I love cats so much that I half-jokingly tell people that one of the criteria that potential boyfriends must fill is that they must like cats. If they don't, well, it's all downhill from there, really.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Quit Kitten Around
I love cats so much that I half-jokingly tell people that one of the criteria that potential boyfriends must fill is that they must like cats. If they don't, well, it's all downhill from there, really.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Eye Spy
This morning I was reading some of my favourite blogs and stumbled upon a photo of one of my Animalia Necklaces on the Wicked Child Designs blog, in a running feature called 'Friday I'm in Love' where creator and all round nice lady Teneale shares a few finds that have caught her eye recently.
If you haven't heard about Wicked Child Designs, it is a Brisbane label that creates softies or 'Dolls with personality', with their own stories to tell. Famous faces such as Michael Jackson and Kevin Rudd sit alongside recreations of the characters from Alice In Wonderland and Where The Wild Things Are.
Teneale also sells other assorted goodies like screenprinted hankies, badges and gift tags created from vintage childrens books at a variety of markets, such as the Young Designers Market at Southbank. She is also a proud member of BrisStyle, a group made up of Brisbane-based artisans who sell on Etsy and share a love of handmade.
If you haven't heard about Wicked Child Designs, it is a Brisbane label that creates softies or 'Dolls with personality', with their own stories to tell. Famous faces such as Michael Jackson and Kevin Rudd sit alongside recreations of the characters from Alice In Wonderland and Where The Wild Things Are.
My Heart Exploded When...
My heart exploded when I laid eyes on this amazing piece of clothing, not to mention the styling of the model. Wow. Just, wow. (Also comes in red.)
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Recap: Cheap Frills Bazaar
I just want to keep this post nice and short, as I am actually supposed to be working on my TAFE assessment (but it is a wee bit boring and hey, blogging is super fun, a little addictive and I like to live by one of Sheryl Crow's most well know lines, "If it makes you happy, it can't be that bad'.)
Me wearing my favourite white dress, which was actually purchased at the last bazaar and had not been worn since, as I have been looking for the perfect occassion to bring it out to play. Do you save your favourite purchases for particluar events you have in mind?
The 'sweet-as-apple-pie' Sarah, holding up one of the vintage dresses (which makes me think of The Virgin Suicides) Tess was selling on the night.
My wonderful housemate and friend, Tess. She shared a stall with me on the night, selling some of her vintage and retro finds, plus a whole assortment of cute bits and bobs.
Stylish shoppers.
Sarah, one of the girls behind Cheap Frills.
It seems that a lot of people liked the Zoology Brooches - firm favourites were the little rabbits, the owl, deer and mushroom.
A market goer.
Closeup of badges that I created using cut outs from old sewing patterns and a 1940's annual girls book.
Lovely brown leather heels I picked up for $10. They are a little small but I'm sure this won't bother me too much in Winter.
Funky blue and white heels. These were $15. I'm not too sure why I bought these, as I am quite sure they won't really go with anything in my wardrobe but they fit well and looked like fun so I thought, 'Why not?'. The best thing about these two shoes is that they don't need to be re-soled or re-heeled. Boy, that sure is a pain! (And slightly expensive, too.)
Delilah Devine
Do you know who, or rather, what is devine? Delilah Devine, of course.
I was absolutely delighted to stumble upon this label of loveliness while trawling Etsy using the 'pounce' feature. Linda, the owner and creator of Delilah Devine sells what can only be described as downright sweet brooches, which are laser cut from wood and topped off with a layer of vintage wallpaper, which is all handcut in her studio.
The little girl brooch above is a firm favourite of mine, although all the other designs are just as splendid. Think a variety of birds and a teacup brooch, all perfect for an afternoon tea with friends, or your dear Nanna.
On a quick little side-note, Linda will be selling her work at the Bowerbird Bazaar at the end of March. I have been told that the bazaar is a fabulous design market that has recently started up in Adelaide and as their website explains, 'Bowerbird Bazaar provides a dynamic and upmarket environment where local and interstate designers, artists and craftspeople are proud to showcase and promote their work'. Sounds good, yes?
For more information on Bowerbird Bazaar, please click here.
