tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64553707221441852322012-02-04T23:03:27.891+11:00Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.comBlogger281100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-58672375031374033232008-02-12T12:00:00.000+11:002008-02-17T23:08:15.715+11:00

Based in the Australian Capital Territory, and drawing inspiration from the ancient art of applying colour and decoration to stone, the creative team at Bison produce handmade, durable ceramics. Bison's range are oven, microwave and dishwasher safe and come in a most delicious palette of colours. We were the lucky recipients of a set of 'penguins' in the shades of 'gun metal' and 'green tea'

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-48808630217833068392008-02-10T09:00:00.000+11:002008-02-12T16:13:47.504+11:00

We had a quick wander around the Rose St Markets yesterday morning after having a sort of breakfast/brunch at the Vegie Bar. As we circled the little stalls of handmade goods it was Rebound Books that caught our eye. Melbournians Ben Mason and Natalie Crupi have coupled their love of old books and creative writing to found Rebound. They rescue the best looking hard cover novels from dusty shelves

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-9345116333604993952008-02-08T09:00:00.004+11:002008-02-14T00:21:12.170+11:00

Leo and I are aren't particularly big on the commercial hoo-ha of V. Day. We do however like an excuse to get a bit smoochy and remind each other how awesome the other one is. So, we've gathered up a few handmade bits and pieces to express your feelings to a loved one, anytime.Kiln fired, pure white porcelain clay gift-cards and bowls, $18.00 (set of 6)/$16.00 US, from Etsy seller Paloma's

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-2616008400130079082008-02-04T12:00:00.002+11:002008-02-15T14:40:32.432+11:00

Lately we've been admiring these lovely products by Australian brand, MOZI. Sisters Camilla & Olivia Tipler started the brand from their parents' garage, drawing inspiration from their beloved childhood pets including Peter Rabbit, Max the Giant Poodle and Pepper the blackbird.  Also heavily influenced by their faraway travels and love for all things exotic, MOZI's designs are a fusion of colour,

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-4104539201826571902008-02-01T12:00:00.000+11:002008-02-11T12:47:57.079+11:00

The last few weeks here at Magic Bean seem to have been centered around our tuition sector. Leon has had the pleasure of helping out several lovely people with their technological needs and has received a ton of positive feedback (he really is very good, though I may be somewhat biased). If you reside in Melbourne and have any questions, issues or concerns in the realm of Mac or creative software

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-31514145588557792202008-01-30T12:00:00.001+11:002008-02-15T14:25:29.114+11:00

It's been a great first month here on Magic Bean and we're very much looking forward to the next. February will be jam packed with goodies including an 'In Season' feature for late summer, loads of 'Must Do' events and more 'To Market.We'll have some new features including a tutorial and our 'To the Grocer' and 'Eat Out' columns focusing on some hotspots around Melbourne. We'll be sharing a whole

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-37723749687498074902008-01-26T12:00:00.000+11:002008-01-23T19:30:54.912+11:00

With a career spanning over 45 years, world renowned ceramist Gwyn Hanssen Pigott's work looks as fresh today as it did when she first created it. Born in Ballarat in 1935, she studied for her Bachelor of Arts at The University of Melbourne during the 50s.Hanssen Pigott concentrates on the subject of the functional vessel, investigating its subtleties and nuances. Exploring the format of the

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-24878230171490422972008-01-25T12:00:00.000+11:002008-01-25T20:26:47.115+11:00

February 7th brings the dawn of the Year of the Rat. To celebrate, we've put together a gift guide of handmade items from various Etsy sellers around the globe.Fine silver fortune cookie pendant, $20.55 US, from Etsy seller MelissaMoleskin journal with gocco printed ancient Feng Shui Compass, $19.00 US, from Etsy seller Bamboo Village PressSterling silver, brass and freshwater pearl, Three

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-32089807080709880672008-01-24T19:05:00.000+11:002008-01-24T11:45:08.887+11:00

For the designer in your life; these Pantone mugs are a must for any creative. Made from bone china, they come in a variety of swatches. Leo and I were the lucky recipients of two in 186C (red) just recently. They are popping up at gallery shops everywhere or you can order them online here.

