Wednesday, November 30, 2011

xmas gifts

these little treasures have been a real hit in the shop cute as a button pocket journals made from playing cards and recycled papers
 by yesterday morning they were sold out, but last night I added some more...
along with some of these slightly larger versions made from vintage children's flash cards...perfect for the little farmer in your life...or pilot or football player or fireman or.... 
great little stocking fillers. head over to Magpie House and have a look before these sell out too...

Sunday, November 20, 2011

madeit.com

have you discovered madeit? I'm pretty sure you have but just in case....you should head over and check out all the aussie handmade goodies, all ready just in time for xmas.
 I opened my little shop on madeit a few months ago and there are some very clever australian artists and crafters selling lots of wonderful things
now...listen up...madeit is running a choose handmade xmas campaign and that has to be a good thing. buy aussie handmade goodies for all your loved ones this year and know that your gift is made with love. you could buy one of my purses or brooches....or you could browse through madeit and find that special gift all without leaving home. now what could be better than that?!
and if you would like to make your own gifts for xmas why not check out madeit's sister craftumi where you will find everything you need in craft supplies
so much fun....!

Sunday, November 13, 2011

diwali

this time last year we were in Nepal trekking through the Himalayas....I get goose bumps when I say that! I can't believe how lucky we are to travel to the places we do, meet wonderful people along the way, and see the incredible places we visit....so lucky. when we travelled to Nepal the festival of Diwali was just finishing. on our first night in Kathmandu we lay in bed listening to bells ringing, firecrackers exploding, excited voices, dogs barking and cats wailing!  
 as we travelled throughout Nepal and then down in to India the remains of Diwali were everywhere...mandalas in doorways, marigolds, signs, coloured powders on animals, etc. my favourite remains though had to be the countless garlands made from whatever was available in the environment. these two photos show some across waterways we crossed whilst trekking....in those Himalayas! I'm inspired to get out and make some from my garden now...but it's raining so it will have to wait til another day.
 marigolds were draped everywhere and contributed so much colour.
Diwali is also known as the festival of lights and is celebrated by various religions. for Hindus it is celebrated in families with traditional activities and in Nepal and India it is an official holiday. the word Diwali translates as "row of lamps" and small clay lamps are lit to signify the triumph of good over evil.

Monday, November 7, 2011

a little break

I've had a little break from blogging this past week.....I wonder if I overdid it a bit during blogtober and now have nothing much to say!! on the weekend we went to coffs harbour and coming home via glenreagh saw this wondrous creature!!!! i've been watching him come to life over the last few months and now he seems complete next to his home the golden dog hotel at glenreagh. if you're in the area you really should stop for a quick hello......woof, woof!