New Blooms

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'

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

New cushion designs in my etsy shop, here.

Recession buster Christmas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.