Get organised with personalised 2016 stationery from Hippo Blue

So it's less than twelve weeks until Christmas. Crazy right? If you're looking to get a head start on the gift-giving season, it's worth checking out these great personalised stationery designs from Australian designers and Bondville sponsors Hippo Blue. It's such a nice touch to receive a present with your name on it; and they make great gifts for grandparents, teachers, partners, sisters, brothers, or children who love to be organised (or need to be!). I'm sure we all know one of those.

Free printable 2014 calendar from The TomKat Studio

Happy New Year friends! I hope you had a fantastic break and re-charged the batteries. Last year I lived and breathed by The TomKat Studio calendar and this year lovely Kim has designed a 2014 version that's just as rainbow-happy. Love it to bits.

You can get download and print The TomKat Studio 2014 calendar for free at The TomKat Studio.

Image: The TomKat Studio

Make: Free printable advent calendar from Mibo

Christmas preparations are in full swing at our house and we have started our annual advent calendar to count down the days to the big one. Do you have one? It's not too late!

Our advent calendar was designed by UK designers Mibo a few years ago and we have been using the same calendar each year. Simply print out the first page (day numbers) on card stock and use a craft knife and board to cut along the dotted window lines. Then print out the second page on normal paper, glue the two pieces together, punch two holes at the top and add a festive ribbon to hang. Easy!

Some advent calendars have a small chocolate or treat for each day. Our Mibo design just reveals a cute picture each day and our girls seem to be just as excited. If you would like to download a free advent calendar by Mibo head to this page for Mibo's new 2012 design. You can also purchase this version which is also cute. The 2009 version that I used above is no longer available. I'd love to hear all about your advent traditions - please let me know!

Image: Steph Bond-Hutkin | Bondville

Australian Artist Spotlight: Tali Gal-on (Milk and Cookies)

Please meet Tali Gal-on, a multi-talented animator, designer, illustrator as well as short film writer and director based in Melbourne. Let's have a look at some of her great art prints under the Milk and Cookies banner that would work beautifully in a child's special space.

paper boat press 2012 calendar

There are only 93 days until Christmas! Yes, the countdown begins. And that means it's also time for the 2012 calendars to start appearing on shelves and online. I'll be previewing quite a few Australian-designed calendars over the next few months, starting with my friend Kylie's gorgeous calendar from her paper boat press design studio.

Printed on an FSC heavy weight card with soy based inks, the paper boat press calendar features an inspirational quote and illustration each month. It measures slightly smaller than A4 19cm x 26.5cm (7.5" x 10.4").

I love that calendars can be repurposed after use as framed prints (my favourite trick), and the paper boat press calendar is printed on lovely heavy-weight stock - perfect for framing. This calendar, like everything that Kylie creates, has a sense of peace and well-being - and don't we all need a little of that around our homes.

You can find the paper boat press 2012 calendar in the online store. If you order before the 30th September 2011 you will receive a flat shipping rate of $5 (within australia) and a bonus for multiple purchase! (for every four calendars purchase you will receive a fifth calendar free). And while you are there, make sure you stock up on the much-loved paper boat press Christmas ornaments and other ceramic goodies which make wonderful gifts.

Read more about paper boat press here on Bondville.

Images: paper boat press

Baby Shower Gifts: Milestone Press Family Diary

The coolest baby records book in print (in my opinion) is the beautifully designed A Book About Me by Milestone Press. With an ultra-flexible format and Australian-specific pages, I really do think it is the best in its field.

The very clever Annabel and Fiona (based in Melbourne and Brisbane) behind Milestone Press also have a number of other well-designed print products, including the new Master Plan 2009 family diary/planner. You can see a week at a glance with areas for birthdays, dinner and lots of room for daily activities. It also comes with a separate address book with an birthday/anniversary planner that you can transfer from year to year. The pages run from October 2008 through to January 2010. You can buy Milestone Press products directly from the Milestone Press website, and from many stockists in Australia (email Milestone Press). Image: Peter's of Kensington

Drool-worthy Design: Creative Thursday 2009 Calendar

Hot off the press is this divine 2009 calendar by Marisa Haedike (Creative Thursday) which was released on Etsy today. Marisa is a hugely talented artist and from LA who creates gorgeous tiny characters in her work.

You'll have to be quick to score one of these calendars as they are a limited edition print of 220 and at a great price point ($USD38). The calendars are offset printed on heavy card stock with a matte finish and bound with a silver ring and sweet ribbon for hanging. I'll be rotating the cards out of the calendar and into frames for the wall as soon as each month is over! Buy online here.

Image: Creative Thursday