CurlyPops

Sunday Snippets

2012-03-18T10:16:00.000+11:00

A little wrap-up of my week...

Playing Sunday Snippets with Tinniegirl - PS Check out the Pay What You Can Art Sale

I say Doilies, You say Doyleys

2012-03-17T20:28:00.000+11:00

Despite my best intentions, I couldn't quite make it to opening night of "I Say Doilies, You Say Doyleys" at Gleaners Inc lastnight.

But, I'lll most definitely be popping in on my travels this week.

The exhibition runs until April 13th and has more than 30 contributors.

.... and thankyou to Lioness Lady for letting me know about this article in todays Herald Sun!

The Lisette Sew Along - Lioness Lady

2012-03-17T10:19:00.000+11:00

I have to chuckle at the title of the blog post over at Lioness Lady....

Because, of course, the challenge is all about just taking some time to have some fun and try something new.

.... and what's more fun than having giving the kiddies the iPhone for a fashion shoot?

Pop on over to visit Lioness Lady's blog post for all the details!

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Link to Pattern
Sew-Along Flickr Group
Sew Lisette Flickr Group

The Lisette Sew Along - Dabbling All Day

2012-03-16T10:19:00.000+11:00

I have another super-cute version of the Continental Dress to show you today by Nicole.

She worked all day on Sunday, came home and made the dress from scratch, and then wore it to a picnic on Monday. How perfect!

In other exciting news.... did you know that Spotlight have a new blog?

I didn't.... until Cindy tweeted me this....

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Link to Pattern
Sew-Along Flickr Group
Sew Lisette Flickr Group

My Creative Space

2012-03-15T07:06:00.002+11:00

I've been Instagramming up a storm this week while documenting the process of making a custom camera bag for Jennie (you can find me as @curlypops over there by the way)...

I'm on the finishing strait now. There's just that delicate job of cutting a hole through my perfectly constructed bag flap to attach the twist lock (hence why I'm referring back to Nikki's blog instructions in that final shot).

Nearly finished...

The home of My Creative Space

The Lisette Sew Along - White Mouse Creations

2012-03-14T07:45:00.000+11:00

I have another lovely Lisette dress to show you today by Yana from White Mouse Creations.

Love that floral print!

Make sure to check out Yana's blog post for her details and tips.... thankyou Yana.

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Link to Pattern
Sew-Along Flickr Group
Sew Lisette Flickr Group

The Lisette Sew Along - by Sarah

2012-03-13T16:34:00.000+11:00

We have a few finished dresses in the Flickr Group now, so today I'm featuring this gorgeous version by Sarah.

The two photos are a great illustration of taking it from a summer to a winter look.

Make sure you check out Sarah's Sew Along post for her tips! Thankyou Sarah.

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Link to Pattern
Sew-Along Flickr Group
Sew Lisette Flickr Group

** I've added a list on the sidebar now so that as everyone finishes, the blog posts are easy to find.

The Lisette Sew Along - My Finished Continental Dress

2012-03-12T10:24:00.001+11:00

One of the best things that has happened since I've started to make my own clothes, is that I have a much better understanding and appreciation of my body shape, and the fabric colours and styles of clothing that suit me.

Once you take your own measurements, and compare them to what is supposed to be standard in shop bought clothing, you realise why it's so hard to find something that properly fits!

At least with a simple dress like this one, you can make it to the pattern, and then slightly tweak it to suit your own needs.

With that knowledge, I sat down yesterday afternoon and finally sewed my Contintental Dress.

I probably should have ironed it....

I must say that I really love how it's turned out. I've even managed to fall in love with the so called 'test' fabric from the stash. It's so much prettier as a dress, than what it was folded up sitting in the cupboard.

For some silly reason, I didn't think to actually measure myself before I started.... I just assumed that I would need the same size as Bec and so I cut out a size 18.

When I did the first try on, I realised that it was a bit too big, so I measured myself and realised that I should have cut out a 16.

This is the first try on stage - I've sewn the neck binding but wanted to check the arm holes before sewing the binding.

My photo is a little blurry but if you look at the left arm you can see that it's a bit gapey under the arm.

The really simple solution was just to take in both side seams from under the arms and straight down the side. I started by taking it in to a size 16 along both side seams.

Then to make the armhole smaller, I just sewed a tapered seam about half an inch inwards under the arm.

Note to self: always measure before just assuming size

Once I'd adjusted the size to fit, I added the binding to the arms and hemmed the bottom to finish it off.... nearly

Additions

As I don't have much of a waist, I find that I really need belt loops on my dresses, and then there's also my obsession with always having pockets in my garments.

My super simple non-scientific technique to work out the placement?

I just put the dress on, work out where the belt loop and pockets should sit and mark it with a safety pin.

Then I made myself a little pocket template to make two matching front pockets.

That's it... all finished!

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Link to Pattern
Sew-Along Flickr Group
Sew Lisette Flickr Group

Sunday Snippets

2012-03-11T11:41:00.000+11:00

This week I.....

Stitched

Cooked

Tidied

Op Shopped

Brunched with friends

Afternoon tea'd

Delivered bunting...

What did you get up to?

Playing Sunday Snippets with Tinniegirl

LONG weekend

2012-03-10T08:41:00.000+11:00

It's a LONG weekend.... yippee!

To celebrate, I'm having a little sale - just enter the code LONG at checkout for 20% off anything in the shop.

That's it - super simple. Have a great one.

Doily Bunting

2012-03-09T10:11:00.000+11:00

Have you ever tried to photograph a long length of bunting?

It's much more difficult than it seems....

This one is now happily on display at Gleaners Inc.

My Creative Space...

2012-03-08T07:50:00.000+11:00

It's taken me a week of to-ing and fro-ing and some terrible indecision and procrastination and garnering of opinions from The Twitter and The Instagram.... but I finally made a fabric decision for my Lisette Sew Along dress!

Although this wasn't my favourite overall print of the fabrics that I pulled from the stash (and that I'm therefore classifying FREE just because they're not new), it was definitely the most appropriate weight for this type of dress.

Fingers crossed I'll get it sewn up on the weekend...

Did you see that we now have over 20 peeps signed up for the sew along? There are also some extra non-bloggy peeps playing along via The Twitter too. How darn cool.

In other news, I've been having terrible trouble commenting on blogs since Blogger introduced this silly CAPTCHA verification system. I manage to get through all my blog reading three times a day while I'm doing my nebs. So, if you just picture this - I'm sitting in front of the computer, with my glasses off. with a nebuliser mask on, with a nebuliser haze in front of my face, trying to work out the CAPTCHA words and type them in. When I get it wrong three times in a row, I just give up. It's absolutely bloody impossible!

So apologies if you haven't heard from me lately!

The home of my creative space

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Link to Pattern
Sew-Along Flickr Group
Sew Lisette Flickr Group

Two-Way

2012-03-07T10:11:00.001+11:00

I had to run some errands yesterday, so I took the opportunity to quickly pop in to Vinnies to see what was on offer.... where I spotted this gem.

I know that it's a Nana skirt that's totally and utterly unfashionable in its current state, but there were pangs of nostalgia when I saw the label, and there's only one word for the 100% Australian Lightweight Wool Fabric - DIVINE.

Sadly I think we all know what happened to Fletcher Jones...

But, back to the skirt, and the ingenuity of the design.

It's fully reversible, so you can have a grey skirt one day....

...and a red one the next (and you should probably iron it before wearing).

I've saved my favourite part for last. Underneath each pleat, the fabric has been woven to reveal the other colour.

Now I just need to work out whether I can re-fashion it into something that's wearable and maybe even fashionable?

The Lisette Sew Along - First Cab off the Rank

2012-03-06T08:52:00.000+11:00

So, while I was sitting at home in my pyjamas on the weekend procrastinating about fabric choices, Beccasauras had already whipped up her gorgeous version of the Lisette Continental Dress!

Check out her blog post for her tips about the neckline gathering and the length of the dress.

We have lots of lovely peeps playing along now. It's fun to see WIP photos popping up on Twitter and Instagram. Make sure to search for the #lisettesewalong hashtag to check them out!

Sew-Along Sign Up
Link to Pattern
Sew-Along Flickr Group
Sew Lisette Flickr Group

PS - the 50% off Lisette Patterns sale at Spotty ends on March 11th

Tutorial - Little Girls Skirt

2012-03-05T07:04:00.003+11:00

Fabric - Go Granny II 100% Cotton

Download the PDF

You will need:

Fabric
Thread
Sewing Machine
Overlocker (optional)
Wide Elastic
Safety Pin (for threading the elastic)

Step 1. Determine the Size:

I'm choosing to make a size 4 skirt for a friends daughter using the online Childrens Clothing Sizing Guide from the Target Website. It gives me a waist measurement of 54cm.

The length is a little bit of a guesstimate, but I'm aiming for have a finished length of approximately 36cm.

Step 2. Calculate the Fabric Size:

The skirt is just one large rectangle of fabric.

Width: Finished Waist Size x 1.5 = 54 x 1.5 = 81cm
Length: Finished Length + 5 cm = 36 + 5 = 41cm

Step 3. Fabric

Cut the fabric rectangle and overlock all four sides (if you have an overlocker)

Step 4. Hem

On both of the two long sides of the rectangle, fold over a 1cm hem and iron and stitch into place.

Step 5 - Sew into a cylinder:

Fold your fabric in half with right sides together, so that the two short sides are lined up facing each other.

