Princess kirstie jane

I'm back

2011-10-14T22:48:00.000+11:00

I've decided I need to come back, its been a while and my life has changed a bit and so too will this blog. I have been trying to work out how I can write the same blog when I don't feel the same and my days look so different now. I realised I can't, so here we are and I guess what this new blog looks like will reveal itself to you as is it revealed to me. Expect crafty goodness, expect domestic frustrations and occasional victories, tours of favourite places and new discoveries, a fasination with interesting merchandising, stories of dressing up and pictures of yummy food and coffee art. I hope you enjoy joining me occasionally, I will be here anyway just for fun....

Balance

2010-03-24T10:24:00.003+11:00

I have been doing much better lately with juggling everything, the paid job, the family, the husband, the housework and this week I have even sent some little felt rabbits to Little Sparrow just in time for Easter.

However not getting crossed off my list of things to do has been me time and updating this page. Today I have a plan to do both, as soon as I am done here I am heading off into the city for a princess date. Unfortuantly I am a solo princess, but last time I did this I meet a very interesting woman, Jenny, who recently released a book about Flinders St Station, I hung around and chatted to her for a while. I love hearing historical stories and I especially love listening to someone talking about their passion. I wonder what I will find today.....

Holidays

2010-01-06T15:39:00.004+11:00

I am not actually having a holiday but a few long weekends, and everyone else being on a break makes for a holiday feel. Christmas was successful and I am pleased to report my first ever Christmas pud and glazed ham both turned out great, although I may have set the table on fire with the flaming brandy, whoops, hopefully no harm done. Boxing day (the day after Christmas) was in the park catching up with friends, lovely and relaxing.

I had a couple more days off after Christmas day so husband and I shot down to Lorne and Apollo Bay for a night. We meet up with a couple of friends working there for the summer season and pitched husbands new Christmas tent in a free camping spot, man the koalas were really noisy. The tourist photos don't suggest their low growling noises, all night! Apparently it is a breeding season thing so I guess someone was getting some. The new torch died as I got out of the tent for middle of the night so I didn't get to see them.Anyway night time drama aside it was great to get out of town for short trip. New Years was back in town, pretty quiet for me until I spent two hours on the road ferrying the first born and her friends home again after an evening out. Another life experience for them- Cabs are not easy to get on New Years Eve:)

Down side of holidays, one of the kids always has the camera and I can't find where they dropped the files either so I sourced all the pics from somewhere else. Beginning to think I 'need' another camera.

Back

2009-12-18T22:23:00.006+11:00

It has been over two months since my last post, you might have guessed that it has taken some adjusting to get used to working outside the home and balancing the rest of my life. Loving the job but starting a retail job just before Christmas has been a bit of a shock to say the least, still we are all settling into our new rhythm.

As time has gone by I have been wondering how to start writing again, today I decided to just start. However by means of a catch up, here is what we have been up to since I fell off blog land.

Started work, settling in well and playing nice with the other kids.

Had family come to visit. Grandmother, mother, sister and sister in law all came to visit on what happened to be an unseasonably hot week in November. We shopped in air conditioned shops, ate in air conditioned cafes and sipped wine in the warm evenings, So much fun to just hang out with the girls.

My eldest headed off on a school trip to Italy, I haven't got around to travelling very far yet so it was fun to hear her stories and excitement of seeing the historical places and art works she has studied.

Made a few kit sets and brooches now available at two new outlets Lourne and Kallista.

Made my first ever Christmas pud. Yum can't wait it is curing at Pilgrim's. Thanks Shelley for your guidance.

And there you go the highlights and the rest has been full of the usual, supervising homework, organising a house, laughing with friends and making stuff when I have time, energy and inspiration.

Hopefully it won't be so long before I next check in.

www resisting a black out

2009-10-09T09:40:00.003+11:00

So I went and got myself a job.

I am loving it and it is less than full time so I still have time for family, my own creating, and a few other projects.

The family are having to adjust to me being home slightly later, I am having to adjust to wearing black. There is a requirement that I wear black as a sort of uniform, I do appreciate that does make it easier to get out the door and it works well for the job, however I have long made a point of having little black in my wardrobe, I love colour, colours that compliment and colours that clash, I love to surround myself with and to wear lots of colour. So it has been a bit of a challenge for me and as I walked to work on Wednesday I had a last loud colourful shout with my burnt orange scarf and bag.

Needless to say on my days off I am making up for it and wearing as many colours as possible.

Not a play day

2009-10-05T22:30:00.003+11:00

I had the day at home today to make stuff. It was the first in a while, what with school holidays and my having gone and got a real proper job. I was really looking forward to a play day. I had plans. Plans to drink coffee, eat chocolate and create cute things.
I managed to drink coffee and eat chocolate, but create cute things I did not. It was one of those days. The magic just wasn't flowing and I went round and round in circles and wondered if I could ever create anything great again, if I ever did in the first place, and what the heck I was doing. Luckily I have been here before and I know that it is fleeting, that probably next time I sit down I will finish one of those projects eluding me today and I will be happy with it.

So I cleaned a bit, sorted and threw out some clutter and altered the school uniforms for the new term. And now I am giving myself this lovely flower and would like to share it with you. Hope you got to create something today.

Turning up

2009-10-04T23:30:00.005+11:00

Just turning up, not sure what to write and Computer..... is..... soo..... slow.....

We are thinking about a road trip, the distances in Australia are doing my head in. So many interesting places to go and such a long way between them.

We are doing our best to explore Victoria but would love to go further afield, suggestions anyone?

Lazy lazy Saturday.

2009-10-03T21:51:00.006+10:00

Didn't do much today, been a Mum taxi and feed the family, otherwise very little, so I am relying on a wee project I did a while ago for show and tell today.
I made this wee character for my niece a month or two ago. The body is a ready made wire and wood doll I got from Little Sparrow and her clothes are felt, wool and some lovely ribbon from my stash. She is so simple and quick to make. The dolls stand and sit really well and so are great for dolls house play or puppet shows. The face is left without detail on purpose in the tradition of waldorf dolls.

It is nice sometimes to complete a project from beginning to end in under an hour. Today I couldn't even manage that. :) But I did manage to write a post - third day in a row.

A pressie

2009-10-02T09:15:00.004+10:00

picture stolen from Curious Little Oyster

First point of order for this my return to blogging land is to acknowledge a present I received while I was away on my little blog holiday.

Annaliese from Curious Little Oyster sent me not one but two of her lovely lip balms. I sure feel treated, the little packages are so pretty, the lip balm is sure making my lips feel better on these cold and windy days, and the mint slice flavour almost cures my chocolate cravings (almost). I will be visiting her wee shop soon to stock up for presents for my loved ones.

Are you tempted? quick, go here, Annaliese is having a Spring give away so you could have your own lovely balm, be quick it is closing soon. If you miss out never fear just head to her shop in St Kilda or on Etsy.

Happy Birthday to my childhood friend Rachel who also shares the day with Tiffany of "I think we're alone now" fame.

Blogtoberfest

2009-10-01T23:03:00.004+10:00

It has been over a month since my last post (how did that happen) and because I am a little bit all or nothing (I realise that is a contradiction in terms to be a little bit all or nothing) I thought I would get back into the swing of things by joining Tinniegirls Blogtoberfest.

Because I am better now... and the computer is mostly better now.... and surely I have a lot to catch up on... and I feel it is rude for me to just continue to listen in on the conversations of my favorite bloggers without sharing a little of myself..... so here I am reporting for a task I have set myself.... to blog daily for a month.... I am really not sure how I will go.... expect some of them to be short... but I don't want to wait till next year to join in the fun..... so here we go........ quick before midnight

Watcha Wearing Wednesday- embroidery and crochet

2009-08-19T19:15:00.004+10:00

A very dark picture but look at that. Crochet loopy scarf made for me by Princess Mandy, so many colours and long so I can wear it round and round my neck . Brooch made by me, my latest version of felt, reverse applique and embroidery and although it is hard to see in this pic I have even added some bling, ya gotta love a bit of sparkle.

A lesson in morals

2009-08-16T23:18:00.004+10:00

I have always been a very good girl, I am a bit of a rule follower and have to work hard to break the rules and be a bit naughty. I put effort into sometimes being a bit selfish and in the past was bribed to lie around in bed all morning, bribed with ice cream no less, slothfulness and gluttony!

Bear this in mind as I share with you this great 'moral' version of snakes and ladders. I found it in an op shop a while ago, and have never seen anything like it before or since. I am not sure what I want to do with it. At the moment I am thinking I might just frame it. Or take some prints of it for some collaging or to print onto fabric...... suggestions welcome... but I just love to own it and look at it and laugh.

All the ladders lead you from a 'good' behaviour to a 'reward', patience to attainment, industry to success or thrift to fulfilment. The snakes take you from a 'naughty' behaviour to some sort of 'punishment', conceit to friendlessness, temper to regret, mischief to woe. I love the illustrations, the colours, and most of all the high moral ground of it. We haven't played it yet but think it would be a great inclusion in a games evening.

Some quiet shopping

2009-08-15T20:08:00.008+10:00

With the stress of it all lately, my body decided I needed a wee rest and I have had a very heavy cold. Never mind, I view this as a chance to sit around on the couch- movie watching, crafting, and taking nana naps.

I'm feeling better now but have lost my voice. For the last three days I have gone from squeaking and croaking to no voice at all. Luckily I am a super fine actor with absolutely no shame and have been acting my way through all the mummy directions that need to be given. Also the girls and I know just a little bit of sign language, that has helped too. The girls dragged me out for a shop last night and giggled every time a shop assistant was confused by my mute response. You see the girls know that given a chance I will make friends with every shop assistant that looks kindly my way. I am that annoying person who is inclined to answer the "how are you" question honestly. I promise I don't go on and I am always positive but I am never just fine "I am great/fantastic/excellent, thanks for asking, how is your day going?"

This morning I headed out on my own with a note book in hand. An op shop happened to be in the middle of all my messages and I found these lovely tins in the window. I had to write a note asking if they were for sale and they were, which ones she asked, all of them I signed. And for how much? just $1 each! excellent. I already gave one away to a friend who will appreciate the Scottish theme, the rest will be used in my play space to store some of my bits and bobs. Of course these days I can't look at a tin with out thinking of Tinniegirl who has the last of her tins avaliable at her shop, if you want your own full of treasure go her see her before she sells out.

