rain and shine

great Dain

2012-01-22T23:24:00.000+10:30

Source: kingcreative.tumblr.com via Amy on Pinterest

her world

2012-01-18T01:24:00.000+10:30

I had to think really hard about whether to give G (aged 6) her own camera...she had been asking for one for ages but I'm all for living in the moment not viewing the moment objectively from behind a lens. But then I thought it could be a great way for G to learn how to really take care of something worth more than $2... as well as a unique opportunity for her to record some of the major changes that have been going on around here lately (twins!)... also maybe a camera would make her feel like she had a bit of control and her own space in the sometimes chaos of our small house (twins!).

So Father Christmas gave G a 'real' camera and I taught her that a lens is as sensitive as an eye and you shouldn't touch it. I feel a bit like an intruder looking through her shots....(I found the camera carefully packed in its case under a pile of pencil drawings and a half eaten banana). Totally under the radar I didn't notice her take any of these pics?! Also G hasn't been indoctrinated yet with photographic standards of good taste and standards of framing and and rules of good proportion and eyes that edit like you get when your older and you've been to art school.

Blurry, fuzzy, funny, mega closeup, she's right in there... I love them all
x

Sunday morning

2012-01-14T09:57:00.000+10:30

ooh I like this too everyonesmixtape

why

2012-01-13T21:29:00.000+10:30

Why would I spend Friday night by myself at Nest Studio doing a new window?
Because it's an awesome place to be with a fantastic creative, happy vibe and I loike it.

a word

2012-01-06T22:59:00.001+10:30

Without realising it I have started a 'tradition' for myself; that is finding one word which pertains to my hopes and thoughts on the future year. Ive done it for four years now! Thing is I usually forget the word I have picked until the end of the year when I look back and realise how apt the word actually became. And hey it actually works! like that 'put your dreams under the pillow' thing you may have heard.

Until two nights ago I had no word, at least not the perfect word I needed for 2012. But drifting to sleep tumbling thoughts brought forward one word loud and clear- STRENGTH. Personally, physically and professionally this is the word for the year.

Strength in my body; pregnant with twins most of last year now I feel like they stole all my iron and all my muscles.
Strength in my mind; I don't need sleep or to feel guilty if I do.
Strength to hold together a family and my work whilst stretching to do it all emotionally, financially and time-wise.
Strength to accept it if that's not actually possible!
Strength of conviction; even if no one agrees (except Carly!) I must trust my eye and my design instinct and have conviction that certain ideas can be produced/liked/useful/commercial.
Strength to keep getting back up despite the knocks whatever they are.
Strength to strengthen existing contacts; skills; collections; systems

In other words this year I don't need to 'get' anything but to strengthen what I have.

Bloody hippy=me.

2011-12-31T17:22:00.000+10:30

image via STIL inspiration

Whatever next year has for you I hope it is wonderful and full of love.
Thank you for all your visits and comments this year.
See you next year and Happy 2012!!!
xxx ooo Amy

me my 2011

2011-12-29T17:02:00.003+10:30

I've hardly had a moment to reflect on the past year except for the two days that it has taken to write this post! So here we go...my 2011.... in list form and no particular order...the bits that stick....

walk, walk, walk;
suburbia; think; concrete; create; headphones music;
Umbrella Prints; studio; fun; ironing; emails; injections, tests, doctor;
frustration; heartache; patience; car parking; ducks; kindness; robbery; photographs; Grace, wobbly teeth; looking closer; looking up
reading again; Down and Out in London and Paris; Catcher in the Rye (finally); Bourdain- Kitchen Confidential;
How to be an Explorer of the World; Little Artists Handmade; block printing; baby names; hugs; Mum, Sarah; real estate
beautiful students doing amazing work; fabric rolls; deliveries; breathe out; mistakes;
school visits; screen printing; gifts; fresh; painted paper; mess; vintage; marzipan; darkness; shadows; shapes; Willow; biro; drawing; doodles; wood tile; bangles; patronage; offers; Kevin MCloud; books on colour
brunette to blonde to brunette; mirrors; pinterest; contact; beads; colour chips; Dad; hug; helloo; pot plant collage, marbles, Dala, religious icon, head planter; glass jars; bright orange gum blossoms; driving; laughing at the studio; photo shoot; Rock Dots; collection;
you're pregnant!
two heart beats!!
waiting, waiting, more waiting, "cute little ski-jump nose"; care; cleaning; light pink; bright pink; patchwork; tsunami; politics; war; roses; ice, rocks, terracotta, crumbling, powdery; screens; hose; wet feet; Holly & Oliver rainbow love; doctor; trust; WCH; tests; fear; pain; feeling good; working; Anna; Clare; Sarah G on my mind; mineral water; window displays; friends; facebook; sick Cat; competition; care factor; suspense; graphs; no sleep; belly; hospital, nurses; the A-team

Eve Sophia and Rose Catherine

hello; air; small faces; big eyes; new; soft skin; tiny; eye contact; love; heart beats; flowers; family;

patience; visits; toes; gavage, midwives, baby blankets, emails, cotton; pram

warm bath; bubbles; smiles

coffee; home; Stefan; Grace; family; house; heaven; mess;

milk, fever, curves; 36; cold white wine; friends

happy...howabout you?

2011-12-22T17:47:00.001+10:30

Little Wood/Amy Prior

The more my physical world contracts inward, as I focus on home, my babies' small faces and staying in, the more my mind expands out creatively. I appreciate brilliant colours, small details and precious moments to draw... because they are rare.

Here are some of my recent pieces; drawings from the depths of the night :-)

family, sleep, fabric, flying

2011-12-18T23:32:00.000+10:30

1. paper dolls, 2. Umbrella Prints/Raindrops in Kimono Red, 3. crane, tsuru, 4. mini, 5. random dog, 6. whiskey in rye, 7. little folks curtain, 8. Float, 9. KawaKimono4_W

tip to tip

2011-12-18T20:55:00.000+10:30

I was delighted to find these photographs still saved on my camera after our computers were stolen recently. My poor, neglected back garden would not be described as inspiring and yet I still believe you can find inspiration anywhere. This rose grew across the cement up towards the house its weight bending it until its tip touched the tip of its own shadow. A circle is made...half positive half negative...all perfect.

