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

Local finds....

I was in our neighbourhood Cafe a few weeks back when local Artist Elizabeth Langreiter came in to replace her art that hangs on the wall.

Her most recent works are, by her own admission, naive and abstract - but I really love their depiction of Sydney beach life, which is such a motivating force for many of us living in this great city.

These three pieces are currently on display at the Castle Cove Cafe.

Using mixed media to a colourful and uplifting effect, Elizabeth is a self taught artist who exhibits regularly, including at The Other Art Fairs in Sydney and Melbourne.

Prices start from AUD$2300

Now that Winter has well and truly arrived, these pieces have even more appeal.

S x

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

Eco Resin

While Dinosaur Designs might have put resin on the map, there are many talented makers using this medium to create homewares and jewellery.

One duo go by the name of Nanna Woo Handmade. Sisters who live in different states (Vic & Tassie) collaborate to design and make an eclectic range of eco resin pieces.

Either one of a kind or limited edition runs, it was the gold, copper and silver flakes in their pieces that I couldn't resist!

above photo courtesy of Nanna Woo Handmade

Here is the sweet purchase I made recently. Couldn't possibly leave it behind. AUD$60

A sustainable product, resin is not the only medium that Nanna Woo creates with. Polymer clay, precious metals and natural fibres are also used to create their fully sustainable and earth friendly business.

Visit Gabby and Hanna's Etsy shop for more drooling and guilt free (these are eco items remember!) purchasing. 

S x

You Beaut / Before Pop

Such a lovely morning in the big city.

Went to see the Andy Warhol and John Olsen Exhibitions at the Art Gallery of NSW:

Loved this commissioned Christmas Card Andy made for Tiffany & Co in the 1950s:

As a Gemini, I had to take a sneaky snap of this. Hits the mark quite closely...

 

....and was reminded of the big world that exists when I venture out of the 'hood.

While the daily goings tickled my fancy, I couldn't help but reminisce...

Remembering the days working at Chifley Tower while the Sydney Olympics were on,  watching and celebrating in the Domain. Such fun times.

Was just a tad crunchy under foot in places...

Ventured out wearing a new purchase from Emily Green. On leather twine are these polymer clay beads in all my favourite shades. And with sparkles! 9 x bead necklaces are Emily's signature design although she creates pieces with up to 18 beads as well as earrings, art works and even has a sock range!

Don't these works celebrating our wonderful country put a spring in your step on a sunny day? 

  

John Olsen certainly captures the essence of Oz.  He is still painting and going strong at 89! 

Inspirational.

S x