objects of whimsy

Brown Owls Footscray First Meeting Tomorrow Night!!!!!

2011-03-23T14:52:00.000+11:00

If you are in the neighborhood please drop in we would love to have you. I know I have a lot on my plate but I need an outlet away from the pooter and since there was no group in my neighborhood before I knew it I sort of started one :)

You can find the details over at the Brown Owls Blog here.

Drawing Challenge: Whisper

2011-03-05T13:46:00.001+11:00

Managed to get this one posted before I go.......
Thanks to Jasmin over at jazzytwoshoes. A wonderful theme producing some interesting responses. Please visit you will enjoy.......

Work has overwhelmed me.......

2011-03-05T12:10:00.001+11:00

Thats not me....obviously, but that desk could be mine.
Im going to have to take a break from blogging for 4 weeks till I get my working life under control.
Ive started back teaching....did I tell you I was a teacher?....anyway I teach and the first couple of weeks are nightmarish not the actual teaching part just the bureaucratic seemingly endless paperwork that comes with the beginning of each semester.
It gobsmacks in this day and age that we are still reliant on antiquated paper form systems but there you are no amount of complaining will reduce the amount and I have to accept it and get on with it.
Trying to fit it in with my external design work makes for not very much spare time. So I will be still popping in to comment on everyones blogs ( I refuse to give that up) and will patiently wait to post on my own.
The Matriarchs are still with me they are staying an extra week I will of course make sure that I log a few activities with them ready to post next month.

Thanks for being patient hope you will come back and visit real soon :)

The Little House of Sickness

2011-02-26T12:30:00.001+11:00

Welcome to the house of Gastro

Wednesday: Matriarchs arrive pick them up from train station go home.

Thursday: Spend lovely day with Matriarchs opshopping (found some marvellous things more on that later) headed home and Aunty Glad felt a bit odd after eating her fish for lunch but thought it was indegestion.

Friday: I head to work feeling a little off leaving Matriarchs at home to do their thing. Get to work drank my coffee and 10 minutes later I knew that bad things were brewing in the tummy region. Crawled back home after 2 x train rides and a bus trip (I thought I was dying) fell into bed after inspecting Aunty also in bed.

Saturday: Im ill still after awful night, Husband has also gone down with same bug and is in bed too. Mother is fine poaching eggs and stuffing face with toast. hmmmm!

Ill be back later when Ive recovered and I dont get pains in my fingers as I type........enjoy your weekend!

Pearl's Room

2011-02-22T11:33:00.001+11:00

dresser

curtains

pillow

car mosaics

vintage blanket

hand woven rug

mobiles

mobile

This is my little niece Pearls room.

Her Mum Nicole is in the process of making Pearls room a space Pearly would like to spend time in.

Iam making Pearl a couple of cushions for her bed so took these photos for inspiration.

Im liking the colours of the pillow and curtains edged with the black from the rug.

What do you think?

Good Morning!!

2011-02-21T10:48:00.001+11:00

What Im eating:

What Iam making:

What I hope to make soon:

opshop find

What Im listening to:

ABC Local Radio

What Im planning to visit:

Mirka Mora

What Im working on:

line25.com

Well after the excitement of the weekends drawing challenge Ive decided to start the week with a lovely project inspired by Her Library Adventures. Ive been wanting to crochet one big square for a cushion for awhile now I think Im ready for it so when I saw Sophies lovely efforts I really had to start one right then and there......well ASAP. A coupla rounds here.......a different colour there and look how far I got without even trying!
The only trouble is I had great intentions for finishing off my wrap around skirt? but just didnt feel up to it. Next week Ill get to it no worries.

Do you not just adore these woolly legs? I do!
Im thinking it might be one of the projects for when Matriarchs arrive next week hopefully. Patriarch (Uncle) had a hospital visit scheduled for next week so Matriarchs may have to delay visit.

I hope not because I had plans for a picnic at Heide Museum of Modern Art with a visit to see the wonderful and inspiring Mirka Mora exhibition.
Fingers crossed!

A superfood packed breakfast: Oatflakes, cinnamon, blueberries, skimmilk, homemade plain yogurt.

You can learn about CSS here

Drawing Challenge: Patchwork

2011-02-19T12:39:00.005+11:00

Here it is my artwork for the patchwork challenge.
Ink drawings.
This is a patchwork of my sketches from my journal for my card range that I am in the process of handprinting/handcolouring. (very excited!)
Just leave a comment below when youve finished your challenge drawing cant wait to see them.....

UPDATE******
Well the ideas and artwork responses to the theme are really quite amazing this is such an interesting exercise to see what can be interpreted by many individuals from a single word.
You can check out the works by clicking on the comments below and heading over to the individual blogs a nice way to spend some time on the weekend methinks!

patchwork inspiration

2011-02-18T22:59:00.000+11:00

Drawing Challenge: Patchwork

2011-02-14T19:44:00.009+11:00

Well last weeks drawing challenge was responded to in such a diverse range of ideas mediums and techniques. Its amazes me at how many creative people populate the planet.

This weeks theme (as designated by moi) is 'patchwork' this can be literal or conceptual. Im getting very excited to see what you wonderful people come up with.....roll on the weekend!

Mission: reminding us to draw, paint, conceptualise and create.

How it works:
A host picks a theme, and posts the challenge on their blog.
Bloggers who want to join leave a comment saying they are in.
The following Saturday the drawings are shown on the blogs and the host links to all the participants.

A new host is also presented for the following week.

So, are you in? The date to publish your drawings will be on the Saturday of each week

Let me know with a comment below if you are joining us for the challenge and Ill add you to this post with a link to your blog.

Participants this week so far are:
Jasmine
Stephanie
Nadine
Ariane
Rachel
Elisabeth

Morning all how was your weekend?

2011-02-14T00:10:00.001+11:00

I tried this:

air dry clay

I finished this:

a dolls blanket...Tilly likes the loose ends!

I longed for these:

Anthropologie how I love thee....

1: jovo white air dry bag 1kg

2: granny square dolls blanket

3 4 5: Anthropologie

what a coupla duffers!!

2011-02-12T11:27:00.001+11:00

Oh boy! I truly wonder sometimes if my brain is getting addled as I get older.
Last night I found proof that it has.

The husband and I were tottling home after a couple of end of week drinkypoos at the pub when all of a sudden there were lovely red and blue disco lights lighting up the interior of the car.

It is a rare occasion when we are afforded the attentions of our constabulary but there they were indicationg that we pull over.

Husbands first comment was" its a good thing you arent driving" (I didnt think I was that bad...) and there was me thinking "hope the hub isnt over the limit".

We were worrying unduly of course..... they werent interested in our alcohol fumed breaths but rather the fact we were driving an unregistered car!!!!!!!

Bugga!

Id forgotten all about it and so had the hubby.

After the issuing of the fine (hate to think what its going to be) we drove straight home as requested and sheepishly paid our rego online.

There was none of the usual apportioning of blame as to whose fault it was rather a more general consensus that fault lay in the degeneration of brain cells due to impending old age.

What a coupla of duffas!

Drawing Challenge: Sky + Scenery

2011-02-12T09:19:00.002+11:00

Drawing Challenge: Sky and Scenery

This week was probably more about process than anything conceptual. Using photoshop in a rudimentary way to create my little scene. The urge to let lines lie as they appeared and not erase them was quite hard. I realise that perfection is sought after in the computer generated work whereas we are more forgiving in the use of ink and paper.

I had other ideas more in line with my usual process of drawing and staging and documenting in photos but I had to adapt to the fact that natural light has been non existent in Melbourne this week and therefore change my expectations of what the end work would look like.

I dont love it and I dont dislike it.

Looking forward to seeing the others: Stephanie, Elisabeth, Ariane, Jazz, Lilli, Rachel and Hanna Happenings please forgive if Ive left anyone out or let me know and Ill add you in!

excited!!!!!! crafting matriarchs are coming to stay!

2011-02-09T15:54:00.004+11:00

Not them but how I remember them as a kid they were very
groovy, gorgeous and fashionable.
Mostly by their own hand.

Yes they are......... its confirmed they will be spending a week with me to whip me into craftershape and I cant wait.

Who are these matriarchs you may ask? Well, one is Margaret my mother the other is Aunty Glad.
They will be catching The Overland train to Melbourne (they like the train) and then staying with me and the hubby and my house will be transformed into crafting heaven.
I will be receiving instructions from them in crocheting, knitting and sewing for the week.

Im feeling slightly nervous about putting my rather rudimentary skills on the table I mean we are talking serious craftswomen here and some of the best display of skills Ive seen.

