the treasure trove

David Ellwand

2011-11-27T21:44:00.004+01:00

I regret that my new-mama exhaustion forbids much posting here, but sometimes I find a way...

My husband and I were given the most stunning book for our wedding last year and it simply has to be shared: David Ellwand's book Fairie-ality Style. Using nature as his material he creates fairy dresses and furniture in a series of magical photographs. For any nature lover it is sublime, and teaches you to see the beauty around you anew.

When I need a dose of beauty I leaf through this book and my heart and spirit soar!

Lena Hoschek

2011-07-26T20:56:00.003+02:00

My Leena introduced me this afternoon to another Lena - Lena Hoschek, fashion designer from Austria. It's one of Leena's favourite places to buy sexy, feminine, original, rockabilly inspired clothing with a touch of fetish to them. This gorgeously decorated boutique is for women who want to be seen and admired in all their glory! Think Betty Page - she is all over the walls, and is an obvious muse to the talented designer. It was sooo delightful to step into the dressing room which is an exquisite boudoir of sassy and feminine luxury. YUM. Think I'd better to hint to my husband that we pay a visit for my 40th birthday this year!!

Sibylle Bergemann

2011-07-26T20:44:00.006+02:00

Hello readers, I know it's been 2 months since I last posted... my little 5 month old son is keeping me happily busy and yet the world continues to bear treasure, as usual.

I had a rare day out with my lovely painter friend Leena and together we saw the latest exhibition at the ever wonderful C/O of polaroids by a famous German photographer Sibylle Bergemann, whom I'm ashamed to say I had not heard of before. Born in 1941 in East Germany, she died last year at the young age of 69! She was one of the founders of the well-respected Ostkreuz photographic agency. Her work was beautiful, romantic, nostalgic, dreamy and very feminine. And it made us both want a polaroid camera.

Sandrine Estrade Boulet

2011-05-10T10:27:00.003+02:00

Well, just a quickie because her work is absolutely charmingly irresistable! Having my little boy Benedikt keeps me so busy that my checking in here has been woeful, but occasionally I just have to!
So, I just discovered the work of this French artist Sandrine Estrade Boulet. She adds her imaginative vision to everyday life scenes and the result is pure poetry and fun. Check her out and keep your eyes out, I guess, if you're in Paris...

Semi-Domesticated

2011-02-25T11:26:00.005+01:00

Semi-Domesticated is an initiative of Deidre Ritsche (Canada) and Anette Hansen (Norway), two friends who live in Kreuzberg Berlin. They are lovers of vintage, recycled, upcycled fashion, furniture and design, and curate (roughly) monthly Show & Sell events for young designers whose work fits this criteria, in their little boutique on Manteuffelstrasse.

Their recent Valentine's Day event was a treasure trove of vintage clothes, corsets, jewellery, naughty lamps, feather fascinators etc, showcased in a boudoir atmosphere, complete with handmade lingerie lightfitting!

The next event is Birds of Spring on 5th & 6th March. My recycled leather bird brooches are included in this next show and sell, which will take place while I am in hospital still, post birth! So, any Berliners reading, get to Kreuzberg and help bring spring to Berlin. I will look forward to seeing photos.

Manteuffelstrasse 58, 10999 Berlin-Kreuzberg

d.nik

2011-02-25T10:57:00.006+01:00

d.nik spells "Kind" backwards, or child in German. This is the funkiest children's shop I have seen for a while! Full of beautifully selected design, toys & furniture for children, such as Scandinavian classic marimekko and American design genius Charley Harper (puzzles and counting books), it is bright, fun, playful and eco-friendly.

I fell in love with a knitted cubbyhouse, a cardboard castle, books and well, so many other things!

Wörther Strasse 14, 10405 Berlin-Prenzlauerberg
Open Mon-Fri 10.00-19.00
Sat 10.00-18.00

8 1/2 concept store

2011-02-25T10:29:00.004+01:00

Formerly only pop-up stores for eight and a half weeks around Berlin and other cities, 8 ½ now has a permanent home - a concept store for young designer fashion and accessories, mostly from Berlin. The shop is gorgeous and stocks some really talented young designers, such as Esther Perbandt, Clarissa Labin (wonderful knits) and juliaandben, as well as an array of art books, vinyl and cds.

I had fun with the salesgirls and bought a 3D print dress, for summer and post-baby, by London store Beyond the Valley. Come on spring, let's bring on the sun and new life!

Kollwitzstrasse 42, 10405 Berlin-Prenzlauerberg
Open from 11.00-19.00

Fräulein Dickes

2011-02-25T09:59:00.003+01:00

Yesterday I had a slow pre-baby wander through my old 'hood of Prenzlauerberg. It is very charming, that I miss!
A good friend introduced me to the tiny, beautiful, delicious café Fräulein Dickes on Stargarder Strasse. It has only 4 tables inside and yesterday was icy cold so we were many gathered around them, sharing tables too. The few outside tables must be hot property when the weather is warm!

They serve delicious soups, salads and cakes to have with your coffee or tea in the dollshouse-like perfection of this pretty little space. Definitely one to check out, and during the week may be a better bet than at the weekends to score a table.

Stargarder Strasse 60, 10437 Berlin.
Open Mon-Fri 8.00-19.00
Sat & Sun 10.00-19.00

Cydwoq shoes

2011-01-28T10:08:00.004+01:00

I have owned a much-admired pair of these gorgeous, handmade, ergonomic and uniquely stylish Cydwoq shoes for many years. That's one beauty - they last and last!

Available worldwide and still made by hand, using in-house vegetable-dyed leather, in a large factory in California, the Cydwoq company is a fine example of staying true to self. The founder Rafi Balouzian comes from a line of shoemakers and continued his family tradition out of his simple passion for walking and nature... and every foot deserves to walk in utter comfort and style!

http://cydwoq.tumblr.com/ (blog)

Dr Sketchy's Anti Art Class

2011-01-27T15:03:00.005+01:00

If you like drawing and fancy a Life Drawing class with sexy burlesque dancers for models, then Dr Sketchy's Anti-Art class is a must for you!

I went to the last one with a friend and it was so much fun. 3 hours of sketching sexy models in wild poses, including little competitions on the way to win some gorgeous looking books... No, I didn't win one, but one of my drawings was selected as a contender...

Held once a month at White Trash Fast Food at Schönhauser Allee 6-7, 10119 Berlin Mitte. Check the website for details.

Nutsa Modebadze

2011-01-10T09:56:00.005+01:00

Thanks to one of my favourite blogs, Simply Olive, I discovered the stunning work of Russian designer Nutsa Modebadze, who makes my ideal leather bags and shoes. Goody, now I don't need to make my ideal bag!

Textile Arts Center New York

2010-12-02T15:24:00.005+01:00

Sometimes I wish I could just snap my fingers and be in say NY. The wonderful-sounding Textile Arts Center, where I was in Joetta Maue's group show "From the Tongue" earlier this year, is currently indulging in an interactive knitting show Virgin Knitters, with Kimberly Hall.

