Melanie Miles in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Design & fashion
Melanie Miles
Locality: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Reviews
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25.01.2022 One of my favourites - Two turtle doves. Just look at those lovers!!! I’ve swapped the brushes for the sewing machine of late, but I have carved out some time over the weekend to paint in my journal. No expectations, just beautiful, no pressure painting. Maybe a few more 12 days of Christmas patterns??
25.01.2022 Pops of colour in a field of yellow! The vintage floral tote has been a fav for awhile and each time I’ve restocked it’s gone in a flash... it’s here again!!! A small number available on my website. ~ Hand painted pattern... ~ Printed in Melbourne ~ Handmade ~ Love https://melaniemiles.com.au//vintage-floral-scoop-tote-bag/
25.01.2022 This little french hen is looking for her gals as it’s 16 weeks till Christmas!!! Normally I’d gauge how close we are by the sudden appearance of decorations in all the malls bringing a fun, festive vibe. But this year I’m wondering, (while still in stage 4 lockdown in Melbourne) will we see this at all?? I’m thinking there is going to be a lot more online shopping and the post will be pushed to their limits, so I might need to do some Christmas shopping REAL early this year. Eeekkk!!!!!
25.01.2022 I love this quoteIt really resonates with me. I think it’s originally from the book Art & Fear: Observations On The Perils (And Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland. This book has a snippet of gems, if you’re like most creatives you’ve suffered the paralysis of a blank page or the fear of what others think or even the one that cripples me; I’ll never pull one out as good as the last. But where things started to really change for me was when I consistently... started painting in my journal. It started as a thirty day challenge that turned into a year long practice and one I still continue to this day. This is when I started to see a style develop and also see I could consistently create pieces that were as good, if not better than the last. I still have doubts and fears, but constantly creating on a daily basis helps me push through those fears as I know patterns are my jam and what I want to keep doing and sharing to bring a bit of joy and colour to the world!! on another note, just a little reminder that the food lover tea towels are being restock tomorrow 7pm AEST 1 DAY TO GO!!
25.01.2022 PATTERN PULSE I am super excited to be a part of this one-of-a-kind design book, among some of the most talented designers out there. It is possibly a dream come true! PATTERN PULSE has been curated by the amazing @rachaeldoesdesign featuring 100 Australian Surface designers. The book is sure to inspire anyone that has a love of colour and design as the book features designers from textiles, fashion, interiors, homewares and stationery.... Pre sales are now available on my website https://melaniemiles.com.au/product-cat/pattern-pulse-book/
25.01.2022 My hope for today is that we can take a moment to reflect on the courage and sacrifice the men and women serving our nation made so we can live a better tomorrow. x sharing in a way I know how. @ Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
24.01.2022 This might be a sign I’ve been watching too much Ink Master, but I could almost hear one of the judges telling me that my lines weren’t perfect and I needed to paint them in one stroke as I added the details to this, so luckily this isn’t being permanently tattooed. But those quirks are what I love about the painted patterns, seeing those natural strokes of the hand. A quick process video while adding detail.
24.01.2022 Hope everyone is staying positive and doing the best they can at the moment. This crazy guy first appeared in one of my patterns inspired by a childhood memory about the man down the road who owned pigeons and would let them out to fly in the afternoon so when I came home from school I would see them circling the sky together.One of my fondest memories! Most recently though the pigeons have been hanging out in our backyard having conversations with Zoe our cat that we adopted earlier in the yearEvery time I hear her nattering away to them it brings a big smile to my face sometimes I can’t tell if it is her or the pigeons cause she does a pretty good impression mimicking themThe small things right now keeping me sane in lockdown.
