Author Archives: topbird

1. 35 Clever DIY Halloween Party Ideas

   October 20, 2015 7:00 am 2 Comments

   

   The countdown to Halloween is on, and we’ve rounded up the best DIY Halloween party ideas. Whether you’re throwing the biggest party of your life, or you just want to make a few suitably spooky decorations and treats for the kids, we’ve got you covered.

   Here, our top 35 favourite DIY Halloween decorations, fun food ideas and free party printables, hand-picked from the best blogs around the globe.

   Above: DIY carved pineapple Jack-‘o-Lantern by A Subtle Revelry.

   Spooky Halloween food and fun party treats

   

   1. Halloween cobweb cupcakes by Donna Hay.

   

   2. Halloween Rolo chocolate monsters by Cake Whiz.

   

   3. Halloween pumpkin punch by Honestly Yum.

   

   4. Spooky eyeball skewer sticks by Courtney Whitmore for Homes.com.

   

   5. Spooky chocolate spider rings by Handmade Charlotte.

   

   6. DIY ice cubes with gummy words by Brittni Mehlhoff for Momtastic.

   

   7. Halloween monster cupcakes by Camille Styles.

   

   8. Caramel apples with twig stems by The Broke Ass Bride.

   

   9. Mini chocolate bat bites by Chelsea’s Messy Apron.

   

   10. Halloween party pumpkin pops by Fall for DIY.

   

   11. DIY pom pom bat cupcake toppers by Oh Happy DY.

   

   12. Witches broom favours by Martha Stewart.

   

   13. Monster Cocktail Stirrers by A Beautiful Mess.

   

   14. DIY Monster Smores by Say Yes.

   

   15. Halloween gingerbread skeletons by Donna Hay.

   Spookily Amazing Halloween Decorations

   

   16. DIY mini mummies by Oh Happy Day.

   

   17. Easy DIY bat balloons by Design Improvised.

   

   18. DIY Pumpkin gumball machine by Studio DIY.

   

   19. DIY paper bag Jack-‘O-Lantern by Confetti Sunshine.

   

   20. DIY eyeball balloons by Studio DIY.

   

   21. DIY goblin garland by Art Bar Blog.

   

   22. DIY Ghost-On-A-Stick by Oh Happy Day.

   

   23. DIY skeleton lawn decorations by Ruffles and Truffles.

   

   24. DIY ghost pom poms by Mr Printables.

   

   25. DIY bat lights by Oh Happy Day.

   

   26. DIY hanging spider balloons by Studio DIY.

   

   27. DIY bat pumpkins by Trendenser.

   

   28. DIY googly eye pumpkins by Minted.

   

   29. DIY mini ghost pinatas by Oh Happy Day.

   

   30. DIY creepy crawly tablecloth by Julep/Minted.

   FREE HALLOWEEN PRINTABLES

   

   31. Printable spooky pumpkin boxes by Oh Happy Day.

   

   32. Printable silly stackers game for Halloween by Handmade Charlotte.

   

   33. Halloween gift printables by A Beautiful Mess.

   

   34. Spooky printable chocolate bar covers by Creature Comforts.

   

   35. Spooky printable Halloween treat bag toppers by Creature Comforts.

   Want some rather brilliant DIY kids costume ideas for Halloween? Click here.

   You also might like 5 last-minute DIY costumes for Halloween.

2. Home tour: A stylish family home with an unexpected surprise

   October 19, 2015 7:00 am Leave a Comment

   

   Now here’s a great example of a spacious, light-filled and serene family home in South Australia.

   Beautifully executed by Adelaide-based architecture and interior design company, Williams Burton Leopardi, you’d never guess what lies beyond the modern monochrome theme that dominates the main rooms of this home.

   

   

   The wonderfully appointed kitchen reflects the monochrome theme established in the living room, but it’s far from monastic, with the use of natural timber in the floors and ceiling giving warmth to the striking matte black cabinetry.

   The beauty of this kitchen is enhanced by the subtle facets in the stainless steel front panel of the island bench.

