Dr Catherine Hamlin, is an Australian obstetrician and gynecologist, the co-founder of Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital since 1959, with her late husband Dr. Reg Hamlin. The Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital is the world's only medical center dedicated exclusively to providing free fistula repair surgery to poor women suffering from childbirth injuries. Source: Wiki.
Dr. C. hamlin has been dedicating her life to her passion, as a result has turned around the life of more than 30000 women. She has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. The documentary "A walk to Beautiful" by Nova and her book "The Hospital by the river" are truly inspiring.
You don't need to be a child to have one of these! Danish Designer Kay Bojesen, (originally designed the Teak Model in 1951!, and later re-issued by Rosendahl) is the craftsman of these elegant wooden toys.
Couple of months ago I took my twin boys to the Opera to see 'the Little Mermaid'. I'm not sure if they enjoyed it as they kept looking at this cute little girl behind us, thinking perhaps she was the Little Mermaid!
Spotted on Pia's blog, preiwrinklebloom children clothing range is refreshing, 100% organic cotton, simple, chambray, charming. And the pictures are a soft touch to the eye - credits to GREG RANNELLS photography!
I've started a bolero from a pattern & yarn created by Nikki Gabriel, construction Nº1, with charcoal alpaca. It's very simple, i'm loving it . the soft touch of alpaca, the thick bamboo needles. the construction. It is so rewarding to work with quality material and knowing that it is locally made designed by a talented australian!I went to 'spotlight' and 'lincraft' to get some pins and sadly those shops are SO depressing in terms of finding quality material ie: fabrics, knitting accessories, yarns, no wonder that handmade's term is not so popular anymore. However, the resurgence of handcraft markets like stich&craft, finders keepers brings hope to enthusiasts in search for inspiration.
So far i'm having 'a ball' with Nikki G's pattern! it really inspires me to look at knitting in a different way! it's fun, it's relaxing, it's beautiful. thank you Nikki.G. for reviving this handcraft tradition !
Nice to discover some eco-friendly very fashionable clothing. The Spring/Summer 2010 collection is truly sexy. BirdTextile products are handmade in Byron Bay (located on beautiful Eastern Coast Australia). Have a pick at: about Bird textile: "...for creating awareness about sustainability amongst consumers...". This statement says a lot about the company's philosophy. The online shop has a range of clothing, homewares, you can even purchase the exquisite fabric used for the home collection. Or visit Showrom: SlingFings, Eco meets Retro in Byron Bay.
a repeat but i like them ;), Non-toxic Stone Crayons made of Soy Wax from Romp. Children are incredibly creative with pencils and paper. These colourful look-a-like jelly beans are very easy to handle for little fingers. (from +3 Up).
This is my new coffee cup take away & have here. I have a coffee machine at home and only like my latte in a takeaway cup (because it keeps it warm for longer and even when it's cold it becomes an iced coffee!), after the guilt feeling of throwing out every disposable cup in the bin, i started researching alternatives.
Not sure how I discovered keepcup (Melbourne based company) a couple of months ago, but was reluctant in buying plastic in the first place. But after much thought i ordered one online. I have been really happy so far + I use it when i buy take away to the delight and interest of coffee shop owners.
KeepCup range comes in small and medium sizes, and very soon in babycino size!! You can now purchase KeepCup in sydney too! or online. J'adore my KeepCup.
My first handmade project... done! I picked up this knitting bag from the garage which I started perhaps 5 years ago and never got to completing it. I visited my friend recently who inspired me to start knitting again! This time I really enjoyed it!! It's relaxing, meditating and you can take it anywhere. And it is so rewarding to see it grow ... i quiet like the repetition, following simple instructions and learning a new skill! Unfortunately not too many knitting fan clubs around here, so i learned through internet (you tube, is good!).
This pattern is from simple knits for easy living from erika knight, beautiful simple knitted home-ware throughout, a great inspiration to start contemporary knits for absolute beginner! I used rowan chenille yarn for the brown and cream cotton for the stripe, I changed the colour and the design slightly.