It's Brooklyn based and booming and is even taking applications for studio rentals - now that's something I would dive for if I lived in NY and was not having a baby right now on the other side of the Atlantic!

Textile Arts Center
505 Carroll Street
Brooklyn (Park Slope), 11215 NY

Tel: +718 - 369 0222

paper delights and fruit

2010-12-02T15:06:00.004+01:00

I have just been out in the deep snow (well, at least 10cm or more) for a photography wander around our local church place... and finally I had time to enter a boutique which I have looked at longingly many times on my way somewhere.

It's a beautiful paper & bookbinding atelier, called Atelier Tiemeyer, run by Ria Tiemeyer, pictured. It is full of temptations to woo the paperlover and booklover. Her hand screen-printed paper envelopes, wrapping papers and books are divine.

I also fell for the work of artist Miriam Schmid, who makes beautiful paper fruit in a basket...

Pariser Strasse 15
10719 Berlin-Wilmersdorf
Mon-Fri 10 - 18.30
Sat 11-14

a new mask

2010-11-05T14:08:00.003+01:00

Thomas bought me this beautiful mask the other night from the wonderful fetish store Boutique Hautnah, at Uhlandstrasse 170, where I've been looking for pieces to complete an outfit for a performance.

I can feel new artwork coming on...

Knopf & Schnalle

2010-11-05T13:50:00.004+01:00

Also in my neighbourhood is Knopf & Schnalle, literally Button & Buckle, a sewing accessories shop that has been in business for 44 years, under the ownership of Monika Schönfelder.

She has a very good selection of buttons, threads and various other applications for sewing. Her tiny shop is orderly and fitted with original wooden Güttermann thread dispensers which made my heart swoon!

Great for the last minute button need as I am making baby clothes for friends at the moment...

Uhlandstrasse 56,
10719 Berlin
tel/fax: 030 883 8473

Mon-Fri 9 - 18 Uhr
Sat 10 - 14 Uhr

Tutti Klamotti

2010-11-05T13:39:00.004+01:00

Goodness, I'm down to one post a month! Sorry, being pregnant and busy with little jobs for friends is taking up all my time.

I found a couple of days ago, just around the corner from home, what expectant mothers like me need: Tutti Klamotti, a 2nd hand baby shop with everything! All is in good condition and though not dirt cheap, I like the idea of recycling and reusing things... there's so much waste in the world.

So, I found some English books for our little one and a cute tee.

Emser Strasse 46,
10719 Berlin Wilmersdorf
030 - 50 36 59 24
Mon - Fri 10 - 19 Uhr

Kenny Muhammed

2010-10-10T14:47:00.005+02:00

At the moment I have the incredible fortune to be in Cartagena Spain, in the Murcia region where my husband is working. And it so happens there is the fascinating Manifesta 8 contemporary European art biennale on here since yesterday!

I visited one of the Murcia venues yesterday, an old derelict post office in the centre of the elegant, slightly crumbling city, and was particularly taken by a video work featuring beatboxer Kenny Muhammed, born NY in 1968. He musically interpreted the prayers of several artists for their work in the future and Kenny had me riveted. He made every sound of what sounded like 6 simultaneous tracks!!

I had the most beautiful moment afterwards, wandering the streets, when I ran into him, stopped him to check it was him, and yes it was. A charming man of huge talent. Check him out. He has an album coming out soon and I will be dancing with my pregnant belly to it in the coming months!

Deborah Paauwe

2010-09-01T19:38:00.004+02:00

So I am back from our wonderful motorbiking honeymoon to the mountains of the Süd Tirol region. There are a few things to blog about from the trip but I suddenly had an urge to look at the work of USA born but longtime Australian resident Deborah Paauwe. She is a photographer of sumptuous, tender, erotic femaleness/femininity, mostly through cropped close-ups of body, textiles and dress... just up my alley. Fashion and photography rolled into one...

Birdy friends in the heart of Berlin

2010-08-07T21:08:00.007+02:00

My husband and I discovered quite by accident a beautiful outdoor aviary near Zoo Station in Berlin. It houses wonderful colourful, much missed by me, Aussie King Parrots and Lorikeets and other parrot family members from South America also. It was such a delicious surprise and makes my heart sing to visit them when I need a dose of Australia!

To find it, go through the Post Office at Zoo and then walk out into the square of a modern building that sits behind the street. There you will probably hear the parrots shrieking joyously.

Literaturhaus Berlin

2010-08-06T15:45:00.004+02:00

Also in one of the more elegant streets of our new area is Berlin's Literaturhaus - where you can hear writers reading their work, attend literary symposiums and exhibitions. The historically listed villa was built in 1889 for Richard Hildebrandt, and saved from demolition by citizens' action. The grounds, which are used for the attached café, are very gracious - there's a majestic tree in the garden which was beautifully lit at night, when we discovered this tranquil retreat. It's next to the Käthe Kollwitz museum, also on Fasanenstraße.

Puppen & Teddy Klinik

2010-08-06T15:13:00.003+02:00

In my new neighbourhood there is a charming little Rosy's Puppen & Teddyklinik (Doll and Teddybear hospital), the loving creation of Rosy Blanke, which has been here for 20 years. I love that places like this still exist. If your old teddy's stuffing is bursting out, he can be stitched up and if your china doll's bits break, you can take her in for a new arm or leg, for example. Old West Berlin treasure!

Uhlandstraße 148
10719 Berlin-Wilmersdorf
030 873 6004

Tues - Fri 11.00 - 18.00

Australian Icons

2010-08-06T14:59:00.002+02:00

So I'm not the only Aussie in Düsseldorfer Straße! In the next block is the shop Australian Icons, devoted to clever, beautiful design from Australia. Delights including Third Drawer Down tea-towels and pillowslips, recyclable shopping bags, Robert Foster's elegant designs and nifty and lovely Zaishu chairs/tables, amongst many.

I was thrilled to learn that I'm right next door, for those homesick moments...

Düsseldorfer Straße 76
10719 Berlin
030 8639 3668

The Tiger with Play2C

2010-07-21T15:28:00.006+02:00

At the moment I am doing the costume design for Play2C's new English language theatre production of the short, funny piece called The Tiger, by Murray Schisgal, directed by Ali von Stein. I'm madly sewing away for the Long Island housewife character Gloria (played by Khema de Silva), who is kidnapped by Ben (Stu Alexander), postman and philosopher and taken to his dingy New York basement where surprising things happen...!

Our production opens next Thursday night 29th July and runs for three nights at Play2C studio, starting at 8pm. It will return in the autumn for a second run.

Please come along if you live in Berlin. It's a part of the new series 'A Play and A Drink'. Will be fun! Special thanks to Flavia Scuderi for her graphic design.

