moonshine design

A little piece of beauty each day - 74 Lime Lane

2011-04-08T20:17:00.000+10:00

Since I seem to be singing the praises of blogs I have found lately, I would like to bring your attention to another spectacular blog. 74 Lime Lane. This lovely lady is an Australian (she states regional Australia - NSW somewhere from what I can work out). I love the way she came up with the name for her blog:

Why 74 Lime Lane? ’74 is the year I was born, lime is a favourite colour and lane because of the alliteration and the idea of an “address”. Hence, 74 Lime Lane. My Hubby got me the sign in the first picture (Logo) made for my birthday not long after I started blogging.

74 Lime Lane is a cornucopia of beauty and sensuality for the visual senses. I visit this blog daily at the moment for a special dose of gorgeousness in what can sometimes be a dreary day.

Kellie has a fantastic vision when it comes to photography, and if she designed her blog and shops herself then she is also a talented designer (if she didnt, she sure knows how to pick a good design!).

Do yourself a favour and sign up for her newsletter the lime time digest. She sends out a free calender page every month and other morsels of deliciousness. Its a good read. I look forward to this little piece of email every month.

I have actually purchased one of her calenders too because they are just so gorgeous! I have a set of her mini cards and they are just so darling. I originally got them to use as postcards to send away, but Im going to have to buy another set because I need to keep them for myself. She has an etsy store and a made it store and she regularly updates the things she sells - mainly photos, cards, post cards, printables. All things of luscious beauty.

And if youre into free stuff (who isnt right?!), her blog is full of it. Free downloads, Freebie Fridays, Regular giveaways (she has one on at the moment for her Blog Birthday), and she does regular profiles on other blogs and artists and creators and crafters. And they are all just gorgeous too - I love reading profiles like that. Thats why Im posting about people like that. For those few of you who stop by here.

So what are you waiting for? Go look see...

Oohmoon - what a fabulous Idea

2011-02-28T17:25:00.000+10:00

I love this site. Ive only recently found it and its just such a great idea. How cute is the name? Ooh Moon.

Its a seriously cool blog where she has an illustration that is downloadable for free every day for a single day (after that day you pay for it). Based on childrens illustrations but I love them too. I think they are just funky! And this week shes doing Owls! Whoohoo! Or should I say Whoot!

Im going to print these ones out and put them on my walls with my other owls. No Im not obsessed.....exactly. What makes you say that....

Tea Dresses & Naughty Shorts

2011-02-18T10:46:00.000+10:00

http://naughtyshorts.blogspot.com

Recently I have fallen in love with the vintage style of 50s style "Tea" dresses. Yes me and the rest of the world I know. Problem is, Im not small and svelte. Im a larger variety lady. A true hourglass. Translate, big boobs, smallish waist, big bum & thighs. Which is fine for me to wear Tea dresses. If I could only find them in my size. Under $400.

I was desperately hoping that Rebecca Williams from Naughty Shorts would have my size - she goes up to a size 16. Thats one of her dresses in the picture above. And her dresses are just so lovely that I really have to have one. Alas, her larger sizes are not available yet. She has assured me she is working on larger patterns and will soon be able to custom sew a dress for me. YAY.

If you love tea dresses go check out her dresses and other items made of vintage fabric. She has made her pattern herself and she sews them all by hand. You choose the fabric, she makes your dress. And she is so reasonably priced - under $100! She was recently profiled in Frankie so Im guessing shes going to be majorly busy for a while so get in quick if you want a dress this season.

lutterloh mini pattern

For me - Ive resorted to deciding to sew my own. An ambitious aim because my sewing skills are still fairly basic. And the patterns I have decided to use? Vintage Lutterloh patterns. Ever heard of Lutterloh? Its basically this system where you use a special miniature pattern and a special tape measure and draw up your own patterns to your own size. You take your measurements in specific places, and then translate that to a number which you use with the special tape measure and then using the mini pattern, you draw up a big pattern specifically fit to you. Sounds cool huh? I found it at a craft show last year but you can buy online. Comment if you want to know where and I will point you in the right direction.

The only down side to the Lutterloh is that while the pattern is pretty cool, Im not so wonderful at not having instructions. It does come with a basic instruction booklet for how to sew most things. I just need to marry that up with the pieces that I have right? Well, I will see how I go. I have chosen a dress or two from a vintage lutterloh pattern book I found from ebay. This book was written for the system in the early 50s (yes this pattern system has been around that long) and it has some seriously cool patterns in it. True vintage. I jsut hope it translates to my size cause aparently ladies waists were a lot smaller back then. What, did they not have fat people back then? Im thinking thats a little bit of propoganda myself. But I will try. I have some old cotton sheets Im going to use for the muslin so I will keep you updated!

Vintage Lutterloh pattern

Why has it taken me so long to find this blog/site?

2011-01-30T20:10:00.000+10:00

Indie Fixx. I love it. Lots.

I found it through another blog that was advertising their free online magazine - Joie. Which by the way, I loved so much that I paid for it (you have the option to pay $2 for it if you want to contribute - so I did - Ive paid a lot more than that for magazines that I didnt even like in the end. And I happily pay $10 odd for Pepermint or Frankie so $2 is nothing). I cant remember which blog it was (darn it) cause it was a random blog that didnt really hold my interest too much. But it led me to Joie which led me to Indie Fixx. Bless.

Seriously, this site is chock full of creative and arty goodness. Im in love and plan to spend quite a lot of time rambling around in its archives. I suggest you go do the same!

Go Penguine Go!

2011-01-25T19:22:00.000+10:00

This just made me laugh so I had to share. I suggest you turn the sound off - its naff.

A Rainbow Staircase!

2011-01-23T20:33:00.000+10:00

Check this out - its a rainbow staircase in a super modern house in London. I read about this house first on the blog Jeannie Jeannie. I love the Jeannie Jeannie blog because it has the most gorgeous modern design posts.

I love to dream that I can afford some of the items and houses she finds. And the art pieces she shows are inspirational. Its design at its very modern best in my opinion. Not to mention the paper products - you all know Im addicted to stationary of all types. I would highly recommend having a look at this blog.

But Back to the House. How seriously Cool is the staircase and the slide back down?! Though I agree with Jeannie I think - cushions are a must.

And personally Im not sure I could deal with the kitchen floor when Im in need of my coffee first thing in the morning. Looks like a fun house to visit though.

HEADACHE

2011-01-20T08:14:00.000+10:00

Ive spent the last couple of days suffering with a massive headache. I think its the storms 'cause Ive had a massage and taken LOTS of tablets but it all just tones it all down not removes it.

Unluckily my boss got a headache yesterday too so while Im really sorry for her pain, I was glad 'cause it meant I could stay in bed an extra day. So Im feeling much better than I was.

Though I am considering going out and yelling at my really 'considerate' neighbour who has decided to mow his lawn at 6.30am. WTF?! Seriously!

I hope y'all are good and all my flood affected friends are OK.

QLD - Perfect One Day, Under Water The Next

2011-01-12T10:21:00.000+10:00

No Im not meaning to be a Smart-Arse. Im sitting in the middle of it all. Just a quick note to all my friends and family - Hell, Thomas and I are OK. We are cut off - water all around our little estate turning us into an island. But we are not going to actually flood ourselves.

We will lose power when it peaks because our substation is just down the road and in the place that is about to go totally under water. So anyone that is worried - we are fine. We might just be out of communication till it all goes down.

We will be rationing the phones once power goes off cause we cant charge them so if one doesnt work, try the other.

I hope all out there are well and safe and for those of you who are not, my prayers are with you.

Its Sunday Im in Love....

2011-01-09T21:30:00.000+10:00

Yeah I know. The real quote is "Friday" but I didnt find this site to love on Friday. I found it tonight - Sunday!

You HAVE to check out this gorgeous site -Upon a Fold and blog. I mean seriously how gorgeous are all those paper goods. Now if you know me at all you know I have a real weakness for stationary of all kinds. Yes even the mundane. I can spend an hour just wandering around in Officeworks and we all know that is not the most gorgeous place. I spend way too much money in Kikki-K and Typo. And now I have found another Australian paper goods site to spend my non existant money on (there goes New Years resolution number 5 - save more spend less). This site has so much that I want. Now. Oh man, I really do work to feed my shopping habit dont I?

I was particularly blown away by these paper rings. Now I would suggest that rather than wearing them they are art pieces. But how very clever and beautiful are they?

Im in Love with this site. Ive already ordered something (of course).

Another thing I want to do this year is get back into the long lost art of snail mail letter writing. I find it really satisfying recieving little bits and pieces of joy in them mail. Do you remember the thrill as a child to recieve a letter from someone unexpectedly?

So I am sending them out because I need to share that love. Ive joined a postcard swapping site called postcrossing and regularly send off postcards to strangers. And recieve them. Its such fun. Im going to gather all the physical addresses of all my friends - even the ones that I havent spoken to in a long time, and reconnect with them via mail. Some will say WTF? and others will get the same sort of joy that I get from recieving some love in the mail.

So if youre out there and want a piece of mail love - just leave me a comment with an address or even safer - email me directly at leisa@moonshinedesign.com.au and I will send you something! I promise.

One last paper related thing - you really need to grab a copy of this free download of a Calender. It is SO COOL!

Ok. Ive had enough rain now thanks.

2011-01-07T11:46:00.000+10:00

Its still pouring up here in Queensland (Australia). So much so that my front lawn has turned into a fish pond. Literally. The first photo is my front path from the front door towards the road (ie getting in and out of the house). It has been routinely filling up with water when it pours because the water volume is just too much for the drainage in our front lawn. So we have to wade back and forth.

But thats not the worst. Its been a pond now more or less for 3 weeks. So of course the Cane Toads are LOVING IT. And so, my new pond is now full of Huge tadpoles. I kid you not. There are so many I can just reach in and capture them in my hand. And when the rain comes again the water raises over the pathway, and yes the Tadpoles go with it. Thus the second photo - thats the tadpoles hanging around outside my front door. Looks like gold fish or something doesnt it. Somewhat amusing when you have to walk through them.

Im not quite sure what to do about it yet. I cant let them live unfortunately (I hate to kill ANYTHING. Even spiders - I only get at them if they jump on me). Cane Toads are an absolute menace and they have no natural preditors here in QLD. They kill all the native frogs and lizards and if youre not careful your dog (they get poisoned by them if they try to chase them and get one in their mouth). So I will have to work out a way to kill them without killing my front lawn and without killing the rest of the environment.

