Miss Haberdash postcard China ....

My first trip to China was way back in the 80s so I was in for a surprise on arriving in Guangzhou. Huge public spaces are alive in the evening with families and tourists enjoying the cityscape. Modernist buildings stand tall illuminated by the latest LED lights, it's quite breathtaking.

Photo: W Hotel Guangzhou, Miss Haberdash 2015

Staying at the W hotel is the height of luxury with every detailed considered. Enjoy the art and then the view.

Photo: Library Guangzhou, Miss Haberdash 2015

Miss Haberdash postcard from Atlanta ....

While most of you were busy packing away the Christmas paraphernalia, Miss Haberdash was packing her suitcase and embarking on a whistle stop world tour of the new trends for Christmas 2015. Yep, it all begins again.

First stop was Atlanta, Georgia, home to AmericasMart and one of the USA's largest Christmas trade fairs. It was bitterly cold but we had no reason to venture outside with hundreds of suppliers showing indoors.

Photograph: Miss Haberdash 2015

It really is a visual feast and inspiration overload. It was easy to get lost in this Christmas wonderland, stay posted as I reveal upcoming trends later in the year.

Photograph: Miss Haberdash 2015

Miss Haberdash Christmas....chandeliers

Chandelier, Miss Haberdash Christmas, 2014

If you're hosting a special event over Christmas or just want to wow! family and friends try making a christmas chandelier.

Photo: Miss Haberdash 2014

Photo: Miss Haberdash 2014

It can be as easy as suspending fairy lights and beaded garland from a light fitting, or for more drama a tiered chandelier made from Christmas wreaths looks amazing. If you can add lights to your wreath the glass ornaments will really sparkle, battery lights can easily be secured to the inside of your wreath. We've created one at Christmas Elves and it's become a focal point in the store.

Three tiered wreath chandelier by Miss Haberdash Christmas, 2014

For something more wintry start with a frosted wreath (already covered in fake snow) or use spray snow to cover a traditional green wreath. This gives you a starting base and you won't feel the need to cover the whole wreath with decorations.

Photo: Miss Haberdash, 2014

Photo: Miss Haberdash, 2014

Chandelier by Miss Haberdash Christmas, 2014

There are so many options, try suspending baubles around the base, even plastic baubles work well or go au naturel with twigs and pine cones (more of this to follow in a later post).

For more Miss Haberdash Christmas check out my pinterest page.

Miss Haberdash at the Pop Up ....

The Craft Pop Up Shop is open for business at Melbourne Town Hall. On a cloudy Melbourne day step inside and the colours sing.

Swanston streetscape, ceramics by Ingrid Tufts, Photo Miss Haberdash 2014

 An amazing mobile steals the show even office workers taking a quick lunch break stop to look. Made by Dear Plastic (a Sydney duo) the colours and shapes move in the breeze. Dear Plastic have been featured in all my favourite magazines. They've designed shop window displays and conduct workshops where collaborative making is key and sustainability their goal.

Dear Plastic mobile. Photo Miss Haberdash 2014.

A theme also explored by Andy Walker and Gabriela Holland of Pop Plant whose concrete planters are partly made from recycled PET bottles. The work of Emma Davis is also very familiar her woven vessels are made from polypropylene, unique and beautiful. There is so much to love here, as the tag line exclaims independent, Australian and handmade!

Emma Davies, net vessels. Photo Miss Haberdash 2014.

The shop is currently open till 11 October 2014. You can't miss the creative yarn bombing outside.

Yarn bombing Swanston Steet, Photo MissHaberdash 2014.

Miss Haberdash day tripper....

A beautiful weekday and what a luxury to head out of town to explore the local countryside. I'd heard of the William Ricketts Sanctuary on Mount Dandenong but had no idea what to expect. It's a very special place, unique and magical. Sculptures covered in moss seem to organically emerge from the surrounding ferns and the spectacular mountain ash trees tower above. It's certainly a must see for locals and tourists alike. Be sure to make a donation as entry is free.

Miss Haberdash, 2014

Miss Haberdash, 2014

Miss Haberdash, 2014

Miss Haberdash Christmas wreaths....

Each year Christmas Elves has themed Christmas trees displayed in store, all are dressed to impress. Just like the fashion and interiors world, trends and colours change each year. This year I will be bringing you more of what's hot for 2014! and tricks of the decorating trade, so watch this space.

This year I've designed a wreath for each tree so here is a sneak preview of what themes are in store for 2014. The Yuletide theme is easy to do and all those cute, rustic/handmade trinkets that you've collected can find a home here.

Miss Haberdash Christmas Wreath, 2014, Yuletide.

Miss Haberdash Wreath, 2014, Christmas Elves

Be bold! if you have a special Christmas piece you can frame it within a square wreath. Lighting makes a difference, and if you can't "plug in"use battery lights and secure in a pouch at the back of the wreath.

Miss Haberdash Wreath, 2014, Christmas Magic

Before you start consider a theme for your wreath it really helps to focus on a mood. This wreath is all about memories of Christmas past and uses mistletoe, poinsettia and Victorian carollers to set the scene.

For more Miss Haberdash Christmas check out my pinterest page.

Miss Haberdash florals.....

Recently Miss Haberdash has been very busy (being creative at Christmas Elves is a full time job!). This year our most dramatic look features upturned Christmas trees and tree chandeliers (made from old Christmas tree toppers). A great way to recycle and something different.

I then came across the work of Rebecca Louise Law a UK fine artist/florist who creates stunning floral installations. Her top end clients range from Gucci to Jo Malone and The Royal Opera House what an amazing all round sensory experience this must be when viewed from below.

Jimmy Choo, Clifton Nurseries, image by Rona Wheeldon 

Garden Museum, London, 2014

Miss Haberdash art + soul ....

