Bondville

Minti Be Brave charity tshirt

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 01:34:00 +0000

Little Pinwheel owner and all-round good gal Hayley Blease has collaborated with Melbourne kids' label MINTI to create this Be Brave tshirt. 100% of proceeds of the tee will go to Bravehearts Inc - which aims to empower, educate and protect children by providing healing and support, engendering child sexual assault prevention and protection strategies; advocating for understanding and promoting increased education and research for child protection.

Hayley will also be running seven marathons in seven states in seven days with a goal to raise $25,000 for Bravehearts Inc. An amazing effort by an amazing woman dedicated to helping make Australia the safest place in the world to raise children.

You can buy this tee in sizes 1-10 for kids in the Little Pinwheel online store. Thank you Hayley for all your hard work! And love the tee Minti!

Images: Little Pinwheel

Make.Play craft workshops at Object Gallery in Sydney

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 01:04:00 +0000

Get on the craft bandwagon with these great, affordable craft workshops at Sydney's Object Gallery in Surry Hills. The Make.Play program runs until 29th June 2013 and there are some really fun workshops by fabulous local crafters artists lined up including Cut N Paste Zine, Mobile Mania, Papier Floristry (tonight!), Pom Pom Necklace and Tshirt Bowl.

There is also a Japanese art workshop for kids running July 3-4 to learn the art of origami and kirigami with Chaco Kato.

Head to the Object website to book. Workshops are held at the MAKE. PLAY studio in Surry Hills. If I wasn't going away this weekend, I would absolutely be attending the Mobile Mania workshop by the amazing Dear Plastic.

Image: Object Gallery

Ellie Beck recycled skateboard jewellery

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 08:27:00 +0000

Hang on - super-cool necklaces and bangles handmade from recycled/upcycled skateboard decks? I'm in! My friend Ellie Beck and her husband Sam Messina make these amazing jewellery pieces using their stash of broken skateboards in the hinterland of Murwillumbah in Northern NSW. They're bright, fun, sustainable and each piece is one-of-a-kind - totally my style.

These bangles are cut, sanded and finished by hand. Each has a coloured side and a cool scratched-graphic side to amp up the cred.

Most skateboards are made from seven-ply of Canadian Maple in a rainbow of colours.

The rainbow skateboard deck bead necklaces are incredible too. Each is strung on a vintage brass chain.

Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of Ellie and Sam's skateboard pieces - either for yourself or as a gift. Head over to the Ellie Beck online store to pick one up. I love them all.

Images: Ellie Beck

Bondville's Australian online shopping directory

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 20:00:00 +0000

We have so many amazing small businesses in Australia working all hours to bring you great products for Mum, Kids and Home through their online stores (so we can shop from the comfort of home!). Many of these businesses support Bondville so I can continue to write and share Australian design with you. Here is a quick snapshot of the fabulous stores in the Bondville online shopping directory and some of my favourite pieces:

1. Paddington jacket (charcoal marle) from eeni meeni miini moh | 2. Yellow bubble dress from Minyaka Design | 3. Nova Harley Manhattan nappy bag from Tots n Tales | 4. Liberty snuggle pod from Chibebe | 5. Baby stationery set from KatyJane Designs | 6. Charcoal jumper from Mooce | 7. Oliver + S Birthday Party Dress pattern from DuckCloth | 8. Apron pack from OUCH clothing | 9. Kids CreativiTea workshops from Free Range Living | 10. Sterling Silver "Little Silver Star" Pendant Necklace from A Little Bit Of Cheek | 11. Boho 2 piece set from Off The Peg | 12. Changeable Charms Girls Necklace - Sky High from Tiges & Weince | 13. Groovy Surf Hooded Jumper Grey from MIDA | 14. Daily Tea Boys Dog Sled Tee from Where Did You Get That? | 15. Chevron Grey Modern Cloth Nappy fabric from Nappies Covered | 16. Wild Things Funky Little Dresses baby mouse character play dress from Down That Little Lane | 17. Reaching giraffe silhouette wall sticker from 41 Orchard | 18. Baby pure wool Juniper boots in ocean and sea from Little Tree Kids / Small Forest Shop | 19. Alex & Ant Marta dress from Looking At You Kid | 20. Quince Butterfly dress (red) from Juliet's Closet | 21. Oishi-m Keep Keep On skinny jeans from Denim Baby | 22. Wheely bug from from Happy Little Hippos | 23. Water bottle from Pouched | 24. Little Red Fish long sleeve rashie from Mini Sandcrabs | 25. Nautical invitation DIY printable from Sassaby | 26. Baby boy reversible Thomas cap from Ollie Rose | 27. Rainy Days mac from Small to TALL | 28. Max navy with white stars classic pyjamas from Four In The Bed | 29. Red spot waterproof kid's apron from max & ella | 30. British Bulldog art print from Team Kitten | 31. Navy Freckles bean chair from Lelbys | 32. Little Robot leather baby shoes from Boyosaur

Thank you to all the wonderful businesses that support my work here. Please click through to visit them for all your shopping needs.

If you have an online store in Australia with products for Mum, Kids or Home, make sure you are listed in the Bondville online shopping directory for 2013-214. Applications are open now until 30th June 2013. Head to the advertising page and contact me at steph at stephbond.com for more information. I'd love to hear from you.

Rachel Castle's kids' rooms in I Love My Room book by Megan Morton

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:13:00 +0000

If you follow uber-stylist and champion-of-beauty Megan Morton on any social media, you will know that her exuberance and love of life is infectious. This joyfulness has translated beautifully into her new book showcasing... wait for it... children's rooms!!!! I Love My Room documents kids' rooms with heart and soul, by some of Australia's most talented parents.

Would you like a sneak peek? I'm so thrilled to showcase the rooms of artist/homewares designer Rachel Castle's children Cleo (10) and Lucky (7) in Sydney. The use of judicious colour against a neutral base and lots of Rachel's lovely artwork is right up my alley. I think this book might have been written just for me.

Cleo and Lucky's rooms feature Rachel's Castle Castle bedlinen and many pieces of her beautiful artwork.

I sent some interview questions over to the unstoppable Megan Morton about these two rooms - read on for the downlow; I think you'll love it!

Rachel has the knack of creating a room that is a riot of colour but still seems put together. How can we achieve the same without it hurting the eyes?
MM: If you look closely Rachel's work because of the volume of stuff. Any less you would potentially register it as colour collisions and any more would be overkill. Like her work, she is a master of restrain in an abundant way. This is the basis of her signature and why lots of people copy her but no one really can.

Most houses seem to have a big ticket item (like a quilt or bed) gifted from a well-meaning family member that just doesn't suit our taste - how can we work an ugly piece into a room (because you know they want to see it being used)?
MM: I don't ever fall guilty to that stuff. Yolo I say! You wouldn't want your own kids to do something out of decorative obligation so you shouldn't either!

Rachel's kids' rooms have a neutral base for all that gorgeous colour. What can renters do if the walls are pre-determined? Is a colourful room still possible?
MM: Like Rachel's, most rental properties have neutral bases for which the colour plays out so joyously.

I love that Rachel forgoes the traditional bedside table for vintage chairs in the kids' rooms. Are there any other pieces that would work equally as well?
MM: I use stools as bedsides, upturned boxes, apple crates and recently sourced a planter box on a stand that has become a fabulous and super diligent bedside as the books sit up in place of plants and all the other bedside necessities are stored and the piece itself is long and skinny - perfect for this room size.

