My Handmade Heart

"Vintage" Mason/ Jam Jars - Tutorial

2012-01-20T11:28:00.013+11:00

Anyone who's been hanging around wedding blogs lately will know that the latest "uber-prop" for wedding is recycled gass bottles and mason jars................also those same people who hang around wedding blogs will also know that "Vintage" is the way to go!

So.........as I am planning and DIYing my own wedding at the moment (6 weeks to go EEEEEK!)and as I am also doing "The Mason Jar" thing, I though I would share the process im using to turn ordinary modern glass jars into "Vintage" jam jars for flowers and display.

See below for all the instructiony bits and if you want to do the same but cant find any lables, have a look HERE, HERE and HERE.....thats just a start though the interweb is filled with free vintagey goodness..............just google it!

Sail Away..........

2012-01-10T15:17:00.005+11:00

SOLD!

9 Little paper ships (made from Golden Books) sail in the wind on this beautiful mobile.
Strung on a bamboo ring, the little ships are folded out of vintage book pages and strung on invisible line. Surrounding them are sea shells and driftwood pieces.

This gorgeous one of a kind mobile is sailing off to the US of A soon to a very lovley customer!!!

Check out the other items in my ETSY store HERE.........

Cool Chicks that like Flowers

2012-01-06T11:29:00.015+11:00

Ive discovered a couple of blogs in the last few days and I'm totally blown away with the originality of these creative teams!

First - The Flower Drum - the floral love child of super stylish (and appropriately named) Holly Hipwell and the musical Mylee Grace.

They create awesomely amazing floral designs, from flowers bombs & crowns, to re-coloured blooms and everything you didn't think of doing with flowers!

The Flower Drum currently has a Pop-Up Store at The Sugarmill in Narrabeen just down the road from me (tres exciting!)........Pop by the Pop-Up if your on the Northern Beaches.

Images via - The Flower Drum and the Design Files

Handmade Wedding Invitations

2012-01-03T14:00:00.015+11:00

I finished and posted our Wedding Invitations the other day and now that they have been sent I can share the design with you all !!

I have been working on my dream DIY wedding for a year now and always wanted to do as much myself as possible (although I may have bitten off more than I can chew!
Our theme is Vintage Australian, I wanted to centre the design of the theme around our love for all things Australian and our AMAZING location!

We are getting married at our local Sailing Club, which is a bare bones 1950's weatherboard building with a HUGE deck overlooking Pittwarer on Sydneys Northern Beaches.......

The Stationary was designed in 3 parts -

1: The Invitation : A simple design I created using sillouhettes of my hairstyle and my (soon to be) Hubbys hairstyle, cut out of vintage wallpaper samples and stuck on the printed Invitations - each heart, cut from the same wallpaper samples was a different colour reflecting my love of colour and the colours used in the decor.

2: The RSVP Postcard : These I designed using a photoshop brush of the back of a Vintage Postcard and on the front used old historical pictures of the Sailing Club back in the 1960's. I turned the photos sepia tone and added some colourful "Wish you were here........" and "Greetings from...." phrases

3: The Details: I wanted to keep most of the Stationary simple and included all the details my guests will need to know on a seperate sheet of paper. This included - Dress Code, Times, Transport & Parking, Information on Children and the Venue. I used a pic of flowering gum leaves to convey the Australian style!

So.............What do you think? Im a bit chuffed that I managed to get them all sent finally!
Im no graphic designer but im giving myself a pat on the back for this one!

More DIY wedding projects coming soon!

Xmas Inspiration - Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-21T11:56:00.003+11:00

Merry Xmas to all from My Handmade Heart

A Blue Day

2011-12-12T10:41:00.007+11:00

Its a little bit wet and yuck here in old Sydney town............the rain combined with the fact that its Monday has lead me to decide that its a blue day................

New Books & Inspiration!

2011-12-06T11:49:00.020+11:00

I got my Books today and I'm in Creative Heaven...........

I cant wait to be "An Explorer of the World" and "Wreck this Journal", Keri Smiths books are so inpsiring for those creatively blocked days!......have a look at her work here

I also purchased a pattern book from the gorgeous "Happy Homemade" series, is there anything cuter than Japanese craft???! I plan making some clothing this year (its been sew long since ive hit the machine!) & Im starting with some cute as a button basics from this book!

Also theres the DIVINE Fleur Wood - Food Fashion Friends, which I have wanted for over a year......and now its mine..........Just in time for Party Season too!

Greener on the Other Side

2011-12-05T16:46:00.004+11:00

Waiting for my NEW Books

2011-12-02T11:15:00.005+11:00

I just ordered these books!!!

Ive just started working for a HUGE publishing company and the staff discount is AMAZING!!!! My libary is just about to get bigger!

Mellow Yellow

2011-12-01T16:32:00.011+11:00

Colour Inspiration Today!

Yellow....I love that yellow can be both Happy & Sad, Aged & Youthful, Old & Faded, Modern & Shiny....so many different things all at once!

My Lens of Love

2011-11-28T15:55:00.005+11:00

This is the photorapher we have chosen to use for our wedding, a local girl, who knows our venue well and who has the most amazing aesthetic.

