Porcelain Goes Geometric

I ventured to the bi-annual 'The Finders Keepers' market in Melbourne last week (newborn son in tow!) and discovered some stunning porcelain tableware by 'the mod collective'. These photos don't do the range justice though - they are AMAZING in real life.  The colour of each piece is really rich - and there's loads of hues and shapes to choose from. 


Designed by Valissa Butterworth, the range is 'a fusion of technology and traditional ceramic techniques'. Developed using Design software then printed on 3D printers, each piece is then moulded and cast by hand.


I won't be limiting them to the table - they'll look great dotted about anywhere and are the perfect size to store trinkets. I now need to decide where to start my collection!

All pics via themodcollective

Crochet Was Never Not Cool

Image via knithacker

Image via pinkblackgrey.com

Image via ericalaurell.se

Crochet. It may make you think of Nana, biscuits and tea but look again - it has serious potential. I love this knitted art because there's just so many pattern/colour options to work with and endless uses for it (case in point, from the top: room decor (hmmm...a bit itchy perhaps?), stool cushions or, my personal favourite, the Moschino chair).


My own crochet collection is only minimal at this point but it's a classic: the mini blanket and it hangs on my soon-to-be son's cot. My plan is to actually get started making my own modern masterpieces - I just need to rope in a Nana to teach me first..!

Out In The Garden...

Now that it's summer in Melbourne, I love to spend time in my parents' beautiful, old garden. It's full of character and has plenty of different areas to get lost in, filled with pretty flowers and big trees...

In particular, I wanted to share what they've done with their herb garden. It would work equally as well for pint-sized gardens and is completely budget friendly - and looks lovely!

My Dad built it using old pots, tubs and a vintage sink he had. He added the beige tubs (you can pick up similar from any hardware store) and my Mum had the brilliant idea to paint them and the sink with blackboard paint.

I just added the final touches with a steady hand, blue chalk and a coat of hairspray to waterproof it (mind the herbs when you do this). I think the overall result is really quite cute!

Latest Project: Vintage Lamp Restyle

So I know it's been a while, but with a move across the world (London to Melbourne) and an impending pregnancy to contend with, life has kept me on my toes of late. Still, I can't pass up a total bargain and the chance to flex my creative skills... even if an ever-increasing bump has slowed me down a bit!


I came across this brass lamp on a recent Sunday morning market venture. Total bargain at $12. I knew it had potential...


I chose a stretch satin-mix material (black & white so it will go with any room's colour scheme) together with a modern print to clash with the vintage base. (The material and some black trim cost less than $10). After some nifty gluing (using fabric glue) of the material to the lamp shade, then the trim around the bottom/top, it was complete. A bit fiddly, but well worth the effort. I'm quite happy with the $22 end result!

Amsterdam Does Black & White

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My amazing friends recently bought an apartment in Amsterdam and I was lucky enough to be one of their first guests to stay (thanks guys)! A little charmer of a place, with beautiful big windows and a great feeling about it, it was a real treat to visit.  

One of my favourite things about Amsterdam are the black & white exteriors of the houses, especially when there's colourful flowers and plants dotted about... they just look amazing (and make me seriously consider moving there every time I visit). Though I haven't got any of 'said' colourful photos, you get the idea I hope... 


Ax

Oh Shutters, How I Love You

Firstly, apologies to my faithful readers (and dear blog) for the neglect of late... it's been too long between posts. I have some big things going on right now so my attention has been stretched to say the least... But!- I am back, and I've brought a little bit of sun on this grey evening in London...


I love shutters. White ones especially. They're so simple, neat and let so much light in (exactly what we need in London).  They're also perfect here for keeping the prying eyes of pavement passers-by at bay, while still being able to give you a view of the outside world.  


When we moved into our new house last year, I was completely set on getting them. I just couldn't imagine dowdy, dark curtains. Results above! Ours split across the middle (cafe style) so we can open the top fully if we're in the mood.


Whoever invented shutters... I salute you. They're awesome.

Pink Kitchens (Not For The Faint Hearted)

Pink kitchens. Nice idea in theory, but would we be able to bear them after day-in day-out viewing..? I'm game.

I love the candy version above - it's not too much with all that white and other colour thrown in. I would draw the line at getting pink cabinets though - imagine if you decided they weren't right and were stuck with them for years!

I think there's a fine line to tread when dappling with the tint of roses, but I say go for it. Bet you'll have loads of (less-adventurous) admirers. (Now for the hard part... convincing the boyfriend)! 

Pics via AbsolutelyBeautfulThings and Apartment Therapy