Catching Up With Zoe Howard from Cushionopoly

With winter now officially done and dusted (with the exception of a few days here and there!) and the pretty blossoms of spring still popping up all over the place, its once again a good excuse to open the windows, move some furniture around and add some fresh fun colour to your home. 

Today in our catching up with series, Im excited to have Zoe Howard, founder and creator of one of Australia's up and coming interior homewares business, Cushionopoly.

Cushionopoly is an Australian owned business proudly located in Melbourne.  Zoe's designs are fresh, fun, affordable and becoming very popular (you may have seen some of her cushions in the Block Shop!) . I love the combination of a gorgeous classic linen fabric with a contemporary feel of the colour and pattern range.

So, without wasting any more of your precious time, here is lovely Zoe, sharing withus a bit about herself and her wonderful business.

1. A quick summary about you and why you started Cushionopoly.

I grew up in a beachside suburb in Perth, one of four kids – middle child. While studying for my journalism degree I worked at a newspaper in media sales which saw me fall into a career of advertising media sales instead. My passion for travel kicked in and saw me travel to London for a stint of work and play. My husband and I met while working at a magazine which was popular for travelling Australians and New Zealanders – TNT Magazine. After a bit more travel we ended up moving to Melbourne in 2005 and I moved into marketing. 

Three years ago after the birth of my son Gus, I was off on maternity leave for 12 months. Naturally being a first time mother I spent a great deal of time at home with much of it staring at all the improvements I wanted to make (ours was a renovators delight!). Unfortunately being on one wage for a year my budget was somewhat lacking. Being a homewares nut this did make me very frustrated and I looked to simple ways to make updates. So I started out trying to source cushion covers as this was the easiest, most affordable and environmentally friendly way to update what I already had. I looked high and low and just couldn’t find the style, colour or range I had in my head.  Everything was way too expensive or the quality wasn’t there. My mother-in-law is a keen crafter and she helped me re-establish my sewing skills and I started making my own.   When friends would come around to visit they would comment on the cushions and couldn’t believe that I had made them myself. A few friends put in custom orders!

So when Gus was about six months old I started to put a plan in place to build on this idea of creating handmade, beautiful and fun cushions but making them affordable too.

2. Describe your style.

I would say my style is vibrant and fun with clean and simple designs that catch the eye and bring a smile to the room.

3. An average day for you entails…

My day starts when Gus wakes up somewhere between 5am – 6am and then he gets into bed with me for a cuddle while I check out instagram J then it is dropping off Gus to daycare (he is in three days), going to the post office and sending off the previous days orders. I usually drop in and grab a takeaway coffee (sometimes a morning treat) from my favourite local café Pure Italian and then it is back to the studio and I begin to go through my emails and orders and get back to new stockists and plan any social media I might be putting up that day. Lunch is whatever is in the fridge and then usually wait around for couriers to pick up wholesale orders in the afternoon while ordering supplies, working on any new designs and sewing up cushions. Then back to pick up Gus and get dinner started.  

4. Favourite  designers you take inspiration from?
 I work in a very inspiring community of people from fellow designers, makers, crafters, bloggers and instagrammers. I take inspiration froma so many places and images its almost impossible not to these days.

5.The room you love most in your home?

 I love my kitchen! We have renovated our 1960s home over the past year and we went for almost seven weeks without a kitchen (those of you who have kids you might understand that being without a kitchen, especially a sink, is a special kind of hell). So when it was finally installed I have never been more in love with a space then my new kitchen. Close second is my living room which does get all new cushions on the couch probably every three months.

6. Tea or coffee?

Tea definitely! My mum is British so I grew up always starting the day with a cup of fresh brewed tea (no tea bags for my mum and dad!). I love love love Earl Grey tea strong with a dash of milk.

7. What do you love most about having your own business?

I love the idea and feeling of endless opportunity and a sense of freedom to my life. To be able to get out of your business the hard work I put in is so very rewarding.

8. Favourite country destination?

My favourite country destination is Tasmania. My in-laws are poppy and sheep farmers from Cressy just out of Launceston. I spend a lot of my holidays in Tasmania and even launched my first screen printed range The Dark Horse there at Agfest.

9. Favourite colour combinations at the moment?

Peach and mint! It feels so fresh and summery.

10. Three items you can't currently live without?

Family, iphone and chocolate. 

A very big thank you for Zoe popping by and sharing with us her wonderful business.
All images courtesy of Cushionopoly.

And if your having a spring cleaning moment and looking for a easy, affordable and cheerful room makeover, click over to Cushionopoly's online store and check out their gorgeous cushion's. 

You can also find them at the Finders Keepers Markets in Melbourne held tonight and tomorrow.

