Mel Stringer and her plastic camera

Missing Moosey

2012-02-08T22:03:00.001-08:00

Ya'll know Moosekleenex (Kelly Bastow). She drew me, her and Maddy Young. Pretty spesh. Feelin' a bit lovely!

Here is some more of Kelly's work:

Epithets

2012-02-08T16:19:00.000-08:00

I designed the t-shirt design for the band Epithets.

I love this band and so should you. Listen to their newest album Year Of Glad.

DIY: Sweet DIY Votives

2012-02-07T15:37:00.000-08:00

Now I never knew what a 'Votive' was before, but as you can see.. they are beautiful!

Learn how to make them here. (Found Via Poppytalk)

Free postcard + pin!

2012-02-05T18:26:00.001-08:00

Get a free postcard + pinback button with your order in the month of Feb!
Use this code: FREEPOSTCARD
Shop: girliepains.etsy.com

2012-02-01T04:09:00.000-08:00

You must see this man do this thing. Riusuke Fukahori.
(THIS is my kind of artist documentary. No annoying artist-talk. Let your art do the talking.)

The rain washes it all away

2012-02-01T01:27:00.001-08:00

So with all this rain lately you'd think it'd be doing some good for the plants and flowers. Well it not only did that, but it cleaned the white wall outside too! Which inspired me to take some brighter and happier shots of the postcards I recently got professionally printed.

There are 9 to choose from and they are all super sweet. You may have been lucky enough to receive one in the mail recently from me! If you did, I hope you liked it.

These all can be found here. Thanks for reading! How are you?

Pics of pins

2012-01-31T22:44:00.000-08:00

Freshly pressed pins in the sunlight. Buy as many as you'd like here.

New badge series

2012-01-31T05:04:00.000-08:00

Getting all into making badges. LOVING that 1-1/4 inches is a tad bigger than a 1 inch badge and also not too big. Too big is dorky! Too small is.. well.. you can't put alot of detail into a 1 inch badge.

Introducing these new babies:

The stuff that happens

2012-01-27T22:18:00.000-08:00

You have a bad day then you deal with it through drawing a picture.

we miss you magic land!

2012-01-26T16:45:00.000-08:00

So yesterday was Australia Day and I 'celebrated' it by popping down to GoMA to watch the Sailor Moon movie with my friend Angela (they are showing lots of cool special interest films in their theater until March) and finally seeing the 'we miss you magic land!' exhibition by Pip and Pop.

I took some photos that I thought came out wonderfully. But how could they not with all the colours and the cute figures and shapes. The lighting was just wonderful too. Enjoy!

Read more about the exhibition: we miss you magic land! by Pip and Pop @ GoMA

Introducing.. the TOUGHIE Camera Collection!

2012-01-25T17:25:00.000-08:00

Find the whole collection here ready to order + assemble!

Introducing my new 'TOUGHIE Camera collection'. I've been working on these papercraft templates over the past few weeks and now they are finally ready.

I called them 'TOUGHIE' because of how sturdy they look (while still being constructed of only paper/cardboard!). There are four different designs : Graph paper white, Denim blue, Rosebud pink and Floral pink + blue.

These little TOUGHIES also double as gift boxes/party favors/paperclip and pushpin holders etc because their 'lid' can come off easily.

I was inspired by LOMO's Diana camera (see THIS and THIS post for when I was contacted by LOMOGRAPHY to personalise a Diana camera for their amazing Diana tour) and also an old Konica Minolta camera that I used to own. I found that gorgeous little thing in a second-hand shop and ended up giving it away when I was moving home years ago. It took the craziest little photos that were always a dusty, light-streaked surprise. I keep wondering where it may have come from and what it might've seen in the past.

Princess Wub.Wub.

2012-01-22T14:58:00.000-08:00

I'm about to have some breakfast. What do you normally feast upon at this early hour, readers?
This is my 'Princess Wub.Wub.'. She's wishing you a Happy Chinese New Yurr!

I'm loving my watercolours at the moment. Maybe these Windsor and Newtons were worth all that money.

Raccoon Queen

2012-01-21T20:11:00.000-08:00

I decided I'd get stuck into my watercolours to practice before I start wading through my commissions. I bought a bigger brush and am using more water. I really like the effect it's given me.

This lady is the Raccoon Queen. Basically she is guardian of raccoons. Do you like raccoons?

Dik-diks and drawings!

2012-01-21T18:05:00.001-08:00

So have you heard of the antelope/deer-like creature that looks like a little toy? They are called dik-diks and are so cute. Their snout is even cute. It's sort of like the snout of a prehistoric creature!

