Armadillo and Co Origami Project rugs auction

This year Armadillo&Co are auctioning ten beautiful one-off rugs designed by the preschool children of Anganwadi #11 in India and Jackie Jardine of Armadillo&Co who explored folding paper and colouring in together. Each rug has been hand woven in 100% fine wool by Armadillo&Co’s own team of skilled artisans in India.

All proceeds will go directly to The Anganwadi Project – an inspiring Australian grassroots charity that builds preschools for young children in the urban slums of Gujarat, India. All bids will close on Monday 21 September, 8am AEST. If you are looking for a beautiful rug, this is an opportunity too good to refuse.

Head to the Armadillo&Co website to bid now.

Image: Armadillo&Co

Tutu du Monde Lila tutu for Bear Cottage children's charity

Oh the cuteness! I was thrilled to spot last night the new limited edition Lila tutu dress for ages 1-11 years, created by Tutu du Monde in collaboration with Australian model Elyse Taylor. $100 from the sale of every Lila tutu will go to the wonderful Bear Cottage charity, one of only two hospices in Australia providing support and end-of-life care for very sick children and their families.

TDF Collect art fundraiser for the ASRC

From 25 to 31 July 2015, The Design Files is hosting a fundraising art exhibition at TDF Collect by 28 Australian artists for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre in Melbourne. It's such an amazing organisation to support and an great opportunity to secure some beautiful art for a great cause.

Nepal Vision Service earthquake fundraising auction

I'm sure it's still fresh in most of your minds that Nepal suffered an earthquake on 25th April 2015 that caused immeasurable damage. The wonderful Amy Easton from Happy As Larry Designs - who works closely with her team in Nepal to create her beautiful felt products - has initiated this fantastic fundraiser to 100% support Nepal Vision Service on the ground in Kathmandu. There are over $4,000 worth of Australian designer products up for auction. Hurry - runs until June 14th, 2015!

Gorman tote for The Royal Children's Hospital

Love this gorgeous (and on-trend) lobster tote from Gorman designed by 12-year-old Jasmine. The tote is priced at $12 and 100% of proceeds will go to The Royal Children's Hospital, where Jasmine has spent a lot of time since she was born.

Gorman aims to raise $18,000 to gift to the hospital for Christmas - are you in?

You can find the limited edition lobster tote in store or online here.

Image: Gorman

Blue stripes and bears trend and blue for Autism Awareness Day

Tomorrow is World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT) is encouraging us to wear a touch of blue in solidarity with the 1 in 100 Australians who live with Autism and their families and friends who help them navigate an often overwhelming world.

I've put together some cute outfits for kids from Australian designers and online stores with a touch of blue, that also show off the big stripes and bears trends for kids at the moment! You can learn more about Autism and participate in fundraising for World Autism Awareness Day on the ASPECT Website.

Caravan cubby house from Little Green Room

I just about fell off my chair when I received the email from Little Green Room about their caravan cubby house for kids. Oh my goodness!

Little Green Room also creates amazing contemporary cubby houses from eco-friendly plywood and all-weather recycled plastic Plaspanel.

The 'Caravan Me Happy" cubby house is an entry in the Kids Under Cover cubby house challenge at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show. The cubby house will be auctioned off at the show to raise money for Kids Under Cover, working to prevent youth homelessness. So rad!

Image: Little Green Room

Bondville Charity Auction donation to the Children's Cancer Institute Australia

Well the paperwork is finally done and the numbers are in. The Bondville Charity Auction raised $4,713.33 for the Children's Cancer Institute Australia!!! I couldn't be more thrilled.

Thank you so much to the seventy-six Australian designers and online stores that donated product for the auction. One-hundred-and-two products were shipped off to happy buyers all over the country and I'm so grateful for your support and participation.

If you have ever wanted to run a charity auction online, I just wrote a How To piece for eBay's Mum's Business website with all my learnings - head here for the down-low.

I will be keeping the Bondville Charity Auction page with all the product images and links on the website as a permanent visual shopping guide that you can visit anytime for gift inspiration. Please head over and check out all the local businesses, designers and entrepreneurs. They deserve our support!

Thank you again everyone for participating, sharing, commenting, clicking and being a part of an amazing 10th blogging anniversary. It was the best possible way to celebrate.

Steph xxx

Bondville Charity Auction: It's party time!

So after a huge month of donations, bidding, and sharing the amazing products given so generously by Australian designers and online stores, the Bondville Charity Auction is almost at a close. If you haven't had a chance to bid yet, head to the eBay auction page now! Bidding closes on most items by 7:30am AEST on Monday 25th November 2013, with a few finishing a little later in the day.

It's time to celebrate the 78 designers and stores that have donated 104 products worth $9,803 to benefit the Children's Cancer Institute Australia. It's an amazing outpouring of generosity and has been overwhelming for me. Thank you so much my friends! Please head to the Bondville Charity Auction page to find out more about all the donators and head to their online stores to support them this Christmas.

