Missy Mao Mao

Charlie and Charlie Button

2012-03-18T18:40:00.000+11:00

Charlie is one for the blokes as well as the ladies.

The front panel is made from a woven effect vinyl that looks as if it just walked off a 50's style chair.

This bag also comes in a dark brown/ black with red top stitching. I'm yet to make that sample.

Charlie Button, I just added the fifties styled fabric button to jazz up the bag.

Plain or with the button both look great.

The Charlie bag and Charlie Button bag come in large and small satchel as well as a number of other styles.

2012 range

2012-03-17T18:29:00.001+11:00

Over the last week I've been working really hard making samples of my 2012 range. This is the range I sell wholesale. Over the past few years I've slowed down on the wholesale orders and now I only supply a few quality outlets.

I am really loving the range this year.

I will be blogging about a bag each day this week except Wednesday when I blog about Mosey.

Some of the bags will be available at my Arts Centre Victoria Sunday Market stall and some will be listed on etsy and Mosey.

This ones called Stella and it's a two handled zipper tote. I make each bag in a number of styles.

If you would like to order from your local Missy Mao Mao stockists simply let them know which bag and what style so they can order it in for you.

Love birds

2012-03-14T09:00:00.000+11:00

Love birds in a biscuit just makes my heart flutter and my mouth water.

Each Wednesday I will feature something from the new handmade site Mosey. These lovely biscuits are from Epicurean biscuits and look and taste divine. Check them out here. What a wonderful gift they would make.

The market was a buzzing

2012-03-13T17:38:00.002+11:00

Last Sunday the market was a buzzing.

We had live music.

Sunshine.

Lovely shoppers.

My stall.

Crowds from Moomba.

The Wave sculpture on the lawn next to Hamer Hall. People were enjoying picnics, live music and a great artisan market. It was a great weekend and we are all looking forward to next sunday when we have more free entertainment. Why not pack a picnic or grab a coffee and relax this Sunday at the Victorian Arts Centre Sunday Market.

At the quilt show - Ballarat

2012-03-08T19:17:00.003+11:00

I'm at the Begonia Quilters Festival of Quilts show tomorrow and Saturday.

The ladies were setting up today and it looks like it's going to be a fabulous show. Not that I expected anything less than amazing.

I'll be with other stall holders in the back room. The back room is off the main hall at the back and to the left. There's a sign pointing the way. If you see tables and chairs you are heading in the right direction.

So if you are moseying on down, do say hello. But if you aren't able to mosey on down my way you can pick up the cutest little mother and bub zebra bag from my new Mosey store. Mosey is the new Aussie based place to buy handmade online. I only have enough fabric to make two zebra bags so they are just a tad exclusive. I'm loving the orange colour.

I've got lots of other new bags available as well as new aprons. I've been busy lately working on the new winter range, I'll be showing you that soon. It's a very big weekend for me so I'll be seeing you on the flip side when I next blog, unless you say hi at the market.

Cheers!

Aprons now on Etsy

2012-03-06T20:35:00.001+11:00

I've listed these aprons on Etsy.

Blue bird of happiness apron.

Magical lands apron.

Sweet retro tea cup apron.

Enjoy!

floral fabric love

2012-03-03T13:03:00.000+11:00

I couldn't resist the fabric and I now have a bag made from it.

I thought a bit of top stitching in red would pull the whole look together.

I've made this bag as part of my winter collection and will be offering it to my wholesale customers soon.

You can of course contact me to ask when and where this bag would be available.

That shed clean up.

2012-03-01T09:00:00.000+11:00

My shed clean up seems to be taking forever. We are slowly getting though it.

This is a before shot.

Now we have this. It's not too bad. We are still sorting though and we keep finding things from the past.

I ended up dividing the space into three areas

1- storage

2 - gardening stuff

3 - a woodworking and making area.

The photo above shows the storage area. I have to buy hooks and shelves for the gardening area next. The woodworking area requires a bit more work. We have to plaster a wall that divides off the wet studio from the rest of the shed. I really think that I'm starting to win the battle with "stuff". The battle is continuing but it's not overwhelming me now.

Hope your challenges for 2012 are proceeding nicely along as you planned. Our shed clean up is one step towards our goal of renovating the back section of our house.

Velveteen creations.

2012-02-28T09:00:00.000+11:00

Remember my pile of velveteen?

Check out my new bags made from the fabric.

The mini pocket bag and the mini satchel.

I couldn't resist a bit of velveteen pocket play under the flap.

I hope you like what you see.

I haven't listed these in my etsy shop yet but they are available from my stall at the Victorian Arts Centre Sunday Market. If you are really interested and can't get to the market just contact me though my etsy store and I'll put up a special order for you.

Festival of Quilts

2012-02-26T10:00:00.000+11:00

The Begonia Quilters are holding and exhibition of their quilts at the Ballarat Mining Exchange.

Quilts by Maria Cook.
Photo by Maria Cook

I'm really looking forward to the show as I will be having a stall there.
The show goes from Friday the 9th until Monday 12th of March 2012
10am - 5pm daily. Admission $5 Children under 16 free.

I will be there with lot's of lovely Missy Mao Mao products on the Friday and Saturday.

Can't wait to see Maria's quilts unfolded and hanging.

The Ballarat Mining Exchange is not far from the station.
6 Lydiard St Nth, Ballarat

The last fabric dream

2012-02-25T09:17:00.000+11:00

This is my last fabric dream post. I hope you have enjoyed seeing what I'm thinking about this winter.

Now I've added a burnt orange vinyl into the mix.

I think the colours go back nicely with my felt flowers from the first fabric dream post.

Have a good weekend and I'll see you next week.

Enjoy!

The fabric dreamer

2012-02-24T09:13:00.000+11:00

I was feeling that I needed a bit of colour to bring the collection towards spring.

I came across this large leaf woven fabric and felt that it blended nicely with my theme. It also works well with the vinyl canvas that I plan to use on the bottom of the bags to make them tough and durable. Tomorrow is my last day of fabric dreams.

Still dreaming fabric.

2012-02-23T09:08:00.000+11:00

Something old and something new.

I already had the spot fabric but when I came across this lovely fluted vinyl last week I knew I's found a match made in heaven. I'm still thinking red top stitching on these bags. I'm also think BIB. Big bags that are a bit rounded. I've more to show you tomorrow .

The fabric dream

2012-02-22T09:05:00.000+11:00

I'm loving the geometric theme.

I was very taken with the black and grey woven fabric but I now can't stop thinking about the purple and red. i guess I might just have to get both. More fabric dreams tomorrow.

Winter fabric dreamer

2012-02-21T09:02:00.000+11:00

Here's more of what I'm dreaming about for my winter collection.

I'm now thinking about adding a little red geometric.

More fabric play tomorrow.

Winter fabric dream

2012-02-20T08:59:00.000+11:00

I know it's summer here in Australia but I'm thinking winter right now. I've started collecting fabric swabs for my winter range. Over the next few days I will be showing them to you. I hope you like what you see.

Geometric and floral in monotone with added greens and orange.

Adding a bit of vinyl canvas in a brown black mix with red top stitching.

Felt flowers to add highlights here and there.

More tomorrow.

More velveteen love

2012-02-18T08:47:00.000+11:00

Here's some more little purses made from velveteen.

I love the bright colour.

I really wasn't sure about this fabric but now it's grown on me. Have you noticed my new zip play? I've swapped the zipper pulls so the some of the purses have different coloured pulls to the zips. I can't stop touching the velveteen, it's just so nice and soft.

The purses are now available from my stall at the Art's Centre Melbourne Sunday Market. See you there.

Velveteen Love

2012-02-17T08:41:00.000+11:00

Remember this big pile.

Lovely bright velveteens from Anna Marie Horner.

Who could resist the colour, well I couldn't . Here's a few of the items I made last week using this fabric.

Pop back tomorrow for a few more pictures of the little purses.

Weekly Production.

2012-02-16T08:28:00.000+11:00

Each week I have to make enough stock to cover sales from the week before. Given the season, (February is usually a slow month in retail here in Australia) I'm currently making more stock than I need so that I can so I can build a reserve for later. Building a small reserve of stock means that I can easily take a day off here and there, maybe even a holiday and that I might not have to work like a mad thing closer to Christmas. I also decided it's a wiser use of my time to make items in groups of 10.

I have worked out a little production schedule and I'm determined to stick to it. Each week I make 10 of one item and then work on my Aprons and bags. If I'm good I get time to play on new product design. I love working on new product so it's a nice reward system for getting "jobs" done.

