Revision Design

DIY Christmas Advent Calendar

2011-12-03T18:32:00.001+11:00

Do you remember those cardboard advent calendars with a silly picture of kids getting gifts from Santa, and each day you could open the little perforated cardboard door and get a waxy tasting piece of chocolate? I love those and miss them! This year I decided to make a grown up version of the Advent calendar out of many things I already had around the house. 'God Jul' (goo yule) means Merry Christmas in Norwegian.

I fill the bags with ornaments that we already had (special ones that mean something to us), and chocolates.

See the 'How to' after the jump. And here is a super cute round-up of Advent Calendars.

You can skip these first few steps by buying already made craft bags, but I went the full DIY approach and made my own bags out of Christmas wrapping paper.
I cut rectangles from wrapping paper 8in W x 7.5in H (20cm W x 19cm H)
Fold one side inward and leave about an inch salvage at the end. Fold the salvage over and tape.

To complete the bottom, fold a triangle about an inch from the bottom on the right and left side and tape. Fold the bottom over and tape.

Put little trinkets in each bag. Fold the top over and staple closed.

You can make your own number tags or use these ones, December 1-8 here, December 9-16 here, December 17-24 here, and lonely December 25 here. Print the tags on regular copy paper and fold over the top inch to go over the top of the bag. Put a little piece of double sided tape on the fold and on the bottom of the tag.

And the special 25th gets a special ornament that my dad got for me when I was about ten.

I pinned the bags of trinkets on to a cork-board with linen over it, and voila!

Let the fun begin!

Halloween - le chat

2011-10-24T00:00:00.000+11:00

Here in Australia Halloween isn't a huge event like in the States. Hopefully next year we'll do a Halloween party with dress ups and the works. When my sister came to visit she brought down heaps of little goodies for me including caramel apple cider and this little cat tin basket. I currently have it in my craft room and it usually holds some tags and labels that I use for impromptu gifts and the like.

all photos by me, Sonja Barrett

Bunting Bag

2011-10-03T00:00:00.000+11:00

There's something really fun about Bunting, and it always conjures up thoughts of a party. I made a tote bag from Ikea's Fialena fabric and some leather, and cotton canvas I had. It's reversible and has a fun pocket with the bunting fabric on the inside.

The fabric in the background is some Marimekko fabric that I purchased in Seattle and stretched onto a canvas frame (How-to to come soon). Hubby and I love to buy fabrics from different countries that we go to, mainly because they're beautiful and we can remember our trips AND because they're really easy to pack.

all photos by me, Sonja Barrett

DIY Chalkboard Art Canvas

2011-09-20T00:00:00.000+10:00

We have a revolving art gallery in our house and like to move different pieces around to suit the mood. So this DIY Chalkboard Canvas fits right in. I use it in the guest room and write greetings to our guests, or I'll draw seasonal flowers or write quotes that inspire me. And best of all this project is easy peasy!

All you need is:
Art canvas in any size (I bought mine for $7AUD at a local art store)
Spray Chalkboard Paint ($13AUD at local hardware store). Get the non-toxic kind
newspaper
painting mask
well ventilated area

How-to
Lay down newspaper in a well ventilated area and put your canvas on it. Put on your painting mask, even if the paint is non-toxic it's good to keep that stuff out of your lungs. Spray an even and thin coat of chalkboard paint on the canvas, no drips! Let it dry and apply another thin even coat of chalkboard paint. Let it dry and just for fun apply another thin even coat of chalkboard paint. Leave it overnight to set and dry and you're ready with your Chalkboard canvas. Have fun!

all photos by me, Sonja Barrett

Typography and the bargain bin

2011-09-19T00:00:00.000+10:00

I hope you had a good weekend. Our's was busy, we had friends over for dinner on Friday and then we went over to some friends for dinner on Saturday. We looked at a couple houses that we are interested in buying and we ran a lot of errands. Hubby and I had a good time going to the farmers market and buying overpriced bananas and having a couple of good laughs in the car.

When I was in America in July this year I picked up these wooden stamps from Target in their bargain bin. They are so simple and pretty and they can be used for so many lovely projects.

Lotta Jansdotter cafe apron

2011-09-14T21:44:00.000+10:00

I love the simplicity of Lotta Jansdotter's designs and projects and my hubby got me one of her books for Christmas last year... or maybe two years ago, and I haven't made anything from it. Oh yes, I've perused through its pages several times and even pulled out fabrics that I wanted to use for various project but I've never actually put the pedal to the metal (or sewing machine), until now!

The little hanging hook wasn't part of the pattern but I

took the idea from Lotta's tea towel pattern

I used fabric that I already had in cotton/linen and some cute Kokka fabric in three little pigs.

photos by me, Sonja Barrett

Mini pom pom tutorial

2011-09-13T20:01:00.000+10:00

You know I like a good DIY and when one of my friends posted this on Pinterest the other day I had to try it! I didn't have any bakers twine (shame, I know) so I used regular yarn, and it worked a treat!

Go on over to the original mini pom pom tutorial here, along with other fun stuff to do with baker's twine. I'm working on a pom-tastic project so I'll wait to show you pics. Watch this space.

Styled mag

2011-09-12T00:00:00.000+10:00

Have you seen Styled mag? You can buy it on print or view online. So many great ideas - it's getting my creative juices flowing.

Styled mag

Etsy motivation

2011-09-09T14:06:00.001+10:00

This video from Etsy is getting me motivated! It's very cute.
Hello Etsy: The Movie from Etsys Deutscher Blog on Vimeo.

Follow me on Pinterest

2011-09-08T00:00:00.001+10:00

Follow me and my boards on Pinterest, click here

photo via here

Christmas 2011 Inspiration

2011-09-07T14:42:00.004+10:00

I know this might be hard to believe but Christmas is 15 weeks away! It looks like we'll have the in-laws at our place this year. We were hoping to have bought a house of our own by Christmas, but that's looking unlikely so we'll have another Christmas in the townhouse.

My husband and I both agree that Scandinavian Christmases are the best so we've opted not to celebrate like Americans or Australians, but to embrace my Norwegian heritage and do Christmas like the Scandinavians. This year I'm inspired by these photos, found via here.

