Designs of the Heart

Etsy Front Page for BrisStylers

2011-11-24T00:00:00.003+10:00

Today was a very exciting day. Lots of BrisStylers got featured on the front page of Etsy. My Black and White pocket mirror was among them. Lots of sales resulted. Here it is in case you missed it.

Lets Go Shopping

2011-06-11T19:24:00.006+10:00

Time for some etsy shopping and the "Lets Go Shopping" meme with BrisStyle.

As I sit here typing this it is cold and rainy out side, my feet are cold and the winter chill has definitely set in. So I set out to find some toasty slippers, scarfs and other warming things on etsy. Red is such a warm colour so lets go with that.

What do you think?

Felted slippers Black/Red

Sammy Squirrel Organic Lavender Eye Pillow

Tall Boots Moccasins Hearts And Knobs Slippers Tee-Pee-Toes Cracchiolo Designs

Felted Scarflette with its brooch with signature design by Sandrine Marsh

Red Chinese Cinnabar Earrings with Sterling Silver, Amber and Swarovski Crystal

Lets Go Shopping

2011-03-27T20:29:00.003+10:00

This is my first week joining in the BrisStyle meme "Let's Go Shopping". So here are my finds.

I just love hearts (hence the name)... so when searching for hearts on Etsy I found these delightful green heart earrings and decided to go with the green theme. I'm happy with the end result!

Green heart polymer clay stud earrings

Murano Glass Heart Pendant with Flower on Sterling Ball Chain Necklace

Valentine's Green Love Paper Garland

Big Green Heart Ring - adjustable

Head over to the BrisStyle blog to check out all the fabulous finds.

CraftAlive Dubbo Fair

2011-03-01T23:58:00.003+10:00

Tomorrow I am heading out to the Dubbo Craft Alive fair. Its all very exciting. This is the first big three day event that I have attended. As usual the preparation has all been let till the last minute and I just know I will forget something. But it is sure to be a great weekend. If you live in or near Dubbo, why not pop in and see us. Check out the CraftAlive website for details. I'm off to pack. Road trip here we come...

Handmade Love for the Flood Appeal

2011-01-12T21:30:00.005+10:00

I am privileged to be part of the BrisStyle etsy team who has banded together to raise money for the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal by way of BrisStyle's "Handmade Ark" Flood Appeal”.

To help out all you need to do is search 'BrisStyle Ark' on etsy or click here and purchase some of the hundreds of handmade goodies that are being donated to raise the much needed funds.

So far the floods have devastated 75% of Queensland with a loss of 12 lives and many more still missing. Thousands of people have lost everything and the rebuilding will take months and months.

If you would like to donate to the Flood Relief Appeal you can do so here. Every little bit counts.

I have also donated some handmade items to the Etsians Australian Flood Appeal. All proceeds from them also go to the Flood Relief Appeal. Check out what they have to offer here.

BIG Market Weekend

2010-11-18T22:59:00.005+10:00

This weekend is going to be huge. Firstly, Friday night is the BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market. Brisbane King George Square between 5 and 9pm, is going to be packed with lovely handmade goodies. Not to mention the big band music with jazz and swing standards from QWAZZ (Queensland Wind and Jazz). Hopefully the rain will hold off and it will be fabulous night.

Then on Saturday morning its off to The Handmade Expo bright and early. A great location in the Ipswich Turf Club and Soulman O'Gaia entertaing us with his soul tunes. This month is also time to buy your Fireman/men 2011 calender. Proceeds from the calenders go to raising much needed funds for the children's hospital, and don't forget the Swanbank Steam Train Rides running throughout the day. Another fun, fun day.

Hopefully I will still be awake at the end of the weekend. I am still busily putting the final touches on some magnets and pendants that I will be selling at the markets. If you are near by drop in and say hi. Mention this post and you can grab yourself a FREE pocket mirror.

Shadow Shot Sunday #11

2010-11-14T17:14:00.005+10:00

A few weeks ago was my birthday and my wonderful husband took me away for the night to the Marriott on the Gold Coast. Such a beautiful place. These chandeliers were hanging in the foyer and in the restaurant and made lovely shadows. Just had to share. Enjoy!

See some other great shadows at Hey Harriet. Check out her blog here.

Shadow Shot Sunday #10

2010-11-01T13:00:00.004+10:00

I know its Monday already, I'm a bit late with the Sunday Shadow Shot this week. Busy weekend, including my 40th birthday, woo hoo. More on that in later posts. Anyway here is some shots my sister sent me. She is a nanny in London who this week spent the week in the French country side. Half her luck. This shot was taken in Honfleur. Love the first one. Thanks Bec. Check out her blog here.

Check out the other shadow shots on HeyHarriet's blog.

The Mayo Festival

2010-10-26T08:50:00.000+10:00

On Saturday I had the privilege of attending the St Margarets Mayo Festival. This festival is a biennial event at St Margaret's Anglican Girls School, and engages all ages with a range of activities and entertainment including elective workshops and student performances.

The Festival honours the life and career of Daphne Mayo, acclaimed as one of Australia's finest sculptors and acknowledged as an energetic and tenacious advocate of the Arts in Queensland.

The girls had made sculptures and lanterns that appeared around the grounds. They looked great during the day but even better when lit up at night.

I was part of the section of craft stalls that were in the court yard. Also there during the day were other BrisStylers, Teneale - Wicked Child Designs, Sophie - Strat Designs, Carla - Un Cielo, Melinda - Retro Bird, Jane - Perle J, Tree Party Designs and Melanie - Kimono Reincarnate. It was great to be able to catch up with these great ladies.

My stall was next to Jane - Perle J and Carla - Un Cielo, thanks for a great day ladies.

I had my daughter with me all day and she enjoyed watching all the performances during the day the girls put on.

The evening ended with a fantastic concert titled "The Mad Hatters Tea Party". The girls had created some awesome costumes.

The view of the city from my stall just topped off the day. All round a fantastic day. I'm already looking forward to next years.

Shadow Shot Sunday #9

2010-10-24T19:47:00.007+10:00

Yesterday I was privileged to be involved in the St Margaret's Mayo Festival. What a fabulous day. The weather was fantastic and the atmosphere was great. There were lots of BrisStyle girls involved too. I will be doing a blog post about it tomorrow. But for now here is my shadow shots for this week.

This great Jacaranda was in full bloom. Topped off the day perfectly.

Some of the sculptures the girls had done.

The lanterns that lined the path were lit up when the sun went down.

Check out all the other shadow shots on Hey Harriet's blog.

Shadow Shot Sunday #8

2010-10-17T00:34:00.000+10:00

It's that time of the week again. Here is this weeks shot.

I love the way these two trees cast their shadows on the rocks. It's my favourite time of year, Spring. The sun is so shiny but not too hot yet. Summer is just around the corner...

Hey Harriet is where you will see all the Shadow Shots you can handle. Check it out.

Red Treasury

2010-10-13T22:14:00.003+10:00

I have been featured in this great treasury. Also had a play with 'Etsy Treasury HTML code generator' which allows you to post treasuries on your blog and have them clickable back to the actual listings. Check it out here its so easy. Thanks bacino for including my magnets in this treasury. I love red.

'I see red' by bacino

Porcelain Pomegranate V... NewMoonStudio $38.00	Adagio - Maple leaves /... mingtaphotogra... $40.00	$
Raw Edge Ruffle Halter ... prizysebastian $325.00	Casablanca Mutton mixed... muttons $10.00	Red Poppy Monismith1 $30.00
Bracelet. Ruby Red Cry... ThreeWishesStu... $30.00	charming red lace coat xiaqq $119.00	Reusable fabric composi... OurLittleMesse... $9.00
I LOVE YOU Valentine We... bekahjennings $	RED PAPERS 14 digital p... LillyBimble $	Round Glass Magnet Set ... designsofthehe... $5.00
Red and Ivory Damask Pi... MelindaMay $24.00	Deep Reds Hand Painted ... OceanAvenueSil... $35.00	Swiss flag coffee cozy ... crotchetymama $10.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Shadow Shot Sunday #7

2010-10-10T00:42:00.002+10:00

I spent this week at the coast for a conference. So needless to say I didnt get to see the beach much. Not happy! Anyway I grabbed my camera as we were driving home and got this great shadow shot from the car window.

