Thursday, March 31, 2011

Thursday's idea is more upcycling - I am completely addicted to it!

Start with your old cardigan

cut the sleeves off

turn the sleeves upside down and put right sides together

pin right sides and over lock, stitch or hand sew...


attach buttons or clasps and your finished, it's that easy!

wrap it or let it fall!... Let me know if you try this, I'd love to see pictures.

x

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Monday, March 28, 2011

It's already 'Things I love but can't afford Tuesday' how time flies. I was doing a bit of web surfing today and came across this amazing site in New York that sells beautiful antiques and vintage pieces. This stunning wool rug was apparently designed by Picasso and is on the market for a cool $42, 000.00...


and this gorgeous piece of Scandinavian design dating back to the 16th century will set you back around $12,500.00 so a little cheaper than the last one. 

Antique Oushak (Ushak) Turkish carpet oriental rug - how could you go wrong with this beauty, I think you would definitely have to put it on the wall for a sweet $38,000.00...oh well, it doesn't hurt to dream and be inspired by beautiful things!

x




Sunday, March 27, 2011

I hope everyone had a great weekend, relaxed and took a break...even just a little one. My plans for upcycling were thrown out the window this weekend, I had family stay, we had a blast but I got very little done. I did manage to get down to the fabulous finders keepers market in Melbourne and have a look at all the handmade goodies for sale. I couldn't resist buying a few bits and pieces, in particular a gorgeous print from Emma Leonard she seems so sweet and I am really into illustrations at the moment.

Print by Emma Leonard

A few things I picked up from the market

On another note and another op shop, I came across the cutest vintage shelf and jar set, it's perfect for all the beads and knick knacks in my studio. Such a great find, it's around 90cm square.


Because I was supposed to do some upcycling this weekend but didn't get around to it, here are some pic's of a wrap I recycled from an old cardigan. I was inspired by reading this blog and then went on to become addicted to Junky Styling - it's my kind of sewing easy!

Granny cardi

Akira Isogawa's shrug for 2011 - Image from Marie Claire

This is so easy to do. I suggest you take a cardigan that doesn't have button holes (it makes life much easier), clasps are best. Then turn it upside down, cut off the sleeves and sew them back on upside down. You then have a one very cool wrap! For more check out the junky styling video.

I know I'm a bit early with the Easter cards but the early bird catches the worm (I'd like to think), so if your after a little something to give for Easter stop by the shop



x

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Friday's artist is Aboriginal artist Peter Tjarluri Lewis click here for more. Aboriginal artwork looks fantastic in modern interiors, I'm such a fan of most Tribal Arts.

For more on Image click here
Image from Belle Australia
Image from Vogue Living

Images also from desiretoinspire one of my new favourite interiors blogs. I know it took me a while to catch on.



Have a relaxed weekend (if you can)! I'm going to try upcycling a few things so I have something to post about on Sunday and we'll also find out what's new in store!

x


I found these wooden sample earrings for 60cents so thought I would do some experimenting with them.

Turn cheap and nasty into cheap and quirky.
All you need:

  • old or new wooden earrings
  • paint
  • sandpaper
  • pliers
  • craft paper or magazines
  • mod podge or craft glue



unclip hooks and sand down the surface of the earrings

paint the surface and decorate how ever you like...I chose to leave one coloured side and...

I was going to use craft paper on the base. I changed my mind and went for magazine pages, I wanted my earrings to be quirky! 

I went through a couple of images

my final choice was this clock

and rubik's cube...I like things mismatched

Use mod podge or glue to adhere your image to the pendant, when dry sand the sides down, seal both sides and replace the hooks.
Voila you have cheap and unique earrings!


x

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

A bit of Paul Klee for a colourful Wednesday...


Image from artchive

x
It's Things I Love but can't afford Tuesday. I have been thinking about this topic for a couple of days now and at first, I figured it may be a bit depressing listing things I and most people can't afford. Then I came to the realisation of how inspiring it is to look at beautiful pieces of art, furniture and homewares, it motivates and drives all my creativity as I'm sure it does with everyone out there.

So here is today's beautiful selection of things I can't afford from one of my favourite shops Anthropologie



I had to add A Little Shop shine shine cushion in here...



The cost for everything would be around $8000

x


Monday, March 21, 2011

I know my post is a little late today, I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! I have to brag about my great score of books from the closing down sale at our local Angus & Robertson store - $350 dollars worth for $70. I know everyone loves a bargain so I would head down to my local store while it's still there...



x



Friday, March 18, 2011

I was reading my "Pieces of Eight" update and these gorgeous Light pods by Jasmine Target were in the spotlight. They are made from hand blown, sand blasted glass that captures and reflects the light, for more on this amazing artisan click here.








All images from Pieces of Eight

Enjoy your weekend!

x


Wednesday, March 16, 2011


For Thursday's idea I'm continuing my Easter cards from Sunday's post. Here are a couple of pic's of the finished products.

I've threaded my ornament with organic hemp thread but you could use jute or wool/string in it's place. I also forgot to mention on Sunday don't forget to put a hole in the shape before it dries (bit of common sense really).

Place your ornament tag onto any card you like, I've used recycled 270gsm card.

Most of All Have Fun!





and we have moved my freshly painted cabinet/locker (before shots in Sunday's post) to my studio, just a few hooks needed for the doors and it's ready to store my fabric!



x


A Yellow wednesday to brighten up the day...

Wallpaper designed by Danish designer Marcel Wanders for UK Brand Graham Brown.


You have to read the touching story about Marcel Wanders beautiful Hero Pin it's so sweet.

x

Image from my fav website dezeen