Sydney here we come

Here on Sunday. I will be the one with bags under my eyes and a dishelleved appearance. If I sound a little monosyllablic I apologise in advance. xx

Blogtoberfest Day 13: to cruise is sublime

When feeling a little chilly and not 100%. Load favourite wee girl in favourite old girl and drive. Go for a cruise to Evandale Market and then out into the country to see this lovely girl. The warm sun through the untinted windows and the smell of vinyl, still like new, warms the cockles. In 11 years I have never got tired of this simple driving pleasure in 'Harriet' ... and when I hear my wee girl say "I love Harriet" I know she understands too ...

Blogtoberfest Day 8: the panic sets in

I am dreaming of turning up here naked, with no stock, up on stage and my voice won't come out, trying to run away and being glued to the floor... you know - just those harmless pre event, nervy jitters you get once in a while... if you are up in Sydney .. drop in say hi - bring valium or scotch.

Blogtoberfest Day 7: Birthday Booty

My birthday came and went. I am now closer to 40 than 30. I'm OK with that. Rock and roll around here is not a mosh pit, it's more dancing to mary had a little lamb ... with butterfly dancing shoes - apparently the only kind you can dance in. Thought I would share some of the beautiful gifts which came my way ... lucky gal. Vintage tin (Loz brought it for me from here when my back was turned), beautiful vintage Owl salt and pepper shakers and a black eyed susie brooch, thanks Suse. A surprise gift from annie - her handmade soaps, and a gorgeous coconutty candle and some retro toes created by Peg and Kate... snazzy. And those apooki earrings? I won them in a giveaway and they arrived near my birthday - with hair clips - cool huh? I am also the proud owner of a shrug. I'm so foxy in it I have to beware of hunting dogs and riders in red coats ... more vintage finds soon x

Gigposters: Blogtober Day 6

Dirk Fowler Gig Poster courtesy of here

I am mad for printmaking. It has been a long standing fetish of sorts. A beautiful world which for some time I have stood on the edge of gazing in - going 'oooh, aah, mmm'. Dunc and I bought a few posters at a gigposter exhibition SubScreenSonic I that I worked on in another life - including the one above - by letterpress artist Dirk Fowler of F2 Design fame. We also bought a whole stack from another letterpress lovely Bryce McLoud from Isle of Printing, which shamefully are still waiting to be framed after almost four years! I could wax lyrical about some of the amazing artists out there producing art in this area ... but go here - the world of gig posters, now largely an American phenonomen is mind blowing... I love that there are secret worlds everywhere, my friends.

PS. Blogger wouldn't let me upload last night!!! aaah! I'm behind again!

a small ode

This is a small ode to the things we hold dear.
The immeasurable.
The loved.
The things that hold us when we hold them.
The voice that greets us each morning
The goodnight
The I love you
The familiar
The hand in mine
The gentle reminder that nothing has meaning without the small things

Off the Blogtober Vagon

A sensational day at the market = content but exhausted Gemma who falls asleep shortly after putting wee girl to bed ... on the couch 5 minutes into Midsommer Murders no doubt making small bear noises and drooling on own dressing gown. Glamour folks is just an integral part of my life.

So as couch induced slumber is not conducive to blogging - I missed my third day of Blogtoberfest blogging - so lucky you ... I'll post twice today!

Thank you to all and sundry who came to the market and those of you who said hi!! I had such a wonderful day at one of the world's friendliest and loveliest markets (Thanks Bec, Shannon and Holly xx)... worth the drive and the earlier kick off for daylight savings xx

new things

I promise that my next post will be somewhat more spicy, fruity and inspired for Blogtoberfest. Until then - have a cheeky peek at what other may peruse at the market tomorrow. Knackered - but the car is packed for our 6am (real time 5am) departure. Sundays should be for sleep ins ... just not whilst you are driving! Off to bed for required beauty sleep. Aufweiderzein pet.

In The Market for...

I'm heading here this Sunday. Will have lots of new stuff because I have been working like a maniac and Loz has been helping out in the sweatshop ... it's good to have a Loz in your life.

