Fragments

Money Saving Tips

2011-07-22T01:50:00.002-06:00

Times are getting tough and every penny counts. So I've been thinking up a list of money saving tips. Today's is......

House Cleaning!

When you walk down the aisle of the shopping market, there are numerous varieties of cleaning products which all add up to be quite expensive. Really, you could replace quite a few bottles with: Vinegar, Eucalyptus Oil, Bar of Soap, Bi-carbonate Soda, Glass refillable spray bottles.

Window Cleaner: I dilute Vinegar in water. I have actually heated it before so that it evaporates as you wipe.

Bath: I just make the Bi-Carb into a paste. I wipe a smidgeon of Velvet plain soap onto the sponge first.

Stains: Eucalyptus oil tends to take out many stains and also loosens glue off bottles, and chewing gum.

Air Freshner: I have glass spray bottles that I fill with water and add a few drops of Essential Oil to. I have a range of essential oils so I'm forever chaging my scent combinations.

Oily Greasy Pans etc: I learnt this great trick for dissolving the grease from pans and grills and halving the scrubbing time. I pour some boiling water, add some vinegar and a sprinkle of bi-carb and it will fizz away the grime. Leave it for a minute and then wipe away.

Dishes: Plain Bar of soap, vinegar.

Silver: Line silver foil onto the bottom of a your sink, sprinkle some bi-carb onto it and then insert the silver.

Timber Floor: Water with some Vinegar added.

If you can get your hands on a Book by Shannon Lush, you won't regret it. I heard this lady on the radio and she had callers throwing all sorts of dilemmas at her and she had an answer for everything! She has a background in chemistry and just a real love of using alternative greener and cheaper methods (often more effective) of cleaning. I bought my book "Stainless" from Ebay.

Make Your Own Diamond Shine Ring!

2011-07-12T19:50:00.004-06:00

This is my second Tutorial! I love beaded designs because they look very European to me so I wanted to incorporate that into a Ring. http://www.etsy.com/listing/77669089/tutorial-diamond-shine-ring-pdf

Only $4.00 to give it a try. I'll email you the PDF.

Pfft, the cost of a coffee. Make multiples with lots of colours! Give them as gifts.

TUTORIAL - Chandelier Earrings

2011-06-22T03:08:00.006-06:00

I have just created my very first Tutorial in Jewellery making!! I've really enjoyed the process. I took plenty of pictures of every step (because that's how I best learn) and I made sure to include all the little tricks I've learned along the way. It can be a long hard road otherwise. So if you'd like to learn how to make these beautiful Chandelier Earrings, it only costs USD $5.00 to do so!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/76412983/tutorial-chandelier-earrings-pdf

Knit Designs made by Pippa

2011-05-27T17:27:00.015-06:00

The other day I was shopping with my mum and as it is starting to get very cold here in Melbourne, I looked around for knitted woollens. I could not believe the lack of thick, warm, soft knitted products available. All I could find was squeaky, thin and clearly synthetic tops that didn't look like they would warm my pinky.

It made me yearn for natural fibres, for handmade, for comfort. I kept thinking of the synthetic jumpers I had bought on the run that only lasted one season before they started creating those annoying little balls. That somehow smelt bad and after a couple of washes, just didn't seem to retain their shape. Wool may well cost a little more to buy initially, but when you think about it, in the long run, ends up saving you money as it lasts much longer.

Other wonderful benefits of wool are:

* Fire retardant (I'm sure many mothers would feel safer with natural fibres rather than synthetics that melt in case a child accidentally comes near flame)
* Warmer - It insulates yet breathes. "Because of the crimp, wool fibres have a greater bulk than other textiles, and retain air, which causes the product to retain heat. Insulation works both ways, Bedouins and Tuaregs use wool clothes to keep heat out." Wikipedia
*Resistant to Static Electricity - so less likely to cling to the body and causes little shocks (which I am prone to!)
*Children's woollens can be passed on once they've outgrown them as they retain their shape and quality.

So my next step was to search for makers of clothing using natural fibres and I found Pippa!

Pippa has just opened her Etsy shop http://www.handcraftedbypippa.com/ and has a collection of Children's wear in just the most sublime fibres: Merino, Cashmere, Alpaca, Wool, Bamboo. She uses gorgeous stylish patterns from Drops Studio (such a collection!!) http://www.garnstudio.com/ I have spent many an hour browsing through their patterns, dreaming about what I would like.

