Things that make my heart sing

Down on the Farm

2012-01-29T21:51:00.000-08:00

Clearview Farm

Kitty collecting eggs

I think one of the best partsof the summer holidays when you are a kid is that they seem to go on forever andby the time it is all over – you are well and truly ready to go back to schooland see all your friends. At least that’s how I remember it.

In the lead up to Christmasit was all go, go, go here with birthdays, end of year performances, picnicsand get togethers for everything, not to mention managing the shop, wholesaleorders, online orders and markets. Phew……I am exhausted just thinking about it!

By the time it got toChristmas day – I was glad I had, had the foresight to celebrate Christmas athome – in a small way – our first Christmas in our new house. The childrenenjoyed lazing about all day playing with new toys and we had a lovely lunchjust the four of us.

Milo collecting eggs and Kitty with a baby chick

Having been all systems goall year I really (in fact all of us) needed some time out and a good holidaywas required. So I shut the shop for the whole month of Januaray and we settledin for a well deserved rest.

First cab off the rank was aweek at the beach in Warrnambool – were we lazed about building sandcastles,eating yummy café lunches and ice creams, going to the movies and of course spentlots of time exploring all the op shops and vintage/antique shops looking fortreasures. And I must say – I was pretty chuffed with my haul!

Back home again and therealities of being self employed mean’t that really even though the shop wasclosed there was work to be done (what’s new!). So in between days at holidaycare – the kids and I tried to do lots of fun things together. Catching up withfriends, going to the movies, outings to Melbourne, picnics, craftactivities and of course visits to Sovereign Hill.

Going for a family walk in the third Gully

And then over the AustraliaDay long week-end we headed off down to Clearview Farm which Sam’s parents ownin the Strzelecki Ranges down near Warragul.

We hadn’t visited for a whileand I knew the kids were old enough to really enjoy it. An organic farm – with extensiveapple orchards and lots of chooks – the gardens are rambling and filled withgorgeous flowers, trees and ferns.

My in-law’s Jim and Carolealways cook amazing food – so a lot of eating was done, mixed in with some eggcollecting, picking fruit and flowers and exploring various ‘secret’ gardens (muchto Kitty’s delight). A big family walk down the third gully – walked off alittle of the decadent morning tea and a few hours where Sam & I took offon our own for a lovely lunch and spot of treasure hunting whilst the kids hungout with Grandma Eggs and Poppy Apples was great.

So all in all – the summerholidays have been fun. Kitty is back to school on Thursday and The Crafty Squirrelre-opens on Friday. Preparations are well underway for my tradeshow stand inSydney in Feb and the year is well underway!

Tapas

2012-01-03T21:04:00.000-08:00

A special Cava tin I bought whilst in Spain

Wow! What an amazing year 2011 was! Friday 6 Jan makes it one yearofficially since we made the tree change to Ballarat and just over 6 monthssince the opening of my corner shop The Crafty Squirrel.

In the lead up to Christmas we caught up with some dear friends for anice drinks and nibbles (as you do) and being the well-traveled lot they arethe drink of the evening was Spanish Cava (Cava is Catalan for"cellar" and is produced the same way as champagne but can't becalled champagne…)

Anyway…this reminded me of my fantastic trip to Spain all those yearsago (before I had children) and I wined and dined my way around the country. I havealways been a big fan of sparkling wine so of course Cava was often on the menuas was a selection of tapas to keep me going until I had dinner at 11pm as theSpanish like to do.

Mmm…tapas….yum….tapas….I love tapas…..in fact - I love any kind ofeating that is made up of lots of different things – primarily eaten with yourfingers. The kids and I call this kind of eating a ‘picky dinner’ because we allget to pick little bits of different things to eat. Yum!

Not long after our Cava evening – my husband Sam came home with a Christmasgift for himself – two Jamie Oliver cookbooks. One of the books is basedaround his interpretation of well known favourite foods of various Europeancountries with Spain being first cab off the rank.

Jamie does...Spain, Italy, Morocco, Greece, Sweden & France

Croquetas were one of my favourite tapas – naughty, but so deliciousyou just can’t help yourself. Of course Jamie has a recipe which I am inspiredto try myself and I know the addition of this tasty morsel in a summer ‘picky’dinner - al fresco in our garden is definitely on the cards…along with anotherglass or two of Cava to wash it all down.

Here’s Cheers! Salud! Happy Summer everyone!

Succulents

2011-10-17T23:05:00.000-07:00

It was in my early twenties on a trip through Mexico that Ifirst really came across cactus growing out in its natural habitat.

The best known succulents are cacti and virtually allcacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti! Only succulent plantswith spines can be called Cacti or Cactus!

Anyway, when I came home from that trip to Mexico – I wasall inspired to grow and cultivate succulents and cacti and so over the years Ihave bought various species from nurseries and markets and of course havesneaked little cuttings here and there in my travels.

The beauty of these plants is of course that they are particularlyhardy and easy to cultivate, they require little water and for all intent andpurposes they pretty well look after themselves. And for a busy crafty mummalike me – that’s a good deal I reckon!

Over the years as I have re-potted my collection and movedhouse a number of times – I have been able to pass on little babies andduplicates potted up in recycled tomato tins to friends – spreading the love soto speak!

A couple of months ago we went down to Geelong for the dayon a family outing with friends. It was a gorgeous sunny day and the afternoonwas spent having afternoon tea and a lovely stroll around the Geelong BotanicGardens. My husband Sam spotted the cactus a mile away and knowing my affectionfor these spiky creatures took a few snaps. They are great aren’t they and justa little humorous! Especially those really hairy ones…I’d love to sneak acouple of googly eyes on him when no one was looking!

Visit me at the Royal Melbourne Show!

2011-09-25T23:39:00.000-07:00

My daughter Kitty at the Royal Melbourne Show

When I was a kid - I loved going to the Royal Melbourne Show (RMS) in the September School holidays. The showbags, cupie dolls on sticks, baby animals, dagwood dogs dipped in sauce and of course the Arts and Crafts pavilion - were just some of my favourite things.

I also liked going on some of the rides - but to be honest lots of them just made me feel sick especially after eating a dagwood dog!

In my previous event management life, every year come September - I would work in the Government pavilion running one activity or another. It was always fun and of course I had to get a showbag and a cupie doll on a stick but somehow I couldn't quite bring myself to eat a dagwood dog - funny how your tastes change as you get older!

Now that I have two kiddly winks of my own - I have been able to take them to the Show pretty well every year to hang out for the day and do all of those things that kids LOVE to do!

Over the last few years I have also entered some of my craft work into the Art & Craft competitions and displays - and so it is always fun to go and see it on show among all the other entries.

This year - our visit to the show will be a little different! This year in conjunction with the Maribyrnong Makers Market (MMM) - I will be having a stall in Makers Alley in the Art & Craft Pavilion. I am super excited to be involved in this exciting initiative brought together collaboratively with the RMS and the MMM.

You can come and visit me at the Show this Sunday! I will be there ALL Day!! One super duper long day!!

Sunday 2 October
Open 9.30am to 8pm
in the Art & Craft Pavilion
at the Royal Melbourne Show

Love to see you there!

Mini Hills Hoists

2011-09-09T19:55:00.000-07:00

Finally my parcel arrived!

It was about 10 years ago now that I first clapped eyes on amini hills hoist toy clothes line, c 1955. It was in the front window of alittle antique shop long gone on Gamon Street, Seddon.

I was completely and utterlyenamored. It was in fair condition but the $350 price tag at the time was justa little out of my league…I mean what would a woman in her mid twenties with nochildren do with a mini clothesline? Really?!

So– I just visited this gorgeous toy and took various friends and family to lookat it until one day it wasn’t there anymore and I had a momentary feeling ofregret. So as these things often play out – ever since then I have been on the lookoutfor one.

AsI started to have stalls at craft markets and thought of using one as a displayprop and then of course had children and was surrounded by a collection of allthings ‘miniature’ namely mops, brooms, vacuum cleaners, washing machines andkitchen toys – the desire to ‘own’ a mini hills hoist became more tangible.

After a bit of research, I did discover a toy company in SouthAustralia called ‘Orbit’ who made a similar replica of the rotary clothesline - slightly larger though and without the trademark winder of the hills hoist. I bought one of these and overthe last 7 years it has been used and commented on countless times. Still itwasn’t the real deal as far as I was concerned and my hunt continued.

Overthe years I did find a few in my travels mainly on ebay. In various states mostwere quite weathered and had been left outside – unloved for many years. Anumber of times I put in a good go in terms of bidding but then stopped shortwhen it got up to that $350 mark…I just couldn’t bring myself to pay hundredsof dollars for something that was a bit rusty and bent around the edges. Thelast time I missed out on one it ended up going for close to $500. I wasastounded!

Then– as always happens to those who wait (good things that is). I finally came across one in the USA,thanks to ebay. Still in its original box unopened I might add…..and withassorted pamphlets, brochures and photos. I couldn’t quite believe my luck. The postage quote wasalmost as much as the opening bid price but still if I could get it for theopening bid price – I was set to get a total bargain and brand new vintage atthat!

Theprovenance of this little gem was due to a man who had been a Hills Hoistsalesman in the late 50’s early 60’s. He’d saved two of the mini ones unopenedalong with an assortment of papers for more than 50 years before on sellingthem to a man who opened and assembled one for himself and then put the otherone on ebay. To cut a long story short – I won the auction at the opening bidprice and finally my little mini clothesline was on its way to be with me!Yay!!

I have hearda few stories about why Hills made the small working model – apparently tobegin with they weregiven to kindergartens as they wanted little girls to get used to hanging outthe clothes! The other story goes that they were also used by door to doorsalesman as a demonstration aid when selling to housewives.

The last 3 weeks I have checked the mail over and over againin anticipation…finally when my little beauty arrived – I was beside myselfwith excitement – opening the box was almost too much to bear - only becausethey say that once you open the box the value drops dramatically – but stillthe thought of setting her up on display in the Crafty Squirrel and being ableto see her everyday was enough to get me to slice open that box.

I feel such contentment……it’s been a long wait. Now I justwant a giant wooden ruler…….

I love the little winding handle...

All set up in The Crafty Squirrel!

Spring Sale!

2011-09-02T21:20:00.000-07:00

Maribyrnong Makers Market - Seddon

Everyone loves a sale right?!

I know I do – theres nothing quite like nabbing yourself a bargain! Well I’m happy to say for the third year in a row I am gearing up for my Super Spring Sale!

I have been really busy clearing out the studio to make room for the new and I have gathered all my bits and bobs together to bring along to my next market stall at my all time favourite market – the Maribyrnong Makers Market!

Yours truly....

With up to 60% off my retail prices – you really can’t go wrong!

Mumma Bushkas $40, Scarves $40, Baby Blankets $60, beautiful ceramic rainbow bead necklaces $40, Bushka baby rattles $10, Ear hats $20, new Cast offs vintage tea towel bags $45 and lots more! Eftpos and Credit card accepted.

Come and see me onSaturday 17 September 9.30am to 3.30pm only at the Maribyrnong Makers Market!

Seddon Uniting Church Hall
Cnr Gamon & Mackay Sts, Seddon
Mel Ref: 42 A7

Love to see you there!

Soap

2011-08-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Claus Porto soap

On Saturday my husband Sam went to the local Ballarat Lakeside Farmers Market to pick up some of my favourite soap. I’m fussy you see about what soap I use. Only in sheer desperation will I buy a block of Pears from the supermarket – which is just to get me through until I can get my next fix of handmade olive oil based soap.

Good old fashioned lavender is my favourite and I’m not a fan of too many bits in my soap that might scratch. The bigger the block the better too because they seem to disappear fast in our house (it may have something to do with the littlest one in the house who is very good at washing his tummy!).

I also love french milled soaps in beautiful packaging (like the gorgeous portugese made soaps from Claus Porto. I also love soaps that have been made in molds with embossed writing.

Native Bliss Soap from Ballarat Farmers Market

A couple of years ago I collaborated with a friend and we made a lovely lavender and aloe vera soap and a lemongrass and green clay one and I packaged them up as Bushka soaps – it was in the lead up to Christmas and they sold out at my market stalls – all this talk of soap – makes me want to do this again….the Crafty Squirrel could do with some lovely soap for sale! Watch this space!

Singing Silly Songs

2011-08-12T23:17:00.000-07:00

I'm going to start this post with an apology to my husband for putting a photo of him in his pj's on the net - but really it was the best image I had of him and the kids to show how much we LOVE singing silly songs in our house.

I'm sure not a day goes by when there isn't a little ditty made up by one of us about another member of the family.
It's all my fault I'm sure - years of singing to the cats and making up silly songs for them mean't that when I had human babies the tradition just continued.

We also all love singing nursery rhymes and funny songs we know so often this turns into a little 'performance' of one sort or another which is filmed on the old digital camera. As the children have got older they have fully embraced the silliness and will pick up instruments to join in or do a little dance.

I love the ukulele action in this photo - it was taken quite a while ago at our old house in Seddon and seeing it again reminds me of that moment. It was LOUD and raucous and very very silly but also lot's of fun!

Design:Made:Trade – 21 to 24 July 2011 Royal Exhibition Building

2011-07-13T00:14:00.000-07:00

Well I am delighted to say that now mycorner shop The Crafty Squirrel is open for business

(I still can’t quite believe it isfinished!) I can turn my attention back on to my other business under myeponymous label. To think I sowed the seeds for this business about 7 years agonow is amazing. And to think that I am still doing it and still feel aspassionate and creative as I did when I first started, says one thing to me - ifyou do what you LOVE and LOVE what you do – everything really will be right foryou.

I am doing what is right for me and Iam very pleased to say that this is really super supported by my husband and myfamily and by the Australian Housewives Association (see endnote). Which means that even when I have days where I really do wonderwhether I can continue to grow and sustain my business, I have my family toencourage me and to provide support and assistance. Thank goodness for thembecause I just don’t think I could do it otherwise!

So in the name of supportive family…nextweek I am heading down to Melbourne for 5 days to exhibit as one of a selectedgroup of 12 Craft Victoria members at the State of Design's Design:Made:Trade event.This group has been chosen by Craft Victoria to represent the spirit,creativity and diversity of contemporary craft and design in Victoria.

What an honour it is to have beenselected and how exciting to take part with some very clever fellow exhibitorslike Gaye Abandon, Harvest Textiles and Pocket Carnival.

Returning for its fourth year, Design:Made:Trade features small manufacturers,product designers and product makers from a diverse range of design disciplinesincluding industrial design, graphic design, textiles, lighting, furniture,fashion and handmade objects.

Thursday and Friday are trade onlydays but Saturday and Sunday are open to the public. So if you are in town andfeel like dropping in for a visit (especially Australian housewives who knowgood design when they see it) – please do J

Endnote

The Federated Association ofAustralian Housewives was established in Victoria in 1915 and was broadlydedicated to representing the interests of housewives, through politicallobbying as well as various efforts to help members keep their household costsdown, including domestic advice and member discounts. The Association’s aimswere to ‘support, protect and raise the status and interests of the home, womenand children; to promote and establish co-operation among housewives; to opposeprofiteering in every practical manner and to encourage the greater use ofAustralian-made goods.

