Tutti Frutti

Do you remember when owls were everywhere you turned? And deer are still very popular, thanks to the Scandi look so many love. Recently I've noticed an abundance of watermelon accessories, and I must say, they are super cute.

watermelon lamp | watermelon felt rug | art print | nutcase helmet | watermelon pillow
pastel watermelon pillow | melon mania pillowcase | watermelon beanie

My Contact Voyaging Co. Paddle

You may remember a post I did earlier this year on the amazingly cool painted paddles from Contact Voyaging Co. Canadian artist, Alex Jowett, paints a range of simple but stunning patterns onto the paddles, which can be used in the traditional 'paddle' sense, or as a piece of art.

via

I couldn't be more excited to now have my very own Contact Voyaging Co. paddle hanging on our living room wall. It'll come as no surprise to most of you that I chose the Pink Cross, which I think looks pretty darn good with my Armadillo&Co Caravan rug.

You can buy your own paddle on Alex's Etsy site, as well as his awesome lights, cushions, and artwork.

Etsy Love

You all know by now how much I love homes that are filled with personality. I like to see unique pieces, quirky knick knacks, vintage and upcycled treasures. That's why I'm a massive Etsy fan. If you're prepared to invest a little time to explore you can find all of these things. 'Favourite' those shops that really excite you, and check back to see all their new products. 

You can buy a vintage rug from Turkey, an antique ornament from England, a crocheted ottoman from Spain, a beautiful set of handmade feathered arrows from America... the choices are endless. Here are a few of my current 'favourites...

party confetti from Knot & Bow | white & gold dot dish from Up In The Air Somewhere | vintage copper cup hanging planter from Hruskaa | geometric swizzle sticks from French Knot Studios | pink dipped wooden bowl from Wind and Willow Home

Lili Di Prima | Portrait Giveaway (Now Closed)

I'm going to start this week off with two of my favourite things - a giveaway, and Etsy. Actually, if I add art and loved ones, that makes four favourite things!

Lili Di Prima contacted me recently to let me know about her gorgeous and quirky custom portraits that she sells through her Etsy shop. Lili is a graphic designer living in Palermo, Italy with her son and boyfriend. She has combined her love of vector illustration and vintage family photos to create these beautiful unique portraits.

Whether it's the whole family, one special person, or a beloved pet, simply send her photos of whoever you want featured, and Lili will combine them into a special custom made portrait. You can see more examples of her work here.

Lili has very kindly offered a FREE portrait to one very lucky Cush & Nooks reader, anywhere in the world. Simply email me and tell me who you would choose to have in your portrait and I'll put you in the draw. A winner will be randomly selected at 4pm this Friday October 18th, New Zealand time. The winner will be announced on my Facebook page and I will contact them by email. What a fabulous prize, especially as Christmas approaches - Lili's portraits would make a wonderful gift. Good luck!

PS: after you've had a look at Lili's amazing work, and entered the competition, pop over to in-spire, a fantastic New Zealand site sharing the stories and journeys of designers, stylists, photographers & artists. I was chuffed that they asked me to take part. x

THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS TO VANESSA BROWN.

Pug Love

Have you noticed that pugs have become very popular these days?! You can't help but love these little guys - born with a face that only a mother could love ;) I love all dogs, but, to be honest, I am a big dog person. In saying that, if I was to choose a smaller dog, a pug would be top of the list. They just have such great character - cute but staunch!

Jessica Alba and George Clooney share my view on pugs

Who could resist Pixel the baby pug?

Our gorgeous Cush & Nooks pug cushion cover with black piping

Start your day with a smile when using this adorable pug egg cup

Another Cush & Nooks cushion cover in delicious chocolate moleskin

Get creative with Wasabi the Gregarious Pug knitting pattern

Last, but not least, our sumptuous red moleskin pug cushion cover

Etsy Christmas Love

I came across these cute wee wooden hand painted dolls on Etsy. As well as gorgeous wedding cake toppers that you can get custom made, there are some little Christmas dolls. I think they would look perfect at our place, now which ones should I choose...?

Mini Christmas Nativity

Joseph, Mary & Baby Jesus

The Tree Family

Etsy Favourite

It's my birthday today and I'm having such a lovely day, but extremely busy. So here's a quick post to share with you another of my favourite Etsy shops - Upstyle Design. I love their beautiful clutches and bags made using high-end designer fabric.

Gorgeous co-ordinating bridesmaids clutches

iPad Pouch

Kindle Keeper

Etsy Favourite

I'm not sure if I've ever told you how much I love Etsy! You can get lost in there for hours and find some amazing things from all over the world. I wanted to share with you some gorgeous retro prints that I have fallen for - I'm thinking of getting the first two, but maybe seeing if I can have the orange changed to magenta (more my colour). The artist is Jan Skacelik from Czech Republic - a graphic designer, photographer, music composer, and lover of vintage Scandinavian stuff. You can check out Jan's design blog here.