The beautiful temporary studio space of textile designer Elizabeth Yong of Primoeza, for Craft Victoria's ‘Open Studios‘ at Design:Made:Trade last week

Elizabeth Yong of Primoeza

Book sculptor Nicholas Jones in his 'Open Studio' space

Melbourne's annual Design:Made:Trade event at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton wrapped up yesterday, and as always I have a little round up for you today.  AS USUAL I got completely overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the event and all the familiar faces... It took about 2 hours just to get through Craft Victoria's excellent ‘Open Studios' area at the entrance!  Agh.  I need some kind of time allowance per stand and alarm clock system next year I think!

Filling an important niche as Melbourne's 'indie' trade show, D:M:T is always a mixed bag, and this year was no exception. There was some AWESOME stuff.  There was some slightly questionable stuff.  There was a lot of stuff I'd seen before.  Generally though, I find D:M:T always offers a great snapshot of what's happening in local design, with just enough free events, hands-on workshops and kids activities over the weekend to keep things buzzing!

The new ‘Open Studios‘ event this year was an absolute winner.  Curated by Craft Victoria, selected designer / makers including Emily Green, Nicholas Jones and Elizabeth Yong of Primoeza set themselves up in temporary studio spaces, working on site at the Exhibition Building from Thursday through to Sunday. SO GREAT to see these wonderful local creatives working and chatting to visitors about their practice.  Massive congrats to Craft Victoria and all the makers who went to great efforts to really 'move in' and decorate their makeshift studios - this was certainly a highlight for me.

Other fab initiatives this year - the Pop-Up Design Library, housed in a custom-made structure designed by Adelaide design duo Daniel : Emma.  Treadlie's fabulous 'Made To Measure' custom bike exhibit at the entrance.  The BRILLIANT Roll-Up bicycle valet service on opening night - with support from Vic Health and Flexicar, this simple free service will follow many events this week allowing easy bike access for festival-goers.  (Cute red tents and 50's inspired uniforms make it even more appealing....!).

In keeping with my own self-imposed tradition, I've decided to dish out a few cute and completely arbitrary D:M:T awards once again this year -

Best new festival initiative for 2011 – Roll-Up bicycle valet service
Best stand design / styling - Notemaker stationery set up a fully functional office complete with retro-inspired scandi furniture, telephone, pot plant!
Best international accent - Festival photographer Tobias Titz clinches this category again (and thanks for the pics Tobias!)
Cutest couple award - Emma Aiston and Daniel To of Daniel : Emma!  Seriously too cute.  And a bit matching, if you ask me.
Best New Talent - Olinda-based Ari Prasetya's impressive furniture range created from salvaged timbers - channeling Piet Hein Eek (though Ari's never heard of him!)
One to Watch - Maryann Talia Pau, designer / weaver extraordinaire.  I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot more of Maryann!
Most popular - Ah, maybe me?! unfortunately!
Least popular - Flimsy cardboard partitions... tres controversial.

Ok enough waffling from me… hope you enjoy the pics!

After finally seeing them both in one place, I can confirm Milly Flemming (pictured here) is most definitely a completely separate person to Stephanie De Kuijer (They are, however, the MOST identical twins I have ever come across).  SORRY Milly for always calling you Steph!  And vice versa.  Aghhhhhh.

Milly Flemming beautiful faceted jewellery designs and workspace details

Emma Greenwood making shoes!

Designer / weaver Maryann Talia Pau

Emily Green smiles coyly for the paparazzi (ie, me and Dawn Tan)

GORGEOUS collab between Leah Jackson (ceramics) and Andrea Shaw / Stampel Studio (woodblocks, collage and macrame!)

Matthew Thomson of Mattt Bags stitches up a storm in the Open Studios

A D:M:T regular, Daylesford-based designer Jessie Fairweather once again presented a beautiful range of hand printed paper goods under her label - The Foundry

Ink & Spindle's beautiful stand showcased their popular hand printed organic fabrics, and the new Inklet range

Designed in Brunswick's retro-inspired prints, cushions and lamps

Sweet handmade babushka dolls by The Crafty Squirrel

Melbourne-made furniture by another D:M:T regular - George Harper of Tide Design

Sweet colourful creations using unique digitally printed fabrics by Pocket Carnival

Cushion Totem!  By Harvest Workroom

'Trashkova' versatile vessel (can be a bin, stool, laundry basket, umbrella stand). I think I like the idea of a Gold plated RUBBISH BIN best!  Made in Australia, designed by Tim Stone at Boquil.

Shelley Panton's beautiful hand crafted ceramics

Sweet cards and stationery by Anamiro

Amazing ceramic vessels with geometric patterns created using CAD and a 3D printer (then slip cast) by The Mod Collective.

Notemaker - amazing stand complete with an entire set of office furniture ! (Did you know Notemaker are now importing this Danish-inspired furniture from Korean design studio In Detail!?  Check it out here)

Daniel : Emma's design library!

Daniel : Emma's design library with publications by MagNation

Great to see JamFactory here after blogged their new website last week!  SERIOUSLY COVETING one of those handcrafted Kink oil bottles!

Treadlie's fabulous 'Made To Measure' custom bike showcase

I LOVE these circular timber hanging shelved by Bride&Wolfe so much!  SO MUCH!

Gorgeous handcrafted bags, storage baskets and poufs handmade in Melbourne using coffee sacks and french linen by A Thoughtful Spot

Ari Prasetya's furniture created from salvaged timbers - channeling Piet Hein Eek (though Ari says he's never heard of him!)

Roll-Up bicycle valet service - GENIUS! Look out for these guys at other festival events this week! This pic - Tobias Titz

Roll-Up bicycle valet service - GENIUS! This pic - Tobias Titz

Opening night at D:M:T - this pic - Tobias Titz