Paisley St Claire

A Week of Firsts

I've had a few 'firsts' this week. My eldest child had his first day of school. My littlest had her first haircut. I got my first Tasmanian stockist. And it was the first time wearing this gorgeous hand-cut necklace made by good friend Michelle. You can buy Michelle Freer jewellery from her etsy store here.

Australia Day

Happy Australia Day aussie readers! Hope you enjoyed the holiday.

For non-Australians here is the recipe for Lamingtons (pictured above), a classic Queensland treat - soft sponge cake dipped in chocolate icing and coated in coconut. So yummy.

Image: Gourmet Traveller

Thanks Curly Collection!

A huge thank you to Gyle and Yachiyo from Curly Collection for the lovely gift I received last week. Tokyo based Curly Collection has been around for about 25 years. They design the cutest accessories featuring polka dot fabric and buttons, baby-soft chenille and tonnes of trimmings. I have no doubt that Curly makes the girliest girl stuff in the whole of Japan. Everything is sweet like candy and super soft - I adore the little cupcake pin cushion! Super generous - thanks Curly! Check out the Curly Collection website here.

Pink Minis

What's a mini-lover to do but make lots of mini stuff. Check out etsy shop Vitamini for lots of Mini Cooper inspired cards, magnets, bags and other goodies. I don't think you have to own a Mini Cooper to love them, they are one of the cutest cars ever. I used to drive a VW beetle so I have a soft spot for them too.

Feels good to be loved

Thanks to redblackbrown for the lovely mention on their blog. If you're into art and design this is a blog to watch. Also, they're giving away some very cool calendars - check it out and leave a comment.

I'm also feeling a little bit of renovation envy today. Check out the amazing basement renovation by Yvestown (top) and the gorgeous diy table in Bespoke Press' studio (bottom).

Lia Lintern

For a lady who started her working life as a structural aerospace engineer, Julia Lintern sure makes beautiful coats. 

After studying Fashion Design and creating another successful label, Julia now launches her collection of luxurious couture coats under the label, Lia Lintern. Each coat is custom made - according to your measurements - from cashmere, wool and silk. Priced at under US$750, I think these are the most affordable couture coats you're likely to find. If only it snowed in Brisbane, then I could have that white one. Sigh.

Via Daily Candy.

chambres d'enfants à paris

Look what arrived today. Chambres d'enfants à paris is a gorgeous book cataloging over 25 rooms inhabited by happy little Parisian children (mostly whose mothers are fashion designers, stylists and boutique owners).  The book is in Japanese with some French descriptions. I know enough of both languages to get the gist but regardless the pictures are fabulous. Style transcends language barriers!

 

Yvestown has an extensive selection of books in this series (Jeu de Paume). Unfortunately, she didn't have any of this book so I bought my copy from a Japanese ebay seller. I'm sure I'll be collecting a few more in the series though.

Sukie Iron-ons

These look like fun! British design studio, Sukie have created this great booklet which contains 30 pages of full colour iron-on transfers. Imagine what you could funkify with this - bags, t-shirts, kids' singlets, dresses, aprons... endless possibilities.

Available from Chronicle Books and Amazon. I also found it online in Australia at Belsize Square.

First Blogiversary Today!

Its been a whole year since I wrote my first Paisley St Claire post. I had no idea how my blog would turn out and whether anyone would read it. But you do read it and I am so happy about that. Thank you to everyone who is a regular reader, leaves comments or just pops in for a look every now and then.  The blogosphere is an amazing if not a little overwhelming place and I'm glad to be a part of it.

Having said that, I don't underestimate the value of enjoying the 'real' world and so this year I've decided to spend more time offline. Rather than committing to posting daily (Monday to Friday), I plan to post maybe 2 to 3 times a week and only when inspired to do so. I resolve to be more focused and (actively) creative this year so hopefully this will flow through to a more creative and inspiring Paisley St Claire too. 

Also, I love getting comments and hearing your opinions so if you've been lurking please don't be shy - this year, let's chat!

Image: Easy Living Magazine

Teeny Tini

 

I love the randomness of this brand, Teeny Tini. Based in the UK, designer JK Lange creates handmade children's wear and accessories using natural fibres including wool, cotton, silk and cashmere. Every piece is unique and overloaded with quirkiness. You can imagine children making up all sorts of games on that first rug. My son would instantly see a country road winding through the hills or the surface of the moon. Visit the Teeny Tini website for more products and the rug in the first picture is available from French store, Little Circus.

Ginko Papers

When I was about 8 years old I, like many girls, had an ever-increasing eraser collection (we called them 'rubbers' then - not really the same thing these days). But what I really loved were stationery sets. I adored the little note papers and matching envelopes, teeny tiny pencils and sweet little cases that held everything safe. Of course, the good stationery was only ever used for friends I really liked. At that age you could probably even measure your popularity and friend-status by the cuteness of the stationery you received... like some sort of social barometer.

I think perhaps Garin Hussenjian had the stationery obsession too, because she is now all grown up and has created the most adorable online store, Ginko Papers. Trips to Japan keep her shop stocked with super cute stationery treasures like mini food erasers, letter sets and Shinzi Katoh (our favourite) notebooks. So if you need to write to one of your 'good' friends, stock up with some cute stuff here.

Happy New Year! Welcome 2009!

Well, there you have it another year over. I'm kind of glad really, 2008 was not that great a year. Nothing especially bad happened but I just look back on the year and I don't remember anything that fantastic happening either.

So here's to a new year, new beginnings and new possibilities. Welcome 2009!

Limited Edition 2009 Birdie Desk Calendar by Joom available here.