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

Save the best 'til last...

The last instalment of my treasure hunt in the USA and Canada..Jacaranda Tree & Co. Another gem located on Mt Pleasant Ave, Toronto. It is no exaggeration when I say that this is my favourite shop on the planet. I am in love with everything about it...and in it!

A modest establishment, it doesn't realise how beautiful it really is.

I will let the images speak for themselves...

I am sure you can see why this hidden diamond is a 'MUST visit' on my list whenever I am in town. 

xx 

Hilltop Interiors...Heaven in Muskoka

I am so blessed to have extended family who own a piece of heaven...heaven also known as Rosseau, a quaint cottage town in Muskoka, Ontario. Whenever I visit, I count down the minutes to when I can pop into Hilltop Interiors. Truly one of my favourite shops in the world and you can see why...

I am sure all of you can relate to their motto, 'Comfortable home, comfortable life'.

Make it past the gorgeous window boxes and garden trinkets, and you enter a world of true delight...

The colours are so beautiful and the displays simply dreamy...

Can't you just imagine curling up on this lounge with a good book...and a glass of wine?

It was 'until next time' to Hilltop and over to the Rosseau General Store to have ice cream in the Summer sun. A good way to cool off after the excitement provided by Hilltop and lay down the bags of treaures you are sure to come out with!

I couldn't resist sharing this picture from my brother and sister-in-law's wedding. Us girls just had to sneak a snapshot outside the charming little shop on the way to the church.

After ice cream, it's off to the Teeny Weeny Bikini Co for the ultimate in summer wears and retro accessories. I love the fence made out of oars!

Then past the historic church (where my brother and sister-in-law got married)...

...through another antique shop...

...and another. This next one though is definitely worth a mention - Cynthia Crawford Antiques.

We managed to catch Cynthia in the shop on this particular day and she is as charming as her store. I picked up the most gorgeous his and hers hand towels and Cynthia was telling us that Sarah Richardson from Sarah's House is a frequent shopper. I am not at all surprised...it is a real treasure trove.

Rosseau in Muskoka really is a piece of heaven on earth and I can't wait until my next stay. If I didn't live so far away, I would've been able to indulge my obsession a little more and filled up another suitcase or two...or truck! But hey, it's a good excuse to plan another visit!

xx