So despite Blogtoberfest ... I will be a little incoherent until, lets say Monday afternoon. But if you come say hi between 10am and 3pm this Sunday at the Masonic Hall, Sandy Bay, Hobart - I promise I will string a few sentences together which may or may not have you walking away going 'Huh?'. I love a cheeky little trip to the capital ... even if it is an hour earlier wake up time with the onset of daylight saving. All good.

Blogtober Fest ... I'm off

Let the Tinniegirl's Blogtoberfest begin. I am going to do my darndest to keep up this blogging malarky for the whole month of October! Been thinking about the whole German influence and realise that it is a culture that has been delicately interwoven in our lives. I could almost claim citizenship. How?

1. I have spent a lot of time in Germany ... well not exactly in the country .. rather in transit in Frankfort Airport. We were so busy playing travel scrabble ... that by the time we realised we should be boarding, we also realised we were in the wrong terminal. Yep we were those bastards who get on the plane when everyone else is seated and waiting to get clearance for lift off! ... there is another story with the German Flight Attendant - but I will leave that for another time.
2. I love sauerkraut. Could eat it every day. Edie loves it too. We are all over the sauerkraut like a rash in our family ... even contemplating having a crack at making our own. Apparently it a very stinky process. I am not deterred. I am a mother. Stinky is a part of what I do. daily.
3. Despite shifting schools for my final year of primary school and thus not getting to study German - I can still count to 10 and say goodbye ... almost fluent you would say. The fact that I can say Danke Schoen is down to Ferris Bueller. Auf Weiderzein may be down to The Sound of Music.
4 I have flown Lufthanza. Twice.
5. I still dream of the lederhausen I picked up and then put back at Evandale market a few months ago. I should have gone with the gut and bought them. Every family needs a pair of lederhausen. I know Dunc would have protested ... but if he just gave them a try he could see that they are hot.
6. I love Cabaret.

That's it. Bring on the blog

and the universe shall decide ...

Faced with a seemingly impossible decision - I have done what I do best - reached for my favourite tea cup ... but instead of making myself a cuppa, I diligently wrote the names of all the Loz and Dinny Fringe Challenge participants on strips of paper in my bestest handwriting. You see I came over all stressed ... I couldn't decide and then it dawned on me ... it's not because I'm a Libran .. it's just, well, I loved them all. You can't compare apples with pears. You can't judge a superhero outfit against a cowboy. You can't distinguish between a tot, a bag and a purse. You can't shed light on a lampshade or a crown or a rosette. It is against the laws of algebra ... gotta group the x's with those y's. So I decided the best method was to pop those diligently written paper strips that Mrs Bailey my Year 5 teacher would have given me a lead pencil award for ... and I got the small to draw out the winner...

Kylie ... your pressie will be winging its way to you on Monday.... and I just want to take a moment to say thank you all and sundry for taking part in my humble challenge - I have just loved it and am secretly planning another one ... watch this space... BIG CRAFTY LOVE to you all xxx

The Loz and Dinny Fringe Challenge Wrap Up!

Thank you all and sundry for your birthday wishes - I can't tell you how much fun it has been seeing all the amazing entries in this challenge - all I could see when I looked at this fringe was lions and horses ... thus I tackled a hobby horse with inspiration from here. Sure he needs a few finishing touches but this afternoon I was surprised with a a veritable plethera of unexpected birthday visitors ... who spoilt me ... and to all the crafty wee crafters who took part - you have spoilt me with such amazing creativity, wit and just plain luscious eye candy. Want the wrap up? Here's what's in:

Isis made the most beautiful of rosettes - divine!

Mrs Smith, the craft minx, lit up my world with the kitsch lampshade that went 'straight to the pool room'

Minimon - our international entrant - came up with this beauty and this colourful gem- gorgeous

Myrtle and Eunice produced this classy bag and managed to use the challenge to justify a special fabric buying trip... artful, Tania - nice work!!

Kylie over at 3 Sheets partnered the trim with a found vintage bedspread for a match made in heaven ... and embroidered too! So fancy and droolworthy (The toast with a tea cup of gin was icing!)

