Design Fling

OaKoAk steet art

2011-07-22T12:41:00.002+10:00

I'm partial to a bit of street art- I have previously blogged about Banksy. I like there to be art/ colour especially around cities. Everybody seems to be so caught up in their own thoughts & worries, and its nice to see something that would put a smile on your face.

I just came across these photos by OaKoAk.

How sweet are these?

Found via My Modern Metropolis

Anthropologie inspired outfit

2011-07-12T14:41:00.006+10:00

I must be dreaming about summer at the moment- not that the weather has been dreary, but, for me summer always kicks winters ass. There are, of course a few things that winter is perfect for- wicked hot chocolates, roaring open fires, snuggling up in soft blankets and getting dressed up in coats, boots and scarves ( it's all about accessories, darlings).

I've just had a meander over to Anthropologie- this is from their latest catalog- perfect for those balmy summer days.

Of course, until those relaxing summer days & nights, you may need to cover up a little, and here's a way to stay warm and wear the dress year- round:

1. Dress from Anthropologie

2. Blazer from Country Road

3. Shoes from Simply Soles

4. Cocktail ring from Max and Chloe

5. Earrings from Pink Mascara

6. Shawl from Black

House Inspiration- Amy Butler

2011-05-26T12:29:00.000+10:00

You probably know of Amy Butler- her fabulous,

bright, charming textiles have found their way around the world.

Over at Apartment Therapy there is a tour of Amy Butler's House. It's well worth a peek- here's a couple of photos from the tour:

It's a beautiful, bright(as you would expect), calming space.

I think it would be so easy get inspiration whilst pottering around it.

Beautiful floors

2011-05-06T12:49:00.000+10:00

Thank you Twig & Thistle for showcasing the beautiful flooring by Bolefloor.

instead of straight lines, the Bolefloor system curves sinuously and resembles the way that trees grow, naturally. Following the natural curves of the trees allows more floors per forest.

aah such a shame that I have nowhere to install this system- maybe in my dreamhouse?

Papercuts by Joe- Etsy seller

2011-05-04T10:10:00.001+10:00

Hi everyone, I know it's been a super long time since I blooged- the same old story- you know how it goes. You can pick from the following reason (or excuse, depending on your viewpoint) - pick whichever one catches your fancy:

I got too busy

Life got in the way

There were too many other distractions

I wasn't feeling inspired

Couldn't be bothered.

.....anyway, let's not dwell on the past- we have to move forwards in life- and that's what I'm doing, with this Etsy seller- Papercuts by Joe.

made by hand with lots of patience, some paper & a scalpel, they are just lovely.

You know of my love of bicycles (or rather, love / hate relationship- if you've been paying attention)

Isn't that sweet?

For soomething a bit larger & intricate, how about this?

It certainly doesn't look like paper- i thought it was a screen print at first. I can only imagine how long it would take to do & the precision necessary.

And finally the sparrow.

There are. of course many more designs- have a look at his work, I think it's quite beautiful.

Princess Leia

2010-10-06T12:40:00.001+11:00

Just had to share this with you- great Halloween costume! available here

NYC buildings

2010-09-11T07:52:00.000+10:00

It's been a while since I blogged- life gets in the way of routine sometimes.

I just came back from a trip to New York,so here's a few photos from the trip....

I love New York!

The PEN story

2010-08-04T14:30:00.001+10:00

Just had a look at this on YouTube.
Had to say that it made me smile......

Made using thousnds of photos, it must have taken forever to make.
OK, it is an ad, but it is very clever.

Found via Design Mom

Mila's Daydreams........

2010-07-30T14:28:00.000+10:00

I Have just stumbled across the most gorgeous site.

It's a blog of baby photos- Adele Enersen (mum) says "This is my maternity leave hobby. While my baby is taking her nap, I try to imagine her dream and capture it."

So gorgeous!

Have a look at her blog for more fantastic photos- LOVE it.

Dunk Mug

2010-07-30T13:53:00.000+10:00

Here's a great idea for those who like tea and fancy a bite on the side.

Super cute Dunk Mug from Mocha.

I adore the polka dot mug shown below.

It's actually very similar to the mugs that I use at home, (minus the clever cut out).

Thanks Isobel for sending me the link

Found via Sweet Station

Bookshelves

2010-07-01T14:15:00.000+10:00

I have blogged before about bookshelves- click here.

here is a whole site just dedicated to books & bookshelves.

If you have lots of books, like books or want inspiration, head over to Bookshelf Porn.

found via Swiss Miss

Gimble Book Holder

2010-07-01T12:35:00.000+10:00

Here's a nifty idea for freeing up your hands while reading:

it's called the Gimble and is available from Aero Plus

I know it's another gadget, but could be handy- No pun intended!

Aurelie Guillerey Illustrations

2010-06-30T12:10:00.002+10:00

I would like to share with you some whimsical illustrations by Aurelie Guillerey

I love the retro look and the happy feeling that the illustrations convey

So cute- have a look at some more on Flickr.

found via grainedit

Table shredder

2010-06-17T21:45:00.000+10:00

Do you like a piece of furniture that has multiple uses?

here's a table that really multi-tasks.

It's a paper shredder/ coffee table:

Shred up your junk mail & watch the paper scraps grow-

A little gimmicky, I'll admit, but kind of cute.

Here's the link: Pigeontail

found via Design*Sponge

Recycled Jewellery Etsy- Five Favourite Finds

2010-06-06T20:13:00.000+10:00

Here is a round up of repurposed and upcycled jewellery fom Etsy sellers-
these are my Five Favourite Finds of the day:

Vintage typewriter key cuff links from nineteen moons

Upcycled chain necklace with Labradorite stone from Danielle Rose Bean's Etsy shop.

This bracelet is made with recycled phone touch keys & is available from sparkeez8z1d

Watch parts reassembled into something beautiful from Fashionsfrome

And finally this recycled tin globe dress from Etsy seller Shixie

Ben Heine Pencil Vs Camera

2010-04-28T13:59:00.000+10:00

Love these mixed media photos found over at Best Bookmarks

Belgian-based artist Ben Heine mixes sketches of the original landscape/ area with photography.

He titles the series, "Pencil Vs Camera.".

Check out more of his work at his blog.

Very cool.

Repurposed frames

2010-04-09T16:51:00.001+10:00

Do you have any old picture frames lying around the house without any glass, perhaps that you just don't know what you could do to add them to your decor?

