visual inspiration

Cooper & Campbells Room on Ohdeedoh

These are a few things that have been inspiring me when designing my new collection. I just sent all the new fabric designs to the printers last night, so hopefully soon I'll have something to show you!

I have spent a bit of time (truthfully, a lot of time) on Ohdeedoh looking at pictures of children's rooms and visualising how my new products would fit in. If you haven't visited Ohdeedoh before it's time to - it's the kids spinoff of Apartment Therapy, and it features real kids & babies rooms by real people. I love the clouds on the wall of the above room - you can view Cooper & Campbell's room here, and if you like the clouds on the wall you can find a link to create your own!

I love that Cooper & Campbell's room is not cutesy or kiddie, it's quite a relaxed vibe with a combination of vintage & new, and pretty much all the items could work in any room of the house. This is the trend I have noticed in kids decor lately - it's still fun & stimulating, but it's not age-specific.

L: sweaters by Jennifer Davis. R: Diamond Mug on Our Workshop.

I've also been looking a lot at the combination of pattern, illustration & object design. The colours in the artwork sweaters by Jennifer Davis are beautiful, and perfect for Spring which is what I've been designing for. I also love that by giving animals outfits we give them a personality - especially stripes & polka dots! Whenever I see someone wearing polka dots I assume they're awesome & creative and they always are!

xx Penny

beci orpin at cwc + lucky vs right place, right time

On Saturday I went to my first ever Creative Women's Circle talk, and it was such a goodie. I imagine no less than 99% of creative Melbourne designer types would know who Beci Orpin is, but if not, take a peep at her website here! Beci spoke mostly about how she's gotten to the place as a designer she is now - her experiences and journey. This post isn't a recap of what Beci actually said though... sorry! Apart from reinforcing my suspicion that Beci Orpin is Super Awesome, a lot of what Beci said made it clear (in my mind at least!) that being successful as a freelancer/self employed creative has a lot to do with being in the right place at the right time, and taking advantage of as many opportunities as possible.

Being in the right place at the right time is not in any way the same as being lucky. Being lucky would be if, for example, I walked into my favourite fabric store and a representative of Lecien was there waiting to ask the first person wearing a yellow scarf to produce a fabric collection. Or I won the biggest ever lotto draw. But that's not going to happen. (How awesome would that be, though? Right?)

Being in the right place at the right time involves for someone in my position 3 things- working very hard to amass a fabulous skill-set, a great portfolio of previous work, and an awesome network of people around me. If I look at any of my favourite designers & illustrators who are consistently doing great work, they have all 3 of these things happening. If you have a great skill-set you can work effectively & quickly. If you have a great portfolio of prior work you have work out there that people can see and that will help you develop your distinctive style. A great network is also important - if you have the first two things a great network of people will know other people who have opportunities for you.

So it's really less luck and more lots of hard work. Going to this fabulous CWC event (along with my previous soul searching) really helped make it clear to me that I need to work on all three of those things mentioned - portfolio (in the pipeline!), skills (I have skills! but more is always awesome) and a great network (I already have a pretty rad network, hooray!).

Since the talk I've been working with The Public Studio's awesome business planning/soul searching guide - more on this soon!

xx Penny

Sandra Eterovic studio visit

I absolutely love Sandra Eterovic's artwork, so I was thrilled to see this studio visit on the Craft Victoria blog - go check it out! You won't regret it!

the wallpaper of the royal tenenbaums

The Royal Tenenbaums is one of my favourite movies - I watched it again a few days ago and was struck by how lovely their home is, in a dilapidated & broken-down way. It reminds me of the home in Nanny McPhee - bright & colourful, but with a sad story hanging over. Like an old doll-house.

I particularly love the furnishing & wallpaper of the house. This is just a simple damask, but it gives such an air of opulence - martinis plus an Indian man as a servant give it, for better or worse, a wealthy colonial India feel.

In case you haven't seen The Royal Tenenbaums I have just included some images from the first 5 minutes or so - but if you haven't seen it, what are you waiting for?

I particularly love this image - it's just so indulgent! Why be outside when you can be inside, with jungle wallpaper, surrounded by people making you pretty?

This beautiful zebra wallpaper is by Scalamandre - to me it's so sophisticated for a kids room, but I love the bold red, and I wish I could have this somewhere in my house!

You can see more photos of this wallpaper on Duchess Fare!

This isn't actually wallpaper, but hundreds of tiny little paintings. I love this! It's like having a storybook drawn all over your walls.

Go watch it!

Onegirl Designwrks

Aside from having two of the most adorable little girls ever (seriously, check her blog), Leslie runs Onegirl Designwrks - she's the designer & maker of some of the most adorable kids things ever.