My Aunty's crocheting is so intricate and complex, Im hoping that she wont be too frustrated with my beginners luck I did teach myself afterall and I know I dont hold the wool right yet.
As for my Mum she is just plain scary she doesnt use patterns when she sews she doesnt bat an eyelid cutting straight into $100/m fabric. She can sew anything from intricate corsetry to bridal wear. Her knitting is also awe inspiring.
At least shes aware of my crafting limitations.
Many a time we have held each other up as we cried with laughter at one of my 'creations' which she has then remedied into something wearable. But Im hoping my Aunty Glad is going to take me past the granny square stage and attempt an actual crochet pattern.

Im thinking it might be best to have specific projects in mind but all in all I think it will be a week of wool, fabric, needles and hooks and I cant wait!!!!!!

Ill promise to take some pics so you can see pure skill in action (them not me of course!)

I covet: Moominland

2011-02-08T17:04:00.000+11:00

Okay I dont own these and probably never will but if I did I would covet these.
Noone but I would be able to touch them.
I would move them around the house with me so I could look at them as much as I needed too.
They would become my constant companions..............here are yet again some objects that could lure me away from the sunny shores of Australia to the cold climes of Europe.
Yes, Im pretty certain I would move house for these.
Sounds insane right?

Monday #3: Sibella Court

2011-02-07T10:59:00.000+11:00

Australian Stylist: Sibella Court

http://www.thesocietyinc.com.au/

Sibella and Society Inc

18 Stewart Street Paddington, NSW

2021 AUSTRALIA

SHOP HOURS:

Wednesday – Saturday

10am til 5pm

Phone us: +612.9331.1592

Email us: shop@thesocietyinc.com.au

Sibella + etcetera etc.

Packed with tips of the interior stylist’s trade, Etcetera is a lavishly photographed interiors book in which every image demonstrates a clear and easily replicable principle that will help transform a room without the need for expensive and permanent renovation. You can find it here.

Sibella Style

Sibella’s style invokes strong emotional responses by providing a sophisticated and original take on a brief. Her instinctual understanding of colour and form lends itself perfectly to both the large sets as well as the smallest still life. Sibella is a rare stylist that can equally work successfully with both an elaborate as well as simple environment.

Sibella + Donna Hay

Sibella’s highly creative and clever styling saw her collaborating with Donna Hay to develop the highly distinctive “simple, desirable and achievable” style that Donna’s brand now personifies.

Sibella + Anthropologie

Her most recent foray into the TV world was shooting an episode with US based Anthropologie store owner, Keith Johnson for his Sundance Channel show, ‘Man Shops Globe’. Based on her view & love of Sydney : its artists&craftspeople, restaurants, creatives, galleries, shops & distinct products. To be released mid 2010 With a continuing creative concept developer&curator for Anthropologie USA&UK, Sibella now calls Sydney home again but continues to live out her nomadic ways by travelling regularly around the globe for work and inspiration!

Sibella + Murobond

The Society inc’s Sibella Court and Murobond’s colourist Rowena Judd have worked closely over the past 2 years to develop 11 beautifully themed colour palettes.

My thoughts

Truly inspirational, I feel that Sibella Court will become in Australian terms, the Margaret Fulton of styling. What she brings to the table will have a generational effect on how Australians view and respond to their surroundings both in the home and the wider community.

Her travels around the world combined with her Australian foundation truly represent the multicultural threads of the Australian fabric.

Repurposing, recycling and reusing has been at the heart of her work longer than it has been fashionable. She is a true master of transcending an object of its original function and context.

Her groupings of object and colour are truly amazing, complex stories of travel and history you are left with a sense of the past, the present and the future.

The book is a visual feast that has a gradual absorption level. I have had this book for 2 years now and it still feels new everytime I read it.

It will have a US and European release in March 2011 keep an eye out for it.

Note: All images and words (apart from the My thoughts section) are the sole property of Sibella Court and have been referenced from The Society Inc Website. You may not claim these as your own nor lift from this site without crediting from the original source: thesocietyinc.com.au.

My thoughts section: These words are copyright of Helen Bordeaux 2011. If you wish to use this text you can email me for permission. This post has been created as an informative post to create awareness of Design Principles and Practices.

Drawing Challenge: Home + Stilllife

2011-02-07T09:43:00.000+11:00

My Favorite Plate

Focussing on the everyday objects around my house ones I use everyday.

I go out of my way to use this plate everyday the colour and pattern feed me creatively as well as physically. Often the way possessions and objects unconsciously come together in groupings that visually please me will cause me to stop what Im doing and reflect. This is what I feel when I combine home with still in my everyday life.

Drawing Challenge: Home

5kg!!!!!!!

2011-02-06T14:46:00.001+11:00

Okay Im going to let you all in on a nice bit of news.

As you may know my resolution this year was to get fit and lose weight.

Well not wanting to blow my own trumpet (but Iam anyway!!!) I lost 5kg (11lbs) in January.
I can also run non stop for 12 minutes (I havent run in over 15 years!!!).

My main goal for February is surprisingly not weight related. Of course I still want and need to lose more weight and I still plan to carry on with my healthier eating style which Iam really loving.

What is a total revelation to me is that my main goal (and I totally desire it) is to build upon my running. I want to be up to 20 minutes continuously by March.

You know Im more than a little chuffed with myself because I have done all of this without a personal trainer or gym instructor. I have taken responsibility for my health and well being by arming myself with knowledge and its working!!!!!

What Im listening to this grey rainy morning in Melba

2011-02-05T08:28:00.001+11:00

Coffee machine is warming up.
Rain falling on roof smell of rain mingles with the smell of coffee beans.
Noone else is up yet.....that lovely post-rain quiet.
Uggies on feet, dressing gown on, standing at the sink looking at the wet green garden listening to this sweet sounding man.
Just perfect?
well almost, that damn cat (see profile thumbnail) will not shutup! her annoying persistent "me first! biscuits nooooooow!!!!!" yowling.... sheesh! cant a girl set the scene for a nice quiet saturday morning without being interupted?

TENTLONDON SHOW 2011

2011-02-01T22:48:00.000+11:00

I discovered this event last year on my internet travels. The 2011 show isnt till 22-25 September in Trent Brewery in London UK.

Some of my favorite designs from last years show Ive popped in below.

marakana pouffe

pillowcases

Louis Poulsen PH5/50

cushion & rug

millergoodman shop blocks

Pay it Forward Update

2011-01-30T15:15:00.001+11:00

Did you see this?
Perhaps on another blog perhaps on mine.
I can tell you its a really fun thing to do
a little daunting? perhaps
a little exciting? absolutely!

If you want to be involved you can find out how to here. If you are looking for a spot there are some vacancies here and here.
Come on get involved you know it'll be fun.

Drawing Challenge: Home

2011-01-29T23:09:00.000+11:00

I really loved this challenge and thinking about how the home and heart are inextricably linked. When separated both suffer. One is rented and not quite loved as it should be and the other just aches to be back together.

Thanks to Milady Productions for hosting this weeks challenge: home.

Next weeks challenge theme is Sky & Scenery.

If you want to join in visit Lillis blog and put your name in.

Last weeks challenge: paper doll

Lisa's new outfits!

2011-01-28T11:45:00.000+11:00

Okay I may be liking this challenge just a teensy bit too much.
The hubby is thinking Im a bit demented too. He keeps looking at me...... worriedly!
I may have to keep my outfit making to a minimum heeheehee!
Heres a couple to begin with but there is plenty more on the way. I was so keen to get them finished that they are a little rough (it was late at night) but I kind of like it as its keeping with memory of my paperdoll making as a child.
Might be an idea just to make this a post feature because Im thinking that you all might probably get bored with Lisa if I keep saturating my blog with posts about her. I hope you like anyway.

Paper Doll Challenge

2011-01-28T00:24:00.001+11:00

Paper Doll Challenge

One of my readers Jasmin alerted me to a challenge being run by Elisabeth over at textilspanlien where you design and create your own paper doll with some outfits to wear. Im a little late for this one but couldnt resist anyway.

This challenge reminded me of when my sister and I were young we went through a phase (well several years really) where we would make our own paper dolls and outfits.

They started out quite basic and over time we honed the design to suit our needs such as giving more room in the crotch area when we wanted them to ride the paper horses we made them.

My sister and I would spend hours making and playing with these dolls. We saw the endless possibilities of creating what didn’t exist in real life.

I think in the end my Mum threw them out, having 5 children meant she had a low tolerance for mess.

My sister and I still talk about them and lament that they didn’t survive our childhood.

