red felt flower

tomorrow...

2011-06-11T21:30:00.000+10:00

looking forward to getting out of the city for two golden hours...

rewind...

2011-06-01T22:00:00.015+10:00

may was a lovely month, filled with delightful happenings, let's start at the very beginning shall we?

it was such an honour to spend time with pia at the brisbane launch of my heart wanders...

i often feel that the word inspired has become over-used, but can truly say that i believe pia's beautiful book to be just that, to meet her has been a gift and to be present at a truly special afternoon, was a great joy!

my heart wanders is one of the most moving works i have come across in a very long time... for me, it's pages affirm that living a life of simple and quiet beauty is something to be cherished.

when so much around us is noise and spin, the authenticity of pia's voice and her life stand true and remind us that when you live by heart, anything is possible...

finders keepers...

2011-05-19T20:00:00.005+10:00

my bags are packed with our precious cargo, ready for finders keepers,

do stop by and say hello...

good things...

2011-04-17T09:00:00.008+10:00

working on a new collection of wait with my friend miss j, to be ready for finders keepers in sydney...

a new pot holder, one can never have too many right?

seeing my darling girl in this lovely top that we found at the vintage fashion fair, she's growing up!

other good things,

my heart wanders,

two golden hours

and eggs on 3191 today when i woke,

happy sunday!

girl friday...

2011-04-01T16:56:00.005+10:00

hello,

i don't know if i posted this photo before or not, but for the first time in ages (clearly) i felt like popping in here to say hi!

how are you?

i've been crocheting quite a lot which always makes me happy, tea cosies and coat hangers and doily necklaces mostly.

it's rainy here today, perfect for writing letters and cups of tea, i hope you are well and have a lovely weekend, perhaps i'll see you again soon...
xxx

merry christmas to all...

2010-12-25T00:00:00.001+10:00

this weekend...

2010-11-03T15:00:00.001+10:00

hello there,

just popping in to say that i am looking forward to being a paper boat press shop girl this weekend at the finders keepers, do stop by and say hi...

spring...

2010-10-30T12:00:00.005+10:00

i am happy to report that these days bring time for writing things down,

i can't think of a more perfect journal for now...

and so...

2010-09-21T18:30:00.017+10:00

it's been a long time coming,

a new life beckons,

today is the second day,

i'm not entirely sure,

just what is in store,

but i know without doubt,

that it is full of good things,

and i can't wait to begin in earnest...

{the tags tell the story, with thanks to miss j for the photos}

here...

2010-07-18T15:30:00.001+10:00

i think of you often...

today...

2010-05-29T11:00:00.001+10:00

i am so glad it is the weekend,

hoping to make cupcakes with pale pink icing and a cherry on top,

tomorrow we will search out autumn leaves...

hi...

2010-05-04T21:30:00.001+10:00

the first camellia of the season...

of fabric and paper...

2010-04-19T18:00:00.000+10:00

in late december, i saw bright star and it's first moments quite literally took my breath away. if you have a love of textiles and paper {and of course a wonderful story} then i am in no doubt that you will love this film.

in february, perfect folded valentines were on my mind. i found this pattern via design*sponge.

in april, the current issue of selvedge inspires me.

and speaking of fabric, my friend momo is having a pop up shop this saturday 24 april at the always lovely nook. i can't wait!

wishing you a delightful week friends...

the time of year...

2010-04-12T19:30:00.002+10:00

when i like to crochet,

well,

more than usual,

it seems much too hot in summer to be working on large pieces, i find myself busy with smaller projects {one can never have too many dishcloths right?}

now that the weather is turning cool these blankets are perfect to snuggle under while they are finally completed.

regular visitors will know all about the first one, the longest project in the history of craft blogs! you will be pleased to know it is so so nearly finished!

the second is pattern adapted from 300 crochet patterns {#20} it's a smaller size worked in cream cotton, i am currently adding a double crochet border and then it will be finished as well...

happy autumn!

shades of summer...

2010-03-23T18:30:00.002+10:00

did i mention i was thinking about taking a summer break from this space?

well i was
and i did
and it was lovely.

truth be told i didn't really mean to stay away so long but there's been the small matter of someone starting {and settling into} school, and all of us adjusting to a new routine.

i love autumn and the energy that the slightly cooler weather brings, but first let's lets bid goodbye to summer with a few snippets...

merry merry...

