Kelly Doust introduces readers to her wonderful world of reviving and customising vintage pieces, while bringing a modern and unique twist to wearing vintage clothes – Dita Von Teese
In it to win it
Cloud mobile by Prue Hilton
Just a reminder to get your skates on if you want to win the $100 Cloth voucher, girls. Prue’s already sent in images of her Rain, Hail or Snow cloud mobile, constructed from the fabric pack awarded recently. At this stage, she’s a sure bet. Entries close at the end of the month.
Don’t feel you have to make something big – here’s what I’ve done with the raspberry Rough Roses print; a simple girls’ frock with velvet ribbon tie and Liberty print bias binding. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
Scraptastic
I decimated the darning pile last weekend, which was so intensely satisfying, it felt wrong. I spent all day Sunday stitching and playing with scraps. First up was this small dress we bought in France last year, which was stained down the front after an accidental trip to nursery school. I covered sad stains with bright yoyos and buttons. She’s a happy dress now.
Yoyo detailing
Then I attached a leftover yoyo to a hairband, made a funny little charm bracelet for me (inspired by something similar spied at Incu), and a necklace for Olive. I’m clearly having a Liberty moment.
Olive's hairband
Liberty features again
Whimsical bow & button necklace
Staying in: the new going out?
Cabbage (&) Roses
We chucked most commitments today in favour of time indoors, en famille. The knots in my shoulders are working themselves loose and I feel sane again, because Minxy Vintage is very nearly off to print, and the days brought various good tidings. Hooray for the turning tide.
I did, however, pop out for some flowers to cheer up the house – hence the kale and roses above. And my new/old egg cups, a collectible German design from the 50s. Who was I to resist such pastel charms?
And my chubby babe is due another bib, for the seams were bursting on the old one which featured in The Crafty Kid. Here’s the new version – done & dusted in under an hour. It should last until she’s four. By which stage, bibs will be redundant, right? (ha).
Googie eggs never looked so good
A new bib for Miss Olive
New from Castle & Things
I just love Rachel Castle’s clean and colourful design sense, which mixes neutrals and fluoros for super-cool home decoration. Check out the website for new artworks and single bed sets for childrens’ rooms, recently created after huge demand.
We’ve got the spotty bedlinen in crisp white and yellow. Just gorgeous.
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
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
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?
Kids’ craft for The Outdoor Room magazine
Ruby feeds our faux finch
Back in early January the Outdoor Room with Jamie Durie crew visited so we could shoot this kids’ craft feature. It hits news stands tomorrow including the following very simple projects for little hands; a wind chime made from found objects, bird feeder, ‘Dino Town’ living dinosaur terrarium (the moss, not the dinos;) and decorative pot plants.
Trusty helpers Ruby, Enzo and Harvey were on hand to show us how it’s done. Ever the professionals, it was a wrap by early afternoon (I was the one who needed a nap). Styled by me and the lovely Outdoor Room ladies, Tara Davy and Vanessa Keys, photography is by Glen Allsop.
Pretty plant potting at the local park (try saying that quickly)
Harvey & Enzo construct Dino Town
Black Baroque
My friend Jess just ordered a bunch of these beauties from Black Baroque on Etsy. They look absolutely amazing when framed and up on the wall. Given images are printed on recycled paper from books and sheet music, each one is also totally unique.
Such a simple idea, executed so beautifully. Free shipping, too. Fabbo.
Just some of the sea-themed prints from Black Baroque
London’s Lush Designs
LOVE pillowcases from Lush Designs
I’ve had a hankering for the pillowcases and lampshades from Lush Designs after first seeing them in favourite style tomes Perfect English Cottage and Bazaar Style. If I didn’t have a Rachel Castle artwork above the bed, I’d buy these in a flash.
And aren’t these lampshades just divine for a child’s bedroom? Alas, I don’t think they’d travel quite as well from the UK. I’d stick to the cushions and tea towels for international orders.
Purple London lampshade
Fox & Cubs