EEEK!! indie art & design fave Polli are having their biggest sale ever, with up to 70% off! It’s for one week only… starting… now! (1st – 7th Feb) With prices from just $12.25 AUD, and free shipping too, you need no excuse to treat yourself to their lovely charms. Soooo many designs discounted to tiny amounts…

Now… what to choose?! Woven Art Deco Earrings (reduced from AUD $109.95 to $32.99) and Pendant size M (reduced from AUD $179.95 to $53.98) in Granny Smith green?

Or maybe the Stainless Steel Flock Earrings (reduced from AUD $54.95 to $12.25) and Pendant (reduced from AUD $44.95 to $13.48)?

Or perhaps the Gold Pippi Earrings (reduced from AUD $64.95 to $14.61) and Pendant (reduced from AUD $54.95 to $12.25)… Have fun deciding on the Polli pieces you “need” & let us know which ones you choose!

We’re back!! We extended our Christmas break for a few weeks to catch up with our four month old, who recently decided to stop sleeping… (Apparently, he doesn’t want to miss out on anything!)

I hope everybody loved all the gorgeous Christmas gifts we posted out in November & December – you kept us busy with gift wrapping!

We were also on the receiving end of some great Australian design – including the sweet apple wire tea light lantern pictured at top from Mozi (AUD $14.95) and a gorgeous Wooden Leaf Brooch from Elk (above) which has been hand stitched with white cotton thread “veins” – so pretty! (Mine is in red, AUD $22.)

Elk was popular in my gift-giving circle this Christmas… I couldn’t resist this Graduated Resin Bracelet for my sister (AUD $35). It looks gorgeous around your wrist, and you can turn the beads to face all the one way, or vary them up and down. These colours go with any outfit too (of which she has MANY)! Love the Smokey Resin Ring in similar colours too… (AUD $22)

Don’t tell her, but I also have an Elk necklace for my Mum’s birthday which is in a couple of weeks. I spent a long time choosing between the variations, and in the end I settled on the short Wooden Fan Necklace in white (AUD $30). Hope she loves it as much as I do!

We also dished out some Australian beach designs from Sunny Life – a matching Wategos Beach Umbrella (AUD $79.95) and Wategos Soccer Ball (AUD $29.95) for my sister & her man. (To go with their Sunny Life Wategos Beach Chairs, AUD $59.95 each.) They’ve had quite a bit of use already with this hot summer weather!

Our Christmas Wishlist series of guest blog posts now takes us into an online world of gorgeous jewellery. Oye Modern stocks everything your bejewelled heart could desire, from clever, contemporary designs to fun & playful pieces, as well as the classic and elegant… Jeni shares with us her top 3!

Red crochet granny necklace by Vic Mason from Oye Modern

1  Red crochet granny necklace by Vic Mason
why?  This necklace is a result of the collaboration of two talented ladies, jewellery designer Vic Mason and her crafty friend Kirsty. This gorgeous little silver version of the traditional crocheted granny square is so much fun but evocative, too—reminding me of my own grandmother’s knitting.

“We just celebrated Oye Modern’s third
birthday and I cannot wait for the next three years! I carefully choose all the jewellery we stock and I get a real buzz from finding new designers with amazing products. When Oye Modern started, we stocked jewellery mostly by local designers, but now our jewellery comes from designers all over the world and is sold internationally.

Here are a few of our local favourites that’ll make a perfect gift this Christmas.

Creel earrings by in-sync design (AUD $80) from Oye Modern

2  Creel earrings by in-sync design
why?  These hair slides are so pretty! The hardest part is choosing which colour we each want. They are made with love in Tasmania.

Pink pearl jellyfish earrings by Nicola Bannerman (AUD $200) from Oye Modern

3  Pink pearl jellyfish earrings by Nicola Bannerman
why?  These pink pearl jellyfish earrings are a stunning design. The small misshapen pearls dazzle with their high lustre and shifting colours. Together with long silvery tentacles, they are just dreamy.

