A truly beautiful Minxy mix of charm, inspiration, practical advice, and pretty projects to simplify and beautify your life and home. - Jane Brocket, The Gentle Art of Domesticity
Kindersachen selber machen – the German ‘Crafty Kid’
The Crafty Kid goes Deutsche
I just received copies of the hardback version of The Crafty Kid in German, which comes out there this week (still waiting on the French ones, mais oui). They’ve changed the cover this time – what do you think?
It’s a very strange thing to be browsing through your book in another language, very strange indeed. But lovely, of course. My fave translations? Mini-Glockenkleid (that’s the mini A-line dress) and Schickes Kniepolster (the Nifty Kneeler for the garden), just because they tickle me.
Vinyl Design
Chandelier wall decal by Vinyl Design
Some lovely wall decals, canvas totes and cushions here at Sydney’s Vinyl Design. I’m especially fond of the Vintage Scissors tote below. Parfait for craft-a-go-go, non?
Forest wall decal by Vinyl Design
Vintage Scissors tote by Vinyl Design
Pocket Watch cushion by Vinyl Design
Fingers crossed for Zoe
"In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different" - Coco Chanel image by Zoe Sadokierski for A Life in Frocks
Exciting news: we just found out A Life in Frocks has been nominated for an Australian Publishers’ Association award, thanks to Zoe Sadokierski‘s gorgeous and clever design (have you seen underneath the folded dust jacket? It really is a treat). For a very sweet review by glam blogger Super Kawaii Mama, click here.
Wish us luck – the winner will be announced on Thursday 19 May.
My denim folly... illustration by Zoe Sadokierski for A Life in Frocks
Let them eat cake
Make like Marie Antoinette and spoil yourself rotten today (just avoid any nasty revolutions). I’m off to the French Film Festival for a little Gallic bliss xK
Pea Press
Radio Gaga print by Pea Press, Melbourne
Have you seen these cute, affordable prints by Melbourne’s Pea Press, illustrated by Vicky Axford? Definitely themes after my own heart!
Hello print by Pea Press
Rule Brittania butterfly print by Pea Press
Could it be time for tea? print by Pea Press
Macaroons print by Pea Press
Woman of the week: Monica Trapaga
Do you know Monica? I’m sure you do, in one of her many guises – cookbook author (Monica wrote She’s Leaving Home, about the inspiring women in her life for daughter, Lil), avid collector, store owner (of Reclaim in Sydney’s Summer Hill and formerly Glebe), cabaret crooner and Playschool presenter… and mother of six (yes, six!)
I never cease to be inspired by her energy and refusal to be pigeonholed, as well as her generosity. Monica’s the type of woman you just know has at least ten good ideas before breakfast and, despite a ferociously busy schedule, always manages to help friends & family and still make you feel she has all the time in the world to chat with you. And she can’t sit still. I asked Mon about her tips for life, which I think we could all benefit from. Here they are:
1. Keep fit – I swim 3-4 times a week and go jogging. My energy also comes from my kids. They’re at such an enjoyable age. Being with them always gives me energy. Plus I cook all the time and eat fresh, beautiful food.
2. I’ve been a mum since I was 19, and have always done everything by instinct.
3. Make the world your address – I love travelling (the talented Ms. Trapaga currently lives between NY and Sydney… what a dream) and love how you can reinvent yourself. When you travel you have no past, no history, and people take you at face value.
4. Face your fears and look them dead in the eye, even for one minute a day – I was robbed in my house at 2am with a crowbar the week before my wedding. It didn’t hit me at first that I could have been killed, but months later I was terrified to walk down the street. Then I thought, I’m not going to live like this. I went to NY and found an apartment in the scariest borough I could find, walking everywhere on my own. My husband and family accepted it was something I had to do. Life’s too short.
5. Make the world a little more beautiful with the things you do (and she does).
Reclaim by Monica Trapaga
48 Lackey Street, Summer Hill NSW
Tel: (02) 9716 0144
Operating Hours: 10am to 5pm, 7 days a week
The new look Reclaim in Summer Hill
Michael will look after you... do visit soon
Make Do Mend London
London's Make Do Mend
Crafty chic hen 'do
UK reader Isabel put me on to Make Do Mend: apparently crafty hen ‘dos and baby showers are taking place in London hot spots such as Covent Garden’s The Hospital Club (below).
Surely only a matter of time before the trend catches on here?
Bellini Bar at The Hospital Club
Tea and crochet with Make Do Mend
High tea and craft... a match made in heaven
Easter craft workshop at Calico & Ivy
I loves me an egg cosy or three
News just in: the lovely Sarah Wheatley of Calico & Ivy’s Balmain store is hosting an Easter high tea & crafts afternoon with yours truly on Sunday 10 April, 2-5pm.
Join us for a decadent afternoon creating felt egg cosies, finger puppets and other felt fripperies from Calico & Ivy’s beautiful range of Heather Bailey designer felt. Construct cute, simple designs by hand for an elegantly homespun Easter – crafters of all skill levels welcome.
A lavish high tea party including sandwiches, cakes and loose-leaf teas will be provided on the day. Spaces are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment. Call Calico & Ivy on 02 9555 9909 to secure a place.
Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
Belle & Boo, c’est supercute
Hugs wall sticker
Just some of my favourite items from the Belle & Boo range. Sweeter than candy.
Adorable winter coat
Royal parade masking tape
Bunny brooch
Paper doll... one for the bell jar!