tangoandjames

This week: I've been making...

2012-02-10T13:54:00.000+11:00

These chairs have gone from drab to re-fabbed, freshly upholstered in super beautiful linen, while holding on to their retro awesome looks...

While the arm is high, it will happily slide under an overhanging table top, so they are ideal as a dining or desk chair, or for a corner in your lounge or bedroom.

I've also been working on a few more table lamps and cushions, mmm mmm velvet and linen!

And just a couple of neutrals! White with taupe and a splash of silver and chocolate...

You can get yours at Canberra's Handmade Market on March 10 and 11 at the National Convention Centre, unless they are snapped up first! For full pricing and info visit Tango & James on Facebook.

Some new lamps finding a home...

2012-01-31T21:31:00.000+11:00

I've been working on a few customer requests, and a few lovely lamps have gone to new homes...

Have you been looking for something unique for yours?

Etsy Finds: Hello I Love You

2012-01-19T16:34:00.001+11:00

Well, hello! Delighted to discover our Hello chair in the Esty Finds newsletter, the rest of it is so pretty I'm signing up to subscribe!

It's open up enquiries from the US and Singapore! oooh.
Thanks a million to Erin from Koo-ki-nuts for letting me know! xx

First Chairs of 2012

2012-01-15T14:26:00.000+11:00

We've been on hold during our renovations. But now, baby, we're back!!! The first chairs of 2012 have just been re-dressed in cool greys. I present...

A beautiful pair of low back lounge chairs with sculpted Danish lines and oozing Scandinavian style. I've chosen a cool grey marled fabric on one, with the back rest cushion button tufted. The other features origami woodland creatures in fresh white and grey.

Both have practical zippered, washable covers.

They're only $180 each, so be quick, I have a feeling these will be snapped up!

Before & After: The Main Bathroom

2012-01-07T22:09:00.006+11:00

Following from our new ensuite, our fabulous Main Bathroom renovation needed to include a new entrance and an updated look to elevate the design on a budget. Our requirement for a second toilet lead us to replace the old separate shower with a new loo, and instead have the shower over the bath. Now suddenly the room feels spacious - and tall (thanks to the tiles now reaching the ceiling!). Overall, the look in here is a little like a boutique hotel, but with enough playfulness to be a kid friendly family bathroom.

Above Left: After - Family bathroom meets hotel chic;

and Above Right: Original Before - Tacky, cheap, cracked tiles, rotten vanity and disgraceful mirror frame.

Inclusions:
Vizzini Catania 1550 Bath
Normandy No.3 Tapware
Ikea Lillangen vanity and basin
Marbletrend Trento Mk11 toilet suite
Matt Black Hexagon mosaic floor tiles
Basic gloss white 100 x 300mm wall tiles
Magis Salute first aid wall cabinet
DIY painted ornate mirror
Ikea Godmorgon wall cabinets
Contractor: The Bathroom Company

Styled with
Shower curtain via Amazon
Floor mat from Urban Outfitters
Missoni Giacomo bath towels
Bud Luxury Ducks collection
Jane Lamerton soap dispenser and cup - Myer
Jamie Durie (the Gnome) - Big W
Black Glass vases - Ikea
Stripe Hand Towel - Target

I can get used to this!

Before and After: Ensuite

2012-01-05T21:00:00.001+11:00

The room that started it all... born from the frustration of a 5 bedroom / 1 bathroom scenario, the idea was to 'squeeze in' a second loo. So we've pinched some wasted space from a nook in our hallway to add to the existing loo to create our little ensuite. To the right of the l'il vanity unit is a delicious shower with rain shower head, and to the left is the new loo - exactly where the old one used to be, with the window above (stay tuned for where the extra one is going). The ensuite is accessed from the main bedroom via my study/'parents retreat'.

Below, before:

Below, The inspiration board:

Inclusions:
Gloss white wall tile 100 x 300mm
Matt white hexagon mosaic floor tiles
Lillangen vanity, and mirror cabinet (Ikea)
Normandy Tapware
Monda towel rail
Marbletrend toilet suite
Cavity sliding door with privacy lock

Small, lovely, modest and a little bit fun.

Wishing you a bright and happy Christmas

2011-12-24T21:08:00.001+11:00

And fresh start to a fabulous new year!
Big cheers from me at Tango & James!
xxx

New in the pillow shop: Noir Hollywood Glamour

2011-12-03T16:57:00.000+11:00

Buy now for Christmas!

Individually made with love and sass by Tango & James, right here in Canberra.

Somebody's been shopping...

2011-11-29T15:36:00.000+11:00

You can too, at Tango & James Home, online.
xxx

Some Summery Cushions...

2011-11-28T23:24:00.000+11:00

Visit the Tango & James shop here,

xxx

A sunshiney outlook

2011-11-17T19:23:00.000+11:00

A gorgeous Etsy treasury to brighten any day, featuring my T&J beads N Bows necklace in sunshine yellow...

Visit Tango & James on Etsy to grab a gorgeous piece of sunshine today!