I'll let Pippa tell you in her own words why she chooses natural fibres.

"I don't like to use acrylics, I grew up in New Zealand where natural yarns are available in abundance and as a child my mum used to knit lovely woollen items for me. I love merino for its warmth and lovely stitch definition when knitted up, and bamboo for its durability and softness. I'm doing more and more in alpaca which is a beautiful yarn which knits into beautiful little garments.

Are natural fibres hard to clean?

As a mum I know how important it is to be able to put things into the washing machine (who has time to hand wash?!) so the majority of my items are machine washable - the bamboo is especially good in this respect.

How did you learn to Knit?

I was taught to knit as a child by my nana and my mum and did it right up until I went to university. Life then got in the way for about 17 years, and I picked up my needles again about a year ago after being inspired by a friend who started running Craft Workshops. My kids (4.5 and 3) love helping to choose yarn for things I make for them!

Knitting is very much a hobby, my business is just little - and has grown from the fact that many of my friends started asking me to knit for them. Their praise has given me the confidence to branch out.

You see!! Knitters are needed!!!

Here's to the growth of Pippa's business, to the continued tradition of sharing the skill with the next generation, to wonderful natural fibres and to more and more people learning and sharing this well worthwhile craft.

Pippa's Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Handcrafted-by-Pippa/139685552763104?ref=hnav - Come have a browse and a chat.

Designer of the Month.... Me! lol

2011-04-01T01:28:00.003-06:00

I'm loving these new earrings I made today so I decided for once to promote myself! As a kid I always used to say that my favourite colours were Red and Orange. It seems nothing's changed. I open my wardrobe and I get the same colours staring back at me. Funny how people gravitate towards certain shades. Apparently Red means you need a bit of excitement in your life Lol. Too much jewellery making it seems.

Designer of the Month

2011-02-24T14:48:00.002-06:00

Doskas Designs was created two sisters, Donna and Stephanie Doskas.

They do wonderful works manipulating metals into Byzantine weave and contrast this with earthy stones or the delicateness of Pearls.

http://www.dorkasdesigns.etsy.com/

Crochet-Ole!

2011-01-27T00:29:00.002-06:00

On the crochet 'thread' again (tee hee). The picture above is my first hat which was from a design by the very talented Croshay Design. She has a wonderful variety of style hat patterns to choose from. The cloche being my favourite. I had this pattern for about 4 years and tried it back then but somehow my brain couldn't get the pattern. I then learnt to do what others do and use YouTube to follow the basics again and 4 years later it all fell into place. Loving it.

Crochet is Back!

2011-01-26T01:32:00.003-06:00

I have spent so many years poring throught knitting magazines and attempting to to make items, but I'm afraid I have to come to the conclusion that knitting is not for me (yet)! So then the thought occurred to me. Why not crochet?? Well, I was always under the impression that crochet was unfashionable, just granny sqaures and mittens BUT.... I have since discovered that a whole new world of crochet designs is coming through. The latest being on the catwalks of Milan. I never knew crochet could look so good in garments.

Anyway, this is my first attempt at a cardigan and if you see the original pattern you'll wonder how I ended up with this lol. The pattern has a collar, cuffed sleeves, a longer vest etc. - but I actually really love the way my mistaken version turned out. The wide sleeves and no collar remind me of a kimono.

Gift Vouchers for Christmas

2010-12-04T16:15:00.003-06:00

I think Gift Vouchers can be life savers sometimes. Some people are difficult to buy for and to them it would be exciting to browse the shop knowing it won't cost them anything.

On the sidebar there is a button for Gift Vouchers to be used in my Etsy shop. It is via Paypal. All you need to do is click on the button, fill out the particulars on who it is for and how much you would like the voucher to be for and submit. Paypal will make it easy for you.

Featured Seller for December

2010-11-30T23:35:00.003-06:00

Elegance is Timeless. That is what drew me to Tatvakala's Etsy shop. So stylish; handmade therefore not mass produced and most importantly, well made. It sets your mind in motion on what combinations you could make, not having to buy a whole set. They make a great Christmas gift as part of a hamper or on their own as a feature pillow.