2009-12-25T11:00:00.001+10:00

just popping in to say hello, thank-you for your kind comments about our little project.

a few bits and pieces...

the new issue of peppermint magazine is out, it was my great pleasure to help out with the holiday wrapping feature and it's a lovely issue, look out for it at your local newsagent.

my dear friend jen has opened a gorgeous little store with some delightful pieces, do pop over and take a peep.

we have been getting a little bit festive, making garlands of hearts and birds using these sweet patterns, making christmas biscuits... coffee and hazelnut, almond crescents and cinnamon spice. the recipes were from david herbert in the weekend australian magazine a while back.

a few projects are close to being finished, it will be nice to have a couple of weeks to enjoy some quiet crafting and family time. so, that's it from me for now, thank-you for taking the time to stop by. have a lovely christmas friends, see you in the new year xxx

wait, part two...

2009-11-22T16:30:00.001+10:00

It has been a joy to work on this little project with my dear friend Kylie. We are looking forward to creating another collection in the new year...

wait...

2009-10-30T19:00:00.003+10:00

Here is little peep at some work I've been doing for a collaboration with my dear friend miss j. I wanted to create some special packaging and I'm thrilled with the result.

Our little project will make it's debut with paper boat press at the finders keepers tomorrow.

I'm so pleased it's Friday, have a lovely weekend...

hands down...

2009-10-25T17:00:00.003+10:00

I just finished reading "A Homemade Life"

It's one of those books that you just don't want to end.

I loved every page.

Friday afternoon seems to be my favourite time to spend time in the kitchen. This week it seemed only fitting to bake the cake.

Now I am rather partial to chocolate, and cake, and the two together make me very happy. This cake makes me giddy. A joy to make, it reminded me a little of a filling I used to make for chocolate tarts, only it's so much better. We served it with vanilla bean ice-cream and a lovely dessert wine from Witches Falls. If you are coming for dinner any time soon, chances are this will be on the menu because it's a keeper, hearts, minds, hands down, no contest...

messing about in boats...

2009-09-30T09:00:00.006+10:00

we had a lovely time on the mountain this past weekend,

wind in the willows, such a delight!

spending time in the garden,

and making fairy rings...

treasures...

2009-09-22T20:20:00.005+10:00

When I was a little girl, I loved peering into my Gran's china cabinet. The pieces there told lovely stories, both real and imagined. I'm lucky enough to have a small collection of my own now and packing and unpacking it recently I was transported back to those days. China tea-cups and plates, small pieces of crystal, old cookery books and jam jars, each piece has a special meaning.

These are some of my favourites...

may...

2009-09-21T11:00:00.003+10:00

in september,
from my walk this morning,
i love may...

gently...

2009-08-30T18:30:00.001+10:00

Well hello there, we have finally moved back home to what feels like a new house. It's been unusually hot in these parts so we are taking our time to unpack and it seems right to ease back into this space with a few snapshots.

I hope you are all well, see you again soon...

hi...

2009-07-24T15:40:00.003+10:00

busy times and dial-up do not a blogger make but things are moving along at the house and i hope to be back with you soon,

happy friday!

occasions past...

2009-06-26T20:30:00.001+10:00

These are pictures from a morning tea long ago, shades of white with a touch of blue, oaty fruit scones and coconut bread...

We are on the edge of the kindy holidays so i'm going to take a tiny break from this space. {just a little one, promise!}

Before I go, can i remind you how absolutely amazing spring hill fair still sounds, especially on a wet winter day,

of how beautiful Paris: Made by Hand is, really an inspiration...

and if you haven't seen it already, this picture just blows me away, especially large!

Okay, i'll see you here in a couple of weeks and if you keep an eye on flickr you might spot some kitchen action in between xxx

the last of the autumn leaves...

2009-06-19T20:00:00.002+10:00

Aren't they beautiful?

I know I promised you granny squares,

they are coming,

just after the tea cosy is finished...

scenes from a long weekend...

2009-06-10T16:00:00.002+10:00

It was a gorgeous weekend in these parts, birthday celebrations for my love and finally getting back to my granny blanket.

You know, the one I have been working on for a gazillion years.

I was all set to tackle the last lot of squares at Easter when I discovered that I had run out of cream cotton. The cream cotton that has become the backbone of this project. I'm well aware that this was meant to be a stash project and it should really matter which cream yarn I use. But I've come so far I just couldn't finish it in anything else but the yarn I started with.

