Local Lust: Beneath the Sun

Good evening lovelies, I hope you've all had a great Wednesday :)

So it seems I'm struggling to find words this eve... and I think I'm going to blame 'Words with Friends' - that blasted game has stolen all my good words!
Oooorrrrr... maybe I simply can't find enough adjectives to describe the gorgeousness that is Beneath the Sun? (this is a much more likely reason...)

Every single thing that Leah Bartholomew creates for her collection is just so damn great that I had trouble choosing only one item to lust after... But these awesome ornamental woodys spoke to the aspiring florist within, and I simply couldn't resist the urge to share.

You should reeaally follow this link and check the rest of her collection out, it's all so beautifully designed!

Local Lust: Jetta's Nest

Happy Wednesday!! I hope you're all well. 

This eve I'm sharing some love for this super fun brooch I stumbled across in Jetta's Nest, a pretty little etsy store filled with handmade accessories made from recycled timber and the like. And I feel it's safe to say it has moved in to prime position on my 'to buy when I'm not poor' list... I can just picture it on the collar of a nice black/navy blazer... oooh I can feel winter coming already!

Enjoy the rest of your week friends and I'll talk to you again on Sunday :)

Local Lust: Amy Robson

Happy Thursday! I hope you are all well!

So I've realised that this eve's material longings are a bit out of the ordinary for me... As someone who's not big into accessories, when I find a 'gem' (pun totally intended) that makes an impression on me, it's usually pretty damn awesome... So you can see why I was weak at the knees after stumbling across the flawless work of Amy Robson. It's all just so elegant and modern!

PS: This is your cue to donate to my new initiative... Known simply as : The "I'm too poor for this awesomeness" fund.
PPS: Catchy name right?

Local Lust: Ginny & Jude Designs

Ahh, what a breath of fresh air! Tonight I'm lusting after the super super pretty creations by Ginny & Jude Designs. My particular favourite is this Peplum 'Heatwave' Blouse... seriously, anything with a boatneck has me completely giddy!
You all need to go now and check out the Etsy store, it's like a vintage dreamland!

PS: Can you hear the long weekend coming? It's nearly here people! Are you doing anything fun to celebrate Straya Day?

Local Lust: Art by Chrissy

Good evening peeps! Welcome to the first installment of my new weekly feature!

As mentioned a few posts ago, Local Lust will be an opportunity for me to share some love for Brisbane creatives and their wonderful wares, whilst also getting rid of the whole 'me, me, me' vibe of the Wednesday Wishlists.

This week, it's this amazing cushion cover by Chrissy.
Seriously. Those Colours. The Patterns. That Symmetry!

I think you should all go drool over her etsy store right now. It is SUCH a visual FEAST.

Local Love: Pannikin

Hi everybody! It's nearly over! Busiest week of the year is nearly done! Super excited! Can't you tell?!
Woah, deep breath.
I'm also quite excited because this latest hit of local love features one of my total local favourites - Holly Leonardson - the total awesomeness that is behind Brisbane's colourful and fun accessories label Pannikin. Originally sighted a few years prior to my Brisbane hiatus, I immediately fell in love with what Holly does. At the time she had some rather awesome collages and illustrations that I was lucky enough to include in my "super popular" three issue zine, aptly named 'itsa;zine' (I hold procrastination and poor motivation responsible for its short lifespan).
Aaanyway, since then, she's gone from strength to strength, with many ranges behind her now and what sounds like a million other projects in the wings. 

She really is a creative dynamo - so scroll on my friends, have a read, and follow the links - and get excited, her stuff is like playschool for your person!

What inspires you to create?

I'm not entirely sure what it is exactly, but I definitely know that if I do not create my hands get fidgety and I'm not 100% happy! It is very much a need to create.

How did Pannikin come about?

Pannikin came about after I landed my first ever job at 15, which was at the local bead store. After being taught a variety of jewellery making techniques, I applied them to my own work, which was mostly centred around material offcuts, found objects and plastic children's toys back then. Since my early days, I have moved on to create screen printed tote bags and engraved wooden jewellery both featuring my illustrations.

Apart from Pannikin - what do you like to do with your time?