Curly, I mean Superpops' entry gave me a serious early morning belly laugh waking up to her entry - it can fit in the handbag for quick change in any crafting emergency!

My Black Cardigan came up with the sweetest and most inventive idea! The crowns are just adorable!! I want one!!

Little Red Clog has excelled in making a gorgeous bag - love the blue, woo hoo!

Clutterpunk recycled some little girls jeans to make the pants any cowboy would salivate over - yeeeeeeeee haaaaaaaaaaaaa! Her post is hysterical!

and the ever wonderful Willy Wagtail produced three treats: the most beautiful patchworked bag, a brooch and a wacky grumpy old man purse ... no need for doubt my friend - you are a gifted crafter xx

I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed this whole challenge malarky. I have absolutely no idea how the hell I am going to pick a winner (not of the nasal variety - that would be a cinch). So I am going to do what any birthday gal should do ... I am going to sleep on it. Only divine intervention is going to separate any of these ... and your enthusiam for the challenge has been a really special birthday treat! Big Crafty Love to you all xx ... until tomorrow ...

Giveaway Challenge Looming ...

Alrighty - I realise I have been very lackadaisical about posting and keeping everyone up to date with this challenge! So those of you crafting away with some fringe like mine (and hers) ... then you just need to email me your pic of your crafted masterpiece by 10pm on Tues 29th September ... (gemma@lozanddinny.com.au ) or if you prefer - blog about it and send me the linky link ...then I will go into veritable conniptions trying to pick a winner (not of the nasal variety). I think I will have to enroll the assistance of someone impartial ... because I'm a Libran ... I have trouble making decisions ... and I'm already loving everyone's so far - have you seen this one? or this one?- and and and ... breathe!!!
and mine? Ok - so I will be the one pulling a last night job on this one ... I know ... I just have to find a hot glue gun and she'll be apples. Plus Tuesday is my birthday - I'll be able to complete it with a cocktail in my hand ;)

Edit: Another one here - fresh off the press

Dove with olive branch required - apply within

I am starting to feel a little like I should be building an ark and starting to gather up the neighbourhood pets in pairs. I have even let my mind wander as to which chook I would leave behind - or do I have to choose but one and find a rooster? It's not that I don't love rain ... it's just that there has been an awful lot of it... and each time the drops fall Dunc says "If only we had a rain tank - it would be full by now" - which can get a little repetitive when it has rained for close on 40 days and nights down here ... I love rain - but the cheeky, beaut, spring, sunny day yesterday, when I got out in my garden and weeded and planted reminded me that a little variation in weather can lift the soul ... anyways Brown Owls tonight ... can wait to bind me book with Isis. Local? Interested? Just rock up ... all details here - don't be shy ... we are all friendly craft nerds (if I can speak for myself as well as others hmm...)

For Keeps

The Keep Cup. Simple Genius. A plethera of presents sorted. Love it. Stocking up - and I have even gone on a break from caffeine ... that's commitment. It's love. Image and more info from here.

Giveaway has a foxy logo ...

Yep - that's right - a logo ... and yep you're right - there was no way that I came up with any kind of techno, graphic genius .. it is the work of the fabtabulous Nikki from My Black Cardigan ... and a participant in the trim giveaway challenge. Thanks Nikki - In addition to feeling very special - I feel all posh and legit - two words not often used to describe moi. Wanna see who is already off the starting blocks? Check out Sigrid from Minimon's gorgeous (and cheeky) little inclusion of the trim in this cute wee outfit! Gold! (Visit her blog ... you might have to brush up on your German - but hey! Crafting is the new international language!)

Wanna see who else is hot on it? Check out my sidebar ... Wanna get amongst it?- drop me a line and I'll get it in the post pronto in time for the 29 Sept Deadline.

Market was Ace (as in Space Ace)

That's my stall - some cheeky peeks at some new summer stuff

I like markets.

I like markets because you get to talk your head off to lovely people... and then when you hit a point of verbal exhaustion in the early afternoon someone goes and buys you a strong coffee.

