~itty-bitty & pretty~ .handmade.kitsch.retro.

oh deer has it been that long?

2011-11-20T22:15:00.000+10:00

cant believe how long it has been since i have posted on my blogs, but i have a good excuse honest i do....

you see i have been busy studying a floristry course and being away from my blogs has paid off..i passed everything with flying colours and for my final assessment i got 96 out of a possible 100!! so proud of myself.

i hope to be back on here and over here more often..
couldn't resist sharing this sweet deer with you, i bought it from Julie and just had to put it to good use. love these vintage vases...nothing sweeter than old world charm.

and nothing sweeter than picking roses from the garden my girls planted for me for mothers day.

LIFE IS GOOD.

hope to be back soon with some Christmas tags i plan on making for teachers gifts.

xxrosey

month of crafting

2011-07-30T21:14:00.000+10:00

just a quick post to tell my local followers of some craft sessions at one of our local libraries. my best friend Julie has recently become team leader of the banyo library and has organised some arts and craft classes lessons to be held in august. she has asked me to share the details here on my blog and hopes to see lots of wonderful crafters come along.
basic patchwork with Chris tasker tuesday 2nd august 2-3:30pm
quilting demonstration with Chris tasker tuesday 16th august 2-3:30pm
felting workshop with Julie tasker wednesday 24th august 10:30-12pm
bobbin lace making with Chris tasker tuesday 30th august 10:30-12pm

bookings essential call banyo library on 3403 2200
i don't think there is a cost involved but you can clarify that when you call to book a spot.

cheers xxrosey

i'm late!!

2011-06-25T17:40:00.005+10:00

sshhh don't tell a soul...but...

i didn't mean to be late and truth be told i have until midnight tonight to be on time....the invitation from Vanessa over at a fanciful twist did say the 25th of June. come follow Alice on her little adventure.

Alice was reading her book when all of a sudden she caught sight of a little rabbit muttering something about being late...she followed this curious little fellow right down a rabbit hole and landed with a thump in a strange little room and watched him disappear through a little door in the wall.

.Alice was confused by what was before her...after taking a nibble of the cake she couldn't stop burping!! oh my, how rude! she decided to take a sip out of the bottle to try to cure herself of this rude calamity and even though she stopped burping she shrank down to a very small size..small enough to fit through the key hole to follow the white rabbit.

once through the keyhole Alice found herself in a garden of talking flowers and sweet woodland animals. a happy little caterpillar called down to her and told her to eat some of his mushroom to return to her normal size. she thanked him with a smile and took a bite...

hooray, it worked! just as she turned to wave to the caterpillar a sweet cat with the most fabulous blue eyes appeared before her. somehow he knew that she was trying to find the rabbit, the Cheshire cat told her to ask the mad hatter and with a twinkle in his eye he disappeared again. the mad hatter?? what is a mad hatter?? as Alice was wandering, wondering what on earth a mad hatter was, she came across a tea party.

more woodland animals enjoying a spot of tea and a delicious cake...and a curious little man. could this be the mad hatter?? but he has no hat...

"excuse me sir are you the mad hatter?" "why yes young lady, come and enjoy a spot of tea" "oh thank you...actually i was wondering if you had seen" and before she could finish her sentence someone spoke from behind her.

"oh, i see that you have found the mad hatter but have you found the white rabbit?" "no, no i haven't seen him, i haven't a clue where he might be" and with that everyone started to giggle...

for there he was hiding in the roses all along. Alice laughed and laughed and drank and ate and enjoyed her time with her new friends until the sun started to set and she decided to head home. after saying her goodbyes she she made her way back to her little house to dream about her adventures.

goodnight everyone!!

thank you for visiting my little blog, i had such fun even if i was a little late ~_~

dont forget to head over to a fanciful twist to see who else has played along.

and be sure to visit linda at lilly cottage i attended her whimsical and wonderful REAL tea party, it was charming to say the least.

xxrosey

thrifting thursday

2011-06-09T13:06:00.004+10:00

as my lovely friend Linda from lilly cottage says...'sometimes the thrifting gods are smiling' or your blinkers are off and you are open to finding lots of little treasures. well over the past few weeks i have managed to gather a few pretties, enough for my mister to ponder whether i have a hoarding problem ~_~ my biggest problem is that i want to keep it all rather than taking it out to the cottage for someone else to love.

i fell in love with this lamp the moment i spotted it.

it is hard to see in this picture but it has the prettiest shade of pink enamel in the middle, i just knew it would look lovely in our family room. i really must clean up this shelf....

i found this little coffee pot today, it isn't real silver just silver plated but that doesn't matter... it was just too gorgeous to pass up.

a few more little pretties to add to my shelves or to the shop...my Avon bottle collections sure is growing @_@

look at these sweet doves...the fact that they aren't perfect is what makes them perfect!

at $8, this stool was a bargain...it is not going anywhere, i need a stool like this to take photos on ~_~ and it is handy to pop my washing basket on.

i found these little glass bottles which i suspect could be salt shakers without their tops but i think they would make better rose vases don't you?

and the rose pot stand is simply gorgeous too.

i also gifted myself a new camera for a low $68 (14 mega pixels) and have been playing with the settings...i thought the pot deserved a sepia tone. looks lovely.

i love this rose sketch...not sure if i want to part with it...

and i think i might have found THE prettiest tin ever!! just look at it! it is even better in real life as the flowers are raised...simply stunning. might need to keep this for my sewing supplies.

and the sugar server is just lovely...well that's what i think it is.

is it a sugar bowl and server?? what do you think? i would love your suggestions.

well i feel like a good little blogger now that i have finally posted something! i will be back with some pictures of Lilly cottage someday soon, i promise.

xxrosey

wordless wednesday ~easter withdrawals~

2011-05-10T22:35:00.002+10:00

xxrosey

busy busy busy...

2011-05-06T09:57:00.005+10:00

i cant believe it is already May! i promised that this year wouldn't scream by like last year but i don't think i have a say in it. even though Easter is barely over and chocolates are still nestled in their baskets, we are counting down the sleeps until mothers day...hoping that Easter is a bit earlier next year. i have been stitching my little fingers off trying to make a few things to take out to Lilly cottage in time for mothers day. i have lots of lovely designs floating around in my head but never enough hours in the day to make them. i have worked the last couple of nights but luckily the last 2 days have been work and child free so i have a few photos of things i have been working on and some things i hope to have finished for tomorrow or at least by Sunday. i have an idea for these thrifted doilies these frames are waiting to be filled with some sweet creation. these little hearts will be strung together to make mini heart garlands, they look sweet hanging over a dressing table mirror or a little girls bedhead or anywhere really ~_~

it is lovely to see this bowl full but i have at least 30 more to stitch!

lovely large lavender filled hearts, i will also make some matching lavender sachets...if i get time!

i love spending my day stitching, just wish i could find more time in every day to do it. before i go back to my stitching i want to leave you with a picture or two of my little girls. Claudia had her prep interview on Tuesday, it was a much anticipated event and she did very well. they though she was confident and very clever and she looked so sweet in her little outfit, the assistant principal wished she had the same outfit! (only bigger of course)

here is Claudia with Lili and Mia ready to go to school and meet with the assistant principal.

and before i go the girls were mucking around with the hippo bean bag, it kept us laughing for a while.

happy mothers day to you if you celebrate it.

xxrosey

easter wishes

2011-04-24T20:51:00.005+10:00

hard to believe we still have two more days of Easter holidays to enjoy, it seems that being busy makes the time go slower...

i managed to work out at the cottage last weekend and had a lovely time arranging displays and looking at all the new pretties that Linda a has made. the new room is open and is filled with scrummy childrens clothing and toys. you cant help but smile when you walk in the door. for some reason i forgot to take any photos...actually the only photos i took were of the veranda displays.

anyhow, the photos below still have an eastery theme, i guess next Sunday the displays will be all about mothers...

the new sign Linda had made, fresh and bright just like Linda!

sweet little bunnies...my little blue bunny from the previous post found a new home.

i hope that your tummy isn't too sore from all that chocolate.

i am trying to get a bit of stitching done before this Sunday..i am teaching 3 days this week so i am not sure how far i will get. it is my aim to clean the craft room so that i can see what colour ribbon and threads i need to finish off my projects. i have some lovely ideas in my mind but it is finding the time to make them that is proving to be hard.

anyhow, enjoy the next 2 days off.

xxrosey

mojo has been MIA

2011-04-13T13:06:00.004+10:00

if you follow my family blog agapanthas and goldsworthy you will know that for the last 4 or 5 weeks i have been feeling a little blue...i guess the first thing to go when you are feeling low are the things that make you happy. in an attempt at kicking the blues i have ironed some fabric and cut out heaps of hearts ready to make mini heart garlands for lilly cottage and friends. it has been a few weeks since i have taken stock out to our bricks and mortar shop which of course is full to the brim with gorgeous hand made pretties made by the lovely linda. so today has been a huge step forward for me and it feels good...however i have had to stop every few minutes to entertain little miss Claudia so i haven't gotten as far as i would have liked.

lots of hearts cut and ready to be sewn and filled for garlands.

one little thing that i am most happy to share is my fabulous idea for storing my fabric. i think it is a great idea and perhaps has been done before but it is new to me. i must admit it isn't quite finished yet...i would like to finish sanding it down and giving it a nice coat of cream or pastel pink paint but it will do for now.

don't you think it is a nice way to recycle the side of an old cot?

now perhaps my ironed pieces of fabric will stay ironed rather that scrunched up or folded in messy piles.

so that you can see the other pieces of fabric underneath simply pop the fabric through the back

and if i space them this way you can see each fabric design and group them in colours for easy sorting...why haven't i thought of this before!?! cool idea don't you think?

before my mojo went missing i had started making some Easter items to display out at the cottage. i made a few packs of flocked card Easter bunnies that could be used in your Easter display

and some quirky bunnies..not too sure if these are Lilly cottage worthy...

and one of the great things about Lilly cottage and friends is that you can always find some quirky second hand trinkets to feather your nest...if i like it i am sure someone else will too ~_~ some of these are heading out to the shop.

well there you have it... i am slowly clawing my way back and am looking forward to heading out to the shop this Sunday. if you have nothing to do and would love to get out and about, come and say hello we are at coutts cottage in old petrie town dayboro rd

ta ta rosey

open wide come inside...

