the red thread

Simplify

2012-01-09T22:41:00.002+11:00

I'm a bit late to the party aren't I? Most bloggers are back in the swing of things already. I hope you had a wonderful break and happy new year! Hello twenty twelve... for me the year of living with less.

Since selling our house in early December I've been thinking a lot about simplifying my life by streamlining my belongings. Going from a 3 bedroom house to a (probably small) 2 bedroom apartment will require some downsizing anyway. But more than that I want to get rid of "stuff". A big thing for me is also making a fresh start for Roxy and I, and I want to do that without feeling weighed down by our current furniture.

After much consideration I've decided to sell my two beloved stripy chairs. I adore them, but I need to let go and move on. ~~Would you like to buy them?~~ Sorry, the chairs have been snapped up already! They are Art Deco 1930's/40's chairs which I had professionally restored. The timber has been beautifully restored and looks amazing, and the fabric is gorgeous French cotton canvas from ici et la. ~~If you are interested please email me with STRIPY CHAIRS in the subject line. We are in Lane Cove, Sydney and the chairs would have to be collected by 28th January.~~

photos by Lucy Feagins, The Design Files

Also up for grabs is a lovely and practical Art Deco sideboard. I'm not sure what the timber is, but it's possibly maple? It really is a great example of deco furniture in original condition, with fantastic original deco handles. There is a mirror-backed display section, and lots of storage. Interested? Email me with SIDEBOARD in the subject line. As with the chairs it would have to be collected by 28th January.

I'm hoping to be organised enough to have an online garage sale in the next couple of weeks to sell out some of my products at substantially reduced prices, as well as Gocco supplies, design and craft books, and other bits and pieces. There'll probably also be small furniture pieces like mid century stools, so stay tuned.

In the meantime, I'm sorting, packing and simplifying.
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See you in January!

2011-12-23T14:27:00.003+11:00

I am so looking forward to starting a new year... 2012 is going to be grand! Stay safe, enjoy your holidays and I'll see you in early January.

love, Lisa
x

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New Roxy Longsocks Faces

2011-12-23T14:03:00.002+11:00

I've just added some new Roxy Longsocks face panels to my shop. I named Roxy Longsocks after my Roxy, so it seems fitting that one of the faces looks like her.

There doesn't seem to be much choice around if you're looking for a doll with an Asian face, so at least now you have the option to make one... or some. The other new face has green eyes, so now you can choose to make your own Roxy Longsocks with dark Asian eyes, blue eyes, green eyes, or brown eyes.

The Pattern Kits, and individual faces are all available in my shop now. Some crafting for the holidays perhaps?
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Roxy's quilt

2011-12-19T14:21:00.001+11:00

I managed to put together another block for Roxy's quilt on the weekend. At this rate I'll have it finished by 2020.

Our Gingerbread House

2011-12-19T13:41:00.002+11:00

Roxy has been obsessed with two things this Christmas: singing Deck the Halls over and over again, and making a gingerbread house.

There was much excitement and singing as we looked for a recipe, drew the templates, planned the decoration and shopped for the ingredients.

So yesterday, while we sang Deck the Halls we baked the gingerbread, and this morning - while we sang Deck the Halls - we put it together and decorated it. For a first ever attempt it turned out OK. Roxy was in charge of deciding how we decorated it (I had to let go and breath deeply and let her do it!) and I was in charge of applying the icing "glue" so she could attach the sweets.

I think she did a pretty excellent job. I love the little gate! All that is left to do is sift icing sugar snow over the top.

Half way through we had a bit of an engineering disaster when half of one side of the roof fell off! (you can see in the photos that the roof is shorter on the left hand side) It seems like it was too laden with freckle shingles and icing glue. So we now have a house with eaves on one side but not on the other.

Things I have learnt:
- you can never have too much icing or too many sweets (according to Roxy)
- make the roof pieces smaller next time
- buy a CD of Christmas songs. variation is good.
- for the base, cover a chopping board with foil instead of using cardboard which isn't so sturdy and can cause the equivalent of an earthquake when you try to move it.

We've decided to make it a new tradition and make a gingerbread house each year. Do you make them? I have a question... Christmas day is still nearly a week away, how do you store it? I've wrapped ours up in cellophane, but I'm unsure whether it's going to stay fresh. Have we made it too early? Should we have a pre-Christmas gingerbread tea party instead of waiting until "the day'?

Deck the halls with boughs of holly,
Fa la la la la la la la la...

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Christmas is coming

2011-12-16T00:09:00.001+11:00

The weeks leading up to Christmas are mad aren't they? I've been at the post office sending orders every day for the past few weeks and the queue is out the door no matter what time or what day I go. I did most of my gift buying online and now I'm waiting on the postie and couriers every day hoping that things will arrive in time for Christmas. But of course there are always more to things buy and I'll have to brave the shops - and the car parks - sometime soon. School broke up today for the 6 week summer holidays. So many things are being left undone...

I'm doing a spot of late night web browsing and I've just had a look at my Google Reader and got a bit ruthless and deleted 86 of the 190 blogs that were in there. I was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed by the 1000+ unread posts that seemed to be always waiting for me. I remember some time ago Pip deleted everything in her Reader and started again. Inspiring. Scary. I don't think that I'm brave enough to do that just yet! How's your Reader looking?

I just saw these lovely photos on Sania Pell's blog and the pops of fluro caught my eye. And because I haven't done anything terribly creative in terms of Christmas yet I thought I'd share this inspiration with you.

I love the idea of painting baubles, and especially swirling paint inside them (like in the photo below). So simple and stunning. I'm a sucker for Christmas decorations and usually go a bit nuts each year after Christmas when they are seriously marked down. I'm going to buy some clear glass baubles this time with a view to trying the swirly paint idea for next year.

... And fluro pops on berries and flowers. Gorgeous.

All images via Sania Pell.
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Tree, line

2011-12-13T21:12:00.001+11:00

Wonderful installation art, or 'site specific interventions in the landscape' by Zander Olsen.

Found via Poppytalk via Free People.

Christmas Gifts for Kids

2011-12-12T13:54:00.001+11:00

The folks at the Finders Keepers blog asked me to compile a list of Christmas gift picks for children and if you pop over there you'll also find top picks from other Australian designers/makers. I bought the cute rabbit family mirrors for Roxy from Scoops Design at Finders Keepers market the other weekend... but they are an early house warming present, not a stocking filler. "Early" because she already has them and we don't even know where we are moving to yet (7 weeks left)!

How's your Christmas shopping going?

I'm not sure why they lists all say "spring"... am I missing something?

Sold :: Before and Afters

2011-12-08T21:11:00.001+11:00

We sold our house last weekend.

Although it's a great home and I love it here it's time to move on. I'm looking forward to a new start in a new home for Roxy and I - it will be much smaller, and will be an apartment rather than a house, but it will be home. I'm excited about it actually - having a new space to furnish and decorate! I'm hoping to find something that needs a complete renovation that I can make my own. I'll let you know what happens.

But in the meantime I was looking back at how the house looked when we bought it 6 years ago. I thought you might like to see the before and afters. First I have to make something clear... the furniture in the before shots is not mine, I took the photos before the previous owners moved out.

The front of the house before and after. The first thing we did when we moved in was pull out the hodge podge of plants and plant a much more formal garden. I love trimming the hedges and keeping them all neat and square (my Virgoan tendencies showing themselves!). We also painted over the heritage green, burgundy and cream with a dark chocolate/aubergine-hard-to-describe-colour, dark grey and an off white. (After shot: Ray White, Lane Cove)

The back garden before and after. Again, everything is much neater and the pergola was painted. Although our garden is small by Australian standards it's been all we've needed and I'm really going to miss it.

The back of the house before and after. (After shot: Ray White, Lane Cove)

The living room before and after. The interiors were painted a bright white and the timber doors were painted gloss white, and the rest just comes down to furniture and styling. (Bottom image: Ray White, Lane Cove)

The living room looking back towards the kitchen. As well as painting we replaced the ugly laundry door.

The bathroom. The top right photo is the before shot - the walls were pink and there was a strip of burgundy tiles as well as five diamond shaped tiles featuring various sea creatures. The top left image is a half way photo - the painting was done, but the old mirror and fluorescent light were still in place. We couldn't afford to renovate the bathroom so we painted the walls in a beautiful colour called 'donkey', replaced the mirror, installed a frameless shower screen, painted the window frame white, and painted over the coloured feature tiles.

The front room of the house, before and after. Can I tell you again, that the furniture in the before photos isn't mine ! We lifted the tired old carpet in the front of the house to find beautifully polished floorboards that had never been walked on. Bonus. Together the gleaming floor, new timber blinds, light fitting and a coat of paint gave this room (my studio/office) a huge lift. We retained the original timber features of the front of the house. The ceilings are patterned too which adds to the character. (After shot: Ray White, Lane Cove)

So as you can see we didn't do a big expensive renovation job, but managed to bring the house to life with a new coat of paint, some minor changes and an injection of colour. I do have to add that the look of the house has changed a lot in the last 18 months since I've been the only one who was making the decisions. As one of my friends commented "girly fabric heaven"! (which is much more evident in the lounge room and bedroom)
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Roxy Longsocks

2011-12-06T16:58:00.001+11:00

How beautiful are these Roxy Longsocks dolls... and the photos! The colours just pop. Marina tested the pattern for me and took these lovely photos of her sweet Miss Wink in the garden with Roxy Longsocks x 2. You can see from these shots just how big Roxy Longsocks is.

If you're looking for some sweet and simple clothes to make for little girls take a look at Marina's (Wink Designs) lovely sewing patterns. Roxy has one of the Wrap-Up skirts and loves it. It's perfect for little girls because it looks like a wrap skirt but has a practical elasticised waist. Visit Wink Designs on Etsy for Marina's pdf patterns.

Roxy Longsocks Pattern Kits are available in my online shop.
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Loving This...

2011-12-03T21:37:00.001+11:00

Man in the Moon poster from Mokkasin.

