Winkelen September issue 2014

Issue #05

ONLINE HOMEWARES MAGAZINE

GET THE BLOCK LOOK 10-page special feature inside

california dreaming

Suzie Atkin and Emma Blomfield debut their Designer Rug Collection

MILKCART Handcrafted and inspired by the timeless beauty and lines of Danish furniture

EARTHY

rreenndd t t e e h t h t h t h i t i w nn lloovvee w i i l l l l a f a f l l l i l i w Y Yoouu w

POTTERY Susan Simonini has forged herself a business with clay

CONTENTS

FEATURES 6 Hello Polly

30 California dreaming

Sisters Sarah Kelk and Helen Adam launch their new vibrant Hello Polly Home range collection

Urban Road have collaborated with Emma Blomfield from Nest Designs to create their debut Designer Rug Collection with incredible success

13 Plank and Trestle Dynamic duo Mike and Lana Hall lovingly design and handcraft each individual trestle with some stunning results.

22 Earthy Functionality

OUR COVER NEST EMPORIUM Pictured: Copper Candle Lantern, Flores Inlay Bedside Table, Capetown Peacock Bedhead. All products available at www.nestemporium.com.au Image: Courtesy of www.nestemporium.com.au

Susan Simonini has crafted a business out off her passion for clay with rustic and functional pottery

28 Modern Florals We have found some clever modern prints with the essence of luxury

40 Copper lust We can’t get enough of the copper trend at the moment so we unearthed some amazing homewares that you are sure to fall in love with

46 Danish influences Marnie and Ryan McKnight from Milkcart handcraft their furniture which is inspired by the timeless beauty and lines of Danish furniture in their small Sydney warehouse

CONTACT US: hello@wiinkelenmagazine.com or advertising@winkelenmagazine.com. Website: www.winkelenmagazine.com

REGULARS 56 Get The Block look

78 Ivy & Lil

Are you loving The Block Glasshouse and all the gorgeous wares on show?

Then take a look through our special feature and you can achieve the same in your home

Jenny Pemberton-Webb from Ivy & Lil takes us behind the scenes giving us an insight into her life and creative textile business

84 Zen Moments Candles 66 Natural appeal Drawing her inspiration from natural objects artist Beth-Emily Gregory reinterprets what she studys in her stunning illustrations

76 DIY Fabric Bedhead Fiona Michelon from Craft Hunter delivers another stunning example of DIY cleverness with this fabulous fabric bedhead

Jane Halpin handcrafts individual candles in her signature vintage inspired bottles with an incredible array of delicious scents

4 Moodboard 5 We love 18 Must have 35 Designer moodboards 44 Made it 64 Etsy finds

PLUS

A selection product pages featuring cushions, lighting, art prints and more

MOOD BOARD ATOLYIA LIQUID HAND AND BODY WASH Liquid hand and body wash. Made in Turkey from extra virgin olive oil soap.

100% natural without any synthetic preservatives or colours. Gently cleanses and moisturises. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Soap Made in Turkey from extra virgin olive oil soap. 100% natural without any synthetic preservatives or colours. It is wonderful for both normal and dry sensitive skin.

Stockist: www.atolyia.com

PACIFIC MEDIUM BASKET TWO TONE BLUE & WHITE STYLED Our Pacific Collection is a beautiful nautical inspired collection of baskets with macrame rope handles.

The hand loomed fabrics in breezy blue, white and natural tones are perfect for a relaxed coastal decor.

Made of a jute/cotton blend this basket is stylish, durable and functional. Photography by Kate Holmes Photographer. Price $129.

Stockist: www.thedharmadoor.com.au

BAMBOO PENDANTS Bentu Qie Bamboo Pendant is crafted from recycled building aggregate and materials and bamboo. Price $329.

Stockist: www.meizai.com.au

Win Emporium Dinner Set

COURTESY OF SALT & PEPPER

TO ENTER: SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE TO WIN

ENTER TODAY

To enter all you need to do is 1. Subscribe to both Winkelen and Salt & Pepper newsletters 2. Like us on facebook or Instagram 3. Share us on facebook or Instagram

Salt & Pepper’s Emporium range offers a unique collection of dinnerware. Each piece is delicately decorated with its own combination of detailed graphic black lines, woven with light blue against a white porcelain background. The collection is finished with pops of solid sky blue for a final effect.

Salt & Pepper is Fashion For your Home. *All current subscribers are automatically entered into the competition. Winner announced on September 30 on our facebook page.

The RRP of the set is $159.95

www.saltandpepper.com.au

The Prince - 147cm x 100cm ready to hang canvas. Price: $840. Magnificent Buck 86cm x 90cm. They can also be printed as a Limited Edition Framed print to a size of choice. All queries to art@martinegallery.com. Stockist: www.martinegallery.com

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1] Koma Wooden Cup and Saucer designed by Studio Mute and made by Unomatudo. Price $125. Stockist: www.ginkgoleaf.com.au 2] Toro Lounge Chair. You will be hanging in style in the thick, saddle leather sling of this modern lounge chair.

It’s comfortable and marvelous all at once. Price $1599. Stockist: www.bludot.com.au 3] Kira and Kira Offering Mirror Darkstain. ‘The Offering Mirror’ is a round solid wood framed mirror / shelf which is available with a natural or dark stained finish. Price $645. Stockist: www.kiraandkira.com.au

hello

polly Sisters Sarah Kelk and Helen Adam launch their new vibrant Hello Polly Home range collection P H O T O G R A P H Y: B R O O K E H O L M S T Y L I S T: M A R S H A G O L E M A C

Tell us a bit about Hello Polly?

Hello Polly Home is the debut collection of bespoke homewares by sisters Sarah Kelk and Helen Adam.

A vibrant and eclectic mix of giclee prints and knitted merino cushions and throws, the line perfectly compliments and continues Hello Polly’s existing curated collection of artwork, homewares, gifts and jewellery.

Tell us about yourself and your background?

Sarah Kelk and Helen Adam are sisters! We not only look and sound similar (our parents cant tell us apart on the phone), but also have such a similar eye for design, pattern, colour, details etc that it makes working and designing together super fun.

Sarah: After studing art history and design Sarah established The Red Door Gallery dealing with talented artists and designers in Edinburgh, Scotland before returning to Melbourne in 2011where she started Hello Polly.

Helen: After graduating from a Fashion Degree Helen has worked in the fashion industry since 2008 alongside some well known and loved Melbourne labels (Material By Product, Gorman). She has always had a strong passion for textiles (both the science and design) and dived further into this industry with extra study during 2013, which led to lots of exploration with wool. continued on next page >

< continued from previous page Both of us: Originally hailing from New Zealand, but now calling Melbourne home, sisters Sarah Kelk and Helen Adam have teamed up to create their new collection Hello Polly Home.

Sarah started running the online store Hello Polly in 2011 after moving to Melbourne from Edinburgh (where she ran a successful gallery/shop for 7 years). Sarah didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to loose contact with all the amazing independent artists she had worked with, and loved being able to share their products with other like minded customers. Hence deciding to start Hello Polly once arriving in Melbourne.

Since Sarah launched Hello Polly in 2011, Helen has had more and more to do with the business. They often talked about creating their own brand within Hello Polly and it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t until Sarah began painting (after a few years break) and Helen dived further into the textile industry that the initial collection starting coming together. Since then they have worked together on every element along the way.

What sparked you to create your business?

Both of us have a huge passion for independent design and love being able to not only support Independent designers, but being able to share their product with design loving customers too!

There are so many talented artists, designers, makers out there and its an absolute pleasure to be able to help share their product with the wider public.

Our love for working with Independent design also helped spark our Hello Polly Home collection.

We have tried to create a line that perfectly compliments and continues Hello Pollyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s existing collection of artwork, homewares, gifts and jewellery.

What processes are involved in creating your pieces?

Our prints are a mixture of both original paintings and digital designs, often a combination of the two. After a number of years off painting (due to running a business, having kids, moving to different countries in the world etc etc) Sarah was itching spend more time with a brush in hand and getting a number of paintings under her belt was a great starting point for the Hello Polly Home print collection.

All prints are giclee art prints on 100% cotton rag paper, and are printed right here in Melbourne (by Lantern Printing). The colours are so great in real life and are a bit of fun to be honest.

Original paintings are often available too, and anyone interested is most welcome to get in touch.

For the knits, Helen usually starts with some base inspirational elements that we have pinned to inspiration board in the studio. We do loads of trials, both design and colour wise and constantly (as are doing with the prints) narrowing down as we go. Our main focus for the knits is to be able to not only use local manufactures, but also to continue an incredibly high quality product. continued on next page >

< continued from previous page All the finishing of the knits is done by us in the studio so we have a handle on the quality control.

The knits are made to last for years to come!

What inspires you in your designs?

To be honest, we had grand plans of creating a theme at the very beginning and sticking with it the whole way through the design process, but it all happen reasonably organically.

We had a base colour palette to start with which helped a huge amount and basically Sarah started painting as a reference point for the print collection and Helen began studying and designed more in relation to the textiles. Both being really hands on people, we constantly worked together on every element along the way (meaning the whole process was loads of fun) and after working for a few months together, we inadvertently created a collection that kind of just worked!

What do you love the most about having your own label?

It’s a bit cliché, but it’s a dream come true to be able to work for not only yourself, but also with you sister!

We love the flexibility having your on label gives, but don’t get me wrong, there is loads and loads of hard work. Although when you are working for yourself, it doesn’t feel so much as ‘work’ but just part of life! Its also loads of fun!

Who are some of your favourite designers?

Gosh, too many to name. We love anyone out there giving it a go to be honest, especially those striving to work as locally as possible.

What is your favourite item in your store right now and why?

Helen: loves our big prints. ‘One Day’ and ‘Someday’ as the texture of the brush strokes on the paper is amazing Sarah: Loves the Green/Pink steps throw. Its an unusual colour combination, but that’s why I love it!

What has been your biggest highlight?

Forming our first debut collection is a bit of a highlight. We have always loved selling other designers wares in the Hello Polly online store, but it is super special to be able to share some things create by us!.

What are your plans for the future?

We were really hoping to have our debut ceramics collection ready for launch (which is going to be great by the way), but it looks like this will have to wait a bit longer for this. It will be well worth the wait!

We are also really excited about offering our Hello Polly Home range for wholesale to other like minded retailers. We would love to hear from any prospective retailers in the hope that they will be able to sell our product too.

CONTACT: sarah@hellopolly.com.au or helen@hellopolly.com.au www.hellopolly.com.au All styled shots by photographer Brooke Holm and stylist Marsha Golemac

“It’s a bit cliché, but it’s a dream come true to be able to work for not only yourself, but also with you sister!”