Besides Pannikin I am also part of a collective label that I started with my boyfriend. We are called Woollen Blanket Club and we make jewellery and other nice objects as well as plan an assortment of projects together. Away from jewellery I also create collages, which are based around similar themes of childhood and nature.

So, apart from being a bit of a workaholic, I do like to go on walks and have picnics in the forest and playing with our guinea pigs is pretty neat too. Baking pies, craft nights, vintage hunting and making things are some of my favourites.

Where do you think you would like to be in a few years?

I would like to be travelling overseas, especially to Japan, Berlin and San Francisco. I also hope that I can have a nice place to live and that I can have lots of good pets.

Where is your favourite spot in Brisbane?

This is tricky, as I tend to spend a lot of time indoors making things and I enjoy that very much! However when the need to go outside arises, I like visiting places like Little Larder cafe (in New Farm) for a really unique and delicious breakfast.

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

I am definitely looking forward to moving interstate to Tasmania in July! We are very excited about exploring the forest, gorge and mountains. There are also plans for a pretty big project but I'll keep that one secret for now!

What sad news it is for Brisbane to be losing such a creative pair of hands! I feel like if I could give a high five for commitment and passion through the internet I'd be doing it right now. Freakin love it. 
Go check out the Pannikin site this second and I'm sure the loveliness will make you smile at your screen... or at least with your eyes like Tyra Banks.

Local Love: Milatree

Gooood evening!
Who's psyched for the long weekend? Seriously, whoever invented long weekends needs a massive trophy and lots of cash - they really are one of the best things everrrrrrrrrrrr. Anyway, moving on!
So, you may or may not have noticed my rather sporadic motivation at the moment... and the fact that there has been a definite lack of Local Love. In the last installment, I vowed the love was back with a vengeance... well it seems I'm a liar guys, a complete Pinocchio if you will. So to make it up to you, I've brought back the love this week, with Milatree, a fresh and super inspiring etsy store.

Thanh, the wonder behind the work, was kind enough to answer a few questions for me - so pull up the quilt, make sure the tea is hot, and get stuck in!

What inspires you to create?

It can be anything. Sometimes it might be places I've travelled to, things I've seen, heard or a memory. For awhile I was quite obsess with origami which can be seen in a lot of my work at the moment. I also get inspired by other creatives and designers. 

Plus there's a real sense of joy and excitement in having a new idea and expressing it so others can
enjoy it too.

How did Milatree come about?

The name came about a few years ago. I originally used the name to display the work I did as a graphic designer, but now I feel like it's returning to what it was originally intended for, which is a label where I could have the freedom to create products I wanted to create with the Milatree ethos.

Apart from Milatree - what do you like to do with your time?

I work as a graphic designer so that takes up a bit of my time. I also like experimenting in the kitchen. I love the challenge of recreating a dish I enjoyed eating at a restaurant or trying out a new recipe. I am also quite guilty of spending way too much time on the internet (aren't we all?). It's great for reading and researching. It's my go-to resource to feed into my curiosity about the world. I just have to learn to switch off from time to time.

Where do you think you would like to be in a few years?

More well travelled. Still continuing with Milatree, but offering more interesting and sustainable products to a wider audience. I would love to have a nice place near the beach, where I could watch the sea sparkle in the sun, one can dream!

Where is your favourite spot in Brisbane?

I'm really liking West End at the moment. There's a lot of interesting things happening there. My friend and I recently discovered this charming, gem of a bookstore called Avid Reader. They have the most interesting collection of books and the coolest journals. Plus there's even a cafe tucked away in the back of the store (bonus!).

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

Wrapping up projects that I have been working on for awhile now. Launching the new Milatree website, which will be happening very soon so watch this space! As well as growing a new graphic design business with a friend called Creative Sense and the learning curve that comes with that.


I could almost have been interviewing myself there, Thanh sounds just like my twin! But seriously, on a purely selfish note - I wish I could pull my finger out and actually listen to what the wonderful girls of Local Love have been clearly demonstrating to me each week(ish)... Creative aspirations can be fulfilled, you just need to commit and be passionate, and Thanh is such a perfect testament to this - in the spirit of this weeks' jubilee, three cheers - hip hip... hooray! hip hip... hooray! hip hiiiip... hooraay!

