in the spotlight : paper couture

Do you remember last years Christmas issue of Inside Out Magazine? Paper heaven! I for one flipped through those pages so many times,  ohhing and ahhing over the beautifully styled images. One of my fave aspects was the delicate paper decorations by Jo Neville of Paper Couture in Paddington.  

Jo (pictured below) is super clever with paper, turning the folding stuff into almost anything at all.  You might recall seeing her brown paper clothes with flower embellishments in magazines, very inspired.  I have been to visit Jo at her Paddington studio a couple of times now.  I feel very at home amongst reems of tissue paper pom poms, sheet music and colourful ribbons! 

We have chatted a couple of times about getting her along to Magnolia Square and whipping up some  fabulous paper installation .... so I am very excited to annouce that Jo, in all her paper finery, will be at the Randwick Show in just under 2 weeks time.  

Jo is working with the colour palette of our Christmas 2010 postcard (see below our take on Christmas, vintage style - featuring my etsy found celluloid reindeers) to create some magic out of paper.  Don't miss it.  Jo will also have a stand at our show and can chat to you about all of your paper decorating needs.

in the spotlight : have you met miss jones

Well no, not yet anyway.  But I am very much looking forward to it!  Jennifer's designs have been gracing the pages of our fave home & lifestyle mags for some time and I must say my mantle piece is home to her bone china log vase with forest mushrooms.  The range has extended beyond the very recognisable white peices into clay pottery, metal lacework vases and recycled glass vessels.  

Come and meet Miss Jones at Magnolia Square Nov 12-14, Randwick Racecourse.  Full details click here.

What is your earliest memory of yourself as a creative person? 

My first word spoken was 'guava'.

How would you best describe your business? 

Constantly evolving and surprising me in the process.

Day to day, what is it that inspires creativity in you?  

The most brilliant blog by writer India Knight and the skies over Bondi at 6am.

What has been your greatest success to date?

Being able to structure my week so that I can volunteer at the Wayside Chapel on Friday afternoon's. 

What are you loving at the moment?  

Typography, the number 5 and anything fire engine red.

What are you tired of? 

All white, stark, minimalist interiors.

Three words that best describe you. 

La vida loca!

Useful Links

http://haveyoumetmissjones.com.au

in the spotlight : materialistic

We are LOVING Angie from Materialistic ... the colour in her  range of screen printed textiles reminding us all that summer is on the way. Great gift ideas here for your besty, the work kris kringle or the kids classroom teacher. Shop the range at Mag Square in Sydney.

What is your earliest memory of yourself as a creative person?

I can’t remember one exact memory, it feels like I was always mucking around with paint and crayons. I do, however, remember my first creative critique vividly. One afternoon when I was about 7 or 8 yrs old, I had left a particularly splendid piece of creative work (or so I thought) to dry out on the back verandah, but when I went out later to check on the painting I discovered, Geraldine, our goose, had left her “opinion” all over my work. Nice. I, of course, harbour no hard feelings... paté anyone?

How would you best describe your business?

Eye catching. Always on the look out for humour and beauty in the everyday.

Day to day, what is it that inspires creativity in you?

A deadline. And finding that humour and beauty in ordinary things. 

What has been your greatest success to date?

Forming my little idea and desire to create lovely stuff into an actual business and then to have had such a positive response from customers is huge!

What are you loving at the moment?

Ceramics. British ceramist Helen Beard in particular. She paints watercolour portraits of ordinary people on beautiful crafted bowls and vases. (Note to self , find thesaurus to discover alternative words for 'ordinary').

And the end of winter.

What are you tired of?

Rain!

And not being able to source good quality sustainably made fabric in Australia.

Three words that best describe you.

Obsessed with colour.

Useful Links:

http://materialistic.com.au

in the spotlight : states of nature

I am really excited to have Simone Madigan back at Magnolia Square ... if you are a magazine junkie like my good ol' self you will have spotted these beautiful wooden, lace printed brooches gracing many a page!  Lots of fab christmas shopping to be done at States of Nature ... Nov 12-14 @ Randwick. 

What is your earliest memory of yourself as a creative person?

