2 very happy girls...

I hope where ever you are in the world you are enjoying all that the holiday season brings - laughter, sunshine, snow, family, friends, and new toys...!  ;) 

There are 2 very happy girls in our house.  One has her very first camera, and is busy asking us to smile, taking photos of her dolls, and setting up shots as she has seen me do. 

We are LOVING watching her.

The other happy girl is moi.  Meet my new toy, "the little lady".  She is tiny, and oh so cute.  We are already great friends, and I can see her fitting nicely in my bag beside the polaroid as we head out on adventures. 

New cameras.....sunshine....sigh. 

Very happy indeed.

Handmade Magazine

Have you seen the latest copy of Handmade magazine?  There is a gorgeous write up on the Yarraville Market, and I am delighted to have been included, with other talented ladies such as Lou from Totally Innocent (who also runs the market, busy lady that she is!), Sarah from Faith Hope and a Whole Lotta Love, Melinda from Here We Go Loopy Lou.  That's me at the top left!

Hope all of your Christmas/holiday build up is more fun than stress.....!!

She wore butterflies in her hair...

I am still bursting with inspiration, and the desire to create, and in the midst of packaging orders and trying to get my head around the fact that Christmas is nearly here - I felt the need to get out the butterflies and the polaroid for a little play....

I hope you are all enjoying your weekend!

New blocks, a new market and thank you!

Just popping in to say hi....I am flat out here....the Sisters' and Yarraville markets this past weekend were a huge success, (the butterfly photo blocks flew off the table, I was so happy to see them making people so happy!) and I am busy packaging up holiday orders with my little helpers, and taking them to the post office daily (sometimes twice a day!) to ensure they are delivered by Christmas.  On top of that I have just signed up for a stall at a new market on this weekend - "Christmas at the Arts House Meat Market" in North Melbourne.  The market runs from 11am - 8pm, both Saturday (12th) and Sunday (13th).  I will be there on Saturday, with a full range of blocks, block gift sets, calendars, note cards, gift tags and something new...I'll post more on that by the end of the week.  It would be lovely to see you! 

A huge huge HUGE thank you to everyone who commented over at the Much Love and A Beach Cottage giveaways...I was completely overwhlemed at the lovely words you all left. I cannot tell you how much it meant to me. And congratulations to the winners, I hope you enjoy your goodies!

Butterflies and Giveaways

A few days ago the sun was shining, the sky was blue, and nearly every garden we walked past had butterflies flitting from one flower to the next.....it was a lovely day to be a butterfly....

...and so "The Butterflies" Polaroid series was born. 

It's funny how inspiration strikes when you least expect it. 

For months over winter I was so uninspired, there were days, weeks even when I didn't pick up a camera.  And then all of a sudden I have so many ideas and projects filling my head.....I love being in this frame of mind, when all I want to do is play with the cameras, and to CREATE.  I think this new series might just make it in time to be included on photo blocks for the weekend markets....

I am delighted to share with you that the lovely Anna over at Much Love is hosting a giveaway -
one of my 2010 Lose Yourself in a Daydream calendars,
AND if you head on over to the gorgeous blog A Beach Cottage,
Sarah is hosting my biggest giveaway yet, a whole stack of goodies including a set of the "Surf and Soul" photo blocks, note card sets and a Dandelion Wish mini print set.....so pop over to both sites for your chance to win! 

Giveaways are my way of saying thank you to all of the blog/Etsy/madeit support to all of you! 

Happy December!

It's December!

December oh how I love you!  I love all the things December brings...end of year get togethers and celebrations with friends and family.....wines and bbq dinners outside in the warm evenings.....Christmas!...the smell of the Christmas tree filling the house....decorations everywhere we go......Christmas carols for little feet to dance to......I love that we create the traditions for our little family....and I love that Snoopy's Christmas, my all time favourite Christmas song, is also Annabel's favourite.....

 It seems so much more exciting this year now that Annabel is old enough to understand....she is waiting patiently for Daddy to get home so she can open her first Advent envelope......so much joy in the little things!  Happy December to you all!

Brown paper packages

It's Sunday night and I am all over the place.  So much going on I am finding I go from one task to another without getting anything completed.  There are projects in various states on just about every surface of the living area.  I have my busiest market weekend next weekend, with the Sisters' Market on Saturday, and Yarraville Market on Sunday.  I'm really looking forward to it ~ and I do love the week leading up to it, with so much to focus on, and watching it all come together by Friday night.

This Christmas Star is the theme for all of my wrapping this year.  I love the blue and white with the brown paper.  I send all photo block and calendar orders from Etsy and madeit wrapped in brown paper, tied with string and with a little thank you gift tag, (I like to think the purchaser is receiving a little present for themselves) and  as I am getting into the holiday spirit already, from now until Christmas I will be using these blue star gift tags.

I have added sets of 4 note cards with envelopes to both shops (here and here), and will have note cards and sets of the gift tags with me at the markets next weekend.

