Jumping across to Tumblr

My blog located here on blogger originally started back in 2007 when I launched my product label "Messagemark". The time has come for me to streamline things and move to a solution that integrates well with other social media sites like Facebook and Instagram.

So I have made the jump to Tumblr. Luckily, I worked out how to import a few posts from this blog so it doesnt make it's debut look totally empty!

Anyhow, that means this blog will just sit here now, until I return to read my antics again from the past 8 years!

Thanks for following, and if you want to see any current news from my design studio check out this site www.studioblog.com.au. You will find me there!

Toodle-pip,

My Home

Our Retro Abode

Earlier this year I had the pleasure of meeting Elle from elle ds photography. She popped over for a photo shoot for local publication Dear Eleanor. We hung out for a few hours sipping tea, talking retro finds and camera gear! Here are snippets of our home through Elle's lens.

Always time for Tea

Polyhedra Garland & Nigel the Kookaburra in our Bedroom

Nigel the Kookaburra waiting patiently to be stuffed!

Details in the Messagemark Studio

Hestor the Studio Cat

Our Lounge - Great Vibes!

For more photos of our digs check out Elle's blog post about the shoot, or my Retro Delights Facebook page. 

I really love Elle's eye for photography - do keep her in mind if you are planning a wedding or any other event that you would like beautifully and uniquely recorded.

Toodle-pip,

New Studio, New Online Shop

Messagemark is moving into a sunny new studio space, so to share in our joy we are having our biggest online sale ever!

To receive 20% off the total of your order just type NEWSTUDIO in the shopping cart on checkout.
The best bit...with this offer we will still stand by our 20% donation to Cure4CF Foundation.

Happy shopping!

Light of Hope Charity Exhibition

I am so proud of my wonderful husband Denis. Less than two years ago Denis picked up a camera for the first time and since then has created what's now known as the "Ball of Light".

The Ball of Light is a photographic project created to inspire other photographers and bring hope to people. Some see the photos as spiritual, some are simply drawn into the amazing compositions, and some follow the Ball of Light as it travels to various locations.

Last night we had our first public event at the Messagemark Design Studio. It was also Denis' first solo exhibition, and I'm sure the first of many to come.

It was overwhelming with more than 60 people not only enjoying Denis' creative work, but also supporting Plan's GirlsFund. Denis donated 100% of open edition print sales, and 20% of limited edition print sales to the cause. We were thrilled to support our friend Mardi from Little Luv in her quest to raise $10,000 for the charity prior to heading to Nepal for a 2 week trek.

I have to say it again, I am so proud of Denis and what he has achieved in such a short amount of time. Thanks to all who attended last night and for showing their support. In total it looks like we raised approximately $1600!

Dinky-Dye Window Display

My friend Georgia (a visual merchandiser) and I caught up last week at the Messagemark Studio to create a display featuring my new range "Dinky-Dye Designs".

It's so fantastic to be using my old bits and bobs from my Grandma, Parents and random hard rubbish adventures! I am now seeing everything with fresh eyes - Georgia did such a FAB job of combining my more modern designs with the old vintage and retro pieces. An eclectic mix, and the colours really work well together. I LOVE it!! So so cute. Wish my Grandma could see it!

For more photos visit Flickr here...

Teak Treats

I have been on the hunt for the perfect seating for the Messagemark studio. As you would gather by now, I have a love for the mid-twentieth century era. Well to my delight I found this sweet ensemble on E-Bay in December and ended up being the only bidder. It is solid teak, and was restored last year with new cushions, webbing, and fabric.

Totally modular, this setting can be positioned in many configurations. I particularly love the single chair. Low line, wide seat, and a perfectly angled back. Surprisingly, this set is not only good looking but comfortable too! A keeper that's for sure! See more photos here...

The home we collected this set from was absolutely amazing, a true 1960s pad, a collectors paradise, and the best collection of 1950-1960s home-wares I have seen being used daily, and not just on display. We will be posting a feature about this Retro Haven very soon on my Retro Delights blog.

Christmas Lights

Denis and I spent a bit of time at the studio today. We got a few niggly jobs completed - rearranged the layout in the studio, sorted and organised, mopped the floors, a quick product photo shoot, and finally put up some branding on the front windows (courtesy of The Alphabet Tree). My genius husband mounted some led lights in the window to create a soft ambient glow on my Christmas display. So now just a tad more external signage and the studio is finally complete.

Just planning my next window display. I think it might have to feature the new range that I'm launching next month.

Christmas Window Display

I've been working on my Christmas display at the Messagemark Studio and ended up pegging a row of Chrissy prints together for the backdrop in the window. The Christmas tree is covered in lights and my 2010 range of gift tags...And presents, of course you need presents under the tree! Empty boxes wrapped in natural recycled paper, trimmed with a contrasting colour paper stripe and cotton twine wrapped around numerous times. Not forgetting a gift tag to complete the package!

And if you are looking for an alternative to framed prints, try using a wooden trouser hanger (from IKEA)  - a great idea for a display or signage at a market.

Retro Owl Window Display

Thought I would share with you my wonderful shop window at the Messagemark studio. I am still learning and experimenting with the whole visual merchandising thing - so different to designing on paper! Anyway this is my Retro Owl display.

I'm currently planning my Christmas display. Maybe something like a tree, pretty lights, some presents and a design feature to promote my Christmas range. I know it feels way too early to be thinking about Christmas, but I've got to keep up with all those organised folk out there who like sending their Christmas cards early!

Studio Reno - Before & After

For those of you interested here are a few pics of the Messagemark Studio renovation before and after! It was a fun project to work on with my best buddy Denis. It certainly kept the renovation bug at bay, well, for a few months anyway! I thrive on projects like this!

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

See more on Messagemark's Flickr Page