This is going to be a busy one for me - I've got so much work to get done.
But I will be putting a bit of time aside to read my newly acquired copy of UPPERCASE magazine issue 1. Isn't the cover illustration by Blanca Gomez fantastic?! After receiving issue 2 and being majorly disappointed that issue 1 was sold out I struck upon the idea of contacting the only Australian seller, Magnation, to see if they had any copies. I'm not sure why I didn't think of that earlier. Turns out they had four! They were super fast in sending my order and couldn't have been nicer on the phone.
The only bummer - and it's a big one - is that it was a 'shelf' copy, so it had a dirty big price sticker on it. Despite my very careful removal of the sticker a chunk of the lovely matt cover came away with it... see in the top right hand corner? My copy of the first issue of this limited print run collectible magazine is now ruined (in my eyes at least). I contacted Magnation about the sticker issue, and of course they were lovely and very apologetic. They told me that if I was to subscribe through them I'd get a subscription copy sans the price sticker. Here's a tip: It's too late for me cos I subscribed direct with UPPERCASE, but if you're in Australia and thinking of subscribing to this fab mag do it through Magnation because it's considerably cheaper (no international postage).
What have you got planned for the weekend? Whatever it is I hope you have lots of fun. See you Monday.
x
Lisa
Enjoy your Weekend
What the... What is James Wearing?
James Andrew is a well known interior designer who writes a blog called What is James Wearing? Natalie posted an interview with James this week, which led me to his blog.
What is James Wearing is part interiors and part fashion, as he is photographed in various Manhattan locations, shops and homes, as well as some more exotic spots he frequents, itemising what he wore on the day (always head to toe Gucci, Dior, D&G... get the picture?). This quote at the top of the blog is from Elle Decoration UK: Our favourite blogger... possibly of all time... is James Andrew. A pretty big rap huh?
I enjoy what James writes about the places he visits and the interiors he is working on, and I love the shots of him. I love them because I think they are absolutely hilarious. I can't quite figure it out though... I'm sure he's being completely serious about it all, but to me it comes across as a send up. It's the poses that get me more than anything - although admittedly in the last photo James says he was channeling a famous pose of Yves Saint Laurent's. Just check out these images and tell me what you think.
Image Source: What is James Wearing.Piss take or not, I think What is James Wearing is totally fabulous!
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One year ago today...
Oh, oops! I was going to say one year ago today I started this blog, but when I went back to link to my first post I discovered that I actually started one year ago yesterday. I missed my own blogiversary!
Let's start again... one year and one day ago I started this blog and I have to admit that I felt quite intimidated by it. I am such a visual person that the idea of writing a blog (i.e. putting words together) still gives me stage fright at times. But a year on I couldn't imagine not blogging. Well that's not entirely correct, I can imagine all the extra time that I'd have if I didn't blog every day.
So here I am, one year and 427 posts down the track.
I want to have a bit of a celebration with presents for you, my lovely friends, because your comments make blogging worthwhile and a whole lot more meaningful for me. I really appreciate every one of you who takes the time to write a comment, and I value the friendships I've made through my blog and through the blogs that I read. I think there's the most wonderful feeling of community in this little bloggy world we've created.
I'm still working out the presents/giveaway, and because things are a bit full on for me at the moment I've decided that I'll announce it on my one year + one month + one week + one day blogiversary. So stay tuned...
I've put so much into my little blog over the last year an it seems like a shame that over 400 of my posts will probably never be read again. So a couple of times a week from now on I might link back to some of my favourite posts. It will be fun for me to be reminded of the things I've found and loved and hopefully you'll enjoy it too.
Thank you again for stopping by. Big thanks to my loyal blog friends for sticking around and if you've just found me, welcome! I hope you keep visiting and please don't be shy, post a comment!
Etsy Search Top 10 : Handbound Books
I'm quite obsessed with beautiful journals - have a look at the ones I already own. I'm always looking out for special journals and notebooks so this week I had a browse around Etsy using the keywords 'handbound book' in my search and these are my favourite finds.
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My new friends :: the Sweetie Petites
I'd like to introduce to you some little friends of mine - you'll be able to meet them in person at the show.
Mimi, Molly, Daisy and Ginger softie kits will be available at The Stitches and Craft Show and on my website. As yet I only have some dodgy samples made from fabric printed from my HP printer so I can't show you what the finished Sweeties look like. But they're cute! They are about 16.5cm (or 6.5 inches) tall, and their little companions are about 4.5cm (1.75 inches). The fabric panel in the kits has the front and back of the Sweetie and her friend and some other little bits and pieces. The kit will also contain the stuffing and some ribbon to make a loop if you'd like to hang them up. And some instructions of course.
