Father's Day Gift Guide

Father's Day is just around the corner and I've put together a mini gift guide for the day celebrating the amazing produce of the creatives of Western Australia.
1. Hello Mr Badger: An eclectic collection of authentic vintage jewellery using vintage watches and these cufflinks look superb. Starting from $38 buy online or find her selling her wares at handmade markets. Website - Facebook - Instagram
2. Beau Est Mien: Beau Est Mien is a store and studio dedicated to the joy of creating and these reproductions are to look as good as our original and hand printed Collagraphs produced by Magali who founded the store. Reproductions start from $50 and you can buy this print and others online or in store. Website - Facebook - Instagram
3.  Rocket Shots by Marika Brock: Marika Brock takes bright, punchy photographs of anything.. often gorgeous places on her travels around the world, sometimes just of the ordinary, from a different viewpoint. The selection of colourful and stunning photos are available online or at the Fremantle Markets starting from $50. Website - Facebook - Instagram
4. One Happy Leaf: Sweetly designed accessories for all, One Happy Leaf has created this awesome "Best Dad" tie pin at $19. Something every dad needs. Buy online here. Website - Facebook - Instagram
 5. Boonadoo: Local laser engraving duo created this popular accessory - a wooden bow tie. With a magnetic backing it is suited for formal and informal ware. Starting from $20 they are available online and at local markets around Perth. Website - Facebook - Instagram
6. Tall Rabbit: Well known for everything cute and such amazing designs, Tall Rabbit has created this awesome zombie keyring. High quality in design and production this keyring would appeal to many a fan of zombies. Buy online here. Website - Facebook - Instagram

Winter Gift Guide

Winter is upon us in Perth so it's time to make our selves and our homes that little bit warmer. In this gift guide find a selected number of products from Western Australia each as special as the other.

View the gift guide here.

Mother's Day Gift Guide

We are flying through the year and Mother's Day is only 2 weeks away! I have put together a small selection of sweet gifts that are all locally made in Perth for you to consider.
1. These little Dreamy Mountain brooches made of polymer clay are created by The Forest Mori. Find these brooches and her other creations in her new Etsy store: www.etsy.com/au/shop/TheForestMori
2. Jayde's Braille Cards are truly an imaginative and creative idea. Each card is made featuring braille code which is used to create cards with braille writing as well as cute pictures you can both see and touch! Contact her via Facebook to order your cards: www.facebook.com/jaydesbraillecards
3. Keeping Sunday produces spa and beauty products for both men and women with products sourced locally. Consider an ideal Lip Scrub before winter sets in or have a look at her other products in her online store: www.etsy.com/au/shop/keepingsunday
4. If you haven't heard of her you should. K Gets Organised designs and makes the most beautiful of stationery, gifts and cards and she has collaborated with a local florist to offer a wonderful package at an amazing price. Find it on her site here: kgetsorganised.bigcartel.com/product/mothers-day-gift-pack
5. Little L has been cross stitching for only a few years but her has passion has created modern and quaint cross stitches. She has in stock a number of different cross stitches so you are bound to find one you or your mum would love. See them here: littlelonlineshop.bigcartel.com/products
6. Made from authentic vintage watches, Hello Mr Badger creates truly one of a kind pieces of jewellery from necklaces to rings. Find her at her next market or purchase something special online: www.etsy.com/au/shop/Hellomrbadger

Bassendean goes arty with 'Open'

The Town of Bassendean will once again showcase their creative townsfolk and celebrate art in all its forms. ‘Open’ is a day of open studios, creative workshops, exhibitions, installations and more. It’s all happening on Sunday 3rd May, 10am - 4pm in various locations throughout the suburbs of Bassendean, Ashfield, and Eden Hill.

More than 50 artists have registered their involvement, there will be 4 creative workshops, 8 exhibitions/displays and a design market.

Made on the Left stallholders Enid Twiglet and Sally Ridge Illustration will be there offering an embroidery workshop and pet portraits.

