zoe ingram

Get a serious colour injection with Zoe Ingram’s stunning kaleidoscopic art prints. Ingram is a trained textiles designer and illustrator based in Adelaide. These are just the antidote for the cold weather which is hanging around as we wait for spring around the corner. Get one (or two) from her etsy shop

emma walsh

For romantic, vintage inspired homewares and jewellery you can’t go past New Zealand based Emma Walsh. Currently studing Architecture and Interior design, Emma has spread her wings and is handcrafting a range of elegant designs using prepurposed vintage elements. These are ultra feminine, gorgeous pieces and will definitely bring a certain ooh lala to any beautiful bridal outfit. Check out her etsy or felt.co.nz stores

peta kruger

Sorry for the long break in between posts, please forgive us! Blame it on the weather! Lately we’ve been particularly drawn to the work of Peta Kruger. Another talented designer from Adelaide (is it something in the water?), she creates gorgeous jewellery in a variety of styles using geometric forms and different materials such as acrylic, cords and metals. We love the etched jewellery in gold and oxidised silver in her latest collection. Also check out her wonderful graphic work and illustrations in her portfolio which are equally amazing.

naomi murrell

Naomi Murrell’s online shop has some fantastic goodies available which won’t break the bank. We love her cheerful prints and sweet range of jewellery. Naomi is a creative soul who is based in Adelaide, and you can read more about her here.

smalltown

Check out the most amazing macrame works by Smalltown, who are based in Melbourne. Their beautifully handcrafted pieces are timeless, elegant and extremely cool. We’d covet everything they make from lampshades, jewellery and hanging planters. Simply divine….

ghostpatrol

We are currently admiring the cool range of artworks for sale by Melbourne based artistGhostpatrol. His work ranges from fine ink drawing, prints, street-art, commissioned murals and soft sculpture.

If you live in Melbourne you may be lucky enough to see some excellent examples of his and Miso’s street artwork and murals around town.

Louise Douglas

Aah- sorry for the slow start to the blog this year, blame the weather, the leisurely pace of summer & a new baby!

However we do have some lovely handcrafted jewellery to show you from New Zealand based Louise Douglas who has a gorgeous collection drawing on sea and forest themes. The organic coral shapes using gold and oxidised metals finishes are just divine with their pairing of pearls and muted coloured gems. Each piece is a work of beauty and fine craftsmanship.

mr and mrs smith : australia/ new zealand

We just received word from one of our sponsors that the latest guidebook in the Mr and Mrs Smith series is now available. It features gorgeous and glamourous boutique hotels plus must visit destinations in Australia and New Zealand compiled by the Mr and Mrs Smith crew along personal reviews by incognito style-seekers.

To purchase your copy at the discounted price of AU$30 (RRP AU$45) phone 03 8678 2030 between 9am and 8pm Monday to Friday and Smith hotels will take your payment details and delivery address. Order three or more copies and get free postage and packing within Australia. This special offer closes at 8pm on Wednesday 23 December.

A complimentary Smith membership worth AU$25 (valid for a year)is also included in the purchase, guaranteeing exclusive gifts on arrival, upgrades and extras at all Smith hotels.

Visit Mr and Mrs Smith for more info on drool worthy places to stay around the world.

insync

In-sync design is a collaborative studio based in Melbourne, which is steered by Iris Saar Isaacs (graphic designer/ visual artist) and Jane Barwick (contemporary jeweller). In their words “In-sync is where graphic design meets contemporary jewellery.”

We love how they translate graphic botanical and geometric line drawings into boldly coloured powder coated stainless steel brooches, bangles and earrings.

All of their very wearable pieces display their signature edgy, minimalist style that is proudly designed and made in Australia.

spoonful

Sydney based graphic designer and writer Anthea Krook has lovingly created an inspiring publication called ‘Spoonful’. It is a small collection of thoughts, images and contributions by independent artists and like minded people who live to create and inspire. The first limited edition of Spoonful is available now on etsy at Spoonfulzine.

pony rider

Want to freshen up your lounge with these pretty handprinted linen cushions? They can be found from online shop Pony Rider which also sell teatowels, napkins and teakins in similar designs.

gregory bonasera

Gregory Bonasera is not your typical ceramic artist. He combines contemporary computer precision with traditional techniques to create his unique organic forms. Our favourites pictured here are the “Architect’s Fruit Bowl” (above) which resembles how an architect draws trees in plan, and the “Elk” vases (below left and right) which are inspired by tree branches and animal antlers. These covetable pieces are available on his website.

