The Hmong Textile Market

A lovely place for a textile designer to while away a hot Saturday afternoon in Chiang Mai.

Hello from Chiang Mai

Pictured above is the Australian artist and designer Chris Chun's lovely studio in Chiang Mai, Thailand, my base for the next month. I have escaped the wintry weather at home for a few weeks of tropical heat, quality design time and plenty of mango smoothies and iced tea. 

Chris and I are working on a new collection of hand painted designs for licensing.

My messy desk and an inspiration pin board for new designs.

A delicious macaroon and a few little paintings.

My hot pink ride to work - Thai style!

Lotus love

Whether pink, mauve or white: the lotus flowers in Chiang Mai are all rather spectacular.

Chiang Mai orchids

Just a short stroll away from Chris Chun's design studio is the Chiang Mai plant and flower market. Many of the plant stalls are filled with gorgeous orchids - the steamy hot weather obviously provides the optimum growing conditions for these beauties. And the optimum conditions for some very unattractive swollen ankles!

Lou Kau Mansion in Macau

The Lou Kau Mansion is an exquisitely detailed residence built in 1889 during the Qing Dynasty. The Lou Kau family resided here until 1910.