Vintage Props and Decor

By Lisa Occhipinti

I had to include this cool vintage book mobile for the graphic artist or typography lover, made by Lisa Occhipinti.  Available in her Etsy store.

Sunday Collector Blog

Sydney-based prop buyer/ interior stylist, Briar Stanley has some wonderful links to some of her prop buying haunts.  So if you want some inside knowledge of cool places to source vintage goods around NSW or cool new wares, this is a great start.

Image via Pia Jane Bijerk

Stylist Pia Jane Bijerk also has some links to some cool places around Sydney and all over the world!  And if you live in Canberra the Salvo's at Mitchell is my favourite place to get thrifty.  I have picked up a few great finds there.  Visit the Shopping Sherpa's "I op therefore I am" blog to get the skinny on more local ACT places.

Speaking of vintage... the Happiest of Birthdays to my very own Mama J for today :-)  Love you!

Friday Favourite: Nature Inspired Jewellery

Lilium Jewelry on Etsy

Dorte Dietrich works from her studio in Leipzig, Germany designing and making this beautiful jewellery inspired by nature.  Dorte is an art graduate and goldsmith by trade, she also makes enamel objects in her second etsy store, Purpurpilio.



Aren't these stunning!  I think this ring is my favourite :-) 

On another note, my friend Jordan's buffet tags were featured on Amy Atlas this week, a Tiffany inspired dessert theme.  Jordan organises amazing event buffets too and did this beautiful rustic, Perfect Pair Baby Shower for her sister last week who is expecting twins!!!  A really sweet theme, she has 50% off this new theme (labels etc) in her shop this week.  I love that the buffet on this party is a mix of sweet and savoury!   

Simple Party Decorating

Simple Garland by Pretty Chic Blog

The simplicity of a design can be just as beautiful as intricate details...  especially when done en masse....

Vellum Lanterns

These sweet lanterns look pretty easy to make even if you don't speak Danish!  Both ideas from the newly discovered blog, Pretty Chic Blog - Modern Scandanavian Weddings!  Just gorgeous.

Wall Murals for Interiors

Dripping Wall Murals by Ben Slow via My Modern Metropolis,

Stencil Barcelona via Kireei

Hotel Wall Mural by Matt Saunders

Everyone's favourite nerd by Design Mom

Mural by Rudy San Pedro Via Desire to Inspire

Do you like any of these?  Some fabulous talent on the walls.... not forgetting this cross stitch painting either.  I am not sure if the second image is painted but the rest are.  The dripping wall murals are incredible.

The Magical Music of Lior

Lior

We went to see Lior Saturday night at the Street Theatre in Canberra and he was his usual brilliant self.  It's my third time I have seen him and he never disappoints.  If you have never heard of him, he is an Israeli-born Australian singer-songwriter who writes beautiful music and has a voice that will transport you to a happy place.  Listen to one of my favourite songs here. 

Amy Butler Anna Tunic: Help with Attaching Yoke

 We all understand instructions differently depending on how we learn.  I think attaching the yoke on the Anna Tunic has the potential to challenge any sewer!  So, if you are here you are likely having trouble attaching the back of the yoke to the tunic.  Hopefully these photos will help.

Step 6: G

Where I am pointing is the bottom of the center back edge which is about to match right sides together with the clip you made in center back panel of tunic.

Step 6: H

Lining up my notch on the left with the top of arm hole and the center back seam as above. Fold right side of yoke towards you to it sits on top of right side of tunic... this is where you do the little tricky bit.

Step 6: H

Pin in place from underneath if that makes sense.

Step 6:H

How it looks from the back once you have pinned the yoke to the tunic.

Step 6: H

About to do the other side of the yoke.

Step 6: H

Step 6: H - lots of photos of this part!

Step 6: H

What it looks like from the back, when pinned on both sides - ready to sew.

Step 6: I - About to sew

Still pinned but you get the idea of what it would look like sewn

Step 6: I - view from inside before sewing

Step 6: I  - another view before sewing

Please contact me if you have any further questions, I am by no means the yoke queen.

I have to confess I tried this on before I did Step 6: I and have decided I don't like the green yoke!  I am going to unpick the front and put a white one on.  I also noticed the armholes are too tight, boo :-(  I measured properly and everything!  So, before I attach the yoke I am going to have to fix that too!  This will probably be too for summer in Canberra for me and I wished I had left off the lining and used bias around the arm holes...  Not sure if I have the heart to un-pick the lining too.  You can see this was a well thought out project, hmmmmm.

Friday Favourites - For Little Girls

Amanda Keeys - Squishy Love Cowl pattern on etsy

Re-Purposing Stained Shirt into a Shrug

Bubble and Sweet via Polkadot Prints

Gorgeous 'Paper Doll' Cookies - Bubble and Sweet

We don't push the princess factor in our house but I did take my children down to the lake to see the real deal - The Queen of England!  It was all very last minute, such a glorious day - why not...  I thought Anya might be a bit chuffed - she was more interested in playing with the rocks (I think Mum was a little bit chuffed instead).  Oh the perks of living in  Canberra ;p  Enjoy your weekend! 

White Feather Flower Fascinator

Newly listed in my Etsy store a lovely handmade flower fascinator with wispy ostrich feathers, perfect for a spring wedding or day at the races...

Beautiful Beaded and Lace Jewellery

Green Turquoise Necklace

Holly from Decor8 put me onto Emma Cassi's beautiful jewellery.  I have been wanting to mix lace and Swarovski elements for a while, so it was a great inspiration to see Emma's work.

Aventurine Bracelet

Yellow Square Earrings

 Most pieces are made from crocheted bases (flowers etc) and embellished with beautiful stones, Swarovski crystals and glass beads.  It's always refreshing to see something unique, I haven't come across pieces like this before.  See Emma's beautiful work in progress on her blog.  

Spring Collection

All photos courtesy of Emma's website.

How to Price Your Handmade Wares...

I re-posted this post with permission, over at the Handmade Blog last week but thought it was worth mentioning here too.  Please go and read the original post if you buy or sell Handmade.  It might help adjust your views on Handmade being 'too expensive' or place more value on your own hard work!

Online Shopping - Paper Dolls and Go Anywhere Bag

Sarah Jane

If you have been around these parts for a while you know I love American artist, Sarah Jane!  My children  have her prints in their bedroom and I bought these adorable paper dolls for Anya for the grand total of $3 :-)  Sarah Jane does also have some great freebie printables on her blog too.

Noodlehead

I also bought the "Go Anywhere Bag" pattern from Noodlehead for a total sum of $8 - woot.  My Amy Butler, Birdie Sling is well past her retirement, frayed, faded and grubby. Noodlehead has some freebies too and did you know you can buy the license to sell some of her patterns domestically?  I love when artists do this... a great business idea.

My hubby took Miss four for an 8km!!! bike ride yesterday and my son actually slept for 3 hours so I got to cut out the Amy Butler, Anna Tunic which I am trialling in a dark grey voile for summer and another Versatile wrap skirt by Make it Perfect - which I recommend the pattern is very easy.  If you are looking for some sewing tips a few of my favourites are:  Habby Goddess, Make it and Love it, MADE and recently discovered Sewaholic.

Friday Favourites

Dottie Angel

Chocolate Creative

Some favourites finds from around the interwebs for your viewing pleasure.  Have a great weekend!

Skirt as a Top

Appree

Feather Hair Accessories - Racing Season Fashion

I have a couple of new pieces heading to Shop Handmade for the upcoming racing season or for the start of party season... which ever you prefer :-)




A pretty bunch of forget me knots that won't wilt in the sun... something borrowed, something blue perhaps?