I am also designing some cards featuring the Sweeties, and need to get them off to the printer today.
This week I am going to be finalising my designs for embroidery panels. There are some vintage-style, Japanese kawaii (cute) style, and some simple Scandinavian influenced designs as well.
Then in the last couple of weeks I'll be furiously making lots of samples to give you some ideas on how I would use the embroidery panels and some other fabric panels I'm having printed. I also want to make some cards and collages to sell.
The next 3 weeks leading up to the show are going to be really busy, but as my husband and friends would tell you I thrive under a tight deadline. I'm not one to plod along slow and steadily, I tend to get on with things when I have lots of time, but the pressure of a looming deadline really revs me up and gets me focused. Despite the inevitable stress I'm looking forward to getting things done in the next few weeks.
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Giant Stuffed Animals :: Florentijn Hofman
Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman creates some fantastic installations in public spaces. You can see his work - like the amazing giant pianos on a beach - on his website and at Galerie West, where the giant softies were exhibited. Aren't they just fantastic? They make really me smile.
And not to be outdone by their softie friends...
Thanks to Donna (my lovely firend who's always sending my great links) for the link to Today and Tomorrow where she found Florentijn's work.
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Harajuku Girls
If you're into people watching and fashion a trip to Tokyo wouldn't be complete without a Sunday visit to Harajuku. The youth culture and way the (mostly) girls dress is really out there and absolutely fantastic.
Monday BlogDay :: Heart Handmade
Heart Handmade, the home of independent design, is one of my faves and if you don't already know it, it's worth having a peek at.
This is so gorgeous!Apart from all the wonderful art, craft and design that Marichelle discovers, she also writes about the creators as well as retailers, she has 'how to' features, and a weekly interview called The Other Half with the partners of well known creatives. Marichelle says: Heart Handmade is the chance for me to pay homage to the craftsmanship and love that goes into Handmade.
Image Source: All images from Heart Handmade.Visit Heart Handmade for links to the individual artists/crafters.
Inspired? I know I am.
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Have a Lovely Weekend
Just popping by to wish you a lovely weekend my friends, and to show you what's on my five-and-a-half year old's mind...
Roxy was sitting quietly this morning drawing - which isn't unusual - and when I asked her what she was doing she told me she was making herself a credit card! Oh dear. It's very well done, and pretty funny but I'm slightly concerned about her wanting a credit card at this age. (I love her curly 'signature' and that she's noticed that the numbers should be square.)
See you Monday. I'm hoping to be back firing on all cylinders by then as I'm still struggling to get well.
Enjoy!
x
Lisa
Shiny and New
I get so much pleasure out of browsing and reading books and magazines. I think that I buy too many, but I just love them. There's something so lovely about being surrounded by beautiful books. And they are far easier to justify than, say, another new pair of shoes.
I recently subscribed to UPPERCASE magazine and my first issue arrived last week. I'm so excited about it - it's the most beautiful and inspirational read, printed on thick matt paper. Delicious! The design is just wonderful, as is the content - perfect for the design-obsessed. To see some spreads from this issue click here.
This "magazine for the creative and curious" is produced in Canada and although the international subscription doesn't come cheap, it's so worth it. I'm bummed that I missed issue one (the 1,000 copies sold out before I subscribed), and after devouring issue two I can hardly wait for the next quarterly installment. Janine Vangool of UPPERCASE Gallery is behind this nascent, independently published magazine - get on board and subscribe to support it.
Two beautiful books I bought recently are Russian Textiles, Printed Cloth for the Bazaars of Central Asia, and Naive, Modernism and Folklore in Contemporary Graphic Design. Both are full of beautiful images and designs. The images below are from the Russian Textiles book.
And here's a peek inside Naive:
And of course I am always picking up vintage children's books whenever I come across them.
I went to a charity book fair this morning and have a pile of new treasures to photograph and show you some other time.
My friend Jude found this piece of vintage fabric at a market last week for me to add to my collection.
And lastly, following my post on crocheted jewellery a couple of weeks ago I just had to buy something because I still haven't attempted to learn how to do it myself and I'm totally obsessed with crochet at the moment. I bought two lovely organic linen lariat necklaces from Latvian Esty seller magdalinen - you can see the other one here.
Do you have any books you'd like to recommend, or favourite magazines? Have you bought or been given something you love recently? Or is there something you're coveting? Share some links or a description in the comments - I'd love to hear what it is.
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