A love letter

2012-02-14T08:15:00.000+11:00

Ruby Star fabric made into love letter themed goodies for Valentines Day.

Gadget keepers

Little purses

cosmetic purse

Hope you have some love in your air. Enjoy the day. xxxx

So this is where Barbie lives.

2012-02-12T10:02:00.000+11:00

On a stroll down Stuart Street, Ballarat, I came across Barbies abode.

She lives in the window of a jewellery shop and lounges around in evening wear all day long. Who would have thought it. You never know how famous your neighbours are. LOL

Cat in the hat.

2012-02-11T09:30:00.000+11:00

I just had to show you

Our very own cat in the hat.

Mr Missy Mao Mao was out for the night and this little lady just adores him. She decided his hat was best thing that night. Too cute.

I'm at the Victorian Arts Centre Sunday Market tomorrow, might see you there.

Enjoy.

High Tea

2012-02-10T09:30:00.000+11:00

High Tea is the thing to do especially when you do it with your sister. Here's a few photos of what we ate over the afternoon.

It was so yummy. A nice day that we were both kind to ourselves and just relaxed, chatted, drank tea and ate cake. Then we did a bit of shopping. It was a great "sisters" day. Do you have a special day to be with your sisters? Sometimes it's hard to make the time with busy families but it is well worth it.

I feel like flying

2012-02-09T09:30:00.000+11:00

Running a handcrafted business can sometimes feel like you are the only one on the planet.

You do it all.

Design

Make

Sell

Send.

So when I get great feedback comments from customers, it really makes me want to do the happy dance all day long.

Here are a few of the products I've sold and the feed back I've received.

Just received my Fab Bag today, and Marilyn you have created an amazing and original bag. Not only is it beautiful but so practical as well. It is solid and well constructed, so light and easy to carry...and "just the right size"! Many thanks :)

I saw this bag at the Dalesford Makers Market and regreted not purchasing it there. Marilyn was fantastic at helping to 'make my bag dreams come true'! A wonderful seller. My beautiful bag arrived very quickly, safe and sound. Thank you Marilyn!!

Just thought I'd let you know, I'm one very proud bunny!

Taking photos for my shop

2012-02-07T21:30:00.000+11:00

Taking photos for my shop.

This is something I'm not that good at.

I've had to work out a formula that suits me.

This is what I do.

I have a map draw in the wet studio with white paper in it. I simply position the bag on an angle (just for interest) and take a few shots. Then I play with iPhoto editing tools till it looks better. I always have problems with the reflective nature of the plastic but usually I can play about and edit to a level that I'm happy with.

Here's a before and after editing shot.

Before

After

Just a bit of a trim and an adjustment and the bag looks heaps better and more like it really is.

Sometimes we have to do things simply to get the best results. Now I have my photography formula I feel more confident it my ability to show off my product.

So if you aren't confident doing something maybe look for the easy way first and give it a go.

It's a hoot!

2012-02-06T09:30:00.000+11:00

The owl fabric satchel.

Available on request in either black or green owls.

A bag to carry your wisdom in or a good book.

Enjoy!

If you would like to buy the bag here's the listing

http://www.etsy.com/listing/92314800/green-owl-satchel-style-messenger-bag

Retro fabrics

2012-02-05T09:30:00.000+11:00

Remember the Retro fabrics I showed you a few days ago.

Well, this one has now been made into a cute satchel bag.

The flap is covered in plastic to keep the fabric nice.

This is a limited edition bag so if you like it the listing is here.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/91618514/retro-daisy-satchel

Ruby! Oh Ruby!

2012-02-04T09:30:00.000+11:00

This is just a glimpse of the new range from Ruby Star. I bought samples in all sorts of colours. I so enjoy the graphic nature of her prints, not to mention the great use of colour and retro themes.

I hope you have enjoyed a week of fabric love. Now you know what's lighting my fabric fire for the next season. I look forward to showing you the items made from my fabric crushes over the next few weeks.

Tomorrow I am at the Art's Centre Melbourne Sunday Market. I might even see you there, be sure to say hello if you pass by.

A wise old owl.

2012-02-03T09:30:00.000+11:00

Do you have an owl thing?

Well, I think I'm catching the owl thing. I bought both colour ways in this owl strip fabric. I was only going to get the black one and then I thought better of it. Those greens and nice and lush. I'm imagining satchels with strips of owls hooting out from the flap.

Tomorrow is my last day of the fabric love theme, well until I buy some more anyway.

Velveteen

2012-02-02T09:30:00.000+11:00

I'm in love again and I just couldn't resist buying...........

........a little bit of every colourway in Anna Marie Horner's new velveteen fabric range.

I love Anna Marie's description on her shop site. "Exploring deeper hues and more ethereal brights, the beauty of the collection at once has me escaping into deep- almost tropical- woods but at the same time I'm transfixed by sun-blasted garden blooms. " Check out the collection in full at Anna Marie's shop.

I'm making the usual bag range from these with a few added extras of applique and topstitching. It's all in the "in my head" design stage at the moment so you will have to wait and see what happens. I do promise to show you though.

More fabric love tomorrow, see you then.

Colours bright and right.

2012-02-01T09:30:00.001+11:00

I've been chasing a bit of this Anna Marie Horner fabric for a while.

I love the brights contrasting against the grey background. I'm using this print for my new bag range.

I couldn't resist buying more to make myself a top. Pic's soon.

More fabric love tomorrow.

Little scottie and friends

2012-01-31T09:30:00.001+11:00

I fell in love with this little scottie fabric.

I'm going to use it to trim some children's aprons and make little purses. I couldn't go past the dot and ric rac fabric. The ric rac print separates three different sized dots. I just love, love, love this print. I also enjoying the bright primary colours that have made a come back for 2012. A bit of retro 1980's fun. I remember making scottie dog tops for my son when he was a little boy in the 1980's.

Enjoy and pop back tomorrow for some more fabric love.

Look what I found!

2012-01-29T09:30:00.000+11:00

Look what I found in my shed!

Some vintage fabric.

I love the way that they weren't afraid to be bold in the sixties.

I'm turning these lovelies into bags over the next few weeks. Photo's will be taken and blogged.

Now back to cleaning and sorting the "stuff" in the shed.

The FilmLife Project Bloggers Challenge

2012-01-28T09:00:00.000+11:00

The FilmLife Project Bloggers Challenge

A couple of days ago I mentioned that I would be joining in with this blogger campaign on Curly pops blog. The aim is to increase participation and awareness of organ donation.

Here are my answers to the questions for The FilmLife Project Blogger Challenge

What’s your take on or experience with organ donation, and why did you choose to take part in the FilmLife Blogger Challenge?

I was born in the late 50's. I grew up in an amazing time. The world just changed rapidly before we even had a chance to grasp it. It was a time of incredible possibilities and amazing medical breakthroughs. It was a time that we thought that anything was possible. The idea that you can donate organs was like something from a science fiction movie, like mobile phones it just seemed too "out there". Having lived in a time when research and development of organ donation has progressed to an amazing degree I really want to be part of it. The easiest way to be part of it is to register to be a donor and take part in this challenge.

If you were to donate your organs, which one would you love to donate, and why?(nb. this question is intentionally quirky so feel free to be creative and have some fun with it)

Well, if I'm not fussed what is used.

I hope that my organs remain healthy enough to be of use.

I remember watching the tv when the person who had a hand transplant was on. I imagined my hands on another persons body doing all the daily tasks that I take for granted. I imagined if my hands had a mind of their own and could still do all the things that I do, like draw, sew and knit, I imagine someone looking down at their new hands, my hands, and thinking, "gosh, these are a bit pudgy for a designer. They look like the hands of a milk maid but blood hell they really are beautiful and they do work like a treat"

Who in your family would you need to talk to about organ donation, to be sure your loved ones knew your wishes?

I spoke to my son the other day. I asked him what he would do if he was asked about my organs. He said; "they would be donated, of course, there is no reason not to, why wouldn't you?" He also made it clear that he would want his organs donated as well. I'm going to talk to the rest of the family about this over the next few weeks. We have had our share of heart and lung issues but in the end, that's not important. The most important thing is that by being a donor, you get the pleasure of knowing, that you have the potential to dramatically improve someones quality of life. Now that's got to be a good thing.

Freya Hollick plays 'Eyes as empty as heaven may well be' - ABC Ballarat - Australian Broadcasting Corporation

2012-01-27T09:30:00.000+11:00

Some music for you today live from the ABC Ballarat Studio

Freya Hollick plays 'Eyes as empty as heaven may well be' - ABC Ballarat - Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Enjoy!

