Quoted from Willy Wagtail Blog:
"Such a sad story of the recently collapsed clothing manufacture’s building in Bangladesh. 8 stories high, full of thousands of workers. They were getting paid approx $37 dollars a month, for 6 days a week of work, at 10 hours a day. There were many well known clothing brands being made in this factory.
If you ever feel unsure about buying baby and kids clothes, because you don't know where, how or who has made it, then buy Australian Made kids clothes. Its as simple as that."

Couldn't have said it better...
Buy local, ethical or hand made!
Its not always easy and I still have slips, but if we all try the market will respond to the consumer and we can all make the world a slightly better place.

*K*

PS. Willy Wagtail is having a sale, a great time to snap up Australian merino clothes for your little people

Amor Amor - Monster Love!

I have been shopping.

First up, two new babies have arrived (yay!) and secondly A seems to be suddenly growing out of all her clothes.

 

Luckily I found a shop that solved both these issues (sorta - A will need more clothes but we have a a start).  Amor Amor is the brain child of three talented Colombians who now call Australia home.   Here they create quirky, unique monster themed clothes, cushions and paper goods.  The limited edition range of clothing uses soft cottons, water based inks and features amazing hand drawn artwork. 

The skirt I ordered for A is beautifully finished, and so sweet.
I was so pleased with it, and the speed that it arrived, that I brought more stuff. I got her a onesie and another boys onesie for one of the new bubba's.

Its awesome to find a range of funky boys clothes that's not dominated with insipid baby blues, but is cute while retaining a bit of attitude.

I'm totally eying up these colour yourself cushions for my next purchase.  Brilliant idea! Its such a shame A is no where near to being able to colour.

Perhaps you too will find something fabulous at Amor Amor for your little monster!

*K*

All images from Amor Amor, please ask permission before using.  Thanks.

Almost Guilt free Chocolate

So Pepermint magizene  introduced me to Pana Chocolates, and now I may be a little addicted.
Not only are they are completely guilt free in an ethical sence (organic, fairtrade, recylable packageing, aussie made), but being raw chocolate their pretty good for you too, and they taste amazing!
They come enclosed in the cutest darn packageing, and while I'll admit their alot more expensive than your average chocolate bar I think that makes you savour them a little more.
Available online here, or check with your local health food shop.

Wishing you a sweet weekend!

The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories

It arrived and its everything I wanted.  I finished the book wishing there were more pages, which is a good thing.  There's and second (available) and third volume (still being produced) that I will have to add to my Christmas wish list (one is never to old for a Christmas wish list ;)).
Not only do you find yourself marvelling in the wit, humor, sadness, or beauty that can be packed into a few shot lines but best of all it stimulates your imagination and creativity.  I'm feeling the urge to use my next nap time to see what tiny stories I can create.

Tiny Things

Beautiful tiny moments, Baby and Daddy.  (my personal photo please ask permission before using)

 

Tiny things can be beautiful, plain, sad, happy, bring joy, bring memories.  Tiny things can make a huge impact - the straw that broke the camels back, a needle in a haystack. Tiny things are that once in a lifetime moment, the smell of summer, your babies first laugh - a nanosecond of wonderful!

Which is why I'm intrigued  by 'The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories'  by Joseph Gorden-Levitt (whom I love as a actor).  I stumbled across it when looking for something completely unrelated on the book depository and after reading several reviews I'm now waiting for it to be delivered.  This is what the book depository had to say:
In December 2010, hitRECord self-published the first volume in the "Tiny Stories" series. The collaboration received over 2,300 contributions, from which Joe and the creative collective edited together 32 illustrated stories. This volume in the "Tiny Stories" series will contain all new material created through the same collaborative process on hitRECord.org as directed by RegularJOE. "The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories" is the first book in a current 3-book partnership between hitRECord and It Books.  

A collaboration of art and stories, sounds amazing. Amazon reviewers further perked my interest by talking about the amazingly emotive effects that a few short lines and an incredible image can invoke.  Once the book arrives in my hot little hand I'll let you know if it lives up to my expectations.  However the concept alone, makes me love Joseph Gorden-Levitt  just a little bit more!

FYI This is the associated website.  I confess I haven't perused it yet, my child is a cat napper, the fact I am able to write this post without entertaining a 10 week old at the same time is a miracle in itself!

Elsewhere

Wrinkles of the City, Shanghai 2010, by JR

Amazing Amazing Amazing photo graffiti projects by JR - found via Fancy, New Zealand Deign Blog

Also via Fancy - another NZ design shop online - Foxes... Chock a block full of more gifty goodness to drool over!

Wanna know what beauty and wonderment can be made with paint and ice block sticks? Of course you do! Check out the work of Nathalie Chikhi, via this art is yours

Super cute post about Love Tokens on The Golden Smith (via All The Mountains)... I have a bolt (yes... like nuts and bolts) tucked away in my jewelery box cause it was the first thing hubby gave to me (I think it had something to do with "here's a screw baby" - yep I found me a good'un)... But these love tokens are allot prettier and more sophisticated - and I was going to say possibly more effective... but maybe not, cause, well, here we are all married and all... ignore me - blabbling again... Boys take note love token - cuter than a bolt!!! x

More about Love! These prints from Blacklist Studios make me all warm and Fuzzy... would make a fantastic gift for the one that you adore... (via Modamuse)

Erin Flannery

Kitty Takes Five (#2) Aresole, acrylic, pencil on linen

Mona's Tough Side

Poly prepares for liftoff

Under the Bonnet

Hello and welcome to a brand new week!
Introducing Erin Flannery - a Gold Coast artist the creator of these crazy, beautiful, whimsical, savage, femme fatals.  I love the juxtaposition of elegant, arty, pencil, and muted washes of color, with the bold and 'feirce' graffiti accents.  Fresh, original and oh so amazing - I heart this art!

