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.

 

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.

DIY Macramé Kit by TMOD

Tags

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?

 

Third Drawer Down – For Those ‘Hard to Buy For’ People in Your Life

Tags

Ai Weiwei, Art museum, Christmas, Gift, Gifts, Gifts for hard to buy for people, Holidays, Irreverent gifts, Museum, Shopping, third drawer down

Colouring Book For Grown Ups
Materials needed: colouring utensils, scissors. Optional: Emotional Maturity, Financial Independence, Quality of Life, A paralysing sense of complete and total failure.
Available for $15 from Third Drawer Down
(Image from Third Drawer Down)

When it comes to giving, some people stop at nothing. (Vernon McLellan)

The silly season is nearly here. It’s fast approaching that time of the year when shopping for multitudes of gifts is upon us. Unless, of course, you are one of those ridiculously organised peeps who manages to shop throughout the year and finish your list in August. If so, this post is not for you (unless you want to bookmark it for next year!)

I quite like shopping for gifts. Actually, I get into it in a big way. I may have mentioned that I even theme my Christmas wrapping – which I freely admit may have OCD overtones.

But, there are times when it is not fun to shop for gifts. There are times when you have to buy for someone who is particularly hard to buy for. In times like these, there are a trusted few online stores that may help you out of your pickle.

And, top of my list is Third Drawer Down. I first discovered this wonderful trove of treasures after spotting one of their artist-designed tea towels years ago. And, the tea towel selection remains a winner for me, to this day. I even loved one of my purchases so much, I had it framed.

And, I don’t think the Third Drawer Down peeps will mind if I lift their description straight from the website – it explains what they are so much better than I ever could:

Third Drawer Down and the Museum of Art Souvenirs Store is a storefront museum and place of trade in Fitzroy, Australia. Assembling a curated array of art and designer products, the store functions as a museum and retail space with objects either hand-picked from various popular cultural contexts or made by Third Drawer Down Studio for leading cultural clients around the world.

The Museum of Art Souvenirs Store is nestled behind a graffiti tagged garage door and is Australia’s only trading museum. It’s like visiting all the best museum stores in one spot, and shipped everywhere (even to the moon). Our eccentric and witty taste of products by artists/designers and niche brands and publishers that question the mainstream conditions under which art and culture are bought and sold. (Third Drawer Down)

I have put together a few of my favourite bits’ n’ bobs from their current catalogue…

Altered Ceramic Plate – Bearded Woman
Available for $74 from Third Drawer Down (currently out of stock)
(Image from Third Drawer Down)

Bedtime Story Pillowcases by David Shrigley
Available for $65 from Third Drawer Down (currently out of stock)
(Images from Third Drawer Down)

‘Lab’ Animal Clothes Hanger
Available for $19 from Third Drawer Down
I know JUST the man for this gift…
(Image from Third Drawer Down)

Famos Vegetable Peeler
Available for $15 from Third Drawer Down
According to Remodelista, this is the best vegetable peeler to own. AND, it looks so sexy, too…
(Image from Third Drawer Down)

Easy Frame by Puebco
Available for $26 in a range of colours from Third Drawer Down
(Images from Third Drawer Down)

Ai Weiwei Study of Perspective Silk Scarf
A MOST covetable piece, I think!
Available for $140 from Third Drawer Down
(Image from Third Drawer Down)

Now, I know there are some of you asking why I’m talking gift buying IN OCTOBER!? But, consider this – Third Drawer Down ships all over the world – it just may take a little longer to arrive if you live in Timbuktu…

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).

 

Jac+Jack STILL Make the Best Tees…

Tags

Australia, Clothing, Fashion, Online Shopping, Oxford Street, Shopping, Split Enz, T-Shirts, Tim Finn

Jac+Jack
(Image from here)

Back in July last year, I wrote a wee post about the Jac+Jack ‘Louis’ Tee (you can refresh your memory here). I still reckon they make the best t-shirts around.

What’s even better is their Oxford Street store has opened (actually, a month ago now. I never claimed to be a fashionista!) and it’s a super fine place to visit if you are after a beautifully crafted, clean piece in cotton or cashmere…

Jac+Jack
126 Oxford Street, Sydney
(Image from here)

LM and I happened past the store the other day while walking the pooch. I just had to take the opportunity to pick up a couple of fresh white tees. There are even a couple of ‘husband chairs’ and best of all, the pooch was welcomed with open arms. Gotta’ love a dog friendly clothing store!

Jac+Jack ‘Mitch’ Tee
I thought I’d branch out from the ‘Louis’!
(Image from here)

What just takes the cake for this Kiwi girl, is that the model for the brand’s most recent men’s campaign is none other than our Tim Finn (of Split Enz fame for those of you not in the know… Perhaps I am showing my age?)

It’s a non-stop invention, this game of life, and as soon as you think you’ve got it, you lose it. (Tim Finn)

Tim Finn for Jac+Jack
(Image from here)

Now that’s an inspired bit of marketing, I reckon…

According to their website, Jac+Jack are still working on shipping internationally. Do go and have a squizz at their ever-growing range, though. You can get to it here.

