We found him exploring a can of spray adhesive in the backyard late one afternoon, and I think he may have made our asparagus fern his new home. No problem, Mr Caterpillar.
Isla was a little unsure though.
Monday, August 24, 2009
We Come in Peace...
Is it just me, or does this strange little fellow look rather other-worldly?
We found him exploring a can of spray adhesive in the backyard late one afternoon, and I think he may have made our asparagus fern his new home. No problem, Mr Caterpillar.
Isla was a little unsure though.
We found him exploring a can of spray adhesive in the backyard late one afternoon, and I think he may have made our asparagus fern his new home. No problem, Mr Caterpillar.
Isla was a little unsure though.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Done and Dusted.
Stitches and Craft is officially over and I am officially ecstatic! What a massive undertaking it proved to be, and not necessarily one of my most successful (I don't like regrets so I won't regret this either - all manner of opportunities may yet arise from it).
All I know is that I could not have done it without the massive help I received from Tez, who ran my stall Wed, Thurs and Fri and Sparky, who took the reins on the weekend. (Apologies if you came by to see me - I am not a handsome man, I was just absent!) Isla had a meltdown fortnight in the lead-up to and including the show, so I couldn't spend nearly as much time there as I would've liked at my stall, but thankfully I had help.
I've got some photos of my booth setup below, and would love to share some shots of my delightful fellow Incubatorians (particularly Monalisa Designs, Berlinski and Rummage) but I didn't get a chance to take shots of their gorgeous setups. I am, however, getting one of Monalisa's beautiful tweets for Isla's room so I'll show you that when it arrives.
I was pretty pleased with my booth setup, considering the space we had was quite limited (2m x 2m) and I loved how my new sign turned out.
The resin kits sold pretty well, and I still have some available for purchase. If you're interested, send me an email and I'll get one out to you. They sold for $50 at the show but for blog readers they'll be $40 plus shipping. (They include an introductory booklet with projects, resin - retails for $30 - mixing cups, measuring cups, wooden stirrers, papers, acrylic bases and findings to make bobby pins, brooches and pendants). Bargain of the century!
All I know is that I could not have done it without the massive help I received from Tez, who ran my stall Wed, Thurs and Fri and Sparky, who took the reins on the weekend. (Apologies if you came by to see me - I am not a handsome man, I was just absent!) Isla had a meltdown fortnight in the lead-up to and including the show, so I couldn't spend nearly as much time there as I would've liked at my stall, but thankfully I had help.
I've got some photos of my booth setup below, and would love to share some shots of my delightful fellow Incubatorians (particularly Monalisa Designs, Berlinski and Rummage) but I didn't get a chance to take shots of their gorgeous setups. I am, however, getting one of Monalisa's beautiful tweets for Isla's room so I'll show you that when it arrives.
I was pretty pleased with my booth setup, considering the space we had was quite limited (2m x 2m) and I loved how my new sign turned out.
The resin kits sold pretty well, and I still have some available for purchase. If you're interested, send me an email and I'll get one out to you. They sold for $50 at the show but for blog readers they'll be $40 plus shipping. (They include an introductory booklet with projects, resin - retails for $30 - mixing cups, measuring cups, wooden stirrers, papers, acrylic bases and findings to make bobby pins, brooches and pendants). Bargain of the century!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Where I'm Up To.
Sneaky sneaky me. This is a scheduled post. Tut tut. Because as we speak (read) I will be knee-deep in craft enthusiasts at the Stitches Show and may fail to post for a little while (year). By the way, come visit me up on Level 4. I'm the glamorous lady (HA! Try the exhausted looking woman, in desperate need of a haircut and colour, with a delightful smear of pureed pumpkin on my chin...) in Booth 206.
I nicked this concept directly from Pip over at Meet Me at Mikes. Ch-ch-ch-check it out.
Making: Earring cards for said Stitches and Craft
Cooking: (Reheating) Bolegnaise that Sparky cooked up
Drinking: NZ Sauvignon Blanc (Thank YOU Mr Greys Online)
Reading: Harry Potter #6. Again.
Wanting: To organise my studio. Desperately.
Looking: At the application form for Life Instyle 2010
Playing: Possum.
Wasting: Tiiiiime.
Sewing: Nothing. I wish I could sew. Then I would sew the whole world.
Wishing: To see my jewellery on Scarlett Johansen.
Enjoying: Gardening.
Waiting: For our holiday to arrive.
Liking: Project Runway Australia (Mark or William to win!)
Wondering: If I can rationalise buying a decoupaged elk head.
