my heart wanders...

Very excited about our mention today on the design files. Check out Lucy's interview with Pia Jane Bijkerk and head to the Malvern Town Hall tomorrow because from midday Pia will be creating an inspiring space, chatting to visitors and signing copies of MY HEART WANDERS.

We feel very lucky to be hosting this event and hope that you can join us. Read more about Pia here or visit our website to find out details about tomorrows event.

DAY ONE wrap up

We are about to close the doors after a long first day at Magnolia Square ... but first here is a glimpse of the show ... 

Left to right from the top : ham & pea's cute pasta inspired stationery / tiger & hare screen printed goodies / sweet william prints & other pretty things / activities at apples & jam

Crafty goodness at the Morgan Wills stand  ... 

hand carved wooden printing blocks at Earth Tribe ... made from sustainable wood by artisans in Rajasthan from $12 -65. I love these and have them displayed on my mantle at home.

watch this space ... pia jane bijkerk will arrive with her magic wand on Saturday for the Melbourne leg of her book tour ... I have received an advance copy of MY HEART WANDERS and can promise you it is very special and deserves a spot on your mothers day list and your book shelf!!

hello malvern!

The time has finally arrived, the retailers are ready, the visitors are lined up and the doors have just opened!  We couldn't be more proud of the line-up at this year's Malvern event.  If you aren't already down here we suggest you grab a friend and come on down - you won't be disappointed!

To see a complete list of Malvern retailers check out our website.

Nic's MUST HAVE list

It was a tough list to compile ... but here it is, my MUST HAVE list for the event this week.  Leave us a comment on what made it into your shopping bag!!

1 Sisken kirov ballet shoe $149 / 2 Kirstin Ash pretty things charm bracelet $139 / 3 Tickets for Coco eco hand knitted neck fringe $95 / 4 Angus & Celeste pomegranate vase $132 / 5 Poulier & Poulier happy & glorius sunny cushion $79.95 / 6 Banjara wild shamrock earrings $144 / 7 Ella Sanders waffle loop wrap, grey marle $149

1 Morgan Wills mama & baby bushka doll $100 / 2 Acorn too woo hat $38.50 / 3 Cloth Poppy love garland $24 / 4 Ellani Petite red & white scallop edge bow $6.95 / 5 Chookleaf hyline shoe stone silver $83 / 6 La La Land cardboard king photo frame $14.95 & miss lemon card/print $5.95 / 7 Little Chillies poncho jacket in red $129.95 (sizes 1-4) and $119.95 (size 0) / 8 Heavenly Creatures forest scene tutu with calico ruffles and tulle $80 / 9 Sweet William Camille doll in matchbox house $15

1 Fudge by Rich in many delicious flavours, $7 per block / 2 Michels Fine Biscuit Co for a selection of truly sublime sweet & savoury biscuits / 3 Unforgettable Products delectable lemon curd

free pass...body bliss wellbeing

We are busy preparing for tomorrow's event and so far things are shaping up to be an amazing opening day!  We can't wait to say hello to all our visitors and wanted to pass a great offering from one of our local businesses.  Body Bliss Wellbeing is offering free VIP Yoga passes to the first 100 people through the door!


We could all use a bit of relaxation and there is no better way than through yoga.  Below the team at Body Bliss Wellbeing tell us a bit more about their studio:

"Discover the benefits of Yoga, Pilates & Meditation at Body Bliss Wellbeing. Step into our studio and find an oasis of calmness & relaxation. We pride ourselves in having one of the most beautiful studios in Melbourne. Our fully renovated large Victorian house is a sanctuary filled with light & beautiful features that naturally enhance your experience. Classes are focused on helping you achieve balance, strength & flexibility of body, mind & spirit. We are centrally located in Hawksburn - Prahran: within 2 km from South Yarra, Toorak, Armadale, St Kilda and less than 5km from Melbourne, Caufield and Malvern. Visit us and find your bliss!" 

in the spotlight: belinda pieris

Belinda Pieris followed her heart and ever since has been bringing us beautiful pieces of art, see more at Malvern!

