Last Post of 2011

I'm off to Krabi for Christmas then heading to Borneo afterwards to see some orangutans. I can't wait! I will be back in late January with a new website and blog. In the meantime, you can still follow me on my Facebook page. Don't forget to 'like' me.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and a New Year filled with colour, joy and optimism. Thanks for your support and encouragement. Cxx

© naturepl.com / Edwin Giesbers / WWF

Peranakan Plates

I think you've guessed by now, I have a weakness for ceramics and textiles. Passing through Changi Airport, I saw these Peranakan Plates on a bar wall. Isn't the colour extraordinary?

The Peranakans were an affluent community in the Straits colonies in Singapore, Penang and Malaysia. They were descendants from China and India who married the local Malay women. Renowned for their lavish family feasts, they commissioned this colourful, enamelled porcelain from Jingdezhen, China which bears auspicious and decorative motifs.

Sneak Peek

You may remember I showed you one of my new designs Tree of Life over a few months ago. Well, when I was in Melbourne I got to see some of the initial samples.

This will be released next August at the Melbourne Gift Fair

Market Stall

Mum and I had a market stall to sell some of my samples on a cold Sunday morning. It was quite a good indication of where retail is at, I think. People are really watching their $$$ even for mugs (with beautifully packaged boxes) that were only $5.00.

Carriageworks

One of the things I really miss about living here in Thailand is the fresh Australian produce that's readily available like really good, creamy yoghurt (you know the ones with fruit on the bottom), artisanal breads, boutique cheeses......the variety is amazing. We went to Carriageworks where they have a market every weekend.

All the providores lined up showing their produce

Love Beetroot, especially freshly roasted ones served in a green salad
with goats cheese, toasted pine nuts and a light dressing.

This doggie wasn't for sale

Peony Roses are my favourites!

How gorgeous are these tomatoes?

NAP Festival

The 12th Annual Art & Design Festival was on again at Nimmanhaemin (which is the trendiest shopping precinct in Chiang Mai). Showcasing the very best artisans, designers and craftspeople, this 5 day festival is a treat for those who love cute, handmade things.

How gorgeous is this embroidered owl?

Thai do 'cutesy' really well.

Always food everywhere!

Browsing to your heart's content

Stunning ceramics with beautiful glazes.

The quality of the stands was amazing

First Painting

When I was in Sydney a couple of weeks ago, I went to my best friend's house and completely forgot that I had painted this for him many eons ago. I think this was the very first painting I did after school and since working professionally.

Design Sponge Xmas Gift Guides

Guess who's in the 2011 Food and Entertaining Gift Guide at Design Sponge?

Desk Snapshot

It feels great being back in my studio and at the desk. Am working on a new ceramics range of hand made stoneware with a company right here in Chiang Mai. Part of the joy of this job is riding my scooter out of town through the umbrella making & handicraft studios. I'll post some pics soon of this.

I'm transferring my design directly onto the plaster mold.

Blurb Special Offer

If you're thinking about ordering one of my special 2012 diaries, now is the time to order, to ensure delivery before Christmas. Blurb have just realised a pre Christmas Special 25% discount off 2 or more books.