Here is a photo of one!

If you don't believe me, you can always google 'Dik-dik'!

I love them so much that I decided to make a 6-colour button range. LOL I know, but these guys rule.
You can purchase the buttons here : shop.

Two of my friends have French Bulldogs. They are the cutest little dog ever. I feel really lucky to be connected to these creatures somehow! I sat down and drew a little baby one.

I love natural light for photography. Using flash is rare for me, but of course it's essential for places where there is absolutely no light at all.

But the soft illuminating quality of natural light and natural shadow is my favorite.

I photographed this piece 'Flash Face' today. Tiny pegs and some candy string came in handy!

I photographed this dragonfly yesterday and used a flash. The bright light went straight through it's wings, making a sort of stained glass window effect on the white wall underneath it. I miss portraiting people but everyone around me is "too shy! too shy!".

2012-01-18T02:16:00.000-08:00

I now have Postcard packs! Yay!

2012-01-16T17:30:00.000-08:00

This documentary touched me for many reasons. One of them being that this sort of gas mining is getting bigger and bigger where I live.

I wonder how long it will be til' we can't drink our own water anymore.. or til the public can stand up against this.

New year, new gear

2012-01-16T02:06:00.001-08:00

Recently I got some badges printed (HAPPY NEW YEAR!) and I'm so excited to finally be launching them into the big, wide world.

Here they are! There are loads of different designs and lots of colour.

Find 5 different packs here. Each pack contains 6 badges!

New MICRO zine!

2011-12-27T21:50:00.001-08:00

New MICRO zine available in my Etsy shop. It's about a cute kitten named Vera. Buy here

Have a Happy New Year!

2011-12-27T14:00:00.000-08:00

Save The Tea!

2011-12-20T03:38:00.000-08:00

Like me on Facebook!

1 week til' Christmas!

2011-12-18T21:35:00.000-08:00

Self Portrait Day + Lady Luck

2011-12-18T20:43:00.000-08:00

New illustrations

2011-12-18T00:19:00.000-08:00

Tattoos and gut kickers

2011-12-15T22:13:00.001-08:00

Come to this and I'll tattoo you.
Surf n' Ink tattoo convention on the Gold Coast. I'll be part of the 'Underway is the Only Way' Exhibition. Woo!
GUT KICKER. Gets ya down.

Christmas Tiiiime

2011-12-15T01:42:00.000-08:00

Me & my sweetheart put the tree up last night drunk and merry.

Stick Togeva

2011-12-13T04:32:00.001-08:00

Comments

2011-11-28T15:55:00.001-08:00

Recently a nice person told me that I had a particular setting on my blog that prevented some people from commenting. Well you'll be happy to know it's now fixed so now you can comment away!

***

In other news..

Sean Morris has a new zine out! It's PURPLE and SHINY and nicely printed. I think I have number 54 out of 100.

Having grown up with a bodybuilder/gym junkie Dad, some of the images in 'KILLER ABS WILL KILL YOU' (with free poster!) had me cringing about my past.

The selected images are from an exhibition Sean did earlier this year in London with the same title. Read an interview he did about it here.

Aerobics D:

Lovely colour spectrum.

Insane. Look at all these beach babes surrounding Hulk Hogan.

***

How often do you get a collector of your work writing you a heartfelt Christmas card / appreciation letter with a Kareena Zerefos illustration on the front? Mrs.H, you have made my week worthwhile! Thankyou.

***

So you've probably heard about the sweet publication Domestic Etch by now. Put together by the lovely Elizabeth Jane Goodspeed, she collects a nice array of illustrators for every issue. I felt very proud to be amongst friends like WishCandy, Devon Smith, Ben Constantine <3, Lilly Piri and more!

Ben and I both have interviews in this issue and WishCandy is on the front, Devon Smith is on the back. What more could you ask for? Go and get yourself a copy and sip a pink lemonade.

WishCandy rocking the cover.

Ben Constantine's interview!

My interview.

Sweet gal, Lilly Piri!

Close up of WishCandy's work.

Devon Smith on the back cover. So yum!

***

Here's a new little girl-bear I sketched up over my holiday away to the Gold Coast. I basically drew her as an illustration, broke her down into rough shapes and then sewed her from start to finish.

She's got lovely long legs and a huge-ass head. She took forever to stuff cos she's so huge!

I'm thinking I'll call hear girl-bear or mountain-bear. Hmm. A bit too well-dressed to be a mountain-bear, I think.