Tell us a bit about your business and what inspired you to start your business?
I started my business in 2005, keen to follow my dream of the creative freedom to produce beautiful but practical pieces of art. I have always been inspired by the mystique and aesthetics of the east. Drawing on eastern influences, I like to mix these aesthetics with a western approach to create designs with exotic textures. I like to take an artisan approach to create decorative leather wallets, bags & jewellery and home wares.  The work has a rich textile base featuring embroideries, laser cut treatments, applique with large craft stitches, studs, quilting and screen-printing.  Colours are rich muddy tones mixed with striking bright highlights and deep matt lowlights.  The product feels soft and tactile; it wears well and is highly functional.

Favourite part of the job?
I love the creative side of the design process and seeing my ideas come to life from drawings on paper to a finished product.  I also love meeting people who love their Belinda Pieris wallet and show it off as one of their everyday best-loved accessories.

What’s your own persona style?
I really love the style of the 20’s and 30’s.  I love to layer clothes that are comfortable and hang well.  I love rich colours and prints; I wear a lot of Vixen designs.  I also collect interesting designer jewellery, which love to wear.

If money where no object what would buy?
I would love to collect Art Deco Bakelite jewellery; truly beautiful art.
Where would we find you on a typical weekend?
My weekends are usually filled with family activities.  I have two children, Oliver who is two and a half and Jasmine who is seven months old. My husband Benjamin and I love to hang out and play with the kids on Saturday morning but most weekends we are rushing around from one party or lunch to the next.

What other designers inspire you?
I am really inspired by friend and mentor Georgia Chapman designer of Vixen.  I love that she has created a business that is hands on and creative, that allows her to experiment with her creative ideas.  I love the little shop she has created in Gertrude Street, Fitzroy; something I would love to do some day.

What business advice would you give to those just starting out?
Be clear about what it is you want out of your career and your personal life and always carry this plan with you in the back of your mind.  To follow your dreams is a wonderful and exciting thing; it is also one of the most difficult things you will ever do. It is important to be sure you are up for the challenge.

What is your website?

http://www.belindapieris.com/

in the spotlight: earthtribe

Earthtribe brings the beauty of two cultures and ethical trade to Malvern this weekend, don't miss it!

 

Describe your business and your background...

Earthtribe started a couple of years ago with a love for textiles, hand crafted gifts and a desire to support an ethical model of trade. I grew up in India, have a background in design and literature and a passion for traditional crafts. I now call Australia home and am lucky enough to be able to tap into two cultures.  Earthtribe has allowed me to use some of my skills, keep alive my interest in crafts  and to travel, all in the name of work! 
What is your favourite part of the job?

I get very excited when I come across a group that can interpret ideas from paper to object, this could be a potter, a weaver or an embroiderer. The journey of an idea from conception to finished product and the shared smiles it brings is what I cherish the most!  

Describe your workspace or where you create

My work is very collaborative so the workspace can be on a rug in an Indian village, amidst yarns and piles of fabric, in a block printing studio or a wood carver's shed! 

What’s your own personal style? 

Eclectic, comfortable and timeless.
If money were no object what would you buy? 

A multiple air ticket to travel the world with my hubby and kids , a large house by the sea for all our friends to visit and spend time with. 

Describe your typical workday

A cup of tea, school drop off , head to my desk, check emails and collate orders, prepare dispatch, follow up on things under production, plan for events ahead and all the other things life throws at you in between!
What business advice would you give to those just starting out?

Take the time to research and plan. Stay true to who you are as a business. Be prepared to spend lots more time and energy than you anticipate but enjoy the journey! 

What are you looking forward to in 2011? 

Our first Magnolia square event in Malvern, the launch of a few new products and a holiday with the family sometime soon!

What three words best describe you?  

Determined,  adaptable, loyal
Please tell us your blog/website link: 

www.earthtribe.com.au

and the winner is...

It seems as though we weren't the only ones to fall in love with the new Mini Mozi range!  Our lovely readers shared their comments here and on our Facebook page and we can't thank you enough.  Without further delay, we are thrilled to announce that the winner of the Mozi Bath & Body set is, drum roll please...Lyn Smith of Arty Aspirations.  Congratulations!

in the spotlight: wig ideas

Tell us about your business...

