handmadelife

craftist of the week

2012-01-25T09:27:00.001+11:00

gone to pot

Steve Wheen is a guerrilla green thumb making over the mess of London's roads and laneways. He's become quite the famous pothole gardener, with stories of his antics popping up almost as regularly as his miniature gardens. We love him because he turns this...

into this...

Genius idea, brilliantly executed. I especially love the way he uses weeny props to bring scale as well as wit to the little gardens.

Clearly a top bloke and our most definitely our craftist of the week. BECK

Project of the weekend

2012-01-23T19:57:00.001+11:00

Sheltered workshop

When it's hot and it's Sunday I'm not up for much. I need a mindless cheery low-fi craft with a nice sense of achievement at the end and not much brain power expended. I'd put the desk organiser kit before christmas and hadn't bothered to even look at it. Perfect project for dealing with all the bits and bobs that end up on the kitchen bench. It's a little gaudy I know and it will probably last about a summers length. It was fun.

CRAFT BOOK CHALLENGE

2012-01-19T13:41:00.002+11:00

another day another project

Ramona and I are big collectors of craft books - we love em. Between us we own a couple of hundred spanning a good seventy years of publishing. But we have discovered over the years that while we like collecting them, and flicking through them for "inspiration" we rarely get around to actually making any of the projects contained therein. And we think we might not be alone in this. Given that we've dubbed 2012 as the year of up-skilling we have come up with yet another hair-brained scheme (see jam sessions) to get us using our libraries for more than a housework diversion!

We've decided to call it the CRAFT BOOK CHALLENGE.

The rules:

1. pick a a book from your library at the start of each month (you can only use this book once)

2. identify your chosen project from said selection and publish the pattern/instructions (copyright permitting)

3. get crafting, you have one month to complete your project.
4. post your completed craft work along with review at the end of the month.
5. repeat.

We're going to have a red hot go at this one, and no doubt the results will vary between wildly successful and hilariously dire. If anyone else out there feels like having a crack at this, either each month or on a more random basis let us know!

To be frank I got bugger all made last year as I was knocked up and nauseous for the first half of the year and then off my head with exhaustion and a baby for the second half of the year, so I will be happy to just get anything made. I have a few projects in mind though - macrame hangers (on top of the to do list for the past five years) single bed quilts for the boys and the big brother little brother mice above, and then of course there's my wish to make the ultimate linen smock dress for me to team with my jeans and sandals because it's going to be all about Scando style comfort this me year.

I'd also like to revisit some forgotten skills like cuttlefish silver casting, pinch pot ceramics and wood carving but given the workload I'm already facing this year don't be surprised if we end up with origami and spray painted pasta collage... BECK

My focus last year was very much on wood and paper. 2012 will see me determined to dust off the sewing machine, whip out the knitting needles and sort out the embroidery thread. It's back to textile based craft in my house for a while. I'm hankering for hanks, fat quarters, mitered corners and bias binding. The bottom book in that pile is a relatively new one for me and I bought it on a whim because I liked the styling. The images below are the four projects in the book I'd realty like to tackle.

I've been meaning to make a round pillow for Thom for ages but I still haven't been able to find an insert. The plastic bag holder is an absolute must as we have a stack of them shoved under the sink. The wire coat hanger covers are pure practicality. I share a tiny wardrobe with my beloved and it's in total disarray. one of the biggest problems is that we have wide hangers that take up far too much space. I'm not normally a fan of wire hangers but I think with added padding and pretty fabric (colour coded perhaps?) . The peg bag is also a must because at the moment I have them in an ice cream container, very tacky. RAMONA

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE?

JAM SESSION

2012-01-17T08:23:00.000+11:00

plum in front

Jam session number two done and dusted. I know it's supposed to be one a month but hey the big storm last week brought down a lot of fruit in the neighborhood - most of it ripe, and in my urban forager book if its on or over the footpath its fare game. So here we have it Foragers Plum edition one.

I'd call it a medley but I hate that word and would rather stick a burning hot poker in my eye. Mostly its Damsons (thanks Pene the human iphone plum identikit app.) with lashings of sweet reds as seen below (Pen we might need your help again here)

and a few wee golden numbers thrown in for good measure just because they were there.

Sweet and slightly perfumy with a nice tart finish, and quite lovely to look at with its deep rosy hue.

Will be most excellent on scones methinks. Yes Ramona that's a call out to you and the womble to start baking! BECK

SHOW OF THE WEEK

2012-01-16T09:10:00.002+11:00

And so it begins...

That's it people, holidays are finally over. Galleries have started to swing open their doors, makers have returned to the studio and there is a definite 2012 vibe out there. About time too as we are more than ready to look at some new work! Craft Victoria opens with three ceramics based shows by three very different makers.Gary Bish has created some optically mesmerizing vessels that explore architecture, perception and perspective in Vessel: A Space Oddity.

Jacob Ogden Smith looks like he may have lost his mind a little judging from this film still from one of the accomanying videos that support his ceramic work. Pottery Practice Project will challenge us to think a little deeper about how the srt of ceramics is represented in film and television. I'm seeing Swayze and Moore in my head but Im sure it goes a little deeper than that.

We love love love the work of Kirsten Perry so are naturally very excited about her new show Home Time. Architectural forms with human characteristics? Yes! We suspect a piece from this show will be wining its way home with us. The openings to these shows is on Thursday night, so get out of the tracksuit and into your fancy pants - see you there! RAMONA

Shows run from 20 Jan -3 March
Craft Victoria is at 31 Flinders Lane
you can find out more about these shows here...

Little projects of the week

2012-01-12T11:12:00.001+11:00

Toot toot

Well I finally made T something. After watching how forlorn he was when all the handmade gifts left the house I knew he was overdue a little something. This tractor train tote was a pain in the proverbial, nothing went right. There was a mod podge crisis (don't ask), a sliced finger (blunt Stanley knife) and a spilt cup of tea involved. all turned out ok in the end. The ribbon tree was his own creation - tres chic Thom.

This is the last of the pencil boxes. They don't sell these anymore at my local hardware store so my friend Michael will be the last recipient. The bug paper is more than appropriate as he works at the museum and in fact LOVES bugs. It's his birthday next week and i'll fill the box with some good pencils and perhaps a plastic beetle or two! I'm craving some textile based craft now after all this wood. I feel some knitting may be in order over the next week. Ramona.

eat of the week

2012-01-10T10:28:00.003+11:00

the fabulous baker brother

Last night Max decided he needed to do some baking, apparently it wasn't enough that we'd already had morning tea macaron, we needed cake for dinner. Something 'magical' as well. Thankfully I'd managed to keep fairy cakes up my sleeve so when I suggested them he was beside himself with excitement. Normally we'd go through baking them from scratch, but seeing as it was already 5.30 and the veg lasagna still wasn't in the oven I caved and used a Greens vanilla butter cake packet mix instead.

Max also determined that we needed to change the flavour to chocolate and orange - so Jaffa fairy cakes it was. He was super excited to be able to do all of it (bar the hot bits) by himself, and the ease of preparation fitted a 3yr old attention span perfectly. And, even though it felt like I was cheating I think we might even do it again! Truth be known, they weren't half bad neither. BECK

CLASSES OF THE MONTH

2012-01-09T05:56:00.000+11:00

Student Days

It's still quiet on the gallery front so no 'show of the week' until next Monday. I will however share one of my new years resolutions - to gain more craft skills. By the end of the year I have committed to throwing a pot, sewing a skirt, making a brooch, screen printing a length of fabric, making a double bed quilt and making a stop motion animated film. Ambitious yes, with lots of room for failure! But the point is it's about learning. If you'd like to get some new skills there are lots of opportunities in the coming weeks:

We write about contemporary jewellery a lot both here and out in the world and one of my new years resolutions is to learn a bit more of the craft so i can write with more clarity about its subtleties and specialised attributes. I'm very keen on the Make a Ring in a Day class being taught by the amazing Tassia Joannides at the CAE first week of feb. She does amazing things with zippers that has always confounded me!

Our favourite print maker and artist Rona Green is running a variety of art classes out of her swish studio at Abbotsford convent starting January 22nd. We are huge fans and would actually be a little star struck if we took a class with this inspiring teacher!

The fabulous Thread Den will have to put up with my two left thumbs as I attempt their A Line Skirt class that starts on Jan 30 . I have often had dreams of seven neat skirts with the days of the week embroidered on them, like a modern day school uniform. Is that crazy?

Oh how my daughter wishes she could participate in the fantastic Harvest Textiles summer school. Alas funds don't stretch that far and she may have to wait til the winter course! If you are lucky enough to be able to hand over the serious cash dollar it is totally worth it people. Not on are the harvest ladies the nicest peeps in town they have the mad skills that will have you screen printing up a storm. Beck has already participated in one of their courses and still raves about it. Highly recommended.

blogs of the week

2012-01-07T15:03:00.003+11:00

b is for breakfast, d is for dinnertime

OK so last year was all about me posting breakfast daily on Facebook. An interesting exercise for in which I discovered I consume more bagels in a year than they bake at Glicks in ten. So, this year I've decided try and branch out a little and try to find some new favourites and fall backs for my favourite meal of the day. I've also decided to follow Ramona's lead and put together a blog chronicalling my morning repasts rather than bore my friends stupid on facebag.

So now you can see how I start the day, and how Ramona finishes it. Riveting no revealing definitely. Like they say you are what you eat. BECK

BAKE OFF OF THE WEEK

2012-01-06T16:16:00.001+11:00

golden brown

I've been wanting to do some baking for my boys since before I did the annual Christmas cookieathon (153 cranberry and pistacchio shortbread cookies this year... a new record), but as we all know the difference between wanting and doing over the school holidays can be a very large divide. Still, once the January Jam Session was done (see yesterday's post) I managed a free half hour hour in the kitchen to try out something new.

Enter Donna Hay and her super easy biscuit recipe:
1 cup sifted plain flour
1 cup sifted icing sugar
1/2 cup sifted rice flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
250g chopped cold butter
1 food processor
about a cup of whatever the hell else you want to put in them...

Put flours, sugar, butter and vanilla into food processor and blend until the dough comes together. Add chopped extras - today I went for white chocolate and ginger. Wrap dough in glad wrap and refrigerate for around 15 minutes. Roll tablespoon portions into balls and place on baking papered tray. Flatten with your hand and cook 10-12 minutes at 160 degrees until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Makes around 25.

My dough was a little too buttery this time, and the oven a little hot, which is why they've spread a little more than they normally would. And with the white chocolate they're also a little sweeter than I usually like a biscuit. Still the boys don't care, and come afternoon tea time neither will I. BECK

eat of the week

2012-01-06T10:40:00.009+11:00

jam session 1.

Well, despite the fact that we lost half the tree this year and as a result didnt quite get the "bumper crop" we were hoping for, I still managed to make more jam than both past seasons combined. The trick? Picking early and often - and BEFORE the flying pests and weird summer hailstorms got to the fruit. Lucky really, because every year the list of "please can I have a jar" requests grows longer and longer. Ramona has already snaffled two jars, one for scones and one to whip together in her new fangled ice-cream machine to make apricot vanilla swirl which looked delicious NOT THAT I GOT ANY TO TASTE mind you!

I love making jam, its so easy one kg of fruit, one kg of sugar and the juice of two lemons... and it's especially delicious when you use locally grown in season fruit. So of course we've decided on yet another HML project for 2012, one we're calling The Jam Sessions.

Each month we're going to whip up some kind of jam, marmalade, compot or sticky preserve with whatever we can scrounge, barter or grow and let you lucky readers and listeners compete to win a 12 jar basket of the fruits of our labour...including a choice selection from January's Jam Session (as shown above). Over the holidays I've spied a number of excellent fig trees around the hood, as well as putting in dibs on my italian mother in law's trees... it appears that Feburary will be Fig month.

