Issue #10

ONLINE HOMEWARES MAGAZINE

Life outdoors: beauTiful T hings for picnics, barbecues + camping + more

arT delighT

paterson & steele

HEAVEN SCENT

Design studio embraces handcrafted artisan pieces

Seven incredible artists on show

Frankie Gusti candles full of divine aromas

CONTENTS

FEATURES

OUR COVER

8 PATERSON & STEELEA design studio and online boutique specialising in handcrafted artisan pieces

ART DELIGHTS18 LITTLE BRANCHPlaying with layers and texture are key to the intricate works of Maree Oaten

24 MON MANABUUsing traditional and ancient Japanese techniques Mon Manabu tranfers her contemporary art to old household items

30 JAIMEE PAULJaimee Paul brings furry and feathered things to life in her charcoal drawings

36 ERIN PETSONErin Petson gives us an insight into her artistic world

42 FOR ME BY DEEWith a passion for painting and animals it was an obvious choice for Daniella Lo Presti to create her own masterpieces

48 MARYLA SURF LIFESTYLEThe Surf Garden collection created by Maryla Johns is inspired by the breathtaking beaches situated in her own backyard, the Surf Coast of Victoria

54 JENNY WOODEnter the mind of artist Jenny Wood who creates whimsical and quirky pieces

60 DIY WATERMELON TABLE RUNNER Fiona Michelon from Craft Hunter creates a stunning and simple design with this stylish table runner

CONTACT US: hello@wiinkelenmagazine.com or advertising@winkelenmagazine.com. Website: www.winkelenmagazine.com

PATERSON & STEELEwww.patersonandsteele.com.au

REGULARS

PLUS

66 FRANKIE GUSTIWhat began as a hobby for Genna Klewer, the art of soy candle creation has evolved into a thriving small business

74 OKAY LUNAHigh school friends Annaliese Spiteri and Katerina Petrovska have joined forces using their creative and business backgrounds to build their own studio

80 SOURCED 4 YOUHaving grown up in Africa, Debbie Changuion and her business partner have a passion for traditional handcrafted homewares by talented artisans

PRODUCT SHOWCASE10 WOODNothing replaces the charm of wood and here a few examples

12 WATERCOLOURDip into our collection of colourful watercolour designs

62 BE MY VALENTINESpoil your loved one with something they can treasure

ESCAPE OUTDOORS70 CAMPING72 BBQ84 PICNIC86 CARAVANING

4 Moodboard5 We love62 Must Have86 Business directory

A selection product pages featuring cushions, lighting, art prints and more

MOOD BOARD

DAN300 ART SERIESIntroducing the new look to compliment their existing signature pattern style. These art series prints are also on some lovely textile products mixed with leather, gold and also some limited edition A4 and A3 prints. Coming soon!Stockist: www.dan300.com.au

SIDE PLATE IN BLUE MOON by Robert GordonA flat-based, shallow side plate. One of our most versatile plate designs, well suited to a classic or contemporary setting.So solid and amazing for entertaining. Half Moon Colour shown, also show mixed with Duck Egg (mint). You can also couple it with the Blue Moon dinner plates. Price $19.95. Stockist: www.fromtheowl.com

WOODEN SWAN HANGERThis is a decorative piece to be hung on a wall or door knob, to hold a light weight piece of small children’s clothing or show off necklaces.Hand painted with dip effect in a variety of colours. Price $25. Stockist: www.zilvi.bigcartel.com

BAMBOO TEEPEE GARLANDSeven little teepees, all in a row. This original garland design is made in our studio, and consists of seven bamboo teepees, measuring 10cm high. They’re strung securely on black string, and finished with our own mirrored beads on either end. Perfect for the Native American inspired bedroom or playroom. String it on the wall, above a bed, over a window... the options are varied and the style on-trend. Price $45. Stockist: www.arloandco.com.au

WOODEN FOLDING CAMPING STOOL This lovely nostalgic camping stool is inspired by childhood memories. Of a time when hours were spend outside, relaxing, socializing, eating and drinking.The wooden frame is handcrafted from reclaimed hardwood timber and the fabric seat features an original, Sit Stay GO watercolour design. Price $115. Stockist: Sit Stay Go

GREY AND BLACK TABLE RUNNER This very cool table runner is made very thick and durable 100% cotton and is sure to be the talk of the table. Size: 1.2m L X 25cm W. Price $79. Stockist: www.fromtheowl.com

1] Bloomingville Flower Pot ‘Bloom and Grow’ Flower Pot. Price $14. Stockist: www.designstuff.com.au2] Normann Copenhagen Tablo Table Square - Black. Price $410. Stockist: www.fabiia.com

3] Adventure Giant Wall Flag. Price $399.95. Stockist: www.blackliststore.com.au

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The Camp Stool. A classic, timeless design re-visited in its simplest form. Handcrafted from Tasmanian Oak, Italian leather and stainless steel this piece is a quality chair made from hardy materials that can withstand use in any environment.

Price $180. Stockist: www.harrisongoods.com.au

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Nothing replaces the charm of wood and here a few examples

wood

1] Compact Oil Burner is cool, compact and makes your house smell like a forest! Price $119.95. Stockist: www.formfunctionstyle.com.au2] Haydanhuya Oak Wallet. Each wallet is handmade from a single block of wood using high quality Oak.

Price $99.99. Stockist: www.woodcreatures.com.au 3] Wind and Willow hand-dipped rose pink wooden bowl. Price $39. Stockist: www.hunterandfound.com

4] Mariner American White Oak Wooden and Timber Cafe Bar Stool. Price $410. Stockist: www.urbancouture.com.au5] Wood Loop Clock. With simple sleek lines - the wood loop clock is minimalism at its best. Price $99. Stockist: www.formfunctionstyle.com.au

6] Stem Coat Stand. Stem tree is a simple and elegant coat stand that will compliment any interior. Price $995. Stockist: www.neutralinstinct.com.au7] Wooden Bulb Light. This light is shaped like a giant light bulb. Price $200. Stockist: www.zuku.com.au

8] Eller Small Vase. Price small $49.95, large $59.95. Stockist: www.countryroad.com.au9] Handcarved Wooden Pineapple Serving board - Have You Met Miss Jones. Price $49.95. Stockist: www.hallaboutthehouse.com.au

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CANVAS ART PRINTS - CUSHIONS - RUGS - DECOR WWW.URBANROAD.COM.AU

A/W 2015 ‘Sanctuary’ Collection

STORE PROFILE

Nicole and Wayne launched their own design studio and online boutique specialising in handcrafted artisan pieces by Australian designers and overseas

Paterson and SteeleTell us a bit about your business and how it was formed?Paterson + Steele is a multidisciplinary design studio and online boutique specialising in hand crafted artisan pieces for your home. Together with my husband Wayne, we run the business from our home studio in Bangalow, near Byron Bay.We source our pieces from artists and designers in Australia and around theworld, and I also design our own pieces. Whether designed by us, or sourcedby us, all our pieces follow the same ethos: unique, quality products for like-minded design lovers produced with love and care from the artists’ hand.I guess the idea of Paterson + Steele started years ago, but stayed as an idea until we were in the right space to throw ourselves into our own business. After launching last year, we haven’t looked back.

How did your career begin?I’ve always been creative, from when I was a young kid. My Mum was pretty crafty and she dabbled in all sorts of artistic things, and she always roped me into learning whatever she was working on. That’s where my initial

love of art and design was born.When I left high school I was pretty focused on fine art but quickly realised I wasn’t cut out to be a ‘starving artist’, so I undertook aBachelor of Art in Graphic Design instead.For the following 15 years I’ve been lucky enough to have a wonderful careerin graphic design, working for some of Australia’s leading brands designingeverything from magazines to packaging.

What sparked you to create your business?I loved graphic design, but I’ve always had a passion for homewares and interior design. It was always in the back of my mind that ‘one day’ I would launch my own brand, but making that leap is no small task. I had to work up the courage to leave behind the security of an established career, and throwmyself into the unknown.Then, I had a health scare and six months of chemotherapy and it made me reassess what I wanted out of life. I decided I didn’t want to waste any more time. So I took the leap, roped my husband in and here we are.

Can you tell us where you source your gorgeous homewares from and how do you

select the right item for your store?We source from artisans all over the world and also design and make a smallrange ourselves with our team in Australia.The concept behind selecting items is very simple: find or create pieces that tick all the boxes that are important to me - striking design, a unique or eccentric quality, and made with a strong environmental and socialconscience. I wanted to create a place where artists of any medium have thechance to share their work with a wider audience. We want to encourageslow-buying, buy what you love, buy once. Our store curates what I call ‘thehigh-end of hand crafted’.

What do you love the most about having your own store?The interaction with other designers, suppliers and collaborators. It can bea lonely old world working for yourself, and the ability to bounce off other creatives is invaluable, and also leads to other exciting projects. I also love our customers and going the extra mile for them;- I’m always veryappreciative that they have chosen to buy from our store.