Lots of gray, green, white, natural wood, and red

I've already got plans for making new fabric napkins (serviettes), napkin holders, and maybe some place mats and a table runner. Stay tuned to see the DIYs.

Have a look here to see the red and white theme I did for Christmas last year.

Garden Tea Party for Two

2011-08-21T17:45:00.006+10:00

My brother sent me a link to a fabulous magazine called Kinfolk, where they focus on small gatherings. I love the concept of making even small events really special. I had a garden tea party for two in my backyard today.

All the items at my Tea Party I had on hand. The lace doily was given to me by an Australian lady that lived in Russia (so I brought them back to Australia with me). The cups and saucers are from Russia, the butter knife is from Tallinn, Estonia, and the cloth napkins are from an Bed Bath and Table in Australia.

Homemade Marshmallows

2011-07-18T00:00:00.000+10:00

photo via Piece of Cake

I've had such a craving for Marshmallows lately. Did you know you can make them at home? I found this seemingly simple recipe. I'll have to add to my repertoire of recipes to make.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups caster suger (confectionery sugar)

2 tablespoons gelatine
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups desiccated coconut
food colouring (optional)

recipe from taste.com.au

Pinterest Favs

2011-07-17T00:00:00.001+10:00

Have you heard of Pinterest? Of course you have! It's a great website that helps keep a repository of your favourite things. I have a few pin boards that I've put together and sometimes I just go through my boards and see what it is I really like. I noticed that I love base colours of grey and white with hints of linen, natural wood, blue, green, yellow, black, etc.

Here are a few of my favs that I've stored on Pinterest.

on my Pinterest

from my Pinterest

on my Pinterest

What's your style?

2011-07-16T21:39:00.003+10:00

I stumbled upon this fun Find my [Home] Style quiz and immediately tuned out the episode of Wipeout I was watching and took the quiz.

The quiz told me that my style is Earthy Modern and that my design strengths are that I keep up with current trends but have an appreciation for timeless forms and simple lines.

It was kind of an Aha! moment. Not that I didn't already know that I like those things, but for a quiz to tell me that was kind of a confirmation. I automatically thought of this space (featured below) that I've seen on countless blogs and features in Holly Becker's book Decorate. When I first saw the Brooklyn home of Fitzhugh Karol and Lyndsay Caleo my knees got weak. Their home just sings to me! I love the points of interest and the warm natural materials and colours. The only thing I would do to make the space mine is add some different colours; I gravitate towards blues (something the quiz told me, which I totally do), I also love green, grey, brown, and subtle hues of yellow and red.

photos via The Selby

Vintage Lounge

2011-07-12T21:55:00.003+10:00

Currently dreaming of new looks for our living room. We're currently looking to buy a house and move out of our rental townhouse. It feels so grown up! But then there's the fun stuff like decorating a new place and being able to paint the walls and put nails wherever we want to. If only I could decide on a style for the new digs.

1. Vintage doily cushions from Revision Design Australia, 2. Krenit mid-century bowl found Vertigo Home, 3. Retro Arco Lamp found via Vintage Looks, 4. Vintage sofa found via Study, 5. Vintage reproduction Pug Poster found via allpostersearch.com, 6. Vintage coffee table found via Soundslike HOME

Craft Drawer Makeover

2011-07-08T16:58:00.005+10:00

When we moved to Australia a lot of lovely people had free furniture to give us to get us by for a little while. One piece was this handmade file drawer. I now use it as my craft drawer and have lots of pretty fabrics and supplies tucked away in it. I love it but it needed a makeover. A little bit of paint, new knobs, and some numbers and it has a new lease on life.

Celebrating Australia Day in Style

2011-01-27T22:29:00.004+11:00

My friend Louise is a master when it comes to throwing parties. She put on a wonderful spread with a lovely twist. She even put Aussie sayings on tags and hung them in the tree "You little beauty!"

Have a look at her blog here, and her online shop here.

Badge buttons!

2011-01-27T22:23:00.003+11:00

I'm loving how these little gems will brighten up any outfit. They can also adorn a pillow or tote bag.

It's like telling a little story in tiny pictures.

You can find these Toadstool badges and more here.

Pugs on my wishlist!

2010-12-22T21:23:00.003+11:00

With Christmas around the corner I'm thinking about things that I want but not necessarily need. Cam and I are planning on adopting a pug in a couple months, so pugs have been on my radar. I've found so many cute things for our new little puggie, but here are some things for home.

links above:
Babushka and Pug print
SillyBuddy colar
Keep Calm and Love Dogs print
The pug bookends above are from a cute shop here in Melbourne called Morris and Brown. Love it!
I also love these!

Merry and Bright

2010-11-28T18:06:00.003+11:00

A DIY Christmas... what else is there?

I'm definitely getting into the holiday mood, and today I put together a mock set-up of my Christmas table. This year's theme is Scandinavian Christmas = red, white, and natural. I made the natural cotton table cloth and the red cotton napkins (serviettes). I also made the reindeer in the frames out of felt (so simple!). I've been asked to set up a table at a women's event this weekend so I'm getting ready for that.

I'm so ready for Christmas!

something NEW this way comes!

2010-09-18T15:38:00.003+10:00

It's spring here in Australia and a lot of fresh beautiful colors are peeking through the dark clouds. For many of you the weather is starting to turn golden and brown as fall begins. Here at Revision Design I'm working on all kinds of new designs to be found here soon!

And look out because Christmas crafting has already begun ♥

new old Bodum

2010-09-14T23:08:00.003+10:00

I went into a thrift store (op shop) today and found some Bodum mugs. I asked the lady behind the counter how much they were and she said $.30. I bought those four Bodum cups and headed out the door knowing full well the bargain that I just nabbed. Those Bodum cups are worth $20 a piece! Sweet glory the find that I found!

I sat down with one of those Bodum cups full of coffee, milk, and goodness and snuggled in with a magazine for the evening.

I also did some doodling and designing of cushions for this year's holiday range. What fun!

One year Etsy anniversary!

2010-08-27T14:31:00.004+10:00

I'm celebrating my one year Anniversary on Etsy! Some items are on sale. I'm looking forward to designing and putting more gear in my shop, and I'm excited to see what's in store for Revision Design Australia.

Vintage lace cushions at RevisionDesignAus

It's cold outside!