Three more sweet Christmas wishes from the lovely Jen from Blue Caravan – an Australian online design market which launched earlier this year. Many indie designers have their products listed on the site – and you can browse by production method! Ie. One-offs, Limited Runs, Handmade, Recycled/Upcycled, Organic, Eco/Sustainable, Locally Made or Sweat-free Certified, Ethical Trade or Fairtrade Certified.

Snowfawn Love Birds Clock (AUD $95) from Bluecaravan

1  Snowfawn; Love Birds Clock
why?  This gorgeous clock is unbearably pretty. Telling the time never looked so lovely…

“Bluecaravan is an online [ethical]
design market, hosting a rapidly growing army of ethical producers. We love handmade, sweat-free & fairtrade products made by independent designers, artists and artisans – and we work with the philosophy that ethically produced goods simply have a quality like no other.

With thousands of products already on Bluecaravan you can find anything from recycled silver jewellery & fair trade t-shirts to organic skincare & one-off handmade pieces – directly from the designer themselves.

All our sellers are hand-picked, not only to ensure they fit into our ethical culture, but to make sure their products also meet our design aesthetic. Every product on Bluecaravan is gorgeous and can stand up in its own right with or without out the ethics tags. The idea is to provide a place to people to buy the things they love, to know the story behind their purchase and to feel good about what they are buying.

We are all about repackaging ‘ethical’ as a beautiful, quirky, contemporary & design based concept. No guilt-tripping and no loose hemp fashions!

It was almost impossible to pick three favorites off the site – but here it is!”

Paper Tree Design; 10 Vintage Magnets; (AUD $10) from Bluecaravan

2  Paper Tree Design; 10 Vintage Magnets
why?  The font of our fridge is always a moving changing testament to what is happening at any moment in our family life. These divine little vintage magnets beg for us to make order of our chaos and do their beauty justice!

The Unfurling Sneak; ‘into the distance’ bubble brooch (AUD $28) from Bluecaravan

3  The Unfurling Sneak; ‘into the distance’ bubble brooch
why?  This brooch has been one of my favorites since the day it was listed. A quirky little way to remind yourself of the possibilities that lay ahead – you just have to look!

This is the final instalment of our Christmas Gift Guides for 2010 – this time, a selection of sweet ideas for babies & kids! All sorts of accessories, artworks, toys and jewellery along with some unique ideas such as rabbit wall decals or DIY illustrated bunting which will provide hours of fun & creativity! Every product featured here can be purchased online with ease… Happy shopping!

AU $55
Hop To It! – Brighten up your kids walls in minutes with these wall decals available in 19 colours to suit any room! From Elly Nelly

AU $35
This cute penguin is hand stitched with love from soft hand dyed felt, pretty organic fabric and will be an adorable gift for a baby.
From madeit

AU $15
Snow Globe – Giftware from Marie Larkin’s original artwork

AU $20
Coin Purse – Giftware from Marie Larkin’s original artwork

AU $20-35
DIY Illustrated Bunting – This is a do it yourself bunting kit with style. Cut out the artwork, colour it in, and then put it up on your wall. It is perfect for all ages and skill levels
From Ali J

AU $24
A sleepy little puppy to cuddle at night. 8.5 inches (22cm) tall from tip of ears to bottom, handmade by Edward and Lilly

AU $126
ZM925 ♥ KAREENA Charms
A collaboration bringing kareena’s curious and whimsical creatures to life. Limited edition sterling silver charm with coloured enamel stripes from Olive and Willow

AU $44
Resin, fabric and oak disk pendant with antique gold bird charm by Shonah

AU $30
Two Degrees High Plains Landscape Kids Stamp Set. Set of 7 stamps in a handmade bag. Illustrated by local Australian designers featuring local landscapes, creating ever-changing scenes. From
From Blue Caravan

AU $18
Red Rabbit Brooch – Red acrylic rabbit brooch aproximately 48mm x 27mm. Available in black, red and ivory acrylic and walnut timber veneer. From a skulk of foxes