I like markets because you get to fondle other people's lovely goods and say ooh and aah and get all inspired by how crafty clever people are.

I like markets because you get to giggle alot and talk craft porn all day and the small gets to hang out with her Dad.

I like markets because I get so chuffed that anyone would like my stuff let alone want to buy it - it still makes me feel all shy.

I like markets because they engender a feeling of connectiveness and community in those who get it. I like that there is room for everyone.

Mrs Smith makes her market debut

Red Bamboo appears at Homespun for the first time

That Vintage - That Sophie is lovely

Thank you to all those who dropped by the Civic Homespun Market yesterday and said hi!- The stallholders were just sensational - I'm sorry I couldn't get more shots - I ran out of room on my camera but the market gods shined on a small section of Launceston and I loved being a part of such a lovely day and I am still basking in the afterglow of market love. Thanks Tameeka for a wonderful market x

Why I may be 80

1. I have a tendency to call people 'darl' and 'lovely'. (It comes from having been a highschool drama teacher where you have every year 7 and 8 student for one hour a week and the need to learn 200 names in 2 weeks so you can avoid the 'hey you there' turns to desperation...it seems to have spilled into the outside world...)

2. I drive a 1965 HD Holden 'Harriet'. If I had of bought the car in 1965 at the age I am now - I would now be 80.

3. I love doing cryptic crosswords.

4. When we lived in Sydney - we lived in an amazing art deco flat still managed by our 90 year old landlord (he lived upstairs) - So how does this make me 80?? The clincher was that the flat came with membership to the randwick bowls club ... we would regularly cross the road to wet our whistles with beer at 1972 prices and enjoy a good chat with the oldies. Which brings me to it ... I believe beer tastes better in a pony.

5. I love what we like to call 'Depression Fare' - recipes that were meant to get us through the lean war years but have kind of stuck ... bread and butter pudding, rice pudding, weird ass slices made with copha, mock blueberry pie, mock fish, mock anything really... however, I put a stop at offal and will not be seen tucking into a cheeky plate of tripe.

6. I knick 'cuttings' from people's gardens (but they are hanging over the fence - so technically they're fair game ... right?

7. In certain situations and with certain outfits - there is nothing wrong with big underpants - particularly when they keep the small of your back warm.

Dinner out of a box

We have been enjoying our fruit and vegies from our box. Stewed apple and rhubarb on our breakfast. Iceberg Lettuce and balsamic with our dinner. Tonight I kicked a gourmet goal. The toddler even scoffed it down (the planets must have been aligned ... she's not fussy - just not interested. I'm told it's a phase and not to worry. I secretly hope she is raiding the fridge at midnight. Not much for days and then BAM she turns into an eating machine ... maybe a human bamix). Anyways it used a whole stack of my Hilbarn box as ingredients - so I'll share ... Let's call it Fettucine with a whole heaps of stuff.

From the box:
bunch of spring onions
1/4 of the cauliflower (cut into really small florets)
3/4 silverbeet (washed and finely chopped)
Prep all the vegies while the pasta water is boiling!

Extra:
about 1 cup cream
2 teaspoons dry tarragon
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons walnuts - finely chopped
enough fettucine for 3
salt and pepper to taste!
about 3/4 cup tasty cheddar (or parmesan - whatever you've got!)

Start by boiling water and getting pasta on.

Finely chop spring onions, throw in big pan with a little olive oil and the cauliflower - lightly fry - but only until just going brown. ( I usually put a lid over it - just to steam up the cauli a bit to soften) Chuck in silverbeet, toss in the oil. Add cream, tarragon and oregano. Bring to boil and then simmer until silverbeet is wilted. Add in the cheese and walnuts - stir in. Then chuck in the cooked pasta. Make sure it's all yummy and coated in the creamy mixture. Serve and season to taste.

Time to prepare and cook - 15 mins - 20 mins max - hungry hoards fed.

