In Store

New Notions products are now in my Etsy store- I wish I had a little shop (Notions).

Happenings

So, what's been happening at Notions' HQ? Well, I'm glad you asked (let's just pretend that you did). I've been having fun playing with new ideas and products for the upcoming Apron Design Market. My stall is inspired by vintage school objects. In keeping with this theme here are some fun and colourful things I've been working on.

With a little help from a saw, some elbow grease, a drill and some glue these vintage pencils become objects d'art (just kidding...well, sort of).

I've also repackaged the last of the Wanderlust range to fit in with the school theme.

And added a new design to the timber brooch collection. These ampersand brooches have been hand painted. I watered down the paints so that the natural grain was still visible. I really like the effect. I will also have some natural timber Ampersands for sale if these colours don't take your fancy. 

So, what's been happening in your neck of the woods?

Summer House

In my imaginary world (Rosie Land) I have an apartment in a Scandinavian city, but I also have a Summer house. After those long and cold Scandinavian Winters I need a little house on a lake to soak up the sun and relax with a book and some delicious Scandinavian cider that I've been taste testing lately. 

(via the style files)

Koralie & Supakitch

I really enjoyed watching this little film. These guys are amazing to watch. 

Thanks to Holly for the heads up on this video.

Home Improvements

Have you ever wondered why some European homes that are listed for sale look so amazing? Well, after the owners move out real estate agents move in and style the home. This is particularly common in Scandinavian countries. These shots are of a home in Sweden styled by Alvhem & Estate and Interiors. They even have their own shop where you can buy the props used in their homes. You should check out the homes they are currently selling- but be warned, you may want to dig out your passport and move to Sweden- I know I did.

Treasured themes

I've been hard at work putting together new products for the upcoming Apron Market. I love The Apron because you get to set up your own little shop. This time around I have a fabulous vintage theme that I'm having a lot of fun with. Here's a hint...

School Bus Yellow Treasury

Quilted Garden

I love these hexagon flowers. Piecing by paper is a skill I've wanted to learn but never bothered to teach myself. Maybe these little pretties will finally motivate me. 

via Fossil Blog

Treasure Trove

Hello Monday!

The Break Up

Dear regular cotton,
I think it's time that we broke up. It's not you, it's me. I've met some else. His name is voile. He's oh so soft and summery. He's what I've been looking for my whole life.
Sorry.
Sincerely,
Rosie

My Birthday

Today is my birthday. It will be a good day. Serendipity has stepped in to make sure of it. Today I have not one, but two sewing classes. I usually have one a week- alternating between day and night, but this week both classes fall on the same day. Yippee. I get to spend my birthday sewing dresses. I popped (note- I originally wrote 'pooped' here) into Spotlight last week when they had 30% off and snapped up something beautiful floral voiles. I'm going to make some Summer dresses. 

Today I'm wearing my birthday dress. It's my birthday dress because I only finished it yesterday. This dress was a tester for a pattern that I drafted by combing elements of my two favourite patterns. I love it. It fits so well and only coast $18 (including thread and zipper). Huzzah! I took these shots yesterday in Mum's garden. Spring is definitely in the air.

A glass of celebratory strawberry and line Swedish cider...yum. Matches my shoes nicely, don't you think?

In love with...

How awesome are these?
Answer? Really awesome!
Made from recycled household paint, salvaged wood and found materials, these strolling couples are custom made by American mixed media artist, Dolan Geiman.

Interior Style

I love this wall paper. In fact, I love just about everything in these shots. The white walls and floors make all the other colours 'pop'. The only downside of this colour palate would be the dusting. Dust is so much more noticeable on white.  Arrgg. I hate dusting. But if I could live here then I guess dusting would be a price I'd be happy willing to pay. 

{images via Interior Photos}

Creativity (or keeping your creative mojo from running off with the socks)

Staying creative, whether for business or pleasure, is sometimes a hard task. Sometimes I loose my mojo. I don't know where it goes. Maybe it runs off with the odd socks that disappear in the washing? Anyway, today on Poppytalk there was this awesome little video about maintaining creativity and I wanted to share it with you. Enjoy!

29 WAYS TO STAY CREATIVE from TO-FU on Vimeo.

How do you keep your creativity flowing?

Treasure Trove

I don't think you can go wrong with colour combination. A good splash of colour is just what I need in these last days of Winter.

all that & some of this treasury via Etsy

Making it Handmade

Have you watched this doco? I watched it last night. This film made me simultaneously happy, mad, angry, disgusted and puzzled. It left me questioning many things about craft, the craft community and myslef- my craft and my motivations.  I don't remember the last time I had this kind of response to any media. Even 12 hours and a good nights sleep later I'm not sure what I think about it. What I do know is that it did it's job. It has made react, to think, to question. If that was the filmmaker's aim then she did it well. I'd be interested to know what you though/think about Making it Handmade.

Minty

{images}