sew simple

Bike Month

2011-07-07T15:56:00.002-06:00

I love bikes.

For those that don't know I LOOOOOVE bikes.

I have 8 bikes, all of which I adore and could never part with.

This month of July, is bike month...ode to the bike. I can't ride right now due to a hand injury so here is me getting the fix...follow along this next month for all that is bike related!

July 1st Market

2011-07-02T10:22:00.000-06:00

The sun was shining...mostly. The crowd was soaking it in. All in all, a great day at the July 1st, Canada Day, first of the season Mountain Market.

Enjoy some peeks into our fabulous day...shared by Kat, Athena, Nat and Meredith. Great day clever ladies!!!

"July 1st Market 2011"

a.w.o.l.

2011-05-11T13:55:00.000-06:00

I know... a whole month!! I've been "absent.with.out.leave" for a whole month!! I really have no real excuse. I have been insanely busy since the article in the Fernie Fix..but really, is that an excuse?!

Well...I'm back and first up, I'll show you what I've been up to...

I've been involved in a few charitable events, being asked to donate items for auction/door prizes. For the Early Learning fair last month I made a gathered clutch for mum out of my stash and crayon roll up(sorry no picture)for a lucky child. The goodies were given away as a door prize. I can't wait to see someone sporting it around town!

BTW... here is a look at my business card.

Today I'm working on an upcycled market bag/tote idea for the Relay for Life coming up in June. This is just one of the many events taking place this month to raise money for the Cancer Foundation. I'm restyling last years relay t-shirts into bags they will to sell to raise additional money. Interested? Tutorial to follow.

One of the more exciting projects I took on this month was creating a wedding dress for my friend Sandra in 2 1/2 days! She had been working with another local seamstress, and for many reasons, the seamstress felt she could not complete the dress for Sandra in time. Argh?!! Poor Sandra called me in such a panic, just 4 days before she was set to depart for Nevada for her wedding, asking me if I could take over the project. I was very hesitant, as you can imagine, to take over someone else's work, but after realising I would essentially be starting from scratch, I jumped in, and 2 1/2 days later...a wedding dress.

The pictures make it look like such a simple dress, but believe it or not, it had 28 different pieces, including a boned corset that worked independently of the dress exterior. Not simple at all.

Whew!!! Was I relieved when she put it on at the final fitting and IT FIT!!!

I had an hour before she was due to pick the dress up, so quickly sewed up a little drawstring bag, including some essential emergency items: thread, tissues, pins. She was thrilled and I so was I to see how tearfully happy she was. I have included the only picture I have of her in her dress and will post more pictures she is allowing me to post when she returns.

All the best Sandra and Hal. My love and best wishes to you both!

feature artist

2011-03-31T18:15:00.002-06:00

Guess who is feature artist in the Green Issue of the latest "Fernie Fix"?

Thanks to "the Fix" for taking interest in what I do.
Thank you for the opportunity to put myself really out there!
Wow...now I'm OUT THERE!!
Thank you to all those who have encouraged and supported me, especially over the past few months. It's been a struggle at times, but I'm sensing good things to come...

Follow this link to read the article in full

new things to come...

2011-03-31T17:43:00.001-06:00

I've been out of blog-land on and off all week as I have been busy...doing what?

source

Well that's my little surprise...Come back and see me in the next day or two...exciting things afoot!

Joy Ang

2011-03-29T20:05:00.002-06:00

Meet Joy Ang. Canadian illustrator/comic artist from Calgary.

Love!

delicious!

2011-03-28T15:50:00.001-06:00

Well, we may as well accept it...spring equinox has passed and here in the heart of the Rocky Mountains...it's still very much winter. Oh well.

Mr T and Miss E have been on spring break the past two weeks and we've been making the most of the seemingly never-ending winter, skiing together every day. The sun has even popped out a few afternoons, here and there providing us with muchly needed, sun induced smiles...not to mention, a little vitamin D. Miss E said to me, as we were riding the chair lift, "I can feeeel the sun. This is the best day ever 'cause my face smells like sunscreen". Amen little one!

Here is one of my new favourite cookies to take to the ski hill for snacktime. They are the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, warming your insides on a wintery day. Great alongside your favourite coffee of hot chocolate. Got small children? Don't be afraid to try these for school lunches...the perfect amount of spice for children to tolerate. My kids LOVE them! Even better, the dough is made ahead of time and frozen. Just cut off a few slices of dough and eight minutes later...mmmm! Thanks to the small object for this delicious recipe.

