Wednesday, October 27, 2010

A hoarder no more

Just a quickie to let you know that I am no longer holding on to things because I might use it one day, might wear it one day, might sell it one day.  Today is 'one day' and it is all going.  I have put the beautiful china plates I buy at op shops into my kitchen and will use every day.  I am giving it all away today.  I have freecycled details but if you want to know more then give me a call on 0431041023.

My house has been an untidy pig sty for too long and I keep thinking tomorrow I will be able to deal with it but tomorrow never happens.  I know that this cluttered and untidy house has done nothing for my mental health either, so in a quest to feeling better I am taking control.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

I heart Mod Podge

I am in a crafting frenzy.  Busy making, wrapping, pricing for the Silky Oaks Market on Saturday.  I have so many projects on the go at the moment and I am so in love with Mod Podge.  It is fabulous for paper and fabric.  I am grieving however, the loss of Pritt Power Gel. aaarrrrggghhh can anyone recommend an equal alternative.  I have spent so much money trialling others but they just don't cut it or hold it I should say.


Beautiful Christmas decorations for sale 3 for $5


I can't wait to see these on my tree and hope you will like them too


Green ones drying


More snowflakes stiffening with Mod Podge.

Stay tuned for my scrabble tile jewellery and please come along on Saturday and buy buy buy.  I hear there is going to be a huge toy stall.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

On A Roll

I am busily preparing for a stall in November at a local market.  Have a look and let me know what you think.


Some hair clips


Candles


Brooches


More Candles


More hair clips

Also going to make some Christmas decorations, Christmas cards, rings and other divine things.  Let me know if you would like details of the stall.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

R U Okay


Thursday was R U OK? day here in Australia.  A great concept and one I hope they continue with but more then once a year.

As a sufferer of chronic depression you really do appreciate people who follow up with you and continue to make the effort to remain in touch.  I often fall off the grid.  I can't talk to people on the phone.  I find it difficult to get out of bed and shower.  I say no to invitations or just don't turn up.  Why is it that you always make excuses other then depression.  I do talk openly about my disease and yes it is a disease.  Yet, if I am not going to attend an occasion where I have said yes I will lie and say that the kids are sick or my husband is out etc.  You feel as if depression is not a good enough reason or that people will think it is a cop out.  Believe me, I would prefer to be able as I am willing.

I don't know about other sufferers but personally I don't want sympathy.  I just want understanding and support.  If you know someone who has fallen off the grid; give them a call.  Drop in and see them.  Overlook the messy house, the dirty dishes on the sink, the lack of shower and grooming.  This person is in a personal battle.  A battle to live a life rather then just exist.

This illness is one that is so insidious because not only are you already sick but you then feel guilty for not being able to do all the things other Mothers do for their children.  Or you feel guilty that your husband comes home from work to a messy house and has to cook dinner, wash up and maybe do a load or two of washing. Far out, if you were in bed with any other chronic illness then it would be acceptable.

So, I will personally try to not feel guilty and I will ask you my friends to understand, support and keep in touch.

Laura
xx

Friday, October 8, 2010

My Beautiful Children

Last night a huge storm hit somewhere during sleep time.  Normally, I would wake think oh bliss.  I love the drama of storms.  The lightning, the thunder, the heavy rain.  I of course wish no harm also on people and property during storms as they can be devastating too.  I respect storms.  However, my eight year old son is terrified of storms.  He watches the weather and then spends the rest of the night practically inside my skin begging me to ring God to ask him to stop the storms.  It is heartbreaking.  Well last night the first thing I knew of the storm was when Clay jumped into bed with us and was crying and shaking in fear.  Oh dear, the poor darling.


This is a photo of a storm heading our way when we were on holidays January this year.  I can't recall Clay being scared then.  This is really a new thing for him.


This is my beautiful daughter, Ally.  I spent last night cutting up doilies for craft work.  She sat beside me chatting away and making these pretty little displays. She is such a delight as is Clay.


Another pic of the lovely displays my darling made.  She really has a good eye don't you think?


Some more hair clips off to happy customers.