Well there's a pretty cool photo in an album somewhere of me sitting up at the kitchen table with paints and brushes looking very happy at about 7 years old. I'm perched at an old antique table with a pedestal base that my mum restored, and there are black and white checkerboard lino tiles on the floor. I think I'm in my PJs - sheer bliss.

How would you best describe States of Nature?

States of Nature is a little label that I created to explore the art of printmaking and how to use sustainable techniques and materials. It's grown to include pieces made from natural fibres and fabrics, FSC certified plantation timber, and porcelain. I hope my pieces are enjoyed and treasured for many years to come, and bring happiness to those who own them.

Day to day, what is it that inspires creativity in you?

I am really inspired by the process of making things, the beauty of the natural world, and the talented people I meet. There's a wonderful community of makers out there who are supportive of one another, whether in the next suburb or on another continent.

What has been your greatest success to date?

The day I added up all the gorgeous galleries and stores in Australia that now sell my work, and I realised that there were over 50. Because I started with a tiny idea and it just grew into a great lifestyle.

What are you loving at the moment?

Organising the States of Nature tour to Vietnam, which is happening in March next year. I am taking a small group from Ho Chi Minh City up to Hoi An and back. My friend Mai is a Saigon local, and she is a foodie, so it's going to be 10 days of authentic food/craft/cooking/tailoring experiences. I first went to Vietnam to explore the sustainable fabric industry, and now I can't stay away.

What are you tired of?

My Masters thesis - So over it...

Three words that best describe you.

Planner, Dreamer, Dog-lover

useful links: 

http://statesofnature.blogspot.com

in the spotlight : feed the dog

Carmel Killin of feed the dog is a textile artist whose work I love for its simple lines and perfect combinations of screen printed shapes, fabric embellishments and hand stitched details. Recurring themes in Carmels work are patterned houses, slightly mishapen, bare branched trees and animals especially birds, sheep and dogs.

Feed the dog will be at Magnolia Square in Randwick 12-14th November.

What is your earliest memory of yourself as a creative person?

Drawing up landscaping plans for the hideous brick home in the burbs that my parents moved us to just before I hit the teenage years. I found the concrete pool in the barren, rocky back yard surrounded by a metal mesh fence particularly offensive.

How would you best describe feed the dog?

One person creating everything by hand. Interior textile designs with big personalities.

Day to day, what is it that inspires creativity in you?

It's a mysterious, instinctive process for me. It's like breathing, I don't think that much about it.

What has been your greatest success to date?

Every time I chat with a truly appreciative customer feels like the greatest success in the world.

What are you loving at the moment?

Triangles.

What are you tired of?

Owls. Apologies to all the owl makers and owl lovers out there - never really been into them. Those big eyes are just too freaky for me.

Three words that best describe you.

Melancholic. Ordinary. Introverted.

Useful Links:

feed the dog on flickr

feed the dog who blogs http://feedthedogwhoblogs.blogspot.com/

LAST DAY TODAY

in the spotlight : KIRSTiN ASH

Sydney jewellery designer Kirstin Ash will be at our show this week. I am a big fan of this range, it ticks all my boxes; vintage aesthetic although thoroughly modern / a smattering of liberty fabrics / small animal motifs and sublime visual merchandising. Ok I'll stop raving now.

What is your earliest memory of yourself as a creative person?

Arranging vegetables on my plate so the colours looked balanced!

Can you tell us a bit about your background? Study and experience in design? How did you get to where you are today?

I am a naturopath by trade and self-taught in the world of jewellery and design. I have always dabbled in fashion and the arts and loved making jewellery for myself. With a long list of orders from friends and complete strangers my label pretty much grew from here. My signature look came about after I woke up one morning with the idea of beautiful vintage imagery carrying stories of ages past encapsulated in a pendant for safe keeping. 

I felt so excited and after months of looking in many nooks and cranny’s I found my brass pendants, which originally were used as old buttons for coats. They had been sitting in a warehouse since the 70's and they were grubbing and old and just perfect! All my pieces were originally created with vintage pieces, now we source some materials but I still use a lot of vintage components in my work and am in the process of setting up a section on my website which focuses solely on one off pieces created with antique finds.