I just love her use of natural light and seaside locations...................she also speacialises in taking AMAZINGLY CUTE kids photos.........check out the work of Sophie Daley and My Lens of Love here!

Wedding Inspiration

2011-11-10T20:32:00.004+11:00

One Door Closes.....Another One Opens

2011-11-07T14:55:00.010+11:00

Ive had a tough weekend...........I've been working on a project very close to my heart lately and was really excited about the opportunities this was going to provide me............but ALAS afer an awful weekend, the wheels seem to have fallen off the cart and we have reached a dead end

I really let myself down with this one and didnt give it my best effort (even though I thought I had.........but on second inspection.......) but I was also a bit let down by the people I was working with. This has happended before with creative projects I have worked on (usually for friends!) and I'm not sure why I havent learnt my lesson yet!
The upside is.........as one door closes.........another opens!!

Ive been contacted by one of my FAVOURITE stylists regarding an EXCITING collaboration that will hopefully end up in popular Media!!!!
Im really excited about working on this project as it sounds like it could be a HEAP of creative fun, full of amazing ideas and working with someone I admire so very much!!!

Heres a little hint!

Book Blossoms by My Handmade Heart

2011-10-22T20:37:00.007+11:00

Announcing............Book Blossoms .......................

" My Handmade Heart's Book Blossoms series reclaims vintage children's books, carefully crafting them into cascading origami cherry blossoms across stretched canvas frames. Each piece is entirely unique, with every flower a small folded section of book page revealing flashes of colour, and characters from books lost and found. Breathing life into forgotten childhood memories with every folded page, Nicola ensures that these aging books will continue to be loved and cherished for years to come."

Look Book Sneak Peak

2011-10-13T10:38:00.003+11:00

LOVE

2011-10-09T20:57:00.003+11:00

Style Me Pretty Australia - WINNER!

2011-09-24T09:22:00.006+10:00

See This........

"Your board building skills down under are ba-na-nas! Picking just one board might be the hardest thing I did all week (ok, that is a wee bit of an exaggeration). I absolutely adore these contests, because seeing SMPers vision of a perfect day is just delightful. So this pretty, peach party by My Handmade Heart just grabbed my alfresco affair loving heart. It’s fun, it’s whimsical, and it’s the perfect way to start your weekend! Until next time lovelies! xoxo
Blaire"

......... I WON! Im Very Excited...........I dont get any prizes but love and thats ok!

Head on over to Style Me Pretty to see some other fabulous Inspiration Boards and get lost on the wonderful website..............also make a few Inspiration Boards, its serioulsy addictive!

Wedding Decor - My Creative Space

2011-09-22T18:26:00.010+10:00

Creating my wedding decor is FUN ! Its taking up more and more Creative Space at my place!

Ive got paper garlands and mason jars with vintage fruit and jam labels, Cushions and Blankets for my guests to lounge around on, the Invitation design is done and flowers have been scouted and priced. All this has been done DIY style by litte old me!

Also Dresses have been found on ETSY! Notice I said Dresses! i can afford 2 GORGEOUS Vintage dresses on ETSY for less than the price of a new one.......Heaven is an Outfit Change and TWO beautiful gowns!

Our Creative Space

2011-09-09T14:43:00.004+10:00

This is My Creative Space

Im a bit short on words today, its my last day at a job that I was hired for less than two months ago and have since lost/been made redundant, due to finance issues within the company..................so im a bit down and thinking about the joys of being unemployed.

Luckily, being unemployed will give me plenty of time to work on my "stuff"
Its been a long time since ive blogged this much in a week!

3 Sheets

2011-09-06T14:23:00.009+10:00

Before I dropped off the face of the Internet I was Blogger friends with Kylie from 3 Sheets. Now that I'm back I popped by her space to check out what she'd been doing...........and boy was I impressed.

Kylie has always had a very graphic abstract style and her new products are really something special. I LOVE the colours in her crochet cushions and how her unique design style has been so consistent in its aesthetic...............here are some pics and follow the link to see more of Kylies Creativity!

Happy?

2011-09-02T13:50:00.001+10:00

Origami Cherry Blossom Artworks

2011-09-01T15:03:00.004+10:00

A little sneak peek of my latest Origami Cherry Blossom Artsworks in situ.

My Handmade Heart on Facebook

2011-08-31T14:37:00.008+10:00

My Handmade Heart is now on Facebook.

I would love for you to drop by and "Like" my page........I'm only new to Facebook and don't have very many "friends" yet.................if there is anyone still following me id love to reconnect!

I have some speacial discount offers running for my Facebook page friends too!!

I know its been a long while in between blog posts and I'm sorry to have disappeared off the face of the earth but i promise ill be here more often now.....or at least ill try!

To have a look just click the picture underneath the "About Me" Section, it will take you straight there! Hope to see you soon.....

Im Getting MARRIED!!!!

2011-02-21T15:48:00.013+11:00

Over the Xmas period I had a lovley Surprise.........the best surprise a girl can get!