Working on: Cushions

2011-11-11T12:22:00.000+11:00

Just completed - 30 cushions for a gorgeous Woden cafe re-do, in T&J fabric designs in custom colours! More pics in situ when the cafe launches soon.

My Herringbone, Moldings, and Fanpod designs have been transformed in coral and stone and complimented by a plain coral. And they look fabulous in the cotton linen canvas!

A little bit like guava gelati... Yummy!

Frocktober Week 4: Hot and cold

2011-10-28T16:13:00.000+11:00

It's been super Summer and cold this week, but luckily it looks like I have enough dresses to cope with these daily fluctuations to complete Frocktober in style!

I've been busy helping to style a guy-friend's own Frocktober Challenge and touring our gorgeous city with my Ma and Pa.

So, now we only have a few more days until the end of October, it's time to make your donations before it's too late. Please remember that your donations go to Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation to help to find an early detection test for this killer disease. Your support means a great deal to me, and much needed funds for OCRF and the great Frocktober efforts currently sweeping the country!

Designing my bathroom: Getting closer

2011-10-24T23:23:00.001+11:00

A while ago I mentioned that we were planning a complete bathroom re-design. Now things are getting serious and the final selections have been made for a Main Bathroom renovation, a brand new Ensuite (squeezed out of wasted space) and a Main Bedroom overhaul, which will include a fabulous new wardrobe (woo hoo!).

So, keeping in mind that we are in a humble outer suburb of la Canberra here, we have kept our budget fairly modest, but with my trademark dose of cheeky fun... here's a little look at some of the things going in...

The Main Bathroom:

Featuring White Subway tiled walls, black hexagon with black grout floor, massive ornate op-shopped mirror, fabulous tapware, and vanity from Ikea. I'm also adding lots of extra much needed storage. I'm going for an urban hotel chic look in here, and will brighten all that black and white with some colourful towels.

The Ensuite:

It's just tiny in here, so I'm keeping it simple, featuring the same wall tile as the main, but with matt white hexagon tile on the floor, built-in mirror cabinet, more gorgeous tapware, tiny skinny vanity from Ikea, super lovely sheer curtain panel, and , because it's all white on white on white, I'll be adding some jewel coloured towels!

And, the new look Main Bedroom:

We're reversing this room and converting the 3 metre wardrobe into the bedhead niche, and using the opposite long wall to create a 4 metre wardrobe and shoe display! So, with a long white wardrobe, white bed linen and white sheers, I want to add drama with moody dark grey walls, then add pops of gorgeous colour, including some of my own fabric designs as bed pillows, plus the orange hexagon fabric as curtain panels = love!

Demolition begins in a month, and I'm desperately impatient to show you the finished results!

Frocktober: Week 3

2011-10-21T16:11:00.001+11:00

Frocktober continues this week with a couple of new frocks, lots of colour, exhaustion and gorgeous Canberra sunshine...

In the home stretch now with 10 more days left of my Focktober Challenge (to wear a different frock every day this month to raise sponsorship for Ovarian Cancer research).

My jeans are pining for me, badly, so please, if ever encouragement was needed it's NOW!!! Please make your donation and lets see if we can smash my fundraising goal!

Inspired By: Kate Spade

2011-10-20T19:14:00.001+11:00

I'm always keen to see what Kate Spade is serving up... it's always a joyful and fun mix of elegance, colour and cuteness - all things I like to aspire to and love in my life...

You may see me using shots of colour, stripes and spots in my own outfits, well, because it's a joy to wear! Now, I gotta get me some of them boots!!!

Who inspires you?

Frocktober Week 2:

2011-10-16T17:42:00.000+11:00

Another set of seven days in my Frocktober Challenge, slightly belated...

I have pledged to pack my jeans away for a whole month and only wear frocks for the entirety of October - even better, I'll have a different one for each of the 31 days!

So, I'm hoping for your sponsorship to raise much needed funds for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation who are aiming to find an early detection test for this deadly disease, so that sufferers can be treated before it's too late.

As usual, I'll be sharing my frocks daily for the rest of October as I style it up, so check in regularly at Ninaribena Makes, and visit my Everyday Hero page to sponsor the action! As little as $10 can help!

Enjoy the show, and please be generous! xx

Garage Sale: My place: Saturday!

2011-10-12T16:50:00.000+11:00

So, what's going to be there? I'm glad you asked!

The 4 wire dining chairs, as seen in Home Beautiful Magazine! And my hand painted coffee table on wheels...

Bits of fabric stash, crafty bits, and glass vases...

Shoes and dresses, clothing that are magnificent, but don't fit me. Some awesome pendant lights that look a little like this...

Plus kid stuff like a baby car seat, high chair, toys etc... and a few fabulous chairs...

Also, this rug...

We'll also have some more things coming from the trendy young things up the road, including quite possibly a bar fridge and more furniture... tell your friends and don't miss it!

