STAY WARM IN A SOOPASCARF

With temperatures cooling & clocks turned back, our long Victorian Winter is fast approaching...

To avoid the chill, keep cosy in some woolly goodness from Atlanta based knitwear designer Yokoo Gibraan. Looks SOOPA toasty!

Image: Yokoo / Etsy Store

A HIDDEN PLACE // EXHIBITION OPENING

HOLY SMOKE! Thanks to the fine folks at Lamington Drive, another AMAZING exhibition opens in Melbourne this week...'A Hidden Place'. 

Beci Orpin & Kat Macleod have combined their illustrative super powers to create their first joint show, comprised of a select number of large format solo pieces as well as a series of (soon to be coveted) collaborative works. MAJORLY exciting!

'A Hidden Place' opens in Collingwood at Lamington Drive on Thursday 18th April until May 25th. 

Image: Lamington Drive

WHO GIVES A CRAP // LOO PAPER

Feel Good. Do Good. Toilet Paper. 

Launched by Melbourne lads Simon, Jehan & Danny, the 'Who Gives A Crap' campaign has many of us thinking about our lucky bottoms & how we can help improve sanitation in the developing world. 

When you purchase 'WGAC' loo paper, you don't just buy lush loo paper guaranteed to make your bottom smile, 50 % of all profits are donated to Water Aid to help build toilets & improve global sanitation. 

Flush poverty down the loo. Get rolling now. 

Image: Who Gives A Crap

KIRRA JAMISON // STILL POINT EXHIBITION

For those folks lucky to be living or visiting Melbourne in Autumn, there's one exhibition happening right NOW which should not to be missed... 

'Still Point' the latest collection of dreamy pastel artworks by Melbourne based artist Kirra Jamison is showing at the Sophie Gannon Gallery until April 20. 

Avec Magnifique!  

Image: Kirra Jamison 'Loop' gouache on paper / Sophie Gannon Gallery

THE P.A.M. 'BLACK GOLD' COLLECTION

A sample of the latest P.A.M. 'Black Gold' collection...'Dance Dance Sleeveless Dress'. 

Available in-store at Dagmar Rousset, Fitzroy or online via Someday Store. 

Swoooooooooon.

Image: Someday Store

CRAFTY PACKAGING BY A LA MODO

As a lover & purveyor of good packaging design, I was stoked to discover the innovative work of Seattle based creative, Stephanie Brubaker. 

Perfect for sweet & savoury goodies, Stephanie designs wedge shaped boxes & colour dipped bamboo cutlery which make for the cutest take-away-style treatment EVER. 

Planning your next crafty soiree or picnic? Head over to Stephanie's little Etsy store A La Modo for a look pronto! 

Images: A La Modo / Etsy 

OBJECT + TOTEM // MAINTAINING NOVELTY, CRAFT & MEMORY

Thanks to Pinterest & Instagram I'm invariably ranting on about something I've found online...today it's all about Object & Totem.

Based in Philadelphia, this little studio embraces a simple design aesthetic & locally sourced materials to create a completely unique range of objects intended to 'maintain novelty, craft and memory'. 

How GOOD.

Images: Object & Totem

CAROLINE Z HURLEY

Ok. I JUST discovered the work of Caroline Z Hurley. Amaaaaazing.

Thanks to a little update from Mr. Kitly, I found myself on Caroline's website this morning, coveting many of her impressive artworks, ceramics, throws & wearables.

The 'Hannah' black triangles throw was my top pick (& purchase). Made from 100% linen, this versatile gem looks perfect for cosying up with on those cool, autumn nights. Winner!

Image: Caroline Z Hurley

NEXT STOP, MARFA TEXAS

Around 3 years ago I was happily plowing through a fresh stack of magazines on holiday in Perth when I came across a small travel piece on the far West Texas community of Marfa...

Since reading that first article, I've kept a curious eye on Marfa happenings & wondered how I might visit this cosmic little hub before "it" gets too BIG (which according to Google Maps is approx 24,400 km's away from where I live...)

WELL, thanks to my lovely husband, we have managed to wrangle a few days on our honeymoon to drop in & say hello!

First stop...El Cosmico & our classic 1950's Vagabond trailer.

Images: Janna Gould Photography

SUN, SANGRIA, TACOS & OUR WEDDING

A couple of Wedding Fiesta snaps by the lovely Brooke Holm. Tacos made by Raph Rashid & the amazing team from Taco Truck. Yaaaaariba! 