Now......im not sharing the details with you all as im a private person and really.............this blog is about my craft not about my personal life...HOWEVER.....it was a wonderful moment and one I will never forget!

Now the fun begins................planning a wedding is a dream come true for any woman but being the crafty designy type its even more FUN!
Heres a sneak peak of some images im finding inspirational in planning the final design details

The Venue - An Old 1950's Community Yacht Club where my brother & I learnt to sail.

Seafood overlooking the Sea

Native Flowers in old jars and tin cans

Australiana

The little details

Some Stuff I Make

2010-12-16T13:34:00.005+11:00

I just realised how long its been since I did some shameless Self Promotion.

I should give you all the spiel about sustainable products, eco business, all handmade etc etc but my hearts not really in it today so heres some visuals instead.

To order anything or if you want a custom design check out my ETSY shop link or Email me on the address to the right.

Weeks & Weeks of Wanderings

2010-11-07T17:22:00.010+11:00

Oh how im lamenting my lack of interweb connectiony speed at home.

Im leaching off my parents WiFi today and posting seems to be a breeze.

Forgive me readers (if there actually are any of you out there left) for I have sinned, its been months since my last post and more than that since I did a craft market or sold a product!

I have been badly neglecting my studio and my poor poor sewing machine.

Ive just been working so hard trying to make some money to keep the bills paid and food in the fridge i dont seem to have any time left for my fave things, and when i do................well all i want to do is rest and relax.

Also as it is the silly season, things have been very sily busy, 2 out of town weddings, a hens, xmas partys and a graduation all in the last 3 weeks..............phew im exhausted just thinking about it!

First Post in FOREVER!!

2010-10-25T11:35:00.006+11:00

Im totally excited because for the first time in AGES Blogger is working on my computer!

Ive been trying to post.........really I have!
I think it was something to do with me not accepting software updates on my computer but im all updated now and i can post photos all of a sudden again!

I actually havent been doing all that much crafting or art, work this time of year gets CRAZY for Visual Merchandisers, Xmas and all that.

Im taking time off from doing Xmas decorating this year, for those of you who dont know ive spent the last 4 years assisting a company installing Xmas decorations around Sydney, including the AWESOME Queen Victoria Building Tree and all the Cruise ships that dock at the Harbour. Its a full on job though, wierd late night/early morning finishing times and dirty glittery sweaty work but this year I can have a real Xmas break although i'll probably be making every xmas present possible to save money. The extra cash is always usefull tis time of year!

So ive been focussing on my regular work and having fun with fashion...............its been ages since I really worked in Fashion and followed trends so its fun to be doing it again.

Here are some pics from my Portfolio of work lately........having fun with Spring Fashion.....

What Makes My House a Home

2010-09-13T09:32:00.005+10:00

Some things that make my house a home.................

Busy Busy Busy

2010-08-30T09:02:00.004+10:00

My Goodness i've been busy lately, what with work, family and friends i've barely had time to craft or blog.
My birthday has come and gone, a huge few weeks at work which resulted in some great feedback about my merchandising from the Bigwigs, a trip to Byron Bay and some other exciting news which I cant share with you all yet!

For my birthday I received a new point and shoot camera. I have to take alot of photographs of my work for my portfolio so its had a workout so far. Along with 100's of Mannequin and Handbag display photos I manged to slip in some of my product shots for the very slowly coming along website ive had in mind for so long.

Here's just some rough shots to share........

Luna Park

2010-07-24T22:04:00.004+10:00

I love my Hipstamatic................it makes everything look vintage and beautiful.

Not that Luna Park needs any help in that department, I LOVE Coney Island, the iconically australian artworks mixed with american cartoons and cool old school rides like the Barrel Run, the art deco, russian and 1930's mish mash of colour and faded antique glory!

I could spend an entire day in the Coney Island building just enjoying the artworks and amazing antique games and slot machine..........oh how i wish they all still worked!

The thing that I love most about this place is it still holds true to its original aesthetic. In these modern times, its SO nice to see hand painted signage and incredible Trompe L'oeil paintings covering entire exteriors and interiors of rides and buildings.

Back to Work

2010-07-11T09:56:00.003+10:00

I started my new(ish) job this week.

Im still working as a Visual Merchandiser for the same company but now im at a store 15 minutes away from home!!!!! No more commuting for me HOORAY!

I also got myself the PRIMO job of looking after all the womens Fashion, Shoes and Accesories in the store, so i will now be spending my days dressing my "Giant Barbie Dolls" (because my job is just like playing dress ups with big dolls!) and creating little vignettes with all the gorgeous handbags, scarves, shoes and jewellery I want!

Here's some of the "work" I did this week.......

Shop Update

2010-07-01T19:04:00.004+10:00

New Items in the shop now.................check them out HERE

My Creative Space - My Studio

2010-07-01T13:23:00.007+10:00

A sneak peak into my Garage/Studio.

We inheritted a HUGE garage when we moved into our apartment and as neither myself nor My Love drive, it seemed the obvious place for me to move my ever growing piles of Art supplies and Fabrics.