Download the brochure for more information or contact the Cultural Development Officer on 9377 8000 or email mail@bassendean.wa.gov.au.

Easter Goodie Gift Guide

Christmas doesn't seem that long ago and now Easter is right around the corner! I have put together a selection of goodies to treat yourself or others. Included are a range of products that you can pick up at WA markets or online. Be sure to check out the links!
1. Spool Courture has these amazing little dresses for children with printed patterns on them that can be coloured in with washable markers meaning they can be coloured differently after each wash! Find these dresses online here http://www.spoolcouture.com.au/
2. Alexibelle has created these adorable bunny toys in a range of patterns. Find these available on her Madeit store https://madeit.com.au/Main/Item?itemId=1053589
3. SELF Organics has a selection of delicious sounding soy candles to treat yourself with. http://www.selforganics.com/product/self-organics-natural-soy-wax-wood-wick-candles
4. The GiftBOOtique found on Facebook has a range of sweet kids clothing and toys. Depicted above is an adorable heard of little lamb toys! Do check them out https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Giftbootique/429074567183728?sk=timeline
5. Pip & Printer has a sweet range of plant bags to brighten up your house. These are made with the environment in mind and come in different sizes. Find them in her online store http://www.pipandprinter.com/products
6. Sally Ridge doesn't just do special pet portraits but also has some amazing prints available in her Etsy shop. The print above is of Henry Hare with a sailor's hat on! https://www.etsy.com/listing/221921464/henry-hare-print?ref=shop_home_active_22
7. Truffles by Trish has an assortment of truffles at her normal stalls but now has solid Easter rabbits and crackle road solid eggs available for order. Check out her Facebook page to find out how to order! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Truffles-by-Trish/140662466134282?fref=ts

Last little goodies for Easter that you should consider:
These sweet little ceramic flowers by BronsCeramics found on Etsy. https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/225913462/ceramic-flowers-10-small-only-handmade?ref=shop_home_active_3
And these colourful kids bracelets by ilyas honey. http://www.ilyashoney.com/7/jewellery-shop/16-Kids-Collection

I hope that has gotten some ideas going. Look out for more gift guides in the future!

Fremantle Arts Centre Print Award applications open

Australia’s richest and most prestigious print award returns in 2015 with a national judging panel and $22,000 in prize money. The Fremantle Arts Centre Print Award is Australia’s premier showcase of prints and artists’ books. Now in its 40th anniversary year, the Award and exhibition continue to present the best works from established, emerging and cross-disciplinary artists.

Awards
First Prize $16,000. Work acquired for the City of Fremantle Art Collection, WA’s largest municipal collection. 
Second Prize $6,000.

Enter now
Applications now open – click here to begin your application.
Entries close 5pm, 22 May, 2015.
Call 9432 9555 for more information. 

Exhibition opening Fri 25 Sept, 6:30pm | Exhibition runs Sat 26 Sept – Sun 15 Nov

Beaufort Street art market

Beaufort Street Art Market is held from 9am - 1pm on the first Sunday of each month in the Barlee Street Carpark (corner of Barlee and Beaufort Streets, Mount Lawley). All work for sale must be West Australian designed and made products only.

You can apply for 2 sections -

Artisan stall: a 3m x 3m space. Stall holders are to provide their own marquee (white or navy only), tables and chairs if required.

The suitcase gallery: for artists and designers to fill their suitcases to the brim with arty wares and display for sale in the mini scaled suitcase stall zone. Two suitcases per spot are allowed and you are permitted to hang up to 5 paintings on the fence.

Find the application form on the Beaufort St Network website. For further information or questions, email the Beaufort Street Network – artmarket@beaufortstreet.com.au

Between the Sheets: Artists’ Books Exhibition 2015

On the Shelf (detail) by Thurle Wright

Between the Sheets: Artists’ Books Exhibition 2015 is an exhibition of the work of 53 leading and emerging International and Australian artists. Gallery East present artists’ books from Australia, Europe, UK, Zimbabwe, USA and Asia. Printmakers, photographers, wordsmiths, textile artists, painters, sculptors and digital artists employ both traditional and contemporary art practices to create personal and universal takes on this most fascinating of art forms.


