Christmas joy

Our 2013 Limited Edition Christmas print design has been created by Print Ink Design Studio, who passionately believe in retaining the artisan skills and uniqueness of hand screen printing within Australia.

Check out our limited edition Linen Tea Towels designed and printed in Australia.

Laura Jones Sydney Artist

Treat yourself to this time lapse video created by Andrew Walsh of Sydney artist Laura Jones painting 'Chequered Shirt With Pocket'

Mad about Maira

Rachelle Unreich’s recent article on Maira Kalman in Dumbo Feather took me on a nostalgic journey. I have followed Maira Kalman for two decades, eating up her words and illustrations.

Maira Kalman on the cover of Dumbo Feather - First Quarter 2013 | Issue 34

It's worth getting your mitts on a copy and reading it word for word. It's a truly inspiring interview.

I first discovered MK via her late husband Tibor Kalman. I had just finished a Bachelor of Visual Communications at R.M.I.T and was totally obsessed with graphic design. I was in design heaven, drooling over the catalogues he designed for Benetton called Colors. I went to NY in my early 20's and made a time to visit his studio M&Co (because that's what you do when you're naive and wide-eyed in your early 20's). 

Over the last two decades I've collected nearly all books (written or illustrated) by Maira Kalman. Here's a snapshot of my collection

One of my favourites, written by Michael Poolan and illustrated by MK, this book combines my two loves..illustration and health food.

This article on Maira Kalman appeared in W Magazine in 2005. Her words about the loss of her husband resonated with me in my own times of sadness.

Rachelle and I have always shared a love for Maira and I know I will read her soulful article over and over to remind me that fulfillment comes from engaging in something you love doing.

Rachelle asked Maira "Do you feel like you are always working?" to which Maira responds: "I'm always working in the sense that I'm always collecting...there's no separation between my life and my work. I'm aware that everything I'm looking at may be something that inspires me". That really resonated with me.

Thanks Rachelle and thanks Maira for being an inspiration to me.

Check out Maira Kalman in her Ted talk: The Illustrated Woman (below) or have a look at this and this.

Autumn in Paris

Last year, Natalie was lucky enough to spend a few months in Paris with her family. While the Summer months were gorgeous with the long, light-filled days allowing extra time to wander the streets, it was the sudden change to Autumn that took her breath away.

Here Natalie shares a few Autumn moments from her personal snaps.

"My husband and four kids waiting in line for a Nutella crepe on a perfect Autumn day".

An Autumn sunset with the Eiffel Tower in full view...doesn't get much better than that.

Autumn leaves caught in the cobblestones.

A tree lined footpath with a covering of Autumn leaves

Autumn vines, almost too perfect to be true.

A glimpse of Autumn trees perfectly aligned through an arch. 

"Le Jardin de Tuileries is one of my favourite spots in Paris. We spent hours there with the kids, literally on a daily basis. While it was heaven in Summer, I managed to take this snap in it's true Autumn glory".

An Australian Beauty Story Since 1993

The Bloom journey began in 1993 when Natalie Bloom started selling greeting cards and gift ideas that she made from her parent’s home in Melbourne, Australia. “When I started out, I didn’t have a long term strategy,” explains Natalie. “I simply created quality products that I was passionate about and that had a strong design sensibility.” Natalie’s love of natural ingredients and obsession with packaging soon turned a hobby into a busines.

Twenty years on, Bloom is an Australian cosmetics & organic skincare brand with a creative spirit and a strong design sensibility. Bloom products use quality botanical ingredients and have a commitment to product integrity.

Celebrate this Australia Day weekend with an Australian Beauty Brand! With every online purchase of $60 or more, receive a signed copy of Natalie Bloom’s book ‘Beauty in Bloom’ (Freight Free!). From Fri 25 - Mon 28 Jan