Stitch. Read. Covet. Blog.

I'm running a little late today after a late night last night, early morning soccer-mothering and a day spent with my family. Today though I am celebrate bloggers and the insight, skills and inspiration they have to offer.

Stitch: Oh my. I just love these stitched rope baskets. They have made their way to the top of my to make list. So many possibilities. Yet another wonderful the read thread tutorial. The paper patchwork art and coil bowls are also fantastic. This entire blog is a visual feast and a constant surprise.

Read: If, like myself, you are interested in simple living, a move towards self sufficiency, making your own laundry liquid and growing your own vegetables, Rhonda Hetzel's book will long be a valuable reference in your library. Written with a gentle, Grandmotherly tone, Rhonda imparts her wisdom in an inspiring and achievable way. My Stitch. Read. Covet. Blog. series would hardly be complete if I did not include this volume. Rhonda's blog is also a beacon of simple living advice and inspiration.

Covet: Two of my long time favourite bloggers, Paravent and Belinda Marshall, are currently on the other side of the world, undertaking Camilla Engman's ACE Camp. What's not to covet about six days in a studio learning with a wonderful artist, in Gothenburg, Sweeden?! After contributing to Belinda's successful Pozzible campaign, I am closely following the instagram feeds of both these lovely ladies and living vicariously though them. Though I am not at point in my life where I could hop on a plane and undertake such an experience, it is a joy to have them share their travels with us. To find out more check out their blogs and follow their instagram feeds - @paravent and @belindajmarshall

Blog: Many crafters would need no introduction to Yardage Design, or the lovely Nic, designer and print maker behind the label. I've admired (and been purchasing from) Nic for a few years now. There is nothing quite like hand printed linen! This week I was fortunate enough to meet her in person, at Thea and Sami's morning tea. It reminded me again of all the wonderful things that blogging has brought in to my life. Nicole's blog and instagram feed (@yardagedesign) are creative journals of her work, loves and travels, and will have you itching to try your hand at screen printing, have you dusting off your sewing machine, or investing in a macro lens.

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So dear readers, what have you been stitching, reading, coveting or blog-loving lately? Leave a comment below so we can share in the goodness.

Anything is possible

On the wall in my studio, three of Belinda's beautiful prints

I think being a maker has given me a better appreciation for the creative work of others. All that passion, skill and time. I can't help but want to support them. So many of the women I admire are creative Mama's. Belinda Kemp is one such artist, and I have long been drawn to her soothing work and use of mixed media. This past year has been an extremely difficult time in her life and her creative work has helped give her a focus. I can't imagine the strength she has needed during this period. Her goal has been to attend an artist camp in Sweden and she has created a pozible account to help fund this dream. I'm all for making dreams come true. Especially for someone as deserving as Belinda. There were tears in my eyes as I watched this clip.

(Pledges begin at $10, and all pledges come with rewards.)
More info here.

Welcome!

 Welcome to my lovely sponsors for July!

Love, Peace and Cupcakes
A sweet etsy store featuring button earrings and hair clips. The lovely Farah is offering blog readers a free small button ring, magnet set or hair clip with their order, just mention Christina Lowry Designs in your message to seller at check out! I think these earrings are my favourites...

House of Humble
The especially cute blog of Katie and Reuben. Two love birds living a crafty, beautiful life who share their talents and stories with flair.

Gretchenmist

The inspirational art work of Belinda Kemp. From paint and collage, to fabric and stitching, Belinda is a creative marvel whose prints count among my prized possessions.

I was also offered the opportunity to do a review recently, which I will share with you soon.

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I would love it if you could click on the links and say hi or support my sponsors, as we are all a part of this wonderful, creative community.

'Gretchenmist' Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations...

Stefanie Selter!

Many thanks again to Belinda and to everyone who entered.

'Gretchenmist' Giveaway - CLOSED

There is something so evocative about Belinda Kemp's work. Something which draws you in and inspires an emotional response. Belinda has developed a discernible personal aesthetic that is imbued with organic motifs and layers of visual texture. From her skillful handling of abstract collage and stitching, to her use of a distinctly recognisable colour palate, Belinda's pieces soothe, create moods or inspire. If you've seen photos of my studio you will know that my Gretchenmist prints take pride of place. Belinda is a true inspiration to me.

With thanks to Belinda, today's giveaway gives one lucky reader the chance to win the two 7x5 inch Gretchenmist prints seen above. To enter the giveaway please leave a comment below. For extra entries 'like' Gretchenmist on Facebook, or follow Belinda's blog, and leave an extra comment. The winner will be drawn randomly on Tuesday, 12th June. Open to Australian and International readers. 

(You don't need to have a blog to enter, just ensure you leave an email address so that I can contact you if you win!)

You can find more of Belinda's work for sale in her etsy store.

Many thanks again Belinda!

Good things

a freezer full of home made pesto
overflowing with oranges
the sweetest knitted dress from an absolute sweet heart
little yellow flowers dropping onto the table
off the needles and time to rummage through the button collection

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We celebrated the New Year a midst the company of friends and family (and a friendly possum). Though we welcomed it tucked up in our beds, woken by the dog at midnight, barking at the fireworks. These first days of the new year have been spent about the house. Dave has been felling trees and working in the garden, generally after a morning surf. I have been pottering, planting seeds, nesting, knitting, reading and playing in the studio, as there have been some new additions.

Coralie Bickford-Smith designed Penguin Classics

On Christmas morning there was a rather large box under the tree with my name on it. A surprise from my sweet husband. I had mentioned to him in passing that I thought the Coralie Bickford-Smith cloth bound series was beautiful. This information he filed away until the lead up to Christmas, where he called and visited many a bookshop in the City to secretly amass this collection. I had not a clue as to any of this and was delighted Christmas day to be surrounded by the most wonderful books. (Another two books are still making their way by post!)

Which lead us to the first addition to the studio. Such lovely books surely deserved shelves of their own I thought, to which my husband agreed, even braving Ikea on his own to retrieve these Lack shelves. My search for a sofa bed to add extra comfort and practicality to the space lead to the next addition. I was thrilled to win this darling for only 99 cents on ebay, which folds out to a double bed.

I'm loving how this space is coming together. A light shade, a rug, some more frames, perhaps a coat of paint on the sewing table, and it will be close to being finished for a time. One day we plan to have the concrete floor polished also.

The details - The trio of prints are by Gretchenmist, the hanging tray and white frame were thrifted, the wooden hand is from Typo and a gift from my sister, the white chair was a free road side find, the camera on the shelf is my trusty Minolta from my Uni days, the white head statue beside it I brought back from Athens, the vintage sewing baskets on the shelf below are thrifted, as are the other baskets in these shots, the pillow is a thrifted gift from my sister and the throw is a crochet one I made.

PS. Don't forget to enter the Shabby Apple giveaway. The winner will be drawn on Thursday.

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I love mail...

Particularly when it comes in the form of a first run of fabric by the very talented Belinda at Gretchenmist. I love the design and the colour. And Belinda was naughty enough to include one of her new prints, which will be joining her other work I have collected for my studio.

Many thanks Belinda!

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I have long followed the delightful blog Gretchenmist. All the while enviously admiring Belinda Kemp's work, enjoying the behind the scene peeks into her creative process and the evolution of her creations. 

I always knew I would own one of those pieces in order to frame and hang it above my jewellery bench for added inspiration. A glimpse of her new work, in her creative space, was the last trace of persuasion necessary to have me entering my paypal details. And I'm so glad I did. It's simply beautiful. Arriving with an additional gift which shall also be framed and accompany it. 

Further reason why I can not wait to have my studio set up in our new house.