Hip Products: Kenji Uranishi ceramics

I've really enjoyed looking through the dreamy collection of Japanese ceramics artist Kenji Uranishi who has been based in Brisbane since 2004. Kenji has such a delicate touch - the use of super-soft colour, sweet images and lines drawn so lightly on his pieces, and the intricate detail in his honeycomb-like work.

Kenji also collaborates with Mel Robson (see profile here) on Sandwich Mountain and the adventures of the Little People - a fantastic collection of miniature figurines that are photographed as they adventure across the Australian countryside (and the world!).


Lucky you if you are in Sydney in the next month - Kenji will have a solo exhibition at the Helen Stephens Gallery from 15th July until 12th August, 2009. You can also view Kenji's work (along with other talented ceramicists) as part of the Australian Ceramics Trienniale 2009 at Object gallery in Sydney from 11th to 28th July, 2009 (where you will also find a collection of Kenji and Mel's Little People).

You can find Kenji Uranishi ceramics at the Queensland Art Gallery store (Brisbane),
Artisan (Brisbane), Object (Sydney), Helen Stephens Gallery and All Hand Made (Sydney), Craft Victoria (Melbourne), Five Boroughs (Melbourne), Pomme (Mornington Peninsula VIC) and Antipodes Gallery (Sorrento Vic).

Keep an eye out on Kenji's blog Kamenendo for new designs and exhibition details.

Images: Kenji Uranishi

Hip Products: Liana Kabel jewellery

Behold innovative, recycled pieces-to-turn-heads from contemporary jewellery Queen Liana Kabel.

No household product is left unexplored as Brisbane-based Liana creates a large range of jewellery (including necklaces, bracelets, pins, rings, and earrings) using old knitting needles, Tupperware containers, and all manner of unwanted plastic.

Liana's pieces are truly unique and so hipster-pop culture. Pieces are created with a true artist's hand with great attention to detail. It's so great to see such strong, exciting pieces in the upcycling movement that pushes us further to consider how we are affecting our environment when we purchase. Jewellery made from recycled plastic gets a big tick from me.

Liana Kabel jewellery is available from Liana's Etsy store and stockists across Australia, NZ, the UK and USA as well as online (check the website for details). You can also find out more about new designs from Liana's blog Plastic Girl. You can join Liana's Facebook Fan Page here.

Images: Liana Kabel

Welcome New Sponsor Babyjo Bamboo Wear

I'd like to extend a warm welcome to new Bondville advertiser Babyjo Bamboo Wear - a fabulous line of environmentally sustainable baby clothes, blankets and gifts. Jo launched Babyjo Bamboo Wear after discovering her 5 month old daughter suffered from mild eczema and wanted to find clothing that would be soothing, rather than irritating for Mia's sensitive skin.

And for the rest of us, bamboo fibre is an amazing product to consider for our little ones. Jo has a great list of Bamboo Facts on the Babyjo website, explaining the virtues of this alternative fibre, including environmental sustainability, fabric breathability, antibacterial and antifungal properties and the soft, luxuriant feel.

Stop by the Babyjo website for a great range of Bamboo clothing, blankets, gifts. Babyjo also has a strong Green Practices ethic, to ensure that products minimise their impact on the environment. Yet another reason to go Bamboo.

P.S.: Stop by the Mathilda's Market in Melbourne on June 21st to check out Babyjo Bamboo Wear first hand.

Images: Babyjo Bamboo Wear

Australian Artist Spotlight: Fiona Kennedy Altoft

Earlier this year I was excited to discover artist Fiona Kennedy Altoft on my daily drive through Paddington to the grocery store. I couldn't stop looking at the dog on a scooter peering out from the Robyn Bauer Gallery window, begging me to come and visit. And so I fell in love with Fiona's work (and her hilarious dogs).

Fiona is a Gold Coast artist and art educator. You'll find a mix of subjects in Fiona's archives that I think many of us can really relate to in modern Australia - football, dogs, families and friendships. I love the carefree feelings that her images provoke, celebrating happy times, as a child, on the sporting field, and amongst family.

