The internets never looked so good!

               Photo taken right before I fogged up the glass in the Marais, Paris

After some tedious computer issues, I’m happily back to tickling the keyboard and being wowed by the new stuff I’m seeing.  It’s also time to get excited by the end-of-year markets. There seems to be a new one every week.

A newly tinted carrot-top Kirsty joined me for the slightly soggy fun of the Suitcase Rummage. The light rain didn’t stop the bargain hunters, and we ended up trading a few gorgeous  items with our neighbour Phoebe.   

We zoomed out to Bundamba for the Handmade Expo, only to find some stalls had literally been blown away. It was incredibly windy, but there were still smiles, some yummy food (I saw cakes that reminded me of the boulangeries in Paris – rose petals and chocolate? Yes, please!) and some good shopping.

Highlight? Voodoo doll pin cushions from Jaffajaf. Just too cute, in a murderous sort of way.

Packing my bags!

I'm gathering some lovely vintage goodies for the Suitcase Rummage this Sunday 3rd October. King George Square will be the scene for suitcase oriented shopping from midday until 5pm.
As well as a selection of MiuAndUmi jewellery, hair accessories and my new stationery (!), I've put together a collection of books, buttons, dresses, lace and dainty scarves. Some gorgeous Basque peep-toe heels, a Sex Kitten candy-stripe dress, the complete Keats and a 1953 edition of War and Peace! A couple of vintage diamante and Siam silver jewellery pieces and a handpainted Russian brooch.
There's too much to list here, you'll just have to see for yourself! Come say hello and snap up a bargain or two!

Australian Women's Complete Household Guide 1953 continued...

Woman! Bring me my pipe and my slippers! I'm tired from a long day at the office, and lawd knows what you've been doing all day. Probably sitting around, eating bon-bons and gossipping on the electric telephone.

Australian Women's Complete Household Guide 1953 continued...

The chairs! That lamp! The wallpaper! Excuse me while I hyperventilate.

Australian Women's Complete Household Guide 1953

Why ever would you throw this out? Doesn't every household need an in-depth textbook to refer to when building a house, lifting a stain from the carpet, making your own gloves or diagnosing poisoning by opium? There's a handy segment on writing business letters, although it does state that the 'average housewife' will not have much need to do such a thing.
There's plenty of sexist and condescending dark-ages writing to raise the ire of even the least militant feminist, but the most striking thing I've noticed is the all-encompassing nature of this book. I'm wondering if this is the birthplace of the over-achieving, do-it-all-and-look-impeccably-gorgeous uber woman?
All that aside, I'm in love with the Atomic Era look of these colour pages. Aren't they just too much?

I do love a giveaway...

Kel from my new favourite green tea and red nails is holding a giveaway, ending at midnight tonight. You should take a peek at her blog while you are there - she has a vintage appeal and a fun approach to life.
And don't you love the late notice? It's in keeping with my general approach to life, but honestly, I am trying to be more organised. This generally manifests as scads of to-do lists which are lost almost immediately, but now that the entire household has escaped the clutches of a foul and long-lasting flu, I am energised and ready to get serious.
A wise person, Tara of the awesome Scoutie Girl recently said that accountability forces the hand of creativity. Which I took to mean if you speak your goals aloud, you become accountable for seeing them through. Rather than being some hazy, day-dreamy idea which is allowed to evaporate like mist on a sunny morning, you are obliged to honour your plan.
I find this idea appealing, and a touch confronting, but I'm ready to put it to the test.
Here and now, I'm stating my intention to you:

I will write everyday
I will post a quality piece of writing once a week

Phew. I was about to write a third intention, but maybe I should walk before I run.

Little cabin

Hey there! I had to take a little break while the whole family recovered from a wicked tummy bug, and now I realise how much I've missed sharing my snippets of frivolous frippery.
After attempting the granny square a few times and throwing my hook and yarn down in frustration, I tried it one more time, following a very simple set of instructions with lots of photos, and voila! I can do it! And now I can't stop doing it... thank you obsessive nature.
Today we set off on a hunt for bathroom fixtures, armed with measurements and a promise not to bicker. But before I go, I have to share this photo.
I think it speaks for itself - it's an absolute dream. Hand me a ginger beer with a sprig of mint, a copy of "The heart is a lonely hunter", and I'm in heaven.

