Saturday, October 6, 2012

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Designer Spotlight: Rose Cumming

Recently, I was contacted by the wonderful people at Rizzoli New York to do a review of this book
Of course, I jumped at the chance having a huge admiration for Rose and her work.
Not only is Rose Cumming a name well known in the design circles, but she was one of the most influential
designers of her time...and still to this day influences designers and creatives all around the world....and Rose was originally from Sydney. Ah, an Aussie talent to boot!

The book details Roses' beginnings from a strong willed and independent young Lady that set about to move to Paris and get Married, but ended up alone and in New York where she fast became one of the favourites about town. Her first store on the upper East side was filled with looming windows and a place to be able to get decorating services as well as the pieces to do it...and she was also the first to keep the store lights on at night. Something that most decorating stores do now.


This book is magnificent and is filled with stunning images of Roses' work, including her early work and well known rooms, letters, images of her original hand block prints, sample boards, sketches and my favourite
 - a look book of sorts in the center of the book, filled with pictures of Roses' rooms, just like it would have been given to clients way back in the 1920's & 30's.
Rose loved everything Chinoiserie and chintz and against the grain added these to informal rooms.

Rose added colour to her chintz and used it in abundance.
Her most famous Chintz prints- "Delphinium" was filled with her signature colours- lilacs, mauves , grape and    
orchid and printed on black stripes on a taupe background.
The part that amazes me still is her design of metallic wallpaper that she added gorgeous designs of birds an flowers and amazing patterns.
Roses' interiors were anything but drab. She filled the space with colour, texture and form and her famous NY store lured the likes of celebrated personalities such as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Andy Warhol, Rudolf Nureyev, and Jacqueline Onassis and become one of the inventors and leaders in Interior Decorating....and we should thank Rose for that.
Not only was Rose a mover and shaker in decorating circles, but her personal style was also ahead of its time. She often sported purple hair, wore plunging necklines with cleavage on display and was very outspoken...what's not to love about this Woman? Rose would have fit right in in this time.
One thing is for certain, this book
will be taking pride of place with my other decorating books.
It makes for a wonderful read.
The book can be purchased here
Put this one on your must read list for sure!

The business is still family owned, and Roses' Great Niece, Sarah Cumming Cecil is now the President and Principal at Rose Cumming.






Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Join in for a Secret Santa - handmade style!

Well, well, what have we here?
A little 'secret Santa' handmade type thing!!
Registrations have just opened for ANYONE in 
Australia & New Zealand 
to participate in the 

The Give & Take is the brain child of Ange, who is the 
tell-it-how-it-is Mother/blogger from the delightful blog
Ange has made this whole Kris Kringle thing to inject money into the 
handmade community and I think it is a brilliant idea.
Here is a little more about how it works, straight from Ange. ...

a secret santa styled gift swap open to absolutely anyone (in Australia or New Zealand) but dedicated 100% to handmade!

THE OBJECTIVE ... To inject cash flow into the handmade community that would not have normally been spent.

THE RULES ...

1:  You MUST buy your 'Give' from a handmade designer based in either NZ or Australia
2:  You MUST spend at least $50 (in your local currency) including trackable postage
3:  You MUST ensure your gift is delivered to your 'Taker' before December 14, 2012 
4:  If you are a handmade designer yourself you are welcome to include some of your own wares (in fact I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity to do so) but your spend MUST be with another designer.
5:  Open to New Zealand and Australian residents ONLY.

WHAT NOW ....

See the image below ... click on it ... print it off ... think about it ... research the likes of MadeItFelt and NZ Handmade and get excited about what amazing gifts you could be given ... email me your responses BEFORE midnight September 14, 2012.



Remember that your three most coveted items are ONLY a guide so that your Giver has an idea of your tastes.  With that info and your style description they will then scour the handmade community to match a gift to the same.  They MAY buy a product you have suggested.  They also MAY NOT ... all part of the fun of receiving a gift from someone you don't know.

If you have any questions you are welcome to join the facebook group ... Yes Dear's Give & Take ... 
A place for 'Givers' to discreetly find out details about 'Takers' and for 'Takers' to offer up hints of their handmade loves to their 'Givers'. Currently this is an open group but as of September 14 it will be restricted to registered Givers ONLY.  Throughout the three months there are going to be secret giveaways available to this group only.

