Happy holidays!

Photo credit: Able and Game

Well it's that time of year again - time to wake up wayyy too early, unwrap gifts, eat chocolate for breakfast and too much of mum's cooking for lunch, followed by a snooze and a dip in the pool, and maybe some gingerbread house for dinner. It's also time for the Seam Team to take a break for a few days and spend some time with the people we've been too busy for all year.

But before we rush off to the seaside town we call home, we'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and say thank you for all your support this year. Thank you to all the creative folk who appeared in and helped out with issue one and thanks to our advertisers and the 30+ stockists who took on our little mag. We hope you have the most swelegant silly season possible and we'll see you again all sparkly and refreshed very soon.

Happy holidays!

Hello, Twenty Twelve.

Photo credit: Lola's Room

Planning on making a new years resolution? Well, you might want to consider getting your hands on one of these babies to keep you in toe! We’ve compiled a little collection of cute and clever calendars to get you through the new year...

Anne Nicholson and The Whittler - Vintage nature is revived through this stunning illustrated calendar offering twelve unique months of flight inspired bliss. These beauties are a limited edition and all natural, printed on recycled card stock and using wax based inks - perfect for the eco-warrior!

Catherine Campbell - This Melbourne based artist brings us a wonderfully illustrated calendar featuring a series of stylish and intricate portraits. It's fashion illustration meets Alice in Wonderland, a mystical realm of beautiful gardens and little creatures dressed in stylish threads. A must have for twenty-twelve...

Emily Ann Designs - If your new year is looking a little uneventful, we've got the perfect calendar for you! You'll be taking up twelve new hobbies this year as a different art is celebrated each month. With some neat drawings by Miss Emily Ann herself, and complete with a little description, you'll be inspired to get busy!

Lola's Room - This pretty pastel gem celebrates beautiful photography allowing you to breeze through the months enjoying candy shops and vintage wallpaper. The mini calendar contains thirteen images all taken by Brighton based photographer, Cassia Beck, and is sure to bring you a picture perfect new year!

Saisir le jour!

Book Nook: HipsterMattic

Photo credit: Allen & Unwin

After reading HipsterMattic by Brisbane author Matt Granfield, I've come to the conclusion that I am definitely no hipster. It's wayyy too much effort (ironic, much?) and I prefer a Townie to a Fixie (prettier, less skinned knees). But while I'm not rolling in likeness to Matt's triangular-tattoo-inking, Korean-grunge-band-playing, flannelette-dressing ways, I do enjoy a well-crafted coffee, picnicking in New Farm Park and reading books in quirky cafes... though I couldn't bring myself to actually take this particular book to a cafe to enjoy over a double ristretto soy latte. That would just be too much!

Matt's quest to become the ultimate hipster, comically trots through transformations in his fashion sense (rather, channelling the homeless), learning to knit, pretending to be a vegetarian, and getting high on 12 different kinds of coffee (Matt's not a coffee drinker). I happily nodded along to his Brisbane references and let a few out-loud laughs loose when his hipsterdom attempts reached the ridiculous. His writing style is casual and easy to read, speckled with some fine wordnerdery for good measure. New favourite words include hipnicking (hipsters picnicking) and tindie (a touch of indie), and I do hope more males pick up knitting as a result.

WIN!!
We've got two copies of HipsterMattic to give away! If you fancy yourself the ultimate hipster or would just enjoy a fun read about the decade's latest subculture, pop your details in an email to winstuff {at} seammagazine {dot} com. Could be a good Christmas present for that witty book worm you know, yes? Winners will be announced on our facebook/twitter on Monday.

Other loveable hipster references can be found here, here, and here.

The Olive Tree Market

Photo credit: The Olive Tree Market 

Well look what we have here, a market just in time for Christmas... How conveniently festive! The Olive Tree Market has been launching creative talent in Newcastle since 2008. The market includes some regular punters including fashion, recycled goods and creative homewares, with the addition of some quirky yet welcomed new stalls of print making, zines and leather goods. If you have been a little late on the present uptake this year, you really must get down and check out their Christmas Market on Saturday 17th December, we guarantee you'll out do even ol' Papa Noel. But of course let's not forget about the food! With a range of great food from around the globe, it really is the most wonderful time of the year. If you can't get down to The Junction Public School this weekend, never fear, this little gem is a monthly affair, running from 9am-3pm each Saturday.