Here are some ideas for the reuse and re purpose of frames. You could put a mirror in it, or simply replace the glass to use. Here are a few more ideas Have a look & see what you think:

from ehow by way of care2

from real simple

from shabby vintage mom on flickr

Another version from Country Living

Or you could make shelves and hang it found again at Country Living

Here's another way to organise- I think this would be a great idea for jewellery, also. From Country Living.

Or how about old windows made into frames? From Crafty Nest
Now these ideas are abit more grandiose & out there:

Giant horse sculpture from Artists Frame Service

Have a look at this ceiling made with frame samples:

from the New York Times by way of Fabulous Frames & Art Blog

A few ideas to get you going- let me know if you have been inspired, or have already made something from your re-purposed frames.

Outdoor rooms.....bliss

2010-04-06T15:47:00.003+10:00

I'm always a fan of outdoor rooms and roof gardens (amongst a long list of favourite things).

Something about the cushions, the colour, the peaceful atmosphere all makes me want to bliss out.

Here's one that looks so inviting- from Oprah.com

And another from House Beautiful.

And this one from Maire Claire Maison

Easter treats

2010-04-04T18:10:00.000+10:00

Hope you all had a great Easter Sunday.

Ours was filled with cooking & eating with family.

Here are a few snapshots of the day:

Yummy chocolate bunnies

Tiramisu.

And banana bread, which was a recipe from Taste.
Needless to say, there was too much indulgence on my part, but it was soooo tasty!

Morphologica Jewellery

2010-04-02T13:03:00.000+11:00

Congratulations to Morphologica- (one of Design Fling's followers) for having one of your

pieces featured in the Etsy finds newsletter- well done.

To have a look at more of her designs- take a look at her Etsy shop here

Recycled CD spindle #2

2010-03-19T12:26:00.002+11:00

Here is another use for the CD spindle-first I showed the recycled spindle as a light here.

Now have a look at this extremely simple idea for a bagel holder

Genius!

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best.

from PWKA's photo stream on Flickr

Found via inhabitat

Jonathan Adler pottery

2010-03-17T12:22:00.000+11:00

I was having a wander through the web & had a quick look at a couple of Jonathan Adler's quirky pottery pieces- we have already had a look at one here

Here are a few faves-

Salt & pepper shakers- LOVE!

Who could resist a darjeeling teapot- Certainly not me!

Whale pitcher- fabulously kitsch

Have a look at his site here

Five favourite finds- Alice in Wonderland on Etsy

2010-03-05T18:25:00.032+11:00

Any one who has been to the movies lately has most likely seen the trailer for Alice in Wonderland.The 3D version looks amazing and with the cinematographic eye of Tim Burton and with Johnny Depp- what better way could there be to spend a rainy afternoon........especially if you have kids.

These images are courtesy of cinemafique.

Inspired by all things Alice, here are my Five Favourite Finds from Etsy that would fit that look....

This beautiful brushed steel necklace from Untamed Menagerie

Vintage looking tags using the original books illustrations from The Whimsical Paperie.

Delicate silver key and chain from POTO and CABENGO

Gloriously whimsical clothing from Ouma

And finally this lovely print form Books on tap.

Can't wait to see the film....

Frock on Friday- Akira's new collection

2010-02-26T09:53:00.000+11:00

He has been featured before by us here at Design Fling,

and I feel that Akira's new collection is also worth taking a peek at.

Still has the same relaxed vibe going, interesting architecturally

inspired cuts, beautiful fabric and attention to detail.

Sculpture for the body.

Elegantly stunning.

Have a look at the rest of the collection here.

Repurposed Housing- Shipping Containers

2010-02-11T11:40:00.000+11:00

As you can probably tell by now if you have been following my blog,
I am a massive fan of giving an old object new life.

Call it what you like: recycling, re-purposing, re-using, salvaging or reclaiming.

It's simply taking an object with the aim of saving it from the scrap heap &
hopefully turning it into something better than what it was before.

Here I think is one of the ultimate ways of re-purposing-
a full house recycled from shipping containers.

They have been used for temporary emergency accommodation,
and these below are so much more than that!

I have long been a fan of this (I know it is not a new phenomena)
these shipping containers are worth a second look:

From Here

From here

from here

from here & they have more to look at

So what do you feel about living in shipping containers? Do you like the idea? Are you irked? Fugly or genius?

Card Generator

2010-02-09T21:44:00.000+11:00

This is a card made by the Catalogue Card Generator. It's a fun thing to do for a few minutes.

Have a go at making your own virtual card here

Haiti Earthquake help

2010-01-21T12:27:00.001+11:00

In the devastation of the earthquake that has hit Haiti, I have added a link to an Etsy site where the profits will go to Doctors Without Borders in an effort to help with the much needed relief.

Check out the site by clicking on the right.

You can read a little more about Craft Hope by clicking here.

Before donating to any cause, of course, just check that the aid will

get to where you want it to go & that they are a real aid organisation.

5 favourite finds-Button reuse

2010-01-21T12:09:00.001+11:00

What to do with the little stash of buttons that you have at home?

(if you are anything like me, it is more than just a little stash)

here are a few ideas for taking them out of their tins & showing them off by using them:

To keep your earrings sorted- just hook them through the holes of the buttons & voila- no searching for the earrings mate...

earring holder from wish

Or, i fyou have some really pretty ones, you can use them to perk up & personalise your magnets:

File down the backs (if they are shamk buttons)

Button magnet from Martha Stewart

Or, create some jewelery- below are 2 examples, but you could make them any style

Lovely necklace found on Flickr - handmadetherapy

Button rings from Craftzine

Or you could make hair clips:

From Martha Stewart

Or with a little imagination, you could make some cards.

With Valentines Day approaching it could be a lovely way to use up any odd buttons you have lying around.

From two peas in a bucket

Recycled tee shirt throw

2010-01-13T12:35:00.003+11:00

I have 2 lovely boys, who, obviously have grown a lot over the past year or so.

As such, their tee shirts don't fit anymore.

Some of them they loved and were a little sad to see go.

As such I decided to recycle them into a quilt for them to use whilst watching telly, or whatever.

It was very easy to do.

First, cut the front & backs out into squares- mine were 30cm by 30cm.

The photos look a little wonky, but I think it's just the angle.