With a combined membership of 115,000by 1940 - 41, it was for a short time the largest women’s organisation in Australia.

The sticker shown above is stuck to adress making dummy that I bought in an op shop about 15 years ago. I havealways wondered who the Australian Housewives Association was – so I took alook!

Silver Jewellery

2011-07-04T00:18:00.000-07:00

Continuity ring by George Jenson

I have the most ridiculous collection of jewellery. Lots and lots of beaded necklaces from places like Dinosaur Designs or ones that I have made myself under my own label or been given as gifts.
Ceramic rings, resin rings, cute plastic rings, rings given as gifts, vintage rings that were my mothers when she was in her twenties, rings from when I was a child!

And bangles and bracelets made from beads, resin, felt and silver. Brooches for lots of different coats and cardigans, earrings to wear with every single outfit in my wardrobe and then some…its just crazy really how much jewellery I have - and you know since I moved house all but a few new pieces that I have bought recently are still all packed in boxes!

Offspring Bangle by George Jenson

If I am honest – I occasionally think about certain pieces and think that I must dig around and get it out so that I can wear it. But the vast majority of the time – I am so busy being a mother and working in the studio or renovating the shop that there is no real place for jewellery. It just gets in the way really.

And yet….I still have desire in my heart for more.
I am particulalry fond of silver jewellery and currently have my eyes on a couple of pieces from one of my favourite brands George Jenson.

If I was to treat myself at the moment I would definitely get a Continuity ring which really reminds me of a similar ring I have inherited from Mum but which is too small for my finger now.

The designer Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe has hidden a heart and the infinity symbol in the flowing shape and says that the feminine form is set out with the idea of the continuous flowing form of perpetuity. I am in LOVE.

The other piece I am coveting is also by George Jenson and is a bangle called Offspring and is inspired around the partnership of Mother and Child.

Both are simply stunning I think and definitely make my heart skip a beat. So there you have it -desire in its purest form and my heart sings as I dream. x

Starting to take shape

2011-06-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

Ever since we moved here back in January - I have been living without my fabric cupboard. It has at times been so frustrating - I can't even begin to tell you. Pulling out cardboard boxes and trying to rummage through the contents to find that exact fabric you need to finish the job is not fun. BUT....over the last few days - my office and sewing room has finally been finished and my beautiful red fabric cupboard has been moved into the place I had envisaged for so long!

The best part of course was unpacking my stash and after 6 months plus of separation - I found that I had become unattached to quite a large part of my collection. This is a good thing because - this means that lots and lots of the linen souvenir tea towels, vintage fabrics and table cloths that I have collected over the years are going to be sold in the Crafty Squirrel shop!

The other exciting part of having this space finished is of course the opportunity for me to decorate it with all my favourite things! Two of which are my brand new Cath Kidston sewing boxes! Made from felt - one is a town house and the other a gypsy caravan. I just absolutely LOVE them and can't wait to fill them with all my sewing essentials!

So as you can see - things are really starting to take shape now on the Crafty Squirrel front. I still have lots and lots of sorting and pricing and setting up to do - but I am definitely getting there. I can't wait to the day when I can say - the shop is open! Come for a visit! I promise....it won't be long now!

All vintage on one side and quilting fabrics on the other!

Vintage details

Good morning Winter

2011-05-31T17:23:00.000-07:00

Frost on top of the car

I hope my garden survives the winter - and my current lack of attention!

Good morning Ballarat! Well, the sun is shining, the skies are clear but it is cold and crisp. This morning we woke to a blanket of frost over the garden and cars. What a sight - pretty but freezing. Thank goodness we have an awesome heater.

Today is the beginning of my first winter in Ballarat. Everyone has warned me about how cold it gets here (at least five degrees cooler than Melbourne I'm told). So when my pals in Melbourne are freezing at 7 degrees - just think of me here at 2 degrees!

Thankfully for me - I make scarves and blankets for a living - which seems absolutely perfect for this kind of climate. The best part of winter for me is deciding which colour Cast offs scarf to wear for the day!

My husband Sam and I have been working really hard the last few weeks trying to get the shop renovation complete. A succession of very late nights are starting to take its toll - but now that the walls have all had an undercoat - I can really start to see it all coming together. I don't think I will quite believe it - when it is all done.

My little corner shop 'The Crafty Squirrel' now has its own website, blog and facebook page for you to check out. Also too in the coming weeks I will be releasing a whole new range of craft and sewing based products under the Crafty Squirrel label. You can get a sneak peek at a couple of these new products this Saturday when The Crafty Squirrel and I have a stall at the fabulous Daylesford Makers Market! Love to see you there.

Shinto Shrines

2011-05-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

Various photos I took on my travels.......

A page from my Pilgrimage book...

When I was in Japan, I spent a lot of time travelling around the countryside visiting Shinto Shrines. It was something that I had not thought of doing prior to visiting (I was more interested in shopping if I am absolutely honest!) however from the moment I caught a glimpse of my first Shrine and stepped through the gates into the grounds I was struck by sacred space.

The delightful Jizō statues with their little red hats and bibs greeted me along meandering paths leading me to enormous old trees and small forests planted hundreds of years ago. The great feeling of tranquility within these grounds was so nourishing that even as I write, I remember the feeling.

Shinto shrines are the dwellings of the kami, the Shinto "gods". Kami are gods or spirits that represent objects or concepts like trees, rivers, the sun, rocks, food, and fertility.

This resonates with me as in the Maori tradition - Mana is the term used to describe the presence of spirits in nature and its phenomena. Mountains, forests, rain, wind, lightning and sometimes animals were thought to be charged with spiritual power, a power whose worldly manifestations were worshiped.

There are a lot of rituals involved when visiting temples and shrines in Japan. Mainly I remember cleansing my hands and mouth, lighting incense sticks and directing the smoke towards me, taking my shoes off when going inside, offering a donation, and taking a few moments to really be there.

and another.....

Somewhere along my travels I purchased a pilgrimage book. Once you have one of these books, anytime you visit a famous temple or shrine, you will find a small office that will stamp your book and write some calligraphy on a page. The stamps are almost always red, and feature a design unique to the temple. I have collected 11 stamps in my book. I am looking forward to the day when I can visit Japan again and collect some more.

Tucked in on Mothers Day

2011-05-08T01:04:00.000-07:00

Home made Devonshire tea - Yum-o!

I had one wish for Mothers Day. I asked my two children – Kitty 6½ and Milo 2½ to come in to bed this morning and give me a big kiss and a cuddle. To snuggle in with me all toasty and warm and half asleep. This is one of my favourite times of the day. Most days I only get one of them in with me – these days it is usually Milo but as they grow it seems to happen less and less. It seems there are more interesting things to do than to hop into bed with Mum for a snuggle.

My other wish was for my husband Sam to make me a cup of coffee in bed and for me to be able to actually stay in bed to drink it. Both of these wishes were granted and so I felt truly happy. I was also blessed as both Kitty and Milo presented me with very special gifts as did my lovely husband.

I knew Kitty was up to something when she asked me if it would be ok to take the $5 she had received from GG (Great Grandma Mavis) for Easter to school to spend. Spend on what I asked? Then I remembered about the Mothers Day stall they were having at school and realised what she was up to. Of course she had more than a little trouble keeping her purchase a secret. “Mummy – you don’t have a money box do you?” and “Mummy – your second favourite colour is pink isn’t it?” (It isn’t but what Mother would say no!). So this morning I was presented with a very sweet pink ceramic love heart shaped money box. She was so chuffed to give it to me and I declared that it would be just the perfect size to collect $2 coins in. Thank you Kitty.

Milo – thanks to his time spent at childcare – had with the help of his carers painted a little terracotta pot and planted it up with something that I am assuming if it likes its current spot on the kitchen window sill, will eventually flower. So very cute. Thank you Milo.

And well – from my most appreciative husband – I, as usual have been totally spoilt. The gift was a gorgeous book called ‘Tucked in’ by Meredith Gaston. Enjoyed most thoroughly as I sat up in bed with my freshly brewed cup of coffee. Then croissants for breakfast – a family outing and ride on a gorgeous old steam train thanks to the Heritage Festival that is on this weekend in Ballarat. Home for homemade Devonshire tea with scones made from the Country Women’s Association cookbook and now as I sit writing this – the most delicious smells of a homemade feast using a pumpkin grown in our garden are wafting out to me.

I truly feel loved and appreciated today. I must remember this and eek out memories of it over the year ahead! It has been a busy week – full of small ‘Mother’ milestones. For Milo – it was showing me that he was able to ‘jump’ with both feet off the ground like a ‘big boy’ and for Kitty it is her first wobbly tooth (well actually 2! The bottom front 2!) – so I suppose if we are lucky the tooth fairy may just pay us a visit or two this week.

To my own Mother, Step Mother, Mother in laws, Grandmothers and all those women over the years that have been and still are like Mothers to me. I thank you for your love and support. Happy Mothers Day!

Out & About

2011-04-20T21:55:00.000-07:00

I have been locked away now for quite a number of weeks – in my studio that is! Trying to get my head around how many orders I had to fill for all the retailers who decided that they wanted my Cast offs winter woollies and more for their store. Finally I think I have hit the point where I can see beyond filling those orders and slowly but surely I am able to turn my attention to other matters. First cab off the rank really is my new corner shop - The Crafty Squirrel! The renovations are coming along nicely - very slowly mind you but they are happening!

My lovely husband Sam – has turned his hand at a spot of rendering on the walls and next Thursday the floor people are coming to lay the most gorgeous vintage style red marmoleum! I had thought of laying floorboards but then decided that I would go with something different – I can’t wait to see what it looks like!

Before I can really fully turn my attention on the shop though – I have a couple of markets to attend! Yay for markets! I always love having a stall at markets – catching up with my crafty crew, chatting with customers and generally getting out of my studio!
It’s one thing to make and make and make and entirely another to actually go out and sell all that has been made!

I am very excited also to be making my debut at the Daylesford Makers Market this weekend – this is a market that I have wanted to participate in for ages – so finally my time has come and I will be there on Easter Saturday from 10am to 3pm! The weather is supposed to be quite lovely on Saturday – so do think of going on a drive to the country for a spot of lunch and gorgeous handmade shopping. You can’t go wrong really! If I wasn’t doing the market – this is exactly what I would like to be doing!

Then on Wed I am off to Melbourne for a few days to participate in Magnolia Square at Malvern Town Hall on Thurs 28 April 10am - 9pm, Fri 29 April 10am - 5pm and Sat 30 April 10am - 4pm. I love Mag Sq! I always look forward to catching up with my regular customers and doing a spot of shopping myself! If I can get away from my stall that is! The other thing I really love about Mag Sq is Bloom. About 12 months ago Nic MacIsaac the founder of Magnolia Square and myself came up with the idea for Bloom as a way to showcase emerging designers in a way that lets them take a small step and test the waters so to speak before becoming a fully fledged Magnolia Square retailer. If you are interested in finding out more about Bloom and how you can get involved you can here.

Well that’s about all from me for the moment – I best be off back to the studio to finish off my market preparations. I hope you all have a lovely Easter long week-end and some well earned R&R! I am looking forward to the Easter Bunny paying us a visit – hopefully there will be a dark chocolate egg for me! Yum Yum!

Crafty Gals

2011-03-27T17:54:00.000-07:00

Teegs and Lara – Ink and Spindle

Kirsteene – Scrumptious Productions

Michelle – Kids with Crayons

Tamara – Retro Print Revival

Pia – Pia Handmade

Amelia – Milkwood Design

Kelly and Heidi – Heavenly Creatures

Shannon – Rabbit and the Duck

Gaye – Gaye Abandon, Body parts

Pip – Pip & Maude

Jo – Frankie & Ray

Liz – Betty Jo

Well – what a week end I had! I am totally exhausted today – but all in the name of good fun of course!

Saturday saw me back at the good old Maribyrnong Makers Market – where even though I have only been gone a few months it was like the long lost reunion! It was really great to catch up with everyone again. The lovely stallholders who make the market what it is – the volunteer Committee members who tirelessly work to put on a good show and of course all the visitors who come back time and time again – bringing friends along who have never been or just showing their support by buying everyone’s wares.

Pretty much the whole day was busy – which means that time goes super fast and everyone is chatty and happy. I am really looking forward to the next one which isn’t until September! If you haven’t been before – I highly recommend putting Sat 17 Sept in your diaries and making the effort to come along to see what it’s all about.

Sunday saw me out for a lovely breakfast at Happy River with friends and then off to Finders Keepers at Shed 4 down at the Docklands.

I always love visiting markets – lot’s of the time of course I am having a stall myself and so it is hard to get around and catch up with all my lovely crafty pals. This time – whilst I had planned to have a stall at Finders Keepers – it ended up being too much for me to manage and really if I am honest it was much more fun to visit everyone and have a lovely chin-wag. If you have met me before you know I am pretty much always up for a chat – I really do love meeting people and sharing stories about our creative lives and how we juggle them with the multitude of other things that life distracts us with.

The thing I think that really strikes me when I do get this opportunity to catch up with the girls – is how no matter where we are at with our businesses be they small, big or anywhere in between – we all go through similar experiences and come up against things that can stop us in our tracks or challenge us in the creative path that we have chosen for ourselves. The one thing I think I came away with yesterday as I drove up the highway to my new country home – was how I felt part of a gang.

A gang of women who are really strong, creative, clever, amazing multi-taskers and who like me have chosen to live their lives for the freedom it gives them and for the satisfaction that comes from turning your hand to the craft that makes your heart sing.

Keep up the good work girls! It was great to catch up!

Sewing Machines

2011-03-24T16:44:00.000-07:00

When I was a girl my Mother sewed all the time. There are loads of photos of me as a chubby little toddler with reddish curls – dressed in gingham nappy pants and little matching apron like smocks with cute little iron on motifs on the front.

As I got older there were ballet costumes, party dresses and then for my 9th birthday a blue velour dressing gown with frills around the neck and bottom of the sleeves. How grown up I felt swishing around in that dressing gown! Funnily enough not that long ago Mum and I were fossicking in an op shop somewhere and we came across the vintage pattern for that dressing gown – what a hoot!

So of course as children are want to do – from the get go I bugged my Mother to let me use her sewing machine. Mum told me stories about when she was a girl and how back then she used to use her Mothers sewing machine to re-fashion hand me down clothing into something she could wear, shortening skirt lengths and turning dresses into tops and so on.

It’s only natural then that my daughter Kitty is hot on my heels. She received her first sewing machine at the tender age of 5 – a gorgeous vintage children’s Singer (thanks Kath!) and has gone on to be given a number of other children’s sewing machines to practice on. The thing is there is never quite anything like your Mothers sewing machine – so as soon as she sees me get to work she wants to make things on MY machine! To her credit – she is actually pretty good at it and as my machine is finger operated as opposed to foot operated – she seems to find it easier than I did to sew on. I always remember that my feet were never quite long enough to reach the pedal properly!