Images: Brooke Holm 

OUR DREAMY WEDDING FIESTA

Soooo I'm still working on a 'Wedding Fiesta' post...but here's a little preview.

Taken at Split Point Lighthouse, Aireys Inlet by our talented friend & photograher Chris McConville. Check out his blog Pestpective for more wedding snaps here.

So lovely. Thanks Pest.

Image: Chris McConville

WHERE CHEFS EAT - INTERNATIONAL GUIDE

Where Chefs Eat...an über cool international restaurant guide full to the brim with recommendations from the world's best chefs. Niiiiiiiiiiice. Yummmmmm. 

Would make a great birthday present...hint hint.

Images: Phaidon Press

A TEEPEE + A MONTAUK WEDDING

Chanelling a little bohemian wedding inspiration from the amazing Pamela Love.

Count down is ON!!!

Images: Gary Ashely of The Wedding Artists Collective.

Found via 100 Layer Cake

THE COPENHAGEN COFFEE CUP

Simple. Modern. Perfection. by Paper & Clay Studio. 

A nod to Scandinavian design, The Copenhagen Coffee Cup looks pretty & is intended for everyday use (unlike some pretty ceramics), suitable for dishwashers (not that we have one) & will make a nice addition to my chock-full mug collection (obsession). 

Love a good Etsy find! 

Images: Paper & Clay Studio

AT SWIM-TWO-BIRDS TEXTILES

At Swim-Two-Birds textiles & mobiles made by Belgian artist Renilde de Peuter are the bees knees...dreamy, versatile, spectacular.

I discovered Renilde following another late night Pinterest frenzy & shortly after spotted a few of her goodies at Mr. Kitly. Major score!

These goodies include kooky cushions & pot holders which double as wall hangings & a collection of highly covetable mobiles. 

Need & want ¡por favor!

Images: At Swim-Two-Birds

RAW + SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FROM ALCHEMY

Designed & made in Melbourne, the Alchemy range delivers a beautifully curated selection of handmade jewellery, objects & aromatherapy products.

Talented Alchemy maker & designer, Belinda draws on her background in environmental sustainability to craft thoughtfully designed pieces from high quality, raw, sustainable materials with the intention of bringing joy & beauty to everyday life. So inspiring!

Belinda is also very kindly popping a free chocolate lip balm in with all orders over $50 while stocks last. YUM!

Follow Belinda's daily inspirations & work via Instagram (IamAlchemy) & her lovely blog Elements of Alchemy. Hooked!

Images: Alchemy Online

LAURA BLYTHMAN 'FEATHERED FOX' GIVEAWAY

Laura Blythman has got it going on! Independent designer, illustrator & creative director, Laura is also one half of the talented duo behind the popular online city guide 'Oh! Hello Geelong'. 

For those unfamiliar with the Oh!HG phenomenon, Laura & Penny Phipps share their retail discoveries & happy adventures on their cute blog, keeping us informed of emerging talents & cool happenings in the Geelong area as it grows. An absolute must read for locals & visitors! 

Blogging aside, Laura is also an incredibly talented graphic designer & illustrator. Her whimsy, sweet illustrations have fashioned stationary packaging & clothing as well as the lovely layout of Oh!HG blog. Most recently, Laura showcased her work in the 'Love, Lyrics, Neon' exhibition at Kaleidoscope Gallery in Geelong & has just released a collection of hand drawn & hand stitched prints through her online studio. Amazing!

This week we are giving away one of Laura's beautiful artworks...'Feathered Fox' pictured above. An original hand drawn illustration & paper collaged A3 giclee print signed by the artist! WOOP!

Simply leave a comment on this post before 5pm on Friday 1st February (Melbourne time) & one LUCKY reader will be drawn at random & notified by email. Good luck! 

OUR PLACE ON THE DESIGN FILES

Wowsers. What a week!

We were extremely chuffed (more like ecstatic) to see our home featured on The Design Files this Wednesday. MAJOR excitement! We have been longtime fans & daily subscribers to TDF! 

The lovely & talented Lucy Feagins posted a very kind article on our family along with a series of beautiful photographs taken by the equally talented (& lovely) Brooke Holm. 

The response has been overwhelming. We are very grateful to Lucy for sharing our space & to those who left kind words of encouragement. You can view the full home tour on TDF here

Hope you like. Have a great weekend!

