Christina Lowry Designs

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2012-02-11T16:11:00.000+10:00

37 weeks. The hospital bag is packed. And checked. And repacked. Our dreams and conversations drift constantly to the baby. The excitement is growing. Dave and I both are reminiscing about our time as new parents with Cohen too. We find ourselves in wonder at welcoming a new baby and becoming a family of four. I'm sure Cohen feels that the change is closer now too. He talks about the baby often and understands that he and I will be spending our first ever nights away from each other. Something I'm secretly not looking forward to.

Other than that, issues that have troubled me the last half of this pregnancy have been laid to rest and I feel at peace with them. I'm calm and waiting. Full of joy at the thought of a reunion with my twin sister, who arrives home today after her six week scholarship in Canberra. Though this may have to wait longer than anticipated, for her sake and mine, as the poor dear seems to be coming down with a cold and is feeling miserable. As much as I want to see my sweet sister, I'd rather avoid a cold at this late stage in my pregnancy. We shall have plenty of time together after the babies birth though, loving Aunt that she is. And she will have a chance to spend time with Cohen, who has grown so much these past six weeks, as she has been entrusted with babysitting while I'm in hospital.

I'm sure I'll be quite fed up with waiting within the next couple of weeks, but I just keep reminding myself, not long now.

My Creative Space

2012-02-09T08:51:00.001+10:00

I started this 8ply cabled vest for Cohen on Monday, after convincing myself that I would just cast on and knit the ribbing before returning to the 4ply raglan cardigan. Just to see what the wool was like. But It's knitting up so quickly. And the raglan cardigan? Um, well...

Ravelry.

More Creative Spaces here.

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2012-02-08T14:42:00.002+10:00

In the garden...

The first tomatoes are appearing

The lettuce are ready to be picked as needed

The watermelon vine creeps on

The corn grow taller

The potato is in flower

More basil, awaiting more pesto making

Purple beans climb

Several snow peas are ready for picking each day

The weeds are taking advantage of my pregnant tummy's desire not to allow me to bend over.

More lettuce and pea seeds have been planted.

Carrot and celery seeds are ready to go in this weekend.

What's growing in your garden?

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2012-02-06T21:17:00.002+10:00

36 weeks. Another ultrasound today. Perhaps our last black and white visions of our little ones' internal world before we meet him/her in person. In the meantime, I've been distracting myself with cooking, knitting, reading and resting. Wondering all the while, nonetheless, how much longer it will be. One week? Four? And taking each moment as it comes.

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2012-02-05T14:59:00.001+10:00

Basil. It is the one herb that thrives wherever we live. Or perhaps, the one herb I'm yet to kill. Our first basil came without fanfare by way of a small potted plant from the supermarket. Unlike the other herbs purchased at the same time, it survived it's time on the window ledge - which Dave calls my ledge of death - and was planted out in a pot and eventually into our garden. We have never been short of basil for pizza or pasta since.

Recently, I accidentally grew several basil plants from seeds, in a pile of dirt Dave had put aside for a project. I'd tossed the picked seed heads onto the pile without a second thought. Totally neglected, those basil grew quickly with all the rain we've had lately. This weekend Dave started and has almost finished building a retaining wall and that pile of dirt is about to be called into use. Thus, I picked my wild basil and made basil pesto for the first time, using a mortar and pestle. Enough to refrigerate for the week and more in the freezer (the recipe is the same, minus the parmesan.)

Tonight I am looking forward to admiring our finished retaining wall, making fresh pasta to accompany the pesto and a salad with lettuce picked straight from the garden.

What have you been making, baking or cooking this weekend?

My Creative Space

2012-02-02T16:13:00.002+10:00

Completed back, front ribbing begun

I have been waiting on the arrival of some wool, but felt the need to have something on my needles in the meantime. Especially given all the moments to knit I have been finding lately. (Though who knows for how much longer.)

After completing my first ever raglan sleeve garment, I felt quite optimistic about trying another one, though for the baby this time. I discovered this old knitting pamphlet amongst some gifted knitting booklets and retrieved a ball of 4ply wool from my stash - which had been brought for a project that has since been abandoned.

I love that this pattern has a 4ply and 8 ply version. If I can knit it with success this time, I dare say I shall be knitting it again in the future. I did have a fair bit of ripping out to do after I realised I had been K2tog, P2tog, when I should have been K2, P2tog for the raglan decrease. I'm also hoping that blocking it at the end will have the fabric looking less holey that it does at present, though perhaps it is the wool?

What have you been making?

Ravelry.

More Creative Spaces here.

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2012-02-01T20:35:00.000+10:00

After a few quiet days at home Cohen and I were both itching to get out and stretch our legs today. Heavy rain began to fall, as if by surprise, but we made our plans undeterred. By the time Dave was home from work, and we were ready for our adventure, the sun was shining once more and we were able to leave the umbrellas at home.

To our delight, tucked away in suburbia, are 36 hectares of beautiful forest. Our first visit to the Springwood Conservation Park did not disappoint. Boulders, caves, cliffs and a gorge. Creeks, waterfalls, bridges, wallabies, birds, lizards, mushrooms. More than one walker was surprised to see me waddling along the paths. Thankfully Cohen's through inspection of everything kept the pace slow.

There's something just so right about walks like this. Taking in the natural beauty. Exploring as a family. Sharing Cohen's discoveries. I came home feeling really good. Refreshed and re-energised. The knowledge of this little treasure is being tucked away for future exploration.

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2012-01-30T15:04:00.001+10:00

14 - 35 weeks

Happy Monday!

Bump photos for my sweet sister, whose beautiful, neurotic, Houdini staffy I am currently dog-sitting.

Much to Cohen's delight.

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2012-01-29T18:48:00.001+10:00

35 weeks

Ravlery

I've been listening to my body and having as many quiet days as I can lately. Resting my bump and my back, and putting my feet up while I still have the chance. I could surely get used to quiet days like today.

Croissants for breakfast. Walking in the rain in our gumboots and raincoats. Examining each new mushroom discovery with Cohen. Making collages together. Knitting and watching movies with Dave while the little man napped and the rain fell. Catching up with my brother.

A wonderful Sunday indeed, though I am missing my dear sister. Two more weeks before she flies home. Then Cohen and I will be hot on her heels for a catch up before the baby comes. One can never underestimate the bond between identical twins.

Here's to a wonderful week ahead.

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2012-01-27T13:15:00.001+10:00

When faced with difficult decisions, knitting surely is a wonderful aid to processing your thoughts. Though I'm yet to come to a final conclusion, I feel more calm about the question at hand. And in the meantime, I have completed my first ever raglan cardigan for Cohen.

I couldn't be more pleased with it. Modesty aside, I do believe it is the very best thing I have yet knitted. Never did I think myself able to complete something like this. I am truly amazed at how much I have learnt and how my knitting has improved these past twelve months. One step at a time.

Pattern: 'George' from Jaeger Handknits JB29 by Martin Storey

Yarn: Moda Vera Pure Wool 8 ply in Mustard

Buttons: Thifted, woven leather, metal shanked buttons

(I stitched the spare button to the inside seam of the cardigan, just in case Cohen looses one.)

Ravelry.

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2012-01-23T10:28:00.001+10:00

For as long as I can remember I have had a 'Grandma' Doris, who I love dearly. She has been neighbours with my family for over thirty years. And although strictly no relation whatsoever, she has delightfully filled the role of Grandmother and continues to to this day. Proving that sometimes you can indeed choose your family.

In the same way, Cohen and I have adopted an extra Mother in law. Gratefully appropriating my sisters lovely Mother in law, Clare, into our little family. Now, as Doris was to me, Cohen also has an extra Grandmother. And I have a kind, supportive and thoughtful 'Mother in law.'

Above is a little 'thinking of you' package she sent me recently.

Do you have special people in your life you've adopted into your family?

Ten good things

2012-01-21T14:17:00.000+10:00

Toddler painting (and the first appearance of hands and feet on his people paintings!)

Planting seeds (lettuce, tomato, carrot, watermelon, sweet corn, peas, beans and poppies)

Trying new recipes (like this and this) and impressing my husband

Completing my first knitted raglan sleeve

Watching a few episodes of River Monsters each night with Dave (and learning weird and wonderful things about fish as a result)

The smell of just washed wooden floors

Climbing into bed with fresh, sun dried sheets

34 week ultrasounds with only good news

Finding new parks to explore with Cohen

Only three weeks remaining until my muchly missed sister comes home

What good things are you noticing these days?

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2012-01-18T16:47:00.001+10:00

I'm wondering if this baby doesn't want to come early, given the discomfort I'm already experiencing. Oh back and side pain. It's more than likely to be another big baby. Cohen was 9 pound 4 (4.19kg) born at full term and this baby was already measuring 34 weeks at my 32 week scan. With another scan at the end of the week to check babies thyroid, we shall just have to wait and see what they have to say. So long as baby waits until it's Aunty is back from her scholarship in Canberra. (Missing you dear sister!)