Chocolate Cayenne Icebox Cookies

1 cup flour

3/4 cup dutch-process unsweetened cocoa, sifted

1tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp cayenne

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 freshly ground pepper

1 cup raw sugar

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 egg

3/4 cup cold unsalted butte, chopped into small pieces

1 cup chopped pecans

1. Whisk flour, cocoa, cinnamon, cayenne, salt and pepper together in medium bowl. Set aside.

2. Beat together sugar, vanila and egg until thick and pale: about 3 mins.

3. Add butter and beat until smooth: about 3 more mins.

4. Slowly add flour mixture and mix slowly until fully blended

5. Add chopped nuts and stir only long enough that they are evenly mixed through your dough.

6. Place dough on parchment paper or wax paper. Gently roll dough inside paper to form a log shape.

7. Place in freezer until frozen or overnight.

8. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350C. Unwrap dough log and cut off desired number of cookie rounds, of about 1/4" thick. Place on parchment lined cookie sheet about 1/2" apart. Bake for about 8 minutes, until cookies are slightly puffy and small cracks have appeared on the top of the cookies. Remove from pan immediately and allow to cool on rack.

9. Enjoy!!

p.s. forgot to show you these beautiful tea cups my friend Katherine, a true thrifty goddess, gave me for my last birthday. I wish you could see the iridescent finish...stunning. Anyone for tea?

music monday

2011-03-21T16:34:00.003-06:00

fort building kit tutorial

2011-03-20T21:12:00.000-06:00

I was browsing one of my favourite sites Saltwater Kids, the other day, and found a tutorial for making a fort building kit. How cool is that idea?!! I found myself just itching for the next kid's birthday to come along, and this week it did. Mr T's kindergarten friend was turning six, and I thought "perfect!" I mean, who doesn't like to lay inside a fort and make believe.

This project is truly SO simple...and thrifty. In all the gift's cost came in well under $20, with a little imagination and handmade love thrown in too.

Interested? Follow along with me.

First you'll need:

thrifted sheets: I used 3 double size flat sheets

ball of acrylic yarn

fabric dye(s)

a couple of large bowls

a jug from your recycling bin for each colour you intend to use

Get your kids involved! Mr.T and Ms.E gladly helped me with the tie dying part of the project.

(Also, if tie dye isn't your thing you can skip this step.)

Cover your workspace, in my case, my basement floor, in plastic sheeting. For this, I cut open 2 large garbage bags and taped them down to the floor. Mix your fabric dye as per manufacturer's instructions in your large plastic jugs: 1 colour per jug.

Tie thick bands of acrylic yarn around your sheets. If you want some ideas of patterns you can achieve and how to tie them, follow this Link.

Our prepared sheets from left to right above:

1: place the centre of your sheet over a large bowl. Grab the centre and twist, twist, twist the sheet in one direction. This will give you a random dyed effect.

2: Fold your sheet in a consertina fashion (that's cat's stairs for north american folk). Tie at regular intervals. This will result in a striped effect. (below left)

3: Starting in the centre of your sheet, pinch your sheet up into a point and tie at regular intervals to the sheet's perimeter. This will result in a concentric circle effect. (below right)

Place your sheets, one by one, in a large bowl and pour in enough your fabric dye from your jugs to colour the fabric but not cover it, unless you want the colours to mix. Allow to sit for 10-15 mins, checking the dye is reaching into the inner folds of your tied sheets. Rinse in cold water and dry in a hot dryer.

Sew ties to the corners of each sheet and regularly in between. For this project I cut, then stretched strips of t-shirt, as I did earlier in this tutorial from a XL mens' thrifted tee and cut into 16" lengths.

Fold over both ends of the short sides of your sheets, about 2" and sew 3", as shown below, every 12-16". This creates a channel, through which the rope included in your kit, can be thread.

Now it's time to put together your kit.

I included:

3 tie dyed sheets

about 25 pegs

6 suction cups

50ft soft rope

LED flashlight

glowsticks

You can let your imagination run here. I'd love to hear any other ideas of things to include.

I thought it would be sweet to package the kit in a personalised bag for Mr.T's little friend, using thrifted fabric from my stash. You could use backpack, a pillowcase...hmm...now wouldn't that make a great bag...maybe next time. I also made a smaller bag for the accessories, so they don't end up balled up into the sheets...who's kidding who, no kid is going to fold those sheets!

Super easy and fun to make. Great imaginative play for the kids.
What could be better?!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

P.S. now I want a fort making kit! Maybe if I could collect enough afghans...

source

Day to Day Loves

2011-03-19T12:47:00.003-06:00

A spare moment in my day, gives me time to do one of my favourite things...have a little peek around the web at what creative souls out there are doing...grab a little piece of inspiration...

Come by my Day To Day Loves page each day, when you have a spare moment in your day,

to catch a little spark of creativity.