Tatvakala also has quilted bed sets and is very willing to talk custom in regards to size and colour.

www.tatvakala.etsy.com

I love my work

2010-09-21T21:32:00.005-06:00

Jewellery designing is a very competitive business and if I had to live on that alone I'd be scouring people's bin's for scraps lol

About 15 years ago, while sitting in an office, trying to plan my escape from answering phones, filing and typing, I decided to do night school and learn make up artistry. As with most of the starry-eyed students, I had plans of doing theatre, television etc. etc. - but that doesn't pay the bills so I did Wedding make-up for approx. 3 years. That wasn't bad, but my eyes lit up when I saw children's facepainting. Now this would be great fun. So I practiced designs and tried my luck basically running my finger down a list of Facepainters with their own business and cold called. I was in luck! The best move I ever made. Children are so forgiving if you're having a bad day, and just such a delight when they see their faces in the mirror. I can paint for hours and not realise the time has passed.

Breakfast in Venice

2010-08-26T02:55:00.002-06:00

This is a beautiful Treasury made by http://www.scintillate.etsy.com/ It captures the mood of Venice perfectly. I was very happy to be a part of it with my Black Venice earrings.

Here's a sneak peak....

Flower Power

2010-08-24T02:42:00.003-06:00

I love flowers in everything, fabrics, fashion, photographs ..... so why not jewellery!

Make an Aftershave for the Man in your life

2010-08-17T14:44:00.003-06:00

Essential Oils are a must-have in my household for so many reasons. The best book on the uses of these great oils is by Dr. Valerie Ann Worwood, The Fragrant Pharmacy. She covers uses from dealing with skin problems/care, to sickness, to pet care, garden, sports injuries, household cleaning etc. They are super effective, so much cheaper and often times less harmful than off the shelf products. Essential oils are to be used as described in her book though, not more drops than she suggests because they are very concentrated. Most especially if using them for children (can be dangerous to use more oils than suggested). She has a great book dedicated to kids called Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child.

Here is an Aftershave Splash which you can adjust to your own olfactory tastes.
20ml Witchazel
60ml Rosewater
10ml cider of vinegar
10ml tincture of benzoin
Bay Ess Oil 6 drops
Lemon 6 drops
Lavender 2 drops
Rosemary 10 drops
Lime 3 drops

Add the essential oils to the benzoin and shake well for at least a minute. Then add the witch-hazel and shake again, then the rosewater and vinegar and shake again.

Introducing Madam Cachoo !!

2010-08-12T18:18:00.003-06:00

First it was my sister sewing from Vintage patterns now it's my niece, Rebecca! She will soon be opening up her funky shoes, clothing and accessories shop with the fantastic name of Madam Cachoo. Her shop is in renovations at the moment but get a sneak peek here on her Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Madam-Cachoo/78779312542

New Idea for Home Parties

2010-08-04T18:12:00.004-06:00

Do you do home parties to sell your craft? My sister hosted a party for me yesterday, asked all the primary school mums to come along, 8 confirmed 5 turned up. Not bad. I've done parties before where 20 people were invited and not one person turned up, the sound of crickets was deafening.

I've altered the way I set up a party now because as someone who doesn't actually like attending them (over Tupperware, Nutri-Metrics etc), I tried making it easier to attend. Making it open house between the hours of say 2pm to 4pm, so people can turn up within that time frame, more flexibility and they don't have to listen to a loooonnnng introduction spiel. Handing out business cards so that they can view my shop prior to coming.

Now though, I'm thinking up a new plan and that is to do a home party where the host doesn't have to go to the trouble of preparing nibblies and clearing a space for my jewellery. They still get the benefits you would if you held a party at your house but they can ask, for example, 10 friends to have a look at my website and let her know if they would be interested in buying. The hostess then would get 10% of every $100 sold plus an initial $20 worth of jewellery (on the proviso that there are at least a certain amount in sales reached). Does that make sense? Still mulling it over in my head.

MUSIC!

2010-08-01T18:28:00.003-06:00

Who doesn't love music. As someone who's main passion is dance, they go hand in hand. I am often drawn towards music that I think would suit choreography so I like certain Soundtracks. The modern day classical composers. One of my favourite Composers is Hans Zimmer. He has such a broad range. He doesn't seem to get stuck in a rut. I love that. This soundtrack is from the fantastically fun new Sherlock Holmes movie with the gorgeous Robert Downey Jnr. It's called Discombobulate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zIzy3laQck

And here's another Composer well worth listening to, suggested by http://www.etsy.com/shop/brightcircle . It's James Newton Howard who did the score for movies like The Village, King Kong http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzHpN63nOns&feature=related I could easily listen to this while working on my jewellery.

