planettreasures

new necklaces

2012-02-15T21:16:00.001+11:00

new necklaces, a photo by planettreasures on Flickr.

from my creative space.

This week I have been valiantly trying to use up beads from my stash.
This is causing me to come up with some interesting combinations - what do you think?

to see more creative spaces or to join in pop on over here

Dinnertime!

2012-02-10T19:37:00.001+11:00

I love casual meals on a Friday evening.
Tonight's features sweet potato, some people call it kumera.
I pan fried slices of it in a little olive oil. I also pan fried some succulent portobello mushrooms.
Layered on a slice of wholegrain toast - gorgonzola cheese, sliced tomatoes, the sweet potato and mushrooms, drizzled a dressing of half mayo half plain yoghurt, topped with baby spinach and chopped roasted hazelnuts.
I steamed some asparagus and served that on the side.
Delicious!
What's your favorite Friday night dinner?

My creative space - first one this year!

2012-02-09T15:43:00.002+11:00

After the great earring challenge of January, I've gone back to some really quick and simple earrings.

I've also been playing around with photo stying to see if I can get something a little more modern looking.

What do you think?

Mind you the light has been awful lately - it keep coming over all dark and then poring with rain!
Far from optimum phographing weather : (

What's on your creative space today?
If you would like to join in - here's where you go.

What to do on a rainy day

2012-02-01T14:55:00.001+11:00

I'm making earrings - what are you up to?

Earrings #15

2012-01-23T14:25:00.001+11:00

And the last for a while...
I love the end result of these earrings but to be honest they drove me mad!
I had to use the frog stitch many times (rip-it rip-it!).
So I made 15 pairs of earrings learnt some new techniques and had some things to blog about.
Now on to other creations....
What are your january plans?

Earrings #14

2012-01-19T13:10:00.001+11:00

More right angle weave...this one I thought was impossible. It was all sloppy and floppy but came good in the end.
Another pattern from Beadwork magazine, this time by Maggie Roschyk.

So I have decided that all these beadwork designers are incredibly clever and I have no idea how to go about designing my own earrings.
I am so in awe of their skills and realise that it must take hours and hours of dedication to even think about creating your own designs.
So I'm not that I will carry on with the earring challenge - I have other things that I should/want to do.
But we'll see!

Earrings challenge #13

2012-01-17T13:33:00.001+11:00

I found this pretty design in the latest Bead and Button magazine.
I adapted a bracelet pattern by Kelli Burns .
I have found that often bracelet designs can be adapted and picked apart to make an earring component.

Earrings challenge #12

2012-01-17T13:24:00.001+11:00

Inspired by the arrival of my Bead and Button magazine I chose to comd to grips with right angle weave - a stitch that has previously had me tied up in knots. Anna Elizabeth Draeger shows how to make Hattie Newman's square pieces.
I used size 6 and size 11 seed beads.

What number am I up to?

2012-01-16T16:09:00.001+11:00

#11 I think.
Sunburst earrings designed by Nancy Rocknich in Beadwork magazine.

Lovely earrings

2012-01-15T12:14:00.001+11:00

I just made these lovely earrings designed by Lanai Kinsky that I found in Beadwork magazine.

Peyote and crystal earrings

2012-01-14T15:01:00.001+11:00

Earrings #8 and a half

2012-01-13T15:28:00.001+11:00

I started making these earrings in the matt black beads but realised I didnt have enough to make the second one :-(
That'll teach me to count my beads before I start.
So I now have a pair in opalised clear cubes.
What do you think?

More earrings

2012-01-13T10:47:00.001+11:00

More cubes....something very simple with swarovski crystal drops in blue....my fave colour.

Earrings challenge

2012-01-12T20:44:00.001+11:00

I love cube beads!
I adapted this design from a bracelet pattern by Barbara Falkowitz in Beadwork magazine.

Earrings # 5

2012-01-11T12:51:00.001+11:00

I enjoyed making this colourful design by Julie Olah published in Bead &Button magazine.

Earrings #4

2012-01-10T11:23:00.000+11:00

So it's the 10th day of the month and I've made precicely how many pairs of earrings?
I am way behind schedule : (

In my defence I have to say that I have been on vacation and travelled for a couple of days and then my daughter returned from overseas and....so on!

And then this last pair of earrings was quite fiddly and took me 2 days to complete!

This is a design I found rummaging through my Bead and Button magazines - they are so great for inspiration, techniques and stretching your boundaries!

These earrings were designed by Aurelio Castano.

Earring challenge #3

2012-01-04T15:50:00.001+11:00

Some simple little medallions today...again from Beth Stone's book.
I like these...I might make them in other colours...what do you think?

Earring challenge #2

2012-01-04T15:17:00.001+11:00

I need to do a bit of catching up!
Day 4 and I have made 2 1/2 pairs of earrings....it's not so easy when you are on holiday and the surf is calling...but maybe I can catch up when I get home next week?

Beading challenge

2012-01-03T15:02:00.001+11:00

I've decided to extend myself and take part in Beading Daily's earrings-every-day challenge for January 2012.
These are all going to be made by beadweaving...you know using those impossibly small seed beads.
The first ones I made using a design by Beth Stone in Seed Bead Stitching.

My creative space

2011-12-08T12:18:00.001+11:00

Modge podge, digital collage, pendants, Paris, birds....making pendants

My creative space

2011-11-10T14:39:00.001+11:00

Domino brooches ready for Viva la Gong in Wollongong on Saturday and Making Spaces Marketplace.
I couldnt find any of the lovely creamy dominos I used last time...these are smaller and whiter, so I hope my customers still like them.

If you would like to see more creative spaces or join in, pop along here. http://www.ourcreativespaces.blogspot.com/

National recycling week

2011-11-08T21:25:00.002+11:00

I noticed in the paper yesterday that apparently it is National Recycling week. Who knew?

Do you recycle?
What do you recycle?
If you are a crafter do you use recycled supplies or does recycling form part of your business ethic?

Here are some great Australian designers who use recycling in their work.

Epheriell uses 100% recycled silver to make elegant earrings -


epheriell

Pocket Carnival prints her cute cards on 100% post consumer recycled cardstock.

Pocket Carnival

Little Mo and friends also uses 100% post consumer recycled paper for her delightful paper goods.

little mo and friends

Sami Bop makes great children's clothing from recycled farics like these pants from a chenille bedspread.

Sami Bop

Guess what this amazing pin cushion is make of?
Felt made from recycled plastic bottle!

Spin Cushions

4 Ewe Designs turns old wool sweaters into the cutest softies.

4EweDesigns

Moonmum used vintage wallpaper to create this pretty notebook (it has recycled paper pages too)

Moonmum

Exciting Recycling says it all! What fun knitting needle bangles.

Exciting Recycling

BonTons made an old tshirt into a pencil case.

Bontons

Isnt this the most amazing recycling? - billboard vinyl becomes a bag! by PURPcarrywear

PURPcarrywear

Do you have any favorite recycling designers?
I'd love to hear about some unusual ones.

Craft swap - I'm a lucky girl

2011-11-06T14:57:00.001+11:00

I haven't participated in a craft swap for a while...but I'm so glad I joined in this one.

My swap partner was the lovely Samara from Maddabling.

It was a bit tricky because we both make jewellery, but she is so much more talented than that!
We conversed back and forth - I looked at her facebook photos and realised what a fabulous photographer she is and that we have very similar taste in photographic subjects.

So I requested some photos and something from her gorgeous mixed media creations.

When the package arrived it was like christmas!
Look how gorgeously they are packaged! I didnt want to spoil it and open them....but then I did want to see what was inside!

And here!
This is what I found!

Now aren't I just the luckiest girl in the world?

Have you ever taken part in a craft swap?
Was it hard to decide what to make?
Were you as thrilled as me?

PS, Samara has a wonderful blog as well - Maddabling - check it out!

My creative space

2011-11-03T20:11:00.002+11:00

Another Thursday - another creative space. Don't they seem to come round quickly
Actually I don't mind toomuch becasue if I havn't created anything for a few days it makes me go and get my making hat on!

This week I'm playing with my bead stash again as in an earlier post.

I've been transforming them into bracelets as these are easiest way to use up odd beads.

How's your creative space going?

If you would like to see more creative spaces or join in you can do so here.

Wordless Wednesday - Happy 50th birthday to The Dish

2011-11-02T16:36:00.000+11:00

7 things sunday - places I have lived - blogtoberfest day 30

2011-10-30T18:15:00.001+11:00

1. Kidderminster
Kidderminster is where I was born and spent the first 18 years of my life.
It is in the West Midlands of Englad is is well known for -
carpets
a football team called the Kidderminster Harriers
a local paper called the Kidderminster Shuttle.
Famous people from Kidderminster include Sir Rowland Hill who invented the postage stamp and Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin fame ( brush with fame - he used to come into a pub I worked in....)
There is a statue of Sir Rowland Hill in the middle of the town...but I don't think there is one of Robert Plant!