Trash Bags

Sustainability and innovation go hand in hand as seen in the Australian company Trash Bags who sell accessories and homewares made from recycled materials. They support and partner in fair trade with community organisations in the Asia Pacific region where their products are made helping provide a fair and sustainable income for them. They use a variety of unusual and quirky recycled materials such as billboards, plastic bags, cement sacks, juice packs and telephone directories.

mooo

Love these colourful customised wooden name puzzles from Mooo which is a company based in Melbourne, Australia. They specialise in practical yet fun products for children such as personalised bags, pencil cases, labels and clothing. But our pick would have to be these name puzzles that can come in an funky optional wooden presentation box – handy for storing all those pieces!

jaime beattie

Spring is in the air and we’re in the mood for colourful brights and Jaime Beattie certainly delivers. She’s now having her Fifth anniversary sale with 25-60% off. We are loving her cheeky recessionista shopper totes which are fitting for our trying times. Brisbane based, Jaime also is an accomplished blogger and you can read all about her design inspirations here

alex earl

Check out Melbourne based Lighting & Furniture designer Alex Earl for some really cool and quirky creations. Pictured here from top to bottom are: Log Stool, Butterfly Lightshade, and Ply Chair. We like the printed image on the Log stool which can double up as extra seating or a funky side table. The lovely patterning of the Ply chair is actually made from a variety of reclaimed Australian hardwoods. And well… the butterfly lightshade is just too pretty!

Mr and Mrs Smith Boutique Hotel Collection and giveaway

Here at Modamuse we get a thrill from staying in a stylish boutique hotel on our travels (as I’m sure most of you do too!), so we are especially excited to announce our online partnership with the global luxury travel company Mr and Mrs Smith who have launched their Asia Pacific arm in Melbourne.

Mr and Mrs Smith started off as a sought after published travel guide and now has an online listing of over 500 hand picked sexy, sumptuous boutique hotels which are perfect for a romantic getaway with your significant other. Best available room rates are guaranteed for all customers and for those exlusive members who book through them they’ll receive special offers during their stay such as a free bottle of bubbly, complimentary massage or gift to make your stay even more memorable.

The launch of the Mr and Mrs Smith brand in the Australasia region will expand the list of local hotels in their collection and to celebrate, Modamuse have put together a giveaway of the Mr and Mrs Smith Global Shortlist travel guide, featuring a selection of the most stylish and chic hotels around the world. To enter for this prize, browse through mrandmrssmith.com and choose your favourite Australian or New Zealand boutique hotel such as the beautifully designed properties shown above and send an email to info[at]modamuse[dot]com to let us know why you would like to stay there with your ‘Mr’ or ‘Mrs Smith’. Sauciest answer wins!

Entries close midnight EST Aug 8, 2009

Modamuse now on Twitter!

We have now joined the throngs on Twitter! We will try to keep it updated as often as we can about blog posts, online shop news and anything else on our mind so we’d love for you to follow us!

Puka Puka modern mobile

I’ve always loved a well designed mobile. Something about the endless movement and sculptural quality- where every angle can create a different perpsepctive on this artform, really appeals to me. These modern mobiles by Puka Puka are no exception. Designed and made by trained architect and jewellery Nina Still in Sydney, she uses her skills to create these wonderful unique mobiles which are inspired by the Australian landscape. Materials include translucent polypropylene, plywood and she has even started experimenting with lightweight porcelain (according to her twitter account). Can’t wait to see how she uses them

schmooks

Here’s some more wonderful art from Schmooks. These lovely doll like characters are the creation of Canberra based graphic designer, Claire Cimbora. The softly coloured illustrations use textured patterns and collage materials to depict a whimsical world of fanciful girls and animal characters. I can see these would make a lovely addition to a nursery or young girl’s room.