The Weekend in Snapshots

Stopping in at a market on a beautiful, sunny morning.

The market was at the foot of the Grampians (please excuse the flag pole in the photo :) )

Mr T and I at the beginning of our cycling adventure.

City lights.

What was a memorable moment over the weekend for you?

Wonderful Wednesday - Birds

I recently returned back to work after having some holidays. It was wonderful to wake up, walk the dog, have some breakfast and go for a bike ride. It was a great start to the day. I don't consider myself an 'early bird' but I can't sleep in either. It was great not to have to wake up to the (even earlier) alarm and move at my own pace. However, it is back to work and back to waking up early, in order to walk the dog, have breakfast and get to work on time.

In going for an early morning walk, I enjoy the freshness of the morning and I particularly enjoy the early morning call of birds, embracing the new day. Certain bird calls evoke particular memories. Some bird calls evoke a longing to head back to the Murray River and spend time in the peace of bush. An inner 'sigh' dwells within me when I hear this bird call, this longing becomes stronger as the time between visits is greater. Visiting the Murray was an annual holiday for me as a child with my family, and as an adult, I still get cravings to head back to 'The River', to rest and recharge. It is now becoming a biannual holiday for Mr T and our family members. Hence I have chosen some bird inspired items...

Sparklebirds in Lavendar by 'Winter Designs'

I love these clay creations. My eye was drawn to the rustic nature of these ornaments and the lacy pattern that is imprinted on them. A little flock would make a lovely decoration in the home...

White Love Bird Cake Toppers by 'The Patatopatch'

This pair of lovebirds are so sweet! In particular, I love their little outfits and the detail in them. Mr Bird's black suit, tie and buttonhole is very chic, while Mrs Bird's cherry blossom dress and sparkly tiara is gorgeous! This would make a lovely centre piece for a wedding cake...

Wooden Bird Family by 'Littlebugart'

What a sweet, birdie family! I love their cute, plump, patterned bodies and I love their bright, contrasting colours. This little family would brighten up any wall.

Do you have any beautiful memories evoked by the musical call of birds?

Thanks for viewing :)

Monday in the making

A couple of weeks ago, I made up a mini canvas for a very special showcase. I enjoyed using up-cycled t-shirt material and reclaimed material to create a decorative feature. I also enjoyed the chance to do some hand stitching. I had so much fun that I designed another mini canvas, this time,  one for the girls...

This canvas is made up of a large, red heart, that is hand stitched to a pink, floral fabric. It also contains three buttons, stitched up the top of the heart.

I have also been playing around with paper mache...

I had a bit of Christmas in mind when I made this. A paper base, covered in red and sealed, with black lettering spelling 'JOY'. It is decorated with three fabric flowers, with button embellishments, two made with satin, one with tulle. The flowers have rough, frayed seams to add to the rustic charm of the piece. A lacy bow is tied onto the handle.

What do you think?

Thanks for viewing!

The Weekend in Snapshots

Receiving a free bunch of flowers when out shopping.

Watching my favourite race team participate in the biggest race of the year.

Receiving a rhubarb plant from a friend.

The 'girls' were each sitting down on a step when we came back from a bike ride... unfortunately a couple stood back up by the time I took a photo...

What has been a wonderful part of your weekend?

Have a great week :)

Wonderful Wednesday - The Garden

I love it when the weather warms up a little. It makes it so much nicer to be outside. It also helps all types of lovely flowers to bloom. We have a number of roses in the front garden and they are starting to grow buds and flower - it provides a tinge of colour to the greeness of the garden.

I also had the opportunity to spend some time over the weekend and today to be in the garden. Our poor garden had become a little over grown during the Winter season whilst the enthusiasm to be outside was diminished due to cold, wet weather. While I had some time off of work, I thought it would be great to get some fresh air and exercise by tidying up parts of the garden. We have some free range chickens and they love hanging around while weeds are being pulled up so that can peck the bugs that are revealed. Hence, my inspiration for the week is... the garden...

Spoon plant markers by 'EAT Creations'

As a fellow up-cycler, I had to choose this one! I love the uniqueness of up-cycled items. I also love the practicality of this item - a water proof sign that labels plants in the garden. A great gift for a gardener.

House and garden embroidery by 'Squeeze Cuddles'

I love the simplicity of this design. I love the red and white flowers, adding a dash of colour,  next to the house, stitched in blue. Gorgeous!

Miniature gardens by 'Fairies in my garden'

These miniature gardens are adorable! They also look so realistic! I love the small grouping of colourful, clay toadstools on the mossy grass. These would make great table centre pieces for an outdoor party!

I hope you get a chance to wander around some beautiful gardens during the week.

Thanks for viewing!

Monday in the making

It has been quite a productive week... Firstly, I finished making two items for a charity auction that I participated in...

I made a cherry red, up-cycled t-shirt necklace with five weeping roses. I used a mixture of embellishments to decorate the roses - beads, crystals and buttons.

I also tried a new item...

I made up a canvas using up-cycled t-shirt material and reclaimed fabric. All decorative elements were stitched on.

I also added a set of gift tags to the store (to view, click here). This set uses pages out of a book and depicts a variety of animals.

I still have plenty of crochet and paper mache to finish during the week. I hope to show you more items next week.

Thanks for viewing!

The weekend in snapshots

Gardening with the 'girls'.

Whipped up a healthy peppermint slice.

Paper mache in progress.

What was a special part of your weekend?

I hope it was a great one!