When I first started my business – I used a beautiful old vintage machine I had found in an op shop for $25 and later an egg shell blue 60’s machine (which weighs an absolute tonne). As the business progressed and I needed to use fancier stitches I had to upgrade to a modern machine. Of course I haven’t looked back. Lots of what I do and make today is thanks to my trusty sewing machine. Thanks to Mum for having the patience to give me a go all those years ago and thanks to my High School Textiles teacher Helen Amor – who I have seen recently at various markets I attend – and have been able to reminisce with about the various projects I worked on at school! Particularly the embroidered Mum 4 Dad oven mitt!

Congratulations too to Lioness Lady who has won my 100th Blog post giveaway! Congratulations!

100th Blog post GIVEAWAY!

2011-03-14T22:57:00.000-07:00

How time flies!

To celebrate reaching my 100th blog post I am running a little give away!

All you have to do to win your very own Rainbow Cast offs scarf is post a comment on my blog telling me what colour you most like to wear.

It’s that easy!

In every colour imaginable the beauty of Cast offs is that regardless of the colours in season – you can always wear your colour.

Stay wonderfully warm and woolly!

The competition will close on Thursday 24 March 8pm EST. The winner will be drawn via random.org and announced on my blog on Friday 25 March. The winner will also be notified via email - so make sure you leave your email address with your comment if you are not signed in. Giveaway is open to Australian residents only.

Harvest time

2011-03-06T00:06:00.000-08:00

Acorns ripe for the picking......

Shop renovations are underway!

As I sit here writing I can smell the most heavenly scent of home made pesto. Yum-o! The prospect of dinner is always good – but when you know the dinner has been created out of the bounty’s of your garden – it is even better!

Life is good – if somewhat hectic at the moment. The shop is undergoing quite the renovation and looks like a bomb hit it. We have certain deadlines of when things like walls need to be finished before the floor people can come and before the floor people can come the roof plumber needs to come and whilst this is all happening the Electrician needs to come and re-wire bits and then whilst he is here the Carpenter may as well come and build me a new front door and fix one of the leaky windows……you get the drift I ‘m sure.

The goal is for the shop to open at the end of May….lets hope that is the case because I have stock arriving here there and everywhere and quite frankly I just want to unpack already. I am sick of living out of boxes and having to open 20 boxes just to find the one thing that I am looking for!

On that note…..I must be off…dinner is being served (thank you kind man of the house).

And thank you to my gorgeous squirrel children who went acorn collecting on my behalf today. I love acorns!

Almost ready...yum!

Grow cob grow!

Scarf Admiration

2011-02-24T21:22:00.000-08:00

General Edition Cast offs Scarves

The first product in my range that I ever made to sell was my Cast offs Scarves. Way back in 2004 I was playing around with some felted woollen jumpers that I had and I made one for my lovely husband Sam. He was chuffed and wore it all through the winter. I was chuffed that he wore it and that people asked him about it and commented on it.

A bit later down the track when I was pregnant with our daughter Kitty – I made her a baby cot blanket using a similar idea. One thing led to another and before I knew it my squirrel instincts had kicked in and I was collecting woollen jumpers here, there and everywhere. All these years later – my Cast offs scarves have evolved to become a true winter staple.

You won’t often see me without one on – and now that I have made the move to a colder climate – I think they will become even more of a permanent fixture! Funnily enough the customers I have met who have bought my scarves have all said similar things - in that they do not take them off during winter because they get so attached to them and then there are the poor souls that have misplaced them or heaven forbid left them on the train by accident and come to visit me at the market to share their story. I know tears have been shed over lost scarves.

Necklace Scarves from Body parts - Gaye Abandon

The thing is – I know of lots of other crafty types who also make scarves. My two favourites would have to be Gaye from Gaye Abandon who has become super well known for her lovely circles necklace scarf and Jo from Frankie and Ray who has designed and knits her own neck warmers out of the most gorgeous coloured wools and who also plays around with jumper felt and various fabric combos to great success.

I think one can never have too many scarves in their wardrobe – there is nothing quite like jazzing up your outfit with something that looks fantastic and keeps you toasty at the same time!

Stay wonderfully warm and woolly!

Frankie & Ray Scarf by the lovely Jo Dunsimur

Knitted by Jo from Frankie & Ray

Back to reality

2011-02-23T21:22:00.000-08:00

Mum & I celebrating on the opening night of the show!

Well – here I am back home again after a whirlwind week in Sydney exhibiting once more at Life in Style trade fair. One of the best parts of my trip was all the lovely re-orders I have taken from my existing stockists and the overwhelming number of new orders I have taken from new retailers! Boy o boy am I going to be busy!! Still the best bit is that my winter woolly things like the Cast offs scarves, baby blankets and my new giant rainbow throw have all been very well received. Bring on winter I say!

My First in Style showcase!

After a couple of solid days of taking orders – I slipped away and left Mum on the stand whilst I went on a treasure hunting excursion with lovely Allison. What an interesting experience it was to be a shopper at the trade fair instead of a seller! Thank goodness I had Allison with me – who has a fantastic eye and of course lots of experience! On Saturday we spent the whole day at the Home & Giving Fair at the Sydney Showgrounds where we traipsed up and down each aisle – searching for goodies (to much success I might add) and then on Sunday we spent most of the day at the Reed Gift Fair at Darling Harbour. In the end exhausted but happy we got back to Life in Style just in time to finish off orders with exhibitors there and pack up our stands! Now I just can’t wait to get all the goodies that I ordered delivered! The Crafty Squirrel is going to be chock block full of vintage crafty goodness!

Fabulous Team Lark! Dean, Allison and Paul

One of my super favourite bits in relation to getting out and about is of course the opportunity to catch up with all the amazing crafty and clever peeps I meet in my travels. I have massive admiration for all these wonderfully creative people who all have super good taste I might add. How lovely it is to be surrounded by such a supportive and imaginative community. It certainly makes life more interesting!

After all this trade show business – Mum and I took the day off to explore around Newtown before we flew home. Unfortunately because it was Monday a lot of the shops (like Newspaper Taxi) I wanted to go to were closed which was a bummer. Still I got to pop into Made 590 which I have been wanting to visit for ages and was delighted to find that Christina was in and up for a bit of a chat. What a shop! Definitely add to your must go to next time you are in Sydney list – it is fantastic! Also too, a wee spot of vintage haberdashery shopping was done – so I really did feel like it was a super successful trip!

Now I just have to fill all those orders I took!

The gorgeous Belinda from Babushka Baby

The very talented Jarren from Temono

Shabana and her beautiful silver and ceramic jewellery

The lovely Amber from Down to the Woods – giant freckle anyone?

Clever Caitlin from Little Lamb

The talent behind Knuffle Kid – Emma!

Christina – the gorgeous Made 590 Queen!

Made 590 – one of the coolest shops in Sydney

Once a Squirrel….always a Squirrel….

2011-02-07T00:39:00.000-08:00

My op shop Squirrel lamp - he sealed the deal!

Have you ever heard of the theory that each person has an animal totem in terms of personality traits? Most of my life I have thought of myself as a cat. I have always had pet cats (whom I have thought of as my babies) and I am a Leo born in the year of the tiger. Increasingly however I have realised that I am also very much a Squirrel! And a crafty one at that!

Over the last few weeks in Ballarat I have managed to pay a visit to many of the fantastic op shops that are to be found around town. And what riches there are to be discovered! During these times of searching and gathering treasures I have been hard at work trying to think of a good name for my new shop…lots of names have popped into my head, been road tested on my family and friends and then discarded for one reason or another - until the day I came up with ‘The Crafty Squirrel’. The whole family said ‘Yes!’ and the more I thought about it – the more I knew it was right. So ‘The Crafty Squirrel’ it is!

Some lovely girly squirrels from one of the Squirrel books I found.

Of course the day I truly settled on the name I went out op shopping and found 3 squirrel related items – 2 books and a little squirrel night light. I knew I was definitely on the right track and ever since I have been finding all sorts of wonderful vintage haberdashery items to sell in the shop!

When I researched Squirrel totems on the internet – this is what I came up with…..it was slightly too close to home really….but maybe that is a good thing!

The gathering power of the Squirrel is a great gift. (That’s what I think J) It teaches us balance within the circle of gathering and giving out.

They remind us that in our quest for our goals, it is vital to make time for play and socialising. Squirrels teach us to conserve our energy for times of need.

If your totem is Squirrel or a Squirrel has recently entered your life - lighten your load of things that are unnecessary – things that you have gathered in the past and may be cluttering your life – thoughts, worries, and stresses. (Sounds like a plan…)

Squirrels are also the totem of action. Ask yourself - are you too active, not active enough, afraid of enough, hung up on accumulating and collecting. (ok, ok….maybe just a little….thank goodness I am opening a shop! Then everyone gets to benefit from my squirrel ways!)

Squirrel people tend to be a little erratic – trying to do many things at once. (No…really!?) Take the time to stop and listen to your inner self – and don’t forget to play! (AOK!!)

This is just a small collection of my amazing knitting needles for the shop.

I couldn't believe my luck when I found this...original box and all!

A small selection of vintage haberdashery from my travels...

Grow your own

2011-01-20T22:34:00.000-08:00

An apple a day...

Well I lived to tell the tale – of the girl who moved with so much stuff it took pretty well 2 weeks solid to pack it and 22 hours straight to move it! Just between you and I….I won’t be doing that again in a hurry – no siree bob. Definitely NOT my idea of how to have a good time….still as this blog is about things that make my heart sing as opposed to those things that don’t – I am going to rejoice in the fact that I now have a much larger garden and the best part of my much larger garden is the fact that I already have some very lovely large wooden boxes with pre-planted goodies (the previous owners bless them asked us what we would like them to plant for us so it would be well on its growing way by the time we moved in).

The garden currently has growing an apple tree, lime tree, lemon tree, plum tree and nashi tree, beetroots, lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries, corn, basil, oregano, rosemary, parsley, spring onions, mint, silver beet, blueberries, zucchini, pumpkin and garlic chives.

We have already been eating from the garden and are looking forward to really harvesting some more and enjoying the sowing, nurturing, growing and of course more eating (that is the best bit) that will come with the seasons ahead.

This is a blessing that Kitty said everyday at school before morning tea – I thought it was a nice one to thank the garden for its abundance –

For the golden corn and the apples on the trees

For the golden butter and honey from the bees

The fruits and nuts and berries we find along the way

We praise and thank Mother Earth every day.

And this one before lunch –

Blessings on the blossoms

Blessings on the fruit

Blessings on the leaves and stems

And Blessings on the roots.

Grow forth and prosper!

A pumpkin in the making...

Ear have a cob of corn...

I thought it was a passionfruit..but not sure..

Hey pesky snail...leave my beetroot alone...

Captain Kitty is on the move

2011-01-02T22:11:00.000-08:00

A Rand McNally Storytime Book

Well as I mentioned in my last post…we are well under way in terms of making a very large tree change. ‘VERY LARGE’ being the operative words because as you may have worked out previously…I have the most enormous amount of STUFF…ridiculous really that a girl could collect and squirrel away so many treasures.

Thankfully Mum dedicated a whole 3 days to assisting me with the packing – and was very polite when she mentioned a few times – how I seemed to have quite a collection of little ceramic jugs or indeed ceramic treasures of one sort or another. Box after box after box has been filled and stacked ready for the impending move day.

We sailed and sailed for over a week, and followed our noses by day.

After a solid week (and then some) of sorting and wrapping, packing and taping up boxes I feel like the end is in sight – well the end as in the day the trucks come to take it all to our new pad. Thankfully the new pad has a slightly larger studio for me (with plans to renovate it to an even bigger space – YAY!) with a separate shed for all those garden tools, the mower and bikes etc that took up space in my current studio and the really super duper exciting bit for me is that next to the house – right on the corner is a shop for me to make my own!

I think the shop has been a long time in the coming really. Lots of the treasures and then some that Mum has helped me pack are destined to go into the shop – not all of them mind you…some are too dear to me, but still over the last few days I have said – “oh, that is for the shop”…or …”I was thinking that could go in the shop” quite a number of times.

My husband Sam very carefully this morning broached the subject of us trying to keep the new house a little less cluttered. My response was that most of my stuff was destined for the shop – but of course we all know – once a bowerbird always a bowerbird!

A fun part of packing up all my stuff has been re-discovering things I had forgotten I had….or perhaps realizing how many of certain things I do have. Children’s books from the 50’s and 60’s seem to be one thing I am particularly attracted too and so have collected quite a few. Captain Kitty (1957) is amongst them. I just adore the illustrations and the story……

Oh, Captain Kitty, where have you been?

I’ve been sailing the ocean blue – And Tabby went as my good First Mate, and Pearly and Mew were the crew.

We sailed and sailed for over a week, and followed our noses by day, and when the stars came out at night, we followed the Milky Way.

The breezes carried us on and on till we came to the Tropical Isles, where the warm winds blow, and the palm trees grow and the natives wear sweet smiles.

I'm glad you like them, said the queen. I'll order some for you!

We saw the Queen all covered with pearls, we saw the King as well. And on his head in place of a crown he wore a big pink shell!

And Tabby said ‘Good queen, your beads are pretty and elegant, too!’ ‘I’m glad you like them’, said the queen. ‘I’ll order some for you!’

She clapped her hands and the divers dived to the bottom of the sea, and gathered twenty oyster pearls, as white as they could be.

Then the King led the way through the jungle gay where up in the highest tree, ten little parrots the colour of carrots were having a spelling bee.

‘Your jungle is charming, but very alarming!’ said Tabby to the king. ‘But I have been wishing that we could go fishing if you think we could catch anything!’

Your jungle is charming, but very alarming! Said Tabby to the King.

What a hulla-ba-loo when Pearly and Mew caught a prize all wet and shiny – they pulled in a whale by the end of his tail, and threw him back into the briny.

We dined on fish and coconut milk till the ending of the day. The cat with the fiddle played Hey-diddle-diddle to while the hours away.

‘Dear King and Queen and people, said I, the sun is getting low. We’ve really had a lovely time – alas, it’s time to go!

And now at last, we’re back again in Catville-by-the-Sea – We’ve been away, but I must say that Home looks good to me!’

Celebrating our tree change with Mirka

2010-12-15T20:23:00.000-08:00

Front cover of Mirka Mora Exhibition Catalogue

Yesterday - when I was supposed to be attending to the fifty million things I have on my 'to do' list - I took myself off to Heide Museum of Modern Art to spend the afternoon with my husband and NO children!

The reason was twofold - one was to visit the Mirka Mora exhibition that is currently on there and two was to celebrate our impending tree change!

Untitled (Big Bad Wolf) c.1975 mixed media 46cm x 80cm

Mirka in her studio with soft toys - photographer Rennie Ellis

You see - the next chapter of my creative life is about to begin in the rather large and charming regional city of Ballarat. My husband Sam and I have bought a lovely old Victorian house (built 1885) and shop where I will have my working studio and eventually a sweet little shop where I can sell my work and the work from others that I love and also a vintage haberdashery of sorts with lots of gorgeous vintage fabrics, buttons and trims and more modern things like craft kits and wool felt supplies.