I really hope all my green tree frogs are in the back yard. I know none of these are my Green Tree frogs cause the tadpole is much larger than a baby tree frog - we see them regularly here. They are so cute. Around the size of my thumb nail (not that I pick them up of course). These tadpoles are already about the size of a 20c piece. Gotta be Toads. Sigh.

Pantone Colour of the Year - Honeysuckle

2011-01-05T20:17:00.000+10:00

OK so this year Pantone has decided that their colour of the year is Honeysuckle. Are you like me and thought a honeysuckle was a yellow colour? Nope, its pink. Methinks this colour of the year is not overtly original. But I guess in reality no colour is in the fashion industry so why not go with Pink again. At least it is popular right?!

Pink and I have a love/hate relationship. Sometimes I love it, sometimes I hate it. Fortunately for my skin, it always loves me. And in Pantone's favour, at least this is a strong pink and not some pastel baby pink (bleh - no offence to anyone intended).

I wonder how they come up with the colour of the year. I kind of understand how they end up a trend in clothing as far as style goes - one of the designers does something, puts it on a cat walk, the fashionistas go gaga over it (no pun intended), and then all the chain stores pick it up and run with it mass production style. So it starts in the brain of someone going - lets try this.

But how do they pick a colour trend? Other than in a similar way to the above - that designer so and so has used it in their collection.

Maybe its based on ink levels. "Hey Mr Pantone, its Dougs Dyes here. We have a serious overstock of pink right now. Think you can shift it for us?"

Chuckle Chuckle.Yes I AM overtired.

Happy New Year! Welcome 2011

2011-01-01T19:22:00.000+10:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Welcome to 2011!

I will hopefully start to blog again this year and keep you up to date with all the things I find and do. Hopefully it will be interesting for you. As part of that I will be reorganising this blog profile - sorting out the gazillion blog links I have into something more manageable (there are SO many fabulous blogs to read out there).

I will also be writing more and updating my other blog - Prismatoria. So if you are interested in an amateur fantasy story land, then please hop on over there and see whats happening.

I hope that you all have had a great holiday season and I will 'speak' with you all during the year!

Do you Zentangle?

2010-07-25T22:23:00.001+10:00

Upon my wanderings around the web I have come across Zentangle. From what they say on their web site its a form of meditative drawing. Created by Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts they have this to say:

"One day, Maria told Rick what she experienced as she drew background patterns on a manuscript she was creating. She described her feelings of timelessness, freedom and well-being and complete focus on what she was doing with no thought or worry about anything else. "You're describing meditation," Rick said.
Rick and Maria wondered if they could create a simple system so others might enjoy a similar experience. And so began the journey towards discovering this simple and elegant system called Zentangle."

All I know is that its fun to do, and you cant do it wrong. There is no wrong. You just kinda draw and whatever you do is fine. Its like when you're drawing you can just focus on the lines and your brain doesn't have to worry about anything else. Its quite relaxing. Ive done a couple myself but Im without a camera at the moment so Ive included one of the ones from the Zentangle web site so you can see what I mean. Flickr has a huge pool of them.

I found this squidoo about Zentangles that explain in simple terms how to zentangle. For someone like me that is enough to work out what Im doing. But if you want to use their specific patterns and ideas and learn how, you can either buy a DIY pack or they also have seminars and stuff. They even accredit their teachers. I find that a little bizarre - that its so very structured when in actual fact its such a simple process. But hey, I guess some people need to be taught an official way. Maybe there is more to it than I know?

Me personally, Im just finding it fun. And I can see some zentangled shrinky dinks coming my way in the future...

More Owls

2010-07-05T21:47:00.000+10:00

OK so Im obsessed. But you just have to see these guys. First up is this amazing little guy who changes dramatically when he thinks hes in trouble. Im not sure what the japanese show is saying so I muted the sound. But it doesnt actually need the sound. Try looking around 1 minute and then again for a different transformation at around 1min 40.

And of course then we have THIS owl. I really wish I had one like this living near me. SO darling! And dont you just love his eye makeup?

OK Im off to bed. Hope you like those guys.

Of interest to Brisbane-ites, and anyone who really loves fashion and magazines...

2010-07-01T23:16:00.001+10:00

OK so that was a really long title from me. And this is going to be a very short blog entry.

Whilst wandering through the fabulous website of Lauren Carney - a super talented artist from Brisbane whom I found at the Finders Keepers market on Saturday - she alerted me to a new fashion/style/indie magazine called Charlie. Its an online magazine so its easy to download and read, and best of all, its free.

OMG Im in love. Its an online magazine published here in Brisbane Australia and I love love love it. So I wanted to let ya'll know so that you can love it too! Go check it out.

Thank you Ms Carney! Much appreciated!

Im not dead just floating.....

2010-06-28T19:15:00.000+10:00

Contrary to the popular belief amongst my friends and family, I am not actually dead dear reader. I am exceedingly busy doing...stuff and things, things and stuff. Very little of it actually worth writing about. Just basic iving type things.

Last week I made myself a new handbag using an Amy Butler pattern. It went well but I have no photos as yet so I will post again about it another time. I will say I enjoyed the process and her pattern was very easy to follow. So if you are eyeing a pattern off, go for it I say. Im planning to make an iphone cover next by using an Amy Butler laptop/ipod cover pattern.

I dont get a lot of time to do crafty stuff at the moment. With 2 teengers and a 6 month old in the house there are always too many things to do. (Just cause the teenagers are the parents doesnt seem to stop them being typical teenagers in a lot of ways). Seriously, those ladies out there who have families and businesses AND craft, I totally take my hat off to you! I just dont know how you do it. Im having enough trouble keeping on top of the housework when the baby is not mine!

Enough from me for the moment. I have ghost in my keyboard who is making typing very annoyingg, so Im leaving before I smash somehing. (Its missing some letters, adding othersn randomly and I have to pound the space baar to make it work).

"toodles"

BEE STING!

2010-04-05T11:25:00.001+10:00

Helping Helen around the house today I have managed to be stung by a bee about a half hour ago on my leg just below the knee.

It HURTS.
A LOT!

Good thing Im not allergic! Did I mention it hurts.....

OWL!

2010-04-04T19:26:00.000+10:00

If you know me a little you will know that I LOVE Owls. I think they are the most beautiful creatures and I have a number of pictures and toys of owls around.

Well, on Thursday night on the way home we happened to see a live Owl. He startled me by flying in front of the car as we were driving into our estate. There was no way I was going to hit him because I was only going about 10k coming up to a roundabout. He flew from the side of the road, across my nose and up into the Big tree in the middle of the roudabout and then sat there looking at me indignantly. I was entranced. He was SO beautiful. He looked like the one in the photo above so Im guessing from that, that he is a Powerful Owl.

In another Owl related sighting, there is a gorgeous post from Mod Kid about her brush with an Owl, complete with photos of the darling creature. You need to go have a look. A different kind of owl but still just as beautiful. Amazing that we have both had owl sightings on the total oposite sides of the world. I hope to see mine again sometime soon.

I would love to own an owl as a pet but I could never bear to subject one to captivity. Same with an Eagle. I kinda wish we could have owls as companions like in Harry Potter. Ones that had their own minds and freedom to come and go etc. Id love that. And on an upside, maybe my mail wouldnt go astray so often then too.

Hope youre enjoying your Easter Break.

Its been a hard days night....

2010-04-01T12:23:00.000+10:00

Wow. Youd think that once I was no longer 'employed' Id have plenty of time. Ive been so damn busy that I feel like Ive been on a treadmill constantly. And of course, no time to blog or even barely read blogs.

I did manage to go to the Craft Expo last week with my cousin which was fun. Managed to get a fat quarter of my Lila Tueller fabric Ive been waiting and waiting for. Seems like noone is getting it in over here. Dissapointing. And they didnt have more than fat quarters so I couldnt buy a couple of metres like I wanted to. Seems like Im going to have order it in from overseas. Thank goodness for Etsy sellers. In the mean time Im going to frame the pieces I have and put them on my wall. My 'office' is kinda part of the lunge at the moment so I have to be careful what I do but those should look nice on the wall. If not, they will go into my sewing room. Yeah, I know, bizarre. An office in a corner and a whole room for a sewing room. I guess 'cause in theory the sewing room gets more messy....anyway.

The other thing that I picked up was a fantastic pattern making system called Lutterloh - The Golden Rule. Its essentially a tape measure and set of patterns that allow you to create patterns that are totally fitted to your size. Its the most bizarre looking way of doing things until you see how its done. Then its so very logical and so fantastic that youll just want to sew this way too! Im going to spend some time sewing from it so I will blog about it going forwards. Im very excited.

Oh and other great news is my cousin is having a baby girl in a couple of weeks. So I will finally have a little girl to sew for instead of the plethora of boys. I love all the boys but boys clothing is not as fun is it?

Little M here at home is growing up fast. Hes only 3.5 months old but hes already cutting teeth, trying to stand up, and man he has the loudest demanding voice of any baby Ive heard in a while. A real little personality. We find the demanding amusing at the moment. Remains to be seen how amused we are when he is 2....I think hes gonna give us hell. Ah but he is such a little darling. All your worries fall away when you look at him and he smiles at you. Yep Im totally wrapped around his finger arent I?

The only other thing I seem to be doing is becoming very domesticated. OMG how does anyone have a child, keep up with the housework, cook, clean, AND manage to have any sort of life of their own? I feel like all Im doing is cleaning. Ive barely managed to spend any time on the new business Im trying to set up. And I really need to get onto that!

But for today my cousin Kyrya is coming up to spend the day and we are going to play. Maybe even a little crafting. I will worry about the business after Easter.

Happy Easter everyone!

A new take on virtual shopping - what fun!

2010-03-19T12:28:00.000+10:00

Have a look at this video. I think shopping like this would be much fun for just about anything other than clothes. I still feel the need to get up close and personal with my clothes - not being a perfect size small you see....

Pantone Colour of the Year - Turquoise

2010-03-10T09:36:00.000+10:00

Aparently Pantone's colour of the year is Turquoise. Now this excites me in one way - because I love Turquoise. But it annoys me in another. Because Ive been looking for Turquoise things for the last year or so.

