How adorable are these paper animal kits by Mibo from Lark? Like totally adorable!

Printed on 100% recycled 200gsm card, these make-at-home animal kits from British design company Mibo make great gifts for kids and kidults alike. All you need to get started is some scissors, a ruler and glue. Each animal only takes 5 to 10 min to make (except if you’re like me… I took 20 min due to a small gluing accident…) and they are perfect for beginner crafters (again… like me…).

Love the gawjus Christmas Creatures (how cute is Rudolph!), the Wild Bunch (hello cheeky monkey!) and the serious cool of the Wise Guys owls. Loves it!

These are great gift ideas - all under $20! You can check out the entire range of Mibo on the Lark website at www.larkmade.com.au/designer/mibo.html

- 360˚ Focus (www.360focus.com.au)

OK, so it’s not for the home, but it is design and it is gorgeous and we are kind of in love with feathers, so it has to be shared!

Check out the range of handmade feathered hair clips in the Frankie Says range - based on old world charm with new world glamour, Frankie Says scouts for vintage embellishments and beautiful buttons, charms, chain and jewels to make each feathered clip completely unique.

Yes, you can wear them to the races or fancy ball or when the mood calls for something OTT and fabulous. But really, who needs an excuse to add some new flavour to an outfit … think of the fabulous Carrie Bradshaw and pop one in your hair for a stroll down any street! Frankie Says is stocked at In Annie’s Pocket, shop 5/7 Lawson Street (Pier Arcade) in Byron Bay, where you will discover a treasure trove of handmade clothing and fashion by local and Australian designers.

The full Frankie Says range of feathers, head dresses and handmade jewellery/accessories is part of a regular stall at every Byron Bay markets. Contact designer Natalie Jean by email at frankiesaysdesign@gmail.com.

Custom orders are welcome and popular. She also has an online store that is a work in progress and is in the process of being updated with all new, fresh designs - www.frankiesays.etsy.com.

- Guest Blogger Natalie Bannister

Mathilda’s Market has shaped up as THE place in Brisbane to find the hippest, most divine baby and kids clothes, toys, accessories and homewares – all either handmade (mainly by local designers and crafters from Brisbane), or from a limited production run.

Held on average every few months, Mathilda’s Market brings together some really exciting creatives and like minded shoppers in a community atmosphere.

For more information on up coming market dates, check out www.mathildasmarket.com.au.
Mathilda’s Market can be found at the Brisbane Racing Club, Eagle Farm (Markets to be held in the St Leger Stand and The Tote) at 230 Lancaster Road, Ascot.

- Guest Blogger Natalie Bannister

Funky Fabrix www.funkyfabrix.com.au boast Australia’s largest range of contemporary retro fabric, and they post to Australia and worldwide daily. Although I interpret “contemporary retro” as a complete oxymoron, after browsing Funky Fabrix vast collection of textile goodies it is quite clear that the products they offer are impressive because of their vintage aesthetic, but have been fabricated (pun intended) by creative ideas that are ahead of their time. I’m especially loving the divine French Provincial florals by Annette Tatum’s www.annettetatum.com “House Fall” range for Free Spirit Fabrics.

Funky Fabrix also have an envious range of patterns and books available online. The range starts at bag/tote patterns, clothing patterns, quilt patterns, home dec patterns, and the end isn’t anywhere in sight. The One Red Robin www.oneredrobin.com patterns are absolutely  charming, and will bring to life soft toys and dolls that any child will love to bits. Thank you Funky Fabrix, I can now add recovering my Singer sewing machine from the chaos in my mother’s basement to my never ending to do list.

Keep an eye out on the Funky Fabrix blog: www.funkyfabrixonline.blogspot.com, or follow them on Twitter: www.twitter.com/FunkyFabrix, as some excellent competitions might just pop up! Or if you live close by in the real world visit them at: Shop 5/40 Blackwood Street, Mitchelton QLD 4051.

- QH guest blogger Michaela Tam