seeing spots

THIS WEEK WAS ABOUT

getting ready...for everything. It's a funny thing December. You start thinking about in July when people throw those weird mid year christmas themed parties (wait is that just us?) and you don't really do much about it. Then September comes along and you think 'Spring has sprung! I better get a wriggle on' Then before you know it you are eagerly anticipating the Thanksgiving issue of Martha Stewart Living (wait is that just us?) and then you realise...

In the next four weeks we have - an exhibition, a teaching gig, cards to make (Ramona), a shop to manage (Rebecca), and that fateful day - yes we are talking about the 25th. No wonder we don't ever go out at New Years - we are in a coma by that stage. How are you all going? We know we aren't alone in this as there are quite a few panicky emails cancelling lunch date in our intray (or is that just us?)...

Despite the whine of panic in our voices we are in fact 'getting on top of things' and are quite looking forward to all of the above. Frocks have been bought and projects are nearly finished. Here are just a few more (with snaps to Holly Daze for the doorstopper inspiration).

Sneak Peek

There are 4 calling birds, there is a partridge in a pear tree...bet you can guess the theme of the newfashiontodayblog christmas show that opens on December 12 at fortyfivedownstairs. Those of you that have read this blogzine this year will know that team hml had a tendency to take a big bite out of life and we always end up with far too much on our plate (we seem to spend half the time whining about being behind schedule) but we know that you are all like that too. We hope to see some of our lovely readers at the opening (530-7 on the Tuesday) we'd love to crack open a bottle of bubbly and toast what has indeed been a handmade 2006!

greetings from the workroom

CRAFT OBJECT OF THE WEEK

Dear HML readers,
hi there! I am one of the many craft objects now nearing completion at hml headquarters. I don't have a name yet as my creators are currently curled up in a corner trying to take a power nap to cope with what is, yet again, an insane workload. Between getting ready for their teaching stint, organising their exhibition (opening on the 12 December) and frantically making gifts for all those they love it is just a crazy old time here. They haven't named me yet. I know I am for a small person. And I have yellow spots (remember that fabric the printed some time ago?)

Love to you all!

Let the bidding begin...

SHOW OF THE WEEK

Shhhh! The Craft Victoria Silent Auction is an easy pick for show of the week. Not only because hml staff member Ramona has a piece in the show (above) as do many hml friends, but because it showcases the work of 80 craftspeople from around Australia. We have had a sneak peak and the show is a doozy.

All funds raised from the auction will be put towards a writing program for Craft Victoria members. It's an amazing show. Bidding has already begun and some items are in fact already sold so you better rush in if you want to snag a special object for under the Christmas tree this year.

The Auction itself takes place this Saturday between 3-5pm. These are some of the items we will be bidding on...

Beautful polypropelyne work by Emma Davies and delicate glass pieces by Lisa Cahill
Excellent Blue Robot by ceramic artist extraordinaire Nid Kelly...


The lovely Po by our blogging mate Shula (he is simply adorable)

And this very special piece from jeweler and artist Anna Davern

how long is a piece of string?

SHE MADE IT HERSELF
We have seen alotta stuff this past month and after dozens of graduate shows it has all become a blur in our craft-lovin' minds. We have to admit our absolute joint favorite work was from the rmit studio textiles show. All works by Pennie Imeson just blew us away. They were inspiring, well finished, nostalgic and simple. The finger knitted jute string wall installation almost trembled it had so much energy:


While the woven mat piece was elegant, and well crafted cleary demonstrating with the simplest of materials the breadth of her skill.

In a sea of pattern and print, it was a spot of great calm. We really thought it was fantastic.

Wish we were there

A big hml cheerio goes out to all the members of the Umbrella Collective who are having their big christmas event this weekend. Bit like a design market but just with work that you love. We love Brisvegas and have toyed with the idea of emmigrating (sunshine, nice people, tropical fruit) It comes as no surprise to us that this amazing group of makers has banded together (as makers should) and have alot to teach their southern overly competitive isolationist neighbours about how to create strength in numbers. Visit their blog for more inspiration.

needle in a haystack

CRAFT FIND OF THE WEEK
Sometimes you find the best things while you're looking for something else.
On route to yet another Fresh! exhibition destination hml found themselves face to face with the wonderful world of Sally Campbell Home Textiles in High street Prahran.


Aftermanaging to get our breath back, and after our heads stopped spinning from all the new the decorating possibilities, we forraged around andfound the best market bag EVER! Hand printed spots on the outside and sturdy jute on the inside... we thought it quite dreamy,and there was even a matching sun-hat on offer.