Here are some of my favourite party items in the auction to keep the spirit of giving going through the holiday season:

• 2 x Christmas post card sets from Percival Road Designs, RRP: $26.00
• $50 voucher for baked goods from Alison Lawson Cakes, RRP: $50.00
• Teeny tiny rainbow garland from Poppies for Grace, RRP: $39.00
• Woven doily necklace from Polli, RRP: $219.95
• Teardrop Tutu - Ruby from Tutu du Monde, RRP: $159.00
• Mint honeycomb fancy from Poppies for Grace, RRP: $45.00
• Skateboard necklace from Deadwood Creative, RRP: $45.00
• $200 Gift Certificate from Lark, RRP: $200.00
• Cerise honeycomb fancy from Poppies for Grace, RRP: $45.00
• 30 x washi tape rolls from Little Paper Lane, RRP: $149.50+
• Special Dress from eeni meeni miini moh, RRP: $109.95

I'll be back here with a final auction tally very soon. Hurry and get your very last bids in now!!!

Image: Steph Bond-Hutkin | Bondville

Bondville Charity Auction: picks for boys and girls

It's officially one month until Christmas and if you're like us, the search for gifts has begun. If you're looking for some ideas for kids' gifts the year, check out the amazing Australian designers and online stores in the Bondville Charity Auction. These guys are working their butts off and our local brands deserve our Christmas shopping. Here are some of my picks for the boys and girls in your life from the amazing donations received.

For boys...

• Lachie Sailor's ABC pyjamas from Four In The Bed, RRP: $44.95
• Stripe crochet dog from La de dah kids, RRP: $55.00
• Firecracker Felt Ball Garland from Happy As Larry Designs, RRP: $54.95
• Scouts Honour king single canvas throw from Ponyrider, RRP: $199.00
• Sewing patterns, kits & fabric panels pack from the red thread, RRP: $132.00
• Handmade Santa sacks (3 available) from Sew Craft Cook, RRP: $45.00 each
• Seedlings cushion cover from doabit, RRP: $35.00
• Ida Pearle art print from Kindergallery, RRP: $90.00
• Hudson Nate single sheet set from Kate Lauren Designs, RRP: $200.00
• Smarty Pants deer shorts from Pollykinz Designs, RRP: $40.00

For girls:

• Limited edition rabbit print from Laura Blythman, RRP: $80.00
• Spot crochet dog from La de dah kids, RRP: $55.00
• Olivia gingham pyjamas from Four In The Bed, RRP: $42.00
• Girls' Aladdin pants from Cheeky Britches, RRP: $34.95
• Alimrose Designs Violet Doll from Baby Donkie, RRP: $49.95
• Candy stripe sun hat from Moppit and more, RRP: $29.95
• Santa Sack from Fiona Kate - simple gorgeous storage, RRP: $29.95
• Coral Elf dress from Moppit, RRP: $49.95
• Organic Valley View quilt kit from Saffron Craig, RRP: $79.00
• Rose singlet from Mooce, RRP: $24.95
• Rose tulle skirt from Mooce, RRP: $35.95
• Pink heart shorts from Mooce, RRP: $34.95
• Hand screen-printed linen tea towel and Ruby Slippers A4 art print from Flowerpress, RRP: $35.00

The Bondville Charity Auction finishes first thing Monday morning 25th November 2013. All proceeds benefit the Children's Cancer Institute Australia. Now's the time to head over and bid for your favourite items - last chance!

Bondville Charity Auction: kid's room inspired by this Pony Rider throw

This pretty fabulous cotton throw (RRP: $199), donated by Pony Rider to the Bondville Charity Auction, had me dreaming of a serene kid's room with lots of neutrals and a dash of colour here and there. Pair it with the luxurious grey and white star linen toddler bedding from Hello Milky (RRP: $100), a white shelving unit from Willow and Wood (RRP: $299) and the amazing handmade crocheted lamp cord with huge clear bulb from My Very Own Eye Goggles (RRP: $195).

You could get all these Australian-designed goodies and more in the Bondville Charity Auction. With bidding finishing on Monday morning, you might need to get a wriggle on! BID NOW.

• Scouts Honour king single canvas throw from Pony Rider, RRP: $199.00
• Lumier 1 knitted cord lamp from My Very Own Eye Goggles, RRP: $195.00
• $100 Gift Voucher kids' clothing from Broken Tricycle, RRP: $100.00
• Framed personalised me we family tree from me we, RRP: $75.00
• Elephant mirror family from Scoops Design, RRP: $65.00
• Linen Toddler Doona Cover in Twinkle Star from Hello Milky, RRP: $100.00
• 3 x Wooden wall hooks from Talo Interiors, RRP: $90.00
• Fleur de lys drawstring bag from Nana Huchy, RRP: $24.20
• 3 x A4 Art Prints from The Blissful Brush, RRP: $51.00
• Baby Bunting shelving unit from Willow and Wood, RRP: $299.00

Head over to the Bondville Charity Auction on eBay to bid now. All proceeds go to the Children's Cancer Institute Australia. Quick sticks! (read more about the Bondville Charity Auction here).