I can also make my jewellery collection available on the day for anyone interested - let me know xxx

Inspired By: Jonathan Adler

2011-10-08T21:07:00.001+11:00

I've always love colour, but I've also always had a pathalogical hatred for curtains. That is, until I saw the way Jonathan Adler used them. I melt when I see these rooms by JA, the combination of bold pattern colour and elegance always inspires me...

Perfection. xx

Frocktober: Week 1

2011-10-07T15:00:00.000+11:00

In case you've missed it, I'm in the midst of this year's Frocktober Challenge. I have pledged to pack my jeans away for a whole month and only wear frocks for the entirety of October - even better, I'll have a different one for each of the 31 days!

One week in already, I have a few sponsors and as many sad stories from friends who have been touched by Ovarian Cancer.
I'll be sharing my frocks daily as I style it up, so check in regularly at Ninaribena Makes, and visit my Everyday Hero page to sponsor the action!

Enjoy the show, and be generous! xx

Froctober Day 1: Handmade Market

2011-10-01T20:25:00.000+10:00

Wow, another BIG day at Canberra's Handmade Market, and loads of extremely chuffed T&J customers taking their fabulous new goodies home! And a very exhausted me!

So, it was also the first day of Frocktober, and I needed a utility dress and flat shoes for lugging big chairs around today - not to mention that it was also rather chilly! So here I am with my little warm jacket and a few pops of colour, flanked in the background, by the first 2 chairs to leave the stables!

Above, you may spot a couple of super new items I snuck in at the last minute, an adorable 'Aussie' vintage teatowel stool with the loveliest legs in all the land, and some huge timber framed lounge chairs (and I still have the stripe one if you're keen!).

A (awfully glarey) shot of my Tango & James stall before the many wonderful customers arrived.
If you missed out on the Market today, or were considering one of these pieces for your home, make sure you check out the Furniture Gallery page to see exactly what is still available.

Time to unwind and relax for the rest of the loooong weekend, xx

Handmade Market... I'm (almost) ready!

2011-09-27T19:37:00.000+10:00

The furniture is all lined up and waiting to start a new life at home with you! They've been neglected, broken down and just plain ugly, now they are all glammed up and they've got a date with a market...

It's your chance to buy an original, one-of-a-kind Tango & James piece to add some zest to your nest.

Hope to see you on Saturday, please do come and say hi... and take a seat! xx

Trash to treasure: Lounge chair Number 2

2011-09-27T10:05:00.001+10:00

Today, the reveal of the Aged-Care-Facility chair, number deaux...

Just like the Fanpod version, the nasty vinyl was stripped off, only this time the inside was waterlogged, so I was off to have new foam and inside frame cut. I set the backrest low like it's twin to improve the proportions, and replaced the 'aircraft carrier' armrests with lovely slim satin black timber ones. She is, of course, freshly upholstered in my own fabric design, this one is 'Chevron stripe' in black and white, printed on linen cotton.

Now she's sleek and shiny and ready for a spot in your home. I'll be bringing both to Handmade Market THIS Saturday, 1st October from 10am - 4 pm at the National Convention Centre, Constitution Ave in the City. It's all indoors with undercover parking available. Please come and say hi, it truly makes my day! xx

Trash to treasure

2011-09-22T13:25:00.001+10:00

When I collected a pair of Aged-Care-facility lounge chairs, resplendent in cornflower blue vinyl with an inch of dust and complimentary spiderwebs, my plan was to make them easier on the eye. But the finished vision is even better than I imagined! Here's the first of the two...

And the BEFORE and after transformation below! Here's what I did:

I removed all of the vinyl to reveal intact foam and inner frame, I cut down the backrest to improve the proportions. Then I upholstered it in my T&J original "Fanpod" fabric in Black and Champagne, with vintage wash. Lastly, I replaced the aircraft-carrier armrests with something a little more streamlined, semi-glossed black timber.

My blisters are totally worth it!

Stay tuned for the second of the pair in Chevron stripe.

Both will available for sale at Canberra's Handmade Market on October 1st, unless snapped up first!

A little more Scandi

2011-09-14T12:38:00.001+10:00

A gorgeous bench seat with chomed frame...

The seat is pretty generous in size at 480 x 930mm, and it is 450mmH. How fabulous! and only $65. Snap it up before you miss out!

Colour colour colour POP

2011-09-13T12:44:00.000+10:00

This week I've been working on some amazing colour pop cushions, in my fabric designs of course. These are printed on lovely linen cotton fabric and are removable slip covers. Check these out...

They are available now at only $30 a pop (or $25 without the cushion insert), and I'm happy to post them if you are not local. If you are local, and can stand the wait, they'll be at Canberra's Handmade Market on October 1st (that's only 3 weeks!), unless sold out!

Lovely!

Oh Joie: New Jewels

2011-09-07T13:32:00.002+10:00

Issue 5 of Joie magazine is out today, featuring our Into The Wild fashion essay with photography by Amanda Thorson and styling by myself and Hannah Veikkanen. Check it out over here and see if you can spot some original T&J clothing in there!