Holton Rower

2011-03-18T11:56:00.000-06:00

Check this out. I just love the simplicity of this idea and the resulting beauty. The artist is New Yorker, Holton Rower and these pieces come from his "pour" series. Each piece is created by dripping paint onto three-dimensional objects.

In this series, Rower directs and collaborates with the forces of nature, leaving an element of the artistic process to the effects of gravity. The artist orchestrates the pouring of successive layers of coloured paint onto three-dimensional objects.

The mesmerising beauty in his designs result, in part, from the effect of careful colour selection, timing, and pouring, and in part the less predictable result of gravity and surface forces on the materials.

Interesting huh?! So unique.

Thirteen years ago...today...

2011-03-18T09:42:00.001-06:00

My heart is yours Mr S.

little man party duds

2011-03-16T11:29:00.001-06:00

I was contacted by a lovely lady a few weeks back and was set to the challenge of creating a formal vest and tie for her two years old's upcoming birthday. The theme was robots...lucky boy! What a fun project! A different kind of challenge, working to someone else's vision. Hope he likes it?!!

During this project I was with a interesting challenge, when I had to get really creative...I couldn't find robot fabric anywhere!! So I created my own using a freestyle applique technique.

Stay tuned for an easy tutorial, coming in the next week! Interested?

my heart truly aches...

2011-03-15T13:01:00.001-06:00

source

Music Monday

2011-03-14T09:56:00.005-06:00

"don't stop baby...let the music take control"

Well after a week of post-market-low-motivation I need some serious pick-me-up-tune-age!

If you know me at all, you know it doesn't take much to get me movin' and shakin...and Chromeo will do it every time. Their new album "Business Casual" is just the ticket. How can you not be amused and intrigued when these guys jokingly describe themselves as "the only successful Arab/Jewish partnership since the dawn of human culture". Their videos always make me giggle. These guys are hardly new news...if you haven't heard them...check them out!

For those YoYoGabba YoYoMammas out there, your kids will like this one...he's a V.C.B! Ha!

market days

2011-03-07T09:50:00.000-07:00

Well Saturday has come and gone, and all in all, I'm pleased. The stall look came together simply and how I imagined...can you believe I had four serious offers to buy my wheatgrass?! You know it's time for spring to arrive, when?

I offered hats, t-shirt jewellery, jersey infinity scafs, hand printed bandanas, baby onesies, jewellery holders and tea cup bird feeders.

I had lots of interest in my stuff and sold enough to make the day worthwhile. It was a great indicator of what interests people and what...not so much. I took some interesting custom orders and promoted my seamstress service, setting up some appointments for the week to come. I also made some great trades with some really clever, creative girls and fellow marketers...to be honest, this is my favourite part of doing markets!!

Overall the markets were so very quiet, I think due to the fact most people were skiing the epic powpow at the hill...I know where I would've rather been...winkwink. A little disappointing, but expected.

Now I'm ready to think SUMMER and get ready for the Canada Day Fair...that will be a good one!

just a little peek...

2011-03-04T12:50:00.003-07:00

Apologies everyone...I've been distracted...

There are two reasons I've been offline this week. First: WAY too much snow has fallen to ignore, over a meter in 7 days (!!) and I've been snowboarding every chance I can. I've also been sewing/crafting like a madwoman due to the second reason...this weekend is Griz Days here in Fernie, BC and the Griz Days Craft Market. I committed a month ago to a market table, not anticipating an insane amount of snow would fall the week of the event, and I would leave everything to the last minute. Typical!

Anyhoo, I'm happy how everything has come together, with a few set backs and a few lessons learned along the way. Another day of sewing today, after my epic morning of perfect powder skiing, I think I'll be in good shape.

Here's a sneak peek of some of what I have to share.

Take a break from the powpow and come by and visit me and my fellow crafty folk,

tomorrow between 9 and 4.

See you there!

BTW...Thanks Griz! You da Man!!!

Music Monday

2011-02-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

Morning Elegance

by Oren Lavie

Sun been down for days

A pretty flower in a vase

A slipper by the fireplace

A cello lying in its case

Soon she's down the stairs

Her morning elegance she wears

The sound of water makes her dream

Awoken by a cloud of steam

She pours a daydream in a cup

A spoon of sugar sweetens up

And She fights for her life

As she puts on her coat

And she fights for her life on the train

She looks at the rain

As it pours

And she fights for her life

As she goes in a store

With a thought she has caught

By a thread

She pays for the bread

And She goes...

Nobody knows

Sun been down for days

A winter melody she plays

The thunder makes her contemplate

She hears a noise behind the gate

Perhaps a letter with a dove

Perhaps a stranger she could love

And She fights for her life

As she puts on her coat

And she fights for her life on the train

She looks at the rain

As it pours

And she fights for her life

As she goes in a store

With a thought she has caught

By a thread

She pays for the bread

And She goes...