Fiona also makes ceramic jewellery and you can find details of the jewellery, artwork, upcoming exhibitions and Fiona's gallery representation on the website.

If you are interested in more about Fiona, there is a great interview by Natalie on Daily Imprint and a fun article in The Courier-Mail that I'm sure you'll enjoy.

Images: 'I go faster in my new volleys' and 'Show us ya muscles' by Fiona Kennedy Altoft

Event: Melbourne Open House

This is a doozy. If you happen to be in Melbourne on Sunday 19th July 2009, you can't miss the amazing Melbourne Open House program. For this day only, the general public will have access to explore 32 of some of Melbourne's most significant buildings for FREE.

This is the second year of the program (held as part of the State of Design Festival), and hidden gems will be available to explore such as Melbourne’s oldest substation, Storey Hall, Melbourne Town Hall and Council House 2 (CH2). The area will encompass precincts off a central axis along Collins and Swanston Streets. A large number of the buildings are conducting tours including the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Federation Square. There is also a great photography competition to enter on the day so please bring your camera.

Melbourne Open House is on Sunday 19 July, 2009 from 10am to 5pm. Here is the 2009 program to help you plan your day. Trams connect most of the buildings, making it a great (and green) way to get around.

Images: Fifteen Restaurant, Manchester Unity Building, Russell Place Substation and Council House 2 - Lachlan Doig via Melbourne Open House

BrisStyle Markets round-up

Crowds in front of the Ruby 2 Go Go stall at the BrisStyle markets.

Beautifully handcrafted bears from Edward & Lily.

Break-your-heart dolls from Made By Maisie.

I loved all the brooches from Edward & Lily (and scored the green squirrel for me!)

Stunning handprinted make-up bags/purses from Red Seed Studio.

Hand-sawn buttons from recycled skateboard decks by Sam, one half of Red Seed Studio.

The crowds packed in to the hall and surrounded the stalls - here is Casey from Prettyhead Designs with the accessory du jour - brooches.

Beautiful critter brooches made from vintage storybooks by ReRead. I picked up a feline brooch for my sister in Vancouver.

How cute is this top that I picked up for Sophie from Jetta's Nest! Sam creates sweet faces and uses recycled fabrics for her appliqued children's clothes.

Sunshiney crochet and button brooches from Jetta's Nest set the tone for the market - beautifully handcrafted.

The crowds were out in force and I had a stroller with me, which means I didn't get to see many stalls at the hugely successful BrisStyle markets this weekend. But I did get to visit some of my favourite local designers and meet some new ones too.

The BrisStyle markets are organised by the BrisStyle Etsy team (and led by Helen from Ruby 2 Go Go who did an amazing job) and feature a host of hard-working independent Queensland designers. This was the second market for the group and it elbow-to-elbow inside the hall (and the cupcakes had sold out within an hour!). It was heartening to see Brisbanites come out in droves on a chilly morning to support handmade.

I did a little shopping of my own - I picked up an amazing top for Sophie from Jetta's Nest and the coolest chenille pants from Bubba Chenille, a brooch from ReRead for my sister and a killer Edward & Lily squirrel brooch for me. I managed to wave at Bec and Jade from Beckybean, and say hi to Christine from Little Diva, Helen from Ruby 2 Go Go, and Ellie from Red Seed Studio (who had the most incredible buttons hand-sawn from used skateboard decks), and meet the very lovely and talented Catherine from Made By Maisie (whose exquisite dolls captured my heart) and Casey from Prettyhead Designs with her super-professional felt brooches.

It was a fantastic turnout for a great event and I really look forward to the next one (Christmas holidays, Helen?)

Images: Steph Bond

Gelati Art wall art for kids

I was thrilled to be contacted by fellow Brisbanite Vanessa O'Sullivan who founded the fabulous children's art business Gelati Art.