Beautiful New Zealand

2010-07-31T21:07:00.005-06:00

My sister and I took a trip to New Zealand approx. 3 years ago. I wanted to go somewhere that firstly, we could afford, and secondly where you were awe struck by the grandness and beauty of the nature. I live in flat lands and so I'd never seen vast mountain ranges before and the first thing we did when we got off the plane was to take a train trip from the North/East to the North/West of New Zealand. It was a chilly cold day but we stayed most of the trip in the outside carriage (I felt like a dog with its head out the car window lol). It was an amazing experience for me. I'm surprised I didn't swallow a fly, my mouth was open for most of the trip. It felt like the beginning of time and I was waiting for dinosaurs to pop their heads around one of the mountains. Here are a couple of photos.

RECIPE DAY - Maltese Sweets

2010-07-30T17:14:00.003-06:00

As promised I'll be posting Maltese recipes that my family have made down the years. Today's recipe is a very mildly sweet chocolate pudding. I don't know about you but I like my sweets to be 'not soooo sweet'.

1 Vienna loaf
4 Tablespoons of Cocoa
1 1/2 cups of sugar
3 tbsp of jam (you can mix different jams)
1/2 pkt of chopped walnuts
2 tbsp dessicated coconut
1/2 pkt mixed fruit (I personally use less of this)
1/2 cup custard powder
3/4 cup of sherry
Level tspn of mixed spices

First cut the bread into small cubes and then soak in tepid water till soft and mushy and then squeeze the water out of the bread. Blend all ingredients together using your hands. Place a layer approx 2 inches thick.

Preheat oven to 180C then cook for approx. 30 minutes or until firmly spongy. Once cool sprinkle with icing sugar.

Then, most importantly, eat.

Photography Before and Afters - Getting Clever with Props

2010-07-29T14:49:00.006-06:00

Etsy really does keep you on your toes. I'm constantly reviewing my photos as I realise that the number one attraction to your site is your photography. So I was umming and ahhhing the other day thinking, what else can I do to make my pictures look sharper, more interesting and I decided to use Props!

I have to say, I'm quite happy with how they turned out. I'll post some before and after shots.

The most natural and affordable Skincare Treatment

2010-07-28T18:30:00.002-06:00

All from your kitchen and bathroom cupboard!! How's this for easy and affordable and if you don't mind a bit of egg on your face, apparently effective. Doesn't cost much to try.

Make-up Remover - This is a make-up remover I created for myself at home. I use a 50ml glass bottle that I can clean and re-use. I fill it up a third of the way with Rosewater (I buy from middle eastern food shop to use in my cooking and coffee), 2 tspns of natural shampoo which is free of harsh chemicals bought from the health food store. 1 tspn of Glycerine (to mobilise the make-up) and the rest water. Don't shake the bottle but move it to blend. Try a cotton bud and see if it works at removing your caked on mascara and if not you may need to add a little more glycerine or shampoo. Super effective and Cheap!

Exfoliator - Just mix Honey & Salt and apply! How easy is that?

Mask - Slap a bit of Yoghurt on your face, leave for 5-10 minutes and then rinse.

Dark Circles - Boil some Tea (doesn't matter which kind) add sliced cucumber pieces and then put in the fridge to chill. Then apply the cucumber slices to your eyes.

Moisturiser - Olive Oil, Lime Juice and 1 egg. Mix together and apply!

Next week I'll add other recipes using base creams, the marvellous Rose Hip Oil and essential oils.

A Vintage Treasury

2010-07-28T16:54:00.002-06:00

I just made another Treasury. Wanting to help out my sister showcase her work so I made a fabulous Vintage collection of must haves.

Knitting Magic

2010-07-26T14:57:00.004-06:00

I don't know what it is about knitting, but somehow whenever I try to make anything extra stitches magically appear on my needles, and then just as I'm close to finishing 100 rows, I find a hole in the 2nd.

Anyway, my sister is very happy with her short, hole filled red pure wool jumper I took 3 years to make.

