Wintery stitching

Try as I might to make sophisticated, subdued and understated items... it seems there is always a riot in the fabric stash. The colours demand to be heard, all of them, all at once, with extra trim and bling.
It is hard to see, but these are some new cushions I have been working on and some things I have named 'Portuguese Christmas Trees' after inspiration from a window in Lisbon.

This cushion is from a collection I have been working on. I made this one for the Cancer Council Breakfast's silent auction that Harriet from Dick and Dora is organising at Moorilla. Should be a lovely morning, tickets will be available closer to the date. The cushion has a dusky orange velvet backing with piping and a lovely squishy feather insert. If there are any left I will be taking them to the next Market which will be in August.

The little act of making seems about all I can do some days and maybe that is enough.

Kid Style File - Win Prizes

Kidstylefile is the best site online to help you stay informed on designer and boutique baby and kids clothes, gear, decor, nursery items and toys. It is fun to keep in the loop on all the beautiful new childrens products coming to market, the inside scoop on sales, and they broker special offers and discount codes exclusively for KidStyleFile readers.

It is also based in Tassie and run by my good friend Angela, who as well as wrangling this powerhouse also looks after the most adorable twin girls, one talented husband and two cute chookies.

But really I wanted to let you know that the second KidStyleFile Annual Reader Survey is on. Angela will be donating 50 cents for every completed survey to Make-A-Wish Australia. And every completed survey go into the draw to win from a fantastic prize pool of over AUD$12,000.00.

One in 30 participants will win a prize, so don’t miss your chance. But hurry – you only have until midnight, 30 June 2009.

This year’s prize sponsors include prestigious Australian baby and kids fashion labels Moppit, Toetum, Baobab, Oobi Baby & Kids, and Polka, high end baby-goods brands Babymoov, and ERGObaby Carrier, award-winning decor pieces from Cocoon Couture, state of the art toys from Intelliplay, and magazine subscriptions from established parenting magazine My Child, and new baby and kids style publication Little One Baby.

Another year older

Hi Folks

Thanks for all the birthday wishes, it is nice that it is over, unfortunately I seemed to have aged! Damn, I was trying to ignore it but it seems I have gone up 1! The years keep adding to my age I am sooooo double figures, and it seems my chin, belly and butt is doubling quite easily as well!

Anyway, I did have a nice day. Spent the morning following the 2 older boys around the soccer pitches of Sandy Bay, then headed over to the Mothers Market around 11ish.

It just isn't that relaxing shopping with children, so after a few cupcakes and a few catch ups we were out a there! But I was lucky enough to get a breath with the new and lovely creations of Dick and Dora and Baby Hoot, they are just lovely. There are more market pictures here and here.

Here is my second son outside the hall kicking someone elses ball looking a little Edwardian (he likes to wear his soccer socks like tights and walk around in his duffle coat and shorts - its an all navy concotion).


Next stop the Colville St Gallery to drool over the newest exhibition of Zsuzsa Kollo, I love her work and would love to get one. I think I might have to have another look sans offspring.

Then off home to have champers with a couple of friends and their kidlets there were 10 between us! Here is Finley doing his impression of Woody Allen...

A Sculptors Garden

I love these beautiful hand blown terraniums and acrylic cast bird bath. All part of beautiful garden and home of Paula Hayes, a sculptor based in NYC.

I've been Tagged

THE RULES:

1. Mention the name of the person who tagged you.
2. Complete the lists of 8 Things.
3. Tag 8 bloggers of your choice by listing
their links in your blog.
4. Let them know that they have been tagged!

I was tagged by Pippi from Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree

8 Things I'm looking forward to:

1. Finding some time to sew
2. 'Crafty' exhibition at the Sidespace 23/6 - 29/6
3. Going to the Mother's Market on my birthday
4. My birthday - hello worm farm
5. Getting some chooks
6. Going to Kids inSTYLE with my good friend Ange in a couple of weeks
7. Visitors from the USA in August
8. Winning cool prizes in the Kid Style File readers survey (I can't actually win (boohoo) because I am family, but you can... lots of cools stuff, get over there)


8 Things I did yesterday:

1. Sliced up some premade cookie dough for instant M&M cookies, nb, the dough itself is worth a nibble..
2. Made up a new cushion with piping!
3. Had a cuddle with my BFF's new baby, Meika
4. I am stretching to think of 4 more interesting things...
5. Started watching Paris with Juliette Binoche
6. Made a big mess which I didn't clear up
7. Talked to my friends on the phone
8. Ho hum, made dinner... sorry yesterday was pretty mundane..

8 Things I wish I could do:

1. Go to Paris
2. Go to Barcelona
3. Go to New York
4. Go to Lisbon
5. Go to Copenhagen
6. ... enough of that you get the picture...
7. Speak Spanish
8. Become slim, stylish and French

8 Shows I watch (or have watched)

1. Million Dollar Traders
2. Antiques Roadshow
3. Grand Designs
4. West Wing
5. Sopranos
6. River Cottage with Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall (I heart Hugh)
7. Gavin and Stacey (not sure if this is on here yet, watched in on DVD)- very funny
8. Who do you think you are?

