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

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.

 

Urban Walkabout Launch Their Pop Up for Christmas…

Tags

Accessories, Australia Design, Australia Made, Christmas Shopping, Homewares, Jewellery, Local Artisan Shopping, Melbourne, Online Shopping, Perth, Scarves, Softies, Sydney, Urban Walkabout

(Image from here)

So I rang up my local swimming baths. I said ‘Is that the local swimming baths?’ He said ‘It depends where you’re calling from. (Tim Vine)

There’s a great little group of passionate locals who established the very useful Urban Walkabout back in 2006.  They publish a series of free lifestyle guides featuring fashion, food and design destinations in Sydney, Perth and Melbourne.

Their printed guides are a great way for locals and visitors alike to discover the best places to eat, drink, shop and more within a given area.

Urban Walkabout say it best: “Our printed guides include an illustrated map and business images and reviews that help direct readers to a carefully curated selection of boutiques, local artisans, galleries, designers, cafes, bars and restaurants in each location.”

And, best of all – you can pick them up for free.

This year, for the first time, Urban Walkabout have launched a new online pop up shop.   It’s a curated collection of unique product from local producers in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth – and, I think they’ve got some very cool wares on offer.

Wanna’ see some of my favourites?

‘Clem’ The Herringbone Koala
Born and raised in Creswick, Victoria.
Clem is double stitched and lovingly constructed from offcuts salvaged from the local wool mill by the delightful toy maker, Robyn from Sillee Billee. He stands 23cm tall.
$40
(Image from Urban Walkabout)

Rosso Forte Scarf ‘Spremuta’
I love me a scarf… This one is a rustic still life of fruit and assorted produce laid out in preparation. Bold citrus colours are contrasted with light and dark accents. Billowy, lightweight washed silk. Designed and handmade in Italy. It measures 140cm x 160 cm. GORGEOUS!
$229.00
(Image from Urban Walkabout)

Baked Optimism Tin
Created by artist Tara Daniel, this tin of Baked Optimism contains exceptionally cheerful baked beans. You can never have too much optimism. Or too many baked beans. I know a girl who loves her baked beans…
Also available in ‘Sliced Pessimism’ variety.
$20
(Image from Urban Walkabout)

L’ascari Man Candle
Mancandle is for every man. They apparently allow any man to be able to enhance his space be it at work or at home by being able to customise the scent of his environment with one or a combination of up to four sophisticated fragrances.
With a 27 hour burn time they come beautifully presented in a glass amber jar (height 6.5cm) with screw top lid and packaged in a rigid sliding box.
Fragrances available:
Sawdust – cedar wood & sandalwood paired with patchouli & musk.
Open field – think freshly cut grass & green leaves teamed perfectly with Australian fauna. Fresh just doesn’t cover it!
Old oak tree – a deep earthy fragrance combining oak, woods, amber & citrus fruit. “Smells like a hot man” – as overheard in the Urban Walkabout office.
Espresso – dark roasted coffee beans
$29.00
(Image from Urban Walkabout)

InSync Roost Earrings
These earrings by InSync are made from hypoallergenic stainless steel plated with 22 carat yellow matte gold. Each set comes boxed with details about the artist.
Iris Saar Isaacs is a Melbourne based design studio. InSync design studio maintains an independent approach to contemporary jewellery, whilst marrying industrial methods and materials.
$100
(Image from Urban Walkabout)

Vintage Rubber Stamp Set from High Tea with Mrs Woo
Make your Christmas cards stand out this year! A great box set of vintage-style alphabet and number rubber stamps which make beautiful labels and gift tags. Buy them as a gift or use them to decorate your own. Includes a set of 20 blank gift tags.
Made in Korea (so not strictly local!). They make my ‘haberdashery’ tendencies go bananas!
$50
(Image from Urban Walkabout)

Paper Potter Kit With Heirloom Seed Packs
I adore this concept! A clever and everlasting tool for pressing biodegradable seedling pots with newspaper. When seedlings are ready, plant them complete with the pot into the ground to avoid disturbing the roots. This beautiful kit includes heirloom seeds of beetroot and cauliflower varieties and paper strips so you are ready to get started straight away! This potter makes approximately 6 x 4.5cm pots.
$38
(Image from Urban Walkabout)

Do go and check out all the offerings at the Urban Walkabout Pop Up here. Unfortunately, shipping is only available within Australia BUT, if you’re planning a visit to Sydney, Melbourne or Perth there’s also the free Urban Walkabout App which brings you a mobile version of the well-known and loved pocket-sized Urban Walkabout guides, to allow you to curate the city your way.

Support the Cloth Fabric Bush Fire Appeal…

Tags

Australia, Banksia, Blue Mountains, Bushfires in Australia, Cloth Fabric, Company Manifesto, Design, Echidna, Fabric Design, Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife, Homewares, Interior design, Julie Paterson, New South Wales, Surface Design, Tea Towels

(Image from here)

One of the coolest things about living in Australia is the abundance of native plants and wildlife. It is so different from the flora and fauna of New Zealand. And, it is not uncommon to see koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, wombats and echidnas in the wild here. I promise I’m not exaggerating. That makes Australia pretty special.