I just love hanging out down there, although its bitterly cold at the moment so I havent been able to spend as much time as I would like there during winter. I get to make it as girly as I like with Pink, Florals, Stuffed Toys & my old ballet shoes and costumes!

Check out Kootoyoo for other Creative Spaces

Jus to let everyone know, I will be updating the ETSY store again later this afternoon with Paper Crane & Heart Mobiles and anything else I can find.

Weekday Wanderings

2010-06-24T15:10:00.005+10:00

Oh How I LOVE my Hipstamatic...................im snapping away everywhere I can, here are some of the latest shots from places ive been and things ive picked up.

For those of you looking for My Creative Space...........scroll one post down.

My Creative Space

2010-06-24T14:59:00.002+10:00

Its been a VERY long time since ive played along with this game............and OH MY how its grown in numbers!!!

I could sit here for hours checking out everybody elses Creative Spaces.

So here is my contribution, i've been messing around with watercolours and the always ever present Paper Cranes and Hearts.

ETSY Store Update

2010-06-22T17:33:00.003+10:00

Naughty ME!!!!

My poor little ETSY store has been neglected lately, i went to visit it today and all my product listings had expired.

SO SORRY to anyone who visited and saw nothing................My Bad!

So heres an quick look at the items ive re-listed!

Please remember, if you like anything but want a different colour or fabric, email me and i can make anything your heart desires (to a point............im only one person!)

Lately & Today

2010-06-02T16:15:00.007+10:00

My Blog seems to have turned into a visual diary lately, ive got lots of time to take pictures on the run, but no time to sit and document things properly or write a lengthy post.

So here again, is a run of pictures (& a few words), taken on my lovely hipstamtic over the weekend and today.

My Love and I went on an all expense paid trip to QLD for his "work", the work wasnt much and the all expenses paid included a VERY muddy but fun Music Festival in Noosa and lots of fun with friends.

Today I was all professional and had a meeting for my other-other job (I moonlight in Adult Education when im not being a Visual Merchandiser or running My Handmade Heart).

The meeting went long and I had to manage it by myself so I treated myself afterward to lunch at Lindt Cafe and bought a lovley selection of Macaroons for desert. As I traipsed through the city I took some more pics and when I got home I took even more of lovley things in my home that make me happy and a secret project.

Leaf Love

2010-05-25T15:11:00.006+10:00

I went to drop off a few things at my Stockist "Leaf Home" yesterday and took these pics of thier beautiful store and some of my products.

They are the lovliest people, every time I visit I walk away with some new piece of inspiration and material to work with, lat time it was some stunning wallpaper offcuts and this time it was a box of scallop shells in gorgeous colours. Im such a lucky girl!

A Day in the Country

2010-05-08T20:49:00.004+10:00

I spent the day in the Country at a Pony Stud today. Wandering the fields, picking wild blackberries to nibble on, playing with puppies and gorgeous ponies and foals. It was wonderful to escape the suburb's and the property was so beautiful. I do so LOVE all the surprises you can find on farms when you take the time to look for beauty in the ordinary.

My Faves.............the original old Dodge truck (SO COOL), Bob the Dog/Mop (see below), Ponies (of course) and rusted out horse floats

The Hipstamatic Camera sure had a workout!
I love what this app does for the iPhone, taking beautiful pictures is easy and playing with all the different types of films, flashes and lenses is so much fun!

So enjoy these pics, i was even brave and slipped one of Myself and one of My Love (with his back to the camera) in there!

Here Fishy Fishy

2010-05-07T11:54:00.003+10:00

Custom Fish mobile for Leaf Home in Newport.

Made using:
Driftwood, shells & urchins, origami hearts and vintage cottons & embroidered upholstery fabrics

My Fathers Photography

2010-05-05T13:08:00.003+10:00

My father is an EXCELLENT photographer.
He & my mother have just come back from a trip to Indonesia, these are just a few of the beautiful photos he took.

He's so Talented is my Pa!

Brights

2010-05-01T14:46:00.004+10:00

LOVING

Dream Catcher Tote........idea taken from the latest Parasol Craft and the incredible Yasmin of A Print A Day..........A birthday Gift for a wonderful friend
More Paper Origami clothing & accessories

Pastels

2010-04-29T14:53:00.006+10:00

LOVING

My Pretty Pastel Paper Origami Dresses and Accessories for a Custom Order
Hanging Willow Branches covered with my Handmade Whimsical Decorations
Tall Ships bathed in Green Light
Beach Combing

Art Gallery

2010-04-23T17:40:00.002+10:00

The Awesome Amazing Oversized Super Cool Stripey Cushion

2010-04-21T17:50:00.005+10:00

I have been making this for My Love over the last few weeks, My Love is BIG on lounging, particularly on the floor but so far hes only had a European cushion to lie on. He helped me choose some of the colours and requested that it be hard and squishy and VERY big.

So yesterday I finished it off, sewed a cushion for it and stuffed it full of fabric scraps and bits of polyfill to get that "hard and squishy" texture and lugged it upstairs for the unveiling.

