Baby Girl Fab Friday Finds

I have 3 weeks to go until my new bundle arrives.
I double checked at my 34 week scan that she still is a girl, & yes she is!!
She is a bit bigger than Hudson was, by a week at the same time frame.
That's a great thing for me as she is coming 2 weeks early. Unfortunately due to some past complications, I can not have a natural birth so on 21st May I am having a caesar.
I haven't been buying madly for her like I always anticipated, as I have been so frantic with the
launch of Modish Market, it's been consuming me.

I am starting to get the shopping bug and have found some wishful items that I would love to have. I hope you love them too.

1. knitted owl mobile - original design limited edition (3) by birdynum

2. Minky Baby Blanket - Dandy Damask and Hot Pink Minky Dot, LARGE SIZE

by littlemissemmadesign

3. Baby girls Chandelier Onesie Romper 00 size by billymac

4. Sami Bop Holly Hobbie Strap Dress - Size 1 by samibop

and the winner is......

I drew the winner today for 2 of my brand new magnetic bookmarks.

Both of them had my collage designs on them

Owl On A Tea Cup and Birdie Under A Tree.

The luck winner is

Vicki from Shoppe Girls

Congratulations I will be contacting you very soon to get some details

so I can post these beauties to you ASAP.

Thanks to everyone else who entered, and for reading my blog.

Last Day To Enter To Win 2 Brand New Magnetic Bookmarks

Just a quick reminder tomorrow is the last day to enter to win 2 brand new magnetic bookmarks. Both have my latest two multi media collages on them.
Birdie Under A Tree & Owl On A Tea Cup
To enter please click here.

Liens and Spaceships

Some new iron on transfers,

A palette of red, aqua, white and black I am sure will please.

There are more colour combinations to come so have a look in my shop.

I just don't get it????

I just don't get it....Hudson has a MASSIVE rumpas room with all of his toys in there.

But continues to sit on his Thomas table.

Why? Why? Why?

Things kids do. I am still learning, & still amazed by them!!!

BUY 4 BOOKMARKS PAY FOR 3

Where did the long weekend go?
I have neglected my blog...sorry blog.

It's been a good break I have been extremely busy catching up with friends, and building up stock up for my market debut at Modish Market May 8th. I say debut as I haven't been very active on the market circuit due to quite an uncomfortable pregnancy.
Which is 4 weeks away now!!

Today's post is short & sharp & a little reminder that I am offering for Mother's day.
BUY 4 BOOKMARKS PAY FOR 3
A great buy, one for your mum, mother in law, and 2 for you!
I have lots of stock ready to go, but don't wait too long to avoid Australia Post disappointing you.

Available in my Etsy store & Madeit shop.

Fab Friday Finds For Mothers Day

I love pinky red tones, I call it Raspberry
I love flowers
I love the below creations from these amazing Australian designers

1.Wide Mixed Washi Paper Wood Bangle - by burntspaghetti

2. Rosy Ring - by the therhubarb

3. Ngaire - Rose Cabochon and Filigree Headband - by dspdavey
4. Greeting Card Love Birds - by ableandgame
5. Red Poppy Card - RedLetterStudio
6. Little Twilight Field - Original watercolor ACEO - by klbaileyART
7. POCKET MIRROR - Artist Series Floral 1 (FP138) - by iszle
8. Hand Embroidered Tissue Cosy - by edwardandlilly

Star Gazing Squirrel

Here is a sneak peek into the original 1st sketch of my next & newest collage project.

"Star Gazing Squirrel"

I still have lots of colour planning making sure it all is perfect.
I am still searching for the right colours, print and fabrics.
I am sure they will find me!!

A Surprise For Me In the Post - Jewellery By Ange

Well it's not really a surprise, as I did know they were coming.

This beautifully packaged parcel with adorable Owl earrings are from

Jewellery by Ange.

I bought them on the weekend aren't they gorgeous?

Wednesday Suprise

I hopped on to the computer today to find my apple iron on transfers mentioned in

the Calico & Co blog today.

Thanks Amanda for adding them to your fabulous selection shown.

Make sure you head over to Calico & Co and have a peep around, it's fabulous another Aussie supporting other Aussie artists.

Under The Apple Tree Magnetic Bookmarks

These magnetic bookmark designs may look familiar?

The 'under the apple tree series' were actually my biggest sellers EVER!!

I thought I would bring them back as I still get complimented on them.

Nothing has changed except an updated photo.

Both now in my Etsy & Madeit shops.

#3 Complete From My List Of 10 Things To Do Before Baby Comes.

I have completed #3 from my list of 10 things to do before baby comes.

I put together and posted my list about a month ago, and to be honest it's not going so well,

but I won't give up!

Number 3 was to take Hudson to the Melbourne Aquarium - check.

It was a good day, however it didn't meet my high expectations though.

The penguin enclosure was great, they really are very cute birds.

The river category I thought was blah...Very dark and quite uninspiring, and I guess I am not that interested in eel's, cod, and frogs.