Next, use your trusty over locker to join the squares together. I liked the idea of the over locking showing, and becoming a feature of the throw. I also wanted to make the inside smooth & soft.

I joined all the squares randomly & over locked the edge.

Here's the first one.

Hopefully the tee shirts will be loved for years to come. Plus, I can always make it bigger as they grow....

(this article has been featured at edgi - in 30 ways to recycle your old tee shirts. Thanks guys !)

The Uniform Project

2010-01-07T16:37:00.011+11:00

As someone who works in the fickle world of fashion I can attest to the great wastage and redundancy that occurs when this seasons 'must have item' suddenly becomes passée.

I have long been wearing vintage clothing- long before it was cool. back in the day when it was just called 'second hand'. in fact, one of my first jobs, when I was just 17, was for a second- hand clothing shop.
I have come across a refreshing project called 'The Uniform Project'. In the words of the creator Sheena Matheiken, here is a statement taken from her website:

I have pledged to wear one dress for one year as an exercise in sustainable fashion. Here’s how it works: There are 7 identical dresses, one for each day of the week. Every day I will reinvent the dress with layers, accessories and all kinds of accouterments, the majority of which will be vintage, hand-made, or hand-me-down goodies.
Now, bear with me if you have already heard about it- by the looks of it, it has been getting some press.
The project is, in fact almost up to its 6 month mark. And it never looks llike Sheena is wearing the same dress day after day.

The funds raised from this project go to the Akanksha Foundation for the education of underprivileged children in India.
The people behind the Uniform Project are – Sheena Matheiken, founder and creative director, and Eliza Starbuck, dress designer and creative partner on the project. Together, the two have formed The Uniform Project Foundation, a creative mission that takes on projects that advocate sustainability and social responsibility.

She's even rocking the Christmas frock (above)So, the next time you look at your vast, bulging wardrobe and exclaim that you have nothing to wear take a leaf out of Sheena's book, and give something that you already have a new twist- experiment or, in the words of Tim Gunn, "make it work" and she certainly does!

For more on this project, follow the link by clicking here on The Uniform Project

Inspirational work spaces

2010-01-06T11:40:00.013+11:00

Now that the New Year celebrations have finished, we must pack away our party frocks and, let's face it, it's time to get back to work.

I've been taking a wander around cyber space, having a look at some inspirational work spaces.
This spaces might ease the pain of working & inspire some creative designs.

from Delight by Design

from Inspirational Spaces

from Marie Claire Maison
from Decor8
From Tradional Homes found via Decor8
from Apartment Therapy
from Apartment Therapy
One of my favourite studios ( and, perhaps, houses) is the one that the
talented artist Geninne lives in.
We have featured her before here at Design Fling.
Maybe having such a beautiful studio helps the artistic process?
from Geninne

Do you have a favourite?

Happy New Year!!!!

2010-01-03T20:01:00.004+11:00

Hi Everyone- Well it's 2010!
Wishing you all the best for this new decade.
Here's a lovely little necklace- courtesy of Etsy to represent all that I have been doing so far in 2010.
Of course, he looks much cuter than I do when I'm just hanging around.
From Marymary

Bottle torch

2009-12-09T14:00:00.004+11:00

OK, here's another clever reuse design-
this time for the backyard.
With summer upon us here in Australia, I think this idea would be a great one
to incorporate into the backyard.
For full instructions follow the link to Design Sponge here

Button bouquets

2009-12-09T10:20:00.002+11:00

These lovely bouquets are hand made by lilfishstudios- as shown on Flickr.
Sweet!

It's pink....

2009-12-01T19:15:00.012+11:00

PINK-

Maybe it's a reaction to being the only girl in the house- or, to clarify, really- -the only human girl in the household, but I just love pink in houses at the moment!

Here are some bold examples of pink in decor:

From Tchockes

From Style files
From Apartment Therapy
From Trendir
Or, if that's a bit too out here
(or perhaps, like me, you have a partner who just says NO WAY!)
then perhaps you could introduce pink in more subtle accents, such as these photos below:
From Apartment Therapy
From Marie Claire maisons

So, does it brighten your day, or is it NO WAY!?

Image of the day...

2009-11-27T10:21:00.001+11:00

I love this image by Mandy Crandell.
Found via decor8

Some lovely illustrations & fonts

2009-11-26T12:11:00.006+11:00

I have just come across the work of illustrator & font designer Jessica Hische.
I have to say that I have quickly become a fan!
I love the retro styling & quirky design.
You can check out her blog here...

Thought of the day.....

2009-11-26T11:12:00.003+11:00

Finger Food Ring

2009-11-05T11:46:00.008+11:00

At some point we have all tried to balance our plate and our champers-
How great would thins ring be to do just that?
(mind you, my nibbles don't usually stay in my hand long enough to warrant it
-it's usually straight to the mouth...)
Available from Fred & friends, who also make the beautiful measuring dolls, mentioned on an earlier post.
found via swissmiss.

Treepee

2009-11-05T11:32:00.003+11:00

This is a cute and versatile idea- it's called the treepee.

It can be used as a tent, bouncy castle, swing, teepee for the kids or just an escape.
available from The Treepee Company
found via Cookie mag

Wall stickers- hamster

2009-10-29T10:49:00.004+11:00

I know there are LOTS of wall stickers around-
but I quite like these stickers from Green Republic in France.
Cute and they make you think more about where the electricity comes from.
They would be sweet in a kids room.

Found via Marie Claire Maison

Electric cars of the future

2009-10-23T10:17:00.022+11:00

Now, I don't know if I have been watching too much Top Gear lately-

I've never really been a great car fan, however,
I've come across a couple of cars that are just too cute.
They are both electric & so less damaging to the environment.

The most adorable car ever (OK, you may disagree, but I kinda like its looks) is the Honda EV-N which is unfortunately not planned for production....yet.

Check it out- it has retro styling that looks like a
car that a child would draw with crayons.
But that's not the cool thing, although I do like its looks-it has solar roof panels,
It features easily changeable swappable seat covers for those who like to mix things up.
It has flexible seating allowing transport of bulkier items.
A cool looking minimalist retro style dash-....but wait there's more.....
If that doesn't excite- the passenger door contains what looks like a large speaker,
but is, in fact a a super robotic unicycle.
How funwould that be to zip around on one of these?
It looks like the much promised future is one step closer.
You can have a look at the scooter on Youtube
The scooter uses technology which was developed through the ASIMO humanoid robot.
You would have seen him before- here's the evolutionary trail...
Honda Ev-N photos & info via Autoblog, Ecoustics, Yahoo cars UK and Honda.