It's so great that you can embrace a cartoon icon - like Lucky's batman wall art - and still have a room that feels design-oriented. Is there any way to make a child's favourite licensed character work in their room?
MM: I would go out on a limb to say that only Rachel Castle could do it so successfully! Everything Rachel does is done with heart, not for design and especially not her kids bedrooms who she is devoted to. Her interpretation of batman wings for Lucky is purely her little love letter to him! Lucky lucky right?!
--------------------------------------

Thanks so much Megan! I Love My Room features many more kids' rooms and interviews with the kids who sleep in them. The book by Megan Morton, Jason Busch and Penny Shek is published by Thames & Hudson and will be released on Monday 17th June 2013. Head over to Megan's online store to pre-order a personalised and gift-wrapped book now. And if you're in Melbourne, head to the book signing at The Woodsfolk on Wednesday 19th June 2013 from 6:30-8:00pm.

Read more about Rachel Castle and Megan Morton here on Bondville.

Images: Megan Morton | I Love My Room

JAB Designs Australian animal melamine plates at UrbanBaby - 25% off

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:27:00 +0000

You know I'm a sucker for good Australiana and I love these melamine plates featuring Australian animals by JAB Designs. Head to UrbanBaby where they are currently 15% off, and get an extra 10% off with the code JUNE10 through until 16th June, 2013. Perfect for the kids and the mono-colour photo prints are so on-trend right now.

Image: UrbanBaby

Hello Tokyo fabric range from Lisa Tilse at the red thread - 30% off

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:50:00 +0000

Lisa Tilse (the red thread) is well known for her beautifully designed craft panels and softie DIY kits, as well as her graphic design, craft, styling and art. Lisa has taken her love for cute Japanese kawaii-style design and created a gorgeous range of fabric and craft panels for Robert Kaufman Fabrics. I got a sneak-peek of the fabrics when Lisa came over to do a mini photo-shoot in my daughter's bedroom:

The Hello Tokyo range is absolutely gorgeous in real life too. I love the fun, bright colour palette, and of course those super-cute Japanese kokeshi dolls and sweet kitty cat character panels to sew up into cushions and softies, or use for applique.

The Hello Tokyo fabric range will be available in the US later in the year, and is stocked in Australia at various retailers now (no stockist list yet, but check via your favourite search engine). And we're in luck! the remnant warehouse is offering Hello Tokyo at 30% off for Australian customers until 18th June, 2013. (Prices are displayed at the full cost – discount is applied at checkout). I can't even wait to have a quilt made with these fabrics. I might even try my hand at it myself. Happy shopping and crafting!

Images: Lisa Tilse | the red thread

(prices displayed are the full cost – discount is applied at checkout) - See more at: http://www.theredthreadblog.com/#sthash.ldjcTuEa.dpuf

ouch flower dip-dyed tassel garland room decor

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 00:40:00 +0000

Can you imagine how gorgeous this handmade tassel garland by ouch flower would look in a girl's room? Each tassel is hand-dyed in Melbourne by Pippa to your colour choice. Head over to the ouch flower online store to find tassel garlands, macrame hangers, tassels and beautiful wall hangings. You'll love them all! (Thanks Pippa for stopping by Bondville to comment - and so lovely to find that you're a fellow Voices of 2013 finalist!).

Image: Ouchflower

Fable Baby super-cute sustainable handmade baby clothes

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 11:52:00 +0000

Another great find at The Finders Keepers markets in Sydney on the weekend was the beautiful sustainable baby clothes from Melbourne lable Fable Baby. There were hand-screenprinted polka dot cropped sweaters and stripey leggings, farm animal prints and knottied onesies. I love the cuffed sleeves on the tees. Oh, and the knits were beyond cute (poncho with pom poms, anyone?).

1. Hand Knitted Chunky Unisex Organic Cotton Hooded Vest - Light Grey 2. Organic Cotton Long Sleeve Top - Navy Animals on Cream 3. Handmade Unisex Cotton Spot Shorts - Blue & White 4. Handmade Unisex Cropped Spot Sweater - Grey & White 5. Organic Cotton Knottie Sleep Suit Onesie - Red Spots on Cream 6. Hand Printed Organic Cotton Leggings - Navy Animals on White

Fable Baby was established exactly one year ago by cousins Phoebe Newlan and Prue Ryan with their combined backgrounds in textile and fashion design. Fable Baby uses only high quality organic and/or locally-produced fabrics. Knitted pieces are made from either organic cotton yarn from Peru or hand-dyed wool and silk from the Otways of Victoria. All garments are designed, hand-printed and handmade in Melbourne.