The area I was looking forward to most, the shark pool, was a let down, I expected something different. There was a total of 2 sharks to be seen which didn't make me ooh and ahh from their fierceness and sheer size. As scared as I am of them, I am fascinated and intrigued, as I love watching their sleekness in the water.

Below is my favourite photo of the day. Hudson was mesmerised by the stingrays. They were huge!! It always looks like they're smiling at you from underneath, which gives a real cuteness to them. I told him they were smiling at him, so each time they went over him we would all say 'hi stingray'.

His excited reaction to them, as all parents would know, is usually the most enjoyable part of any day out. Their smiles, sounds of enjoyment, and mounds of energy when something is interesting to them is priceless to watch.

I won't be rushing back in a hurry, but I am also very glad I made the journey there.

Bookmark Giveaway

Just a reminder about my bookmark giveaway, you can read more here.

It's so simple to win!!

Owl On A Teacup

Birdie Under A Tree

Delicious Kids Muffins - Apricot & Coconut

I made these yummy muffins for Hudson and they were a hit.
They have also been a hit with my mid morning daily coffee, they are so moist and

full of goodness.

APRICOT & COCONUT MUFFINS

Makes 10 muffins.

I make all of Hudson's muffins in small patty cake liners as not only does is make more, but at his age I don't believe he needs these giant size treats.

Ingredients

2 eggs, lightly beaten

120ml vegetable oil (I used apple sauce instead as I don't cook with a lot of oil)

1 x 120ml can crushed pineapple in natural juice

50g dried apricots chopped

75g caster sugar

26g desiccated coconut

100g plain flour

7.5ml (1/2 tbsp) baking powder

a pinch of baking soda

a pinch of sale (I didn't put salt in)

Method

In a large bowl, mix together the first six ingredients.

Sift together baking power, flour, baking soda, salt, and fold into the first mixture (do not over mix). Line a muffin tray with paper cases, pour in batter and bake in preheated oven 180'C/350'F for 25-30mins.

Here are mine. They didn't rise a lot I think as they are quite dense with fruit and plain flour was used. Nevertheless they tasted delicious.

Enjoy!!

(This recipe was from Annabel Karmel's New Baby & Toddler Book)

2 Bookmarks To Giveaway

Both the new collage's I have designed, have been made into magnetic bookmarks.

I love a celebration so I have decided to give away both designs.

To win the "Owl On a Tea Cup", and "Birdie Under A Tree" magnetic bookmarks is easy.

All you have to do is become a fan on my facebook page and join up to my mailing list, just post a comment below to let me know. It's that easy.

Promotion ends April 30th 2010. Winner will be advise the first week of May. I will contact the winner via facebook and my blog so stay posted.

Birdie Under A Tree

Birdie Under A Tree is my newest original mix media piece.

I am so happy with it, I hope you like it too.

Available in my Etsy and Madeit shop.

Sneak Peak - New Collage Design

I am nearly finished my next collage and wanted to give you all a peak.

My hand drawing is to the left still in draft form , some embroidery threads, my intended colour palette, and in the centre of hiding my finished watercolour page.

It's coming together nicely and look forward to showing it off.

The only thing I have to do is think of what to call it.

Sesame Street - The Other Doona Cover

I mentioned a few weeks ago, here, that I had to make some double bed doona covers for Hudson's king single bed.

Which mind you he still gets out of, so I am still stuck sitting with him until he drops off to sleep AHHHH!!

He has a love for Sesame Street, which I don't mind as I grew up watching it, and admit to loving it still. So I bought the fabric, and whipped up the doona cover.

Here it is....

I am happy with it but not as thrilled as he is. Hubby had trouble getting him to sleep

last night as he kept jumping on the cover saying Elmo, Cookie, Bird, popping his matching

soft toys on the appropriate circles.

Hopefully his lunch nap will be more low key and successful today!

Craft Stall Inspiration

Will you be a stallholder in the future?
What market are you attending next?
Want to Jazz up your stall retail appearance?

I don't believe you can ever become complacent with your brands appearance.

Even though I know I have been a little slack from time to time. Ones stall must look inviting, making the potential customer almost feeling obligated to coming over to check out your gorgeous goods.

I am seeking inspiration to improve my stall, and found everything as usual on trusty Flickr.

stall & product by cutesypoo

First Show! by ink lore

A beautiful setting by xsbaggabeandco

Craft Candy Christmas Fair by tea and toast

Don't they all look great?

Iron On Transfers From Paris...

Iron On Transfers From Paris...

Well not exactly by they are inspired by my favourite city.

I made these today and just had to list them immediately into my shop.

I think they are so much fun.

I Love Autumn Because......