I Have a Crush on Peter Gordon…

Tags

Book, Cookbook, Cooking, food, Gift, Kiwi, kiwi hospitality, London, Marylebone High Street, michael mcgrath, New Zealand, Peter Gordon, Recipe, restaurants, Shopping

Image of Peter Gordon taken by Jonathon Gregson
(Image from here)

When I last lived in London, a million years ago now, I could often be found at The Providores and Tapa Room on Marylebone High Street. I loved it for its laid back Kiwi hospitality. I loved it for its most excellent flat whites. I loved it for its amazing cocktails. And, most of all, I loved it for the seriously great brunch menu.

When LM and I were in London earlier this year, I think we visited the Tapa Room four times for breakfast. It is still as good as I remember. If you are visiting London, a visit to Peter Gordon and Michael McGrath’s institution (it has been around since 2001), is well worth a look-see.

If you have not yet come across the understated and talented Mr Gordon, you should know that he is widely credited as being the ‘godfather’ of fusion cuisine. He is famous for his unique culinary philosophy where he mixes cuisines, flavours and styles of cookery. I think his food is also very clean on the palate. And, of course, the fact that he happens to hail from New Zealand, makes him just a wee bit special.

So, when I was out doing some last-minute Christmas shopping yesterday, I was very pleased to see Peter has come out with a new book. Better still, it is called ‘Everyday’ and is all about how one can create fusion-style food at home. Of course, I bought it (duh!). I have yet to cook from it but after spending a happy hour reading through it, I can tell you there are several recipes I want to try toot sweet…

Peter Gordon ‘Everyday’ (Australasia Edition)

Five Spice Steamed Pork with Noodles and Broccoli, anyone…?

You can pick up a copy of Peter Gordon’s Everyday here. I think he’s fab’…

Leila Jeffreys Is No Flaming Galah…

Tags

Australia, Bird, Birds, Budgie, Christmas, Cockatoo, Galah, Gift, Jonathan Adler, Leila Jeffreys, Photographer, Photography, Shopping, Sydney, Tim Olsen Gallery

‘Queenie’, the Galah Cockatoo by Leila Jeffreys
(Image © Leila Jeffreys)

galah

n
1. an Australian cockatoo, Kakatoe roseicapilla, having grey wings, back, and crest and a pink body
2. Austral slang a fool or simpleton

When you first arrive in Sydney (and possibly all of Australia, for that matter) one of the first things you notice are the birds. Both colourful and noisy, Australian birds are hard to ignore. Their cries start as the sun rises and seem to go all day…

Perhaps one of the most noticeable types of bird are the cockatoos. Until I came to Australia, I had only ever seen a cockatoo in the zoo. Here in Sydney, they are everywhere and they have bold and loud personalities.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo by Leila Jeffreys
(Image © Leila Jeffreys)

Leila Jeffreys is developing quite the following for her bird photography, and when you see her work, it is easy to see why.

Leila’s love of birds has led her all around Australia and the world. She has photographed and helped scientists study endangered birds on Christmas Island; she has been welcomed into the world of pedigree budgerigar ‘best in show’ bird competitions; and she has photographed migrating birds across Europe.

She recently exhibited her Biloela – Wild Cockatoos body of work at the Tim Olsen Gallery which threw a bright spotlight on Australia’s incredibly beautiful cockatoo.

She says, “Now that I’m an adult, I can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing than spending a day with some birds, getting to know them, them getting to know me and finding a way to cut through our differences until we’re left with one animal photographing another”

If I had a talent for photography and a passion for birds like yours, Leila, I think I’d feel exactly the same way…

‘Seisa’, Palm Cockatoo by Leila Jeffreys
(Image © Leila Jeffreys) 

‘Neville’, Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo by Leila Jeffreys
(Image © Leila Jeffreys)

If you’d like to learn more about Leila Jeffreys and her cockatoo series, or perhaps check out her budgie series (which was good enough for Jonathan Adler), you’ll get access her site here.

Tim Olsen Gallery still has available works of Leila’s for sale, too. What a Christmas present…

Orla Kiely’s Thumb is Greener Than Mine…

Tags

Accessories, Candle, Gardening, Home and Garden, Orla Kiely, Outdoor Furniture, Pattern, Print, Shopping, Surface Design, Terrace

Orla Kiely Petal Garden Print
(Image from here)

When one of my plants dies, I die a little inside, too. (Linda Solegato)

Lisa, I feel the same way, only it is a feeling I am quite used to because I am no gardener…

I am, however, a girl who has just had her deck done. As a result, I’m a happy little Vegemite – we can now sit outside and enjoy the balmy, BBQ weather down here. The only problem, is that with the temperate weather come the mozzies (that’s mosquitos to those of you who don’t speak Australian) AND mozzies love me with a passion. So, I have been hunting me down some appropriately attractive citronella candle vessels. Not quite as easy as one might imagine but I think I may finally have a winner.

And, here’s what I came up with – Orla Kiely’s planter in green:

Orla Kiely’s Planter in Green
(Image from here)

Now, I know what you’re going to say – these beautiful babies are planters not candle receptacles, but work with me. Here’s a wee snap of the Orla Kiely planter with the gorgeous and fragrant (with lavender and citronella) candles in them:

MY Orla Kiely Planters
(Snap by TSL)

I think they work. Well, too bad if they don’t because they’re now in situ and the parents are visiting from across the ditch, so no time to change…

We bought our Orla Kiely planters from the very stylish Terrace in Woollahra. If you’d like to see more of the very talented Orla Kiely and her world of surface design, you can check out her site 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…!