Charlie likes the velvety feel of the chenille yarn !! I forgot to keep some brown yarn for the sewing, oops! and unfortunately rowan has discontinued the chenille range, so i used the cream cotton which cannot be seen as i did a back stich all around.
The finished cushion, quiet simple.. I'm happy with it.
I recently finished my first knitting project ( a simple cushion) and really enjoyed it. So, I'm so pleased to discover that Nikki Gabriel is launching her own yarn brand with beautiful simple patternscalled 'construction'. "...All-Australian harvested & hand-produced spun wool; in natural colours, without any chemical processing and harmful substance..."more here.I ordered online the alpaca pattern to do the bolero... will post my progress!
Check Nikki's stunning spring/summer collection 09 HERE and blog for regular updates.
I don't mind those days where we don't take the car, no real plan for the day, just enjoying it as it is.
Jim made this little wooden box when he was young, we use it for the boys' crayons, it is such a nice item!
We did some drawing and collage, in the art world it's called mixed media :)
The boys love mixing, squashing play-dough, they entertain themselves for a long time and make abstract objects!
Twin teddies going for a ride ...
'j'adore les fraises maman' arnaud said !
A picnic on the veranda with charlie , 'waggie' as our guests, great strawberries, and some knitting i've started again from many years ago (more in projects category soon).
A funny Youtube to start the week-end! I came across 'The flight of the Conchords" (from beautiful New-Zealand) while browsing through Frankie's Magazine. This one is titled: -Foux Da Fa Fa- where they're taking the mickey out of my native France. It's soooo FrenchDelicious!
Smitten by my newly discovered magazine issue 19, DumboFeather , I was intrigued by the 'The whole hog' article (p.16) by Samantha Proudley. It is about a fascinating book called "PIG 05049" by Christien Meindertsma a designer worth discovering. The book has taken 3 years researching what manufactured articles (185 end products to be exact) are derived from a single pig numbered 05049. for example: ammunition, cigarettes, photo paper . Perhaps if it was stipulated at the back of the product that our favorite hair conditioner has some pig ingredients in it, we might think twice about purchasing it. Christien is not trying to convert readers to become vegans but uses her work to raise awareness amongst hidden ingredients in products we put in our daily shopping basket. I will definitely add this one to my bookshelf.
PS: the round yellow pin on the binding of the book is a reproduced tag clipped on the pig's 05049 ear.
For A insightful interview with Christien M. click HERE
Geneine Honey is another artist based in Melbourne, i bought a brooch (wooden girl) at little salon when i was there a couple of months ago, I love it.
Geneine's style brings back lovely memories of your childhood.
Shannon Lamden is based in Melbourne (vic), she creates fabric panels, wares, illustrations and is a freelance designer too ! Auntie Cookie's label is adorable, funny and so creative.
I've been knitting lately (thank you Mlle!) and hoping to move into sewing one day, i know what i will choose as my first piece of material ;)
Explorer, environmentalist, and British celebrity David de Rothschild will set out on a 11,000-mile (17,703-kilometer) journey across the Pacific Ocean at the end of March 2009—in a boat made of plastic bottles. ...more here
It took five years and 13,500 bottles for Tomislav Radovanovic (Serbian retired maths professor), from the central town of Kragujevac, to build the 60sq metre house.
Following from part 1, some of us are choosing to recycle plastic bottles by creating art. I'm fascinated by the way creativity emerges from recycled material.
Taga is an eco friendly way to go around with babe and or toddlers. The great thing about Taga is that once you reached the shops, Taga can be converted within seconds into a stroller. Love it!!! See below ,the different combination. It will hit the Australian market in a couple of months.
I received the new issue (nº20) of Dumbo Feather yesterday, I never thought I'll be so excited to check out a magazine. It is actually a mook, half mag - half book, featuring fantastic interviews of every day people who are truly dedicated to what they love doing. What I also particularly like about Df is the one page article between the interviews, they are fascinating; see the article about 'outside Art' on page 38 issue 20 by KB. Its founder kate bezar and her team are as inspiring as the people they feature. See some interviews of kate here and here.