***

The lovely Sass of Ask Alice Stationery recently asked me to be a part of her gorgeous 2011 calendar dedicated to Japan. It's got lots of my faves in it like Gemma Jones, Sean Morris, Able & Game..

Read her post about it here (more cool pics!) . Buy here (It even FEELS nice!)

Sass Cocker

Pasted on my wall!

Able & Game

Me!


Gemma Jones

This is a card Sass sent me from her Ask Alice Stationery line. Isn't it adorable? I remember eying this particular illustrated card in Biome the last time I was in the city. She must've read m'mind!

Hopping away...

2011-11-26T19:41:00.001-08:00

The newest addition to my doll family...

I havent thought of a name for him/her yet, but maybe I'll leave that up to the owner! <3
See more here!

New pics of Vera brooch

2011-11-20T16:18:00.001-08:00

I decided to take some nice daylight shots of my tiny Vera brooch. I love the sun!

Lil Vera

2011-11-20T04:36:00.001-08:00

This tiny, cute little kitten brooch is actually modeled on my Vera Flynn Fern doll.
I thought she was too cute to not make into a brooch to be worn on your favorite cardigan.

She's soft and delicately sewn. She's powder pink pastel on the front and a vintage flower pattern on the back for extra loveliness!

Cat Rabbit Cat Rabbit Cat Rabbit

2011-11-19T23:03:00.001-08:00

Untitled, originally uploaded by cat rabbit.

Cat Rabbit. Continually making gorgeous, unique and original things that warm my heart.

Holding Hands

2011-11-18T20:49:00.001-08:00

I'm pretty excited about these little guys/gals. <3

KITTENSMITTENS

2011-11-18T03:50:00.001-08:00

Leading up to Christmas, I have decided to do a 30% off all items in my store special til’ this Sunday. You can use this unique code : kittensmittens in my store to get the discount.

2011-11-17T19:49:00.001-08:00

Introducing little Vera Flynn Fern the sweetest little house cat.

Yes, she's wearing her heart close to her sleeve. She's also sporting a lovely bow that matches her puffy skirt. She's a very sweet little thing to have nearby, and especially soft when squeezing or cuddling.

She was originally from a sketch I was doodlin' while spending some time at a sushi train. Often sushi trains get my inspiration and ideas flowing. Must be all the cool little sea creatures up for the tasting.

She's available in 3 different skirt patterns at the moment, I hope to make more :)

Love her!

Bunnies and Bears

2011-11-16T21:29:00.001-08:00

I have been working away hard with my new sewing machine (Singer - Promise. LOVE IT).
Here are some of my new toys. I kept thinking "I am now my own toy store!".

I hope you like them. They feel pretty sweet!

They are all now up for sale (finally!) here : Buy here

Stacey

Walter!

Walter and his other Walter buddies

Baby Viv

Liv & Mackie

2011-11-13T16:28:00.001-08:00

So the new sewing machine I bought last week turned out to be an angry, non compliant, noisy little gnashing machine gun. It also only had two speeds (really fast or really, really fast).

I took the 'Lil Tacker' (yes that was what it was called) back and saw this gorgeous, ON SALE and heaven-lit Singer 'Promise' shining right before me. She's quiet, has a pressure-sensitive foot pedal and just feels so nice to use. I'm no master seamstress or nothin' but I know the difference between a bad machine and a lovely one.

Seated beside my new machine is one of my newest Bunny Girls that I'm making a collection of before sending them places to sit happily in shop windows waiting to be adopted. <3

Sew Long

2011-11-11T21:00:00.001-08:00

Wow! I haven't really posted much in a while. I've been a little under the weather whilst also trying to get alot of work-type-work things underway and taken care of.

I hope I can start posting more regularly soon.

In other news, I recently bought a new sewing machine. Dolls you say? You'll just have to stay tuned to see some more cute faces arising. You just may love them.

Dominique Dreary

2011-11-02T22:05:00.000-07:00

Now to make some music under this name.

Project Clone Eve

2011-11-01T22:47:00.000-07:00

Some gorgeous pieces by the very talented Project Clone Eve of Los Angeles. Visit her Etsy store for more goodies.

Girls and bunnies

2011-10-29T16:30:00.000-07:00

So recently Super Sculpey has become my best friend. I've worked out a great formula in preparing and curing it. Boy, it's alot of work though. Getting it right and whatnot.

Here are some new brooches I just finished that are in my Etsy store now.

