littlemiso . blog

littlemiso at emerg{in} store!

2012-01-10T04:56:00.000-08:00

Introducing emerg(in) store, an Australian online shop showcasing young and emerging independent designers... which I'm so happy to be a part of! There are heaps of clever products in stock, including goodies from Nevertheless!

As part of the launch emerg{in} are offering readers a 20% off discount code at checkout, just type in 'WEAREOPEN' and you're on your way! Enjoy!

2011

2011-12-31T03:27:00.000-08:00

Happy new year to you! Thank you to everyone who has clicked on my blog, read it, followed it, commented, introduced themselves or purchased a littlemiso product. It has made 2011 a joy-filled year, and I sit on the edge of my chair thinking of crazy ideas to create in 2012 to make it an even more brilliant year.

Above images are a collection of happy things I've been browsing on the internet today, reminding me how delicious summertime colours are, how joyous a simple pompom strand can make be, discovering clever little things like paper rocks, and finding wonderful posters that just speak the words in my heart.

I hope you all have a wonderful last few hours of the year, full of happy moments. :)

Paint typewriter

2011-12-06T21:26:00.001-08:00

Blown away by this idea! Tyree Callahan has taken a 1837 typewriter and transformed it into a painting tool by swapping letters for colours. Why hadn't we thought of this sooner?!

Via here.

Voice Microfestival - This Sunday!

2011-11-25T22:18:00.001-08:00

I'll be running a littlemiso stall tomorrow at the Voice Microfestival, in support of the Autism Association of WA. It's the first festival for the Voice Promotions team, and is shaping up to be a pretty spectacular day- bringing together Perth's best bands, artists and photographers for one day to celebrate ability and raise awareness for Autism.

There will be over 25 bands playing on 3 stages from 12pm - 10pm at The Rosemount Hotel, as well as collaborations throughout the day to create pieces for silent auction (all proceeds going to the Autsim Association).

Come along, enjoy the day and support a worthy cause.

When: 12pm, Sunday 27 November

Where: The Rosemount Hotel

Tickets: $15 Heatseeker, $20 at the door

Facebook event

Voice Promotions

Autism Association

Mr Frenchy.. MASKED!

2011-11-21T04:39:00.001-08:00

So I finally got around to taking photos of new products on the weekend! It's a bit delayed... but say hi to Mr Frenchy Heart MASKED.

Mr Frenchy has gone on disguise, stripping back his familiar and well loved mo. Now donning a jet black zorro mask over his bright red face, he's a little more mysterious (but really just as easy to see).

Made especially for the MASKED exhibition as part of Made of Awesome, these little guys are very limited edition. Available as a brooch or necklace. Please visit my etsy shop for more info!

Empire Furniture

2011-11-19T20:01:00.001-08:00

I love Empire on Beaufort St, every time I go in there I spend more time lingering than I really should, and thinking just how much I want to live upstairs in the 'loft bit'. There's nothing more I have to say except that I love everything in there (and oh, I already said that at the beginning >.<) ... but go visit it! These photos were taken last weekend on an iphone, so it will look 1000 times better instore. And they've probably changed the layout already!!

Haven't been to the other Empire stores (Fremantle, Myaree, Dunsborough?) but I've just looked at the website and since when was there an Empire Retreat?! It looks amazing.. has anyone been and how was it??

Erratic nature

2011-11-16T21:25:00.001-08:00

Sibella Court is one of those people that can chuck a few things together, in a sporadic fashion, and suddenly make those items look like a piece of art.

I love the way she's styled her current exhibition 'Etcetera etc' (previously blogged about) at the Barometer Gallery - memorabilia dangle from twine and bulldog clips, photographs are tacked on with masking tape crosses, kraft paper hangs from the ceiling and breaks up the background, vintage frames sit on stools…

Her book feels like opening up a trove of treasure - there are so many things to discover, so many little details, not at all laid out in the neatest fashion, but instead brimming with charisma, individuality and life.

I'm writing this looking at the exhibition photos on her website - wishing I could go see it and take photos for myself. (So If you're in Sydney go check it out, details here.)

On another note, I've just finished up an Interior Styling short course, and although I enjoyed playing with textures, shapes, forms and design principles in a three-dimensional space, I found that the teacher and other students were often preoccupied with being neat and making sure everything matched to the T, in essence recreating a display home. I don't quite agree with this - I think it's great to be 'perfect' sometimes, but it can also be very stifling to creativity. This is what Sibella's work shows me - that sometimes you just have to let loose.

Poetic Sensibility

2011-11-07T06:21:00.000-08:00

There is something I find so alluring about Matt Wisniewski's collages.

The harmony between humans and landscape, proportion of shape and space, balance of emotions and silence, juxtaposition of soft and hard, mixture of movement and stillness, contrast of shallowness and depth... creating a lyrical and poetic sensibility to each work.

I could get lost in my imagination staring at one of these.

Commonwealth Festival Markets!