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Who are some of your favourite designers?All the artisans featured in our store are close to my heart; - they are such a bunch of talented and creative people who genuinely want each other to succeed. So to name just one is like asking me to pick a favourite child(I only have one of those, so that’s easy).I love everything that Jai Vasicek turns his hand to; I’ve always had a soft spot for Pop & Scott; and I really admire everything that Revolution Design House are doing – really original products with a lot of consideration and thought behind them.

What do you consider to be a must have item in your home?Plants - I’m completely obsessed with them at the moment - from growing them, to designing pots in which to put them. There is something deeply satisfying about growing a plant. Of course, the flipside is you feelterrible if they die.

What has been your biggest highlight?Having Paterson +Steele has been featured

in some of my favourite magazinesover the last six months and honestly it thrills me each and every time.I used to sit there and pore over those magazine pages, admiring all the wonderful pieces (purchasing way too many of them)- and now our brand is there, on the pages. That sort of validation really pushes you to keep striving- and gives you a little boost to let you know you are on the right track, which is great (especially when you have a day where everything goes pear-shaped).

Do you have any advice for our readers who love all things for the home?I had a girlfriend once tell me to stop worrying about how everything matched together (that pesky graphic design brain rearing its ugly head again). It was really affecting what I purchased for my home. She told me to buy what I love, and because I loved it, everything would fall togethernaturally. And it does. It was great advice. So I guess I would stay, don’t obsess too much about everything working ‘together’; just get what you love and trust it will work.The other advice I would offer is if you pine

for something for a long time - buy it. I fell in love with an Easton Pearson rug from Designers Rugs - I stalked it for three long years,- even visiting it in the showroom everysix months (the sales people probably thought I was crazy). In the end, myhusband (who definitely thought I was crazy) told me to buy it. I call it art for the floor. I’ve had that piece now for two years, and I’m still in love with it - it always bring a smile to my face, and it will always have a place in my home.

What do you foresee as the next big trend?Soul shopping. It’s been happening for some time but I see it getting stronger and stronger; people embracing more considered purchases for their home, swaying away from mass produced products that have no soul, and instead buying pieces from artisans that represent a piece of the artists’soul. We’ve been lucky in Australia to have such a supportive media industry that has really embraced handcrafted products and what they stand for.

CONTACT:www.patersonandsteele.com.au

watercolourDip into our collection of colourful watercolour designs

Puddle Watercolour Wallpaper.Stockist: www.wallpaperdecor.com.au

1] Emily Green A4 Watercolour Clouds Print - Royal Blue Forest and Coral. Price $49. Stockist: www.proformastore.com.au2] Ecology Seasons Water Colour Aqua Bone China Mug. Price $7.95. Stockist: www.starstyleonline.com.au

3] Watercolour Cushion. Price from $45. Stockist: www.edenandwade.com.au4] Stoneware plate with watercolour design in black. Price $85. Stockist: www.thesecretroom.com.au

5] Water colour wall clock. Artistic watercolour clock that is poetic and luminous with colour. Price $79. Stockist: www.6things.com.au6] Blue Mountains watercolour cushion by Feliz Home. Price $99. Stockist: www.hardtofind.com.au

7] Framed Modern Tate Print Watercolour Abstract III from Designer Boys. Price $636. Stockist: www.theblockshop.com.au

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Cumulus Living designed yardage called ‘Forest Walk’. It is a beautiful white based belgian linen, digitally printed with this design created from watercolour splats and drips. Stunning for upholstering an occasional chair or bed head. $180 per metre.Cushions also available in various sizes. Designed and printed in Australia. Accompanying yardage is the ‘Jeanie’ also in the belgian linen.www.cumulusliving.com.au

1] Midnight Ink Reversible SB Quilt. This beautiful quilt has Indigo Ink splatter on one side and a taupe geometric pattern on the reverse. Price $169. Stockist: www.mintinteriordesign.com.au

2] Haze Quilt Cover Set. This bedding is made from 100% Bamboo Rayon, carefully & individually hand-dyed us-ing a traditional batik technique. Price $260. Stockist: www.sukuhome.com

3] Midnight Ink Tea Towel. Made from a linen/cotton blend, this tea towel is both classy and sophisticated. Price $29. Stockist: www.squeakdesign.com

4] Earth grey brick Wallpaper by Shibori. Heavy duty wallpaper for domestic and commercial use Roll dimensions 61.5cm X 10m. Price $225. Stockist: www.theblockshop.com.au

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TOPPICK

ferm Living Kelim Cushion Square. Price $95. Stockist: www.designstuff.com.au

under $100Bargain buys for your home

Galvanic A4 Fine Art Print. Price $80. Free Australian postage. Stockist: www.joanouk.etsy.com

HAY Kaleido Small Blue. Price $50. Stockist: www.designstuff. com.au

Art Print Always a mother by by Fiona Kennedy Altoft. Price $98. Stockist: www.papercartel.com

Dill natural 38cm tray by Country House Manuka. Price $98. Stockist: www.hardtofind.com.au

Bloomingville Hexagonal Flower Pot Copper. Price $89. Stockist: www.designstuff.com.au

Millie’s Fromage Homemade Cheese Kit. Price $59.95. Stockist: www.madmillie.com

Angel Style Cafe Chair. Price $79. Stockist: www.interiorsecrets.com.au

Skating Art Print an archival print reproduction of an original acrylic painting on wood by Belinda Marshall. Price $45. Stockist: www.belindamarshall.bigcartel.com

We take a look into the often surreal world of some of the amazing artists Australia has to offer

ART SPECIAL

arT delighT

Photography: Chris Warnes

Playing with layers and texture are key to the intricate works of Maree Oaten who collobrates with artist Anna Johnson

giving you the signature look of Little Branch

Tell us a bit about your artwork?My artwork is like drawing with light, playing with textures, creating illusions with layers of unlikely materials: like intricate French lace, a child’s watercolour, or the reflection of a rainbow in a puddle. I like to sense tactility in a design and always the sign that a human hand was there, rushing with speed, touching the surface of paper lightly or scratching away in a burst of energy. I have always worked closely with visual artists but one of my hidden strengths is seeing what could be happening where the drawing ends. I am also pretty strong on pattern. I love playing with geometry and symmetry. My art always has some link to the natural world and is usually a bit...joyful.

Can you tell us about yourself and your background?My formative years in an advertising and design agency in Sydney meant I had to meet really diverse briefs under pressured deadlines. I bring some of that discipline and focus to Little Branch because I run a business where I have everything within my reach... except time! I feel my international experience working

in Europe and New York gave me the confidence to be decisive in my taste and simply know what I like based on years of soaking up museums, young vibrant art and high standard design. Together with my friend and regular collaborator, Anna Johnson, I also designed some books, so there is also publishing in the mix of my experience. Family life involves responsibility, repetition and routine. Art and design are an escape from that but ultimately my work is also fed, nourished and fired by the pure creative force of having kids all around.

What sparked you to begin your own business?I began my own business so I could be close to my children, express myself and because (it IS true)… I like to be the boss.Business is a living organism where you have to think on your feet, plan and be prepared for unexpected demands. I attend quite few small business and women in business events, I love seeing what creative people do with their time, their resources and most of all their ideas.

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little branch

ART SPECIAL

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What techniques do you use in creating your art?All of the original art work and drawings for Little Branch are created in watercolour and ink on hand made French watercolour paper (and other up-cycled fragments) with a size four paint brush by Anna Johnson and (for future collections) other select artists. I design, collage, montage, layer and mutate Anna’s works and then add to this with my own scanned layers digitally. Sometimes that could mean a simple compositional change or something much more complex. Our collaboration (ongoing) involves a lot of creative trust and a strong sense of play. It also changes the way I look at a medium. Something originally drawn on craft paper might end up somewhere completely different. My perspective on artwork is very spatial and experimental. I love the way

space, proportion and texture change an image. Everything is originally made offline and then brought into the computer for post production.I love to experiment with texture. Currently I am playing with inks, heavy body acrylics and watercolours.

What inspires you in your designs?What inspires me is a really long list and in no order really: Australian made design, the changing conditions of light, the ability of art to change a room, antique textiles.Other things that inspire: independent London style, gardening with kids, shoe shopping, tea in vintage china, seasonal urges really specific urges for particular colours and textures ... as strong as food cravings and speaking of which ... chocolate and tea and yes, coffee are never far from hand! I also have to have my music. Red hot chilli peppers still rule.

I also have a passion for paper. I collected cards and gift wrap before I designed them. Sometimes, the fact that I collaborate so closely with artists makes me lose a sense of “drawing” or “painting” and yet I do both when I use pattern and generate form and invent spaces out of unusual material.

Who are some of your favourite artists and why?My taste is vastly diverse and hard to express - when I see something I love it just clicks, like many highly visual people I find it difficult to express in words...I love artists who are famous and artists who I find at 3am on the internet who are writing an idiosyncratic blog.Formative influences have been...Matisse - colour, cutouts, simplicityCy Twombley - the richness of layers, i get lost in his paintings.

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Photography: Chris Warnes Pictured right: Umbrella Love was one of the first works Anna and Maree created together.