Measure and mark 3 cm from the top, then sew a 1cm seam all the way to the bottom

You should now have a large fabric cylinder.

Step 6 - Press Seams Open

Place the cylinder shape over your ironing board, and press the seam open.

You should have the 3cm gap at the top of your seam.

Step 7 - Create the casing for the elastic

At the 3cm mark, fold the fabric over and press into place.

Stitch into place along the same stitching line. You can now see the little gap in the inside seam where you can feed the elastic through at the end.

Check the width of your elastic, and then sew another row of stitching along the top edge of the skirt. This ensures that the elastic stays nice and neat and flat inside the casing.

Step 8 - The Elastic

To determine the length of the elastic - just add 4 cm to the waist measurement.
I've cut the elastic at 54 + 4 = 58cm

Attach a safety pin and feed it through the casing until you have both ends out.

Lay the elastic flat with a 2cm overlap and stitch together securely.

Once stitched, feed back into the casing, spreading it evenly around the elastic.

Stitch the gap closed.

Step 9 - Finishing the bottom.

I've chosen to add binding at the bottom of my skirt, but you can just fold and iron a 1cm seam, and stitch it into place, or even add a little ruffle.

That's it!

Super simple and easy peasy.

If you make one, I'd love it if you added it to my tutorials Flickr Group

Sunday Snippets... via Instagram

2012-03-04T11:28:00.000+11:00

A collection of my favourite shots this week...

Sad Face

Nice weather for boots

SuperPops Mail

A visit to Red Brick Gallery

We couldn't have co-ordinated better if we'd tried!

Pyjama day and homemade pumpkin soup

Sunday Snippets via Tinniegirl

The Lisette Sew-Along - Flickr

2012-03-03T13:03:00.000+11:00

Look! Our little Sew-Along was re-tweeted by the ACTUAL Sew Lisette....

We currently have ten crafty peeps signed up on the official list, but there are a few more playing along via Twitter and Intstagram too.

If the Lisette pattern doesn't suit your style, the please still join in and just make your favourite dress. It's all about sewing motivation and fun!

I'm planning on going through the stash today to try to find something to use, while B-Fab is off to search her local Spotty for the larger sized pattern that I need.

In the meantime, I've created a Sew-Along Flickr Group so that we can share our photos. Feel free to add photos of your fabric, any work-in-progress shots, and of course, the finished dress.

You can also add photos of your finished dress to the official Sew Lisette Flickr Group.

Sew-Along Sign Up
Link to Pattern
Sew-Along Flickr Group
Sew Lisette Flickr Group

My Creative Space

2012-03-01T07:12:00.002+11:00

It's been a while since I've played along with MCS, but today I actually have something to show.

I'm right in the middle of a new tutorial... and hoping to have it finished over the weekend.

Have a great day!

More Creative Spaces

PS - just a little reminder... if you're joining in with the Lisette Sew Along, please add your blog to the linky list. There are also a couple of crafty peeps joining in as a 'dress' sew along as they are using other patterns, which is fabulous. The more the merrier I say. We can all cheer each other along!

A Lisette Continental Dress Sew-Along

2012-02-28T14:51:00.000+11:00

Lisette Continental Pattern

I've been searching around for a super simple summer dress pattern for quite a while now, and I think (and hope) that I may have fnally found one.

It's a bit hard to see the dress detail on the pattern envelope, but it has a nice neckline and it should be perfect for my constant weight fluctuations with the tied waist.

For a bit of added motivation, I thought I'd make it a Sew-Along.

In perfect timing, the Lisette Patterns are 50% off for VIP card holders at Spotlight this week (which brings them down to $9), and the fabrics are 20% off.

I'm using fabric from the stash (because seriously, I don't need any more fabric).... but I did pop in to Spotty to buy the pattern, only to find that they didn't have my size.

So while I'm waiting for them to order it in, it gives anyone who would like to play along, the opportunity to find the pattern too.

Just add your name to the list below any time before the end of March.

Feel free to blog your fabric selection and your progress along the way, and we'll all aim to do the big reveal on March 31st.

Sewjo...where for art thou?

2012-02-27T07:50:00.000+11:00

I conducted a little totally non-scientific experiment on the weekend to try to pinpoint when my sewjo disappeared.

The carbon dating of my iPhone photos seems to indicate that it was somewhere around February 3, although I'm quite sure that it was on a go slow for a couple of weeks prior.

With the forced hibernation due to the crazy hot weekend, I decided to set myself a challenge...

.... and thanks to my infatuation with Instagram, this is the finished result.

It took me all weekend in between faffing, drinking cups of tea, catching up on all of my Foxtel IQ'd shows, washing etc...

Jeez.. there's that moon tan again!

...and thanks to the power of Instagram, when I had a little whine about how frustrating it is to 'turn out' softies, Berene from Happy Sew Lucky pointed me in the direction of one of her tutorials.

Brilliant!

Now she just needs some clothes.

Sunday Snippets / Donate Life Week / The Last Race

2012-02-26T11:43:00.000+11:00

Fabric designed by Me

And so we've come to the end of another busy week...

Some extra contract admin work came my way, which meant that there was no time for crafting.

Speech Bubble Blackboard by the Blackboard Boy

Even though this blog is a politics free zone, I have to say that I'm really disappointed about the ridiculous political circus that has dominated the media for the last few days, when the focus should have been on Donate Life Week.

Pretty Wall hanging gift from Vic - Gorgeous Crochet Bunting made by Trudi

I want to say a huge thankyou to everyone who emailed, left me a comment, or helped to spread the Donate Life message this week.

As a finale to Donate Life Week, there's a documentary called The Last Race on ABC1 at 6.30 PM tonight.

About The Program
Coinciding with DonateLife Week, a national week of raising awareness and promotion of organ and tissue donation, this dramatic film tracks a family's heart-wrenching dilemma when their beloved son is declared brain dead after a cycling accident.

At the hospital, they wrestle with the decision to donate his organs, having never asked him his wishes and never having had the conversation among themselves.

Meanwhile, in intensive care, a father is watching his teenage daughter with cystic fibrosis struggle to breathe and deteriorate to critical condition. She needs a new set of lungs to survive. Elsewhere in the hospital, a 45-year-old woman also is on the recipient list, where she has waited for two years.

The cyclist's organs become available, but the doctor must decide whose need is greatest.

Then the race is on.

Fewer than one in five Australians has had memorable discussions with their loved ones about their donation wishes.

Sunday Snippets via Tinniegirl

Saturday Shopping...

2012-02-25T11:10:00.000+11:00

It's waaaaay too hot to be doing much at all in Melbourne today, so why not do a little online shopping?

There's still a selection of super gorgeous collaborative iPad Sleeves and Handbags in the Shiny Happy Art Shop.

Have a happy (and hopefully cool) day!

Toytown Tales

2012-02-23T16:50:00.000+11:00

I finally made it into the city yesterday to see the Toytown Tales Exhibition at Outre with Jess and Cathie.

There are lots of gorgeous close-up photos over at Teddy Bears Wednesday, but it's not until you see them in real life, that you have the chance to check out the amazing attention to detail in each creation.

Crappy iPhone photo - sorry!

I have the attention span and patience of a gnat when it comes to most types of crafting, so I really appreciate the hours Jess has taken to achieve this level of detail. Especially with the hair of each of the jointed bears.

Unfortunately the parking restrictions in the city made it impossible for me to hang around for too long. When I arrived back at my car, the car in front and the car behind me both had parking tickets.... but I didn't - hallelujah... and thankyou good karma fairies!

Tutorial - Craft Space Tips and Tricks

2012-02-21T16:42:00.001+11:00

It's been a little while since I've written a crafty tutorial, so I thought I'd share some of my favourite Craft Space Tips and Tricks.

After a long career in the manufacturing industry where the focus is always on safety, ergonomics, and productivity, my craft space has naturally evolved to include these same elements.

It's taken a few years to get the space to work perfectly for me, but it's worth taking a step backwards, and thinking about what will work for you.

Tip 1 - Desk or Table

This is piece of furniture where I would begin a scheme.

Think about the not only the height and width of your table or desk, but also the depth (how far it will protrude from the wall).

I have overhead cupboards, so I've chosen to have a slimline depth desk so that I can reach above. It also works for the small projects that I make such as pouches and bags and clothes.If you're a quilter, then a slimline depth desk probably isn't going to work for you.

For sewing purposes, I wanted a desk with a shiny laminated top. Not only is it really easy to clean, but fabrics glide across with ease as they move through the sewing machine.

On the negative side, this surface scratches really easily so it's not suitable for pinning.

Tip 2 - The Chair

If you're going to spend a lot of time sewing or crafting, then this is probably going to be the most important piece of furniture in the space. Try to think about if from the perspective of a worker who may spend all day at a desk, or at a table in a factory. They use an adjustable ergonomic desk chair for a good reason.

You need to be able to adjust your seat height to suit your table, and you also need to be able to adjust your back rest so that you sit up straight (and try not to hunch over).

I know a vintage wooden chair with a floral cushion looks much more pretty, but I'd rather be comfortable when sewing.

An adjustable desk chair is also very useful when it comes to the ironing board tip.

Tip 3 - Lighting

It's very important to be able to see what you're doing, especially if you like to craft or sew at night.

I don't have very good natural light in my craft space, so I went to the extreme and had a skylight installed, but you can pick up a great adjustable lamp (like the one pictured above) for around $20 from Officeworks.

Tip 4 - The Ironing Board

Most ironing boards are height adjustable.