Once you are introduced to DF, it is love at first sight (the covers are just fantastic) and more, so much more :≈ . It's like a 'gateau au chocolat' you want to savour for a VERY long time. I can't wait for a quiet time at home, a long train ride or a good coffee to be able to indulge in few pages my favourite read.
..."Dumbo feather respects its readers (we do not ‘dumb down’ content), the environment (by printing on 100% recycled paper using soy-based inks), and its contributors’ work"... source here.
The cool hunter is announcing its first event offline in 2010 'TREELIFE'. It sounds really exciting, starting in Sydney, then London and New York. "This event will showcase innovative and creative sustainable architecture, and illustrate that green can co-exist with urban city life." Source HERE
It consists of an interactive exhibition of modern eco tree houses designed by the world's top artists and architects.
To celebrate the incredible temporary environment created by TreeLife, the exhibition will host a program of events that will vary from city to city.
Green-themed, organic art installations placed around treehouses including topiary.
I really like these badges with a message because it makes us aware that , when buying 'mass produced' items, it's not just bad for the environment (the fast turn around of fashion trends makes us buy more than we need, as a result many garments end up in the landfill ), but profits from sales are not distributed equally ie: not ethical!
Heidi & seek is based in Melbourne, Australia and creates garments and badges from reuse of materials otherwise destined for a landfill. "...Each garment is upcycled and reconstructed using quality second-hand items. I may combine factory discard fabrics as well. I hand-select materials one by one, then design and make each piece with care, expertise, and a unique sense of fun and colour..." source HERE
Svefn-G-Englar is an award winning video featuring the Perlan special-needs theatre group acting out a simple and beautiful play about the elements directed by Sigur Ros and August Jacobsson.
Nice slippers made fromrecycled sweaters. 'Parents love Wooly Baby slippers because they are eco-friendly, they feature soft and non-skid soles (perfect for wood floors), and they keep ankles warm.' Check out the gallery for more cute designfrom Josie Marsh, a work-at-home-mom of one. Sizes vary from 6 months to 6 years. Prices vary from $22.00 to $43.00 USD. You can buy the slippers at the etsy shop (only 4.00 shipping cost). via « peppermint magazine issue 3 (teenie greenie section).
We spent the last 4 days in Melbourne, a great city because of its people. The community has created a fantastic cosmopolitan feel, from street art to traditional Victorian architecture, Melbourne marries the two with confidence and uniqueness.
I really enjoyed browsing through North Carlton and Fitzroy. Pieces of Eight is an artist workshop which stocks contemporary jewelery from local artists and hosts regular exhibitions. Check out their blog for updates. Little salon is a boutique which specialises in designer items from love, cat-rabbit, me and amber and sunday morning designs.
In Flinders lane, CDB, Craft Victoria is a must stop and next door we had the most wonderful dinner @ cumulus Inc (the friendly staff will help you with the menu (to share) with a French influence). I loved the octopus, boudin noir and chocolate pudding. See a great review HERE.
I've always had a 'penchant' for softies-plush-creations (see my other post here). In my view, this is 'la crème de la crème' of handmade little creatures. Furthermore, cat-rabbit is Australian :-), based in Hobart. More I research this blog, more I find very talented people in Tasmania!
An excellent article about cat-rabbit is on page 31 of the handmade issue (6th) of wooden toy magazine. I quote: ...'Step inside a world where almost anything you illustrate can be transformed into three-dimensional'...
Some of these 'all-to-be-a croquer', are inspired by ghostpatrol illustrations. This is a great marriage between two artists. I wish I could have gone to their exhibit in Melbourne back in March. If you're in Hobart between 23rd -29th of June , go and visit them at the space gallery. Otherwise, not to worry, plenty more exhibitions coming up HERE.
