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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 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 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."

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).

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

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 (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 (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.