We like to make stuff

For the love of thrifting

2012-03-09T13:34:00.001+11:00

This morning I decided to go for a little drive to visit some country oppies. Usually my thrifting consists of popping into the op shops on my way by or when I have 10 minutes to spare. But today, Lulu and I headed out for a morning of thrifting in it's own right!

We visited 4 op shops and picked up a few bits and pieces including these lovely linens. Some beautiful florals, a lovely paisley, some great prints for a 'vintage boy quilt' too. A very pretty flannel pillowcase, so soft with just the perfect amount of wearing. And to top it off a linen tablecloth in perfect condition and some fun, bright floral runners.

I am rather pleased with this little haul. They are all in the washing machine as I type. I have laundry piling up but the motivation to wash those precious fabrics was HUGE ;)

Hopefully a bit more show and tell on Sunday!
Have you been thrifting this week? I hope you've found something you love!

My creative space lately...

2012-03-08T18:58:00.002+11:00

A little while ago, I saw this dresser at the Salvo's for $20. I was very tempted but my better half was cracking down on the amount of ~~junk~~ thrifted treasures I was bringing home. I was heading away that night for a few days so I expected it would be gone by the time I arrived back home.

Lo and behold, it was still there. So, I took it as a sign it 'was meant to be'.

My dear old dad collected it for me and we sanded it back and gave it a lick of paint.

The paint is a very pale blue/grey called Vintage Blue'. I forgot to take a before shot but it had a brown lacquer on it. I added some pretty glass knobs and it has a new home in Miss 10's bedroom.

I love the shape, the legs, the mirror and I really enjoyed working on this little project with my dad as well.

Linking up with Our Creative Spaces

Untitled

2012-03-06T22:29:00.000+11:00

Around our town...

The kids stayed home today because their school was closed.
Mister Husbands office flooded over the weekend and the roads are still closed off.
Thinking of everyone who has been affected by the floods and very grateful we live on a hill.

Happy mail...happy me!

2012-02-27T12:55:00.001+11:00

The other day I received a lovely gift from the lovely Zara. I was the lucky recipient of a 'send it forward' gift. Zara made me the lovliest cushion cover from some thrifted linens. I love the combination she chose and I am so thrilled to have a handmade gift from you Zara. Thank you SO very much!

Thank you also for the sweet card you made me and your sweet words too. Just made my day really!

WIP

2012-02-22T20:24:00.003+11:00

Ages ago, I bought these napkins/placemats? from the oppy. I decided to make some cushions with them and thrifted a yellow linen shirt for the backing. Oh course it needs a friend so I have been looking out for just the right yellow shirt for another backing which is the main reason it's been sitting in my WIP's box forever.

I stitched this one up today and I am embarressed to say it only took me about 5 minutes.
Another WIP ticked off though ;)

Do you have a lot of WIP's on the go, like me?

Untitled

2012-02-19T14:56:00.000+11:00

The other day I bragged about my Miss Adorable.
Miss Adorable...today, hmmmm not so much!

She clearly had some encouragement and help from her big brother-those beautiful lipstick circles going right around her eyes could only be the work of Mr 6.

PS You should have seen the couch!
PSS I can't even remember the last time I wore lipstick!
PSSS The lippy on the couch reminded me of this incident, let's call it 'Ollie tries his hand at stamping'
He was about 2 1/2 I think.

Op Shopping

2012-02-19T00:26:00.000+11:00

This weeks finds included a lovely glass storage jar-$1.00 and a little blanket, new and made from wool scraps. There were five bright blankies of varying sizes. Lulu chose this one-$3.00

I also picked up this bright souvenir teatowel for $5.00
Oh the colours!
A geniune linen teatowel from Broken Hill, made in Czechoslovakia ;)

And a few recent finds that I haven't shared yet.
These pretty Johnson teacups. They are a perfect size and lovely to use.
$4.00 for the set of four.

Banana splits anyone? I haven't used them yet but thought they might be a bit of fun!
Set of 6, $5.00

These gorgeous Italian glasses, $1 each Vitrosax.

And some floral pillowcases, $1.00 each. I picked these up at the same oppy a few weeks apart. Funny that.

Have you found anything at the oppies lately?
Linking in here.

Miss Adorable

2012-02-16T15:50:00.003+11:00

Last week I posted about the Miss Adorable Dress that I made for Lulu's 3rd birthday.
And here she is...our Miss Adorable playing in her new frock.

Oh this little girl is so loved and adored by all of us!

Lulu's Rainbow Cake

2012-02-16T01:05:00.000+11:00

I used my regular old butter cake mix and doubled it.
Split the mix into equal portions for colouring.
I added quite a bit of food colouring because I wanted it to be bright.
Line a round tin with baking paper or grease and flour if that's what you do. That's what I do!
Pour mix into tin and spread it out evenly. Bake each colour separately.
Bake 180 deg for about 15 minutes. I put foil on top half way through so the top wouldn't burn.
I only had two tins so baked two cakes at a time.
Cool in tin for 5 mins then turn onto wire rack.

Once you have your six coloured cakes, ice the first cake and then place the next layer on top.
Ice and add next layer and so on until you have them all stacked up beautifully.
Ice the top and sides and decorate as you wish.
I used sprinkles and a fabric bunting that I made from the scraps of the party bunting.
For the icing I used a butter cream icing.

It took a bit of time but it was very easy to make, bake and assemble. The big reveal was fantastic!
I hadn't told Lulu that it was a rainbow cake so when I cut into she smiled and said 'it's got colours'.
Happy girl, happy mama! I'll definately be making it again.

Valentines Day

2012-02-14T23:19:00.000+11:00

We don't usually celebrate Valentines Day at our place but a couple of weeks ago I bought a packet of heart shaped paper doilies at the oppy so I thought I'd have a bit of fun creating a little Valentine story in our entry way.

I gathered some bits and pieces from around our home. Some hearts, my Nonna's tablecloth, thrifted treasures-vintage scrabble, fowlers jar-the perfect vase, some frames and the paper doilies of course. The lovely candle is a gift from a sweet friend, some roses from our garden-three to symbolise our three little loves, the playing card-five hearts representing our family of five, the gold piece used to hang on our bedroom wall when we first married-many moons ago seven houses ago! and a little handmade happy heart made from a thrifted doily complete with dodgy stitching and a vintage button.

And funny...the Mr was quite chuffed with my little Valentines greeting.
Hope you had a lovely day.
Do you celebrate Valentines Day?

My place and yours

2012-02-11T14:06:00.000+11:00

Playing along with MPAY, this lovely Saturday. SO happy to see this weeks theme is 'on the wall' because my place is an absolute mess!

These bits of wall are from our living area (lounge/dining/kitchen room).

The Mr has taken our little loves out to visit the grandparents while I clean up... blog/drink coffee/browse pinterest for rainbow cakes. Have you ever made the rainbow cake? Miss Lulu is turning 3 and tomorrow there will be a clean house and a rainbow cake for sure!

Check out Punky and Me to nosey about everyone elses place. What's on your wall?

The Kings

2012-02-10T22:54:00.000+11:00

Last year I stumbled upon The Kings family blog. They had just said goodbye to their precious boy Noah. He was just ten years old. It is a heartbreaking and heartwarming story that his mum Lisa, shares on their blog so beautifully.

Very recently, Lisa's husband Aaron passed away unexpectedly. I don't know Lisa and her little family but I know I can show them some support. And I thought you might be able to as well.

There is a charity auction happening on facebook this weekend for the King family.
Pop over here to have a peek at all the lovely things up for auction.

There is also a fundraising page set up for the Kings where you can make a donation. All the info can be found at this lovely blog, Seven Cherubs. With all my heart, I believe every.bit.helps. Whether you can donate $5.00, $50.00 or $500.00...every bit helps! As a mama and a wife I can't help but wonder how I might cope if faced with these challenges.

Bloggers are a caring and supportive bunch I think.
Isn't it amazing that through blogging we can reach out and help others?
And if we each tell a few family and friends about The Kings, they might be able to help as well.

Miss Adorable

2012-02-09T17:57:00.000+11:00

This week I've been making a little dress for Lulu's birthday. I'm a bit proud of it really because I read those instructions over and over and it made sense to me. I can sew but reading patterns (and maps and manuals and instructions) isn't my strong point. I am more of a show me what to do it and I'll do it kind of sewer.

