It's out!! We've been eagerly awaiting this years' edition of the Bob Boutique catalogue, and it arrived in my post office box just a couple of days ago... It is bursting with delight, but before I get too carried away though, I should make some introductions. For those of you who haven't heard, Bob Boutique is an independent boutique and gallery in the heart of Bendigo (near Melbourne). Owner & fellow artist/designer Sonia Brit first opened the doors to Bob Boutique in 2004. Located in the Hotel Shamrock building, the atmosphere is a mix of old world charm with the cute and kooky, quaint and quirky...

The adjoining gallery space showcases work by new labels and unique artists. Recent exhibitions have included animation cell prints by Melbourne artist Wendy Tyrer, ink & watercolour works by Bendigo artist Logan French, storybook inspired prints by London's Mandy Sutcliffe (AKA Belle and Boo)and hand printed works by Griffith artist Kristy Brown.

Currently showing are original works, badges, stationery and fashion from Sydney designer Akina's recent trip to Japan. The Akina exhibition closes on December 20, so if you're in Bendigo, be quick!

Next up at the Bob Boutique gallery will be yours truly! (I'm currently working on a selection of original paintings to accompany our series of Non-Fiction Family Portrait prints. I'll tell you more closer to the date!)

Bob Boutique has a large mailorder following, so each year Sonia puts together a tempting catalogue for the out-of-towners... Titled "Amazing adventures in the land of bob", the catalogue is packed full of products you'll LOVE. Around 80% of labels are Australian, including many favourites such as A Skulk of Foxes, Princess Tina, Stickmeon, Young Eve, Love, Drink Me Alice, Jewelree, Zeph and Millie, Mikiya, Button Tree, Mingus, Fable 15, Two Little Ducks, Akina, Dirt Child, Pocket Art, Alma B, Moe Moe, Twitch Toys & more...

I have a few spare copies of the Bob Boutique catalogue to post to the first three people who leave a comment on this post & I'll pop a couple of our Non-Fiction greeting cards in too :)

Visit the Bob Boutique web site & register as a member to be sent a copy of the catalogue, and be kept up to date with happenings in the land of bob!

Bob Boutique is located at:
17 Williamson Street, Bendigo, VIC, 3550.
Ph. 03 5444 3522
www.bob.net.au

Hey there Indie readers, Laura here!

Just thought I would check in with you all in the lead up to Christmas - in the midst of working hard I have suddenly realised that it's that time of year again!

Christmas is fast approaching - there is shopping to be done! Indie has some fantastic ideas for Chrissie gifts for those creative people in your life. Object has some FANTASTIC ideas too!!

In my last post I introduced you to our retail store Collect. If you have not visited us before, then now's the time.

We have so many ideas for Christmas gifts - it's a one stop shop!

Collect at Object, 2008

Let's start with some stocking filler ideas shall we? Bison offers ceramic vases, bowls and pourers in beautiful colours and sizes. (At the moment I own 3 pieces, but hoping to have more after the 25th!) Also, we have a range of Tjanpi baskets - funky woven pieces by Tjanpi desert weavers, Indigenous woman with an eye for detail. (Don't tell my Mum, but she's getting one of these!) We also have gorgeous items by Honor Freeman - her Warp and Weft series of ceramics are so popular, and there are more or her items coming in for Christmas!

left: Husque Bowls, Marc Harrison, Macadamia nut shell; right: Kenji Uranishi, beakers, porcelain with inlay

In jewellery, we have so many pieces to choose from. We have Dick + Dora jewellery, which includes the cute ABC brooches made from Tasmanian wood. We also have the iconic 'Bowling Arm' bracelet - these are bracelets made from actual cricket balls, and are rolling out the door fast!

For those special people, we also stock exquisite jewellery from Australia's leading jewellers. There are rings, necklaces, brooches and earrings that would tantalise any tastebuds - I am definitely hoping to add to my ever growing jewellery collection!

Brooke Johnston, Doily series, sterling silver, 2008

Alice Potter, Bye Bye Birdie series, sterling silver and laminate, 2008

As you know, in our gallery right now we are showing the Liz Williamson Living Treasures exhibition. For those people who would love to own their own Liz Williamson original, we have a selected range of Liz's "Woven in Asia" series, which are just sumptuous.

You don't have to go far for stationery either - we have a range of Christmas cards and tags by Poppies for Grace that you will fall in love with.