You can purchase cat-rabbit plush-toys on etsy (all sold out at the moment), or check website homepage for stockings. Cat-rabbit also, makes brooches, pendants from her illustrations. buy HERE.
I was happy to buy water bottles, because they are recyclable. My duty, as a good citizen was fulfilled as long as i disposed of my plastic in the appropriate recycled bin. However, purchasing a type #1 PET bottle (polyethylene terephthalate, which are most plastic water bottles) is not environmentally friendly. The nonprofit Berkeley Ecology Center found that the manufacture of plastic #1 uses large amounts of energy and resources and generates toxic emissions and pollutants that contribute to global warming.
Q & A *****
Is it safe to re-use plastic bottles type #1? (most water bottles)
No, Re-used Plastic Bottles Can Leach Toxic Chemicals, Chemicals May Contaminate Food and Drinks in Reused Plastic Bottles. (Parents beware: Most baby bottles and sippy cups are made with plastics containing BPA.) Most experts agree that the amount of BPA that could leach into food and drinks through normal handling is probably very small, but there are concerns about the cumulative effect of small doses. Source - Furthermore, the real concern here is bacteria building if bottles are not washed for re-use, read experiment on channel 7 with J.Rowe.
What bottles are safe to re-use? Safer choices include bottles crafted from safer HDPE (plastic #2), low-density polyethylene (LDPE, AKA plastic #4) or polypropylene (PP, or plastic #5). Aluminum bottles, such as those made by SIGG , and stainless steel water bottles by Klean Kanteen (related post here)are also safe choices and can be reused repeatedly and eventually recycled. Source
What if I'm really thirsty , any bottle worth buying?
Yes, Cool Change is an Australian natural Spring water in a bottle made from plants.(natural plastic derived from plant sugar), and also it takes 90% less carbon emissions to manufacture compare to a similar size PET bottle and 100% recyclable.
The organic mamas has a range of 100% organic cotton garments and accessories for children. Not that I am against cool, funky coloured designs, but sometime i just want to go back to basic (neutral colours are soothing), 'no dyes or chemicals are used in production'. 100% organic cotton is not just better for the environment, it is extremely soft too. Australian owned and operated, it is nice to discover more and more Australian businesses offering sustainable products.The organic mamas's items are simple, sustainable, nice!
- long sleeve romper: $ 34.00 AUD (made in India) - shittake pants: $32.00 AUD (made in Australia)
"When refugees flee, they are forced to abandon everything they know and love. They are separated from family members, lose belongings, are left with little or no money. Some are traumatised by what they have experienced. Many spend years in camps, lost in no-man’s land whilst their fate is decided. Most have no idea what kind of future awaits them.
In seeking refuge in another country refugees are hoping to find freedom from that fear. They are looking for the opportunity to lead a normal life, as part of a community, where they can live in safety and security, find work and send their children to school.
In choosing our theme as “Freedom from Fear” we are hoping to draw attention not just to the fear that compels refugees to run, but the relief they feel when they are welcomed into another country and given the opportunity to rebuild their lives". Source
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I cannot even contemplate how I would feel if I had to leave everything I know and loved behind...
Flicking through my newly-fav-eco-fashion-Australian-mag {Peppermint}, I noticed an article about Jurlique, which is well known in Australia, however, something has changed about their image. Perhaps the georgous newly fitted (with recycled wood) stores, stocked with a delightful range of skin care, sourced from Jurlique's certified biodynamic farms in South Australia (the photo gallery is beautiful)and packaged with 80% post-consumerrecycled fibre and 20% FSC certified fibre.
According to Peppermint (p.29), Jurlique is developing a range of products and medicine from native Australian plants with indigenous communities in northen Australia.{GREAT news!}
Attention mums & dads: Jurlique plans to open 70 concept spas around the world.*******************
« 100ml baby's calming massage oil : $28.00AUS « Australian customers, shop online HERE
'Softies' by Therese Lankey is an easy to follow, step by step, book to create 25 adorable Plush Pals. The book is spiraled bound (so you can work and read at the same time) with an elastic to keep pages together or used as bookmark.