Play2C Studio
Schlesische Strasse 38
2 Hof, 1 O.G.
10997 Berlin

Das Neue Schwarz

2010-07-20T07:32:00.005+02:00

My lovely friend David Ramirez and one of his business partners Tanya Bednar, run the chic and oh so stylish underground boutique Das Neue Schwarz (the new black), for vintage designer clothing, accessories, books, collectibles for the home and jewellery. It's on the very hip Mulackstrasse in Berlin Mitte and is a must-see on this strip of all that's hot in fashion and style. Check out the online shop if you're not Berlin-based and you can still enjoy the yummyness.

Mulackstrasse 32, 10119 Berlin-Mitte
0177 138 97 88

Daruma

2010-07-19T17:16:00.003+02:00

Daruma is a cute, very authentic Japanese restaurant and small grocery store, and it's just around the corner from my new home! Here you can eat delicious traditional Japanese food, and stock up on little trinkets, food, and Sake etc. from the "laden". The special feature here is that the rice used in the restaurant is imported from Japan for the most authentic taste, despite our Berlin water.

The kitchen is open until 19.30 in the evenings so make sure you get there for lunch or an early dinner! They also do catering.

Daruma
Uhlandstrasse 61, 10719 Berlin
030 8736 131

Winterfeldt Schokoladen

2010-07-19T17:09:00.003+02:00

You'd think with all these scrumptious cake shops and chocolate shops (such as this one near Winterfeldt Platz), that I must be turning into an elephant! I just can't resist a little treat sometimes when I pass by on my bike and this beautifully decorated Retro-style café & chocolate shop was a lovely recent discovery.

Looks like a cosy place to hang out in winter too...

Niche Art & Architecture tours Berlin

2010-06-28T13:19:00.004+02:00

I stumbled across this very cool site/concept as I was location searching for my husband and my shamanic wedding party venue (of all things!). Niche are a group of 3 lovely German women who lead tours of art or architecture, available in several languages, around this fascinating city of Berlin. What a wonderful idea and I will certainly take one in the autumn when the summer festivities cool down on my agenda.

Olafur Eliasson fog rooms

2010-06-26T19:34:00.005+02:00

Yesterday I finished my little cultural catch-up with the Frida Kahlo retrospective and Olafur Eliasson's first Berlin solo show at the Martin Gropius Bau.

I was moved most by Olafur Eliasson's fog rooms which need to be experienced for their pure foggy joy. Always one for a sensory adventure, they were the works that I enjoyed due to their interactive nature - to bathe in coloured fog felt beautiful to me.

Frida Kahlo's work has always interested me for its symbolism and strong female honesty and vulnerability. To see so much of it in one place was a treat indeed! The heaviness of her story was palpable and I admit, I was relieved to have left the Eliasson work until last on my long afternoon at the museum.

Dysfashional

2010-06-26T18:38:00.005+02:00

On Thursday night I went to the opening of the Dysfashional exhibition, formerly shown in Luxembourg and Paris, at the Haus der Kulturen der Welt in the beautiful Tiergarten of Berlin. It showcases non-clothing and conceptual work from such big names in fashion as Maison Martin Margiela, Bless, Bernard Wilhelm, Hussein Chalayan, amongst several others, and then a special installation Bodies in Motion by students from fashion schools in Paris (Institut Français de la Mode) and Berlin (ESMOD).

I loved the installations by Bernard Willhelm & Christophe Hamaide-Pierson (very cheeky penis pictures as fashion magazine covers) and the artificial hair totems called "Babylone" by Justin Morin & Billie Mertens. I am so excited at the moment by work that makes me laugh out loud and is full of fun and cheek!

Mimi Antique Textiles & Dress

2010-06-24T15:44:00.005+02:00

I love this city for its endless treasures tucked in side streets, and so I say one must discover Berlin by bike. I was riding past this beautiful little Schöneberg boutique for antique clothing called Mimi today, and had to stop for a peep. It is filled with a serious step-back-in-time collection of clothing which is commonly sought after by film and theatre people, including the likes of Quentin Tarrantino for Inglorious Bastards, for example...

They sew clothing & accessories from historical models, buy, sell and hire costumes, wedding clothing & vintage clothing.

Goltzstrasse 5, 10781 Berlin Schöneberg
Open Mon-Fri: 12.00-19.00
Sat: 11.00-16.00

Salonkatzen

2010-06-20T09:56:00.006+02:00

The other day I was showing my mother and aunt around my old 'hood of Prenzlauerberg, and I finally (after 2 years of eyeing it!) went into a cute little boudoir of lingerie delights for the inner sex kitten... Called Miau Miau (dessous) and Chat Noir (Mode), it is beautifully decked out inside to make you feel like a pampered queen. Sexy lingerie, slips and accessories abound - definitely worth a peep.

Idee

2010-06-19T19:07:00.005+02:00

I have found heaven on Earth and it's close to my new home over West!!

Idee is the luxury department store KaDeWe's creative and craft market, filled with every imaginable thing you could possibly need to make whatever you can dream up. It reminds me of a smaller exclusively craft version of Tokyu Hands, (amazing department store for all things do-it-yourself in Tokyo).

How could I have not known about this place before now? Wonderfully exciting.

Boon Get Well Soon masks

2010-06-06T22:09:00.007+02:00

I bought mine a few years ago in Paris at a Japanese fair. Recently I brought it out to amuse my German classmates as I has a cold... These clever, funny Get Well Soon masks are irresistable! Designed by Studio Samira Boon, an Amsterdam and Tokyo-based product, textile and interior design studio.

from the tongue

2010-06-04T23:03:00.005+02:00

I am delighted to be one of many artists showing in Joetta Maue's exhibition from the tongue, showcasing contemporary works on paper and fibre art using text, opening on 24th June 2010 at Lotus Gallery Space, 34 North Moore St, Tribeca, NY, New York.

Please drop in if you live in NY between 8-10pm on the Thursday 24th June for the opening. The show runs until 6 August, which gives you plenty of time to visit it once or twice, or even thrice!

I cannot make it this time for the opening due to my imminent wedding and moving house, but I will most definitely be there in spirit and my glove works will be proudly representing me there, and oh so happy to be travelling across the Atlantic!

Eva Blume

2010-05-22T20:53:00.002+02:00

Our gorgeous friend Eva, with smiling eyes, is doing our wedding flowers. She has a tiny Blumen Laden (florist shop) called Eva Blume in the hip and groovy Graefekiez in Kreuzberg. As flowers are living things, you can visit her to see them (no pics on her homepage).

Eva's flowers are lovingly and artistically combined into posies, bunches of take home flowers or potted creations.

Touch wood rings

2010-05-22T20:42:00.007+02:00

our rings are African Blackwood outside and lined with greyed Maple. The rings pictured below are examples of other possibilites amongst many!

Being true nature sprites, my husband-to-be and I chose to have beautiful wooden wedding rings (top picture) handcrafted by David Finch in Canada. He and his charming wife Nicola run Touch Wood Rings and live in a natural oasis where they are really careful to tread lightly on the Earth.

We are thrilled with our rings which are acclimatising to German air temperature at the moment from their flight over the seas, before the big day.

