My Creative Space - Finished projects and a cardboard village

Way back in July I posted a sneak peak at this ruffled beauty... this is what it became... a scarf! Not a skirt as everyone guessed.



Trialling a few hair pieces with bows! This is in lovely ivory Thai silk. I use a lot of wedding fabric off cuts from this lovely lady.



Anya and I made tiaras out of pipe cleaners - they went down a treat... I may have taken mine off to answer the door!





The most basic of cardboard villages was set up on our dining table - inspired by Ruby's little theatre. I didn't go to as much trouble as Ruby but it was enjoyed all the same - we left it up for 24 hrs then it got 'moved' - hello recycling.





No village is complete without a train for the locals to catch. Bob the builder waiting patiently on the platform. Seriously Anya LOVED this project... she got so excited about what we could make from different cardboard objects.... if you are wondering what everyone else is up to today - visit Kirsty's.

Craftumi

Image

Did you know Madeit.com.au has a sister site called Craftumi? Here is a blurb from Madeit explaining what it is all about if you don't know already!

We are very excited to announce the arrival of madeit.com.au's new sister site Craftumi.com.au

Craftumi.com.au is for the buying and selling of supplies and equipment used in the creation of art and craft projects.

You can find new supplies and used equipment from crafters as well as commercial wholesalers.

Craftumi is the perfect place to find supplies for your next art or craft project from painting to scrapbooking, card making to jewellery making.

Craftumi is owned and operated by the same people as madeit.com.au. If you have any questions please email us at support@craftumi.com.au Visit www.craftumi.com.au for all your craft supplies.

How do you pronounce craftumi?
Craftumi was inspired by origami
Pronounce craftumi - craft-u-mee

Anyway, I hope to sell some hair making supplies on here too! Just finding time to photograph and list them!!

Divine Ceramics by Caroline Swift

I love a good story, especially regarding creative journey's and Caroline Swift's is a great one - such a varied career path she has had. Now residing in Spain, Caroline makes the most amazing ceramics.



If you have been following my blog for a while you will know I love WHITE and ceramics! These bone china bowls are unbelievably delicate and the top photo reminds me of coffee filters all stacked up!



I just want to run my hands over them - I wonder if they feel like soap stone? Have you ever felt soap stone? It is deliciously tactile (the polished stuff anyway).



Most of the dishes in my kitchen are white but none as beautiful as these... one day perhaps when I don't have small children I will invest in some lovely ceramics.



In the meantime enjoy these delightful images - I could stare at them all day.

Photos courtesy of Carolyn Swift - used by permission.

Madeit Monday - Strawberry Fields

I am loving this spring weather we have had over the long weekend! Loving cheap yummy strawberries too... here are a few yummy finds from Madeit.

1. Pancakes and Strawberries Set by Alphacrafts, 2. Strawberry hair clip by the lovely Vicky of Lilliputloft, 3. Strawberry n Creme pendant by Minnette

Thank you for taking my survey

Image - Amanda Keeys Photography

Thanks so much to everyone who took my survey last week! The survey is now closed. It was great to get such lovely positive feedback and some constructive criticism. Both are very useful in building my little business, refining my products and seeing where my strengths and weaknesses lie.

Thanks for all the great suggestions - I will do my best to implement those that I can. Thank you again for supporting me - It is much appreciated. I struggle to get anything done for my business at the moment. It is a very slow process and two young children certainly keep me busy. I day dream about when they can play together while I sit with them sewing away :-)

Friday Favourites - Calligraphy stamps

Like letter writing and snail mail, calligraphy is almost a lost art - I am sure Gen Y would call it vintage for sure. But bringing it back are fabulous Etsy stores like emililies. I may have discovered emililies through Oh Hello Friend?



You can get self inked stamps (below) or the good old fashion rubber stamp! A lovely touch for the back of your Christmas mail, special letters and especially to accompany a gorgeous handmade item.





It's a long weekend in Canberra for family day or something?! Not 100% sure but I will take a long weekend with hubby around without batting an eyelid. Speaking of my gorgeous husband, he has accepted a new job in the private sector! We are looking forward to the change and him being closer to home - in Canberra that seems ridiculous because it is such a small 'city' but having one car and an unreliable, scant bus service can make commuting in this town a pain - especially since we have moved! Anyway - have a fabulous weekend!

Udessi - a place for unique gifts

These gorgeous array of goodies are from Udessi. I had heard of Udessi before and seen the name around but hadn't really ever had a look at their site. Gorgeous stuff people!! The online shop is owned and run by Kim Wallace who made the lovely items above along with some other beautiful pieces.



Tina's dolls are simply amazing - heirloom pieces for sure! If you are familiar with Shop Handmade you will know Tina stocks a few lovely girls in the shop and has done the artwork for the book - Handmade Living.




Very funky felt necklace by Heather Keiko.



Gorgeous fabrics and basket patterns by Pippijoe.

All images courtesy of Udessi.

Camera Collection

If you are a fan of Have you met Miss Jones, you will love these ceramic camera's from Shop Twine. Made from glazed earthenware - I think they are fabulous. I have my Mum's old box brownie on display on our bookshelf - I love the real deal but think these are pretty darn cool too.

For my wall...

Along with framing a lovely Poppy Letter Press card for my kitchen, I recently bought this gorgeous Giclee print from Sugarloop - Bernadette's artwork has been on my hit list for AGES! It doesn't have a frame or a home yet - it's sitting on my sideboard patiently...