(I've lost the link for this photo - if you know where it came from, please let me know!)

Loveheart cupcakes

Little Pompom turns 5, with a little sugary help from Enticing Icing. Thank you for the lovehearts Bel, they were delicious!
Fast on the heels of the 5th birthday, we celebrated the 7th of Ced, with a flaming rocket cake and the traditional birth stories.
"At this time, seven years ago, I was sitting in the bath at the Birth Centre..."
"...and Daddy rubbed my back and said I was beautiful and I growled at him to shut the damn hell up..."
"...and you took a deep breath and you roared!"
I enjoy this very much because I know that soon enough there will be no mystery surrounding where they came from, and they will NOT want to know the details of their entry into the world.

BiTM recap and even further back...

The old Brisbane Museum, Finders Keepers Brisbane City Hall, BrisStyle indie Twilight Markets
What a gorgeous night it was! All my scowling and fist-shaking at the grey skies really paid off - it was a warm, sunny afternoon and a glittering evening, complimented by a gentle breeze. The jazz band had us snapping our fingers and singing along, and the visitors to our stall were very friendly.
(I noticed a few surreptitious photos being taken, and I'm not the only one. It's simultaneously flattering... and a little annoying!)
My own photo documentation of the evening is this. One snap of the Town Hall. I did the same thing at the Finders Keepers markets. And I'm still having camera issues, so it's a surprise to even have these.

Ah, the traditional last minute scramble. Why would I do things any other way? MiuAndUmi preparation for the BrisStyle indie Twilight Markets is coming together, slowly but surely, and I did have the unique pleasure of having not one, not two, but three Bunnings staff walking me around the big tin shed looking for sandbags! That was fun. I've elected to make them myself, because I like to be resourceful, I like the feeling of finishing a task, and I'm too stubborn to be told there isn't enough time.
I'm jazzed about Friday night, crossing my fingers it doesn't rain, and so far have managed to evade the naked-at-school type dreams of derisive shoppers and epic failure that got me good last time around. I'll be propped up by my beautiful sidekicks Kirsty and Cass, who help make any event something to remember. Look for the brunette, the blonde and the redhead and come say hey, or howdy, or ciao, bonsoir, or just hello.

Ok, the camera issue is really beginning to make me cuckoo. I'm lusting after one of those DSLR with all the trimmings, but I'd settle for one with a viewfinder right now! If this photo doesn't make your eyes dance, congratulations.
We made the mad dash to the BrisStyle indie Eco Markets quite late in the day (as it was little Pom Pom's 5th birthday and we had to have pancakes for breakfast and choose the best birthday outfit) We had time to try a vegan hot-dog - quite tasty, and scoot around, ogling all the handmade goodness. As always, I developed a serious case of the wants, there were so many interesting, clever and eco-friendly items. I came away with a few lovelies, but could've bought alot more.
BiEM finds, clockwise from top left: "Brisbanesque" t-shirt transfer and Frida pendant, Ruby 2 Go-Go, Hair bands and pretty mosaic birds, Cairo Made That, Handwoven ecodyed silk headband, TrishAlan, divine Japanese fabric, Kimono Reincarnate.

A little morning sunlight

The kitchen windowsill with morning sunlight streaming in. The purple flowers are called Batchelors Buttons - how cute is that?

In Rome there is a small and picturesque cemetary tucked away behind a pyramid. I won't start with a history lesson about the pyramid and the graveyard, you can google the hell out of Rome, the amount of history at every turn is almost overwhelming. What I loved about this quiet place (which we dubbed 'the heathen cemetary' for the non-Catholic status of those within) apart from finding possibly the cleanest public toilet in Rome, was the gravestone of the poet John Keats. Near to the pyramid and an expanse of lawn peppered with little white flowers, engraved with such bitter words, it brought tears to my eyes. "...Here lies one whose name was writ in water."
I felt despair at the hopeless anger of one who had died young, thinking himself a failure in his craft. I turned from the gravestone, heart-wrenched, to find a memorial on the stone wall nearby, written by Sir Vincent Eyre.

Keats! if thy cherished name be "writ in water"
Each drop has fallen from some mourner's cheek;
A sacred tribute; such as heroes seek,
Though oft in vain - for dazzling deeds of slaughter
Sleep on! Not honoured less for Epitaph so meek!