For the warmth and beauty of wood, and for those willing to care for their rings like they will their marriage, these are a beautiful option for an alternative wedding ring... There are many woods to choose from and inlays are possible too.
http://www.warmthofwood.blogspot.com/

Jacks Beauty Department

2010-05-20T20:27:00.005+02:00

Situated in the heart of hip Prenzlauerberg is the gorgeous haven Jacks Beauty Department. The very lovely, down-to-earth (unscary for a fairly non-makeup woman like me) makeup artist Miriam Jacks will make me look my best for the big day. She's the owner of this beautifully decked out and stocked treasure trove for beauty products.

As you enter her boutique there is a "Lash Bar" with the most divine selection of falsies I've ever seen! Everything is selected for its quality, gorgeousness and practicality. And I do love the magazine cutout wallpaper she has lovingly put on the walls. Pure chic and a playground definitely worth checking out!

Roeckl Gloves

2010-05-20T20:10:00.006+02:00

Blogging has been lower on the to-do list of late due to my impending wedding, but I can't help wanting to share some of the treasures that will play a part in the big day/s.

Roeckl is a very well-respected German glove brand - a family business dating back to 1839 when Jakob Roekl had a vision "to make the finest gloves possible". Today it's run by sixth generation Roeckl family member Annette Roeckl (pictured).

The leathers used are divine and the designs range from absolutely classic to contemporary beauty and sexiness, with stunning attention to detail. I have splurged on a pair of cuffs for my wedding and will also enjoy wearing them after the wedding day.

Ladies and Gents, get your gloves on!

Word Play

2010-04-20T16:17:00.004+02:00

I just discovered this forward-thinking Berlin-based language school, Word Play, founded and owned by Adrian Iselin (pictured). Word Play is committed to ecological, sustainable living and teaching the English language to people & children from all backgrounds here in Germany. They run Eco Camps in English to get kids back into nature and away from computer screens, where let's face it, many of us spend more and more time these days!

This really is the future to me, companies that think like this and have as their goal: togetherness, inclusive communication, ecological awareness and fun to boot! What a great example to follow.

Bonscheladen Hamburg

2010-04-18T00:39:00.005+02:00

After a recent little trip to Hamburg, where I feel very nostalgic for Sydney, it being a fellow port city, we came back full of cold sea air and a few treasures too...

We stumbled on this artisanal Bonbon shop Bonscheladen, in the charming Ottensen district, and watched fresh deliciousness being made before our very eyes. To suck on a warm, freshly-made bonbon is quite a treat for the tastebuds, let me tell you.

Roderik Henderson

2010-04-09T06:58:00.005+02:00

Last night my friend Sabine and I went to the Sony World Photography Awards here, and saw a selection of winners from 2009. One of the photographers work we fell in love with was that of Dutchman Roderik Henderson.

On show were only these two of his award-winning series "Transvoid", a series of people waiting in their cars where he lived in remote British Columbia Canada. They are exquisitely intimate and nostalgic somehow, the gleam of an elderly lady's silver tooth in the moody light, fixing one portrait for me with the final perfect touch.

Tatau Obscur

2010-04-07T21:27:00.007+02:00

Just around the corner from our place is a wonderfully exotic and gorgeous tattoo parlour, and I mean "parlour" in the old fashioned sense, called Tatau Obscur. Run by Berit Uhlhorn, pictured, it is a deliciously decorated feast for the eyes, part kind of 1950s diner/café, part exotica boutique, part art gallery downstairs and tattoo parlour upstairs. Every detail has been considered so that you literally walk into a "world".

Some seriously talented female resident tattooists work alongside guest artists and the outcome is without fail unique and yes, obscure!

Kandulski cakes

2010-04-06T15:28:00.004+02:00

Ooh la la, I do have to admit to having quite a sweet tooth! Thomas and I discovered, thanks to our friend Kurt, another delicious place to satisfy one's sweet cravings, near Heiligensee, the place we will have our shamanic wedding in the woods north of Berlin.

The Polish, award-winning Café and Konditorei Kandulski serves the most divine selection of incredibly indulgent cakes and pâtisseries - Torten in the traditional sense - amongst other delights.

Open 7 days a week, they are located at:
Habichtstraße 14
13505 Berlin-Konradshöhe

Telefon: 030 - 9221 7682

Tom Shot jewellery

2010-03-21T19:06:00.003+01:00

Designer Thomas Schwender's Tom Shot boutiques in Mitte and Prenzlauerberg are treasure troves of contemporary jewellery made from materials sourced in Germany, France and Italy. His handmade, small run collections feature accessories made with those looking for something innovative, beautiful and original in mind.

1900 Café Bistro

2010-03-21T18:49:00.005+01:00

Yesterday my dear friend Csaba was visiting Berlin for his work and we met up with him at this charming café and bistro 1900, around the corner from Savignyplatz in Charlottenburg. It is decked out with homely, country style decorations and there were generous bunches of fresh roses or tulips on the tables which instantly spoke to my heart.

They cater for parties, and also provide free W-Lan access, so you can lazily sip tea or coffee and work away as if you were visiting a friend at home.

Knesebeck Straße 76, 10623 Berlin
030 8871 5871

Feather Fascinators with Ruby Rouge

2010-03-21T18:36:00.003+01:00

Today I met a gorgeous British girl who goes by the name Ruby Rouge. She was teaching me and another lovely artist Leena how to make our first feather fascinator. Ruby had a very successful London business for Burlesque accessories and has now relocated to Berlin to pursue other creative interests. We had great fun rummaging in her vast treasure box to create a little bit of fantasy, me for my upcoming wedding and Leena for use in her painting work.

Next on the list is how to make Nippel Tassels!

Prudence Murphy

2010-03-12T20:42:00.004+01:00

My longtime friend Prue Murphy has finally launched her website - hooray! Lovely to see her work all in one place. Over the early years I assisted with her work often and performed with her in The Love Nest. And my French father (above) also makes an appearance, along with her own father, in her Male Grooming series - bless them.

I am loving her recent work for all those closet and not-so-closet (like me) LEGO fans!
Bravo girl, good to see your work up and about.

Sang Bleu 5

2010-03-10T06:58:00.003+01:00

My friend Liz Ham in Sydney and I are two of many contributors to the new issue of sexy Sang Bleu magazine. Look out for all of me somewhere in the 600 page tome of delights... I am looking forward to seeing it very soooooon...

Good advice from an Etsian

2010-02-26T18:27:00.003+01:00

I loved this advice to take your Artist self to your day job (office) from Etsian Summer Pierre. For those of us, me included, who would so love to be able to live and thrive from our creations, this is sound advice until that day comes into being.

For me, when I dress up to express my true inner self, then I am happiest, for sure. Whatever your art is, live it, be it, all the time, wherever you are, whatever you are doing. Thanks Summer, for the reminder!

http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780399535642?aff=etsy

Tadshikische Teestube

2010-02-26T07:15:00.002+01:00

My dear friend Lilli introduced me to this enchanting Russian teahouse, the Tadshikische Teestube . Located inside the Palais am Festungsgraben, it's a tucked away secret that I was thrilled to discover. You can sip teas from the world over, nestled cosily on cushions and there are Blinys and other snacks to keep your belly sated. But it's the room that I adore - malachite green walls and wood carved columns, with luscious textiles on the floor.