The current collection includes tees, knotted onesies, shorts, pants, bibs and the cutest knits you ever did see. All babywear items are thoughtfully designed with easy dressing in mind. For new Mums, that design element can make all the difference between a lovely clothing gift that sits on the shelf and one that is worn daily. With lots of unisex colours and designs, Fable Baby is a no-brainer go-to gift for a newborn or baby shower.

You can find Fable Baby in the online store as well as stockists listed on the website.

Images: Fable Baby

Super Duper Supertrooper Studio Scandi art for kids

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 11:32:00 +0000

Finding the gorgeous Supertrooper Studio at The Finders Keepers market in Sydney on the weekend was a real a-ha moment. I was literally stopped in my tracks by the Scandinavian-inspired artwork and homewares for kids.

The illustrated city art prints first caught my attention. The Super Places collection includes Sydney, Melbourne, Manly, Fremantle (with more to come), translated into posters, cushions and tea towels. Who doesn't love a graphic homage to their favourite city - and Supertrooper Studio does it so well...

This kids' memory card game is features fun, stylised animals in classic red, blue, black and white. The quality of these cards is lovely:

The kids' animal artwork is also available as wall prints which would work well in both boys' and girl's rooms:

I particularly love this MiniTipi canvas store playhouse/teepee for kids:

Based in Manly, Supertrooper Studio is one to watch. I can imagine these gorgeous graphics as bedding, quilting fabric, kids' fashion and any number of applications. These guys are hot! You can find Supertrooper Studio products in the online store.

Images: Supertrooper Studio

Peg board wall nursery by Marjorie Silva

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 20:00:00 +0000

Sydney-based Marjorie Silva is an interior designer and stylist and shares with us today a gorgeous nursery that she styled for Australian designer homewares online store TheHome. I love Marjorie's genius use of the pegboard wall for an ever-changing wall art gallery. Note also how the base colour palette of black and white makes this room look modern and fresh.

Baby Bottles: Cherub Baby Bottles
White framed wall art: Little Big House
Black-framed wall art: MidCenturyChild A3 Australian animal prints
Booties: Annabel Trends
Rug: NSW Leather Co pink cow hide
Rabbit wall decals: Little Sticker Boy

Cot linen: IKEA
Cot pillows: Xavier & Me
Storage basket: Mor Stor

Small storage cups on wall: IKEA
Spice rack book and bottle shelves: IKEA
Side table: Componibili

My favourite pieces are the gorgeous MidCenturyChild echidna, koala and cockatoo wall prints with their harlequin pattern that would work well for both boy's and girls' rooms. Once your child can sit up in bed, the pegboard makes it really easy to move decorative pieces higher on the wall. You'll want to keep any wall decals or picture frames out of reach of little arms, unless you want to find them on the floor!

Marjorie also offers her top hints for putting together a nursery - some gems here:

1. Invest on items that will carry the design through your baby’s first years. For instance, the cot should be the item you spend the least amount of money on – unless it turns into a child’s bed.

2. According to the teachings of Feng Shui, movement is important for your baby’s growth and development so invest in a mobile to hang over the crib. If you can, keep the mobile as close to the window as possible so the wind will move it gently.

3. A clever way to make a change table is to use a chest of drawers and add a topper to it. That way, once the baby grows into a toddler, the topper can go and the dresser will continue to shine!

4. Keep the lighting layered in your nursery. Having an ambient light next to your nursing chair and accent lights will have a calming effect on your child.