I wanted to bang out a Halloween drawing but felt a bit uninspired this year. Maybe next year.
Instead, I will post this awesome Halloween-themed piece by my friend Sam Mackenzie.

Curing Clay

2011-10-25T23:52:00.000-07:00

After much trial and error with Polymer Clay + brooch making, I have finally come up with a few little flathead ladies that I'm proud of. They are available on my Etsy to purchase : Girlie Pains shop.

Here they are!

Have you tried Polymer Clay before? Tell me your tips and tricks!

Walnut Icecreammmmm

2011-10-19T02:07:00.000-07:00

Check out the newest Frankie! The icecream recipe by Lucy Corry sounds deelish!

2011-10-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

Get comfy for a bit of a photo avalanche! I got my fisheye lens on this morning before work. Enjoy!

I was recently asked to draw a portrait of Dolly Parton for an article in The Big Issue. She was very fun to draw, especially that enormous smile!

I drew her holding a cherry pie and used alot of pink colours.

As I blogged a few posts ago, my agency The Jacky Winter Group released their newest 'field guide' which showcases all the artists in the agency. It's available to possible clients and companies/firms looking for artists to adorn their ideas and projects.

I was sent a copy and was very impressed with how it turned out. It looks like a vintage magazine,equipped with a gorgeous-bottomed pinup on the front and coupon-type advertisements on the back (which reminded me of old Archie comics!).

If you want to get your hands on a copy, head to The Jacky Winter Group site and drop them a line.

Look at that nice bum!

Caitlin Shearer.

Ben Constantine.

My stuff!

Lilly Piri.

Andrea Innocent.

The awesome back cover.

Beci Orpin.

Make sure to pick up the newest Frankie magazine cos I'm in it!

Also, there are lots of nice things in this issue.

Woo! Overalls. Also that hairstyle is nice.

I think I must have a crush on the colour pink!

Awesome jam/conserve jar stickers! The Frankie girls deliver!

I loved this article.

Made By White brooches! This Frida one is awesome. I did some work recently with Made By White. Check out my Etsy for the wooden brooches.

A gorgeous pillow collection.

I Love My Twin

2011-10-14T20:45:00.000-07:00

If anyone knows me well, I kind of get excited to know people's star signs. Most of the Geminis I've known over my life have been creative and witty.

So this is for all you spesh Geminis out there who may be reading. What star sign are you?

Working away..

2011-10-12T14:40:00.000-07:00

Here are two new illustrations. I'm really getting into the swing of blue/red/babyblue/pink. They are, to me, the most innocent colours.

I read a comment a girl attached to 'PEOPLE FALL IN LOVE WITH PEOPLE' on Tumblr (pictured below) about how, because of the nature and colours of the work, she felt she could hang it in a nursery.

She then went on to say it's probably a more valid message than just some puppy mobile (although I do love my puppy-themed decor). Haha! Well if anything, I hope the message is as simple as that.

Also, in other news, I am now a part of the lovely LaLaLand who are publishing a handful of my designs on greeting cards. You'll be able to find them on the website or at selected newsagencies and card boutiques.

Other artists under LaLaLand include Lilly Piri (my ultimate, all-time, first love), flossy-p, Kareena Zerefos, Maria Rozalia Finna, Courtney Brims and lots more!

FTH

2011-10-11T06:01:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tried watering down acrylic paints on paper? I think I'm actually prefering it over watercolours!

Anyways, here is a new illustration I worked on recently. I hope it helps you get back on the horse.

Tough

2011-10-09T03:20:00.000-07:00

New layout!

2011-10-08T21:33:00.000-07:00

Got out my paintbrush and decided to make a new layout!

Also, I have a question for all you technology buffs out there. What are the coolest, most fun, most useful, creative and productive iPhone apps in your possession at the moment?

Got any gadget or interesting ones to suggest to me?

The Jacky Winter Group 2011 Field Guide

2011-10-04T00:45:00.000-07:00

My agency just gets more and more creative in how they present their artists.

Here is this year's 'field guide' which showcases some of my fave Aussie artists such as Andrea Innocent, Ben Constantine, Lillian Piri, Karl Kwasny and heaps more.

It's a vintage-inspired magazine with lots of lovely design and colours.

Visit : http://www.jackywinter.com for a look at our agency.

how

2011-10-02T20:10:00.000-07:00

Party Favors in a few diffo flavours

2011-09-30T02:21:00.000-07:00

Printable gift boxes and party favors I've been playing with. There's even some faux washi tape you can use to secure the hatches! They can be found on my Etsy.

