A wonderful weekend awaits

Photo via Cherry Picked

We hope you're all ready for the weekend - but who are we kidding, of course you are! And luckily so, because this weekend there is a stack of awesomely creative things to do and see!

Oh, how we wish we could be in two places at once...

In Sydney the Italian Film Festival kicks off on Saturday and is definitely worth a visit - we have a hunch your tummies will thank you after you're inspired to whip up some mediterranean foodstuffs! If you're not at this festival we assume it's because you'll be at Parklife. Tickets are still available but you should probably hurry!

Melbourne has a nifty little exhibition called Many Hands. This one night only event showcases the work of artists of different disciplines who were given one generic light fitting to turn into whatever they please. The result will be this light show which is (fittingly) being held the night before daylight savings begins.

Brisbane has a stack of markets lined up for creative kids like us. The Young Designer Markets are on at South Bank, Suitcase Rummage is happening again at Reddacliff Place in the CBD and the Valley Laneway Markets will once again be kicking along. Brisbane Open House is also on, so if you've ever wanted to check out the old buildings around the river city which aren't often open to the public you'll be able to! Hooray!

ruby & prankstar store launch

Photo credit: Ruby & Prankstar

The newest addition to quirky side street Winn Lane is launching tonight and you’re all invited! Jewellery label Ruby & Prankstar is the creation of artist and designer Kristy Morgan, whose first studio and store space will be brimming with her dark, raw pieces from tonight. She meshes metals, uncut stones, leather and feathers into highly detailed works, inspired by mythology and nature. Often using salvaged leathers and recycled materials, Kristy practices traditional metal-smithing techniques to create jewellery, wearable leather art and accessories. Pop down to Winn Lane from 7pm tonight for a few bevs, some Los Huevos tunes and see what all the fuss is about. You won’t be disappointed. More details here.

Worker Bee Wednesday

Photo credit: Spring Hill Deli

A little list of fun to get you through the rest of the working week.

Read: It's spring time which means you can finally get outside and tend your neglected, frost bitten garden... poor thing! Aussie gardening icon, Don Burke, has released a new edition of his book, Organic. It will be available on October 1, which is Saturday, so you'll have the whole weekend to read up and plant something glorious.

Shop: The Standard Store has just opened up on Crown St in Surry Hills and stock a whole heap of awesome European labels which haven't been overly available to us Aussies. Located in a lovely old 'bubbles and soap shop', there's Swedish denim, English brogues and Parisian hats and a gorgeous Airedale terrier napping by the door. So European!

Visit: Spring Hill Deli just outside the Brisbane CBD is pretty amazing. This place stocks locally made chorizo - from just down the road in Coorparoo to be exact - and the vegies are fresh and local and they also stock Persian fetta. If you're feeling like a gourmet god or goddess today, this deli will definitely satisfy your tummy! 

See: One Day. This pretty love story was adapted from David Nicholl's 2009 bestseller novel, One Day. The film tracks the lives of Em and Dexter after they spend one night together in college. Their lives lead them in different directions though the pair stay in contact. The story checks in with both characters on the 15th of July every year for 15 years before they eventually meet again in Paris... We think you can guess what happens next.

Write: Grab yourself a quirky card from the Melbourne-based stationery label, Able and Game and write somebody a neat message. Perhaps there's a birthday coming up, or maybe you just want to say thanks to a special somebody for being so great... Either way, you'll be able to find a cute card for every situation. Check out the collection here and get your pen ready!

This is not art

Photo credit: This is Not Art

The This is Not Art Festival will be chilling out in Newcastle from September 29th to October 3rd. TINA is a smashingly good party of creative minds, gathering together to share projects, learn new things and make awesome art.

Partner programs include The National Young Writers’ Festival, Electrofringe, Critical Animals, The Crack Theatre Festival. You can check out TINA’s website for the full program of events.

But the part we’re super excited about is the Sunday Fair, the festival’s zine and artists market. We’re told the fair attracts a whopping 5,000 people, so if you’re keen to browse the zines or find some cool work from independent and emerging artists make sure you get in early! It starts at 11am on Sunday at the NCC King St Carpark, yay!