In the meantime I'm resting and knitting, when my back allows it.

Ravelry.

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2012-01-16T16:32:00.004+10:00

Today we spent the day exploring, crossing things off our Summer list and eating ice cream at a look out, while Cohen picked dandelions for me. A wonderful way to spend the day as a family before Dave goes back to work tomorrow. I do so love our trips to the mountains.

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2012-01-14T18:57:00.000+10:00

Oh, three year olds. Sweet, lovely, independent, frustrating, selective hearing three year olds. They surely keep a Mama on her feet. And when this Mama is trying to have a break and rest her sore back, one particular three year old has taken it upon himself to chant "Knit no, knit no, knit no", or "Book no, book no, book no", until he has my undivided attention once more. With Dada's help though, the knitting is growing and the pages are being turned. It's a shame indeed that he goes back to work next week.

Ravelry.

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2012-01-12T10:11:00.002+10:00

Another item has been crossed off our long list of renovations. Tree lopping is complete. Despite starting a little veggie patch in one corner, we were yet to really start on the yard, having concentrated on the house instead. Before we could turn some of our plans into reality we needed to remove the neglected, unwanted and problem trees, giving us a clean slate to build upon.

The past two days the tree loppers have been hard at work. Gone now are seven huge palm trees and their clusters of nuts. (I've never been a fan of palms, especially when they are taking up perfectly good space that could be used from a more productive plant, like a blueberry.) Gone too the pine tree out the front that had grown so tall and difficult, between two sets of power lines. And gone, the beautiful tree in our back yard that was sadly just too big and too close to the house for comfort. It's such a shame. It was a lovely tree, better suited to a paddock or a park than a suburban yard. Especially given it's habit of first shedding all it's leaves and then shedding all it's bark and dropping large branches. The grass, the gutters, the neighbours pool, none shall miss it I'm afraid. Thankfully the timber from the trunk and branches has been saved for a friend on property with a wood burning fire.

Not without drama, one wrong cut sent a large branch into the neighbours fence, though thankfully it has since been fixed. Sadly, a few stray branches also swiped at my little veggie patch, laying low my corn and tomato plants. I'm yet to fully inspect the damage. Though I'm hoping a little extra love and care will recover some of my first crop.

The yard has been transformed by the removal of the trees and have left us with space and light to begin slowly transforming the space, adding more veggie gardens, a chicken house, a shed, a water tank etc. As well as new trees and shrubs that are more appropriate for the size of our yard. A decision not to be made lightly in light of the cost of making the wrong choice!

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2012-01-10T16:32:00.002+10:00

New picture ledge above our bed

Summer reading

Banana bread

And especially hot weather.
Feeling very pregnant indeed.

A Summer List

2012-01-08T08:55:00.000+10:00

Eat outside, play outside, read outside

Get in the water

Visit a gallery

Build a fort

Make fruit juice ice blocks

Head for the hills

Build sandcastles

Fly a kite

Visit a national park or Botanical garden

Make the most of Summer fruit

Feed the ducks

What's on your list?

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2012-01-07T11:23:00.001+10:00

There were no possums at our last house. The power lines were all underground and there weren't many large trees. When we first moved in here we only noticed the occasional possum as it ran along the power lines of our street at night. Lately though, we've been seeing them every night, hearing them jump onto our front veranda, walk across our roof and even found them twice in our garage. Last night we noticed three of them munching away in the tree out the front and realised that their appearance has coincided with the flowering of the tree.

They are not the least bit bothered by our presence, the flash of the camera, or the toddler jumping up and down calling "Nom nom Poss Poss!" So, the trees near the house are being cut back and the gaps above the garage doors are being filled, then our new friends can continue eating in our tree each time it flowers without worrying us. As long as the dog is persuasion enough to keep them out of the back yard and away from the fruit and veggie plants.

Do you have possums around your house?

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2012-01-06T19:18:00.001+10:00

Morning cuddles with a boy and a cat

Gifted knitting booklets

Baking shortbread with little helping hands

A 32 week ultrasound with nothing but good news so far

Relief, joy and excitement

Shabby Apple Giveaway Winner!

2012-01-05T20:17:00.003+10:00

Congratulations Zaranne Handmade!
Enjoy your gorgeous Shabby Apple dress!

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2012-01-04T15:21:00.000+10:00

New sofa approval

Today's thrifty finds

Cohen's self portrait with hair

Book club reading

Yesterday I was stood on our back deck, overlooking the work going on below, as palm trees are cut down and carted away to make way for fruit trees. I found myself lost in thought regarding our plans and dreams and how far we have come this past year. Last year selling our house to move away from the coast and closer to the City was just a dream. As was overcoming my thyroid problems and becoming pregnant, or buying a high set house with a big yard and room for a studio underneath. Together Dave and I have traversed many obstacles. We worked hard. We stay focused. We supported each other. And now, here we are, living those dreams.

We are shaping this house into our home. Renovating, nesting, building. Planning on investing in solar panels and water tanks. Creating a garden for vegetables, herbs, fruit trees and chickens, so that we can live closer to nature, be in tune with our seasons and teach our children the same. I've made a connection with a lot of bloggers lately who are of a similar frame of mind. Who wish to slow down, spend less, live intentionally and appreciate more fully all that they have. It seems to be a reaction to a number of things. Our imprint on the environment, work/life balance, the cost of living, our dreams for our children's futures, to name but a few. I'm incredibly inspired by the likes of Rhonda, Kate, Amanda and Tania.

Already Cohen recognises basil and picks and eats it as we wander around the garden. Something I couldn't do until I was in my 20's. Living at the coast I felt I was in a sort of limbo, now I feel more purpose. I feel more at home and I am excited about the future. And in two months we shall be welcoming a new member to our family for which I am unimaginably grateful.

I look forward to welcoming more change.
What are you looking forward to?

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2012-01-03T11:12:00.003+10:00

We celebrated the New Year a midst the company of friends and family (and a friendly possum). Though we welcomed it tucked up in our beds, woken by the dog at midnight, barking at the fireworks. These first days of the new year have been spent about the house. Dave has been felling trees and working in the garden, generally after a morning surf. I have been pottering, planting seeds, nesting, knitting, reading and playing in the studio, as there have been some new additions.

Coralie Bickford-Smith designed Penguin Classics

On Christmas morning there was a rather large box under the tree with my name on it. A surprise from my sweet husband. I had mentioned to him in passing that I thought the Coralie Bickford-Smith cloth bound series was beautiful. This information he filed away until the lead up to Christmas, where he called and visited many a bookshop in the City to secretly amass this collection. I had not a clue as to any of this and was delighted Christmas day to be surrounded by the most wonderful books. (Another two books are still making their way by post!)

Which lead us to the first addition to the studio. Such lovely books surely deserved shelves of their own I thought, to which my husband agreed, even braving Ikea on his own to retrieve these Lack shelves. My search for a sofa bed to add extra comfort and practicality to the space lead to the next addition. I was thrilled to win this darling for only 99 cents on ebay, which folds out to a double bed.

I'm loving how this space is coming together. A light shade, a rug, some more frames, perhaps a coat of paint on the sewing table, and it will be close to being finished for a time. One day we plan to have the concrete floor polished also.

The details - The trio of prints are by Gretchenmist, the hanging tray and white frame were thrifted, the wooden hand is from Typo and a gift from my sister, the white chair was a free road side find, the camera on the shelf is my trusty Minolta from my Uni days, the white head statue beside it I brought back from Athens, the vintage sewing baskets on the shelf below are thrifted, as are the other baskets in these shots, the pillow is a thrifted gift from my sister and the throw is a crochet one I made.

PS. Don't forget to enter the Shabby Apple giveaway. The winner will be drawn on Thursday.

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2011-12-31T09:58:00.001+10:00

I'm so grateful to have this blog as a way of documenting our year. From the little ordinary moments, to those of a larger scale. From charting our progress selling our house and then renovating, to watching Cohen and the bump grow, or sharing the excitement of my sisters wedding. All that I have made, moments I have captured, thoughts that I have shared. I have these 284 posts to look back over at the way we lived our days in 2011. And so many reasons to be grateful.

So here's to a wonderful 2012.

Wishing you all a happy and safe new year.

Don't forget to enter the Shabby Apple dress giveaway.

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2011-12-30T19:17:00.001+10:00

I seem to be wandering in and out of the nursery more and more often now. Moving slowly from one task to another. Sometimes just looking. Day dreaming about life with two little ones. Remembering those hazy first days with Cohen. Sorting little clothes, adding to the hospital bag, folding sheets and taking a little longer each time I try to get up from the floor.

My tummy is certainly getting fuller. My face is rounder too. And I'm enjoying this time of pottering and planning.

