tea anyone?

I was drinking my sleep time tea last night and not only enjoyed the sweet treat that accompanied it, and the smell of fresh yummy freesias, but most of all I was enjoying my hot tea in front of the fire on a cold winters night. I am a bit of a homebody when it comes to winter and there is nothing more I love than feeling warm and cozy. I decided it was time to stock the cupboard with peppermint, sleepy time, earl grey and soy milk, so that my rainy nights in, will be one with guilty-less pleasures.

            Images © Victoria Robertson  

After last weekends superb outing at the Edible Tapestry Tales, I am slightly perplexed with what this weekend will hold, other than drinking tea..... Y3K gallery is on top of the list, and maybe even some baking thanks to a lovely inspiration from one of my favourite food photographers Katie Quinn Davies.

Image thanks to Katie Quinn Davies

Maybe even a Rhubarb Crumble with vanilla bean ice cream; and did I mention Lamb Shanks, or was this just baking... I think as main lamb shanks and as desert Rhubarb Crumble. A beautiful foodie weekend of warmth and good foods. I am already looking forward to it.


Have a beautiful weekend; and keep warm. Unless you are in Europe then you should be outside having picnics xx

culinary adventure of treats & chatter

Part of the State of Design Festival Melbourne.

 Liz Untin, 'Green Papaya' cotton & wool

      

After walking through the front doors at the Australian Tapestry Workshop you are faced with some very unique works that catch your eye, not only because of the stunning rich colour but the fact that they have been made by hand just astounds me. First off you think that the pieces look like paintings, but once you get closer and feel the combined cotton & wool textures you realise these pieces involve hours of hard work and patience.

The enchanting duo, Rachel Khoo & Frankie Unsworth,  met on a culinary adventure in Paris a few years ago and put their love for food and creativity together to form Edible Tales. When I heard of the pair coming to Melbourne, I knew I had to be there to experience their evening of delectable food, treats and story telling. The thought of sitting in the Australian Tapestry Workshop with a group of people I have never met really excited me, plus I kept an open mind about the evening since really, I had no idea what to expect..... how much fun I had, what a great bunch. Thank - you!

    

Molly Dooker supported the duo with superior wines to compliment each of the 6 courses. Starting off with a lovely Verdelho, (mind you, this was after the most tantalizing Martini of Elderflower and Tanqueray 10) we were served a very delicate plate of vegetal threads, followed by spaghetti with flavorsome cauliflower crumbs (with a superb crunch), then there was the scarlet dashi, beef cheeks followed by fruit with holy goat, finally punchcard millefeuilles. In between courses, our glasses were filled (with thanks to the delightful hostesses) Maitre d' Cabernet Sauvignon, Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz, and Carnival of Love with a lovely fizzy zing. The gorgeous foodie names these two come up with are just so special. Throughout the night as you begin to read the menu for what is coming next, you are served up a special treat that makes you feel like you are part of a tale, a tale that rings romanticism and wholeheartedness.

Rachel Khoo plating up main course, of waffle and beef cheeks. Smells divine...

How to weave.....


The intricacy of the setting included cute little boxes for weaving (see below), with needles attached to ribbons, hand made napkins stitched with ETT and tapestry tale menus. 

Thank-you to the lovely Rachel and Frankie, as too the company I had throughout the evening, it really was very special. I must admit there were some very cute tapestry pieces going on; like Meg's above. What a great way to get to know people and enjoy great food and wine. xx

All images © Victoria Robertson

July - August, not a moment to lose!

Firstly I would like to apologise that I may be a little slow with my updates over the next few months. My daily job, which entails working with some gorgeous contemporary furniture pieces, comes at a cost at times... fulltime being that part of it. As I have just taken on a course, together with my blog, working full time takes away too many of my joyous hours of writing. But I will not indulge you in my daily scriptures and will share with you one of the blessings that has excited me during these colder months. Continuing for one month is an exhibition about 'Surviving Sustainability' which is one of the many absorbing events as part of the State of Design thats happening in Melbourne as we speak.


Surviving Sustainability begins Friday 16th July until 14th August, 12-6pm Thursday to Saturday at Y3K Gallery in Fitzroy and will be using photographic documentation and materials relating directly to how we use and produce sustainable products in design and our daily lives. ffixxed will play host with James Deutsher to this exciting performance of eco friendly designs and production and I am sure will awe-inspire any of those as passionate about this topic as me.


As lucky as us Melbournians are, there is more.... 
If you make a trip to Melbourne Central (the city being a place I don't usually get too, unless there is something very special worth the hustle and bustle), or maybe your daily grind is situated amongst it, you must during your lunch break or on a strolling Sunday, make your way to another glorified event that this team, amongst others will play part in a build, design and a literature collaboration to create a multifunctional workshop.  Condiment Magazine and Sibling Architect will be gnawing away at a kitchen utilizing sustainable design and creative.  Running until 24th July from 12-6pm Sunday through to Wednesday right here. Be quick time is of the essence! xxxxx


Some pictures to get your energy blooming!

photos by Jarrod Rawlins

photo by ffixxed

MILAN FURNITURE FAIR 2010

IMAGES © Me Desgns

Design firm Normann Copenhagen have design the newest retro looking bike for those who have the ability to ride along lakeside, parkside and pebbled laneways. Its single speed gear box is ideal for riding around the city, hence its grey and green colours perfect for the city working man. Anne Lehmann, the designer of the Bike says: "Normann Copenhagen is all about lifestyle, and cycling is a part of the Danish lifestyle, especially in Copenhagen, where it is easy to get around on a bike. At first glance, the Normann Copenhagen Bike, with its simple frame and understand appearance, does not attract attention in use, but the the green details in the saddle, handlebars and chain provide a suprising element, that make it stand out in the crowd."

IMAGE © LA Times 2010

Pixilated patterns are all the craze with these colour block rugs designed by Cristian Zuzunag for Nanimarquina. Their intentions were to follow the idea of spring colours and red rose petals, an eye catching abstract piece that hung on the wall.

IMAGE © LA Times 2010

Italian company Emu, the Israeli-born, Paris-based designer Arik Levy created outdoor chairs called Pattern. Made with sheet metal, these chairs come in a range of outstanding colours with a striking matte finish.

The outdoor range can be found at a company in AUST, called KE-ZU.