   

   

   

   Little wonder then, that this stunning space just won Best Kitchen in Australian House & Garden’s Top 50 Rooms Awards for 2015.

   “The materials create an interesting and inviting kitchen that complements and embraces the outside feature of the handsome tree,” explains Kylie Peterson, national marketing manager of Blum Australia.

   “The consideration of handle-less design and use of colours and textured materials and finishes, combine to result in a beautiful space,” she says.

   

   

   

   

   The clean lines and use of natural timbers, combined with a restrained colour palette of black and white tones continues throughout the home.

   And then… surprise!

   

   

   

   Pop goes a vibrant punch of turquoise! It packs quite a significant punch in the children’s playroom, and the bright colour is picked up again outdoors in the table and cushions.

   I love this brave and bold move! And what a clever way to delineate and define the children’s space in a stylish family home.

   But the fun isn’t limited to the kids… check out what they’ve done with perhaps the most traditionally neglected room of the house, the laundry.

   

   I don’t think I’ve ever seen pattern and colour used like this in a laundry before. Bravo!

   So there you go… a new way to think about designing a family home, with a very clever and surprising use of colour and texture.

   All photography courtesy of Williams Burton Leopardi.

   Click here to see more gorgeous home tours.

3. 23 Amazing DIY Kids Halloween Costumes

   October 14, 2015 7:00 am 2 Comments

   

   Do your kids love dressing up for Halloween? If they fancy wearing something other than their shop-bought Elsa or Spiderman costumes, there’s plenty of incredible DIY costume inspiration to be found online.

   Here, I’ve rounded up 23 of my favourite creative homemade costumes for kids, all lovingly crafted from an assortment of cardboard, fabric, pom poms and other bits-and-bobs. Some costumes are very simple, no-sew projects that you can throw together at the last minute. Others require a bit more time and effort. Dig in, scouts.

   Pictured above: DIY baby bat costume by MerMag.

   

   1. DIY Birthday Cake Costume by The Effortless Chic.

   

   2. DIY Iris Apfel costume by Oh Happy Day.

   

   3. DIY baby bat costume with cardboard wings and ears by Mermag.

   

   4. DIY Robot Halloween Costume by Makezine.

   

   5. DIY rocket astronaut costume by Oh Happy Day.

   

   6. DIY Peter Pan costume by A Beautiful Mess.

   

   7. DIY cardboard dinosaur costume by Hello Wonderful.

   

   8. DIY Cotton Candy costume by Costume Works.

   

   9. DIY green toy soldier costume by Wild Ink Press.

   

   10. DIY lollipop costume by Oh Happy Day.

   

   11. DIY Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive family costume by The House Lars Built.

   

   12. DIY no-sew scarecrow costume by A Night Owl.

   

   13. DIY vintage nurse’s costume by Mermag.

   

   14. DIY Glow-in-the-Dark Jellyfish costume by Pink Stripey Socks.

   

   15. DIY Where’s Wally/Waldo family costume by Say Yes.

   

   16. DIY Pretzel costume by Oh Happy Day.

   

   17. DIY Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch costumes by Simple As That.

   

   18. DIY cardboard garden fairy wings and crown by Mermag.

   

   19. DIY Edward Scissorhands costume by Little Inspiration.

   

   20. DIY gnome costumes by Brooke White.

   

   21. DIY gumball machine costume by Studio DIY.

   

   22. DIY Airplane costume by Oh Happy Day.

   

   23. DIY balloon head-dress by OhhhMhhh.

   Looking for more inspiration for Halloween? You might like 5 last-minute DIY costumes for Halloween.

4. Shopping Guide: Top 12 Pieces from the Shopbop Sale

   October 13, 2015 3:00 pm Leave a Comment

   

   Shopbop‘s big sale has finally arrived, with 25 per cent off across the site. So if you’ve had your eye on a something special from the new season collections (new jeans! booties! a new pair of earrings!), or have coveted a specific investment piece for your wardrobe (a classic Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress! Karen Walker sunglasses! Oscar de la Renta earrings! a Zimmermann frock!), now is a good time to go shopping.

