Karena or Magicjelly is a talented illustrator from Adelaide, South Australia who makes wonderfully retro inspired prints and collages that are definitely worth checking out.
I have my eye on Fox and Flowers. I really love how it seems simple from a distance but as you get closer all the little patterns and details become apparent. The colouring would be perfect for my place too.
Go see Magicjelly at Etsy, on the Australian site Madeit or find out what she is doing on her blog.

Labels: art, Australia, brown, Etsy, fox, illustration, Magicjelly, orange, print, screen printing

I checked out Faux Show this afternoon, an Artrage exhibition on at Keith+Lottie by Jessie Mitchell and Sophie Webber.

Reproducing the set of a trophy room, Faux Show replicates a fire place, taxidermy animals, grand portraits and more in lovable plush incarnations.

I really loved this plush deer head, it is about life size and would look awesome in my place. Really reasonably priced too, $130... Hmm... and I know just the position that it would work.
Faux Show is only on for a few more days, closes on the 24th of October so check it out now.

Labels: art, Artrage, brown, craft, deer, Keith+Lottie, perth, plushy

I first saw Maya and Michael's apartment on Apartment Therapy earlier this year. I kept that wonderful rich pea-green in mind for my place (as you know, I have a lot of reds, oranges and teak wood) but was keen to see it again; it's a bold choice, wanted to make sure I really liked it...
Last week I stumbled across Maya and Michael's apartment again as part of the Apartment Therapy Fall Colours 2008 competition. I think it's meant to be as I am on holidays from work for two weeks and this week my goal is to paint my living room and kitchen.
I really do love that colour, thanks Maya and Michael for sharing and inspiring me to paint!
Want to see more? Go vote for them at AT, see more images of their loft apartment on flikr, browse their prints and coasters on Etsy, read what their up to on their blog or check out the Visualingual website.

Labels: Apartment Therapy, Etsy, flickr, green, painting, retro, Visualingual

I took a wonder into my favourite store, William Topp, on Sunday avo and finally got an item I have had my eye on for some time, a Flensted mobile. The one I chose is called Flowing Rhythm and it really is mesmerising to watch.
I have hung it at eye level with artwork (an etching I bought in Hanoi and photos I took in Hanoi and Siem Reap) above and below it so it visually links the work.
Just the modern-retro addition I needed to add some zen to the room!

Labels: art, Cambodia, Flensted, modern, my new apartment, photography, red, retro, sculpture, Vietnam, William Topp

What it is about a fully restored cherry red typewriter from the 1950's that gets me so excited? Maybe it's the romantic ideas of click-clacking away, writing the great Australian novel or just the old technology that produces that every-letter-different, hand-done quality, even by a machine. Realistically, I am sure this typewriter would never actually get used but it sure would make a great feature piece in my lounge room and go perfectly with my retro red telephone.
The 1950's Royal Typewriter is from Three Potato Four. They have some awesome stuff there, all able to be shipped internationally so be sure to check them out.

Labels: alphabet, decor, red, retro, Three Potato Four, typewriter

My sister, Tanya, a mum with two young boys under four, has been recharging her creativity for a few hours every Thursday evening at Melanie Sharpham's ceramic course. She has been coming up with some wonderful organic pieces and feeling revived from the experience.
If you live in Perth, Western Australia (and can easily get to the suburb of Kensington) and are keen to participate, email Melanie: msharpha[at]bigpond.net.au
BTW, this is also an excuse to plug my sister's new blog, check out Old Grey House, and show off my adorable little nephew! He looks like he would like to get his hands on those organic bowls!

Labels: bowls, clay, craft, kitchen, Melanie Sharpham, My sister Tanya, Old Grey House, perth, sculpture

Just thought I would share the way I have set up my dining setting in my new place.
Last time I didn't show you my Mart Stam chairs (bargain of the century: leather is in perfect condition, slight rust marks on the chrome but only $20 for all four on eBay!) and they are super comfortable to sit in too.
I have tied it all together with a giant fresh leaf from a tropical plant (called???) in a retro red vase and some lemons in a teak nut-shaped bowl from a second hand store. The table is the extendible Bjursta.
Behind the setting is another screen-print by The Little Friends of Printmaking called Pacific Jamzzz. This one I put in a larger Ikea frame, Ribba, and filled it out a bit with red framing card.
I really enjoy mixing old and new and I think it all comes together very nicely.

Labels: art, Bjursta, black, chair, decor, ebay, ikea, Laos, Mart Stam, my new apartment, red, retro, Ribba, screen printing, The Little Friends of Print Making, vase

I just wanted to share a little detail from my new place. I plan to do a full photographic survey when I have my new blinds and have painted etc, but here is a sneak peak for now.
A green vase and amber jug from eBay on my kitchen window shelf. I picked this native Australian flower (unsure of the name, got any ideas?) from my friends garden.
I had not thought to put these two pieces together until moving here and I think their shapes complement each other perfectly.

Labels: amber, decor, ebay, flower, Glass, green, kitchen, my new apartment, retro, vase, vintage

The new year isn't too far away now and if something needs to be ordered from overseas, maybe now is the time to start thinking about it.
This adorable little Birdie Calendar by smeurer8 would make a lovely gift or would look very sweet in the study or kitchen. The branch and bird in black are mounted on wood and encased in a slick resin with a tear away calendar attached.
Hm, a gift for someone special or an addition to my new home...? I think I better order two!
Check out Birdie Calendar or more work by smeurer8 on Etsy.

Labels: birds, black, calendar, craft, decor, Etsy, smeurer8, wood