Make a Beeline

Preston-based designer furniture makers, Adam Brislin and Lucy Grant of Beeline Design, have released their latest collection, entitled Ridge. The tables, bedheads, bench seats and buffet feature Tasmanian oak and gentle curves formed using Australian leather over corrugated iron. Finishes include natural leather and a number of pastel powder-coated colours.

Present and Correct

There’s no need to resort to socks and jocks or soap on a rope for friends and family this holiday season. Instead, mark your calendar for The Big Design Market (30 November – 2 December). Held at Carlton’s Royal Exhibition Building, the market is a showcase for the best designer goods from across the state. More than 230 stalls will stock homewares, ceramics, fashion, jewellery, stationery, toys and so much more. Chances are you’ll find something unique for everyone on Santa’s list and possibly something for yourself, too.

Printing Party

Anyone who’s been working on a creative project that requires the use of a 3D printer should check out MakerHangouts at Kathleen Syme Library in Carlton. Held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, these free sessions allow wannabe designers to get advice, as well as use 3D printers, electronics and robotics kits. For more information, go to the City of Melbourne website and search for MakerHangouts.

Image: Ines Alvarez Fdez at Unsplash

Feminine Forms

They’ve shaped contemporary visual culture for the past 40 years and now trailblazing female designers from around the world are being recognised at NGV International during Designing Women (until 24 March). More than 50 works, spanning architecture, digital innovation and fashion and product design will be on show. Inspect the contributions of both international creatives, including Zaha Hadid and Faye Toogood, alongside the work of local heroes, such as Elliat Rich and Susan Cohn. Pictured here is Helen Kontouris’ 101 chair (wool and fibreglass), designed for Melbourne’s Schiavello Systems in 2001.

Cocktail Collective

Melbourne’s serious sippers would likely know the name Matt Bax. He’s been responsible for some of the city’s favourite drinking venues, including Bar Americano and the now-defunct Der Raum. His newest venue is Grau Projekt, at the end of Smith Street where Collingwood meets Clifton Hill. There he will combine his cocktail-making chops with another of his interests – art. This contemporary art space will host ticketed opening nights that not only include entry, but also a signature collaborative cocktail created by Bax, his team and the artist. Grau Projekt opens 22 November with Bax’s own exhibition, Cockrocker.

Image: John Laurie

For the Diary: Total Eclipse

Look up in wonder at UK artist Luke Jerram’s magnificent miniature during Museum of the Moon (from 1 December). This sphere of seven metres in diameter features large-scale imagery of the lunar surface courtesy of NASA. The piece has travelled the world and is soon to arrive at Scienceworks, complete with a soundtrack created by award-winning composer Dan Jones.

Image: Gareth Jones