Now I'm attempting to make my little niece the plainest of dresses, so nothing can go wrong can it? lol Except I'm stuck at the armhole, need to find myself a knitting guru who can translate pattern speak.

I found a fantastic website with the most gorgeous knitting patterns that are modern and fashionable. So often knitting patterns tend to be daggy remnants from the 1950's New Idea magazines. It's called Rebecca-Online Magazine. You can download individual patterns (they even have quite a few for free) or you can order the whole magazine which is packloaded with patterns. Definitely value for money. They also allow you to browse about 10 pages of each season's magazine so you can see what your getting. Addicted!

RECIPE DAY - Maltese

2010-07-23T17:05:00.003-06:00

As you may be able to tell from my surname, I have Maltese heritage. Most people know Italian, Indian, Greeks recipes but I wonder how many know Maltese? So I've decided to have a recipe Saturday (or Friday depending on where you live).

QASATAT (? sp) It's pronounced Us-ah-tut (I think lol)

Ingredients

Short Pastry
3 medium onions
1 bunch silverbeet
4oz anchovies
1/2 lb green olives (chopped)
mint
1/2 teaspoon mixed spice
parsley
2 tins of minted peas

Fry onion in oil then all other ingredients. Add 1/2 teaspoon of mixed spice and some chopped parsley. Taste the ingredients and if necessary add salt.

Cut pastry with a saucer sized circle cutter (you could cut around the outline of the saucer itself). With the left over pastry roll and cut into smaller circles. Wet the edge of the larger circle, add some filling and then gather up to meet smaller circle and pinch closed. Bake in the oven at 180 degrees celsius for approx 15 minutes or until golden.

Scrumdidlyumptious!

Introducing Leonora's Boutique

2010-07-22T00:10:00.004-06:00

http://www.leonorasboutique.etsy.com

My sister Leonora has just today posted her first item for sale in her new Etsy shop! She makes all the clothes herself and with some items, as with the top in the photo, she uses Vintage patterns. She's planning on adding a mix of different styles of clothes, for women, children, babies. At the moment she's working on the most gorgeous baby shoes in vibrant colours. I can't wait to see her shop filled up.

Personalised Photo Pendants

2010-07-20T02:16:00.003-06:00

A great way to commemorate special moments. A keepsake to pass on to family or maybe you want to add a picture of your newborn baby or your beloved pet.
16mm Sterling silver on Sterling Silver chain.

My Latest Jewellery in a YouTube video

2010-07-08T18:07:00.001-06:00

Introducing Lila (the mannequin head)

2009-07-05T16:29:00.005-06:00

Lila has graciously allowed the use of her head for display in my shop :)

I bought this mannequin head for people to be able to gauge size and I have to tell you I have never had so much fun dressing her up! Me, who used to pull limbs off dolls!

VivaLaModa Issue

2009-07-05T04:27:00.001-06:00

VivaLaModa Issue

Shared via AddThis

I'm going to be in a Magazine!

2009-06-25T16:00:00.003-06:00

I was just shown how my ad is going to look in the fab mag Viva La Moda and I think it looks fantastic. I'm so excited!! lol

My New Range

2009-06-23T18:33:00.006-06:00

I'm making a new range of simple, only gold jewellery "Simply Gold". The type of jewellery you like to wear everyday and its not too showy or out to dinner with a simple black dress etc. Its all 14k Gold Fill. The pendants have a beautiful gleam to them.

Treasures

2009-06-19T18:45:00.004-06:00

I've called this Treasury "Spirit, Heart, Love".

It's such a pleasure to reside amongst such talented artists.

Hope it makes it to the Front Page, click on the link and leave a comment if you like.

For Golf Enthusiasts!

2009-06-14T19:08:00.007-06:00

How cute are these! My brother is selling these colourful and useful little transporters and I think they are a great idea. I have only ever golfed twice and it may be that I'm incredibly unfit, but by the end of it I was absolutely exhausted!!! The first time was a scorching hot day and I had no water with me as I assumed they would have these little taps along the course. After 4 hours of scorching heat, and heaving myself over hills I felt as though I was climbing Kilimanjaro.

Why spend $12,000 on a big cumbersome buggy when for one of these Little Ripa's you only have to pay $1,800.

Click on the header to link you straight to the website.