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Squeak Carnwarth - I was introduced to her work by my design mentor 15 years ago and have always loved since.Silk scarf designs, original drawings and textiles by Vera Neumann

What is your most favourite artworks that you have completed?Umbrella Love - this was one of the first works Anna and I created together, i just adore it. At that time we were collecting large fallen leaves from the rain spattered streets near where I lived. The shades of rust and mottled brown suited the blue and white traditional origami papers we were using for collage. That palette of earth tones and blue still resonates.The Jasmin Rose cushion for Urban Road - was a collaboration with my daughter Jasmin Rose. It’s highly personal and my first foray into homewares.In every collection I also really love the wrapping papers - it’s where I can go a little wild!

What has been your biggest highlight?It’s funny but the small things along the road stand out as milestones. The day that Little Branch was registered as a company was an important one. Our first (tiny) stand at Life In Style was also a fun moment, to have that chance to interface with clients and literally stand by the work. Wrapping christmas presents in Little Branch designs is another small but poignant pleasure.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your art?When I started Little Branch (with Anna) we had a strong sense that our designs and ‘feel’ maintained a sense of tactility, sensuality and local character. This was never going to be art from just anywhere, it was Australian but NOT Australiana ... it was Sydney in the rain or Queensland in winter, Melbourne at dusk, nothing sunburnt country, always nuanced. Our sense of the seasonal collection was dictated by colour, it was never literal. The mood and emotion of colour. There is a romance to what we created and I am

carrying on in that spirit. The presence of watercolour, the scrambling faint lines of pencil. The fragments of textile and unexpected collage elements all have a freshness to them. It might seem like a creative cliche but living with children, and running children’s art work shops, keeps me in touch with a visual dynamic that is always a bit raw and rambling. Digital design had a big impact on artwork but Little Branch thrives on the presence of the hand made, of touch and the natural moments of chaos and indecision in the act of drawing. I am always very careful to keep pencil lines and signs of process IN and not clean things up too much. The line is the map! John Olsen famously described his work as taking a line for a walk. That is the spirit of Little Branch, a line that keeps rolling, always curious, always guided by a human hand.

CONTACT:www.littlebranch.com.au

Photography: Chris Warnes

The Jasmin Rose cushion for Urban Road was a collaboration with daughter Jasmin Rose. It’s highly personal and Maree’s first foray into homewares.

Using traditional and ancient Japanese techniques Mon Manabu tranfers her contemporary art to old household items giving them a new lease of life

mon manabuCan you tell us a bit about your business and art?My business, Mon Manabu, is where I express my passion for contemporary art. Originally from Barcelona, I have been based in the Byron Shire for the last six years, and it is here that I create my unique and original wearable and home deco art pieces. I live in a little wooden house surrounded by trees and while I have a dedicated space for working, essentially all of the house, veranda and garden are full of unfinished artworks, materials and equipment used in the process of making my finished pieces. I love creating digital collage images with my own drawings, photographs and paintings, inspired by nature and striking architecture from around the world. I then use a traditional and ancient Japanese technique to transfer my collages onto timber or canvas. I particularly love making upcycled art pieces using household objects that are no longer deemed useful. I love the process of restoring them, fixing, painting and sanding

to give them a vintage look. My first experience with this kind of process involved transferring an image onto a drawer. The result was truly beautiful. From there, I experimented with tennis rackets, old timber windows, wooden hammers, spoons; the list is endless. I think incorporating upcycled objects into my artworks will remain an extremely important element of my work. I also make tree branch pendants, wooden blocks pictures and postcards on recycled paper, using my collage images.

Tell us about yourself and your background?My story begins in Barcelona where my background was in interior design, graphic and web design. I had always enjoyed photography from a very young age, and decided to study Fine Arts at the University of Barcelona. There, painting and illustration really caught my eye. After learning about the technique of transfer at a workshop, it felt natural for me to

combine the skills of photography, painting and transfer to create my own personal style. I continued to refine my work and participated in several exhibitions and Art Shows in Barcelona, Cadaques and Balbone, in South France. During this time I met my future husband, Sebastian, who is from Chile. After two years together, we decided it was time to travel. I was fortunate enough to receive an international Grant to study at Southern Cross University, Lismore, Australia! Leaving Spain, we spent four months travelling through Asia. We visited Thailand, Laos, Malaysia and Indonesia. It was during these travels that I captured most of the photos I use to create the images for my artworks. The idea was to travel to Cambodia, but while staying in a beautiful little spot called Pai, North Thailand, we discovered that I was pregnant. From there we visited a couple of places in Laos, enjoying the calm of Luang Prabang and then flew to the Gold Coast, Australia.

ART SPECIAL

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A friend picked us up from the airport to bring us to Mullumbimby, Byron Shire and we feel in love with the area and haven’t moved since. For our first year, we lived in Goonenguerry, in a restored old barn on the top of a hill, with the most unreal views. It was here we learnt how to be parents. It was tricky dealing with so many new things; a baby, possums on the roof while sleeping, kookaburras at 6am in the morning, weeds growing like crazy, rainy day after rainy day … it was an amazing time, but exhausting and isolating as well. We decided to move, and luckily found our dream home- a little studio in New Brighton, just in front of the beach. It was here that I began to create again. What sparked you to create your business?Around the Byron Shire, every weekend, there are artisans markets. Visiting them, I became really impressed with how many unique and interesting products I saw by local artists. It was this that really helped me look at my work in a different way. Until then, I was selling through some galleries in the area, but I was missing the direct contact with the community. In November 2013, I decided to start my business selling face-to-face at the markets. The first one was at the Bangalow Market, and it was an amazing experience. Not many people knew my work then, but now, after a little more than a year, I often hear people say things like; “I was looking for your stall”, “I met you last year”, “I have seen your work before”. I really enjoy this relationship and feedback from the community.

What processes are involved in creating your pieces?Each creation has a different process involved. For example, to create a pendant, the first stage is collecting, cutting and sanding a branch slice. I then paint it with acrylic white paint and manually transfer the image. Finally I varnish it. I then make the necklace, using either leather cord or recycled glass beads and cotton cord. My upcycled artworks are the most complex and time consuming of all my range of

products. Once I have found the right object to restore, I create an image to suit the shape of the object. I transfer the image, sometimes onto intricate curved areas, and re-touch with paint in order to get a neater image. The last step is to varnish the finished piece of art.

What inspires you in your designs?Nature with its infinite shapes and colors is what inspires me and fuels my creativity. I love natural shapes, branches, leafs, rocks and organic textures, this is how I came to transfer images directly onto wood. I also like striking architecture, colourful walls, antique doors and windows. I enjoy creating digital collages, mixing my own drawings, paintings and photographs. This process is forever changing and evolving, ensuring all my creations are completely unique. Mon comes from Montserrat, a beautiful and enigmatic mountain close to Barcelona, Spain. Manabu means “to learn” in Japanese. It is our human nature to constantly learn. I feel my paintings are evolving along with my knowledge about nature.

What do you love the most about having your own label?I truly believe there is an artist inside us all, if we have the time to discover it. For me, having my own label, means I have discovered my artistic side and through that I have transformed a passion into a profession. It is also very satisfying and extremely encouraging to know that people have chosen my artwork to have in their home. To work in the arts full time and make a living from art is a dream come true for me.

Who are some of your favourite designers?I actually really love many of the designers and artists who live in my local community. For example: Pirates Dreaming, with their amazing silver jewellery, Blossom Young with her figurative sculptural pieces made from porcelain, Carla from Bubbles at the head with her hand screen printed cushions, Helene and Johnny from Dirty Old Town with their reclaimed timber furniture… All of them really creative! The list of my favourite designers is endless!

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What is your favourite item in your store right now and why?I would have to say the Wooden Blocks are my favourite items from my store at the moment. Originally I was transferring each image manually, so each was an original piece of art, which meant they were quite expensive. Now, I am printing them on plywood, achieving fantastic colours, with a very professional and beautiful finish. It means they are much more affordable and therefore accessible to more people. I really enjoy seeing how people create their own collection of wooden blocks by mixing my images together.

What has been your biggest highlight?I think creating both the pendants and wooden blocks have been highlights for the last year. I really love my “tree of life” pendant with its fine lines, organic shape and neutral colours. And because I like the poetic idea of a “tree in a tree”.On the other hand, I really love how the

wooden blocks are prints of original art that can be hung and enjoyed straight away, without the need to purchase a frame like with a traditional paper print.

What are your plans for the future?My work is currently stocked in three beautiful retail shops around the country. Moonrise Studios in Mullumbimby, Indie Made in Sandgate, Brisbane and The Creatory in Sydney. I would love to increase the number of stockists of my artworks around Australia. My first step to accomplish this will be participate at Life in Style, the Australia’s premium boutique trade event hold in Sydney, from the 19th to the 22nd of February.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your business?Until now I was selling through Etsy, but I have recently launched my new website with an online shop. On there you will be able to buy retail or wholesale.