Can't wait to view the final episode of the ABC documentary series art + soul, series 2.  So far a fascinating look at contemporary aboriginal art across Australia. Last weeks episode featured artists from the Yarrenyty Arltere Artists community and of particular interest to me because this community make textile soft sculptures.

Marlene Rubuntja

These women, they keep us well, Yarr09, Desert Mob 2013

soft sculpture

The sculptures reflect real life and the surrounding natural environment. Recycled wollen blankets are dyed with local plants and pieces of metal scrap, this canvas is embellished with embroidery, feathers and beads. The end result is quirky, colourful and totally unique.

Dulice Sharp

Bird woman, ready for flying, Yarr05, Desert Mob 2013

soft sculpture

Louise Robertson

Head, Yarr07, Desert Mob 2013

soft sculpture

The community have also produced some animated shorts featuring soft sculptures, try your luck on you tube.

Miss Haberdash in Recife....

Yesterday I visited Oficina Brennand the gallery, sculpture garden and home to Francisco Brennand. Off the beaten track it's quite a hike from Recife but so worthwhile. Over 30 years Francisco Brennand has created a fantastical world that is populated by strange ceramic sculptures. It's not to everyone's taste, the works are disturbing and sinister, but utterly unique. Here's a taste of what to expect.

Miss Haberdash 2014

Miss Haberdash 2014

Miss Haberdash 2014

Miss Haberdash 2014

Miss Haberdash 2014

The North East of Brazil has a strong folkloric tradition, these fabulous stories are translated into art, music and poetry. One of the most popular folk artists is Severino Borges whose woodcut prints are seen all over Recife. His distinctive style is bold and graphic a perfect fit for all those tourist trinkets.

Miss Haberdash Lisbon ....

Lovely Lisboa, winding streets, jacaranda trees and lots and lots of tiles (best seen at the Museu National do Azulejo). Decorative patterns in all colours cover the pavements and the building facades, I was in heaven.

Lisbon city street lined with jacaranda trees. Miss Haberdash 2014.

Detail from freize, Tile Museum, Lisbon. Miss Haberdash 2014.

1970 tiles, Tile Museum, Lisbon. Miss Haberdash 2014.

You can't miss Sintra (where I took these photos) just a short train ride from the centre of Lisbon, the National Palace is stunning.

Bottom right, conservators at work, National Palace. Miss Haberdash 2014

Ceiling painted with swans, National Palace .Miss Haberdash 2014

Blue and white tiles line this room at the National Palace.Miss Haberdash 2014.

The Alfama is the oldest part of the city and hosts a famous flea market, Feira de Ladra.

Fiera de Ladra, Lisbon.Miss Haberdash 2014

Market stall, Feira de Ladra, Miss Haberdash 2014

So much to see, and I didn't even mention the Portuguese tarts!

Miss Haberdash Manchester calling ....

Situated in an old market in the trendy Northern Quarter of Manchester the Manchester Craft and Design market is a favourite haunt.

Home to jewellers, textile designers and ceramicists the market is also a showcase for the very latest in graduate talent.

One such is Elizabeth Jane Winstanley her exhibition is titled Tactile Illusions. Her eye catching pieces explore surface pattern and use alternative media to create optical illusions.

Miss Haberdash, 2014

Miss Haberdash, 2014

Miss Haberdash on tour ....

First stop Manchester, and it's raining, no surprises then!

It's still drizzling as we exit the tram at Salford Quay, now home to the BBC and swanky new developments that have gentrified this once derelict area. The Lowry is an an impressive gallery/ arts complex and showcases the unique art of  L.S. Lowry. His industrial landscapes populated by stick figures are immediately recognisable. A social history of time and place.

An Old Church, 1943, L.S.Lowry

Miss Haberdash at TarraWarra ....

Even on a rainy day the art gallery at TarraWarra is worth a visit. It's small but perfectly formed, nestled into the Yarra Valley amidst vineyards and green rolling hills, it's a great day trip from Melbourne.

http://www.experienceyarravalley.com.au

The current exhibition is titled Solitaire, and features outstanding work by Sidney Nolan, Charles Blackman and Brett Whiteley, an amazing role call of Australian artists.

With time in hand we stopped in Yarra Glen for a browse at the Yarra Valley Antique Centre, I came home empty handed but it really is a walk down memory lane. If you're lunching Hargreaves Hill is excellent and just across Bell Street.

Miss Haberdash on Pinterest ....

Drum roll please, Miss Haberdash Christmas is now on Pinterest.

You can see the Christmas wreaths I've been making in preparation for the coming season (yes, that's December 2014!) Soon available to purchase from Christmas Elves.

There is much much more to come with themes ranging from a Fairytale Christmas (floral wreaths decorated with elves and fairies) to Christmas Crackers! (something for the kids to enjoy), and a more traditional Christmas theme. More updates soon.

Miss Haberdash mosaic ...

It's always exciting to discover a new designer and Harriet Lawton brings together all my favourite things. The simplicity of her work is beautiful, and features textiles (embroidery), ceramics (mosaic) and collage. She uses discarded plates and hand cut fabric pieces embellishing the final piece with flocking and foiling.

http://harrietlawton.co.uk/

http://harrietlawton.co.uk/

http://harrietlawton.co.uk/

Miss Haberdash paper passion ....

On my recent travels I found the most gorgeous stationery, designed for Bindewerk a German company, they were showing their latest designs at Paperworld 2014 in Frankfurt.

www.bindewerk.de/html/home.html

What's happening in stationery? If the creative trend section was anything to go by we'll still be liking geometric patterns in fluro colours. Other trends on the rise were metallics mixed with dusky pink and pale blue, lots of gold embossing and sophisticated colours like midnight blue and matt grey.

A fascinating look into the future.