billy boy & mia

joy

2011-11-27T15:37:00.000+11:00

Happy days are ahead! I just made this fabric advent calendar for Christmas using an old yellow check tablecloth, some colourful seersucker scrap fabric for the pockets, and some stick on felt numbers. I didn't use a pattern, and I am not very even with my sewing but I think that adds to the fun. It is for Christmas after all!

I'm now looking forward to filling it with treats for my fiancé.

And that is the other very happy exciting news. We got engaged on our recent overseas holiday, a very romantic spontaneous proposal in Bordeaux, France. Oh la la!

Here is a pic of the ring - a very pale blue sapphire with some tiny diamonds in the band. Happy days indeed!!

circling

2011-09-23T20:29:00.002+10:00

I know it has been ages since I have added anything to this blog, very very slack on my behalf, but also I have felt less need to share my life and I haven't been doing any crafting since I moved into my city pad. Just busy happy times.

I have, however, purchased a few things from the online handmade market as I truly believe in supporting the hand made industry and all the lovely creative peeps within it. I bought from Viva HandMade on madeit a gorgeous iPhone case made with lovely vintage fabric reminding me of a skirt my mum had in the 70's, and then I ordered this custom made camera case in a similar style, different fabric. Its prefect and I love it! Thanks!

ps. Pic above is of a flock of circling cockatoos at dads farm.

vines

2011-03-14T16:58:00.000+11:00

I am very lucky and just had a lovely long weekend away up at Rutherglen, a gorgeous wine region in North Victoria. The food and wine festival was on so needless to say we ate and drank our way around the region, visiting some gorgeous wineries and taking in the countryside. These are just two different scenic shots from two different wineries. It was a great weekend.

And to top it all off, this sweet purse of mine just sold on madeit.com.au, brilliant seeing as I haven't done any online shop work for a long time. So thank you lovely buyer and enjoy!

bias

2011-01-04T11:36:00.000+11:00

I've been practicing my bias binding by cutting up an old towel to make into dusting cloths or kitchen hand towels. Also I discovered I had to add the bias binding out of necessity to stop them fraying like crazy when they are washed.

I hope you all had a lovely New Years.

I spent some time at the farm and we managed to get the old four-wheel drive bogged in what looked like the black lagoon. This was soon remedied by the trusty beast of a tractor, thankfully.

After that adventure, it was very relaxing, with lots of eating and drinking, reading books and catching up with family. A good end for 2010.

fresh look

2010-11-27T11:48:00.000+11:00

wow, time has flown by and i have either been very busy or completely slack. it has just taken me 20 minutes to work out what my password was, it has been that long.
In the last few months I have moved house, started a new role at work, celebrated mr mans 40th, and dust has been gathering on the Husqvarna. Well today I decided it was time to do some sewing (while in my pj's of course) and I whipped up these new cushions for my new couch. They are made from a woven tablecloth found at the opshop, an embroidered pillow case and old floral sheet from my mum, plus some gorgeous liberty fabric from my grandma's fabric stash. A fresh look for summer!

nz

2010-08-18T17:08:00.000+10:00

I have just returned from a lovely holiday in Nelson, NZ visiting some family and seeing some more of the gorgeous landscape, plus eating way too much yum fresh produce. Some fantastic meals were had at Sachi and and at Hopgood's. Plus at my brothers home - just delicious.
These pics are taken at Split Apple up in the Abel Tasman park and of the Neudorf winery. We had such great weather over the weekend, sunny and warm. Now I have the heaters blasting full bore back in melbourne.
We also dropped in to the Suter Art Gallery - I loved this work by Michael Parekowhai entitled Craig Keller, an amazing image seen better here.

tiger

2010-07-07T15:22:00.001+10:00

I've been snapping some pics with the phone when i have been walking around and i have finally managed to get some onto the computer. Looking at them I can see a theme of contrasts.

The autumn leaf shot reminds me of a landscape with the contrast of the concrete and lush grass. And the bright yellow boat is so vivid against the Maribyrnong river and majestic swans.

My favourite would be this one . . my cat thinking she is a camouflaged tiger in the long winter grass.

plates and chairs

2010-06-19T14:24:00.003+10:00

i was spoilt by my dad and his wife last time i visited them. we went perusing a local massive second hand store/barn/shed and after i picked out this gorgeous pastel cake stand and lovely art deco sandwich plate, they paid for them! What a generous lovely treat. I have used the sandwich plate a lot already, just the perfect size for cheese & bickies. I love nibblies.

I thought i'd also show you one of my fav spots for nibblies in my house - the lightwell - best when its a bit warmer, but great for cuppas or a relaxing pre dinner wine. I have two of these vinyl chairs given to me by my elderly neighbour - very comfy. I will have to ebay them soon as they won't fit in the new place. Hmm, i think i have a lot of stuff to ebay come to think of it!

cushions

2010-06-02T13:05:00.001+10:00

its been a busy month and i haven't had much time to jump online nor crank up the sewing machine. however i did find some time to whip up a few more tea towel cushions from my op shop and aunts collection. i love the bright retro sunshine one and i always love an NZ tea towel - reminds me of my brother and his family over there.

also my aunt had this great lion and unicorn patterned tea towel - quite regal. I have just uploaded all of these to my madeit shop here, plus a few others if you want to take a look.

likes

2010-05-04T13:59:00.001+10:00

thank you to Michelle, the talented lady behind Michelle Art and Photography, who awarded me this Circle of Friends Award. So for this award I need to share 5 things I love and pass it on to 5 others, so here goes . . although its hard to narrow down 5 things . . .

1. Home made condiments - I love chutney and relish and granny's plum sauce, a meal is not complete with some kind of yummy condiment on the side of my plate.

2. The sea - although I don't get there as much as I would like too, I grew up by the sea and love a rugged coastline with waves crashing and the salt air on my face.

3. Fabric - especially the sentimental scraps from family and any retro vintage sheets and tablecloths from the opShop. I love the patterns and textures and have to touch everything.

4. My gorgeous nieces and nephew - it is so much fun being an aunty and i love spending time with them (and it's kinda good being able to give them back after crazy fun filled days).

5. Possum socks - just because its getting colder here in Melbourne, i have to mention i love warm socks, and the warmest i have found are made from NZ possum wool. I love having warm feet (have to mention the electric blanket here too - my winter saviour!)

And now I nominate the following for the Circle of Friends Award!

Emma Rose Art

Lauren Williams Handmade

Michvanetta

Twirling Betty

Fun with a Little Wise Owl

treats

2010-05-02T11:27:00.000+10:00

the postman delivered some lovely treats this week. Some new earrings from Jess at Epheriell Designs which i can see will become a firm regular for their simplicty and adaptability - great for work and then evenings out. plus I also received a lovely caramel beach glass pendant. I love the worn smooth feel of beached glass and like to wonder about its history.