Nobody knows

And She fights for her life

As she puts on her coat

And she fights for her life on the train

She looks at the rain

As it pours

And she fights for her life

Where people are pleasently strange

And counting the change

And She goes...

Nobody knows

tee-shirt necklace tutorial

2011-02-24T10:18:00.001-07:00

Remember me these?

Well, I promised you a tutorial and here it is. Come on...pull out those old tees you had set aside for cleaning rags and follow along...it's so easy!

You will need:

tee-shirt or similar fabric

embellishments if you choose

(I used some metal, ovoid discs I thrifted years ago, but you could use beads, etc)

long straight edge: I used my trusty yard stick

an olfa rotary cutter (scissors are totally fine)

Lay your fabric out, smoothing away any wrinkles. Cut parallel strips, the more you cut, the thicker your finished necklace. I cut my strips 3/4" wide. It's preference really.

Now the fun part...pull/stretch those strips as much as you can...come on, use those muscles! Your strips will lengthen and curl in on themselves...perfect! You'll end up with a nice pile of tee spaghetti.

Knot your strips end to end. Loop them around and around your neck, a coat hanger, a door knob, alternating and adjusting the length of your loops as you go. I used my dressmaking dummy for this.

Add your embellishments as you go. I knotted these silver discs fairly closely together and added short strips of tee spaghetti in between to create a sort-of-fringe.

Be creative, the more random, the better...in my mind.

Finished! Now wasn't that so simple!!! I hope you give it a try!

100 days of school!!!

2011-02-23T12:45:00.000-07:00

a pinned heart

2011-02-22T17:58:00.000-07:00

I forgot to show you these wee pins I made for the children to wear on Valentine's Day. I remembered today, as they wore them again to recognise "No Bullying Day" at school. I thought I should share as they were so simple to make.

Just cut three hearts from crafters felt, of different sizes, using pinking shears...you know the ones that have a zig-zag profile...but you knew that!?! Layer them in order of size and hand stitch them together with contrasting thread. Affix a large pin to the back and voila!!!

Hardly worth describing the "how-to", honestly, they were just...so simple!

I know! I just couldn't get him to lose the lolly pop. "Just take it mum"

heheheh

Music Monday

2011-02-21T20:32:00.000-07:00

I would be remiss not to introduce you, this music monday, to my beautiful friend, Sarah Calvert. Based now in Torronto, she is a singer songwriter with such a wonderous talent.

Pianist, guitarist, poet, story teller. Her voice soothes the soul...

Sarah performed songs from her debut album locally, last weekend and I had the joy of hearing her play. Click on the photo to hear what I'm talking about.

happy...belated...valentines day!

2011-02-15T19:10:00.000-07:00

I don't generally buy into the whole valentines-day-thing. It's not that I'm not a romantic. Believe me, I quite like all those traditionally romantic, sappy things. It's just, you know, after all the hype on tv, at school, in the grocery store the minute christmas is over...I'm over it!

This year with a very sick child at home, that needed more attention than the hallmark holiday, I kept it simple. Red velvet cupcakes and french vanilla cream icing....mmmm!

Ann's Red Velvet Cake

1 oz red food colouring

2 Tbsp cocoa

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup margarine

1 1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

2 1/4 cup flour

1 tsp salt

1 cup buttermilk

1 tsp baking soda

1 Tbsp white vinegar

1: Preheat oven to 350C

2: Mix food colouring and cocoa together until smooth and set aside.

3: Cream together butter, margarine and sugar until creamy and white.

4: Add eggs and vanilla and mix well.

5: Add cocoa and colouring mixture and mix well.

6: Sift flour and salt together in separate bowl.

7: Add flour and salt mixture alternatively with buttermilk to butter and sugar mixture.

8: Place soda on top of cake batter, then add vinegar. Mix in until well blended.

9: Pour into well greased and floured 9" cake pans x2 (or prepare cupcake liners into muffin tin and 1/2 fill with mixture)

10: Bake at 350C for approximately 30 mins.

11: Cool and frost with French Vanilla Cream Icing.

NB: you can make your own buttermilk by adding 1 tbsp white vinegar to a 1 cup measuring cup and topping up to the 1 cup measure with milk. Let stand for 5 mins.

French Vanilla Cream Icing

1 cup milk

6 tbsp flour

1 cup butter

1 cup icing sugar

2 tsp vanilla

1: Whisk milk and flour together in small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring constantly until thick and smooth (not lumpy, but like a thick sauce)

2: Cool immediately in an ice water bath.

3: Cream together butter and sugar for 15 mins.