I love Autumn because,

I love Autumn leaves
I love how the trees change,
I love the richness of colour in nature,
I love that it's still slightly warm,
I love I am not burning from the intensity of the summer sun,
I love all the previews of winter fashion,

and

I love all of these amazing Autumn inspired pieces from the below Australian Artists

1. Autumn Dreaming Series gorgeous combination of oranges and

cobalt blue platter - by jensstudio

2. Autumn Leaves - Czech Glass and Vintaj Natural Brass - by michvanetta

3. The Meadow Series -Bear in Orange- Art Print - a4 / 8 x 11.5 inches - by pocketcarnival

4. Apple Tree Necklace...green Czech glass and silver tree pendant - by FlightOFancy

5. Autumn in France tea cup Soy wax candle - by TwilightSpells

6. Leafy Tree notelet set - by RedLetterStudio

Some New Prints

Wednesday's are by far my favourite day of the week, work wise.

Hudson has one day in child care so I can stay in and work. It's a fully planned day to get as much done as I can. It generally consists of making new product, getting orders ready,

building up stock for pending market's, and taking photo's.

I managed to take a lot of photo's yesterday as the sun was out, so the house was reasonably light. Even though the lightness of each photo, is slowly reflecting our very long summer is really going. I have had a stack of prints I drew a long time ago, I have been meaning to photograph and get uploaded into my shop. I just hadn't found time, or something else had come up, or that the natural daylight was too dark indoors, so getting a good photo was hard.

Below are three of the many photo's taken.

Flower Bomb Print

Alphabet Girls

Alphabet Boys

In The Kitchen - No Bake Chocolate Tart

MMMM who says NO sugar? Or Easter is over time to cut back?

Not me......I love chocolate and don't think I could give up it's sweet decadent taste.

I have friends coming over on the weekend for dinner, and I always think dessert before any main meal. After a quick search on my favourite receipe site 'Taste' I have found something to tantalise my taste buds.

NO BAKE CHOCOLATE TART

Ingredients (serves 6)
200g shortbread or digestive biscuits
100g unsalted butter, chopped
1 tbs golden syrup
100g milk chocolate, chopped
100g dark chocolate, chopped, plus extra melted chocolate to drizzle and shaved chocolate to garnish (optional)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbs pure icing sugar, sifted
200ml thickened cream, plus extra to serve
Cocoa powder and halved strawberries, to garnish

Method
1. Place the biscuits in a food processor and pulse to form fine crumbs. Place the butter and golden syrup in a saucepan over low heat, stirring, until butter melts, then pour into processor and pulse to combine. Press the biscuit mixture into the base and sides of six 10cm loose-bottomed tart pans. Chill until required.

2. Melt the milk and dark chocolate together in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (don't let the bowl touch the water). Remove from heat, stir until smooth, then allow to cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the vanilla and fold in the icing sugar.

3. Whip cream until soft peaks form, then fold into the chocolate mixture. Pour into the tart pans and chill for at least 2 hours until the chocolate filling is set.

4. To serve, drizzle the plates with melted chocolate, top tarts with extra whipped cream and sprinkle with shaved chocolate and cocoa powder. Serve with strawberries.

So what do you think? Is it a winner?

For a printable recipe version just click here

LAUNCHED - Owl On A Tea Cup

Last Tuesday I gave you all a sneak peak at a new piece of artwork I was working on.

To jog your memory you can read here.

Well it's finished and I am so thrilled with it.

Owl On A Tea Cup

It took a long time to do as I used watercolour paints, which I haven't played with since design college. I used them to create a soft tonal background, and created a diamond designed table cloth, outlined with an ink pen. I took the drying process very seriously, making sure it was bone dry before I did another layer or added detail. This in itself was a milestone for me as I am known to be a little impatient.

The Owl and Tea Cup is a combination of cotton and felt, all adhered together with a lot of hand stitching detail in lovely rich embroidery threads.

I am really looking forward to loading this up in my Etsy and Madeit shops, and even more so, looking forward to scanning the design to make some other new products.

The "Owl On A Tea Cup" piece has really inspired me, and given back some desperately needed inspiration. As a result, I have now a couple of other pieces on the go and I look forward to sharing them.

Easter Sunday

We decided to spend the day home today for Easter.

I know a lot of families do the big lunch and Easter hunt, but today we kept it low key.

The fact I have 8 weeks to go until little Miss arrives doesn't make me feel like being too active.

I am really tired and my nausea has decided to rear it's ugly head again.

Why oh why??

To take my mind off it I hung out with Hudson in the backyard and watched him enjoy himself.
Some fresh air, sunshine, irresistible giggles, and lots of kisses makes me forget all about it.

Happy Easter all xoxo

Good Friday Appeal

As we all know in Australia today is a very special day.

Not just the beginning of a 4 day Easter holiday for a lot of us, but it's the,

Today is a short post to remind everyone to make a donation here to this very special appeal, or call 03 9292 1166.

I have always contributed myself, but until you have a child yourself you have a far greater gratitude for the doctors, nurses and other carers who look after our children.

Thankfully I have been blesses with a healthy son, and hopefully healthy daughter soon, but you never know when I may just need them.

Give generously.

Also everyone have a wonderful Easter, and enjoy the eggs you shall receive MMMMM.