My second post package was some gorgeous soaps from Erin at Inner Earth Soaps. Good generous chunky size blocks with lovely scents and soft creamy lather. You have to love handmade soap!

pink poppy

2010-04-21T16:14:00.000+10:00

finally got some sewing mojo back and made this pink poppy bag for my etsy shop using a gorgeous opshop floral tablecloth in soft caramel with a contrasting pink poppy. I lined it with a soft salvaged white pillowcase that has similar pinks but in daffodils. I was going to make a few more bags today but my friend dropped in so we ended up at the Happy River Cafe for lunch. yum!

big happy weekend

2010-04-14T16:44:00.003+10:00

it was a big happy weekend this last one. my gorgeous friend got married, i sold some sweet tea towel cushions and i bought an apartment! they say things happen in threes. so there are some big changes ahead for me as i am downsizing on the road to financial independence. i know i'll miss my little house but i'm ready for a change.

meanwhile today i made this tea towel nz wildflower cushion for an old friend who wanted one from my shop that got snapped up before i could reserve it. i hope she likes it.

my friends wedding was brilliant on saturday, she looked beautiful, lovely service, the reception at a port melbourne pub was great - excellent food, stunning flowers, great speeches and some 80's dancing! here are some of the flowers I have dismantled from one of the centrepieces, they were stunning all combined together but my cat ate all the tuilps!

easter

2010-04-06T11:32:00.000+10:00

Happy Easter lovely people! I hope you enjoyed a break and lots of yummy chocolate. I had toasted hot cross buns with real butter for breakkie each day. Yum.

And look at this little fellow I found lurking in my tiny lemon tree. I love finding insects like this in the garden as it makes me think the tiny eco system I have created must be doing okay.

sticks

2010-03-24T10:38:00.000+11:00

every farm needs a good walking stick collection, handy for poking at huge toadstools in the bush that are the size of your head.

farm

2010-03-12T19:08:00.000+11:00

the new christmas gumboots got a good workout down on the farm over the long weekend, herding steer, bush exploring, vegie gardening and generally keeping me safe from snakes! (I didn't see any).
The vegie garden was looking so lush and had ginormous zuchinis growing.

Plus there were loads of green tomatos for relish, and apples from the neighbours trees. It was my first time making chutney, well helping. I love a good condiment! Now what to have with my chutney for dinner . .

ruffles and storm

2010-03-07T14:09:00.003+11:00

This morning while it was still raining, I made these bloomers for my niece's first birthday. I used a Bettsy Kingston pattern I bought online through Funky Fabrix here, though I only did two ruffles and modified how I attached the top ruffle. The material I used is from a pretty floral salvaged sheet from the op shop. I can't stop looking at them, I love the ruffles and think they turned out well for a first attempt and without an overlocker. I hope they fit her!

There was a giant hail storm in melbourne yesterday afternoon after a 27c degree sunny morning. I was at the races at Flemington to witness some huge hail that covered the ground like snow! It was amazing. We walked up some stairs in the grandstand that had a flood of water pouring down them, it was very The Goonies!

The races were cancelled, and after sitting out the worst of the rain I walked home, and found one way back blocked by a flooded road. It didn't stop this cyclist riding though knee deep water!

i ♥ bees

2010-03-03T17:28:00.000+11:00

these are some cool tassie cushions made from the same 100% linen souvenir tablecloth found at Savers. I love the touch of floral motif to go with the tourist hotspots, though i am not sure how much of a tourist attraction the casino in Hobart is! They are in my etsy shop.

Meanwhile its been a gorgeous day here, and some local bees have adopted my water bowl in my tiny front yard. I love to watch them busy buzzing getting water for their hive. I asked the local honey maker from urban honey if they were his bees, but he didn't think so as they stay close to their hive for water. So i wonder if they are native wild bees or someones backyard hive. I still love the idea they are busy making honey! Tried a pic, but the bees are flying blurs!

cushions

2010-02-10T17:52:00.001+11:00

These two upcycled teatowels are at the post office on their way to their new homes! The top one is a lovely bright Adelaide toweling tea towel found at the op shop today, and it's on its way to Shazzabeth as part of a DUST etsy craft swap. The herb cushion, a lovely tea towel from my aunts collection, is making it's way to ZippyZippy. Thanks, and enjoy!

buttery goodness

2010-02-10T13:38:00.000+11:00

yum, I made this butter cake from my Edmonds book last weekend for afternoon tea with family and gave it a crumbly cinnamon topping from the PWMU cook book. Its an easy 'throw everything into the old sunbeam mixmaster' recipe. It turned out well in spite of some ingredient deviations, it was very light, a bit crumbly, but still delicious!
Here's the recipe . .

150g of softened butter - i used mostly salt free butter as i had run out of normal butter
1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
3/4 cup of sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups of plain flour - i accidently used self raising flour
3 teaspoons of baking powder
3/4 cup of milk approximately

Cream butter, vanilla and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift flour and baking powder together. Fold into creamed mixture. Add sufficient milk to give a soft dropping consistency. Spoon mixture into a greased and lined deep 20cm round cake tin (I love using my spring cake tin - so easy to get cakes out of) . Bake at 180C for 35 to 40 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Leave in tin for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack.

You can ice this cake with any type of icing or just dust with icing sugar. I used this yummy cinnamon topping.

2 tablespoons of brown sugar
2 tablespoons of melted butter
1/4 cup plain flour
1/4 cup coconut (or biscuit crumbs)
1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Combine butter and sugar and mix with other ingredients. Sprinkle over the top of a butter cake before placing in the oven. This topping may be used on stewed fruit, such as stewed pears or apple puree to make a Fruit Crumble. Yum!

Enjoy!

to market

2010-01-31T17:35:00.001+11:00

Today I have been making more cushions from some great old tea towels, some from my aunts collection and some from the op shop. I love the crocodile one, its for the NT and is in such great colours. These are to fill up my table at the Borders bookstore market tomorrow night. Yes, thats right, they are having four crafters sell their wares in the Carlton bookstore - 'Where Craft Meets 3041' Monday 6pm-9pm ish. I feel a little in awe as the other people are CurlyPops, Finki and Anna Boyd-Dunlop - very talented crafty peeps!

I have also been lucky to get this lovely Lemonade Stand award from the creative Loopi for you. Thank you x So I am passing it on!

The Lemonade Award is given to bloggers who show great attitude and gratitude.
The rules for accepting this award:

:: Put the Lemonade Stand logo on your blog or within your post.

:: Nominate at least 10 blogs with great attitude or gratitude.

:: Link the nominees within your post.

:: Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

:: Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

So here are my nominees for the Lemonade Stand Award in no particular order. Please visit them and enjoy!

girl ferment

finki

michelle's art & photography

goodies

2010-01-16T17:35:00.001+11:00

I just wanted to share with you some of the lovely packaging from a couple of the goodies I received before xmas. I got this brilliant 'mais oui' hairclip from twirling betty but made as a brooch, and some personalised coasters beautifully wrapped in their own cloth bag from the princess and the monkey, both from madeit. My brother loved the coasters, one for each letter of his family.

And here is a couple of pics from our Christmas Day - lunch in the garden in the sun and then some windy beach time!

A new year

2010-01-04T21:59:00.000+11:00

Happy New Year everyone! I had a lovely relaxing time over Christmas and New Years spending time with family. Back to the day job today, which was a struggle. Good news is my vintage fabric blue scarf was included in this lovely treasury by Taylor's Eclectic. Thank you! Lets hope it makes the front page.

xmas is coming!

2009-12-13T18:22:00.000+11:00

delcious fresh raspberries picked from my grandmas garden - they remind me of summer and of christmas. it has been a very busy time and i haven't had much time to start getting excited about the xmas holidays, which i love .. So yesterday i took some time to get my decorations sorted and tinseled up a little jade plant in a pot as my tree. So now my chimney is ready for santa!

The other week I helped out at the Variety Kids Xmas Party, so many kids, and they do an amzing job with rides and free presents to those that are less fortunate. Heres just a couple of pics - one of a ride spinning around, and one of a giant snowman from the party.

toothy pegs

2009-12-02T18:33:00.000+11:00

just finished this time consuming wholesale order of 12 toothbrush pouches, all plastic lined. They are for the new shop Lamington in Noosa, hopefully! They are a big mixture of recycled fabrics with salvaged demin, upholstery remnants, upcycled tablecloths and, of course, material from grandma's scrap box!

I was lucky as I had some spare time this afternoon as I volunteered at the Variety Kids Christmas Party today instead of the 9-5 office job. It was great to see so many smiling kids enjoying themselves!

media month

2009-11-24T22:55:00.000+11:00

it’s been a crazy media month for me! I had a full page in the Herald Sun Home magazine (metropolitan melbourne) on saturday 14^th nov ... I have 50 words in the ‘Peddler Sell Us Your Wares’ on the last page of this edition of Peppermint magazine ... and I am fortunate enough to be the featured seller in the Designer Spotlight on madeit. Wow.

Loving the latest edition of Peppermint!

rancho relaxo

2009-11-16T21:13:00.001+11:00

I found this couch at the opshop and it was the best prop for two bunnies to kick back and relax on as part of my market stall on the weekend. I think it'll be good for photos for the online stores as well. I spent all of sunday uploading the market goodies to the online stores. heres a couple other things I added, i think these pics turned out well. It feels hit and miss sometimes!

purses

2009-11-12T09:55:00.000+11:00

so i have put those opshop zips to good use and made a stack of purses for the Maribyrnong Makers Market this Saturday and have used reclaimed pillow cases, lovely sheets, tablecloths and fabric remnants. The pale pink rose purse is actually the same material as my doona cover when i was growing up, though this piece comes from a pillowcase from the RSPCA opshop. I'll add what doesn't sell to my madeit and etsy shops on sunday.

peonies

2009-11-11T19:33:00.000+11:00

My lovely sis-in-law in NZ sent me this pic of stunning peonies, like something from a classic painting. I must try to find some locally! Thanks Char xx

tassie cushions

2009-11-11T15:54:00.002+11:00

found a great pure linen tabelcloth at the opshop today so made these cushions, now for sale in my madeit shop . . I have some more to make with the rest of the fabric.

also picked up these old zips, love the packaging! Zip like lightning!

better

2009-11-10T10:43:00.000+11:00

so i stuck it out last night and had another bag making attempt, this time it all went much better! I knew using the iron would make a difference! So i have just added this bag to madeit. yay!

confuzzled

2009-11-09T18:33:00.000+11:00

its been a slow day and things went haywire with this bag, the lining in the strap is all a bit screwie - my fault for not using the iron when i should, the strap join is all wonky and half of the pocket is too small to get your hand in completely - so i think this may have to be a bag for me! I do like the tablecloth print - fresh for summer. I think my brain is addled today. Maybe I just need to make some straight forward cushions, and have an early night!

awards

2009-11-09T10:55:00.009+11:00

Thank you to Jessica of Imagination In Flight and Bec from One Wise Owl who awarded me this Kreativ Blogger award!

The rules to follow in order to keep this award growing are:

1) Copy the picture and post it on your blog.

2) Thank the person that gave it to you and link to their blog.

3) Write 7 things about yourself we don't know.

4) Choose 7 other bloggers to pass the award to.

5) Link to those 7 other bloggers.

6) Notify your 7 bloggers.

My 7 picks are:

Boutique Creations

Emma Rose Art

Jogirls Journey

Lauren Williams Handmade

Snailblazer

Ruby-Jo

Michvanetta

and here's the 7 things you probably dont know about me....

1. I don't like vegemite but love promite on toast!

2. A long time ago I was taught to drive a tractor and a motorbike

3. I like to trim my own fringe with the nail scissors

4. I have lived in France, the UK and Canada but Melbourne is home

5. Hot weather and me don't agree, but i also feel the cold - i need 25 degrees!

6. I share my house with a cat that likes to leave fur everywhere

7. And I used to own a horse called Bill

Happy Monday and hope you all have a good week!

ooh and my Tuesday Oranges was in this Treasury . .

jam drops

2009-11-07T09:21:00.000+11:00

My mum, sis-in-law and niece dropped over yesterday, so i whipped up these very easy jam drop bickies for afternoon tea. I actually made them while they were here waiting for the kettle to boil. So if you want something quick and easy as a little treat, here's the recipe:

2 cups plain flour 2 tsp baking powder

3/4 cup of sugar jam

125 gm butter 2 eggs

Cream the butter and sugar - i cheated and semi-melted the butter first. Add eggs one at a time beating well. Got to love my ancient sunbeam mixmaster. Add sifted flour (cheated here as well and didn't sift!) and baking powder. Mix well. Roll into small balls, place on a greased tray. Press a hole in the centre, i just used my finger, and place a little jam in the hole. Bake in a moderate oven for 15 minutes and yum! Afternoon tea. They would be good for lunchboxes too.

cushions

2009-11-04T12:56:00.000+11:00

Just made these cushions with brilliant retro teatowels and salvaged zips from the opshop. Loving the colours. I have listed them on etsy and madeit. I love the 'tuesday oranges' one - what are the other weekdays i wonder.