And......stay tuned over the next week......I am very excited to have a couple of giveaways coming up......will let you know where and when...........

1+1=2

I am having a sale in my Etsy shop this weekend, purchase any 8x8" or 8x10" photograph, and receive a free print of the same size!  Add the title of the photo you would like as your freebie in the notes to seller field at checkout - too easy.  A great way to freshen up your decor for the holiday season, or to give as presents.

The above photo "a pair and a spare" is something I am working on for the Female Photographers of Etsy (fPOE) book - a group of talented ladies from all around the world, uniting to publish a book of work.  I am very excited to be a part of it, and will post more when the project is finished. 

I know that there are 3 pears above, so really my equation 1+1=2 doesn't really work, but hey, I am sleep deprived, so humour me!!!!

How inspiring is this!?

Erin Carver, one of my oldest friends, is an incredibly talented artist.  We have been friends for about 17 years, and over the years as her art has developed, I have been inspired and in awe of her talent.  I am so proud of her, she has recently opened up 2 online shops (Etsy and Felt), and has her first market stall this weekend - if you happen to be in the Hawkes Bay area of New Zealand this weekend, go and say hello!

A couple of weeks ago Erin created her first ever calendar from her Beautiful Words series- 12 pages of her gorgeous art, how could I resist.  Except before I had a chance to purchase a calendar, I received one in the mail...thank you Erin! 

It is beautiful, and I am so inspired by it.  I can't decide which month is my favourite, with words such as this how can you choose a favourite?? -

"you are full of possibility"

"dream crazy. big. beautiful. (your imagination knows no boundaries)"

"trust your intuition.  take chances.  say yes."

"create yourself. (you are an artist)"

I have each card up on my inspiration wire, and already have plans to frame each mini print (minus the dates) once the month is over.  My only problem is - how will I wait until the end of next year to have 12 mini prints of Erin Carver's framed?  :)

If you are new to Erin's work, I highly recommend the calendar as a way to receive 12 mini prints at once - and watch her space - it is only a matter of time before Erin will be exhibiting her art in galleries...

Trouble with words and a new series

I really am not very good at this blogging thing. I find as soon as I sit in front of the "new post" screen my mind goes blank. BLANK. Anyone else have this problem? I think of so much I'd like to share, and then somewhere on the way to the computer the words disappear. Hmmmm.

Anyway, that aside, I am starting to work on a new Bird series.  This is the first completed photo, titled "Spread Your Wings". 

There is something so lovely about birds in flight - the graceful way they fly, with a blue sky backdrop.....

Happiness is...

This morning we headed out for an early pre-hot sun walk around the neighbourhood (we're still in the midst of a heat wave here in Melbourne), and as Annabel was pointing out things she could see, she exclaimed "What a cool tree!  We could take a photo of it!"  I think my little girl is getting ready to start taking her own photos.  Oh how happy that makes me!

It also made me realise that I have missed taking photos this week - too hot to be bothered doing anything.  So when we walked in the door I went straight to the polaroid, wishing we were at the beach with our feet in the water, the breeze in our hair, collecting shells and building sand castles.  I think we should move closer to the beach......

If anyone is in Yarraville over the weekend, the Yarraville Market is on both days. I'll be there on Sunday, so pop in and say hello!

The haze of a hot spring

It has been so hot here in Melbourne, and it is still only spring. 

We have been spending a bit of time heading off on beach adventures - to play, to watch, to enjoy the sea breeze.  There is something so soothing about the different shades of blue...hazy blue sky, deep blue water, with simmering sunshine.....and then the evening light, as the air cools when the sun dips below the horizon...

They speak for themselves

I am so drawn to the simplicity of un-cluttered scenes - can you tell? 

Polaroid - I am in love

Last week we spent 4 days down the Great Ocean Road at Port Fairy, and it was a grand adventure. We had brilliant weather ~ perfect for walks, kite flying, digging in the sand, coffee in the sun, picnics. And of course, polaroids. I am so in love. They are so soft and lovely, grainy, with muted tones. I have more to share, but it is late and I am craving my bed, so I'll save the rest for during the week.

Beach + Polaroid = Love

Baking from the heart

While musing that my baking never looks like the pictures in the cookbook,

I read this gorgeous quote. And realised that it's not so much about the finished product,

but about the time we take to bake together,

to make a mess together,

to sit down and eat together.

Annabel loves baking,

I love that she makes little hand hearts to show me.

It's out!

After a few last minute changes, the desk calendar is here! I love it. But then I guess I am a little biased. ;) I am really into everything vintage and whimsical, everything that evokes a feeling of nostalgia, and this is what I have tried to incorporate for 2010's calendar.

They are available in both my Etsy and madeit shops, and I will have them at the Sisters' and Yarraville markets in Nov and Dec.