One of the worst things about living in Australia is the bush-fires. And, after a particularly mild winter, followed by one of the hottest and driest Octobers on record here in New South Wales, we have had a hugely destructive start to the summer bush fire season.

Julie Paterson is a bit of an iconic native Australian, too. As the founder of Cloth Fabric, she has developed a wonderful (not to mention very successful) outlet for her creative talent.

She’s also an ambassador to The Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife. And, as a way of generating support for the devastation caused by the recent bush fires, has designed the first two tea towels, in a series of three, to raise money for the foundation. $20 from each tea towel sold will go towards local organisations helping Australia’s native wildlife in bushfire affected areas.

What a great cause…

Echidna Tea Towel by Julie Paterson at Cloth
(Image from here)

Julie has a property at Blackheath in the Blue Mountains. Fortunately, her house was spared by the recent bush fires in the region.

She chose an echidna for the second of her tea towel designs because they are slow and vulnerable. They can’t run fast. In times of stress, they curl up into a ball. The words on the tea towel tell you what to do if you come across and echidna needing your help.

When it’s hard to paint the clouds we draw the mountains. (Part of the Cloth Fabric ‘Imperfect Manifesto‘)

The first tea towel in the series is of a Banksia – a plant that needs the help of the smoke of a bush fire to germinate. Julie is still working on the third…

The tea towels are AU$38 each. Postage is free if you live in Australia, but they can be shipped internationally. You can learn more about the project and order the tea towels here.

And, while you’re having a look-see around the Cloth Fabric website, do check out their imperfect manifesto. I think it rocks.

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.

The Americans are Coming…

Tags

Australia, Bondi Junction, Cookware and bakeware, gourmet cookware, Homewares, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Sydney, West Elm, Williams-Sonoma

Williams-Sonoma store in Colorado
(Image from here)

It was back in August last year that I first heard that American retail giant Williams-Sonoma was opening down under. At the time it seemed quite a long way away, so I created a wee ‘wish list’ of things that made me look twice. Then I promptly put it to the back of my mind. (You can see some of my ‘wish list here. I’m not sure what planet I was on that day – a couple of the items just scream ‘twee’ to me now… What a difference eight months makes!).

Well, the day has (almost) finally arrived. Tomorrow is the official opening of Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm in Sydney. I’m imagining gridlocked traffic and bedlam at Bondi Junction. LM has promised to take me for a look-see. I’m not sure he realises just what a magnanimous offer this shall turn out to be!

Now if you are not from North America AND if shopping just ain’t your bag AND you have no idea what I’m yabbering on about, here’s the back story: Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is, according to their website, “the premier specialty retailer of home furnishings and gourmet cookware in the United States, Canada (and, as of tomorrow, Australia). Their brands are among the best known and most-respected in the industry. They offer high-quality, stylish products for every room in the house: from the kitchen to the living room, bedroom, home office and even the hall closet.”

In the name of research (!), I had another squizz at their websites and put together a few things that caught my eye…

Recycled Rag Rug Pouf from West Elm
I have no idea where I would put it but it’s red and it looks yummy…
(Image from here)

Shane Powers Hanging Glass Bubble Collection for West Elm
I LOVE these…
(Image from here)

Alphabet Trays for West Elm
Wouldn’t these make sweet wee gifts?
(Image from here)

French Cafe Side Chair for Pottery Barn
Bringing a piece of the Med’ down under!
(Image from here)

Croquet Set for Pottery Barn
And, while we’re sitting outside in the sun, a spot of croquet, perhaps?
(Image from here)

Grand Embroidered 280-Thread Count Boudoir Pillow Cover for Pottery Barn
I fancy the idea of embroidering a rude word or phrase onto one or two of these…
(Image from here)

Signal Flag Kilo for Williams-Sonoma
Kilo represents the message ‘I wish to communicate with you’.
(Image from here)

Stuffed Hamburger with lifter for Williams-Sonoma
I think this is a BRILLIANT idea. I may just have to invest in this wee beauty…
(Image from here)

Monogrammed Forged Steak Brand for Williams-Sonoma
I know it’s sexist, but I immediately think ‘man gift’…
(Image from here)

Fontana Gusto Wood-Fired Outdoor Oven for Williams Sonoma
Given my gluten-free life, I can’t even eat pizza. That doesn’t stop me coveting one of these gorgeous ovens…
(Image from here)

All of the items pictured are taken from the North American website. I’m not even sure the entire range will be available here… I guess we’ll find out tomorrow!

If you’re in Sydney, you too can visit the grand opening tomorrow from 9am at 472 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction. LM and I will see you there!

