just click to flick & be thoroughly inspired!

Well you've heard me rattle on about Lonny - online mag launched last year - and now you'll have to put up with me raving on about another. This time it's an Australian mag, so I may go on even more...

Est [as in loveliEST, greatEST, bestEST - Ok that's not a word really but you get the drift!] is a new e-magazine launched just this week. I'm not only excited that it's produced here in Melbourne [at least in part - I assume from the tram zooming by in the shot of Sian MacPherson the Editor in Chief] but I'm just plain excited thats it's so visually inspiring. The styling in the shots below has me salivating, desiring to throw aside all the other work I have [piling up at the moment...] and do some amazing styling with one of my fav photographers for no other purpose than to create something beautiful, sigh.

And how the typography, combined with the relaxed Australian style and gorgeous combinations of new and old create the amazing super smooth fresh feel with just enough edge - don't get me started...

On a more practical note the content is crammed full of inspiring info with links a plenty so you can get behind the scenes of the story, one of the things I love about online media. So what are you waiting for - get clicking! And let me know what you think...
all images via Est

grand designs scandinavian house

Watching Grand Designs this week I fell in love with the amazing scandinavian inspired home designed [and project managed] by interior designer Kathryn Tyler. I just had to share some of it with you here.

Its simplicity together with the amazing treasure trove of homewares & furniture Kathryn has curated create that perfect combination of old, new, rescued and vintage. My heart aches to build a home with such modesty and character and fill it with items so loved.

all images via Kathryn Tyler

PS - have you liked my texture design page on Facebook? You'll get extra info on i spy posts, trend tips and interior advice for FREE! jump over there now for a little something extra on the scandinavian house...

pick up your pen and take this down...

Theres nothing like original and unique stationary and receiving a hand written note from someone can really make your day - I know it makes my heart melt! Which is why I was drawn to Magnolia Square find no. 2 - Boutique stationary creators Write To Me. Write To Me has that vintage feel with simple retro style illustrations on notebooks, cards, wrapping paper, invitations, postcards and even cake bags.

Designed by sisters Anna & Nicoletta and made in Melbourne, the hand printed goods are beautifully presented, making them feel even more special.

Check them out on made it www.madeit.com.au/writetome

retro, revamped & restyled equals reissued

I like a clever name and I think Reissued is up there. One of the discoveries I made at Magnolia Square, Reissued takes retro furniture pieces and rediscovers their beauty 'reissuing' them with new skins. The very clever Jacqui Porter uses Australian sourced fabrics that are enviro friendly (either sustainable new or vintage) which makes these one off pieces even more covetable. The retro furniture is also mostly Australian made and found locally.

I have to say I really love furniture that has a past, I have been known to collect furniture from odd places - in particular I once 'found' a large high-back arm chair that had been sitting in the rain for I don't know how long. I had noticed it when on my way into college via the train and when it was still there by the railway tracks after many days my flat mate and I [Hi Kylie] took a car that was way too small and put this ridiculously wet chair in the boot, tied it down and drove very slowly home through the back streets so as not to be pulled over for dangerous driving! Once home I think it sat in front of the wall heater stinking out our flat for about a week before it had dried out. It now belongs to my Mum after it had been given a gorgeous magenta slip cover, she loves it! However I think if I did the same now my husband would disown me, Im reduced to collecting small odds and ends from opp shops - and I think he just 'tolerates' that - my man is one of distinctly modern (aka new) tastes!

So suffice to say Reissued caught my attention straight away. I was particularly taken with the pair of dining chairs [below top right] sporting the gorgeous Formosa hand printed fabric [watch this space for a post soon on Formosa - truly gorgeous stuff]. Im now thinking of a way to incorporate one of these lovely pieces into my latest design project, Ill let you know if I manage it!

Reissued can be found at Maker Handmade or check out Reissued on Flickr.

blooming magnolia square

I took a trip to Magnolia Square a couple of weeks ago, it's a boutique market that I found had predominantly children's products with a few others such as jewellery, stationary and homewares sprinkled through. Whilst a small market, I have to say though it was a really nice experience. The atmosphere of St Kilda town hall was the perfect setting and of course I wasn't at all influenced by being able to sit and enjoy a good coffee (love Ed Dixon Food Design who happened to be catering the event) while having great options for kids - including crayons & paper to keep them busy. It was perfectly catered for the target market - Mums like me looking for unique goods that are often locally made or at least are local businesses. A highlight of the market [shown above] was a central stage & entry that featured inspiring creations all made from paper by the talented Jo Neville of paper Couture [above]

In the next couple of posts I'll feature a couple of the great retailers I discovered at Magnolia Square and next week stay tuned for the announcement of the launch of i spy kids... our new partner blog, where we will feature some of the great kids products that were there and celebrate the launch with a fab giveaway! Yay!

[PS - why not hop on over to i spy kids... now and subscribe via email so you don't miss out on your chance to win...]

[above - the great atmosphere of St Kilda Town Hall, Ed Dixon food Design's great cafe set up & some of the paper inspired displays set to inspire market visitors]