Oh and if anyone has an idea about what to do with a bucket of apricot kernals please let me know! BECK

Little project of the week

2012-01-04T10:39:00.001+11:00

Put a bird on it

My lovely friend B gave me a little nests worth of bird related gifts for Christmas this year. One was a lovely linen tea towel. B was very dismayed when we discovered there was a flaw (about to become a hole) in the material. I still loved it, (and I love B even more) so I decided to make the flaw a feature. I chain stitched around it then stretched the tea towel onto canvas. My friend B gave me this art work for Christmas - isn't it sweet? RAMONA

SHOWS OF THE WEEK

2012-01-03T03:52:00.000+11:00

Summer Daze

January is a languid month here in Australia. particularly with the mercury rising, the cricket on the tv, kids at home and many people taking there annual leave. It's not a great time for exhibitions so it's an opportunity for some nice road trips and long afternoons spent in large mausoleum-like galleries and museums around the place. We are hoping to pile the kids in respective cars and head up to Bendigo Art Gallery to see the rare work of 1950's textile artist Michael O'Connell, maybe later this week when the weather breaks a little.

My beloved spent several seasons as a fisherman and so sees himself as a bit of a seafarer so it will be easy to get him down to Morning Peninsula Regional Gallery to see their Sea of Dreams show. All about the impact and influence of Port Phillip Bay at the turn of the 19th Century.

I'll be visiting a pal in Frankston so I'll make a point to stop off at the McClelland Gallery in Langwarrin to see the ceramics on show as part of the Senini Student Award.The work of 2011's award winner Kerry Peterson was a highlight for us at the RMIT ceramics graduate show. A little bit of craft, a little bit of art, a little bit of driving. Summer in the city/country is here. RAMONA

first day of the week

2012-01-01T23:16:00.001+11:00

Salutations!

Can you believe it? Brand new year! The ladies of hml are looking forward to a craft packed summery start to 2012. This is the perfect time to just relax, slow down in the heat (or chill depending on your hemisphere) and work on little projects that bring you happiness. We never start on big projects in January. Sometimes a little paper wreath for the front door is all that's needed.

Ps. Inspired by Beck's 2011 365 project of documenting her breakfast, I'm doing dinner. Everyday I cook for 5 people between the ages of 3 to 69. The family dinner may seem like an odd thing to document and to share but I'm interested in how, over time, it will build a narrative of family life. Don't worry I'll include my culinary disasters, bad takeaways and dodgy desserts so it might be entertaining for you.
It's on a separate blog called 365 dinnertime. If you like to check it out please do!

Seasons Greetings

2011-12-27T07:27:00.001+11:00

Dear HML readers, did you have a good Christmas? We certainly did! It feels like it's been Christmas for months so it's a bit odd having just the remnants about - mince tarts, ham, holiday paperbacks, paper bunting etc. We are going to take the rest of the week off to rest up and spend as much time offline as possible. This strange week, between the two big days is perfect for list makers and lazy bones alike and right now we are a bit of both. We'll be back next Monday with the Show of the Week (and no it won't be Mission Impossible 5) and news of our 365 projects for 2012. Have a lovely week, get outdoors away from your computers and spend time with really lovely people (or on your own which can be a real luxury)
See you on the flip side

Ramona & Beck x

Last projects of the week

2011-12-23T15:23:00.001+11:00

Take note

Friday already! The intern has done her usual last minute flash of handmade inspiration and has made everyone personals notebooks. This is in between cooking gingerbread,eating pizza, watching the Ricky Gervais Show and just generally having a cheery day. I'll need a bit of a nap before writing my finely tuned market list for our 6am trip tomorrow (crab meat! Prawns! Duck!) and it's fish and chips for dinner so I can do the final marathon push to finish Beck's latch hook (not likely of course, always leave my hml co host and BFF until the last minute because I know shell forgive me! Ramona x

Hml gifts of the week

2011-12-22T07:44:00.001+11:00

The kids are alright

Above is the train caddy I made for Max. No I didn't jigsaw all that wood, it came all precut. I did however work until the wee hours watching very bad tv with my glue brush and scissors in a decoupage frenzy! We're going to fill it with stationery supplies, hope he likes it.

The Intern is getting a ludicrous amount of gifts this year. She did an amazing job at school and has been a treasure at home so we've all wanted to spoil her. I did get one little handmade element in there - a summer scarf made from old dress remnants. Actually the blue was bought especially to bind baby Finns quilt on the right but I couldn't find the energy to make bias binding so he's getting a far simpler version. Tis festive to say the least! Ramona xx

It's the week!!

2011-12-21T09:00:00.001+11:00

Some more handmade gifts

Ok so I've gone a little glitter crazy this year (sue me). The duck, a favourite handmade gift this year resulted in a crazy glitter cloud in the kitchen. The reindeer - very chic colour blocking yes? Now the little place names on easels are for my gorgeous neighbors who are both very artistic (she paints, he makes wooden toys for his grandchildren). More presents tomorrow! Sorry for the lack of posts, we hope you are doing more real life stuff like us. Beck has dubbed it 'Overcommitmas' and she's right! Ramona xx

chips off the old block

2011-12-16T10:23:00.002+11:00

After an initial bout of argy bargy with the archigtect on exactly when you put up the tree to maximise christmas day freshness a compromise was wrought - decorations last weekend, tree this weekend. Regular readers know I impose a strict DIY deocration policy at ours which has seen some ridiculously labour intensive and back breaking efforts over the years. So give what a bugger of a year it's been I decided to give us all a break and go to Ikea. Unfortunately this seems to be the only year that they've not come up with the goods, so it was back to the drawing board (literally) and off to the paper chain station for us all because this years decorating theme is going to be PAPER.

Having an added deadline of getting my half of the christmas present done for the lovely ladies of the RRR's Grapevine I got to work on Sunday. Lucky, because Donna and Kulja presented us with biscotti SO delicious I managed to inhale them over coffee in about three minutes. But I digress.

Thankfully i've spent a little time collecting paint chips over the last few months so was able to put my oversize circle punches to work for an hour or so and squeeze out as many circles as I could in readiness for sewing.

There is definately an art to sewing paper without you're bobbin going bananas, so i've learnt (the hard way) it's best to keep the tension low and the stich size at medium and just keep feeding the paper through gently and evenly. Oh and don't do what I did and forget to fill the bobbin before you get started. And if you don't want your tree, mantle or christmas spread to look like it's sponsored by Dulux and Taubmans feed through two circles at at time with the colour facing out. Another hot tip discovered in hindsight.

The result couldnt be cheerier or cheaper. An just think if you too become possesed by the spirit of Tonia Todman you can even colour co-ordinate your garland to match your napery, accent cushions or special Christmas outfit. Way-Hay! Next stop, cut out snowflakes. BECK

CHAT UP OF THE WEEK

2011-12-12T04:09:00.022+11:00

radio cheerio
Well we are in the home stretch now! We must be because we've already started thinking about new years resolutions and revolutions and we haven't even got our trees decorated. This last two weeks we all go into survival mode as it all tends to get a little crazy. Both the ladies of HML will be on RRR this morning at 10:30am talking up last minute make-up gifts, not to be missed markets and Christmas Craft Calamities with the Grapevine ladies Donna and Kulja.

Right up to Christmas Eve we'll be featuring a number of local destinations for craft lovers, because lets face it NO-ONE deserves to be in Chadstone this time of year. We've just discovered Perimeter Books up on High Street Thornbury and reckon this small press bookstore is a treasure trove of Santa sack options (hint hint) .

Dare we mention another pop up shop has opened for Christmas, although this one boasts a particularly crafty crew curated by some of our very favourite melbourne makers (cheers Dani and Steve!) in their new Dead and Buried studio digs in the Nicholas Building. Just like it's name suggests the buzz is goodies at The Quick and The Dead are fast being snapped up. We have our eyes on a couple of doozies (like these Turd Circus salt and pepper shakers) and are hoping to make it in before someone else makes off with them.

We are also pretty excited about Gleaners Inc first exhibition, especially because it's celebrating the iconic flying duck, much needed 'refreshments' will be on hand AND there's a 10% discount on offer in the shop opening night - we'll definately be joining in on the kitsch craziness.

New Thornbury neighbors and uber denim Mavens M.T.O even have a backyard "Gypsy fair" on offer this Sunday (18th) with clothes, records, preserves, sweeties, handmade goodies, hair wraps plants and a BBQ. For peeps wishing to do their Christmas shopping in the most laid back of atmospheres.

Of course the highlight of the week for us will be the Harvest Market on Sunday. This year clearly too many markets, pop up shops, sales, open houses are not enough! Listen in for more inspiration, conversation, and more merry madness. Stay hydrated people and pack another shopping bag! RAMONA & BECK

Apology of the Week

2011-12-08T14:16:00.004+11:00

Glitterati

For one reason or another I have had a terrible week. Plagued with irritation, illness and professional disappointments the last thing I've wanted to do is blog. Beck too, is snowed under with a crazy work/family/illness combo that has seen the ladies of hml disappear for a couple of days. I have managed to make some glittery baubles for friends, tags using my Martha kit and some Christmas cards using old cards, vintage imagery, wrapping paper, stickers,craft stock and yes Glitter glitter glitter. Hope the season is treating you all well so far! Ramona.

RAMONA

Projects of the Week

2011-12-05T09:13:00.002+11:00

Scrappy do

One of Thom's grandmas lives in England so we have to get her gift in the post today. All she wanted was photos of the family so ramped that idea up and made her a calendar and a little mini book. The calendar came as a blank for me to embellish and let me tell you it took far longer than expected - 3 movies worth (Shane, Let Me In, and the truly terrible Wall St 2)The rocket book was a kit I bought back in august and I think it's hilarious. Hope she likes them! RAMONA

Media appearance of the week

2011-12-03T07:52:00.002+11:00

Spreading the word

I'm on 774 ABC radio this morning at 9am. Someone dobbed me in as a craft crazy Christmas elf. I'll be taking calls, like some glittered craft superhero flying into the airwaves to save the day! Good grief.... RAMONA

show of the week

2011-12-02T09:13:00.002+11:00

Fresh Crop

I was really pleased I got to see the opening of Fresh at Craft Victoria last night. both the hml ladies have served terms on the committee and we can attest to the hard work and thought that goes into putting this show together. Running around seeing 35 grad shows sounds like fun but to be honest it's a logistical nightmare! The twelve chosen this year are all really interesting. We can debate art v craft I guess but I'm bored with all that.

Best in show for me was gossip between the beautiful enamelled copper vessels by
Wendy Korol or the amazing oversized brooches by Allonah Goren - both RMIT Gold and Silversmithing graduates.