2011-10-25T07:09:00.000-07:00

This Saturday I'll be at the CHOGM People's Space as part of Made of Awesome selling our newest goodies. There will be multicultural food stalls, handmade goods, live music and exhibitions on... and apparently no road closures around that area :)

WHERE: Perth Cultural Centre (Between the WA Museum, Art Gallery and Pica)

WHEN: 11am - 6pm, Saturday, 29 October 2011

Hope to see you there!

Social Design

2011-10-11T08:32:00.000-07:00

I've spent a good few hours reading this blog, which nowadays is virtually unheard of with our heavily image reliant, skim-reading tendencies when browsing the internet.

Andy Chen is a young (really, who am I calling young ><), insightful graphic designer interested in social design that writes remarkably well about his experiences, understandings and questions on design. If you're starting out in the design industry, I would recommend you read this insert on his internship at Pentagram. The feelings of inadequacy, realisation of learning and moments of joy when seeing your designs in public all ring a bell to what I have been through and sometimes still am going through.

This article on Design Observer written by Andy is also an interesting read: The Value of Empathy.

Gordon, Age 88

Social design has always been important to me, and I believe there is not enough focus on social design in Perth - through education or practice. Could it be because design is not as highly regarded or 'developed' in Perth, as compared to say, London?

Only when I studied for six months in London did I really understand the power of design - that design can change the way we behave (for the better), and bring attention to minority groups. Visiting places such as The Design Museum and learning of initiatives such as Design Out Crime made me realise how design as a practice could influence the world - rather than just how design could be used to increase brand equity.

The design briefs we received were a mix of difficult briefs tackling social issues as well as the typical graphic design briefs. I took one of these briefs back to Australia with me and completed it in my graphic design elective at Curtin. The brief required students to design a piece of communication to benefit older people experience, or vulnerable to, social isolation and loneliness.

My solution was a book of answers to the question; "What do you want to do in the future?" to raise awareness of the aspirations older people have.

I asked older people (aged over 60) and children (aged 7 - 12) to write down their answers, and found similarities between the two. I typographically arranged each aspiration and alternately placed the aspiration of older and younger people, in hope to highlight the similarities between the two and signify life as one passage, that each stage of life is not more important or less important than the next.

Valerie, Age 67

Anastasia, Age 8

Excerpts from 'Action for Age' project, 2008.

Although I am happy with the type executions and enjoyed exploring different media, in hindsight the solution was heavily dominated by aesthetics and lacked a unified message or call to action. That's not to say it's wrong - just that I would do it differently now.

Designing for change is something I've neglected in the past year or so, having been too absorbed in work, littlemiso and other commitments. It's something I would like to pick up again - because if tomorrow was my last day in on Earth, I would want to make a genuine difference in somebody's life.

What Katie Ate.. I'll have

2011-10-08T22:30:00.000-07:00

What Katie Ate has got to be one of the most delicious looking blogs out there, run by the uber talented Katie Quinn Davies who writes, cooks, styles and even photographs her own recipes.

Originally trained as a graphic designer, Katie has since worked as a freelance commercial photographer and and blogger, and will be launching her first book in 2012. (That's what the hoard of props are for).

Visit her blog here (not on an empty stomach), website here (for an overwhelming number of delicious photos), or make Sunday Morning Baked Eggs here (yummmm!).

Own a colour and help save a child's life

2011-10-04T05:30:00.000-07:00

The idea behind this is so simple and brilliant - your average computer/phone/ipad can display 16.7 million colours. Unicef wants you name each colour by donating at least 1 pound for the ownership of a colour, which goes directly to help transform children's lives.

I've already picked one (spent too long browsing through the different variations of salmon pink!) and named it 'Blushing Really Bright'. It's a beautiful, simple and interactive website - you'll be excited if you're a designer!

I think I'm going to buy more now..check it out here.

MASKED opening...

2011-10-02T03:13:00.000-07:00

some photos from the opening night of the MASKED exhibition last week.. it's on until Sunday 16 October, so there's still time to swing by :)

2011-09-29T22:20:00.001-07:00

Dr Seuss, beautifully illustrated by Amy Borrell.

Sue Blackwell

2011-09-29T17:44:00.000-07:00

Is taking paper art to a whole new level, creating fantastic sculptures relating to the stories in the books. Imagine opening a pop up book with these sculptures telling the story...

See more of her wonderful work here.

VISH!

2011-09-28T17:28:00.000-07:00

I am LOVING the art direction / styling / graphic treatment in the latest collection by VISH!, hand drawn patterns and nicely matched colours always get me ;)

Pecha Kucha Wrap

2011-09-28T07:13:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say a huge thank you to those that supported me and the other creatives speaking at Pecha Kucha at the State Theatre on Sunday.

I hope I didn't sound too nervous and wasn't stumbling over my words.. hopefully my slides / process / talk was able to inspire someone that day.

Another speaker I met that night was a very bright young thing, Daniella Caputi, who is making her mark in the Australian fashion scene at the age of 22. Incredibly modest and super nice, Daniella's experimentation with lasercutting textiles (yay!), painstaking pleating and innovation with unconventional materials (balsa wood) definitely makes her a stand out. Check out more of her collections here, and regular updates on her blog.