   Top photo courtesy of Free People: Forget Me Not Moonstruck Mini Dress.

   

   Just use this special Shopbop discount code at checkout for your 25 per cent reduction: INTHEFAM25

   Here’s our edit of the top 12 pieces on Shopbop right now. With a subtle nod to on-trend ’70s style, these nice little numbers will work hard in your wardrobe to last the distance beyond one season.

   This is our awesome interactive shopping guide, so just hover over the title of the product below and click to go through to buy from Shopbop.

   Loup Gwen Dress
   $163 - Shopbop

   Loup Sabrina Jeans
   $154 - Shopbop

   Oscar de la Renta short tassel earrings
   $345 - Shopbop

   Free People Forget Me Not Moonstruck Mini Dress
   $128 - Shopbop

   Madewell Perfect Chambray Shirt
   $72 - Shopbop

   Madewell The Abbi Slingback Sandals
   $49 - Shopbop

   Belle by Sigerson Morrison Fume Fringe Suede Booties
   $325 - Shopbop

   d.Ra Jivan Top
   $92 - Shopbop

   Ulla Johnson Majorelle Dress
   $529 - Shopbop

   Antik Batik Obi Bag
   $395 - Shopbop

   3x1 Denim Cape
   $395 - Shopbop

   The Jetset Diaries Omar Jacket
   $239 - Shopbop

   But be quick – the Shopbop discount offer ends October 15, 2015, at 11:59pm PT. Also take note that some exclusions apply, and the offer cannot be applied to gift certificates or shipping fees.

   After more of our favourite finds? Check out all of our shopping guides here.

   Affiliate disclosure.

5. Gourmet Traveller’s New Range by Robert Gordon

   9:55 am Leave a Comment

   

   Tea and scones, anyone? A buttery French madeleine, with a delicate dusting of icing sugar, perhaps? Don’t mind if I do, especially when they’re served on a stunning lace-patterned embossed platter from the new Gourmet Traveller Signature Collection by Robert Gordon Australia.

   Available exclusively at Domayne, the afternoon-tea inspired collection comprises of eight pieces handmade in Australia by one of our most renowned heritage potters, Robert Gordon.

   

   The lace-patterned embossing on the collection of creamers, cake stands, platters and plates represents a departure from the traditional rambling rose-style afternoon tea designs, with a matte finish bleeding out in parts to make way for contrasting, high-gloss finishes.

   It’s a little touch of Rue Saint Honoré, via Astier de Villatte, with a decidedly Australian edge, handmade by one of the last remaining production potteries in the country.

   

   

   On the new range, Gourmet Traveller editor, Anthea Loucas, says, “I like to think of the range as table accessories, a bit like a fashion capsule collection – pieces that can slot easily into and around the tableware you might already have and that you would update season to season.

   “I believe the range will really resonate with our readers’ passion for entertaining; they can virtually recreate the pages of Gourmet Traveller on their dining table. And it’s a great example of two Australian brands working together to create something functional and really beautiful, too. I hope the readers love the range as much as we do.”

   

   Get Gourmet Traveller’s recipe for ginger madeleines with spiced crème Anglaise here.

   The Gourmet Traveller Signature Collection by Robert Gordon Australia is available in Domayne stores and online from October, with pieces starting from $30. Don’t forget the clotted cream – and jam always first, please.

   All photography courtesy of Gourmet Traveller.

6. Reiko Kaneko’s New Look Revealed

   October 6, 2015 7:00 am Leave a Comment

   

   It’s been a while since I’ve written about British ceramicist Reiko Kaneko – in fact, I remember when the brand first launched back in 2007, when I was blogging as Wee Birdy in London.

   It was Kaneko’s quirky take on traditional white bone china that brought the brand to the attention of buyers from Liberty to Selfridges and beyond, with playful products such as simple white porcelain mugs with gold-stained drips, or imprinted with a gold-stamped lip marks on the rim.

