Chinese whispers: The word from Judith in Beijing
 My once housemate and very good friend, Judith, is in Beijing for the Olympics at the moment. About the CCTV building (photo by Judith, above) she says: It's...like nothing I've ever seen in the real world...ever. Though I guess the same could also be said about the Water Cube, the Bird's Nest and the National Theatre. They are all structures that defy what you would typically term, a building. Each of them is making a striking statement of the future of China - as being innovative, assertive and most of all, at the cutting edge of all things. As a happy diversion, read about Judith's exploits as a tourist in the busiest city in the world right now. Check out Chinese Whispers.Labels: architecture, Beijing, blue, China, green, Judith, Olympics
Etsy find: Inquisitive soft scultptured owl
 I know I said I was taking a break from blogging before the big move but this gorgeous owl is a well meaning distraction from packing boxes. It is by Abby Glassenberg, stands 12.5" tall and incorporates vintage Hawaii fabric that Abby found at a rummage sale. The owl looks like it's going to take a walk along the bench and then fly away, I love it's inquisitive character. Abby also makes a range of other birds and animals. They are not cheap as a lot of work goes into them but definatly worth checking out to be inspired. Go see her Abby Glassenberg's web page or her Etsy shop. Chirp chirp! Labels: Abby Glassenberg, birds, craft, Etsy, orange, owl, red, vintage
Goodbye rent, hello mortgage!
 This time next week I will have moved into my new 75sqm two bedroom apartment (with HUGE balcony) in Tuart Hill, my first place! Although I am hanging out to make my mark on my own space, I have enjoyed living in my little two bedroom apartment in Wembley (pictured: centre, third story) and I have been lucky to have a very amicable real estate agent, despite the frequent inspections. When I was hunting for this place to rent, about 16 months ago, I had written "too ugly" in my notes and I didn't even plan to take a look. I am glad I did though, because inside it has been great and looks onto that huge Eucalypt and greenery below. I will also miss the large, communal swimming pool this Summer, not to mention that it is only 4mins drive from work... So, apologies in advance for infrequent entries in my design//blog and I will be back up and running with daily entries again when I am set up on the net and ready to go in my new place. Any tips on making the move as stress free as possible are welcome! Labels: moving, Scott Cain
Moshpit Collective, A website by me!
Bear bones and hair cubes: Sean Morris can draw
Delight in the details: The Hundley's magnificent mess
 On my daily scroll through Apartment Therapy I saw the wonderful post about a blog called The Selby. The latest addition there is a post about Ian and Marc Hundley's magnificent mess. They are artists in Brooklyn and somehow their living space falls together seemingly by accident. I think the neutral base of white, pale blue and rich browns work, as well as all the natural light. What I really enjoy though, are the little details like this old rusty razor and tin (?) cut out birds and tree balanced on the frame. It is the sort of interior I would love to poke around in. Thanks for sharing The Selby, check out Marc and Ian Hundley - Artists at home. Labels: Apartment Therapy, birds, brown, interior, The Selby, tree, white
Hand made and local, Perth loves it!
 I really love the way that the people in my city have embraced handmade and original works of art, craft and design. Coming up in September 14th is Perth Upmarket which I found out about through the great Australian site, Indie. According to the site: Perth Upmarket brings together Perth's talented artists, designers, stylists, craftspeople and gourmets all under one roof. The product mix is diverse and unique often with a distinguishable handwriting. It is a unique event to connect the makers of beautiful things to people who appreciate the unique, handmade and locally designed. It seems a bit early to be telling you about this but if you're a sandgroper with a knack for the crafty, start putting stuff together and get a stall at Perth Upmarket. Otherwise, on September 14th, be sure to support your local arty-types and check it out!  Labels: art, craft, indie, market, perth, website
A circle of life for your coffee table
 When I move into my new apartment next month I will need to bring something fresh and green. Currently my outlook is onto tall trees and shrubs but my new place, despite having a very large balcony, mostly looks on to the car park below (sounds bad, but I do get a lot of blue sky!) Factory circle, could be the fresh green solution that I have been looking for, and the prefect size to sit comfortably on my coffee or dining table. I think the Japanese website, style-pd.com, explains it best: It is an image of cutting out wide grassland and set in the room. A frame of planter holds grass and gives new impression. Enjoy seeding and to see sprouting and growing in the planter. House warming present anyone? Check out Factory circle. Labels: circle, decor, garden, grass, green, white
The writing is on the wall: Recycled metal letters
Natasha Newton's stoney bleak beauty
 Leafless trees and stone coloured skies are common imagery in the subtly textured acrylic on canvas work of Natasha Newton. The painting above is called The Pattern Of The Earth 5 and to me it has a wonderfully dreamy quality and reminds me of the potential that the middle of winter has for Spring to come. Check out Natasha Newton's website, blog or Etsy shop. Labels: art, brown, Etsy, grey, Natasha Newton, painting, tree
Cathrineholm teapot from William Topp
