Breath-taking Studio Kurashi

The highlight of the GoMA design markets, for me, was to see in person the beautiful styling, design and touch of Brisbane-based Japanese artist Momo under the Studio Kurashi label.

I loved the play of delicate objects made from earthy, textured fabric. The Kurashi pieces on display included lots of linen in natural tones (soft boots for indoors, children's pants with sweet swallow prints, scented pin cushions, slender pot holders), precious clothes peg dolls, and lovely children's clothes.

Studio Kurashi pieces can be found at Nesting Bird Interiors in Brisbane, and soon at Zakkaya in Melbourne, Australia. You can find out more about Momo's work on the Studio Kurashi blog and see more pics on her Flickr photostream.

Images: Kurashi-Momo via Flickr

Hip Products: Red Seed Studio

It was great to see some familiar faces at the GoMA Design Markets on the weekend, and meet some new people too. I was really happy to see the work of Red Seed Studio in person. Ellie Beck and Sam Messina have designed a line of fabulous eco-friendly cushions to complement their artwork and greeting card range.

The cushions are hand screenprinted using water based solvent-free inks and then hand-crafted at their studio in Brisbane. Ellie and Sam use gorgeous textured fabric for the cushions, made from a mix of sustainable hemp and organic cotton, so it is soft to touch, but durable. They have put a lot of research into the source of their materials so that we can have a clear conscience that their products are made without the environment, or human rights, suffering.

You can find the Red Seed Studio range on the Red Seed Studio website and find out more about the studio on their blog and Flickr photostream. You can also take a look at behind the scenes on Ellie's blog petalplum. And you can contact Red Seed Studio for a list of stockists.

Images: Red Seed Studio

GoMA Gallery Store Design Christmas Market

If you are in Brisbane next month, definitely head along to the Design Christmas Market at the Gallery of Modern Art gallery store. The markets will be held on Saturday 6th December 2008, from 9am - 5pm, outdoors in the GoMA forecourt at South Bank. Stalls will feature jewellery, ceramics, craft and lots of unique gifts for babies, kids, and adults.

The line-up is huge this year, including Blossom Creations, Flying Star Toys, Kylie Johnson of paper boat press, Red Chalk, and Udder. Full details here.

This is a great opportunity to support indie labels, locally-made, and handmade products. And you might even get all your Christmas shopping done at once. And if you're not going to be in Queensland, Kim at Udessi has a great list of design markets in the next month around Australia.

Image: GoMA Gallery Store