Meet Me Monday: Liebe Bluhm

Photo Credit: Liebe Bluhm

Today we meet the lovely Megan Cook, the genius behind vintage collection - Liebe Bluhm! As a veteran in the vintage hunting business, Megan spills some of her little secrets about the label and her personal style.

Is there a story behind the name?

I wanted to create a label name that was special to me. My mother’s family background is German. ‘Liebe’ means love in German and ‘Bluhm’ is my mother’s maiden name. Growing up my bedroom was always filled with antique furniture and knick-knacks she had collected and I used to play dress-up with her old dresses, hats, bags shoes and scarves. She is the person who has always encouraged my love of everything vintage and antique. 

Why do you love vintage?

I love that each piece has a history, has been loved by someone and that love is then passed on to the next person to continue and create a new story. I once bought a vintage bag [and] inside was a florist’s note with a message from her husband,

“To Darling Dee, Thanks for 8 wonderful years. Love Bill” 

… it’s a humble reminder about life and peoples existence.

Who is your style icon and why?

I don’t think I have just one style icon. It’s hard to pick just one... I love finding inspiration in strange places and from many different people. Maybe Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, they have been a secret style obsession for many years.

What's the one vintage piece you found that you just couldn't part with?

It’s not a piece of clothing, it’s my vintage dressing table. I bought it about 5 years ago and absolutely love it. I think every girl should have a lovely dressing table.

It’s not very cool, but I really like…

Relaxing with a cup of tea, chocolate and a beautiful magazine. It’s even better if it’s raining outside. Ah heaven.

What’s one thing other people may not know about you?

In my final year of Fashion Design I was on the Kerri-Anne Kennerley Morning Show with six of my classmates. Very hilarious!

Illustrations to Embroidery

Photo Credit: Jillian Tamaki

Never before have we seen such a beautiful and diverse range of work until we stumbled upon illustrator and comics artist, Jillian Tamaki.

Based in Brooklyn, the talented artist has established quite a name for herself and has even produced work for the illustrious New York Times.

For the past few months Jillian has been working with Penguin Classics to design and embroider book covers for famous classics - Emma, The Secret Garden and Black Beauty.

The books are set to come out next month and can be bought from Penguin Classics and other selected sellers, we can’t wait!

Jillian also has an impressive portfolio of work, featuring illustrations for magazines, newspapers, websites and books. Visit her website and sketch-blog to see some more amazing pieces!

Cutting Edge Creativity

Photo Credit: Nia May

Here at Seam Magazine we never tire of seeing a simple two-dimensional element transform into a multifaceted piece of art. So we’re incredibly excited to tell you about artist Nia May's paper cuts exhibition currently showing at the Sweets Workshop!

The Paper and the Blade exhibition features a collection of Paper Cuts made by Nia over the past year, all created using only paper, a knife, and “the gentle disarray of my mind.”

As told to Sweets Workshop, Nia says she is inspired by the benign humour of children’s stories with her images derived from the tales of Hans Christian Anderson and the Brothers Grimm.

"I like to think of these images as postcards or snapshots from a sweet and slightly strange world rendered into 2D by my trusty little knife," she says.

"This world is inhabited by a motley cast of little girls and skeletons, birds, bears and tea pots."

For an eerily beautiful paper sensation drop into Sweets Workshop in Summer Hill, the exhibition runs from 17th September – 5th October.

Tastebud Tuesday: Blueberry Yoghurt Cake

Aren’t mums just the greatest? They teach you all the dos and don’ts, shower you with love and pass down their favourite recipes. Every time mum finds something new and tasty to bake she gives me a copy of the recipe – so I have quite the collection of hand written recipes filed away in a folder with a hand drawn wooden spoon on the cover (thanks mum!). This Blueberry Yoghurt Cake isn’t an original recipe of mums, but it’s a delightfully good one. It was a reader recipe by Elaine McDonald in MiNDFOOD magazine some time ago, and each time I make it I use a different combination of fruit and yoghurt and it always turns out a treat. It’s supposed to be baked in a ring tin, but I’ve tried it banana bread style in a loaf tin and in muffin form as well (adjusting the cooking time accordingly). We’ve baked it muffin style today with grated apple, sliced strawberries and organic raspberry yoghurt. I always use more fruit than specified in the ingredients as well. Get creative and invent your own combo!

