by Raquel on September 10, 2010
The design equivalent of a caffeine fix, these perky handmade softies are a fabulously quirky way to shake interiors out of a dull slumber. Forming part of a design project to provide sustainable medicine and educational supplies to communities in East Africa, the eclectic novelties are imagined and made by children using traditional Masai woven fabrics. There is, naturally, a full range of African animals, plus Queen and King, Cloud, Lightening Bolt and the absolutely charming - my favourite - Change of Heart. When you buy one, the funds are invested back into the community.
Available from Melbourne design house, Lightly, it would be a sin to leave their wonderful shop without also taking a quick peek at their immensely popular recycled china wall art. 
Clouds drift while Swallows and butterflies flutter by, all in a dreamy scape of patterned saucers, including a playfully elegant special edition reclaimed from fine bone china, such as Willow, Dalton, Staffordshire and Royal Vale.
♥ From $40
♥ Lightly
Tagged as:
Fair Trade,
Handmade,
Kids,
Recycled,
Repurposed
by Raquel on August 30, 2010
I‘m a bit of a decor junkie, that is, I develop random crushes for inanimate objects, often. My latest fancy is these quirky little puffs of upcycled woollyness from NZ label ♥ Seam. They’re bright, playful and would look pretty sweet in kid’s rooms or anywhere else the family likes to kick back and get comfy .. fab!
♥ From $65NZ
♥ Kina
Tagged as:
Handmade,
Kids,
Recycled
by Raquel on August 29, 2010
Here’s one for Dad, hint: father’s day. And yes, this is my entire round up of dad’s day recommendations; I like to keep it simple and one great idea’s enough, no?
So, ever wondered what happened to all those pool tables, the ones everybody seemed to have in their homes, along with corner bars, back when? Well, the clever folk at Auckland based indie label, Luxford St, have repurposed some of them into these incredibly rad messenger bags. And if the idea of slinging a pool table around one’s neck seems a tad hefty, fear not. The bags are made just from the wool felt table tops and there’s not a hole in sight. Ergo, no chance of potting something you didn’t mean to.
The funky design comes in green or black with adjustable strap and inside pocket, and at a reasonable $85, I’m chalking this one up to a seriously awesome pressie for pops.
♥ From $85NZ
♥ Endemic World
Tagged as:
Bags,
Handmade,
Recycled
by Raquel on August 22, 2010
I received an email from Annie Bowen of wonderful new eco store ♥ Gallop Lifestyle - it’s so divine, I’m wondering if she’ll let me move in? - which led me to the delightful handmade wonders of textile artist Aly Peel that Gallop Lifestyle carry.
Under her label ♥ Maiike, Aly upcycles old jumpers, cleaning, felting and cutting them into squares, which she then fashions into an exquisite collection of cot quilts, cushions and scarfs.
While there’s quite a few lovely blanket options for baby, quilts are another matter. So I was thrilled when I spied these sumptuous puffs of sustainable goodness - what a stunning heirloom piece for babies cot!
The thrills don’t end there. As a sustainable artist, Aly doesn’t allow anything to go to waste; any leftover material is used to create super snugglie softies. There’s monkeys, rabbits and cats, all equally adorable, thus making it impossible to single out any one of these lovely play pals for special mention - each and everyone would totally delight your little guy or girl.
♥ $72 - $259
♥ Gallop Lifestyle
Tagged as:
Baby,
Handmade,
Preschoolers,
Recycled,
Toddlers