Head to TheHome to find all the products in the nursery above. Save an extra 20% for the next two weeks with this exclusive discount code for Bondville readers: BONDVILLE (expires 12th June 2013). Thanks Marjorie for sharing this great space with us.

Image: TheHome

Sydney's The Finders Keepers market June 2013 - my favourites

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 11:25:00 +0000

My friend Anni and I spent a wonderful afternoon wandering around the Sydney The Finders Keepers market today. I caught up with lots of old friends and made a few new ones. There was a fangirl moment with Emily Green, some snatched hugs from QLD friends and I made some great new discoveries too.

The new venue at Australian Technology Park was perfect - a hip industrial-chic setting with plenty of room between stands. There was the requisite be-bearded musician on stage, food trucks, potted fir trees, and a serious amount of talented, creative people selling their wares.

I fell head-over-heels in love with everything in the Beattie Lanser-for-Harvest Textiles collaboration (and in fact anything at all from Harvest Textiles). The melted icecream jumpsuit had my name written all over it. One day...

Then there was the just-like-a-string-of-marshmallows necklace by BOXY that looked good enough to eat...

Emily Green's new polymer clay egg-shaped drop earrings are hot, hot hot. I'd never be able to pick just one...

And I loved everything from new-comers Fable Baby and Super Trooper Studio. In fact, they were so amazing that I'm going to dedicate posts to each of them. Watch this space!

Kids art therapy fundraiser - Gorman sneaker collab with Australian creatives

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Fri, 31 May 2013 03:32:00 +0000

Are you ready? The fabulous folks at Gorman are auctioning 21 Adventure Sneakers personalised by some of my favourite artists, designers, and creatives including Aussies Miranda Skoczek, Beci Orpin, Madeleine Stamer, Rachel Castle Kat McLeod, Dawn Tan, Ellie Malin, Hungry Workshop, Marsha Golemac, Kate Tucker, Megan Morton, and more. How can you even choose?

The customised sneakers will be auctioned to raise money for kid's art therapy school, Little Seeds Big Trees. In addition, Gorman will be chipping in $20 from each sale of the standard Adventure Sneakers.

You can bid on your favourite sneaker on the Gorman eBay page until 7th June 2013. How wonderful that all those creatives have spent time and effort to create these amazing wearable art pieces for kids art therapy. Head to Gorman to start bidding. Good luck! And let me know if you score one of the sneakers!

Images: Gorman

Simple and chic flower garden 4th birthday party from My Poppet

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Thu, 30 May 2013 01:34:00 +0000

Blogger and Craft/DIY maven Cintia Gonzalez (My Poppet) put together a simple and chic birthday party for her daughter Emma who recently turned four. Don't you just adore the giant crepe paper flower on the table? This is proof that a party doesn't need to be too elaborate or expensive to look fantastic. I also love the healthy food on offer and... no goodie bags (yay!). Cintia shares her tips and tricks for Emma's flower garden party:

Party: Emma's 4th Birthday
Organised by: Emma's mum, Cintia (My Poppet)
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Theme: Flower Garden party

Cake: Number four flower cake, homemade from the Australian Womens Weekly Children's Birthday Cake book - vintage collector's edition (see directions on My Poppet)

Decorations: Handmade crepe paper flowers (inspired by this tutorial by Ruche on Design Sponge), crepe paper table runner and garland from a local party supply store.

Party food: Finger sandwiches (made by Mum), deviled eggs (see recipe on My Poppet), veggie flowers using carrots, cucumber and cheese cubes, scones with jam and cream, and chips.

Games/activities: There were no organised activities - just eating, conversation and an impromptu game of hide and seek.

Tips: crepe paper is a great way to add colour quickly and inexpensively. Total cost of decorations and paper goods was under $10. Ask family to bring a plate to take the pressure off last minute food preparation.

Something special: Each little guest was given a giant flower to take home as a party favour. The fact that there was no treat bags went unnoticed

Thank you so much Cintia! Head over to Cintia's blog My Poppet for more photos, recipes, and instructions on how to make the cake.