Adjust the height of your board so that it's the same height as your table, and set it up right next to your sewing table.

As you're sewing, if you need to stop and iron, you don't need to stand up and walk to the ironing board, you simply swivel on your desk chair, iron your fabric, and then swivel back.

Tip 5 - Easy Access

To save time and frustration, keep everything you need easily accessible.

You may not have desk drawers, but think of other ways to keep necessary items close to your workspace so that you don't need to get up and search.

I have all of my threads, bobbins, tools, sewing machine feet, scissors etc. exactly where I need them.

Tip 6 - The Power

One of the things that drives me completely bonkers is that powerpoints are only ever installed right down low along the bottoms of walls, behind the furniture, making them completely inaccessible.

These powerboards with switches are a godsend. I have one sitting on top of the desk so that I can easily plug and unplug all of my appliances such as the iron, laminator, cordless vacuum charger etc.

So much easier than getting on the floor under the desk to access the powerpoint!

Tip 7 - The Cutting Table

I'm not sure whether you can tell from this photo, but there's quite a big difference in height between my sewing desk and my cutting table.

I rotary cut everything standing up, so I've had my cutting table raised (by adding lockable castors) so that it is approximately the standard kitchen bench height of 900mm (of course, this height won't work for everyone as it depends on your own height).

Think about whether you're bending a lot when cutting. Is there a way that you could raise or lower your table so that it's more appropriate for your own height? A good test is to put your cutting mat on your dining table, and then then on your kitchen bench to see what difference it makes for you.

I hope there's a little helpful hint in there somewhere.
If you try something out and like it please let me know!

Sunday Snippets... Saturday Road Trippin'

2012-02-20T16:34:00.000+11:00

Saturday Morning - Middle of nowhere traffic jam for a CFA controlled burn off.

Saturday Middling - A visit to Red Brick for Blossom and Bloom

Saturday Lunchtime - Baconpalooza at Cafe Muzyka

Saturday Early Arvo - The Crafty Squirrel

Saturday Late Arvo -A detour to visit my sister

Saturday Evening - Back home.... just me and my moon tan.

Donate Life Week 2012

2012-02-19T09:51:00.000+11:00

Today is the start of Donate Life Week 2012.

This year it's a lot more up close and personal.

Since I've been blogging, each year, at this time, I've written a little bit about organ donation, and how at some time, in the future, I would need a double lung transplant.

Well, that time came, and today marks my 172nd day on the waiting list.

I think about it every day.

From the Hottie Challenge

I know that I'm preaching to the converted here on the blog, as I've had so many messages and comments from everyone who has signed up to the national register, and has discussed it with their family.

So this year, just for something a little bit different, I'm going to issue a challenge....

The challenge is:

At some time during Donate Life Week (Sunday 19th - Sunday 26th February), have a discussion about organ donation with someone whom you've never discussed the issue with before.

It could be a co-worker, the checkout operator, the lady at the post office, your neighbour, one of your kiddies schoolteachers, the lollipop lady, or the person in the queue next to you at the shops.

Feel free to use me, or this blog to bring it up in the conversation. Maybe you could start with... Do you know its Donate Life Week? I have a friend/read a blog by someone who is waiting for a lung transplant....

If you do take on the challenge, I'd love it if you could come back and leave a comment to let me know!

Also feel free to pop this pic in your sidebar for the week and link it to the Donate Life website.

If you'd like to learn more about organ donation, or you would like some resources for your family, so that you can discuss the issue, the Donate Life website is a fantastic resource, jam packed full of everything you could ever need to know.

No matter what happens, your family will always need to give the final consent, so it's vitally important that they know your wishes, and that you sign up to the national register.

Thankyou... from the bottom of my poor overworked, enlarged, moderately pulmonary hypertensive heart and bronchiectasised lungs!

My Posts:
Donate Life Week 2011
Donate Life Week 2010
Donate Life Week 2009
Donate Life Week 2008

Lastnight in Sydney, the premiere screening was held for all of the short films that were created as part of The FilmLife Project.

I wanted to share a couple of the films.....

The first one was made by Jess Sparks. I would love it if you could spare 5 minutes to hear Jess's story.

The second one is by Josephine Lei, and it's actually really quite amusing... and less than 2 minutes!

All the short films are also available online here

A Weekend of Exhibitions

2012-02-17T09:37:00.000+11:00

So many exciting things are planned for this weekend!

Tonight is the grand opening of the first ever solo gallery exhibition by Cathy Kirwan (Tinniegirl) at Red Brick Gallery in Ballarat.

Unfortunately, I'm totally bummed that I can't make it to opening night, but I'm heading down on Saturday to meet up with my sister, and Cathy, to see it.

I haven't even had the chance to take a sneak peek in Cathy's studio (like I would normally do), so I really really can't wait to see it!

There's an excellent little cafe just around the corner from Red Brick, so it's the perfect spot to meet up with friends for a visit!

If you're in the city, then make sure to get along to Outre Gallery and check out the very talented Jess McCaughey (Teddy Bears Wednesday).

Opening night is also tonight, but luckily both exhibitions run for two weeks until March 1st.

If you've never been along to check out an exhibition, then I can highly recommend it!

A Blog Chicks Feature

2012-02-16T08:25:00.000+11:00

I'm totally chuffed to have a little feature over on Blog Chicks at the moment.

The directory is a celebration of the diverse range of Aussie Female Bloggers and covers categories from craft, to fashion, to lifestyle, to travel.... and soooo much more.

I've answered lots of questions about blogging and a few personal ones as well, so I hope you'll pop on over for a read, and while you're there, add your blog (if you haven't already).

The interview has ended up being perfectly timed as we're heading into the start of Donate Life Week beginning this Sunday, February 19th, and running until February 26th.

Thankyou so much Leigh!

Framing Part One

2012-02-15T07:04:00.000+11:00

I seem to have had piles upon piles of pretty things stacking up around the house that just need framing and hanging.

I kept using the excuse that I was waiting for someone to take a trip to Ikea to buy me some frames.... then luckily one day a few weeks ago, B-Fab tweeted from that very place.... and so I bombarded her with my very own personal shopping order!

First on the list was these very beautiful vintage playing cards that Madeleine from Little Circus Design sent to me, along with some fantastic postcards featuring her original artworks.

Funnily enough, this frame has been collecting dust in the garage for years....

It seems it was just waiting for that right moment.

Now... where is that perfect spot?

And then there were three

2012-02-14T09:30:00.000+11:00

Thankyou to my Oppy Officionado....

*One and Two

Sunday Snippets... via Instagram

2012-02-12T11:07:00.001+11:00

Another week seems to have flown by, so here's a little snapshot of the week that was!

Monday - Moo Moo's first day of school

Monday night - my SIL made me Donna Hay Chocolate Fondant Pudding

Tuesday - Part 1 of my Doily Exhibition piece

Wednesday - Day out in Ballarat

Thursday - Transplant Clinic

Friday - Part 2 of my Doily Exhibition piece

Friday - Mr Limpy Houdini Dog watching the after school chaos (Yes - my Christmas Wreath is still up)!

Saturday - Part 3 of my Doily Exhibition piece

Sunday???? Who knows what I'll get up to!

Playing Sunday Snippets with Tinniegirl

Mini Fabric Swatches

2012-02-10T21:38:00.000+11:00

Do you ever wish you had a cute little fabric swatch to make a zip pouch?

Or maybe a flex frame pouch?

Maybe you'd even like to applique a t-shirt for a little one...

Well it's your lucky day as I've just added a range of mini fabric swatches to the shop and at only $3 each, they're a bargain too!

The Red Brick Gallery Group Show - A Mini Virtual Tour

2012-02-10T07:27:00.001+11:00

I couldn't make it to the Friday Night opening of the Red Brick Group Show, so I was looking forward to travelling down during the week to see my Flight of The Ducks artwork on display.

It looks lovely hanging at the top of the stairs (if I do say so myself ha)!

The two beautiful paintings on the far wall next to the window are Cathy's

More lovely paintings and ceramics

I'm pretty sure this one was Sel's favourite - aptly titled 'Dogs In Space I' by Tam Jones. The piece next to it is 'Sun Flower' by Rosie Skilbeck, created using recycled junk mail - brilliant.

But this one was my absolute favourite. My iPhone photo does not do it justice at all.
The title is 'Hand Tree Three' by Megan Fromholtz.

You really can't tell from the photo, but all of those pieces of wire have been shaped into hands with five fingers and twisted together to form a tree. I think it's completely brilliant, and after working with wire to create my scultpured flowers, I'm fascinated with how Megan has achieved this. Wire is a really difficult medium to work with.

This is just a tiny bit of the entire show....

If you've never ventured out to see a group show, then I can highly recommend it. The range of artists and mediums is amazing.

It runs for another week, so make sure you pop in for a visit if you're in Ballarat!

The best bit about crafty blogging...

2012-02-09T10:11:00.002+11:00

...is most definitely the people that you meet.

Red Brick Gallery

Where else can you find so many likeminded souls who'll spend an entire day chatting about craft and fabric and blogging and op shopping?

Thankyou so much to Brianna (my personal navigator), Vic & Punky, Bianca, Abbe & Harvey, Jodie, and Sel for coming along for a slightly forgetful and disorganised day out in Ballarat.

Ballarat Patchwork

PS - I'll be back tomorrow with some photos from the fabulous Group Exhibition at Red Brick Gallery. Can't wait to show you my favourite piece!

