kindling

winter pieces

2011-06-22T14:39:00.000+10:00

Our winter range is instore at our beautiful stockists, online and available at the upcoming Brisbane Finders Keepers.

little break turns BIG

2011-06-15T20:41:00.000+10:00

I am sorry to have a blog sometimes, as I neglect to keep posting, and life runs away and away. Little did I know that living in Vietnam would stretch me so far... really I came here with the hope of learning an instrument and crafternoon-ing every weekend. Actually I feel so spread thin that at the moment it feels like nothing is right. I give my all here and Kindling feels left behind.
Just last week I went to Bangkok to pick up my son, who is living here with me now too, rather then us back and forth-ing so much. Full on world for him to enter, but he takes it in his stride and he loves the food, so we are OK.
Some random shots of everything not Kindling......

Saturday at the pagodas

2011-04-01T14:44:00.000+10:00

It was grey and a little cold, but I had such a lovely day, cruising the countryside, with friends, we walked and ate simple food cooked in simple ways on little chairs, breathing lovely crisp clean air and I gazed at leaves and trees and listened to the rustling of life and green all around me.

so exciting!

2011-03-18T12:10:00.002+10:00

We did it, found screens, ink and an amazing crew at Boo who have supported us to expose some screens. We have a new most awesome cutting/printing table.
We mixed colours and played with ink. And then there was a whole new range of masks. Next stop 'loungewear' I will post some samples over the next weeks.

Does anyone recommend ink brands over this way ?? - The waterbased inks so far stink so bad, I am sure they are high in solvents and I would like to find better ones.

Finders Keepers Melbourne

2011-03-16T12:37:00.000+10:00

It's the weekend next after this one. The lovely Lydia and James will be running the Kindling space... drop in for a hi... we have some beautiful new vests, dresses and illustrations ready.... and we will be offering 10% sweetness discount for anyone that mentions this post.

some faves

2011-03-08T09:58:00.000+10:00

A cloud project

2011-02-22T00:03:00.000+10:00

Hola beautiful friends, I love the sky but I can't ever see it in Hanoi. I just returned to Vietnam after a little holiday in Cambodia, where the most amazing thing (that made me very very high) was the sky I could see everyday, with white clouds and birds flying and warm breezes. Now I am back in the grey bubble and rather then get SAD like before I would like to ask you all to email me a photo of your blue sky.... It could be one you have already, or you could just go outside and take one right now of the heavens.... I will print them all and collage them onto my bedroom wall......... ...please let me know where you took the photo...more then one is great! Then I will have a big blue sky every time I wake up.... plus a reminder of you all ... and be sky high... hehehe... xxx Nina

Cambodia lovin

2011-02-14T16:13:00.000+10:00

KeoK’jay t’s and belts - upcycled fabrics, screen printed and organic- photo by KeoK'jay

KeoK’jay bracelet and p’gaa skirt - photo by KeoK'jay

So glad to have spent two weeks in Cambodia, being loved up by the sun and inspired up to the max with the multitude of amazing creative organisations I discovered everywhere.
I have never been in a place where there was so much awareness and support for marginalised people to be empowered through creative industry training and jobs. In addition the amount of super cool products upcycled from post consumer waste was awesome.
Love love love these organisations.... to name a few:
Friends
Dorsu
Keokay
Smarteria

A bit of ghetto-printing class in Hanoi

2011-01-07T14:15:00.000+10:00

We are wanting to introduce screen printing into our production team, so I have been scouring Hanoi to find suppliers of screens, ink and someone who can expose them for me. So far I have found screens and ink. The screens range from $2-5 each. Kind of a crazy dream really. It is hard to find the rest thou as even with a translator, words like 'exposure' can translate to funny meanings! Even getting the man at the ink shop to answer my questions about the type of ink was difficult... he said 'it's a long story, you will have to pay me'So just for fun we had a go with paper. The end product at the moment is for the amazing carbon activated facemasks that Blue Sphere invented for the motorcyclists in Asia.

Living on the edge!

2010-12-23T19:12:00.001+10:00

So I have been living in Hanoi for now two months and this is my first blog post since I left... Sorry for such delayed replies to your questions.. It is hectic and I am literally living a double life ( a real body here and a virtual one thru the computer with my family and Kindling) but I am loving it all and am pretty stoked that somehow this has happened.

