Sneak Peak....

Stock is arriving daily and it's like Christmas come early.

For an avid shopper, this gig is doing what I do best:

Searching and sourcing hand-crafted items from across the globe, in order to curate a selection of gifts to offer you in my online shop.

That's 'creative finds'  in a nutshell.

The big reveal is still on track for October, but in the meantime, here is a little taster of some of the hand-made gift solutions you can expect to find via the creative finds website:


Leopard Print Leather Coin Purses and Clutches for the gals:

Cotton and Satin Pocket Squares for the Guys:

Tangle Free Headphones for the Tweens:

Stunning Photo Display Stands - for just about anyone:

Oak and Silicon Teethers for the Little-uns:

....and so much more!

In the meantime be sure to follow creative finds on instagram and on facebook.
Sx

Ceramics & their imposters

I've been enamoured by all the new age ceramicists who are working their magic to produce beautiful wares for both the home and the body.

Bridget Bodenham is one such potter, based in country Victoria who has been popping up with her delightful vases, vessels, rings and even spoons in the most spectacular style.

Check out her recent stall in Sydney at the Finders Keepers Markets....bearing in mind she needs to transport this stunning set up interstate:

photos courtesy of Bridget Bodenham

Having bought one of these grey, blue and gold, 3 x legged planters above,  it was little wonder the Vessels below caught my eye. There is an uncanny resemblance while being absolute polar opposite in terms of their making!

These photos are taken by Lisa Tilse who has fashioned some very high end looking pieces as an IKEA Hack, using a $1.99 vase, some material and curtain rings! I absolutely love the finished product. 

Should you wish to make something similar, you can find Lisa's step by step instructions over on her blog.

photos courtesy of We are Scout

Clever pieces whichever way you look at it. 

Sx

Winter Warmers....

We've another month and a half of Winter in the Southern Hemisphere, so I've been searching for handmade products with a toasty theme to keep the Winter chills at bay.


The finest British yarn has been used by RowPinto in London to handcraft this beautiful cashmere dream set.  I'd be sure to dream sweetly with these luxurious pieces. GDP240

Crochet Tea Party made this Hot Water Bottle Cover using a crocodile stitch. Who knew there was such a thing? And if you're so inclined, she shares her patterns on her blog too. 

Animal Liberationists look away now, as this colourful scarf by daymisfurry is made using genuine fox fur. GBP40

Made in Nepal, I could have done with this 100% cashmere neck-warmer on our recent ski trip. For AUD$59, you can pick one up at Black Arrow Label

We've all heard of a tea cosy right? Well Twinkknits makes a mug cosy. Tea sure, but I think this would be perfect for keeping the mulled wine as well as your hands warm around the campfire this winter. AUD$14

To be fair, we barely get a winter in Sydney. When the mercury drops below 18 everybody starts to freeze and hibernates indoors. I for one, would choose summer over Winter any day, but will concede that there is something comforting about rugging up and inhaling that crisp, fresh Winter air.  

Plus, Winter is the perfect excuse to purchase cashmere. 

Sx

The Last Sunday of each month...

Sunny Sundays don't come better than this. Water views, sustainable surroundings, organic food and creative artisans can be found on the last Sunday of each month at the Historic Coal Loader Site in Waverton (North Sydney).

What was an industrial site, is now home to an inspiring Sustainability Centre with best practise sustainable tecnology, workshops, organic gardening and stunning flora and fauna with Sydney's harbour as a backdrop.

I supported (ie: purchased from!) a number of the talented artisans who were exhibiting their wares, when I visited last month.

The most divine "kiss and hug" earrings from Ayana Jewellery, came packaged complete with polishing cloth for AUD$18.

photo courtesy of ayana jewellery

Although there are no teething babies in my current network, I couldn't help but grab one of these beechwood teethers to pop in the gift box.

Made by Wildwood Kids, the beads are made using food grade silicon and since the combination of colours and shades are so on trend, these little beauties wouldn't look out of place on display.

Various shapes are on offer, as well as pram accessories and necklaces.  AUD $29

You may have seen on the "creative finds instagram account" the gorgeous succulent arrangements by Marilyn at For the Love of Succulents?