Images: Steph Bond-Hutkin | Bondville

Bondville Charity Auction: last minute goodies starting at 99c

If you've been keeping an eye on the Bondville Charity Auction this week, you might not have noticed the last of the contributions from Australian designers and online stores that have been uploaded in the last few days. There's a little something for everyone - from a whopping $750 family photo session from Milk & Honey Photography in Sydney, goodies for Mum and kids, stationery, sweet artwork, the most gorgeous and delicate ceramic Christmas ornaments from Kim Wallace Ceramics and those delicious wooden knobs that I desperately want. Head over to eBay to bid now!

• Porcelain Christmas ornaments gift set from Kim Wallace Ceramics, RRP: $79.00
• Children's Frida Dress from Las Niñas Textiles, RRP: $59.00
• Dotted hand printed cotton scarf from Kish & Evie, RRP: $52.00
• Fishing Tom Cat tote from Junior Epitome, RRP: $39.95
• Family Portrait Session from Milk & Honey Photography, RRP: $750.00
• 2 x Christmas post card sets from Percival Road Designs, RRP: $26.00
• 3 x Wooden wall hooks from Talo Interiors, RRP: $90.00
• Square Heart paper art from Concrete & Honey, RRP: $20.00

I'm so proud to let you know that the total value of contributions from Australian designers and online stores is $9,803.19!!! You can find all the items on offer (all 104 of them) on the Bondville Charity Auction page. Bidding finishes early Monday, so head over and bid now! All proceeds go to the Children's Cancer Institute Australia. You've got to be in it to win it!

Images: Steph Bond-Hutkin | Bondville

Bondville Charity Auction: pretty your kitchen with Australian design

This one's for you, Mum. Pretty up your kitchen with these gorgeous goodies up for auction in the Bondville Charity Auction. All proceeds go to the Children's Cancer Institute Australia and most items offer free shipping! I love the Dandi 8-seater tablecloth and matching napkins, valued at $205.95. Add a little silver and you've got your Christmas table setting sorted, and then use it again and again throughout the year.

• 8 seater tablecloth from Dandi: RRP: $109.95
• 8 x Napkins from Dandi: RRP: $96.00
• Girt By Sea tea towel from Yardage Design: RRP: $22.00
• Nana Huchy They Got Married tea towel from Steph Bond-Hutkin: RRP: $24.50
• Nana Huchy Mother and child aprons from Steph Bond-Hutkin: RRP: $66.30
• Nana Huchy oven mit and pot holder from Steph Bond-Hutkin: RRP: $22.30
• Thea & Sami linen tea towel from Princes Pier: RRP: $25.00
• Vintage tea cup candle from Just Like Martha: RRP: $25.00

BID NOW!

Bondville Charity Auction: original Meredith Gaston watercolour and Kindergallery children's art

I'm thrilled to let you know that I have just received three new pieces of artwork for kids for the Bondville Charity Auction, donated by Meredith Gaston at Kindergallery. Meredith is an acclaimed and well-loved author, artist and illustrator (hello Meredith Gaston fans out there!), and also the director of Kindergallery - an online art gallery for children.

Meredith has kindly donated one original watercolour painting worth $245. Even more exciting - you get to choose! The winning bidder of the Meredith Gaston watercolour will be able to choose from any of her watercolour pieces available in Kindergallery!

And that's not all. Meredith is also donating two art prints from Kindergallery artists Ida Pearle (RRP $90) and Hannah Melin (RRP $40), also available in the charity auction, with bidding starting at 99c! I love them both to bits.

Head over to the Bondville Charity Auction on eBay and bid now! Find these and more gorgeous products for Mum, Kids and Home on the Bondville Charity Auction page - we're up to over $8,800 worth of designer goodies so far! All proceeds will go directly to the Children's Cancer Institute Australia.

BID NOW.

Read more about Meredith Gaston here on Bondville.

Images: Kindergallery

Bondville Charity Auction: Little Circus Design lucky dip prize worth $170!

The gorgeous Madeleine Stamer of Little Circus Design has just added an amazing sweetener to her donation to the Bondville Charity Auction for the Children's Cancer Institute Australia. The winning bidder of her two A4 bird head prints will also receive an extra large A3 lucky dip print of Madeleine's choosing from her collection, worth $170! What a lovely surprise for the winner - thank you Madeleine!