Lets celebrate.

2012-01-26T03:00:00.000+11:00

Today is Australia Day. So if you are reading this and you are an Aussie, have a good one. If you are not an Aussie why not join in the fun.

To celebrate I am offering free worldwide shipping for today only on all orders from my Etsy store.
If you have been thinking of buying a Missy Mao Mao bag, do it today and save on postage.
All you need to do is type AUSSIEDAY12 for the coupon code at checkout and you wont be charged postage. Too easy!

Happy Australia Day!

Have a good one!

The little things

2012-01-25T09:30:00.000+11:00

These little pocket bags, I call them mini pocket bags, seem to be the "go" at the moment.

Leather mini pocket.

Leather mini pocket with vintage buttons.

I must make more of these little bags with a cute strip across the front.

Nice and bright for summer a little green daisy bag.

I loved making this bag. My love of colour makes me so happy when I work with brights fabric.

All the above bags have sold and I'm busy making more. It's interesting how much one style of bag can change with the materials used. Which one do you like the best?

Tomorrow is Australia Day and I have a special offer.

Pop back to see what it is.

Bye for now.

I did it and you might like to as well

2012-01-24T09:00:00.000+11:00

I registered to be an organ donor.

Have you ever thought about it?

In a couple of days I will be joining in with this blogger campaign on Curly pops blog. The aim is to increase participation and awareness of organ donation.

Ages ago I used to work in community health and I carried a little card in my wallet that said I wanted to donate my organs. That little card disappeared a long time ago. Since then I have been assuming that those close to me would know what I want. Then I had a good hard think and thought, it was best if I made my wishes known in a formal way. So I registered to be an organ donor with Medicare Australia. Now no one has to um or arh. My family will always know that they have made the right choice because it is on record that it is my choice.

If you are interested and would like to register online to be a donor it's very easy. All you need to do is click here

This little lady came home with me.

2012-01-23T09:30:00.000+11:00

Over Christmas this little lady came home with me.

I don't have her in position yet. This is the photo I took when I first met her at the nursery. I took a photo to show my partner and then forgot about it for a couple of months. Then when Christmas was upon us I decided to go get her. Luckily she was still there. I think she suits the 1920's parts of the house. I's also like to get some modern sculpture in the garden. It's a big garden so there's plenty of room. I will show you photos when she is in her perfect place. This time of the year the heat really knocks the garden around. We have two tanks as still we run out of water.

Oh and don't you just love the yellow shoes on the lass walking past. So cute!

Baking day red

2012-01-22T09:00:00.000+11:00

This one is bright and happy, nice for a Sunday.

I hope you have enjoyed a few shots of the aprons modelled by Gemma.

Thanks Gemma. xxx

Baking day - yellow and purple and grey

2012-01-21T09:30:00.000+11:00

Just to make you feel like the perfect princess, housewife come super woman. Bake your day away in this lovely Missy Mao Mao apron.

Missy Mao Mao aprons are available from my stall at the Arts Centre Melbourne Sunday Market.

See you there!

Baking day - green

2012-01-20T09:30:00.000+11:00

Missy Mao Mao apron in snowy woods fabric from Saffron Craig.

Baking day - purple

2012-01-19T09:30:00.000+11:00

Purple today

Missy Mao Mao apron for baking in a magical world.

A tidy new look.

2012-01-18T09:30:00.000+11:00

Last year I played about with dynamic views on blogger. I wasn't sure so I went back to my old look. But early in the year somethings hit me like a blot out of the blue.

I no longer like to see a whole lot of fussy bits and stuff around me.

Maybe it's because my garage looks like this and I need to be saved by from all the clutter in my life.

This year I want to declare war on my "stuff".

STUFF, I DON'T NEED YOU IN MY LIFE SO BE GONE WITH YOU!

So I've started with the blog. I got rid of the stuff and now you just have me to deal with. I hope that's okay with you. Now I'm off to deal with other stuff.

Enjoy!

Tips on what to do with stuff and how to live a tidier existence welcome.

What's in store for 2012

2012-01-16T09:30:00.000+11:00

I'm really enjoying these geometric prints.

I like the fifties feel with the floral centres. I'm thinking on expanding on this range for the Australian autumn. What do you think?

Itty bitty purses that are itty bitty bit bigger

2012-01-14T14:18:00.001+11:00

This week I've been working on these.

I had lots of fun and intend making more. It's nice to have a bit of colour in your life.

Clip lock purses ric rac circus fabric available from my stall at the Arts Centre Melbourne sunday Market.

Can't make it there and having an attack of the desires, then contact me though my etsy store and I will put up a special order for you.

www.missymaomao.etsy.com

The front garden.

2012-01-11T20:46:00.000+11:00

Over the past month I have been trying to improve the look of the garden paths at the front of the house.
They are brick and were laid many years ago. A build up of soil over the top allowed the growth of weeds so the best thing to do was to remove it. I scraped away the excess soil and dug between the bricks. I then refilled with clean sand.

I'm only half way though. It's hard work down there on my hands and knees.

There's still a lot to do. I figure I'll slowly get though it all. It's best to do what I can when I can. After I started this job the weather came in, first it was rain and hail and then it got too hot. Maybe next week I'll get to it again.

Last years garden jobs.

2012-01-10T09:00:00.000+11:00

The sad hot house is still the sad hot house only with a lot more weeds.

I think I'm going to have to get my thinking cap on for this one.

As for the driveway, well I have managed to kill a few weeds.

Our plans for the extension that was to be in this space

and here

Have been slowed down while we wait for plans and planning.

The back of the shed/wet studio still needs to be replaced.

We have got rid of one hugh pile of garden rubbish and worked on renovating the garden paths in the front of the house. Pop back tomorrow for photos.

Those garden jobs, the ones from last year.

2012-01-09T09:00:00.000+11:00

Remember last year when I posted about a week of garden jobs that needed to be done.

This week I'm revisiting some of them to show you where I'm up to.

Firstly there was this:

A hugh pile of garden stuff and over grown plants. Well, I'm pleased to let you know that they have all gone. The bed is now a pretty lavender and rose garden with a feature dwarf cherry tree.

I'll be looking at that cherry tree from my studio window.

Now I'm looking at this photo I can see how much the plants have grown since taking it.

I still have a bit more planting to do but I think I will wait until the heat of summer has left us. We were lucky that the garden has been laid out with nice sections and paths. The plants were just getting old and overgrown. I'm planning a native garden in the next bed. Oh and I have a bit of painting to finish as well.

To Market to Market.

2012-01-07T10:55:00.003+11:00

I'm back at the Arts Centre Melbourne Sunday Market tomorrow.

I managed to make four aprons.

Here's a little peek.

I had fun playing with the new Saffron Craig fabrics.

Next week I will be back in full production mode. I have a few new fabrics for bags as well as a couple of design idea. Have a great weekend.

New fabrics

2012-01-06T09:30:00.000+11:00

Just before Christmas I got a surprise package. I wasn't expecting anything before Christmas. I was a bit puzzled when they handed me this big grey parcel at the post office.

But I had to brake into the biggest smile when I opened it to find...........

......... lovely new fabrics from Saffron Craig.

I had forgotten that I ordered these. I love the colours and quality of the fabric.

I've started cutting the fabric for aprons. I'm going to try and have a few for the Arts Centre Melbourne Sunday Market this weekend. I'll let you know how I go.

My mums a hero.

2012-01-03T09:30:00.000+11:00

When I'm talking heroes for 2011 I really can't go past my mum.

I love this old photo of my smiling mum

Despite the odds she survived a bleed in her brain early in 2011. Slowly she is getting stronger and more independent. My mums determination makes her a hero. Like she says "you have to try" and "you have to try hard otherwise you wont get better". So true. At the start I thought she would need long term care if she survived. Now she has started doing shopping for herself. I am so proud of her.

My dad is also a hero for going though two very painful knee replacement operations.

We are looking forward to a healthier and happier 2012.
In 2012 my heros will become champions.

I hope we are all heroes and champions in our own little way.

Last years hero this years champion

2012-01-02T09:30:00.000+11:00

My next hero for 2011 is Ms Curlypops.

What makes someone my hero for 2011?

Well they are people who have caught my attention and I have followed and admired what they did in the last year.

People on this list don't know about it and are going to get a little surprise when and if they read my blog.

I met Curlypops at the Daylesford Makers Market in 2010 and found her a delightful human being. I promptly started following her blog.

I admire Curlypops because she has a distinctive look in her product that is hers and hers alone. She is consistently developing her product line while maintaining her style.