All I can say is when can I get one?

Another car that is due for production is this cartoon like Peapod car from Chrysler.
It has a cute smiley face on the front, although I'm torn between thinking it's cute or fugly.
It has full hands-free Ipod integration and as well as being electric
uses recycled and recyclable materials.

The car according to company director Mr. Arnell was inspired by "Japanese bullet trains, storm troopers from the film Star Wars, space helmets and turtles."

Although I don't like this one quite as much as the Honda above, it is at least in production and should be available in America any day now for around $12 000.

Peapod photos & info from carscoop and ecogeek.

Portable picnics

2009-10-22T12:31:00.003+11:00

If you are bored of eating your lunch at your desk & are just itching to get out amongst some nature, then why not whip yourself up one of these portable picnic cases?

Such a lovely, kitsch idea!

For the full instructions click here at Design*Sponge.
Found via designvagabond

Where the Wild Things Are

2009-10-19T14:14:00.007+11:00

The night Max wore his wolfsuit.....

I cannot wait to see the movie 'Where The Wild Things Are'-
The book has always been a favourite- not just with our family- so many would have grown up with the book & read it to their own kids.
A while ago we made a wolf suit costume for book week for my youngest son
(hopefully still fits- but who knows?)
Here's a photo of him wearing it-
The movie looks so dreamy- The costumes & scenery give it such a surreal look.
I just hope that it lives up to expectations.
Photos from Aceshowbiz

Magpie Design

2009-10-14T16:11:00.014+11:00

As you may have figured by now, I hate things to just be thrown away-
there is just so much unnecessary waste generated by our modern lives.....
OK, enough- I'll climb down off my soapbox now...

I love creative reuse of objects, and things do not get much better than this- taking the seemingly humble water bottle, (which I blogged about earlier this week), amongst other objects and creating something beautiful & entirely new from it.
These beautiful repurposed lights are from Magpie Design … "a socially conscious art collective..." from South Africa. Click on the link to see more of their work.
So clever and resourceful!
Found via Out and About Africa

Crayon art

2009-10-14T13:51:00.003+11:00

Have a look at these images made by artist Christian Faur-

these works are created using wax crayons.

Below is the detail of the same image showing how the image is made up.

Must be a patient person....

found via Design Dust

Dreaming.......Mauritius

2009-10-13T15:29:00.004+11:00

OK, so I do know that this may remain as a dream for me- This is a beautiful resort in Mauritius called Le Touessrok. Click on the link for a little escapism....here

Kitchen essentials- measuring cups

2009-10-13T14:15:00.004+11:00

How cute are these measuring cups? designed to fit together and look like Matryoshka dolls, they are a practical and cute measuring device from Fred & Friends.

Found via Decor8

Water bottles

2009-10-06T16:26:00.004+11:00

The single use water bottle has become a ubiquitous sight in cities around - and the environmental cost of them is staggering (see the links below for facts).

This photo is found by way of Brooklynskeptic- a detail of the two million bottles of water used every 5 minutes in the USA.

I have been using a multi- use water bottle for some time now, it was a stainless steel one from Smiggle, (they no longer stock them).

Unfortunately it has developed a bit of a leaky lid, so I was thinking of keeping that one for home use (can't just throw it away) and puchasing a new one for my out-and-about-town use. Related to that leaky lid was the fact that one day I forgot to put the lid on properly, and I managed to drown my phone & ipod on that very expensive morning.

So now I'm looking around for a new reusable drink bottle, as it's so important to keep hydrated.

Here are a few designs for reusable drinking bottles.

Now the first is plastic, which generally I shy away from, but this is such a lovely design, from Kor One. Available in Australia from here. I like the fact that the lid cannot be separated from the bottle, and it's a generous size. It apparently does not contain the chemical BPA, which has been linked to cancer, amongst other nasties- read here or here for more detailed info.

Then there's a whole gorgeous range from Sigg, a Swiss company and they are available here.

Earthlust bottle available from Amazon.

Read more about what bottled water is really costing the planet in these articles from

From here

The Age

SMH

And above is some creative reuse of the water bottle.

Photo from treehugger.

What are your thoughts? Is buying single use water bottles akin to smoking? Do you have a favourite water bottle that I may not have mentioned?

Yummm!!!

2009-10-02T12:48:00.000+10:00

Check out the look of these cheesecake-marbled brownies

How divine do they look?

from Smitten Kitchen.

Frock on Friday- L.A.M.B

2009-10-02T11:40:00.000+10:00

For today's Frock on Friday, we are taking a look at Gwen Sefani's L.A.M.B. spring range that was shown at New York Fashion week.

I have to say that I'm a bit of a fan of Gwen's individual style and I was interested to see what she had come up with this time.

Here are a few looks from her latest collection.

Images from instyle.

dressing room dreaming....

2009-10-01T13:10:00.009+10:00

What fashionista would not want a dreamy dressing room or walk in wardrobe?

It's the ultimate in luxury for those who love clothes
(and love to look at them).

Here are a few that I have sourced on the net.

The first one will probably be familiar to you-
it is of course Carrie's walk- through closet

Carrie Bradshaw wardrobe photo from Claremont road.

This would be my ultimate space for dress-ups

From Marie Claire Maison

But I would love all the clothes from Rachael Zoe's
actual wardrobe.

From adore vintage

Super organised in Barbie colours

from peacock feathers

For creative use of underutilised basement space, this dressing room from Apartment Therapy.

Here's one that's actually for sale (comes complete with a house) from here.

Bright & Cheerful house

2009-10-01T10:00:00.001+10:00

I love this house featured in Marie Claire Maison.

Love the white interior with pops of colour.

Would love to have a workroom as organised as that also...maybe one day soon....

The kids room looks like such fun, too.

And of course I LOVE the fairy lights!

Found via English Muse

Les Machines de L'Ile

2009-09-25T10:06:00.012+10:00

One more posting from my time in France......
While in France we spent a few days in Nantes- a city I know quite well, having lived there for a few years. It was great to see all the changes that have been happening around the city with lots of pedestrian walkways, tramlines and a general rebirth of the city.