2010-07-04T18:12:00.005+10:00

I've been saving up money for a new sewing machine. Until now, I've been using my mother-in-law's vintage Singer sewing machine. But I've saved up enough pennies to get a new Husqvarna sewing machine. I love it! It's like butter! So smooth and lovely. I've made a couple new items for my online shops. The Rain Beau cushion is available here, and Magnus the plush elephant is available here.

new digs

2010-04-26T20:41:00.005+10:00

We just bought a new sofa! That's big for us - we've been living out of our suitcases for 3 years now and we've lived in Australia for a year and we're finally buying a new sofa. It helps that I work at the furniture store that we're getting it from and we're getting a great discount. It will be here in 8 weeks (ordered with designer fabric).

And in other news, I got a request from a NZ magazine to feature some of my lace inspired photos in their magazine. The photos were submitted today and I hope that I make it to the final cut.

Vintage Lace Doilies

2010-03-26T15:25:00.003+11:00

I've been hunting around at the Op Shops (thrift stores) for old lace doilies to make up my new series of doily cushions. Here's the first one hot off the machine. All the materials used to make this cushion are recycled - doily, fabric, even the zipper.

New at Magnus and Mathilda

2010-03-24T18:04:00.003+11:00

We're excited to announce that we have a new team member at Magnus and Mathilda. Her name is Deb and she's a lovely lady with a lot of talent. She's created some gorgeous baby bodysuits which are now available in the Magnus and Mathilda etsy shop.

Custom toy bag for Eli

2010-03-24T17:52:00.003+11:00

My friend's cute little baby Eli has some gorgeous wooden blocks that he likes to play with and his mom asked me to make a little bag to put his blocks in. Here's what I came up with -
non-bleached cotton/linen fabric with red stitching.

Huge hiatus

2010-03-11T20:43:00.003+11:00

Sorry for such a long delay in between blog posts. I have been uber busy (who isn't?) and I can't believe April is sneaking up on us. I'm just pondering on what has happened the beginning of 2010 and I'm amazed at how much has already happened. I knew that 2010 was going to be a big year for change but I didn't know what roads I would be led down. I've been working on some projects for our collective Magnus and Mathilda etsy shop and getting ready for another Market in 10 weeks!

Lace Graffiti tote bags in our Magnus and Mathilda etsy shop

I'm excited for Easter - we'll go up to the holiday house in the mountains with my hubby's family. Yay!

More time to do nothing

2010-02-12T11:59:00.004+11:00

Now that I'm laid up at home I have more time to do little things - even though it takes me a lot longer to do things because I have to move around so slowly. Anyway, yesterday I made some almond and cinnamon tea cakes and baked them in the silicon heart muffin pan that my mom sent me from America. They turned out delightful so I decided to take a little picture of them - they are displayed on a vintage napkin/serviette that my sister bought for me in Seattle.

And you better believe I enjoyed those tea cakes with a nice hot cup of Masala Chai with a little bit of sugar and milk. Lovely!

Ouch!

2010-02-11T14:13:00.003+11:00

One year ago Cam and I moved to Melbourne Australia and to mark this monumental occasion I celebrated by hurting my back, getting a ride to the hospital in an ambulance, and being admitted to the hospital for overnight observation. Long story short - ouch! Cam has been very diligent in helping me around the house and even brought home a lovely bouquet of my favorite flowers - Lilies!! Did you know that I have a tattoo of a lily on my arm? I like them that much.

I'm laying low and trying to get better. I've got lots of time to watch SNL, read some books, and knit. In a few days time I should be well enough to go back to work (bummer).

Here's a pic of my Get Well flowers on our dresser next to a photo that I had printed for Cam for our 3rd wedding anniversary (a couple weeks ago) - the photo was taken a month after we were married (we look so young!).

Latest Market

2009-12-17T08:50:00.005+11:00

Magnus and Mathilda is a collaboration between myself and my good friend Louise - some lovely things for kids and for the kids at heart. Check out our etsy shop here. I sell my cushions through Magnus and Mathilda too, but I have a separate etsy shop here.

Louise and I had fun at our 2nd market last weekend in Yarra Glen. We met some lovely folks and people were very excited to see us there. We are going to try and do some more markets closer into the city next year. Here are some photos of our stall at the Yarra Valley Food, Wine, and Craft market.

Nice buttons!

2009-12-16T10:14:00.004+11:00

As you probably already know I love to recycle and reuse different items and make them into re-visioned works of art. So I made some little ornaments for the tree in the guest room from recycled cardstock and Juniper wood buttons I bought in Estonia. The cardstock came from a "fat quarters" of fabric that I bought and I've been saving them up for something useful.

I made a heart template and traced a heart onto each of the pieces of cardstock I had

I sewed a straight stitch around the perimeter of the heart with red thread

And hand-sewed the buttons to the cardstock heart. I sewed the buttons instead of gluing them on because after Christmas is over I want to reuse the buttons for something else. I can simply cut the thread and the buttons will come off easily

Then punched a hole with a hole-punch and thread a piece of yarn through the hole

Voila! Recycled loveliness

Disaster zone

2009-12-09T13:41:00.006+11:00

I've been working like crazy getting ready for the market this weekend and getting ready for Christmas that I had neglected the cleanliness of my workspace. I really can't stand a messy space for long.

So in an hour it went from this...

to this...

and Yes those are nicely wrapped Christmas presents - just waiting for some

cute gift tags from our Magnus and Mathilda shop.

On the wall I hung the apron that I use when we're at the markets (I made it from IKEA fabric) . It's on the cutest hook from Zakkaya in Melbourne and also features a

toadstool ornament from my etsy shop.

Here's a fresh to-do list of things that I need to get done before the weekend. To fasten the list together I used a bird clip from Lark.

New Matryoshka

2009-12-09T13:18:00.004+11:00

I found some amazing remnant tweed fabric the last time I was at the remnant shop and decided to make a Matryoshka (Russian nesting doll) cushion out of it. It features three matryoshka dolls in polka dot cotton with three different expressions on their faces - hand embroidered by me. On the backside of the cushion is a love heart in red polka dot cotton fabric. This is a big oblong cushion that is just divine to cozy up with.