We arrived at Heide at 2pm - just in time for a wonderful guided tour of the exhibition which brings together a selection of paintings, works on paper and soft sculptures (these were without a doubt my favourite part) that covers a thirty year friendship Mirka shared with John and Sunday Reed (the founders of Heide).

I have blogged before about Mirka Mora and my LOVE of her whimsical colourful style of work - what I hadn't ever fully appreciated or in fact seen up close were her soft toys. Mirka hand paints her design for each unique and individual toy on to canvas and then she cuts them out, sews them up and stuffs them. They are the most wonderfully magical creations – really really special and it seems that she has been creating them for at least 40 years – so there must be an amazing array of them that have found their way into the homes of Mirka fans and I would imagine many that have stayed close to Mirka in her studio.

All inspired – I am gearing up now to pack up my collections and to make that long awaited tree change. Nervous, excited and slightly overwhelmed I am looking forward to the day when I can finally say – the shop is open – come and play!

The window Mirka painted at her exhibition at Heide Museum of Modern Art

Mirka now with some of her amazing creations

Magazine Junky

2010-12-11T22:07:00.000-08:00

I have a confession to make. I am utterly and completely addicted to magazines. The pile by my bed grows each week with my regular magazine subscriptions and the ones I have collected in my travels from Mag Nation, Borders and various newsagents.

The thing is - I just LOVE reading them. When I get the chance to that is. Little snippets of inspiration, new sewing techniques or crafty tips and tricks, ideas for decorating the house, following trends on colour and design and just generally keeping track of themes in what people are buying, creating and loving.

A few favourites of late are the brand new Anthology magazine, definitely SPACES - I am totally loving that, the french Marie Claire Ideas and also a big LOVE for me is Selvedge.

At the moment I have about 20 magazines waiting to be read on my bedside table....a sign of the times perhaps? You could say I am somewhat time poor at the moment and unfortunately by the time my head actually gets anywhere near my pillow I am already asleep standing up, talk about living life to the fullest.....my dream at the moment is to find one whole day where I could just lounge about and stay in bed drinking cups of tea, eating delicious morsels of yummy things and reading magazines for a whole day - uninterrupted! Actually - that would be my idea of the best Christmas present ever at the moment. Perhaps if I am really good all year - I may actually get this gift next Christmas in 2011. For now I'll just have to settle for my magazine fix - in little hits here and there in between my here and now.

Sydney

2010-12-06T17:09:00.000-08:00

Off we go.....8am flight......

Arriving at Finders Keepers in Sydney

On Saturday in the name of ‘living life to the fullest’ – I jumped on a plane (with Mum by my side) to set off on a little day trip adventure to Sydney. The itinerary was pretty simple – straight to Finders Keepers (FK) to visit my crafty pals, check out the amazing local talent and generally have a good old sticky beak at the original FK and its amazing Carriageworks venue. Then off to EXTINCT the Dinosaur Designs outlet store where it is best to book an appointment so you get their FULL VIP attention and then off to have a meander around the old school craft market on Oxford Street – Paddington Market.

Well I certainly wasn’t disappointed – the FK venue was amazing, the crowds meant I had to be a savvy shopper and jostle to get a look in and the general vibe was definitely one of the who’s who in the cool craft world.

Thankfully unlike my visit to the Melbourne FK – I knew less stallholders so I was able to do a bit more shopping and a bit less talking! You know me – I like a good chinwag and if you get me going – well the whole day just slips away…..

Highlights from FK were meeting up with the lovely Lyndsay from White Pixels (and Made by White & Candy Stripe Cloud) – who is my number one star when it has anything to do with my website and graphics and her equally lovely sister Kelly who designs and makes the sweetest range of plates and products under the name Storybook Rabbit. Another super highlight was meeting the fabulously talented Cat from Cat Rabbit. Her work is AMAZING and wonderfully cool – these 3 girls definitely make my heart sing!

Other highlights from FK was seeing Christina and her stand Made590, the tissue paper workshops, music and general vibe. You could definitely make a day of it at FK with the line-up of music, great food and general atmosphere. Hopefully you will see me as a stall holder at the next Melbourne one in 2011.

Time for us though, was of the essence – so off we went to EXTINCT for a serious spot of shopping. If you are a Dinosaur Designs fan like me – you will be in heaven at this place and I can highly recommend paying a visit there if you are ever in Sydney. Thankfully the two girls on duty in the store were able to pander to my ever changing decisions on what I was actually going to buy! Boy – was it hard…when you see it all piled up like that – you just want a bit of everything. At the end of the day though – I realised that there is only so much jewellery a girl can wear – and I do have a LOT – so in the name of interior decorating I managed to narrow it down to three lovely vessels to adorn the mantle place in the living room. I am still recovering from the fact that I managed to purchase three items all at once from Dinosaur Designs and not just one as would normally be the case!

After all this shopping – a spot of lunch was in order – so into another cab and off to Oxford St it was. The rest of the afternoon was spent meandering around Paddington Market (the original market at which Dinosaur Designs started at) and a few treasures were discovered amongst the mix.

The day was over before we knew it and we were back at the airport and on our way home. Sydney is so easy to get around for a day like this because the airport is so close to all the action and everything is close by to each other…..a little nanna nap on the plane and we were home sweet home.

Lyndsay from Made by White, White Pixels and Candy Stripe Cloud
- the girl of many talents and impeccably good taste

Lyndsay's Apple Shadow box - too cute!

Kelly from Storybook Rabbit

Storybook Rabbit - it was so hard to decide what to buy!

Made590

Made590 - love the giant rabbit head

Cat Rabbit selling her amazing creations

Giant tissue paper pom poms

How to make a giant tissue paper pom pom workshop

Mum entering Dinosaur Designs heaven

Dinosaur bangles

More Dinosaur bangles....

Dinosaur bowls

The lovely and ever so helpful Dinosaur girls

FINALLY - my purchase :-)

Giant Apples

2010-11-14T20:08:00.000-08:00

I have been dreaming of giant apples for a while now. What I actually want to do is make a really giant one as an ottoman type thing…stay tuned on that one…..for now though I spent a small part of my week-end conjuring up this quite large…well ok…giant apple cushion. I’m very happy with how it turned out – in fact it is just like my normal apple pincushions but BIGGER.

It’s funny isn’t it how creative ideas come into your mind and stew around there for a while and then you will be out and about somewhere and you will see something either exactly like what you were dreaming up or down a similar vein. It’s what I know as the collective unconscious. I feel like we all tap into similar ideas and then we go away and come up with our own interpretation of it. It seems very hard to be original these days and I think that is why there are just so many copy cats out there who just haven’t got what it takes to come up with their own ideas. The worst thing I think is when something is directly copied - it is NEVER as good as the original.

Recently when I went to Finders Keepers I saw some lovely giant pears cushions by Moose and Bird. They stopped me in my tracks of course as I mentioned earlier – it’s a collective unconscious thing. Giant fruit….who would have thought!!

Anyway…if you are free this week-end please come and visit me and my giant apple at the extra big Maribyrnong Makers Market (over 75 stalls across two venues) on Saturday 20 Nov and then on Sunday 21 Nov at the extra big (over 120 stalls) Mathilda’s Market at Caulfield Racecourse.

Sometimes BIGGER is definitely BETTER!

Rosewater spray

2010-11-02T17:02:00.000-07:00

Part of my daily ritual is to spray a little mist of Rosewater on my face. I love the refreshing feeling and I love that it is my small moment in the day when I stop and smell the roses.

Do you take the time to smell the roses in your life? Or, are you so caught up with everything else that is going on that you simply don't have time to smell them?

Life truly is a blessing. In my own life - I try to take a minute each day when I can just be. A minute where I can be calm and reflective. A minute when I try to be grateful for where I am, where I live and for my family and friends.

I am so grateful for what I have in my life and the abundance that is all around me. The fact that I get to live my life – in my own way, using my creative energies and skills to support my family and for the joy my children and husband bring with the words of love and arms full of cuddles I receive every day.

Remembering to take the time to stop just for a moment each day to thank the world, appreciate your blessings and love those around you - is smelling the fragrance of your life.

I choose to stop and smell the roses. Do you?

Reggae

2010-10-31T19:23:00.000-07:00

For my eleventh birthday Mum and Dad gave me my very own stereo. I was without a doubt totally stoked to have this boom box. I already had a number of very cool records like Thru the Roof ’83, Throbbin ’84 and Hits Huge ’85 (remember those!) and I had earlier discovered Mum and Dad’s record collection and so was into making mixtapes of songs from the various records I liked. Being able to play music in my room with the door shut though was very very cool.

Part of my early discoveries in the quite diverse record collection of my parents was an album called ‘Kaya’ by Bob Marley & the Wailers. What a discovery! I’m not sure which parent was responsible for that particular purchase – but I was thoroughly hooked!

Fast forward a number of years and that easy skanking reggae LOVE was truly embedded. My 21st birthday brought a special 4 disc book set called Songs of Freedom which spanned Bob’s entire musical history. To this day it has been played and loved and played some more. Many an afternoon has been spent sewing and singing my heart out with Bob.

What a man! Gotta love that reggae groove!

Red Hair

2010-10-26T18:31:00.000-07:00

The story goes that I was born with a bright red spike of hair all over my head. My Nanny Kuia nick-named me Mor-kina (Kina meaning sea urchin in Māori) and thought that perhaps I was a patupaiarehe.

In Māori tradition patupaiarehe are fairy-like creatures of the forests and mountain tops. Although they have some human attributes they are regarded not as people but as supernatural beings. They were seldom seen, and an air of mystery and secrecy still surrounds them.

Apparently redheads were common in New Zealand when Captain Cook visited their shores, as were people with blue-green eyes. It seems that it is a common practice to classify all people who were in New Zealand when Captain Cook visited as “Māori” and to assume that all were of Polynesian ancestry. Yet, there is ample evidence that far from being branches of one people, there were many varied lines of peoples who sailed to and from these shores in antiquity. Perhaps this is where the red hair comes from….

As I grew older – my hair colour changed and eventually became mousey brown – or as I would say fairly non-descript. When I was old enough to colour my hair – tones of ginger red came back and have loitered around for a good 20 years or so. For the majority of my 20’s I also had a fuchsia pink/magenta stripe that ran down one side – you certainly could not have missed me in a crowd!

Now when I see or meet people with the real deal – I am truly besotted. Real red-heads are rare – perhaps that is why I am so fascinated.

Ranunculus

2010-10-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

Last night my husband Sam gave me a bunch of flowers just ‘because’. He is like that - quite the romantic really and I sure am not complaining – in fact I feel completely blessed to have found such a man to share my path.

I got some prior warning from our daughter Kitty who had just been picked up from her Ballet class by Sam.

“Where’s Daddy”? I said to her when she had appeared in from the car and he was nowhere to be seen 10 mins later…. “I saw flowers in the car Mum” she said.

Eventually in he came soaking wet from the rain with this gorgeous arrangement that he had gathered from our garden and worked in with a lovely bunch of my favourite Ranunculus.

I just LOVE them. Thank you Sam xoxoxo

Recycling

2010-10-12T19:36:00.000-07:00

Sewn to Scale Quilt by Morgan Wills

Recycling or ‘upcycling’ you might say – where one man’s trash becomes my treasure, keeps me very, very busy.

My creative inspirations primarily come from the woollen jumpers and vintage household fabrics that I find in my travels. But what really gets me going – is the colours of these materials. I just love working in monochromatic shades of one colour – or mixing it up with tones of a colour across various hues.

Recently my focus has been somewhat preoccupied with making a quilt. As I look around me – there are certain things that I begin to see in repetition. Sometimes it will be things like Babushka dolls – which seem to be everywhere and on everything and at other times it will be a certain pattern repeat or colour.

The fish scale pattern for months seemed to be jumping out at me – wherever I went. I had and have become somewhat obsessed with it and its manifestations across all number of things, such as placemats and table runners, fabric, scarves and toys.

Green Pockets by Maruja Fuentes

One gorgeous example of the fish scale pattern that I came across - were these little pocket planters – called ‘Green Pockets’. They are interlocking wall tiles’ resembling little porcelain sinks – which you can plant herbs or flowers in.

Made from recycled materials they were designed by a Puerto Rican designer - Maruja Fuentes and were presented at the Milan Furniture Fair in 2009. I just LOVE them.

I was so inspired by the fish scale pattern - that I decided to use it as a basis to make a quilt.

The result of my efforts is called ‘Sewn to Scale’ and is an observation of the natural world - exploring the repetition of pattern and the harmony of colour often overlooked in our daily life; yet ever present in nature. Made entirely of recycled materials (woollen blanket, jumpers and a vintage sheet which lines the back of each scale) – the result actually reminds me of a Maori cloak in that when I wrap it around myself – it has the same weight and the scales shimmy and flap as do the feathers on the Korowai Maori Cloak.

Detail of Sewn to Scale by Morgan Wills

It was a labour of love – and many nights I was up past midnight – sewing scales. 142 individual scales in total.

When I stand back and look at it now – I can’t quite believe I made it. It’s amazing isn’t it where our creative inspirations come from and how they manifest.

Now back to my recycling……

Ramen Noodles

2010-09-29T22:16:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Ramen noodles….YUM! I don’t think they are particularly healthy for you though. Still I’m sure they are a lot better than lots of other junk foods I can think of.

When I was in Japan – I was in ramen heaven. The best ramen memory I have is of a little place just outside of Tokyo called Tobitaku where I stayed for a while with my Brother & Sister in-law who were there teaching english. They had got to know this great japanese punk rocker dude called ‘Caz’ who when he wasn’t playing punk rock in his band he was working in this teeny tiny ramen bar – where you placed an order by putting your money in a vending machine out the front, choosing the picture of the ramen you liked the best – waiting for your little ticket to print out and then taking it inside and giving it to him to cook up for you on the spot.

Mmmmm – I am having cravings just thinking about it – I particularly liked the one that had all different types of fresh seaweed in it – all kinds of amazing seaweed that you never see here. The photos above are actually ones I took in Osaka, which was another amazing Japanese food city – I wish I had one of the vending machine though - it was very cool.

Rei Hamon

2010-09-23T21:37:00.000-07:00

Aunty Maia

My Grandmother on my father’s side (fondly known as Nanny Kuia – meaning ‘old woman’ in Maori) was the youngest of 19 children. My father was born on a kitchen table in a small village called ‘Tiki Tiki’ on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. As a family we belong to the Ngati Porou tribe the second largest tribe in New Zealand and thanks to this heritage – I have one very very big family!

Uncle Rei – or Rei Hamon was married to my Nanny Kuia’s sister - Aunty Maia. Nanny Kuia and Aunty Maia are the only two children still alive out of the 19 that were born to my Great Grandparents.

As a young girl – I absolutely LOVED visiting my Uncle Rei and Aunty Maia – they were always so welcoming and full of snuggles and cuddles. I was also fascinated by my Uncle Rei’s Gallery and all of his amazing drawings inspired by the New Zealand bush.