Wig Ideas is a collection of character designs inspired by nature that you can have custom made into various products. Customers can buy online or from any of the stockists listed on the website. I design each character and create them into products with the help of local suppliers.

What is your favourite part of the job?
Family and friends' reactions to things I've made for them over the years. A gift that has been made especially for you means so much. Designing characters and creating their packaging, dealing with my fantastic local suppliers, but especially handing the finished product to my clients.

Describe your typical workday:
This week it would be studio space. Every day is different.

Where would we find you on a typical weekend?
At sport with the kids. In the garden/paddock. Making something.

What other designers do you admire?
People I have worked with. Our children. And all those who created designs we admire or take for granted every day.

Where can we see you next?

At Magnolia Square Malvern!

in the spotlight: heatherly design bed heads

We love to hear about the inspiration behind our favourite retailers.  After speaking to Georgia from Heatherly Design Bed Heads (who will be at the Malvern event) we thought we'd share with you a bit about the 'behind-the-scenes' work that went into this stunning photo:

"When I first saw this fabric, I just knew it was perfect for Magnolia Square.  Peonies are my favourite flower, not that I have seen too many blue peonies though!  The Porters wallpaper has been on my inspiration board for sometime waiting for a home, it was bold to contemplate but had inkling it
would create something special.   I was stuck on the side table and how to modernise the shot.  When this stunning  chair was spotted at Propd, it could not have been more perfect.  I only learnt the morning of the photo shoot that pale blue hydrangeas were out of season with only pink or purple available. After many a phone call to my favourite florists, I eventually found these two perfect hydrangeas at Say It With Flowers in High St Armadale - mind you on the other side of town from the studio.  Ahhhhhh but it was worth it...So come and meet us at Magnolia Square fair and let us inspire you with the possibilities for your bedroom!"

-Georgia Leckey,  Director

www.heatherlydesign.com.au

in the spotlight: poulier+poulier

Melbourne duo, Mark and Lisa Poulier, join us in Malvern to bring us their unique and stunning homewares range. 

 

Tell us a bit about your business...
Although we met when we were studying Graphic Design at uni, we've always shared a passion for Interiors. The idea of starting a business of our own that enabled us to combine the two was enormously appealing, and in January of 2009 it all became a reality.

Favourite part of the job?
It's so hard to pick a favourite... we love the freedom of working from home, the designing, the printing and of course early finish Fridays- what more could you want! 

Personal Style?
We love things with a sense of history but are equally drawn to very modern pieces. And obviously anything typographic will always find favour with us.  

Describe your typical workday?
No such thing as a typical workday for us although we do tend to spend the mornings answering emails and filling orders from our online shop. Not surprisingly, most afternoons involve a trip to the post office.   

Where would we find you on a typical weekend?
On Sunday mornings we often find ourselves rummaging around the stalls at the Camberwell Market, s

o much to see and we rarely come home empty handed. 

If money were no object what would you buy?
That's easy, we'd love to take the family on an extended overseas holiday. What seems like an eternity ago we spent some time with friends at a farmhouse in Tuscany, it would be amazing to do it all again! 

What business advice would you give to those just starting out?
Be aware that running your own business can be incredibly consuming so it's important to find something you absolutely love, and be prepared to hang in there!  

What is your website?

http://www.poulierandpoulier.com.au/

in the spotlight: notions

We are always excited to showcase our handpicked Bloom exhibitors and Notions will be bring their vintage and retro inspired jewellery to Malvern in just a few weeks!

Tell us a bit about your business...

Notions is a boutique business that began in 2009. Our latest collections include a range of vintage and retro inspired jewellery and accessories from fabrics, acrylics and Tasmanian timbers.

What inspired you to start your business?

I often refer to Notions as an accidental business. The evolution from hobby to business was organic. One day I woke up and realised that I could sell hand made accessories for a living and I haven’t looked back. I’ve always been creative and had a passion for textiles and surface design

Favourite part of the job?

My favourite part of my job is developing new collections. I love the rush that comes with finding that perfect design for the packaging or the perfect fabric for brooches and just running with the idea until a collection comes together. I usually have one or two collection ideas on the go at any one time. 