Shabby Apple Giveaway - closed

2011-12-29T14:35:00.001+10:00

The lovely ladies at Shabby Apple are offering one of my Australian readers the opportunity to win this fabulous frock.

The glamorous, vintage inspired, Mulholland Dress.

I'm more than a little taken with this dress. Cap sleeves, lace and ribbon. Yes please! Can see yourself swanning about in special occasions in such a darling dress? If so, here's how to enter -

Simply 'like' Shabby Apple on facebook and leave a comment on this post.

Leave a second comment if you are a follower, so that you get an extra entry.

Ta-dah!

The winner will be drawn randomly on the 5th of January, 2012. Good luck!

Shabby Apple is currently having a sale. But if, like me, you always choose those things that aren't on sale, I can also offer you a 10% discount when you enter the code 'littlebird10off' at the checkout.

(The giveaway is open to Australian readers only. Sorry, the dress can not be exchanged. Please make sure I can contact you - leave your email address if your profile is private.)

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Congratulations Zaranne Handmade! Hope you enjoy wearing your lovely dress.

Summer Views

2011-12-27T09:30:00.000+10:00

Sand. Sea. Sky.

The beach seemed such a long way away yesterday, after the previous days activity. I'd been happy just to relax, balance 'Jane Eyre' on my tummy and spend the day at home. But I'm so glad Dave suggested it. It was wonderful to walk in the cool sand and watch Cohen explore the beach, paths and swings. Watch the beach cricket, kite flying and families exploring. Watch the sun setting pink and orange as we drove home.

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2011-12-26T10:32:00.002+10:00

Merry Christmas my beautiful boy,

At three you seem to be the perfect age for Christmas. Or "gris-gris" as you so happily pronounce it. You understand so much more this year and have been relishing all the signs of the season. Particularly the Christmas lights, chanting "more, more lights" as we walk through streets lit up, or drive past houses unexpectedly decked out in their lights. You're fascinated with, though still weary of, Santa. Leaving out biscuits and milk for Santa and a carrot for his reindeer was one of Christmas Eve's highlights for you, the other being the Muppet's Christmas Carol. Come Christmas morning the first thing you did was check the glass and plate and declare excitedly "Santa biscuits gone!", ignoring your gifts to marvel at this eventuality instead.

We were all spoilt Christmas day with family, food and gifts. You were delightful to watch. Your excitement was contagious. There is nothing quite as sweet and amusing as watching a three year old tackle the task of unwrapping his presents, and a few of mine. Giving out kisses and thank yous in return, proudly displaying your new toys. You are now well stocked in Lego and books, a balance bike and art supplies, remote controlled car and a dinosaur egg (which is submerged in water as I write, a dinosaur slowly cracking it's way through the shell under your watchful and curious eye.)

My dear boy, what a wonderful Christmas it was. Traditions were honored and new traditions created. Next year we will be celebrating as a family of four and I can't think of anything better.

All my love,

Mama

10 good things

2011-12-23T15:05:00.001+10:00

A simple Christmas

A pantry full of good food

The chance to just potter around the house and garden

New plants

Ticking the last things off the to-do list

A whole day to spend baking tomorrow if I so please

The Cooper St top I op-shopped yesterday, that fits my bump and shall be worn Christmas day

Rainy weather

All our photos up to date (finally) - printed, sorted, dated and in the albums

A little boy who can count to ten with me

Summer Days

2011-12-22T16:30:00.001+10:00

Learning to scoot with Dada.

The perfect birthday gift for three year old boys I think.

Thank you Grandpa Lowry.

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2011-12-21T21:26:00.000+10:00

The wonder of Christmas lights. Cohen is awestruck by them. While they remind me of my Grandfather. It's strange how people and things can be linked in ones mind this way. But Christmas lights remind me of my Grandfather. Which reminds me of his sayings, his handwriting, his jars of sweets. The way he wrote his initials in the front of library books so he'd know he'd read them, his leather shoes and long socks. His Maple leaf lapel pin from Canada, his handsome wedding photo, the wonderful way he would read us stories. My Grandfather was always a big part of our Christmas when I was growing up.

And while I celebrate with my family this year, we shall drink a toast to those no longer with us and the wonderful memories that remain.

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2011-12-20T08:04:00.000+10:00

Another benefit of starting a veggie patch, the scenic drive to buy hay.

Happy Sunday

2011-12-18T10:22:00.004+10:00

Hello quiet Sunday morning.

You couldn't come too soon after days and nights of birthday parties, dinners and Christmas break ups.

Hello pancakes. A nap. A cute little reindeer.

What are your plans for the day?

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2011-12-15T14:06:00.003+10:00

It's a Christmas tradition. The Santa photo.

And much like last year and the year before, Cohen was not impressed to say the least.

Well, not until they gave him some Reindeer antlers and a red nose that lights up. After he was off Santa's lap. And unlike the mother in front of me who spent ten minutes trying to make her little one smile, I love the honesty of this photo. This is what I want to remember. There is always next year (perhaps) for a smiling photo. But for now, this is my perfect Christmas photo. It will be included in our Christmas cards to our nearest and dearest. Cohen can look back and laugh at it when he is older.

My gorgeous boy.

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2011-12-14T15:28:00.002+10:00

New parks to explore. Pine cones to collect. Frankie in the mail. Playing in the garden. Feeling more positive.

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2011-12-13T19:04:00.001+10:00

Little booties brought at the hospital today to cheer me up after my 28 week appointment. I was quite anxious before the appointment. The radio-iodine treatment I had twelve months ago hasn't worked long term and has actually stopped working while I'm pregnant. I'm so disappointed. I'm finding I'm not able to enjoy this pregnancy as much as I had hoped because of the uncertainties. So many unanswered questions. So many concerns. Thankfully, baby seems well so far, though extra appointments, scans and tests have been booked for this, my last trimester. I'm keeping everything crossed.

Three

2011-12-11T16:34:00.001+10:00

My dearest darling Cohen,

Happy third birthday my love.

Oh how you've grown and changed the past twelve months. I hardly know where to begin. It seems you have always been a part of our lives. It's hard to imagine that there were so many years that we were a couple and not yet a family. All that time I think we were waiting for you.

This morning we lay in bed together as a family as you unwrapped your presents and had us read you your new books. I wanted to hold you tight and not let go, hold tight to that memory of you as you are now. So sweet, so gentle, so loving. Chatting, hiding under the sheet, playfully rolling off the bed and triumphantly climbing back up again. I told you that three years ago you were in my belly, as your little brother or sister is now and that Dada took me to the hospital so you could be born. You rubbed my belly and smiled. You love to hear about you.

And you, you are also so indepedant now. Some days it's as amusing as it is frustrating. From undoing what I've done so that you can do it yourself, to demanding 'me do it' at every available opportunity. We've seen you climb back out of your bed once carried to it, in order to hop back in yourself. Walk half way up the stairs holding hands only to let go, walk back down and start again alone. Or shut the fridge at the bakery when we were buying you juice, so that you could open the fridge and pick the juice yourself. My dear little independant man. Sometimes though, you take my hand, let me carry you to bed and let me do things for you.

Your vocabulary has grown and you string together sentences now in the sweetest way. You dance to music. Your favourite book is a where is Spot book and you are always amazed when you find Spot at the end, hiding in the basket. You love to watch 'Thomas the Tank Engine' and yell 'Choo choo Thomas!' when you hear the theme song begin. You love your big boy bed, though you've fallen out twice. We find you in a different position each time we check on you. You love playgroup. You love apples and blue berries. You don't like chicken.

My dear sweet boy. Somethings can not be put into words, for words are not enough. You and I can only just know that I love you more than anything. And I always will.

Your loving mother.

Cohen's first and second birthday.

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2011-12-09T18:55:00.000+10:00

Quiet times of late. Pottering around the house and mothering a toddler with a tummy bug, though thankfully he is on the mend now. Checking in on our little veggie patch and noticing that the rain has upset some of the peas and taken with it a tomato seedling, though the corn and watermelon remains unscathed. Loving the tart sweetness of plums. We may not have snow in Australia for Christmas, but there will be fruit!

Chicken with gravy and seasoned crunchy roasted potatoes for dinner tonight and it smells nearly done. Have a lovely evening.

My Creative Space

2011-12-08T08:02:00.001+10:00

Finished. Six embroidered linen napkins ready to be gifted to a lovely someone for Christmas.

From the tutorial I shared here.

More Creative Spaces here (or maybe not.)

This little boy

2011-12-06T16:55:00.001+10:00

turns three on Sunday.

calls himself a 'ig oy' (big boy).

had his first Christmas party at playgroup today.

loved having his Aunty come and play too.

clung tightly to his Aunty when Santa arrived.

bravely took his gift from Santa.

is learning that Christmas isn't just about receiving.

donated money from his piggy bank to help buy two goats for a village in Africa.

decorated a goat picture and gave it to Santa, who will deliver the goats to the village.

This little boy is so full of fun and love.