GET THE LOOK Need that something special for your wall? Why not try one of these pieces of art

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1] Puffins Passing by Charley Harper, framed. Price $199. Stockist: www.tenthings.com.au 2] Shibori Moon Indigo Art Print. A beautiful deep indigo moon with shibori clouds. Price $59. Stockist: Mid Century Child 3] Moonrise Art Print. Quality archival 190gsm paper, A4, A3, A2 and A1 sizes available. Price from $20.

Stockist: www.studiocockatoo.com.au 4] The Lion King. Limited edition (limited to a run of 2 only) fine art print of my original mixed media artwork.

Price $112. Stockist: www.reidandcrew.com 5] Summer Jasmin open edition print by Little Branch. Printed on chlorine free, 100% recycled paper. Price $79.

Stockist: www.hardtofind.com.au 6] Watercolour patterns print in pink. This print is designed and produced in Melbourne. Price $28. Stockist: Sweet William

PLANK & TRESTLE Dynamic duo Mike and Lana Hall lovingly design and handcraft each individual trestle with some stunning results.

The humble trestle table has never looked better

Describe Plank and Trestle in a couple of sentences.

Plank and Trestle specialises in designing and building trestle tables for homes, restaurants and retail spaces. All our trestle tables are lovingly designed and hand-crafted in Gerringong on the beautiful NSW South Coast. We have a number of different ranges and we also custom-make trestle tables in any size or style.

We strongly believe in high-quality hand-made furniture design and manufacture and craft each trestle table we make as if it were for our own house, as a piece to be passed down between generations. We are utterly obsessed with all things trestle!

Who is the Plank and Trestle team?

Plank and Trestle is Mike and Lana Hall,

a husband and wife team and small but industrious duo with lots of passion and creativity. I, Lana, design each trestle table and look after all the customer liaison, business admin and photography/styling.

Mike turns these designs into reality and builds all Plank and Trestle’s tables.

The best way to describe this partnership is that I am the crazy ideas person and Mike is the reality check.

Mike says he always get slightly worried when I walk into the workshop, give a cheeky smile and say, ‘Babe, I have been thinking about a new table….’

We have three cheeky junior trestlers aged 6 years, 4 years and 10 months who like to ‘help’ as well. Favourite jobs they have given themselves include sneaking into product photos

with out us realizing and popping the bubble wrap while we are trying to package tables!

What inspired you to start Plank and Trestle?

I have always loved interior design and have dreamed of designing and making beautiful things for as long as I can remember.

Trestle tables became one of the many homewares obsessions that I was constantly on the look-out for when we bought our first home.

I had always wanted a trestle desk but could not find one that wasn’t either a cheap mass-market overseas-made product that would not stand the test of time or an ultra-expensive designer piece that was totally outside the realms of financial possibility.

There were no options in the middle that were high quality and had that ‘wow factor’ whilst still being reasonably priced.

“I am fulfilling an unquenchable desire I have to create beautiful objects and interior spaces and immerse myself in the world of design.”

Mike is extremely handy having built and renovated houses for a long time and had always longed to build bespoke furniture.

He crafted my much yearned for trestle desk after we got married. It was so beautiful and the detail was meticulous!

Then, without realizing it I started focusing all of my down-time on designing different types of trestle tables and talking through with Mike how they could be made.

Unbeknownst to us, it was completely out of our hands and we had no choice. Interests/ worlds/dreams/hobbies/lives had collided and the trestle revolution had begun. Plank and Trestle had been born.

Plank and Trestle is a dream come true for us – I am fulfilling an unquenchable desire I have to create beautiful objects and interior spaces

and immerse myself in the world of design.

For Mike, it gives him time with his beloved timber and an opportunity to create beautiful pieces of furniture that will be loved and cherished by their owners.

When did you start Plank and Trestle?

Plank and Trestle formally began in 2011, although the idea was in our hearts for some time before we finally acted upon it.

As no one was specialising in trestle tables at the time and we weren’t sure whether other people out there would share our passion.

Whilst we had no idea where this crazy trestle adventure would take us we knew that if we didn’t follow our heart we would always regretfully wonder ‘what if we had…’

We wanted our kids to see us being brave and

following our dreams in the hope they would too when they were older. We also wanted to live a life that was more authentic to who we are and what our passion is.

2011 was a great year – we made a seachange from Sydney’s Inner West to the NSW South Coast which gave us the space to establish our workshop and a lifestyle more conducive to our desire for a more creative life, launched our first collection and sold our first trestle table.

What are your different Plank and Trestle ranges?

We have four collections at the moment with another three or four collections in the pipeline which we hope to release next year. continued on next page >

< continued from previous page Coloured Our ‘Coloured’ collection aims to bring a bit of fun back into trestle tables by mixing bright colours and modern finishes with traditional old-fashioned design. Most people expect trestle tables to be made of old timber with a real vintage feel but we wanted to turn this idea on its head and expand the ways people might use trestle tables in their homes and retail spaces.

Kids especially love this range!

We have a number of standard colours – white, red, yellow, black, coral and vintage blue - and can also make our Coloured tables in any custom colour. Clients can just pop down to their local paint store and select a colour and we will have it custom-made in the coating we use. Custom colours we have made for clients include soft grey, royal blue, coral, cream and charcoal.

Our Coloured trestle tables are professionally sprayed with polyurethane which is the same material that is used to coat modern kitchen cupboards. It is extremely durable, easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth and has a gorgeous semi-gloss finish that is delightfully smooth to touch. We wanted a much harder wearing and luxurious finish than paint and I find it great with my kids as I can just use a little bit of cream cleanser to get ink and texta marks off.

Coastal Launched in 2012, our Coastal’ collection is perfect for clients who like a more raw and

natural aesthetic. The table tops are made of individual whitewashed recycled oregon timber planks. Being recycled timber, no table top is ever the same and each one has glorious nail holes, dents, gum veins and knot holes giving them such beauty and character. Their thickness makes them delightfully heavy – real solid pieces of furniture. The trestle legs are from our Coloured range. The semi-gloss legs complement the rustic timber top beautifully and add some modern style to the top’s coastal vibe.

Duets Our ‘Duets’ was launched in response to lots of requests we received from clients to mix and match the colour of their table top and trestle legs. The potential colour combinations are never-ending!

Traditional This year we released our ‘Traditional’ collection to meet a need we saw for a basic timber trestle table that was still high-quality but priced as cheaply as possible.

I absolutely love Scandinavian interior design and also wanted to make a blonde-timber and black minimalist trestle table that suited a Scandinavian aesthetic.

Our Traditional trestle tables are made of pine and can be whitewashed or remain their natural colour or stained for a more vintage or country style. Stains colours available include: whitewash, teak, maple, golden teak, jarrah, walnut, black, mahogany, elm and oak.

Trestle leg styles We have three different trestle leg styles in our current ranges.

Our ‘traditional’ trestle leg harks back to the original trestle design of lengths of timber joined to form a triangular leg. It has a real old-fashioned, raw appeal, perfectly suited for vintage and country style trestle tables.

Our ‘streamlined’ trestle leg is a modern take on the traditional style of trestle leg. We have completely streamlined the design so it is minimalist and lets the triangular shape of the trestle leg do the talking. It’s smooth, contemporary and uncomplicated.

Our ‘A-frame’ trestle leg is perfect for dining and outdoor trestle tables. Keeping the original shape of a trestle leg, the placement of the crossbeam allows people to sit at the ends of the table more comfortably without the need to extend the length of the table.

Custom-made As each trestle table is made by us in our workshop we have complete control over how our furniture is made and can adapt our tables to any of our client’s needs.

Over half of our business is custom-making bespoke trestle tables for clients who want a specific sized trestle table for a particular space, have a trestle table design in mind that they can’t find anywhere or would like to tweak the size or colour of our standard ranges. We have even made trestle tables with bright red and yellow coloured rope for clients. They looked fantastic!

The smallest trestle table we have ever made was a 60cm long x 45cm wide bedside trestle table for a client in Manly. It has a white table top and gloss black trestle legs. The largest we have made is a 3.6m long dining trestle table with a gorgeously thick timber table top and vintage blue legs for a client in Canberra.

The table top alone weighed nearly 100kgs!

We also custom-make trestle tables for shop and restaurant fit-outs. We are currently custom-making 3.1m long dining trestle tables for a fantastic new tapas restaurant and wedding venue being fitted out in Melbourne and timber table tops for a wedding invitation and stationery store on Perth.

What is your niche?

We really love the simplicity of trestle tables, what they communicate and how they make people feel.

They are not your ordinary table - they have the ability to evoke feelings in people, they put smiles on faces, drag gasps from people’s hearts and stir up memories of country drives, grandpa’s shed and farmhouse goodness. I can’t think of many other designs that have this kind of simple, honest character and personality. They are iconic and I think our obsession with all things trestle really shows through our designs, workmanship and the devotion we put into each table we create As far as we know we are the only company in Australia devoted solely to designing and manufacturing high-quality trestle tables that

are real ‘wow’ pieces of furniture.

We don’t want our tables to be two-year mass-market wonders that are replaced when their paint chips and their legs wobble. We want our tables to last generations and the workmanship, integrity, passion and skill we pour into each table really shows this.

We are so honored to be part of this new movement that customers are embracing where locally hand-made products are valued and artisans are supported to keep skills and traditions alive in local communities.

What is in the future for Plank and Trestle?

We have been overwhelmed with the journey we have been on the last four to five years and

could have not imagined where it has taken us. We are still in awe that people share our love of trestle tables and are overwhelmed by the support we have received from our clients.

The future for Plank and Trestle feels really bright! Our immediate priority is to get some down time to work on our new ranges.

We have three or four on paper in the design stage. We have received lots of wholesale inquiries from the most amazing stores and selling through retail outlets is something we would really love to do and will be working towards over the next twelve months.

CONTACT: www.plankandtrestle.com.au

MUST HAVE From pillowcases to interchangable shelving you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t resist these beauties

Cat Nap Pillowcase. A cat doing what cats do best. Black screen print on 100% cotton standard pillowcase. Price $35.

Stockist: www.turdcircus.com.au

L:A Bruket soaps and spa products are a must have for every bathroom, kitchen and office. Manufactured in Sweden, these products are based on the best organic ingredients. The range includes soaps, body lotions, liquid oils, hand creams, scrubs and salts. They are luxuriously cleansing, scrubbing or softening and each fragrance is fresh and uplighting. Prices start from $18. Note: Samples are sent with each purchase so you can try before opening. www.neutralinstinct.com.au Photo credit: Paulina Arcklin

The Arizona Turquoise collection is a beautiful set that can be placed as is, or transformed into multiple designs simply by rearranging the pieces or adding interchangeable backing prints. Price $499. Stockist: www.kuub.com.au

Blossom tree tea cup and saucer. Linogirl hand formed southern ice porcelain vessel, organic in shape and hand painted with a one-off design with hand painted saucer. Price $120. Stockist: www.linogirl.bigcartel.com

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GOING TO BE A WILD SUMMER! This season we are pleased to announce our NEW Emma Blomfield x Urban Road, Designer Rug Collection, as well as the launch of our Wall Decor Discs and accessories.