So when this challenge came up I decided to channel my inner child and recreate one of my childhood dolls. It was strange how quickly the construction techniques came back to me.

I hope you like “Lisa” (my favourite name at the time) she is a little more mature in the face but the body shape is pretty right.

And now for the clothes……

The challenge is to encourage people who love to draw to draw. They are based on weekly themes and if you are interested in participating Elisabeth has posted the details here.

My Creative Space

2011-01-28T00:24:00.000+11:00

Ive been busy this week.
Working on several things such as paper dolls (lots of fun) photographing my mikodesign rabbit kit I finished, and crotcheting squares for a dolly rug for my niece Frankie. Here it is...the beginning.

Kootyoo: My creative space

Bonjour! From Paris in Melbourne

2011-01-27T18:49:00.000+11:00

Bonjour!

Well I have finally finished Paris my beautiful Bunny kit from Mikodesign.

It has been a real pleasure constructing the rabbit and then making the outfit. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

I may have mentioned before that the lovely Erika also sent me some patterns for a vest, pants and coat which I will tackle shortly.

Im sure Paris will need more than one outfit if she is holidaying in Paris don’t you?

Perhaps a knitted red scarf too and a felt beret. I think I could get seriously carried away here.

You can view the kit as I received it here.

Did I also tell you that Erika has a wonderful blog?

When youre done here why dont you pop over for a visit I know Erika would love to have you come visit.

A mixed bag post

2011-01-26T16:40:00.000+11:00

Its a mixed bags today folks.
Ive been taking it easy on this Australia Day holiday just cruising the net and thought I would share some of the lovely finds I found along the way.

1. my beautiful cushion I got in an oppy for a $1.00
2. & 3. Anthropologie (love this site!)
4. & 5. woodyloo via etsy
6. Freshyfig via etsy
7. fawnandlark via etsy
8.wintermilk via etsy.

Happy Australia Day to all Aussies and to the rest I hope your day is happy also.

Monday #2 Brigita Ozolins

2011-01-24T10:37:00.001+11:00

I had the great fortune to study under this very talented and prolific Artist. Based in Hobart Tasmania, Brigita is well respected amongst her peers both nationally and internationally. Her work ethic is phenomenal and her work very interesting a combination of installation, art and design. Please when you get the time visit her website you wont be disappointed. As part of her art projects Spogulis 2007 about her return to her mothers birthplace Lativia Brigita kept a blog. It makes the most fascinating read about her personal journey worth checking out also.

I have my work cut out for me, 2001

Look On, 2005

The truth shall make you free, 2007

Still As, 2006

SPOGULIS, National Library of Latvia, 2007

Artist Statement

I make art about the links between language, knowledge, history, bureaucracy and identity, themes that stem from my interests in the book, the word and the library. To convey my ideas, I use a wide range of materials including books, handwriting, digital media, furniture, office equipment, signwriter's vinyl and mirrored perspex. My work usually takes the form of installation, is often text-based and site-specific, and sometimes incorporates ritualistic writing performances.

Granny Square Boxes

2011-01-22T19:39:00.000+11:00

Just experimenting and improving my crotchet skills nothing like the previous post but one must start somewhere mustnt one!
Im not completely happy with design yet needs some work in strengthening the sides.

On Thursday the hooby and I went for a drive to Rye on the Mornington Peninsula. I loved it I could seriously live there. The lovely wool tapestry of the bird I bought for a $1 in the local opshop. Ill show you the rest of the bargains soon.

sorry about the quality of pics the slr wasnt charged so it was the trusty iphone that came to the rescue.

Dana Barnes

2011-01-22T09:41:00.002+11:00

the oversized granny squares that make me drool

crotchet and fibre queen herself!

closeup of the supersized grannysquares

her bedroom (sigh!)

her braided rug and cushions

one of her assistants (yes she has 2 assistants) crocheting a granny square

Good morning everyone its a lovely grey day in Melba today I thought I would start the day off in cheery style with the delightful and absolutely crazy work of fibre artist Dana Barnes. This woman has taken crotcheting a granny square to another level. Im slightly obssessed with granny squares at the moment my own tiny bundle of achievements pale into insignificance against these oversized relatives. I hope you love them as much as I do.

PS: a little fact about the process: Dana has said that she has worn out 3 washing machines preparing the roving wool ready for crotcheting. Hmmm maybe not a project to try out at home! hee hee hee

Well must fly husband at door jingling keys we are off to Sth Melba Markets mmmm coffee here I come.

I covet: my Grandmothers craft in progress

2011-01-19T14:38:00.000+11:00

Well Wednesday will bring another new post feature for 2011 "I covet".

"I covet" will be about things I value and why.

For the first "I covet" post I have chosen some of the things I chose from my Grandmothers estate when she passed away. While others were squabbling over TVs and jewelry I happily chose things that reminded me of my Gran. They all thought I was slightly bonkers when I retrieved items out of the trailer ready for the tip.

But the joy I experience when I look at these items that still smell like my Gran wont be had with a diamond brooch she never wore. I figure if I want a diamond brooch I can always buy my own.

The items Im showing today are these unfinished knitting projects wrapped in a beautiful white linen napkin. These I found in the same bag with her wire rack of embroidery cottons still with such vivid colour and those beautiful wooden reels just heavenly.

I wonder if you have precious mementos such as these that are all about emotional value rather than monetary. If you would like to share please do would love to hear about it.

Pay it Forward Handmade

2011-01-17T22:27:00.002+11:00

Are you looking for something fun to do to kick start 2011?

Are you creative person who loves to share?

Would you like to receive something handmade from me?

Read on...

Felicity over at giftsofserendipity has given me the opportunity to participate in her 'Pay It Forward Handmade', giveaway.

This is how it works:

I promise something handmade to the FIRST 5 people who leave a comment here. However, to be eligible, you must by offering something handmade to 5 other people, repost this post on your own blog. What you gift must be handmade by you, and it must be sent to your 5 giftees sometime in 2011.

The steps to follow:

Step 1

Download "pay it forward" logo from here

Step2

Create post offering 5 readers same opportunity as I have done here (you can use the words I have used if you want)

Step3

Once you have published the post on your blog come back to me and paste the link of your post in my post comments.

So on your Marks......... Ready, set, GO!

Monday 1: Sonia Delaunay Terk

2011-01-17T10:27:00.000+11:00

A new regular feature of the OofW blog is called Monday where I will be featuring Artists, Designers and Design Objects both past and present. I hope you will join me in exploring the wonderful world of art and Design that is available to us. I have to begin this new post feature with my favourite artist who started it all for me. I can only hope to be as prolific and industrious as this remarkable Artist/Designer. Its with great pleasure that I introduce you to Sonia Delaunay. Enjoy!

Sonia Delaunay Terk
Gradižsk 1885 - Paris 1979

Biography
Sonia Delaunay-Terk, maiden name Stern, was born in Gradižsk in the Ukraine in 1885. She discovered her vocation for art at an early age and studied drawing at the Akademie der Bildenden Künste in Karlsruhe between 1903 and 1905. Then she moved to Paris. During her schooling there at the Académie de la Palette she made works which are clearly influenced by Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh and the Fauves . Her marriage with Robert Delaunay, an ambitious artist of the Parisian Avant-garde, was determined by a mutual inspiration to colourful compositions. Both artists intensively dealt with the depiction of light and movement and found a new artistic form of expression on the base of a simultaneous contrast. Sonia Delaunay's paintings were preceded by numerous colour studies, which dealt with the problem of light, colour and movement. Her painting 'Bal Bullier' from 1913 transferred the image of rhythmic dance moves into circling forms, which were mixed in the centre of the painting with pure colours. The transfer of this artistic aim to every-day life, from fashion design, interior decoration to book design made the artist one of the most important members of the Art-Déco movement. In 1913 the first so-called 'simultaneous dresses' were executed, which inspired the poet Blaise Cendrars to her poem 'Sur la robe elle a un corps'. After spending some time in Portugal in 1914 Delaunay and her family lived in Madrid. Here she met Sergei Diaghilew (1872-1929), for whose 'Ballets Russes' she designed the costumes and the stage sets. She returned to Paris after the end of World War I., where she made the sets for Dadaist plays and films. The decoration of a pavilion at the World Exhibition in 1937 was a joint highlight in the couple's artistic career. Sonia Delaunay received the gold medal for her fresco 'Portugal' at the 'Pavillon des Chemins de Fer'. After world war II. she attended increasingly to painting and painted during an intensive and powerful period of creativity the large series 'Rhythme', 'Rhythme coloré' and 'Rhythmes-couleurs'. Sonia Delauney died in Paris in 1979.