On a festive note I thought I'd let you all know (as you are all endlessly fascinated with my Christmas obsession - not) I did finish the Advent calendar just in time to open the first drawer at 10:53 pm! Ridiculously complex project for me and I'm so pleased it's done! RAMONA

Project of the week

2011-12-01T08:25:00.002+11:00

Unleash the beast

That's it people. It is now the 1st December so the Christmas gag is officially lifted! The Intern and spent some high quality craft time together last night and completed the 17 kids decorations for 2011. a marathon 4 hour effort! When I started my tradition of making these a few years ago for the smallest members of my circle there were only 5 to do! I went for a crazy multicolored individual look this year - I'm over my cookie cutter approach to it. They are very jaunty don't you think? RAMONA

I should be showing you my advent calendar but it's final coat of paint still needs doing! Hopefully by tonight it will be ready to roll. If youd like to see what I did last year for kids decorations you can go here

OUT AND ABOUT

2011-11-28T14:36:00.002+11:00

free market economy

Before we launch ourselves into this weeks festivities, we'd like to take a moment to reflect on what was an excellent morning of craft, design and christmas shopping. The MarkIt market yesterday at Fed Square was chock'o'block full of great goods and we're happy to say we managed to fit in coffee, scones, meeting and greeting some peeps we hadn't seen in ages, be surprised by new things AND tick some people off the christmas list all in a matter of two hours. Really we're quite chuffed with our work. Interestingly many stallholders were advertising other pop up shop and Christmas markets they're involved in during December so it looks like it's going to be a ridiculously busy month yet again, and clearly the appeal of meeting your maker and snaffling a bargain hasn't diminished one iota for the crafty consumers of Melbourne. For those of you who were otherwise occupied here are some snaps of what we liked.

Now we love stationary mavens Ask Alice, but we WANT that orange typewriter!

Ramona grabbed a set of these bear notebooks as a stocking stuffer for she who will remain nameless.

Cottage Industry was as industrious as ever...Jenny B had to guard the neon satchels while we occupied Miss PenPen with our crazed purchasing. We've already planned a visit to the Cottage to pick up more tree decorating goodies- red robins, sequinned Bob Mackie-esque birds, hand carved wooden elk, glass and glitter balls and spotted fawn - dear god that woman gives good bauble!

Really it was wall to wall people, and here we were thinking that if we arrived at 10am we'd beat the crowd

The lovely and talented Emily Green works the crowd with her prismatic presence and stall stuffed with lovely lolly coloured present potentials.

As usual the Harvest Textiles stand looked snappy - and no wonder Jess was so smiley those new cloud ushions are GENIUS (Santa, you hear that!)

Brilliant stuff from both the known knowns and the not so known unknowns - Sunday Morning Designs DIY mask kits (top job Ladies!) and these Terrariums which we both swooned over, but failed to find the stallholders name. If anyone out there managed to keep their wits about them let us know!

So good and really clever craft - record cover calenders from Rebound Books and Ruth Allens repurposed beer glasses.

Ramona's favourite new illustrator Wendy June shows of her wares - we loved the colour me magnets!

And I think I know a certain little someone with blonde hair and dreamy blue eyes who might find one of these gorgeous blocks under his come Christmas morning.

As for me, i've decided that I can no longer live without at least two of these monolog tops... AND YES MICHAEL THAT IS A HINT! However the clear winner of the day - purely for making us both snort like old nannas - goes to this card...

Ha! BECK

Projects of the week

2011-11-24T08:08:00.002+11:00

Christmas elf

With an optimistic commitment to have my hand made gifts finished by next weekend I am definitely in Christmas elf mode! This week I've made a flopsy bunny for my brand new baby friend nicholas, little drawers for my young friend Sunny, pencil boxes for Clancy and Toma and a very gothic wreath for my friend K who is so anti Christmas she almost cancels me out! How is everyone else going with Christmas plans? RAMONA

HOT TIPS OF THE WEEK

2011-11-22T10:35:00.000+11:00

material girls

Ok you all know that Ramona's christmas gift making excell spreadsheet has been in play for a good four or five months now, but not all of us are as 'organised' when it comes to hand-made christmas gifts. So here are a couple of hot tips for those wishing to stock up on some seriously good base materials while they are on sale as well as a couple of options for 'assisted' DIY projects that can all be created and/or ordered from the comfort of your own living room, or kitchen, or laptop. Happy Shopping Peeps.

Duckcloth

One of our favourite online fabric stores for Japanese prints, organic linen and hemp, Alexander Henry (and just about every local textile designer) is offering 15% off all orders until the end of November, this INCLUDES fabrics that are already on sale and patterns. BARGAIN!

Tessuti

Need we say more, swoon worthy textiles from all over the globe hand selected to empty your wallets. From unwashed Japanese denim to digitally printed German velvet its all jaw dropping goodness. Tessuti is offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $150, a half price sale on Vogue Patterns and a two for one deal on McCalls patterns. Be sure to also check out their collection of Japanese Sewing books and their always excellent 'remnant sale' .

Spoonflower

Fancy yourself as a designer, why not consider creating your own fabric rather than making something up from the latest Encino or Amy Butler. With eight fabric choices on offer (including silk, linen and organic cotton) as well as an unlimited colour palette there's still time to whip up the perfect personalised gift for your crafting compadres.

Redbubble

The complete all rounder, Redbubble is not just an open community of artists showcasing and selling their work online, its also a great place to get your artwork turned into everything from t-shirts to framed posters. Amaze your friends and family with your artistic prowess, while starting up your own online streetwear empire - genius!
BECK

Soundbite of the Week

2011-11-21T04:14:00.002+11:00

who listens to the radio?
This morning I am off to RRR to chat to the lovely Donna and Kulja on The Grapevine. I'll have to talk superfast because there is so much on (dare I say a little too much?). I'm on around 10.30 so listen in for all the craftiverse news. There are links to everything below, just press on the captions. Just compiling this blog entry has made my feet tired as I mentally walked from one end of town to the other! Stay hydrated people! RAMONA

Lucy brings the Design Files to life

Pieces of Eight new venture Edition X

Craft Victoria's highly anticipated Christmas Market

RMIT Gold and Silversmithing graduate show is always inspiring

Always crazy, in a good way. Take cash, make it easy for them.

4 weeks, different locations, great makers, innovative pop up

Monash art and design graduate show - best to go while there is still an art and design department

graduates of the week

2011-11-17T10:18:00.002+11:00

Fibre friends

It's that time of year when you'll find us dashing from one end of Melbourne to the other trying to see fleeting graduate shows. I did manage to see box hill textiles on my Saturday tour and loved the creatures by Jeanette Wilkinson. You can still see the show ( ends on Saturday) in a great big space behind Eckersleys art shop in town. You can learn more about these enterprising textile artists here at their website . RAMONA

PROJECTS OF THE WEEK

2011-11-15T07:39:00.002+11:00

Take notes

How are all your Christmas projects going? I've been a very busy bee and have started production line style sessions for some of bits smaller bits and bobs. I really enjoyed making these notebooks for various chaps. I find crafting for grown up male friends and family particularly challenging but have discovered as long as I keep it a glitter free zone they are quite chuffed to have a little handmade gift just for them. That's the theory anyway! RAMONA

SHOW OF THE WEEK

2011-11-14T07:13:00.002+11:00

Hangups

The ladies of HML are reunited this week after Beck's sojourn in sunny Queensland. It will be a bit of a show and tell over our first coffee and I'm hoping for some crazy shell art! I'll be giving her a slide show of my craft adventures. I spent all of Saturday going hither and yon to see shows and shops (more of that tomorrow) Love the new group show at handheld gallery. 'Suspense' is Curated by gallery director Megan herring it's a delicate show with lots of lightness (paper birds, moments paused for posterity). The show is hanging around til the 26th so catch it while you can. RAMONA

handheld gallery
In the crazy weird paramount arcade
108 Bourke Street

Pop Up of the Week

2011-11-09T08:16:00.004+11:00

And so it begins! The slew of amazing design markets and pop up shops around town trying to lure us in with their fabulous handmade wares for Christmas. We are so on board! Especially the more curated markets - they become a heavenly dept store for the ladies of HML. First cab off the rank is an interesting one. Melbournalia will actually pop up in four different locations leading up to the big day with the first launching tomorrow. We are pretty impressed with the list of participants (including HML faves Dani M designs, The Gently Unfurling Sneak and Emily Green) and the graphics are pretty intriguing too (all letterpress goodness). First stop is Rear 126 Franklin Street - hope it's well signed! RAMONA

Find out more here

Fun time of the week

2011-11-07T07:41:00.002+11:00

Sunday sweetness at L'uccello

What did you do this past weekend? I felt quite spoilt I have to admit. A very dear friend of mine (who knows me only too well) gave me a perfect early Christmas present: A spot in theVictorian decorations workshop at the gorgeous L'uccello. Tucked on the 2nd floor of the Nicholas building this is some kind of vintage haberdashery heaven. you must must go ASAP!

Super stylish shop lady Kim helped us create sweetie cones, cards, crepe paper fans and rosettes using real glass glitter, foiled dresdens, and Victorian era imagery. This was all helped along by pots of French early grey tea and Pretty biscuits. Absolute heaven! I'm already plotting a lovely little tree for the dining table. An almost perfect way to spend a Sunday. Rumour has it Kim will be hosting a whole series of workshops next year so make sure you pop over to the blog regularly to stay in the loop. RAMONA

SHOW OF THE WEEK

2011-11-03T09:36:00.002+11:00

from little things big things grow

I'm very excited to be opening a fantastic new exhibition tonight at E.G Etal. Vicki Mason has created a new body of work based on four years of thorough research and development as part of her Masters degree. This highly accomplished jeweller has explored makers relationships with Australasian flora and the floral motif in their work. Her 'Botanical Fictions' incorporate the colours of the bush, the details discovered in chinoiserie chinaware and elements of her own surrounding environment on the eastern fringes of Melbourne. These beautiful, wearable pieces are tactile, elegant, playful, colourful, thoughtful, referential and generous. Opening is tonight from 6-8 and show runs until November 15. RAMONA

WINDOW OF THE WEEK

2011-11-02T09:16:00.002+11:00

Caravan of Love

I have to admit I'm no camper. Beck tried to convince me it was a good idea once, which resulted in me abandoning my new tent in the wilderness two days before schedule - her lovely husband desperately trying to pack up my camping accoutrements before I made my mad dash back to civilization (we call in the doomed camp of 2005). If we could shrink ourselves down and travel in the style of these fabulous caravans spotted in the craft Victoria window then we may have stood a better chance! This gorgeous collaboration between artist Sue deGennaro and a group of Artplay kids have created these gorgeous collaged ply caravans that look like a dreamy music festival campground. Rumor has it they look amazing at night!

you can find out more here
And you see more of Sue's work here

RAMONA

Craziness of the Week

2011-10-30T20:01:00.002+11:00

Boo!

Yes yes yes it's all very American I know. I'm assuming that most of you have a terrible aversion to Halloween but let's face it, it's an opportunity for some freaky fantastic craft. I haven't quite finished carving my pumpkin for tonight but my trick or treat crepe paper bon bons are ready to go. They are Martha inspired of course (above) and I do think mine turned out gruesomely gorgeous (below)

Better get back to the pumpkin! RAMONA

another project of the week

2011-10-27T12:47:00.002+11:00

Another pencil box! This one is for my 10 year old nephew Kye. He'll be expecting some cash in it I'm sure, but at least one element of his Xmas will be handmade. RAMONA

Project of the Week

2011-10-25T18:05:00.003+11:00

60 days to go!

Ok peeps is it ok if I indulge my passion for Christmas now? Surely with only 9 weeks left to go you can tolerate some of my seasonal good cheer? Beck and I have already laid plans for some handmadelife product and are mentally planning our respective family menus (mine involve turkey, hers tofurky!)

For both the ladies of HML Christmas is a much loved time of year. Despite the stresses and strains that the season brings Beck loves the pomp and I love the ceremony. We admit it's mainly because christmas is the ultimate handmade season. I started making bits and bobs as early as June (insane I know!) but the big push in the gift dept begins in earnest now. I seem to have a lot of woody things to decorate this year, a change from more textile or food based gifts of the past 3 seasons.