I hope you all have a really fantastic long weekend and get to make the most of those precious days off from weekday life! Be sure to follow me on instagram (@cjjd) for the latest happenings (when I'm too slack to post)... Sometimes there's even interesting stuff going on - although most of the time, it's just food and flowers. 

Local Love: Archella

So here we are again, the middle of the week... how's it travelling so far? Anyone in love with Brisbane's weather at the moment?! It's beyond beautiful. The long weekend was just awesome.
Funnily enough, it is quite nice to be reminded every now and then why Australia isn't half bad - it really does help with my London withdrawals!

Aaanyway, amazing weather aside, I'm here tonight to bring back the Local Love! And what a return it is! For your perusing pleasure this eve, I have a few words from the ever talented and big time etsy favourite Rachael Elizabeth. She is the brains and braun behind the up and coming Brisbane fashion label, Archella.
(psst... stay tuned for a DAISY SEE exclusive following the interview!)

Rachael's pieces show such promise in their whimsical and feminine simplicity, I really don't think I can gush enough... I love it all! And thankfully... she even had some time to answer my questions :)

What inspires you to create?

Often I am inspired by music. I might hear a song that I like and will come up with a whole collection inspired by the 'mood' and meaning behind the song. Aside from that, all sorts of things! I can be inspired by a fabric I find, or something I see on the street or in nature. Its kind of like many things coming together at once.

How did Archella come about?

I have worked a fair bit in the fashion industry for others, but I really just wanted to do something for myself and to be creative, thus Archella was born!

Apart from Archella - what do you like to do with your time?

Archella IS what I do with my spare time! Otherwise, I spend all of my spare time with my family. I have a little boy - so I like to spend as much time as possible with him. Oh and I watch a lot of TV :/

Where do you think you would like to be in a few years?

I'm not sure about a few years, i'm pretty happy with keeping things small for now. But maybe one day I will open a little store and sell Archella through that. We could have sewing classes and parties there too! Would you like to come? (YES PLEASE!)

Where is your favourite spot in Brisbane?

I really like Roma Street Park Lands. I like the lovely little cafe there, and its not too busy. Its a lovely place for children as well.

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

Going on a cruise with my sister, my birthday, Oh and expanding Archella's online presence!

Speaking of - be sure to like Archella to keep up to date with the latest collections and news.

Aaanndd now, thanks to the lovely Rachael, I am able to offer you - my DAISY SEE posse - a super awesome, one week only, 10% discount in the Archella store! All you need to do is type 'Dreamer' into the 'Apply Shop Coupon Code' link located under the PayPal button :) 

Local Love: Esbert's Collection

Hello hello it's Thursday yo!
So guys, I give my apologies as this latest lot of local love may be just bit behind schedule... but reeally, I was strategically building suspense for the loveliness that is ahead... So let me introduce to you all, Dominique - the extremely talented hands, brain and heart behind Esbert's Collection - Brisbane's own toy and accessories label, complete with characters called Hank, Donald and Herman (that's instant attraction right there).

When I stumbled across her etsy store recently, I wiped the dribble off my keyboard (gross, and not entirely true...) and immediately bookmarked it. And with some further stalking, I found her forever inspiring art blog too! For one so young, her work is so accomplished! (this piece is definitely a favourite) So the only logical step after all this dribble and stalking, was to harass her for the lo down on how her cute critters, dashing fellas and fun brooches come to life... 

What inspires you to create?

Everything, I love to look around and even the most mundane of things can spark inspiration and ideas. I love looking at what people make, I am constantly on the internet finding lots of wonderful ideas to try and ideas that could help improve my work

How did Esbert's Collection come about?

I started Esbert's Collection out of a creativity slump, I had just started studying and it was so dry and clinical I needed something bright and colourful back in my life, something to get my hands into and keep them busy. 

Apart from Esbert's Collection - what do you like to do with your time?

I love to draw, paint, take photos, day dream and internet searching. I also have another blog called Hello Geronimo (my alter ego artist name) it is a place for me to share my work and feature artists that inspire me. 