CONTACT: www.manabu.com.au

Jaimee Paul brings furry and feathered things to life in her charcoal drawings along with watercolour female portraits

jaimee paul

Tell us a bit about your artwork?Between teaching art classes, studying Design at UNSW Art & Design (I’m about to start year 3) and working on private commissions there isn’t much time for experimenting with my own personal artworks, but when I do I love working in watercolour with my animal portrait series. I’m a little bit obsessed with furry and feathery things. I also love working with a female subjects too, in mixed media, and I have found that my own friends have become my favourite muses (see artworks labeled ‘Maddy’ and ‘Jess’). I would say I try to capture the souls of my subjects, the eyes are window to the soul they say, so I find myself always starting an artwork that way and working my way out from there.

Can you tell us about yourself and your background?I grew up in New Zealand on a sheep farm (cliche at its best) so the love for animals started there. I spent a lot of time as a kid in the dog kennels playing with all the dogs and pups.As a family we migrated to Sydney’s northern beaches when I was sixteen. I finished high school and started art classes at Artfocus Gallery and Studio in Brookvale. This led to me teaching and continuing to learn from the best in order to share what I know, and encourage kids to further their skills. I was at the studio every weekend on my own listening to music and painting. When they closed, Art&Co was born. Having my own students, alongside Carly Casey, has been a main focus for the last couple of years.

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ART SPECIAL

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It’s such a rewarding job, if you can call it that. Running workshops and weekly classes are a highlight. What sparked you to begin your own business?It was a natural progression. The decision to do prints came because I wanted to make my artwork more accessible to the broader public, especially my own age group. It has opened up doors with other online stores such as Wallabuy, a new Australian design store. Becoming part of Sydney illustration agency The Drawing Arm in 2011 forced me to get out of my comfort zone and I’m constantly learning as each commercial job arises. What techniques do you use in creating your art?I always look at new artwork by trying out a new technique first and I like to experiment with art supplies that belonged to each of my Grandmothers. The mountain souls series is watercolour on canvas, which is probably my favourite to paint with.

With my pet portrait commissions it’s usually charcoal although I like to add water colour too, if their personality calls for it. What inspires you in your designs?I often find i’ll be really inspired by a technique or idea one of my students might have, and i’ll go home and experiment in my studio. I try to go to as many exhibitions as I can.Actually seeing art up close is the best for inspiring something new in me. I get lost behind a computer screen. Although saying that, I’m a little bit obsessed with Instagram. Just scrolling through will have me lost for hours. I follow anyone from fashion photographers to artists to National Geographic. Who are some of your favourite artists and why?Anya Brock - I love how fearless she is with her brush and colours.Furry Little Peach - She’s only young but she has such a distinctive style and I admire how she’s really interactive with her fans.

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< continued from previous pageWhat is your most favourite artwork that you have completed?Bambi from my Mountain Soul series because after a years travel I came home and committed myself to working solely on a series that was inspired by my travels in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, and I discovered my own style. The image of Bambi, I have a very personal connection with. What has been your biggest highlight?Teaching is definitely a highlight of my working week. My students range from 7 to 55 years old, every class challenges me and I learn from them constantly. You can see their amazing talent at www.artandco.com.au. I hope to never achieve my greatest achievement because what do you do after that? But recently I surprisingly won a competition with UNSW and Royal Doulton Australia. So this year i

will be heading to London for a months paid internship. I’m really excited. See the link here for the Project Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joZMZzaeLME Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your art? • My mum also loves to paint and sew

so we share a studio together and keep each other company.

• A collection of my recent works will be displayed at Girdlers Grind cafe in Dee Why for @kayapacs creative studio. In Feb/March.

CONTACT:Jaimee PaulArtist - Illustrator - Teacher - Designer0450 935 597jaimee.paul@hotmail.comhttp://www.jaimeepaul.com.auhttp://jaimeepaul-artist.tumblr.comhttps://www.facebook.com/Jaimeepaulartist

On the verge of releasing her new collection with Urban Road, Erin Petson gives us an insight into her artistic world

Tell us a bit about your artwork? My artwork has an ethereal narrative, I work intuitively with pencil and abstract mark making. I draw from the figure as inspiration and I combine that with experimental colour and paint techniques.

Can you tell us about yourself and your background?I’m from a small industrial town in the north east of England which is very close to the North Yorkshire moors and beaches which I love. I studied art and design from the age of sixteen and went on to specialise in fashion, fine art and graphic arts. Since moving to London ten years ago I’ve worked as a full time artist.

What sparked you to begin your own business?I was working full time as a window stylist for Selfridges, and they commissioned me to illustrate the front windows of their Manchester store for their Atelier scheme. It was a wonderful opportunity and it launched me further towards my goal which was to be a full time artist.

What techniques do you use in creating your art?

I draw from life, as much as possible. I use pencil and acrylic on Fabriano paper, and then I use Photoshop as a tool to do post production. It’s much faster to edit and scale artwork that way.

What inspires you in your designs? My creativity is an outlet for me, if I’m not drawing I feel a bit lost. I’m always looking for new inspiration so that I can get drawing, be it visiting fashion week, or a museum/exhibition, going out into nature to feel the fresh air and see some trees or by meeting up with a fellow artist friend for a tea.

Who are some of your favourite artists and why? I love so many, I can’t wait to see the Marlene Dumas exhibition at the Tate next month her painting techniques are exquisite, and most recently I was really inspired by the ‘Late Turner’ exhibition and his water colours. I loved that he travelled and worked, he often would sketch a scene and then work into the painting back in his hotel room, he had his own very specific colour palette. I draw on inspiration from fine artists as well as fashion designers and nature.

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erin petson

ART SPECIAL

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What is your most favourite artworks that you have completed? They never ever feel finished to me, and I change my mind so often that I could’nt possibly pick. Although I am quite found of my fashion illustration Chloe, it launched my career 10 years ago, and it was something I created without even thinking about it so that’s magical.

What has been your biggest highlight?My trip to Melbourne in October 2104 was a massive highlight so far. I was invited by Flemington Race course to create some original artworks for the Melbourne Cup inspired by some Australian designers takes on race wear and millenary such as Yeojin Bae and Alex Perry. I also attended the cup as a MYER fashions on the field judge.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your art?

I’m so very grateful for the continuous support that I receive daily from friends, clients, customers and art lovers in doing what I love, so I’d like to say thank you. I have a new collection coming soon to Urban Road which I’m very excited about and I’m currently working on an exhibition that will be shown in Bath in March.

CONTACT: www.urbanroad.com.au/brands/Erin-Petsonwww.

Photography: Tanika Blair

MICHAEL BOND - ARTIST BIOBrisbane based abstract artist, Michael Bond, is a self-taught artist who is passionate about exploring new techniques and styles.Michael embraces vibrant colours on both large and smaller scales. He focusses primarily on painting striking, bold art for the walls of real homes. His journey of exploration drives him to constantly refine and develop his own unique ways of drawing the observer’s attention to what lies beneath in a literal and metaphorical sense.This is achieved throughout glimpses into the abstract painting to discover the hidden layers of deeper meaning.www.michaelbondart.com

KATIE McKINNON - ARTIST BIOMelbourne based painter and textile designer Katie McKinnon has developed a strong following with collectors throughout Australia, New Zealand, Europe and North America.Katie’s latest series of large scale mixed media works, Marine Life are flowing, abstract expressions exploring the fierce beauty of Australia’s underwater gardens, marine flora and native fish species, and the infinite energy of underwater currents and circa-tidal rhythms. For information on Katie’s original artworks, please visit stockists on www.katiemckinnon.com.au for stockists or email katie@katiemckinnon.com.au

Rainbow Cale, Whiting and Coral, 120x150cm, acrylic and ink in canvas

- by Katie McKinnon.www.katiemckinnon.com.au

Image: Derek SwalwellStyling: Bee Czarnota

With a passion for painting and animals it was an obvious choice for Daniella Lo Presti

to create her own masterpieces

FOR ME BY DEE

Photography by:Salona Chithiray - storiesbysalona.comJessica Totino - loneography.comArlene Sachon - arlenesachon.com

Can you tell us about yourself and your background?Hi, I’m Daniella, also known to many as Dee! I am an artist /designer based in Melbourne running my own small business called For Me By Dee. Creating is what I love to do! I have a passion for painting and as you have no doubt noticed, a passion for painting animals.I completed a Bachelor in Communication and Design, which led to five years experience in the corporate advertising world. A turn of events (call it fate) led me to start my own business and I could not be more grateful. When I’m not painting or set up at a market (which at the moment is most of the time) you will find me travelling or dreaming up the next place to travel. The aim is to one day combine the too and travel whilst painting, or vice versa. What sparked you to begin your own business?Since I can remember I have wanted to run my own business, I guess I just never knew what or how? In late 2013 I started a series of coaching sessions, which inspired me to start doing what I loved, painting and creating. By the end of my coaching sessions my team at my corporate job was made redundant. I saw this as the perfect opportunity to begin my own business and For Me By Dee was created. Tell us a bit about your artwork?I paint animals. It’s funny a lot of people assume I am a crazy animal lover and own 14 cats and 12 dogs but this is not quite the case. I do like animals, but what I enjoy most about them is their unique character. I love capturing this as best I can in my artwork and translating it into products such as my gift cards and giclee’ art prints for people to enjoy. I have also been privileged to paint portraits of many loved pets and childhood toys. This is a really special part of my job.