One word, it is essential to make a booking as this place is frequently PACKED!

Am Festungsgraben 1
Hinter der Neuen Wache (Unten den Linden)
10117 Berlin Mitte
030 204 1112

Open Mon-Fri 17.00 - 24.00
Sat, Sun 15.00 - 24.00

Gandharva Loka

2010-02-25T23:06:00.005+01:00

Tonight on my way to an appointment I was walking along Schönhauser Allee (number 133) and discovered a beautiful little boutique, one of several European branches, selling a myriad of wooden and other musical instruments. The treasure-laden world music shop, for all those Berliners or others intent in banging and tapping and tinkling their way to joy, is called Gandharva Loka. It made me want to fill my house with instruments!

The quote on their card is most uplifting:
"Music will play a most important role in bringing about world oneness, for music embodies the Universal Heart, the Oneness Heart." -Sri Chinmoy

Upon A Fold

2010-02-15T21:29:00.005+01:00

My very dear Sydney friend Cherine's sister Justine Fahd has just launched her online Paper boutique Upon A Fold. Her collection of papergoods from around the world is so beautifully selected and brimming with treasure. I am so excited for her and wish her well with this new, long-awaited venture.

http://uponafold.com.au/blog

Alexander McQueen

2010-02-13T20:23:00.003+01:00

I am deeply shocked at the death of one of the fashion world's treasures Alexander McQueen. He has left the world with a wild and wondrous oeuvre and I thank him for that. Often I have marvelled at his daring and obvious passion and he inspires me to follow mine and show the world my vision. R.I.P. Lee Alexander McQueen.

treasure man

2010-01-29T05:05:00.002+01:00

I found treasure big-time, when I moved to Berlin, in the shape of a wonderful man named Thomas, and now we are to be married! Hooray!! Somehow this photo I took, of the shells I collected in Australia recently, symbolises our journeys to each other (bottom to top)...

play

2010-01-26T18:22:00.007+01:00

I had one of those moments this morning when your soul cries out for some play and fantasy - a clear case of my inner child needing some attention... So I made her the mask we bought in Sydney on holidays! Even for someone who is fairly well in touch with her inner child, it reminded me to make time to play with her... keeps you young, I promise.

A wonderful book (amongst many out there) exploring this area further is Recovery of Your Inner Child by Lucia Cappachione - it helped me enormously several years ago to open up this realm.

last stops Sydney feature

2010-01-25T18:07:00.004+01:00

Although I am back in Berlin, I wanted to finish my little Aussie special focus from my trip with a couple of other Sydney gems in Surry Hills...

For music and dvds TITLE deals with Music, Film and Books, and these people know their stuff. If you're looking for cult or obscure stuff, test them out!

For deliciously chosen bric-a-brac and antique industrial tidbits, David Met Nicole is a Sydney institution with stylists and people who love pre-loved pieces... My dear friend Edwina and I missed our pilgrimage by half an hour, but I have to mention it.

Next posts will be back to the international variety...

Object Gallery

2010-01-18T11:52:00.003+01:00

This may well be my last stop on this tour of my birth city Sydney, before I fly back to Berlin and bury myself in the snow to create my own brand of treasure.

Another must-see on my Sydney list is always Object Gallery, home of all things design and craft in a beautiful, light, round gallery in trendy Surry Hills. It is always beautifully curated and the little shop Collect on street level as you enter sells a great selection of handmade treasure by internationally respected Aussie craftspeople and designers.

417 Bourke Street
Surry Hills NSW 2010

Opening hours
Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday)
11am - 6pm

Carriageworks and other antipodean treasure

2010-01-17T12:51:00.006+01:00

This post is essentially about one of my favourite contemporary arts venues in Sydney called Carriageworks - a sensitive conversion of the old 19th century Eveleigh Rail Yards in Sydney's inner suburb of Redfern/Darlington (a little bit Berlin in feeling...) I simply love this spunky place of creative cultural exchange across all forms, and have seen some really wonderful performances here since it opened in 2007.

Last night Thomas and I were lucky enough to see the wonderfully creative, whimsical production by New Zealand's Red Leap Theatre company, based on The Arrival, a much-loved illustrated book by Shaun Tan about migration (appropriately for me who is about to return to my chosen home of Berlin). It was part of the Sydney Festival - an always highly anticipated part of summer living in Sydney for arts lovers.

Uchi Lounge

2010-01-17T12:40:00.004+01:00

I'm still in Sydney for one more week and the other night I took my partner and our host to Uchi Lounge, one of my favourite little tucked away treasures here - a Japanese restaurant/bar that's been hidden in a backstreet of Darlinghurst/Surry Hills for over 12 years... Their food is Japanese/Australian and delivers an exotic mix of organic, seasonal flavours, always striving for simple but delicately balanced taste combinations, in a delightfully unpretentious setting.

We actually went just for delicious desserts and some Sake - check out their selection, such as Lychee or Pink Pepper infused Sake - Impressive!

Hopeless Lingerie

2010-01-06T03:55:00.005+01:00

Continuing the Aussie special feature, Melbourne based Hopeless vintage-inspired lingerie is divine... and I discovered it on Etsy where I also have a boutique (currently selling my handknit pocket tees and cute woollen hoods).

Hopeless is designed and made by sisters Gabrielle and Dominique Adamidis. Their feminine, bold collections feature pure silk and other natural fibres in the cutest shapes and colours. I love their current The Voyage range inspired by what looks to me like Jerry the Sailor tattoo looking pin-up girls. Cheeky and fun and positively flattering!

Deus Ex Machina

2010-01-06T03:29:00.004+01:00

Created in 2006 by a group of motorbike enthusiasts, including Dare Jennings of Mambo fame, the Deus Ex Machina motorcycle company is heaven... for motorcycle enthusiasts, cyclists, foodies and fashionistas... Comprising a showroom for their sexy custom designed motorbikes, a boutique selection of cycles and fashion basics with spot on graphics and textile designs in one half, and a laidback café serving Italian fare in the other, it really satisfies all the senses! The converted Camperdown warehouse also houses the workshop and design studio.

98-104 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown Sydney NSW 2050
phone +61 (2) 8594 2800

Crumpler Bags

2010-01-06T03:11:00.006+01:00

A fine and very successful Aussie company founded in 1995 by two ex-bike couriers David Roper and Will Miller, Crumpler bags are now iconic - whether it's a courier bag, computer bag, camera bag, backpack or other myriad accessories' holders... they have what you need.

Having arrived in Sydney with my backpack in tatters, I knew I wanted to buy a Crumpler to replace it, and I found my ideal - a Baby Anchovy, small, cute, with a scary face for any driver who tries to knock me down on my bike, in great colours (I chose the red & yellow one), with a lifetime guarantee - what more could anyone want?

Click here for the Flash site - the full works!