 On Saturday, after picking my copy of Mayk, I wandered further up the street only to discover an amazing store called William Topp. A collection of local and international art and craft meet refound objects in a delightful array (including more tea towls from Third Drawer Down!). Lots to explore, I could easily have walked away with more but all I picked up (this time) was a little orange Catherineholm teapot to add to my collection. I plan to put it away, saving it for after I move house next month. It will be a lovely little house warming present to myself and my new place.  Labels: cathrineholm, decor, kitchen, orange, tea, teapot, William Topp
Miss Jones' delightful snowy swallow
 Happily perched on a votive sits a snowy white bone china swallow, all set to take a joyful flight around the room. I love the way she cocks her head, listening in. Have You Met Mrs Jones have some wonderful and whimsical items of beauty from angel wings and antlers to chandeliers, cushions and organic pottery. Check out more of what Mrs Jones has to offer. You'll be delighted. Labels: birds, decor, interior, sculpture, white
Mayking the most out of 'Dullsville'
 Yesterday I picked up issue two of Mayk zine. Mayk is the side project for three female graphic designers who want to show that Perth is not ' dullsville' but has a varied and vibrant art and culture scene. If it's just a matter of knowing where to look, then Mayk can certainly set you on your way. I bought my copy of Mayk at Keith+Lottie but you can also get it from their website. I'm looking forward to issue three! Labels: black and white, Mayk, perth, photography, print, zine
Idéel way to search flckr
 Idée have developed this amazing little contraption for searching flickr by colour. You can select up to 10 colours from the panel and those colours will be in the set of images that come up. I don't know about practical application but it sure is fun to play with. Check out Idée Multicolr Search Lab and go crazy! Labels: colour, flickr, grey, idée, orange, website
Sleeping with the fishes: Stylish and perfectly orange
 I went through a phase about 10 or so years ago of loving images of fish. I drew them, collected them, sculpted them and generally surrounded myself with them. I'm not sure what it was, part was the details: scales, fins, gills etc and also their other-worldly familiarity. I got over the fish-phase but this cushion, Pescado Pillow by Z Gallerie, could very nearly plunge me back into it. It's true, I am going through more of the-colour-orange thing now, so, in a way, this cushion combines my past and present. Besides, it would look so great with my other cushions ( here and here). Check out Pescado Pillow for yourself. Labels: cushion, decor, fish, interior, orange, white, Z Gallerie
Hints of an optimistic past: Progressive Dry Cleaners
 Progressive Dry Cleaners are just around the corner from me on Herdsman Pde, Wembley in Perth, Western Australia. I have been looking at their sign enviously ever since living here and as I am about to move into my new apartment, thought I better capture it in pixels. I think it must be from the 60s, it reminds me of the optimistic sentiment reflected in a lot of commercial work from that time. I love that it looks so retro but announces how progressive it is. I just think it would look awesome mounted on the wall in my new apartment! Perhaps if they every update it I should put in a bid. I will just have to settle for a high quality print. If you would like one too, you can get a print here. Labels: blue, perth, photography, print, retro, sign, sky
Melanie Sharpham's annual studio open: 2nd & 3rd August 2008
 Melanie Sharpham is a talented local potter who makes fine porcelain slip clay pots. Her work has a wonderful hand-done quality and the way she finishes them is quite ethereal. Each year she holds a 'studio open' to allow members of the public to come in to her studio and check out her latest work. She is based in the suburb of Kensington in Perth, Western Australia. I have blured out the address in the invitation below, however if you are keen to check out Melanie's studio open, please email her: msharpha[at]bigpond.net.au  Labels: clay, craft, kitchen, Melanie Sharpham, perth, sculpture
Walnut's whimsical wallpaper: Garden birds
 I have been looking for a touch of whimsy for my new apartment (40 days until settlement!) and I came across the wallpaper at Walnut. New and vintage designs arranged by colour or a gallery of rooms, I think there is something for everyone. I am particularly fond of the garden birds with their muted colouring and the way they perch on simple sticks. They would look great on the hall wall that can be seen from the living room. Whales is also worth checking out, I think my little nephews would love that one in their bathroom. Go check out Walnut Wallpaper.  Labels: birds, decor, interior, wallpaper, Walnut, whale
Flickr find: Magnificent mix-matched collections
 Through my usual weird searches for inspiration on flickr, (I think I was searching for world globes) I stumbled across Amyla174's set, Collections. Antique dolls furniture meets old photos, butterflies, globes, nests and beautifully selected junk in artful compositions. It wasn't until I delved a little further that I discovered that I was looking at the work of Amy Gross, a mixed media artist with work that seems inspired by nature, and which took my breath away. Check out Amy's flickr set, Collections and the be sure to see her mixed media artwork. Labels: Amy Gross, butterfly, chair, flickr, green, photography
A symphony of visual perfection
  The West Australian Symphony Orchestra, WASO, have commissioned some really wonderful artwork for their most recent series of classic performances. Among them are two of my favourites, Manfred & Mozart on the left and of course, Beethoven's 5th on the right. I really appreciate the bold use of limited colour and striking central images used in these posters. They are reminiscent of posters for music from the past and become quite timeless looking as a result. I have been trying to search online for where I might be able to purchase them as posters but haven't been able to come up with anything useful. If anyone knows of anything, please let me know. Labels: art, birds, blue, illustration, music, perth, poster, red, retro, WASO