Don't you just love these Dame Edna Sunnies Pouch. Shop Curlypops here.

I have enjoyed Ms Curlypops blog. In 2011 she has made me laugh and cry and feel all that love she has for her nephews. I look forward to every post. A little highlight in my day.

I also admire Curlypops for her dedication to the 2011 Hottie Challenge which raised money for the Margaret Pratt Foundation. The Margaret Pratt Foundation supports research aimed to improve the outcomes for heart and lung transplant recipients. Recently Ms Curlypops has found herself on the waiting list for a transplant. I and am sure you will join with me in wishing her a fantastic 2012.

Curlypops a hero in 2011 and destined to be a champion in 2012. YES!!!!

Oh! Sorry Curlypops for pinching your pic without permission. I hope you will forgive me. I wanted to surprise you.

A new year

2012-01-01T09:48:00.000+11:00

Happy New Year! Welcome back to my blog. Have you had a good brake?

I don't want to start the new year with a moan but I have had a few days of aching arms and wrists. As soon as I stopped my daily sewing regime my body let me know it wasn't happy. My right elbow was so swollen. So I stopped and let my body heal. This year I have to be a lot kinder to myself and rest from the sewing machine even if I think I don't need to.

Last year was a big one, I'm glad it's behind me.

Here are a few of my heroes from last year.

Sue from Hawthorne Cottage.

Sue runs a small farm and makes and sells items from her own flock of sheep. Sue is a hero because she has run her handmade business for an incredibly long time. She grows, makes and sells her product,not many people can say that.

Sue was of great assistance when it came time for me to open up my stall at the Arts Centre Melbourne Sunday Market. Without Sue it wouldn't have happened. There is another side of my life, that I rarely talk about these days, I suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Many years ago I was badly assaulted in the shop that I ran in Melbourne. I thought that I wouldn't be able to ever stand behind a counter and sell my bags myself again. I built my business around the wholesale market and the internet so I would feel safe working from my studio and not having to deal with the people. Then came the economic crisis, and the wholesale orders stopped. I had to get out into the makers market scene if my business was to survive. Thanks to Sue I am at the Arts Centre Melbourne Sunday Market every week. I now get to meet amazing people, sell my bags and feel pretty lucky to have met Sue, my hero.

Pop back tomorrow to meet more heros for 1211.

Christmas is here

2011-12-24T18:58:00.000+11:00

Tonight is Christmas Eve.

We are having a quiet evening, just the two of us, a dog and a couple of cats, a nice meal and a glass of wine.

All is at peace in my world. All is calm.

I am so thankful for this life and people I share it with. I am thankful that you have taken the time to read my ramblings on life and running my creative business. I trust that you have enjoyed the adventure that was 2011.

I would like to take this moment to wish you a happy and joyous Christmas and new year.

Now for next year.

I will be back after the brake to show you all my garden adventures. I am planning a hugh shed clean up and renovation. Photos next year, I promise. Also, we are going to renovate the back half of our house. Join me in the new year to see how we survive without a kitchen and laundry. And don't forget to pop in to see what Missy Mao Mao has planned for her next range. Some fabrics have already arrived and sneak peeks are going to be blogged soon.

I'm signing off for 2011 now. You have a good new year. Be safe and happy and most of all

ENJOY!

Super Thea

2011-12-20T11:00:00.000+11:00

Wow! I am so proud with my friend Thea, she is featured in the January issue of Home Beautiful.

I use Thea and Sami fabrics for my leather and an exclusive daisy vinyl range.

Here's some of the fabrics in action on Missy Mao Mao bags.

Just a few samples of what I've made. There's much more that was sold before I got the camera out. If you want to grab your own piece of Thea and Sami fabric or home wares visit the website

here. Theas' latest fabric range just screams summer, go take a look.

Enjoy!

Voodoo rabbit if you please.

2011-12-18T15:06:00.000+11:00

One of my favourite fabric suppliers is Voodoo Rabbit. They have just opened a real live physical shop which I wished was within walking distance from my house. Unfortunately it's not even in the same state. So you lucky crafty Queenslanders check out the new store here.

Address: Office 1 (Upstairs via Side Entry), 904 Stanley Street, East Brisbane

Phone: 0422 215 053

Here's some of my goodies made up from my latest Voodoo Rabbit purchase.

If you are thinking of heading down for a bit of voodoo crafty happiness don't forget to check the opening times here.

Enjoy!

Now there's only one.

2011-12-17T14:53:00.000+11:00

Only one market left before Christmas. Tomorrow will be my last market for the year. The Arts Centre Sunday Market will be closed for the next few weeks while we enjoy Christmas and the new year.

I've got to admit that the last week has been a hard one. I am hanging out for some quality family time.
Summer's here and I want to dance around my garden and feel the sunshine on my face.

This week I have been making lots of little purses and pouches in some new fabrics. They tell a story about a fishing boy and a playful princess.

Available in three different sizes and suitable for fisherman and princesses everywhere. Made from lovely organic cotton fabrics.

Enjoy the last week before Christmas. I'm really starting to feel the Christmas spirit, can't wait till the big day. Hope you have a good one.

Now there are only three

2011-12-10T10:03:00.001+11:00

Only three markets left for me before Christmas and two of them are on this weekend.

Today you can enjoy the Daylesford Christmas Twilight Makers Market. We are at the Daylesford Primary School. Doors open at 3pm and close at 7.30pm.

Tomorrow I will be in my usual position, at the back near Hamer Hall, at the Victorian Arts Centre Makers Market.

Please buy some handmade Australian designer gifts this Christmas.

Buying a gift from local designer makers, promotes a vibrant craft industry.

We can't do it without YOU!

Another apron teaser

2011-12-04T10:00:00.000+11:00

Aprons with a 50's twist so you can bake your day away.

tea time

little bird

the girls

yellow rose

little apples

50's kitchen

sweet cherry pie

Available from the Victorian Arts Centre Market today.

And then there were four.

2011-12-03T12:24:00.001+11:00

Only four more markets left until Christmas.

Three at the Victorian Arts Centre Makers Market, every Sunday until Christmas.

One next week, a twilight market at the Daylesford Primary School.

I've been working really hard making the cutest of cutest things.

A range of little purses and gadget keepers.

Available from my market stalls over the next few weeks.

Enjoy!

Little purses.

2011-11-26T09:00:00.000+11:00

I have such fun making little purses.

Some of my customers have come up with some good uses for them.

They are an ideal little purse to place your jewels in. One lady bought several which she was going to attach together with a big key or binder ring. You just use the D ring on the side to slip on the key ring.

Another customer thought they made an ideal pouch for the many gift cards that we will probably all give and receive this Christmas. Instead of wrapping the card simply place it in the purse and tie a gift tag on the D ring. That way you have bought something personal as well as the gift card. Ideal for those difficult to buy for teenagers.

A new range of little purses to suit little and big girls.

How cute is this fabric? Some children's fabric is so nice. I've made these little purses for our inner child. I can't help but smile when I see this gang of kids and critters.

I've made up a few of the retro cosmetic bags. I sold these a few years ago and I couldn't resist a remake.

Purses and cosmetic bags available from my stall at the Daylesford Makers Market today, or if not sold tomorrow at the Arts Centre Makers Market.

An apron teaser

2011-11-25T19:52:00.001+11:00

I'm off to the Daylesford Makers Market tomorrow.

I've been busy all week making aprons.

Here's a little peek.

Aprons are $55 AUS each. All made by me on my old industrial sewing machine in my solar powered studio. Available at the Daylesford Makers Market. Saturday the 26th of November 2011. Daylesford Town Hall. Doors open at 10am. We pack up at 3pm. Any aprons left will be available on Sunday from my stall at the Arts Centre Makers Market in Melbourne.

There was an old man.

2011-11-19T16:18:00.001+11:00

Once upon a time there was an old man called Bob. Bob lived in Ballarat all his life. He was born here and he died here.

I didn't know he had died until late last week when I saw a "for sale" sign on his house.

I first met Bob just over a year ago when my son moved into the house behind his.

I think Bob said he was 90 but he was so busy banging on fence posts I didn't hear an exact number. Bob was making the fence good for the greyhound pups he had recently bought.

"I know I'm old but I love my greyhounds" he said. "I used to race a lot and I know a bit about them. These two, well they are champions and I gotta 'ave another go at it."

Bob wasn't a well man.

We asked him about the history of the area and he told us his grandfather owned most of the land.
"He planted that old tree" He pointed into my sons yard. That old tree stood toward the back of the block close to the river.