   

   Reiko Kaneko’s new look was revealed at London Design Festival last month, with an exhibition, ‘Exploring Glaze’, at Elementary Store, along with a brand new website.

   The company has also moved to Stoke-on-Trent and have increased space and facilities to experiment with glazes, colour bodies and decorations.

   
   

   The exhibition featured a range of stark geometric fine bone china vases, designed to act as a canvas to showcase the reactive glazes.

   Areas of pure white fine bone china left on all the designs highlight Kaneko’s signature whiteness and creates a sharp contrast to the vibrantly coloured glazes.

   
   

   The Studio Glaze vases which featured in the exhibition last month are available to purchase online from Reiko Kaneko.

   Click here to read more about our favourite ceramics finds.

   All photography courtesy of Reiko Kaneko.

7. Shopping Guide: Chuck Williams’ Discoveries You Need In Your Kitchen

   October 5, 2015 10:33 am Leave a Comment

   

   Over the weekend, Williams-Sonoma stores around the world held celebrations for their founder, Chuck Williams’ 100th birthday. Chuck is perhaps one of the world’s most influential buyers, transforming the domestic lives of Americans – and their kitchens – since opening his first store in Sonoma, California in 1956.

   

   Williams-Sonoma founder Chuck Williams in his Sonoma hardware store, which he transformed into the first Williams-Sonoma cookware store in 1956. Photo courtesy of Williams-Sonoma.

   Chuck embarked on buying trips to France in the 1950s, discovering all manner of traditional French cooking brands and dinnerware that was previously unknown to the average American home cook. He brought them back to his shop in Sonoma, introducing his customers to brands such as Le Creuset, Mauveil and Apilco.

   By the early 1960s, at a time when Julia Childs started teaching Americans how to cook French food, Williams’ European cookware became more covetable and relevant than ever. And he’s never looked back.

   To celebrate Chuck’s 100th birthday, we’ve rounded up Chuck’s top 10 discoveries that have transformed the way we cook – and are today’s home kitchen must-haves. One for every decade he’s lived. Happy 100th birthday, Chuck.

   1. Mauveil copper cookware

   
   Copper cookware was the choice of professional cooks for its even conductivity and high temperature sensitivity. Chuck made it accessible to home cooks by introducing iconic French brand Mauveil into his stores in the 1970s. Shop for Mauveil cookware here.

   2. Le Creuset

   
   When Chuck Williams first discovered Le Creuset in France, it came in only one colour – a reddish orange called “flame.” He bought it directly from the factory and introduced it to the United States. Shop for Le Creuset here.

   3. Apilco

   
   Chuck Williams began importing porcelain from French brand Apilco in the 1950s. He liked the clean, classic look and white finish that allowed the food to be centre stage. The porcelain cow milk jug is the cult piece – and it’s currently on sale for $24. Shop for Apilco here.

   4. All-Clad cookware

   
   All-Clad‘s bonded metal construction was a completely new concept for cookware when Chuck Williams found the brand in the 1970s. The original aluminium core offered rapid heat absorption, but with a stainless-steel interior that home cooks loved. Shop for All-Clad here.

   5. Kitchenaid

   
   Originally this powerful mixer was sold only to restaurants and commercial food companies, but Chuck thought home cooks would want this mixer as well. Although it was initially sold only in white, Chuck encouraged Kitchenaid to offer colours. Shop for Kitchenaid here.

   6. Bundt® Cake Pan

   
   The original Bundt cake pan was made by Nordic Ware in the early 50s. Williams-Sonoma popularised the pans by featuring them in their US catalogue, beginning in 1980. Shop for cake pans here.

   7. Pillivuyt porcelain cookware and dinnerware

   
   On a buying trip to Europe, Chuck was introduced to Pillivuyt, maker of delicate porcelain cookware and servingware. Chuck placed the initial order in 1959, and Williams-Sonoma has carried Pillivuyt ever since. Shop for Pillivuyt here.

