Simply Fabulous

I am simply rapt to have Phoebe at Piccadilly, we suit each other to a T. Phoebe has recently relocated from Sydney where she attended a few great Markets. Lets show her a great Victorian and Geelong welcome.

Simply put, Simply Phoebe aims to keep it simple, but still make a statement. The current range of simply unique fabric neckpieces feature tumbles of tubular fabric strands, fashioned into light-weight, heavy-impact neckpieces. Simply keep it cool as a necklace or get literally wrapped up in the styling options. Designed and handmade in Melbourne, each piece is simply unique, so you can make it simply yours.




You can check out Phoebes goodies at her etsy shop.

Adoring Adorning Al

Adorning AL was created by Melbourne Mum and Visual Merchandiser, Kristine Bryce in 2008.



I know I want one but how do I choose from her great range?



After struggling to find modern, unique and functional decor from the big chain stores, she decided to start ‘Adorning AL’ (AL being short for her daughter Alice!) and produce a range herself.



Adorning AL products are made to the highest quality, with an emphasis on aesthetics and affordability. Being design-driven, they only create and source products that you will be proud to have in your home.



Our products are made to the highest quality with an emphasis on aesthetics, function and affordability. Stylish and unique pieces that will be treasured for years to come. Adorning AL mirrors, mobiles, words and letters compliment and enhance any room.



How cute are these letters?







I know I wont be the only one wanting one of these treasures

Flora and Ceres

I am very pleased to welcome Flora and Ceres to the 1st August Market.

Flora & Ceres was founded in 2004 by Andrea Beaumont. Inspired by the Gods’ desire for purity, grace and quality. A range of functional, beautiful products.

Ceres was the Goddess of agriculture and productivity. Nurturing, serene and strong, she watched over ancient lands. Often in her company was Flora, Goddess of Flowers. Captivating, spirited and free, Flora inspired the renewal of each season.

Based in the provincial township of Ceres(just down the road from me) in the Barrabool Hills of Victoria, Flora & Ceres is committed to timeless, quality products that represent the decorative expression of Flora and the functional simplicity of Ceres.

Flora & Ceres products are inspired by classic and European designs. Natural textiles and quality workmanship are hallmarks of the range. There is a mix of new and vintage products.

I am loving this alphabet ribbon which is made from white cotton with red script letters. Traditionally these letters were placed on clothing for identification. Apart from linen and clothing markers, they now have a multitude of applications. Also available are numbers from 1 to 10 with red embroidery on white cotton. Stitch a few on your children’s clothes, adorn a gift or create special lolly bags with a child’s age or initial

Illustrations that make me swoon

A click here and a click there and look what I found tonight.

Kathy Hare is a Freelance Illustrator who is based in Harlow, Essex in the UK and works mainly with pastels and coloured pencils.

After raising her children she decided to make a career out of this talent, five years of study later, she graduated from the Cambridge School of Art with a BA (Hons) degree in Illustration and I am so glad she did.

Just look at some of these beautiful drawings.


The Kiss

Fearless

Be Prepared

Kathy has a lovely blog called moongazing hare that is simply delightful. She set this up so she could participate in Illustration Friday which is also worth a look.

Take me to Wonderland

I am very excited that Leah from Wonderland Cakes will be back again to seduce us with her beautiful cupcakes. Last time I saw box after box of her cakes walking out the door. She will also be selling cake toppers and cake wrappers so you can go home and make your own mini creations. I myself can not resist getting that Babushka Cake for the girls birthday. How totally adorable is it?






To see more of Leah's Creations come on down to the Market on the 1st August.

A lovely trip to the other side

Well I am back from a wonderfully decadent girls weekend away. Most of the fabulous women were new to me so thank you lovely ladies for welcoming me to your weekend away and thank you Pamela for inviting me along. Extra Thanks for letting me indulge in my "its my birthday I can do anything I want" attitude.

We had a great lazy lunch at Merricks General Store on Saturday where we were looked after so beautifully by the lovely Ben. What awesome attentive service we had. I had one of the best meals out I have had in a long time, a very simple beef pie on a pea puree, it was such a taste sensation. The Root Vegetables and Kipfler Potato Chips were a great way to help our struggling bodies after over indulging the night before in the wine department.





I do love this side of the coast, I spent most of my childhood summers in various locations and the first years of my life were spent living on the beach in Mornington and Mount Martha. I was married at Lindenderry in Red Hill 8 years ago so it is a very special spot for me.

The rest of our time was spent relaxing at the house in front of the house with a drink in hand and lots of lovely nibbles. I managed to finish my 2nd quilt and I am so happy with it.

One of the girls found this lovely little birdnest.



I was in awe of this site as we drove down the hill from Red Hill. A higher being perhaps?



Pamela and I came across this sign in Sorrento and I love it. I almost wanted to fake a hat emergency just to meet the Maker.



Back home again on the ferry, until next time.

Calling all Market Enthusiasts

Obviously I am a Market Lover and there is a fabulous Artists Market on this Friday here in Geelong. The lovely girls Emma and Lucy used to run the Market from their home but as it has grown so has their need for a venue.