Loving: Sparky and Is.
Hoping: I turn out to be a good mum.
Marvelling: At how disruptive teeth can be.
Needing: A massage.
Smelling: Lux soap flakes.
Wearing: Sloppy Country Road cardi
Following: Stephen Fry on Twitter. Charming man.
Noticing: How the light has changed.
Knowing: I'm blessed.
Thinking: Of hiring a part-time assistant
Feeling: Groovy.
Bookmarking: www.LovelyPackage.com
Opening: My credit card bill
Giggling: In anticipation
Feeling: Funny.
Do you want to do it too?! Cut and paste the blanks below to your blog... or print them out and write your answers and stow it away just for yourself!
Making :
Cooking :
Drinking :
Reading:
Wanting:
Looking:
Playing:
Wasting:
Sewing:
Wishing:
Enjoying:
Waiting:
Liking:
Wondering:
Loving:
Hoping:
Marvelling:
Needing:
Smelling:
Wearing:
Following:
Noticing:
Knowing:
Thinking:
Feeling:
Bookmarking:
Opening:
Giggling:
Feeling:
I nicked this concept directly from Pip over at Meet Me at Mikes. Ch-ch-ch-check it out.
Making: Earring cards for said Stitches and Craft
Cooking: (Reheating) Bolegnaise that Sparky cooked up
Drinking: NZ Sauvignon Blanc (Thank YOU Mr Greys Online)
Reading: Harry Potter #6. Again.
Wanting: To organise my studio. Desperately.
Looking: At the application form for Life Instyle 2010
Playing: Possum.
Wasting: Tiiiiime.
Sewing: Nothing. I wish I could sew. Then I would sew the whole world.
Wishing: To see my jewellery on Scarlett Johansen.
Enjoying: Gardening.
Waiting: For our holiday to arrive.
Liking: Project Runway Australia (Mark or William to win!)
Wondering: If I can rationalise buying a decoupaged elk head.
Loving: Sparky and Is.
Hoping: I turn out to be a good mum.
Marvelling: At how disruptive teeth can be.
Needing: A massage.
Smelling: Lux soap flakes.
Wearing: Sloppy Country Road cardi
Following: Stephen Fry on Twitter. Charming man.
Noticing: How the light has changed.
Knowing: I'm blessed.
Thinking: Of hiring a part-time assistant
Feeling: Groovy.
Bookmarking: www.LovelyPackage.com
Opening: My credit card bill
Giggling: In anticipation
Feeling: Funny.
Do you want to do it too?! Cut and paste the blanks below to your blog... or print them out and write your answers and stow it away just for yourself!
Making :
Cooking :
Drinking :
Reading:
Wanting:
Looking:
Playing:
Wasting:
Sewing:
Wishing:
Enjoying:
Waiting:
Liking:
Wondering:
Loving:
Hoping:
Marvelling:
Needing:
Smelling:
Wearing:
Following:
Noticing:
Knowing:
Thinking:
Feeling:
Bookmarking:
Opening:
Giggling:
Feeling:
Monday, August 17, 2009
Who? Oh, me. Right.
Hello. I do still exist.
I have approximately three minutes until my brain turns to mush and my baby starts crying, simultaneously, so I'll be brief.
I've just come home, drunk a glass of wine and put Isla to bed after the set-up for Stitches and Craft. It was fun. Until Issy lost her business and I had to run (yes, run) to save her poor grandmother from a nervous breakdown. After that, not so much fun.
All I can say is THANK THE LORD for the delightful Alison (from uber-gorgeous handbag/clutch label Berlinksi - www.berlinksi.com.au - I'm too shattered too even hyperkink)* and her sister Bree for helping me out in my time of need. I'm quite pleased with my setup overall and I will take some photos over the next five days to share with you.
Aside from working 20 hours a day in preparation (slight exaggeration, but I have been awake for 20 hours a day all the same), I have been daydreaming about our upcoming holiday and buying swimsuits accordingly. Check this beautiful maillot out:
So, let me see... My last few weeks have consisted of making over 400 pieces of jewellery, dealing with a cranky cranky bub, holiday dreaming, online shopping (I have also bought delightful things from Georgie Love and Cocorikoo, and may or may not have an extra delightful something in the works for Sparky - hi Sparky!) and not sleeping a great deal. Yep. So I guess this is a comprehensive update. Excellent. I am an excellent blogger, yes? No. OK.
Must dash. Brain fried.
*OK, I see that it says hyperkink, but that made me chuckle, so it stays. The asterisk simply says that I'm not a moron who can't spellcheck.