Not being able to speak has sure made me think about what I really want or need to say and given me a chance to be a lot more introspective but I have missed singing at the top of my lungs when at home alone or driving around the city. Anyway; I'm great thanks, how has your day been?

edit to add Little Sparrow has some of Tinniegirl's tin as well.

A long week/fortnight

2009-08-10T11:33:00.009+10:00

A fortnight ago I logged off wondering if it would be a long week. It sure was, perhaps evidenced by my lack of blogging, I have just been to busy dealing with life to have the time to reflect here. Having a mixed readership I have been wondering about how much to write here, my uncertainty has lead me to say nothing.... however I have felt privileged to share the ups and downs of many of my blogger friends, and your honesty has encouraged me to share this wee stumble.

The short version is this(and hang in there, I tried to keep it short): A fortnight ago we made the decision to withdraw our very unhappy 2nd born out of her school and leap, hoping that we would find a soft place to land. Moving to a new city, and country has been an adventure for us and really the only thing that has been difficult has been the girls schooling. Only one thing, but oh that one thing is a major.

We resolved the problem for the first born at the beginning of this year and had plans for the second born for next year, but then a fortnight ago it was clear that this was just too far away. So we took the leap and to my great joy and relief the soft place arrived, and after a crazy week of interviews, Dr visits, uniform and stationary shopping, rearranging of finances and farewells, our gorgeous girl headed off, nervous but happy. Most importantly she came home happy and the most relaxed I have seen her in a long time. I am so relieved and now guilty and a little lost. I have been worrying about this situation for some time and relieved though I am, I find myself unsure what to do without the worry. I was unaware of how much it was hanging over me until it was gone. That feeling hasn't hung around to long, already my focus is shifting, (more about that later) but briefly I felt strange and lost without the weight of worry.

Why does it take me so long to leap? I have always found that everything works out ok but I still struggle to hold on, to have all the i's dotted, t's crossed and the ducks lined up, to know for sure before I let go. I need to remember to have some more faith, that I do not have to have all the answers and that I can handle whatever comes my way. Although I know mother guilt seldom does anyone any favours. Choosing school is part of my job and I feel guilty to have failed in this aspect. On the other hand I also know that this journey has lead both my daughters and myself to some good friends, friends we wouldn't have otherwise found. And life is a journey isn't it and an adventure and sometimes it is smooth and sometimes it isn't and as far as life stuff goes this was just a wee stumble along the way.

So there you are out the other side of this little stumble with only a grazed knee.

And on the way my creative space went around in wee circles starting like this on my return to Australia

Getting a bit of a tidy up

And then returning to chaos as I tried to keep on making things amongst everything else going on

before being sorted again.

This cycle is pretty constant for me and the first time I have been brave enough to share the chaos, but while I'm being honest right? For more creative spaces go see Kirsty

Princesses giggle

2009-07-28T21:47:00.004+10:00

It is a well know fact that Princesses like to and are very good at giggling, laughing, chortling, and chuckling.
We have been a little stressed in our house lately so last night I was clever enough to drag Husband out of the house and meet up with fellow Princess 'Chelle and her man and take ourselves off to The Comics Lounge. There we had a glass or two of wine and a laugh or three. Mind you we were laughing before the show even started. Just knowing you are going out for a laugh puts you in a good mood. After, we had a wait for the trains home so we waited at the Roof top bar on Swanston street in the city. It is such a great view, I have been wanting to head up there for a while, now I finally have.
So hooray a night out... it is all so very grown up, although I think going out on a Monday night may make for a long week, I'll let you know.
Then today despite having both the girls home underfoot feeling under the weather; we had a lovely day and some great news. So the mood seems to have turned. Bless.
......Oh and I got some creating done today, sent some new kitsets off to Friendship tree and some house work done*polishes halo* ... yes mixing metaphors but the rules are mine and I have both a crown and a halo.
Hope you found something to giggle about today.

"Max" Costume

2009-07-27T10:28:00.004+10:00

That last post might have been a little whiny, sorry about that. It is a new week, I am already tackling the weeks list, have a day of creating planned and am off to a comedy show tonight, that should all see me right.

Some creating I did manage to do last week was for the first born for a costume day at school. She wanted to go as "Max" from "Where the Wild Things Are" A favourite story from hers and my childhood. We can't wait for the movie to come out. Check the trailer out.

I only have this photo so far, you can't see her cool black tail or the pointy ears under her crown, I will try and get her to model sometime soon. I was pretty pleased with how it turned out, she was happy and as a bonus toasty warm for the outside parade on a crisp Melbourne morning. The hat has been worn a couple of time since as a warm hat and I have a feeling the suit may be used as warm pj's sometime. It is great to be able to create to my kids requests especially when it is something simple like this, I am already anxious about the dress requests for school dances to come in the next couple of years.

Eye Spy - Something I should use

2009-07-26T22:34:00.005+10:00

Late again.... seems to be my theme. I have found my arrival back on the planet not completely to my liking... it hasn't been a great week. Yesterday I was busy with one of my away from home 'jobs' and came down with a killer headache/migraine. I finally made it home barely greeted the family before heading straight to bed to sleep for 12 and a half hours! Wow it has been a while since I did that.
When I woke though I remembered something I should use. A weekend away. A friend has a holiday home in Ocean Grove which is just a short drive from Melbourne. Last December I gave her a hand for the day and she gave me a weekend away in exchange. I have been planning a weekend off for husband and me to get away, I can't believe how hard it has been to find the time to get away. It is about time I cashed in and took us both away for a night or two, away from school homework, and husband's at home work and chores and all that grown up stuff.
To find out what else people are remembering they should use, visit Cindy. Thanks to Bird Bath for this weeks theme

Eye Spy - Favourite Childrens Party Game

2009-07-23T12:32:00.004+10:00

image

Although it may seem that I have fallen off the planet and in many ways I feel I have, I have found my way back on and found the world is still spinning. Some of you will know that I recently returned to my home town in New Zealand and while I was there catching up with all my family and friends I also shared a wee exhibition of my creations with two friends. I will tell you more about that and the rest of my time away soon, but first I thought I should catch up with my Eye Spys. Especially since Cindy asked me to come up with last weeks topic and I choose, "A favourite childhood game/ party game".

I LOVE children's partys. I had great joy in organising them for the children in my life when I was a teenager until I could plan my own children's parties. They are teenagers now so don't want to play pass the parcel, but I still do. Like Cindy and Christina I love pin the tail on the donkey but since I favour themed parties we have pinned the tail on the dragon, given the fairy a wand and put the hat on the gnome. I can't for the life on me find any pictures of these occasions, maybe we were having too much fun. I also love the children to get involved and we have decorated cupcakes and made pizza and ice-cream sundaes. Sometimes the simplest games are the most fun, like when we had a sand castle competition (everyone wins a prize) ............Or feeding the animals like we did last week at niece beansie's party. That's her cousins feeding the highland calves and the pig at Grans farm.

But I think if I had to choose one, please note I can't even follow my own rules and choose just one, I would have to come back to pass the parcel, I love the anticipation and who doesn't like opening a present. Everyone gets a prize in my version and in the middle a prize for all to share. Oh but I just remembered treasure hunts......

Eye Spy - Something I love about my suburb

2009-07-09T17:16:00.004+10:00

This one is easy for me My favouritist thing about my suburb is Little Sparrow a great wee shop that is just around the corner and happens to be owned and run by my friend Shelley. I have a friend to go and share a coffee with, a place to sell some of my goodies, a place to go shopping for the children in my life and an easy place to get more crafty supplies. I have meet some lovely ladies at our Handwork circle and have taught and learnt all sorts of sewing and knitting skills as well as supporting each other thru parenting and other life adventures. I really am regularly grateful for being so lucky to have such a great resource at the end of my street. I also love the trams and the two train lines and the excellent food available in our wee corner of Melbourne.

Cindy has asked me to come up with the next Eye Spy theme and since it is my niece's 2nd birthday this weekend I have been thinking about - Favorite Childhood party games... the ones that were favorite when you was a kid or that you like to play with or organise for your children. I love party games and have been known to re-play some of them as a grown up child.

Eye Spy- Something I made for a little person

2009-07-08T17:45:00.005+10:00

Really late for this one but have been thinking about it a bit and this week I walked into my nieces bedroom and found this.

I painted this for Beansie when she was born and since it is her birthday next week that makes it two years ago. I have painted words I want her to hear as she grows up about believing in herself, following her bliss, that she is a wonderful person and all the other things we want to tell the children in our lives. I painted similar ones for my girls that I gave to them when the hit a certain mile stone girls hit in their teens. I had forgotten I had done it, but Beansie looks at it every night as she goes to bed and as she is learning her colours at the moment they talk about what colours everything is. I live in a different country to Bean, but I love that I can be a little in her life everyday.

For more Eye spy visit Cindy

Recipe Monday - Mulled Wine

2009-07-08T17:05:00.005+10:00

Yep late again but since I haven't had a chance to write much at all lately I thought I would start my catch up with a recipe that we served last night at out exhibition opening. Perfect way to get folks out on a cold winters evening- a recipe for mid winter happiness. Mandy adapted a recipe from here

Mulled wine with Brandy

3 cups water

1 cup sugar

1 orange peel and juice

1 cinnamon stick

1 star aniesse

15 cloves

1 bottle of red wine

1/4 cup brandy

put it all in a crock pot and let it all l infuse, do not boil.

Serve warm

Our version didn't have all the water in so may have been a wee bit strong, but we liked it hehe.

Forgot to take a photo so I borrowed one.

For more recipes visit Jemma

Recipe Monday - Wheat and Dairy Free Fruit Sponge

2009-06-29T21:32:00.000+10:00

Apple or Fruit Sponge

I was really impressed with how well this one worked. Please note that it was not gluten free but is wheat and dairy free. From "The New Zealand Food Allergy Cookbook"

400g Stewed or Canned Fruit. (I used a can of Peach slices)

Sponge topping:

75g dairy free margarine

100g Castor sugar

2 eggs

100g flour mixture (my scales are not that accurate so I used 1/3 cup each, rye, rice and potato)

2tsp baking powder (gluten free)

Preheat oven to 170 degrees C

Grease a 22 cm pudding or pie dish, I used a 22cm casserole dish. Put prepared or canned fruit into dish and leave in oven to warm while you mix the sponge.

Cream the margarine and sugar until white and fluffy.

Add egg and beat well.