The Miss Adorable pattern came from Pip's book Sew La Tea Do.
This just might be my favourite of her lovely books.

I've used a thrifted floral sheet. It was such a great pattern for beginners like me and only took me a few hours to make. I pottered around a bit as well, making tea and feeding the kids, so maybe just a couple of hours for the more experienced sewer.

I used some pretty pink bias binding for the trim-another first for me. I found this book perfectly helpful.

I borrowed it from the library and it is a great resource for beginners so I've added it to my wishlist.
Do you have any great 'all you need to know about sewing books'?

Pop over here to see what everyone else has been making.
PS Next week I'll show my Miss Adorable modelling her birthday dress!

My Place and Yours

2012-02-02T21:25:00.000+11:00

Joining in with Vic and the MPAY gang. Green is the word of the week.

First up this little green cup and saucer set. Oh so precious to me. It belonged to my Nonna and was enjoyed by my Mum along with many other treasures after my Nonna died-a long time ago, I was just 13.

I had always loved that little teacup and saucer and often said so. For my 30th birthday my Mum finally gave it me.

When I was cleaning, I accidently knocked it off it's home and the saucer broke. I was devastated. I phoned my Mum so upset and sorry I hadn't been more careful. She was disappointed as well but told me to gather up the pieces and Dad would fix it. She instructed me not to do it, not to let the Mr do it, but to bring it home to Dad because he (apparently) is really, super dooper cool at super glueing things back together. Who knew?! She assured me you would barely be able to tell.

Apparently this skill has been lost at some point during his lifetime because his you beaut super glueing efforts were as dodgy as they come.

The Mr and I still laugh about it to this day.

Now here's the good bit.
Last year when BF and I were visiting the Mill Markets I spotted this little lone saucer in the same design as my broken piece for just a few dollars. I was certain it was a match for my set. I could hardly believe my luck. Some 7 years later..to find a little lone saucer needing to be reunited with the set. It is the same design and has the same stamp on the bank but the circle inside the saucer is ever so slighty larger than the original so I am thinking maybe it was for a coffee cup in the same set but I don't know.What do you think?

Anywayyy big claps to you if you read that marathon story.

And to wind it up...a few more bits of green collected from my craft space.

Visit Punky and Me for more green fun!

The other quilt

2012-01-31T12:50:00.000+11:00

Recently I had a little show and tell of my vintage sheet quilt, Lulu's quilt. Well, the 'other' vintage quilt was completed last week...the one using the squares from beautiful Mardi's vintage fabric swap.

A little more show and tell of some of the fabrics first because they really are so lovely.

And the finished product...

The best thing for me about this quilt is the chenille backing I have used. It is so beautifully snuggly and I love that it belonged to the Mr's grandfather. The other best thing is that it is made from fabrics far and wide. I love that that they have all been shared amongst a bunch of crafty types. The other best thing is that the binding is a thrifted sheet gifted from my bestie. The other best thing is that I tried a new way of quilting-along the diagonals-so a wee bit of personal growth for me as well and the other best thing is that it was dirt cheap to make. There isn't even any batting! So it's all swapped, thrifted or gifted...everything but the thread.

Have you made your quilt from the fabric swap yet?
I would love to see it if you have.

Flea Market Finds

2012-01-29T15:51:00.001+11:00

A few bits and pieces to share this week.
I was lazy and snapped them on my phone so the quality is pretty ordinary but anyway...

I picked up this desk at the swap meet a couple of months ago but it's been in the garage ever since. This past week I went on a bit of a cleaning frenzy and made some space for it in my craft room. The question now though...to paint or not to paint? It was $50 but as I ummmed and ahhhed, the seller told me he was not taking it home and I could have it for $30.

My brother in law happened to be having a stall at the swap meet so I sweet talked him into picking it up and taking it home for me. Funny, I was watching the highlights of the local news that night and they had a story on the swap meet. Lo and behold there we are, my brother lugging the desk back to his car and me running along behind yelling out support;) Very funny!

Thrifted this week a couple of pink sheets for $2, one to keep and one for this swap. Are you joining in too?

Some handy dandy orange tupperware, just .50c each container and it superb condition.

And my very favourite thing...this gorgeous piece of milkglass.
I love everything about it. The roses design with the stripe and the beautiful scalloped edge. I think after this piece I have decided to officially become a milkglass collector. Oh and the price, just $6!

I hope the thrifting fairies have been good to you this week too.
For more op shopping treasures, have a peek at Her Library Adventures.

Happy Australia Day!

2012-01-26T00:12:00.000+11:00

Lulu's quilt

2012-01-23T10:31:00.000+11:00

I know I've been prattling on about my quilt from the fabric swap and another couple of nights of handstitching should have it wrapped up. Anywayyyy, a few weeks ago, I FINALLY completed Lulu's vintage sheet quilt for her big girl bed. This is long overdue and if truth be told, I am happy to see the end of it.

She LOVES it and has been sleeping all snuggled up in it the past week.
Maybe a little room tour when it is tidy (don't hold your breath).

WIP

2012-01-21T13:37:00.000+11:00

So my quilt from the vintage fabric swap is now quilted. The next few nights will be spent handstitching the binding while I watch Sons of Anarchy Season 4.

In other news...my computer has been out of action. The lack of blogging and blog reading however, means more of being in the moment, enjoying the last weeks of the holidays, baking, swimming, reading and playing together as well as completing some long overdue wips.

Boo and I had a little trip away for a few days. We spent a night with my bestie and her crew.

There was ogling of vintage sheeting and other op shop treasures, wine, cake, collecting sea glass and a trip to Ikea thrown in for good measure. Special thanks to PJ for pushing 4 children around on the trolley for 2 hours;)

...I miss you already my friend!

On our second day in Sydney, we met up with our precious friends Yvette and Tassy. We stayed here for a couple of nights and had the lovliest of times. We enjoyed a ferry ride around the harbour. There was shopping and ice cream, a lot of walking, playing on this super fun playground in Darling Harbour, a monorail ride, dinner in China Town and a night at Annie.

These little girls were SO HAPPY to be together again!

(the big girls were too:)

I hope you are enjoying being in the moment as well and making memories along the way too.

Coming up Roses

2012-01-10T16:41:00.000+11:00

Last year my better half planted a bunch of bare rooted roses at our place and as a result we have been enjoying cut flowers around our home. The roses are just thriving, especially Bella's rose. Bella chose the red rose as it is symbolic to her having cystic fibrosis-it is the symbol for cf. She declared hers the first to flower and it has also produced the most roses. Happy girl indeed!

Thrifting

2012-01-08T09:53:00.000+11:00

I have had a spot of luck in the vintage sheeting department of late.
These pretty florals collected over the past month or so.

Yesterday my little boy suggested we go op shopping.
The biggest one moaned so she and her little sister were swiftly dropped off at Nanny's for afternoon tea while Ollie and I went for a drive out to a nearby country town.

We had a lovely time just me and the boy and came home with a few treasures too.

Tapestry $1.00, floral sheet $1.00

Frame .20c

2 x large floral sheets, great condition $4.00
Colours a bit meh in this photo.

Some books for my big girl. She is a HUGE bookworm and was very excited with this bundle of Babysitters Club Series. She has read four over the past two days.

Books $8.00

ABC golden book and a cute little vase, $1.00 for both.

A good day thrifting I think and a delightful time with my gorgeous boy.
Linking up with Flea Market Finds at Her Library Adventures. Such a lovely blog.
If you haven't discovered it yet I'd recommend you click in for a peek.

Making progress

2012-01-07T23:59:00.000+11:00

Tonight I began basting my quilt with the intention of quilting it tomorrow arvo.
Once all the pins were in and my little loves were fast asleep, I couldn't help but make a start on the quilting.

I am using a white chenille bedspread for the backing-it belonged to the Mister's Grandfather.
I am quilting along the diagonals. It's looking... umm very 'handmade'...but I am happy enough.

I am just having a tea break and watching Jaws 3. Have you seen it? Were you a Jaws fan?

Again, I'd love to know if you recognise any squares that you sent into the fabric swap.

