Winter Warmers....

We've another month and a half of Winter in the Southern Hemisphere, so I've been searching for handmade products with a toasty theme to keep the Winter chills at bay.


The finest British yarn has been used by RowPinto in London to handcraft this beautiful cashmere dream set.  I'd be sure to dream sweetly with these luxurious pieces. GDP240

Crochet Tea Party made this Hot Water Bottle Cover using a crocodile stitch. Who knew there was such a thing? And if you're so inclined, she shares her patterns on her blog too. 

Animal Liberationists look away now, as this colourful scarf by daymisfurry is made using genuine fox fur. GBP40

Made in Nepal, I could have done with this 100% cashmere neck-warmer on our recent ski trip. For AUD$59, you can pick one up at Black Arrow Label

We've all heard of a tea cosy right? Well Twinkknits makes a mug cosy. Tea sure, but I think this would be perfect for keeping the mulled wine as well as your hands warm around the campfire this winter. AUD$14

To be fair, we barely get a winter in Sydney. When the mercury drops below 18 everybody starts to freeze and hibernates indoors. I for one, would choose summer over Winter any day, but will concede that there is something comforting about rugging up and inhaling that crisp, fresh Winter air.  

Plus, Winter is the perfect excuse to purchase cashmere. 

Sx

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 

The Last Sunday of each month...

Sunny Sundays don't come better than this. Water views, sustainable surroundings, organic food and creative artisans can be found on the last Sunday of each month at the Historic Coal Loader Site in Waverton (North Sydney).

What was an industrial site, is now home to an inspiring Sustainability Centre with best practise sustainable tecnology, workshops, organic gardening and stunning flora and fauna with Sydney's harbour as a backdrop.

I supported (ie: purchased from!) a number of the talented artisans who were exhibiting their wares, when I visited last month.

The most divine "kiss and hug" earrings from Ayana Jewellery, came packaged complete with polishing cloth for AUD$18.

photo courtesy of ayana jewellery

Although there are no teething babies in my current network, I couldn't help but grab one of these beechwood teethers to pop in the gift box.

Made by Wildwood Kids, the beads are made using food grade silicon and since the combination of colours and shades are so on trend, these little beauties wouldn't look out of place on display.

Various shapes are on offer, as well as pram accessories and necklaces.  AUD $29

You may have seen on the "creative finds instagram account" the gorgeous succulent arrangements by Marilyn at For the Love of Succulents?

The big wreath is equally at home on the wall / door or the table with a large candle in the middle. The living wall is customisable to your requirements and Marilyn makes sweet little wedding or party favour succulents too.

A more picturesque, peaceful market I haven't come across.

Tranquil with a capital T.

Sx

************** ammendment: the Coal Loader Markets have recently changed to the end of each Season, rather than monthly. Next date will be end of August : Sunday the 27th 2017 and then Sunday Nov 26th. ***************

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

Animalia...

With School Holidays fast approaching, I pulled out a blog post I wrote a few years back with some fun and easy DIY projects we can tackle with the kidlets.  I reckon I'll give some of these a whirl, as we still seem to have plastic animals lurking in the toy boxes....


The kids are growing up and we have another birthday just around the corner.

To make way for the celebratory loot, I am deliberating about which toys it's time we parted with.  Of course as soon as something is earmarked and put aside, it suddenly becomes the toy de jour and I so cease making any progress at all.

We seem to have a plethora of plastic animal figurines. While they don't take up much space per se, my children have trouble remembering what they have to play with unless it is all out on show. And by on show, I mean scattered haphazardly throughout the home.

I had pinned onto my DIY board on Pinterest, these up-cycled jars using spray painted toy animals, and when I searched further, it seems there is no end in sight for these little guys. They've been re-purposed into so many carnations that they will live to see many more days.

It's amazing what a can of paint and some glue can achieve....

and some succulents

or a hand saw

You can saw them in half, paint & then glue on a magnet:

 or use them as a gift box:

as jewellery;

as candle holders;

or festive decorations. Just add twigs, paint and a red nose:

Add some glamour to your interiors

or dress up a drawer;

Do you keep a stash of jars? I have a cupboard devoted to them. Not for much longer!

I'd best be parting with some other pieces of fantastic plastic. These babies have still got work to do.

S x

Diary Dates...

At any one weekend around the country, there are a plethora of artisan markets being held.

If you love perusing for unique finds in the great outdoors and with coffee in hand, then here are some upcoming events you might like to consider...

First up this weekend is Handmade Canberra - Held at EPIC in Canberra, this quarterly market was launched in 2008 and now attracts over 20,000 visitors.

Showcasing the best in handmade design and produce, over 250 local and interstate designers will represented on Sat 18th & Sun 19th March.

The team at The Grounds of Alexandria in Sydney's Inner West have the midas touch. As part of their urban sanctuary that is the outdoor cafe, sustainable garden & coffee roastery, they now offer a weekly market held each Saturday and Sunday. 

With 80 different Stall Holders who alternate weekly, local bakers, makers and creators are eagerly ready to be discovered.

From September to April on the 4th Sunday of the month, the Adelaide Hills suburb of Stirling comes alive with the monthly Stirling Laneways Market.  Each market has it's own distinct theme, creating a fun and unique feel as you wander the streets and laneways of the gorgeous hills township. Local traders, artisans, entertainers and pop-up stalls are enter twinned. 

Next Laneways Market: Sunday March 26th 

I've super pumped about the new location for Sydney's upcoming Finders Keepers Market. I'll take any excuse to get myself down to the harbour at the stunning Barangaroo Reserve.  Renowned as the Design Market for independent makers from all across Australia, the Finders Keepers is now run bi-annually in Brissie, Melbourne and Sydney.  

And hurrah - they are coming to Adelaide for the first time in August 2017 too!

Open late on the Friday night this is more of a festival than a market, combining design, art, good food, live music and a fun community spirit under one awesome roof in major city locations. 

In my own 'hood this w/end and last is TGM - That Great Market , which aims to bring community together. It's a new player in the market game, a quality lifestyle market, with great food, local musicians, entertainment, in a convenient location. Crabbes Ave, Willoughby on every 2nd Sunday, and in Lindfield each 3rd Sunday of the month. 

A makers gotta make, so it's great to see even more outlets for makers to showcase their talents.

The Eltham Easter Twilight Market will be held in Melbourne from 4pm - 8pm on the back of the super successful Christmas Twilight Market. 

Shop small and support local artisits and small businesses in the heart of Eltham. Find the perfect gift, soak up the community spirit, enjoy live music, free kids activities and heaps more! 

Easter is 4 x weeks away.  How did that happen?

And let's not forget the West.  On April 30 the next Curious Collective Market will be held in the City of Melville Main Hall. I love what they are about: 

We aim to combine the contagious enthusiasm of small business owners and the curiosity of people wanting to seek out something a little bit different and buy or try something you don't see everyday. 

Boom! Now if that's not a reason to be in business, I don't know what is?!

Bowerbird - Adelaide's long running design market has just announced it's line up of Designers. Held on the w/end of 5-7th May in the Adelaide Showgrounds, you'll almost need all of the three days to cover what's on offer! 

In it's eighth year, the offerings are pretty and practical in a dynamic environment built on creative collaboration. Take the family as children have free entry. This event is perfectly timed for some Mothers Day Shopping!

To keep abreast of Markets coming up in your city, then jump on board and follow both The Local Market Guide or The Market Roll . 

You never know what handmade goodness is lurking under a gazebo near you.

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