One of the most interesting changes was the Machines of the Isle de Nantes. they are created by the group Royal de Luxe.
They specialise in making gigantic, intricate and amazing 'puppets'.

So far there is the giant elephant, known as the Sultan's Elephant- a massive structure 12 meres high (you can see the tiny people on the balconies). Weighing in at 45 tonnes, it has some cute & quirky features, like squirting water at the on-lookers. It's also equipped with a bell on its tail that the kids can ring by pulling a rope.
Its ears are leather and can flap, its eyes move- the whole thing is SPECTACULAR!

As well as the giant elephant, they are making a fantastically intricate carousel, with larger than life sting rays, boats and other extraordinary creatures. These are a few of the critters that will become part of the colossal marine themed carousel in a few years time.

It's fantastic (and rare) in these days to see art being created without the budget being the bottom line.
All these puppets are fashioned by artisans, working with wood, metal, leather and hydraulics to come up with these designs.

As well as the giant merry-go-round there will be a massive tree which will have a bar/ restaurant nestled in its steel branches. This is a photo of the (smaller) prototype:
Their work really looks like something from a Jules Verne novel, which is appropriate, seeing as he was born in Nantes.
I think these will really put Nantes on the world map as a must-visit destination.
Below is the elephant in action:

Have a look at Wikipedia- the Sultan's Elephant or for more photos of the amazing work that Royal de Luxe is making, have a look at more photos on Flickr.
or the officail website Les Machines de L'Ile

Kjoo on Etsy

2009-09-24T14:32:00.005+10:00

I'm loving this jewellery that I stumbled upon while strolling through Etsy.
It's handmade from fibres( felted & crocheted) mainly.
The price does reflect that it is handmade & takes time....

From kjoo on Etsy

Dust Storm

2009-09-24T14:02:00.007+10:00

Back home in Sydney now...

Where we were just hit by a dust storm, that blanketed Sydney yesterday and
turned the sky red.

Waking up to find the sky an eerie red colour was something that I've never experienced, and kind of had that end-of-the-world type vibe.

Luckinly it wasn't, but was caused by strong winds blowing the desert dust through to Sydney.
Here are a few photos from yesterday:

And on a more personal note, here is the red dust viewed from our
balcony towards the back yard:

To see a few more photos have a look at these on Flickr

Source:
Mail online
The Age

Some more Frenchness

2009-09-21T11:17:00.007+10:00

While in France, we spent some time on the Loire Atlantic coast-
these are some photos from the picturesque village of Piriac sur Mer.

Paris- Final part- Doors

2009-09-13T08:19:00.011+10:00

While in Paris, I became fascinated by the subtle differences in architecture.

This was apparent on all the different doors that we saw on our wanderings.

Here is a selection:

Paris part 3- Around Paris

2009-08-14T15:51:00.016+10:00

A few more photos from around Paris.
What a lovely city.
I really enjoyed rediscovering it.

Paris part 2- Le Marché aux Puces

2009-08-14T15:47:00.009+10:00

Here are some photos from the day that we visited the flea markets in Paris- particularly Le Marché Paul Bert. It wasn't exactly the way that I had pictured them. I had expected actual market stalls with assorted bric-a-brac, but it was much more civilised than that.
Unfortunately a lot of the shops did not want to have any photographs taken, but we did manage a few.

The range and quality of the pieces of furniture and accessories was amazing.
For example there were beautiful art Deco lamps, groovy mid century chrome and leather lounges, spectacular inlaid wooden carved pieces form last century & older.
This photo does not give justice to the scale of the pieces- the chandelier
must have been 3 metres tall
These lights that I am looking at in the photo were fibreglass- giant pods that would make the centrepiece of any warehouse conversion.

One shop that completely blew me away was a shop where the owner had taken pieces from a crashed plane and restored all the propellers to make them into shiny sculptures, or make part of the plane's engine into furniture , such as a bar, by adding glass.
Unfortunately there no photos were permitted.

Here is where you can get more of an idea of what's on offer- click here;
or here.

Paris part 1- Montmartre

2009-08-13T16:36:00.027+10:00

I'd like to share with you a few postcards from my journey, as this week I'm in Paris- city of lights & beautiful architecture.

We spent a day walking around the Montmartre area.t's a lovely part of Paris, situated near Pigalle, the red-light area of Paris, home to the Moulin Rouge.
It's an area full of charm, narrow cobbled streets, a rich history of painting and artistic endeavours.
The walk up the hill is steep, but the view is well worth it, plus the streets on the way up are quite charming.
It was also the setting for the film ¨Amelie¨, one of my personal favourites.

Thought of the day.......

2009-07-29T15:31:00.003+10:00

Just came across this little thought. Made me laugh
Loos like it could have been made for me.
Oh, another dark secret has been revealed.....
fromCurds & Whey on Flickr

Colouring in Wallpaper

2009-07-25T17:50:00.004+10:00

Having been looking at LOTS of chairs lately-
I thought this was a cute idea for those of us who, perhaps cannot afford the real deal.

Or maybe you just like the quirky idea.
this is wallpaper designed to be personalised & coloured in, by your designer influenced child. This is called Sitting Comfortably?

here's another in the range, called Tick Tock
(I apologise for the lack of clarity with the images- Just click on the link below to see them on the site).
Both available from Mini Moderns.

Bookshelves- 5 favourite finds

2009-07-02T12:41:00.015+10:00

I haven't written anything for a while- I've been busy painting & renovating these last few weeks.

I've also been frustrated with the look of the blog- no matter what I do I can't seem to get rid of the purple & cobalt colours of the fonts. It's very frustrating!

I have been looking for bookshelves for my home- Have to say they are pretty disappointing. Most are extremely boring.
However, I have come across a few interesting pieces which I'll share with you-
Speech bubble bookshelf is from Fusca Design & fulfils the criteria of cute & quirky.

Then there's the Kartell Bookworm available from top 3 by design Or the Stack bookshelf also from top 3 by design
Or the gravity defying Sticklebook

Another seemingly impossible bookshelf is from Umbra available via Amazon

or you can build your own with instructions from Instructables.

The other option, of course is just to embrace the books & have a wall of them, like here from Apartment Therapy

I still haven't decided which way to go- any ideas?