I met Leslie at a market we both had stalls at a few years back - she's so super lovely, it's always so satisfying when people are as lovely in person as their creations are. And how cute are those little Oobees! And no detachable parts - hooray for baby toys!


Onegirl has a brand new online store, with lots of patterns, Oobee toys and a few quilts - go take a peek!

All images from Onegirl Designwrks

blog - flickr - online store - facebook

One Little Red Fox

Arthur, the retro raccoon plush with woolen glasses

Gorgeous, no? One Little Red Fox is the creation of Julie who lives in France and likes crochet & cuteness. Don't we all!

Owl zipped coin purse with floral lining

I love her sweet little animals, they're all so adorable! I'm clearly a sucker for really unique and lovely purses - this owl purse is gorgeous!

Stanislas, the fox with a bow tie in mustard

I think One Little Red Fox makes such good use of different fabric combinations too - I love the simple houndstooth, the mustard wool, and the little pop of colour from the buttons and the floral tie. So good!

You can find Julie's blog here in French (or read it in English with Google translator!)
There's an interview with Julie on the Etsy France blog... the translation is a bit off though!

And, visit One Little Red Fox on Etsy

atpalicis

Be happy - 8x6 cute art print by atpalicis

These sweet little art prints by atpalicis are absolutely adorable! The clean, crisp & delectable photography is what first caught my eye - they remind me of candy a little bit!

The artworks have a bit of a Japanese aesthetic to my eye, yet atpalicis is from Ukraine - very one of a kind!

Fox on bike - 9.7x4.9 cute art print by atpalicis

I think they're so joyful & fresh - the colours have their own story, and it's all so cute!

Red riding hood - 6x8 cute art print by atpalicis

I especially love this Red Riding Hood - I hope she's okay in there!

atpalicis on Etsy
atpalicis Blog

Artocrat by Pragya K

Pancakes, Limited edition colorful kitchen art print

I love how bright & joyful these pancakes are! Pragya K is a Philadelphia, USA based artist who clearly loves bold, saturated colour... her work is so much fun!

Sailing in a tea cup, Limited edition colorful kitchen art

I love how she takes everyday scenes or objects (or yummy food) and gives them such a distinctive style. The colour use reminds me of paper collaging!

Rainbow Magnolias , Limited edition colorful flower art

I think the magnolias are my favourite - rainbows + magnolias = awesome.


Check out Pragya K on Etsy, and her Studio ArtOcrat blog!

adorable: prunella soap

Ginger - Red Rooibos Tea // Special Edition // Vegan Soap by prunellasoap

I found Prunella Soap via twitter - someone posted a link and the statement 'best photography ever' (or something like that). And I agree! Best photography ever! Seriously, so cute, don't you think! The lighting! The props! The bunting! The washi tape! Argh! Adorable!


50 Soap Favors - Wrapped // Vegan - Organic - Cold Process by prunellasoap

Prunella Soap is based in lovely Portland, USA, ships world-wide, and is adorable. All Prunella Soap is vegan, and is handmade in small batches using the cold process method - way better for your skin than supermarket soap, people!

You Choose Any 3 Guest / Travel Size Bars by prunellasoap

Check out:
Prunella Soap on Etsy
Prunella Soap Blog

patchwork on central park

I know I've blogged about it before, but I do love going to Patchwork on Central Park. I usually go with my mum - she loves patchwork (and buying fabric!) and I love looking at the fabric and getting inspiration.

Such nice colours! I love the way they display their fabric - it's so pretty.

I'm on a big yellow kick at the moment (I think I always am, really), and they have a great selection of yellow fabric. When I was there a few people were asking for yellow fabric for things they were making for babies - yellow's so bright & happy! So are babies!

Fat quarters! It took me SO LONG to figure out what a fat quarter was, and even now I think it's a bit of a rude name. But still. A great way to choose fabric for the indecisive person - just get one of each, right?

And, if you're hungry, you can pop in to Our Kitchen Table after. Such cute cakes, no?

Patchwork on Central Park Blog
Patchwork on Central Park Website

so pretty: anthropologie

Clockwise: Zinnia Thicket Bowl, Zinnia Thicket Salad Plate, Zinnia Thicket Dinner Plate

Chris is currently in London for a bit, working away. I'm quite jealous, but it is rather cold there, so next time! While he's there he's giving a gift to some friends who very recently got married. We were going to try and think of something portable for him to find in Melbourne, but then I thought of Anthropologie... I remembered seeing these photos on Decor8 some time back and now feel all jealous that I can't visit the store too!

How gorgeous are the Zinnea Thicket pieces? I would be delighted to eat dinner from them every night, wouldn't you?

