My Creative Space

One of the most fun parts of bunny making is the matching up of fabrics & cardis, colours and textures. Don't these four little cardi's look sweet? Like coloured lollies or tiny baby clothes all in a row. Mum has just given me these four and is working on a black one, in moss stitch, for another bunny order. Isn't she clever?

I'm liking this burnt yellow colour and love the way it looks with this vintage sheet/laundry bag.



I was going to go with a more subdued orange for this bunny girl...



but instead I've chosen to use this cotton shirt found at the MS Opshop.



This is how she turned out. She just needs her ears sewn on and she's ready to head off to her new home.

And then there is this purpley paisley pattern to match this little purple cardi, not sure yet but I am fond of this vintage sheet, I've used it for a few things now. Talking of vintage sheets I'm so excited about the Australian Vintage Sheet Fat Quarter Swap 2010! Have you signed up for it? What a great way to share some vintage sheet love.

I've been a bit sick this week but I think I'm slowly getting better. Well enough anyway to make a pre-birthday cake with Rosie. Her birthday isn't until August but she felt the need to make a 'practice' cake...and who was I to disagree?? It's the yummiest recipe, from Frankie's Afternoon Tea. If you would like the recipe just email, it's so easy, no wonder it's called the All Together Cake!

Besides cakes and bunnies I have been finishing off my little gifts for my giveaway, sorry to the winners that it has taken me a few weeks to get them made. Life sometimes gets in the way! Hopefully they will all be posted off tomorrow and I will then get onto some more bunny orders, nutting out another idea for things on a string, and oh, making a softie penguin! Should be fun. Hope you are having a happy, well & creative day...lets pop over to Kirsty's and see what inspiration we can find. I'll just put the kettle on....see you soon xo

My Creative Space

The seasons are changing here in the little town where we live. The summer seems like a long lost dream and the days are grey and cold. Yesterday it felt like snow was just a whisker away, the wind blew and the rain was icy & horizontal & today brings more of the same.

Good weather for crafting though! In between attempting/ignoring the housework and hanging with Rosie I managed to get a little bit done.

Playing with offcuts is always fun. I'm trying to finish off the little gifts I am making for the winners of my recent giveaway. And some extra's for upcoming markets and pressies for friends.

I've also been doing a spot of my new favourite hobby...dying clothes! This cream coloured op shopped top was pretty but I never wore it.



And now I do! The colour isn't as even as I would have liked but it's not too bad.

I have been really enjoying making a boy bunny too.

He started off with just blue overalls and spotty ears. Somehow he ended up with an eye patch..

...and I'm not sure it will end there! Billy suggested I give him an anchor tattoo.

Yes there is an eye under there...

and a mean looking scar on his leg. I'm trying to think of a name for him, something not too scary but definitely piratey! Any suggestions? Anyway me hearties...I better get over to Kirsty's to see what you land lubbers are up to! Hope you have a happy & creative week, see you soon xo

Chaos & happiness

It's been a cold & grey week so far, here in Daylesford. But in amoungst the somewhat dreary weather there has been some sunshine breaking through the clouds and some lovely cosy times at home & out.

A friend visited last week, for the first time, and looking around at my house she was obviously struck by the clutter/mess/chaos. As a reader of my blog perhaps she had imagined my home in a different way, I hope I don't portray it as a tidy and organised space, because it isn't! It was late when she called in, the kids school bags and projects were scattered around and yes, there was that Friday night-it's-been-a-long-week type feel.

It's funny how a fresh set of eyes, or a harmless comment, can make you go into a tail spin! The next day I tided like a maniac, fussed and flapped and chucked. And guess what? It doesn't look much different. The leaves are still finding their way under the front door, the kitchen floor could do with a wash, the piles of washing keep growing and the sense of happy chaos is still here.

Our house is our home and a space where we can be ourselves, be a family. It will never be an immaculate show piece but I hope it will always be a place filled with colour and imagination, questions & adventure, comfort & cosiness. The dishes get done, the kids have clean clothes and lots of cuddles, they are warm, fed, listened too and loved. So I'm not obsessing about it any longer! Do you keep up with all the housework? Are you a good organiser? Is your house super tidy? I like things to be organised and tidy but I have had to surrender to some of the chaos and disorder, otherwise I would go mad.

