The limit to your love

OMG there is some seriously fabulously fantastic stuff happening at Design Sponge right now. They are showcasing the National Stationery show that has just finished in NY. Honestly I can't even fathom how I would feel to be at that show, just looking at the pictures is making me feel all funny. I would probably have a meltdown, I don't think I could handle so much beautiful printed design! Here are some of my top pics...

Yellow Owl Workshop- I've been a fan for a while & I love the simple design of their website.


Hammerpress studio...


Hello! Lucky... *Drool*

Mateo Ilasco...


Linea Carta...


The Great Lakes...


Screech Owl design... love their horoscope cards!


On that note, we are getting some more stationery in store soon, but you'll have to wait & see, no sneak peeks here! I'm off to Auckland today, have a great long weekend! x

Victoria, what do you see in him?

In order to get to know some of our very talented suppliers a bit better I have arranged a wee interview with the very clever Amy, who is the woman behind the Victoria n' bird label. Her beautiful handmade clothing & other treasures can be found instore & we've got more on it's way!



How did V n B start?
Basically I had just finished design school and had been missing having time to sew while studying so I just started creating. Everything seemed to just fall into place with all the creative/business knowledge I had gained from design school. So Victoria n' Bird started from a need to keep doing creative work and wanting to sew sew sew!

Where does the name Victoria n' bird come from?
I was after a whimsical name that wasn't full of meaning. My dressmakers dummy is named Victoria, so the name stemmed from there.


What are your goals as a label/ where would you like to see V n B in 5 years time?
I have no fixed plans but hope to keep Victoria n' Bird progressing/changing over time to keep it fresh and interesting and to challenge myself both business wise and with the products I make. I have a website in the planning stages to help remove myself from trademe (and it's fees!).

How important is it to you to keep your clothing handmade?
It's super important at this stage as I think it is the essence of what VnB is all about. It also helps determine VnB as a business in the larger scheme of things - as a cottage business with quality handmade garments.
The downside of the handmade is the extra effort and time, and I am more invested in each garment - but I guess they are also upsides!
To pull an idea out of my head, make it from scratch and sell it is also still a great feeling.


Where do you find inspiration?
Most of my inspiration comes from seeing other people and businesses doing amazing work and growing their businesses in 'non-conventional' ways.
The internet is fabulous for this, specifically etsy and craftster, I love Frankie and Russh magazines and am also constantly flicking through other magazines and books around town.
Besides the odd attack of cabin fever I also love working from home, having all my things around me - from the messy piles of drawings, artwork I love, to my huge collection of magazines.

What sort of person wears your designs?
I think she's the 'every girl/woman'. I've sold items to people from major cities to small town New Zealand, from Switzerland to New York, items ranging from $5-$200 and from hoodies to work skirts.


What designers/ artists/ musicians speak to your soul?
From uni I have a bunch of artists/photographers who I discovered that I still love for so many different reasons....
Sarah Moon, Paolo Roversi, Vanessa Beecroft, Deborah Turbeville, Tim Walker, Claire Coles and Deborah Paauwe.
Fashion design wise I love Princess Tina and Mike & Chris.
One day my closet and walls will be filled with such magic!


Thanks Amy! x

business time

Heres our little plug in the latest issue of threaded magazine , yeehaw!


Also Amy who makes the cute crocchet babushkas that we sell on necklaces was featured in the Dominion Post last week, choice!
x

We are nowhere & it's now

My new favourite artist...




Erika Somogyi...
x

the diamond sea

Hello people!

A lot of blogs I read have posts where they have been "tagged" by other bloggers, & they have to share 7 random things about themselves or something, I'm more of a visual lass, plus I'm sure you don't really care that I like the taste of metal. So I decided to make my own, here is my top five! It's just five things I'm really digging at the moment. I used to do this with my friend Jeff when he moved to Sydney, to keep in touch (with each other & the world) So to keep it going I'm passing the top five on to Liv! There are no rules just tell us your top five in any way you like.

My top Five...
1. Feist- She is so so great, you might recognise her song 1,2,3,4 from the ipod nano ad. It has a great video too!
2. Cupcakes- making & eating them! this picture is not mine but a beaut none the less. I know there is a bit of a cupcake phenomenon worldwide at the moment, but it's because they're so great!
You can find the best & easiest (& vegan too) recipe here. (I know it's for cake, but it's completely versatile, you can sub cocoa for anything else too- banana & choc chip is fab.)
3. Style Bytes- a great Norwegian style blog, I love that Agathe dresses up as a 1950's housewife to make pancakes. But what I love more is her pet pig! Molvin. Aaaaaw!
4. Flickr- we just recently purchased a pro account. I know, I never thought I would but I see the necessity now! This great picture is of Moran, Artist Camilla Engman's wee fella.
5. Princess Tina- What's not to love about PT? I was very excited & impressed when I found out my boyfriend's brother's girlfriend (kind of like my sister in-law) was working with Beci Orpin. Even more exciting is the lovely PT gifts she has bestowed upon me! I have a beautiful new bag & the cutest spotty cord skirt thanks to these delightful ladies. x

Say Something New

Howdy! We have just set up a Swonderful & Papercup facebook group! So if you like us & you do the facebook thing (it's evil & you should actually avoid it if you can, but if you're addicted like me, it won't hurt) then join our group! Click here to go to our group! (you will have to login).

Also, If your out & about & happen to see a copy of Threaded magazine, buy it! We're in it!

Adios! x

Only in Dreams

Mum's are the best. Remember car trips when you were a kid? And how after you'd finished your fruju (or maybe a blurple iceblock, if you were lucky) you'd just hand the wrapper & stick to your Mum. What is she supposed to do with it? Does she have a portable garbage disposal unit? No. She just clutches it, for the rest of the ride. Just so you don't have to.

That's why Mum is choice & why you should purchase anything in store (even a sante bar for $1.00!) to go in the draw to win our Mothers day gift basket valued at $150.00. She'll love you for it!


Also I have to share some lovely pictures of these super cute babushka necklaces made for us by the talented Amy. We have quite the selection available in store now, Now you can pick the perfect little friend who'll listen to all your worries & keep you company whenever you need her. x