I seem to do this regularly. I must be smack bang in the middle of their 'typical demographic' because for years now I go looking for colours, shade, patterns or icons (like owls, and mushrooms), that arent around and then turn up 'in fashion' either the next year or the year after when Ive moved on to something else. Its so damn frustrating.

Ask Helen - I used to like doing the Christmas decorations in specific colour themes, but Ive given up because the colours I want dont actually become available until the following year or the year after. True story. And I havent worked out how to make my own tinsel and baubles etc. Though saying that I think last year I can across a whole lot of make your own articles and blogs on just that subject - but I found them too late for me to have the time to do them.

Anyway it looks like I should be able to cover myself in my turquoise this year if the predictions are correct. Yay. One day Im going to work out exactly how this Pantone thing works....and I think Im gonna start making my own stuff and using the colours I want when I want them, and let the rest of the world just catch up to me (heh).

Here comes the sun do do do do

2010-03-09T10:54:00.000+10:00

We finally have some sun again after weeks of rain. Everything is soggy still but its lovely to see blue skies and sun again. Ive no idea how long it will last and of course its now Autumn so it will all go away soon anyway. But right now, Im enjoying the gentle warmth, the beauty in my garden, and the friends that all the water has brought out (see friend below).

Waters rising and crochet dreams

2010-03-02T21:17:00.000+10:00

This morning we woke to find that the river was coming up to meet us. You can see from the photo on my last post that there is a fair bit of land between the back fence and the edge of the water. What you cant really tell is that there is also about a 4-5 foot drop. Well, the picture to the left is what we were greeted with this morning. Rain and a rising swell of water. I think it will take a while for the water to raise up to us, but Im sure other people on the Gold Coast will be flooding at the moment. We are keeping an eye on it.

In my world of crafting however its the perfect weather for sitting around learning new things. And of course crochet is one of my new things to learn. Ive decided that I really love the idea of a granny square a day as per Pip from "Meet Me at Mikes". She has fantastic beginner videos that are really helping. I also worked out that I have the total wrong thread for crochet. I should have read the very first lesson post properly. So tomorrow I will go in search of the correct threat/yarn.

A wonderful colour comination I love is something that I saw on the Grand Revival Blog - Purple, Turquoise, Lime and Blue. Yum. I dont want to post any more of her photos here in case she gets upset with me so if you would like to see what she has made of the yarn the post is here. So beautiful. I will show you my own yarns when I get them.

Until then, I hope you are all safe and if you are in the Brisbane/Gold Coast area at the moment, I hope you are enjoying the rain.

Oh What A Night

2010-02-28T08:17:00.000+10:00

I have been spending a few days down on the Gold Coast with my family and the photo above is the view I have every morning. No noise other than cicadas, birds, the occasional boat meandering past and yes, even the occasional fish jumping (I kid you not). Gorgeous. The photo is taken off the balcony of the bedroom Im in, and is literally just a shot from my phone, so imagine how much better it looks in real life!

Last night my cousin and I hooked up the Wii and had a ball. We played until around 1.30am and laughed so much we were literally crying half the time. Im hoarse from shouting and laughing. And before you wonder, no we arent children. Shes 27 and Im 37! We were playing tennis, boxing (ouch, feeling that one) and Mini-golf which was an absolute scream.

This morning we are continuing the stupidity by having conversations from downstairs to upstairs via sms. Why? Cause its just so stupid. Sometimes, any little thing will just make you laugh and quite frankly, I like to roll around and enjoy those times as much as possible. So sue me. (heh).

Im off now to have a shower cause we are going out for breakfast and a movie. Something chick flicky like Valentines day or something. And then probably back for an afternoon snooze. Im sure 4 hours sleep is going to catch up at some point.

I think Im bored with the orange

2010-02-22T20:52:00.000+10:00

My Blogger theme I mean (photo left). I actually do like it, I think Im just frustrated that it only has 2 columns. Im putting too much in my sidebar and I'm having trouble finding stuff let alone any of you guys. So Im on the lookout for a funky 3 column blogger template.

Why dont I make my own? Im lazy. Frankly. I need to totally redo my website and get that running too (www.moonshinedesign.com.au) and I think somewhere in the back of my head I want the two to match. So until I find the time...and motivation... to rebuild that site, I will continue to use a random blogger template that takes my fancy. Hope you dont mind. I get bored easily...

So what do you think of this new look? Kinda cute huh?

恭喜发财- gong xi fa cai (Chinese Happy New Year)

2010-02-15T09:36:00.000+10:00

Hell, Thomas and I just spent the weekend with friends celebrating the Chinese New Year. New Years Eve was on Saturday night and is traditionally a 'reunion' time for friends and family - you gather together and eat special food and enjoy everyone's company. We had a lovely night and the house was decorated in beautiful red and gold lanterns, wall hangings, cracker drops and coins. Before we went up there I read up about Chinese New Year and so I made the door hanging in the picture left. The characters are for "Fu" meaning Good luck. On New Years you hang the Fu symbol on the door upside down meaning "Luck has arrived". I loved the idea so I rushed out to a local store that I had seen had a shipment of Chinese Silk Jaquards, and sewed up a simple square with the Fu symbol appliqued on. Was the first time I have appliqued anything so Im quite proud of it. Our friends loved it. They didnt have a door hanging so it fit in perfectly.

I also made some Red Envelopes for the children - another New Years tradition (also in the picture). The red envelopes are given to children, unmarried relatives, friends, employees (as a bonus) etc and hold money. The money doesnt have to be huge amounts but it must be in an even number (ie multiples of 2) and must not have the number 4 in it - so no $4, $14 etc. This is because the number four in chinese sounds like the same sound as 'death' when they say it. So its very bad luck.

For me personally, I feel like this New Year is actually my real New Year. For some reason, our Australian New Year - while it was fun cause we spent it with friends, didnt actually feel like the start of a new beginning like it normally does. Im not sure why. This Chinese New Year has felt like a new beginning to me. Possibly because of my changing job situation and stuff. I am looking forward to having a spectacular year and it feels like its really beginning now. My mood is high and happy, Im as relaxed as Ive been in years, everything is going right and well. Its just a great feeling of happy optimism and freedom. Im enjoying it.

So Gung hay fat choy to you (thats how you pronounce it and it means 'may you become prosperous'.)

Oh and if you would like a tutorial on how to do the door hanging just let me know. I took pictures just in case!

Im Inspired

2010-02-12T06:38:00.000+10:00

I recently started to teach myself to knit and crochet. Cant say Im doing overly well at it but thats probably because the only time I try to do it is in bed when Im watching a movie or have a headache and cant read. My concentration is not the best.

But looking at the lovely blanket in the following blog post from Attic24 has me inspired. I want a lovely 'old fashioned' blanket like that to snuggle under when Im on the couch reading and snoozing. I love it. I dont remember my grandmother ever doing anything like that but it reminds me of her so maybe its something that is buried deep in my subconscious memories of her. I do remember her rag rugs. Am thinking of making some of them too since I have found they arent that hard to make. I will see. I do have a little time on my hands at the moment of course...heh heh.

Photo with thanks from Attic24. Go read her blog, its gorgeous.

A new Beginning...on life changes and opportunities

2010-02-11T10:53:00.001+10:00

This week has been busy, challenging, and yet also fabulous. I was supposed to start work again on Tuesday after having been on leave (aint long service leave a wonderful thing?!). I got myself ready, actually totally psyched to be going back. Ready and roaring to go and get back into it.Turns out, they actually just needed me to come in to be told I was being made redundant/retrenched. Oh. Well. There you go.

After the initial shock I have realised what a fabulous opportunity this is. Im happy about this change. I was ready for a change in role, and potentially a change in company. This way they are helping me to make the decision so that I dont procrastinate over it. Excellent! I will be sad to leave all my friends at work of course, but the really close ones are part of my social circle anyway, so I will still see them regularly.

Ive been kinda sitting here trying to work out what to do. I am still on payroll for another 5 weeks while they see if there actually is an internal role that comes up for me - but I doubt this will happen. While my skills are quite extensive, with so much movement in the company at the moment Im thinking they are downsizing again, and that isnt condusive to other roles 'coming up'. So do I look for another job? Do I spend 5 weeks crafting and not worry about it? Could I potentially go back to school the way I dream - could we afford that? My brain churns on and on.

I think what is stalling me at the moment is this - I basically have the option to do ANYTHING. How many times in your life do you get that opportunity? A brand new start. The sun rising on a new era of my life. Its scary and empowering at the same time! And rather than stress about it, Im trying to just breathe it in and live with the moment of freedom. Most of us truly never get to feel utter freedom for any length of time, so just for now, Im going to enjoy that feeling.

My outlook is positive. I had a feeling this year was going to be a fantastic one, and its already started with a bang. Wonderful. I hope all of you are feeling the same positive vibe because its delicious.

MIA....Ive been BUSY

2010-02-07T20:14:00.001+10:00

Ive been real busy this week. And that has meant, no blogging. Sorry. Its possibly going to become the standard for me for a while. Im going back to work you see. I wont have so much time here at home. Its a good thing because it means that I am well, physically and mentally. I will of course miss the time away from work...but all holidays must come to an end (it wasnt exactly a holiday but you know what I mean).

With the focus back to work thing I have realised that most of my work clothes dont fit. No I havent put on weight, in fact Ive lost a little. I was talking to Hell trying to work out why my clothes dont fit then...and aparently I was so depressed and shattered that I just didnt really care about how I looked, so I wore everything a bit tight and just put up with it. Eeeek.

Having pulled my sewing machine back out I can of course rectify this. Im sewing myself some new clothes. Im also exercising more so I can fit back into what I have, but the new clothes are what I will talk about.

First off I made a basic A-line Skirt (Simplicity 9825) - Picture above. OMG, this is a simple pattern and should have taken me a couple of hours moving slow, but it took me 2 DAYS! I pretty much stuffed up everything that could be stuffed up. I stuffed up the waistband so many times I lost count. The unpick was my friend I tell you. Its a gtood thing that the fabric was a forgiving fabric and doesnt show the multiple sewing. Then I stuffed up the zip. 3 times. I finally got it all together and it still needs to be hemmed but that is the easy part. It finally actually looks OK. I will take a photo soon and post it another time.