24.01.2022 A snap shot of some of the paintings I’ve been developing for the next collection of fabric. You’ll see them on totes, purses, tea towels and a new producthint if you’ve gotten more into baking since lockdown you might find this very handy xx
23.01.2022 The vintage scoop tote bagI have to say I’m missing that beautiful sunshine at the moment, but with spring just around the corner I’m looking forward to some warm sun, bike rides and a picnic or two. I have added a few totes (in this design as well as the florist hands and monkey design) on my website. I’ve only made a small batch so you’ll have to be quick if you wanna snap one up! keep an eye out for new patterns and designs coming out mid spring.... https://linktr.ee/melaniemilesdesign
23.01.2022 FLORIST HANDS - This was one of those patterns that when I painted it in my journal. I thought I love it but I’m not sure what other people will think so I was completely blown away when I posted it here and got a huge response to the colour palette and design. To my new followers that may not know, all my fabric designs begin as artworks painted in my journal and end up as beautiful products like this oneeach one individually hand made by me (or the helping hand of Mum) They make for thoughtful gifts for someone special. BLACK FRIDAY SALE starts now with 15% off everything plus free domestic shipping on orders over $80 @ Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
23.01.2022 SAVE THE DATE The Big Design Market's iconic Christmas shopping event is coming direct to you online, with over 200 of Australia's most popular independent designers. 1829 November 2020. I’m so excited to be part of this amazing online event. @bigdesignmarket have crafted whole new ways for you to feel the excitement, and creativity you have come to relish at the live event over the years, so pop this one in the calendar. I have a few surprises to share that will coincide with the launch of the event too so be sure to keep an eye outThe new design Summer Breeze scoop tote is just a sneak peak. @ Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
21.01.2022 I’ve been neglecting my journal lately so showing it some love with these beautiful bright florals. That yellow on pink is so dreamy!!
21.01.2022 If you’re a bit of a shopaholic It could be dangerous to have Pattern Pulse sitting on your coffee table as it will be like having a shopping catalogue filled with some of the top Australian surface pattern designers at your finger tips. The book will be available in some great bookstores including the NSW Art Gallery bookstore and QAGOMA in Brisbane just to name a few. But you can grab a pre sale of the book now from my website it’s a visual delight!! https://melaniemiles.com.au/pro/pattern-pulse-book-presale/
21.01.2022 A fun project I have been working on with @shopinivanhoe creating these mini illustrated building templates for kids to download colour and construct. I just could not resist having my own bit fun with these cute little shops. You can see more of my process colouring and constructing in my stories
20.01.2022 At the end of every year I always get into planning and goal setting mode where I’m usually in search of the perfect way to set and track my goals. Previously I’ve gone down the digital route but have found when I get really busy I forget to check in. Sooooo this time I decided to buy myself a beautiful goal planner. I love this one which has loads of goal setting prompts and inspiration including this vision board page. I decided rather than put all the things I want to happen in the next 1-5 years I’d put together a spread of little reminders of the things I love and connect with and how I want to feel. I raided all my lovely magazines cause I love a little crafty cut and paste project. This took me a few weeks to put together but I love how it turned out.
20.01.2022 Ive been playing around with designs for the robes of my Zoe and Zeek, King and Queen playing cards, something a little regal. So I decided to do up whole pattern in my journal. Initially I was going to do hearts like a valentine chocolate box but I settled on more of a paisley design. Happy regal valentines everyone
18.01.2022 Cat vs Dog I’m learning the difference between owning a dog and owning a cat (or should I say being owned by a cat) For 16 years I had my gorgeous border collie boy, at the beginning of the year we adopted a kitten and boy a learning curve. I was so use to being able to just say ah no and he listenbut with a cat that means nothing, its like she look at me, hears what I’m saying thinks for a second but thinks screw you I’m doing it anyway. We just bought half a dozen plants to bring more life into the home, but it’s also been another thing I’m learning - cats are very curiousso I have had to do lots of investigating on how to stop her from wanting to dig and eat the new decor.Essential Oils seems to be doing the trick!
