pepper stitches

diving back in

2012-01-19T13:53:00.004+10:00

'dive' illustration by aaple

I've been away a lot. The longest I've ever been away from my blog, ever. I had a bit of enough last year, you may have noticed. Work and mojo crises, holidays and visitors, and then my lovely computer, well if it had a belly it would have been belly-up. I have missed sharing my finds and thoughts and photos and little-rants-every-now-and-then. So without feeling guilty about being away, or over-thinking too much, or wondering "what-amI-going-to-write-about-and-will-it-be-witty-and-interesting-enough?" I am diving right back in (on my eensy laptop).

Hello.
It's nice to be back.
It's going to be a good year.

Do you like the new layout; is it a bit spiffy, or a little niffy?

music monday

2011-11-14T10:20:00.002+10:00

the mystery of the missing mojo

2011-11-10T08:12:00.000+10:00

(via)

I’ve been going a teensy crazy. Sitting in my cute studio, holding my man dolls which I love, and drinking tea. I ought to be tickled pink, except I'm not, really. It’s the case of the missing mojo. Again. I know I’ve talked about my mojo a lot, I whinge about it every now and then, and you really are very nice people to listen patiently. Please humour me (or go do something else. That’s ok, I don’t mind a bit, honestly.)

It’s just that my creative mojo is a finicky creature, I need to treat it gently, nurture it, and oh definitely listen to it. Or it up and goes, and I am left spending my time staring out the window/playing cards/reading a book on the couch/whinging about things to you, dear reader. Or perhaps it’s still there. Hiding in a corner with a slight petulant scowl saying NO.. in a little voice. And stamping it’s little feet. my mojo refuses to cooperate, and it becomes a struggle.

I’ve tried everything. I’ve rearranged and labeled everything in a satisfying way. I’ve bought a new lamp. I’ve brought tea and chocolate reinforcements. I even bought a little oven timer in an effort to work solidly for a block of time. I’ve thought of a gazillion reasons to want to sew; but I.don’t.want.to. I make myself and force every.stitch. Which makes me feel rubbish. After all, I have my own studio, full of materials and a nice big table and light and time; how lucky am I?

Well it turns out my mojo doesn't like being told what to do. The thought of making another doll the same as the last ones just doesn't excite.it.one.little.bit. So it's gone on strike, and I went and got a job. However, the idea of drawing my mojo for this very post made me want to stride into the studio immediately. Excitement and new ideas, this is the foodstuff of the mojo. I want to make things I have never tried, have my own exhibition of soft sculptures with pointy detailed not-suitable-for-children bits, I want to make things until I am satisfied, not until they are good enough. I want to make things for the love of it, not the money.

SO I am working hard to finish off orders, and thinking hard and carefully about my next step, and how I will coax my mojo back.

Does this happen to you?

2011-11-08T05:46:00.000+10:00

(via)

"The hardest thing to learn in life is which bridge to cross, and which to burn."

David Russell

etsy love- upside down

2011-11-07T07:00:00.000+10:00

Somersault: large print 11x14"; Upside down boxer dog 8x10 black and white print;
Mustard Yellow Upside Down Pineapple Cake Pan; Upside Down Clock;
Loyalty and Blood upside down ship sweatshirt; Day Trippin Print;
Swinging Child Print; Upside Down Wall Art Quote.

plush you!

2011-11-06T10:24:00.005+10:00

(all photos via Schmancy)

Plush You! is an annual exhibition of plush toys, curated by the ace Kristen Rask of Schmancy Toys in Seattle (You may also recognize the name from the book they brought out a few years back). I was super-excited to be part of this years show with my bearded men!

I've had a look on the interwebs (alas I did not fly to the US for the show. Woulda been nice.) at some of the artists, and good heavens. This gal is my fav, methinks. Although it's very very hard to choose. You can see a bit about it here on Unanimous Craft, or you can read my interview with Kirsten on the Schmancy blog over here along with a whole lotta interviews from plush artists and links to their work.

Yay!

around these parts

2011-11-05T08:07:00.000+10:00

I framed my favourite Copenhagen souvenier, set up a drawing space (complete with cat belly), carved my first pumpkin and loved these flowers.

:: Quotation

2011-11-01T07:07:00.000+10:00

via

" If you do not express your own original ideas, if you do not listen to your own being, you will have betrayed yourself.

Rollo May

in my work bag

2011-10-31T10:10:00.005+10:00

(water bottle. keys. apple. caramels. box of sultanas. assorted bobby pins. camera. book. sunglasses. mobile phone. travel pass. pens. notebook journal. postcard. ipod. chewing gum. purse. lip balm. compact mirror.)

Did you know, I started a new job? I guess not. I have not told you before now. Well I did. This is what is in my work bag. It is a big bag.

It is nice to wear stockings again, and daydream on the bus, and golly, aren't Fridays a bit special when it means two whole days at home? It is nice to have office morning teas and use post-it notes. It is even nice to argue gently with the photocopier. It is nice to complete other people's to-do lists, and leave it behind at the office when I go home each day. It is nice to have a steady income and pay things on time. It is nice to not be turning something I love into a monetary exercise, wrenching my soul through my nose at the same time. It is nice to have a bit of a break, and think.

flea market finds

2011-10-30T16:01:00.004+10:00

An unexpected garage sale in my neighbourhood, and I walk away with little wooden shelves, a vintage desktop fan and vintage tins (chocolate and sun goggles), old keys for my collection, australiana linen teatowels & a classic paperback.

Golly.
(which, by the way, is the new word. Fast overtaking 'lovely', 'swell' and even 'ace'. Gosh.)

(see more flea market finds over here.)

my sister

2011-10-29T12:15:00.000+10:00

etsy love- naps

2011-09-20T08:06:00.002+10:00

girl sleeping on train print; 1970's alarm clock; letter pillows;
lot of 30 granny squares; sleeping fox pin; Zzz's cushion;
mustard coffee mug cozy; I heart naps; sleepy fawn bead;

see the full treasury here

Be Optimistic

2011-09-19T11:51:00.001+10:00

‘Be Optimistic’ Felt Badge by BestMade Co.
via swissmiss

practice being human

2011-09-16T22:41:00.002+10:00

practice being human, a swell zine (made into pdf) by this lass.

A reminder.

new stockists! hooray!

2011-09-15T15:34:00.009+10:00

Shorties
537 King St,
Newtown, Sydney

A gorgeous mix of whimsical fairytale, hipster fashion and uber-trendy, with lots of handmade and uniqueness. The kind of store that makes you want to go and procreate, to justify buying half the stock. Yes.

Spacebar Gallery
Studio 021 (off Woobys Lne)
Salamanca Arts Centre
77 Salamanca Place
Hobart TAS 7000

a retail gallery in the thriving art community of Salamanca Arts Centre, Hobart; with local and interstate designers of fashion, jewellery, accessories, home wares and visual art. Spacebar Gallery also showcases exhibitions, installations, events and fashion shows in it's beautiful historical building.

Im Wunderland
244 Hyde St
Bellingen NSW

A shop full of surprises, from swedish wool throws to rare books and local artisans goodies. There is a homebrew beer corner and antique linen from glory boxes and homemade home wares. Something for everyone, and in a swell place like Bellingen too.