These stunning items will add another dimension to your decor, oozing character, charm and personality.

The Urban Road Spring/ Summer 2014 collection of canvas art prints and cushions, take inspiration from the cool, salty ocean breeze of a coastal Australian summer with a Palm Springs twist.

CANVAS ART PRINTS - CUSHIONS - RUGS - DECOR WWW.URBANROAD.COM.AU

TOP PICK

UNDER $100 From tribal decorative pieces to textile wonders you can find something to suit your budget

Turquoise Flow Tray. Perfect for everyday home & party styling.

High gloss print. Made from 100% Sustainable eco friendly Amber Bamboo.

Designer: Madart Inc. Price $85. Stockist: www.mintinteriordesign.com.au

Hex Box Bronze by Evie Group. Price $57.

Stockist: wallabuy. com.au

Totems: The sculptural organic forms are lovingly handcrafted and individually unique. Totems bring life, colour and vibrancy into our living spaces. Totems consist of amazingly ornate real living air plants called Tillandsia’s and reclaimed timbers. Price $70. Stockist: wallabuy.com.au

Swiss Dot Lace Tray

by Leif Shop. An intricate impression of swiss dot lace makes a stunning display in classic black.

Price $84. Stockist: wallabuy.com.au

Lumiere Art & Co Canvas Bucket Copper Dots Individually handpainted ‘bucket’ made from artist canvas. A multipurpose storage vessel perfect for pot plants or keeping the studio tidy!

Available in 2 sizes.

Price $65. Stockist: huntingforgeorge.com

ABC Modern Graphic Wall Clock designed by Mareike Bรถhmer Mareike draws inspiration from the clear, timeless lines found in Scandinavian design as well as the vibrant world of urban street art in her favorite city, Berlin her work is highly abstract. Price $99.

Stockist: www.urbancouture.com.au An indoor/outdoor beanbag so fabulous it doubles, triples and quadruples as a bed, lounge, chair and all round fun piece of furniture for every situation. Our clever design with metal eyelet means you can hang your bean bag up out of the way or even connect a few together to make a super comfy pod! Price $69.95.

Stockist: www.hardtofind.com.au

Harlequin Stripe Cushion from the Danish design duo Louise Lundholm & Mia Risager. The Danish duo founded their BANGBANG Copenhagen brand in 2008 and since then it has soared in popularity in Scandinavia.

Price $99. Stockist: SE3

Matt Black Candleholder. Scandinavian matt black candleholder with 3 arms. Price $85.

Stockist: www.thedesignhunter shop.com M Strap by Mathilda Clahr Natural.

Handcrafted leather from Stockholm, Sweden. The leather is organic vegetabletanned in Tarnsjo. It has a beautiful surface and ages naturally. Use it in a variety of ways - hang your favourite bag, jewellery, magazine, jacket or book. Perfect for your home or office. Also use as a tie back for your curtains.

Price $55.

Stockist: www.neutral instinct.com.au

TRIBE OFFERING - Wall Hanging. Available in two sizes priced from $65-$95. Hand illustrated and trimmed with feathers.

Stockist: www.aboynamedaaron.com.au

earthy

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Susan Simonini has crafted a business out off her passion for clay with rustic and functional pottery

Tell us a bit about your ceramics business?

I have a small home-based ceramics studio not far from the beach in sunny Queensland.

I hand-build rustic, functional and decorative pottery from earthy, textured clays.

At the moment I have an Etsy shop and I also sell my work at various local design markets.

Tell us about yourself and your background?

I have been drawing, painting and making things since childhood, so it was always inevitable that I would end up pursuing a career in the arts.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not always a straight path however, and I had lots of different jobs (none of which I was any good at, luckily), before taking the plunge and going to Queensland College of Art to gain my degree in Fine Art. At the time my husband and I were also raising three young boys, so it was quite a challenge!

Even before I embarked on university study, I had started exhibiting my paintings in local and national galleries, and after university I continued to exhibit and sell both paintings and large scale screenprints.

What sparked you to create your studio?

Financially, selling work in galleries, mainly due to the GFC, become a little more difficult. Some of the galleries that had represented me closed down, and after more than a decade of painting, I just wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feeling that passion anymore.

So I put away the paints and brushes, went back to university, and gained teaching qualifications.

After a year of teaching (no surprises here), I was longing to do something creative again. For a complete change, I decided to take a pottery class at my local community potters group. continued on next page >

“I look for shape and form in the things around me, particularly in nature and the coastal landscape.”

< continued from previous page I hadn’t touched clay since high school, so it was an exciting new medium to explore. To my complete surprise and joy, I fell totally in love with it!

So once a week after work I got lost in the world of clay. At the end of last year, my full-time teaching contract wasn’t renewed, so I took the opportunity to make a bunch of pieces and put them in my Etsy shop early this year. I had a great response almost immediately and my business has just grown organically from there.

What processes are involved in creating your pieces?

I use pretty basic, traditional techniques such as pinching, coiling and slab construction. I roll and shape the clay by hand, so no two pieces are the same.

It is the imperfect form I love – the uneven edge, the organic shape, the imprint of a finger left by the maker.

When a piece is leather hard, I smooth and shape it a bit more, apply slips and then bisque fire it.

I decide on the decoration. Some forms are simply glazed, but even then I try to leave some of the surface unglazed to create contrasting tones and textures.

To do this I apply wax resist to the bisques piece. Many of my terracotta pieces are highly decorated and that is the painter in me!

I love colour and pattern and this is reflected

in many of my surface designs. I also apply pattern by applying tissue transfers and decals.

After decoration, I give each piece a gloss glaze and everything goes back into the kiln for the final firing. From start to finish, one piece takes about 3-4 weeks!

triggers an idea, and I have to write it down for later exploration. If I don’t write it down, it’s out of my head very quickly. I have an extremely short attention span!

“I would have to say I am a little bit in love with my bunny plates. They just make me smile!”

Who are some of your favourite designers?

I am a big fan of hand-drawn or hand-painted design and typography, and totally in love with letterpress or screen-printed products.

My favourite design studios would have to include Paper Boat press, Olive and the Volcano, Bespoke Press, Bonnie and Neil and Studio on Fire.

What inspires you in your designs?

I am inspired by so many things. I look for shape and form in the things around me, particularly in nature and the coastal landscape.

I devour art books and design magazines, and pinterest is a great source for ceramic inspiration.

Most of the time, something just randomly

What do you love the most about having your own label?

Every day I wake up and get excited about the day ahead. Not only do I get to be creative, but running a business involves a lot of variety which I love.

Working from home is definitely a bonus, as I can go into the studio at any time of day or night, whenever creativity strikes.

I guess having your own label give you the freedom to do what you are passionate about, without compromise.

What is your favourite item in your store right now and why?

Although my favourite item is always the one I am in the process of designing, due to the aforementioned attention span, I would have to say I am a little bit in love with my bunny plates.

They just make me smile! continued on next page >

< continued from previous page What has been your biggest highlight?

I was recently the featured shop on the Etsy blog â&#x20AC;&#x201C; pretty exciting for such a new label!

What are your plans for the future?

I want to continue to grow my labeI, and would love to venture into wholesaling, while maintaining that handmade ethic and design integrity.

My own website is in the works and I will be attending some great design markets later this year including the Brisbane Finders Keepers in November.

There is so much to learn about ceramics, so I will definitely be experimenting with different clays, glazes and techniques so my range stays fresh

and exciting for both myself and my customers.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your business?

I am working towards making my business greener. Kilns use a lot of electricity, so we recently had solar panels installed to run the kiln and all my studio power and lighting.

Water use is minimised in by using a simple system of syphoning and recycling most of the water that is used in the studio. All my raw materials are sourced locally and the majority of my packing materials are either re-used or recyclable.

CONTACT: susansimonini@live.com.au www.etsy.com.au

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will definitely be experimenting with different clays, glazes and techniques.â&#x20AC;?

MODERN FLORALS We have found some clever modern prints with the essence of luxury

Ellison Quilt Cover Set. Glowing with colour, this gorgeous watercolour design was hand-painted in inks and is printed on cotton sateen. The cotton reverse features a graduating ombre print in soft, aqua blues.

Price $89.97.

Stockist: www.linenhouse.com.au

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1] Pigalle Tulip. Little Branch for Urban Road In a market in Paris an old enamel coffee pot is begging for some tulips.

Price $120. Stockist: www.urbanroad.com.au 2] Shakiraaz Bedspread Blue Floral. Looks great as a throw at the end of your bed. Price $230. Stockist: www.ecochic.com.au 3] Floral Small Bowl. This lovely little bowl is perfect for serving your favourite nibbles. Price $84.70. Stockist: www.indie.com.au 4] Blue floral cushion with contrasting lilac piping. 45x45cm. Price $69. Stockist: www.gillesandfranck.com.au 5] Kaila Console Table. Custom Upholstered Console Table made to order in any fabric. Price $1200. Stockist: www.ecochic.com.au 6] Gorgeous porcelain spring floral mugs with a rich deep pink gloss interior. Price $12.90. Stockist: savvyshophomewares.com.au 7] Hand Painted Enamel Floral Jug. Also available in mint green. Price $39. Stockist: savvyshophomewares.com.au 8] Alhambra Cushion cover. Johnson Waters Interior Design. 50cm x 50cm. Price $140. Stockist: www.johnsonwaters.com.au 9] Red Bowl with White Floral and Vine Hand Painted Design. Price $22.95. Stockist: www.oxfamshop.org.au 10] Vanda Blue King. 50% linen/50% cotton quilt cover screen printed with vanda design in blue. Price $330. Stockist: www.bonnieandneil.com.au

Suzie Atkin’s from Urban Road and Emma Blomfield from Nest Designs

CALIFORNIA DREAMING Urban Road have collaborated with Emma Blomfield from Nest Designs to create their debut Designer Rug Collection with incredible success Urban Road is an Australian brand known for its original canvas art prints and cushions. This season they have recently launched their new Summer 2014 collection which has their debut Designer Rug Collection. They have collaborated with Emma Blomfield of Nest Designs.

Emma Blomfield is an interior stylist who is passionate about making stylish interiors affordable and accessible to everyone - the perfect partner for Urban Road to create a unique range of designer rugs at affordable prices, whilst pushing the boundaries in rug design.

“Suzie and I were inspired by the summery colours, tones and textures of Palm Springs in California,” says Emma. “ We wanted the rug range to be bold and bright with a sense of fun

thrown in for good measure. After all, a rug is really a piece of artwork for your floor and each of the nine rugs in this collection tells it own artistic story. The colours we chose are varied in tones with a heavy focus on aquas, purple hues and darker shades of navy and grey to outline and make certain features of the rugs stand out.