These are a couple of other shots from my window that didnt turn out too bad.

This one would have been better without the random guy in front of the tree!

At least I did see the water, even if it was only from a distance.

Shadow shot Sunday is run by Hey Harriet. See all the other Shadow Shots here!

Facebook Fans Feature #14

2010-10-06T08:00:00.001+10:00

Facebook Fans Feature time. This week its the lovely Melissa from Simply Melissa Designs. Melissa lives in Charlotte, North Carolina in the United States. She loves life and tries to make each day better than the one before. Loves to create beautiful things and spend time with her loved ones! She is "designing to make life beautiful"!

All her hats and candle cozies are handmade with love using high quality materials and workmanship. Check them out at her etsy store here. Here are some of my favourites...Catch up with Melissa here:

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Lovely Spring Day

2010-10-04T12:53:00.004+10:00

Well I woke up this morning to the most beautiful spring day I could remember. I has been raining for days so to see the sun is wonderful. Well seeing today is my day off I decided to head out to the garden after walking the dog.

Well one look at the dog and he was in great need of a brush. That winter coat is coming out and there is hair everywhere. So the first half hour was spent brushing Max, the German Shepherd. For anyone who has owned a Shepherd they lose so much hair. This was the hair that I collected after one brushing session.

Then next to clean up the mess the chickens had made. I love having chickens and love that they are free to roam around my backyard but, boy do they make a mess...

Here is the before shot.

And the culprits.

About an hour later I had the backyard looking semi respectable. Only to have to do it all again next week, I'm sure. Oh well it was a nice day to be outside.

After, with Max, the slightly less hairy dog!

Shadow Shot Sunday #6

2010-10-03T00:34:00.000+10:00

Shadow Shot Sunday time. I missed the last couple of weeks, life has that way of taking over sometimes, but here is one for this week.

Check out Hey Harriets Blog if you want to join in the fun.

Dear Departed Chicken

2010-09-30T22:05:00.004+10:00

A few years ago we decided to get ourselves some chickens. My daughter was going to vacation care one school holidays and they had an incubator and hatched some eggs into baby chicks. They all watched them come out of the egg and looked after them till they were a few weeks old. Then the question came, who was going to take the chickens home? Well I was pleaded with and begged and finally gave in. Truth be told I had actually wanted to get some chickens for a long time, it was really my husband that needed convincing. Anyway we brought home these 3 baby chicks. Then we had keep them warm while they were babies, feed them, give them medicine, build a chicken coop, the list went on and on. But these chickens were definitely loved. They watched TV, were sung too, kissed and cuddled. They became part of the family.

Well that was about 3 years ago and they have survived all this time. That was until a few weeks ago. I started noticing that Petal, as she had become known (my daughters choice) was not acting herself. She didn't move around as much, stopped laying and generally looked not too well. As time when on she got worse and worse till she finally died. I didn't realise how attached I could become to a chicken. It's just a chicken, my husband said. But they all have different personalities and they really are quite cute. Anyway we had a funeral for Petal and have now moved on.

Petal a couple of days before she died.

We got some more chicks that are now growing very fast. I guess these ones will become part of the family too, and I guess they too will say goodbye one day, but until then we can enjoy their company and the yummy eggs they give us.

Shadow Shot Sunday #5

2010-09-12T08:47:00.000+10:00

Shadow Shot Sunday time again. This week I found this great tree. Still no leaves but spring is here so not long before it will be covered in beautiful green leaves once again.

Check out all the other great shadows from Shadow Shot Sunday here.

Shadow Shot Sunday #4

2010-09-05T08:39:00.000+10:00

Another week spent looking for shadows. This one was taken in Toowoomba, on an early morning walk.

Love the pattern on this old gate.

Shadow Shot Sunday proudly brought to you by Hey Harriet.

The Life of a Londoner #2

2010-09-03T09:19:00.000+10:00

Just love this photo.

Taken from Memoirs of a T.S.U.N.A.M.I. Girl.

Writing on the wall at Abbey Road

BrisStyle Indie Designer Market this Saturday

2010-09-01T09:24:00.000+10:00

Very exciting. The BrisStyle Indie Designer Market is on again this Saturday. The weather is looking great, all the handmade goodies will be on display. It is set to be a fantastic day.

Check out the BrisStyle blog for all the designers that will be heading out on Saturday.

I will be launching my new product. Pocket Mirrors.

These mirrors are so cute. They have been hand pressed with lots of lovely designs. There is one to suit everyone. They are 2.25" or 5.5cm in diameter, just the perfect size to put in your pocket, purse, car or desk. These cute little mirrors are sure to be the envy of all of your friends!

Also available will be some new styles of the popular glass and peg magnets. Just in time to do some Christmas shopping, only 16 weeks to go.

See you this Saturday:

BrisStyle Indie Designer Market

Saturday September 4th, 9-2pm

St Augustine's Church Grounds and Hall

Racecourse Road, Hamilton

Fashions On Parade

2010-08-30T09:56:00.002+10:00

Yesterday I was privileged to take part in a fundraiser for St Finbar's Ashgrove Primary School. And what a show it was. When I walked into the room I couldn't believe the amount of work that had gone into this. The whole place was set up in a circus theme, with clowns on every table. There were market stalls all around the sides, one of which was me with Designs of the Heart.

Here is the stall after we have just set up. My two helpers, mum and Caitlin.

Many of the fashions at this year's parade came straight from the runways of Mercedes Fashion Week. They included designers such as Jackie Buck, Julie Tengdahl, George Wu and Sam from Sarva. Not sure how much money was raised but they did a great job. Keep an eye out because they will be doing it all again next year.

She desperately wanted to climb this wall.

Shadow Shot Sunday #3

2010-08-29T20:28:00.005+10:00

Since starting Shadow Shot Sunday three weeks ago I have been obsessed with shadows. I have started taking my camera everywhere, every time I take the dog for a walk, or go to the shop just in case I miss some all important shadow. So far I've founds some good ones. Here's my shot for this week.

The playground on the path where I walk Max. Love the colours on this. It was such a nice sunny day.

Check out all the great shadows on Hey Harriet's blog.

Facebook Fans Feature #13

2010-08-26T09:31:00.005+10:00

This weeks Facebook Fans Feature is Jodee from Palettepassion. I had a browse through her gorgeous hand painted silk scarves and accessories, they are just beautiful.

Here are some of my favourites.

Playful Hand Painted Silk Scarf

Spring Hand Painted Silk Scarf

Uptown Hand Painted Silk Scarf

SALE - Hand Painted Silk Scarf

Foliage Hand Painted Scarf

When I was reading her Facebook page I learnt that Jodee just completed a 60 mile 3 Day walk for a Cure Challenge. Wow, what a great effort and a great cause. Well done Jodee.

Hop along to her store and check it out.

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Shadow Shot Sunday #2

2010-08-22T08:21:00.001+10:00

Here is the second installment of my Shadow Shot Sunday. This is becoming fun. Head over to Hey Harriet's blog and to see all the other great Shadow Shots. They're incredible.

Park bench on a lovely sunny day.

Facebook Fans Feature #12

2010-08-18T09:35:00.002+10:00

This weeks Facebook Fan Feature is Heather from G W Baby Designs. I popped over to her etsy store and what a great idea. I love her catch phrase on her banner "Do your dirty work in Style" - Boutique Baby Accessories.