The Mid Winter Artists Market
Friday 18th June
All Saints Hall
113 Noble Street, Newtown
12 noon till 9pm

This time they are gearing up for those chilly months ahead with a wonderful selection of winter inspired treats.

The girls say they have over 30 talented makers, some showcasing their work for the first time. Gourmet food by 'Sarah Roe Catering' with her delicious homemade chicken pies, mini pizzas, hot soup and more. Kath with her coffee van 'Coffee Redee' and locally made wine from 'Bellbrae Estate' to warm the cockles of your heart. There will be amazing contemporary jewellery, vintage fabric and children's toys.

Come along to the Mid Winter Artists Market and enjoy this exciting winter wonderland full of unique handmade designs.

As I am a birthday girl this weekend I am hoping to indulge on myself at the Market before heading off to Sorrento for a girls weekend. Yippee!!!

A morning in Hawksburn Village

I went to Melbourne for a family lunch on Saturday and managed to get some child free time to meet up with my gorgeous friend Donna for a coffee.

We parked the car and then got ridiculously seduced by all the beautiful shops. I could have spent the whole day perusing but with my limited time I did what I could.

Firstly I totally fell in love with these gorgeous cushions especially the patchwork one. I do have a slight obsession with anything patchworky. These were in Spacecraft Studio Shop. Great artwork, clothing and all sorts of little lovelies.











The next stop was ak creations which is a lovely little store that sells wool, felt, handmade dolls, kits to make dolls. There were some young girls learning to knit and they were having a lovely time. Cant wait till my girls can start crafting away. I bought a great colouring in book, filled with dolls from all over the world, very simple and plain but just lovely.



The next place that beckoned me through the door was Kif and Katast, a great selection of all things arty and unique. I particuarly like the Felt Pin Board and the red candelabra. All can be bought on their site.



We stopped for a super quick coffee at cafe Latte and my time was up. It was however followed by a delicious French lunch put on by my Mum after returning from a trip to France. We were so full that I didnt eat again until Sunday lunchtime. Yum Yum. Thanks Mum and Ian.

....and the August 1st Stallholders are....

Applications are in and I am so incredibly excited about who we have at the next Piccadilly Market. It is a great mix of old and new and there will be something for everyone.

I will introduce you to all of them every few days up until the Market date. You will see them all listed to your left. If they have websites you can link straight through to them. The ones that do not have websites are listed seperately below.

I can still take a handful more so if anyone out there is interested or knows anybody who has a great talent then please contact me. I would particuarly love to hear from some womans clothing labels and if anyone knows of any cool male orientated products I would love to hear from you also.

52 days to go............

Vintage Caravans make me Happy

Tell me you would not squeal with delight if Constance or Polly Dolly (especially Constance) were living in your back yard? Can you imagine one of these being your crafty space,or your secret zen spot, the female version of the man cave. What about a cubby house for the kids?








Best thing is if you are in the UK you can hire either of these 2 babies through snail trail. There is also another company Vintage Vacations that hires out some pretty cool Airstreams.

In this months Frankie magazine they did a feature on My Cool Caravan which is also a book. I have always loved old caravans, they are super cool. A friend and I were discussing this a few weeks ago and both of our first memories were from the honeymoon on Heres Lucy...does anymoe remember that? Granted it was not a teensy tiny Constance but a fun Trailer none the less.

It got me thinking about a great Vintage Trailer Park in the United States that I had read about when I was living there before the days of the internet. A few google clicks and I found it. Shady Dell, it is up there in places I would love to visit.

Then I found a blog called Happy Loves Rosie and look what lives in her backyard. How jealous am I exactly??





Last but not least, another fave blogger of mine Danielle Thompson
has just been to Austin and did this posting on a fab airstream that is a cupcake cafe called Hey Cupcake, how cool does it look?





I am left dreaming about owning one of these one day or at least vacationing in one.

Crafty Spaces

Oh how I would love a craft room of my own.

I started making crafty stuff, all kinds of stuff from a young child. From memory I think I was first allowed to use Mums sewing machine when I was 7 or 8. I have a very vivid memory of sewing over my thumb and having to pull the black thread out of the holes on my nail (ouch). In high school my fellow non crafty wealthy school friends paid me to do their projects. I continued through my later teenage years but then it all took a back seat with everything that life offered me. Now I am like a woman possessed and I want to sew everything and I want to sew it NOW. But I also need to paint, draw, scrapbook and play with my photography. I have stations set up all over my house, so I am lusting after a craft space.

Here are a few I have found. This is great and the perfect amount of quirkiness.




Love the wallpaper covered doors. You can read the full post on Danielle Thompson's site. Whilst stumbling on to her blog I realised that I buy alot of her digital scrapping products but never knew she had such an awesome blog.

I think i could just lock myself in this room for days and never come out.



Photo found on sew crafty houston
and check this great organiser and if you visit here there are full instructions on how to make it.



Could I keep my space this tidy? I dont think so...



found on steph modo

Here is a flickr group where you can check out all sorts of craft spaces..

I could go on for days so will leave it here. Doing this post has made me realise that I am reasonably normal with the amount of items I own in order to create. Always thought i may have ben a bit over the top.

If you have a great craft space you want to share, yours or someone elses feel free to leave a link in the comments.