Friday Finds: My two Aussie summer must-haves to survive Euro summer, Liberty's 150th + more
Woven bags, affordable art, fashion markdowns and retro dog knits.
Affordable art: Jane Canfield
Let’s start by wandering west of the Blue Mountains to Jane Canfield – painter, drawer, Poodle Wrangler, and VW Kombi driver – whose dreamy, pared-back landscapes capture the soul of Australia.
I’ve been quietly obsessed with Jane’s work for a few years now, following her on Instagram and swooning over each new painting she shares. Her upcoming solo show, Elemental at Art2Muse Gallery in Sydney, is a gentle study in semi-abstracted tonalism: think rolling hills in soft ochres and sage, each painting a tranquil window into New South Wales. Jane’s process blends memory, quick sketches, and colour studies, often with her little dogs in tow.
“Orchard Ponds 1”, Jane Canfield
Alongside her landscapes, Jane also delights with a selection of lively dog portraits in charcoal on paper, each piece brimming with personality and warmth.
If you’re after art that’s both beautiful and accessible, Day Gallery in Blackheath has a selection of her smaller, affordable pieces (from $680). You can also find Jane’s work at Manyung Gallery in Melbourne and Toowoomba Gallery in Toowoomba.
Adorable knits for dogs
One of my favourite discoveries from last week’s SMH’s Good Weekend is Houndsome, a small independent Melbourne brand making clothes and accessories for well-dressed dogs. Their tagline – Dogwear with Standards – captures their commitment to quality, design, and genuine Australian craftsmanship.
Every piece is made locally, with the merino sweaters and jaunty hand-knitted scarves boasting a gently vintage vibe, the tartan jackets channeling timeless style, and the handsome leather bow collars crafted by local artisans.
Houndsome works with Australian makers, ensuring nothing is outsourced or greenwashed. Just beautifully made, small-batch accessories that are built to last.
Nice placemats
I can be fussy about placemats, but this Magnolia set from Sage and Clare – a fabulous independent Australian lifestyle brand – has completely won me over.
These are not your average table toppers: each is beautifully crafted with a playful, vintage-inspired design. The colours are vibrant, the patterns are joyful, and there’s a real artisanal quality that makes them feel special and unique.
Oroton sale
There’s a brilliant sale on at Oroton at the moment, and if you haven’t checked out this heritage Australian brand lately, now’s the perfect time. For those outside Australia, Oroton is a classic name best known for its iconic handbags, but in recent years it’s had a real renaissance – expanding into clothing and jewellery with a fresh, modern edge while staying true to its legacy of quality and understated luxury.
I’ve become a big fan of Oroton’s jewellery lately, especially the Lilium Drop Earrings in gold, which I wear on repeat – they always attract compliments. While I have the gold pair, you can now find them on sale in the gorgeous gold currant shade. I also like the Kimberley Pearl Charm stud earrings and the Melody Multi Pearl Huggies in 18k gold.
Oroton’s clothing is just as impressive. The Tie Neck top in cream is a beautifully cut staple that goes with everything, while the Fringe Lace dress in Lemon Zest is a true showstopper. The Fringe Lace Slip Dress in Mint Ice is another favourite, with its dreamy colour and delicate detailing. Perfect for special events.
I have the Spot Print Day dress in black and can’t recommend it enough; it’s one of those rare pieces that works for everything. I’ve worn it to dinner, to gigs, and it’s pictured above. Oroton’s rebrand has brought new life to a much-loved label, and this sale is a great excuse to add a little piece of Australian fashion history to your wardrobe.
Liberty’s 150th
Long-time Wee Birdy readers will know just how much I adore Liberty. I've written about the iconic London department store for both Wee Birdy and Time Out London, and it remains my favourite shop in the world. There’s simply nowhere else quite like it for design, history, and that unmistakable sense of discovery you get with every visit.
Liberty is celebrating its 150th birthday in true style with the launch of the “From the Studio” collection, a drop that feels like a love letter to the brand’s creative legacy. This collection is more than just a set of new fabrics, it’s a deep dive into the artistry that has defined Liberty since 1875.
Drawing on the vast archive of over 45,000 prints, “From the studio” is structured around three main narratives: Craftsmanship, Collaboration, and Collectibles. Each theme offers a window into Liberty’s unique design process, from the first sketch to the final printed textile.