My house: I live with 3 other AYAD's (Australian youth Ambassadors for Development) - 2 Agricultural Scientists and 1 Finance consultant.... and it's awesome. We found a lovely place in inner city that is private a quiet and clean! aswell as being well situated to a plethora of street food and fun. They are a great mix and I feel a bit lucky to have fallen in with such an
inspired crowd.

My job: I work about 10kms south of the centre in a small company that rents from a really big factory. Our company 'Blue Sphere' is a social enterprise. That means they operate for the prime goal of improving the financial and social status of their employes which in our case are deaf people.

I have been learning both Vietnamese sign and vietnamese...sign being the most easy and fun. For me this job is a bit of a dream - I am designing for the organisation to improve their offerings but also training and capacity building with their staff. The team (7 in all) is so fun and interested to learn anything at all. They are super loyal and I was craving for so long to work more within a team.. now I am part of of one and I am stoked.

My life: It's a bit expat-ty... So far I am yet to make a firm Vietnamese friend - the language barrier makes them quite shy to attempt or return communication... so I end up hanging with whiteys alot... which is awesome too - Hanoi is the hub for all the International NGO's and Arts councils so there is a pretty unique group of people here. A very concentrated bunch of interesting inspired people living in one city. Lots of arts and music - too much to see actually - and partys... the alcohol here is ridiculously cheap... but what strikes me most is that everyone has really cool jobs, or are working on great projects, for great organisations, making a real difference. Apart from the Embassy workers we are all here in an aid capacity, on a volunteers living allowance so in a way everyone is kinda equal. Its strange and fantastic all at once.

I have been riding a motorbike - getting pretty fluid in the crazy traffic. It took a while and a lot of adrenaline to get there but I am finally feeling pretty comfortable. In a way I can't imagine going back to straight laced traffic conditions, or living conditions, or eating conditions.

Living on the edge is making me smile alot.

2010-10-27T22:11:00.000+10:00

On my desk - colour

2010-09-23T17:46:00.003+10:00

Last week I had a whirlwind trip to Thailand .. so much preparation was involved to get ready, months of pattern making, sampling, designing, so focused was I. This week I have felt a bit lost. The deadline is not there anymore and I am free to finish those bits n pieces that have been on the back burner for up to six months. Two new designs for cards that I started and now have finished.. off to the printer. I cannot wait to see how the new colours come out.

Christmas... already!

2010-08-31T16:28:00.000+10:00

A new range of Christmas cards went to the printer today... so early but apparantly just in time... this is my favorite - the bush Turkey... if you are Australian you may get the joke :)

We will be selling them in packs of 8 and 100, and singley closer to Christmas. Pre-orders welcome now.

Holiday

2010-08-24T09:20:00.000+10:00

One week of sunny, rainforesty, beachy pristine Far North Queensland. We swam, ate, walked and lazed. We didn't see a crocodile :(

Some photos I wish I could take of another holiday here (amazing!)

And some music for loving on holidays here.

book by its cover

2010-08-20T11:15:00.000+10:00

These are the book I would buy today if I chose them just for the covers. I am a big believer of covers, labels of wines bottles, packaging of tea... a sucker for asthetic beauty over internal content :)

is this for real!

2010-08-06T15:30:00.000+10:00

My partner was browsing here
and discovered miniturist Dalton Ghetti. What an amazing dude! More about him here.
Have a great weekend
xx

Inspired Thursday - Beau & Trouble

2010-07-29T09:52:00.000+10:00

I saw this work last year, but couldn't find it again when I was wanting to buy it for a gift recently. Yesterday their name just popped into my head - Beau & Trouble. They are a creative collaboration between Brisbane based jeweller Natalie Preston & Canberra based artist Janice Kuczkowski who create quirky limited edition handmade jewellery using precious metals and beautiful hand selected timbers.

So much of what I have been seeing lately is a bit diecut samey... but this work is pretty special and unique.. and local... yay!

For new and a sneek peak at new work see their blog.

