An Ocean Apart
- Words by Peppermint
Say hello to our fishy friends! This pair, constructed from thousands of disused plastic bottles on Botafogo beach in Rio de Janeiro, has been dominating the blogosphere of late – an apt visual symbol for just one of the topics on the table at the recent Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. Sustainable use of our ocean resources – which is an issue of growing importance all over the world, from our Great Barrier Reef to the catcheries of South America – was one of seven critical issues discussed by world leaders at the Summit, alongside efforts to reduce poverty, enhance social equity and environmental protection policies. While the outcome of the summit is yet to be seen, at least it brought these issues out of the murky depths and into the spotlight.
When you consider that just 25 countries control over 75% of the world’s marine catch, implementing practical policies to secure marine biodiversity, habitat protection and sustainable fishing practices is of obvious importance, especially since our oceans are so vital to the wider scheme of guaranteeing sustainable food production for the world’s growing population. Its a complex issue, which is why we love to see simple campaigns that illustrate the facts in a way we can all understand. Just like the fish sculptures in Rio, this illustration from MastersDegree.net draws attention to the vicious cycle of ocean pollution and, shockingly, just how much of our own refuse we consume when we dispose of plastic waste incorrectly.
Created by: MastersDegree.net
Created by: MastersDegree.net
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Disillusioned by the realities of fast fashion, design grads Emily May and Sidonie Moore ditched clothing for a business that finds fun in the everyday. Enter @TheNonsenseMaker: a collection of unique homewares, fun wall art, greeting cards and more that breathe life into Emily’s illustrations: “I love the idea of taking real-world objects and changing your perspective in a way that brings magic and whimsy into everyday life!”
In issue 64’s feature ‘It all makes sense’, we chat to the Naarm/Melbourne-based duo about their sustainability philosophy, TV re-runs and their commitment to local makers. At stockists now!
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#PeppermintMagazine #TheNonsenseMaker #LocalMakers #SustainableCraft
Any New Year’s resolutions on your list? We love this from @OtterBeeStitching - “be brave enough to suck at something new”.
There’s no points for perfection, but you’ll get a trophy for trying. If nothing else this year, take the leap and try something new.
#OtterBeeStitching #Embroidery #BeBrave #TrySomethingNew #EmbroideryArt
Sunday serving suggestion ☀️
Gorgeous photos from @JolieFemmeStore - who make sweet garments from vintage bedsheets.
#PeppermintMagazine #SlowSunday #SwitchOff #Unplug #ReadAMagazine
A toast to the old you 🥂
We wholeheartedly love this post from the brilliant @EmilyOnLife:
“2026: Reinvent, burn it down, let it go (whatever it is). Year of the Snake it up. Exercise your boundaries, exercise your body, take one teeny step every day towards a life that feels better to be in.
But don’t you dare shit on your old self while you do it.
Hold yourself with reverence and tenderness and respect, because you got you this far. You did your very best with the information and tools you had at the time. You scraped yourself together, you made it work, you survived what felt impossible to survive: again and again and again.
You are perpetually in the process of becoming, whether you can feel it or not, whether or not you add it to your 2026 to-do list.“
Some very wise words from @Damon.Gameau to take us into 2026 🙌🏼
⭐️ We made it!!! ⭐️
Happy New Year, friends. To those who smashed their goals and achieved their dreams, and to those who are crawling over the finish line hoping to never speak of this year again (and everyone else in between): we made it. However you got here is enough. Be proud.
It’s been a tough year for many of us in small business, so here’s to a better year in 2026. We’re forever grateful for all your support and are jumping for joy to still be here bringing you creativity, kindness and community.
We’re also excited to be leaping into the NY with our special release sewing pattern – the Waratah Wrap Dress!
How great are our fabulous models: @Melt.Stitches, @KatieMakesADress and @Tricky.Pockets - and also our incredible Sewing Manager @Laura_The_Maker! 🙌🏼
Ok 2026: let’s do this. 💪🏼
#PeppermintWaratahWrapDress #PeppermintPatterns #SewingPattern #MeMade #WrapDress #WrapDressPattern