What makes this collection so special is how it weaves together Liberty’s storied past with its forward-looking spirit. The Craftsmanship narrative, for example, highlights the meticulous hand-drawn and painted techniques that have always been at the heart of Liberty’s prints. The Collaboration chapter celebrates the creative partnerships that have shaped the brand’s evolution, while the Collectibles theme curates hero prints that capture the essence of each decade in Liberty’s history.
If, like me, you’re a Liberty devotee, this anniversary collection is a must-see. It’s a glorious celebration of everything that makes Liberty so beloved: heritage, creativity, and a dash of British eccentricity, all wrapped up in print.
My two summer essentials
Euro summer is everywhere on my Instagram feed right now – azure blue Mediterranean waters, sun-drenched terraces, bougainvillea-lined cobbled laneways. It’s got me thinking about my own Australian summer must-haves, both from brilliant independent Aussie brands that deserve a spot in any suitcase.
First up is the classic square neck one piece swimsuit from Une Piece in navy. I’ve also owned and reviewed the MiracleSuit for work, but I genuinely prefer my Une Piece. It’s not exactly a fashion-forward brand but it’s hands-down the most flattering – and comfortable - swimsuit I’ve ever had. The bodice is meticulously panelled to shape and support, the fit is spot-on, and the fabric has lasted for years without fading or stretching. The removable bows on the straps are a sweet touch, letting you tweak the look to suit your mood. I cover up with the matching “sexy rashie”.
My other summer staple is the vintage-inspired pleated hat from Lorna Murray, another independent Australian brand. Mine is the Roma/Luxe Capri Hat, and it delivers instant retro poolside glam while always drawing compliments. Each hat is handcrafted and offers UPF 50+ sun protection.
The artistry of these hats lies in their hand-weaving and the clever transformation of natural grass fibres into origami-inspired forms. Vogue Australia even voted Lorna Murray ‘best overall hat brand’ – and I can see why. I bought mine years ago when there were limited colours but there are now seven pages of gorgeous hues and styles to choose from.
Portuguese woven bags
If you’re still dreaming of a Euro summer (or lucky enough to be living it), the woven reed bags from Toino Abel are the ultimate accessory. Lovingly handcrafted in Portugal from organic reed, each bag is finished with full vegetable-tanned leather, GOTS-certified cotton lining, and a sweet handmade ceramic charm. The Sara comes in two sizes (with the extra-small Sarita for minimalists), and I love the playful red and purple squares pattern.
With thoughtful details like an optional adjustable shoulder strap and new hand-braided leather handles, these bags are both practical and beautiful. There are many colours and styles to choose from.
Mark Hearld and Angie Lewin
If you have even a passing interest in British printmaking, the current St Jude’s exhibition at The Scottish Gallery, The Art of Collaboration, looks like an absolute delight. This thoughtfully curated show brings together two of my perennial favourites: Mark Hearld and Angie Lewin.
Mark Hearld’s work is a joyous celebration of the natural world. His exuberant collages, prints, paintings, and ceramics are alive with vibrant colour and movement. Drawing inspiration from mid-century Neo-Romanticism, 1930s Modernism, and British folk art, Mark creates scenes that are both nostalgic and utterly fresh.
He’s just released an expanded edition of his book, Raucous Invention: The Joy of Making. What I find especially captivating is the way he captures the playful spirit and personality of animal. This joyful dog print is a perfect example; it’s impossible not to smile.
Angie Lewin is a printmaker specialising in linocuts, wood engravings, and lithographs. Inspired by the wild landscapes of the North Norfolk coast and the Scottish Highlands, her work distils the beauty of these places into intricate, graphic compositions. Angie’s prints often feature native flora – seedpods, grasses, and dried seaweed – collected on her sketching trips, capturing the subtle rhythms and patterns of the natural world.
I’ve got two cushions in Angie’s inimitable botanical prints and they work beautifully with mid-century furniture.
If you can’t make it to Edinburgh, you can browse (and buy) prints, notebooks, wallpaper and fabric by both Mark Hearld and Angie Lewin on the St Jude’s website. Their prints are original, limited edition, and signed by the artist – affordable art that brings a touch of British printmaking magic into your home.
*Please note that I don’t feature commercial affiliate products and I don’t get paid in any way. I’ve paid for all items myself.
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I'm in love with those gorgeous placemats, they're so me!
I’m an Aussie who spent 5 years in London and I am loving your newsletter so much! I’m renovating my home at the moment so if you had any good tips on where to buy lighting that isn’t insanely $$$ I’m all ears! X