SPACE TO CREATE :: Tiel Seivl-Keevers

To say that I love the art of Tiel Seivl-Keevers is an understatement. I admired Tiel’s beautifully layered and detailed work for some time before I managed to buy one of her paintings which now hangs opposite my bed. I never tire of looking at it. So it’s lovely to be able to feature Tiel in my Space to Create series. I hope you enjoy a glimpse into her creative space and world, and this interview with her – I especially love her analogy about creativity and surfing.

Meet Tiel…

meandquitled_pond

painting

TSK_space

Click on the link below for the full post…

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In memory of Kathreen

You may have heard of the tragic loss of Kathreen Ricketson and her partner Rob last week. Kathreen was a pioneer of the crafty and blogging communities here in Australia, and around the world. I was so shocked and deeply saddened by the news of lives and an amazing family adventure cut short by a tragic accident. Something that’s still difficult to comprehend.

I had the pleasure of contributing to Kathreen’s four Kids’ Crafternoon books and her magazine Action Pack. Kathreen was always lovely, enthusiastic and a joy to work with. The founder of Whip Up, author, and blogger will be sadly missed by many, but none so much as her two beautiful children. My heart breaks for them experiencing such unimaginable loss. Whip Up have started a fund for the future of Kathreen and Rob’s children and I am doing what I can to spread the word. I know that our online community will gather together to help.

Kathreen

Image via Whip Up.

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Hello Tokyo :: the red thread new fabric range

My first fabric range, called Hello Tokyo!, for Robert Kaufman was launched over the weekend at the International Quilt Market in Portland. Exciting! Together with the fabric there’s also a range of haby items: beautiful grosgrain ribbons, iron on motifs and buttons. My designs incorporate kawaii (Japanese for cute) girls, cats and birds in a bright colour palette and I’m so happy to at last be able to show it to you.

Hello Tokyo by the red thread cushions Hello Tokyo by the red thread softies

Click on the link below for the full reveal, lots of photos and free projects…

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TUTORIAL :: Make rope coil vessels

These rope coil vessels are quite meditative to make. I found the repetition of the stitches gave me a sense of stillness as I sat in the autumn sun making them. There are various methods of making rope coil bowls and baskets, and the traditional way of stitching is more uniform than I have made mine. In my tutorial the placement of the stitches is random and I love the texture and visual interest that results from this method.

Rope coil vessels are very sturdy and you can make them in any size or shape you like. Mine have straight sides (well, handmade, wonky/straight sides!) and I’m now making some rounder shapes. I made a small bowl to put bits and pieces of jewellery in, and the taller ones are now on my desk with markers and pens in them.

the red thread rope coil vessels tutorial the red thread rope coil bowl tutorial

the red thread rope coil vessels

Click on the link below for the full step by step tutorial.

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SPACE TO CREATE :: Jacqui Fink | Little Dandelion

This week’s installment of Space to Create takes us into the Alice in Wonderland world of Jacqui Fink who handcrafts chunky throws on knitting needles almost as big as she is. Working under the name Little Dandelion Jacqui has created a niche for herself with incredible one of a kind knitted textiles made from the softest unspun pure wool and linen. I’m really happy to be able to give you a peek into Jacqui’s world – I’ve been swooning over the photos of Jacqui’s creations and really enjoyed finding out about her unusual journey to her creative career.

Meet Jacqui…

Jacqui Fink main portrait via the red thread

Little Dandelion via the red thread

Little Dandelion bi colour via the red thread

Click on the link below to be inspired.

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2013 Runway colours :: Dulux + Kirrily Johnston and Camilla

Following the recent L’oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival, Dulux teamed up with Australian designers Kirrily Johnston and Camilla to translate their runway collections into interior spaces. These brilliant interpretations styled by Bree Leech are so beautifully put together.

Camilla’s richly layered collection, titled “Tales from a Reading Room”, features floral prints and rich colours mixed with vibrant highlights.

Dulux Camilla Bedroom via the red thread

dulux camilla living room via the red thread

 

In contrast Kirrily Johnston’s collection focuses on a simpler pallet and shapes, featuring rich metallics.

dulux kirrily living room via the red thread

Dulux Kirrily Bedroom via the red thread

I really love how this collaboration worked so brilliantly and showcased both the designers and the colours of Dulux. You might be interested to click through to the Dulux L’oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival to watch some interviews with the stylist and designers. So inspiring. Which style do you like, opulent and layered, or sleek and refined?

 

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