I am off to the tip shop this morning with a dear friend.  I met her when I bought a car bed for Clay.  She kindly delivered it for me.  We got to chatting realised we were kindred spirits and now regularly meet up to op shop.  See you soon Berns.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Do it because you love it

I have successfully placed some of my items into a local shop who will be selling them on consignment for me.  When I emailed the owner I was so thrilled that she took them and I thanked her and then stated that I hope people love the items.  I probably should have said I hope people buy them.  Sometimes doing something is just for love.  The fact that we perhaps get to make a small amount of money to cover costs is a bonus.

Please go here Dolls & Doilies to check the shop out.  They have absolutely beautiful items there.  They are a local business owned by locals.  They support other (dare I say it) artists like myself.  (OMG I struggle to think of myself as an artist - but I design and then create so I guess that means I am!!!).

Now another lovely local shop practically next door to Dolls & Doilies is Beadoire.  Only walk in there if you want to sneak a glimpse of heaven.  They sell some exquisite things in there and lean towards french provincial.


I made this from a vintage lace collar, some ribbon from Crazy Clarks, vintage glass buttons from my Nana and Pritt glue.


More hair clips and tiny ones for bubbas.


Dolls & Doilies.


The pic above and below is Beadoire.


Now, just a little soap box preaching because I can.  I am a big believer in supporting my local businesses.  It keeps local people employed which in turn sees more money spent in local businesses.  Yes I realise I could perhaps buy cheaper elsewhere but sometimes economy is about the bigger picture.

Please remember this when you are shopping around.  There are lots of little boutique shops and artists who are really struggling and will bend over backwards to get your business and keep you happy.

Okay, jumping off the soap box.  Have a great day and please tell me what you have made today.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Its beginning to look a lot like...


I am starting to think about Christmas presents and what to make and what to sell at my next two market days.  So I have been busy busy busy.  Below is a hair clip for a friend who requested this style. This is a one off as I literally got the skull in a bag of craft stuff from freecycle.  Would love some more.



This hair clip is for my niece, Amy.   Hope she likes it.



Hair clips I will be selling at my next two markets $5.00 each.  Also selling at Dolls & Doilies in Bay Tce, Wynnum and hopefully at a store near you.


Notepads $3.00 each.  Perfect for a Christmas present for your child's teacher or for Kris Kringle.


The notebooks all stacked up.  Will make Christmas themed ones too if required.


Pillar candles $8.00 each.  Will take requests for customising also.


I also have been working on other projects which I cannot show you as my Mum and Sister read this blog and I don't want to spoil their surprise for Christmas pressies.  I am determined this year to make as many Christmas presents as possible.  The men in our lives will be getting a gorgeous key ring with their initial from vintage scrabble tiles.  All very small but thoughtful gifts re-using items I have found along the way.  What a perfect way to recycle.  What little projects have you been working on?

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

10 Years Today

10 years ago today I met the man I would later marry.  Our first date was at a little cafe in New Farm and he was nervous and gentlemanly.  I fell in love with him on the spot.  10 years later, still madly in love.  He is like a quiet place in my mad world.  We have endured many challenges some of which include having our son diagnosed with autism which led to us selling our house.  He has been there for me through some pretty bad depression and never once complained after working a 10-12 hour day and then come home to an incapacitated wife and then bathed and fed the kids and then picked up after them.

Thanks babe, you are my little piece of heaven here on earth.




Monday, September 27, 2010

Wow

Hi there from lil ole me in Brisbane, Australia.  I just got some comments from people who I don't actually know.  Better yet, they are fellow bloggers and write delightful blogs that I have followed for a few months and totally love.  Thanks so much.

Today I have been taking photos of items to sell on ebay and some of it I have to share with you.  Some has come from my Nana's house and some are treasures I have collected along the way.


French Provincial Antique style rotary phone which still works.


Sweet pic of little girl depression era (not related - could not sell if it was family)


Lovely doily with bluebirds


Butterfly doily


Sweet embroidered shower cap


Brand new in box vintage hankies


Another depression era black & white photo


This book is just divine.  It is like a card to the Bride but is filled with pages and pages of delightful images and poetry.  (more pics will be on my ebay listing)



EPNS Fish cutlery with faux bone handle


Embroidery needing a frame



More embroidery needing a frame


Knitting needle case


egg beater



Adorable grooming/manicure set


Sweet little forks


This is a set of coronation emblems to trace around and colour!



Last, but not least two vintage baby dresses probably around 6 - 12 months.  I also have some fall linen to list too.

What is your favourite item and would you buy it here

Until next time,
Laura