16.01.2022 A little nature inspiration. Couldn’t help but arrange them in a pretty pattern.
15.01.2022 Quick little time lapse while painting some blossoms. I’ve been noticing a sign of spring on my walks. It’s funny how it almost seems like they appear overnight. forgot it would end up in a square format so a bit got cropped off. Needed to have zoomed out a bit more. I’ll get better at capturing progress videos for future. I’ve added the full vid to my stories
15.01.2022 Spring has sprung but the chill of the winter morning still lingers. I’ve been feeling a little flat the last couple of days, so I decided to pull out the journal. I always feel that I get into a flow state when I start paintingand I end up feeling a lot better. Hope this pattern can do the same for you if you’re also feeling a bit flat today. xx
15.01.2022 I painted this pattern just to experiment with different stokes of the brush. The second one in black and white is the original while the others are colour variations. I always love the way colour can change a piece. Particularly in the third one, I definitely wasn’t expecting it to look like an animal print!!! @ Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
15.01.2022 Here’s to the new day bringing dreams of the soul into the light.
13.01.2022 The King and Queen - Zeek and Zoe When I started developing the design of these cards I had the idea of using both Zoe and Zeek for the picture cards to show the difference between their two personalities through each character. Zeek who we had from a pup, passed away a year ago at aged 16 and he was definaltey our King, then last year amidst the pandemic not yet ready for another dog (as I’m not sure I can replace this guy) we adopted Zoe who has taken over and now reigns as... Queen. Having owned a dog for 16 years then owning a cat there is definitely a huge adjustment. My plan was to develop the cards to show the differences with the next being the Joker and the Ace, but I have since come to realise that the main picture cards are the King, Queen and Jack. So I’m tossing up between creating the Jack and the Joker or sticking to my original plan or perhaps it’s showcasing the personalities through each suit? Queen of spades vs diamond etc. would love your thoughts on this. @ Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
12.01.2022 Some lovely gift ideas for Mum this Mother's Day Designed by me and made with the help of my Mum. A thoughtful gift from me and my Mum to yours.... Tap the image to shop the product or jump on over to the website to see more https://melaniemiles.com.au/shop/
12.01.2022 For the first time in ages I had the evening to myself, I ordered take out and decided to sketch in my journal. I popped on a movie and had planned to just sketch something out, but after drawing I was too excited so grabbed the paints, I got so caught up that I didn’t end up going to bed till midnightand believes me I’m not a night owllove it when I get lost in painting. I don’t normally show the close ups but love the details in these baubles. @ Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
11.01.2022 I think my love for birds that tend to show up in a lot of my work, was inherited from my Dad. Growing up we had an aviary of assorted colour budgies and beautiful zebra finch. I loved inspecting the nests for eggs in spring and watching the babies grow feathers and leave the nest. I would also admire the most amazing wooden birds he carved as a hobby that made such wonderful gifts. Not to mention the story of the yellow canary he bought for my Nan that never ever sung.
11.01.2022 New festive fruity design for you! The new design tea towel is now available in my shop. Hand painted illustration of plump plums a beautiful memory from my childhood. I love how festive this shot looks, nothing say Christmas like fruit tarts and plum pudding.
11.01.2022 This review was just so lovely I had to shareas it made my day!! Wow! I just received my absolutely beautiful tote from Melanie and it is even better than I imagined. So professionally made and her design is stunning. I can't wait to use it :)... I also have to comment on the packaging because not only was it well protected in the post, but it was obviously done with such love and care and used reusable/recyclable materials which I really loved. Thanks Melanie, I will definitely be checking out your shop for future purchases and sharing with my friends. @ Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
10.01.2022 Easter Egg Hunt I don’t ever remember doing an Easter egg hunt as a kidaparently when I was little if I had chocolate (and red or green lollies) I became hyperactive and would throw tantrums, so it was tie-died eggs for me. Hope every one has enjoyed their Easter Sunday and was lucky enough to find a few chocolate eggs from the easter bunny. @ Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
10.01.2022 Big floral blooms Did any one watch the series Why Women kill? I pretty much just ogled over the patterns - the fashion was spectacular! Hats off to the interior and wardrobe designersI love dynamic full patterned wallpaper that covers the entire roomGo Big and bold I say!!!