4: Add thickening and beat for a further 10 mins.

NB: sometimes this icing is easier to spread when quite cold.

I apologise I don't remember where on the web I found this recipe so many years ago...but Ann, if you're reading this, my family loves this recipe and I thank you so much for sharing!

friday finds

2011-02-11T16:19:00.000-07:00

found

thrifted tea spoon displays...

to make more necklace displays.

thrifted pretty, sweet tea cups...

to create more of birdfeeders, like this one, I made

for my mother-in-law last spring.

One of my favourite sets I've found so far.

The combination of baby blue and gold stars is so sweet.

I have thrifted close to forty teacups and saucers ready to be upcycled.

Crafty times ahead!

found

some inspiration...

modern

so sweet

so very clever

whimsical tea cup tattoo

poke your pins in me

clever little vase

wow!

2011-02-10T16:12:00.001-07:00

no post today as we are so...very...sad....

re-styled tees

2011-02-08T20:31:00.004-07:00

I know, I know you've seen these before...about a hundred times...but I love my re-styled tee scarf. (not pictured here...picture to follow?) I get comments whenever I wear it.

So I thought I'd play around with some thrifted tees, I had in my stash, and see what I could come up with. What do you think...fun huh? I'm loving the tee-necklace-style I made using some metal pieces I thrifted a while back. These are so easy to wear. Throw atop a simple tee and jeans and HEY, you're lookin' alright!

They are soooo simple to make and are a great use of items in your closet you no longer wear. I think I'll throw together a tutorial...stay tuned!!!

one pretty thing

2011-02-08T14:21:00.000-07:00

Wow! I was featured on one of my favourite sites, a daily read, One Pretty Thing!!

Thank you everyone for your kind, encouraging comments.

A big shout out to my number one supporter: my sister Amber!

Love you!

Music Monday

2011-02-07T17:45:00.003-07:00

If you should be

the last autumn leaf

hanging from the tree

I'll still be here

waiting on the breeze

to bring you down to me

And if it takes forever, forever it'll be

And if you should be

the last seed in spring

to venture out a leaf

I'll still be here

waiting on the rain

to warm your heart for me

And if it takes forever, forever it'll be

OKGo "Last Leaf"

If you like this check out some of their other videos.

for the kids and dog lovers alike

end love

classic...you know you want to try this!

just plain awesome

stunning...Joshua Petker

2011-02-06T21:18:00.001-07:00

Joshua Petker

"We are not as colorful as we think we are"

sleepovers and whipped cream...mmmm!

2011-02-05T19:04:00.006-07:00

Last night my children both had sleepovers.

Easton went to her friend's 8th birthday sleepover party. Seven x 8 year olds...can you imagine?!?! I suggested Tasman invite a friend (x 1!) for a sleepover here at our house...much more my style...heheh.

Don't you remember how much you loved sleepovers as a child? Our house was always open for large groups of giggling, squealing nocturnal tweens throughout my childhood. I think 12 was the record...my mum was brave!

...sigh...(cue music, good ole Barb)...memories...

I don't remember my sleepovers being this dreamy. Nice to think they were though.

...sigh...

source

Breakfast was always a big deal at my sleepovers, second of course to the late night candy feast. This morning I pulled out an 'old favourite' for the boys.

Who's kidding...it was for me too.

I say...ANY breakfast that involves whipped cream is a winner in my books!

Agree?

Try my adaptation this recipe I found over at Made.

Deeee-lish!

Dee-lish Baked Pumpkin French Toast

1 loaf french bread

2 1/2 cups milk
1 Tbl flour
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbl sugar
1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp clove
1/2 tsp pumpkin spice
1/4 tsp salt
4 large eggs

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup butter

2 Tbl sugar
1 tsp Cinnamon
--------------------------------------------------

Cut the bread loaf into thick slices, about 1 1/2" thick. Set aside.

Whisk together the first set of ingredients. Don't worry if it's a little lumpy.
Sometimes I throw everything in a tupperware, pop on the lid and shake...great way to cook with children...less mess and fun too!

Over medium heat, add the next set of ingredients to your fav saucepan. Cook until bubbly. Pour this caramel sauce into a greased pan: 9X 13" will do.

Pop your thick bread slices in to the pan, 1 layer thick. Don't worry, you can really squish them in there.

Pour the egg mixture over top. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon if desired...I always do!

Cover and refridgerate overnight. It really does work best if you can prepare this dish the night before and let it soak...totally worth it!

Next morning, pop your prepared french toast into your oven, preheated to 375C. After an hour pull out the pan and let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving

Whipped cream and fresh fruit, of course.
Wow!! Sooooo good!