Katelyn Mooney

2011-09-15T17:49:00.000-07:00

These soft, playful and naive images are wonderfully styled by Katelyn Mooney, a designer turned stylist who graduated from Parsons in New York.

She'll be contributing to the next issue of Papier Mache magazine... can't wait!

MASKED, Popsicle and Pecha Kucha

2011-09-10T21:37:00.000-07:00

I haven't been blogging that much lately, but it's definitely not because I'm in hibernation! There's a couple of exciting things happening soon, and at the top of the list is Made of Awesome's first exhibition! This year we will be exhibiting as part of the tasty annual Popsicle event, organised by the fantastic team at OnWilliam.

Partnered with Tu, we will be showing off new artwork, lasercuts and cards as well as old favourites. Come and enjoy cupcakes, drinks and artwork at our Opening Night on Wednesday 21 September, 6pm. We'll ALL be there and would love to meet you.

If you can't make it on the night (boo), the exhibition runs from 21 September - 16 October, so you've got no excuses! :)

A bit about Popsicle from the OnWilliam team:

Popsicle is Perth Fashion Festival's annual tasty treat. Popping up in 11 locations around Northbridge, follow the trail to taste test each flavour.

A selection of WA's exciting up and coming designers have collaborated with Northbridge independent fashion boutiques, giving shop windows a makeover and filling the shelves with their handmade wares.

Hop over to the Popsicle website to find out more about the designers part of this years' event!

Popsicle runs from 21 - 27 September 2011.

Outskirts is also happening during Popsicle, filling Northbridge with over 100 events in 34 venues for a one day festival. The program is jam packed with street stalls, workshops, exhibitions, pop up stores and laneway events.. super exciting! You can grab a special Passport guide (pictured above) which will help you navigate through the excitement.

Outskirts runs on Sunday 25 September.

Next to roll up is Pecha Kucha Volume 9, which is happening on the night of Outskirts to wrap up the event. I will be speaking at Pecha Kucha about littlemiso, my creative process and insights from running a creative business.

I'm not really one for public speaking, so this is definitely the most nerve racking thing happening at the moment! If you're interested in coming along to enjoy a drink and some creative talk, it will be held on Sunday 25 September at the State Theatre Courtyard, entry is $5 at the door. There will be 10 creatives in total speaking about their work for 6.6 minutes each.

To find out more about Pecha Kucha, head here for the international event or here for the Perth event.

On other news, I've started a new have full time job (yay!), am preparing for markets during CHOGM (more on that later), have been designing some new lasercuts (oooO) and have been preparing wholesale orders in time for Christmas (what, already?!)

I love September! :)

Not as good as you would like to be?

2011-09-04T07:06:00.000-07:00

Ira Glass on Storytelling from David Shiyang Liu on Vimeo.

Yes, i know what you mean.

You Are The Map Maker

2011-08-24T23:11:00.000-07:00

This is one of the best books I've read all year, and I am so excited to share this with you.

'You Are The Map Maker' is a project by Bernadette Jiwa, bringing together insights from 13 of the most creative and resourceful entrepreneurs on the planet. Jessica Hische, David Airey, Mark Bloom and Chris Guillebeau are just some of the creatives who have contributed their stories and their advice.

Starting up littlemiso and working as a freelance designer is one of my happiest achievements, but the reality is that it is not easy at all - and sometimes the smallest hurdle is enough to fill you with self doubt and slowly etch away your confidence to be a 'creative'. How many times have I started a project and not gone through with it because I didn't think it would work? Or even worse - I can't even count how many times I've had an idea in my head and thought it was brilliant, but never made it into a reality because of that tiny inkling of self doubt that eats away at my confidence. (Is it really worth spending $X on it? Is it really worth all that time?)

Reading these insights from successful creatives is a reminder that every hurdle I have been through or am going through is exactly what they have experienced through their journey - and through honesty, self reflection and persistence - they have gotten through to where they are now. Sounds like common sense, but when you're in these situations - it's the best type of advice you can get…and it's DESIGN related.

Working in a creative field is always going to be different in a bank or engineering firm. This book is filled with advice from designers we look up to, have the same mindset and similar likes and dislikes.

Now enough love for the book - just GO READ IT. For FREE.

Let's do Lunch (free card)

2011-08-22T21:02:00.000-07:00

12 o'clock, who's up for lunch?

If you've been meaning to meet up with somebody but just haven't had the chance, why not send them an invitation to lunch, instead of a 160 character text message, fb poke or let's-catch-up-soon email?

Download and print out this little lunch card I designed, send it off to your friend (or Mum) and have a long, lovely lunch :)

Download the littlemiso Let's do Lunch card here.

Shop Update

2011-08-20T01:12:00.000-07:00

*Mini Shop Update*

Old favourites are now instore, prints and jewellery alike! Please check it out: www.littlemiso.etsy.com

Two illos

2011-08-18T09:41:00.000-07:00

TITLE: Dark Depths

MEDIA: pencil + ink

TITLE: Failure

MEDIA: ink + gouache

Handwritten typography

2011-08-16T20:28:00.000-07:00

Watercolour and typography combined - what more could I ask for?