Go Go Gocco Go - September 2011

2011-09-08T21:31:00.000-07:00

Go Go Gocco Go - September 2011

Melbourne - 16 September - 12 October
Sydney - 16 September - 12 October
Perth - 23 September - 12 October (25 September: special live print demo)

A charming and experimental celebration of Gocco printing featuring a group exhibition including local and international lowbrow artists.

Gocco technology was invented in Japan (1977) as a home-use, lo-fi mini screenprint system that allows simple, multi-colour printing. Using flash bulbs and small thermal print screens, this ingenious invention has been adopted by artists who love the unpredictable, handmade quality to the process.

Artists: Angelique Houtkamp, Apak, Beci Orpin, Ben Jones, Cat Rabbit, Creepy, Eveline Tarunadjaja, Gemma Jones, Ghostpatrol, kozyndan, Lab Partners, Leah Dent, Mel Stringer, Miso, Rik Lee, Sean Morris, Shag.

Family Portrait.

2011-09-07T21:24:00.000-07:00

Dream

2011-09-07T19:38:00.000-07:00

Coffee sip

2011-09-07T00:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who's ordered PICTURE BOOK from me so far. I'm leisurely packing parcels on the loveliest white marble bench.

PICTURE BOOK

2011-09-04T21:58:00.000-07:00

Find here

Blue

2011-09-01T17:50:00.000-07:00

Things Do Change

2011-08-31T19:39:00.000-07:00

Printable Paper Doll

2011-08-20T19:35:00.001-07:00

I was so happy to see this blog post by Scarlet Words today. She had previously gotten her hands on my Paper Doll Kit and whipped up a few different looks of her own.

She even took photos! Thank you, Scarlet Words! <3

Bunny Le Hunny

2011-08-18T18:33:00.000-07:00

As you can probably see, I'm really expressing my love for lead pencil lately. It's just such a beautiful medium.

You push it hard and it gives a dark marking, you pull back and it becomes a light grey shade. It's almost like playing a grand piano with it's weighted keys.

I also enjoy sharpening the tip. Seeing it go from blunt to needle-sharp in an instant. I even carry around a little heart-shaped tin that originally carried almonds. I store the sharpenings in there til' I'm ready to empty it.

It's erasable, predictable and easily guided. I'm not sure what that says about me, but I'm enjoying being in control of something at the moment.

Almost there!

2011-08-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

I'm just over halfway to going out and getting the dreamy movie camera I've had my eye on for some time!

Just under 50 more sticker packs to sell and I'll be able to get it.

Thank you to everybody who has helped so far, you are all really wonderful and I really appreciate it.

lead pencil + year of rabbit

2011-08-17T16:36:00.001-07:00

I enjoy lead pencil so much. Also bunny girls. I'm on holiday, drawin' it up.

Found + Featured : Marmozel

2011-08-17T16:17:00.000-07:00

Recently I had the pleasure of trying some great skincare by Marmozel. The Avocado Face Cream in particular was so nourishing and reminded me of a fluffy, green mousse that could be sold in an icecream shop.

I also tried the Herbal Facial Toner which smelled like a really nice mix of plants and oils. It was also really refreshing on my skin.

Marmozel were gracious enough to do an interview with me. Hope you like hearing about how much this creator puts into their cosmetics!

When did you start creating your own organic products?

It happened about 5 years ago. I started by mixing essential oils, by creating organic oil perfumes.

This is more an Asian tradition and there was no possibility to find ORGANIC, not synthetic oil perfume, in our country at this time. So, I decided to do it buy myself. Later I learn how to make face creams and other cosmetics. The creation process gives me big pleasure.

When people are happy with these products, when they solve skin problems by using my creams I'm twice more happy!

What sort of ingredients do you use / What is your process?

I use:
- base oils
- hydrosols (water of flowers)
- essential oils
- beewax or vegetable wax
- powder of plants, clay
No synthetic or artificial materials at all. Only alive products - real valuable
food for skin, organic aromas - for the heart.

1. The first is formula. By creating skin care products I think about composition - which kind of oil and hydrosol is the best to put together to get moisturizing or nourishing product. Always think about synergies - when being together components create stronger qualities (soothing, moisturizing, anti-wrinkle ect), fill up each other.

2. Technique is not difficult, but every small detail as temperature, time,
proportions are very important.

3. By creating aromas every drop can help or destroy the composition. It is
creation, a game. you can imagine but never know how the aroma will change after 1month, 1year, because by being together aromas create a new common aroma.
What do you enjoy most about being able to create your own body and beauty products?