Sift in mixed flours and baking powder.

Pour over hot fruit and bake for 35- 40 mins.I think mine might have taken a bit longer I just waited for the skewer test.

Husband is dairy free so he had this with no additions and loved it. The girls and I had cream, delicious. A lovely warming pudding for winter.
Go and visit Jemma for the yummiest looking sticky date pudding and other recipes

Eye Spy - A sign

2009-06-27T12:36:00.011+10:00

Again a week late but the sign was slow in showing itself, or was I just slow in seeing it................. I thought about the literal ones but I didn't see any as funny as Christina. And in the end it was one of those life lesson signs. On Monday my week started with this....

when the second born tipped the admittedly carefully balanced dozen eggs onto the bench. There were a number that were just cracked but needed to be used straight away. Baking was no where near my list of things I wanted to achieve that day but I decided to take two lessons from this sign. Lesson #1 That sometimes you can't control what life throw at you and amongst small disasters there is the possibility to create opportunity. So these became wheat and dairy free picklets for when they got home from school and work, left over potato and corn fritters for tea and wheat and dairy free fruit sponge for desert. The fruit sponge was very successful, I will feature it in Recipe Monday.

Unfortunately I also created these.

But while I was doing all this creating I thought about Lesson #2, remembering to make do with what I have. I like many crafters suffer the illness of stash hoarding. I love to use preloved fabrics, but I also like to collect more. I really need to remember to use my collection that I have first before I think about going out to buy more. On the other hand is there really anything wrong with buying a bit more inspiration every now and then.......... Maybe I will bang my head on that sign a few more times before I learn that lesson.

For more signs pop over to Cindy

Edit: I have tried to make the formatting sit better but it won't... I am so looking forward to one day understanding how to drive this blogger thing better.

The Train Trip

2009-06-27T09:37:00.009+10:00

I can't believe it has been nearly a week since I headed off on my wee Train trip adventure and I haven't had a chance to tell you about it.

For various reasons the only one to join me on the trip was Michelle she had actually travelled in on the Hurstbridge train so we just jumped back on the train and pulled out our crafting supplies. Michelle was making some of her stretchy necklaces, and I was stitching some brooches. It's a good thing there weren't many others in the carriage 'cause we were taking up bit of room with our crafty gear and our giggling.

As we pulled into Eltham station we noticed a market nestled amongst the trees. We quickly gathered up our stuff and jumped off to have a look around. There were some really cute hand dyed pants and t-shirts for children. I didn't take a photo as I totally planned on going back on our way back out. Unfortunately and fortunately the market was bigger than we first thought so she was packed up by the time we got back to her end, so I will surely have to go back. I did manage to get some very delicious Autumn Chutney from "Alot of Good Stuff". We have already made a serious dent in the contents of the jar so I will have to return for some more of that too. Michelle brought some lovely Proteas from a farm up at Kinglake. We were told the guy had lost a third of his farm and his shed to the fires but still had some proteas to share. Michelle's Dad used to have protea he was very proud of at their house in Kinglake, so she brought them for him.

As all the stalls were closing up we headed back to the station to continue our journey. At Hurstbridge it was a short walk down to Heart and Soul Cafe. The atmosphere was great, quiet and friendly and they had a great fun mural on one of the walls. No photo as I wasn't sure the people having their lunch in front of it would appreciate me taking one. There are tables inside and out but we choose one next to the heater. The wedges we shared were the best I have had in ages. Fresh, really hot (temp) and spiced up tasty, there was plenty of sour cream and sweet chili sauce. At the chefs recommendation, we split a chickpea burger which was delicious toasty and not a bit dry which I find they often are. Filled with food and a good coffee we headed back into town again. I loved the day away from the routine and will defiantly plan another one when the weather is warmer and folks are over their winter ills. I love to craft on the go and with a new view and company was gathering inspiration all day. I hope you can come on my next one or are inspired to do some of your own 'crafting on the go'.

Busy weekend - train trip and markets

2009-06-20T09:53:00.002+10:00

My bag is packed ready to a crafty train trip tomorrow. I will be lovely to get away from the usual routine especially since I have a list a mile long of things that are to be done today. It will be great to sit and chat and craft away on the train. If you want to come along check out the details here and I will see you at 11:20 at Flinders.

I think I might have time to drop into Mathilda's Market in Malvern before I head in . I also hope to get over to Northcote later today for the markets there. Geeze weekends can be a bit busy can't they?

Exams

2009-06-19T10:07:00.002+10:00

I have exams for the next few school days. I am up late studying and finishing assignments, up early studying, dreaming about English essays and waking up with Math problems on my mind. I feel nervous and a bit stressed. I am not doing my chores and am eating a lot of chocolate. I am looking forward to the exams being over and the holidays to begin.

Oh yeah and I should tell you it is not me actually sitting the exams, it is the first borns first round of exams. I am wondering how I will survive these ones let alone the next two and half years and then ?? tertiary. She has headed off to school for the first two today. ?Five? to go. I am sure we will be fine.

Disclaimer: large portions of this post are exaggerated, we are working hard but actually doing just fine. All my best to those sitting the big ones at the moment.

Eye Spy - Inventing

2009-06-15T23:30:00.002+10:00

Remember when you were young and biking to horse riding, or swimming, or whatever your after school activity was. It had been a long day at school full of learning and important lunchtime activities and it was hot and there was a head wind and you just wanted to be there. Of course then I wanted to time/ space travel and to just be there, I wanted to be able to with mind powers be able to get kind parent and grandparents with cars to stop and pick me up and drive me there (obviously before mobile phones), I also wanted to be older, to have left school, to have left home to be able to live by my rules... ahh how I was so misinformed. Today if I could invent a way to play with time it would be much more about slowing things down, to give me more hours to play with, to create in, to enjoy my growing children, to have more time with friends, to have more time to be still.
But playing with time is not the invention I am thinking about this week. I think I will have to return to the Amanda's invention that started this eye spy this week. I would like to invent something where we Mums can take and carry the pain for our children. I am glad that my children have mostly had a good run however there have been time aplenty when I wish I could do it for them, to have the blood tests, to mend the broken arm, to help them to breathe freely. My kids are getting big now and I still wish this.

A friend's teenage daughter has been very sick this week and I know that she wishes she could be sick for her, to suffer for her, and save her from the fear and the pain. Even dealing with disappointment and broken hearts I wish that I could carry that for them. But I can't, I can only be there and hold them and wait for it to pass. And I know this wish for our children never stops. I remember my Mum crying for me when I was is labour with the first born, knowing that only I could do it, knowing she would have stepped in for me in a heart beat and knowing that already I would do anything for this child as yet unborn.

A little serious this week but it has been a serious week. Light and happiness will return after this short break.

Recipe Monday - Chicken Quinoa

2009-06-15T11:45:00.000+10:00

As requested by Shelley at Little Sparrow. A great simple and warming gluten free recipe. Adapted from 'Table' magazine

Quinoa (pronounced kinwa) is the seeds from an ancient south american plant. It's texture and uses can be likened to somewhere between rice and couscous. It is high in protein, iron and magnesium and is gluten free. I buy mine at the health food shop or the health food or gluten free section at the supermarket.

I took this away with us last summer for a camping trip. I made and froze the first part of the dish. It was then a simple one pot job to put it altogether and finish it over the camp fire.

Chicken Quinoa

Olive Oil
400 g Chicken
1 Onion
1 Red Capsicum, cut into strips
½ teaspoon each Ground Allspice & Cinnamon
2 cups Homemade Chicken Stock or Salt Reduced Commercial Stock
1 cup Quinoa rinsed
½ cup Slivered Almonds Toasted
½ cup Torn Mint

In a frying pan and cook Chicken in olive oil until brown, cooking in two batches may be best.
Remove chicken from pan, reduce heat, cook onion and capsicum stirring until soft. Add allspice, cinnamon and return chicken and toss to coat. At this point cooking can stop to cool and refrigerate or freeze for later.
Transfer chicken mix to heavy based pot. Stir in stock and quinoa and season to taste. Bring to the boil. Cover and turn off heat leaving until all liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender.
Alternatively use an oven safe dish and once stock has boiled transfer to 200° oven for approx 25 mins
Fluff up with a fork and top with almonds and mint to serve.

Yes this can be served without the mint, but I really do suggest the almonds or some other nut for the crunch texture.

Watcha Wearing Wednesday- a bit of light on a rainy day

2009-06-11T08:21:00.005+10:00

I was playing shops at Little Sparrow yesterday so dressed up nice and took these pics as I dashed down the road. The skirt I got at an op shop at the end of last year, one of those, I should be driving past but for some reason I am stopping moments. The skirt had called me in, I was powerless honest. :) The colourful scarf to brighten a grey day, I stole from the first born's room. "Nice scarf Mum" she said to me when she called in on her way home from school -well she steals my stuff all the time, First up- best dressed.

Eye Spy - something in bloom/scars

2009-06-08T01:30:00.000+10:00

This weeks eye spy compliments of bugs and pop is a two for the price of one deal. Something in Bloom and Scars. It is winter here at the moment so the only blooming going on is all the creating in my wee space and lovely winter cooking smells coming from the kitchen.
Scars though I have a few. No photos today partly because I don't know who has the camera and partly cause I am not convinced that seeing them would enrich anyones lives. But a wee list -
The ones I notice the most especially as I swim regularly for exercise are those love marks my children left behind many years ago. Transforming my trim and tidy wee body into the womens body it is today. I have a love hate relationship with my stretch marks, they don't fit the picture I have in my mind for how my body looks and yet I also know that they mark an important transition in my life.
I have a great scar on one of my fingers from a day I was helping a friend in the garden and sliced my finger with a serrated saw. I probably should have done something about it at the time but I had to pick up the kids and cook tea and.... consequently I have a scar.
Going back in time I have a burn mark on my elbow from a burn as a child, but I have no recollection of it. I am sure it was traumatic for my mother.
One scar I do remember receiving I collected while playing a very exciting game of dodge the cushion. Aged about 7 or 8 I guess, visiting friends there were probably at least seven kids needing entertaining. A game started where we had to run from the kitchen to the other side of the lounge to one of the bedrooms without being hit by a cushion thrown by one of the adults. I am guessing the weather kept us inside. It was great fun, full of anticipation, fear and triumph. We had all made it across the room with squeals and laughter. In the second round during my dash to safety, one of the flying cushions collected me with force and I fell right onto the corner of the chest freezer that was just outside the kitchen. I don't remember any pain or the blood but I do remember the bright light as I sat in the Doctors chair as he stitched up a wound on my forehead. No butterfly stitching in those days, we are talking needle and thread. It was a great wound for showing off to my friends, and I am pretty sure that the grown ups felt so guilty about what had happened that I got what I wanted for the rest of the day.
As a parent it has been strange to be on the other side as both my girls have broken their arms and had various bumps and bruises. Their memories are much more oriented around their favourite top that had to be cut off, what colour their cast was or that they got to choose what to have for tea that night (some mother guilt in action). I remember the sadness I felt the first time the first born fell and cut her lip in such a way I knew it would scar, that perfect precious skin marked, now I look at that scar and remember that moment in time, not the accident but that wee kids enthusiatic energy, running and giggling until she fell and then in my arms crying. I remember a time when a cuddle from Mum could just about cure everything. I look at their scars and my scars and notice the passage of time and reflect that as we grow we will collect a few scars like bookmarks in the story of our life. Oh how profound, I'll stop now before I wax on anymore all lyrical like... Thanks for coming with me on this wee indulgent journey.