Kidderminster, Worcestershire, a photo by lisby1 on Flickr.

2. London. I lived (boy, did I live !!) and studied in London. In lovely south Kensington near Kings Road, Chelsea and also in North Kensington near Portobello Road where the awesome markets are.

Portobello Road market

3. Reigate. Where I worked as a house-mum in a boarding school for a while.
I can only remember that there was a pub across the road and there were some nice walks in the area.

Reigate Heath windmill image from wikipedia

4. Sydney. I lived in a few places in Sydney, none of which had this view -

5. Blue Mountains, west of Sydney where I have lived off and on for a few years.

6. Parkes - famous for The Dish

7. Tucson - famous for being in the desert and hot and having these amazing, enormous saghuaro cacti.

tucson photo from flickr

How many places have you lived in?
Where have you lived? Anywhere exotic?

One more day of blogtoberfest tomorrow!
If you are taking part - how are you going? Did you manage to post every day? Or did you take some time off?

You can find blogtoberfest participants here.

Blogtoberfest giveaways are here.

Nearing the end - to blog or not to blog - blogtoberfest day 29

2011-10-29T21:00:00.000+11:00

Well the end of blogtoberfest is in sight - 2 more posts after this, and for better or worse I've stayed the course.

Mostly it has been fine - and lots of fun - and I'm found some great blogs and today I even met (really!) a blogger I first "met" through blogtoberfest! How cool is that?!

It wasn't planned - it wasn't a date or anything, we just both happened to have a stall at the Museum of Fire Doll, Bear and Craft Fair.

But, I digress...I must admit that the last couple of days it's been a struggle to blog. I've been so busy getting ready for the aforementioned fair and yesterday was a pretty lame attempt - I blogged my lunch (!)

And it led me to wonder is it better to have blogged and lost than to never blog at all?!
Or is it better to blog only about worthy, meaningful things and if you don't have anything to say then just "shut up!"?

And with that I will take my own advice and disappear.....

my stall at the Museum of Fire


using a couple of old cases to display tshirts

You can find blogtoberfest participants here.

Blogtoberfest giveaways are here.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Wordless Friday - blogtoberfest day 28

2011-10-28T22:45:00.000+11:00

cheddar and telopia tomato chutney

gorgonzola and Pulp-it onion jam

My creative space - blogtoberfest day 27

2011-10-27T17:56:00.000+11:00

Sewing, sewing, sewing!

fabric by Saffron Craig

kombis coming along

What have you been creating this week?

If you would like to see more creative spaces or join in you can do so here.

You can find blogtoberfest participants here.

Blogtoberfest giveaways are here.

How to organise a craft fair in 3 easy steps - blogtoberfest day 26

2011-10-26T20:58:00.001+11:00

Ever thought about running your own art and craft fair/market/show?

It's not as hard as you think....though it does involve some work!

1. Find a venue
2. Find people
3. Advertise

and that's it!

Of course there is quite a lot involved in those 3 dot points.

1. Find a venue.
What are your choices?
It depends on how big or small you want to go, but generally if you want customers to come and browse and have a variety you'll want to have a venue that can fit a number of stalls in.
I'd suggest that for a starter between 10 and twenty may be a good number, but you could always think big and go for 30 or more. Of course that does all depend on #2 - finding stallholders.

a. Your own home - if you have a big room or a big shed or a big yard.
b. A public hall. In my area we have halls that are run by the local council or by a local committee.
There are school halls and church halls.
Sports club halls.
Some organisations have function rooms you may be able to hire.

c. An outside venue.
There may be a public park.
Or a special area set aside for such things.
Some of the places above may have outside sites - schools, churches, sports grounds.
Pubs and hotels, they are often willing to lend their carpark or other outdoors area to you.

d. A pop-up location. This is becoming a popular concept to help revitalise some town and shopping centres. You rent a vacant shop for a period. Some councils have great schemes going - see here.
Or if you see a shop in your are that has been vacant for a while, find out if you can use it for a day - never hurts to ask.

Now with these options I am not able to help you with thing like government regulations, public liability insurance and such.
From my experience here in Australia you will need public liability insurance to cover you and your event. It is worth finding out about this beforehand as this can be quite costly.

2. Find people.
You need stall holders.
Decide what sort of market/event it is going to be.
All handmade? Vintage? A mix of both? Or something specialised eg. dolls and bears, or children's goods.

Are you going to find people by invitation only?
Or are you going to advertise for stallholders?

If you are crafty yourself you may already know a few other craftsters who may be interested...and they may know others.
Or you can advertise - in your local press, on facebook, on your blog, on twitter, on local noticeboards?

You'll need to decide how many stalls you can fit in and how big they will be.

3. Advertise.
This is the crux of the success of your venture.
Places to advertise
- your website or blog
- facebook
- twitter
- local press
- signs around your venue, depending on where it is an local regulations, you may be able to have signs out side on the day and/or before hand.
- public noticeboards
- shops
- get all your stall holders involved. Give then handouts and flyers to distribute to their frinds, family and customers. Get them to blog, facebook and twitter about it.
- and anywhere else you can think of!

Plus!
You'll need a budget.
Work out how much your're going to spend on hall hire, advertising and insurance.
Then work out how much you are going to charge the stallholders.

Very important - Make sure you get payment before the day.

Go on - give it a try!

Or maybe you've organised an art and craft event - what ideas do you have to share with us?

Huge giveaway! to celebrate my 500th post - blogtoberfest day 24

2011-10-25T20:47:00.001+11:00

Who would have thought that I would reach the milestone of 500 blog posts?
Certainly not me when I started this little blog.
I thought "what will I find to blog about?"
"Who will want to read it?"
And all those other thoughts us beginner bloggers have!

But here we are.
And here we are nearly at another milestone - 196 followers!
I'd love to crack the 200 today and then go on to the next ton!

But first - to announce the winner of last weeks giveaway - this one.

The winner is......Belinda - Moonmum!!!!

Yay! for Belinda : )

This week something a bit different.
As a thankyou to you, my lovely readers -
I'll give a pair of my many and varied earrings to the first 10 followers of my blog to leave a comment here.

So if you are already a follower just say that you are already following.
If you are a new follower, just follow my blog and leave a comment saying that you have done that.

When 10 people have left comments - that's it! and I'll contact you for your addresses and send your little (or large) earrings to you.

Thankyou one and all!

You can find blogtoberfest participants here.

Blogtoberfest giveaways are here.

Mad about teapots! blogtoberfest day 24

2011-10-24T21:13:00.000+11:00

I love teapots!
and I was reminded of this when I saw Little Mo and friends latest creation -

Little Mo and friends

Isn't it sweet?
And I started thinking about the wondrous array of teapots, from the classical elegance of vintage ware -

hall pottery airflow teapot from vintagevasso

to the cottage teaset that I used to covet in my grandmother's china cabinet, like this one -

cottageware teapot from fabvintageestates

Not all teapots are functional they can be sculptural -

scorpion king ceramic teapot by juliesatelier

blast furnace teapot by sluehrstudio

Of course thay can also be functional and whimsical -


tardis teapot by jadeflower

and fun -

puffer fish teapot by AmuseYou

Some are tiny -

miniature teapot by lawatson

or for one -

personal teapot by Hodakapottery

Imaginitive -


mushroom teapot by alinahayesceramics

Tall -

teapot with cup by ceramicpix

or squat -

amaya by ocpottery

or somewhere inbetween -


ceramic teapot by hughespottery

Painted -

painted teapot by amybarker

boldly or delicately -

baby's breath teaset by yevgenia

....sorry, have to go Hub is making me a cuppa......

You can find my weekly giveaway here.

Please leave a comment and I'll add you to the draw next Tuesday.

You can find blogtoberfest participants here.

Blogtoberfest giveaways are here.

7 on sunday - ceramic bead artists - blogtoberfest day 23

2011-10-23T20:56:00.001+11:00

Many years ago I was a potter - strange, but true!
And then one day I became interested in beads and jewellery and I thought "I could make pottery beads!"
But did I?.....Well, no I never did, because I became totally obsessed with glass beads and stones ...and you know the rest....
So maybe this is why I am so drawn to ceramic beads and pieces and today I'd like to share with you some of my favorites.

My most favorite ceramic artist has to be Round Rabbit.
The designs are always unique and amazing - glazes so beautiful and always something different, like these asymetric pendants -

pendants by roundrabbit

Round Rabbit's shop is in vaction mode at the moment, but you can see more of her work on her blog.