2011-03-07T13:19:00.005+10:00

hello blogging buddies, hope you have had a great start to the week. we are on the other side of the count down to Easter holidays, 6 weeks to go before the kids start to get thoughts of big bunnies jumping through the window to leave yummy chocolate eggs for them to eat. i just love autumn it really is my favourite season, i don't like the heat and living in Brisbane the humidity gets unbearable some days...bring on the chilly days i say! actually this morning was a bit fresh, YAY ~_~

well happy to say i managed to remember my camera yesterday and took some snaps of Lilly cottage and friends in all its full splendour. the lovely Linda has been sewing up a storm and has even ordered in lots of scrummy goodies to feather your nest.

Lilly cottage and friends is one of those stores that you can spend ages in spotting different little treasures in every nook. have a little peek at all of these pretties...

pretty bag charms

paper cranes

sweet figurines

original paintings

settler bears

hand made hearts

everything beachy

love this display

more settler bears

cute cute cute

french inspired pillows

and my favourite display..easter bunnies...actually those two big chennile bunnies have already found a new home...

happy count down to easter!!

xxxrosey

sundays are fun days

2011-03-05T21:27:00.004+10:00

i cant help but love Sundays...i get to spend the day out at Lilly cottage and friends 'playing' in the shop, creating lovely displays, drinking coffee and chatting the day away...whats not to love?? i must confess i haven't finished much this week...i have started lots of pretty designs but...life and kids got in the way this week ~_~ however i managed to find some pretty little gifts to pop in the shop.

3 sets of blue and white china cups and saucers

a lovely set of 'Sarah Kay' swap cards framed in non reflective glass

each one is so sweet! i painted the frames and shabbied them around the corners...they are just so special and would brighten any little girls room.

this one is my favourite.

here they all are...sorry about the photo but they really are sweet in person. (click on the photo to make it larger)

and i have been working on some sweet handmade items for our Easter display and have put together a display of these gorgeous flocked bunnies which i will sell in bundles for people to buy for their own Easter displays.

they are really stunning...i love flocked things especially books!

i really wish you could all pop in to say hello...but for most of you this is the next best thing. i must remember to take my camera in tomorrow and post some pics of the actual cottage on here.

have a great Sunday

xxrosey

squeal if you love squirrels

2011-02-28T11:51:00.003+10:00

one of the best things about being at home with my youngest is that i get to go hunting through the thrift shops any day of the week to find quirky little things that want to find a better home out at our cottage. if i was working full time i would NEVER get to go thrifting! i know that my time at home is coming to an end as Claudia enters prep next year and i will have to find some sort of work to pass the days away, but for now i enjoy turning ugly old frames into pretty shabby frames and buying lonely little pieces just longing for a new home.

what a sweet little trio this makes.

this would be perfect in a little girls room on a shabby little shelf

cute cute cute.

i didn't manage to make it out to Lilly cottage and friends yesterday so i am not sure if these guys are still there or have found a new home..the little picture in the frame came from one of my Frankie magazines and was just perfect for the frame.

do you like to thrift? what will your next find be?? that's the best part about thrifting, you never know what you will find.

happy thrifting

xxxrosey

what i am working on this wednesday...

2011-02-23T14:06:00.002+10:00

just one little picture to share today... a little stitchery i started for valentines day but ran out of thread and the day has been and gone. i am hoping that it will still capture someones heart, maybe for mothers day ~_~ and in the corner of the picture is something i am working on for as an Easter display out at the cottage which is currently full to the brim of new gorgeous pretties thanks to the lovely Linda. i really wish you could see the little cottage for yourself, Linda fills it with her handmade goodness and adds other pieces that go so well together. i add my little touches here and there but on a much smaller scale. it really is so sweet!

best go and finish the back of the stitchery and keep adding to my Easter treats.

xxrosey

be mine

2011-02-10T09:38:00.004+10:00

i do love the month of February...valentines day is closely followed by my birthday so i am treated to a romantic dinner for valentines day and then spoilt with gifts for my birthday. now that we have children going out for dinner involves too many processes so instead we treat ourselves to oysters kilpatrick and a bottle of champagne once the children are tucked up in bed. this year i have the movie valentines day to watch as that was one of my presents in my stocking :) as the budget is tight at the moment i have only asked for 1 gorgeous book and money to buy something from the doll and bear show that will be in my neck of the woods a couple of days after my birthday.

it is hard to believe that we have hit double digits in February, i have already broken one of my promises to myself...i promised that i would list 10 items into my online shops by the end of January...alas that did not happen. i guess i should be proud of myself for listing 2 items before the end of February!!

use the links on the side bar if you wish to take a peek at my listings and if all goes well i will be listing more items before the end of this month (but don't hold your breath)

best be off to do some sort of romantic stitchery and possible paint an item or two...

xxxrosey

curious collection

2011-02-03T14:40:00.003+10:00

i don't know about you, but i seem to be drawn to miniature things and usually gasp when i see a little glass lidded box holding tiny treasures inside. over a year ago i bought a glass lidded box and started to fill it with little collectables and added to it every now and then. just recently as i was adding to my box, i realised that now that i share a retail space with Linda and Renata we could be one of those shops that have one of those boxes. so...

here it is ready to be taken out to our little cottage

i made those lockets, very sweet indeed. and the pill boxes are so small and so sweet.

i loved making the lockets and i filled the little bottles with alice in wonderland themed charms

sheet music rolled into this bottle...*swoon*

this little case will live out at the cottage and i will enjoy watching those people, who like me, make a bee line straight for it :)

do you like these sorts of curious collections or am i the only one? i am always on the look out for small and quirky items. what do you love to collect?

wishing you a safe second half of the week and hoping that mother nature settles down.

xxrosey

finally finished some red work stitching!

2011-01-16T12:41:00.005+10:00

oh boy am i excited to show you a piece i have been working on for ages...not that it would take me ages if i actually sat down and worked on it for any length of time, but as i only picked it up every now and then it has been a work in progress for far too long.

it is a one off from a design in a gorgeous book i picked up in montville titled 'made in France' it has stunning stitching and embroidery designs and these little dolls just happened to be perfect for this little cotton dress.

i stitched a little crocheted doily 'flower' to the sleeve to add a bit more old world charm to this cotton dress. here it is hanging on the cream walls of Coutts Cottage where our little shop ' Lilly Cottage and Friends' resides. it is a small size 7 (Claudia is modelling it and she is 4 and a half years old) and if it takes your fancy it is $30. it would even be nice as a display in a room rather than being worn.

i must have been a red mood. this little charm is ready to hitch a ride on someones bag ~_~

and here are some cute little cupcakes made by the lovely Linda.

i love these fabric panels that have been used to create pillows and lavender sachets.

it has been a joy to work out at the cottage but i have been rather slow at producing anything at the moment. for me having a household of children (and hubby) on holidays means that my production level is severely hampered and working night shift has been getting in the way as well (4 shifts this week) i need to set myself realistic goals, write them down, and stick to them. i know that we are co-op at the cottage but i shouldn't be leaving it to the others to 'fill' the shop plus the more i make that more i make...if you know what i mean.

anyhow one lovely distraction is catching up with friends and family and on a recent visit to my fathers place my sister had made mini friands for us to share which we did with another of my sisters and her daughter.

i was trying to take a creative picture...mmmmm blueberry, strawberry and passion fruit....

this little tea cup made a better prop.

anyhow, now that the sun is shining and the floods are receding we look forward to a prosperous shabby new year.

xx rosey

hot hot hot!!

2011-01-03T17:02:00.005+10:00

well my first day back out at the cottage was a hot one!! the heat and humidity made the day almost unbearable, luckily one of our rooms is air conditioned, so there i sat stitching and listening to Doris Day ~_~

it seems like ages since i have visited our little piece of shabby heaven and i had a great time finding all the new little pretties that now reside there waiting for a new home. i managed to take a photo of my name rosettes which look lovely up on the wall

and while i had my camera out i snapped a few more of our shop 'lilly cottage and friends'

i thought these two together would make a lovely gift for a tween or teenager.

and this bear would be the perfect christening present.

a lovely photo frame to place on your bedside table...

and a tremendous splash of red! isn't that just the most gorgeous display *swoon*

and this last photo is of a card that caught my eye...the subject in the picture reminded me of my little Claudia, how cute!

tutu cute *_*

i do hope that you spent your new years eve with people that you love and that your goals, wishes or resolutions for the new year come true. happy new year.

xxrosey

on the naughty list...

2010-12-28T12:29:00.002+10:00

i've put myself on the naughty list for being such a bad blogger...lucky christmas is over and i have all my presents :)

hoping to get back to the old me by the 1st of january!!

above is a picture of my christmas rosettes, they didnt come back home to me...i hope they made someones home very shabbily festive.

i have started a range of these rosettes in childrens names. they will be available out at lilly cottage and friends this sunday in a range of colours. orders of names and colours can be taken and each rosette is $4.

I will be back with more pictures once i can get my camera to load onto the computer, for some reason they do not want to play together today!!

i hope you all had a wonderful christmas and the new year is the best one yet.

xxrosey

couldnt be prettier!

