Kangaroo Island Racing Carnival is here and Fashions of the Field look black and white

Kangaroo Island is abuzz for the next four days, as the annual KI Cup Racing Carnival swings into action. Get set for a full schedule of horse racing, fashions of the field competitions, and a host of community sporting and social events.

Race day fashion can be effortless if you know where to find the perfect accessories. But let’s face it, if you’re going to make a real impression on the Fashion of the Field judges at the Cygnet River course this year, you’re going to need something unique. Something that elevates your look from interesting to unforgettable.

If you’re still searching for that unforgettable look, come choose from our collection of Kangaroo Island fine art jewellery and accessories. You’ll find a little of everything in our Kingscote Gallery, from silk scarves and beaded bags, to every kind of hand-made jewellery you can imagine.

Let’s talk black and white

For traditional Race day fashion in black and white, we’ve put together examples of some striking jewellery options in stock at the moment.  For a quick win or two in black and white, check out the classic looks above.

Large Seaweed Earrings, black & assorted colours from Squink, $55
The perfect summer accessory in black and white, these gorgeous earrings can be teamed with other pieces from the Squink range for an edgy, relaxed finish to your Kangaroo Island Cup outfit. Some pieces also available in alternate colours.

Zentangle Pendants, polymer, by Simply Bea, $29
Truly unique, easy to wear, and more than a little reminiscent of the ancient art of scrimshaw, these stunning black and white pendants are the perfect finish for a classic race day fashion statement. At this price you can grab more than one.

Small Seaweed Earrings, black & assorted colours from Squink, $45
Prefer something a little smaller to add that extra polish to your Cup Carnival fashion? This smaller version of the eye-catching Seaweed earrings by Cecilia Gunnarsson are just the thing.

Signature Pendants, lampworked glass with sterling silver, by Simply Bea – white with black; black with white, $45 
A spectacular addition to your black and white fashion game, these gorgeous hand worked glass pendants are created by heating and forming glass shapes, adding new colours, heating and working the glass some more. Unique and beautiful. Perfect for catching the judges’ eyes.

Large Seaweed Cuff, black & assorted colours from Squink, $55
Here’s the perfect match for those Seaweed earrings. Need a little extra contrast, or want to bring out that splash of colour in your outfit? Take a look at the other colours available. Whatever you need to nail your Kangaroo Island Cup fashion play, we’re sure you’ll find it at Fine Art Kangaroo Island.

Peggy Rismiller, sterling silver amethyst and jasper, wear long or double short, $275
Going for a little soft colour to complete your look? Why not grab this amazing piece from Peggy Rismiller? Made to be worn either long or short, the colours in this necklace reflect the setting track side at the Cygnet River race course.

Maybe a touch of sand and sea

It’s summer on Kangaroo Island, and maybe you’re thinking of bringing a touch of sand and sea to your Kangaroo Island Cup Carnival outfit.

Take a look at these stunning lampworked glass pendants from Simply Bea.

Vibrant colours and patterns reflect the movement of waves breaking on the beach. All of it can be seen in these truly remarkable pieces.

The spontaneity of the lampworking process seems almost to have been captured within the glass as Bea worked to create them.

Even the foaming of the waves and the presence of tiny sea creatures are depicted in the colours and patterns of  each piece.

Sterling silver completes the look, making each pendant perfect as a Race day fashion centrepiece.

Whatever your look, you’ll find the perfect piece among the gorgeous array of jewellery and accessories at Fine Art Kangaroo Island.

Come in and see us now to choose your new favourite peice.

 

Festive flair doesn’t have to mean traditional decorating

When the festive season rolls around, we all want to add a little cheer to our homes, but sometimes it’s the day-to-day stuff that keeps us from doing anything at all. With busy lives and so many demands on our time, we can find ourselves in the week before Christmas still wondering whether we’ll even manage a tree. If this is where your mind has been lately, you certainly aren’t alone. We get it.

So we thought we’d challenge ourselves to come up with some fun ways to use the gorgeous things in the gallery to add that little bit of festive cheer around your home.

Maybe you don’t “do” tinsel and baubles? Maybe you just can’t stand how everything christmassy seems to look the same these days? Or perhaps you can’t imagine having the energy to take it all down and put it away again when the celebrations are over? No problem. We’ve come up with some fun ideas that can quite literally stay right where they are, and continue to look gorgeous right through the year. Some can even go from stunning decor to the perfect gift on Christmas morning!

So let’s get started…

Dressing up your table 

Weavings; baling twine and cotton by Kenita Williamson, “Outback” orange hanging or table runner 240 x 60 cm $725
A gorgeous way to attract attention around the Christmas table. The yellow hanging “Get Knotted” has sold since we took this photo. Be quick!

Squink by Cecilia Gunnarsson, bowl in black $125 Gold salad servers $55
Toss a few shiny red apples or some baubles and pine cones in this eye-catching bowl for a little festive cheer. Or you could use it as a base for a gorgeous salad bowl and bling it up with the shiny gold servers.

Large cherry red Lucky Drop by Llewelyn Ash, 25 cm high x 18 cm diam, $250
Sometimes all it takes is a splash of red to turn your December from hum-drum to very-merry! Spoil yourself or someone special with this one and you’ll never want to stop looking at it.

Sunset Sunrise and Sandbar Blue Sky vessels by Llewelyn Ash, approx 50 cm high x 17 cm diam, $490
If your Christmas holiday is more about lazy days at the beach and long slow Kangaroo Island sunsets, you might want to dress things up with a little less of the red and green. These amazing pieces are sure to help you do it!