So to coincide with the issue, and to celebrate the beginning of Spring, I have just added loads of darling new jewels to my Tango & James Etsy store. With new delicious colours, and a few favourites, there's something to add a spot of colour and sass to your new seasons wardrobe, and maybe even make a start on your Christmas gift shopping...

Most items are one-off originals, so make sure you don't miss out! Drop in for a looksee today.

xxx

Scandi chair... revisited for the fans

2011-09-05T13:45:00.002+10:00

After the last wave of Handmade Market frenzyism, I had a few requests to make another chair like this one. Finally the right chair and the same fabric collided once more - and so we have a slightly squarer version, but with the same gorgeous bent wood birch looks, perfectly framing what I interpret as a Billy-Goats-Gruff-in-the-Nordic-Winterland scenario...

The seat back is also incredible, with a triumphant mountaineer. Again, this chair will be joining me at the Handmade Market on October 1st, if not snapped up first.

*UPDATED: This fabulous piece is now SOLD!

Hello... some hawwwt new chairs...

2011-09-02T12:50:00.001+10:00

I've been busy this week with a few projects going on, but he most fun was taking delivery of a sizable order of my fabrics, then finding some awesome chairs to use them on. Hello...

These are beautiful timber framed dining chairs with generous proportions, so also perfect as an occasional chair in the corner of your boudoir, dressing room or fabulous lounge. Though salvaged with torn backs and stained seats, the frames are in an excellent and sturdy condition, and now they are dressed and ready to love-up a spot in your home!

They'll be joining me at the up-coming Handmade Market in a months time, unless they are snapped up by someone savvy first! And why wouldn't you? They are only $150 each!

A while ago, I forgot to mention...

2011-08-29T16:25:00.000+10:00

... A lovely feature in the City News magazine, based here in Canberra. Well, it was back in March, and life got so busy that I never did mention it here at all! Silly, as these are incredibly lovely shots of my home, by City News photographer Silas (yes, he's one of those people who only need one name!).

Written by Kathryn Vukovljak...

“MY husband has no interest in decorating – he doesn’t see what the big deal is,” says Lisa Barrett, stay-at-home-mum and the creative mind behind handmade “home and wardrobe” accessories label Tango & James.
“It’s okay though, because this way I get to do what I want; I get my own say all the time!”
Lisa’s creative craftiness is evident throughout her colourful, quirky home, especially in her home-made art, re-upholstered chairs and bold curtains in fabric she designed herself, and a hand-painted monochrome chevron rug.
“I don’t spend lots of money on my home, and if I can make something myself, I will,” she says. “I’ve always been creative. I get bored if I’m not making something.

read more

and there's little ole me in the playroom... poser!

Luckily, the whole article is online here, so have a read if you're keen!

What's on my walls...

2011-08-26T22:02:00.002+10:00

A client recently visited my home and made mention of the great impression that the art on my walls gives, I guess it may come as a surprise that most of it is inexpensive or DIY. It's ever changing and evolving, here's a little right-now tour...

Above Left: On the side of the kitchen facing the dining table we have the menu black board sticker, and above a row of bookmarks from the Canning Stock Route exhibition of glorious Aboriginal art. Above Right: The much cyber-acclaimed "Love It" painting, my own, inspired by a Kikki K gift card! Also on the wall, a curtain wire system from Ikea which I arranged into an 'S' shape for the kids art and a few bits.

Above: In my study/studio/creative dervish, this is a collection of inspirational images torn from magazines (and can you spot the inspiration for the "love it" painting?!). Applied to 2 large canvases which are hung side by side creating a whole wall of inspiration.

Above: "One Bad Apple" can you spot the solo apple swinging it's own way? I created this large piece by individually cutting out 120 apple shapes (traced from an MDF shape from Bunnings) from a selection of materials which include printed and plain felts and scrapbooking papers and fabric offcuts. These were glued onto a BIG painted canvas, and (DIY framed with pine). the whole thing is about 1.2m across and makes quite a fun impact in our playroom.

Also in the family room, above left, is a cluster of random cuteness which includes some local artists, kids art, and gift cards by Schmooks. This then flows along to the dining room, right, with a large fabric covered canvas which ties back the reds from the apples, the green in the chairs and the blue in the adjoining lounge room (below).

Above Left: A daggy bamboo coat rack got a colour shock with a coat of glossy yellow, It looks fabulous on an empty spot leading into our lounge room. Right: A row of framed gift cards, a handstitched garage sale find and a sarcastic "Keep Calm" canvas from Typo.

...and finally (for today at least), Above Left: A silhouette cuckoo clock from Typo and a huge ornate framed mirror (was a garish crap gold finish until I painted it with chalk board paint). Above right: the latest addition to our lounge room, a Winnie the Pooh quote which speaks volumes about all of the males I have ever lived with! It's from the Empressionista.

What does the art in your home say about you?

Fabrics in fashion...

2011-08-21T10:32:00.001+10:00

I've been working on a few recent pieces of clothing made using my fabric collection. The tshirts are baby-soft organic cotton, and are complimented by my T&J jewels...