2010-11-22T09:47:00.005+10:00

our little cottage just gets prettier each week. Linda has been hard at work these last few weeks, i just love coming to work on a Sunday to find new items to ooh and aaah over. Renata brought in some gorgeous quilled Christmas cards but i wasn't fast enough to photograph them before someone snatched them up! i have a feeling she will post some pics on her blog here. and my glass baubles sold out in a jiffy which means that i will be doing nothing but baubles ALL week!

anyhow i did manage to take a few photos, wish you could all visit in person...

care for a cup of tea?

birds and flowers on the main display table.

here are some of Renata's amazing quilled snow flakes and Christmas cards...there were more on here but i wasn't fast enough to get a picture :) a wonderful way to use those vintage napkins... pillows, bears and soaps oh my! isn't this bear just lovely!?! a very special lady makes these...each of my girls has one...each one is different but equally gorgeous. the Christmas tree is a nice mix of shabby and traditional my favourite corner... I'll take the shelf and everything on it please!

puppy love... and a little taste of Linda's sense of humor...yes the cat is in the bird cage...either the bird flew away or the cat is no longer hungry :)

did you enjoy that virtual tour?? i love going to work, i get to sit and stitch and talk to lovely customers all day... not really sure if i should call it work at all!

enjoy your week and thanks for popping in...will be having a Christmas giveaway very very soon.

xxrosey

thrifty finds..some for the cottage and some for me

2010-11-18T14:08:00.007+10:00

i went thrifting and look at what i found....

some will go to the shop...

am i the only one that fancies fine china made in japan?? these are the sweetest little pale pink and egg shell green dishes...*swoon* i love unusual vases, this has the prettiest rim, why would anyone give it away?

and some will stay with me...

talk about unusual rims! look at this hobnail milk glass vase. i am not %100 sure that it is true milk glass but i don't care! it is stunning...i am quickly running out of space in my china cabinet...

how about this darling piece of Carlton ware. it has some crazing but it is circa 1930's. other than that it is in perfect condition. the photos don't do its pink colour justice *double swoon*

and some i haven't made my mind up about...like this 'swan Carlton' aluminium and Bakelite teapot..

sweet sweet sweet!!! the inside is a bit too grimy to use but perfect for displays or a mad hatter tea party stuffed with something whimsical.

and then there is this find... $24 for a 24 piece set of 'rose garden' china. i don't know or care what it is worth but i do know that the wow factor is high...4 cups, saucers and toast plates plus dinner plates and rather small soup bowls (someone might have a better idea of what they are) i haven't pictured it all here sorry how could i pass it up? i am thinking of having all of my sisters around for high tea when my sister returns from London...as there are 4 of us it will make the perfect setting don't you think...

i think i will hold onto this set and not pop it out at the cottage, it will become something my girls can pass onto their girls one day...

apart from thrifting i have been curling bits of paper and popping into baubles and working on some gorgeous Christmas banners.

have you thrifted anything lately?? I'd love to know about it..

xxrosey

cottage pretties

2010-11-08T10:50:00.003+10:00

just popping in with a few photos of my latest makes which are now for sale out at the cottage. i am in love with these items and will one day make some as a feature for my family room wall. i didn't get any photos of my Christmas baubles which have all sold out...but thanks to the lovely Linda and her mad dash to the suppliers i will be quilling ( well my version of quilling) my little fingers off and there will be plenty of baubles for the festive season!

super sweet and a great addition to any room

an instant change to a bare wall

these can be used year after year, a wise investment

and these doily fairy lights are so sweet!

i just love them and need to make some for my family room.

there you have it fabric hoops and doily lights. the baubles are stunning if i do say so myself and sold well last year too. i am working on some more shabby Christmas pieces and i am swooning over my latest version of a garland...will give you a sneak peek one day soon.

best be off, miss 4 is demanding that i make her an iced coffee...such fanciful tastes don't you think?

xxrosey

been working on an order...

2010-10-27T07:45:00.005+10:00

the man in the big red suit is breathing down our necks and i have been busy working on an order...they are for a lovely gal who runs 'the ugly duckling' blog/facebook. she likes to source other peoples products and promote them on her site. these little pretties will be making their way to her home for her to sell at her next fair...

each comes with its own little stand. if you didn't want to display them on a table top you could use them to hold a Christmas card in place on top of a present or pop a little piece of tinsel around their necks to hang from your tree.

and these sweeties will be available too. lovely to have on your work desk watching over you or the toy soldiers would look sweet on a boys bedroom shelf.

they will be available at the handmade expo markets just in time for Christmas.

xxrosey

gotta be quick

2010-10-11T11:09:00.006+10:00

our day in the shop yesterday was wet, yet i managed to have a great day despite the rain. i guess it makes it easy when you are surrounded by pretty cushions, lovely hand made bags, collectible china and much much more... as i had my camera there i thought i better takes some photos of some of my makes that have made there way out to the shop but not been posted on here. and lucky i did as these two found a new home. they are a Nelly Pailloux patterns that i have turned into bag or phone charms. little red riding wolf and a messenger bear who was holding this message... so darn cute!! taking photos of things that sell seems to happen quite a bit, whenever i choose one of Renata's cards as my favourite it ends up being the first to sell or if i look at Linda's blog most of the photos she posts have items in them that have found new homes.

these two frames were for our 'girly' theme they are just lovely and perfect for a shelf or wall in a little girls bedroom. and i have been having oodles of fun tizzing up an Eiffel tower! i simply cant get enough of these ivory paper flowers!

well i best be off i have 4 children home today because the rain is just to extreme to venture out into and i think they might be killing each other.

please head here to see our cottage and the new face lift she has been given.

have a great week

xxrosey

bad blogger...

2010-10-06T15:53:00.007+10:00

it seems like ages since i posted some of my wares so i have a load of photos to make up for it. i didn't manage to get out to the shop last week so i have a few things to take out this week. i wish my hands could keep up with the ideas that are swimming around in my head but i just cant seem to find the quality time... 3 curious children get in my way 0_o i tend to leave creating until night time, when they are alll tucked up in bed, which is not always productive as i end up feeling way too tired and unmotivated. i am waiting for that time in my life when my children are bored with me and think that i am way too uncool to hang around :)

i have been working on this little display shelf which is perfect for holding miniatures. it started out life like this... and i transformed it into this 'flea market/bohemian' style creation. i had fun using the gorgeous Japanese papers i bought from Trish, i love visiting her shop!

it is just perfect for housing a mix match of items.

this little owl needs a little 'bling' before she rests on this shelf...

i have the urge to glue gun this bird into place, it is so sweet...what do you think?

i was lucky enough to find a couple of very kitsch deer ornaments, i don't even know if i want to part with them.

this one even has a beauty spot!

*SWOON*

a little bit more for you to swoon over...

and finally a couple of sweet cut crystal bud vases and a indulgent book all about bedrooms. what more could a girl want!?!

so there you have it, i hope to add to this stash of items before sunday. i have some great ideas for new products and i hope that tonight i get to start on them. i will give you a sneak peek if i am happy with how they turn out.

happy hump day

xxrosey

birds of a feather...

2010-09-22T15:12:00.005+10:00

our little display theme last week was all about birds and we had fun making and finding birds to 'do up' our table. Linda has rented even more space for our little shop which means we now take over 2 rooms and both veranda spaces which is lovely, but also means we need to keep creating pretty items. having a theme is wonderful as it keeps me on track but i must also devote time to making other things that are not related to the theme in the lead up to Christmas. my glass baubles sold well last year and i have a few made that didn't sell in July so i have a head start on those but i must not rest on my laurels as our Christmas display will be starting before i know it.

anyhow, here are a few photos from our display, the first stitchery was sold to the lovely Linda, she saw it on my face book page and had to have it! nice to know it has gone to a good home ~_~

i had fun stitching this little bird and and even covered the back all by myself without asking for help :) here are my flock of terry toweling ducks ready for some baby love. a gorgeous china trio, hard to resist buying this myself! assorted cards made by each of us.

love heart and bird garlands and some gorgeous table runners. a truly magnificent pillow hand stitched by Linda. she uses doilies and patches of fabric to create these one of a kind piece of art for your home. and some of our brooches...

i must remind you that if you see something on here that you fancy, drop me an email or leave a comment and i will get back to you with a price and whether or not the stock is still available. i love having online stores but i find very little time to update them!

this weeks theme is fairy tales and i haven't even started!!! thanks for visiting.

xxrosey

do you see what i see revisited

2010-09-17T14:36:00.003+10:00

hello folks, isn't it amazing how we see things differently...? for the longest time when i looked at a full moon i could see a rabbit, to me it was the head of a rabbit until i asked someone else if they could see a rabbit...

ME: do you see that rabbit in the full moon?

PERSON: yes there it is hopping on all fours...

ME: what?! oh wow yes i see it now!

now i find it hard to see the head of the rabbit anymore...

and the same can be said for my last post...i wasn't expecting to see anything else than this...

but to my amazement i can now see this

and it is hard to go back to just seeing the Rapunzel style lady on the rim of my cup...

thanks to all those who played along...and just on a random whim i put all of your names into a draw and pulled out Lee of ArtfuLee Designed. Lee if you send me your address i will post you something small for having some fun with me.

before i go, can you guess what this weeks theme is out at coutts cottage? here I'll give you a hint.

have a great weekend

xxrosey

do you see what i see?

2010-09-13T09:50:00.003+10:00

what do you see??

ooh la la...

2010-09-04T18:07:00.003+10:00

before we closed up shop last Sunday Linda proposed a theme for one of our displays and it seems that for me having a theme is all i needed to get the creative juices flowing...

hope this is what she had in mind...

these will be available tomorrow in our new location - coutts cottage petrie markets.

thanks Linda for such a wonderful theme. if you get a chance head over to Renata's blog to see her french inspired quilled cards, simply AMAZING.

and of course head over to Linda's blog to see more photos of her shabbiliscious goodies and pictures of our shop!

before i rest my weary head tonight i have plans to make a few more cards or tags and perhaps even one for fathers day :)

happy fathers day to my wonderful dad, my great father in law and my gorgeous hubby (father of our 3 girls)who bought a Ute today!

xx rosey

p.s. shop will be open from 8-2

little bit of eyecandy for ya...

2010-09-03T09:34:00.004+10:00

it is amazing what i can achieve if i don't turn the computer on..i seem to get distracted by all the social networks and am seriously thinking about removing myself from them altogether and concentrate on my blogs and REAL life!

anyhow after making my brooch board i decide to keep that momentum going and i crafted this gorgeous piece of whimsy...

this started life as an empty white cage... and now it is a romantic gift for someone you love or YOURSELF! i just love it and cant wait to hang it over our display this Sunday or from a tree out on our lawn.

and here is a sneak peek of my stitchery...

we are going for a french inspired theme for one of our display tables, i will show you the end product which i hope to have finished by tonight so that i can get a few daddy type things made up... maybe gift tags?

well i best be off, the more time i spend here means less time on my crafting!

au revoir

i 'heart' my new display board

2010-08-31T16:54:00.003+10:00

when i first saw this tutorial over at one red robin i just knew i had to make one for myself. and now that i have a space to display it in i had no excuses not to make it. this will just be so pretty on the wall of Lilly cottage and friends and it will inspire me to make a few more bag charms or brooches to hang on it.

this started life as a very cheap pine picture frame with no glass. i painted it up ready to be transformed into a brooch display board. i popped a bit of lace under the frame to hide the staples. the lighting isn't that great but it really is the sweetest little thing and compliments my handmade pretties so well.

last Sunday was a wonderful start to our new venture with lots of pretties finding new homes and each of us heading home to create more items to fill in gaps in the shop. i had a day of relief teaching today which was absolutely wonderful but of course that has meant 1 day less of creating. the beauty of this cottage is that there are 3 of us contributing which means that if one person is having a slow week the other two are sure to be creating something so the shop will never look empty. i worked on my stitchery last night but am not sure how to display it... might need some help with that one. i will post about it as soon as i get a chance.

best be off and make some dinner before the children eat their own arms.

xxrosey

open wide, come inside...

