Here are images of some of the goodies that I purchased at the Florence Broadhurst book signing.

The evening was great despite the steamy humidity, and the author of the book, Helen O’Neill seemed so nice and genuine that I ended up buying a book to be signed; even though I had planned not to. I think my newest obsession is going to be collecting clever and inspiring quotes from authors at book signings.

The Signature Prints shop was filled to the brim with gorgeous fabrics and products. (Not a healthy environment for my bank account) So I had to restrain myself and be content just to dig through the discounted fabric off cuts. I managed to pick up a beautiful collection of Florence Broadhurst fabrics in summery gelati colours….mmmm …and at a fraction of the price. Delicious!

Some images from the night…..

Helen O’Neill reading a excerpt from her book (don’t you just love her gorgeous skirt and shoes!).

Doesn’t the lemon yellow and black display just look so fresh.

Beautiul thow cushion display…Note the baskets of goodness in the foreground.

Anyone for a cute paperweight?

Well not really….

But Signature Prints the agent for Florence Broadhurst is launching a concept store in Brisbane!!!!

Florence Broadhurst, who is another designer on my list of favourite print artists, is most remembered for her wallpaper and fabric print designs.

“Brisbane has been chosen for the first concept store because of the long legacy between Florence Broadhurst and Queensland. Florence Broadhurst’s spectacular designs were hugely popular in Brisbane in the 1960’s and 1970’s and since their revival by David and Helen Lennie, Broadhurst’s iconic prints have regained their former appeal.
The store will give Signature Prints a chance to research the Brisbane market and will give Brisbane residents a limited time opportunity to view the Florence Broadhurst collections as a whole. Visitors to the store will also be able to preview new collections that are to be released in 2009 and discuss customizing options with staff.”

The Signature Prints concept store is only in Brisbane for a month, but is a not to be missed opportunity to see her work . It is great that Brisbane is embracing design and looking very positive for future concept stores and designer presentations.

Images courtesy of Signature Prints

NEWS FLASH!

FLORENCE BROADHURST - HER SECRET AND EXTRAORDINARY LIVES

BOOK SIGNING

RSVP ESSENTIAL

I have RSVP ‘d for the 7pm session, So I will see you there!

I was lucky enough last week to be able to travel to Sydney, to attend the “Meet Amy Butler” event sponsored by Living Creatively. For those who don’t know, Amy Butler is a creative designer responsible for her own range of beautiful fabrics, sewing patterns, books, and more recently dinnerware and eco products.

All of which can be viewed here on her website.

Amy is one of my favourite fabric designers; the small amounts I have stashed away of her collections are so pretty that it is almost impossible to bring myself to cut them to use on projects.

On the night we were greeted with champagne and canapés and then led into an auditorium which was decorated beautifully with Amy Butler products.

The next hour and a half was a visual feast of images of Amy’s work and inspirations, supported by an in-depth commentary by the woman herself.

Amy is a keen horticulturalist with a luscious garden, and as such a lot of her work is inspired by flora.

Another of her interests is photography, which she shares with her husband David who is involved a lot with her work, from photographing products to setting up tradeshow booths. It was great to hear about her humble beginnings, the journey of building her company and the staff support group she has now.

I would have to say that after meeting Amy and listening to her design process I am an even bigger fan! Not only is she a great designer, but also a very warm and down to earth person. Despite the long line up to get books and other items signed, she spent time chatting to each and every person…even helping me pick up the contents of my camera bag as it spilled all over the floor at her feet (yes, very embarrassing! ).

Don’t you just love blurry candid photos.

Amy Butler and me.

Keep an eye out for Amy’s new line of eco bedding to be released soon!

You know when you really really want something to the point where you have abstract dreams about it?

Well that is how I felt about wanting to win one of these absolutely droolworthy packages from Décor 8. (Decor8 is a blog about gorgeous design things that I read religiously every day)

Unfortunately it was not to be, and given my poor luck with winning things lately I was wondering when the dry-spell would end.

Then out of the blue, I get a phone call … I had won the major prize for the Saturday in design competition!!!

http://www.saturdayindesign.com.au/major-prize-draw

I had completely forgotten about entering

(S.I.D was only 1 week away and I had already booked my flights and accommodation)

So instead, courtesy of indesign group, my work colleague and I received a very nice hotel upgrade….from our fleabag motel, to the best room at the Adelphi Hotel, Melbourne.

www.adelphi.com.au

Can you say BOOYA!

Thank you Kylie Turner and In Design!!

Anyway, below are some images taken inside the suite.

The Adelphi was designed by internationally renowned Architects Denton Corker Marshall and opened in 1992.

Awards -

• 1993 - RAIA National President’s Award for the Adelphi Hotel, Melbourne, Victoria.
• 1993 - RAIA Victorian Chapter Merit Award (Interiors) for the Adelphi Hotel, Melbourne, Victoria.

Given these awards, and the fact it is a part of the “hip hotel” fraternity, I was a little disappointed with the design overall. I guess as a designer my expectations are already set at a high level and all the hype surrounding the hotel wasn’t helping.

There were a few elements that were noteworthy….the cute stainless steel corner bar, the absolutely huge bathroom with meters of wall mirror (a girl’s best friend) and a cute and very handy clock that projected the time onto the ceiling; but the cold sparseness of the rooms and the fact that the furniture was showing signs of wear and tear didn’t really appeal to me.

From the perspective of a hotel guest the service was good. We were treated to breakfast both days which was made from orgainc produce and quite yummy, and they were more than happy to open up the pool deck for my crazy friend who decided that she wasn’t going to leave Melbourne without swimming in the Adelphi’s notorious cantilever swimming pool…even though it was about 6ºC and the middle of winter.

Glass Bottom Pool

CHEERS FROM MELBOURNE!!

While I am busy compiling a round up of Melbourne Saturday Indesign, I thought i would do a quick post about some awesome product design.

Bomba Energy Drink was one of many liquid refreshments on offer at last years Brisbane INDESIGN festivities and in its gorgeous grenade shaped glass bottle, I couldn’t help but take a few home with me.

Welcome to Designerlicious!!

This is my design blog showcasing Australian design and anything else i find inspiring or feel the sudden urge to write about.

Im always on the lookout for new products from all aspects of design (interior, graphic, 3D, fashion ect) so feel free to drop me a line if you think you have something i might be interested in.

I hope you like my new layout, though please bear with me as some of the kinks in the site are ironed out.

*A big thankyou to Rhiannon for all her help so far ;)*

Enjoy

Abbey