So yes, life can be messy both at home and sometimes in relationships, or in the community where we live. Some recent events have got me thinking about the ups and downs of life. There will always be challenges, it's really how we deal, cope & grow with life that makes the difference. I always aim to be positive and try and work things out, even if it is hard sometimes. Just as I hope my home is a welcoming and happy place it's important to me to try and be a thoughtful & caring person too.

Housework will always be there but lets face it, there are some much more important things to be doing! Like making a String of Hearts for new baby, Rose. Oh how lovely to see a new baby, the dear little sweetie, so adorable.

And meeting up with some ace local women at Craft night last night! What a fun evening we had,

chatting and sitting by the fire at Peppers, sipping soothing drinks, having a laugh and crafting, of course. I couldn't think of a nicer bunch of people to hang out with & I can't wait for next Craft night!

I was also so happy to this week to receive this gorgeous little frame from Bec as part of her recent giveaway! Thanks so much Bec for making this especially for me, I love it!

I'm thrilled too that our biodynamic garlic is now for sale at Cliffy's in Daylesford! Have you visited this fantastic local cafe/grocer? Filled with locally grown & sourced produce it really is a little piece of heaven. So many delicious things, and excellent coffee too. I love the atmosphere of Cliffy's, the low lights and warm fire make it such a cosy place to meet for a cuppa.

So, enough about me, what's been happening with you? Hope all is well in your world, see you soon xo

Giveaway Monday!

Hey lovely friends, it's Monday morning and I'm feeling so happy because it's time to find out who won my giveaway!! It's also our niece's 3rd birthday, Happy Birthday Tova!!

We love you!

I'm thrilled to announce that Cathie is the first name out of the hat & will soon be receiving her own custom made Dandelion bunny. This is what Cathie said:

"congrats on the double birthdays & I love popping by your blog and seeing what you are up too and your pics are always so wonderful.of course I follow your wonderful journey & wish you many many more bloggy birthdays sweet lady" Isn't she sweet?

I will email you soon Cathie and we can chat about what kind of bunny you would like.

Now for number two who will win a String of Hearts, made from vintage fabric & soft alpaca. Congratulations Monique!!!! Here is what Monique said:

" I love how your love of family just shines through your posts. You honour them each time you share a tale. My little one would love a bunny. "

Sorry you aren't receiving a bunny, Monique, but I hope you will like your hearts, I can't wait to make them!

Speaking of hearts, number three will be receiving two lavender Love Hearts...and the winner is....Gypsy!! Yay!

" I love reading your blog and getting your take on life and things, you have a very refreshing way of looking at 'ordinary' things. Keep up the good work Beck, love Gyp xx" Thanks Gypsy, I'm so happy you have won something in my celebration giveaway!

Woo hoo! I'm so excited to be making something for all of you winners, I can't wait. I wish I could make something for everyone, all your gorgeous comments meant the world to me. I really love putting my blog together and sharing some of myself and my life with you. And I also love to check out what you are up to and see what is happening in your world.

Thanks so much to everyone who entered the giveaway, it's been a lot of fun for me. Hope you have a happy week sweeties, see you soon xo

My Creative Space

After last weeks String of Hearts post I've been flat out making more of these colourful sweeties.

There is something so addictive about cutting out the hearts, looking for pretty scraps & finally threading them together.

I love the effect of the white & purple vintage fabric against the dark grey blanket.

I think I might try some new shapes too. Birds & flowers probably....houses? Bunnies?

But for now it's all about hearts.

Sunsets, pretty pink & blue skies,

early morning walks around the lake,

& a little lizard who crawled into a cup on the front verandah,

And finally a big bag full of shiny beads from the Salvo's in Ballarat.

I'm also taking bunny orders at the moment so if you are looking for a present for someone speical just send me an email, we can discuss colours & cardi's etc. I am working on an order for a customer in Sydney who wants triplets this time!! So it's off to the Creswick Woollen Mill on Friday for some more alpaca offcuts. I wonder if I'll find some scrappy pieces for my hearts?

What are you up to today? Can't wait to see, I'm off to Kirsty's.

Have a happy day honey pies xo