We wanted a broad range of styles across the Designer Rug Collection so that they could be used in a variety of homes - from the leopard to the palms, there’s a rug to suit almost any home’s architecture. Moving into spring these rugs will pack a punch when it comes to adding colour, scale and character to your space.”

The Designer Rug Collection complements perfectly the new Summer 2014 Urban Road canvas and cushion collection, which takes

inspiration from the cool, salty ocean breeze of a coastal Australian summer with a Palm Springs twist, harking back to Suzie Atkin’s childhood home of California.

The Designer Rug Collection has a diverse selection of designs from intricate patterns to abstract lines, there is sure to be an option perfect for your home or office.

Made from a low pile, acrylic based Chenille, using fade resistant, eco-friendly inks. The reverse of the rug features a dotted non-woven backing with anti-slip dots to keep the rug in place. These quality floor rugs will make a lasting impression for many seasons to come.

Go shopping at www.urbanroad.com.au

La Palmas Rug With a diverse selection of designs from intricate patterns to abstract lines, there is sure to be an option perfect for your home or office.

Price $749 www.urbanroad.com.au

Top left: La Quinta Rug Top inset: Spring Break and Indigo Rug Bottom centre: Azure Mist Rug Bottom left: Exotic Empire Rug Price $749 Stockist: www.urbanroad.com.au

MUST HAVE Every home needs the little extras to make it feel welcoming

Shapes cushions. Jennifer + Smith’s luscious feather oblong cushions are individually screen printed on 100% cotton manufactured locally. The reverse is a soft charcoal velvet.

Handmade in Australia. Jennifer + Smith textiles are handprinted, resulting in the subtle variations that make every product unique. Priced from $110.

Stockist: www.jenniferandsmith.com.au

Round flat bottom flask, ideal for a vase, jug or wine decanter, 500ml. Price $75.

Stockist: www.alchemyprodux.com

Quilt No. 13. Perfect for the kids room. Made with 100% cotton fabrics, handmade in Elwood, Victoria, 100xm x 115cm.

Price: $170. Stockist: www.diddi.com.au

Handmade Wooden Mandala Wall Hanging. Handmade from wood, nails and twine, a ‘Mandala’ wall hanging by The Archer Collective offers balancing visual elements, symbolizing unity and harmony. Price $65.

Stockist: The Archer Collective

MOODBOARD

Personalised wrist cuffs Uber ID Cuff Medium & Uber ID Cuff Large Stockist: Uberkate

WITH TESSA WHITE

Hide Leather Pendant Light. Price $390.

Stockist: Anaesthetic

TESSA WHITE DOWN THAT LITTLE LANE www.downthatlittlelane.com.au Tessa is the Founder of Down that Little Lane a website that brings you the delighful things in life.

Products that make you smile everytime you walk past or look at them are often difficult to source.

Tessa spends all her time finding them and brings them all together for you in an ever evolving online marketplace that makes you feel like you could be walking down the streets of Marakesh or the cobbled pathways of Paris finding these treasures to bring home that become part of your daily life.

Radical Yes â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;All Seeingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Infinity Mirror. $159.

Stockist: Radicalyes

Childs Peacock Side Table in pastel colours

by The Family Love Tree. Price $89.

Stockist: DTLL

Neon love sign

by Vintage Neon. Price $890. Stockist: DTLL

Copper Ball Mason Cocktail Jar - 340ml by Rainy Sunday. Price $15.

Stockist: DTLL

Life Is wonderful A4 Art Print by Charabia Letters. Price $35.

Stockist: DTLL

Natural wood trays with hand painted designs.

Price from $35. Stockist: The Vintage Vogue Story

MOODBOARD WITH GABI AND PAWEL

Mug, Bowl, Espresso Cup and Saucer Set by si.li. Price: $128 for set.

Stockist: Resident GP

Concrete iPhone Dock in White. Price $46.

Stockist: Resident GP.

GABI SIDHU & PAWEL GACA RESIDENT GP www.residentgp.com.au Launched in March 2014 by Melbourne couple Gabi and Pawel, Resident GP is all about finding the unique, the new and the exciting. Our home and lifestyle products have been carefully sourced and curated to showcase the very best designers from around the globe. We love finding untapped talent and sharing it with fellow design lovers, and many of our brands are exclusive in Australia to Resident GP. With a background in interiors and architecture, Gabi has a passion for design and is always available to offer any advice to our customers!

Distorted Planter

by Studio Lorier.

Price: $34.

Stockist: Resident GP.

Art #28

by Nynne Rosenvinge.

Price: $28

Wilfred sofa

by Jardan Furniture (POA - Made to Order)

Colour Bowl by One & Many. Price: $49.

Stockist: Resident GP.

Pixoss Lamp by M.OSS Design.

Price $299.

Stockist: Resident GP.

Kate & Kate Tart Blanket in Blue, Grey and Black. Price: $110. Stockist: Kate & Kate

Geo Origami Cushion in Grey

by Mika Barr. Price: $90.

MOODBOARD

Box of 12 Chocolates. Price $26.40.

Stockist: Nectar and Stone Yellow & grey decorator cushion. Price. $85.

Stockist: Inside Place

WITH YVETTE WILSON

YVETTE WILSON THE STYLIST SPLASH www.thestylistsplash.com.au Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Yvette and my blog is The Stylist Splash.

I love blogging about interiors, design, things that I have bought for my home and great recipes.

I love supporting local artists and designers and have a passion for colour. For a daily fix, read all about it on my blog.

Large Dot Tile in fluro pink.

Price $25.

Stockist: Bonnie and Neil

I just need sleep teatowel. Price $69. Stockist: Castle and Things

Just Add Glitter print. Price $32.

Stockist: My Sweet Prints

String Fling Felt Ball Garland.

Price $22.

Stockist: Sari Jane Accents

Cute Frame Purse workshop Price $75. Stockist: Treehouse Textiles

SLY Table Lamp in yellow & blue.

Price. $99.95 Stockist: OZ Design

TOP PICK

UNDER $25

Great gift ideas for someone special without the price tag Thank You Marigolds from Sow ‘n Sow This Gift of Seeds is designed for saying a very special Thank You with marigold seeds.

Marigolds are everpopular and extremely easy to grow ensuring your gift will be a lasting reminder of your thanks. Price $8.95.

Stockist: Sow ‘n Sow

The Juliett. This petite bowl is painted on the inside with neon coral. The outer rim is wood burned with tiny little triangles, for a simple and modern embellishment.

Perfect to keep rings and earrings in, The Juliett is a fantastic gift for a lovely person in your life. Brighten up that dresser top with beautiful colors! Available in five different colors. Price $24.52. Stockist: sonofsailorsupply.etsy.com

Moon Tea Towel from Leif Shop. Two-tone circles and a spacey colour palette draw inspiration from the moon on Ferm Living’s modern galactic tea towel. Price $19.95. Stockist: www.wallabuy.com.au

Solid copper candleholder.

A beautiful addition to any room.

Price $25. Stockist: SE3 Scandinavian Wall Hook - White.

The wall dots are screen printed by hand onto the wood so the surface is rougher than the rest of the Dot hooks. Price $13.90. Stockist: www.mintinteriordesign.com.au Jersey Hot Water bottle by Signed Sealed Delivered. Warm someone up this winter, with this soft, luxurious Knitted hot water bottle. Price $21.

Stockist: www.wallabuy.com.au

Summit linen tea towel by Danica Studio. Price $24.95. Stockist: Big & Little

Shower rose kit by Daya Design The shower rose kit consists of a clear acrylic hook which is placed over your shower rose/head or mixer. Any of the caddies can be slid onto the hook. Price $19.95. Stockist: Daya Design

French Bull dinner plate by Shop Until. Fusing 1960â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s melamine nostalgia with a fresh modern twist of kaleidoscopic colour, dreamy florals and bold retro patterns. Serve up your own style with French Bullâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s superior melamine tableware collection. Price $24.95.

Stockist: Shop Until

Triangle storage box with compartments. Designed by Minilabo. Price $24.95.

Stockist: French Bazaar

Cape Cod storage basket by Holy Tote Tame clutter, make everything look tidy, and add colour in one go just by adding a few of these beautiful baskets to your home.

Price $24.95.

Stockist: Holy Tote

Pastel geometry weekly planner notepad by Amelia Lane Paper 50 tear-off sheets with magnets on reverse. Professionally printed in Australia on 100gsm bright white stock. Packaged in cellophane bag.

Price $17.95. Stockist: Amelia Lane Paper

We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get enough of the copper trend at the moment so we unearthed some amazing homewares that you are sure to fall in love with Image: Courtesy of The Design Hunter www.thedesignhuntershop.com

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1] Karlsson Wall Clock Minimal. Classic station style wall clock with copper case & copper second hand. Price $99. Stockist: www.neutralinstinct.com.au 2] Copper Cross Cushion Cover. Hand painted metallic cross cushion in copper on navy. Price $69. Stockist: www.cloudninecreative.co.nz 3] Large Hanging Planter/Basket with hand spun copper/ brass bowl. Price $124.53. Stockist: insekdesign.etsy.com 4] Habibi Tray Tables. The Habibi tray table are reminiscent of ornately detailed oriental tea service. Price $1270. Stockist: www.livingedge.com.au 5] Beer foamer copper. he Beer Foamer gets you as close to the pub experience as you can without leaving your home.

Price $99. Stockist: www.top3.com.au 6] Robert Gordon - Copper Finished Deep Wire Basket Small. Price $26. Stockist: www.petersofkensington.com.au 7] Milk colour with copper scalloping vase. Price $49. Stockist: Urban Cartel 8] Copper Real Good Chair. skinny as a supermodel yet far more sturdy. Price $399. Stockist: www.bludot.com.au

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1] Palm Copper. Wall Decor Discs will another dimension to your decor, oozing character and charm. Price $89. Stockist: www.urbanroad.com.au 2] VI Copper. VI Light pays homage to the hard working honey bee. Price $425. Stockist: www.lightly.com.au 3] Metallic/linen cushion cover in copper. Imitation leather front with a metallic finish, and woven linen on the back. Price $14.95. Stockist: H & M Home 4] Kubus Copper Bowl by Lassen. Suitable for everything from spring blossoms to herbs or candy. Price $550. Stockist: www.urbancouture.com.au 5] Roule tray 37cm copper, Pauline Deltour for Discipline. The elegant shape, rounded edges and sophisticated materials of copper and brass make the Roule tray a luxurious, yet delightfully simple object. Price $332. Stockist: www.top3.com.au 6] Copper Candelabra. Fabulous copper candelabra to add to the dining table, sideboard or any room that needs an instant boost of wow. Price $109. Stockist: www.vavoom.com.au 7] Concrete and Copper Chunk Candleholders by Menu- Large. Price $110. Stockist: www.urbancouture.com.au 8] Scamp Small Table. Mix and match our little Scamp to form your own landscape of beauty and utility. Price $249. Stockist: www.bludot.com.au

Copper Big Dot Throw Like shiney Copper coins! An exquisite multifunctional linen throw made exclusively by Lumiere Art + Co. Hand screenprinted big dot pattern trimmed with a cosy white 100% wool fringe. Measurements are approximately 145 x 250cm. 100% pure linen. Packaged in a calico storage bag. Price $220.

