What's on your wish list?

1. Iphone Alarm Dock
2. Kohl Gold Tree Necklace
3. Organic Cotton hand screen printed cushion
4. Bambu Woven Nesting Baskets
5. 1Litre Stainless Steel drink Bottle
6. Bambu Triple Dip Tray

++ GIVEAWAY DETAILS ++

Six lucky State of Green readers will be drawn to win one of the items above. To enter simply leave a comment below telling us why you follow State of Green. You MUST be a member of the State of Green community (i.e. on Facebook, Twitter or subscribed to our store newsletter or blog) to enter. The winners will be chosen at random and drawn THIS SUNDAY evening EST on 20 May 2012 after 7pm.  All winners will be contacted by email.

Thanks again for all your support & Goodluck!

Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog to keep up to date with all the latest eco news! (Just pop your email address into the subscribe tab at the top of the sidebar, and our stories will be sent straight to your inbox).

1950's Polka Dot Cocktail Dress

L: 1960's Apricot Cocktail Dress R: 1950's Peach Cotton Day Dress

Sandie Bizys is well known for dressing fashion of the field winners, pairing her hand made hats with unique vintage dresses.  I must admit I scrolled through the Leonard Joel auction listing more than once…. Well lets say AT LEAST 5 or 6 times, and each time spotted something new, interesting, ….and oh so tempting. There’s flapper dresses, cocktail dresses, 1920’s afternoon dresses, and other classic fashion spanning through to the 1980’s.

1950's White Strapless Cocktail Dress with Full Tulle Bodice & 1960's Silver Bally Slingbacks

1940's Blouse

To those of you who haven’t discovered the world of Leonard Joel, you can view all items online or in person if in Melbourne, AND you can bid online too. That’s right. It is all accessible from the comfort of your lounge chair.

L: 1920's Chantilly Lace Evening Dress R: 1920's Georgette Flapper Gown

1980's Bill Blass Cocktail Dress & Retro Patent Faux Alligator Bag

If you like what we have previewed here, do pop on over to the Sandie Bizys Vintage Collection Auction, and see what catches your eye.

Sandie Bizys Collection

Leonard Joel Auctions

Thursday 17 May 2012

It took three inventive minds from three different specialties to devise this piece.  Architect, Ben Milborne, eco-designer extraoridnaire Leyla Acaroglu and specialist recycled furniture designer David Waterworth, together responded to a design brief to devise a space that could be divided into two rooms, but also opened up when required to allow light and airflow. Pooling their individual skills, the result is a 4.6metre x 3.8m rotating library which carries a very low environmental impact.

Not only functional and fun, the bookcase is “light” on materials and footprint.  Fifty sheets of reclaimed plywood were sourced from construction site barriers, and still bear the artful scars of graffiti, posters, and paintwork which were incorporated into the design.

I love that you can enjoy a book in your lounge, or equally lie warm in bed on a late Sunday morning with ease of access to your whole library at your fingertips.  Just goes to show, three heads are better than one!

Some images from our new Pinterest page

Have you heard about Pinterest, or are you still trying to work out Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+…. oh the list of social media is becoming somewhat overwhelming. I have just jumped onto Pinterest, and have started “pinning” images of eco design that we love.  The above image provides a sneak peek at some of the mages on the various “boards” we are putting together – Pop on by and let us know if you like it – Very much a work in progress! Wishing you all a great week!  Jenny.

Reclaimed raw cotton denim Jacket

Indie clearly knows her way around a pair of scissors, and her designs always feature interesting patterns and cuts.  For the first time, Monolog has introduced a jacket made from reclaimed raw cotton denim which just improves with age – the more it’s washed the better it gets (just like your favourite pair of jeans). And its complimented with beautiful handmade buttons made by other local design talent Emily Green.