Vintage Fabric Swap

2012-01-02T15:38:00.000+11:00

I wanted to show and tell some of the beautiful fabrics I used in the quilt top I whipped up;)

Beautiful Mardi hosted the Vintage Fabric Swap and a few days ago I received my bundle of gorgeous fabric squares. I had been checking our mail box a thousand times a day and I could barely wait to rip into when it arrived. I am beyond thrilled with the contents.

Lovely quality and a great variety of fabrics...thank you swappers and three cheers for Mardi! What a mammoth job at a busy time of year!

There are SO many favourites...here are just a few.

I'd love to know if you recognise one that you sent.

A quilt top and twelve things

2012-01-01T01:53:00.000+11:00

And just when she thought that perhaps this blogging stuff wasn't for her after all...she made a quilt top.
Just. like.that.

I am so amazed, intrigued and inspired by those that regularly just 'whip up this and that'.
Somedays I am barely able to whip up the evening meal!
Not today though.
Today I just whipped up this quilt top.
The Mr laughed when I mentioned it...'sweetie you did not just whip it up...it took you hours'.
Well I felt like I whipped it up. Oh those florals made me so happy.

So I have been *over*thinking things today.
Last year I didn't make any resolutions but today I have found myself pondering the possibilities for the new year. 2011 had it's challenges, that's for sure...but we've turned a corner these past few months and I'm feeling more peaceful and more hopeful than ever before.

Twelve things in 2012

Make healthy, nutritious meals. It is not okay to skip breakfast. It is not okay to eat Anzac biscuits for breakfast just because they have oats in them.

Make a plan. I will be calmer, less anxious and more puctual if I have a plan. I will also be less likely to get a speeding ticket.

Make moving a part of my every day. Walk, run, dance. Stretch. Breathe.

Make stuff with the kids. Get messy and get making.

Make a date with the Mr...often.

Make time for me. Make time to do the things I love.

Make new friends.

Make some clothes. Be brave and have a go at making some grown up things.

Make a herb garden. Those pots have been empty far too long.

Make do. Just make do with what we have on hand. We do not need any more stuff.

Make a difference. Big, small...just make a difference. There is much to do.

Make the most of every day. There is joy all around. I just have to keep my eyes open. Always.

Do you make resolutions?
What are your intentions for the year ahead?

Christmas 2011

2011-12-27T00:40:00.000+11:00

Christmas Eve

2011-12-27T00:15:00.005+11:00

Each year we visit the Bethlehem display put on by one of the local Catholic schools. It is a lovely way to spend Christmas Eve. Everyone is in character and are so friendly and joyful, obviously loving every minute of the evening. It's just a happy place to be!

Upon entering the 'city' Ollie had to fill in the register with our family name and number of people in our family, as well as paying our taxes ($5 entry). There are a tonne of activities for the children to participate in as well. They can try their hand at weaving, make Christmas decos and jewellery, there are goats and baby lambs, the wise men and their camels are always fun!
But, the highlight is of course the Nativity with a real baby Jesus. Beautiful!

Happy Birthday Jesus

Wrapped with love

2011-12-24T15:47:00.001+11:00

The last gifts have been wrapped.
This year I have not handmade any gifts.
In fact, we have pulled right back with the gifting.

We are having a kris kringle with our extended family so I have bought 2 gifts instead of the usual 15. Our little ones will receive a gift as did all our nieces and nephews over the years. But now they are all adults and so we thought we'd give a kris kringle a go. It has taken A LOT of pressure off shopping wise.
The Mister bought for our 18 year old nephew-a gift voucher...boring I reckon but he'll be happy.

And I bought a little something for the girlfriend of one of our other nephews. Beautiful Carlie...I had a lot of fun wrapping this one in a simple little kraft box, punched out some music paper and embellished with some feathers and a chipboard letter from my scrapbooking days.

I find the first part of December very busy with all the parties and end of year functions. While I love every minute of it, it can feel exhausting and my being sick a couple of weeks back didn't help.
This week has been so beautifully relaxing and fun! All the Christmas prep has been geared around the kids. So, I've had some happy time with the children and they've been busy and happy too.

We made wrapping paper using the much loved technique of potato printing-almost as good as foot printing.

Bella created some beautiful finger knitting, just the perfect trim on Grammys gift.

Lulu decorated Nanny's gift with glitter glue and I topped it with some paper flowers that I made from an old sewing pattern.

As well as our snowman cookies and peppermint bark, we also made some rocky road.

The kids and I worked together to make the Crackers for our Christmas lunch. I bought the supplies from Spotlight in the after Christmas sales last year. They wrote their own jokes and popped some Hersheys Kisses inside each cracker. We photocopied some vintage music paper for the wrapping and tied them off with some twine. It was a big team effort, Ollie thinking of most of the jokes (of course), Bella writing them as Ollie was tired after writing the first one, Lulu popping the treats inside and me doing the tying and wrapping with help of little fingers to hold the string tight while I tied the knot.

Just a lovely week together and I am so grateful for these moments.

I do hope your week has been festive and fun too and may your Christmas be filled with much LOVE and JOY, PEACE and HOPE!

Christmas Pudding

2011-12-23T10:28:00.001+11:00

For as long as I can remember, we have always enjoyed a frozen pudding as part of our Christmas lunch.
They look beautiful all plated up, they taste delicious and they are really simple to make.

Last night I whipped one up to take to my sis-in-laws.We'll be going to her place for Christmas dinner.
Our niece has Coeliac Disease and because there are not many ingredients in this dessert, I was able to find gluten free. I hope you enjoy it Pippi.

Frozen Christmas Pudding

2L tub of Vanilla icecream
box of bakery meringues
450g packet of frozen mixed berries
packet of white choc chips

Leave the icecream sit at room temp a while. You want it to be just soft enough to mix ingredients through.
Put ice cream into a large mixing bowl.
Add meringues-I used about 2/3 of 100g box and mix into icecream, chopping through some of them.
Add a cup of choc bits and mix through.
Finally, add the frozen berries. I save them for last because they need to stay frozen and in tact.
Just stir them though gently.

Line a pudding tin with glad wrap (for easy removal later)
Pour mix into tin and press down firmly with metal spoon
Place in the freezer

To serve, place on a plate and drizzle with a berry coulis and maybe a few berries for good measure.
Enjoy!

Peppermint Bark

2011-12-21T23:52:00.000+11:00

Easy peasy Peppermint Bark was on the menu for today.
Crushing the candy canes with a hammer brought much joy to all three.

Peppermint Bark
packet of white chocolate melts
candy canes
peppermint essence (optional)

Melt choc buttons in microwave
Add 1/2 tsp peppermint essence-if you want to
Crush candy canes-we used 8, using a hammer. Pop them in a zip lock bag to crush... clingwrap worked too!
Stir candy cane into chocolate mix, save a little bit for sprinkling on top
Spread over a piece of baking paper and sprinkle with remaining candy cane

Pop in the fridge and break into pieces once set.
Easy peasy!

Oh did I mention how much I love school holidays?!
I've been staying in my jami's until lunchtime most days.
The little two have pretty much spent all week running around in their undies.
Bella asked for a tonne of plaits to make frizzy hair.
We have been eating dinner outside every night.
There has been A LOT of swimming.

I dropped some bags of stuff to the oppy yesterday. I spotted a cheery tablecloth on my way out.
With not a cent in my purse, I raced out to the car to scrape together $2.00
I love it's bright colours and floral print.

Hope your week is lovely too.

School Holidays

2011-12-19T08:42:00.000+11:00

Oh I breathe a big sigh of relief when the school holidays arrive. Mornings are often a bit chaotic at our place with Boo-who is NOT a morning person-usually protesting about being woken up and having to do her treatments. We are almost ALWAYS late for school So the holidays provide a welcome relief from the morning regime. Of course we still have the treatment regime but without the pressure of the clock ticking.

So this morning while Boo slept in, the little ones and I started some Christmas baking. They had been awake since 6am so by 8am we were looking for something to do.

As much I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE one of these ...the children love using the electric beater.

working together

So the cookies were baked using this lovely Sugar Cookie recipe and were set aside for decorating, while O and Lulu enjoyed their breakfast. Is 8am too early for beater licking??? I don't think so.

beater licking...yum!

