Monday BlogDay :: The Crafts Dept

I'm late, I'm late, I'm late! It's 4pm and I'm just getting on to blogging for the day. But as the saying goes, better late than never I guess.

Did you know that Martha Stewart's craft dept has their own blog? It's always interesting with posts about what they've been up to, as well as profiles on supplies, crafty markets, shops and people.

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Monday BlogDay :: the bowerbird stories

Last week I discovered the bowerbird stories, a simply beautiful blog by Kristina of [old yarns. reclaimed linens.].


During a holiday in Tasmania last year Kristina was inspired by the local artisans creating everything from gourmet food and wine to fashion and interiors. She was attracted to and inspired by "people making something really good from best quality materials/ingredients and offering it with a passion for, and belief in, their product". Kristina's idea for [oldyarns. reclaimed linens.] was the result of this encounter.


Kristina told me "I have always been drawn to linens and have something of a bowerbird instinct in collecting objects with a simple functional pared back aesthetic. French, Japanese and Scandinavian design does this so well, styles I try to emulate in my work and on my blog. Less is always more, with a touch of the unexpected in the detailing. I have such an appreciation for vintage objects with a story to tell (eg antique monogrammed linen sheets) and try to highlight those stories in the [oldyarns.] pieces".


The bowerbird stories is where Kristina shares her love of the beautiful linens and things she collects as well as local Brisbane places and talent. It really is a gorgeous looking blog with lots of lovely images by Kristina and some lovely well chosen words. Be sure to pay it a visit.
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Monday BlogDay :: Record the Day

I have such good intentions of making a book to stick all the interesting paper things and snippets from magazines I collect. Or even an inspiration board would be good. But I have nothing to report on either front as yet.

I think that's why I love to visit Record the Day. How fabulous and inspiring it is to see beautiful collages created every day. More often than not they are simple, but always well considered and lovely.

All images: Record the Day

I tend to just put paper ephemera and magazine tear sheets in a ring binder or folder. At one stage I had them in lovely boxes, but I found they were a bit less accessible. What do you do with yours?
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Monday Blogday :: Cafe Cartolina

Yes, I realise that it's Tuesday, but I still wanted to give you an installment of Monday BlogDay this week.

Have you ever visited Cafe Cartolina? If not, grab yourself a cuppa, because you're in for a visual treat. But be warned, you might become addicted and Fiona is a bit of a prolific poster, so if you miss a few days there'll be a lot to catch up on... too many beautiful and inspiring things!

Images via Cafe Cartolina.

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Monday BlogDay :: I Spy

Monday is here and I didn't even post to wish you a lovely weekend - I hope you got up to some fun things. The weather here in Sydney was so gorgeous and summery and too good to be true.

For today's installment of Monday BlogDay here's some good stuff that I've seen recently on some of the blogs I visit.

Photo by Erica Shires on Bliss.

Tracciamenti on dear ada.

Vivetta on Hello Sandwich.

Great Gocco links on Meet Me at Mikes.

Chair decorated by children on Strawberry Lemonade.
(originally from Atlantis Home)

Felt bracelets on Udessi.

Lovely books on Oh Joy!

Sky Planters on Poppytalk.

Embroidery and felt flowers on Tiny Happy.

Fabric markers (OMG!) on mer mag.

Mikodesign on Bloesem Kids.

Repeat fabric on True Up.

Julie Knoblock on Bondville.

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Monday BlogDay :: Wren Handmade

Because I'm a bit frantic with getting everything ready for the show next week I thought it would be a good opportunity to feature some of my favourite things from a year ago.

This time last year I blogged about some amazing embroidery by Laura Normandin, a former craft editor at Martha Stewart Living magazine.


Linen embroidered with hair. Who would've thought? What a wonderful - although verging on creepy - concept, beautiful motifs and stunning execution. The unruliness of the unfinished strands of hair are a beautiful juxtaposition to the exacting and symmetrical designs.



And because it's Monday BlogDay, have a look at Laura's wonderful blog and Etsy shop, both called Wren Handmade. Laura creates all sorts of lovely things - I featured one of her beautiful crocheted necklaces in a recent Etsy Top 10 list.


Aren't these photos of Laura's recent wedding fabulous... a bouquet of butterflies! There are more photos on her blog and also in Martha Stewart Weddings magazine.

Laura is one very creative lady and her blog is a delight to visit. Be sure to check it out if you haven't already... and Laura's website too.


All images from Wren Handmade.
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Monday BlogDay :: Mint

My apologies for being so late with today's installment... so late in fact that as soon as I finish this post I'll be getting on to tomorrow's.



Mint is another of my favourite blogs. Ellie is a graphic designer with similar tastes to mine so I really enjoy visiting her blog and seeing what she shares. Apart from all the lovely things she finds, Ellie also has some great posts like tips on how to style your photos and Gocco FAQs and resources.

Image Source: Mint

Having recently been married, Ellie shared the process of her wedding planning as well as photos of her big day.

Mint is a lovely blog that I'd add to my blogroll if I had one... one day I will!
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