Embroidered napkin tutorial

2011-12-05T07:23:00.000+10:00

I've been working on these embroidered linen napkins as a Christmas gift for a lovely someone who will appreciate a handmade Nana style gift from yours truly. They are simple but sweet and I've put together a little how to for anyone interested.

You will need:

Napkins - you can make them yourself or pick them up from a craft shop. I found mine on sale at Spotlight.

Embroidery needle

Six Stranded Embroidery thread - you could use white as I have, one colour or multiple colours

Embroidery hoop - slightly larger than your design, but not too large, so it isn't cumbersome

Washable Erasable marking pen - from a craft shop

You will also need designs for you napkins of course. I drew these myself, using a tin to trace around for the circles and decorating each one differently, six in total. You can draw your own or search for free Christmas embroidery patterns online. (If anyone is interested I can scan my pictures and add them to this tutorial.)

Print or draw your designs in a dark colour, lay your napkin in your desired position over the design and trace with the washable marker. If you have a light box you can use this. Or you can tape both pieces in place on a window with light coming from behind and trace it there. Mine was easy enough to see as is.

Place work in hoop, gently tugging on the fabric all the way around to pull it tight. Tighten the thread on the screw at top so everything is secure. Cut a manageable length of embroidery thread. I tend to use about a 40 - 50cm length. Divide the thread in half, so you are left with three strands in each half. Thread your needle with the three threads, make a knot at the end and start stitching.

I used back stitch and French knots on my napkins, but you can be as inventive as you like and use as many stitches as you like. Stitch happily each night for a bit of couch craft or sneak in some stitching while children nap or friends visit.

Pull your napkin out of the hoop, wash and iron it and admire your handiwork. Consider keeping it for yourself. Wrap it up beautifully with your other completed napkins and gift lovingly to someone special.

Resin Ring and Bangle Workshop

2011-12-03T16:43:00.000+10:00

Bangle mould filled with resin.

Smaller silicone moulds for jewellery.

Pouring resin into moulds.

Dying resin.

My completed pieces - two bangles, two rings and a cameo.

Mylene's display bangles, in translucent and opaque jellybean like colours.

I had a lovely time at the Resin Ring and Bangle Workshop today. It's something I've always wanted to do. So it was the perfect 30th birthday gift from my darling husband - who picked up my hints nicely.

Mylene skillfully taught several of us how to mix, colour, cast and finish resin in her purpose built workshop. We imitated her practiced movements - stirred, scraped, poured and eventually removed our new treasures from their moulds. Pulling away the silicone to reveal the finished colour and shape beneath.

It was wonderful to be able to add to my knowledge of resin and leave with finished pieces, as well as the inspiration and materials to make many more. I love the look and feel of the bangles in particular. And I see further experimentation in incorporating resin into my existing jewellery practice.

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2011-12-02T10:44:00.000+10:00

Right now... the good and the bad.

Loving: being 26 weeks pregnant

Admiring: the hand knitted cardigan and woolen blanket I thrifted yesterday

Making: embroidered linen Christmas napkins

Reading: Several books from the library, including 'Raising Boys' (again) and 'Possum Magic'

Eating: home made scones with home made jam - yum!

Grateful: for a cool, overcast day so far, after all this heat

Excited: about doing a Resin ring and bangle workshop, meeting a friends new baby and visiting the new Matisse exhibition this weekend

Apprehensive: unwelcome and upsetting news from my thyroid specialist yesterday, which means more doctors, specialists and tests, to care for the baby and myself

Trying: not to be overcome by the news or focus on the worse case scenarios

Thankful: for the support and love of family and friends on this journey

My Creative Space

2011-12-01T07:01:00.000+10:00

I've been feeling decidedly uncrafty of late, which is very unlike me. So it was lovely yesterday, while Cohen napped, Fiona and I cut, glued and talked in the uninterrupted silence that is a sleeping toddler. Fiona created a pink owl and I a blue one, using this pattern, while also honing our hot glue gun skills.

In Christmassy colours I think these would make great decorations for a table or windowsill. These two, however, shall most likely be making their way into the nursery. First I shall have to secure them from Cohen, who has been happily hooting at them and waving them around while singing "fly, fly!" Perhaps sooner rather than later at that, just in case they go the way of our keys and my phone and "fly" over the balcony to the grass below...

More Creative Spaces here.

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2011-11-30T17:21:00.001+10:00

Hooray for birthday presents from lovely twin sisters! The sweetest locket and little papery goods from Emily Martin.

Thanks dear sister! xx

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2011-11-29T07:26:00.000+10:00

My dreams of having a vegetable garden are coming to fruition. Corn, snow peas, tomatoes, lettuce and watermelon seedlings have been planted to begin with, into our freshly dug over garden bed. While another garden bed has been spread with horse manure and mushroom compost and will be planted out in time. Yesterday we visited our local garden center for inspiration. Isn't is adorable? (Did you spot the lizard in the first pic?) As a result of our visit my mental wish list of plants has grown considerably.

We have identified a small mango tree growing in our yard, as well as what we are confident is a macadamia nut tree. For my birthday I was lucky enough to be gifted a lovely Mulberry plant, which will find it's way into the yard once some of the unwanted shrubs and trees have been removed. (Palm trees, how immensely I dislike you and the orange nuts and massive leaves you scatter beneath you.) We hope to add more fruit trees along the back fence as well as more veggie beds with time, should my thumb prove green enough. What's growing in your garden?

Christmas Decoration Tutorials

2011-11-28T07:43:00.000+10:00

L to R: Bugs and Fishes pinecones, Mary and Laura's felt ornaments,Bugs and Fishes Vintage felt ornaments,
Zakka Life Christmas ornament, Big Box Detox Felt Bows, Purl Bee Fall Leaf Coasters,
Bugs and Fishes Puddings, Crafty-licious acorns, Felt Owls.

Happy Monday folks! With only one more birthday left before Christmas, my attentions have turned towards decorations. (And felt. I love felt. Don't you?) I can't wait to put our tree up this year with the little mans help. He did so love to rearrange the decorations last year after all. But we shall be waiting until the 1st of December, as is tradition.

It wasn't until we had Cohen that we started our family Christmas traditions. Before that we had no tree and no decorations, which seems a little sad now. Children do tend to change all that. Since then I have been adding to our box of decorations each year, both before and after Christmas. And while last year I focused on hand making gifts. This year I think a few simple handmade decorations are in order instead.

I have found some wonderful tutorials online and feel that a trip to the craft store is in order. Do you have any plans for home made decorations this year? Or have you already been working on Christmas crafts? Please leave a link in your comments if you have so we can come and visit!

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2011-11-27T08:13:00.000+10:00

I had such a wonderful time at my 30th birthday picnic party yesterday, as Fiona and I both celebrated with friends and family. There was cake, a pinata and presents. Decorations, picnic blankets and delicious food. Sugar fueled laughing children, one very well fed dog and fun to be had in the photo booth. I really couldn't have asked for more.

Many thanks to everyone who came! What a gift it is to have such beautiful friends.

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2011-11-25T08:09:00.000+10:00

As preparations begin for our birthday picnic party tomorrow, I thought I would leave you with some images of our actual birthday adventures...

Noticing, appreciating, participating, celebrating.
Southbank. GOMA. City.

My Creative Space

2011-11-24T07:12:00.000+10:00

Thanks for all your lovely birthday wishes yesterday! I had a lovely day indeed and will share photos of my adventures tomorrow.

In our creative space this week, Cohen and I have been making more wrapping paper. This time we collected leaves from the garden, blobbed paint onto baking paper, lay the leaves on top and pressed them to the paper. Perfectly pitched to the talents and attention span of an almost-three-year-old (next month in fact! I can hardly believe it myself!)

I have been thinking about further Christmas craft, but thinking is as far as I have gotten so far. I'd like to blame the heat and pregnancy for that. I made so many gifts last year, yet I can't see it happening this year. Rather than feel guilty about it or putting pressure on myself, I am reminding myself about the joys of having a simple Christmas and I am celebrating the achievement of home made wrapping paper too.

More Creative Spaces here.

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2011-11-23T07:30:00.000+10:00

I never really thought about where I would be, or who I would be, by the time I turned thirty. Thirty seemed quite old to me as a child, as did twenty-one, though that number seemed to have more glamour. Perhaps being a wife and mother, renovating a house and working in my studio is without glamour. Perhaps our days of world travelling and nights out partying are behind us for awhile. But thirty comes with a sense of success and fulfillment that has taken me this long to achieve and appreciate. As well as many dreams for the future. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Happy birthday dear twin sister, half of my heart and closest friend. I love you. I love you.

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2011-11-22T07:58:00.000+10:00

25 weeks.