At least with all the things I did wrong, I now know this pattern inside out. I will be able to whip it up really fast now in another colour or in a different length. Im thinking the applique version next - but doing it reverse applique. Just not sure what fabric. Either that or getting something nice like a Nicey Jane or a Lila Tueller and cutting out the patterns to applique. I will work it out.

Anyway, Im back to work Tuesday so think of me and send me strength. I will be very nervous. Im almost beside myself at the moment - winding up in stress. Im sure I will be fine once I get in there and settle back into normality. Its the anticipation that is the worst. Lots of meditation tomorrow and of course sewing....

Beautiful Beads and Jewellery - Creative Arty Facts!

2010-02-01T09:29:00.001+10:00

I have a friend who lives not far from me who creates the most beautiful handmade glass jewellery - Liz DeLuca from Creative Arty Facts. Liz started bead making a similar time to me but she has totally far surpassed anything I can do. She brought her already phenominal artillary of experience with ceramic art (Nationally renowned!), painting and a vivid eye to colour blending and positioning, and she has translated it into beautiful, wearable glass art. I proudly own and wear a couple of her pieces and always get comments when I do wear them. The bracelet and earrings I have from her collections are as prized to me as my diamonds - seriously!

I consider myself very lucky to know Liz because not only is she an artist of the highest degree, but she is also a wonderful, giving and caring person. She has mentored me in my glass art, provided inspiration for my jewellery, and on a personal level has provided warm and supportive friendship during my hard times. She is truly an angel on earth!

Liz will be showing her beads and jewellery as part of the "Women of Substance" exhibition for the Red Hill Gallery. The show will be happening from Feb 12th 2010 and I cant wait to go! It promises to be a fantastic collection of women artists who are the cream of the Australian art scene. Glass, Painting, Sculpting and more. What fun!

Liz has a blog and a website, along with an etsy site. She also holds classes at Mad Monnies here in Brisbane and sells her beads through Mad Monnie as well.

If you love beautiful glass jewellery and beads go check out her work and her blog. You wont be dissapointed.

Creative Arty Facts

Fireflies

2010-01-28T10:09:00.000+10:00

I am in love with this song at the moment. Its so happy and makes me smile.

Happy Australia Day!

2010-01-26T12:34:00.000+10:00

Here in Australia the entire nation has taken the day off to have a BBQ with friends, drink a lot, listen to Triple J's Hottest 100 and basically just celebrate the fact that we are Australian and think we are the "Lucky Country". So to everyone out there 'HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY'. Im very proud to be Australian and love my country. Hell, Thomas and I have come up to the Sunshine Coast to stay with friends, drink, BBQ and of course, melt in the heat (and loll in the pool) whilst listening to the Hottest 100 (well, of course!)

Below is an essay on Australia written by Douglas Adams. I love his sense of humour and he has pretty much captured Australia perfectly - both our sense of humour and believe it or not, most of what he says is true, even if he says it in a very ironic tone. Its a little long but a good read, so enjoy.

-----------------------------

Australia is a very confusing place, taking up a large amount of the Bottom half of the planet. It is recognisable from orbit because of many unusual features, including what at first looks like an enormous bite taken out of its southern edge; a wall of sheer cliffs which plunge deep into the girting sea. Geologists assure us that this is simply an accident of geomorphology and plate tectonics, but they still call it the "Great Australian Bight" proving that not only are they covering up a more frightening theory, but they can't spell either.

The first of the confusing things about Australia is the status of the place. Where other land masses and sovereign lands are classified as either continent, island, or country, Australia is considered all three. Typically, it is unique in this.

The second confusing thing about Australia are the animals. They can be divided into three categories: Poisonous, Odd, and Sheep. It is true that of the 10 most poisonous arachnids on the planet, Australia has 9 of them. Actually, it would be more accurate to say that of the 9 most poisonous arachnids, Australia has all of them. However, there are curiously few snakes, possibly because the spiders have killed them all. But even the spiders won't go near the sea. Any visitors should be careful to check inside boots (before putting them on), under toilet seats (before sitting down) and generally everywhere else. A stick is very useful for this task.

Strangely, it tends to be the second class of animals (the Odd) that are more dangerous. The creature that kills the most people each year is the common Wombat. It is nearly as ridiculous as its name, and spends its life digging holes in the ground, in which it hides. During the night it comes out to eat worms and grubs. The wombat kills people in two ways: First, the animal is indestructible. Digging holes in the hard Australian clay builds muscles that outclass Olympic weight lifters. At night, they often wander the roads. Semi-trailers (Road Trains) have hit them at high speed, with all 9 wheels on one side, and this merely makes them very annoyed. They express this by snorting, glaring, and walking away. Alas, to smaller cars, the wombat becomes a symmetrical launching pad, with results that can be imagined, but not adequately described. The second way the wombat kills people relates to its burrowing behavior. If a person happens to put their hand down a Wombat hole, the Wombat will feel the disturbance and think "Ho! My hole is collapsing!" at which it will brace its muscled legs and push up against the roof of its burrow with incredible force, to prevent its collapse. Any unfortunate hand will be crushed, and attempts to withdraw will cause the Wombat to simply bear down harder. The unfortunate will then bleed to death through their crushed hand as the wombat prevents him from seeking assistance. This is considered the third most embarrassing known way to die, and Australians don't talk about it much.

At this point, we would like to mention the Platypus, estranged relative of the mammal, which has a duck-bill, otter's tail, webbed feet, lays eggs, detects its aquatic prey in the same way as the electric eel, and has venomous barbs attached to its hind legs, thus combining all 'typical' Australian attributes into a single improbable creature.

The last confusing thing about Australia is the inhabitants. First, a short history: Some time around 40,000 years ago, some people arrived in boats from the north. They ate all the available food, and a lot of them died. The ones that survived learned respect for the balance of nature, man's proper place in the scheme of things, and spiders. They settled in, and spent a lot of the intervening time making up strange stories.

Then, around 200 years ago, Europeans arrived in boats from the north. More accurately, European convicts were sent, with a few deranged and stupid people in charge. They tried to plant their crops in Autumn (failing to take account of the reversal of the seasons when moving from the top half of the planet to the bottom), ate all their food, and a lot of them died. About then the sheep arrived, and have been treasured ever since. It is interesting to note here that the Europeans always consider themselves vastly superior to any other race they encounter, since they can lie, cheat, steal, and litigate (marks of a civilised culture they say) - whereas all the Aboriginals can do is happily survive being left in the middle of a vast red-hot desert, equipped with a stick.

Eventually, the new lot of people stopped being Europeans on Extended Holiday and became Australians. The changes are subtle, but deep, caused by the mind-stretching expanses of nothingness and eerie quiet, where a person can sit perfectly still and look deep inside themselves to the core of their essence, their reasons for being, and the necessity of checking inside your boots every morning for fatal surprises. They also picked up the most finely tuned sense of irony in the world, and the Aboriginal gift for making up stories. Be warned.

There is also the matter of the beaches. Australian beaches are simply the nicest and best in the entire world. Although anyone actually venturing into the sea will have to contend with sharks, stinging jellyfish, stonefish (a fish which sits on the bottom of the sea, pretends to be a rock, and has venomous barbs sticking out of its back that will kill just from the pain) and surfboarders. However, watching a beach sunset is worth the risk.

As a result of all this hardship, dirt, thirst, and wombats, you would expect Australians to be a dour lot. Instead, they are genial, jolly, cheerful, and always willing to share a kind word with a stranger, unless they are an American. Faced with insurmountable odds and impossible problems, they smile disarmingly and look for a stick. Major engineering feats have been performed with sheets of corrugated iron, string, and mud. Alone of all the races on earth, they seem to be free from the 'Grass is Greener on the other side of the fence' syndrome, and roundly proclaim that Australia is, in fact, the other side of that fence. They call the land "Oz", "Godzone" (a verbal contraction of "God's Own Country") and "Best bloody place on earth, bar none, strewth." The irritating thing about this is they may be right. There are some traps for the unsuspecting traveller, though. Do not under any circumstances suggest that the beer is imperfect, unless you are comparing it to another kind of Australian beer. Do not wear a Hawaiian shirt. Religion and Politics are safe topics of conversation (Australians don't care too much about either) but Sport is a minefield.
The only correct answer to "So, howdya' like our country, eh?" is "Best {insert your own regional swear word here} country in the world!".

It is very likely that, on arriving, some cheerful Australians will 'adopt' you on your first night, and take you to a pub where Australian Beer is served. Despite the obvious danger, do not refuse. It is a form of initiation rite. You will wake up late the next day with an astonishing hangover, a foul-taste in your mouth, and wearing strange clothes. Your hosts will usually make sure you get home, and waive off any legal difficulties with "It's his first time in Australia, so we took him to the pub.", to which the policeman will sagely nod and close his notebook. Be sure to tell the story of these events to every other Australian, you encounter, adding new embellishments at every stage, and noting how strong the beer was. Thus you will be accepted into this unique culture. Most Australians are now urban dwellers, having discovered the primary use of electricity, which is air-conditioning and refrigerators.

Typical Australian sayings:
*"G'Day!"
*"It's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick."
*"She'll be right."
*"And down from Kosciusko, where the pine clad ridges raise their torn and rugged battlements on high, where the air is clear as crystal, and the white stars fairly blaze at midnight in the cold and frosty sky. And where, around the overflow, the reed beds sweep and sway to the breezes, and the rolling plains are wide. The Man from Snowy River is a household word today, and the stockmen tell the story of his ride."

Tips to Surviving Australia:
*Don't ever put your hand down a hole for any reason whatsoever. We mean it.
*The beer is stronger than you think, regardless of how strong you think it is.
*Always carry a stick.
*Air-conditioning.
*Do not attempt to use Australian slang, unless you are a trained linguist and good in a fist fight.
*Thick socks.
*Take good maps. Stopping to ask directions only works when there are people nearby.
*If you leave the urban areas, carry several litres of water with you at all times, or you will die.
* Even in the most embellished stories told by Australians, there is always a core of truth that it is unwise to ignore.