Market This Saturday - New Tricks

Get thee to a Market! Civic Homespun Market is on again this Saturday! Pigrim's Hall across from the Myer Carpark in Paterson Street. Pink market flags will be flying and this month (the last of the winter markets) is GOLD!!! This is the one to get to! I'll be sitting alongside market royalty: That Vintage (You'll want to buy Sophie as well as her stuff!), Red Bamboo (soaps and candles to die for - hey, you'll die smelling nice!), Little Jenny Wren (Jenny and her dolls are just so lovely) and Emma Kimpton is back with her cards and t-shirts...and I'm stoked to see Ruby Victoria Printmaking is going to be there - I saw her beautiful things at the market in Hobart and she's doing a letterpress demo ... don't get me started on letterpress - I'll get to that on another day! and ... DRUM ROLL PLEASE ... Mrs Smith is making her market debut - it is her deb ball without the white dress - just cushions and other fancy stuff. They're real good - I've fondled them - I know. Risque.

The market is busting at the seams this week with the good stuff and I'm really stoked to be amongst it - there will be a few sneak peeks on what will be my summer range - as well as some old favourites. Check out Civic Homespun's blog to see the full line up ...

Please come on down and support a veritable hoard of makers, growers (there's tulips this month!!) and designers. This is Launceston's regular handmade market - it needs your support and some good word of mouth. Come along and say hi - oh and bring some mates, and those kids that are busting to get out after all the rain - for no other reason except to breathe in the handmade love ...

Hilbarn = Box-o-joy for vegie lovin' types

It has been on my list of things to do. You know that list. The one store in the back of your mind - the bit of your mind which you are not having to use to inform people where the washed undies, socks or jumpers are lurking; where the red shoes are; or what time you need to get to swimming lesson; or if you actually paid that bill or thought you did and have now spent the money on some cake and coffee and a random book on basket weaving in the mongolian steppes. Yep - that bit.

Anyways - back to the list - I wanted to get a box of local and seasonal produce through Hilbarn. We have a good vegie patch - but it lags in winter and needs a little supplementing. So instead of following their blog and thinking about emailing them - I actually did it. And my box arrived today. and it's gorgeous. and I'm hungry. and I'll be having stewed rhubarb on my breakfast tomorrow ... and the rhubarb didn't get here in an aeroplane - it's local. I feel all smug - like I'm in the cool fruit and vegie club. Live in Lonnie? - get amongst it!

Happy Fathers' Day

SO ... I burnt the bacon for the special swine breakfast extravaganza... and those turkish breads were left in the oven a little long so were, at best, described as 'crispy'. I think the coffee was OK - but maybe the milk was a little luke warm. I ran out of time to mount the vintage guinness tea towell as wall art. And you endured yet another lap around the Esk market in honour of our much loved visitor from Sydney. But those were just my attempts for Fathers' Day. The wee girl knows nothing of why I -the vegetarian - was wrestling with pork products when I'm usually a toast and weetbix kinda gal. She just knows that you are the most beautiful, loving and extremely funny Dad in the world... and as I watched you pass by me whilst I tap out my thoughts on the computer - one after the other riding broomsticks for horses ... she obviously takes this fact as a given ... no special day required. Happy Fathers' Day - you are a champion, ace as in Space Ace kinda Dad xx

Spoilt!

I am overwhelmed and a little speechless. This doesn't happen too often so please enjoy the relative silence. A while back I won a giveaway over at Lovely Little Sweetpeas. Today it arrived (officially it arrived Friday - but Dunc forgot to tell me I would find it on the back seat of the car ... what the?) I thought I had won a bag - Fran omitted to tell me she would pack it full of the most gorgeous handmade goodness. A purse, a lavender heat bag AND a beautiful covered notebook. They are beautiful. You are sensational, Fran. Go on head over there and tell her that I said she was sensational ... speechless, I am, just speechless x

Spring is Sprung with Broccoli

Spring is here. Our fruit trees have just started to blossom... and our broccoli has continued to flower all winter with it's stunning yellow flowers. Broccoli, you say? Until this year - I'd never given a thought to how we eat the broccoli's buds before thay get to show there brilliant display ... so can I go out on a Gardening Australia limb and say 'embrace the broccoli flower' - they are the most beautiful of garden flowers and last well in a vase (as discovered by laissez faire vegie gardening types who like to experiment with things going to seed).

