Blossomnbirds

mushroom house

2012-01-08T21:06:00.001-08:00

I finally built the house of my dreams... A little toadstool house.
I had been wanting to make one for months now. I wanted it to be big enough and strong enough for the boys and I to play with.

This is how I made it...
I have used an upturned bucket for the stalk, removed the handle and cut the door out with a pair of old scissors. I then glued the cream coloured felt with pva glue.
For the mushroom roof I have used an upturned bamboo bowl that I found at the thrift store. I layered it with PVA to give it a little more strength, then I stretched the felt gently over the bowl and glued that down.
The inside of the bowl is filled with a form of paper mache...just scrunched paper and glue and then I have cut a circle of cardboard to fit just inside the bowl. This is glued down too.
The mushroom top is glued onto the bucket base.
Then I have added the polka dots and details...
All up it only took about an hour or so....and was lots of fun.
I was considering also cutting holes for the windows and making it a two levelled mushroom house by putting in a floor between the top of the door and bottom of the windows....Maybe I will try this with the next one I make :D
Perhaps the boys (at 18months) are a bit little for it as they delight in trying to pull off the polka dots (I guess that could be remedied by stitching instead of glueing). I know I will have lots of fun with it anyway.
I am just yet to make the little gnomes and pixies to live in the house...
:)

2011-11-19T17:41:00.000-08:00

I'd love to ride this bus to work...

Crochet Bus by Magda Sayeg I recommend you visit her site as the home page is quite amazing too!

Tree Cosy by Grrl+Dog

My daughter Ruby was curious about Guerilla and street knitting and Yarn Bombing so we googled it...Although I had heard of it and seen a little of it before when I really took a good look I was amazed by some of the beautiful work going on out there ...here are just some of the images we found...

And this, not so street but amazingly yarny...

Seventeen Evergreen - Polarity Song from Lucky Number Music on Vimeo.

I highly recommend this video to bring a smile to your face and change your thrift shopping experiences forever...It's quite amazing!!
It is a collaboration with the artist Sarah Applebaum.

For more yarny love...Yarnbombing flickr group here
Yarnbombing blog here

Cute Quirky Online Shop

2011-11-09T21:05:00.000-08:00

Fun place to shop and browse...
Supermarket Sarah

Seeing Red

2011-10-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

I had the best day last week cruising the thrift stores for frocks to wear on my looming (just a few weeks yay!) big city holiday. I decided my cut off denim shorts that I usually wear to the beach just would not do in the big city...this will be a dress up occasion.
I found this adorable high waist 1970s skirt, which will look gorgeous with my new red clogs that I raved about in my last post.

Is it because I am excited about my holiday or the excitement of Spring that has me loving red at the moment...
if I had an unlimited budget....
I would buy these today...

Red and White candy stripe dress from StickyLipgloss

Love this simple red linen dress from SpunSugarVintage

Cute cotton red graphic floral dress from DesignElements

My Summer Wardrobe

2011-10-24T20:36:00.000-07:00

i am in shoe love, with an "orthopedic clog" mind you, but just look at the little darlings...This is the original 1970s design ...I'm sure this was also my dream shoe when I was 7 in 1974 ...But oh the cuteness and!! they are super duper comfy...

After searching everywhere for a great shoe for summer dress up days...the criteria being comfy, wearable (unlike some of the gorgeous 4 inch wedges (ankle breakers) that are currently around) ...and of course, cute.
Now these I could probably chase my 18 month old twins in without too many injuries.

I'm sorry if I am sounding like an advertisement but I just had to share this shoey love...

These are the original 1970s design and I'm loving the hint of theraputic goodness about them ... I'm so looking forward to our adventures filled with wanderlust together...I can't wait to wear them with socks in the cooler months too. But for now I am doning these little red swedish beauties with my new navy 50s style bathing suit (thankyou fashion gods) just having emerged from the blow up pool (spring is hot! here)

I'm just showing you the shoes coz I know you don't really want to see me in a swimsuit ... :)

Ok Here is my new swimsuit...how cute is it...

...but this is not me, just add a few more pounds, bumps and years :D

and here is a boy after my own heart who understands the appeal of a good shoe

You can find the cloggy little gems online at "Lotta from Stockholm"

On a different more grumpy note...Why can't I comment!!?? I am really bummed that I have not been able to comment on anyones' blog for the past month or so...I have tried to find out why, but it seems to be something to do with my password that is not allowing me to log in while looking at another blog...It's got me bamboozled...if anyone has had a similar problem or has any idea as to why this might be so I would love to know.

Happy travels in blogland...
Karen
x

Rather be having tea...

2011-09-19T21:17:00.000-07:00

....and of course wearing one of the loveliest tea dresses for the occasion!

These lovely dresses by Sohomode

Lovely rosey tea dress by Dig For Victory

Pretty Tea frock by BahktiAngel

Guess Who's come to live at our house

2011-08-30T15:44:00.000-07:00

I am so plesesd to wecome a certain little someone who has come to live with us. No not another puppy, but this little fellow from Heico, Germany...

We are naughty little collaborators and he did trick me out of a pretty little penny...but we are going to have so much fun together...

You can find his siblings at Lark...one of my favourite places to shophere

New work

2011-07-27T15:06:00.000-07:00

I've been busy busy working on a project ...a big one for me...my first book illustration.
Here is a sneak peak of some works in progress...

a unicorn ride...

I want to wear this dress!

A nice place to live...

Another pretty dress...

a little picnic nap

I'll let you know more when it's all finished up

boyish

2011-06-06T03:56:00.000-07:00

I'm well versed in everything girly and pretty...but art for little boys is a new challenge for me...One I am loving...
i've been doing lots of drawing with my little one year old munchkins in mind...I know I have done a good job when I get a reaction of giggles and curious delight then a tantrum because they can't have the finished copy to munch on before it gets framed and hung in their room...
this is what we have come up with so far...

I am planning to make a little book for them, maybe out of fabric...one they can munch on :)

...And if you have found, like me, a scarcity of good design for boys you might find something great over in this flickr group devoted to crafting for little boys...
And some more design, crafting and tutorials for little boys over here... on Raes' blog.
More links and pics of yummy stuff for little boys coming soon...
Enjoy!

Lucky Boy Sunday

2011-05-09T15:54:00.000-07:00

Have you come across Lucky Boy Sunday yet? How much do I adore!! everything these gals create...I love their knitted toys and I love! their photo styling...It all looks as if it were plucked straight from the dreams of little children...Just gorgeous! Something about the odd balance of loveliness and strangeness that keeps me wandering back to their website to admire it all!
Thankyou Lucky Boy Sunday!
:)

2011-05-02T14:48:00.000-07:00

My naughty little munchkins are 1 tomorrow!!

This is Coco and Bee, a couple of little cuties I have been working on for Stacy of Coco and Bee....

Find their lovely story here

Loveliness from Papiermache Latest Issue online now

Lately I've developed an extraordinary love of looking at design for children. Anything. Furniture, clothing, toys, books...
No more grown up fashion magazines for me...the world of kids is so much lovelier than ours, which is probably why I went and had more children once my daughter verged on the edge of teenagerhood. Our household suddenly became very grown up and serious...The last time we did a big clean up and rearrange in her bedroom the Littlest Petshops got put away in the cupboard to be replaced by nailpolish and Justin Beiber magazines...(Oh yet another world of fun :)
The imagining of no more little munchkins' world. No more cubby houses to improvise or sitting on the floor playing in tiny worlds, no more toilet roll crafting; I couldn't bear the thought...So I went and had twins :D
My babes are one tomorrow..Wow oh WoW already!!! ...All that lovely fantastical fun is yet to come....Yay!

2011-03-23T19:34:00.000-07:00

Hello lovely readers of my little blog...I have been missing you :)
I have been on a little reluctant break from Computerville as our computer crashed...
I am still waiting to see if it has taken all of my images from the back up hard drive with it! ... all prints of my illustrations will not be available until hopefully I can retrieve them again...

But any way ...while I am waiting for that little part of my life to sort itself out...i have been enjoying a few things around my home that make me happy and working on a few lovely projects...
I thought you might enjoy them too...

*Baby feet: how is it they are so darn cute

*Quick crafty project number one: Pretty stencilled floor using a vintage plastic 'doiley' and spray paint

*Quick crafty project number two: pretty vintage flower light shade

*Vintage fabric covered buttons, vintage wallpaper and vintage plastic flowers

*Two Cute Baby bums!