Showcase Artist for June

2009-06-09T16:00:00.005-06:00

This month's showcased artist is a fellow Jewellery Designer who makes gorgeous elegant pieces. Some are reminiscent of a romantic Victorian era. I'll let her introduce herself:

Hi, I'm Ping2...a stay-home-mom of 2 :)I love making jewelries and the process of selecting the beads and findings out of such a wide range available out there! :)Having an end product that is so beautiful and complements the wearer inspires me to continue exploring the different designs that can be created.

Link to the title to go straight to Ping's shop.

Treasuries

2009-05-26T19:53:00.003-06:00

Treasuries are a collage of different artists works. They are so much fun to collate and really are like a little work of art on their own. I've made up three so far. Here is my beach themed one.

Viva La Moda Magazine

2009-05-18T17:54:00.002-06:00

What a wonderful new idea. Just a few days ago I had a craving to buy an expensive fashion magazine but as I'm on the tightest of budgets bypassed it. But here is a fashion magazine with original Handmade works from mainly artists of Etsy. Really fun and interesting articles, fashion, recipes, how to's, design. 104 pages of it and all for free!!

So, I've decided to bare my wares on this great new site and spread the word.

Showcasing a Talented Artist

2009-05-11T15:18:00.006-06:00

I have decided to start showcasing some of the talent out there in the craftworld. I love to see other people's creations/innovations and so today I'm introducing you to a talented lady from the Gold Coast, Australia. Andrea from the shop Masalachai on Etsy.

Andrea makes the most gorgeous, functional and bright bags, well made purses and soft pastel baby mobile letters - and everything is so reasonably priced. Her workmanship is perfect and shipping prices so cheap.

The bags looks flexible and comfortable and big enough to fit all your must haves but not too big to lose its style. The wallets wonderfully flat so as not to take up too much room in your bag and at only USD $10, so affordable. With the mobile letters, you buy them individually so you may want to put your child's name up on the wall or an expression of love. They make a wonderful gift.

Check it out for yourselves.... http://www.masalachai.etsy.com/

Mother's Day Coming - Get Organised!

2009-04-21T16:46:00.006-06:00

Here are my suggestions for Mother's Day. I can even make a personalised mother's day card for you with your own words typed inside i.e. a personal poem etc. I myself like gifts that are handmade as they have a more personal touch and it shows that there are not masses of replicas out there. Click on my shop at right to view more choices.

You'll need to get in quick though as it's creeping up (for those not in Australia you'll have to get your order in over the next couple of days).

Happy Birthday to Me

2009-04-21T16:36:00.002-06:00

It's my birthday today which is always fun (no matter how much older you are getting). Everybody seemed to be in a hurry this year to give me my gifts - I'm not complaining. My sister bought me a fantastic crocheted wrap to be worn around the shoulders with a drawstring. Love it. And other than that I had $ to spend which I've used to hunt down a groovy Mannequin head for my jewellery. You know you're addicted to your work when all your extra money is spent on it lol.

I like low key celebrations so tonight we're off to the local pub for a meal. I don't know about you but I feel terribly uncomfortable in upper class restaurants. Always feel you have to mind your manners, and have meaningless conversations lol

After that its.... Pokies!! Yay.

And we can't forget the Men

2009-04-05T20:30:00.005-06:00

Personally, I'm happy to see the return of Fedora Hats, I think they're very stylish (i.e. why women are wearing them too). I also love the vests and scarves for men from the 40s.

In the 1960s I thought the ill-fitting tight suits looked great on men. Striped tops and long shoes and tousled hair. And... velvet suits a la Austin Powers - grrrrroovy baby.

What's Old is New Again

2009-04-05T19:35:00.003-06:00

Do you sometimes want to turn back the clock and recapture some of the magic and fun of the 1920s to 1960s? I love the romance of those eras, the fashions, the manners, the simple fun. There's so much more freedom of expression now but I think romance has lost out.

I love the elegance of the 30s to 40s, the bright happy fun of the 60s, the stylishness of the 20s.

Ever since my sister Leonora decided to start sewing vintage we've been having fun researching via old movies, photos, t.v. series. Here are a few fashion items that will be fun to be able to wear again. Headscarves tied like the inimitable style icon Audrey Hepburn, long gloves, black liquid eyeliner and bouffon hair, turbans are just a few.