It will be up for sale at the craft market this weekend. I hope this little diddy goes home with someone special ♥

To market I go

2009-12-08T18:29:00.003+11:00

I'm doing another market this weekend. Come along if you're in the area!!

Birdie

2009-12-08T16:10:00.002+11:00

I sold a Birdie cushion last week at the market and realized that these little birdies are still as popular as ever - and I'm glad because I love them! New Birdie cushion in my etsy shop.

Market success

2009-12-05T15:23:00.006+11:00

My lovely friend Louise (and partner in crime with our little side business called Magnus and Mathilda) and I did our first market this weekend. It was wonderful to see our creations come to life and all of it looked so different set up and decorated instead of laying in bunches in my spare room. We met some lovely people and got a lot of good feedback. We're doing another market this weekend - it should be packed! I'm really surprised that my little mushroom ornaments were selling like hot-cakes. I'll be making more for this weekend's market and some NEW little goodies.

Here are some photos of us and our stall. Our etsy shop will be up and running on Monday - we're taking a little break :o)

this little Piggy went to market...

2009-12-01T20:17:00.003+11:00

... that's right, I'm going to be selling my wares at a craft market. When? This Friday. See photo for details. All those in the Melbourne area come and see me!!

blog love

2009-11-27T05:00:00.000+11:00

Big thanks to Chrisy of artdecadence for mentioning my LOVE cushion on her blog. Check out her etsy shop - it looks like she's closed up shop for a little while but check back soon!

The top left is my LOVE cushion cover in my etsy shop.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T09:31:00.004+11:00

This morning when I was having breakfast with my husband I suddenly realized that today is Thanksgiving - it's not like I didn't know it was coming but it feels like it snuck up on me! It's my first Thanksgiving in Australia and we're going to fore go the traditional roast turkey and mashed potatoes and we're going to have friends over for a non-traditional feast. On the menu is: bbq roasted turkey sandwiches on Ciabatta, with rocket lettuce, cream cheese, and cranberry sauce. On the side is potato salad and for dessert orange and polenta cookies, lemon sorbet, and (I'm going to attempt to make) pumpkin cupcakes. Costco just opened here in Australia and we went down to check it out last week but I was sad when they didn't have pumpkin pie mix and cranberries! They did however accommodate for all the Americans living here and they had huge frozen turkeys (that's rare here).

I made some little fabric pumpkins to adorn the festive table. I got the how-to here. You can see other pumpkin ideas here and here.

Christmas wish list revised

2009-11-24T10:15:00.004+11:00

I try and make Christmas shopping as easy as possible, so I've made a list of things that I would like and give it to my husband. You may remember me posting my wish list as far back as August and now I'm making my final draft before I hand it over to Cam.

Here's what's on my Christmas wish list.

The Proud One - print from Amy Blackwell $16.00USD. Or this one for $9.00USD

get the book $45AUD from Hardie Grant Books, or through Amazon.com for $40USD

Owl in the Attic - print by My Folk Lover. $18.00USD

Honorable mention for Revision Design - Australia

2009-11-24T09:37:00.009+11:00

The lovely Melanie of Paper Mango mentioned one of my hair fascinators on her blog in an article she calls Sustainability (number 4 is me and my Bloomers hair fascinator!!). The other items featured are very cool and I encourage you to check out her etsy shop and her blog.

Thanks Melanie!

To see my Bloomers hair fascinator and the other etsy products in my shop, click here

Spotty for dotties!

2009-11-20T09:59:00.004+11:00

It doesn't matter how hard I try I still go nuts over polka dots. And there's nothing better than a balance of red and white with hints of light blue and light green for Christmas decor. I love natural colors as well, like brown, white, and oatmeal. These are the colors that I've chosen for this year...

this is a clipping from Bo Bedre Danish magazine from December 2007

I picked up some spools, once used for industrial thread, at a remnant shop.
I put some Christmas ribbon on it for easy wrapping.

The blue with white polka dot ribbon is from our wedding 3 years ago.
I have heaps of it and I'm still using it for gift wrap. Love it!

It's beginning to look a lot like...

2009-11-17T10:10:00.004+11:00

... YOU KNOW WHAT! The holidays are fast approaching and I'm trying as hard as I can to get caught up already. Today I'm going out to order 30 pillow inserts in preparation of the Christmas markets that I will be selling at in December. I'm creating some new inventory including Christmas decorations. I've made some toadstool ornaments, which I love ♥, and I might have to make some extra for my own tree - and they can be hung around the house all year round.

I have to confess, the Christmas tree is already up! I don't like decorations that look too "Christmassy" so the toadstool ornaments are a relief to the traditional decor.

here's a sketch that I did. I put it on the tags for the mushroom ornaments

new Knit Wit clutch with Love Heart

2009-11-09T14:20:00.008+11:00

Over the weekend some girlfriends and I got together and made oodles of pouches for a group little kids in India that one of our friends has connections with. We were decorating, stitching, and sewing the whole day and made some really cute little things.

On other note, I made my own little clutch today - something that I had been planning to finish for a long time. I hand knitted the sides and used remnant upholstery fabric for the liner. I used upcycled leather for the heart applique and the handle. It's in my etsy shop now!

Afternoon Tea

2009-11-06T17:47:00.002+11:00

My afternoon tea was extra special today with cut roses from the backyard, Russian porcelain, Early Grey tea, and Hungarian lace doilies.

Doodles

2009-11-06T10:25:00.007+11:00

I haven't drawn for a long time. Sure, I draw up little ideas and patterns all the time, but I haven't sat down and drawn anything that I wanted to display for a while... so I'm a bit rusty. But alas I've doodled some little creations and I'm colouring them in with my free graphic design program and I'm trying to figure out what to do with them next. I'm thinking greeting cards, badges, and possibly prints. The following illustration is a draft :o)

original illustration by Sonja Barrett - Revision Design

New Blooms

2009-10-29T08:43:00.003+11:00

I've got loads and loads of beautiful fabrics that I've picked up from thrift stores (op shops) and remnant shops and I'm working on different ways to incorporate them into designs. Because some of the fabrics are silky they aren't the best to put on a cushion where they might get food or drink all over them. So I'm stretching my creative roots and I'm trying new things - I've created these little beauties called Bloomers. They are hair fascinators but not the frou frou ones that you see near the race tracks - these are everyday casual and cute fascinators. Two designs are in my etsy shop here.

