casa azul: frida kahlo's house. 2.

more from frida's house in magical mexico city. these are mostly of the bedrooms, the gardens and that beautiful, blue exterior.  check out more of the city's colourful walls from what is one of my most favourite posts ever, here.

casa azul: frida kahlo's house.

what with these itchy for travel feet of mine and dia de los muertos coming up, i have been thinking of mexico recently. i have never shared with you these moments from frida kahlo's house; a highlight of my trip to mexico city. there are so many inspiring curious corners of her space that this will have to come in two instalments.

pretty in pink.

here is the latest creative effort of myself and Sydney photographer Fiona Galbraith, starring my fireplace in all it's mexican rosiness. this punchy hue was inspired by a trip to mexico city last year. makes me miss this pop of pink in my life now, but it was always for a good time, not a long time. stay tuned for more mantle colourways in the series.

*check it out on the blog of super cool L.A. designer Justina Blakeney too.


helloooooo sunshine! *(i made the sign)

dream a little dream...

i've been lucky enough to work with the talented photographer Fiona Galbraith recently; we have been collaborating on a variety of interior and lifestyle stories. these images are of my work in a whimsical setting; imagine where fairies might have a picnic under a glowing tree filled with these colourful, twinkly creations. you can also find my special version of a dreamcatcher here as well as more work shot by Fiona Galbraith, styled by me, here. stay tuned for more to come!

low ride bicycles go cruising by...

i did a shoot with fabulous photographer Fiona Galbraith last month; we took some shots that i am really looking forward to sharing with you! to start, there's this one of one of my favourite things: a little wire low rider bicycle found at flea market in mexico city. i brought it home and added the mini basket, just big (small) enough to hold postage stamps- the sweetest little touch. i just adore it, don't you?

inspiration, self.

feeling inspired by my own creation. you know when you have those moments long after the fact and you think to yourself 'whoa, i made that? cool!'. now i want to make more of these large scale goodies.  *see variations on a theme at my shop.

the transcontinental affair: GIVEAWAY!!!

hello all, i have decided to have a giveaway here at the transcontinental affair. since it is the month of love, i figure this would be the perfect time for you to show your love & support of this blog and to give me your feedback. i know from my stats that more visitors come here than the number of followers i already have; i would love to know who you are and what you like about the transcontinental affair. 

okay, so the giveaway will be one of little nicki's bespoke dreamcatchers in the colours of your choice. you get to help decide what the finished product will look like!  if you're not familiar with my voodoo feather sticks, they are my version of a dreamcatcher-mexican style. each one is unique with its own mini ojo de dios, charm, natural pheasant & spotted guinea hen feathers, painted detail and finished off with beautiful deep blue canadian native glass beads. they are a mix of histories; speaking of varied north american indigenous heritages and traditions. i use mine as a dreamcatcher, guarding my window above where i sleep. yours could be perfect for the kid's room, your room or the camper van to add that special touch to your bohemian digs.

to enter, simply do one, some or all of the following. the more you do, the more chances you have at winning.

1) follow this blog (if you already follow, please simply comment on this post)
2) comment on a post that you like and tell me why (so that i can do more)
3) follow along on instagram: little_nicki_ (this one is easy!)
4) like little nicki on facebook
5) pin this image, then comment on this post with the url

*be sure to comment on this post to let me know in which ways you have entered. leave your e-mail so that i can contact you if you've won. i can't wait to hear from you!!

the winner will be drawn at random and announced on feb.14th around 4 p.m. Australian EST

let me show you how.

i'm getting really excited for my two upcoming workshops at The School at 85 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery in Sydney. next saturday and the one after that i- little nicki - will be helping some creative kiddos to make a beautiful, unique ojo de dios and having a mexican inspired morning tea. if you're in the area, you should come- check it out here. hope to see you there!!!

beautiful frida.

this photo of frida kahlo- i'd never seen it before. she's so gorgeous and special.

pinterest

ojos de dios.

a little bit about what it is that i have been making for my shop: little nicki.  the majority of my handmade items at the moment were inspired by a very memorable trip to Mexico City. namely the Museum of Anthropology- hands down, the best museum i have ever been to. the vastness of their ancient collection, the richness in colour, texture and culture; the whole experience was mind blowing. my favourite items in the entire place that i kept seeing over and over (yet, could not find in any shop or market, of course) were these amazing feather sticks with ojos de dios (God's eyes) attached. i've made some of my own interpretations which i refer to as mexican voodoo feather sticks; i have one hanging in my bedroom window at home as a pseudo dreamcatcher. i cannot seem to find any information about them specifically online, though i dare guess that they were traditionally made by the Huichol Indians of Mexico and are some sort of spiritual object (a version of their ojos de dios). here is what i know about the ojos de dios:

they are a ritual tool, magical object and cultural symbol of the Huichol Indians of Jalisco, Mexico. traditionally they were made when a child is born and would be added to each year for the first five years of a child's life. they are believed to heal and protect and were made to ensure children a fruitful and happy life. the ojos de dios hold the power to see and understand the mysterious unknown and unknowable.

i like that children often wore them in their hair...for this i might start making some hair pin ones (?!). personally, when i see them i think of hippies, camper vans, spiritual awakening, free love...that whole 60's/70's vibe. to me, they are the new dreamcatcher. get onto it.

the best part about them is that they can be as simple or as complex as you want, with no option lacking in beauty. as a decoration, the possibilities are totally inspiring & endless...


from the museum of anthropology in mexico city:

looks like they do this version of dream catchers too.

my interpretive creations available at little nicki:

ojos de dios out in the world:

something to aspire to?!