What’s your own persona style?

In the last few years I’ve been heavily influenced by the ‘granny chic’ style. Fashion wise I love vintage clothes. I’ve found a lot of my favourite pieces in op shops and second hand stores. My house is filled with lots of vintage tea cups, crochet blankets and vintage inspired knickknacks.

If money where no object what would buy?

A bigger house to store all my fabrics and market props in! My studio is overflowing.

Describe your typical workday...

My typical work day involves lots of coffee. I usually start my day reading emails and catching up on blogs. If I have an order I work on putting that together or I work on a new collection- cutting stencil for screen printing, designing new packaging or putting together a catalogue. Then more coffee (decaf in the afternoon), emails and blog reading.

Where would we find you on a typical weekend?

Either at a design market or in my studio. If I have an idea in my head I have to get it out which often means working on weekends. But I don’t mind. I love my job.

What other designers inspire you?

The Ink & Spindle girls, Kristen Doren, Amy Butler, Jenn Ski and Charles and Ray Eames.

What business advice would you give to those just starting out?

Don’t be afraid to give it a go. It doesn’t have to be a huge leap. I began small with an Etsy store and selling at a few county markets.

in the spotlight: the wolf and i

Drum roll please...another brand new retailer - the wolf and i - make their Malvern debut!

Describe your business and your background
Between the two of us we have experienced quite a lot!!.
Sam – I have been in the rag trade forever...i have worked all sides of the industry, retail, wholesale and manufacturing. At the moment I manage my own fashion agency and run a small children’s clothing label Ohme Ohmi. Starting a clothing label seemed like the next step. I grew up surrounded by clever women, my mum and Nana have passed on their talents and have been a huge inspiration. We are also very fortunate that I have a seamstress as my mother in-law who has been a fabulous help for Pip & I, making limited edition garments and tweaking patterns. I have always loved being in the fashion industry even though it can be a little tough at times. And that’s right, nearly forgot...I have lovely partner and three gorgeous boys!!
Pip -  I have established a great reputation with Pip& Maude and was more than keen to throw something new into the mix!. Having done a degree in graphic communication and worked in the industry for many years, once children came into the equation I had to give up the deadlines and ridiculous hours. Working to some capacity creatively always ... freelance graphic design, painting children's furniture, production designer on an SBS television series ... what ever project I could put my hands on and something that would fit into my responsibilities as a mother. Something new and challenging. Becoming a single mother put urgency on finance and from a fun hobby with a very good friend and a way to meet the neighbours was born what is now Pip & Maude. I have always had an interest in fashion ... not labels and names but developing my own individual style and trying my best not to follow the trends.
Although our backgrounds are quite different we both have a lot to offer our label. Together we have been able to find a comfortable balance with our work and our family life, albeit a little hectic at times.

What is your favourite part of the job?
Seeing our dream come to fruition. We have both worked solo for numerous years in our own respective businesses and it is nice to be able to have someone else to bounce ideas around with and keep motivation at it's peak.
Describe your workspace or where you create
We can often be found with our laptops and sketch pads at our favourite St Kilda haunts. We love the idea of not working from an office space or working to a strict timetable.

What’s your own personal style?
While we both have our own sense of personal style we both agree it is layered, comfortable, easy, unique, relaxed and effortless...even though it does take quite an effort to dress effortlessly!
If money were no object what would you buy?
Sleep!
Describe your typical workday?
Coffee!! List making. Crossing things off that list. More Coffee! Designing The Wolf and I doesn’t seem like work, it is more like a break from our everyday lives!
What business advice would you give to those just starting out?
Start small, dream big! Be willing to make mistakes and ask questions.

What are you looking forward to in 2011?
Launching The Wolf and I at Magnolia Square in April and seeing people wear our clothing. We are looking forward to seeing how The Wolf and I organically evolves.
What three words best describe you?
Busy, busy, busy

What is playing on your iPod right now?
Pip - kd lang and the Siss Boom Bang "Sing out loud"
Sam -  Angus and Julia Stone + Sarah Blasko 
Please tell us your blog/website link

Cant wait for our website and online store to go live. It should be all up and going over the next couple of months...in the meantime you can find us on Facebook!

in the spotlight: yknot

The countdown to Malvern is on and Yknot should be on your list of 'must see' retailers! 