Celebrate 'Movember'

2009-10-27T09:13:00.005+11:00

Movember is a celebration of Mustaches and men are encouraged to grow their mustaches (or just not shave them) during November. I had to look up the origins of this kitschy holiday and it seems that it was started by the Australian blokes in 1999 to raise awareness about men's health issues such as prostate cancer and depression. I know that Americans celebrate it because American men love any chance they can get to grow facial hair and live out their Paul Bunyan dreams.

Check out the official Movember website here and the Movember International website here.

I've created a design called Mister which will be featured in my etsy shop (here) for the month of November.

Get your Mustache on boys!

The new Roo

2009-10-26T14:21:00.004+11:00

New cushion designs in my etsy shop, here.

Recession buster Christmas

2009-10-21T16:14:00.003+11:00

We're making sure we're extra good this Christmas because we don't want to miss out on any of the goods. This year will be a recession buster Christmas for sure with a smaller budget even though the Aussie dollar is really strong against almost all other currencies and the economists are telling us to buy, buy, BUY! Cam and I picked up an artificial Christmas tree (sad I know) for $10.50 on ebay.com.au. Shipping was nearly $30 but it was still cheaper than what I've found in stores so far. I'm making some homemade decorations and created these little Swedish Dala horses out of felt and string.

I'm thinking of putting some up in my etsy shop here and taking them to sell at craft markets - here's a packaging idea.

Color Inspiration - Yellow

2009-10-16T05:00:00.001+11:00

Here's a little collection of yellow things that I put together and photographed. I really like this color and it looks oh so nice with black, white, gray, charcoal... whatever. I highly recommend that book pictured below to anyone that would like to make a full-time job of their hobby. You can find it on Amazon here.

the new pre-fab home

2009-10-15T05:00:00.000+11:00

Here in Melbourne we can't built houses quick enough to accommodate the expanding population of our city and that has caused housing prices to sky rocket (among other things). An evening TV program had a special report on that topic last night and one of the solutions was prefabricated homes that can be delivered on the back of a truck within one week and set up. And I thought "but who would want to live in one of those houses if they had a choice? I would!!" These pre-fab homes in particular are really well designed and built as "green" as possible. The impressive thing about the homes is that they can be added on to later - just order the extra room or that guest house that you've always wanted and it will be on your doorstep in 2 days, literally. Here are some pictures of the pre-fab Modscape homes. The company is also in Europe and Scandinavia and it sounds like they're selling like hot cakes up there.

all images visa Modscape. You can browse their website here and look at all the smart floor plans or choose a custom floor plan.

Woodland kitsch

2009-10-14T05:00:00.000+11:00

I'm still exploring etsy and finding the most creative things. Today's blog is dedicated to woodland creatures which everybody can't seem to get a enough of. Here are my favorites for today.

'Deer in Woodland' necklace by Day Defy Project

'Diary' by Oh My Cavalier

'Build a Tree' wall decal by Mae
'Amigurumi Owl' knit plush toy by Cute Designs

Accessories - Etsy

2009-10-13T05:00:00.000+11:00

I'm pretty sure that I could outfit my entire wardrobe from etsy. Here's what I'd get to accessorize my outfit today.

'Hunter Lux' knit hat by knittles

'Classic messenger bag' with stag by cipolla

'Merit badges' by Lee Meszaros

'leather wallet' by feralempire

Rainy Days - Etsy favorites

2009-10-12T05:00:00.000+11:00

I can spend hours looking at all the creative things on Etsy. Here are a few of my favorites this week. It's cold and rainy here in Melbourne (with occasional sunshine) and back in my hometown of Seattle it's pretty much the same weather. I'm definitely in a 'sit down with a hot chocolate and a book' kind of mood.

'My favorite yellow boot' print by sloeginfizz
'Rainy day' print by missbridgette (unfortunately it sold)
'Sunshine and rain' messenger bag by SewnNatural

'Umbrella Days' t-shirt by elefint

Knit Wit clutch/purse - Magnus in turquoise and green

2009-10-09T15:00:00.000+11:00

Here's the newest addition to my etsy shop and from the Knit Wit collection. This cheeky little purse is made from 100% wool yarn which I knitted and then washed to get a felted wool. It is lined with remnant upholstery fabric and appliqued with a leather Magnus horse. This little ditty is perfect for that warm fall or winter outfit and goes with anything and goes anywhere.

More Knit Wit items from the collection will be added soon.

Mister - Harvard edition

2009-09-29T15:43:00.002+10:00

Just put up a new design in my etsy shop from the Mister collection. This one is made from remnant upholstery fabric in oatmeal colored tweed and rich dark brown leather. It reminds me of a Harvard professor's blazer with the leather elbows, hence the name. Just like the other cushions in the Mister collection this pillow represents 3 men's mustaches, but these mustaches are larger than the others in the collection.

I keep hearing that the weather in Seattle is getting colder and wetter and everyone is ok with that - while here in Melbourne the sun decided to make an appearance and I'm loving it!! My toes need to thaw out.

Meet me at Mike's

2009-09-29T09:09:00.005+10:00

If you haven't heard about this awesome craft collaberation called Meet me at Mike's and if you haven't been introduced to the creative creator Pip then let me introduce you. Meet me at Mike's is a store on Brunswick street in Melbourne run by Pip and her partner Cameron. They live on the second floor of the awesome building that holds Meet me at Mike's, which encompasses all kinds of wares from craft, kitsch, op shop (thrift shop) rescues, vintage, clothes, sewing machines, and even bikes. Cameron was in the shop when my sister and I went to visit and we spent a good 40 minutes wandering around the cozy place touching everything and taking it all in. The park out front of the shop has giant Russian Matryoshka (Babushka) dolls so we had to go take a picture. Meet me at Mike's turned into a book with oodles of different crafters ideas and patterns. I think I might have to put the book on my Christmas wish list - the budget has now been upgraded from $30AUD to $60AUD, look out!

Visit Pip at Meet me at Mike's 63 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, VIC or visit her blog here.