Details-
www.cushionopoly.com.au
Stay up to date by following on Instagram (@cushionopoly) and on Facebook.

Introducing……The Pink Paddock Store!

So, Im back again….this time with a glass of champagne in hand as I type.

Why, you may ask??? Well this afternoon I finally launched my new business- Pink Paddock Store.
Today has been filled with mixed emotions…stressed and anxious trying to get website finished, tired from a late night sorting and packaging cards, nervous about pressing that go LIVE button on site, and then extreme excitement as my first order came through only 20 minutes later! And not from a family member or friend either, I might add. Although I now consider Erin a good friend! Thank you Erin!!
Not long after a few more orders trickled through and I have to say its been overwhelming the support Ive had on the PPS Facebook page and Instagram feed. Thank you all so much x

But some info on Pink Paddock Store…..

Pink Paddock Store is a small boutique online stationery store, selling gift cards designed by me and printed by one of our local (and amazing) printers! Im proud to have a product that is made in rural Australia and supports local industry.

 Watermelon Card- Found here.

The current range is small and new designs will be added in the next few weeks. I also will have gift tags and (dare I say….) Christmas cards arriving soon too!
My aim is to beable to stock a good all round range that enables 'one stop' shopping and where you can browse through and find something that suits. I also want them to be colourful and fun! Afterall, receiving a card in the post always makes one smile!

Deer Friends are we…..found here.

 Thank you Boxed Set…found here.

The boxed sets are great value and will mean your stationery cupboard is stocked. I also love that they can be framed as well or just simply taped on the wall next to your computer for some fun and inspiration!

Give It A Try Card here…and A4 Print here…

Happy Spots postcard Pack…found here.

So, if you are a paper lover like me, and have a spare moment…I would love for you to pop over and visit my new store. There are some individual cards available, as well as postcards, box sets and some A4 Prints. Im also running a Promo until next Sunday the 19th October, 2014. All online purchases over $30 will receive a free A4 print (valued at $14.95). Conditions Apply- only valid for Australian postal addresses and the print is one pictured and is unframed.

Thank you Floral Wreath Card found here and box set here.

If you would like to stay up to date with any Pink Paddock Store news you can follow me on Facebook and Instagram.

And if you feel like some online shopping this weekend I would love you to stop by!!!

My afternoon at Wallingford's Flower School!

With the smell of spring so close now, I thought I would share some photos taken from my friend Lisa's, lovely flower workshops held a few weeks ago.

Lisa is a local florist here in Echuca, which if you have been reading this blog, you will have possibly read a post or two (here and here) about her lovely business, Wallingford Flowers. In between the busy wedding seasons, Lisa is now running various flower workshops catering for anyone interested in learning the art of floral arranging (and many other fun flowery things too!!). As a qualified teacher in the field, teamed with her 26 years experience in the industry, Lisa is bursting with knowledge and ideas. Her classes are fun, creative and very colourful!

Sunday week ago a group of ladies came together out at Lisa's Old Dairy to learn a few tips from the expert herself about putting together pretty jam jar bouquets. A wonderful way to escape for a few hours and be surrounded in the sunlit dairy by gorgeous fresh anemones, ranunculus, hyacinths, jonquils plus many other pickings from Lisa's garden.

Over champagne and nibblies, much chatter, laughter and lots of lovely flowers to play with, Lisa guided us through the basics of caring for cut flowers and then some simple techniques for putting together posies to scatter around your home.

Such a fun afternoon, meeting some new friends and going home with our creations feeling very motivated to ensure that I keep our house decked out with some pretty bouquets scattered around the house using what flowers and foliage I can find from the garden. Such a nice alternative use for the zillion jam jars I have sitting in my pantry too!!!

For more information on the Wallingford Flower School, head over to Wallingford Flowers Facebook page, 'like' and stay up to date on upcoming workshops.
You can also follow on Instagram (@wallingfordflowers), visit the website or contact Lisa on 0414 709376.

Catching Up With Lisa O'Connell from Wallingford Flowers, Echuca

Its been a month or so since our last "Catching up with" series, but todays guest is a real treat for anyone who loves flowers. And let's face it- who doesn't? 

Introducing the lovely Lisa O'Connell from Wallingford Flowers, Echuca. You may remember Lisa from a recent post I did sharing some photos of her amazing garden studio where she operates her business from.

Lisa is a very talented florist who is well known in the area for her amazing ability to transform any function room into a gorgeous flower show that will leave you gasping! With 26 years experience up her creative sleeve, Lisa specialises mainly in weddings. She is also a very keen gardener and although most of her flowers she buys in, her garden does provide her with a good supply of David Austen roses, seasonal flowers and lots of lavender which grows in abundance along with the many rose bushes up Lisa's front driveway. 