   8. Mandolines

   
   Around 1963, Chuck brought this first professional-grade mandoline into the San Francisco store. Over the years Williams-Sonoma expanded their range to include lighter-weight models. Shop for mandolines here.

   9. Waffle Makers

   
   Chuck began selling waffle makers in 1981, after tasting his first Belgian waffle at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. Shop for waffle makers here.

   10. Picardie Glassware

   
   These durable Picardie glasses, used in France for both wine and water, were brought to America by Williams-Sonoma in 1961. They became the classic everyday glass in many American homes. Shop for Picardie here.

   Tell me: do you have any of Chuck’s top 10 discoveries in your kitchen? Whats’ your favourite – or most covetable (I need to stock up on Picardie tumblers, and I covet a Kitchenaid mixer!)

   Want more good stuff we’ve curated? Check out all of our shopping guides here.

   All images and information courtesy of Williams-Sonoma.

8. Revealed: Australia’s Room of the Year 2015

   October 2, 2015 8:17 am 4 Comments

   

   This rather handsome reading room, pictured above, has been awarded Room of the Year 2015 by Australian House & Garden at the annual Top 50 Rooms Awards. The winning room has won its interior designers, Sydney-based Decus Interiors, a trip for two to the Maison & Objet fair in Paris next January.

   

   

   On the winning room, Lisa Green, Editor-in-Chief of Australian House & Garden said, “The strong architectural statements in this outstanding room are beautifully complemented by details and furnishings that delight and surprise. The result is refined yet relaxed. I want to light the fire and plonk myself on the plush sofa with a good book.”

   Want to see the rest of the house? ‘Course you do. We’ve got it right here. Scroll down, scouts!

   

   

   The brief to Decus Interiors for this family home could be summarised in two words: ‘informal formality’. The designers said that despite the home’s northern beaches’ location, they “set a clear intention to avoid creating an archetypal ‘Beachy’ home.”

   And with a conspicuous absence of white-washed floors, nautical motifs, and shell chandeliers, I think it’s safe to say that they have created the most non-beachy beach house!

   However, you can see that the designers have created subtle nods to the home’s location, with pops of rich blue and sand-toned hues.

   

   

   

   Working with Luigie Roselli Architects, the interiors designers explain that they developed “a pensive, restrained colour palette layered within a selection of rich, bold materials.”

   “Texture is everywhere from the joinery paneling, to the aggregate in the polished concrete flooring, the v-groove paneling to the ceilings, the rich smoked oak timber used in key areas, bronze patinated mesh, the black steel windows and doors and the thick woven linen of the window treatments.”

   

   

   

   Congratulations Decus Interiors on a well-deserved win!

   Head over to Homes to Love to see the full list of winners at the annual Top 50 Rooms Awards.

   Photography by Justin Alexander for Decus Interiors.

9. New accessories and homewares from HAY

   October 1, 2015 11:08 am Leave a Comment

   

   Cult Danish design brand HAY has built a reputation in recent years for creating covetable homewares that follow in the Scandinavian tradition of form and function. We’ve got a sneak peek at some of the new homewares and stationery accessories that will be arriving in store over the next few months. Here are some of our favourite picks.

   Top photo: Uchiwa lounge chair by Doshi Levien; Bella coffee table by HAY; New Order red shelf by Stefan Diez; Playing cards by Clara Von Zweigbergk; Bamboo basket selected by HAY; white cloche table light by Lars Beller Fjetland.

   

   New trays, arriving in October.

   

   New Time hourglasses, arriving in November.

   

   Paper porcelain vases, in store October.

   

   Kutter candle holders, arriving in November.

   HAY proves that well-crafted design extends to the most simple of stationery items, from pens and pencils to paperclips. Yep, we rather fancy these new gold paperclips.

   

   Terrazzo pencils, in store now.

   

   Outline paper clips, arriving in November.

   

   HAY pencils, in store now.

   While we’re be drooling over HAY’s stunning new Uchiwa lounge chairs, we’re attempting to set our sights on slightly more accessible homewares which can update a space in an instant with the latest in Scandinavian style. Here are our picks of some colourful new additions.