It's so nice to be back and be able to pop around and see what everyone has been up to.
x

Made By Jenni

2011-02-24T15:56:00.001-08:00

I have been admiring Jennis' beautiful creations for a while now! Waiting for a quiet moment to think of something special to say worthy of her lovely work. But alas quiet moments are too rare and Jennis' work so gorgeous that I couldn't wait any longer to show you...
Her daughters room is truly my dream room! Her dolls are just beautiful, now if I had little girls!....but Oh I do love the gorgeous elephant, he is on my wish list for my little boys' birthday...Find more of Jennis' beautiful work here

Icecreams and watercolours

2011-02-21T19:57:00.001-08:00

We love ice cream here. Especially chocolate ice cream...
And Oh how we love having a quiet moment to do a little drawing too. A sneak peek at a preliminary drawing for a super fun project I am working on for the lovely Bec of Naughty Shorts.

Tea Dresses By NaughtyShorts

2011-02-16T15:52:00.000-08:00

Oooh I love a pretty frock...and I have just found the prettiest tea dresses made by Bec of NaughtyShorts
Vintage fabrics from Nannas closet transformed into the sweetest classic little 50s tea frock of which one can never have enough to frolic in...I've ordered mine in the yummy rosey fabric....Yes you can choose which fabric you love from her admirable collection and Bec will lovingly whip one up for you....
Oh but wait Bec is running a competition to win one of her lovely dresses, find out more here
I can't wait to wear mine. Oooh I might even enter her competition to win another.

Sew Grown

2011-02-16T02:15:00.000-08:00

A banner I created for the gorgeous and super lovely Steffanie of
Sew Grown...Take a looksie at Steffanies' blog for some really great tutorials for kids clothing and other crafty delights...

Evangeliones Handmade

2010-11-25T22:16:00.000-08:00

How amazing is this little store...a miniature world created by the astoundingly talented Mei Ying of "Evangeliones Handmade".
She has created so many tiny details, tiny bags, little cards and books, little toys even tiny buttons...it's like a dream store in miniature! You can see more of what she has created here

If you think this is lovely you really should see the dolls that Mei creates...now they are divine!
Enjoy :)

Wishing for...

2010-11-22T16:37:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous Japanese pattern books from here, ....Oh dear, adding more items to my christmas wish list...

All I want for Christmas

2010-11-20T14:37:00.000-08:00

Please come and play at our house little mousies and miss hedgehog ...Oh the loveliness!! ....By Cuckoos Nest of New Zealand available from Lark

Dolly Love

2010-11-18T20:30:00.001-08:00

Oh my heart is aflutter....A Misako Mimoko doll is on my christmas wishlist.

Win Me

2010-11-07T00:04:00.001-07:00

For your chance to win Betsy Loo pop on over to Kid Independents' "Plushie Palooza" and leave a comment for Betsy Loo. ...(If Betsy Loo gets the most comments she wins a few months free advertising for 'Blossomnbird'....Ms Blossomnbird thinks this would be rather nice, so she would be ever so happy if you voted for her!! :)
There are heaps of other lovely softies on offer too...so it's really worth going on over to take a peeksie. Just wander over here.
If you have not heard of Kid Independent ...it's a newsletter promoting small independent crafty businesses creating gorgeous things for kids....it's always chockers full of lovely lovely things to tempt and inspire you...I recommend you sign up for the weekly newsletter, if you haven't already...
Enjoy!!

Jazz Dog and Three Piggies

2010-10-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

Yay some illustrations for boys rooms!

My illustration process lately, although starting out as a pencil or pen drawing usually eventually involves atleast a few different versions if not lots...(thankyou computer!).

I always have trouble deciding which version is the version to go with. I decided to show you a few of this one. Though I think "jazz man" should really be changed to "jazz dog" :)

I'm a little excited about this one though as it's one of the first that I consider complete that is for boys (or girls). Well one that I would hang in my boys room anyway...After having indulged in very girly art for so many years it's quite a challenge for me, one that I am really enjoying!

The Three Piggies is still in progress, but thought i'd give you a little sneak peak :)

More Whimsy Please

2010-09-21T18:19:00.000-07:00

...It seems that most art that I adore is very free and whimsical in style...I'm wishing for more of it, lots more, and I'm guessing that we could all do with a little more carefree whimsicalness in our day...
so that's my theme for me this week... 'whimsy'... I hereby make an official request to the world...more whimsy please!

:)

Story Book Rabbit

2010-09-09T04:35:00.000-07:00

Oh the loveliness makes my heart ache. I love my recent purchase from The Story Book Rabbit of etsy. Her little hand sketched bunnies are just divine....this little bunny in the blue dress is a pin. I'm currently trying ever so hard to resist buying a whole suite of her lovely lovely plates for my wall too. I know they would look perfectly sweet in my home and I should have at least 6 of them adorning my walls :)

Clutter Bug

2010-08-29T17:12:00.000-07:00

I love Design*Sponge for all the yummy interiors...flicking through the other day I discovered designer truly after my own heart....I love the cosy cluttered apartment...I think I love just about everything in this apartment...maybe I would change just a few things, I could spend my days rearranging everything, but I would never have to leave...well except to collect more treasure to stuff it with...and for coffee :)

Vintage Boy Rompers and a little faux patchwork lovin'

2010-08-28T20:37:00.000-07:00

With two new little boys to dress...I've been trolling the internet for vintage pieces new designs for little boys...purchased these wonderful little 1940s gingham overalls recently from Prairiemama of etsy
Can't wait till my boys are big enough to wear them.
And! In keeping with my ethical clothing pledge I purchased myself a new frock for the coming spring...cutest 70s faux patchwork. From tedandbunny of etsy. Can't wait to frollick in my frock!
Some other etsy finds currently on my wish list...just waiting for when I have that bottomless purse!...
Lishyloo overalls....I have a little thing for overalls :)
AudreysClosetVintge mexican crossstitch frock...I have a little thing for mexican embroidery too!

Boys Room

2010-08-25T18:05:00.000-07:00

So I am totally versed in all things girly....dollies, fairies, sparkles, pink, florals...I love it all!
The world of little boys though is a new challenge for me...
I've finally claimed the spare room to transform it into space for two baby boys.
Without much of a plan I'm gathering all the "boyish" things I have already been living with...and a few newly acquired pieces.
Found the totally loveable knitted teddy at the thrift store.
I had this gorgeous Cathy Cullis mixed media bunny from her Novembermoon store which I had purchased a few years back when I first discovered etsy.
I recently purchased the RexandPoppy robot canvas from ..... etsy ...I love him!
Ruby made the hema bead lion, the rainbow painting and the panda, which i adore!
Other pieces on the wall are random little pieces by me.
The gorgeous Fox and Bird print I have recently purchased and will be in their room soon...it's by Inaluxe
I am wishing for some more funky art pieces and prints for their room especially these gorgeous "Bonjour" and "Au Revoir" dog wood block mounted prints by Retrowhale of etsy....

And so it's onward I go to the challenge of raising two boys ...

boy and girl dolls

2010-08-07T19:13:00.000-07:00

Boy and Girl dolls...My daughter Ruby loves to play with the dolls that I make...She advised me however that I needed to make more boy dolls...So i did...

for the boys

2010-07-08T22:18:00.000-07:00

So inherent to my "Critter a Day project Unless Otherwise Overwhelmingly Engaged In The Care of Little Munchkins"(thus in reality turns into a couple of critters a week) is the wish to make softies suited to boys, now that I have twin sons 'n' all I thought it was time I set myself this challenge.
Here are the first two.

A Critter A Day

2010-07-03T19:08:00.000-07:00

Here they are; the critters....the first four in my "Critter a Day(unless otherwise overwhelmingly engaged in the care of little munchkins!)" project where I use up my lovely vintage fabric offcuts...It's been over a week since I first spoke of this project and I have four no actually almost five critters made. As soon as those babes are eyes closed I'm at my singer diving into the scrap basket sewing and stuffing like a crazy woman...don't wake just yet little babies...just a few more stiches to go...so much fun!!
I usually get a good hour or two...darn the washing and the dishes, they can wait i say, I have critters to make :D

Patchamania skirt of eternal spring

2010-06-29T05:08:00.000-07:00

Ever so nearly completed.