These guys have stocked Pepper Stitches for a little while, but I've just gotten around to sharing their awesomeness with you! Hooray for awesomeness!

You can see all of my stockists here.

visited and visiting

2011-09-14T09:03:00.002+10:00

:: visited my niece in hospital having her adenoids and tonsils removed. ouch.
:: a possum and her baby have taken to visiting the studio every day to sleep in the windowsill
:: my sister is housesitting and puppies-sitting, and I've been visiting her to help out with the feeding/training/toiletting/walking parts
:: visited my sisters place and her husband and kidlets, so nice.
:: visited by a lovely lass interviewing me for an online article. She brought chocolate!
:: visited some old friends whoI haven't seen for a long, long time. This is their new baby, who farts a lot but is very sweet.
:: Gigersquee has somewhat moved next door, but still deigns to visit us on occasion
:: My housemate is moving out, but I hope she will visit us often!

Lots of this lately, and it is awfully nice to have company when you're feeling a bit glum, isn't it? I'm just not sure where my eternal (and you-might-call-it naive) sense of optimism has gone. But I am optimistic that it will return!

Thanks for your lovely words of support and encouragement. Plans are in the works, and I will share soon. Until then, hope your week is ace!

Pepper x

writing a long list of my failures

2011-09-12T09:28:00.003+10:00

by threadful on etsy

I'm feeling a bit frustrated and overwhelmed and a-bit-too-close-to-chucking-the-whole-thing-in. I just read that writing a long list of my failures will apparently boost my self-confidence, because I'll fail at that too.

Gee that is cheering, isn't it?

MerJack

2011-09-09T15:27:00.003+10:00

by DowdyStudio

He is a lumberjack! and a merman! with a beard!

new bearded men and chickens

2011-09-09T14:05:00.005+10:00

Bearded viking doll, bearded super hero doll, bearded merman doll and cuddle chickens in my etsy, madeit and bluecaravan shops (along with custom bearded folk man dolls). And yes, as fun to make as they look!

Automatic Tea Making Apparatus

2011-09-08T07:22:00.000+10:00

(images)

Did you know these existed? I almost fell off my chair. The ‘Teasmade’, combines an alarm clock and electric kettle which automatically boils water and adds it to a teapot at a specified time.

Invented in the early 1890's, went electric in the 1930's, popular in the 1960's & 70's, and I've found several articles claiming a comeback (this one in '97 and this one in '09). For years they've been regulated to retro novelty items, but they are also making new ones in a vintage style. Some of the old ones have photo frames in them, or bedside lamps.

My web-wandering led me to this guy who talks about the teamade and how it helps him to be more creative. He says to buy one.

He does.

tattly

2011-09-07T08:01:00.004+10:00

The loveley swissmiss has turned her hand to temporary tattoos. Awesome temporary tattoos designed by ermerging artists and designers. Not just for kidlets, I've already bought the 'focus on happy', and am eyeing off more.

'frenemy' or 'in which I rant and rage a bit about a word in a colouring book'

2011-09-06T08:39:00.007+10:00

So I was flipping through my nieces colouring book a few days ago, a Barbie Thumbelina thing with a usual girlified story- there were fairies (all girls of course, with impressively short dresses) and a little girl with a mobile phone and make up (don't they all?), and they teach her to be nice (as all girls should be) and how friends should behave (by showing first what they shouldn't be like. Sarcastic and bitchy. You know, so they can imitate them later) and save the fairy habitat (save the environment; but not by being less of a consumer, of course) but not before the girl gives a fairy a makeover (because being a magical creature doesn't mean you're pretty enough) and some part of the story involves her talking on the phone to her 'frenemy'.

Mind you I gathered all of the above info from few words and pictures in a colouring book, I've never seen the movie so correct me if I'm wrong. As I understand, it all comes good in the end and the spoilt little girl understands true friendship etc, etc.

Most of it I could brush aside (with slightly gritted teeth and only a tiny rant) but what made me stop was a picture of the main character on the phone, with the caption "Makena talks on the phone to her frenemy'. Now I don't know if this is vital to the plot of Thumbelina. I don't know if the conversation was vitally important, or if they became friends in the end. What I do know, is that I am not comfortable with the word 'frenemy' entering into the lexicon of 5yr old girls. No.

For those unfamiliar with the word, which has (oh joy) a draft entry in the online Oxford English Dictionary;
Frenemy; one who pretends to be a friend but who is actually an enemy. Other sources include definitions of rivalry and competition.

So. Yes. Where can we start with all the things that are wrong with this? Shall we begin with how it is difficult enough as children learning about friendship and how make and keep friends, without introducing a concept like 'Oh, btw, your friend can also be your ENEMY.' And that this is not only acceptable, there is a word for it.

Or maybe we could illustrate how over the years the culmative effect of society and media and the beauty ideal has made females more and more competitive and judgemental in the way only women can, which makes us turn on each other (even in a friendly way ie. "oh that woman can eat cupcakes and never put on any weight. Don't you just hate her?"); and perhaps we ought to be working on changing that instead of introducing another word to support and encourage this kind of two-sided bitchy competitiveness?

Or I could make the argument that I have seen firsthand ( I worked with school-aged children for years and watched them play and interact every day) how children pick this stuff up. And why shouldn't they? They are learning about the world and their place in it, and everything is a potential clue. They emulate, they want to fit in, they take what social roles they have been given (for girls- relationships are very important). Having a word like 'frenemy' will encourage more young girls to fit that description, when they could be learning how to overcome differences, understand each other and be honest about their feelings. I could also point out that it is teaching children that it is normal to have and endure toxic friendships.

I have no vendetta against pink or fairies, and would have bought that colouring book too (my niece does love it so), but I am mindful of what is being served with it. Even if the invention of such a word was necessary, to include it in a children’s book is, to me, damn negligent. I just hope that we can recognise such madness and have honest conversations with children and let them know that this is not normal. Your friends should be loving, supportive and, well, friendly. You may not get along with some people, and that's ok too. But your friend should never be your enemy.

It makes me cranky.

new bearded men in progress, merman, viking and hero

2011-09-05T08:09:00.006+10:00

Working on versions of the bearded folk man. Why not a bearded super hero? (he looks a bit funny without eyebrows on yet) Mermen are too awesome to be forgotten (and with tattoos)
And Vikings? Well.

Anyone else need a beard?

::today

2011-08-30T14:34:00.005+10:00

:: listening to Horse Feathers, my new favourite band. thanks last.fm
:: painting a little violin for custom order
:: wondering how I'm going to choose few holiday photos to show you out of gazillions
:: looking forward to working with someone else in the studio
:: reading a novel written entirely without the letter 'e'
:: drawing ideas for new bearded men. It's a surprise.
:: planning on starting after-school sewing classes
:: missing my family. after 4 weeks together, you kinda get used to the constant chaos and being surrounded by love.

happy last-day-of-winter (or last-day-of-summer, depending on where you are!)
x

blog love- upon a fold

2011-08-30T14:14:00.004+10:00

(all images from the shop)

A collection of paper art, supplies, books, and general paper-y goodness. The blog has lovely photos and stories and a list of extraordinary paper artists, and the shop is drool-worthy; you can find out more about it all here. What a lovely place to visit.