Where do you think you would like to be in a few years?

I can't wait to graduate this year so I can start working and making money to travel, there are so many wonderful places in this world and I don't want to miss out on any of it! I also want to keep working and moving forwards with my designs pushing myself to make something different. 

Where is your favourite spot in Brisbane?

Oh gosh, there are so many wonderful places around Brisbane, I love to visit GOMA and the art gallery and I have been wanting to go and have a look at the newly renovated museum.

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

I have so many new ideas I want to start working on, I will be aiming to have a stall at Supanova at the end of the year I really enjoyed doing that last year. I also want to keep working on my art and hopefully start producing works to sell as prints. 


What I've included here barely scratches the surface, so be sure to check out the etsy store, blog/s and facebook page! 

Local Love: Mad Weevil

Happy Tuesday! This week I'm sharing some Local Love for Michelle Baker, the insanely and almost freakishly talented insect illustrator doing Brisbane super proud with her stationary line, Mad Weevil. Seriously, who knew bugs could look so awesome?!

After discovering her etsy store, and most recently, her blog, I simply HAD to share Mad Weevil with the world! I also HAD to find out a bit more about her and her amazing work, and thankfully, Michelle was very obliging!

What inspires you to create?

It's my challenge; it's new, completely original; and it's come from me.

How did Mad Weevil come about?

I do drawings and I love stationery!

I used to work in an insect lab. Working with microscopes, you see so many creatures with amazing patterns and textures; these started coming out in my drawings. Everyone was passionate about whichever creature they studied, and we wished that we could find really cool things - t-shirts, stationery etc - with our favourite insects on them. Two years later I came across Etsy and imagined my own stationery shop! It took a few more years before I opened Mad Weevil online. It's taken a while to produce, being a hobby, and to have confidence in presenting my work...Actually I still get really embarrassed about people seeing my drawings!

Apart from Mad Weevil - what do you like to do with your time?

My other pursuits outside of work are baking, reading, embroidery, keeping house, and producing non-Mad Weevil art. I have 3 children's books sketched up, waiting to be drawn. I'm in a 'crafternoon tea' group of lovely and very talented people, which is great. I sometimes come across a painting on Etsy that I absolutely adore - I love that Etsy works both ways, not just to sell my art, but for me to buy original paintings from people like me, in far away countries. I also seem to be unofficially collecting embroidery and paintings from secondhand shops, because I love imagining the history behind them. 

Where do you think you would like to be in a few years?

I would like to have achieved a proper storybook that my nephews and nieces can read. I'd like to have produced more art than I have in the last few years, and to a much higher standard; I'd really like to do a wonderful painting of a butterfly. 

Where is your favourite spot in Brisbane?

I'm a Southsider. For utter comfort in familiarity, the West End scramble intersection; it's noisy, smelly and very alive. In contrast, I quite like being the only person poking through the huge, creaky furniture/antique warehouses in Woolloongabba and Coorparoo. And a very quick way to escape everything is to drive up Mt Gravatt when the summit is in cloud and rain. 

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

Learning new skills at work and home.

Oh! Isn't it lovely to hear how a simple idea combined with love, skill, and a bit of time, can become something so unique and interesting?! For someone with poor creative motivation, the story of Mad Weevil is such inspiration to me! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!

Local Love: Each to Own

This week's bit of local love comes in the form of the wonderful Kirsten Devitt, the creative force behind accessories label, Each to Own. The simple design aesthetic behind her brooches and earrings is complemented so wonderfully by the quirky patterns and bright colours. I'm definitely in love.

Seriously, just imagine one of those cute brooches on a tailored blazer - it's all completely stylish, and just so damn lovely.
Now it's the part where she spills all her creative secrets - let's go.

What inspires you to create?
It's so hard to pinpoint really but sometimes a little voice in your head just says, "Hey you! You could do that, and then this, and it would look like this, and it just might work so, go on - try it"(quite annoying really)
I have little moments in the week where I just have to run and quickly jot things down or do a quick design (I have a 2.5 year old & a shoe shop) and then sort the rest out later. It's like the creative thought is the boss of you and you don't have a choice but to obey :)

How did Each to Own come about?
I started out just making a few assembled pieces for friends and myself and then a friend asked if I could do a big order of 100 necklaces for a Mother's Day do at their school. It didn't occur to me that I could sell my things or that anyone would want them. It was a great feeling. Over time my style has evolved to doing my own designs and I'm always interested to see where it will lead me next.

