carol schiff

You and I both know that the more time we spend online, the more talented people and beautiful things we find. One such person is Carol Schiff, who paints every day from her studio in Florida. Carol's work is gentle and beautiful, and every piece is an original on canvas. I would love to own White Cup on Pink:

Pineapple Half:

And Home Grown Tomatoes:

Photos: Carol Schiff

the crafter's guide to taking great photos

I'm so excited to announce a special project that I've been working on since late last year: my first book! It's called 'The Crafter's Guide To Taking Great Photos' and it will be released near to the end of this year (it's available now for preorder, see links below). The book is designed for crafters who take their own product photographs and who want to improve those photographs without blowing the budget. Crafters are guided through camera basics and how a photograph is made, along with tips and techniques for how to use photographs to best tell their brand story. Best of all, it's jargon-free. In the coming weeks and months, I plan on sharing some more about the book, as well as featuring some of the amazing contributors that I've worked with, and some other fab things. For now though, it gives me great pleasure to finally be able share the covers with you: US Edition

UK Edition

Image credits, clockwise from top left:
US Cover: Slide Sideways
UK Cover: Pigeon Toe Ceramics / Lisa Warninger photographer, Michelle Chang, Heather Moore, Karma Tank  (The covers may change, but if they do I'll let you know!)

for you and you and you

Three months. That's how far behind I am with my little photograph giveaway. To make up for June and July, this month I'm sending out three small prints to the first three readers who email me (who haven't won before). It doesn't matter where you live; postage to anywhere is included. It's a tribute to London: choose from Quietly (4x5" two copies available) or Forty Kegs (5x6.25").

 Photo: Heidi Adnum

love stories

Do you read the Modern Love essays submitted to The New York Times? They're a great read; some are hilarious or inspiring, others are heart-wrenching, and almost all are thought-provoking. If you need something to brighten your day, spend some time at the How Did You Meet? video stories. Aww, sweet!

Image: The New York Times

able and game

Melbourne-based card makers Able and Game are just great. You've got to love their quirky illustrations and messages! Earlier in the year I grabbed a couple of their cards for my dad's birthday and Mother's Day.

Now, they even have a range of tea towels!    

Father's card, Mother's card, Tea Towel from Able and Game.

living australian

This lovely photograph by Jackie Hewett is one of the winners of the Living Australian competition. The winning images are now available to purchase as postage stamps at Australia Post.

Photo: Jackie Hewett