Whale of a time

Last week we had our Lonnie Brown Owls Meet. It was a wild and woolly night but 11 die hard owls rocked on up to do a spot of lino cutting. I was racking my brain with what to carve out ... and then it came to me ...this time it stemmed in our current fave night time read, Taro Gomi's 'Everybody Poos'. It asks the question we have all pondered "What does whale poo look like?". No really - what DOES it look like, man? Edie and I are stumped - but at least it got the creative juices flowing and gave a little inspiration for not only my lino cut - but a library bag to follow on its tail. Sorry - I can't find the card I actually printed - so you will have to look at the lino block instead...Check out other owls work here and here

PS If anyone can enlighten Edie and I on the whale poo issue - we would greatly appreciate it.

A Giveaway ... Gonna Make You Sweat ...

Ok - So I passed my year blogging birthday and well, forgot it ... and so I could've recognised my 100th post - but, mmm, didn't notice in time. So well ... I thought I would just have a celebratory giveaway just for the hell of it. Reckless, non? But there is a bit of a catch ... I haven't quite decided on the total giveaway booty ... that's right friends, TOTAL - it will be a surprise package of varied and unusual goodness. But there is but a small catch. You will have to work your craft booties for it. You see - on a previous expedition to the fabric and sewing mecca of seworld - I commented that there was something I liked about a trimming - but just wasn't quite sure what or why. Before I know it - I am exiting with the entire roll - gifted - by the glorious Gabbi. Apparently noone else quite knew what to do with it either and it was upsetting her shelf Feng Shui thang. So I need some help to show the world that there is indeed a place for this poor neglected retro inspired trim.

Which brings me to the 'Giveaway Challenge'. I will send you up to 1 metre of the trim in the mail and you have to use it in some crafty project to make it have its day basking in the sunshine of handmade. (let me know how many cm or inches you think you might require) Depending on how many takers we have .... I could post you some more. SO what to do??? Well just leave a comment here to say you are in like Flynn. I will need your address - so perhaps email me that and I will pop your piece in the post. Then get crafting - there are no restrictions on what you make. I will make a little place on the sidebar with links so you can see who is crafting along. Then ... well I'll choose a winner - and you'll get stuff. What say you? Hell - you can even tell people you are doing it - make a real party of it. All welcome - come on - you know you have just been hanging out for this crafty challenge!

PS. You have until Sept 29th to get it ready. If don't have a blog - no sweat - just email me (address on sidebar) and I'll send you some!

PPS If you have your return email set to no reply you might have to include your email address for me to get in touch with you.

Barely contained ...

Yesterday we got taken on a very special outing to see the amazing Circus Oz and their touring show 'Barely Contained'. The wee girl was pretty taken by the whole performance and did very well in the concentration stakes. It was only into the second act that she insisted on getting down off our laps and 'down on the floor'. She clearly had a calling - she ripped out a couple of roly polies followed by some turns in the aisle. But little did we know the inspiration was deeper...

Image courtesy of here

On returning back home I heard Dunc choke out a feeble cry of 'you best come see' from the direction of the living room ... seems that whilst Dunc and I were busy in other rooms - Edie had hatched a plan to run away with the circus ... it was the balancing chair act that had seemed to get her creative acrobatic genes racing ... just a little more pratise to hone her act... Mmm ... mental note to self ... maybe trust instinct this week when things go very quiet in the other room ...

I heart ...

On peering into my morning coffee this morning I spied a heart. A serendipidous discovery of chance. I asked the coffee maker had he perchance made it just for me. His 'no' suggested that he should have thought of doing that or at least lied and said he did.

But its appearance reminded me that I should be thankful for the wee joys that pop up unexpectedly through the day, gentle jogs to busy minds ... that the sound a heart makes according to Edie, is ticky boom, ticky boom, that wonderful fellow bloggers pull my name out of hats and crown me the winner of beautiful give aways (thanks Fran over at lovely little sweetpeas), that the magnolias in our wee suburb are just starting to bloom, that I get to hang out with Loz today and she no longer lives a million miles away and that the smell or freshly brewed coffee brings so much joy in this house ... what are your wee joys?