To check out Delilah Devine's Etsy store, please visit: www.delilahdevine.etsy.com
Or if you would like to peruse her blog of 'show and tell', follow this link: www.delilahdevine.blogspot.com
I was absolutely delighted to stumble upon this label of loveliness while trawling Etsy using the 'pounce' feature. Linda, the owner and creator of Delilah Devine sells what can only be described as downright sweet brooches, which are laser cut from wood and topped off with a layer of vintage wallpaper, which is all handcut in her studio.
The little girl brooch above is a firm favourite of mine, although all the other designs are just as splendid. Think a variety of birds and a teacup brooch, all perfect for an afternoon tea with friends, or your dear Nanna.
On a quick little side-note, Linda will be selling her work at the Bowerbird Bazaar at the end of March. I have been told that the bazaar is a fabulous design market that has recently started up in Adelaide and as their website explains, 'Bowerbird Bazaar provides a dynamic and upmarket environment where local and interstate designers, artists and craftspeople are proud to showcase and promote their work'. Sounds good, yes?
For more information on Bowerbird Bazaar, please click here.
To check out Delilah Devine's Etsy store, please visit: www.delilahdevine.etsy.com
Or if you would like to peruse her blog of 'show and tell', follow this link: www.delilahdevine.blogspot.com
Ciao! Sayonara! Adios!
Jessica, a darling friend of mine, has moved away to live in Melbourne. Although I have only known her a short while, she is just such a great person to be around. A few of her friends and I met up last weekend for a picnic, but sadly it was a little rainy so we decided to hang out at a cafe instead. It was a little sad at the end, saying goodbye, but I will be visiting her and some other Melbourne friends in a few months time. But you know what else is cool? I have a new person to send letters and little presents too through the mail! Yay!
Anyway, here are a few snapshots from the afternoon - you may notice that all of her friends have such great style and are very into vintage, not to mention they are as cute as buttons!
Also, Jessica has a very cute blog, 'Pigeons Look Silly When They Walk'.
My first tote bag design features an illustration of a pigeon wearing a top hat and monocle, which was partly inspired by her and her blog. I really do love pigeons. I love how they coo, how they walk (it never fails to crack me up) and how the boy pigeons do little dances to woo the girl pigeons. When I walk through the city, look at them and smile.
Anyway, here are a few snapshots from the afternoon - you may notice that all of her friends have such great style and are very into vintage, not to mention they are as cute as buttons!
Also, Jessica has a very cute blog, 'Pigeons Look Silly When They Walk'.
My first tote bag design features an illustration of a pigeon wearing a top hat and monocle, which was partly inspired by her and her blog. I really do love pigeons. I love how they coo, how they walk (it never fails to crack me up) and how the boy pigeons do little dances to woo the girl pigeons. When I walk through the city, look at them and smile.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Sunday Best
Greetings and salutations fellow blog lovers! How was your weekend? I hope you didn't get rained on too much.
Yesterday I visted some local handmade crafters/designers/artists at the Young Designers Market at Southbank and was most delighted to run into a few lovely girls who I have only really spoken to online, and hadn't exactly met in person. So that was wonderful way start to the day (mind you, this was at around 1pm because I was far too tired from Saturday's hectic but very fun shenanigans).
I'd just like to share with you the purchases I made, along with links to the artist's website so you can check them out and hopefully find something equally as gorgeous for yourself, friends and family.
Yesterday I visted some local handmade crafters/designers/artists at the Young Designers Market at Southbank and was most delighted to run into a few lovely girls who I have only really spoken to online, and hadn't exactly met in person. So that was wonderful way start to the day (mind you, this was at around 1pm because I was far too tired from Saturday's hectic but very fun shenanigans).
I'd just like to share with you the purchases I made, along with links to the artist's website so you can check them out and hopefully find something equally as gorgeous for yourself, friends and family.
Sailor-style ribbon hairslide - My Little Rockabilly
Swallow brooch - Up In Annie's Room
Baby Bibs - Kitty Boo Boo
Wooden Violin Brooch - Mrs Smiley's Lockets
Monday, March 1, 2010
Stitch 'n' Bitch
Stitch 'n Bitch: is a name used by knitting groups that meet on a weekly or monthly basis at locations throughout the world. This use of the term originates as early as the Second World War.