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-89176722835896772722008-01-23T12:00:00.000+11:002008-01-23T18:51:11.119+11:00

Italian artist and fashion designer Kris keeps this great idea of a blog/sketchbook to inspire and evoke all who visit it. Kris' Color Stripes draws single swatches out of everyday life. Lovely.

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-75999334167504294912008-01-22T12:00:00.001+11:002008-01-23T17:21:15.087+11:00

I love the soft, textural shapes in the work of Esty seller and Holland based artist, Reya.The hand-felted poppies are available in her store now and the beautiful hand-felted pebbles can be custom made by contacting her.

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-50900546852297905962008-01-19T12:00:00.000+11:002008-01-30T13:18:54.953+11:00

We had the good fortune of stumbling across a range of vintage buttons at an antique store in the hills recently. The turquoise ones have this sort of 'coiled rope' texture which I love. I also found these two amazing books on the bookshelf at Savers while I was waiting for Leo to finish scavenging tailored shorts from the vast racks. The fact that the outside of the pages are tinted to match the

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-33314624218068875052008-01-18T09:00:00.000+11:002008-01-23T18:47:55.482+11:00

Ideal for a mid summer lunch, this refreshing soba salad draws on the principles of Japanese flavour with sweet, salty and sour accents. Alongside the moreish texture of buckwheat noodles, beware of becoming addicted!Ingredients250g soba noodles5tb japanese soy sauce1tb sesame oil2tb rice wine vinegar2tb honey1 spring onion, finely sliced4tb black sesame seedsjuice of 1 orange100g tofu puffs,

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-21832493802688938672008-01-15T12:00:00.000+11:002008-01-23T13:53:12.023+11:00

I have a serious weakness for creative 'how-to' books. They call out to my, 'I don't need to buy that designer dress when I'm sure I could make it myself for a tenth of the price' side. Better (or worse) still, they appeal to my, 'I don't need to enrol in that creative course when I can learn everything from a book' side. Truth be told, none of us can ever possibly make everything we want to and

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-71205081485778699152008-01-12T12:00:00.000+11:002008-01-23T19:09:31.206+11:00

These delightful pieces by Brooklyn based ceramist Lorena Barrezueta have well and truly made the rounds on the web receiving widespread recognition but I couldn't help mention them here as well. Lorena's playful collection, modeled on the humble disposable foil tin, aims at questioning society's view on quality, value and high-end design. A culturally rich upbringing, combined with a prestigious

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-8291032111045035702008-01-11T13:00:00.000+11:002008-01-21T16:37:30.942+11:00

I love so many things about vintage sewing patterns, the wonderful illustrations, indicative of another place and time, and the way you can tell which decade they are from by the way the female figure is drawn (square shouldered and masculine in the 40s, curvy and sensual in the 50s). I love the the rich colours, the confident blocks of typography, the amazing diversity in the cuts of the

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-88326295971911875712008-01-09T13:56:00.000+11:002008-01-21T16:36:08.307+11:00

The market of the longest reigning British monarch has had Melbournians ritualistically making the pilgrimage to peruse and gather goods for over 125 years, and for good reason. This market offers diversity, a darn good atmosphere and price tags to suit even students especially for fresh produce with the many stalls competing.I lie, staring at the cracks of blue light peeping through the timber

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-54836363392715222242008-01-08T12:00:00.000+11:002008-01-22T20:33:57.715+11:00

Alabama based creative team, Night Owl Paper Goods have a gorgeous range of eco-friendly greeting cards available through their website. Their range features cute forest characters, folk-art inspired patterns with an overall modern aesthetic. We love the pieces that are letter-pressed straight onto wafer thin, sustainably harvested yellow birch card.

