the red thread: September 2012

Extreme Parenting Video Project

29 September 2012

A friend just sent me the link to this video. It's so powerful and moving.
Watch it. Share it.

Created by Elizabeth Aquino

Colour Crush

28 September 2012

berry // tangerine // coral // plum // russet

Images: Johan Wilke for Elle Decoration South Africa

Since moving house and making a fresh start earlier this year the decorating process has been an ongoing one. You can see previous posts of the process here, here and here. I've always had a clear vision for my new space and a definite budget which has meant splurging on a few things and finding some real bargains as well.

I'm now at the stage where I'm adding the finishing touches and as the budget is beyond stretched I'm trying not to be lured by shiny new things! So I was excited when Freedom asked me if I'd like a store voucher to shop their new collection. Yes please!

I had a good think about what I need and what would work in my space. My style is generally pretty eclectic and what I genuinely love about Freedom is that their range of furniture and homewares is on trend but also has enough breadth to work with different tastes and styles. I love that they don't do 'cookie cutter' products.

One thing that I really needed was a bookshelf in my bedroom. I have a lot of books. I'm trying to keep my apartment uncluttered and I was struggling to find a solution. Cue the Spine bookshelf.

What I love about the Spine is that it it turns your books into a sculpture. It's tall and elegant with a tiny footprint and allows my beautiful books to be the star. It's holding 102 books - can you believe it? And they are super easy to access as there are numerous divider shelves. Priced at $299, it's such a stylish and affordable alternative to the norm. [Spine currently isn't online, but it is in store.]

The amazing painting is by Tiel Seivl-Keevers - full reveal post coming up next week. The chartreuse sofa is Freedom's Frenchie which I bought earlier this year as soon as it was released because I loved it and had to have it. Yes, I have a sofa in my bedroom - it's actually bigger than the living room!

Next, in my living room I was in need of a floor lamp. For me lighting is often the element I have the most trouble deciding on but when I saw the Studio I knew it was the one. I love it's tripod legs and utilitarian simplicity and at only $149 I would have bought it even without the gift voucher.

On to my verandah... I'd made some cushion covers for my outdoor seating, but the sun had faded them and they were looking a bit tired. I saw and loved Freedom's range of outdoor cushions then I discovered they are UV fade resistant, water resistant. Perfect. They work well with my vintage quilt, and in store they were styled with contemporary outdoor furniture and they also looked fab.

I had so much fun browsing around Freedom with my $500 gift voucher. I wanted to make it stretch so I could solve a few remaining decorating issues rather than buy a single item, and that was easy to do. [I did go slightly over my $500 budget, but I needed all 4 cushions.] As you know I only accept sponsored posts if I genuinely love and would use the product, and as you probably also know I do shop at Freedom - no incentive needed.

If I wasn't already sorted for outdoor furniture I would have definitely bought these Weekender chairs. Love. What do you think? Freedom also has a large range of beautiful baskets which caught my eye. I think I need one at the front door as a catch-all for shoes and also a laundry hamper. Are you currently on the lookout for any homewares?

Image above: Freedom
All other images Lisa Tilse for the red thread blog

LOVING :: Nancybird

26 September 2012

Have you taken a look at the lovely offerings from Melbourne based accessories label Nancybird lately? Made from beautiful leathers and natural materials, the Nancybird range has a very of-the-moment feel with it's quirky graphics and distinctive colour palette. So many things to love.

If you're a fan of Offspring you will have noticed Nina accessorising with Nancybird wallets and bags, and with Patrick under her Nancybird bed linen.

All images: Nancybird.

SINGULAR STYLE

25 September 2012

Terrain via Anthology

NEW :: Karen Walker Home

24 September 2012

While browsing the shops over the weekend I discovered fashion designer Karen Walker's home wares range - Karen Walker Home - which is exclusive to Myer. The colours and random dots on the Happy bed linen are so good... my obsession with polka dots continues.

Image Source: Top image taken by Lisa Tilse for the red thread blog, bottom images Myer.

SINGULAR STYLE

21 September 2012

Tiel Seivl-Keevers

Meanwhile... on Instagram

20 September 2012

Some photos that I've taken around home in the last couple of weeks.

You can find me as theredthread on Instagram.

EXHIBITION :: Rituals

19 September 2012

Ten talented Australian illustrators have come together to exhibit a series of limited edition prints and unique one-of-a-kind collaborative overprints in a collection called Rituals. A part of Art & About Sydney, the Rituals exhibition opens at Koskela this Saturday night.

The organisers, The Hungry Workshop don't have any images of the work in advance, but you can be assured the exhibition will be worth a look with this line up of artists: Beci Orpin, Ben Ashton-Bell, Drunk Park, Eirian Chapman, Georgia Perry, Kindred Studio, Lauren Carney, Luke Lucas, Malade Pathetics and Spew Corp.

If you'd like to attend the opening on Saturday night, 22nd September at Koskela in Sydney just RSVP on the facebook page.

Shop :: kikki.K

I was browsing around kikki.K last week and the store was full of lush new summer colours and fun designs. They are starting to get 2013 diaries in too which I always get excited about. I love a new diary. These are my picks, although sadly the diary is too small for my needs.

Images: kikki.K

SINGULAR STYLE

18 September 2012

Sarah Wood for est

LOVING :: maze & vale

One of the reasons I'm loving being on Instagram is that I've been able to discover, connect with, and see the creative process of many designers and makers. I'm not sure exactly now how I came across Leslie Keating of maze & vale on Instagram, but I'm happy and inspired to have found her and the lovely textiles she screen prints. Lesley works with a colour pallet of mainly beautiful muted tones with a few flashes of bright colours thrown in.