I'm happy to tell you that the cotton arrived last Thursday.

Expect to be inundated with photos of granny squares, I've a list of colour combinations still to be tried and I'm determined to finish before Winter is over.

You have been warned...

sometimes...

2009-06-03T16:00:00.005+10:00

I forget to turn the pages of the calendar.

Clearly it's no longer March, though in some ways I wish it were... this year is speeding past a little to quickly for my liking. My head is full of thoughts about kitchens and bathrooms, none of them coherent enough to articulate just yet but I think we are making progress.

My friend Kia has her lovely applique kits available here. Such a satisfying project, I made one into a t-shirt for Miss A and it looks super cute on, especially with a lazy days skirt. I'm also keen to put them on drawstring bags for all the four & a half year old stuff that we seem to cart around these days.

I've a lot to do so must fly, see you soon!

a note... the pattern for the little mat is from an Ondori crochet book, isbn 9784277261333 and the calendar is o-check from Telegram Paper Goods.

by the sea shore...

2009-05-27T20:30:00.003+10:00

A little something made on a rainy Wednesday has safely reached it's destination...

A mobile made with shells, buttons, tiny seed pearl beads, linen ties, old silver trinket bits, a paper boat and crochet flower. Threaded with linen thread and attached to the inside ring of an embroidery hoop.

I was inspired for this project by Kristina's beautiful petit bateau kits and the lovely mobile in Meet Me At Mikes. If you haven't already acquainted yourself with this gorgeous book you quite simply must, it's fabulous!

Kitchen planning is progressing nicely with a major find this afternoon. Deserving of a post all it's own I think, back soon...

woof...

2009-05-13T11:00:00.003+10:00

Thank-you for your kind words about our new cushion. I seem to be in a finishing phase at present and I must say it's very satisfying. This little guy, a gift for my darling nephew {pattern from sock and glove} was finished a couple of weeks ago.

May is a big month for birthdays in our world, lots of friends and family celebrating so I have a few things on the go. We are also in the process of some serious planning for our kitchen renovation and are finding inspiration from some favourite books and are keenly watching the progress over at shelter.

It's a gorgeous day here, hope you are having a happy Wednesday, where ever you may be...

for quite some time...

2009-04-27T10:00:00.002+10:00

A pillow for kindy has been on my to-do list for quite some time. It was originally proposed to help get over a little hump, you know... the kind that pop up from time to time. And so drawings were made and fabrics selected {a combination of reds and pinks to keep us both happy} and they sat in a sweet little pile, for quite some time.

Until yesterday.

Taking inspiration from the pages of one of my favourite books and armed with the trusty notes from my lesson, {thanks t} I made a start. It's not properly quilted as time was of the essence at the end of the day, but I'm happy with the result and more importantly so is my kindy girl!

And the best part is that I know she will treasure it for quite some time...

hello there...

2009-04-24T17:00:00.004+10:00

Did you think i was falling into old habits again? I've been quite comfortable with my little weekly postings but found I got waylaid by kindy holidays and the mini mountains of boxes that have been arriving at the store! In any case I wanted to stop by to wish you all a happy weekend, leave you with a pretty picture or two and fingers crossed, will see you again next week...

a note... the paper cuts in the first photo are from a lovely japanese book by Yaguchi Kanako, isbn9784262152462.

good times...

2009-04-09T22:30:00.002+10:00

Last weekend I made biscotti for the very first time and find myself wondering why I haven't tried it before. Pistachio & Lemon, it's an adaptation of a recipe from a great book, Seasonal Kitchen by Michele Cranston and I'm planning to make another batch in the morning.

I've been saving Fun Fair for Miss A and we played last Sunday. This was one of my favourite childhood games and I'm thrilled to report that she loves it as much as I did. {and still do!}

And finally, I had grand plans to be finishing the blanket this weekend. Alas I've run out the cream yarn so it's not to be just yet. A smaller blanket is on the cards in the meantime. I'm using a design from a book of Japanese crochet patterns, and am pleased with how it's looking so far. I'll hopefully have more to show you next week.

Happy Easter & have a lovely weekend...

april...

2009-04-02T08:00:00.003+10:00

snippets...