Rei Hamon (Uncle Rei)

The story goes that Uncle Rei discovered his talent for drawing while recovering from a crippling farm accident which left him almost paralyzed. In 1965, with a family to feed and bills to pay, he and Aunty Maia prayed for a solution. Upon rising from his knees he picked up a ballpoint pen and pad that had been left behind by his youngest daughter and began to draw - something he hadn't done since his early days in primary school. It was an inspired beginning. Over his lifetime (Born 17 Dec 1919 - Passed 16 Aug 2008 Aged 89 years) Uncle Rei had huge success with his distinctive style of dot art (Pointillism).

With much practice he developed the unique and unorthodox style called Pointillism, a drawing made up of millions of tiny dots. Feeling a little embarrassed with his first works, Uncle Rei cautiously hid them from view but Aunty Maia, found them and showed them to a local photographer who took them to the Director of a leading Art Gallery in Auckland.

Uncle Rei’s first exhibition at New Vision gallery in 1967 stunned the art world. His self-taught pointillist style of high detail and emotion propelled him into a house-hold name. He used his unique art to stop the destructive Forestry Kauri milling of the early 70’s by creating awareness around the beauty of our natural environment and without Uncle Rei and his brother’s protests and lobbying in this area, places such as the Coromandel in New Zealand would be void of Kauri and Pohutukawa trees for future generations to enjoy.

In 1981 Uncle Rei was titled as a ‘Commander of the British Empire’ and remains a New Zealand national treasure.

I am lucky enough to have a number of his limited edition lithographs hanging on my walls. Everyday – I am surrounded by the beauty of his talent and I remember what a loving man he was.

Joy

Purity

Tenacity

My 5 minutes...

2010-09-15T04:55:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 28 August - I was lucky enough to be featured in the Melbourne Herald Sun Home Magazine. It was back in March of this year that I was first approached to be featured, it was May before I was interviewed and the photographer came to my home studio to do the shoot....and so by the time it was published in late August - it seemed as if it had all come together by magic!

The phone ran hot - as did my emails and I had quite a number of custom order enquiries, lots of sales on my website (which I now desperately need to re-stock!) and many an apple pincushion has made it's way off to sewers around the country - I love to think of all the lovely ladies out there, sewing away happily with their apple pincushions by their side.

Many thanks to everyone who sent lovely messages to say they had seen it in the paper and to friends who blogged about it - I must admit it was a lovely 5 minutes - if I do say so myself!

Mumma & Baby Bushka LOVE

2010-09-12T23:25:00.000-07:00

On Saturday – I had my big annual clear out the studio sale at the Maribyrnong Makers Market. And what a busy day it was! Thanks to all those lovely customers that helped me lighten the load and make some more room to craft more treasures!

The sale was a great success and made even better by the fact that lots of Mumma & Baby Bushkas were adopted out to live in new homes. I was so happy to know that they will be well and truly LOVED. Here are some great photos of new adoptive Mothers with their girls – these will be added to my Gallery page where I get to remember each Mumma & Baby Bushka and their new adoptive parent.

Which brings me to this request – over the last few years a lot of Mumma & Baby Bushkas have been adopted out and I do not have a photo of them with their new owner. If you happen to own your own Mumma Bushka or you know someone who does – I would LOVE it if you could email me a photo of you or them showing off their very own Bushka. I will then add any photos I get to my Gallery page on my website and it will be a lovely way to document them and YOU! Email to: info@morganwills.com.au

Thanks everyone for all your wonderful feedback and support. Morgan xx

Time to start sewing!

2010-08-22T21:10:00.000-07:00

Larger than life Mumma & Baby Bushkas at Life in Style

Well – I lived to tell the tale……there’s nothing quite like selling the fruits of your labour to keep you honest – that much is for sure! Thank goodness for Mum (aren’t Mum’s the best) who was there along the way to help me through and will be my saving grace when it comes to helping me sew all the orders I have received for the Mumma & Baby Bushkas – far out is all I can say!

So – by now I’m sure you have guessed that my back to back markets and my first foray into the wholesale trade fair world was a huge success and I have navigated my way through pretty well considering the many things I was juggling all at once.

Thanks to all my lovely customers and to the new retailers who have chosen to stock my work and who are happy to wait just a little bit for me to get all the orders together…..at least everyone will have their goodies well before Christmas! CHRISTMAS! Who’s already started talking about Christmas! Oh dear!

My display at First in Style at Life in Style - Melbourne 2010

Anyway – all this talk about what I have to make before Christmas makes me think about my crazy studio – which is supposed to be all located in a quite sizeable space out the back of our house….but no….my penchant for collecting and my ridiculous accumulation of fabrics and craft materials a girl could ever hope for (I could open a shop I think) – means that my studio and its lovely contents has spilled somewhat into our house too and now our dining room plays host as a second studio.

So…all this talk of studios and materials and lack of space and overwhelming orders is actually bringing me too what I essentially am trying to tell you about……I am having a SALE! It’s that time of year and I have decided that a studio spring clean is in order! So – if you want to pick yourself up a bargain – then pop down to visit me at my annual sale on Saturday 11 September at the Maribyrnong Makers Market.

I will have a number of discontinued products, seconds and samples all at rock bottom sale prices and quite a number of bargains to be had! I look forward to seeing you there!

Nesting Baby Bushkas at Magnolia Square

Bushka hairclips, Vintage Golden Gift tags and ceramic rainbow beads

Mumma & Baby Bushkas - hanging out at Magnolia Square

Craft Hatch Market at Federation Square

To market...to market...

2010-07-29T17:35:00.000-07:00

The chance to be creative and to work at home doing what I love is very rewarding. There are days when I wouldn’t have it any other way. There are also days when I feel like a factory piece worker – standing or sitting in the one spot for hours at a time – doing the most repetitive of activities. Yes – what I do and make – does end up being special, one off and unique….but the fact that I have to make 200 of a particular thing – which are all special, one off and unique – can be somewhat exhausting, if you know what I mean.

And why am I in a making frenzy do you ask? Well…that is because I am gearing up for a couple of weeks of back to back markets and my first ever foray into wholesale trade shows…..

I absolutely LOVE craft markets. I love having stalls at them and meeting all the lovely people who buy my work, those who stop for a chat about what I make and then tell me about what they make and the amazingly creative stallholders who I meet through running the Maribyrnong Makers Market and being a stallholder at various markets around Melbourne.

One very special market that I love – is Magnolia Square which will be the first cab off the rank for me on Thurs 5 to Sat 7 August at the Malvern Town Hall. Having been a retailer at Magnolia Square for the last 3 years and I would have to say – without a doubt that it always has the most beautifully presented stalls and products of any market I go to – an absolute must to visit! Hats off to founder Nic MacIsaac for dreaming up and running such a fabulous event.

Then on Sunday 8 August (no rest for the wicked they say….) – I have been invited by Craft Victoria to participate in their very special pop up Craft Hatch market which will be held in the Atrium at Federation Square in Melbourne. I am really looking forward to this as there are some super talented fellow stallholders I am keen to meet – in particular Handmade Romance and The Craft Revival and also to catch up with the lovely Andrea from Odds & Ends Handmade (I have one of her gorgeous knitted cactus on my kitchen window sill) and Susan from Spin Spin to name a few.

Then on Monday – I bump in for Life in Style (which runs from Tues 10 to Fri 13 August). LIS is a wholesale trade fair just for retailers – who come from all over Australia to source the best mix of beautiful designer brands sourced from a diverse range of companies featuring homewares, giftware, lifestyle and kids products. Bring it on I say!

So – wish me well…visit me if you like and if you’re wondering where I’ll be on Sat 14 August – I’ll be putting my feet up for a day, on the couch, with my very supportive husband and very patient children (well most of the time) for a good family movie and some well earned r&r. X

Pocky

2010-07-20T04:54:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Pocky. When I went to Japan – I was in Pocky heaven. They even have Pocky vending machines. I am always on the lookout for Almond Pocky which is my favourite and occasionally when I can find it my husband Sam gets a box of Men’s Pocky all to himself. Lucky duck.

Pocky was first sold in 1966, and consists of a biscuit stick coated with chocolate. It was named after the Japanese onomatopoetic word for the sound Pocky makes when bitten, pokkin (ポッキン). The original was followed by Almond Pocky in 1971 and Strawberry Pocky in 1977.

When I was coming home from Japan – flying out of Narita Airport - I spotted a large box of Giant Chocolate Pocky – which absolutely without a doubt – had to come home with me….even though I’d already almost got into fisty cuffs with the airline people about how much excess luggage I had and how much they were going to charge me (but that’s another story!). And of course I still have the box – proudly on display in the kitchen - although the contents have long gone!

A related product I LOVE too is Pretz (I particularly LOVE Shrimp Pretz – but have only had this in Japan – can’t seem to find it here…..it goes very well with a nice cold Asahi – which is another fav of mine). Pretz is an unglazed version of Pocky, with flavors like tomato, pizza, and salad, as well as sweet flavors such as French toast.

If you are also a Pocky lover – you can do this silly little test which will determine what flavour Pocky you are……

What flavour Pocky are you?

http://sugardew.com/bloggalicious/quizzies/pocky/pockyquiz.htm

it appears that I am……

Pegs

2010-07-08T21:11:00.000-07:00

Most of you may not know that I started and have a lot to do with running the Maribyrnong Makers Market. For months now I have been working on a special one-off Youth Makers Market event which will showcase the crafty talents of stallholders 25 years and under. And what an amazing array of talent we have lined up!

By default my 5 year old daughter Kitty – under my guidance of course – will be having her first foray into having a stall herself. She will be our ‘youngest’ and might I add cutest stallholder (who said I wasn’t biased!) Anyway – over the school holidays – she and I have been very busy working on the different things that she would like to sell. One of which is a super cute peg doll kit.

We had a few craft sessions together first to make the sample peg dolls shown in the photo and then from there she worked out what she wanted to put in the kit. The mini ric-rac scarf was a big hit – so there will definitely be some of that, a lovely piece of fabric from my stash for the dress and various buttons, ribbon rosettes, rainbow wool, embroidery thread, paper flowers and perhaps some angel type wings will all go into making the sweetest peg dolly kit ever.

Kitty certainly is a product of her environment and has been so productive that she will have quite a few of these charming little peg doll kits for sale – and at $4 each, I am sure they will be a big hit!

So if you are free next Saturday – make sure to bring the kids and come down to the Footscray Community Arts Centre for a bit of crafty goodness and to support all the wonderfully talented stallholders on show. It should make for a fabulous outing – I can’t wait!

2010 Scarf Festival

2010-06-19T00:08:00.000-07:00

Well the secret is out…..last night I went to the National Wool Museum in Geelong to the launch of the 2010 Scarf Festival. Now in its 4th year this year's theme is 'transformations', which embodies the notion that all materials (plant, animal or synthetic), raw and/or existing, can be changed in form, appearance, nature or character to produce a new object - in this instance, a scarf.

I have been involved from the beginning in that each year I always make a ‘special’ scarf (or 2 or 3) that I enter just to keep my creative juices flowing – for of course when I make these special one off scarves they invariably take quite a long time to design and piece together and are not something I could viably make on a repetitive basis.

This year for the first time – I won a prize. Best 100% wool scarf. Entitled ‘Circles’ my work is inspired by the colours of the reclaimed materials found in my travels. Circles is about the journey that these materials take before they are upcycled into a new garment. Red represents my creative life; the tonal shades of red from the different jumpers used, remind me how day by day my desires to create are supported by the circle of my craft community....my circle of life.

Paper Dolls

2010-06-15T19:21:00.000-07:00

I have always LOVED paper dolls. When I was little I remember cutting them out and folding the tabs just right – so I could change the outfits over and they wouldn’t fall off. I was never really a doll person (that was more my sisters love – she was right into Barbie there for a while – but I really just liked the plastic wardrobe with the little drawers, a mirror and the tiny coat hangers).

I have a few paper doll books now that I have collected over the years. I have done one or two with Kitty – but most of them I feel like they are too ‘good’ to cut (isn’t that funny….) and so we just get them out every now and then and look at the pictures.

Apparently paper dolls have been around as long as there has been paper. Faces or other objects were applied to the paper and they were used during religious rituals and ceremonies in Asian cultures many centuries ago.

In Europe, particularly France, the first paper dolls were made during the mid 1700s. The paper was jointed and they were called pantins meaning dancing or jumping jack puppet. They were intended to entertain adults and spread throughout high society. They were drawn or painted like people with fashions for each doll. These were more similar to contemporary Western paper dolls.

When I was looking for various paper doll images to go with this entry I found the most fantastic website of Betsy McCall paper dolls from 1951 to 1961 all scanned from the originals and ready for you to download, cut and play. How fantastic! I got totally engrossed in looking through all the different ones – they are just so gorgeous and I really loved them all. Next time you have a spare afternoon on a wet and rainy – indoor activity kind of day – I can highly recommend a visit with Betsy McCall – she’ll keep you entertained for hours!

Outré Gallery

2010-06-07T20:51:00.000-07:00

I worked in the city for years – Melbourne City that is, and part of my average week (the part I particularly enjoyed) was to pay a visit to various shops, cafes and galleries that I liked during my lunch break.

I am always interested in what is new, different and cutting edge. Not necessarily to buy mind you – but I always love to ‘have a look’. I think this is how the mind of artist, designer type people work….visually we take it all in and then eventually we settle on something and out comes our idea – pop! Anyway I digress……

It must be at least 10 years ago now – when on Elizabeth Street in the city – amongst a variety of pretty well non-descript shops – Outré Gallery (pronounced ‘oo-trey’) opened its doors. French for out of the ordinary and unusual – Outré Gallery was an instant success in that it bought ‘fun’ to art and specialized in showcasing contemporary international pop, lowbrow, pop surrealism, street, tiki, modern folk, retro with a twist and underground art. They dig art that crosses over with design, pop and counter culture. Gotta love that – I certainly do!

Over the years I have had a number of very special gifts given to me from Outré – my favourite is a signed and numbered limited edition framed print called Hexagram by Andrew Brandou. Our wedding gift to each other - my husband Sam and I used the image as the basis for our Winter solstice wedding – featuring elements of it on our invitations, place settings and thank you cards. Andrew Brandou says of the piece - ‘I try to use something like the hexagram pretty specifically, as not to violate anyone’s sensibilities, while at the same time tweaking it to fit the theme of the work. In the painting “hexagram” for instance, the animals carry the symbols of the tarot, march under the evergreen, and have laid the hexagram to symbolically represent themselves reclaiming their space in nature, acting as agents of change.’

Next up would have to be the King and Queen Salt and Pepper shakers given to me by Sam for Christmas. Designed and made by Gus McLaren. Gus and Betty McLaren together made a legendary body of work which represented the mid-century folk warmth of Australia in the 50s and 60s. In the wake of Gus's passing last year, Betty continued to produce these classic pieces of Australian pottery from the original molds. Lucky me!

And last but certainly not least is the Tree Show Micro-Portfolio by Mark Ryden which is the most gorgeous set of 15 postcards of paintings from The Tree Show.