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ART SPECIAL

What techniques do you use in creating your art?My painting technique and process has been developed through my own trial and error and experimentation. I was never taught to paint, never attended art school to learn the correct techniques and until recently only drew. This is probably why it comes as a surprise to most people that I use watercolour to create my artwork. I guess I use it in an unconventional way. I paint, as I would draw, beginning lightly and gradually adding lots of layers with less water as I build depth in the work.

What inspires you in your designs?The challenge that comes with painting each animal inspires me. No two animals are the same. There may be similarities in texture and colour however, each animal is unique and creates a unique and individual painting experience for me. Capturing and conveying the animals unique character is something I really like to focus on. I have found this to be one of the things people comment on or even mimic when they see my range for the first time. I’ve seen a few head tilts when customers see Berty the Budgie. I love seeing the animals gradually come

to life. I often capture progress by taking a few snaps and share them with family and friends who really connect with the animal as it develops. It’s as though I am giving these animals a life through another medium.

Who are some of your favourite artists and why?Miranda Skoczek - The layering, colour and energy she captures in each of her pieces is just breathtaking. I really appreciate her use and combination of acrylic and oil on canvas.

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Photography by:Salona Chithiray - storiesbysalona.comJessica Totino - loneography.comArlene Sachon - arlenesachon.com

Photography by:Salona Chithiray - storiesbysalona.comJessica Totino - loneography.comArlene Sachon - arlenesachon.com

Sandra Eterovic’ - Other than being one of the most humble creatives I know, she is just bursting with talent! Her work is quirky, fun and pushes the boundaries of the imagination. I just love it!

What is your most favourite artworks that you have completed?Winston the Wombat would have to be one of my favs. I am guaranteed to smile when I look at him. He is just so warm and fuzzy I want to give him a hug.The longer I spend on an artwork the more attached I grow to the character and this guy was one of the longest…that fur.

What has been your biggest highlight?My debut stall at the Finders Keepers Market in Melbourne 2014 was a definite highlight. It was always a dream of mine to have my own market stall and when this dream was realised at one of the biggest markets in Melbourne I just couldn’t contain my excitement. I think I smiled for 2 days straight; my face was sore for a week.Another big highlight for me was having my Zoe the Zebra print featured on the TV series The Block. I jumped up and down like a big kid after seeing her on the big screen and my

phone did not stop ringing with calls from excited family and friends.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your art?My art is my passion. It is what I love to do.

Seeing the pleasure and joy my artwork brings to people is so fulfilling. I hope to continue on this journey of doing what I love, creating and inspiring along the way.

CONTACT: www.formebydee.com

ART SPECIAL

The Surf Garden collection created by Maryla Johns is inspired by the breathtaking beaches situated in her own backyard, the Surf Coast of Victoria

maryla surf lifestyle Tell us a bit about your artwork?My latest collection of artworks ‘Surf Garden’ is all reflective of my time spent walking beaches and taking in the amazing textures and patterns found in the washed up pieces of seaweed. With a camera in handand my adored pooch on a leash I simply just started walking the beaches in and around the Surf Coast of Victoria taking photographs.With a catalogue of images both in my hand and in my head I just started using different techniques to replicate the intricate forms and layers you see in the seaweed. I mainly use acrylic paints, mixed mediums,and lots of water in a drizzled format which is repeated over and over. I do also use some digital work in my prints. The collection ‘Surf Garden’ which I exhibited at Boom Gallery in July last year was of original works using ink, limited edition prints (15 of each only), and photo art pieces. Prints and photosare still available.My art appeals to those people who want to have that connection with nature, the beach,

the ocean - and bring that into the home. Likewise, my textile designs are all about creating patterns that communicatewith clarity, that say “this is a home that has a love and respect for nature and living by the sea”.

Can you tell us about yourself and your background?My background has may layers like my paintings! I grew up nowhere near a beach but three hours north on a farm outside the Country Victorian town of Horsham. From there I’ve also lived in Ballarat, Melbourne,Los Angeles, Sydney and Geelong. Living in Los Angeles for three years was a complete diversion from my creative pursuits but was more about business and the marketing of Australian health food company Musashi in the USA market.My rural roots run very deep and I love living on the edge of some of the world’s most iconic beaches like ‘Bells’ and the gorgeous Great Ocean Road. It has so much to offer in terms of the lifestyle you can live.

It’s like being on an extended beach holiday every day to me. I sometimes wonder how I ended up here but I am so grateful. I just love it when my retail outlet in Lorne calls for an order just so I can use it as an excuse to drive there along the Great Ocean Road (most think I’m crazy for offering!)I’ve worked in media, marketing, design and creative fields most of my ‘professional’ career. But studying interior design whilst I was in Sydney at ISCD was a new beginning. I know it’s cliche to say but it was abrilliant time to learn and make life-long friends with the same crazy passions as yourself.

What sparked you to begin Maryla Surf Lifestyle?When I moved from Sydney back to my home in Geelong I was looking to continue creative outlets so I decided to do a screenprinting course at the Tafe. Once I started combining my art and textiles the rest just fell into place.

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It’s not easy starting out on your own or just purely working on your own when you’re used to working in a team. But it does get easier when you find great collaborators to chat over some ideas with. I have a design idea a day but the actual practicality of producing anything with a fully supported campaign is where it becomes a little tricky for just one person! But I do hold on tight of the vision of where

I’m going which I think is important.Naturally I still also do interior design projects but I do have to balance that out with deliveries to Lorne! Last year I was engaged to redo a townhouse in Torquay which was a dream project because theowners wanted to give it a relaxed and organic makeover which suited my style.

Who are some of your favourite artists and why?I do love all art, but my favourite artist is

Martine Emdur. I just hold my breath when I look at her work.They are everything I think a painting should be - calming, tranquil and beautiful. She has created such beautiful and emotive work. It’s iconic.I also love the work of Leila Jeffereys. Her photographs of our feathered friends capture such a depth of character and personality that I love and respect our wildlife so much more because of them.

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To create art that evokes a ‘feeling’ is not easy, but I could look at this work all day and feel a sense of calm.

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What is your most favourite artworks that you have completed?I’m working on some new work which is really exciting, and to chose just one is hard. But if I have to I’d say it’s my ‘Floating Under the Surf’ artwork (pictured left). To create art that evokes a ‘feeling’ is not easy, but I could look at this work all day and feel a sense of calm. I think the colours palette works well in many different spaces. But as it is with many artists, mine is yet to be hung!

What has been your biggest highlight?It’s just nice to know that people I don’t know have my work hanging in their home or sitting on their bed/couch/table. It would be the same for most artists in that it’s just a lovely feeling that something that you created with such fun and with your own hands is bringing a bit of ‘happy’ to a home. So it’s not really a highlight like winning an award (which I have) but it is something very rewarding in a farmore enriching way.

CONTACT: www.maryla.com.au

Enter the mind of artist Jenny Wood who creates whimsical and quirky pieces that are sure to appeal to your sense of humour

jenny woodTell us a bit about your illustrations? My artwork is most often whimsical and quirky with a dash of humour but at times I express a more classical or sombre element. My work is influenced by my mood or the purpose of the artwork at the time. I enjoy using fine detail although my art often features coincidental, accidental and unexpected aspects. Shapes are often dissociated from their original meaning and are poetic and often metaphorical. Different rules apply than in everyday life and I will often transform everyday objects.

Tell us about yourself and your background?I am an artist and illustrator who lives with my family in the leafy outer Eastern suburb of Warranwood, Victoria. I discovered the joy of fine art late in life, about 5 years ago, as a means of relaxation and expression to balance my busy life in fulltime occupation as an elearning consultant. I have a background in education, specifically with people with disabilities and also in the adult vocational learning sector. I am mostly self-taught but have studied topics in Fine Art at Curtin University and Illustration at NMIT. I have contributed to countless projects including the illustration of several children’s books

and more recently, as the Artist in Residence at Luther College.

What sparked you to begin your own business?My current battle with breast cancer has given me the luxury of time to spend producing artwork without the pressures of other employment. At first, giving up my elearning consultancy business was devastating. I soon discovered the joy of art as a means of relaxation and diversion as well as an opportunity to spend time developing my own genre. This period has enhanced my artistic expression and my ever emerging signature style. My business has grown as a result, quite by accident. My work sells prolifically, mostly from my Facebook page, Instagram and from prints and products on Redbubble.

What techniques do you use in creating your pieces?I enjoy using whatever is in reach that will achieve the result I want. Often my work sits in the mixed media genre because of my ecliptic method. My technique is largely influenced by my recent health issues. Drawing has become my most used technique because I can be seated while working.

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I have taken artwork to each of my 18 chemotherapy infusions to distract me from being in hospital. Usually these works are completed in ink and pencil for transportability. I enjoy many other mediums and hope to explore these more in the future.

What inspires you in your designs?My inspiration comes from various places. Often a spark will give me mental distraction for days or weeks while I develop the concept in my mind. I try to ‘think outside the box’ and develop work which is not traditional. My imagination plays a huge part in my inspiration and this is not something I can explain readily!