Justine & Matt,
you rock my blog world.

:: Quotation

2011-08-29T08:03:00.000+10:00

via

"Undertake something that is difficult; it will do you good. Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already done, you will never grow."

Ronald E. Osborn

wanted: crafty sewer assistant

2011-08-26T09:38:00.006+10:00

sew print by masacarphotography

Hi!I need an assistant!

My stockists are growing, and I need to step away from the sewing machine to design new ranges. I am looking for a crafty sewer/ sewing machinist to work with me in my sewing studio, mostly sewing but may be some cutting, stuffing and finishing. You need to be pretty quick, and we can chat about payment per piece or per hour. Suitable for a friendly, creative type with just a few hours a week to start (good for mums too).

Please note that you would be hired as a contractor, not an employee, so you may need an abn (but that's pretty easy); and I'm in Brisbane, so you'll need to live close by. If you're on my blog, you probably already know what I do, but you can see more here.

If you have any questions, or would like to meet for a cup of tea and a chat, drop me a line at pepperstitches(at)yahoo(dot)com; and if you know of anyone who might be interested, please pass this along! That would be ace!

Pepper x

vegemite and naps

2011-08-26T09:06:00.003+10:00

(bought this mug in a thrift store in Vancouver. makes me giggle)

Phew! I'm back!

Oh the things I have seen, the places I've been. I cannot hardly even start to think about where I would start to begin. I have gazillions of photos to show you, but I will try to narrow it down to a few. hundred. Canada was incredible, Denmark was gorgeous, my family rocks (and we didn't kill each other! hooray!) and I am sleepy.

For now I am enjoying vegemite on toast more than I ever imagined I would (who knew?) and taking naps at strange times as my body catches up to this timezone. And listening to magpies in the mornings as I write more lists and rearrange my studio.

2011-07-21T09:14:00.004+10:00

I've dreamed, I've worried, I've prepared, I've imagined, I've cleaned and now I've packed.

Tomorrow we leave for a month overseas, and I am going to have a rad time. Rad, I tell you. It feels funny to be stepping away from work and sewing and everything. I will be taking a little holiday from blogging too, but please stick with me. I will be back soon, all fresh and inspired and crafty and writing lots of interesting things. With photos of legoland.

See you soon
Pepper x

48hr 'Going on Holiday' Sale! and Giveaway Winner!

2011-07-18T21:30:00.002+10:00

Before I close my shops, I thought I'd have a bit of a yay! going on holiday sale! For 48 hrs (until 10pm Wednesday 21st July EST) everything in my online stores is available with a 40% discount! That's, like, heaps!

For purchases in my etsy store, use coupon code YAYSALE2011 For purchases in my madeit or bluecaravan stores, mark payment as 'bank deposit' and I will send you a paypal invoice for the discounted amount. Be sure to check out each store for different colours and fabrics and cute options!

And an extra Yay! The winner of the Kids Crafternoon Book is Angela! Please email me your address, and I'll have the book sent to you lickety-split.

my week in pictures

2011-07-17T07:28:00.001+10:00

(yes blogger, please do turn random photos sideways. that's much more interesting.)

:: grrantlers for a new stockist. these ones look like really old ladies, I think.
:: making instruments for something really exciting. Yes.
:: patchwork tablecloths at the local quilt show on the weekend
:: I now have a collection of spoons. Because I needed another collection. (see the one with the wren? that's my favourite.)
:: cupcakes at a friends daughters birthday party
:: I bought a polaroid camera. it was cheap-as-chips, so I had to, really.
:: I made a passport cover, and a travel paint set from a vintage first aid kit, and a travel journal

I have been finishing orders, making piles of things to pack (5 sleeps to go!), breathing deeply, and not blogging much. Not blogging much gives me a bit of the guilts. Do you get that too?

101 things to do in 1001 days

2011-07-08T12:23:00.002+10:00

I have started a new list. You know I like lists. Time has a way of flying by when you're not paying attention, don't you find? This list is a list of things to do within 1001 days. They are things I've always wanted to do, or to try, or to do again. I've popped the list on a page in the tabs up there, and I'll cross them out as I go. My list is also here, where you can make your own list, or browse other peoples lists.

Do you have a to-do list for life? A bucket list? New Years Resolution list? A before-I'm-this-age-list?

(Meanwhile I am loving these listography books)

'Holy Dooley I'm In a Book' Giveaway!

2011-07-06T10:37:00.007+10:00

A while back, I made some cushions for a book project and yesterday in the mail came the book! (Reason #128 I love my mailman)

Compiled by Kathreen from Whipup, Kids Crafternoon: Sewing is full of simple sewing projects for kids from crafters around the world; and there is my pocket cushion project, on page 94! Sewing is the first of four great titles in Kathreen's Kids' Crafternoon series. Papercraft, Felting and Beading are due for release in November 2011. Yay!

I have a copy of Kids Crafternoon: Sewing to give away (thanks to the lovely folk at Hardie Grant).

To enter, leave a comment on this blog post by 10pm Tuesday 12th July.

Yay Again!

:: Quotation: How To Be Alone

2011-07-05T08:34:00.003+10:00

Not quite a quotation, a poem, but just beautiful.
Watch it. Do.

"If you are, at first, lonely, be patient."

what I did yesterday

2011-07-05T08:30:00.004+10:00

Made a little guitar for a custom order. Not finished yet, I will add the strings and a little guitar strap too.

etsy & poppytalk love- camping

2011-07-04T07:51:00.000+10:00

Compass Necklace; I'd rather be camping Papercut Postcard; Vintage Camping book, English, 1963; Everything........ (vintage shirt); Backyard Camping - An Original Vintage Photograph; Free Papercraft printable July 2011 Calendar via poppytalk; Felt Camp Fire; Antique Oil Lantern; a cute boy I found here. I would very much like to take him camping; 1950's antique thermos; Houndstooth baby bindana; 1oo% Authentic Bigfoot Hair; Vintage Canvas Backpack; Camp Journal via poppytalk.

Gee I like camping. I haven't been camping in years, I don't think. I would like to go in Spring, I think. I might plan it now, and then it might happen.

Where is nice to go camping in Queensland?

see the full (etsy only) treasury here

my (two weeks) in pictures

2011-07-02T08:40:00.000+10:00

:: fresh flowers make me happy. they just do

:: mum, grandma and auntie (me) walking the kids to school
:: this little guy fell and broke his arm (photo taken a few days before. I'm not sure if it's the early morning or a possible aversion for cameras but that face while sipping his babycinno speaks volumes, don't you think?)

:: early morning drive to the Handmade Expo markets

:: sniffle supplies

:: duck noodle soup. the search continues

:: making bearded folk men. Will I ever tire of them? I think not

:: my twin sister moved into our lovely house, hooray!

nice crafty places to visit

2011-07-01T09:31:00.007+10:00

(make and do; my all time favourite)

Like some sewing or crafty or design ideas? Maybe look at pretty pictures? Need a bit of inspiration? Here are some nice crafty places to visit and stock up.