Collect is happy to gift wrap your purchases, with our original and funky gift wrap and ribbon. Waking up to a Collect package under the tree would be all your wishes come true (or mine at least!)

Have a delicious, decadent and delightful Christmas - I will see you again in the New Year!!

Your Objector, Laura

Come and Visit! 2008

(don't forget where we are! 417 Bourke Sreet, Surry Hills, 2010)

Live in Melbourne? Want to get your hands dirty? (Well maybe not dirty, but there could be all colours of paint, glue and unusual mediums involved!) This is your opportunity to jump in & do some public crafting - and meet a whole lot of like-minded new friends in the process.

The CRAFT IN is being held tomorrow (Monday 8.12.2008) in the Bourke St Mall, Melbourne CBD. The organisers are Melbourne's Craft Cartel - a group which celebrates all that is irreverent, kitchy, delightfully offensive & made lovingly by hand. The Craft Cartel is about providing community support for makers of objects that don't normally have a space within the retail sphere. They also see the importance of strong communities and like to open the craft cartel experience to people of all walks of life.

The Craft Cartel will be supplying craft materials at the Craft In and encouraging passers-by to make a crafty gift or card themselves. The Craft Cartel will also be handing out an alternative gift buying guide, with plenty of ideas for christmas gifts that don't cost the planet or our communities. The Craft In demonstration coincides with the Government's hand out of cash bonuses this Christmas, and the Craft Cartel aim to raise awareness about the importance of buying handmade - one of the most effective ways to truly support the economy. Buy handmade and buy local this festive season!

Check out the Craft In web site for the facts about buying handmade, such as: For every $100 spent at a locally owned business $45 goes back into the community and our tax base. For every $100 spent at a chain store only $14 comes back.

So join the Craft In on the street to spread the message of buying handmade. Participants are encouraged to bring examples of their work and promotional material to spread to people on the streets. Come talk to passers-by about the pressures faced trying to earn a living making and selling handmade goods. You'll have a fantastic time doing so, as well as show off your crafty talents!

This Christmas, we have a real treat for you! A Gift Guide full of gifts we absolutely love. We don't even need to encourage you to shop indie - these products speak for themselves. Each and every one can be ordered online, and there are ideas to suit everybody. Happy shopping this holiday season!

AU $54 Indigo Bunting Bird Pendant (handmade from fabric, resin & wood) from Shonah Jewellery Design

AU $39 Oval - Resin, fabric and wood earrings from Shonah Jewellery Design

AU $19.95
Lingerie bag - Il Gatto from MOZI

AU $17.95
Mug - Red Wren from MOZI

AU $50 Birdee earrings (Red) by Dear D. Hand-polished Acrylic, Sterling Silver from Moose: Art for Living

US $15 Armadillo at Sea - Hemp and Organic Cotton Purse from mingus designs

US $32 Dora Drop Bear from two little banshees

AU $29.95 Happy Hippo Applique Kids Tee from Tees 2 Knees

AU $55 Tiny fork and spoon earrings by Victoria Mason from Oye Modern

AU $120 Patterned pendant by Smug Designs from Oye Modern

AU $45 Handknitted Cuff by Bat-Ami Design from Lost My Way

AU $92.40 Peony pendant necklace [gold] by Zoemou from modamuse

AU $35 Le Matin Sleep Short 100% cotton floral stripe by Deshabille from Glamourpuss

AU $25 Recycled Jumper Purse from Gaye Abandon

AU $85ea Owl clock, Blackboard DIY clock and Cuckoo clock. Made with sustainably grown Australian plywood from BLINK designs.

AU $35ea Wall Plaques - Various designs. Made with sustainably grown Australian plywood from BLINK designs.

AU $121 te. pipi - Handmade Leather Wallet from temono

AU $64.95 Wind Turbine mens t-shirt from Non-Fiction

AU $80 'A small pause in time' hand painted ceramic pendant 40x55mm from Linogirl

US $20 lovexevol calendar 2009 from lovexevol

US $112 Knee Length Linen Dress in Wheat from PAMELATANG

AU $35 White/Black Skull Girl Brooch from Made by White

AU $39.95 Six Knitted Doughnuts by Lark from indie art & design

AU $35.00 Pineapple Upside Down Wristlet by Meringue from indie art & design

Thank you to all the gorgeous labels who accepted our invitation to support the indie art & design Christmas Gift Guide 2008.