I feel a design coming on!

girly times inspire

2011-12-10T23:18:00.001+10:30

1. white tiger, pink background, 2. GWSunrise1_W, 3. Untitled, 4. cacto-ouriço (echinopsis), 5. Highlighter Pink Umbrella Prints, 6. Little dots on pink, 7. Untitled, 8. poppytalk pink: madonna inn, 9. nisartes

soft

2011-12-09T09:01:00.002+10:30

It is raining but it is warm, I can hear cars driving slowly past, the front door lets the breeze in softly. I got some roses, thyme, chamomile flowers for my birthday; they are in my vase with glass wings on the table. There is a beautiful half light and near quiet. Two babies wrapped and asleep little bundles. Imprinting this moment of bliss.

at last

2011-12-02T15:33:00.001+10:30

Identical Twins print by Judy Kaufmann

My babes come home tomorrow I am so excited. Will I ever sleep again?

RockGarden by Umbrella Prints

2011-11-23T23:01:00.001+10:30

Whilst I have my head in baby-land Carly has been working for the both of us running Umbrella Prints and doing a mighty fine job...big hugs Carly xxx

This weekend is the Australian Quilters Market in Melbourne and Umbrella Prints will be there to show case our second range of quilters weight fabric RockGarden. Three new fabric designs as yet unseen by anyone and not yet available in shops.

We both really enjoyed designing this range and were interested in conveying our shared passion for printmaking; the earthy irregular textures of block printing in particular. We designed a number of different colour-ways and eventually chose this print run to be a balance of our colours Kyoto Blue, Cherry Blossom Pink, Bosc Pear, Royal Beige and Orange.

So I'm wishing Carly luck on her trip to Melbourne without me boo hoo ( newborn premmie twins and trade fairs do not mix!). I'm wishing RockGarden my love...we hope you like it :-)

book bed

2011-11-13T09:32:00.001+10:30

I'm so tired reality and dream are melding together...I had to smile when I came upon (via
Pinterest with one finger free whilst balancing two express milk bottles)
these adorable photographs by Yusuke Susuki;.which say it all for me at the moment :-)

one day

2011-11-11T15:17:00.000+10:30

A favourite song has layers of new meaning with the birth of my two little tiny girls who I visit twice a day in hospital.

One Day/ Bjork

One day, it will happen
One day, it will all come true.
One day, when you're ready
One day, when you're up to it.

The atmosphere
Will get lighter
And two suns ready
To shine just for you
I can feel it.

One day it will happen
One day, one day it will all make sense
One day, you will blossom
One day, one day when you're ready.

An aeroplane
Will curve gracefully
Around the volcano
With the eruption that never lets you down.

I can feel it.

And the beautifullest
Fireworks are burning
In the sky just for you
I can feel it, I can feel it.

One day, one day, it will all come true
one day, one day...

hello I love you

2011-11-09T00:01:00.000+10:30

Eve & Rose

one two

2011-10-29T12:09:00.000+10:30

1. Girl with a bow by Kozue, 2. img062d, by Bill Koneski 3. Pink balloons that make me happy, by Valspring 4. Untitled, by curdsnwhey (rummage)5. Butterfly love, by Izzy 6. SS.12.1 by Anna Hepler , 7. Tiffany & Co Jewelry, 8. Snowflake Study,by Smithsonian Institute 9. Vladimir Tolman "Swallows" 1930s, by Art & Vintage 10. her workbook- featuring on this page "Laughing Horses", by Diane Marie Kramer 11. Different colours, by Katia Donohoe 12. Graphic butterfly designs, by the custards 13. Oak In The Snow, by Aerial Photography 14. Unfinished, by Mid Century Jo 15. Inked. via Christy Michelle, 16. 46 - 2/24/2008 by illenion

I'm wondering what it must be like to be an individual and a twin at the same time.

waiting

2011-10-26T14:20:00.000+10:30

.....waiting....

waiting...

2011-10-18T14:22:00.000+10:30

Happy Birthday Maya; love G and Amy

changes

2011-10-14T15:43:00.001+10:30

I'm still here! the nesting mode has kicked in majorly; I have been cleaning the tops of cupboards, cleaning the phone, cleaning the light switches; throwing out old spices and toothbrushes, shampooing the car interior, de-rusting the window fittings, eating ice, wandering the house at night like a ghost, can't sleep, and cleaning the cleaning products.

Meanwhile S has been painting, plastering, ripping whole walls out, sanding something and then falling asleep on the couch covered in dust, glass in hand.

Probably G is the most normal person in the house at the moment though a bit unsure of how twins will impact her current role as only child, only Grandchild (on my side) and only niece to all of my sisters and brother. Whoa things are a changing!

But I'm crazy nervous about the changes too; I love my work and Carly and Tali too much to stop working even for a week! And I'm wondering how I will ever be able be spontaneous ever again. I think my best tools will be a sense of humour; loads of gratitude and a bit of luck xxx

curvy

2011-10-02T19:33:00.000+10:30

Beautiful painting by hard-edge painter and sculptor Ellsworth Kelly (via timolavi).
Also this is exactly how I look and feel today with not that long to go before having these babies.

window into red, brown, greys and pear

2011-09-29T10:18:00.000+09:30

Lovely colours but time for a new window at Nest Studio mmm what to do.

earthed

2011-09-18T10:28:00.000+09:30

sat on my front step in the sun and watched an ant. Made a pattern out of a weed and watched it blow away in the breeze. listened to a bird.
noone phoned. noone called out for help. the cat didnt meow for food. noone came collecting donations. nobody said hello and no cars passed. i didnt even take a photograph x

what to do what to make?

2011-09-05T11:35:00.000+09:30

I have this little stack staring at me next to my computer; all orders are packed for the day...so quilt? cushion? spoilt for choices at the moment :)

newness

2011-09-02T17:18:00.001+09:30

Carly and I have just counted how many designs are in our new fabric Umbrella Prints Patchwork II; we counted 35 plus solid squares of colour! So if we have 6 colours x 35 that is 210 possible options to cut and play with!!!