I have approximately three minutes until my brain turns to mush and my baby starts crying, simultaneously, so I'll be brief.
I've just come home, drunk a glass of wine and put Isla to bed after the set-up for Stitches and Craft. It was fun. Until Issy lost her business and I had to run (yes, run) to save her poor grandmother from a nervous breakdown. After that, not so much fun.
All I can say is THANK THE LORD for the delightful Alison (from uber-gorgeous handbag/clutch label Berlinksi - www.berlinksi.com.au - I'm too shattered too even hyperkink)* and her sister Bree for helping me out in my time of need. I'm quite pleased with my setup overall and I will take some photos over the next five days to share with you.
Aside from working 20 hours a day in preparation (slight exaggeration, but I have been awake for 20 hours a day all the same), I have been daydreaming about our upcoming holiday and buying swimsuits accordingly. Check this beautiful maillot out:
So, let me see... My last few weeks have consisted of making over 400 pieces of jewellery, dealing with a cranky cranky bub, holiday dreaming, online shopping (I have also bought delightful things from Georgie Love and Cocorikoo, and may or may not have an extra delightful something in the works for Sparky - hi Sparky!) and not sleeping a great deal. Yep. So I guess this is a comprehensive update. Excellent. I am an excellent blogger, yes? No. OK.
Must dash. Brain fried.
*OK, I see that it says hyperkink, but that made me chuckle, so it stays. The asterisk simply says that I'm not a moron who can't spellcheck.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Flergenblech.
Sometimes, when things just get a little too difficult, my muscles ache a little too much and it becomes increasingly troublesome to drag myself through the day, it is worthwhile stopping, pondering and making up a word that sums that feeling up.
Hello, flergenblech.
In other, less insane news, I am using this photo to get me through the next few weeks:
Sparky, Isy and I are heading to Byron Bay in a few weeks time for a much MUCH needed break and the thought of it is currently the only thing keeping me from getting 'Flergenblech' tattooed across my forehead (that is, the only thing keeping me sane).
I've also compiled a list of events I hope to participate in over the next 12 months and that is an incredibly exciting and motivating thing for me. The rundown is only approximate because I don't know what I will or won't be accepted into at this stage, but here it is:
- Stitches and Craft - 19-23 August @ Rosehill Racecourse
- pyd Designer Markets - October @ pyd, Waterloo
- Magnolia Square - 19-21 November @ Royal Randwick
- Glenbrook Spring Festival - November
- Glenbrook Markets - October, November, December
- The Rocks Markets (if I can get someone to work for me) - October, November, December
- The Finders Keepers - December
- Youngblood Christmas Markets
- Life inStyle - February 2010
- Royal Easter Show (Fashion & Style Pavillion) - April 2010
Helpful in motivating me, and helpful in making me feel exhausted. I think I'll tackle the majority of these after the holiday.
For now it's back to Stitches and Craft prep, among other things. Today I am proofing my resin booklet, taking Isy for a check-up, getting a sneaky coffee, catching up with my sister, assembling my kick-arse new sign, applying for two of the above-mentioned events and a retailer showcase called (m)art in Brisbane. I also need to do another two pours and start drilling an enormous pile of pendants and earrings. Excellent!
Hello, flergenblech.
In other, less insane news, I am using this photo to get me through the next few weeks:
Sparky, Isy and I are heading to Byron Bay in a few weeks time for a much MUCH needed break and the thought of it is currently the only thing keeping me from getting 'Flergenblech' tattooed across my forehead (that is, the only thing keeping me sane).
I've also compiled a list of events I hope to participate in over the next 12 months and that is an incredibly exciting and motivating thing for me. The rundown is only approximate because I don't know what I will or won't be accepted into at this stage, but here it is:
- Stitches and Craft - 19-23 August @ Rosehill Racecourse
- pyd Designer Markets - October @ pyd, Waterloo
- Magnolia Square - 19-21 November @ Royal Randwick
- Glenbrook Spring Festival - November
- Glenbrook Markets - October, November, December
- The Rocks Markets (if I can get someone to work for me) - October, November, December
- The Finders Keepers - December
- Youngblood Christmas Markets
- Life inStyle - February 2010
- Royal Easter Show (Fashion & Style Pavillion) - April 2010
Helpful in motivating me, and helpful in making me feel exhausted. I think I'll tackle the majority of these after the holiday.