Phillip Srhoj, Hans, 2008, Sterling Silver

pin UP is the graduate exhibition by students of Jewellery and Object Design at the Design Centre Enmore (renouned for attracting talented students from across Australia & abroad).

On display is an amazing selection of jewellery and flatware, sculptural objects, lighting and hollowware. I really love the silver piece pictured above, "Hans" by Phillip Srhoj - I imagine it would look incredible as light & shadows move across the silver spines. I'm am looking forward to seeing a diverse range of works at the pin UP exhibition at Depot Gallery this weekend.

Oliver Fity, Pumpkin..., 2008, Australian Jarrah

pin UP opened on Tuesday 25th November & continues until this Saturday 6th December at:

Depot Gallery I+II
2 Danks Street, Waterloo, NSW, 2017.
Opening hours are 11am - 6pm

Meet the Makers: Saturday 6 December 2008 3-5pm
Exhibiting students discuss + answer questions about their works.

I might see you there this Saturday...

A big CONGRATULATIONS to Denya, the winner of our Georgie Love $50 gift voucher giveaway! Thank you so much to all the indies who entered & wrote some very sweet and entertaining comments. We love all your suggestions. Julie Knoblock's Birdy Bags were super-popular, which explains why there's none left in stock at the moment. We'll have to keep an eye out for new stock on www.georgielove.com! To celebrate Denya's win, we've pictured some of her favourite things - by Made by White, Betty Jo, Allira Tee.

A special mention must go to Ruby who wove the very lovely Julie Ramsden knitted softie creations into the song we all remember from "The Sound of Music". Two of her cuties are, of course, pictured above. You can read all the comments including Ruby's right here.

Shinzo Necklace Felt and Leather by Mainichi (Sold)

I've admired Dearne Herrenberg's jewellery designs for a long time - she has a real flair for mixing colours & textures to create truly individual pieces. Dearne has recently launched her Etsy store at www.mainichi.etsy.com and I thought it was time to delve a little deeper...

I 1. I know you began your career as an interior designer. What initially drew you to interior design?

M Design was a means to providing me with a much needed creative outlet that would also give me a "qualification" at the end of years of study. It was just a matter of choosing what design path to take that would eventually also allow me to work for myself in a home based business.

Digit Recycled Leather Necklace by Mainichi (US $39.00)

I 2. When did you start creating your jewellery pieces? Was it a hobby for long before you launched Mainichi Design?

M I used to make jewellery as a teenager from all sorts of scraps that my Dad had lying around in his workshop – coloured electrical cable was a favourite, as well as the eighties staples like paperclips and zippers. I also used to make earrings by cutting up the plastic from Coca Cola bottles when they had the black bases! Mainichi was launched in 2004 after I purchased some interesting materials to use in my creative pursuits during a holiday in Japan.

Konomi Necklace by Mainichi (Sold)

I 3. What elements of your interior design experience to you see coming to the fore in your jewellery designs? One aspect of your work that I personally LOVE is the use of colour – I imagine you've always had a way with colour?...

M The colours used in my jewellery pieces are often inspired by my interiors work and work of other interior designers and architects. I've always been intuitive with colour and loved to play around with it in my creative work.

Mushi Brooches by Mainichi (US $24.00 each)

I 4. What are some of your inspirations?

M Architecture, Fashion, Nature, Travel, Pop Culture and life in general.

Shinzo Felt Necklace Extra Long by Mainichi (US $64.00)

I 5. What motivated you to start transforming everyday materials into wearable art?

MI was interested in exploring the idea of turning something discarded or not considered particularly "precious" into something appealing and special like a piece of jewellery to adorn the body.

Recycled Leather Earrings by Mainichi (US $18.00)

I 6. How do you find & choose your materials?

M I am always on the look out for new and interesting materials. In Brisbane I like to visit Reverse Garbage and fossick around. Op shops and markets are also a good source of materials. Or just art and craft outlets…anything that looks appealing I will grab even though I may not have an immediate use for it. and I am a hoarder.

Kawa leather and bead cluster necklace by Mainichi (US $39.00)

I 7. Your designs have such a tactile quality – how do you go about layering the different textures?

M Like the use of colour for me design is an intuitive thing and the layering is usually an organic process that begins with one idea and develops from there.