Thelma and Louise with Brad take the Mummas a-thrifting

What happens when this Mama and Mrs Smith load up Small Thelma and Small Louise with Small Brad Pitt and head out on a spectacular sunshiney day to beautiful Deloraine for a day of thrifting?

You find beautiful booty like this and the smalls get to follow up a play on the old steam train with a milkshake and a scone. Don't you love a road trip?

Staying

I used to move around alot. Then I met Duncan and we moved around alot together. In the 15 years since I moved out of my folks place I have lived in 20 different houses ... not counting the transient stops in between. The houses have been in 4 different Australian States, 4 different countries, 2 different hemispheres- 9 different cities (5 capital, 4 regional), 3 country towns, countless inner city suburbs. For the three years before Edie came, Dunc and I lived with not much more than could fit into two backpacks and a couple of packing boxes. We worked to travel. We collected stories and delicious memories; insights and inspiration; we wrote a duologue that we speak in quiet moments together when we can whisper 'do you remember when..?'

Our life is now 'when we stayed' rather than 'when we went'. It is a new experience for me, for us.... but we are living the life that we once only whispered to each other in quiet moments ... 'can you imagine if we had our own wonky house and a vegie patch and a family and got to stay'.

Here is delicious. Here is beyond our expectations of what it would feel like to stay put for a wee while. We have fallen into a tiny corner of the world where we feel connected and safe. Where we feel energised and brimming with ideas. A small piece of a community. For those of you who know what it feels like to move and feel comfort in change and the transient ... you must know how surprising this realisation is ...

Our house is filled with tiny momentos of moments past and for the first time I can pass them and feel happy to be in THIS moment ... and not somewhere else ... for now.

Ace Man needs Good Birthday Booty

My man had a birthday not long ago. I wanted to get him something special. He's a bit of a catch so he deserves it, you know? So when I spied some tea towels in Mrs Smith's stash - I knew it was destiny. You see Mrs Smith makes a good cushion - so I cheekily commisioned these from her own stash ... cheeky huh? Now I should clarify that I wasn't just poking around her cupboards or underwear drawer or anything ... I passed them onto her when they were posted to me when we both won booty in a giveaway from Willy Wagtail. So the connection ... My man's Dad's family hail from Kingaroy "The Peanut Capital of Australia" and home to Joh Bjelke-Peterson for those with a penchant for Aussie politics and scandal. Dunc's Gran, Uncle and Aunt still live there. Dunc's Gran makes better pumpkin scones though, than Flo. So the cushions ... He loved them. He's so up with the handmade revolution. The fact that he got a cool vinyl thrifted from Vinnies 70s couch - straight out of a waiting room methinks - and a beautiful 1950s bevelled mirror with sailing boats and palm trees (on layby for ages with this lovely lady) ... all made it the perfect thrifted, handmade, vintage trifecta ... all will be heading down to the back room ... which we are converting to our workspace/studio/office/sewing room mejiggy. Life is so good. Thanks G - you do good cushion x

PS this Sunday we got a surprise invite to sell wares at a fundraiser at the local Steiner Playgroup - details on side bar to right - can't wait!!

Don't Bag a Hippy

Bags for pressies. Bags for the Library. Mini Man Bags for wee boys who miss out. Mini shoulder bags. I'm really into bags at the moment. In fact I have 4 laid out on my living room floor as I type. I should be sewing them up - but have come over all blog neglect remorseful. I find the bag ticks and tickles all my crafty needs at the moment. Infinite combos and possibilities. Useful purpose. Fairly quick to whip up. Recycled fabric goodness. All eco friendly like, hippy. That's it ... I'm getting in touch with my inner hippy, Neil. I'm flippy and floppy on the universal love thing. It's just dawned on me, like the Age of Aquarius ... I also had the burning desire to cook lentils whilst working on some libray bags when crafting it up at my kitchen table with the Craft Princess. Ommmmm! Bags ... who would have thought...