Forest stripe

2010-07-29T07:45:00.000+10:00

Kindling Spring Pt ii

2010-07-23T10:03:00.001+10:00

Maybe - silk linen skirt

Poppies - Organic Cotton handprint embroidery

Pika-Pocket - Organic Cotton and embroidery

Marrakesh - Blonde

Humming - Silk linen and handprint

Max Doyle

2010-07-16T09:58:00.001+10:00

Imagine not having any web presence for your business - no website, blog, facebook, twitter or anything... and then imagine that as a result people are falling over themselves to get their hands on your product. Last night I went to the IMA to hear Max Doyle speak, who is the editer and producer of 'doingbird' a beautiful photography based fashion magazine that is just that... no web/promo/advertising/spam at all.
It was so refreshing to sit with someone who was very real and humble while at the top of his profession. Obvious was how much he loved photography - a career he fell into - and how much bullshit he lets wash past him to be able to do his job with integrity.
Inspiring and human he was.

coveting space

2010-07-05T20:11:00.000+10:00

A little dark and cave-like is my studio space in new home... not perfect and I do see sometimes these lovely old halls - all empty - all waiting for someone like me to (have enough cash to) come along and inhabit. Here a particular one I spent some time admiring at the weekend - full of old treasure! and the light.. such lovely light.... ahh... dreaming I am....

happy to announce

2010-06-18T18:01:00.000+10:00

Today I worked with a woman I am happy to call my muse - she is smart, lovely, full of life and inspiration and ...beautiful. Introducing some new Kindling pieces which can be found tonight in the shop. They are made from sustainable fabrics sourced this year including silks, linens, organic cotton and really cool buttons.

Getting noticed

2010-06-09T11:57:00.001+10:00

http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/
This little segment about Frankie magazine mostly shot at the Finders Keepers aired last night on the 7.30 report. Worth a watch - it gave me heart to know that others are creating great things from the inside of their apartments. Power to the quirky/daggy in us all.

In other news (he he ) Kindling will be showing at the Finders Keepers in Brisbane in a few weeks. Yeehaaah.

getting out

2010-05-25T10:22:00.000+10:00

Do you ever get tired of working within the same walls? - for me I work mostly alone each day and I get hungry for life outside myself... so each day last week I went to a new cafe and worked there... kinda dangerous and expensive way to be with 'the people' but loved it and am embarking on another week of the same.

Anyway its cold and its good to eat lots of cake!

Inspiration for your ears:

Ruby Blue

Inspiration for you eyes:

I art you

Found on my doorstep

2010-05-18T19:36:00.000+10:00

Elk Acessories

Sydney Finders Keepers

2010-05-11T22:51:00.001+10:00

fullhouse DIY

2010-04-28T23:21:00.000+10:00

I often get asked... do you make this.... yes I do... with a pattern, an idea, a roll of fabric, ink, and a fair bit of sewing, ironing and printing.

I love it. I finished eight today, ready for The Finders Keepers in Sydney next week. They are the last edition of this design. I can't wait to see whats next.

The work of Mr Allan Parkhurst Dodd

2010-04-24T18:54:00.000+10:00

chalk

2010-04-20T14:18:00.000+10:00

I bought 10 boxes of coloured chalk to gift to my son's mates in their party bags on the weekend. Four of those mates live next door, and five of the boxes have ended up decorationg the cement around my house, by these budding artists (graphiti artists they tell me) The best toys for kids are the ones that have entertained for years - so simple.

Epiphany

2010-04-19T17:42:00.000+10:00

Preparing to draw today I instictually reached for a pacer, it was broken, it was only a week old, so a scrounged for another, and found three more... all broken...
Da da da.. my mind clicks... pacers suck - they are expensive and they break.... pencils rock, you can sharpen them - at both ends if you please!
So glad to have finally worked this out.
Grinning now and all day as I drew, traced patterns, designed dresses, all with a pencil in hand, and one behind my ear. Yay!

All in a days work

2010-04-03T12:30:00.001+10:00

A new location brings a new studio space ... under the house is a big open area.... yesterday the first time I have printed since the move. I really love my new place, space and all that a days work involves. I love the city and all the possibilities that come each day.

These shots are as I printed 'Grow' and the finished product after sewing the leaf and trunk.

Buttons for Mr Sparrow

2010-03-31T11:49:00.002+10:00

A small new endevour is these loverly covered button earrings. Now its very simple really because I love covered buttons, and sometimes I just love to not have to have a pattern and a sample and hunt for fabric... but to make things from the scraps left behind, that cannot be thrown away because they are just too beautiful.