Simple.

latest made by me

2011-02-04T21:42:00.002-07:00

Have you ever held onto a piece of clothing because you just weren't ready to let go? It just hadn't had a long enough life?

I had a t-shirt once. The print was sweet, but those armpit stains...

not so much...bummer.

Enter t-shirt number two...hmmm.

Inspiration.

Ever heard of reverse applique? Want to learn how to let your favourite print live on?

Follow me.

First: two t-shirts: one printed, one plain.

Next cut out the elements of the print you wish to use.

Turn your plain t-shirt inside out and lay your printed piece of tee, printed side down in position. Pin like crazy to the front of the plain shirt...be careful not to catch the back of the shirt with your pins ;) Tip: a piece of cardboard, slipped inside the t-shirt as you pin, will make pinning to one layer only, a breeze.

When possible, always use a ballpoint needle in your machine, when sewing t-shirt material.

Your next step is to simply machine stitch, following the outline of your print. You don't have to too precise. Some free flow sewing is allowed and will, in fact, add interest. You can see I've been very liberal when "following" my original print.

Now roughly cut around your sewn print, removing excess fabric.

No need to be too perfect!

Turn your t-shirt right way and out and begin cutting away your plain t-shirt fabric, inside the sewn lines/shapes you have created. I would recommend using small, needle nosed scissors for this part. Be careful not to cut your printed fabric underneath. I chose to cut very closely to the lines...about 1/8" or less.

It's your preference.

Here is the finished t-shirt. Neat huh?!

So simple.

stage fright....

2011-02-04T21:12:00.001-07:00

I've been feeling like this...

source

no...not like a rock star...

Although I love her jewels and leather combo...I' been suffering a little stage fright.

A little panic...

I've felt pressure to write smart and entertaining.

To post only the hippest of hip...to put myself really out there.

Ha!!

Who do I think I am?!

I'm just me and what you see is what you get!

source

I'm back!

garlands galore

2010-12-14T09:56:00.001-07:00

I especially love the repurposing of simple items to create a beautiful new object. Here are some inspirations that embrace this idea for you to try, if you're feeling crafty...and have more time than I.

1. baubles and balls 2. photos 3. wood scraps 4. glass baubles
5. novel paper 6. felt 7. recycled book 8. doily

revamped garland

2010-12-13T12:41:00.001-07:00

Well I had great plans this year, for a new christmas garland to adorn the front door. I tell you, I have just clear run out of time. So last night I resentfully pulled out our old garland, we have been using for so many years now...sigh... She 's looking tired don't you think. Long gone are the dried flowers, many more pinecones and the sweetest little red robin who perched amongst these branches...hmmm.

Searching through my crafty stash...hmmm...I know! Snow white pom poms, reminiscent of snowballs...so simple! A little yarn, a length of florist wire, a string of battery operated mini lights...wah lah.

What do you think!?!

no before...just the after..the kids room

2010-12-09T11:22:00.003-07:00

The "joy" of undertaking a major home renovation/rebuild, is the finishing touches, the simple things like drywall, paint and decor, wait and wait and waaaaait to be done. By the time you get to that point, you're done! So it is no surprise E and T have lived in their raw bedroom for two years, awaiting the "finishing touches". I forgot to document the true "before", but you can imagine...

Step 1: paint walls, a lovely, soft, grey blue...hmmmm...

Wow! It is amazing what a little paint and trim can do! Here is the room...done...finally!!! Next decorate!!!

I had a real challenge with this room, as it is shared by my daughter and son. Not only were they very specific about colours, none of which were complementary, but style too: very gender stereotypical. How to make a room gender neutral? How to ensure it's not too young, my daughter is 7 going on 17 (not quite, thank goodness) How to make a room that is still FUN!?! Oh, and did I mention I live in a small mountain town with a very small selection of fabric choice.

I lucked out when I found this great Michael Milller fabric featuring assorted animals in a camping setting...adorable! Fun, huh?! The room just jumped off from here.

I decided to create a little private space in our window seat for the kids, by simply hanging the curtains I made, in front of the window seat, instead of traditionally against the window. E loves to curl up here with her umpteen cushions and read her favourite book. Girl after my own heart! T, however, loves to use the space as a fort...watch out!

BTW the cushions are all thrifted and given new life with new covers. Did you note the pillow cover made of a pair of E's old jeans...tutorial opportunity? hmm...

(I apologise for the quality of these pics...the light is not that great on a wintery day like today!)

I also had the inspiration to provide a place for the kids to have their books and precious things beside their beds without introducing shelves on which to hit their heads. I mounted to the wall above their heads, a pair of double curtain rod holders, you know, the kind for accommodating two layers: drapes and sheers. I cut each leg from an old pair of jeans in my stash, cut down the inseam and simply added pockets in the back along the length of the inseam, for a length of dowel to travel through. Hung up on the curtain rod holders (is there a technical name for those?) the jeans leg creates a perfect pocket for books and such. Simple!