(Pip was featured in August's edition of Australian Home Beautiful where these images came from)
(Matryoshka dolls in the park across from Meet me at Mike's (the grey and white building))

get the book $45AUD from Hardie Grant Books, or through Amazon.com for $40USD - it's now officially on my Christmas wishlist.

Mathilda - Mademoiselle

2009-09-26T18:18:00.004+10:00

This is the third design in the Mathilda collection. This one represents an avant garde corsage with a taffeta bow. This one isn't in my etsy shop but it's going to a friend for her birthday. I might put one up in the shop soon.

93 days until Christmas!

2009-09-23T17:49:00.002+10:00

Last week on Australian TV a show started the 100 days until Christmas countdown. I really can't believe that we're only a few months away from the holiday season and I'm especially excited this year because it's my first Christmas in Australia.

This is going to be a recession buster holiday season and my husband and I have a strict budget of $30AUD for gifts for each other and I've already started my wishlist. Here's what's on it...

I can't decide which of these two prints I want more from My Folk Lover's etsy shop. I'm swooning over this Melbourne artist's moody prints. Maybe you can help me decide which one I should get - getting both will brake the bank.

Couture for your couch

2009-09-21T17:49:00.004+10:00

Looking for a bit of glam to spruce up your favorite sofa or chair - take a look at the new 'Mathilda - Ruffles' cushion by Revision Design Australia, check out my etsy shop here.

This cushion looks like a couture blouse or dress and goes well with classic or modern decor. It can be dressed up or dressed down - add a couple of your own badges or your favorite glittery brooch to make a statement.

new cushion design, it's called Mathilda - Tuxedo

2009-09-19T11:04:00.004+10:00

I'm adding new designs to the menagerie of cushions that I already have and will be adding more to my etsy shop soon. This one is in the Mathilda collection and it's called Tuxedo. Made from remnant upholstery fabric (this one is made with a light grey fabric) and of course each cushion is made with extra love.

Rain beau now on RevisionDesignAus on etsy!

2009-09-15T10:28:00.003+10:00

New designs available in my etsy shop.

'Rain beau' is inspired by the weather in Seattle, Washington U.S.A - although I've definitely gotten a taste of the wet and wild weather here in Melbourne Australia too!

George the sock-gibbon is making an appearance. He likes the rain beau too :o)

I'm working I promise!

2009-09-14T11:38:00.003+10:00

I promise you that I'm working even though I haven't been blogging much lately. My sister is visiting from America and we've been having a great time. We're going out to a fabric store today and getting some wool yarn to try boiled wool. Our aunt Grete is Norway has been making fun things out of boiled wool for years and so we want to carry on the legacy.

Here's some eye candy for today and one of my favorite etsy shops called Pattern Bakery from Finland see their etsy shop here.

all images via Pattern Bakery

what you all have been waiting for!

2009-09-05T22:14:00.002+10:00

Revision Design - Australia is open for business on etsy. www.RevisionDesignAus.etsy.com

Shhh, I'm working

2009-09-02T10:37:00.003+10:00

Sorry folks - I've been hard at work here behind the scenes and I'm frantically running errands getting all of my paperwork in order to be a normal working class person in Australia. Here are some tasty photos to keep you busy until I resume normal blogging.

I'm working on getting an etsy shop set up, so watch this space! While wandering around etsy I've come across some stunning artists and this is my current favorite - Yokoo. She's been featured in Better Homes & Gardens magazine and sold a Cambridge scarf to Gwen Stefani. And the photography and styling of her etsy shop is enviable. Enjoy.

Click here to get a preview of my Etsy shop.

this Cambridge scarf - chain scarf is the one she did for Gwen.

Introducing...

2009-08-24T05:00:00.002+10:00

... Magnus! The new line of cushions from Revision Design. In true Revision fashion 90% of the materials used for Magnus are repurposed items. Magnus is made from remnant upholstery fabric and leather and is inspired by the Swedish Dala horse.

Magnus cushion in blue with brown leather

Magnus cushion in gray with white leather

Let me introduce you to...

2009-08-21T05:00:00.002+10:00

... Mister - the new line of cushions from Revision Design (on sale sometime soon'ish). Mister is a cheeky representation of traditional mustaches made from repurposed materials such as upholstery fabric and leather. 90% of the materials that goes into making Mister are from salvaged items.
Here's a picture of the bulk remnants that I buy and then make into my revisioned items. I sew everything on this mid-century Singer sewing machine.

*And in the black frame are my hand prints from when I was 5.

Make homemade bread... check

2009-08-20T13:50:00.004+10:00

My husband forwarded me an article on how to make homemade bread in five minutes and I've been meaning to try it for a while. So yesterday I did. Honestly I don't understand why it's called the five minute bread recipe because in all the prep and bake time took 4 hours, but the advantage is that you make it in bulk and you can store the dough for up to 2 weeks so you can pull it out of the fridge and bake it up when you want to. Here are some pics from my afternoon tea today, completed with a dollop of lingon berry jam and a cup of green tea with jasmine.

And by the way, our house smells like a bakery... not bad.
get the recipe here.
Here's a teaser photo of tomorrow's post. I'll bet you can't guess what it is :o)

Today's to-do list

2009-08-19T13:05:00.001+10:00

I'm working on it...

On my bedside table

2009-08-17T12:51:00.004+10:00

Here's a look at what's on my bedside table today. Just noticed there's a blue and green theme going on. I always gravitate toward these colors even though I don't mean to. I think it has something to do with natural colors from sky and ground.
Ingredients: free lamp from a friend, a painting of the 12 Apostles in Australia by my mother-in-law, handmade wood owl from Russia, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain on loan from library, Inside Out magazine, Fossil tin from a watch that I bought years ago, blue recycled Italian leather passport holder, blue Cameo pocket mirror, handmade glass heart earrings from New Zealand, and a half eaten Pink Lady apple

The table I bought on ebay and painted white. Click here to see the story on those

In full bloom

2009-08-10T05:00:00.001+10:00

I'm smitten with these larger than life flowers at Emerson made. Check out their blog here and check out their online store here.

Enjoy!

New Zealand here we come

2009-08-06T10:26:00.003+10:00

Blogging will be very sparse here in the next week and a half. Today my husband and I are leaving for New Zealand. I am going to Auckland to pick up my residency visa for Australia. We'll be traveling around the north island of New Zealand while we're there. I'll be sure to take oodles of pictures for you to see.