Today I decorated these sweet little elephant bookends for my friend Rueben age 1.5.
I know everyone bangs on about not making or giving friends and their offspring gifts and just doing a family Kris Kringle but both Beck and I unashamedly love the excess of the occasion. Anyway Rueben is super cool and this a good excuse to make him something! RAMONA

SHOW OF THE WEEK

2011-10-24T04:27:00.000+11:00

totem

The ladies of HML are big fans of Kirsten Perry. Her brain earrings are among one of our favourite accessories. We like her sense of absurdity and play that is evident in all her work (hairy stockings anyone?). That dichotomy beween being really beautifully ugly and really hideously beautiful can throw us for a loop - in a good way. So we are really excited to see her exhibition Uncanny Beigness at C3 Gallery

Show opens this Wed and runs til November 13

C# Gallery is at Abbotsford Convent and is open Wed-Sun 10-5

You can purchase her brains at her Big Cartel Shop here - food for thought no?

WEEKEND SPECIALS

2011-10-21T12:09:00.001+11:00

twist of fete

Never let it be said we didnt warn you. This weekend there are no less than three fetes offering up everthing from pirate pits to devonshire teas. Of course because its Westgarth, Clifton Hill and Collingwood primary schools involved you can also expect excellent food, excellent craft and cake stalls and truckloads of second hand books, clothes and toys...not to mention to tappin musical performances that span David Bridie and the recalcitrants to long haired eight year olds belting out black metal. Fun for all the family. We've attended all three over the years and believe me we've always left empty walleted rather than empty handed.

We are also considering having a bit of a 'yard' sale on Sunday (weather and energy permitting) in our front yard to find new homes for our own collection of excess stereo equipment, vintage chairs, vinyl rekkids (like the one above), cd's, craft books, magazines, clothes and god knows what else on Sunday to co-incide with the Westgarth Primary School Fete. We'll post on Sunday morning and let you all know if we've managed to muster the enthusiasm needed to pull it together after being woken up at 6am by small people jumping on our heads demanding breakfast and thomas movies. BECK

Saturday 22 October
Tempting Fete 2011
Spensley St Primary School
193 Spensley st. Clifton Hill
10am to 4pm

Sunday 23 October
Whopping Great Fete
Westgarth Primary School
Clarke St. Northcote
10am to 4pm

Spring Fair and Open Day
Collingwood College
11am-4pm

DO OF THE WEEK

2011-10-20T12:24:00.001+11:00

OPENING NIGHT

Unless you've been under the proverbial rock for the last ten years you would be all be familiar with what has become as daily a habit as our morning coffee - Michi Girl and by extension the illustrative work of Kat McLeod . As it happens Ramona and I were both present at the Michi Girl launch at Craft Victoria all those years ago, and Ramona is now a part of the extended Michi reporter family so we feel particularly close to her, besides she's a ginger like me with a smart mouth and a love of fashion - so what's not to love. It's also a very special birthday for Michi - yup... she's reached double figures.

Aside from a raft of giveaways and special anniversary surprises coming up on site, the first cab off the birthday rank is an exhibition of Ms Mcleod's publication work for Michi at none other than Lamington Drive entitled PAGE GIRLS. Expect an array of beautifully drawn and collaged fashionista amongst a crowd of beatifully outfitted and accessorised fashionistas - all celebrating ten years of must haves, quick quips and weather reports. Most definately 'Do' of the week. BECK

Read more about Kat here: http://thedesignfiles.net/2008/11/interview-kat-macleod/

PAGE GIRLS
20 October - 19 November
Lamington Drive
15-25 Keele Street
Collingwood, VIC.

Fun time of the week

2011-10-17T07:39:00.002+11:00

Who listens to the radio?

The ladies of hml will be on the radio this morning talking up what a heap of fun we are planning over the next four weeks. We'll be checking out the new cool store Gleaners Inc in Brunswick, heading out to Mulgrave Makers Marketto check out what the buzz is about there, heading out to caulfield to the Craft and Sew showto stock up on liberty print fabric and superfine glitter and checking out the glorious new work at No Vacancy gallery by artist Gemma Jones Of course well also be indulging our love of Halloween crafting too. Anything to interrupt the Christmas decoration making (ha ha). We are on air at 1030 am on 102.7

Window of the week

2011-10-11T14:36:00.002+11:00

Hot buttered toast

As well as being a classic movie, a local cafe, and our favourite meal, the breakfast club is an annual window exhibition at Craft Victoria. 2nd year RMIT ceramics students are invited to create tableware for the morning meal. Our day usually starts before dawn but we here at hml think any of these pieces would be a welcome addition to our bleary breakfast! On show til October 29.

OUT OF TOWNER OF THE WEEK

2011-10-04T13:27:00.000+11:00

hello sweeties

Those of you lucky enough to be up north in warmer waters either permanently or as part of the school holidays exodus should make an effort to catch Beck Wheeler's Tarts and Flours in its last week at Gold Coast gallery 19 Karen .

When not designing soft toys and album covers for her musical namesake or participating in highbrow international illustration exhibitions Beck is another one of those clever peeps who regularly engage in genre bending nu-craft. The fact that her subjects of choice include important hml concerns like shopping, tea parties and monsters applied to reconfigured kitchen utensils makes her work all the sweeter. This time literally.

While you're there you may also want to take a peek at Wellington Based Mica Stills show Runaway with Me . I have to admit I didn't know much about Mica until recently (clearly my loss) but after seeing paintings like these I now consider myself a new and ardent admirer.

Perhaps I might even be able to convince the architect that we need another bear in the house. BECK

TARTS AND FLOURS by Beck Wheeler
RUNAWAY WITH ME by Mica Stills
both on until October 8

19 KAREN Gallery
19 Karen Avenue, Mermaid Beach

Gold Coast QLD.
Tuesdays - Saturdays 10am - 5pm

SHOW OF THE WEEK

2011-10-03T09:29:00.002+11:00

Drysdale Dreaming

The exhibition of Pippin Drysdale ceramics at Moss Green Gallery is craft withal capital C. You don't get the moniker of Master of Australian Craft for nothing people! The work is considered yes, perfectly finished of course, but that discounts the pure pleasure one gets from the deeply saturated colours and gorgeous spectrum tableaux. This Fremantle based internationally acclaimed artist is enormously generous in her work. True objects of desire for the ladies of HML. Only one week to go so get there quick!

Moss Green Gallery
310 Toorak Road
South Yarra, 3141
Melbourne
Victoria
Australia

IMPORTANT: the gallery is inexplicably only open Mon-Fri.

Little project of the week

2011-09-28T10:36:00.002+10:00

Patchwork

The wonderful Miss Pen Pen had a birthday recently and so I made this patchwork inspired tray to serve her gigantic cups of tea on. Despite being the Queen of Craft and being very hard to make things for I persevere knowing full well her good nature will forgive my foibles with mod podge. Wait until she sees what I have planned for Christmas! RAMONA

Honour of the Week

2011-09-27T08:00:00.002+10:00

Last week I had my annual task of judging the craft section of the Veterans Affairs Short Story,Art,Writing and Craft Awards. This is my fifth year of being judge and it was particularly bittersweet. The group had diminished considerably in the past 12 months and I was saddened to hear many of my favourite entrants had passed away. Next year they will open the competition to children and grandchildren of veterans but it just won't be the same. I was so pleased to see the work of May Brown (well into her 90's and creator of amazing knitted vignettes that are always the highlight of my year)

If you'd like to see past years entrants start here and that will link you all the way back. RAMONA

SHOW OF THE WEEK

2011-09-26T07:39:00.002+10:00

On the Fringe

The intern and I headed out to Abbotsford Convent on Saturday afternoon to see Fringe Furniture It's always an interesting show as the designers are often a mix of first time exhibitors and decidedly non fringe professionals. There is usually a couple of dodge things that look like they were cobbled together in the shed the week before but this year the collection is fairly polished and engaging. The setting really helps (we always hated it in the museum foyer, felt like such an afterthought) and it's well worth a trip. You can always combine it with coffee and cake from the bakery, a snoop around the studios and a visit to C3 gallery.

Fringe Furniture
22 September - 8 October 2011
Thu - Sun, 11am - 5pm
The Industrial School
Sacred Heart Courtyard
Abbotsford Convent
1 St Heliers St
Abbotsford VIC 3067

CRAFT FINDS OF THE WEEK

2011-09-22T06:47:00.008+10:00

plastic fantastic

Spoiler alert... if you happen to be the owner/creator behind Cottage Industry AVERT YOUR GAZE, well at least until I get to Gertrude street in an hour or so.

Ms Durston has a habit of hopping off for her birthday each year and really given the option why wouldn't you! As such I am always playing catch up with the gift giving. Thankfully over the last few years I've been lucky enough to happen across a collection of very special handmade wonders that usually make up in craft points what they've lost in tardiness. This year I believe is no exception, combining three of our lady of craft's favourite themes: vintage flower prints, clever stitchwork and plasticated utilitarian three dimensional object d'weird. I think she'll love it.

While I was hunting clearly the op-shop gods were smiling as I also found something for me ,which of course makes the first find all the sweeter.

Really for a log-lady loving lady could this print be more perfect?

and just because ITS TOO FREAKING GOOD (yes I am shouting) here's a close up of that moose call... now I just have to convince the in-house architect that it deserves some wall space amongst the 'real' art. BECK

SHOW OF THE WEEK

2011-09-21T07:12:00.005+10:00

nice work if you can get it

Ok so for most of you it's going to require a road trip or some deep commitment to public transport to get to the Robert Baines survey show at Glen Eira Gallery. But it's important we tells ya! A chance to see 35 years of practice from arguably our most preeminent jewelers and metalsmiths is well worth the travel time but the added bonus of seeing the work of one of the great eachers, tastemakers and mentors makes this an absolute must see.

Im going to try and get down there on Saturday for the free floor talk that starts at 230 pm. Dr Baines has always been a rather cryptic character and I've only ever seen him talking about other peoples work. I'll be interested to hear what he has to say about now being considered a living treasure, the state of craft and design in higher education, the new makers he most admires and what makes his work truly international.

Show opens Thursday and runs until October 16

Glen Eira Gallery CNR of Glen Eira and Hawthorn Rd, Caulfield.
RAMONA

Books of the week

2011-09-20T13:47:00.002+10:00

Poetry and stitches

I've been so lucky lately. I have received quite a haul of gorgeous books for my recent birthday. One of which is just so mega amazingly wondrous it will get it's own post next week. It's a book so special Im actually giving it it's own shelf! In the meantime I can recommend any of these texts for inspiration and Ideas.Miss P recently came back from an annual sojourn in Tasmania and brought back a gorgeous limited edition book of 10 island writers and crafters along with a whole pile of goodies for me from MONA. The book is just lovely and I have read it cover to cover. The other tomes are some great boy focussed DIY sewing books and a crazy Japanese embroidery book. Aren't we all suckers for those Japanese craft books? Are they useful at all? Probably not but lovely nonetheless! RAMONA

Project of last week

2011-09-15T09:30:00.001+10:00

Caravan of love

I know fathers day is yesterdays news but I'd forgotten to share a little crafty moment the womble and I had putting together this mini album. He has become quite adept at pasting (I do the cutting) and as corny as this gift was I do believe it was much appreciated. Better than a pair of socks I hope! Ramona

SHOW OF THE WEEK

2011-09-14T10:01:00.002+10:00

Band Camp

New show VA opening at Utopian Slumps this weeked sees eclectic ethnographer, musician and found object magpie Dylan Martorell as curator/in house DJ selecting some of his favourite artists and making a brilliant mixed tape that waxes lyrical on the nexus between music and art.

