Paisley St Claire

Rub it on

 
Very cute rub on transfers from Yaelfran. They come in a set so you could make a set of sweet glasses for someone's Christmas present. Available here.

Dee Beale

A lovely print by UK artist, Dee Beale. Reminds me of Angie Lewin.

YDM this Sunday

I'll be at the Young Designers Market at South Bank, Brisbane this Sunday. We're having a huge 'Recessionista Christmas Sale' so come along and grab some Christmas bargains. Little Stanley Street, Southbank from 10am to 4pm Sunday 6th December.

Animal Index

Animal index cards by Japanese designer Hiroshi Sasagawa. Available here and here.

Cukoonest

Adorable handmade objects by Cukoonest that would right at home in the Enchanted Wood.

Knittles

Super cosy knits and patterns from Knittles.

Braille Napkin Rings

Custom made (great conversation starters) braille napkin rings from Barbara Dunshee.

Confessions of a slack blogger

Ok, so I confess that I have not been the most attentive blogger lately.

This certainly is a full on time of the year, I've been non-stop packing orders and madly screen printing the new tote collection in time for Christmas (its so close - I can't wait to show it to you). Of course, there are also nativity plays and Christmas parties to attend and many hours considering important gifting questions... does the Ikea train set fit with other brands of wooden train sets?,  how many vintage tea cups can I get for under $100? would my sister wear matching earrings and necklace?

So during this busy time I plan to blog as often as I can but only with images and a link. Let's face it, most of you just look at the pictures anyway right?

My apologies too if you have sent me an email or left a comment and I haven't got back to you. I promise I do read them all.

By the way, if you're interested in the answers to my gifting dilemmas... I found that the Maxim brand of wooden trains fit with the Ikea ones (kind of, some of the connections are a bit dubious but not enough to bother a 6 year old), so far I've managed to get 12 lovely tea cup and saucer sets for less than $50 total (thank you ebay!), and no, I don't think she would. 

A bunny for all seasons...

These bunnies from Bunnique Plushies are the cutest little things I've seen in a long while. I really just want to give one a big squeezy cuddle. Each one has its own character and personality and at under US$25 each they would make great Christmas gifts. Shop here.

Know someone who's naughty?

We always tell my son that if he's naughty Santa will bring him a lump of coal instead of a toy. He laughs it off but I can see there's this little nervousness that we might be right. After all, he is quite naughty - he has cause to feel nervous.

Would be quite cruel to give this cute soap and bag to a child but I'm sure adults would see the funny side. Each hand stamped muslin bag is filled with 4 very realistic pieces of "coal" - hand cut bars of sweet anisette activated charcoal soap. I think this would make a great gift for work colleagues. Available from BeSem Natural Scents. 

Today I'm loving...

Today I'm loving... this adorable moon print from Slide Sideways.

Ossie Clark

I heard the criticism of the new collections from iconic British label, Ossie Clark. However, I'm quite taken with the luxurious fluid looks and bold use of colour. The mix of retro-inspired pieces and contemporary shapes may not please fans of the original 60s designs, but its enough for me. Glamorous and wearable, who could ask for more?

Today I'm loving...

Today I'm loving... these cloth-bound classic books at Anthropologie. So pretty.

Lamixx

Clothes that are sexy, affordable and comfortable are not that easy to find. Californian brand, Lamixx, certainly fits the bill. With most tops around US$30 and dresses between US$40 and US$60, effortless chic is within every girl's budget. Shop here.

Transformer Bunny

Can you guess what this cute little bunny is? Looks like a soft cuddly toy right?

 

Well, it actually transforms into...

A tote bag!

I think this is a really cute idea. Instead of carrying around a bunched up shopping bag in your handbag, there is a cute little bunny friend. The Picnica Tote Bag is available here, here and here.

Today I'm loving...

Today I'm loving... this gorgeous leather bag by Greek designer, Morelle.

Zoe Chen

I really like these pieces by San Fransisco based designer, Zoe Chen. Zoe uses screen-printing, applique and beading to make dresses and separates that are fun and chic - each one also has a cute little story to go along with it. At such affordable prices its worth snapping up a wardrobe full of Zoe Chen's great pieces. Shop here.

Today I'm loving...

Today I'm loving... these amazing stoneware bottles by Sara Paloma. *Put them on my Christmas wish list.

To market, to market...

Its a HUGE weekend for designer markets in Brisbane this weekend! The good news is that if you are organised you should be able to make it around to all of them - I'm going to try.

 

The first ever and much anticipated Brisbane-based Finders Keepers market opens when: Saturday at 12 noon and runs right into the night and then starts again on Sunday at 10am. Where: at The Old Museum in Herston (ie. next to the show grounds). Who you'll see: some of Queensland's top independent designers and artists, like Michelle Freer, Blossom Creations, Little Jane St, Liana Kabel and Kim Wallace of Udessi. For full details check out the website.

 

Mathilda's Market is undoubtedly the biggest and best markets in Australia for unique, stylish, beautiful baby and kids stuff. When: Sunday from 9am to 1pm where: Brisbane City Hall. Who you'll see: superb designers, artists and retailers like Honey Bunch, My Girl, Mini Mermaid, Cute as Buttons, Tiny Concept and Baby Goes Retro.  For full details check out the website.

 

And of course, the original supporter of independent and emerging designers in Brisbane - South Bank's Young Designers Market will also be on this weekend (its on the first Sunday of every month). When: Sunday 10am to 4pm. Where: on the lawn which runs along Little Stanley Street (across from all the restaurants). Who you'll see: the line up of designers and artists at YDM is always changing and there are always new retailers so its best to just go along and check it out - who knows what you might discover? Check out the website for more info.

Edited to add: I've just found out that two of my favourite Brisbane designers will be at this weekend's YDM: Thea & Sami and Hot Toffee.

So if you're in Brisbane, there's no excuse for having nothing to do this weekend. Grab some cash, have a great time and support the local designers!

Home, Sweet Little Home

How utterly charming is this little house by Japanese brand, Lodge? The smoke coming out of the chimney is from the incense cone inside - it's a wee little incense pot. Each house is made individually by hand and great care has been taken to achieve a realistic looking surface. I like it. Available here (Japanese).