Our poster shows how one might mix and match from our color choices or enjoy the effect of quilting just one colour.

We are excited... its available right now...here for OS buyers....and here for Australian buyers.
We will continue to feature the designs (how we designed them, our new colours, what has inspired us etc) within this fabric over at our blog. We would love your feedback.

2011-09-01T11:36:00.001+09:30

It's a gorgeous sunny day; I've got the studio roller door up; did a new window for the shop in yellows and reds and oranges; listening to music; making remnants, Auntie Vee visited; it is peaceful. I've been watching an ant crawl over a weed through the window.

I'm about to photograph the next Umbrella Prints design in our Patchwork 2 which we have been showing over at the Umbrella Prints blog this week; come tell us what you think?

good morning!

2011-08-25T08:54:00.000+09:30

Source: izismile.com via Amy on Pinterest

2011-08-22T14:25:00.000+09:30

I first these images on pinterest but you can find them here. If this is sand magnified between 30 and 300x normal size then imagine what beauty we walk on and over everyday without a second thought.

I'm loving images like this these days in particular because, whilst having had an interest in rocks since I was little, I am experiencing a really weird side effect of being pregnant and that is obsession with clay and chalk and rocks and crunchy things.

I would be quite happy sitting in a quarry all day mashing my feet into gravel or crushing bits of broken terracotta in a mortar and pestle ; or fantasizing about licking sandstone on a walk up in the hills. My doctor says THIS IS NORMAL! I love my doctor.

pattern on pattern

2011-08-08T10:17:00.001+09:30

King, 2006

Whitewater Rosy, 2006

Yellow Belly, 2006

Albino, 2006

all photographs by and courtesy Hannah Whitaker
found via invisiblehouse

Aren't these wonderful?

I'm at the studio waiting for a special delivery, my stomach is in knots at its contents.
Two of our new Umbrella Prints designs have just been heat set we have never seen them on fabric and in these colours.
Need a distraction....snakes and orders to pack!!!

playing favourites

2011-08-06T12:33:00.000+09:30

I while ago I lived in Kyoto, happened upon an exhibition in a train station and fell in love with Kiyoshi Hasegawa; well his beautiful mezzotints, engravings and etchings that is. His dark, perfectly arranged, delicate shadowy still-lives were indeed etched into my mind. I still look at the postcards I bought from that show and I still wish I could pickup the marble, the shell, the leaf and the tiny flowers.

breathe

2011-08-05T09:17:00.001+09:30

shapton flowers

2011-07-29T14:25:00.002+09:30

Flowers, 2005. 9x12"

Pink Flowers, 2006. 8x10"

Flowers from John Jay farmers market, 2007. 6.75x7.75"

Flowers, 2005. 8x11.75"

Leanne Shapton Flower paintings.
Passionate, intense and beautiful. I love her.
Leanne is a New York artist, author and publisher.
These images via Leanne Shapton.

beads and leaves and fabric and feet

2011-07-28T18:42:00.001+09:30

My classes this week at Nest Studio have been really lovely and chilled; beautiful painted papers, textured water colour paper, friends, new faces, scissors; no pencils; no rules and no rush. You can see more beautiful pictures over Carly's way and a collage I did because I couldn't just not do one too!

On Umbrella Prints front we have been so busy, good busy that is, in contrast to last week which was a this-is-seriously-stressful-and-there-is-nothing-I-can-do-about-it. As business grows so does pressure on deadlines and in the chain of events to produce a fabric there can be many stumbling points- a delay anywhere along that line can manifest ten-fold at the final destination.

We were excited to be featured in interior designer Anna Spiro's new online store in the form of Umbrella Prints's Grand Hearts in Highlighter Pink made into cushions.
Also we have a new colour in Grand Hearts-Smokey Black and Bosc Pear is back too. We have filled all the pre-orders thank you to those customers waiting patiently for this fabric.

Also Carly and I have designed a suite of new designs for our sewing range of fabrics which will be show-casing late November at the Australian Quilters Market, Melbourne but no clues for now not yet :-)

On a personal front I can no longer see my feet, walk at about half the normal pace and have surrendered to life in tracksuit pants at least for the foreseeable future until these babies are born and maybe even after for years -yes that is a threat!

orange crush

2011-07-13T10:39:00.001+09:30

for Fergus

1. New Lady in the House (n I G H t), by Frillie Designs 2. Untitled, by Jaime M 3. Clementines, by jenib320 4. nov29, 5. some cats are talkers, by Simply Stardust 6. Verner Panton - Flowerpot - Louis Poulsen, by Designer Deals 7. sara, by Simply Stardust8. Growing Up--Aw, Do We Have To?, by Finsbury 9. film.265 by Haeshu

Maybe it's because we shared the last orange from our tree or watching a single persimmon cling onto a bare tree for days and days in front of the units down the road and then it was gone. Or my current obsession for eating mandarins in the middle of the night or the lack of sun at the moment or my Dad's search for the perfect orange lamp to cheer his living room up....but there is definitely something going on with orange.

needing the sun

2011-07-08T15:38:00.000+09:30

Edward Weston 1936 Gelatin Silver Print

Brooke Wandell pattern

2011-07-02T20:56:00.004+09:30

Brook Wandell paintings

big news!!!

2011-06-30T18:20:00.000+09:30

have really good news to share, which is, after 5 years of waiting and trying for a second child now I have two in the oven! We feel lucky and lucky again and hopeful and full of love.

here and there and everywhere

2011-06-28T11:28:00.001+09:30

Now that Umbrella Prints has me writing over here I'm finding it hard to know where to post my thoughts; here or there? When you invest your whole self into a small business the personal and professional become intertwined and even more when you work as a partnership (with Carly) where you both have 'separate' artistic identities that combine to become one business and that at other times are quite distinct. Confused yet?!

When something great happens with Umbrella Prints I want to shout it out here personally and over at the Umbrella Prints blog professionally; but what do I do? Write two separate posts about the same thing? or replicate the same post on each blog? After all isn't it the personal day to day inspiration that feeds the designs and the business which impacts the personal so..argh? must stop thinking too much!

