Fab Finds 20

Here are some cool Fab Finds for the week… or month. There's a carry over of the craft theme from my previous Fab Finds. So let's take a look at the round up.

1. I am loving these hand knitted scarfs by Californian textile artist, Twinkie Chan. She designs and handcrafts these tasty treaty scarfs that will not only keep you warm, but will also give you an appetite for the real thing. 

© Twinkie Chan

2. I am fascinated by ball jointed dolls and how they are made. There is a lot of fine detail sculpting that go into the making of these dolls. And the mind boggles at the anatomy. I came across this 20 minute Youtube video, by doll sculptor Apryl Jensen, detailing how to sculpt the torso of a BJD.


3. I found this sweet video for making an ombre hair effect. Seriously it is one of the sweetest video, as the narrator has a gentle and kind voice, as she explains her hair dye process on doll wig hair. Check out more videos like this one at Nicolle's Dreams.




4. And because not everything is about crafting and I'm up for a laugh, I decided to share this video by… I don't know her name, but she sure was funny, and I enjoyed the direction. Sooooo… check it out - Community Channel. Postscript: This wonderful host is Natalie Tran.

Fab Finds 19

    Today my Fab Finds theme shall be needle felting. This is something that I've heard about on the grape vine [aka world wide web], and I have seen many wonderful textile sculptures that have been produced as a result of needle felting.

    I decided to share some four cute and easy to follow needle felting tutorials that I found on Youtube. These just may inspire you too. So, take a look at what I found for you…

1. Needle Felting Basics by Pufftique:




2. Needle Felted Mushroom by Sweetorials:



3. Needle Felted Rabbit also by Pufftique:




4. DIY Totoro Plushie by Bubzbeauty:

Fab Finds 18

    It's 2016! Can  you believe it? Well, let's get right down to it. My first fab finds for the new year…

1. Theatre of Dolls is a partnership of visual artists Frida Alvinzi and Raisa Veikkola. Although these ladies have been doing their performance art for a few years I have only just discovered them [thank you Pinterest]. They are story tellers and puppeteers all rolled into the one package, and sometimes they really are the one package as they have been known to incorporate their bodies into the one costume, which also acts as the stage [get your head around that if you can].

Theatre of Dolls

2. Photographer, Alexia Sinclair has done it again… Blown. My. Mind. She has produced another mind boggling detailed, heavenly series of photos titled The Golden Age. Alexia is an amazing hands on fine art photographer - she even makes the costumes herself. Check out The Golden Age.

© Alexia Sinclair

Fab Finds 17

    I have reasons to be excited. The year winding up. Christmas around the corner. Thinking about next year. Reading books that make me feel better. Movies coming out at the cinema such as Star Wars and…

1. Jem and the Holograms: I grew up idolising the cartoon show JatH, and in recent years I've had the pleasure introducing it to my entranced kids. Now the moment is almost upon us, it is a feature film, soon to be playing at Australian cinemas. I am so looking forward to this. I just may dye my hair for this.



2. My Poppet is a blog I have been following for quite a while. There are a variety of cute, homemade projects that make you feel like every day in the My Poppet household is a lovely spring day. A project that caught my eye is a DIY tee pee. It comes in two parts, so check them out - Part 1 + Part 2.

© My Poppet

3. Via the sharing power of Pinterest I became an instant fan of illustrator - Margaux Motin. Her work has a quirky sense of humour and her characters are very cute. But you don't need me to tell you, when you can see it for yourself, at Margaux's blog.

© Margaux Motin

4. I am halfway through reading Amy Poehler's Yes Please. It is an excellent read, for many reasons. I couldn't possibly put my finger on just one, but I will say it is written in an open and honest way. You can tell a self aware person, and Amy is one of those. Oh, and it really funny. So read this book, damn it! 
P.S. I got a kick out of pointing to the book cover and telling my daughters 'look, it's Joy from Inside Out'.

Yes Please

Fab Finds 16

And now for my latest fab finds - people, art, things to be excited about…

1. Many of us have heard of Helena Christensen, the model. Did you also know she is a photographer. It is not unheard of, a model making the transition to behind the camera. I find Helena's work to be detailed and smart. In this series of photos for VS magazine, I can feel the isolation of this solitary female. There is something buried just below the surface, a sense of waiting for something to come to head. But I wouldn't say the female is hiding, because in many of the images she appears exposed to windows, light, the road.

© Helena Christensen

2. Tere Hurst is a maker of animals. She illustrates them and hand crafts them. Many of her animals are clothed, bringing to mind my love of Wind in the Willows.

©2015 by murmur fremo

3. I am loving the colours and textures from the Neptune's Daughter range by Cassandra Verity Green. I'd wear these items in a heart beat.