AU $14
Owl & Pussycat Set of 4 Badges in Tin Gorgeous illustrations of the classic nursery rhyme by Bob Boutique.
From indie art & design store

AU $15
Alice Tote Bag – Pretty Alice and bunny are as sweet as can be and up for an adventure! Hand screen printed by Bob Boutique.
From indie art & design store

AU $60
Amy the Panda – cute felt softie handmade by Herbert & Friends.
From indie art & design store

AU $35
A sweet orange elephant handmade using felt and patterned cotton for his ears and tail by Two Little Banshees.
From indie art & design store

AU $29
“Love Nest” – Owls, love hearts and a pretty birdcage in a print from an original illustration by Schmooks.
From indie art & design store

AU $25
Super sweet “Under The Tree” print from an original artwork featuring a girl and her bunny rabbit by Nikki Catalano.
From indie art & design store

AU $15
A wonderful colouring book full of cheeky characters with big grins, by benconservato.
From indie art & design store

AU $24.20
This sweet, small standing purse features a small herd of deer with patterned coats for Christmas cheer!
From indie art & design store

AU $12.95
A black and white picture book designed especially for newborns by Katey Love.
From indie art & design store

AU $24.00
This little hare has been ‘captured’ within a decoratively-shaped frame for you to wear as a brooch.
From indie art & design store

Thank you to all the labels and boutiques who accepted our invitation to support the indie art & design Kids Christmas Gift Guide 2010.

The second half of gifts featured here are available to purchase right here, from the indie art & design online store!

The next instalment of our Christmas Wishlist series of guest blog posts comes from Claire and Isabelle of Ruck Rover – one of our favourite boutiques/design stores. They stock an impressive range of edgy indie labels from Australia and abroad. For us, they’ve chosen three products from local labels they love…

Sniffle Co H.B.F.F. Pin from Ruck Rover (AUD $31) from Ruck Rover

“We are sisters (and best friends)
Claire and Isabelle. We own a little store in Mt Lawley selling menswear, womenswear, accessories, stationary, Polaroid cameras and film, baby clothes and some homewares too. We just try to fill our store with all kinds of things that we love, that are made by other small businesses, and that aren’t overly available in other shops.

1  Sniffle Co H.B.F.F. Pin
why?  Who doesn’t need a happy pencil brooch to adorn an outfit!? These are designed by John Patterson of The Grates. He’s one talented guy!

Notions Chrysanthemum Hair Slides (AUD $16) from Ruck Rover

2  Notions Chrysanthemum Hair Slides
why?  These hair slides are so pretty! The hardest part is choosing which colour we each want. They are made with love in Tasmania.

Frankie 2011 Calendar from Ruck Rover (AUD $29.95) from Ruck Rover

3  Frankie 2011 Calendar
why?  Last year we both missed out on grabbing a Frankie calendar for ourselves because they sold so fast! This year we have ordered extra so we get to enjoy these beautiful artworks all year. The beautiful works are on good quality paper, and you can cut them out and hang them as prints after the year is over!

We hope you loved our Women’s Christmas Gift Guide last week, and now we bring you the Men’s Edition! There are some clever ideas for “something different” included below, as well as unique and beautifully crafted reinterpretations of some classics… Every product featured here can be purchased online with ease… Happy shopping this holiday season!!

AU $85
Ding ding, tickets please! Take a nostalgic tram ride without leaving your couch with this W Class Cushion, from madeit

AU $50
Get A Grip – These wall decals are easily applied to any smooth surface and are available in 19 colours, by Elly Nelly

AU $76
Striking damask patterned cufflinks made entirely in sterling silver with a dense damask-style pattern which has been blackened, and finished with swivelling sterling silver cufflink findings,
by Simone Walsh

AU $169
Referencing the classic French cheese board, these are hand-crafted in Annandale, Sydney from select kauri pine, and are the ultimate – a balance of design, weight, function and patina…
by BICKERTONSMITH

AU $60/set
Sunday Morning Designs Treehouse & Rabbit Pillowcase Set. Soft, jersey pillowcases featuring new whimsical artwork from Dylan Martorell.
From Ruck Rover