In complete contrast Jennifer Jangles makes bright, vibrant components - such fun!

necklace set by jangles

I posted a few days ago about my Kylie Parry purchases - this pendant has got to be one of my most faves of Kylie's pieces -

Maku studio acheives wonderful colours and textures by firing their pieces in a raku kiln.
(check out this listing to find out about raku)

raku starburst by Makustudio

Artisanclay uses recycled glass to embellish their handmade pendants -
Delicious!

deep rich greens and blue sparkly pendant by artisanclay

Earthenwood have been in my radar for a long time!
And the thing that I love is that they don't stand still, there's always something different

bicycle pendant by earthenwood

And for some really out-there other-wordly ancient artifact-looking creations check out wondrous strange.
I am strangely drawn to these raku faces.


soon will be winter moon by wondrousstrange

What do you think?

Do you love the organic, earthy look or the bright festive ones, or the more sophistcated ones?

Do you have any favorite bead artists to share. I'd love to see them.

In the meantime -

You can find my weekly giveaway here.

Please leave a comment and I'll add you to the draw next Tuesday.

You can find blogtoberfest participants here.

Blogtoberfest giveaways are here.

In my garden with my new toy - blogtoberfest day 22

2011-10-22T15:21:00.001+11:00

Wandering around my garden with my new smart phone and an app called retro camera.

Mountain Devil taken with the The Little Orange Box

Bottlebrush taken with Xolaroid

Geranium taken with Hipsteroku

Drumsticks taken with The Barbl

Grevillea taken with The FudgeCan

Grevillea taken with The Pinhole

You can find my weekly giveaway here.

Please leave a comment and I'll add you to the draw next Tuesday.

You can find blogtoberfest participants here.

Blogtoberfest giveaways are here.

What I have been up to this week - blogtoberfest day 21

2011-10-21T20:41:00.000+11:00

Another week has zoomed by!
And I got a bit of this'n that done!

How about you? did everything go according to plan?
Any surprises or excitement this week?

As I mentioned earlier my daughter and I have started a fitness pledge - an so far this week I have been for a 1 hour walk, a 2 hour bike ride, a 1 and 1/2 hour buswalk and today I did 45 minutes of yoga from this on-line site.

My 1 hour walk took me round Glenbrook Lagoon, which has lots of waterlilies and weed in it at the moment.

A part of the lagoon reserve has been recenlty burnt - what a shame.

And leaning over a fence from a house bordering the lagoon - a mulberry tree.

I've had quite a few earrings orders via madeit this week and I like to use stickers on my parcels, but I am running out of the ones I'd bought.
However I'd also bought some from thankyou tags from kokovanilla, but wanted them to be stickers.

But wait! I remembered a gadget I'g bought a while ago from a craft show - the Xyron create-a-sticker gizmo!

Then - voila! I had cute little thankyou stickers.

One of my favorite local walks is along an old fire trail at Valley Heights -

It was a beautiful day and starting to warm up.
The best of the flowers had gone - but the ferns were unfurling -

and there was a whole bank of Flannel flowers at one spot.

I have even found time to make some things with my new beads ...and a few oldies thrown in -

I just love these acid green crackle beads.
First I combined them with vivid orange then something a bit more subtle - with cornflower blue agate and some stripey lampwork cubes.

Whic one do you like the best?

You can find my weekly giveaway here.

Please leave a comment and I'll add you to the draw next Tuesday.

You can find blogtoberfest participants here.

Blogtoberfest giveaways are here.

My Creative Space - blogtoberfest day 20

2011-10-20T16:11:00.000+11:00

This week I have been using up some of my bead stash.
I'm sure you know what I mean when I say I have quite a stash!
And I'm sure more than one of you is guilty of having a stash of some kind - a fabric stash, a wool stash, a paper stash...or if you are like me you have many stashes!

So although I bought quite a few new beads last weekend I was inspired to revisit some oldies.

I have had these hand made lampwork beads for so long I can't remember where they came from or who the glass artists are, so if you are a glass artist and you recognise your beads here please reveal yourself!

They are most sparingly used in bracelets.

While I was foraging in my stash I found these sweet little handmade glass drops. I remember using them for bracelets before but this time they became earrings...with some earwires that I bought ages ago for some long-forgotten project.

I have sold quite a few pairs of earrings through madeit this week and I've had a craft swap to do ...but, shhh, I can't show you that yet!

Here is some of my new bead stash and I'm dieing to do something with the green and orange beads!

If you would like to see more creative spaces or join in you can do so here.

You can find my weekly giveaway here.

Please leave a comment and I'll add you to the draw next Tuesday.

You can find blogtoberfest participants here.

Blogtoberfest giveaways are here.

Wordless Wednesday - blogtoberfest day 19

2011-10-19T15:59:00.000+11:00

Bike ride along the Parramatta River bike path

I think this counts towards bloctobercise, started by Lori on her blog.

You can find my weekly giveaway here.

Please leave a comment and I'll add you to the draw next Tuesday.

You can find blogtoberfest participants here.

Blogtoberfest giveaways are here.

Joining in with wordless wednesday on Faith Hope & a whole lotta love's blog

And on Erika Price Designs blog.

And we have a winner...and another giveaway - blogtoberfest day 18

2011-10-18T22:23:00.002+11:00

Thanks to everyone who took part in this week's giveaway!

The lucky winner is Nina! ra-ra! for Nina!

The next giveaway involves these sweet button earrings made from vintage shell buttons -

a stunning natural piece of polished chevron amethyst pendant -

and a beaded ring, this one has emerald, green and gold swarovski crystals.

Please leave a comment and I'll add you to the draw next Tuesday.

You can find blogtoberfest participants here.

Blogtoberfest giveaways are here.

Mad about patchouli - blogtoberfest day 17

2011-10-17T19:28:00.002+11:00

I think I must be a latter-day hippie because I love patchouli!
I don't really know how it started, but I bought a rose and patchouli perfume a few years ago and I think that was the start of my obsession.

patchouli plant

Did you know that -
Patchouli is a plant of the mint family.
It grows in tropical climes.
Oil is distilled from the leaves of the plant.
Its essence has been used for centuries as a perfume.
Some describe its scent as pungent, mossy and musty.
It is the smell of the 60's?

Patchouli is a great partner for other scents, rose as I mentioned above and there are a few more here that I have personally experienced.

A couple of soaps from three of my favorite soap makers -

lime and patchouli soap from new earth soaps

patchouli lemengrass soap from inner earth soaps


orange bloosom and patchouli handwash from kussen

Kussen also has some patchouli shampoo which I might have to try.

And I found these divine candles made by a local team.

patchoili, lavender and rose candles by wyck

What's your favorite scent?

You can find blogtoberfest participants here.

Blogtoberfest giveaways are here.

And my giveaway is here!

A lovely day in the Gong and a challenge - blogtoberfest day 16

2011-10-16T19:50:00.002+11:00

It was a beautiful day in Wollongong today -

I took Dear Daughter home and we walked along the beach.

The sky divers dropped in -

We went for a swim - it was cold!

Then we had lunch at The Pantry again.

I must say I enjoyed my prawn salad so much I could go back for more!

Then we decided that we both needed to exercise more but lack motivation sometimes, so we set ourselves a challenge to do some form of exercise 4 times this week.
For me that could be going for a walk or a bike ride, doing some yoga or swimming.
For her - a run or a walk, a game of austag, gym class (gymnastics) or swimming.
4 times a week is acheiveable.
I keep you posted as to our progress!

You can find blogtoberfest participants here.

Blogtoberfest giveaways are here.

And my giveaway is here!

I've been shopping! - blogtoberfest day 15

2011-10-15T18:23:00.002+11:00

....so I went to the Sydney Bead and Gem show.
I had a shopping list....

but I bought a lot of Oooh shinys that were not on my list!

...as you do!

Mainly glass beads and some turquoise-look stones -

More sparkly glass -

Love these bright graduated stones -

Orange coral, howlite, more bright "smartie" beads, green heat treated stones, amazonite, green stones, moonstone (hard to see) -

Fire agate, black agate, howlite, blue heat treated stone, blue agate, fluorite, lapiz, orange coral -

Yummy rough-cut rose quartz, amethyst, green kyanite, and natural moonstone -

Plus some hill tribe silver and bits and bobs.

I'm going to have fun!!!

Have you bought any supplies lately? Want to share?

You can find blogtoberfest participants here.

Blogtoberfest giveaways are here.

And my giveaway is here!