Peter Solness photography

2010-01-06T03:03:00.004+01:00

Shortly after arriving I saw a couple of free photography exhibitions within Customs House down at Circular Quay, one by Peter Solness that I liked very much - Nocturnal, on until 31st January 2010. In this series, Solness draws at night with a light source such as a torch, while his camera lens is open for a long exposure, creating beautiful luminous line drawings in bush landscapes around Australia. In this case, technology and nature fit together peacefully.

Australian treasure

2010-01-06T02:34:00.004+01:00

Happy New Year! I hope it brings many blessings and much treasure to all.

I'm in Australia at the moment with my German partner, for a Christmas visit to family, and I've been reminded of some Aussie treasure that I have to share, firstly from nature!

As I write there are magnificent Blue Fairy Wrens trilling and hopping around outside. When I'm at home in Berlin I miss the birds the most. In the weeks since we arrived we've seen so many of my favourites - here are only some of them: from top Cockatoo, Brown Falcon, Rainbow Lorikeet, Galah, Blue Fairy Wren (pictures mine except - Falcon by Ian Michael Thomas; Galah by my aunty Rosie)...

Eating in darkness

2009-12-12T18:32:00.004+01:00

To finish the birthday last night, we ate at one of Berlin's two darkness restaurants, Nocti Vagus. The only question Thomas asked me before he booked was "are you scared of the dark?" No, never have been. So it was a surprise that I met with joy when I heard what would happen.

Yes, the whole night would take place in TOTAL darkness, guided by our blind waitress Monika. It was an extraordinary experience to hone the other senses such as smell, hearing, touch and taste, to enjoy our food and our company, and to live for a few hours as some visually impaired people do.
After dinner, there was a group who sang of Christmas stories from around the world, with beautiful haunting voices.

The first thing I noticed when my entrée arrived was its smell (scallops). I found myself with my hands in my food quite a bit and there were inevitable moments of putting an empty fork into our mouths as we attempted to capture the food on our plates. Pouring wine was another interesting challenge... But by the end of the night, I felt like I was in any normal lively restaurant on a Friday night - how quickly we adapt to new circumstances...

Dark Restaurant & Dark Stage NOCTI VAGUS
Saarbrücker Str. 36-38
10405 Berlin - Germany

Phone: (030) 74 74 91 23

Liquidrom

2009-12-12T18:16:00.007+01:00

Yesterday my partner and I celebrated part of his birthday at the rather divinely relaxing spa and sauna complex Liquidrom, famous for its underwater music in the circular relaxation pool... and that WAS worth it! It was both our first time here, located at the Tempodrom, near Anhalter Bahnhof.

I'd been told by a good friend about the musical pool, and despite at first feeling like I was in a floating disco, I can now also say that it's incredibly relaxing and had us both pleasantly exhausted after a good few hours there... If you're lucky enough to share this experience with a friend, make sure you tickle each other while floating on the water... it feels delicious!

Möckernstrasse 10
10963 Berlin

Open daily 10.00am - midnight
Friday & Saturday 10.00am - 1.00am

Papermade Heaven 2

2009-12-12T18:06:00.005+01:00

There's a twin to Scatolina in terms of papermade bliss in Berlin and it's called R.S.V.P. in Mulackstrasse in Mitte. I used to work in the street, and so discovered the gorgeousness of this little stylish boutique, owned by Mieke Wander, with finely selected papergoods and accessories from all over... a must-see for paper freaks!

R.S.V.P.
Mulackstrasse 14
10119 Berlin-Mitte

Mon-Sat 12.00-19.00 Uhr

Papermade Heaven

2009-12-10T17:44:00.004+01:00

This one is for my sister in Sydney... This little shop tucked in a side street of trendy Mitte in Berlin was introduced to me by a good friend here, with a fellow passion for all things beautiful. Scatolina is a boutique devoted to paper and here you can find all sorts of treasure... handmade, cutout, japanese, italian, european, books, journals, mobiles, lights, wrapping paper, anything you can dream of to feed your paper needs and desires... There's no website so you simply have to visit! Go forth and revel...

Almstadtstrasse 3, 10119 Berlin Mitte
Tel: 030 200 89 393
Scatolina@t-online.de

Mon - Fri 12-7pm, Sat 12-4pm

Rock Climbing

2009-12-08T11:32:00.005+01:00

A new adventure started recently, thanks to my daredevil partner Thomas. He surprised me with an indoor Rock Climbing session. It's something I'd been wanting to try for a while now and it's something I'll be continuing with definitely. Very good for a girl who was scared of heights - I felt the fear but did it anyway, and that felt AMAZING!

We discovered 2 good places to go in Berlin, and last summer I went to watch an outdoor venue at the end of Mauerpark in Prenzlauerberg, from where my pics are taken...

http://www.diekletterhalle.de/

http://magicmountain.de/

Deep Living

2009-12-08T11:26:00.004+01:00

Oh it can't be December already can it? I've been away a bit again with my partner, doing a wonderful workshop called Deep Living with James and Sarah Swank, bringing consciousness into the blocks which keep me from flowering into my full potential! It's intense and inspiring to go deep into this stuff.

Our teacher James speaks of Courage, Honesty and Consciousness as the 3 necessary skills to cultivate in order to live the life you want to live, being true to yourself. We "play" with these concepts in the context of people's deepest issues and I've been inspired to do trainings in this area. My partner also works with this. It's life-changing! Look out world, here I come : D

My leather scarves at Beuteltiere

2009-11-08T23:01:00.010+01:00

Beuteltiere means Marsupials in German, you know those cute animals who carry their young in a pouch - we have a few famous ones in Australia - the kangaroo, koala, possums, wombats...

In this case though it's the name of the stylishly selected bags and accessories laden at Raumerstrasse 19 in Berlin Prenzlauerberg, where I now have a couple of my popular, limited edition, elegant leather scarves for sale, thanks to my dear friend Frau Dietel.

The shop is run by two lovely women Barbara Müller and Katrin Hufer who met as students of design studies. These women have a keen eye for quality, beauty and practicality in their selection of bags, wallets, scarves and jewellery from around the globe. They enjoy promoting the work of lesser known designers and thus it's in their store that you'll find unique pieces that others won't have!

The store is regularly updated with thematic decors, often in collaboration with creators of wondrous things such as origami Daschunds by Munich artist Jasmine T.

Sweet treats

2009-11-08T22:47:00.004+01:00

My goodness how could it be November already? I was very busy with making costumes for Berlin theatre company Play2C's production of Edward Albee's The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? at English Theatre Berlin recently (see my personal website for pics). That's how it came to be November, oh yes!

Yesterday my partner Thomas took me to an exquisite pâtisserie here in Berlin, of which there is a branch near both our places... this is potentially dangerous in the best possible way! It's called Albrechts run by French-trained Stephanie Albrecht. The cakes are out of this world sublime, and each time I go I will now have to try a different one. A must for any serious sweet tooth.