spring carnival

2009-11-04T12:36:00.001+11:00

well its spring carnival time here in melbourne and I have been to Derby Day and the Cup, and have Oaks day and Stakes to go, so its a full week but been great so far! My 50's frock from etsy was brilliant yesterday - so comfortable. Loving catching up for a bubbly with the ladies, seeing the horses and having a tiny flutter. And love the gorgeous Flemington roses everywhere.

to market

2009-10-30T08:32:00.001+11:00

The Maribyrnong Makers Market is coming up soon, and it's going to be huge! My friend, the lovely Tracey, and I will be sharing a stall and I am looking forward to it! I have a couple of weeks off from the day job, so will be jumping on the sewing machine and making loads of goodies, A perfect time to buy some handmade treats for Christmas presents, I know I'll be stocking up as part of my pledge to buy handmade this xmas. Might see you there!

dresses

2009-10-25T17:50:00.002+11:00

I love coming home on fridays and seeing what has been in my letterbox for the week. This week I got this fantastic 50's inspired tea dress delivered. It is custom made for me, so a perfect fit, by sohomode from etsy. So well made and such a great full skirt with a lovely cinch belt that has rows of velvet ribbon - perfect for the race days ahead.

I also got in the mail a sweet birthday presie for one of my nieces, this lovely dress from Anna of tillytom designs from madeit. I love the fabric and will be perfect for summer.

And I was also excited to see that my pics for the madeit christmas gift guide were used this saturday - i love apples, so fresh like this picture below by Susannah Tucker Photography and i love these sweet designs. I have even been using some of the apple soap by The Soap Dish which is locally made. Check out the gift guide to see my other apple picks!

finds

2009-10-20T13:15:00.000+11:00

Just been to the RSPCA op shop again, i can't help myself! Came back with this great red and white sweet scarf, and these linens - sheets, tablecloth and pillowcases. Bottom left is my old bed linen pattern from when i was little. Good to find. I need to get some more bags happening, they'll go in the wash tonight!

Such gorgeous weather today. Here's some neighbourhood old fashioned roses in bloom from the end of my street, very very fragrant. I always stop to smell the roses, do you?

christmas holly

2009-10-18T11:10:00.001+11:00

with my new note book i started doing some scribbling last night and ended up with an idea for a simple christmas decoration, these easy holly leaves. So i thought i would add in the pattern and basic notes for anyone that wanted to make these - definitely very easy!

here's the pattern i made. If you want the pdf so you have the actual size to print, email me and i'll be happy to send it to you.

Just cut out two bits of felt and two bits of fabric, good to use up some scraps. I used pinking shears to reduce fraying on the fabric, and folded the pattern in half when cutting.

then just sew two pieces together down the middle, and repeat for the other leaf.

Sew the two leaves together and then either knot some ribbon ends for the holly berries, or attach little bells, or perhaps buttons would be sweet. i used the zipper foot to get past the little bells.

and voila! easy peasey christmas decorations for gift wrapping presents, pop in a christmas card as an extra treat or as simple tree ornament.

generosity

2009-10-17T12:32:00.001+11:00

These happy penguins i purchased ages ago from Vinyl Design and i have been meaning to show you how they are marching in my bathroom above the sea mosaic tiles! They make me smile in the mornings. I grew up with fairy penguins (as they were known back then) under my house - i come from phillip island! Now they are in my bathroom.

I also received this lovely fabric covered notebook from Chicken Ink. so i can scribble my thoughts and ideas down. And these sweet crocheted flowers from the talented Kylie of Boutique Creations, to be used as part of Christmas gifts.

And to top it all off, the very generous Michelle of Michelle Soldatos Art & Photography gave me these gorgeous freebies with my cards purchases - overwhelming generosity. An extra gift cars, plus this amazing canvas photo of Cesky Krumlov, and a magnet of the Arc d'Triomphe - how did you know i love Paris and Cesky Krumlov!! Thank you so much!!

morning!

2009-10-16T08:45:00.000+11:00

good morning! happy friday! I recently updated my twitter avatar to be this one-of-a-kind apples and pears bag handmade with a vintage tablecloth. I love the colours, perfect for spring! It can be found in my etsy store.

And thanks to my gorgeous sis-in-law and very cute 6 month niece who gave me these stunning flowers. So happy bright to have in the house. Thanks!

rise & shine

2009-10-14T12:59:00.000+11:00

yay! my 'brush, floss, smile' toiletry pouch has been included in this sunny treasury. I found out through craftopolis which looks through etsy treasuries for your brand - handy! I hope you are having a sunny day.

madeit

2009-10-13T13:19:00.002+11:00

madeit.com.au have a new blog for buying handmade this christmas and I am excited to see my brown retro flower bag made with a vintage tablecloth featured here on madeit's christmas gift guide! And to be picked by lulufroufrou, who makes such gorgeous hair accessories is a bonus treat. Her sweet hairclips makes me want to grow my hair long!
Thanks to madeit for having a great Christmas gift guide. I am buying all handmade this season.

Here is my pledge . . (feel free to use this image)

Thanks to Michelle for making this great xmas pledge banner! See her lovely photography here.

purses sale!

2009-10-10T17:36:00.000+11:00

purses for sale on my etsy and madeit stores!! reduced by 20% - treat yourself or start Christmas shopping.

seasons

2009-10-10T15:50:00.001+11:00

here is a scarf i made a little while ago and only just listed now here in my etsy store - perfect for the northern hemisphere as the days get chillier.

meanwhile here today is glorious sunshine and spring warmth. time for afternoon tea on the porch admiring the bottlebrush and everlastings.

evidence

2009-10-04T17:31:00.002+11:00

see evidence! I got up this morning to tulip destruction, and then sprung the cat contemplating her next victim.. i don't know why she likes eating tulips out of all the flowers.

today i made a sponge bag / wet pack / toiletry pouch lined with plastic with sweet felt letter words - it was a bit tricky with the plastic lining, but i liked the way it turned out in the end. It is for sale in my madeit and etsy stores.

I also came home for the weekend to some more little parcels - this time the start of my Christmas shopping - some lovely Chrissy cards from Red Letter Studio gorgeously packaged - and a stunning 5 x7 photo from Michelle Soldatos Art & Photography with a couple of brilliant freebies, I was quite excited! A pic for my iphone wallpaper and a lovely gift card. Unfortunately I can't show Michelle's amazing photo here as the Christmas gift recipient will see it! However i did tweet about it here.

spring scenes

2009-10-01T11:45:00.000+10:00

the weather felt almost balmy last night, well, in comparison to the bitterly cold days we have had, so I managed to venture forth and snap a couple of shots of some bendigo scenery. Plus I love love tulips! (And so does my cat who eats the petals if they are in her reach).
I also liked this teardrop shaped tree, and took a photo as the light began to fade.

laneway

2009-09-29T12:27:00.000+10:00

Just a couple of pics i took this morning walking down the laneway on the way to work - a cool graffiti stencil face in a great shade of turquoise, and a sticker stuck to the road 'Do not remove safety label'. I wonder what happens if it's removed?

sunday sewing take two

2009-09-27T18:07:00.000+10:00

the other bag i managed to finish today . . i love the flower pocket inside . . now off to bendigo for another week, this time i am taken some fabric with me to cut out some more bags. Loving the tablecloths at the moment!

sunday sewing

2009-09-27T12:31:00.000+10:00

I've been sewing this morning and made this great new bag from a lovely op shop tablecloth lined with blue gingham with little strawberries from my aunts fabric stash. Popped it on madeit. I have another bag cut out and ready to go in retro browns. I was lying in bed this morning thinking of how productive i was going to be today - 3 bags, doona covers etc, and this is all i have done so far! Oh well. A lazy sunday is good too.