You can find Madeleine's art prints and many more gorgeous artworks and products for Mum, Kids and Home donated by Australian designers and online stores in the Bondville Charity Auction. The auction closes early on Monday 25th November, 2013. Bid now!

Images: Little Circus Design

Bondville Charity Auction - NOW LIVE!

Welcome to the Bondville 10th Anniversary Charity Auction. We are LIVE! And it's massive!

You will find 93 Australian-designed products for Mum, Kids and Home valued at over $8,100, with most designers offering free shipping! Bidding starts at only 99c and the auction runs for 10 days, finishing around 7:30am (AEST) on the 25th November 2013.

All proceeds will go to the Children's Cancer Institute Australia. So what are you waiting for? Bid away!

BID HERE NOW

The last 10 years of writing on Bondville have been an amazing journey of learning, seeking, finding, sharing, growing, and meeting amazing people along the way. Many of those artists, crafters, designers and makers that I have discovered and written about are part of this huge auction and I couldn't be happier to share them with you again.

Thank you so much to all the amazing Australian designers and retail stores who have donated products, postage and time for the auction. We are incredibly lucky to have a huge amount of talent right here in Australia. If you are Christmas shopping, head to the Auction page here on Bondville and click through to all the auction supporters - they deserve it!

Have a fun time bidding on your favourite Australian products and Good Luck!!!

Image: Steph Bond-Hutkin | Bondville

Support UNICEF's relief efforts in the Philippines

As you know, Typhoon Haiyan, one of the worst Phillipine typhoons on record, has taken a huge toll on the Philippines and if you were wondering how you can help, UNICEF Australia is engaging in a massive relief effort.

UNICEF estimates about 2.8 million preschool and school-aged children are homeless and, in the hardest hit area, more than 3000 schools and 2400 day care centres are damaged or destroyed. Australian humanitarian worker Chris de Bono and his colleagues in the Philippines are exhausted, have slept little and are stretched thin by the desperate need.

UNICEF is working right now to reach 100,000 children under the age of five and 60,000 pregnant or nursing mothers displaced by Haiyan. Already, interruptions in maternal and child feeding routines like breastfeeding, combined with damage to water and sanitation systems have put younger children at serious risk of malnutrition.

Resources are stretched. Every dollar given will make an immediate difference. Your help to raise awareness, at this crucial, time will – I kid you not – be life-saving. Please head to UNICEF Australia to make a difference.

Image: UNICEF Australia

Bondville Charity Auction: Inspired by the Kip and Co Obus quilt

Yes, I'm obsessed with anything Kip & Co. - those three amazing ladies in Melbourne who have changed the face of the bedding market in Australia with their bold, fun designs that are flying off the shelves. And lucky for us, Kip & Co. have donated to the Bondville Charity Auction this stunning reversible Obus/Peach Matchstick queen size quilt cover, valued at $209!

I was inspired by the Obus quilt to pull together some of the other amazing donations from Australian designers that work beautifully together. There's a killer handmade macrame plant hanger from Ouch Flower and a stunning dress from Dragstar. I just have to have the crocheted lamp cord from My Very Own Eye Goggles. Or the pack of 30 washi tape rolls from Little Paper Lane! And do you recognise those gorgeous bird heads from Little Circus Design? They were featured (large size) on a bedroom wall on The Block. So, so many gorgeous things. With bidding starting at 99c, why not go for gold and get them all!

• Reversible Obus/Peach Matchstick queen size quilt cover from Kip & Co., RRP: $209.00
• Petal sleeve dress from Dragstar, RRP: $135.00
• Wood pineapple brooch from Each To Own, RRP: $35.00
• Large print - Birds of Australia from Inaluxe, RRP: $145
• Dip-dyed macrame plant hanger from Ouch Flower, RRP: $150.00
• Vintage tea cup candle from Just Like Martha, RRP: $25.00
• Teeny tiny rainbow garland from Poppies for Grace, RRP: $150.00
• 5 pack cards from Cards Delux, RRP: $25.00
• 4 x handcrafted chalk gift boxes from Chalk Chook, RRP: $31.80
• Lumier 1 knitted cord lamp from My Very Own Eye Goggles, RRP: $195.00
• 30 x washi tape rolls from Little Paper Lane, RRP: $149.50+
• Girt By Sea tea towel (2 available) from Yardage Design, RRP: $22.00
• 2 x A4 Bird Head prints by Madeleine Stamer from Little Circus Design, RRP: $110.00

All these gorgeous products (and many more) for Mum, Kids and Home have been donated by Australian designers and online stores. All proceeds will go to the Children's Cancer Institute Australia. Find all the auction items (now worth over $8,100!) on the Bondville Charity Auction page. Sign up to the Bondville monthly newsletter to be reminded on bidding day. If you would like to donate, please head to the submissions page. Bidding starts at 99c. Only 1 day until bidding starts!

Images: Steph Bond-Hutkin | Bondville