Handmade

Emeline took this photo yesterday.  Not too bad for a 5 year old.  My sister crocheted me this beautiful poncho style top.  Would you believe it only took her 2 days on her way to work on the train.  This sort of thing would take me about 2 years, she is the queen of speed.  I made the skirt, years ago as part of my fashion design course and Nanny made the little dress for Elsie.

Last time I was visiting my mum, I came across this bun cover from when I was little, and have decided to give it makeover for Emeline.  It is in nearly perfect condition.

We have had a bumper crop of tomatoes this year.  They are still going even coming into spring,  I covered them with a tarp every night so they wouldn't got frosted, this is about half of what I picked yesterday, and there is still a truck load on the vines.  We have certainly managed to keep all our family and friends in good supply.  They are so tasty and smell devine.  Even kids that don't normally eat them, have been picking them straight off the vines and eating them like apples.  Lets hope the next crop is as good.

Have a great dayxx

Thanks

My little sister made me these gorgeous finger free gloves.  They were to sell at Weengallen, but as it was so cold, I decided to procure them and buy them myself.  She has hand dyed, hand spun then crocheted them.  I can not begin to tell you how warm they are, and how fantastic they look.  I could have sold 100 pairs.    Emeline was even running round with them on the other day as leg warmers, they have many uses.  If anyone out there is interested in a pair of these beautiful gloves please contact me and I will let her know, I am sure she would be very happy to make a pair in any colour you would like.  I know it is almost summer, but it is never too late to be thinking of next winter.

New little birdies I have been working on for my stores.   I have used my hand felted 100% wool felt.  I  think these will be great for Christmas.  They look great on the Christmas trees.

Have a fantastic Sunday.

xx

lilred rocket give away

http://lilredrocketbuttons.blogspot.com/

Another great giveaway from the folks of lilredrocket.  Check it out.   It is worth entering.  I adore their stuff.

Spread the Love Week

I was finally taking the time and catching up on some of the blogs I love to read.  Yes I am slightly addicted.  And I was reading Melissas blog  http://o-my-darling.blogspot.com/   and she is starting this spread the love week.  I think this is a wonderful idea, and I have decided to join in.

I have so many ideas about what I could do for those around me this week to show my gratitude.
1.  Sit down and spend my time with my girls, I am always too busy to just sit with them, we are usually doing something.
2.  Send a little love to my 2 sisters and my mum, just because I can.
3.  Have my friends husband over for dinner, while she is away this week, so he doesn't get too lonely.
4.  Help a friend who is struggling, get her house in order.

So many ideas my list is endless.  Her blog is a delight, and I am so glad I found it.  Check it out, I'm sure will enjoy it as much as I do.
xx

Mummy Time

I love the look.  Elsies favourite saying "Mummy Time".  It seems that lately all she wants is mummy time,  I love this, I know that one day soon she will be all grown up and will no longer want mummy time.  I'm hoping no matter how old she gets she will always want some mummy time. 

 

Don't you love the colour of pumpkin.  My girls helped me make my pumpkin soup yesterday, Sorry I forgot to take a after picture, and it was so yummy it is all gone..  The aroma of it cooking in the slow cooker was mouth watering.  A neighbour had a bumper crop of about 500 pumpkins this year, they were going wild in their backyard, even up trees and they picked them all before the first frost.  So I never have so many pumpkins, I am busily making pumpkin soup and freezing it, I don't add the cream when I freeze it:-)  My girls enjoyed their soup for their dinner, they ate a a whole bowl full each. 

Have a great weekend.

Never ending pile of washing

I seem to have a never ending pile of washing.  I have been washing all day, I even ran out of pegs...  which is unusual considering I have a bucket full, and my pile doesn't seem to be disappearing.  Not that I mind it is a beautiful day, bright blue skys, just a little breeze, and because of the rain we have had no dust, so it is the perfect washing day.  Sadly it has left little time for crafting:-(  so I am borrowing Emelines creative space this Thursday.  When I was at Weengallen on Tuesday, Nanny (my mum) and the girls made me these little treats.

It bring a smile to my face, when they are creative, it lets me hope that they have some of my genes.

Have a fantastic Thursday.