...and done!

Well almost...

I have an idea to create pop art canvases from photos of the kids, to add a little more zest and personality to the room.

Tutorial to follow soon.

before and after... the master

2010-12-07T12:04:00.003-07:00

I finally have a bedroom I'm not ashamed of.
I no longer feel the urge to race and close the door when
company arrives, to avoid their retinas being burned permanently
by the horridly vivid green and yellow combination we
previously suffered. For ten long years we suffered...not any more!!!

New dyrwall, a lovely shade of warm grey ( I had to educate Mr.S that indeed there is such a thing as a warm v's cold grey...you knew that didn't you;) and a little trim...

changed the vibe in here...totally!

Add new super soft bedding, grown up lamps I have fallen in love with, faux sheepskin...and of course a co-ordinating bed for tira-two-ears at the foot of our bed where she loves to curl up.

When looking to accessorise, in my opinion, thrifting will always provide you with decor both unique and affordable. I thrifted these frames and mirrors forever ago...I knew they would work somewhere...someday..and they do...don't you think?!

A quick coat of high gloss white paint to unify them and ...wahlah!

Wondering what that is I am using for my necklaces? It's nothing but a teaspoon holder...you know, for collectors. The earring display is merely an unused photo frame with the photo replaced by a little wallpaper and fly screen...So simple!

Oh, I almost forgot to show you. I thrifted this beautiful vintage wallpaper, an age ago and amazingly it works with the colour scheme we have chosen so perfectly! It has a wonderful muted roses print topped by a warm golden sheen finish. I am seriously contemplating putting it up on the one wall behind the bed where the bedhead, we don't have, should be. I think it will not only complement what we have so far but also add a little depth, dimension and unexpected interest.

What do you think?

Good As Gold Gala Part 3

2010-12-06T12:31:00.001-07:00

Gooooood times Ladies!!

As Good as Gold!!!

Good as Gold Gal Part 2 : Friday Finds

2010-12-06T12:29:00.001-07:00

Accessories ladies...we all know it's ALL about accessories.

Here is a little bling-bling that would be totally awesome with that L.B.D you're planning on wearing tomorrow night.

p.s. got a ticket...see you there!!...hmmmmm... now what to wear???????

p.p.s. Don't know why this didn't post in time...better now than never?

Good as Gold Gala : Friday Finds

2010-12-03T09:26:00.008-07:00

Living in a small mountain town doesn't provide many opportunities to get all gussied up and paaaartee. However, thanks to Freyja and the Fernie Clubhouse, not only do we deprived mountain folk get to dress to the nines, dabble in a little gambling, boogie to some wicked tunes,and generally drink and be merry, but also help to raise much needed funds for the Salvation Army Family Services.

Left it to the last moment to buy a ticket...they are all sold out!! Good for the Sally-Ann, bad thing for me...boo. Don't worry I'm on the hunt...wish me luck!

I feel like Charlie Bucket...

I have however, been enjoying browsing around for gold looks suitable for this big event...here is what I found...maybe a little inspiration to you too, whether you be drawn to a more edgy look, or more romantic.

Of course I love the look bottom right, from Adam at Netporter...a mere $1895!

Sooooo beautiful!!!

Tune in this afternoon for my take on accessories....

chocolate gobbler cobbler

2010-12-01T16:00:00.003-07:00

Soooo...I got the dreaded call last week..."our school is having a bake sale. Can you...". At this time of year I really dread this call. Is that bad? I'm not complaining...I swear...it's just another thing to add to the plate. Sigh...

Embracing this "challenge" I began browsing around on the web for ideas for the upcoming school bake sale, and I came across Lollychops and her intriguing sounding dessert: Chocolate Gobbler Cobbler. I was specifcally looking for something that sounded irresistibly delicious and was also simple to make. I really lucked out with this one...it's a WINNER in my books!

I figure if you're buying at a bake sale, you may not bake so much yourself, so to be able to "chef up" something delicious, on demand, simply, sounded good. This recipe scored on both fronts. I followed Lolly's instructions and created these three part recipe packs, all wrapped up in the beautiful provided-printable-packaging and...voila!

Did you snaffoo one of these at the bake sale?

What deliciousness did you make?

PS: for those who didn't and are curious here is the full recipie.

I warn you, the instructions are weird...but very specific...

DO NOT STIR

Trust me it works...OMG it really works...soooo good!!!!!!

