so good they named in twice

New York, New York, our first stop. We navigate our way at midnight into Manhattan on the subway and find our very cosy (real estate/new york terms) hotel. Heated room and happiness for some sleep.

This is the view from one of the windows, looking down on the what we soon find out is a fabulous Japanese restaurant.

We purchased the 'city saver' booklet (great savings) and see SO much amazing art, after strolling through Central Park and giggling when we see squirrels....so cute! 

Make some quick present purchases.....

See some more sights, caught the ferry out, named, 'Miss New York' to the BIG lady. Looked for the image we have in our mural, looking back up Manhattan.  We went up the Empire State building, which was a great way to see the city, long lines to get through the airport security, city saver tickets paid off here again!

Such great signage, neons and diners. Pretzels and bagels on just about every corner. Horns honking all through the night, yellow cabs and dunk-able donuts YAY we went to New York!

pennies, dimes and nickle

Well, the lack of posts are about to change as we share some super pictures from our fabulous trip to America. Right not we are waiting at LAX to fly on home. Not looking forward to the epic flight but excited for the Melbourne coffee! The bags are heavier than we left and we took loads of snaps.
From New York over to San Francisco a drive down the number 1, across to Las Vegas and into Los Angeles- all in a month. Be sure to stop by again and check out some fun pictures.

print, sew, stuff

We have been in full swing production of our 'Holly Daze' range, producing three new Limited Edition cushion ranges which are in store now, as well as some new bags we have printed, sewn and are now ready for you to fill with your goodies.

More screen printed cards for a 'Happy Birthday', shouting out a big 'Thank You' or perhaps if you're attending a few wedding's like us- well we have sorted out the 'Congratulations' for you!

Forget Knitting- Wear the Jewels!

If you caught 'The Age' magazine yesterday and saw the delicious spread of jewellery you might be wondering 'where oh where' you can get your hands on Lisa Kearns gorgeous bracelets, you've found us and them, we also stock knitting needle rings by Lisa too,  and have other local jewelers who re-use, re-make and re-house so if your rambling around East Brunswick and thinking about adding to the jewellery box at home or need a smart gift, be sure to drop by and have a look. 

For your viewing pleasure

For those who haven't made it by yet- this weekend will be your last chance to see work by Kyle de Kuijer and Eduardo de Luca. 

The response has been great so far, some happy people out there with styln' pictures already purchased! But there are still a few with no red dots waiting for their new owner to come by so mark it in your diaries people! 

Show closes Sunday 1st March!

influences from the 1950's

We warmly welcome a new, super cute label- 'Peta Pledger'. A Melbourne based delight, who is best known for creating made-to-measure garments for those who desire to adorn one offs, and "to inject some 50s breeziness and glamour to the everyday."

Well, we can offer you the start of this wholesome feeling with a gorgeous selection of vintage, lucite brooches,in the form of swallows, bow ties, little scotty dogs and sweet, sweethearts pins.

Pop by and start the glamour.

February exhibition

We at Five Boroughs are proud to inform you of our first of many to come... 'Artist showcase'

For the entire month of February we will be displaying a collection of illustrations by Kyle de Kuijer along with a sculptural piece by Eduardo De Luca.

Eduardo has created a rotating 1m high ferris wheel, while Kyle's work consists of fifteen artworks on paper, all mounted in recycled frames. 

Here is a sneak preview... so be sure to drop into the store to see them up close, and pick your favorite.

and then there were three

Don't expect to fill your shelves fast with these little beauties as you can only expect three per year. But the hard work is starting to pay off for the 'Chopped' crew with sharper photo shoots, quality colour and in this issue an account of the magazines very first Rod & Custom car show held in October last year.

Stories on early Australian hot rodders, including a feature on a '32 Ford Roadster. Coverage on the 60th annual Speedweek at Bonneville, a continuation on 'U.S.A & Australia from the vault' offering rare, fabulous snaps of a bygone era. You guessed it another pin up centre fold and even a DIY project for those desiring a skull shaped shifter.

We still have the first two issues on offer also but be sure to pop in soon as they have almost sold out now!

And to change the subject....