:: WhipUp (book reviews, tutorials, crafty links, blogging tips)
:: Craftbits (looads of projects, rated by users with a gallery too)
:: The Making Spot (tutorials. Lots and lots of tutorials)
:: Dollar Store Crafts (swell projects to make from dollar store & recycled things)
:: Craftster (so many projects, so very many, and crafting/DIY/eco forums)
:: Craftzine (tutorials, ideas, recipes, DIY, patterns, forums):: Craftsy (tutorials, online classes)

I've left out blogs for now. As you know that may end up a very long list indeed.

Do you have any favourite crafty websites to share?
Please pop a link in the comments!

my creative space- dolls

2011-07-01T08:28:00.005+10:00

I've been making some more dolls from calico and vintage fabrics. They are fun to make and to hold, but I'm just.not.sure. about those faces. Do they look too surprised? Just innocent? Do they need a nose?

What do you think?

*update* thanks for your lovely comments! I decided to alter the eyebrows a wee bit, and am much happier. I have named them Agnes, Abigail, Anne and Ada, and they are in my etsy, madeit and bluecaravan stores now x

every day events into every day posters

2011-06-30T11:00:00.005+10:00

Loving this growing collection of everyday posters, promoting every day events with posters to give them a sense of importance they ordinarily would not have. You can submit your own, if you're feeling inspired. Or just be lazy like me and check out everyone else's mundane-ness turned event posters.

My poster today would be 'sneezing so much your eyes water', brought to you by 'the common cold', supported by copious amounts of tea, vicks vapour rub and tissues. Showing at 12 noon in my dressing gown. By the makers of 'that sneeze that sits in your nose and makes you pull a funny face' and 'my nose is red and very unattractive'.

Every Day Posters Every Day.

in the mail

2011-06-29T08:58:00.003+10:00

Letter and postcard from old housemates in Germany and France, a Japanese book and cars print fabric, and some salt and pepper shakers from the U.S. for my collection (donkeys! and bears!)

I love my mail man.

blog love- eye snacks

2011-06-28T07:48:00.006+10:00

Oh I do love the very pretty embroidery, art and photography from Dutch based artist Ingrid. Her blog is lovely, her portfolio is beautiful, she is down-to-earth and creative, and you can also buy some of her work as postcards to send to your friends (or keep for yourself)! What more can you ask for? Oh, that she also has an online vintage shop full of treasures? (I like these) Sure, she has that too!

Thanks Ingrid, you rock my blog world.
(and Limuna you are super-cute)

stop motion music

2011-06-25T13:52:00.002+10:00

Keep watching to the end, it gets better and better. Made me smile and dance a little in my chair.

Ace.

Happy weekend everyone!

50% Danish, 100% excited

2011-06-23T07:53:00.000+10:00

by Paul Samples

I like being half Danish. I like boiled eggs in my tomato soup. Danish architecture and design give me a vague sense of (probably misplaced) pride. I am happy to be connected to the 'happiest country' in the world. I like bicycles, icecream, cottages, liquorice, vikings, fairy tales and plastic building blocks; all areas in which the Danish excel.

In one month, four peasly little weeks, I will be joining my family (7 + 1 bub) as we travel across the world and meet up with more, far-flung family. I am excited, and nervous, and happy and worried all at the same time. I have never been so far away!

things I want to do in Denmark

:: fill a travel journal, a camera and my suitcase
:: go to the original lego land
:: ride a bike. everywhere. look as chic as these people while doing so.
:: smile at all the tall men. ALL of the TALL men.
:: visit the little mermaid statue
:: see Iron and Wine play. buy a tour t-shirt.
:: send a ridiculous number of postcards
:: look at castles. Maybe Princess Mary's too.
:: soaking up the eco/sustainable/vintage/chic culture. they have lots.
:: eat a lot of Danish liquorice
:: See some deer and other animals-I-have-never-seen
:: go to a Viking Museum

that's all I have so far.
Have you been? Do you have any suggestions?

reading right now

2011-06-22T07:36:00.000+10:00

:: The Scheme for Full Employment, Magnus Mills
:: Corduroy Mansions, Alexander McCall Smith
:: Jane Austen's Guide to Dating, Lauren Henderson
:: The Case for Books, Robert Darnton
:: Somthing to Tell You, Hanif Kurieshi
:: How to Start a Homebased Craft Business
:: Handmade Nation, Levine and Heimerl

What are you reading?

::Quotation

2011-06-21T22:32:00.000+10:00

"She felt in italics and thought in capitals"

Henry James

riverside markets

2011-06-21T12:18:00.002+10:00

I have told you about my sister before. She is ace. Did you know she makes gorgeous bags? You can see them here. She has a blog here. And is on facebook over here. We did the markets on the weekend, right next to the river. It was cold in the shade. Then hot in the sun. Then cold in the shade again. Oh then the sun came out and it was hot. Then.It.Was.Cold. The crowds worked a bit like that too, and came in waves from the restaurants and cruises. We had a nice time, and are getting ready now for the handmade expo. Do come along!

do you have to be superhuman?

2011-06-21T12:09:00.003+10:00

(photo by DudleyRedhead)

I feel a bit like this today, just trying to catch up on computer-y stuff. Reading, researching, updating, filing, entering, writing. Marketing, accounts, social media, blogging, research, accidental-looking-at-etsy, reading blogs, guest posting, listing items, following up. Is it all necessary? And how can you tell what is important and what is not? If it makes money? But not all value is about money. If it is focused? But you'd know too the treasures and ideas found accidentally. Do you have to be superhuman to fit it all in?

When people ask what I do, I say I make stuff, but sometimes the computer part can grow and grow into the making stuff time, and days pass where I have ticked boxes but not.made.a.thing. That can't be right.

taa daaa!

2011-06-17T10:03:00.003+10:00

Here it is! Hooray!

Oh boy, it took some tea and patience, but I now have a Pepper Stitches website, which is nice. It has lots of info on it, and so I've taken some pages off this blog but you can still see by clicking on the new speech bubbles in the sidebar there. So when people are looking for what I do, they can find it right away; instead of immediately reading about what I had for breakfast or my new favourite song. Which is nice to know, but not-quite-as-professional. So this blog will be for bloggy stuff, and other stuff can go on the website from now on. Yep.

I think I will take a better quality photo for the front page. And change the order of photos in the gallery. And.. but it is good for now. You have to let it be, sometimes, don't you? Or it would never end.

I made it with wix.com, which is free, and easy, and looks ace. My sister made hers there too. (remember to change your bookmarks to pepperstitches.blogspot.com if you'd rather go straight to the bloggy bits)

Now I need to get back to sewing!

upcoming markets! almost-ready website!

2011-06-16T15:00:00.001+10:00

You know that thing you do when you suddenly look up and realise you haven't posted on your blog for almost a week? Yeah. Oops. How did that happen?

I've been madly preparing for my first Brisbane markets! I will be with my sister Amanda from Red Pear drinking tea and chatting with all of our lovely wares at the Riverside Markets (Eagle St, Brisbane) this Sunday 19th of June, then next Saturday 25th we will be at the ace Handmade Expo (Brisbane Rd, Ipswich). So we are stitching and emailing and breathing deeply.

