The coffee table book has been reimagined with Corner Block Studio’s unique new product, The Harness. Created by designer and engineer duo Natalie Lane and Leith Morriss, this unconventional ‘frame’ turns your books, magazines and records into artworks. Clever, huh?
“People have a strong connection with their book and record collection.” said co-founder Natalie Lane. “The Harness gets them out of storage and onto your walls.”
Our books and music say so much about who we are, and The Harness brings those collections into the open. Whether you want to display your all time favourite album or your novel of the month, The Harness’ adjustable and durable design accommodates anything from a wide hardback to a thin, single sleeve LP.
With a focus on sustainable materials, The Harness is made using sustainable cotton thread and vegan plant leather. It is an evolution from their existing range of art frames, which are handcrafted from sustainable Australian timbers.
Corner Block Studio are launching The Harness via crowdfunding platform Kickstarter today. By backing the Kickstarter, you could be one of the first people to own The Harness, as well as benefiting from early bird prices starting at $19.
Hoping to be the next Etsy or Hardtofind, new online store Next Door Artisan have two simple goals: to help makers share their work with as many people as possible, and to empower their customers to buy from local economies and communities.
Founded by Brisbane-based Canadian entrepreneur, Colleen Canivet, she hand selects every product after meeting or chatting with the designer. “The greatest part of this journey has been getting to know the creative people behind the products,” says Colleen “It’s amazing to meet such passionate, intelligent and inspiring individuals”.
Not restricting the products she sells, but rather supporting a wide range of artists, makers and creatives, what Colleen values is individuals who learn new skills, and use these skills to take raw materials and turn them into something new. “In the world of 3D printers, the term ‘handmade’ no longer encompasses creative makers, which is why we don’t restrict ourselves to selling ‘handmade’ items. Rather we take the time to get to know each of our artists, their materials and their processes, and ensure that each supplier has a true passion for what they do.”
Selling a mix of homewares, accessories, outdoor decor and stationery, Next Door Artisan ships Australia wide for free.
The Wallabuy team: Dale, Kristin, Rani, Niki, Jess and Golan (not pictured)
Trawling Instagram and Pinterest and calling it work seems to good too be true, but for the team at online marketplace Wallabuy, it’s all in a day’s work.
“We source our designers from all over the place,” says editor Niki Comparti. “We’re constantly keeping an eye out at markets, trade shows, on Instagram, Pinterest, blogs, publications and Etsy. We’ll regularly search for things we’d love to have in our own homes or wardrobes and find artisans making exactly that locally and approach them from there. I rarely come home from any kind of market without a few business cards in my handbag.”
Having launched a couple of months ago, Wallabuy aims to connect its customers to beautiful, locally made designs and already has over 100 Australian designers on the site. Believing Australia has an incredibly unique creative community that doesn’t get enough attention, they’re passionate about supporting local talent.
“The creative souls making amazing ceramics and paintings in tin sheds out the back of their homes are the people we love and want to support,” explains Niki. “If we can help someone turn their hobby into a career like we have, we’ve served our purpose.”
The Wallabuy team: Dale, Kristin, Rani, Niki, Jess and Golan (not pictured)
Led by director Dale Brett, Wallabuy is a small team of design fanatics and self-confessed suckers for a great story. “I love hearing how our designers come up with their products, what inspires them and how they have come to do what they are doing,” says Niki. “We handpick every item and designer that appears on Wallabuy. If we don’t have some kind of connection with the products or the stories of the people who make them, we can’t genuinely recommend and share them with our community.”
With their exceptionally designed website and quirky name (they wanted to have something iconic to Australia but with a twist: wallaby became Wallabuy, get it!?) they hope Wallabuy will become a number one destination for supporting local artists and designers while simultaneously helping customers find the products they want but can’t find.
“We built Wallabuy from scratch for people like us – creative, inspiration-thirsty individuals who love to learn and look after themselves,” says Niki. “We’re really trying to build a community where ideas are shared and loved; a place to turn to find the most unique products, inspirational designers and passionate people within the industry.”
KitchenAid have just released their Artisan Food Chopper, a one touch, two-speed power machine that chops and purees in one nifty unit. What it sacrifices in size (which makes it something you could actually leave out on the bench top) this small and mighty addition to the iconic KitchenAid family makes up for in design and performance.
The razor sharp, serrated edge, stainless steel blade quickly processes small amounts of meat, fresh or cooked fruits and vegetables, and nuts and herbs – and will stay sharp for years to come. The reverse spiral design pulls food down into the blade for uniform chopping. It also minimises the need to scrape the sides of the bowl.