I Say Doilies, You Say Doyleys

2012-02-07T08:35:00.000+11:00

This is the next upcoming exhibition at Gleaners Inc.

You could probably say that I'm a bit of a fan on the doiley... so I have my thinking cap on at the moment.

I had a few ideas floating around in the brain, and a little bit of spare time yesterday afternoon, so I made a little start on something.

It may not make it into the final edit.... but we'll wait and see.

PS - The exhibition is scheduled for late March, so there's plenty of time to get cracking for anyone who is interested in joining in.

Another exciting CurlyPops / Shiny Happy Art Collaboration

2012-02-06T08:17:00.000+11:00

I have something else super exciting to announce today.

I've collaborated with Anna from Shiny Happy Art again, to create these gorgeous iPad Sleeves

There are three different designs to choose from in the Shiny Happy Art Shop.

Can someone please buy me an iPad???

Sunday Snippets... via Instagram

2012-02-05T07:58:00.000+11:00

A random selection of favourite shots from the week...

Playing Sunday Snippets with Tinniegirl

Everyone loves Vintage Bunting... right?

2012-02-03T07:06:00.001+11:00

Things have been busy around here.

I've been pottering, cleaning, organising, sorting, finishing up long put off administrative jobs, and even sewing.... while trying to stay offline as much as possible.

Behind the scenes... camera tripods have a multitude of uses!

I was working on a custom bunting order this week, so I took the opportunity to whip up some extras and pop them in the shop.

These are the same ones that I make for Gleaners Inc, so if you're anywhere near Brunswick, you can also pop in and visit and pick some up.

Now I'm heading offline and making a concerted effort to use my time more wisely.... well, after pulmonary rehab anyway... Wish me luck!

The Red Brick Gallery Group Show

2012-02-02T10:13:00.000+11:00

Tomorrow night is the grand opening of the Red Brick Gallery Group Show.

I'm exhibiting my Flight of the Ducks piece, so if you'd like to see it in person, take a day trip to Ballarat and check it out!

The exhibition runs from February 3rd - February 16th 2012

Red Brick Gallery

218A Skipton St

Ballarat 3350

Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm.

Colour makes the world go round...

2012-01-31T16:32:00.000+11:00

This was the little sneaky instagram peek of my new curtains that I blogged on Sunday...

A long long time ago now, I blogged about this beautiful Tahiti Fabric (the selvedge says 100% cotton - Tahiti Print) and it's been sitting in the stash ever since.

Sorry for the photo quality (was trying to keep house dark and cool)

There was metres and metres of it.... enough to make brand new curtains for my very tall living room windows.

I'm absolutely amazed at how taking down the boring brown curtains and replacing them with these has made such a difference.

I'm not amazed, that once again, I've taken multiple pairs of shoes off as I've sat on the couch and left them to pile up, and therefore end up in my photos.... some things never change.

Now if I could just work out a way to magically extend the side walls so that I centre the television....

Sunday Snippets... via Instagram (on a Monday)

2012-01-30T10:11:00.000+11:00

Here's a little snippet of last week...

Washing cushion covers so they're nice and clean.... only for Mr Limpy Houdini Dog to sit on them immediately

Adding my brand spanking new fabric colourway to the shop...

Chocolate Mousse at NCB...

More tales of Baconpalooza...

Coffee and homemade Red Velvet Cupcakes with a long lost childhood friend

Checking the size of the first of my new curtain panels...

Sunday Snippets via Tinniegirl

A CurlyPops & Shiny Happy Art Collaboration

2012-01-28T16:30:00.000+11:00

I've been busting to show you what I've been working on lately. It's a very exciting collaboration with Anna from Shiny Happy Art.

We've put together a combination of Anna's beautiful artworks and my bag making skills to create these very unique handbags.

We're beginning with this collection of four.

These will be available in the Shiny Happy Art Online Shop from 12PM Midday Sunday (29th January).

For more photos of each bag, just pop on over to the Shiny Happy Art or CurlyPops Facebook pages.

Play me a tune...

2012-01-28T10:09:00.000+11:00

I love music.

Actually, I love music even more than I love tv (and now that's sayin' somethin')...

There's nothing better than boppin' along to the beat, and singing like no-one can hear you (and hoping and praying that really - no-one can hear you).

I'm not a huge fan of using earbuds though. I always panic that I might accidentally start singing in a public place.

Anyhow, I digress....

After a few worriesome days wondering whether the postie also likes music and had therefore snaffled my CD's from the Punky & Me Music Swap, thisafternoon, there was a knock at the door.

It was my lovely next door neighbour. Apparently lots of my mail gets delivered to her house, and she normally just pops it back in my letterbox, but she thought that these were DVD's and that they might be important so she personally delivered them. Phew!!!

Anyway, I must say that my three swapees have fantabulous taste in music. There are some great songs which I can't wait to put on my iPod. The thing that I love about music swaps is that I get to listen new music that I may not have considered previously, and then I can decide whether I'd like to go and buy the entire album (I still buy the old school way - CD... no downloads for me)!

Thankyou Vic from Punky & Me, Miss G from Indefinite Space, Martta from Tell Me A Story Braveheart, and Bron from Mad Crafty Mama - you girls rock!

Chocberry Bag

2012-01-27T08:33:00.000+11:00

As soon as my new Chocberry colourway arrived, I couldn't wait to cut into it to make something just for me.

I have about eleventy-billion handbags... lots of really little ones, and lots of really big ones, but I never can seem to find one that's just right in the middle.

I auditioned a few different lining fabrics...

... but the gorgeous swirly one that Cathy bought for me won hands down.

This is the perfect size for my everyday bag. It had a maiden voyage to NCB Wednesday night, and today it gets to come along to pulmonary rehab, and then for a coffee and red velvet cupcake date.

I can't wait (for the coffee and cupcakes that is)!!!

A very late engagement

2012-01-26T11:19:00.000+11:00

Sometimes handmade gifts don't quite get made in time for an occasion...

The fabric panels arrived on Tuesday and I madly scrambled to get this cushion finished so that I could take it along to NCB lastnight for B-Fab (please forgive the hastily taken blurry iPhone snaps as I was running out the door).

Just in case the design doesn't make any sense to you.... that's the happy couples first initials.

....and here it is in its new home - on Boyance's couch!

Go Granny... now in Chocberry

2012-01-25T10:38:00.000+11:00

Exciting news today!

My new Go Granny in Chocberry colourway is now available.

It's quite difficult to get a photograph that truly represents the colour accurately. The pink and orange are quite rich and bright, which is just what I wanted.

I immediately had to cut into it and start making myself a new handbag. I'm hoping to finish it off today.

I've only had a really small amount printed at this stage, so get in quick if you like it. If you miss out, and would really love some, just send me an email and I can order another print run.

Sometimes you strike gold....

2012-01-23T09:05:00.000+11:00

.....Op Shop Gold that is.

I've been wanting to buy vintage chairs for my dining table for the loooooongest time. I've never ever ever found a large affordable matching set.

So you can imagine my surprise when my sister and I walked into the oppy a couple of weeks ago and spotted these gems. A matching set of eight vintage wooden dining chairs, in excellent condition.

But the best bit.... they were only $10 each. You could have knocked me down with a feather!

I think they've had a previous life in a school art classroom.

They all have various splashes of coloured paint, pencil, and pastel. I think it adds to the character.

The only problem with this room of course is that there's just waaaay too much wood. The wall unit was purchased for my previous house. It matched perfectly there, but now I wish it was painted white.

I need to make myself a Go Granny Cotton Canvas tablecloth to brighten it up a bit... off to add it to the big list!

Sunday Snippets... via Instagram

2012-01-22T09:20:00.000+11:00

Some of my favourite instagram shots from the week...

Playing Sunday Snippets via Tinniegirl

The Punky and Me Music Swap

2012-01-21T09:41:00.000+11:00

*Yet another iPhone photo

I vowed not to join any swaps this year, just in case I disappeared and left my swap partners in the lurch (I'd be devastated if that happened)!

Epic fail... (I've never typed that before). Does it sound ridonkulous? I think I may be too old for words like that.

Anyway, it took me a grand total of 4 days to break my promise and join Vic's Music Swap.... well she is irresistable after all.

My original intention was to follow a theme. But, with 3476 songs on my PC (and that's not my entire CD collection), how could I possibly choose just enough songs to fit on one lone CD? In the end, I've tried to choose just some of my all time favourites. The ones that make you want to sing out loud, and maybe even bop along.

I hope my swapees are happy with my selection.

*In other news... it seems my poor old camera is becoming a bit superfluous. The photo above was taken on my iPhone. I've used the Snapseed App to edit it on my phone, and the Dropbox App to upload it, all while sitting on the couch watching tv. The wonders of modern technology.

Still playing catch up... and a Camera Bag

2012-01-20T10:11:00.000+11:00

Everything is still on a bit of a time-lag around these parts.

Even my daily consumption of coffee, red cordial, and chocolate (which sustains me with the delicate balance of caffeine, red food colouring and sugar) hasn't been giving me my normal extra energy boost!

I've been working on a fun project behind the scenes that I can't show you just yet, but then I remembered that I still had a lovely camera bag from last year that I hadn't yet blogged.

Lauren contacted me in December to make a surprise Christmas pressie for her sister. She visited Ink and Spindle and picked out this lovely Gingko in Deep Red and Stone.

The bag was designed for a smallish compact type camera and a separate lens, so there is just one adjustable separator inside.

I love how it turned out... now I just need to make one for myself (how many times have I said that?).

