Bondville

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

Killer Gorman mohair throws and homewares

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Thu, 09 May 2013 00:08:00 +0000

I could wear Gorman every day and not get sick of it (hint, hint kids-slash-husband!). So I just about flipped when I saw the new mohair throws from Gorman in collaboration with Melbourne's iconic St Albans.

Choose from a boucle finish (in yellow or fuschia) or brushed finish (in orange/blue, green/blue or my favourite - multi-colour). It's just like a favourite Gorman jumper for your sofa/bed!

And speaking of beds, have you seen the amazing Gorman quilt in collaboration with Melbourne-based print media artist Ellie Malin that is about to be released? It's all kinds of wonderful.

You can find Gorman mohair throws and homewares in the online store. Happy Mother's Day shopping!

Images: Gorman

Sweet family portraits and embroidered jewellery from Dandelyne

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Tue, 07 May 2013 11:14:00 +0000

What an amazing birthday present. Four of my lovely girlfriends got me the most thoughtful gift - a custom family portrait and necklace embroidered by the supremely talented Sonia Lyne of Dandelyne! Here's my family portrait - so cute!

And here are some of Sonia's other amazing creations:

Based in Melbourne, Sonia creates embroidered mini artworks on 4cm and 5.5cm hoops that can be worn as necklaces or brooches. Some of the great designs include bunting, bicycles, clouds and rain, and the cutest ever vintage caravan.

Sonia also creates larger custom-designed pieces featuring your nearest and dearest (including pets!) that will be cherished for generations. Her artistry is impeccable and Sonia is super-fun to work with, pouring lots of love and special attention into her pieces.

Thank you so much Carmen, Estelle, Linda and Renay for my gorgeous pieces, and to Carmen for organising such a special gift!

You can find Dandelyne embroidered works in the online Etsy store as well as stockists in Victoria and online.

Images: Dandelyne

Zillpa coil rope homewares - and BrisStyle Mother's Day markets

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Mon, 06 May 2013 10:45:00 +0000

Another great Mother's Day gift! One of my most exciting discoveries from the Eumundi Markets last weekend were these amazing coil rope bowls, bags, plant holders and other homewares from Queensland artisan Clare under her Zillpa label.

Clare hand-makes these gorgeous products by coiling cotton rope and stitching together with her industrial sewing machine. Not an easy task! The current collection includes nesting bowls, coasters, pot holders, plant hangers, three bag styles and key rings made-to-order. I'm in love with every piece, and can't wait to see Clare's new collection incorporating fabrics. Here's a sneak peek:

Totally gorgeous, don't you think? You can find Zillpa products in the online store as well as at markets and stockists around Australia.You will also find Zillpa at the always-inspiring BrisStyle Indie Markets this Saturday at Brisbane's newly refurbished City Hall from 9am-2pm, 11th May, 2013. (This new event is being held the 2nd Saturday of every month).

Images: Zillpa, bottom image by Yan Chen

Six Gorgeous Australian-designed Mother's Day gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Sun, 05 May 2013 10:56:00 +0000

It's only a week away - have you picked up a little something for Mother's Day yet? (or does Hubby need a good hint?). I've chosen six of my favourite current goodies from Australian designers for some last-minute inspiration. Support Australian design and get onto it quick!

1. Moonbeam hoops (golden sorbet) by Naomi Murrell
2. Totem Collection single doona cover from Harvest Textiles
3. Porcelain teapot (prism grey/yellow) by MOZI
4. Apricot studs from Emily Green
5. Croc (desert) cushion cover by Kip & Co. at Hunting for George
6. Jessica T Karma print heeled gumboot from Wellies.com.au

For more options, check out these other Mother's Day Gift ideas here on Bondville. Happy shopping!

Bassike, Camilla and Marc and Sass & Bide onesies!

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

Australian fashion powerhouses Bassike, Camilla and Marc and Sass & Bide have teamed up with baby clothing label Marquise to design these limited edition onesies for charity.