© Cassandra Verity Green

4. The Oatmeal tells a story, Plane, with a surprising reveal toward the end of this strip. I won't say what, you'll just have to read for your self.

Fab Finds 15

And now for my Fab Four update…

1. I am finding a lot of cool new, old, always been there-but only just caught my attention stuff on Pinterest. One such find has been The Pale Rook, which is a textile art project by Johanna Flanagan. By day Johanna is a fashion and textiles lecturer. And by night she puts on her super cape and makes these period looking dolls from salvaged materials.

© Johanna Flanagan

2. The True Cost - I heard of this documentary through a cousin. I've seen a trailer for this and now it is on my must watch list. I highly recommend this documentary to anyone wanting to have a career in the fashion industry, and to anyone who has ever worn clothes. Yep, that be all of us. This documentary will have us questioning a very real cost to the clothes we buy.

3. If you've got young kids and watch ABC chances are you know what I'm talking about when I say Abney & Teal. The kids love this show! My husband loves this show!! I love this show!!! Well anyway, I found this behind the scenes blog entry by Joel Stewart of what went into making this incredibly detailed program.

© Joel Stewart

4. If you're on the look out for cute, comfortably crafty then check out Muita Ihania. Her site is a hub of sweet inspiration.

© Muita Ihania

And that wraps up my fab finds for today.

Fab Finds 14

    From Dr Who to vintage photography, I have a lot to be excited about. Of course, I have always been excited about Dr Who, so that simply goes without saying, right. So here are the latest fab finds, from me to you:

1. There is, can you believe it, a Dr Who… Lego set. Oh my weeping angels! Is this not the coolest news for us Whovians. Check out the review on this awesome Dr Who Lego edition.

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2. While we are on the topic of Whovians, I found this - The Ultimate Whovian Test. Consider yourself a connoisseur of all things Whovian? Looking for a bit of silly fun, then put that knowledge to the test, here. 

3. I don't have a mobile phone. But, oh my goddess, if I did I would also want a Fojo. A what, I hear you say. A Fojo - a darkroom for smartphones.

4. Victoria Will, a NY photographer went out to the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, not with her DSLR, but with a vintage tintype camera. The result was a series of mysterious, soulful photos of artists as we're not used to seeing them. Check out the article here.

© Victoria Will
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Fab Finds 13

    We're here already? Whaaaat! Seemed like it was only yesterday that I listed my previous Fab Finds. Well how 'bout that! Let me show you the cool stuff I've found for you this week…

1. In one of those I-stumbled-across-it-on-Pinterest stories I came across We Lived Happily Ever After a website, blog and shop dedicated to design. Whether that be beautiful illustrations, sewing or home renovations. If any of these tick your box, give this one a look in.

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2. While I'm on the subject of design, another graphic artist to capture my notice is Caytlyn whose site, Made by Cay, has inspired me to want to make scrapbook the journals, doing it her way.

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3. And here we have a short, short tale about love lost, and a jacket found at Bashful Garter.

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4. I cannot get enough of Marie Forleo [life coach extraordinaire]. This week's Q&A Tuesday, she had me in fits of laughter. Now I'm not a huge fan of Kanye West [I'm trying not to judge the dude, but he does confuse me], but Marie and Team made this wonderful video about company culture change, and applying KW quotes and songs in a positive context. Watch, smile, laugh, learn.

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Fab Finds 12

And now for my 4 Fab "Fin" Finds. Check them out...


1. In this Marie Forleo episode she has a chat with writer, Liz Gilbert. Liz has come out with a new book titled Big Magic [big on my library check out list], and it is all about creativity, a topic close to my heart.

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2. Photography Concentrate is a friendly, encouraging resource centre for photographers of all levels. It is run by Lauren and Rob, photographers who super love their field and want to share that love with you. - http://photographyconcentrate.com/blog/ Lauren and Rob.

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3. So maybe I should have called this Fab Fin Finds. In a world of wonderful coincidences I have been making dress up mermaid tails for my girls this week. Then in online news I read a story about two Perth Mermaids. These ladies are awesome, and you can learn all about them here.

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4. And if you ever wanted to be a mermaid yourself, a twin sister team in Hawaii can make it happen. Abby and Bryn run Finfolk Productions, making… You guessed it - Mermaid fish tails! Now who wouldn't want to be a mermaid. I know I do.

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Fab Finds 11

    My fab finds are back on again. So what have we got today?


1. The first noteworthy mention is this Back to the Future countdown. For anyone who lived through the 80s you'll know a little something about this cool trilogy of films. For anyone born after the 80s, seriously organise a film marathon for next month. In the meantime there is this fun counter that looks just like the one inside The Delorean. Why is the destination time 21st October 2015? That was the furtherest into the future that Marty travelled in the film trilogy.

Link

2. Babes About Town - Love. Play. Eat. is a blog that provides family orientated updates of events, activities in and around London. Such a lovely site, makes me wish I was living in London right now.