Who are some of your favourite artists and why?My work has been influenced by Gustav Klimt for his use of colour and his symbolist abstraction which seems to embrace both quirkiness and beauty. Del Kathryn Barton is an artist who uses great detail and emotion. Her work is often sinister but it speaks to me and I admire work which moves people.Brian Farrell has a wonderful style and expression which combines humor and satire about his subjects. His use of limited colours is impacting and has influenced my work.

What is the favourite illustration that you have completed?In 2014 while I was having chemotherapy, I was invited to become the artist in residence at Luther College in Croydon. I developed an art piece for them of Noahs Ark which was very large and time consuming but reflected where I was personally at the time, health wise. I had the opportunity to speak to the entire school about my health and used the drawing as a reference.

What has been your biggest highlight?Being commissioned to illustrate my first children’s book was an exciting moment for me as I hadn’t considered myself an

illustrator at the time. I have now illustrated three children’s books and written and illustrated a forth book. This highlight sent me work into a new direction.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your art?Being an artist has defined me like no other employment. I am finally the person who I was meant to be but my biggest hurdle was to stop worrying about what others thought of my work and do it for myself. Once I relaxed and stopped looking for others opinions I found my work developed rapidly.

CONTACT:www.jennywoodart.com

Aqua Coast 100cm x 200cm $2,800 (sold)

Resin Art - SeascapeResin and pigments Painting

MARTINE VANDERSPUY - ARTIST BIOMartine Vanderspuy is the art director and principle artist behind The Martine Gallery. Martine comes from a robust graphics background with over twenty five years experience in the advertising and magazine industries. Her work fuses the imagery of photography with the bold aesthetics of graphic design. She loves to blend her photography, illustration and painting with gorgeous, tactile effects like resin, varnish, paint, perspex and metal. A percentage of all Martine’s sales are donated to Mitochondrial Disease (Mito) research.www.martinegallery.com

GET THE LOOKSimple and stylish choices for your home with this amazing selection

1] Large White Menu Book Binder. Price $149.95. Stockist: www.neutralinstinct.com.au2] City Teal and Mint front Cushion, 45cm x 45cm. Price $49.95. Stockist: www.hellohome.com.au

3] Tropical Shell Lamp. Price $310. Stockist: www.elisium.com.au/tropical-shell-lamp-white4] Boris Medium Pot Light Blue. Price $39.95. Stockist: www.milkandsugar.com.au

5] Fine Little Day Pirum Parum poster. Price $56. Stockist: www.norsu.com.au6] Kubus Grey Bowl by Lassen- Steel Metal Scandinavian and Danish Fruit Bowl.

Price $297. Stockist: www.urbancouture.com.au

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DIY

waTermelon Table runnerFiona Michelon from Craft Hunter creates a stunning and

simple design with this stylish table runner

STEP ONE: Cut your foam triangle piece to shape and glue it onto your block with craft glue. Let it dry for a while. Do the same with your curved piece for the green layer. With this one I recommend glueing it right up at the edge so that it’s easy for you to tell where you’re stamping it later.

STEP TWO: Mix up your colour – I just mixed a bit of baby pink, orange and white to get my water-melon colour. Use your sponge dabber to apply a thick coat of paint to your stamp (or just stamp it onto a thin layer of paint carefully). Wipe off any excess that is left on the outside of the stamp. Hold your fabric down and pop your stamp on, give it a little push for a few seconds and carefully lift straight up.

STEP THREE: Wait til these areas are all dry before moving onto the next step. If you’re impatient like me you can use a hairdryer to dry them off quicker. Draw on your seeds with a black sharpie then it’s time to stamp on your green shapes.

STEP FOUR: I also added some washi tape to the glass vase to give it some pizazz. Just literally cut out some triangles with washi and pop them on. They’re removable too so don’t worry about going crazy with them.Boom, job done. Bring on Summer!

This post is in partnership with Super Amart. All photos, content

and opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that

make my Craft Hunter journey possible!courtesy of www.crafthunter.oom.au

WHAT YOU NEED: Watermelon Table Runner:• Table runner from Super Amart• Fabric paints• Black Sharpie• Craft foam• Craft glue• Block or hard object to glue your

stamp onto• Sponge applicator (optional)For the Vase Bunting:• Washi tape• Scissors

Fiona Michelon from Craft Hunter

I love tropical prints and you just can’t beat a good ole watermelon really. They’re the perfect happy summer-time motif that makes you want to mix cocktails and eat fat slices of fruit poolside.I picked up this plain table runner from Super Amart on the weekend (along with majority of the other items in this shot!). I’d never visited one of their stores before but after this visit I’m officially a fan. One of my favourite things is buying afford-able items for my house and customising them, so places like this and Ikea and Target etc are my best friends. You really don’t need to spend lots to get a great look in any space, I say invest in a few key pieces and keep the rest low cost.This table runner is super simple to make for your-self, just a couple of foam stamps made from kids craft foam and a sharpie! All finished and ready for some drinks in the sun in under two hours.

be my valentineSpoil your loved one with something they can treasure

In Love We Trust Wall Flag by Blacklist. Supplied with cotton rope and timber baton ready for hanging.Features leather trim at top. Limited edition. Hand screen printed onto black linen. Designed by Blacklist and made in Australia. Price $149.95. Stockist: www.fromtheowl.com

1] Rainbow Heart Print by Madeleine Stamer, Price $60. Stockist: www.theblockshop.com.au2] You are so loved print by the Design Twins. Price $39.95. Stockist: www.designtwins.com

3] Gold Foil Heart Cushion by Max & Me Homewares. Price $55. Stockist: downthatlittlelane.com.au4] Marquee Light Heart in Pink. Price $139.30. Stockist: www.loftfurniture.com.au

5] Grey hearts pillowcase. Price $22. Stockist: www.salvationjanehome.bigcartel.com6] Love you pillowcase set. Price $60. Stockist: www.salvationjanehome.bigcartel.com

7] My sweet heart hand screen printed acrylic fluro paint on 300gsm Montvaal paper. 550mm w x 750mm. Price $490. Stockist: www.castleandthings.com.au

8] Harden up love heart concrete cups by the Design Twins. Price $24.95 each. Stockist: www.designtwins.com

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MUST HAVEUnique wares for your home add another dimension to your home

Mix & Match Hexagon - Set of 4. These stunning Carrara hexagon tiles are the perfect addition to your table tops. Handmade in Sydney. You can choose from the following designs: anchor, pineapple, diamond, sugarskull, herringbone pattern or diamond dot pottern. Price $54.95. Stockist: www.stoneinspired.bigcartel.com

Children of the sea - Wall banner by Pony Rider. The ocean, the setting sun and a yacht, what more do you need... Sail away on this soft dreamy image. Hang it where life is most hectic and sail away! Dimensions 90CM x 70cm wide. Printed on cotton/linen fabric finished with hessian taping across the top. Hand wash only, can be framed or hung. Price $119. Stockist: www.fromtheowl.com

Hairpin leg table with plywood top. This mid-century style table is built with a sturdy 25mm thick plywood top on two-rod metal hairpin legs for a snappy retro style that suits many types of decor. Customise to suit your needs – it can be a low coffee table, a standard desk or designed to suit a retail space. The top is plywood 25mm thick is sanded and surfaced with a tough, water-resistant finish that’s smooth and odourless. Price $580. Stockist: Little Red Industries

Saddlestitch beige floor rug. The user friendly Saddlestitch Rugs are tightly Woven, 100% wool Rugs and Runners with a raised texture. Available in Beige or Charcoal. Price $490. Stockist: www.formfunctionstyle.com.au

Canvas Throw by Megan Weston Price $550Available at Fenton&Fenton www.fentonandfenton.com.aup. 03 9533 2323

frankie gustiWhat began as a hobby for Genna Klewer, the art of soy candle

creation has evolved into a thriving small business

Tell us a bit about your Frankie Gusti? FRANKIE is a soy candle label that has been an evolution from a small hobby business four years ago to a quickly expanding label of around 35 stockist Australia wide.It’s fun, it’s pretty, it smells amazing and it’s all hand poured in my home studio.

Tell us about yourself and your background? Located in the Yarra Valley, Melbourne, I’m a 27 year old wife and mama to my three year old son Rafe and almost 22 month old daughter, Ivy.

I’ve always been creative in one form or another, but pre children I was a Myotherapist. I loved treating people, but after dipping my toes in this amazing creative community, I couldn’t leave my studio to go back to a clinic.

What sparked you to create your business? There is a saying that goes something like “Find something you love, and do that”....so I did! My Mama is a HUGE creative genius and was always teaching me her trades, so I’m grateful that I’ve always had a passion for

crafting and creating. Between marriage and babies, I decided to act on it. I started out small and very handmade, selling at markets. Post baby number two my friend and graphic designer Mikaela, really inspired and encouraged me to take it to the next level, and here I am. What processes are involved in creating your pieces? After the initial product sourcing, design concept and scent trialling, the creative process is what I spend majority of my nights

doing. It starts with prepping vessels, then melting wax, adding the fragrance, pouring, curing time, quality control, trimming wicks, labelling...throw in my love, sweat (not literally) and occasionally tears, and TA- DA you have FRANKIE!

