Creative Spaces

I’m a little obsessed with workspaces, and it’s probably my interest in interior design that brings it out in me. I did after all study it for a year – graphic design was more my thing in the end though. See, I’m fascinated by the environments people create to work in, the objects they choose to surround themselves with, the mess, or organisation of their work space, the colours, some even like toys, or books, or flowers, and how this affects their productivity and creativity.

I think the best workplaces are teaming with life, either through the use of colour, or mystery. The kind of workspaces that create intrigue – they make you want to explore, open a draw or a cupboard and see what’s in there. Workspaces that are filled with light are my favourite. Yes light and air are must haves, and a really great view too. I think that work spaces, especially creative ones, need to reflect the workers personality and likes and dislikes in order for the most productivity to occur.  For instance, I find if I surround myself with white, it creates a good blank canvas, so that colour ontop of it can really stand out and make a big difference.

I have a constant vision in my head of my ultimate workspace, which is always changing and always evolving. Workspaces are so fabulous for so many reasons and I think everyone should have one, even if you aren’t a creative. The best thing about workspace is that it’s something that can develop and evolve over time. It can be big or tiny and you slowly collect things, and build up a great little space full of wonderful super-duper stuff that makes you happy. See that’s what a workspace is. Somewhere that you can sit down, with all your beautiful precious things, and write or draw or create. Somewhere that you can read, or check Facebook, or blog or email. Somewhere that makes you really happy and inspired.

So when I found Paul Barbera’s little side project Where They Create, I got really excited. See Paul is an interior photographer, and while travelling on assignments, he looks up artists and creatives in the area he’s heading too, and takes photos of their workspaces, much to my sticky-nosing delight.

Images of Tin & Ed's workspace

Watch out for more nice pictures of work spaces. It’s on my mind at the moment and I have heaps of pics in store.

Oh and here’s a big horray for the most blog posts in a month since I started this little advernture! I’m having so much fun, hope you’re enjoying the reading.

All images sourced from Where They Create by Paul Barbera.

Wade in the Water

A few years ago, I was a dancer. I had beautiful feet, and I loved the control and discipline of it. Most of all I loved how freeing it was. You know that feeling you get when you are in water - floating, free, like you can do anything at all? For me, dancing gave me that feeling. Like floating. The control over your body and the freedom you gain from that control - an incredible feeling.

I studied dance too, and below is one of the videos I studied. It's a Alvin Ailey dance called Revelations. Very relevant to this time in my life. And it's beautiful.

I have more beautiful ballet things to post about... so expect to see more.

White goods...

It was my friends birthday last week, so of course that meant present shopping. Lately, I've been going to the same place to get my presents. Lenko boutique, Cathedral Arcade in Melbourne. It's full of fashion - clothes, jewels and nik naks, and stocks some lovely things. I love little jewels - I mean laser cut, handmade and sometimes hand-painted brooches and necklaces, earrings and rings. I like to call them wearables. I even bought some knuckle ducklings last week, by Sniffle Co for myself.

They are my favourite. So big, but super cute!

So I bought my friend this brooch. It's a lion, and I bought it because she loves pom poms, and he's got one on his hat. Well of course I had to look up the designers - Made by White - and wow, I think these lovely ladies have my dream job. I would love to design cute illustrations all day and then make them into wearables. In fact, I'm pretty sure I will. I was so encouraged by the things these two ladies are doing. I really hope they come down to Melbourne for the Finders Keepers market in October - I'd just love to meet them and tell them how talented they are. You should check them out for yourself here, and maybe buy something from them. Their products are so cute and unique, and most definitely affordable.

All images from Made by White. Ducklings from Sniffle Co.

Etsy emails

I don't know if you're signed up, but I am... to get "Etsy Find's" emails. My friend Jacinta and I get a little disconcerted when we don't get them, cos you see they come every working day, and we like them very much. It takes alot of the hard work of looking through all the stores, and gives you a good taste of what Etsy has to offer.

Sometimes I just flick through, but I had a close look today and I'm glad I did. I discovered something really beautiful. Michael R Allison and his hand blown glass light drip sculptures. While they cost alot, they sure are beautiful and I would love to have one in my house. Next to my bed would be best, so I can admire it every morning and every night. And if I had enough money, there would be one in my living room too probably.

Images sourced from Michael's website.

Friday finds...

Well technically I found her on Thursday, but I think Friday finds sounds better.
I found Lauren Carney. (I like her last name best!)
And boy she is a talented lass.

I love her foxy foxes.

She does bags too...

and book covers...

And my favouritist illustration, part cos it's beautiful and part cos it means that her artwork is the face for the first Melbourne Finder's Keepers market in October (can't wait!) 


(Image above from Finders Keepers Facebook... you should "like" them! All other images sourced from Lauren Carney's blog)

Bottles and Trade Shows

I've been restless lately. Dreaming of old bottles, gardens, letters, stitching and books... of connecting and being connected. I was so restless I had to write a list so my head didn't explode with my ideas.

One of the things I love about being a creative is the way my brain works. I am constantly dreaming of the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead, waiting for me to discover them. Waiting for me to make it happen... In an industry that's so "doom and gloom," I like to maintain a child-like view of it all. I find keeping my dreams big and staying positive it the best way to approach it all. Keeping myself inspired and my hand busy makes the journey far more enjoyable. I've been watching and learning alot this past week, and have been seriously challenged. It's all been such great motivation to stay fresh, keep dreaming, doing new projects and trying new things. Needless to say I have a few big projects up my sleeve. 

It's been a busy week too, and a busy weekend, with so much to do. I went to Design Made Trade -  a trade show in Melbourne, as part of the State of Design Festival. I saw lots of inspiring things, meet a few cool people, and saw Lucy Feagins on a role with her camera. I'm sure she'll be covering the whole thing over at Design Files. You should check it out.

Then there are the things I've promised to do for others, my own projects I've been wanting to get onto all week. Of course the house is messy and Josh has done so much housework lately that I feel it's definitely my turn!

I sent off my first batch of "wearables" for cutting this week and I can't wait to get them back! Promise to share them as soon as I get my hands on them.

Hope your weekend is as inspired as mine.

image sourced from hotwaterandmilk on flickr.

image sourced from here.

Website

Yep, I've got one. It will soon have my work, contact info for freelance, and wearables... (jewellery mostly). Horray! I can't wait to get it all going.
Check it out here...