These onesies will be available exclusively at The Iconic and proceeds will go to The Sydney Children's Hospital as part of the Gold Telethon, to help support ill and seriously injured children. The bodysuits are $24.95 each. Fashion forward and feel-good too!

Images: Marquise

Sweet Paul kids e-mag knocks my socks off

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Thu, 02 May 2013 04:48:00 +0000

Far out. How GOOD is Sweet Paul and his amazing online and print magazines. The latest kids issue is chock-full of great party and entertaining ideas, as well as fun DIY activities to do with kids and lots of design inspiration. With just a quick flick through, I spotted our very own Craft Schmaft hot air balloons (seen here on Bondville too!), and now-world-renowned Tutu du Monde in a fashion editorial. Go Aussie kids design! Head over to Sweet Paul to view all 144 glorious pages now.

Image: Sweet Paul

Australia's first West Elm stocking Australian Etsy sellers

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Wed, 01 May 2013 11:29:00 +0000

You've probably heard the buzz about the US lifestyle brand triumvirate of Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn and West Elm arriving in Australia. I'm one of the many people who have been anticipating the stores openings. We had our wedding registry with Williams-Sonoma! And West Elm launched when we were living in New York City and we were so excited to be able to find reasonably priced products with a fresh, modern edge. Harris even carried our living room rug home over his shoulder and on the subway from the Dumbo store!

The three brands open their retail doors tomorrow in Bondi Junction, NSW, and I'm more than pleased to let you know that West Elm has partnered with Etsy to stock a number of local handmade artisans. How fantastic! I'm particularly taken with the embroidered artwork of Sydney designers Maricor/Maricar who have designed this amazing special edition "welcome" tote for West Elm Sydney:

And presenting the other Australian designers who will be represented in-store and online:

Nocturnalia Owl soap (patchouli and rose) by Amy Ta:

Pom Pom decoration set by Kitiya Palaskas:

Notebook (typewriter) by Miss Meg Shop:

Lace Cushion (urban) by CharleeLeMore

Sydney bicycle art print by Seal Design Studio

Pea pods art print by Pool Pony Design:

What a great opportunity for these Etsy sellers and kudos to West Elm for including Australian designers in their product range. I can't wait to see them IRL.

You can find these products in the West Elm Australia online store or in the new Bondi Junction store, opening tomorrow. (Melbourne coming soon).

Shannon Fricke's new bedding - perfect for girls too

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 07:59:00 +0000

Looking for something cosy and comforting for your daughter's room? I thought this sweet country-style bedding from world's-loveliest-interior-designer-slash-presenter Shannon Fricke would look right at home on a girl's bed. It's more sophisticated than many offerings for kids and will take a tween girl right through the teen years.

How gorgeous is the dusky pink velvet European pillow cover - just the right shade of not-too-girly pink and totally luxurious. I love this set teamed with floral wallpaper as Shannon has done here - and of course a posy of roses and a delicate tea cup would look perfect on the bed stand.

You can find Shannon Fricke's latest 'From Dusk Til Dawn' bedding collection, rugs and homewares in the online store and at Domayne stores across Australia from May 2013. Thank you Shannon for sending this my way!

Images: Shannon Fricke

Make: Free ANZAC Day poppy printables and cookie recipe from Tinyme

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 06:42:00 +0000

Aussie sticker experts Tinyme have a fantastic free printable ANZAC Day set on offer including a DIY paper poppy and recipe for ANZAC cookies. Make a poppy to wear on ANZAC Day, or decorate your home with a paper poppy wreath. They also look great displayed in bud vases. Download on the Tinyme website. Thanks Tinyme!

Images: Tinyme

Pies and an English lawn party

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 02:54:00 +0000

Oh what a wonderful day we had on Sunday playing croquet and eating pie under glorious blue skies and warm sunshine at the Cheltenham Croquet Club in Sydney. Things were not looking good with torrential rain on Saturday, but the weather turned it on for a fabulous birthday party. This is my friend Laura - doesn't she look amazing!