Watcha Wearing Wednesday- A bright idea

2009-06-05T13:43:00.004+10:00

I know it is not Wednesday any more and this isn't even me on Wednesday but it is what I was wearing. I was trawling through some photos and remembered this combination at the back of my wardrobe. Needing some help getting dressed this week I thought a bit of bright colour might be just the thing as I headed out to teach a needle felting workshop. I think I may have too many clothes. Time for a sort out I think, before I hit the op shops with Margaret at A Little Bit of Kaos.

Recipe Monday - Gluten Free Bread

2009-06-01T21:07:00.004+10:00

Amity ville boronia is hosting a new theme Recipe Monday check out her blog to find a variety of lovely food ideas.
This is one for those of us who want or need to stay away from wheat. It makes a small but delicious loaf, even my wheaty friends like it.

Multigrain Wheat Free Bread

In ¾ cup hot water dissolve 2T sugar and ¾ tsp salt. When liquid is luke warm sprinkle 1 tsp yeast over the top and set aside somewhere warm to activate.
In the meantime measure
1 cup rice flour
¼ cup potato flour
2T soy flour
½ cup + 2T tapioca flour
¼ cup milk powder
1 ½ tsp Xanthan Gum

By now the yeast should have activated forming froth on the surface of the liquid. Add to this
1 egg lightly whisked with 1 ½ T oil and ½ tsp cider vinegar

Make a well in the centre of the mixed flours, add liquids and mix till smooth.

To this mixture add
1T LSA mixture
1T linseeds
1T sesame seeds
1T sunflower seeds
1T debittered soy grits.

Leave out any you do not have.

Pour mixture into lined loaf tin. (if you have a really good non stick pan you may not need to use baking paper, I have an old well seasoned tin which while the loaf turns out nicely I use baking paper to speed up the clean up.

Put loaf somewhere warm to allow bread to rise. It takes a while, depending on temperature, about 1 ½ hours

Bake at 190° for about 40 minutes

Turn out onto rack to cool. Like most gluten-free breads, this is best served toasted.

A game of tag - Eight things

2009-06-01T16:16:00.008+10:00

Busy Lizzie tagged me for a game of Eight Things last week. I had such a busy week I confess to forgetting all about it. Luckily she didn't give me a deadline and I am finally able to get my head around it today (between finding the floor and the kitchen bench, not to mention the bottom of the laundry basket!) Like Lizzie it has been a while since I played tag, when the kids were little and they ran and I made scary noises to make them run again, whilst I stayed still, so I don't think even that counts.

So here are my lists of 8:

8 things I am looking forward to:

*My first joint exhibition, soon, in Christchurch, in July with two dear friends - hence the currently busy schedule.
*Seeing family and friends on this trip 'home' especially....

*My nieces 2nd birthday which I will be there for. (I hope)

eight things really?

*the week after the exhibition when I am over the stress and before I start the next project.

*Learning to crochet, again after the exhibition

*Going swimming tomorrow, I haven't been enough lately

*Watching the second born perform tomorrow night, a singing recital at school

*A date with Husband at the end of the week

*A crafty train trip

8 Things I did yesterday

*Slept in! I love mornings with no alarm clocks

*Pretended to clean up whilst actually checking up on my favourite blogs and catching up on emails

*listened to great music in a backyard concert featuring Once Twice Sofia (I love Naomi's lyrics) and Cadmium Waking (a great a Capella trio) and a band made up of Alex, Kaz, Cam and Pete. Click on their links and have a listen. It was a great set and the sun even came out to warm us up, for a while anyway.

*Did a little crafting at the same gig while sipping a glass of wine, I was maximising the fun.

*Chatted to my Mum on the phone, actually on speaker phone which meant I was able to clean up a bit at the same time.

*Feed the family dinner

*Tested the first born's baking, just so I could tell her what a great job she did of course.

*Stayed up too late blogging.

8 Things I wish I could do

*Draw well, I can tell what I have drawn but I would love others to be able to as well. I know I could learn just need to practice more (that's what the books tell me anyway)

*Crochet, will learn that one.

*Always be a calm parent, and reasonable and moderate and sensible and wise. Don't think I will ever learn that one.

*Time travel so I can go back and try again when I am not the afore mentioned parent. While I am time traveling I will also give myself more time to fit in more crafting
*Play an instrument, instantly without all that painful learning carry on.

*Be more efficient with my time given that I can't yet time travel.

*Have a better memory, I am shocking! I really can feel things I need to remember fall out off my brain.

*Arrange world peace

8 Shows I watch

alright confessions I am being brutally honest here cause I am supposed to say I don't watch TV but...

*Rove -cause he is my boyfriend don't ya know, that's what the girls reckon

*Oprah - yes the TV is sometimes on in the middle of the day, I swear I am crafting at the same time, I do have to proviso that it has to be positive, I don't do negative themes.

*House - well I used to, it has finished now. Used to be date night on the couch with Husband

*Any house make-over show, at the moment that is Homemade.

*Good News Week

*Antiques Road show, not often its a busy time of day but when I'm not cooking or...

*MASH rerun after rerun unfortunately it is on the same time as #6

*Whatever is best at the time, if I have the remote, which I often don't.

Right so there you go a whole lot of things you may not have previously known about me and lets be honest survived just fine without knowing it.

So now apparently I need to tag eight people so

Little Sparrow

Amity ville Boronia

Tinnie Girl
And sew I sew

Missie Krissie

Konstant Kaos

Sparkly Green Knickers

Bug and Pop

Here are the playground rules if you care for them

1. Mention the name of the person who tagged you.

2. Do the lists of 8.

3. Tag 8 bloggers of your choice.

4. Let them know that they have been tagged!

So if you are on the list you are IT!

Eye Spy - My Morning Ritual

2009-05-31T21:23:00.005+10:00

My day starts sometime into the morning walk with Husband, we fall out of bed into warm clothes and wake up some time along the second block. Evenings are busy and now the teenagers stay up around the time we want to go to bed, the morning is a chance to catch up and breathe out before the day starts.

At the door...... deep breath....... ready? Time to wake up the girls and for me to head to the kitchen to make porridge (smoothies in the summer) and school lunches with, either bread just out of the breadmaker or, a current favourite, buckwheat pancakes.

At this point I would like to sing praises for school uniforms. First born is wearing a uniform for the first time this year and the mornings go so much smoother now she doesn't have to change five times. Breakfast is served and either eaten together or separately depending on who is in the shower, but either way, yesterdays school notices are handed over, last minute requests for cash made, and plans or notifications made for the afternoon/evening events.... Till I bundle them all out the door to the car, trams and trains.

I switch on the coffee machine and breathe, my day begins.......

Edit: I forgot to add Eye Spy is hosted by BugandPop. This week the topic suggested by 3RedButtons

My clever wee sis.

2009-05-29T22:38:00.003+10:00

How cute are these guys. My sister has been knitting these wee characters for a while now. They are from "Knit a Fantasy Story" by Jan Messent, Published by Search Press. The book was Mums originally, sis had it, then it was stolen from her car (and the knitting! boo hoo). A couple of her friends tracked the book down for her and off she went again. I love the wee characters and as I am not a knitter myself really admire that she has pretty much taught herself, with the occasional international phone call to Mum for - "how do I fix (fill in the blank)", apparently explaining knitting over the phone is quite tricky.

Sis can't knit at the moment due to an injury but has found "Irresistible gifts to knit" by Alan Dart and is planning to make the hedgehog heading off to bed complete with hottie (hot water bottle) as soon as she is better. I saw the book at Little Sparrow last night. Dart is a very creative designer. Now I will have to learn knitting this year as well....... After the crochet lessons.

A picture

2009-05-29T21:56:00.002+10:00

I forgot to put up the picture of Sparkly Green Knickers brooch she made her own self.

Can you tell I'm a bit excited to have someone else make a brooch. I am such a child. tee hee.

Sparkly Green Knickers made her Brooch

2009-05-29T08:48:00.003+10:00

Jo of Sparkly Green Knickers has made up the brooch from the kit she won in my recent giveaway. She did a great job and it sure looks bright and sunny for these cooler days (although it has been very mild in Melbourne). I am so happy to hear she found the instructions easy to follow and everything she needed in the kit. Hooray!
The kits are available at Little Sparrow in North Caulfield and Friendship Tree in Northcote. I am heading over to Friendship tree to play today and tomorrow. Feel free to drop in to say Hi , or visit Shelley at Little Sparrow.

Water feature

2009-05-28T09:17:00.005+10:00

The round-about near our house has a new addition- a water feature. Surely not? Melbourne is on water restrictions. But no it isn't one of the councils mad schemes, it seems a pipe has burst. It is hard to take a good photo but the little bubbling fountain has actually gone down since we first noticed it this morning. Unfortunately I think that is because the road is lifting and letting the water flow out other ways. It's going to be a big job. I am feeling sad. I am really careful with our precious resource. Looking after and appreciating every drop. It is sad to have so much pouring down the drain. I hope the water people get here soon.

I have filled the kettle and a couple of pots but am in the middle of a wet felting frenzy at the moment. (Because it is raining and will take ages to dry- the logic huh?) Now I am expecting the water to be cut off while they fix it. I can't decide if I should start given I may be interrupted. Luckily I still have lots of other things to be getting on with.

wednesday and wearing.... comfy and cute

2009-05-27T23:53:00.004+10:00

I think I may even make it (or just about anyway) A www post on a Wednesday!