2010-06-29T05:05:00.000-07:00

This skirt has lots of pockets...now let me count...10, no, 11 pockets. The tiniest only big enough to hold tiny seeds or perhaps a little gem or flower.

Nearly done

2010-06-29T04:59:00.000-07:00

Little blossoms and birds everywhere.... Just one or two final touhes to go before I can call it done.

While they sleep

2010-06-29T04:04:00.000-07:00

Busy busy sewing while they sleep. Surrruonding myself in yummy fabric and projects. Bliss.

Another New Doll

2010-06-25T15:28:00.000-07:00

This is my second sample dolly from Spoonflower. I'm quite loving her chubby little legs :)

Paper Mache Magazine

2010-06-23T20:26:00.000-07:00

Wanted to share this link to a divine online children themed magazine that I have just discovered: Paper Mache ...a Sydney based project...it is filled with beautifully styled photographs, lots to drool over and wonderful links to designers of childrens fayre.
Enjoy!
x

New Dolly

2010-06-23T00:41:00.000-07:00

My first dolly using Spoonflower. I had only two of her printed as a test piece, unfortunately one ended up with a big greasy mark from a traumatic trip in the post :( ...She will be in my shop shortly.

babies patchwork

2010-06-19T16:47:00.000-07:00

2010-06-19T16:25:00.000-07:00

aaah winter time in north Queensland ...lots of time spent outdoors...it really is so beautiful when the sun is not too hot so as not to feel like you are being cooked.
So we cart the baby beds out to our little courtyard beside the kitchen and make camp for the day. This means a spot of hand sewing of course. I'm adding the final stitches to the skirt I have been making for months now...I've decided to call it the "patchamania rainbow garden skirt of eternal spring".
I'm finding the hand stitching such a delight, so much so that Lady Violet (my sewing machine) could begin to feel the pangs of jealousy.
She has been waiting there patiently for a few existing projects to be finished up so that the new projects I have spoken to her about can be begun. We are very excited about these....First we have a few domestic projects to be completed...some cushion and pillow covers to be made...using up some of my pretty vintage stash....
But then waiting in the wings is a project I am most excited about...I have thus far entitled it "A Critter A Day". Now you see the aim is to create a softie critter a day...by diving into my giant scrap fabric bins...one a day we do realise with the precense of two hungry baby boys is a tad ambitious so we will settle for 3 a week more or less. The title "A Critter A Day seemed less complicated than saying "A Critter A Day Unless Otherwise Overwhelmingly Engaged in The Care Of Little Munchkins"
The idea is to not fuss over design or perfecting technical skill but rather letting the fabric and the moment indicate who the critter is to become...to just play around and have fun with it....takes me back some years ago when I spent hours wandering the local beaches looking for yummy decayed pieces of flotsam and jetsom with which to create crazy critters and dolls. It is also a somewhat fitting aproach with two little babies at my side, about to wake up hungry at any moment.
So I'll let you know how that little project is going as it unfolds.

2010-06-12T04:23:00.000-07:00

New illustration.
A few different versions available as high quality prints over at my etsy or madeit stores.

babies

2010-06-12T04:09:00.000-07:00

patchwork

2010-06-12T04:06:00.000-07:00

...began a patchwork quilt for the babies...my first

Sit

2010-06-12T04:04:00.000-07:00

a cosy place to sit

munchkin

2010-06-12T03:59:00.000-07:00

asleep amongst the critters...careful where you sit.

Cosy Winter

2010-05-31T21:51:00.000-07:00

Not many words today...my little munchkins have left me tired and speechless today :)
Just some pretty pictures to show you...

2010-05-24T20:18:00.000-07:00

Wanted to show you this divine bunny sitting on my sofa...(the stripey gal)...amidst some friends...you may recognise her...she is from etsy seller Wawaya ...Ruby and I both fell in love with her..so you know we just "had" to have her. She is more beautiful to hold than to just see as she is soOo lovely and soft. I think she is happy in her new home.
This is a rare shot of a semi-tidy couch!! Which has proven to be wonderfully comfortable and cosy...
Life with twins is busy so far...my big mission today is to get to the local newsagent down the street to pick up some urgently needed stationary supplies...The timing has to be just so as I dread wandering down there with one or even worse two screaming babies in their stroller. :D
I am also aiming to have some designs for Spoonflower happening very soon...some dollies....(sneak preview of one of the designs I am considering here) I am super keen to master the patterns too...I am having a little trouble with that so far...I'm sure it's super simple....I have just not quite 'got it' yet as far as placement goes and achieving an overall unified repeat....I love the idea of designing patterns to use with the stretch fabrics...to create some things for the babes.
Don't you just love the fact that we can now design our own fabrics or purchase from such a fantastic range of unique fabrics...Textile design is something I have always wanted to try...So I am so excited to start using Spoonflower.
So you see although I am busy I am so far finding time to keep some threads of my work going...I am thrilled to realise that breastfeeding whilst using my laptop is very achievable...so much so that I reserve a lot of my computer time for such times as one of the babies is hungry. We are not enforcing tandem feeding as yet...I am happy to feed one at time as it allows me to have a hand free, to sketch, snack or tinker at the computer...feeding two babies at once well you really need two hands for that job :)
The little skipping boy is a sketch I drew a while back...I've turned it into a sweet print for Luka and Fynns' room...this little print now is available in my shop as the first design specifically for little boys...of which I think there will be many more to come :)
Whilst my little bunnies are sleeping I surround myself in (art)work....I am also working on this fun patchamania skirt, which you see layed out on the rug, for CinderellaPunk...which has become an epic endeavour; having started many many weeks ago...I guess it was a bad time to accept a custom order (when 8 months pregnant) ...I do hope to finish it off in the next week (or two) I thank Sylvie for her wonderful patience xx

Luka and Fynn

2010-05-22T22:50:00.000-07:00

3 weeks old... I am so in love...I can't believe how lucky I am to have two! little babies...funny little monkeys...
They arrived safely and without drama, around 7 pound 5 ounces each or 3.1 and 3.2 kg each...big for twins! so I was quite over being pregnant in the last few weeks.
We are having fun so far...lots of drinking. pooing, sleeping, spewing, burping, farting and crying...:D
You can see a little here how thus far they are very different to each other...
That is Fynn; awake and feisty... Luka; sleepy and placid.

Peppermint Magazine

2010-04-05T00:07:00.000-07:00

So I was at the beach with the billylids (kids) this easter weekend, as you do on a long weekend in Australia. My Sis and I wandered over to the newsagent to see if the new issue of Frankie was out...a little beach reading.
I spotted Frankie...my old fave..and quickly snavelled it up...but I also spotted this relatively new little Eco friendly fashion mag which I had heard of called 'Peppermint'...being a holiday...I treated myself to both!
I flicked briefly through the pages and stopped at a pretty, colourful page...there sitting cosily in the corner was this blossomnbird dolly
....do you think I jumped and beamed with delight :D Just a bit!!
But my starry eyed little thrill aside you must try and get hold of Peppermint magazine.
I love this magazine. Peppermint celebrates eco fashion art and design...It's packed full of great reading and gorgeous pics...It's relatively new, and Australian produced (Brisbane). It really is a credit to Kelley Sheenan...Publisher, editor, art director and designer!! ...and her team.
You can subscribe here
The "All you need is Love" issue is out now!
This being the "Love" issue features pages on Eco friendly weddings with some gorgeous wedding dresses and designs...Even an enlightening story on the diamond industry and where to get hold of environmentally responsible jewellery.
It's packed full of inspiring interviews of designers, artists and crafters, crafts to try and lots of gorgeous pics, of fashion, homes, things for littlies and beautiful eco friendly designs and where to find the best eco friendly products...
Subscribe or ask your newsagent to order it in! :)

Oh and here is a sneak peak at a little eco friendly 'patchamania' project I am working on...all made from recycled bits and pieces...little offcuts and vintage treasures....hope to be finished very soon. (ha before the babies arrive!!!)Just a few weeks now!!