The plan was to create the melting snowman cookies as seen here...but Bella, chief decorator had other ideas. She has a lot of ideas, our Bella...about life, and friends, and pepole and cookies. She is sure of what she wants to do and very happy to do it even if no one else is. I love that about her. She is not afraid to be herself. I hope that never changes.

Much fun was had making, decorating and of course eating these beauties. If you look closely, you might even see a melted snowman.

Christmas Crazy continued...

2011-12-18T19:25:00.001+11:00

O had a wonderful Christmas party with his Kindergarten class. I'll let him tell you about it.

"We went to the cinema to watch 'Santa's Apprentice' and I sat next to Boston and on the bus I sat next to Mr F. When we got back to school, we did have a celebration and I can remember what some people brought but not all. I did bring some chocolate crackles. My Nanny made them to share with Kinder because I was staying at my Nan and Pa's house because my Mum and Dad and little sister and big sister were in Sydney. I had lots of fun!"

Big love to Nan and Pa for spoiling Ollie while we were away. I hate being away from my children but it seemed silly for him to edure a 5 hour car trip and a day of hospital appointments when he had so many fun things happening at school. (that's me being sensible and trying to squash any mother guilt I may or may not feel about leaving our boy)

Bella unfortunately missed her Christmas Party as we went to Sydney for her reveiw at Cystic Fibrosis Clinic. On the up though, the Mister had to attend a meeting for work in Canberra so we spent a night there before heading to hospital. We spent the afternoon with our dear friends and seeing her bestie certainly compensated for the missing out on the party. Yay for that!

Thursday night we headed to 'Carols by torchlight' at school. The children had such a happy night. We took our picnic blankie and gosh tis the season for sausage sizzles isn't it!? There was much running around with friends and glow sticks, lollies from Santa and a bit of carol singing too. On the way home we ooohhed and ahhhed at some Christmas lights and yelled out Mery Christmas to the owners of said Christmas lights.

Just 7 more sleeps!

Christmas Crazy

2011-12-17T11:26:00.003+11:00

I am tad behind in blogging our Christmas festivities but for the sake of recording the goings on, I'll endeavour to catch up. The past week has been a whirlwind and on top of the Christmas Crazy, I have been oh so sick. I've had a rather nasty throat infection. I even lost my voice for a couple of days-thankfully not before I spent an afternoon visiting my gorgeous friend. The Mister joked that we are only given a certain amount of words to last a lifetime and I must have used mine all up. Those that know me in 'real life' know that I talk quite a bit ;)
Now that I have started some antibiotics, I am on the mend. Grateful for antibiotics! I have shared the love with poor Lulu. Hopefully she'll be feeling better soon as well.

Presentation Night

Both the children were thrilled to receive awards at their school presentation night and we were SO happy for them. It was Bella's first time and she received the Library award for her class. She is an avid reader and zips through novel after novel. She is allowed to borrow books from the Year 5/6 section-while being in Year 3. I am so grateful she has a love for reading. It opens up new worlds and you are never lonely with a book.

Ollie received his award for Academic Excellence in Literacy. Another clever reader! Ollie has had THE best year in Kinder, THE best teacher ever! He has grown in confidence, excelled academically and made lots of friends. He was first called up on stage and was very overwhelmed by the 500+ people clapping for him but he has come such a long way this year-no longer the little boy crying and clinging to his mother like a little barnacle.

Christmas Party

Each year we organise the Christmas Celebrations for G's work. The adults enjoyed a day at the races a few weeks ago and last weekend, the children had a lovely time at a local park. Bella had a ball on the slip n slide while O and Lulu hung out at the playground. Many a lolly was eaten, sustenance in the form of a sausage sambo, soft drink, ice cream and a special visit from Santa (our Pa).

Dad if you are reading...you did a fantastic job as always despite your very dodgy Santa suit :)

More Christmas Crazy soon...

Christmas Making

2011-12-11T11:28:00.001+11:00

A bit of Christmas making was had this week using some thrifted treasures.

The wooden frame was discovered at The salvo's for $3.00-I removed the cardboard print which was all waterstained and warped.
I've pegged some thrifted deco's onto the hanging wire and the result a quick and easy Christmas display.

This happy heart decoration was made with some pretty cross stitched linen and a doily, both thrifted.
I have great admiration for those clever cross stitchers like this beautiful lady. I do!
But I am a lazy crafter and I am impatient too. So it gives me great joy to be able to make a little something quickly. I added a little hand stitching on the edge and the doily so I could give myself a tick for some effort!

the back

The perfect finishing touch...a special vintage button from Belles Buttons. I left the old thread in the button as well...it just adds that little bit of character, I think.

When I went looking for my link to Belles buttons, I stumbled across this picture and thought I'd post it again seeing as Christmas is only 13 days away! Are you ready? I'm not!

For more op shopping treasures, pop over here and visit Sophie and crew.

Christmas creating

2011-12-09T17:08:00.000+11:00

I've been such a good girl this year so I decided to treat myself to an early Christmas present.

Like many of you, I adore Dottie Angel and her sweet creations.
This little treasure arrived recently and it is everything I expected!

Yesterday I pulled out the machine and being all dottie angel inspired, I set to work making a Christmas sack for Lulu. I added the finishing touches today and oooh I love this kind of no rules creating, haphazard stitching, random doilies and buttons.. And all the pretty thrifted linens. Does it get any better?!
I added a fabric loop for hanging...I may change this to a drawstring.
I'm undecided. I kind of like the loop.

Have you been sewing lately?

Decorating

2011-12-07T16:24:00.001+11:00

A little bit fun was had decorating our entry with some thrifted treasures...frames that I brightened up with a lick of paint, vintage scrabble, Christmas decos, Johnson plate and doily from Monday's thrifing efforts.

Some medicine bottles/vases, roses from our garden, books-gifted from my motherinlaw, some precious old photographs(me and G) and a new wooden folk tree from here.

A Wednesday Treat

2011-12-07T14:30:00.001+11:00

This morning I took my Mama out for morning tea just because...actually I could give you a gazillion reasons, because she is the 'best mum ever' would be at the top of the list!

We shared to most delicious lemon meringue pie with cream and icecream.

The Little Love chose a cookie and the most perfect chocolate milkshake-only half filled, served in a paper take away cup with a lid and the happiest little face on top.

See! Perfect!

And this little baby came home with us too.

Lulu has been carrying it around for the past hour.
I am hoping to show the big kids before it gets gobbled up.
I am still undecided if it's cute or not! It deserved a photoshoot regardless.

Christmas Mail

2011-12-06T22:03:00.001+11:00

These gorgeous clay bunnies arrived in my mailbox today.
LOVE the pretty blue stamping! They have made themselves right at home on our tree.

I purchased them from this clever lady.

Cheap and cheerful Christmas wrap

2011-12-05T22:49:00.001+11:00

The first of my online Christmas shopping packages has arrived. Oh how I love the parcel man!
We salvaged this large piece of brown paper which was used as packing and made some cheap and cheerful Christmas wrap!

Lulu had the best time jumping and running about, making beautiful green footprints.

Even the clean up was FUN!

And so the very first present has been wrapped with much love...

Monday morning op shopping

2011-12-05T11:41:00.000+11:00

This morning after the school drop off, I headed out for a little thrifting. There are three op shops within walking distance of school so little planning is required for a morning of thrifting. Lulu loves to rummage through the toys and she is good company for the volunteers as well. The oldies love a blonde haired, blue eyed little girl to chat with. Honestly though, it seems just minutes into our first shop she always needs to go to the loo so it's off to find one as there isn't one available in the shop.

Anyway...this mornings treasures...2 x Johnson plates, 2 x embroidery hoops (just what I needed for a little Christmas crafting), a lovely collection of lace trims, a sparkly star deco, a couple of sweet doilies and a water colour paint set-little Miss was very pleased with that and it was straight home to paint.

Grand total, $10.00

Playing along with Sophie and fellow thrifters at Flea Market Finds.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2011-12-02T18:37:00.001+11:00

A while back I picked up this Christmas book from the oppy for 50c. It has some lovely colourful illustrations throughout (scribble) so I thought it perfect for upcycling into some Christmas envelopes.