Perfectly precise ink letters and intricately drawn pen letters by Sasha Prood - 'Designer, illustrator, artist and devotee of all things paper', currently working from Brooklyn, New York.

Her portfolio shows an amazing amount of patience, dedication and talent, and has worked with clients such as J.Crew, Juicy Couture and WIRED Magazine UK. But there's definitely more to come - she's attending Type@Cooper to further develop her typographic skills. One to watch!

Lovely Lace

2011-08-13T01:22:00.000-07:00

Beautiful, unique lace jewellery made by two sisters from Detroit who 'love handmade items and the mix of vintage materials'. They run a successful Etsy store White Owl, showcasing delicate handmade pieces that are cleverly styled and photographed. Perfect for the romantic.

Handwritten letters

2011-08-10T07:57:00.000-07:00

I love messages behind projects - and this one applies to all of us. Craig Oldham writes, "There is always something nice about receiving a letter. Especially today when the way we communicate is governed by a text or a tweet, the ping of an email or a social network poke, leaving many to lose sight of the things that have been around for a while - like pen and paper."

So he started the Hand Written Letter Project, inviting designers and creatives to share their thoughts with a handwritten letter on their own letterhead. Milton Glasner, Wally Olins, Bob Gill, Vince Frost are just some of the 100 that have responded, and now the letters have been converted into a book and will be exhibited at KK Outlet in London.

Isn't it funny that letter writing has become so abnormal that it's treated like art now and displayed in galleries? Either way, it's great that letter writing is getting more exposure - it's definitely something I miss.

TITLE: Envelopes

MEDIA: pen, ink, watercolour
Little pouches that contain those special messages.

THIS is it

2011-08-09T19:41:00.000-07:00

It's perfect. Loads of light, white, wood, neutrals and just the right amount of whimsy. (Stacked magazines to make a coffee table, masking tape rug...) Object collected from different places around the world bringing memories, photos/magazine clippings bringing inspiration. Look at that painted park bench in picture 3...isn't it just right?

Photographed by Philip Karlberg, styled by Nanna Lagerman for Elle Interior.

2011-08-09T01:49:00.000-07:00

probably lost.

These same stars

2011-08-09T00:02:00.000-07:00

This man applies his work to an amazing amount of things. I especially love this hand spun silk scarf, because from afar it seems like a nice, decorative pattern, but on closer inspection it becomes a wonderland of intricate hand-cut words, flowers, nature, patterns, meanings, stars... the longer you linger, the more you discover.

He's recently done a t-shirt for Vogue's Fashion Night Out, and has a crazy Etsy store selling ceramic tiles to packing tape (the best!) adorned with his art.

Sweet Salads

2011-08-07T03:15:00.000-07:00

How amazing is this food styling? All the ingredients look so fresh and mouthwatering..dancing freely around the page, so pleasing to the eye! Styled by Paul Lowe from Sweet Paul, the images are from his Summer 2011 Sweet Paul Magazine. Boy I wish summer would be here already!!

Split Personality

2011-08-05T00:56:00.001-07:00

TITLE: Split Personality

MEDIA: ink + collage + photoshop

Peggy Wolf

2011-08-02T20:53:00.000-07:00

I'm rather enjoying the work of German illustrator Peggy Wolf. Her unique mix of collage and illustration is so surreal but beautiful and polished at the same time. See more of her work here.

The Good Side

2011-08-01T22:03:00.000-07:00

TITLE: The Good Side

MEDIA: ink + photoshop

Inspired by a friend that will only ever take photos of the 'good side of her face' ;)

Made of Awesome Online Shop is open!

2011-07-31T20:10:00.000-07:00

What an exciting day, the Made of Awesome online shop has now opened doors AND we've delivered our very first newsletter to our mailing list subscribers!

There's a fine selection of prints, cards, notebooks and jewellery all hand made by us available now at the shop - point your mouse here to check it out!

To subscribe to our newsletter, head to our blog and you can join the mailing list on the RHS of the page.

Yippeee!

It's been a long time

2011-07-29T00:48:00.000-07:00

TITLE: It's been a long time

MEDIA: pencil + ink + watercolour

It's been a long time since I've drawn with black chinese ink, and these two days have been massive drawing days for an upcoming exhibition Made of Awesome is having! But shhhh.. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to say yet. More details to come soon.

Online vouchers to be won!

2011-07-28T19:19:00.000-07:00

Entries are closing soon for the MOA competition! Simply pop a comment HERE, follow the blog (so you can be the first to know when the shop opens) and cross your fingers for a quick $30 to spend on our handmade goodies!!

A documentary about illustration

2011-07-24T08:25:00.000-07:00

Thought this documentary on illustration was an interesting watch - students, artists, tutors and industry types comment on what illustrations mean to them and some of the challenges they face. Some of the concerns raised definitely ran through my head while I was graduating, as I'm sure would be common with most graduates in any creative field...

Carrie Chau

2011-07-20T21:04:00.000-07:00

Carrie Chau is one of my secret favourite artists. Her style is so different to what I usually look at, but I admire the amount of detail and attention she puts into each dream-like artwork. The naivety of her characters reminds me of childhood, purity and hope.