The Design Files Open House

2011-12-02T11:00:00.001+11:00

Are you in Melbourne? What are you up to this weekend? If you're interested in Australian design and up for a bit of shopping (ah, that would be me except that I'm in Sydney!) then don't miss The Design Files Open House.

Lucy Feagins, author of the Australian design blog The Design Files has pulled together an amazing four day event. Based in a stunning home in Fitzroy, The Design Files Open House is filled with wonderful furniture, homewares, art, books and so much more including a cool Mini in the garage - and all of it is for sale. There are even chefs cooking up a storm in the kitchen each day, including Rohan Anderson today. Lucy is all about championing Australian design and this is a genius idea to showcase the work of local designers and artists. I know it has been a huge task for Lucy to pull off, but she's done it and it looks amazing. (That's Lucy in the mustard pants below right enjoying a glass of bubbles at the opening.)

All photos by John Deer for The Design Files

The Design Files Open House is a pop up shopping experience that is only open for 4 days - until Sunday. You can find all the details here. If, like me, you can't make it there all the items will be available online from Monday. The link will be on Lucy's blog no doubt, so see you there.

For more images from the opening night preview go to The Design Files.

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A KatyJane kind of Christmas

2011-11-28T19:18:00.001+11:00

The creative team at KatyJane have come up with some gorgeous things for Christmas this year. I particularly love their advent calendar stickers. They are such a great idea that allows you to be creative with how you use them... on little glossy red boxes or envelopes, on kraft paper bags, and they'd be perfect for my advent calendar tutorial!

KatyJane also has sweet gift tags and everything you need to wrap and trim your gifts to perfection this Christmas. Take a look at their online shop and let's support local Australian small businesses rather than the big box stores this festive season.

Festive Craft Kits back in stock

2011-11-28T18:37:00.001+11:00

I'm happy to tell you that Festive Craft Kits in red and aqua are available in my shop again. Christmas is creeping up and these fabric craft kits are a versatile quick project to make or to gift. You can use the panels to make ornaments, or on Christmas stockings, for lavender sachets, in a patchwork project, or whatever else you fancy.

Over the past week when I've been begged to watch Rio, Barbie, Horton Hears a Who, or something else that has been on high rotation in my house I've been doing a little embroidery.

Have you been able to sneak in a little Christmas crafting?

Festive Craft Kits are available here.
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Inspiration :: Poh Ling Yeow

2011-11-25T13:50:00.001+11:00

I've been a huge fan of Australian artist Poh Ling Yeow's work for years... way before her MasterChef fame. You can see one of my previous posts about her work here. So I was more than excited when Poh emailed me recently to tell me about her exhibition that's currently on at Hill Smith Gallery in Adelaide. We emailed back and forth for some time and she's so lovely. Poh told me that despite her cook books, TV shows and everything else that comes with the MasterChef success she'll never stop being a fine artist. When you look at her work you can see why - she has such a talent and her art must be an intrinsic part of who she is. How amazingly beautiful is this painting?!

I love everything about Poh's art from her beautiful dry brush technique that creates such wonderful graduations of tone and colour to the lovely soulful Chinese girl she paints. (Poh refers to her as "the girl", and she reminds me a lot of my girl, especially that exquisite mouth.) Most of Poh's work is an exploration of her identity as a Chinese Australian, which of course resonates with our family too. I've vowed that by the time Poh next exhibits in Sydney I'm going to be first in line to purchase one of her paintings. I've wanted to for years, and I think I deserve it, I've had such a crappy time in the last couple of years. I'm saving my pennies!

Images: Hill Smith Gallery

If you're in Adelaide go and visit the Hill Smith Gallery and see Poh's work in person. It truly is breathtaking.

As an aside, I just googled 'Poh ling Yeow' to see if there were any specific links to her culinary life and among the top google suggestions were "Poh Ling Yeow boyfriend" and "Poh Ling Yeow married"... I think there must be a lot of interest from the blokes out there! There's a great interview here if you're interested and she also has a blog which is related to Poh's Kitchen, her TV show.
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Kids' Crafternoon Books Giveaway Winners

2011-11-21T21:49:00.001+11:00

Comment numbers drawn at random...

Dee and Lesley email me with your details and I'll forward them on to Hardie Grant who will send out your books. Thanks to everyone who entered.

x
lisa

Sculpture by the Sea

2011-11-18T15:25:00.001+11:00

On Tuesday I went on a school excursion with Roxy's class to Sculpture by the Sea, which is celebrating it's fifteenth year. It's such a wonderful Sydney thing to do: stroll around the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk checking out all the fantastic art (there's over 100 works by Australian and international artists). It finishes this weekend, so if you can brave the weekend crowds and often aggressive joggers it's really worth going along.

Check out the official Sculpture by the Sea website for far better photos than mine!
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LOVING :: skinny laminx flower fields

2011-11-14T21:46:00.001+11:00

Love love love this new fabric from Heather Moore of skinny laminx.

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Kids Crafternoon Books Giveaway

2011-11-14T13:22:00.001+11:00

Back in July I posted about the first two books in the Kids' Crafternoon series that I contributed projects to: Sewing and Papercraft. The second two books - Felting and Beading - have just been released and I'm kicking off the blog tour today.

These books are a wonderful resource chock full of fun projects aimed at school-aged children, and even better, the projects are designed for the kids to make with minimal supervision. The series is edited by Kathreen Ricketson of Whip Up fame and are published by Hardie Grant. For the previous blog tour I interviewed Kathreen about kids and creativity - I loved what she had to say. You can read it here.

Over the weekend Roxy and I decided to make the Stitched Jewels from the Felting book. We made a brooch and a variation on the pendant, making ours into a tiny bag that Roxy put her precious rose quartz into. It was a fun and fast project which Roxy really enjoyed and she was thrilled with her pendant bag.

I was honoured to be asked to contribute to these beautiful books again and I loved creating the projects, especially the Zombie Critter Charms:

OK, the giveaway part... Hardie Grant have generously offered to give you guys the chance to win a copy of the new Kids' Crafternoon Felting and Beading books. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post by Monday 21st November. There will be 2 winners - each will receive the book of their choice, either Felting or Beading. As the books are being sent direct from the publisher this giveaway is open to Australian residents only.

If you'd like to purchase your own copy of the Kids' Crafternoon books they are available from Booktopia. They'd make a wonderful Christmas gift, and not just for girls - there are lots of projects in the books that crafty boys will enjoy.

You can catch the rest of the book blog tour here:

15 Nov - soozs big adventure
16 Nov - mmmcrafts
17 Nov - // Between the lines //
18 Nov - Christine Chitnis
19 Nov - Chez Beeper Bebe
20 Nov - The Happy Zombie
21 Nov - a work in progress
22 Nov - loveinthemummyhood
23 Nov - jcasa handmade
24 Nov - picklebums
25 Nov - modern parents messy kids
26 Nov - little eco footprints
27 Nov - li'l magoolie
28 Nov - ohdeedoh
29 Nov - Simple Kids
30 Nov - sadie and lance
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Giveaway Winners

2011-11-13T19:21:00.001+11:00

The winners of the Christmas Craft giveaway are:

In the spirit of the festive season I decided to give everyone who entered one iron on motif each... so if you email me with your postal address I'll send you a motif that I'll select at random. If you have an absolute fave let me know and I'll see what I can do. But no promises.

The 'real' winners, who were chosen at random are:

Email me with your postal address and let me know your selection Debra and Margaret and I'll get your goodies out to you. Refer back to the original post for your choices.

Thanks for entering! I have another crafty giveaway tomorrow. Stay tuned.
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Introducing Roxy Longsocks

2011-11-11T11:30:00.001+11:00

I'd like you to meet my newest creation: Roxy Longsocks.

Following Roxy's disappointment that I didn't name any of my Sweetie Petites after her I made a promise that something even more special would share her name. And she now agrees that it was worth the wait!

Roxy Longsocks has a sweet face and those long dangly legs that kids seem to love. You can make the Springtime version or the Wintertime one with her scarf, coat, hoddie and mittens. I'll have to take a photo of Roxy holding her doll to show you because it's a lovely big size: about 66cm, or 25.5 inches.

The Pattern Kit (available now in my shop) contains a sewing pattern and printed fabric face panel. It also has a pattern for you to make your own fabric and felt faces. Additional faces, which are printed on cotton linen blend are available for purchase too. Currently I have blue eyes and brown eyes in stock, and faces with green eyes will be available before the end of the month. Unlike the Ooshkas, these faces don't have hair, so you get to choose the colour and pattern of her hair from your fabric stash.

To celebrate Roxy Longsocks' arrival you can buy the Pattern Kit for 20% off from my online shop for the next week only. Just put in the code "Roxy20" to receive the discount. Offer ends Friday 18th November.

The Pattern Kit should also be available in select fabric quilting shops in Australia and New Zealand early next year.

I had so much fun designing and creating this doll and I'm so happy with her. I have to say a big thank you to Amy of Badskirt fame who has been so awesome helping me behind the scenes not only with Roxy Longsocks, but also with another much more complicated new product that I'm really excited about. It should be ready to show you early in the new year. And also to Marina of Wink Designs who has been pattern testing for me. Thanks lovelies!

Roxy's not on my website yet, but she's definitely in the shop. If you have any Christmas presents to make I know that little girls love Roxy Longsocks and you can't beat handmade!
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52 Suburbs Around the World

2011-11-07T22:06:00.003+11:00

Two years ago I blogged about Louise Hawson's project to document 52 suburbs of Sydney over a year. Following the highly successful project, blog and exhibition Louise is now hoping to expand her horizons and go global.

To help Louise reach her goal and continue her photographic journey to discover and capture the beauty, character and 'unfamous' aspects of well known cities she has set up a kickstarter page. Louise is so close to her fundraising goal, and with only 4 days to go she just needs a bit more of a nudge along. If you can pledge even as little as $10 head over to kickstarter, or blog, tweet or Facebook and get the word out for her.

Edit Thursday 10th: I just checked in at kickstarter and Louise has reached her goal! Weeee!

