I know! Christmas was so last week! I am the queen of the disorganised, last minute present wrapping, card making and sending, food preparing people. And now, on the eve of a fresh new year, my mind is brimming with plans and possibilities. My growing children, travel plans, finally getting the vegetable garden together, focusing on being more creative and more organised at the same time. But for now, I'm off to find the perfect beret to wear in Paris! Until 2010, au revoir!

What is the appeal of bakelite? How does thermoset resin, the first plastic, manage to exude such warmth and touchable appeal? I just love bakelite, and when I spotted these buttons at the recent exhibition at the Paddington Antique Centre , it didn't take a lot of coaxing from Kirsty for me to buy them.
I did hesitate when it came to snipping off the metal loop on the back, but whether I make serious collectors of the era cringe or not, it will be worn, and it will look fabulous.
If you would like to have a closer look at this honey, pop over to Miu & Umi!

Happy birthday Suzy Wong. We love you!

The lovely Kelley from Alex Kelley Jewelry in Chicago held a winter giveaway and guess who the lucky recipient of a pair of beautiful earrings will be? Yes, moi! Aren't I lucky? Have a look at Kelley's stunning designs at http://www.etsy.com/shop/alexkelleyjewelry
Kelley's work features delicate wire-work combined with a range of semi-precious stones. Keep an eye out for the Butterscotch Amber necklace. It's certainly my favourite, and after telling Kelley about my secret urge to eat beautiful jewellery, I was relieved to hear that she agrees!
I'm sure I'm not alone in associating gems and beads with food. What do you think?

My beautiful sister, playing dress-ups. Nobody in the world can make me laugh like she can, and I always marvel at her ability to turn the most ordinary or mundane task into gales of hysterical laughter. Whenever we get together for one of our rare gossip and catch-up sessions, complete with wine and some kind of smelly cheese, I am reminded just how lucky I am to have such a kick-arse sibling.

 

Dreamy dusk shot.

Meet "Violet Beauregarde". She will not listen when she is told it's rude to chew gum. Never mind, she will get her comeuppance.
Last night at my sister's house, over heaped plates of steaming chilli and fruity sangria, she and her husband informed me they were taking me to Paris! Paris! My number one destination in the entire world - bar none! Quelle surprise! My head is a-whirl with gratitude, excitement and a little soupcon of fear.

"Push the little daisies". Find it here.


Ribbons and paper garlands hanging above my work table. My favourite place in our tiny house. I'm thinking about my little sister, who has lost her voice and is sick at home with her fluffy little puppy. She just needs her big sis to ply her with her famous home remedies!

This is one I call "Mintie". Now, I don't recommend putting it in your mouth, but certainly putting it on your finger. I'm in the process of photographing the dozens of cuties that live together in my studio. If you would like to see "Mintie", and the rest of the family, pop over to my etsy store, Miu & Umi! I'll be sharing more as I go along. Have a great day!

Jacaranda

Bony fingers sifting down their velvetty blooms, laying out a dainty crushable blanket. If only the bees were not jealous.

August

A cold night.

Goodbye

We said our goodbyes each in our own way, and cried for ourselves as much as we cried for him.

Eight ladies

I love this Sanna Annukka print. It's almost a regimental feel, coupled with religious/royalty style... I just like it, ok?
Colour good.
The markets were busy this morning. I found fresh watercress (yum) and an unusually shaped brass vase which I had to have.

STACEY NIGHTMARE!!!!

 

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New ring display!

So my ring display came in the mail this week, and all my preciouses are lined up, as appealing as a lolly shop. When I look at them, they take me to my happy place.