Craft on

We had our first Launny Brown Owls get together on Saturday. We haven't met for a millenia. Jobs, kids and winter hibernation were allowed to get in the way. It was a modest gathering but seeing people make awesome stuff again, has inspired me to get my craft on again.

Today I went patch crazy!!!

What do you reckon? Stitched by hand with love.

Put A Bird On It

Ummm

I had to repost.

I couldn't bare looking at the Hewitts a minute longer. They were really giving me the Hewitts. The only problem is I don't have much to say .. oh, hang on, yes I do.

This Saturday 12 February from 11- 3pm the Launceston Brown Owls are having a fund raising stall for the Queensland Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal. The Owls have crafted up some magic so if you are into some keenly priced, and very beautiful handmade objects, then come on down. The stall is part of the Maker's Market in the courtyard at the Design Centre and there are lots of beautiful handmakers selling there wares there 'n' all, like Isis, Hideyo, Annie.

Oh and Festivale is on in the City Park as well. Anyone who lived in Launnie in the late 90's sing it with me

"It's a carnival, it's a festival, its a Ta-assie festival, Festivale!"

For the rest of you just imagine a bad-but-strangely-compelling, carnival-style, regional tv produced jingle and have a crack at it yourselves.

Come on down and check it out.

Markets, eh?

Well, that certainly was a bit of fun, the ol' Niche market.

Apologies for the pics, they are a bit messy as they were taken during set up and the crowds surged in before I had a chance to take some of the final display.

Organisers think they had 6000 people through and it certainly felt like it. It was packed! How great was it too see so many people out and about on a sunny weekend in Launceston, supporting St Giles and handmade?

Thanks Liz for doing such a great job in organising such a big event for such a great organisation. Thanks to my suppliers (Auntie Cookie, The Rabbit and The Duck, Allypops, Write to Me and Ric Rac) for being part of an island market. Thanks too to my family for taking it in turns to herd the mini-beasts all weekend.

And it was my birthday. What a grouse way to turn 38!

Movember

Write to me hand printed stationery. It's nice. Really nice.

This little stack of it will be on my market stall this weekend.

Now I am off to get my eyebrows and lip waxed so nobody at the market thinks I am a freak show exhibit. Left to their own devices my eyebrows would rapidly take over my entire face. This morning I observed to the luthier that my nose hairs were oddly growing underneath my nose. He replied " That's your mo'. " Which is nice.

It might be Movember but this mo' is about to go.

Baddies with Goodies

Market goodies are arriving and taking over the Luthier's workshop.

I'm not sure what this baddie and his buddies where up to in the bow box.

Parcels of Loveliness

Remember I won a giveaway from The Warp And The Weft? Well, you can only imagine my delight when the parcel of divine, Frenchy loveliness arrived in the post. My little tin of notions is full of tiny treasures. Merci!

Speaking of parcels of loveliness, I am expecting quite a few more to arrive in the next couple of weeks. I am embarking on a wee venture, setting up a stall at the Niche Market in November, here in ol' Launny town. " A market stall!" I hear you cry in disbelief, " Mrs Smith doesn't actually make enough stuff to stock a whole stall!" and you would be quite right. I don't. I like a little crafting and have knocked up a couple of blankies and dolls quilts, but for the stall stocking, Mrs Smith is receiving a little help from her friends.

I am very lucky to be stocking some of the delicious products from several extremely talented handmakers and designers from the island as well as the mainland ( pronounced 'moyneland' in Tasmanian). I'll feature them all over the next few weeks to give you preview of what Mrs Smith will have to offer on the day, but to give you a taste, there'll be cushions, pattern kits, prints, mirrors, purses, cards, journals, and much more.

Hope you can come along!

Mon petit coeur

Photograph from http://frenchgeneral.blogspot.com/

The bug that has plagued my J all week has jumped host and is having a party in both my system and the luthiers. Oh, snotty misery! Scanning my blog list for a little flu-forgetting inspiration, I saw this title 'Mrs Smith's Velvet Heart'. I thought to myself, "I would love for my heart to be velvet. Hang on a minute, I am Mrs Smith". My whiney flu-infested self has won a giveaway from The Warp and The Weft, a truly beautiful blog by the ladies of French General in the USA. Its a kit for a beautiful antique velvet heart used to keep treasures and trinkets. How lush!

Thank you so much. Merci Beaucoup. My day has been made.

There is life in the ol'town yet

**

Who says there is nothing to do in this one-horse town? Next week she is going to heat up to steaming point and her whistle is going to blow! This ol' town is the site for the Junction 2010 Regional Arts conference and the city is coming alive with the arts.

Niche All Wrapped up market will be superb over, not one, but two locations this time. Loz and Dinny (Mrs Burns you are a new-mother-of-three marvel!) and the wondrous Black Eyed Susie will be peddling their wares, amongst many other unreal hand makers about town.

I am lucky enough to have been providing the Stompin' cats with a little admin help in preparation for their wicked "WeTube Live" extravaganza show. Don't miss it! Next Thursday and Friday at 1 and 6pm at the Albert Hall.

There is graffiti knitting, shop window performances, public gatherings and the Junc Room in Civic Square is bringing us the gift of Barry Morgan and his world of organs.

Get down here mainlanders! For the next week we are artsy and HOT! (After that I can't guarantee much more than some fine food and a lovely walk, if its not raining!)

Islanders, no more complaints that there is nothing to do. We have one week of entertainment overload. Soak it up!