Today I was busy creating and then teaching a class in the evening. Tidy practical was the order of the day. Luckily I just got given these great pants. They are green with some fantastic embroidery detail, they are elasticated and they are just like tidy trackies. I am a little worried about how much an elastic waistband excites me. I am too young for such thoughts surely? But they are so warm and comfy and cute, I have barely taken them off since I was given them.

To show I haven't completely let myself go I accessorised with jewellery and this great owl brooch Mandy made me, I feel a bit like sleepy owl now, time for bed since Wednesday is over.

Another important date for your diary

2009-05-25T10:41:00.004+10:00

Melbourne people-Those of you who have been here before might remember me writing about my passion for crafting on the go. Would you like to come and join me for my first blogging crafty train trip? I have set a date and found a cafe to head to.

So my brilliant plan is on the 21st of June (that is the last weekend before the school holidays start) to meet on Platform one at Flinders Street at about 11:20, jump on the 11:35 train out to Hurstbridge. We can craft all the way out and then when we get to Hurstbridge there is a short 5 minute walk down to a groovy wee organic cafe the "Heart and Soul Cafe". When we are full of lunch or coffee and cake, we can craft our way back again. I reckon we should get back into Flinders at about 4.

You can buy a Sunday saver card for just $3:10 and that will allow you train/tram and bus travel all day, a bargain priced venue I reckon.

So if you like to craft with a view and to meet some other crafty/bloggy types then write it in your diary, leave me a comment so I can book a table and gather your portable crafty gear.

I will be at platform one just near the food booth and to make it easy for you to find me I will wear my red coat. I look forward to having a great crafty adventure.

Workshops

2009-05-25T09:57:00.008+10:00

Things are just about all set for my needle felting workshop starting at Little Sparrow this week. I have felting mats, needles and samples ready and wool everywhere. The class is full now and I am looking forward to introducing some lovely people to their new addiction over a cup of tea and cake.

I still have space in my embroidered felt brooch workshop starting on Tuesday the 16th and the 23rd of June from 8:30 - 10pm. $50

Over a cuppa and some homebaking you will get to make your very own brooch from pure wool felt, recycled fabrics and sweet embroidery. All the materials are supplied and plenty of instruction. As a bonus I will give you enough materials to make a second brooch for a friend (or another one for yourself!) Minimum of six for the class to run. Payment must be made in full to secure your booking. Full refund will be made if minimum booking is not achieved.
If you wanna come along simply email me at princesskirstiejane (at) gmail (dot) com and I will send you the details.

WWW All blue and not a bit sad

2009-05-23T09:24:00.006+10:00

I know it isn't Wednesday but I won't even bore you with the stories of internet troubles.

On Wednesday I left the house!!!! and found that blue was the theme for the day. On my head I wore a scarf I found in an opshop along time ago and one of my fabric flowers.

I just got a new outlet for these. With some help of my friend Anita and Mandy they are now avaliable at Buana Satu in 'K' Road, Auckland, New Zealand. Hooray. So if you are near there pop in and check out the range. Anyway cute as that is isn't I couldn't leave the house wearing just that so....

I also wore a blue and black dress, one of my wee birds and a lovely necklace made for me by my friend Michelle Stewart for my birthday last year. (aka Princess Michelle)
Michelle lost all her stock and equipment in the Kinglake fires. I feel very lucky to have such a beautiful piece, I already treasured it and now even more so. Michelle is working hard at gathering herself back together again, both with materials and the will to start again. Go and check out her website, she is coming back real soon.

She also teaches classes in Art clay Jewellery, maybe you would like to make some beautiful silver jewellery yourself. This is one of the pieces I made in one of her classes. I think it might have been my second class. The classes are fun and productive and can be held with a group of friends right in your own lounge room.

Eye Spy -Green

2009-05-19T17:03:00.006+10:00

I am feeling a bit lost now that I have finally recovered from the princess visit and have little between me and the exhibition deadline.

So instead of working towards that, I am going to join BugsandPop and Eye spy: Green.

I haven't left the house yet today so I am selecting from the photo collection....

To me Green is New Zealand. And to prove it here is a couple from there.

Top: Flax and Cabbage tree on Banks Peninsula blowing in the wind, can't you feel how cold it is.

And me sitting with my green hair in my friends very green lawn. I was celebrating my birthday and having a lovely day. We were nearly packed up for the big move so Princess Mandy had us all over at her place.

Since I got here I have discovered there actually is a lot of green, especially in Melbourne (despite the drought) my favorite though is King Parrots. We meet these guys soon after we got here.

Wow look at that, they were only too happy to come and visit and share a meal with us. After all the stress of getting here these guys mark our first holiday break. (that is me and second born)

help I can't stop

2009-05-14T15:29:00.003+10:00

Help I am having one of those weeks and can't stop eating chocolate. I need supervision...... and exercise

This isn't the chocolate I am eating today, but I wish I was.... I shared some at Ganache in South Yarra last week, Oohh yuminess, devine yumminess

photo from avlxyz flickr photos

help.......

Yesterday was Wednesday

2009-05-14T09:18:00.003+10:00

I am obviously not going well with the whole deadline concept of Whatcha Wearing Wednesday at the moment and yesterdays outfit is on the floor. However I was wearing this great new brooch. My princess friend Mandy gave to me. She has gone home now but spent the last week in town. Last week she came to the Little Sparrow handwork circle and learnt to crochet and she was hooked! She made me this great flower which is a variation of a pattern Shelley found on the web. Thanks Shelley another addict born.

So nice to have Princess Mandy in town with her sisters and first time Princess Mandy, Princess Spinner and I have all been in the same town for nearly two years. Could you hear us laughing? Poor family might have felt a wee bit invaded but I know really they were happy to see me happy. However slipping back into normality now, catching up with the washing, and getting onto my rather long list of things to be done.

The winner is...

2009-05-13T12:28:00.005+10:00

This morning after the dishes were done and the washing hung out it was time to sit down with a coffee and draw the winner of my kit set giveaway out of the colourful bowl. husband was concerned that I was not supervised and offered to be an impartial supervisor but I had to point out that he would have to care long enough to watch me and we would have to both be home at the same time (hardly seen him lately) . And besides I can't wait a moment longer so you will just have to trust me......

the winner is........

Jo (sparkley green knickers)

congratulations

Jo when I have figured out how I will email you for address and your preferences since it seems you couldn't decide between the love bird and the mushroom. Or email me princesskirstiejane(at)gmail(dot)com

Thank you to all who entered and your encouraging words. Showing off creative work is always bit scary and I don't think any of us get sick of hearing nice things.

If you missed out this time keep an eye on me I am planning another giveaway or similar soon and sew mama sew are coordinating a huge giveaway at the end of the month- bad skirt is taking part and lots of others too judging by how they went last time.

Princess crafting

2009-05-11T10:01:00.009+10:00

Mothers day was spent full of my favourite things. A walk with husband in the morning, hanging out with princess friends all day making stuff, good food and a couple of cocktails. The girls were slave for the day fetching food and coffees and entertaining my friends baby so she could learn to embroider.

Mandy who had only learnt to crochet this week (thanks Shelley) taught Michelle how to get started and they were both making flowers by the end of the day.

Karla who had not done any embroidery before had a go at one of my new kit sets and made herself this beautiful butterfly and then designed herself this lovely wee heart. I was stitching all day since I have been banned from crochet until after the exhibition. *sulks*

Still not dressed this morning we are already underway with another day of craftey goodness. Hurrah.

Therapeutic Stitching

2009-05-08T17:17:00.005+10:00

The First born had to come home from school this morning, feeling a little under the weather. It seemed that some quiet time was required. So we snuggled up and did some stitching. She started work on a sublime stitching pattern that she will make into a small bag for her next MP3 player. Her last Ipod died so we figured if she makes the bag the universe will provide. I haven't worked out the pattern yet, but some stitching was just what she needed. She required very little guidance. We talked about her learning and she can't remember learning stitching, just always doing it. She does remember learning knitting (in through the bunny hole, round the old tree...)

I was stitching a secret project so you just get a sneak peek (and a blurry one and all). I am really happy with how it is going. Also happy to be able to hang out with the first born today and for the therapy of stitching to be proved again.

Wide awake Owl

2009-05-06T23:31:00.002+10:00

I just got home from a Brown Owls meet and I am a little bit wide awake. So as everyone in the house is either asleep (as we all should be) or out (when we should be home by now) I am frying some left-over sushi and sharing with you dear reader my thoughts of the day and evening. First the sushi- the picture is not what I am eating but some I had prepared earlier. Have you ever had it fried? I recently discovered it and it is soooo good. Sliced sushi rolls fried in a little oil soy sauce drizzled on it as it fries so it goes kind of caramelly crisp. Lovely. I eat rather a lot of sushi as I try to avoid wheat as much as possible and it is nice occasionally to have it hot.

I have had a lovely crafty day. I made some more felt mobiles but forgot to take photos of them and have been doing various embroidery projects most of the day, including on the train and tram on the way to Brown Owls and during the evening too. Brown Owls was a talk tonight, mostly about blogging and mostly by Lucy of The Design Files and Angela of Three Buttons and, although Pip from Meet me at Mikes was officially asking the questions luckily she let us pick her brains too. They had lots of hints and tips and experience to draw from in regards to this blogging world. I do plan to get my head around it sometime but in the meantime I am enjoying just doing it in the imperfect way I manage. Pip is going to write some of the ideas that were talked about so I will leave that to her.
During the meet I realised Lucy is a friend of a friend which I didn't get to mention to her but isn't it funny how small the world is sometimes, especially considering I still know very few people in this city. It is nice to be getting to meet some folks recently and crafty types are just so nice. Thanks peps for sharing on your blogs and in person to. And for keeping me company as I wind down tonight. All this linking has worn me out. Ready for bed now, big crafty day planned tomorrow and a couple of coffees too I think.

Princess visit

2009-05-04T22:14:00.002+10:00

Can you see the shape of New Zealand in this picture, my friend Mandy took this photo, it cracks me up. It is just how it landed, no rearranging at all.