How do you create the different scents in your candles? Majority of my fragrances are pre blended for me, but scent selection, sampling and trialling, is a long and thorough process. I would never sell a product I wasn’t

passionate about, so always choose scents that I love and that evoke feelings of comfort or good times. Our sense of smell is such a powerful thing, so having a varying selection of fragrances for customers to choose from is important to me.

What scents are currently available and which is your favourite? We have ten Signature Scents available in all of our products. Sweet-Pea and Vanilla, Honeysuckle (my favourite floral), Peony, Lime and Coconut, Salty Sailor, Champagne and

Strawberries, Pumpkin Maple Bread (my all time fave and comfort candle), Cinnamon and Vanilla, Brown Sugar and Fig, and the newest Signature scent and my current fave - Tobacco Flower, Black Pepper and Vanilla! Each season I release a Limited Edition scent, and this Summer is Passionfruit and Citrus...summer in jar! I also offer the EXCLUSIVE scent service to all stockists, which allows us to work together to create a product that reflects their style and personality, and is only available via their store.

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What makes your candles stand out from the rest? I think the ability to choose your own jar and scent combination, along with the individually designed labels is what draws people to FRANKIE. Having 10 diverse scents, 6 different vessel options ranging from $11-$42 and the choice to mix and match, means there really is a product for everyone!

What do you love the most about having your own label? The ability to stay at home whilst my babies are still babies and choosing my own hours.

Although I’m grateful for both of these, it can be challenge combining a business and a small family successfully. But Rafe and Ivy are big FRANKIE fans, so that helps!

Do you have plans to expand your scent range?The FRANKIE ESSENTIALS range has been in the making for the last five months, but is very close to launching. Five beautiful blends of pure essential oils, housed in one vessel. These will be the ultimate unwind and indulge products.

CONTACT: www.frankiegusti.com

All FRANKIE GUSTI scents are trialled and tested to make sure you will love them as much as we do. We offer a range of fresh, warm, floral and sweet.

FLORAL

Sweet pea and vanilla – TOP SELLER!Elegant sweet-pea combined with soft vanilla makes this light fragrance popular for all.

PeonyA classic floral fragrance comprising pink petals of peony with African violets, yellow jasmine and wild rose.HoneysuckleA sweet flowering vine with one of the most loved floral scents.

SWEET

MarshmallowA sweet feminine blend of Musk, Vanilla and Jasmine.

Brown Sugar and FigA magical, complex fragrance composed of top notes of Fresh figs, coconut milk, vanilla beans, caramel, maple sugar and musk.

FRESH

Lime and coconutA refreshing fusion of fresh coconut and zesty lime, combined with luscious vanilla.

Champagne and StrawberriesA distinctive combination of ripe strawberries and raspberries with notes of champagne and roses

Salty SailorThis fresh and masculine scent is a blend of sea kelp, fresh air, salt, driftwood, clove oil and citrus. Perfect Man Candle!

WARM

Cinnamon and vanillaA classic French vanilla with a hint of spicy cinnamon

Pumpkin maple bread – A FRANKIE FAVOURITE!A sweet pumpkin and vanilla base, spiced up with cinnamon and nutmeg. Very strong!

LIMITED EDITIONTobacco Flower, Black Pepper and Vanilla

scents

venture outdoorsTake a walk into the wild side however don’t forget to bring the creature comforts

Oztent RV SeriesThe multi award winning Oztent RV sets up in less than 30 seconds! With high-quality rip-stop poly-cotton canvas and a heavy duty PVC floor, the Oztent RV series is made from 100% waterproof material guaranteed. 5 different sizes available with the largest being 2.6m x 2.6m. Stockist: www.gocampingaustralia.com.au

1] BlackWolf Captains Chair. Price $69.99. Stockist: www.anaconda.com.au2] Wide-Angle Central Focus Blue Asika 8x32 Camping Binoculars. Price $114.99. Stockist: www.extac.com.au

3] Weber Compact Kettle BBQ. Price $179. Stockist: www.raysoutdoors.com.au4] Mont Helium 600 Sleeping Bag. Price $699. Stockist: www.k2.com.au

5] Kookaburra Waxed Camp Oven - 4.5 Qt. Price $26.24. Stockist: www.raysoutdoors.com.au6] Poler the duffaluffagus - orange. Tuck away back pack straps. Skateboard straps underneath. Price $101.99. Stockist: www.surfstitch.com

7] Homecamp Enamel Mugs – Set of Two. Perfect for a brew by the camp fire. Price $32. Stockist: www.homecamp.com.au8] Olight ST25 Baton Light. Price $59.99. Stockist: www.extac.com.au

9] Homecamp 4m Flinders Bell Tent. Price $985. Stockist: www.homecamp.com.au10] Poler 10 pack burner bags - natural. Price $34.99. Stockist: www.surfstitch.com

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it’s a man’s worldSpice it up in the barbecue area

with some style

UBD Denim Contrast Trim Apron - Donnington.These denim aprons feature contrast straps and unique metal detailing that will set you apart from your competitors. The Urbanbar denim apron has been pre-washed to ensure the colour lasts as long as possible. Cut shorter with a front split. Crop length. Price $22. Stockist: www.urbanbar.com.au

1] Lillon Charcoal barbecue, green. Price $149. Stockist: www.ikea.com2] Fired Up : No Nonsense Barbecuing Cookbook by Ross Dodson. Price $28.90. Stockist: www.booktopia.com.au

3] Beefeater 3 Piece Stainless Steel Toolset. Price $69. Stockist: www.joesbbqs.com.au4] Steak barbecue plate in acacia wood by Ironwood Gourmet. Price $29.95. Stockist: www.hardtofind.com.au

5] Korken Bottle with stopper, clear glass. Price $1.69. Stockist: www.ikea.com6] Pro Q Excel 20 Smoker. Pro Q Smokers Excel 20 is a 3 in 1 unit that will not only smoke,

but roast and grill with ease. Price $599. Stockist: www.joesbbqs.com.au7] Ziegler & Brown Twin Grill LP Gas Model. Price $429. Stockist: www.barbequesgalore.com.au

8] Non Stick Wooden Handle Fish Grill. Price $16.95. Stockist: www.wheelandbarrow.com.au

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High school friends Annaliese Spiteri and Katerina Petrovska have joined forces using their creative and business backgrounds to build their own studio

oKay luna

Tell us a bit about your artwork?K: I would say it’s fun, colourful and full of life. Unique statement pieces to brighten up a space.

Can you tell us about yourself and your background? A: 26, based on the Surf Coast, surfing, yoga, running, business background, completed a Bachelor of Commerce majoring financial planning and marketing, currently part of the management team at RACV Torquay Resort.K: 27, a Melbourne based creative with a love of art, fashion and all kinds of design. Studied graphic design, and now works full time at Cotton On as a graphic designer as well as a freelancer. A: Kat and I meet at High School on year 7 orientation day and have been close friends ever since.

What sparked you to begin your own business?K: Annaliese asked me to create a painted ceramic art piece, she loved it and was so thrilled with how much she liked it, and she

thought that others would too. A: We both thought it would be a great idea to start a business together with our two skills combined, creative & business, it would be a great start- Okay Luna began from there.

What techniques do you use in creating your art?K: I use everything and anything from hand painted details and illustrations to photographic elements that are manipulated and re-created in Photoshop. Almost like a collage, I like to bring all of my favourite elements in there so I can then start designing up each piece.

What inspires you in your designs?K: colour, I love colour and when I create art for Okay Luna I like to do something a little different from my day to day job so I seek a lot of inspiration from nature, and anywhere that can visually inspire me- like right now, I’m really into traditional Mexican art and the vibrant colours in their designs.

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Who are some of your favourite artists and why?K: This is a tough one, I love a lot of different kinds of art and artists, usually artists that are nothing like my own style, but if I had to pick one, I would say Brett Whiteley. His art has always inspired and motivated me to become an artist or designer, I simply love the motion and colours in his work, just amazing.

What is your most favourite artworks that you have completed?K: Usually my personal art, things that I make for myself and virtually no one sees, but I also have had a few proud moments in my day job, when I have seen a few pieces that I have designed for Cotton On being worn by people overseas- it’s a surreal feeling seeing your art on someone!

What has been your biggest highlight?K: The simple fact that I get to create art for a living. The thing that I’ve always enjoyed the most in my life (other than family and friends) is that I create every day, not everyone can say that. And also the fact that other people get to enjoy it too, it still amazes me.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your art?K: The stuff I design for clients and my personal works varies so much pending who it’s for, and Okay Luna is no different. I would say the pieces that I create for Okay Luna are very different to what I create for myself, they are me getting the opportunity to dabble in colour and vibrancy compared to the art I usually create for myself which has a lot of fine liner and lead work. It’s very exciting for me and as an artist to push myself into this area where I’ve always been too nervous to try..! I love it!