I also love Sugarloop's Jungle Boogie print. It would look nice on Josiah's side of the room! When he gets there... he is still in with us - 5 months down the track - *sigh*...it's actually not as bad as I make out but I'm ready for un-interrupted sleep. Oh and BIG NEWS........ Anya took a bite of a home made chicken nugget last night and swallowed the lot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MIRACLE. Ok, that's all folks.

Madeit Monday - White Wedding

Clockwise from top left:
1. Sweet Paper Garland- White Lace - by 3GIRLSandagoat, 2. Ballet Blossom by Grace Designs (shameless self-promotion), 3. Alainn keishi pearl earrings - by Alainn, 4. Filigree Scroll and Vine Bridal Hair Comb - by blingjewellery.

Friday Favourites - Ruffled cake and cushions

I loved this guest dessert feature on Amy Atlas today - I particularly LOVE the cushions! so cute - that cake is amazing!!!!!!!



Love this shade of green



I had green bridesmaids in a similar shade almost 8 years ago and they had pink flowers - still a favourite combination! Beautiful photography by Jeanna Hayes.

Editors note: You can get that cake recipe here! Thanks Tania :-)

My Creative Space - Butterflys

I made some simple butterfly's from card-stock and Cristina Re paper for the Shop Handmade window display I did for Spring. The pattern was from an old Better Homes and Garden Christmas addition - I can scan it in and post it up if anyone is interested, there are four variations.



While all my elements looked great individually it really didn't come together as planned :-( The paper flowers I made a few weeks back were for 3 rings that were supposed to come together as a paper chandelier!!



Unfortunately my idea didn't work out as planned. I planned in 'event-theming' dimensions (like a middle of the room piece) instead of a window-display perspective! We ended up flipping the rings so they faced the window - they made much more impact but I couldn't help thinking they looked like Christmas wreaths - oh so many elements were just 'wrong'.... Anyway - we live and learn. I just thought I would share when something doesn't quite go to plan instead of hoorah look what I have done - I am sure we have all had them! See what everyone else is working on this week at Kirsty's.



I also made this custom order for a bridesmaid to be :-)

What makes Grace Designs stand out from the crowd?

I decided it was time to do a little business review and would love if you took a quick survey for me! It is only 10 questions - you do not have to answer all of them. Click on this link.

Chandelier #21 - Felt

Marble Chandelier by Christopher Labrooy found on Innermost. Made from Synthetic felt - very impressive.


The lamps cast an interesting pattern on the wall which looks cool but might annoy me after a while.

Sept Handmade Market

Despite the awful weather for the week leading up to the market - Saturday was a gorgeous spring day - sunny, lovely atmosphere and I got to go for two hours child-free! What could be better? Above is the stunning new collection from Little Slave - I adore her work. Amanda's set up was so simple, yet soooo luscious! I believe these will be available in the shop asap.



If you missed this stall get there early next time! Liz from pARTy Cakes makes delectable treats - I enjoyed a mouth watering chocolate cup cake on my way home... Photos pinched from the lovely Tania McCartney :-) More photos of the markets on the handmade blog. Next handmade market - DEC 4th!

Madeit Monday - Birds of a Feather

Tweet yourself to some lovely finds on madeit or start your Christmas shopping early. I am loving the Sparrow necklace by Oh Deer, she has some lovely pieces in her store :-)

Left to right starting at the top:

1. Soaring Sparrow Antiqued Brass Vintage Ball Locket & Sparrow Necklace - by OhDeer, 2. Clutch purse with aqua bird on a wire - by PlentyoPockets, 3. Fridge magnet by snowfawn.

Melting moments... kind-of edible

How much do you want to kiss and munch on that smiley face - he is such a joy this boy of mine. He is dominating in the photo stakes at the moment as Anya doesn't want her photo taken much! She is however enjoying plenty of time in front of my bedroom mirror and watching her reflection in all the glass sliding doors though! ha ha Have I mentioned how much I LOVE my new house??? Maybe once or twice! The light is fabulous.

Grace Designs in Cookie World Magazine

Images courtesy of Amanda :-) These are still some of my favourite photos Amanda took for me last year - some of my first headbands. They are featured in Cookie World Magazine - printed in China! Very cool!

My Creative Space - new home

We are all unpacked! woohoo :-) Now to decorating and making our new house a home. I won this fabulous Schmooks print called Neville and Friends - he was going on the wall but I kind of like him here - he is keeping Celeste company!


My hubby loves old books, particularly on Typography - we have found some lovely ones at 2nd hand book stores but also borrowed a few from my Dad that belonged to my grandfather who was a Graphic Artist. We have plans to turn some of these pages into a big art piece for the wall... with the help of Photoshop and block-mounting!


Boxes, boxes everywhere! They made some excellent toys! Anya sending her Daddy an email at work.




We also finally got around to baking in the new kitchen! We made gingerbread men... yummo.

See what is everyone else up to at Kirsty's.

Internet Issues...

We are having teething problems with our internet in the new digs - will be back in a couple of days hopefully! These Cymbidium orchids have lasted 3 + weeks - I love it when you are sold fresh flowers :-) See you soon x

Madeit Monday - Children's decor...

Wow, some really lovely things to brighten up the kids rooms! I couldn't choose from Melanie's wall pieces, the swallows are gorgeous but so were the clouds and little deer! Melanie & Jo are two lovely Canberran's and Handmade Market Stallholders too! I know I just featured a tree wall decal but couldn't resist this one from Mae, she has some beautiful unique items too.

Left to Right Clockwise:
1. Bridie Lamp by Owls are Hunting, 2. Alphabet Nursery print by Evie the Elephant, 3. Fabric wall decals by Mae, Red Swallow Wall Art by Melanie Swan.