I got home this weekend from my week in bendigo to find these goodies in the mail. Some stunning earrings from Owly and the Fox, and issue 2 of Peppermint mag and an Able and Game birthday card, bought through Leeloo. Yay!

Plus I found an old birthday card from a friend down the side of the car seat, its a gorgous picture so I just had to share!

yellow goat giveaway

2009-09-22T21:05:00.002+10:00

ooh, i just found this delightful blog by yellow goat who is having some lovely giveaways, including a $50 usd voucher giveaway to complete a quick survey about her blog. Worthwhile, I'd love to be able to purchase one of the gorgeous bracelets or pendants. Go and take a look!!

hoorah

2009-09-22T17:40:00.004+10:00

so instead of concentrating on my day job, i have been dreaming of sewing... and finding these fabrics (sheets, tablecloths and pillowslips) at lunchtime at the local RSPCA op shop didn't help my daydreams! I can't wait to get back to melbourne on the weekend and put my foot to the peddle. The washing is going as i type. hoorah!

Meanwhile I have a dinner date with Tim, Graham and Bill . . . my dvd box set came in to the ABC shop today! Double hoorah! (ps. it wasn't as expensive in store compared with this online link)

winner!

2009-09-20T20:02:00.003+10:00

yay! we have a winner! Thanks to all that entered the giveaway, and for your lovely comments. Using random.org the giveaway goes to Digital Misfit. I'll email you to get your address and pop it in the post. Happy Sunday night!

giveaway

2009-09-20T12:20:00.004+10:00

i am looking forward to posting this little birdie to the winner of my giveaway drawn tonight. It is all wrapped up and ready to go with the bluebell purse. Good luck to all that have entered, and thanks for your lovely comments! I'll draw this at 6pm tonight, so there is still time to enter. Hope you are having a nice sunday!

monday giveaway

2009-09-14T14:52:00.005+10:00

right, i have started a new online store on zibbet today, I thought I'd try it out and see how we go. I'm not sure how it will be managing 3 onlines stores with my full time day job, but one can only try these things!

To kick it off I thought I'd have a giveaway! Yay!! It's easy - please go and check out my new store here, then come back and leave a comment about your favourite item. I'll draw out a winner randomly, extra entries for tweeting! (Just make sure you let me know by including @billyboyandmia, or mention it on your comment). Prize draw will be on Sunday 20th September at 6pm.

Oh, and what is the giveaway? This lovely little jingle bird and sweet bluebell purse.
Pale green stripe jingle bird has blue spotty wings and a ribbon loop crest and tail. He is suitable for littlies with embroidered french knot eyes, and is filled with non-allergenic polyester fibre filling. He does have a small bell inside for a rattle, and is about 15cm across.

The bluebell purse sings of spring and is handmade with a drapery fabric remnant in cream with fresh blue flowers and lime stalks. It is fully lined with a liberty print in blues and greens, and has a contrasting yellow zip. Its about 11 x 11 cm.

Happy giveaway!

busy bird

2009-09-14T12:53:00.003+10:00

i've had a very busy weekend so I'm glad to have today off work! I have done a lot of house stuff, a little bit of sewing including this little birdie (I've worked out a better way to attach their wings and legs, thank goodness), baked some of granny's forgotten cookies (yum!), organised some birthday presies, and got my plates up on the wall (yay! *clapping hands*, and thanks neighbour!).

plates

2009-09-11T13:08:00.003+10:00

this is my task tomorrow, to get all these plates up on the wall in my studio, aka the spare room. Mum helped me with the placement of them on my need-to-be-vacuumed rug. Some are sentimental - one is from my nanna's dinner set, one is from my childhood meals, some were gifts, and a couple i bought myself on overseas adventures. Forgive the bad pic, but hopefully I'll have a better picture of them up on my wall tomorrow! I hope!

This below is an attempt at a brooch - three petals and a covered button. Let me know what you think! I have been trying to think of ways to use my ever growing mound of off-cuts.

sweet dreams

2009-09-06T17:39:00.007+10:00

i like food and i like sleep so i have combined the two making a doona cover from a lovely embroidered tablecloth! I bought the tablecloth, some doilies, and some cream queen size sheets all from the op shop. I lay the sheets on my bed for rough measurements, trimmed them down to doona size, then pinned the tablecloth to one of the sheets after folding and ironing in center creases. Then whipped it through the ever reliable husqvarna, sewing the tablecloth to a sheet first, before sewing the sheets together to make the doona cover. I had enough trimmed sheet fabric to make two pillowcases, so attached some embroidered doilies for decoration. I am really pleased with the result!

i also found on madeit a lovely ring made with the handle of a teaspoon by forkometry, so this arrived in the post! Thanks! Not a good pic, but it has pears and leaves on it and I love it!

I also bought a great green beaded necklace from blackiki, great packaging and well made - plus some free macthing earrings! Thanks!! - no pics yet as i can't find my camera battery charger - so frustrating!! Oh well, will have to see if i can dig out the old camera.

spring!

2009-09-04T08:24:00.005+10:00

spring has sprung! my beautiful sis-in-law sent me these pics of her garden in New Zealand. Just gorgeous to see the flowers and blossom in bloom. I wish I was over there to have a cuppa in your garden with you, miss you!

yellow roses

2009-08-29T13:38:00.003+10:00

I've just been up the street and i can't resist going to Savers. I bought this great yellow rose tray and this smokey glass apple bowl - perfect for my holding my cotton reels. Plus I found this large wicker basket that now holds all my scrap bits. It is actually pretty large, I need to make more things with my off cuts!

Plus I finally finished my old yellow rose knot bag, made with two reclaimed pillowcases, with two pockets inside. I love this fabric and luckily found an entire single sheet of it at the RSPCA op Shop. I am considering it might be part of my embroidered tablecloth doona project - we shall see!

market

2009-08-26T07:42:00.002+10:00

this weekend is the Maribyrnong Makers Market held on Gamon Street in Seddon, loads of handmade goodies to check out, so if you are free pop on down! My friend Tracey and I have had a stall here the last two market days, but sadly will not be making this one. I am still going to pop on over and support the other local crafty people - so much talent, and a good time to get a fathers day presie!