The first few pages explain differents types of material used and needle techniques, some projects can be made with a sewing machine. The last page has a sealed pocket with all the patterns. Level: absolute beginners to advance .
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Giveaway: I have one copy to offer , all you need to do is leave a comment on this post until sunday 8pm Sydney time . The winner will be chosen by random.org. Good Luck everyone!
After collecting falling leaves and bits and pieces from our walk though the bush (see post HERE), we decided to make our customised 'nature morte'. We 'collage' the leaves with blu•tack and used paint brushes .
It didn't work too well, so we replaced the paint brushes for toothbrushes.... :)) (Jim -my hubbee- was looking for his toothbrush in the evening, I forgot to replace it incognito!!).
It took me some effort to spot an eco-friendly paint for children, i was surprised that a Sydney art supply shop didn't have much, nor did they have any recycled paper. I had to go to Bunnings and found a non-toxic water based paint. (chroma kidz colours made in Australia). I would like to find Livos SALIS Natural Hemp Finger Paint Set for Kids (via inhabitots) but I don't think it is available in Australia. Dommage!
Browsing through Dick and Dora's website is like entering a fairy tale; every page has its own magical layout. The range of accessories for mum & daughter is designed by Harriet and Tim Bullard. Made in Tasmania, little birds in brooch or pendant , wooden beaded 'colliers' with delicate ribbons are inspired by the 1950's storybook world of Dick and Dora. Check the retailer list for a location near you or purchase online. Visit Dick & Dora Blog for regular updates.
Children are incredibly creative with pencils and paper. These colourful look-a-like jelly beans crayons are very easy to handle for little fingers. See my previous post HERE for more details on crayons stones.
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Giveaway: one pouch of 16 shades packed in a muslin pouch . (age : 3 and up - with adult supervision for kids who like to mouth toys! each stone is approx 1 1/4" long.)
to enter: leave a comment until sunday 8pm sydney time. Good Luck everyone.
Some of the daily routine tips from United Nations world environment day, click HERE for the full list.
AT HOME...
Use towels for drying your face and hands instead of tissues that are used and thrownaway. Also, hang your towels to dry so that they can be reused several times. You are after all clean when you use them!
As you leave the house, don’t forget to switch off all the lights and appliances at the wall unit (if you have this feature) and unplug chargers as they continue to consume even if they are not charging; saving energy helps reduce air pollution.
GOING OUT:
Don’t go ANYWHERE without your cloth bag so you can just say no to plastic whenever you shop.
We decided it was time to grow our own herbs and perhaps few veggies if the project is successful (not in these little bags (pic above), it's cheating...). Stage one is research. Any books you might know, website, or keen gardener re: planning a little diy organic garden?. We have a little outdoor area at the back of our house which would be perfect for it.
A good blog for online research: simple green frugal, an australian magazine - organic gardener - and a visit to my local nursery should give me a head start! voilà.
Before shot (it is about 1 x 3m), very sunny in winter!
These recycled toys for all are vintage chic and made in Madagascar by 6 local artisans. The profit from the sales is reinvested to buy rice-fields and pig-breeding farm for the community. You can buy other items at Grok (a socially responsible trader) which stocks exclusively fair trade products.
Grok is located: 97 Military Road, Neutral Bay, nsw, Australia.
Small cars $18.00 Sailing boat $26.00 Large motorbike $29.00 Bus $39.00
Sydney Artist Carmel Killin (founder of 'feed the dog') produces limited edition graphic cushions covers and fabric panels. Carmel combines a range of different techniques such as screen printing, lino-printing, applique, hand and machine stitching, hand painting, mono prints, frayed edges and distressed ink printing. The material used is eco-friendly: non-toxic, water-based inks as the colours are vibrant, durable, have a soft handle and are better for her own health and the environment. (source : udessi). Other items from 'feed the dog' through udessi HERE or etsy HERE
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the giveaway : ========== A georgous 'feed the dog' tote bag (very cute!) + a 'bah' fabric panel which can be framed, hanged with Magnart magnets, used as a placemat or a cushion cover + a cushion (with insert) which would look lovely in a child's bedroom.
to enter: ====== leave a comment until sunday 31st of May 8pm (sydney time). the winner will be announced on this post and will receive an email within 24hrs.
