Miss Haberdash Christmas

It's been fun, but farewell Miss Haberdash and hello Miss Haberdash Christmas.

Come over to my new website to check me out. 

www.misshaberdashchristmas.com.au

Miss Haberdash is watching Dior ....

If your lucky enough to make a living from your creative skills Dior and I is a must see.

With a deadline looming and the worlds fashion press on his back Raf Simons has to produce his first haute couture collection for the House of Dior - no pressure then.

The film tracks the creative process from development through construction to the final reveal. It's a fashion film that literally brings the drama, passion and sheer hard work to life, a must see for all fashionistas.

Miss Haberdash visits Unfolding....

The flyer advertising Unfolding, New Indian Textiles shows a runway model wearing a brightly coloured sari, fluorescent yellow platform heels and fuchsia stockings, gorgeous and so high fashion.

Play Clan,  printed sari, Miss Haberdash 2015

I was excited, pity then the show falls a little flat. Yes, the colours are vibrant and the garments impressive in both concept and construction but they are let down by the gallery display. The textiles look uninspired against the galleries pink walls and ho- hum on the mannequins.

Jason Cheriyan & Anshu Arora, Miss Haberdash 2015

Goodness, thats a pretty tough critique! but decide for yourself it's showing at RMIT gallery, 344 Swanston Street, Melbourne, till May 30.

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 and Mr Turner ....

In our house, going to the movies is a  New Year's Eve tradition. This year Mr Turner was my pick, Timothy Spall stars and brings the artist to life warts and all! Growing up in Bury, Lancashire, our local art galleries prize exhibit was Turner's Calais Sands. So I was already excited to discover more about the famed artist. As you would expect this BBC co-production looks fabulous, cinematography and costume design are a joy, highly recommended and a great way to bring in the New Year.

Calais Sands at Low Water,  J MW Turner, 1832, Bury Art Gallery

Miss Haberdash Christmas....bell jars

They've been appearing in all the best homewares stores for some time now, but the bell jar or cloche is a terrific way to show off your Christmas collectables.

interiorsbystudiom.com

Originally a piece of scientific equipment, the bell jar was adopted by the Victorians to showcase or protect precious items. As a table centerpiece the large glass dome adds a bit of theatre and if you love  "bling" try filling the bell jar with lights.

But remember, only showcase the best of your collection, vintage baubles and glass finials look beautiful displayed like this but plastic baubles not so much!  Create your own winter wonderland in miniature it's charming and an easy look to achieve.

shabbysweetcottage..blogspot.com, paperbird.typepad.com, commonground, curbly.com

Miss Haberdash Christmas.... tinsel

Being creative with a christmas decorating classic like tinsel is great fun. This plain green wreath is first covered with gold tinsel and lit by fairy lights, which effectively diffuses the colour and adds extra sparkle. An easy look to achieve with impressive results.

Miss Haberdash Christmas, Gold Wreath, 2014

Love it or loathe it tinsel is here to stay, it also has a fascinating history. Originating in Germany tinsel was first made from silver and the name is said to originate from an old French word meaning sparkle. Who can forget those glorious trees from the 50s and 60s bedecked with lametta (a form of tinsel).

Photos, Liane Hoffman, Ray Gibson

Back to the present and our current pvc version (with metallic finish) can look a little tacky. But, recently tinsel has had a modern makeover appearing in those tasseled garlands that are oh so popular! My rule, don't be shy sometimes the more tinsel the better especially if you're decorating for an event. A ceiling or backdrop garlanded with tinsel can look amazing.

creaturecomforts, paperpolaroid, EvelynLaneDesign

For more Miss Haberdash Christmas check out my pinterest page.

Miss Haberdash Christmas....clear baubles

Can't find the perfect bauble for your tree? Why not personalise your own clear baubles. They come in glass or perspex varieties and it's so easy!

left to right: justagirlfromcanada, countryliving.com, indulgy.com, Miss Haberdash

For beginners, simply fill each bauble with tinsel, beads or feathers, try to use the same colour palette throughout if you want to display these baubles together.

They look just as good clear, grouped together and suspended from the ceiling, like they are floating on air. If you're crafty the surface itself can be treated with glitter or dipped in paint. Transfers can also be applied to the surface. It's a great Christmas project, have fun!

For more Miss Haberdash Christmas check out my pinterest page.

Miss Haberdash day tripper 3....

If you need another reason to visit Healesville aside from the cute koalas, (currently showing at the famous Healesville Sanctuary) travel north east of town to the spectacular Maroondah Reservoir Park.

Photo: Miss Haberdash 2014

Constructed in the late 1920s, a footpath spans the top of the dam. A short walk will take you to  Henderson's lookout where you can survey the impressive Yarra Ranges.

Photo: Miss Haberdash 2014

Photo: Miss Haberdash 2014

As you'd expect Healesville is also a great place for food & wine. There's also fine op-shop shopping along Nicholson street and some very trendy boutiques.

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 Christmas....burlap

It may be a little early for most but my Christmas countdown is well and truly underway, so welcome to the first of my Miss Haberdash Christmas decorating posts, and I'm starting with burlap!

One of the big trends for Christmas this year is Scandinavian style and nothing says it better than burlap. With it's rough texture and natural colouring it's a perfect fit with a rustic Christmas theme.

Miss Haberdash Christmas Wreath, 2014

I'm sure you're all familiar with burlap or hessian, it's a woven fabric usually made from the skin of the jute plant and comes in many guises such as fabric, string or ribbon.This year it's taken a more sophisticated turn with geometric patterns printed on to natural ribbon in metallics like copper and gold. Burlap ribbon has long been popular overseas but you can also find it locally, Riot Art & Craft even have it in shocking pink. But a word of advice, a little goes a long way, keep it simple.

Top: maycrafts.com
L-R: tkCo etsy.com, cottagecraftsonline.com

Plus points - it won't break the bank and it's incredibly versatile. With a little imagination it can be used for gift wrapping, tree decoration or even bunting.

Photo: Miss Haberdash 2014

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 2 ....

An escape to spectacular countryside is less than 30 minutes away when you're lucky enough to live in Melbourne.

The Organ Pipes National Park is just off the Calder Freeway and butts up against the McMansions on the very edge of Melbourne's suburban sprawl. A habitat for native flora and fauna, the perfect time to visit is now. Jacksons Creek is full to bursting and the Wattle trees are in bloom, just beautiful.

Organ Pipes National Park, Miss Haberdash 2014

Organ Pipes National Park, Miss Haberdash 2014

Organ Pipes National Park, Miss Haberdash 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 and Woolmark ....

Earlier this year Rahul Mishra was named winner of the International Woolmark Prize 2013/2014. The winning collection was exquisite. His use of traditional Indian embroidery and hand loom weaving techniques took my breath away! I've yet to see photos that do it justice.

 More impressive still is his commitment to preserving these crafts, therefore supporting and empowering local communities. A truly uplifting story and a world away from those infamous sweatshops and the drudgery of mass manufacture.

Miss Haberdash interior challenge ....

So far, so naff. Well, that's what The Guardian UK inferred when word spread of the very latest BBC reality show, The Great Interior Design Challenge.

But judge for yourself, it's currently showing every Tuesday at 9.30pm on Foxtel's LifeStyle channel. If you're a lover of soft furnishings and paint charts press the record button, you'll be addicted. Better than The Block and more challenging than Changing Rooms, it's informative fun.

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.