Bright colour and texture printed on organic cotton jersey for winter days

Although a Melbourne girl, Indie does not subscribe to the usual black Melbourne uniform! Celebrating colour, her winter range features bright neons and prints – enough to lift anyone’s mood on a cold winter’s morning!

Indie’s new 2012 range is now online in her store OR she will start exhibiting her range starting THIS WEEKEND at emerging design store SO:ME Space at South Melbourne market ~ Here’s your invitation to a special event!

Elenberg Fraser Architects are the talent behind the interior design of famed Melbourne restaurant Vue de Monde, and their fit out showcases just what can be achieved in the arena of sustainable design. Incorporating true Australian flavour, the fit out includes local designer Ross Didier’s kangaroo skin and hide chairs and tables (previously blogged here).  But sustainable design does not stop there. Incorporating sustainable design principles into the restaurant’s core operations, Elenberg Fraser Architects included strategies to deal with energy and water use, in addition to food waste disposal.

The jury cited “the project redefines sustainable interior design” and acknowledged the architects set a “new standard for Australian design identity”.

Congratulations Elenberg Fraser Architects – You’ve showcased to a worldwide audience that there is nothing dull about sustainable design!

Photography: Australian Interior Design Awards 2012

Timber Screen printed Flower Mat: $89.95

LEIF Skincare DUO Gift Pack: $40.00

A sell out just before Xmas, the Timber Flower Mats have arrived just in time for Mother’s Day ~ They’re perfect for displaying fresh cut flowers, and also great for keeping herbs fresh on the kitchen bench!  And just for Mother’s Day, we have the special LEIF DUO natural skincare balm and cleanser gift pack which I can attest smells divine!  Packed full of Australian essential oils – think Lemon Myrtle, Wild Rosella, Desert Lime …. Wonderfully relaxing.

Hand turned french porcelain

If your mum loves her tableware, local design firm Urban Cartel hand make stunning ceramics – Left tactile and unglazed on the outer, it is glazed to a high shine on the inside. Hand warming Beakers, platters perfect for fruit, or milk bottle replica vases are sure to please.

Recycled jewellery pieces by Polli: from $49.95

Oh how we love Polli jewellery! Mum’s love to have a bit of bling to jazz up an outfit, and Polli’s recycled stainless shell, sustainable timber and Kohl Gold pieces NEVER disappoint!

For the great cook!

Is your mum the best cook EVER? The Moso Bamboo Utensil set includes a spoon with a love heart cut out. Paired with a smart tea-towel, and mum just may whip you up your favourite meal!

Now we do have wonderful eco cleaning products in-store too, but these have been INTENTIONALLY omitted from this list.  Although beautiful to use, being a mum myself I’d recommend these “gifts” are best left alone for Mothers Day!

Wishing all you mums out there a beautiful day!

Blue Jean (thread + new & pre-loved fabric)

1. What inspires your work around the female nude?

Life drawing has always been an important part of my art practice. I have always loved the challenge of depicting the human form. In these works I aim to convey an aspect of the human condition from a female perspective.

 2. In your first solo exhibition, you showcase works in thread, paper and fabric, including recycled materials. Tell me about this.

I use freehand machine embroidery to depict the drawn line. I combine this technique with layering a variety of materials including recycled paper dressmaking patterns, preloved clothes, upholstery samples, second-hand fabrics, recycled shopping bags, second-hand threads and tapestry wool as well as using new fabrics. The designs, textures, stories and personalities of the materials take me on a journey to the finished piece. I strive to express atmosphere and emotion whilst also achieving an overall decorative effect. Its a bit like collage, but instead of using paper and glue, I use fabric or other fibres and thread. “Discovering” my materials is an important part of the process. I love coming across inspiring fibres to use in op shops, a friend’s bag of old clothes or a shop with exquisitely designed fabrics.  

TOP: Loss (thread, tulle & recycled dressmaking patterns) BOTTOM: Patchwork Passion (thread + new & pre-loved fabric)

 3. Where do you live and work?

I live in Mordialloc and work out of my home studio.