An apology. An explanation. New things.

2011-11-06T19:57:00.001+11:00

So you may have noticed that it's been a bit quiet here over the past month or so. The dust has accumulated and the cobwebs have appeared. I'm sorry to just up and leave like that. Things have been tricky on the personal front and I haven't had the time or the inclination to be here.

Our house went on the market this week and I've been busy preparing for that (with a very short lead time), as well as being distracted with personal things that needed my attention and energy. I'm very sad to be leaving our lovely home, but I do always welcome change and I'm looking forward to a new start, clearing out the house, as well as my head and emotions, and starting a new chapter in my life. Bring it on I say!

I've had a few new products in the works for some time, and I'm hoping to have one ready and in my shop this week, and another next week. The new pattern kits will make great Christmas gifts for crafty friends, and there's still time before Christmas day for you to get stuck in and get sewing them yourself.

Here's a little peek of one of the new pattern kits...

I hope you're still here reading and haven't given up on me. I know you understand that sometimes life gets in the way. I hope all is well in your world.

Lisa
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the red thread Christmas Craft Giveaway

2011-11-06T19:56:00.001+11:00

Way back in April I designed some Christmas products for Spotlight and they've been on the shelves now for a month or so. (Thank you to everyone who emailed me telling me that you spotted them in store!)

The iron on motifs are so cute and they are great quality with thick embroidery and vibrant colours.

And 8 of those designs are available as 10 x 10 cm counted cross stitch kits.

The 'Stitch & Sew' kits contain printed fabric, embroidery thread and felt pieces to make an embroidered Christmas softie.

I haven't had a chance to make up any of these yet, but I'm very keen to get into the cross stitch kits, and Roxy wants some of the motifs ironed onto T shirts.

If you'd like to win some of these Christmas goodies, just leave a comment on this post. I'll give away 2 prizes: each winner can choose 2 different cross stitch kits plus 4 different iron on motifs; or a Stitch & Sew kit plus 4 different iron on motifs. I'll post anywhere in the world. Just comment before this Friday 11th November. Easy! And go check out Spotlight stores around Australia if you want to get started on some of these cute Christmas projects.

Apologies for the dodgy un-styled photos!

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A post without a title

2011-09-20T23:35:00.003+10:00

Roxy and I spent a few days with friends in Adelaide last month. Sam took this photo of us at Glenelg.

Books Glorious Books

2011-09-20T10:25:00.001+10:00

Wonderful! There are many more images like these at bookshelf porn.

How do you organise and display your books? In my office I have two bookshelves with everything grouped by kind, but in the living area I arrange them by colour. At first I found it a bit annoying to try to find a particular book, but I've come to know what colour the spine of each book is and it's not a problem anymore. I do have a lot of books!
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abcd Spring Meet-up :: For Bloggers

2011-09-18T06:40:00.002+10:00

Spring has definitely sprung here in Sydney - the days have been so beautiful and gardens are bursting into glorious colour. In fact the predicted temperatures for this week look more like a taste of summer than early spring. It's lovely to feel the warmth in the sun again.

Spring also means that it's time for our quarterly abcd meet up for bloggers here in Sydney, which is hosted by Steph of Bondville and I. It will be held on Thursday 29th September - that's next week. Our relaxed get togethers are a great way to connect or reconnect with other creative types.

abcd stands for artists + bloggers + crafters + designers, so if you blog about any of those creative topics (your own creations or other people's) please come along. Have a drink. Make some new friends. Exchange information. Be inspired by one another.

This time we are introducing a sort of speed dating. Sort of! We thought it would be a bit of fun and a great way to make sure everyone meets each other. So at the beginning of the night we will have a timed period where we can spend a few minutes with each person to connect and say hi, and put a name and face to the blog. In our usual style it will be all very casual and relaxed and lots of fun.

The goodie bags have continued to be a huge success, so we will have them once again for this meet up. Last time the bags were bursting at the seams with handmade goodies and little mementos - something to remember each other by after the event. You can contribute to the goodie bags if you wish, but only those who contribute will receive one. If you'd like to be a part of the fun then make sure you say "goodie bag contributor" in your RSVP before 24th September. We'll count up the number of participants and let you know numbers (it's usually between 20 and 30) before the event.

Thursday 29th September 2011
7 pm - 9pm
The back bar at the 3 Weeds Hotel, 197 Evans St Rozelle
(the link above has a map)

If you'd like to come, please RSVP right up until the day (or by 24th for goodie bags) on the abcd Facebook page, or if like me you don't do Facebook (!) you can RSVP in the comments of this post.
Join our facebook page.
Join our mailing list.
Join us!

Loving :: Message in a Bottle

2011-09-18T05:09:00.001+10:00

Donna Wilson's Message in a Bottle Hot Water Bottle Covers.

Genius idea!

found via Oh Joy!

Stool Before & After

2011-09-15T14:09:00.000+10:00

I found this ugly dark timber stool with it's black pleather top by the side of the road and knew it had potential. With a coat of mint green paint and a quick and easy new cover for the seat I transformed it into something with personality. Then, after living with it for a month or so I decided that it would really look fabulous with a spash of orange paint added to the legs. It probably cost me less than $5 and I love it.

Loving :: Erin Lightfoot

2011-09-14T14:55:00.003+10:00

These beautiful limited edition porcelain bangles are made in Brisbane by Erin Lightfoot. Aren't they divine? They are available in Erin's Etsy shop.

All images: Lightfoot

Thanks Marina for telling me about Erin's work!
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DIY Affordable Art - Part 3: Origami

2011-09-12T13:05:00.000+10:00

If you're a long-time reader here, you may remember that Roxy (aged 7) is somewhat obsessed with origami. When she discovers a new thing to make she'll fold dozens of them.

Last year when she was six she had a thing about origami fish, so I created an installation in the hall near our front door.

When she was five she loved making origami cups, so we made garlands from them.

Recently we bought some new, very small, origami paper which is 5 cm (2 inches) square. So Roxy set to work making every origami design she's learnt in miniature, including chatterboxes which she asked me to write on in teeny tiny writing.

Last weekend she called me over to see what she'd created (the photo below on the right). She calls it "origami patchwork", and it's made up of dozens of tiny chatterboxes! I loved it and immediately went looking for a frame so it could be on permanent display.

You can find chatterbox directions here - to make Roxy's patchwork origami complete steps 1 - 4.

So now we have three 'artworks' in our home that only cost a few dollars for a packet of origami paper. I used a box frame we already had for the origami patchwork, but you could also stick the chatterboxes to a piece of card with double sided tape and the blu tac it to the wall. They would also look pretty great in a larger size attached directly to the wall.

Email me some photos if you try any of these ideas!
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Fiber + Chairs

2011-09-08T11:52:00.000+10:00

Unexpected.
Creative.
Awesome.

Knitting, weaving and the Eames Wire Chair.

Here on flickr. Found via Lushlee.

knitting: plainliving styling: Akira Ishikawa photo: Osamu Koizumi

Donna Wilson in collaboration with SCP and Ercol for La Fabrika in Brussels.

Found via all the mountains.
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Looking forward to...

2011-09-08T11:01:00.000+10:00

This fabulous geometric print fabric (swoon!) coming soon from Prints Charming. I like the stripes too, but the design and colours in the geometric print are just my thing.

Image: Prints Charming
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Loving :: Linus Dean Rugs

2011-09-07T15:45:00.001+10:00

Well, loving is an understatement. These are the coolest rugs I think I've ever seen. Strong colours and simple typographic designs make these beauties stand out from the usual suspects. They are designed by Sydney graphic designer Linus Dean (great name!) and hand loomed in Tibet and Nepal from silk and wool. To die for don't you think?

Image Source: Linus Dean
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Inspiration :: Karen Nicol

2011-09-06T10:25:00.000+10:00

It was love at first sight when I came across the glorious work of British mixed media textile artist Karen Nicol. To die for, huh? No wonder Karen has a list of clients that include (amongst many others) Anthropologie, Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Vera Wang, John Rocha, Julien Macdonald, Michiko Koshino, Givenchy, Chanel couture, Mulberry, Harvey Nicholls, Harrods, Libertys, and Mario Testino.

All images: Karen Nicol
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Monday Musical Interlude

2011-08-29T13:53:00.000+10:00

I loved the song Falling Slowly in the wonderful movie Once, but I love this version by elenowen even more. I downloaded it onto my iPhone and I can't stop listening to it. Over and over.

For today

2011-08-26T15:36:00.002+10:00

The full version:

Loving :: Senkki

2011-08-25T12:02:00.005+10:00

Monique Boseley and Charles O'Donovan are the designers behind new Adelaide company Senkki. Senkki creates beautiful well-priced bespoke furniture with a fab mid-century aesthetic. Laminates and timber veneers can be customised, and some pieces can be changed up by reversing the sliding doors. Love!

All images: Senkki

Be still my heart!
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DIY Wall Art :: Paint Chips

2011-08-24T18:09:00.003+10:00

Last month I promised some more posts about affordable DIY art (see my first instalment here). If you saw my house on The Design Files, you would have noticed this idea. In my studio I have a big empty wall that needed some art. I wanted to do something low budget, so I was inspired to create a temporary collage with the paint chips that Roxy and I seem to gather each time we visit our local Bunnings.

Photos: Lucy Feagins, The Design Files

Although the colour placement looks random it was actually very considered. If you created a collage that had squared edges I think random placement would work well. Or you could place the paint chips in rows of colours or graduating tones. Or try a chequerboard pattern. There's really no limit to what you could do. I used tiny balls of Blu Tac (my interior decoration must-have) to secure the paint chips to the wall.

A much more refined and up-scale type of pixellated colour collage is this fabulous wall art by ixxi. The ixxi system features a brilliantly simple modular method of 'X's and 'I's to connect the photo collage pieces together. Obviously this is a much nicer and long-term solution to using paint chips and Blu Tac!