No excuse to keep buying plastic bottles anymore. Those are better alternatives in helping the environment. more in my next 'brainstorming' post, stay tuned.
Klean Kanteen bottles available in Australia through 'butt natural' buy HERE. Sippy klean canteen bottle (355ml): $32.00 AUS - responsibly MADE in CHINA
SIGG bottles available in Australia through 'biome' buy HERE. kids series SIGG bottle (300ml): $32.95 AUS - Country of origin: Switzerland.
Lower your carbon footprint: buy locally
PS: If cost is an issue, click here (no impact man's blog) a for cheap alternative.
Each item is uniquely handmade in rural Kenya which, provides income for the community. The material used to make these 'cutees' comes from natural renewable sources.
baby knit elephant $24.00 USD
baby knit octopus $38.00 USD --------------- All items HANDMADE in rural Kenya.
images source: nova68 Material: Birch wood, plexiglass, metal. Size: ca. 45" long x 25" wide x 11" high.
Stunning modernist dollhouse comes with an indoor swimming pool, kitchen island and shower. Available through nova68. (free shipping whitin US) Designers: Sirch, Wolfgang & Christof Bitzer
Available in Australia through top3 buy HERE: $845.00 AUS .made in Switzerland.
I was looking for a traditional wooden dollhouse for the boys the other day, but couldn't find much in shops. So i looked on the net , and found some great ones!!!
Wonderland dollhouse available (australia) in May HERE $129.00 USD Plan toys chalet house available (australia) HERE $ 299.00 AUS (with furniture) Plan toys green dollhouse online (australia) HERE $395.00 AUS (with furniture) david baker dollhouse: not for sale :-(
TEXTILE INDUSTRY THE CHALLENGE OF ETHICAL CONSUMERISM *******
Researching materials for future posting has been an incredible journey so far. One of them is the textile industry! As a mum and consumer, i am trying to make more informed choices when going shopping. I think most of the time, people {me} are too busy living the fast life and don't want to know what is hiding behind a cool brand. Don't feel guilty {yet} it is difficult to find out! Lack of regulation in the textile industry opens a wide door to mislaid and confuse shoppers .
To start with, I had a good look at my wardrobe, wasn't impressed at all ! BUT it is never (i hope) to late to change. I have to admit now ( according to the ecometrics 's (try it's fun) calculator i am officially: 'fashionably obese' ! A crash diet has been prescribed by my wonderful dr jimbo (hubby). Here are few tips for consumers like me who are trying to cut back on their edu {environmental damage units}:
DO ===
cold wash as much as possible, throw your iron away (wrinkle tees are IN .les filles.)
use eco-friendly washing powder
donate your children's clothing to friends & charities
less is more (do I really need 5 winter coats in australia? NOway! )
quality not quantity (1 cool design fair trade organic/bamboo tee is SO much better than 10 mass produced cheesy brand tops)
buy local, buy organic, buy natural
YOU NEED TO KNOW ===============
organic cotton does not mean it is 100% organic unless stated. Only 2 or 3 percent of organic fibres in an item is sufficient to put the label 'organic' on some clothing and make you pay the high price!
buy 'made in' local if possible unless it is fair trade, some organic brands are conveniently hiding the tag 'MADE IN' inside their garments!
cotton is not as pure as you might think! traditional cotton croppings uses insane amount of water, pesticides and fertilizers.
diversify by buying hemp or bamboo fiber garments (uses much less water to grow than cotton)
3500 litres of water are required to produce one pound of cotton! ouch...