Loz and Dinny back local

Tomorrow Loz and Dinny will be at the local handmade market Civic Homespun. It is located in Pilgrim's Hall opposite the Myer Carpark in Launceston - look for the big pink market flags. Come and try out my new hair clips...

photo courtesy of the market -hobart blog

- or fondle a vintage velvet coat or two - that seemed to be the go in Hobart. But mostly just drop by for a wee chat - the market could do with a little more winter patronage ... it would warm my cockles ...plus there are these amazing bulbs for sale - not the lightbulb variety - but hyacinths .. I got some last month and they are just starting to bloom ... gorgeous.

Peacock

This hand embroidered peacock caught my eye at the Esk Market ... same day as the bowl in the previous post. It got loaded into the pram, pronto. It is hanging out in its full tailed glory in our living room - before it takes pride of place over the bed in the nearly finished 'land of Spare Oom'.

"Daughter of Eve from the far land of Spare Oom, where eternal summer reigns around the bright city of War Drobe, how would it be if you came and had tea with me?"

--C.S. Lewis, in 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'

Purchase of fear

I don't go shopping all that often - thrifting, op shopping and visiting markets, yes - Shop shopping, no. I only go shop shopping when I have to get something specifically. I'm not a browser. I like to get in and get out. So anyways - Loz wanted to get Dunc a nice book for his birthday. I knew there was some lovely 'up Dunc's alley' style books at this lovely shop . It has lovely things, handmade things. It has the lovely Suz. It should be lovely. But Edie decided to be ... well...focused. Focused in that scary toddler way. Focused in a way that makes you think they are about to kick off big styley. Focused in the way of 'I will not put down this highly smashable rabbit despite the beautiful polished concrete floor because I have taken a shine to it'
focused. I was having heart palpitations. I may have been hyperventilating. I was getting down on her level. The store was packed. I could feel the tsk's. So I snatched it from her put it on the counter and said in my best I'm trying to be calm voice 'we'll take it'. Not saying I didn't love the rabbit too. Not saying that he isn't a welcome addition to our collection of ephemera. I'm just saying it was my first purchase of fear... the rabbit who has been named 'Mister Matosis'

PS The bowl is our latest score from the Esk market ... gotta love that joint!

coming down off the market good stuff

Another beautiful day at the market - hobart. Many thanks again to Bec, Holly and Shannon - you do good market. With some funky tunes playing and the sip of a bloody good market coffee heart starter - the 5.45am start for the 2 hour drive to Hobart all seemed worth it. I love markets - so many lovely people to meet and getting feedback is so so good after heads down in home based sweatshops. Vive le revolution handmade. The muriels were back in full force .. dunc made some running repairs to get them back to their fighting weights. And ... with the amount of velvet coat fondling that went on - I think they were a hit. But the best thing about this one? I got to hang out with Loz - she's back in town! Without her help, I would never have got so many things ready. She's ace that Loz!

the market - hobart

Ok Ok. So I haven't been the most consistent blogger of late. But I have excuses a plenty. Let's put the 2 year old molars to one side and just say ... I have been deep in market preparation. I'm heading to the market - hobart. I will be touting my wares from 10-3pm at the Masonic Hall, Sandy Bay Rd, Hobart. ... and I am STOKED to say I will have company. Loz arrived here last week. So not only did she help me in my race to the market finish line, she is able to hang out on the stall with me. I am so happy that I have been able to get together some of the things I have just been thinking about for ages.

This one has a little covered button with a bee on the back ... that's his flight path you see. The little tulips are also pockets.

This amazing vintage velvet (thanks Annie)inspired these fabric choices for the gorgeous little Simone dresses. With sleeves and without - I love these dresses. They look so cool with a skivvy underneath too.

Armed with some purses and hair clips, library bags, amongst my other dresses, bits and pieces, I'm feeling more prepared than I have in ages. The 2.5 hour drive to hobart will be the relaxing bit! I should be back on board next week with more exciting tales to tell xx