Image Source: ixxi
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Embroidered Portrait

2011-08-23T10:34:00.000+10:00

So clever. So beautiful.

s.kelly

One of each please

2011-08-17T07:08:00.001+10:00

Stunning rings by Dutch jewellery designer Sharon Pronk.
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Loving :: Pieces of Porcelain

2011-08-16T10:47:00.006+10:00

These gorgeous porcelain vessels are created in Melbourne by The Mod Collective using a mix of high tech and traditional techniques. The designs are developed using specialised software, then they are printed using 3D print technology. Moulds are made and the pieces are cast by hand using coloured porcelain. The gloss of the interiors contrast with the unglazed matt exterior surfaces. Beautiful.

Images: The Mod Collective

Inspiration at the Powerhouse

2011-08-15T22:29:00.003+10:00

Two years ago I blogged (click on that link and be blown away!) about the breathtaking work of Shane Waltener, and on the weekend I got to meet him and participate in an art installation. Shane has been in Sydney as part of the Love Lace events at the Powerhouse Museum, and on Saturday he was at the Handmade Revolution open day at Powerhouse Discovery Centre, Castle Hill.

The installation was a large scale weaving using rope and twine, and a grove of eucalypts as a loom. Roxy and I spent literally hours weaving between the trees and had a fantastic time. Shane and his helpers demonstrated the basics and then left everyone to create. It was so enjoyable and lovely to watch people coming and going and the web-like structure growing and spreading amongst the trees.

There was also giant knitting and French knitting which was a lot of fun, and we also did some weaving (on a small scale). The program also included an indigenous weaving demonstration, paper cutting and lectures about lace which unfortunately didn't interest Miss Seven-and--half.

We ran into lovely friends and bloggers: Lexi, Kristen, Sarah, Cass, and Suzy, and had a truly awesome day.

Later this week I'm hoping to squeeze in a visit to the Love Lace exhibition at the Powerhouse. Shane was telling Lexi and I about the massive woven installation he created with the help of about 300 people over a number of days. The exhibition looks amazing with 130 lace works by 134 artists from 20 countries - the winners and finalists in the Powerhouse Museum International Lace Award. I can't wait to see it.

Images above: Powerhouse Museum

Friday on my mind

2011-08-12T17:07:00.002+10:00

Whoa it's Friday afternoon again. This week has gone by in a flash. There's wet washing that's been in the machine since Wednesday, an almost empty fridge, and garbage bins that need to be brought in. I've been busy on new projects, graphic design jobs and packing orders. Obviously I haven't been busy blogging!

I'm lucky I have a child who loves to make herself an omelette for breakfast... at least she gets fed.

I'm looking forward to the weekend. I hope you are too - have a lovely one.

x
Lisa
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Dear Photograph

2011-08-09T13:32:00.001+10:00

A friend sent me a link to Dear Photograph. It's awesome. Have you seen it?

Take a picture of a picture from the past in the present.

This last image makes me cry. The caption is: Dear Photograph, thank you for everything we had.

Action Pack :: For kids who want to do stuff

2011-08-09T10:40:00.002+10:00

Have you seen the kids' e-mag Action Pack? It's put together by Kathreen of Whip Up fame (and editor of the Kids' Crafternoon books) and each themed issue is full of entertaining and educational things for kids to do. It's aimed at kids 7+, not parents, with projects requiring minimal supervision and encouraging exploration, creativity and independence. Part of the philosophy behind Action Pack is: that kids are competent, creative and capable people; kids are resourceful and clever; there are learning opportunities everywhere and it should be and can be fun.

The current issue titled Chalk and Cheese has just been released and amongst lots of great projects it contains a chalkboard project I created. Go on over to Action Pack to read more, purchase the e-mag and also back issues.
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Loving :: Fenton & Fenton

2011-08-04T23:17:00.000+10:00

These beautiful images are from Melbourne shop (both online and storefront) Fenton & Fenton. Lucy Fenton's eye for vibrant and unusual home wares and her wonderful styling combine to make a diverse and unique collection.

Make sure you visit the Fenton & Fenton website. Along with many more lush images and eclectic products the lovely website design itself is worth seeing (echoes of Anthropologie).
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Inspiration :: Mike Stilkey

2011-08-03T08:21:00.001+10:00

Mike Stilkey paints onto book covers using a mix of ink, paint, coloured pencil and lacquer and creates these amazing sculptures and installations.

And the winners are...

2011-08-02T14:40:00.001+10:00

The random number generator chose comments number 5 and 6. Congratulations Lioness Lady and Victoria. Lioness Lady you were the first number drawn, so you will get first choice of the Kids' Crafternoon books. If you both contact me with your postal addresses I'll organise for your books to be posted.

My shadow box project for the paper craft book. I loved making these!

Thanks to all 14 of you who entered... I'm very puzzled as to why numbers were so low for this giveaway (the lowest since I started my blog 3 years ago)... My visitor numbers aren't down. Maybe I have lots of international readers. Maybe I have lots of readers without children in their lives. Maybe you have giveaway fatigue? Who knows. But I know you're out there! Hang in there, I'm a bit busy at the moment. Back soon.

x
Lisa
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Blog tour & Giveaway :: Kids' Crafternoon Books

2011-07-28T10:29:00.003+10:00

Last week I previewed the first two lovely books in the Kids' Crafternoon series to which I contributed some projects. The books were edited by the lovely Kathreen Ricketson of Whipup fame. Kathreen also publishes Action Pack - a fabulous e-mag full of activities for children. Kids and creativity is a subject she's obviously passionate about (as am I) so I decided to ask her a few questions on that very topic.

What advice would you give to parents who want to nurture their children's creativity, but who don't think they are creative themselves?
I think that everyone is a little bit creative - they just don't realise it - or else they have forgotten it. You don't have to knit, sew or draw to be creative - you could be a gardener, a shed tinkerer, a natural actor, a great story teller or a wonderful cook instead. Sometimes getting creative can be as simple as a paint set and some paper - or it might be making mud pies in the garden, or it could be using your empty toilet roll collection to make finger puppets. Use your talents and passions to encourage your kids to get creative with you. I think that adults need to nurture their creativity just as much as children - or maybe even more, for children it comes naturally you just need to give them a teeny tiny nudge and they are off. Somewhere along the way in growing up and getting jobs and becoming responsible, we adults have forgotten to be creative and forgotten the joy and freedom in being creative. Being with children and giving them a helping hand is a great excuse for adults to rediscover their creative side.

Image source and book project tried by Siobhan of Beaspoke Quilts

Image source and book project tried by Maya of Maya Made

What do you think are the most important reasons for encouraging kids to be creative?
Being creative is not just about playing and having fun, well it is that too of course - but it is a whole heap more as well. Here are some reasons to get creative:
1. Creativity gives you the freedom to get messy and explore new ideas. Creating and exploring new ideas helps our cognitive development, increases our abstract thinking and problem solving skills - and we master new skills too.
2. Creativity creates feelings of well being towards others and yourself. Being in that mode of relaxation and joyous concentration actually has health benefits, decreases our levels of stress and makes us worry less. We become more confident and have higher self esteem, we are likely to achieve more in other areas as a result.
3. Living the life you dream - knowing that creativity does matter. Not being just a consumer, but putting back into society rather than just taking from it.

I really love Kathreen's thoughtful answers - I think she's given us a lot to ponder. Thanks Kathreen. If you want to get in and start making with your kids (or nieces and nephews, grandchildren, etc) a great place to start is the Kids' Crafternoon Sewing and Papercraft books! I have one copy of each book to give away to Australian residents. Just leave a comment about kids and creativity - things you like to do with your children, something you liked to do as a child, your thoughts on kids and creativity... anything. But don't get worried about what to write, the winners will be chosen at random. Please also tell me which book you would like to win. The first person chosen in the random draw will get the book of their choice.

The two winners will be picked at random on Monday 1st August. Australian residents only please.

This post is part of the blog tour for Kids' Crafternoon Sewing and Papercraft books. If you'd like to see more of the books and check out some projects that have been made from them you can visit:

22 Jul Poppytalk
23 Jul Picklebums
24 Jul Little Eco Footprints
25 Jul Beaspoke Quilts
26 Jul Maya Made
27 Jul Checkout girl
28 Jul the red thread
29 Jul We Wilsons
30 Jul Maggie Makes
31 Jul Mmm Crafts
1 Aug Domesticali
2 Aug Floating Ink
3 Aug Elizabeth Abernathy
4 Aug Mommy Coddle
5 Aug The Long Thread
6 Aug Hannah Fletcher
7 Aug Between the lines
8 August Go Make Me

If you'd like to purchase your own copy of the Kids' Crafternoon books they are available on Booktopia.
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Lovely Tutorials

2011-07-25T14:30:00.003+10:00

Here are some I've seen and loved.

Dip Dye Cups on design*sponge. The colours...! I've seen quite a bit of dip dying around lately and I'm really loving the effect.

S'mores Kit on Creature Comforts. I've never tried S'mores but they sure look delish.

Hoola Hoop Rug on Family Fun. Awesome idea. we'll definitely try this. I'm not sure now where I saw this... it may have been WhipUp.

Retro Postage Stamps on bloesom kids. Fun and sweet.

Crochet stool top on Dottie Angel. Added to my 'to do' list.

Have you seen any great tutorials lately? Please share!
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Freedom :: Summer Collection

2011-07-22T20:21:00.007+10:00

Earlier this week I braved the torrential rain to attend the launch of Freedom's Summer Collection at Carriageworks. In keeping with the summer theme we drank pineapple cocktails out of pineapples, complete with little umbrellas, and ate gelato under palm trees, while watching old movies at the 'outdoor' cinema. I got to hang out with Jo (on another whirlwind visit to Sydney), Megan (who did a wonderful job styling the event) and Lexi (I don't know how she does all she does and still manages to look so glamourous) and I didn't want to leave and go back to the reality of winter!

not so great photos taken on my iPhone

Edit: Check out Jo's post on Desire to Inspire for a lot of much, much better photos taken on the night.

