It's raining outside...

I love rainy weather and the past week hasn't disappointed. With every reason to stay indoors, it was a great time to finish off a few projects, drink hot chocolate with marshmallows and get all warm and cosy. There is nothing more relaxing than listening to the sound of rain falling outside.

These rainy photos of my water logged backyard were taken a few months ago, but I just thought that now was the perfect time to share them.

I love the hint of purple flowers in the background...

Gardens sparkle when the sun comes out after a downpour.

 It was a dear friends birthday over the weekend so I whipped up this bag and card for her. You can never have enough calico bags and I thought it would be very handy as she is an art student with many bits and pieces to lug back and forth to college.

 A quilt I began making about a month ago for a friends baby and after many dramas and hiccups, I am proud to say it is finally finished! It is the first quilt I have completed and quite a learning experience since I kind of did it my own way, a true quilter would probably frown upon my handiwork!

Something I have wanted to learn for a while now is to crochet. I started 3 days ago, following instructions from 'Meet Me at Mikes', and I think I almost have the hang of crocheting granny squares! Originally I wanted to make a whole blanket of lovely colourful squares, but I may just settle for a few doilies instead, I dont think I have the patience to make hundreds of squares. And also my new kitten keeps pulling the wool as I go lol!

What do you do when it's raining outside?

Orange cupcakes...Yummmm!!!

I admit it...I'm a vanilla fan! From cakes and ice cream to candles and perfume, I just can't get enough. But a few days ago I decided to break with tradition and make orange cupcakes instead. It was a new recipe and I'm pleased to say it went without a hitch and they tasted delicious!

I also have to say that I'm having a bit of a yellow phase too at the moment, yellow and red actually, but not together because that would be way too McDonaldsey! For the past decade or so the only colours in my life have really been purples, aquas, greens & pinks so it's funny how you suddenly crave something completely different, I guess it's just to balance things out a bit. So look out for these colours popping up in the future, permitted in small doses only of course!

It started with a cupcake....

Today I had a 'play date' with my friends wonderful 12yr old daughter. Our morning was spent baking yummy cupcakes and of course we wanted to photograph them, but I cannot just take a simple ordinary photo, it has to be all set up complete with back drops and props! So our day ended up being one filled with creativity.

 The first photo...

 This shot was styled by my my firend's daughter who is very arty and has a great eye.

 More props!

Loving red at the moment which is the last colour I usually go for.

 Purple, my fave colour! Styled by my helper.

 I am in love with this fabric, not sure what will become of it though. A joint effort in styling this one.

My lil helper loved all my soft toys, some made by Emma http://ilovebuttonsbyemma.blogspot.com/.

 I picked up this old box the other day in an op shop for $4! I will most probably give it a facelift with some paint eventually.

Going for a vintage inspired look here, pretty happy with it.

Glad to be back in my crafty groove, so many ideas now and since I'm on break from college I finally have the time to do my own projects, YAY! xx

New old lovely things!

My new found passion would have to be op shopping for pre-loved objects that are filled with character and at a bargain price! Here are a few recent finds.

 A pretty, girly queen sixed sheet in as new condition, gorgeous saucers to add to my ever growing collection and cotton thread and buttons in 'my' colours.

 Swans, not something I usually go for but I think they are really sweet and couldn't leave them behind.

 Tea cup and saucer set were a gift from a lovely friend, a bunny-just because I LOVE bunnies.

 More cute bunnies, how cuuuute!

 Here is something a little bit special. It is my Mum's sewing box that was given to her for her 21st back in the 70's.

The contents have been around for as long as I can remember, some things belonged to my Nanna and it really takes me back to my childhood where I would always look through the box and dabble with our old singer sewing machine. The box itself has seen better days, the lid is no longer attached, but I would never part with it.

I hope this has inspired you to head out to the nearest charity shop and give something old a new home and a new story. xx

Backyard fashion shoot

On a wet and grey Easter monday a magical fashion shoot took place in my soggy backyard. My beautiful & dear Irish friend Saoirse blossomed into a fairy as my model and between us we created some pretty, colourful and enchanting outfits. Oh how I wish we wore these clothes every day! 

What fun we had in the rain! Please enjoy xx

Little vintage finds

Last week while op shopping with my crafty partner in crime, Miss Emma I found these sweet litlle treasures. I just love it when u find gems hidden amongst the dusty shelves, and the grand total for these,$7!

Pretty colours everywhere!

Feeling inspired and with a bit of spare time on my hands, I finally decided to pretty up my older style rented home.

I am so in love with this battered and broken old chair which was a roadside find, it was even already splattered with paint and filled with character. The vintage tea cup and saucers were from a local op shop and the pastel flowers a gift from my thoughtful boyfriend.

My most recent project was transforming this old 2nd hand frame which was grimy gold and caked in dust, into a pretty, shabby chic must have. The cards and lanterns are from Typo, which has to be one of my favourite stores.

 A wider view.

 A makeshift desk includes some of my many candy coloured craft materials.

A corner of my very 'red' and very 'wooden' kitchen, at least I can get a few of my colours involved.

 Part of my laundry. I really don't mind its retro charm and lovely teal/turquoise colouring. The peg tin is from Aldi of all places, couldn't resist!

Burgundy bathroom, my ultimate nemesis, how I hate thee! There is not much I can do in here but add a bit of sugary pink! The little glass bottles were from a $2 shop.

So many products, what else to do other than arrange them in colour order lol!

A quilt I have been working on forever, thrown over the lounge.

 My ultimate inspiration, a lovely Rainbow.