New Stockist Mr Sparrow in Subiaco

Online

2010-03-18T06:46:00.001+10:00

New Kids tee's online here

New Horizons - old favourites

2010-03-10T13:23:00.004+10:00

I have moved house, cities and am putting roots down for the first time in a year. Fun it has been to pull my favourite tee cups and vintage treasures out of newspaper wrapped bundles and put them around my house. To hang some old art and lots of new art I have found along the way. Here are some shots of bits of kitchen space and a few old favourites.
With these photos is ceramics and softy by by Fliss Dodd, pottery by Steven and Kari, the Aboriginal painting by Ruby Abbott and also a painting by James Mannion

up-n-coming

2010-02-28T20:38:00.004+10:00

Brisbane :: March 7:: Stanley Street Southbank

Melbourne :: Mathildas Market :: Hawthorn Town Hall

love Thailand

2010-02-15T02:10:00.001+10:00

snap snap

2010-02-03T11:35:00.001+10:00

Photos, always nervous in the lead up to a shoot, so much to organise and so many factors involved.... here are some raws from a little shoot that happened yesterday for a magazine feature to come.

we are australian

2010-01-28T22:12:00.005+10:00

Three new stockists, beautiful unique and three corners of OZ.
:: e.g.etal - contemporary jewelery - Melbourne
:: Aspects on Kings - Perth
:: Elevated - Darwin

These are my favourite pieces at e.g.etal by:
Janet Watts
White bow and Poncho brooches
Sterling silver, fine silver, enamel paint, thread and pearls

beneath seas

2010-01-27T20:48:00.003+10:00

drawing alot lately, lots of new on the horizon, lots of development and unfinished ideas needing attention..... these shots are from some preliminary drawings... for fabric or paper, what colours, what application... we shall sea

Change

2010-01-18T11:22:00.000+10:00

Everything is always growing, evolving and flowing, but it seems to me now more then ever. I have felt unclear and floaty of late, with our return from adventuring and the decision to relocate to the city.
This moring I harvested for the first time from my small ( in pots) vege patch, and after this cuppa will sit down to pen the final ideas of my new womens range before sampling later in the week.
It has been fun to feel like a small fish in a big pond, and I am loving the possibilities that this city living brings.
Some local and awesome music The Rooftops, Kingfisha, and Mr LAneous and the Family yah
Some inspiring local talent dogstar, maiocchi and peppermint

rocking woodfrod

2010-01-06T11:09:00.003+10:00

survived, loved it, am inspired, empassioned and loving the new-ness of the year!!!

Making Making dehydrating

2009-11-23T20:29:00.005+10:00

Its summer already and I have my move on, getting busy making, cutting sewing and uploading. I have been sharing Katies studio one or two days a week, as she has machines that sew like the wind, and an amazing vegie garden to watch grow while we sew.

I have wanted for years to collaborate, and it seems that we will... and in the meantime sewing side by side is so much better then all alone.

Thanks Katie.

One photo is the end of a long fantastic weekend at Finders keepers.

Finders

2009-10-02T20:46:00.002+10:00

Kindling is proud to be showing here.... first of the season!

There I Stood - olives

2009-09-17T19:44:00.002+10:00

There is Stood - Morocco

2009-09-17T19:39:00.001+10:00

Where I stood - Spain

2009-09-17T09:16:00.003+10:00

There I stood - Avebury

2009-09-13T07:56:00.004+10:00

bring me a rock

2009-07-03T19:53:00.004+10:00

Covered

Tapada

by esti hernandez

whenever someone asks if I would like a little something from their travels, I suggest a rock. My son is a rock lover too, so inevitably they are many, in my car, my handbag, pockets all on the way to the windowsills in the house.

Now we are travelling it seems we must be frugal with our selection. I carry them in my coat onto the plane, so they don't end up being excess baggage fines.

Here are some people who are doing beautiful things with rocks - I am in love with this today.

Pintame el tia - paint my day

everyone needs a rock

Tin love ii

2009-06-08T01:40:00.004+10:00

Inside.....

Tin love

2009-06-08T01:07:00.003+10:00

Living out of a very full heavy suitcase and my chances of buying at the wonderful flea markets is slim... enter smart Nina who has decided she can catalogue her belongings with tins. The collection is growing.

I must have had a monmentary lapse in concentration when I bought a LAMP today. may have to leave it in the hotel... ha ha ha.

Beautiful old scales here

Travel ii

2009-06-05T22:09:00.009+10:00

From Egypt to Holland. I made it. It has been a dream to come, my mum's family is Dutch, but living in Australia. I am living on a house boat on a canal, next to a dyke.... how dutch can I get!

Over on bloesem today I saw the work of dutch artist Nienke Sybrandy titled 'Bladerportretten = Leave Portraits' The work is done on leaves that fall from plats in Nienke's home - she then creates a face in the leaf and catalogues then... see above! I love it that I can drop in the installation space in Amsterdam and see it with my own eyes too.