Thank you to everyone who is taking part .... I am so excited about this initiative ... not to mention all of the giveaways that will be taking place ... 

Right! On that note I need a tall G & T of the liquid variety ... feel free to join me.

Angela xxx

Ange is so funny! 
If you would like to register, please head on over to The Lady That Blogs (aka Ange)
and sign up to get lots of handmade loveliness in your mailbox.
Marley & Lockyer and I will be there with Christmas bells on!!!
Ness xx


Saturday, September 1, 2012

Creatively Made Home


As you know, making a home a beautiful place to be is a passion
for me. Each day, I go about arranging and re-arranging, finding new pieces and
making new things to make our Old Lady 'home'.

These amazing Women above, have joined together to share their expertise and experiences
in decorating and styling to develop the wonderful e-course,
When I was recently asked by the lovely Tracey, who you will all know from the gorgeous blog
to be a part of this e-course, I jumped at the chance!
Each of these Women have a wonderful sense of style...here is a peek and a little more about

* Each week you will have amazing truthful videos from not only the five teachers but other creative women.
* Each week we will take a room from one of YOU and all five women will give their suggestions telling you how they would transform the room with their style.
* There will be 50+ project videos.


* There will be written tips from each woman telling you how she starts a room, picks paint, fabrics, etc.  You will learn where to start when putting your own home together.
* Tons of beautiful house photos from each of the five women.
* Videos that truly reflect what life is like in each of their homes.  The stuff that life is really about. 


* Each woman will share their own truthful journey about how they started making their home a reflection of their hearts.
* Each person registered will get an easy entertaining e-book to download.
It will contain go to recipes for beautiful and easy entertaining (they do go together), photos of table settings that take the stress out of having people over, favorite drinks and so much more (and their funniest entertaining story). 


* There will be a private Facebook group to connect with other class members.
* There will be a once a week live discussion with one of the teachers!
* You will get printables and pdfs to keep and use again and again. 
The course is open to anyone, world-wide who wants to find out how to make a beautiful home.

This five week online course is hosted by 5 friends who want to help you to define your decorating style so that it is a true reflection of your heart. 


For more information on the e-course and to sign up
head on over to any of the lovely Ladies blogs, or visit 
I am really looking forward to it!!
Ness xx

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Spring sprucing.....

Realising that it has been nearly a week since I last blogged, made me think of where this week has gone!
After a successful Niche Market where the new Bright's range went extremely well, I came home and fell in a heap.....a heap of fabric and clay dust!
My studio looked like a bomb hit it,
so I took a day off from Marley & Lockyer to get it sorted.
I have still to hang my drawing of the Renaissance Woman (above), but the room is clean!
Today I walked in there and felt like I was in control again
having everything in it's right spot sets me up for a productive day.
Are you like that?

I did manage to squeeze in some shopping and found these cannisters at Target
which were $19.00 reduced to $3.83
....I bought 3!
as well as a lovely chunky wicker basket for $9, which is the perfect size
for our magazine stash in the living room.
The Spring cleaning bug seems to have hit and I am filling the house with
flowers, like these Irises....

...and this cute Sweet William
which is on my office desk.
It is a little reminder that Spring will soon be here
-along with loads more cleaning, and our Family holiday
eeek! can't wait!!!!
Have you started the cleaning thing yet?

all images taken by me

Thursday, August 23, 2012

New 'Bright's' range....

Spring is upon us
and to celebrate, I have released the new
Bright's range from Marley & Lockyer.
All of the favourites in some bright, zesty colours.
Don't worry though, the whites and neutrals are still there too =0)

As well as the Bright's range, there is also the new 
Eye Chart Ampersand Brooch
in Myrtle wood.
This is already gearing up to be a best seller this season!

The Bright's range also includes a new selection of earrings.
New designs and textures
and can be worn when swimming/showering, so are
perfect for the Summer months ahead.

The new Hoop art is also moving fast
and these hoops come in various sizes from 24 inches down to 6 inches.
Each hoop is made with linen, vintage linen or decorator fabrics that
have been screen printed with
The boy on the right is one of my original pencil drawings on cotton.

If you happen to be in Launceston on Friday & Saturday,
you will be able to see the new Bright's range as well as the new Spring/Summer
range before it is released in store.
If you can't make Niche -All Wrapped Up,
then you will be able to see it all in the Store on Monday.
Have a wonderful weekend =0)


Sunday, August 19, 2012

Wrapping it up....