   

   Dot cushions, arriving in October.

   

   Bits and Bobs storage containers, arriving in November.

   

   Analog clocks, arriving in November.

   All products for Fall 2015 will be available from HAY.

10. 12 Reasons Why these Incredible Gallery Walls Work

    September 30, 2015 8:44 am 1 Comment

    

    A perfectly-formed gallery wall is usually the result of carefully-considered decisions, no matter how casual and relaxed it appears. And that’s the point, really: when you hang a gallery wall you want it to look effortless and not overly-styled or contrived. Here, we’ve rounded up our top 12 favourite salon hangs. Find out how they work, and why they look so good.

    Top photography by Molly Winters for Urban Outfitters.

    

    Photography by Anke Leunisse and Kim de Groot, via Bloesem.

    1. In this salon hang, wooden boxes filled with decor items and books mingle with art to create a wall of personality. Unexpected objects such as a vintage sewing machine, framed lampshade and antique side table create a sense of surprise and interest.

    

    Photography by Brian Ferry via My Scandinavian Home.

    2. Can you spot the TV in this image? This clever gallery wall works hard to  camouflage the TV within the mix of similarly-sized framed artworks. While a selection of different frames are used, recurring themes in the selected pieces (circles, pink and green) tie it all together.

    

    Photography by Phu Tang for The Design Files.

    3. A painted feature wall in a strong colour serves as the perfect background to this bright and bold gallery wall. The artworks are arranged across four levels, and are united through the use of geometry in the artworks themselves, as well as colour.

    

    Photography by per gunnarsson for Sköna hem.

    4. A gallery wall doesn’t have to be mounted. This collection of art creates a sense of sophisticated yet casual minimalism by the use of a single picture ledge, with framed works layered up against the wall. A restrained monochrome palette in the artworks creates a cohesive theme and reflects the minimalist style in the home.

    

    Photography by Skinny la Minx via Miss Moss.

    5. A central theme of plants is used to pull all the works together in this laid-back look. The unframed pieces are casually pinned to the wall to create a sense of effortlessness, while the greenery in the textiles accentuates the theme in the gallery wall.

    

    Photography by Anna Tsoulogiannis for The Glitter Guide.

    6. A light and minimalist style is established in this dining room by the choice of pale timber frames and delicate colours in the artworks. The individual pieces are also united through the use of horizontal lines.

    

    Photography via Femkeido.

    7. In this gallery wall, a bench creates the perfect platform to prop up a mix of monochrome works. Note the use of a single black decorative frame as an extra element to reinforce the cohesive colour palette.

    

    Photography by C-More.

    8. Picture ledges serve to create three perfectly-formed levels in this salon hang. The works themselves are united through the use of black, silhouette portraiture, and horizon landscapes.

    

    Photography by Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

    9. This carefully-considered gallery wall works through the clever use of colour and shape. The painted pale-blue wall reflects the blue colour theme in the works themselves, which follow the rule of one big artwork accompanied by two smaller pieces. Decorative items and a round artwork soften the lines on the wall.

    

    Photography by MICHAEL WILTBANK for Domino.

    10. Confidence is the key to this bold and brave wall, especially with the liberal use of horizontal stripes, accompanied by a strong splash of red. The artworks are arranged in the form of a grid, and perfectly zig-zig down the wall.

    

    Photography via Kenay Home.

    11. A soft and feminine look is achieved in this wall through the pink and red colour palette. Photos of pink and red flowers are repeated throughout the hang, as well as recurring black and white portraiture.

    

    Photography by Lisa Tilse for We Are Scout.

    12. Lisa shows you exactly why our gallery wall of art by Australian artists on Etsy works in this post. Recurring themes (circles) and colours (pinks, reds and blues) unite the pieces and create a harmonious dynamic. Read her five steps to creating the perfect gallery wall.

    Tell me: which is your favourite gallery wall?