PS - thanks for all the lovely bloggiversary wishes yesterday. I didn't get a chance to reply to all the messages!

Missed It... by 4 days (or Happy 4 Year Bloggiversary to me)

2012-01-19T11:21:00.000+11:00

I missed it last year.... and I've managed to miss it again.

Last Sunday, this little blog clicked over the 4 year mark.

4 years and 1716 posts later (this one is number 1717), and I'm still rambling on. Whodathunkit?
I think I deserve cake to celebrate.

Hibernating

2012-01-17T21:20:00.000+11:00

'Twas just a little bit too warm for me today, so I spent the day hibernating in the air-conditioning sewing iPad Sleeves.

Some manly (as in 'for men' not as in Manly the suburb) ones are heading to Open Drawer tomorrow

Along with some lovely bright colourful flower brooches....

Just a reminder, the shop has re-opened, so if you're looking for any goodies... click on over!

A little change goes a long way

2012-01-16T08:26:00.000+11:00

I had a very fruitful oppy expedition with my sister more than a week ago now..... and one of the things I found was this lovely dress.

The length was wrong, and it had these weird ties connected at both sides, so you could pull it in from the front, or from the back to give waist definition, but either way, the opposite side just looked stretched and strange!

A very quick and very easy re-fashion was all it needed. It probably took me about thirty minutes in total.

I snipped off the ties (leaving them about 3inches long), overlocked the edges, turned them in and and stitched them down to make belt loops.

I cut four inches from the bottom of the dress and overlocked and re-hemmed.

Then I took the dress offcut and the tie offcuts, and joined them together to make a belt.

So... $4 and thirty minutes of my time. What do you think?

Sunday Snippets... via Instagram

2012-01-15T12:11:00.000+11:00

Some of my favourite instagram pics from the week that was...

Waiting at the table for dinner.... (I'm going to pinch that tablecloth one day)

My brother likes to tease me on twitter using the hashtag #weirds$%&mysistereats (I don't think bananas on toast is weird... do you?)

A gorgeous pressie in the mail from Nicole

Sorted out my thread drawer... Lissanne would be proud

Relaxed and swooned over Kev...

One minute it's a sketch in my book. Quick iPhone snap - add some digital colour and voila!

Lolly Heaven...

Mr Limpy Houdini Dog and his companion...

Playing Sunday Snippets with Tinniegirl

The FilmLife Project Bloggers Challenge

2012-01-13T13:01:00.001+11:00

What’s your take on or experience with organ donation, and why did you choose to take part in the FilmLife Blogger Challenge?

For me, the answer to this question is simple.... I need some new strong healthy lungs.

I've been on the waiting list for a double lung transplant since August 31st 2011. I'm not quite sure how much longer I can last without them...

Blogging is a great way to be able to educate and to spread the message about the amazing gift of organ donation, and I'm hoping that lots of my fellow bloggers will also be inspired to answer these three simple questions.

I've been a registered organ donor ever since I was old enough to legally sign up. It wasn't until I was 27 that I was told that I would end up eventually needing a transplant myself. Now ten years later, it's become a reality.

If you were to donate your organs, which one would you love to donate, and why?(nb. this question is intentionally quirky so feel free to be creative and have some fun with it)

If something happens to me, I'm donating everything.... except my pesky dodgy lungs of course (trust me - nobody wants them)!

I think my heart would be perfect for donation. It's grown big and strong from taking on all the extra workload and having to pump so fast while trying to distribute oxygenated blood around my body.

It's full of love for all my family and friends who have stuck by me along this wild and crazy medical ride.

It has empathy and passion and creativity.... and seriously, who wouldn't want a bit of that?

Who in your family would you need to talk to about organ donation, to be sure your loved ones knew your wishes?

Absolutely everyone in my family, and all my friends know my wishes. We've discussed it endlessly. I'm also officially registered on the Australian Organ Donor Register via Medicare

I know that my family will ultimately have to make that final decision, so it's vitally important that they all know my wishes.

Would you like to join in the blogging challenge and answer the three questions?

Just blog your answers to the questions and add your details to the linky list. I'll tweet your post with the #filmlifeproject hashtag and it will then be added to the official FilmLife Blogger Challenge Page.

FilmLife Project Website
FilmLife Project on FB
FilmLife Project on Twitter

The FilmLife Project

2012-01-12T18:22:00.000+11:00

Have you heard about the FilmLife Project?

As part of DonateLife Week 2012 (19th - 26th February), young filmmakers between the ages of 16 and 35 have the opportunity to make a 5 minute short film using the theme of organ and tissue donation, to raise awareness of organ donation, and specifically the very important issue of discussing your wishes with your family.

If you have a budding filmmaker in the family, its the perfect opportunity to have some fun while discussing an important issue. There are great prizes on offer and award winning filmmaker, and liver transplant recipient Paul Cox is one of the judges.

For those of us who are bloggers (not filmmakers), there's also a FilmLife Blogger Challenge.

I'm really hoping that all my fellow bloggers might join in and take on the challenge.....

From the FilmLife Blogger Challenge Page:

We’re looking for bloggers to help spark conversations about organ donation among young people, by taking part in a challenge we are putting to people in the engaged blogging community!

It’s helping us raise awareness not just about organ donation but also for the film festival in February where young people creatively interpret this fulsome topic and people’s experiences with it – from both sides of the track.

FilmLife Project is a collaborative project in conjunction with Donate Life Week 2012 (19-26 February), that aims to inspire and encourage young people to have conversations that ask and find out their loved ones wishes around organ and tissue donation.

Here’s how we’re asking our fabulous, engaged blogging community to take part.

A. Answer these questions:

What’s your take on or experience with organ donation, and why did you choose to take part in the FilmLife Blogger Challenge?
If you were to donate your organs, which one would you love to donate, and why?(nb. this question is intentionally quirky so feel free to be creative and have some fun with it)
Who in your family would you need to talk to about organ donation, to be sure your loved ones knew your wishes?

B. Create a mini-film as your FilmLife Project (optional):

We’re running a spin-off of the FilmLife Project on our Facebook page, where people capture a day from their life, this January, in 12 seconds. We’re calling it the 12 Seconds FilmLife Project. If you were in the mood, we’d love to see your 12 second video on the blog post too!

C. Link Your Blog

Please link your blog to www.filmlife.com.au so that anyone interested in submitting a film or attending the free filmmaking workshop on 21, 22, 28 January in Parramatta can register their interest. The workshop is worth $3,000 per person and there are only a few more places left.

D. Tweet

Tweet your blog out using the hashtag #filmlifeproject - and we’ll retweet via our twitter account, @filmlifeproject.

For more information, here are some factsheets with statistics around organ donation in Australia to help you introduce your blog challenge.

A huge thanks to all the bloggers who have already expressed interest and are taking part – your contributions will raise awareness and spark conversations about organ donation in young people and in doing so, help to save lives.

***************************************************************************************************************

I'm going to blog the answers to the blogging challenge questions over the weekend. Who else would like to join me?

FilmLife Project Website
FilmLife Project on FB
FilmLife Project on Twitter

PS - I have to thank Cathie for letting me know about it....

Sometimes you find a gem...

2012-01-12T10:24:00.000+11:00

Tulips Necklace by Greg Mann Jewellery from Gleaners Inc

My sister came to visit for a day out last week, as part of the last hurrah of her Christmas holidays.

After a visit to Tinniegirl, and spot of lunch, we headed to Gleaners Inc where I'm quite sure that the last time I'd visited, I'd vowed to Liz that I had to stop buying necklaces.

I mean seriously..... how could I possibly resist???

The Pacman Poll

2012-01-11T15:53:00.000+11:00

Thanks so much for all the Pacman feedback yesterday via blog comments, twitter, and facebook messages.

It's a really interesting topic that generates lots of discussion for and against. My conscience immediately tells me that I could never go ahead with this design (other than printing a panel for my own personal use to make a cushion for my couch).

I did receive some interesting twitter feedback from peeps in the Legal IP fraternity (just another reason to love the connecting power of twitter). There would definitely be concern over passing off/unfair competition.

There was also some discussion over who would be responsible if a corporation decided to take action. Michelle directed me to the Terms of Service regarding proprietary rights and copyright over at Spoonflower.

For anyone who does need some advice on a subject such as this, they also advised contacting the Arts Law Centre of Australia.

I tried to respond by email to everyone who left a comment, but lots of blogger ID's don't have an email address enabled which makes it impossible, so apologies if you haven't been receiving a reponse!

So riddle me this Batman Pacman

2012-01-09T22:03:00.000+11:00

Sometime about a year ago, I was doing lots of sketching and drawing for my next range of pouches and cushions, and I drew this Pacman illustration.

I really liked it, so I digitally coloured it and had a sample printed, and it looked fabulous.... but then I started to question it.

Some corporation somewhere in the world owns the Intellectual Property rights to Pacman.

I don't think I have the right to use their intellectual property (even if it is my own hand drawn illustration) and I certainly don't have their permission.

So, over the holidays, I was reading blogs and the Spoonflower Top Ten Indie Fabric Designers and Top Fifty Fabric Designs for 2011 were announced....

Mock Pacman 2.0 fabric by pixeldust

.....and this was the 7th most popular fabric!

So... in your opinion - do you think I should be able to print my drawing and sell pouches and cushions with my design, or do you think I'm stepping over the Intellectual Property boundaries?