See Also: "Deserts: How to die in them", "The Stick: Second most useful thing ever" and "Poisonous and Venomous arachnids, insects, animals, trees, shrubs, fish and sheep of Australia, volumes 1-42"
- Douglas Adams

Mooce Baby is having a giveaway

2010-01-23T09:42:00.000+10:00

In my blog reading travels I have gathered a larger number of blogs that I like to read regularly. They are listed down the side of this blog here - mostly so that I just need to come to my blog and see whos updated and go off and read. There are a huge number of fantastic blogs out there and I just seem to keep collecting them. But believe it or not I do read them all (at the moment anyway, being off work etc).

Well Ive found another blog that is really cool and (even better), they are a local person (local to me here in Brisbane). Mooce Baby. Im enjoying reading the blog entries and she makes the most fabulous childrens clothes. With a background in fashion design, you just know these clothes are gonna be gorgeous!

I thought Id let you know that the Mooce Baby blog is having a giveaway at the moment which is a great reason to head over there, and you will wanna stay and read once you get there! Go check out the Mooce Baby Blog and the Mooce Baby shop/website.

New Designs from Thea and Sami

2010-01-22T11:29:00.000+10:00

One of the local fabric designers that I love - Thea and Sami - has released a sneak peak at her new fabric range Cottage Garden coming out soon. I cant wait to get my hands on some of this (though given my cluster stuffup finances at the moment it may have to wait a month or two.). Isnt it lovely? I can see bags and cushions and depending upon the shade of purple possibly bench cushions for the dining table. (Photo courtesy of Thea and Sami blog)

You see we have a dining table that is large and wooden and we have benches instead of chairs (we dont entertain formally - we are very informal). Its in the room with the Iris wall (see my post about my budha for the colour). The benches can get a little hard if youre sitting for any length of time and while I love the current cushions, I could always do with some more! If the colour doesnt match....well there is always brown and possibly red (yes red actually goes well with the iris. I wouldnt have thought so either until I saw it accidentally one day). Or maybe a footstool for my office....ooh the possiblities. What fun!

My sewing adventure

2010-01-20T10:49:00.000+10:00

I actually managed to spend most of yesterday afternoon sewing! I had to first clean out the sewing room because we had junked a bunch of stuff in there after the Christmas hoards left. Did I mention we still have my Godson, his Partner and Baby M staying with us. Yes they are now living with us for a while. So suddenly we have a houseful of people, a real little family. Anyway, this is why having the house to myself and actually having sewing time was so special.

So I will show you what I have made in a minute. Any experienced sewers will probably laugh that it took me all afternoon. Its a Passport Holder. I losely used this tutorial. When I say losely used, I mean, I basically read it then winged it myself. Wasnt hard actually. But Im still a nervous sewer so I did my usual - I made it out of paper first. That way once I had the dimensions correct, I just used the paper as a pattern to cut. It worked well.

So here are the pictures. See if you can work out the thing I did wrong. Oh, Fabric is by the wonderful PippiJoe - isnt it super cute?

Front

Back

Inside

Outside

Inside filled (the top left is supposed to look like a boarding pass -
dont look too closely its actually some movie tickets... heh)

So did you catch the mistake? Yep I put the button on the wrong side. For us English speaking peeps the hook should be on the right hand side and the button should be on the left. So when its closed, its going to look either Japanese (well I think it IS cute enough LOL), or like Ive made it with the fabric print upside down - until you open it of course. Once you open it you just realise the button is on the wrong side. All I can think is Ive been spending a lot of my time reading Manga lately so reading the book backwards is almost a habit now.

I made it for a friend of mine who is flying out for a trip tomorrow. I was supposed to have lunch with her today but Ive come down with a bad cold/virus and dont want to give the virus to her so Ive had to cancel lunch. Insert big Sad Face! It means she wont have it to travel with. Im sad about that but thats OK. Shes only going for a week, and I know she plans to travel a lot more so she can take it next time. I may even make her another one in the meantime - something a little darker cause Ive realised since I made it also that the white colour shows every damn mark - probably not good for travelling. I may even put the button on correctly on the next one...

Today feels like a sewing day

2010-01-19T09:22:00.000+10:00

I have the house entirely to myself until I have to go get Helen from work. YAY. I should be doing housework (bleh), but I think I might sew instead. I have a few projects that I wanted to tackle and put off while we had so many people around the house over the holiday period. Like a passport holder for a friend (who incidentally is going overseas on Thursday so I really should do that one today I think), a doorstop, soft toys, a wallet for myself, baby stuff for my cousin, yoga feet/slippers, cushions with Thea's gorgeous fabric and a bunch more.

Oh and clothes - but they will have to wait till I get patterns and fabric. Im looking like I will probably be back at work in Feb so was thinking I might 'reinvent' myself in the mean time. Sounds fabulous. Dont have the money to do too much though, but I thought maybe some new, sewn by me, flattering clothes might help with the back to work nerves (which are considerable I can assure you). How does one work out what suits you and then what to make? I wonder if there is a website or online course or something for this? I cant be the only person who has ever wanted to do this. Surely not everyone is born stylish and funky - I dont think I was but I desperately want to be. Being overweight doesnt help I guess. But surely us bigger girls can look good too? Any pointers for me?

I think I will leave that research for another day though, else I will end up in front of the PC instead of sewing. And today I want to make something!

Im learning to Knit

2010-01-14T11:29:00.000+10:00

I know. Who starts to learn to knit at 37? Well, as you know Im getting into all things crafty. I love it. Ive been doing jewellery and beading for years but lately Im starting with the sewing again and of course reading reading reading. And that means that knitting has come across my sphere of attention. Looks easy says I. Mum used to knit when I was a kid. Shed turn out a jumper for me in a single night (true, she was lightening fast). She used to say it was good when she was stressed cause it kept her hands busy and her mind relatively quiet. Sounds good to me. I cant even seem to sit still long enough to watch a tv episode at the moment. So I thought Knitting might help.

I didnt reckon with the fact that I am apparently unco! Knitting is just not working for me. The photo above shows my best work yet. You cant tell but it is supposed to be something called rib knit - is that what knit 1 purl 1 is? Ive taken it apart about 15 times and started again. I can cast on OK, nothing fancy its just like knitting but you put the stitches back on the needle right? Yep. I think Ive managed to work out purl. It took me a while to get my head around it. Im wondering if I still dont have it right and thats my issue. Because knit 1 purl 1 is a nightmare to me. To start with I was purling with the yarn on the wrong side - which meant I was somehow not only tying my knitting up in knots but was gaining 2 stitches for one. Not good. Pull apart. Try again. Pull apart. I finally found this website that showed me what I was doing wrong - I needed to pull the yarn through to the front before purling. OK, I think I got into the swing of that.

But it still doesnt look right. Tension? Purling is wrong still? I was trying to make this pair of fingerless gloves. I think I will go back to just knitting one row, purling one row and make a scarf and then when I work that out, move on to gloves....I know. I didnt realise the gloves werent a beginner type thing. Ive started reading the following sites in detail: Craft Leftovers, Knitting Help, Learn to Knit (UK), Patons How to Knit, Learn to Knit (USA). Any help is greatly appreciated at this point. So if you know of a site or can help, please...please...comment.

At least its keeping my hands busy and I can sit and watch a movie in one sitting.....and practice makes perfect right?

Friends for dinner and a moment of peace

2010-01-13T18:31:00.000+10:00

Helen is still on holidays and of course I am still not working at the moment too. We have been doing lots of stuff (Im learning to knit - more on that another time) but tonight we have some friends over for dinner. Nothing fancy, just some curries and good company. The photo is of my Budha. My friend brought him back from Tibet for me after searching high and low for one that he felt was perfect from me. It was blessed by a monk in the temple there. Buddha sits on my dining table normally along with a large Ganesha - I dont know if they normally go together but in our house (which is actually non religious specific) we love any statue of beauty and they seem to play together well here!

Tonight Budha is presiding over our meal to ensure all is happy and well with us. I couldnt help photographing him the other day in the afternoon sun with the blinds making patterns on the dark wood of the table and our Iris coloured wall behind him. Its doing it again right now so I wanted to show you a small piece of my peace. I hope all is well in your world too. Namasté!

A fantastic giveaway by Happily Ever Artist

2010-01-12T09:22:00.000+10:00

A friend of mine Sally is having a giveaway over at her blog - Happily Ever Artist to celebrate her 1 year of blogging. Sally makes gorgeous handmade beads like the ones you see here. The ones you see here are MINE! I bought them from Sally and look at them frequently. They are mesmerising and so beautiful. (Thanks to Sally for the photos - you photograph them so much better than I seem to!). So if you love beauty in the shape of glass, go see her blog for the competition, and her website for what she has for sale - she may even remake the ones you see here if you ask her nicely!

Swarovski's cats

2010-01-09T11:16:00.000+10:00

This is so cute. Im not entirely sure what cats have got to do with Swarovski's but its a really cute (and clever) piece of animation. Im guessing (and I could be wrong) that the cats names and colours are the names and colours of their new range....its the only connection I can make. (thank you to coloradiction for the link)

OUCH!

2010-01-06T11:16:00.000+10:00

This is what happens when you dont put the wrist strap of the Wii remote on your wrist while you are playing tennis. Thank Goodness for Home Insurance!

Valori Wells...and my travels to quilt-dom

2010-01-04T10:30:00.003+10:00

Weve had a rare moment of peace this morning with all of our visitors having left for other parts for a while (some temporarily - they will be back). Its cool and raining on and off and just realy quiet. There are the sounds of birds and cicadas and the occasional plane (normal). I spent a lovely hour sitting on the couch reading my latest Homespun and watching Helen playing the new Wii Fit (very amusing). Thomas (my puppy) was at my feet and it was just such a lovely way to spend an hour.

I was dreaming of all the lovely things that I can make. Ive never been overly intersted in making quilts. For some reason they all seem to be very dark in colours - browns, rusty reds, Burnt Orange, Olive Greens - Just too dark and rustic for my personal taste. I am totally in awe of the skill that goes into these quilts - the creativity and just the pure love and work is inspiring. And so I have been reading about quilts anyway, just because I find the people who make them worthy of my attention. (picture above courtesy of dont look now)

And in reading of these outstanding artists, I have come across a number of people who actually make quilts that I want. No dark colours, all beauty and light and brightness. And Modern! One of my issues with the quilts is that they are often that traditional style that really works in the shabby chic style houses and the old cottages and places like that. I love looking at that style. But its not the way I decorate. Our decorating style is very modern - clean lines and empty spaces - Lots of white space - and these quilts just look ridiculous in that sort of environment. But I have found quilts that are modern and fresh colours and just gorgeous.