Oh Joy

2010-03-11T21:17:00.000-08:00

I had been dreaming.
Of a new couch.
As one does on occasion.
Somewhere soft and comfy and to rest my butt for hours a day, during the coming winter months, feeding the hungry babes to come.
Now I feel blessed as I had but 1 day and 4 thrift stores within which I could wish for my wish to come true. Fortune must have been smiling on me that day for I am overjoyed with my find. There she was sitting pretty amongst the sea of over puffed and muscley but dejected David Hasselhoff era sofas.
Perhaps she is not my ultimate vintage couch?? (But sshhh I wouldn't tell her that!) ...never the less she is a beauty just the same and very welcome in my home. I'm loving her petite frame and that her accomodation for three should allow seating room for me, Ruby and the babes (when they arrive). Never fear as Mr Blossomnbird will also be well accomodated in his very own single reclining version, which I shall fit out with a slightly more masculine new covering (although i must say I shall certainly be borrowing the slightly more 'manish chair' on occasion; not wanting to miss out completely on a little reclining action for myself!)
The couch of joy has a lovely crochet covered pouff companion(the pretty one that did not make it into this photo, but will be sure to make an appearance soon), upon which I shall rest my slippered feet. Note too the lovely woven green vintage table which shall sit forever at her side where a tea tray shall rest supporting a cluster of cosied teapot and rosey china cups(with never ending tea of course).
Yes I think she is happy with her new home and her new coverings; and the cushions which have thus far gathered to live on her lap...
Just as I think I shall be happy to sit upon her for hours feeding hungry babes; perhaps with a Gene Kelly, Fred and Ginger, Doris Day or Audrey movie playing along before us. Oh Joy.

Pink or Green

2010-03-08T19:51:00.000-08:00

A new illustration...
to pink or to green?
hmmm
both...
?

Tin Can Craft

2010-03-01T16:27:00.000-08:00

I wanted to show you this new little illustration I have been working on. With a little more tweeking...
she will be available as a print soon.
Then there is this crafty little project...

Historically lacking funds to afford 'fancy' art materials or living on an island with no art or craft supply store I've always been a huge fan, by necessity, of recycling and using what you have at hand to create.
Packaging from the kitchen is a great one!
I go through stages where I can't bear to throw out tin cans, plastic containers, even shiny foil bags because it is all just such useful stuff when it comes to artsy crafty projects :D
I made this little container today...
using of course a tin can...always a favourite for storing pencils and brushes etc...and using up some scraps from my ever growing fabric scrap drawers.
Although not terribly innovative or unusual a technique:
(I seem to remember doing something similar at primary school)
I was quite chuffed with the result as it accords with my wishes to pretty up and organise my workspace as well as use up some of my ever growing fabric scrap stash...
But best of all it was so quick and fun...
of course using larger scraps of fabric would make the process even quicker...
A great little project when you just can't get in the mood to do much else :D
I just used my collage medium and stuck the little pieces of fabric straight onto the tin...now it's ever so pretty! And I can't wait to make more...
thinking I may get more creative with it next time and incorporate my little characters, birds, clouds etc...
You also gotta love a little crafty project that you can do with the kids....
I love this one by...
kaboose ...Thinking some really cute critter can containers could come out of a crafty session using these as inspiration...Can't wait to make some of these with Ruby :)

Hope you are all having a great start to the new season....
Yay!!! summer here is nearly over...bring on winter and cardigan and boots weather :)

Home

2010-02-27T17:38:00.000-08:00

My home at the moment...always changing rooms around...looking out from the current guest room (soon to be our room for a while) out to my current workspace. I've minimised my workspace and brought it out into the living area in anticipation that with twin boys on the way I will not be able to spend hours luxuriosly working away alone in my studio!!
Though I do hope to catch little spells here and there between changing nappies and feeding babies :D
I figure that by having my workspace in the living space I can access things at a seconds notice; my work becoming more interwoven with family life than seperated from it.
Also showing off my love of pretty vintage crochet coathangers!

Little Red Cape and Wolf

2010-02-26T16:23:00.000-08:00

Little red and wolfie came about on a scrap of fabric some months ago now...they have been laying around in my "to do" drawer waiting ever so patiently for attention...Lucky Little Red did not get eaten in the meantime!!
I've been planning to incorporate them into a patchworked pillow or little quilt or such...not sure yet...but it's one of those projects that I am so looking forward to and have such high expectations for that it never gets done...
But maybe, oh just maybe, today could be the day...it's a wonderful day for sewing...raining and cool!! Yay!
Speaking of "to do's" I have a whole list of things waiting to be made (for myself and for my etsy and madeit shops) ...and so much lovely vintage fabric waiting to be used...(as I'm sure many of you do too)....I'd like to share a few of the crafty fabricy "to dos" on my list in the hope that sharing will get me motivated...I'd love to hear some of yours too...
...Soft toys for little boys (or girls)
...Patchworky baby quilt for little boys
...Backpack/nappy bag for myself out of vintage fabrics
...Vintage fabric bloomer/nappy pants for baby boys
...Stretchy pants for babies from recycled stretch fabrics
...More Cushions (i love living with lots of pillows and cushions!)
...Mobile, fabric hanging thingy for boys room

Well that's just some that are floating in my head this morning...I'm not even going to venture into my ideas sketchbook or mention the illustration projects waiting to be finished... in fear that I may be overwhelmed and just give up and go thrift shopping instead! hehe
Happy creating to you :)
...

Design for Boys

2010-02-25T15:19:00.000-08:00

Well between rearranging my home lately preparing for the arrival of two baby boys, I have been indulging in a little online shopping...Looking for gorgeous clothes for such little boys...
I have my vintage fabrics sorted into suitable patterns for boys ie not too pink and floral...waiting for the sewing bug to take over...but for now I have been having fun seeing what I can buy from other crafters and designers out there...
I started with shopping locally at Madeit a shopping site full of wonderful handmade and artsy creations...similar to Etsy but Australian...(I have a little store over at Madeit too)
....Over there I found quite a few gorgeous little numbers to play dress ups with my boys when they arrive...

I love the vintage inspired simplicity of these little overalls
by ShipShap ...imagine them with a little stripey tee underneath...they are just too cute!!

This second little pair of shorts by BabyBird Clothing are made of the loveliest vintage fabric, reminiscent of Aunt Veras' Saturday tablecloth...surely these would inspire the little nature lover in any young boy......

Then there are these oh boy! Unisex and upcycled vintage fabric ...you gotta love that! "Smiley Pants" by Sevilla Designs

...aren't they gorgeous!
Hmm it seems I have a thing for green...

More gorgeous finds to come :)

line up

2010-02-20T17:06:00.001-08:00

line up, originally uploaded by blossomnbird.

a line up of little girls on my new shelf

Tidier and Tidierer!

2010-02-20T16:52:00.000-08:00

Getting tidier and tidierer ...
I just wish I had the gusto to repaint the green wall...I'd love it to be white...I've tried to hang lots of white things on the wall to make up for it :D

Babies babies babies

2010-02-15T15:23:00.000-08:00

Now of course my brain is consumed with babies at the moment (only around 10 weeks to go now!). So when a lovely customer requested a little onesie for her sweet babe I was more than happy to oblige. She loves kokeshi...so this is what I made for her.

I also had a little spell pre operation get-organised-mega-cleanup project, designing and making little critters for little boys. This little bear is one that I came up with. You can see this one is in beginning stages...I actually did finish and sell him but silly me forget to get a pic of the finished bear! Oh well Ruby has requested a whole family of them...You know just Mum, Dad, big sister and two little brothers! :D...so there should be more appearing soon :)

As far as my operation-get-organised-mega-cleanup-changing rooms-project goes I am happy to say I am about two thirds of the way there..well the end is in sight....And I am ever so thrilled that I now have a lovely new minimised and organised work space with just the finishing touches to go. You can see some wips at the top there. (You may notice I have two of the same pic of lovely folded boxes of vintage fabric well this was an accident, true! ...but it does make me look twice as organised doesn't it!? :D)

So for now I just need to transform our new bedroom(previously Rubys' room), the babies room(previously our room), Gary's new work room/tool room(previously my workroom); and thus our new balcony/garden room(previously Garys' workroom)!!....
Whew!! That's not too much to expect in 10 weeks is it?? :D :D

Tinkypoo

2010-02-02T15:03:00.000-08:00

This is Tinkypoo (and friends)...hello

(oh and that lovely pink unicorn is by wonderful artist/animator Julia Pott)

now you see this is really a diversion to show you something nice, because I have been neglecting or avoiding my camera
...well my life has been a little unpicturesque lately...I have been on a huge reorganising, culling and cleaning binge...not pretty!