I just love the idea of these Boutique Baby wipe cases. How boring are the plain white ones that everyone else has. Why be the same when you could stand out with one of these.

Boutique Baby Wipes Case in Blue Flowers

Boutique Baby Wipes Case in Lavender Flowers

Boutique Baby Wipes case in Hot pink swirls

Boutique Baby Wipes case in Green/Brown Swirl Pattern

What a great gift these would make for the mum to be.

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Green Treasury

2010-08-16T10:24:00.001+10:00

My Ladybut magnets have been featured by Kathleen in this beautiful treasury. Check out Kathleen's etsy store - Kathco Jewellery

Shadow Shot Sunday #1

2010-08-15T10:00:00.001+10:00

I have been meaning to do this for so long, probably about a year now. Well now it's time. Here is my first Shadow Shot Sunday. When I first read Hey Harriets blog and saw her lovely pictures I couldn't resist, I'm just a bit slow on the uptake.

Took my lovely German Shepherd - Max, out for a walk on the local bike track today, took my camera and snapped my first Shadow Shot Sunday shots.

Hope you like them.

Me and Max off for our walk

I love this bridge, the sun had gone behind the clouds a bit

Just an Ibis sitting in the tree, it was screaming at me. Maybe he didn't want his photo taken.

The Life of a Londoner

2010-08-13T09:58:00.001+10:00

I thought I would start up this little feature that I will do every now and then. The title is a bit random but what can I say, I'm not that creative :)

Well my sister moved to London a little over a year ago. I didn't want her to go as she was my babysitter, but she left to take on a job of looking after someone else's kids. Her dream job as a nanny.

She started her blog - Memoirs of a T.S.U.N.A.M.I Girl (Thirty Something Uncomplicated Navigationally-challenged And Mostly Independent Girl) before she left Australia and has kept it up all the while she has been away. She takes great photos and I love reading about her exploits, I always told her she should write a book. Although sometimes the little green jealously monster raises it's head when she pops over to Paris for the weekend (as you do) but I am very happy that she is having such a good time.

She is about to leave the job she has had for 12 months and take on another one, this one is even more the dream job. Lucky her.

Well I thought that I would put some snippets and maybe some photos from her blog in here for you to read. You can always head over to her blog and read the whole thing too.

She is an lover of Abba (having just gone and seen Momma Mia, again) and Take That (she's very happy they're back together).

Here's what she said about Mamma Mia.

Mamma Mia

Last night, I went to see Mamma Mia with my friend Lisa and her sister, Mandy. It was brilliant!

I tried my hardest to not sing along to all the songs and embarrass myself, but by the end, I was on my feet, arms in the air, singing along with everyone else.

So much fun!

Check out her blog here.

Enjoy.

Facebook Fans Feature #11

2010-08-11T09:00:00.001+10:00

Today's Facebook Fan Feature is the lovely Robin Ann Davis of Robins Nest Gallery. I have been checking out some of her photos and they are just beautiful, breath taking even. Here are some that I really loved.

My family and I were lucky enough to spend Christmas in Vermont two years ago as part of our big family holiday. I cant believe how beautiful it was. These photo takes me right back.

There were so many georgous pictures it was hard to just choose a few.

If you would like to see more head over to her gallery and knock yourself out.

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First Virtual Lab on Etsy

2010-08-09T21:11:00.003+10:00

Last Friday I did my first Virtual Lab on Etsy. It was great fun. Although it was hard to hear exactly what they were saying as the microphones kept feeding back but the chat that was going on by all the others in the lab was awesome.

The talk was on Craft Blogging. I have had my blog for ... oh just let me check ... since the 3rd of September 2008. Wow time does fly. Anyway moving on. My blogging has been sporadic to say the least and I came away from the Virtual Lab with a renewed sense that I could do more in the blogging world. I actually really enjoy it, its just the time it takes. Same with anything really.

I really learnt a lot of things from other blogger's out there, the ones that have been doing it for years and the ones just starting. I jumped on a whole heap and had a look around, there is some really good stuff out there.

Here are a few I met in the lab. Check them out.

Teal and Tea
Night Owl Craft Works
The Crafty Coop!

There were so many more that I haven't mentioned and I spent the rest of the day reading and following a lot of them. If you would like a list of blogs to follow that would sure appreciate it check out this etsy forum.

Happy Blogging :)

Facebook Fans Feature #10

2010-07-20T08:00:00.001+10:00

This Facebook Fan Feature today is on the shop AntikaModa.

The handknitted pillows are just adorable and the vintage items are to die for.

Britni says "I found Etsy to be the perfect place to share my knits, crafts & antiques with the world, and also discover other sellers whose items I adore. All of the hand-made items in Antika Moda are designed, developed and made by yours truly. I take great pride in my work & I pay close attention to detail, it’s these details that make each item one-of-a-kind."

Here are some of my favourites.

Hand Knit Throw Pillow in Cranberry

Hand Knit Button Throw Pillow in Fig

Vintage Owl Trivet

Vintage Butterfly 1970s coffee cups, set of 4

Check out her lovely blog antikamoda.blogspot.com and her adorable etsy shop.

New Look Blog

2010-07-19T14:52:00.006+10:00

I have been meaning to give my blog a bit of a makeover for such a long time, and finally today I did it.

Put in my new logo and added all the BrisStyle dates on the side. I am going through a bit of a red faze at the moment so its red all round.

Let me know what you think.

Off to The Handmade Expo this Saturday

2010-06-24T22:13:00.008+10:00

This Saturday I'm off to The Handmade Expo in Ipswich. I didn't make it last month as I was sick so looking forward to it. Got my winter woollies ready because its bound to be cold.

Just a few things you could see Saturday.

Check out this interview with another Handmade Expo goer. See Bubbachenille there on Saturday too.

Handmade expo:

IPSWICH TURF CLUB

BRISBANE ROAD, BUNDAMBA

8am-2pm

See you there.

She Shall Have Music Wherever She Goes

2010-06-21T14:57:00.003+10:00

They say "Without music, life is a journey through a desert". Thank you tuckooandmoocow for including my music clothespin magnets in this lovley treatsury. Check it out here.

Facebook Fans Feature #9

2010-05-14T09:29:00.007+10:00

Well its about time for another Facebook Fan Feature. I was just going through all the people that have left their links on my 'link love' facebook discussion tab and becoming a fan of all the lovely pages when I came across the most gorgeous bears I ever have seen.

Autumn Bear

Cindy creates fine crocheted ornaments for all occasions and they are just adorable.

She learned to crochet when she was very young and has been making ornaments for 20 years.

Here are a few of my favourites.

Pumpkin Carver Bear

Rocking Horse Miniature

Cowboy Bear

Check out her etsy store here, and her Facebook page here.

If you would like your shop to be featured in a Facebook Fan Feature, leave your links on my 'Link Love' Facebook Discussion tab. I am starting the Facebook Fan Features once a week and will choose one shop at random each week from the discussion page.

Good luck

In.cube8r Opens in Fortitude Valley

2010-05-13T20:05:00.005+10:00

Wednesday this week marked the opening of the first in.cube8r store in Brisbane. The original shop in Melbourne has been opened since 2007 and has had great success.

in.cube8r is open to ANYONE who makes things by hand and for ANYONE who loves buying one-off unique items.

I had the privilege of being one of the first 30 artists to rent a cube and display my crafty goodness to the people of Brisbane on a daily basis.

I went into the very cool looking shop on Tuesday and set up my cube.

So much fun. Every ones cube looked so good and so professional. Cant wait to see it when the shop is full.

In.cube8r is located at 1/253 Wickam St, Fortitude Valley

Tuesday - Friday 10:00 - 4.30

Thursday to Saturday 10:00 -6:00

Sunday 12:00-4:00

Pop in for a look. You will be glad you did.