I'm off outside to pick a small bunch of pink daisies, wild lavender and sour sobs (just working with what I've got!) in an effort to lift my house and clear my head. In the meantime here in my virtual house I hope you enjoy these AMAZING photographs and flowers from another duo Little Flower School whose arrangements and classes and words are inspiring me with so much beauty and action today.

a moment

2011-06-24T10:10:00.000+09:30

A moment with Grace.

last week in pics

2011-06-20T14:52:00.003+09:30

Last week was a jam packed I haven't had time to stop let alone write a post so here is one with mainly pics.
Highlights include:

Making a new window, A Little Artists Handmade window for Carly's book launch...window featuring our new Umbrella Prints Grand Hearts chair in Biro blue (on wool denim the light side). This is one lush chair, an original Parker and Knoll's vintage beauty from London and in our fabric a complete one off. Must photograph this properly this week.

Little Groovers Owl Rattles and Roddy & Ginger cushions look really pretty next to each other.

New card displays Rifle Paper , Naomi Murrell and Umbrella Prints.

I made these origami paper boxes to add to the window display... just because. With a shuffle and a sweep and a big schoosh we had the shop looking ready for a party.

I remembered to take TWO photos this time rather than the usual none or one. The Launch of Little Artists Handmade was fun, intimate and just a lovely family and friend atmosphere. Here are the girl's twirling.

And Saturday's art classes went off without a hitch the next morning; painting and clay; pretty damn cute!!!

Jem loves subs.

Lucia's butterfly in clay.

Mia's cactus in the sun.

Adele's lady in paint and clay.

Luka's Krakan.

That's not all but more news soon zzz!

Little Artists Handmade

2011-06-10T13:05:00.004+09:30

When you work in a business partnership it's pretty much a given that you think your partner is the bee's knees! And it is with this sentiment that I am so proud that Carly's new book Little Artists Handmade is out and about on the bookshelves of the best bookshops in Australia as of just last week.

It has been such an interesting learning curve and journey to be in the background watching (and occasionally helping) to see how a book grows from first thoughts to published; the fun; the work; the passion; the blocks; the late nights; the thrill and excitement. I know it was hard for Carly (as a graphic designer) to hand over the 'look' of the book to the publisher's designers at Penguin. But I am so happy to see that what truly resonates in Little Artists Handmade is her beautiful creative ideas for sewing and craft projects and her passion for children and their natural ability to create beautiful artwork.

I can imagine there will be many children beaming with delight in knowing that their artwork inspired the making of, for example, a beautiful cushion; a bag that Mum actually uses, a mobile hanging in the kitchen. I am desperate to make a sketchbook cover inspired by my Grace's flower drawings du jour.

One of the biggest gifts you can give your child is a nice place to sit, pencils and paper and space to create without interruption or intervention. The second biggest gift is to validate your child's work by noticing it, asking about it and showing it off! Carly's book facilitates these precious moments in so many beautiful ways. Congratulations Carly!!!

brooch swap!

2011-06-09T14:06:00.000+09:30

This is the brooch I've made for Flower Press's fun brooch swap. I can't say who will be receiving this or where in the world they are but I hope they like it (I noticed my swap partner likes the odd polkadot)!

pickup pencils

2011-06-08T11:00:00.000+09:30

Two images that resonate.
image one source: tess-evans
image two source: Paula Wessells

in a new light

2011-06-04T17:00:00.000+09:30

This week in a nutshell!
Firstly we have a redesigned Umbrella Prints website www.umbrellaprints.com.au
Even more trees around bending with persimmons.
Cold feet mornings.
Carly and I designing something new coming sooon.
Playing with colour chips, bits of fabric, moving things around, adding and taking away until just right. Paying way too much for fridge repairs.
Waiting way too long at the post office (read pergatory).
My Dad winning best G-pa on the earth for effort, patience, humour and food creativity.
Early nights to bed I love my bed so much.
Catching up with my mate Anna and her three boys was so excellent and so overdue for my soul.
Clay everywhere in the studio with the kids making tiles.
Memories brought on by Lenny in the form of hearing this.
Anyone feel like a boogie?

prickly but sweet

2011-06-01T14:30:00.000+09:30

I must plant one of these cacti collections for my desk very soon even if spikes are meant to be bad feng shui. Possibly all the bright colours will bring me a lucky work space.

May

2011-05-31T14:22:00.000+09:30

Where oh where did May go?

put a pin in it

2011-05-26T13:43:00.002+09:30

I've been warned by both Galit and Carly that Pinterest can be seriously addictive and to sign up at my own risk so I signed up right away.
But I'll always prefer a real pinboard; here is mine at work.

be still

2011-05-24T10:59:00.002+09:30

Hiroshi Sugimoto Seascape

Mark Rothko Untitled

Leanne Shampton Glowing Flowers

this week

2011-05-20T12:28:00.003+09:30

This week

-Carly and I announced a new Umbrella Prints blog but with all the previous Umbrella Prints related blog posts from the past 4 years or so (our moving giveaway is still on details here)

- I get to spread my blog wings here again as 'myself' with all the highs and lows and personal bits and pieces and more about my artwork and ideas etc

- we posted up our gorgeous basecloth in a choice of two colours to our Australian online shop!!!
We have used these certified organic fabrics as the basecloth of our entire Umbrella Prints screen printed fabric range for 4 years now so we know this cloth is beautiful and strong and soft and extra wide and that you will love it for sewing cushions, homewares, quilts, quilt backings, structured clothing and light upholstery. 1/2 metre =$14; 1metre=$28.

-I have been loving all the persimmon trees in people's front gardens bursting with bright rich orange fruit

-made extra long inchworms from clay with my children's classes at Nest Studio

-took the above photographs of Ottos wood factory, Stepney with corrugated iron so old it looks like crumpled paper

-finally coming to terms with the fact that my life is about to change irrevocably

new window I think so

2011-05-19T12:33:00.004+09:30

My most recent window at Nest Studio, photo taken by Carly.
The mannequin is not for sale but our vintage Danish chair professionally re-upholstered in (new colour) Rembrandt's Pear Grand Hearts by Umbrella Prints is $880AUD.

