The Design Files Daily

Giveaway

Pia Blair – Collage Art Giveaway!

Artwork by collage artist Pia Blair
Artwork by Pia Blair. Photo by Armelle Habib, Styling Julia Green and Lucy Fenton, shot on location at the very beautiful Fenton & Fenton!

Various artworks by Pia Blair

Melbourne stylist / creative agent Julia Green is always feeding me excellent new finds, and these fabulous artworks by Pia Blair are another of her discoveries! (Thanks for the tip off Julia!).

Pia Blair is a Melbourne girl, but has been living in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for three years.  She creates these original screenprinted and collaged works on paper with unexpected imagery and kooky little sayings to make you chuckle!  She loves nothing more than riding around her colourful city on her motorbike, fossicking for vintage papery goodness from days gone by.  If Pia comes across anything kitsch, especially images of miniature dogs, men wrestling in 1970′s footy shorts, ladies strutting in 1950′s get up, catalogues of modernist domestic furniture and appliances, or an image of Queen Lizzie, she simply must have it!

Originally from country Victoria, Pia spent a great deal of time trawling through her Grandmothers pile of sewing patterns, admiring 50’s style wall paper, and eating ‘snags’ in bread at the local footy club.  These childhood experiences, combined with her recent years in Vietnam, have defined the quirky, nostalgic aesthetic of her work.  By combining treasured vintage ephemera with hand screen printing, spray painted stencils, stickers and Japanese washi tape, Pia gives each work it’s own unique narrative.

Pia creates these works under the name Little Land of Pia.  She’s currently working on creating a range of soft furnishings under the same label – watch this space! And do check out Pia’s blog and facebook page for more images of her work and updates on her homewares range!

Pia’s artworks are currently stocked at Fenton & Fenton, Husk and Hut 13 in Melbourne, Mood and Green Tangerine in Queensland, and a number of other boutiques listed here (nothing in Sydney yet it seems?).

Potential stockists and buyers can also get in touch with Julia Green of Greenhouse Interiors, who is handling Pia’s Australian sales and distribution.

TODAY you guys have the rather amazing opportunity to win an original Pia Blair work on paper! The lucky winner will have the opportunity to collaborate with Pia via email, and select their own theme / colour palette for a unique new collage, created especially for them.  AMAZING!

*UPDATE: Congratulations to our lucky winner Rosa (comment #16), you will be collaborating with Pia on your very own custom made collage! We look forward to seeing the final piece! Thank you to everyone who left a comment and also to Pia for this very generous giveaway!

To be in the running, simply leave your comment on today’s post, before 10.00pm today, Monday May 14th Melbourne time.  One winner will be selected at random and contacted by email tomorrow.

Massive thanks to both Pia and Julia for this lovely giveaway!

Artwork above bed by Pia Blair. Photo by Armelle Habib, Styling Julia Green and Lucy Fenton, shot on location at Fenton & Fenton

Artwork by Pia Blair. Photo by Armelle Habib, Styling Julia Green and Lucy Fenton.

Jacqueline Evans Skincare – Giveaway

Jacqueline Evans Skincare range.  Photography by Armelle Habib, styling by Claire Larritt-Evans, product branding by Swearwords.

You know, there really is no shortage of lovely skincare products on the market and I, frankly, have often been guilty of using anything that smells good… and if the packaging is pretty – even better.  I know, I’m such a floozy.

And YET what I have learnt just recently is that not all skincare is equal!  SOME skincare is produced with such perfectionism, such strict adherence to organic and naturopathic prinicples, and such an intensely personal touch – that it really does sit in a category of it’s own. And you wouldn’t necessarily know that just by looking at the pretty packaging!

Jacqueline Evans is a Melbourne-based qualified naturopath.  In addition to running her private practice and skincare line, she consults for a pathology company, and her main area of interest is liver detoxification, womens health and the emerging field of nutrigenomics (translation: the study of the effects of food on gene expression). Clearly, she really knows her stuff.  But her real passion, both personally and professionally, is organic skincare.

‘It is impossible for me to lecture about improving health without discussing the benefits of natural cosmetics’ says Jacqueline.  ’Remember that the skin is the body’s largest organ, and we should treat it with the same respect we treat our other organs – we carefully consider what we put into our bodies, and so we should carefully consider what we put onto our bodies’. Okaaayyy, I get it, that makes sense… continue…

Jacqueline Evans’ first interest in naturopathy came whilst studying Chinese at University – a course in which she was required also to learn Chinese history and philosophies.  She quickly became preoccupied by Eastern Medicine, and it wasn’t long before Jacqueline realised  her passion was in complementary medicine.  She was drawn to the holistic approach of naturopathy, and the idea of seeking the least invasive measures necessary for symptom improvement or resolution.

After studying Naturopathy in Melbourne, Jacqueline moved to London and began working under a renowned UK pharmacist and homeopath. It was here she became interested in formulating her own skincare.

‘I was already acutely aware of the level of poisonous pesticides used in our foods, but was shocked to learn about the questionable ingredients often used in cosmetics’ Jacqueline says. ‘In London I learnt about the potentional risks and benefits of skin care ingredients. When I wasn’t treating patients I was in the laboratory formulating natural cosmetics. I was obsessed!’.