This afternoon I set to work folding and sticking and the result is these cute Christmas envelopes, great for gift vouchers I think. Maybe for a little note to Santa as well.

I just pulled apart some existing envelopes of varying sizes to use as the template. I use the point of my scissors and a ruler to score the fold lines and a gluestick to stick it all together.

We are putting up our Christmas tree tonight so I've been sorting through our decos today too.
These treasures were made last year by our gorgeous boy at preschool. The thing I love most about them is the finger mark pressed into the star and the tree. I remember when he did it, I remember his podgy little hands-they're not quite as podgy a year later. He's grown up a lot this past year...

Do you have treasured decorations like these on your tree too?

Tis the Season

2011-12-01T22:43:00.000+11:00

I've always wanted to do a December Daily but I'm just too disorganised for that.
I'm the girl that is whipping up a Christmas skirt for my loves to wear on Christmas morning.
Every year I swear to be be organised with Christmas and every year it's the same old, same old.
But that is me and that is okay!

Because of my success with Blogtoberfest (yes I even surprised myself that I was able to blog each day), I thought I might blog my December Daily. I'll be sharing our Christmas festivities here on my blog...maybe daily, maybe not.

My beautiful friend will be also be blogging her way till Christmas. She'll be sharing some beautiful Christmas decorations. I'll be joining in with you Yvette and will incorporate our deco's into my December Daily okay? Maybe you might like to join in too.

Vintage Christmas Decos, thrifted December 2010

Flea Market Finds

2011-11-28T14:27:00.001+11:00

I love Sunday nights! I scoot my little loves off to bed and then I sit down with a cup of tea and my lap top ...well on my lap, and check in with Her Library Adventures. I look forward to this bliss all day. And while I have been trying to curb my own thrifting ~~addiction~~ hobbie, I still like to check on everyone elses.

I am however, joining in this week with just a few bits and pieces that were claimed after visiting my mama yesterday. My mum is kind of lady that will give you her coat if you mention you are cold. Last week I made a comment about these jars and how I have always liked them... this week I am the happy new owner.
Thank you Mum! They belonged to my Nonna and they have been in the kitchen cupboard throughout my childhood.

And as she had a little declutter of her cupboards, these plates were all passed on as well. I have fond memories of them all as they have had much use in our family home over the years.

And on the op shopping front, I was thrilled to find a couple of new vintage sheets. I have been selling off a stack of fat 1/4's at our little fundraiser blog Little Bits of Pretty so my stash was looking a little depleted. I am very happy with these new additions because I have a new quilt in the pipeline.

For more flea market finds, pop over here.

Thankful

2011-11-27T11:18:00.000+11:00

Although we don't celebrate Thanksgiving here in Australia, I thought it timely to reflect and write a little 'thankful list' if you like. Sometimes I am so consumed by lifes challenges that I miss the joy and there is SO MUCH JOY for our little family. It is part of our everyday.

Today this little girl brought us much JOY.

Her Daddy walked into our ensuite to find a big pile of sparkly bronzing powder all over the floor. She had obviously walked right through it and left some little sparkly footprints on our bedroom carpet. The Mr commented that she must have hightailed it out of there pretty quickly because the space between her footprints was huge! When he asked her about the sparkly mess, she told us 'it was Bella'. We asked her again and she told us 'it was Ollie'. A bit of detective work and measuring of footprints was needed and we concluded it was in fact the littlest love! The big kids thought the whole thing hilarious!!!

A few things I am thankful for this past week...
Thankful for medicine. Thankful that it keeps our Bella as healthy as she can be.

Thankful for my fatherinlaw who came to my aid this week when I reversed into the top of the garage door. (it wasn't quite up) He did a great job panel beating it pretty again and minimising the damage before the Mr got home from work. Eeeek!

Thankful for my dearest dad who picked up the bigs from school the other day which enabled both Lulu and I to have a much needed afternoon nap.Ahhh simple pleasures:)

Thankful for a night away.
Our second time away together in nearly 10 years.
There was singing, dancing, laughter, much fun, memories made with dear friends...reliving our youth...
and a rather big headache the next morning!

Thankful for a weekend sleep in.
Thankful for the Christmas Issues of my favourite mags.
Thankful for the two cappuchinos G made me and brought to me in bed while I slept in and read magazines!

Hope you're having a wonderful Sunday! I am!

Vintage sheeet giveaway

2011-11-03T11:14:00.001+11:00

The lucky winners as drawn by my beeeautiful little helper...

Congratulations ladies!
Please email me with your postage details and I will send you some vintage sheet love!

Happy November

2011-11-02T18:27:00.002+11:00

And happy Birthday to my Mama who is 68 today! Lulu and I made her a cake. It was easy and delicious. The recipe is from here. I had everything I needed with the exception of butter milk. I used ordinary old full fat milk and it worked just fine! I didn't have a shaker to dust the icing sugar over the top so I used a tea strainer instead. Let's just say I was a bit heavy handed.

As part of my pledge to buy nothing new for October I made her a cushion. Somewhat simple but made with love nonetheless. I used some fabric from my stash and a floral shirt that I thrifted for the backing. Oh gosh I love this backing so much...no zipper to insert, no envelope to stitch...just using the existing button up front from the thrifted shirt. I saw Pip talking about this on 'The Circle' ages ago have had it on my 'to make list' since. It was very well received and it adds a pop of colour to mum's chocolate brown recliner. In the spirit of 'buy nothing new' I had to give up an insert from one of my couch cushions so I guess I'll be looking for a replacement next time I visit Spotlight:)

Front

Back

Wrapped

Mum I love you SO, SO much!

I do not know what I would do without you!

You are THERE! ALWAYS! You too Dad!

I am taking a short bloggy break for a few days. Blogtoberfest has me all blogged out.
But I will pop in ~~later tonight~~ tomorrow (sorry!) to announce the winners of my Blogtoberfest Giveaway once we find a hat and chop up little bits of paper with your names on them. Good Luck;)

My Place and Yours

2011-10-31T13:44:00.001+11:00

'Where I sleep'
Okay, so I made my bed and tidied up a bit for this weeks MPAY.
I packed away the pieces of lego on my bedside table and picked a rose from my garden.

When we built our home almost 2 years ago we bought this Orla Kiely doona cover. I love it just as much now as I did then. BUT...
I feel like I need an injection of colour maybe...or not? I know there needs to be another pillow and cushions!?? There is usually a white quilt at the bottom of the bed but it's in the wash at the moment.

I could have showed you the children's sleeping spaces because theirs are much prettier and more interesting. Very colourful! I haven't tackled our room yet because while I know what I like, I just don't know what to DO! I want something to complement the bedding, not compete with it.

There are 3 x windows on my side of the bed. Then the other three walls(white) are a blank canvas(with the exception of a white doily bunting that I am about to put in the little ladies room instead) Our carpet is a dark espresso brown. The bedside table on the Misters side is a white lack table from ikea(looking at the oppies for one that matches mine..or doesn't) My bedside is thrifted and needs some TLC. I was thinking a lick of paint, something bright but I just don't know. It all comes down to indecisiveness on my part.

If you have some fabulous idea or inspirational advice for me...please share. In the meantime, I'll keep ummming and ahhhhing and perusing Pinterest.

For more spaces, visit Vic at Punky and Me.

PS A special thanks to my Mama for ironing my doona last week. She popped in and saw baskets upon baskets of ironing and offered to help. I gave her only ONE thing. That king size doona cover!!!
Mum I owe you;)

PPS I know many of might tell me that I am nutty ironing a doona cover or nutty ironing at all! but what can I say... I am my mother's daughter:)

Flea Market Finds

2011-10-30T14:57:00.001+11:00

Here are my goodies from my visit to the community garage sale last weekend.
Not a huge haul but some things I liked and needed.

Some fowlers jars which will house sewing bits and bobs in my craft room, just a dollar each.

Some Johnson plates, 20c each how could I not buy them?!

Vintage scrabble $3.00

And this pretty cake stand for $2.00

As usual, I'm joining in here.

Untitled

2011-10-29T19:06:00.001+11:00

Celebrating the ordinary and everyday

I wish I was one of those people that think of quirky, clever titles for their posts.

Bella's rose is blooming brightly. She is happy indeed!

Today the sky looks like this.