Kawa leather and bead cluster necklace by Mainichi (US $39.00)

I 8. Who do you imagine you’re designing pieces for?

M I don't have an "end user" in mind. I would like to think the kind of people who are attracted to my work are not able to be "labeled" or "categorized" into a particular type.

Mushi Leather Keyrings by Mainichi (US $7.50)

I 9. You also organise what sounds like a wonderful meeting place for like-minded women – The Creative Womens' Circle. How did this come about?

M The Creative Women's Circle has unfortunately just come to a close. It has been 4 years of gathering together like minded women involved in creative industries and small business and I think it has finally run its course. It has been a fun thing to do and it’s been great to meet lots of talented and creative women.

Shinzo Felt Necklace Small by Mainichi (US $34.00)

I 10. With a young family in tow, you must be busy. How do you manage your time & what do you have planned for the future?

M I'm not the best at time management and now I have even less of it with a toddler to take care of! I make a lot of lists and try to cross things off them!

In the near future I'm planning to focus more time on my jewellery making and building my Etsy online shop.

Further down the track I would like to spend some time exploring more sculptural pieces of jewellery and work towards an exhibition at some stage, but that will be some time away yet.

I Thanks so much, Dearne, for giving us an insight into your label & process. All the best for your fast growing Etsy store, and I'll be looking forward to seeing some of your future sculptural jewellery! More of Dearne's work can be found on her web site www.mainichidesign.com and her blog www.mainichidesign.blogspot.com.

Welcome to the Object page on the fantastic Indie website!

I am Laura, a devoted Indie fan and staff member at Object: Australian Centre for Craft and Design. Many of you will have heard of Object, but some may not... So, to give you a quick background about us, Object is an organisation situated in the design and arts hub of Sydney, Surry Hills. We are a gallery, a magazine and a retail store, Collect.

Our approach to design is unique – we believe that creative innovation occurs most successfully through exploring the unexplored and pursuing the hybrid.

What does this really mean...? Well, we show exhibitions in our gallery space which challenge you to think and to imagine – we love to inspire our audience! Our magazine explores new ideas and brings you insight into the design world of today.

Object Gallery at night, Joy Lai, 2007

Over the next while, my aim is to get you acquainted with Object, who we are and what we do... I will update you on our current happenings - events and exhibitions, and let you know what beautiful items we have in our store.

Object and Collect are a must visit – we are at 415 Bourke Street, Surry Hills. Admission is FREE and we are open Tuesday – Sunday 11.00 – 6.00pm. Being a not-for-profit organisation we aim to give back to the Australian artists that are represented in our store– over the past 3 years we have given over $1 million back to Australian artists through retail sales.

Every time I go into Collect I find a new thing I HAVE to have, a beautiful new necklace or pair of earrings, a new vase for my home, or a scarf that is just yummy!

At the moment, I am loving the silver pieces by Anna Davern – I am wearing one of her rings right now! I adore Brooke Johnston's creations and Mel Young's funky acrylic rings. I have a great Fink brooch on hold at the moment, which I can't wait to wear!

Our pieces are affordable and one of a kind. There are so many Christmas ideas, too many to name.... We stock Edols Elliot's glass creations and cool new pieces from South Australia's Jam Factory. We also have Marc Pascal vases, Husque macadamia nut bowls and Insync Design brooches – powder coated stainless steel pieces that would be a statement addition to any fabulous outfit!

In our exhibition space right now we are showing a beautiful textile exhibition by Liz Williamson, the fourth in our series of Living Treasures exhibitions. We also have a breathtaking collection of nests, collected by Gay Bilson. It is almost unbelievable that such gorgeous pieces were created by birds – you must come and see them!

Liz Williamson, new work, 2008

Liz Williamson exhibition at Object Gallery, Joy Lai, 2008

Nest, Gay Bilson exhibition, Joy Lai 2008

Our website is object.com.au – please visit online and in person. I welcome comments through this blog – please let me know what you think, and if you have been inspired!

Your Objector, Laura

Object web site screenshot

We're very excited to welcome Laura from Object to the indie art & design team! She'll be keeping you up-to-date with all that's happening at Object - exhibitions, events and of course, the incredible range of Australian contemporary craft & design for sale at Collect!

