Back to blogging

2011 and I should be setting myself some goals... one of them is to keep this blog alive. I do have plenty to show here but haven't managed to make the time to publish it. So, here goes the 1st of many to come!!

(ring from my brother, made from an upcycled spoon )

I wanted to show you these gorgeous rings I received from far away this Xmas. One is from my parents and one from my brother and they are both quirky and interesting. Just how I like them!!

(isn't this interesting? I love the intense blue!!)

And my super uber cool new Swatch. I haven't had one for years! I could even say over a decade! And I fancied one this year so I asked my fiancee to get me one in his last trip to Europe. And he surprised me with this... initially I was not so into the face but after wearing it lots I love it. The wristband is just perfect. 

Night out

Night out by Yurifromenzan featuring distressed jeans

Wishing my name started with R..

As seen in Etsy by missbirdies

The earrings I won

These are the gorgeous earrings that generous Jessica from Epheriell sent me all the way from Australia. I have worn them already a couple of times but don't seem to succeed at photographing myself with them, sorry!

Thrifting and shopping for the new house

We bought a house (I will do a BEFORE/AFTER at some point). And we have nothing! As we came from Europe to NZ, all we brought was our personal effects (tons of books, photos, clothing and useless memorabilia) and a gorgeous marble table that I've inherited.

So, we need to fill the house. BIG JOB!

Guess what was the 1st thing we bought? Obviously a massive wood bucket that could be "filled with ice to put all the drinks for the BBQ parties). Yes, very useful... we may sleep on the floor, wash everything by hand but hey, at least we can organise a party! Now.. what do you think was no.2 purchase?? YES! you got it... an ice bucket! This time normal size.. (and I am thinking: Is this setting the tone of what life is going to be for us from now on?) - Pictures to come

We then found a sofa from this friendly guy who only owned it for a few months in a flat where he never was (he was always at his now wife's house), so we got a bargain deal on a fabulous almost-new "design-y" piece with a retro feel.

I've been trying to get interesting pieces for the house in 2nd hand stores to create an eclectic feel between modern and vintage.

So I got hold of these beauties that I love.

This is a Mad Men inspired salt & pepper shakers. We are crazy about Mid Century now...

Nice warm piece of cloth that I got no clue what to do with but.. for that price?!
I'll come up with something!!

A granny shirt.. for... ).30 cents? I thought I could reshape it and

make something really summery with it

Some retro table cloths for my "pincnic" themed Engagement/House Warming party

(that so far is only happening in my head, must start organising!!)

Gorgeous tea set from Japan, 6 teacups, with saucer and cake dish... so delicate looking,

the photo doesn't do justice to the colour

 Apart from that and a super duper fridge (with its own separate draw for veggies & fruit that stays dry) a washing machine that is like an space-ship of how sophisticated it is and eco-friendly vaccumm (my fiancée said that after a house and a car, these were the most expensive things he's ever bought - I think he forgot the engagement ring!!). So things are happening!

Now I need to start choosing wall colours and.. wall paper!! yippee

Epheriell Designs

Not long ago I started following Epheriell to see what's happening in the creative market down under! Epheriell does a good job covering most crafters in the area and I subscribed to her newsletter. As per usual, I entered one of her giveaways, which I have done plenty of times in hundreds of blogs I follow. But, this time, I won a pair of earrings!! How exciting! Now, which one will I choose?!

Thank you Jess!!

Some necklaces

I've been a bit lazy not updating the blog lately but that doesn't mean I haven't been making things. Here is a selection of necklaces that I have made last weekend. Some of them already have an owner! See what you think. It is really good fun to make them, pretty easy and quick.

Girona crafting

A couple of weekends ago I made it to Girona, where I spent some good time with my crafting expert teacher, Mati. Once again I was amazed by the quality of things she makes and how easy everything seems when you see her at work!! Her hands move so fast and she can talk and teach whilst she is crafting. Here are a few samples of things she has made lately.

These are two necklaces Mati made for her daughters Ester and Marta. See the interesting mesh material she used that can be shaped as you wish

Cute biscornous that can be used as mini pin cushions, book marks or to hang from your scissors

I just love the 3D shape

This is a big patchwork job that Mati entered in a competition and won 3rd prize

And one of Mati's students, Anna, made a similar one, also fantastic.

The 1st fish pie I've made

The photo doesn't make justice.. it was good, I was a proud girl :-)

Wow.. no more buying endless threads

Check out this post

There is a machine that matches the colour of your fabrics to the thread, basically prints the thread!!