Inspiration :: Eiko Ishioka

I took Roxy to the movies yesterday and we saw Mirror Mirror. It was a great movie and for the first time ever I actually liked Julia Roberts... she wasn't playing herself for once. The script was clever and very funny in parts, the casting was spot on, and visually it was fantastic.

The highlight for me was the costume design by the late Eiko Ishioka. The architectural structure of a lot of the garments was truly amazing (but hard to find photos that really show it off), and the saturated colour and incredible detail left me wanting more.

Image source: Mirror Mirror

I'll definitely buy the DVD when it comes out to drink in more of this visual splendour. So amazing.

[apologies for including so many images... I found editing them too hard!]
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Inside Out Magazine :: Lovely Upcycling

The Inside Out 2012 Annual Renovating and Decorating Guide has just come out and it's chock full of inspiration. As you would expect, there are lots of inspiring interiors, but the thing I'm completely enamoured with are these clever hacks by Tamara Maynes.

Styling: Vanessa Coyler Tay. Photos: Craig Wall.
[these photos were taken by me of my copy of the magazine]

I am definitely going to try these projects. I love the combination of timber and cut glass and the odd shapes in the top image. The centre photo is a side table made from a lamp base and the top of an Ikea Frosta stool. So cool. Do you love them too?
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Puka Puka Polka Dots

[try saying that a few times!]

Yes, more polka dots. I'm a bit obsessed at the moment.

In order to counteract the apparently dire feng shui of the beam that runs directly above my bed, I commissioned Nina of Puka Puka to make me a Polka Dot mobile. I wanted something quite big with lots of white, some grey and yellow and flashes of colour.

The beam.
I was going for the unstyled rumpled bed look in this shot.
But I think to achieve 'unstyled' I probably should have styled it! Too messy?!
Note to self: I need a bedside table.

I'm so delighted with the mobile! I love laying on my bed looking up at the floating dots. They move beautifully and it's so relaxing to gaze up at them. It's hard to capture just how awesome it is in the photos.

And one more polka dot purchase: a pillowcase from Castle. Love.

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Sewing with Kristen Doran

My lovely friend Kristen Doran is holding a craft retreat on Saturday 23rd June in Kiama. It sounds like it will be a great day of hand sewing and paper craft. All skill levels are welcome, from beginners to advanced. All materials, morning and afternoon tea and lunch are included so all you have to do is turn up and enjoy. You can find out more and book here.

Images: Kristen Doran
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Dance The Polka :: Eleanor De Vetre

I recently purchased a little stack of these fresh and bright 'Dance The Polka T-Towels' from Eleanor De Vetre.

Images: Eleanor De Vetre

The lovely natural linen screen printed in bright colours is so beautiful that I'm not sure if I'll use them all for tea towels, or if I'll repurpose them. The polka dots really appeal to me for their simplicity. Queensland-based Sandy, the creator of Eleanor De Vitre, also has napkins, placemats and cushions featuring her screen printed designs in her shop. 

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