We found out that Bob's house was up for auction today. I wasn't sure that Bob had passed on, I sort of hoped he was settled in a retirement home. I thought I'd go to the auction to find out what had happened. I also secretly wished I had enough money to buy the house. The house had a wonderful garden. Bob's sister lived with Bob until she died. She was a keen gardener. The garden like the house is full of it's owners presence. Visiting it filled me with pleasure as well as sadness. Bob was the last living person in his family, he died without descendants. It was a joy though to see so many other people who visited the house to pay their respects. Walking though the rooms we heard delightful tales of Bob's adventures and his sisters wonderful scones.

"He shouldn't a bought those greyhounds" said a lady. "But he just couldn't help himself"

"Kept him going" I replied.

"That's right they kept him going. I heard one came in a winner just after he died, won a whole lotta money that greyhound." She said

We both smiled because we both remembered that Bob had said that they were champions and that Bob had done what he wanted to do, right up until the end, he had trained a winner.

We stayed to watch the auction. We watched as people who wanted to lovingly restore Bobs old house were outbid by those who want to develop. The future of the land will probably be units. A way of life and living in Ballarat will come to an end for number 1 Hunt Street. I will always remember Bob and his greyhounds and hope his grandfathers trees survive.

I'm so happy he raised a winner.

The Cats Meow

2011-11-10T12:31:00.000+11:00

I've just finished five new insect flutter bags for The Cat's Meow.

These little numbers sell quickly so if you are wanting one, they should arrive in store this Friday.

Enjoy!

Out the back door.

2011-11-09T10:48:00.000+11:00

I thought I'd give you a pic of the view from my back door.

Yep, a whole lot of stuff that should be elsewhere.

This is what I'd really like to show you, my lovely garden, green from lots of rain. All that rain has seen a delay in things that needed to be done, like putting away stuff that's sitting by my back door.

Our back door is due to be removed next year as we make way for a new kitchen family room renovation. We will be able to see so much more of our garden though large glass doors. I'm going to have a new laundry and walk in pantry, well that's the dream. I plan to show you more pictures from my back door as the renovations take place.

What's the view from your back door like? Post a pic of your back door on your blog and pop link into the comment box if you would like to play along. I will than add your link to my back yard blog.

Enjoy!

Daylesford Makers Market

2011-11-05T07:43:00.002+11:00

Good morning! And it is a very GOOD morning, the sun is shining.

I'm up early ready to set up my stall at the Daylesford Makers Market.

I've been busy making a few new items. So busy I haven't had the time to photograph and blog about them. Lot's of nice things for christmas presents.

Have a lovely weekend and if you so happen to be at the Daylesford Makers Market today, pop over to my stall and say hello.

Garden jobs day 6 - Saturday

2011-10-30T09:00:00.000+11:00

This is my last post for a week of garden jobs.

Sadly because we have had so much rain some of my plants have started to die. I need to left them and see what the soils like underneath. This job is part of the daily care of being a gardener. I try to get out every day and look at what needs to be done. The list over the past week has been a bit overwhelming but one must start somewhere. When we moved to this house the previous owners had planted the wrong plants and we are slowly bringing some consistency by planting lot's of the same types of plants. The lavender above is one such plant. See the healthy one right next to the water logged one, it's very pretty.

Pop back and over time I will bring you updates on our garden jobs. I hope you have enjoyed an honest look at some of the not so nice parts of our garden.

Garden jobs - Day five - Friday

2011-10-28T09:00:00.000+11:00

The vegetable garden looks pretty shabby. We are planning some new paths. The block next door has been built higher than the natural lay of the land and we need to work out the retaining wall before new fences are built. The stick next to the compost bin holds up the fence.

This area behind the outside studio.

You can see the old wooden sleepers that used to edge the vegetable garden.

This is the back of the old garage that my son turned into a studio. The rust needs to be removed and the area landscaped so that the water runs away and not toward the studio. We had to remove a pile of old vegetable garden dirt to reveal the bottom of the studio.

Garden jobs - day four - Thursday

2011-10-27T09:00:00.000+11:00

This side of the house is looking rather sad. We've left it because we have an exciting new extension in the planning stage. But we do have to move that lime tree and clean up the rubbish pile.

I can't wait for this area to be our new family room.

Garden jobs - day three - Wednesday

2011-10-26T21:00:00.000+11:00

Another big job.

The side of the driveway needs lanscaping. That brick wall nearly fell down, the neighbour reinforced and now it's time for us to do some work on our side. Firstly we need to remove the weeks and then we need to contain the garden beds with some sort of border. The land slopes so we think we might build up parts with sleepers. Like a said - big job.

Garden jobs - day two- Tuesday

2011-10-25T09:00:00.000+11:00

We have a hot house.

A sad old plastic hot house that needed to be recovered. A big job. I would like to add a bit of charm to it. Perhaps a bit of wood decoration here and there, might help. Any ideas would be welcome.

A garden fix it job - Day one - Monday

2011-10-24T09:30:00.000+11:00

This week I'm going to show you some of the things that need to be done in the garden. Each day I will show you something new. My thinking is that by declaring them here they will somehow get done. Most of the jobs this spring have been a bit slow because of the amount of rain we have had.

Here's the first garden chore.

We need to get rid of the garden rubbish from previous "pull up and renovate the garden" session.

The two windows belong to the studio and when we moved in there was a hugh curry plant right on the corner. I have plans for a cherry tree and more lavender. The big bin for the garden rubbish has been ordered and should arrive Tuesday morning.

C'est Moi bag and the little shop of pleasures

2011-10-22T11:50:00.001+11:00

The one thing I love about buying fabric over the internet is you are never really sure of what you are going to receive. I bought the fabric for the bag below and thought that the images would be really small and I had visions of making cosmetic bags from it. Imagine my surprise when it came. The birds are quite large about 20 cm in height. So I whipped up this large zipped top bag. It's available from my store at the Victorian Arts Centre Makers Market this Sunday.

If you like the bag you will adore this lovely little shop I came across a few weeks ago in Castlemaine, Victoria. Mac and Morgan owners Peter and Julie Bottomley have created a shop full of pleasures, both vintage and new products. I wish I had my camera with me.

The shop is a little old cottage painted a bold but soothing blue. I walked past the row of shops up Mostyn Street with a grumbly, hungry tummy. I was determined to keep walking past and not get side tracked. I needed food. But that little blue cottage just beaconed me in and I'm so glad it did. Tummy rumbles were ignored while I pursued all the corners and shelves. I found old wallpaper and fabrics, sewing bits and bobs, lace, plates cups and saucers.

I was in love with the wall striped with a patchwork of wallpapers.

This interior photo only shows a small part of the shop, there are so many lovely little hidden bits and bobs which Julie has cleverly displayed.

We then stopped over the road for food, can't remember the name of the cafe but the food was good. Next time I promise to take my camera.

If you have a spare day why not take a day trip to Castlemaine.

Enjoy your weekend.

I'm back and I'm just wondering about life.

2011-10-21T18:38:00.001+11:00

I have all the good intentions about being a good blogger. It's Blogtober and I'm enjoying lots of daily reads of some great blogs. This year I just couldn't commit myself to any thing daily besides the usual get up and get on with it stuff. I'm not depressed or anything but if you have been a regular visitor to my blog you will know I have been having a few health problems and basically I've been off dealing with that.

Giant white iris growing in my front garden

Life is funny isn't it. I'm not sick, I'm a well person with a medical problem that I need to get treated. Treatment will involve surgery before my eyesight fails me as the benign tumour presses against my optic nerve. How long it will take for all this to happen? Well, I don't know. I have to see a surgeon in the coming months. This is a new journey for me. I feel pretty good, like there's not a thing wrong with me.
There are lot's of people out there with far worse problems. I'm just trying to get on with things and keep busy, it's just that every so often I find myself thinking....BUGGER... I'm going to have to go though something yuk and it's more yukky than a trip to the dentist or a pap smear or some other minor medical thing.

Sometimes we have to walk the road we are given
and look for the blessings along the way.
This is the path to my front door, looking very pretty.

So if I'm not here that often, it's not that I'm NOT thinking about blogging, it's because living in the moment has become far more important to me.

When I have overwhelming issues in my life and I try to keep them in some kind of perspective, I always turn to gardening. Growing things is important to my sense of well being.

Here's a few photos I took of my garden today, I hope you enjoy them.

The crap apple is starting to bloom.

Some of the roses have grown so tall I have to point the camera upwards as they tower over me.

Lavender I planted earlier in the year gives me so much joy as the bees buzz around it.

The meeting of the paths in our back yard has a tri-arch covered in little roses.