Opening 6pm Friday 6th March, 2015. RSVP to gallery@central.wa.edu.au

Exhibition details
9 March – 2 April

Gallery Central

12 Aberdeen St, Perth WA 

The Boutique Design Market in Claremont

The Town of Claremont and Claremont Now are currently seeking artists, craftspeople and designers for Claremont’s first Boutique Design Market.

The details of this event are as follows:
Date: Sunday, 19th April 2015
Time: 11am – 3pm
Location: Southern end of Bay View Terrace, Claremont
Cost: Varies depending if you need to hire equipment e.g. marquees

More information can be found here.

If you are interested in being an exhibitor at this exclusive design event, please download and submit the application form to events@claremont.wa.gov.au

Application Form - CLICK HERE

For all queries please contact Town of Claremont on 9285 4300 or events@claremont.wa.gov.au

Artist call out - A Dot on the Run

Form invites Western Australian artists to participate in A Dot on the Run, an exhibition of drawings on paper.

In March 2015, FORM will launch a survey exhibition of Western Australian drawings at the Port Hedland Courthouse Gallery. The Port Hedland Courthouse Gallery is an independent exhibition space in the Pilbara that has been managed and programed by FORM since 2007.  A Dot on the Run will present a curated selection of original, unframed drawings on paper by Western Australian artists. The exhibition will launch on Friday, 13th March, 2015.

The title A Dot on the Run is inspired by Paul Klee’s quote, ‘a line is a dot that went for a walk’. 
For more information about how to submit your work for consideration, click here. The deadline for submissions is Monday, 9th February, 2015.

Summerset Arts Festival 2015

The Summerset Arts Festival is coming soon and there are a few things which may interest Perth creative types.


Embroidery Workshop
Learn the art of embroidery with local artist Bonnie Boogaard. Well known for her quirky food-inspired art, Bonnie gained her Bachelor of Arts from Curtin University in 2010 and studied her honours in Paris in 2011.  
When:  Wed 28 Jan, 10.30am – 12.30pm 
Ages: Adults and Children (10+ years) 
Venue: Dianella Library 
Cost:  Free 
Bookings: summersetartsfestival.com.au (registration essential) 


Poppy Felting
Create your own poppy to go towards the 5,000 poppies project in remembrance of World War I. Be guided by local artist Bonnie Boogaard who will demonstrate the art of wet felt making. 
When:  Wed 28 Jan, 1:00pm – 3:00pm 
Ages: Adults and Children (10+ years) 
Venue: Inglewood Library Cost:  Free 
Bookings: summersetartsfestival.com.au (registration essential) 



Artist Open Studios 
Local artists Maryann Devereux, Linda O'Brien and Alison Ross invite you to discover their studios, providing an intimate and privileged insight into their arts practice. 
This is a unique opportunity to experience the artists at work in their own studios. As they open their doors to you with art available for commission or sale. 
When: Sun 25 Jan &  Sun 1 Feb, 10.00am – 4.30pm 
Venue: Artist Studios - Trigg, Karrinyup and North Beach 
Cost: Free 

http://www.summersetartsfestival.com.au/

Made on the Left stallholders - ART

This week, we're going to take a look at all the stallholders who will be at our July 27, 2014 market, starting with ART.

1. Natasha Muhl 
2. The Little Press 
3. Made 4 You 
4. Shopgirl in Print 
5. Jacquie Hughes 
6. Tristan Coleman
7. Tankateo 
8. Bron's Ceramics 
9. Paper Mountain - Jenni Gray 
10. Paper Mountain - Grace McKie 
11. Paper Mountain - Kat Scarff 
12. Blue Lawn Designs 
13. Paper Mountain - Alina Tang 
14. m3 idea 
15. Mermaid's Coin 

Paper Mountain exhibitions, projects and performances proposals

'It feels as though we've always been here' by Simone Johnston, May 2014 Photo: Shannon Calcott

The Paper Mountain gallery/project space in the heart of Northbridge, is seeking proposals for solo and group exhibitions, projects and performances, for March – November 2015.