Exhausted

Finally Weengallen is over for another year.  What a fantastic day.  It is the first year I have ever been, and I wonder why I haven't been before.  This year there was over 500 ladies (all dressed/wrapped in Pink) of course the theme was Wrapped in Pink to raise money for Breast Cancer. Our little stall had a good response.  Which is always promising.  We only ended up having it open for about 2 1/2 hours, we spent most of the day lunching, and catching up with friends, some of who I am ashamed to admit I haven't seen this year, and they only live 20 minutes or so down the road.  The year passes by so quickly.  I will definately be going next year, if they decide to hold it again.
I can now get back on track and start focusing on my girls, property work and our next big event.
Have a great day.

Things that make me smile

I came in yesterday, from working hard outside, and found this little surprise waiting for me from Emeline.

She had placed the little flowers into a pretty teacup.  :-)

Have a great day xx

Boo Hoo....

I am afraid there is nothing happening in my creative space this week.  Except a big mess.  We went away for the weekend to Toowoomba, and ended up staying an extra day.  It took us 10 hours to get home between stops etc..  When I got home exhausted from a long drive, the mice and mickey birds had been having a party in my house.  Yes the mickey bird can get in as not all the windows close properly.  So I have been busy cleaning everything.  I can't stand a dirty house.  I can't be creative if the house is dirty.  I don't mind clutter and stuff everywhere.  But dirt and dust is an altogether different story.  I have also been busy getting ready for ladies day at Weengallen, which is being held on Tuesday. I thought it was Thursday next week, so I have even less time then I thought.  To top it off the girls and I all came back with the flu, so we have all been pretty miserable.  They seem to bounce back ok.  Wish I had their energy.
Take Care
Have a great dayxx

Surprise Post

I received my Surprise stationery in the post today from my swap partner in the Calico&Co Swap.  I adore it.  What a wonderful surprise and beautiful stationery.

Thank you so much Belinda (Bella Stationery Studio) you made my day. xx

Continuing on from before

So i was interupted before by my husband wanting to use the phone.  I have also been working on these hairclips this week.

I just received this email regarding Bush Christmas, which is coming up very quickly in Toowoomba.  I am so excited to have been invited to attend along with some friends this year.  It looks like it is going to be a great event.

Take Care xx

bush christmas exhibition 2010

Fri 19 Nov – Sun 28 Nov
NEW VENUE
The Downs Club,
Cnr Margaret & Mylne Sts, Toowoomba
Opposite Grand Central Shopping Centre
· Fine Artworks
· Unique Handmade Gifts
 Gourmet Delights
Corporate & Business - Gifts & Gourmet Hampers
Bush Christmas exhibitors invite you to browse a snapshot of the exciting works that will be available
at Bush Christmas this year. Works are representative so actual pieces may vary at the exhibition.
http://www.bushchristmas.com/
The Exhibition
This year Bush Christmas will welcome works from about 110 exhibitors, mostly from rural and remote regions of Eastern Australia. At least 25 new exhibitors will participate with lots of exciting handmade gifts for Christmas.
We are moving to a new venue, The Downs Club. This wonderful historic home in the Toowoomba CBD is the perfect place to showcase the amazing artistic and creative talent of the bush.
The Club chef will offer light lunches as well as fresh coffee and snacks throughout the day.
…a great place to meet your friends with delicious food, in pleasant surroundings.
Support Bush Christmas artisans and enjoy stress free Christmas shopping this year!
Christmas Gourmet Hampers
Sharing the delicious gourmet secrets of the bush
Bush Christmas Gourmet Hampers are a thoughtful and generous combination of quality products from rural Australia, professionally hand made using only natural ingredients.
Order NOW for Christmas!
Personal & Business orders welcome.
Featured Exhibitors
DMB Enterprises – Wrought Iron
Maggie Brockie – Wildlife Sculptures
Jane Grieve – “Slippin’ on the Lino”
TH Images – Photography
Ellie’s Blends – Natural Goatsmilk Soap
Vikkiz.Biz – Unique Art
Eyzer – Dyed/Painted Silk Scarves
Stacy & Tammy – Silver from the Sticks
Exquisite Leather – Interesting Effects
Kate Nobbs – Hand painted Ceramics
Pilliga Pottery – Native Designs
D. Scanlon –“You Know You’re in Australia”
RCR – Biochar Garden Medium
the lead pencil – Family Stationery
D. Taylor – Australian Historical Novels
Albert Verschuuren – Stoneware Pottery
Anni Washington – Polymer Clay Jewellery
Lynelle Westlake – Children’s Books & CD’s
Visit Bush Christmas for an exclusive opportunity to purchase your Christmas gifts and festive fare. Affordability, quality & innovation are the characters that make this event unique, capturing the imagination of those with a feel for the outback and appreciation of fine work.
Supporting:
Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association & Queensland Cancer Fund

Pop by their website to get more information and pictures of exhibitors.