When I hosted a giveaway for Freedom a few months ago a frequent comment was along the lines of I can't believe it's ~~not butter!~~ Freedom. Wait until you see the new collection: there are bold colours and great shapes, and styles that evoke New York to Shanghai. It's directional and inspirational. And it's all about allowing you to take different pieces and mix and match to suit your own style. Gotta love that.

The standout pieces are from the new limited edition range. Freedom launched their first limited edition range last season, and apparently most of it sold out as soon as it hit the stores. How amazing is the Three Sisters settee? The new collection will be in store on 22nd August, so you'll have to elbow me out of the way for one of those upholstered Jack & Jill stools! Loving the shape and the handles.

Also on my must have list are the fabulously quirky garden gnomes in all their glossy glory, and these great outdoor chairs.

Love this light too!

Another standout is this stunning big coffee table with a hammered finish.

The glossy liquorice Spice Hall table (above) is long and narrow with chunky turned legs and looked fab paired with the square stools in antique white, red and teal.

As you know I don't blog about things unless I love them - even if there are cocktails involved - but there are so many things that called my name in this collection. See anything you like?
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Inspiration :: Ella Robinson

2011-07-21T09:59:00.000+10:00

Multi media textile artist Ella Robinson creates these vibrant sculptures from driftwood, thread and plastic tubing. I love the way the intense colours and precise stripes of the manmade elements really pop against the organic forms of the found driftwood. I'd be thrilled to have one of these in my garden!

All images: Ella Robinson

Ella also creates accessories using the same techniques and materials... they are scaled down versions of her sculptures.
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Light and Bright dining

2011-07-21T09:45:00.003+10:00

In the depths of winter on a miserable rainy day I'm swooning over these light and bright summery dining rooms - very diverse in their styling, but all lovely.

Image source: Red online

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Craft + Technology = Love

2011-07-19T14:29:00.000+10:00

Embroider your own iPhone case! Use the patterns supplied or create your own design. Love it.

Available from connect design.

Found via Cafe Cartolina, via Unplugged.

Kids' Crafternoon

2011-07-18T08:28:00.005+10:00

Earlier this year I was asked to contribute some craft projects for a new series of books called Kids' Crafternoon. The first two books in the series are Papercraft and Sewing, and I was excited to receive copies of them in the mail last week. The other two titles - Felting and Beading - will be out in November.

My shadow box project.

My papier mache animals project

My illustrated softy brooches project

The books are full of fun projects for school aged children and require minimal or no supervision. They can be completed in an afternoon or less. Perfect for when you hear that familiar cry "I'm bored!". (When Roxy says this I tell her that only boring people get bored. Which is always met with the response "Oh Muuuumm!!") These books would be perfect to pull out during winter school holidays, rainy weekends and for quiet time after a big day at school.

The design and photography are lovely, the instructions are clear and there are templates in the front of the book. If you'd like to win a copy stay tuned... next week I will have one copy of each book to give away as part of the Kids' Crafternoon Blog Tour.

Edit: The kids' Crafternoon books are available at good bookshops, including Readings and Booktopia.
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Giveaway Winner

2011-07-14T22:14:00.003+10:00

Just where has this week gone?! I actually thought it was Wednesday today, but I just realised that I'm a day late announcing the winner of the giveaway. School holidays as a single mum means no time for work, blogging, or me. But it has been so enjoyable... if a little stressful because of things not getting done. Not even a photo to accompany this post. I did love hearing what you've all been up to in the comments on the giveaway post, so thanks.

So. The winner. I consulted random.org and the winning number is comment 50.

Josefina Hatara said she's been out taking pictures with her new lomographic camera. Congrats Josephina the Oh My Deer! will be heading your way. (I've emailed you to get your postal details)

School goes back on Tuesday, so I'm hoping to be hanging out here more often then. And all going to plan, there may be some work getting done too.
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Affordable Wall Art

2011-07-11T23:02:00.004+10:00

Now that the Design Files post is up I'll show you some more corners of my home over the next few weeks. One of the things that I enjoy doing is utilising inexpensive and unexpected things as "art". It's fantastic to have wonderful art on your walls but often you need a more affordable alternative.

Two of the things I have around my home pretending to be art are tea towels and vintage board games.

The tea towel above is from Able & Game. I love it so much. I glued a narrow piece of white cardboard to the top edge at the back of the tea towel and when it was dry I simply added Blu-Tac to attach it to the wall. A couple of small pieces of Blu-Tac hold the bottom corners in place.

Below is a typographic tea towel from Yardage Design. The great thing is that if you get sick of them as art you can always use the tea towels in your kitchen.

Vintage board games also make fun and graphic artworks. I picked up both the Bingo and Video Village games at markets for a couple of dollars each. You can also find them on eBay and Etsy, but usually for a higher price. I always keep my eyes open at garage sales, fetes, markets etc for vintage ephemera. You never know what you might find.

There are so many designers printing lovely things on tea towels these days. These examples by Leah Duncan would look gorgeous in any room.

I'll follow up with a second instalment of ideas for affordable wall art next week.
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One of those days...

2011-07-08T16:09:00.007+10:00

It's almost 4 o'clock, I've been awake since 6am and I feel like I have done nothing today. Here's how it went:

Wake up and hang out with Roxy, have breakfast, etc.
Check emails and browse a few blogs.
Put some washing on.
Unpack the dishwasher.
Get Roxy in the bath and help her wash her hair.
Have a shower and get dressed.
Get Roxy organised ready to be picked up for a day out.
Think about all I will accomplish today and write a list.
Tidy up. Change the bed sheets.
Do some paper craft with Roxy.
See Roxy off.
It's 11.00. Now... some work!
Make a few phone calls and go online to order a few office supplies.
Hang the washing out and put another load on.
Put the kettle on.
Answer the phone and talk to a friend... for 45 minutes!
Pay some bills.

Heat up some homemade soup and put some toast on for lunch.

Look at my Google Reader and browse a few more blogs.

Eat lunch while browsing the internet.

Boil the kettle again, and this time make a cup of tea.
Take my cutting mat out to the dining table to cut some Sweeties fabric so I can fill some orders. (I do usually have stock cut and packed and ready to go, but I've run out and need to restock at the moment)
On the way I pass the laundry and realise I have more washing to hang out.

Hang out the washing.

Answer some emails. (sorry if you're waiting on a response from me... I have a backlog!)
Tip out the cold tea.
Realise it's 4 o'clock and I have to get to the Post Office and haven't cut the fabric or packed the orders.
Check my list and see that I have only crossed off 2 things!
Write a blog post about it.

Edit: Oh and I did also spend a sizeable chunk of time on the phone sorting out my car insurance, rego, and a few other things as I've just sold a car and bought another one.

Do you have days like this too? I have good intentions and even write times next to my list items, but when it's a beautiful day in winter I need to get the washing out, when a friend calls who I haven't spoken to in ages I don't feel like I can cut them off, and I tend to get a bit distracted by my computer... Then it gets to 4pm and I stress about losing the day.

Have a great weekend. I hope to have a more productive one!

x
Lisa
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abcd winter wrap up

2011-07-06T22:39:00.002+10:00

Last Thursday we held our abcd winter event and it was a great night as aways. We had our best turn out yet, with 36 of us (35 women and one brave guy!) enjoying a chat over drinks and some great pub food. As usual Steph from Bondville did an awesome job as co-host and co-organiser. Amongst other things Steph handles the mailing list and facebook and is a natural born mingler!

At the meet up we have goodie bags, which are optional and lots of fun. It's not all about the goodie bags, but they are eagerly anticipated! The idea is that people can contribute something to the bags for others to remember them by. There was some serious thought, creativity and generosity that went into the contents of the bags. This is what I found in mine (the captions are listed clockwise from top left):

Some of the beautifully packaged goodies.
Janette, My Sweet Prints

My goodie bag.
Sasha, Faint Impressions
Heather, Heather Keiko
Jessica, Oscar & Ruby

Pauline, Sophisticated Yum
Sally, Jambo Chameleon
Vesna, My Little Jedi

Amy, Badskirt.

Kirsten, Lilypad Designs
Tessa Down That Little Lane
Kamilla, Kareena and Fran, Ministry of Home Economics
Pauline The Party Studio

Anastasia, Anastasia Drawing & Dreaming
Helen, Helen Edwards
Ditty, Ditmeister
Suzanna, Mon Tresor

Kate, Another Donkey Design
Fiona, Fiona Kate
Anni, Milk & Honey Photography
Siobhan, Beaspoke Quilts

Suzy, Floating World Design
Saffron, Saffron Craig
Steph, Wedding Ideas Australia and Bondville
Roberta and Peta, Rowantree Design

Kamilla, Little Originals
Bec, Honi Design

Thanks to everyone who came along and made the night the success that it was. In addition to those listed above, we also had the pleasure of the company of: Suzi (Urban Road), Sophie (Scoops Design), Ginevra (Ginevra), Kasia (Laikonik), Luz (Feltisimo), Emily (The Style Workshop), Steph (Moobear Designs), Melissa (The Art of Teddy Bears), and Geoffrey.

If you live in (or can get to) Sydney and you think you'd like to join us next time join our mailing list to be notified of the details. This is a quarterly event, so it will be around the end of September.

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Time for a Giveaway

2011-07-06T09:50:00.004+10:00

It's been a while since my last giveaway... I love my new(ish) Oh My Deer! so much that I thought you might like the chance to win one. I have mine in my studio/office - they work in any room, but are a particularly lovely addition to a child's room. This is the large version (there's a smaller one too) - it stands 35 cm tall.

Just comment here telling me what you've been up to lately. Easy huh? I'll choose the winner of a large Oh My Deer! at random on Wednesday 13th and will post it anywhere.
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My Home on The Design Files

2011-07-06T07:51:00.008+10:00

About a month ago I spent a lovely day with super sweet Lucy of The Design Files. Lucy was here to photograph my house and I'm excited to tell you that you can now see the photos of my somewhat eclectic decorating style here on Lucy's awesome blog. (when you click on that link be sure to scroll up because it seems to take you to the centre of the post) Hilariously Lucy makes a few references to the number of cushions I have... if you're a regular visitor here you'll know that it's no secret: I'm into cushions.