I think I'm going to love New Zealand. To me it seems like a blend of Norway and Hawaii. I might just have to change my visa and stay there in NZ. I'm going to get my 'geek on' and try and visit where they filmed the Lord of the Rings.

image found here

looking for a few good fabrics

2009-08-05T10:33:00.005+10:00

I'm still looking for the right material to reupholster our mid-century arm chairs that I got for free. I was recently at IKEA and saw their textile section in person and I still can't get over how much I like their fabrics. Here are some of my favs.

Check out the entire range of IKEA fabrics here.

Neutral + Color = Gorgeous

2009-08-04T05:00:00.002+10:00

The three images shown today are on my inspiration board at the moment - I'm loving the neutral backgrounds with all sorts of colors that pop. I'm not the type of person to paint my walls crazy vibrant colors; I'd rather have a neutral pallet and then add color that I can change seasonally.

I'm sorry but I think these images are from Elle Decor magazine. I clipped them out ages ago and I didn't write down where they were from.

Pieces furniture

Belvedere furniture

Goody bags

2009-08-03T05:00:00.000+10:00

Made these fun goody bags out of resealable plastic bags (found at $1 Store) and scrap-booking paper. I cut and folded a piece of paper and stapled it to the bag. That's it!

A few days before the party I do a mock-up of the table setting and the containers that I'll use. I make notes and try and set-up as much as I can the day before so I'm not rushing around on the day of the party. Here's a mock-up for centerpiece and candy dish.

It's my birthday!

2009-08-01T05:00:00.000+10:00

My first birthday in Australia! Yesterday we had a great time up at Healesville Sanctuary outside of Melbourne. They have a great display of flora and fauna that you can really get up close and personal with. Many of the animals there have been hit by cars or been injured in bush fires - the handlers are amazing and I loved getting a cuddle by one of the kangaroos.

Sorry I have been a little laxed in the blog department as of late - I have been a little distracted lately but I have been working. After the sewing machine went into the shop I've lost my 'umf' and all I've been able to do is cut and prepare my craft projects for the return of the machine.

Just want to leave you with this awesomeness for the weekend. This is me in the purple ski suit with my sister Sally. I was around 5 or 6 and she was... well... older. It's weird because now we act pretty much the same age. Thanks for sending this to me Sally!!

Inspired by the Danish

2009-07-29T05:00:00.001+10:00

Those great Danes are always coming up with innovative modern, yet livable, design. The following pictures are out of a Danish magazine called 'Bo Bedre' (Live Better); I picked it up in Norway in December 2007. They are currently hanging above my desk in my Inspiration Space. Loving the mix of textures and colors - if I could 'teleport' these living spaces into my home I would! I'm a sucker for Scandinavian design.

Back to the drawing board - Literally

2009-07-28T10:41:00.003+10:00

I'm a visual person and I often run ideas through my mind and visualize them in their entirety before I put them into practice. Sometimes I get a minute to jot down the ideas or draw them. This week I'm visualizing the table setting for a birthday party.

Here are my sketches:

'Thank you' bags full of goodies on cork-board - Amy Atlas style
Food table setting

Watch this Space

2009-07-27T05:02:00.000+10:00

With the sewing machine in the shop and sewing projects on hold, I thought I'd take advantage of the time and space to rearrange my workspace. I got a new desk, lamp, and chair to make this space more conducive to my craft. Previously I had the sewing machine on top of a chest of drawers and I would take my swivel chair to one room to work on the sewing machine and take it back to the other room to work on the computer.

I love this space! It's still a work in progress but I've outfitted it with some inspirational things. I've been keeping clippings of inspirational pictures or designers from magazines that I've been collecting from places like Russia, Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, Norway and America. I brought back some a kindergarten art project of my handprints back with me from the States - I framed them and put them on my desk to remind me of what I used to be like.

Until I get the sewing machine back I'll be trawling resources for inspiration, so watch this space!

Out of Order

2009-07-24T17:08:00.003+10:00

I took in my husband's grandma's old Singer sewing machine in for a service today (see picture below). I love using this old machine and I'm already going through withdrawals since I won't be able to sew for 3 weeks! I found some great free patterns on Amy Butler's awesome website that I would love to try out, but alas I'll have to wait. *sigh*

Birthday wish-list

2009-07-23T05:00:00.000+10:00

It's my birthday in a couple of weeks and I'm really looking forward to it this year. It's my first birthday in Australia and with a whole new group of friends and I have a winter birthday instead of a summer birthday. Growing up I used to have big pool parties and then lunch in the park and pony rides but now we'll be huddling around a hot meal and playing some fun games inside.

I've created a wish-list for my husband because he asked what I want for my birthday. For some reason I don't think I'll get anything on the list (I usually dont) but he'll think of something special :o) On the list I have some practical and impractical things.

via Amazon.com here
via Amazon.com here

via Amazon.com here. I've wanted this ring for a couple years now. Doubt I'll get it :o)

Fun Quiz

2009-07-22T05:00:00.000+10:00

Found this quiz featured on of my favorite blogs and I had to try it. Don't know if it entirely accurate but it might have captured the kind of decor style that I aspire to have.

At the end it features your name on a Magazine cover!

Click here to take the quiz.

Filling a void

2009-07-21T05:00:00.000+10:00

Upstairs near our bathroom we have a big wall in the hallway that I could never get quite right. We are renting and we don't want to create any holes on the wall if we don't have to so I am using the existing nails where the owner's pictures used to hang. I had some art work in frames in this spot previously but it didn't look right. So I got some cheap canvases and decorated them with some figures that I cut out of scrap-booking paper. I think they're cute, my husband thinks they look amateur, but I like them - simple, pops of color, and a little cheeky.

Found on Ibu Trading

2009-07-20T05:00:00.000+10:00

I'm loving the latest website that I found called Ibu. It has lots of options for eco, sustainable, original things for everyday life. I LOVE this table/bench from Zaishu found through Ibu Trading. The antique kimono design is gorgeous but the price tag is a little steep - that's what you pay for quality sustainable products, but my pocket book says Ouch!