- creation process
- the way the skin of the people looks after using real herbal cosmetics
- do favorite job, no rush, just plan my days as i wish! :)

What does 'Marmozel' mean to you?

Joy of women which can fly - live as she wish, be inspired by the world, be a muse
for somebody. Daily fairy-tale. I wish and hope, every person who tries "Marmozel"
products can fly with fairy things for a while :)

Partee Time

2011-08-08T00:40:00.000-07:00

Organise a party just so you can use this.<3

Gold Love

2011-08-06T01:21:00.001-07:00

Let me live here!

2011-08-04T01:59:00.001-07:00

dog, originally uploaded by mohnopuz.

Some people really know how to make me happy.

Found + Featured : Amy Walters

2011-08-03T23:20:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed Amy Walters and her gorgeous creations in Frankie magazine recently.

She's got a really cute illustration style and takes full advantage of her skills, adorning brooches and postcards, even a beautiful little papercraft house that you can make yourself!

I particularly love this little hand drawn pencil brooch by her. I'll wear it everyday, reminding myself to keep on drawing.

Found + Featured : HRHQueenFrostine

2011-08-01T16:50:00.000-07:00

When I first saw this Pink Heart Hair Bow by HRH Queen Frostine, I thought of a cuter version of something out of Sailor Moon. I love all the colours in this and am inspired by the shiny plastic.

See more cute and kawaii accessories from HRH Queen Frostine here.
Find her and like her on facebook here.

Top Shelf Comix

2011-07-30T23:17:00.000-07:00

Holy shiet! I'm so excited to hear that Top Shelf Comix gave me a sweet little mention on their blog. "Sweet little mini with delicious pencil chops. Fine cartooning."

Read here.

Illustrated drawing journals

2011-07-28T20:20:00.000-07:00

Little hand-drawn and hand-sewn journals I've been working on.
Find here.

Be Nice

2011-07-27T06:02:00.000-07:00

I'm doing a big bunch of pencilled portraits for a Melbourne magazine at the moment and through that have re discovered my undying love for lead pencil. Lead pencil, you are great.

Moody Poppy and the Mushrooms

2011-07-25T17:43:00.000-07:00

I used to hate clay and sculpting because I could never approach it in my own way. I'm still figuring out how to be friends with sculpture.

This is Poppy. She's almost 5 inches tall and is surrounded by mushroom brooches.

DIY Costumes

2011-07-24T20:46:00.000-07:00

An illustration I did to accompany a DIY costume article written in Frankie by the cute Pip Lincolne from Meet Me At Mikes.

Found + Featured : Karolin Felix

2011-07-24T16:24:00.000-07:00

Not only is Karolin Felix a talented artist, but she's super sweet too!

Just look at these gorgeous creations that came in the mail. This brooch in particular is something I'm sure I'll treasure for a long time.

Her illustration style is so soft, moody, cute and sultry. A perfect combination, I think.

She was also recently featured on Etsy for her gorgeous jewellery and designy ornaments.

Finders Keepers 2011

2011-07-24T16:18:00.000-07:00

I did the Brisbane poster for this year's Finders Keepers market. I organised to go but then changed my mind last minute. But I heard it was good!

I can't explain why I just didn't go. I just felt I'd be a bit... overwhelmed?

Photos from the Finders Keepers website.

frankie issue 42

2011-07-24T16:09:00.000-07:00

Here's the newest illustration I did for Frankie. The recipe by Lucy Corry is yum and there's heaps of nice articles.

And also a really touching letter to the readers from Jo + Lara who put Frankie together. It's about not having to photograph every moment and to sometimes just let your memory do the documenting.

Found + Featured : Coma Koala

2011-07-18T02:16:00.000-07:00

I'm always inspired by people who can sew & stitch as neatly as Malgosia from Coma Koala who created this sweet little butterfly horse brooch.

She's inspired by nature, others people work, shapes that you can see in the clouds and shades on walls. She works away in a little room that starts off neat and ends up looking like a hurricane has gone through when she's finished.

Other stitched felt animals like foxes, wolves, cats, owls and bunnies can be found in her shop.

Happy Birthday!

2011-07-16T21:26:00.001-07:00

Recently I made this little Printable Birthday Decorations Kit. I made it so it's for boys AND girls. And who doesn't love pastel pinks and blues?

This sweet little birthday kit can be found here.

New badges in my shop!

