Hot off the press is some new pictures of Bookalicious from Aaron Maguire. Aaron Maguire is a local photographer/filmmaker who has partnered with us on many of our events – his work is amazing! He should have been called Mr Fabuloso . . or Mr Terrific . . . And who was that character in Get Smart who had a sparkle from his teeth? You know the guy? Mr Smiley? Anyway the point is this,  he is like him,  all glittery with greatness. I am sure by now Bookalicious possibly holds the record as the most photographed event in the west! But here are some more photos to feast your eyes on. 

We couldn’t have wished for nicer weather  for the closing ceremony of the Maribyrnong Library Literary Festival. It was also the unveiling of Jos Van Hulsen's ‘reading chair’. Which, without sounding too biased, looks pretty goddam amazing! The afternoon ‘Myths Woven by Us’ was a fun day for family and friends. The afternoon included a free BBQ, storytelling, face painting, balloon artistry and special guest David Greagg, our very own Wizard of Footscray! I did not know until recently that we have our OWN Wizard, but indeed we do . . . and may I say delightfully charming and interesting he is too. I couldn’t have thought of a nicer day to laze down the river at the Footscray Community Arts Center. Parents (ME) lounged on the grass while ignoring the kids (them) as they romped around throwing stones in the river, gorging themselves on sausages, all while getting their face painted . . . . .  And did I say it was SUNNY! I could not help but to expel a sigh of relief to think the chair has finally found its permanent home. The relief was not so much about no longer having it around Jos’s studio, but more the fact that it weighs a bloody ton and this was the last time we had to move it!!! If you do get a chance to go down to the river, perhaps grab a coffee from Happy River Café, stroll down towards the Amphitheatre and take some time to sit on the Reading Chair. While you are sipping on your coffee and taking in the beautiful view, just give some thought to my back . . . because at the end of the day, Jos may have made and designed the chair, but really, it is all about MEEEEEE!!! 

A Bookalicious time was had by all last night here at Post Industrial Design. The event was part of the Maribyrnong Library Literary Festival. People got in to the spirit of the evening by dressing as their favourite literary character. Everyone went to such effort . . . the costumes were AMAZING! It was a night of sharing our favourite books, murderous plots, and a sensational sleuthing by none other than Sherlock Holmes. Yes Sherlock Holmes . . here! The evening also saw the fantastic performance by a local children’s drama group, DramaworX. The children dazzled the crowd with their amazing show. Well done to all involved! We all shared in our favourite books, goobled down the fine food provided Miranda Jones and supped on wine till our bellies were full. Good times indeed! Thanks to all for coming and making it such a fabulous night. 

Chanelle Collier’s work will be on display at our upcoming event Bookalicious, as part of the Maribyrnong Library Literary Festival. I first came into contact with Chanelle during our steampunk exhibition, Steamscape, back in March this year. On first seeing Chanell’s work I was instantly smitten. Her book sculptures transport you to a miniature world. It takes me back to being a child and seeing a snow cone for the first time. In a somewhat of an Alice in Wonderland moment, I would stare at this miniature world of dappled snow and imagine myself  inside the cone romping through this magical landscape. The detail in Chanelle’s work is amazing – each page is painstakingly carved to create a visual world within the book. Working so closely with each page of the narrative Chanelle has developed a deep respect for each book’s life. Traditional books are becoming superseded through electronic media and technology. Through Chanelle’s book sculpture we are encouraged to reconnect with the tactile beauty of the books, parodying the notion that old books have been reduced to objects of decoration in the modern environment. 

The Gala Launch of Maribyrnong Library Literary Festival kicked off with bang on Friday night. Kerry Greenwood talked candidly with the audience about growing up in Footscray, her love of books and the road she took to becoming a celebrated crime writer. To be honest I have a pathological hatred for speeches. Yep it is true. Normally my eyes start to glaze and I quickly scour the room for a quick escape route. But I have to say Kerry had me spellbound. She spoke from the heart, a truly honest, funny  . . . and can I say delightfully eccentric woman. Instead of scouring the room for my escape route she had me captivated . . . . yes ME! It was a great night and people really got into the 1920’s spirit! We even had Sherlock Holmes looking for literary clues! But the cat was already out of the bag. . . there is simply heaps of great stuff to do as part of the festival. Our event is fully subrcribed but don’t let that put you off! If your feeling slightly Bookalicious, still register your interest. You never know some people might just pull out . . . . 

Gertrude is back in stock! Gertrude is a wonderful children's story written and illustrated by locals Jessica Dean and Marc Eiden (and yes I am talkin local - as in West Footscray!) This beautifully illustrated book is in line with the philosophy of the writer, Jessica Dean, who believes children's literature should not be "dumbed down" This is a magical adventure suitable for children 5 years and up. Ever met a celebrity LION or a body building GORILLA? What about a fashion designing LIZARD, a troupe of freedom-fighting acrobatic RATS or a spectacular SPARROW? Jessica Dean first launched Gertrude at Post Industrial Design last year. The launch included and exhibition of limited edition prints from the illustrations. The launch and the exhibition was a huge success, so much so that we sold out of books totally! For all those people out there who have patiently waited for the next edition to come in - the second edition has finally arrived! Now available in-store or online. Jessica Dean has done a number of literary talks including last year at the Open Studio's. She is also doing an event You are innocent Until you dream as part of the Maribyrnong Literary Festival The incredible work by all collaborators, Blacksparrow, Marc Eiden, Sean Hogan & Kim Aleksandrowicz. A great collection to any child's library! 

Wishbone Flip Ride-0n Rocker is a three in one indoor ride on toy. It's a rocker, it's a ride-on; its a push toy and it's going to be your child's best friend! We are just so thrilled to have this in store. With its innovative flipping mechanism, Wishbone Flip transforms from rocker to ride-on in just seconds. Don't believe us? Check out this video of it in action. It is a timeless toy that your child will love. It is made from 100% reforested birch plywood. It is rated to 25kg and suits children from 12 months of age as a rocker, through to 5 years of age as a ride on. The double bolt holes allow the seat height to be adjusted. Wishbone are the good guys they are a carboNZero certified organisation. The Flip has won countless awards including the Dutch BEST BABY TOY AWARD 2012 to name just a few . . . . truly great design! Priced at $159.00 this toy is great value that will give your kids years of enjoyment. Available in store and ONLINE.