Banishing the UFO pile - Specimen Two

2012-01-09T10:45:00.000+11:00

Following along from last weeks UFO triumph, here's another one that's finally been finished and therefore banished from the UFO pile!

I started making this backpack for Ms L around this time last year.

My original intention was to make her a fairly lightweight backpack that she could use for her Uni course. It just needed to be large enough to fit some A4 notebacks and some writing tools.

I wanted it to be quite sturdy so I used a dark denim and interfaced it with a layer of Vilene S320.

Cathy helped me to pick the cute penguins from her stash to make the front flap.

I'd previously made the backpack from Nikki's fab book You Sew Girl before making this one, so I used the technique from the book to make, and to place, the adjustable backpack straps.

Now, the outside of the backpack is totally functional..... but the magic happens when you see the inside...

Can you see those gorgeous bright stripes? The inside of the flap was cut from a piece of silk taken from a skirt that Ms L's Mum had made for her many moons ago....

But I've left the most romantic part til the end .........the light blue fabric for the inner part of the backpack was cut from the shirt that Ms L was wearing when she met Cathy, so every time she opens the backpack, there's a little reminder!

Sunday Snippets... via Instagram

2012-01-08T08:32:00.000+11:00

There's something kind of strange about this time in early January... lots of shops and cafes are closed, most of the city is on holidays, there's no work to be done (well actually there is, but I'm not doing it), no medical appointments to attend, nothing much to do but take a break and indulge in some silliness....

.... like seeing how many meals I could eat this week containing either bacon or pineapple.... or as a complete indulgence - both! (there were six in total for those of you playing along at home)

I wonder how many times Michelle has had bacon this week? We've been playing bacon show and tell over on Instagram.

There was also a little bit of organising (Lissanne would be proud)

The contents of my fridge - chocolate, doggie meantballs, and eggs... nice

Some more eating... the Hello Panda's were delicious thankyou Cat (Raspberry Rainbow)!

A new coat rack - thankyou little brother

Oh and the final special one for the Bethenny fans!

Sunday Snippets via Tinniegirl

2012 - Your Awesome Year

2012-01-06T21:03:00.005+11:00

Have you been over to visit Tinniegirl lately and checked out the amazing workshop that she has planned?

Here's all the details just in case you missed it!

From Cathy....

I've been absolutely busting to spill the beans on the super-secret-squirrel business that Louise Gale and I have been working on for the past couple of months.

I first met Louise in 2010 when I traveled to the USA for An Artful Journey Retreat. By a stroke of good fortune we sat at the same table and spent an incredible 3 days painting, laughing, eating chocolate and connecting. Louise is vibrant, funny, warm, engaging and full of the most fabulous energy.

We've been friends ever since the retreat and share a passion for art, for dreaming and for inspiring other souls in their journey. When Louise told me that she was coming to Australia to visit I was so excited. I am so looking forward to soaking up some of Louise's amazing energy.

It occurred to both of us that it would be fantastic fun for Louise and I to organise something special for Melbourne peeps {or anyone who can get to Melbourne to join us}. I'm so pleased to unveil our very exciting project:

Are you ready to create Your Awesome Year in 2012?

Vision your dreams and plan an amazing year ahead in this one day in-person workshop with artists and dreamers Cathy Kirwan and Louise Gale.

Join Cathy, Louise and a lovely group of creative souls to get 2012 off to a great start. Through visioning, creative exercises, meditations and tools to create “Your Awesome Year”, you will leave the workshop full of ideas, energy and focus. We will use the power of this time between the new & full moon to plant dream seeds and cultivate a plan. Using inspiring tools & techniques to see our dreams & plans unfold in the year ahead.

{the details}

Saturday January 28^th, 2012

12pm – 6.30pm (includes lunch)

CERES Environmental Park
East Brunswick

Cost: $125
Limited places available

The workshop includes:

A beautiful day at the gorgeous CERES Environmental Park with instruction from Cathy & Louise.
Guided visualizations and meditations
A light lunch and sumptuous afternoon tea
Time to explore, relax and let your dreams unfold
Reflections on 2011 – celebrating success, farewell to the year
Affirming ourselves – creating positive messages to carry into the new year
Creation of your 2012 Vision Board
A goodie bag of tools & additional resources to take home with you

By the end of the workshop you will have:

A clear vision of your dreams and goals for the year ahead.
Reviewed and celebrated 2011.
A vision board to pin up at home to inspire you throughout 2012.
Let go of any negative thoughts or feelings so you can move towards your dreams.
Met other creative souls to be inspired, share and have fun with.
Set the wheels in motion to see your dreams become reality in 2012.
Found your truth, positive affirmations and courage to move forward and make 2012 Your Awesome Year.

What to bring:

Poster board (A3 or larger)
Glue stick
A photo of yourself that you really like (to put on the centre of your vision board)
Any magazine images, quotes, inspiring words you might have already gathered
Additional magazines to use and share
Any additional favourite art materials you may like to use (pens, markers, glitter, stickers) (please note: due to venue restrictions to paints)
Any snacks or drinks you'd like in addition to what's provided
An open heart and mind
Extra money for cafe purchases
A small item to contribute to a gift exchange (more details in the registration pack)

Payment Options

You have the option of paying in full for the workshop now, or making 2 part-payments, one now to secure your place and the balance in 2 weeks time. Please note all payments must be made in full by Thursday January 19th 2012.

Join us to make 2012 Your Awesome Year?

To register and pay in full click here.

To register for the installment plan click here.

*********************************************************

A Little About Louise & Cathy

Louise Gale is an artist and life coach, passionate about the energy of our thoughts and how we express ourselves creatively. For many years she has been using vision boards, visuals and the law of attraction to realise her own creative dreams.

Louise spends here days painting, exhibiting, coaching and creating programs to help other creative souls identify their passion and find a way to make it a greater part of their daily life. Living and creative life and helping others to do the same is Louise's passion and life purpose.

Louise is from the UK, lives in the USA and is currently traveling Australia and New Zealand, expanding and nourishing her creative spirit.

To learn more about Louise and read her blog visit here, connect on facebook or on twitter @louisegaleart.

Cathy Kirwan is an artist, writer and dreamer. She has been dreaming of living a creative life for as long as she can remember and over the last few years has made that dream a reality. Cathy is a self-taught painter, exhibiting and selling her work in person and online. She writers regularly here at {tinniegirl} and spends her days dreaming big dreams.

Cathy has been facilitating groups and leading personal development workshops for over 20 years. She is passionate about creating opportunities for others to vision their dreams and live their most authentic and creative lives.

A Jenaveve Bag

2012-01-05T06:20:00.000+11:00

I think this might be one of my favourite things that I've made lately... (oh, and look - it matches my header and sidebar)!

This photo not true colour as it has been instagrammed.

Emma from Ballarat Patchwork sent me this stunning fabric so that I could create a custom handbag for her. It's from the new Jenaveve Range by Valori Wells for Free Spirit (this print is Floral Birds).

It's a linen/cotton blend which makes me love it even more as it has a really beautiful textural look to it.

It worked perfectly with this gorgeous bright orange drill from the stash...

... and I even had the perfect complementary lining fabric on hand.... 'twas meant to be.

Oh, and doesn't Emma have fabulous taste in fabric colours (as they completely match mine *ahem*)!

Banishing the UFO pile - Specimen One

2012-01-04T15:59:00.000+11:00

I've seen quite a few crafty peeps confessing their *UFO sins in the past few days, and considering there was another day of hibernation from the heat on the cards yesterday, I thought I should join in.

But, I didn't want to just join in and show you what was unfinished, I wanted to take the opportunity to finish them!

I'm hereby introducing you to specimen one - a dodgy bag for my mum.

I think I started making this bag in about 2006. It was while I was still working full time, and trying to work out how things were constructed. I wasn't using any reference materials or patterns at all.

I made the outer shell from a skirt that I'd picked up at the oppy, and the lining is some fabric from the Spotty remnant bin.

At this point, I had zero clue about straight grain/bias grain, or fabrics that had some stretch, or how to join a bag outer shell and an inner lining together. So when I found it still lying in the UFO pile, it was a bag outer which was sort of cut on the bias, and an inner lining using a cotton fabric with a slight stretch, and I'd already attached a magnetic snap to the lining, after sewing a piece of vinyl to the back to add some strength. Can you tell that I was just making it up as I went along?

Notice that I didn't even bother changing the thread colour either!

When I found it yesterday, I could have just chosen to throw it in the bin, but I think it's a perfect lesson to illustrate that anyone can learn to sew, and with lots of practice and perserverance, you can only get better and better!

So after sewing together my mismatched outer shell and lining, and making a new adjustable strap with some lovely antique brass hardware, I can now pass along the dodgy *OFMM bag when I go to Colac tomorrow.

The best thing is that my mum won't take any notice of the dodgy bits, she'll love it anyway!

*Un-Finished Object.... thankfully not Unidentified Flying Object
*OFMM - Only for my mum

A Summer A-Line

2012-01-03T15:52:00.000+11:00

I probably should have ironed it before taking photos, but it's waaaay too hot!

While hibernating from this horrid Melbourne heat yesterday, I thought I'd take the opportunity to tick something off my 'to do' list.

I'd promised a friend that I'd make her an a-line skirt, so I grabbed Nikki's A-Line Skirt pattern from the stash, and then started searching for Carly's measurements that I'd written on a notepad... somewhere.... before my latest clean up!

Alas, my search yielded nothing nadda zilch!

So, never one to waste an opportunity, I decided to make one for myself instead.

