Happy Christmas friends

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And here is my last post for 2010.

Happy Christmas wonderful readers and friends.

I'm going to take a break for a while to focus on family, rest and celebrating the gift of Jesus.

Thanks for your friendship and encouragement this year, can't wait to return refreshed in 2011.

See you soon!

Gret xo

Biscotti Anyone?

This month I've been working on a special project with Chris from Tenth Day Roasters.  Here's a few snapshots of what went down in my kitchen on Friday and Saturday just gone...

This biscotti was for a special order of Christmas gift packs, and it's yummy, let me tell you.  I had a small container of reject end pieces that were quite delicious!

If you're an Aussie reader and especially if you're in Sydney and don't know about Tenth Day Roasters, you absolutely should!   Fabulous micro-roasted coffee including blends, single origin and decaf.  

Mmm hmm.  You definitely need some of this. 

Liberty Brooch Winner

I have just drawn a name randomly and if this is you....congratulations!  You'll be hearing from me very soon.

The winner of the Liberty Brooch is....

Belle + Bee!

Wow, 217 comments.  I never expected that!  My inbox has been flooded for a few days.  Thanks to everyone for playing along.  If you missed out, there are a few more brooches at the moment in my shop, including one just like this.

See you tomorrow for my last post of the year!

G x

Yes please.

Yes please.  I would gladly take any of these as a gift this Christmas.  Love it all!  Check out Purl's suggestions for a crafters Christmas gift here.

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Cheaters doll quilt

Really, really cheating, but I don't care.   A tiny little blanket for a tiny little friend.

25 minutes from fabric selection to photo finish.

No real tutorial needed for this one - this is how my 25 mins was spent:

1. Select faker patchwork fabric from Nanna's (now mine) scrap stash with 2 year old who "needs a pink blanket" all of a sudden for Eduardo (tiny Emu friend) [2 mins]
2. Cut fabric to selected size and also cut an identical piece of scrap fleece leftover from this project [3 mins]
3. Sew around border with right sides together, turn out right way and topstitch the same again [5 mins]
4. Sew over pretend patchwork lines whilst fending off 2 year old trying to reach pins on the table [10 mins]
5. Cut loose threads and press [2 mins]
6. Settle Eduardo Emu to sleep under his new blankey and take a picture or two [3 mins].

I think Eduardo was pretty chuffed with his new quilt.  He snuggled down and went off to sleep pretty quick.

Free stuff I love: Last minute Christmas 2010

Ten of my favourite gorgeous little seasonal freebies (tutes and downloads) that I love...you may just have enough time to do some if you're quick this weekend!!

1. Finnish Paper Star at Craft Ideas (via Maggie Makes)
2. Vintage floral gift tags from Eat Drink Chic
3. White hooky Snowflakes from Attic24
4. Felt Shingled Christmas Tree at Scissor Variations (This is my favourite! Just beautiful and so simple)

5.  Little Mini Matryoshkas from Sew to Speak

6.  No sew decorations from Kootoyoo

7.  Five pointed paper snowflakes at How about Orange (I'd love to make these in white!)

8. Super cute felt ball garland from Oh Happy Day

9. Holiday Mail stripes gift tag again from Eat Drink Chic

10.  Simple and beautiful christmas ornaments for your tree from Between the lines

Now off you go!  There's 10 ideas to start for some quick little decorative projects last minute!

A few notes:

1.  If you're visiting from Sew Mama Sew, looking for the giveaway, see the previous post!

2.  2 days left of my 30% off sale, using coupon code CHRISTMAS2010

Yep, another giveaway.

Because it's Sew Mama Sew giveaway day, because I like you, and because it's Christmas. :)

This is one of my new brooches in shop for Christmas, I made them up as I was looking to make something that was a small, sweet and not too pricey stocking filler for the Christmas season. 

And now I'm giving one away!

This little one features a pretty red Liberty of London print (perfect Christmas colour!)

To be in the draw, leave a comment on this post.  Entries close Saturday 18th December, 12 midday, [Australian EDST] and I'll randomly draw a winner and announce it on Saturday night.  Yes, I will post internationally!

Happy Christmas!

(and don't forget my sale for your last minute Christmas gifts - sale ends Friday 17th!)

Edited to add:  Please make sure you have your email visible on your profile or include your email address in the comments so I can contact you if you win!  Thanks! :)

Christmas SALE

Time for me to get some things out of the shop, ready for the new year.  If you haven't already organised all of your Christmas presents, now is the time!  