Stockist: www.lumiereartandco.com.au

Kooper Lamp in copper and sable. Price $349. Stockist: www.beaconlighting.com.au

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1] Lennox Pendant. Copper pendant with taupe fabric cord introduces an old, yet now new, finish. Price $565. Stockist: www.boydblue.com 2] Leather Planter. Our latest addition the Leather Planter. Price $110. Stockist: www.lightly.com.au 3] Copper waves. Handpainted resin art. Price $980. Stockist: www.martinegallery.com 4] Leff Amsterdam brick copper clock. Brickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s case is welded and brushed by hand from Shop Until. Price $575. Stockist: www.hardtofind.com.au 5] Kubus 4 Danish and Scandinavian Copper Candleholder. Price $239. Stockist: www.urbancouture.com.au 6] A stylish copper foil printed Flamingo by I ENDED UP HERE. Designed and printed in Australia on 100% cotton stock.

Limited edition of 150. Price $69.95 (unframed). Stockist: www.iendeduphere.com 7] Metro Table Lamp 55cm in Copper. This stylish lamp makes a confident, contemporary statement. Price $149. Stockist: www.freedom.com.au 8] Meera Coffee Table. Asymmetrical, elaborately designed, table top with ultrathin aluminium leaf plating from underneath, transparent, high-gloss copper-coloured coating. Price $2800. Stockist: www.bretz.com.au 9] Redecker copper cleaner scourer. Set of 2 multi-purpose scourer pads made from fine copper threads that clean thoroughly and gently without scratching. Price $9.95. Stockist: www.biome.com.au 10] Dot copper stool. New from Pols Potten, the Dot stool is sure to add a sparkle to your room. Stockist: www.voyagerinteriors.com.au

DANISH INFLUENCES Marnie and Ryan McKnight from Milkcart handcraft their furniture which is inspired by the timeless beauty and lines of Danish furniture in their small Sydney warehouse

Tell us a bit about your furniture business?

Milkcart creates handmade furniture influenced by mid century Danish style and inspired by Australian interiors. Designed and constructed by a Sydney based team of two, each item is carefully handcrafted and finished in our workshop, with as little impact to the environment as possible.

Tell us about yourself and your background?

MARNIE: Growing up, I was always encouraged to peruse my creative tendencies, but after school you kind of get caught up with the pressures of making money and getting by day to day. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t until we moved into our current house a couple of years ago that I realised I had a curious love for furniture design.

RYAN: I come from a family of men who were pretty good with their hands. From building their own houses to actually constructing their own cars and small aircraft, it must have been in my blood to keep the tradition going. My dad had me on the tools from the age of 4, building my first bed and helping out around the house. I have had a good few years as a chippie and dabbled in shop fitting which lead me to what we are doing at MILKCART now. continued on next page >

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are inspired by the timeless beauty and lines of Danish furniture, and the light filled interiors of Australian homes.â&#x20AC;?

< continued from previous page What sparked you to create Milkcart?

MARNIE: When Ryan and I were priced out of the furniture brands that we loved, we started to design our own items to fit our space and we realised that it was something we were both loved, were good at, and it grew from there.

RYAN: I was working in the city, fitting out elevators every day and working with a variety of industrial materials. I convinced the boys at work to let me take the off cuts and scraps from the factory and start knocking up stuff for our house.

Being in the city was a buzz and inspired me creatively. My father had his own businesses from a young age too so subconsciously it probably had an impact on the where I have ended up.

What processes are involved in creating your pieces?

MARNIE: Usually I will decide I need a certain piece of furniture in our house (which we are in the midst of renovating) and start brainstorming with Ryan how we can make a piece which fits into the aesthetic of our home life.

I will then sketch it out for him, and together we will select the materials.

He will knock up a sample, we will live with it for a little while and look at it daily, feel it, see if it needs any changes to make it and then go from there.

RYAN: At first I would just start messing around in the factory for hours with different ideas. I would then show Marnie and nine times out of ten they wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cut

the mustard. Then after a while we realised it was better to sit down and have a chat about what we wanted.

I try and do everything in-house, hence the designs being simple, clean and functional.

What inspires you in your designs?

MARNIE: We are inspired by the timeless beauty and lines of Danish furniture, and the light filled interiors of Australian homes.

I am often found just standing in a doorway of our home, staring blankly at a white wall, envisioning what piece of furniture would work there, both visually and practically, because if I need it in my home, chances are others do too!

RYAN: I seem to get inspired anywhere but usually through travel, music and simple building materials I see throughout my day.

What do you love the most about having your own label?

MARNIE: It is so rewarding to see a simple sketch come to life and for others to love it as much as we do.

It also allows us some flexibility in our personal life - Ryan was able to duck out of the workshop and bring the kids ice skating one afternoon recently - something that could never happen before.

RYAN: Being able to try out ideas and designs with no pressure from anyone is a plus.

Who are some of your favourite designers?

We have a huge respect for the midcentury designers, and are especially in awe of husband and wife design team Charles and Ray Eames. continued on next page >

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is so rewarding to see a simple sketch come to life and for others to love it as much as we do.â&#x20AC;?

< continued from previous page What is your favourite item in your store right now and why?

MARNIE: I love the Skinny Dolly hall stand - it was our first item and remains my favourite due to its slim lines and simplicity.

RYAN: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been liking how the timber dolly bedside is turning our these days.

What has been your biggest highlight?

MARNIE: The invitation to be a part of the Design Arcade in the upcoming Grand Designs Live is very exciting for us, as it is such a great show, inspiring in every episode.

RYAN: I felt really good about the positive feedback from the Finders Keepers market. Met a lot of great like minded people which is always inspiring.

What are your plans for the future?

We are moving to a larger workshop soon, and hope to expand our range over the next few months as we have heaps of design ideas, and just need to time to make them!

CONTACT: www.milkcart.com.au themilkcart@yahoo.com.au

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1] The Wood Cylindrical Table Lamp from Fat Shack Vintage adds a charismatic and warm aspect to any room.

Price $129.95. Stockist: www.zanui.com.au 2] Amalfi Revival Table Lamp - White/Natural, Wood, 70cm. Price $169.95. Stockists: www.amalfihomewares.com.au 3] Norway Table Lamp in Teak. Angle poised table lamp features superb joinery. Price $134.10. Stockist: www.beaconlighting.com.au 4] ZAVA SISTER Table Light. Distributed exclusively by LightCo Pty. Price POA. Stockist: www.lightco.com.au 5] Wooden Arm Globe Shade Pendant Desk Lamp. Price $181.95. Stockist: www.parrotuncle.com 6] Edison Table Lamp in Teak. his product expresses a different way of using timber in design. Price $80.96. Stockist: www.beaconlighting.com.au 7] All Wood Lovely Contemporary Desk Lamp. Price $176.95. Stockist: www.parrotuncle.com 8] The Henry table lamps will be at home in any room and are ideal for use on a desk or bedside table.

Price $149.95. Stockist: www.cranmorehome.com.au

MADE IT

Country roses linen designer cushion. Traditional decorators will love this heavyweight linen in full bloom. Pink and beige cabbage roses on a sage background. Price $80. Stockist: Villa de Luxe

Pyramid â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Retroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Door Stop. Beautifully handcrafted and eye catching Door Stop, hand screen printed using waterbased non toxic and hand mixed inks, onto quality off white 100% Linen. Price $35. Stockist: Billie The Kid

6 Mini Soy Candle Tins. Hand poured and have hand-painted chalkboard lids that you can reuse for keeping herbs & spices or even earrings.

Price $25. Stockist: The Pantry Candle Co

Love Cushion Cover - Fluorescent Red. This cushion is hand screen printed using non toxic water based inks and trimmed with white Pom Pom braid. Price $39. Stockist: Lillipilli Collections

Deer Oh Deer Scatter Cushion. A very funky decorative cushion in viabrant colours to brighten up your little boys bedroom. Looks great on his bed or even on a soda lounge. Price $47. Stockist: Old Vintage Bike

Nordic inspired handcut collage deer triangle blue yellow chevron beach wall art. Made with quality scrapbooking papers and cardstock.

Price $35. Stockist: The Paper Owl

Metallic Space Rock Lunar Concrete Key/Fruit Bowl. Our quirky twist on industrial home is sure to brighten your living or office space. Price $64.

Stockist: Nothing But Vintage

Mint black & natural wood and resin geo beads on wooden branch. Price $24. Stockist: Banjo and the Sparrow

Upcycled Paper Decoration Map. Can be used a place setting, a photo holder, a note holder, or just a mantle decoration. Price $20. Stockist: Red Zebra Designs

TOP PICK

UNDER $50

You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to spend a fortune to get a fabulous statement piece for your home Doug Johnston Sash Cord Trivet.

Designed by Tomoe Matsuoka, the 25.6cm diameter trivet with a small loop handle is made from #6 100% cotton sash cord and poly sewing thread. It is not flame resistant or retardant but can take some serious warmth. The trivets can be used like big coasters around the house and fit perfectly under teapots. Price $27.

Stockist: www.safariliving.com

Owl Print. Tu whit tu, tu whit tu! Lovely Owl artwork featuring a geometric owl on a yellow background.

Price $45.

Stockist: SE3

Oval Hanging Tea light Holder from Mint Interior Design.

Price $43. Stockist: www.wallabuy. com.au

Round tea light holders. Set of 3 round wooden candle holders in beautiful colours. Price $30.

Stockist: Anrol Designs Fake cactus in Dallas by French Bazaar Fake cactus that looks like a real one. Perfect to style your bathroom, side table or shelf.

Designed in Amsterdam by Klevering. Price $49.95. Stockist: French Bazaar

Aura Lattice neon coral European pillowcase by Tracie Ellis.

The De Stijl artists of the Netherlands believed the straight line to be the ultimate expression of simplicity and abstraction. Price $49.95. Stockist: Aura by Tracie Ellis

Porcelain tea light/vase in daisy print - short by Sally Cassandra. These lace impressed southern ice porcelain tea-light holders/vases are hand crafted. Price $34.

Stockist: www.hardtofind.com.au

Signature heat pillow - Jade garden by Tonic Australia. Tonics heat pillows are the perfect remedy to relieve the stress of your busy lives. Price $34.95.