Post References

http://at-swim-two-birds.blogspot.com/2009/06/i-love-sonia.html

http://www.sonia-delaunayterk.com/

A new top, some new wool and some crafty paper

2011-01-13T15:05:00.000+11:00

Its been sale time at Spotlight for the last couple of weeks so I dropped in for some bargains actually Im looking for a new sewing machine but of course didnt leave the place empty handed.

TOP: Im planning on creating a variation of an existing top that I have. Just varying the neckline and shoulder detail.

WOOL: The wool has already become granny squares! Ive completed 4 and still crotcheting like a mad thing. Its what I do instead of snacking in front of the telly at night.

PAPER: I love paper and some of the scrapbooking paper that is available is so gorgeous. I fell in love with these cheap and cheery packs.

LUNCH: My Tuna Bean Salad. Its about the only dish I want to eat in this muggy weather. It makes for a great leftover lunch for work as it doesn’t have lettuce or other veggies that tend to go soggy if stored in the fridge. Best thing is its great for the waistline.

RECIPE: TUNA BEAN SALAD for 4

Approx 230 calories per serve.

INGREDIENTS: Tuna 400g tin (I used pink salmon this time)

1x400g can of 4 bean mix rinsed/strained

1 cup of diced red pepper/capsicum

1 cup of diced cucumber

½ cup of baby beets cubed

½ cup of parsley cut into the salad in bits

2 Tsp of plain yogurt

¼ cup of fish brine from can

Drizzle of olive oil

Juice of a lemon

1 tspn of turmeric

1tspn of cracked black pepper

Basically mix all salad vegetables and beans together in a bowl. Add brine, oil, lemon juice. Add fish. Add turmeric, pepper and parsley. Mix together taking care not to turn the fish into mush. Serve and top with plain yogurt a sprinkle of turmeric and pepper for colour.

Then eat……… MMMM!

Whats for lunch at your place today?

Bonjour! Look what I finished on the weekend.............

2011-01-12T09:25:00.000+11:00

I finally got round to finishing the Miko Paris Rabbit Kit.

Now on with the clothes!

The lovely Erika also sent patterns for extra clothes besides the cute little skirt and bag that came with the kit. The instructions made it very easy to make and it didnt take long once I got started.

Ill post some pics of Paris (aptly named) when she has a wardrobe.

Queensland Flood Relief

2011-01-11T14:43:00.001+11:00

Today I was going to post about things that in light of the floods in Queensland suddenly seem insignificant. What is unfolding with the floods is truly a tragedy. It breaks my heart to witness the footage that is being broadcasted on tv. It is unimaginable otherwise.

I urge people to keep these unfortunate communities in our thoughts now and into the future as they will need our help long after the water is gone.

Victorians will know how important this help and support is from the Bushfires of 2009.

If you feel helpless and want to help by donation I have included below the webpage set up by the QLD government offering the opportunity to do so.

http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html

They are asking people not to donate food, clothing or furniture at this stage as logistically they do not have the resources or facilities to process them.

So if you can spare 1 dollar or 100 dollars please donate to this much needed worthy cause.

Another fundraiser for the crafty community can be found here

Thankyou!

What I plan to read this year.........

2011-01-08T18:20:00.000+11:00

I must confess there are several books in my bookcase that I haven’t read for awhile or even worse not read at all. When I tidied the bookcase during the week I decided to gather some books to read.

I am starting with this stack.

Ive already completed the first one: The Death of Bunny Munro by Nick Cave.

This is a perfect holiday book because its one of those fast reads. I was caught up in the first sentence and found it hard to put down to eat drink sleep etc…..

I am now onto the next: My Place by Sally Morgan.

This is an old fav of mine if you haven’t read it yet you must it is the only way to understand our Australian history and why it was so incredibly important to say sorry.

What books are you reading at the moment? Im always open to suggestions of a good read

Note: Making History (2nd book from bottom) is by the delightful Stephen Fry.

What Im listening to today

2011-01-06T12:35:00.000+11:00

Gillian Welch

My daughter gave me this cd for christmas and I absolutely love it! I cant stop listening to it, singing along to it....poor Stan what he has to endure sometimes! You can buy her here or here.

Shes pretty good live as well........................

Enjoy the beautiful day, Im still doing well on my diet and I have my first gym appointment tonight. WOOHOO!!!!! Very excited..... no seriously I really am very excited about getting active again.

Designer Maker: Katie Thompson

2011-01-05T09:11:00.002+11:00

Recreate is a cutting edge interior design range started by Katie Thompson in 2009.

Using pieces of discarded junk, Katie recreates a unique, recycled range of furniture, lighting and interior accessories, each piece infused with its own previous character but with a new function. By blending South African craftsmanship, with high end finishes and her own eclectic perfectionist flair, Katie creates an original end product with a new integrity that epitomizes the very best of South African design.

I am a fan of repurposing manmade objects to extend their life and to keep innovation alive. Katie's range of items are a wonderful example of repurposing discarded 'past their use by date' objects. These are just a few of her repurposed designs her site is definitely worth a visit.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!! 2011

2011-01-02T16:44:00.001+11:00

Well goodness here we are beginning a new year and anticipating or dreading? what it may bring us. NYE as per usual consisted of my partner and myself sharing champagne with the christmas tree lights on (for the last time) tacky TV going in the corner and us making resolutions/goals for the coming year. We really enjoy this type of interaction in fact we will sit and discuss our journey through life in depth over a quiet bevvy without much encouragement anytime of the year.

So what was decided as our resolutions, goals and pathways through 2011?

Personally,
I need to lose 20kg (might take longer than a year but I have to start it) I have a strategy to nip in the bud the mindless 'Im bored eating habit' I have and that is to crotchet a granny square before I mindlessly eat a snack. (good one hey! might have a stack of blankets by the end of the year which would make great presents!)

I need to get some exercise in my life there is a YMCA just round the corner from me. So the Hube and I are going to join and we have set a goal of an hours exercise everyday for next 3 months and we will evaluate it at the end (over a bevvy no doubt!)

Be better organised in my daily life. I cant handle the stress of an unorganised life it really makes me not a nice person you know the shouty overstrung wire sort. I like to know what is happening and when it is happening and how it is going to happen. Im not big on surprises especially the nasty variety that make for a whole lot of stress. Since coming to Melba my life has been a take it as it comes type of lifestyle which can be eye twitchingly stressful at times.

Creatively my goals are (hopefully with the newly organised life) to:

Blog regularly I have plans to introduce some new regular weekly posts but more on that later!

Set monthly craft and design goals and see them through to the finish.

Think about some post graduate studies (I need to finish my deferred studies)

Keep drawing and designing in my journals (not so hard since I cant really go a day without some kind of drawing)

Join a local craft group. I would dearly love to join a crafting group so I can share the experience of crafting with like minded people.

Work in collaboration on a project. I love working in collaborations to achieve a project or venture. Since coming to Melba 3 yrs ago and not knowing anyone has seen me working solo for too long. Ill be on the look out in 2011!

Well thats about it for me whats on the cards for you in 2011 any exciting plans or ideas or radical changes to ones lifestyle? If you have any resolutions or goals and youre dying to share them feel free to add them here I would love to know what your plans are!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2010-12-26T10:28:00.001+11:00

Wishing you all a safe and happy Christmas break I wont be posting until the New Year so see you all in 2011!

the presents went down a treat.

OOPS!!!! crafty gift wrapping tutorial here....

2010-12-21T09:31:00.000+11:00

Sorry friends! just realised the link was not taking you to the right page I have fixed it in previous post or you can click here.

Another tutorial..... Gift Wrapping & Decorating ideas

2010-12-20T21:35:00.002+11:00

Another tutorial I am on a roll I thought I would share my ideas on how Im going to wrap and decorate my presents this year.I hope you like them. They will reflect the gifts inside them which are locally made items.
I hope you enjoy! Please let me know what your thoughts are on my tutorials (if you have any!) Thanks!

How to make a wreath for all seasons

2010-12-17T10:32:00.004+11:00

I have posted a tutorial on how to make a christmas wreath from greenery in your garden. I have a barn door that is quite bare and as I spend a lot of time staring at it out my studio window I decided that I would decorate it with a wreath.
This is a nice idea if you are having an outdoors christmas lunch and you want tasteful not tinsel to get you into the festive spirit.
The tutorial can be adapted to any occasion or style the principals are pretty easy.You just need to remember to overlay your decorating elements and wire underneath to hide it.

I like the fact that you can reuse the hoop and wire to redress your wreath for different looks and styles.