Just some of my favourite things……..keep up the good work Outré!

Op Shops

2010-05-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

My idea of heaven is to have a WHOLE day fossicking around in lots of different op shops. I started op shopping in my early teens – it was a good way to make my pocket money go further and I quite liked wearing floral vintage dresses and had my own unique style happening (as teenagers are want to do) – so op shopping was full of wonderful opportunities to find cool stuff to wear that no one else had.

As I got older I rummaged around in op shops collecting all kinds of things to fill my house. Especially of course when I moved out of home and had my own house to decorate. I’ve always been attracted to domestic objects from between the 1930’s and the 1960’s – so those particular kind of vintage treasures over the years have caught my eye and my dollar. The ebbs and flows of my collections have covered items such as green glass, anodized aluminum, soda siphons (of which I have about 50 tucked away in boxes in the shed!), made in Japan ceramics (of which you have seen a few in the last post), jugs, teaspoons, mixing bowls, glasses, marbles, Chinese patterned ginger jars, glass jelly moulds, biscuit and chocolate tins, golden books, fisher price toys from my childhood, Enid Blyton Books (to add to the collection I have had since I was a kid) and of course the list goes on and on!

Funnily enough – when the right time finally came along for me to branch out and be in business for myself – I made sure that op shopping was something that had to be done in the name of ‘work’. And true to my ‘work’ I get to go to ‘work’ sourcing material for my creations every second day or so. If we are driving along in the car on an outing – I am constantly on the lookout for places to stop and do some work (I confess I am a workaholic) and I especially love the discovery of a new op shop I haven’t been to – oh the thrill of undiscovered gems!

The photos for this post are just a tiny few of my favourite finds from over the years – the ones that were closest on hand!

1950’s kitchenalia

2010-05-16T21:53:00.000-07:00

I have collected things ever since I was a little girl. Some would call me a hoarder and say that my house was full of clutter although I prefer to see myself as a bower-bird and the treasures I find in my travels feather my nest, so to speak. I am not exactly sure of why I collect the things I do. My Great Grandmother Dorothy Kelly does have a small part to play - as her kitchen and her china cabinet remain forever burned in my memory. Sometimes I start a collection almost by default – like my more recent vintage apron collection which came about because of my souvenir tea towel collection…..anyway I’m not going to write much today about my 1950’s kitchenalia collection I thought instead I would show you a few photos of things from my kitchen which will give you an idea of the kinds of things that make my heart sing!

1950's domestic illustrations

2010-05-10T03:45:00.000-07:00

I love coming across old magazines from the 1950’s and 60’s at the op shop – I always love flicking through the yellowing pages to find the illustrative gems that at the time were oh so modern and new! With headings like – Automagically - the gift every woman wants – for a new washing machine to Bottling Fruit in the Lounge? Who would have thought!

The vintage style of the illustrations and the gorgeous colours really appeal to me – I suppose the ads and magazines in general are just an extension of the things I LOVE to collect. My kitchen (whilst overflowing with collected treasures) is an ode to the time when kitchen dressers with bakelite handles were standard fare, laminex and chrome kitchen tables with two tone matching vinyl chairs, quirky ceramic cookie jars and vases in bright colours, all made in japan, tea pots and tea cups made in England and a piece or two of Diana ware – preferably jugs with white polka dots, lovely rustic kitchen scales and well – I could go on and on. One day I’ll post some photos so you can all see for yourself!

Still, I must say that even though I love to look and reminisce about a vintage life when things seemed somewhat simpler and more wholesome – I wouldn’t trade for the world all the lovely modern toys I get to play with – like my fancy pants finger operated sewing machine – my front loading washing machine (how on earth would I felt all my woollen jumpers like I do – if I didn’t have that baby), the computer which connects me and my business to the world and dare I say it – the rather large television which is fabulous for watching movies on – when I am just too tired to sew one more stitch.

I must admit though – the concept of bottling fruit in the lounge is still somewhat a-peeling. And dare I say – still quite novel. What a marvelous idea! Especially when you have no room in your kitchen……

My husband - Sam

2010-04-29T20:07:00.000-07:00

We met when I was 15 – he was 16. Thinking back – I would say it was definitely mutual admiration at first site. Our journeys would take us down many paths – with other relationships and other life lessons to learn. We always knew each other through mutual friends and siblings – our initial friendship and fondness remained, although we weren’t the kind of friends who would catch up independently. I think this is because I pretty well always had a boyfriend!

We met up again at a birthday party when I was in my mid 20’s. We were a little shy of each other – a few years and water under the bridge had flowed and we were both older and wiser for our journeys. Before I left – Sam had the courage to ask if I was single – and as luck has it, I was! Well the rest is history now. We have been together for about 8 years and married for 5.

It’s funny when I look back over the last 20 years since we met. I think if we had got together earlier – our relationship wouldn’t have lasted the distance but because of the life experiences we lived - when the time was finally right – we were both ready. Sam is my very best friend and my darling sweetheart – loved to the moon and back.

Here’s to a long lived and much loved life together. He makes my heart sing everyday and loves me like no other. How blessed am I.

My Children - Kitty & Milo

2010-04-08T16:40:00.001-07:00

Today is a great day. Today, I get to sing the praises of my children. I get to celebrate how much I adore them. I get to rejoice in the fact that I have been blessed with being a mother. Not once but twice. The pigeon pair.

There are moments in my life when I reminisce on what life was like pre-children. Usually it is when I am up to my eye balls in the fifty million things that I am trying to do all at once and attend to my children. Lucky for me multi-tasking is a skill that I have taken to quite well and so my dear children still get big chunks of Mummy – amongst it all.

My darling daughter Kitty – I feel so blessed that you have come to play with me in this lifetime. Your vivaciousness, zest for life and enthusiasm – brighten my day. You make me laugh with your silly songs and dances; you inspire me with your creativity and impress me with your kind and caring nature.

My gorgeous Milo – What a delight you are. Thank you for joining me on this journey. What fun we are having together. You are such a happy and loving little boy. Our family is all the more blessed since you came to play. Your lovely little kisses and cuddles make my day and I look forward to seeing you grow and develop over the years to come.

Sometime in my twenties, I came across a book written in 1923 called ‘The Prophet’ by Kahil Gibran. A series of philosophical essays written in English prose it resonated with me so deeply that elements of it have embedded themselves in my psyche. The chapter on children in particular;

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness; For even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.

Kitty and Milo you are loved. Thank you for making my heart sing.

Mirka Mora

2010-03-28T21:08:00.000-07:00

Women love their clutter fiercely when it is full of love.

Mirka Mora

When I think back on my childhood memories – there are certain things that have stuck with me through my journey in life and which I’m sure have shaped me into the person I am today. One of those very strong memories is of the paintings by Mirka Mora that hung in my friend Ella’s house. I think I remember them so vividly because I loved the colours, the big eyes on the faces and the wings. Of course I didn’t know that they were painted by Mirka until I was much older - when I recognised the eyes and whimsical style in other paintings of hers and put two and two together.

In my late twenties – when I was in full swing of my event management day job – I was lucky enough to put together a series of literary luncheons at ZINC at Federation Square. At the time Mirka had just released her second book – ‘Love & Clutter’ and I was keen to secure her as a guest and speaker. On the day I welcomed the guests and Mirka (how excited I was to meet her!) with the story of my childhood and playing in the house with her paintings on the wall. She thanked me for sharing and went on to tell her story and views on the world and life in general. What a character she is! She certainly had the audience in fits of laughter with her innocent and yet charming ways.

I felt a great resonance with Mirka that day and in particular the topic of her new book – Love & Clutter. For those of you who know me well – I have always loved clutter. Organised chaos I call it…….sometimes it overwhelms me but for the vast majority of my day to day life – the clutter that makes up my home is primarily trinkets and treasures I have collected during my travels around the neighbourhood and over the seas. My clutter inspires me – it helps me to be the creative I am and it is filled with so much love and memories. Here is an excerpt from the book that I particularly liked……

A Bundle of Fabrics - excerpt from Love & Clutter by Mirka Mora

When I was a child, my mother would put aside pieces of fabric from the dresses she made for her three little daughters – silks, taffetas, cotton, wool, and a lot of lace and ribbons – all of unimaginable colours, different lengths and widths and quality. I coveted those pieces but wasn’t allowed to investigate them until the age of eighteen; my memory of them is still very strong, probably because they were forbidden. My Mother had her own world and remains a mystery to me today, as parents often do.

When my mother readied herself to leave Paris to live in New York, the only luggage she took was these pieces of fabric enveloped in a white damask tablecloth, tied diagonally by its four corners. Mother knew the story of each little piece and decided to take these memories with her. I was amazed, then slowly understood how much love was hidden in her collection of fabrics. Those pieces of cloth from all the clothes my mother had made us were a photo album of our childhood.

A snapshot of Mirka……

Mirka Mora is one of Melbourne's best known and loved artists. Since the early 1950s when she and her husband Georges immigrated to Australia from France, she has contributed to Melbourne's transformation from quiet, provincial town to sophisticated, multicultural city. Her early training was in mime and drama, but painting was her focus by the time she reached Australia. Close friends of other committed artists and patrons, including John and Sunday Reed, Charles and Barbara Blackman, Barrett Reid, John Perceval, Laurence Hope, Arthur Boyd and Joy Hester, Mirka and Georges were instrumental in the re-establishment of the Contemporary Art Society in Melbourne from 1953. They also helped bring European-style dining to 1950s Melbourne, opening the Mirka Café in Exhibition Street, the Balzac in East Melbourne (the first Melbourne restaurant to receive a 10pm liquor license) and finally Tolarno in St Kilda. Mirka's numerous public artworks including mosaic murals at Flinders Street Station and St Kilda Pier, and a painted tram, have all helped enliven the city, and her bohemian style and joie de vivre have endeared her to Melbournians from all walks of life.

Mirka's fifty years of creative energy have resulted in a prolific output of work across a range of media - drawing, painting, embroidery, soft sculpture, mosaics and doll-making. Her colourful, sensuous iconography has emerged from the breadth of her interests and reading, her love of classical mythology, her desire to reclaim and make sense of childhood and familial relations, and her recognition of the power of sexual desire.

Mora uses a wide range of media and her work features strongly in the permanent collection of the Heide Museum of Modern Art in the Melbourne suburb of Bulleen. She is a noted colourist and symbolist. Her paintings are often bright and bold, drawing heavily on a stable of recurring motifs - innocent, wide-eyed children, angels, dogs, cats, snakes and birds. For many years she has conducted workshops in painting, soft sculpture and mosaics, where countless Australians have learned from her unique approach to teaching art.

Metalicus

2010-03-25T02:33:00.000-07:00

Back in the mid 90’s I discovered a very cool top made out of stocking like stretchy material. I bought one in white and one in black and wore them layered under various tunic style tops and dresses. Metalicus was responsible and it was the beginning of a dear friendship that has lasted ever since.

Over this time I have purchased an article of clothing from one of their ranges most years and have built up quite a good collection. Of course the beauty in the styling of Metalicus garments is in the classic nature of the designs, the fabulous mix and match quality in how you can layer the garments together and the stunning colours they choose which always makes it hard to decide exactly what piece is calling to me the most.

Metalicus came about in 1992 when Melbourne designer Melma Hamesfeld was experimenting with stocking fabric and transformed one stretchy piece of material into a concept for the brand.

As the brand developed, so did the product offering and today their collection includes Cotton, Wool (my favourite of course!) and Bodytight, along with Mini & Miss Metalicus. I love the idea of Miss Kitty getting around in her own Mini Metalicus outfit. Super cute for sure.

The other thing I totally love about them is that the majority of the pieces I have – I have been able to wear through both my pregnancies and throughout the inevitable weight gains and losses that seem to be my lot in life. The other thing that also really amazes me is that they are still manufactured in Melbourne! Can you believe that! An international fashion label that has 400 stockists around Australia and 200 abroad with ever expanding plans to conquer the world…….and it still manufactures in my home town. You’ve gotta love that! Go Metalicus Go!

Marimekko

2010-02-28T18:12:00.000-08:00

There is definitely something about fabrics from the 50s and 60s that really appeal to me – particularly big bright florals. I was 4 or 5 when I first came across the bold patterns and colours of marimekko fabric. It was in the ‘sun room’ at my little friend Ella’s house. The walls were painted the sunniest of yellows and the big feather filled sofas were piled high with the most gorgeous cushions upholstered in vibrant marimekko fabrics.

Its funny isn’t it how you remember things. For me my memories are often visual – the way things were positioned, the colours or pattern of an object, the way fabric moved in a dress or the texture of one thing in contrast against another. The memory of Ella’s house and of particular rooms in it – had such a strong impact on me – the memory has remained.

In my early 20’s when I studied Interior Design – I was able to really explore this visual inclination for colour and design. I learnt about various types of fabric and fabric designers and of course the memories of Ella’s house came back. When I got married some 10 years or so later – my dear friend Beck who I had met studying interior design gave us a fabric covered canvas in Unikko – undisputedly one of Marimekko’s most famous designs. Of course it was one of my favourite gifts and has had pride of place in the lounge ever since.

Marimekko was founded in 1951 by Finnish couple, Armi and Viljo Ratia. Armi commissioned some of her artist friends to apply their graphic designs to textiles and design fabric prints for their company, which resulted in entirely new, boldly coloured and patterned fabrics.

Still around today – Marimekko is without a doubt one of my all time favourite things – there’s something about it that definitely makes my heart sing and when my heart is singing, I am happy.

Magdalena

2010-02-11T16:04:00.000-08:00

A few years ago now – I was lucky enough to spend 7 weeks traveling around Spain. I stayed with lovely old friends in Toledo about one hour south of Madrid and used them as a base from which to travel the country right up north as far as Sans Sebastian and way down south as far as Granada and pretty well all around the perimeter of the country – what an amazing journey!

Of course being the foodie that I am – I was in heaven and could quite easily eat everyday little morsels of delicious tapas washed down by lots of lovely vino blanco and cervesa.

Lucky for me, I was mainly backpacking around – so all that walking in the hot summer sun carrying my massive backpack – helped me walk off my indulgence.

On one of my first mornings in Toledo my lovely friend Marisa woke me for El desayuno with fresh café con leche and la Magdalena. What a treat! Magdalena or madeleine’s as they are also known are a dainty cup cake recognizable by their distinctive pointed shape. They are traditionally eaten in the morning and are bought in big bags from the supermercado like we might buy crumpets or muffins. Once I got over my momentary shock at eating cake for breakfast – I decided that this was pretty good really and la Magdalena became a definite breakfast staple.

I’ve never forgotten them….I found some here in Melbourne a few years ago at the Mediterranean Wholesalers in Sydney Rd, Brunswick and was so excited…it was short lived though and they stopped stocking them – probably a good thing knowing me! If you’re tempted as a week-end treat for the kids – here is a recipe to make your own……

La Magdalena

Ingredients
4 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
100 grams unsalted butter
1 2/3 cups unbleached white flour
1 tbsp baking powder
pinch of salt
1 Tbsp milk

Preheat the oven to 200 Celsius
Beat eggs, butter and sugar until very creamy and light
combine salt, baking powder and flour and stir into batter
Add milk and beat well again
Spoon into patty pans
Sprinkle granulated sugar over each
Bake 15-20 minutes

Makes 18. YUM!