Lisa is incredibly passionate about her flower business and creating a personalised and unique floral arrangements for each of her clients. A background in teaching floristry has led her to also run workshops from her dairy studio which is another way Lisa can expel some more of her creativity and special talents.

So, without wasting any more time, below is a rather large handful of questions for Lisa and a chance for you to get to know her better. If you are considering "tying the knot" in the Echuca/Moama area or a party that requires some flower love, I would highly recommend getting in contact with Lisa too!

As an extra treat to add to Lisa's interview, if you scroll right down to the bottom of this post you will find a music clip I am really enjoying at the moment (let's say it gets played quite a bit in our house!!). The kids love the video (watch it and you will know why!). Press play and listen to it whilst reading about Lisa and checking out all these stunning images- which I might add have been taken by two very talented local photographers- Tamara Cadd Photography & Cindy Power Photography.

1. Describe your style?

Friends and family often laugh at the fact I am a bit of a chameleon.  One day I may be in designer heels and frocks, full hair and make-up, the next day hanging out in the dust/mud of the paddocks in my work pants with built in knee pads, and work boots.  My work with flowers is similar- I make things for others, so I try to see what their style, or vision is and make it happen for them. So I get to create many varied things-  although in all honesty I tend to attract customers that like similar things to me, so it's really quite easy!

2. What you love most about your job?

I love when people trust me enough to say, do whatever you think will work. When they say, I want something people haven’t seen before - as quite often I will be decorating a venue half the people have been to many times.  I will spend countless hours thinking of ideas and concepts, quite often drawing ideas and sketches at 3am- a strangely productive time for me!

Also unpacking flowers is a sheer joy, especially when you know an order has materialized, sometimes many hours of planning and ordering go into a function.  You never really know for sure until the beautiful fresh blooms are in front of you.

3. Favourite flower?

Gardenia ( I was given 5 boxes to make my bouquet as a wedding present by Carolyn whom I did my apprenticeship under ). My favourite bouquet I ever made. I finished it at 2 am the night before our wedding.

4. Three things you can't live without at the moment?

Family, garden, tea.

5. Favourite scent?

Tuberose.

6. Where do you seek inspiration and ideas from?

I follow many overseas designers. Also many brides come to me with great ideas - I just need to make them!

7. What do you love most about living in the Echuca area?

Most definitely the people, or maybe the restaurants - Ok both!

8. Most loved colour combination at the moment?

Pale blue, any pale blue flower melts my heart. 

9. Your morning ritual is…..

Again with the chameleon, some days I am at a spin class at 6am followed by a productive morning organizing family, cleaning house, to be in the garden by 10am.

(Until recently several people in my gym class, thought I was two different people - I look different with no make-up and my red curly hair in a tight bun apparently).

 If I have a wedding and the weather is hot I will start a 4 or 5am in the dairy, to make everything as fresh as possible, or alternatively I have been know to wait till last service in Oscar W’s 10.30 pm to set up for a wedding the next day, leaving when the staff knock off at 1am, then return at 8am to finish.   I will then start at 8am on Sundays to take everything out, so they are ready for lunch service.

Some days I like to not get out of bed until I have had at least 2 cups of tea!

10. Are you an early riser or night owl??

Again both, depends on what I need to do that week,  I feel very lucky to self indulge and work all night if I am in the mood.  Or not!

(note: work sometimes involves pinterest!!!)

11. Favourite season and why?

That is really hard for me, as I have favourite parts to them all. 

Autumn – Autumn leaves, cooler nights, best weather in Echuca for weddings, best planting time, bulbs start.  Nerines, and roses in the garden at the same time

Winter – Winter hellebores, ranunculus, lily of the valley, forget-me-not, anemones, stock oh and another favourite daphne.  Brides should get married in winter for the fragrance alone!!

Spring – Peony need I say more? ok sweet pea.

Summer- The succulents come into their own, roses show why they are to be revered, and respected.

Just press play, sit back (or bop along) and enjoy these stunning photos of Lisa's work…..xx
Music- In Your Arms by Kina Grannis



Special Thanks to Tamara Cadd Photography and Cindy Power Photography for sharing their beautiful images. 

Details-
Wallingford Flowers-"Wallingford", 9179 Murray Valley Highway, Echuca, Victoria, 3564
www.wallingfordflowers.com.au
Phone Lisa on 0414 709376
Or follow on Facebook ,Instagram and Pinterest

Tamara Cadd Photography- www.tamaracaddphotography.com.au

Cindy Power Photography- www.cindypowerphotography.blogspot.com.au

The Bendigo Trove Makers' Markets- on this Sunday!

