I’m back with more wee tokens of love for February 14 – or any time of the year, really…
Top row, from left to right:
Karin Akesson ‘Love is all you need’ print, £20 from A Little Bit of Art.
Blanca Gomez ‘Enamorado’ temporary tattoo, US$5, from Tattly.
I Heart U hankie in red by Mr PS, £5 from Mr PS.
Second row, from left to right:
Prints Charming tights in Queen of Hearts, US$25 from Yes Natalie’s Etsy shop.
‘You’re all sorts of lovely’ tea towel, US$20 from Able and Game’s Etsy shop.
The Heart tenor ukulele, made to order, US$520, from Celentano Woodworks’ Etsy shop.
Third row, from left to right:
Mini Heartlette Crown, US$40, by Giant Dwarf’s Etsy shop.
Letterpress ‘love u’ die cut card, US$4, by Blackbird Letterpress.
Set of 20 ‘You’re All Sorts of Lovely’ notecards, US$22, from Able and Game’s Etsy shop.
Fourth row, from left to right:
Love brooch by Gemma Jones, US$29, from Paintergirl’s Etsy shop.
Valentine’s Day pack of 10 postcards, US$10, from Rifle Paper Co.
Limited edition ‘Love you the longest of time’ print, AU$45, from Bespoke Press.
You know how Withnail went on holiday by mistake? Well I’ve gone to town on Valentine’s Day – by mistake. I didn’t mean to find so many lovely things. But I did, and I’m afraid I’m going to have to share them with you over the next few days.
So if Valentine’s Day makes you want to vom a little bit, may I suggest that you view my sweet tokens of love as just that – little things that make me smile, and may in fact make the object of your affection (or best mate) smile a little bit, too. Otherwise just close your eyes, grit your teeth, and it will all be over soon.
Top row, from left to right:
Yeti Time letterpress card, US$4.50, by Hello!Lucky.
LOVE GIRL gocco print by Gemma Jones, US$29 from Paintergirl’s Etsy shop.
Mint Arrow Valentine paper-cut note card, US$5 by Ashley Pahl.
Second row, from left to right:
Punchline ‘Kisses’ card, AU$4.50 from Upon a Fold.
1/100 Paper Model Set No.11 Cherry Blossom by Terada Mokei, AU$23.95 from Upon a fold.
Letterpress Valentine Bear Hug card, US$6 by Blackbird Letterpress.
Third row, from left to right:
Cross my heart yoyo in blush pink, US$12 by Something’s Hiding in Here.
‘You’re just peaches and cream’ letterpress card, AU$6, from Bespoke Press.
Enamored pencil set, US$11 from Paper Pastries.
Hurrah for Aussie Home Beautiful! Wee Birdy scored a lovely mention in their rather gorgeous January 2012 issue, which is on sale now. Here’s what they had to say (hello to Mr Bazaar, too!):
The January issue is packed with beautiful rooms and inspirational homes, including an excellent feature on current interiors trends. Have a look at their vibrant take on the neon trend (below).
The embroidered felt and linen artwork by Rachel Castle works a treat in this room, and I love the hand-stitched ‘Kantha’ quilt sitting on the orange Eames chair (from Chee Soon & Fitzgerald). I’ve also got my eye on the beautiful Vitra ‘Albula’ oak coffee table. While I adore my ’60s Parker coffee table there’s no denying the beauty of Vitra’s soft organic form and the pop of Scandi-style freshness from the white-on-oak tabletop. Absolutely covetable.
Have you discovered Sydney-based online shop Upon a Fold yet?
It’s like a cabinet of curiosities for all things folded (ie. paper and fabric), and the immaculately curated online shop sources all manner of rare papery delights. Right now there is a wonderful collection of Christmas cards and wrap, including the exquisite deer papercut cards by Japanese artist, Ayame Kikuc (top). Each card, AU$14 is carefully handmade and the fanciful antlers portray the changing seasons.
Then there is the hand-dyed Christmas-themed cotton tenugui, AU$27.50 by Kyoto-based artist Mihoko Seki. It would make a wonderful wrap for an extra-special present – and a bonus table runner/wall hanging!
I’ve also got my eye on these charmingly-illustrated gift tags by the US-based Rifle Paper Co. They are AU$12.95 for a pack of 10.
And these miniature Christmas paper pockets were inspired by early 1950s Japanese Chiyogami patterns, and are perfect for tiny presents. They are AU$6.90 for a set of five.
But it’s not all gift wrap and greetings cards – Upon a Fold is also a wonderful online source for unique presents for design-minded folk. Think paper vases, miniature paper models and pop-up coasters. Tricky Christmas presents sorted!
You know that giddiness you get when two beloved creatives (designers/musicians/artists/brands) get together and make something new and beautiful together? I’m thinking Liberty and Hello Kitty (genius AND unexpected). Tatty Devine and Rob Ryan (East London quirky AND romantic). Marni and H&M (dear GOD I’m going to have to camp overnight, aren’t I?).
A littler closer to home, Sydney designer Rachel Castle has collaborated with Melbourne-based fashion label Gorman for a limited-edition summer collection of fashion and homewares. I first admired Castle from afar when I was living in London and coveted the sunny range of polka-dot bed linen. As soon as I was back in Sydney I bought four yellow polka-dot pillowslips for our new home.
But I go a little further back with Gorman, and first started wearing the fledgling label around 12 years ago when I was living in Melbourne. I admired the subtle retro sensibility, quality fabrics and new seasonal prints. Since then, the brand has grown and now has boutiques dotted around Australia.
Their collaborative summer collection is fresh, frisky and very Australian (there is a touch of ’80s Ken Done in the colour palette), with a kind of shouty simplicity. Castle’s distinctive hand-drawn lettering, punctuated with pops of neon, features throughout the mostly organic cotton range of simple skirts, shirts, t-shirts, bags, towels and pillowcases. I love the ‘Put the love in the coconut’ beach towel, AU$79, which would make a rather brilliant Christmas present.
The homewares and limited edition embroidered artworks are currently available from Castle’s online shop, and the fashion collection is available from Gorman stores Australia wide.
These Scandi-style Christmas decorations are the rather charming result of a collaboration between Australian illustrator Andrea Smith and Candy Stripe Cloud. There is a menagerie of animal decorations to choose from (including a sweet mouse and handsome fox), and they are also available in white and wood. You can also custom-design your own decoration.
Red pear bird decoration and red bird on a bon-bon, AU$12.95 each, from Candy Stripe Cloud.
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