Vanessa creates bold, bright, beautiful pieces of wall art for kids' rooms. Don't think just nursery - these would be great in a toy room or anywhere else that your little ones frequent. The canvases come in various sizes from small 15cm x 15cm sets to large 60cm x 70cm pieces.

How cool is the speedy motorcycle canvas, and the mini cooper artwork is all kinds of fantastic. I'm also very keen on the designs 'for baby' (see squirrel above), which I personally think would look great in my study!

Gelati Art also offers a custom design service. You can find Gelati Art in the online store as well as at stockists across Australia. You'll also find Gelati Art at the upcoming Mathilda's Markets in Brisbane on 19th July, 2009.

Images: Gelati Art

Hip Products: Violetto bags

Wow, check out the amazing bags from Sydney-based accessories label Violetto, launched in 2007. Combining their experience with surface print design and fashion, the designers Jenny and Julianne have created a range of shoppers, totes, clutches and purses that transport you to far-away places.

Key pieces are created with hand-printed fabrics and soft leather. These pieces are decidedly modern with a generous dash of retro inspiration. Now there's no excuse to reach for those department-store brands, when there is Aussie design as gorgeous as this.

You can find Violetto bags at stockists throughout Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia.

Images: Violetto

Welcome New Sponsor Mathilda's Market

Last week I wrote about the great markets coming up in Brisbane this month, and would like to extend a huge welcome to Mathilda's Market as a new Bondville advertiser. These luxury markets for kids and baby goodies will be running in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne during July so you can stock up on baby gifts or just something special for your little one.

I attended the Brisbane Mathilda's Market last year which is where I first discovered some amazing designers including Tees 2 Knees, Nanny Pickle, Salt Sea Tees, Wild Things of Noosa, Tikiboo Kids, Flying Star Toys and Ruffian Industries. The markets seem to keep getting better with more cool indie stallholders each time. Here are all the details for this month's upcoming markets. Entry is free!

Sydney: 5 July 2009 - St Ignatius College Riverview, Lane Cove. From 9am to 1pm; plenty of free parking on the College grounds.

Brisbane: 19 July 2009 - Brisbane City Hall, B/w Adelaide & Ann St, King George Square, Brisbane City. From 9am to 1pm; parking available under the City hall (fees apply).

Perth: 19 July 2009 - Oasis Leisure Centre, Progress Way, Belmont. From 9am to 1pm; parking available around the Leisure Centre.

You can find out more information about the Mathilda's Markets in your state on the Mathilda's Market website, where you can also sign up for the e-newsletter, and get a sneak-peak of upcoming stall-holders.

Images: Mathilda's Market

Australian Artist Spotlight: Nadine Sawyer

Oscar-worthy dramas are all very well and good, but sometimes you just want a movie that makes you happy. And for me, the same goes for art.

Brisbane-based Nadine Sawyer's "Art with Heart" fills that role beautifully with whimsical and fun paintings, prints, greeting cards and designs. Angels commune with birds and flowers in bold, happy colours that would be just as at home in a child's room or a grown up's living room.

Nadine also designs for a line of children's clothing under the Toetum label featuring her delightful artworks.
You can find limited edition prints on canvas, Toetum children's clothes and greeting cards (coming soon) in Nadine's online store. For original art and commissions, contact Nadine directly. And check out Toetum at the upcoming Mathilda's Markets in Brisbane on 19th July, 2009.

Images: Nadine Sawyer

Hip Products: in-sync design jewellery

If you're a little tired of acrylic brooches but still need something to pin to your scarf, check out the cool powder-coated stainless steel and silver pieces from Melbourne-based in-sync design.

Designed by Iris Saar Isaacs and Jane Barwick, in-sync design is a range of brooches, bangles and earrings that transport their botanical and geometric drawings through modern industrial processes. I'd love a rings brooch, a few coil bangles and those cool poppy earrings for my collection. In all four bold colours please.

You can find in-sync design jewellery at the online store as well as stockists online and across the world.

