Years ago I was lucky enough to work on a planting plan for an incredible architecturally designed home in Lane Cove, NSW. I worked with the two stylish clients to create a garden of interesting textures and forms, that the keen gardeners planted themselves. It's one thing to design a garden, and another entirely to have the opportunity to watch it grow.
I'm a design fanatic, and am always trying to make the spaces around me more beautiful. Some may not understand why I feel the need to be constantly redecorating, or why I get secretly excited when a plant dies which allows me to plant another! For me, a beautiful visual is like a delicious food!
Once I have created a new beautiful space, I feel like I have made a new beautiful space within myself.
Not only that, creating things is just good for the soul.
Here just a little snap of my favourite part of my space right now.
I have had the most incredible weekend exploring our beautiful Parramatta River thanks to winning a glamping adventure on Cockatoo Island! Our Living River is an initiative with the awesome endeavour of making the Parramatta River swimmable by 2025. I was lucky enough to win their competition, and took my best friend and her daughter on a big river adventure!
We jumped on the river cat at Parramatta wharf and enjoyed a beautiful day on the water before arriving at Cockatoo Island. Our tent was only metres from the water and had everything we needed for a relaxing stay. The sunset and views were incredible.
Next we explored the Biennale of Sydney on the island, and we were completely blown away. You could easily spend a whole day immersing yourself in it all.
I'd like to say thank you to Our Living River for such a great experience. It will never be forgotten by any of us.
It has been the most amazing year at my Ecocentric Pop Up stall at Three Ropes Espresso. Parramatta City Council is making over the city and the laneway cafe has just closed.
The exciting news is that the amazing guys of the Circa group will be having me at their super cool cafe Smith on Batman Walk, Parramatta!
I was so happy to have Matt Carroll, better known as Hortiman visit my pop-up stall at Three Ropes in Parramatta! I love being at my stall and speaking to people from all walks to life, but a visit from the one of the leaders in the horticulture industry was really special.
For anyone who hasn't visited my stall, I am at Three Ropes Espresso cafe from 7am-2pm every Friday.
Anyone who love plants, gardening, and horticulture in general, please follow Hortiman on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram!
The inspiring home of Diane and Mischka, featuring the artwork of Charly Wrencher
Last week I visited the beautiful home of my friend Diane and her cat Mischka for the first time. I first met Diane at the Rozelle Markets in Sydney, where she bought the chain of hearts Kokedama hanger, and later found out that she had begun making her own Kokedama! I was so impressed simply had to see the home of this creative woman.
The moment I walked in to her Balmain apartment, I could not stop smiling. Every wall and corner was decorated with the most incredibly beautiful and eclectic pieces, which together built a perfectly warm and whimsical style.
I am actually kicking myself for not taking a photo with Diane in it, as the style of her home is reflected in her fashion style! I'd explain it as fun, bohemian, and feminine.
Arwork by Charly Wrencher
The kokedama are displayed on plates and bowls, and bring a real quirkiness and softness to the spaces.
Diane has collected art pieces from around the world. One of her favourite artists (and friend) Charly Wrencher, is based on the North Coast of NSW, and is responsible for many artworks in Diane's home, including the gorgeous large scale landscape in the living area. His works bring a beautiful texture, and sense of nature to the spaces, and helps to tell the story of Diane's life.
Thank you Diane for showing me your home. It has inspired me greatly!
Pop-Up stall at Three Ropes Espresso Parramatta, Sydney.
I can't tell people enough how much I love where I live and I now have even more of a reason to! I applied through the Activate Parramatta program to have a weekly pop-up stall working in conjunction with the Pattamatta cafe's : Circa, Three Ropes, and Smith. The cafe owners and Parramatta Council have been so supportive of Ecocentric, and I really feel like this latest venture will get the Ecocentric name out there.
I will be at Three Ropes Espresso ( laneway off Darcy St) every Friday with my new pop-up stall and lots of goodies. Come along and say 'hi' (and have some of the most incredible coffee of your life!)
The Ecocentric domain name has changed! For years I've been wanting a better ( a lot less long and without letters doubled up) domain name, however they were always parked and unable for me to purchase. I happened to be speaking to a friend who told me know to search for the current owner's details and I sent them an email, not necessarily expecting a response.
I got the most incredible email from the owner of Shift To Nature who was more than happy to sell ecocentric.com.au to me!
Today I launch my my new domain, so please save www.ecocentric.com.au in your bookmarks! The old address with also work... but who really wants to type that many letters!
To my excitement, Ecocentric has been going from strength to strength. However as things have changed, I've felt like my logo didn't reflect my product as it should. Recently I worked with the incredibly talented Alicia Ball of Little Bunny Graphics to try and find a way of representing everything that Ecocentric represents. I am absolutely in love with the outcome.
Using colours taken from some of my pieces, she constructed an unrecognisable geometric shape, with facets of contrasting colours and textures. To me it symbolises the handmade, unique, fun style of what has become the Ecocentric brand! Yay!
Rozelle Markets was so much fun on the 9th of February. It may have only been Ecocentric's 2nd ever market but it is starting to feel pretty natural!
Thanks to everyone who came along, especially to my dear friend Aimee who was my Ecocentric assistant for the day!
Some of the products included: kokedama hangers, handmade concrete planters of all shapes, hebel planters and candles, ceramic hangers, moss necklaces, succulent picture frames, and succulent hearts!
Feel free to contact me about any of these items as I make to order!