125g butter, at room temperature
¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 ¼ cup SR Flour
200g blueberry yoghurt
¾ cup frozen blueberries

Preheat over to 180°C. Grease and line a 20cm ring tin with baking paper (or loaf tin or muffin tin). Using an electric hand mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and creamy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift flour over batter. Add yoghurt and blueberries (or strawberries, apply, mango, banana…). Using a large metal spoon, gently stir until well combined. Spoon into prepared tin and bake for 40-45 mins (about 15 mins for muffins) or until a skewer inserted into cake comes out clean. Stand for 5 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool. Dust with icing sugar and add a spoonful of cream if desired.

Happy baking!

Meet Me Monday: Zpagetti

Photo credit: Zpagetti

Doesn't this just look so cool?! We think so, which is why we've decided to tell you a bit more about this upcycled yarn made by Zpaghetti. Unlike your typical wool for the winter, this yarn is versatile enough to make into fashion accessories or homewares suited to any season. Get your needles ready! We spoke to Gwen for the inside scoop on this cute craft...

How did the Zpagetti concept come about? 

The concept of Zpagetti originated in the Netherlands. When clothes are being made the textile industry inevitably are left with a lot of remnants or 'waste material'. In the interest of sustainability we decided not to waste this fabric but use it instead. The material is cut and rolled into cones, providing excellent yarn for crocheting and knitting. The concept proved so popular in the Netherlands and the rest of Europe that we decided to bring it to Australia. With Zpagetti we combine our two greatest passions: upcycling and fashion.

Where do you get the material to make the yarn?

The material for the yarn comes from the textile industry.

Can you tell us a bit about the process of making this awesome yarn? 
Zpagetti is made from the remnants of fabric that are currently being processed for fashion garments not yet available in stores. In other words the Zpagetti available in our store, is made from the fabrics that will be used in upcoming fashion collections for 2012 and beyond. You might say we are a little bit ahead in the fashion stakes!

Will beginner knitters and crocheters be able to use the yarn easily or should they be well practiced?

You do not have to be very experienced at crocheting or knitting to be able to crochet/knit with Zpagetti. We keep our patterns simple yet stylish with step-by-step instructions so that beginners as well as the more experienced can enjoy making projects with Zpagetti. Beginners often find it easier to crochet and/or knit with Zpagetti than with more traditional thinner yarns. We have starter kits available that include everything from making a handbag to a cushion or a rug. Many of our patterns are available on our website free of charge!

Is there a certain demographic you are hoping will pick up Zpagetti?

Due to many colours and designs, there is always something for everyone. We have noticed that Zpagetti is popular with people of all ages. Some like to make handbags in particular colours to match a certain outfit. Others love the more neutral colours for making homewares such as baskets, cushions and rugs to decorate their interior. Even kids love Zpagetti. Due to the structure of the yarn and the bright colours, Zpagetti is also very suited for finger knitting and other kid’s crafts.

Winky face, amazine-ness

Photo credit: i-D Covers 1980-2010, Taschen

Did you know that i-D magazine have had the same typography for their logo since they started as a London street style zine back in the 1980s? That’s some pretty crazy consistency. Oh, and you know if you turn the symbol sideways it’s a winky face, right? Because that blew my mind when I first found out. Emicons, in the EIGHTIES! in. the. eighties.

They’ve also been rather unfluctuating in their front cover concept, always featuring a model or celeb pulling a wink or covering an eye in some creative way. How they’ve come up with a fresh hero shot each time I don’t know. But if having a squint at the complete covers from their 30-year history would tickle your fancy, take a peek at i-D Covers 1980-2010. If you’re a super nerd magazinester like us, this is a must-have for your overflowing bookshelves.