I know poetry isn't everyones cup of tea, but this story makes me think about how we value ourselves, and the importance that we place on being valued by others. Isn't it enough to honour our hearts and our crafts? To live truly? Must we have the critics nod before we are ok with our creations?

Guerrilla Knitting

This isn't the first time I've seen 'guerrilla' knitting, but I was inspired by the photos in the Artspace Mackay Flickr pool. It looked like so much fun, I had to have a little go myself...

I heart Australia Post

I mean it! After trying to send a couple of postcards from a post office in Rome, and getting home before they did, I developed an even greater adoration for AP. Cam and I had one of those old married couple discussions over the local newspaper this morning about the price of stamps increasing to 60c. He said 'Didn't they go up to 55c just a while ago?' and I commenced my monologue about the incredible magic of placing a tiny square of sticky paper onto a larger piece of paper with written directions on it, and sending it into an enormous system filled with millions of other little bits of paper with directions on them, and knowing that your one little missive will find its way!
I've always been a letter sender. Invites, thank yous, "I was just thinking aboutcha"s. Knowing that sometimes my sister will get home from a long day of work to be greeted by a colourful envelope filled with things to make her smile, makes me feel good.
And opening a parcel of loveliness from my latest Etsy obsession? That's a bundle of all my favourite things - Australia Post, shopping, supporting handmade, and making new connections.
When I opened the parcel from Tammy at Boorah Designs, and saw the cuteness inside, I just had to take a photo. It's hidden now, waiting for Pom Pom's birthday, but I know she's going to love it.

Dancing with Fred and Ginger

My vintage buttons-turned-earrings were featured in an Etsy Treasury by Yoshiko from Euphorianchic. They sit well in this beautifully vibrant colour scheme. I named these earrings "Fred and Ginger" because the swirling folds of glass, combined with the deep dusty rose colour, instantly made me think of the divine gowns Ginger Rogers wore while dancing with Fred Astaire in all those 1930's movies.

A covet list - my Treasury on Etsy

Sally from Flight Industries contacted me to let me know my Etsy Treasury had made the front page, and I confess after a dreadful, worrisome weekend, it really made the sun come out. This was my first attempt at a Treasury, and it was so much fun telling a story with images. There is so much gold out there! If I wasn't hooked on Etsy before, I sure am now.

Domestic Construction

There is beauty in the simple things, and much to be admired in those who can see it. Trish and Maureen from Domestic Construction in New York just kidnapped my sensibilities with their 'hearts and hammers' approach to design. I can just see their teacup light installation in my kitchen - it's adorable!

 

How can I be cranky at all the ruined garden when this is the end result?

Wait a minute Mr Postman

Little Pompom doesn't know it yet, but there is a lovely gift on the way to our house. I just had to order a gorgeous, original skirt from Tammy at Boorah Designs. We were neighbours at the BrisStyle markets, and I couldn't stop staring at the colours and pattern combinations the whole day. Of course by the time I'd made up my mind to buy it,we were all in the mad scramble to pack up our stalls and clear out. Luckily I caught this one-of-a-kind skirt before it sold! If you have kids or know a kid or are just unusually small, you should have a look around Boorah Designs!
Oh, and the trade of clutch purses between Tammy and I - I may only be able to get one leg into Pompom's skirt, but the clutch will be all mine!

BrisStyle Markets

Kirsty, Melanie (I love the weird reflection on my lips! A bit Gaga?) and Cass

What a gorgeous day! The sun was shining, the stalls and stallholders all looked wonderful, and the sausages were piping hot. The grounds at St Augustines in Hamilton were perfect, leafy and relaxed. We had stripped off our scarves and coats by 9am, and joked with a couple of BrisStylers who were trying to thaw out because their stalls were in the shade.

In between chatting and laughing with shoppers I managed to have a quick look around and buy some gorgeous things. There were plenty more that I would've loved to grab, if only I had the money! For now I must stick to cute fridge magnets, like this one from Pannikin

I also met the delightful Natalie from Miss Dish, who makes the most amazing hairpieces and jewellery. I can certainly see one of her creations adorning my tresses, perhaps the "Black and Gold Baby"?

There were so many remarkable people and covetable artworks, I intend to talk about it way more. But today I must prepare to host playgroup in my tiny house... ten small children and their mums? No problem!