Thanks Lucy!

Image: The Design Files
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Smalltown

2011-07-05T21:39:00.003+10:00

In the '70s my mum was a bit crazy for macrame. I think she attended a class or two and next thing we knew we had macrame pot plant hangers, macrame jewellery and other assorted craftiness in our home. Mum was really into it. So it's with a great sense of nostalgia that I put together this post about Smalltown.

Melbourne-based Sarah creates stunning macrame planters, lights and commissioned installations. They feel really fresh and contemporary - I particularly love the way they puddle on the floor - and they have made me rethink macrame. Would I dare to make myself some lovely white hanging planters? Yes. I think I would. Do you love them too?

Inspiration :: Modern Fiber Lab

2011-07-05T06:42:00.000+10:00

Felted wool wall sculpture.

600 individual balls.
Hand wet felted.
Embellished with merino wool.

Breathtaking.

Modern Fiber Lab on Etsy.

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Loving :: Case Mate

2011-07-04T22:35:00.006+10:00

How cool is this.... create a custom case for your iPhone, iPod, iPad or Blackberry with your own design or use the fantastic design tools to "remix" the work of artists and designers at Case Mate.

My Mimi Sweetie Petite makes a cute case!
The case on the right was made using the art available to 'remix'.

On the left is one I made while mucking around with the Yo Gabba Gabba art.
Pop art on the right.

This screen shot shows the various tools available when 'remixing'. You start with a blank canvas and build up layers and colours. In the middle row are graphics that you use like stamps, including in this case some lovely watercolour splashes.

The case on the left is a version of the one in the screen shot above - I used the kaleidoscope tool to change it. For the case on the right I just changed the background colour.

I've spent so much time mucking around at Case Mate, it's a lot of fun and you can create amazing designs. And even better, the cases actually cost less than a lot of the boring ones available in shops. I'm hanging out to get the iPhone 5 when it's released (hopefully in a few months), so I don't want to get a new case for my 3 in the meantime. That gives me heaps of time to keep playing at Case Mate. Be warned, "I Make My Case" is a time sucker!
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My Bearded Pigeon

2011-07-04T18:37:00.002+10:00

A few weeks ago I bought some friends a wedding gift voucher for some My Bearded Pigeon cushions. The only problem is that they can't make a decision... would you make a choice based on your home city or country, places you've visited, destinations you dream of, or the colour and design of the maps?

All images: My Bearded Pigeon

The fun and vibrant vintage maps are printed on organic cotton by Cath Young in northern NSW. She's had some great press coverage lately including the front cover of Real Living - check out My Bearded Pigeon's Etsy shop and you'll see what all the fuss is about and why my friends are struggling to choose.
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Hello!

2011-06-27T10:17:00.001+10:00

Yes, I'm still here! I just realised that it's almost 2 weeks since I blogged. I'm so sorry... I have no excuse. Unfortunately I haven't been off soaking up the sun on a tropical island or shopping in Tokyo. If only. No, I've just been busy with life.

Yesterday we took advantage of the glorious Sydney winter weather and spent the day at the beach. The temperature was in the low 20's (celcius that is, and the water temp was almost the same). Roxy and I and some friends walked, splashed, ate ice cream and fish and chips. It was lovely.

Online shopping :: Howkapow

2011-06-14T13:31:00.004+10:00

I received an email recently which introduced me to a great online shop called Howkapow. Howkapow sells a lovely range of accessories, jewellery, homewares and furniture from emerging designers. There is so much to covet at Howkapow... these are a few of the things that caught my eye. I particularly love the Walnut vessels by Matt Pugh, and the patchwork ottoman really has my creative juices flowing!

Howkapow is the passion of Cat and Rog How and it "reflects their belief that investing in bright, new designers with original ideas is how innovation truly flourishes." I couldn't agree more! Go visit Howkapow (love the name!) and see for yourself.

Lazy Long Weekend

2011-06-14T13:11:00.003+10:00

Hello, how was your weekend? We had a lovely 3 day weekend staying with friends who live a couple of hours drive away. We didn't do much, just ate delicious homemade soup and sat around chatting while the rain poured down endlessly all weekend. The children didn't get cabin fever and played well together - doing some craft, playing games and watching DVDs. I managed to pick up my crochet again after not doing any since last winter.

I'd like my rug to be quite big, so I have a long way to go, but I'm enjoying the process and I'm not in a hurry to complete it. I really love the colours and I'm trying to place the squares randomly and fight my instincts to plan their placement and order them. Having said that, near the centre of the photo there are two with dark blue centres which really annoy me because they are next to each other!

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Inspiration :: Bornay

2011-06-08T10:19:00.003+10:00

I've never seen event decoration quite like this. Wow. Bornay.
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Jennifer Sanchez

2011-06-07T14:19:00.007+10:00

I love this painting by Jennifer Sanchez. I'm so bummed that all the limited edition prints are sold out. It's got me wondering if I actually love it more because it is sold out... whether I'm desperate to own it because I can't have it.
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Edit: Just as a postscript, how fabulous do the colours in the painting look with my blog colours. Perfect.

What's in your bag?

2011-06-07T11:33:00.004+10:00

You know those magazine articles and blog posts that photograph the contents of women's handbags? Yesterday when I picked Roxy up from school I asked her the same question: "What's in your bag?!"

Her class had been on a bush walk and Roxy found some things that she just had to bring home: various seeds, huge seedpods and rocks. I've put a bobby pin in the second photo so you can see the scale of them... the big rock weighs nearly 2 kgs! She only weighs 20 kg herself. I don't know how she managed to carry it all, together with her lunchbox and drink bottle. Her bag was jam packed and hea-vvvy.

There has since been a discussion about appropriate things to carry around and bring home.

I often find crazy stuff that Roxy has slipped into my bag - she likes to collect and keep many varied things. When we are at the post office she collects all the plastic strips that people have torn off envelopes and shoves them in my bag. She's forever making origami flowers out of toilet paper (of course.. because she has to do something creative while she's on the toilet!) as little surprises that I find when I'm out. Does this sort of thing happen to you too?
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abcd sydney winter meet up

2011-06-06T13:35:00.002+10:00

It's time to mark the next abcd meet-up in your diary. Steph from Bondville and I have set the date and we'd love you to join us.

This will be our third meet-up in Sydney and it's a lovely relaxed get together to connect or reconnect with other bloggers. abcd stands for artists + bloggers + crafters + designers, so if you blog about any of those creative topics (your own creations or other people's) please come along. Have a drink. Make some new friends. Exchange information. Be inspired. Get out from behind your computer and connect in RL.

The goodie bags have been a huge success, so we will be continuing with them for this meet up. Last time the bags were bursting at the seams with handmade goodies and little mementos (check out Steph's photos) - something to remember each other by after the event. You can contribute to the goodie bags if you wish, but only those who contribute will receive one. If you'd like to be a part of the fun then make sure you say "goodie bag" in your RSVP. We'll count up the number of participants and let you know numbers before the event.

Thursday 30th June 2011
7 pm - 9pm
The back bar at the 3 Weeds Hotel, 197 Evans St Rozelle
(the link above has a map)

If you'd like to come, please RSVP by 21st June in the comments of this post or on the abcd facebook page.

Join our facebook page.
Join our mailing list.
Join us!
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Photo by Steph (Bondville)

Saturday in the inner city

2011-06-06T12:29:00.003+10:00

Styling session at Freedom with the uber-lovely super-stylish Megan Morton.

Collectibles overload at Doug Up on Bourke.

Browsing the Bromley Arcade.

Retro heaven at Mitchell Road.

How was your weekend? Over too quickly? Uh huh, me too.

DES Awareness Week :: Ask your Mum

2011-06-01T18:41:00.005+10:00

While this post is a departure from what I normally blog about, the topic of DES awareness is something that's close to my heart, and it's a message that needs to be heard. Today marks the beginning of DES Awareness Week, so I am speaking out.

Were you born between 1940 and 1971? If so your mother may have been prescribed DES during her pregnancy and as a result your health - and hers - may be compromised. If you have been exposed to DES (as either a mother or a child) you have an increased risk of developing certain cancers (breast, cervical and vaginal), and also reproductive problems. Males exposed in-utero to DES are also at risk of developing urogenital conditions.

I am a DES daughter.

My mother, like many others, was prescribed DES during her pregnancies to prevent miscarriage. I am infertile. I have regular specialised checks for early detection of possible cancer. I am telling you this because there are up to 740,000 Australians affected by this drug disaster, potentially 5 to 10 million in the USA, and many, many more throughout the world. Most of those people are unaware of their exposure. Governments and pharmaceutical companies don't want to know about it. There continues to be a conspiracy of silence surrounding DES... but there are groups of people around the world working hard to educate and be heard.

American screenwriter and DES advocate Caitlin McCarthy found out about her exposure in 2005 and she has a feature film entitled "Wonder Drug" currently in production. You can see Caitlin speaking about DES here (you just have to get past the ad!).

So... talk to your mother and find out if she suffered a miscarriage or pregnancy complications and was prescribed hormones or stiboestrol (another name for DES) during subsequent pregnancies. Although DES was also often given to ensure a 'healthy pregnancy' even if there were no complications. (It has since been proven that DES actually had no positive benefits at all.) If you can't ask your mum your own health history may offer clues. Do some research. Have a specialist check up.

In Australia there is a group called DES Action which has a blog with information and a listing of DES-knowledgable healthcare providers. Carol Devine runs DES Action Australia and works tirelessly for the cause. There are action groups all over the world - if you can't find one in your country I'm sure Carol can help you locate one. You can find DES Action USA here with a wealth of information.

This is a great post to read on The Huffington Post: One of America's Deepest, Darkest Family Secrets: The DES Drug Disaster

Ask your mum. Spread the word. Don't let the cover up continue.

Inspiration :: March Magazine

2011-06-01T12:00:00.002+10:00

It seems like every week there is a new e-mag popping up. The ones I've seen all look pretty fab, and I love the idea of people taking the initiative to self-publish an online magazine.

