a little bird told me

The endearing-ness of bird images - Designs by Vanessa has some really great gift tags and cards that look so simple yet delightfully so. My favourite part of it are the cards that have the bird appliques made from beautiful fabric pieces and sewn onto the card. It would be hard to not keep it for yourself!

moshi moshi

Crafty Mooks is definitely the place to go (albeit a virtual one) to satisfy all your japanese crafting supplies cravings. There is such a wide range of fabric to choose from (like below), and also cute items like the Vegetable Sewing Tape (above, left), and my favourite the Decole Miranda Apple Roller Stamp (above, right). I mean it rolls out a cute design and looks so delectable itself (and you will never mix up your stamps again).  

to be a child all over again

Just so you know, I let out a rare but very audible gasp of delight when my eyes fell upon the wares of Arthur's Circus. The retro colours! The vintage-y old-school goodness! A real brick and mortar store based in Melbourne, they also have an online shop and an etsy store. 

Clockwise from left: (1) Vintage Lolly Jar; (2) Giraffe Planter; (3) Night light; and (4) Cushion - alphakids.

the animal farm

Helis is dubbed by the owner as her "little farm and book shop", a whimsical description we frankly quite adore. The animal-themed jewellery and mini books with their illustrated covers don't disappoint either. Particularly interesting was the array of little animal wall-hangings (second row, left), a cute twist on traditional animal trophies, and we love the idea of a changing things up in an animal-friendly way.

Clockwise from top left: (1) Cow Brooch; (2) Dotted watch dog brooch; (3) Little Book about a girl and an orange balloon; and (4) Piggy Wall Hanging. 

old-fashioned yum

Jenny's Bakeshop makes lovely prints, plaques and more based on original paintings inspired by old-fashioned bakeries and vintage dessert cafes. 

A humourous twist is the painting above, Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake, franed with vintage baking book pages. Below: Paper doll Baking Beauty Cupcakes sign; and further below: Vintage Paris Patisserie inspired Petit Fours sign.

bound to love

These gorgeous hand-bound books, and more, from Bound To. 

what shall it be today?

Childhood Memory by La Tartine Gourmande 

Lovely pastel-toned cups of dessert that are artfully arranged make for a real good shot and some much needed cheer.

sprouting goodness

BeanPIckleSprout has items that are as cute as its name! Perfect if you have little ones, with the adorable bibs and onesies featuring animals, vegetables, and some polka dots. Alternatively there are also accessories for adults, and kitchen towels and pot holders to spruce up your cooking space.

Oh and if you hurry, the free shipping offer ends tonight, 12:00 Midnight EST, September 19, 2008.

Clockwise from left: (1) Pink Bird Kitchen Towel; (2) Two Trees Pot Holder; (3) Green Polka Dot Acorn Onesie; and (4) Giraffe in the Polka Dots Bib

power to the people

There's thing quaint and old-school about these illustrations by James Ulmer. My personal take on them is that they seem to suggest a sort of 'power to the people' vibe, so that no matter how small we each are, we can somehow unite to become a force for creating something greater. 

Above: (1) Bike Party; (2) Today is Our day
Below: (1) Seesaw; and (2) Yip Yip

 

easy breezy

Lucia Squillari of Larimeloom makes such simple and understated garments that look breezy and comfortable. Her items was also mostly one of a kind - and made entirely from scratch without patterns. I like the way it gives the message of being 'too cool to care'. 

Clockwise from left: (1) Breeze chiffon dress; (2) Pleated wrap skirt; (3) Brown Bread and Wine cotton dress; and (4) Black jersey strappy shrug

ninja bunnies

Mau Studio is stocked with a wide variety of products by various indie artists, from jewellery to paper goods and decor. In addition, you can find the owner, Manyi's, own line of cute character-based plushies and paper goods in store. She also has a separate Etsy store for her own work (tons of treasures in there!).

Clockwise from left: (1) Ninja Mau Postcard Sticker Set; (2) Funny Bunny Hello! Notecards; (3) Awesome Animal Stickers; and (4) Funny Bunny Magnets

inspiration monday

It's the beginning of a new week once more, and the time when we need the most inspiration to get started on the right foot. The gorgeous gocco prints by Jess Gonacha seems to do the trick, but will also be great for cheering up a friend who's feeling down!

Or you could start the week off with some good humour. Ahh the statement of my life. I'd rather be napping by Fluro Goddess. 

8 little dolls standing in a row

Samyii has these adorable miniature Kokeshi dolls that are great for display (like that lovely shot above) or even to tote around as a good luck charm. I also found these little nesting bird brooches in her etsy shop (below).

Have a great weekend everyone!

feeling pouchy

(Note: I realised that I missed posting yesterday. Apologies! I have been swarmed with work but I've got something great to share today.)

I adore pouches because you can never have too many! They are useful and it's fun to whip them out from your bag just to look at them.  Fräulein Herz has a wide (and I do mean wide) selection of make-up bags and zippered pouches and pencil cases made from many delicious looking fabrics. 

rather charmed

Dolly Mixx is really the place to go if you like kawaii jewellery and charms. There's such a wide collection and every category of jewellery is well stocked. The owner Georgina finds her inspiration from Asia and her love of food (sounds good to me!)

Clockwise from top left: (1) Cream Cookie Bracelet; (2) Cute Kokeshi Necklace; (3) Domino Ring; (4) Toastie Studs

fly away

Clockwise from left:

(1) Rainbow in the sky by Betsyo; (2) Balloons Always Make Me Smile by Pink Sherbet Photography; (3) Let Go by Rockmenow48; (4) Serenity by Randi B.