Etsy tea cup jewellery stand

2009-06-04T14:12:00.001+10:00

Here's more gorgeous things from Etsy- some recycled crockery put to grest new use-
from etsy seller whomadeit.
Found via laissez faire

It reminds me of the vintage tea lamp featured earlier here.

5 Favourite Finds- Butterflies from Etsy

2009-06-04T13:46:00.007+10:00

Today we're having a look at Etsy for some pretty butterfly related goods.
These Butterfly decals are from Wilsongraphics, located in Panama City.

These butterflies are available from natureartstudio. They are a collection of 3 solid brass butterfly designs. The brass sheet was originally used for roof flashing. Gotta love up cycling!
These tags are available from Bluebirdlane

Fabric from Fabric FlairAnd finally, this lovely pendant made from 'naturally expired' butterflies wings.
I love the iridescence! From PoPkO.

Dreamy bed

2009-06-03T11:56:00.003+10:00

I just came across this gorgeous bed by Shawn Lovell Metalworks.

She specialises in making one of a kind pieces.

Coming from a sculpture background, she now specialises in metalwork and is based in Oakland, California.

I love her natural look pieces & the bed is like something out of a fairy tale- so dreamy!

Found via point click home

Style Muse- Audrey Hepburn

2009-05-28T11:52:00.014+10:00

For our 3^rd Style Muse we are heading back in time to look at Audrey Hepburn- a muse whose influence is still strongly emulated.

Hepburn’s refined style, fine-tuned to iconic perfection was classic, comfortable and stylish. She developed a lifelong friendship and became the muse of designer Hubert de Givenchy.

“You have to look at yourself objectively,” Hepburn said, “as if you were some kind of tool, and then decide exactly what you must do.”

Speaking of clothes she said: “I love them to the point where it is practically a vice.” and “Women can look like Audrey Hepburn,” she said, “by flipping out their hair, buying the large sunglasses and the little sleeveless dresses.”

Audrey’s history began in Brussels, Belgium in 1929. Her father left the family when Audrey was 6 (she called the abandonment the most traumatic event of her life). After this she attended a girls’ boarding school in Kent, England. It was here that Audrey’s first passion for ballet was founded.

When England declared war on Germany in 1939, Audrey returned to neutral Holland, however in 1940, Germany invaded. Audrey, along with thousands of others lost everything, and was reduced to eating nettles, tulip bulbs, cooked grass. Audrey naturally became malnourished, and sickly. When Holland was liberated in 1945, UNRRA, the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration, UNICEF’s precursor, distributed food and supplies to thousands of Dutch children.

“We thought, ‘How could people be so rich and give away things that looked so new?’” she recalled. “I feel enormous respect for food, freedom, for good health and family, for human life.”

The generosity deeply affected the young girl, and in her latter years she became one of UNICEF’s ambassadors, a role that she held until her death.

On her appointment as a Goodwill Ambassador in 1989 she said:

"I can testify to what UNICEF means to children, because I was among those who received food and medical relief right after World War II, I have a long-lasting gratitude and trust for what UNICEF does."

In 1945, after the war, Hepburn moved to Amsterdam, where she took ballet lessons and studied. She then moved to London, and continued dancing lessons. To help pay for her expenses while training, Hepburn worked part-time as a model for fashion photographers.

It was around this time that she learned that because she had suffered severe malnutrition, and because she was fairly tall, she could not become a prima ballerina.

So Audrey turned to acting, partly because she could excel at that, and also simply to pay the bills.

Audrey Hepburn is famous for her movie roles in such films as Roman Holiday, Funny Face, My Fair Lady, amongst others and of course the iconic Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

For Roman Holiday, her first major role, the movie was to have had Gregory Peck's name above the title in large font with "introducing Audrey Hepburn" beneath. After filming had been completed, Peck called his agent and, predicting correctly that Hepburn would win the Academy Award for Best Actress, he had the billing changed so that her name also appeared before the title in type as large as his. He would become another of her life-long friends.

She won several Golden Globe Awards, as well as one more Academy Award in her distinguished career.

Towards the end of the 1960s Hepburn retired from films to devote herself to family life, emerging only for a handful of films in the 1970s and 1980s.

She preferred a quiet life with family and nature. She lived in houses, not mansions, and loved to garden.

Hepburn married twice, first to Mel Ferrer, an American actor, and then to an Italian doctor, Andrea Dotti.

She had a son with each – Sean in 1960 by Ferrer, and Luca in 1970 by Dotti.

Hepburn is associated with the poem "Time Tested Beauty Tips", which she used to recite to her sons. The poem includes verses such as, "For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day", and, "For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry."

She considered herself lucky, and spent the last five years of her life helping real victims. As an international UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador who was paid $1 a year, Hepburn travelled the world in jeans and sneakers, working in the poorest parts of South America, Africa, and Asia.

Hepburn received the United States' highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in December 1992. During that year, though ill with cancer, she had continued her work for UNICEF, travelling to Somalia, Kenya, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, France and the United States.

At the time of her death, she was involved with Robert Wolders, whom she had met through a friend, in the later stage of her marriage to Dotti.

After Hepburn's divorce was final, she and Wolders started their lives together, although they never married. In 1989, after nine years with him, she called them the happiest years of her life. "Took me long enough", when why they never married. Hepburn replied that they were married, just not formally.

Audrey Hepburn died Hepburn, who died of cancer at her home in Switzerland in January, 1993. She was 63.

The "little black dress" from Breakfast at Tiffany's, designed by Givenchy sold at auction for £467,200 (approximately $956,000AU). This is the highest price paid for a dress from a film. The proceeds went to the City of Joy Aid charity to aid underprivileged children in India.

Audrey Hepburn’s legacy lives on in the Audrey Hepburn Children’s Fund- a charity founded in 1994 by her sons, Sean and Luca, and long time companion, Robert Wolders, in order to continue her work.

Sources:

Unicef

Audrey Hepbur's Official Site

Wikipedia

Audrey Hepburn Small Fan Page

Which dress to choose?

2009-05-27T12:43:00.005+10:00

Hi everyone,
For this entry I am asking for a little reader participation....
I have a wedding coming up that I am going to attend in France and I'm going to make the frock. (that is the plan at this stage, but who knows...)

So I have had a flick through In Style look of the day & have selected a few of my favourites.
In the 'hand on hip' category we have these 3:
And in the 'clutching my clutch' category we have:
So which one is your favourite?