Ant's Mexican pie scored first prize in the pie tasting competition, with second prize going to Laura's blueberry pie and Estelle nudged in third with a beautifully-presented lemon meringue pie. There was lemonade, Pimm's and croquet for the grown-ups and Harris organised sack races, egg-and-spoon races and soccer sudden death for the kids. Photos coming soon!

I also received some incredibly generous gifts, and have to share some of them with you over the next few days. What style-savvy friends I have!

Image: Steph Bond-Hutkin | Bondville

Make: craft workshops for kids at The School in Sydney with Amanda Lonsdale

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:00:00 +0000

I remember going to Day Camp as a child. We all got on the bus and ended up in a big field in a bushy area south of Brisbane. We made humpty-doos and billy tea and damper. We sang a lot of songs, put on a performance at the end of the week, and had an amazing time.

Next July school holidays, there is an equally memory-making (if not a little more cool/urban) opportunity at Megan Morton's The School in Sydney.

Long-time blogger and now home-schooler Amanda Lonsdale (aka Miss Lonny) will be hosting a four-day and two-day craft program for children 6-15 years. Limited to only 12 kids per class, the program will include a different instructor each day, sharing their love of terrariums, printmaking, sewing, photography, paper crafts, and a super-cool "fiesta day". The kids will be coming home each day with armfuls of things they have made, and tales of new friendships too.

I can only imagine how inspiring for the kids at The School - a big, light-filled space, bright craft material, fun instructors, sweet treats and all based in the heart of one of the city's coolest design districts. The kids' craft program looks like a great experience and something the kids will remember for a long time (and I bet the afternoon tea tastes slightly better than our dodgy damper!).

The four-day program will run from Tuesday July 2nd - Thursday July 4th, 2013, and the two-day program will run on Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th July, 2013. The classes run from 9.30am - 4pm and are fully catered for including a yummy morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea. A full description of classes can also be found on The School website on the July 2013 calendar. Read more about The School here on Bondville.

Images: The School

Maze and Vale delicate screen-printed textiles and artwork

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 06:42:00 +0000

I first met Leslie Keating from Maze & Vale at The Finders Keepers market in Sydney last year and was blown away by her delicate screenprinted textiles. My friend Lisa introduced us, and once we got chatting I noticed her dropsheet artworks, featuring the random placements of colour and pattern from screenprinting. They are breath-taking!

Gorgeous dropsheet cotton canvas artworks stitched onto watercolour paper (and a limited edition oobee toy).

Hand screen-printed linen.

Hand screen-printed quilting weight premium cotton fabric.

One-of-a-kind foldover tote (and other limited edition products) made from cotton canvas dropsheets.

Leslie's fabrics in muted palettes with sweet patterns are super-versatile - ideal for everything from a baby's quilt, to kids clothes, to a tote or clutch for Mum. I would loooove a bed linen sheet set with pillow in any of Leslie's pattern designs. They work so beautifully together that any designs in the current collection are perfect to mix-and-match.

You can find Melbourne-based Maze & Vale textiles, artworks and accessories in the online etsy store. If you are quick, head over to the blog or Facebook page where you can enter Leslie's current giveaway. It's a good one!

Images: Maze & Vale

Emerald Green Submarine resin jewellery - more Mother's Day gift ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 23:12:00 +0000

On the subject of amazing jewellery, here's another Australian designer working with resin that I spotted in Avoca a few weeks ago. Nicola Porello creates beautiful jewellery under the Emerald Green Submarine label from her base in the artistic community of Castlemaine in Central Victoria.

After taking a resin jewellery-making class last year, I know how hard it is to create such beautifully-finished pieces. How cute are the delicate cube necklaces! And those mini dot earrings would be an everyday staple in our house. These pieces are at an excellent price point too, and make great gifts.