I do recommend using your fabrics scraps as filler, it makes a mouldable supportive cushion, but be warned if your doing something this size you will end up with an EXTREMELY heavy cushion.

A NEW LOOK!

2010-04-20T20:29:00.006+10:00

Ive been thinking about the way my style and my design aesthetic has been changing since i started crafting and the Blog was definitely in need of an update.

Im trying to avoid anything too "Kidsy" now, everyone is doing it and there really isnt much money in it at the local markets. Ive found my paper art and mobiles have been the most popular and my artistic tendancys have me leaning toward doing more artistic ideas and concepts for my latest projects.........I just have to get my head around a new way of thinking and creating.

In the mean time I have my new Hipstamtic to keep me entertained and whose lovley photoness I have to thank for my cool new blog header...............what do you think?

Anyone else discovered Hipstamatic yet? Its so COOL!

Easter Escapades

2010-04-05T15:48:00.002+10:00

Just a few pics of my Easter Long Weekend.
A quiet and lovley restful time which i sorely needed.

Made Cakes
Admired flowers bought for me by My Love (2 Bunches if you please!)
Watched documentarys
Cleaned
Walked on the beach and around my neighbourhood ( P.S. How cool is my local Cinema and the FUNKY patchwork building?!)
Made a Winter Picnic Kit (sans Picnic)
Made a cardboard tree, then in a moment of genius decided to hot glue driftwood to it..........half way done and LOVING it!
Continued crocheting HUGE stripey floor cushion cover.

Hope you all had as nice a weekend as i did.

Happy Bunny Day

2010-04-04T20:40:00.003+10:00

Happy Easter From Me and my very own little Easter Bunny.

This is Mr Issaac Mendez Esq, Issaac is a velveteen mini lop, he has been the light of our lives now for over 3 years and fills our lives with bunny cuddles, giggles and to cute for words moments.
He asked me to put this early photo of him up as he's a but podgier these days and uncomfortable about his looks. He spends his days free roaming around our apartment, chewing cardboard, digging the carpet and running in and out of every possible tunnel like structure he finds .

He is our Chocolate Easter Bunny, and its Easter all year round with a bunny in the house!

Party Styling

2010-03-28T18:10:00.005+11:00

I had my first taste of Event Styling yesterday and it went off without a hitch.

The location: Avalon Sailing Club on Sydneys Northern Beaches

The Theme: Nautical - Of Course

The Occasion: My Parents 30th wedding anniversary.

The Sailing club is a beautiful old wooden building, free from any modern pretentions right on the waterfront. A perfect Location for a party, and my family have been long time members there.

I strung over 50 paper lanterns in red, white and pale blue all over the ceiling, and set the tables with red, blue, yellow and striped fabric runners which i'd handmade myself. Table centerpieces were simple jars of sand with fun bright coloured flags handmade my me out of scrap papers, and the FABULOUS papier mache boats which i made using the pattern provided by the Incredible Ann Wood, they were such a hit, so a BIG thank you Ann, they were all snaffled up and taken home by appreciative family members and friends at the end of the night.

The final last minute touch (all credit to my mum!) was to frame the far window with some pale blue fabric (thanks to the single bed sheets which sacrificed thier lives) and make it a focal point, the light shining through it looked gorgeous!

I also brought lots of cushion, throw and chairs for the balcony and even set up a little fishing station and chill out spots on the massive deck below, unfortunately i forgot to take pics of these but they topped it all off.

This Is What I Do Instead Of Blogging

2010-03-26T17:28:00.004+11:00

Some of you may not know, the reason im not here very much is because im working very hard a fair way from home every day, on the up side im doing one of my dream jobs as a Visual Merchandiser and sometimes i cant believe how lucky i am to have found something i love doing so much.

There are days when i stand back, look at my work and shake my head in amazement that i get paid to do what i do! I put together these little scenes the other day............it was such fun!!!!

Ahoy There Sailor

2010-03-23T11:54:00.005+11:00

Im A Volunteer!

2010-03-18T18:28:00.002+11:00

I got a lovley surprise this morning, for some unknown reason when i got up (at 5.30am!!!!) i decided to check some blogs while i waited for my shower...........i NEVER do this, hardy even touch my computer in the morning. Anyway, i noticed a post entitlted "Do you Scrapbook or love Papercraft"
on the wonderful RetroMummy Blog..........and i do, so i did.

A BIG surprise was waiting for me when i saw that Corrie was asking for volunteers for the Notebook magazine Craft Bar at the upcoming Stitches and Craft Show, im short on work at the moment so i jumped at the chance (especially with all the extra incentives.....THANK YOU NOTEBOOK!) and emailed Corrie straight away (still 5.30am) and by mid morning i had got myself a day of work at the show! Im VERY excited, in case you cant tell.

So a BIG thanks Corrie and Notebook, im looking forward to it!

Blogging is Hard.

2010-03-13T18:39:00.007+11:00

Im so sad that i havent been able to Blog much this year. Having changed my job from Office Work from home to Visual Merchandising an hour away from home, the computer is the last place i want to be in the evenings.

Sporadic updates are better than none however.............i hope.