8 Bloggers that I Tagged

1. Dick and Dora
2. Melissa Goodsell
3. Nadine Kessler
4. Susie McMahon Dolls
5. Birdy and Me
6. Lonie Polony
7. Tas Knitters Spins
8. Magoolie Designs

Market Day Wrap up

Rainy weekends are perfect for staying home in front of the fire, which is usually where you would find me. But, the weekend of markets got me out of the house, by the beach and running around St David's Park with the Autumn leaves.

The Blackman's Bay market was again full of lots of lovely things and people. My stall was next to the very lovely Lynne from Tas Knitters Spins, who dyes and spins her own wool and knits gorgeous baby hats. The wool is incredibly beautiful and great value. I have been avoiding knitting and crocheting for the longest time, because I can only imagine it will turn into another craft obsession and I don't really need another one - Lynne's wool nearly turned me and still might!

I purchased this stunning pencil roll from Marita, and while the plan was to not let the boys touch it, they already got to it without me looking - hence the missing orange pencil. It is just so amazingly beautiful I might just hang it on the wall.

I also picked up a Flintstone-esque felt ball key ring from Julie and a lovely laser cut Key brooch from Fiona Verdouw.

The Market was also fun and lots of lovely things. I went with my matey who has 4 kidlets and unfortunately there were a few implosions so we didn't stay long. I did pick up a book called 'Below Tree Level', illustrated by Leigh Rigozzi and written by Benny Walter. I haven't started it yet, but having them all lined up on the table reminded me of Uni days - don't ask me why, but hey I hope he sold a few and continues to write.

Winter Beach Market

I love heading to the beach in the winter months. The combination of mist, drizzle, wet sand and white caps is wonderful. This weekend it is going to be even more fun, because chuck in a warm coffee and a craft market at the end of your walk and it must be close to heaven.

This Saturday, the Blackman's Bay Beach Market is going to be swinging the doors wide open at the Community Hall on the beach. There will be lots of lovely and talented local designers and makers sharing their wares, as well as veggies, honey, herbs and jams. I think it might just be the perfect way to start what looks like a drizzly weekend. I am going be having a stall, so please stop by and say hello.

The Market at the Masonic Temple is also on my list of to-do's this weekend. Sunday from 10-3 at the Masonic Temple opposite St Davids Park. This market is just getting better and better and I am really looking forward to having the time to take it all in. What fun!

Heads Up - Cool exhibition alert!

I can't wait for this one - - looks fantastic.
Featuring. . .
Tara Badcock, Monique Germon, Ghostpatrol, Lovelyduck, Jess Lillico, Kirsty Madden, Miso, Tom O'Hern, Cat-Rabbit.

Sidespace Gallery, Salamanca Arts Centre, 24- 29 June, 2009

Jelly Boys

Jelly, jelly, jelly. If you love wibbly wobbly jelly as much as I do, then you will love what these young guys are doing with gelatine.

Jelly Architecture. Wonderful.

Yeondoo Jung

I just did a post over at KSF on this amazing Korean Artist, you have to head over there to check it out (sorry, terminally lazy and don't want to go on repeating myself..)

Women in Art

I recently received a print I purchased from Catherine Campbell of My Folk Lover (originally found via Pippi) which I love, there is something about the line art of Tattoos that is appealing and the paper cut swallow.

I left it on my dressing table with a few other things I found when cleaning up including the postcard (on the right) I bought at the Getty. I was struck by the comparison between the depiction of women in art 200 years ago and the depiction of women now. One by an old dead Frenchman and one by a young alive Australian woman.

Both pairs of eyes are so penetrating, the images are so similar and yet different.

ps. Her name is Louise-Antoinette Feuradent and she was painted by Jean-Francois Millet in 1841.

Hello Chooks

The Hen House is finished and we are in the market for some girls. So last weekend we headed to the Poultry Pavilion at the Show Grounds for The Tasmanian Rare Breeds Poultry Club Show and Sale Day. Unfortunately when we got there, there were mostly Cocks left and as well all know they might be good for babies, but not that useful on a day to day level.

We are after some layers, we are nearly decided.... we think maybe, some Rhode Island Reds, New Hampshire and a Black and White one (forgot the name).

Anyhoo, I had a great day out at the Designed; Made Market the other day. I met lots of lovely people and after I defrosted from the morning chill, had a very lovely day. Some of you dear readers came out of the closet and said hello, which is always a surprise and a thrill. I will be having a stall at the next Blackman's Bay Beach Market on June 6, and there will be lots of lovely stalls (including some other bloggers) so pencil it on the calender.