The big wreath is equally at home on the wall / door or the table with a large candle in the middle. The living wall is customisable to your requirements and Marilyn makes sweet little wedding or party favour succulents too.

A more picturesque, peaceful market I haven't come across.

Tranquil with a capital T.

Sx

************** ammendment: the Coal Loader Markets have recently changed to the end of each Season, rather than monthly. Next date will be end of August : Sunday the 27th 2017 and then Sunday Nov 26th. ***************

Local finds....

I was in our neighbourhood Cafe a few weeks back when local Artist Elizabeth Langreiter came in to replace her art that hangs on the wall.

Her most recent works are, by her own admission, naive and abstract - but I really love their depiction of Sydney beach life, which is such a motivating force for many of us living in this great city.

These three pieces are currently on display at the Castle Cove Cafe.

Using mixed media to a colourful and uplifting effect, Elizabeth is a self taught artist who exhibits regularly, including at The Other Art Fairs in Sydney and Melbourne.

Prices start from AUD$2300

Now that Winter has well and truly arrived, these pieces have even more appeal.

S x

Animalia...

With School Holidays fast approaching, I pulled out a blog post I wrote a few years back with some fun and easy DIY projects we can tackle with the kidlets.  I reckon I'll give some of these a whirl, as we still seem to have plastic animals lurking in the toy boxes....


The kids are growing up and we have another birthday just around the corner.

To make way for the celebratory loot, I am deliberating about which toys it's time we parted with.  Of course as soon as something is earmarked and put aside, it suddenly becomes the toy de jour and I so cease making any progress at all.

We seem to have a plethora of plastic animal figurines. While they don't take up much space per se, my children have trouble remembering what they have to play with unless it is all out on show. And by on show, I mean scattered haphazardly throughout the home.

I had pinned onto my DIY board on Pinterest, these up-cycled jars using spray painted toy animals, and when I searched further, it seems there is no end in sight for these little guys. They've been re-purposed into so many carnations that they will live to see many more days.

It's amazing what a can of paint and some glue can achieve....

and some succulents

or a hand saw

You can saw them in half, paint & then glue on a magnet:

 or use them as a gift box:

as jewellery;

as candle holders;

or festive decorations. Just add twigs, paint and a red nose:

Add some glamour to your interiors

or dress up a drawer;

Do you keep a stash of jars? I have a cupboard devoted to them. Not for much longer!

I'd best be parting with some other pieces of fantastic plastic. These babies have still got work to do.

S x

Eco Resin

While Dinosaur Designs might have put resin on the map, there are many talented makers using this medium to create homewares and jewellery.

One duo go by the name of Nanna Woo Handmade. Sisters who live in different states (Vic & Tassie) collaborate to design and make an eclectic range of eco resin pieces.

Either one of a kind or limited edition runs, it was the gold, copper and silver flakes in their pieces that I couldn't resist!

above photo courtesy of Nanna Woo Handmade

Here is the sweet purchase I made recently. Couldn't possibly leave it behind. AUD$60

A sustainable product, resin is not the only medium that Nanna Woo creates with. Polymer clay, precious metals and natural fibres are also used to create their fully sustainable and earth friendly business.

Visit Gabby and Hanna's Etsy shop for more drooling and guilt free (these are eco items remember!) purchasing. 

S x

Finders Keepers - this weekend

Excited about the Sydney Finders Keepers this weekend in it's new venue?

Me too.

They're holding it in the Cutout at Barangaroo!

Particularly looking forward to buying a couple of gifts to self (it's Mothers Day Sunday after-all).

I've gifted this Hello Sydney book a couple of times, but I'm super keen on picking up some of McKean Studio's other new age souvenirs.

Husband and Wife team Joshua & Megan McKean design and make bangles, acrylic ornaments, mini city-scapes, scarves and prints in a huge range of cities from their Sydney studio.

Got an international visitor coming to stay, or a colleague leaving for an o/s post ? These make the perfect gift!




New York City Bangles AUD$75:



Palm Springs is on my Bucket List, but in the meantime, how groovy is this Mini City Scape? AUD$89



And this Paris City Scene is AUD$60






Finders Keepers Sydney - this Fri night, all day Saturday &  Sunday.

In it's 10th year, it keeps getting better & better.

See you there peeps.

Sx