I guess you could call it nesting...(but that term always makes me feel a little like a chicken)...with only 3 months-ish to go before the babies arrive...I am on a huge mission to streamline and declutter my work and my life. Yes no more sitting amidst piles of fabric and paper daydreaming for me! Not for a few years anyway...My work space is going need to be very organised and minimal if I intend to get any work done at all...

I am working up the courage to show some photos of the crazy clutter I have been living and working amongst. I am thinking I will wait til' I have created some calm and loveliness amongst my space so that I can show you both at once, before and after style, so as not to scare you, and at least leave you feeling some hope...

After a trip to the tip and having filled the back seat of my car to the roof with bags twice! to take to the donation bins, I am still sorting. (lucky I have a ute!)
You see I figure all this fabric I have been coveting will not see any light once the babies arrive...not for some years anyway. Of course I am keeping those most favourite and loveliest of all pieces and carefully reorganising them into pretty stacks. But all those pieces I have been coveting for years in giant bags and boxes "just in case" or for when "I get around to that project"...I am releasing back into the recycling roundabout...

Do you know I have discovered a spare room in my house! Yes true...it was buried...and by reorganising and rearranging and letting go of some (well lots really) things I have uncovered a spare room in my home..."and I am NOT going to buy more stuff from the thrift store to fill up it with!" (She says in her best and most assertive Aunt Edith voice.)

My daughter Ruby (10) now has a new bedroom...most fitting for a pre-teen...it is bigger and airier than her previous bedroom...it's long and rectangular so that she has two zones...one for sleeping and one for playing and hanging out with her friends...she is most pleased...even about the fact that it is a very 'tropical', "Queenslander" style room (ie a verandah/balcony) ... previously it was a dumping area/store zone/play area...it is only partially enclosed with a little lattice and some bamboo blinds...and quite open to the elements, I suggested her dad enclose it with some recycled corrugated iron and build some shutters...but she assured me that she loves it open...and likes it just the way it is!
Rubys' dad and I slept out there for a year and I agree with Ruby; it is lovely being able to see the stars at night and the full moon rise and even to have the sun wake you up in the morning and to go to sleep to the ocean breezes and the sound of waves crashing gently on the beach....don't worry I am not a neglectful mother so she does sleep under a big mozzie net... she is very happy...Lovely!!

Now I also have a new bedroom for the babies....And I am still culling and sorting so If I am 'good' and choose not to keep things that I will not soon use or do not love...I believe I will have yet another spare room available which is going to become an open garden room (ie a room with just partial external wall which leads directly to the garden...sort of a balcony room but with no rails, just posts...(japanese-esque) ....Aaaah one of my favourite things to do...knock out walls! heheh...

So you see I have been a busy chicken, despite the crazy tropical summer humidity and my giant, 6-months-and growing-with-twins belly; which combined cause me to move at the pace of a snail...

Maybe it is a good thing: this frustration I have felt due to our lovely tropical rains causing my internet connection to become soggy and dysfunctional...you see I have not been able to sit for hours with two fans blasting over me, browsing the internet reading blogs and shopping for baby boys ...

Ramblings about shopping for boys (with some lovely finds) and in progress home pictures to come :)

Enjoy!

Nanas drawings

2010-01-09T20:19:00.000-08:00

I found these in my stash of unfiled digital images. My grandmothers drawings from some of her sketchbooks. Some are from the thirties when she worked as a textile designer for Semco designing embroideries and such. I love how some of the drawings are so delicate and lovely but they are drawn just on lined writing paper.Thought you might enjoy seeing them too.

Oh Gosh is it that time already!

2009-12-18T13:36:00.000-08:00

Gosh I have been stitching up dollies, and pasting up cards like crazy over the last month...so much so that I have not really gone near my computer, other than to check my emails.
Oh how I have missed you!

Here is what i have been doing...

Making lots of little dolls and cards and hair pins...all orders for christmas...I have not been able to catch up and have work premade yet..so all of my work is made as ordered...which means I have been head down tail up trying to get things into shops well in time for christmas...this has been a challenge...I always under estimate how long things will take. ...It has been my first really busy christmas season...so I have learnt from this one!
Next year I plan to have simpler designs for wholesale(as far as steps in production go)...and have heaps of stock premade.

Growing fat...Yes I have a great big belly!...not because of too much turkey or christmas cheer...but the two little puddins' growing in there. We are now 19 weeks into the pregnancy and doing well. Two of them! Two boys to boot! I still can't imagine myself with two sons...but I am delighted, Ruby is not so sure yet :)...she will come around!! I guess designs for little boys will be coming up soon to go along with my usually very girly-girl work...discovering the world of little boys is going to be fun!

Making gifts...my sweet 12 year old niece requested one of my dolls for her birthday...I dedided to make her a special one...a large cushion sized doll for her to sit on her bed...she was a hit.

Making christmas angels...took a little time from work to get together with some friends and our children to make some christmas decorations and christmas wrap, we all brought along (mostly) recycled materials to share and afternoon tea, so much fun...I adore crafting with children as they are so oo0 inspiring :) I made an angel from a softdrink bottle, dried flower for hair, and some gaudy sequins cut from an old 'bollywood' style dress.

But now I rejoice as it is time to stop work for the christmas season...Yay!

Some things I have been dreaming about doing over the next few holiday season weeks...

Shop for christmas...hmm I have done very little so far...leaving it to the last minute...not such a good idea!

Float for hours on inflatable toys at the beach...

Tidy and decorate my home which has been taken over by me as a workshop...

Make christmas garlands with Ruby...

Enjoy long lazy breakfasts in the garden with plates full of pastries and summmer fruits...

Grow an even bigger belly...

Laze in a hammock underneath the fig tree with my laptop, wandering around blogland, catching up on what everyone is up to...

Hope you are all having a wonderful time getting ready for the big day :)

.

2009-11-15T16:34:00.000-08:00

Been making lots of pretty dolls like these two little girls. Most have already found homes...but I do hope to have some in my etsy shop soon, along with some other new little treats I am finishing up.

Oh Excuse Me, But...!

2009-11-09T22:17:00.000-08:00

Oh My Bloomin' Gosh!!!

It's twins!

Eeeek!

14 weeks pregnant with twins!...who me?...yes me...

I'm still in shock!!!

...and feeling tired tired tired and sickie sickie sickie, blaah!

I guess it is still early days yet so we will see what happens but so far all is good...

as you can imagine i am so excited and was busting to tell everyone...

so there you go :D

Proud

2009-10-28T20:23:00.000-07:00

I also wanted to show you this...I am so honored to be included in a collaborative colouring book "We are Proud" as part of the "We Are" series created by the super talented artist Yeal Fran.
This is my drawing.
The colouring book features lots of amazing etsy artists...so I feel really special to be included too! :)
Artists in this edition are:
Juliabe
Blancucha
Corid
Michaelchsiung
Itsawhimsicallife
Baboucherouge
Irisschwarz
Amberalexander
Blossomnbird(that's me!:)
Bluedogrose
Dilkabear
Holli
Lizacorbett
Lizadams
Matty8080
Woolandwater

You can see the book here

Bunchy & Tinka

2009-10-28T20:01:00.000-07:00

How sweet is this. An illustration from one of my Mothers books from when she was little. "Bunchy and Tinka" written in the late 40s/early 50s.
Well I've still been super busy finalising wholesale orders. Longing for some free time to wander around blogland and see what you have all been up to.

Edwina

2009-10-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

A big Hello!!
I am back from a few weeks away visiting my family.
It's so nice to get back home after a long holiday. Back to my work and my blog and my dolls.
This little gal has been waiting patiently in my studio since before I went away. Waiting for a new home. She is now available in my etsy shop.
She is a little different to most of my dolls of late. She has actually been in the making for some time and began life with a completely different intention. So she is quite special, and unique.
I have been busy since I got back last week making more dolls for stores in Melbourne. I came home to some bummy news...That a parcel of my dolls was lost in the post :( Fifteen dolls! Lost! So yes I am making more.
Of course I should have sent them registered post. But I was trying to keep the already xxy cost down. Aaargh. I have learnt my lesson. Always send valuable parcels registered or express.
I now imagine them floating about Melbourne appearing in trees and sitting at bus seats, looking forlornly lost and alone. Or perhaps they are living it up making the most of their freedom from the shackles of being bought and sold.
...Girls if you are reading this please go home!