There seems to be so much else to focus on at the moment, that I have to remind myself to slow down and enjoy this pregnancy. To be still and feel the baby, think about the future and take care of myself. With 15 weeks to go, baby seems to be making the most of the available room, before things get too cramped. Our little one loves to stretch, dance and kick. Patient Dada has even felt our little one's firm movements twice now, after several attempts. Cohen has less patience and prefers to blow raspberries on my tummy, or wrap his arms around me and bury his little nose in my belly button and then laugh and laugh.

My bump feels such a part of me this time that I sometimes forget that I am pregnant. Then I catch sight of myself reflected in a window, or Cohen touches my belly and reminds me, "Bubba in there."

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2011-11-21T15:14:00.000+10:00

Children are so very physical by comparison to adults. Especially almost three year old boys I am finding. They are always doing, rarely sitting. Mostly running, rarely walking. And loud, really rather loud a lot of the time. And then sometimes they are so taken by their play that they 'work' silently for long stretches of time, digging, raking, filling the wheelbarrow, tipping it out and starting all over again, stopping only to inform you 'Mama, dirt in shoe. Yuck.'

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2011-11-20T08:23:00.000+10:00

The last of the three bed rooms. This is the progress in the nursery so far, though it won't be finished until after the baby is born and we know the sex. Then we can finish decorating. In the meantime we are keeping it quite plain and neutral. This was how the room looked when we brought the house, this is how it looked after receiving a new ceiling, new paint, as well as having the carpets removed and the floor boards polished.

And this is how it is looking now-

The cot and change table were both Cohen's. The cot we brought from ebay, the change table from Ikea. The glass light cover was thrifted for $2.

This sweet old chair was my Grandmothers, the cushion was thrifted, the doll hiding in the cot was mine as a child.

This wardrobe is another ebay find we brought recently for $40. One day it will receive a new coat of paint and some new handles. And that little vintage dress? Well, I could not resist it and as we have Cohen's things should this baby be a boy, it seemed only fair to have a few things just in case it is a girl.

Thrifted 'Baby' embroidered pillowcase, baby shoes and vase. Porcelain bird house from Spotlight.

And a few more vintage dresses inside, just in case...

This room is also waiting on curtains and a rug. I can't wait to fill those little empty frames after baby is born. I have my eye out for a lamp table and a nice lamp, as well as a mobile. I love walking into this space though and imagining welcoming our new little one come March.

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2011-11-19T14:52:00.001+10:00

I'm going slowly today, thinking over ten years of memories of my dearest friend. Despite a year passing, the loss feels no less.

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2011-11-18T10:34:00.001+10:00

October, November and December are all birthday months in our house. First Dada, then Mama, then Cohen. Which makes it a little difficult to start thinking about Christmas until all our special days are out of the way. I still promise myself each Christmas that next year I will start a little earlier. Do you do this too?

So we decided to make a start on wrapping paper this morning. I made a star potato stamp, which Cohen thought was wonderful. He happily finger painted and stamped until he declared it was time to 'wash Mama' and toddled off to wash his hands.

Next I suppose I shall have to start thinking about cards, decorations and gifts. Especially given that we shall be hosting the whole family for Christmas at our house and I will be 30 weeks pregnant by that time. What do you have in mind for Christmas this year?

-

PS. Congratulations to my beautiful sister for winning a National Library Summer Scholarship! You clever girl you!

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2011-11-17T08:47:00.000+10:00

The house tour continues with progress photos of our bedroom. This was our bedroom before the renovations, and these are during, while this is how our room is looking now -

The closet doors have been removed, undercoated and are half way through being painted with white enamel. (To cover the original layer of purple paint.) I am looking forward to hanging them again so I don't have to keep looking at the contents of our closets.

We still have a vintage sheet in lieu of a curtain, until we find the right ones and the budget allows. I'm looking forward to finding lamps for the bedside tables and adding a shelf above the bed to display our photos, prints and nick-nacks. I'm yet to find the right lamps though.

This lovely old piece of furniture was given to us by the parents of a friend. They knew I loved old furniture and no longer had room for it. The story is that their grandfather made this for his intended fiance as a gift and they were married for many many years.

A Kitty Horton original, a Black Apple print and a Cartier-Bresson postcard of Matisse from our recent trip to the Queensland Art Gallery.

Again, the skirting boards need painting and of course we need curtains. We're on the look out for an interesting light fitting, lamps and new handles for the closet doors. But I am loving the simplicity of grey, white and wood.

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2011-11-16T07:19:00.000+10:00

As promised, progress shots of the house, beginning with Cohen's room. This was Cohen's room before and during the renovations.

And this is Cohen's room now -

Looking through Cohen's bedroom door.

The light shade is a Bakelite reproduction. The little white desk was made by my Grandfather and ours as children. The little wooden green chair I found on ebay. The play kitchen is from Ikea and the hobby horse was a gift brought at a craft fair.

Cohen's big boy bed is from Ikea, painted white. As is his step stool/bedside table (which needs to be painted). His ripple blanket and stuffed toys are Mama made, except for the knitted teddy which was a thifted find. The chest of drawers was also ours as children. The mat is from Spotlight.

Clothes, book and toy storage. The shelves are from Ikea, the Silkyoak wardrobe was another ebay buy for $60. The print on the wall is Van Gogh's 'Cherry Blossom', brought from the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam before Cohen's birth and put away for our first born. There is still a box somewhere, with the rest of Cohen's books in it.

The skirting boards still need to be painted with enamel and curtains made for the windows. The walls are still a little bare and the floor could do with a rug. But I think it's getting there and Cohen certainly loves his new, bigger bedroom.

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2011-11-15T11:53:00.001+10:00

What a gift it is to have a home of ones own. Something I dreamed about as a child. A big back yard. A room of ones own. A place for everything and everything in it's place. Some things are still a dream, like a room devoted entirely to being a library, bookshelves standing floor to ceiling. How wonderful would that be? Or a cellar full of dusty bottles of wine. (Or a new kitchen. Or air conditioning. Or curtains.) But other dreams are becoming a reality, like my first real veggie patch. A studio that is taking shape. A dining room big enough for dinner parties. A nursery waiting for bump. I promise to share some more progress photos of the house quite soon.

But tell me, what are your house dreams?

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2011-11-14T12:29:00.001+10:00

Being unplugged these past few weeks since moving into the new house house has been a blessing in disguise. There has been one less distraction as we settled in and unpacked, continued painting and demolishing, reattempted potty training and focused on creating new rhythms and routines. Which is not to say that I didn't miss my connection to the net. Several times some days I would think 'If only I had the internet I would be able to look that up/ find that out/ get that phone number/ print that recipe.' And yet I spent more time in the garden, more time reading and more time going out and connecting with my dear little family instead.

I'm looking forward to keeping that balance now that were re-connected to the internet and each other.

(Photo's from a Sunday trip to the City to re-visit the water park and GOMA with Dada, Fiona and Mama - now 24 weeks pregnant.)

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2011-11-08T07:19:00.000+10:00

“As far as I am concerned, taking photographs is a means of understanding, which cannot be separated from other means of visual expression. It is a way of shouting, of freeing oneself, not of providing or asserting one’s originality. It is a way of life. “ Henri Cartier-Bresson

I need to allocate more time for play, culture and exploration. For together they make for wonderful days. Days balanced by the laughter and noise of a water park at Southbank and the quiet contemplation of the Henri Cartier-Bresson exhibition at the Qld Art Gallery. Days enjoyed by Fiona, Cohen and myself. And surely days like this are wonderful experiences for a child learning about the world.

Having studied Cartier-Bresson at University (once upon a time), it was a remarkable feeling to witness this collection, reverentially hung upon the gallery walls. Pages from books and slide projectors, brought to life in a way that only gelatin silver prints can master.

I thought the exhibition well curated and admired the grey walls, bentwood chairs and the quotes writ large upon the wall. The collection was selected as personal favourites of, and printing overseen by, Cartier-Bresson in the last years of his life. Not just an impressive photojournalist documenting historically important times and places, Cartier-Bresson’s works are technically brilliant with their tonal qualities, use of thirds, shadow, framing etc, but they are also simply beautiful exchanges between photographer and subject, summed up so well by the phrase used to characterise his work – ‘the decisive moment’,” which can illustrate action, emotion and an entire story in a single image.” ( Taken from the wall of the gallery.)

$12 well and truly well spent and if you find yourself in Brisbane City at some point this month, certainly an exhibition I would recommend. (So too the new water park at Southbank, which Cohen adored, his smile plastered to his face much as his hair was plastered to his head. No photographs I’m afraid, as I was just as soaked as Cohen.)

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2011-11-06T18:39:00.003+10:00

It’s been quite a few years since we lived in this area and as such we have been discovering and rediscovering our surroundings. From parks we visited as newlyweds, to shops we once frequented when renovating our first house. It’s interesting to note what has remained the same and all that has changed. And in the midst of this exploration there are new discoveries, like the Brisbane Koala Bushland.