All of these wonderful images are from Leslie's blog - do click through because she's created a lovely space there. Maze & vale textiles, drop cloth art, totes and clutches are available at Leslie's Etsy shop. And you can see them in person at Leslie's stall at Finders Keepers in Melbourne and, fingers crossed, Sydney.

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Singular Style and some changes

17 September 2012

Hello! How was your weekend? Ours was great, Roxy's school had a fair on Saturday and on Sunday we went on a big bike ride and had a picnic, then we caught a bus into the city and had a wander around Chinatown.

There's been a lot going on here - mostly in my head(!) and in my blog journal and notebook. Next month I am switching over to Wordpress and will be launching a new design and some changes here on my blog. One of the changes will be a new series of posts with the tentative title of "Singular Style". I will post these up to 3 times a week (I'm still working out my editorial plan) and the posts will include just one image and a link... a quick grab of something lovely. So here's the first:

I bought this necklace at the school fair. One of the mums made it and she was selling them for $2! Major score.

So, the changes. Earlier this year my blog turned three and it passed one million page views. Two big milestones. I've been thinking a lot about the direction of the blog, what sets it apart, why I do it and why you read it. I'm going to get back to doing more of what I love and that's craft tutorials and DIY. Of course I'll still share lovely finds that I love in the sphere of art, craft and interiors.

I'm going to do a survey to find out more from you, but in the meantime if you have any comments or feedback about my little space in the blogosphere please comment below. On that note, you're all very quiet lately. No comments. Sad face for me. But I do know you're out there and reading because I can see my stats!

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Lisa
x

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LOVING :: Spun Light by The Evie Group

14 September 2012

Could I love this light any more? Nope. Oh my, I'm seriously coveting it. The Spun light is the creation of Sydney industrial designers Alex Gilmore and Dominic Chong who work under the name Evie Group.

The wonderful sculptural form of the Spun light is quite obviously inspired by the classic wooden spinning top, but the polished mirror surface takes it to a whole new realm. There are no screws or fasteners, so the integrity of the curvaceous smooth shape is maintained. I adore the floor light - it would be a fab and quirky addition to a room - and Spun is also available as a pendent light.

Until the end of November you can see Spun in person at the Evie Group pop up shop in The Rocks, Sydney. I'm not sure if I should go... if I do I'll have to leave my credit card at home.

Images: Evie Group.
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UDESSI :: Australian Art Online

Kim Wallace of Udessi is passionate about Australian art and all things handmade. She has recently relaunched the Udessi online gallery and store, showcasing a carefully curated selection of work from Australian makers and artists. Kim is thrilled to have made a great start with Udessi's relaunch and she tells me that she's super excited to have more wonderful artists coming on board in the next few months.

As a special offer to readers of the red thread Kim is offering a 10% discount on all sales this weekend. The offer ends at midnight on Sunday 16th September. Just enter the code "theredthread10" at checkout.

From top to bottom:
Gorgeous porcelain cups from Kathryn Mitchell Ceramics. So tempted!
Incredibly detailed limited edition prints by Renée Treml.
The sweetest bud vases by Kim Wallace.
Little bird pots by Sharon Muir.
Bird prints by Beth Emily. Beautiful.
Bright graphic prints from Sweet William.

All images: Udessi.

LOVING :: Donna Wilson

13 September 2012

Donna Wilson's range of fun and quirky creations has recently expanded to include more fabulous creatures, accessories and homewares. I love that Donna designs things that are simple and childlike but not childish. You can see the entire range and download the catalogue on her website.

Inspiration :: Paul Barbera

12 September 2012

Beautiful images need no words. Paul Barbera.

LOVING :: Hansel From Basel

11 September 2012

My love of polka dots continues with these lovely bags from Hansel from Basel. Super cute tights too!

They're not only covetable, but affordable as well. Get them from Mr Kilty in Australia, and direct from Hansel from Basel in the US.

Images: Hansel from Basel.
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More than 50% off online sale :: the red thread art

As I mentioned in a previous post I have come to a point where I want to focus my energy and creativity on my sewing patterns and kits and fabric design. As a result I have given the red thread website a mini facelift and removed all my art. Here's the good news... I'm selling it all for at least 50% off in a once only online garage sale.

I announced the sale to my mailing list yesterday and as everything is a one off or limited edition some things have sold already. So if you've been coveting my Sushi Bird Tiles take a look - the remaining few are reduced by more than 60%. There are also HeartBoxes and Vintage Storybook Tiles. If you know a little girl called Belle, Mia or Ella you're in luck - there are HeartBoxes available with their names on them (I made them as samples to photograph). They make a gorgeous gift - especially at half price.

Take a look at the red garage sale now.

I'll be updating the garage sale shop in the next few weeks with some craft books, my Gocco printer and stamper, Gocco inks and screens, and other crafty goodness. I'll blog about it when I do.

If you want to be kept in the loop with other sales and happenings at the red thread please sign up to my email mailing list and you'll be amongst the first to know.

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Snow Happy

05 September 2012

Roxy and I headed south at the end of last week for a short break in the Snowy Mountains. Roxy had never seen the snow before and she was sooo excited. There had been some good snowfall the previous few days and the weather was perfect with clear blue skies and very little wind. We had a fantastic time, staying in Jindabyne, and day tripping to Thredbo and Perisher with some friends.

On our way south the skies looked dramatic and ominous, but at the ski fields it was perfect. As we drove north yesterday afternoon we peeled off our layers. Today in Sydney it's going to be 24 degrees celsius warmer than it was in Perisher yesterday!

We were only away for 5 days, but we had so much fun and it felt like a good break. Back to reality...

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