A spot of remodelling - blogtoberfest day 14

2011-10-14T20:45:00.000+11:00

As I mentioned last week I've been doing a spot of remodelling, reusing and recycling.

This necklace had a dyed stone pendant which has lost it's colour. It has a mix of handmade lampwork beads, czech glass, kyanite, pearls and metal leaves.

It needed to be made into a bracelet strung on memory wire - the pendant got ditched!.

I also used some of the kyanite stones to team with these rounds of chrysocolla and czech glass, plus snakesskin jasper.

Here is one of the necklaces I mentioned on day 7.

Its lovely moonstone drops have become a simple necklace when teamed with grey czech glass beads and some chain.

Plus the faceted apatite ovals with chain have a new life as a simple bracelet.

This bold green and aqua necklace obviously wasn't to everyone's taste - or anyone's!

So parts of it are now a fresh summery bracelet.

You remember on Day 6 I showed your some pendants I had made?
Here are the finished neckklaces that I made for last weekends fair.
They are fashionably long and strung on ball chain with a birdie theme or a parisian theme. There was one with a rose theme and another with love symbols.

Still in the long necklace mood, I made some key and crystal necklaces.

I have more to show you, but maybe that's enough for tonight.
How has your week been?

You can find blogtoberfest participants here.

Blogtoberfest giveaways are here.

And my giveaway is here!

My creative space - blogtoberfest day 13

2011-10-13T21:55:00.002+11:00

I'm running out of time today!
I've been doing too much running around - driving around and have no time left to blog!
What a sad state of affairs : (

Anyway I came home to find these little cuties in my letter box - they were in a parcel!

Can you guess what I'm going to do with them?

You might have to wait until next week to find out!

In the meantime you can find more creative spaces here.

You can find blogtoberfest participants here.

Blogtoberfest giveaways are here.

And my giveaway is here!

Bead table Wednesday - blogtoberfest day 12

2011-10-12T09:24:00.000+11:00

I recently bought these cute pendants from Kylie Parry.

They are sitting on my desk with a few other beads....waiting.

You can find blogtoberfest participants here.

Blogtoberfest giveaways are here.

You can find my giveaway here.

A winner and a new giveaway - blogtoberfest day 11

2011-10-11T19:48:00.002+11:00

And the winner is...................................

Tori!!!!
Let's hear it for Tori! ra-ra!!

And mega-thanks to everyone for entering.

Here is the next giveaway.

One of my handbeaded triangle pendants.

A glass millefiori bracelet kit, comes with beads, findings and instructions. All you need are some pliers and wire cutters.

And from Boos Tees a versatile scarf, headband, bandanna.
You can wear this stretchy tube scarf in so many ways, and it is light and easy to wear.

All you have to do is leave a comment on any post this week and I'll draw a winner next Tuesday.

You can find blogtoberfest participants here.

Blogtoberfest giveaways are here.

Lunch with Mel and Dora

2011-10-10T20:22:00.001+11:00

Today I met one of my on-line friends for the first time, but it didn't feel like the first time.

That's how it can be with on-line friends especially ones you have known for 3 years or more. People think how can you genuinely be friends with someone you have never met in person? but I'm sure you all know that you can.

It's a newer version of having a pen pal, but more instant.

And when you finally actually meet, it feels like you have known them for ever and you feel so comfortable in their company and the visit is just too short and you want to have more meet-ups with them.

Has this ever happened to you?

Well I met with Mel today and Dora (Mel's dog who I failed to get a photo of)

We had lunch.

And then we had coffee and cake and then I came home, but I wish I could do it all again tomorrow.

Instead I came home and cooked roast veggies to have with our Monday night pasta - I just roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, capsicum, mushrooms and mini roma tomatoes in olive oil, then I tossed them with coriander pesto. Served with the little risoni pasta. Nice!

You can find blogtoberfest participants here.

Blogtoberfest giveaways are here.

And my giveaway is here! Drawn tomorrow!

More craft market set-up - blogtoberfest day 9

2011-10-09T21:21:00.001+11:00

I'm still thinking about easy and weather-proof market set-up.
Today's weather was a bit windy - those gusty sort of winds that take you by surprise.
You need to be prepared with gazebo weighted down and your display secure.

If you use table coverings they need to be un-flappable!
I used to tie my cloths to the table legs but now my lovely daughter has made me fitted table cloths. I still put cream velvet over the top as I think this shows off the beads better and I use tablecloth clamps to stop it blowing over my stock.

I have a huge bags - one of those IKEA bags - with all sorts of ropes, pegs, clamps, a hammer etc in.
Maybe I'll show you it's contents one of these days!

As I mentioned yesterday, I favour display props that won't blow over.
A while ago I got these perspex jewellery stands which work well for me.

I have them in two sizes and they stack for transporting.
I have quite a variety of necklace displays stands.

These black ones are good for certain colours or silver jewellery and they unclip and you can pack them flat.

Other items I like to have aready displayed so that I can just lay the board out when I get to the market.
These are calico-covered cut-up polystyrene boxes.
I pin my brooches to them, also stops them blowing away.

Aesthetically, it's probably not the best but it is very practical and customers can clearly see your wares.

Do you have any favorite display props that you have either bought or have made?

You can find blogtoberfest participants here.

Blogtoberfest giveaways are here.

And my giveaway is here!

Check list for rainy day craft markets - blogtoberfest day 8

2011-10-08T21:47:00.000+11:00

Well here we are at Leura Fair!
Unfortunately it wasn't "fair" all day! A little bit damp, not as bad as some...but not the best.

Anyway we soldiered on and it made me think that once you have commited to a big market-type thing like this you really have to be prepared and make the best of it.

Most markets and festival are not cancelled if it rains and you don't get our money back if you don't go or if you go home early bcause you are not prepared.

So what do you need to take to be prepared for all eventualities?

Check list -

1. Gazebo - nice and strong and with a waterproof canopy. And preferrably with removable walls.
Some walls zip up and tie on, some velcro on.

2. Weights to secure your gazebo. Sandbags, empty 2 litre milk bottles filled with sand. If you are on grass you can use tent pegs instead.

3. Towel to dry up drips or wipe away mud.

4. It helps if you set up your tables and display so that they are set back from the drip line of the tent.

5. Also if you set up in a U-shape them people can still come inside and see you wares. Mostly I like to set up so that my tables are at the egde of the gazebo and I stand behind them, but very wet weather calls for different tactics.

6. Dress warmly and waterproofly yourself. Nothing worse than looking like a drowned rat all day with wet feet!!

7. Some people like clear plastic sheets, like painting drop sheets, to cover their stock.
Personally I don't like this unless you are absolutely desperate as it really discourages customers - unless all the customers have gone home.

8. Sometimes rain is accompanied by strong winds in which case you will need to make sure that your stock and display items don't blow away.
I favour display props that are not easily blown down or ones you can clamp to the table or weigh down in some way.
I have even been known to tie my display to the table with ropes or those elastic bungy straps with hooks on the ends, you know the ones? Not very attractive but sure beats watching half your stock fly down the paddock!

9. Anything else you can think of?

10. Above all - keep smiling : )
Hopefully it won't end up like this -

You can find blogtoberfest participants here.

Blogtoberfest giveaways are here.

And my giveaway is here!

Weekly round-up - blogtoberfest day 7

2011-10-07T15:54:00.001+11:00

It's been a wet old week, so no excursions, expeditions or the like, no bushwalks or bikerides : (
Instead I visited a lovely new market in my neck of the woods, all handmade delights.
The Bluebird Market is held at Leura the first Saturday in the month.

It looks sunny here, but it rained and then hailed a bit.
Still all the stallholders and customers seemed to be happy and there was lovely music too.

market photos by butterflyzee face painting and photography

For myself I did a spot of recycling, reusing and renovating!

This

and this -

became this plus more!
(I'll save that for another blog!)

Then I had stuff to get ready for the Leura Village Fair.
The craft co-operative I belong to (The Nook) has a promotion during the festival - customers spend $30 and get a bag with our handmadde goodies in.

We spent a day stamping the calico bags, and collecting all the items and stuffing the bags.

Cups of tea and lunch was also involved.
Here are the stuffed bags waiting to find a new home!

And I'm getting ready to have a stall at the 2 day festival this weekend....so I'd better get on with it!

You can find blogtoberfest participants here.

Blogtoberfest giveaways are here.

And my giveaway is here!

My Creative Space - blogtoberfest day 6

2011-10-06T08:51:00.000+11:00

Hi and how are all the crafty creators today?

I've been busy making lots of new stock for the start of the spring fair season.

I wanted to have a bit of a floral/nature/birdie theme so I made some pendants with some images that I bought ages ago.