Free Shipping

2009-09-10T16:10:00.000-07:00

Free Shipping ...for this weekend. 12th and 13th September.
All purchases from my Blossomnbird etsy store will be sent with free shipping. Let me know of your intent to purchase and I will change the shipping on that item to free for you... Hooray :D

More Dollies

2009-09-08T21:18:00.000-07:00

Finished!

Dollies

2009-09-08T21:17:00.000-07:00

Ready to go to their new homes.

Thrifty finds

2009-09-02T17:41:00.000-07:00

Oh I do love a little thrift shopping. Oh so rare these days. Being such a long journey from my home across the sea to the little city of Townsville. But I recently made it and gleefully carried home these little fabricy delights.
The bird is a vintage teatowel seemingly unused. I considered using it my kitchen as I do so need new tea towels. But oh it is so pretty and my darling husband, chef of the house gets them discustingly grubby and stained so quickly. So i've snavelled this one to become a cushion or bag or something equally as lovely!
The pretty patchwork is a lovely set of pot holders in varying sizes. Someones beautiful as yet unused crafty project. Hmm yes I think these might be more apreciated as little bags or cushions...rather than handing them over to the grotty chef in our kitchen :D
And the barkcloth... Metres of it. I'm not sure...not really my colours but too classic to pass up. I will put it in my stash of fabrics I admire but don't particularly love. You have one of those don't you...I'm sure a project will pop up sometime. Or I may list it in my currently empty and neglected etsy vintage store. I have so many vintage craft books and supplies and clothes that are just waiting to be listed. When I have time! Oh I need a team of employees to achieve all of my proposed ventures! :D

My Dolly

2009-08-31T17:37:00.000-07:00

My Dollies just had their eyes painted on...waiting to have their hair done; their legs stitched on, and other details added.

Blossomnbird Skirts

2009-08-26T19:31:00.000-07:00

A shot from a photo shoot we did with blossomnbird patchamania skirts.
This one is super fun! Modelled by the gorgeous Mia :)

Dancing Dollies For Etsy Handmade Moment

2009-08-19T17:08:00.000-07:00

I figured out how to embed my little movie here. So I did!
Hope it makes you smile :)

Yay my video is up!

2009-08-17T20:37:00.000-07:00

Well I finished my movie. I"m pretty happy with how it turned out. Gosh it was fun to make. My animations skills are improving!! Luckily!! :D
It's probably a little too 'unpolished' to represent etsy. But it's still worth checking out...even if i do say so myself. I could fiddle with it some more to polish it up... but I I'm a bit pressed for time and I was so excited to post it.
Please go take a looksie and let me know what you think. You can see it here

Handmade Moment

2009-08-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

I wanted to show you a sneek preview of the little animation I am working on for the Etsy Handmade Moment film promo contest. I just decided to enter. I don't really consider myself a 'filmmaker' but I love to animate my little dolls sometimes...The results are low tech and sort of 'bad' but i kinda like that. So I thought I'd try and get some of my girls into the fun movie action. There are some really wonderful entrants already and there is only 2 weeks to go so I imagine there will be heaps more coming in.
I really don't expect to win but I thought it would be fun to get involved.
Why is she in her knickers...well I don't know! Maybe she loves etsy so much she is dancing in her knickers. But then again maybe I will make her a dress for her to wear??
I really like the idea of using lots of etsy artists work in a sort of photo collage animation... I am keen to do one like that soon, but for now I'm a bit pressed for time and still learning and I've put the movie together without too much planning. Sometimes that "jump in and see what happens" technique works...sometimes it doesn't. But it sure is fun!
I'm still putting it together. So I will show you some more soon.

Forgot to show you!

2009-08-12T01:05:00.000-07:00

Oh and I forgot to show you this little girl that i was working on on Sunday whilst listening to Nancy and Lee.
I love how she turned out. She is the friend of kitty. A new thing for me: the machine stitching details. I really enjoy that process. A little unpredictable and so a little surprisingly expressive. I think I'm getting pretty good on my old machine though! :D

New Doll

2009-08-12T00:30:00.000-07:00

A little doll. She is about 25cm tall and fits nicely into your hand....

Vintage Story Books

2009-08-11T16:56:00.000-07:00

New girls heading down to Melbourne. With critters from some of my favourite vintage story books watching on.
Oh and I am famous...Well in the world of "Edward and Lily" I am! Take a looksie at Rebeccas' lovely blog "Edward and Lily" to see her interview with me :)

Garden sewing

2009-08-09T20:03:00.000-07:00

A spot of sunday sewing in the garden. I was so fortunate to have Gary as my dj...finding tunes on the laptop. Sewing to Nancy and Lee makes it so much more fun.

2009-08-09T03:54:00.000-07:00

Blue girl black bunny.

Meeooww

2009-08-08T17:31:00.000-07:00

Meeooww

Been working on lots of softies lately just quickly drawing onto the fabric and cutting away. I love workin this way...This little kitty I made for Ruby the other day as she loves big cats (especially white tigers) (though I did not have any white tiger fabric!). She has often requested a pet cat but I just it just wouldn't work with all of the native wildlife where we are and our open plan house.
So I made her this one :) Lots of critters to eat here on magnetic island for this kitty. Birds and lizards and frogs aplenty...But she's not too sure about those echidnas. Just a tad too spikey for this little cat.

Vintage toy pattern

2009-08-04T16:11:00.000-07:00

Aren't these cute. I love that they are so big and are cushions as well as toys. But I especially love the use of patchwork.
I found these in my vintage craft magazine collection. Haven't made them (I don't tend to use patterns) but they look easy enough either using the pattern or creating your own version. I really like the horse...Thought someone else out there might find them inspiring too. Of course if you click on the image they are much clearer!...If you'd like the instructions let me know.

Bike Gallery

2009-08-02T21:43:00.000-07:00

Been playing around with some work a little different for me lately. I was given the oppurtunity to display some work in a new gallery which also incorporates bicycles. Cool I thought. I like bikes. But I was a bit hesitant to display my super floral-girly-dolly work. I just didn't think it fit. I wanted to do something more gender neutral, and a little retro, fresh and fun. So I decided to indulge my long standing desire to produce some more abstracty painty pieces and my love of little wood offcuts. I had a ball over the weekend painting these little treasures in retro-esque naturey inspired patterns and shapes and vintage inspired colours. I'm on the hunt now for more little off cuts to paint.
I'd also been making these little critters which I call 'Spuds' inspired by the recent birth of my nephew Sacha (well I didn't really want to give him a girly-girl doll). I make them using different randomly cut organic shapes out of fabric offcuts. Super fun to make as there is no pattern involved and each one turns out different.
This set of work is a little different to what I have been doing lately but I'm super excited about the possibilities of incorporating this little left turn with my girly-girl dolly work and what might come of it.
Today I took them down to the gallery. Combined together with some funky plastic bits of treasure found on the beach I'm really happy with how they look.
It was so nice to have a brick and mortar public space to display my work (where I had control of the exhibit) especially as it is located just down the street from where I live...These pics were taken at home before I took them down to the gallery so am yet to take a pic of them in situ to show you. Coming soon!

Saturday Morning Shopping

2009-07-31T18:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning shopping trip.
Today I'm going with the endearingly quirky. The quirkier the better I say.
First we have this hand embroidered 'Pinup Pup'. He is embroidered onto a guest towel and is so oddly loveable. By NannyscornerShop

And then there is this little girl in a matchbox world by etsy seller the WonkyGiraffe. Everything is so tiny. I love matchboxes-turned-art. Take a look at the listing and other photos of her she is just so cute!

Back to critters in frocks. I do love a critter in a frock. Disrepectful to their kind perhaps but oh so cute when rendered in art.
This little Pug byMiller Cambell Designs is hilariously gorgeous. It's actually a little brooch so you can take her with you wherever you go.