I don't know how to knit, in fact I've never tried. A few failed attempts at crochet have put me off yarn indefinitely - yet with all this rainy weather and Winter fast approaching, I guess it's high time I learnt how. However there is also the fact that knitting takes up a certain amount of time, and these days time seems hard to come by. With that in mind, perhaps I can stitch up a few smaller projects to get the ball rolling. (Looks like it's time to hit up the ol' library for a few sewing and craft books.)
For example, I really love the Bearded Bloke Brooches made by the talented, Melbourne-located Evie of Handmade Romance, who sells on Etsy and has a wonderful little blog too. Click here to check it out.
I don't know how to knit, in fact I've never tried. A few failed attempts at crochet have put me off yarn indefinitely - yet with all this rainy weather and Winter fast approaching, I guess it's high time I learnt how. However there is also the fact that knitting takes up a certain amount of time, and these days time seems hard to come by. With that in mind, perhaps I can stitch up a few smaller projects to get the ball rolling. (Looks like it's time to hit up the ol' library for a few sewing and craft books.)
For example, I really love the Bearded Bloke Brooches made by the talented, Melbourne-located Evie of Handmade Romance, who sells on Etsy and has a wonderful little blog too. Click here to check it out.
Bearded Bloke Brooch by Handmade Romance.
Photograph by Handmade Romance.
Photograph by Handmade Romance.
How Bazaar!
Remember my post about the Enoggera Terrace Bazaar presented by Cheap Frills a few months back? (This was around December last year - see post here.) Anyway, the next bazaar is being held this coming weekend on Saturday 6th March from 6:30pm - 9:30pm and will only cost you a teensy $5 entry, which not only gives you the chance to paw through the rails and racks of gorgeous vintage and retro clothes (not to mention a whole wodge of accessories and other doodads) but it also gets a complimentary glass of champagne in your hot little hands.
My tip is an obvious one - get in early and you will have the chance to bag the best buys. Don't let that put you off though - last time I attended I was still running around towards the end of the night, trying on clothes and shoes with the enthusiasm of a kid who had ingested too much red food colouring.
Oh and may I also mention that I will most likely be having a stall there again this time around? How fun! Please come and say hello. I am currently making a few cardboard gift boxes for it, yet I cannot decide what for. At first I was considering using them for those who purchase an animal pendant necklace, as they do not come packaged when I hold a market stall. Another idea I had in mind was to create a 'lucky dip' style package with a range of prices, but for lower than what you would pay for the contents.
If you had any ideas for the boxes or would like to vote for one of the current uses mentioned above, it would be greatly appreciated. After all, it's fun to make things for you guys! I'll upload a photo of the boxes as soon as I can.
My tip is an obvious one - get in early and you will have the chance to bag the best buys. Don't let that put you off though - last time I attended I was still running around towards the end of the night, trying on clothes and shoes with the enthusiasm of a kid who had ingested too much red food colouring.
If you had any ideas for the boxes or would like to vote for one of the current uses mentioned above, it would be greatly appreciated. After all, it's fun to make things for you guys! I'll upload a photo of the boxes as soon as I can.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
I'm A Viking!
Ladies, no longer do you have to explain why you have suddenly decided to grow a beard! Viking have beards, beards and Vikings are badass, and all boys love Vikings. See?
Prove your point by wearing this set of Viking badges, which I created from cutouts of a vintage children's encyclopedia from 1972.
Prove your point by wearing this set of Viking badges, which I created from cutouts of a vintage children's encyclopedia from 1972.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Be My Valentine?
Happy Valentine's Day everyone. I know some of you may swoon at the thought of a day dedicated to romance, love, kindness and friendship and some of you may baulk at the idea of yet another cheesy, made-up day celebrating the relationships of mushy couples who wear matching khaki shorts and polos when out in public.
Even though I lay somewhere in the middle ground (ie. couldn't care less) I can't resist a themed post. So this morning I shall share with you some wonderful Etsy finds relating to topics relating to love and allthe cliche and not so cliche things that go along with it.