Travel 1

2009-06-03T05:56:00.007+10:00

I love travelling. I am not so religious however the religious places I have visited have held so much beauty, the inspiration and admiration flows. I love camels. I love being in Holland... I am sleeping on a house boat. My life and situation have change very quickly everyday. I haven't found that i want to draw, or make yet, there is so much going in... but I can feel it coming... maybe in the form of a camel...??

Ms pretty and Poppies

2009-05-16T12:42:00.011+10:00

Here are two new illustrations now available in my card range. I have been wanting to get this out for ages, and love how they printed.

Soon available in the shop.

Ms Pretty spies lunch.

Poppies

The pull together

2009-04-23T21:09:00.003+10:00

.. it involved building up lots of stock (over the past 4 months) and i thought it would take about three hours to label and put into boxes for Katie who is taking over my distribution while i am away. Three days later I realised I might have been underestimating the task... hence the child labour :)

Discoveries

2009-04-23T00:23:00.003+10:00

When I first started Kindling, my friend Fliss launched udder on the same night. We then shared a market space together, and being vibrant passionate women we went to cute extremes to present our work in the most sweet way possible. Whilst packing I found this - the bag Fliss gave me this penguin in.

For each penguin, she would cut a hole in it so the beak could poke thru (like MR Squiggle). She would also stay up til 4 in the morning before market day making little fabric adornments to hang from each bag. So each penguin had its own bag with matching hole and fabric adornment too.

Whata clever girl.

Letting go

2009-04-23T00:21:00.002+10:00

What to take????

Beautiful old cases II

2009-04-23T00:10:00.003+10:00

Two months later... I find myself in the mountains of Malaysia, with time to breathe. Packing up was enormous and incredibly stretching for us all.

I realised how many times I had redesigned the space in my studio over the years to accommodate more supplies and tools.... what a treasure trove of endless sorting (and culling) I went through.

Here are some shots of the suitcaes that just kept coming.

One had really cute stickers all over it - I remember thinking that was soo cool when I was a kid - now I just like to graphic design!

Beautiful old Cases

2009-03-13T10:15:00.003+10:00

I have been buying lots of old suitcases for two reasons, ..actually three.
1- 'cause I love them, 2- cause i can use them for merchandising when I do shows, and 3- because we are packing up our house and they are so much prettier then cardboard boxes! I will take some more photos and post tommorow.

This one is a 50's makeup box. It is round and very cute! Now the home of button bands.

Packaging

2009-03-13T09:58:00.003+10:00

Recently I was invited to be part of Stitches and Craft show in Melbourne. It looked so good, but the timing was bad so I sadly declined. However here is some packaging I was ask to design for Thea n Sami using their logo. It is printed on 100% recycled boxboard.

For the little loves

2009-02-26T14:03:00.004+10:00

I love making childrens tee's - the more I make, the more I make.

The frustrating thing is trying to stay in flow with fashion timing. Who wants to design and make now for delivery in store one year away.

I say bring back right here right now... fat boy slim anyone? I am in a funny mood. However.... here are two of the newbies - of that I am fond!

Neighbourhood watching

2009-02-25T13:54:00.003+10:00

As part of the Sustainable Living Festivals 'Design and makers market' in Fed Square on Friday I met many designers who make innovative functional stuff outa recyling rubbish. I ended up being neighbours to these guys Wita design who like James and I are a creative partnership and loving it. They are stencil art based, but also had a nifty range of accessories like wallet, tages and placemats all made from juice and milk containers.

Eco fashionista's Eva Green and Chicactivist had beautifully coolaborated ranges feauturing Australias best concious labels.

Inspired folk in the big smoke

2009-02-06T08:47:00.006+10:00

I went last week to visit Thea from Thea and Sami and met her team of loverlies working in her amazing studio.

She is printing her own designs on earthfriendly fabrics like linen/PET - fabric made from recycled PET bottles. She also make a range of eco-fashion - I tried a few things on for her and they fit and felt really nice.

I would love one day to have grown my printing studio into something as fab as hers. Here are some pics of coverted opperations. (spech a beloved oven!)

Woodford Folk Fest 08/09

2009-01-20T12:57:00.009+10:00

Three weeks later I finally feel like I can call it the past, it really has taken that long for it to feel over, in my body and orientation for the future.

But it was amazing. We had a great time - a great spot, great neighbours, and vibe all round.