Dave surprised us with an impromptu visit and hand in hand we wandered the 1.4km track through the bush and to the creek eyes ever skyward, hoping to catch a glimpse of a koala sleeping in the fork of a tree. Try as hard as we might to find them, the koalas eluded us. The only sign of them, their claw marks scarring the trunks of trees. Instead the kookaburras and lizards vied for our attention, a turtle sunned itself on a log and a lace monitor hurriedly scampered from track to tree right in front of us. The colours of the Australian bush, the eucalyptus, the squiggly bark, the brown river, all seemed vaguely familiar and comforting, after a lifetime spent wandering through similar bush.

I’m so very grateful for days like these.

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2011-10-31T10:30:00.000+10:00

From the very first night we moved in, the new house has felt like home. Perhaps because we have been coming and going the past two months while renovating, or perhaps because we are unpacked and surrounded by our familiar items, or maybe it’s because I dreamt about it so often while we waited, trying to imagine how it would look and where things would go? But never before have we settled in anywhere quite so easily or so quickly.

While there is still so much that wants doing, we are in no rush. In the meantime I have been resting, baking, crocheting, reading, planting seeds in newspaper pots and turning over a corner of the garden in anticipation of a veggie patch. We have joined a play group, I’ve joined a book club and Cohen has gone into his toddler bed without any fuss. The nursery is coming together and I’m 22 weeks and 2 days along and enjoying every bump, kick and turn I can feel and occasionally even see.

Things may still be quiet around here for a while, as our internet could take up to a month to be connected. I hope all is well with all of you and I look forward to catching up on blogs and emails soon.

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2011-10-21T14:39:00.002+10:00

Photographs of our newly completed polished wooden floors aren't up there in the excitement stakes for many I know*. Probably polishing floors isn't that exciting either. Though a bird breaking into the house and pooping all over the second coat of varnish did get all our hearts racing for a little while.

What polished floors do mean though is that we are finally moving in! Even though the skirting boards need painting, even though we still have no eaves, even though the bathroom doesn't have a door, I couldn't care in the least. Those things will come. The truck has been packed and is on the way to the house as I type. So if you will excuse me, I have boxes to unpack!

I shall be back, hopefully with more exciting photos than those above, once the internet connection has been transferred over to the new house.

*But honestly, the floor has come up well, don't you think?

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2011-10-18T16:55:00.002+10:00

Sometimes parenting a toddler is more difficult than I had imagined. Sometimes it is overwhelming and I feel that I am failing. At those times I tend to have a good cry, pick myself up and go back to the books (or the net) and look for a different approach to deal with the current issues. Sometimes I need to remind myself not to expect so much of my little man. Sometimes I need to find ways to turn nos into yeses. Sometimes we both need to find ways to be calm. And sometimes, just changing things up, going for a walk and meeting a neighbours cat are all we need. Then I feel like perhaps it isn't really that difficult after all.

(That cute squished up, closed eyed face in the first pic? That is how Cohen smiles for the camera.)

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2011-10-17T10:11:00.001+10:00

Another weekend spent renovating... with a hail storm thrown in.

I spent one whole day scraping the melted underlay off Cohen's bedroom floor. I class this as my worst job yet. Seriously, outstandingly horrible. (Though Dave says the same of painting and removing the staples left beneath the lino in the kitchen.) I kept getting stuck to the floor and was covered in little flecks of sticky black rubber. Not to mention the claw for a hand I ended up with after hours and hours of holding on to that plastering tool and scraping the tar away inch by inch. But I managed to complain and sigh my way through it, knowing it needed to be done.

Then three of us (thanks Fiona and Dylan) still needed to scrape over it again the next day to have it ready for the floor sander today. Ta-dah!

Can't wait to see it all smooth and polished.

My dear sweet husband looking as impressed as he was probably feeling about painting again. Thanks honey!
The bathroom is so close to being finished now and most of the painting done.

The little man 'helping' by taking a nap after a busy day of stealing tools, hammering empty boxes and drumming on paint can lids.

And the entire floor - underlay, staple and nail free - ready to be sanded and polished and still on track for moving in this weekend. Hooray!

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2011-10-14T09:39:00.000+10:00

I haven't been spending nearly as much time at the bench as I would like lately. Only making it to the studio to complete orders, but no new stock for the shop, which I am missing. The renovations have taken precedence and more rest has been necessary as this growing baby tells me to slow down.

This morning Cohen and I made our way to the studio to finish off some orders. While the ultrasonic heated in anticipation of cleaning finished, polished jewellery, we took a walk around Uncle Mick's veggie patch and visited the neighbours Jacaranda tree.

Today we are off to run errands and post orders before visiting the new house to see our completed bathroom. What are you up to today?

My Creative Space

2011-10-13T12:44:00.000+10:00

Knitting fail.

I attempted this vintage pixie cap knitting pattern in the six month size, using the same size wool and needles required by the pattern. I was most pleased with myself, though I had a sneaking feeling all the while that it was bit too big. I am assuming that tension is the culprit?

My cap is too big even for the toddler.

More (successful) Creative Spaces here.

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2011-10-11T07:13:00.000+10:00

The lovely Liz of Lizzy C Photography has posted a sneak peek of her gorgeous wedding photos here. Loving the shots of Cohen, of course.

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2011-10-10T20:54:00.003+10:00

Another busy week of renovations, which have left very little time for anything else. Undercoating, painting, carpet removal, plumbing and jack hammering. The house still looks like a job site in parts, but slowly we are reclaiming each room.

The nursery has been puttied and painted and now awaits floor polishing and the finishing enamel paint touches.

The master bedroom is a deeper grey than this photo shows.

Another peek of the wallpaper, found beneath the carpet in the master.

Cohen's bedroom, which we intended to paint the same colour as the nursery, but the colour threw too much lavender. Instead we mixed the paint left from the other two bedrooms to create this soft grey.

Things had been running smoothly, until we pulled up the carpet and discovered the underlay in Cohen's room and the lounge has somehow melted to the floorboards and now requires many hours of scraping to remove.

As I have said, however long you think something will take, double it.

And then, maybe double it again.

Less than two weeks now until our intended move in day.

My fingers are still crossed.

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2011-10-08T08:07:00.000+10:00

Once again, that profile, those little feet. Simply amazing.

19 weeks today and all is well and normal. Half way there.

We shall see you in March my little love.

Ten things I have learnt while renovating...

2011-10-06T10:27:00.002+10:00

1. How ever long you think it will take, double it.

2. This principal also applies to the cost.

3. Be organised. Make lists. Talk things over. Imagine the space. Little things can get overlooked and become big problems, like the placement of a light switch. You don't want to have to walk to the wall furthest from the door to turn the light on.

4. Beware of hidden costs. For instance, in the quote we received for the plaster board, they failed to mention the $150 delivery fee, which was an unpleasant surprise.

5. Asbestos is best left to the pros. The long term affects to varying levels of exposure are still uncertain, but not worth the risk.

6. Spray for pests after painting, or the paint will void the effects of the paint. Unless you are trying to rid the ceiling of several ant colonies prior to applying the plasterboard.

7. Sometimes you will need three or four layers of undercoat. Grit you teeth and keep painting. Also, wait those two hours between coats. You WILL notice the difference.

8. Everybody has a friend who can get you something cheaper, be it paint, fittings or whatever. Take this with a grain of salt and budget for the normal price. And if you do get something cheaper smile and mentally use those savings to account for the afore mentioned $150 delivery fee.

9. Painting is like moving, no one wants to help.

10. Please refer to 1 and 2 again.

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2011-10-05T09:50:00.002+10:00

Precious excerpts from Cohen's book recently -

Today you made up your first song and sang it in the car as we drove up the mountains. It was especially lovely to hear you singing along and see you smiling away. And it kept you amused on the long drive.

Your song went - "Yes, yes, yes, no, no, no, moo, moo, moo, neigh, neigh, neigh, yeah, yeah, yeah." (Repeat x 100)

Each day you are learning at least two new words and constantly surprising me. But I must admit, those words that you don't get quite right, or that you have invented yourself, they are the ones that I find oh so cute. Even if I have the necessary job of interpreter when you're chatting to others.

Wai wai - water (took us awhile to work this one out)

Dopter - helicopter

Yah Yah - light saber (because of the noise you make when you wave it around)

Rah Rah - transformer mask (because you always 'Rah!' and pretend to scare us when you wear the mask)

Pop pop - juice, poppers, Pop Tops and also balloons, because they pop

Toast - any bread product is toast. Bread, muffins, crumpets. When we get to the bread aisle at the shops you always excitedly yell 'Toast Mama!'

Each night you climb onto the lounge with me, lay your head on my tummy and say "Bub bub."

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2011-10-03T09:09:00.002+10:00

Happy Monday folks! Time for a renovation progress post. This past week the tiler has been hard at work tiling the bathroom and painting has begun.

