Thursday, March 31, 2011

My Creative Space...

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I find that every piece of jewellery has a story which becomes a meaningful part of the treasure itself. 

When I received an email about commissioning a large gem set ring as a birthday gift for an artist, I was working on this Fluorite ring for the shop. It seemed to fit the description perfectly. Everything came together so smoothly and the client was such a delight to work with. Beginning as a beautiful tribute to friendship, I think that this ring will be home to many more memories over time.

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More Creative Spaces here.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

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Another rainy day of quiet here today, as we nurse the little one through a cold and ear infection. My hands have been kept occupied with air dry clay, customers jewellery repairs and knitting, while my mind is free to wander. 

Monday, March 28, 2011

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I can't seem to photograph the true colour of the Hornsea pottery vase I brought yesterday. It isn't actually brown. (It isn't actually a vase either, but rather a vinegar jug. But hence forth it shall be enlisted as a vase.) The seventies shade of olive green and the wonderful abstract pattern attracted my eye. 

Sunday, March 27, 2011

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Happy Sunday
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Breathing in country air. Shopping for local honey, potted lavender and homemade relish. Uncovering a sweet vintage vase. Sunday requirements for sure.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

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So glad we snuck in a trip to the park and the library before Cohen fell sick.

Friday, March 25, 2011

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Little hands would turn the door knob revealing a little head. Daddy's voice would bring a quiet reminder that Mummy was trying to nap. Stories would be whispered from the door. Any reply would be greeted with a cheeky shhhhh, finger to lips. Occasionally little feet would creep into the room, climb on to the bed and wiggle beneath the covers, before little arms would wrap themselves around my neck and kisses would find my cheeks.

It's little wonder our little man has picked up my cold.

Today while he napped and my fog has all but lifted, I rewarded myself with some sewing time. I've also completed a custom made ring, which I will share with you once it's been received by the birthday girl.

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Pattern: 'Amour Skirt' from Make It Perfect by Toni Coward
Fabric: Thrifted wool, $2
Notions: Thrifted zipper

Thursday, March 24, 2011

My Creative Space...

'I am still learning.' - Michelangelo
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The extra stitches at the neck mystery has been solved. Mathematical misunderstanding was not the problem. Misreading was. Only decreasing at the end of the row, instead of 'each' end of the row, will result in only half the necessary stitches being decreased.

All part of the learning process. There is satisfaction in learning from ones mistakes.

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More Creative Spaces here

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

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Alleviating mothers guilt (over not leaving the house recently due to illness), while simultaneously creating Easter decorations, amusing the toddler and finishing a hot cup of tea.

Thank goodness for paper mache eggs and finger paint.


Mental note: less gap between paper and table in future.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

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I find new cushions are most satisfying and thrifty things to sew. 

Four cushion inserts at $3.50 each. 1.5 meters fabric, on sale for $8/m. A reel of cotton. A packet of buttons. A few hours. And four new cushions for around $32.

And a happy, if sniffley, sewer. 

Monday, March 21, 2011

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A few quick shots from around the house, which is slowly being transformed into something quite different. 

From quiet weekend to bedlam. Yesterday, a miserable cold sent me uselessly to bed. Today, with my pockets full of tissues, I am attempting to battle my way through a list of our new Realtors suggestions, in time for new photography, advertisements and open houses. Reinvigorated by this change in agent, I am snuffling my way through mulch, paint, borrowed furniture, layout changes and gardening.

Dear light at the end of the tunnel, I look forward to glimpsing you soon.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

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There's a gentle coolness about the house today, accompanying the soothing sound of rain. A pot of pasta is on the boil. Cohen is playing happily with his tractors and occasionally looking up at claymation figures as they potter across the television screen. And my knitting lays waiting.

Wishing you a lovely weekend.

Friday, March 18, 2011

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The textures of change about the house.
Simple mats. Cushion fabric. Expectant pots.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

My Creative Space...

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There are new tools in my creative space this week. I do so love new tools. These shiny punches are used to dome metal or create spheres. (As shown in this clip.)

As well as take two of the vest pattern. In all honesty, this is actually take three of my second attempt. I am determined to get it right. 
And smaller.


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More creative spaces here.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

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Rachel at Squiggly Rainbow has sweetly conferred upon me a Stylish Blogging award, which encourages me to list 7 things you may not know about me. 700+ posts makes it a little difficult to come up with seven things that you don't already know, or wouldn't find amidst my archives, but here goes...

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You may know that I am an identical twin. My Mother, however, did not know that she was expecting twins until she woke up in hospital after the cesarean birth. She had been assured that she was only carrying a big baby. Imagine her surprise! My father insists that he is still trying to get over the surprise twenty nine years later.

I lived in the same house almost my entire childhood and never changed schools. Our suburban street ended abruptly with a barbed wire fence, behind which was a horse paddock. I have fond memories of feeding the horses after school, though the paddock is now a housing estate.

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My Great Aunt and Uncle lived on the same street. My Great Uncle collected stamps and was a talented embroiderer. He would sit in his front yard most afternoons and wave as we walked past, or hand us old envelopes stuffed full of stamps from around the world. I kept them in an old biscuit tin.

When Dave and I were first dating we pulled out the back seat of his van, threw in a mattress, clothes and food and drove to Byron Bay. We stayed a week, driving to the beach each morning to watch the sun rise. It's where we fell in love and has a special place in our hearts as a result. Being sentimental fools at times, we were married on a beach in Byron and chose Cohen's middle name as one and the same.

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Cohen and I have been crafting leafy decorations from his paintings in order to celebrate the new season. He points to the leaves and tells us wonderful 'stories' about them, in the sweet babbling way toddlers do.

We also found a large green caterpillar munching away on our Carmelia. We have built him a little home and hope to watch and learn as he eats his way towards becoming a moth or butterfly. We've ordered books on caterpillars from the library and found information online about keeping them. I'm not sure who is more excited about this project! It has become a whole family affair.

At school we were given silk worms and tadpoles to care for and observe. I think this style of hands on learning is really wonderful. My parents still have a colony of marsh frogs in their garden as a result.

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Congratulations if you have gotten this far! The next part of my duty is to pass this award on to seven lovely bloggers and ask that they share seven facts or stories about themselves. (Though there is no obligation.)

3 Sheets, Her Library Adventures, Bountifully, Kiss the birdie, Dada doesn't catch flies, Eggshell blue and Maxabella Loves.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

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wild cherry blossoms
(image)

My thoughts are with Japan. The devastation and loss. The nuclear threat and the long path to recovery.
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Monday, March 14, 2011

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New in the shop...
'Into my arms' Ring

'Into my arms' Ring

'Into my arms' Ring
'Into my arms' Ring

Whether you're curled up before the fire knitting a new project, or swinging your suitcase aboard the train to visit someone you love, your 'Into my arms' Ring will add warmth and zest to the moment.
The honey coloured Carnelian and simple rounded setting will never go out of style and will look just as sweet with cabled sweaters, as it will with Summer frocks and cork wedges.
This solid sterling silver and Carnelian ring was handmade by Christina Lowry. The silver has a smooth brushed finish. The rounded band is 2mm wide and the oval cabochon gemstone is 6x8mm in size, set in a full bezel setting.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

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Saturday was...
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Sisterly adventures in the City.
Visiting the trade only Jewellery Fair for the first time as a self employed jeweller.
Ordering new tools for the bench. Yay!
Any excuse for stationary shopping.

Being greeted by open arms and two smiling faces upon my return.
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