I feel blessed to have such a lovely garden.
In the next few weeks we will be doing some major work on our garden. Pop back and see what we are up to.

Dragonfly fabric bag

2011-09-28T10:30:00.000+10:00

Just a quick hello, and another picture of one of my latest bags.

It's a Pat Bag which is ideal for carrying folders and magazines.

This one is available from my stall at the Daylesford Makers Market this Saturday.

See you there!

I'm in love - with fabric - again.

2011-09-25T09:00:00.000+10:00

Joel Dewberry's new Heirloom range gets me a bit gooey eyed, it has the right ethic mix of patterns and the ruby palette is just mouth watering. I love colour.

When I received my first batch of fabrics I set about making this bag.

It's a double zipper Sue bag. There's a Zip pocket on the front and a zip closure on the top. A very secure bag indeed. I am so in love with the colour combination. I've ordered some more from the range which should be here in a few weeks. Meanwhile I still have two more from the range waiting to be turned into bags. Pity there are only 24 hours in one day.

The bag is available from my stall at the Victorian Arts Centre Market, can't get there? Well, just contact me and I will do a special order for you.

Enjoy!

Bag of many colours

2011-09-24T18:24:00.000+10:00

Remember my lovely butter yellow satchel with the insect on it from my previous blog.
Well, she sold very quickly last Sunday, so I've made some more in different colours.

Black.

Purple.

Rich Musk Red.

Avocado Green.

Warm Taupe Grey.

Bright Light Green.

Butter Yellow.

I will only have the black version with me tomorrow at the market. If you would like any of the other colours let me know and I will bring them with me next week.

Next weekend I will be at the Daylesford Makers Market on the Saturday and at the Victorian Arts Centre Market on the Sunday. As Saturday is Grand Final weekend here in Victoria the Daylesford Market will be starting at 9am and finishing at 1pm. We are at the Daylesford Primary School this month so why not pop in and say hello if you are in the area.

Enjoy!

New - insects range

2011-09-17T18:08:00.000+10:00

I am so thrilled with my latest fabric purchase.

Remember the teal fabrics I showed you in my last post.
Well, I only had time to sew up the one with the insect on it.

I used a lovely buttery mellow yellow for the flap.

A lovely burnt brown vinyl for the body of the bag. The cream contrast stitching brings the bag to life.

I am very happy with the result.

I plan a purple version for next week.

I'm going to list this one in my Etsy shop asap. I will of course have the very one photographed with me tomorrow at the Victorian Arts Centre Market. I'll be there between 10 am and 4 pm.

If you wish to purchase from the Etsy shop I have postage capped at $5 Australia wide until the end of September. I will pop back a link to the listing later.

Enjoy!

Hi I'm back. The yellow wasp bag is now listed in my etsy shop. http://www.etsy.com/listing/81959846/yellow-wasp-messenger-bag

Teal felt flower expanding bag.

2011-09-16T11:41:00.001+10:00

I finished the teal bag that I showed you in the last post.

I'm very happy with the result.

Here's the bag folded in a neat triangle shape.

Unclip the tabs at the sides and the bag expands.

Now the bag can take all the extra items you might need to carry.

For a different look just clip in the sides rather than fold and clip.

The tabs on the side run though a large D ring which is great for hanging one of my gadget holders.

Inside the front zipped pocket is a lovely teal blue vinyl.

Back view.

If you love the bag is for sale at $149 AUS. Available from my store this weekend at the Victorian Arts Centre Makers Market, St Kilda Rd. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

I just received two parcels of fabrics and I've picked out a few teal ones to work with today.
Brighter colours this week for a lovely spring day.

Enjoy!

Designing - all in a dream.

2011-09-14T10:45:00.001+10:00

Late last night I had an idea.

I wanted to revive an old bag design. I've got lots of bags on my stall with adjustable long straps that we all love to throw over our bodies so we get the hands free effect, but I just miss the classic handbag.

I've had no time to design or pick up new leather supplies and I do have bags I SHOULD be making but last night I felt the need to play with a few fabrics I had sitting around.

During the night I woke three times thinking about the design and how was I going to get the effect I want in a simple no fuss easy sew way. I have to laugh at myself, I have a week of horrible medical tests and instead of worrying about that, I lose sleep over a bag design.

This morning I cut out this.

I've just sat the fabrics down together, I call this mapping my design.

The bag is based on this one.

It folds in at the sides. I was thinking my new bag would be a softer version with gathered sides.

I've got a bit addicted to the teal blue and green shades and I'm loving the felt flower thing.

I'm off to shop for some interesting lining.
Can't wait to sew it all up.
Pictures soon I promise.

Enjoy!

Making Bread.

2011-09-12T11:51:00.001+10:00

I've been busy again. Sorry if you feel a little neglected. Blogging has been on my mind but somehow the process of getting it out of there and onto the computer has gone astray. I've been quite busy making bread. Firstly the yeasty kind, secondly the sourdough kind and of course lastly the money making kind.

It all started with the purchase of one of these.

A sunbeam mixmaster with dough hooks.

We then visited our local brewing shop which also specialises in home baking. Some quality flour, yeast and a whole lot of advice resulted in a yummy loaf of crusty bread. I used to make bread years ago, like, about 25 years ago but in those days the baking flour on the supermarket shelf just didn't "do it" like it "does it" these days. Baking bread has come a long way. Lot's of people have those bread baking machines and lot's more types of flours are available. I've experimented with whole and rye flours and I haven't had a dud loaf of bread yet.

A few months ago my son gave me a loaf of home cooked sourdough bread. It was so super yum. I love sourdough and was buying commercially produced sour breads but I recently found out that some of these commercially produced breads use sourdough flavouring. Sourdough is a fermented food which relies on a "mother" mix. The mother mix is started and kept going by regular feeding.

After our tryout of yeasted bread baking, I decided to give sourdough bread baking a go. After a quick google search I came across The Stone Soup Blog by Jules Clancy. Jules's blog blew me away. I'm not very good at being a foodie and I'm probably a bit out of the loop and maybe you already know about Stone Soup. Jules specialises in recipes that only use 5 ingredients. I found on the Stone Soup Blog all the information I needed to create the "mother" for my sourdough and the recipes for my first loaf.
I am now addicted, so addicted that I haven't had the chance to photograph any of the sour bread, it's all been eaten. I can tell you this; home made sourdough using Jules's instructions tastes so nice you will never want to eat a commercially made sourdough again, well I don't anyway. It takes a bit of time to create your own starter (mother) for your sourdough, maybe up to 10 days but the wait and the effort is well worth it. The other plus about sourdough is it's a no kneed bread, all you need is time for the dough to ferment. I usually make my mix in the evening and leave it overnight to ferment and pop it in the oven in the morning. The Stone Soup link for sourdough is here.

The money making kind of bread has become another daily task here. I've been so busy with medical stuff, my own and other members of my family that my shop stock was getting a bit low. Now is the time of the year that I can't afford to slack off. I need to keep production up so that I can keep the stock in the shop over the next few months when people will be buying Christmas presents. So I now have a strict production routine. Usually my production relies on how many products I have sold at the market on Sunday, but form now on I will be producing minimum quantities of bags and aprons each week. We are after all coming into the busiest of seasons and I'm really looking forward to my first spring at the Victorian Arts Centre Market.

Enjoy!

Oh Happy Happy Days

2011-09-02T21:14:00.000+10:00

Spring is here.
Well, in my part of the world anyway.

Tomorrow starts the new season of Makers Markets and tomorrow I'm at Daylesford.
I'm looking forward to seeing a few of my maker pals and seeing all their new goodies.
I've been making aprons again and a few new bags. I've just finished working so I had no time to photograph them, sorry. I did make a fab little apron from some of this fabric.

I used the small pattern and trimmed it with some bright pink fabric I just so happen to have in my scrap bag.

Sunday I am at the Victorian Arts Centre Makers Market as usual.

Hope you have a lovely and loving weekend.

An Even Sadder Post

2011-08-29T11:48:00.001+10:00

I struggled last week.

It was a busy one. My father came home from yet another operation. I had to visit my neurologist only to find out I need more tests. In one way or the other I got on with my busy life. The busy life that seems to leave no time to be thankful for the ones I love and the people I have been blessed to know.

Today I got the saddest of news; Julie Ann Twigg who survived the horrific Angel Flight plane crash passed away this morning. I can only believe that God in all his wisdom has reunited Julie Ann with her beloved daughter Jacinda and I am comforted that they both are warmed by His loving embrace.

I feel so sad for the Twigg family, Len and three other children. I feel so lucky to have known Julie Ann though the Dust team.