I've had this fabric in the stash for at least four years. I bought it from Spotty because I loved how the pattern is printed along the selvedge on both sides.

I used a plain balck cotton drill for the waist section as there was no way that I was going to be able to match up the pattern, and I actually like the way that it adds a bit of definition (I also love the way that the interfaced waist and facing section holds my tummy in)!

The only problem with the fabric is that the white section at the top is a bit see through, so tomorrows mission is to buy some lining fabric from spotty and add it to the inside.

Here's hoping that it's cool enough to leave the house for that!

A backwards step

2012-01-02T10:41:00.000+11:00

Now that the whole Christmas/New Year shebang is over for another year, I can take a step backwards with some handmade christmas pressies.

I had these little square panels printed aaaaaages ago and they've been sitting in the stash just waiting for a project.

All printed from from my original hand drawn illustrations...... as you can tell from the wonkiness of Pacman.

I just overlocked the edges and made them into simple unlined zippers pouches. One for each of my older nephews (to hold their iTunes vouchers), and the Owl for Little Miss (in her favourite colour).

The funniest thing about the Pacman pouch, was watching the boys on Christmas Eve and waiting to see how long it took for them to work out what it was. First guess was Space Invaders......

Oh Galaga, Pacman, Donkey Kong and Frogger. How I miss thee.

Bring on 2012 and Fill it with Colour and Music and Coffee....

2012-01-01T00:01:00.002+11:00

Happy New Year from me and Mr Limpy Houdini Dog!

Goodbye 2011.... I'm not sad to see you go.

2011-12-31T09:26:00.000+11:00

1. Bunting 4, 2. flying ducks wip, 3. Biancas handbag 1, 4. Edna 1, 5. Dress1 2, 6. Go Granny Cotton - 3, 7. Becs Cushion 1, 8. Go granny blue, 9. Treasure bags, 10. Dress 1, 11. Granny shade - evening, 12. Couch, 13. iphone pouches, 14. WA Bag 2, 15. chooky cushion 3, 16. Beads 1, 17. Red Brooch 1, 18. Cloth doll - dress, 19. Teatowel bag , 20. Brooches, 21. Flowerpress tea towel bag 1, 22. Dolly apron dress front, 23. Doiley skirt 2, 24. Desert Island - blue and yellow, 25. CurlyPops 5, 26. Pocket mirrors 2, 27. humphrey 3, 28. Texta Roll - owl - close up, 29. Kitchenaid Cover 1, 30. T-shirt quilt finished 1, 31. Shell close up, 32. Apron 1, 33. Connors pencilcase close up, 34. CurlyPops 1, 35. In Full Bloom 4, 36. Ruffle Skirt 2

Thank goodness 2011 is over. It really has been my annus horribilus. I don't like to whinge and whine in this space, but seriously, this year had quite a few sucky bits!

A New Years Day ambulance trip and a week in hospital, another few days in hospital having lots of horrible tests, and eventually being listed for transplant....

There were various battles over medical funding with both federal and state beauracracy.......... and then there was that false alarm....

Just for my own amusement, I'm going back to the list that I made at the start of the year to see what I managed to tick off.

Stay out of hospital (that one actually is my number one priority)! (half tick)
Have more fun (half tick)
Work on more illustrations (half tick)
Work on more textile art pieces (half tick)
Apply to take part in a group exhibition (gold star - I took part in 2 this year)
Indulge more in my love of eating lunch at nice cafes (gold star)
Remember that exercise is a necessary evil (half tick - I haven't missed many PR sessions)
Spend more time properly planning meals and cooking for myself (fail - no interest in cooking)
Experiment with more coffee blends and make a shortlist of my favourites (half tick)
Procrastinate less (have decided that procrastination is actually part of my creative process)
Remember that me time on the couch watching trashy tv is good for my soul (half tick)
Improve my writing skills (fail)
De-clutter more of my life (gold star)

Overall, I'm pretty happy with that list of things.

There's no list for this year - living in limbo, and waiting for a phone call that will change your life forever sort of negates the need for any forward planning. I'm not going to indulge/frustrate my inner control freak by making plans that I know I can't keep.

Instead, here's a teeny tiny little look back at some really amazing stuff that happened in 2011.

The Hottie Challenge
Cosmo Magazine Fun Fearless Female Nomination in the blogging category
The release of my Go Granny fabric printed right here in Melbourne (and it was the inaugural Frankie & Swiss order).

Looking back through my flickr stream, I can see that even with the sucky bits, I really managed to achieve a lot.

So, it's hooray to a brand new fresh year. Hopefully a year that will bring me some new lungs..... and a brand new lease on life!

Forty

2011-12-28T15:32:00.000+11:00

I forgot the camera so I only have an iPhone snap

It was my sister's birthday yesterday, and a very special one at that!

I don't bake these days, but lucky for me, I know someone who is an exceptionally talented baker and cake maker....

I asked Cathie to make a chocolate mud cake with chocolate ganache, and OMG it was absolutely delicious.

The boys loved the decorative stars, and even sang a special rendition of 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' before we all joined in to sing Happy Birthday.

She received a new Kindle for Christmas so I made a Kindle Sleeve to protect it while it's in her handbag.

Happy Birthday Rach!

The Week That Was.... in Instragram Snaps

2011-12-26T16:33:00.000+11:00

Merry Christmas To All

2011-12-25T00:01:00.001+11:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

I'm going to be celebrating in style today wearing my gorgeous new Polly Pratt dress.

It's being teamed with this lovely Cooper St jacket that I picked up at the oppy a few weeks ago, and my Dorothy Shoes (of course)

I'd normally try to get away and have a bit of a holiday at this time, but this year I need to stay in Melbourne so that I'm close enough to the hospital just in case the phone rings in the middle of the night.

Anyway, today is the perfect opportunity to thank each and every person who takes the time to read this little blog every day, everyone who leaves a comment, and every lovely customer who has made a purchase from my shop during the year.

Making stuff, stocking my online shop, and blogging are the motivations that keep me going each and every day........ and every reader, every comment, and every purchase spurs me on to keep going, instead of just giving up.

So I just wanted to say thankyou... and Merry Christmas.

Cam x

... and I couldn't resist a little photo of my nephews and their nextdoor neighbours sprinkling Magic Reindeer Dust on Christmas Eve

'Tis Christmas Eve...

2011-12-24T07:43:00.001+11:00

...and you know what that means of course

Are we there yet?

2011-12-23T10:12:00.000+11:00

Only two more sleeps peeps!

Unfortunately the dreaded lurgy has decided to visit and ruined my motivation and energy to do anything much.... but I forced myself back to the sewing machine yesterday afternoon to finish the Christmas pressies.

I'm giving my little nephews a Lego type gift each.

I really struggled to find an appropriate Lego for the twins who are 3 1/2. There seems to be a real gap in the market between babyish type Lego and the 5-12 age group.

Of course, what I love more than the Lego, is the Lego bag!

Nice bright durable cotton drill with a panel of gorgeous Lego fabric by Susie from Flowerpress.... and in different colours so that there are no arguments.

I hope they're a hit!

The one where Christmas came early

2011-12-22T07:39:00.002+11:00

Packages, packages, packages....

So many beautiful things have landed on my doorstep lately, that it seriously feels like Santa has already been to visit.

This one arrived last week all the way from the UK. Lynsey from Cuteable and Swirly Arts sent me all these amazing treats.

Whoops! One of the Tunnocks Tea Cakes is already missing in this shot, and those Thorntons Chocolate Chunk Cookies are TDF. I've been limiting myself to two per day to make them last.... and vintage fabric and gorgeous tags and my BIL's favourite - Wagon Wheels!

My lovely friend Carly popped in to visit last weekend with a pressie for me - check out the specs cleaning cloth. So much prettier than the ugly grey ones that came with my new specs.

Speaking of specs... did I show you my new specs from Zenni?

One last package for today.

This was on my doorstep when I arrived home on Sunday.

Did you count???

That is a stack of thirty teatowels and one pillowcase from Amanda at Krafty Panda. Amazing. Speechless....Love.

Sigh... I'm so lucky!

The Wonky Wreath

2011-12-21T07:22:00.000+11:00

I spied Vic's lovely yarn wrapped Christmas Wreaths over at Punky and Me a few days ago, and they gave me the inspiration to have a crack myself.

With no cardboard on hand, I went out searching in the dark unknown depths of the garage stash and found some different size embroidery hoops (just another thing I hoard from the oppy even though I don't embroider), and some random balls of yarn.

I didn't have anything red or green, but orange and turquoise was close enough!

I faffed around with it for a few nights on the couch. I was a bit mesmerised watching Kev on Go Girls instead of concentrating on the wrapping...

But, once I'd finished all that wrapping, I thought it was missing something... it just wasn't quite Christmassy enough - but I had an IDEA.

Back out to the dark depths of the garage for another search.... this time I was looking for wire, and my wire beading jig (another thing I haven't used in the last 5 years).

When I opened the box labelled 'Wire Beading Jig' .....surprise surprise I found my long lost hot glue gun - HALLELUJAH!

What was that rule I learned at Lissanne's workshop??? LABEL, LABEL, LABEL.

After that little bit of excitement, I sat down and crafted a little star (or what is supposed to be a star) using some copper wire and the jig.

Yesterday, I finally hung it on the front door - with only four more sleeps til Christmas.

And here endeth a very long story about a very wonky wreath.

