KID independent - handmade for kids

Project Underpants… Let’s the prizes begin!

{MS} indi — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:00:02 +0000

Hooray, it’s time for the first round of prizes in our Project Underpants campaign! We’ve been so chuffed by the generosity of our readers and the indie/handmade community. Thank you so much for your support; we’ve collected 262 pairs of knickers so far towards our 500 pair goal, woohoo! Keep those pledges coming!

To inspire your undie pledges this week, we have three fabulous prizes to add to the prize pool. Each pair of underpants you donate gets you one entry into the draw. New prizes will be released each week throughout September {winners drawn on 1 October, 2010}, plus the person or group who donates the most pairs will win a $150 shopping spree from our friends at Whimsy Child. For full campaign details, please click here.

This original vintage inspired print is the creative work of Melbourne based artist, Louise from The Little Humbugs. Louise draws her designs in pencil, and then colours them digitally. The finished product is printed using high quality archival paper and claria inks and is then matted, ready for framing. This little cutie looks like she’s taking master duck for a splash in some puddles!

Next up we have Billy in his y-fronts and Bella in her frilly knickers. This delightful pair are hand crocheted by Rosie from Rosie’s Bears and Bitty Critters. Each one is made from acrylic yarn and stands approx. 25cm tall. I don’t know what it is about y-fronts, but they always make me giggle!

Our final prize today is from the crafty studio of Steph from Mon Petit Poppet. Sporting a red and white polka dot bikini, this handmade dolly is off on vacation to the beaches of St. Tropez. She’s looking for a stylish fashionista to take along with her… cocktails at sunset anyone?

Stay tuned next week for another round of prizes! In the mean time….

Spring by Sebastian and Sienna + Giveaway!

{MS} indi — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:00:09 +0000

Boy oh boy, am I excited about today’s post. Introducing the first release of the spring summer collection from Sebastian and Sienna. There’s something for the little guys, the little ladies and this season, for the first time… the itty bitty babies! There’s also a chance to win a Sebastian and Sienna outfit, styled by Vanessa and Peta… read on!

Sebastian and Sienna was launched in the Adelaide lounge room of crafty creators Vanessa and Peta in 2008, and since then the label has developed into a collection that will excite even the seasoned handmade shopper! I personally adore the detailing {all embellished by hand} that goes into each piece.

For their boys collection, Little Sebastian, Peta and Vanessa drew inspiration from rock-pop culture and their love of the new romantic movement… Think Empire of the Sun, The Goonies {awesome…}, skinny jeans, floppy tees, MGMT, The Doors and Ferris Bueller {double awesome…}.

The Little Sienna collection on the other hand is all about piggy tails, pretty in pink and summer tea parties. It includes dresses and skirts, blouson and high-waisted shorts {LOVE these} and pretty blouses all made in heavenly fabrics with just the right amount of frou-frou-ness.

The third and final collection in the Sebastian and Sienna range is called Little Evangeline; a range of one-off pieces hand-made from fabrics and buttons inspired by Little Golden Books, 1970’s vintage patterns and childhood memories. I love the idea of one-of-a-kind pieces; finding the perfect garment for your child is like finding the prize at the end of a treasure hunt!

Each piece in the Sebastian and Sienna collection is lovingly handmade in limited edition runs {or OOAK pieces}. The first release is available now, with new pieces to be released progressively in the coming months.

This week we have a gorgeous outfit from Sebastian and Sienna to giveaway! To enter, visit Sebastian and Sienna on facebook and add them to your list of “LIKES”… plus, don’t forget to tell us in the comment section below which outfit you have your eye on from their store!

*Prize will be styled by the designers, to suit the age and gender of the winner.

Artistic Dreaming with Sweet William

{MS} indi — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 19:00:50 +0000

Hello folks! It’s been a little while since I inspired you with some indie art, and since I love a good opportunity to sing the praises of talented local designers, today I thought I’d share a few pieces from creative duo Paula and Shelly from Sweet William.

Sweet William {named after a beloved childhood pet} is a collaborative project between artist Paula Mills who is based in Victoria and her sister Shelly who is based in New Zealand. Despite the great geographical divide between them, Paula and Shelly collaborate on all kinds of stitchy, crafty and arty projects. In their store you’ll find art prints, dolls and paper goods.

Shopping for art is such a personal experience. Find the right piece and you can stare deep into it and just lose yourself in the story {especially if you’re a daydreamer, like me}. It can calm you when you’re having a bad day, and amuse you when you need a bit of a laugh. I often buy art for gifts as it’s so much fun to hunt for just the right piece to fit the occasion.

The whimsical and dreamy designs in the Sweet William collection are inspired by nostalgia and childhood memories, paper ephemera, old children’s books and all things vintage. Paula and also draws inspiration from nature, motherhood, film, music, colour and her trusty fine line black pen. In fact, all of Paula’s illustrations start their journey with a fine line pen or pencil, giving her creations that fabulous “sketchy” feel.