The days are getting longer here
and with that comes a renewed
energy and drive to create.

Which is just as well, as Christmas production is in full swing!


Lot's and lot's of tags are being made while I 
'stock up' before we head off on our much anticipated Family holiday
to warmer skies...and much warmer waters!
I am trying to get everything done before we leave,
otherwise I won't be able to relax
...and I need to have some down time with my Family.


but, in the meantime, I am gearing up for the two day design market
in Launceston-
It starts this Friday from 4-8pm then again on Saturday from 10am-3pm
and I can't wait.
I will be releasing the
Lot's of new pieces to show
....eek! =0))

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Tealights...

Days are getting warmer...and busier.
The workroom/studio (which I have yet to name, as I do) is a buzz
particularly with new Christmas stock and the Summer range.
Here are some of the new tealights I have been making.

They are wonderful at night time!
The full reveal is a month away and I have so much to show you!
Ness xx

Instagram @marleyandlockyer

Monday, August 13, 2012

Wander with your head in the clouds...

I have been doing anything but.
Right now the workroom is buzzing with orders,
new work, custom work and today...a little something extra for
the upcoming 2 day Design Market, 
These pure linen canvases will be coming with me to Niche and I 
have a few more designs as well.
It was nice to do something different today,
cleared some creative cobwebs.

Tomorrow, will be back to wrapping orders and making more stock for the store
Niche and stocking up on Christmas.
I really am looking forward to a little holiday =0)

Instagram -@marleyandlockyer


Friday, August 10, 2012

Letting the sunshine in....


Days here are starting to get longer,
and I am noticing more and more pockets of warming light through 
our "Old Lady".
They are hanging about for much longer.
My vintage Chaise has been moved, yet again, to up the hall way where it once was.
I love it here, seeing it as we walk in our door.

It is also that time where windows are about to be washed,
ready for the warming Spring sun.
The search is still on for some new curtains for these doors,
I may have found something though, but will wait to see them in the 
flesh before I decide to bring them home.
Do you ever see something you love and then see it in the flesh, and it is
not what you first thought?
That has happened a few times with fabric for this room.
Hopefully this one is THE one and I can get on with
letting the sunshine in.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Divine Wing...


Finally, I have finished this and can show you.
It is part of the Christmas 12 range and this
is the 
Divine Wing Plate
It is a ceramic serving piece and is loaded with approx. 32 feathers
which are individually laid into a wing shape.
I love these plates and will be using some for our Christmas serving this year.
The plate won't be loaded onto the Shop just yet
until I release the entire  Xmas '12 range,
but if you are interested in pre ordering, feel free to email
marleyandlockyer@gmail.com

Off to make more....

Friday, August 3, 2012

Spring Bug...

Ralph Lauren, Paris

Spring is just around the corner...I can feel it in my bones.
That means I get the cleaning bug
...and today I had it big time!
Threw out (ruthlessly I might add) 7 bags of 'stuff'
...and there is more going tomorrow.
Ah, Spring =0)
Have a wonderful weekend.
xx

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Winter warmth...

What a lovely weekend.
We achieved a lot actually, cars washed and vacuumed, lawns mowed and gardens tended to,
I even got to organise some vintage linen stacks ready for sewing this week.
I have loads of cushion covers to make, so having them sorted prior
gives me a huge head start.

The weather has been superb.
Winter sun was shining and the days have been mild...
I even got washing hung out and dried on the line!
We spent the days sipping coffee and eating home made biscuits, watching the Olympics with the boys.

but most of it was spent outside in the Winter sunshine.
I have even started some of my Spring cleaning, sorting out some of my office
...I know I am early, but I am hanging for Spring so much this year!

My oven has had a workout this weekend, baking lots of goodies.
...even Mic cooked up some divine stuffed mushrooms to 
accompany dinner!

but, all in all, it was a very fullfilling, relaxing weekend, photographing some stock for the shop
and getting the mountain of jobs done about the house.
I am am starting to feel like this illness has finally left me and I am
back on track to feeling half Human again.
...c'mon Spring!


Saturday, July 28, 2012

Life from the workroom...

The new workroom has been getting a workout!
Everything is on overtime right now while
I gear up for my next round of Design markets and particularly the 
in Launceston, which is a two day event that I always look forward to.
Christmas 2012 is well under way,
and this wing you see above is part of that range.
I can't wait to show you this, it is wonderful! 