2009-03-27T19:30:00.004+10:00

have a lovely weekend...

ps... seeing these made me smile today!

and still...

2009-03-16T17:00:00.006+10:00

the summer continues, {although it's technically autumn!}
this past weekend - raspberry & white chocolate muffins and a little bit of crochet,

a coaster for my work table {yarn from one of my favourite shops and pattern from this japanese craft book}

and in news for locals, pencils & prints are now in store...

quietly now...

2009-03-11T14:30:00.004+10:00

my table is clear, with space for new projects
making efforts anew to embrace a quieter existence
{a constant challenge, no?}
i love the idea that shanna posted about here...

on my morning walk i saw a man collecting papers that others had thoughtlessly discarded, surely a lesson for us all...

and to all a good night...

2008-12-24T23:00:00.002+10:00

it's late on christmas eve here, the gifts are all wrapped and ready under the tree and the table is laid for a family celebration...

thank-you all for taking the time to tell me about your holiday traditions, i so enjoyed reading your comments, the random number {out of a hat} was #15, the lovely lisa so the parcel of goodies will be on it's way to you in the soon my dear!

and so i bid you goodnight my friends and wish you the merriest of days, i'll see you in the new year xxx

wish...

2008-12-15T20:30:00.005+10:00

my little helper and i are having a lovely time preparing for christmas,
today we made bon-bons, filled with treats, bad jokes {i couldn't resist} and candy canes...

and i've just realised that this is my 200th post, fancy that! a little giveaway is in order i think, a surprise parcel of goodies to one randomly selected commenter,

do tell me about your favourite holiday tradition, i'll leave comments open until the end of the week and post out in the new year...

thankful...

2008-11-28T07:00:00.001+10:00

what a treat it was to assist miss j at her christmas show, so wonderful to catch up with friends and the work looked beautiful - there is a lovely wrap up from the girl herself here...

i had grand plans of hosting a thanksgiving celebration this weekend, in honour of our family who live in america and well because i like very much the idea of sharing a meal and being thankful. my plans have been scaled back somewhat {the end of the month has come so quickly}but i still hope we three will sit down to share a simple supper over the weekend, at very least i'm planning to make lena's pumpkin cranberry bread because it looks so good.

okay i must fly, i have a busy day of unpacking ahead of me,
happy friday dear friends...

a sneak peek...

2008-11-21T10:30:00.002+10:00

These are some little paper boat press stars that will be available at the christmas show, perfect for wrapping up those special treats...

It's been a very wild & wet week in these parts, we had a little bit of flooding at the store last night but it's nothing compared to what others are going through and we are so thankful to all be safe and sound.

I am looking forward to helping miss j at the show on sunday as it's always such a lovely day. I will take some pictures to show you next week, oh for that teleporter...

this sunday...

2008-11-20T06:00:00.001+10:00

paper boat press
christmas show

sunday 23rd november 10am – 2pm

st francis theological college
233 milton road, milton, brisbane.
(entrance via baroona road)

fly...

2008-11-19T07:30:00.009+10:00

Hello friends,
I wanted to give you some glimpses of my new work corner today...

It feels like forever since I've sat down at my table to write a card to a friend so to do that this morning gave me great delight...

and there's a lightness that's been a long time coming...

and more...

2008-11-18T07:30:00.001+10:00

snippets...

2008-11-17T07:30:00.002+10:00

edit...

2008-10-29T18:00:00.000+10:00

We are in the midst of a serious spring clean in these parts, so far it feels really good to be simplifying and sending things that we no longer need or use to better homes... and of course there's the added incentive of a nice tidy studio space to work in at the end of it all. That being said there are some things I'm just not ready to part with.

He wore this shirt when I fell in love with him
and of course,
it's staying,
i'm sentimental at heart...

more softies...

2008-10-08T15:30:00.002+10:00

It was such a thrill to see Blossom Bunny in Softies, so I was just as excited to be asked to contribute to More Softies which has just been released by Penguin Books.

I had been wanting to make Miss A her own Princess and the Pea playset, so developing a simplified pattern for the book provided the perfect opportunity to actually get one made... you know there is nothing like a deadline to get things moving along!

More Softies has lots of wonderful patterns designed by some very talented crafters. There is also a dedicated Softies website with bonus patterns, wallpapers and an album to upload picures of toys made from the books.

Do pop over and take a look, and please let me know if you happen to make your own Princess & the Pea...

lazy days...

