I cut these from the front garden just an hour ago.  Just your humble Jasmine and Lavender.  I wish you could smell through the screen.  Yesterday there was not a white flower yet on our Jasmine bush just the pretty pink buds, waiting.  Then today, there they were, a few stray and precious blooms that had decided to burst.  Do you think that they know something?

We are going to be away next week.  Our first trip to the snow with the three little Vikings in tow.  They are so excited.  I am excited for them.  Both the Vintage Shop and Paperklip will still be open while I am away, though things will be first posted out on Monday 13th September.

Little Birds

Hello friends.  Tonight (because it is 10.55pm as I write this)  I will talk about books.  Because I love them.  It might be a paper thing.  Or it could be the possibilities that lie inside one – an escape to an exotic place, a ramble through an old house or a new project to ponder making.  I read before I go to sleep most nights.

When I actually buy a book it is usually the cover that gets me and I would buy this lovely little craft book of birdy sweetness JUST because of the cover.  What great product photography, makes one want to open up and flick through.  This little book is not yet released - but it will be on Thursday!  It is brimming with 26 bird making projects from Etsy and Handmade sellers.  It is exactly what I wish for for my birthday a) because I like birds b) I really need another small, sweet and inspiring craft book to ponder over and possibly make nothing from but still engage hours of enjoyment in the possibility c) my Mum asked me what I wished for my birthday and I think she would like to ponder over this book with me.

What is on your book wishlist at the moment?  I would love to know.

Hi there!  I could not resist.  Here is a beautiful illustration of a Spool Bed by Julia.  Julia Rothman.  You know how much I love her work because I keep putting her illustrations up here for you to see.  And love.  I borrowed this image from Design Sponge, who have a whole article devoted to these lovely beds over here.  In case you were interested.  And I am because we are looking for a new bed (or an old bed) to replace our old bed.  Make sense?  I think these beds are lovely.  Just want to load them up with vintage quilts and jump on in. 

I have posted other people’s images today because if you lived here in Sydney you would know that it has been pouring for a few days now.  No light = no photo opportunities.  I hope to share what the Thrift Gods shined on me last Friday when the sun comes out again.

Upon a Fold

Greetings.  I have a new stockist.  You will love it over at Upon a Fold.  Justine has a beautiful collection of unique paper things in store and her blog features the work of some of the world’s best paper artists – extremely inspiring.  The exclusive black and white bird garland will be available there very soon.  I am super happy to be represented by Upon a Fold.  Aren’t the shop graphics just perfect?

Striped hand warmers

I would knit these.  I love them, even though its 35 degrees outside.  Courtesy of Purl Bee.  A most gorgeous crafty site.  I think knitting these might just end up my winter goal.

Now you know I love paper.  I also love illustration – with neat little lines and tiny details (a hark back to my stint as a draftswoman no doubt).  Julia Rothman is a most talented illustrator, textile artist and general mutli-talented super woman of craft.  She has combined my two favourites in this lovely illustration borrowed from design*sponge.  I hanker after everything that she does.  Is that stalking?  Delightful.

I found these two lovely geneology charts over at Design Sponge today.  They are by a little business called My Tree and Me, created by a very talented lady Jen O’neill.  I am coveting one as I am fascinated by family history and I am looking forward to spending time researching ours – it is so easy to forget the past as life speeds up.

 A truly sweet and unique new baby or wedding gift.

Cross stitch project 1

I am reviving an old love today – cross stitch.  I cross-stitched for lots of years, way back when it was very un-cool.  It kept me company on cold nights in our apartment in Denmark.  It travelled across Australia to Perth in the Kombi much to the dislike of The Viking.  Then paper came into my life.  I really think it is time for a revival.  This is a simply project I am doing up for the Paperklip stall at Magnolia Square when it comes to Sydney in July – yeah.  I will keep you posted.