Even though I lay somewhere in the middle ground (ie. couldn't care less) I can't resist a themed post. So this morning I shall share with you some wonderful Etsy finds relating to topics relating to love and allthe cliche and not so cliche things that go along with it.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
As A Matter Of Fact
I really like facts. As a kid, I wanted to soak up as much information as was physically (or mentally) possible on all manner of subjects, but mostly on art and craft, archaeology, paleontology and animals - especially cats. I was essentially a bookworm and basically devoured every available book on these subjects and more at my local library.
Now, besides scientific facts, I also love learning and discovering interesting facts about other people. So I am inviting you to share a few facts about yourself that are either amusing, silly, honest, informative or just downright entertaining and even somewhat pointless. Here are three facts about myself:
1. I absolutely adore alliteration.
2. I once burnt off all my eyelashes on one eye when blowing out a candle, as I got too close. (Who knows how that is even possibly without me really realiing at the time?)
3. My name on my birth certificate actually reads Jessica Holly Leonardson. My parents decided after it was official that I looked more like a Holly than a Jessica and simply started calling me that. It does confuse a few people, especially in class role call situations or when visiting the doctor. It has also known to flip people out, which I find very amusing.
Now, besides scientific facts, I also love learning and discovering interesting facts about other people. So I am inviting you to share a few facts about yourself that are either amusing, silly, honest, informative or just downright entertaining and even somewhat pointless. Here are three facts about myself:
1. I absolutely adore alliteration.
2. I once burnt off all my eyelashes on one eye when blowing out a candle, as I got too close. (Who knows how that is even possibly without me really realiing at the time?)
3. My name on my birth certificate actually reads Jessica Holly Leonardson. My parents decided after it was official that I looked more like a Holly than a Jessica and simply started calling me that. It does confuse a few people, especially in class role call situations or when visiting the doctor. It has also known to flip people out, which I find very amusing.
Chocolate Coffee Cupcakes - Two things I love, cake and alliteration, all rolled into one tasty package.
(Please click here to see source and accompanying recipe)
(Please click here to see source and accompanying recipe)
Friday, February 5, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Take A Walk On The Wild Side
Hip-hip-hooray!
The plastic animal brooches are back with more designs coming soon. Currently there are five different animals to choose from; wolf, bear, owl, deer and sloth. I was especially excited about the sloth one - whoever buys him will have me immediately impressed.
There are other designs coming shortly, but if there is a specific animal you would like to have made as a custom order, please send me a message via Etsy's conversation application. Or, alternatively, feel free to suggest any other animals not yet made.
www.pannikin.etsy.com
The plastic animal brooches are back with more designs coming soon. Currently there are five different animals to choose from; wolf, bear, owl, deer and sloth. I was especially excited about the sloth one - whoever buys him will have me immediately impressed.
There are other designs coming shortly, but if there is a specific animal you would like to have made as a custom order, please send me a message via Etsy's conversation application. Or, alternatively, feel free to suggest any other animals not yet made.
Vintage Childrens Books, And Lots Of Them Please!
Day of Decorating
One of my favourite things to do is decorate my room during times of boredom or restlessness. So I decided to cut out and stick up a few images from 'Country Life To Paint For The Young Artist', which I picked up from the bookfest. Soon enough I will quickly take them down, scan them and share with you lovely lads and lasses.
(Also pictured is a Little Golden Book of Science, a new favourite dug up by mister Henry.)
(Also pictured is a Little Golden Book of Science, a new favourite dug up by mister Henry.)
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Min Farmor
Last Sunday I had a lovely family 'reunion' lunch with my Dad, who had flown from Perth to visit for the Australia Day long weekend. I always look forward to seeing the photos that my Nanna brings to every social gathering. Most of the time the photographs consist of various cruises, holidays and parties she has attending recently, but this time was a little different. Among the shots of fancy restaurants and her many friends were re-prints of some very old photographs she has still managed to keep from her childhood. I think they are so beautiful, with most of them taken in Sweden, as that is where my Dad's side of the family originally hails from.
Please do not steal/share/reprint or use these images in any way, commercial or otherwise.
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