2010-08-28T21:25:00.004+10:00

the time is upon us... tomorrow at 8am we throw open the doors of Coutts Cottage and welcome you in to Lilly Cottage & Friends! i managed to pop in today to take a few pictures of our little shop and of course tomorrow we will be spread out onto the veranda and spilling out on the lawn. if you do happen to live on the north side of Brisbane or are wanting to treat yourself to a lovely day out, then visiting the Petrie Markets is a wonderful way to spend the day. not only will you find our lovely little space but so much more. apart from the wonderful food, you could visit Trish and Alan in their unique fabric store or Marion who sells amazing country style gifts and home wares actually the list is endless.

i will leave you with some eye candy to urge you to make the trip or to satisfy those of you who live far away...

this is one of the trees we will be spending our morning under. (cute kids!)

this door will be open waiting for our many customers {~_~}

fancy a chalkboard or a mirror? we have it all!

amazing how all of our work ties in together without planning it at all. the wonderful mixed media painting by Linda on the wall with one of Renata's amazing quilled cards and some of my napkin art canvases on the shelves with the sea theme as well.

embellished miniature bottles.

a gorgeous corner of the room..

something pink,

something purple,

and something romantic...

there, how was that?? feeling as excited as i am? the best part of tomorrow is that i DO NOT have to unpack or pack my car!! yippee. of course the second best part is spending the day with Linda and Renata and selling our pretties %*_*%

well i best be getting off to bed, have to be up bright and early for our first day.

xxrosey

p.s. thank you for all of your support and encouragement, it means the world to me.xx

more than just a pretty pincushion

2010-08-22T10:20:00.003+10:00

since my last post the new employees of 'Lilly Cottage and Friends' had a brief staff meeting to go over the finer points of our joint venture. with all the laughter and non stop talking, i have a feeling that this will be a great and open partnership and a shop where all of our talents will be showcased in the prettiest way imaginable. we will not be having one section for each crafter, no no no...our pretties will be all over the place, creating pretty pockets of pastels, bold sections of colour or corners of themed items, just like the pages of a pretty country home magazine. of course it would not be possible without all of Linda's gorgeous stock, but now that we are definitely opening the doors on the 29th of August and each Sunday there after, i am able to start creating new products that are a bit more fragile.

here is my first attempt at a pin cushion! i have filled the jar with some bits and pieces which might just inspire the new owner to create some lavender hearts or a little softie or even embellish a cushion.

there is so much i love about this neat little starter set...

i have filled it with 3 spools of ribbon and 1 spool of lace (2 metres each) and matching thread (6 strands of 1 metre each)

and matching buttons to get a little project started.

it will be available in our shop next week along with all of our products and much much more.

ok my little friends i am off to continue sanding the old cot which will become part of our display. fun and games i tell ya! lovin every second :)

xxrosey

we're moving inside!

2010-08-17T14:19:00.006+10:00

ok my little band of merry followers, that is assuming i have followers and that you are merry...renata clarke designs and itty bitty and pretty are moving in with... LILLY COTTAGE!! the lovely linda of lilly cottage has been in the business for many years but more importantly had a shop front with laura for 4 years until the stress of MS got too much and the doors had to close. so it is with much excitment and perhaps a little less stress that we team up to share the load and open 'LILLY COTTAGE and FRIENDS' situated in Couts Cottage in Old Petrie Town.

we have decided to open the doors for the first time on the 29th of August. that means from now until then we will be setting the shop up with shelving and cupboards and loading all of our pretties in to make our shop perfect. this shelf has had a transformation today...

tools and paint ready

i had a fight with the paint can...

and it won :(

undercoat

end product, it is hard to tell but it is cottage green on the inside and cream on the outside.

just wating for the paint to dry to that i can scruff it up all over >_<. i have an old cot that i will convert into a day bed which will become a display of some sort. i will have to post pictures of that too.

once we are in i guess we just pray that our pretties get new homes. it will be lovely not having to worry about the weather and packing and unpacking and perhaps working every 3rd Sunday rather than every 2nd Sunday...although like Linda i am sure i will want to visit even on my 'off' days. i also hope that 'market politics' don't get to me..there are always other people just waiting to rain on your parade, i need tougher skin and now that i am nearing the big 40 i need to stand up to bullies.

ok enough from me, would love to meet some local bloggers. pop in to Couts Cottage every Sunday 8-2pm and visit Lilly Cottage and Friends.

xxxrosey

exciting news coming my way

2010-08-12T11:50:00.002+10:00

cant share all the details yet but my hand made pretties are movin inside...no more setting up tables and tents just opening doors and settin up displays!

the best part is who we will be sharing that space with. cant tell yet but it wont be long now...

xxrosey

market day

2010-08-07T21:09:00.003+10:00

what do these photos have in common? they are terrible and don't show the true beauty of the subject... market day tomorrow

8-2 out at petrie markets north Brisbane

pray for sunshine, no wind and warmth for my little tootsies and tingers.

oh and lots of sales :)

visit my market buddy Renata and check out her little seahorse!! how does she do it?

have a great weekend xxrosey

~wordless wednesday~

2010-08-04T10:46:00.004+10:00

some of my latest makes for market Sunday. come visit us at petrie markets this Sunday the 8th of august 8-2.

each card and envelope lovingly made by me and left blank for you to fill with loving words :) $3.50 each

something for the baby boy.

and a simply gorgeous baby girl card.

xxrosey

more fun with paper

2010-07-31T16:53:00.005+10:00

first of all THANK YOU for the mini art lurve from the previous post...your positive words keep me going and inspire me to create more and more.

last market day was a little wetter than we anticipated so sales were little lower than we anticipated, however 2 of my mini art canvases now live in a new home. 2 sweet little sisters bought the little fairies and of course one girl had strawberry blonde hair and the other had brown hair, perfect match for the 2 minis they bought. i will make some more of the fairies for next Sunday the 8th of august... EEEPPP!! cant believe that it will be august tomorrow!

and in true Brisbane winter weather we have hit tops of 25 and 27 degrees the last couple of days which inspired me to make these pretty butterflies.

i still have to add a few ribbons to tizz them up a bit but they will be available for the small sum of $2.

it is nice to go to the markets and be able to buy something when you have little ones with you.

and these pretty butterflies sure are affordable.

i made these many years ago, before i had a glue gun and i would hang them with fishing line around the middle to brighten up the reading corner of my classroom.

i love making affordable items at my stall, that was always the best thing at Lilly cottage, my girls were always able to buy something with their pocket money...gosh i miss that shop! (Linda can still be found online, just click on the link and can be seen at the markets at petrie as well as other parts of Brisbane)

anyhow, if you cant make it out to the markets and you see something you like, you can always contact me on email or visit my online shops to the side of my blog. these little fellas are currently up for sale.

at $10, this little fella will be the talking point of your boys room.

and the smaller canvases are only $8, handmade gifts are made with love and always different!

well thats it for today. not sure if i will be back before next sunday, so have a great weekend and an even better week ahead. you never know, i might see you out at the petrie markets next sunday :)

xxrosey

mini art

2010-07-23T13:00:00.005+10:00

i have bee putting to practise some of the techniques i learnt on my recent mixed media art course and i have created these mini art canvases which will be for sale this weekend at the petrie markets.

i am working on some for the boys too. they would make a great addition to a pretty nook or a childrens bedroom shelf and at $8 each including mini easel they are a bargain!

each of these canvases are 7cm by 5cm, a dainty piece of art if i do say so myself. plus being so light they would cost next to nothing to send to someone you love. i will be adding them to my online shops and hopefully some will find new homes this Sunday.

cant believe it is Friday!!

xxrosey

ho ho ho

2010-07-17T22:25:00.004+10:00

come visit us at the petrie markets tomorrow between 8-2 and help us celebrate 'Christmas in July'. we will have the Christmas tree up, reindeer ears on and plenty of pretties for sale. i will even have a basket full of sale items!

it would be lovely to see you there %*_*%

by for now, have a great week ahead.

xxrosey

super quick post

2010-07-13T22:23:00.005+10:00

i have been working my fingers to the bone trying to get enough chrismassy stock put together for our 'Christmas in July' market day this Sunday the 18th July out at the petrie markets. come visit our little stall, we wont bite and we wont make you buy anything, you might just feel compelled to buy something from my SALE table!

Renata has been quilling her heart out and has created some amazing cards, you seriously must check her blog out here

i wanted to have so much more made but holidays + crafting = zilch output. holidays are over and i seemed to spend all day at the shops running errands for the home AGAIN. i have promised myself a day at home tomorrow but secretly want to go shopping for clothes...i begin relief teaching this term and already have next Tuesday booked for a prep class at my girls school. cant wait but would also like a new outfit to boost my esteem :) OK enough chit chat, i have crafting to do!

i have added a few photos of some of my offerings. come see our tree and grab an early Christmas gift!

i sold out of these last year, very pretty one of a kind glass baubles.

scented hearts to hang in your closet or brighten your day.

scented birds and Christmas tags.

of course all of my usual goodies will be there as well.

now i have Bing in my ear sing happy holidays...

xxrosey

you better watch out

2010-07-05T21:22:00.006+10:00

i love this wintery weather and have been waiting for July to find its way here. i am working on a few 'Christmas in July' pieces but haven't any pictures for you just yet. what i do have are some shots of what was sold last market day. of course these pretties will be available as well as our Christmas goodies. i have dusted off the tree and hope to have a little Christmas music playing ...oooohhhh i am getting excited. heaps of these gorgeous quilled cards found new homes. Renata's cards cause quite a stir amongst the customers, just you wait to see what she has in store for 'Christmas in July' if you want a sneak peek head to her blog Renata Clarke designs. sweet little tags. i just love them!! one little soldier man marched off to a new home... i need to buy some more corduroy to make a few more heat wheats, especially the curved ones. and i only have a handful of these chicks on sticks left, so if you fancy one you'd better be quick :)

we are both enjoying the markets, even when we don't meet our target sales. we have dreams, big dreams for our craft and with hard work and commitment we know that we will get there.

the last two photos are of a few more of my entries in my art journal.

it is a shame they are sideways. i am very happy with my journal so far and hope to add to it each week. this is my favourite by far. it is using a napkin, water colours and stamping. i have so many more techniques to try out this is just the start!

and before i go...mumma cat has firmly found a place in our hearts. she fits in well in our family, i love this picture of Mia giving her cuddles. Mia seems to be patting her every second of the day!

have a great week! i will be back with some christmas goodies before oour market day on the 18th of july at the petrie markets.

xxrosey

whats new pussycat?