WHAT I THINK ===========
manufacturers need to demonstrate more transparency (i.e:on their website) regarding the life cycle (from raw material to retailers's shelf) of their items in terms of environmental impact and fair trade practices.
more regulations & laws have to be introduced to regulate the the world of textile industry. So consumer can make a genuine GREEN informed choice.
MY FAVORITE LOCAL (AUS) TEXTILE COMPANY ====================================
moral fibre (www.moralfibre.com) go and see for yourself :)
Quote from their site: "moral fibre aims to demonstrate that social and environmental integrity and profits can happily coexist...... moral fibre was started in 2002 to create & support opportunities for people in developing countries to benefit in an ethical and sustainable manner from the international market".
Individual bag size: 17.70"(45cm) x 15.75" (40cm) Individual rolled up bag size: 4" (10.2cm) x 1.5" (3.8 cm) diameter
TO ENTER: ******** All you need to do is leave a comment on this post and a random winner will be selected (by random.org) by Saturday 24/05 8pm. Once the winner is announced, email me with your choice & postal address and it will arrive to your door step shortly after. (will be posted anywhere in the world).
As seen a couple of posts below, i have been a fan of Envirosaxfor some time (check their company philosophy here). So, to celebrate the first week of my petite venture, ecochïctots is offering ONE of these pretty cool child envirosax . Check HERE to see the full range of different designs (some for mums as well, ilove the organic series).
Good luck! Bonne Chance!
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The winner is Jessi Roullier, congratulations Jessi !
I had the pleasure to meet Helen last saturday at the Finders Keepers Market where she exhibited some of her designs. The stools look even better in real life! Helen and Matthew (founders of Zaishu) support sustainability and art education. through some projects (check HERE) in Fiji (at the Mali district school) . For regular updates check Zaishu blog HERE. Congratulations Helen & Matthew, ecochictots is 110% behind you!
Baby Kimono 's features (from Zaishu's website):
Created from off-cuts and spare ink from our studio this slot-together limited edition Baby Zaishu seat/table is the ultimate in eco design.Lovingly handprinted by Zaishu Studio with patterns from 16th century Japan, perfect as a kids seat or to hold a cup of coffee. – Unique slot together design – Silkscreen hand printed artwork – Minimal carbon footprint – Safe water based inks and varnish – Good Environmental Choice certified – Made and designed in Australia
$160.00 AUD including postage $145.00 USD including postage €112.00 EUR including postage
Baby kimono stool limited edition buy HERE MADE in Australia
I really appreciate the blue sky autumn days in Australia. It's a fantastic time to take the kids to the beach. We built our own 'snowman'/sandman and we looked for seashells (never goes out of fashion!)
How awesome to meet the artist in person behind its craft. CarriageWorks hosted the Independant Design & Art market last week-end. I went home with my bag full of goodies, and these are some of my favorites.
Bamboletta dolls are 100% handmade from head to toe (including the body). You'll never get the same one. They all have a name too! Something about the Bambolettas that urges you to want to hug them. See more photos in gallery or check Bamboletta's blog for regular updates. Some Dolls are ready to go home here.
And check About US section: "The wool I use is sourced right here in Canada from sources that treat their animals very well and use gentle and eco friendly methods in the cleaning and carding of the wool". ..... "One of our goals is to be able to provide as many moms with work and paying them well for work that requires dedication and a very calloused thumb".
Two sizes: 15" ($135.00 USD) and 18"($155.00 USD) Made in CANADA Worldwide buy online HERE Australian customers can buy online HERE
I discovered Océchou blog via Marie-Claire 'blog of the month contest' through 'La Fifole' (also candidate) . Océchou has some lovely finds for kids and its own creations (cute range of children's accessories) by Nicole Maubert (a very talented illustrator; see her illustrations on Océchou homepage ). I can't wait to buy my adorable 'Pipin le lapin' designed and handmade by Océchou which is in the making as 'we speak'. Good luck for the Marie Claire contest.