Given my love of the 'blended' genre from Sun Ra to the New York Dolls this one is clearly a no brainer for me, and I'll be there with the music loving sling widget come Saturday lunchtime. The other major attraction lies in VA's killer line up: Marco Fusinato, Michael Graeve, Tarquin Manek, Dylan Martorell, Victor Meertens that's some serious melbourne experimental art/rock/jazz/world/improv talent people. Expect excellent soundscaping alongside works spanning emmersive photography through exploded vinyl to baked bread. Sounds good to me. BECK

VA
September 17 - October 8
Utopian Slumps
ground floor, 33 Guildford Lane Melbourne
Open Wed - Sat 12-6pm.
other times by appointment: +61 3 9077 9918

Party of the Week

2011-09-13T11:46:00.001+10:00

You'll have to forgive us dear readers. Between technical hiccups (powersurge =computer death) and small things (age 17, 3, 2.5 and 100 days) the wheels have fallen off at hml hq! I'm trying out some new technology this week while my delightful tech guy fixes up the black box. This entry comes to you via an iPad app or two, we'll see how it goes!

I had a significant birthday last week so I had a great excuse for some party craft. I made some cool favours using my new wood grain and birch stamps. These little handmade notebooks looked pretty spiffy I think. Shame I forgot to give them out to half my guests - hopeless! We had birthday breakfast - at 830 am on a Sunday. Let's just say naps were needed. But who can resist that insane three tiered chocolate pavlova that Maggie B created?

SHOW OF THE YEAR

2011-09-06T10:14:00.000+10:00

THE LOVED ONES

locution n. 1. a particular form of expression; a phrase or expression. 2. a style of speech or verbal expression; phraseology. (from Latin locutio an utterance, from locui to speak)

Ok so we're playing favourites here... but really this one promises a lot and we know it will deliver. The incredibly talented and completly lovely Katherine Bowman has been working on this show for two years and we're excited. Ramona has been lucky enough to have seen much of the 'work in progress' and she's been talking it up for months...she's even opening the show on Thursday night. Those familiar with Katherines work will be keenly anticipating this next chapter in her exhibition practice, and those new to her work will no doubt gasp in wonder as Locutions is chock full of her highly personal and equisitly rendered pieces that perfectly express the nexus between poetry and craftsmanship.

Like it says on the box: "Katherine Bowman's new work examines the way we imbue objects and artefacts with meaning. Through a series of small box like vessels, themes of containment, secrecy, talismanic power and personal mythology come together to create a collection of mysterious and quiet pieces that draw the viewer in like a small poem. Pulling inspiration from sources as diverse as Federico Garcia Lorca, Jean Baudrillard and Nick Cave, these intricately decorated boxes not only provide a secret space to carry one's true self but a shelter for the vulnerable heart and the spirit animus." And really who are we to argue? BECK

Katherine Bowman: Locutions (the loved object)

9 Sep – 15 Oct 2011
Gallery 1, Craft Victoria
31 Flinders Lane Melbourne
Opening: Thursday 8 September, 6-8pm

SHOWS OF THE WEEK

2011-09-01T09:48:00.000+10:00

signs of life

Two shows have caught my eye this week - Space Invaders at RMIT and Diamonds in the Rough at Lamington Drive and both are opening TONIGHT people!!!

Whether using spray-can graf, texta tags, paste-ups or desktop magazine layout to catch the viewers eye both of these shows are a testament to the pavlovian appeal of advertising vernacular's visual language and clever scripting. After all, we all want to be sold something dont we? When done well, both advertising and street art can reflect our deepest desires and showcase the best of our creatives - able to be brilliantly amusing, thought provoking and gaspingly beautiful at the same time.

Space invaders looks at "the artist and their iconic street-based works at the point of their transition from the ephemeral to the collectable and from the street to the gallery", along the way both celebrating and making the case that stencils, posters, paste-ups, zines and stickers all comprise an important chapter in the development of Australian prints and drawings. Raising the question of legal vs. renegade once again RMIT Gallery has commissed a public art project with local street artists who will create a work in the laneway near RMIT Gallery during the exhibition. In addition a public seminar, Vandals or Vanguards?, will discuss the political, social and artistic aspects of street art and zines, Monday September 26 in the gallery space. Heavy - but my money is on the vanguards.

Diamonds in the Rough has been put together by design wizard Andrew Ashton and coincides with the release of desktop magazine’s 25 year anniversary ‘Time Capsule’ edition - edited no less by one and same wizard Mr A Ashton. Get ready for a gallery housing around 20 years worth of design ephemera, from a long list of Australian design glitterati... horders delight no? t should also be mentioned that this will the the last cardboard show at lamington drive so it is your last chance to say goodbye to the brown study that has been Lamington Drive before it becomes "a gallery formerly made of cardboard for nice people".
Given the pedigree's of both these shows i'm looking forward to seeing some seriously good schtick. BECK

PARTY OF THE WEEK REDUX

2011-08-30T14:01:00.000+10:00

Such fun was had a the birthday party that I thought I'd make Max this memento of his big day. It's quite a bromance between Thom and Max (note the hand holding!) and I was so glad I could record it for posterity (and their 21sts!) I'm making a mini album for Beck but I wanted Max to having something special too. it's a little corny, a little sentimental - so sue me! Of course Thom wants one now, the typical craft domino effect. RAMONA

PARTY OF THE WEEK

2011-08-24T11:13:00.004+10:00

Look Mum No Hands!

We celebrated mixmaster maxwell's third birthday on sunday. Thankfully the weather was perfect, unlike my baking which for some reason was disasterous... one of those everything I touch turns to compost kind of days.

Luckily Ramona had brought in savoury baked goods as back up, Mick had prepared his own special antipasto plates earlier and the kids didn't care that the texture of my cupcakes was a little on the 'bouncy' side, or that the pineapple upside down cake was a little 'toasty'.

And Thomas bless him clearly thought the fairy bread was ok!

This year for the first time I did a 'theme' (dinosaurs) which was much appreciated by the cretaceous crazed boys and my father (the Fishing Pied Piper Pop) had been practicing his balloon animals all week so we plenty of silly hats, oddly phallic poodles and balloon sword fights all day.

Michael had also managed to find a large inflatable punching T-Rex (genius) and there was a certain new bike making it's first appearance. Needless to say the kids were well entertained and didn't stop moving all morning.

Their hyper activity may however have been chemically assisted as I went all super mum and made gift bags.

Which included Thom's special "whistle" request and loads of snakes, teeth and milk bottles... much to the horror of all the parents and my evil delight. Of course they'd all opened, scarfed and destroyed the contents within two minutes of sitting down. And that was before they started on the chocolate crackles.

We all had such a great time, all the presents were incredibly thoughtful and very crafty - wooden tools, lots of drawing and painting stuff, handmade pencil box, a pin board puzzle, the obligatory Thomas trains and another plastic hat to add to Max's growing village people dress up collection.

Max also finally took charge of his little pink bunny from Auntie Rambo - HOORAY!

oh and as you can see the Thomas and Maxwell bromance continues... next stop Ramona's birthday breakfast!! BECK

SHOWS+ OF THE WEEK

2011-08-22T09:06:00.003+10:00

MONDAY

There is so much on this week we thought we'd give you a bit of a day by day run down so you could pace yourselves! Today we'll take advantage of the glorious weather to see the first day of the collaborative project between Emma Greenwood and MaryannTalia Pau (shoemaker and weaver respectively). 'I'll show you My Craft if you Show me Yours' is a way for makers to share their process while creating some new work in Craft Vic's pocket sized gallery three. Emma and Maryann have titled theirs 'Regal Savage' and we are excited to see how they explore the theme of hybridisation. find out more here

TUESDAY

The RMIT Gold and Silversmithing and Ceramics department are holding a day long seminar exploring the notion of hybrid practice. 8 different speakers (including the wonderful Meridth Turnbull and Damien Skinner) will give their take on how object bases practices can be a catalyst for enquiry and research - which can sometimes feel like trying t mix oil and water so I'll be interested to hear what everyone has to say. There is also a masterclass in the afternoon for those with some skills (find out more here)

WEDNESDAY

The Pieces of Eight crew have temporarily reopened the old gallery space in St Georges Road for Seoid 11 - an amazing touring show of jewellery from Ireland. Curator Claire McAlister(apparently quite the pocket rocket on the Irish craft scene) will be there during the show for a chat about the work and what's happing all the way over there (find out more here)

THURSDAY

You know how we love handheld gallery. Well the new show there is just wonderful - an ode to procrastination it s a collection of doodles, drawings, ideas and jottings that mark those moments of procrastination that we all experience. (find out more here)

FRIDAY

Part two of the Craft and Design as A Career form focuses more on the mid career maker. This is a great opportunity to hear from industry experts on how to take your craft or design based business to that next level (you know, where you can pay the rent etc) find out more here

Phew! We'll tell you about Saturday and Sunday on Friday. Does that make sense? RAMONA

SALE OF THE WEEK

2011-08-20T08:43:00.003+10:00

au revoir
Today really marks the end of an era. The fabulous jewellers Anna Davern, Nicky Hepburn and Cass Partington are moving out of their Carlow House studio after 16 years and are having a great big studio sale to celebrate. Not just jewellery, but equipment, supplies even soundtracks will be on sale and I hear on the grapevine their are some bargains to be had. It's going to be an all day party (10-5) and we are all invited so do pop in! It's on the 8th floor, end of the corridor. RAMONA

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

2011-08-18T12:58:00.000+10:00

Denim on Denim

Ramona and I headed off to see the Denim show at Mr Kitly, yes can you believe I finally got out of the house! Denim features some of our local and international favourites all tinkering around in their own particular way with one of our favourite fabrics. Have to say we were impressed with much of the work on show, a sea of indigo refashioned via weaving, knitting, shredding and coiling, beaded, embroidered, and stuffed from jewellery to miniture cowboy jeans.

And while we were a tad disappointed there wasnt a bedazzle in sight, as you can see it's well worth a look.

While I was there I was mesmerised by the gentle spinning of this work... so I couldnt help but get the iphone into movie mode and take some footage. And ok so it's not really a 'movie' per se, and much more amateur than auter but its still kind of spooky in a blair witch kind of way? oooh new sub-genre Craft Horror!

We were even lucky enough to catch curator Dell Stewart in the house when we arrived - showcasing these killer rockin rodesque tartan tights on the best legs in melbournes art scene partnered with a Durston original made from you guessed it... denim. BECK

SHOWS OF THE WEEK

2011-08-15T03:37:00.001+10:00

bubbling up

Oh there are two super cool shows opening this week. First up is Anita Cummin's new show at BUS 'draw the line'. We love Anita's work. She has developed a keen eye for exploring the nature of artistic obsessive compulsive disorder! We are intrigued by the nature of repetitive mark making and can't wait to see the show.

The amazing bubbles of glass in the new show by Jasmine Targett at Dianne Tanzer project space gallery are so confounding and mysterious. They are beckoning us to get on the tram this week and head up to Gertrude Street to see them. the look beautiful and medicinal at the same time. tops! RAMONA

AUCTION OF THE WEEK

2011-08-11T12:20:00.002+10:00

Solid Gold

earrings by Tessa Blazey

Its on again...the annual RMIT Gold and Silvesmithing auction and raffle - and as usual its a veritable who's who in contemporary jewellery with a line up featuring pretty much everybody as well as works donated by all of Melbournes major jewellery galleries - thats right people that means Pieces of Eight, Studio Ingot, e.g etal AND Funaki. We thought we'd give you just a little taster of what you could bid on with three of our favourites - Tessa Blazey, Sally Marsland and 'The Prof.'

brooch by Sally Marsland

We would have given you more notice but to be honest we were worried about the competition, after all we don't want to go hme empty handed! And if that wasn't reason enough to attend this year’s raffle also puts you in the running for a sterling silver and stainless steel sugar bowl by Wayne Guest. Booya!

ring by Robert Baines

Tickets can be bought on the night or from the Gold and Silversmithing department in Building 2 today.
Click HERE to check out all the works on offer - definately one not to be missed. BECK

RMIT Gold and Silversmithing auction and raffle

Bella Union Bar - Trades Hall

Corner of Lygon and Victoria Streets

Carlton, Melbourne

TONIGHT 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

CRAFTIST OF THE WEEK

2011-08-09T11:11:00.000+10:00

Timmy time!