Glossy Black Paperweight by Llewelyn Ash, $115
A very Kangaroo Island way to add that splash of red to your festive decor. This striking black and red paperweight features screen printed Glossy Black Cockatoo feathers floating in the glass. Perfect for bird lovers and art lovers alike. Exclusive to Fine Art Kangaroo Island. A portion of each sale donated to the Glossy Black Recovery Program.

Wooden Bowls by Jonny Gloyne, various 40cm diam, $475 image shown
What could be more beautiful than a stunning wooden bowl brimming with treats or treasures to remind you it’s Christmas? And we know you can find a thousand reasons to never put it away.

Mosaic glass bird on stick by Anne Morrison, for garden beds and patio pots,
various sizes, $45 image shown

Literally have no more than five minutes to bring some Christmas into the picture before guests start arriving? We have you covered. Grab a handful of these gorgeous coloured glass birds. All you have to do is poke the stick in a pot and voila! Christmas in seconds. You’re welcome.

Need a little more Christmas?

No time to decorate a tree? Well that’s an easy fix too.

While you’re picking up those glass birds on a stick to dress up your patio for the big day, add a few Hanging Birds, slumped glass tree decorations  by Anne Morrison to your purchase. At just $25 they’re great value.

It will take no time at all add these little beauties to your tree and completely switch up your Christmas decor.

Want to leave it there for a minimalist take on festive decorating? Well if you really feel you must…

Maybe you’re just not feeling the season unless there’s a little shiny gold going on?

Take a peek at these gorgeous Ornamental Tree Decorations by Gay de Mather, various natural materials, copper wire and glass beads, $25.
These are just a sample of what is available, but call in soon. Stocks are getting low.

So you see, it really is possible to dress up your home for Christmas in minutes and nobody else need know how little time or effort it took.

You also have the option of going just as festive as you want, while keeping it truly unique. You can add a little festive sparkle so easily with all these pieces. You never have to worry about burying your home in another mass-produced cookie-cutter display, and your friends will be dazzled by your seasonal flair.

Double Duty Decorating

Ever thought about switching up your Christmas decor by turning the beautiful things in your life to double duty? We took a fresh look at some of the stunning jewellery pieces in the gallery and look what we came up with!

Earrings by Anne Morrison, slumped millefiori and dichroic glass,
drops $29; studs and pendants $19
Just a tiny sample of the incredible range of glass jewellery on offer right now from Anne Morrison. As a self-confessed glass addict, Anne is always finding new ways to take our breath away with each creation. We thought they were perfect little baubles to add to this eye-catching Wooden Tree Pendant, by Patsy Verwaal, created from found recycled components, $49.
A true statement piece, who knew it could double as the perfect Christmas backdrop? The only thing missing is the partridge. It could also be a pretty awesome way to keep a few tiny extra gifts on hand for that unexpected visit from a friend you didn’t quite get to buy for. Tell them to go ahead and choose the pair they like best and treat yourself with what’s left for New Year partying!

Sea Urchin pendant, cuttlefish cast silver on multi silk,
2.9 cm diam, 45cm length $195
Imagine waking up Christmas morning to find the most gorgeous ornament on the tree is actually a very precious gift, just for you. That’s the wonderful feeling you could give someone when you add this gorgeous piece to the Christmas baubles on your tree.  Available for sale in our online store.

Sometimes the easiest way to keep something a surprise is to hide it in plain sight. Imagine the look on her face when you tell her!

And while you’re hiding precious gifts in the greenery, cast your eye over the beautiful Simply Paua II, fabricated silver and paua necklace, by Peggy Rismiller at $225. Hang it in the tree and use a special card to deliver a note with details of its hiding place.

Original art photography Christmas greeting cards by Ann Lashmar are perfect for the job and available in two sizes, $8 small, $9 large.

These quality cards have been a signature of the Gallery since opening in early 2008. Hand made with torn art papers,  and original art photographs they are perfect occasional cards. Use them when words cannot quite convey the emotion or as a gift when you are not giving a gift.

They also look great framed in contemporary framing. Contact us at Fine Art KI for a framing quote. You can even use them as pretty decorations just to bring a festive touch all over the house.

Guests for lunch on Christmas Day? Write a welcome note inside one of these cards and attach a pretty label. Write the name of a guest on each label and wow them all with your festive place cards!

Getting in the spirit

Don’t forget to dress yourself up a little for Christmas too.

There’s no better way to get in the spirit of the season than adding a little festive touch to your own Christmas outfit. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to put yourself in the mood for a celebration with the perfect accessories.

Start out with a stunning Fred Peters pendant like “Voyager”, fabricated and pierced sterling silver, single edition, 10 x 7.5 cm focal on 59 cm hand forged chain.

Wrap up your look with “Fine Butterflies” hand painted silk georgette scarf by Maggie Welz, $85.

And speaking of wrapping, why not add an extra special touch to a precious gift by wrapping it all up in one of these amazing fluid silk wraps? Two gifts in one. Now that’s Christmas!

Under $30, Under $50 or Under $100 – Something for every Art lover

It’s time for choosing Christmas gifts.

December should be the most wonderful time of year, but searching endlessly through the same old offerings can steal the joy from your season.

Today we’re here to show you the secret to inspiring and effortless Christmas shopping.

[Read more…] about 50 Christmas Gifts for Fine Art Lovers

Copper, cast glass, steel, rivets, 150 x 90 x 100 cm  $5,500

Known the world over for her arresting sculptural pieces, Deb Sleeman cares deeply about the impact of humanity on  Kangaroo Island’s wild beauty.