Being a female artist from an Chinese background as well, I especially admire and relate to her strength and determination to succeed in this not-so-ideal profession (as seen by parents and relatives). Her achievements are inspirational - multiple large scale exhibitions and installations including 2 exhibitions in Times Square Hong Kong, opening and owning her own shop, as well as distributing products internationally.

Carrie Chau's art is also a great example of merchandising, which I believe is due to the decorative element in her artwork. Cups, notebooks, posters, wrapping paper, sculptures, coasters, bags, clutches, wallets, keyrings, calendars...even dinner trays with her illustrations on them! I've collected a fair few things over the years, and seeing them everyday reminds me that it's the little things in life that make you happy.

Her stock is available at remedy in Perth, or if you're a lucky duck in Hong Kong you can go to the actual Carrie Chau store in Causeway Bay! Check out her website here.

2011-07-20T01:07:00.000-07:00

It's raining puddles the next few days in Perth, what better weather to splash around in these cute boots, cozy up with a hot hot drink and a very good book?

Sydney and Melbourne

2011-07-15T00:19:00.000-07:00

Hello! Just got back from a quick trip to Sydney and Melbourne, and wanted to share a quick visual diary of some of the places explored. These photos were taken on the phone, so please excuse blurriness and dramatic instagram effects ;)

Besides the places mentioned above, there is an awesome map of design stores in Surry Hills on The Design Files worth checking out.

Lily Wood Necklace

2011-06-30T20:05:00.000-07:00

Inspired by petal shapes and patterns in nature, these Lily Wood Necklaces were transformed from pen and ink drawings to lasercut wearables.

The lilypad pendant sits on an 80cm long antique brass chain, measuring 61mm x 37mm x 7mm. This unique necklace finishes off an outfit perfectly - beautiful in a subtle, gentle way - a reflection of nature.

Have a further look or get one here, at the shop!

MOA Giveaway

2011-06-29T20:05:00.000-07:00

eeee.. we're having a giveaway at Made of Awesome! Simply comment on this post on the MOA blog and you're in the running to WIN 1-of-3 $30 vouchers to spend at the Online Shop. Online Shop you ask? Yes, it's opening very very soon!

Click here to enter :)

Thoughts

2011-06-28T19:54:00.000-07:00

Here are the original 'thought cards' I wrote about earlier. They are all hand inked onto a card format, to frame up or send off to someone special.

Sold a couple on at Upmarket on Sunday, and will be posting the rest on my Etsy or the Made of Awesome shop opening soon!

$10 an original thought card, signed as well :)

Business Cards

2011-06-28T01:56:00.000-07:00

Received my new business cards in the post last week - and I'm pretty happy with the letterpress! I was worried the fine strokes wouldn't come through, but they turned out fine. Now, what to do with 500? Who wants one?!

Upmarket

2011-06-28T01:01:00.000-07:00

...was fun! It's always better doing it as a group :)

Made of Awesome

photos by Joanne :)

2011-06-24T23:37:00.000-07:00

Brace the wintery weather and come join my friends and I at Perth Upmarket tomorrow! We'll be there from 10am - 4pm selling our goods as part of Made of Awesome. There's over 150 stalls and parking is free - what more could you ask for?

Everything above will be on sale, plus some new cards which are all hand drawn originals - I'll blog about them soon. (Selling them for $10 only!)

See you there!

Perth Upmarket

Time: 10am - 4pm

Location: UWA Winthrop Hall

Tanya Ling

2011-06-23T03:43:00.000-07:00

Tanya Ling's fashion illustrations have always been an inspiration for me - they remind me that illustrations don't have to be a photorealistic portrayal of the subject, and that the emotion in a drawing says so much more.

The fluidity, boldness of the strokes she uses breathes a different quality to fashion that photographs just can't achieve. I had the pleasure of seeing her original works at Fashion Illustration Gallery (FIG), and it's even more amazing in real life because you can see exactly where the brush was, and all the detail of the paints and inks mixing.

See her work online here.

Schlomo

2011-06-22T18:35:00.000-07:00

Young Schlomo's winter coat is looking so soft and thick at 10 months old. I can't believe how quickly time has passed. Look how much his face has changed since these photos, taken at 3 months. Don't be fooled by the gentle and calm manner he has the photos, he's really quite a terror!

First Comes Love

2011-06-19T23:22:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share some photos from the First Comes Love Bridal Fair yesterday - it was so beautifully set up and styled! Well done Studio Bomba.

Favourites of the day? The magnificent table setting by Her Handpicked Harvest, and non-stop fun with props and all at Smilebooth!

2011-06-17T00:23:00.000-07:00

delicious Chai brooches will be ready for the markets next week! in the meantime go make yourself a chai to warm up winter fingers. Watch how to make the real deal here at T2.

First Comes Love Bridal Fair

2011-06-15T21:31:00.000-07:00

I'm rather excited (and delighted) that Perth is holding an alternative bridal fair! Run by the very lovely and super productive ladies at Studio Bomba, First Comes Love is a bridal fair that celebrates creativity, chock full of sweetness and sass from independent retailers (not the usual mass market 'carbon-copy' weddings). Featuring talented creative types such as Angela Higgins (photography), On a Whim (wearables), Test Tube (gifts and registry), All of the Above Creative (styling), Mitchell and Dent (stationary) and our very own Matt Biocich (photography) from Made of Awesome, this is going to set the new benchmark for weddings in Perth!

