Teacup Bonanza

I spent Sunday wandering around trying to find my grandpa a birthday present. He's a hard man to shop for, so I first went to the Sydney Antique Centre to hunt around for something special. I didn't find anything for him there, but ended up finding some incredible teacups - Australian Westminster Fine China, but at $290 for six, I had to say no. Despite their price, I kept circling back to them, admiring their sweet pastel hues and cheeky saucers.
Onwards I went to the Mitchell Road Design Gallery where I bought Grandpa the above carafe - I think he'll like it. But could you imagine my surprise when I found THE EXACT SAME set of six teacups at a cool $65?! I couldn't believe it - it felt incredibly lucky and so I caved. I know, I know, I've been trying to cut spending like everyone else, but this just felt too good.
Oh yes, gentle reader. I am now the proud owner of six deliciously non-matchy cups with asymmetric saucers. I can't wait to offer my guests a delicate little cup of tea, perhaps with a little biscotti?

Delicious Etsy Yummies

It's official. I've found a new favourite etsy shop. It's called nothingelegant, and believe me, everything is kissy-hot. This Paris postcard pack is quite delightful, and have a look at this cute filing folder, below - perfect for an organising frenzy.

These stamps are heartwrenchingly perfect. Whimsical and fun, without being too pretty. I love them dearly.
And deco tape with pretty stamps and European images? Enough, I say!
And this little girl reminds me of Yoshitomo Nara's beautifully angry girl portraits. So cute.

Bedside Tables - Finally!

Hurray! The Pal and I went furniture shopping on the weekend and finally purchased some bedside tables - two white componibili units which fit our limited space perfectly. I know happiness doesn't exist in external things, but it just feels so nice to have some functional and pretty pieces of furniture. Ahhh.

More Japanese Stickers in the Shop

I've finally gotten around to listing the last of my Japanese stickers in the shop. Eeeee!

Takashi Iwasaki

The lovely ii-kore-ne put me on to the work of Takashi Iwasaki, and I was so taken with his work that I had to share.
The embroidery seems to combine a bit of Miro and Matisse with completely different forms.
Have a look here for some more of his artwork. And have a lovely weekend! I'm off to have some much needed snoozes and spend a bit of quality time with the Pal.

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Gelato Accessory

I think this necklace from florabond is simply delightful.

Just because...

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Paper for Chanel

I don't normally post on 'haute' fashion, but the Spring/Summer 2009 Chanel show has a magnificent paper backdrop which is just awe-inspiring.via The Design Files

By the way, have a look at ii-ne-kore's post on paper lovelies, too. Stunning!

Free Chiyogami Paper Downloads

You can download these magnificent range of chiyogami papers here. My kingdom for a colour printer.

Some Days...

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Perfect, perfect art. What a wonderful thing to have on your wall as a reminder that nothing's permanent.

Megan Whitmarsh

These are kissy-hot embroideries by the lovely Megan Whitmarsh. I think I might ask her to adopt me, and we could sit and stitch things forever.

Images via here.

Matryoshka Stickers

Finally got around to posting some more of my Japanese stationery haul in the shop. These matryoshka stickers are some of my favourites - aren't they just delightful?

DIY candle tutorial

I love this tutorial and need to accumulate (!!) more tins in order to give it a go.

Perfection

I think I would look like Bjorn Borg if I wore a headband like this. But doesn't Betty just look perfect? And she's French. Hurumph.

By the way, if you're reading this in a feed, have a look at my new Amazon Associates bar on the right. It has lots of my favourite things to look at. Tra la la!

Slices of Watermelon

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Eee! My grandma used to make these (without the chocolate chips) and I had totally forgotten about them. What perfect treats.

Irina Troitskaya’s Matreshkas

Artist Irina Troitskaya’s Matreshkas are simply beautiful. The Russian matryoshka doll has been pretty overdone of late, and I love how people innovate on a current trend or theme.

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Organising Fever

I'm off to do some organising with my new Cavallini file folders and my step file. Everything in reach and looking pretty? Sounds perfect!

Quelle Dressing Table!

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That's all, really. I am coveting a place to prettify that doesn't look like it comes from a boudoir. Even the word 'boudoir' sounds bad.

Perfect Day

This tent just overwhelmed me. The colours, the photography, the light. Ahhhh.

Space Cadets

Isn't my friend Nick super talented? Here is a poster he created for Don't Panic - it should be out today.

Home Sweet Lovely

This looks like the perfect definition of home. Sigh. Even the toy elephant looks happy! Have a wonderful weekend lovelies - see you Monday!

Butterfly Wall Decorations

Since I've been having some trouble getting used to the blank white walls in our apartment, I had to think up inventive ways to bring the fun without using hooks or paint.

Voila - paper butterflies!

Last night, I cut up some old out-of-date atlases I own (yes, I chop books) into butterfly shapes, stitched them together and now I think they bring some colour and whimsy to a boring wall. They're a bit fiddly, but surprisingly quick to make.

The Pal really likes them. But I wonder what he'd think if the whole house was covered in them by this weekend?