PS vintage tablecloth sold

snail trails

2011-05-19T10:54:00.001+09:30

This project by T-A-K (and photographs) make me smile; how much would all children love to do this!!!

moving UP giveaway!!!

2011-05-18T12:18:00.002+09:30

We are in the mood for giveaways and competitions so what better time to announce the arrival of our new Umbrella Prints blog!

We have managed to move over 300 posts, phew, written here at Rain and Shine over 3.5 years across over this-a way!!!

Now you can read posts by both Carly and I in a more streamlined fashion and I can bring more of myself back to Rain and Shine.

So leave us a blog-warming comment over at our new blog giveaway post and we will be giving one random lucky person a pack of our three new sewing fabrics along with a lovely Umbrella Prints' bird sewing pattern AND for every ten posts we will send another random winner a copy of our bird pattern.

and the winner is......~nova!

2011-05-11T12:42:00.003+09:30

After tallying all your votes (thanks everyone!!!) we have RSI (!) and are very very pleased to announce the winner by popular vote of the Umbrella Prints Trimmings Competition 2011 is ~nova!!!!

~nova made a wonderful assortment of items using Umbrella Prints trimmings including a needlecase, zippered project bag, scissor case & mini pincushion, notebook cover, pencil case, thread catcher, covered tape measure, small zip purse and some lovely cards with recycled paper.

We liked the way ~nova coordinated our fabrics with additional coloured fabrics and used the natural linen backgrounds which made all the pretty colours stand out beautifully.

Voters commented that they coveted all of the items ~nova made and that she used the fabric to showcase Umbrella Prints fabric whilst bringing her own creative style to the mix. Agree!

~nova you win

1 metre of Umbrella Prints fabric (your choice!)

A generous remnants pack of our new range of fabrics (coming soon)

A pair of our sterling silver Teardrops & Petals earrings

An Umbrella Prints gift card set

AND a mystery gift.... ???

over $250 worth of booty.

We will also be sending out a little gift to the top ten finalists of this years Trimmings Competition so please swing me your address (same as your order of trimmings) to amyprior@hotmail.com xox

Now, again we say thank you to all the entrants of our little comp... we have had super fun looking at all your creative work and effort and all the wonderful comments and feedback and chats going on over at our Flickr group.

Congratulations ~nova and we hope to see you all for our next Trimmings Competition!!!

Umbrella Prints Trimmings Competition 2011 top 10 finalists- votes CLOSED

2011-05-06T14:52:00.004+09:30

Dappledgirl

kirsten67

Carla Madrigal

~nova

fabri'cate

bananaphone

pop-i-cok

Moon Ica

weiwabo

flamehair

Here are our 10 chosen finalists super congratulations!

We would like to thank every entrant in this years Umbrella Prints Trimmings Competition.

Please take the time to look at all of the beautiful work by more than 50 entrants that arrived in Umbrella Prints' Flickr group this year.

The competition...what can you make from Umbrella Prints Trimmings?

We were looking for creativity, beauty and for entrants that use their own skills to highlight the latent potential within even the smallest pieces of our fabric.

Vote here in the comments. ONE VOTE PER PERSON. There will be one winner.

Simply write your comment if you have one and your favourite designer's name.

Voting closes May 10, 2011.

VOTING NOW CLOSED

xox!

PS 'like' Umbrella Prints on Facebook this way :-)

Enoki new product design with Umbrella Prints and Marrimeko

2011-05-06T11:19:00.002+09:30

Our friends at Enoki design firm specialise in visual branding and interior architecture amongst many other amazing things and they design a range of unique furniture and product. On Friday night they will be launching their new range of product at Bowerbird Bazaar 2-9pm.

Puzzle (see in white form above) is a table and bench set which fits together to form a cube and can be adapted and moved to multi-purpose as blocks, stage, puppet stage and beyond.

From Friday Puzzle will be available to order in Umbrella Prints organic hand screen printed fabric and in Marimekko fabrics! to see our new swatchbooks and latest fabrics on Enoki's Puzzle head on over and say hi!

wedding love

2011-05-04T21:24:00.001+09:30

My little sister Holly (Fluxx) and Oliver (of the Sky) married this Monday in Melbourne. I had the best day, G was the flower girl, we decorated the outside of the gallery in flowers. It was such a happy day full of love and colour and although it had the same form and content as a traditional wedding was fashioned into something very pretty and personal and completely Holly and Oliver.

We shared speeches, a lot of delicious vegan food, heaps of laughter and art and photographs at Gallery Y3K and at Disco Beans (yum!). I met a lovely Agatha, chatted shop with sweet Chris, rejoiced with Oliver's gorgeous Mum and brother and shed a few tears. Holly and Oliver we all wish you the most happy, lucky and creative life together! xxxxxxxx

three hands

2011-04-27T15:39:00.003+09:30

What better way to occupy time with a jet-lagged sis than do a Grace, Sarah and Amy texta drawing; have cups of Scottish tea and chat nonsense with Dad/Grandpa. Fun day.

colour love circle

2011-04-21T15:54:00.001+09:30

My beautiful sister Holly and Oliver are getting married I am so happy for them.

See you in Melbs soon Holly and Oliver!!!

walk on by

2011-04-15T11:26:00.003+09:30

Today in the studio I couldnt walk past this gorgeousness without getting my camera out. A little quilty made by Carly from Umbrella Prints Trimmings in a precious spare moment; our bowl of chips not the fattening kind the colour kind and painted papers made up so we don't waste paint in the studio.

In the midst of mountains of emails and phone calls and admin things-to-do I get lost sometimes and quite frustrated and flat and ask Where's the art?; my anchor, my passion and my inspiration....both Carly and I need more time to do what we do best which is make and draw....but where does the day go?

Trimmings order up!

2011-04-13T13:10:00.001+09:30

As of this Friday (15th April) we cannot guarantee that any trimmings orders will make it in time for customers to enter our Umbrella Prints trimmings competition. So get your orders in now if you would like to participate x!

Highlighter Pink Grand Hearts by Umbrella Prints

2011-04-12T10:35:00.002+09:30

Umbrella Print's Grand Hearts in Highlighter Pink sold out here in a flash but if you would like some you can contact Anna Spiro of Black & Spiro whilst stock lasts!

this is a seriously grand scale design; reprint on its way!!! x

last Trimmings Competition winner Lisa Stubbs!