2008-10-02T13:00:00.002+10:00

It's true! You really can make these before dinner, the lovely pattern from oliver + s is perfect for twirling, an activity that also happens around dinner time in these parts.

The first is made with a fabric that I can't remember the name of {from Patchwork on Central Park} and a striped grosgrain ribbon.

And one in red gingham with a super cute Shinzi Katoh trim {also from Patchwork on Central Park}

Have a happy weekend, see you next week...

scenes from a spring afternoon...

2008-10-01T15:30:00.001+10:00

We love to escape to the nearby mountain every now and then. On our last visit I was amazed to see the garden transformed, new growth all around.

I'm constantly inspired by my dear friends, one of them, Momo has opened a lovely little store on etsy...

I've lots of small projects in hand, taking each slowly and enjoying each moment. I look forward to sharing them with you in the coming weeks, thanks for stopping by.

bloom: day 5

2008-09-19T09:30:00.002+10:00

bloom: day 4

2008-09-18T07:30:00.000+10:00

bloom: day 3, another spring...

2008-09-17T10:30:00.004+10:00

bloom: day 2

2008-09-16T07:30:00.000+10:00

bloom: day 1

2008-09-15T10:30:00.000+10:00

bloom...

2008-09-12T15:30:00.006+10:00

As much as I love the wonders that the internet brings to our daily lives I have to say that nothing beats sitting down with a book and finding inspiration in it's pages. Green Crafts for Children by Emma Hardy is our latest...

Miss A and I have had a lovely time choosing projects from this book to make for family and friends, marking the relevent pages with our new Poppies for Grace sticky notes. It came as no surprise that topping the list are the cardboard sandals {apparently we are making the purpley ones}

So far we have made some little peg dolls to join our wonderful ones made by Momo and this morning we had a lovely time picking spring flowers from the garden for pressing. Didn't you love pressing flowers when you were little, I did, especially pansys... my Gran always had them in her garden, pansys and snapdragons.

Of course, now I'm being asked every five minutes if the flowers are ready?

It really is far too beautiful a day to be inside, we are heading back outside to enjoy the late afternoon sunshine. Spring is here in this part of the world and next week I think we might celebrate with beautiful blooms all week...
I'll see you then, have a happy weekend!

village...

2008-07-21T19:30:00.004+10:00

the winter show {held just over a week ago now} was a lovely day. it's always so inspiring to spend time with my sweet and talented friends
kia, erin and kylie j,

here's a little peep at the girls' beautiful work...

i've put together a flickr set with photos of the day, so do pop over and have a look, thank-you to everyone who came along and helped to make the day so special...

inspiration & glimpses...

2008-07-08T18:15:00.004+10:00

winter...

2008-07-07T09:00:00.004+10:00

just popping in to let you know about this lovely little show taking place next

sunday 13 july 2008
11am until 3pm
at

st francis theological college
233 milton road, milton
(entrance on baroona road)

i'm working on a few bits and pieces

and my dear friends kylie, erin, and kia will be showing their wonderful work

do stop by for a visit and a cup of tea...

a rainy day...

2008-05-30T11:10:00.003+10:00

and i'm home with a cold, curled up on the couch with my crochet,

i've got lots on the go at the moment {which is probably how i ended up with the cold in the first place}

so this little guy will have to wait a bit longer to be completed...

miss a loves looking at sock and glove and requested the rabbit {you know it's impossible to resist when they ask you to make them something} but for now i'm heading back to the couch,

happy weekend friends...

really...

2008-05-16T09:43:00.002+10:00

i would be totally happy just crocheting little flowers all day... to tie on presents, this is for my sister, happy birthday sweet girl, you're the best xxx

flower pattern from lacy crochet

delicious...

2008-05-10T17:41:00.005+10:00

Lemon that is...

I made my first on Friday night and I can't believe it took me so long.

I've really no excuse, although I must confess to tending to avoid things that require whisked egg whites, I've no idea why.

I used the recipe from this book which I've been using a lot lately, it really is so good. I'm working my way through many things that I've always wanted to perfect {baked cheesecake} or try for the first time {would you believe roast chicken?}

I know I have my gran's recipe for lemon delicious tucked away somewhere. She worked as a cook in nursing homes for many years so I know her recipe will be perfect for when I need to make lemon delicious for 40 people instead of 4. It's because of her that I still use my trusty old electric hand beater, the kitchen tool she always used... the one that always fills me with nostalgia everytime I fish it out of the cupboard.

