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wonderkind snapshot

Softies by Nikko De Jesus pictured at the Wonderkind Bazaar at RMIT 8.10.2008.

The Wonderkind Bazaar took place last Wednesday, and from the numerous photos, it seems there was plenty of wonder! Here's a snapshot of the event...

Above: Weird and wonderful softies by Nikko De Jesus, who shared a stall with fellow softie-maker & indie interviewee Julia Rose Pattenden. Both are Communication Design students from Swinburne.

Photographic Coasters by Reece A Duncan and apparel by Karn Kulla-Ark pictured at the Wonderkind Bazaar at RMIT 8.10.2008.

Above: Photographic Coasters by Reece A Duncan (who we interviewed in our previous post) and apparel by RMIT fashion design student Karn Kulla-Ark, who was selling his sample collection of jeans, shorts and tees.

Fabric bags by Michele Taylor pictured at the Wonderkind Bazaar at RMIT 8.10.2008.

Fabric bags (above) and purses (below) by Michele Taylor who buys fabric in Japan to make into her lovely creations. They are part of her label Harper & Edie. You can see her photos of Japan as well as a selection of her products on her Flickr page.

Crystal Bead Dogs by Jo-Ann Lai and fabric purses by Michele Taylor pictured at the Wonderkind Bazaar at RMIT 8.10.2008.

Above: Crystal Bead Dogs by Bio Tech student Jo-Ann Lai, who makes these super cute handphone/bag accessories out of crystal accessories as her hobby.

The Little Slobbers pictured at the Wonderkind Bazaar at RMIT 8.10.2008.

Above: Merchandise for an animated series by The Little Slobbers (Pei Jien, Sabrina Tee, Given Seranos and Jacky Yu) Visit their blog to find out more or join their Facebook group...

T-Shirt design by Karn Kulla-Ark and yellow cases by Quentin Irvine pictured at the Wonderkind Bazaar at RMIT 8.10.2008.

Above: T-Shirt design by Karn Kulla-Ark and yellow cases by Quentin Irvine. Quentin was unable to man a stall at the Wonderkind Bazaar, but his housemate (and one of the organisers of the Bazaar) Reese Geronimo took charge.

Wonderkind Bazaar team pictured at the Wonderkind Bazaar at RMIT 8.10.2008.

Above: The Wonderkind Bazaar team sporting their cute parachute-printed tees. Look out for Media student Simon Ramirez, Advertising student Reese Geronimo, Journalism student Andrew Chung Wei Wen, Advertising student Mia Hood and PR student Emily Lehmann. Congrats to you all!

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Wednesday, October 15, 2008.

victorian inspiration

Victorian inspired silver cufflinks by Simone Walsh

Text Cufflinks featuring section of text taken from a page of the book Vanity Fair, US $62 from www.simonewalsh.com

Simone Walsh is not only a designer of beautiful & very personal jewellery, but she is also a highly skilled craftsperson. For over 15 years, she has been making each piece by hand using a variety of techniques including detailed sawpiercing, etching, repousse, casting and more... She applies her talents to wearable jewellery (as featured here) as well as a diverse array of exhibition pieces when she has the opportunity. This work is more conceptual in nature and has taken many intriguing forms which you can read more about at www.simonewalsh.com. (I was drawn to the series titled "the things my grandmother never told me".)

Victorian inspired silver pendant by Simone Walsh

Victorian Cut Out Pendant, US $68 from www.simonewalsh.com

We first mentioned the work of Simone Walsh when we featured her handmade sterling silver loop chain with each loop carefully hammered into shape. When I heard a couple of weeks ago that she was about to release a completely new range, I couldn't wait to see the new designs...

Victorian inspired silver jewellery by Simone Walsh

Victorian inspired jewellery by Simone Walsh

Simone's new range has been inspired by her "fascination with Victorian-era aesthetics - the mish-mash of cultural and historical influences, a hint of modernity and a strong connection between words (or ideas) and visual design and art".

"There is also the mixture of culture with nature which seems to be so much a part of aesthetics from this period - something I also find endlessly fascinating."

Victorian inspired silver cameo earrings by Simone Walsh

Cameo Earrings, US $48 from www.simonewalsh.com

I really love the blackened background effect in the Cameo Earrings (pictured above, US $48). There are so many layers of texture among these silver jewellery pieces - the etched patterns, the combination of handcut shapes, and the varied colours all obtained from the same material. A matching Cameo Pendant is also available (US $62).

Victorian inspired silver picture frame pendant by Simone Walsh

Picture Frame Pendant - Rectangle, US $72 from www.simonewalsh.com

Simone sells her jewellery through a number of sites including her own, www.simonewalsh.com and you can also find out more through her blog make me! By the way, don't you think her product photography is incredible? It's no mean feat to capture photographs that represent your products so well - especially when you have shiny, reflective surfaces to deal with! I especially love the setting and lighting for the Text Cufflinks at the top of this post!

Victorian inspired Damask silver pendant by Simone Walsh

Victorian Etched Pendant - Damask, US $68 from www.simonewalsh.com

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Sunday, October 12, 2008.

version 1 exhibition pics

Sculptures displayed at Claire Suzy Stannard's solo exhibition 'Version 1'

Congratulations to Claire Suzy Stannard whose exhibition, 'Version 1' at Gallery Adagio (Glebe), was really impressive! Little red dots were scattered throughout, which is always great to see on an opening night, and there were quite a few pieces that I wanted to take home - such as the pink acrylic wall pieces pictured above!

