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 :: the bowerbird stories
Sweetie Petite Doll Kits
I've had so many emails asking when my doll kits will be available, so here's the scoop. I was thrilled to have almost sold out at the Stitches & Craft Show last month. Following that I had my first wholesale order, and the remaining few are currently up for grabs in the giveaway.
New fabric has been ordered and I'm expecting to have the kits packed and ready for sale again by the middle of the month. The kits contain the stuffing and some ribbon to make a little loop to hang your Sweetie and her wee friend. The kits are just AUS$20 each. I'll definitely let you know her on my blog when they are ready to go. Or if you want to make sure you nab one you can pre-order now by emailing me. To make things easy I'll be setting up an online shop in $US and one in $AUS.
You can also join my email list (see the link in the sidebar?) to be the first to know about new things from the red thread, specials, etc.
I'm very excited that the Sweeties have been so well received and I'm looking forward to finding all my little gals and their wee friends lovely homes.
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Blogiversary GIVEAWAY
You might remember that I was a bit busy on my one year blogiversary last month to have a giveaway, so here it is, as promised... the one-year-and-one-month-and-one-week-and-one-day blogiversary giveaway.
giveaway part one
Win one of my Ginger Sweetie Petite doll kits* and a pack of 4 cards.
Do you know of any online or bricks and mortar shops that you think my Sweeties would work well in? They could be shops (in any country) that specialise in things for kids, or fabric/craft shops, or somewhere that stocks fun and quirky things. I'd love to get your thoughts, so just leave a comment with your suggestion(s) here and you'll be entered into the giveaway. There'll be 4 winners who'll be chosen at random. And I'm happy to send the prizes internationally. I'll announce the winners on Friday.
*(the prize is a kit to make Ginger and wee birdie, not the doll already made, as shown in the photo)
giveaway part two
I've been doing a bit of a Secret Squirrel for the last 5 weeks since my blogiversary. I've been keeping a tally of the number of comments each person has made since then with a view to having a giveaway for the 3 most frequent commenters. And the winners are... drum roll...
Come on down ladies! I'll be in touch (or feel free to email me) to get your postal addresses and I'll be sending out a little package to each of you, just to say a big thanks for visiting here and saying hello.
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Just so you know, I've never met any of these lovely ladies, although I have struck up an online friendship with Mitsy and Alex. And lucky Jane actually won my last giveaway, which was a random draw.
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Update 11 Sept: The giveaway has closed, thanks for all your lovely comments and suggestions.
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Revisiting :: I *heart* creating with kids
Another post from this time last year, which I thought would be nice to revisit...
I get so much pleasure out of doing creative things with Roxy. Before I was a mum I used to sometimes babysit friends' children during the school holidays, and I'd always have crafting days planned. Now I love spending time at Roxy's pre-school doing craft activities with the children. Kids love creating things and it's a wonderful way to interact, connect and bond with them. Mastering a new skill or showing off something they've made gives them immense satisfaction, pride and confidence. As an adult the satisfaction comes from giving them the encouragement and the means to achieve that. You don't have to teach children, they are all creative. And it doesn't really matter what is made, the joy is in engaging the imagination and the visual expression of it. The joy is in the act of creating.
Update: Amanda Blake Soule has a lovely new book out now called Handmade Home. She is such an inspiration with her love of family, home, craft and 'old fashioned' values.
I tied a knot in the end of the thread and made the first stitch for her and she was off. Roxy patiently and carefully stitched around her hearts and was thrilled beyond belief at her ability to sew. And now she's hooked... as I type she's pulling at my arm saying "come on mum, let's sew!". You don't need to give your kids plastic toys with all the bells and whistles. The simple things they make themselves or you make with them are far more satisfying on every level.
Since writing this post last year I've blogged some more about creating with kids.
I hope you have a lovely weekend. If you have children in your life maybe you could make the time to do something creative with them.
See you Sunday for my one year, one month, one week and one day blogiversary give away.
xx
Lisa
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Inspiration :: Marc Pascal
Marc Pascal's wonderful sculptural light fittings merge art, craft, sculpture and commercial design. Marc, from Melbourne, uses die cut polycarbonate to create his suspended pieces which incorporate pops of vibrant colour and organic forms. I imagine that the shadows cast from these beautiful light sculptures must be amazing.
