased to the world.

Rona’s work is rich in symbolism, weaving together stories that reflect her family’s history, stories of the blending of blood lines and the coming together of people and culture. Woolen blankets were common items of trade between European settlers and Māori, so it is fitting that they form the foundation for many of her works. She adorns them with layers of shape, colour and iconography representative of New Zealand’s cultural history and symbols of the natural world.

Many of the defining themes in the work that Rona creates as Native Agent make historical references to land struggles that led to conflict and war, the trading of muskets and blankets for land, and the extinction of native flora and fauna. These struggles are as relevant today as they were at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Pair of Native Agent ‘Aroha’ Pillowslips
Aroha is the Māori word for love
NZ$115.00 p/pair
(Image from Native Agent)

Native Agent Aotearoa Tiki Trade Cushion
Aotearoa is the Māori word for New Zealand (Land of the long white cloud)
Standard size 40x 40cm
Made from new wool, with hemp wool or cotton applique and embroidery. The images depicted in this collection are icons from Aotearoa’s colonial and tribal history, our natural history and treasures.
NZ$190.00
(Image from Native Agent)

Native Agent Whare Taonga Blanket – ‘Te Ringa’
Whare Taonga is Māori for treasure-house
Created for ‘Whare Taonga’ at the Sarjeant Gallery in Whanganui. This show is on display until the end of June – Available for delivery after the exhibition comes down.
Made from recycled woollen blankets and new wool, machine embroidery, and hand applique using silk, cotton and wool. Backed with a hard wearing black cotton canvas.
NZ$1,200.00
(Image from Native Agent)

The Native Agent website is lovely – go check it out (here) even if you don’t want to purchase.

Jonathan Adler – fabulously fun but perhaps not quite quirky!

Tags

Arts, culture, Cushions, Design, Dogs, Furniture, Homewares, Interior design, Jonathan Adler, Lifestyle, Peru, Rugs, Shopping, VAses

I know – his work is perhaps a tad too mainstream to be considered quirky, particularly for you Northern Hemisphere dwellers, but hear me out… I spotted these Jonathan Adler Williamsburg vases the other day and added them to my wee list of ‘things I like’.

As with so many things, when you change the context, you introduce a new perspective.  Forget they are a fabulously-fun-yet-not-quite-quirky Jonathan Adler design… NOW, might they look the teeniest bit quirky?

Jonathan Adler Utopia Williamsburg Vase
A little bit of whimsy for US$38 for the pair
(You can buy them here)
His and hers, no less!

Following on from that find, I thought it only reasonable to take a decent squizz at the flamboyant Mr Adler’s site.  You know what? – he’s got some funky stuff. If its been a while since you popped your head in, let me share a few things that tickled my wee fancy….

Jonathan Adler Zebra Rug - in orange
Hand loomed llama's wool rug from Peru at US$995
(You can buy them here)
Who knows where I would put it but its ORANGE!!! (or black, pink, red, turquoise, green...)

Jonathan Adler leather Terrier
Handcrafted from full grain leather at US$695
(You can buy them here)
Or, maybe you'd prefer a hippo' or pig or elephant or rhino'?

Jonathan Adler embroidered 'Specs Case' - in green
Handmade wool needlepoint for US$42
(You can buy them here)
I suspect it makes me officially old that I even need to consider a specs case...

Jonathan Adler Walnut Claude Special Edition Gossip Bench Set
You can stack or reconfigure to your hearts desire. This one for US$1,890
(You can order one here)
These are limited edition collectors editions and - forget the exorbitant shipping costs - I have no-where in my home to put one. DAMN IT!!!

Jonathan Adler Mod Love Cushion
Spread the love with needlepoint at US$175
(You can buy them here)
This design is also available as a footstool. Perhaps not together, though... too matchy, matchy, matchy!

I even quite like the Jonathan Adler manifesto.  Who doesn’t appreciate a brand that has the audacity to state, “We believe that when it comes to decorating, the wife is always right. Unless the husband is gay.“? Or, what about, “We believe tassels are the earrings of the home“? What do you reckon’?