As is so often the case the title of this post has bugger all to do with the actual content, and more to do with an uncontrollable urge to coin bad puns, and anyone without a child under five will be scratching their head and thinking "what the?" right about now while those of you with children will be singing along with the theme song in your heads. Apologies up front, I assure you the actual focus will more than make up for the pad wordplay.

German artist and illustrator Sabine Timm makes great things from found things, and has a wicked way with a brush. I dont' seem to be able to get get enough of her at the moment and a visit to her flickr stream has become a daily ritual - I find her work goes very nicely with crumpets and your morning coffee. Lovely stuff.

Those of you who are cashed up despite the looming GFC MK 2 can also buy a small selection of her paintings from Sebastian Foster gallery in Texas... given the US ecconomy at the moment i'm sure they'd be happy to ship anywhere. BECK

SHOW OF THE WEEK part 1

2011-08-08T05:17:00.003+10:00

town square

Ok so Craft Cubed, the annual craft Victoria festival really kicks into gear this week. We are looking forwardto peeking into peoples studios, participating in workshops, doing a Victoria tour to see a whole heap of satellite events and just generally celebrating all things capital C.

We'll be stopping by Pussycat Black to see the amazing window installation by Betty Jo Designs. Right behind the Queen Vic Market the fruit theme seems apt. Think Carmen Miranda!

We love an artist who claims to be the wielder of the HB pencil. In keeping with Craft Cubed's Hybrid theme the ornithological Frankenstein creations of Melissa Reidy at Mailbox 141 are pretty sure to knock our socks off.

I've already had a sneak peak at the wall buttons by textile designer Penny Malone. They are featured as apart of the main exhibition at Craft Victoria.

And how cute are these terrariums. Do you remember my over the top attempt at one of these? maybe I should invest in one of these by Greenscape at next weekends Craft Hatch Market at 1000pound bend. There is so much on we are going to go with the slow release over the next two weeks just so you can all get your head around everything! Comfy walking shoes are in order in August! RAMONA

MARKET OF THE WEEK

2011-08-05T11:20:00.002+10:00

Sisterhood

Ramona swears by this one. And given that one of our favourite local ceramicists Sophie Milne has worded me up that she's joining the ranks of stall holders this Saturday, I'm in too. Sophie has been working on a new range of domesticware that includes the droolworthy batter bowls above. For mine the clean scandinavian lines Sophie manages to instill in her tableware are irrisitable - deceptively spare they manage to just make me shut up and go ahhhhhhh. Those following my daily breakfast posts will know how much my family loves its pancakes, and how much I like my 'pottery' so clearly i'll be getting at at least one in each size.

And now that Maxwell and Thomas are addicted to noodles of every persuasion I might have to pick up one or two of these noodle bowls as well. Well done again Sophie, consider your new work SOLD!

SISTERS MARKET
Saturday 6th August
Brunswick Town Hall

233 Sydney Rd Brunswick
Saturday 10am-4pm

BECK

OUTING OF THE WEEK

2011-08-03T10:01:00.001+10:00

for the win

Last week I was lucky enough to win two tickets to Heide's Pick and Eat Winter Harvest Lunch. This was terribly exciting as it's like the perfect present for me! I love Heide and I love eating out and I don't get to do either as often as I'd like. We were all give baskets and instructed to pick from Sunday's lovely garden up at Heide 1 - what a treat! Above is me getting some lemon thyme.

Here is my beloved looking for potatoes (he and head gardener Dougal got on like a house on fire!)

Here is Dougal (doesn't he look like a gardener?) getting ready to eat our harvest. Actually they cheated in the kitchen and picked everything the day before. We got all our veges in a gift bag instead.

One of the chefs popped out to tell us about the daube of beef method (10 hours in the oven at 80c) and we all felt rather special!

We were also given free entry into the Callum Morton show which was just amazing. Mind you I was so content after lunch everything seemed amazing for a few hours. I do like winning prizes. RAMONA

GIFT OF THE WEEK

2011-08-02T09:33:00.001+10:00

Purl Post

I am such a sucker for mail. I think I do my grocery shopping online just to have something delivered to the door. I get all my craft supplies, magazines, food, fabric - everything delivered. I even bought a book from the Brunswick St Bookstore last month and got them to mail it. It's literally 5 minutes away by car. But no, I prefer to pay postage so it will be delivered. this is a weird quirk I admit, it feels like getting a present!

Many years ago I was a card carrying member of the Rowan Yarns international club, which meant I got the magazine early as well as extra bits and bobs - it was ridiculously expensive I must admit and I let it drop after a year or two. It really was some of the nicest mail I've ever had. I struggle with knitting, I love it but I never seem to improve. Perhaps it is my terrible left handedness or my short attention span that does me in?

I was very excited when my Beloveds mum who lives in the beautiful English town of Bury St Edmund noticed her local knitting shop had some Rowan books and yarn on sale. I was even more excited when it all arrived by post yesterday!Despite not being a knitter herself she managed to buy a beautiful book and enough cotton yarn to knit 3 or 4 items.

I have enough to make Thom a stripey jumper and a cow. He's very keen on the funny birds too, we'll see. I am a terribly slow slow knitter so he may see these sometime next spring - and when I say next spring I mean 2012!

In return for this treasure I will hand write a thank you note, because everyone loves mail - especially with international stamps on it! RAMONA

SHOW OF THE WEEK

2011-08-01T10:32:00.001+10:00

mood indigo

The ladies of HML cannot begin to tell you how excited we are about the new show opening at Mr Kitly on Friday. Curator and artist Dell Stewart has assembled an international group of artists, designers and craftspeople to interpret one of our favourite mediums.

It's always wonderful when the focus of a group show is on one thing. It provides you with cohesiveness and ease of access. You don't have to stand in the middle of the white box trying to get your head around the esoterics of it all. That simplicity often allows deeper meaning to creep in. Nothing simpler than denim right? well maybe. RAMONA

Denim 5-21 Aug
Mr Kitly
Upstairs 381 Sydney Road Brunswick

PRINTOUT OF THE WEEK

2011-07-29T06:59:00.000+10:00

Lucky Star

This weekend we're having a party for my neice at our place - this is especially special because its her first one with us in Australia. Just like her Mum and Auntie Beck she's an avid crafter, although it's fair to say she's far more talented than both of us put together.

So aside from the Brunetti's birthday cake, hot pink sneakers and matching scooter that were requested as birthday booty I've also put together this box of super craft supplies with her name on it. Literally.

I've used this excellent free name plate from supremely talented Canadian illustrator Helen Dardik to make sure no-one else (MAX, CHARLIE TAKE NOTE!) gets their greasy pawn on her stash. Helen has also very generiously supplied birthday invitations, christmas gift tags and bookplates over on her blog Orange You Lucky which are equally awesome. Thanks Helen, and Happy Birthday Miss Anna. BECK

HOT SPOT OF THE WEEK

2011-07-28T08:24:00.001+10:00

purler

Just one place left in the Nikki Gabriel Workshop this Sunday at Cottage Industry. This is the hottest gig in town. The craft equivalent of finding a golden ticket. For $88 you get to spend the afternoon with Nikki - an incredible knitwear designer, you get a lovely hand printed tote with wool and instructions, you get to sit at the cottage - a dreamy inspring space and possibly partake in a ginger fluff sponge - heaven! You can head over to here to make your booking or call the cottage direct on 9419 2430.

GIFT OF THE WEEK

2011-07-27T11:18:00.003+10:00

boxy but good!

You know I've gone crazy for these pencil boxes. I had already made my friend Max a little box but I knew he love a companion one for his 3rd birthday coming up next month.

I'm going to fill it up with those fabulous model animals you can get a toy stores and perhaps a little journal for field notes.

These boxes are available at Bunnings for $8, the paper I used on this one is from October Afternoon - you can buy their papers online here . RAMONA

BITS AND BOBS OF THE WEEK

2011-07-26T13:13:00.005+10:00

gifties

Well you all know that we are totally obsessed with Christmas at HML. I'm using the royal we here because Becks Christmas spirit doesn't rise until October whereas I am the ghost of Christmas past present and future! I have started making some decorations - just some little papery, woody, ribbony, glittery things for the kids trees.

I did them before I knew how to do that pinwheel concertina trick so they may be rejigged while I'm watching telly.

I also made a wheat bag for my lovely pal J who turned an unmentionable age last week. I didn't have time to do anything fancy but I copied Beck's cloud running stitch idea - they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!

I am a secret fan of the hobby that shall not speak it's name (i.e scrapbooking) and have been making little mini albums of Thom, to his delight. He loves the idea of books starring himself - so vain! And as much as they all poo poo my little hobby, there have been rumblings amongst other members in the family as to why I haven't dedicated a project to them.

There is something so satisfying about crafting in winter. Maybe its the accompanying pots of tea, the good smells coming out of the kitchen and the cosy quietness of it all. Needless to say I love Christmas in July! RAMONA

SHOW OF THE WEEK

2011-07-25T09:10:00.003+10:00

size matters

Well if you are anything like me you are suffering from festival overload, between the design festival, the film festival and the Gertrude St projection festival we are all a little more festive than usual. So I'm not going to tell you all about Craft Cubed (Craft Victoria's Festivus for the Rest of Us) just yet. Let's just say it is the jam filled doughnut of festivals and leave it at that for now.

Despite not officially starting for a couple of weeks there is an early bit of hot sauce from the program opening this week at Pieces of Eight gallery. Director and curator Melanie Katsalidis has brought together jewellers who began their creative practices as interior designers - hence the downsizing. How do you go from creating an environment to an object?
We are seeing more and more interdisciplinary practice, which is a great thing. It blurs the lines between craft and design, it gives people multiple income streams that don't include selling your soul to devil, and it injects new life and energy into what can sometimes be a closed shop. It will be interesting to see how these designers compress their ideas into the miniature and wearable. RAMONA

image 1 Suzi Zutic

image 2 Kim Victoria Wearne

image 3 Katrina Tyler

Pieces of Eight

28 Russell Place

Melbourne City

Downsizing July 26- September 3

SHOWS OF THE WEEK

2011-07-20T11:18:00.001+10:00

Nanny State

So it's State of Design time again. This year, as always i've been up to my eyeballs for months getting things organised for Craft Victoria's contribution to the festivus. With pod of trade stands by some of our favourite peeps there will be loads of beautiful wares for sale and show. Both of us agree Design Made Trade is always worth a look, and not just becuase over the past three years we've both been involved. Ramona is also wearing her Craft Victoria to the event by officially launching Craft Victoria's new business portal Craft Work (another labour of love) in her offical 'Chair' capacity on Friday.

This time round CV is also presenting the Open Studio program: twelve makers, six studios and four days of talented individuals making 'live' from the heart of the cardboard souk. Old friends and new faves alike will provide a rotating schedule in collaborative studio spaces that will provide a nice 'fingerfied' counterpoint to the more machine made parts of the show. I have to send a big shout out to supergirl Milly Flemming who had to pick up the maternity leave baton and get this project completed after I absconded to give birth to Finn - she's done a cracking job and these Open Studios promise to be the highlight of the show, I can't encourage you enough to make the effort to get up close and personal with this amazing line up of crafting superstars.