One of them I made into a necklace with a silver branch component but the others....well that's a surprise!

I also made some owly branch necklaces with brass findings.

You can find more creative spaces here.

You can find blogtoberfest participants here.

Blogtoberfest giveaways are here.

And my giveaway is here!

Wordless Wednesday - blogtoberfest day 5

2011-10-05T09:57:00.000+11:00

Remember to leave a comment on any post to take part in the giveaway .

Blogtoberfest participant list can be found here.

Blogtoberfest giveaways can be found here.

A giveaway! blogtoberfest day 4

2011-10-04T10:16:00.001+11:00

Today is giveaway day! yay!

I'll put together a little package consisting of -

1. One of Boos Tees fabric brooches chosen at random.

2. A little fabric business card holder that I made from some fabric printed by the wonderful Ruby Victoria.
I'm a little bit of a fan of Ruby Victoria! Can you tell? I also featured her tea cup print yesterday!

I have a tutorial almost ready about how to make these little fabric pouches - look out, I'll publish it sometime this month.

3. A pair of earrings again chosen at random from my planettreasures shop.

What do you need to do?
Just leave a comment here or on any post this week and include how I can contact you should you win.

This giveaway will finish next Tuesday 11th October when I will post a new giveaway.

Want to check out more blogtoberfest blogs or join in?
Pop over to {tinniegirl}'s blog.

Interested in more giveaways?
Then check out CurlyPops blog.

Mad about teacups - blogtoberfest day 3

2011-10-03T18:20:00.001+11:00

I like tea and all things tea-ish!
I especially like tea cups even though I never really use them at home.

When I was thinking about blogging about tea cups today the lovely Samara of maddabling posted a blog that included this awesome tea cup shop on etsy, DadsTeacups.

I found many faves there but am particulary fond of this fruity little one -

Aynsley tea cup from DadsTeacups

I also love tea cup art -

turquoise teacup stack by rubyvictor

Here are some fine works by Aussie artists and designers.

time for tea card by RedLetterStudio

I dont drink tea print by aussiepatches


teacup print by dspdavey

Now if I did have a tea cup collection I'd want to display them, maybe like this -

tea cup display by penelope waits

or this -

found on pinterest

I also love the many things you can create using teacups -

Cake stands -

cake stands by highteaforalice

jewellery storage -

jewellery storage

lights -

tea cup lights by bonasera

clock -

found on pinterest from sweet paul

You can use them as planters -

succulent garden from epherielldesigns

Of course you could make your own paper mache cups.

How amazing are they? Check out the tutorial!

paper mache tea cups by ann wood

And finally I scourd my cupboards for some teacups.
You see I'm really a mug of tea girl and have a mighty collection of mugs from my travels, but realise I am sadly lacking in the pretty cup department.
However I found these in my mum's china cabinet, which my daughter has inherited.

They are family heirlooms, but I'm ashamed to say I know nothing of their history.

This on has "Japan" stamped on the bottom.

This set is Royal Worcester and quite old by the look of the design.
Look how fine and fragile the handle is.

Do you have family heirlooms?
What about teacups? Are you a tea cup fan too?

Things to blog about - 7 things Sunday

2011-10-02T13:05:00.000+11:00

Often I hear people say "I'd love to have a blog but I don't know what to write about" or "I did have a blog but I couldn't keep it up."

Blogging does require some thought and commmitment and, sure, it isnt an activity for everyone.
And I guess the hardest thing is getting inspiration, keeping you mojo going, being interesting and consistent.
I must admit I'm not the most consistent blogger, a bit of a sporradic poster, but I do enjoy it and wish I was a faster typist!

Anyway if you are stuck for ideas here are a few hints.

1. If you make stuff, talk about what you make and how.
You can talk about your latest creations.
Or design inspiration.
Or "how to" / tutorial.

2. Feature other artists or designers.
Either as an interview style article or an overview of what they do.
For example I have a Wednesday wishlist, it's a quick, simple way to showcase othher designers.

create joy by sarahjanestudios

3. Write about your hobbies.
Love reading or walking or cooking or collecting stamps.

4. Have a giveaway. Everybody loves a freebie and the chance to win something.
You could also host giveaways for other people, lots of opportunities for networking there.

5. Have a wordless day - just post a photo - easy-peasy!

6. Join in on a special posting day. Lots of bloggers host a day of the week postig eg My creative space on Thusdays or What you working on Wednesday.
Or you could join in with a meme. A what?
You can find out more here. But basically it's a question or list of questions that you answer and that you then post on your blog.

7. Blog about your life.
Films you have seen, books you have read, restaurants you have been to, places you have travelled.

There are many more ideas, some take more effort and time than others, but once you start you will never be short of ideas.

What are your favorite things to blog about?
What do you love reading about on other people's blogs?

Blogtoberfest

2011-10-01T16:33:00.001+10:00

Hi! and welcome to October and you know what that means don't you?

Blogtoberfest!

"What?!" you ask!

Well - blogtoberfest is a month long festival of blogging hosted by tinniegirl.

We'll try very hard to blog every day and visit other people's blogs and revitalise and refresh our blogging mojos!

Sounds like fun doesn't it?

So far there are 90 bloggers signed up to join in, so if you'd like to join in too pop on over here.

Some bloggers are having giveaways which you can find at CurlyPop's blog.

What have I got planned?

I'll be showing you some of my creations and some places I visit.
I'll share some tutorials with you and continue my occassional series of selling ideas.
I'll be having some Wednesday wishlists and taking part in Our creative spaces on Thursdays.

Is there anything else you'd like to see?

How about a lacey installation hanging about above a Sydney street?
I think it gets lit up at night and is probably pretty nice then. During the day it just looked like a fishing net!

Here is the sandwich I had whilst inspecting said fishing net!
Yum! Veggie sandwich on a fresh wholemeal roll from the sandwich shop behind Sydney Town Hall.

My creative space

2011-09-29T12:07:00.000+10:00

Hi and happy Thursday to everyone!

How has your week been so far?

I have been doing some serious creating, realising it's only one week until the start of the spring fair season.

With that in mind I have been making some spring themed jewellery like these bird's best necklaces.
Now I realise that the bird's nests are not new, and I didn't invent them, but I had a stash of czech glass pearls that I wasn't using plus a few other round stone beads that needed a purpose.

These wire-wrapped pendants are perfect beacuse they use 3 little round beads and wire (that I already had).
Also although there are plenty of these on etsy I haven't seen them out in the markets here, so they will be a bit of freshness on my stall.

Next up - I've had a few requests for stud earrings.
The other week when I was in sydney for my wedding anniversary I had a bit of shopping time and as luck would have it our hotel was almost next door to the most fabulous button shop "Buttons buttons buttons". I always love having a poke around in there and picked up some sweet little buttons to use for earrings.

What do you think?

And that's about it for now...back to my creative space to do some creating, however if you'd like to see more creative spaces or join in then pop on over to Our Creative Spaces.

See you next time!

Mad about lace

2011-09-26T20:48:00.000+10:00

Lace. do you love lace?

You know lace isnt just the stuff associated with wedding gowns!
Who'd have thought you could have metal lace, plastic, crocheted lace, in fact you can make lace with just about anything!

Wikipedia says "Lace is an openwork fabric, patterned with open holes in the work, made by machine or by hand. The holes can be formed via removal of threads or cloth from a previously woven fabric, but more often open spaces are created as part of the lace fabric"

And it is the in-between open spaces which are as important as the solid parts when it comes to lace!

I felt very inspired to create my own lace after visiting the Love Lace exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney today.

Here are some of my faves and some unusual creations.

I love this tea set and photoprinted tea bags, traditional lace, but non-traditional treatment

steeped in memory by Linda Galbraith

This dress is so wearable, it has quite a fragile look though.

whitework by Anne Farren

Now who would think to crochet Henry Ford's first engine - using wire?
Um, not me!
But this is a wonderful contruction!

Detroit's shadow by Ann Mondro

Or who would think to use Darwin's Origin of Species to make little cut palnts out of.
There were reams and reams of paper her, but I was fascinated by the little plants.

A brief history of time by Jenny Pollack

Did you know you can make lace of of coathangers?

Sacred geometry by Lyndal Hargrave

Or leaves?
Such a simple idea, but oh so effective.

The garden of leaflessness by Golnar Roshan

I think this was my favorite - how could it not be?

It's jewellery, right?

Lacqueus by Alison Wheeldon

And there are many more wondrous lacey creations to be seen at the Powerhouse Museum, so if you are in or near Sydney I urge you - go and have a look!

Make lace - not war!

My week - a birthday, a bay and bracelets.

2011-09-25T19:58:00.000+10:00

What a lovely week!