Click here to read an interview about the event, or head to the event website to find out more.

(p.s it's on this weekend!!)

2011-06-14T21:51:00.001-07:00

A new beret

2011-06-12T22:46:00.000-07:00

French Beret Peepo

The Peepo Family

He's here! The newest addition to the ever growing Peepo family, Peepo has now been spotted sporting a French Beret. An appreciator of the finer things in life, French Beret Peepo can often be found mulling over a glass of red along Seine in Paris, or visiting his favourite gallery the Tate Modern in London.

Take his little beret face to galleries, exhibitions and long coffees - it's just his type of scene.

These kids will be available at the next Perth Upmarket, which is on Sunday, 26 June 2011 at UWA.

$5 a peep!

If you can't make it to the markets, it'll be on the Made of Awesome shop (!!) ..more details soon!

FASHEMATICS

2011-06-10T23:52:00.000-07:00

sass&bide

tavi

I love fashion - but sometimes, it's just too easy to poke fun at it.

Jonathan Zawada, Fashematics... clever.

Winter Warmer Winner

2011-06-10T23:09:00.000-07:00

Yay for nevertheless, you were chosen out of 26 entries (by a random number generator).

A huge thanks to everyone that entered, you made me feel glad that it's winter! I hope everyone felt a bit warmer reading the entries too.

Allison Colpoys

2011-06-10T00:40:00.000-07:00

There is the most amazing interview on The Design Files today on Allison Colpoys, Penguin Book Designer.

Beautiful layouts, perfect typography and just the right amount of illustrated touches - I'm so happy to have been introduced to her work.

Definitely worth checking out.

Winter Giveaway Last Chance

2011-06-08T18:44:00.002-07:00

Click here to enter!

Winner will be randomly selected.

Delighted to meet you!

2011-06-07T00:58:00.000-07:00

Very delighted to show you today... a lightbulb brooch with a terrible pun! I know - since the Double Rainbow brooch, you didn't think it could get any worse. But here it is, because I think it would be hilarious to pin a pun on my chest.

Measuring 50mm x 30mm x 7mm, this bulb would be great to wear to an exhibition opening, tea party or blind date.

This kind of sillyness really is the essence behind littlemiso - to create things that make people smile.

Get it for $15 at the shop now!

Peppermint Milk

2011-06-06T06:04:00.000-07:00

I have just finished the branding for the most delectable pastel delight ever - Peppermint Milk. Created by the lovely Maevana Mitchell, the label is filled with soft pastels, scalloped edges, florals, bows and lace. Even the coat hangers are pastels!

Maevana's main inspiration for the label is Marie Antoinette, from floral fabrics, frilly edges to intricate and ornate detail.

These shots were taken at her pop up shop last weekend, titled 'The First Breath', held in conjunction with talented photographer Libby Edwards - who has some seriously nice double (triple?) exposure photos.

My Little Fabric

2011-06-02T22:37:00.000-07:00

Tartelette Fraise Rhubarbe from My Little Fabric on Vimeo.

This little video is so cute. I love how the rhubarb magically chops itself into bite-size pieces.

It's interesting how technology is so accessible these days - there are so many mediums we can use to express ourselves.

Found My Little Fabric on decor8 today. Her food photos are pretty amazing.

Peter Pan

2011-06-01T21:31:00.000-07:00

THIS collar is amazing. i've had a thing for collars of late. Via here

2011-05-31T19:38:00.000-07:00

a paper hummingbird, so fragile and delicate.

seen here.

Losing Sight

2011-05-30T23:24:00.000-07:00

TITLE: Losing Sight

MEDIA: pencil + ink + watercolour

Of what's out there in the big big world wide web

Winter Giveaway!

2011-05-29T19:53:00.000-07:00

I'm having a giveaway to warm up the winter weather! Win your favourite littlemiso piece just by commenting on this post and sharing what you like to do during winter.

Make sure you are a follower of the blog to be eligible.

Competition closes 10 June, 2011 so be quick sticks!

Good luck :)

Polka Play

2011-05-28T20:17:00.000-07:00

TITLE: Polka Play . . .. . .

MEDIA: pencil + ink + adhesive labels

Just wanted to play with self-adhesive labels, so drew a big black skirt to apply them on. twas fun!

Soft necklaces

2011-05-26T22:53:00.000-07:00

The days are getting cooler, winter is coming - we all need a bit of warmth.

These softly woven, organic cotton necklaces by A Alicia just look so warm and cosy, like being wrapped up in a doona on a cold, rainy night...

Oh the joys the internet brings, I just wish I could try one on!

hello sandwich zine

2011-05-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

this hello sandwich zine is pretty clever stuff, the back of the zine is a fluro orange gingham which can be used for wrapping after! Pretty, functional and represents hello sandwich oh so very well :)

Check out the Gift Wrapping Zine here toooooo

Embroidery Set by Nevertheless

2011-05-26T00:40:00.000-07:00

Clever young(!) Sheryl from Nevertheless has just made these cute embroidery brooches! I am loving the 'Bonjour Love' heart-shaped one, it would looks so cosy on a cable knit cardi....