Hope you have fun making one it took me under 1/2 an hour to complete.

Let me know if the tutorial is easy or not easy to follow I would appreciate the feedback as I hope to post more.

Wedding Rings

2010-12-15T20:03:00.004+11:00

Ive been looking at getting myself a new wedding ring. When I got married some 13 years ago I did my wedding on a shoestring budget of $1100.

Yes I hear you all gasping in disbelief but its true I did and it can be done though some of you might not cope well with the picking out of flowers at the local florist on the morning of the wedding.

I also confess that the venue and catering were my wedding present from my brother who ran a café and gallery at the time and my sister in law did the photography.

My original ring is lovely but its not really that comfortable to wear everyday (I have callouses) so Im going to get a new one made. So now it’s a question of finding a designer and a style that I like. I have found some amazing inspiration from some very talented designer/makers. I love the textural handcrafted look (of course!)

The designers are listed below according to the order of the pics.

pics 1,2,3

Rosa Maria, Lebanese designer decided to develop her own style of jewellery, daring an “avant-gardiste” design, by mixing materials in an unconventional manner; she has shown her difference with her unstructured layered design.

pics 4,5,6,7

Satomi Kawakita is a New York City-based jewelry designer.

pics 8,9

Self taught and very talented Canadian Designer Kate Szabone.

Twelve Days to Christmas

2010-12-12T22:00:00.003+11:00

My goodness how busy have I been??????

Well busy enough that I didn’t get anywhere near objectsof whimsy all week. Most frustrating but as you can see I was still able to do a little collecting of some lovely stuff for you all to look at.

I finally got my haircut and I mean not a trim but a proper cut. (looks a bit like this but more like this!)

It took the poor girl (Olivia) at Barbarella Hair ages to get through the 4 year old thicket that had grown on my head I swear with the mound of hair that was on the floor I was expecting a shearer to walk in and bale up. There I have been overheating turning on the air con thinking there was a heatwave on when really it was because I was carrying a whole sheep on my head.

I can almost crotchet a granny square! Well okay a slightly deformed granny square but Im getting real close now. Im passed the single chain stage yay!

On Saturday I got the gocco printer out and printed this years Christmas cards (a little late I know) I finished the hand colouring this morning so they will hit the postbox tomorrow.

Links to the images (in same order as the images above)

Gooco printed cards (mine!)
Gocco printed cards hand coloured (mine!)
Snow Day Felt Holiday Ornament Craft Pattern (posie rosy little things)
Walk in the Woods Felt Ornament Craft Pattern (posie rosy little things)
Ice Skating Felt Ornament Craft Pattern (posie rosy little things)
The stone and lace tree (knittalatte etsy shop)
Felt gingerbread ornaments
Cute christmas stockings
Tartan Christmas elfs and Ornaments
Cute festive appliques (pics 10,11,12,13)Im loving the cat!

A store called woodwoolstool

2010-11-28T16:18:00.002+11:00

Discovered this amazing store whilst I was over at Erikas thanking her for my rabbit. I just had to share with you. The store is called woodwoolstool. The stools are amazing but I think I almost fainted when I saw her trees and garlands …….

Mikodesign by Erika via Elisabeth from Fine Little Day

2010-11-28T15:33:00.001+11:00

Its arrived!!!!!!

My lovely Fine Little Day Giveaway I won arrived on Friday all the way from the Nederlands and compliments from the very talented Erika from mikodesign.

My win was a gorgeous make your own rabbit kit.
Big Big Thankyou to Erika & Elisabeth!!!!!

Iam so excited as I have decided Im going to sew this bunny by hand Ill let you know how it goes.

I was so exciting to receive a parcel by post from overseas (cant remember the last time it happened and it wasn’t a purchase) I thought I would share it with you…. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

O Christmas Wreath Part 2

2010-11-23T18:48:00.002+11:00

so here are some more lovely wreaths to get you into the Christmas Spirit. Again, they are all available on Etsy and are handmade or vintage in style. Ive numbered the Etsy Shops to reflect the order of the images hope you enjoy!!!!
The Boiled lolly one (6) might not be very appropriate for Australia I have a vision of flies and ants but Im thinking somewhere cold it could be good and it does look very frosty and festive...dont you think? I also added a very festive deer hook most appropriate for a Christmas Wreath.

PortugueseVintage (a nice little deer hook to hang a wreath on!)
bitsandbarley
ArtisticStencils
SummerhavenDesigns
RaggedHome
justpretty
SisilyLove
Laughingcreekprod
Starlingink
Harvestmoonbyhand
Fioreblu
handmadecolectibles
Whatsnottolike
couldnt find the maker of the knitting needle wreath...sorry!
learn how to make this cute hanging button wreath here!
kypresjack designs

Well Im now feeling sufficiently Christmassy cant wait to get the tree up! I love all of these wreaths which one do you like best? Dont forget to check out the first lot of wreaths if you missed it youll find it here

O Christmas Wreath Part 1

2010-11-20T08:50:00.003+11:00

One of my favourite activities around Christmas time is to have a nosey at door wreaths when Im out walking. I just love a good door wreath. Im living in Footscray at the moment where there are very few door wreaths during the festive season and rarer still if they are worth looking at. So Im getting my Christmas wreath fix another way through........etsy!
Oh what fun it was to ride through the countless wreaths and I have handpicked some goodies for you to look at I tried to stick to the craft and handmade styles. Ive numbered the etsy shops and the pixs will run in the same order if you wish to purchase one.

~etsy shops~

I think my favourite is the painted dried fruit one (2) very rustic and gorgeous colours! There is 2 posts for this topic I will post the part 2 soon.

PS: Iam in the process of styling up my blog interface so there will be a few changes going on hopefully you will all be happy with the end result which will hopefully have better layout and use of blog tools and functions. Im getting there.....doing the tutes and reading up on what I need to do. Ill post some resources on that if anyone is interested. Well Im off and out of the house because its a glorious sunny day in the city of Melba time for a coffee in a nice little cafe...............mmmm dibellas here I come!

Frankie meet Stella and other magazines

2010-11-13T14:36:00.005+11:00

I love magazines in fact Ill admit that Im addicted to magazines.
Here are 10 facts about me and my relationship with magazines

I have every insideout issue since its conception (my old stalwart favourite which got me addicted)
I keep my past issues I mean EVERY one of them
I am a keen follower of both print mags and emags
They are the trigger for my creative process in other words they get me in the mood!
I use magazine stacks as furniture because I have to
If the Hooby gets frustrated by the piles of mags blocking his way and the what a waste of money argument is thrown out there I just merely point out that its better than his beer addiction which ultimately gets pee-ed down the drain!
I love to flick through past issues sipping on a coffee or tea on a rainy Saturday (today!!!! But Ill finish the post before I indulge)
My interest in mag genres vary greatly I love mags on graphics, multimedia, craft, art, interiors, furniture, architecture, sustainability, political, food, wine, coffee……………
I NEVER EVER deface a mag by removing pages, if I need the info to be transportable Ill take a foto of the page.
There are no self help groups for magazine addicts that I know of………thank goodness!
OOPS! I know I said 10 but actually there is 11…..I love small mag publications and self publishing Im in the middle of one now its progressing slowly but its getting there.

I thought you might like to see some of the mags Im interested in at the mo here are some of my current favourites hope you enjoy.

Frankie (Lara Burke, Jo Walker and Louise Bannister)
Latest Edition avail from here

Stella (Laura Terp Hansen)
First Edition avail from here cost is around AU$12 + AU$12 postage & handling

Anthology(Anh-Minh Le, Meg Mateo Ilasco)
Latest edition available here:
Mag Nation – 3 locations
Melbourne, Victoria
Prahran, Victoria
Newtown, NSW Australia

Insideout

Green

Realliving

Idn

lines&shapes (lena Corwin and Maria Vettese)
Various Publications avail from here varying prices in $US

blu
Can be viewed online just follow the link.

baseline typographic ( Hans Dieter Reichardt)
Publications from here

If you dont know them already I hope you enjoy finding new inspiration! Ill see you soon the Hooby just made me a cuppa and some mags are calling out to me bye!!!!!!!

What Im watching: Changing Education Paradigms

2010-11-11T21:51:00.001+11:00

A good friend Irene put me onto this one I love the concept as much as the visual delivery.

Eric Carles Hungry Caterpillar

2010-11-11T21:35:00.001+11:00

One of my daughter's favourite book (mine as well) when she was little was the classic Eric Carles The Hungry Caterpillar. I thought Id share some very hungry caterpillars with you hope you like them!

street art in Adelaide

A nice little kids craft project found at this site.