You can find Emerald Green Submarine in the online store as well as stockists around Australia (including the Follow store in Sydney). You'll have to be quick though - Nicola's pieces are selling out quickly.

Have you noticed the Mother's Day gift ideas that I've been sneaking onto Bondville in the last week? Check our more great Australian-designed Mother's Day gift ideas here on Bondville.

Images: Emerald Green Submarine

Very special Birthday goodies - Dinosaur Designs

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 23:11:00 +0000

It was a pretty special birthday for me yesterday. I know I'm tough to buy for (a blue Tiffany box doesn't really float my boat), but Mr Bondville nailed it. When I opened up my presents to find three small Dinosaur Designs drawstring bags, I just about flipped my lid. Aren't these pieces amazing! I couldn't be more thrilled. Thank you Harris!

You can find Dinosaur Designs resin jewellery and homewares in the online store and stockists around Australia and the US.

Image: Steph Bond-Hutkin | Bondville

Hippest ever bibs, wraps and newborn packs from Milk & Masuki

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 04:21:00 +0000

Bundanoon-based milk & masuki design gorgeous organic bibs, wraps, blankets and other goodies for the hip newborns in your life. Does your baby love geometric designs? Why, yes. Feathers? Check. Foxes? Of course. You'll find these designs and more in unisex-friendly colours from milk & masuki.

With their beautiful packaging and fashionable sensibilities, milk & masuki newborn products make the perfect baby shower gift. I'm all about the grey chevron and feather design and can only imagine the compliments that Mums all over Australia must be getting with these beautiful pieces.

You can find milk & masuki in the online store and at stockists across Australia.

Images: milk & masuki

Love: Tiges and Weince changeable pendants for girls

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 20:00:00 +0000

What a cute gift for girls! Kylie Loy from Tiges & Weince has collaborated with Aileen from LimeDaisy Design to create these sweet pendants for girls. Each necklaces comes with four magnet-backed glass button designs to swap out when the mood strikes. They are packed in a cute metal tin for safekeeping. You can find the pendants in the Tiges & Weince etsy store.

Images: Tiges & Weince

Add a little Zen with Boz and Love tees, dresses and totes

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 06:44:00 +0000

It's the last day before the school holidays here in NSW and like most families, we have a house of tired people! I'm looking forward to more leisurely mornings over the next two weeks and a slower pace (although I have a big birthday party to organise for next weekend, so maybe not!).

What I really need for next term long is a cute t-shirt, dress or tote from Boz + Love to add a little Zen to the every day. With messages like Love, Hope and Faith emblazoned across the front, it's a great daily reminder about the bigger picture. Here are some of my favourites from the current collection in the Boz + Love online store:

Boz + Love is designed and printed right here in Sydney by Bozana Vukovic who came along to our latest abcd meet-up at the LifeInstyle trade show. Boz + Love tees are made from silky smooth tencel (100% sustainably-farmed eucalyptus fibre) and the dresses are made from super-comfy modal and cotton, printed with environmentally-friendly printing processes and inks.

I'd love to sail through the day wearing the quote on the Loving Kindness tee: “With a boundless heart, should one cherish all living beings, radiating kindness over the entire world.” - Buddha’s Discourse on Loving Kindness. Or how about just "Hear The Silence". Anyone?

You can find Boz + Love in the online store as well as at various markets (keep an eye on the blog for details). Another great Mother's Day gift idea!

Images: Boz + Love

Australian Writers' Centre Best Australian Blogs 2013 - yes please!

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 04:39:00 +0000

Hi friends,
It's that time of the year when blogs are bestowed with awards and I'm honoured to be nominated for a Best Australian Blogs 2013 award from the Australian Writers' Centre. The finalists and winners are currently being determined, but there is a People's Choice award too, and there are some great writing prizes to be won.