Super Cute Cupcakes

2009-05-25T12:03:00.008+10:00

I must be going through a sweet phase at the moment- from Chocolat to cupcakes...

Having tried to decorate cakes for my son's birthdays, I have resigned myself to the fact that this is just not a talent that I possess, so I am in awe of these fabulous cupcakes from 'hello naomi' who is based in Newcastle.

These would be perfect for a kids party- so cute!
Lucky for us Sydney-siders she can deliver here.
Have a look at at her talents on her Flickr site.

Found via Life Abundant

Chocolat

2009-05-22T14:24:00.002+10:00

Chocolat- YUM!
I don't know what's nicer- the chocolate or Johnny Depp......

Have a great weekend
(image from here)

Kitchen Cannisters- Jonathan Adler

2009-05-18T12:37:00.005+10:00

Here are some kitchen canisters from Jonathan Adler-
I think that they might raise a few eyebrows.
I like the quirkiness.

Jennifer Collier

2009-05-10T11:42:00.004+10:00

Have a look at these reclaimed designs from UK artist Jennifer Collier.

I love the use of found and reclaimed materials brought to life again.

5 Favourite Finds- mobiles from Etsy

2009-05-07T14:02:00.013+10:00

I have had a stroll through Etsy to find 5 favourite mobile makers
(I've always been a fan of the mobile)- just love that delicate movement.
This one (above) is from Pozzzies- a small team of New York artists who believe in the power of positivity.
I have to say I love the positive message
This is from Aussie seller Puka puka, who I have already shown here.
This lovely paper butterfly is from Royal buffet.

These funky designs are from Salty & Sweet shop. Some other designs are Ninjas versus pirates- very cool.
This cute design is from Spin Designs- lovely and sweet.

Market day

2009-05-04T16:36:00.006+10:00

So I had a great weekend- had a look at the markets at Paddington & also the Imperial Hotel on Oxford street.
All in all, it was an inspiring day.
Here's a few photos for you.

Pink & Blue to brighten your day

2009-04-29T19:32:00.014+10:00

Here in Sydney it has suddenly become wintery- the days are shorter & colder.
Here are a few photos to brighten your day- Pink & Blue.

(found using the multicolour search labs that I blogged about in an earlier post)

From here
from here
from here
photo from here
from here
and finally, happy elephant, from here.
Hope that made you a little warmer.

Vintage tea lamp

2009-04-28T10:04:00.005+10:00

Have a look at this gorgeous lamp made from vintage tea sets- I love it!

If you have been following the blog you would know that I am a great believer in reinventing & reusing. This is a completely whimsical way of reusing.

Every lamp is uniquely made - just for you! Comes in white or colours if preferred.
Unfortunately not yet available here in Australia, however
go to vintagerenaissance on etsy to order or have a look.

Make It Monday- CD spindle light

2009-04-27T18:32:00.008+10:00

I have been having a bit of an issue with E-waste lately.

My ipod, along with my phone were accidentally drowned in my bag (a very expensive morning caused by a water bottle that I had not properly closed).

Then my old & trusty laptop died - I was given the definite diagnosis yesterday, and was told that 5 laptop years is the equivalent to 100 human years.....
Which got me to thinking- what is going to happen with all that E-waste that we use for perhaps 3 years.
It must use a lot of resources to produce and then what???

Anyway, I'm always happy to find an idea that reuses some of the 'waste".
I have been holding onto my CD spindles, thinking "there must be something that this can be useful for". (it also explains how I have so much junk)...
Anyway, I came across this fabulous idea from Craft Stylish. (via one pretty thing).

Fairy Lights

2009-04-21T18:07:00.014+10:00

Love Fairy Lights- I'm such a girl sometimes!
They look so magical & give a sense of occasion to a space

Hope you enjoy these photos.
What a fantastic bed! from here.
Do it yourself chandelier- cover up an ugly light fitting with fairy lights-
Image from Apartment Therapy
Some Fairy Lights in Jars- easy and pretty
From LJC FYI

Kid's dreamhouse

2009-04-19T21:25:00.009+10:00

Check out this house featured at Cookie magazine- It looks like so much fun!

Found via My Fantasy House.
The house is not only super kid- friendly, it's also as ecologically sustainable as possible.

It is home to Alex Michaelis, an architect who has built a roof with lawn (to keep the heat in) and solar panels to supply energy, amongst other green technologies.

Have a look at the photos here.

Donna Karan Autumn 09

2009-04-19T20:34:00.006+10:00

Without giving too much away, I am old enough to remember when Donna Karan burst onto the scene in the 80's.

She changed the way that women dressed- with fluid draped dressing that was powerful, yet sexy.
These a a few of her latest looks for Autumn 2009.

The draping is there still, and she has delivered a look that celebrates the female form all the while remaining comfortable and easy to wear.

To see the full collection, see Style.com

Vertical Garden

2009-04-14T14:11:00.005+10:00

I saw something along the lines of this vertical garden a few weeks ago on Better Homes & Gardens, although I have to say that this version is much more interesting.

It did look reasonably easy to make (but then they often do on that show).

It is a vertical garden of easy-care succulents- great if you have limited space.
I really like succulents, and this is an unusual way of displaying them.
The one above looks like a living painting, and really complements the look of the bedroom.
Images from Apartment Therapy

Global warming rug

2009-04-10T18:56:00.012+10:00

Image above from neutral existence.com

An image that has really stuck in my mind that represents the effect of global warming, is the photo of a lone polar bear on its tiny iceberg in the middle of the ocean.

Well, Spanish rug and carpet company Nanimarquina has captured that picture, and transformed it into a statement rug for your home
(complete with 3D felt polar bear).
Images from NEL
I think that I might feel a little saddened to see the forlorn polar bear in my home every day, however, the company's press release says that it:

"reclaims the reality of what is happening to our planet and brings it into the day-to-day realm in an attempt at spurring the individual into reflection and action. Global warming is a bid for hope. It represents our aspirations for a better future and a world that might be."

Hopefully it will get people's attention, so that we will work towards a solution to the problem that has caused the destruction of these beautiful creature's habitat.

Tiny Tokens Design

2009-04-06T18:45:00.006+10:00

So, it's coming up to Mother's day here in Australia (in a month or so)....
I just stumbled upon this necklace,
which would be really sweet for a prezzie.