March is a new-to-me e-mag that features Grace from Design*Sponge on the front of the current issue. I read about March on Design*Sponge and thought it was worth taking a look as it stands apart from all the interiors-focussed titles. There are articles about Grace and other professional bloggers and well as features on many other women running successful businesses. I haven't read all of March yet, but at a glance it looks like the content is very inspirational and definitely worth checking out. The current issue features "technology-inspired but not jargon-embedded stories", like Grace's success with 'new' media and technology.

I hope you're week's going along nicely... here we are at Wednesday already! Apologies for my absence this week - I'm madly working away here.

Oh and pop over and take a look at Grace's new blog design if you haven't already. It's understated and gorgeous.
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UGUiSU

2011-05-27T11:29:00.003+10:00

Hello, would you like to visit a great online shop with me? UGUiSU is chock full of lovely Japanese goodies and I'm trying to resist a shopping spree there (they ship worldwide).

Love, love, loving these beautiful pleated and crumpled Eco-Bags. Stylish. Tick. Functional. Tick. And green. Tick.

I just have to have some of these lovely paper napkins.

Naturally UGUiSU stocks a big range of Japanese masking tape: wide and thin, patterned and plain, in packs and single rolls. And if you use your tape for gift wrapping you can also get some stunning wrapping and origami paper to compliment it.

There's lots to love at UGUiSU.

All images from UGUiSU

How beautiful and simple is the apple and pear card?

With the Aussie dollar so strong now it's hard to resist shopping online.... but I must. I just bought a pair of boots and a pair of shoes! Ooops.

Enjoy your weekend. I hope you get to do something you really want to, whether it's having a big night out or a quiet night in, being surrounded by lots of family and friends or chillaxin' on your own. Whatever it is, enjoy! See you Monday.

x
Lisa

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Elkhorn

2011-05-26T14:24:00.004+10:00

I've been meaning to blog about Elkhorn since I bought one of their gorgeous tangerine feather cushions last year. I know, the number of cushions I have is an ongoing joke amongst my friends... they realise that I'm a bit obsessed with them.

Too many cushions?! In my defence, this is a very ~~cheap~~ affordable lounge and it's not that comfortable, so I tell myself the cushions are a necessity.

Image Source: Elkhorn
I love the extra detail of the white feathers on the back of the cushion. It's the little things...

Image Source: Elkhorn. Photos: Jillian Leiboff
Aren't the colours in the scarf delicious!

Elkhorn silk screened homewares are the work of Monique who lives on the NSW Central Coast. Monique's diverse past working life includes graphic design, horticulture and fashion retail... which all seem to have had an influence on what she is creating for Elkhorn. Her products feature beautiful colour palettes and natural fibres which are allowed to take centre stage with Monique's pared back aesthetic.

I'm disappointed that I missed Finders Keepers last weekend (we were suffering from bad colds and just couldn't drag ourselves out) because I would have loved to see all the Elkhorn goodies. You can find them in the Elkhorn Etsy shop and see more of Elkhorn on their blog.
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Truer words...

2011-05-23T14:34:00.001+10:00

Found via Pintrest
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seen and loved

2011-05-23T12:08:00.002+10:00

Hello, did you have a lovely weekend? We're down with colds and flu here at the moment, but sitting in the lovely autumn sun makes me feel a whole lot better. I wanted to share a a mixed bag things that I've seen and loved lately.

Anthropologie rug.

Design your own shower curtain. From Poketo.

Love this tranquil interior. Found via Bliss.

Gorgeous. Find them at Paulova.

Awesome new brooches from Jam Fancy.

The sweet vintage style Lark House is available to rent.

Your Big Tea Mug. Each mug features a one-off hand drawn illustration.

Separated at Birth series on sfgirlbybay. So fabulous!

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Masterclass with Tetsuya

2011-05-20T11:27:00.029+10:00

On Wednesday night I was lucky enough to be a guest at a masterclass with Tetsuya Wakuda at his world-renowned eponymous Sydney restaurant.

It was a really lovely night which started with a tour of Tetsuya's MasterKitchen which is a design triumph of Carerra marble, Electrolux
technology and beautiful art. Tetsuya then cooked 5 delicious dishes for us which he made look so easy and achievable - ah the techniques of a master! They were the 5 courses we ate before our 11 course dinner.

Image Source: Electrolux
The MasterKitchen: a meeting of aesthetics and functionality, designed by Tetsuya in collaboration with Electrolux. The painting by Julie Harris is one of many works of art in the restaurant. It's scale and colours worked perfectly in the MasterKitchen.
Tetsuya is an avid collector of art and he apparently owns thousands of pieces.

All of the dishes Tetsuya demonstrated for us were made in one or two saucepans. He is big on dinner parties being about socialising and spending as little time as possible in the kitchen.

I am going to try Tetsuya's chicken tagine next time I have friends over for dinner. You don't need a tagine to cook it in, it's a one saucepan dish that he made for us and it's so good. Here's the lowdown:

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You can see more of Tetsuya's cooking demo videos here, including his signature dish of Confit of Petuna Ocean trout with Fennel Salad.

Tetsuya is such a lovely and funny man who's passion for cooking is undeniable. He's also passionate about his Electrolux kitchen, particularly the induction cooktop. And now I want one too! I could almost get by without the expanse of beautiful marble, the tap-less sink (you press a pad with your knee to turn on the water), and the fancy ebony fridge... but seeing how awesome, efficient and responsive that cooktop is... it's just moved to the top of my maybe-one-day wish list.

My view of the working kitchen

After the masterclass we sat down to our degustation dinner. Our table was close to the open working kitchen and we got to watch the staff (about 6 to 8 of them) skillfully and efficiently preparing the food which is a fusion of Japanese and Western cuisine. I have eaten at Tetsuya's before, so I knew what to expect: it's a truly amazing experience. Each of the 11 courses had wine to compliment it and I seriously struggled to finish. But as the last 3 courses were desert how could I refuse?

Image Source: Tetsuya's
As I ran out the door on Wednesday night I grabbed my DSLR and realised the battery was flat.
Unfortunately my little camera was hopeless at capturing the food.
So apologies for the lack of yummy food shots.

I sat with lovely interior designers Jo, Camilla and Jennifer and when we weren't boring the guys from Electrolux with blog talk I learnt some interesting things. I was interested to hear about the design process of Electrolux products and the trends in Europe verses Asia Pacific. I also discovered that they manufacture their ovens in Adelaide and fridges in Orange, NSW. And there's good coffee to be had in Orange! Who would have thought that an energy efficient fridge consumes the same amount of energy as a 40 watt light bulb?

I had a great night and staggered (from too much food... I was moderate with the alcohol!) out of Tetsuya's at close to midnight with a full stomach, a copy of Tetsuya's cookbook and a lust for an induction cooktop.
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Dinner last night

2011-05-19T15:02:00.003+10:00

Take a look at this menu... can you guess what I chose?

Nothing. It was an 11 course degustation menu. I didn't have to choose, I had it all! And 5 courses prior to this. And gorgeous wines to accompany each course. I was truly spoilt and I'm still recovering from too much of a good thing! I'll tell you all about it tomorrow.
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Styling Session with Megan Morton

2011-05-18T11:54:00.004+10:00

Freedom are hosting a styling session with author and super stylist Megan Morton. Would you like to come?

This sofa is the lush Nigella from Freedom,
which was a popular choice in the recent giveaway.

Megan will be talking about styling your home and sharing design advice at the Freedom Moore Park (Sydney) store on Saturday 4th June. She'll share 5 lessons to learn and will pull together a room during the session. You can even bring a photo of an area of your home you're finding challenging to decorate and she'll workshop it for you.

This event is free, but spaces are limited. You can read more and RSVP here on Facebook. Maybe I'll see you there?

Reading

2011-05-16T10:52:00.002+10:00

Isn't this autumnal weather just perfect for reading? Our weather seems to have changed dramatically in the last couple of weeks. It doesn't feel like we've had a gradual build up to the cold this year. The nights are chilly and perfect for snuggling under the doona consumed by a good book, and the days are just glorious for relaxing in the sun. Our Sydney skies are clear and vibrant blue with not a cloud to be seen. It's lovely to sit in our back living area soaking up the warmth from the sun with a cup of green tea and a magazine or newspaper. Usually this only happens at breakfast time, or weekday lunch breaks when the house is quiet. I've been catching up on the last issue of frankie, and devouring the latest Uppercase, which arrived in the mail last week.

Following your suggestions the other week, I bought and borrowed a few books and this is my latest pile:

I read Room in 2 sittings because I just couldn't put it down. It's written in the voice of a child and because of this the subject matter, which is pretty disturbing, is given a different perspective. I found it compelling, sad, and wonderful all at the same time. A fantastic book.

Like Being a Wife is a collection of short stories by Australian author Catherine Harris. I have been dipping in and out of this book and sometimes laughing out loud as I do so. It's an engaging and entertaining read.

I enjoyed The Elegance of the Hedgehog, but didn't really get into it until a fair way in. I became more engrossed the further I got into the book and ended up really enjoying it.

The Help is a bestseller and I can see why - it was another book that I found hard to put down right from chapter one. Loved it.

I borrowed Cloud Atlas from the library (hence the plastic cover!), and I have found it hard going in the early stages. I have put it aside for now, but want to pick it up again.

Currently by my bedside is The Master Butcher's Singing Club (also from the library, and not pictured), which I am thoroughly enjoying.

These two lovelies are my latest purchases:

I have never bought an interior decorating book before... I am inspired enough by the magazines and blogs I read. But I just had to get Decorate, as I have been a long time reader of decor8 the blog, and Modern Vintage Style was calling my name. To be honest I've only flicked through both of these books as yet... and at first glance they are both gorgeous! I have also pre-ordered Design Sponge at Home, so my collection of interiors books will soon total 3.