2010-06-26T13:28:00.004+10:00

for the second time in our life a stray cat has chosen us as its family...after the first one was destroyed because the owners didn't want it, we decided that perhaps this puss was our second chance.

she is such a pretty lady with a very quiet nature. she had these three little ones...

but they were taken away last night to be fostered and hopefully adopted by kind families. they were getting older and not being held so they had to be taken away. they certainly put up a fight!

anyhow apart from playing with our new kitty and preparing for our market tomorrow i have been working on pages of my art journal. i have been taking part in an online art tutorial, mixed media, run by the lovely kerryanne of shabby art boutique i have learnt so many new ideas it is hard to explain how valuable this experience has been. if you have ever thought about extending your artistic talents then i would highly recommend such a course.

below are a few of the pages i have managed to produce but i have not even scratched the surface of the techniques that she has taught us.

my favourite quote!

a little glimpse of what makes me me...

i am proud of my pages so far, certainly not something i would have done if i had not been prompted by kerryanne.

now if you have a moment or two and you are an avid Alice in wonderland follower then head here to see a wonderful mad tea party that i was fortunate enough to be part of...

i even brought a little bit of the party home with me...

xxrosey

almost famous

2010-06-16T11:56:00.005+10:00

another market Sunday has passed and although i was fearing the cold winters chill, the morning was actually quite mild. the wind did pick up mid morning and each time a gust came we had to jump up to make sure our pretties didn't go flying away. i was pleased with my sales but it seems as though people are happy just to walk around the markets and soak up the atmosphere and get there fill of popcorn and little pancakes. we were lucky enough to get our photo taken by a local journalist and it is featured in our local paper the pine rivers press on page 34. nothing like a bit of free advertisement!

the following photos show some of the things we have on offer every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month

Renata's fabulous quilled gift boxes and cards these are proving to be very popular with passers by and even some interest in lessons on quilling.

Renata recently sold a similar framed version of this quilled butterfly from her online shop. head to her blog to view her range and purchase a piece of her art.

she has also made little gift tags, these are so sweet.

i have a range of cards as well however mine are mostly vintage style and hand stamped.

pretty little clutchables

dresses filled with lavender for your drawers. 2 little sisters bought one each :)

tic tac toe to go in reddish fabric as well as the babushka fabric. and heat wheats and snugglies...these proved popular, i just love all of the colour choices.

there are more photos but i thought that was enough. so as you can see, something for everyone and more :)

now off to work on an order or two :)

xxrosey

been busy....

2010-06-10T22:35:00.004+10:00

as luck would have it, this week i have had 2 child free days which meant that i could sew to my hearts content. i became good friends with my sewing machine and churned out all of this in one day. dang..the photo didn't rotate..anyhow i managed to make... 6 'snugglies' which are heart shapes filled with wheat but with no segments so that the wheat is able to form to wherever you are placing it. i like to pop them on my feet or belly or anywhere where i am cold or feel pain. these will be available at our market stall for $10. 5 rectangular heat wheat bags with 4 segments which are perfect for the neck and back and will be available for $15. and 1 curved heat wheat bag with 6 segments perfect for the neck and shoulders. i have only made 1 and it will be available for $20. i am really pleased with how the bags all turned out they are perfect for this time of year...although i use my heat wheat ALL year round! on the second child free day i managed to finish off my little pieces of whimsy which will look just lovely on our market stall this Sunday the 13th of June....we will be regulars the second and fourth Sunday of each month and i will continue to add items to my online store. i finished this little fella...eeeppp he is so cute!! to see more photos head here or here i finished the two bottles, they just look so pretty with all of our other collectible items. really sweet, they would make a lovely addition to a dresser or a vignette of olden day items. i will add these to my online stores when i get the chance. well i best be going to bed...it is after 11pm and i seem to have a 4 year old who like to wake me at least 5 times during the night...*yawn* hope to see some of you at the petrie markets this sunday. our usual spot down by piggots. xxrosey

little pieces of whimsy

2010-06-03T11:11:00.003+10:00

whimsical ~ adjective ~ whimsy ~ noun ~

1. having fanciful or odd ideas.

2. quaint or quaintly funny.

i have taken a little break from stitching to work on some pieces that involve me stepping out of my comfort zone... thanks to kerryanne from shabby art boutique i will be stepping out in many other mediums too as i embark on her online art course. i was one of the lucky few chosen to come along on this very exciting journey. it is amazing to read a professional artists thoughts and explanations of creativity and i just know that i am ready and ripe for this sort of exercise..if only i can find the time to block my family out :)

anyhow, on the weekend we visited dayboro day and i thrifted a group of miniature glass bottles. i loved how they were dirty and ready to be re purposed back into life. i should have taken a before shot, but anyhoo here they are after their whimsical makeover

i am thinking of popping them out on the table of my next market day, the 13th of June, to gauge the interest from our customers.

paper flowers, lace and glitter... glitter, lace and fabric flowers they are really quite glittery and small enough to hold in your palm. and the next piece i am working on has been in the pipe lines since the bear and doll show back in march...

i salvaged a little jam jar and made a toadstool out of a Styrofoam ball. i bought 2 little deers at the show and knew that they were destined to be in a terrarium of some sort. i just have to get busy with the glue gun again at some stage today and have this piece ready for the markets as well. someone mentioned this one would be perfect for Christmas in July... my market buddy and i are having a special market day dedicated to Christmas in July, Christmas tree and all. stay tuned for more information, should be fun!

i know that what i have created here has no purpose whatsoever other than looking pretty and that there are many people out there who think that it is rubbish but i just want to know what people think.

so what are your thoughts on whimsy or kitsch items? are you attracted to them? do you want to buy them the moment you see them? are my items cute enough to be on my table at the markets? i would really love to hear from you.

well i have had my hour on the computer this morning, best go and fold some washing and finish cleaning that last pedestal fan so that it can be put away for the winter.

enjoy what is left of the week.

xxrosey

p.s. cant believe that it is JUNE!!!

pp.s. each of the pieces of whimsy will be added to my shop too, so you could grab a piece of lovely for yourself or convo me straight away. smaller bottle $3.50, larger bottle $4 and deer in jar $6

ppp.s. are those prices too much? silly question but it is good to get the opinion of the public :)

how regular are you?

2010-05-27T13:36:00.003+10:00

strange title?? well thanks to some wheeling and dealing by the lovely Linda of Lilly cottage Renata and i will be regulars at the petrie markets. yep same spot every 2nd and 4th Sunday and in our place the famous Linda and her van of pretties will be on show. so each Sunday you will be sure to find something pretty, handmade or vintage to give as a gift to someone or yourself. i forgot to take along my camera so i cant show you shots of what was sold but along with some lavender hearts and other pretties, a heat wheat bag that looked like the one in the picture only with the pink fabric

and the cutest little panda bag charm that was taken home by a gorgeous tween.

sort of like this little shroom girl (turn your head or your computer to see her the right way up) only it was a cute cute cute panda with a stick of bamboo.

so i have a bit of a break until the 13th of june, our next market date. i have some other ideas up my sleeve but will also make a few more heat wheat bags using the other corduroy colours that i have. Renata and i have also talked about a Christmas in July themed Sunday so keep us in mind if you wish to host your own festive party and wish to gift your guests with something christmassy and handmade.

check out my other blog (my family blog) agapanthas and goldsworthy to see how badly my little one cut her head...

off to have a cuddle with that little one.

xxrosey

good old fashioned fun

2010-05-18T14:31:00.004+10:00

i will be heading to the petrie markets this sunday the 23rd of may with my market buddy renata. if you head to her blog you can get a glimpse of what she will have to offer and if you scroll down this post you will see my newest make... forget games that involve batteries or heads down and no communication how about some old fashion fun!

yes it is my new travel anywhere, fits on your lap, folds up and fits in your pocket or bag fabric TIC TAC TOE!! it is available in my online shop or will be for purchase at the markets. only one so far but i hope to make a second tonight and of course heaps more when i find the time.

fill in the time at the doctors surgery playing with your children...

easy to hold and easy to wash. linen and calico, fully reversible, eco friendly and a cheap investment that will last a life time...well if you treat it well :)

hope to see some locals out and about at the petrie markets, dayboro rd 8-2pm 23rd may

%*_*% rosey

the name game...

2010-05-10T12:17:00.003+10:00

a big warm hello to you all on this grey and overcast Monday...the day started out so sunshiny and bright but the rain is falling and my tootsies are cold! after a very restful mothers day i managed to whip up a new little softie similar to my other babushkas but with less felt, more fabric and a little bit bigger.

i hope to make a few of these and have them nestled in a basket waiting for a new home along with a few other softies. these dolls are small enough to fit in a small childs hand, easy to grasp and although it has a sequin on it i feel that it is small enough not to pose the threat of choking.

now my question to you is...what do i call these new little plushies?? i have this little bunny design i worked on last year, i have only made this one and am yet to attempt another..

i would like to make enough to fill a little basket and then have a tag on the basket with a cute little name for this eclectic bunch of softies...so far i have come up with these two choices...

'itty-bitty port-a-pals' or 'itty-bitty buddies' what do you think?? are either of those names good enough? or can you think of a better name?!?

i would love to know what you think. i wont ask you to price them for me cause i know how hard that is :)

i am also working on another design, why? cause i love to send myself batty 0_o

hope you had a wonderful mothers day, i did. totally spoiled yet again.

xxrosey

market day and new makes

2010-05-05T13:21:00.003+10:00

well market day was a big ball of fun and success!! i enjoyed sitting back in the cool surrounds out at petrie markets with my market buddy Renata and selling my hand made pretties. you can read a bit more about it over on my other blog agapanthas and goldsworthy.

and after the market day was over i promised myself a mini break from crafting and stitching...that lasted all of 2 HOURS as i put together another lavender dress and this....