In 2002, Jacqueline returned to Melbourne and obtained qualifications in Cosmetic Chemistry.  And finally, after 8 years in formulation, Jacqueline Evans skincare was born in 2008!

A few Jacqueline Evans Skincare ingredients.  Photography by Armelle Habib, styling by Claire Larritt-Evans.

With this range Jacqueline is committed to creating skincare products founded on naturopathic philosophies, using only pure certified organic ingredients.  ’I wanted to create a range that men and women could trust. I was tired of the overuse of the word ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ by companies misleading consumers with clever marketing’ she says.  ’My principles are very simple – the best natural and certified organic ingredients, honest expert advice, quality service, and incredibly effective products’.

We were very lucky to have Jacqueline’s beautiful organic sweet orange and cedarwood liquid handsoap for our gift bags at The Design Files Open House and I am now itching to try her face products too…. And BOY do we have one hell of a giveaway for one lucky reader today!

One TDF reader will win the complete Jacqueline Evans product range set, including a customised moisturiser based on their skin type (to be determined in consultation with Jacqueline via email).  That’s every product you see in the photograph at the top of this post, a total value of $385.00!

To be in the running, simply leave your comment on this post before 10.00pm today, Melbourne time.  The very lucky winner will be selected at random and contacted by email tomorrow!

* UPDATE – This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Mish (comment #121) whose name was drawn at random and is the winner of the complete Jacqueline Evans product range set! Thank you to everyone who left a comment and extra special thanks to Jacqueline for this generous prize!

Weirdly, the Jacqueline Evans skincare range has a loyal customer base internationally, with stockists in Hong Kong, Macau, China, America and Germany, but within Australia you can currently buy the range only from Jacqueline’s online store at this stage. (Potential stockists should definitely get in touch!).

Massive thanks to Jacqueline for this very generous giveaway and crash course in skincare education!   She is so very knowledgable on the subject and has so many insights that I didn’t have room to include here!  I really think she needs to start a blog on this subject…  whose with me!?

Jacqueline Evans Skincare range.  Photography by Armelle Habib, styling by Claire Larritt-Evans.

Lumiere Art + Co – Giveaway!

Lovely cushions and prints by Emma Cleine of Lumiere Art + Co!  Photo – Armelle Habib.

Cushions and prints by Emma Cleine of Lumiere Art + Co!  Photos - Armelle Habib.

I have a sneaking suspicion that they slip some kind of creative potion into the waters of the Mornington Peninsula. From the lands of Sarah Dingwall, Goldnbrown, Claire Wayman, and Codename Tom; TDF presents newcomer Lumiere Art + Co!

This super stunning range of prints and homewares is the work of one talented lady, Emma Cleine.  Emma is trained in printmaking and sculpture – her cushions and artworks are printed by press, rather than screen, which ensures each item is unique.  Her current print series is named ‘Mandala’, and depicts layered vintage lace circles printed on Russian linen. So simple, but seriously gorgeous – and somehow calming, like the sacred circle which inspired them.  Plus, who could say no to a touch of pom pom fringing!

Lumiere Art + Co may be a young enterprise, but Emma has a seriously impressive list of stockists. Melbourne trendsetters Husk, Fenton & Fenton, and Turner and Lane have recognised Emma’s beautiful work – now that’s a truly discerning bunch of Melbourne retailers!  Mornington readers can also find Emma’s work at Page 8 and White Nest (I cannot find links for these – correct me if I’m wrong!).  Small cushions (45cm x 45cm) retail for $132, and large (60cm x 60cm) for $165. Emma’s prints are also now available online at Otomy’s Arthouse.

Emma has been super generous and offered a giveaway of her beautiful ‘Sailors Knot’ print for TDF readers, which retails for $300 unframed (76 x 56 cm). To be in the running, pop a comment on this post before 10.00pm this evening. The winner will be notified by email tomorrow!

*UPDATE – Congratulations to Helen (comment #243) whose name was drawn at random and has won the Lumiere Art + Co ‘Sailors Knot’ print. Thank you to everyone who left a comment and extra special thanks to Emma for this generous prize!

Giveaway – ‘Sailor’s Knot’ – a limited edition print by Emma Cleine of Lumiere Art + Co!

Shelley Panton’s Shop + Easter Giveaway!

Shelley Panton‘s gorgeous little shop in the backstreets of Middle Park

Pretty details from Shelley’s shop – love the rustic timber hanging decorations and woven rope doorstops!

Poor Shelley Panton has been emailing me for like, a YEAR, asking me to pop in and visit her gorgeous little store in Middle Park.  Aghh the guilt.  Last week I finally got around to it – and I have to say it was totally worth the wait!  What a hidden treasure!  Occupying the cutest little shopfront in an otherwise entirely residential street, Shelley’s shop is stocked to the brim with gorgeous locally crafted homewares, textiles, books, gourmet treats and the star attraction – Shelley’s own beautiful handcrafted stoneware tableware.

