Something old becomes something new

I stumbled upon 2 incredibly elegant but dilapidated carver chairs some time ago and was extremely delighted to discover that they are genuine Parker furniture, a feel of the curved arms had me seduced, despite the damaged velvet fabric... a project!

So here's the after of the first of the 2. A re-upholster in black linen, the ampersand feature back rest panel is a piece by Auntie Cookie, and on the reverse... bold black and white stripes - delicious!
Now, to keep or sell? If you love it as much as I, check it out at Shop Handmade (Canberra city) before I decide to buy it back myself!!
Love Nina x

Bags of style...

Playing with some whimsy

The inclusion of my home in the whimsical chapter of the recent Home Beautiful Colour book inspired me to bring in some fab colour and fun fauna loving whimsy. Here's a collection of canvases and cushions, now residing at Shop Handmade...

Cute, so tempted to keep a few - but really, maybe you can have too much stuff on the walls! Guilty!

Shop Handmade is open!

My very first foray into retail design... And how glorious the results...

Do come and see for yourself! Shop Handmade features handmade local artisans and designers, and is at 20 Allara Street, City Walk, Canberra.
Divine! xxx

Designing: Shop Handmade

Here's a sneaky preview of my latest adventure in design... my first retail space! Designed for the founders of Handmade Market, Shop Handmade is a designer collective, and we have the most amazing goods arriving daily, ready for display. I'll be doing the merchandising displays and window showcases. A mammoth task is ahead of us, but we are confident the store will be looking perfect in time for our media launch this Thursday evening!!!

Another first for me is the wall papering (above) which was not as awful as I feared, I'm in love with the results - instant gratification!!!

The great challenge in designing this space has been to offer a range of varied and flexible display opportunities as the mix of products is extremely diverse and will be ever evolving. We have been striving to incorporate a handmade touch to the entire fitout, with a mix of pre-loved, thrifted and revamped furniture pieces being used as shop fittings where possible. I have also been working hard at some gorgeous DIY display techniques which I will share with you in detail soon.

We managed to grab a few mannequins from a closing store next door, with a vacant haunting nude face and hair (bottom picture) - I have given them a make- up and hair makeover, above is 'Ivy'.

Check out the Shop Handmade blog, where just some of our amazing local designer goodies are being revealed daily... LOVING!!! And if you are in Canberra, the store's the grand opening is Friday April 16, doors open at 9am! Come and see us at 20 Allara Street, City Walk in Civic (it's kinda toward the Casino, (where the Electric Shadows bookshop was).

Come and check it out and meet some of the designers! xxx

Handmade Love

Awww, I'm totally blushing at this amazing article penned by friend and author Tania McCartney on the Handmade Market blog. Awesome, thank you!!!

So, with the market only a week-and-a-half away, I've been busy making more jewellery, cushions, lamps and more to knock everyone's socks off!

Check out the Handmade Market on Sunday March 28th at a new glamour location, The Devine Function rooms at Kamberra Winery (near EPIC), and make sure you come and find me!

Now, there is also something else I've been working on, a most wonderful development for all of the fabulous Handmade designers of Canberra... a retail space in the city, Shop Handmade. Check out the inspiration for the decor here, it's going to be a slice of Handmade heaven!

Pink & Red pretty: Call Me

I have been sharing some of my sewn clothing triumphs with other keen fashion DIY-ers at Burda Style recently. This is my contribution to the Coats & Clark Pink & Red Fashion show challenge. The brief is to create an outfit using pink and red and incorporating thread as a design feature... here is my sailoriffic pink and red...

It's a bit of frivolous fun, and I don't even know where I'd wear it... but it is cute!!!
Check it out here Coats & Clark Pink & Red Fashion Show Part 1 and if you are willing to be a Burda Style member, you can vote for your favourites.