My latest RSPCA Op Shop score was this gorgeous corning ware coffee pot, I couldn't resist and I don't even drink coffee! Plus another old rose sheet, lovely tablecloth and some embroidered doileys. I have a plan to make a doona cover with the embroidered tablecloth I recently found, and have matching pillowcase detail with the doileys - perhaps! Another project to add to my wish list.

more goodies

2009-08-18T08:12:00.002+10:00

good morning! I needed some new soap so found The Soap Dish on madeit and bought these gorgeous handmade soaps and got a little treat of some tiny handsoap samples - yum!
Plus I found these great industrial felt coasters on etsy from girls can tell for some lads birthday presies coming up in a couple of months. One has a bike design and the other a plane. So these are in the presie box ready, had to just buy them when i saw them.

Right now i am having breakfast before I head to the day job - sultana bran, honey yoghurt, blueberries (defrosted ones) and a nice cuppa. What do you have in the mornings?

2009-08-13T08:22:00.002+10:00

I managed to come home at lunchtime from the day job and start cutting out a new bag. I use a paper pattern I made, and often deviate with the scissors or the way I fold the fabric. I love this yellow rose fabric, and am lining it with sweet little blue flowers. Both are reclaimed linen, pillowcases from the RSCPA Op Shop. Can't wait to get back to melbourne to my sewing machine to put it together.

Also I purchased some really gorgeous mini envelopes from 3 girls + a goat through madeit. I was really impressed with the packaging and the free 'thank you' tags, and the envelopes are just lovely!

goodies

2009-08-10T08:20:00.003+10:00

there are a couple of lovely giveaways on at the moment, inner earth soaps and faith, hope & a whole lotta love so jump in and visit these lovely creative blogs.

to win the inner earth soaps giveaway for some scumptious soap, check out the blog post here and the inner earth soap etsy shop. Gorgeous handmade soaps!!

to win these gorgeous cards and a couple more, go to faith, hope & a whole lotta love's giveaway here. And take a look at her madeit shop for some great designs.

farm

2009-08-09T10:22:00.002+10:00

last weekend i had a lovely time at my dad's farm with my brother, sis-in-law, newest niece and 92 yr old grandma, who is amazing. Managed to get some knitting done in my pj's, had a walk in the late afternoon light, ate some yummy food (thanks Z), rounded up the very docile neighbors bull and just relaxed. But not in that order!

this weekend i returned from bendigo to find some treats in the mail . . a gorgeous necklace from Amber White of beadinbabe and some great recycled paper fridge magnets from Green Post. great packaging that included a thank you love heart that must have seeds in it as it says to plant the card! cool. Plus my madeit cards have arrived! Looking forward to using these.

lunchtime finds

2009-08-05T19:14:00.005+10:00

I discovered yesterday the Bendigo RSPCA op shop when I went to buy a decent size mug for my morning tea, and I couldn't resist going back for a vase, well, a lovely old glass jug. Then I had to grab some purple stocks to brighten up the coffee table. Also I couldn't resist some pre-loved linen with bag or scarf potential and a stunning embroidered tablecloth. The pic doesn't do the colour of it justice. My Grandma hand embroidered one that was similar but all in shades of cream.On another note I have to say a big thank you to .girl ferment. for a brilliant mention on her blog about one of my bags that she purchased. Thank you, I am tickled pink!! (and quite literally as I am an easy blusher). Her blog is one of my new distractions and has great pics and inspiring craftiness. Love the knitted NGA project.

And also a mention to my other latest read, Red Letter Studio who has some gorgeous stationery and is a talented graphic designer with a lovely blog. She purchased one of my fav jingle birds. I love her travel cards (below and found on madeit) and i know my mum would love the bird ones.

tea towel cushions

2009-07-26T17:31:00.002+10:00

I think I have a New Zealand tea towel obsession! I found these tea towels on my last NZ visit and had to make them into cushions for my lounge. They take five minutes to make, I just cut a tea towel in half across the middle and sew in a long zip the same colour as the border. They have an art deco feel to me. Maybe its the writing style. They also remind me of my brother and his family living in NZ, so nice to have on the couch at home.

I also recently sold a jingle bird, and I have been trying different packaging and wrapping styles where I can use fabric scraps. Here's what I ended up sending off.
Plus I bought myself some make it perfect patterns from duckcloth, very keen to give the wrap around skirt a go!

history

2009-07-21T08:20:00.003+10:00

Some lovely women just bought my pleated purse and the great retro orange flower bag, thanks!! I love this fabric, all recycled from the opShop using salvaged tablecloths and sheets. Happy to give old gorgeous fabrics a new lease of life as something useful.

Meanwhile I spent last weekend in Bendigo doing all the touristy things including a tour of the townhall, beautifully restored with gold leaf - here's a shot of the main ball room with the decorated ceiling. Its a lovely light space, and I love thinking of all the people that have had fun nights there in the past.

wrapped

2009-07-05T14:47:00.003+10:00

in preparation for the winner of today's Sunday giveaway on Jo's blog, I have popped this little softie bunny into its fabric bag and wrapped him and the rosebud purse up together. I am looking forward to posting these to a lucky winner!

in other news i just got back from a quick visit to NZ for some Auntie time, here is my gorgeous god-daughter and niece in a moment of skirt contemplation on the trampoline.

giveaway

2009-06-29T08:19:00.004+10:00

the lovely Jo of LoveStamp has a started a 'Sunday Giveaway' showcasing crafty people and I am very lucky to be first up. I am giving away this softie, Barry Brown Pants, and this Rosebud zip purse. See Jo's blog for details on how to win, and keep in touch with her newsletters to see all the great giveaways coming up! and good luck!

Also thanks to all those lovely comments about my crafty goodies so far, I am very touched! :)

buttons

2009-06-20T13:35:00.003+10:00

I just finished and added to my online shops this new scarf, I love the fabric and the buttons. It is nice and soft. I need to make one for myself, and am going to look at lining one with some thin wadding for more warmth. I am freezing in my old house today! I've ordered some lovely red knitted hand warmers from Ariema, and wish I was wearing them now.

tablecloths

2009-06-14T16:29:00.004+10:00

I had to pop into the opshop to see if they had some fabric to make some cushions that would match my nana's old lounge suite, that I recently scored from dad's shed. Its a gorgeous deep peacock blue. My old couch was red, so I did need some new cushions. I found an actual cushion ready to use (the green one which has tiny touches of blue - sorry pic a bit blurry), plus some old tablecloths. So this afternoon I got the old husqvarna going.