We also sat down and wrote a list of all the things that need to be undertaken before we can move in and, well, writing it down surely made it seem a lot bigger than what was in my head. But I am enthusiastically, but possibly impossibly, working towards moving in in three weeks time. Though the dates are somewhat dependent on the movements of the plasterer, floor polisher, electrician, plumber and carpenter of course. Some things will have to wait until we move in, such as the laundry and installing the new eaves. But I just want to get into my new house and get all our things out of boxes!

(Before)

Once the plasterer returns to install the cornicing in the bathroom, the ceiling can be painted and the rest of the fixtures can be installed.

Like the shaving cabinet doors, vanity, shower screen, taps, towel rails, toilet, lighting... as well as the door.

(Before)

Saturday I spent the day sugar soaping the walls of the entire upstairs level, while Dave started cutting in with the undercoat. I've never heard a man complain quite so much as my dear husband does with a paint brush in his hand. However, the budget does not extend far enough to include hiring a painter. Thankfully turning the music up and the promise of beer upon completion kept him going.

So much more painting to go...

(Before)

I just love this little bit of wall paper we uncovered behind the power point in the master.

Now there is a week of painting ahead of us.

Previous renovation posts - one, two, three, four, five and original house tour.

My Creative Space

2011-09-29T09:39:00.000+10:00

Stitch by stitch the ripple blanket continues to grow.

The mail man has brought with him a few books of late.

The Rhythm of Family, Little Things for busy hands, Waiting for Baby and My New Baby.

New jam is a wonderful excuse for some early morning baking. Recipe here.

Anyone waiting on a jewellery order, I have been a little behind with the wedding, but all orders should be finished up today and tomorrow.

What have you been making?

More Creative Spaces here.

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2011-09-28T08:47:00.001+10:00

The accumulation of laundry after two nights away never fails to amaze me. Surely it doubles in size while in the suitcase? Still, while the washing machine bubbled and whirred yesterday I set to washing, hulling and boiling batches of mulberries and strawberries. Thanks to Clare for the home grown mulberries and to the discovery of more 79 cent a punnet strawberries.

Ah, the satisfaction of empty laundry baskets and full jars of fresh jam.

Photo booth fun!

2011-09-27T07:44:00.000+10:00

One of my favorite parts of the reception was the photo booth. Quite simply a camera on a tripod and a suitcase full of dress up items, which lead to hours of fun and some wonderful photographs of family and friends. I love this idea, which was inspired by the photographer's own wedding. And I just love these photos!

More here.

The wedding!

2011-09-26T16:01:00.001+10:00

Oh my, I am exhausted! What an amazing long weekend we have had, having spent the last two night staying in Toowoomba. My dearest darling sister married her love in a beautiful ceremony, surrounded by family and friends. Everything was amazing, the accommodation, the vintage car, the dresses, the chapel and reception center, the cake and of course the bride. It was such a honor to be bridesmaid and have my darling Cohen as page boy. We had a wonderful time and so much fun. Especially loved the photo booth and dress up at the reception. Will post about that next!

Welcome to the family Dylan. Wishing you both much love and happiness. Have a wonderful honeymoon!

-

Thanks to the family and friends, who took some of these photos, for sharing them with me.

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2011-09-24T07:18:00.000+10:00

Fabric brought on sale at Spotlight for $3 a meter

While I had the sewing machine out to finish off the maternity top I'd started, I also made some alterations to another dress I brought recently. I picked up this little dress up for $4.95 at Valleygirl, as I liked the fabric. However, it was too short to be a dress and unflattering as a tunic with the frill around the bottom, but it fits my bump nicely. So the frill got the chop, and a new hem was made and ta-dah, two more thrifty tops to add to my maternity wardrobe.

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2011-09-23T08:20:00.000+10:00

Crochet ripple baby blanket, using the Attic 24 pattern
Raveled here

Another maternity top in progress, using this Simplicity pattern

Finished hangers for the wedding, using an adaption of Dottie Angels Happy Hanger Pattern
Ravelled with notes here

Slowly but surely my energy levels are returning and I find I'm not joining Cohen for a nap every day. Just some days. As a result when I'm not spending time at the bench filling orders, I have been playing with some crafty projects. Though I should still be working on the hexagon blanket... I told you, bad crafter... and only two sleeps until the wedding.

My Creative Space

2011-09-22T07:17:00.000+10:00

A bit of maternity stitching to fill the gaps in my wardrobe. Quick, simple and colourful for Summer. It looks cute with a belt pulling it in.

I used this Simplicity pattern and added an extra two inches to the sides and an inch to the bottom at the front to accommodate my growing tummy. Made from cotton found on sale for $5 a meter at Spotlight.

More Creative Spaces here.

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2011-09-21T17:28:00.000+10:00

The little man is growing up. Sometimes it takes me by surprise. As his imagination takes flight, so do his demands for independence. From refusing to wear certain clothes, to asking for specific toys to take to bed with him, he is becoming more aware of himself and his possessions. And sometimes that means tears when we leave a shop without something that he thinks should be his. Other times he gets an unexpected present and plays with it for days. Like this helmet the couple working at the op-shop gave him. He has been counting into the microphone, then sets off running. "One, two, one, GO!"

But as much as he is growing, he is still my little boy. The same little boy who still wants to fall back asleep laying in my arms when he has woken up too early from a nap. Little arm flung across my neck. Soft breath in my ear. Laying curled up beside me. And no matter how much he grows, my arms will always be open.

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2011-09-20T08:01:00.002+10:00

Right now...

It's a strange and foggy morning today, after the smokey days and hazy skies of late. Asthma puffer by my side as I type...

There's last minute wedding crafting going on in these parts, of the 'happy hanger' variety. Though mine look a little different and I'm not sure why.

While picking up one last ball of white yarn for the hexagon blanket, all yarns were 40% off. I brought an extra eight balls for a baby blanket. I'm thinking a ripple.

Cohen now has a toy Doctor set, complete with stethoscope and syringe. It's amazing watching his imagination unfold and his understanding growing through repetition. He has been checking the health of his favourite toys or calling out 'Doctor Doctor' before listening to the babies heart beat or giving me a needle, then rubbing my arm better. My sweet little Doctor.

Five sleeps until the wedding!

And don't forget, the Spring Sale in my shop ends tomorrow.

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2011-09-19T09:09:00.000+10:00

Good morning Monday. Time for another renovation progress post. This past week the roof has been completely replaced, the plumbing fine tuned and plasterer hard at work. There is now plasterboard encasing the wooden surround of the stairs.

And new ceilings throughout the whole house.

(Which have already needed repair after a roofer feel through the ceiling in the lounge room...)

(See that big patch of plaster to the left? That would be where the roofer was hanging out, up to his armpits.)

The plasterer also turned his hands to finishing Dave's new wall for the bathroom,

and sheeting said bathroom. Which looks a whole lot different now to when we brought the house. So much bigger! Time to call in the tiler.

Recessed shaving cabinet before. The vanity will hang below the cabinet and next to it will be the shower.

Goodbye mirror tiles in the master bedroom, hello new ceiling.

And the old bar downstairs now has walls the whole way around and is shaping up to be a great little studio. Goodbye brick walls. Now to get rid of that lino and get painting.

Previous renovation posts: one, two, three, four and House Tour.

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2011-09-18T11:00:00.000+10:00

16 weeks today and greetings from the renovation!

Hope you're having a swell weekend.

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2011-09-16T09:00:00.000+10:00

Hand knits by myself, thrifted cardi, and booties from Happy Circus

Vintage overalls from little reader vintage

Sweet socks from Aunty Fiona

This time around we have most all that we need for the baby. Cot, change table, toys, bath, car seat, as well as many of Cohen's baby clothes. But I am enjoying putting away some sweet new things just for this baby. A mixture of boys and girls things.

Don't you just love baby clothes?

My Creative Space

2011-09-15T09:17:00.001+10:00

I had the best of intentions to have this blanket finished in time for the wedding. Especially given that I have had, um... twelve months to make it. But as it happens, I have some wonderful excuses, in that I have been continually sidetracked by other craft projects for myself.

The last week has seen me pick up where I left off with this project in that slim hope that it may indeed be finished in time for the wedding... or not long after. The only thing is, I keep thinking it would look lovely in the new nursery.

All in all, this makes me a naughty crafter, doesn't it?

More Creative Spaces here.

Spring Sale! 10% Off all jewellery

2011-09-14T12:45:00.001+10:00

Hooray, it's Spring! And what a gorgeous Spring day it is today too.

In order to celebrate I'm offering a discount this week only in my store. I know a few of you who have mentioned your interest in certain pieces and I hope that this will help you fulfill those dreams.

To redeem the discount, enter HOORAY at the checkout.

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2011-09-12T08:15:00.000+10:00

Dave has been spending every spare moment working on the house and progress is being made. So much of the work has been the necessary behind the scenes stuff like rewiring, moving the plumbing, rebuilding walls and doorways. You might need to use your imagination somewhat with the following photos. I have included links to the photographs of how the spaces looked originally. The pictures are a little dark too, as they were taken yesterday afternoon and as their is currently no ceiling, there are also no lights.