Eco Living

2009-07-17T06:00:00.001+10:00

Found this company called Oiko on Ibu Trading which prides itself in selling original, ethical, and eco-logical goods. Oiko makes handmade hemp fabrics in different colorways and creates really cool things for home and for everyday living. Love the colors!

1 Year old today!!

2009-07-16T17:22:00.003+10:00

It completely slipped my mind but today this Revision Design blog is celebrating its 1st birthday. I was browsing other blogs today and I came one that was announcing their blog's anniversary and I thought I better check to see when I started mine and lo' and behold it was one year ago today! I was sitting next to a window in a little apartment in St. Peterburg Russia making cards and taking pictures of them and decided to create a blog to report my crafty happenings. One year and a whole lot of projects later I am still bloggin' and loving it.

Thanks to all my readers!! I'm having one of these is your honor :o)

Here's a picture from my original post on July 16, 2008

click here to see where it all began. Cheers!

Prototype 1 - Deer Pillow

2009-07-16T05:00:00.000+10:00

I mentioned before that this week I'm working on patterns and prototypes for new pillows and homewares. I made a pillow out of organic cotton that I bought in the States and some fabric that I found in a local thrift store. The decal I made from fabric that I bought here at a craft market. Fun stuff!

On the prowl

2009-07-15T05:00:00.000+10:00

I'm looking for suppliers of certified organic and eco friendly fabrics here in Australia. I recently saw a commercial for a repository of 'Green' businesses it's called thegreenpages.com.au. I had a look through the businesses and was very excited but realized that we still have a long way to go in making sustainable and eco friendly goods.

As I looked through the green pages I found a company called Cloth. They screen print their graphics onto natural fiber fabrics such as cotton and hemp. I really like this fabric below called 'Looking for Water' - it's in 4 different colorways.

Rain beau!

2009-07-14T05:02:00.000+10:00

I come from the wet and wild city of Seattle and I love a little rain (ok, a lot of rain), but rain is mostly associated with dark and gloomy weather, but I think it is refreshing and wonderful. I love when the sun is shining through the clouds and the rain is dripping from a leafy tree above. That's where I got the inspiration for my 'Rain beau' pillow - made from woven wool fabric and leather cloud and raindrops.

Also featured in the pictures below is our new little sock elephant named Tickles.

Breaking News :: Visa Update!

2009-07-13T10:48:00.002+10:00

Just got an email this morning saying that my visa processing is completed in Russia, now they'll send the application on to the next Australian embassy for the final decision on my residency visa for Australia!

I am very excited about this because I have been waiting for 10 months already. Hopefully I won't have to wait too much longer to live long-term in this beautiful country. I'm feeling a little patriotic for my new found home Australia so I'll leave you with the national Coat of Arms for Australia. Don't let it bother you that we sometimes have part of the emblem for dinner, Kangaroo and Emu taste yummy!

this week I'm actually working

2009-07-13T06:00:00.000+10:00

I can't legally work here in Australia - I'm still waiting on my residency visa (not very patiently); while I wait I'm trying to make a decision about starting a small business and opening up an online retail store with my wares. I'm researching small business in Australia, taxes, business plans, marketing, competition, wholesale suppliers, etc. But this week I'm taking a break from the "paperwork" and I'm going back to the drawing board and creating some designs of things that I would like to sell IF I start this business.

This week I'm working on graphics for pillows - here's a sneak peak. Here's what I do. I draw out the graphic on a regular piece of lined paper, then I tweak it to my liking, cut it out and if I end up wanting to keep it for a long time I'll transfer it to card-stock so the pattern lasts longer. I'll use these patterns to trace graphics onto fabric and then I'll iron on that graphic to a pillow or other project. Fun stuff!

He's been caught in the act

2009-07-08T14:48:00.003+10:00

This is George Gibbons, our new little sock 'gibbon' (our variation of the sock monkey) has been cited for indecent exposure. So that this won't happen again I'll make our little gibbon something to wear. Here are the incriminating shots.

Freebie!

2009-07-06T05:00:00.000+10:00

My sister is the Queen of all things thrifty and nifty and she found this bar cart that the previous owners left in the back of their new house. She scrubbed it up and gave it a face-lift and it's now being used as a caddy near the bbq (which was also free).

Way to go Sally! Now with all the money you saved you can buy a ticket to Australia to come visit me!!

Native Australian Flowers

2009-07-03T05:00:00.000+10:00

I went down to our local flower shop called Scents of Occasion - they are under new management and have changed things around a little including putting all sorts of flowers on display outside on the sidewalk. I had my wedding bouquet done here 2.5 years ago when we had our 'Australian wedding celebration'. Some native Australian flowers caught my eye and I got a couple bunches for the dining room table and the guest room. I do have to admit that the pink flower (below) is actually a South African native, but it is grown in the masses here in Australia, so they've adopted it as one of their own.

These are actually flowers from trees so the stems are quite tough. Tip! Flowers from trees have troubles soaking up water after they've been cut, so hit the end of the stem with a hammer a few times to break it up and it will soak up water a lot better.

The New and Improved Austin Chase Coffee shop

2009-07-02T05:00:00.000+10:00

While I was back in the States I helped do a small redecorating project to the coffee shop that I used to work at. It is located at the front of a major department store so we had to get all kinds of clearance to paint. I, unfortunately, didn't get a 'before photo' of the feature wall that we ended up painting, but it probably wouldn't have turned out anyway because we were painting in the dark (someone forgot to turn the lights on before the store opened like we asked). The feature was was a faux finish sponge painted green, gray, and taupe wall that had been that way for 15 years. It was time for a spruce-up.

My new Bike

2009-07-01T08:00:00.002+10:00

My dear husband was tired of me complaining about how my butt hurt after our bike rides and how my gears wouldn't change properly so he finally got me a new bike! I love it. I got fitted for the bike (very important) - and I confirmed that I have freakishly long arms, and I test rode about 6 bikes. I finally narrowed it down to this sleek hybrid lightweight Apollo bike.
Now I'm looking for accessories - a basket and saddle bags (as if I don't have those already, if you know what I mean)
My absolute favorite is the lace basket (shown in green) - it's a bit pricey compared the rest of them. Now I have to decide if I go with lacy, vintage, or industrial/practical

Here are some options for saddle bags - picnic ready or everyday. What do you think?
All photos from Amazon.com.