Taste Bud Tuesday: Owl Cake

We stumbled across this little beauty and decided to make our own gluten-free version, what a hoot!

Ingredients (serves 10)
250g butter, softened
2/3 cup caster sugar
4 eggs
2 cups almond meal (ground almonds)
1/4 cup rice flour
1 tin betty crocker white icing
3/4 cup flaked almonds
2 pecan nuts
2 pitted prunes
1 tablespoon raw or brown sugar

Method
1. Preheat oven to 160°C/140°C fan-forced. Grease a 6cm deep, 22cm round cake pan and line with with baking paper.

2. Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition then stir in the almond meal and flour.

3. Spread mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 1 hour 15 minutes or until a skewer inserted into centre comes out clean. Stand in pan for about 10 minutes and then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Finally, decorate using the nuts, prunes and sugar. You can copy this design or get creative and design your own...

Bon appétit!

The Terrible Two's

Happy birthday, who would have thought? Inside the box, guess what I brought! I’m sure you’ll like it, more as you age, you are the focus, on our centre stage!

Hip Hip Hurray! A big happy birthday to our favourite design babies, The Design Kids! These creatives have just turned two and will be putting on a fantastic party with The Wall to celebrate.

The Design Kids are all about the integration of emerging artists and designers with established creatives and studios providing a platform for the fresh-faced to the veterans to sell their one off pieces.

The show will be featuring a range of local creative talent with a bunch of works available to buy through a silent auction and all the proceeds will be going to a charity of the designer's choice.

All the fun starts this Wednesday at 7PM and will be kicking until 10 at The World Bar in Kings Cross. Cheers to the kids!

It's a summer weekend!

Photo credit: The Grace Darling 

With the days getting longer, the sun shining brighter (well, and a tad rainy) and the hemlines getting shorter, summer is definitely well and truly upon us. But don't let the sweltering heat deter you, we have found some summer friendly activities for you to enjoy this weekend.

We all know the heat can just be too much sometimes, so why not escape indoors for a few hours and check out some way cool photographs at the Black meets White Photography Exhibition at Le Deux in Burleigh Heads. The event will showcase some stellar black and white photographs from 12 talented emerging artists, it's the ultimate ebony and ivory combination, think Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney in photo form! In keeping with the exhibition theme, head north and indulge in some artwork at the  Matisse: Drawing Life Exhibition. The classic well-known work from artist Henri Matisse will be on show at Brisbane's GOMA until the 4th March.

Hey Sydney go-ers, still want to see some stellar movies this summer without retreating indoors? Well we have the answer for you! Grab your picnic rug and head on down to Centennial Park for the Moonlight Cinema. The movie program offers a range of flicks to suit all audiences young and old as well as some scrumptious food to keep your hunger at bay. Why not treat yourself to some luxury with a Gold Grass ticket which includes entry and a super comfy bean bag in a premium viewing location! Tickets can be purchased here. Adelaide has gone Euro with their new Friday night summer market. The Local Market in Ebenezer Place will feature some top creative talent from the southern state, with a great range of antiques, clothing, music and of course food to indulge in. There's no better way to enjoy a warm summer's evening!

It's that time of year again, Meredith Music Festival time! With tickets completely sold out, there are bound to be more than a few peeps suffering some severe festival envy! But don't sulk around, get down to some of the rad Melbourne bars and forget about what a great time Meredith would have been (We can't deny it!). Here's a few to get you started...  Section 8, an outdoor bar made from shipping containers complete with crate seating, what's not cool about that?  New Guernica is an intimate venue with some quirky decor that will definitely make you question your drink count, in a good way of course. If you're looking for something a little more 'pub like' but still showing signs of totally cool, check out The Grace Darling, perfect for a casual afternoon bevy.

Have a super weekend!

Orange you lucky!

