A Shot Away

I am one of 'those people' that is lucky to be surrounded by friends that are not only faithful, but very, very talented.

One of those friends is Nicole Reed. I have known Nicole for 10 years or so, and I remember in the early days, my knees would go weak when I saw her as I thought she was just "so cool". Nicole is soft spoken, intelligent and a super talented photographer.

Well, I still think she is "so cool" and love her dearly as a friend, but I can also say that I am a big fan of her as an artist too.

Photographing a broad range of subjects, for tattoo, fashion and streetwear magazines, the thing I love most about Nicole's work is that her photos always look 'alive'.

Her wedding photography is unobtrusive and natural and the many photos she takes of her surroundings in her many travels, make you feel like you could get lost in that moment in time.

I hope to shoot with her soon, but in the meantime, please check out her work via the links below.

WEBSITE: A Shot Away

FACEBOOK: Business page

PHOTO CREDIT: Mr Cartoon photo taken by Nicole Reed for T-World magazine issue # 5

Simone Walsh Handmade Jewellery (or Jewelry!)

One of the best things about Etsy is the creative friends I have made, here in Australia and around the world.

I "met" Simone Walsh from NSW, Australia through the Etsy forums about 2 years ago. Her Elvis Presley cufflinks, were the first thing that caught my eye and I have been a big fan of her handmade, sterling silver jewellery ever since.

Simone is currently offering a 15% discount off all sales made from her online store. Enter the code redesign2 at the checkout to apply the discount - note that the offer is valid until Sunday the 23rd of August 2009.

If you wish to buy in USD please click here.

You can also follow Simone Walsh on Twitter.

Photo: Sterling Silver Swallow Earrings (my favorite item!).

Sarah Lea Cheesecake fans read on...

I first met Sarah in 2004, at a rehearsal for Route 66's Peek A Boo parade - she was admiring one of my gingham belts.

Since that day, Sarah and I have become good friends, she is warm, sincere and is always a great listener. Her advice is sound and she always makes you feel like you are worth a million dollars.

Sarah's alter ego, Sarah Lea Cheesecake is a sexy, talented, hard working Burlesque performer currently based in Melbourne. Photographers have queued up to photograph her in the well loved Pinup style and she has modeled for clothing labels such as Route 66 and my own label, Peta Pledger.

Earlier this year, Sarah finally completed her much anticipated website, which can be viewed by clicking here.

To keep up to date on upcoming performances and to view a comprehensive collection of live action photos, visit her Facebook page.