Take a looksie at Charlottes blog Fancy Picnic for more happy shoppers!
Happy Shopping.

koalas and bikes

2009-07-30T23:15:00.000-07:00

Koalas...they are gorgeous! Hard to disagree. Magnetic Island, where I live has one of the largest koala populations in Australia. Lots of them. Introduced from the mainland in the 1930s. They have been here for a while now living happily and harmoniously with the environment. Plenty of eucalypt trees here. I love the koala.
I've always baulked though at including them in my art. Like the kangaroo. Having grown up in a tourist region in Queenland images of koalas are heavily ladden with connotations of kitchy souvenirs.
But i decided to ignore that cultural cringe and embrace their cuteness and created this little drawing for a series of cards which celebrate where I live. For it sure is lovely, where I live. But being an island paradise (true it is!) the imagery is really difficult to produce without coming out all corny and cliche! (For me anyway!) This is an attempt. A little corny, a little cliche, but cute no?
These are specifically created for a friends bike shop which is soon to become a very groovy mixed business incorporating bicycles, beer and art... Can't think of a better combination!

Help

2009-07-29T19:18:00.000-07:00

Oh this is funny. Well not really! This blog entry has been sitting in my drafts for a few days now. Trying to decide whether I should reveal this much truth about myself :D
It's confession time. Eeek. I've never been much of a TV watcher. Prefer to play on the internet or chat with my husband or read or draw. But I've been totally scarily consumed and obsessed with this TV show. I know it's been around for years now, but as I said I don't watch much TV and I'm a bit slow on these things! My husband cautiously suggested we watch it one night. He is a firefighter and some the guys at his work have been watching it. Heard it was OK. I had not even heard of it until a few weeks ago. I was dubious at first. Seemed a bit macho and hero worshippy. I'd never been into those 'similar' police dramas too much and I'd never really heard of that Denis Leary guy before. I remembered that 'asshole' song, but not much else.
Ok so I give in and agree to watch this 'blokey' TV show with my husband; umm my life is not the same!! ha! Now as I sit at the computer designing in photoshop or playing in etsy or flickr I've secretly got another window open 'researching' this new obsession.
Is it because my husband is a firefighter (as was his father) and I laugh so hard at the familiar firehouse gossip and antics, and recognise the characters in his work mates, and the stories he has been telling me for years. Or is it the raw surprising gritty nature of the show; that is at once grippingly entertaining but also emotionally cathartic. Or that I can relate to the anger and the Irish, lapsed Catholic thing, through my fathers family. Is it because the writing and script and characters are really good! Or is it because I have a huge crush on him. (That would only be because he reminds me of my husband of course, true he really does!!:)
That whole tough but vulnerable thing. And aargh i've always gone for the lanky guys.

I don't think I've had such a crush since my university days (you know that lecturer!)! Anyways I've watched every episode in the last few weeks. Yes all 5 seasons so far in just a few weeks. Umm that would be about 5 episodes per night. (Thankyou internet TV) so now I am having withdrawals because I am waiting for the latest episode to show up on the net. I've gone so far as secretly googling his name. Denis that is not Tommy ...and ravaged Ann Learys (his wife) blog for mention of him. Perved at their holiday snaps (wishing I was there sipping coffee with him on the balcony, wishing I was she; Anne that is...oh she's gorgeous!!)
I've never been like this with a "star" before. Well not since I was 15 and well, you know; (a very young)Mel Gibson.

So I guess I am addicted to Rescue Me. And yes I'm totally confused by the whole actor/character thing, Tommy/Denis; it's the same to me and my romantic fantasies; it's not like I'm ever going to really know him anyway! Oh well maybe one day. Oh there is an idea: maybe Gary could do a position exchange with a firefighter in New York...it's nice here in the Great Barrier Reef, lovely beaches and all, clean air; surely someone there would be up for it!! Forget that nasty Janet and Sheila Tommy I'm here!

So it's day 2 since I last watched the show and I'm doing OK! I'm off to check soon if the latest episode has arrived on the net. I'll check Annes blog to see if she has uploaded any more photos of her dashing husband lolling about their farm in his undies or something.
I might even see if I can purchase one of their books. I'm sure they are good reads, and well that would at least be healthy outcome of this obsession.

Oh my life is sad! Pathetic! :D
I even tried to watch a Johnny Depp movie and it just didn't cut it, I just felt empty!!
Help anyone got any remedies for such a case?
Well besides get a life that is!

Echidnas

2009-07-28T15:08:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to show a little of what I have been up to....Have been doing lots of drawing. A little painting. Mostly drawing. Designing for a range of cards. I am excited about this... And something else that's been on the list (of must do's) for a long time ...animal friends for the little girls to play with. My daughter Ruby has always been crazy about animals. So I am way over due to produce a series of pieces featuring our fellow earthly creatures....
Like this super cute little critter. (!now this is where the photo is supposed to appear!! Of the echidna that is, the one in the photos above!How to get it to appear here I thought I knew but obviously not!!!aargh)
Don't you just love echidnas! This little fellow, well actually three little fellows were discovered by Ruby after school one day at the parkland near the beach; Alma Bay. Waddling around digging their noses into the ground looking for ants to eat.
We sat for ages and watched this one. Trying to encourage her away from the road just a little too close by. She seemed to be either oblivious of us or not all timid.
So; echidnas of course to be featured in drawings very soon.
...Now i just have to figure out how to get these photos to appear where I want them to!!?! :)

Canvases

2009-07-15T17:29:00.000-07:00

Some of the canvases so far...They each have names...let me see this is: Cynthia, Charlotte, Katie Sue, Josie-Lu and Hettie.
I have more girls drawn and canvases ready to make up today. Fun!

Group of Girls

2009-07-15T17:26:00.000-07:00

This little family of girls is growing.
This is just some of them so far...I can't wait to get in create more
These are off to Melbourne to a trade fair. I hope they have fun!
I kinda wish I was going too but ooOoOo I bet it's super chilly down there today!!

New Girls

2009-07-11T23:11:00.000-07:00

I'm loving using these girls on the canvases; creating little patchwork environments for them. I love that I can hang some of my favourite fabrics on the wall to see them all the time :)

I'm making more dolls too knowing that Ruby will want to keep a few. I love that she likes to play with the dolls that I make. She gets very upset if I sell one that she loves so I do try to keep one or two for her from each batch. She has a whole family of them which she loves to play with including a little boy. Ruby is almost 10 and being an only child loves to sit and play for hours with her toys, I adore listening to her twitter away to the dolls playing out little scenarios, which quite often involve the boy doll being the boyfriend or more specifically Harry (Potter) or Merlin or Edward from Twilight (her favourite movie...despite my hesitation about her being too young to watch it!!)

I'm liking the colours of these girls.....I'm very attracted to really warm colours at the moment I guess because it is the middle of winter here. Though quite warm and beautiful...still a little chilly for me :D I know that when summer comes around and the incredible heat it will be difficult to use these hot pinks and oranges but right now I can't get enough of them!

2009-07-11T17:35:00.000-07:00

Another girl!

Saturday Shopping

2009-07-10T22:20:00.000-07:00

For our Saturday morning shopping trip I am so excited to show you the beautiful dolls by The Poppy Tree I am so wishing I could zap these little woodland friends over to my house for Ruby and I to play with :D
They are a combination of plush and felting and are all together so sweet. Just look at that little blue bird and tiny hedgehog! oh gosh!
You must really must take a looksie at Kellys' etsy store to see her other gorgeous dolls, art, even brooches and pendants featuring her wonderful characters and critters inspired by woodlands and fairytales.

...Oh and If you would like to indulge in a few more shopping selections you can find a wonderful list of "shopping" bloggers on Charlottes blog Fancy Picnic

New Dolls

2009-07-10T21:45:00.000-07:00

I've been so busy sewing clothing in past month or so...which means I have not really had time to focus on other styles of work that I love to play with. But yay I got to play with drawing dolls and girls in the past few days.
Here are the first few 'flat dolls' finished that I have mounted onto a canvas.
Having fun with this using up some vintage fabric offcuts; old floral sheets. I like the way the flowers of the fabrics randomly fall over their face, creating sometimes interesting results.

Our House

2009-07-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

This is looking from the dining/work table to the kitchen and (bottom photo)the main living area of our home...
I love the old house we live in altough some areas can really do with a little revamping! My partner Gary and I have happily spent many hours dreaming up ways to gently transform our old home which has seen a few very questionable revamps and extensions over the years by previous owners, some necessary due to cyclone damage. It really is a crazy patchwork of eras and building ideas. We considered restoring it to it's original state but decided that it would seem more true to the spirit of the Queenslander and be a little more flexible in adapting the house to how we live while still acknowledging its history.