And a project from a fabulous Spoonflower customer who purchased some of my Chevron Stripe in gold and white to brighten her bedscape. Lovely!!

Thank you so much for sharing your project Jennifer!

Also just completed in my 'workshop' (family room!)... a motley assortment of mismatched and shredded dining chairs which have been getting a much needed re-deaux. I've stained one to match the rest, created new seat bases for most, and re-upholstered them all in the client's boho fabric choice...

Next week I hope to see work commencing on some pieces for the up-coming Handmade Market (on October 1st) which will see me with a fresh range of furniture and homewares with the Tango & James sassy signature looks! Stay tuned, xx

Top selling T&J fabric designs...

2011-08-07T13:37:00.000+10:00

On to something with a little more style... and we have the exciting news that my T&J fabric designs are now selling quite nicely on Spoonflower. Here's a look at my top selling designs...

Lots of aussie green and gold I see and some of my ultimate favourites!

Check out the whole collection and shop your favourites at Spoonflower here.

If you are local to Canberra and there is something special you'd like made using these fabrics, drop me a line, I'd love to!

An open letter to an ugly chair

2011-08-05T17:50:00.000+10:00

Dear Ugliest Chair In The World,

Your owner loves you dearly, just as you are. His wife wants to burn you or drop you out of the car on the parkway. Your fake leather paper-thin granny-skin fabric is flaking away, and I'm afraid it's time to die or be re-born. Of course we should save your 2 redeeming features so that your owner will still love you 1. you have some contoured padding, and 2. you rock and glide, so at least that's something going for you. Let's see what we can do so the wife will tolerate you...

Well that's an improvement, you look all grown up. But your bloke will still love you, after all, I added a TV remotes and beer holder.

Hollywood Crossing floor lamp

2011-07-27T14:13:00.001+10:00

One of the last few of this style of floor lamp left. I've done this one with a fabric shade in T&J Hollywood Crossing fabric in black and champagne, complimenting the glossy black slim stand.

Gorgeous, unique and black goes with everything! And only $80
The beautiful chair is also available $110 in T&J Hollywood Trellis fabric.

Styling a camping shoot: Behind the scenes

2011-07-25T11:29:00.001+10:00

On Saturday I had the fabulous opportunity to again work with photographer Amanda Thorson for a Joie magazine spread, this time we had a gorgeous time at Uriarra styling a camping scene with models Lauren and Hannah for the Fall issue...

We were grateful to have not stayed overnight, I do believe it got a little chilly, though we did take the time to toast some marshmallows over a fire. Nom nom.

Lovely! Stay tuned for the finished shots after the magazine goes live... I can't wait!

Just completed: Custom upholstery

2011-07-03T14:14:00.000+10:00

Not my usual style of fabric, but this customer's 3 seat lounge has been revived from rags to riches...

Beautiful French herringbone twill, printed in rich reds, gold, navy and pink. Lovely!

The begining of a fashion collection

2011-06-28T16:31:00.000+10:00

Today I'm working on...

T&J designed fabric, printed on Organic Cotton Knit for the most baby-soft t shirts you've ever met...

Unique prints and pretty sleeve details make these perfectly fabulous pieces to add to your daily wardrobe. Available soon, stay tuned!

Love Burberry Inspiration

2011-06-21T16:32:00.000+10:00

images above of Burberry collections... gorgeous!

Tango & James "Love Burberry" collection available now at the Tango and James online store.

Noir Hollywood Glamour

2011-06-13T13:36:00.000+10:00

A glamorous pair in satin black timber, newly upholstered in Tango & James design fabrics 'Fanpod' and 'Hollywood Trellis' in black and champagne cotton linen. Gorgeous in the boudoir, dressing room or the parlour darling...

Glam it up, these are a one of a kind, and only $110 each.

Oh Wow!

2011-06-12T14:54:00.001+10:00

What a fabulous day at the market yesterday. The winter sun came out and so did those friendly handmade-loving crowds. I'd like to personally thank ever one of my customers - and even a couple of gorgeous fans who stopped by for a chat... you made my day!

Here's a pic I took on my phone before the customers arrived.

Lots of fabulous goodies went to new homes and I hope they find a happy corner wherever they go!
Don't forget to subscribe here by email (in the side bar) so you never miss out on what's new. Stay tuned for a glamorous set of tub chairs available if you missed out on the market. And check the Furniture Gallery page for items currently available for sale.

Seems like the perfect time for a hot chocolate (and a massage!) right now, Stay warm everyone xxx.

Handmade Market ready

2011-06-10T15:46:00.001+10:00

I'll be setting up my dazzling wares in the great hall at the Convention Centre tomorrow, it's your chance to grab something for your home unique and handmade in style.

Above, just a taste of what you will find - if you're quick enough!!

Please do drop in and say hi, don't be shy!

See you there, xx

Union Jack Cushion

2011-06-06T13:49:00.000+10:00

2 Union Jack cushions, piped edges and denim on reverse... totally hawt darling...

... available only from Tango & James at the market THIS SATURDAY. Other styles will be available also, come and see me first (or miss out and be sad for weeks)!!