So ive been doing a little craft lately, starting back on the crochet and im pleased to say i havent forgotten how to do it. I made a cute crochet version of those Paper Chains you make in primary school and have nearly finished a stripey circular cushion cover, ive also been doing some sketches for a custom order i recieved the other day, im so excited because i have been given licence to use lots of colour which i LOVE!

Also some home adjustments, added the word SLEEP to our bedroom door, put up some amazing framed wallpaper i was given with a cool Scarab on it and gardening and cooking a plenty. Plus i had to share the pics of my Fly Swat collection, i have a Design Love thing for them and My Love has a thing for using them and when i get enough i will put them on the wall!

So Here i go..............Pics below.

Paper Clothing - Set 3

2010-02-15T18:34:00.002+11:00

Paper Clothing - Set 2

2010-02-15T18:31:00.001+11:00

Paper Clothing - Set 1

2010-02-15T12:19:00.002+11:00

Just one set of the GORGEOUS little paper outfits im making for LEAF 2.
Some Origami folding and some cutting and sticking.

More to come soon..............

Hot Air Ballooning

2010-02-15T11:34:00.002+11:00

Happy Valentines Day

2010-02-13T20:42:00.003+11:00

Happy Valentines Day to all for tomorrow.
I hope every one has a lovely day, im off to breakfast with my love.
Mmmmmmm cant wait.....just have to decide between Eggs Benidict with Lemon Thyme hollandiase or Coconut Pancakes....oh too difficult!

New Stuff

2010-02-07T20:33:00.003+11:00

Leaf Love

2010-01-30T18:10:00.004+11:00

I LOVE Leaf.

They are absolutely the lovliest ladies, running the show, Felicity and Caroline.

The creative lovliness never stops, every time i drop by to see them or drop off products they have wonderful things happening. Today i dropped off a whole bunch of stock for Valentines and dressed the windows for them with some of it.

If you have'nt heard me going on about them before, they are the stockists of some of the most beautiful home and now fashion products. Sourcing thier items from unique international and local artists and designers. They have an Interior Design service and soon a Wedding service (which hopefully i will be getting orders from!!!) and the clothing in the new Fashion Store, Leaf 2 is so divine i could die! Anyway, I finally took some proper photos today of my product instore...........here they are.

Have a Seat

2010-01-17T20:53:00.005+11:00

Playing with Printers Blocks

2010-01-17T20:44:00.003+11:00

My dad was a Printers Compositer in London back in the days before modern machinery took over, he has quite a fondness for the old tools of the trade and bought these printers blockls ages ago.

They just sat in a basket looking pretty before i had the idea to use them in my craft. He dropped them over to me this arvo and ive been busy printing to my hearts content.

Crane Mobiles Take Flight

2010-01-17T20:36:00.005+11:00

Two of these are custom orders for the lovley Leah, the rest will be uploaded to the ETSY store later this week.

Paper Hearts

2010-01-17T20:31:00.003+11:00

Origami for a Valentines inspired window display at Leaf 2

Etsy Store Update

2010-01-11T19:54:00.005+11:00

Lots of new products uploaded to the ETSY Store today!

Here is a sneak peak............just click on the link to the right to see more!

Xmas Snapshots

2009-12-28T21:31:00.003+11:00

Just a quick one..............working so hard at the moment, that will teach me for working in retail over xmas!! Here some snaps from my Xmas. Hope you all had a great day too!

Quick Pics from the Sunday Markets

2009-12-21T10:50:00.002+11:00

Markets again yesteday!!

Sadly it wasnt the Xmas money maker i was hoping for and i only just cleared my margins. I probably wont be returning to Narrabeen Markets for some time, i got shoved in the back woods and as a result got hardly any traffic coming past.

I think i will try Manly next, a bit more upmarket and less all over the place.
Anyway despite the lack of trade i still had a lovley but tiring day, ive made lovely new friends and its been a great experience all up.

I think the main thing ive learnt is DONT GET TO CAUGHT UP AND EXCITED ABOUT IT ALL! Just because you've had a good week or incredible feedback doesnt mean that sucess is going to continue all the way, selling at the markets is hard work and often comes down the being in the right place at the right time with the right customers.

Anyhooo, enjoy my pretty pictures. I wont be back untill after Xmas.
No holidays for me, working hard right up untill Xmas Eve.
Got to keep earning money whilst i still have a job.
Have a strong Egg Nog for me will you.

This Is What I Do Instead Of Blogging

2009-12-18T11:20:00.004+11:00

Snapshots

2009-12-18T11:09:00.003+11:00

Leaf Home

2009-11-29T18:38:00.011+11:00

I took some pics of the amazing shop i have been selling some of my products to, so i thought i share with everyone.

It was closed so i couldnt take any pics of the beautiful incredible products they stock but i did get some pics of the window which has my products in it!!!!!!

My stuff is the Christmas Bunting and the Fabric Advent Calender, ive been selling so well there and im totally honoured to be part of the store.

The other designers and artists stocked in Leaf are sooooooo talented and the store owners and all the wonderful ladies that work there have seriously good taste. Im so looking forward to seeing what they have to offer when they open thier fashion store, Leaf 2!