For now it's back to Stitches and Craft prep, among other things. Today I am proofing my resin booklet, taking Isy for a check-up, getting a sneaky coffee, catching up with my sister, assembling my kick-arse new sign, applying for two of the above-mentioned events and a retailer showcase called (m)art in Brisbane. I also need to do another two pours and start drilling an enormous pile of pendants and earrings. Excellent!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
The One Where I Apologise
Oh. Hello there. Yes, I do still exist and occasionally I do actually turn on my computer. And (even less) occasionally, I may write a blog post. Such as this one.
I have been madly preparing for the Stitches and Craft Show which begins in (gulp) one week and two days. I am building a very solid inventory which will either all sell out (yay!) or hold me in good stead for the crazy October-December Christmas and market frenzy. So this is a good thing.
I've also been working on my new collection (hello chunky neck plates, vintage doilies and pretty ribbon), experimenting with my friend Joe the Plastics Man on how I can speed up my production process for my Elements and Still Life Collections, doing a mass mailout to boutiques, working on my catalogue and linesheet, sourcing some of the most gorgeous papers IN. THE. WORLD. and putting together a limited number (hint: 100) of the 'Introduction to Working with Resin' kits that will be for sale at Stitches and Craft.
It's been a stressful, wonderfully productive time and I (mostly) wouldn't trade it for anything. My higher levels of what I like to call 'real' business work come from a much-needed mindset shift where I now have to really focus on Trove as a business, rather than a quasi-business kinda-hobby thing. The problem I've had as the label has grown organically from a hobby is that I've never had to take the nitty-gritty completely seriously. And since my maternity leave started I've been swept along in the romantic notion of working at home. When the reality is that I am so passionate about my jewellery and to make my label a success AND so determined to be able to stay at home with Isla, that I need to focus a lot more specifically on the things that really matter. Like a wise man once said, "Think of every day as an opportunity to make money," and while the idealist inside says that money isn't everything (totes true!) the reality is that money is required for living and that my back is to the wall.
So there you have it. A large dose of reality that is now in the public sphere. I have to make it work now!
Back to your regularly scheduled program of meandering, irregular updates and semi-interesting photos:
In order these photos are CUUUUTE, paper, paper, paper and the grab bags of (paper) that I will have for sale at Stitches and Craft. Bargain basement price of $5 will get you a variety of papers in a variety of sizes to use however you wish. I'd personally recommend decoupaging your toilet seat, but that's just me. I'm awesome like that.
Ooh, speaking of being awesome, do yourself a favour and check out Sally's most recent posts about why she is indeed awesome. (As if we needed reminding!)
I have been madly preparing for the Stitches and Craft Show which begins in (gulp) one week and two days. I am building a very solid inventory which will either all sell out (yay!) or hold me in good stead for the crazy October-December Christmas and market frenzy. So this is a good thing.
I've also been working on my new collection (hello chunky neck plates, vintage doilies and pretty ribbon), experimenting with my friend Joe the Plastics Man on how I can speed up my production process for my Elements and Still Life Collections, doing a mass mailout to boutiques, working on my catalogue and linesheet, sourcing some of the most gorgeous papers IN. THE. WORLD. and putting together a limited number (hint: 100) of the 'Introduction to Working with Resin' kits that will be for sale at Stitches and Craft.
It's been a stressful, wonderfully productive time and I (mostly) wouldn't trade it for anything. My higher levels of what I like to call 'real' business work come from a much-needed mindset shift where I now have to really focus on Trove as a business, rather than a quasi-business kinda-hobby thing. The problem I've had as the label has grown organically from a hobby is that I've never had to take the nitty-gritty completely seriously. And since my maternity leave started I've been swept along in the romantic notion of working at home. When the reality is that I am so passionate about my jewellery and to make my label a success AND so determined to be able to stay at home with Isla, that I need to focus a lot more specifically on the things that really matter. Like a wise man once said, "Think of every day as an opportunity to make money," and while the idealist inside says that money isn't everything (totes true!) the reality is that money is required for living and that my back is to the wall.
So there you have it. A large dose of reality that is now in the public sphere. I have to make it work now!
Back to your regularly scheduled program of meandering, irregular updates and semi-interesting photos:
In order these photos are CUUUUTE, paper, paper, paper and the grab bags of (paper) that I will have for sale at Stitches and Craft. Bargain basement price of $5 will get you a variety of papers in a variety of sizes to use however you wish. I'd personally recommend decoupaging your toilet seat, but that's just me. I'm awesome like that.
Ooh, speaking of being awesome, do yourself a favour and check out Sally's most recent posts about why she is indeed awesome. (As if we needed reminding!)
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