A stitch in time and a red umbrella...

Procrastination is such an interesting past time, when people procrastinate they might watch a movie, read a book, even vacuum the carpet. But not me, it seems when I procrastinate I get a whole lot of ideas which leads me straight to my little studio. This is great for my little shop or in today's case my wardrobe, not so good for the twenty-five essays I have to mark tonight...

My latest idea was to make a few cute summer tops for myself, thought I would try one out with some cute jersey fabric I got from the sales pile at Spotlight. Very happy with the result, might need to find some more cute fabric on the weekend.

Little Forest Singlet

Detail- complete with apple buttons

My other little project last night was creating an Etsy treasury. This is the forth I have created this year and waited for two hours stalking the treasury to get a spot. Living in the desert I really miss the rain so I thought I would make a little treasury themed with one of my favourite accessories - a red umbrella. My grandmother has the most gorgeous red umbrella that my sister and I both adore so I made this treasury with this in mind.

My Red Umbrella...

Well I must get back to my busy week. Only three teaching weeks left, can't wait for holidays and Christmas. Always my favourite time of year.

Happy Wednesday

xxx

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Feathers, Bees, Terrariums and Pleasantrees...

Preview

As the sun sets on another delightful weekend and the Jacaranda tree outside drifts in the afternoon breeze, I realise just how blessed I really am. A little shopping, a little creating and some very yummy hot chocolate and a stunning book, my weekend has just been one that should never end.

Friday afternoon my friend Joelene and I did a spot of shopping at Harmony Clothing and found ourselves totally in love with the entire Bauhaus summer collection. I ended up with three gorgeous tees as I have been looking for some really cute tops for so long and I have now decided when you find a good thing... buy them all!

Just had to have this cute Tux tee and how could I resist the irony of Teacher's Pet!

Feather Tee

Saturday morning we had a lovely time exploring Pleasantrees during Spring. The gardens are so amazing and to see the changes throughout the year has been just delightful. Of course I wouldn't leave without a little purchase and found an amazing bag whispering my name from behind the french linen and soaps. I also finally got to finish off Tara's belated birthday present and will be sending it tomorrow! There are so many beautiful surprsises at Pleasantrees I had a lovely time capturing some for you.

My beautiful 'Bee Tote' created by Villa Maison

Stunning Spring Blossoms

Divine secret bird houses..
The sun creeping through the vines...

Tara's pressie wrapped and ready to send...

Saturday afternoon brought many discussion with the PJP crew as we are finalising our first grant application for the Australian Council of the Arts. We also discussed some very hasty plans to put an entry into next years Tropfest. It's all very exciting and I can't wait to begin creating and filming.

I've also been in the creating zone bringing to life a little idea I had the other night while I was thinking about the gorgeous little movie Penelope. I was just totally in love with the little terrariums she had scattered around her bedroom.

Still from 'Penelope'

My terrariums are handmade using a collage of fabrics on felt and hand embroidery to create surrounding detail they are simply blooming with delight. With so many variations and lovely plants to create this is just the first of my terrarium collection there will be plenty more to come.

Spring Bloom Terrarium Pendant in my shop now.

I just love the idea of wearable art especially of the plant variety.

Well I will leave you tonight with the stunning little book I am currently reading The Ghost's Child by Australian author Sonya Hartnett. If you are in need of an enchanting, heartfelt tale of love and chasing beauty it is an absolute must!


Wishing everyone a fabulous week, take a moment to see all the amazing moments that make up a day.

Much love
xxx

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My latest adventure!

Many of my adventures happen within the folds of a good book, hidden deep within the shelves of a second hand book store, sometimes they even happen in my studio when I am taken to another world full of beautiful buttons and fabric. My most recent adventure has been unlike any of these. It took me up an incredible group of mountains. When I got asked to go to the Grampians for the school's Outdoor Education trip I really had no idea what I was in for. The whole experience was just incredible, no words can really capture the amazing beauty of this incredible area. I hope my photos will give you a sense of what it was like to stand on the top of Mt Difficult (yes I know know where it gets the name from) and feel the accomplishment of walking with a 15kg pack 20kms up and around a mountain. So here is my adventure...