Jewellery was something I have always enjoyed, over the years with more and more demand and a lot of support from my wonderful family my business has organically grown and is now keeping three people very busy! I feel very lucky to be doing something I love, spending my time day to day working with my Brother Nick and Dad, its amazing!

Day to day, what is it that inspires creativity in you? What influences your work?

I have always enjoyed rummaging through old thrift shops, flea markets finding odd bits and pieces. The saying that 'other peoples junk is another persons treasure' is definitely true in my world! I have also be lucky enough to have done some travel in the past few years, getting inspiration from beautiful places such a Lucca and Florence in Italy, Prague and the annual flea markets in Le Marais in Paris.

What has been your greatest success to date, personally and in your work?

Selling my 13th collection to beautiful boutiques around the world and some of my favorite stores of all time, such as The Corner Shop.

Personally, starting my family. My little Ollie is so fulfilling. At just two he brings me the greatest joy of all time, completely edible!

What aspect of running a business do you find challenges you most?

The boring stuff! Things that need to be done in a linear organised fashion, I like the juicy creative bits!

What are you loving at the moment?

Planning the future for the brand, particularly designing the next collection and expanding the brand in the worlds biggest fashion centers like NY, London and Paris, exciting travel here we come!

What are you tired of?

People spelling my name wrong, its Kirstin not Kirsten(I even considered changing my name when I was 9 years old!)

Three words that best describe you.

Visual, reflective, happy

Useful links:

http://www.kirstinash.com

in the spotlight : wendy june

What is your earliest memory of yourself as a creative person?

Winning a little art prize in grade 3. It was a picture of an ice-cream. The next day I sent it to my grandparents, I really missed the picture after I gave it away.

Can you tell us a bit about your background? Study and experience in design? How did you get to where you are today?

It all started when I went to study painting at Art School and came out as a sculptor (lots of sewn domestic items) with a leaning towards video art.

Then I did a multimedia based course where at the end I produced an interactive video installation.

After that I went into business with Andrew, my husband, building animations and online games.

Our first baby Yoshi came along which ended that side of the business, babies seem to take up a lot of time!

My next move started a little later when a friend of mine was going down to the Rose Street Artist Market and asked me to share a table with her, so I came up with a little range of art toys.

I started drawing again and designing cards that I would make for my dear sweet friends and family, straight from the heart and not too corny. Cards about how I felt when I had my babies “then there were three...” and “then there were four...”. Prints came along, my little musings about my life, my children and things that I love in the world. 

Being so linked into my customers has been an incredible experience and has helped move me forward in so many ways. Listening to their stories, seeing what makes them smile and laugh and listening to their needs and ideas.

Day to day, what is it that inspires creativity in you? What influences your drawings?

I find time restrictions work really well to making me very creative!

Daily I receive my inspiration from a great deal of artists and designers, some of which have become friends, there are a lot of insanely creative people online. On another level I am constantly inspired by my two boys and love to watch their expressions, interactions and antics. My husband Andrew (www.mumblier.com) is amazing and he is always showing me new stuff, and making me get out and look at the world, even if I don't want to.

What has been your greatest success to date, personally and artistically?

It is really hard to pin point one event, there have been so many little successes that have made life a little sweeter, maybe it was the award for the ice cream picture?

What are you loving at the moment?

My new Christmas cards, they honestly make me smile every time I look at them!

What are you tired of?

Being awake.

Three words that best describe you.

Lady who draws.

Useful links:

http://wendyjune.com.au/

in the spotlight : lamps by SPACED

Diana Chapman of Lamps by SPACED has combined her love of maps, Melbourne and vintage surveyors equipment with her appreciation of the scandi aesthetic to come up with a quirky and very modern furniture piece.  See these lamps at Magnolia Square, Thursday 21 Oct 'til Saturday 23 October.  Opening times click here.

What is your earliest memory of yourself as a creative person?

Mum has a picture of me at creche at about 3 years old. I am standing next to a huge drum with a massive  stick in my hand. I can remember this moment clearly.  It was fabulous discovering that I could make such loud banging noises. Although I was not creating fabulous music - I was creating!