And now just one more sleep till Princess Mandy comes to visit. If you see a couple or three friends about town, dressed a little over the top, drinking far to much coffee and telling stories with lots of gestures and laughing, that will be us. Oh how will I sleep? it feels like Christmas (including having jobs undone on my list before the deadline).
Also I went to the talk by jeweller Vicki Mason tonight, love her work and so much to think about, about her work, about mine, about the journey of creating, of putting your work out there, of balancing commercial and creative, and creating in a new land, about themes and new techniques. More than I can write tonight, might be interesting to explore a bit more some time though.

Not sure how much time I will have to post between coffees but hope that you take the time to enter my giveaway I have been getting comments from lots of lovely people every time I wear one of my new brooches, such a lovely way to collect compliments.

Exhibitions: visiting one and working towards one

2009-05-03T12:48:00.004+10:00

If you haven't made plans for this afternoon yet, consider popping down to Malvern (if ya live in Melbourne) to the TAG Fabricate exhibition. It is the last day today so I finally got my a* into gear and got there. The exhibition organised by the TAG branch of the embroiderers guild features the work of 6 textile artists. My favourites were the felt works by Karoliina Arvilommi and the dolls by Jennifer Gould. It was inspiring and I also had a lovely chat to Bernadette and Dinnie. They will even offer you a cuppa tea if you have had to travel across the city. So inspiration and a cuppa. It was a great way to start my Sunday. Plan on using the inspiration I have gathered from yesterdays trip and this mornings visit in my play space for the rest of the day as I get into the final run towards my exhibition in Christchurch in July. argh I have been pretending it is ages away till now but can no longer deny that time just keeps on rolling along.

BTW the guild have a talk on tomorrow night $5 for a talk by Vicki Mason a NZ jeweller now based in Melbourne. I will also be having a browse thru the guild library, it is pretty comprehensive. Wanna meet me there?

A trip to Red hill

2009-05-02T20:19:00.014+10:00

In my new efforts to get to more markets and new places today we headed out to red hill market. I had heard about this market and been told by many it is worth the drive out from Melbourne. Well, following the print out from Google and finding roadworks, having to detour to find a service station and to find a 'relief' stop we got a little lost (why had I taken the Melways into the house?!) but eventually we got there and it really was great. There were a number of stalls I had seen before but enough that I hadn't that made the market itself worth while and it was nice to be out in the country. Despite the new discoveries I again found myself at a stall I had found at Sister Market harper & eddie and brought a lovely wee thing but I can't show your cause it is a present for someone... I also found these cool cookie cutters they will also be a present.

Another great thing about being at Redhill was we were pretty close to Sorrento and as three of the four in the car hadn't been there before we decided to head there for lunch. And found Buckleys Chance. Since this is a phrase the lone aussie in the car uses a lot we thought it sounded like the perfect place to stop and ...yum. The service was great, a seat in the sun and the food delicious and plentiful. After we decided we needed to take our pukanui (big stomach) for a walk down the street. (I have tried to edit this bit numerous times sorry if it still not sitting right)

We didn't go into this exhibition but liked the sign. That is me and Princess Michelle.

We did go into Gallery Sorrento and found a new item to add to my wish list, some beautiful butterflies made from recovered saucers by Lightly. Further down the street we wandered into Beast Creations strange name, but beautiful glass and jewellery inside. A walk on the beach, soak in the view and then home. A great day full of good friends, great food, treasures for the soul and pressies to bring home.

Next time though I will be heading to Made in Thornbury since I am pretty sure I won't get to lost getting there and I know there will be lots for me to bring home there too, Nice people also I hear ;) Sorry I couldn't get to both and hope all who had a stall there today had a great day.

The kit sets are done

2009-05-01T16:06:00.012+10:00

Do you want one? Make one yourself.....

The love bird kits sets have flown the coop and to celebrate I am having a give away.

It has been a busy busy week getting them finished. I have feed the family but the washing has remained undone and the beds unmade. However finished they now are, and you can now find kit sets to make cute little embroidered felt brooches at Little Sparrow in North Caulfield and at The Friendship Tree in Northcote.

Each kit contains all the materials you need including 100% wool hand dyed felt, upcycled fabrics, 100% cotton embroidery thread, a needle, a metal brooch back and all the instructions you need including "How to" for all the easy embroidery stitches.

The designs are "Love Bird" "Sweet Owl" "Baby Butterfly" "Princess" and "Mushroom"

Don't you want to make one for yourself? or for a gift. To be in to win, simply leave me a comment letting me know which design you would like to win and where you will wear it when you have made it.

If you are the lucky randomly chosen winner I will send you a kit in the design of your choice and in the colours of your choice. Go on, I would love to hear from you and I know you will love making one of your very own.

Entries close Tuesday the 12th of May

I am exhausted now, need a wee lie down as I plan to visit markets this weekend. It would be very very sad if I was too tired to shop! Cheers to Friday cheers too to Shelley at Little Sparrow who helped me lots with this project. Hooray!

Another weekend of wonderful

2009-04-27T17:57:00.004+10:00

Oh bliss

It was full and it was great, I need a wee lie down now but no time for that.

Saturday morning we had some of our friends over for breakfast, some of our new friends and a couple of long time friends that we managed to bring over from New Zealand. We have lived in Melbourne for just over a year now and it was great to be able to have friends in our house, and to have those that hadn't before, meet each other.

Do you like to have guests? Sure it is a bit scary, my work space wasn't as tidy as I would like it and we nearly ran out of cups, but it is great to meet that scary and find out that your friends do like you despite the less than perfect surroundings and to connect the different parts of our lives. I love breakfast and I love feeding people. We had so much fun I forgot to take photos.

Sunday morning it was cold (yes really New Zealand readers it really was) but I managed to get myself out of bed and down to the Camberwell market to meet the other brave Brown Owl girls. It was lovely to meet some for the first time to share a coffee a chat and some good bargains. I found this great tin, a perfect find for a cold autumn day. It will replace one of my shoe boxes currently used for storage.

On Friday the felt I have been waiting for for my new kits arrives so after I defrosted I spent Sunday afternoon cutting it up. The colours are fantastic I just love to pile them up and rearrange them. But they are all destined to be out the door very soon so best I get stop playing with them and pack them up.

Embroidery off to Brisbane

2009-04-23T17:20:00.006+10:00

It is the Stitches and Craft Show in Brisbane shortly.

It was in Melbourne recently and I spent 5 days teaching lots of lovely people embroidery stitches at the one of the Craft Bars with patterns by Sublime Stitching. I had so much fun that although I was exhausted by the end of it I couldn't stop stitching. So I kept on going and made some samples for Angela at Living Creatively to take to the Brisbane show. I hope to inspire peps on the cool things they can make with their projects. If you are in Brisbane go and check the show out, and have a go at the craft bars, a great way to give something new a try.

I am planning to teach some basic embroidery classes soon with these great patterns, I have irons in the fire, so keep an eye here if you are keen.

Off to Little Sparrow tonight for a handwork circle evening. What will we do?? I am imagining knitting stitching, hooking and a lot of chatting, plus a wee cup of tea I think.

Weekend of Wonderful

2009-04-22T09:25:00.008+10:00

My silence of the last few days is not because I have been lying around eating chocolates, no, but because I have been busy busy busy, so lots to tell you... first instalment...

Finally the kids are back at school and so I can get to the computer and have a wee browse on the net and fill you in with what we have been up to. Saturday: Husband and I went to Sisters Market, I hadn't been before but found it with the help of Justine at Mixtape, saw her, wished her a happy birthday and got these great wee Dr Seuss badges. I will be sending them to my sister who is knitting a whole farm yard worth of animals. I also got these cute little bird hair clips, I don't know why cause my hair is fairly sort at the moment, but I am sure I can wear them somehow. I forgot to write down who made them. I hadn't read kims post on brown owls at that point and it was all a little girly for Husband so he bribed me away with a coffee. I did have more shopping to do but I guess next time..... (I will just leave him at home)....

Sunday was Husbands birthday so I spent the day being slave for the day, making yummy yummy food and fetching coffees and then beers. I planned to make these chicken parcels, I had seen a recipe but my highly efficient system failed me and I couldn't find the recipe, so I made it up and it was fantastic! I reckon it might even count as crafty since it was in paper tied up with string. yum yum yum.

Husband is a white chocolate fan so I made a chocolate moose. You can see it is a little lumpy as I got sacred of knocking out the air, but yum. Husband and I couldn't eat it all so keep some aside for the next night but the girls took on the challenge and polished theirs all

off. And then I sent them to bed all wired, hee hee.

Best be off now, big list of must dos but to remind me and tempt you ...further instalments due....

Embroidery off to Brisbaine

New Outlet!

Comedy Festival

Stitching the Husband up

Have a great day see you soon.

Out and about crafting

2009-04-17T10:45:00.007+10:00

Two stories in the news recently have been getting me to thinking. First there was a great story out of the tragedy's of the Italy earthquakes of the 98 year old women who whilst trapped by rubble passed her time knitting. Obviously someone who doesn't believe in being idle. Then this week there has been a story about a women in Perth being asked to leave a restaurant because she was breastfeeding, I am not even going to go into my opinion about that here, but it has led me to thinking......

I breastfeed for an extended length of time and was involved with the breastfeeding support group La Leche League. One of the things I loved about breastfeeding (apart from its health benefits) was the practical accessibility of it. I had milk in the right quantity and temperature for by baby at any time and any place. I used to have a wee list in my head about some of the places I had nursed my baby. At home of course, but also on planes, boats, beaches, mountains, hospital, waiting rooms, cablecars, conferences, at concerts, cafes and restaurants. This photo shows me breastfeeding the second born at the Sydney zoo during our first overseas trip.

At the moment my favourite crafting is hand stitching, mostly embroidery. Part of the reason I love it is the portability of it, I travel by public transport and I am able to stitch while I wait for the train and then on the train or tram or bus... In fact I am doing a wee project examining the passing of time whilst travelling.

I have been known to stitch my way on the tram and then stitch on the beach or cafe. Traveling by plane and crafting has been getting trickier but I suppose you could finger knit? Usually I settle with reading about crafting or brainstorming and sketching out the next project. I think that still counts.

I have crafted in hospital, at meetings, in waiting rooms, in parks and recently at a music gig. This photo shows my two princess friends creating in a caravan during a creative escape weekend. I like crafting in different places, for a start it gets me out of the house and I think of different things when I have a different view. It is a great way to meet interesting people when they ask you what you are up to or to collect compliments as folk admire your handy work.