Apart from Each to Own - what do you like to do with your time?
I love to just hang out with my hubbie and little boy in my spare time. It's a busy life we all lead so even if it is just doing the grocery shopping it's a lovely way to spend time if they are with me. If I get a little bit of time to myself I will sit with a cuppa... and then probably abandon it and go and glue stuff on other stuff because Each To Own IS my love in my spare time - cold cups of tea all over the place here! 

Where do you think you would like to be in a few years?
Right where I am, I hope. I have a few little dreams for Each to Own and another few little ideas I would like to follow. But I'm in no rush and am really happy doing what I am doing right now.

Where is your favourite spot in Brisbane?
At the moment I am in love with Apples On Ainsworth; a great vintage/foodie/wonderful vibe hang out in Salisbury. I drive half way across town to get there but it's worth it. And I'm forever in love with GOMA and the Powerhouse.

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?
Seeing where the year goes, seeing my lovely customers at the markets, seeing what ideas demand my attention, seeing my family happy... that's fine with me :)

Wow, her happiness is infectious. I hope when I'm at the same point in my life I will be as happy and content as Kirsten - it's such an inspiration! After that, I think I'm feeling this happy!

Local Love: Rare Indeed

Happy Thursday! It's a gorgeous day today, blue skies all around for Brisbane (it doesn't even bother me that my airwaves are slightly blocked!).
The happiness may also have something to do with the lovely Tiffany, from Rare Indeed, who has been kind enough to answer a few of my probing questions. Her unique necklaces, studs, bracelets and brooches are completely fun and they just ooze quirky charm. I can't help but smile in the knowledge that she's a local!

I want it all! Although, I have to say I really love the 'marvellous' brooch, nothing beats a banner and some nice type! But enough about me, I'm sure you all want to know what really makes Tiff tick...

What inspires you to create?
I’m inspired to create by my need to always have new and pretty things, and by my need to make my ideas real. Most of my jewellery designs came about from me thinking of something that I’d love to wear myself, or from imagery that I find beautiful. I also love the idea of wearing something a bit silly or kitsch, or something that subtly references something you love like a great band or a movie.



How did Rare Indeed come about?
I stumbled across the plastic I use to make my jewellery online and thought I’d buy some and give it a go! I remember getting these little shrink plastic cards in chip packets when I was younger and watching them curl up in the oven, and figured it could be a bit of fun using my own designs instead and making some cute jewellery for myself.
Soon enough I was getting positive comments from friends and strangers and people asking if I was selling them anywhere. From there I opened my etsy shop to which I’ve been adding more and more new items, and now I have my things stocked in the excellent Handmade Highstreet in Annerley. Things have been going well!



Apart from Rare Indeed - what do you like to do with your time?
Since moving to Brisbane from the Gold Coast last year I’ve had an excellent time exploring the various nearby op shops. There’s something wonderful about hunting around and finding a lovely and unique piece of clothing, especially when it’s a total bargain!
Another thing I love to do to pass the time on a rainy Sunday is to sew. I mostly make clothes for myself, as well as alter clothes that I’ve found in my op shopping expeditions. Many an hour I have spent online drooling over awesome quirky fabrics and dreaming up cute outfits to create!



Where do you think you would like to be in a few years?
While I’m not sure what the future will hold for me yet, I like to imagine a scenario where I’m making my jewellery full time, coming up with new designs and new ideas constantly, while having the luxury to sleep in if I choose and duck out to for a spot of op shopping if the mood strikes! And there will ideally be a cat somewhere in this equation.



Where is your favourite spot in Brisbane?
Aside from the aforementioned op shops, there’s something I love about walking or riding buses through the hilly suburban streets just out of the city and checking out the lovely old queenslanders, some with wonderfully kept gardens and fresh white picket fences, some that look like they could come crumbling down in a moment.