YES it is my very first attempt at a gorgeous and useful heat wheat bag! i am finally using some of the corduroy i bought ages ago and made this segmented bag of therapy.

you simply fold it to fit in your microwave and heat it for approximately 2 and half minutes. i will be making many of these to sell at my next market stall on the 23rd of this month. i wont be adding these to my online stores as the cost to ship them would be too hefty, so the only way to get your hands on one is to come and visit me in person:) i am still not sure on a price yet but i am thinking between $20 $25, what do you think? is that a reasonable price? too much or too little? you know i just love your advice!!

plus i am finally back onto this little beauty...

i started it so very long ago that i cant even find the post about it...

i have progressed...

i have almost even finished it... there is one part that i absolutely HATE but i would have to unpick so much that my heart would break... i will show you one day and you might be able to help me overcome the problem.

anyhow, thanks for your support leading up to my first market day. we will be out again later this month and would just love to see you there. come and support local hand made, you wont be disappointed.

have a great Wednesday.

xxrosey

something for the boys

2010-04-30T20:52:00.003+10:00

i have been crazy busy creating stock for my first market stall. i am so excited as well as a whole lot nervous. if i sell ONE thing i will be over the moon!! i wonder if that is a natural state of mind for marketeers?? anyhow i have been doing an inventory and i have enough to get me started as i am sharing my table with my darling niece Renata. i will do a mock set up of my wares tomorrow and take a picture to share. basically my prices range from $1.50 to $22 which i think is quite cheap! something for everyone but mostly the females in the family. children, tweens, teens, mums, nanas, boys and dads can all find something that takes their fancy or would be the perfect gift for the special someone in their life.

here is a sneak peek at my latest creation...

toy soldier peg dolls

little moustaches..oh so cute

blue coats and red coats, not historically correct uniforms but good enough to fight against each other ~_~

plus i have been busy painting up these chalkboard frames that mister moo created for me. i have to shabby them up so that he can finish them off.

5 pastel boards...blue, green, pink, cream and antique white. these are my dearest items at $22 each. they come with a hand made felt eraser and bundle of coloured chalk. perfect mothers day present...

so if you are looking for something to do and live in Brisbane, why not take a trip to the petrie markets, daybro road petrie this Sunday the 2nd may from 8-2pm. you might just find the perfect gift and card for your mother or loved one or something for yourself!

wish me luck

xxrosey

getting ready for my first market stall

2010-04-19T16:44:00.004+10:00

we have finally set a date for our market stall, i say we as i will join forces with my niece of Renata Clarke Designs. we have decided on the 2nd of May at petrie markets. i have few things made but of course now that i have a deadline i will endeavour to make as much as possible.

i will of course be offering my handmade cards and will attempt to make a few more mothers day inspired beauties like these...

if you get the chance pop over to Renata's blog and check out her gorgeous quilled art. her cards are just wonderful plus she will be selling some of her jewellery at our stall as well. i will be back with a few photos of what will be on offer.

off to make some bunting fit for a high tea!!

xxrosey

~ wordless wednesday ~

2010-04-14T21:36:00.002+10:00

one is my design and the other is borrowed from a book...

but wait there's more

2010-04-09T22:06:00.004+10:00

this one isn't for sale...it is for someone very, very special who happens to love sweet peas and has just turned the big 40! hope she likes it and the vintage goodies we bought her...

still having so much fun creating these cards, what do you think...does it look good, does the message make sense?

happy weekend xx

playing with paper

2010-04-07T21:55:00.004+10:00

i have been having so much fun making my own tags and cards, some of which i have already used the rest i will want to try to sell at the markets one day...

now just pretend the lighting was good and the photo is clear and you were looking at it to buy.... what would you want to pay?

this is the first card that i have created.

my cards aren't all going to be birthday cards, i am sort of letting the card 'speak' to me and then let the words and composition come together.

i love the vintage images that can be bought and the embellishments are just so pretty...i am spending way too much money on bits and pieces of 'must haves'

i also love the wonkiness of my stamping, it adds to the unique handmade feel.

so back to the original question...how much would you want to pay.. i was thinking between $4.00 and $5.00...some of you actually sell cards so you might be able to give me a good idea :)

i haven't searched etsy or madeit yet...i guess that might be a good indication of what people expect.

well i am off to make some more!

hope the rest of your working week is great.

xxrosey

quilled to perfection

2010-04-05T13:47:00.004+10:00

just wanted to share with you the 3 little tags my niece made and attached to my girls Easter presents. she has many talents but has just discovered the art of paper quilling and has made some amazing pieces. she has a blog called nata's little place which she hasn't updated it for a while but if you head there you will see some of her beading and work with modelling clay. if you drop by say i sent you!

cutie patootie!!

hope you all had a great day, our tummies are FULL of chocolate!

xxrosey

happy easter

2010-04-03T17:03:00.005+10:00

hope your Easter is colourful... tasty...

and lots and lots of fun!

big smooches and blessings for a safe and happy break.

back with a new design just in time for mothers day!

%*_*% rosey

pretty present topper

2010-03-22T09:33:00.005+10:00

i have finally added some peg dolls to my etsy and madeit shops. i have priced them at $4 plus postage and would make a lovely addition to the top of a present. my mister has created individual clear plastic stands so that they can be displayed on your desk or shelf. i have a range of colours available but could also custom make to suit any colour desired.

pop her through the ribbon and put the card into the peg and voila... sweet little present topper, an extra gift :)

the clear plastic stand keeps her standing nice and tall.

some the other colours available at the moment.

are you impressed with my artistic photographic design? i am learning how to use the light box i recently made...

each doll is different but as sweet as the next ^_^

she is so sweet!

there you have it...i now have 5 items in each store my aim would be to have 10 by the end of the month but i need more time to create!

have a great week ahead. we are counting the sleeps until the Easter break...11 more sleeps until Good Friday.

xxrosey

getting there...

2010-03-17T20:27:00.005+10:00

in my last post i was working on a few little things...i haven't seem to have gotten very far, life has a habit of getting in the way! (see my other blog to understand)

i have been working on a few Easter themed ideas... take a chick, a tiny wooden block and cut some scrapping paper to size and what do you get...

she was so cute i had to make a few more...i have plenty more chicks and cubes so i guess i might just make a whole chook house full of them. the lighting isn't very good but you get the idea.

my naked peg dolls are almost finished...

6 started 6 to go

hubby fashioned me a plastic stand perfect for keeping your gal upright and on your desk!

here's a closer look at the stand. i just love these peg dolls but as they serve no real purpose i am not sure if other people would be interested enough to buy them... i think they would make the perfect mothers day present :)

and finally, look what i won..the most gorgeous envelope template! christy over at sweet tidings hosts giveaways on her blog and i was lucky enough to win this one. i only enter those giveaways that i really want to win so i was very happy to have won this one

visit there shop for hte most kawaii gifts you can imagine. cant wait to use it!!

i guess i best be off to finish my peg dolls so that i can list a few and see how they go.

have a great saint patricks day!

xx rosey

what are you making monday

2010-03-08T15:24:00.003+10:00

i had a little go at stitching a bird and it gave me the pips, so i went back and embellished more of these little chicks..

and then i had some fun playing with paper and other bits and pieces and made these....

and last night i got restless and painted up these beauties ready for their dresses tonight while desperate housewives is on ~_~

i am having so much fun with each of these craftings, i have more ideas in my mind but not enough hours in the day!

so what are you making this Monday??

xxrosey

more craftin fun

2010-03-01T14:51:00.003+10:00

i have been at it again....i cant get enough of these little chicks on sticks.

i am the first to admit that there is nothing hard about what i am doing and any monkey with glue could do the same...but when someone else does it for you why would you.

i am having making other bits and pieces too but the rainy weather means that my photos don't come up very well.

i am working on perfecting these little toadstools which i crafted out of Styrofoam balls which i want to put in a little terrarium of sorts.

above all i am having fun...i am starting to get into being a stay at home mum...the guilt is the biggest hurdle. when you have worked since you were 14 staying at home and not bringing in a steady income seems wrong. but i have to remind myself that being a mother and a house wife is a full time job in itself. i know that i will have to work at some stage but it will be on my terms and conditions with no strings attached.

thanks for listening, you guys are GREAT!

off to make som fru fru tags (well at least i hope they turn out shabby/vintage)

xxrosey

sshhh, its a surprise

2010-02-26T23:04:00.004+10:00

sending one of you blogging buddies something in the mail...#_#

i am having fun making tags but... i need a few more 'pretties' to jazz up my efforts.

sorry this isn't supposed to be on the side but i think you get the idea.

i seem to have an abundance of 'stuff' but never what i need! i could spend every last cent we have on crafts and still want more.

enjoy this lovely weekend where ever you are. xxrosey

geek chick is in da house

2010-02-21T21:13:00.007+10:00

i know that Easter is still a little while away but i have started making a few little bits and pieces to add to my online shops. i have only had a few sales but those few sales have made me so very happy, sort of addictive really. the problem with hand made as opposed to commercially made is that i am constantly questioning myself whether other people would be interested in my taste or work. i guess if i add my work to my shops it isn't costing me that much and who knows someone might just like what i have to offer. ANYHOW... i have popped this little fella in the shops

i like to call him Geek Chick @_@ he is a keen gardener and an avid reader as you can well imagine :) he did have a sister who liked to party. she was one of my earliest sales... and lives over here.

here is party chick next to super chick who also flew away to live with someone else (forgotten who sorry) however Easter bunny chick is still available and would love to fly to a new home

aren't they the sweetest, such charisma, such charm! i have also been busy using the machine, yes i know shock horror! i made a set of Easter themed bunting which will be in my shops after this post as i intend on adding it tonight.

pretty blues and pinks

would brighten up any Easter display or simply keep it up all year round. bunnies and teddies holding on tight to their balloons

7 scrummy flags on white tape.

feels great to have actually made something. i need to get my groove on and make some more, i would like to hold a market stall before Easter...depends on how much i can make! i have so many ideas and started projects i just need more hours in the day when i am not mother, house cleaner and wife #_#

off to list that bunting into the shops.

have a great week ahead.

%*_*% rosey

i made something!