AU $60
Navy and Red iPad Sleeve by Ambette. Beautiful and practical, made from coloured canvas with layers of heavy woven interfacing and fusible wadding for added protection and durability. Fully lined with a lightweight contrasting cotton. From Georgie Love

AU $100/pair
“Classic” sterling siver cufflinks, perfect for men who appreciate fun, stylish design, by Cuff Off

AU $100/pair
“Fish” sterling silver cufflinks, for the modern satorialist who doesn’t take himself too seriously, by Cuff Off

AU $220
3D Fox Pendant – Sterling silver Fox head W23mm x H30mm x D30mm (approx.) 80cm Sterling silver ball chain. Matte brushed finish. Presented in wooden black box.
From a skulk of foxes

AU $18
Red Rabbit Brooch – Red acrylic rabbit brooch aproximately 48mm x 27mm. Available in black, red and ivory acrylic and walnut timber veneer. From a skulk of foxes

AU $79.95
Universal Knife Block by Ute, made from carbonized bamboo.
From indie art & design store

AU $69.95
Bowlboard by Ute featuring four food prep bowls inlaid flush to the surface of the carbonized bamboo board.
From indie art & design store

AU $12
Field Notes A5 Notebook by Sunday Morning Designs featuring artwork by Dylan Martorell.
From indie art & design store

AU $60
Horse Chess Mens T-Shirt by Pocket Designs. Available in Sand or Purple.
From indie art & design store

AU $25
Mini Monster #43 ACEO original artwork by benconservato.
From indie art & design store

AU $20
Last Book Print by benconservato.
From indie art & design store

AU $39
Elk artwork blockmounted onto wood by me and amber.
From indie art & design store

AU $39
Scooter artwork blockmounted onto wood by me and amber.
From indie art & design store

Thank you to all the labels and boutiques who accepted our invitation to support the indie art & design Men’s Christmas Gift Guide 2010.

The second half of gifts featured here are available to purchase right here, from the indie art & design online store – if you see something which has sold out, drop us a line & we can most likely order in more. We’re adding new products to the store every day, and stay posted for our final Christmas Gift Guide – next week’s Gift Guide for Kids!!

It’s festive season once again and this year we have a stunning collection of gift ideas for you, from all corners of the country! For 2010, we’ve separated our annual Christmas Gift Guide into three parts – gifts for women, men and kids. So, first up is our selection of gifts for the gals… so much indie goodness, you’re sure to find the perfect present for someone special (or a gift-to-self!)… Every product featured here can be purchased online with ease, and there’s something here for everyone… Happy shopping this holiday season!

AU $75
Flying Owl by Kareena Zerefos Signed & numbered, limited edition of 500, printed using vegetable based inks on 100% recycled card, unframed 330 x 330mm from Olive and Willow

AU $126
ZM925 ♥ KAREENA Charms
A collaboration bringing kareena’s curious and whimsical creatures to life. Limited edition sterling silver charm with coloured enamel stripes from Olive and Willow

AU $13.50 Hand Knitted Adjustable Mug / Takeaway Cup Cozy, by sheeps clothing

AU $150
For girls cuckoo clock pink by Snowfawn from Georgie Love

AU $39.95
Ring pendant made in Australia from recycled stainless steel, also available in brass by polli

US $30
Little Leaves Hand Embroidered Pendant, by edward and lilly

AU $109
Butterfly Wing Pendant – delicate & contemporary with gold and gemtsone highlights, intricately cut by hand in sterling silver, accompanied by a 14ct gold hammer-beaten ring and suspended from a sterling silver chain, by Simone Walsh

AU $165
Inspired by Cirque Nouveau, this sculptural piece is handmade to reflect the act of juggling. Act Un ring or pendant, sterling silver & red silk cord, by bilingual

AU $18 Lace Study 2 – All hand drawn, painted and patterned then digitally printed on tree friendly paper by Elly Nelly