Images: Cintia Gonzalez (My Poppet)

10 ways to amp up hot chocolate - mmmmm

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Wed, 29 May 2013 07:50:00 +0000

I had the best time putting together this article for eBay's Mum's Business website - 10 Luxurious Ways With Hot Chocolate. I used the good stuff - Belgian Callebaut dark chocolate (thanks Dad), and went to town on amazing toppings and flavourings using items you probably already have in your pantry (I did!).

Head over to Mum's Business for the full article and super-easy recipes for: basic hot chocolate, white hot chocolate, malted hot chocolate, turkish hot chocolate, honeycomb hot chocolate, flake hot chocolate, aztec hot chocolate, chai hot chocolate, hazelnut hot chocolate, salted caramel hot chocolate, and gingerbread hot chocolate. You know you want to!

Images: Steph Bond-Hutkin | Bondville

Up to 80% off Polli, Poppies For Grace and Nancybird in Melbourne Friday and Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Tue, 28 May 2013 06:34:00 +0000

Melbourne friends, this one is for you! Head to Northcote this Friday and Saturday to score major bargains from three of my absolute-favourite Australian designers: jewellery designers Polli, bag and accessories designers Nancybird and stationery designers Poppies for Grace:

I would be taking home with me party invitation packs, writing sets, a new wallet and some gorgeous rings. Stock up for gifts! If you are not in Melbourne, head over to the Polli website for the massive online sale. Have fun!

A special Croquet and Pie birthday party

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Mon, 27 May 2013 11:48:00 +0000

This is a year of celebration for me, kicked off with a very fun birthday party last month at the Cheltenham Croquet Club near our house. My nearest and dearest dressed in "English Lawn Party" attire and brought along homemade pies for the pie tasting competition. There were trophies! And rosettes! And of course there was croquet.

Here are some gorgeous photos from my friends Anni and Matthew from Milk & Honey Photography to share with you. First up, the four of us getting ready to blow out the candles. The kids think it's their job!

The scene was set with the old-world kitsch of the Cheltenham Croquet Club and bright blue Autumn skies. Oh, and a flamingo or two...

And then the pies started to arrive! There was a delicious blueberry pie with a beautiful criss cross lid...

And caramel-bottom skillet apple pie...

And pecan pie...

And beautifully-presented lemon meringue pie...

And some amazing savoury pies including chicken and leek, Mexican, and lamb pie among others...

We ate our fill of pie, being careful to take tasting notes for the competition, and imbibed on fresh lemonade and Pimm's cups.

Compliments were given to all with but first prize went to Ant's super-tasty Mexican pie, second place to Estelle's lemon meringue pie, and third prize by a slim margin to Laura's gorgeous blueberry pie.

And then it was time for a spot of croquet. Harris kept the kids busy with egg-and-spoon and sack races and some soccer drills. The adults teamed up into groups of four and played a leisurely game under the expert tutelage of the Cheltenham Croquet ladies.

My Dad gave me some beautiful Belgian Callebaut dark chocolate, so I made my own layered chocolate birthday cake with raspberries (that's normal, isn't it?) to add to our full tummies. (But not without a phone call to cake Queen Alison Lawson after my first pathetic-excuse-of-a-hockey-puck-cake went into the bin)...

Thank you so much Milk & Honey Photography for these beautiful momentos! I had so much fun chatting to all my buddies that I didn't document my party well (best excuse, I reckon), but here are a few more happy snaps that I took and a few from friends (click 'Read More' below)...

Read more »

NEW LOOK BONDVILLE

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Sat, 25 May 2013 14:17:00 +0000

Surprise! I know that I've mentioned a few times that I have been working with Lisa (the red thread) on a re-design for Bondville. Ta da!!! I am so excited about it - it's a fresh look for Bondville that allows the Australian-designed products I feature to really shine, which is a huge priority for me.

