If you are visiting Melbourne or Fitzroy for the day and are artfully inclined, or of an arty disposition then I highly recommend that you visit a favourite bookshop of mine.

Artisan books is currently having its ninth annual beanie festival and this year it is more popular than ever with lots of cheerful and colourful mini works of wearable art enlivening Gertrude streets winter streetscape.

The winning beanie this year is a mermaid on an island complete with palm trees by textile artist Penny O’Neill. You can also try on the beanies and buy one for yourself but you had better hurry as it ends on the 27^th of June.

If you miss that one there is an exhibition of artists’ books coming up in August.

Artisan Books stocks all sorts of books and magazines relating to art, craft, design and culture. These include books on such subjects as costume, fashion, knitting, felting, jewellery making, tattooing, quilting, fabric, vintage furniture and corsets. I bought a book on the costumes of Diaghilev’s Ballet Russe and a gorgeous one on Amulets; a world of secret powers, charms and magic, by Sheila Paine. I also bought a $50 gift voucher for an artistic friend.

If there is something in particular you are looking for you can call Dan Ablethorpe on the number below or ask the knowledgeable staff and they may be able to get it in for you.

Artisan Books is at 159 Gertrude St, Fitzroy.

03 94164805 www.artisan.com.au

Tatiana Bistrin