Plus I am working on my very own website! It is nice, I think, and will have links to all the important bits, like this blog, and facebook and twitter and flickr and a gallery and online shops and stockists and upcoming market dates and a bit about me too. Phew! If your bookmark says 'pepperstitches.com.au' it will go there; use 'pepperstitches.blogspot.com' if you'd like to come straight here. I hoped to launch it today, but my computer keeps freaking.out. and needs a bit of a rest. I will be nice to it, I need it to be nice to me, too.

So I am busy you see, but will post again soon. With pictures and everything. Hope your week is going ace!

etsy craft party 2011

2011-06-10T12:40:00.005+10:00

via bristyle

Last night I went to an etsy craft party, and met lots of lovely and super-creative people. I was too busy having fun and drinking tea to remember to take photos (I had fun and took lots last year). So this banner will have to do. Just imagine photos of lots of people. And lamingtons and cookies in the shape of cats, and biscuits in a little suitcase. Yes.

I met Jess who edits the gorgeous *bespoke* zine and designs jewellery too; Kate from dashrobin designs who is very funny and teaches crochet; Bronwen who is an ecologist by day and makes Whizzbangle resin bangles by night; Dominique from Esbert's Collection who draws and makes (the.cutest.crochet.bears); Lesley from sweet as spice, who is lovely and has the bestest business card ever; Majella had an awesome hat and is a vintage lover/styler/writer; Teneale makes dolls with a wicked personality (I especially love Mr T); and also Vicky from Incube8r, Helen from Bristyle, and Lisa who ran the whole shebang at Salt House. Phew.

I had a lovely time and it was so nice to meet some new crafty friends in my new city. I hope I didn't talk too much. I do that sometimes.

(OH! edit: you can see some photos here)

(ps. Darn blogger keeps refuses to keep me logged in unless I am on my dashboard, so I cannot follow any new blogs. Or edit my pages. Or leave comments properly. Has this happened to anyone else? It is a little bit annoying. Actually quite a bit.)

etsy love- National Red Apple Day

2011-06-08T11:13:00.003+10:00

5 little apple cores wooden play food; Red Apple Napkin Holder; Apple Earrings; vintage red apple canister large; Sweet, Red Arthur Apple - Printable PDF paper toy; Apple a Day Brooch; Apple postcard; Long Grove Apple Haus Apple Cookbook 1976; Vintage Apple Wall Clock

Did you know that in Australia it is National Red Apple Day? Well it is. It's part of Bowel Cancer Awareness Week. Eating apples are good for your insides. People are embarassed to talk about Bowel Cancer. It has the word 'bowel' in there. But it is the second largest cause of cancer deaths in Australia. It is important. You can find more information here.

Here are some apple-y things on etsy that I like. Happy Apple Day.

33 ways to stay creative

2011-06-08T09:56:00.003+10:00

on today and tomorrow, found by etsy tweet

I have already done 1, 7, 9, 11 and 31 this morning. It's going to be a good day!

new stockist! Mr Sparrow

2011-06-07T15:45:00.000+10:00

(Anna and Mr Sparrow in Frankie)

You can now find Pepper Stitches in the gorgeous Mr Sparrow, in Perth, Australia. Now you can find Pepper Stiches in 4 States! How exciting!

If you are over that way, Mr Sparrow stocks oh-so-many-delightful things. Anna, the owner, is delightful too. How do I know? Well she's lovely. And there is an online shop. I have seen it and lusted mightily. I know.

the weight of a dream

2011-06-07T08:59:00.003+10:00

via

I dreamt of an old love last night, a lost love, a it-wasn't-right-but-good-lord-it-hurt-anyway kind of love, and woke feeling sad and lost with a touch of guilt for the way things went and the way things could have been, and the way things never were; and the less-than-stellar way I handled the fall-out.

What I want to know is, what do you do with this weight? When you wake up carrying emotions from a dream, what do you with it? I can't carry it with me all day. I need to put it down somewhere so my hands are free for other things, but I'm not sure how.

:: Quotation

2011-06-07T08:27:00.000+10:00

via

"Man, oh man, you’re my best friend, I scream it to the nothingness, there ain’t nothin’ that I need. Well, hot & heavy, pumpkin pie, chocolate candy, Jesus Christ; there ain’t nothin’ please me more than you. Home, let me come Home. Home is wherever I’m with you."

Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros

(listen to the whole song)

this is me. today.

2011-06-06T09:21:00.001+10:00

my week in pictures

2011-06-04T09:01:00.002+10:00

*the vintage tupperware tea party was lovely. We ate caramel slice and girl guide cookies and drank tea and chatted.

* accidentally discovered craft markets up the road and picked up a houseplant named Earl

* my niece Elsa. I know I go on about her being the cutest.thing.ever. but just look!

* all bike racks ought to be in interesting shapes. Just saying.

* Juniper sleeping upside down and snoring

* roses make me smile. Celebrating a house full of furniture! Yay!

* then we went shopping and filled up jars with spices and legumes and nuts and seeds, and labelled everything with matching labels. Yes.

Hope your week was lovely x

stitch your way to success

2011-06-03T11:15:00.001+10:00

Illustration by Andy Smith, his shop full of rad stuff is here, and he has a blog here.

I like his style.

reminder- tupperware tea party!

2011-06-02T18:48:00.002+10:00

My vintage tupperware tea party is in 1 more sleep! It will be ever-so-nice, and now I am thinking of making trifle too. I hope you can come!

Pepper x

clever grrantler and brother and sister grrantlers

2011-06-01T13:49:00.003+10:00

Yay! The grrantlers are finished!

The grrantler siblings are quiet but playful once you get to know them. They like to whisper scary stories and collect funny shaped rocks.

The clever grrantler is quiet and studious and dislikes poor grammar, but loves to eat toffee, read books with long words and giggle at the rude bits in nature documentaries. With a waistcoat and spectacles, this grrantler is well suited to a bookshelf, library or study, and will make a loyal friend. (do you think he pulls off the waistcoat, Jessica?)

The siblings are off to France! Oui! and the clever grrantler is in my etsy shop and reading a book while he waits to meet his new family.

etsy love- sunshine in winter

2011-06-01T08:12:00.000+10:00

Set of 6 Crocheted Snowflakes; Snow in the Woods Fine Art Photograph; Vintage brass fan shape bookends; hand knitted cream aran armchair slip cover; Poppy Tea Towel-Organic Linen; Blue and Brown Plaid Spring Circle Scarf; Light seafoam fingerless mitts/ wrist warmers; Singing Tea Kettle Birdhouse; Lil Rascals Patchwork and Organic Cotton Flannel Baby Blanket; Quilled Snowflake Ornament; Pyrex Butterfly Gold Round Casserole; Mini Wall Hanging Clock - Tea Pot; Teal Window to My Soul

see the full treasury here

Happy first day of Winter! x

:: Quotation

2011-05-31T07:33:00.000+10:00

And she was so simply his love, his girl, watching him approach as if she were memorizing him and his walk and those flowers and this moment, and he wanted to ask her what sound a heart made when it broke from pleasure, when just the sight of someone filled you the way food, blood, and air never could, when you felt as if you’d been born for only one moment, and this, for whatever reason, was it.