Stockist: Tonic Australia

Ettie Ink Pineapple Print with hand painted gold leaf. $45 (unframed), 320 x 450mm Shop it at etsy.com/au/shop/ettieink

Round Bamboo Wine Tool Case by Carlo Rossini Finished in stunning bamboo, this round timber wine accessories kit includes i a multi tool wine opener, a stopper, a pourer and drip ring. Price $39.95. Stockist: www.hardtofind.com.au

Marimekko Siirtolapuutarha Salad Plate (Black) The Siirtolapuutarha salad plate from Marimekko, designed by Maija Louekari, is decorated with an abstract circle drawing which can be interpreted as a piece of corn or the center of a flower. Price $39.

Stockist: www.safariliving.com

Boskke cube planter. The freshly minted, fabulous new clear CUBE. Once again a show-stopping new take on the standard plant pot by Boskke, creators of the revolutionary Sky (upside down) planters! Simply fill the planter with water & the signature terracotta membrane allows the plant to self water, with each â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;wateringâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lasting up to a month. Price $35. Stockist: Design For Use

GET THE BLOCK LOOK Are you loving The Block Glasshouse and all the gorgeous wares on show?

Then take a look through our special feature and you can achieve the same in your home

SIMON & SHANNON The brothers are delivering knockout rooms with statement pieces

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1] XO Gold Foil Print Set. Hand signed and embossed. Price $149.95. Stockist: Blacklist 2] Mechanics Cage Pendant in Gold. Price $89.95. Stockist: Beacon Lighting 3] Velvet burnt orange quilt cover. Price from $179 Stockist: Kip & Co 4] Scribbles White Pillowcase Set. This funky pillowcase set by Kip & Co includes two standard pillowcases. Price $59. Stockist: Kip & Co 5] Icelandic Dream Bed Head. Materials Original artwork exclusively designed for Mexsii Bedheads. Price $2200. Stockist: Mexsii 6] Ethnicraft Teak Square Root Chair. Price $990. Stockist: Clickon Furniture 7] Mark 11 by Shannon McGrath. Archival pigment print on cotton rag. Price $1200. Stockist: Carbon Black Gallery 8] Muffins Table Lamp H346 by Dan Yeffet and Lucie Koldova for Brokis. Price $1795. Stockist: Huset 9] Stripey Spots Bath Towel. Generously sized, super soft bath towel by Kip & Co. Price $59. Stockist: Kip & Co 10] Echo Flower Side Table. Made from either printed antique copper or printed antique nickel it adds the WOW factor to any living space. Price $269. Stockist: Home Concepts

DEANNE & DARREN Appealing elegance, charm and consistency is the driving force behind this powerful team

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1] Clondrisse Tree | Stone Block Photograph. Price $320. Stockist: Will Salter Photography 2] Ziporah Hand Towel | Emperor. Price $35. Stockist: Ziporah towels, designed by Antoinette Murray 3] Nautic Hellman Pendant Light. Price $2530. Stockist: Tigger Hall 4] Pom Pom Cushions. Use them as accents on sofas or beds. Price $64. Stockist: Linen & Moore 5] Kennedy Sofa Chair. Price $1260. Stockist: GlobeWest 6] Pixel Towels. Madly multi-coloured, pixelated pop art pays homage to New York’s culture clash. Price $6.95 Stockist: The Shelley Panton Store 7] Lumi Pendant. Price POA. Stockist: articoloarchitecturallighting.com.au 8] Ethnicraft Oak Tripod Side Table. Price $230. Stockist: Clickon Furniture 9] John Martono “Journey to Happiness” original painting. Price $2990. Stockist: Tusk Gallery

KARSTAN & MAXINE The couple are using the minimalist look with success

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1] Salta Pendant. Price $165. Stockist: Lights Lights Lights 2] “Ménage à Trois” by Thierry B. Price $6600. Stockist: Thierry B. Fine Arts 3] Tufted Fabric Bedhead. Colours Available: Condo Platinum, Beachcomber Graphite, Beachcomber Oatmeal. Price $1149. Stockist: Forty Winks 4] Lops Desk Lamp. Price $80. Stockists: Lights Lights Lights 5] Wire Table Lamp, black. Price $195. Stockist: Lights Lights Lights 6] Vittoria Round Side Table. Price $520. Stockist: Alisa & Lysandra Collections 7] Kennedy Button Lounge Chair | Coal/Bone. Price $1030. Stockist: Alisa & Lysandra Collections 8] Tropix Succulent Pouch. A gorgeous succulent wrapped inside a handmade pouch, perfect for both indoor or outdoor use. Price $30. Stockist: My Little Empire 9] Vertical Milk Bottle Vase. Perfect for your next bunch of flowers, outdoor herb garden or tea light candles. Price $35. Stockist: My Little Empire

MICHAEL & CARLENE This duo delivers modern contemporary with success

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1] VI Brass Pendant Light. VI Light pays homage to the hard working honey bee. Price $292. Stockist: Lightly 2] Godfrey Pendant light. The planish beaten handmade copper pendant makes a stunning feature pendant. Price $330. Stockist: Lightly 3] Baby Grey Paper Bags. Price $10. Stockist: The Shelley Panton Store 4] Curved Wood Bowl. Price $54. Stockist: The Shelley Panton Store 5] Gap Bedroom Furniture. It may be called the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Gapâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, but there are certainly no holes in the quality of this beautifully crafted contemporary bedroom suite. Stockist: Forty Winks 6] Ethnicraft Teak N2 Lounge Chair. Price $390. Stockist: Clickon Furniture 7] Lime, Blue, Pink I Original Artwork I Belynda Henry. Price $400. Stockist: Belynda Henry 8] Sculptural Spheres. Liven up a bookshelf or tabletop with these airy Sculptural Spheres, made from metal and finished in a luminous gold.

Price $39 - $89. Stockist: www.westelm.com.au 9] Shelley Panton Pottery Stoneware Cup. Price $40. Stockist: The Shelley Panton Store 10] Pony Rider X Cushion Charcoal. Price $89. Stockist: The Shelley Panton Store 11] Castell Side Table. Price $269. Stockist: Clickon Furniture

CHRIS & JENNA This fun and delightful couple are keeping it simple with decor throughout

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1] Max Armchair in sea green. This Scandinavian inspired upholstered armchair will add style to any living room. Price $799. Stockist: Home Concepts 2] Black Origami Cushion is based on an original block print artwork by Mara Girling. Price $150. Stockist: Curious Grace 3] Mechanics Cage Pendant in Black. Price $89.95. Stockist: Beacon Lighting 4] Ethnicraft Nordic Queen Bed. Price $2395. Stockist: Home Concepts 5] Nordic Bedside. Designed in Belgium to exacting international trends the Nordic Bedside is made of solid European Oak and comprises of a drawer and open shelf. Price $469. Stockist: Home Concepts 6] Hand Wash Vanilla 500ml. Price $22. Stockist: Planet Luxe 7] Hunter Round Cross Side Table. The Hunter side table consists of a black iron base in a cross shape with an aluminium nail details top.

It adds an industrial look to any living space. Price $499. Stockist: Home Concepts 8] Liam Table Lamp in Ash. Price $149. Stockist: Beacon Lighting 9] Drona Box, yellow. Easy to pull out and lift as the box has handles. Perfect for everything from newspapers to clothes. Price $4.99. Stockist: Ikea

Tyto Alba print

NATURAL APPEAL Drawing her inspiration from natural objects artist Beth-Emily Gregory reinterprets what she studys in her stunning illustrations Tell us a bit about your art?

My work explores the relationship between nature and the self.

It’s highly subjective, as the content is drawn from my own personal experiences; observing landscapes, flora, fauna and natural objects.

I often collect natural objects in order to study and reinterpret them through illustration, printmaking and mark-making.

I keep a lot of these, adding them to my evergrowing collection. Every object is special to me, as they remind me of a specific moment in time.

Tell us about yourself and your background?

I’m originally from Hobart, Tasmania, where I formally trained in the Visual Arts. I moved to Melbourne with my fiancée in 2013 in order for us to further our pursuits in the creative industry.

We’ve met a lot of talented, supportive and like-minded people since moving, all of whom have made Melbourne feel a lot like home.

My love of nature comes from the bond I developed as a child.

Hobart is a city surrounded by mountainous landscapes, rivers and forests. I’ve spent many days wandering in the Tasmanian wilderness.

One thing I have found difficult in the transition to Melbourne, is just how inaccessible nature is from this city.

I yearn to be close to the sea, forests and mountains again. The absence of these landscapes has recently enlightened me of just how important my bond with the wilderness is to who I am.

What sparked you to begin your own business?

I was working three jobs, seven days a week for over a year, all in order to help establish a

design studio with two other partners.

At first, this hard-work paid off, as the studio worked to support our values and aspirations as a creatives.

However the reality of cash-flow and meeting client expectations soon found us compromising our values and delivering mediocre work.

The combination of working myself to the bone and ‘for the man’ soon made me lose interest in the work I was producing through the studio.

Beth-Emily’s inception was a result of trying to find another way to pursue my artistic aspirations.

Since graduating from the Tasmania School of Art, I had never considered pursuing Illustration as a profession, and that it could also provide me with creative flexibility that design could not. continued on next page >

Photography: Sean Fennessy Styling: Stephanie Stamatis

“There’s a lot of subtle beauty in nature that is often overlooked. I’m constantly inspired by them and want to re-interpret them in my work.”

Gang Gang Cockatoo, original feather and spotted and orange capped porcelain mushrooms

Pictured from top to bottom: Bec’s Hummingbird; Hand Formed Porcelain mushrooms; Spotted Pardalote.

< continued from previous page I slowly started to build my skills and my practice up, while juggling my other commitments.

Beth-Emily’s Ornitholica series was the first set of Illustrations I completed. People really gravitated towards this series of work and in 2009 I decided to leave behind my other commitments and pursue Beth-Emily as a full-time career. I haven’t looked back since.

What techniques do you use in creating your pieces?

My formal training in print-making, design and illustration has taught me to employ a number of different techniques to create my work.

I start by generating a lot of elements by hand, be it illustrations, textures, colours or marks. I then use digital techniques to layer and manipulate these elements.

Working between these analog and digital processes provides me with instant feedback, which gives me greater control over the quality and finish of my work.

What inspires you in your designs?

Nature in the minute and its entirety.

There’s a lot of subtle beauty in nature that is often overlooked. I’m constantly inspired by them and want to re-interpret them in my work.

Who are some of your favourite artists and why?

I regard Deanne Cheuk very highly. She has accomplished a lot in her career and has left an impression on many creative fields. Her work is both gestural and graphical.

Seon Ghi Bahk, whose work I have only recently discovered. I love his suspended installations that use charcoal as the main material. They have a certain lightness and structure to them. We also share a similar background, so I appreciate how nature informs his works.

London based illustrator and artist, Hellovon. I admire how he gives his subjects a fluid quality. His work is also amazing in the way it walks the fine line between the artistic and commercial.

I also greatly admire the many naturalist illustrators and artists of the past, who strived to document the natural world with such meticulous attention.

What is your most favourite illustration or painting that you have completed?