Of course I had to make a couple of bags as well. Love the pear fabric, it has apples on the other side. Again I have recycled some tablecloths, I am adding these to my madeit and etsy shops.

red door

2009-06-10T13:13:00.006+10:00

I have been off the radar for a few weeks, the reason being I have just had my house re-plastered and painted, so no more cracks and a new gorgeous red front door. So the last few weekends have been packing and unpacking and cleaning plaster dust off everything. I think I have mopped the floors about 5 times in 2 weeks. I have only just set up the PC, but my sewing goodies are all still packed, I am waiting for some more shelves for the spare room to set up properly. Of course I am itching to get sewing! soon.

meanwhile, garry green pants goes bye byes. A lovely customer has purchased barry's big brother, so I popped in in the post yesterday. All my bunnies comes in a fabric bag as part of the packaging, this one is from a tablecloth i found at Savers. I hope he is enjoyed in his new home!

autumn

2009-05-14T08:11:00.002+10:00

the mornings are crisp on my walk to work in Bendigo, and the leaves are changing into their autumn colours. It's a lovely time of year, nice to be rugged up with the scarf and mittens in the morning, and watching the leaves change. I hope you have a good autumn day!

treats for me

2009-05-10T11:35:00.005+10:00

Over the last few weeks I have treated myself to more amazing earrings all bought through madeit.com.au through two great and different jewellery makers. The lovely ivory drops are from michvanetta, who also replaced my black flower earring as I lost one - thank you for your generosity! And the delicate lace brass earrings are from eclectic moi , lovely treats in my letterbox! Both very reasonably priced and beautifully packaged. An easy way to feel like I have spruced up my work wardrobe for winter. So these, plus the Lauren Williams ones below have me fully stocked up for quite awhile. Thank you ladies!

Meanwhile, back to the sewing machine, I have made a new style of purse, well, just a pleated version. This one is from a salvaged floral sheet and lined with a semi-sheer pale pink fabric. It can be found in my online shops, madeit and etsy. I have to go and rustle up some more zips to make some more of these!

friandes

2009-05-04T08:24:00.002+10:00

The weekend has gone way too quickly! My friend and I had another stall at the Maribyrnong Makers Market on saturday, it was good, though I think I still need to adjust my prices. I am getting the feeling that people go to markets to find a bargain. On Sunday I made these choc chip friandes, yummo! I'll post the recipie when i get a chance, sooo much butter and sugar, but delicious!

I also bought some gorgeous earrings from Lauren Williams. Couldn't help myself, and I have already had compliments wearing them!

pink

2009-04-25T19:10:00.004+10:00

my darling mum and her lovely friend Anne popped over last sunday for lunch. Anne brought me these stunning pink roses from her garden. I wish you could smell their gorgeous perfume (and that I could remember their name!). I love garden roses and wish I had a big enough garden to plant some. I might have to rethink the tiny front yard. Mum brought me an easter egg - she always gives me a handpainted papermache type of egg, so the one with the small pink flowers is a new addition to my easter collection. Thank you!!

Having a quiet weekend, and had a cuppa with my neighbour. we were talking about old newspapers & magazines and I remembered I had scanned in these pics from an old Womens Weekly circa 1973. Love these towels and this outfit!

tea cosy home

2009-04-19T10:36:00.005+10:00

heres a couple of pics of my kitchen as the lovely Em wanted to see how my gorgeous new tea cosy fitted in. Its a pretty basic white kitchen really, had it done up over a year ago and kept the old tiled chimney fireplace where my table just fits in. Decided to add colour with the paint, in the soft green, so I could always change this easily later. Plus the small green mosaic tiles around the chimney were already there.

easter

2009-04-16T18:06:00.002+10:00

A belated Happy Easter everyone! I went down to the beach for a few days, it was glorious weather and very relaxing. I borrowed a book from my lovely friend and really enjoyed polishing it off in a few days. It was The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. A lovely book. Thanks Liz!

I am looking forward to a few days back home over the weekend and plan to do some more sewing to get ready for the next Maribyrnong Makers Market on the 2nd of May. I hope you had a good Easter break.

cuppas

2009-04-04T13:36:00.004+11:00

yay! my gorgeous tea cosy arrived that I bought through madeit from artandwool. I asked for a specific colour combination and it exactly matches my kitchen, I am very impressed. And beautifully made too. Thanks Shirley! I had to make a pot of tea straight away. I can't stop looking at it.

This afternoon I have yet another cousins wedding (three so far this year). I found this dress in a shop called 'Deborucci's For Pete Sake' on Phillip Island when i was visiting my grandma. I always find something great in there. I love the colours and can't wait to wear it today. Hopefully the sun stays out.

purses galore

2009-03-29T17:00:00.003+11:00

I have been in an uploading frenzy. These are all the purses I made for the recent market and I had to get them online. So all afternoon has been stuck here at the computer adding photos and text. But phew, its all done! Now for the softies . . perhaps they'll wait till next week.

Other recent news is that I am now an Aunty times 5! Yep, my little brother and his wife had their first bub, gorgeous little Chloe. Yay! This is a pic of getting all their flowers to the car using the hospital crib.

button bags

2009-03-21T10:23:00.003+11:00

Another week has flown by, and i have been lucky to have my two remaining handmade bags sell through madeit in the last two weeks, so thank you lovely buyers! This material is all salvaged fabric, mainly upholstery remnants and samples, so they are definitely one-offs. I hope you enjoy them!

market

2009-03-16T08:30:00.004+11:00

well I had my first ever market stall on saturday at the Maribyrnong Makers Market held in Seddon, sharing with my good friend Tracey who makes amazing origami cards. It bucketed rain with thunder and lightning, we were very lucky to be in the church hall. Still there were not very many people even when the rain stopped, and I only sold a couple of items. However for our first market experience we still had a good time, and Tracey sold quite a few cards which was great. It was lovely to meet other stall holders such as Lauren Williams, i had to buy a stunning brooch before the rain started, and it was good to give the market a go. Now I know for next time!

treasury

2009-03-12T21:49:00.001+11:00

I have found a lovely email this evening that I have had a loop de loop bird included in an etsy treasury here. Yay! Always exciting.

to market

2009-03-07T10:25:00.003+11:00

wow, two weeks have flown by! I have been very busy with sewing up a storm, well trying to while working full time in up bendigo, to get ready for the Maribyrnong Makers Market next Saturday in Seddon. My first market. I am sharing a stall with my lovely friend Tracey who makes gorgeous cards with Japanese, Australian and Nepalese paper. Did you know there was only one wrapping paper manufacturer left in Australia? times have changed. I am looking forward to saturday although its all a bit scary! drop by and say hello if you are in the area. Now back to the old husqvarna!

