…is a gorgeous public piano project in Sydney right now until February 2. Created by British artist Luke Jerram, his idea is “to challenge pre-conceived notions of city living and enhance our sense of community by providing free access to pianos all over the city”. There are 30 pianos dotted around the city including one at Centennial Park, Circular Quay, QVB and The Opera House (click here to see all the locations).

I did not know about this until I left Sydney the other day. Of course I’m bummed about it as if I had have seen a piano I would have sat down immediately, I can rarely contain myself when I see a piano in a room or space, and I am usually not satisfied until I sit down to play at least one song. So, I don’t know where these pianos were hiding when I was there because French Boy and I were regularly at these locations! Anyway, perhaps one of you would play one for me this weekend? It would make a great Julia Cameron-style artist date don’t you think?

So dear Luke, can you please bring your piano project to Amsterdam this year? I could take lots of great photographs for you. And I would love you long time.

image from street pianos, sydney.

The other day I received a rather gorgeous email wishing me a happy new year. It came from Parisian artist, Hélène Manche. Hélène’s work is whimsical and so much fun – I’m completely in love with her mobiles and gorgeous textile installations, and could happily play in her world all day. Click on PLAY above to get a glimpse of how clever this French lass is… what a wonderful way to ring in the new year! Be sure to check out Hélène’s work on her website and blog, it’s full of fabulousness.

xx

PS I will be showing you more of Hélène’s work this year and will even take you for a private little peek into her Paris studio. Didn’t I tell you this year in the (blog)house was going to be full of the good stuff?!

I made a note of this in my calender to tell/remind my Sydney readers about it – not only is the brochure (seen above) just gorgeous, but I have no doubt the market will be too – just check out the finders keepers website to see what wonderful stalls you can expect. It’s the perfect time to go and get some cool gifts for Christmas!

In my rush to get out to my spontaneous thanksgiving meal last night I forgot to post one of my proudest discoveries for holiday gift ideas: for him…

These limited edition handmade bandannas come from a recent exhibition called bootlegger, curated by Melbourne based artist Niels ‘Nails’ Oeltjen. Selected artists were invited to express their ideas in the form of an original drawing, painting, or print, and the images created were then printed onto fabric and made into bandannas, which were shown and sold at the exhibition. You can read more about the exhibition here. And best of all, you can purchase the bandannas right here! They are AU$66, with editions limited strictly to 20 per design. I think this is just one of the most fabulous boy gifts ever, don’t you?

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Bandanna findings with much thanks to Australian Edge.

PS oh the kids, I’ve forgotten the kids! no i have not, i would never! but as it turns out i’ve had a very full day and i need a rest. so i’ve decided to post my holiday gift ideas: for kids this weekend instead. See you then!

gingko, oil on canvas by karen appleton

Thank you to Diane at inspiration by design for the introduction to Karen’s work. And alas, I did not win Diane’s painting ! But Diane might paint some of the dresses that were posted which I think is a great idea, I do hope she paints mine.