Did you see the gorgeous Bondville logo that Lisa hand drew?!? She is so talented and I am thrilled to have her mark on my site.

This is Phase I of the makeover - what do you think? (OK, don't really tell me - I only want to hear good things). You'll see some tweaks and changes continue over the next few days (read 'weeks'), so please bear with me if you notice any glitches.

Here's a little snapshot of the old design which served me so well at the time.

Huge thanks go to Lisa for interpreting my vision and creating a phenomenal logo and helping me with layout choices and style. Also thanks to my dear Harris who is always patient with me and always helpa out when my html skills lack (like overriding template styles in CSS - he is so cool). I'll let you know when we get to Phase II, but in the meantime, enjoy and look around!
Steph
x

Huge Minyaka Design sale - 50-70% off Winter kids clothes

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Sat, 25 May 2013 09:33:00 +0000

Sydney local kids clothes designers and Bondville sponsors Minyaka Design are having a huge, huge sale to make way for new stock. You can save from 50% to 70% off most Winter children's clothes (1-4 years) including the gorgeous hoodie top and cheeky bottom pant (as seen in Studio Bambini)...

... and my favourite bubble dress with long sleeves and organic cotton lining in gorgeous yellow (sizes 2 and 4 years), soft grey (sizes 1-4 years), and dusky pink (sizes 1-4 years):

The Little Dandy pants made from recycled hemp and organic cotton are outrageously cool:

And the organic cotton newborn gift set (wrap, mittens and booties) is a steal at only $19:

More beautiful designs on sale now:

Get them while they are hot! Head now to the Minyaka Design online store. Last chance!

Images: Minyaka Design

So Little Time painted wooden jewellery

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Fri, 24 May 2013 04:15:00 +0000

I love my So Little Time wooden laser-cut earrings so much that I literally have not taken them off since my birthday. In fact I am wearing them right now! I have these cute-as-a-button neon orange dipped wood disc earrings that were given to me by my dear friend Anni...

Partners Kirsty and Josh hand-craft their earrings, brooches, and necklaces from locally-sourced or recycled wood, shaping them and painting them in their Melbourne studio. I particularly love the geo ball and faceted necklaces - like wooden crystals!

How gorgeous is this wooden locket for keeping a pic of your loved ones close to your heart...

I can hardly resist this sweet ice cream brooch - what a gorgeous gift or party favour for a little one...

Thank you so much Anni for such a thoughtful gift - you know me so well! x

You can find So Little Time jewellery in the online Etsy store and at the upcoming The Finders Keepers market in Sydney next weekend (their last market for a long time!). Tell them I sent you.

Images: So Little Time

Made By Mosey's handmade rainbow dreamer mobile

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Thu, 23 May 2013 08:23:00 +0000

I'm so taken with this mobile - reminiscent of a dreamcatcher don't you think? - by Madeleine Sargent from Made by Mosey. Each mobile features colourful wooden beads and those stunning patchwork feathers, made by hand. I can only imagine that they take an age to create. There are all sorts of colours in the Made by Mosey online store, but this rainbow mobile has my heart. Do you have a favourite?

Read more about Made by Mosey here on Bondville.

Image: Made by Mosey

Voices of 2013 awards - top 25 Creative and Home blogs

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Tue, 21 May 2013 04:03:00 +0000

Holy Moley. That's all I can say. I was beyond thrilled to receive an email from Kidspot to say that I was a finalist in the Voices of 2013 awards - one of the top 25 Creative and Home blogs in Australia. And then... I saw the finalists page on the site and just about fell off my chair. Look - it's me! And look at the callibre of the bloggers on there - Pia Jane Bijkerk!!! Eat Drink Chic!!! the red thread!!! And more! The food, fashion and parenting categories are amazing too. This is some serious business:

I'm incredibly honoured and flattered. On Saturday night I went to the Voices of 2013 launch in Sydney (grinning from ear-to-ear) and met some of my favourite bloggers and re-connected with others.