The wonderfully talented Lyndsay Sung from cococake has kindly posted her howto bake and decorate this fab hungry caterpillar childrens birthday cake. Her blog has other wonderful cakes to make and decorate as well!

Creative Quilt Kits has a selection of fabric and quilting panels.

A very cute t-shirt!

busy busy busy!!!!!!and looking for summer sandals

2010-11-10T08:57:00.001+11:00

My goodness are these days and weeks whizzing by at an alarming rate for anyone else? or is it just me I cant seem to get on top of things at the moment. Working on a new website Ill post some pics when its ready and published.
Im in the market for some new sandals there are definite 'must haves' a sandal has to have for me since Im the owner of size 10 flippers and Im very cuddly in shape and stature.
Must haves for my shoes are:
low straps nothing too high up on the foot or around the ankle.
nice flat and slim sole (very important if the sole is chunky I look like I have boats for feet) unless of course they are wedges or clogs.
no thong style just a set of thinnish straps (3 is good!) to break up the vast surface of my foot.
a covered heel is also good as it gives the support to the foot to keep it inside the sandal.

So have been looking looking for leather handmade sandals on etsy and just the web in general and found a few that I thought I might share with you.
The following sandals are from Tuto on etsy

These from Michael Kors

a little crochet pair kind of cute if you are small and petite not me though! oh they are from etsy store soleil dua tutomme

Diana Furstenberg just love the colours and shapes a little bit of fancypants!

What am I listening too at the mo...........

2010-10-30T14:08:00.001+11:00

Tis is what Im listening to at the mo
baby its cold outside CD ABC you can find it here

love this perfect even when its hot outside!

Loving this space: Collected by Tas-ka

love this book! (a book on modern interiors) not sure where I saw this........but enjoy the pics

Enjoy the wet day if youre in the Southern end of Australia but dont those gardens look splendid with the water particularly the roses.

my coffee to kickstart the morning

2010-10-28T16:49:00.002+11:00

I do make my own coffee.
I have a cheap Sunbeam in bright red cost me $120 (bargain) if you let it heat up it makes a perfect coffee creme and all. The secret is in the grinder (it cost more than the coffee machine!!) took me awhile to work out the best grind for the machine. Oh and the right coffee bean is a must so its Dibellas Felici my favourite all rounder for flavour.
Dibellas is excellent for beans and coffee the secret is that you get a complimentary coffee if you buy a bag of beans.......has me convinced because I drive there regularly from Footerscray to Nth Melba to partake in the Dibella magic....mmmmmmmm!

Ken Done Classics, a wonderful weaving find and knitting patterns!!!!

2010-10-27T13:18:00.004+11:00

Dont you just love it when you think to yourself Ill just pop into that opshop for a quick squizz..............and find some wonderful things that make your day. I know I do. Today I did just that and came home with these and a lovely little creamy white occasional table and a nice cardie for the man. All for under 25 bucks. Love it!

Lovin the jelly sandals and bright colours!

An exercise book jammed with how to weave research!

Teenage Dolly Fashion!

A fat vinyl folder full of fab knitting patterns
Cant imagine wearing wool to the beach in 45 degree heat but loved the pattern all the same.

embroidered table centre cloth

2010-10-23T17:12:00.000+11:00

How lucky am I my dear friend Priti brought me back a gift from Gujurat in Northern India I love it so much it is pinned to my studio wall so I can see it better. Thanks Priti!!!!

woollen embroidered table centre piece

Mad Men Me

2010-10-23T16:55:00.000+11:00

Hee hee hee!!! loads of fun has music so hit the "no sound" on your pooter if your at work if not start jiving to the groove and create your mad men persona. (See mine below)

how good do I look!

Big thanks to firsthouseontherightblog for pointing me in the right direction

Fruit Trees and Flowers

2010-10-23T09:54:00.000+11:00

We almost had summer we did honest? not that you would guess if you were looking out my window at the grey wet Saturday morning that greets me. Luckily I managed to snap the glorious flowers that have appeared in my garden supersized by all the rain in the few sunny days we had during the week. The fruit trees have also been loving the rain and put on a wonderful show of blossom which means lots of fruit mmmmmm!

the size of a bread and butter plate!

Cabbage rose

Cherry blossom

Im thinking lots of cherries this year!

runuculas

Thanks to Pip!

2010-10-13T10:29:00.003+11:00

Id been a little disgruntled you see. Id let 'other' things take precedence. So when I popped into meetme@mikes to see how Pip was bobbing along this post certainly was much needed and I almost didnt put my blog in the mix. Im so glad I did. I have some new blogfriends welcome aboard!! It made me realise how much I missed blogging I think what got me down is that I find blogger really clunky to use. Its adding images function drives me nuts it always seems so slow. So I have decided that Im going to do some research and find better ways of navigating the environment in which I blog and hopefully I will pick up a few tips along the way on how to post in a more efficient way. Ill let you know if I find any good ones. For today Im going to post a medley of images that were taken over the last couple of months that I intended to post so no nice groupings just a whole lot of variety........Enjoy!

my working companion

some teatowels I found on an oppy run

Paper Garlands from maps

2010-06-14T21:12:00.002+10:00

A few days ago Pip over at meetmeatmikes posted about Zakka life paper flower garlands. Ive mad these myself before along while ago. Seeing the flower garland made me want to make one again so here it is Ive include an image showing the materials and tools I used. I was going to do a tutorial but zakka life have posted a really good one on their site if you need some help making one its not very difficult. Hint: I use 2-sided tape to stick my 'petals' together....less messy than glue....so have a go they are quick and rewarding to make.

REscue : REcycle : REuse

2010-06-11T16:54:00.001+10:00

I relined some metal draws that were going into the skip at my old work before I rescued them. My fav drawliners are better quality publication newsmags that you get with an event or exhibition I dont like putting them straight into recycle as it seems a waste not to get more use out of them first so I line my drawers with them. I love the little peeks I get everytime I open a drawer! When they get a little scrappy then you can recycle them.

Margaret Atwoods Childrens book

2010-06-11T16:24:00.002+10:00

I love Margaret Atwoods books and admire her as a writer and successful woman. What I didnt know is that she wrote and illustrated a childrens book in 1978. She created the typeface as well (clever woman!) It was reprinted in 2008 and I feel lucky to have a copy. I will gift it to my first grandchild and in the meantime I will enjoy a quiet moment flicking through the pages every now and then. What I find particularly interesting is the resourceful and clever way she resolves the problems of restricting publication methods of the day. Ive included her preface which talks about her process and what she overcame to achieve this delightful book.
You can purchase it from Amazon I got mine from the gorgeous bookstore in Yarraville The Sun Bookshop.
Here is the ISBN: 0-88899-729-9 / 978-0-88899-729-6

instamatic iphone app

2010-06-10T15:39:00.000+10:00

My daughter put me onto this one love the effects of this photo taking app and the user interface is real cute looks like an old instamatic camera and makes cute noises when taking a picture. Here are some random pics I took with this app.

Barber Shops I

2010-06-08T20:31:00.005+10:00

Finally my wild and woolly husband took himself off to the Barber for a long overdue haircut. We had been to see a client this morning and I wanted a quick squizz in a couple of shops so went along with him. I sat and watched for awhile mainly because I love Barber shops theres something very appealing about them and I like sitting and watching a man cutting another mans hair. I loved it as a kid watching my Dad, Brothers and Grandfather getting their hair trimmed. The sound of a transistor radio going in the background, the decor, the Barbers stripey columns and retro typefaces red/blue/white colour scheme. The sound of the buzzing hair trimmer, lino floors and male banter.
Here are some images that Ive collected of Barbershops sorry but I dont have credits for most of them so thankyou to the people who took these fab fotos. Hope you enjoy!

One of my fav John Bracks paintings The Barbers shop 1952.

Haus Frau Cafe Yarraville (my little secret no more)

2010-06-06T17:19:00.005+10:00

Since moving to Melbourne 3 years ago on my quest to discover the perfect latte I was fortunate enough to discover a cafe/bakery in Yarraville (thankfully close enough for regular visits). Three years on and quite well known these days its has developed a very steady local following and a wait may be involved to get a table but we sometimes we have to suffer in order to experience great things….and my friends the coffee made here is a great thing.

Ive often talked about consistency as a factor in providing a great coffee and I can without a doubt state that every coffee I have ever had from Haus Frau is indistinguishable from the next and the one before. The 'main man' is a coffee making craftsman pure genius. Watching him master his machine is mesmerising. It matters not if the cafe is a fully packed weekend or a leisurely midweek the coffee is always without fault and always the same high quality. The flavour is a well chosen all rounder, I like mine nutty with a hint of bitter. Temperature perfect and oh so silky creme. Presentation is a pleasure each and every time.