I've been spray painting some thrifted frames.

I just heard Ollie say 'Dadddddd, Bella just called me a guts'...Nice:(

I am feeling bit meh today! Can you tell?
I think the few hours of ironing I did this afternoon sent me a bit loopy.

Hope you are having a great weekend! We are off to our nephews 21st birthday.

50 years

2011-10-28T13:16:00.000+11:00

Celebrating the ordinary and everyday

Last weekend my inlaws celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They celebrated by having a reception with 50 of their nearest and dearest. The Mr did a super job as MC and our children had the special job of handing out cut little cake pops.There was a lovely meal, nice speeches, a slide show of our family over the years, lots of special touches.
One of these was a gift from my inlaws to each of their children and partners. There were three gifts on the table and Grant, his brother and sister were asked to each choose one, a bit of a lucky dip if you like.
Inside was one of their wedding gifts. The gift came with instructions that we were not allowed to put it in a garge sale or send it to the op shop. (haha that's a different story)

We opened our gift to find these four milk glass beer steins inside.

My brother-inlaw received a lovely crystal bowl and my sister-inlaw received 6 pretty floral saucers and 3 matching teacups(the other three cups had been broken sometime during the past 50 years)

So did we hit the jackpot with our beer steins or did we luck out? A fun idea I think.

Congratulations Grammy and Grandy! We love you very much!

2011-10-27T23:17:00.002+11:00

Celebrating the ordinary and everyday

Our big kids performed in a musical festival tonight.
Boo, in the choir and Ollie in Kindergarten Dance Group.
I am feeling like such a proud Mama tonight.

I have not seen Bella this happy in a long while:) She sang her little heart out and loved every minute of it.
I loved every minute of watching her joy.
We were not allowed to take photos during the performance but here's one I snapped before hand.

Ollie decided he did not want to be a firefly afterall and stuck to my leg like a little barnacle instead. His beautiful teacher peeled him off me and I gave him a big smile before walking away anxiously. The teacher in me knows with all my heart that children settle quickly once their mama is out of the picture but the mama in me was heartbroken. It's such a horrible feeling to walk away from your upset child when all you want to do is hold them and not let go. I sat in the audience wondering if he would be on stage... I didn't mind if he wasn't...but out he came and he buzzed around with enthusiasm. He got to keep the torch so he was very happy about that!
I'm so happy he had fun with his friends and the opportunity to shine!

Do you have a child that gets stage fright or do you have one that loves to be centre stage?

The Bunting Swap

2011-10-26T19:44:00.000+11:00

Fun and Creativity

I have received three more lovely bunts in the mail this week, all with a little something extra special on them.

The pretty floral with gorgeous crochet trim has been made by Leonie, the spotty bunt with the little cluster of sweetness and some special handstitching from Rachael and the gorgeous corduroy bunt with mustard crocheted doily handmade by Jek. I adore each of them! THANK YOU SO MUCH:)
I am getting rather excited about assembling my bunting.
And as everyone should have now recieved their bunts from me, I can show and tell a few of my creations.
I used some pretty floral vintage sheeting for these ones.

My Place and Yours

2011-10-25T06:19:00.000+11:00

I'm joining in once again with My Place and Yours. I loved having a stickybeak at everyone's shelves last week!

This weeks theme is 'my pincushion'.

I'm showing off my brand new pincushion.
When I broke my most perfect piece of milkglass a couple of weeks ago, I rushed out to get superglue that night. Who knew there were seven different options to choose from? I chose the Tarzans Grip for no other reason than it had a big muscly man holding open a lions jaw. I thought that would glue it for sure.

I superglued it back together-BADLY but I just couldn't throw it out. A revamp was in order... maybe a candle, or pop a succulent in it and then I thought... pincushion! While I really wish I didn't break my most perfect piece of milkglass, I think my new pincushion is probably the next best thing.

Check out stacks of lovely pincushions at Punky & Me.

Ajanta

2011-10-24T15:08:00.002+11:00

On Saturday morning BF and her big sis picked me up early for a drive in the country. We went to the Coolamon Community Garage Sales. I very quickly lost count of how many garage sales we visited. We all managed to bring home some goodies but the highlight of the morning for me was morning tea at the very beautiful 'Ajanta' Cafe. It is the most beautiful old building and it is a treasure trove of gorgeous handmade clothing, stunning jewellery, artworks, things for the home and beautiful giftware.

There is so much to see. Beauty in every nook and crannie.
I will be visiting again very soon when 'the buy nothing new challenge' finishes up:)

A little taste of Ajanta's beauty...

You might recognise this rustic old chair(LOVE).

This is how it looked before I restyled it by swiping these beautiful roses from the table:)

Vintage Sheet Giveaway

2011-10-23T08:37:00.002+11:00

In the name of FUN I have a Blogtoberfest Giveaway.
I am having a wonderFULL weekend so I haven't much time for blogging-hence yesterday's lame attempt at a post. Nice photo though, yes?!)
I would like to giveaway 5 fat quarters of gorgeous vintage sheeting found on my op shopping adventures, to two lovely readers. Plus some extra bits and pieces(I don't know what these will be yet but I promise you'll love them.) I love a good surprise.

If you would like to throw your name in the hat, please leave a comment on this post.
Everyone is welcome. If you are visiting from Blogtoberfest or if you've lurked but have never commented before, now is the time to say hello.
Hope your weekend is wonderFULL too:)

Giveaway open till the end of the month:)

Wordless Wednesday on Saturday?!??

2011-10-22T16:38:00.000+11:00

Weekend wonderful

2011-10-21T22:36:00.000+11:00

A couple of months ago, I went away with my bestie for a weekend full of wonderful. It was the second weekend away from my children in almost 10 years. The first one was disasterous. I bawled my eyes out on the plane and cried half the weekend(hormones).
This time though I was ready! I really needed this break and I enjoyed it whole heartedly.

We headed off on a little road trip to Daylesford for the weekend.
Never mind that it took us all day to get there.
We left about 9.30am.
First stop... this little country op shop at 10am! Yes we did not get very far.

We stopped at a number of op shops along the way, there was much chitter chatter, some 80's music, a wrong turn, a narrow dirt road, foxes, and the most beautiful countryside.

We arrived in Daylesford just after dark and found a lovely place for take away.
We enjoyed a few wines and the most delicious pizza, pumkin risotto and greek salad.
We stayed in this quaint little cottage.

It was up bright and early the next day and out for breakie before hitting the op shops. I'm sure the oppies are well thrifted by the local stallholders at Daylesford Bazaar. Despite this, we still managed to find a couple of treasures.
Next it was off to Daylesford Bazaar.
Lots to see and rummage through.

And then... onto the Mill Markets-AMAZING!
You need a good few hours to browse here.
I loved these TH Brown stools and if there were three, I would have been very tempted.

Yes the cute orange vase on the right is the same as the one on my shelf. This one was priced $35 and I picked up mine for $13 at a local second hand store. Chuffed.

Sooo many beautiful vintage wares to see, gorgeous vintage clothing, some a bit pricey for this thrifty girl.

I did however find a little bargain but that's another post.
We also discovered a little 'trash n treasure' happening at a local church and of course a visit to Daylesford wouldn't be complete without some shopping at Lark would it?

And the perfect end to the day... a hot shower, jammi's, we poured some wine, and devoured this for dinner.

Ahhh yes a weekend full of wonderful. And I didn't cry once!

Tomorrow bestie and I are heading off to a community garage sale. Have you ever heard of such a thing? I hadn't! The little town of Coolamon will be buzzing with 40+ garage sales.

My creative space

2011-10-20T18:22:00.000+11:00

My creative space is all about binding today.
I've been cutting and stitching strips of fabric to make the binding for Lulu's vintage quilt.

I've used a beautiful flannelette sheet I thrifted at the oppy for a couple of dollars.
It is all worn and snuggly and I think it makes the perfect binding for this quilt.
There are some patches of the very same yellow floral throughout the quilt, only they are cotton and came from a thrifted pillowcase. Can you spot it?

When I saw this flannelette sheet, I just knew it was my binding.

PS I'm joining in today with this creative community.