My Creative Space

Treasures

I found these beautiful little books when I was unpacking a box the other day from when we moved here.  Yes we moved 4 years ago.  No I haven't unpacked all the boxes yet.

These little books were my husbands as a child, so they would be at least 45 years old.  They are in perfect condition.  His mother certainly knew how to take care of things. 

On a different note here is a picture of the parcel I have sent off to my Calico&Co stationery swap, I won't reveal whats inside till next week.  As it is a surprise of course, and our mail out here is slow.

Have a great day.

"Drip Drop, Drip Drop"

Yes it is raining again, out here.  Which means Em gets to stay home from school.  Maybe it is time to consider home schooling?  She appears to be keen on the idea.  Something for me to consider anyway:-)
We had a ladies get together yesterday and tried to get organised, now our organiser is back.  But we never seem to get much work done when we get together.  Lots of tea and talking though.  I think this is the best therapy ever.  The weaners were loaded on the truck and sent off to market today.  So we get a rest from mustering for awhile.  Now we just have to wait for the next batch of calves to come along.  Sparkles is going great, she has taken to feeding very well which makes our job easier.  Our last calf was a problem child.  The children love going over to the woolshed to feed her.  One of my friends is caring for 2 little orphaned lambs at the moment, my girls are fascinated, they want one to.  But I put my foot down and told them only one bottle fed baby at a time.Seeing as I seem to be the one doing most of the feeding at the moment.

Life is certainly slow in the country, I am still waiting for my mail, and the lovely goodies I've ordered:-(  I have to wait till Thursday now. 

Thanks Nanny .  Emeline loves her white jumper you knitted for her.  She promises not to get it dirty.

Sleepy Sunday

Well I must say it is one of those days, where I could sleep all day.  Not that I've ever had an opportunity to do this.  The weather just lends itself to a stay inside and snuggle sort of day.  I think I will have to declare Sundays to be a work free day.  What is everyone else up to today.   We are still mustering.  Sigh??  Should be all over and done with my Monday afternoon.

Samantha over at Purple Pumpkin is having another great giveaway.  Go and check it out.    http://purplepumpkincrafts.blogspot.com/2010/08/update-news-and-giveaway.html
 Her stuff is delightful.  I can't wait until her next batch comes out.  I might be quick enough to get something this time:-)  I'm not known for my speed.  Hope you have a great Sunday afternoon. xxoo

What have I been creating?

I have just added this cute little fellow to my Madeit store.  He is available as a kit, or as a decoration.

I'll be adding more of these little fellows as I create them.

We've just added a new addition to our little family.  The girls have already named this little girl sparkles. Now I have to go and try and wrestle with her and get some milk into her..

Had to stop there for awhile, while I fed sparkles.  All fed and her belly is full now.  I guess I'm her new mum:-)

Have a great weekend.

I swap with Swap-bot!

Another great giveaway

Lisa  over at  http://ledamaedesign.blogspot.com/ is having a great giveaway.

How fantastic are these mats.  They are definately on my wish list.  Thankyou Lisa for having such a great giveaway.

My Creative Space

No words necessary.

Want to see more creative spaces head on over to http://www.kootoyoo.com/.

Have a great evening.

Thursdays Post

My friend is having a baby shower next week, and I wanted to share a photo of the invite I created and a sample of the guest bags, to give to each guest.  I tried to make each one a bit different.

So far today I have been busy going through kits and sorting them for the markets on Saturday.  Now of course Iam in a panic as I don't have nearly as many as I thought.  Thanks to some kind people who purchased them.  I will have to get very busy tonight and tomorrow.  Emeline and Elsie wanted to make one, so I caved and let them have one between them.  They both love creating.  Here they are creating caos.