We think it’s pretty amazine.

Happy Friday!

Put Your Records On

Photo Credit: emilyonasunday

The Brisbane Record Fair is on this Saturday – Yippee!

If you’ve got a bunch of old vinyls you’re wanting to sell or if your looking for an old classic or favourite, make sure you head to West End this weekend. The West End Club will be hosting this wonderful event for one day only, so bring a big box empty or full and come trade in your old music collection for a new one!

Saturday the 17th September, 9:30 – 4:00pm, Admission $3.00 (for the early birds; 8:30 – 9:30, admission $5.00)

Get your culture fix.

Photo Credit: The Will 

If you’re heading south this month to the lovely city of Sydney, why not take in some local culture?

The Sydney Fringe is an independent festival showcasing a wide variety of performing and visual arts. Whether you’re interested in gazing upon some modern art, treating your ears to some unusual melodies or if you’re looking for a laugh, this festival is sure to satisfy your entertainment hunger.

The exhibitions and performances will be showing at a selection of venues around Sydney over the next month, so make sure you dedicate some time to see some of Australia’s best and brightest in action!

The festival runs from September 9th to October 2nd, for more details on visit The Sydney Fringe.

Photoshoots, photoshoots, photoshoots!

Over the weekend we managed to pull off two wonderful photoshoots for issue one of the magazine (launching next month!). Needless to say, they were both great days filled with magic, wonder and the odd wardrobe malfunction.

Seam would like to say a big thank you to our amazing team - Dane Louie, Reece Woodland, Tahlee Frith, Myke O’Halloran, Rachel England, Rachael Thomas, Gabrielle Harland, Kristina Shapranova, Bella McGreevy and Darren Sibson. Plus all the designers who lent us their stunning creations for the shoot!

We couldn’t have done it without you!

Meet Me Monday: above.

Photo credit: above.

If you haven’t heard of Melbourne-based label above. yet, you are really missing out! Kerry and Nyssa are the brains behind the label. Their garments are timeless and can easily be reworked for a new look. We spoke to Kerry to find out a bit more about above…

How does above. differ from your studio collective, all of the above.?

The collective has evolved into some pretty distinct separate businesses over the years. Just a few months ago we knocked out a wall and expanded the space so that all of the above. can keep going with the screen printing business and the other half of the studio is for us at above. and a few other labels. We're working on opening the front of the above. side to be a retail showroom as well so that we can have a direct link to our clientele and have a physical space to house all the various projects we work on.

What inspired you to make the above. research & development series? (ps. we love it!)

The last year has been a really pivotal shift for us with wanting to showcase the elements along the way that get us to the final collections. Because the actual making of things is so paramount to how we develop ideas, we've always ended up with standalone objects that are the building blocks to a final piece but don't necessarily fit in the season. It seemed a natural progression with our new 'open book' policy that they should be an above. product as well. 

What is next in this DIY series? And when will it be launched?

We're working on a few ideas, the goal is to eventually offer full garment patterns for new takes on above. styles. It comes from the same kind of logic as the Research & Development items. Our aim with seasonal collections is always to offer a very tight, cohesive story which often means that some great shapes get cut. We want to make sure they land somewhere instead of falling by the wayside and since Nyssa is a pattern maker by trade it again felt like a natural progression for us.

How does the label reflect both of you as people?

Indirectly the label is a representation of what we both need functionally in our wardrobes. Nyssa is constantly wanting tailored elements, shirts, jackets but I always prefer to be less structured.

With time, it becomes harder to spot the 'Nyssa' or the 'Kerry' parts of above.. There is enough history within the label itself now, we've embedded our own sensibilities into above. to give it a unique profile that reaches beyond each of our own personal preferences. It is almost as if there is now a third personality to contend with.

If you could choose one person to wear your label to an event, who would it be, what would they wear and where are they going?