Photo Credit: Helen Dardik

With her quirky and endearing illustrations winning hearts all over, Canadian illustrator and designer Helen Dardik is one of our all time favourites! As a constant creator, committed blogger and an avid lover of orange, Helen's work is flamboyant, fresh and always looking sunny side up! Founder of 'Orange Studio' Helen has a background in graphic design and production art and has an impressive portfolio of designs including illustration, pattern design, paintings and toys.

Visit Helen’s website or blog to see more of her beautiful work or pick up your own original print at her Etsy store.

Orange we lucky?

Worker Bee Wednesday

Photo Credit: My Finest Day Is Yet Unknown

Look: This isn’t happiness is a photographic journal hailed as ‘a Tumblr you NEED to follow’ and once you see it, you’ll understand why. Created by Peter Nidzgorski (nevver), this isn’t happiness is all about 'art, photography, design and disappointment', presenting modern culture in a satirical yet beautiful manner. Scrolling through the pages you’ll be able to feast your eyes upon some of the most innovative and stunning material. Best of all, it'll keep you up to date with all the creative news!

Read: Laundromatic Zine by Michelle Vendermeer is a zine featuring a bunch of quaint little tales all inspired by the urban laundromat. Written by a range of contributing creatives teamed with some great photography and illustrations, it's a wonderful realm of soapy suds and straying socks. Get mum to do your laundry for a week or two and save those extra bucks to pick up your copy on Etsy.

Listen: Patrick Wolf - 'Brumalia', some hate it and some love it, but it appears most are opting for the latter. The south Londoner brings us another spangled and star studded EP this month as a follow up to his fifth album released earlier this year. It's typical pop genius from Mr Wolf and definitely deserves some air time, listen and rate it yourself!

Shop: The Spoon Sisters is a family run online store featuring the ‘classic to kitsch, funny to functional.’ From quirky homewares to unconventional office supplies, if you’re looking for something a little different for Christmas this year then this is the place to find it. Whether you're seeking a sensational gift or some simple stocking stuffers, the spoons have got you covered!

Write: Why not relive your childhood and write a letter to Santa! Here at Seam, we think no matter how old you are this is something you should do this year… Write out all those special things you’ve had your eye on for Santa to bring for you, whether it’s your car rego for the next year or a new pair of speedy skates. You can even post it at the post office!

Happy Holidays!

Jingle all the creative way...

Christmas is fast approaching and we all know what that means, copious Christmas trim, joyful jingles, food, glorious food, and of course the present dilemma! You know what I'm talking about, that stress of trying to find the perfect gift for your loved ones. Well don't get your Christmas knit in a knot, we have some fail proof prezzie ideas that will guarantee a no-return policy.

For Mum:

Photo Credit: Vintage Villa Interiors

Forget hand creams, this Christmas is all about decorating and decor. Vintage Villa Interiors has just opened a brand new store at the Woolloongabba Antique Centre boasting some of the cutest upcycled furniture around. The creative brain behind the brand, Riza Price Taylor, uses her passion for decorating to reincarnate stale furniture with quirkiness and flare. Mum will be making your bed for weeks after one of these wonderful pieces! 

For Dad:

Photo Credit: Archive

We all have that memory of sneaking a few sips of Dad's beer when we were little, possibly a few bottles for the "I'm so cool I'm holding a beer" teenage parties and now progressing on to the odd 6-pack due to the lack of student funds. So why not this Christmas give some beer-laden love back. Archive Beer Boutique have just introduced 'The Growler', a 1.87L beer canister. Every Thursday growler owners can refill their beer beast with one of the many craft beers available on tap at the Next Door Cellars. The West End drinking hole also offers a wide range of Australian craft beers which will satisfy any beer-drinking dad. Why not make your own Little Creatures gift pack, it's delicious and it's definitely something he will use!

For the Brother:

Photo Credit: Holloway

Although at times you may think a punch would be a more fitting present for a brother at Christmas, it is after all a time of nicety, so why not get him a present that you yourself can 'borrow' from time to time. Move over Ray Bans, Holloway eye wear have swooned their way into the sunglasses scene and we are certainly not complaining. Their flat-out awesome glasses are made from recycled products which are fine tuned and reproduced into wearable eye fashion (and sun protectors of course). Ripping up a skate board or a grand piano is just all in a days work for the kids at Holloway, and aren't we ever so grateful. 