Mac Cosmetics

2010-02-05T16:01:00.000-08:00

I’m not a girl who wears a lot of make-up. I dabbled as a teenager and occasionally in my 20’s but really – I am a bare minimum natural kind of girl. So to have found a cosmetics brand that really works for me and makes it kind of easy and straight forward to implement my daily routine – MAC takes the cake.

About 10 years ago when I was in full swing of the city working girl lifestyle (train to work and often taxi home, out for coffee breaks during the day with colleagues, café lunch and a spot of shopping and then drinks and sometimes dinner after work with friends) – I was invited by a girlfriend to attend a MAC Cosmetics workshop after work one evening.

They held it in her office and plied us all with free champagne and nibbles (very clever)…..I took up the offer of a free make over demo (I’d always wanted to have this done but was reluctant at Department Stores for fear of being sucked into buying everything they used and then never actually using it myself).

The makeup artist was fabulous – and within a very short time had worked out exactly the right colour palette for my skin type and tone and had made me up in a very natural and yet complimentary way.

From that night on – I have been pretty well consistently brand loyal. I spend less than $200 a year with them and the products I buy seem to last incredibly well. For a girl who doesn’t really wear makeup – I’m happy. And if you are the kind of girl who does wear makeup – or anywhere in between for that matter, they come highly recommended from me.

Lip Gloss

2010-01-31T19:12:00.000-08:00

My addiction to lip gloss was innocently started at the tender age of 5. You see – one of our neighbours was an Avon lady and she kindly gave me a strawberry lip gloss as a gift one day, as my lips had got very dry in the wind. I still remember how thrilled I was to be given such a grown up thing. What made it even better was the fact that it coloured your lips a little red as well as smelling nice – so in my mind - it was just like lipstick. Very, very fancy indeed.

I rushed home to show it off to my Mother – yippee! As time went on my little kinder buddy Ella acquired her own lip gloss too. Hers was a watermelon flavoured Lip Smacker. She knew how taken I was with lip gloss - so offered me a try of hers – I was hooked. Back home to Mum – to request that she buy me a lip smacker too. I think my first flavour was cherry followed closely by watermelon and well it all just goes on from there really – one very, very long line of lip gloss.

I have spent a good proportion of my life applying lip gloss (I’d hate to think how much I may have digested over the years). I usually have at least 3 or 4 different flavours on the go at any given time. A few years ago – Bonne Bell released a giant lip smacker. I was absolutely delighted when I saw it (I have a real thing about everyday objects in miniature form or giant form for that matter) – so of course I bought a few and posted one off to Ella with a little note of friendship appreciation and of course a little reminder of the 5 year olds we used to be.

Now that I’m a grown up my tastes have changed somewhat and my number one favourite is the Palmers Dark Chocolate & Peppermint combo….a little lip treat every time – but thank goodness - without the calories!

Le Creuset

2010-01-16T15:52:00.001-08:00

As a child my favourite dessert of all time, was my Mother’s Chocolate pudding. What a treat! Somewhere in my early twenties, Mum gave me a recipe book with a few of my favourites in it that she used to make me when I was little - one of which was the chocolate pudding recipe.

There is something about comfort food – that I find, so well…comforting (funny that). Chocolate pudding is definitely one of those foods. Come winter time – there is something so delicious about being all wrapped up and snuggly with a lovely bowl of warm chocolate pudding and ice cream. Yum – I’m getting cravings just thinking about it.

Anyway – this entry is not about chocolate pudding it’s about the vessel that I cook it in. Given to me as a gift – the heart shaped Le Creuset casserole would have to be one of my favourite kitchen items. Cast iron – whilst heavy – makes me want to cook. The few pieces we have – a wok, a square skillet grill and an oval French oven all get a good working out in our kitchen and of course what better a vessel to cook and serve chocolate pudding in then a heart shaped one.

Just in case you are feeling the love (or having a comfort food craving)…..here is Mum’s recipe……….thanks Mum xoxo

Mum’s Chocolate Pudding

Ingredients
60 grams butter
½ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 cup self raising flour
¾ cup caster sugar
1 tablespoon cocoa (I’m always a little more generous than this)
2 cups hot water

Topping
¾ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cocoa
Combine both ingredients well.

Method
Heat butter and milk in saucepan, stir until butter melts, add vanilla. Sift dry ingredients into basin, add butter mixture to well in centre, stir until smooth, pour into deep, greased 1 litre (2 pint) oven proof dish. Sift topping over, carefully pour hot water over. Bake in moderate oven 40 – 45 mins.

Serve with fresh cream or vanilla ice cream – Enjoy!

Lavender

2010-01-10T15:36:00.000-08:00

Lavender's blue, dilly dilly, lavender's green,
When I am king, dilly, dilly, you shall be queen.
Who told you so, dilly, dilly, who told you so?
'Twas my own heart, dilly, dilly, that told me so.

One of my favourite scents of all time would have to be lavender. I am a huge fan of handmade lavender soap and of course LOVE lavender hand cream.

A well-loved Mediterranean herb, lavender has been associated with cleanliness since Romans first added it to their bathwater. In fact, the name comes from the Latin lavandus, meaning to wash. A Christian legend says that lavender originally had no odor, but since the Virgin Mary dried Jesus’s swaddling clothes on it, it has had a heavenly perfume. Essential oil of lavender is now known to have many applications in aromatherapy.

Most days in the morning I use a spritz of Jurlique’s Lavender hydrating mist on my face before I put my moisturizer on – the smell of which I find so uplifting…..lucky for me it has become a Christmas tradition on my lovely husbands part, to replenish my stocks for the year ahead.

Where would I be without my King?

Laughing

2010-01-05T21:02:00.001-08:00

According to legend, if one rubs the Laughing Buddha's great belly, it brings forth wealth, good luck, and prosperity. If only I could rub my post baby belly and get the same results……

I love having a good laugh……in fact I can remember times over my life – especially when I was a little girl – when I would laugh so much, that I would roll around on the floor, crying and clutching at my tummy which had started to hurt because I was laughing so much….almost to the point I think of wetting my pants (although I never did).

Who knows what I was laughing about…..sometimes the smallest of things tickle my fancy and it sets me off. For those of you who know me – you would probably say I have a fairly loud and distinctive laugh – I do love the contagious aspect of laughter where something gets you laughing and then the sound of your laughing gets someone else laughing and so on.

Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. Laughter makes you feel good. And the good feeling that you get when you laugh remains with you even after the laughter subsides. Humor helps us keep a positive, optimistic outlook through difficult situations, disappointments and loss.

I think one essential quality that helps us laugh is not taking ourselves too seriously. The ability to laugh, play, and have fun with others not only makes life more enjoyable – it also helps you solve problems, connect with others, and be more creative.

So on that note – let’s make 2010 the year of laughter and to not taking yourself too seriously.

I’ll leave you with a bad joke - which always makes me laugh – no matter how many times I hear it!

Q. What is pink and wrinkly and hangs out your undies?

A. Your Grandma

Lanterns

2009-12-13T20:51:00.000-08:00

I have written before about the makeover I had done on my bedroom when I was about 11. I chose a sunny yellow colour paint for the walls and some lovely matching bed linen but I forgot to mention the new paper lantern I got, that hung in the middle of the ceiling. It was big and round – sky blue in colour with white fluffy clouds all over it. I would lie in bed and look up at it - delighted by the fact that it was made of paper and could fold down flat. I can’t remember where it came from – but I loved it and of course that was the beginning of my love of paper lanterns.

I have had various versions of the afore mentioned lantern – in an assortment of colours and sizes over the years and have also bought many of the decorative Chinese paper lanterns and hung lots of them along extended strings across the huge kitchen of an old shop I used to live in. I also think they are great for decorating the house during festive times – especially parties and I’m always on the lookout for different ones to add to my collection. One of the bonuses of course are that they are super cheap.

When I was in Japan – I saw heaps of different lanterns on mass – they were simply stunning and almost magical – when seen all lit up against the evening sky. I have also recently learnt of sky lanterns which are airborne paper lanterns that can be released into the night sky for aesthetic effect at lantern festivals or weddings (as an alternative to fireworks). A similar concept to hot air balloons, sky lanterns are made from a non-flammable bio-degradable rice paper and have a specially designed wick for burning. Once lit, the lantern rises up into the sky creating the most magical and exquisite scene. Then when the wick burns out the sky lantern just floats gracefully back down to earth. I wish I had known about them when I got married – they would have been perfect at our winter solstice wedding.

Paper lanterns have long been symbols of joy and celebration and that is definitely the feeling I get when I see them displayed on mass. They definitely make my heart sing.

Laminex Tables

2009-12-07T15:38:00.000-08:00

I have always loved laminex kitchen tables. Of course my penchant for colour has probably got something to do with it. The vibrant, yellow, blue, green and red (my favourite) tables with their shiny chrome legs and trim – always seemed to sparkle to me – especially as a child when I was closer to the ground in height.

For years I searched for a red laminex kitchen table with matching chairs….they are difficult to come by these days – at least in the colour and condition I wanted. Finally one day the universe offered one up via a dear friend. The table set had been in his family for years. Bought new it lived in his grandfathers kitchen and then in his brothers kitchen before being adopted by me.

We live in an Art Deco styled white weatherboard house where the kitchen (located in the centre of the house) is definitely where all the action happens. The heart of our home then would surely have to be the red laminex table and chairs where our family sits down to share meals every day, craft activities are executed, cups of tea are drunk and newspapers read, conversations are exchanged and meals are prepared.

The chrome still shines, the table top has been wiped a thousand times and still looks good and the matching red and grey vinyl chairs could do with being re-upholstered but considering how old she is – I reckon she is doing a fine job of making our house a home.

Kitsch Religious Iconography

2009-12-02T16:09:00.001-08:00

Yesterday as I wandered around the house deciding which items from my small collection of kitsch religious iconography I was going to photograph for this entry, I noticed one thing in particular. The images I am most attracted to are of mother and child or various incarnations of Devi, the mother goddess.

I am particularly fond of Laksmi who is the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity, light, wisdom, fortune, fertility, generosity and courage; and the embodiment of beauty, grace and charm. She is believed to protect her devotees from all kinds of misery and money-related sorrows.

I think I’m also attracted to these images because they portray the essence of female energy and life force (shakti). Every now and then their colours capture my attention and they make me smile…..thank goddess or should I say goodness?

Kilt pins

2009-11-23T20:18:00.000-08:00

Nothing goes to waste in my studio. I have bags and bags of fabric scraps and of course lots of small pieces of the upcycled felted woollen jumpers I use for my Cast offs scarves and blankets. I am always thinking of things I can make with the scraps – my ultimate satisfaction is to design and make a product from the waste, generated from the affluent society I am fortunate enough to live in.

I have always been attracted to everyday objects that others may overlook. I have no idea why but things like pegs, matchboxes, safety pins, snap lock bags and corks are the kinds of funny things I like and of course I have a fondness for kilt pins.

They are functional and yet beautifully formed. They can be worn in both a practical and decorative manner - such as protecting a Scotsman’s modesty, fastened as a brooch on a scarf or wrap or used to pin your cardigan together.

I had been making brooch like kilt pins with dangly things hanging off for a while – my focus was shifting and I wanted to make a flower type brooch from my wool scraps. I was sitting in my studio snipping flowers in various sizes – playing around with layering them together and wondering how I could join them without using a button sewn in the centre – that seemed so predictable and somehow unoriginal.

That’s where my kilt pin epiphany moment comes in. I needed a stem for my flower brooch – but also something that would join the layered flowers together and fasten the flower to your scarf or cardigan. Once I had made a few and worn them a bit – I knew I was onto something. Cast offs Botanical Kilt pins were born and almost 700 kilt pins later…..I think they have been a definite winter winner.

Kewpie Dolls

2009-11-09T15:59:00.000-08:00

How sweet are Kewpie Dolls! From the moment I first saw one – I was in LOVE – which makes sense as their name, often shortened to "Kewpies", is derived from "cupid", the Roman god of beauty and non-platonic love.

I just think they are so appealing – their cute, chubby little bodies and cheeks. They remind me of my little 15 month old son Milo at the moment – who absolutely LOVES eating but is yet to walk – so everyday he seems a little rounder and once those little legs get going it will all fall off and he will be ACTION toddler. Oh no….what am I in for!

Of course – Kitty and I have a wee collection of Kewpies. Which we love. Some tiny and some big. We are yet however to get a giant Kewpie – which I would totally love. It’s one of those things though…there is always something else to spend my money on!

Kewpie Dolls

2009-11-09T15:46:00.000-08:00

Karmann Ghias

2009-11-03T20:12:00.001-08:00

We have just got back from a lovely beach holiday in Apollo Bay. For anyone that knows this neck of the woods – a big part of the journey (my husband says ‘half the holiday is the getting there – so you may as well enjoy it’) is the drive down an amazing stretch of coastline called the Great Ocean Road.

And it is just that – a road that twists and turns along a cliff side overlooking the most beautiful coastline and ocean. The perfect kind of drive to be done in a Karmann Ghia…..which apparently is also known as ‘the poor man’s Porsche’.

The thing with being a Mother of small children though is that cars like Karmann Ghias – are just not at all practical. Let’s face it – the only reason I traded in my beautiful, white 1963 AP5 Valiant (I actually cried when the man who bought her came to take her away) is because I was about to become a Mother. And well, Mothers don’t tend to drive their new born babies around in old Valiants or Karmann Ghias for that matter.

Now that I have two children and a business that requires me to often cart around a whole lot of STUFF – my chances of having my very own red poor man’s Porsche is just going to have to wait………but as they say – ‘NEVER say NEVER’!

Japan

2009-10-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

I am a huge fan of travelling to countries where I know someone who lives there. Over the years on my various trips I have been lucky enough to visit and stay with friends and friends of friends who have all been able to show me a side of the country I am visiting that perhaps I would not see if I did not know anyone.

Way back in 2003 – I took myself off to Japan for 3 weeks to stay with my soon to be Brother and Sister-in-law who were living and working (teaching English – as you do) in Tokyo. Using them as a base I spent a few days with them and then packed myself a smaller backpack and took off on the Shinkansen fast tracking my way around the island known as Honshu with stops at Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima and Yokohama.

I had always wanted to travel to Japan – ever since we’d had Akiko the Japanese exchange student stay with us when I was a girl. I had also studied the Japanese language at high school for 4 years and of course just adored all the cutesy little things like the Little Twinstars sharpeners, pencils and erasers my Mother had bought for me when I was small. So you see – I was very excited to finally be in Japan.

The main things that struck me whilst I was there were the fact that I felt absolutely 100% safe at all times – even going out by myself at night and walking back to my Ryokan down little side streets and laneways and the striking diversity and beauty of the Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples versus the busy fast paced streets of Tokyo and the larger cities. Both were equally amazing and striking in their own ways. And without a doubt the food! Yum Yum – my mouth waters just thinking about it especially the takoyaki (octopus balls) in Osaka. I was in food heaven!