2011-07-13T22:07:00.000-07:00

These wooden + acrylic brooches are now finally in my shop!
Find them here : http://www.girliepains.etsy.com

They were a collaboration between me + Made By White!

Found + Featured : Crumbles Cookie Factory

2011-07-12T18:09:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tasted a hand made marshmallow? You'll never buy store-bought again.
I actually couldn't believe how amazing these Black Forest Marshmallows by Crumbles Cookie Factory were.

To get all 'master-cheffy', they were soft, airy, moist and had a nice little marshmallowy bounce to them. The sweet & sour cherry pieces and dark chocolate shards were quite the accompaniament. Life = complete.

Kissing puppybunnies

2011-07-12T15:51:00.000-07:00

Lyndsay Campbell and her piece 'Regurgitation'. It's my favourite piece by her for sure.

Owl be there

2011-07-12T05:47:00.001-07:00

I saw this photo tonight after doing some owl research and said out aloud "I can't believe they are real!".

The photo was taken by Dick Forsman who is a really talented bird watcher, photographer and artist. A really swell combination if you ask me.

Girlie Pains garland + nice girls

2011-07-10T18:54:00.000-07:00

Darcy Dubose and her lacy curtains.

Stephanie H and a door which reminds me of when I used to live at home.

Gyn Elle and her cute little graduating owl there. Heh!

Thanks for the photos, girls! Keep sending them in!
If you don't have a garland kit yet, get one here.

Sad Mona DIY papercraft project

2011-07-09T19:53:00.000-07:00

I took some more photos of Mona this morning. Daylight is such a nice illuminator!
Thank you to everyone who has already ordered Mona. I hope she's cosy in your home!

Get your own Sad Mona and her record collection here.

Sad Mona and her record collection

2011-07-09T02:31:00.000-07:00

She started off as a sketch in a giant moleskine sketchbook that my boyfriend bought me for my birthday. Then I fleshed her out a bit more and discovered her personality was a bit melancholy.

Sitting on a blue tartan rug on her bedroom floor playing sad songs on her record player, listening to that warm crackle on albums like 'Sad Songs For Rainy Days' and bands like 'Yoyo Noyo' and 'Kora'.

Sad Mona is not only a character in an illustration and a little paper model, she's a part of me captured in a moment of vulnerability. Letting music do it's thing, alone and open.

This and more paper craft projects in my shop.

Tutorial : Gorgeous paper flowers

2011-07-07T18:38:00.000-07:00

Y'gotta love Martha Stewart. Especially when she can show you how to make crazy-beautiful flowers like these out of paper and wire and stuff.

Might have to go and stock up on some crete (spelling?) paper now.

Find this beautifully-photographed tutorial here.

Mel Stringer + Made By White collab

2011-07-07T02:00:00.000-07:00

These wooden and acrylic brooches were a collab between me and the wonderful ladies (Kelly White and Lyndsay White) from Made By White.

I am SO excited about them and they SMELL SO GOOD LIKE A WOOD FIRE! (Because they've been laser-cut!) Stay tuned for these babies becoming for sale.

Mayhem Magazine

2011-07-06T18:27:00.001-07:00

Recently I sent some 'Borrowed Suitcase' zines to Mayhem Magazine for a giveaway in their newest issue.

Lots of nice art and photos in this publication from Townsville. It's free so go and find yourself a copy!

Thank you!

2011-07-05T16:28:00.000-07:00

Thank you everyone for all your kind words on my Girlie Pains garland. I really hope those of you that have it in their possession now really do enjoy it.

It's now up in my shop for only $4.00! Buy here.

NEW Girlie Pains DIY Garland

2011-07-05T07:15:00.000-07:00

I've been working away making this DIY Girlie Pains Garland PDF.
I have also decided to give it away for free to the first 20 commenters and then it'll be going up in my shop.

Leave your email and I'll get in contact with you.
n_n

Found + Featured : Popular Treats

2011-07-04T18:32:00.000-07:00

Just look at these incredible things. They look like a mix between a lollipop, a toffee apple, an icecream and a cake! Also, words can't describe my excitement upon opening this package of cake pops (and a cupcake with a chocolate wrapper!) by Christina from Popular Treats.

They don't only look amazing, they taste incredible. I had to really convince myself to leave some for my boyfriend to try too.

Knowing that Christina loves what she does and gets to create at home with her growing children is really nice. I will be heading back for more amazing treats by her!