* Everything currently listed in my shop will be 30% off until Friday 17th December.  I'll be adding a few more listings as well.  Get in quick if you need these items by Christmas!  Otherwise, stock up on little gifts for birthdays and babies.  :)

To redeem your discount, use the following code at the checkout: 

CHRISTMAS2010

Thank you everyone for a wonderful year, your support and encouragement mean so much.

Gret xo

And the winner is....

And the winner of the Vintage Lace Coin purse is....

Lizibeth!

Congratulations Lizibeth, you should have an email from me very shortly!

Thanks for entering everyone, your comments were so lovely.  And don't be too worried you didn't win, because I have something else to give away and a shop special just for my readers later on today!

xo

A summer skirt

I took the plunge into the Amy Butler Barcelona skirt this summer and I was not disappointed.  What a fabulous design, and it fits perfectly (I cannot believe it).  So comfortable, easy to make and it actually looks OK!  Many of you would know this is not often the case with the home-made clothing line.  In fact, this is the first item of clothing I've sewn that I have ever been totally happy with.  Such a relief because I really didn't think I could trust the pattern measurements.  How wrong I was.

  

 I've used for the exterior this beautiful lightweight cotton by Tula Pink for Moda (Neptune deep sea range).  It feels great and hangs nicely.

And this is my new handmade resin necklace from the lovely Alex of Polka Luka.  She has an exhibition (and fabulous sale!) on now at the Front Cafe & Gallery, Lyneham, Canberra.  If you're a local or passing through, don't miss it.

Have a great week!

(ps.  Giveaway is now closed, so stay tuned for the winner and some more Christmas thank you's to my readers)

Sadie Olive Studio @ Oh, Hello Friend

Anyone else love Sadie Olive as much as me?  If so, check out the studio of Sara (face behind all that vintage gorgeousness) over at Oh, hello friend today.  See all the photos and info here. Nice one Danni!

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Love this vintage...

1930's summer dress from Wildfell Hall Vintage.

Oh my breath was taken away when I spotted this just now on etsy's front page.  Just beautiful!

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More Sneak Peeks...

If you'd like to see a little more of what's inside Handmade Living, here are a few sneaky pics as promised (and some of my favourite projects)...

Inside front cover

This is my page! I'm excited I can finally reveal what I was working on.  My project is a little ipod or iPhone pouch in 3 ways - one with a vintage fabric panel, one with vintage ribbon/crochet trim, and one with pin tucks and vintage buttons.  Measurements in this project are designed to fit iPhones and iPod touch/classic but can be easily altered to fit whichever model iPod, mobile phone or or mp3 player you have.

Learn how to make a gorgeous handmade flower with Ros of Grace Designs

A really sweet little bed pocket by Jennie McClelland & Louise Hall

Delightful travel pillows from Handmade Living illustrator Tina Snerling (Tiny Concept). You should check out her blog and see her handmade dolls - oh my, they are exquisite!

A cute little child's headscarf from Robin of from the blue shed

Yummy brownie bites from Heidi of curious chocolate shop

There are so many more sweet projects in this book!  So lovely.  

If you'd like one they'll continue to be in my shop until sold out -  and just a reminder they come with a free handmade brooch valued at $15 if you buy it from me.

That's all for now folks, don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Ciao! x

GIVEAWAY!!

I thought it was high time for a giveaway around these parts, and so here it is!

I'm giving away this handmade coin purse with vintage lace and vintage cotton lining.  These are one of my favourites and I love making these.

 These little pouches would make a really nice little christmas gift for a friend, or you could always keep it for yourself!!

To be in the draw, do nothing more than comment on this post.  That's it.  Entries will close Sunday evening 12th December 8pm Australia (Eastern Daylight Saving Time) and I'll announce a winner Monday.   Hooray!

(And don't forget that you will also need to leave your email if you don't have that visible on your profile)

Handmade Living in stock

Finally finally Handmade Living is now in stock in my shop.  It's been an honour to participate in this delightful publication, which features so many beautiful projects and ideas from talented Aussies.

Congratulations to Tania McCartney, Julie Nichols and Tina Snerling for putting together a wonderful slice of Australian handmade heaven - great job girls! 

I've listed the book in my shop today, and am giving away a free handmade brooch with every order.  If you happen to be in Canberra today then don't forget to pop into the Handmade Market where you can also grab a copy and get it signed by the authors.

Have a happy weekend!

