SushiBird Tile

As I was skimming through Home Beautiful magazine I saw these gorgeous handmade tiles by The Red Thread. These vibrant, graphic birds are created from Japanese papers nest on stylised background patterns inspired by nature. The white line work illustrations are hand painted on solid natural timber, and each element of the SushiBird is lovingly cut by hand from carefully combined paper colours and patterns, creating a stylish, elegant work of art with a contemporary feel. SushiBird Tiles are made in a limited edition of 50, and each tile is personally signed and numbered by artist Lisa Tilse. As they are individually created by hand, no two will ever be the same. Finished with a semi-gloss varnish for protection, the piece has a luxurious sheen that enhances the natural grain and warmth of the timber. Available at Udessi from $150.00 each. Inspiring!

Nuzzles

The brainchild of Chicago based designer John Christensen, Nuzzles are custom designed, handmade wooden letter puzzle, that can spell out the word or name of your choice in its own unique typographic style. Between 4-5 inches tall and about 3-4 inches deep, you can have any name up to 12 characters long created just for you at around USD$12 per letter ($2 extra for colour or stain and + shipping). Love, love, love :)

Plate Wall

Ever since I first had dinner at 'Dish' in St.Kilda Road Melbourne, I have wanted to create a Plate wall in my Kitchen. It seems that I am not the only one who sees the beauty in plates. Angela Hardson and Lisa Congdon have both created a beautifully colourful example (courtesy of Design Sponge). Now that I have a house of my own I am no longer constrained by the rental rules. Finally I will be able to make my Plate wall dreams come true. When I do, I will be sure to post it :)

EcoCocoon

Those awesome retro red cups are back, and better than ever! They are made from stainless steel and a free from the residual chemical taints that come from many plastic items. They also do our landfill a favour, providing a safe, durable (and virtually indestructible) alternative to plastic and polystyrene. If you do manage to ruin one, they're 100% recyclable, as well as being manufactured in a carbon neutral environment. I feel a picnic coming on! Sold as a set of 6. Packaged in a cute red, zippered neoprene case. Available at Collection of Cool for $39.95, yay!

Catherine Martin

I love everything that Catherine Martin designs. That woman can do no wrong. I really want a fantastic panel of this Black Cockatoo print in my house. Powerful and beautifully detailed.

Nikki Farquharson

Thanks to the Cool Hunter for putting me onto London-based graphic designer and illustrator, Nikki Farquharson. Her ongoing project, Mixed Media Girls, gives the viewer a lot to look at. The collages appear innocent and sweet but at the same time sharp and edgy.

Guy Peppin

Guy Peppin uses a combination of oils, acrylics and pencil on canvas to create these soft abstract pieces that I love. Available at the Liverpool Street Gallery, Sydney.

Jason Miller

I adore this 'Seconds' range by Jason Miller. Recently found on the Zuster website, they can also be found at Design Republic. I know what I would love for Christmas, hint hint!

Indian Bicycle Shop

Continuing with my recent affection for vintage bicycles, I had to give these guys a mention. I used to live not far from this little shop in Grey Street St Kila, and my husband and I would often wander past wishing we had one of these bikes. Visit them online at www.theindianbicycleshop.com

Felt Bicycles

I no longer own a bike since I realised that I don't really enjoy riding one. However, when I spotted this beauty in a shop window the other day, I could easily change my mind. This gorgeous cruiser will cost you a pretty penny, but you would look so good riding it that none of that matters. See the huge range online at www.feltbicycles.com

Bernabei Freeman

Rina and Kelly have been working together since 2000. They have always been obsessed with decoration, the domestic interior and using materials in non-obvious ways. Being industrial designers the two are excited by the challenge of mass manufacture and the modern day factory.

This has translated into a range of modern lighting and furniture that combines "brutal technical precision and delicate sensuality rolled into one". Their work has received several national awards, and been exhibited both locally and internationally, most recently in Zona Tortona at the Milan Furniture Fair, and at the Milan Triennale.

Since the two formed bernabeifreeman, they have always aimed to deliver a high design product, of the best possible quality for the domestic and commercial market. Sustainability and product life cycle has always been part of their design process, right from the concept stage.

Rina and Kelly are always looking for opportunities to collaborate with manufacturers, play with new materials and expand their range both in Australia and abroad. They are inspired by the potential of new design.Check them out at http://www.bernabeifreeman.com.au

Sweet Pea

I saw this the other day. It is so cute I couldn't resist putting it in. What a wonderful idea :)

Bird Wallpaper

I can't quite remember where I found this wallpaper, but I do love it. Her are some more birds to take your fancy.

Queen Martha

We all secretly admire the vast creativity that Martha Stewart shares with the world (even if we don't admit it out loud!). Here are some faboulous examples of the paper flower lanterns that she has created (for sale in the U.S. only). How delightfully gorgeous.

Kat Macleod

I have been to add Kat to my blog for way too long, and finally I have got around to doing it! I had the pleasure of having Kat in my classes at University. She was gorgeous then, and even more gorgeous now. Kat Macleod’s collage ladies will inspire confusing feelings of wardrobe envy, even though they are drawings and not people. She finds fashion, textiles, new art supplies and old books inspiring. Her clients include Vogue Entertaining and Travel, Collette Dinnigan, Harper’s Bazaar, Madison and Frankie. She has also illustrated three books, Bird, The Cocktail Book and Like I give a frock. She enjoys hot chips, talking on the phone and her cat. She also runs her own design business with friends called Ortolan. She is a true inspiration.

Barbara Hulanicki Wallpaper

Barbara Hulanicki started her career in fashion as a fashion illustrator. She covered all of the important fashion collections in Europe for the major publications of the day, including Women's Wear Daily, British Vogue, the Times, the Observer and the Sunday Times. Exasperated by the disastrous street fashion in England, her husband Fitz encouraged her to design her own clothing. Biba was born and eventually, expanded into a five story art deco building, flanked by rock stars and celebrities of the day. After Biba, she continued to work in Fashion, designing for Fiorucci and Cacharel as well as her own brand in Brazil. In the nineties she arrived in Miami Beach where she designed interiors for Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones and Chris Blackwells Boutique Hotel Group. She is credited with the resurrection of Miami Beachs crumbling Art Deco district. Her stunning wallpapers are available through Graham & Brown.

Yulia Brodskaya

Yulia Brodskaya is a Russian born artist who studied in London, and has been creating wonderful artworks ever since. She finds herself constantly experimenting and evolving, always pushing her style in new directions. I always knew that paper quilling would come back into vogue! Image courtesy of Freshly Blended.

Cloth

Cloth has been making screen printed textiles by hand since 1995. They mainly work with hemp and linen, creating contemporary fabric collections with a strong look and a relaxed natural feel,together with soft furnishings. The work is produced in short runs by hand in a tin shed in country NSW. This small batch production method is an important part of the distinctive cloth character and allows for a controllable low impact approach to manufacturing and materials.

Blanka

Awesome website that a friend put me on to. Has fantastic T-shirts, posters artwork books etc (all at fantastic UK prices too!) So save your pocket money and head to www.blanka.co.uk for some designer goodies.

Set 26 Letters

These are so cool. Set 26 has designed letters that double as storage devices, gotta love the Germans! If only the website was in english, but check it out anyway, in particular the section where you can create your own word.