1. Limited Edition 'Pipin Le Lapin': 55.00 Euros ( you have to email Nicole directly contact@oh-c-chou.com to order your Pipin limited edition) 2. Pocket Mirror: 10.00 Euros Made in SWITZERLAND. Buy online HERE
Inspired by SouleMama's blog via Ocechou, I thought it was a great idea to have a drawing time with the kids even though i'm no artist. So, instead of a tablecloth creation (not enough attention span with 3yolds twin boys! i'm afraid), we did a table runner which turned into an 'artwork' above our sofa!!! Thank you Amanda, it was so much fun! I ended up ordering the book: 'Creative Family: How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections' through Amazon but also available here written by 'SouleMama' (Amanda Blake Soule) to follow on other suggestions she might have.
Down under Australia, boots, scarves, and warm knit jumpers are filling shop window displays. It may not get really cold here, but perhaps after the terrible bushfire and extreme heat in Victoria, the feeling of having a cool weather is itching us all. Fair trade shopping is one way to help others; this cute felt ensemble (HandMade by Mongolian Artisans) is a winner. Susan Bell is running a fair trade, eco-friendly small business which provides a children clothing collection handmade by artists worldwide. Check Satch & Sol website to browse through the full range and Susan's Blog for regular updates.
Hitch Wooly Grey Booties: $39.00 USD Set of Hat & Gloves (6-18 Month): $26.00 USD Ducky Yellow Slippers: $39.00 US.
I wish I had twin girls instead, sometime!!! This is ' la crème de la crème' in terms of trendy organic clothing. This gorgeous silver bell Dress is 100% organic cotton as all the clothing range at Gaia. Annette Francis 's (founder and designer of Gaia) favorite quote: "we didn't inherit the earth from our grandparents, we are borrowing it from our grandchildren."
Shipped from Australia worldwide. MADE IN INDIA Dress: $39.95 AUD
ClickHERE to buy online or HERE to check locations around Australia
Say NO to plastic bags! This is the new IT bag. A must have everywhere you go, it is very small when folded , it comes in different designs, and even has a very cute Kid Series ! But most and foremost, this business promotes Sustainability and takes an interest in environmental issues . Its philosophy is to help reduce our carbon footprint by creating a long-lasting product. It's now available in USA, New-Zealand, Australia and world-wide online.A very inexpensive gift.
Oxfam Australia shops are stocking delightful handmade dolls crafted by Zimbabwean mums. The Bastsiranai ( "helping each other" in Shona Language) Craft Project supports mother with severely disabled children by providing fair working conditions, opportunities to learn business management skills and childcare. For every doll bought, a twin sister is given to a child in an HIV/AID affected family.
Claire Cimbora is a talented illustrator by night, graphic designer by day AND a mum in between!! Her lovely pieces are made of digital collages of playful characters printed on Archival Watercolor Paper (a 100% cotton rag & acid free). Claire will be presenting new limited illustrations on 15th and 16th May 09 during the bi-annual independent design and art markets @ CarriageWorks in Sydney. See more of Claire's work: Yen Magazine (Curvy Exhibition 09).
Made and shipped from Australia, each $25.00 USD. Buy online HERE.
Non-toxic Stone Crayons made of Soy Wax (a renewable resource grown in the US and coloured with mineral powder (completely non-toxic, conforms to ASTM D 4236) from Romp. Children are incredibly creative with pencils and paper. These colourful look-a-like jelly beans are very easy to handle for little fingers(from +3 Up).
Buy online HERE(send a email enquiry for Australia) Made in USA
Sunday 1st November,
9am - 1pm,
St Ignatius' College,
Lane Cove, NSW.
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THE FINDERS KEEPERSCarriageWorks
4th-5th December
Sydney
nsw
image Source: 
BAH fabric panel
'feed the dog' tote bag
beautiful image source: 
Hello monsieur sandman!
nice day down wamberal Beach - nsw
the building of sandman process
ilove coquillages
Sean & Arnaud at drawing time
Tired little artist!
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