PSS Thank you for your lovely comments on yesterday's post. In answer to your questions...
Mel, I used a 4 inch square template. I picked the quilter's business card up at my local quilting shop ages ago. Some stores will have a machine quilting service as well. My quilter is also in the yellow pages. She has a huge and gorgeous studio(shed) at the back of her home.

Sophie and Kylie, the machine quilting for this king single size quilt cost $85.00!!! which is a GREAT price. I dropped it off without getting a quote(they can quote you if you give the measurements) and was told it would be somewhere between $100-$130(which is what I have paid previously at another quilters). When I went to pick it up she charged me $85.00 Very happy indeed!

Because all the fabrics were thrifted sheets and pillowcases, that really kept the price down as well. I have quilted myself previously(just sewing straight lines or not so straight lines) but as this quilt is Lulu's first quilt for her big girl bed I wanted to make it a bit extra special by having it quilted professionally.

I am very much a 'beginner quilter'. This is my third quilt and I was expecting the smaller squares to be a bit tedious but they actually came together pretty easily. I didn't follow a pattern. I just grabbed a square-any square and stitched it on.

Lulu's Vintage Quilt

2011-10-19T19:55:00.001+11:00

Creativity

A while ago I started making Lulu a quilt for her big girl bed. It was a labour of love. I cut all the squares and just sewed them together now and again. I recently found the perfect purple floral backing and so I finally dropped it off for some fancy schmancy machine quilting.

Yesterday I got the call to say it was ready so this morning I picked it up. I'm SO happy with it and I adore the feather design that I chose for the quilting. I have the perfect yellow floral put aside for binding so onto that tomorrow I think.

Here's to hoping I can show and tell a finished quilt in the next couple of weeks. Can I do it?
Wish me luck!

Lately

2011-10-18T23:55:00.005+11:00

Chalk drawing

Chickpea and beetroot salad

Spring blossoms

Bare rooted trees springing to life

Cutting into favourite fabric

Miss Naughty eating weetbix on the couch

The Bunting Swap

2011-10-17T23:37:00.001+11:00

Hooray for the good old bunting swap. I might not make it through Blogtoberfest otherwise!
Today I received two gorgeous bunts.

The bunt with the sweet felt heart is made by Sophie from Little Gumut and the bunt with the beautiful crocheted edging is made by Nicole from Dabbling all Day. Both so lovely! Thank you ladies.

I posted the last few bunts off today so I'll share my makings later in the week when they arrive at their new home.
Have a happy week!

Op Shopping Goodies

2011-10-16T15:38:00.001+11:00

Blogtoberfest-Community

This weeks thrifting adventures found an assortment of goodies.
Some lovely Johnson plates, three for $1.00-two in the leaf design, one floral. Yesterdays breakie!

A cute little heart jug, just $1.00

This pretty lilac bedspread, $4.00

A gorgeous little apron and a vintage children's dictionary, 50c each
Pretty lace, $3.00 LOVE THIS!

And the lovliest fresh farm eggs, $2.50
It is definately worth a drive out to the country oppies.

I hope you found some treasures too.
As usual, I'm linking up with Flea Market Finds.

My Place and Yours

2011-10-15T22:13:00.000+11:00

Blogtoberfest-Community and Fun!

When I sat down tonight to check up on fellow Blogtoberfesters!?...(that doesn't sound very nice does it?) Vic threw me a lifeline with the meme 'My Place and Yours'.
I was beyond excited because I was really clutching at straws today.
And I'm a bit nosey too. I like to see other peoples stuff:)
So the theme for this week, is On The Shelf. All you have to do to play along, is show something that is 'on the shelf' and link up to Vic's nice blog.

I opted for the 'quick and dirty' and snapped a few pics on my phone. If you think you might like to join in with this meme, all the details can be found at Punky & Me.

ON THE SHELF
These shelves house some of my op shop treasures as well as a few favourite books that I grab when I find a spare minute. Usually in the afternoon when my littlest is sleeping, I make myself a cup of tea and have a quick read.

My favourite little tin was 50c at oppy and it is home to fabric scraps, needle, thread and some metal buttons waiting to be covered. Again, it is something I grab when I don't have a lot of time but need a little crafty quick fix.

I bought the little flower frogs a few months ago at a garage sale. I have wanted one for ages and I almost bought one in an antique shop a while back but it was $10. I ummed and ahhhed and eventually left it on the shelf.
Anyway, I bought these two for just a dollar each. While I always knew what they were for, I didn't actually know they were called flower frogs until I saw it on a blog somewhere. Whatever did we do before google?
I'm using mine to display photos and cards.

I am very possessive about these shelves. They are the only kid free space in the house and they are my happy space. Every other surface is home to toys, pencils, drink bottles, important school notes, 1001 drawings, you get the idea.

To see more 'My Place and Yours', visit Punky & Me.
You might like to join in too!

The Bunting Swap

2011-10-14T23:59:00.001+11:00

Creativity
This week I received two more bunts.
Another lovely crocheted bunt. Beautifully made by Beberouge.

Love her handstitched signature on the back of the bunt too.

And this little fabric bunt with a cute crocheted flower, handmade by Lauren.
Gosh I have got to learn to crochet like these clever girls.

Thank you so much ladies. I love them!

Today

2011-10-13T22:07:00.000+11:00

Celebrating the ordinary and everyday

After my chaotic day earlier in the week, a 'home day' was just what this Mama needed. My parents offered to do the school drop off as they had an early appointment in town.(thanks Pa!)
Lulu and I stayed in jammi's till mid morning, there was playdough squishing, plant watering, washing hung out, some jumping on the tramploine and an impromptu picnic.

In the afternoon, we made a batch of biscuits for our cookie jar.
Choc chip cookies are very popular at our place but today I tried a new recipe.
I split my dough and half and added walnuts to one portion and raisins to the other.Yummy!

PS Miss Bella had a happy time in Sydney with her daddy and her review at CF Clinic went well. We have to wait for some results but her lung function was excellent!

One of those days

2011-10-12T16:36:00.003+11:00

BLOGTOBERFEST-Celebrating the ordinary and everyday

Yesterday was one of those days.

The little one slept in and I woke her at the very last minute. I dropped her to my parents place still in jammi's, a soggy nappy and without breakfast.

As we pulled up for school, I realised we had left O's swimming gear at home. Grrr. I had it all packed and ready to go the night before. I don't live that far from school but it takes 10-15 minutes in the morning depending on traffic, red lights and school crossings. Every bit of me wanted to drive two blocks to town and buy him a new towel and a pair of undies(he had his swimmers on underneath his uniform)
BUT then I remembered my commitment to this...THE BUY NOTHING NEW CHALLENGE!
So home again, home again, jiggety jig to get the swim gear.

I was lucky with the traffic, lights and school zones so before long I was back at school with the bag-just in time to do my bit as parent helper and help the teachers walk 45 Kinder children a few blocks to the local pool. Kinder teachers deserve a medal. Have you ever tried to help 45 Kinders find their shoes, socks, undies! and put their wet clothes into plastic bags.

On the walk back to school, I happened to pass a favourite op shop.

I also happened to see the most perfect piece of milkglass in the window for $5.00!

I made a quick dash in and handed over my 5 bux. She said it had only just come in that morning.

My lucky day?! It was going to be the perfect addition to a special someone's Christmas present.

On my way to pick up the little one from my parents place, I realised I had forgotten to tell Ollie he had a lunch order in his bag. No problem-phoned the order through to the canteen. Sure, they'll talk about me...but my boy will have his hotdog and it will even be a surprise;)

So, I take Miss Lulu home and pop her in front of ABC kids while I pack Bella's overnight bag-as the Mr is taking her to Sydney for Cystic Fibrosis Clinic. Double checking I've packed all her medication, popping in all her favourite things while having bouts of mother guilt that I am not making the 500km trip as well. This time it is just too difficult for all 5 of us to go. And unnecessary. And even though I know she will have a lovely couple of days with her daddy, that mother guilt still creeps in.

Back to school at lunchtime to pick Bella up. Home again, home again to have lunch(McDonalds drive thru-more mother guilt..I don't know why, Miss 9 thinks I'm FANTASTIC!) onto Bella's chest physio and treatments and put poor Lulu down for a sleep. After sending the travellers on their way, I woke up Lulu and it was back to school to help with Kinder reading groups. This was my fourth trip to school today..let's just say there was a lot of deja vu happening in my head.