That's the thing I love about being in the kitchen, that feeling of connection with my gran, with my mum and my sister as we share a recipes and advice, and with my daughter who stands beside me on the stool to help.

So the lemon delicious was really good,

perfect in fact for a cool autumn night.

I'll certainly be making it again

soon,

maybe to serve after a dinner that's been made in this...

Thank-you all for your advice,

I'm a lucky girl...

random...

2008-05-06T07:25:00.006+10:00

hello there, this is me {apparently}

some other things you might not have known,

i'm not this colourful in real life {i tend to wear a lot of black}

i'd forgotten how easy it is to post to the blog {obviously, given the length of time since i last wrote}

the truth is i'm not quite sure about this blogging caper at the moment.

and i think i'm a better person when i'm not spending so much time on the computer.

but i still like pottering about on flickr {it just seems easier somehow}

i haven't read a book {not counting cookbooks} for a long time, the last one was "the history of love" {which i loved}

i really need to change that, any suggestions?

would you believe that i went to ikea on friday and came home without buying anything!!!

we are thinking about renovating our kitchen, friends refer to our current one as "classic"

i dream of owning a piece of le creuset {cream i think} but i'm not sure about what size to get... again, any recomendations would be appreciated.

is that seven things? actually its ten, not sure if they are random enough but there you go, thanks to ellie {originally, ages ago} and nicole {more recently} for the tag, i got there...

{eventually}

counting squares and stars...

2008-02-01T04:35:00.001+10:00

or "the post that just wasn't meant to be"

i've had a post kicking around about the blanket for quite some time, you know the kind... blogger gets hungry and gobbles it up and then the lovely links you had to go with it disappear as well {and you know... now they are kind of not so new anymore} suffice to say, the blanket is coming along slowly but surely, i'm sure i would be further along if i didn't spend so much time stacking them up and playing around with possible layouts but it's part of the fun, no?

i'm thrilled to be going along to the launch of this beautiful book tonight
{i've had a sneak peak and can tell you it's amazing}

we are also hosting a book signing at the shop next weekend, please contact me... redfeltflower(at)gmail(dot)com if you would like details about the event.

crossing fingers that this post won't get eaten too,

happy weekend friends!

instinct and grace...

2008-01-20T23:52:00.000+10:00

for those of you would like to know more about the wonderful work of my dear friend miss j, do go over to visit her at instinct and grace, you'll be sure to find inspiration and beauty there and don't forget to say hello...

eve...

2007-12-24T13:02:00.000+10:00

it's here,

wishing you days of joy and beauty dear friends...

getting festive, part three...

2007-12-13T07:44:00.001+10:00

getting festive, part two...

2007-12-10T08:02:00.000+10:00

getting festive...

2007-11-19T07:36:00.000+10:00

I started to feel a little bit festive on the weekend and started to think about wrapping for our gifts this year. While I was making these tags I started to think about my wish list... all those things I'd like to do to make the festive season special. I love the idea of delivering presents in linen tote bags this year, library bags for the little ones and shoppers for the grown ups. I'm also looking forward to making some decorations with Miss A and {of course} a spot of baking. No doubt the list will be edited as Christmas approaches but right now seeing a tick beside tags is making me happy...

delightful things...

2007-11-14T20:59:00.001+10:00

on again this saturday 17 november 2007
9am - 2pm
delightful things direct from the artists

st francis theological college
233 milton road, milton
(entrance via baroona road)

umbrella collective

learning to love yellow...

2007-10-11T13:30:00.000+10:00

after lunch...

2007-10-07T17:23:00.001+10:00

list...

2007-10-05T09:58:00.000+10:00

oh week, where did you go?

there are so many things I wanted to tell you about...

like how I love taking polaroid photos of the sky,

about how exciting it is to be in this book {a post of it's own soon I hope},

and how we went strawberry picking and made strawberry jam,

and how I love these gorgeous cards from the talented and delightful tiel,

about the summer bed,

and spring magazines,

good things...

piled...

2007-09-30T16:40:00.001+10:00

Hello friends,
I do hope you have had the loveliest of weekends.
As always, I have lots to catch up on in this space, hopefully this week!
{fingers crossed}
See you soon...

what was left...