[PS.  don't forget to pop back in tomorrow for a long overdue giveaway and more book sneak peeks]

Flowers.

A gorgeous bunch of natives from my Mr (for no reason either!).  

He's a keeper that one.

Have a great weekend friends, (and watch this space for a giveaway, a special pre-christmas sale and the release of handmade living!).

My creative space.

Throwing a baby shower has been in my creative space this week.  Busy busy busy!

As per my usual habit, I left most things to the last minute, but got there in the end!  We had great fun celebrating the impending arrival of a little someone special, and of course, I couldn't help but make a few things for the party....

A speedy sewing up of this little sensory floor throw.  It's a patchwork top of different textured fabrics and a soft fleecy back.  I have one like this and it was so useful for tummy time.   Also a challenge to keep it unisex!

Lots of handmade goodies including ginger biscuits, lemon tarts and these little marshmallow bites (you can see our colour scheme there)

Some quick and easy doily garlands for the windows and of course, Martha's tissue paper pom poms in lemon and orange.

I think the guest of honour had a good day, so it was all worth it!

Join in on the last MCS for the year at Kootoyoo!  Thanks so much Kirsty for hosting again this year.

Free stuff I love: Votive Cups Tutorial

I love this idea from One Pearl Button!  How quick and easy would this be for some Christmas mood lighting.  You know me, I love a doily, a good repurpose, and something pretty.  Must try this one.

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Handmade Living Blog Tour

Hello!  I'm excited, because the release of Handmade Living is not too far away!  You will be able to purchase your copy from the Handmade Market this weekend, in my shop from the 4th December or in bookstores from Monday 6th.  This book would make a really nice Christmas gift for crafty friends, or even friends who would love to start their handmade journey but don't quite know where to begin. It features some fantastic gift ideas that you could whip up quickly too.

If you'd like a sneak peak inside, then come and follow the Handmade Living Blog Tour where today,  the very talented Ros of Grace Designs is guest posting at A Spoonful of Sugar Blog.  If you pop over now, you can have a little peek at one of my items included in the book,  and a few others too! (Yum!)

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Hope you're all having a lovely week, it's wet wet wet here in Sydney, we're suffering from a little cabin fever, but we can't complain as I'm sure we are in for a long hot Summer.

xo

Love this vintage...

Chocolate brown crochet covered clutch.  From Allen Company Inc.  (From the 1940's too!).  

Sooooo pretty.

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After a shockingly busy last 7 days, I'm really hoping this week slows down a bit.  Hope you're week is happy and manageable as well, and that Monday-itis doesn't catch you!

Grandma's Ginger Biscuits

I've been baking, sewing and glueing up a storm today for a certain baby shower I'm helping put together for tomorrow.  

While I can't reveal my sewing adventures, I can tell you that these are seriously the best biscuits EVER.

Grandma's ginger biscuits.  Part of the anzacs/shortbread/ginger biscuits trio (family you know what this means). I've no idea where her recipe came from, but they are AWESOME.  Dunk these babies in a cup of tea and see what I'm talking about.

 And since it's Friday, I'll share the recipe with you...written exactly as she wrote it out for me.

GRANDMA'S GINGER BISCUITS:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain flour
• 5 teaspns ground ginger
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• 125g melted butter or margarine
• 2/3 cup honey

Method:

1. Place dry ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine
2. Melt honey and butter/marg in a small saucepan until bubbling
3. Add to dy ingredients and mix well
4. Place teaspoon sized amounts onto a greased tray
5. Place in oven set to 200 degrees c
6. Bake for 10 mins then change trays on shelves
7. Bake for another 5 - 10 mins

Note from Grandma - if cooked too long they go very hard.  Be careful on your teeth.

Note from me - bear in mind this recipe needs a little alteration for fan forced or hot ovens like mine.

Yum.  Enjoy!

My creative space.

So I finally finished that t-shirt.  It was a little fiddly in the end (read: I couldn't understand the diagrams) but worth the effort.   It's made from some thrifted stripey cotton jersey and is from this book (a very sweet book too!).  Only notes i'd make for next time is make it a whole heap longer as Ellie seems to have inherited my very long torso, and I think  I might button the reverse neckline instead of the tie as it's a little bit bulky in the jersey on a tiny neck.

Unfortunately, only shots are on the hanger here as my model was not agreeable to working today.  She was too busy dressing in purple and prancing around the living room instead.

Sit down with a nice cuppa and enjoy more creative spaces here.