Geek is the New Black...

So we've all been a little inundated with Geekdom lately, but why not? These underrated clever kids in society deserve their spotlight... why, without them, we would just be a very superficial silly race, wouldn't we? ... and well, I wouldn't be able to send this blog post out to you all on the world wide web without them!

Now that I have patronized (and antagonised), I would like to announce that the Curious Oyster Shoppe now stocks the wonderful work of PHD Neuroscience student, Nicky of Morphologica!

Stunning pendant formed from elegant intertwined DNA-like strands

Nicky was inspired by the true beauty that could be found when viewing single-cells under the microscope. She decided to put pencil to paper and put her impression of the beautiful morphology (or shape)of the single cells she has studied in various neuroscience subjects.

The result... stunning, beautiful and intricate pieces that are thought provoking and truly unique.

A cluster of proliferating cells- a representation of the growth of new brain cells in culture.

An artistic representation of an intricate hippocampal pyramidal cell enclosed within a white pyramid

So come on over to the Curious Oyster Shoppe and get one for your inner geek! 160 Barkly St, St Kilda, 3182, VIC

Naomi's Lingerie

Sitting at my stall at the Rose St Artist's Market, I noticed delicate flecks of colour gently moving in the breeze... Like a child following the scent of candy, I came upon the sweetest stall in the market.

Naomi's lingerie is handmade by Japanese born, Naomi Matsuda. Naomi was a fashion designer in Tokyo for 7 years, before she quit her job and travelled to Australia. Unable to find quality lingerie in Australia which was neither too sexy, nor too casual, Naomi took it upon herself to create a sweet line of lingerie.

Naomi's pieces are extremely well priced given the overpriced mass-produced garments available in chain stores around the country... Yet they are so beautiful, unique and so well made, these pieces are of heirloom quality...

Available at Curious Oyster Shoppe - 160 Barkly St, St Kilda 3182, VIC

Curious Christmas Ideas...

Archive Quality Artwork by Phillipa G

Right now, the Curious Oyster Shoppe is bursting at the seams with handmade Melbourne goodness...

Here's some shots of some of the lovely products in store... just in time for Christmas!

Christmas Gift Ideas for...

The Home

More Stunning Artwork by Phillipa G.

Pirdy String Art and Owl Family

Jewels For Her:

Pirdy Brooches and Rings

Zipper Earrings

Ola Jewels

Best Seller: Owl & Fox Jewellery

Michvanetta Jewels

Joolz Jewels!

and More of Joolz

Delightful Betty Jo Design Brooches

And Something for the Little (or not so Little)Ladies!

"Holly Hobby" Bonnets for Little Ladies

(Adjustable to Fit Children & Adults)

Pocket Carnival Cards

Pocket Carnival Coin Purse

and More Pocket Carnival Coin Purses - Cute!

and Of Course... For Him!

Man Bag Made from Tyre Inner Tubes

Recycled Car Upholstery Wallets

If you would like to purchase any of these items, please contact me directly on 0447175235 or via email

Curious Oyster Shoppe: 158-160 Barkly St, St Kilda 3182

The Fantastic Mrs Owl & Fox...

Owl & Fox jewellery has been a favourite at my Curious Oyster Shoppe for some time now.

Hung daintily on every spare willow twig in my front window, dangles another precious earring Tiffany de Lacy hand constructed.

A month or so ago, I decided that I would surprise my brother and soon to be sister-in-law, by booking a ticket to watch them get married in Korea...

With the help of one of my lovely customers, I bought my beautiful Violet & I, Never Ending Silk Maxi Dress from Dorothy & Evelyn...

And I knew just who to call on for some customised jewells to match!

This gorgeous genuine pearl necklace has been designed and patiently hand made by Tiffany de Lacy of Owl & Fox.

Artist in Residence...

Copyright Nicole Krenn 2009

I am very proud to announce the arrival of my dear friend and artist, Nicole Krenn from Vienna!

Copyright Nicole Krenn 2009

Arriving in Melbourne in February 2010, Niki will spend her time exploring this great land and doing what she does best... besides cooking amazing Austrian cuisine... painting!

Niki is currently graduating from her Viennese University with a Bachelor of Arts. Niki's medium is mainly oil on canvas, however she also dabbles in water colour and drawing... Her pieces will be available for purchase in store, exclusive to the Curious Oyster Shoppe!

Here is a preview of what is to come...

Copyright Nicole Krenn 2009

Copyright Nicole Krenn 2009

Copyright Nicole Krenn 2009

Copyright Nicole Krenn 2009

Copyright Nicole Krenn 2009

Copyright Nicole Krenn 2009

So Pirdy!

Spring is all about life... baby animals and birds, flowers and sunshine!

Baby Owl and Baby Bird - $30ea

Owl Family - $55

Pirdy Ceramics are handmade in Melbourne by the ever gorgeous Juliet Carr and are available at the Curious Oyster Shoppe and online... Yay!

If you would like to custom order a colour for one of these beautiful creature creations, please email me at annaliese@curiousoyster.com.au!

Wall Owl - $30ea or $55 for a Pair!

Yay for Spring Giveaway!

So we are well and truly on our way to summer now here in Melbourne... Uh!? Hmmm... Well I guess that's what spring is like here in Melbourne. Boiling one day... freezing the next!

All this change in temperature can wreak havoc on our poor little lips, causing them to chap and dry out :(

I am giving away 5 Nilla Nilla Pout Balms! How do I get my lips some organic goodness I hear you ask...? Simply click on the Curious Oyster Shoppe Facebook Link and become a fan! Then tell me in a few words why your lips deserve some Nilla Nilla...

Written in Haiku wins you extra points! Just kidding :)

Good Luck! and I'll be choosing winners early October!

Indie Collective

I am forever trying to source bits and bobs for my little businesses... Cocoa Butter for my lip balm and bottles for my shampoo and conditioner, recycled bags for packaging and so many other things.

Buying as a collective has many advantages... It is not only a more environmentally friendly option because it reduces shipping, but it also assists your business purse! By buying as a collective, you are able to enjoy economies of scale from bulk buying discounts and shared shipping costs. In addition, you get to make some great contacts in the process...

But how to find people who are also looking for the same things and to find out if they're willing to share their secret finds, has been the hardest part for me and for other indie crafters, artists and makers.

So I have started my own Indie Collective!

This is the 'go to' place for searching for people who are looking at sourcing materials and ingredients... as well as a place where you can list what you're looking for!

So, come and take a look - it's brand new, so don't be shy!

Click here for the Indie Collective Forum

For the past 6 months now, I have been busy with my new shoppe Curious Oyster... Supporting Australian indie artisans and crafters in the shoppe has been extremely rewarding and I am excited to report, very successfully!

Some of you may not live in Melbourne, or even Australia, so a trip down to St Kilda may not be entirely convenient... but never fear, Curious Oyster is now available to you in the form of the eShoppe!

So pop on in and take a look at what the clever Melbourne and Australian kiddies are up to!

Walt Disney: Alice in Wonderland - The Story of the Curious Oysters