For the Sister:

Photo Credit: Whiskers Lane

Whiskers Lane will be a shoe in with the girls of the house this Christmas! These crafty trinkets range from joyful jewellery to cutesy decor and will certainly give Santa's elves a run for their money. Mother and daughter team, Tricia and Jodie, carefully construct each piece by hand using vintage materials and of course some Whiskers Lane love. Any present from this website will defiantly get you a few extra gold stars.

More Christmas bits and bobs...

Photo Credit: Essingtonbee Designs

So you've got the presents, but what next... wrapping and card giving of course! Essingtonbee Designs (of our very own Seam Team) has created a range of festive tags and greeting cards that will add that extra something to your thoughtful gifts. These wonderful little illustrated gems can be purchased here.

Meet Me Monday: de Leon Cosmetics

Photo Credit: de Leon Cosmetics

With a lot of hard work and a few waves of the magic fairy wand, let's welcome to the stage, de Leon Cosmetics! This new cosmetic range is certainly creating a stir, with a range of different products which will fit the bill on any occasion.  We caught up with talented creator, Gladys de Leon, to pick her brain about what's behind the new brand.

How did de Leon Cosmetics transform from an experimental passion into the budding cosmetic business it is today?
The short answer to that would be pressure (read: nagging!) from family and friends! I was making eye shadows just for my own personal use and each time someone remarked on the colour/quality of it, there would be the inevitable where did you get it, can you make me some, why aren't you in business conversation... After careful research, formulation and legislation studies, I decided to just go for it!

What sets de Leon products above the rest?
A couple of things set us above the competition. We are a family-based, handmade company. We're not a faceless multi-national conglomerate. Our profits go back into our own economy and when we are large enough to employ staff, it will be helping to support more Australian families. I also believe in simplicity of ingredients. Nothing is added to our formulas if it doesn't absolutely have to be there. We are surrounded by chemicals in our everyday life and I want to provide an alternative to chemical-laden cosmetics!

Who is the ultimate de Leon girl?
The ultimate de Leon girl is a chameleon. She wears different colours on her weekend than she does to work and she loves the flexibility of having choices. I think our catch phrase really empowers this aspect in all of us…

"Mild to wild, who will you be today?"

Well today will I wear neutrals with a strong lip, or shall I break out the sapphire coloured eye shadow with silver as a highlight? Because I can!

What's next for de Leon?
Next two items on the formulation checklist will be to extend our Lipstick Balm and Lip Gloss range to include more neutrals and softer colours. And blushes! I can't wait to introduce a blush range to our collection! We also are working on foundations, so keep an eye on upcoming announcements on our facebook page.

What's your favourite de Leon product?
Hands down, my eye primer. It is the product I am most proud of. I have oily, hooded eyelids and eye shadow would crease and disappear on me within minutes of application. My eye primer ensures perfect application til I decide to take it off! It's also so versatile. I've used it as an eye brow wax, and a lip primer. It's the one product I think will make a massive difference in anyone's makeup routine!

What does a cosmetic creator do with her downtime?
I truly believe that resting well is as important as working hard. Time off for me is spent catching up with family, watching TV and reading. They recharge my batteries and I never feel guilty for taking the time that I need.

Any makeup tips for the coming season?
Bright colours are where we are headed until autumn. Hot pink and bright orange are especially front and center where the hottest lip colours are concerned. I always tell people "don't be afraid of colour" and it's a statement I stand by!

Take me to The Zine Society!

Photo credit: The Zine Society

Whoooooosh! That's the sound of Seam hopping on a plane and heading to The Zine Society as part of the Sydney Finders Keepers Markets today! The Zine Society is a new initiative supporting local and international zine makers, and we're super excited to check it all out. We'll be having our very own little stall (read: table) chock-full of our very first issue. If you haven't yet picked up a copy, we'd really like it if you pop on down to CarriageWorks in Eveleigh this evening from 6-10pm and Saturday 10am-5pm to say hello. The usual crafty handmade goodness that is FK will also be on show, along with a bunch of workshops (zine making, lomography learning), In An Instant Photography polaroid booth, and the On The Wall exhibition curated by Leeloo. See you there in all your handmade cuteness?