One of these artists is Kellie Wulfsohn from "Dont Look Now". I bought the latest Homespun because I saw that she had a gorgeous quilt pattern in it called Little Monsters (picture above). THIS is the kind of quilt I can get into. Little Master M may actually be old enough for it by the time I manage to make it. I have a lot to learn first.

Another of these artists is a fabric designer called Valori Wells. I found her blog (which is a thing of beauty in its own right - you really need to go have a read. Her photos of Christmas are just stunning). Valori has a beautiful range of fabrics in the style that I like - bright happy colours, ways of using it in a modern way. She also has a download of some free quilt patterns called 'Urban'. I was exstatic to find these patterns because they are something I can see not only working in my house, but something that I feel I could actually achieve with my current level of skills (or lack thereof).

So Imagine my surprise and excitement when this morning I open an email to find that I have won a competition that I entered months ago on Valori's blog. (I love this community which seems to give so much to each other.) I have won some samples of Valori's beautiful fabric - Im unsure what as yet, but I will post again when I recieve it! Thank You So Much Valori! I will treasure your fabric and hopefully put it to good use! (both photos courtesy of Valori Well's' blog)

Its made me think about the community and how they share so much. I have very limited skills at this point, but I think, as I go along, I shall try to create some tutorials, or something to give back to the community in the same way as they are giving to me. I have a distinct feeling that as I go along I will be making more things than I will have any use for - simply for the enjoyment of making them. Maybe I can give those away too. I wonder if there are any charities that take those sorts of things? I will have to reasearch that! If you know of any (preferably Australian to start I think), then please let me know!

Such Beauty...I want

2010-01-02T10:05:00.002+10:00

Erin McKeown's beautiful house and beautiful music. Check out her website for more. In particular, go to "watch" - you can pay to view her cabin fever concerts - concerts held in her beautiful house, next to her beautiful stream. She uses the money to make her music and keep herself out of the record company's hands. Kudos to that!

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T13:11:00.000+10:00

Photo from ourbrisbane.com - Brisbane Story Bridge Riverfire

2009 has been a rough one for me. But upon reflection I realise that in many ways the good has outweighed the bad. Ive met some fantastic new friends - I could even say soul friends. I have gained a new Grand-godson. All of my close friends and family are more or less well and happy. Ive grown mentally, and spiritually a lot this year too and as you probably know that is always a little rough. But wisdom gained is worth the pain.

I hope that you all have a fantastic and safe New Years Eve. 2010 looks set to be a fantastic year. I feel it in my bones.

RIP Rowland S Howard

2009-12-30T20:01:00.000+10:00

I just found out that Rowland S Howard has died of his liver cancer (via Mixtapezine). You may not know but I am a Melbournian by er...growth (I grew up there, and in a lot of ways will always be a Melbournian (which is Melbourne Australia for those overseas)), and Rowland Howard was a very influential Melbournian Muso.

His talent and his outlook on life will be sorely missed. So sad. If you know of Nick Cave (um...punk/indie?), then check out his early music which was enriched by Rowland's gifts via The Birthday Party. Rowland's solo efforts were excellent also.

All I can really say is a heartfelt...Damn. (sorry to my American readers - this word is not even considered a swear word in Australia. Im still not actually sure why it is a swear word in the USA even after having lived in Texas for a time).

I hope whereever you are Rowland that you have no more pain and can make your beautiful music without hinderance. We will miss you, but your music will go on.

Getting Tipsy with Helly and loving Erin McKeown

2009-12-30T18:55:00.000+10:00

Am currrently happily getting tipsy with Helen on Cosmopolitans. Lovely Lovely drink. Recipe? Sure thing, its really simple:

2 parts vodka
1 part cointreau
1 part fresh lime juice
cranberry juice to taste.

YUM!

Im also overdosing on Erin McKeown's music. OMG her music is good. And I desperately want her house. If youve no idea what I am talking about you need to go see this. Her house is to die for. Thank you to Meet Me at Mikes blog for introducing us. I think Ive found one of the loves of my life. When I can work out how to attach a youtube movie to the blog I will post her preview so you can see what I mean.

Till then, hope youre all having a fab holiday season. Im escaping to a friends for New Years Eve tomorrow night to escape the hordes that will still be at my house. Cant wait.

Beauty

2009-12-29T16:59:00.000+10:00

Im loving the "Sweet Paul" blog right now. Its dripping with beauty and style. Im mesmerised.

Image taken from the Sweet Paul blog

Microwave Caramel Popcorn

2009-12-28T20:29:00.000+10:00

Need I say more? Tutorial and Recipe Here.

Look what I made!

2009-12-27T19:49:00.000+10:00

So I thought today I would finally show you the little girls handbag that I made a week or so ago. Its so cute! I used the tutorial on "The Object Project" blog. Except of course I modified it just a little.

The original tutorial tells you to just use a single piece of fabric, sew up the sides and sew in the handles (more or less). Well, when I sewed up the sides and the bottom (I wanted the pattern on the fabric to match), I decided that the fabric Id chosen was too thin. I didnt like it. So I decided to line it.

I know this is probably not the way to line a handbag but the easiest way I could see was, I simply flattened the fabric right side down onto some white cotton, sewed up all the edges, pulled it inside out and ironed it all flat again. I left the hole to pull it inside out where the handle was going to be sewn in so that it would be sewn shut eventually. And it worked beautifully. Photos below.

Right sides together and sew

Turned inside out and pressed. The pressed fold is to insert the handles,

Sides sewn up, ready to sew in the handles

Handles in and handbag finished

Close up of how the handles sit on the inside.

Im quite proud of this little project. I found it really easy to do and quite satisfying. The hand sewing of the handles was probably the 'hardest' but that was just a simple stitch in and pull the thread to bunch the fabric around the curve of the bracelet. Once you get a half dozen stitches in, it pretty much bunches itself, I just found it easier and neater to pull the thread - it pulls the fabric into the correct bunching. I almost wish I had a reason to make another one. If I could find handles big enough, Id be inclined to enlarge the whole thing and make a handbag for myself. Now THERE is an idea!

I hope you all are having a great holiday time. Wherever and whatever you are doing, I hope you are well and safe and happy.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T07:20:00.000+10:00

Merry Christmas everyone. I hope you have a fantastic and safe holiday season!

The image is from the lights around Brisbane City Mall. They are quite gorgeous even if we dont have snow and its stinking hot!

Still cleaning...and crafting....and partying...

2009-12-23T09:11:00.000+10:00

Wow, Christmas time is always so frantic isnt it? Im madly cleaning the house every spare moment I get. Im kinda almost done. But the place looks like an absolute bomb site just at the moment till I put it all back together. Its all good, at least the house will be spotless once I am done.

Ive also been partying a little which has been nice. Seeing friends I havent seen for a while, having a few beveridges, nice food. Things of that nature. Very good way to intersperce the dreaded housework. I dont seem to be managing to see the people I need to see - time you know - but its good to throw myself into this christmas mayhem a little.

I did manage to make that little girls handbag and it turned out gorgeous. I will post more details very soon about that because I am very proud. You will most likely laugh because its SUCH a simple pattern, but Im a beginner so for me, I was proud of the achievement. No idea if the child likes it, but in reality that doesnt actually affect my pride in the finished product.

Ok back to the soap suds. Hope you guys are having MUCH more fun than me!

What a week!

2009-12-18T08:36:00.000+10:00

Ive been SO busy this week. Running around like a mad chook. What is it about Christmas time that does this to us? Ive not gotten anything done on the house so thats what I have to do today. CLEAN. The entire house needs going over and I only have one more week to do it. And of course, the next 3 days at least are taken up with stuff. ARGH!

That said, Im going to try to do a little crafting today - Im going to make a little girls handbag for a 3 year olds party on Sunday. I will post more as I go later. It will be a nice break from the cleaning!

Rain at last.....

2009-12-15T12:51:00.001+10:00

Its been so stinking hot here in Brisbane and has been threatening to storm for days. Its not storming yet, but its definately raining. Lovely.

(You may have to click and enlarge this one to actually see the rain)

Tim Walker Pictures...

2009-12-13T09:30:00.001+10:00

How beautiful is this photo? Its by a photographer called Tim Walker and is part of a book he has released.

I found it at "fabulous finds gal" and she has more photos on her blog so go have a look!

Today we are off to a cars and coffee gig at Paladar Fumior in West End. Will be much fun. If youve never heard of it, and you are a lover of coffee and interesting coffee shops you need to check this place out. I can quite honestly say its the best coffee in Brisbane in my opinion, and Fil the barrista is a hugely interesting person to talk to. I will try to take photos for you and post later....

Yep...this is gonna take me days!

2009-12-12T20:34:00.003+10:00

Im back! And so much is happening....

2009-12-11T12:51:00.001+10:00

YAY! I finally have internet access for a while. Hopefully they have fixed their issues!

Wow so much is happening for me at the moment. First of all I would like to say 'thank you Mr Postman'. This morning I received the patterns I won from Amy Butler. Plus I recieved the pattern I ordred from Lila Tueller - the funked up peasant top. Fantastic.

I also received my copy of the Toast catalogue. If you dont know this company go have a look and order your own catalogue. They have such beautiful products - clothes and homewares. They are in the UK so posting stuff to us here in Australia is costly, but we have family in the UK and this is fantastic for Christmas presents and they deliver to them over there. Plus, and almost more importantly to me, the catalogue is just beautiful. Its a true work of art in itself. Its printed on matt recycled paper (like all the good mags these days - eg Peppermint, and Frankie) and once Ive finished gazing at the the shopping gorgousness, Im thinking of cutting the photos and framing them - If I can bear to cut it up. A few pics below...just a couple cause my camera battery died. Let me know if you want more and I will take more.

On a note about the pictures...I read on Pips Meet me at Mikes Blog that you should use a flikr account to host your pics. Well, I loaded some up and stupid blogger wont pull them over. NOT impressed. Just kinda adds to the excitement of blogging really doesnt it? *sigh* Oh, have worked out I need the address with the .jpg at the end...will keep trying....