2010-02-17T21:33:00.004+10:00

some days feel like i am just chasing my tail and i seem to have a crafting table full of half finished projects. i like to console myself with the fact that i have recently washed 3 sets of blinds and am gearing up to do the 2 sets in my bedroom tomorrow. however i am embarrassed to say that i think i cleaned red dust from last years storms! that's how long it has been since i have dusted the blinds in the girls rooms.

i did manage to sew a set of Easter bunting which i haven't been able to photograph as it has either been melting hot or too overcast to take any decent photos. i have also been painting bits and pieces but haven't enough confidence in myself to show you my efforts. one thing i did make and like is this Easter tag which i gifted to one of my customers.

i am besotted with old world style pictures, this just reminds me of my childhood and picture books i would read.

even though i am happy with the stamping on the back i regret putting the two little stickers on as they sort of take away from that old world feel.

i guess i have been reminded over the past few weeks that your first attempt may not always be the result you are most happy with and modifications to the original design will only lead to a superior end product. i will be making many more Easter tags and cards and i am sure i will be learning along the way.

any tips would be appreciated, think of me as your protege

off to create some more :)

xxrosey

a little cheesy

2010-02-13T21:51:00.004+10:00

Happy Valentines Day and if you thought that was cheesy check this out... whether you are single or taken this heart is for you, smooches %*_*% rosey p.s. thanks to sweet tidings for the link to the conversation heart maker. go on make some of your own....

hope

2010-02-10T10:46:00.004+10:00

i recently became the recipient of a pay it forward gift over at the lovely sweet jeanettes blog. i wasn't expecting to be chosen but i guess this gorgeous gal couldn't have come at a better time.

i get so excited when the postman stops at my door!

a greetings page as you open the box

and here is the angel 'HOPE'. most of you know that my BIL was recently given 2 months to live after discovering his second bout of cancer. this angel is a symbol that as long as we have hope we have life. and should god choose to take him into heaven then we hope that he will look down on his little boy as he grows.

everything about the hand made doll is exquisite

she simply fills me with hope.

thank you from the bottom of my heart jeanette, words cant describe how much this means to me.

thank you for your prayers and support, our prayers are working...he has decided to accept chemo...everything counts..hope where there is no hope.

xxrosey

at last!

2010-01-30T21:53:00.005+10:00

mister moo and i had reason to do the 'happy happy joy joy' dance the other day;let me introduce you to the origin of our joy... the prettiest sight... which closes up and starts the process of becoming a fruit

we have been in this house for almost 3 years. we planted a passion fruit vine, when we first moved in, which did not fruit but was a tremendous vine to look at. after almost 2 years we decided that we had the only non flowering vine in the universe and ripped it out and planted 2 more vines... just when all hope was gone along came this baby...

i almost cried with excitement which we had to conceal cause if Claudia got wind of it she would pull the flower right off in an instant. we have a funny feeling that it flowered because of all the recent rain..we didn't water the first vine a whole lot due to water restrictions so perhaps in a way it was our fault it didn't fruit. anyhow, since these photos were taken we have discovered at least 3 more flowers so now i guess we have to wait to see what they taste like!! what an exciting discovery and of course a great feeling to eat you own produce. our garden seems to be busy at the moment. although i haven't seen any bees, there always seems to be a beautiful butterfly in our yard

the rain has made the ants find refuge in our wooden gate. i freaked when i saw this! it was like an anthill in our lattice work. the white dots are eggs. i sprayed them all, which i felt bad about but i had no other choice.

and then with all of the rain i found this little fella in the wrong spot

a green tree frog! so small and so cute and bloody fast! before i got the chance to zoom in he was off. the only problem with this weather is the fleas!! as soon as we walk outside we find ourselves being attacked by the little critters. i am trying my hardest to monitor everyone as they walk in the house because i DO NOT want them in my house! i dont know where they come from or how to get rid of them either...

anyhow...

the vine resides in my favourite garden

ignore the crap in the background, mister needs to do a dump run @_@

it isn't much to look at but it holds lots of good memories and feelings for me. i call it my rock garden as this is where the girls place all of their painted rocks.

this is on the side but you can see how cute it is.

it is also where my lavender bush grows. it was a parting gift from my sister Anita before she left to go back to London. i have recently pruned it to within an inch of its life. have no clue what i am doing but i do love the scent if offers and the fact that when i smell it it reminds me of my Sweet sister.

it is also home to some strawberries, basil and chives. i love that it is over grown with a ground cover and the stepping stones are hard to spot. the girls have also added other items as have i...fairies, lady beetles, dragonflies and various other statues. it is also the garden which houses 'Andrea's flower' we planted it when we first found out that she had cancer. the day it bloomed i knew that she would beat it and soon after we got the good news that she had the all clear.

which brings me to my last point...micks younger brother has cancer...he first found he had cancer in his knee 2 years ago which they removed but advised him that because it was so rare that if it ever returned they would not be able to help him...we have just been given the news that his lungs have many tumors and that he only has months to live...

each time i say that i start to cry...how could it be? it doesn't seem real...he cant die, he is only 32, he has a small child, a young wife a whole life ahead of him...

so this is what i am going to do...i am going to dig a hole place one of the fairy wishes Anita made over a year ago and hope to see it bloom....

your prayers would be much appreciated. i will start the novina for paddy and another dear friend Trev tonight and hope that a miracle happens.

thanks for your support, without this blog and the friendships i have formed life would be a lonely.

xxrosey

how much would you pay?

2010-01-29T13:10:00.003+10:00

hello out there...i have a little request. i have managed to find a little time to make two more peg dolls after falling in love with the process at Christmas time (see posts below). i have managed to create two similar ladies but with enough differences for you to say which you prefer.

question 1... front facing so you can only see one leg or side facing so that you can see two legs but they are on the side? (does this make sense?)

front facing so you can only see one

side facing so you can just see them but turn to the side and you can see them fully.

i have given them different outfits veronica is wearing a ruffled dress while Monica is wearing a 'sequined' top and white skirt.

they are both topped of with a sparkly sequin in their hair and a set of 'pearls' around their neck.

question 2...which dress do you prefer or are they both acceptable?

question 3... are they pretty, appealing enough to pop in my online shops and if so...

question 4... how much should i try to sell them for...in aus$ or us$ please stipulate sorry i don't have a shop that deals with pound.

i am in the process of building myself a light box so that i can photograph them properly and place them in my shop. that should give you enough time to answer my questions:)

almost reached 100 followers, might have to have a give away if that milestone ever happens....

these little peg dolls really are sweet in real life and would be perfect for a teen or that someone special in your life...add it to the wrapping of your valentine present or slide the card into her body and pop it on a pillow. show this post to the sweetheart in your life and say 'i want that' convo me if you want one before i pop them in my shop (positive thinking i know)

have a great weekend.

xxrosey

little bit of trash = a whole lota treasure

2010-01-16T23:09:00.004+10:00

hello all, back from our trip away and have finally found some time to post about the two books i bought while away. caloundra has THE best stocked Angus and Robertson book store, i spent ages thumbing through all of the crafting books that were piled on the shelves. i did give in and buy two gorgeous glossy 'have to have me' books and i don't regret one penny. of course i did other things while at the beach...

*read trashy mags

*walked everywhere

*bared my flesh in the sea

*swam in the public beach pool without getting my face wet so as to avoid 'peoples juices' as my children would call it!

*giggled under the water fountain

*drank lots and lots of coffee

*enjoyed watching my girls and mister moo frolicking in the waves

*braved some waves myself

*played the newly purchased Wii

*ate at our new fav family restaurant..hogsbreath

and much much more. we had a great time and it is now back to reality. i start back this Wednesday after 16 weeks of leave. i don't at all feel prepared but am lucky to have a very laid back but totally professional teaching partner who will remind me of how it all works.

anyhow here are some pictures of why i had to have the books

i think i bought the book cause of this wee gal.

the collectors book is full of great tips and easy to read descriptions...

and the pictures are to die for.

my sister has something similar to this...don't you just love it!

and talking about collecting... my little family seem to have become collectors of all things pretty and kitsch. we took ourselves out to the local trash and treasure and spent a few pennies.

i couldn't resist this swivel mirror (missing mirror but still lovely) and the tins are just what i need to store my ever growing crafting supplies.

these two in the middle look right at home after being rescued from that nasty trash heap. i really wish i worked at the trash and treasure place, i think it would be so much fun!

and this is micks purchase...he spotted it just as we were leaving.

it squawks quite well but needs a great deal of TLC but certainly looks great just on display the way it is. i think we need to stop collecting as our house is becoming over run with it all. not sure what friends and family must think?...

i haven't crafted since Christmas eve and it is really getting me down. i cant see a time when i will be able to at the moment as there is so much to do. on top of my work preparations, i have to cover school books for my girls which seems to be a staggering 20 each!! plus labeling all their pens and what not...i need a personal assistant just to get me through the next 6 weeks @_@

so i guess this might be a bit of a boring old blog for the next few weeks, till if find some time to create something. i have so many ideas but no time...i hate relying on money for so much. if it weren't for money i would be a house mummy.

ok enough of that, i sound like a broken record.

off to bed and then to work for the first time in 16 weeks

enjoy your Sunday

%*_*% rosey

look what i made...

2009-12-26T11:58:00.006+10:00

i trust that you all had a grand old christmas and are now preparing for the new year. we are off to the sunny coast for a few weeks, so all will be quiet around here for a bit. before i go i thought i might post some photos that paint a picture of how the lead up to christmas looked. and my other blog will be filled with pictures of those near and dear to me and some of the presents that were unwrapped over the past few days. so pop over here to see my family blog.

had to show you my wrapping skills :) hand made card filled with nice things cause i didnt have the words to express how i felt.

hand painted peg dolls inspired by the gorgeous vanessa at afancifultwist, gifted to the owner of the card above.

another parcel completed...tag by lisa of olivegroveprimitives

hand made chocolate shortbread made by me and covered with love by my three kidlets. gifted to neighbours and extreeeeeemely tasty.

all that was left of those scrummy biscuits :p

tiramasu made by me!

potato salad made by me using one of my best friends recipes...really delicious and the only salad to be polished off at the dinner!

two more peg dolls, this time from my imagination and gifted to two of my nieces that 'get me'

turn your computer on its side to get the idea of these two cuties.

that is all folks..we are still packing up for our trip so i dont think i will pop back in tonight. catch you all next year!

xxrosey

inching slowy out of my box...

