Unlike

I have been stalking this blog for the last 6 months. It's a short guide to cities all over the world. It's very similar to Melbourne 3000 with less intensity. You can search through different cities from London, Berlin, Miami to Paris. You can also download the Unlike ap for your iPhone or iPad. I'll put it to the test in London.

http://london.unlike.net/categories/150006-Art-Culture

I'm in KL at the moment and it's so hot and muggy! We stayed at the closest airport hotel and just  relaxed in a 24 hour spa for 3 hours. A one hour head, back, neck, hand and foot massage for 16 aus... not bad. I fell into a deep sleep as soon as we got back to our hotel. I have a 14 hour flight ahead of me... I don't recommend flying internationally on Air Asia to anyone unless you pay 200 for the upgrade, in which case you may as well fly with a non budget airline. At least they don't make you walk a kilometre on hot tarmac to customs!

My travelling song and favourite movie!

1930s gown

I've been cleaning all the files clogging up my computer and I came across this photo taken a year or two ago. This dress was given to my Aunt when she bought an old house. There was a trunk full of old gowns and she picked one to keep. I have only worn it once and it now hangs on my wall. They just don't make dresses like this anymore! The lace is incredible, it's a heavy dress to wear. Apparently the original owner was a socialite and had an impressive wardrobe.

My first self made necklace

Some photos I took earlier...

I made this necklace by carving a dog head out of wax then had it cast in pure sterling silver. It's my first self made piece. I also made a ring and two other pendants. This one is by far my favourite, I haven't taken it off since I filed it down last week. So exciting! I think when I get back to melbourne I will make some more and see if I can sell them. They are expensive to make, the silver alone cost me $80. But I love the feeling of seeing the finished piece and then wearing it! 

Nina Oikawa

I recently visited Melbourne gallery "Pieces Of Eight" they have a new gallery in Russel place. One artist exhibiting her work was Melbourne Gold and Silver Smith Nina Oikawa. Her pieces ignited my childhood imagination and took me back to a place where minilism nver counted and bright jewls and animals ruled the domain of my dress up treasure chest. 

My favourite piece is the"Fossil Wheel" which is just a glorious piece crafted with dexterity and severe attention to detail. I think it's a ring but maybe it is just a "Fossil Wheel"... such a brilliant imagination!  

And who could go past this monstrous piece of grandeur... 

I did spend a good twenty minutes just gawking at Nina Oikawa's work. I assure you there are other artists at Pieces of Eight. Check out the website or visit 28 Russel Place Melbourne. 

http://www.piecesofeight.com.au/index.html

Birgit Holdinghausen

I have recently started learning how to make jewellery with German Gold and Silver Smith Birgit Holdinghausen. She sold her pieces in the Shop I work at and we would always talk for hours when she popped in to say hello. A couple of months ago she asked me if I would be interested in learning her skills. I was so excited and agreed immediately and I was her first official student! She makes wonderful abstract pieces all inspired by spirit and organic shapes. I have spent hours with her learning the tricks of the trade and have crafted my own pieces. When I get back from overseas I will continue to have regular sessions with Birgit. She is a wild spirit who apparently caused a big stir amoung the staff at RMIT university during her degree of Gold and Silver Smithing. God love her she is such a typical German! Check out her stuff online or at studio Ingot.
http://www.studioingot.com.au/BHC.html

Fleur Wood

I have just fallen head over heels for Fleur Wood! I love their Winter 2011 collection. They have an effortless feminine elegance with a vintage twist. The best dresses aren't posted on their website but it's definitely worth stopping by one of their stores, even if it's just to check out the elegant interior reminiscent of a dutch Princess wardrobe! They give themselves a bit of a modern kick by selling Scott Schmann's book "The Satorialist" and having savvy ready to wear knits and hats.  

http://www.fleurwood.com/index.php

This song couldn't have put it any better 

ISICS card

This card is super handy for anyone under 26 or any full time studying students who are travelling overseas. It gives you discounts on just about anything from flights to museum tickets! You can order it online or get one at your local STA travel agent. They cost $25, so worth it for all the money you save! 

http://www.isiccard.com.au/?gclid=CMuRjISxrakCFU0NHAodBTV1Jg

Austra

My sister got me onto this new Canadian band called "Austra" they have a song called "Lose it". It's such a beautiful song just don't watch the video clip... it WILL ruin it for you.
Just listen to it on groove shark instead http://grooveshark.com/#/

I just stumbled across this photo I took in Paris... I always loved merry-go-rounds!