OMG and the most amazing news this morning is of course, I have become a Grand-Godmother. My God Son and his partner have just had a baby boy. I cant wait to meet little M. And suddenly I have a little one I can make baby stuff for.
But first...of course there is Christmas. Suddenly they are all coming to our place for Christmas. Miss H and I had up until this point planned an extremely quiet Christmas. The only thing we were doing was going to a close friend's place for Christmas Day. Now I will have a whole housefull (Godson, Godsons family Goddaughter, their mother, Goddaughters friend...). We have worked out the bedding but holy crap. I need to springclean the house. I wasnt even planning to put up decorations or anything. Now I not only have to decorate, but I have to work out food for them all too....suddenly I am SO VERY BUSY. And presents....we werent really gonna worry about them till the sales cause we werent seeing anyone, but now they will all be here....Youch! I have no tree (it died last year), I have no lights (they also went the way of all things last year). OK, Im outta here. Ive gotta start cleaning....

BTW the Puppy photo above is from the very talented saikiishiki on Flikr (Anji Tillemans). She photographs her Weimeraner "Mukha" in such beautiful ways (a very long suffering dog), and also paints her here. Go check her out if you have a friend who loves Weimeraners - she has a book also I believe. Would make a perfect Christmas present for someone.

GRRR.....

2009-12-10T10:44:00.001+10:00

Just a quick note to say...I havent forgotten this blog. No not at all. But I dont have a working internet connection at the moment so its real hard to post. Stupid Vodafone and their internet connection that perpetually dies. Im borrowing a friends connection for 5 minutes to post this. So hopefully I will be back online soon and can tell you all about what Ive been doing...

The Pig of Happiness - a philosophy we should all aspire to

2009-12-01T19:33:00.002+10:00

I LOVE this little film. Its so cute and in reality the meaning to it is so true. Im going to try to adopt the philosophy from now on. (and thanks to thedottyone.blogspot.com for sharing it first)

Japanese Patterns - How to

2009-11-30T10:14:00.000+10:00

Just a quick one from me. Have this morning found a fantastic blog that has a series of posts about how to read Japanese sewing books and patterns. Includes how to deal with the freaky 'all pattern pieces overlayed on each other on one page' and also has english translations for the characters so you can work out what they are talking about with sizing and piecing etc. Fantastic. I havent gone through the rest of her blog yet - will slowly do that later but its called "Label Free" and the japanese sewing posts are HERE.

(picture is from THIS BOOK)

Im in love again

2009-11-26T14:40:00.001+10:00

OMG have spent WAY too much time reading blogs today. Ive gotten caught in the vortex of so many fantastic blogs about fabric, and craft and drawing and softies and and and.... good thing Im having a quiet day I guess.

I have fallen in love again though. First it was Amy Butler (and of course, still is), but now Ive found Lila Tueller - and in specific her new range coming out in January - Eden (see photo left above). I think its the colours as much as the swirls and the birds. I cant wait to get my hands on some and make...Oooh, handbags, and a top and just some of it framed for the wall.....she has some pretty patterns too which I may avail myself of too once I work out if they make them big enough for me...she lists them down the side of her blog towards the bottom and you can buy them HERE (Im sure they are stocked somewhere here in Australia too). I want the funky peasant top especially (photo right) and the calista skirt.

Do Australians make these sorts of fabrics? Or are we totally caught up in the screen printing on natural fabric type styles. Which I also love of course. But does anyone do gorgeous layered colours like this?

What a Fantastic Way to Wake Up!

2009-11-25T07:16:00.004+10:00

Ive had a fantastic surprise this morning! And Im very excited. My morning ritual is normally, get up, grab a coffee (or in this case get handed one by Helen), pull up my emails and slowly wake up. I woke up with a bang this morning. There was an email saying Ive won 3 Amy Butler Patterns from a competition I entered on WhipUp.net. If you dont already follow this site you really need to head on over there. Its a fantastic site! So much information, tutorials, interviews. Ive even enjoyed their adverts down their side bar and found some great shops through that.
Now I have to have a think about which bag I want to make first...and which fabric...ooh this is going to be so much fun.

Ooh, and I found a nice way of packaging things too.

More Owls....

2009-11-23T11:13:00.002+10:00

OK so this is going to seem a little random but...thats me. Im a little random sometimes. I was using the trusty "next blog" button in blogger and came to a site that has Owls in it. But not normal owls....no. TATTOO OWLS. Who knew there were people out there that did that. And some of them are just beautiful.
I personally wouldnt wear a tattoo that big, but you HAVE to appreciate the artwork that goes into these things. Fascinating.
Anyway, if youre interested, go have a look....

Apple Tablet - what fun that sounds like

2009-11-20T08:36:00.000+10:00

OK so Im a bit of a technology geek in a lot of ways and at the moment Im a little bit excited about the Apple Tablet. WTF? Well, from what I have read it will be like an iphone or ipod touch except larger. And its being designed more with the idea of being able to read things on it. So for example you would have an ebook version of whatever it is that you were reading and youd read it on the screen of this tablet rather than turning the pages. You can see details of it here.
So why am I excited about this? Because if I had one of these, I can be more like someone like Star Trek. Ive always wanted one of those 'pads' that they always get around with (particularly in Voyager) reading and stuff. I think it would be fab for reading in bed and on the bus etc. Especially fab for reading blogs which we all do quite a lot. The iphone screen is just not quite big enough - I guess cause its designed to be a phone primarily. So what do YOU think?

Result!

2009-11-17T19:07:00.001+10:00

Ive had a nice day crafting. Or sewing I probably should say. Wanna see what I made?

Yes I know it looks like the dismembered leg of a pair of PJs. Its a plastic bag holder of course. I needed to test the Sewing Machine and we needed a plastic bag holder. Amazing what you can do with a brand new teatowel isnt it?

Somehow it doesnt look as bad on the wall as that photo makes it look.

So was that it? Well, yes and no. Yes it was the only thing I made. No in that I also prepared to make a wallet/purse. Im taking two patterns and modifying them to be what I want so Im mocking it up in paper first. What? Its what we do for marketing print jobs and also for development plans for buildings - make a pretend version of it. I couldnt see why it wouldnt work for a sewing pattern too! And it has. And I would have gotten further with the actual making but I had forgotten to pre wash the fabric and I dont have a zip.

So anyway....go check out Thea and Sami (see previous blog). Or any of the blogs Im following. They are all much craftyer than me right now.

And so I begin... plus Thea and Sami studio visit

2009-11-17T10:27:00.000+10:00

Today I plan to actually start MAKING something. Ive been doing a lot of reading and scribbling in my sketch book, but today Im pulling out the sewing machine to see if it actually works. I cant see why it wouldnt, other than maybe it might need a bit of oil or something...

But before I do that, I will tell you all about my visit to Thea and Sami on Saturday. Thea makes and designs gorgeous fabrics using organic fabrics and eco conscious inks. She was holding an open day on Saturday so I dragged poor Helen out to Capalaba to see. I am particularly fascinated by fabric design and print at the moment so when I saw her blog saying she was having an open day...well I couldnt resist.

And Im so glad that I went! She has a smallish factory space that was perfectly set up to do her screen printing. I didnt take the camera damn it so Im going to steal some photos from a professional photographer who was coming along to see as well - Catherine Lowe (thats her photo with her beautiful little baby). If youre looking for a photographer, seriously, check this lady out. She is extremely talented. Ive already passed her name on to a friend who is getting married next year. You can see all the photos that she took from Thea's here.

When we were there Thea and Voyt did a demonstration of how they actually print the designs onto the fabric (the photo up the top). They made it look so very easy, but Im guessing it takes a bit of practice. Thea was also selling a certain amount of her fabrics and of course I just HAD to have some.

OK so this is a piece of organic linen with one of Thea's prints in a beautiful rich red. Im planning to make cushions for the couch - thats why Ive photographed it on the couch. Sorry its a crap photo but you get the idea.

This the fabric in more detail. Isnt it just beautiful. You want some? Check out her online Store. I didnt think about it in detail when I bought the fabric, but I think Im going to have to go back to her to get some of the fabric in its unprinted state so that I can complete the cushions. Its such beautiful fabric! I just have to ask her which fabric it is - I think its the mocha organic cotton. No, actually I think its unbleached Linen.

I also bought a sample pack of her Fretwork pattern. The pack came with the gorgeous red again and the same pattern in a very vibrant purple - the photo looks more blue but trust me this is a rich vivid purple. The red is destined to be a wallet/purse for me, but the purple...I have no idea. So in my tiny stash it goes.

Helen and I spent probably about a half hour talking to Thea, shes a fascinating person. And so very passionate about not only her design and printing work, but also about the sustainability and organics of the industry. Shes very against chemicals - the inks she uses are water based and non toxic. She uses practically no water in her processes and her wastage of the ink itself is also minimal.

Helen doesnt do any of the actual crafting things with me - she CAN, shes actually a really talented seamstress, but it doesnt interest her at the moment so she doesnt. Shes the true artist though, so she is more into the design process. (not like me, I cant actually draw. I need a PC to be able to create anything) And speaking with Thea and going through the screenprinting process - thats more where she is at! Shes been gathering all this information about screen printing and hand printing - shes leaning more to the t-shirt design I think, but the fabric is still interesting to her. And discussing with Thea about the eco side of the process was really good because Helen is very eco conscious.

All in all, it was a really nice way to spend an hour or so. I believe Thea will be doing it again in January or February so follow her blog and she will let you know. She is also going to be doing screenprinting lessons sometime around then too - Im really excited about that one. Check her website for details and Im sure she will post it on her blog too.

Well Im off to do some sewing. Funny, I think my glass studio is getting offended. I havent set foot in there for weeks - Im off on this whole design/fabric/sewing thing instead. My poor little lampworked beads....

Oh, and did you notice the change in the blog design? Not my own I have to say, I havent had time, but I really like this one. Especially since I think the name of our business and blog will be something different so this blog will stop at that point...maybe....

A giveaway....

2009-11-16T15:39:00.000+10:00

OK I know I said I was going to bed. But I just had to let yáll know about this giveaway, its just too darling.

Rocknwrap is giving away a piece of her beautiful jewellery (example shown left). Entries close on the 20th, so jump on over quickly, have a read, have a drool and enter the competition like me.