Dennis Lehane, Shutter Island

Phone Boox

2011-05-30T19:13:00.001+10:00

Take one unused red phone box. Add shelves, books and sign to make random community book exchange. Equals Awesome.

James Econ, the maker, explains: “I guess the point is you don't have to 'be' anything to make things happen. I'm not a designer, I'm not a bookworm and I'm not a carpenter. I just had an idea, and without really caring whether it would be 'a success' - more just wanting to see what would happen - I got on with it. ... That is exactly what I like so much about it; Socially Beneficial Creative Vandalism. Manifestation to deployment in one lazy Saturday afternoon.”

Phone Boox via springwise

can you help?

2011-05-30T07:48:00.000+10:00

This house caught on fire on Wednesday, and half of it turned into ashes. The burning released some asbestos in the building, so the whole house needs to be demolished. Darn.

Rochelle and Tony are the couple who lived in this house. They have two young children, Braydon (14 months) and Mackayla (4 yrs old). Everything they own is in the house, and they have lost it all.

I'm helping to collect anything that might help this family, like linen, manchester, cooking utensils, clothes, kids clothes, toys. Do you have some spare things? Or maybe you could make a toy for the kids? It sure would help these guys. Could you reblog this and help us collect essentials? That would help too.

You can drop off your spare things to the Pepper Stitches Studio (508 Oxley Rd, Sherwood, Brisbane). I'll be collecting this week (until Saturday 4th June). I know the crafty bloggy community is really generous, and I'm hoping to collect lots of things. If you can help, that would be ace!

flea market finds

2011-05-29T11:23:00.002+10:00

New op-shops to explore in my new suburb; I've been holding back and looking in just one a week so far. This week I found an overnight bag, framed stitched koala and cub, some patterns and a giant canister for tea bags. Perfect.

You can see more Flea Market Finds over here on Sophie's blog.

Sophie also writes lists like this one. I like lists. I am borrowing this list.
This weekend I am;

Buying: collared shirts to turn into superhero capes
Enjoying: the possibility of pancakes for lunch
Loving: jaffas, how yummy are they?
Reading: science magazines
Writing: a letter to my friend and to-do lists for the week
Drinking: Sarsapiralla
Listening: to Sunken Foal

blog love- hyperbole and a half

2011-05-28T22:26:00.000+10:00

Have you read this blog? Do. Do it now. It is hilarious. This is one of my favorite posts, how a fish almost destroyed my childhood. And also this is why I'll never be an adult. Oh and you must read The God of Cake. And if you have a dog (or not, actually), don't forget dogs don't understand basic concepts. Just read it all.

Allie, you rock my blog world.

Warning: do not drink hot liquid or operate heavy machinery while reading. Explosive laughter may result in injury. Seriously.

friday link love

2011-05-27T09:00:00.002+10:00

via

Possibly the cutest kids birthday invitation ever

A lovely list of lists to write. This list of lists made it onto my list.

A great idea for buying and selling fabric scraps

painting monster rocks and hiding them to inspire children's creative writing

Like to create? Join a crafty hottie challenge

Amazing photos looking into the past on everyday streets

Have you seen these 'Like' and 'Dislike' stamps?

Get great deals on etsy loveliness every day

Happy Friday x

(ps. I did a guest interview on The Creative Beast blog today! Yay!)

today

2011-05-26T12:56:00.002+10:00

:: Quotation

2011-05-24T10:13:00.003+10:00

(via)

I believe in kindness. also in mischief. also in singing, especially when singing is not necessarily prescribed.

mary oliver

(I collect quotes, I love to read them; they make me laugh, expand my thoughts and inspire me. I'd like to share some of my favourites. Post a quote that makes you smile, or cry, or see the world differently, got you through a hard time, or something funny your friend said last week. Pop in your link below. That would be lovely. )

new stockists! Georgie Love, Breathing Colours Gallery, Meet Me at Mikes

2011-05-23T08:21:00.005+10:00

You can now find Pepper Stitches at Georgie Love, an online store of handmade pleasures. There are lots of lovely things there, really truly. Be warned, your morning might slip away while you peek at the shelves.

You can also find Pepper Stitches at Breathing Colours Gallery (top photo) @ 446 Darling St, Balmain, Sydney 2041, and some bearded folk men dolls have made their way to the Meet Me At Mikes shop @ 63 Brunswick St, Fitzroy Melbourne 3065.

Meanwhile, it is a misty cool morning, and I'm going to go make some more tea and start sewing some teddy bear super-hero capes. I might listen to the Audreys.

Happy Monday everyone!

vintage tupperware tea party

2011-05-22T16:45:00.003+10:00

Do you live in Brisbane? Would you like to come to my Tupperware Party? We’ll have scones and jam and cream, and chat a bit, and meet nice people.

We're going to make chocolate brownies, admire doilies, talk and gossip, and generally have a good time. And drink tea. Or champagne. Possibly both. You can bring your knitting and crochet, too. Feel free to pass this on to others who might like to come, and you can bring a friend; that would be lovely. Please leave a comment, or email pepperstitches@yahoo.com if you can come along. I will have a tea cup ready.

Have you been to a tupperware party before?

my week in pictures (and words)

2011-05-22T13:28:00.005+10:00

We built our first raised vege bed with some spare planks under the house, wooden stakes, and grass clippings. See the neighbours chickens? They come under the fence to visit (and then I pretend that they're mine.)

I have named her Pat the Possum, she who breaks teapots and takes bites out of all my apples, and scampers through the house like she just-don't-care. (Note to self- must close back door before sunset..)

My first cafe breakfast in aaaages, with my sister in New Farm. It was very good indeed.
Indeed.

I joined the library! Hooray! Lots of books (including Handmade Nation) and this very cute picture book ('A Bit Lost' by Chris Naughton); "Yes, please" said Squirrel, "biscuits are our favourite thing."

Walking through New Farm I saw the inside of a house, on the outside, with old newspapers glued to the walls. Why? I don't know.

We have furniture coming to the house next week. I know! Last week we upgraded to metal cutlery, and now furniture! I shall have a bed, and we shall dine on a table, with chairs and everything!We shall live like kings, I tell you, like KINGS.

Hope you had a great week too! x

my happiness project

2011-05-20T12:48:00.005+10:00

From the 2011 Brisbane Ideas Festival, these are my favourite entries to the My Happiness Film Project, asking people to document what makes them happy. These short films made ME happy today, aren't they ace? Especially that first one. I like lots of things that Sophie likes. I think I'd like Sophie an awful lot too. What a champ. And spinning around? Well that's fun any old time. And pigtails. They're great too.

You can see more entries here.

my best friend is getting married

2011-05-20T08:19:00.005+10:00

I am so very, very excited, and so very, very happy for her. Her fiance is the sweetest.man.ever and they glow with happiness. Just look.

I've already written my speech
(and made myself cry, it's so beautiful!)
they're getting married in Spain
(he is Spanish)
which is even more romantic, I think
They are going to be very happy together
and have little Spanish-Italian-Australian babies (imagine!)