 

Jo Luping’s Ceramics Make Me Homesick For New Zealand

Tags

Arts and Crafts, Bird, Ceramics, Clever Bastards, Elijah Wood, Flightless bird, Gifts, Homewares, Illustration, Jo Luping, Jo Luping Design, New Zealand, Peter Jackson

Jo Luping Tui Medium Bowl
(Image © Jo Luping Design)

Like other regions separated from the rest of the world for a long period, New Zealand has developed a distinct flora. About 75% of the native flora is unique, and it includes some of the world’s oldest plant forms. Apart from seals and two species of bats, did you know New Zealand has no indigenous land mammals?

There is a great diversity of birds (and I miss them!), some 250 species in all, including breeding and migratory species. They are not like the cockatoos and kookaburras of Australia.

Among the flightless birds the most interesting is the kiwi, New Zealand’s national symbol and the only known bird with nostrils at the tip of the bill instead of at the base. Other characteristic birds are the kea, a mountain parrot, and the tui, a beautiful songbird.

There’s a real purity in New Zealand that doesn’t exist in the states. It’s actually not an easy thing to find in our world anymore. It’s a unique place because it is so far away from the rest of the world. There is a sense of isolation and also being protected. (Elijah Wood)

Jo Luping Design produces art pieces such as ceramics, jewellery and prints. I particularly like their ceramics which have a real flavour of New Zealand about them. Jo and her design team draw inspiration from New Zealand’s land and sea.

Jo Luping Fantail Medium Bowl
(Image © Jo Luping Design)

Jo Luping Kowhai Medium Bowl
(Image © Jo Luping Design)

Jo Luping Cabbage Tree Medium Bowl
(Image © Jo Luping Design)

Jo Luping Cicada Medium Bowl
(Image © Jo Luping Design)

Jo Luping Butterfly Medium Bowl
(Image © Jo Luping Design)

I think they would make lovely gifts. Clever Bastards stocks a large range of Jo Luping Design ceramics if you are interested…

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

If you’d like to learn more about Jo Luping and her designs, check out her website here.

Maura Ambrose Makes Me Want to Quilt…

Tags

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…!

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.

Kerry Larkin of Comma Workshop Has Style…

Tags

Arts, Arts and Crafts, Bedding, Comma, Comma Workshop, Fiber art, Gifts, Homewares, Kerry Larkin, Matthew McConaughey, Poet, Poetry, Quilt, Quilting, Sewing, Shopping, Text, Typography, Writing

‘A Perfect Moon’ Quilt by Comma Workshop
The first quilt in the Comma Workshop new series features original writings by Kerry Larkin. The entire collection launches in Fall 2012.
(Image © Comma Workshop)

Two years ago, Kerry Larkin founded Comma Workshop in Colorado and began producing quilts that are sewn together with language. “The signature thing is that it’s my handwriting, and so no two letters are going to look alike,” she said.

Comma Workshop is dedicated to bringing a fresh perspective to the time-honored traditions of quilting and storytelling. Crafting original poems and stories about life and adventure, Kelly and her artisans thoughtfully sew these stories into every quilt.

Their goal is to create timeless, sophisticated quilts, with a hint of playfulness that are functional heirlooms for your home.

Each quilt has an original story or poem quilted directly into it, in both white thread and a contrasting color thread.  In this way, the 800+ words are a functional part of the quilt holding three layers of fabric together.  They machine quilt – by hand – so the ‘comma cursive’ is original and free-handed, making no two quilts exactly alike.

I think they are enchanting…

‘Joy’ Quilt by Comma Workshop
‘Joy’ is Kerry’s favorite quilt in the Limited Edition Collection and currently on her own bed! The phrase “and be not afraid to dance like the white-skirted girl with the suntanned face, for joy is surely the greater of our gifts.” is quilted in Verdana font across the front.
(Image © Comma Workshop)

Life is a series of commas, not periods.* (Matthew McConaughey)

*That’s a full stop to those of us who reside outside North America!

‘Still’ Quilt by Comma Workshop
“Rust Becomes Earth Becomes Me” written specifically for this collection by award-winning creative writer Jody Jenkins. It is quilted in its entirety in ash colored thread in the background of the quilt. “Still” is quilted in Times New Roman font at the lower right hand corner of this quilt.
(Image © Comma Workshop)

‘Nestled Newness’ Quilt by Comma Workshop
Snuggle your wee one in sweet words! Writings of seasons changing and new love create the background of this series of quilts.
“Hibernation wakes orange lights and sweet love… like spring wrapped in newness…” The Nestled Newness baby quilt uses a combination of the signature Comma handwriting and the Times New Roman typeface.
(Image © Comma Workshop)

‘Sweet Love’ Quilt by Comma Workshop
More writings of seasons changing and new love.
“a sweet love and quiet calm.” “Hibernation wakes orange lights and sweet love… like spring wrapped in newness…”
(Image © Comma Workshop)

Even though it’s too late to order in time for Christmas, if you’d like to see more of the Comma Workshop Quilts, there are more quilt designs to see here.