A Weekend of Gardening

2010-04-06T21:19:00.003+10:00

Well our Easter long weekend was filled with tree chopping, weed pulling, grass mowing and anything else that could possibly be done to get rid of some of the forrest we had growing in our backyard. I swear the people who had our house before us had a bet on how many large trees they could fit in such a small space. But now at least I can see the sky when I look up and the ground when I look down. Still more to go but at least it looks neater.

We did find a very cute little visitor while trimming one of the palm trees. He actually jumped onto my daughters hand and gave her a heart attack. But she soon recovered and discovered it was a very cute lime green tree frog.

Here he is on her hand.

Off he goes to freedom.

Happy Easter

2010-04-03T21:05:00.002+10:00

Have a happy Easter.

Facebook Fans Feature #8

2010-03-28T21:18:00.012+10:00

It's Facebook Fan Feature time again. This time we will be having a look at the wonderful shop of Zur Designs.

Deb loves making handcrafted jewelry! She began with beading and moved on to wire sculpting, working with chain and is now in the process of learning metal fabrication.

Her etsy shop is full of lovely jewellery. Here are just a few.

Forever and Always

Antique Sterling Silver Spoon Ring

Man In The Moon See Stars Necklace

Key to My Heart Necklace

Become a fan of her facebook page, follow her on twitter and check out her great blog.

Etsy store Zur Designs Handcrafted Jewellery.

First BrisStyle Market for 2010

2010-03-01T14:18:00.005+10:00

This weekend marks the beginning of all the fantastic BrisStyle markets that are happening this year. It's all so exciting. Check out all the markets coming up on the BrisStyle blog and More HOT March Indie Marketeers in their latest blog post.

I have been busily crafting away in my little room preparing for the big day. Here are a few of the new pendants I have been working on.

Also check out Little Chrissy's blog post on Fab Finds For Under $5 - BrisStyle. Some great things available.

You don't want to miss this great event so get yourself down to St Augustine's Church Hall and Grounds, Racecourse Road, Hamilton, Brisbane this Saturday, 6th March.

Come and say hi.

The Handmade Expo on THIS weekend

2010-02-17T12:10:00.006+10:00

Well the year is most certainly underway. Its Febuary already. Time for all those fabulous handmade markets to start again.

This weekend I am heading out to Ipswich for the first Handmade Expo of 2010. Looking forward to a great day.

I have a few new designs that will be making their debut. Here is just a sneek peak.

See you there.

Facebook Fans Feature #7

2010-02-14T14:32:00.005+10:00

Time for the next Facebook Fan Feature. This time we are looking at Susan's Greetings.

Susan is a mother and full-time journalist who enjoys creating hand-crafted cards and other paper items. Her Etsy Store was opened in 2007.

Check out some of her great items.

4 Fun All Over Purse-Shaped Note Cards

25 Wavy Shimmer Stripes and Dots Easter Egg Tags

Wedding Cake Greeting Card with Free Coordinating Gift Tag

Pink Flowers Baby Bird Congratulations Greeting Card

Follow her on facebook, Twitter and her fabulous blog - Susan's Greetings

Check out her etsy store and revive the art of writing letters today.

Blog of the month - January 2010

2010-01-23T15:17:00.003+10:00

Last year my sister moved from Sunny Queensland, Australia to the cold and snowy London, UK. She kept a blog about all her travels and life changing experiences and now she has made it to the Expat Blog of the Month. Check it out here. She really is a very entertaining writer, I have told her to write a book and remember me when she's rich and famous. I'm still waiting. :)

You can find her blog at http://www.memoirsofatsunamigirl.blogspot.com.

Facebook Fans Feature #6

2010-01-02T21:21:00.005+10:00

I have been a bit slow in getting all my promised blog features out so here is the next one.

This time the feature is on The Bobbin Sew Bar + Craft Lounge.

This shop is a Mama owned textile recycling studio promoting creativity and community through sustainable crafting in fiber arts. They are a brick and mortar business located in the Old North End of Burlington, VT. Thanks to Etsy they are now able to sell their handmade Vermont products to their Bobbin friends nationwide.

Visit them at http://thebobbin.com

Artfire - http://www.artfire.com/users/thebobbin
Etsy - http://www.etsy.com/shop/thebobbin

EcoOwl

Ivory Silk Shirt

Art Jacket "Peppermint Sweetie"

EcoTote Birdy

2010 is here already

2010-01-02T21:14:00.003+10:00

The second day of 2010 is here already. How did you spend your New Years Eve? Mine was very quiet, quite nice really. But never the less the new year arrived and no one could stop it.

I havent done many blog posts recently, Christmas has taken all my time, so I will say my little speach now.

Thank you so much to all the people who have followed my blog and supported my etsy shop and come to craft markets and supported all things handmade over 2009. Thank you very much. May your 2010 be filled with everything you want and blessings that overflow in your lives and families.

Looking forward to a great 2010, very exciting things ahead.

Love ya.

xxx

What a huge weekend

2009-12-09T11:42:00.002+10:00

Well what a huge weekend I just had. So big it has taken me a few days to recover.

We had our BrisStyle Market at St Augustine's Church, Hamilton. What a fabulous day it was. So many great stalls and so many lovely handmade goodies.

I was so busy I didnt even get a chance to take photos. I'm a bit disappointed about that as it would have been good have some. Anyway, I met some great people and had a fabulous day.

Thanks so much to all the organisers you did an awesome job.

If you missed this one, next year there will be four more so put these dates in your diary now.

And the Winner is ...

2009-12-02T21:18:00.001+10:00

I have just drawn the winner to my 1st ever blog giveaway (thanks the the random number generator)

And the winner is ....

Pam from Country Mouse, City Mouse.

Check out her blog here.

http://countrycitymouse-pam.blogspot.com

Congratulations.

Thanks to everyone who entered. I had so many responses it was fantastic. I will have to run another giveaway after Christmas. Stay tuned.

xxx

An Exciting Blog Win

2009-11-23T20:10:00.004+10:00

I was very excited to find out at the end of last week that I was the winner of the blog giveaway from Rock n Wrap. El emailed me and I got to choose the colour of stone that I would like in my earings. I fell in love with the Lolly Pink as soon as I saw it. Bit of a pink lover.

Anyway I got to pick up the earings (made especially for me) from The Handmade Expo on Saturday. I just love them.

Check out all her other great earing in her etsy store. Or see her in person at the up and coming BrisStyle Indie Designers Market on the 5th December, St Augustines Church Hall and Grounds, Racecourse Road, Hamilton.

Thanks El.

Time Flys When Your Having Fun

2009-11-19T23:46:00.003+10:00

This week has just flown by. I have been busily making things for The Handmade Expo on this weekend. I always leave everything till the last minute. And then there is still something I forget. Hopefully not this time.

So if you have Saturday morning free join us at the Ipswich Turf Club, Bundamba Rd, Bundamba from 8am-2pm. Lots of great stalls to check out and lovely handmade goodies to buy.

See you there.

Here's a little peak at my busy desk, lots of making going on here. He he. See ya :-)

Facebook Fans Feature #5

2009-11-12T21:52:00.009+10:00

Time for another Facebook Fan feature.

Today we are looking at Caroline from Carolineart on etsy.

Caroline enjoys painting and drawing in many different media. She is inspired by the wonders in her own backyard and community as well as by her travels. Her paintings are found in many homes in California as well as a few other states and Canada. Since beginning to seriously pursue art during the 1990s she has won awards in numerous juried shows.

Her paintings are just lovely. Her are a few of my favourites.

Sun Room Cat

Autumn Colour Note Card

Christmas Collage Aceo Set

Deer in the Meadow

To see more lovely art and find out more about Caroline go to her Blog:

http://artid.com/members/Caroline

Why not follow her on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/Carolinepaints

And visit her etsy store
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Carolineart

Happy browsing.