Congratulations Ruth and Carlos!
xx

Hooray! Pepper Stitches Patterns!

2011-05-19T11:01:00.005+10:00

Oh it is just so very exciting. Now you can make your very own Antler Boy or Girl, Woodland Fox, Soft Giraffe or Telephone Animal (bunny, mouse, bear or squirrel)!

All patterns are PDF files and $8.50 in my etsy, madeit and bluecaravan shops.

A giant thank you to the crafty peeps who tested these patterns before the launch, and gave me excellent feedback. Sophie (*shinelittlelight), Thouraya (Amelie & Atticus), Karen (Weathergirl and Me), Bek (Red Chocolate) and Natacha (PiouPiou Kids).

I couldn't have done it without you. You rock.

share the love! and gift voucher giveaway

2011-05-18T10:55:00.001+10:00

do you have a photo of you and your Pepper Stitches? I am looking for photos of you, or your loved one or kidlet with a Pepper Stitches plushie, toy or cushion for my online 'share the love!' album.

Email pepperstitches@yahoo.com with your pic and I will be super happy, plus you'll enter the draw for a $30 Pepper Stitches gift voucher to any of my online stores!

Hooray!

(ps. be sure to 'like' the Pepper Stitches facebook page and I will tag your photo too)

make do and.. spend?

2011-05-18T08:46:00.000+10:00

via

So I was in a shopping centre yesterday, and I walked past a Sportsgirl store with a giant poster in the window. As they do. This proclaimed in big letters MAKE DO AND MEND, with some suitably young model types holding wool and looking, well, young and crafty and model-ly, surrounded by crochet blankets and other suitably handmadenessy stuff.

Which made me stop in my tracks, and stand there, a little confused. Isn't it the antithesis to use that phrase as a marketing campaign? It's like punk being fashionable; it's the polar opposite of what the whole thing was about.

'Make do and mend' came about during war rationing and having a whole lotta less. It’s about using what you have, learning skills to make things, going without, mending where you can. Not about consumerist spending on fashion clothing and accessories. Not at all, actually. This is not even handmade or ethical clothing, but mass-produced pieces made in large quantities in overseas factories with dubious labour practices.

After I was confused, I felt a bit affronted. Sportsgirl have no interest in making do or mending, they want to sell more stuff, and think they can target a new market with crochet hooks and buttons. How dare they offer up with a price tag the very thing that generations of students and artists have pieced together with their own hands, wits, skills; and generations of householders and struggling mothers before them. Making the best of what you have, using traditional skills to provide for your family, using your own ingenuity; now on sale.

It makes me cranky.

(ps. some peeps in the interwebs seem to think it's a good thing, and others think it not-so-good. If it is making more people learn to knit, is it ok then? What do you think?)

::Quotation

2011-05-17T15:00:00.001+10:00

The most important thing is to create; nothing else matters, creation is all.

Pablo Picasso

(I collect quotes, I love to read them; they make me laugh, expand my thoughts and inspire me. I'd like to share some of my favourites. Post a quote that makes you smile, or cry, or see the world differently, got you through a hard time, or something funny your friend said last week. That would be lovely. )

hello there

2011-05-17T10:37:00.001+10:00

I haven't said hello in a while. Not properly. Hi. How are you? What's been going on? I've had lots going on. I moved house, and set up my new studio, and have spent lots of time arranging things and exploring my suburb and visiting my family who are now just-next-door it feels like. I have been planning and pondering and I have been finishing some orders and working on patterns and such, too.

What have you been doing? I missed you, I haven't had time to read blogs and chat much. I will try to do it more, now. I'm a bit nervous about making new friends. I know I will, but feels just a little like starting a new school. I have so much I want to do, I keep turning around in circles. But here I am. It felt so far away, but it came so fast, at the end.

Thanks for sticking around. It's only getting more exciting, from here.

my week in (black and white) pictures

2011-05-14T20:25:00.000+10:00

my niece Elsa had her first birthday party, in the park with balloons and cake and a bbq too

possums came into the kitchen overnight and left half eaten apples strewn across the floor

my family came over for mothers day dinner and the kids watched movies in my room. It was the first time everyone has been to my house, ever. It was lovely.

more folk men, I do love them so.

I bought a dictionary and learnt new words on the train like quasar and obsequious; and found old favourites like piffle and canoodle.

Plus I went to my first Brisbane Brown Owls meeting (Samantha taught me to crochet, and I met Stacey and Julie too.) I was a bit nervous and possibly talked too much, and completely forgot to take a photo, but had a lovely time!

hope you had a great week too x

my creative space- grrantlers

2011-05-12T09:49:00.008+10:00

I received an email this week requesting a grrantler- the little fellows snuck out while I wasn't looking and visited a style website on the other side of the world. Sneaky.

I'm working on the next generation now, but can't help but change them. I'm thinking waistcoats with shiny buttons. Perhaps a bow tie?

see more creative spaces here

made my morning

2011-05-12T08:56:00.001+10:00

OH! I think perhaps I am a visual person; I already love this song; but add those amazing little bubbles (simple but oh-so-effective) and I am entranced. Watch it, do.

Thanks Quincy!

do you like me?

2011-05-11T09:06:00.005+10:00

(Pepper Stitches bow tie bears in etsy and madeit)

Pepper Stitches now has a facebook page! Yep!
There are photos and conversations and nice people there, and I'll pop special sales and things on there too.
You can go over here and like me. That would be nice.
If you like.
Not to sound too insecure.

But you know.
that would be nice.

(you can also find me on twitter!)

:: Quotation

2011-05-10T08:52:00.007+10:00

"The indispensible first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: decide what you want."

Ben Stein

etsy love- hello house

2011-05-09T14:49:00.003+10:00

home sweet home poster, hello recycled wooden sign, little polka dot house, mobile homes, passport cover little houses, big wood pin brooch house in the suburbs, howdy greeting sign, sweet vintage floral cushion

I am busy meeting my new house but I will introduce you soon (I know you'll like each other) and be back to regular posting faster than you can say snippetty-boo!

for mum

2011-05-08T07:29:00.000+10:00

Thanks for the hugs, and kisses, and notes in my lunchbox
Thanks for the haircuts, and hand me downs
(I know I didn't like them at the time)
Thanks for the tuna casserole, and fried eggplant and carrot juice
Thanks for dropping me off at parties, and picking me up at midnight
Thanks for putting up with my nonsense sometimes
Thanks for being there for me, all the time
Thanks for the dancing, the singing, the silliness
Thanks for the camping, the road trips, the adventures
Thanks for reading to me, banning television, and shooing us outside
Thanks for teaching me to never stop asking questions
Thanks for your never ending encouragement and support

Thanks for being my mum
Happy Mother's Day
xx

my week in pictures

2011-05-07T07:24:00.003+10:00

I hope you had a good week x

so, so hot right now

2011-05-06T15:13:00.003+10:00

(see those toenails? Yellow with pink dots is so trending.)

My nephew is going home from hospital today. Hooray!

He was admitted to hospital mid-vacation, so my sister is home for the first time in 3 weeks too, and I bet she's having a hot hot shower, right now. Or maybe a glass of wine. Possibly both.

