Alice in Tutu Land 8th Birthday Party by Tutu du Monde

Have I got something special to show you today. This is the gorgeous eighth birthday party of Alyna - daughter of Tutu du Monde designer Andrea Rembeck. Styling, cake, food and photography are all by amazing Sydney creative talents and all the girls are dressed in Andrea's iconic tutus. It truly is a little girl's dream come true.

Party: Alyna's 8th Birthday Party
Organised by: Andrea Rembeck (Tutu du Monde)
Location: Sydney, Australia
Event Styling: Vanessa Sheldrick
Theme: Alice in Tutuland
Cake: Ivy Puterflam
Party food: Ivy Puterflam
Decorations: Tiny Tutu Cake Couture 
Birthday Girl Wears: Tutu du Monde
Games/activities: Pass the Parcel, Pin the tail on the Fairy
Something special: Every guest changed into a Tutu du Monde tutu upon arrival which they were allowed to take home after the party instead of a goodie bag.
Photography: Hannah Scott-Stevenson

How do I get invited to Alyna's next party?! Happy Birthday Alyna and thank you Andrea for sharing Alyna's amazing day with us. Read more about Sydney children's label Tutu du Monde here on Bondville.

Images: Hannah Scott-Stevenson for Tutu du Monde

BOXY handmade jewellery - the next big thing

I received this gorgeous BOXY necklace for my birthday last month from my friend Laura and I'm completely obsessed with it.

BOXY is designed and handmade by Sally Jarmaine in her studio by the beach near Sydney. Sally's pieces are fun, bright and so very on-trend. Each necklace is hand-modelled in polymer clay and strung on leather cord, then anointed its very own name to match its personality. This one is called 'confetti':

I could eat them all. You can find BOXY in the online etsy store, select stockists in NSW and Victoria and at the upcoming The Finders Keepers markets in Sydney.

Images: Steph Bond-Hutkin | Bondville

Make: DIY face masks and party hats for kids by TMOD

Those creators of cool - Sydney's TMOD - have done it again with these gorgeous DIY crafts kits for kids. Choose from make-your-own animal face masks or party hats with watercolour paints and elastic included.

 

TMOD (Georgie Swift and Milenka Osen) just always seems to have their finger on the pulse. These craft kits are beautifully drawn and right in line with the huge DIY movement. These would make an excellent activity for a kids' party to keep them occupied, and then to be worn for the rest of the event. I'm super-impressed.

You can find TMOD products in the online store as well as stockists around Australia.

Images: TMOD

Killer Gorman mohair throws and homewares

I could wear Gorman every day and not get sick of it (hint, hint kids-slash-husband!). So I just about flipped when I saw the new mohair throws from Gorman in collaboration with Melbourne's iconic St Albans.

Choose from a boucle finish (in yellow or fuschia) or brushed finish (in orange/blue, green/blue or my favourite - multi-colour). It's just like a favourite Gorman jumper for your sofa/bed!


And speaking of beds, have you seen the amazing Gorman quilt in collaboration with Melbourne-based print media artist Ellie Malin that is about to be released? It's all kinds of wonderful.

You can find Gorman mohair throws and homewares in the online store. Happy Mother's Day shopping!

Images: Gorman

Sweet family portraits and embroidered jewellery from Dandelyne

What an amazing birthday present. Four of my lovely girlfriends got me the most thoughtful gift - a custom family portrait and necklace embroidered by the supremely talented Sonia Lyne of Dandelyne! Here's my family portrait - so cute!

And here are some of Sonia's other amazing creations:

Based in Melbourne, Sonia creates embroidered mini artworks on 4cm and 5.5cm hoops that can be worn as necklaces or brooches. Some of the great designs include bunting, bicycles, clouds and rain, and the cutest ever vintage caravan.

Sonia also creates larger custom-designed pieces featuring your nearest and dearest (including pets!) that will be cherished for generations. Her artistry is impeccable and Sonia is super-fun to work with, pouring lots of love and special attention into her pieces.

Thank you so much Carmen, Estelle, Linda and Renay for my gorgeous pieces, and to Carmen for organising such a special gift!

You can find Dandelyne embroidered works in the online Etsy store as well as stockists in Victoria and online.