During the creative process

The finished product.  Emelines very proud of her finished product, we are just waiting for the glue to dry before hanging.

This is a picture of the sample we made up, to show what the end result looks like.  All our kits come with all the paper/card pre-cut, ready to go.  The only thing not included is sticky tape and glue, as these are things everyone has at home.  If you are interested in this kit please let me know via email.  emecreate@bigpond.com  .  As we are new starting out any feedback would be greatly appreciated.  :-)

I'm guilty. I have been shopping at MadeIt, again.

I bought a couple of cute singlets from Oopsidasi (for the girls, of course.)  Although I wouldn't mind one of these for myself.....    Head over and check out the store.

http://www.madeit.com.au/detail.asp?id=75213

Calico & Co's Birthday Swap

Another great swap being organised by Amanda over at Calico & Co's Blog   http://calicoandco.blogspot.com/  check out.  These are such fun.
Have a great evening.

Windless Wednesday

Finally no wind.  It might actually turn out to be a beautiful day.  Elsie is outside in the sun with her working dog, not really, it is a little foxy that we found abandoned near my Mum and Dads at Christmas time.  But Elsie likes to call her, "my working dog".  I suppose she does follow Elsie round, so she could be a working dog, she enjoys going on the back of the Ute when we muster, does that count??  Emeline is sitting at the coffee table with her fine china teacup (red spot) thankyou Grandma.  The girls love their teacups.
I have joined in to the "Dear Darlings" Pen Pal Project, check it out.  I think this is a wonderful idea, who needs another excuse to get lovely post, and it is a good way to connect and make new friends.  I can't wait to get started.  http://o-my-darling.blogspot.com/2010/07/dear-darlings-penpal-signups-and-more.html.   Click on the link to check it out.

I am just waiting now on my stationery to arrive for my Calico and Co swap.  Living in the country has its advantages and disadvantages.  The main disadvantage being, their is no exciting shops to visit.  I am so glad I have finally decided to venture into the Made It and Etsy stores.  This is a much better, less stressful way to shop, and of course I am supporting other arty crafty people. 

Have a great day.  Keep smiling.

Muster Day

Another day of mustering cattle.  Yes the pink rocking horse comes with us.  Pinkie gets tied to the back of the ute with the working dogs.  :-)

Come on Dad Lets Go

Our youngest is so cute.  She can't wait to start mustering with real horses. For now the rocking horse will have to do.

It is freezing here today and windy.  Not the most perfect of days, but if you can find a nice place in the sun its not too bad.  Not much time today, we have too much as usual on our Agenda.  Plus we are attending a market on the weekend in St George so I'm busy tidying up those last minute bits and peices.

Enjoy everymoment.

A pretty giveaway by Angie May Handmade

I just found this cute little giveaway over on Angie May Handmade.   http://angiemayhandmade.blogspot.com/
check it out.  It is definately worth entering.
Keep Smiling.

Hello Monday

Well I was up at 5.00 again this morning.  This is about the only time I get to have me time.  I sit down and have a nice cup of tea (the first of many for the day), my brain is also at its most creative this morning.  I have about an hour before the little ones wake up and join me.   This is what I managed to get done this morning. 
It is one of those days where I can't seem to manage to get going, I have just devoured a half a packet of chocolate biscuits and a hot chocolate, while I have been sitting here trying to get my computer going.  Yes it is very slooooooow:-)

Another hair clip.  We love hair clips in our house.

Have a great day.

What Inspires Me

A picture of my girls playing dressup and dancing along to their ballet music.  They amaze me everyday with their creativity.  We forget that it is the simple things that make us happy.

I have been busy creating felt Christmas Decorations, I have chosen to hand stitch them all, as I find this the most relaxing.  If I sit at my machine my girls want to help, it is quite difficult juggling a girl on each knee and a sewing machine.  They both love stitching and are usually creating something along with me.  Right now they are getting ready to do stamping, I set them up with their own stamps and ink, so they don't mess around with mine:-)  We've had waterfront views again this weekend thanks to the 20mm of rain we've had and we all had fun with our shoes of and stomping around in the muddy puddles.  The mud feels good squelching between your toes.  Can't let the kiddies have all the fun.:-)

Have a fantastic and relaxing Sunday.