AU $69 Beautiful and functional. Laser cut from wood, the intricate design of this jewellery tree will accommodate many necklaces and earrings. By Bird of Play, from madeit

AU $50
William Morris inspired Filigree Wood and Fabric Brooch by Shonah

AU $44
Resin, fabric and oak disk pendant with antique gold bird charm by Shonah

AU $44 Storytellers Archival Print of an original artwork by Ali J, a portrait of a woman with the keeper of secrets – an owl. Each print comes with matte board for easy display within a frame from Ali J

AU $44 Catching A Moment Archival Print of an original artwork by Ali J, a portrait of a woman with the most amazing hair. Each print comes with a matte board for easy display within a frame from Ali J

AU $60
PaperCuts Coin Studs
‘Splice’ – Green.
Materials: Anodised Titanium (completely hypoallergenic) 20x20mm by Sarah Rothe

AU $200
Time Will Tell Lino Cuckoo Clock – one-of-a-kind collectible crafted from decorative vintage lino, recycled buttons, pre-loved doilies and a battery operated clock mechanism by Betty Jo

from AU $120
Original Artworks – paintings, drawings, collages and sculptures by Marie Larkin

AU $21 ea
Compacts – Giftware from Marie Larkin’s original artwork

AU $45 Stitch On Bird Organiser in Red by b.sirius, featuring space for your pen, notebook and cards. Sweet spotted lining and tie closure with printed button, from indie art & design store

AU $70 Birdcage Reverse Clutch Bag by b.sirius, featuring birdies perched atop red birdcages, cute button fastening and a clip out inner make-up pouch, from indie art & design store

AU $95 Great Short Stories of the World screen printed cushion by me and amber. 100% linen cover with quality 80% feather, 20% fibre insert, from indie art & design store

AU $29 Tea for Two screen printed tea towel by me and amber. 100% Russian linen, measuring 50 x 70cm, from indie art & design store

AU $32 Stripey Baby Owl Craft Kit by Craft Schmaft. DIY sock owl – everything is included… for beginners or experienced crafters! From indie art & design store.

AU $34
Mushi Keyring Large – Black, Purple & Blue made from upholstery leather off cuts by Mainichi, from indie art & design store.

AU $25 Girl 1 Print from original artwork by Belafonte, from indie art & design store

AU $170 Ambrosia Earrings by Finchbird – handmade, incredibly beautiful! From indie art & design store

AU $110
Antelopes Messenger Bag in Stone, handmade by Mingus using hemp & cotton canvas and linen, featuring hand printed design from indie art & design store

AU $39
A Fawn Brooch from Bonnie Poplar’s Hunting Series. Save it from the hunt! From indie art & design store

AU $60 Elephant & Landscape Pillow Case Set by Sunday Morning Designs, featuring hand printed gorgeous, intricate illustrations by Dylan Martorell, from indie art & design store

AU $78 Black Sheep Pendant handmade by Little White Dish in fine white Limoges porcelain, from indie art & design store

AU $20
Biosphere Print from original artwork by benconservato. Featuring a monster of sorts… which is actually a wind-powered biosphere, from indie art & design store

AU $28 Girl and Her Doll black and white Cameo brooch handmade in Melbourne with vintage design by Button Tree, from indie art & design store

AU $78
Robot Girl handmade porcelain pendant by Iggy and Lou Lou from indie art & design store

AU $30
Cute Felt Owl Cushion hand screen printed in blue by Bob Boutique from indie art & design store

AU $110 Vintage Bike Print Skirt in Wine (sizes S, M, L) made in Melbourne by Berserk from indie art & design store

AU $25 Sitting Pretty print from original artwork by Nikki Catalano from indie art & design store

Thank you to all the gorgeous labels and boutiques who accepted our invitation to support the indie art & design Christmas Gift Guide 2010.

The second half of gifts featured here are available to purchase right here, from the indie art & design online store – if you see something which has sold out, drop us a line & we can most likely order in more. We’re adding new products to the store every day, and stay posted for the Mens and Kids Christmas Gift guides – coming very soon!