You know, we always struggle so much with this kind of question! I think because when we are imagining who might wear above. it's always in relation to the people in our lives rather than a style icon or celebrity. We love the way different people can wear the same item and mould it into their own personal style. Ideally, we'd see someone mixing old season in with a new season, the play between old and new is always nice and seeing new life breathed into an old favourite is always inspiring.

Trash to Treasure

Necklace made from recycled newspapers.
Photo Credit: Tree Hugger

Looking for a creative solution for your recyclable goods? Well look no further!

Reverse Garbage has been converting trash to treasure for almost 40 years now by saving items bound for the landfill and redistributing them for practical and creative reuse.

They’re the largest creative reuse centre in Australia and last year converted 15,000 cubic metres or 50 football fields of what would have been garbage into reusable goods!

This Saturday evening they’ll be opening a sustainable art exhibition featuring hand crafted items made from a range of recycled materials. You'll be able to browse and buy all sorts of creative pieces as well as enjoy a drink or two and some live entertainment.

Help support a great cause and stroll over to the Gabba for some inspiring recycled riches!

Opening night: Saturday 10 September, 6-9pm (exhibition runs until Thursday 22nd September)

For more details visit Materialistic Exhibition Opening.

Follow the Surry Hills road

Photo Credit: Follow Store

The friendly folk over at The Finders Keepers markets have opened a store in Surry Hills… and they’re having a little launch celebration this evening!

If you’re in Sydney and discovering new independent artists and designers makes your heart skip a little excited beat, best pop down to Follow Store for a champagne or two from 6pm. There’ll be plenty of creative chitchat and the opportunity to make purchases too. They stock a range of art prints, jewellery, clothing, textiles and homewares from emerging talent.

But the heritage-listed shop could become a tad squishy if you all peddle up on your Townie bicycles without warning, so make sure to rsvp here.

Ps. have you spotted Seam Magazine’s ad on The Finders Keepers blog?? Excitement plus!

Worker Bee Wednesday

Photo Credit: High Snobiety

A little list of fun to get you through the rest of the working week.

Read: The Smith Journal is a new men’s publication - but probably not the type you’re expecting. There are no girls in swimsuits. Instead, this magazine brings you intriguing stories, interesting people and gentlemanly style from the clever peeps behind Frankie. If you know a dapper lad, we think he would definitely enjoy this read.

Shop: Jellybean Bikes are a Melbourne-based company who let you choose the colour of every part of your bike! These cute and colourful bicycles are made to order in Melbourne and can be shipped anywhere in Australia for $50! If you’re looking to channel your inner Cadel Evans (or just cycle around town dreamily) you best do it in style.

Visit: Melbourne Spring Fashion Week is on this week. If you’re in the area it is definitely worth checking out the city centre and laneways playing host to models, designers and fashionistas. The week is packed full of spring fashion-y goodness, so be sure to check the program out here – there is plenty to see and do!

See: The Santos City of Lights - This laser light show will have you marvelling at the cool spectrum of lights radiating from bridges, rooftops and the river. The light show is part of the Brisbane Festival and will run nightly until the 24th September.

Write: The Brisbane Writers Festival kicked off on Monday and there’s a great line up of talks to attend. Whether you’re an up-and-coming author or just enjoy reading and writing, there’s something on to tickle your literary tastebuds.

A Thousand Choices

Photo Credit: Two Thousand.

At Seam, we love being in the know and checking out the latest in creative culture around our big old city of Brisbane.

But if it’s just one of those days and you’re looking for something different to do or see, we’ll happily let you in on a little secret... Whether you live in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney or Perth, The Thousands have something for you to fill your time with.

Even if you are spending some time in a new city, The Thousands will make you pass as a local when it comes to current events and happenings. They also provide the day’s weather, so you’ll be able to pick the perfect place and activity every time! You really can’t go wrong in any city with a guide like this. Sign up for their e-newsletter straight to your inbox each week.

Happy Homewares!

 

1. This gorgeous little bunny will be the centre of attention in any room! Get yours at Raw Space.

2. You may be stuck at home or in the office but you can still see the world every day with this cool wall clock! Pick yours up at Ollie & Lloyd in Brisbane for $79.00.