Being the style of Queenslander that it is; a workers cottage designed for the hot tropics, having a large central room surrounded on all sides by open or semi open verandah which would have originally been covered in wooden louvres. There are no designated functions of 'rooms'. The balcony area would have most likely functioned as sleepouts or sleeping areas and living areas. There was no designated kitchen area, although it would have been in one of the corners of the verandah. The bathroom and toilet would have been in a seperate building or "outhouse".

Aside from the floor and the frame, only a few original features are still intact, like old verandah rails hiding behind fibro cladding and wooden louvres that are locked in place from years of painting. While wanting to retain those few features that do remain we have otherwise come to veiw the house as basically a frame with floorboards and a roof within and around which we can design and build away to our wishes, while giving a little nod to its history. This provides so many creative options that it makes my head spin!

Luckily we've had time to think and dream about it...not wanting to go into any more debt, finances have limited action. Also we are currently waiting on local government aprovals for our workshops to be built in the backyard. This will free up huge areas of the house; meaning we will have a lot more space to perform renovations; living in one section of the house whilst changes take place in others.

Being in the tropics we choose to live with the house very open and have removed a lot of the newly added (probably 70s)glass louvres and cladding to reveal open spaces that connect to the outdoors; our dining table is outdoors, our kitchen is semi-outdoor style. Thus we sleep under big mossie nets and live with frogs and lizards and birds and the occasional snake inside the house!

We intend to replace the glass louvres and cladding with a mix of materials hopefully mostly second hand. We have for example replaced one area with corrugated iron found at the local tip. I love the look of the old iron and it functions perfectly for certain areas of the house, we will be using it a lot more in future. Gary has created a door out of old packing timber, this is really lovely and I hope to see a lot more like it around the exterior of the house where needed. Other areas we plan to create shutters and various combinations of recycled timbre louvres, slats, fretwork (that i am keen to design and create myself)and screens and lattice, and small amounts of coloured glass. (regular glass windows we will aviod due to cylonic winds at certain times of year)

The approach is very similar to how I aproach my other creative work...using recycle d materials and transforming existing pieces...The result will be very decorative but also functional; fretwork and latticed screens and shutters will allow breeze and light through while providing some protection from wind and rain and possums!. I also hope to keep the designated areas of the house fluid as it would have originally been. Bedrooms being able to move with the seasons; walls which are removable or sliding; corrugated iron shutters which can be completely removed when the weather is perfect or replaced to become solid wall in cyclone season.

I am going to start ocassionally documenting the transformation of our house more in my blog as I see it as a huge creative venture in my life...probably the biggest sculptural project I will ever undertake. (In collaboration with Gary; which is a huge challenge in itself as we often have VERY different ideas about what should happen, although that difference does create a perfect balance most of the time...so the process and result should hopefully be a creative success!!:D)

Strawberry Jam Skirt

2009-06-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

With 22 pockets no less!
I like this one. For some reason I was hesitant to create a skirt that was all denim. Fearing I guess that it would be a bit too 'ordinary'. I'm happy though with the combination of high waist and flariness (for which I used a very well worn in little girls skirt) and the red and blue is just too cute. I've used some of my favourite red with blue roses fabric of which I've been coveting as I have only a small piece about the size of a fat quarter. Being red though it works best in small patches. For some reason it reminds me of strawberry jam!

Skirt closeup

2009-06-21T16:58:00.000-07:00

Just a little macro shot showing the frayed edges and simple some simple hand stitching.

Skirts finished!

2009-06-21T15:35:00.000-07:00

Finished!
I have lots of finished patchamania skirts to show you. I will upload these over the week...I managed to find some gorgeous and willing models to play dress ups over the weekend and have some really fun photos that I'm still sorting through and editing to show you later on. But for now my dress makers manequin has done a fine job to show you the details.

The first one is super cute and a fave of mine. It's so wonderfully festive and a little crazy. It went through a few transformations during the design process. At one stage I was going for an 'eighties:Cyndie-Madonna' combined with 'circus punk' look where it had some really sequinny things happening and and some fake animal print fur, and well it all looked a little too "Las Vegas" and "trashy" perhaps haha....So i ditched the fur and sequins and went for a 'spring garden celebration' feel instead! Now I think it's pure pixie skipping fun...It has twelve pockets for pixie treasures!!

Red and Black Skirt

2009-06-17T16:10:00.000-07:00

A close up of the front of one of the skirts I've been working on. I plan to have them all completed by today. Yayy!!
I will be taking photos today too. So will uplaod lots more photos probably over the weekend.

I have learned a huge lesson during this process. Ha one that I have had to learn over and over again!! That is estimating the time it takes to complete a project... I need to remember to estimate and then double it!!! It's always the details and finishing off bits and pieces that I do not account for, and of course, well, life itself, the little "interuptions". Like family that can't be ignored!! and illness and community and school obligations and wonderfully unexpected visits from family and friends. All that stuff that makes life wonderfully interesting aside from creative work!! :D

Hope everyone is having a great week!!

Almost finished

2009-06-14T19:25:00.000-07:00

Getting so close to finishing the batch of skirts I have been working on. I haven't really taken time to blog this week, or take a great deal of photos...as I have been so busy. Here is a little snippet of one the skirts...this one is so girly and over-the-top-pretty! I was thinking 1950's gauzy pastel dreamy frills, it has a super ruffley butt :)
I just have all the finishing touches to do on each one. I will try and take photos as I am finishing them off.
Hope you are all well and staying happily and creatively busy :)

Saturdays Shopping List

2009-06-07T16:39:00.000-07:00

Eeek...A little late for Saturday. My first Etsy shopping list for the group hosted by Charlotte of FancyPicnic. Technical glitches galore! I'll get there :D
I do have a gorgeous selection though, and I am excited as it's getting cool here, North Queensland(Australia) style (i did go swimming yesterday!). I do love love love the little time of cooler weather that we get here. It's a glorious excuse to surround myself with more fabrics and fibres and textures and colours. (Not that i need one!)
Some treats to warm you up (just a little)....

Hair pins for those wintery bad hair days, oh gosh anytime really!!! By Blackcatmima

Wonderfully quirky 'Picasso Bike Hat' to put a smile on chilly cheeks by MeltBrianna

Deliciously dreamy photo "Awaken" by ThePhotoZoo

Floppers the Unicorn to cuddle while watching TV (he loves it!) by Handmadepretties

'Cloud' mixed media wonderfully textural original painting by 904Eastmillerstreet

Gorgeous Erte and Dior inspired jacket that you would want to wear everyday! by PlainBeautiful

Yummy recycled rag rug to warm your tootsies, the colours alone would warm the cockles of your heart strings :) By BerniesGirl

Cutest Maryjane slippers by Weesandy. These are created from a pattern by Sylver on Etsy. If you crochet you really must take looksie at the amazingly gorgeous patterns she has. I wish I could crochet!!!!

Because you can't get enough soft fuzzy textures; wear it on your fingers too....Fantastically quirky felt stitched ring by Rubydelequila

Yay i did it! My first shopping list. Hope you love it :)
Now go check out Charlottes blog FancyPicnic to see more fantastic shopping selections by other bloggers...

xo

More patchwork skirts

2009-06-07T01:21:00.000-07:00

After finishing a purple, a blue, a grey, and a tea coloured skirt, I got quite stuck on the green I was working on. Still not coming together but hanging half finished awaiting greenish inspiration! I decided to go a little crazy and create one using lots of colour and sparkle. Began with polka dots and it developed from there. Thats it on the left, still not quite finished but you get the idea! The butt has a flouro tutu ruffle. It's super cute and sassy. Not sure who is going to wear this one. Someone confident and brave, in party mode :D
Also almost finished a red and black one with a gloriuosly red frilly bustle and high waist. I'm loving this one. I might have to make 13 and keep one for me!
I am developing ideas for some photo shoots for these. It would be such a shame to send all of these skirts off without getting some great photos...So I'm gathering props and costumes together. Thinking down at the rocks ought to be perfect. That is going to be so much fun. Just wish I had someone willing and keen to model for me! It's just not much fun taking of photos of yourself!!!! Though I'm hoping she/they will appear this week :D