The body of work ‘Keepsake’ that I recently exhibited in Adelaide. This collection of work was the culmination of developing my ideas over a year and contained hand-generated objects, created from many different materials and techniques. It was also the first time I revealed the new direction I’m taking with my artwork. continued on next page >

Photography: Sean Fennessy Styling: Stephanie Stamatis Left: Framed Original - Arkose I, 2013 Left bottom: Hand cut paper Stag Beetle Styling by Stephanie Stamatis.

“I yearn to be close to the sea, forests and mountains again.” < continued from previous page What has been your biggest highlight?

The ability to collaborate with other like-minded creatives. I always look forward to working on collaborative projects, especially with people whose work I find inspiring.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your art?

I’m excited to be launching my new range of illustrative prints and objects on a newly designed online store. We’re aiming to have the new work available in September.

CONTACT: www.beth-emily.com

Part of the new artworks to be released with website - Vessel Series, Vintage Perfume Bottle I

Original graphite feathers, Tyto Alba, Spotted Pardalote, Orange capped Porcelain Mushrooms.

DESIGN SERVICES Need that little bit of a helping hand with your design or styling?

We have a passion for creating spaces that are aesthetically beautiful. No matter what the project or budget size, we create everyday living in spaces that also calm, inspire, and uplift the spirit. As an Interior Designer, we will help you create a home that can be lived in and loved everyday. Our reputation and success at Design Divine is our ability to maintain our established longstanding relationships with our contractors and clients. Accredited Interior Design and Eco Licensed Carpentry Services. www.designdivine.com.au

Winkelen (meaning store in Dutch) online homewares magazine is dedicated in showcasing home decor products from a vast array of different retailers and designers. We offer affordable marketing solutions for retailers and designers who wish to put their products in front of a niche audience. Advertise with us and reap the benefits of free feature articles plus extra exposure through social media outlets. Talk to us today to discuss how we can help you, email at hello@winkelenmagazine.com. Visit at www.winkelenmagazine.com

De s i g ner cushions and homewares

www.cushionspot.com.au

GET THE LOOK No matter what your taste we have found something you will love

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1] Boticario de Havana Candle. Enjoy the daily rituals of the Boticario-recreated exclusively by Archipelago.

Price $34.95. Stockist: www.neutralinstinct.com.au 2] Ceramic Aqua Pineapple decoration. Price $79.95. Stockist: www.escapetoparadise.com.au 3] Blue flower tray. Made from single sheets of birch so providing a high quality finish and longevity of use. Price $86. Stockist: Country House Manuka 4] Malmo Small Wooden Stool- White. Price $231. Stockist: www.urbancouture.com.au 5] Asahineko Conifer 5 Woods Trivet/Pot Stand. Price $65. Stockist: www.ginkgoleaf.com.au 6] Eames速 Moulded Plastic Dowel-Leg Armchair. Price $845. Stockist: www.livingedge.com.au

Coat rack Practical and adaptable, this clever moveable storage is built from a repurposed pallet for industrial style.

The simple design caters for use as a garment rack in a retail shop, a coat rack by the front door or as extra wardrobe storage. Price $395.

Stockist: Little Red Industries

ETSY FINDS

Vintage brown and white cowhide floor rug. This gorgeous vintage brown and white cowhide is from australia and in great condition. Has an anchor branding mark on one end. Price $250.

Stockist: Epochco

Sticks & Holes, Table Lamp 5133. The Sticks and Holes table lamp does not come with instructions. It promotes creativity and encourage customisation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; use determines outcome.

Price $167.46. Stockist: Ernest Studio

Hand Felted Vessel. It has a uneven edge and varying thicknesses of felt throughout. It is made entirely of llama fibre and has beautiful natural tones. Price $60. Stockist: Fox Hill Llamas

Bamboo Honeycomb Place Mat & Coaster set.

These laser-cut bamboo place mats & coasters are inspired by the natural beauty of a beeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s honeycomb. Price $54.99. Stockist: Bu Products

Faceted pot. A gorgeous handmade small faceted pot made of polymer clay in mint. This pot measures approx. 7cm in diameter and 3.5 cm in height. Price $18.95. Stockist: At Home with Rose

White pony on ink. Scatter a collection of your favorite illustrations around your home and office on this soft and comfy pillow slip. Throw Pillow Cover made from 100% spun polyester poplin fabric. Price $32.83. Stockist: Thisle and Fox

Timber Hexagon shelving. These handcrafted Hexagon Boxes are individually made based off the honey comb concept. Each box is sold individually.

Price $29.95. Stockist: Smyth Organic

Concrete Bottle Vase. The organic nature of concrete means no two pieces are alike.

Variations in the texture are what makes your pot unique. Price $30. Stockist: Fox and Ramona

DIY

DIY WOOD FABRIC BEDHEAD Fiona Michelon from Craft Hunter delivers another stunning example of DIY cleverness with this fabulous fabric bedhead

Check out the newest addition to my bedroom! All thanks to a trip to Ikea over the weekend where I spotted this fab new wood-look fabric. I’ve wanted a headboard for my room for ages now and have had to rack my brain for a rent-friendly idea which didn’t involve screwing it to the wall.

I actually only picked up a metre of this fabric on Saturday as I had no idea what I wanted to do with it. Naturally as soon as I got home I decided on a bed head and had to have it in my life immediately, so a quick boyfriend food bribe later and back off to Ikea we went.

I love those moments when you are really excited about a new DIY project and you can’t wait to get it finished! I was like a loopy kid jacked up on sugar.

I had some polyester pin board left over from a previous headboard project flop, so the process was crazy simple. If you have some sheets of MDF this would also work a charm and I’d recommend gluing a layer of padding or extra fabric to soften it up a tad before putting the wood fabric in place.

Fiona Michelon from Craft Hunter

STEP ONE: Measure out your headboard width and cut your wood or pin board to size. I went just 10cm wider than my bed, so 5cm either side.

STEP TWO: Iron your fabric STEP THREE: Measure and draw a straight line down the top of your headboard wood/pinboard on the back. Use this line to check your fabric design is straight. The wood design has a nicely annoying pattern with vertical lines so it’s important it lines up well when finished or your headboard is going to look a wee bit drunk STEP FOUR: Tape your fabric down in place, keeping it a little taught.

STEP FIVE: Now you can get to work with the staple gun. Start at the top over your taped section. Be sure to keep it nice and straight and

staple around 5cm from the edge, every 10cm or so.

STEP SIX: After the top is secure, start on a top corner and work your way down a side. Pull it tight before each staple and watch that the design looks straight.

WHAT YOU NEED: Lisel Fabric from Ikea Polyester pin board or sheets of MDF to fit the width of your bed Ruler Pencil Tape Staple Gun

STEP SEVEN: Now you can staple the bottom edge. Be sure to really give it a good pull and make it nice and tight. Then do the same with the final edge.

STEP EIGHT: Pop it behind your bed! The mattress itself is enough to hold it in place fine but if you’re keen to secure it properly you could use some 3M velcro back strips too which are also rent-friendly as they peel write off.

Has a real Scando feel don’t you think?

courtesy of www.crafthunter.oom.au

IVY & LIL Jenny Pemberton-Webb from Ivy & Lil takes us behind the scenes giving us an insight into her life and creative textile business Tell us a bit about Ivy & Lil? Ivy & Lil is a small studio based practice from which I create a unique range of hand screen printed homewares. Under this label I design and hand screen print a variety of everyday items from cushions, tea towels, greeting cards and decorative artworks to fulfil a passion for creative expression and the joy of producing things by hand.

The name Ivy & Lil, came from combining the

names of two favourite grandmothers who were highly creative, resourceful and masters of handmade items for the home.

Tell us about yourself and your background?

I live in the south eastern suburbs of Melbourne with my husband Mark and our whippet Pablo, who is our second rescue dog. We have been slowly renovating our 1940’s weather board house for the last 15 years and have just

completed the last frontier… the bathroom!

One of the things that we instantly loved about our house was the authentic shedding and massive barn in the backyard. It’s wonderful to have a house that has a story and a colourful past. As well as being a nursery that sent bulbs via rail to subscribers all over Australia and employed dozens of local children, the original family the ‘Smiths’ made wooden toys in the barn which they sold to Myer in the war years.

“There’s a lot of subtle beauty in nature that is often overlooked. I’m constantly inspired by them and want to re-interpret them in my work.”

I started out wanting to be an art teacher and this is reflected in my formal qualifications, but I decided to spend at least one year ‘out of school’ before committing to this career path and this took me in a different direction altogether.

I worked for a while at Sothebys fine art auctioneers in Armadale which was fast paced and great fun before moving into various government roles in the arts predominantly around project management, public art and place making.

What’s most enjoyable about this work is bridging the gap between big bureaucracy and talented artists.

Meanwhile my own art practice fitted in where there was time, as the need to create is ever present!

As part of the endless reno, Mark created the

most incredible studio space for me about eight years ago (probably to get all the art stuff out of the house!) and so space + creative person = an enterprise!!

In 2010 while on a six month road trip around Australia I realised it was time to put art making at the centre of my life and decided to establish Ivy & Lil. When we got home work on Ivy & Lil started and in January 2012 was launched with a debut product range, and online store.

Each product is hand screen printed and then heat set to stabilise the print. I machine sew the cushions in the studio and alternate between printing cards, wall plaques, cushions and tea towels.

The decorative wall plaques take the longest time to assemble using embroidery hoops as frames, I take a lot of care to seal them and professionally finish the backs.

It’s better to print linen when the weather is cooler or if it’s damp, while other processes such as printing cards and assembling wall plaques What processes are involved in creating your are assisted by the sun on warmer days pieces?

Luckily there is a lot of diversity in sewing, I’m continually sketching, looking at patterns and printing, assembly, packing so I can change working on new designs. I produce my designs focus and stay productive. using hand cut stencils and work with papers that are water resistant making the stencils recontinued on next page > usable.

“There’s a lot of subtle beauty in nature that is often overlooked. I’m constantly inspired by them and want to re-interpret them in my work.”

< continued from previous page What inspires you in your designs?

I get inspiration from everyday life, from travel, patterns that appear on ordinary surfaces, from nature, the garden, from architecture, interiors and collections/curiosities.

I guess I’m like most creative people in that my brain is constantly taking things in and considering them as ideas, colour inspiration, or patterns.

I’m inspired when travelling in outback Australia where all the noise of life gets turned off and your thoughts are so much more pure and uninterrupted. Going away on a road trip is the best tonic. I always come back with a great list of what to do next and a crystal clear vision.

What do you love the most about having your own label?

At the centre of what I do and the reason I created Ivy & Lil is for the pure joy of printmaking. It’s been a passion for so long, I’m addicted to the methodical process and the buzz you get when you lift up the screen to reveal the print you’ve just created. My eyes run over every detail taking in the depth of colour, the edges of the print and how well the colour sits on the linen.

I also enjoy the diversity of skills that you need.