The future is light

2009-10-12T23:41:00.011+02:00

I've been in France celebrating my father's and my birthday so it's been a bit quiet here in blogland. But of course when you've been to Paris there'll be things to blog about.
But let me go backwards...

Tonight back home in Berlin I saw the wonderful Australian dance company Chunky Move's GLOW (above) at Radialsystem V - groovy newish arts venue by the river Spree. It was my first visit to this venue I'd eyed off from my bike a few times. I already knew the work of Chunky Move - I consider myself quite a fan of the forward-thinking Melbourne-based company directed by Gideon Obarzanek. This work was created in collaboration with German software designer Frieder Weiss. It's an ingenious marriage of physicality and technology, a dance between body and computer, light and sound. I saw a few years back the second work in this vein Mortal Engine which was equally as impressive.

In Paris we saw the wonderful Japanese dancer choreographer Saburo Teshigawara, founder of Karas. He performed a solo Miroku at the Théâtre National de Chaillot. "Miroku" is the name given to the Buddha in his last reincarnation when the world has reached a state of harmony.

His stunningly controlled, centred yet chaotic movement was set off by beautiful spare lighting, also designed by him, which varied in tempo to complement his movements or to draw attention to part of him only. The colour blue was used to suggest the infinite sky or sea. At times it really seemed to me that Mr Teshigawara's body was being moved around by the air around him. I was moved to tears as I recalled a childhood dream of mine that endures to this day, to dance by myself in a huge space to loud music...

Ryan McGinley

2009-09-25T20:45:00.005+02:00

I'm sure Ryan McGinley has probably been widely blogged about, but as this is somehow my visual diary of inspiration I need to remind myself of this remarkably talented, successful young artist's new series Moonmilk - such beautiful photographs! A topic that is close to my heart more and more - how we need to be in nature, communing with it. These photos for me are about the scale of us vs nature and yet we most definitely belong in it, particularly in our nakedness. Sublime!

Hut Up Berlin

2009-09-22T12:54:00.004+02:00

Mmmm, soft felted beauty abounds in Hut Up, a lovely light airy store in the elegant little courtyard of Heckmanhöfe in Mitte. All the fashion and accessories and toys are made of felted wool, and sometimes combined with silk and other materials. Very beautiful. I own a little halterneck piece that always attracts admiration...

Oranienburgerstrasse 32, Heckmanhöfe, 10117 Berlin Mitte
Mon - Sat 11.00 - 19.00

Fashion Faces

2009-09-20T11:44:00.004+02:00

Wow, I love these Fashion Faces made of clothing by photoartist Bela Borsodi... magic!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qG8CvTKYKJg

White Market #2

2009-09-14T22:38:00.006+02:00

My beautiful friend Daniela (Frau Dietel - jewellery and pottery above) and I did the White Market again, Saturday just passed, and it was a sunny day under our very cute umbrella stand this time. We had a good spot, surrounded by lovely fellow designers and had fun, despite a quiet day sales-wise. Thank you to all the people who visited us and admired our work! It was great to meet you. My new wool hoods got a lot of attention - and they look good on everyone I think!!

Agata Olek

2009-09-10T17:26:00.005+02:00

I have just discovered, through my friend Liz, the wondrously creative, colourful, eccentric, playful, inventive world of Polish born artist Agata Olek. Her work spans sculpture, installation, costumes for performers and more, and is crocheted, using largely recycled materials. It has moved me with its pure creative energy and wonder and cheek. Check it out! She's collaborating this month in New York with choreographer Carrie Ahern at The Lab Gallery.

Baumraum

2009-09-08T09:32:00.004+02:00

Thanks to the Mono Kultur blog I discovered this wonderful site BAUMRAUM about Treehouses! Oh, I always wanted one as a child, and I say it's never too late to dream and make that dream a reality one day. Good to know where to go when I find the tree...

Mono Kultur - trust Tilda

2009-09-04T11:35:00.006+02:00

Last night, true to Tilda's intention, my partner Thomas and I, along with a bunch of other curious souls, were taken on an adventure! We followed little posters of Tilda Swinton down a long path to a secluded little café Tante Käthe where the intelligent, and fascinating little magazine Mono Kultur was hosting its 4th anniversary and the launch of Issue #21 in collaboration with Tilda Swinton, intelligent and endlessly fascinating woman.

She had selected a film for us to watch, which was set in the town where she was last night holidaying in Scotland, and none of us knew what it would be - she wanted it to be like when you're a child and are taken to the cinema, not knowing anything about what you will see but you go willingly for the adventure. It was I Know Where I'm Going, 1945, directed by Michael Powell, and it was GREAT. Trust Tilda.

To keep the passion alive in generations to come, she and her friend Mark Cousins have set up an organisation called 8½ where kids can choose a film on their 8½th birthday!!

Sewing Still Lives

2009-08-18T01:14:00.003+02:00

I love making pictures as I sew with whatever I see around me... including the clippings from curved seams!

Coco Before Chanel

2009-08-16T14:03:00.005+02:00

A couple of nights ago my partner and I went to see the movie Coco Before Chanel starring the divine Audrey Tautou. It's a theme close to my heart and so I was inspired, moved and even recognised some of myself in the woman who would go on to become a legend of fashion... particularly her penchant for men's clothing for women and perhaps her non-conformity! Seeing the film inspired me to keep on with my own designs... thank you Coco.

The Hunter Berlin

2009-08-16T11:42:00.003+02:00

Being a treasure hunter myself, the name itself of this trendsetting fashion boutique in my neighbourhood of Prenzlauerberg is enough to attract me to its door. For Fashion Week in July The Hunter Berlin featured the next generation of Belgian designers and if you check their website, you can see the impressive list of labels stocked here...

Winsstrasse 42, 10405 Berlin Prenzlauerberg
Open Monday - Saturday 11am - 8pm

Superstore

2009-08-16T11:26:00.005+02:00

My beautiful friend David, and his two business partners Asta and Yam, run a very funky vintage clothing store in Berlin Mitte called SUPERSTORE. He has some real treasures (like Jean Muir - WOW) and there's a focus on 1980s glamour and a wild and wonderful colour wheel. The store has to be seen also for its unique décor! Enter through the café and make your way downstairs...

Almstadtstrasse 43 (corner Schendelgasse), Berlin Mitte
Open Monday - Saturday 12-8pm

For more pics check out this link in Deutsch: http://www.iheartberlin.de/2009/07/29/super-vintage-super-store/

The White Market

2009-08-16T10:33:00.008+02:00

Yesterday my talented friend Daniela Dietel and I did The White Market here in Berlin Prenzlauerberg, at the Kulturbrauerei. It was a hot summer day, beautiful, but thankfully we had our stand in the shade of a tent - phew! We are both new to market selling and it was a good first experience.

One of my cute fairtrade organic cotton tees with hand-knitted pocket went to a lovely French girl visiting from Paris - a fellow garçon manqué who obviously got them! I was thrilled to have one go to a good home. They will over the next days be available to buy on my Etsy shop.