2011-04-08T13:16:00.003+09:30

I cannot believe it has actually been two years since out last Trimmings Competition and how much time flies!
The last winner in 2009 was the AMAZING Lisa Stubbs from Yorkshire, England who created a whole suite of beautiful fabric collages using the teensiest- tiniest little bits and pieces of our fabric.

Have a look at her gorgeous work for Umbrella Print's Trimmings Competition 2009 can you spy our fabrics within?:

We bought this one from Lisa it is so gorgeous.

We had many gorgeous entries in 2009, from little patchworked giraffe to pin cushions and fabric coasters, carefully collaged trees and many many more wonderful contributions.

We chose Lisa as the winner for the natural way she interpreted our fabrics into her own visual language; the way she had so carefully considered the tiny shapes and made use of the smallest pieces. She made the fabrics hers and that's what its ALL about.

We soon found out that Lisa is also a talented printmaker and illustrator and have since stocked her work at Nest Studio. Thank you Lisa!
PS there is a great interview with Lisa Stubbs here on Artonomy about being an artist and selling online.

Amazingly after making all of the above I think I remember Lisa saying she still had little bits left of her Trimmings Pack!

trimmings!

2011-04-06T21:05:00.002+09:30

trimmings competition photograph by pop-i-cok

Take a look at the beautiful work that keeps arriving over here at the Umbrella Prints Flickr Group. :-)

If you live outside of Australia time is ticking to get your trimmings orders in......our competition closes on May 1st 2011. Remember you need plenty of time to actually receive them by post and then sew, stitch, make something with them!

Celadon by Umbrella prints

2011-04-06T11:31:00.000+09:30

This colour could not be anymore gentle and peaceful... whenever I'm amping up and stressing out Carly pulls out a piece of this fabric and I feel all better. I could meditate on our new colour Celadon forever and I've been waiting to see this colour in print for so long (in another life I sold Japanese ceramics in celadon and beautiful dark brown tenmokku glazes) and now it is here brought to you in the curvy shape of our Hearts fabric.

The ancient Chinese translucent pottery glaze is elegant, mysterious, watery and quiet. A colour once described by Chinese artisans as 'beyond description'.

Umbrella Prints Hearts

2011-04-05T23:01:00.001+09:30

We have a new arrival of Umbrella Prints Hearts hand screen printed in Red, Celadon, Cherry Blossom and Mid Century Blue. These are not the Grand Hearts these are the wee ones you could hold one in the palm of your hand. From a distance these lovely hearts designed by Carly create a kind of honeycomb stripe.

Whilst I'm a lover of warm red (ie our Kimono Red) this Red has a cooler edge and works well with many other colours like natural linen, grey and blue in interiors.

I really want to write more about the other colours we have created for this printed fabric, but tomorrow, because I have a twitch in my eye which means I need some zzz and I could be here for hours if someone doesn't take charge.

PS Did I mention we are offering FREE WORLD-WIDE shipping for all of our meterage at the moment!!
That's whether you live in Sri Lanka or Paris or Dubbo or Poland or Botswana or anywhere else in this lovely world that a posty will go to.
Please see our Etsy listings for details. xxx

to work

2011-03-29T10:01:00.000+10:30

quiet moments pause on the way to the studio.
I don't know who pastes these up but thank you for adding to my day.

trimmings going gaga

2011-03-28T14:53:00.000+10:30

It's inevitable that after packing so many Trimmings packs for our competition we get distracted and make a few that aren't on the original list....

Trimmings in Super Girly

Trimmings in Lemony Limey typey

Trimmings in Bushwalk

These and more will pop up over in our Etsy shop every now and again :)

Trimmings Competition...strategy

2011-03-26T15:55:00.000+10:30

Umbrella Prints has been noticing entrants popping up for our Trimmings Competition over here! so much fun keepem coming!

The number of entrants so far does not correlate to the number of packets we have been sending out by far so...I have a feeling there are a lot of you keeping things very close to you chest ha ha and your not going to reveal until the last minute! There could be some clever strategy plays going on.

However, posting a picture of what you have made from your Trimmings packet now could work in your favour as far as there will be more time for more people to look at what you have made; which could be good if your work is a slow burner and you want your work to 'grow' on other people in order that you get their vote.

Or maybe I just can't handle the suspense :)

Umbrella Prints Colour Wheel

2011-03-22T15:42:00.000+10:30

beautiful colour circle!
yes... back to packing trimmings ok ok

gift guide

2011-03-22T13:14:00.000+10:30

Finders Keepers March Gift Guide- Textile designers picking textile gifts

It was too much fun being asked to go virtual shopping.
Also on my list was:

Rittenhouse polka dot sundress

Old Grey House- Seedpods in Chartreuse

inspiration

2011-03-21T20:00:00.000+10:30

Olivia's (7) painted papers

present from Tessa (3)

Huey's (5) family sketch

Stella's (4) ducklings

Saturday was busy at Nest Studio. Five children's art classes- endless inspiration,colour and play.

happy weekend

2011-03-19T22:18:00.002+10:30

1. spiral by JardinoMe , 2. slunicko by sofcik

think it build it

2011-03-17T21:14:00.001+10:30

Ok we have minus two seconds to design, develop and execute an Umbrella Prints swatch book fit for a queen.

We have to use what we have...cardboard?...fabric glued over cardboard?....cripes no!....

Wood....Otto's....yes!

"What type of wood is it?"... an old man hobbles over gives it a good smell..."western red cedar". Sorted.

Good enough to build totem poles and canoes with and perfect for us today :)

(if you are interested in seeing other people's creative spaces this week head over to Kootoyoo)

autumn berry red

2011-03-17T10:22:00.000+10:30

A new window; I wanted it to look warm, country and autumny. The hawthorn berries come from my mum's garden. These days I take a picture and then turn everything around to face the street so I can avoid all of the reflection. What do you think of the new Kimono Red FanFlower dress?

keeping up

2011-03-15T13:24:00.001+10:30

Cutting, mixing, rummaging and listening to this and having a merry old time by myself.
We are keeping up with all the trimmings orders....just! I hope you are all going to actually enter?

trying not to sneeze

2011-03-14T16:58:00.001+10:30

A lady came into Nest Studio and bought this beautiful Aboriginal artwork.

she totally coordinated with this painting in her brown, rust, olive and dark apricot outfit and exclaimed "these are my favourite colours!!!" love it

Umbrella Prints still aiming for the perfect Bosc Pear colour for our Grand Hearts fabric. So happy when I spotted these at the supermarket they are in season I'll take that as a good sign.