I am challenging myself to starting a new list and to craft in some interesting places throughout the year. Have you crafted in an unusual place? or where is your favourite place?

I am thinking I would love to organise a crafty train trip- meet and craft our way out to the end of the line or into the country, refuel at a country cafe and craft all the way back into the city. Any Melbourne people keen? leave a comment or email me at princesskirstiejane (at) gmail (dot) com

wednesday and wearing....

2009-04-15T23:07:00.003+10:00

It has been a great autumn day today and I decided to give myself a bit of a lift with these very loud pants. Not to be worn when I am feeling shy as you can be pretty sure that I will stand out a bit. The shoes were hand-me-downs from my bestest mate; she received them a long time ago from her boyfriend and I am pretty sure he found them in an op shop. I guess they are well out of date but I love to wear them cause they make me think of her.

Sharing the stash

2009-04-14T20:56:00.005+10:00

The first born is doing a design and technology course at school or what I used to call sewing. She is making a bag this semester, I recently invited her to go thru my stash and see if there was something suitable she wanted to use. One of the options I presented her with was this op-shop dress I had brought with the intention of cutting it up and recycling, but "no" she cried "I could wear that!" And so with a little bit of altering -taking it in and bringing up the hem, she has headed out for the evening in a brand spanking new dress.

Browsing in town this afternoon she was complemented by an assistant in a groovy wee shop, proof I am told that this is indeed a great wee number. I love that I have a kid confident enough to believe she can alter clothing and that she wants to wear something rescued from her mother stash.

Don't you think it would be perfectly suitable to have a picnic of this fabric, just like wearing a flash table cloth- in a good way. And the good thing about taking up that hem is I get a little bit of fabric to play with - hooray everyone is happy when we share the stash.

A new start

2009-04-13T16:31:00.010+10:00

xxxxxxxx

I have just been browsing thru some old

photos. This is one of my sister and I having a late night dance at a family gathering of Easter 2007.

Easter symbolises rebirth; for us Easter of 2007 was for us a time for a new start, or at least the start of a new idea. An idea was planted for us to move to countries and we decided to contemplate it. A few short months later we had a job and were underway with moving all of us over. Husband and I were both born and have lived all our lives in the same area so moving our family overseas was a big deal. This has been a journey that has taught me a lot about myself, about my relationship with family and friends, our priorities, attraction and creation and that if you want an adventure it helps if you leave the house. Lately I have been finding a lot of new adventures, I know they are good adventures cause I am feeling that great mixture of excitement and fear. Even blogging for me has been a great new adventure, a chance to meet new people and to share some of our lives and adventures. Thank you to those of you who share your adventures. I love to read about them and thanks for stopping by and reading mine.

Wearing....

2009-04-08T18:54:00.003+10:00

Today I am wearing a dress a friend gave me.... I love to wear hand me downs, and I love to wear op shop finds, and I love to wear things made with love by clever people. I have grown to love all these things, it wasn't always the way.

When I was a kid in a small town in New Zealand, op shopping was oh so very embarrassing. I loathed being dragged into an op shop by my mother- what if a friend from school saw me? or worse my teacher! Oh I so wanted to impress Mr Farr.

My Mum has always been super clever and resourceful, I liked being able to draw pictures and then having her make them into applique t-shirts or knitted jerseys (jumpers) but I don't think I really appreciated the wonders of having a mum who would stay up late the night before we went skiing to make us all new ski pants. Or our floral togs! Thanks Mum

Then at some time it changed, I raided Mums wardrobe most mornings and wanted the 'opshop' look and even made some clothes for myself. What I love most is to wear outfits with a story. I love to know who else has worn it, or where I found it and what a bargain it was. In our house one of our games is to add up our outfit - how much did it cost, the reward- looking stylish at a bargain price. I am glad I caught on to Mums great idea and I love to share these adventures with my first born. I reckon even Mr Farr would be impressed. Do you love to op-shop? what do your kids think?

Confessions

2009-04-05T11:55:00.006+10:00

Imagine if you will a picture here of lovely autumn fruit, apples, pear, figs and lemons. I did take a photo to share with you all but the first born took the camera to a friends and it slipped her adolescent mind to bring it back home again. Damn she has been telling me we need another camera, "need?" I reply "I do not think that word means what you think it means." However now I want to use it and I am thinking maybe it is a need after all.

But back to the point of this story. I have a confession. I have lived in this fair city for just over a year now and yesterday I finally made it to my local St Kilda farmers market. I didn't mean to leave it so long it just, you know, happened. But yesterday I snuck out of the house before the house stirred. Oh joy, I found bounds of lovely fruit and veg. I found sausages sizzling and music playing. I visited some new friends selling cake for the local Steiner playgroup/preschool. They have been playing with me recently at Little Sparrow making lovely wee rabbits. One confessed she is now making more, it makes me happy to be a part of someone giving a new craft a go and wanting to carry on.

So I headed home happy with a trolley and a heart full and I promise not to leave it so long again. :)

In the afternoon Husband and I headed to the city on the train, to visit the Craft Victoria Craft Hatch a little market held in the city library. I loved to see what people are making and to have a chat with a couple of the artists too. Then we went to the NGV to see the Top Arts VCE 2008 It is an inspiring show of some of the works completed by high school students studying art and studio art in Victoria last year. I will be taking my girls back to see it at least once before mid June when it closes. I am inspired by their amazing work and commitment to see their vision thru. I have to work hard to talk nice to myself while I look around as it is tempting to think 'why bother'. Self talk is something that I often have to work hard with. Years of training make it easy for me to tell I myself, I am not talented, to be ready for others to find out the truth about me, that I am a big fake, that the stories I tell are silly, I am not skilled enough, smart enough, pretty enough...... I know you know the stories that we tell ourselves because I know that I am not the only one. These days mostly I talk nice to myself and am gathering evidence that prove those thoughts wrong, but you know sometimes I slip, especially when it is that time of the month, or when I see someones work I admire, or when I put my heart on the table and overhear a negative comment. But mostly I remember that I have something unique to offer and that I have a place in this creative world.

Goodness I didn't know I was going to go there... but there you go confessions on a Sunday afternoon....

I hope you all had or are having a lovely weekend and remember to talk nice to yourself. :)

Today is Wednesday and I'm wearing......

2009-04-01T19:14:00.004+11:00

Didn't have to go far today, just for another 'business' meeting with Shelley at Little Sparrow. Occasion enough for these lovely shoes which I got from an op-shop a long time ago for I think about 4 dollars. I love them, when I wear them I feel old fashioned elegant.

Checklist

2009-04-01T00:21:00.004+11:00

Rabbits made - check

New skills learnt - check

Tea drunk - check

Cake eaten - check

Wide range of topics covered - check

Giggles and laughs - check

Plans for the next projects - check

A very successful evening I think - just a bit wired from all the fun

Not enough time!

2009-03-31T17:54:00.004+11:00

There is not enough time in the day....

Off to teach little bunnies again tonight but before that as you can see from my clock it is time to stop and make dinner for the family and whilst I do so, bring in the washing, supervise homework and get changed out of the sloppies into something halfway respectable. All I can say is at least I don't have to travel for ages to get there. Little Sparrow is just down the road... so handy.

I must confess that I did already stop in to see Shelley, but you see the coffee was just to fuel us for our 'meeting' - we started with giggling about the Comedy Gala on TV last night. I was also picking her lovely brain, as I have been working on a new range of kit sets for my brooches and other lovely things yet to be revealed to you all. They are so close, but it really doesn't come naturally to me, I love to make things and I love to share things but committing to paper and trying to explain my little ways I have found to be trickier than I thought. I think part of the reason is 'cause I love them so much and want you to enjoy them too. For it to be a joy not a nightmare to create I must get it right. No pressure huh?

Well right now I must be pleased with what I did achieve today and put it aside to do the aforementioned tasks. Tomorrow is another day and the school holidays will be upon me before I know it. so type, sketch, stitch, photograph and felt... see you all again tomorrow.

btw the clock is by fossil stonecraft in Christchurch, New Zealand. A reminder of home.

Luverly Lazy Sunday

2009-03-29T18:33:00.008+11:00

Oh today was a lovely day, the weather was beautiful and I felt so happy. After ideas nudged me out of bed at 4 this morning I was soon stitching and solving nagging creative challenges.

At a much more sensible hour I got to go for a slightly chilly walk with Husband. With coffee in hand we walked around the park saying hello to the all the neighbourhood dogs and noticing all the plants recovering from the recent heat. And the geese, they are so noisy and such a funny shape, I have some stitching ideas for them, I will have to take my camera with me next time.

When we came home I was the picture of productivity doing jobs I have had numerous excuses for avoiding.

Wore myself out with all that so curled up for a wee nanna nap - now that is a Sunday for you. This is my napping zone complete with Nanna blanket.

Then the second born is off see the musical "Wicked" tonight so dragged out the curlers, check these out

Getting ready for a cascade of curls

"For a style as Elegant as this...."

Workshops

2009-03-25T22:32:00.014+11:00

As promised....

Do you want to come and join me to make some little twin faeries in needle felting ?
29th and 6th of May
$55

Or a little gnome and his treasure in a cave for the winter?

27th May and 3rd June

$65

Isn't he cute? All the materials are supplied and plenty of instruction. Minimum of six for the class to run. Payment must be made in full to secure your booking. Full refund will be made if minimum booking is not achieved.

To book contact Little Sparrow.

Also coming up you could make these embroidered brooches made from pure wool felt and vintage fabric....

16th and 23rd June
$55

Same rules apply only this time contact me. I am looking forward to sharing these with you and a cuppa and some cake too.

Off to make bunnies

2009-03-24T19:11:00.005+11:00

oops 10 days since my last post, where does the time go? Been busy busy busy, more about that later,

Off to make bunnies at Little Sparrow tonight, looking forward to meeting everyone and helping them bring these wee sweeties to life. They are just ever so cute.

Planning term two's classes now and holiday ones for the kids, although better move fast, those holidays are very close now. Posting details tomorrow, there, now I have a deadline....