Images: Dandelyne

Zillpa coil rope homewares - and BrisStyle Mother's Day markets

Another great Mother's Day gift! One of my most exciting discoveries from the Eumundi Markets last weekend were these amazing coil rope bowls, bags, plant holders and other homewares from Queensland artisan Clare under her Zillpa label.

 

Clare hand-makes these gorgeous products by coiling cotton rope and stitching together with her industrial sewing machine. Not an easy task! The current collection includes nesting bowls, coasters, pot holders, plant hangers, three bag styles and key rings made-to-order. I'm in love with every piece, and can't wait to see Clare's new collection incorporating fabrics. Here's a sneak peek:

Totally gorgeous, don't you think? You can find Zillpa products in the online store as well as at markets and stockists around Australia.You will also find Zillpa at the always-inspiring BrisStyle Indie Markets this Saturday at Brisbane's newly refurbished City Hall from 9am-2pm, 11th May, 2013. (This new event is being held the 2nd Saturday of every month).

Images: Zillpa, bottom image by Yan Chen

Six Gorgeous Australian-designed Mother's Day gifts

It's only a week away - have you picked up a little something for Mother's Day yet? (or does Hubby need a good hint?). I've chosen six of my favourite current goodies from Australian designers for some last-minute inspiration. Support Australian design and get onto it quick!

1. Moonbeam hoops (golden sorbet) by Naomi Murrell
2. Totem Collection single doona cover from Harvest Textiles
3. Porcelain teapot (prism grey/yellow) by MOZI
4. Apricot studs from Emily Green
5. Croc (desert) cushion cover by Kip & Co. at Hunting for George
6. Jessica T Karma print heeled gumboot from Wellies.com.au

For more options, check out these other Mother's Day Gift ideas here on Bondville. Happy shopping!

Bassike, Camilla and Marc and Sass & Bide onesies!

Australian fashion powerhouses Bassike, Camilla and Marc and Sass & Bide have teamed up with baby clothing label Marquise to design these limited edition onesies for charity.

These onesies will be available exclusively at The Iconic and proceeds will go to The Sydney Children's Hospital as part of the Gold Telethon, to help support ill and seriously injured children. The bodysuits are $24.95 each. Fashion forward and feel-good too!

Images: Marquise

Sweet Paul kids e-mag knocks my socks off

Far out. How GOOD is Sweet Paul and his amazing online and print magazines. The latest kids issue is chock-full of great party and entertaining ideas, as well as fun DIY activities to do with kids and lots of design inspiration. With just a quick flick through, I spotted our very own Craft Schmaft hot air balloons (seen here on Bondville too!), and now-world-renowned Tutu du Monde in a fashion editorial. Go Aussie kids design! Head over to Sweet Paul to view all 144 glorious pages now.

Image: Sweet Paul

Australia's first West Elm stocking Australian Etsy sellers

You've probably heard the buzz about the US lifestyle brand triumvirate of Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn and West Elm arriving in Australia. I'm one of the many people who have been anticipating the stores openings. We had our wedding registry with Williams-Sonoma! And West Elm launched when we were living in New York City and we were so excited to be able to find reasonably priced products with a fresh, modern edge. Harris even carried our living room rug home over his shoulder and on the subway from the Dumbo store!

The three brands open their retail doors tomorrow in Bondi Junction, NSW, and I'm more than pleased to let you know that West Elm has partnered with Etsy to stock a number of local handmade artisans. How fantastic! I'm particularly taken with the embroidered artwork of Sydney designers Maricor/Maricar who have designed this amazing special edition "welcome" tote for West Elm Sydney:

And presenting the other Australian designers who will be represented in-store and online:

Nocturnalia Owl soap (patchouli and rose) by Amy Ta:

Pom Pom decoration set by Kitiya Palaskas:

 Notebook (typewriter) by Miss Meg Shop:

Lace Cushion (urban) by CharleeLeMore

Sydney bicycle art print by Seal Design Studio

 Pea pods art print by Pool Pony Design:

What a great opportunity for these Etsy sellers and kudos to West Elm for including Australian designers in their product range. I can't wait to see them IRL.

You can find these products in the West Elm Australia online store or in the new Bondi Junction store, opening tomorrow. (Melbourne coming soon).