2009-12-18T11:53:00.005+10:00

last night when all the girls were tucked up in their beds and mister was snoring quietly on the lounge room floor...i took out my paints and brushes and turned this

into this

inspired by a post by the fabulous miss Vanessa of a fanciful twist, i have been dreaming of making my own for some time now. i have this terrible human flaw that i am sure everyone has..self doubt. now i am not saying these are perfect and when compared to Vanessa's they do not even come close to her level of cuteness, but i am so happy with my first attempt. i have no clue how to do faces but i have realised that less is best.

these little elves are ready to fill up Santa's sleigh with toys :p

they are cute from the top of their little heads to the tips of their toes.

i am slowly dabbling in different mediums...i have a craft table full of bits and pieces that i want to have a go at but am too afraid. i really cant explain how i feel..some of you have the very sensible advice of ' have a go. what could possibly go wrong? and if so throw it out and start again'

i understand that advice, but i still find it hard to start. i know that i really want to have a go at a few more of these clothespeg people. i didn't varnish this lot as i followed Vanessa's blog, but i might varnish my next to see how it turns out.

anyhow, i want to gift these to someone special..i hope she likes them...what do you think. if you were gifted them would you be happy??

stepping out of my box felt good and the response from my biggest fans has been encouraging. i might just do it more often :)

learing how to make a traditional indian curry today, so once again i am stepping out of my box.

smooches for a great weekend.

wordless wednesday

2009-12-16T22:30:00.002+10:00

whoot goes there?

2009-12-10T22:16:00.005+10:00

this little fella will be finding his way into my madeit store tomorrow.

his little toadstool friend is already there and at the tiny price of $6 they make the perfect gift for a teenager, as a stocking stuffer or even a secret santa...

they are part of my woodland series. felt, hand stitched with love and waiting to dangle from your bag, keyring, phone or anywhere at all.

i will keep you updated as the series grows

hello

2009-12-08T18:45:00.003+10:00

itty bitty bag charm...just hanging around waiting for christmas.

back with more...

more bunting...

2009-12-07T20:29:00.003+10:00

just a quick post to show the set of 9 flag bunting i whipped up today while babysitting my best friends daughter ( along with my kids of course). the kids were occupied all day so i was able to get a little bit done. very happy with how it turned out and hope to sell it before Christmas. i love bunting, it just brightens any space. it is also the perfect gift for the mother in law who has everything or a secret Santa or anyone really!

i will be placing this in my madeit and etsy shops when i get some sunlight tomorrow... but here is a sneak peek...

great reds and greens, cute little gingerbread people and their little houses and candy canes stripes everywhere :P

this set is $22 plus postage.

thanks for your support, it means the world to me.

xxrosey

on a roll

2009-12-03T20:08:00.004+10:00

hows that song go...don't stop me now, having such a good time, havin a ball... that's me and making bunting!! i have just finished my 4th set, 2 of which have been sold which makes me think i should list the pretty little girl set...

anyhow here are some night time photos of my latest set. i will be listing them in my online shops as soon as i get the chance but if they grab your fancy, leave me a comment and we will work something out :)

great red and green flags with minty treats and Christmas trees!! click on the pictures to enlarge them

ok off to get ready for another big day tomorrow.

xxrosey

twas the night before christmas...

2009-12-01T13:46:00.003+10:00

when all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even a mouse. the stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

inspired by a post by sweet tidings i am going to add these chocolate filled stockings to the girls presents for their teachers.

so easy to make and very cute hanging from our chimney.

xxrosey

your chance to win...

2009-11-23T10:53:00.003+10:00

OK my gorgeous band of followers...head to my other blog for your chance to win a Christmas themed give away by moi! click on this link to take you straight there ~ agapanthasandgoldsworthy ~ good luck...what are you waiting for?? xx

time for a change

2009-11-15T20:54:00.005+10:00

strange things have been happening around here...i have learnt how to fill a bobbin, put said bobbin into the right spot, thread the needle on the sewing machine and actually confidently sew fabric with a smile firmly on my face. i did have a little set back when the sewing machine wouldn't play nice, but after talking with the lady at the sewing store i realised that perhaps my thread was cheap or old and then when Linda visited for a coffee she spotted that i had two different types of thread on needle and bobbin which is apparently a no no. so with all that knowledge in hand i turned this...

into this...

i am so proud of myself and sort of feel like there is no stopping me now, that is why i am changing my "brand" name from 'i cant sew' to 'itty-bitty and pretty' i will still run under the icantsewcreations blogspot, but as i venture out into the markets i wanted something a bit prettier.

i have been busy stitching up items and working on other designs for my stall. i just have to share with you something pretty i have been working on when i am not sewing.

these pretty hand filled and embellished baubles will be on sale as well, so much fun to make but time consuming.

i will place the bunting in my handmade and etsy shops but you could also win a set in my give away which i will post about soon on my other blog agapanthasandgoldsworthy

here is a bit of what you could win...

i will let you know when i post about it...

have a great week

%*_*% rosey

i have my doubts...

2009-11-09T20:55:00.004+10:00

do you ever have doubts about whether your hand made items will sell?

do you ever wonder whether you are wasting your time?

do you think that all your efforts might not actually pay off?

i try to remember what i did with my nights before i started crafting...i was never idle, always reading or doing a puzzle of some kind and of course school preparation. since i started this blog and stitching i feel guilty if i don't pick up my sewing or if i don't work on something towards creating a stall. actually i don't know if guilty is the right word...i think i am worried that i am doing all off this work in vain...what if it doesn't sell?

i just know that you will all have words of wisdom. the one constant thing about blogland is the huge support and genuine want for others to do well. i will leave you with just some of the things i will try to sell when i am ready to have a stall.

the photos are not that great sorry, some are turned the wrong way and the colour isn't perfect but you get the idea.

birds, hearts and garlands

babushka charm to hang where you wish

pastel chalk boards to write whatever you wish

babushka and kokeshi brooches to brighten your day

so there you have it, my little whine for the week...

i will be having a little give away on my other blog agapanthasandgoldsworthy very soon, that is assuming you want to win anything i make....(there i go again!) i will post here when i have organised myself.

smooches for a great week ahead.

%*_*% rosey

my creative space

2009-11-06T13:25:00.003+10:00

my attempts at building up stock are slow to say the least...but a quitter i am not so i have cut out two more sets of hearts, birds and garlands in the hopes of stitching up a storm between now and next weekend. the lovely Rebbecca over at Edward and Lilly has been a great cheer squad encouraging me to attend craft fairs in the city and Linda of Lilly cottage has offered to pay for my first stall fee and her mother has even offered to let me have a little space in their shop for the twilight markets but i haven't discussed this with Linda yet so we will have to see about that.

so here some pics of my latest creative space

here are some shabby birds and hearts and here are some more waiting to be stitched.

purple to tantalise you...and

i have some more traditional fabric as well.

i have so many other design ideas in my head but i cant seem to find the time to create them.

my husband has been busy as well...while i was away for the weekend he transformed our kitchen table and i LOVE it!

he painted the legs white and glossed up the top. here is Claudia showing you her felt three little pigs story.

before he varnished the top he gave it that distressed look. he is so clever and i loved this surprise.

as well as wanting to create for a stall i need to update and add to my etsy and madeit shops but once again finding the time is hard. i need to take photos during the day and then when the kidlets are in bed update like crazy.

head over here to read about my latest health problemos...and have a great weekend!

%*_*% rosey

from beanbag to bunting

2009-10-28T21:50:00.004+10:00

~warning this post has evidence of me using the sewing machine~

a few weeks ago i found this gorgeous beanbag at the thrift shop and i knew it was destined for a new life...

spurred on by the thought of holding a market stall, i decided to turn this pretty material into bunting. after a little search on the net for some ideas i began my quest...

i cut and pinned my flags

at last my first flag sewn and turned the right way, yes sewn with the machine!!

on a roll i just couldn't stop...i am not sure how far apart to pin them so please tell me if i need to do it differently next time.

and here it is above our bed. the picture quality isn't that great...our next big want is a digital SLR...I'll keep dreaming @_@

and here it is above Mia's bed, it looks lovely, i will have to make some more.

unfortunately the bias binding i bought had some patches of colour on it which has shown up here, the flags are fully reversible though so i guess i can just turn it over to hide that messy spot.

it has found a resting place above my fabric and crafting table. i am hoping it will look lovely on my market table (when i finally have that stall)

i used the janomie sewing machine that used to belong to my mother in law and i feel quite good about my efforts. maybe a name change is in order :p

i follow a lady on twitter who does this for a living...hats off to her as she attempts to make a bunting with 200 flags!!

smooches

%*_*% rosey

wool felt luuurve...

2009-10-20T14:01:00.004+10:00

some of you may know that every now and then i moonlight as a lilly cottage worker when the lovely owner is too sick to make it in to the shop. my husband very kindly looks after the girls, which isn't that hard, while i trot along to petrie to wrap and chat the day away. well to thank me for the days that i have done recently, Linda gifted me this...

a gorgeous book filled with little projects for me to try and this most adorable Dorn felted rabbit. Linda knows that watership down is my favourite book so this little lady fits right into the world i am currently escaping to every night as i read page after page...

and she has come at the perfect time as my other Dorn rabbit was beginning to look a bit forlorn, now he is as happy as a pig in mud!

don't they look cosy? *^_^*

and of course they have a little pup to look after...

my eldest daughter bought this little girl earlier in the year at a bear and doll show. what a sweet family they make...i guess next time i see a Dorn display i will have to add to the growing collection :)

thanks Linda, you are so thoughtful!

thanks for all of your feedback on the chalkboards...i am going to price them at $22 and see what sort of response i get...that is when i get my act together and have the market stall =]

off to swimming lessons with the girls. have a great week

%*_*% rosey

secret project revealed

2009-10-12T12:39:00.004+10:00

remember these?...

well this is what they have become... little pastel chalkboards for you to write sweet nothings to your sweetheart, write your wish list, write your never ending 'to do' list or anything you want to write. perfect for your children's room or rumpus too. i have painted them in pastel colours and given that pre loved look. here is my favourite ~ cottage green (the lighting wasn't very good)

each comes with a hand made felt duster and a little parcel of coloured chalk. (i will have to post a picture of that when they are all ready)

what do you think? i just love them and love that each one is different but still a compliment to any room. my biggest problem is knowing how much to charge for them. i have already realised that in this business you don't get paid for your 'time' so i am not taking that into account...i was thinking of $18, someone has even said they would pay up to $25...what do you think? i really really need your opinions and help...

thanks for your comments, they help me tremendously.

xxrosey

EDIT

here are some pics of the actual finished product. a hand made felt duster and bundle of coloured chalk

just gorgeous but as you can see ICANTSEW!!!!