Around two years ago, Shelley spotted this unique shopfront whilst looking for a home to rent in the area.  It was one of those fortuitous moments where the universe conspires to send you in a certain direction – Shelley had no plans to open a shop, but something just ‘felt right’ about this space, so she took on the lease and the rest is history!  Since then Shelley has created a truly special little space, drawing on experience from her previous career as an events stylist and co-ordinator.

Shelley’s stoneware is now highly sought after by stylists and often commissioned by local restauranteurs… there really is something so special about eating from a handcrafted vessel!   Amazingly, she has her pottery wheel set up in the shop and creates all her ceramics right here on site – after hours of course!  In addition to her own pieces, she sells gorgeous products by many local designers including TDF faves Greg Hatton, Best In Park, and of course those infamous Hookturn BYO Coffee Cups!

JUST in CASE you are not already enthused by this sweet story and picture-perfect retail space… Shelley has a little treat for one lucky Design Files reader!  She has offered a fabulous Easter-inspired giveaway – a handcrafted stoneware breakfast set including egg-plate (perfect for a soft boiled egg and soldiers!), a cup, bowl and little salt dish, valued at $180.00 total.

Shelley Panton Easter Giveaway! – 1 x eggplate, cup, bowl and little salt dish, valued at $180.00 total.

To be in  the running for this wonderful handcrafted prize, simply leave a comment on today’s post before 10.00pm this evening, Melbourne time.  The lucky winner will be selected at random and contacted tomorrow by email!

*Update – thanks so much for all your entries!  A winner has been selected at random – congratulations to Jo / comment #98, hope you enjoy your new stoneware goodies!

Big thanks to Shelley for this lovely giveaway!  Do pop in and pay her a visit next time you are in the area – you won’t be disappointed!

Shelley Panton
88 Park Road
Middle Park
VIC 3206

Ph. 03 9537 0737

Shelley’s handcrafted stoneware range

Ortolan for K.W. Doggett stationery + giveaway!

Beautiful writing sets by graphic design team Ortolan for K.W Doggett‘s Rives paper range.  Photos – Narelle Brewer.

JUST LOOK at these simply beautiful writing sets by graphic design team Ortolan, to promote K.W Doggett‘s Rives paper range.  I’m sure you’ll spot the painterly work of Kat Macleod, who worked alongside fellow Ortolaner Narelle Brewer to design this exquisite promo. The outcome is a modern day stationery set featuring beautiful illustrations and quirky correspondence etiquette tips.   My favourite – ‘If you want to be invited back, think ink! An email is not a thank you note’.  Gawd.  Guilty as charged.

Sadly you cannot buy these :(  They’re for promotional use only.  But excitingly today you might win one!  K.W Doggett would love to fill the mailboxes of 5 lucky TDF readers with a package of papery designy etiquettey goodness.

If you’d like to be in the running, please leave a comment on this post today Thursday March 31st, before 10.00pm Melbourne time.  The winners will be selected at random tomorrow.

Thankyou and good morning. :)

*update – thanks so much for all your entries!  5 winners have now been randomly selected – the winning comments were #60, #206, #111, #230, and #58.  Congratulations Claire, Chloe, Angelique, Hailey and Margie!

Aw the cuteness of the gift tags!

All envelopes should be yellow on the inside.  Surely.

Tractor Home – Heartworks giveaway!

Heartworks hand embroidered bear and cushion from Tractor Home

WELL I certainly hope you’re not sick of extravagant giveaways…. because we have another pearler for you today!  Today’s beautiful prize has been generously offered from the lovely folks at Tractor Home, who I have previously blogged here and here.  Mandy Munro and family travel to Africa regularly to source her incredible range of handmade homewares and accessories… and these stunning embroidered pieces from Heartworks Stitching Club in Cape Town are one of her most popular finds!  Each piece is embroidered and appliqued completely by hand in a  free form ‘design-as-you-go’ kinda way, ensuring no two designs are ever exactly the same.  This inspiring initiative now employs and empowers many local women in Cape Town – you can learn a little more about Heartworks here.

I love the sweet embroidered heart cushion… but also how GORGEOUS is the bear!  A very smart and utterly unique gift for any new bub! (Sadly no photo could ever do these guys justice… truly they are even more beautiful and detailed in person!).

You can check out these stunning pieces in person at either Safari Living or After in Melbourne, or if in Sydney try I ran the wrong way in Surry Hills.  HOWEVER if you’re lucky, you might be making friends with these guys as early as next week!  You could win the very handsome pair pictured above (embroidered bear and large heart cushion) simply by leaving a comment on this post today! A winner will be selected at random and contacted by email tomorrow.  Yippee!

Huge thanks to Mandy at Tractor Home for this super gorgeous giveaway… do share the love by popping over to the Tractor Home website to check out her full range of beautiful handcrafted pieces!

*UPDATE – thanks so much for all your comments!  The winner has now been drawn – comment #197 was randomly selected.  Congratulations to Stephanie Darling, enjoy your Heartworks embroidered bear and heart cushion!! Thank you again to Tractor Home for such a lovely giveaway!!

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