so long sweet summer.

i thought it would fun to team up with my little sister, who is a talented digital/motion graphic designer to put a little spin on a couple of photos from my floral crown series. she played with the marigold crown and image, while i added the text. summer is definitely on its way out down under, so here is one version of our mini collaboration to brighten up the day.

'I am in the mood to dissolve into the sky' - Virginia Woolf

Photography: Fiona Galbraith  Digital Design: Madelaine Rumball Crown & Styling: Nicole Valentine Don

heart-shaped box.

there's nothing like 'working' in the living room in front of the t.v. this afternoon (in Australia) while watching the oscars. i'm loving these up close images of the process. can you tell what i'm making??

weekend project.

eye had a little more fun with embroidering banksia leaves. here is an homage to the surrealist movement i am currently intrigued by:

inspire me.

i saw this piece that Vogue commissioned for Yves Saint Laurent in 1962 and was inspired to do my own version. not only was the artistic side therapeutic, but thinking hard on what i love in this world was a great exercise of gratitude for me. when all was said and done, i ended up with tons of likes and loves that wouldn't fit on the page. in a round about way, this makes me want to celebrate thanksgiving properly this year, with friends, a warm heart and all the fixings (highlights will include a game of cards and pumpkin pie!).

Nicole Valentine Don for The Transcontinental Affair, 2013

Yves Saint Laurent for Vogue, 1962

winsome in white.

the mantle got a milky makeover for its second photo shoot with the wonderful Fiona Galbraith. the snowy palette reminded me of home and for this, the styling ended up inspired by North America. my handmade (by me) native arrows, a mini totem pole and a 1930's American steel guitar set the broad foundation, while an amethyst crystal highlights the purple accents and brass deer look on. do you love it? or is pretty in pink your fave?

photography by: Fiona Galbraith Styling by: Nicole Valentine Don

weaving woman.

in between work and (not much) play, this weekend was spent making a commissioned piece for a special place. can't wait for the big reveal...soon!

operation: parisian window boxes.

if you can't get yourself to paris, get paris to you. i couldn't be happier with my home decor addition today than if my apartment were in le marais.

from this:

et voila:

instalo.ve.14.

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a version of home.

here are the mini teepees!! one is hand-dyed quite subtly with beetroot and the other is a rich indigo. they are the perfect off-centre addition to your mantel, dresser top, fridge top, kitchen table or even to fill an empty corner of your floor. i ball up a bunch of fairy lights in mine as a little pseudo bonfire ;)

shibori.14.

here's my little raft loving it in the great outdoors. i'll have one of these with your name on it at the markets this sunday ;)

it's all happening.

my fingers were crossed to be confirmed for the bondi markets this coming weekend...and whaddya' know? i am a stall holder at the markets this sunday the 20th of may!!!  come one, come all.

in addition to some kooky vintage treasures, i have been busy making lots of fun items, remember?

the most special things were inspired by my trip to mexico this year; i have made tons of 'ojos de dios' & what i like to call voodoo feather sticks (think of them as a mexican dream catcher).

and the goodies that have been made with the utmost love (and patience) are the lovely, oversized, slouchy clutches made from mexican blankets. trot out the ladies...

meet, juana:

 lourdes:

 luz:

 marizol:

 guadalupe:

 alejandra:

 veracruz:

i've got oodles of other treats (like my mini teepee- i've got a couple of those) and the driftwood rafts as well. there will be so much to see!!! i'm so very excited to be out in the sunshine all day and hopefully see a lot of sunshiny faces too :)

SOOOOOO? are you coming??!

sneak peek.

the last few weeks my apartment has turned into a disaster area with my work all over the kitchen table and slowly creeping throughout the house. i'm getting so excited to show you what i've been putting together for the bondi markets in a couple of weeks (aiming for sunday the 20th, actually). early next week i will have images of all my products to show you, but for now we can start with my messes and a glimpse at a few of the small details i'm using- phew!