Our beautiful daughter turned 21 this week and we travelled to Wollongong to celebrate with her.
We went for a picnic and found this fabulous bay which looks perfect for snorkelling.
We'll be back!

Then there was dinner and of course cake!
It's a double layer mud cake - uses 4 big blocks of chocolate - Oh, the decadence!

A small amount of creativity has been going on.
I've been making some cards which I forgot to take photos of.

And these bracelets which I made from some beads donated by Sue of metal and stone. These will go into the free goody bags which we give to customers at our craft collective The Nook at Leura, during the annual Leura village fair.

This afternoon it stopped raining enoughto go out for a little walk to a local lookout.

On the way the sulphur-crested cockatoos were enjoying a snack -

When we got to the lookout it looked like there was more rain on the way.

And there were lots of flowers out, including this Isopogon.

How was your week?

My Creative Space

2011-09-15T10:27:00.000+10:00

My creative space this week is a bit of this 'n that!

Some more sterling silver and czech glass earrings for Making Spaces Marketplace

Laid out here on my favorite portable creative space - plastic shoe box lid with upholstery velvet mat!

Then some more tshirts for the Art and Design market at Wollongong on Sunday.

I've pulled out these cute fabrics to make some brooches, hopefully I'll have time to sew them!

If you'd like to see some more creative spaces, or join in then pop on over to Our Creative Spaces!

Wednesday wishes

2011-09-14T11:10:00.000+10:00

I couldnt resist some bright and beautiful wishes this bright and beautiful Wednesday.

How much fun are these plates?

super festive set by Ninainvorm

It may be time to uncover my winter legs with this comfy skirt.

wrap skirt by ogekko

And this sweet print ticks all my boxes - tea, teapots, chickens and cake!


stay for tea by littlemoand friends

Happy Wednesday!

Selling your wares - part 2

2011-09-13T15:03:00.000+10:00

Last month I started writing about where to sell your creatives outputs. You can read that post here.

Number 2 on my list is party plan or home shows, not because I think it is the next step for everyone, but sometimes it follows on naturally from selling to family and friends. You know your friends say to you "I'd love to see your creations and I've told my friends all about them and they'd like to see them too."

Advantages of a home shows is that geographically it is close to home and you need minimal selling accessories, as you would if going to a market.
You can just stay at home and unpack your goodies or you pack up your goods and go!

There are several approaches to party plan.

1. You can invite people to your home and just have a home party.

2. You can ask some of your very supportive family or frinds to host one for you.

3. You can advertise.

The other thing to decide depends on what you make in a way.
Are you (1) going to just sell your stock on hand, with perhaps some custom orders?
Or are you (2) going to just take orders?

If you make mostly one of a kind items or original art works then you will probably do (1).

If your business is one where you develop a collection or range and have easily reproducible pieces you might prefer to do (2).

OK, lets say your hosting a home show at your own place, what are some of the things you need to do?

1. Prepare your stock and have it priced.
2. Prepare a display area that is easy for people to walk around and have a look at things.
3. Have a mirror and/or changeroom if your guests need to try things on.
4. Serve some simple food and drinks. Self serve is best, but you could conscript a helpful parter or child.
5. Decide on payment options. Cash only. Cheques. Paypal.
6. Have a cash box with change, and a receipt book.
7. Wrapping paper, bags etc.
8. Business cards and other information.
9. If you are going to take orders for later delivery you'll need an order form and/or a catalogue.

If a friend is hosting for you you might need to scope out the room where the party is to be held.
Check out if she has tables you can use for display.
You should take your own cloths to cover any display tables.
Check on access to the house and how you will get your stock and display equipment inside.

Hopefully your friend will supply the refreshments.
Perhaps you can offer a little hostess gift or discount as a thankyou.

photo and great post from Popko

Other ideas from etsy sellers -

- offered a 20% off if you bring a friend deal, which went over really well! (I gave both the person and the friend 20% off). Alex Wijnen

- putting a dab of 'vanilla on a light bulb gives the room a wonderful fragrance and entices people to shop, as does the smell of fresh baked bread crochetgal

- Maybe have some cute "shopping" baskets that they can "fill up"! SewInspirations

- from my experience I wouldn't offer too many places to sit. My open house turned into a seated chit-chat. I think if there had been fewer places to sit, they would've mingled and browsed more. SouthernSkirts

- don't just hide behind your table waiting for people to hand you money---get out from behind there, socialize, have some fun, grab a drink, and party too! KreatedbyKarina

Have you had a home show?
How did it go?
Do you have any tips to share?

Mad about tiny houses

2011-09-12T10:12:00.000+10:00

I am dreaming of down-sizing!
When hub retires we'd love to buy a caravan and do the grey nomad thing and travel round Australia, but we also reckon we'd need a base somewhere....maybe a shack near the beach....a little place to return to and store our family heirlooms.

We wouldnt need much...and just as I was ruminating on these possibilities there was a show on ABC Radio National on the Future Tense program about tiny houses!

Totally entralling!
You can read about one tiny house here but I think this is a bit too tiny for us. Great for one person, perhaps.

However some of them are very, very tiny!

Tumbleweed Tiny House Company via Retro Thing

How would I fit all my crafty junk in?

I'm quite partial to this minimalist design -

Tumbleweed Z-glass house

but maybe we'd need 2 - one for us and one for me!

Interesting ideas here -

from designboom

A delicious view is definitely needed -

from mincasa

But this won't happen for a few more years yet, but I can dream, yes?

In the meantime some other sweet tiny houses for you -


vintage fabric house brooch by grrlandog

miniature house by thelittlereddoor

tree house by pearsonmaron

Cloud Atlas

2011-09-06T23:03:00.000+10:00

Still on the theme of clouds!

How appropriate that Jennifer Byrne's classic pick tonight on The 1st Tuesday Book Club on TV was Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell.
Have you read it?

I found it thoroughly engrossing!
The book consists of six nested stories they are folded inside each other) telling stories from the past to the deep future and they are all connected very cleverly.

Sorry - you can't really click to look inside here - but this edition has such a pretty cover!

If you've read it - tell me what you thought of it.

Mad about clouds

2011-09-05T21:16:00.000+10:00

My husband took a photo yesterday of some lovely wispy clouds and I started thinking about how varied and everchanging clouds are.
Do you remember playing that game when you were a child - lying on your back, looking up at the sky and making pictures out of clouds?

It strikes me that clouds can still inspire creativity!

You can photograph clouds!

photograph by ellemoss

You can paint clouds -

painting by soloworkstudio

you can wear clouds,

dress by northbrooklydrygood

in many different ways.

Earrings -

cloud earrings by zoozjewelry

necklace -

ceramic necklace by chARiTyelise

You can crochet clouds (who knew?!)

necklace by HoKiou

You can stick them on your wall.

decals by greywolfgraphics

You can find many used for these sweet cloud dishes -

bowls by dgordon

or snuggle up with cloud pillows -

pillow by myfavoritedress

and stick pins in a cloud -

pin cushion by spincushions

And of course clouds are perfect for a mobile -

mobile by madeleinesergeant

I have in mind that I should design a cloud tshirt for Boos Tees.
What do you think?

Do you have some special cloud memories?

My creative space

2011-09-01T07:02:00.000+10:00

Another Thursday!
Don't they roll round quickly?

How has your creative mojo been this week?

I have been gluing again!

Making some promised earrings

Cute, eh?

Would you like to share your creative space? Or have a peek at some other creative spaces?
Then pop along here!

See you next week. Chao!

Wednesday Wishlist

2011-08-31T20:18:00.000+10:00

I know all things francais are a bit "in" at the moment, but I do have a thing for old postcards and you know I love purses.

postcard from France purse by rosiesarmoire

It's nearly September already!

And as you may know the birthstone for September is Sapphire. Love sapphires!
I really should have been a September baby!
While I was cruisng the search over on etsy for sapphires for my sapphire treasury, I found this pretty pink sapphire ring.
So simple - so chic!

pink sapphire ring by Zusev

How about this for total decadent style?
It'll soon be summer after all!

beach swing by firesculptureart

Happy Wednesday! and Happy September!

More make your own fabric bunting

2011-08-30T16:08:00.000+10:00

Here are some more ideas if you'd like to make your own bunting but don't have a stash of fabrics to use, and you don't want to go out and buy a load of fabrics specially.

A kit is a great way to go providing you with everything you need.

This one comes ready cut out using vintage fabrics.

from The Haby Goddess

If you dont mind using a pair of scissors you might like this printed kit -

by Yardage Design from Earth Girl

Or this one from Kristen Doran using her own handprinted fabric -

by Kristen Doran

How easy is that? All you have to do is sew!