10.01.2022 This past week I’ve been sewing up the last orders before Christmas. I’m so excited to be sending these out!!! This is me in the middle of cutting out the food lovers tea towelsLove this summery pattern!! After this week I’ll be taking a little break to recharge and also get back to some painting in my journal. If you’re looking for last minute gifts you can still get express delivery to receive orders before Christmas up until Friday 18.
09.01.2022 Received a delivery of this vibrant fabric last week so I am busy measuring and cutting, getting it ready to sew the Food Lover Tea Towels for the restock on Thursday. so only 3 DAYS TILL RESTOCK
08.01.2022 NO DAYS TO GO The new collection is now online! New patterns and new styles.... I’m so excited to bring new patterns to the favs and new styles too. This collection was inspired by summer holidays and lazy days spent day dreaming in the garden. I can just feel the warmth on my face when I think about it. Hope you love them, available now! https://melaniemiles.com.au As apart of the Big Design Market online event and in celebration of the fab line up of makers, designers & artists I will be doing something SUPER SPECIAL!!!! One lucky person that shops Melanie Miles online during the event, will be chosen at random to receive a full refund on their order. All you have to do is shop between 18th - 29th November.
08.01.2022 I think we can all agree it was one hell of a year so looking back at the top nine is well worth the reflection to see it wasn’t ALL shite. Today, I’m looking back to celebrate the amazing things that happened but also, as the year rolls to an end and to coincide with the full moon, tonight I’m writing down all that I want to release, enjoying good company around our fire pit, roasting marshmallows and tossing that piece of paper in, to let go for a fresh new 2021. Happy New Year everyone. Here’s to new beginnings!
08.01.2022 Celebrating spring with a flash sale on my scoop purses. 20% off 3 designs. They’re all gorgeous which makes it soooo hard to choose a fav!! https://melaniemiles.com.au/product-cate/totes-and-pouches/
07.01.2022 I’m really intrigued by the different cycles of the moon and how harnessing each phase can play a role in creativity. At the moment we are in the new moon phase of the cycle which is, as it suggests all about new beginnings. I use this part of the phase to set new goals and intentions. I’ve got some big things happening this months which I can’t wait to show you guys But for now I’m taking time to get those big ideas happening.
05.01.2022 YEP NO DAYS TO GO These babies are now up for grabs! A cotton linen blend tea towel that feeeeels kinda spesh, and just look at those colours, you can’t tell me thats not gonna catch your eye and add that something, something to your kitchen.... The last orders that I put up back in July the sets were the most popular to go out so I’ve got more of those available but there are a small number of individuals in each style too. Lastly I just want to say, I am so sofilled with all kinds of feels that I am able to offer these again so thanks to everyone who has supported me especially in this hell of a year!! xx https://melaniemiles.com.au/product-category/tea-towels/
04.01.2022 It’s really strange....for the last few days pineapples have been showing up everywhere; on programs I’ve watched in social media, in random conversions (that I haven’t started) So much so that I thought maybe the universe is trying to tell me something... Weirdly enough as soon as I thought this, another pineapple shows up... So I thought I would look up the symbolic meaning of pineapples... mainly what I found was hospitality, friendship and warmth, but to be honest non of these jumped out as messages I needed to receive. If anyone has any insight I would be really interest to hear incase there is something I’m missing.
04.01.2022 I’m working on the next pair in the series, but in the meantime here’s a snippet adding the final details to Zoe the Queen.
02.01.2022 Four calling birds; my little red robins ~ I like my Christmas designs to have a subtle Christmas feel, I do love beautiful elegant Christmas designs too however for me it doesn’t feel right to draw snowflakes or ice capped trees.
02.01.2022 Looking back this was one of the first patterns I painted in my journal. I began that year not knowing exactly what I wanted to to so I decided to ease in with a 30 day painting challenge that I chose to paint in my journal each day. The message in the bottle was the first one I painted after the challenge finished. I was so worried I wouldn’t know what to do after it ended, but it was probably the best thing I did as it helped form that habit of a daily creative practise. It was a few years ago, but I would love to do something with this oneany thoughts?