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-74581674831742534682008-01-06T12:00:00.000+11:002008-01-22T15:42:56.764+11:00

Each month in addition to our 'Must do in Melbourne' post, we'll feature a few 'must do' events from around the globe.Lower Hutt, NEW ZEALANDZeitgeist Becomes FormGerman Fashion Photography 1945-1995THE NEW DOWSEOctober 6, 2007 to February 3, 2008Images: Gaby van Cleef, Evening Dress by Gehringer & Glupp, Berlin 1951 & Winter Fashion for Bessie Becker, Zugspitze 1952 by Hubs (Hubertus)

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-53152421673579891382008-01-05T13:00:00.000+11:002008-01-23T21:16:49.732+11:00

Melbourne seems to perpetually have festivals and events running and sometimes, especially for overseas or interstate visitors, it's hard to keep up. That's why on about the 5th of each month we're going to let you in on some of the must do's around Melbourne town.We're going to kick off with a 'must do' that is by no means a well kept secret but a great night out that everyone should experience

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-80157118925716687942008-01-05T12:30:00.000+11:002008-01-23T21:28:34.594+11:00

January is quiet for Melbourne's smaller exhibition spaces, most of them close over the holidays and re-open in February but that doesn't mean you'll be short of exhibits to see. Head the NGV International and view the great permanent collection (thanks to the Felton bequest, as my gorgeous sister-in-law pointed out the last time she was in Melbourne). There are always amazing temporary

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-70818008225802269622008-01-05T12:00:00.001+11:002008-01-23T21:19:16.674+11:00

Rhythm of AfricaWerribee Open Range ZooEvery Saturday and Sunday at dusk.5 January to 9 March, 2008Experience soulful African beats on a balmy Summer’s eve performed by traditional and contemporary African artists.More information here.

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-56105910589184564722008-01-04T09:00:00.000+11:002008-01-21T14:35:04.132+11:00

Carved crayons on wood base, Installation view, 2005 by Diem ChauThese beautiful sculptures carved from crayons are by Vietnamese born artist, Diem Chau. I love the strong narrative inherent in these pieces, the use of colour and scale, and the adoption of the humble Crayola crayon, carefully crafted into these evocative figures. Diem Chau describes himself as an artist whose medium is stories.

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-67544668353500690582008-01-03T18:29:00.000+11:002008-01-21T15:07:11.590+11:00

Like the hearty, moist goodness of our old friend carrot cake, zucchini cake is at once light yet substantial, sweet but not too sweet and overall, scrumptious. I have adapted this recipe from one belonging to Nigella. We tend to like less sweetness than the decadent Nigella suggests though we always unanimously vote that her decision to fill the cake with home made lime curd is pure genius,

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-19311608634201573922008-01-03T16:26:00.000+11:002008-01-18T13:16:18.073+11:00

The yellow or green hued zucchini (or courgette) is actually a fruit, though is usually treated as a vegetable in a gastronomic sense. Botanically speaking, zucchini is the swollen ovary of the female zucchini flower and is picked for eating when the seeds are soft and immature. A key ingredient in the famous French dish Ratatouille, a mainstay in Japanese tempura and a firm favourite when

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-4554178247170917262008-01-02T16:58:00.000+11:002008-01-18T13:17:26.388+11:00

Buying produce in season holds benefits not only for ones taste-buds but also ones purse. Here on Magic Bean, we’re going to kick off the dawn of each month with a guide to seasonal produce.Take advantage of January, the most fruitful (and vegieful) time of year, with a plethora of tantilising colours, tastes and textures.This month, sink your teeth into these delectable gifts of nature:apricot,

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-14550519891290455002008-01-01T12:00:00.000+11:002008-01-21T14:10:19.853+11:00

Magic Bean is the creative partnership of Kathy Sinclair and Leon Calero, a dynamic duo who met on their first day of University (Bachelor of Design). Based in Melbourne, Australia, they have been taking on a diverse range of projects from various creative facets since 2005.As a multidisciplinary creative studio, Magic Bean offers a diverse range of products and services for businesses,

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6455370722144185232.post-47909081728068837382008-01-01T10:00:00.000+11:002008-01-21T14:16:26.611+11:00

Creativity through food, design, art, craft, life.Magic Bean is about planting the right seeds and nurturing them. Magic Bean is a daily blog that embodies the nurturance of one’s mind, body and soul. We are able to nurture these things only after having planted the right seeds, seeds that make for joie de vivre. For us these seeds are creativity through food, design, art and craft. They are

Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652031735701547093noreply@blogger.com0