 4. Tell me something about your background. What inspired you to become an artist? Are there artists in the family?A teacher or friend who encouraged you? Did a specific experience spark your artistic life?

I love this question!  My grandfather was an artist and drew and painted all his life, although this was not his income source. He never exhibited or sold work. He had an incredible knowledge and love of artist–particularly of the post-impressionist period– and shared this passion with his family. He also had a wonderfully alternative view of the world, strong opinions and a love of debate. Plenty of fiery discussions regularly took place on all subjects including art! While his four sons (my Dad included) would say they did not inherit any of his artistic talent, I think they did receive what I now realise to be quite an advanced understanding and appreciation of art  which they passed on to their children.

My brother and several of my cousins are talented artists or are interested in the arts. While I always loved art at school, it never really occurred to me that I might pursue it more seriously until I was about fifteen years. I was lucky to attend a high school (in Scotland) with an amazing art department and inspirational teachers. A really significant event for me was being invited to go on a week-long art retreat at this age which gave me the confidence to consider applying for art school. I was encouraged by my family to follow my passion and I chose to study an MA Fine Art degree at Edinburgh University. I majored in sculpture.

Following my degree I did not immediately become a professional artist. I spent many years earning money by working in jobs that left me too exhausted for my art practise. Finally, after the birth of my son, I was able to acknowledge how important my art is to me and sought a mentor to help me get back to doing what I loved. I immediately found Viktor Kalinowsky who is a local sculptor offering tuition to artists of all levels. I found him to be an inspiring mentor and with his encouragement I started producing and exhibiting my sculpture and, later, my 2D thread-and-fabric works around Melbourne.

Rest (thread, tulle & pre-loved fabric)

 5. What are you working on now?

 I am completing a few private orders for works similar to those I have exhibited in my solo show – Fabric of Life. I am also designing several series of new works using and developing these techniques. My sculpture also makes use of recycled materials. I am currently using sheets of brass that was previously on a friend’s roof which I am shaping into “pods”.

If you love Juliet’s work, but can’t make it to the exhibition in person, you can follow her work over on her blog, Juliet D Collins.

“Fabric of Life” Exhibition by Juliet Collins

Kingston Arts Centre&Kingston City Hall 
Friday 20 April–Tuesday 1 May
979-985 Nepean Hwy Moorabbin (crnr South Rd, 100 metres from Moorabbin train station

Timber Flower Mat by Bonnie and Neil

Last season,  the artistic bird screen print came in green and red.  This season, the timber mats are screen printed in black – an easy match for any décor.    I personally use mine to spruce up my sideboard with a fresh display of flowers or various shaped leaves in the cute vintage glass bottles (currently great for vibrant multi-coloured autumn leaves!).  Alternatively, you could also use it your kitchen to keep all your herbs fresh and alive for just that little bit longer.

As each flower mat is individually handmade and screenprinted in Bonnie and Neil’s studio in Brunswick, once again limited stock is available.  SO if interested, let us know and we’ll get it to you quick sticks.

~~ The Flower Mat by Bonnie and Neil ~~ $89.95

What we love about this piece is how a simple idea, has created a stunning piece.  Capturing the true origin of the source, the birch timber legs have not been stripped back, squared off, and polished as is the norm.  Instead, the sturdy timber limbs taken straight from the birch tree have been left in the original form, and used to support the broad oregon top.

If you have not had the pleasure of visiting a Mark Tuckey store before, it is one of those places you step into, and later leave envisoning how more than one of their pieces would look in your home …. And if you’re lucky enough you may have also made a purchase!  I could have included at least another 10 drool worthy images, but instead thought it best to leave this piece simple and less complicated – much like the table above.  Head on over to the Mark Tuckey website if you would like to whet your appetite a little further ….

~~ Mark Tuckey ~~

Melbourne & Sydney