My favourite shot, near Brigg's Bluff at sunset

I was secretly hoping we were going to the tea rooms!

Our first sight of the mountain.. the highest point is Brigg's Bluff where we camped.

Here we are looking very happy before we started the climb!

Making our way to camp.
One of the only flat sections of the hike..

My pack...

Finally on the top of Brigg's Bluff!

A simply breathtaking view!

Finally set up for the night, my tent was the shape of an orange slice, and was just big enough for me and my bag. Nice and cozy!

The following day on the top of Mt Difficult!

Sunset at Brigg's Bluff...

What an amazing experience, now six days later I am still recovering. It just makes you realise how much you can push yourself and what you are really capable of. This adventure has got me thinking about all the other wild adventures I would like to go on around the world. Who know what will be next. I just adore be a wild explorer forever chasing beauty.

Looking forward to the weekend, plenty in store including a trip to Pleasentees with my dear friend Joelene. With only four weeks left of school we decided we need a break from marking to treat ourselves to a lovely morning of french homewares and hot chocolate! I'm also working on a new little project that I can't wait to show you!

Much love and Happy Thursday!
xxx

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Inspired by Ms. Antoinette...

Just a little evening post to show the lovely little choker I have been working on this afternoon inspired by the ever lovely Marie Antoinette.

After I finished the choker I made for Courtney's Halloween costume I couldn't wait to make some more so here is the first cream choker, very reminiscent of something Ms. Antoinette would have worn around Versailles.

Ms. Antoinette Choker complete with vintage rose button..

Using layers of lace and ribbon adds to the texture of the piece. Wear it day or night to feel like a Queen.

My Inspiration...

I am continuing to enjoy my long weekend although I am in preparation for a three day hike through the Grampians from Wednesday to Friday. Hoping to get some amazing photos. Will be posting some more brooches before I leave on Wednesday morning.

Hope you have had a lovely day xxx

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Melbourne days, art, photos and books...

I'm so glad to have a four day weekend, I must say the one big plus for living in Victoria is Melbourne Cup day and although I won't be at the race I will put my fascinator on tomorrow and watch Australia's favourite race. Its all about the outfits anyway isn't it! It's been an amazing week with a trip to Melbourne, an invite to the opening of the new art gallery and even a little creation here and there.



First I'll show you what I've been working on... after making the sweet little tea party brooch last week I just had to make a few collections. The Jane Austen collection is already for sale in my shop and I'm also working on a Wonderland and Knitters collection which will be finished shortly.

The Jane Austen collection - displayed on a little system card inspired by Lobster and Swan



Signature brooch..

My friend Joelene and I had a fun filled couple of days on our trip to Melbourne. We took three students to a Social Justice conference and got to have dinner on Lygon Street and go shopping at the new Doncaster Westfield (definatly a highlight) and Readings in Carlton. I loved looking at all the little towns we drove through and saw some very interesting sights.

I couldn't believe there was a little muesum with my name on it.

The old gothic bank at Kyneton.



Beautiful hills on the way out of Melbourne



Found this beautiful wild lavendar on my afternoon walk and a little bee decided to visit as I was taking the photo.



A quick snap of the amazing T2 Teahouse. I could have set up house in there it was so beautiful.

After my adventures in Melbourne I was very fortunate to go to the opening of the new art gallery in town The Art Vault. We had a fabulous night and got to experience some amazing art listen to some wonderful speakers including Julian Burnside. If that wasn't enough excitement we also got to go to a Spring fashion show that my friend's daughter was modelling in. All in all a fabulous night.

My little arty outfit for the evening complete with one of my brooches

The Art Vault, was originally an old bank now a fabulous gallery



An amazing party in the street





The models were fabulous works of art serving food and in the gallery windows.

Well that's all for now, I'm off to do some shopping and will be back later to blog some more brooches and a new choker I am working on.

Wishing everyone a very happy Monday.

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