It's just a silly feeling we have that we don't have time to be thankful, that we take our loved ones and friends for granted. Even in the busiest of times it's worth taking a moment to tell each other that we value them. I don't think I ever took the opportunity to express to Julie Ann how much I value her and Melanie's hard work put into creating and maintaining the Dust team. Julie Ann is going to be so missed.

The thing is, about Julie Ann, she had a dream to make her living from her craft. There are many of us in the creative community that are trying just that, we want to make out living from our creative pursuits. Julie Ann assisted all of us while trying to reach her own goals. Julie Ann's wisdom was apparent in her actively participating in groups that developed a healthier business culture for creative people. Julie Ann supported and maintained a community of creative people, a community that I feel thankful to be part of.

So today I am raising my glass to you Julie Ann. I go onward and upward in my creativity because I have known you and things that you have done. I am proud to have known you and I am proud to know that you are part of my journey.

God Bless.

The Blue Bird Bag

2011-08-23T09:29:00.000+10:00

Since the Blue Bird Bag has been in Nature & Health magazine I have a few enquiries.

I've been so busy that I haven't had time to put a listing up in my Etsy shop.

So first job of the day was to get on the computer and put this listing up http://www.etsy.com/listing/80288967/blue-bird-messenger-bag

So that's one job done now there's the rest of the day to finish orders.

I've five bags to do for The Cats Meow and one etsy order, bookwork and a visit to the neurologist.

Busy, busy and busier.

A sad story.

2011-08-16T19:08:00.001+10:00

Yesterday I had an MRI under sedation. It was a very nervous day for me but once it was all over I felt fine but sleepy. After a bit of a mega nap, Mr Missy Mao Mao suggested we go for a drive to Lexton, to check if some restoration work to his families graves had begun. The drive started off into a sunny afternoon but soon clouds were all about. You couldn't even see the wind terbines. MR M commented on his fear for planes when the weather comes down thick and fast. We felt like we were driving though the clouds.

About an hour after we arrived home we heard that a small plane had gone down in the west of the state. Our ears pricked up. It had gone down close to Dimboola where Mr Missy Mao Mao was born so our ears really pricked up and our fingers went a bit numb.

This morning we woke to the news that it was an angel flight from Essendon to Nhill. A teenage girl and the pilot had been tragically killed, another passenger, the mother of the girl was in a critical condition. I then received an email from Sue at Hawthorne Cottage saying she feared that the people involved were known to us. Both of us sat glued to the news to find out the names. Later this afternoon they released the names and our fears were met. Julie-Ann Twigg who had worked so hard for the Australian Dust Team. (A team of Australian Etsy sellers) had lost her daughter Jacinda and was fighting for her life.

How tragedy can just strike us down when we least expect it. There are no rules on who, when or where it will strike. All we can do is what is humanly possible and that is to pray for healing and lend a hand where we can.

The community of Nhill has rallied round, they fly their flags at half mast. They feel the loss of a great kid who battled Juvenile Arthritis. It is so very sad.

Julie-Ann runs a handcrafted business called Julie's Jewels. Check out her face book page here https://www.facebook.com/JuliesJewels A quick glance at the face book site and you know the lady is switched on. Yes, switched on, not only to business but to a whole community of people. Julie - Ann is part of a creative community. To the Dust Team she is our Mother Hen who can lay the most golden of eggs, she is one of our organisers. I'm sure she also plays a strong role in other organisations and that many people out there are feeling just as shocked as I am.

Life is going to be very hard for Julie-Ann and her family. They are going to need our support.

If you would like to read more about the story the news article can be seen here. http://www.bordermail.com.au/news/local/news/general/plane-crash-an-angel-flight/2259646.aspx

If you would like to donate to assist the family please do so at any National Australia Bank branch. Make sure that you state that the donation is for the Twigg family.

Do yourself a favour, let your love for those around you be known, it won't cost you a penny.

That's the last time.

2011-08-10T08:55:00.000+10:00

That's the last time I say I feel like a sack of potatoes.

When I was food shopping the other day I came across these.

Potatoes called Marilyn!!!

We all had a good laugh. The label states "quality" and they did taste pretty nice.

Things are busy again here on the health front. We have another family member in hospital and I have to have an MRI next Monday. It's just to rule anything nasty out. The chances of anything major being wrong are very slim. I'm not good in small spaces so I'm more afraid of the machine than anything else. The one thing I won't allow myself to do is ......... feel like a sack of potatoes.

Life wasn't meant to be easy but it sure was meant to be interesting.

Enjoy!

Featured in Nature and Health magazine

2011-08-03T13:13:00.001+10:00

How proud am I? Very proud to be featured in this quality publication.

I received my copy in the mail today and quickly found the page where my bluebird satchel was featured.

Now I'm going to sit down with a cup of tea and read some of the interesting articles. There's a feature on bone health and of course the "flat tummy fast" and the one about "brain fog" are a must read. I love a good cuppa and a great mag, don't you?

Ruby Tuesday

2011-08-02T09:30:00.000+10:00

Tuesday today, well in this part of the world anyway.

Today is my day off and I'm down Geelong way visiting my parents. Mum needs help with the shopping and it's a great excuse to catch up for a weekly chat. Mum and I love getting on the computer and looking at potential apron fabrics. Mum was born in the thirties and had her children in the 50's, both these times heavily influenced the style of my basic apron. Mum's fabric advice is invaluable. I'm expecting a package of Mum picked fabrics in the mail today. I really hope it arrives in time for me to pack it in my bag for my visit.

So why the title "Ruby Tuesday"? Well, I feel that it's a gem of a day, especially when I get to spend with my Mum and Dad. Hope your Tuesday is full of sweetness.

Buttons range.

2011-08-01T08:55:00.001+10:00

To complement the new flora range I've been working on a buttons range.

I love the freedom of being able to cover my own buttons.

Here's a peek at a bag I finished.

I'm loving the simple look of the button and nothing else. I'm thinking of adding some running stitch, just a simple hand done running stitch in red. It's Monday today, book work day so I won't have time to design and play.

This week I plan to start pattern making. I need to make a child's version of my 50's inspired apron. I've had so many wide eyed girls looking at them and begging Mum to buy them one. I will post back later in the week and let you know how I got on.

Cheers for now.

The flora range.

2011-07-31T09:33:00.000+10:00

Yesterday I gave you a peek at my latest range.

I'm always thinking of new ideas but I hardly get the chance to see them into production. I'm really glad i took a bit of time out over the past few weeks to make this.........

The red colour way in the range I showed you yesterday. I am planning a brown, green and blue in the same bag. The blue and green will be out later in the year. Each bag is unique. The buttons are all preloved and the flowers are felt with silk highlights. The leaves are leather.

It's nice to get away from the plastic coated fabric flaps and add some dimension into my work.

I've made another new range. Pop back tomorrow for a peek.

Enjoy!

This bag is available from my stall at the Victorian Arts Centre Makers Market,

I'm there today, say hi! if you are around that way.

The past week

2011-07-30T18:27:00.001+10:00

Like most of us I lead a busy life.

My working week rotates around getting stock made and ready for display at the Victorian Arts Centre Makers Market. I'm there every Sunday. Everything I sell is personally made by me. Handmade is often slower in production and to meet demand I have to be organised each week.

It sort of goes like this.

Monday - work out what stock I need, do the bookwork, order supplies, plan the weeks production.
Tuesday - My day off which often gets eaten up with visits to Melbourne for supplies and general maintenance.
Wednesday - is apron day. I always try to make a minimum of 4 aprons each week.
Thursday - is bag day when I replace bag stock.
Friday - I make all the little purses and smaller bags.
Saturday - I spend fixing and finishing and finally packing the trolly and car.
Sunday - I'm up early and ready for the market.

In this busy routine is pretty hard to come up with new goodies.

I DO HAVE PLANS!!!!!

I've been working on this little range.

I made the clip top purse ages ago and hadn't got around to making more of the range.

I'm making new pieces to the range each week. Shown here is a wallet and two coin purses.

Here's a close up.

I'm about to photograph a red version of the small satchel. I'm calling this the flora range.

Pop back tomorrow for a look at the red flora bag.

Enjoy!

I found this and now I'm inspired.

2011-07-24T07:55:00.028+10:00

I found this little group of Australian printed fabrics in an old box a few weeks ago.

I think they are about 30 years old. The prints are tiny. Little mini koalas and gum nuts.

I went to the Bendigo Wool Show last week and picked up this assortment of vintage buttons.

I think my colour choice was influenced by the fabrics don't you?