Check out more of Nevertheless's brilliant work here, or get an embroidery brooch here!

Moss Bunny + Clock + Time Passing

2011-05-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

This is how it all started...

I was never really into jewellery. I'm not the type of person that knows how to pull off heaps of accessories, I just like to keep it simple. A long necklace or a big brooch - that's enough to do the trick. (I haven't worn earrings for months, and now my piercings have closed up, argh!)

I started making jewellery out of found items, which I thought was great because nobody else would have the same piece as me... it got to a stage where I put a long chain on a miniature hammer? Strange, yes.

So when all the lasercut jewellery came about (at the time it was all acrylics and mirror) I was so excited - because you could cut out any shape, as well as engrave or colour (raster) on it! I'd had the idea of TEARS for a long time, but never knew what to make it out of or whether it was even possible! Finally it was, and on Oct 1, 2009 (after much drama because it was my first lasercutting experience), I launched TEARS and set up my online shop.

From then to now, step by step.

Anyway this is a timepiece I found in Hong Kong recently, at a very cluttered shop on Hollywood Road (aka antiques road).. I'm not sure about it being an antique, but it has certainly worked out as a nice necklace :) I haven't made jewellery out of found objects for a while, so it brought back a lot of memories.

p.s. How cute is Moss Bunny? He sits on my desk and makes me think of hopping through green fields.

Double Rainbows

2011-05-23T23:51:00.000-07:00

Something fun for a Tuesday arvo! I've made these double rainbow brooches as a joke, if you find them as silly as me they are available at my shop :)

If you haven't seen the double rainbow video... hehe you must watch it here.

$12 for the set of rainbows! Give one to a friend and you can be rainbow buddies...

*Update*
All double rainbows have sold out! what does this mean?! May possibly make more stock (if there is demand).

Mr Matt Biocich

2011-05-23T19:53:00.000-07:00

My super talented friend Matt Biocich has FINALLY shared his website with us, and started a blog as well! Take a good look at his work here, or read his blog here :)

798

2011-05-23T06:02:00.000-07:00

All these pics were taken at 798 Art District, Dashanzi, Beijing. It was an amazing space - I only went down a few of the streets and wished I could have stayed longer! There were sculptures dotted everywhere, graffiti on the walls, street after street of small art galleries, bookshops, design shops, artists' studios, photography studios and cafes. Photoshoots happening everywhere too, because of the cool scenery. There was so much to explore - my Mum and I got so lost we had to ask a policeman for directions with our (very) basic mandarin skills. All part of the adventure right? :)

Beijing

2011-05-22T20:43:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from my Beijing trip.

Photos 1-3: Forbidden City

Photos 4-5: Olympic City (Bird's Nest, Water Cube)

Photo 6: Street Vendor

Photo 7: Temple of Heaven

Photo 8: Great Wall of China

Photo 9-10: Summer Palace

Photo 11: I can't remember!

Robert Montgomery

2011-05-20T22:44:00.000-07:00

makes art by filling empty billboards, adshels and walls with his words. it's funny how i would actually stop and read these passages - even though they are so much longer than advertisements - but not take more than a second to look at an ad.

more here via here.

Flying off

2011-05-02T04:02:00.000-07:00

I'm going on a 2.5week break to Hong Kong and Beijing tonight! Will come back with photos and more to share!

Images of the bird market and goldfish market in Hong Kong by CherryBlossomGirl.

Good afternoon

2011-04-29T02:09:00.000-07:00

Mixed emotions

2011-04-28T02:13:00.000-07:00

Like it or not - the royal wedding hype is upon us and growing exponentially as we approach tomorrow. I was looking forward to seeing the dress... and then I found these.

I feel mixed emotions every time I see a Marchesa collection. Fascination, awe, excitement, loss of breath (can that be counted as an emotion?), lust....

Then anger - because I fell so superficially into the trap of human consumerism.

Then it's back to awe... because I took another breath.

Sorry Kate, it's going to be hard to top these.

Take a deep breath

2011-04-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

Drawing on rocks

2011-04-25T21:17:00.000-07:00

There is something so calming, solid and peaceful about a rock. I love the surprising amount of weight a small pebble holds...and to think they have been formed and shaped from hundreds of years of weathering...what stories they must hold.

The smallest objects are sometimes the most fascinating.

Sipping tea

2011-04-23T20:02:00.000-07:00

The skies are a bit grey outside... what perfect weather to sit down with a cup of tea and go through blogs.

This teacup will be part of a bigger artwork in collaboration with the Made of Awesome collective...so exciting!

Easter rocks

2011-04-21T23:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter little bunnies, may you all have a safe and happy 5 day break!

I've been drawing on rocks all morning collected from the coast of Ningaloo. I love the smooth matt finish on them, created completely by nature's weathering. What will you spend this extra long break doing?

The End is here

2011-04-21T01:34:00.000-07:00

It's ready! Available at my shop now!