2007-09-24T21:22:00.000+10:00

How lucky we are to celebrate these first days of spring with wonderful new friends... we have had a lovely day filled with pretend picnics, painting, peas in a pod and mulberries from Momo's garden.

Simple pleasures...

she sells sea shells...

2007-09-19T10:43:00.000+10:00

by the sea shore...

and spring begins...

2007-09-12T09:00:00.000+10:00

I thought it was high time i popped in to say hello.

Don't you just love the promise of a new season? I do, the garden at the mountain house is filled with wild violets and tiny snowdrops, the scent of jasmine is not far away. At my back door the lime tree is filled with new shoots and blossom buds, it's time to fill the basket for a picnic and go outside to play...

now we are three {almost}

2007-07-05T20:12:00.001+10:00

reorganising miss a's room has been on my to-do list for some time now,
you can see that the granny squares blanket is not actually finished, but i'm halfway there...

the solution in the meantime is a rather sweet and worn bought quilt,
add some pieces from ikea {have i mentioned how i love ikea}and it's starting to come together...

and i figure you are never too young to start an inspiration wire,

so it's back to the granny squares, more room pictures here...

happy friday!

thursday...

2007-06-07T18:25:00.000+10:00

{on a wednesday}

2007-06-06T12:15:00.000+10:00

it's a lovely rainy morning, perfect for magazines and music...

and melt & mix in my favourite blue striped bowl...

inspired today by orange with touches of blue,
what a lot of fun there is to be had...

{on a wednesday}

and

vessel wednesday

friday...

2007-06-01T10:00:00.000+10:00

I must confess that I'm struggling with this not so little blanket. It's probably something to do with the riot of colours and having to surrender to what I think should be the random nature of it {for it to have a truly vintage look and feel} In any case I'm pressing on because I'm enjoying having a little bag of crochet always at my side. I'm comforted by the rhythm of the stiches and I like the overall effect when I blur my eyes, and really overall effect is where I'm at with this one so it's all good.

thursday...

2007-05-31T18:22:00.000+10:00

wednesday...

2007-05-30T10:51:00.000+10:00

among my most cherished vessels, poetry pieces by kylie johnson,
more vessels here...

tuesday...

2007-05-29T15:30:00.000+10:00

monday...

2007-05-28T20:29:00.000+10:00

sunday...

2007-05-27T14:03:00.000+10:00

a week of days...

2007-05-26T14:46:00.000+10:00

I try to take at least one photo every day, the act of which cements a moment in my mind. The way the light falls, the memory an object conjures.

Of meaning to me and yet open to interpretation in a wider space.

This is Saturday...

hooked...

2007-05-18T09:58:00.000+10:00

there are lots of things i should be doing, instead i am working on something a bit like this (after being reminded about this wonderful book)

hopefully it will be just perfect on this...

and when i'm not doing that, i'm spending time here (via momo)
and here (via port2port)

and hoping for a rainy weekend...

moment...

2007-04-25T10:00:00.000+10:00

vessel wednesday...

2007-04-18T22:30:00.000+10:00

a late entry- japanese teacup, beautiful to hold and lovely to drink from...

tuesday...

2007-04-17T19:05:00.000+10:00

movement...

2007-04-11T08:20:00.000+10:00

was it really a good idea to start clearing out the garage at 5.00 on Monday afternoon??? well, it's a start... you can see I've made progress in the kitchen, i do love to see the plates stacked up. (can you spot the ikea?)

we spent yesterday with the delightful daughters of a dear friend... miss a adores these girls, and you know i had a great time supervising the baking,

and throwing together some last minute souvenirs of our crafty day...

and because it's wednesday,

revisiting this image of my favourite japanese bowls, it's the largest of a set of three and i usually keep them nestled together on our dining table...

more often than not they are, by the end of the day filled with this and that, a snapshot of our day...

and now back to the clean up,

i might be a while...

good friday...

2007-04-07T08:00:00.000+10:00

egg dyeing in the afternoon,

the details,

happy easter...

morning light...

2007-04-06T09:00:00.000+10:00

autumn...

2007-04-05T08:30:00.000+10:00

our days are still decidedly warm, but finally there is a crispness in the air and the april/may issue of donna hay magazine to savour over a cup of tea and cake...

wednesday...

