Blossom De-Construction

This is the first step of de-constructing a flower to re-make it in paper or fabric.  Pluck from tree, admire and photograph :-)

Pull apart the flower and study the formation of the petals... admire some more....

 

 Sketch the shapes of the petals and figure out how you will French tool them!

The circles drawn on the petals at the bottom left of the page is where I will use a round ball tool to press into the fabric to give the petal the shape it needs!  Next step... cutting my fabric petals... to be continued!

Crab Apple Blossoms

These are blossoms from our Crab Apple Tree!   Aren't they pretty?!  I am going to attempt to re-create them in fabric or paper - I have some new tools I am very excited about!!!  It may be harder in fabric as you can't hide the mechanics as well.  The petals are longer than a cherry blossom and quite sparse at the bottom, we'll see how I go.  Have a great weekend - it's a long one for us here in Canberra - woo hoo.

Floriade Fun

Yep, it's that time of year and we do love our free flower festival, Floriade!  We took my mother in law (who is visiting) there on the weekend, it was a glorious day.

We were enjoying a picnic morning tea while watching some questionable salsa dancing ;p  We try and get to Floriade at least three to four times throughout the duration!  This time last year I had spent many nights making this display! 

Hair Accessories on Sale

 

These three items are left from my facebook sale last night!  I would be thrilled to pass them on to a new owner... any takers?

Keeping Children Happy with Simple Activities

I'm so happy the weather is getting warmer!   It's so agreeable for post pre-school afternoons where a bucket of water, bubbles and a sponge can keep two children happy for an hour!

They washed our car (kind-of), the table and Josiah's trike.   Josiah's gum boots were full of water :-)  I'm looking forward to making a sea-themed sensory bin for summer.   Don't forget my facebook sale is tonight!

Dyed Blue Spotted Dress: A Thrifty Find

Remember this dress?  Well I dyed it a few weeks back and finally photographed it!  BRIGHT!!  The colour is everywhere and pretty but I just don't really like it in my dress or on me... I may dye it again yet.  I discovered that it isn't silk either!  The silk dye did nothing, so I bought a poly dye.  The only downfall was you are really limited in colour choice with dying polyester.  Live and learn!

I don't really love my dress yet but I love this dress - so stunning.

Canberra Etsy Seller: Handmade Hair Accessories

This beautiful headband is a mix of lovely ostrich and goose feathers, detailed with millinery leaves, venice lace and a Swarovski pearl.  Stunning photo by Amanda Keeys.

Spring Sale - Thurs 20th Sept 2012

I will be having a spring sale next thursday on my facebook page to say thank you to my lovely customers!  I will only be selling about 25 items this time so we should be done in two hours or until sold out - which ever comes first.

Grace Designs is having a Spring Sale to say thank you to my lovely customers - that's you!

The sale will be held on Thursday night 20th September 2012 from 7.30pm - 9.30pm (or until sold out).


=== How it will work ===

There will be approx 25 items: A mix of adult and children's headbands, sml amount of hair pins, a couple of combs/fascinators.  OOAK and old favourites.  A fabulous way to get organized for Christmas, top up your present stash or treat yourself!
 
1. I will post PHOTOS and DESCRIPTIONS of each item with their discounted PRICE on my Grace Designs Facebook page over a two hour period.

2. To purchase an item - be the FIRST PERSON to POST a COMMENT saying :  SOLD

3. A new item will be listed immediately after the current item has been sold or every few minutes (which ever comes first)

Don’t forget the first to comment gets the item, so make sure you don't miss out! You have to be a Facebook fan to purchase, tell your friends and get ready for a real bargain!
 
Unsold items may be re-listed at another time  - depending on interest and demand. I'll keep you posted!



==== Payment, Postage and Delivery ====

From Friday 21st Sept, I will start to email invoices according to how you want to pay. Your invoice will include postage costs based on how much you buy, weight etc.

** a typical parcel posted with Australia post at the moment is $7.50, including packaging**

If you have multiple items and something larger, I will post in my hard gift box which will be a $10 flat fee.

If you are only purchasing a small hair pin or headband on elastic it should go through as a 'letter' and the cost will be significantly lower.

I am happy to combine postage with a friend if you tee it up with a friend/relative.

I am happy for customers to pick up also if you live in Canberra.

I will post items ONCE PAYMENT has been confirmed and will contact you to let you know it has been sent. Postage for multiple items will be combined.


= Australian Customers =

• You are welcome to pay through Paypal or Direct Deposit.

• Direct deposits typically take 2-3 banking days to clear and is preferred so I don't have to pay fees.

• I will send your purchases via standard mail (3-6 business days) unless you indicate that you would prefer express / registered and are happy to pay the extra $.


= International Customers =

• I will send you an invoice through Paypal

• I will be posting standard Australia Post airmail as it is the cheapest for you.

• Please allow 7-10 working days for delivery

Paper Flower Installation: Sydney

If you are lucky enough to be passing through Sydney and like a good paper installation make sure you go to the QVB and check out Benja Harney's large paper flower display.  For some more drool worthy paper goodness visit Benja's blog: Paperform.

Photos courtesy of Lost at E Minor

Grateful

What a great print!  It is from Melbourne Etsian, Angelstarforever.  It is one of the main themes from an amazing book I read recently called, One Thousand Gifts, a dare to live fully right where you are by Ann Voskamp.  It has been so long since I read a good book - my preference has been blog browsing and other creative stuff but the soul was a little thirsty and boy this book hit the spot for me!   It is a God-focused book so be prepared for that if you are unfamiliar with spiritual stuff!  I discovered the book via AshleyAnn.  I have finally started a grateful journal too :-)

Memory Making: Celebrating the Start of Spring

With a glorious start to spring we spent as much time outdoors as possible.  We also celebrated Fathers Day all weekend!  There is a hill over the road from our suburb and we love to climb it.

It didn't take long for Josiah to want some 'help' - he claimed prime position on Daddy's shoulders.

The kids were throwing rocks into their 'wishing well'!!  I love viewing life from their perspective, so simple and fun.  Memory making at it's best - Canberra really is a great place to live with children.  City life with country benefits.

The gorgeous Brindabella ranges...

Fathers Day Craft

Concentrating hard here on painting between the lines of masking tape!  We were inspired by Mer Mag's geometric artwork for Gap Kids and made our own version for Fathers Day.  Thanks for the great idea Merrilee.

Anya's favourite part was peeling off the masking tape once it was finished.  Josiah got to paint two triangles under strict supervision!

You get the gist of the finished product!  I'll photograph it once it is on the wall.  It's for Gordon's home office.  I gave Anya free choice of colour with all the paints I had - I probably should have limited the choice with colours that went together better.  Our tape did bleed too, so I would recommend using proper painters tape or possibly two layers of masking tape? 

Anya really enjoyed this project and kept the surprise beautifully.  She was most excited to give Gordon the crafts she had made including these cake / card sticks :-)  

Last Minute Fathers Day Freebies

If you have a gift card for the Fathers in your life but nothing cool to put it in...look no further!  Jordan has a freebie on her blog just for you!

Even practical gifts can be presented in a cool way... these fun sock bands are free downloads from Hello Lucky. 

Also from Jordan at Polka Dot Prints.. this cool idea for a BBQ sauce pack as seen on Design Mom.  I love it when my friends are featured on such well read blogs - so proud :-)