1st EVER Blog Give Away

2009-11-11T10:54:00.003+10:00

Well I thought it was about time, and what better time than Christmas to have my first ever blog giveaway.

The giveaway is for these cute little glass magnet set in the word DREAM

and a set of three of the clothespin magnets in the Paisley Flower design.

There are a few ways to enter, each one giving you a chance to win.

1. Follow my blog - Leave a comment here saying you have

2. Follow me on twitter - Leave a comment here saying you have

3. Become a fan of my Facebook Page - Leave a comment here saying you have

4. Go to my etsy store and let me know what's your favourite item - Leave a comment here telling me which one.

Giveaway is open to everyone world wide.

I will contact the winner via their blog so if you dont have a blog please leave another way of contacting you.

Entries close 1st December. Just in time to recieve before Christmas.

Good Luck. :-)

xxx

New Addition to my work space

2009-11-07T22:01:00.005+10:00

The other day I made a trip to IKEA. And what a fun day that was. Mum and I spent the day wondering through the lovely displays and buying things we really didnt need but wanted anyway.

I did go there for a purpose and that was to get myself some shelves for my work room, or studio as it could be called. For so long I have had boxes piled everywhere but now, oh how wonderful it is.

One of the three massive boxes that only just fit in the car.

Well today I took the 3 massive boxes and began the construction. My husband did lend a hand. I thought it would take forever because it was so big but in the true Ikea way it was easy.

I documented the progress for you all.

And finally the finished product, complete with boxes also purchased from Ikea.

All my things are now tucked away neatly in the boxes and I probably wont be able to find anything ever again, but for now I feel organised and tidy. Oh thats a great feeling. Not sure how long it will last, better enjoy it. :)

Facebook Fans Feature #4

2009-11-05T20:52:00.005+10:00

Time for the next feature of my first facebook page fans. Susan from Dream Belle Designs was my 4th fan, so today we must take a look at her lovely shop.

Susan loves working with sterling silver, copper, and brass. Combining them with semi-precious, natural gemstones and glass beads.

Her designs are just beautiful.

Here are some of my favourites.

Follow her today on her lovely blog - http://dreambelledesign.blogspot.com/

Twitter - http://twitter.com/dreambelledsgns

and Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/dreambelledesigns

Why not stop by her shop today and have a closer look, you'll be glad you did.

xxx

Just listed in my Etsy store

2009-11-05T20:38:00.001+10:00

If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again. ~ Flavia Weedn

Facebook Fans Feature #3

2009-11-01T20:04:00.005+10:00

Time for another feature on a great etsy artist. Today the feature is

Sandi from ...

Handmade by Sandi

She has some lovely items in her shop, some crocheted, some sewn as well as jewelry.

I love the crocheted coffee cozies and the chockers.

This pet placemat is really cool. What dog wouldn't love that.

She loves doing custom orders and will combine shipping.

Stop by and have a look around, you'll be glad you did.

Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/SandisTs

You will find great gift ideas for everyone at the website - Sandi's T's: http://www.sandists.com

Become a fan on her facebook page here

Facebook Fans Feature #2

2009-10-26T10:37:00.005+10:00

Today I am featuring my second Facebook Fan.

Number 2 is ..... Sandra from Divine3Designs

Divine3Designs has Fine Artisan Jewelry handmade using Gold, Silver, Copper, Brass Gemstones, Dichroic Glass etc. Many are "One of a Kind"! Check out all the lovely items at her etsy store here.

Right now she is including a FREE pair of earrings with every order. How exciting is that. Love a free gift.

You can keep up with all the latest on her Blog http://divine3designs.blogspot.com, which is full of great photos, how to's and give aways.

Her Twitter http://twitter.com/divine3designs

Her website http://divine3designs.com

and her Facebook page.

Here are a few more of my favourite items.

Hop over to her etsy store today and check it out.

Christmas 9 Weeks to Go

2009-10-25T18:55:00.006+10:00

Just under 9 weeks till Christmas and that means 9% off everything in my etsy store, including shipping.

Great new items being listed all the time, check it out while the dicounts are still big. Each week they will get lower and lower.

When there is only 7 weeks to go I'm going to have a give away. Stay tuned for that. Ohh how exciting, love a give away.

Facebook Fans Feature #1

2009-10-25T16:17:00.005+10:00

I started a facebook page yesterday and promised my first 10 fans a feature on my blog. Here is the first one.

My first fan was ME. Yes I had to become my own fan. But not going to count that so:

The number 1 fan is (drum roll)..... Paula from Kitty and Polly.

Their shop is filled with gorgeous gifts and accessories from Handmade Handbags

this gorgeous clutch is my favourite

and Handmade Homewares

love these set of 5 heart decorations (I love hearts)

Handmade Gifts and Handmade Hair Accessories

Check out their great website here. Kitty and Polly is a treasure trove of gorgeous gift ideas, perfect for birthdays, special occasions or a special treat. Have a brows you'll be glad you did.

Feature In Notebook Magazine

2009-10-23T20:34:00.002+10:00

A couple of months ago I received an email from a stylist from Notebook Magazine, asking if she could borrow some of my clothespin (peg) fridge magnets to photograph for Notebook. After I thought about it for days and considered all my options - just kidding I replied straight away with a big YES. Well I did try and be a little more professional than that.

Anyway after purchasing every Notebook for the next few months I finally saw it in there. Its on page 116 of this months Notebook Magazine. My pegs are sold in sets of 3 but only one is displayed in the photo. It is at the very top holding the pages together. Its not very big but something I made has made it into a national publication. Woo hoo. Very excited. My details are also at the top of the stockists lists under the photo and listed again on the stockist page at the back. Can't complain about that.

Market Day

2009-10-22T14:23:00.005+10:00

My stall just after set up.

Last Saturday a great day was had by all at The Handmade Expo. The weather was perfect, people were friendly and there was no wind this time. Woo hoo.

I had the previledge of being next to some fantastic people. On my left was Natalie from "Rod n Lil". Check out her etsy store here. She has some lovley childrens clothes and accessories. This is her at her stall with my daughter. (She just had to jump in the picture).

On the right was Nyssa from "Surrealdesign".Check out her website. She also makes lovely childrens clothes and accessories but both are very different.

It was a great day and thank you ladies for making the time fly by with excellent conversation and laughter.

Oh and yes there were some customers there to and some great purchases were had by all.

See you next market in November. Check out The Handmade Expo blog for all the news.

A Bit of Culture

2009-10-18T18:40:00.002+10:00

Last week I had my dose of culture. Thursday night I had the previlege of seeing Il Divo perform live. They are so fantastic I was on the edge of my seat all night. What awesome voices they have.

Then last night I was off to the opera. Yes the opera. I loved it. It was opening night of Rigoletto and I was lucky enough to get into the after party. Wow I feel so posh now. Yes I do have class. :)

Lets Be Part Of a World Record Attempt

2009-10-16T10:01:00.003+10:00

Tomorrow I am heading off to The Handmade Expo in Ipswich. This month though is a little different. We are have a world record attempt for the most people doing Heads and Shoulders, Knees and Toes. What a hoot! How much fun will that be. I love doing that just by myself (don't tell anyone else that) but how much better with 1400 other people. If you want to be part of the fun head on down to the Ipswich Turf club around lunch time for all the excitement.

But if you would rather have a relaxing day looking at fantastic handmade goodies come down from 8am and have a wonder around. There are so many great stalls and some fantastic people.

I have been busy making lots of new goodies for my stall so stop by and have a chat.

Check out The Handmade Expo Blog.

I'm off to practice, heads and shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes, knees and toes. Heads and shoulders knees and toes we all clap hands together....