When I arrived home after school I breathed a big sigh of relief, flicked the kettle on and dropped my bag.

Clunk! Oh no, no, no, no please don't be broken. Please don't be broken.

My perfect piece of milkglass.

Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming...

Have you ever had 'one of those days'?
Stay tuned for Part 2-The very dodgy super glue job!

PS Tonight I am off to the local theatre with some favourite girlfriends for some laughter and a ~~whine~~ wine or two;)

The Bunting Swap

2011-10-11T07:27:00.000+11:00

Another piece of bunt arrived in my mailbox. This one all the way from Wales. Isn't that fantastic! Just to think that Faith stitched this little bunt all the way over in Wales and sent it to me in Australia.
Thank you so much Faith. It's gorgeous and I love the little tag stitched on the back.

Little Bits of Pretty in Etzcetera Magazine

2011-10-10T12:43:00.000+11:00

Creativity

Recently, the lovely Kim Archer -founder and publisher of Etzcetera magazine, wrote a feature article on our little fundraiser Little Bits of Pretty. I was thrilled with the opportunity but when she emailed me the interview questions I must confess, I panicked. I wanted to be open and honest about our life with CF but I didn't want to be all woe is me because one thing I've learned through having a child with CF is that there are SO many people facing all kinds of challenges. Cystic Fibrosis just happens to be ours.

One of my favourite things in Issue 2 of Etzcetera is Kim's cover project. I am all for a quick little arty project with a great result. I didn't have water soluble pastels so I just gave them a bit of a smudge with my finger. I really liked the text stamp but I didn't have one of those either so I added an extra button and threw in some lace bunting for good measure.

One of the things I have always LOVED about Kim's workshops is that you don't need a kit to complete the projects. You can just use whatever you have on hand. The projects are always so adaptable.

My other favourite thing in Issue 2 was Mardi's Map. That's next on my list..
Have you made any of the projects from Etzcetera? I'd love to see!

If you haven't discovered Etzcetera Magazine yet, you can check out the first issue for free here.
And, thanks again Kim..for the opportunity to promote Little Bits of Pretty through your fantastic magazine!

Op Shopping

2011-10-09T14:09:00.000+11:00

Community
Playing along with Sophie's Flea Market Finds.

I was thrilled to see this 1962 vintage map at a local oppy.

I have been looking for something like this on ebay but they've all been a bit pricey or have had pick up only.
So when I saw this, it was one of those moments where you gasp to yourself- you hard core thrifters will know what I'm talking about;)
I happily paid my $15.00 and lugged it to my car.
I can't decide whether it belongs in Olllie's room, the playroom or the lounge area.
I wish I was brave enough to paint the frame.

Have you ever found something and let out a little gasp?

Grateful

2011-10-08T22:30:00.003+11:00

Grateful for space to run and play and breathe.

Grateful for family to listen to our little peoples stories...

and laugh at their jokes...

to play chaseys...

that catch and throw the ball...

with enthusiam!

Grateful for family that adore our little people as much as we do.

And for roast chicken cooked in the camp oven.

The very best kind of roast chicken, I think!

Grateful for simple pleasures. These are the times I want our kids to remember.

Linking in with this lovely community today.

Friday Flashback

2011-10-07T23:00:00.000+11:00

Just for FUN I thought I'd post a picture from the archives. We purchased our digital SLR back in 2006 but I came across this photograph that I had scanned! It's the Mr and I pre children. Oh my, we look SO young!
I think this was taken around 1999.

The Bunting Swap

2011-10-06T09:41:00.000+11:00

Creativity and Community(linking in with this creative community)

A couple more bunts for the bunting swap. These are making their way to the UK and the USA.
I wanted to send my international bunting swappers a little piece of Australia so I've used a thrifted linen teatowel featuring Australian Wildflowers.

And just in case Australian Wildflowers aren't everyones 'cup of tea'...the red/white spots on the back might be:)

Lucky me received this gorgeous crocheted bunt in my mailbox this week. It's made by this clever clogs. Not being able to crochet(yet..) I was secretly hoping for one. Happy me! Oh I love this swap so much!

Little Porcupine

2011-10-05T17:39:00.000+11:00

Fun

The other day G took our big kids out to his parents place for the afternoon. When they arrived home Boo announced she had something special for me from Grammy. Oooh I like special, I'm thinking a chocolate..yes I am easily pleased. Anyway she passed me this piece of paper with a little story about a porcupine on it.

Baahahaaa do you think my mother-in-law is trying to tell me something?
It's a nice little story though isn't it?! We could learn a lot from little porcupine , I reckon!

The Bunting Swap

2011-10-04T06:12:00.000+11:00

Creativity

So I've posted off my very first bunt for the bunting swap. It has arrived at it's new home so I thought I'd show and tell. I decided to make a variety of bunts for the swap. I wanted to have a bit of fun creatively and try a few different things so no two bunts are the same.

Some flowers cut from vintage sheet, a bit of scrappy applique, and some lovely thrifted chenille were the ingredients for my first bunt. FUN!

Op shopping treasures

2011-10-03T16:16:00.000+11:00

Community
You know I love playing along with Sophie and crew at Her Library Adventures.
Here are this weeks goodies.

I know! What can say? I'm a sucker for pretty florals every time.
And the tablecloths were a bargain price of 50c each.

Check out more treasures here. Maybe you'd like to join in too:)

One Sunday

2011-10-02T17:25:00.000+11:00

Celebrating the ordinary and everyday...

The past week we have had so much rain at our place. We have also had three sick kids with chesty coughs and snotty noses, the littlest one with an ear infection and tonsilitis.

There has a lot of unbroken sleep, there has been far to much TV watching (their daddy has been away so I've been in coping mechanism).

The sunshine was back today. It was a very welcomed visitor.

We went for a walk to Aunty Wendy's to pick up the car. It was left there yesterday after too many beers and too many home made sausage rolls were consumed while watching the football.

Barbie working on her tan

Ollie thrilled to find 'some gumnut babies hats' while having a little rest in the shade

And 5 minutes after the first rest...another rest!

I walked/jogged/puffed/walked/jogged/puffed my way home as well. I really relished in the 30 minutes to think, to listen to the quiet and to breathe. I am loving learning to run.

Blogtoberfest

2011-10-01T15:32:00.001+10:00

I have been umming and ahhing about this one annnnd I've decided to jump on board.
I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with my blog.
Sometimes I am on a roll with it...other times life is just far too hectic/busy/ fun/precious and my little old blog is left idle.
BUT
There are a gazillion things I love about blogging, bloggers and reading blogs so I thought I'd give Blogtoberfest a go! When I read Cathy's post here about Blogtoberfest a few things really struck a chord with me.
Celebrating the best things about blogging

self expression
creativity
community
fun
celebrating the ordinary and every day

I like the sound of that, don't you?
If you want to read more of what Cathy has to say about Blogtoberfest, you can visit her blog Tinniegirl.
You might like to join in with Blogtoberfest. Yes?
And then you can put this cute button on your blog:)

The Bunting Swap

2011-09-26T23:18:00.001+10:00

I am thrilled to be participating in The Bunting Swap which has been organised by the lovely and clever Rach. You can see some of the beautiful things she sews here and you can read all about the bunting swap here.

I LOVE bunting. We have a small collection of bunting at our place-is there such thing as too much bunting?
I don't think so!

Shabby bunting to brighten up my craft room. Made from thrifted sheets and doilies.

Pretty pink bunting belonging to Miss 9. I bought this one from a local crafter years ago and still love it.

Cute bunting made from Prints Charming fabrics by this beautiful girl for my littlest beautiful girl.

An easy peasy birthday bunting that I whipped up at the last minute for Ollie's recent lego themed birthday.
It's threaded onto some twine so I plan to add in some pink, orange and purple for a rainbow party down the track.

I've been happily stitching away, creating my bunting for the swap.
I won't show you until the recipients have received their bunting BUT today the postie delivered my first piece of 'bunt'.

Thank you so much Ruth. I love it and I love what you wrote on the card as well.
I really love the sentiment behind this swap.
I can't wait to have a quirky, mismatched bunting made from like minded, crafty souls around the world!
Just a lovely thought really.