Works on Found Objects

More info can be found on Erin's blog. And to own your own Erin Flannery piece visit Anthea Polson Art Gallery.

Wishing you all a fantastic week!

*K*

Under 50

I'm currently looking for art for my spare room... and I've found some fabulous pieces so I thought today I'd share... My top 10 wall art pieces for less than $50!

1. Magnolia Flower Illustration 6688, 8 x 10 inch, by Kariherer, $26.53 AUD on Etsy

2. Delicate Giclee Print, 11 x 14inch, by Mai Autumn, $37.14 AUD on Etsy

3. White Goose # 4 8.5 X 11", by Sharon Montrose $26.53 on The Animal Print Shop

4. Little Green Bird, 120 x 100mm, by Kittens and Crumpets, $29.71

5. Foxglove Print, 11 x 17", by Swanbones $30.77 on Etsy 

6. Roots and Wings, giclee print, 5 x 6" by Matt Leavitt $21.22 on Etsy

7. The Ride, Print of original paper cut, 8.5 x 11", by Elsita, $26.53 on Etsy

8. Butterfly (Amy Butler Fabric), 8x 10", by Ish and Chi, $26.53 on Etsy

9. The Bleak House, 8x10, by The Voyagers, $21.22 on Etsy

10. Augustina, 8x11", by Holli, $21.22 on Etsy

Hope you've found some inspiration

*K* 

96 Days to Go...

I hate to break it to you but as of tomorrow there are only 95 days till Christmas - I know I'm sorry you probably didn't want to know that but this year I'm trying (trying!!) to be super organised! Thus I'm already thinking about my Christmas decorations... 

Bone China Feathers from Have you met Miss Jones

 I coveted these beautiful bone china feather's last year but was told by the hubby no going crazy on Christmas stuff as we spent Christmas in NZ... so I only brought one item of Christmas decor - these custom made Xmas eggs...

My Custom Order from AsherJasper

But this year we're staying here sooo... I can go Christmas mad! Yay! So I'm getting those feathers from the fantastic online store 'Have you met Miss Jones' they'll be pride of place on my tree! Also on my list of coveted items:

Letter Press Christmas Cards by Sycamore Street Press

Reindeer - Have you Met Miss Jones

Have a festive week

*K*

PS Hope I didn't freak you out to much with the Christmas Countdown!! :)

Push me Pull You

Savannah Print

Push me pull you Designs are the wonderful creations of the talented Elenore Grouch.

Boxer Print

Elenore's clean lines, clear patterns and whimsical animal themes will delight adults and kids alike, and whats more she also has art with a conscience.

Polar Bear Charity Print

All proceeds from Polar Bear Print sales go towards the World Wildlife Foundation - and as this little guy is my one of my favorite's it even more reason to buy!

Avery Print

Elenore sells prints, tee shirts, cards and other gorgeous paraphernalia on her site and talks about it on her blog. Defiantly worth a peak!!

Have a fabulous Weekend

*K*

P.S. I stumbled across Push Me Pull You Design via Apartment therapy, they used featured this awesome ABC poster! Too cute!

A few of my faveriot things - Fantasy Fashion

These head pieces are some of my fantasy fashion loves - you know the things you wish you had a reason to not only own but wear on a regular basis...

Winter White Cloche, by Etsy Seller Yellow Field7

Sweet and Blue Cloche (Yellow Field 7)

Amazing Head piece by Feather Children Love

Feather Children love blog and etsy shop

I love hats - and (most of the time) I suit them - its such a shame I have no reason to dress up for work - but when I have kids - well Peter Pan watch out!!!

Wouldn't be nice to live in an era or a space where it was acceptable everyday - *sigh*
The time and effort both sellers must put into their creations blows my mind - they are all truly works of art! Do check them both out!

Have a fashionable week!

*K*

PS all Feather Children photos from here, etsy shop link here
      all Yellow Field 7 photos from etsy

Bridget Farmer - Neat tweats!

Dunnock, Hand Pulled Original Etching

I don't think birds will ever go out of fashion.  There's something in the symbolism of birds that will always delight.  Its the notions of flight, freedom, grace, elegance and cheekiness, all appeal and inspire.  I have a wing tattooed on my hip for exactly that reason - freedom and protection spiritedness- that's what it symbolises to me anyways... But now onto the art.
These are the amazing, no - the AMAZING prints of Irish lass Bridget Farmer.

Satin Bower Bird (female), Original Etching

Red Wattle Bird, Australian Native Bird Etching

Aren't they fantastic! I love the scribbly drawing style that becomes ordered chaos, it has a grace and movement that really captures the fleeting moment of trying to observe the often shy, cheeky and beautiful bird life.

Read more about the etching process here, see works for sale here or check out her blog here!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Danielle Kathleen {Friday Finds}

Black on Black Acrylic Mini Wall Art Collection

I have always loved Cameo's, even before they became cool (again) - having always been into history I guess they always sung to me about a time gone by. Like art, cameos and silhouettes can evoke feelings and memories, a fact recognised by  Danielle Kathleen.

White Princess Wall Art - Acrylic

The student designer creates 'mini art pieces' that can also used as striking, over the top (in the best possible way) jewelry.  And the collection pictured today is titled "Handful of Memories". which is inspired by childhood, loves, obsessions and memories. "Often there are stories attached to each one, and together they map out all the quirky odds and ends that shape the imagination" she says... I say fabulous! I love them all!

Miss Muffet Portrait Acrylic

Little Black Sparrow Brooch - Acrylic

I hope you think they're fabulous too... and if you do check out her Etsy shop!

*K*