While you are there check out her gorgeous etsy sthttp://www.etsy.com/shop/rocknwrapore...great Christmas gift ideas! And shes a Brisbane-ite too!

mmmm ... pie...

2009-11-16T11:31:00.001+10:00

Today I have a really bad headache so I am heading back to bed.

But I will leave you with this picture of a gorgeous Apple and Rhubarb Pie that one of my best friends (Renee) made last weekend. How gorgeous is that pie? And she made the entire thing from scratch. Including the pastry. Tasted even better than it looks!

OK Im off, but tomorrow (hopefully) I will tell you all about my visit to an open studio of Thea and Sami on Saturday - fascinating. Thea is one extremely talented Lady! I even managed to gain some fabric for my stash.....though it wont be stash for long. I have plans you see....

Im in awe

2009-11-13T10:55:00.001+10:00

Today I came across a very talented lady called Sandra from somewhere in Melbourne who has a fantastic blog and shop called Pepperberry and co. She makes wonderful paper products and also things like passport holders (yes I can see the irony of that as I type it. I didnt even know she made them until I went just now to see what was in her etsy shop that was not paper)

Anyway, a few days ago, she posted a little bit about herself, and her battle with depression. I have read it and feel awed that this lady would share her pain and frustration with us in such an eloquent way.

I too of course suffer from an almost identical debilitation. If you wonder what I mean, then please read the above post. I simply could not have explained it better myself. I had a complete breakdown in June/July of 2006 - it took much medication, effort on behalf of my Psych, my beloved Helen and my Furry son Thomas, and old mother time to get me back to some semblance of 'normal'. I probably wasnt actually 'well', until the start of 2008.

For reasons unknown to me I am again in a similar position (for about 5 weeks now). However along with the depression is an unbearable agitation and anxiety. This is why I have thrown myself into the creative side of my life. Desperately trying to drag myself out of bed and keep moving - or rather at the moment, madly trying to do 50 things at once and not settling on any one thing. The craft/fabric design/art gives me a focus.

I dream I could actually make some sort of business from my passion so that I would not have to slog on in corporate life. This remains to be seen. Especially when, while I am running around madly obsessing about everything crafty, arty etc, its actually very hard for me to stick at doing one thing more than an hour or so. Certainly not the way to try to run a home business. I guess a 'normal' office is a little more structured and it can be a little easier - also because someone else is relying on me seems to motivate me too.

But not knowing what is going to spook me is hard. I can calmly discuss work and the work environment with friends and suddenly something will trigger and Im having a panic attack about work. Or walking out the door. I can be happily in a shop looking at things I love, when my brain will snap and I have to leave before I run around screaming or sit in a corner crying. And I can find no rhyme or reason to it just yet.

So this blog is part of my therapy I have decided. And that is why I am writing it regardless of how many people read it (or dont). An online diary of sorts and a way of me putting a little of me into the ether. So Im not fogotten. So I dont dissapear like I feel I am doing. And maybe, just maybe, if I need it, to remind myself of what my personality really is, if I start to lose myself again.

Let me give you a picture to make this at least look pretty. This is a picture of Thomas and I having lunch in the park a few weeks ago. A puppy grin is just a joyful cheering thing isnt it?

Cuteness

2009-11-10T11:58:00.000+10:00

I found this gorgeous picture in a japanese ladies' blog. Ive no idea what she is saying (and her english blog is sparce and intermittent), but how gorgeous is that kitty?

Bird on a Wire

2009-11-09T11:44:00.001+10:00

OK so, a couple of blogs ago I mentioned some bird on a wire fabric. I have purchased this to make something for a friend. Guess I can say here cause noone else is reading this....(so why am I posting...yeah still mulling that one over). Anyway, its a passport cover/holder I will be making for her.

I have the pattern and I think I have the fabric. She was with me when I purchased the bird on a wire fabric. And I got the previously mentioned Gingko blossom fabric to be the inside detail.

When we bought the fabric it was from a stall at the Finders Keepers Markets. We had a ball at the markets. All the fantastic stalls and there was music and food and coffee out on the lawn. It was held at the Old Brisbane Museum which is an absolutely gorgeous old building. Anyway, we bought this fabric from a stall holder called Red Seeds . But what I didnt know at the time was it wasnt actually their fabric. The fabric is actually from another designer called Pippijoe. (+ her blog) Not that it matters of course. It was only that I didnt realise this until we went to the Brisbane Portside markets yesterday and a different stall holder again had the same fabric however it was bundled with the designers name. I thought that the designers only sold their own fabric but having been to a number of markets and blogs now I understand that they kinda sell each others fabrics. Which is fair enough if you ask me. Wider distribution is a good thing. Id never have found that fabric nor the designer if they didnt do that.

So basically all of that was a gratuitous way of giving you links to the people involved. I will show you the holder when Ive made it. I want to do a trial run with some plain cheap fabric first. I still dont know if the sewing machine works....

9 November 2009

2009-11-09T09:49:00.002+10:00

Can I just say before I begin, I hate having to think up a blog title. So sometimes (like today), Im just not going to. So there.

Its real quiet here in Brisbane today. Its overcast and grey like its going to rain any moment. Its cool, and while it appears to be windy when I look out the window (erk I need to mow the lawn), its very still inside the house here. The wind is not making any noise on the windows or anything. All of the neighbours appear to have run away because there isnt any noise from them either. No dogs, no cars, nothing. I was beginnning to wonder if I had gone deaf but I can hear my laptop humming, and my keys clicking as I type. Its a sleepy snuggly kinda of day. Even Thomas is asleep on the (as yet unmade) bed ignoring me.
Ive been thinking this morning (as you do), and wondered about blogs. Me and blogs specifically. Like, why am I even writing this particular blog? Im absolutely certain that noone except me is coming here. So why not just write in a diary? Why on earth throw all of this out there to the ether?

And how would someone even find this blog? I would imagine it would have to be pretty random to find it. Its linked from moonshinedesign.com.au of course. But noone ever goes in there because I havent touched it in wow, over a year. So why would anyone go there? And thus, noone would come here.

So that begs the question, if I WANTED someone to read this, how would I open that up? Comment on other blogs. Drive traffic somehow. But do I actually want anyone to read any of this? Why am I doing it?

Me and Owls

2009-11-04T15:40:00.002+10:00

OK so I seriously have this thing for owls at the moment. Since....Oh maybe about 3 or 4 years now. But recently it seems that the craft world is just pandering to my obsession and so Im going crazy. Remember my last post about the Saffron Craig fabric that Bettsy Kingston was giving away? With the Koala and the OwlSoftie? WELL....

I was in Funky Fabrics Monday (as you do), (No... seriously, if youre in brisbane you SHOULD. Oh and of course they have it all online as well) and they had on display the fabric with the Owl and Koala softie. So of course I just HAD to have it. Yes Im off work at the moment and that means my finances are in dissarray. But I couldnt go past it. I had to have my own.

Of course I have to make him up now. And I forgot to buy stuffing....but thats a minor problem right?

While I was in there I also bought some other fabric by Saffron Craig - Red Gingko flower. It was actually just a fluke that it was her fabric I chose again. It just worked for what I wanted it for (more on that later - its for a present so I dont want to give the surprise away...not that I think anyone but myself is actually reading this blog right at the moment). Anyway, this fabric is just gorgeous (see photo) and will go perfectly on the other side of the birds on a wire fabric I bought.

Birds on a wire you say....whats that? Youll have to come back later to find out...... grin.

And Yes someday soon I will actually make this blog look good. But right now Im not sure if I will stay on this address or not so I dont want to spend the time on THIS blog, if my other blog is going to be what I use all the time....more on THAT too later.

A giveaway

2009-10-29T14:08:00.000+10:00

Another fabric designer I absolutely adore (and hope to stock in my store when it happens), is Saffron Craig. Her current range of owls in her prints and her funky trees and colours are really part of my favourite design tags right now. I love the way the Koala softie has a backpack on.

I found a new blog Im going to follow - Bettsy Kingston - she has a giveaway for some Saffron Craig fabric, but you have to be quick - I think it closes tomorrow! (click the picture below)

Its a long way to the top if you wanna.....

2009-10-27T20:41:00.000+10:00

Setting up a new business is time consuming and in some cases frustrating. With some time on my hands here at home I thought I would look into finding some valid products for my currently stalled Beading Business. Since my own interests have again turned to all things sewing and crafting, my natural leaning was to source products of this type. Like Amy Butler patterns. Who is Amy Butler? Oh, you just have to go look if you dont already know her - her fabrics and patterns and everything else she makes are just delectable. Id put a picture of her stuff up here but I dont want to offend or contravene any copyright. So you will just have to wait until I have made something from one of her patterns.

Oh but you can go to her site and download some free patterns she holds on here site:

Surely this picture of her free pattern wont contravene anything?

Anyway, at this point I am trying to work out if the arts and crafts are even something that is feasible to sell at this point. Sourcing the products is problematic. And slightly frustrating.

So let me tell you about my dream instead.

One day I will design and have produced my own range of fabrics. One day I will write my own sewing patterns. My jewellery will be beautiful, and well known. My books - the subjects of which remain misty and multiple, will be sought after and cherished. Each edition of my ezine will be held in high esteem and the next issue will be waited for with held breath. My digital art will amaze, amuse, and please all who see it.

And all of this will come together in a coffee shop come fabric store come artist sanctuary somewhere where office workers will come for amazing coffee and a brief respite from the daily drudge, ladies who lunch will sit elegantly amidst the jewellery and art works, mommies who meet at any time will come and eat, drink and shop for childrens patterns, softie toys both in pattern and made up, and the perfect piece of fabric to complete their quilting scheme, and inspire even more. Crafties, Arties, and Wannabies will mingle in perfect symmetry, amongst my creations, and my friends.

Yes it is a big dream but I think it could be achievable. Lets see if I can talk Helen into it instead of sourcing boring things like um….computer hard drives. Aparently they are much more profitable and the companies are very willing to sell the products to us without making us jump through hoops…

The start of something?

2009-10-26T10:06:00.000+10:00

Ive just set this blog up with no real idea of what I am actually going to Blog about. Craft. Sewing. Fabric. Beading. Jewellery. Lampworking. Decluttering my house. My dog. My writing. My depression, and my recovery. Who knows. Its an open, empty book awaiting my pen strokes.