What are you enjoying reading at the moment?
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The IOU Project

2011-05-12T07:46:00.000+10:00

The IOU Project is a creative and innovative new venture that produces handmade clothing, with brand values of social and environmental responsibility, community, uniqueness, transparency and authenticity. This unique e-commerce venture is based around community and social networking and brings together the end consumer with the artisans, craftspeople and designers who weave the fabric and make the garments.

In their own words...

The IOU Project is a study in the creation of a Prosperity Chain; an experiment to rethink how goods are produced and sold in a way that benefits everyone and protects the environment.

Sounds awesome to me. Take a look at The IOU Project's Website, which launched today. And find them on facebook and twitter.
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Amy Butler's Home

2011-05-10T14:12:00.001+10:00

Did you see the tour of Amy and David Butler's home on Apartment Therapy? Their style really appeals to me. I love their mid century modern furnishings combined with other eclectic finds, and those tall ceilings and big windows create big, light open spaces that work so well with pops of colour.

Image Source: Apartment Therapy

Check out the full house tour on Apartment Therapy... wait until you see their rambling lush garden. Gorgeous!
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Quilt Update

2011-05-06T12:11:00.006+10:00

Following my post and your lovely comments last week about my attempt to quilt I was inspired to forge ahead. Last weekend I managed to make 3 more blocks (after putting aside less important things like cleaning the house and gardening). So excited! And I found yet another use for my huge stash of Japanese tape.

Roxy had some special requests for particular animals to be included - you might be able to see them in the images above. I'm not thrilled with the yellow heart - all my yellow fabrics were a bit too same-y in colour and scale.

I'm going to draw up some options now on exactly how I want the quilt to look. I initially thought that I would butt the blocks up to each other, but I think they look better with white separating them. Then I wondered how it might look with only 5 or 6 of these big heart blocks combined with smaller blocks in varying sizes and designs so the quilt design is a bit crazy and less ordered. I'll keep you in the loop as my thoughts develop. If you have any ideas I'd love some links for inspiration.

There's a bit of camera distortion here. My blocks are a bit wonky, but not quite as bad as they appear in this shot!

Have a lovely weekend and happy Mothers Day to all you mums! Roxy wants a 'Mama and Roxy day', that we will share with nobody else. Just us. We haven't made any plans yet and will see what the weather is like when we wake up on Sunday morning. I hope your day is delightful too.

If, like me you can't share Mothers Day with your Mum I hope you are surrounded by loved ones and are able to share your memories of her. I miss my darling Mum every day, but even more so in the lead up to significant days like this Sunday.

x
Lisa
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Inspiration :: children's fashion photography

2011-05-05T15:04:00.004+10:00

Image Source: small magazine
Photographer: Stephen Visneau

Image Source: Babekins
Photographer: Nina W Melton

Image Source: Babekins
Photographer: Kelly Roper

Sweetie Beans now available

2011-05-05T14:18:00.000+10:00

At last, I have the Sweetie Bean fabric panels available again in my online shop.

The Sweetie Beans are a super easy and quick gift to make and kids love cuddling them. You might remember that I was undecided about the name, but I have settled on Sweetie Beans because I have something else in the works that is much more suited to "Cuddle Bundles".

a short story

2011-05-04T18:43:00.006+10:00

Notice the year scribbled out? When Roxy asked me what year it is I said '2010'... oh dear!

Below is the illustration of the tooth and ants enlarged.

Edit: I forgot to add - this is a true story. Pesky Ants!

eclectic and colourful

2011-05-04T10:43:00.004+10:00

Image Source: Light Locations

Large light white rooms with eclectic decoration and colourful splashes. Perfect.

I love the feeling that all the bits and pieces in this house have been salvaged and given new life. The whole look is brought together beautifully by the blank canvas created by the white floors and walls.

Seen and loved

2011-05-03T13:41:00.001+10:00

Oh how I love this stunning wall!

The colours are to die for and the triangle pattern is the motif of the moment.
In fact I totally adore the whole photo.

Love.

Image Source: Dos Family

I also love the idea of having gym-style rings in children's bedrooms. Awesome. Isabelle from Dos Family bought these at Ikea in Sweden. Unfortunately it doesn't look like they stock them in Aus.
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Inspiration :: Natural Dyes

2011-05-03T13:21:00.006+10:00

Have you ever experimented with using natural dyes? You can achieve some beautiful rich colours and have lots of fun trying things out.

My friend Kasia from Laikonik painted these paper lights with vegetable dyes. They're beautiful aren't they?

Image Source: Laikonik

Martha Stewart's blog featured these glorious coloured eggs for Easter.

Image Source: The Crafts Dept

A couple of years ago I tried my hand at dying goose eggs with natural dyes and then I painted my designs in white. I was aiming for soft colours, but Martha's inspired me with her rich dense palette.

Margie at Resurrection Fern is constantly creating amazing art and craft based on her love of and interaction with nature, so it's no surprise she often experiments with natural dyes. She has even started a dyeing journal to document it. So lovely.

Image Source: Resurrection Fern

Are you inspired? Have you ever tried this? Wouldn't it be a lovely rainy day activity with kids using spices, fruit and vegies from your kitchen or garden and scraps of fabric, twine, paper, etc.
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Attempting to quilt

2011-04-28T14:29:00.001+10:00

I've been telling Roxy for ages that I am going to make a quilt for her bed, and on the long Easter weekend I finally made a start.

My finished block is a bit wonky - not all the squares line up - and it still needs a good press, but I'm happy with how it turned out. At least it will have a handmade feel. I keep telling myself to embrace the wonky and let go of perfectionism. I wanted to do a heart and the way I designed it means that my finished quilt block measures 16 inches. As far as I know (and I know nothing about quilting) blocks are supposed to measure 12 inches? Not to worry!

So that's one down and 23 to go! Then I have to figure out backing, binding and lots of other things I know even less about. Ask me in a year if it's finished...
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Inspiration :: living small

2011-04-27T22:06:00.008+10:00

I'm loving this great use of otherwise wasted space as book shelves.

Image Source: Apartment Therapy

When I saw this photo it got me thinking about small living spaces and reminded me of the smallest apartment I've ever seen. Take a look at the clip below. Measuring just 12 x 7 feet this Manhattan studio really is tiny. But with a rent of just $700 a month it makes for affordable living in an expensive city.

While the idea of trying to live a more streamlined existence with less 'stuff' appeals to me, I think I'd go insane living somewhere like that. I have seen larger (read: normal) size studio apartments that have been very cleverly designed to maximise space with clever storage solutions, so although small, the spaces don't have a cramped or cluttered feel.

At the other end of the spectrum, I'm I just can't figure out the McMansion trend of recent years which is all about bigger being better: huge characterless 2 story homes built with the maximum allowable footprint, double garages out front and an excessive amount of huge rooms. It's sad to see our suburb losing it's lovely character when the older homes are bulldozed and replaced my these monoliths.

I love our perfectly comfortable and cosy single story 1940's house. After all, the bigger your house the more space there is to keep clean and tidy! Even if I could afford a huge home I honestly don't think I'd want one... unless I had 4 or 5 children of course. We are lucky to have a lot of built in storage as well as a big attic space which I couldn't do without. I do have a lot of 'stuff' but it's well stored, organised and arranged so that our space doesn't look cluttered (I hope!).

Do you like to live in a streamlined way, or is clutter or controlled chaos more the order of the day? What about living space, could you live in the tiny Manhattan studio? Or would you like to have a sprawling home with more rooms than you could use? Do you think bigger = better? Or possibly, like me, just somewhere comfortable that's in between...
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online shop discount

2011-04-27T11:07:00.001+10:00

I've been meaning to direct you over to Make It Perfect, where Toni made an Ooshka and an Ooshka Boy wrote a lovely review of them. She also featured some of my other products in her blog post.

Image Source: Make It Perfect

I'm offering Make It Perfect readers a special discount in my online shop for the next week. So if you've been thinking about buying anything from the red thread, now's the time!
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before and after :: TV cabinet

2011-04-25T05:18:00.003+10:00

You might remember back in January I bought this fabulous vintage sideboard for a mere $80. I had a definite idea about what I wanted for a TV cabinet and this was exactly what I'd been looking for.

I painted the timber laminate top and sides in gloss white and the door and interior in semi gloss colours. I'm really thrilled with how it turned out. The aqua and orange bottles are mineral water bottles that I painted with the left over paint, and the two vintage stools are roadside finds which I covered using fabric from my stash. I framed vintage fabric in embroidery hoops as a bit of a stop gap until I work out what I'd like to hang on the wall. What do you think?

My Sweet Prints

2011-04-25T05:00:00.003+10:00

Sydney mum Janette Baker is the creative force behind My Sweet Prints. Janette, a graphic designer, started her business after the birth of her son as a creative outlet. Her range of prints are a whole lot of fun for children's rooms.

I'm loving the personalised Puzzle Print and the Sleeptime poster is a sweet twist on the bus scroll concept.

Images: My Sweet Prints

You can see the entire range at the My Sweet Prints website, and also shop online.
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Freedom Giveaway Winners

2011-04-24T08:40:00.005+10:00

Thank you everyone for entering the Freedom giveaway. We enjoyed reading all your comments and seeing which pieces inspire you.

And the winners are....

Amelia's winning comment was:
Inspiration is the Old Orchard Mirrored Hallstand: Where have you been? Where are you going? And all the possibilities in between.

And Pepper Stitches inspired us when she said:
I love the multi-purpose stool, the sweeping curves makes me feel the poetic artist perching at my studio desk, creating art to change the world!

Amelia and Pepper I have emailed you both. Congratulations!

Thanks again to everyone who entered.

Now... back to the Easter eggs...

Enjoy your easter break!

2011-04-22T11:30:00.003+10:00

It's a glorious day here in Sydney... I hope its the same where you are. Perfect weather for a few days off.

this is the sweetest little bunny - from Freedom.

Don't forget the fabulous Freedom giveaway ends tonight - don't miss out on your chance to win a $500 or $250 voucher to spend at a Freedom store.

Enjoy your Easter and the chocolate!
x
Lisa