Wolf and Willow - Designing a Super Natural Life

Childhood Memories: Dot and the Kangaroo

I'm so delighted to share this special little post for Australia Day... does anyone remember this beautiful book, Dot and the Kangaroo, by Ethel Charlotte Pedley? Published in 1899, it tells the story of a little girl lost in the Australian bush and finds her way home with the help of a friendly kangaroo.

"Your eyes just now remind me of two fringed violets, with the morning dew on them, or after a shower," said the kangaroo "Why are you crying?"

"I was thinking," said Dot.

"Oh, don't think," said the kangaroo; "I never do myself."

Colour Me Gorgeous: Saeko in Wonderland

I've been lucky enough to be working in watercolour these past few days, and whilst looking for inspiration, stumbled across these wonderful portraits by Saeko Tagaki. I was instantly drawn to her playful style and brilliant jewel-like colours. I just love the way she uses drops of resin to create little gems on the canvas surface. Saeko's work is often shown in her home city, Tokyo, but from time to time she has popped up in exhibitions in New York and even Melbourne. I hope she comes back soon!

Handmade Love: Adopt a Wolf

Hello sweet readers! Today, I'm excited to announce that W&W is saving towards adopting a wolf through Defenders of Wildlife. These beautiful people are working to end aerial wolf killing in Alaska and are fighting for the federal protection of wolves in Yellowstone and the Greater Rockies. As of January 1, a small percentage of all purchases from Wolf and Willow's Etsy shop and market stall will go towards adopting a wolf. 

I quite fancy that the little illustration above is me and my wolf! Download it for free at Indie Fixx's Feed Your Soul or visit the very talented Julianna Swaney. I'm changing the world one handmade pixie button at a time...

 

Childhood Memories: Golden Books

One of the best things about holidays in Victoria are the amazing antique shops and flea markets! On the way to Port Fairy last weekend I found this gift-sized Golden Book of Nursery Rhymes and a little porcelain deer - imagine my delight! All of the rhymes are about puppies and kittens and it even features my darling Cavalier King Charles spaniel - it's simply adorable! I will be posting more of these gorgeous illustrations on flickr tonight. Enjoy!

Flea Market Finds: Pearl's Pin-Ups

I've just been reading up on a gorgeous illustrator named Pearl :) One of only a handful of female Pin-up artists, her lovely watercolours of girl-next-door beauties graced the pages of 1940s calendars such as Liberty Belles, Sweethearts of Sports and Glamour Round the Clock. Sweet, aren't they?

Peachy Patterns: Helen Dardik

Well hey there, Helen! I'm just loving the bright, fun colours and happy little characters in your patterns. Why it's a juicy mix of splashy colours, crazy shapes and playful toony motifs. It's simply too difficult to pick a favourite! Find more pattern happiness at One Lucky Helen.

Childhood Memories: Alice in Wonderland

I wanted to share with you this little gem I spotted in the window of Searchers vintage bookstore yesterday... I couldn't believe my luck! An illustrated copy of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. The best part is the inscription... "To Phillip, Christmas greetings and happy new year. Love from Auntie Gin and Kathleen, Christmas 1951". Adorable!

Flea Market Finds: Orange Soda Posters

A little vintage goodness to brighten your day! I love these posters for Nesbitt's Orange Soda from the early 1950s. Looks like pure sunshine in a bottle, doesn't it? The first one makes me wish I could have a white Christmas, just once... Oh, to be all snuggled up in my mittens drinking eggnog - so romantic! But I can bet it will be a touch more like the second picture... Australian summer!

Flickr Fun: Nancy Plays Nurse

I just had to share these adorable vintage children's book illustrations that my friend Sally discovered on Flickr today. Published in 1965, Nancy Plays Nurse, is a Rand McNally Elf book. I'm pretty sure Nancy is playing nurse on a ruby-coloured Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and along with her stuffed toy giraffe with the giant eyelashes, whom we will call "Gertie", these have to be some of the cutest illustrations I have ever seen! I'm in love!

Childhood Memories: Bush Fairytales

A little trip to the antique bookstore last week got me thinking about Pearl Pinkie and Sea Greenie. I remembered how much I loved fairy stories and rhymes when I was a little girl. I thought I'd post a couple of illustrations by my all-time favourite Australian children's book artist, Ida Rentoul Outhwaite. Thanks to her beautifully illustrated storybook Elves and Fairies, published way back in 1916, I still believe that fairies live in the Australian bush.

Peachy Patterns: Julia Rothman

I'm loving these gorgeous patterns by Julia Rothman. Her patterns seem to be popping up everywhere lately, on everything from stationery to bedlinen, and I can see why! She also has a great blog called Book by its Cover where she shares books from her own love list, including some beautiful children's books. You will end up with a whole bunch more in your wish list after reading it!

Etsy Love: Louche Lab

Dear Santa, please bring me a beautiful hand painted teacup from Louche Lab for Christmas, I've been ever so good this year! I've been admiring these gorgeous ceramics ever since I discovered Etsy. The translucent glazes of lavender and sunflower yellow are just gorgeous, as are the fresh and whimsical animal motifs such as zebras, birds and tree frogs. 

Designer and illustrator, Aya Rosen, says in her bio "it's nice to go back to all the crafts and project I used to make as a little girl and never thought I'll go back to as an adult". I couldn't agree more! Beautiful work, Aya, I really do hope Santa brings me something from your Brooklyn studio this year...

Etsy Love: Playland at the Beach

These adorable collages by Tammy Gilley really make me smile! I'm loving the whimsical illustrations, bold colours and beautiful vintage ticket stubs from magical-sounding places like Whitney's Playland at the Beach and the Folly Theatre. Created with watercolour, vintage papers and ephemera, she describes them as "shabby chic goodness for the your home!" Delightful!