CONTACT: www.facebook.com/Okaylunaokay_luna@hotmail.com

1] Archer Cushion in Mint. Price $29. Stockist: www.frankiejean.com.au2] Set of 3 Wire Baskets in Mint. Price $129.95. Stockist: www.cornerstore.net.au

3] Normann Copenhagen Curve Hooks. Price $35. Stockist: www.designstuff.com.au4] Ceramic Canister Small. Price $36. Stockist: www.thedharmadoor.com.au5] Zakkia Dot Hook Mint Green. Price $12.90. Stockist: www.zakkia.com.au

6] Confetti Designer Rug Circle. Price $850. Stockist: www.xavierandme.com7] Dalmatian mint print by Animal Crew. Price $15. Stockist: www.hardtofind.com.au

8] Smed Stool. Price $795. Stockist: www.greatdanefurniture.com9] Davis & Waddell Embossed Canister. Price $39.99. Stockist: www.davisandwaddell.com.au

10] Factory Small Cabinet - Mint. Price $229. Stockist: www.vavoom.com.au

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11] Middle of Nowhere Larsen Side Table Mint. Price $369. Stockist: www.crateexpectations.com.au12] Bloomingville Ceramic Vase. Price $34. Stockist: www.designstuff.com.au

13] Karlsson Belt large wall clock in mint by The Design Gift Shop. Price $165. Stockist: www.hardtofind.com.au14] Perforated All Purpose Stool. Price $295. Stockist: www.vavoom.com.au15] Shabby Chic Mint Pigeon Hole Shelf. Price $320. Stockist: www.ghify.com

16] Shabby Chic Mint Dining Table. Price $790. Stockist: www.ghify.com17] Lucas Table Lamp Mint. Price $174. Stockist: www.soundslikehome.com.au

18] Normann Copenhagen Block Table, Mint. Price $465. Stockist: www.designstuff.com.au19] Tray Kaleido Extra Large Mint. Price $70. Stockist: www.store.mca.com.au

20] Love ply screenprint by me and amber. Price $50. Stockist: www.hardtofind.com.au

Spoilt for choice we showcase a splendour of mint homewares

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Having grown up in Africa, Debbie Changuion and her business partner have a passion for traditional handcrafted homewares by talented artisans

Sourced 4 You

STORE PROFILE

Tell us a bit about Sourced 4 You and how it was formed?Our business was born out of a passion for beautiful things but even more so to help provide the opportunity for skilled artisans to produce more contemporary items. For us the beauty is in the detail and perhaps the slight imperfections and knowing that there is a heart and soul in each item. The irresistible charm of an item being made by human hands. At Sourced 4 You we offer a range of different items from decorative, beautiful wooden boards through to basket and wire lighting. Many of these products still using traditional crafts passed through the generations.

How did your career begin?My business partner and I have lived in and visited a few countries around the world

and most of the homeware items we came across were mass produced and repeated in many stores. Loving homewares and décor, having grown up in Africa and having direct access to many talented artisans, we saw the opportunity to co-ordinate and produce items that we see trending in Europe yet still keeping an African slant. A motivating factor is to give these artisans an opportunity to reach a broader audience and provide consumers the opportunity to purchase special pieces while making a difference to the lives of these artisans.

What sparked you to create your business?Our dream to help empower craftspeople to achieve independence. Even if we change just a few people’s lives by providing them with a public who values their work, that will be rewarding. Secondly our love for all things

“home” – everyone wants a home to reflect no matter what their style or tastes are. And of course the love of being our own boss and realising our dreams (with of course many lessons learnt along the way!)

Can you tell us where you source your gorgeous homewares from and how do you select the right item for your store?Primarily our focus has been on Africa and handcrafted items. Afro-chic items coming out of Africa are gaining popularity around the globe, as Africa offers a wealth of creativity and talent. We like to select items for our store that are contemporary yet still retain the use of traditional materials. We have recently launched a wholesale range which offers items sourced from other parts of the globe as well.

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Our wholesale range is obviously more mass produced but we believe still fits the theme of our store to create more awareness of different cultures.

What do you love the most about having your own store?Having our own store allows us to create our own unique brand and to source items that have a story behind them. We love the creativity and the passion it evokes - it is the exciting journey that keeps us waking up in the morning (or in the middle

of the night) with a new idea! Business is always evolving and allows us the freedom to explore and expand in different directions. We are very privileged to be able to work with and touch some of the lives of these talented artisans, many of whom are designers in their own right.

Who are some of your favourite designers and stylists?Being a lover of all things neutral, our favourite interior designer is Sydney based, Pamela Makin. We love her internationally recognised distinctive style of creating texture within a home by using a neutral

palette and layering with unique materials and objects. We also love the work of local “Calvino Design” who are Brisbane based. Shane Calvino is an interior stylist who uniquely uses object d’art from around the world, different cultural elements and has a flair in creating relaxed, understated homes using contemporary pieces.

What do you consider to be a must have item in your home?For us every house needs an ethnic or cultural element whether it be by adding different fabrics, wall art of cushions. The

other “must have” is some greenery as this creates visual impact as well as adding some health benefits to the home. For us we don’t have green fingers and for those who have a fear of houseplants – air plants are a great option and a new indoor gardening trend (they do still need watering though!).

What has been your biggest highlight?The highlight has been the launching of our online store. We are relatively new but see lots of exciting times ahead. The fulfilment of bringing some of these handcrafted items to the public and to help create awareness of why and how a product is made.

Do you have any advice for our readers who love all things for the home?Our advice would be to have appreciation for furniture and accessories that are made by human hands with a unique one off feel. Handcrafted items are a way of staying connected and what makes us human. Interiors is a world of forever changing trends and it’s about creating a home environment that reflects your personality and what you are passionate about.

What do you foresee as the next big trend?Bringing foreign culture into your home – it may be part of your heritage or something

you find appealing or unique. A merging of cultures with more ethnic interior decorating ideas and exotic patterns - influences coming from Africa, Asia, The Middle East and Europe. We also see Eco-friendly being a big trend theme as well as recycled and rustic. Also all things natural with textures derived from nature such as salvaged, raw and natural woods and authentic finishes and materials. Copper, pewter and gold are also a popular trend.

CONTACT:www.sourced4you.com.au

family picnicGrab the kids and head outside with these fabulous ideas

Wicker Picnic Basket Barrel for 2 PeopleThis stylish Barrel picnic wicker basket has been designed for picnic fun, so put away the devices, grab some picnic food and physically re connect. Contents include 2 x glasses 2 x white melamine plates 2 x cutlery sets salt and pepper shakers napkins bottle opener. Price $132.Stockist: www.satara.com.au

1] The Australian Picnic Port by Didgeridoonas. The ideal hamper for any big event or family picnic. Price $129.95. Stockist: www.dadshop.com.au

2] Kissing Rabbits Cool Bag. Price $89.95. Stockist: www.se10gallery.com.au3] Jungle picnic blanket. his summer, no Picnic will be complete without this brightly hued pic nic blanket. Price $129. Stockist: www.bellamee.com

4] Kissing Stags Melamine Beaker and Plate. Price $12.95 (cup), $15.95 (plate). Stockist: www.se10gallery.com.au5] Round Folding Picnic Table. Price $89. Stockist: www.schots.com.au

6] Palm Cafe bag. With the Kollab Poly range, shopping, travelling and heading to the beach has never been easier or more stylish. Price $24.95. Stockist: www.kollab.com.au

7] Kissing Rabbits Picnic Blanket. Price $84.95. Stockist: www.se10gallery.com.au8] Geo Picnic Rug by Mozi. Price $62.96. Stockist: www.huntersandgatherers.com.au

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caravan comfortHolidaying has never been so good with these little touches

© Photocpl | Dreamstime.com

1] Tasinge Bench cushion. Elastic straps keep the cushion firmly in place on the bench. Price $49.99. Stockist: www.ikea.com2] Tasinge Chair cushion. You can vary the look of your outdoor area simply by turning the cushion over, since the pattern

is different on each side. Price $19.99. Stockist: www.ikea.com3] Sailor Beach Towel. Generously sized, super soft & absorbent beach towel with fringing. Price $79. Stockist: www.kipandco.net.au

4] Victoria High Country Atlas and Guide. Price $34.95. Stockist: www.gocampingaustralia.com.au5] Gold Dot Melamine Plate and Cup. Price $16.95 (plate), $9.95 (cup). Stockist: www.larkstore.com.au

6] Stainless Steel Tea Pot Billy/Kettle 2.8ltr. Price $59.99. Stockist: www.completeoutdoors.co.nz7] Aestivo Outdoors Rattan Outdoor Set - Orange/White. Price $99.95. Stockist: www.oo.com.au

8] Hello Bubble 100% Coir Doormat. Price $49.95. Stockist: www.doormatsonline.com.au9] Croc Summer Quilt Cover. Original croc print is still a winning favourite – join in the carnivale. Price $189–$249. Stockist: www.kipandco.net.au

10] Campfire Melamine Dinnerware, 25 pc Set. Price $17. Stockist: www.anaconda.com.au

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URBAN ROADwww.urbanroad.com.au

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