Living Creatively

Stamping sounds like something the contestants on So You Think You Can Dance might have tackled, and sometimes it can be as involved. But stamping's become far more efficient with this innovative stamp press from Fiskars Craft. It's as simple as designing and laying out your stamp design on a clear plate, inking then pressing, and - voila! - a perfectly stamped image every time. Pretty neat for making multiple cards and invitations.

Also from Fiskars is this innovative knife designed for a more controlled cutting experience. Just slip the handle loop on your index finger and cut with precision and ease. It makes previously fiddly and annoying circles, letters and intricate borders a cinch to cut. Edward Scissorhands, eat your heart out!

This echidna from Gertie and Me is almost too awesome for words. It's just one of the super-cute, charming children's products found at Melbourne-based designer Anna Guinness' store [named after Anna and her Jack Russell Terrier Gertie!]. The native Australian animals are so soft and cuddly it won't only be the kids who adore them.

These One of a kind badges, brooches and hair slides are made from vintage buttons, unique fabrics and the softest leather. With product ranges called Frosted Cupcake, Blueberry Muffin and Violet Crème, it's clear One of a kind promises something different... and delectable! Deciding on one [or more] to buy is almost like choosing between scrumptious-looking sweets in a cake shop - too hard. Browse through the options at one-ofakind.co.uk; but don't blame us if you suddenly need a sugar fix.

These unique bags from My Recycled Bags are, as you might expect, made entirely of recycled materials such as plastic grocery bags, VHS tape and re-claimed fabric. Seriously. You can buy one of these ready-made bags by RecycleCindy or - if you're feeling industrious and want to put you own pile of excess shopping bags to good use - download instructions on how to make them yourself at myrecycledbags.com.

The Tweet mini cushion from talented UK textile designer Clare Nicolson is just one of her many beautiful cushions. Other products include tea towels, cards, scarves and badges. The Tweet design on the front of the cushion has been digitally printed on the cotton fabric while the reverse is a co-ordinated panel of vintage fabric, making each cushion unique.

These uber cool Ribbon Stools are from Japanese design agency Nendo [also responsible for the Illoiha gym we profile in Cool Hunting]. Inspired by the ribbons of ballet shoes, the stools' laser cut metal strips aren't just decorative; they're surprisingly supportive too. Nendo is nothing if not practical. And clever: each stool's cushion is held in place by a magnet. They're available at Bonluxat in a variety of colours.

The countryside so inspires Georgie Leckey, founder of Heatherly Design, that her HQ is in an old woolshed - the "design shed" - on a country property northeast of Melbourne. The laidback surrounds don't mean a laidback approach to style, however. Georgie has a great eye for up-to-the-minute looks and quality fabrics. A former buyer for Laura Ashley and an importer of fine fabrics for Wardlaw, Georgie's passion for unique looks is evident in her custom-made fabric bed heads. You can order your own from heatherlydesign.com.au

An exhibition taking place at The Sofitel Hotel in Melbourne from the 1–3 September will showcase the work of emerging or upcoming artists whose theme is loss related to the experiences of people with an acquired brain injury. Aptly named Head Case, the exhibition’s aim is to raise awareness of Brain Injury Australia (BIA) in the community. It will creatively and visually explore the stories of Australians suffering brain injury brought on by mental illness, accident, drug use or other reasons.

Designers, illustrators, photographers and artists are now being invited to submit their artwork on this theme. Thirty finalists will have their artwork displayed in Head Case and a People’s Choice prize of $5,000 will be awarded to the artist whose work receives the most votes at the exhibition’s launch on 1 September. All exhibited artwork will be for sale, with 70% of the proceeds going to the artist and 30% donated to Brain Injury Australia.

The deadline to register your interest in submitting artwork is 15 July 2008. Contact Skye Luckins skye@buronorth.com for details, or for further information on how to become involved visit headcase.com.au.

The organisers of Head Case are also seeking donations and sponsorship to run the exhibition, so if you’d like to contribute to this great cause, please do so by donating via direct deposit or sending a cheque.

Direct deposit: Westpac
Brain Injury Australia Inc.
BSB 033-067
Account: 20-6266

NB: Include ‘Exhibition’ in the deposit line to ensure your donation goes to the right place and email your details to admin@bia.net.au for a tax receipt.

OR

Send a cheque, including your address details (for a tax receipt), to:

Brain Injury Australia
86 Herbert Street
Northcote Vic 3070

NB: Include ‘Exhibition’ on the envelope to ensure your donation goes to the right place and include your address details on the back of the envelope.

Donations over $2 are fully tax deductible.

We have 50 Sewline Pens to giveaway to the first 50 Living Creatively subscribers to email editor@livingcreatively.com.au with 'Sewline Giveaway' in the subject line of your email.

Please ensure you include your full name and address in the email so we can send you this fabulous product!