Laid-back loungers: Love it!

2011-06-02T13:23:00.001+10:00

Just completed today: a pair of fabulous retro danish-style teak armchairs with a reclining back... OMG these are incredibly tempting for a quiet nap (don't tell anyone I did ok?) and they set a fabulous style statement. These are truly one-of-a-kind, in Tango and James designer linen removable fabric covers.

*UPDATE: Sold at Handmade Market*

A Gentlemanly Pair

2011-05-26T12:22:00.002+10:00

Just finished: a rare matching pair of suave gentlmanly armchairs. Rescued from hideous contract fabric, they now look quite dapper in Tango & James 'Points' fabric.

They are only $110 each, available at Handmade Market - unless snapped up by an incredibly keen (and fabulous) fellow beforehand!

*UDATE: SOLD

Dining Chair: 4 ways

2011-05-24T11:56:00.013+10:00

Also joining me at the Handmade Market: some of my favourite dining chairs, fabulously retro in style, now given a fresh new look, each of them different.

Handmade Market is on Saturday, June 11 from 10am until 4pm at the National Convention Centre, Constitution Ave, Civic (Canberra!). Please make sure you stop in and say hello! xx

*UPDATE: All sold at the Handmade Market and prior.

Floor Lamps

2011-05-19T10:16:00.001+10:00

A selection of the GORGEOUS floor lamps which will be coming with me (and all the chairs!) to the Handmade Market in 3 weeks time. These are so beautiful with a slim stand in gloss lolly pink, red or black, topped off with a unique fabric covered shade. They range from 140 to 150cm in height, perfect to use as a reading light next to your favourite chair or lounge... j'adorable!

So darling, don't miss the Handmade Market, Saturday June 11 from 10am-4pm at the National Convention Centre, Constitution Ave in Canberra City. It's going to be HUUUGE!

Daybed: Benchseat: Guestbed: Lounge

2011-05-16T08:33:00.001+10:00

More crisp and bold black and white stripes, this time on a super sleek daybed. It's on industrial castors (2 with locks) so you can easily move it around. Park it under a window and lay in the sun with a book, or keep it at the ready to use for your guests.

It measures 185 x 65cm and 40cm high, and is for sale for $300.

Gorgeous! *and... SOLD*

On the cover: Joie Magazine

2011-05-15T10:43:00.000+10:00

Joie is a too-cute online magazine and it’s spring issue is out now! Do you remember this behind the scenes post? Well this is what it was for. I worked as stylist, providing my Tango & James clothing and accessories, alongside Photographer Amanda Thorson and model Keely Rees. We have a lovely 10 page spread in the magazine along with the back and front cover…click on the cover to check it out!

It's such a beautiful showcase for my re-loved clothing one-offs and for my jewellery.
Of course a special mention must go to Barb Mickelson for her amazing millinery, gorgeous, gorgeous gorgeous. And mega thanks to Amanda Thorson for getting us all published!

Before and after: Keep it simple

2011-05-12T11:41:00.000+10:00

Yet another chair destined for the trash pile. We've all seen these ones before, they're the ones in the doctor's waiting room or the reception of the car repair shop or the corner of someone's office. This one was in torn dull grey vinyl - how uninspiring, right?

With just a little imagination and a bit of elbow grease, this one's looking pretty awesome for the first time in it's life!! Love it? I do.

Fanpod Wasabi Chair

2011-05-12T11:06:00.000+10:00

A showcase for my Fanpod fabric design today. I've just completed these 2 pieces in Fanpod Wasabi and Fanpod Black and champagne, don't they look fabulous?! These items will be joining me at the Handmade Market on June 11th, so don't miss out.

Information on pricing and materials is on the Tango & James Facebook page, so fan me and don't forget to visit me at the UPmarket it's going to be HUGE darling!

Vintage Retro lounge

2011-05-04T14:02:00.001+10:00

Another chair which has has served it's previous life blending into the greige walls of an unknown government department - in good condition because, well, who wants to sit on an ugly chair? A clear injustice which needs serious amendment...

Now with a new life and a much more comfortable look in a gorgeous vintage modern linen upholstery fabric (with scotchguard!) in mustard yellow, sagey greens and a whisper of pale blue, she's soooo pretty and warm and inviting. And super comfy too.

She'll be joining me at the next Handmade Market, only a month away, along with loads more furniture and lighting - or you can snap her up by appointment.

*Update: Lovely Betty is now SOLD*

Lamps lamps lamps

2011-04-26T16:54:00.000+10:00

A few more lamps just completed, because I know how much you all adore floor lamps, these ones are gorgeous, and available now...

Above: Polka dot black and champagne satin shade, on lolly pink tall stand, with kick switch.

Above: Scandinavia cotton fabric shade on vintage timber floor lamp base.

Above: a custom shade in Black and white Peacock, for fellow designer, Rachelle.