 

Describe your business and your background...

Contemporary unique children’s wear & accessories for girls aged 4 to 10, which is well finished, stylish and age appropriate. My aim is to make clothes & accessories that all kids look good in, whilst still being practical and a little bit quirky! Yknot? Designs started small, growing with each market. In the beginning I was selling mainly accessories made from recycled t-shirts, this developed into a small range of clothing that complimented the headbands & necklaces. The quantity of recycled t-shirts I needed proved difficult to source therefore I moved into buying wholesale material and dropped the ‘recycled’ part of my name (however I still use a percentage of recycled fabrics) and developed a larger range of clothes that works back with an expanding range of accessories.

What is your favourite part of the job?

Every part!! I am lucky that I am doing what I love, I enjoy every facet of the process, putting colours together, thinking about the shapes, sourcing the fabric, sewing up samples (and finished products), honing my pattern making skills and learning new techniques. I am inspired by exchanging ideas with friends and family; my daughters (aged 8 & 11) are involved in yknot? designs as well, giving me essential feedback on styles and designs, they are also my gorgeous models!

Describe your workspace or where you create

Our beautiful house on the Mornington Peninsula is only five years old, when we were designing the house, I cleverly placed a small office for myself at the front of the house just off the kitchen, and this is my workspace! Often overflowing with material, books and magazines but always inspiring, the west facing windows allow me plenty of natural light and give me a great view of the native garden while I work. My sewing machine and over locker rest on a small table, and the majority of my material is cut on the kitchen bench, which works perfectly, however I am looking forward to the new bench that stretches from one side of the room to the other that my furniture maker husband is in the middle of making.

What’s your own personal style?

Simple basic things, great design, natural colours – my home is contemporary made from corrugated iron and inside we have an eclectic mix of furniture and belongings. For me personally, I am more a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl, but always with a scarf!!

Describe your typical workday

Start early … often I am up before the kids, finishing off necklaces or belts that I didn’t complete the night before, get the kids ready for school, back sewing or sourcing material, answer emails … update website, down to the post office to post parcels to customers, after school activities … dinner … then usually a couple more hours in the evening. 

What other designers inspire you?

Anyone who is putting themselves ‘out there’ and making what they love. What business advice would you give to those just starting out? Do what you love and then you will always be motivated, change, keep your ideas fresh, make/design quality products will be everlasting.

What are you looking forward to in 2011?

Developing new styles and designs, being even more organized, trying to design ahead of the seasons and not leave it to the last minute and my office bench being completed!

What three words best describe you?

Creative, hard working & resourceful

Please tell us your blog/website link

www.yknotdesigns.com.au

www.yknotemma.blogspot.com

in the spotlight: apples & jam

There is something for the whole family at Malvern this year, with Apples & Jam joining us to educate and entertain the little ones!

Tell us a bit about your business:

Apples and Jam is a naturally inspired space that weaves planet friendly practice into parties, playtime and creative classes. Apples and Jam sets a new standard with eco friendly practice whilst still delivering that magical experience for children.

What inspired you to start your business?

A desire to change the quality of children’s birthday celebrations and the impact they have on the environment. A desire to make a difference and to inspire others to think about small ways to care for our planet. A desire to have a family friendly job and lifestyle that we are proud of,  and reflects our values. 

Favourite part of the job?

We both love the creative side of our job which finds us making all sorts of fun props for our parties, and coming up with craft activities for classes utilising recycled materials from around the home. We also love the side of Apples and Jam that brings us back to nature and inspires other families to do so  - knowing that we are making a small contribution to looking after our beautiful planet is very rewarding.

What’s your own personal style?

Mary : simple, classic and  well made

Jessica: natural and comfortable which for me means jeans and flats! 

If money where no object what would you buy?

Mary: An Island off the Great Barrier Reef, where my children and I could live off the land…and I could fulfill my dream of watching my kids play whilst laying on an untouched beach!!