Images: in-sync design

Stylish Kids: Three Little Trees children's clothing

I wish I could crochet well enough to make the incredible duffle coat that Kate and Jacqui have designed for their Three Little Trees kids label. It's incredible! There is also an adorable collection of clothing, bedding and accessories for little boys and girls that you have to check out (the kimono top and geisha dress have been runaway successes).

The Winter 09 range has been created in collaboration with talented UK illustrator Sandra Isaksson of ISAK. I can't wait to see what Summer looks like!

I also love that Jacqui and Kate attach native seeds to each swing tag (country-specific of course) so that the little ones can plant and watch them grow wherever they are in the world.

You can find Three Little Trees in the online store as well as at stockists around the world and online including La Toriana. Read more about Three Little Trees on the blog. And check out Three Little Trees at the upcoming Mathilda's Markets in Brisbane on 19th July, 2009.

AND, if you haven't already, make sure you pop over to fabulous children's site KidStyleFile to fill in the Annual Reader Survey before 30th June, 2009. You could be in the running to win from an amazing prize pool of more than $12,000 (for Australian residents) and know that 50c for every survey will be donated to Make-A-Wish Australia (for all entrants around the world).

Images: Three Little Trees

Welcome New Sponsor Magnolia Square boutique fair

It's not only Brisbane that has some happening markets in July, Sydney-siders are so lucky to have the fabulous Magnolia Square shopping event pop up from Thursday 2nd July - Saturday 4th July, 2009 at The Teahouse, Royal Randwick Racecourse.

I would like to extend a huge welcome to Magnolia Square as a new advertiser on Bondville and encourage everyone in Sydney to get along to this boutique fair and support your local designers, crafters and independent artists. There will be more than 50 retailers to browse, including a "Tiny and Small" section to get your stylish gear for little ones, and late-night shopping on Thursday night. And the first 500 guests will receive a complimentary Magnolia Square tote filled with goodies.

Here are the important stats:

Venue: The Teahouse at Royal Randwick Racecourse
Address: Alison Rd, Randwick NSW
Dates: Thursday 2nd July, 2009 - 2pm to 9pm
Friday 3rd July, 2009 - 10am to 5pm
Saturday 4th July, 2009 - 10am to 4pm
Admission: $8 (children under 18 years free) includes all-day parking at the venue

For more information, check out the Magnolia Square website and the excellent Magnolia Square blogs Snippets (which features lots of great indie designers) and Little Snippets (which features fabulous things for kids). You can also join the email list here to hear about new dates first.

Image: Magnolia Square

Hip Products: Sharon Muir ceramics

While stopping in at KILN Gallery a few weeks ago during the Paddington Art Walk, I noticed the beautiful work of ceramicist Sharon Muir. Sharon is another artist who has managed to maintain a strong body of exhibiting artwork, as well as producing ceramics for a commercial audience.

These bird vessels are so delicate and could have a myriad of uses. I particularly love the pink and blue "baby bird" pieces with silver heart at the bird's neck that can be engraved with the recipients initials. Darling.

You can find Sharon's work at stockists around Australia and New Zealand including KickArts online.

Images: Sharon Muir

Events: Winter Brisbane design markets

Start counting your pennies. July is a stellar month for independent design in Brisbane with at least four great markets to spend your dollars on. Support handmade local artisans and get yourself along to one of these dates:

BrisStyle Indie Designers Market
(as seen on Channel 7's The Great South East)
Saturday 4th July, 2009
9am - 2pm
St Augustines Church Hall
Racecourse Rd, Hamilton, QLD

Young Designers Market South Bank

Sunday 5th July, 2009
10am - 4pm
Little Stanley Street
South Bank, Brisbane, QLD

Boutique Markets
Sunday 12th July, 2009 (same day at Coffee & Chocolate Affair at Portside, 10am-4pm)
8am - 1pm
Portside Wharf
Hamilton, QLD

Mathilda's Market for kids fashion and goodies
Sunday 19th July, 2009
9am - 1pm
Brisbane City Hall (Main Auditorium, floor level)
Between Adelaide and Ann St, King George Square
Brisbane City, QLD