Mr Mustard and the case of the missing apron

2011-12-20T10:11:00.000+11:00

Photo Courtesy - Teddy Bears Wednesday

Have you met Mr Mustard?

I was reading all about him last week, and found that his 'Kiss The Cook' apron was in the wash. Every sweet little bear deserves something new for Christmas, so I decided to make him one.

Step 1 - Create the Fabric Design.

With a chocolate brown bear and a name like Mr Mustard, I couldn't resist sticking with the chocolate and mustard colour theme.

A bit of Photoshop and Picnik magic and some inkjet printable fabric and we have a starting point.

Step 2 - Make the Apron

I made myself a little cardboard template and cut out the front panel, and some plain yellow cotton drill for the back panel.

Sew right sides together with a teeny tiny seam and leave a gap. Trim and nick the curves.

Turn out and topstitch.

Step 3 - Add some straps

This bit was a little tricky, as the apron was soooo tiny, but I managed to find some nice strong ribbon in the stash which works perfectly.

Step 4 - Find A Model and Show it Off

This is Moby.

Moby is a little bit smaller / shorter than Mr Mustard but he was the only willing participant in my house (and he's a bit of a show off).

Mr Mustard's apron is now in the mail and on it's way to Jess's house. I hope it makes it in time for Santa!

The I Love Santa Sale

2011-12-19T21:34:00.000+11:00

It's nearly time to close down the online shop for Christmas so I'm having a very quick 24 hour sale.

Just use the code ILOVESANTA for 25% off anything in the shop - stock is limited to what is available and the sale ends at 8PM tomorrow night.

Happy Shopping!

A Special Treat - An interview with Lissanne Oliver from Sorted!

2011-12-19T07:24:00.001+11:00

I'm still working on all of my organising and de-cluttering at Chez CurlyPops.

Christmas seems to be the time of year when we all accumulate more and more stuff, so I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to interview the Master of Organisation, Lissanne Oliver from Sorted!

She even has some tips for the holiday season - perfect for us creative types!

1. How long have you been a professional organiser?

My whole entire life (43 years). Started in kindy apparently - thank you Dr Maria Montessori! Montessori teaches organisation so I think if I didn't have the gene (which I do) kindy would have got me going.

I worked for 16 years in broadcast production; film ,video, stills photography. I had loads of different roles that all involved organising, from reception and production assisting, to editorial assistant and stylist. I also worked in props and wardrobe, produced websites and CD Roms (when new media was new!) and my last job before SORTED! was working as a theatrical agent, representing some big names in AUstralian film, television and theatre. I *hated* it. Ghastly workload, no respite, shockingly bad pay (the equivalent of a receptionists wages). So I quit, and thought, I want to have a job that I love. love love love. I heart organising! That's how it happened... and in February 2002, SORTED! was born. It's been a brilliant 10 years! (Tip: we have lots of special free things and discounts and great competitions next year to celebrate, so we'd love you to join our mailing list!)

2. What are your top 5 tips for dealing with clutter?

Don't let it in the door. Stop at the source (I often use a pic of a tomato sauce bottle for this one)
Don't put it down, put it away! Clutter is sometimes just a visually busy space.
Don't wait for the organising fairies to come and save you. Make time to deal with your stuff.
Do keep a permanent box or bag that is destined for charity. Feed it regularly and scoot it away to the op shop.
Do make friends with your bin! Clutter can simply be rubbish or recycling (think old packaging, outdated printed material).

3. If you walked into my house and only had one hour to make a difference, what would you do?

Love this question! I would go straight to your tertiary storage space and help you discard .. no hang on... if I was dying, I'd remind my family, AGAIN, that I am an organ donor...

kidding

If I had an hour at yours, I would first identify what you felt the problem areas are, and/or ask you which space you were most avoiding dealing with (eg paperwork!). I'd then hold your hand (not literally) and step you through doing something you really didn't want to do or felt overwhelmed by. I would be non-judgemental, creative and you would have my attention 100%. That's my job. I love to help, and I LOVE my job.

4. What are your 5 favourite organisational tools?

A texta and a sticky note for labelling
Evernote.com (I swear I'm getting an Evernote tattoo!)
My brain for it's problem solving abilities.

I know these are not probably the tools that people want to hear about, so I will say I do love my Rexel shredder that will do 100 pages at a time. It's such a strong piece of equipment and saves me time and energy. Plus, I use the shredding in my cat's litter tray!

http://blog.sorted.net.au/2011/06/09/product-review-rexel-auto-100-shredder/

Sorry, that's not too many tools, is it?!

5. Do you have any tips for the upcoming holiday season?

Yes, get in the car and go away for a week. Then come back and look at your space with fresh eyes, and take at least 1-2 days to start creating positive change in your space.

Declutter
Shred
Archive
Put away
Rearrange
Throw out
DONATE

It's important to take time to get organised!

That's all for now!

Thankyou so much Lissanne.... if you pop on over to Lissanne's blog, there are some upcoming workshop details for anyone in the Northcote area.

Sunday Snippets

2011-12-18T09:50:00.000+11:00

Some favourite Instagram shots from the week that was....

Happy Sunday.... only 7 more sleeps.

Sunday Snippets via Tinniegirl.

Flight of the Ducks - the big reveal

2011-12-17T11:16:00.000+11:00

Now that the exhibition has oficially opened, I can reveal my finished masterpiece (ahem)!

I wanted the ducks to look as if they were flying off the canvas.

Sitting at the machine stitching those millions and trillions of stitches was actually quite therapeutic....

The exhibition opening was fabulous. I love group exhibitions because you get to see such an amazing array of talent (and who doesn't love an entire wall of pegboard)?

The way the different people interpret the same theme is always fascinating.

If you pop on over to this post at Gleaners Inc, there's a full list of the artists.

Also, just a reminder, the charity auction finishes at 8PM tonight, so please check it out and make a bid. It's a lovely pressie for Christmas!

Flight of the Ducks

2011-12-16T09:57:00.000+11:00

Tonight is the grand opening of Flight of the Ducks.

I'm so excited to see what everyone thinks of my finished artwork...

I'm even more excited to see an amazing array of creative works in every different medium imaginable.

I had a weird dream lastnight that I arrived for the opening only to find that my piece was too big for display and so it wasn't included. Hilarious!

I wonder if my ducks may fly away to a new home?

Busy Busy...

2011-12-15T10:42:00.000+11:00

It's one of those weeks where everything is happening at once...

I don't have any photos of lastnight's wonderful Open Studio Event just yet, but I'll share them as soon as I do.

Unfortunately, I'd managed to take along a dodgy oxygen bottle as a back up. Once I removed the seal and changed it over, I found that it was actually EMPTY!

In much better news, these lovely new iPad and Kindle/eReader sleeves are now in stock at Little Shop Of...

Get in quick while they last!

CurlyPops

Sunday Snippets

I say Doilies, You say Doyleys

The Lisette Sew Along - Lioness Lady

The Lisette Sew Along - Dabbling All Day

My Creative Space

The Lisette Sew Along - White Mouse Creations

The Lisette Sew Along - by Sarah

The Lisette Sew Along - My Finished Continental Dress

Sunday Snippets

LONG weekend

Doily Bunting

My Creative Space...

Two-Way

The Lisette Sew Along - First Cab off the Rank

Tutorial - Little Girls Skirt

Sunday Snippets... via Instagram

The Lisette Sew-Along - Flickr

My Creative Space

A Lisette Continental Dress Sew-Along

Sewjo...where for art thou?

Sunday Snippets / Donate Life Week / The Last Race

About The Program

Saturday Shopping...

Toytown Tales

Tutorial - Craft Space Tips and Tricks

Sunday Snippets... Saturday Road Trippin'

Donate Life Week 2012

A Weekend of Exhibitions

A Blog Chicks Feature

Framing Part One

And then there were three

Sunday Snippets... via Instagram

Mini Fabric Swatches

The Red Brick Gallery Group Show - A Mini Virtual Tour

The best bit about crafty blogging...

I Say Doilies, You Say Doyleys

Another exciting CurlyPops / Shiny Happy Art Collaboration

Sunday Snippets... via Instagram

Everyone loves Vintage Bunting... right?

The Red Brick Gallery Group Show

Colour makes the world go round...

Sunday Snippets... via Instagram (on a Monday)

A CurlyPops & Shiny Happy Art Collaboration

Play me a tune...

Chocberry Bag

A very late engagement

Go Granny... now in Chocberry

Sometimes you strike gold....

Sunday Snippets... via Instagram

The Punky and Me Music Swap

Still playing catch up... and a Camera Bag

Missed It... by 4 days (or Happy 4 Year Bloggiversary to me)

Hibernating

A little change goes a long way

Sunday Snippets... via Instagram

The FilmLife Project Bloggers Challenge

The FilmLife Project

Sometimes you find a gem...

The Pacman Poll

So riddle me this Batman Pacman

Banishing the UFO pile - Specimen Two

Sunday Snippets... via Instagram

2012 - Your Awesome Year

A Jenaveve Bag

Banishing the UFO pile - Specimen One

A Summer A-Line

A backwards step

Bring on 2012 and Fill it with Colour and Music and Coffee....

Goodbye 2011.... I'm not sad to see you go.

Forty

The Week That Was.... in Instragram Snaps

Merry Christmas To All

'Tis Christmas Eve...

Are we there yet?

The one where Christmas came early

The Wonky Wreath

Mr Mustard and the case of the missing apron

The I Love Santa Sale

A Special Treat - An interview with Lissanne Oliver from Sorted!