Keeping up with Keep Cups

Congratulations Abigail and Jamie Forsyth, sibling team and creators of the wonderful, revolutionary, reusable, dishwasher safe, BPA free and colourful Keep Cups. I only just realised when I saw them featured in a US design magazine last month, that they've only just hit international soil. I've been using and loving my Keep Cup for a couple of years now. The thing I love about it most is that unlike the old-fashioned thermal outdoor mugs which keep your beverage scolding and shockingly hot, these ingenious polypropylene little guys keep your coffee warm the same way a ceramic mug might. If you're reading this and you haven't thought of that perfect mother's day gift yet, I'm telling you... this is the thing!!

ERD Communications

Don't know if this is quite the platform to be promoting other design studios, but these guys are awesome and they're in Melbourne anyway, so I'm doing it.

I attended the DIA Masterclass seminar day recently, following an invitation from my lovely friend and lecturer at Enmore Take, Jacqueline Hill. Didn't get to be there for the whole day, but received some pearls of wisdom from the very clever and creative Rosanna Di Rossi, Creative Director of ERD. She shared about a series of bill posters (shown) they did to get attention one week in Melbourne when they were pitching for a big job. She talked about how important it is for designers to actually read the copy they are laying out – sounds like an obvious one, but sometimes we do skim and miss some of the important stuff. I was really inspired by the depth of concept they showed in their publications, and I'm looking forward to exploring new opportunities this year with our clients where we can try some new ideas. My aim is to be making work which raises eyebrows and makes people say 'oh that's SO clever!'.

Chai Tea Packaging

I visited Newtown's Fijian grocery store the other day. I'm not exactly sure what food one eats in Fiji, but this place has proven to stock a lot of international foods I've struggled to find elsewhere. I spotted these charming little chai tea boxes on their cluttered shelves, aren't they sweet!

Kitchen by Mike

Upon Kass's recommendation recently I ventured out to Rosebery to see for myself the visual spectacle that is Kitchen By Mike. I'd like to say I happened upon this wondrous design showroom slash cafe, but in all honesty I had to hunt it down. This amazing little eatery accompanies the Koskela showroom and was opened earlier this year by former Rockpool chef Michael McEnearney. The open plan kitchen means visitors can watch as food is prepared – a handy distraction as the line to be served is a tad slow. Meals are served by portions, ie one would order a $3.50 serving of coleslaw to compliment the $7.50 serving of pork belly. Don't bother planning your meal choice before you go, though; the menu changes daily according to what fresh produce can be sourced. Although, if you're keen I believe that their Facebook page is updated regularly with what food can be found.

The Catcher in the Rye

The Catcher in the Rye tells the story of Holden Caulfield, a teenage slacker who has perfected the art of underachievement. During the last days before his expulsion, he searches for an appropriate way to conclude his school experience, but he ends up getting so annoyed with his school and schoolmates that he leaves in the middle of the night on the next train home to New York City.

We read this book because we all knew it was a classic, but weren't familiar with the story. We had mixed feelings reading it as the language is really very colloquial and the plot doesn't seem to make much ground, but interestingly after we met and talked about it we all felt that this book still has a lot to offer its readers over 60 years after it was written.

There are some unusual approaches to this novel, and one is that the protagonist isn't necessarily our favourite character. It's written in first person, and after just a few pages, we that Holden Caulfield is actually a negative, bratty teen whom we probably wouldn't have much patience for if we were to meet him. We do learn to like him though, as we learn about his unlucky and unhappy life circumstances, and see that he is a good young man with a kind heart and a love for his family. Not a page-turner, but not a hard read either... if that makes sense!!

Pinteresting!

Who out there isn't completely in love with and addicted to the latest online image pinning craze: Pinterest?! It's so easy to collect, organise and share inspiration, and on such a lovely, friendly platform. Check out Claire's Pinterest collection here, or Chantel's here. Stay tuned for the rest of the Boheemian's accounts!

How International Design Awards

Another feather in the cap – Hurrah! One Tree Coffee Co. branding continues to show its popularity with its 'Miscellaneous Merit' award in the How International Design Awards.

Get Sidetracked

When I saw the street number on this dear spot in Bowral was my lucky 37, I had a feeling there would be treats in store... and I was right. Sidetracked is the kookier, more industrial sister to main street's Three Wise Monkeys – and whilst their website gives a nice little sneak peak to their wonderfully curated collection of books, gifts and vintage goodies... Sydney-siders really must make the trip to this very pretty part of the world to see these wonders first hand.

A Little Pixel with a lovely aesthetic

I'm not totally sure of what we're looking at here to be completely honest, but I like it. I think this guy has re-constructed some classic album covers and presented them as a treated set. I think the merit needs to go to the designers of these original beauties, but I'll enjoy this collection for what it is all the same. See more at Little Pixel's Flickr link.

Katie Daisy, were you destined to draw pretty flowers and make prints about drinking in the sunshine with a name like that? Or did you brand yourself with that name, so that everything you live and breathe is colour, pattern and all things delightful?

Poster preview

Currently finalising a handful or poster designs for the Boheem Shop. Here's a sneak preview of what's to come. Do we like?!

Breakfast with Ita

Here at Boheem we like a bit of Girl Power.

Bright and early this morning Ann and I and an army of 1000+ women gathered to hear stories, thoughts and inspirations from Ita Buttrose. We were invited along by Paula Parsons from Bright Wealth - a new client of ours (herself an inspiring business woman!)

Ita spoke about her experience being an ambitious, working mother in the publishing industry during the 1970's. She has a passion for women's culture and issues which continue to face women in the workforce. She spoke of the importance of empowering women to think differently about themselves and their roles in Australian society.

Ita was eloquent, down-to-earth and definitely inspiring. The advice I took away from this morning was - 'Tough times never last, but tough people always do.'

Sweeping Beauty

This is so beautiful, I just had to share it. Calligraffiti artist, Niels Shoe Meulman, takes to the street with a mere broom, bucket of water and pure talent. Looove it!

Roads & Maritime Services

Perhaps one of our proudest achievements to date (hard to say really, it's hard to compare highlights!) is that we have been selected to be on the design panel for the Roads & Maritime Services – previously RTA NSW – for a five year appointment. We're really looking forward to working with the team at RMS, we feel sure that there'll be wonderful challenges ahead. I want to do a little dance – to the tune of 'We got Annie'...

Amy and Dave's wedding invitations

Last weekend I was a privileged guest at the most beautiful wedding. I thought I'd share the invitations with you, which I designed for my dear friends Amy and Dave. Next up I'm planning a poster range featuring this hand-drawn type. Keep an eye out at the Boheem shop – they'll be launching in just a month or two.