Pretty comforts

I am still in love with my new sewing machine...

Just finished off the last installment for the loads of cushions I am piling on the lounges.

I used fabric again from Fabrics Boutique Etsy Store

www.etsy.com/people/FabricsBoutique?ref=ls_profile

I prefer to use buttons for a touch of charm and whimsy instead of zippers.

Mr thinks we have too many cushions...but I am only just getting started!

xx

Homemade Glamour!

 Last Christmas I searched for a gift idea for the lovely girls at work. Seeing as there is a lot of them, I needed something that was easy...yet oh so pretty! I made earrings, earrings and more earrings! 

I purchased surgical stainless steel backings and posts off Etsy. Stainless is better as many people are allergic to silver plate. I also bought some special jewellery adhesive.

Off a variety of Etsy and Ebay stores, I hunted for pretty cabuchons and buttons that would make the earrings razzle! Not pictured are some gorgeous cut glass and faceted cabuchons that I also bought and have since given away - too pretty!

I dressed them all up in cellophane bags and boxes...

...and secured them all on card backings made with images from The Graphics Fairy.

I can't wait to make some more. The perfect gift made with love for any friend!

xx

Day/Night Owl

A friend's baby shower tomorrow meant only one thing...get on the machine today! Cute little owls have been catching my eye all over Etsy and I decided to have a go at one myself.

First I cut out the main shape in two types of fabric for front and back. My friend doesn't know if she is having a boy or a girl. I know she loves brights and a spot of whimsy so I went with checkers and stars.

I then sewed on the embellishments for each side. I used felt for the eyes and lashes.

Open wide!

Both side were sewn together and a hole was left at the bottom for the stuffing.

Night owl!

Sleeping is for lazy days!

Hoot hoot!

xx

Sew cushy!

I bought some gorgeous florals and filigree from Fabrics Boutique Etsy Store over the Christmas holidays, and now that I have the machine sorted, have started making cushions.

I started with one...it was so simple...and I had all the right buttons on hand...I just kept going...

...and made some more!

Fabric Boutique Etsy Store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/FabricsBoutique?ref=pr_shop

xx

Refreshed and rearranged

A great way to refresh a room is to simply rearrange the furniture...exactly what I did with our master bedroom recently.

The bed can catch the cool Autumn breezes and I love looking at my wedding dress (hung on an antique mannequin from Priscilla's Corner) everytime I walk in the room.

xx

One Little Duck

If I didn't get myself into gear this weekend and create some goodies on the sewing machine, I was going to put myself under house arrest until I did! The arrival of a close friend's baby provided some additional motivation. Instead of buying a toy for her, I thought, "Why not make one?" So I did...a cute little duck.

First I cut out the shape I wanted. I was trying to emulate the design of everyone's favourite childhood toy - the rubby ducky.

I stitched the patches on first for the beak and wings before joining the main panels.

The main panels were sewn together inside out and I left a small opening at the bottom for the stuffing.

I considered felt for the eyes but decided to use buttons as they complimented the patchwork/vintage style of the rest of the duck.

Dressed up with a pretty ribbon, she is now properly primped for her new home!

Off to church we go...

I have been jetsetting...again. Gee, life's tough and even better when on your weekends away you get to be creative! Our dear friends, Bec and Ed, took us away to the Yarra Valley last weekend, to help them freshen up a converted church property that they own. It is rented out on the weekends to those who want a city escape, amongst the gorgeous countryside and grapevines.

To see the before shots go to: www.theyarravalleychurch.com/

The boys worked hard in the garden...

...whilst the girls fussed away inside!

Bec and I took a quick trip into Melbourne to buy a few bits and bobs from IKEA and Target. Two great one stop shops that won't blow the budget.

The kitchen was my favourite part. With so little effort, I think we gave it a fresh new look.

To work with our black and white theme, I made this art work from some old psalm cards left behind from when the church was fully functioning. The frame we picked up at IKEA for $5!

A new coat of stain and some surrounding greenery is all you need to make an outdoor table fit for a king...or two lovebirds!

It goes without saying how cute and country the wheelbarrow is. The table and chairs were left behind by the previous owners and left lost in the yard. They are now the perfect place for a morning cuppa and criossant - especially when you can look out to...

...this view! You can literally hop the fence and stroll amongst the vines of De Bortoli winery.

Another spectacular view out of...

...this charming little church window.

Thanks Bec and Ed for a great weekend away. Our working bee was constructive and so relaxing at the same time. We will be back to the Yarra Valley as soon as we can.

xx