Three chairs: Before and after

2011-04-17T14:34:00.000+10:00

Available now: three formerly Government greige chairs, with a new fun fresh look. Absolutely one-offs, they are perfect to add a spot of colour to your favourite room! Also ready are these gorgeous floor lamps, with bases in glossy red or lolly pink - a rare find, they've been dressed to impress with unique fabric shades... LOVE IT!

Above left, one of the 3 identical chairs BEFORE, in 'Government greige'.

If you are interested in adding these to your home, please contact me ASAP, I have a feeling these won't be hanging around too long! Descriptions and pricing on Tango and James on Facebook.

Chairs in progress

2011-04-15T13:52:00.000+10:00

I have many many chairs in progress right now. Cushion less dilapidated chairs, and more government greige chairs - ready to make into loveable creatures!

Here's a sneak peek at a couple of chairs in progress...

Above, for a client, this old chair has fabulous bones, but had been loved to death. Now with brand new foam and gorgeous new fabric this chair is going to last another 40 years! The loose cushion is my Raindrop fabric design... ceeeute!

Above: This one's for me, I'm not letting this designer chair out of my clutches. Now dressed in my Fanpod fabric in Black and Champagne this one will be living in my lounge room.

Stay tuned for more chairs and lamps also coming out of my ears!

Hats and Gloves and a little T&J

2011-04-04T17:39:00.000+10:00

The always elegant stylings at the annual Hats and Gloves fundraiser, this year in the theme of black white and yellow, saw my Tango & James Hollywood Trellis fabric making a big splash of colour in the marquee as table runners on all 37 well dressed tables...

Hosted on the grounds of Government House, guests were treated to perfection, all to raise funds for the Malkara School.

Darling, don't they look fabulous? Full credits to my gorgeous friend and designer Barb Fisher who worked tirelessly with the decorating committee, sewing up these babies herself and putting together this amazing space, congratulations!

Oh Joie

2011-04-02T18:45:00.000+11:00

A beautiful day to style a Spring fashion shoot for online magazine Joie. Led by incredibly talented photographer Amanda Thorson, joined by Keeley Rees, our beautiful model and Annika De Hoog as photography assistant/chief scene wrangler.

I got the fun job of styling outfits of my T&J label clothes and jewellery, with hats and fascinators by Barb Mickelson. The results... well, you'll have to wait for the finished collection of shots, but for now, a look behind the scenes...

A fun day, great company, and I can't wait to see the beautiful results!

ReLOVED: Pops up!

2011-03-19T21:53:00.000+11:00

The ReLoved collective of designers are enjoying our pop-up shop, with thanks to the You Are Here festival of fabulous indie events. Open for 3 days only, we close on Sunday afternoon with a clothing swap (LOVE!). If you haven't been along yet, here's what you might find...

but that's if we don't sell out first!

Come along to the clothing swap, bring some of your unwanted clothes - and leave with something you do want! Instant wardrobe update, and left overs go to Vinnies.

We're at the old NRMA shopfront (on the outside of the Canberra Centre), City walk - between Sportsgirl and Birkenstocks. Gorgeous, gorgeous gorgeous!

a pop up shop: 3 days only

2011-03-14T21:55:00.000+11:00

“The Mall” in the former NRMA shopfront,

City Walk (near Birkenstocks), Civic

Opens with cupcakes and tea

Friday 18 March 5-8pm

Saturday 19March 9am-5pm

Sunday 20 March 10am-4pm

PLUS Clothing Swap Sunday 2-4pm

Showcasing local designers maker, artists and illustrators in a temporary shop located in the city.
Join the facebook page here, and drop in to the shop to buy something fabulously original.

Textile designs: Vintage collection

2011-02-25T23:11:00.000+11:00

Designs in Black and Champagne, inspired by cocktail hour darling... pass me my martini.
visit the whole collection here.

Before and after: Bus Roll chair

2011-02-25T19:49:00.000+11:00

Patiently waiting for a new home!
**HAPPY UPDATE: the chair has found a loving new home, sold at the ReLoved Pop-up Shop**

Handmade Market success!

2011-02-20T19:51:00.000+11:00

Handmade Market day came around yesterday... and as usual it was mad packed, though in a new upmarket venue - every one found us and shopped up a storm. This time around I had for sale more chairs than ever before! And W.O.W - what a response! Naturally the Union Jack chairs were snatched up immediately, as were the 2 floor lamps! And my stall was looking quite cleaned up by the end of the day.

So a I extend a huge thank you to my Handmade customers and wish your new Tango & James items a happy new life in your homes!

A matching pair

2011-02-08T20:51:00.000+11:00

Just completed and ready for Handmade Market, a matching pair of fab British flag chairs looking pretty awesome...

This time around I'll have a range of one-off upholstered chairs, armchairs, table lamps, floor lamps and cushions that will knock your socks off... Handmade Market is on Saturday Feb 19th, 11-4 at Canberra's National Convention Centre in the city... please come and say hello!

Drab to fab dahhling...