Design for dogs: Hepper knows how to please
 Yesterday I accompanied my friend while buying accessories for his new puppy. Amongst them was the most hideous bright pink blanket/mat thing that I would never allow through my front door so I was determined to find something better. I stumbled across Hepper, designers of 'modern pet furniture that'll make you jealous'. Their dog, cat and bird homes are simple and modern while still maintaining a sense of warmth and look fantastic. The photography on the site is also worth taking a look at. Hepper makes me want to get a pet, just for these great accessories! If only they were available in Australia... Labels: birds, decor, furniture, Hepper, interior, modern, pet, photography
Retro futurism with Eric Tan and Wall.E
 I think it's awesome the way that Pixar use familiar retro design to promote there very 21st century films. I especially appreciate the simple lines and curves, limited colour pallet and use of darker shades for perspective. I would love either of these posters for my wall! On the website i09, Eric Tan, one of Pixar's illustrators, is interviewed about his design process and inspiration for the film Wall.E, as well as a comparison to some of the original posters. Eric Tan says: I think retro advertising might work because they're based in something we're all used to seeing. There's a comfort in that. There was a defining look to past decades that immediately brings you back to those days. If our job as artists/communicators is to evoke a feeling and/or emotion out of a piece, it's a good way to instantly bring the viewer that feeling of nostalgia. Check out the whole interview, well worth a read!Also, see Eric Tan's personal blog for more of his inspiring work. Labels: art, Eric Tan, illustration, Pixar, retro
Fabric thug from a black & white movie
Mid-century modernism at it's best
Laser-cut walnut to hang a coat on
 I am such a sucker for a great hat/coat stand and The Complete Coat Stand, by UTE, gets full points. UTE are an Australian company making 'products that work' and this is a perfect example. It is made from six laser-cut components from walnut, elegantly fitted together. Check out more carefully crafted furniture perfection at UTE's website. Labels: Australia, furniture, hat stand, UTE
Polymer musings by Merredith Dittman: Fimo has come a long way!
 Like with Nina Braun's knitted art, Merredith Dittman has taken a familiar craft that anyone can attempt and with skill, vision and inspiration, turned the medium into art. She creates strange simple little characters and complex mixed-media friezes, all based around the use of polymer clay, which I always knew growing up as Fimo. So clever! Check out her work at her site corporatepig or check out her Etsy page. Labels: art, clay, craft, Etsy, Merredith Dittman, monster, sculpture
Bubbles of whimsy in the New Majestic
 I decided to be out of the country for my 30th birthday so on the final night after a tour through Indochina my best friend treated me to a stay in Singapore's New Majestic Hotel. One (of many) of the decor delights there were these hand-blown, sculptural, glass bubbles in the foyer of the hotel. The way the sun picked up the colours and dispersed them throughout was magical. It would be great to do this in a home too, adding a spark of vibrancy to a room. Now I just need to look out for a hundred glass bubbles... Labels: decor, Glass, Hotel, interior, sculpture, Singapore
Quirky robots to warm your heart... or eat your brains?
 Looking for something a little different, maybe with autonomous movement and a grin that suggests crushing flesh? Check out General Robots. There I found this wonderful sheet metal reproduction of Robot Liliput, first made in Japan in 1939. The packaging is also faithfully reproduced, complete with doe-eyed innocent children staring in wonder at the wind-up device. I'll be adding Robot Liliput to my Christmas list! Labels: orange, retro, robot, toy, yellow
A glossy red kitchen to fall in love in... *cough* with
 I've been looking at a lot of apartments with the intention of buying my first one in the past few months. I have mainly been looking at places built in the 60s and 70s in 'original condition'. Of course this usually means terrible kitchens that have suffered from neglect or been replaced in the early 90s with cheap peach and floral tiles. No thanks. So, consequentially, even though I have not found the prefect original condition apartment to make my mark on, I have been looking for kitchen inspiration where ever I can find it. And I think I have found the hottest dream kitchen ever. I stumbled onto it through Contemporist, it's a kitchen by an Austrian (sadly not Austr alian) company called Ewe who are a little too far away to be useful... But it's a start and certainly inspirational. It's the deep, rich, glossy red with clean white and dark wood floors, what a great combination. Check out more kitchen Ewe. Labels: decor, interior, kitchen, modern, red
Calebrated in stamps: Charles and Ray Eames
 A set of stamps have been created to celebrate the work of Charles and Ray Eames. DIY Maven of curbly says: The 16 stamp sheet was designed by Derry Noyes and depicts all aspects of the Eames’s creative vision including architecture, furniture, film and exhibits. My favourite Eames chair is the moulded plywood lounge chair (bottom right) and I would love to see this stamp as a large format poster. People outside of the US, you can buy the stamps from The Postal Store. Labels: chair, eames, furniture, retro, stamps
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