Link

3. A Montessori Musing Place is another blog which documents many wonderful, fun ways for kids to play and learn. That is right - I used play and learn in the same sentence. If you're looking for inspiration and ideas, and want your kids to take a break from TV, then give this blog a glance.

Link

Fab Finds 10

And now, for my latest batch of fab finds...

1. I was reading about a German tradition, and this is unbelievably cute and cool [and I don't know why we don't all do it], that involves kids going to their first day of school with a huuuuge paper cornets. These huuuuge paper cornets are filled with chocolates, sweets and school supplies. Tell me, what could wouldn't want to go to school when they've got this welcoming package to take along. Etsy Graphic Designer - Anda Corrie shares her DIY project on how to make one of these cornets.

Photo by Anda Corrie

2. Through a friend and fellow photography enthusiast, I have come across yet another photography enthusiast,  Kim Klassen [doesn't that just sound like that could be a high end fashion label]. Kim's own website is dedicated not only to her own photography but also sharing and being part of an online community of photographers. If you are into still life, food, country style photography this is a place for you.

Kim Klassen Photography

3. I am loving this new-old lens that has just hit the market - the new Petzval lens. Now here is the thing about the Petzval - it first came out in 1840. That is a very, very long time ago. That goes way beyond being retro. That's steam punk! And the lens looks steam punk to boot. So anyway, the Petzval was so highly regarded that it is back in production and is available for modern Nikon and Canon cameras. How cool is that! The Petzval is rather special as a portrait lens - it creates a sharp centre, has narrow depth of field, and pretty bokeh. Ooh! I'm cackling like a delighted witch just thinking about this lens.

Lomography.com.au
The new Petzval lens

Fab Finds #9

Great stuff…

1. Smart Girls at the Party is an internet sensation encouraging girls and ladies to be cool in a much better, smarter way. This site is a step in the right direction for feminism. It encourages smart talk amongst the girls and breaking down the walls of stereotypes. One of the creators of this friendly site is Amy Poehler, and she will respond to questions via video feed, covering issues as dealing with people, situations and using your head. There's so much more to it, but I'll leave that for you to explore...

Meredith Walker, Amy Miles, and Amy Poehler,
creators of the web series Smart Girls at the Party.

2. Softies for Mirabel is just round the corner and is a lovely festive season project to participate in. The aim is to make a  toy which will be matched with a child, under the wing of the Mirabel Foundation. For more information simply visit this link. This is a project that I have participated in over the years, and this year is no exception.

3. I love sinking my teeth into a goody juicy burger. Who doesn't? Well actually now that I think about it, not everyone, but I think you understand my sentiment. So when I came across this burger via a Pinterest feed I just knew what I'd be adding to next weeks dinner plan. It is none other than a Jamie Oliver Insanity Burger recipe, excerpted from Jamie Oliver's Comfort Food.

Insanity Burger
Jamie Oliver's Comfort Food

4. Bashful Garter is now a fully operational fashion website with a cool new look-book and a shop stocking specially chosen high quality pieces from independent designers.

Bashful Garter lookbook

Fab Finds 8

    It has been a couple of months since I have done a Fab Finds update. Sometimes though it's better to do these things when truly inspired. And well, that time has come. So let's get to the list shall we...

1. First up - Cat Rabbit is one of my favourite doll makers and a team of film makers produced a short video. Kind of a day in the life of. I was so happy to see this. I love seeing the work space of other artists. Pure inspiration.

Sample - Cat Rabbit from sample.tv on Vimeo.

2. Then there are these dolls by Evie Barrow. Evie was commissioned to make these three iconic figures of fashion. I have long admired her work, ever since I first saw her pirate doll and I have watched her work evolve in a lovely way.

Designs, dolls & photo by Evie Barrow

3. In recent months I have been following Life Coach - Marie Forleo. She has such valuable insight into life and work. Here is one of many powerful, hilarious, insightful videos that Marie has produced.

4. You can add Chantelle Grady to my ever growing list of photographers who inspire and artistically speaking rock the ground beneath my feet. Chantelle covers the big three - lifestyle, food and travel in her work.

Chantelle Grady Photography

Fab Finds 7

    It has certainly been a long while since I've done my fab finds. Well,  let's get into it shall we.

During a 'pirate ship' Google search I found some great objects for decorating a kids bedroom. First is this pirate ship ceiling lamp, which can be found here.

Jolly Roger lamp shade

    Continuing on with the pirate theme this pattern for a fabric pirate ship also caught my eye over at Craftsy. Check it out right here.

    One of my favourite graphic artists, Evie Barrow has this sweet as DIY card and envelope. Evie's design was a Mother's Day tribute, and even though the celebration for this year has already passed, you can still make good use of the envelope pattern. Check it here.

