Upcycling

My version of a shopping bag. Made from vintage upholstery weight linen, and doilies.

This one is for my Sister, and I'm in the process of making myself one.

I'm really happy with this bag, I wanted it to look organic and not too polished or slick,

but still 'finished'. I'm never keen perfection, but like things to be durable and well made.

I feel I got the balance right with this. And what better way to help the environment

than by using a 'green bag' that is made from vintage fabrics?

In other news, I heard that there was an abduction attempt on two 7 year old girls in Sydney on Friday, from the playground at a school (not our school), by a man and a woman.

The children got away and ran to a teacher, the would be abductors also fled, there was a description of the car, and the couple on the news. Scary for all parents, how brazen and from school!

In light of this, I thought it prudent to have the 'stranger danger' chat with Little P again. I might have been over the top though, cause she said she was scared this morning. I told her not to be scared, but to be 'alert', and to do what we talked about.

My question is, how do you emphasise the importance of stranger danger, without scaring the be-jingoes out of them?

My favourite ....

... afternoon tea? Devonshire tea, scones made by Bid D
Loaded with jam and cream,

And devoured!

We are going to see 'Chicago' tonight.

Little P is having her first proper

sleep-over, with a dear and trusted friend.

Here's hoping you all have a great weekend.

Intensely 5!

We went to see 'intensely Dutch' a few weeks ago at the Art Gallery of NSW.

Mid-Century Dutch paintings, it's a great exhibition, vivid colours, I particularly liked the paintings from the 50's and 60's.

I think it had an effect on Parker, as she did this water colour while we slept in on Saturday morning. I'm not sure what it is, but I do like the colours.

There was a young girl from Limerick ...

Look what I got from Andi at Superminx!

It's the cutest print and although you can't see it in the photo,

that's a map of Limerick in Ireland!

Parker and I were browsing Flickr the other night,

and she fell in love with this

picture, imagine her delight when it arrived,

addressed to her, in the post. Just gorgeous, thanks Andi,

you are a talented minx to be sure!

Yet more shelves for my Lady Cave!

I wouldn't dream of assaulting your senses with a before shot.

It's a work in progress, because, try as I might,

I am unable to stop myself buying vintage fabric.

Said fabric needs a house, as do the patterns and craft books.

I like to use galvanised steel shelves for this job,

because they can hold a fair bit of weight.

It's heavy stuff this habit of mine.

'Haus Frau' sitting on top of the shelves,

looking rather pleased with herself!
I still get a kick out of thinking of her hanging

in Fed Square in Melbourne, last year in a 'proper'

Exhibition!

All good things ...

I've been very patient, looking, looking, praying to the Op-Shop Deities,

leaving empty handed, thinking they have all been snapped up by dealers, bought by collectors, or hoarded away in garages,

but finally a full set of 60's canisters to call my own.

I've always loved these canisters. I particularly love the hard plastic and vibrant colours, impossible to feel miserable with these in the kitchen!

Some bright 60's linen ... these haven't been used, shall rectify that.



And my favourite thing today.

Beautifully made, with solid, proper wood.

Ugly upholstery, but easily fixed.

Not sure whether to repaint it white, or go a bit more out there.

Perhaps a light turquoise, with some vivid fabric?

Perhaps one of the above T.Towels, they are a perfect fit.


Off to The the Sydney Winter Festival tonight.

Have a great weekend, see you on the flip-side.

Brian Eno is in town, and he's light the place up!

We did the 'Light Night Walk' on Sunday night, a walk around

The Rocks and Circular Quay with illuminated installations on the way.

The Opera House and the MCA looked amazing.

White

Blue

or pink?

The choice is clear I think!

Winter Colour

Winter, the garden starts to look very bare, apart from some Autumn flowers on the ground, and this poinsettia.

I start to hibernate at this time of year, and it's when I get more time in the kitchen. I'm the baker, and casserole maker. My mantle may be seriously threatened this year, as Big D is becoming rather passionate about cooking. I don't mind sharing. It's funny how the longer you are together the more 'mingled' things become, when we first met, I had my own definite music shelves, now they are intertwined, I had my own book shelves etc .... as long as the underwear drawers always remain separate I'll be happy!