Cool things happened too - like sitting in a tiny space for 15hrs a day.... with a sewing machine to play with. Stuff came out of me.. fun stuff... like little fun friends that sem to find homes almost as soon as I had finishied birthing them.

Thats nice when that happens.

My favourite.... and he is probably the one that no-body else will ever like (good for me) is MR MOUSTACHIO - raindrop brooch. He is weird but delghted me and continues to wherever he pops up in my studio or market container... he is getting around.

Anyway I am an advocate - we got very hot (44deg) and dusty, and tired and slept funny... but... at the end James was keen to become a carnie - and thats saying something.

One day ... maybe.

hello ladies

2009-01-20T12:34:00.006+10:00

They are up - ladies tee's made from beautiful bamboo, and fearuing loverly kindling prints. Find it in the shop.

Given Away

2008-12-18T09:59:00.001+10:00

All giveaways have been given away.... thanks for all the support - Merry christmas. XX Nina

Where I have been - Pt II

2008-12-15T12:12:00.004+10:00

Printing, sewing, and up to my ears in lists, clipboards and between my ears so many ideas and plans.... all to be ready for 25th-1st.. Wooodford folk festival... excited and scared...

Here is a peak at the new womens line- Organic Bamboo jersey... lusciousness I am really loving.

Whale tee's on us

2008-12-03T11:59:00.002+10:00

This weeks giveaway is a whale love tee. To enter please leave a comment, with a way for me to contact you (if you do not have a blog).

Congrats to katiecrackernuts, this weeks winner of the set of cards.

giveaway galore-ious

2008-11-24T18:44:00.005+10:00

This week's giveaway is a set of cards - one of each of the eight cards going. Leave a comment to be in the draw. Ellie gets the coin purse.

There is a 'MANgift' giveaway here - a kindling 'whale love' tee. Have an excellent week.

da da daaaaah!

2008-11-12T08:50:00.006+10:00

After a big pull together the new kindling website is up.

To celebrate I would like to give some pieces away.

Please leave comment to go in a weekly draw till Christmas. Each week I will give post a picture of the giveaway. The first being this coin purse.

g r u m p y

2008-11-06T09:29:00.004+10:00

Yesterday was one of those days - not bad, but lots of things to take care of, things that were not working unexplainably... like my email for one week!

So I decided to make something instead. My friend had had a baby the day before... I would make her a rabbit.

The only problem was that the rabbit was grumpy too! So now he will be keeping me company instead, reminding me to smile and enjoy each day... the baby will be getting a tshirt!

Getting orders in order,

2008-10-27T14:19:00.008+10:00

1) New swingtags
2) Bundles of little people tee's ready to go
3) Hair ties
4)Kindling packaging- Indian newspapers turned to shopping bags - handmade by single mothers in India. (the Industree)

Peppermint

2008-10-27T14:10:00.003+10:00

Thanks to the loverly people at Peppermint mag, this pack of goodness found its way to me!

An ooid bag, a peppermint tee, and some loverly choc and soap for my body. All fairtrade, organic and future friendly... yeay!

The shoot

2008-10-16T15:10:00.004+10:00

Yesterday I did a photoshoot, in prep for launching the new Kindling site (more later.)

It was exciting - the photographer, model and lighting were all perfect - definatley my most successful shoot to date.

Greenfest

2008-10-13T16:24:00.003+10:00

Shots from the weekend - Kindling exhibited at Greenfest - brilliant festival celebrating creativity and change for a positive future.

I met some other amazing makers like Purepod, Sinerji, and Mini Mermaid.

Loved the sounds of Andi and George and Dubmarine.

Blown

2008-09-30T12:39:00.003+10:00

A big thankyou to my son, Rimu, who modelled for me, in ferocious winds... some new kids tee's - 'Mr Fox' and 'Sunday in the park.'

This was post Sunday afternoon in the park for us, at the Perigian Originals loving the groove of Tijuana Cartel.

Where I have been....

2008-09-22T19:17:00.004+10:00

In the studio PRINTING! which I love, but have never attempted in the scale and short timeframe to which I am working now.

I am really lucky to have finally nailed a really strong and experienced production team on the Sunshine Coast where I live... they have made me more pieces then ever, and now I am setting about printing and sewing like the wind. The summer range is off around the country and to a new shop called Bliss in Brisbane...

I am really excited about this range, it's the strongest design wise, and the cut and make is the best ever too..

Collaborate mate its great.