Evie Barrow envelope design

Fab Finds 6

It wasn't an intentional thing, but it just occurred to me that today's Fab Finds have a retro vibe. Well, let's roll with it...

    We have here something for the lomography enthusiasts. Can you imagine how people were manipulating photos before we had Photoshop. Well, you can check it out here in this 90's video on polaroid manipulation. Fun stuff! I'd like to give this a go if I still had a polaroid camera.

    And for a laugh, here's something that Anne Hathaway and Jimmy Fallon did a while back. It is old and still a hoot.




    One of my favourite makeup artisans - Doe Deere has collaborated with her friends to make a Jem + the Holograms music video audition. Their makeup and costumes are amazing and outrageous [in a very, very good way]. It makes for a nice 80s cartoon tribute. Fantastic effort ladies [Shana is my favourite in this]!

Fab Finds 5

And now for my fab finds. Take it away... Fab Finds.


    Cat Rabbit, one of my favourite Australian artisans, last year collaborated with Isobel Knowles to create a sausage dog installation. It is a gorgeous design which will immediately make you go 'Awwwww! Cute' and 'Oh my god! I'm never eating a sausage for the rest of existence'. For those of us who missed the original installation we have this sweet video to enjoy...


    This is something of an oldie. It is such a brilliantly useful share, so that is exactly what I am going to do. Share. Another one of my favourite crafty bloggers, Jennie [A Little Vintage Doll, makes unique dolls via a combination of paint, hand and machine sewing. What makes her machine sewing so unique is her drawing style. You see Jennie is able to make her sewing machine stitch in an organic, doodly hand drawn way. A while back Jennie provided an instruction guide on her blog on just how to do this. Click here to find out more on this one. Drawing with a sewing machine! I'm telling you, it is up there with unicorns and rainbow lamas.

© Jennie - A Little Vintage Doll

    I don't own a smartphone or a pad so was a little disappointed [Please! No tears. Really, I'll survive] in not being able to get in on the instagram trend. Coz wow! Instagramers get to have fun with their quick snaps by adding creative filters. Wanting to have a little fun of my own without buying a mobile phone I went searching for a program that would allow me to use these fun filters from the comfort of my computer. I didn't have far to look because the first product in my search that came up was Pixlr-o-matic. This is a visually fun package, easy to use and gives you the choice to use online or even download [for free]. I am going to make good use of Pixlr-o-matic during those blah moments.

Melissa Gaggiano Photography + Pixlr-o-matic = fun fun fun

Fab Finds 4

And now for my  Fab Finds: Issue No. 4...

    One of my long time favourite craft bloggers, Evie Barrow, has been working on a new series of cloth dolls and has shared a sneek peek. Check it out here. A little background information about Evie: I am a loyal supporter of this gal. When my children were born I commissioned Evie to make each of them a pirate doll. These gorgeous dolls can be played with, but I also intend for these to be family heirlooms.

Evie Barrow - crafter/illustrator/graphic designer/dollmaker

    Photographer, Alexia Sinclair, is a fine art photographer who is recognised for her symbolic and artistic style of storytelling. Her photos have been compared to old school paintings you would find in an art gallery. There are many admirers of Alexia's work, but not all of us can afford to buy a numbered/signed print. Until now! Alexia is trying a crowd funding experiment to finance her next photographic series. In doing so she is selling a limited run [signed, not numbered] of her photo The Cabinets of Curiosity, at a much lower price point, making the work available to a wider audience. To find out more Alexia has all the details here.

Alexia Sinclair Photography

    Technically this is not a find. More of my own creation really. But I'm so excited about what I have started that I wanted to share the news. I enjoy photography. I have a blog folio in which I share my best work. But I wanted to do something more, to ensure that I was taking photos every day. So I started a new blog - Mel's Photo-a-day. The concept is pretty simple - I upload one photo a day. The photos don't need to be technically correct. Just me sharing an interesting image each day.

Melissa Gaggiano Photography

Fab Finds 3

    And now it's time for the things, both new and old, to get excited about.

    The first piece of explosive news is... a Jem + the Holograms film which has been given a green light. I have waited nearly my whole life for this to happen. What do I say to this news? Outrageous!

    The next thing on my fab finds list is a children's book that I bought for... you guessed it - my kids. It is called The Big Green Pocketbook and is written by a friend - Candice Ransom. One of my favourite aspects of this story is that it is based on a real life pocketbook [by the way in Australia we call it a handbag]. This story is something many kids can relate to - wanting to be just like mama and the collection of treasures.

    Today I visited Outre Gallery and, not for the first time, noticed artwork by Matte Stephens. It is called Central Park at Fifth Avenue. I love this piece for it's simple, youthful quality.

Art by Matte Stephens

    These are my finds for the week. Have a nice weekend, everyone.