Can you tell us a bit about your background? Study and experience in design? How did you get to where you are today?

When I finished school I wanted to do something practical but a little off centre - I discovered the degree of Geomatic Engineering at The University of Melbourne. This degree is based on surveying and mapping practices and encompasses everything spatial.  I finished my degree with an honours year in Berlin. It was the most amazing year. Berlin is such a diverse city and in many ways reminds me of Melbourne. 

I am now teaching (maths and geography) and last year had our gorgeous little Amelie. The time at home has reignited my creative energy.  The lamps reflect my love of the Melway and my interest in interior design.

What has influenced your work?

LAMPS by Spaced is definitely influenced by my surveying and environmental background. The iconic Melway evokes a familiar and comforting feeling, as it will always show you the right way. I also have a real love of Scandinavian furniture and industrial design. I think these two have influenced my work. I am also very inspired by the creativity of others.

What has been your greatest success to date, personally and in your work?

Personally, my husband and my daughter Amelie.  There is no better feeling than hanging out with my little family.

I believe juggling motherhood and returning to teaching, as well as running LAMPS by Spaced is my biggest work achievement so far.

What are you loving at the moment?

Food! Lucky for me my husband is a great cook. I am an extreme sweet tooth and love anything to do with chocolate. Yes, I think at all moments I love food!

What are you tired of?

Nothing really, but I am tired!

Three words that best describe you.

Generous, genuine, and loving.

A work colleague has very aptly described me as a duck, all calm on the surface, but underneath paddling like crazy.

in the spotlight : odds & ends

Andrea Daniel of cute craft label odds & ends will be at magnolia square this week in the bloom space.  I am very fond of her knitted cacti in retro stoneware vessels, easier to handle than the prickly variety! 

What is your earliest memory of yourself as a creative person?

I remember dressing up and making paper finger nails, I think I was about six. I would color in the paper, cut them out and then stick them on with double sided tape. I felt incredibly pretty and grown up. Of cause they would only last a matter of minutes before they would fall off, and I would have to start all over again.

How would you best describe odds & ends?

I started Odds&ends with my Sister Renee after many years of collecting vintage sewing materials and interesting objects, and wanting to put them to good use. In essence, the label is a range of unique handmade products crafted for the home, baby and you, from our collection of beautiful vintage and recycled materials. 

Our main hope is to bring a smile to others though our craft. It is also the perfect outlet for our combined interest and backgrounds in fashion, visual art and product design. Our most recognizable products are the highly popular knitted cactus, they are perfect for the not so green thumbed (like my self). Our up cycled woolen jumper soft toys are also a favorite, not just with the little ones but big kids love them too.

Day to day, what is it that inspires creativity in you?

It really is the little things. Whilst I was studying Fashion Design at RMIT I came up with the concept 'Remember to Notice' It has become some form of a creative mantra. When ever I feel overwhelmed by the amount of information available and the speed in which things change in today's society, I bring my thoughts back to the idea of remembering to notice.

By slowing down and experiencing the moment, I have found that inspiration can come from the smallest of events. It could be a simple as noticing a color from a fabric, a detail within a building, the shape of a reflection, a feeling or even a memory.

What has been your greatest success to date?

Our Odds&ends have been so amazingly well received in such a short space of time, we really do feel lucky. We've met so many other talented makers and people who share our interest in supporting handmade products, there is an undeniable sense of community that is wonderful to be a part of. A particular Odds&ends highlight was Frankie Magazine featuring our knitted cactus in their editorial pages. 

What are you loving at the moment?

1/Sunday morning sleep ins.

2/Golden Ink's breathtaking collection of ceramic jewellery.

3/McGrath's Poppyseed Salad Dressing. It's addictive!

What are you tired of? 

 The birds outside my bedroom window breaking into song at 4.30am. If only they could understand, I love their music but just a little later in the morning.

Three words that best describe you.

Patient, Happy, Artisan.

Useful links:

http://www.oddsandends.net.au

http://www.etsy.com/shop/oddsandendshandmade

http://www.remembertonotice.blogspot.com/