The Land Of Fig embroidered art and cards

Nicole Figueroa is the incredibly patient artist and crafter behind the The Land Of Fig brand. I spotted her hand-embroidered illustrations and greeting cards at The Finders Keepers market in Sydney this year (you may have noticed her gorgeous vibrant pom pom garland strands on her stall). Nicole's pieces made my heart stop - they are truly the work of an artisan. Here are a few examples of her at work...

Nicole's artwork is so beautifully executed - these are heirloom pieces made with love, enormous amounts of concentration and a steady hand. They are printed and stitched on Arches watercolour paper with DMC & Anchor embroidery floss. What a great gift for someone special. 

You can find The Land Of Fig greeting cards and original art at stockists around New South Wales and online.

Images: The Land Of Fig

Kristen Doran textiles and craft update

My latest obsession! This is an amazing iPad cover by Kristen Doran that my friend Lisa gave to me for my birthday last month (thank you Lisa!!!). They are not in Kristen's store yet, but you could make this yourself if you were feeling crafty with Kristen's Winter Nest Panel in fluoro orange on cream. This fabric would also make incredible cushions, and you just have to check out the amazing quilt that Kristen made for her son using this panel. Yardage coming soon too. I thought I would see what else Sydney-based Kristen has been up to recently...

Kristen makes emboidery easy with these stitch panels with pre-punched holes. Use your own embroidery floss and customise to suit your space. They come in wood veneer or red acrylic, and are available in the circle design or the geometric triangle design. Kristen always seems to know what in on-trend - the wood triangle stitch panel embroidered with fluro thread might just blow my mind.

 More embroidery - this time a cute kokeshi doll embroidery kit, including cream organic cotton/hemp fabric with doll outline and face pre-printed with instructions for you to create your own doll, or use as a feature panel for a girls' dress, cushion, quilt etc.

Kisten's new fang monsters craft panel was designed with help from her son Harry, and hand screen-printed here in Australia. The printed area is 36cm x 43cm and would make great cushions for a child's room, feature blocks for a quilt, library bag, etc. Available in three colourways.

While you are in crafting mode, pick up Kristen's cute bunny sewing pattern to use up your fabric scraps. The pattern includes photos, pattern pieces and instructions.

You can find all Kristen's products in the online store and fabrics at stockists around the world. If you're crafty, check out Kristen's sewing retreat in the Blue Mountains in June. Read more about Kristen Doran here on Bondville.

Images: all by Kristen Doran except top image of iPad cover by Steph Bond-Hutkin

Hip Products: Kia Hing Fay crochet and applique kits

I've been wanting to introduce you to the beautifully crafted, sweet creations of Kia Hing Fay for a long time now. The time has come as Brisbane-based Kia now has a gorgeous website where you can buy her products, and some loyal stockists where you can pick up her beautiful applique kits, crocheted rattles and limited edition pieces.

These applique kits are a no-brainer. Brilliant for new-comers to sewing or old hats, the kits include handprinted applique pieces, an embroidery hoop, needle and thread, and simple instruction booklet. All you need is some imagination and something to customise - some plain bed linen? a stained t-shirt? a laundry sack? a library bag? an eco-tote? a placemat? or even just a piece of fabric that you can frame for your little one's wall?

The too-cute crocheted soft rattles are made from australian merino wool, felt and hand embroidery. A perfect baby shower gift. and make sure you check out Kia's limited edition section where you will find a changing stock of precious goodies. Currently Kia is offering the sweetest embroidered digit dolls for tiny hands and pockets, each with its own little personality.

I hope you love Kia's artistry as much as I do. You can find Kia's products on the Kia Hing Fay website as well as at select stockists around Australia.

You can shop online for kids products from great stores in the Australian Online Kids and Baby Store Directory.

Images: Kia Hing Fay

Hip Products: Edward & Lily craft

Rebecca Cason from Edward & Lily is super-lovely and a great member of the Brisbane craft community (and Brown Owl prefect extraordinaire). She also creates lovely accessories for her Etsy tore. I'm grateful to Katy (who commented on Bondville last week) for the reminder on her website to check out Rebecca's new creations.

I'm totally taken with these two pouches. Rebecca has embroidered these kickin' boots and beanie onto linen, then made adorable pouches by hand. Perfect for business cards, credit carts, coins, lipstick, you name it.

Rebecca also creates hanging scented birds and sweet softies. Keep an eye on the Edward & Lily Etsy store for new creations.

Image: Edward & Lily