I was inspired to cover a few buttons with the fabric. What do you think?

I've made a few mini coin purses up in the fabric. Here they are sitting on my market stall.

I'll be using those vintage buttons on some pure wool for both bags and purses in the coming weeks.

Enjoy!

Hi! it's me again.

2011-07-23T15:52:00.000+10:00

I'm glad you have taken the time to visit my blog even though I haven't posted for ages.

I hadn't posted for so long that when I got back here the process had completely been revamped.

I've been busy caring for family and just trying to keep things afloat on the business front.

If you live in Victoria, Australia, you would know that we are having a massive upgrade to our railway system. For the past 3 weeks I have had to get up at 5am every Sunday to catch a coach rather than the usual train. Instead of taking my market trolly full of goods I have had to haul 2 suitcases. The result was one very tired Marilyn. It took a while each week to get over the early rise and the physical pulling of cases. This week we are back on the train and I have just packed the trolly ready to roll. I will be catching the 8am train rather than the 6.30 coach. Hooray!

Here's a few pictures of my market stall last week.

We were a bit spread out last week due to one of the stall keepers being absent.

I'm next to my friend Sue from Hawthorne cottage. Her hats are very popular.

I only had 5 aprons last week and they were all sold by 1.30pm. I made 8 for tomorrows market.
I really liked the spotty blue one in the front.

If you are in Melbourne tomorrow why not pop into the Arts Centre Market and say hello. We are on the grassed area with the Wave sculpture next to the Arts Centre on St Kilda Road.

Might see you there.

Enjoy!

The middle of my muddle.

2011-06-15T20:17:00.000+10:00

It 's the middle of the week and so far I've: -

Made these bags to send to my etsy customers.

Sewn 2 aprons

A bit of a blurry photo, sorry about that.

Picked up a lovely parcel of fabrics from Kelani

Dreamt about what I'm going to make from the parcel of new fabrics.

Felt happy that I used the notes "ap" on my iPhone to list all the things I need to make this week for this Sunday's market.

I've cooked yummy pumpkin soup from the butternut pumpkin my husband grew. and I have some pineapple baking in the oven.

I've visited a distant cousin of husbands and enjoyed chat about family history.

Sorted out some of my accounts.

For the rest of the week I plan to

Make 2 more aprons, 6 new bags and about 12 little gadget keepers and other accessories.

Drool over all the lovely new fabrics I keep finding on the internet , I really can't buy any more, can I?

Go to a medical appointment, bunnings and spotlight

Start knitting a scarf for my son.

Cast on the stitches for the second sleeve of my hubbies hand spun jumper.

Meet with my old school friends for a wine and a laugh.

I love being busy doing the creative stuff.

I hope your week is turning out to be a good one.

Enjoy!

flu x 3 and I'm not happy.

2011-06-09T19:17:00.000+10:00

It's just the start of winter and I've had non stop flu, colds and viruses. I'm thinking that I'm done with being sick and I just want to get well and have a clear head and not a pocket full of tissues.

Thank you to all who came to visit me at the Daylesford Makers Market. Thank you to my fellow stall holders and the organisers for making the Daylesford Makers Market so special. If you missed the market our next one is on the first Saturday in July.

The Sunday Market at the Victorian Arts Centre was buzzing last week. It was such a lovely day compared to what the weather man had predicted. People were out and about enjoying our lovely city.

I sold out of aprons and have been busy making more. I spent the Monday cutting out all the parts. I now have 20 aprons ready to be sewn.

A pile of aprons ready to be sewn.

I managed to complete 8 which I will have with me this Sunday at the Victorian Arts Centre Makers Market.

I also received these lovely new fabrics form Saffron Craig. I'll be trying my hardest to make a few bags in these tomorrow. I've also bought some wool fabric which would be great with a bit of embroidery and maybe an applique or two, I'm thinking on it anyway. I'm looking forward to the arrival of a parcel of goodies from Kelani tomorrow. I'm thinking big bags with big buttons and big pockets. I'm really looking forward to getting into the studio tomorrow for a bit of a play. Hope your tomorrow is a good one.

Enjoy.

My busy life.

2011-05-31T18:14:00.000+10:00

My busy life has had me all tied up and unable to blog. I've got lots to blog about but can't seem to find the energy. I've found myself writing blog posts in my head whilst showering or mashing potatoes and for some reason I never seem to write them down and when attempt to, I've forgotten most of it.

So what have I been up to? Well, the usual making of bags, aprons and bits and bobs for the market. This Saturday I will be at the Daylesford Makers Market in the Town Hall. We are going to close a bit later this month, closing at six for those who are attending other crafty functions during the day.

Besides the market sewing I decided to do something about this.

Looks a horror doesn't it? My dog is pretty attached to those old cushions. We were changing all the bed pillows and rather than throw them out I thought I would cover one for the dogs bed. I rummaged though my old fabrics and found a metre of a lovely ethnic print. I had purchased this fabric to cover the piano stall about 15 years ago. Didn't get around to that job but I did get around to this one.

Looks a lot better now. I'll just take it up to the lounge room, pop it in front of the gas heater and see if puppy want's a snooze.

"Sit still so I can take a photo"

Let's hope she learns to like it. Sorry about the blurred and dark photos.

You have to have a laugh, don't you.

Enjoy.

This weeks faves.

2011-05-21T18:44:00.002+10:00

This week has been busy, busy and very busy.

I made six aprons because all of Melbourne seems to want one and I've got to admit, I'm pretty proud of these beauties. They are designed to pull in at the waist to give the wearer that 50's look. You know the small waist that looks like it is, well, oh so natural! Everyone thats tried one on at the market has bought one. I get comments like "I can't wait to wear my new shoes and this apron when I have my next dinner party".

Got to say, it feels good to make something that makes people happy.

I was so busy I just didn't have time to take any photos so here's one from the last batch.

All the aprons are slightly different.

I have one with this cute trim on the bottom in both the green and apricot colour way.

My favourite new fabric this week is this little tree fabric in both green and red.

I'm also loving the new vinyls. Shown here is the mini pocket bag style. Nice and fresh to add a bit of colour to you winter wardrobe.

My car is packed for tomorrows trip to the station where I catch the train to Melbourne for the Arts Centre Makers Market. If you are in the area please come and say hello. Just for tomorrow, 22nd of May, followers of my blog will get a $10 discount on any bag purchase from my Arts Centre Makers Market stall. All you need to do is mention that you have read my blog this week. The market opens at 10am and closes at 4pm. If the weather is really horrid we do pack up a little earlier. Look forward to seeing you there.

Enjoy.

Real life and the finished studio

2011-05-19T14:45:00.000+10:00

Real life can sometimes be a challenge. Just when my mother is on the mend my father is called into hospital to have a long awaited operation. So if you have missed my bloggey rants I have a pretty good excuse for not being around. My Dad is now on the mend so I'm back on the blog.

So many things have happened since I last blogged. The outside studio is now finished and is in use. I'm off today to buy some drawers for all the art that currently sits under my bed.

Here's a few photos from start to finish.

Sealing and insulating.

Building the dividing wall between the studio area and the rest of the shed.

More insulation, it is an old shed after all and it gets pretty cold here in Ballarat.

The plaster.

The paint.

Painting seemed to take forever.

My son even made the door.

We painted the floor the same yellow as the outside of the house and used an old bit of carpet to give some extra warmth.

Here's my son at work. I'm very proud of him.

Now we just have to sort out this mess.

Back to real life. LOL

Enjoy.

This week - leather bags and bibbed aprons.

2011-04-30T13:00:00.000+10:00

The lack of blogging this week was the result of a horrid flu virus thing. Everything became a big effort this week and I'm still sniffing and coughing. Everyday I say maybe tomorrow I will feel better and I do but not completely. Goodness, hasn't this virus had a look at my production schedule?

I have managed to make a few things.

Two leather bags.

Long handled tote bag made from chocolate brown leather and Thea & Sami Linen printed napkin.

Small satchel made with the same materials as the tote bag. Both bag will be available from my stall at the Victorian Arts Centre this Sunday. The bags are limited edition so if you are interested check them out on Sunday or contact me.

I had some requested for full aprons. The 50's inspired half aprons have been very popular but it seems that people feel they want more cover from an apron.

Here's the full cover version.

I hope you like them. They all have a detachable cloth to wipe your hands on while cooking. Each apron comes with a spare cloth. Like all of the items I make, I don't produce heaps of the same fabric combinations. If you like what you see and want to buy either contact me or pop down to the Arts Centre Makers Market.

Enjoy.