Sculptures displayed at Claire Suzy Stannard's solo exhibition 'Version 1'

The bronze pieces were smaller than I expected from the images I'd seen previously, and the scale worked really well. You can see more of Claire's work at www.clairesuzystannard.com - from here you can choose to visit her art + design site (to see more of her sculptural work) or visit Stannard Inc to see her "mens & womens urban accessories". (Check out The Bronze Age range!!)

Sculptures displayed at Claire Suzy Stannard's solo exhibition 'Version 1'

I'm looking forward to seeing lots more of Claire's work in the future! If you attended the exhibition, we'd love to hear your comments...

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Monday, October 06, 2008.

wondering who?

Accessories by Ladies + 1 Bird, who are exhibiting at the Wonderkind Bazaar at RMIT 8.10.2008.

Accessories by Two Ladies + 1 Bird, who are exhibiting at the Wonderkind Bazaar at RMIT 8.10.2008 (sponsored by indie art & design).

As the Wonderkind Bazaar is nearly upon us, we'd like to share with you some of the thoughts & motivations of three of the stallholders - Two Ladies + 1 Bird, Reece A. Duncan and Julia Pattenden. Hope you enjoy these mini-interviews & there's more to come very soon... (P.S. Isn't the X-Ray lamp brilliant?!)

Two Ladies + 1 Bird

I 1. What motivated you to take part in the Wonderkind Bazaar?

2L+1B The opportunity to share our designs with the public and our passion for radical & funky styles. Also to know that there are people who would appreciate it out there.

I 2. Describe your process & products for us!

2L+1B We use plastic beads and heat them to make accessories. We mainly do necklaces and pins/brooches. Custom-made designs are also available to order.
P/S: Products are made with love!

I 3. What are you most looking forward to at the Bazaar?

2L+1B SALES!
(But also to help make the Wonderkind Bazaar a success!)

I Also make sure to check out the Two Ladies + 1 Bird Blog for heaps more fantastic plastic designs!

Lamp by Reece A. Duncan, who is exhibiting at the Wonderkind Bazaar at RMIT 8.10.2008.

Lamp by Reece A. Duncan, who is exhibiting at the Wonderkind Bazaar at RMIT 8.10.2008 (sponsored by indie art & design).

Reece A. Duncan

I 1. What motivated you to take part in the Wonderkind Bazaar?

RAD The Wonderkind Bazaar is exactly the kind of DIYFS (Do it your fucking self) industriousness that everyone needs to get behind. These days trends are so homogenized. Wonderkind is a cure for unimaginative purchasing. Wonderkind could be huge if RMIT and the wider community of Melbourne take it into their hearts. And well they should. Even traditional places like the Vic Market started as a few farmers with stalls. I love Melbourne and our street culture so much that this was too good not to get behind.

I 2. Describe your process & products for us!

RAD I like products with something to say. Not always good things, but something at least. Most of my products come with stories. The "Corporate Punishment" shirts clearly tell a story. The X-Ray lamps come with a story too. Same goes for the randmfoto coasters and a lot of the other stuff that I'll have for people to peruse and purchase.

I 3. What are you most looking forward to at the Bazaar?

RAD I'm looking forward to the communal spirit, really. People admiring and checking out each others' handy works. Buying things that speak to them, laughing at things that tickle their humour. Enjoying the experience. I know everyone will want to see what the stallholders will be bringing to the table for themselves.

Handmade softie by Julia Pattenden, who is exhibiting at the Wonderkind Bazaar at RMIT 8.10.2008.

Handmade softie by Julia Pattenden, who is exhibiting at the Wonderkind Bazaar at RMIT 8.10.2008 (sponsored by indie art & design).

Julia Pattenden

I 1. What motivated you to take part in the Wonderkind Bazaar?

JP My bestest friend sent me a cheeky email on the day that the Wonderkind Bazaar form was due in. With it she had attached the form and the guideline and requirements. The email read:

"Hey Jules,
Thought you may be interested in setting up a stall with your badges and cutie stuff?
Charlotte xx"

Intrigued, I had a look at the 'guidelines and requirements' document and read about the Wonderkind Bazaar. I love markets, I love people and I love arts and crafts. This all seemed too fun to miss!

I 2. Describe your process & products for us!

JP I love little creatures. This led me to drawing them and stylizing them. I also have a habit of buying pretty floral fabrics and colorful buttons. Put these things together and you've got yourself a little soft toy badge, or as I like to call them, 'Your New Friend'.

I 3. What are you most looking forward to at the Bazaar?

JP Seeing other people’s beautiful creations and chatting with lovely people. It is also a great opportunity to showcase my work and get some feedback on it and possibly suggestions for future pieces.

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Saturday, October 04, 2008.

wonderkind bazaar

Wonderkind Bazaar RMIT designers market poster

Taking place at RMIT next month is the first ever Wonderkind Bazaar. An array of handmade products will be for sale, created by students who are enrolled in creative courses, or have creative hobbies. This is a fantastic chance students to gain exposure for their work - and some financial reward! It will also provide an opportunity to meet like-minded peers, see each other's work and get feedback in a professional and community environment. I think it's a great idea to encourage hobbyists as well as those currently seeking careers in design-related fields. So many people I know are pursuing careers that developed from hobbies & loving it!

If you're a crafty creature & happen to study at RMIT, perhaps you should book yourself a stall! Don't be shy, and definitely don't miss out on this opportunity... (The only cost involved is a $20 refundable deposit.) For more information, check out the Facebook event page. To enquire about becoming a stallholder, email Mia & she'll fill you in on the details!

Girl with camera

If you live in Melbourne, add these details to your diary!
The Wonderkind Bazaar
Date: Wednesday October 8th 2008
Location: Bowen St, RMIT University
Time: 10am to 2pm
Sponsored by indie art & design - that's us!

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Sunday, September 28, 2008.