Chocolate Gobbler Cobbler

source

6 Tbl butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 Tbl baking cocoa
1/2 cup of milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup of baking cocoa
1 1/2 cups of boiling water

1. Melt butter in 13x9 baking pan in a 350 oven.
2. Combine the flour, salt, baking powder, 3/4 cup of sugar, pecans, 2 Tbl baking cocoa, milk and vanilla in a small bowl; spoon this mixture over the melted butter. DO NOT STIR TO MIX!
3. Mix remaining sugars and 1/4 cup of cocoa together and sprinkle this over batter.. DO NOT STIR TO MIX!
4. Next, pour the boiling water over the top. DO NOT STIR!
5. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes.

Cool and serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
(I grated a little orange rind in my whipped cream...heavenly!)

Thank you Lollychops!

calling all those with a big heart...

2010-11-30T11:18:00.001-07:00

Cancer...the BIG C...not many of us have "escaped" being touched by this one in one way or another.

I got inspiring an email this week from Naomi at Heaven and Stitch Design, calling all those who sew, knit, crochet to join her in making caps for chemotherapy patients at the Tom Baker cancer centre in Calgary.

I am inspired. How about you?

Join me this Friday morning, 9:30am+ for coffee and cake...and lets create. Children are welcome...I know it's a no-school-friday. Bring your machine, your needles, your hooks, your helping hands, your caring hearts. If you don't consider yourself a crafty person, have no fear, come anyway, we can use your hands...come learn a thing or two...just come.

Leave a comment below if you plan on coming by.

Jacqxxoo

ps: donations of fabric and/or yarn would be nice too...;)

have you met the Neilsons?

2010-11-29T16:26:00.004-07:00

Adorable family!! Adorable film/photoshoot idea!!
Check out Stephanie's blog.

Inspiring woman.

best weekend ever!

2010-11-28T22:27:00.002-07:00

No real post toady because of a weekend of this...

simply...

life is good!

So Simple

2010-11-27T20:00:00.002-07:00

What did you make for dinner today?

I tell you this snowy weather makes me hungry!

On a cold winter's eve there is nothing better than a roast.

Today, satisfying my Australian roots, I picked up a beautiful butterflied lamb leg
at the grocery store...I knew just what to do.

Follow me...it's soooo simple.

First collect your herbs and spices. Whatever flavours are speaking to you will be perfect. And no, lamb doesn't have to be paired with mint!
For me today it was what I had on hand:

red onion, sliced wafer thin
garlic, crushed, but of course!
fresh basil, rolled between my palms to release its goodness
freshly cracked peppercorns

Lay that wee butterflied lambikin leg out and layer your herbs and spices on top. Roll her up and tie around with your trusty kitchen twine.

Don't forget to sear your lamb roll in a super hot pan to seal in the juices.

Pop it now in the oven with your favourite vegetables for roasting and away we go.

Voila! Done.

A simply appetizing winter's evening feast.

Enjoy.

etsy find friday

2010-11-26T12:53:00.002-07:00

Every Friday will be Friday Finds Day.

Stop by each week and check out my latest Friday Finds.

With snow on the brain (yes, it's still snowing outside!!!) this week I browsed "snow" on one of my favourite shopping sites : etsy.com.

1. taviasanza 2.pipodoll 3.morticiasnow 4. bessetteart
5. simpleshapes 6. kimberite 7. charoneldesigns 8. retroanimals

Beautiful vintage sequinned snowflake hat, prints to make you smile, stunning necklace made from vintage beads and brooches (sigh!!), necessary warm cowl, wall decals to get you in the mood, ooo oooo this dress ( I need!) gift tags, even the dogs can feeling the snowy winter vibe. What's your fav?

If you don't know about Etsy...get into the twenty first century people! You MUST check it out. It is a global community website connecting sellers and buys of handmade and vintage goods...sounds like heaven to me!!! What can be better than buying from the creator, the artist themselves?!

Snow....

2010-11-25T18:43:00.002-07:00

Big day!! Today we picked up our ski passes in readiness for the long-awaited-ski-hill-opening this weekend...one week early!!!
Can you hear my inner squeals of delight?!!!
Despite my broken shoulder (boo!) I'll be out there cruising with the kids.
Hope to see you local-yokels there!

source

How much do I love this little man

2010-11-25T15:03:00.002-07:00

Well, I'm still trying to pull IT together today to post...

stay tuned more coming this afternoon...

whilst we wait "tune in" over here

My sister Amber and her friend Bec have opened a e-store servicing the southern hemisphere with handmade goodies. Check out some of their creations...adorable.

this one is so Mark! I don't know why...seriously!!!

Hello!

2010-11-24T21:46:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new blog!

I am so excited...despite my apprehension...

You can find some of the old me and

lots of my super awesome sister..who is very creative... here!

Thanks for stopping by!!!