Count Down to Christmas - SALE

2009-10-15T13:50:00.006+10:00

Its only 10 weeks till Christmas. Wow is it just me or did this year go really fast.

I have decided to have a COUNT DOWN TO CHRISTMAS Sale in my Etsy store.

What does that mean, I hear you ask?

Well every week I will be giving a percentage off all purchases that corresponds with how many weeks till Christmas. So this week its 10% and next week it will be 9% and so on.

Discount will be off the total cost of item and postage. So the quicker you buy the more you save. Refunds will be processed through Paypal after purchase.

Follow me on twitter @designsofheart to keep to date with the savings.

Check out my new items that I am adding all the time. I am working on some Christmas items so keep your eyes out for them.

Have a great day and remember, the world really is wonderful. :)

xxx

New Items in my Etsy Store

2009-10-08T23:45:00.003+10:00

Hi all,

It seems like forever since I have been here. Well it has been almost a month. I must get myself more organised. (How many times have I said that to myself).

Anyway what have I been doing. Well I have been busy doing markets, making things and working. The first two have been the most fun. I was at The Handmade Expo a couple of weeks ago and the next one is coming up on the 17th October, so I am busy making more things for that. This weekend is a market at the St Williams church and last weekend my stuff, not me, was at the Mitchelton Farmers Market. Whew. Busy.

I have also been listing some new things in my etsy store. These cute little magnets have been a hit at the markets. I have a whole lot more on the work table that hopefully will be finished soon.

Well I had better get back to work. Or more to the point off to bed. Too many late nights as well.

Also been really working on Twitter and following some really great people. Thanks to all those who are following me, if your not check it out on http://twitter.com/designsofheart.

Till next time, keep safe and enjoy life.

Trip Away

2009-09-13T20:25:00.002+10:00

We have just returned from a trip to Adelaide. Went to a conference and while we were there got in some visits with family and friends. Must say it made me happy to be living in Brisbane. It was cold down there.

While we were away out hot water system blew up. Isn't that always the way, things like that only happen when you go away. Lucky there was someone at home to turn off the water before we had a flood on our hands as well as no hot water. Called the plumber and he changed it over the next day. Which meant we had hot water again when we got home.

The joys of being a house owner.

:)

A Few of my Favourite Things #5

2009-09-13T19:55:00.010+10:00

It's been a while since the last favourite things post.

Before our trip to Adelaide we had a BrisStyle catch up and I was lucky enough to meet some very nice and interesting people. One of them was the owner of Not Sew Shabby Etsy store. So this favourite things post I thought I would feature her lovely store.

She is having a BIG SALE UP TO $15 HAS BEEN SLASHED OFF ALL BAGS TO MAKE ROOM FOR NEW STOCK!. So hop on over to her store and check it out. Here are some of the lovely things she has on sale there.

Baby Frillies

Pillow Case Dress

Betsy Moda Pink Bag

Belle Bliss Bag - Roses

Bridget Bag Red Flower

Check out her cool blog at http://notsewshabby.blogspot.com

Also follow her on twitter
http://twitter.com/NotSewShabby

A Few of my Favourite Things #4

2009-08-21T22:27:00.007+10:00

Bows. Every one loves them. They top presents and fancy things. It brings joy to see a bow. Their pretty and sweet, little girls love them, big girls love them. Tie a bow of sting on your finger so you don't forget, (that one never worked for me). So this week my favourite thing is bows.

Here is the treasury I did with some bows that I found on etsy.

My favourite ones out of this collection would be: .

itsastitch - Bow Cocktail Ring

threelittleprincess - Fancy Chocolate Tutu Hair Bow Holder

I really love this treasury thing. Yes now I am addicted.

xxx

Another Win

2009-08-19T22:53:00.003+10:00

Today I discovered that I am on a bit of a winning streak.

I found out that I won another blog give away.

This time it was from the fabulous littlechrissy. Her give away was 2 Great brooches, set of coasters and some earrings.

I cant wait to start wearing these fabulous brooches. Thanks so much Chris for the opportunity to win these great items.

Check out her etsy store here.

Winners are grinner's. :)

xxx

Great Primitive Hearts

2009-08-19T09:00:00.009+10:00

In my treasury this week I featured hearts from all different artists.

One of them mentioned me in her blog so I thought I would repay the favour.

Thanks so much to Barb from Prairie Harvest Arts, here's her blog.

And here are some of her lovely items in her etsy shop.

Thanks Barb, I love your work.

A Few of my Favourite Things #3

2009-08-19T00:01:00.003+10:00

This week my favourite thing would have to be making my first ever treasury on etsy.

I sat up till 12.30am watching and waiting for those numbers to click down and then all of a sudden there it was, my opportunity. I really didn't think it would be this much fun.

I found some really nice pieces and everyone was so happy to be a part of it. I called it I HEART You, you might have guessed I like hearts. What do you think?

Well now I just have to try and do it again, they say once you do one you get addicted. I think 'they' are right.

I won a blog Give Away

2009-08-16T15:54:00.001+10:00

Just found out I am the winner of Little Diva's Blog Giveaway.

I'm so excited. This is the first Blog giveaway I have won. Check out my winnings.

Cute little coin/card purse, Magnetic Bookmark, Three Fat Quarters of Jenean Morrison's "Moondance" fabric for Free Spirt and a Vinyl covered pencil case.

Thanks Christine, they are awesome, cant wait to get using that fabric and purse.

Check out the blog of Little Diva its a great read.

Made my first Treasury - Woo Hoo

2009-08-15T20:44:00.001+10:00

Mine is the cat fridge magnet on the second row at the end. So exciting.

A Few of my Favourite Things #2

2009-08-09T16:32:00.002+10:00

So here is the second edition of A Few of my Favourite Things.

Bike track

My puppy Max (well he's not quite a puppy any more)

I took my camera out on my daily walk this week and snapped some shots.

One of my favourite things is going for a walk along the bike track down the road from our house, and with this gorgeous Brisbane winter weather we are having how could it not be a favourite.

The sun was shining, not a cloud in the sky. Beautiful.

I have lived in other states where winter is cold, rainy, cloudy, miserable. So now living in Brisbane where winter is sunny and mild, some times cool, but still bearable, how could you not be happy.

I love Queensland it truly is the promise land.

So that concludes A Few of my Favourite Things #2.

The belly button tree!

All done and tied up with string, these were a few of my favourite things.

BrisStyle EEE Sale

2009-08-06T21:37:00.002+10:00

Its arrived. The Etsy Ekka Extravanganza Sale. For the length of the Ekka (whole 10 days), me and a whole bunch of us BrisStyletts are having sales in our etsy stores.

Check out my etsy store at www.designsoftheheart.etsy.com for 15% off store wide and free postage in Australia.

Stock up for Christmas its only 140 sleeps away.

For other participating BrisStyle shops visit our Street Team Blog at www.brisstyle.blogspot.com

A Few of my Favourite Things #1

2009-08-01T09:28:00.009+10:00

Crochet Applique in Yellow and Pin k

Welcome to 'A Few of My Favourite Things' #1

For the first one I would like to feature an etsy seller that I stumbled over during my endless hours of looking over etsy.

I found Annie Design and her unique hand crafted crochet applique and accessories by accident and I don't know whether it was the gorgeous flowers that she creates or the fact that she comes from Ireland (always had a fascination with Ireland, one day I will make it there for a visit) that attracted me to her shop.

Organic Cotton Crochet Hearts

She does such lovely flowers. I have always loved flowers and hearts and she does both. My favourite is the Crochet Applique in Yellow and Pin k. I love the colours and she's right it does remind you of apple blossom.

Blue, Lilac and Purple Crochet Flowers

Here a few more of my favourite things from her shop.