Im not sure about you- but I love a good market! Strolling around at my own pace, getting caught up in the music playing, coffee in hand, and pastry or a bacon and egg muffin in the other, and just poking my face here and there as I try and see what clever bits and pieces local folk have made. I always come home feeling quite inspired and also with a few extra bags and a much lighter wallet!

Well, a treat for anyone who lives in Bendigo or surrounding areas, is the gorgeous Trove Makers' Markets, which are on this Sunday 20th July, between 10am-2pm in central Bendigo.

These markets are held every 3rd Sunday of the month and hosts just over 40 stalls. A wonderful community event which is guarenteed to provide the family a lovely day out and a chance to find some unique handmade arts and crafts and discover some new foodie treats too.

Below is a sample of business's that will be attending this weekend.

Image source from Trove Makers' Markets website

I have to say Im very excited about The Itty Bitty Book Van attending which is bound to be incredibly popular with the kids and as a parent, a really fun activity to do with them. Kerri's funfilled and beautifully adorned caravan is filled with lots of great children's books and if you can't make it to the markets, I would highly recommend checking out her website and blog, which is filled with good book reviews- quite handy for any parent looking for the perfect book to give as a gift!

So, if you around or looking for a fun family activity this Sunday, be sure to bead to the Trove Makers' Markets. With lots to see and do you wont be disappointed. And if you cant make Sunday, perhaps lock in the date for next month!

For more information- 

Check out the website- www.trovebendigo.com.au

Held on every 3rd Sunday of each month

Between 10am-2pm

at The Good Loaf Sourdough Bakery- 404 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo

Follow on Facebook and Instagram and keep up to date with upcoming news and events!

Enjoy- and let me know if you go!

This little piggy went to…… Bundarra Berkshires

Just down the road from my favourite egg farmers, a few kilometres east of Barham (Southern NSW) you will find another wonderful farming business- Bundarra Berkshires. 

Owned and run by Lauren and Lachy Mathers, 'Bundarra Berkshires' is a 100 acre free range, pig farm. The Mather's breed Berkshire pigs which are reknown for producing very flavoursome and tender meat. The pigs roam free and graze on natural pastures. Happy pigs make for delicious meat!

Despite Bundarra Berkshires being an hours drive away from where I live, it was still a good opportunity to call in to visit their farm, meet Lauren and buy fresh meat that was literally cut up in front of me. Lauren is a self taught butcher who is an absolute whizz in their farmstead butchery. The great thing about visiting is that you really get a better understanding of where your produce comes from and the hardwork and dedication that this family puts into raising their animals and supplying us, the consumer, with a top quality product. It was lovely watching Lauren's two small daughters race around on their bikes outside whilst we chatted about pigs, farming and food.

Lauren and Lachy are very much involved in the local farming community and Lauren in particular is involved with quite a few food groups. They are a part of The Backroads Trail and Red Gum Food Group, which both do a great  job in promoting the food producers of the area. Their farm is proof of their iniative, passion and hardwork in building up a hobby in to a successful business and a wonderful 'one stop farm shop'. 

Through a recent crowdfunding event they managed to raise about $18,000 which will be used to build a commercial kitchen and a dry curing chamber along side their butchery,  enabling them to make all their own small goods on farm.

They also run a few Workshops on sausage making, butchering a whole hog and also how to cure and smoke your meat in the traditional way. On the 21st of this month they will be hosting Hogfest which is a winter weekend workshop where you will learn how to butcher a whole pig and make all sorts of delicious small good pieces. Includes a long lunch and optional to stay on for dinner and camping. Check out the website for more details….Sounds like a fun weekend for any foodie or wannabe home butcher!

For more details on where and how you can purchase some Bundarra Berkshires pork please see their   website.

And if you live or are visiting Melbourne and don't feel like cooking but rather prefer dining out, you can still experience Bundarra Berkshires Pork at Movida Aqui, Movida Original, Bar Nacional, Pope Joan, The Majority-Brunswick. Locally you will find Bundarra Berkshires Pork at the Long paddock Food Store, Koondrook.

I have to say, my visit to Bundarra Berkshires was so much nicer than the usual visit to the supermarket…..now it's time to cook up my pork goodies! xx

Bundarra Berkshires

929 East Barham Road, Barham, NSW

Ph. 03 54532392 or 0458 532333

www.bundarraberkshires.com.au

Follow on Facebook or Twitter

Members of the Redgum Food Group and The Backroads Trail

Recently nominated for the 2014 ABC Delicious Produce Awards (well done guys!!!)