The bonus is the amazing food that goes with the coffee. It is a very busy and popular bakery ranging from large cakes to tiny sweet honey madelines. My favourite is the croque monsieur a delicious hot cheesy little number and the scrambled egg tart is equally delicious and a nice alternative to a full cooked breakfast. Grabbing a freshly baked (on the premises) crusty loaf to take home with you means the whole Haus Frau experience is a very pleasant one.

The actual cafe/bakery environment tops it all off retro scandinavian folk style is how I describe it. Female staff have the retro 'heidi' thing happening with kerchiefs on their heads with matching aprons very cute! The terrazzo floor is very beautiful and the decor quirky. Please make time to pop out West for a visit to this lovely cafe it really is worth it and very close to Yarraville Station if you want to commute. Ill see you there!

Five Faves with Pip Lincolne

2010-05-18T21:56:00.003+10:00

okay heres my 5 faves

1. ultra sour laksa with steamed rice not noodles

2. Miss Marple movies (the Margaret Rutherford ones.....thankyou youtube!)

3. The new Really Wild Tea Cosie book by the Grand Purl Baa (gift to my Mum and in her joy at receiving she is knitting me the purple one)

4. Faber Castell Pitt artist pens I cannot stop using them its an addiction that is filling many notebooks and journals (nice inheritance for the daughter heh heh heh)

5. Stephen Fry I just love the man...........

I Still Call The Ethiad The Dome!!!!!

2010-05-18T21:25:00.002+10:00

This is sung to the Peter Allen song 'I still call Australia home" anyway enough silliness and onto the post.... I went to the footy the other week and during the third quarter to give my lungs a rest I took a brisk slow walk around the stadium. It was virtually deserted, and quite peaceful except for the muffled screaming mass that it contained within. The light was amazing and so I took these fotos of the Dome and its surrounds to share with you all.
I hope you enjoy.

Anzac Weekend & Hepburn Springs

2010-05-17T18:21:00.001+10:00

The Anzac Day long weekend saw myself my good friend Floss and my husband take a lovely trip to Hepburn Springs (on the outskirts of Daylesford) for some R&R. Well Stan and I did the R&R Flossie was on a work related intensive research weekend involving lots of massage etc; We all had a wonderful weekend to say the least.

I LOVE Hepburn Springs unfortunately I was a bit disappointed in Daylesford mega busy and seriously overpriced restaurants that left us gasping at the bill.... But anyway back to Hepburn Springs with its funny little collection of buildings and houses stretched along the main road very hilly and chilly as well. Quite old worlde but not touristy fake like Daylesford.

A very groovy cafe that is the living definition of the word eclectic all without trying and a very cool laidback theatre/bar which had me itching to do a fashion photoshoot inside. The locals were ultra friendly and interesting and Im thinking we may have to go back in June to see Deborah Conway perform. Oh did I mention that the theatre/bar had a very impressive performer list?

We went to the new bathhouse and soaked until we were shrivelled prunes, had a glass of wine in the old bathhouse rotunda, then walked around the town which was very pretty with the new autumn leaves of red and gold scattered on the ground. Some words of advice take coat, scarf, hat and umbrella that all is required to enjoy the place in the autumn/winter months. We stayed in the motel conveniently close to everything but there are some lovely accommodation options in the form of B&B's available. Here are the pics I hope it inspires you to take yourself and your loved ones off for a weekend away from the big smoke.

My Tassie Home

2010-05-12T22:51:00.003+10:00

Well the text is bigger decided that it was too small before. Well here Iam back again so much has happened in my life since my last post. Firstly I have decided to go back to freelance design work for 3 months and other ventures are in the pipeline (will keep you all informed). I have been to Hepburn Springs for the Anzac weekend with my good friend Floss that was amazing Ill post the fotos in the next couple of days. I have a new baby niece Pearl May who is divine. My dear friend Denise has had a beautiful baby girl Ljiljana (who I hope to see her really soon).

My gorgeous big niece Bianca, her man Greg and my Mum have been for a visit. Mother is still here helping with the new baby. In April I also managed a wonderful Easter down in my beloved Tassie which I will post about today my lovely girl Livvy and her wonderful partner Kram also visited from Adelaide making it a very special Easter.

Well on with the show here are pics of my house in Tassie I love spending time there its very soothing to my soul. Enjoy

absentee posting

2010-05-02T16:44:00.000+10:00

Hi

yes it has been awhile between posts probably due to the fact that my mac has decided to *@!$ itself. If anyone has a mac they will know that means near disaster and major disruptions to any processes that you may have in place such as WORK!!!! and blogs ahhhhhhh!. So it will take over a week Id say probably 2 to get back to my usual self I have a backlog of posts that Im preparing so they will be ready for you when its all systems go so until then my lovelys..........

10 things

2010-04-14T23:01:00.000+10:00

love these stockings I found!

Thought I might contribute to 10 things found on Pip Licolnes blog meetmeatmikes. Here goes......

1. I married my husband for his surname (Bordeaux for Rooney a nobrainer I say!)

2. I have 3 coffees a day all before lunch.

3. I own a house by the sea in remote Tasmania and love it.

4. I only ever ate Red Tulip chocolate which meant only eating chocolate at Easter for approx 25 years of my life. I have now discovered Lindt Mint dark chocolate which means I eat it all year round.

5. Im allergic to pork

6. Im lefthanded and still cant crotchet because I cant follow the instructions something to do with lefthandedness I guess.

7. I love living in Melbourne but my heart hurts for Tassie a lot of the time.
8. I have a new little neice called Pearl.

9. I love my cat Tilly and I talk to her everyday.

10. I sing all the time and whistle everyday.

Hello Back Again

2010-03-29T23:39:00.000+11:00

Hi All

Well have had a really busy last couple of weeks which have just started easing off...... finally! I worked on Saturday but Sunday was all mine!!!!!!

I managed to enthuse my other half to leave the safety of his laptop and leave the house in search of coffee and food. We ended up at Fruits of Passion in Kensington a favourite little spot of mine (I know...I have so many). Kensington is another suburb that I like to spend time in I feel really at home as it reminds me a little of North Hobart (another fav spot of mine) with its hilly streets and old weatherboard and stone buildings. It always feel quite lofty and open. I love the classically Melbourne cluster of shops lining parts of the main strip that buzz with activity, the Railway station smack in the middle of it (I have access envy). Coffee at FOP is well made very homey and flavoursome, and their poached eggs are perfect. The vibe in the cafe is good with a group of tables out under the victorian verandah making for pleasant outdoor dining. It is very busy a lot of the time and sometimes a wait is needed to get a table. But the wait is worth it and the consolation is there is lots to look at while you wait. In fact it is probably one of the very few places that I dont mind waiting for a table. Afterwards we took a lovely stroll down the street to the car taking in the eclectic collection of architectural styles that make Kensington so special. Here have a look yourself!

Fruits of Passion
188 Bellair St
Kensington 3031 VIC

stan itching to get back to his work

Happy Happy Happy RIver Cafe Footscray

2010-03-20T18:58:00.000+11:00

Happy River Cafe
45 Moreland St,
Footscray VIC 3011
(03) 9689 3244
open all week 8am-6‎pm

Happy Happy Happy

I was at a loose end last Sunday....husband working........ family away at a wedding.... and me with no real plans except housework, washing and other mundane things. The afternoon turned into a beautiful sunny day with cool fresh breeze and having no car I set off for a walk into Footscray and ended up past the station and onto the river. Now Ive heard about the Happy River Cafe and Footscray Community Arts Centre but hadnt actually got round to spending time there and in hindsight I couldn't have picked a better day.
It was a really lovely way to spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon. I had brunch homemade baked beans (nice smokey flavour) spinach and crusty bread as well as my usual coffee. It was all good no complaints food and coffee were delicious. Then it was time to wander round the surrounding gardens and community centre. The waterfront garden was the perfect place to park myself on soft grass and watch the world go by. Finally picked myself up and headed off to the Melbourne Museum of Printing (MMOP). Ill post about this later. Later I headed back to the River Cafe to meet husband for a drink and happily discovered they sell my favourite sparkly by the glass…..bliss!
the thing I really liked about the cafe was the mix of people enjoying the day and the venue. The actual venue of cafe and surrounding garden meant that families had the luxury of relaxing on the lawns on mats and tables (provided) and big shady umbrellas whilst the kids happily played with baskets of toys (provided) without getting under the feet of waiting staff or other patrons. It truly was an enjoyable community experience one I will happily do again.

vintage buttons, sisterly love and Koumpounophobia

2010-03-13T17:02:00.007+11:00

Sorry for late postings but have had pooter and network troubles grrrr!