The images you see here are just a few of my favourites from Paula and Shelly’s repertoire. You can view more of the Sweet William collection online at Etsy or Madeit. You can also find Paula at local Melbourne markets… but you better take a BIG shopping bag, and stuff your coin purse full of goldies! How gorgeous is this market stall setup!? Swoon!

Oddball Alphabet… The Letter E

{MS} indi — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 19:00:12 +0000

Hidilly-Ho Neighborinos, and welcome to another feature in the Oddball Alphabet series! Today we’re rocking out the letter E… E is an unconventional letter best appreciated by eccentric, extraordinary and exceptional folk. Existentialists welcome… Nihilists need not apply! Please remember, as nana always says… etiquette is important, so mind your p’s and q’s.

Eccentric – Sing a Rainbow Print by Pinkytoast
Existential Crisis – Slide Print by Tummy Mountain
Equilibrium – Libra Zodiac Print by Krize Smiling Shop
Endomorph – Rodney Knitted Softie by NeededWanted
Ectomorph – Ameixa Doll by Pinknounou
Entomology – Jar Of Bugs by Fishstikks
Extra-Terrestrial – E.T. Print by Nicole J. Georges
Escargot – Dinner For Two Print by The Dreamy Giraffe Collection
Etiquette – Please and Thank You Print by John W. Golden
Eggplant – Lektrik Eggplant by Hey, soupface!
Esquire – Posh-Bear Print by Anthony Cooley

Tillytom… Spring Summer 10/11 Collection

{MS} indi — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 19:00:11 +0000

Oh my goodness, I’m on a roll with the glorious spring collections this week! If you’ve been resisting the seasonal change after developing an unhealthy relationship with your uggboots and Pyjamas, my aim this weekend is to give you a popsicle eating, BBQ hosting, banana lounge lazing kick up the proverbial summer wazoo… presenting the spring summer collection from tillytom!

The tillytom handmade kids label was launched just over a year ago by Victorian based designer Anna, and caters for boys and girls ages 1 to 6. In the past, Anna has released all of her items as OOAK pieces, but this year she’s put together a collection of eight garments that will be available in a selection of sizes {limited edition runs in each size}.

Anna is a WAHM, who runs her label tillytom with the aid of her three little helpers; Tom 4 years, Matilda 2 years and new baby Nate 3 months. She works primarily with natural linen blend fabrics and designer cottons with her current collection featuring dresses, skirt & singlet sets and shorts. Each tillytom garment is made in comfortable, easy fitting cuts that will grow with your child and last for more than one season.

I’m particularly loving the fresh gelati-esque colour combos and detailing in each tillytom piece. It’s all in the details… such as the ruffled rosette on the pink and green dress below, and the turquoise and yellow sash with matching headband above. A fabulous way to add a splash of colour to your outfit.

These beautiful photos were taken by little fingers photography

The tillytom spring summer range will be available online from 6 September, 2010. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for a few more designs arriving in early October, including groovy gear for the boys.

Smoochy Kiss… Princess Balls and Fork-Lift Rides

{MS} indi — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:00:42 +0000

Hooray! Today I get to indulge my obsession with summer playsuits again! This adorable collection from Smoochy Kiss is just too delectable to resist and even though I’m truly trying to resist buying everything in sight {writing this blog can take a serious toll on one’s willpower…} there’s a Bambi Romper en route to my house as we speak.

Smoochy Kiss is a handmade kids collection designed and sewn by Melissa Murphy. Melissa draws her inspiration from many sources including Trixie Beldon, Nancy Drew, skimming rocks at the beach, climbing trees, homemade jam, Disney movies and Noddy and Mr Plod! She is also inspired by her children…

Melissa says… “I understand that they need always be ready for a fairy tea-party, a ballet concert or an emergency dash in their cardboard-box-fire-truck. Smoochy Kiss aims to create clothing that is practical, pretty and easy to get on and off; while at the same time being appropriate for a Princess Ball or a Fork-lift ride.”

Melissa’s love of sewing and design was inherited from her Mum, and her fond memories of hand-knitted and crocheted Barbie doll outfits. Most of the handmade kids items in her store are made from designer cottons, but she also has an ever-growing collection of vintage and eco-fabrics in her tool kit.

She works from her original Holly Hobby sewing basket, which not only serves as a constant reminder of her childhood adventures, but also, in her own words “evokes a sense of freedom and silliness in me, and makes me want to run down a hill littered with yellow daisies, reminiscent of Little House on the Prairie”. Ahhh… good times!

In the Smoochy Kiss store you’ll find rompers, dresses, bloomers, tops and tees, and a range of handmade accessories for babies and bigger kids. New additions are popping up in the store all the time, so be sure to check in to see what’s new.