Daniela makes the most gorgeous original jewellery as you can see from the pics - works of art with humour and wild creativity. On October 2nd 2009 Daniela will open her own little shop at Isoldestrasse 1, 12159 Berlin Friedenau - very exciting and will be well worth a visit!

Tamar Mogendorff

2009-08-11T13:08:00.008+02:00

Today I met Tamar Mogendorff, Israeli artist and maker of beautiful stuffed animal creations and more. She is visiting Berlin and is a good friend of one of my dearest friends Edwina White, whom I had the pleasure of having here back in June. They both live in New York, and are wonder women in their own rights. So I will next see those lovely ladies in New York - a good excuse!

Japanese tattoos

2009-07-30T15:47:00.006+02:00

While I was waiting for my tattoo yesterday I read a beautiful thing... In ancient Japan, believed to have originated in the Kansai region, lovers would exchange beauty spot tattoos called irebokuro or "love dots". These exchanged tattoos are also known as kisho bori.

a new tattoo

2009-07-30T10:34:00.005+02:00

Yesterday I got a new tattoo, from Maxime Büchi, editor of the wonderful Swiss Sang Bleu magazine. He's in Berlin for the month working at the gorgeous tattoo parlour BLUT & EISEN, and this seemed too good an opportunity to miss, seeing as I'd been planning to meet him in Lausanne one day when I visit my best friend there.

This one adds to the small collection I have growing of drawings by heroes of mine... such as Paul Klee, Le Corbusier, and my dear friend Takk in Japan. The new one is a drawing by Jean Cocteau with a tiny personal addition... I've always loved Cocteau's line drawings!

Maurizio Anzeri

2009-07-26T08:58:00.008+02:00

Continuing the hair theme indirectly, I adore the work of Italian born, London based artist Maurizio Anzeri. His series "Family Day" is what caught my eye immediately, because it combines my two passions of textiles/embroidery and photography in the most elegant, inspired way! He embroiders tightly stretched geometric colour wheels and spirograph forms over the faces of people in old found photographs, creating wonderful, sometimes surreal, sometimes sinister masks for these faces to hide behind.

He has collaborated with fashion designer Alexander McQueen and also uses hair to create clothing forms that wow in their scale and craftsmanship.
His work simply makes me want to get to my own work! Always a good thing.

Nagi Noda Hair Hats

2009-07-26T08:40:00.005+02:00

I love checking in with my friend Marco. Yesterday, through him, I discovered the work of two people who inspire me and the common thread is hair...

These wild and wonderful "Hair Hats" in the form of animals are made by Japanese video/tv commercial director and fashion designer Nagi Noda. I have to say I love the Poodle and the Afghan dogs best amongst her crazy menagerie. The obviously exquisitely crafted hats/wigs make me laugh in the way that we need - for pure fun and joy!

Street Pianos

2009-07-14T17:28:00.007+02:00

This morning I was listening to some beautiful Rachmaninov Piano etudes as I sewed a piece of clothing for a friend, so it seems appropriate to continue the piano vibe now with the art project of British artist Luke Jerram titled "Play Me I'm Yours" in which he puts numerous pianos in cities around the world, to be played at the will and desire of anyone in the public! What a lovely idea to bring interactive art and music together and put the onus on all pianists out there to contribute to the success of the work and brighten up those passing's day.

Check his website for news and details of where to find a piano to play... http://www.streetpianos.com/

Wundervoll underwear

2009-07-11T17:37:00.004+02:00

Yummy sexy feminine lingerie by German brand Wundervoll is something I discovered during Berlin fashion week recently. I adore the Berlin-based label's vintage-look high-waisted panties and soft jersey bras...

Wundervoll was selected as the only German label for the exhibit "Undercover - the evolution of Underwear" which runs at London's Fashion and Textile Museum from June 12 through September 27, 2009.

Kate Towers

2009-07-07T08:13:00.003+02:00

Ah Etsy, there are some absolute gems hidden amongst the millions and yesterday I discovered the work of Kate Towers. She makes beautiful, romantic, decadently feminine dresses - my little girl inside who knew at 7 that she wanted to be a fashion designer is in raptures!

Matthew Scott

2009-06-27T02:25:00.003+02:00

Matthew Scott as opposed to Scott Matthew (my musician friend of some repute) is a fantastic L.A. based photographer that I just discovered on Society6. I just love the characters he finds, his colours, his raw, natural shots - so beautiful.

Check out his Book of Matthew shots... YUM!

Hohgant Knitwear

2009-06-26T19:40:00.006+02:00

I discovered this gorgeous Swiss knitwear label Hohgant the other day in one of my favourite stores in Berlin Andreas Murkudis.

Hohgant, the brainchild of Danish born Hannah Strøm Liatowitsch, is a label of knitted clothing for babies and children up to 6 years of age. The designs are exquisitely simple and colourful and knitted by a team of Swiss women in the alps.

Autumn Story - Firekites

2009-06-17T10:26:00.003+02:00

My dearest friend Edwina is in town here with me and loading my imagination with treasure until it bursts...
Check this delightful, tear and goosebump causing chalk animation for the Firekites' song Autumn Story.
http://www.myspace.com/firekites

Society6

2009-06-12T13:17:00.005+02:00

Society6 is a must for all my fellow artists, designers, creators out there - a showcase for your work and a place to come together in the common aim of the founders to support artists and empower them. "Our friend is an Artist. She was invited to show her work at a prestigious art show. When she couldn't scrape together the funds to go, we knew there was a problem. We created Society6, so that this would never happen again."

My page: http://eloisedeh.society6.com/

Rosalie Gascoigne

2009-06-09T12:25:00.005+02:00

Rosalie Gascoigne is an inspiration to me. She was a late bloomer, having her first serious exhibition of a very successful artistic career at the age of 57. She was born in New Zealand but emigrated to Australia at 26 years of age. I was fortunate enough for a period to live with some of her work in our family home as I grew up. Her well-known work made from weathered materials around her - road signs, drink crates, household detritus etc particularly touched me and still does.

http://www.roslynoxley9.com.au/artists/15/Rosalie_Gascoigne/

Automatic Drawing

2009-06-09T10:39:00.005+02:00

Now it's time to share my own treasure, a lot more of it... I love to draw things with my non-dominant left hand, or my eyes closed, when I need to listen to my own heart and quieten my mind... I did this one a while ago in my left hand, listening to Portishead... and it still feels relevant everyday.

David Shrigley

2009-06-09T00:55:00.005+02:00

I discovered the fabulously sick world of Glaswegian David Shrigley by chance when I lived in Paris 10 years ago. I was passing by a gallery in the Marais and was drawn in by a strange illustration in the window (don't remember which one now!), but I still have the invitation card of that exhibition on my wall today. I was going through a hard time back then and found myself drawn out of that and into the world of Shrigley, giggling gleefully at what I should not perhaps have found funny. What a relief to have a laugh and be jolted out of my blues, but then taken perilously close to his... Ahhh, Shrigley. His work simply has to be seen and enjoyed - it's available in many forms as you will see on his website.