Anyway.....

Vintage Buttons are beautiful objects I always feel excited when I find one or more! on my travels.
I love looking at them up close.
I like them free of fabric just being a design object in its own right.

I often think the depth of my love of buttons comes from the fact that my sister equally cant stand the sight of buttons. Perhaps I got allocated her measure of button love as well as my own in my genetic code who knows?
She particularly hates vintage buttons the sight of jars of buttons in secondhand shops actually make her feel physically sick. When I was younger I must admit that I did use this to my advantage taunting her with very descriptive threats of tying her to a chair and pouring big glass jars of vintage buttons slowly over her head - the reward being the look of nausea that would wash over her face ahhh those were the good ol days of sibling tormenting.
Im not so cruel these days Ill make sure I send her an email warning her not to open and read this post.

Anyway here are some button pics. I thought you might like to look at some lovely pics I have found whilst indulging in my love of trawling google images for buttons. I love the fact that phtographing buttons changes their dimension there is something quite lovely about a button that has been blown up through photography dont you think?

love the combination of colours

Whoopsie! just thought I would use the ol reliable google to see if there was such a condition you know for button phobia and oh lordy just my luck there is!!!!!

That would be right I tormented my sister all those years causing her great physcological damage. How was I to know she was suffering from acute Koumpounophobia?

No wonder she used to pinch me so hard and often to point of where my Mum would yell 'youre going to give her cancer if you pinch her that hard" (not quite sure how that one worked) nevertheless it used to frighten the bejesus out of me - the threat of cancer that is - not the pinch, that just used to make my legs wobbly.

AHHHH yes sisterly love where would we be without it.......This of course has taken me completely offcourse of the real post topic of vintage buttons.

Ooooh just found this!

the ultimate present for my sis

combining her love of chocolate

with her hate of buttons heh heh

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ive also included images of this fabulous shop and its wares called buttonmania in Melbourne with contact details for all of you to add to your list of places to visit when you are next in Melbourne. Check out the website its fab!

Buttonmania
Phone    (03) 9650 3627
Fax    (03) 9650 7868
Email    kate.boulton@internode.on.net
Level 2 - The Nicholas Building
37 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Buttonmania: just look at that wall of buttons aaahhh!

Hope you enjoyed the post

Have a great weekend gals and any guys who might happen to stumble upon this blog......

Happy Birthday to me!!!!!!

2010-02-28T16:50:00.013+11:00

Yep its the big day and have had a lovely birthday so far. Station Hotel was lovely...... food unbelievably good, wine well matched and creme brulee dessert mind blowing. Had to roll myself out of the door to the car. Got some lovely 'fressents' I was a very lucky girl. Spent the morning with my brother my sisterinlaw and my beautiful niece and nephew at the Sth Melbourne markets......the kids were very excited. Tonight will take it easy and relax with a very big week of work ahead of me. Ill post some fressy pics later on the lighting is not good for taking pictures at the moment.
Have a good week!

my sweet little Chickadees!

A grey ol Saturday morning

2010-02-27T15:17:00.007+11:00

Hi all

it was a really grey and dark morning that threatened to rain but in the end happy just to give spitty little nothings. I love this sort of weather (minus the humidity) with the colours all vibrant in contrast to the grey and that lovely fresh rain smell. Well we set off this morning to try out the Auction Rooms Cafe for some brekky I had read a nice write up and had it on my list of places to try.
Reluctantly steered the car away from Dibellas (very hard to do) and turned down Erroll St, found a park and headed to Auction Rooms. I love North Melbourne and it is on reflection my favourite suburb in Melbourne. I love the quirky and slightly dank feel to the place. I love the remoteness of it on weekends when the commercial tenants arent around and the nice wide streets with tree planted islands running down the middle. Then there is the abundance of pubs and I mean real pubs with wood panelling, old carpet and the smell of stale beer that only years of spillage can produce aaaahhhhhhh! Ive decided to try very hard to live here one day, unfortunately the expensive hovel is the most common rental in this suburb.
Still onto my travels this morning..... not only did we visit AR but I was fortunate to chance upon a sweet little shop called Ramona tienda but more on that later.......

Auction room Cafe
103-107 Errol Street
North Melbourne

Auction Rooms Cafe

Coffee
The coffee was a bit ordinary nothing to write about nothing to complain about Stans flat white was fine my latte was a bit on the cool side I mean a coffee shouldn't be sip hot but also shouldn't be so cool that you can drink it like a glass of water. Milk was the dominant flavour even when I had specifically requested a strong latte.
Food
Poached eggs spinach smokey bacon and mushroom
I love a mushroom that's a real field mushroom chunky like steak these were good big brown chunks. Delicious eggs just right oozing not runny or dry overall very eatable. Bread crusty but not hard. Very nice.
Service
Not a bad though the staff seemed flustered which was transferring to patrons even though it wasnt overly busy.
"Hot latte" announced the girl as she placed my second coffee in front of me as opposed to a cold latte? I thought.... not quite sure what she was referring to here since I could put my hand round the glass and hold or quite comfortably. Still they were very friendly and pleasant.
Overall
Not a bad place... food was very good, coffee drinkable, a choice of table sizes private and shared. Coordinating drinks with food seemed a little tricky but the people were friendly and helpful. The front house hostess was the one thing that slightly irked me but seems to be the trend for some places and not a problem for most Im sure but I like to go to a place and find my own seat. It makes me feel like a kid when I have someone choosing my seat for me.

Ramona tienda
113 Errol St
North Melbourne

Proprietor: Ramona Raven

Ramona tienda

Found a lovely gem of a shop just down from the Auction Rooms Cafe. A calm and inviting space housing an intriguing and well balanced collection of design pieces to be had from jewellery, stationary and giftware, lighting, clothing and accessories, to homewares and furniture. Some of the labels are familiar some Ive not seen before. The eclectic range consists of locally made woven floor rugs, to South Australian pottery vessels. There are products sourced from as far away as USA and Korea. My favourite is the Satsuma Press Stationary range and the beautiful woven fashion items and rugs from local producers World Weave.
A really lovely place to visit and to buy a gift for someone or something special for yourself. I will be revisiting very soon without husband in tow so I can fully enjoy the experience. Its a bit hard to do with jingling car key sounds in the background.

'tienda' spanish for 'small booth, or 'shop'

If you would like to see what Ramona has in the tienda you can visit her website @ www.ramonatienda.com
or pop into her blog when you have finished here and say hello! www.ramonatienda.blogspot.com/

Off to the Station Hotel Footscray tonight for my birthday treat (yes its my birthday tomorrow) compliments of Stanley. I plan on enjoying some Tassie wine and fab food. Ill post later on so check back later!!!! Thanks to everyone who has sent me happy birthday wishes most gratefully recieved makes me feel very special!!!! love to everyonexxxxxx

A little late but we are finally here............

2010-02-20T08:43:00.002+11:00

Hello friends
been having network problems this week and so hopefully its all sorted for now. Ive been wanting to post about my visit to a lovely cafe which is in Degreaves Lane just off of Flinders St in Melbourne. Ive also wanted to post about the CWC (Creative Womens Collective) which is having their first group gathering today @ 10am. Ive got a busy day planned which also involves travelling to Canterbury to get my haircut I cant wait my hair currently looks like a bushel on my head a bit like Moss from It Crowd (love that show!)

So it will be a quick post hope you have a great day!

glass of Ninth Island Sparkling NV

2nd glass of Ninth Island and Stans new hat!

delicious orichetto mmmmmm!

City Hatters a Melbourne icon and Stans hat heaven.

LaCitta
11 Degraves St
 Melbourne 3000 VIC

Orichetto Italian sausage green beans garlic and chili free glass of house wine - $18.50

House wine red very drinkable judging by Stan's willingness to partake in more than one glass

Pasta was unbelievablely good the flavours were conjourjng up images of a short stocky Italian granny slaving over big steamy pans on a wood stove….really delicious probably the best Italian dish Ive had in a long while.

Coffee in two words not the best coffee ever but good flavour temperature and presentation no complaints here either.
Worth a visit if you want somewhere a little quieter to eat and drink but still want to feel part of the Degreaves buzz this is the place to go. The service is always good too.

We also paid a visit to City Hatters that day finally Stan bought a new Panama hat yay!