If you live in Sydney you should defintely take the time to come down to the northern beaches.....Newport to be exact and have a look around its a beautiful little suburb, you can go for a swim, cool down then head to Leaf for some seriously worthwhile retail therapy. I end up finding something gorgeous and new every time i drop off new products!

My Christmas Begins

2009-11-29T18:27:00.006+11:00

Its been a VERY busy couple of months.

My apologies for being absent but blogging seems to be the last thing i have time for at the moment. Im back being a Visual Merchandiser, and away from home alot more than im used too but i LOVE the work. Im also very busy creating for the markets and all my gifts for Christmas this year.

The last Market wasnt as productive as id hoped but there was an Annual Market a few suburbs away which im sure affected turn out. Anyway on the plus side i now have plenty of stock to do the christmas market at Narrabeen.

Apart from all of that im trying to get in the christmas spirit, put the tree up a week ago and in typical fashion my decorations have changed again this year...im going for a natural woodland beachy feel, just need a few more "Stick Stars" and porcelain shells and feathers from the fabulous Leaf Home!

Narrabeen Market Sneek Peak

2009-11-14T21:38:00.007+11:00

WOW! I cant believe its been nearly a months since ive been in blogland!

I haven't had time to read other blogs let alone update my own!

Im off to Narrabeen markets in the Northern Beaches tomorrow for my second market experience. If your in the area pop down and say hi! It will be a beautiful day by the lake im sure.

Anyway, heres a sneak peak of what ive got in stock tomorrow.
LOTS of mobiles, paper art and some christmasy things too

Advent Calender

2009-10-22T19:32:00.002+11:00

I made this advent calender yesterday, inspired by the one in BH&G but totally different.
I was going to see if the shop wanted this one but im not sure as it hangs a bit wonky..........I might just keep it for myself!

Beige linen, 24 patch pockets with raw seams, block printed numbers and hung by driftwood.

My Creative Space....on Overdrive

2009-10-22T17:04:00.004+11:00

Whoa Nelly...............ive gone from being a Hermit like creature with not much doing and not much to do..........to being super super busy with everything.
Literally in the last 5 days things have started hotting up.

First i got a call back for a 2nd job interview (yet to hear the results)

Then i do AMAZINGLY at the Markets!

Then i get my products stocked in a real life (BEAUTIFUL) homewares store........plus more orders! Please check out Leaf Home in Newport if your in the Northern Beaches area!

Then i get accepted to do next months markets (AARRGH Panic Stations beacuse i sold almost everything at the first one.........quick to the sewing machine!)

Then today........i had a job interview for the perfect job for me right now!

Below are just some of the items im working on at the moment:

Awesome vintage tea towels to be turned into Bunting
Paper Garlands galore
Hanging Hearts a plenty
Origami Cherry Blossoms and gorgeous kids books for paper!

So Creative Spacers............im back!

ETSY Update

2009-10-19T11:26:00.003+11:00

For anyone who missed out on a product they liked at the markets yesterday or wants to commsion somthing custom.............. my ETSY store has been updated with what i have left in stock and i am happy to take any orders.

Just click on the button in the right side bar to take you straight there!

What a Wonderful Day!

2009-10-19T11:19:00.002+11:00

I had my Market debut yesterday and what a coming out it was!

I felt so special all day (despite having a bit of a hangover) and everyone was so positive and complimentary about my products and teh way i presented it all. I really felt so wonderful and validated to see everyday people appreciating my work!

A quick note to all the amazing people who stopped by to chat and say hello.......THANK YOU! There were a number of you who came back a couple of times and it really meant so much to me to see that you all loved what i had created.

For all the wonderful suggestions too....THANK YOU!

Especially to the lady in the lovley brown dress who dropped back to give me an apple when i was dying of hunger........your suggestion of Origami Xmas decorations has really got me thinking and if i manage to get a spot a next months market i will definitely have some there for you!

So all in all a wonderful day.............im about to head out in a bit to drop of some custom orders and some stock on loan to a new Homewares store in my area, hopefully they will like what they see and who knows this could be the start of something big.

SOLD!!!!!!

2009-10-19T11:04:00.004+11:00

I SOLD all these and MUCH much much more yesterday!

Im Back

2009-10-15T12:46:00.003+11:00

Ok.............so i think ive had a long enough blog break.

Apologies for my abscence............things have been a little foggy and mixed up for me in the last few weeks but the fog is slowly clearing hopefully and I thought I should take the opportunity to get back on the blog horse.

I was MIA because of issues to do with losing my job, this is always a stressful thing at anytime but it was particularly stresssul and upsetting for me this time because my Boss is actually my Mum too. You see i've worked for my parents for the last four years........its been hard to get past the personal hurt but im sure that things will get better soon.

Whist being unemployed i have had alot of craft on the go, finishing off projects, getting ready for the markets, and watching lots of DVD's..........too many really. I will post some pics later.

I had a positive job interview today (not my dream job but it will pay the bills) and im having my first market stall on sunday.