    You might also like to read:

    How to Create the Perfect Gallery Wall for your Home
    Affordable Australian Art on Etsy: Our Top 30

    And don’t forget to enter in our Etsy giveaway to win one of seven artworks valued at over $1,000. Today is the last day to enter! Don’t miss out!

    This post was originally published on We Are Scout.

11. Australian Affordable Art on Etsy: Our Top 30

    September 29, 2015 9:21 am 1 Comment

    

    When Etsy invited us to curate a gallery wall using affordable Australian art earlier this month (have you entered our giveaway to win 1 of seven artworks valued at over $1,000?), we found a plethora of amazing pieces.

    From embroidered artworks and giclee prints to screen-printed linen and original acrylics, you can find a veritable trove of lovely treasure by Australian artists on Etsy. It just goes to show that you don’t have to spend buckets to start an art collection, and add a pop of personality, a dash of colour and creative expression to the walls of your home.

    Here, we’ve done the shopping for you, and rounded up our top 30 artworks.

    Top: ‘Hollow’ abstract fine art print, $65 by Belinda Marshall Art. 

    Original artworks

    

    1. ‘Happy Block’ original artwork – Set 7, $145 by mewe – Michelle Atzemis.

    

    2. ‘Hello Flower’ original textile embroidery artwork, $600 by Flirting with Yellow – Liz Payne.

    

    3. Made to order original acrylic abstract painting, $250, by Alexandra Hore.

    

    4. ‘Merbird’ original watercolour and gouache painting, $177, by Sage and Mage.

    

    5. Original watercolour, $15, by Little Paper Clouds.

    

    6. ‘Eye on the Coconut’ hand-embroidered artwork, $520 by Maricor Maricar.

    

    7. ‘Black and white guinea fowl feather #2’ original ink drawing, $20, by Anne 4 Bags.

    

    8. ‘Imperfect Circle 23′ watercolor original painting, $99 by Valourine.

    

    9. ‘Spots and Stripes’ original painting, $35 by Kels O’Sullivan.

    

    10. ‘Day 81 original acrylic painting, $30 by Evie Barrow.

    

    11. ‘Pastel raincoat traveller’ original artwork, $35, by Jane Savelyeva.

    

    12. ‘Female Superb Fairywren’ original, $185, by Rachel Hollis Art.

    

    13. ‘Mooloolaba 2’ oil on canvas, $150, by John Hockings.

    

    14. ‘Day 19 2015’ original Mixed Media Painting, $59 by Margin.

    

    15. Strange Creatures original, $115 by Emma Kidd – Ben Conservato.

    

    16. Abstract painting, $95, by Sarah Donnell.

    Art prints

    

    17. ‘No 62’ art print, $40 by AMMIKI.

    

    18. Abstract fine art print, $65 by Belinda Marshall.

    

    19. ‘Synergy 6’ limited edition giclee print, $45 by tsktsk – Tiel Seivl-Keevers.

    

    20. ‘Stretching Girl’ art print, $40, by Emma Leonard Art.

    

    21. White Circle Acrylic Print on Plywood, $35, by Flat Rock.

    

    22. Fern Gully print, $30, by Min Pin Shop.

    

    23. Giclee Art Print, $20, by Wolfgang And Rose.

    

    24. ‘Fragment one’ giclee art print, $85, by In the early hours.

    

    25. Linen Screen-printed Linen Tea Towel, $24.95 by Sheryl Cole Art.

    

    26. ‘Jellicious Land’ art print, $20, by Missy Minzy.

    

    27. Tsuruhashi Houses risograph art print, $20, by Ashley Ronning.

    

    28. ‘Awakenings #1′ giclee print, $65, by Sarina Diakos.

    

    29. ‘Nurture’ art print, $35, by Amelia Herbertson.

    

    30. Yabby natural history signed print, $15 by Hollie Draws Nature.

    Tell us – have we missed anyone you think should be in our top 30 Australian artworks on Etsy?

    Don’t forget to enter our giveaway to WIN one of seven Australian artworks valued at over $1,000 – it closes on Wednesday 30 October 2015.