Make your own - fabric bunting

2011-08-29T22:23:00.000+10:00

I'm sure there are many, many tutorials on how to make your own fabric bunting, but here is one that I came across today and I love it 'cus it uses vintage fabrics as well as some new ones.

You can find how to on Found by Sarah's blog here

Selling your wares - part 1

2011-08-27T13:03:00.000+10:00

So you are creative?
You are actually creating stuff?
What next? You'd like to maybe sell some of your stuff? Yes?

woman selling to man by waytobead

What are your options?

1. Friends and relatives.
Including your neighbours, word of mouth, your or your partners workplace, other places you frequent eg playgroup.

This is often where we all start.
You know you have a few items and show your friends and they are fabulously encouraging, they buy some pieces for themselves or gifts and word spreads.

And you could just stay with this - BUT it is a very limited market.
You want to spread your wings and expand your horizons.
You never really leave these first customers behind, they'll always be there and could be your best advertising.

Here are some ideas for selling your wares in the wider world and I'll come back to them indetail over the next days/weeks and maybe get some discussion going and idea sharing.

vintage salesmanship book by dustylorraine

2. Party plan

3. Markets

4. Art shows

5. B & M (bricks and mortar)

6. On-line

Feel free to share your experiences of how you got started.

Are your family and friends your best customers?

A spot of remodelling/recycling

2011-08-26T10:47:00.000+10:00

As you may know I'm fond of recycling/remodelling/reusing creations that do not sell.

Sometimes just the threat of this fate is enough to result in someone to (unwittingly) buying the piece!
However not this one -

It's a really bad photo that I took on my market stall one day...I don't think I ever listed it in my etsy or madeit shops.
It did have a matching bracelet and earrings...long gone!

But I do still love the orange branch coral and the czech glass shell beads and the little acid green czech glass beads. so I draped it around my wrist and "yes"! it could be a very bold and unusual bracelet!

Then with some of the leftover orange coral drops I made a long necklace on a chain - tres chic!

I think they are still very summery and beachy. We'll see how they go!

Are you getting in the mood for summer and planning your summer creations?

My creative space

2011-08-25T21:16:00.000+10:00

I my creative space this week just a couple of simple bracelets to see how I go with my sore thumb.
I found that I can do most things left-handed and that the most difficult part is tightening the stringing wire, but somehow I managed!

I just love these bright stripey beads - they are a coloured malachite -
Rainbow malachite and fusion malachite...very sweet for summer!

For more creative spaces or to join in pop over here.

See you next week : )

Wednesday Wishlist

2011-08-24T21:19:00.000+10:00

A few simple wishes this week -

sugar bowl and creamer set by dbabcock

cherry blossoms lamp by jerseymaids

fruiti apple skirt by roseglen

Short and sweet - see you next week!

On my bookshelf

2011-08-24T09:15:00.001+10:00

These are some books I have recently finished reading and they are on their way from my bedroom (my reading room) to the downstairs bookshelves (the library)

It seems I am a bit of a non-fiction reader!

5 of the 6 books are non-fiction and only 1 novel.

The Unlikely Voyage of Jack de Crow by AJ Mackinnon one of the funniest books I have read, is the story of the author's journey in a small sailing boat form the heart of England to the Black Sea.
And his other book The Well at the World's End is another rip-roaring trans-global adventure.

I guess I'm a bit of an armchair traveller and have shared many of Dervla Murphy's adventures. The Island That Dared is her account of Cuba which is fascinating, if a little history-dense!

Three Cups of Tea I bought at one of the two excellent bookshops in Darjeeling! (where else?). It had been recommended by one of our fellow travellers and is the story of mountaineer Greg Mortenson's
journey to built schools in Pakistan. As an affirmation of what can be done when you set your mind to it - it's awesome!

A friend with Tasmanian connections lent me Carnivorous Nights - on the trail of the Tasmanian Tiger. Having just returned from Tassie I could relate to a lot of the places and this book is so well written, I highly recommend it!

And lastly my fiction pick! I heard Roberta Lowing talk at the Sydney Writer's Festival and was quite smittne with the idea behind her book and the passage that she read. However it didnt really hold my attention - I did finish it - but didnt feel very satisfied. Oh well, thems the breaks!

What are you reading?
Are you a fact or fiction reader?

Make your own - paper bunting

2011-08-23T07:24:00.000+10:00

I'm still banging on about bunting!

You can make your own, in fact you can print your own -

by graceandguy

Or this fun birthday bunting -

by ewhoo

This little cake topper bunting can be personalised and how cute is it?

by ewehooo

Or you can be really different and have some bug bunting!

by dreamdigital

Have you got any favorite printable bunting sites?

Mad about cowls

2011-08-22T16:05:00.001+10:00

Scarves are good but cowls are great!

Ever since I bought this patchwork tube scarf from plumfish a couple of years ago I've been a big fan.

Why is this so?
Well they are warm, easy to put on, dont unknot or undo or otherwise get in the way.
They just sit there neatly and warmly on your neck.

I mad about knitted cabled cowls -

by tickledPinkKnits

stringy cowls -

by EcoShag

fabric cowls -

by HodgePodgeArty

colourful crochet cowls -

by MegansMenagerie

plain linen cowls -

by Runsystem63

Are you are scarf of a cowl person?

My week

2011-08-19T12:53:00.000+10:00

This week I've been doing some bike-riding and some supplies-buying!

I am feeling so much better and the weather has been beuatiful - double incentive for getting out and riding!
I persuaded hub to come with me on the Prospect Reservoir loop.
It's a 34km circular ride, all on bike paths in Western Sydney. The path is not terribly scenic even though it follows the evocatively named Orphan School Creek for a goodly way.

Here is an example of urban decoration!

But then surprise!
A lovely buddist temple, with ceremonies going on - chanting and incense, it took me right back to south-east Asia.

Another day I ventured further west to the circuit of the Olympic rowing course.
This is such a great asset as open space in the west!

Unfortunately part of the path was closed while a group was testing a solar powered car for the solar car challenge.
Space age or what?

And my supplies-buying-spree!
Not on my list - painted wooden discs.

Also not on my list - coloured lava stone beads
.

Irresistible - coloured leather thinging

You guessed it - not on my list either!
Does that happen to you? you end up with a lot of things you just cant leave in the shop!

And a pile of beads in my workspace that just happened to be there at the same time and became a necklace!

Do you sometimes create like that? Serendipity!

My creative space

2011-08-18T08:00:00.001+10:00

My creative space this week is bead-free!

I have a very sore thumb.
I think it's trigger finger - or thumb....again!
I have had this in my left thumb before and had surgery....so now I'm supposed to be resting my thiumb in the hope that it will un-freeze!

I'm not very hopeful...and I'm very frustrated - I have lots of lovely new supplies....but can't use them!

Some things I can do lefthanded - like stamping!

If you would like to see other creative spaces or join in pop on over here.

Wednesday Wishlist

2011-08-17T17:27:00.000+10:00

I have been lusting after these luscious leggings for a while!

What a gorgeous colour!

leggings by kambriel

This sweet locket necklace comes with 5 interchangeable photos - what a great idea!

necklace by jpgphotography

And you know I'm a sucker for handbags!
I just love the bird design and the large woody button feature.

shoulder bag by LBArtworks

A gift and something to do

2011-08-16T16:48:00.000+10:00

I am ashamed to say that I have been meaning to write this post for ages, because, you see someone gave me something and asked me to make some things...but so far I've only made one little thing!

Anyway I will tell you about the one thing and maybe that will inspire me to make more things!

The lovely Narelle, the creative force behind rubyvictoria and printmaker extraordinaire sent me some of her newly printed calico fabric.

I just love them! Dont you?

I was in the midst of sewing for a promotion waaaaay in the future, in October, for my craft co-operative The Nook. I was making little pouches (see here) and so I sewed a little business card pouch with ruby victoria's fabric -

and this is the inside -

This one is not to give way!
This one is for me!

Maybe I'll post a tutorial about how to make them - they are very easy!

Mad about bunting!

2011-08-15T12:59:00.000+10:00

It seems that I'm not the only one who is mad about bunting!
And it seems that you can make bunting out of just about anything!

So here is a selection to brighten your Monday morning.