Jess: A fabulous holiday house in the country where weekends are spent watching my son and his cousins playing outdoors in nature and where I have a beautiful veggie patch and a big swing hanging from an amazing old tree.

Describe your typical workday?

Running playgroups,/classes, taking party enquiries, making props and sourcing materials for parties, brainstorming ideas and future developments...
Where would we find you on a typical weekend?

Either at the Apples and Jam Room running children’s parties or spending quality time with the children doing something fun

What other designers inspire you?

We get inspired by other mothers who are just being creative at home and coming up with such beautiful hand made pieces – it is inspiring to see people getting creative again with their children and taking the time to share it with people all over the world on blogs about their daily lives…

What business advice would you give to those just starting out?

Take the time to do a really thorough business plan and research, research, research… most importantly make sure you are doing something you are passionate about as it is the passion that get’s you through the many challenges that are presented to you along the journey…. 

Please tell us your website:

http://www.applesandjam.com.au/

in the spotlight: ham & pea

I had the pleasure of meeting one of our new bloom retailers at the presentation I gave on the weekend for the CWC.  Li-Anne was enthusiastically asking questions from the audience and I loved the passion she showed for her new creative venture.  Here is a little more about ham & pea.


Describe your business and your background.

ham&pea is basically divided into 3 areas- bespoke stationery and cards, DIY party printables / custom design and lastly event styling. I am an architect by profession but since the birth of my twin boys, and recent relocation to Melbourne- I had an 'aha moment' one night (when life couldn't get any busier) that I am going to pursue my dream of owning my own business creating beautiful designs and working with paper.

The business evolved into event styling as opportunities arose for me to dabble my creative skills in executing beautiful events. 'ham&pea' are the nicknames of my boys Hamish & Luca and I love how they play such a big role inspiring me and my work. I seek to bring about a connection and familiarity with my designs - things and objects that people can recognise and associate with yet having a fun quirky twist to it.

I love to play with textures and effects, and with the 2 new range for example; we used embossing to bring out the artwork and we are currently working on foiling and letterpress for our new collection. If ham&pea was a person - it would be your friend. Your warm, friendly, stylish, fun, loving life type of friend!

What is your favourite part of the job?

I couldn't name just one- being creative and always finding new inspirations to do things different and better, styling events are so much fun as well, being involved with paper, building friendships with clients and being able to work from home and look after my boys.

Describe your workspace or where you create

Anywhere in the house where I can have a clear view and close distance to my ankle biters. Sometimes it's even working on my kitchen island bench standing!

Where would we find you on a typical weekend?

Victoria Markets stocking up on boxes of food that we still can't believe 2 little one year olds can consume in a week! At our local cafe, at church on Sundays and home spending quality family time - I wish it was a bit more exciting!!

What’s your own personal style?

Definitely a mis-match of old and new. Bold colours, all shapes and sizes, vintage treasures, black timber, concrete, pretty peonies! It's all very random... I move in all directions (my husband's worst nightmare!)

Describe your typical workday?

After the morning breakfast/play/sleep routine with the twins, I try and get to emails and making a lists of to-do's for the day. Cook lunch for the boys and do our afternoon routine and put the boys down for their second nap. Design, design, sketch or work digitally, read a blog or 2 in between for inspiration. Boys wake up, if the Melbourne weather permits, we would go to the shops, or a quick stroll to the library. Back in time to feed the boys, bathe and put them to bed. Dinner with my husband and then it's the official working hours of ham&pea - working on the work/life balance challenge at the moment!

If money where no object what would buy?

Eames Lounge, Eames Walnut Stool(s), Smoke Chair by Maarten Baas and as many gorgeous chairs I can get my tushie on!

What three words best describe you?

Energetic, Colourful, Compassionate

What are you looking forward to in 2011?

My first Magnolia Square, the growth of ham&pea and a lovely trip to Italy and Bali with my husband.

What business advice would you give to those just starting out?

Love what you're doing. Believe in your talents and capabilities, talk to as many people in the industry where possible, network. Have a business plan- aim high but set realistic goals. It is OK to make mistakes, learn and always do it better!

Please tell us your blog/website link

www.hamandpea.com

www.facebook.com/hamandpea