My little family of zines

2011-07-04T05:56:00.000-07:00

How to tell he's not the one for you, BW, A7, 16 pages
$4.00, Buy here

Life continues to be confusing, A5, BW, 20 pages
$6.00, Buy here

Borrowed Suitcase (27 various artists), BW, A6
$5.00, Buy here

Girlie Pains mini comic set, issues 1 -8, A7, BW, 8 pages each
$12.00 for the set, Buy here

Scene Mean, A7, BW, 16 pages
$4.00, Buy here

PLEAZ mini comic, BW, A7, 8 pages
$2.00, Buy here

Telephone & Me, BW, 20 pages, A5
$6.00, Buy here

Girlie Pains mini comic set, issues 9 - 16, A7, BW, 8 pages each
$12.00 for the set, Buy here

Goodness, 34 pages, BW, A5
$7.00, Buy here

Find all my zines here.

The new Visible Ink

2011-07-02T20:37:00.001-07:00

I hung out with the lovely Angela Wijangco the other day. We went to the new little markets at Bleeding Heart gallery, caught the train to the valley to see the new Visible Ink building and ended our day with some tea & scones at The Tea Centre.

As promised, I said I'd write up a review on Ang's handshake. :P!
Not too firm, not weak. She must use moisturiser, soft and seelkee.

I like the new Visible Ink building. It's brand new, modern, fresh and clean. I also love the huge windows, courtyard and the location is alot closer to the train station. Guess'll be going there more often now!

Also the 'Mango & Apricot' tea at The Tea Centre, Bris City is amazing. Here are Ang's scones lolz.

Found + Featured : Goddess in a bottle

2011-07-02T20:14:00.000-07:00

I sit down to breakfast beside this Soy-based candle. And when lit, it fills the whole house with a warm, sweet and calming smell. This Water Garden Dream candle by Goddess in a bottle has me in good spirits when I'm starting my day.

I asked Tracey from Goddess in a bottle about her process : "I make sure I am in a calm, positive frame of mind before I begin making my small batches. For example if I am in a manifesting, energetic frame of mind I will create my abundance range that day to match my mood or if it's a full moon I will create my lunar beauty products under the moonlight! Intention & energy are very important to me."

xoxo

2011-06-30T05:54:00.000-07:00

Tutorial : Make your own bubbly drink maker

2011-06-29T17:41:00.001-07:00

As soon as I saw this tutorial, I thought about scooting on down to the hardware store and buying up all the components to create this bubbly drink maker (or Seltzer maker).

The tutorial makes it look so eeeasy! Maybe I can convince a handyman to do it for me. heh!

Found + Featured : Eccentric Cosmetics

2011-06-29T06:11:00.000-07:00

I was hooked immediately after dipping my eyeshadow brush into these sample eyeshadow colours by Eccentric Cosmetics.

A pleasant surprise was when I didn't need to do a 'second coat' to make the colour stronger! My favourite colour from her range is the strong blue 'Forever'.

Eccentric Cosmetics' creator Anna describes her process; "My eyeshadows are formulated with my own base to ensure that it will be highly pigmented, creamy/smooth, blend able and long lasting."

Free postcard with orders!

2011-06-28T17:50:00.000-07:00

A photo of my new mini comic set (issues 9 - 16) and a postcard and little 'business card' I recently got printed. All orders will be stuffed with a free postcard + biznez card until I run out of them and have to print more.

Girlie Pains mini comic set continues

2011-06-28T17:29:00.000-07:00

Back in 2009 I started a mini comic series called 'Girlie Pains'. I made eight and sold them as a set. Now I've just finished making the next eight in the series (issues 9 - 16), so they are hot off the presses! (Or photocopier, should I say!)

Lots of new little jotted notes accompanied by drawings. Alot of them done on the train, at sushi bars and on the days I've had alot to transfer from my brain to the paper.

Find issues 1-8 here
Find issues 9-16 here

Found + Featured : Jiggly Piggy

2011-06-28T06:50:00.000-07:00

Kim from Jiggly Piggy makes nice things for your body that feel and smell so good and are good for you!

I asked Kim about her process and she said "My process is usually inspired by something I see, smell or think of on a whim. All my soaps are made in small batches, of 20 bars a batch, and poured into handmade wooden log moulds. They then cure overnight, and then sliced and cured for a minimum of three weeks on my curing racks before being wrapped up and put up for sale!"

I was lucky enough to try a body scrub, lotion and soap in Oatmeal, Milk and Honey scent. There is something wholesome about using products that smell this good! The added touch of the actual oatmeal pieces on the soap doubled as a natural exfoliator too which was nice.