Of course these are custom made to order.
or this, just for the sake of it....
available from Etsy store Tiny Tokens Design.

Bicycle basket

2009-04-03T20:59:00.007+11:00

As you may have seen, I recently blogged about bicycles.

I have not been riding lately, due to a bicycle mishap a couple of weeks ago.

However, this has not diminished my love of the bike,
and I have been dreaming of the perfect bicycle still.

Just came across this lovely basket- How beautiful!
Photo from here

Called the Carrie basket, it is a Swedish design, and is available from Nordic Fusion in Australia.

It is reminiscent of doilies crocheted by grandma, but interpreted in a totally modern way.

It is a little pricey, but is able to be used as a shopping basket, too.

That's a good thing, too, as I think if you left it on the bike it might just disappear!

Silhouette mirrors

2009-03-31T16:11:00.005+11:00

I love these fun life-size mirrors from Melbourne company Lightly.
I came across them a while ago- my favourite is the 'dress ups' mirror.
Just need to find somewhere for it to go.....

(images from here)

Frock on Friday- Paris runway

2009-03-27T13:52:00.011+11:00

Here's some Autumn styles from the Paris runways for today's Frock On Friday.

Lots of black was in favour, and clothes were streamlined- here's a selection
(courtesy of New York Magazine):

Chanel
Isabel Marant
Lanvin shows us how to do the LBD with a twist
And some from our own Collette Dinnigan

Etsy print

2009-03-26T11:38:00.003+11:00

Thought of the day from the love shop.

Unique Hotel Sao Paulo

2009-03-25T10:04:00.010+11:00

Have you seen the fabulous Hotel Unique?

It resembles an ocean liner in dry-dock and it certainly lives up to its name.

Image above, found here

Image above from here.
I remember coming across this a few years ago in a magazine, and was fascinated by its design.

It was designed by Ruy Ohtake, son of Japanese parents, his mother was a painter, and his father an engineer.

Ohtake is known for his unusual architecture.

The Hotel Unique is considered by American Pulitzer Prize winning architecture critic architecture pundit Paul Goldberger to be one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
Have you ever seen a room like this?

Image, above from here.

Have a look at some of his other fabulous designs below.
Image above from here.
Image above from here.
Image above from here .
It's great to see some interesting architecture- can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

Easter Ideas- make it Monday

2009-03-23T11:29:00.014+11:00

Are you looking for a little Easter inspiration?
Image above (with tutorial) from retro mama. Found via the 6 o'clock stitch.

For Make it Monday today, I have decided to take a look at Easter egg craft which you can do for decoration, or table centrepieces.
Most of these are from the Martha Stewart site, and they come with step-by- step instructions.

The photo below is from here.
A bunny for inspiration from here.

Envelope filing system

2009-03-19T12:37:00.005+11:00

Having just received my tax papers back from our accountant (who I think was horrified by my presentation of receipts, etc)

I just love this simple idea, fresh from Design Sponge.

Re-using- Five Favouite Finds

2009-03-18T12:05:00.008+11:00

Today we are having a quick look at reusing some things that you may have around the home in a different way.
Reuse your spare ribbons to dress up a chest of drawers- maybe in a little girl's room
Reuse your odd crockery for storing bathroom nick- knacks
Cover some old shoe boxes with pretty paper for storage of paperwork
Reuse some of your shells that you have collected as salt & pepper holders (after a good clean)

Images above from Real Simple.
Reuse your old jars as an ever- changeable photo display.

Images above from Design Sponge

There's plenty of things that you can reuse- have a think before just chucking them out.

Googly eye clock

2009-03-17T12:03:00.005+11:00

Love this googly-eyed clock from Mike Mak. The eyeballs tell you what the time is- based on the traditional clock placement. (It would probably be easier with a small dot for the eyeball).

It may not be too practical for telling the time, but it's fun!

Found Via Design Milk

Green Five Favourite Finds

2009-03-17T11:17:00.002+11:00

In honour of St Patrick's day, we have decided to give you a selection of favourite green items (apart from the funky chicken, below).

These items listed below are all from Etsy.

This is from Pukapuka, a Sydney based mobile designer-
She is inspired by the Australian landscape.

How mesmerising would it be to watch these move gently in the breeze?

Here's a cute little cocktail ring, available here.

If you prefer your green a little more natural, these are made with real leaves, and, therefore may vary in colour. Available here.
This Poster is available on etsy, here.

If you are after more personal, original art how about this painting form California Abstract?

It has a beautiful depth of colour and looks iridescent,
due to the layers of glazes, and color washes.

Tiny Houses

2009-03-17T10:58:00.003+11:00

Today we are taking a look at some prefabricated houses.

This is the Weebee model

These are from Tumbleweed Tiny House company, and as the name suggests, they are quite small, yet self- contained. They are portable, and can be towed on the back of the trailer.

There's everything that you could need for 1 person,
and is great if you like things within arm's reach!
This is the Teeny XS model. Teeny weeny it is.

Slightly larger is the Tarleton model- it can still fit on the back of a trailer to move it.
This is the slightly larger Sebastarosa model.

There's nothing trashy about these teeny tiny houses!

Frock on Friday- Zimmermann

2009-03-13T10:51:00.006+11:00

The first hints of Autumn are here- which is kind of a relief after the earlier scorching temperatures that we had in Australia. It gets us in the mood to look at cooler weather clothing.

For Today's Frock on Friday, we are staying local & having a look at Zimmermann's latest collection- Witches. Zimermann was created in 1990, by sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmermann. The brand specialises in swimwear and ready to wear.

They are now stocked in major stores in the US and UK. This is the Autumn/ Winter collection.

Another rocking chair

2009-03-13T10:23:00.006+11:00

I just came across another rocking chair- (actually , I'm not quite sure if it qualifies as a chair). It is not quite so minimalist as others featured previously, but it does make me smile. From Hayon Studio. Found via Design Sponge.

Multi Colour Search Lab

2009-03-12T12:46:00.010+11:00

Have a look at this cool site that I stumbled across:
(sorry I can't remember how).

What you do is choose colours on the side-I chose blue & purple, below.
The software scans all the millions of images from flickr, or Alamy and
processes them according to colour.
In the one below, I have used red & yellow:
You can choose up to 10 colours.
It's limitless & quite fun for composing a mosaic of digital photos.
Click here to have a go.