Anna Williams

2011-04-21T00:51:00.000-07:00

May have died and gone to food stylist heaven. How blissful do these pictures look? Photography by Anna Williams, more (a lot more) to swoon over here.

Beads of colour

2011-04-13T21:27:00.000-07:00

There is something wonderful and happy about these pieces - the colour combinations, the simplicity, the smoothness... I'm not quite sure but I like it.

I also love the ink background they are photographed on!

Pieces are by Emily Green, available at her etsy store or at Mr Sparrow!

The End

2011-04-10T20:04:00.000-07:00

I've been so busy that I completely forgot to put up this new piece!

'The End' is taken from the last still of old black and white movies, sometimes seen as 'Fin'.

It isn't intended to show heartbreak - but rather a happy ending or resolution to a story.. which I'm sure we all have many of.

They have all sold out at the various markets over the last few weeks, but I'm making more!

Lasercut from 7mm Cherry, The End is delicate and one of a kind. The words measure 70mm x 30mm while the heart measures 25mm x 25mm, joined together by a 70cm antique brass chain.

$35 a piece.

Will be listing more soon - stay posted!

In the meantime check out these great The End stills collected from Metro Goldwyn Mayer movies.

eat make read

2011-04-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

how can one take such delicious pictures? the food and drinks look so fresh, homemade and delectable.

treat your eyes to eat make read, a foodie blog with a little happy hour tucked in :)

pictures shown: blood orange gimlet, blood orange and pea shoot salad, caramalized apple dutch baby pancakes, perfect pear.

Seletti

2011-04-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely in love with Seletti. Ever since I saw that beautiful polka drawer chest drawer (Trip 3 Drawer Poi) I was in love. Above are some spreads from their S/S11 catalogue, how different and wonderful is each spread?

One day I'd love to fill my home with all these things! (Will keep dreaming)

Rose & Pistachio Meringues

2011-04-06T20:40:00.000-07:00

yesterday i had the biggest craving for something rose flavoured, and what better is there to make than rose & pistachio meringues?

i merged 2 recipes found on glorious google, from today's nest and quaint living.

they turned out really easy to make - so i thought i'd share the recipe!

click on the recipe image to view it full size/print it out.

yummmm... enjoy :)

hello world

2011-04-03T19:52:00.000-07:00

today is the start of a new week, and the start of a new adventure!

i've left Magenta after working as a graphic designer there for 1.5 years, and have decided to concentrate more on littlemiso and the projects I always want to do but never really have the time to.

there is so much out there and I am SO EXCITED... hello world :)

2011-03-25T18:52:00.000-07:00

i love photos that capture a lifestyle rather than just being a product shot... can you imagine wearing these tights on a Sunday morning in a loft style home, holding a cup of coffee in your hands and scanning the newspaper over a late breakfast of poached eggs on toast?

get them here

unwrapped tomorrow!

2011-03-25T18:42:00.000-07:00

Off to the markets! Made of Awesome are having a stall tomorrow and unwrapped - the marketplace, on Angelo St in South Perth. There will be plenty of littlemiso goodies at our stall - make sure you come along and say hi!

market wrap up - upmarket

2011-03-25T18:32:00.000-07:00

made of awesome had a stall at upmarket last weekend which went really well! heaps of people came which kept us busy and the other 150+ stalls there.

more photos here

nevertheless jewellery from here

sweet ceramics

2011-03-10T05:29:00.000-08:00

How cute? Lace bowls by Hideminy.

Via here

2011-03-07T05:46:00.000-08:00

thought this brilliant invite for Kenzo (Paris Fashion Week show) was worth sharing!

via here

dana tanamachi

2011-03-05T23:07:00.000-08:00

The By & By from Dana Tanamachi on Vimeo.

Dana Tanamachi makes it seem to easy. Off to buy chalk now.
Via here

joan salo

2011-03-05T22:43:00.000-08:00

I am mesmerised by the work of Joan Salo. How fantastic would it be to have a giant piece hanging in the dining room... i think i would just sit there and stare at it all day.

10 lessons for young designers

2011-03-04T23:18:00.000-08:00

Weiden+Kennedy are one of the coolest ad agencies I can think of. I went to Semi-Permanent in Sydney a few years ago and heard 2 art directors from W+K Portland speak - their approach to coming up with ideas is so different from what is taught in a book!

Having said that, I found these lessons from John C Jay, Executive Creative Director of W+K (pictured above), very interesting. Although some seem like common sense, it's nice to have a reminder from time to time.

My favourite is: "Travel as much as you can. It is a humbling and inspiring experience to learn just how much you don’t know."

Read them here.

weird and wonderful

2011-03-01T04:29:00.000-08:00

how cool are these sculptures by Ronit Baranga - they remind me of something out of a Tim Burton film. Imagine eating your cereal to find a gaping mouth at the bottom!

Via here

a minute of type

2011-03-01T04:21:00.000-08:00

if you haven't seen this on the made of awesome blog.. i've reposted this because it's so nice to watch! for all you type nerds out there, this is really quite a treat.

created by n9ve, The Alphabet.