Sugar and spice...pretty bunting and wooden dolls

Yes, bunting is the latest decorator item at the moment...and rightly so. It is so simple to make and instantly lifts any room.

I was recently asked to make some for a friend, to put in her girl's rooms.

I was given the brief...pink, white and maybe a splash of blue...

I couldn't help but try it out at home first...

As it was also their birthdays, I created two wooden peg dolls.

One for Lucy, one for Millie.

I placed each one on a stable wooden platform and gave them a little wooden pot, fit for a candle...perfect to balance on a birthday cake!

xx

Festive Vignettes

It's Sunday...house cleaning day...

So on my list was to pack away the Easter vignettes and decorations dotted around the place.

But what does the Easter bunny do for the rest of the year? How does he occupy himself with all that spare time up his burlap sleeves?

Which made me ask myself...he is so darn cute...can't he stay out for a little longer?

Along with those darling eggs Mum brought back for you from Canada?

EB just loves hanging around the kitchen too...

...and leaving little festive surprises everywhere...

I think we will enjoy the fruits of Easter around here for a little while longer...

xx

Flotsam Studio...Shabby Beachside Oasis

We were recently lucky enough on our travels down south to Tasmania, to stay at Flotsam Studio. Situated on the waterfront at historic fishing village Dunalley - forty minutes out of Hobart - it is a truly romantic and therapeutic seaside escape for anyone.

The charming studio is a revamped boat shed, nestled amongst native trees and a cottage garden.

The studio is perfect for a couple wanting to escape the hustle and bustle.

I just adore the window decorations...crystals off a vintage chandlier strung together on fine white ribbon. 

Our fridge came ready packed with fresh goods, including home made jams and fruit compotes. A completely self-contained kitchen meant simple evening meals with fresh vegies and herbs from the Flotsam garden...

Then out to the verandah to dine alfresco...and yes, that is the beach you can see. Literally on the doorstep, past the casuarinas.

Step out of the door to take a stroll on the sand...

...and capture the breathtaking evenings on aptly named 'Sunset Beach'.

Also on the property is owner, Gai's, garden shed. On the weekends, this gorgeous garden shed opens up to the public as a shop, full of shabby chic treasures and trinkets imported directly from France. Of course I picked up a few bits and bobs whilst I was there.

Thank you so much Gai for our stay, your hospitality, bunches of freshly picked French lavender and your stewed rhubarb! We can't wait to go back.

www.flotsamstudio.com.au

xx

Joyeaux Noel!

A very happy and joyful Christmas to you all.

From Jacqueline, Jack and Georgie!

xx

Baby elephants and wise old owls

This holiday season saw quite a momentous occasion for me...the first time I was commissioned to make something! ...Actually two things! Yes, I was quite excited!

I was asked by someone at school to make a pair of elephants for a colleague having a baby shower. I knew that her nursery was beige and white so I ran with that theme. The 'pair' wasn't specified, but I thought a mother and baby would be fitting...and cute!

The shape was one I copied off a clip art print and the tail bows and bottom hearts my own spare of the moment ideas.

A peaceful mother...

...and her alert little newcomer.

I was also asked to make some more owls as a Christmas present for a workmate's daughters. The only requirement: blue and purple, to coordinate with their furnishings.

I always love making these as they take on their own little personalities as they come to life!

All in all, a pretty wise old bunch!

xx

Birthday cupcakes and Christmas treats

It was my birthday not that long ago and I am so lucky that a lovely parent in my class is quite the talented cake decorator. I was oh so surprised when her daughter came into class on the morning of my special day and presented me with this gorgeous box of delights!

How did she know that I would die for the filigree wrappers and white decorations? I wonder?

Too sweet to eat! I marvelled at the glittered rose buds and quilted icing that looked like a plush pillow!

Well, the cupcakes did taste as good as they looked. So much so that I happily accepted a leftover batch of hers that she was at a loose end with.

I had a BBQ to attend the next day and what better to take than a plate of her sweet treats. I had a go at decorating them myself...they were no glitter and filigree...more like 1980 Women's Weekly. However, they were still a hit, especially with the littlies!

I couldn't resist sharing this with you either. The same Mum made one of these lolly Santas for each of the kids in my class. She is toooo clever isn't she?

Ho, ho, ho!

xx