I hadn't seen Maddie from Colour Me There since high school (what are the chances!), got to meet Pip from Meet Me At Mike's and Bron (maxabella loves) for the first time, and Cintia from My Poppet who is just as much fun in real life. It was great catching up with Lisa (the red thread), Viv (ish & chi), Lexi (pottymouthmama), Babs (Patchwork Cactus), Susie (Flowerpress), Rebecca (Wee Birdy), and Belinda (The Happy Home).

And there were new friends to make too. Ali from At Home With Ali is just about the loveliest person you will ever meet and has an incredible blog full of ideas for being creative with kids. And Alana from HouseGoesHome who is warm, engaging, super-interesting, and just about the best blog writer I have ever met - her site is a hoot! (And she was wearing the Marc Jacobs mouse shoes... and she has just been to a southern wedding in North Carolina... there was too much fabulousness going on).

I spent all evening gas-bagging, and not taking photos, but there are lots to see on Instagram and Twitter (#voicesof2013). When Kidspot posts all the photos from the night I will share then with you. The awards program runs all year with some great prizes (including a trip to NYC, writing contracts and Ford cars!), so I will let you know how it progresses. But seriously, I'm overwhelmed to just be a finalist.

Thank you Kidspot, justb., Vogue, Taste.com.au, and sponsors Ford and The Good Guys!

Alice in Tutu Land 8th Birthday Party by Tutu du Monde

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:06:00 +0000

Have I got something special to show you today. This is the gorgeous eighth birthday party of Alyna - daughter of Tutu du Monde designer Andrea Rembeck. Styling, cake, food and photography are all by amazing Sydney creative talents and all the girls are dressed in Andrea's iconic tutus. It truly is a little girl's dream come true.

Party: Alyna's 8th Birthday Party
Organised by: Andrea Rembeck (Tutu du Monde)
Location: Sydney, Australia
Event Styling: Vanessa Sheldrick
Theme: Alice in Tutuland
Cake: Ivy Puterflam
Party food: Ivy Puterflam
Decorations: Tiny Tutu Cake Couture
Birthday Girl Wears: Tutu du Monde
Games/activities: Pass the Parcel, Pin the tail on the Fairy
Something special: Every guest changed into a Tutu du Monde tutu upon arrival which they were allowed to take home after the party instead of a goodie bag.
Photography: Hannah Scott-Stevenson

How do I get invited to Alyna's next party?! Happy Birthday Alyna and thank you Andrea for sharing Alyna's amazing day with us. Read more about Sydney children's label Tutu du Monde here on Bondville.

Images: Hannah Scott-Stevenson for Tutu du Monde

BOXY handmade jewellery - the next big thing

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Thu, 16 May 2013 06:07:00 +0000

I received this gorgeous BOXY necklace for my birthday last month from my friend Laura and I'm completely obsessed with it.

BOXY is designed and handmade by Sally Jarmaine in her studio by the beach near Sydney. Sally's pieces are fun, bright and so very on-trend. Each necklace is hand-modelled in polymer clay and strung on leather cord, then anointed its very own name to match its personality. This one is called 'confetti':

I could eat them all. You can find BOXY in the online etsy store, select stockists in NSW and Victoria and at the upcoming The Finders Keepers markets in Sydney.

Images: Steph Bond-Hutkin | Bondville

Make: DIY face masks and party hats for kids by TMOD

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:04:00 +0000

Those creators of cool - Sydney's TMOD - have done it again with these gorgeous DIY crafts kits for kids. Choose from make-your-own animal face masks or party hats with watercolour paints and elastic included.

TMOD (Georgie Swift and Milenka Osen) just always seems to have their finger on the pulse. These craft kits are beautifully drawn and right in line with the huge DIY movement. These would make an excellent activity for a kids' party to keep them occupied, and then to be worn for the rest of the event. I'm super-impressed.

You can find TMOD products in the online store as well as stockists around Australia.

Images: TMOD