Being responsible for all aspects of Ivy & Lil from designing, to working through viable product lines and fabrication through to the promotion and administration is really challenging.

I am passionate about local production and using high quality materials sourced from Australian suppliers joining the many others who put in the extra effort to uphold this value.

Who are some of your favourite designers?

As well as admiring those at the top of their game in screen printed home wares, such as Bonnie & Neil and Rachel Castle, I look to a diversity of creatives for inspiration.

I love the work and beautiful earthy organic forms of sculptural basket maker Harriet Goodall. In terms of stylists I adore Sibella Court from The Society Inc for her interiors aesthetic around the most divine collected treasures and follow Heather Nette-King and Jason Grant.

using their product. A continual highlight is meeting people along the way and making lovely connections with others who are creative and passionate too.

What are your plans for the future?

I have plans to expand into new product lines What is your favourite item in your and am constantly working on new design store right now and why? concepts. I’d like to add to the list of stockists Personal favourite in our store right now is the and beautiful stores that sell our work. It would X4 cushion in smoke grey. It’s a bit playful, a be a joy to sanction some time to paint and nice strong graphic and companion to any produce one off pieces as a point of difference other cushion you want to pair it with. Grey is a to the range I sell on line. I have a lovely roll of versatile colour that works in winter and summer. primed canvas in the studio ready and waiting!

I have just designed a simple gestural stroke which prints up beautifully as a repeat print for a table Is there anything else you would like to tell us runner. I prefer table runners to table cloths because about your business? we have the most divine wooden table that seats 10 I’ll be having a stand this December at the people and I can’t bare to cover up the timber.

Big Design Market which is held at the Royal What has been your biggest highlight?

Exhibition Buildings in Carlton Gardens and will I have been very fortunate to have a number of be at some smaller boutique markets around highlights so far including some great magazine Melbourne. Details of these can be found on coverage (including this one), I was thrilled my website, where you can also buy Ivy & Lil to have a cushion feature in a Dulux colour products at any time. inspiration and to have products selected for The Block Shop. I also get a great buzz from CONTACT: hearing back from happy customers or seeing info@ivyandlil.com.au photos that show how they are displaying and www.ivyandlil.com.au

MUST HAVE Sometimes in life you deserve to spoil yourself

Handcrafted ceramic planter. Handcrafted and hand painted, with an artisan finish. Large = 16 cm diameter x 17cm height Small = 13 cm diameter x 14cm height. Priced from $19.

Stockist: collected.co.nz

Suzanne Sullivan Ceramic Spoon. A range of ceramic spoons by Brooklyn-based maker Suzanne Sullivan. Price $40 each. Stockist: douglasandbec.com

Replica Eames Dining Chair Wood by Stools & Chairs Online Store. Replica Charles and Ray Eames Dining Chair Wood.

Own this iconic piece at Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lowest price! Price $189.

Stockist: downthatlittlelane.com.au

Solder Terrarium glass housing for plants and decorations

by Mei Studio. This beautiful terrarium is approximately 27cmx16cmx16cm and 3mm thick. Shining and faceted in full glory- made with glass and copper materials, catching and reflecting the light at every angle. Price $120. Stockist: downthatlittlelane.com.au

GET THE LOOK Change up your living space or bedroom with these fabulous designs

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1] Clouds Cushion. Linen and Velvet Floor Cushion Pure Luxury for snuggling into on the floor or couch.

Price $199. Stockist: www.cumulusliving.com.au 2] Yellow Cushion Circles. Original mondocherry cushion, with piped trim, designed and printed in Melbourne. Price $69.

Stockist: www.mondocherry.com.au 3] Feather cushion by Bloomingville. Price $59. Stockist: www.roomandbloom.com.au 4] Triangle cushion in Pink/Sky Blue from the SCOUT Kids range. Price $55. Stockist: www.scoutlifestyle.com 5] Marimekko Vattenblank Cushion, 50 x 50cm. Price $84. Stockist: www.stemonline.com.au 6] Grey cushion with charcoal hexagon print. Size: 45 x 45cm. Price $95. Stockist: www.thedesignhunter.com.au 7] Scribble cushion cover. Made from 100% Linen blend fabric and digitally printed. Price $89. Stockist: www.xavierandme.com 8] This black and white photograph of a wise owl would add a little bit of woodland whimsy to your lounge room or bedroom.

Price $49. Stockist: www.mybeardedpigeon.com 9] Oasis Cushion Pineapple Navy Classic. These cushions are sold as a set of 2 with inserts included.

Price $99. Stockist: www.escapetoparadise.com.au

ZEN MOMENTS CANDLES Jane Halpin handcrafts individual candles in her signature vintage inspired bottles with an incredible array of delicious scents

Tell us a bit about Zen Candles?

My business is vintage inspired bottle candles.

All my products are made with 100% natural soy wax, lead free cotton wicks and high quality fragrance oils. I have been making candles now since 2009 and it has become my full time business since 2012.

years but the one that has helped me most in my business is the five years I worked for Rusty Surf.

It was a wholesale business so I learnt a lot. I never would have guessed at the time everything I was learning would end up helping me in my own wholesale business.

Tell us about yourself and your background?

I am 39, live with my beautiful poochy Malibu and my workshop is at the back of the house.

I am living in the house I grew up in and my workshop is where my dad ran his business for 40 plus years.

It is a very special space for me as I spent so many years in there with my dad when I was growing up.

My background is working as an executive assistant for many different industries over the

What sparked you to create your business?

My best friend gave me a candle making kit one year for Christmas as she knew my dream was to one day make candles.

I dragged the kit around for three years before another friend set me a creative challenge; it was time to bite the bullet and give it a try.

I have never looked back from that day back in 2009.

I had thought of the name Zen Moments back when I was living in Torquay in 2006.

What processes are involved in creating your candles?

It amazes people who have come to help me out how much is actually involved in the process.

All the jars need to be wicked, the wax melted, the fragrance added, cooling periods, pouring then finishing off the product with labels.

All of my swing tags are hand cut which I do find therapeutic. I guess I have a system down that it runs pretty smoothly but it takes time and a lot of patience!!

How do you create the different scents in your candles?

Hahhaha…trade secret…if I told you, I’d have to kill you!! ;-) What scents are currently available and which is your favourite?

Oh, I have a lot of fragrances!

I like to have a reasonably large selection as you are catering to so many different people.

My favourite at the moment is the Mirabella Peach and Mahogany. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t explain what it is about it but I love the fragrance.

of the bottle candle. I found the amber bottle back in 2011 when I was sourcing something different. It has been a hard road getting the bottles out there with the swing tag but they are more popular than ever with over 50 stockists nationally and one over in Japan.

I have the following available: French Pear, Sugar Magnolia, Fig & Cassis, Anjou Pear, Orange & Cinnamon, Fresh Coffee, Black Raspberry, Mimosa & Mandarin, Chilli Citrus, Lychee Petals, Pink Peony, Tahitian Sands, Mediterranean Fig, Pink Grapefruit, Orange Blossom, Violet & Lime, Black Bamboo & Lily and Cool Citrus Basil.

What do you love the most about having your own label?

The freedom! I can be creative, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to answer to anyone and all the stress that I feel for the business, I know it to benefit the brand and where it is headed. I would take that stress any day.

I love the opportunities it has given me and how it pushes me to think outside the square.

I would never look back no matter how hard things look... it has been the best decision I have ever made.

What makes your candles stand out from the rest?

Our amber bottles. We are the original home

Do you have plans to expand your scent range?

Yes. I am currently trialling some new fragrance for Spring/Summer. I always try them out at local markets first to see what kind of response they get and what will make the cut before I offer them to my stockists.

I love fresh citrus fragrances for Summer so there will be some of those and I am looking at adding some Australian Christmas scents to represent our warm weather during the holiday period along with the traditional Christmas scents. I love that time of year.

CONTACT: jane@zenmoments.com.au www.zenmoments.com.au

Fence Topper screens and fire pit by Entanglements.

Stockist: www.entanglements.com.au

OUTDOOR STYLE Creative and stylish pieces to add appeal to your entertaining area

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1] the Leblon Teak “Bismark Struck” setting. Made from Premium Burmese Teak, the Bismark Struck rectangular table and bench setting offers uncompromising style, quality and endurance. Price POA. Stockist: www.leblon.com.au 2] Recycled Steel Tropics Art Backed With Green. Price $195. Stockist: www.lisasarah.com 3] Jute pot plant holders perfect for small herb & flower pots. Price $9.95. Stockist: www.applegreenduck.com 4] Bee House by Thoughtful Gardener Environmentally friendly home for bees & other garden insects. Price $29.95. Stockist: www.planet-eco.com.au 5] Roxy Folding Chair in Teak and Cord. Price $1440. Stockist: www.satara.com.au 6] Brighten your front yard with our new Arko Contemporary Letterbox. Price $349. Stockist: www.utedesign.com.au 7] Resort Side Table Antique. Hand woven cane side table with “Antique” finish and glass top. Price $295. Stockist: www.nestemporium.com.au 8] Geometric Pot White - Large. Designer ceramic indoor pot in matt white by Bloomingville. Price $69. Stockist: www.roomandbloom.com.au 9] Parsley Herb Pot. Ddorable little herb planters will add a beautiful touch of greenery to any windowsill. Price $25. Stockist: creativeglassgifts.com.au 10] Pinky Pink with pom poms Moroccan Towel. Price $65. Stockist: www.sunnyjim.com.au

DIRECTORY

A BOY NAMED AARON

www.aboynamedaaron.com.au www.instagram.com/aboynamedaaron (Explore: @aboynamedaaron) www.facebook.com/aboynamedaaron

ESCAPE TO PARADISE

www.facebook.com/EscToParadise twitter.com/EscToParadise http://www.pinterest.com/EscToParadise/ instagram.com/escapetoparadise_sacha#

NEUTRAL INSTINCT

www.neutralinstinct.com.au www.facebook.com/neutralinstinct instagram.com/neutralinstinct www.pinterest.com/neutralinstinct/

CUSHION SPOT

www.cushionspot.com.au support@cushionspot.com.au www.facebook.com/cushionspot

DESIGN DIVINE

www.designerdivine.com.au www.facebook.com/designdivineandconstruction designer@designdivine.com.au

HIATUS

ETTIE INK

ettieink.com.au hello@ettieink.com.au facebook.com/ettieink http://instagram @ettie_inkgirl

TEN THINGS

www.tenthings.com.au www.facebook.com/tenthingsstore twitter.com/tenthingsstore pinterest.com/tenthingsstore/

reclaimed timber crates + shadow boxes etsy.com/shop/hiatusvintage facebook: hiatusvintage instagram @erin_hiatus

URBAN ROAD

www.urbanroad.com.au www.facebook.com/urbanroadaustralia www.pinterest.com/urbanroad/ twitter.com/Urban_Road instagram.com/urbanroad_au

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