My chair also sold this week this is me rushing to get a proper photo of it before it leaves the shop. Mental note is to take proper photos OF EVERYTHING...

March

I could live inside William Morris's patterns I love them so.

Cat let me take a proper photo of her at last. What a cutey she is my little feng shui buster roaming around bringing energy into every corner of our house. And she smells nice, powdery.
Phew WHAT A WEEK; next week Im going to post up some pics of what some fabulous people have been up to with our Trimmings outside of competition time, see you then xxx

Umbrella Prints Trimmings competition FAQ

2011-03-11T11:58:00.000+10:30

Frequently asked questions about our Umbrella Prints trimmings competition 2011

Is the competition international?
Yes; we have sent trimmings packs as far and wide as Hawaii, Denmark and Japan.
If a posty can get there in time and you have a letterbox you can enter!

but I can't sew?
we never said you had to sew anything x

How do I take a nice photograph of my trimmings and my creation for Flickr?
Our top tips for taking nice, clear photographs are

1. don't use a flash indoors...ever.... it drains colour like a sponge
2. get enough light, natural light is best
3. take the wrapping off your trimmings pack :-)
4. get in real close
5. use a plain background
6. lock in your focus

Can I combine your trimmings with other fabrics in my project?
Of course! but please acknowledge the designer of the other fabrics too.

I entered last year can I enter again?
yes welcome back

How many times can I vote here May 6- May 10, 2011?
once please but you can get you mates to join in

What does the winner win?
1 metre of any Umbrella Prints fabric (your choice)
A generous remnants pack of our new range of fabrics (coming soon)
A pair of our beautiful Teardrops and Petals earrings
An Umbrella Prints gift card set
AND a mystery gift...???
Around $250 worth of booty.

Who won last year?
The lovely and talented Lisa Stubbs from the UK (more on Lisa's work soon)

I'm stuck?
You are only limited to your imagination.
Stick it, hang it, wrap it, sew it, stitch it, combine it, deconstruct it, add to it, bend it, stiffen it, embellish it, patch it, and on and on....

What if I do the same as someone else?
No two packets are the same, no two people are the same, no two projects will be the same.

What's the most important thing to remember?
Join the Flickr group Umbrella Prints
Upload the photos of what you make to Flickr as well as a photo of your Trimmings pack
Tag each of your photographs umbrellaprints, trimmings2011
Have fun!

Sunday moodboard #bright blues

2011-03-06T22:02:00.001+10:30

1. IMG_1745, 2. Queen Anne's Lace - Retro, 3. Fabric stash, 4. Work Quilt #4 - Detail, 5. BirdOnBlueBowl, 6. Leaf printed in Jade Green on Linen/Cotton., 7. heart music, 8. The New Wave, 9. Inked Block

Bright but tranquil ,my eyes need these blues today.

craft relief

2011-03-06T21:42:00.000+10:30

Therese from Craft Relief is doing a wonderful job running her non-profit online shop which raises donations for QLD flood relief. Every lovingly made product in store has been donated by crafters, designers and artists.

We have donated some Umbrella Prints' remnants and trimmings all of the profits of which go to RSPCA's QLD Flood Appeal. I will never forget the recent imagery of stranded farm animals, horses swimming and lost pets in distress. If you would like to help support our Queenslander friends and animal buddies head on over.

perspective

2011-03-06T09:49:00.001+10:30

Carly has been asked by Craftsouth to present a talk on 'developing the retail side of your practice'.

Being the co-designer of Umbrella Prints (alongside me), owner of retail space Nest Studio, and a artist in her own right puts her in the unique position of seeing both sides of selling your work to retailers.

So if you are an artist, designer, craftsperson, maker, call up Craftsouth and reserve a seat there might be a few spots left for tomorrow night.

Umbrella Prints trimmings competition update!

2011-03-04T14:54:00.001+10:30

So many trimmings orders coming in! We cannot wait to see more of what you have all been cooking up :-) There is still plenty of time to enter our Trimmings competition 2011.

love heart

2011-03-01T23:16:00.000+10:30

Our new print run for Grand Hearts is underway. Carly and I have spent a while choosing and re-choosing the four colours that make it to Grand Heart status.
We have had many emails regarding up-coming colours so here is a peak at what we have locked in....

Grand Hearts in:

Kimono Red- a favourite colour in this print; a warm welcoming red on organic hemp/cotton
pre-order open FREE WORLD-WIDE SHIPPING

Biro (NEW) on wool denim interior; we like the inside stripe of the denim better than the usual side :-)
Biro is a dark blue without the executive look; we are aiming for the brightness and depth of indigo dye

Highlighter Pink (NEW) is going to poppity pop like crazy kapow on organic hemp/cotton.

and Bosc Pear (NEW) is an elegant spicy earthy colour that looks gorgeous with wood.

This week's new photoshoot of an old favourite,

Grand Hearts SOLD OUT; pre-order available

2011-02-25T12:57:00.001+10:30

Umbrella Prints Grand Hearts in Kimono Red lampshade,
smaller Hearts on upholstered chair

Umbrella Prints Grand Hearts in Storm Boy Blue upholstered chair 2009

Grand Hearts in Kimono Red by Umbrella Prints
upholstered by Flourish and Blume
photo taken at Evoke

featured on Design Sponge today!

happy ears

2011-02-22T13:43:00.001+10:30

Little Dragon, can't choose a favourite, i'm so star-struck... so beautiful :-) :-)

garden of unearthly delights

2011-02-21T14:10:00.000+10:30

We went to two Gardens of Unearthly Delights yesterday; this one is the dahlia garden in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens; the garden with the flame tree in the middle. Unearthly and heavenly.

dancing FanFlowers

2011-02-19T15:20:00.000+10:30

my little dancer

wall brooches

2011-02-18T16:55:00.001+10:30

by Amy Prior

Currently I've sold out of my square wall brooches and wall birds but here are some new shapes I'm really enjoying.