What are you most looking forward to in 2012?
There are several things that I’m looking forward to in 2012 that should make it a great year. I’m hoping to venture out to selling at markets, most likely starting at the suitcase rummage held on the first Sunday of every month at Reddacliff place. Non-Rare Indeed related, I’m looking forward to watching my gorgeous twin nieces grow through their first year, and heading over to New York for a holiday in June!

I'm definitely in awe of Tiffany, she has worked hard and committed to her creativity, which really takes confidence and a passion that I am totally envious of (not to mention the New York trip and twin nieces!). I highly recommend you have a browse through the Rare Indeed etsy store, if you have a sense of humour and a taste for fun jewellery, I'm sure you'll 'like' what you see! Or if you are a local, get on over to Handmade Highstreet in Annerley or the next Suitcase Rummage!

Local Love: Hearsay Designs

Another day, another new feature (sit up straight, because this one should be pretty super!). Each week, I'm going to do my best to profile a creative force in Brisbane, because the word needs to be spread - we got talent in the streets of our town. It is almost like, since returning from overseas, I'm starting to see my hometown through a pair of freshly cleaned specs. And boy, it's exciting.

So to start it off, I am pleased to introduce Sarah Fallon, the lovely lady behind Hearsay Designs. Her up and coming accessories label offers a range of statement jewellery pieces, hair clips, tote bags and greeting cards. Personally, I really love the rope necklaces - they make such a creative, yet beautifully bold statement!

Now, as a bit of an aspiring creative myself (it's all talk really...), I couldn't resist the opportunity to find out a little bit more about Sarah and Hearsay Designs. Thankfully, she was more than willing to cooperate - I didn't even have to resort to blackmail OR violence!

What inspires you to create?
Lots of things really. Seeing something amazing someone else has created, it doesn't have to be jewellery, it just has to capture my imagination. Learning new techniques or finding new materials often gets me brainstorming new ways to apply them to my work.

How did Hearsay Designs come about?
I always wanted to make things, I just didn't know what. I tried greeting cards for a while but it wasn't the right fit. Then I saw some fabric button studs and remembered these hair clips I had from Sportsgirl that I always wanted more of. I figured I could make them so I did, then I made some earrings and I started selling them. Eventually, I came up with some necklace and bracelet designs as well, and now they're my favourite part of Hearsay. I love coming up with new pieces. 

Apart from Hearsay - what do you like to do with your time?
I draw, write, and blog. These things tend to slip through the cracks a lot of the time, but I love to do them. I keep a sketch book so whenever the mood takes me I can jot down a sketch, be it for a picture, or jewellery design. I keep two blogs, It's Just Hearsay, which is all about Hearsay, and Visions of Whimsy, which is an art blog I started a year ago. My passion for writing is probably the only one that equals my passion for Hearsay. I write fiction and fantasy short stories at the moment. I take regular writing courses and have a not so secret hope to be published one day. 

Where do you think you would like to be in a few years time?
I'd like Hearsay to have taken off. I'd like to have proper collections and ranges for my jewellery and have my work in stores. And I would love to do some collaborations, photo shoots and shows.

Where is your favourite spot in Brisbane?
I love the Cultural Centre. I like going to exhibitions and shows and the Writer's Festival, but I also just like being there. I love the atmosphere of the place.

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?
I'm not very good at looking far ahead, so at the moment, I'm most looking forward to a new market I'll be selling at this Saturday. It's called Black Markets and is being held at Black Bear Lodge in the Brunswick Street Mall, Fortitude Valley. I'm also very excited for a whole lotta lovely, a fashion show that a friend of mine is having on April 17th at Kerbside Bar on Constance Street.

I highly recommend any Brisbanites reading this to check out the events Sarah mentioned, they look like heaps of fun - I know I'll be doing my best to get my arse to Black Bear Lodge! Also, be sure to visit again next week when I'll be gently harassing another Brisbane creative with more questions, I'm promise it'll be a riot.

PS: If you like what you see, hop on over to the Hearsay Designs etsy store between March 1st & 12th and you can get 20% off! All you need to do is enter the code HEARSAY20 upon checkout.