The photos above are just a small sample of the many I took on my journey. One of my favourite shots is of the cherry blossom decoration I spotted on a grate on the footpath. What an amazing place. If you ever get the chance to visit – I highly recommend it.

Inari

2009-10-07T16:27:00.001-07:00

Whenever I get food cravings it is usually for Asian food of some kind – more often than not it is for Japanese food. There is something about Japanese food that really appeals to me – the light delicate flavours, the relatively healthy use of ingredients (unless of course I am tucking into tempura!) and the clean, freshness of its preparation.

Working in the city for so many years meant that more often than not a couple of nori rolls were my standard lunch. Then one day I spied these yummy looking pouches of fried tofu, filled with sushi rice and topped with crab meat or seaweed. Yep – I’ll try one of those thanks. Well – from that moment on I was completely hooked. The sweetness of the rice is a complete delight and well what can I say they are just totally delicious! I was in LOVE.

Apparently Inari-zushi (stuffed sushi) is named after the Shinto god Inari, whose messenger, the fox, is believed to have a fondness for fried tofu. Lucky for me the fox is happy to share.

Haighs Chocolate Frogs

2009-09-28T21:31:00.001-07:00

For years I worked in Melbourne’s CBD – everyday I’d make the journey into the city by train, walking from the station to work and back again. One of the hazards of this journey was passing the Haighs Chocolate shop on Collins Street and if I went up to Chinatown for one of my favourite lunches - Dumpling noodle soup – I’d journey past the Haighs shop on Swanston Street.

From my first ever taste - those chocolate frogs became almost an obsession. I would buy a bag to share with work colleagues during afternoon tea or a meeting….supposedly to keep the morale of the team up, but all it did was made me crave them even more.

Friends and colleagues would buy me a bag for my desk drawer so that I could have a little pick me up if I was feeling low….the problem with that though is you get into the habit of having a little ‘pick me up’ nibble everyday and before you know it….well we know what happens to ‘pears’ if they indulge too much…..they become ‘oranges’.

Now that I work from home – I don’t have the opportunity or it seems the time to even think about eating chocolate frogs – so they have been put in the ‘treat’ category. It seems the only time I really get to eat them is if some kind, lovely, generous person buys me a bag as a gift….hint, hint…oh and I LOVE the super-duper giant green foil wrapped ones too……..

Grass Roots Magazine

2009-09-21T17:26:00.001-07:00

I was about 15 when I discovered Grass Roots Magazine. It really appealed to my burgeoning inner hippie and over the last 20 years of reading it – I have learnt all matter of things pertaining to living a self sufficient lifestyle. Everything from keeping chooks and growing veggies to composting, cooking and building using alternative materials like straw bales. I am torn you see – between the life I live in the city and the romantic life I dream of in the country.

When I was 19 I took myself off with my dreadlocked surfer dude boyfriend to live down near Warnambool for a year. Thirty km from the nearest shop – we lived very simply in a small house on 5 acres of bush land with no electricity or running water. I spent most of my time tending my large veggie garden, restoring antique furniture for myself and others and making beaded jewellery which I sold at a couple of shops in town. We ate eggs from the chooks and veggies from the garden and made all our own bread.

I have such fond memories of this year – I was young, idealistic and full to the brim with enthusiasm. My few years of reading Grass Roots had given me the basics of living a simple wholesome life and here was my opportunity to have a good go. As it turns out the year went quickly and the reality of my life journey ahead meant that I had to return to the city to begin my studies in Interior Design and well my story just goes on from there really.

I have lived in the city ever since and have often thought of a move back to a lovely country town. I don’t think I would choose to live without running water and electricity again (especially not with children) but I have thought that a move to the country would bring about a simpler and somewhat less stressful lifestyle. Having said that though – I totally love living in the city and the opportunities that come with that. Perhaps as they say ‘the grass is always greener’ and I should just try to be happy with where I am right now.

Grant Featherston Furniture

2009-09-16T17:33:00.001-07:00

Back in the late 90’s I completed a Diploma of Arts in Furniture Design, predominately a hands on course of study – my time was mainly spent in the workshop mastering the use of various tools and honing my design skills. I had done woodwork in High School and had always been attracted to making and restoring furniture….my previous studies and working life in Interior Design meant that this was a natural progression for me.

Whilst studying the History of Furniture Design, I learnt of many amazing 20th century designers that I loved but in terms of admiring our local talent – Featherston completely won me over.

Around the same time – I paid a visit to Coral’s house - one of my Mother’s friends. In her Living room she has an original R160 Armchair and Ottoman and a R152 armchair all upholstered in the original beige vinyl. From the moment I laid eyes on them - I was smitten and have desired them ever since. It is no wonder that they have become an icon of Australian furniture design.

Every time my Mother visits Coral or in fact even mentions her name to me – I can’t help but say….can you ask her if she will sell me those chairs! And then one day not too long ago - Coral sent me an email telling me that “One day our Lord may bless you with them…..” I can only hope…….”Pretty please God….can I have those chairs?”.

Golden Books

2009-09-10T01:21:00.000-07:00

I have loved Golden Books since I was a little girl. At one stage in my youth I had quite a good stack of them – but my Mother in one of her cleaning up and sorting out phases got rid of them. I don’t think I ever quite got over it. It’s the Bower Bird in me. So of course when I discovered op shops and old golden books……well there was no stopping me!

Now I think I have almost 200! My daughter Kitty of course loves them too – but not all of them. The other day she went though the two giant stacks and sorted them into the ones that she wanted to keep and the ones that I could get rid of or use for craft. Kind of her I thought…and pretty funny. Reminded me of my Mother.

Somehow when Mum gave away all my Golden Books I managed to save one very favourite – ‘The night Before Christmas’. Each year on the night before Christmas (I confess – even as a grown up) I have read this book just before going to sleep. I just love the illustrations and my inner child gets terribly excited about the prospect of Santa coming and filling my stocking. Now of course I get to share this tradition with my own children - which makes it even more special.

Thankfully I have come up with a lovely way to ‘recycle’ some of these treasured Golden Books and now turn them into – Golden Book-marks. This year too – some of my treasured books will become Christmas cards. I can’t believe I am already talking about Christmas!

Gingerbread Houses

2009-08-31T17:21:00.001-07:00

My introduction to Gingerbread Houses was in the story Hansel and Gretel , my Mother read to me as a child. The illustration of the sweet decorated little house that Hansel and Gretel couldn’t help but have a nibble on was enchanting. Of course I wanted to have a little nibble too! There was something so wonderful about a little house made of sweet bread and decorated with lollies – like a little dolls house but better.

I took some time the other day to have a look at photos in FLICKR of Gingerbread Houses to see if I could find a good one to go with this entry. I must say - I was totally overwhelmed! I had no idea that Gingerbread Houses were taken so seriously…….the people who are really passionate about making them are like Architects of dough. They go all out to make theirs the most fancy – there are even ‘Modern’ Gingerbread Houses for those that don’t like all the fuss of swirly icing and Gingerbread House Exhibitions – were the makers get to show off their expertise.

The gorgeous felt house in the photo I eventually settled on is by a New Zealand Artist - Cuckoonest. I found their creations on a fab website called Felt – which is a NZ version of Etsy. Well worth checking out and much better for my waistline.

Morgan Wills on SALE - up to 60% off!

2009-08-20T22:29:00.000-07:00

Morgan Wills is having a SALE! For the first time ever!

Come down to the Maribyrnong Makers Market on Saturday 29 August to get yourself a bargain!

Select Scarves, Mumma & Baby Bushkas, Bushka rattles, Bushka hairbuttons, Botanical Kilt pins, Greeting cards, Headbands & more! Nothing over $50 and most things $10 or under. One day only!

Saturday 29 August 10am to 3pm only at the Maribyrnong Makers Market!

Seddon Uniting Church Hall
Cnr Gamon & Mackay Sts, Seddon
Mel Ref: 42 A7

Love to see you there!

Gina Garan Dolls

2009-08-13T21:27:00.001-07:00

I had seen Blythe dolls in books and on products like badges and purses but it wasn’t until I went to Japan that I saw my first Blythe doll in real life. They were amazing and seemed to be everywhere I looked. I was tempted to buy one – but there was so much for me to spend my money on and in the end she lost out to the ridiculous amount of other things that caught my eye….and I can tell you the $800 in excess luggage they tried to sting me with at the airport put my negotiating skills to good use – I think I managed to halve it – but still what a shocker that was. Anyway I digress…..

A few years later I caught wind of some exciting news – the photographer Gina Garan, of This is Blythe fame, had designed ‘ginagirls’ in collaboration with the well-known Australian artist Christina Gordon.

I had to have one….and of course, I wanted them all – but that was ridiculous, for anyone that knows me….my life is already somewhat cluttered with the trinkets I have found in my travels, and if I adopted all the girls – well, where would they live? So, my husband being the lovely man he is – chose Nico (the ginger girl) and gave her to me for our second wedding anniversary.

She now hangs out on the mantelpiece (with lots of my other very special treasures) in the living room on her own custom made silver chaise lounge and recently has acquired, by way of a gift - a miniature Louis Ghost chair by Philippe Starck……..if you don’t mind. She is one stylish girl!

Handmade in Melbourne

2009-08-04T22:01:00.001-07:00

Tonight is a very exciting night for me. I have been invited to the official launch of ‘Handmade in Melbourne’ - a guide to 200 of Melbourne’s fine artisans.

It celebrates all things handmade, and the passion of those who have made handmade their life’s work. I am lucky enough to be featured in this book and I feel honoured to be showcased alongside so many wonderfully talented people.

I also feel blessed to have been able to pursue my creative interests throughout my life. Using my hands to craft – whether it be a piece of furniture, the sewing of a scarf, the taking of a photo, the writing of my blog entries, the drawing of my designs – all of these pursuits and more truly make my heart sing. And when my heart is singing, I am happy.

Tonight is the bringing together of Melbourne’s creative heart. Well done to Geoff Slattery, the publisher for putting together such a fantastic guide.

Gaudi

2009-07-28T22:21:00.001-07:00

I was first introduced to Antonio Gaudi in my History of Architecture class when I was studying Interior Design. His work belonged primarily to the Modernist style (Art Nouveau) and Gaudi was famous for his unique and highly individualistic designs. I LOVED the undulating, organic curves in his work, the use of mosaics and the highly decorative style of his designs.

My Dad had recently been to Spain on holiday (and bought me a book on Gaudi as a gift)……he told me of seeing his work – I had to see it for myself. Years later – off I went to spend 7 weeks traveling the entire Spanish countryside. What an adventure! My favourite part of the trip would have to be the two weeks I spent in Barcelona – what a fantastic city and of course everywhere you look is Gaudi’s work. I was in heaven.

Two highlights I remember most are taking the photos above from the top of one of the towers at Sagrada Familia - the detail of the mosaic work is astounding considering that they are 170 metres high! And the hot summer night when I went to a Flamenco concert on the roof top of Casa Mila (La Pedrera) and sipped champagne and gazed across the city’s rooftops. The vibe was incredible. What an amazing man.

Frangelico

2009-07-20T17:43:00.001-07:00

It was my 23rd birthday and I was out on the town with those nearest and dearest to me – whooping it up and generally partying until the wee hours - as I was prone to doing way back then…….when one of my dear mates Dru bought me a ‘birthday drink’ to celebrate. It was one of his favourites and I had never tried it…..needless to say from the moment I had my first sip – I was smitten…..a shot of Frangelico on ice with lots of freshly squeezed lemon juice. What a treat!

Apparently the origins of Frangelico date back more than 300 years to the existence of early Christian monks living in the hills of Northern Italy. It is made by crumbling up hazelnuts and combining them with cocoa and vanilla. What a heavenly nectar!

Fornasetti Faces

2009-07-16T21:06:00.001-07:00

I can’t remember the first time I saw the face of Lina Cavalieri (a famous soprano who sang opposite the great tenor voices of the early 20th century in New York's Metropolitan Opera) but what I do remember is that I have never forgotten her face.

Neither did Piero Fornasetti (1913 - 1988) who I’m not sure ever met Cavalieri, but saw her face in a magazine, and apparently couldn't erase it from his mind. He just kept painting it - on no fewer than 500 of his design works.... my favourite of which are the plates – which at about $250 a pop stop me from having a wall of them…..instead I have this set of canvas’s that I picked up from a stall at the Shirt & Skirt Market years ago when it was in East St Kilda.

It was one of those moments where by from quite a distance away I spotted them and I was off….making a bee-line to claim them for my own. They now live on the mantle-piece in our living room and every time I walk into the room – Lina’s there, with her classic beauty and enigmatic smile.

Felt Beads

2009-07-08T17:20:00.001-07:00

My love affair with felt beads started with a necklace that my husband bought me for my birthday a few years ago. It is in varying tones of pink and orange interspersed with gorgeous glass lampwork beads and has been much worn and loved and commented on.

There is something so tactile and delicious about felt beads – I love the shapes and the texture and of course the colour! When I make my heart-felt necklaces I hand knot (with ribbon) the individual felt beads along with some gorgeous resin beads I have found in my travels.

Here are the basics of how to make your own felt beads……

What you’ll need:
- A little carded wool (called wool roving or wool top)
- A bowl of warm water with a little dish soap added
- A towel to protect the surface your working on

1. Start by pulling a little piece of fleece from your roving.
2. Wind the wool in a little ball shape like you would with yarn. Try to wind it tightly to avoid creating wrinkles in the finished bead. Your bead will shrink during the felting process so you have to start with a bead slightly bigger.
3. Dip your dry ball in the warm water and start rolling it gently between your palms like you would with a clay ball. As the bead starts to felt you can add a little more pressure. When your bead is firm and felted, and has reached the size you want rinse it well in cold water and let it dry.
4. To make oval shaped beads, just roll the bead flat between your palms instead of in a circular motion.

Happy felting!

Empire Line Dresses

2009-06-30T22:16:00.001-07:00

In an alternate reality, I would love to live a Pride & Prejudice life. A life where I could dress up (or be dressed) everyday in long swishy Empire Line dresses – made from the finest silks in the most delicate of colours. I would swan around my mansion, drinking tea, reading novels, playing the piano and hand sewing little embroidered hankies and the like.

Because (as I have previously confessed) I am short and pear shaped, I find Empire Line dresses to be very flattering, as they create the illusion of length and skim the body (or should I say hips…) in the loveliest way.

When I got married – I took the opportunity to work with a fabulous dress maker to realise my design. We chose the most beautiful pale pink silk and lined the dress with cream antique wedding kimono silk that I had been given in my twenties. The dress took on many of my favourite clothing design elements – a cross over top, an empire line, bell sleeves and generous layers of fabric.

We got married during the Winter Solstice in a dusk ceremony in the Sherbrooke forest in the Dandenong Ranges. It was absolutely freezing but such an amazing and quite theatrical ceremony and a perfect excuse for me to swan around in my Empire Line dress and play ‘lady’ for a night.