Infinite possibilities but each is individual.

Any of these patterns could become a new fabric design for Umbrella Prints.

Little Artists Handmade

2011-02-16T22:19:00.000+10:30

Carly has been writing her own book and whilst I have been privy to its contents for an ion I am very excited to see it all printed up and published all pretty-like. Carly is an amazing gal and the projects within this book are simply gorgeous for parents and children. The photos were all taken in Nest Studio and many projects are made with Umbrella Prints fabric of course. More sneaky peaks soon!

2011-02-16T21:47:00.000+10:30

Wish I could pin it on my dress strap for the day; thanks AnnieElizabeth all the way from Los Feliz CA where she likes Dr Suess trees and getting crafty x

With this award, the following applies:

Post linking back to the person that gave you the award.
Share 7 random things about yourself.
Award 15 recently discovered bloggers.
Drop them a note, and tell them about it!

7 Random things about me:

1. I swear, a lot, I can't help it, my Dad is Glaswegian it's a part of the vernacular. I don't swear in front of children, in the shop, during classes or on my blog :-) I also have a dirty sense of humour and likewise not in front of children...etc

2. I drink coffee before going to bed...living on the edge I know

3. Elvis, David Attenborough, Bjork, Gene Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Jeff Buckley, Jim Henson, Oliver Sacks,William Morris, Gene Wilder, Akira Isogawa, Ellen Degeneres, Aretha Franklin, Marian Bantjes would be a few I would 'have at a dinner party'. I would probably have just as much fun with my buddies though.

4. Art is my life but music is king.

5. It took me three minutes to realize the stabbing pain in my back that occurred every time I lay down to sleep last night was an angled piece of Lego under the bottom sheet (not a dislocated shoulder blade)

6. In love with flowers; Rose Pegonias by Robert Frost is my favourite poem.

7. I am afraid you will think this list is boring and stupid but let's persevere!

8. um, um, um, I believe everything you need is already within you or nearby.

9. I can't count.

I will be here all night if I try to list 15 recently discovered bloggers but here are a few I really like...

Crying all the Way to the Chip Shop
Eye-Snacks
Three Red Apples
A Thousand Shades of Twilight
Clare Owen
Child Illustration
tinctory
mnmlist;

back to the future

2011-02-14T23:01:00.000+10:30

I found these via miss flamehair I love them soooo! An ongoing project by Photographer Irina Werning

happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T12:04:00.000+10:30

by Danny Espinoza

eye and mind candy this week

2011-02-12T16:28:00.000+10:30

I like the look of this book very much; by Christine Schmidt from Yellow Owl Workshop.

GAD
Beautiful furniture and styling from GAD and our naughty addition below!

Marcus Walters

Versace Spring 2010 colours like silver, grey, opaque peach, turquoise, acidic lemon, bright green and pale pink yum via Style

Umbrella Prints Trimmings competition #2!

2011-02-10T22:30:00.001+10:30

One of our favourite products over at Umbrella Prints is the Trimmings packets... We spend lots of time picking and packing and ironing these little packs and they give us a lot of joy.  But what is most intriguing is what ya'll do with these Trimmings?

In 2010 we held a Trimmings competition and it was so much fun that we thought we would do it again.... we met so many of our lovely customers and it was a treat to see what they were making... so much creativity!

So here's how it works

1. Buy a packet of Trimmings from the Big Cartel shop ONLY

2. Join our Flickr group

3. Upload a pic of your packet to Flickr with it's special Trimmings Competition paper label

4. Then upload photos to Flickr of all the beautiful things you were able to make from one packet. Remember to tag them umbrellaprints, trimmings2011.

The person who make's the most beautiful objects from one packet of Trimmings will be sent this most awesome parcel of goodies :

1 metre of Umbrella Prints fabric (your choice!)

A generous remnants pack of our new range of fabrics (coming soon)

A pair of our beautiful Teardrops & Petals earrings

An Umbrella Prints gift card set

AND a mystery gift.... ???

Around $250 worth of booty.

Ok so the other fun part of the competition is .... We will choose 10 finalists and YOU will get to choose the winner. Here are the dates.

February 10 Competition starts now!

May 1 Competition closes

May 6 We post the 10 finalists and you start voting (this will be right here at Rain & Shine)

May 10 Voting is closed and we tally up your votes to announce the winner.

Have fun!

selvedge

2011-02-10T18:10:00.000+10:30

For fabric lovers there is an interesting post and discussion over with BadSkirt about selvedges; here are some pics of ours.

today

2011-02-10T13:43:00.000+10:30

some sort of weird matchy matchy day

housework

2011-02-08T12:44:00.000+10:30

Cat Power/Michael Hurley
You wash them clothes
Swee dee dee
And hang 'em on the line
I can see by the way
You wash them clothes
Your cookin' must be fine
...

Santiago Salvador

2011-02-06T13:36:00.000+10:30

Loving this beautiful work by Santiago Salvador; found via his Flickr gallery here.

thinking

2011-02-05T21:51:00.002+10:30

. Snippets Windmills by Georgia McDonald, 2. Untitled by Hop Skip Jump, 3. beaded cuff by mskris09, 4. framed by tigerluxe, 5. Pattern J by Tessuti Fabrics, 6. Untitled by Anja Mulder, 7. Schlumbergera cactus - "Pink heaven" by Terling, 8. heart ~ pink by Gretchen Mist , 9. Cavalier_Oct1966_Vol16_No12_001 by it's better than bad

24 hours

2011-02-03T14:56:00.000+10:30

new business cards for Umbrella Prints

glued to the computer hoping things will be ok for everyone in Nth. Queensland

glorious new publication for the upcoming Adelaide Fringe- Garden of Unearthly Delights

Australian textile designers in Inside Out magazine including Umbrella Prints

Carly puts together some new remnant pack loveliness

I styled a new window for Nest Studio
24 hours not much sleep zzz art classes start tonight!