So things are looking up really............cross your fingers for me?

A HELL of a Week

2009-09-25T10:14:00.004+10:00

Ive had a hell of a week!
It started out quite well after a wonderful weekend, but work did not go well on Monday and after discussions it was decided my role within the company was no longer neccesary. I am now out of work and feeling quite stressed about it all. Thats why ive been absent all week...........too much to think about in regards to my future and i just hav'nt had the motivation to blog.

On the lighter side i have had the time to do lots more craft and get myself sorted to apply for the Markets. I sent my application in this morning so now its just a wait to see if i get accepted.

Im not sure when i'll get my motivation back............maybe next week hopefully but untill then, i'll be on the couch crafting, reading, listening to talking books and keeping the house clean............i just probably wont be on the interweb.

See you Soonish

Miss Smith's Pretty Little Things

2009-09-21T09:52:00.002+10:00

I spent the weekend visiting markets and had a wonderful surprise when i ran into one of my old workmates selling the most lovley cupcakes at Narrabeen Markets.

This where i have been considering having a stall and seeing "Miss Smith" there really gave me some inpiration. Im applying as a stall holder tomorrow!

But enough about me...........how about these cupcakes eh!

I wish we had bought more (and so did "My Love"), they were so light and fluffy with the most delicious butter icing.

Plus "Miss Smith" had displayed her little lovley's so beautifully, matching aprons, hats and cool little chinese take away containers for the cupcakes.

WELL DONE MISS SMITH! Im so very impressed and i hope you SOLD OUT!

Weekend Wanderings

2009-09-21T09:33:00.006+10:00

My Creative Space

2009-09-17T11:42:00.004+10:00

My Space Today..........once again procrastination is my greatest enemy and PAID work has been waiting.

So many hexagons waiting to be sewn
Pretty balls of wool in a crochet nest
Printing coloured papers to be made into circle garlands and mobile

Head over to Kootoyoo to see al the other GREAT Creative Spaces

Giveaway on Retro Mummy

2009-09-17T08:30:00.003+10:00

Corrie from Retro Mummy has started a wonderful Giveaway on her blog today!

All you have to do is leave a comment on Retro Mummy and blog about it and your in the running for one of the beautiful patterns from the Retro Mummy shop and she'll even throw in some of her gorgeous fabric too!

Hanging on the Stars and the Moon

2009-09-16T19:48:00.003+10:00

I Heart 3 Sheets

2009-09-16T10:58:00.003+10:00

Kylie from 3Sheets is just about the nicest, friendlist, lovliest blogger out there, im sure many of you would agree with me!

She's also VERY talented and ive so been enjoying watching her art grow and move through inspirational transitions. Thats why i was so VERY VERY blown away when she told me she had made one of her lovley brooches with my blog in mind! And even more touched by her kindness when she posted it to me in the most gorgeous packaging and with a lovley note!

Thank you so much Kylie.......i was feeling horribly sick yesterday and you totally lifted my spirits!

I plan to wear it to the flower markets this weekend!

Paper Piecing is the New Crochet

2009-09-16T10:52:00.002+10:00

Im addicted to paper piecing.
Over winter, it was crochet to keep my hands busy at night, but now my dining table is covered in litle paper and fabric shapes and standas of cotton EVERYWHERE!

Im not doing the traditional pattern....not really by concious decision ( i got carried away and sewed before i'd worked things out) but its too late to unpick it and and start again so im going for swirls and clumps of colour that relate to one another.......hmmmmm we'll see how it looks at the end i guess.

Weekend Wanderings

2009-09-14T10:40:00.002+10:00

My Blog in Words

2009-09-10T11:25:00.004+10:00

My Blog in words..............according to WORDLE

My Creative Space

2009-09-10T10:21:00.003+10:00

Ive been working fro the real office most of this week so it was a welcome relief to be back in my cosy space this morning. So much so that i felt i had to pretty it up some more to make it even more cosy and lovley to work in (it has yet to have taken effect and actually inspire me to do real work, but i'll get there!)

I strung up some twine and pegged some lovley images from it (gotta get me some wooden pegs though plastic is just tacky!)

Ive been making mobiles all week so im making more origami shapes to continue on with that.

Nearly finished a few little embroidered lavender pouches, still deciding whether to keep these or gift them.

PLUS....Printed out my Parasol Craft Dolls! They are so cute.....but i have to clean the iron before i transfer them. The last transfer i tried was ruined by my dirty iron!

Drop by Kootoyoo for many many many more Creative Spaces

Stripes and Squares

2009-09-09T15:09:00.004+10:00

Finished!!!
I started this blanket on my trip away recently (i didnt have much else to do) and just managed to finish it this afternoon! Still thinking about a white border around the outside, or maybe a frill border.......any suggestions?

I also had to fix my poor Granny Sqaure blanket.....my naughty bunny decided it was the best place to take a pee yesterda,y so i chucked it the washing machine without thinking.
Baaaad idea...what i pulled out was a mess of unraveling crochet.
Fixing crochet is harder then creating it. NEVER wash your handmades in the washing machine!