Vintage Plate of Pink and Crean Crochet Applique

Crochet Flowers in Blue with Lime leaves in Bamboo Yarn

Organic Cotton Yellow and White Crochet Flowers

Crochet Applique Summer Mix

Well thats the end of the first addition. All done and tied up with string, these were a few of my favourite things.

xxx

My Favourites

2009-08-01T00:04:00.004+10:00

*

Well, I sat down to write a post. What shall I write about. I have been pondering this question.

There are so many things yet nothing really jumps out at me. I read other blogs and everyone else has something to say, why not me.

So I thought, everyone seems to have something they do over and over. Like Hey Harriet with her Shadow Shot Sunday, which I have been meaning to join as it looks fantastic. And Memoirs of a T.S.U.N.A.M.I Girl with her Sunday Snapshot, by the way if you havent read Bec's Blog you should. Very interesting writings about a Brissy girl, just moved to London and her adventures, and she just happens to be my sister. But I digress. So I thought I need something that I do every week. Maybe not on a particular day as I dont know if it will happen that regularly, but something that does happen at least once a week.

So I decided on My Favourites. I know its been done. But I love looking at others blogs and seeing what they like, and cool things they have found. It will be mostly etsy stuff as that is where I seem to be spending my time lately. But any thing that takes my fancy.

Stay tune tomorrow for the first one.

*

Great Giveaway from littlechrissy

2009-07-30T22:33:00.005+10:00

Check out the giveaway on littlechrissy's blog. 2 Great brooches, set of coasters and some earings. All you need to do is
1. Follow her blog
2. Visit her etsy shop, heart her, and choose your favourite listed item.
3. Write a lovely comment under the post letting her know what you've chosen and why.

Simple really. And such great prizes. Check it out.

I Can't Believe It - The Front Page

2009-07-28T22:25:00.010+10:00

I cant believe it, I made it to the front page of Etsy. It came and went and I didn't see it on there but today when I opened my shop and discovered an item that had, had only 10 hits last night now had 409. Something had happened, a quick look at the Craft Cult website (its a website that keeps track of all featured etsy shops, very cool) and I discovered I had been on the front page at 8:00pm EST Monday July 27 2009.

I must admit I was quite excited. My husband couldn't quite understand all the jumping around, "I guess that's a good thing?" he says. He really has no idea. For all those Etsy sellers out there, you can understand, this is something you wish for but have no control over getting. I even got one sale out of it. I guess the excitement will die down soon but I think I will revel in it for a day or so.

:)

Sew Hip - My Most Favourite Magazine

2009-07-22T15:06:00.004+10:00

I found this magazine quite by accident at the newsagent a couple of months ago. It turned out to be the first edition. Once I opened it I couldnt put it down. I just love everything about it right down to the recycled pages. I am not really big into sewing, I do it now and then but this magazine is packed full of great patterns and articles on different designers. Its a UK magazine but they even had an article on the Victorian Bushfires and how there were some people making quilts to help those that had lost their homes.

After I found the first addition I went back to the newsagency the next month only to discover that they didnt have a copy. My newsagency only get one copy a month and they wont do any holds. So I spent a few months searching every newsagency I went past till finally I found it again. I now have a new newsagency that is holding one for me every month. I missed a few issues but you can back order them. If you havent seen this magazine and you are the slightest bit interested in sewing, grab a copy. You will love it.

Blackwood Street Winter Festival Review

2009-07-20T22:02:00.005+10:00

Well the Blackwood Street Winter Festival was a hit. The street was closed off at 3pm, stalls, food vans and rides set up and the people came.

I remembered to take my camera and here is the proof.

There was a good turn out early in the evening but then it got colder and most people went home. It was a really good atmosphere and I think for the first one, very good.

I was talking to the organisers and they are looking at doing a summer one too. And maybe later on an Autumn and Spring as well. I think 4 times a year would be great. Its a really good idea and next time the winter one will start earlier in the day when its still warm, it was very cold as the night wore on.

We all had a good time. Met some great people and had fun.

Great times.

Blackwood Street Winter Festival

2009-07-17T21:17:00.004+10:00

Well I have been up late every night this week, busily stocking up on all my wares. Having just done two markets in a row my supplies were running low. This Saturday 18th July, I am heading down to Blackwood Street in Mitchelton for the first ever Blackwood St Winter Festival.

Should be a fun day/night. Its starting at 3pm and going into the night. They are having market stalls, fabulous food and live entertainment. They are expecting around 10,000 people to come along. Its looking like the weather will be great, if not a little cold. I'll take my scarf and beanie and I'll be right.

I'll try to remember to take my camera this time and post some shots after the fact. Used my camera here and took a shot of my new creations. These great pegs have magnets on the back to hold all your notes to the fridge, very handy.

Till then its back to the crafting and hopefully not another late night.

xxx

BrisStyle Market

2009-07-13T12:23:00.002+10:00

Well better late than never, but two Saturdays ago I attended my first BrisStyle Market, and how fantastic was it. Thanks to every one that put in all the effort and organisation, such a great job. All I had to do was turn up and set up my wares. There were so many people there, I couldn't believe it. I took my 10 year old daughter to help and she also had a fantastic time, eating the cup cakes and trying ever so hard to get more money out of me to buy all the great things she saw at the other stalls. Unfortunately I forgot to take my camera so have no photos. Must remember that in the future. I am looking forward to the next one at Christmas. Once again thanks to everyone who put in all the effort to organise everything. Well done.

Winter Concert

2009-06-20T22:19:00.002+10:00

Well I just arrived home after going to the Australian Girls Choir Winter Concert. And it was a lovely event. There are some very talented girls in this great land of ours. My daughter had her staring role. She had a speaking part and did very well. Now we just have to look forward to the next concert at the end of the year. I'm sure it will come all too soon.

My Internet is Back

2009-06-14T18:04:00.003+10:00

Well I am very excited, I am back in the real world.

For 5 weeks our house has been without internet. Yes I have been cut off from the rest of the world and very frustrated. Apparently the tower near our house was damaged when we had the big wet. It has taken them this long to fix. But now we're back.

I am now making up for lost time with my etsy store. Listing lots of stuff and reading lots of articles. So much fun.

Well must get back to it. Promise to blog again soon.

Hope your having a fun time in England, sis.

Love ya

Sarah

Goodbye Bec

2009-05-13T14:04:00.003+10:00

Well I took my sister to the Airport on Monday and bid her farewell. She is off to London for 2 years or more, who knows. You can follow her blog at www.memoirsofatsunamigirl.blogspot.com for all her interesting adventures. I spent the rest of the day a little sad, but reasurred myself that all would be well when I have done a trip over there to see her. Well one can dream.

Twitter Convert

2009-04-28T23:34:00.002+10:00

Well I said I wouldn't do it but I did. I joined Twitter. Now I am following the lives of people like, Hugh Jackman, Donald Trump and Ashton Kutcher. Wow I feel almost famous.

What did we fill our hours with when we didn't have the internet.

What no internet??? Was there ever a time like that?

Well that's all from me, I'm off to see what President Obama is doing right now!

Bye

Our Wildlife Friends

2009-04-16T20:58:00.000+10:00

A little while ago I put a hanging bird feeder on our deck and we started to get some visitors. Now every morning we have these lovely birds coming to take turns in eating. They are just beautiful. This photo doesn't show all their colours. They have beautiful red chests.

These ones visit from time to time too.

My daughter took these shots.

xxx

Easter Holidays

2009-04-13T23:15:00.000+10:00

Hi

Well it has been a very long time since I was here last. Back in January. Well what can I say, life is busy.

Its Easter weekend and it has been raining, and raining and raining. I am just glad I am not one of those camping types that goes camping every Easter long weekend. The tent would have floated away. Cant complain about the rain though it has been a long time coming.