Also tied to the fest is Harvest Textiles mini program of satellite events called Make up, there are least three unmissable workshops, including weaving, chair making and teepee building which we'd love to be attending. And of course because its Melbourne and we all know each other, there is a lovely link to the open studios at DMT presented by Craft Victoria with the gobsmackingly brilliant Maryann Talia Pau appearing on both bills.

There are loads of activities for kids which look fantastic including Junk Puppets, the Makedo marvellous life size Maze, and a repeat of last years Paper Plane accademy which we hope both our big boys will be attending.

And of course then there's the exhibitions... we want to see Bus Projects Critical Mobility , The Housing Project at hml fave venue the Compound interest, but we'll have to see if our families let us out of the house. Oh and if you're in the mood for some art but don't want to miss out on some retail therapy while you're perusing you'd be a fool to miss the Look. Stop.Shop window installations.

And because all that festivalling will no doubt make you hungry theres also food... Dining with Strangers, Design O' Pizza at Ladro Broadsheet's pop up Micro-Kitchen and for those that want a little highbrow action theres always From Buildings to Food at Heide.

Ah Melbourne...always a festival. So much to do, so little time.

State of Design festival runs 20 - 31 July
check out the website to make sure you at least know what you'll be missing.
Design Made Trade runs from 21 - 24 July
opening tonight for invited guests, tomorrow for trade and saturday and sunday for regular peeps
Harvest Workshops 23 - 31 July
book now to make sure you get in
BECK

CRAFT FIND OF THE WEEKEND

2011-07-12T10:55:00.002+10:00

je suis un knitwit

Last week my brother hit the jackpot while oppshopping in the country and found an original knitting nancy which he presented to me (along with a couple of other gems) for my belated birthday present. I love a little french knitting, and I have to say I was a demon with my original knitting nancy all those years ago.

Many a winter outfit and accessory for my beloved sindy - (the only bendable barbie alternative at the time with red hair and while the image above isn't actually my Sindy you get the picture) . So you can imagine I was very excited to whip open the box and get cracking.

Thankfully the inside box lid has a wealth of instructional information for the lapsed knitwit - however it looks a little more like you're giving nancy a labotomy rather than using her to create a masterful tube of neat stitches in Fig.3.

And just in case you feel your creativity waning the makers have very kindly provided an excellent mini fold out pamphlet of ideas... I'm absolutely loving that hankie holder in post war brittish green. Definately on the Christmas 2011 list.

Mind you I don't remember Nancy looking this grumpy back in the day... BECK

EXCURSION OF THE WEEK (well last month actually)

2011-07-07T09:11:00.003+10:00

blow it

I'd almost forgotten to tell you about my trip to Canberra Glassworks! We almost didn't go because quite frankly even I can get a bit of craft/art/design fatigue. We were on our way to Silo Bakery in Kingston (a slice of Melbourne in the ACT) to get some lunch when we passed it and on a whim took a hard left to tick it off our list.

And I'm so glad we did because it was a real highlight of the trip. I've been thinking about this craft quite a bit recently. With the closure of Monash Glass dept I wondered if it was on its way out. Its incredibly labour intensive, highly skilled, dangerous difficult work.

Canberra has always had a strong glass community because of its great university course up there- but this place really seals the deal. It's amazing! House in an old power station, this state of the art facility allows visitors to watch the process from viewing decks - and we were absolutely transfixed. Sadly our budget meant we couldn't take a souvenir of the visit - and we missed out on a table at Silo too. Totally worth it. RAMONA

GIFTS OF THE WEEK

2011-07-06T07:14:00.005+10:00

gifts and acquisitions

Thought I might share a few objects that have come into my life that I am enjoying. The above is a gorgeous cup by ceramic artist/superstar Bridget Bodenham which is way too pretty for coffee and lives on my bedside table full of blooms from Thom's garden (my two year old is a better gardener than I am).

The next is this very architectural honeycomb bangle my Canberra based designer Chris Hardy. Chris actually has a chair in my show up there and it was the perfect souvenir of my capital design experience.

The above is a good look at the back of a gorgeous brooch by jeweller Elfrun Lach. I'm a big fan of the backs of things - and this clasp is pretty spectacular. The brooch is a beautiful rich red and am amazing shape, it's more like wearing a sculpture.

The above is a pencil box I made for the Interns birthday next week. It will be full of goodies by then but I wanted to show you the papers which I love. I got my box from Bunnings for $8 (everyone will be getting one of these at Christmas I think). The paper is by an American company called Basic Grey who are just amazing. For $1 a sheet it's a pretty economical craft! The birthday girl has got her eye on those Elfrun Lach earrings. She should be so lucky... RAMONA

SHOWS OF THE WEEKEND

2011-07-05T07:32:00.003+10:00

weekender

The Intern and I thought we'd brave the winter chill and do the rounds on Saturday. We always make Craft Victoria our first stop - it's at the start of the city so it's easy enough to clamber down the hill and see things. The much feted Bless design group have installed these strange and kind of wonderful garden boxes in collaboration with Melbourne groovers PAM (Misha Hollenbach & Shauna Toohey) Show grows until July 30.

I really loved the little work of Demelza Sherwood at Mailbox 141. Her show 'Notes to the Stallholder' was tinged with sadness and nostalgia and perfectly suited to this series of mailboxes serving as gallery space. Show runs til July 15.

The Intern was particularly impressed with the current platform show chockablock with girl street artists including the brilliant Baby Guerilla.

I think the Intern was so inspired after a trip to the Sticky zine shop that a publishing empire was born in her mind - too cool. I didn't take pics of everything we saw on Saturday (including gorgeous work at Pieces of Eight and E G Etal) but that gives you a little sampler. RAMONA

POP UP OF THE WEEK recap

2011-07-04T07:52:00.004+10:00

pop!
I had one of those weekends where I just ran around looking at stuff getting all excited about what people are making and doing around my town. I thought it best to finish my grand tour of Melbourne on Sunday afternoon to the Beci Orpin pop up shop at Harvest Workroom mainly so I can report back to Beck!

It was so very pretty and inviting, more like a street party than anything else. I did pick up a few choice items for the Interns birthday next week (won't show them yet!)

Beci had really captured a nice studio feel while still be welcoming. I was very fond of her paper mobiles.

Of course for me the main attraction was the awesome taco truck. Nothing like shivering in the winter cold waiting for the perfect fish taco. Seriously. Best food ever.

Make sure you check out the Design Files this week for the Harvest Ladies are guest blogging -too cool yeah? RAMONA

POP UP OF THE WEEK

2011-07-01T13:42:00.001+10:00

paper party

Just about the only downside to having Finn has been missing out on the Beci Orpin workshops at Harvest textiles. Really she's a bit of a hero of mine... totally a "what i'd like to be when i grow up" kind of craft crush i've had on her like forever. Thankfully both Beci and the lovely ladies at harvest have been blogging regularly so I haven't felt like i've totally missed out, in fact it's been really inspiring to see what's been happening... Hence my own little private paper workshop this week at home.

So by hook or by crook i'll be making my way to the closing party of her residency this Sunday at the harvest workroom to make sure I make the most of the final hurrah of her pop up shop and snaffle some goodies before they dissappear. See you there. BECK

Closing Party 1-4pm
Sunday July 3
Harvest Workroom
512 Lygon Street, East Brunswick.

DECORATING ACHIEVEMENT OF THE WEEK

2011-06-30T09:03:00.001+10:00

flag this

Mightily inspired by Ramona's beautiful wooden bunting (see left) I finally set out to do some nursery decorating for Finn. Yes I know he's nearly a month old (well 28 days today) but with all the last minute 'difficulties' and leaving work waaaaay to late the important nesting got left by the wayside and poor Finn (well really me) had to make do with a sleeping space that boasted nothing but the bare neccessities. So yesterday I pulled out my stash of paint chips and got to work on a project i'd been meaning to do for well around six months.

I love colour blocking and collage so sitting with loads of paint chips and a pair of scissors is pretty much my idea of heaven, of course I knew I wanted to whip up a couple of rows of miniture bunting but I couldnt help myself and soon started making colour wheels and pictures using the triangles - it may have delayed the process a little but it has left me with a whole raft of new ideas for stuff to make while Finn is still in the wonderful 'football' stage - ie. wrapped up tight and sleeping like a baby kebab.

First up I made a single row for above his bassinet in our room as I thought the Ikea cloud cover (while completely dreamy) could do with a little colour customising to spark it up a bit.

Then came the loooong double row for above his nursery 'big bed' and yes we've gone with the clouds again. I chose colours to match the super cool but completely crazy zigzag rainbow crochet blanket his 'old nanna' made for Master Maxwell which is now doing it's second run with Finian.

Overall i'm pretty happy with how the bunting turned out, its bright and cheery and a ties all the random colours i've assimilated from op shop finds and hand me downs together nicely. And you have to love a craft project that costs nothing but a half hour of your time - something i'm quite sure the 'tummy time' quilt that's next on the list WON'T be. BECK

STREET OF THE WEEK

2011-06-28T17:47:00.001+10:00

northern exposure

It's that time of year again when our own main strip turns on it's 24/7 street art exhibition High Views part of the annual Northern Exposure festval. Over the past few years we've seen some excellent window installations and discovered some great new arteests.

However this year the peeps have really outdone themselves and come up with some crackers. From the pinhole camera project at Palomino to hml fave I and the Others fennec foxes at souk to the soft sculpture and sock monkey balloon excursions by Jade Barrow, Tovah Stephenson & Kree Harrison at Westpac bank there are some really beautiful ( and lets be honest) some really quite crazy moments.

I have to say that aside from the fFxes and nutty fluoro stylings at Disco Beans I'm most particularly taken with Chicago-based Mark Booth and Melbourne-based Michael Graeve's The speed of the word sound. The sound of the word speed at light projects...think exhibition speace as artistic laboratory with an explosion of teak turntables and super styling multi coloured wall stripes -three of my all time favourite things!

It's not on for long so do yourself the proverbial favour have a wander up and down high street on your way to pick up your favourite brew and check out the best of the fest. BECK

SHOW OF THE WEEK

2011-06-26T13:25:00.005+10:00

you're so special

Could this year be moving any faster? We have time/space continuum whiplash at HML and we know we're not alone.With the solstice behind us the days are going to finally inch longer which is just as well - winter and small children is a bad combination. Rainy day activities are great for 10 minutes - but what about the other 11 hours and 50 minutes they are awake? I guess we could get on tram and see Tai Snaith's new show at Helen Gory Galerie. Looks kind of amazing actually.

Snaith asked a bunch of writers what their most treasured possession was and then illustrated the answers. Neat idea. Makes us think how we'd answer that question. At the moment it would be my giant bucket-of-coffee mug that I couldn't live without on these chilly mornings.Tai Snaith is right when she says 'The best things in life aren't things' but they aren't all bad either. RAMONA

the best things in life aren't things

June 29 - July 23

Helen Gory Galerie

25 St Edmonds Rd

Prahran

WANT OF THE WEEK

2011-06-23T06:22:00.001+10:00

roaaaarrrrrr!

I agree with Tina over at Swiss Miss "This mammoth crochet-knit sculpture of a life-sized lion’s head is a witty, whimsical commentary on the sport of hunting and taxidermy’s trophy exhibitionism." and I want one.

Here's hoping the artist also does a mean wilderbeast, i've got two fireplaces that need dressing. BECK

GIFTS OF THE WEEK

2011-06-22T04:48:00.002+10:00

Ya gotta see the baby!