We're really thrilled to have Laura on board, and she brings with her a wealth of experience - having worked with some of Australia's finest craftspeople and designers. We have a brand new page dedicated to posts about Object, so if you follow the indie art & design feed, make sure to subscribe to the new Object page feed too! A selection of Laura's posts will appear on our home page, but she'll be regularly posting about all sorts of intriguing pieces & people - posts you won't want to miss... You'll also be able to keep up with the headlines that appear under the Object logo (top right).

So I'll pass over to Laura now, to fill you in about Object. A warm welcome from us all! (Cheers resound through the indie art & design studio...)

Ravishing Vintage Neckpiece by Anna Vedelago, exhibitor at Perth Upmarket

Christmas is fast approaching and over the next few weeks, there are a multitude of handmade markets to provide pressie potential, including:

• Sat 22.11.2008 Canberra: Handmade Market
• Sat 22.11.2008 Melbourne: Market3031
• Thu 4.12.2008 Perth: Unwrapped: Subiaco
• Fri-Sat 5-6.12.2008 Sydney: The Finders Keepers
• Sun 14.12.2008 Perth: Perth Upmarket

I've included a little information on each of these events below, starting with the soonest - the first two are being held TOMORROW!

THIS WEEKEND sees the launch of Canberra's Handmade Market. If the web site design pictured above looks a familiar, that's because the founder of the Handmade Market, Julie Nichols worked with Justine Barsley during the launch of Perth's Upmarket earlier this year. She was inspired to bring a similar event to Canberra, and introduce locals to the amazing wealth of talent within their own city - so the Handmade Market is 'Canberra's Upmarket'... The Handmade Market will be held this Saturday from 10am - 6pm at Canberra's Albert Hall. There has been a great response from local designers - you can see profiles on the stallholders here, and already, a second event has been planned for February 2009! All the best for the launch Julie - and to our indies from Canberra - make sure to get along & show your support!

Left, jewellery by Sinead Buckney, and right, ceramic piece by Joanne Searle & Lia Tajcnar. (Exhibitors at Canberra's Handmade Market.)

ALSO THIS WEEKEND... the Melbourne suburbs of Flemington and Kensington will host Market3031. 3031 is, of course, the suburbs' postcode, but the event is sure to draw in handmade fans from much further afield... The first Market3031 was held in November 2007 as an artists' market designed to profile and showcase local people's work. There are lots of lovely pictures on their Flickr site - do have a look!

Handmade by Lauren Williams - exhibitor at Market3031.

Unwrapped: the marketplace was the first of the designer markets to appear on the Perth indie scene. Conceived in 2006 and launched in March 2007, the third Unwrapped event is about to take place. Unwrapped: Subiaco will be held as part of the Subiaco Street Festival on Thursday, 4th December. Rather than being a regular market with the same stall holders each time, Unwrapped: the marketplace aims to provide emerging designers with a platform to gain brand awareness and secure retail stockists... The designer lineup changes with each event so there is always something new to look out for!

Flyer for The Finders Keepers designer markets at the CarriageWorks in Sydney in December. Recognise the dreamy artwork?! Of course, it's by indie fave, Kareena Zerefos!

Fans of Sydney's Hope Street Markets will be delighted to discover The Finders Keepers - a new identity for the vibrant event. The new name is based on the simple joy of discovery, and reflects the move to working in association with the CarriageWorks. Under this banner, the team also plan to expand the markets into other areas of Australia. The first Finders Keepers markets will be held over two days, from Friday 5th to Saturday 6th December. (I'm personally rather pleased The Finders Keepers is now within easy walking distance of my house!)

December also sees the return of Perth Upmarket. Building upon the success of September's debut, founder Justine Barsley has expanded the event to include over 65 stalls. The market is located at the historical Perth Town Hall which is apparently Australia's only medieval style town hall (built during the Victorian Gothic revival movement in the nineteenth century). For those of you who are curious, you can check out the pics here. Perth indies are in for a treat, with Perth Upmarket now a quarterly event - this as well as the Made on the Left markets (which were held last weekend) and Unwrapped (described above).

Silver Princess Pods by Eucalypt Homewares, exhibitor at Perth Upmarket

So, if you live in Canberra, Melbourne, Perth or Sydney, mark these dates in your calendars! If you live in other areas and know of a handmade market coming up before Christmas - please leave a comment & let us all know. Happy handmade shopping everyone!