2008-09-11T14:54:00.003+10:00

A collaboration has been happening between Kindling and Mother Maria. For their womens winter range in 09 I have drawn 3 pictures to appear on loverly organic cotton jersey pieces designed by Katie from MM. We have printed the samples (pictures coming soon) and they looked great and we were excited!

I love working with other inspired people, and its nice to send these Kindling characters out into new horizons.... like ladies bodies.... it has inspired me to do a small womens range within Kindling too. But first i must print like the wind all the boys stuff and get it out for spring.

The Shut In

2008-09-05T11:23:00.003+10:00

We've been fluey but kinda loving the slow time. Got into the 1950's Childcraft books, played board games, watched TinTin and made lots of buttons.

Peppermint

2008-08-19T08:40:00.005+10:00

There is a new fab mag on the streets - Peppermint - showcasing beautiful (and green) fashion locally and internationally. Its sweet. I sent them a picture for their eco art competition.... running up I recieve a Peppermint tee and a Ooid bag .

Here is the illustration - its called 'I love trees love me.'
I can't get blogger to make this picure a good size... so click on it to see larger :)

cup love

2008-08-06T11:50:00.003+10:00

Pretty cups that inspire long leasurly afternoon in the sun with the girls.

Kids tee's in the make.

2008-08-04T18:20:00.006+10:00

Look at me cutting... I am quite scared of this machine... it is really easy to cut through the cord while cutting (I have done it twice)... but it's so fantastic too... cutting through twenty-two layers at once. Love it. Here is a photo of me showing off the dangerous beast.

And below the printing that went onto all the little sleeves and t-shirt bits part of a kids range on the way.

Bounty

2008-08-01T15:48:00.002+10:00

Lots of beautiful things came my way today in a bountiful way!

In the mail - a new brooch by Mamazakka and the bundle of papergoodies is my pikapackage

Arriving hand delivered the bucket of grapefruit from the garden of Tohm and Lisa Hajncl

And the last thing was a man in town throwing out about a cubic metre of bubble wrap - perfect for me to recycle, and keep my cards safe in transit for months!!!

Shortlisted

2008-07-25T11:24:00.005+10:00

Last year I designed some Christmas cards for Ember for our clients - we wanted to give them a Christmas gift that they could then give to ther people - highlighting our design business and showing the capabilities of sustainable print.

Anyway this one... Christmas beetle.... has been shortlisted for an design award in the Create Awards 08... Yeay! If you want to vote for me in the Peoples Choice ... look for #115, in the Design for Print Media - Creative Section.

Mr Birdy

2008-07-21T16:07:00.004+10:00

Recently I added a picture to my profile for when I leave a comment.... Mr Bird.

Here he is in fullness. I drew him for my son, at Christmas, but now he is out there working it - on an illustration, now printed in cards and A4 prints .

Six things I Love

2008-07-16T11:05:00.010+10:00

I have been tagged - Six things I love - it is raining out so I have decided to go online for five and show you my six favourite finds... so ...

1. Rebecca Ward - Rebecca the Wrecker and this beautiful piece called U Boat.

2. USA Maplexo bangles found at Five Boroughs

3.This brooch I found on ETSY a while back - I really love it but it must be sold cause I can't find it anymore.

4 . Udder toys - love every one!

Actually I am just going for four - Blogspot post editor is drving me nuts today - so annoying!

You are not on my list Blogspot!

Pikapackage July08

2008-07-08T15:28:00.005+10:00

I can't wait to recieve my pikapackage!... released today! You can find some of my work in some of them, and a bit about Kindling in the zine.

Five Boroughs

2008-07-04T22:33:00.006+10:00

I'd like to introduce Five Boroughs, a most sweet store in Melbourne specialising in a blend of handmade/ Aussie/ recycled and altogether beautiful indivdual work.

I know all I have to do is get on a plane and I can touch and love all the beautiful things in this shop....

You can now find Kindling cards there, so drop in and say hi - for me? or check out the Five Boroughs blog (and the maple bangles!)

the weekend

2008-06-30T10:48:00.003+10:00

It was one of those mornings, an early trip to the local market for our weekly vege, and I was rewarded with three new (but very old and beautiful) pieces of clothing, a catch up with three friends, and the most fantastic daybed in awesome condition... just like I've been dreaming and looking for, for years! This is me, in one of my new shirts - hand embroidered in China in the 70's, enjoying the new view in the studio.