Images: Brooke Holm. Production Lucy Feagins /The Design Files.

ECO-FRIENDLY GOODNESS FROM UIMI

It was on a recent trip to Barwon Heads & a quick drop into Bambolotta that we discovered uimi. What a FIND! 

uimi is a fantastic Melbourne based lifestyle brand specialising in eco-friendly knitwear products. Their products are also designed & manufactured locally (in Melbourne) which is super impressive!

Made exclusively from natural fibres with an eclectic range of colourful, geometric design combinations, it wasn't easy to pick a favourite...Eventually, M settled on the organic cotton Indiana Blanket in Tang (as above). Über cute choice!

Tick! Tick! Tick!

Images: uimi online

CALIFORNIA DREAMING + GENERAL STORE

In preparation for our next USA trip, I'm compiling an epic list of new spaces to visit & old favourites that need re-visiting. Top of my retail list is...General Store (Venice Beach & San Francisco). 

Both stores are expertly curated with an interesting selection of vintage wares & hand made goods from local artisans. Plus the interior fit outs look amaaazing!? 

It's going to be difficult to leave without a plant purchase...dang customs restrictions!

Any other places I should be visiting?

Images: General Store Blog

FROM ANTWERP / MIEKE VERBILJEN

Mieke Verbiljen takes lovely photographs of lovely things. 

Based in Antwerp, Belgium, Mieke documents eclectic apartment interiors, photographing talismans & workspaces, pets & plant life. Simple & beautiful. 

Photographic talent aside, Mieke also has an distinctive knack for decorating. See her recent apartment tour on Design*Sponge. Amazing!!!

To see more of Mieke's work, look here. 

Images: Mieke Verbiljen

NATURAL + SLOW DESIGN / CAROLINE GOMEZ

It won't surprise you to see more of Caroline Gomez' work featured here...she is one of my favourite artists!

Drawn to her simplistic & functional art pieces, her craftsmanship exudes a natural elegance, full of colour & light. Caroline's photography is also a constant source of inspiration & contentment not to be missed.  

Check her blog pronto! 

Images via Caroline Gomez

THE SOUVENIR COLLECTION + REALITY STUDIO

Reality Studio | Berlin

Made by Portugese artisans, the 'Souvenir' footwear collection designed by Svenja Specht, fuses contemporary design asethetic with raw, natural materials to create the perfect cork flat. 

Awesomenessssss.

Images via itfashion

SCANDINAVIAN SOFTIES X JANE FOSTER

Happy New Year! 

BIG thanks to everyone who visited this space in 2012 & for keeping me motivated. 

It's been amazing watching the OTIS & OTTO audience grow!!! I am sooo looking forward to sharing more creative stories with you all in 2013! 

Today's NYD post features the work of UK based illustrator Jane Foster. Jane has a knack for collecting vintage fabrics & screenprinting scandi inspired designs. The end result...extremely cute softies for snoodling.

Looky at Jane's work & Etsy store here. 

Meow Meow!

DITCH THE DISPOSABLE & GO FOR GLASS

The JOCO philosophy is simple. Ditch the disposable & go for glass! 

Devoted to improving your cuppa & reducing unnecessary waste, the JOCO group have delivered a beautifully crafted cup using environmentally friendly glass, thermal silicone sleeves & a custom one way lid to prevent splashes. Genius!!! 

Your entire JOCO experience, from the packaging to the cup is designed to be environmentally safe & 100 % recyclable. 

P.S - They are as much for tea lovers as the coffee connoisseur. Check out their website for tips on finding the perfect tea temperature.

THE ALCHEMIST DESIGN

Page Thirty Three Essential Oil Burners. Made in Australia.

Wow. If you haven't already found that perfect Christmas gift, then look no further! 

Dark, scientific lines & metal components compliment the beautiful Tasmanian Oak hardwood used to form the bases of these oil burners. A perfect curio for those looking to reference science in their homes. 

Each piece comes with a 5ml tester of Australian grown lavender oil & beeswax candle. Perfect.

Images via Pinterest

THE 2013 BEER & FOOD CALENDAR

BEER/FOOD 2013 Calendar | Heidi Schwelgert

Each month features an illustrated variety of beer & it's ideal food mate. 

Pilsner & Fish Fry... Amber Ale & Chili... YUM!

See more of Heidi's delish foodie illustrations via her Red Cruiser Etsy store.