    Want to create the perfect gallery wall for your home? We’ve got you covered with our top tips.

12. Shopping Guide: Top 10 Essential Tools for Asian Cookery

    September 26, 2015 7:00 am Leave a Comment

    

    Love cooking Asian food and fancy kitting your kitchen out like a pro? You can find loads of specialist tools and equipment at Williams-Sonoma. At the recent launch for Adam Liaw’s new book, Adam Liaw’s Asian Cookery School, we had a look around the Bondi Junction store, and took note of all of the essentials.

    Adam talks about his recommendations in his new book, and outlines exactly what you need for an Asian kitchen, including equipment, essential pantry items, and specialist Chinese and Japanese knives.

    Inspired by Adam’s words of wisdom, we took a spin around Williams-Sonoma and curated our top 10 best tools for Asian Cookery.

    This is an interactive shopping guide, so just hover over the title of the product and click to go through to buy from the online shop.
    

    Shun Classic 15cm Meat Cleaver
    $169 - Williams-Sonoma
    Hand-crafted in Japan with a hefty blade for cutting through bones and joints.

    Cole & Mason Granite Mortar & Pestle
    $60 - Williams-Sonoma
    Traditional mortar and pestle made of solid natural granite. The unglazed stone has a rough texture that helps create friction for efficient grinding.

    OXO Simple Mandoline
    $50 - Williams-Sonoma
    Angled stainless-steel blade easily adjusts for three precise thicknesses, plus julienne strips.

    All-Clad d5 Stainless-Steel Stir Fry Wok
    $300 - Williams-Sonoma
    Ideal for use on any cooktop, including induction.

    Shun Classic Hollow-Ground Nakiri Knife
    $159 - Williams-Sonoma
    Shaped like a cleaver, this Nakiri knife chops, slices and minces fresh fruits and vegetables with ease.

    Lékué Microwave Rice Cooker
    $45 - Williams-Sonoma
    For quick microwave cooking of rice and other grains without messy spillovers.

    KAI for Williams-Sonoma Santoku Knife
    Starting at $24 - Williams-Sonoma
    All-purpose, easy-to-use Asian-inspired kitchen knife.

    Microplane Elite Rasp Grater
    $22 - Williams-Sonoma
    For finely grating radish, ginger and garlic.

    Glass Prep Bowls
    $32 - Williams-Sonoma
    Eight glass bowls in two handy sizes for fast and flawless execution of any recipe.

    Shun Fuji Boning/Fillet Knife
    $380 - Williams-Sonoma
    The slim blade, pointed at the tip, is designed to easily separate meat from bone.

    Top photo courtesy of La Tessa Photography

    Read what happened when Lisa spent the morning learning how to cook Asian food with Adam at Williams-Sonoma!

    After more of our curated shopping guides? ‘Course you are. Click here.

13. Extraordinary embroidery and surface design by Lorena Marañon

    September 24, 2015 7:00 am Leave a Comment

    

    After a dash of inspiration? Take a look at the gloriously vibrant work of embroidery, patchwork and surface designer Lorena Marañon. A veritable celebration of colour, texture and pattern, the Cuban-born designer creates quilts, textile art and jewellery from her Los Angeles home studio.

     

    

    

    

    Lorena’s career took off back in 2009 with a small online shop of her hand-embroidered goods. Since then, her business has flourished and expanded to the point where she now offers one-of-a-kind collections for retailers around the world, as well as partnerships with companies such as fab.com.

    

    

    

    Most recently, Lorena added quilting to her line of textiles, and she participates in modern textile art exhibitions.

    

    

    

    Her “creative process”, Lorena says, is “dictated by a tactile obsession to glamorize and transmute tiny ideas, matter and philosophies, and to pierce through with colorful lightness on hand crafted needlework, sewing, and quilting.”

    

    

    You can follow Lorena on Instagram and Facebook.
    www.lorenamaranon.com

    All photography courtesy of Lorena Marañon.

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