Selection is based on the strength of the application, suitability of the project for the space and the resolution of the ideas underpinning the artist's practice. The program is open to practicing artists and curators of any medium.

Paper Mountain aims to provide a stimulating space that is professional and accessible to a range of creative practices and projects. Key objectives are to nurture experimental and interdisciplinary approaches to artistic practice, to support artists at any stages in their career.

The deadline for receiving proposals is midnight 31 August 2014. 
Download the application pack here: http://bit.ly/1n2fVdq
Please complete the application online at: http://papermountain.org.au/proposal-2015-application/

Light Locker Art Space

Left: Amber Cloudberry Harries. Drift.Sink.Settle, 2013. Right: Tiffany Moffat. Sky Crystals, 2013. Image courtesy of James Graham.

Light Locker Art Space, Roe St Carpark Arcade. Image courtesy of James Graham

Light Locker Art Space at night. Image courtesy of James Graham

The Light Locker Art Space is a public exhibition space showcasing 2D and 3D works from local artists aged 35 and under. Its sister space in Grand Lane, Perth, has showcased new works from more than 50 young artists since its inception in 2011.

Artists, groups of artists and curators aged 35 and under are invited to submit an Expression of Interest to develop an exhibition for the Roe Street Light Locker space.

Check out the Expression of Interest brief, view architectural drawings of the boxes, and submit an application online.

Please contact Katie Lenanton on 9481 3181 (Monday to Thursday) with enquiries.

Venue: Light Locker Art Space
Venue Address: Roe Street Car Park Arcade, entry off James Street, Northbridge
Apply to exhibit: http://foodchainperth.com/lightlockers/eoi/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Light-Locker-Art-Space/245364605542029

Printmaking workshops

Printmaker Magali Dincher of Beau Est Mien has some workshops for adults coming up in her Fremantle studio.

Draw and Print a map of your city!

1st of March, 10am to 3 pm

$200 per person.

Be inspired by Magali's quirky way of drawing cities to create a map of your own neighborhood. Come along with some images of your house and the surroundings to use to draw your map. In the afternoon, use your drawing to create a printing plate and learn how to ink your plate up to create a limited edition of collagraph prints to bring home. Price includes all printing materials and inks.   

Crafternoon Decor Workshop
15 March, 10am to 3pm
$200 per person.

Create and print beautiful prints to decorate your home! Indulge in a crafternoon workshop to create your own hand printed tea towels, table runners, place mats, and cushion covers. You will learn a simple but super effective method of stencil and screen printing that creates bold patterns. Price includes 4 X cotton Tea Towels for printing. You are welcome to bring your own cotton fabric to create other homewares too. More tea towels available to purchase on the day. No experience necessary, price includes all printing materials and inks. 

To book or for more information, call on 0450 920 466 or email info@beauestmien.com.au You can also book your workshops online here! 

25under25 Art Exhibition

Applications are now open for the City of Fremantle's annual 25under25 Art Exhibition! If you're a creative young thing between the age of 12 and 25 you're invited to submit an application to take part in the next 25under25 exhibition, happening in April 2014.

The 25 under 25 Art Exhibition is held during National Youth Week each year at the Moore’s Building Contemporary Art Gallery in Fremantle. Young West Australians are encouraged to submit artwork of any medium for the chance to be amongst 25 emerging artists selected to exhibit.

This event is an excellent opportunity for young artists to gain exposure and experience in exhibiting artwork. A series of workshops led by a variety of established artists and industry professionals will also be held in the lead up to the event, offering young artists the opportunity to learn about presenting work for exhibition, submitting exhibition proposals, grant applications and more.