Oh and Handmade Nation

2009-03-14T21:28:00.003+11:00

If you can get to the show, go and see Handmade Nation or when it comes to a town near you,- go and see it.
I stayed out late after stitching all day at the show to watch it. A big storm came over while it was on and we barely had any idea, so engrossed with the film we were. It is great, cool, inspiring, affirming and lots of other positive adjectives. It is a documentry about the Indie craft movement in America. Faythe Levine talked to a whole lot of artists, designers and creators finding out more about what , how and why they create and live the way they do. I didn't realise I was a part of a movement wanting to make meaningful things, wanting to make and recieve handmade gifts, wanting to surround myself with my own and others beautiful things. Wanting to make a difference in my world so I can live as part of this big world that feel right and just. and sometimes just wanting to chill out with friends and play.
Go and see it.

Make time to visit the WOW stand

2009-03-13T20:23:00.004+11:00

Oh and for those who can make it to the show make sure you visit Heather and Ingrid at the WOW stand. They are here from Nelson, New Zealand letting Melbourne creative types in on the magic of the World of Wearable Art or WOW. WOW is a spectacular annual show inviting designers and artists from around the world to follow thru on those creative wearable ideas. My Mum and I have worked on four collaborative garments since 2003. They were all selected for the show which is in September each year. We won two highly commended awards with one of our pieces - "When Mere Met Mary".

The photo is the back of "Who Are You". This and "When Mary met Mere" are my two favourites (just don't tell the others). "Who Are You" was a dress covered in fabric flowers and a cloak with hundreds of photos printed onto fabric and then individually sewn on to make a big picture of me as a baby. The photos are all of our family and friends. It was a joy to make, working with my Mum thinking of all the important people in our lives and 'introducing' them to each other as we sewed them all on. (ok, so there were a lot to sew on, we may have been losing the plot!)

I am a bit shy about sharing these creations with you all but the experience of bringing a concept to reality and then being part of such a spectacular show is an experience I would recommend. I would also recommend attending the show if you are in Wellington in September any year. The show is well named, I promise you will spend the whole night saying WOW!

Stitching fun

2009-03-12T23:12:00.005+11:00

I have spent the last three days at the Stitches and Craft show setting up and then working on a "Craft Bar" A new venture this year we are one of four "Bars" around the show that anyone can come and have a seat at and try a project out- for free!. In my case we are sharing some great designs from Sublime Stitching and sharing some pointers to get people going on embroidery, for some the first time ever, for others the first time in years so a wee refresher . Some like me have been looking at these great patterns from Texas USA online and now getting a chance to have a try. This is one of the 'sexy librarians' that I have started as a wee sampler. (sorry about the shadow- it is late and I am rushing to get some beauty sleep- still 3 days to go)

It is so great to feel some new energy in the show. Where I wandered a lot last year feeling a bit stuck in nana land, new to the city and wishing to find some creative friends . This year feels so much more open and inviting and hip and now. Although I am still a bit shy about making friends. :-)

Absolutely stuffed at the end of the day, a lot of talking, on my feet all day and so wanting to see everything as well, but LOVING it. If you can make it to the show come and say Hi and have a stitch. I haven't had a chance to take any photos and being a complete newb I don't know how to share but Lark has taken some great ones including one of me at my Bar,(yes I can often be found at the bar) so check her site here out for a feel of the place.

I Love Fridays and Coffee with Friends

2009-03-06T21:21:00.002+11:00

I am joining Tinniegirl and her friends who love Fridays.
Today (after lunch packing- smoothie making- kids off to school- chaos) I re-started my day with a coffee with my princess friend in New Zealand. We each make ourselves a kick arse coffee and chat on the phone for an hour.... at least. Today while we chatted she was baking and I was stitching. bliss
I love Fridays because tomorrow it is St Andrews market and I finally get to see my Kinglake Princess friend and have a coffee together.
Oh great coffee and magic friends and chocolate of course.

smmmooothies

2009-02-27T18:42:00.004+11:00

I love smoothies and I love my blender. It was a family Christmas present brought at the end of last year at a excellent factory shop price. Every morning I make smoothies for my family. I highly recommend it as an excellent way to get fruit and breakfast into Husband and teenagers who are tempted to skip both. I am sure it would work well for picky pre schoolers too.

One of us in dairy intolerant, so at the moment I mostly use various combinations of bananas, mango, canned peaches, pineapple, frozen berries, and various juices. What I would like to do tho is sneak in some more nutrients - has anyone got any ideas?

Inheritance

2009-02-27T18:16:00.002+11:00

More inspiration from Pip at Meet me at Mikes

- a family tree

Gma- Mums: sewer, knitter and plays with the cutting and gluing of paper
Gma- Dads: knitter, baker and the best fruit salad jam in the land
Dad- leadlighter, sculptor, jeweller, wood carver and turner, writer, all round bullshit artist (I say that with love)
Mum: knitter, sewer (applique t-shirts when we were kids), quilter, dyer (that is one who dyes fabric, how do ya write that?), baker of great foccacia, writer, all round fantastic fibre artist. I tell ya it just comes out of her pores
Mum and me: collaborated on fibre art creations
Me: stitcher, felter, beader, painter, sewer, weaver, creative cook
Daughter 1st actor, baker, sewer
Daughter 2nd sketcher, digital, artist, writer

How 'bought you?- the creative gene run in your family? Play along....

Fantastic Felting

2009-02-25T22:32:00.011+11:00

Can't stop felting now.
Finished off a couple of new numbers to take down to Little Sparrow today. In the afternoon I realised time had got away from me and I had to meet one of the girls in town for new shoes - left in a hurry. When we got home my family couldn't decide if a large coloured sheep had come in and shook itself or if it had farted! (strange sense of humour my family) there was wool everywhere.

You see although I have a lovely wee space to work in the corner of our living room, when I have the house to myself during the day I do spread out a bit. As well as the wool roving (or tops depending where you're from) today I also had my embroidery thread, commercial felt, beads, mat and frames all spread out and had over-flowed into the bathroom for gluing. Oh what a delightful sight; evidence of a day well spent. However others like to relax on the couch at the end of the day so it has all been tossed back into my area now while I anxiously wait for tomorrow to come and I can get it all out again - yay!

Meet Me At Mikes is having a Make-a-long - February is Felt and I am just in time! I am posting today's works as my participation. I haven't worked out the flicker thing yet and maybe I will and maybe I won't but I still wanna play a little anyway.

Further to Mikes, we had the first Brown Owl meet for the year last night and my first one ever! I was very nervous walking in but had a great time meeting lovely crafty ladies. There was talk of "I do this but sometimes that" and confessions of projects yet to be completed. There was sharing of hopes and plans for Meet and Makes for the rest of the year, and there was a lot of laughing about kindred obsessive spirits being found. Hooray, it was fun and I look forward to the next get together.

Of shopping and dinner planning bliss

2009-02-22T13:17:00.006+11:00

Meet me at Mikes’ Pip wrote on her blog about her shopping list. Her organisation inspired me to share my scheme and my pimped out trolley. It really is a work in progress- one day it will feature more stitch and maybe some bling too.

I am a list maker (Thanks Mum), my menu and shopping list is on the computer, a database even; it gets compiled, printed and then attacked with a highlighter. (I can’t believe I just admitted to that.) I select a meal and the printout will tell me where the recipe is and ingredients required.
I would rather shop for treasures than flour so monthly I do the supermarket(s) shop (a huge day), with little weekly or sometimes more market or corner store visits (and my pimped out trolley).
My menu lasts a month in weekly blocks, although I can't commit to days. That is just too much organisation. I also like to cook double (or triple!) quantities and freeze for busy creating days. The feeling of being able to continue to make, and create knowing I can feed by family at moments notice gives me a feeling of more wealth than I can tell.
I do notice when I don’t plan I spend more money and more time making more average food; an incentive to keep it up to be sure. Apart from having to follow thru and sit and plan once a month the only part where it falls down is with my new year plan to make the kids and husband cook too. Can’t get them to commit in advance yet. Aahhh…. we are all a work in progress.

Creating my way thru

2009-02-18T14:17:00.009+11:00

After a week of being in shock I finally feel ready to reach back out into the world.

The fires here just outside Melbourne were a shock to us all. On Saturday before we even knew what had happened; you could feel the danger in the air. Then came the wait to hear if friends were ok, thankfully they all are. Sadly the parents of one of my dear Princess friends lost their home. At a time like this it becomes clear that a home is more than just the place to sleep, and gather for meals, but all of the memories of past years and the plans and dreams for the future. Our family is our home; today we are grateful for those still with us and mourn for those gone.

I spent a lot of last week walking around in circles and sitting on my couch watching updates and creating my way thru. I spent the weekend making some meals and baking for the freezer to be passed on to friends at a later date.

Creating the way thru seems to be the way a number of us have coped with this. I have been thinking of those creative types who have lost or can't get to their stash. I had already put some supplies together for my friend Princess Sparkle Fern and now with the help of Handm ade Help I am able to put together more supplies to go to itchy hands. I will be dropping my supplies down to Little Sparrow.

In the creating this last week, I have been making cute little brooches and needlepoint tapestries. I made the one of the King Parrot for Princess Sparkle Fern. They are made from 100% wool felt, recycled fabrics embroidery threads and beads. What fun they are as they come to life in my hands. The little owl is in acknowledgment of my very first Brown Owls meeting coming up very soon. I am so excited and very nervous about meeting a whole lot of crafty women.
Husband is laughing at me at the moment, as I am a little obsessed with these projects and take them everywhere we go. I love to have something so portable and to keep my hands and mind busy.

On the topic of Husband we celebrated our wedding anniversary in the weekend with a lovely long three hour walk and talk and a drink at Batch- a cute kiwi themed café in Balaclava. Husband was especially excited to find a favourite NZ beer- Monteiths Summer Ale- a wee taste of home. ahhh :)

Time to go create some more .......

Blessings to you all especially for those separated from home and family.

First post

2009-02-06T14:06:00.000+11:00

Time to join the world of blogging, like many of us I am always curious and have enjoyed the chance to peek into others lives thru their blogs. I hope you too enjoy a wee peek into my simple wee life.

I love to play, to create and to celebrate life everyday.

I believe in magic and have some dear Princess friends who like me love to dress up and to play.

I make something most days but sometimes it is just the kids school lunches. My favourite is to create things out of interesting (mostly recycled) fabrics and stitch. I also dabble in a bit of paint, papermache, beading, felting, collage and if the concept requires it; plastic, metal, recycled furniture or just about anything.

2009-02-06T13:49:00.000+11:00

Here are some cute little ponies I made from pure wool felt. They are currently living at Little Sparrow waiting to trot off to some new homes. They have been really hot under the Melbourne sun lately so Shelley made them a gum tree to rest under.