2007-04-04T14:30:00.000+10:00

finally making a post in time for vessel wednesday,

over the last couple of years little groupings of vessels have been growing around our home, this one from the seam collection by anne black...

daily details...

2007-03-16T09:32:00.001+10:00

a custom packaging order...

our turn to craft at playgroup, paper bag owls from kids craft weekly,
the colours and textures here a reflection of an as yet undocumented quilt, with fabrics from Prints Charming purchased on my delightful shopping trip with the gorgeous girls from 6.5st, thanks al...

and a tiny corner of my home to end the week, for now my version of the inspiration wire (a real one coming soon i hope) i love to change this little spot each month inspired by mav's beautiful letterpress...

...further to the Green & Blacks discussion, rennae mentioned in the comments that she had seen it at coles and indeed it does appear to be available at the couple stores i checked, all in the name of research of course...

the buying season, part two...

2007-02-23T07:50:00.000+10:00

update... I mostly get my Green & Blacks from the food section of David Jones Department Store, they seem to have a good range most of the time...

the buying season...

2007-02-22T07:51:00.000+10:00

At the end of this week I will be making one of two buying trips that I make each year. As you can imagine, these trips are one of the highlights of my job and it's great fun... and a lot of work.

I love that there are so many elements that go into making a buying trip successful. That some of these elements I can control and others I can't.

This post by Alison got me thinking about the hidden aspects of my work. About how the work I do before a trip is integral to the final outcome. I've also been thinking how similar the process is to that of making a piece by hand. It starts with an idea, a pattern of sorts, is informed by many outside influences, the old and the new. Although I have a vision of what the final work might look like, in reality it will probably be quite different... but the threads of the original design will still be evident.

The hidden work begins for me at the beginning of January, thinking about the season that has just passed... about what we did well, about where we can improve. Thinking about colour and form and trends, about what our interpretation of these things might be. Making notes in my little books about desired items, textures and ideas, visual signposts for the journey that will follow.

And on the ground the seen work begins, absorbing the vision of others, putting together orders, making actual selections for the season ahead. Trusting my instincts. Balancing the essentials with an element of surprise. Making sure I find the things I know for certain that we need, the things that our customers expect to see. And all the time watching for the unexpected because it is these pieces that help us create a story that's all our own.

And, if I'm lucky, I'll finish in time to go shopping...

on friday...

2007-02-16T14:43:00.000+10:00

Lately I am captivated by the thought of living life slowly, with simplicity and intention. So when this book arrived at the shop yesterday, I couldn't resist!

Skye Gyngell writes so beautifully about cooking with the seasons, her words and recipes are an inspiration. And it's the little details that I love about this book... it's perfect size, the matte finish of the pages, the three ribbon page markers (yes three!), the extraordinary photos and the fact that it looks so wonderful on our dining table with my Shannon Garson bowls...

A year in my kitchen by Skye Gyngell and photography by Jason Lowe is published by Quadrille (isbn184400337x)

six things...

2007-02-10T17:01:00.000+10:00

The lovely Liana tagged me to reveal six things not yet mentioned about myself, i was so relieved that it wasn't the weird things meme and that i wouldn't have to discuss the matching pegs...

So here goes (apologies to those of you who already know these things.)

#1 I used to sing in a band, fleetingly, seems like such a long time ago now. I have always loved to sing and one of my greatest childhood experiences was being part of a school choir. Our teacher was so wonderful and she imparted such a love of music to us all, it was a great gift.

#2 On the rare occasions that I am home on my own, I like to listen to my favourite music really really loud. The last time it was Stereolab "Mars Audiac Quintet"

#3 We have a fledgling collection of Dinosaur Designs pieces. I've always been a fan, stamp-boy was convinced after we visited the retrospective together a few years ago.

#4 I'm not a morning person. 3191 makes me wish I was.

#5 Last year I was on the local news in a story about the benefits of counselling for young women with breast cancer. I can't say enough about how counselling sessions helped me to cope with my experiences in the last year. I have learned things that will guide me for the rest of my life.

#6 One of the reasons the blog has been so quiet of late is that we are quite busy toilet training Miss A. It's going very well but I feel like I'm at the potty every five minutes! The big-girl bed is next, our baby is growing up!

You can see that I got some of Liana's wonderful vintage knitting needle bracelets for Christmas, love love wearing these!

Happy weekend friends!