Schools out for...Winter!

Well didn't these school holidays come around fast? Apparently that was a 10 week term. Feels like it was Easter about 5 minutes ago, but here we are, in the middle of Winter with two weeks to fill - more like 3 x weeks for some of you.

We are planning to embark on a mini room makeover for Harriet these holidays. While madly pinning inspiration I have been sidetracked by some super colourful, DIY craft projects that I think we could also tackle in the break.

Those who know me, understand my reluctance to take on handcrafted projects myself. I am all about discovering and sharing, and not so much about the making. Two left thumbs and zero patience I'm afraid.

That being said, even I could potentially pull off one of these naive but very sweet decorative pieces...

...and the colours are sure to brighten up a gloomy Winter's afternoon.


Instructions for these Cardboard Rainbow Collages are from The Art Bar  :

photo courtesy of The Art Bar Blog

photos courtesy of The Art Bar Blog

Yarn Bombing appears to be very therapeutic. All that wrapping and twisting. The tee-pee image is from Natalie Miller who runs textile workshops.   

Or if you prefer sending the creativity (ie: mess) outside the home, look into a crafting course. We are lucky enough to have Makers Loft near by, where weekly craft lessons, craft parties & holiday workshops take place. 

I was scrolling through their website and noticed a photo from a craft party we hosted a few years back:

I for one, will be trying to introduce some making these holidays that doesn't include "fluffy slime". 

Enjoy.

Sx 

Let's hear it for the boys...

Not only are there plenty of handmade creations designed specifically for the blokes, there are also an ever increasing number of chaps following their passions, flexing their artisan muscles, and making superior handcrafted products.

Afternoons with Albert is the avenue by which Perth Pilot, Shane, brings form, function and beauty together, by designing & making products to enhance our lifestyle.

His Cord Roll is everyone's answer to tangled earphones, chargers and the lost minutiae of life. Available in Tan, Black or Grey, these are equally at home housing lipgloss and hand-cream in a handbag, as they are in a backpack or jeans pocket keeping cables in check.

AUD$75

Kiwi mates George and Willy also have a penchant for making simple, timeless, and functional products. Working with 'honest materials' these guys create products from their workshop in NZ, that will be around for generations to enjoy.

One of their best sellers, the Studio Roller, makes list making an interior design statement. Various sizes available, they come in either black or white frames, with prices starting at AUD$133.  You'll need your best writing implements - no biro please!

Often the men in our life prove the trickiest to buy for. 

No need to cop out by giving socks and jocks ever again. And handkerchiefs should be banished from the gift drawer once and for all. 

Plenty of handcrafted blokey goodness out there. And lots on offer soon in the Creative Finds Store! 

Coming soon...

Sx

Strategic Shopping...

I love to shop and I love a bargain.

I can justify another purchase when I've saved some dollars (which makes no sense as I'll usually end up spending more) as I'll have twice as much to show for it.

Lumiere Art & Co have many beautiful textiles to choose from, AND they also have a page on their website dedicated to SALE.

Unlike many other Sale pages, this one isn't the rejects; instead it's chock full of gorgeous linen towels, cushion covers, throws and art work.

Do you have a gift drawer? Do you gift your host/ess when you visit? Then might I encourage you to fill your cart with some of the following handmade goodies to always have something on hand?

You are sure to be giving something individual, something that will punctuate your host's living space and ensure you a repeat invitation!

Teatowels start from as little as AUD$10...in fact you could pick up one each of the following and have change from $150. Now if that's not a bargain...

Velvet Round Cushion - with pom pom!

Set of four linen napkins:

Linen bath towel with 'to-die-for' fringing:

Tea Towel:

Cushion cover (never could resist a pom pom!):

Based in Melbourne Australia, The Lumiere team want to share their craft. They offer workshops where you can learn the techniques to take home your own creation - think of it as a gift to self. 😉

S x