When Porcelain and Pastels meet...

Recently we've been talking with a couple of friends about doing a ceramic workshop to get the creative minds (and hands) going. I haven't done any ceramics since my Art&Design degree in Scotland (over 12 years ago...eek!) but I truly enjoyed it then. I used to spend a lot of time in the timber workshop using heavy, loud and dangerous machinery, the one day a week in the ceramic studio was like being in heaven. So on the subject of ceramics, when I saw these delicate and sweet porcelain creations from Urban Cartel I couldn't help but wanting to share them. More than the just the fine lines and shapes I think it's the colour selection of the range that really grabbed my attention. Beautiful mix of subtle pastels and greys that are highlighted by a glossy (food safe!) glaze.  Designed by Craig Pearce. Another great thing is that they are a local product, yes, designed and made in Melbourne! Love that, of course.

At the market... Craft Hatch

Really happy to have participated in my first Craft Hatch market last Saturday. It was also nice to have the company of my friend Sharon who released her first notebooks and journals from under the brand Nollison. Check them here, they're really cute, 100% made of recycled paper and made and printed in Melbourne. I say YES to that. There was a fair amount of preparation and I turned my kitchen into a little workshop again to finish building the jewellery stands (I'm lucky to have a friend with a garage jam packed full of timber machinery & tools where we did all the cutting from) but it was all worth it. Our little table looked really good and we both got some great feedback. 

Thanks to Sharon for the images too as mine turned out pretty blurry (i.e last pic above, not so good... but Mr Cross Table and Phileas floor cushion were there too). You can also have a look at Sharon's own post about the market on her Stylisti blog. 

Pretty Shiny Things...

Whilst on the subject of Gold last week, there was a few beautiful objects I had stumbled upon so I thought I'd feature some of these today. As with anything that makes a statement you want to pick it well, so that it's not overdone, tacky or cheap looking. Everyday Needs feature (and sell) two stunning items from Carl Auböck. Elegant and beautifully proportioned Watering Can and the sculptures-made-objects Bookends. Both in polished brass and polished cast brass. I also found these really sweet and delicate little dish from Etco on Etsy, in white and black. Only decorative but they're adorable. And finally these lovely pendant from Futagami featured on Neëst le shop in cast brass. I like the idea that they are only quite small and would look almost inconspicuous if it wasn't for the reflections from the shiny facets... 

Contrasts of Blue and Gold

It's that first image from Nik Epifanidis and interior project from Chelsea Hing that brought this incredibly beautiful contrast of colours to my attention. This dark bluey-grey and the gold are a match made in heaven. I have a crush, big time. Also picture from Ditte Isager and Little Blue Deer. 

Kitsch in Collingwood... Brunch at Bluebird.

Going through a few furniture shops yesterday in Collingwood, looking for breakfast bar stools, my friend Sonna and I (needing an early break) stumbled across this sweet little café on Johnston Street, east from Smith Street. Not much going yet in that area but a few quirky shops are starting to appear. 

At Bluebird, some little plastic soldiers hanging from the door frame welcome you as you come in. No waiting to get our coffee and they were really good ones. The menu is simple with a few variation of (perfect) poached eggs on fresh bread, avocado "smash", chorizo, mushrooms, feta, banana bread, muesli... it's all there. We decided we would have to come back to work our way down the list, it all looked so delicious and we weren't disappointed by our choices. But beside the amazing food, friendly and quick service, this is another one of these place that makes Melbourne. As a foodie and a designer, I love these cafés. Some super kitsch picture frames decorate the walls (check their twitter wall too!), recycled glass bottles for water, vintage desk lamps and chairs, recycled counter top and the fake grass bunny take the seriousness out of the place. But there is still great attention to details with the menu, the quality of the food, the cute logo and these beautiful tulips throughout the place. If you are in the area, take a walk away from the Smith Street crowd, you won't be disappointed.