2011-01-01T20:53:00.000+11:00

These 2 chairs are the first of 4 ex-government uglies to get the T&J treatment... I think they look so sweet now!

The pink chair is upholstered in Berry Chevron fabric, designed by Thebline, available here, and the teal is upholstered in a gorgeous vintage damask from a Sydney Antique store. These ones involved a few tricky techniques new to me, I just love exploring new challenges!

ReLOVED: ReVAMPED Tango & James collection

2010-10-22T19:55:00.000+11:00

Images just in, of my debut Tango & James fashion collection... and a twist... every piece is conceived from re-claimed materials and are one-of-a-kind items...

Pieces are available for sale, email me for details if you are interested!

Something old becomes new...

2010-06-29T18:57:00.000+10:00

I stumbled upon 2 incredibly elegant but dilapidated carver chairs some time ago and was extremely delighted to discover that they are genuine Parker furniture, a feel of the curved arms had me seduced, despite the damaged velvet fabric (before pic)... a project!

So here's the after of the first of the 2. A re-upholster in black linen, the ampersand feature back rest panel is a piece by Auntie Cookie, and on the reverse... bold black and white stripes - delicious!
Now, to keep or sell? If you love it as much as I, check it out at Shop Handmade (Canberra city) before I decide to buy it back myself!!
Love Nina x

*Many thanks to Design Sponge for featuring my chair!

Bags of style

2010-06-05T18:59:00.000+10:00

Handmade Love...

2010-03-17T20:02:00.000+11:00

Awww, I'm totally blushing at this amazing article penned by friend and author Tania McCartney on the Handmade Market blog. Awesome, thank you!!!

So, with the market only a week-and-a-half away, I've been busy making more jewellery, cushions, lamps and more to knock everyone's socks off!

Check out the Handmade Market on Sunday March 28th at a new glamour location, The Devine Function rooms at Kamberra Winery (near EPIC), and make sure you come and find me!

Now, there is also something else I've been working on, a most wonderful development for all of the fabulous Handmade designers of Canberra... a retail space in the city, Shop Handmade. Check out the inspiration for the decor here, it's going to be a slice of Handmade heaven!

Ooh la la... check out who's in CLEO!

2009-12-21T21:05:00.000+11:00

Surprise... Look who's hanging out on page 180 of the latest issue (Jan 2010) of Cleo Magazine!!!

Since spotting my home featured on Made By Girl blog, Lifestyle features editor Joanna Barry has been busy putting together a page around the things I do and make! In an issue bursting with style - well it was curated by fashion designer Alice McCall - CLEO invites you to "have a perve through the window of the coolest pads from here and OS (minus the AVO)".

A big thank you to Joanna, who did a lovely job of it - and choosing some fabulous "Get the Look" items all of which I (ahem) have to get!!! (I really really want that cutlery now!!!). And my gratitude also goes to Jennifer Ramos (Made By Girl) for pointing the way! xxx

Tango & James: Homewares for Spring

2009-08-25T19:19:00.000+10:00

Don't miss these limited edition homewares pieces only at Canberra's Handmade Market
10-4pm,September 12th at the Yarralumla Woolshed.

A couple of things for market

2009-05-21T19:09:00.000+10:00

Lisa's been one busy mamma for a while and here's a few reasons why...
I have been making cushions, covering and colouring lamps and styling them up ready to serve to Canberra's Handmade Market this Saturday (at Canberra's Albert Hall). Preparations appear to be complete... so may I introduce Tango & James nest Autumn 2009...

If you are in town, please stop by the market and say hello - I'll be up on the stage inside the hall... can't wait!

Love Lisa xxx

Time waits for no chair: Before and after

2009-02-05T21:12:00.000+11:00

Tuesday night: Won 2 delapidated chairs (in fetching government 'greige') on online auction.
Wednesday afternoon: Collected chairs (from Allbids) and bought fabric (from Addicted to Fabric)

Thursday afternoon: Chair re-upholstery complete.

Time waits for no chair!
These pretties will be joining me at the Handmade UPmarket on Saturday, hope to see you there too!
Love Lisa x

Tango & James: Lamp love

2009-01-31T21:14:00.001+11:00

Here are a few more Tango & James goodies you can expect to see at Canberra's Handmade UPmarket on February 7th, some (hopefully) irrisistable lamps to add colour and zest to you glamorous boudoir or fabulous nest...

Don't miss it, full details here.
Love Lisa x

Tango & James: at Handmade Market

2008-11-09T21:16:00.000+11:00

With 2 weeks to go until the debut of Tango & James at Handmade: Canberra's Upmarket, I been cranking out new styles of handbags, necklets, scarves and brooches, here are some of the latest lovelies ready for market...

Clasp purses in Jaguar spot and lime damask

Pussy bow butterflies and lolly flower clasp purses

"I've Got Fans" and "Some like it Ruff" necklets

Clasp purses in Lemon Tree and Ginger Blossom

Totes in denim and Japanese with French stripes

"I've Got Fans" necklets

and Clasp purse in Red butterflies, and pussy bow lemon tree