It's not over yet, but so glad they're going home.

what's hot and what's not

2011-05-04T18:18:00.005+10:00

able and game

Hot

* moving house

* the green carpet in my bedroom

* pumpkin and chickpea salad

* finding forgotten things in boxes

* being in the same city as my sisters

* winning an ace giveaway on this blog

* nieces and nephews

* doing crossword puzzles and getting all the answers

* finishing an order for a new stockist

Not

* littlest nephew in hospital

* computer asking for a password for the first time in 3 years

* not knowing it.

* running out of toy stuffing

* hurty wisdom teeth

* worrying about money

* cat pee in my shoe. seriously.

::Quotation

2011-04-26T07:19:00.003+10:00

“The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.”

Bertrand Russell

I want this so much my eyeballs hurt from not having it

2011-04-25T07:14:00.000+10:00

modern vintage style.

*swoon*

hug a bunny

2011-04-24T10:03:00.002+10:00

and eat some hot cross buns. (and possibly your own weight in chocolate. I mean if you can't do that at Easter, when can you?)

Happy Easter y'all

blog love- daily cootie catcher

2011-04-20T08:29:00.000+10:00

via skiptomylou

do you remember paper fortune tellers? We used to make them in primary school, and they'd usually predict dire fortunes like marrying a yucky boy, or statements that we were, in fact, a monkey.

Well the daily cootie catcher is full of them. One every day, actually (I found it via 365 days). Except they are awesome. Need help choosing a cocktail? There's one for that. Want to know your wrestling name? There's one for that too. Need to generate office gossip/ predict your blogging fortune/ decide whether to call him/ not sure if you should run away and join the circus or not? They're all covered.

Even better, they are all printable and come with instructions (just in case it's been a while) so you can print them out and try them on your friends. AND instructions to make your own.

How ace!

Thanks Michelle, you rock my blog world!

new meme- quote tuesday

2011-04-19T06:40:00.004+10:00

I collect quotes in an old handbound book. I love to read them when I'm feeling uncertain or heavy with the world. They make me laugh, expand my thoughts and inspire me. I collect all kinds, some from books, some from movies or tv. shows, from historical figures, or something funny my friend said last week. I'd like to share some of my favourites.

Every Tuesday I'll post one of my favourites with a photo. Do add your name if you join in - post a quote that makes you smile, or cry, or see the world differently, or got you through a hard time. That would be lovely.

25 things to do with a glass jar

2011-04-18T07:07:00.001+10:00

via

1. make it into a home for a pet snail

2. make a lovely terrarium and keep it on your kitchen shelf

3. keep the sun with you all day (and night) with a sun jar

4. crochet a cover for your jar from your favourite colours

5. make it into a cloche to protect a new seedling in the vege patch

6. keep it on your dresser for your spare change. after a week donate it to a homeless shelter

7. make iced tea in your jar, and take it on a picnic

8. make a time capsule with your family and friends

9. make infused vodka for the weekend

10. make a jar pincushion to hold your sewing pins

11. pick some flowers and make a painted jar vase

12. make an educational matching game (or this one) and play

13. use it to make salad dressing, and store it in the fridge

14.every day write something you are thankful for and put it in the jar

15. use wire to make a handle and turn it into a tealight candle holder

16. pick some rose petals and make a potpourri air freshener

17. make some sand art in your jar and use it as a paperweight or bookend

18. pop it in the kitchen cupboard and use it as an extra drinking glass

19. pretend it's christmas and make a snowglobe

20. fill it with biscuit ingredients and give it to a friend

21. cover it in fabric and use it to hold your pens

22. stock up at the markets and make some jam, or pickles, or chutney or relish

23. use lots of little jars to make this awesome spice rack

24. use it to hold your crafty bits and pieces

25. revert to childhood and make a papier mache volcano experiment

what else could you do with a glass jar?

flea market finds- glass jars

2011-04-17T07:49:00.000+10:00

This week I picked up a collection of big glass jars. They are in so many op-shops, and so cheap, I really ought to get more. I was planning on using these ones for the pantry, to store dry things like almonds and lentils and rice.

But when I brought them home I got to thinking of all the things I could make with them. I've made these snow globes/pincushions and party candle holders from jars, and use them to hold my crafty bits and pieces; but there are so many possibilities. Hannah wrote a great article on uses for jam jars here, that's a good place to start.

I'm going to go write a list.

(see more flea market finds here)

what does a wish look like?

2011-04-16T14:31:00.000+10:00

via 'hello to hitched'

get a pen and paper.

or open up a new document/app/list.
I'll wait for you.
ready?
now answer these questions. (write your first response, your first image, thought, sensation. There are no wrong answers.)

1. What does a wish look like?
2. What colour is happiness?
3. What does purple look like?
4. What does your self-image sound like?
5. What colour is today?
6. What does a rainbow feel like?
7. What colour is the smell of your favourite perfume?
8. What colour is your favourite song?
9. What does a cloud sound like?
10. What is the weight of your anger?
11. what is the shape of your imagination?

I answered them on my sisters blog, and they made me smile, and wonder. They were part of a series of questions to make you think differently about creattivity, from an early-childhood conference she attended. Thanks for sharing Mim!

These are my answers;
1.a bubble floating in the sky
2. colours reflected on a lake
3. a shiny eggplant
4. a symphony; sometimes swelling strings and sometimes discordant cacophony
5. crisp sky blue, cool and productive
6. soft and fuzzy. Like a Care Bear.
7. soft muted yellow (CK one)
8. like a black and white movie (Yann Tiersen-Sur Le Fil)
9. depends on the type of cloud. Rain clouds sound like a double bass. Wispy clouds sound like soft violin.
10. a lead ball, like a shot put in my chest
11. a piece of string on a white background that moves constantly into different shapes, like a cookie cutter.

If you post your answers, please leave a comment so I can pop over and see!

my week in pictures

2011-04-16T07:24:00.000+10:00

* going to miss sitting in the back seat, driving on country roads with the wind rushing through the window

* hot cross buns and thermos tea on an early morning trip to town

* a lovely surprise from Emma in the post

* my first.ever. successfully grown eggplant. and it was delicious.

* Six decided my bag was quite-a-nice-bed-thank-you-very-much

* Ruthie the lamb is as big as the other sheep now. And it's finally ugg boot weather!

* the neighbours pigs had little piglets. Adorable little cuteness.

make something everyday

2011-04-15T15:52:00.000+10:00

Creativity, I think, is a muscle. Use it often, and boldly, and it will grow. I'm a fan of 'doing every day' challenges, when you have a limited time frame and a work to produce, I think it switches off the critical part which demands perfection. Sometimes quantity is better than quality, I say.

So I particularly love this project, 365; make something every day, showcasing some of the projects chosen by participants. Some have subject themes (faces, two headed cats, self portraits, houses); some are focused on the technique (granny squares, drawing, beading, bookmaking, weaving, paper); and some do a bit of everything.

Don't take my word for it, go have a look. Lots of people make lots of interesting things.

And with that kind of quantity, you can pick and choose and build quality. Without the self confidence to run with an idea, any idea, it's impossible to make the leap into a perfect outcome. Make mistakes.