I am a little scared at how quickly this year is going, and can't quite believe it is calendar time again. But that means summer and endless months of blur sky are nearly here, so it's all good!

A Sneak Peek

I am a lucky girl.....this weekend I will be spending Saturday AND Sunday at the lovely Yarraville Market. I am so looking forward to having a table there both days, Lou is so passionate about her market and the local talent, as a result there is such a great vibe in the Hall. If you are in the area, I would love to see you!

I am also a very excited girl, as I am just putting the finishing touches on my 2010 calendar ~ here is a sneak peek at a few of the pages. It will be printed on a thick card stock, and presented in a jewel calendar case, like last years. I have gone for a whimsical theme this year - I was going to do a beach and blue sky theme, but decided I like the photos with the text as they help encourage me to get lost in the daydream.

And you all know I love to get lost in a daydream........

Where has the blue sky gone?

It has been so grey here recently, and I am in desperate need of some blue sky.

Luckily I have been surrounding myself with blue in preparation for the Sisters' Market this weekend - making up new mini print sets, a stack of new note cards, and new photo block sizes. I am in looooooooooooove with the new medium and large photo block size, and am envisaging a feature wall with nothing but photo blocks in our house.

If you are in the Brunswick area on Saturday pop into the Town Hall, the market is fantastic!

Oh the passion

So today is Grand Final Day. We are not footy fans, but we do all love Grand Final Day.
There is something about the game, the way all of Melbourne gets so involved - a real sense of community, spirit and passion envelopes the city.

The game is on, Otis has his little signed Cats footy, hat and scarf out (given to him by his Grandfather, a proud Cats supporter), Annabel is dancing to the pre match entertainment, we will have homemade pizza for dinner, and I will watch while pottering away at a bit of work.

Speaking of passion - are any of you David Gray fans?
This man can do no wrong.
This album was worth the wait.
There is no other music that evokes such emotion in me.

David Gray has been with me since I first heard him in London over 10 years ago ~ through the good, the bad, the every day. White Ladder will always be my favourite album, I don't think anything can top Babylon, but this new album is amazing. It's been made all the more special as it was pre-ordered by Shannon from the record company in the UK as a birthday surprise. It turned up yesterday, with a bonus live disc, and a signed photograph. Yes, a signed photo! As geeky as it may be, this photo is going to be hung on my inspiration wire.

Happy Grand Final Day to you all, and hears to hoping DG makes his way back to Melbourne for a concert tour sometime soon.

i dream of flying....

I am 32 - a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, and a photographer....

with people who believe in me.

But most of all, I believe in myself.

I feel like my dream is taking off,

and with the support of my family,

the encouragement of my friends,

I can fly.

It is an amazing, wonderful feeling.

Friday Bliss...

Brilliant blue sky + spring sunshine + a day at the fair

+ 2 packs of polaroid film = BLISS

Is it Tuesday already? Again?

My, how the weeks are flying by! I can't believe it is Tuesday again. So much going on, so many "to do" lists floating around the place, half finished, not started....I decided if I want to actually achieve anything, I needed a funky 'To Do" list. Enter this - the (too pink for my liking) Dymo Embosser Caption Maker. Designed for crafters, and making me funky new labels. I have been on the hunt for a vintage Dymo labeller that produces tape much like this does for some new projects. For now, this one will do.

Loving it.

It reminds me of my Granny's kitchen, where all her groovy tins are labelled. I have a feeling Shannon is going to come home to a re-organised kitchen - no container, box, jar is safe!

But first I will sit in the afternoon sun and write out my list....

I am REALLY hearting Tuesday today..

...for 3 reasons

~ we all slept a little late, so Shannon made me a coffee before he left for work. There is nothing like having a flat white made for you for breakfast on a Tuesday

~ I tried on the cutest shoes for spring/summer, and decided I have to earn them. So I'm going to clear out my closet and list items I no longer wear on eBay - I have a stack of work/pre-kids clothes I can't imagine ever wearing (or fitting!) again. If I sell enough, I will buy the shoes (and I will have a de-cluttered closet!) :)

~ after checking the front door (many times a day) for special deliveries from the post man for the last 10 days, my copy of Style Statement finally arrived. I first saw this book reviewed in an "Oh Baby" magazine that Mum sent over from New Zealand last year, and since then it has popped up on numerous websites/blogs I read. I decided it was time to ditch the frumpy Mum routine, and sort out exactly who I am. Have any of you worked your way through? I'd love to hear about your journey in discovering your style...

I heart Tuesdays

The first day of Spring! And on a Tuesday! Even though it's still a bit chilly outside, the grass smells a little sweeter, the flowers look a little brighter, and I feel like dancing. I love spring! Not that I wish time away, but all winter I look forward to this day. And it's here! Ahhhhh, soon there will be bbq dinners, breakfast outside every day, summer skirts and pretty summer sandals, swimming at the beach, melting ice cream.......everything feels so much sweeter today.