This is so kooky & cute - I love both the Wise Ol' Canister, Orange, and the Nathalie Lete Dinner Plates. Adorable!

From The Deep Side Plate, Octopus

These ones are maybe a bit too risky for a wedding gift, but they're my faves. Can't you imagine eating a big bowl of spaghetti off an octopus? I can! If Chris had taken a hard suitcase (instead of a soft backpack) I'd be tempted to make a request... my birthday is coming up soon!

Distant Voyage Bedding

This looks perfect, no? If it had not been snowing in London recently I think this would be perfect for a newly married couple... maybe for a honeymoon?


Most of these items are available with international delivery on the Anthropologie US website!


It's all so gorgeous! I sent Chris a map of the Anthropologie store location, my suggestions for ultimate wedding gifts, instructions to take photos of the shop (if they let him!) and the hint that my birthday is soon. So... good luck to Chris!

hey there, summer.

Summer pretties from Etsy.com

Summer Breeze ...Orange Cotton dress by aftershowershop

Let the great world spin - A cheerful fine art carnival photograph by irenesuchocki

The Messenger - in tan and red by moop

Star - Paper Garland by EdgeInspired

Pink lemonade 8x8 fine art print by aVeryStory

gifts for guys

I know it's a little after the event, but I didn't want to risk spoiling the surprise of these gifts! I always find buying for men a wee bit trickier than for ladies, but these are some fun little gifts I bought for Christmas...

Left - Journal by Record Attempts - they're made of old records!
Right - Mug by Able & Game - I think the picture says it all. It even looks a bit like my dad!

Left - Zine by Andrew Fulton - this zine is adorable. It's such a little thing, but it has a great plot! Go buy your own.
Middle - iPhone pouch by Ambette - super handy, obviously, and very suitable for even the most stylish of men (and my dad!)
Right - Notepad by Nut & Bee - these are just funny.

Tea Towel by SpinSpin - awesome! I kind of want to write messages inside the speech bubbles...

I did develop a new gift giving strategy over Christmas - when in doubt give delicious edibles. With a lovely tea towel instead of wrapping paper.

I think I'd be happy if someone gave me a new toasted sandwich machine which produces lovely toasties, along with an awesome tea towel to clean up afterward? And a lovely loaf of sourdough. Yes I would. Although by giving it to Chris it's like a gift to myself... hah!

loving: candy stripe

Red and White bunting / Garland / Flags by vidastyle

Today I'm loving candy stripes. They're so cute & cheerful, and it's nice not to have to eat a candy cane to see candy stripes, right?

Candy Stripe coin purse by SeventhSphere

Candy stripes remind me of cute old fashioned shops that have striped awnings or blinds - I don't think enough shops have these anymore!

Gift Tag 8 pack - Candy Cane Red - Printed on Recycled Card by pocketcarnival

They also of course remind me of Christmas, which is always a nice (if stressful!) time of year. Every year I spend it with family, and we just eat a lot and hang out and sometimes play cricket. That's a nice thing to do.

Candy Cane Christmas Handmade Good Will Bunting in Small by heidiadnum

Candy stripe also reminds me of baker's twine. I never actually have seen a baker using this twine - maybe I go to the wrong ones? Normally they just use paper bags. I have been using so much candy stripe baker's twine for my gift tags these past few weeks it's making my eyes funny. But I'm happy the tags are so appreciated!


Hope you're all having a lovely weekend (and please please please don't let it be Baillieu...)

today i love: mochipan!

Kawaii! Such a good idea! Emily of MochiPan makes these adorable purses - it's cute, and it teaches you the Japanese alphabet at the same time!

Chris - I know you are reading this, please buy me one for Christmas? The purses all come with different zip colours and charms, but I like the blue girl best :)

Australian Ballet on The Design Files!

Photograph by Jessica Bialek

Have you all been reading the guest blog on The Design Files?

This week the guest blog is being written by members of The Australian Ballet creative team - awesome!

Photo by Thomas Dallas Watson

The Australian Ballet also have their own blog here... so fascinating!


P.S. Apologies for replying to emails a bit slowly lately - I'm sick again. It's babies. I'm allergic to them. Whenever I see a baby I can't help but give hugs and play and kisses, and then I get sick. Naughty baby.

love: coco cupcakes!

If I lived in Vancouver I would order some cupcakes from Coco Cake Boutique Cupcakes in a second. But I don't, so instead I must enjoy looking at photos.

Lyndsay blogs photos of all her edible artworks (tell me that cake is not art? oh, you can't!)

I would order these. I want rainbow cake!

Yay cake! Yay Coco Cake!

And now, I am hungry. I think it's time to bake a cake. I'll need some sustenance at North Melbourne Market tomorrow, after all.