The wall in the kitchen has gone the same way as the arch. Eventually a kitchen island will stand in it's place, opening up the lounge, dining and kitchen and creating a lovely breeze between the front and the back balcony.

Looking down the hall is also quite different. Not only has the kitchen wall been removed, but in order to remodel the bathroom, the original bathroom wall (which contained the linen closet) and adjoining toilet wall have also been removed. By combining the original bathroom, toilet and entry off the hall to the toilet, we have increased the size of the bathroom enough to include a shower and a bath (the original had only a bath.) Ordinarily I am not a fan of combined bathrooms and toilets, but as we have a second toilet downstairs and plans for an ensuite to the main bedroom, I'm happy to compromise in order to fit that shower in.

The bathroom space with new studs. Looking like a hall again.

Recessed shaving cabinet and our little helper leaving his pencil scribbles for the next renovators to discover.

And another little peek of the bar and laundry rooms, which will become my workshop and laundry room. Looking very different now. I'm so excited about what these spaces will become.

The electrician has been in and rewired everything and the plasterer is expected this week. Next week I hope to have new walls and ceilings to show you and hopefully the waterproofing and tiling will be underway in the bathroom. Then we just have to have the lighting installed, have the eaves installed, the roof replaced, the timber floor sanded and polished and the whole internal of the house painted... and we can move in!

Previous renovation posts: one, two, three and the House Tour

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2011-09-10T09:03:00.000+10:00

Hello Spring.

Thank you for all your lovely comments on my last post. They made me smile so much. It's so encouraging to be reminded that the tiredness will end (and hopefully soon.) I'm loving my little baby bump and amazed at how different things seem the second time around.

I have been noticing Spring all around me, the colours, growth and change. This season I am looking forward to watching this little bundle grow and kick as his/her older brother grows too - new teeth, so much taller and so many more words! I'm also looking forward to getting the house renovations to the stage that we can move in and start settling in and enjoying our new family home. But more immediately, I am looking forward to my sister's wedding and time spent celebrating with family and friends. Not long to go now!

I will also be taking your advice and concentrating on couch craft this season, though I do have some new designs I'd love to work on for the shop once my energy levels rise. Thanks to all those who have made purchases lately too. The 'Away with the clouds' earrings and 'Rick rack' rings are still the most popular and I love imagining my crafty clients out there wearing my handmade pieces.

What are you looking forward to this season?

My Creative Space

2011-09-08T08:57:00.000+10:00

Hello little baby bump. Nearly 15 weeks and still sooo tired.

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More Creative Spaces here.

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2011-09-07T08:34:00.000+10:00

Cohen's first people drawing, three legs and all. Love it.

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2011-09-06T17:46:00.000+10:00

Yesterday I spent the day baking at our temporary abode while the asbestos removers were busy at our new house. One more step closer to finally moving in, so much still to do.

Goodbye shed walls...

Goodbye laundry and studio walls and ceilings...

Goodbye bathroom walls...

Goodbye eaves.

So long asbestos.

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2011-09-05T08:52:00.000+10:00

Snippets from the weekend.

Hoping you had a lovely Father's Day.

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2011-09-02T09:08:00.002+10:00

Two days ago I discovered punnets of strawberries for 69 cents each at our local fruit shop. I brought six punnets and two lemons in order to make jam the next day. Lovely fresh, cheap jam free of artifical colours, preservatives or flavors.

In the mean time Cohen ate one punnet, Dave took another punnet to work and I realised that all my jam jars were packed. Nor did I have any kitchen scales. Not a worry, thought I, having seen retro looking kitchen scales for $20 at the local hardward shop and preserving jars at the local grocery store. Scales secured I went to get the jars, only to find out that they has been 'deleted' and were no longer in stock. They had sold the small and large jars off at $1 each, but sadly I was a few days too late. I drove across town to another grocery store to no avail.

Concerned that my strawberries were not going to become jam after all, I wandered into 'Crazy Clarks' and there I found these sweet little jars at $1.40 each. I brought eight of them and took them home. In the excitement of hardware, grocery and variety shops Cohen had fallen asleep. I put him to bed, lugged all my jars and scales into the house, turned on some music and got to jam making.

And ta-dah! Two and a bit jars of perfect strawberry jam.

Which, when you count in the cost of the strawberries, the scales, the jars, the sugar and the lemons, my nice cheap jam suddenly cost $37.82. But we need not tell my husband this, as surely buying the scales and jars do not count, not to mention the petrol and time... instead I like to think that it was really only the fruit, sugar and lemons alone, thus this perfect jam cost about $4.20 all up. After all, the jars and scales are reusable, right?

High on my jam making success, I'm on the look out for anything else that I can preserve. Suggestions?

-

Jam made using a combination of this recipe and the recipe in the latest issue of 'Frankie'.

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2011-09-01T16:58:00.000+10:00

I love mail...

Particularly when it comes in the form of a first run of fabric by the very talented Belinda at Gretchenmist. I love the design and the colour. And Belinda was naughty enough to include one of her new prints, which will be joining her other work I have collected for my studio.

Many thanks Belinda!

My Creative Space

2011-09-01T08:02:00.000+10:00

More washcloth crochet and knitting. Simple and practical. Just what I need at the moment. I'm low on energy and motivation, but it's still nice to have a little something to work on. I've started using these washcloths with Cohen and I must say I have been converted. These will certainly be a go to couch craft in future.

Ravelry 1, 2 & 3

More creative spaces here.

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2011-08-31T07:16:00.001+10:00

I remember when I was pregnant with Cohen and waiting to meet my baby, my mind was so full of dreams and wishes for him. Health. Love. Happiness. I would try to imagine how he would look. What he would be like. Who he would grow to be. And of all the things I wished for him, there were two things I secretly hoped we would share a love for, art and books.

From the first day we brought him home, we would read to him. Whether during tummy time, or as he was falling asleep, I read to him each day. As he got older we would sit together and I would read to him. Books from my childhood, books gifted to us by loved ones, library books. But by the time his second birthday came, he was no longer interested in reading with me. He would take the book off me and play with it or put it away. He would shut the book while I was reading or simply walk away. I hoped that it was just a phase and not a sign that he really wouldn't love books after all. I know it is probably too soon to tell. But I was concerned none the less. There are always so many little things one can worry about and I am one to over think...

Recently though, Cohen has fallen in love with a book called 'Grug has a birthday' by Ted Prior. I read it to him and he asks me to read it several more times and points to everything in the book. I ask him to read it back to me and he flicks through the pages making sound effects for the actions or asking questions. He carries the book around with him. He takes it to bed at night. And will even hold that book while I read another book to him.

Funny how quickly they change and how soon you have something else to worry about.

His love of art though has never been a concern.

Cohen's first canvas. A special gift for Dada for Fathers Day.

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2011-08-30T07:41:00.000+10:00

Cohen and I spent a lovely slow afternoon together wandering around our three favourite op-shops yesterday, searching for useful items for the house or baby. While I pushed the pram, Cohen played with his toy crane and chatted away and we both scanned the aisles. We came home with an small embroidered pillow slip, a hand knit cardigan, a Meakin jug that matches a bowl I own already, an old handmade cushion and some crochet and knitting booklets, the oldest dating from 1937.

And just in case you were wondering about the blue cardigan, we actually aren't finding out the sex of the baby. I just find it difficult not to buy things like this sweet cardigan for $1. I am hedging my bets evenly by buying a few boy things and a few girl things when I see them. Given that family and friends are having or planning to have babies, I figure that none of these darling little clothes will go unloved.

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2011-08-29T10:01:00.000+10:00

Progress...

The ceiling has been removed throughout the entire top floor of the house, leaving behind the usually hidden beams, wires and whirlybirds. And the arch has been demolished as well. Fare thee well arch!

Test patches of paint colours are dabbed here and there. Choosing paint colours is more difficult than I remember...

The bathroom has been gutted, in preparation for asbestos removal. It is likely that as well as the bathroom, the eaves, shed, laundry walls and hardiplank cladding on the outside of the upper level all contain asbestos, which will all be removed. It is legal in Australia to remove it yourself, but for safety reasons we will be hiring an A grade licensed asbestos demolition company. There is a really informative article on asbestos in Australia here. It is an added expense and a pain, but at the end of the day we want our house to be asbestos free.

And a note for anyone thinking of renovating or buying an older house, any house pre-1990 could contain asbestos. Any board or cladding could contain asbestos. Breathing in the tiny asbestos dust particles when drilling, sanding or removing the board could lead to long term health problems like lung cancer. Building inspections carried out during the purchasing process do not report on asbestos. Only a licenced asbestos demolition company will be able to identify asbestos and remove and dispose of it safely.

I shall report back next Monday on the ongoing progress.