Weddings

2009-03-22T22:32:00.005-06:00

Weddings are a great excuse to get all dressed up. It was extra fun this time round as my sister Leonora http://w ww.myvintagestyle.blogspot.com/ ) who has started to sew said she would make that dress that I had in mind. We went scouring pattern books to find a pattern, I chose my fabric, a beautiful navy satin and a few weeks later, voila. Terribly exciting having a sis who can now make me clothes. Yeeha.

She had fabric left over so suggested she make a little clutch to match the dress, and who am I to refuse. Mum had the great idea of adding a 50 year old brooch of her which just finished it off. I loved the idea of having a basic bag and changing the look of it with different brooches.

Here's a pic.

Gift Cards

2009-03-15T17:20:00.005-06:00

I told you I bore easily. Now I'm making the gift cards to go with jewellery purchases(or on their own)! I enjoy taking photos and thought why not share them around. So I've attached my pics to cardstock and voila! Personally, when I look through cards I always go to the comic aisle, love to have a good laugh - must work on some funnies. I think its a good idea to personalise them also. I'd love to receive a card with my name on the front in the text.

Tis Now 2009

2009-01-08T16:12:00.004-06:00

Well, I promised I'd be back in a year and its way past that lol

Time to upload some new photos me thinks.

My New Shop on ETSY!

2007-09-04T15:33:00.000-06:00

Well, I'm probably the most lax blogger on here. My second post in a year!! I've been busy, what can I say. In the last year I've left my job of 20+ years, slogging it out day by day as a Receptionist. I read a very inspiring book a few years back called The Alchemist which encourages people to follow their dreams. Well, it took me a while but I'm giving it my best. www.kcamilleri.etsy.com I came across this site a little while back and thought, what a great idea. Its very much laid out like Ebay except its just for handcrafted goods. There are some very talented people within that community, everybody has their own little shopfront. Worth a look. Anyway, gotta go, catch you back in another year!

EARRINGS

2006-10-11T13:45:00.001-06:00

Its been quite a while since I've added anything to my Blog - I've been browsing 'round, trying to learn how to use it best. Thought I best add a few more pictures of jewellery seeings as though that what my blog is all about! I'll start with my favourite jewellery ...... Earrings

The Ultimate Cupcake Site

2006-08-24T14:29:00.000-06:00

Well, I've found the ultimate Cupcake Site and its here on blogger.com Its a very generous and talented lady "Chockylit" from Cupcake Bakeshop. That's real cupcake heaven.

They look so scumptious and there are quite a few recipes that look as though they may not be too sweet so I tried one of them. Chai Cupcakes. No pictures because I'm no where near making them look as good as Chockylit's but they were so yummy! I never thought cupcakes with spices and a taste of fennel mixed with chocolate would be so good. Very clever. http://cupcakeblog.com

Art

2006-08-18T06:14:00.000-06:00

This is a picture of my talented sister Gwenda's latest painting. She was scouring the internet to find photos to paint and found this site called Earth Trek where people from all over the world displayed photos from their travels. As soon as she saw the photo of this little boy she had to ask permission to paint him and I think she did a terrific job.
You could just sqeeze him.

Jewellery

2006-08-18T05:53:00.000-06:00

My primary reason for setting up a blog site was to be able to chat with my customers. Get ideas on what they're looking for in a design. What they think is missing in the market place. Now that I'm making jewellery I sometimes feel I can't see the forest for the trees. I think I had a clearer idea of what I liked and what I didn't like when I was just buying it.

I'd be a hard customer. I could browse so many different shops or markets and appreciate people's work but I could count on one hand the pieces that blew me away and that I know I would love for the longterm.

I want to be able to make that type of jewellery for people. Something they are not likely to get sick of in the next year when the fashions change.

Recipes

2006-08-17T02:10:00.000-06:00

I am a collector of recipes. I've had to stop myself buying cookbooks because I don't have any more space for them but then my obsession became printing out online recipes from Cooks I admire.... But I've set myself some rules. Unless I actually use a good 80% of the recipes I'm not allowing myself to collect anymore.

My latest obsession is cupcakes. Which actually brought me to this site as one of the Bloggers on here (have to find her and thank her) suggested a nice simple but lovely recipe that worked out quite well. Childishly colourful with iced flowers, silver edible balls, gels and hundreds and thousands. So much fun to make, the only problem is I'm not much of a sweet tooth. I'm going to have to keep searching till I find a cupcake that looks good and is perfect to eat.