Applications close on 21st February 2014. The exhibition opening night and award presentation will be held on Friday 4th April 2014, with the exhibition continuing until the 13th of April, 2014.

For more information and to apply, go to: http://www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/communityservices/Youth_projects/25under25_art_exhibition/

Or email queries to: ashleighw@fremantle.wa.gov.au

Spotlight: Enid Twiglet

beautiful bird + creative soul

We got a chance to catch up with the ever so lovely crew over at Enid Twiglet, and asked a few bits and bobs about the work that goes on behind bird-filled doors. Enid Twiglet creates a lot of hand-embroided work, as well as some beautiful laser cut pieces! If you like all things quirky, botanical and possibly a feather or two in your tea then Enid Twiglet is for you!

Describe Enid Twiglet in three words

Handmade. Unique. Quirky.

You say you hand embroider a lot of your work. How long does it take for you to finish a piece?

The really small pieces take about 1 - 2 hours and the larger embroideries can take anywhere up to 40 hours.

What is your biggest inspiration?

I am a self confessed “bird lady” and am constantly inspired by anything to do with ornithology, (so much so I am thinking of studying it next year!).  We live with three very entertaining birds: Nigel the budgie and Colin and Barney who are cockatiels. We also have three rare breed chickens who are great fun to hang out with.

Colin is my constant companion, and spends most of his time perched on my shoulder and he enjoys unpicking my stitches as I embroider. I also love dusty old books and forgotten things found in other people’s trash and op-shops.  I am drawn to unusual subject matter such as human anatomy and most recently my hand embroidered insect collection.  I enjoy creating things that may not conventionally be seen as beautiful or appealing!

What kind of process does your work go through to become a tangible product?

I spend some time researching the subject matter then do up a quick pen drawing in my sketch book. From there I either trace or re-draw the outline onto fabric using a fabric pen.  My hand embroideries are free hand stitched. I normally have a pretty good idea of how I want something to look in my head and just take it from there. I have never used a pattern for my work and this makes every piece completely unique.  

Once the embroidery is finished I photograph it and then Mr Twiglet takes over to produce our laser engraved pieces. We have a laser cutting business as well as Enid Twiglet which means we have creative control over all of our creations and nothing has to be outsourced.

Is there a favourite product of yours?

Oh gosh this is hard! I get very attached to all of the larger hand embroideries purely because I spend so much time with them.  If I am stitching an animal or bird I create little personalities for them and the anatomical work I stitched last year for my exhibition was so personal and I definitely have some trouble letting those pieces go to new homes.  Right now I would have to say Mr Octopus. Purely because he challenged me right from the first stitch. Tentacles are hard! I am so attached to him I have decided to keep him for myself. 

If you had an infinite amount of money to put towards EnidTwiglet, how would you use it?

I would love a separate work space that isn't in our home. A solid brick and mortar studio space with a little retail outlet would be awesome. Oh, and I would love an assistant who would do my paper work for me! 
Mr Twiglet would love a huge studio where he could spend all his time designing, making and laser cutting.  We would both love to quit our day jobs and focus purely on working for ourselves. We are slowly making it happen!

What do you feel attracts customers to your products?

I think people enjoy the story of how our products are created. We make absolutely everything ourselves (including our labels) and I think our customers enjoy hearing about the processes involved. Plus the fact we are both ginger seems to make people laugh!

Have you ever thought of tackling a sewing machine and expanding your range?

I would like to learn how to use a sewing machine so I can make my own clothes but I am not interested in learning machine embroidery. I have seen some amazing embroidery work done on sewing machines but I get so much pleasure from working with just a needle, thread and my hands I don't think I would ever want to change that. 

What are your products made out of?

The embroideries are just sewing thread stitched onto cotton either presented in an embroidery hoop, laser cut pendant/brooch frames or glass bottles. We laser engrave my embroidered images onto glassware, wood, leather and acrylic.

If our readers mention this article can they receive 10% off at the upcoming MOTL market?