Just quickly though before i get stuck into sewing again, I have found a gorgeous giveaway from the lovely gals at embelish, go and check it out! Love the owl.

baby

2009-02-22T18:40:00.006+11:00

it was my sis-in-laws baby shower today, only a few weeks to go before they have their first child, very exciting! I found a great baby quilt at Savers, gave it a good wash and it looks new. Wrapped this up and added some mushroom ladybird fabric to the wrapping. I also added some bibs that I made today. They are not sure if its a boy or girl, waiting for the surprise, so I used yellows, some blue and prints. I love the print with the trees, it has to be one of my favourite fabrics.

wedding

2009-02-15T17:59:00.006+11:00

so I went to another cousins wedding last weekend, this time down on the beach at San Remo near Phillip Island, stunning bride and amazing scenery - just a shame it was 47 degrees c! So unbelievably stifling heat. how the bride & groom coped, I don't know, but they had a good day and thats the main thing.

looks like I'll be blogging once a week while I work in Bendigo. A great find though is all these zips at the Vinnies in Bendigo - I bought all i could find in the packets!

and just in time . . very exciting news is that my friend Tracey and I have had a stall accepted for the Maribyrnong Makers Market on the 14th march, so I started sewing more purses today and put those zips to good use.

tag

2009-02-08T17:53:00.004+11:00

the lovely Jo from ruby-jo has tagged me to play the 6 & 6 game.

"Open the 6th picture folder on your computer, open the 6th photo and blog it. Write something about it. Then tag 6 more people to do the same."

so my 6th folder is 'garden' and the 6th pic is of this little neighborhood cat sleeping under the tussocks on the naturestrip at the corner of my street. I had to get a photo as it looked like a great spot to have a catnap amongst the woodchips. My neighborhood has lots of cats, which includes my own, mia. Here she is lying in my garden near the gas meter, squashing my cushion bushes!

for the 6 pic game I tag Jogirls journey, snailblazer, emma rose art, michvanetta, smooch designs and handmade bits and pieces, you're it!

mushies

2009-02-06T20:42:00.005+11:00

just the last lot of purses I made . .

this is my third post in a row tonight . . i must be missing blogging during the week.

i just found a great giveaway on thea & sami's blog. Gorgeous hand screen printed mushroom fabric, go and take a look! They also have some great tshirts for sale here and I love these mice, talented people.

hamish

2009-02-06T20:27:00.002+11:00

oh, and i made this little bunny for my friends new bub, Hamish. The blue material is an old flannelette sheet of sorts from Savers, its lovely and soft. He was nice to make, I'm going to have to do another for the shop.

swap

2009-02-06T20:11:00.004+11:00

I am participating in a crafty swap through the esty down under street team, Dust, my first swap! I am excited, and rightly so, look what I was in my letterbox this afternoon! These gorgeous silver star earrings from Crafty All Sorts. I know I am going to get loads of wear out of these. I am such an earring fan. I can't wait to post my parcel to my swap partner, I hope they enjoy the surprise.

Meanwhile I am back home in Melbourne from another Bendigo work week. Its good to come home, although I am off to another wedding this weekend. Luckily its at the beach so that should be good as its going to be 44 degrees c tomorrow! Hopefully there is a sea breeze.

hot

2009-02-01T12:41:00.006+11:00

before:

after:um, so it looks like theres been nuclear fallout in my backyard after the heatwave of 40+ degree days last week. Poor potplants. not sure if they'll make it back. Although a good excuse to buy new plants in autumn.

take a seat

2009-01-26T16:00:00.006+11:00

happy australia day everyone! What a gorgeous day it has been.

However instead of gallivanting around outside I spent the day trawling through clothes for the op shop (3 big bags worth) and sorting out the spare room, i mean studio . . it doesn't take long to get messy. plus I had these old vinyl armchairs that needed cleaning and new cushions. I have cleared a space for one to come inside, and used an old sheet of mums for its new lease of life.

Now off to catch the train to bendigo again.

amore

2009-01-22T22:39:00.004+11:00

well its been a crazy week for me, but it started last weekend with my cousins gorgeous wedding on a beautiful summers day down in Portarlington - just a fantastic day. A relaxed fun wedding with some great people. Brilliant.

Then this week I have been posted in Bendigo for work so a couple of very early morning train rides and some 70's brown motel rooms thrown in the mix. With lots of wine and yummy dinners due to eating out every night of course. (so much for any kind of post xmas exercise plan).

treat

2009-01-16T07:44:00.006+11:00

yesterday when i got home there was a lovely little parcel in the post from michvanetta of some earrings I bought through madeit as a treat to myself. I love her simple styles, the colours and the great photos. And all beautifully wrapped with some lovely button hairclips thrown in. Thank you!!

These are going to get a lot of wearing, starting with my cousins wedding this weekend. I love a treat.

white

2009-01-14T17:46:00.004+11:00

in todays heat i made a few more purses, again keeping to a light summery feel. Some of these have gone into 'The Local Shop' in Northcote (262 high st). I hope they go well!

I wish I had a pool.

winner

2009-01-11T23:03:00.007+11:00

the Jan 09 giveaway winner is Em of Emma Rose Art. Congratulations!

Here is my very scientific method of names on paper drawn from a wooden bowl.
Thank you to all of you that participated and the lovely comments, it was fun, and I'll look at doing this again in another couple of months. Thanks!

And I have just found through Emma Rose Art, Our Shabby Cottage has a lovely competition on too! Click here for the link, and good luck!

treasures

2009-01-11T16:50:00.006+11:00

I had a massive tidying day yesterday, and apart from attacking the filing in-tray that was as big as Uluru, I also sorted out my jewellery drawer. This has unearthed some of my treasures.

a sparkly hair clip from when i was 12
a colourful chicken brooch
a very old horse pendant
a smiley pendant that was once an earring (until I lost one)
a lovely inlaid green fish ring from Barcelona . . slightly too small but i couldn't resist it
and my old horse tie-pin

Some of these got more use than others when I was growing up . . and now I have re-found them they'll get some more!

Plus I have made a couple more purses for the shops, bit of a blue lining theme today, to go with the summer blue skies.

ethel

2009-01-07T18:33:00.005+11:00

As part of my Granny's stash, I also was given this unfinished wool embroidery piece started by my Great Aunt Ethel. This was handed to my Grandma after her sister-in-law Ethel passed away, and with all the other projects she had on it was never completed. So this lovely treasure has ended up in my hands. Rather than trying to complete it, which would take me ages and probably get passed on again unfinished, I have made it into a cushion that I can enjoy now.

I love the detail in the stitching and the bold art deco design. I added some twisted cord piping, a black zip from Savers and used a seeded cream cotton drill for the back. I think it'll be for my bed.