Well we just had a week off work and the pleasure of the company of my mother in law from Adelaide. We did the local sites of Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Had a great time. Check out the fun ride we did at Movie World (http://movieworld.myfun.com.au/Attractions/Rides/SUPERMAN-Escape.htm) watch the video.

Now its back to work and fun. I am planning to get my Esty Shop (www.designsoftheheart.etsy.com) more filled with stock in the next few weeks. I have been making some very cute scarfes. Stay tuned for more info and photos.

Bye for now

40th Wedding Anniversary

2009-01-18T23:32:00.000+10:00

Not my 40th wedding anniversary, although I am coming up to my 16th. But my mum and dads. Its a bit of a mile stone in today's era. 40 years is a long time to be with one person and lots of people don't make it. But my mum and dad did and they still like each other. That's saying something.

Well my sister and I threw them a party. We went all out. Had a high tea at my house with about 40 guests. Invited my dads sisters from Melbourne as a surprise, you have to be careful with surprises at their age. But they survived. Thankfully.

They had a great time and we finished off the surprise with a trip to New Zealand for them. They have never left the country so we figured it was time they did, its a one way trip. Only kidding we want them to come back. They were very surprised. Even if the surprise was almost ruined by my nana.

Today was clean up day and it took a while but the house looks like normal and the left overs have been eaten by hungry church goers this morning. My two Aunties are flying home tomorrow and had a great time.

Over all a great weekend.

I really must write something about our holiday some time. But I have hit the ground running and I will get there eventually.

Bye for now.

100 Things

2009-01-08T17:24:00.000+10:00

Before I get into my holiday stories I just wanted to do this one. I saw it before I went on holidays but knew I could cross off more things after so here goes.

Thanks to Jessica at Jessica's OE (and Memoirs of a T.S.U.N.A.M.I Girl) for this one! Love these!
Basically, you bold the things on the list that you've done:
100 Things
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland (does DisneyWorld count??)
8. Climbed a mountain (sort of)
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (wanted to do it but you cant get up there any more - not happy)
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France (tried to do this one too but the Loove was closed the day we went)
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job (just last week)
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Totally copied a post from someone else's blog to your own
So thats 58 things, over half. Not bad

America... America

2008-12-15T16:44:00.000+10:00

Hi

I made it. I'm here.

I haven't blogged for a while as I have had jam packed days. We arrived in Vegas after about 20 hours travel. Surprisingly not too tired. Then managed to squeeze as much as we could into the next 4 days. Saw a magic show and "STOMP". There was so many casinos and lights and woo it was crazy. I must say 4 days was enough for me.

We then jumped on the plane with only a few issues. Like they had changed our flight on us and not told us. So we had to change it back and got the last 5 seats on the plane, and the people behind us in the line didn't make it. Fun.

Got to Jacksonville, Florida and we were there but our bags were not. They missed the connecting flight. Only had to wait an hour as they were coming on the next one, but we got free dinner vouchers because of the inconvenience caused. Woo hoo.

Then we go to Disney World and get on a roller coaster and me and my 9 year old get stuck sideways on the ride when it grinds to a halt mid way though. We have to be escorted off the ride by the attendant after he has extricated us out of the ride. That is the first time I have been stuck on a ride. Luckily we weren't too far off the ground. I did go on it again when it started up. Very exciting.

Well I must go its 1.45 in the morning and I should get some sleep as we have another day at Disney World tomorrow. Hopefully I wont get stuck in any rides this time.

Stay tune for more exciting stuff.

:)

Tomorrow we fly away

2008-12-08T00:47:00.000+10:00

Well it is not exactly tomorrow now more like this morning. As per my last post I have left it all till the last minute again and have just spent the last 5 hours packing, cleaning the house, cant have my sister staying in a pig sty, running around doing all the last minute things you need to do before a holiday. But I think at last I have it all covered. I hope.

So in five and a half hours we are off to the airport and up, up and away. Now I can get excited. Now that I have everything done. I must go to bed though and get some sleep or this jet lag is going to hit me hard.

Next time you hear from me I will be on the other side of the world.

See you then.

4 Sleeps to Go

2008-12-04T21:06:00.000+10:00

Only 4 sleeps to go. Woo Hoo. Can't wait. I finished up work yesterday and now have time to prepare all the packing and stuff. Lots of stuff. I have just had a little think about what I need to take and am already feeling overwhelmed. I hope I don't forget anything. But like I said to my husband, we are not going to a third world country so if we forget anything we can just buy it, right? Hopefully. Anyway I am the queen of the last minute so I have done no packing yet. I will hopefully not leave it till the last minute this time.

There was a time a few years ago when we were going on a trip to Vanuatu. As usual it came to the night before and, you guessed it, not packed. I tried to pack but I ended up spending the night in the toilet throwing up. Not good. I thought after a good nights sleep I would feel better and get up early and pack. We had to leave home by 5.30 am to get to the airport (2 hours away). Well the alarm didn't go off and I woke up at 5.30am when we were supposed to leave. Well we all flew into a panic and packed at the speed of lightning, rushed out the door and started madly calling the airline to tell them we were still coming. We finally made it and it turned out the terminal had checking in issues and they couldn't check us in for another hour, so we ended up being early, so to speak. The lesson to learn here is always leave things to the last minute because it will turn out ok in the end. (I only forgot 2 things in my last minute packing, job well done really) :)

My great bag - Just love it

2008-11-30T16:26:00.000+10:00

Week Of Lasts

2008-11-30T16:04:00.000+10:00

Well its only one week till we leave on our big US trip. Monday the 8th we fly away.

Thus begins the week of lasts. Last Monday before we go, last Tuesday before we go and so on.

Next week is a jammed pack week as I do all my last minute packing, sure to be done the night before and make sure I have everything.

Still haven't totally finished that concert dress. Will have to get a wriggle on with it, need it for next Saturday.

Did make this cool bag that I am going to take away with me. See photo. I am making one for my daughter and maybe my husband but he wants manly cool fabric. I guess I can do that.

Anyway the count down begins - 8 sleeps to go.

Concert Dress

2008-11-24T23:44:00.000+10:00

Yesterday I made a dress for my 9 year olds end of year Australian Girls Choir concert. She had to have a knee length white dress, and could I find one in the shops. NO. All the fashions are short. I couldn't find any dresses or skirts that were longer than a wide belt.

So it was off to the fabric store to get some material and make a dress. I haven't followed a dress pattern in years. I can make quilts and things but dresses are a whole different ball game. I thought, this will be easy, nothing to it. So I got a pattern that said, EASY, "Make in one hour". Who were they kidding. Five hours later I think its almost finished. I don't know who writes those patterns but seriously, do they think that normal everyday people can understand them. Well maybe they can but I couldn't.

But its done and doesn't look too bad. I am thinking it needs a bit of tweaking though. That's were my creative thinking kicks in. It needs something else. I have a few ideas. Just need the time to make them happen. I need it finished in a week and half. When I'm done I'll take a photo so you can all see my work of art. LOL. :)

Storms

2008-11-20T21:26:00.000+10:00

Well we have had some of the biggest storms in 30 years hit us over the last few days. Sunday saw raging wings, lots of rain and giant hail stones. We escaped pretty well when you compare it how other people faired. We only had water coming in the doors and windows. Some people had trees coming into their living rooms. It has rained almost every night since then. We lost power for 2 days. Its amazing how you rely on electricity and what you cant do when its gone. I'm happy to have technology, thanks, no going back to the "good old days" for me. Well hopefully we will be filling up our dams and drought is definitely broken. Bring on the sun.

New Blogger

2008-11-20T21:24:00.001+10:00

Well today marks the day that my sister joined the ranks of bloggers. Check out her blog at http://memoirsofatsunamigirl.blogspot.com. I can only imagine it is set to be an awesome read. She always was a good story teller, just ask my 9 year old daughter.

2008-11-18T22:46:00.001+10:00