Yes of course!

http://www.enidtwiglet.com/

City of South Perth Fiesta 2014

The City of South Perth is currently seeking an Expression of Interest from community groups, businesses, local organisations, visual artists, performance artists and theatre groups who would like to be part of the City of South Perth FIESTA from 8 March – 22 March 2014.

The City of South Perth’s FIESTA is an annual festival held over three weeks in March each year attracting up to 30,000 people. FIESTA’s 19 year tradition is cemented in the community as an iconic feature of the area. Since its inception in 1994 this much loved festival has continued to grow in notoriety each year and now enjoys a solid reputation as one of the longest run local government festivals in WA. In March 2014, this premier community festival will celebrate its 20th year anniversary and will incorporate a theme to celebrate the momentous occasion - “Explosion of Colour – Celebrating 20 years of Fiesta in 2014”.

The City is seeking events and activities that are unique, inclusive, well planned and best support the Fiesta 2014 theme to be incorporated into the festival program. Examples of the sort of events and activities include; art exhibitions, theatre performances, fairs, sporting competitions (that incorporate the theme), lawn bowls and croquet evenings, children’s storytelling, place activation (i.e. the park(ing) day campaign), workshops, cooking classes, trails or tours and/or seminars. 

Expression of Interest forms are to be returned to the City of South Perth by Tuesday 1st October 2013. If you have any accompanying photographs, website links or examples of the type of event/activity you would like to host, please submit these as part of your expression.

Queries

Please contact the Arts and Events officer on:

Email: events@southperth.wa.gov.au

Phone: (08) 9474 0707

EOI’s and submissions
Email: events@southperth.wa.gov.au
Deliver/Post: FIESTA EOI’s
                  Civic Centre, CnrSandgate St & South Terrace, 
                  South Perth, WA, 6151

2014 Summerset Arts Festival opportunities

The City of Stirling is seeking performing and visual artists and organisations to perform, exhibit or be a part of the City’s biggest community arts celebration, the 2014 Summerset Arts Festival!

If you have an exciting event, idea or project, they’d love to hear about it!

The Summerset Arts Festival attracts over 30,000 people to a range of events held over two weeks in January/February throughout the City of Stirling, and features a mix of performing and visual arts, including live music, comedy, dance, theatre, art exhibitions, workshops and more.

This a fantastic opportunity to coordinate, perform or exhibit a creative project to a wider audience, and receive promotional and organisation support whilst developing and showcasing your creative talent!

Visit www.stirling.wa.gov.au/summerset to see the information and application form or email culture@stirling.wa.gov.au or call 9205 8555 for any other enquiries.

Expressions of Interest close 4pm, Friday 30 August 2013, so get your application in ASAP!

Beau Est Mien Winter 2013 product launch

Magali Dincher, artist and owner of creative business Beau Est Mien, will launch an exciting new range of products at Willow and the Bowerbird in Fremantle on Thursday 28 June.

Previously, Magali’s work centred around creating artworks with linograph, collagraph and screen printing techniques on paper, fabric or stone. The new Winter 2013 range includes: 

• A 2014 desk calendar containing images of twelve cities Magali selected for their architecture, atmosphere, colour and joy 
• A brand new series of hand-painted cards – to announce a new baby, say ‘I love you’, 

and more 

• Illustrated cards, printed from original Beau Est Mien artworks 
• Funky notepads, so even your lists will be beautiful 
• Art posters, printed with care to look as good as the original artwork. Limited to 200 copies, each one has been numbered and signed 
• Hand-painted invitation cards 
• Fun rubber stamp sets 

All of Magali’s designs have been locally printed on quality paper stock, and use 100% recycled paper where possible.

Beau Est Mien Winter 2013 product launch: 

When: 5.30pm – 7.30pm, Thursday 27 June 2013 

Where: Willow and the Bowerbird, 78 George Street, East Fremantle
Entry is free 

A special gift bag will be provided to the first 20 people who arrive