Cannot believe I have only seen Beck and Baby once since he arrived! Illness and exhibition interfered with the best laid plans but with clear skies ahead this week I'll be delivering this wooden bunting for the nursery.

Cool blues one side, spicy oranges the other depending on his mood. May the bunting craze last a little longer because it makes us happy.

I also decorated this ribbon storage box for Beck (I didn't finish the Dr Who scarf on time of course)

It seems like a weird present for a new mum but I enjoyed making it for her regardless. Best friends are very forgiving when it comes to dumb gifts. Maybe she can store baby wipes in there instead? RAMONA

SHOP OF THE WEEK (part 1)

2011-06-21T07:55:00.010+10:00

little boxes

A trip to Canberra is incomplete without a visit to Craft ACT. With such a strong craft scene there, you are guaranteed to see something great. I'm always curious to check out what is in their shop and how they choose to display it. They have a relatively small space but have gone for a very bold black wall with floating shelves which is an interesting way to frame product.

I saw these gorgeous Bev Hogg beakers last time but I noticed on this visit they seem to be everywhere (including the National Gallery which is great) but because they come in such a variety of colorways they looked fresh every time I saw them.

Pears are a really strong motif in Canberra. There is a gorgeous collection of giant bronze pears out the front of the gallery and canberra has sort of adopted the pear as a craft logo - so Melbourne has its woodland creatures and Canberra has fruit!

I particularly loved the beautiful plaster box installation by Diedre Pearce in the front cabinets. There was something dreamy about the winter light dancing over the white cubes - a lot like the city itself. RAMONA

SHOW OF THE WEEK

2011-06-20T09:29:00.004+10:00

health and happiness

Well I have returned from a week in Canberra both refreshed and exhausted! I have lots of things to share with you but you're probably all a bit over me banging on about chairs so we might let it rest for a couple of days. I'm off into the city tomorrow to see this beautiful work by Joungmee Do in her new show 'Longevity' at EG Etal. She taps into her heritage by exploring the 10 motifs of long life and happiness in Korean Folklore. I'll see it tomorrow because today I am worknig my way through 15 loads of washing and talk to my craft compadre Beck for at least 5 minutes on the phone - babies are very high maintenance! RAMONA

eg etal

167 Flinders Lane

Melbourne City

show runs til July 2

GIFTS OF THE WEEK

2011-06-14T13:25:00.001+10:00

oh baby!

What do you give a baby with looby lips like these... already he's mincing, pouting and humming Brown Sugar. Thankfully, despite the insanity of his features the handy ladies in our life have already shown how well they understand both the wee laddie and his mother by delivering a cavalcade of goodies for young Finn. Starting with this amazing hand spun, dyed and knitted alpaca combo peruvian hipster hat and button through mary jane booties for the young gent... powderpuff soft, the lightest and most impossibly delicious things i've ever held in my hand. And yes Miss P, he's already sat on the porch with me in the winter sun enjoying said hattage on numerous occasions.

Oh Yes, take a look at that booty shaping up close (hand on that sounds a little wrong...) amazing work from an amazing lady... I think these might be available at the Cottage so if you have a little person in your life do yourselves the proverbial and head on down to pick some up.

As usual Miss P didn't dissapoint on the knitted critter front either, this monkey is still making me chortle out loud, despite stitches (nurse) every time I catch sight of him... the fact that he has a curly pip cleaner filled tail only makes him funnier, and that apricot bow!! tres chic monsier monkey!

And in honor of the circumstances of Finn's conception (dont ask dont tell policy here) we have the Mighty Magpies beanie lovingly crafted by a Valley Nanna and hand delivered by his Number One Aunti-ji who has really taken one for the team given she's a rabid St. Kilda supporter. Ouch that's gotta sting!

Although she may have been getting her own back on the 'matching' booties as they look suspiciously navy and white...

The schoolmaster uncle DJ managed these hilarious faux tabi toe sockettes which while not hand knitted did come with the best packaging... (yes look closely "oh no It's a mistake ?????)

Lucky boy. BECK

SHOW OF THE WEEK

2011-06-12T02:51:00.001+10:00

Ok so we have been kind of busy. This week (probably as you are reading this) I am driving to Canberra to install the Australian Chair Survey at the Gallery of Australian Design. Sounds pretty fancy pants and I guess it is kind the biggest deal professionally for me so far. I get to call myself a curator and I bought special outfits just for the occasion I have to give a speech at the opening ,and a talk at the National Gallery on Saturday - which given that's where I used to go when I couldn't be bothered with school is pretty funny. I've spent the entire weekend making text panels and designing the website - take a look and tell me what you think! I'll be blogging from the road. Hope it doesn't snow. RAMONA

SHOW OF THE WEEK

2011-06-06T09:00:00.005+10:00

stuff not nonsense

Hi All! Well it's not likely that either HML ladies are going to get out much this week. Beck is being Baby home this morning to begin that new adventure and I am giving birth myself next week. Not to a baby of course, but an exhibition - but more about that next week. If we could leave the hosue we'd go and see this show by Sharon Margaret Marshall based on the dreamy invitation alone. We also love all the shows at handheld gallery .

We'd also pop into Kings Ari to see Troy Emery's new sculpture, because his work blows our minds. But alas we are chained to home this week. Not that we are complaining - how exciting this year has turned out to be! RAMONA

Delivery of the Week

2011-06-03T10:11:00.003+10:00

dreamboat

Beck outcrafted us all this week by producing this gorgeous boy. 9 months in the making, I think we can all agree that this is the ultimate handmade project ever! Now it's his turn to take over and get busy learning stuff - I plan to shove a glue stick and a glitter shaker in his hand when no one's looking! Congratulations to Beck, Michael and Max and Welcome Baby Boy! Love Auntie Ramona xxx

FOUND

2011-06-01T17:27:00.000+10:00

whizzz, bang, click...

We love wooden things, wooden toys especially, recently we found Japanese artist Kazu Harada's elegantly simple, beautifully crafted and deadpan hilarious wee automatons amongst other excellent wooden automata here . Click on the pics below to watch some of his work in action.

We've always been fans of the old school automata which dates right back to the Greeks (doesn't everything) but didn't really know that there was such a large contingent of contemporary makers creating brilliant stuff within yet another craft subculture!

Oh and of course Martha was onto it eons ago... check out this segment with Richard Garriot and Martha to find out a little more about the history via some amazing pieces from Richards collection. Genius!

BECK

MARKET OF THE (last) WEEK

2011-05-31T07:48:00.001+10:00

I was very proud of myself for braving the Melbourne cold to go visit crafty friends at Markit design market.
Can you guess who the above pair are? They are the dynamic duo behind Michi Girl! Yes Daniel and Chloe braved the cold and came out from behind the curtain for the day!

Hi Ramona!

Ceramicist and designer Gregory Bonasera is a seasoned market man - he knows a beanie is in order to brave the fed square wind tunnel. His stand was going crazy bananas when we visited.

The lovely Irene of Iggy and Lou Lou fame had her beloved Mr P with her to keep her warm (awwww)

I'm thinking of buying my own beloved (who is a bit of a pirate seafaring man) this Iggy and Lou Lou box for Christmas.

The gorgeous ladies of Harvest Textiles got my vote for the prettiest stall in the whole market - they really know how to show their wares to the best advantage. Totally divine. Helps that they are the nicest people in Melbourne too.

My favourite find was this beautiful stationery company called Write To Me. I had seen their work on madeit.com.au but it was so so much better in real life.

I came away with these gorgeous meal planner/shopping list duo - perfect for the insane list maker in me!RAMONA

SHOW OF THE WEEK

2011-05-30T03:31:00.001+10:00

the hand of fate

Have you been to see the Pieces of Fate show at Pieces of Eight Gallery yet? It seems to be getting tonnes of great press and the vibe out there is that this is a pretty outstanding collection of pendants. Apparently Professor Robert Baines of RMIT coined the phrase 'Pieces of Fate ' to describe how jewellery can be imbued with power by the maker and wearer alike.

37 of Pieces of Eight's represented artists have created modern day talismans that we are sure will speak very directly to the 'rightful' owner of each pieces. I'm very keen on this gorgeous Dougal Haslem piece and the Tim Fleming pendant above that is just too cool.

But I have to say it is impossible to resist this extraordinary piece by Pennie Jagiello. Pennie is actually a bit of a genius and we hope that she's back in the full swing of making stuff again - isn't her work just incredible? RAMONA

Pieces of Fate

Pieces of Eight Gallery

28 Russell Place

Melbourne City

show runs til July 2

we nicked these images from the Pieces of Eight blog

MARKIT OF THE WEEK

2011-05-27T13:40:00.000+10:00

This Sunday we'll be heading into town for the latest installment of the MarkIT market at Fed Square. Last Markit Ramona and her crew bought up big on a range of most excellent pieces, some of which I'm happy to say ended up in my Christmas presents (thanks Maggie!). This time round there's a long list of super cool and super talented makers with equally awesome goodies - if you don't believe me just check out the list here.

beci orpin bear

I'll be hoping to pick up another Dawn Tan illustration (or two) for the kitchen nook, one of the new Beci Orpin bear mobiles for the maxmonsters room, another kinteic mobile from the lovely Anke Kindle of I Design Things for the soon to be released widget's nursery, a tea-towel or two from the lovely ladies of Harvest as a present for my mum who's in for some serious babysitting over the next month or so and definately some post delivery Boniko organic cotton tabi toe tights for me. And that's just what I KNOW i'm going there to get... God knows what other bits i'll be tempted to fill my bags with given the list of makers and the fact that it's probably going to be my last shopping spree for some time!

here's Dawn hard at work down at Obus

While in the city i'll also be scooting down to the Obus store in Flinders Lane to check out Dawn Tan's plant paintings (which launched last night) starring as the second installment of Obus' Wall Project series. Having avidly watched the progress on Dawn's Blog I really want to get down there and see it all in person.

Of course the lure of hitting to eat a mushroom and tallegio crepe or seven at my favourite creperie while i'm in the vicinity is pure co-incidence. BECK

Ha Ha of the Week

2011-05-25T23:15:00.005+10:00

Put a Bird on it

The above poster is available on Etsy and has been selling like crazy. I have a friend, a native New Yorker (her family have been there for over 150 years) who emailed me the response below from illustrator and Manhattanite James Campbell Taylor.

I thought you'd all like it. Change the word Manhattan to Fitzroy and Brooklyn to Northcote and Melbournites will sympathise. Do you think this stuff goes on in every city? RAMONA

GIFTS OF THE WEEK

2011-05-24T07:23:00.004+10:00

I don't think I have been busier workwise than I am right now. It's kind of insane the amount of stuff I have on the go. I won't bore you with the details suffice to say there is steam coming out of my ears! To cope with it all I have forced myself some crafting downtime, all little things that can be finished in under an hour (or 2 cups of tea and an episode of the West Wing)

I was so pleased with my Christmas tags last week I went in for another go - this time for Aunt Moira who makes a point of remembering everyone's birthday and anniversary -trust me, she can never have too many tags. I hope that crazy bird on the lid doesn't freak her out too much!

I have a friend in London turning 1 next month and his family are also moving house. He's getting his own room (not so exciting when your 1 I guess but his 3 year old brother is very pleased!) I thought a door plaque was in order.

And I finally got around to learning how to fold an origami box! This was wholly satisfying and remarkably successful. I love packaging and this mad skill is a good one to have. Beck gave me a whole lot of beautiful beads last week and they'll go perfectly in this box for my cousin. I have to make the necklace that's going in it which is just as well because I used an entire glue stick over the weekend and will be focusing on more textile and bead projects: hardcore crafting... RAMONA