For those who have also been suffering in the nights like us...in a state of confusion in regards to what you need on your bed, how about a pure cotton, Melbourne made throw rug? In stunning colours, royal blue, golden yellow, lawn green, organic white, and a brilliant pink. They made a lovely rug on the end of the couch for those snuggy nights or just add a beautiful splash of colour. Perfect gift for an expecting friend perhaps...and not only Melbourne made but right here in Brunswick East! Love the local!

Hello, we are back from our well enjoyed summer break and have reopened the store as of today. (Tuesday 13th Jan) 

Back to our usual trading hours, so drop in to see what is new........

...special hours just for you....

First of all we are open Monday 22nd - Wednesday 25th 11am - 6 pm for all the super keen shoppers! So pop by, but for now....more for you to gaze lovingly at....

For the keen entertainer perhaps you could pick up (one of my favorite pressie suggestions) the new table runner from 'Tinker' the beautifully illustrated 'Hungry Girls Cookbook' a 'Holly Daze' journal lovingly printed- blank inside for new recipes! Grab a card as well and perhaps just so they remember to 'keep calm and carry on'  a sweet keyring! Bundle together and everyone will be happy this Christmas! 

Perhaps there is a hard to buy for design queen, and just perhaps a 'Small Rhino' art deco style brooch could be up their alley! Check out there fabulous new designs:

A guy in your life that doesn't need anything but to remember all the great gigs he has been to and digs great graphic design? Try the new independently published 'Hi god people'. Featuring Melbourne music flyers from the late 1970's right up until now! Printed on a fabulous array of coloured papers has created "an un-timelined, in progress, visual and experiential document of Melbourne's underground, indie, rock, noise and live music scene in the words and drawings of those that made, played, booked and saw."

Mum, dad or someone who likes to invest in their interior try one of the stylish lights from 'Make Stuff'. Small place try the 'Penguin' for size, need something to read by maybe then perhaps the 'Wave' is the best option. Allowing for best light and featuring a well sized base for for jewels and books to rest while you are.

And then there is always the 'Tree', choose the design to suit your place and you may be treated to the tree tops this Christmas.

and then it was christmas....

Slow on the postings at the moment- what with christmas trade and all! We are still receiving deliveries from our wonderful crew of makers! We have just taken delivery of a brand new and exclusive range of earrings from 'Red Cloud Design'- kind of kitsch and almost rock they are ready to adorn your ears this christmas with silver, brass, turquoise and sweet planes, hearts, stars, just to give you an idea - but come in and take a closer look!

You know we are HUGE fans of the organic range from 'Ovame Skincare'- this year they have outdone themselves (and us for that matter!) by collecting some of their best products and boxing them up all ready for you to pop in and purchase. Beautifully tied in blue ribbon. x 

And our newest range to arrive comes all the way from West Melbourne- in the form of screen printed table runners, napkins and wonderful teatowels- mmm, what better way to top off your Christmas table.

time to be merry

Many exciting things have been happening here, namely the FIRST BIRTHDAY(28th November)! Thats right as the saying goes... "time flys when you're having fun" and to sum it up thats what we've been having- fun!

We celebrated quietly with a well deserved bottle of champagne, toasting to the first year out, open in the battle field of retail. So far so good, and a BIG thank you to all the lovely people that have stopped in this year and said 'hello', made purchases and come back for more! 

Christmas window is in- we have a christmas table with hand printed place mats and gift suggestions for you:

A few gift ideas- and more to come. We have also had a few deliveries in the past week or so including some from brand new makers so please pop in and take a look! 

We were lucky this week, receiving a delivery from the 3T 'Mattt'- maker of fine bags. With fabrics and prices to suit just about everyone we have a great selection now available. Just a taste of some of the new fabrics.

Durable, commercial upholstery fabrics have been used for part of 'Cloth's' range, which have an organic grid design of overlaid charcoal and black dots. And to bring some warmth there is a striking geometric mesh of white dots on a dyed red background printed on a heavy weight hemp base fabric.

