Commission for Bel.
August 3, 2013

Something a little different. A reclaimed tapestry made into a giant bag for sewing , knitting and stitching things.
This commission from a fellow ‘textillite’ was very open-ended . Make a bag for all the sewing and knitting things for friend who loves harrysdesk and pink.
After getting permission I tried something that has been floating about in my mind for a while.
Many of the bags of bits and pieces from the op shop have the pieces from tapestries that have been forgotten about….some not even started.
This vintage style tapestry of Pierrot (Clown) and Horse was in perfect condition. It is most likely from the 80’s (some of you might remember) when pierrot had a bit of a resurgence. I am hoping the receiver has fond memories of the eighties!

….I even stitiched the pink colour panel. Yes, I know they are not meant to be stitched, but I wanted to draw attention to the parts of the tapestry not normally seen, once framed.

The flipside of the bag is made from reclaimed cream damask and the lining from a soft minty cashmere scarf. This pocket sits between the shell and the lining.

Inside the bag are a number of smaller bags and purses for all the other bits and pieces used for sewing and knitting.
Everything but the strapping of the handle was recliamed!
What’s so Pinteresting about…… teacups?
June 29, 2013
Meredith’s request was a pinterest board about teacups…… so here it it.
P.s. I thought you would particularly enjoy this image Meredith.
Book Club: The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton.
June 26, 2013
I’m inspired by: Belinda Von Mengersen.
June 14, 2013
One a week for the past two years I have had the delightful pleasure of working for the lovely Belinda Von Mengersen….. she is also my lovely friend. Lucky me!
Well, now it’s lucky you too because Belinda’s work is part of the collection of textile art currently showing at Manly Art Gallery and Museum until the 21st of July.
Every three years the Tamworth Textile Triennale collects together textile artists under a simgle theme. This time it is Sensorial Loop. The shows aim is to showcase to a public the changing ideas and professional craftsmanship associated with contemporary textile practice in Australia.
Belinda’s work as you can see is beautiful….. and according to her ‘photographs badly’, so I can’t wait to see it for real….finished.
Phoenix Files Finale.
May 15, 2013
The Phoenix Files: Doomsday Book Launch!
By Chris Morphew on May 8, 2013
‘The last book in the Phoenix Files series is FINALLY hitting the shelves, and here’s your chance to get your hands on a copy a week before anyone else in the world! I am incredibly excited to finally let you guys read this book, and I’d love to see you at the launch if you can make it!
Where: Shearer’s Bookshop, MarketPlace Leichhardt, 122-138 Flood Street, Leichhardt NSW
When: Wednesday May 22nd @ 6.00pm
RSVP: (02) 9572 7766′
* taken directly from Chris Morphew’s blog.
I have spoken about Chris’ books before on the blog. I can’t believe the last one in the series is finished and about to hit the shelves. If you haven’t read them, you should…and not just because he is my friend……
How Pinteresting are…….old shoes?
February 2, 2013
I am going to continue with the interactive Pinteresting this year.
Caroline suggested last year that she would be interested in a collection of shoes….
Mostly I have gone with vintage shoes.
You can take a look here.
Let me know what you like… and if you would like me to put together a collection for you of anything. Just leave your ideas in the comments below.
Facebook Friday
December 21, 2012
Give Away: Dungeon Raiders.
December 18, 2012
Yes, to finish the year off I am having a giveaway!
The designer, who some of you will know, Phil Walker-Hardling, has been helping our 12 year old develop and game test some of her ideas for games this year. She’s had a great time. This has meant we are closer to the coal face of any new games he designs.
Some of you may remember me mentioning Sushi Go by Adventureland Games a couple of weeks ago and encouraging you to support it’s first print run….. well good news. They smashed their target goal and the game is set for printing early next year. I will keep you posted and give one of those away when it arrives.
But in the meantime…….
This is a great little holiday game for the family….or for yourself.
Dungeon Raiders.
We have been playing it quite a bit and it’s great fun.
It has a potential co-operative element…..although with older children with a bit more playing experience ….well, lets just say there is less co-operation.
Watch how the game is played here.
If you would like to be in with a chance to be randomly selected to win this game….. please leave a comment telling me your favourite card or board game….or your least favourite.
The comments will close at midnight the 23rd of December (AEST) and I will announce the winner on Christmas Eve…. to be posted anywhere in the world soon after that.
So, go ahead give me your ideas.
9: Sunday: Catch-up time
Reading: Luke 1: 26-56
Activity: Talk through the different names given to Jesus. Make a Christmas ball for our tree with the names of Jesus in it. Planned but not done.
Think about someone in our lives that serves us and make them a Christmas ball. (planned but not done)
Charades with lolly pops in our mouths Funny …as always. Made up 2 new categories. “Youtube” and “Theatre” Great fun.
10: Monday
Reading: Luke 1: 57-66
Activity: Talk through the passage. Eat a baked dinner together. Took advantage of a coolish day to add this one in. I like to have one in December if we can.
Build a lego village together. Super fun. I lashed out and bought a fabulous Christmas set of lego for the family to enjoy each year. It lights up and makes the cutest village scene. The relevance was tenuous….. but was a nod to the community that Elizabeth and Zechariah were part of when John was born.
Extra Joy: Making got intense….left to me and 14 year old. Tim tool the others for a late night scooter in their PJ’s
11: Tuesday didn’t happen…. too many comings and goings.
12: Wednesday (did Tuesdays)
Reading: Luke 1: 67-80
Activity: Christmas Ball snakes. We ate a jelly snake (representing sin) each. Talked about how sin often comes in very attractive packaging, and how once forgiven (eaten) we have a fresh start (empty glass ball)
Extra Joy: The girls all started inventing advent calendar ideas, including 24 walks, ‘jenga’ advent, 24 travel days…. and the list went on.
Extra Extra Joy: Lead by 6 year old each of the girls gave us a ‘Tell and Show’ (You must tell before you show) Lots of fun.
13: Thursday didn’t happen
14: Friday activities planned but spent the evenings farewelling special friends. Firstly Mrs Sinclair a kinder/Y1 teacher who three of my four girls had….9 year old for 2 years….. She is off to be the Principal at Tempe. Lucky you. Very sad.
Then goodbye to our lovely friends Klint and Kirsty. Off back to Brisbane after being an enormous encouragement to us (and others I am sure) being some of the first Joshua Tree members. Sadly our involvement in The Joshua Tree has ended but many fabulous friendships remain. I’m sure we will see you again soon.
I love this photo. Looks like 6 year old is pushing us all over!
15: Saturday again we had activities planned but December got the better of us.
Room make-overing (more on this later), birthday party craft (this too) and Summer Hill Church’s Twilight Markets to raise money for tear.
I sat with the youth kids and wrapped presents (badly) for donations. They made about $40 and had a ball.
Hopefully this coming week we can show a bit more commitment to the cause of advent ….. although giving it up to love and serve our community and each other has great value I think.
How is your advent tracking?