2008-06-16T13:29:00.002+10:00

Does anyone have any knowledge/ opinions/ gossip about festival stalls. I am thinking about applying for a stall at Woodford Folk Festival. It runs for 6 days and is pretty massive, the weather can be really rainy or really hot and dusty. I am intrested in any advice about anything - stock levels - setup - lighting- merchandising - people - I am a baby at this kinda stuff!

2008-06-16T12:26:00.005+10:00

Lucky for me ... my daily reflection of wonder - through my son who makes amzing things (as gifts for me ) out of anything he finds. (excuse sandpit fingernails!) These are little gum tree blossom caps stacked.

This is the v. cool ceiling of the theatre I went to yesterday...inspiring the website design I am working on for a client today.

Buttons

2008-06-10T11:33:00.005+10:00

One day I hopped on a plane and went looking for a covered button maker...

since then all sorts of scraps have found new life in this form...

find them in my shop soon.

My son Rimu asked me if he could be Kindling's Button Maker... and we could make him a business card. He is proud and gives it out to my crafty friends like fliss and evelina when we see them. Its a fun way to hang, and I like his perspective and ideas too.

bebe tee

2008-06-10T11:25:00.003+10:00

Have been meeting and hugging lots of babies in recent days... here's a tee for Oli (4mnth)... well done Charlotte!

2008-06-04T19:39:00.004+10:00

I love Pikaland and I want everyone to know it!

Soon my illustrations will be part of Amy's brainchild Pikapackage...see the sample pictures. .

I am really excited to have sent them off to the Pikaland universe to find there new homes in a kinda cosmic and fab way. Thanks Amy for creating such a groovy space

snail mail loaded

2008-05-30T11:31:00.005+10:00

Yesterday was cool!

I was lunching and teaing with my mate katie and we were getting inspired and talking shop lots... anyway then my hubby (ha hi!) brought in the mail and it was loaded with goodness... lots of things a bit forgotten.

.. and now i get to the point.....I got a great grant from the local government to build a fabulous e-commerce website. So this is me looking pleased.

Then we went out, dropping Rimu at a party, and discovering a new most delicious restaraunt where I ate a lot of fresh local seafood! Yum.

2008-05-26T15:04:00.004+10:00

Today I met with Tracey from ibutrade - a beautiful online store of fairtrade gifts. We met half way between her house and mine. I felt a bit gushy about my hood - and meeting a new like minded person/mother/businesswoman - here are some pics from the cafe.

marching caterpillas

2008-05-21T11:35:00.003+10:00

Getting some tees off for some special orders... I noticed I they had some direction of their own!

new wardrobe

2008-05-09T14:54:00.011+10:00

Last night I went to my friend Katies house for tee - (v. nice too!) and then I hassled her to see her winter range of womens wear for Mother Maria. It's so nice to try on garment after garment that fit amazingly, and feel amazing.... all the whilst knowing that it was produced ethically and eco-conciously with love too. (Katie works with a bunch of women in Indonesia who are very talented and love their work.)

So good that I bought four pieces... and I am going back tommorow for more. She bought 3 Kindling tees for her partner and a bunch of Kindling cards for herself.... but in the end I think I was the lucky one. Thanks Katie!

Minting printing

2008-05-07T10:36:00.006+10:00

Mr fox by night! - a custom make for a friends' lover across the ocean.

After two days of computerism, my grin is beginning to reflect a planned full day of making tomorrow - some tee-shirts to print and sew, and a new gift of an indian woodblock to play and discover with.

I will post the results in the next few days.

2008-04-23T12:48:00.005+10:00

I love this part - neat piles of finished tees ready to go to their new homes - Shop Sui - I Dream a Highway - Tomorrow Never Knows - Kids in Berlin

In the process of production my energy is so fragmented into designing, sampling, cutting, pinning, sewing, printing, curing, topstiching, labelling and bundling, that when I get to this point, when all those bits have come together... I feel proud that this is what I do and I love it!

2008-04-15T20:10:00.003+10:00

Ive been in Byron Bay for two weeks - pretty luscious - and while I was down there I noticed alot of whale love going on .

This remininded me of a word I once tried to throw into all my sentences... usually unsucessfully...zeitgeist.

And this is another of my cards... also called whale love... and also inspired by the zeitgiest of the time (mid january... remember..?) when I was feeling my own deep respect for these amazing and mysterious mammals.

Below is Mr Chicken- love chickens too especially this one. All these cards can be found in shops round the country or in my studio, if you would like to buy direct.

xx Nina