Market Weekend

There is no shortage of markets this weekend. Lots of lovely Tasmanian designed and made wares to be discovered.

If you are in Hobart then head down to the Courtyard at the Henry Jones for the Design Island Designed; Made market (look out for me and say hello).

Then it is a short hop over to the Masonic Hall on Sandy Bay Road for The Market, on again with more wonderful stalls and products.

If you are in Launceston then you have two days to wander around Niche Design Market at the Academy of Arts at Inveresk.

Paris Poodles

This little Poodle went to Market,
this little Poodle stayed at home,
this little Poodle ate Roast Beef,
this little Poodle ate none, and,
this little Poodle went wee wee wee
all the way to The Henry Jones.

These little puppies are the newest folks to join us at Chez Snore. There is 6 in total, and although they probably don't altogether look like doggies, they are, so there. French Poodles.

I will be taking them to the designed; made market (there will be no wee, wee, weeing, I hope) on Sunday May 3.
I am pretty excited to be having a stall (and feeling no pressure!) but hopefully you can come along and say hello.
It is the weekend before Mother's Day, so I am going to be scoping the other stalls for my present, because after all I think I deserve one, even if I have to buy it myself!

Here are the details:
designed; made, open air designers market
When: Sunday May 3, 2009 - Open to the public 9.00am – 3.00pm
Where: IXL courtyard, Hunter Street, Hobart
Website: here

Pandas for PANDA

These little ones look either unhappy or at least mystified as to why they are going to be stuffed into an envelope and posted over the waves to the bright lights of Melbourne town. Their journey will be more exciting than even their soft little brains can imagine, because they are going to be part of a silent auction to raise funds for PANDA (Post and Ante Natal Depression Association)

The world famous, Aunty Cookie, is organising some lovely hampers of handmade goods, to be auctioned on May 5 at a fundraising event.
There is also some lovely Dick and Dora goodness heading their way so those hampers are going to be hot!

The Cloakroom of Key

I am a sucker for all things French. My new latest amore is with this fantastic blog, les vestiaire de cle, which Babelfish intriguingly translates as, The Cloakroom of Key. Needless to say it is a delicacy of chic Parisian fashion.

I haven't been able to find out much more information about the designer or whether the clothes are modelled by her daughter or sister. Either way the stunning Jeanne is delightfully French and she looks postively lovely in everything!

I love the simplicity of the pieces which is so hard to find in stores these days. They are made from Belgian Linen and the wonky translation offers up some lovely descriptions, such as the 'Councils of Maintenance'. J'adore!

Things I love - Water

Aren't these images amazing. They are from a new favourite blog, Saint Verde Digest. They are designed to illustrate a design trend around the influence of water on design. Wonderful.

Merci

Paris has a new department store called Merci, it is a uber upmarket op-shop and provides guilt-free shopping. I love the concept and I think most cities could do with one or two of these.


It is the brain child of Bernand and Marie-France Cohen the couple behind the luxury children’s clothing brand Bonpoint.

It has a few levels that includes coffee shop, florist, habadashery, second hand books and even a fragrance store. There is of course vintage designer bags and clothes and also a designer corner where designers such as YSL, Stella McCartney, Azzaro, Alexis Mabille and Marni design new pieces that sell at a lot less, as well as cut price kids clothes from Bonpoint.

All of the profits are channelled into a foundation to support children's charities in Madagascar.



Photos from here, here and here.

Hot Cross Dinosaurs

Easter has snuck up on me. There has been no sign of celebration until yesterday, Good Friday, which some might say was good timing. Anyway, a quick raid of the school bags for some handmade decoration for the mantle and a some homemade hot cross buns seemed to do the trick.

This is our first time making hot cross buns, and I was surprised at how easy and delicious they were. I used this recipe, but of course had no plain flour so replaced with Self Raising, and replaced the butter and milk, for Dairy free marg and rice milk.

The cross bit was quite fun and a few of the crosses ending up being a little wonky, including one that looked a bit like a dinosaur running, no?

Anyway, hope you have a Happy Easter and enjoy the eggy holiday.

The Masonic Market

I am not sure why I am standing at the kitchen bench writing this post. It is not the most comfortable spot, but convenient to listen to Margaret Atwood on the radio and boil some 'dippy eggs' for the boys. Unfortunately I overcooked the eggs and they were decidedly undippy.

It is also kind of cold tonight and the kitchen has no heat, so I will keep this quick. Just wanted to show you the one and only photograph I managed to get of my stall at The Market today before the battery kapooped.

Still it was a lovely day and hello if you were there. I met some lovely folks including a few readers so hello to you too and farewelled a few Pocket Pandas who were adopted to new homes which is always lovely.

I also bought some truly gorgeous soap from Natures Path, it is made from Tasmanian Olive Oil, spring water and essential oils. I got the Damask Rose and the Goats Milk and Lavender, they smell divine.