You can sew bunting out of fabric -

bubblegum by giggleberry

or you can sew bunting onto fabric -

dress by PunkinThreads

you can do a spot of fabric recycling -

recycled tshirt necklace by creativityismessy

or you can combine paper and fabric -

burlap bunting by lunaclaydesign

You can use paper by itself - cutely -

barnyard buddies by APaperPlayground

or classically -

zen garden elements by funkyjunkart

you can put bunting on paper -

gift tags by rainydaycolors

or on a cake -

cake bunting by jaimemancilla

or on a mug -

mug by teandceremony

Bunting can be photographed -

street party by opart

captioned -

photo by charleneprecious

or painted -

sunday picnic by janethillstudio

You can crochet bunting -

granny squares by bonnierose

or knit -

blue and white knitted bunting by wonderfullypretty

or bead bunting -

banner bracelet by blue sky beads

And my favorites -

dream sequins necklace by wichserstudio

bunting jewellery using leather, metal,

coral flags necklace by fishdreaming

leadlight -

persian garden pendants by jesscontreras

and clay -

bunting flags for spring by mimosabyme

What are your favorite buntings?

I'm thinking of some bunting designs for myself!

7 things sunday - 7 birthday things

2011-08-08T11:48:00.000+10:00

"Happy Birthday to me..."

Yes, another one! they do seem to come round all too quickly these days, but it is so worthwhile to have had such a fun time.

Starting with a birthday eve of dinner, cocktails, The Jersy Boys, and a night in town.
Nowhere very flash, but very convenient.

Followed by delectable chocolates from Zokoko,

My hub also bought me this book that was featured on the First Tuesday Book club on ABC TV

Cant wait to get stuck into it.

The darling man also added to my chicken collection -

This one is rather huge and may need to an outdoors chook!

My sweet daughter has bought us tickets to Cirque du Soleil's show Saltimbanco which is on this month.

They are always such fabulous shows.

My wonderful son got me the DVD set of Downton Abbey *surprise* which I missed a couple of episodes of -

And then of course there was birthday cake

Amazing stawberry mousse cake!

And that's it for another year!

A sale!

2011-08-01T10:34:00.000+10:00

Happy August!

To celebrate I'm reducing the price of all my ready-made mitts to a measly $12!

They are hand-knitted by me in pure new wool and are perfect for playing on the computer, shopping or going to outdoor markets in the cooler weather (which we have at the moment).
For those of you in the northern hemisphere - think ahead and get ready for winter or be organised with some early Christmas shopping!

To see the other colours pop over here.

Please note any custom orders will be full price ie $25.

Sunday driving

2011-07-31T20:58:00.000+10:00

Hub and I are not in the fittest of condition at the moment so instead of going off on bushwalking adventures we have to content ourselves with that great Aussie tradition - a sedate Sunday drive!

This week our wheels led us to a little-known little National Park south-west of Sydney - Thirlmere Lakes.

Sadly due to the prolonged drought in this part of the world the lakes are a bit short of water!
I'm glad we didnt take the canoes!

There are many signs about the dangers of mud near the lake. As far as we could see the lake was mud!
But wait! - is that water?

The lakes are a haven for birds and wildlife - but I think most of them had flown the coop!

We found bugs -

and leaves -

and evidence of wombats -

At least it was very quiet - apart from the unregistered trail bikes, there is a nice little walking loop aroud the lakes and if the water situation improves, we'll be back!

How was your weekend?

In a shop and some new creations

2011-07-30T19:15:00.001+10:00

I've been back at Making Spaces Marketplace again this week.

Some of my fellow market space holders were the delightful Danette from Sami Bop -

Sami Bop

who designs and makes cute children's clothes using vintage and recycled fabrics.

Mary from Orange Who -

Orange Who

makes sweet little people's clothes.

Christine from Christine's Millinery -

Christine's Millinery

who makes amazing hats, and not just fancy ones, she has a range of everyday hats too!

While I was there one day some gorgeous soaps from Inner Earth Soap arrived -

Inner Earth Soap

The shop is looking amazing!
If you are in the Parramatta area you really should pop in and have a look.

I have also got my creating mojo back -

I have been noticing that my big chunky necklaces don't seem as popular at the moment.
Is it the season or the economy or just the fashion?
I'm not sure but I have loads of chunky beads, so I decided to design some long necklaces with chain and a few stone beads.
And some shorter ones which have a more dainty vibe -

What do you think?
Do you wear necklaces in the winter? If so what style do you tend to go for?

My creative space

2011-07-29T15:21:00.000+10:00

Back to more little beadiness this week.
Another portable beading project to play with while I was at Making Spaces Marketplace.

This was inspired by a newbook by Nancy Zellers "Bead Tube Jewelry" and some little wire bracelets I found while out supply shopping on Tuesday.

Peyote stich bead tubes are such fun to make and I was making up the patterns as I went, this involved a lot of frog stitch as well (you know "rippet-rippet" ?*)

What is in your creative space this week?

For more creative spaces or to join in, pop along here.

*the sound of stitches being ripped out when you make a mistake

A new (ad)venture

2011-07-22T21:14:00.000+10:00

This week two of my crafty buddies opened a new shop!

It's in Parramatta in western Sydney and is part of the Pop-up Parramatta initiative to revitalise the city centre.

They have filled it with lots of handmade goodies from near and far.

It looks great! - so inviting.

art by benconservato

hats by Christine's Millinery

snack bags by the twin thing

jewellery by me

Here they are - the partners in crime - K1 and K2!

For more information about this wonderful enterprise visit here.

1st photo is from making spaces marketplace website

My creative space

2011-07-14T17:24:00.000+10:00

My creative space today has been my bed!
Due to having a cold then a secondary infection, cough, fever - you name it - I've got it!

So I have done a lot of reading and some knitting, finishing off a hat I started last year.

Knitting the band round the edge nearly drove me mad! I couldnt pick up the correct number of stiches and had to undo it many times.
Anyway it is now finished apart from sewing the ends in. Yay!

In the afternoon the little deck off our bedroom is a nice sunny spot and has a nice view, but I coundt photograph it because of looking into the sun.
I also look down on the part of the garden where the bower bird's bower is, but it is well hidden.
There was however lots of bowery activity down there.

Here he is - he doesnt look much but he is a lovely glossy bluey-black colour, perhaps about the size of a chicken?

Th cat likes it out on the deck too - anywhere the sun is - that's where she'll be.

If you would like to see more creative spaces you can here.

What have you been creating this week?

Wednesday Wishlist

2011-07-13T16:19:00.000+10:00

This week I have found the most divine tea pot!

I have a bit of a "thing" about tea and another bit of a "thing" about teapots.

The simplicity and elegance of this one by clamlab just blows me away!

teapot by clamlab

I am also blown away by people who can create something wonderful from something that was probably less than wonderful to start with - like this recycled clothing shop.

I wish I could be that imaginitive when I go to the op shops and create something - anything from the pickings there.

I guess that's why rebeccasartcloset has a recycled clothing shop and I don't!

lagenlook top by rebeccasartcloset

And this little clutch purse is much too sweet to ignore.

With its little needle felted hedgehog - it's a bit squeeee!

mini box pouch by seabreezestudio

7 things I like about working from home

2011-07-10T22:19:00.000+10:00

Some of us are very lucky and have the great pleasure of being able to work from home.
I guess that after doing it for so many years I just take the advantages for granted, but recently I started thinking about what I really like about working from home.

1. I can work in my slippers. And my really comfortable tracky-dacks. Or anything I like.
2. I can start and stop when I like. I can start and stop several times day if I like. I can work well into the night.
3. I have a beautiful view from my workroom window. And it's the warmest room in the house in the winter.
4. I can listen to the radio. I do love listening to the radio - Radio National mostly, lots of words and a bit of music.
5. I can have unlimited cups of tea. this is very important.
6. I can go out for a walk if the outdoors beckons (or a bike ride or whatever). It's important to gat out of the house sometimes, don't you think?
7. I can put the washing on and do some work. I can put dinner on and do some work. Probably not a very disciplined way to work, but I feel that I'm getting some housework done at the same time. Multi-tasking!

What do you enjoy about working from home?

What do you enjoy about working from home?

My week

2011-07-09T18:09:00.000+10:00

What a varied week!

On Sunday we went for a "drive" due to the fact that the OH is on crutches and I'm still suffering with a head cold.
We found this wonderful lookout over Lake Burragorang which is Sydney's main water supply.
They flooded a beautiful river valley to make it and a village had to be moved.

Then we drove to see our daughter take part in the Tough Bloke Challenge!
This involves a 6km run and 10 obstacles - including plenty of mud!

This was afterwards!
They said it was the best fun they ever had.

On the way we stopped at the lovely little village of Picton and just caught the end of the market there. Just enough time to grab some cupcakes and handmade soaps.

Now here's a sight you don't see every day -

I have no idea why this lonely camel is in a field near the M5 motorway.

I just had to show you what I cooked last night -

corn fritters layered with roasted mushrroms and roasted tomatoes, guacamole and red pepper strips.
Yum!

How was your week?