The new display cards have arrived from the printer and I have been
doing the mammoth task of re-tagging all of my products
...but it is well worth it...I love them.
The back of the card you can see here in the white.
The script is just my own handwriting. I think this simplicity represents my work better
and is Marley & Lockyer's new logo.
What do you think?

Also, I have been adding some special new pieces to the store and have some more to add tomorrow.
This rocking chair necklace is my new favourite...it is about an inch tall and so cute!
...I nabbed one for myself.

Lots and lots of Inspire Series tags have been made up as these have been extremely
popular and are the ones that were shown in my Country Style feature in June.
It hasn't all been work though. We spent the day tending to our neglected Winter garden and achieved a lot before the rain comes back tomorrow. 
We also watched the Olympics with our little boys...it is their first time watching them!! 

...and there you have my life from the workroom this week...
Hope you are enjoying your weekend xx 

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Country Style Linens....

For those of you that may not know
have released a range of bed linens, which you can see here...
and they are divine.
Available from here.
Photography by Sharyn Carins, Styling by Indianna Foord

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Spring Windows...

Spring is just around the corner...5 weeks and 2 days actually
and always at this time of year, when I am feeling over Winter,
I seem to turn my attention to our windows.
Our Old Lady's eyes have been covered in rain/frost and blinds etc
and I can't wait to rip of the heaviness of Winter and herald in my Spring cleaning ritual.
The main item on my agenda will be our window coverings....

I have been thinking of London Blinds for our Kitchen windows like these here.
London Blinds don't have the matter-of-fact structure that Roman Blinds have.
In one of our first homes, I made ones like these for our main bedroom, and still, 14 years latter, 
they are still hanging in that window after many owners have taken possession of that house!
They are easy to make AND wash...I just love them.

These little cafe type curtains I have been thinking of for my new workspace.
I need something to filter the light once Spring has sprung as it is quite strong in this room and I don't want to loose the light completely.
I'm leaning more towards something breezy and white...as a filter, not a light changer.
Loving these breezy ones for our French doors, 
but, the side of the house that these are on gets the very hot Summer sun
and we need some reprieve from the harsh Australian sun.
So, now I am looking for something similar that looks floaty like these,
but has that heat filtering quality....any ideas?

I'm on a mission... that's for sure!

Monday, July 23, 2012

Production....

Christmas production has begun already...in full swing actually.
It seems to have come around really quickly this year.
Maybe with all of the events I have had on, renovations and the like, has made it go
faster than last year...or I'm getting old!

Either way, it is here and I am trying to buckle down and not get too distracted
...which is why I have been absent from the blog - I am sorry for that.

Also, there has been new pieces made, ready for the Spring collection which will be released very soon.
Here is one of the plates in it's unfinished, unglazed state.
I have had so many new ideas lately that me head and notebooks have been buzzing.

Apart from this, I have been struck down with the flu and while I was sick on the sofa took this shot for
Instagram for the Photo-A-Day-July...eyes. 
I seem to be on the mend now and have taken care of myself and spent lots of time drawing,
which is something I realised I madly missed.
...anyway, it is back to work now =0)

Hope you are all well xx

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Soulful Sunday...

Sunday's are soulful aren't they?
For us they are usually quiet days with not too much on.
These days are the only time I seem to get things done.
Today, it was glazing day.


As the weather has been very poor of late, 
we Lockyer's have been huddled up inside beside the fire.
Our little Boy, Declan has come down with a cold, so it has been a day
of movies, lots of snuggles and rest while the wind howled outside and the rain
hammered on the glass. Even though he is unwell, it was lovely to all be snuggled on the sofa,
under a blanket watching movies and being together.

The Old Lady, our home, has been a lovely warm cocoon for us this weekend and has been 
filled with the scent of menthol, Eucalyptus and Peppermint to help relieve stuffed noses.

I did get to finish some wrapping while the boys watched a movie with Mic and 
included on each package a little ceramic star. They are so sweet.
Not a lot was done, but a lot was achieved...quietly.

Sometimes we need days like this here,
just quiet soulful ones.
Hope you had a lovely weekend too.
(all these images are from my Instagram page.
 My username is marleyandlockyer if you happen to be on there, come and say hi)