3. If you are a bit of a green thumb but don’t have much yard space, this is the book for you! The Little Veggie Patch Co. have just put out their first book which gives us city-dwellers some pointers on how to have a great garden in a small space.

4. La La Land house some pretty amazing prints. We think this one by dilkabear, entitled New Moon, is super cute!

5. If these armchairs caught your attention then it is definitely worth visiting Thea and Sami to check out the rest of their hand-printed and organic creations.

Doing it for Dad!

1. Able and Game make witty, artsy cards and we think this one is perfect for Dad. You can find the range at Nook in West End or online at Etsy. At $4 per card it’s totally worth it.

2. Burleigh My Wife’s Bitter - $16.90 for a six pack. We’re pretty sure most Dad’s will love this quirky Ale.

3. Wild Country Travel Rug will come in handy for the ‘outdoorsy’ Dad, and what better day to take him on a picnic than Father’s Day? This picnic rug is $15.99 at Ray’s Outdoors.

4. If your dad is a keen traveller, why not stitch his recent or upcoming journey into a tea towel... who knows, it might encourage him to do the washing up! TMOD Tea Towel available at paper2.com.au for $29.95.

5. This cute and practical toilet brush might inspire something inside Dad to clean more… Pick one up at Ollie & Lloyd today!

Hello Spring!

Photo Credit: Misha Hollenbach

Another week comes to an end and we bid adieu to August and say salut to September! If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, we’ve got a couple of suggestions for you - east coast style!

If you find yourself in the fair city of Melbourne...

Space Invaders Exhibition - If you love posters, paste-ups and stencils head to the RMIT Gallery in Melbourne for a serious education in street art. This exhibition shares the past 10 years of Australian street art featuring over 100 works by more than 40 Australian artists. Make sure you check it out before curfew!
Exhibition from from 1 September – 5 November.

And later if you’re hankering for a post-exhibish cocktail, high-tail it to old favourite Hells Kitchen on Centre place. Sit at the bar or get cosy in a corner and try the infamous chai-infused vodka - it's amazing!

For a Saturday in Sydney...

Surry Hills Markets - Head down to this happening part of town for all sorts of handmade, pre-loved and vintage finds. The markets run every month - rain, hail or shine and according to the weatherman, you might need an umbrella this weekend!
Markets run from 7am – 4pm.

While you’re in the area, why not visit The Book Kitchen café. Have an organic breakfast and browse (or buy) some great reads from their extensive book collection.

Happening at home in Brisbane...

Fabric-a-Brac – Sale, sale, sale for all your fabric needs! From quilting to crochet, patchwork to pom poms, come grab some new and old fabrics at a steal. You'll find these goodies at the Serbian Orthodox Church Hall on Vulture Street - see you there!
Open Saturday 1.30 – 5pm.

Suitcase Rummage - On Sunday our old faithful is back! Head down to Reddacliff Place to literally rummage through old and new treasures to add to your growing collection.
Rummaging runs from 12pm – 5pm.

Art on James - After an hour or two of snaffling goods, head to the Red Sea Gallery in the Valley for an afternoon of fashion where curator Alison Kubler will be chatting with the ladies behind Easton Pearson. They’ll be discussing fashion, art and the latest installment of Art on James St. You’d be crazy to miss it and best of all, it’s free!
Discussion begins 3pm.

Bon weekend mes amis!

Home is where there's warm weather

Photo Credit: Stilts Journal

Spring is here! And what better way to celebrate than with the birth of a new literary journal. Stilts Journal “is a porthole into the reading and writing happening on back decks, under hills hoists, and along riverbanks in Brisbane”.

The team of dedicated scribblers who put together Stilts will be celebrating the launch of their 'home is where' issue at Room 60 tonight. If soaking up poetic paragraphs and elderflower spritzers sounds like a good way to spend a balmy (chilly) Thursday evening, pop on down and maybe even pick up a copy of their maiden issue. More event details here.