And below handprinted fabric by Tim Growcott, printed on grey denim in a raspberry colour. The design has a large repeat and a varied scale making for really different bags each time.

home made deliveries plus some

Partly from Japan, a little bit from Barcelona and even Australia come the 'Heartcore' fabric pins. In small and large they feature traditional plaids, spots and checks, day of the dead skeletons, florals and why of course hearts. 

Straight from the print room comes a fresh new range of journals, featuring some favorite characters. Made using Moleskine journals, they come with plain, squared or lined paper perfect for taking notes. Buy them individually or make some ones Christmas and purchase the ready-made pack of all three.

it's all a buzz

Yep, well and truly that time of the year now. Sun comes out, then goes away and pours with rain it can only mean one thing...a Melbourne summer?!

Firstly, people close to our hearts are getting ready to burn their books and put the hard yards in painting walls white again to hang work, for drum roll.....graduate shows.

NMIT's Advanced Diploma, Jewellery show; Profile opened on Tuesday night (11th) with a room full of stunning work (and for that matter people). From a group of 28 made up entirely of women the work ranges from contemporary rings and necklaces to ornate silver hair pieces and body jewellery. And what a surprise the Northcote Town Hall exhibition space is- pop in purchase from the display cases or have something made to order- oh, how special! 

Northcote Town Hall, Northcote (on top of the hill) On until 20th November.

Elk pendant by Milly Flemming '08.

VCA, from the 21st - 30th November will see the VCA transform, showing over 1000 works from graduating students. From all departments- Drawing, Printmaking, Photography, Sculpture and our favorite newbie Spatial Practice...can feel like you've just turned up to a Vice party, but can prove to be well worth the push and shove as there are always outstanding works and names to see, as well as the vast spaces of the VCA.

Margaret Lawrence Gallery- 40 Dodds Street, Southbank.

RMIT- Studio Textiles & Screen Print Design show 'Unfold' opens later this month, 27th November though to 19 December.

As the two courses come together there are over 30 artists to show their work. Again a multitude of processes including, screen printing, weave, knit, tapestry and dying using traditional and contemporary techniques. The Studio Textiles course was one that we did a few years ago now and has lead onto exciting things. We look forward to seeing the work.

Counihan Gallery- 233 Sydney Road, Brunswick.

Milk white bottles

New work for Kenji Uranishi is an exciting thing. 

For you who are fond of his cloud dishes and jugs, these bottles follow a similar line, in white porcelain with sparse sharp designs in pastel tones.

All hand made and decorated, there are two sizes in store.

The short one sits about 90 mm tall, while the tall one reaches 130 mm

Come in and check these ones out, they need to be seen up close to fully appreciate.

sitting pretty

We have had some exciting deliveries this week- makers are getting busy and prepared for the so called silly season!

'Shonah' has delivered some new pretties, leather cut earrings, resin and fabric oval earrings and studs as well as new pendants.

A new range of colours from 'Pancake Zoo'- to brighten up your days with pastels and pinks.

A line of Penguin lamps made their way in store yesterday from 'Make Stuff'- featuring the circa 1970's Floral Wallpaper design in Crimson red and Olive green, as well as the designers original illustration of the Gum leaf in Black. 

Wrapped in recycled packaging came the wonderful 'Kindling Cards' designed and made in Queensland using 100% post consumer recycled papers. With images of whales, chickens, secret gardens and store favorite mr.fox.

latest novelty

Time to get snappy with your dressing? With names like 'Buster', 'Dimples', 'Kitty' and 'Junior' you'll take a step back in time. Giant tin, pin backed badges from the 1950's can go straight onto you sweater, jacket or cap. These all come in their original packets- and tagged as the latest novelty.

Well, Spring is truly here and it would seem that there are little babies popping up all over the place- congratulations to the new boys and girls. Perhaps a little something to brighten up their new home?

Who would have thought that something this cute would come out of the wood works? Just a few 1960's carnival ducks, you know the ones that are in the pool of water bobbing about...you may even here them quack! 

We have a few more fabulous finds from yesteryear so do stop by and take a look.

Also, just out this week is the 'Inside Out' A - Z Shopping Guide. In an 8 x 4.5 cm space we are included! There even appears to be an asterix next to our store name! Woo hoo. With 400+ places of interest be sure to grab your copy!