I would love for you to head over to the voting page to vote for your favourite blogs in the People's Choice category. There are so many fabulous sites (1007!), and you can vote for more than one. Look for my besties the red thread and Easy Peasy Organic on there too :) You can vote until 30th April 2013. Let's get behind Aussie writing!
Steph
x

Lifted book for new Mothers by Georgina Hobson

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 04:18:00 +0000

I've long loved Georgina Hobson's styling, beautiful antique linens and vintage wares (through Perpetual One), so was excited to find out all about her self-publish book Lifted - words of honesty and hope for a Mother's heart.

A true labour of love, Lifted was written for Mothers to provide an honest and sincere voice and dialogue about the joys and the real challenges of growing your family.

Lifted began as a reflection of Georgina's experiences as a new mother and grew to include quotes and interviews with a whole range of mothers of various ages and backgrounds. The lovely testimonials that Georgina has received so far prove that Lifted is achieving its goal - to bring comfort and hope to new parents in an authentic way. I think that's an amazing achievement - and it's pretty gorgeous too.

Each limited edition Lifted book is hand-finished with a unique wrap. Georgina has also released a sweet charm bracelet as a companion to the book - a reminder to keep the words that you connect with the most close to your heart as you work through each day. It all sorts of lovely.

You can find the Lifted book as well as companion bracelet and other lovely goodies in the online store. Keep this one in mind for Mother's Day coming up.

Images: Perpetual One.

The Seventh Duchess luxury loose leaf tea

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 09:07:00 +0000

Always a sucker for good packaging design and Australian-made goodies, I have another gorgeous product to add to the pantry - luxury loose leaf tea from The Seventh Duchess. The WA-based team behind this lovely brand have created a beautiful visual statement to represent the luxury and romance of their tea.

The Seventh Duchess tea is named after Anna Russell, the Seventh Duchess of Bedford, confidant of Queen Victoria, and a socialite of the highest inner circles in the early 19th century. It is said that the Duchess invented the ritual of afternoon tea, sharing with her friends different tea blends acquired from the Far East, as well as their origin, and different brewing techniques.

The Seventh Duchess range of quality tea tisanes and drinking chocolate contain no artificial colours or flavours. The team offers bespoke services, customising tins for weddings, baby showers, birthdays, events and corporate gifts. I'm besotted.

You can find The Seventh Duchess in the online store as well as stockists across Australia.

Images: The Seventh Duchess

Danielle Stewart Design geo greeting cards

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:00:00 +0000

I'm still in love with triangles and have fallen hard for these geo cards by Fremantle, WA-based surface designer Danielle Stewart. I've followed Danielle's design work for years (from her days as a textile designer with her Of Paper And Thread label) and after a short break I'm excited to see Danielle designing again; this time a range of 100% post-consumer recycled greeting cards.

Danielle's colour combos are fresh and her designs are modern and punchy. I can't wait to see what comes next. You can find Danielle Stewart Designs greeting cards as well as limited edition screen-printed fabric in her etsy store.

Images: Danielle Stewart Designs

Kip & Co AW13 Fruit Salad bedding for kids

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Bond-Hutkin) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 19:00:00 +0000

So it's only been two weeks since I got a little over-excited about Melbourne's Kip & Co. bedding, and now they have released their new Autumn Winter 2013 collection Fruit Salad, including single bed pieces for children! They're killing me! Check out the banana-y, brainy, spotty, geo-y goodness in their new range. The kids are going to love it.....

As you can see all the pieces work well together to create a myriad of looks and styles for both boys and girls. I'm partial to the croc design which echoes the popular geo-style design from summer. And seriously, how good is it to see great design for boys that isn't red, white and blue?!?

It's all genius, and I hope that the sales show retailers that parents are willing to step outside the classic colours to help create something totally inspiring for our kids. Watch these colours pop up in the mainstream in the next few years.

If you love the new Fruit Salad collection, you'll have to get in quick as the summer bedding sold like hot cakes and the Kip & Co. team could barely keep up with the demand. Head over to the Kip & Co. website or stockists such as Hunting For George to buy or pre-order your favourites.

Images: Kip & Co.