** All photos have been unceremoniously ripped off the Junction 2010 site but I hope they don't mind as I am advertising their stuff shamelessly. If they do, someone let me know and I shall remove them forthwith.

By hook

Mrs Smith has experienced a long post-adventure malaise. There has been a very long crafting hiatus but I am clawing my way back with a little help from my crochet hook.

There has been much going on chez Smith. The mission list went up on the fridge and so it is written, so it shall be done. The luthier found the DIY god within and rooms have been painted, furniture has been moved, boxes have been ticked. Our Antique White USA has been replaced with Orange Flame in one room and Lead in the other. Rooms have changed jobs and now the J is installed in his own 'pad' and we have more living space. Its a revolution! We have entertained on no less than 3 separate occasions since the rearrangement, with enough room for grown ups and children and all. Making space for great people makes me very happy.

And I made this Orange and Rhubarb Upside down cake and I recommend it for your repertoire. It is bloody delicious!

The luthier turned 40 and great friends joined us for dinner at Black Cow. Grown up and Lush! Cape Grim beef and Holm Oak pinot followed by the ubiquitous and delicious chocolate fondant. The evening proffered great company and conversation. In fact, I learnt that ombudsman and smorgasbord are the only two Swedish words in common English usage! Fun and educational! Life on the Island is good.

So what now?

As my previous post may have foreshadowed, on return from our travels, I determined that my days as a full-time stay-at-home mum were numbered. 7 weeks of 24-7 with the little whatsits had done me in. The little lady was off to childcare. and I couldn't wait. Except for one small problem ... the good child care centres have no places and the others aren't good. We went to check one out, but the sea of snot-covered faces pressed up to glass doors and the frightening proximity of the tiny toilets to their dining tables, left me a little nonplussed.

So here we are. The Smith ladies together. All day. Every day.

I have resigned myself to it, almost. She can go when she is three and the early learning choices are a little more palatable. I can't say I am not disappointed. For a few minutes I had the whiff of freedom ( you know, that free-for-two-days-a-week-between-the-hours-of-9-and-2.30 kind of freedom) in my nostrils, and I liked what I sniffed.

For now though, I'll jump into these last months as a full-time homemaker with both feet, but I am keeping my eyes on the future.

Mrs Smith has plans.

Niche is Hot

Niche. Hot or not?

Hot. Definitely Hot.

Niche is a handmade market going on at the Academy Gallery at Inveresk in ol' Launny town this weekend and it is certainly worth a look.

I would like to have taken a stylish pic of all the goodies I bought this morning to embellish this post but then everyone will know what I bought them for Christmas.

Let me just say, "Get down there, Ladies." 

Not only is there a whole lot of beeeee-yew-tifull handmade stuff but the peeps behind the stalls are stellar. (Do you like the way I said " peeps' then, just like I am down with the young people?)

My faves, of course:

• Gemstar, or Loz and Dinny - Gem your eye for style is bang on, baby. 
• Isis - beautiful, thoughtful, hand bound books. Isis uses Coptic binding, vintage book covers and handamde paper.
• Annie at Red Bamboo - soaps and candles to die for. Annie has mastered the delicious art of combining scents. 
• Black Eyed Susie - stunning handmade kidswear. Suse has the knack of choosing the perfect fabric and turning into a cracking little number every time. Her little boys stripey trousers are killing me. 
• Franrosie and The Ruby Pear - is the essence of organic style as always,
• Little Jenny Wren -  What can I say about Jenny's amazing work? Only that I can't wait for Sophie to be old enough tto have one. 
• Hungry Kitty - I had one of her carrot cakes for breakfast and I am wishing I had bought some more for right now. I think Gemstar was right on when she said "You can't leave without at least one box of her rocky road. It's got Maltesers in it." The Maltesers are a stroke of genius!

And many more that I am going back to investigate closer sans small ones attached to my legs. 

I had a really ace morning. Thanks Ladies!

Fringe, sounds almost exactly like ...

The Craft Star's mustard fringe challenge and I managed a lampshade.  The glue is still all over my fingers, but at least the shade itself didn't end up adhered to my personage. It's finished and this baby is going 'straight to the pool room'.

I often read blogs that are quite profound and insightful, or are simply beautiful, or describe a life or display a talent that us mortals could only dream of, and all I can think to say about this is that 'fringe' rhymes with one of my favourite rude words.

Mrs Smith you are  neither funny nor sophisticated.

Warmer days

The sun has started to make brief appearances over the island. The rain has ceased to be an everyday occurrence. Don't the warmer days make a difference to your psyche?

Bring on those long summer days. It's school hols on the island and so much more fun is had if the sun is out.

Today we ventured out for a visit to Granny's and a play in the park. After that we were happy to come home and relax for the arvo.  While the sun shone, la principessa slept and the lads entertained themselves, the crafting spirit took me and these cushions were the result. 

I turned a watermelon pink op shop jumper into this 

and then a lovely Aunty Shazza panel into this, backed with a choice bit of stripey action purchased at Meet Me at Mike's when last in the big smoke

Now I have to explain to the luthier why he will come home and there is no dinner on the go. Do you reckon he'll go for "I was possessed by the crafting goddess?"  

To market

What a grand day out!
There was much laughter and gas-baggery with the lovely-scented Annie and the Craft Star and lots of friends came to visit and hang about. I met a few lovely people and fondled some great handmade treasures.

Mrs Smith even sold a few things and not only to blood relatives! (Thanks Mum!) Lovely darts!

Debut

Dun, da da da, dun , dun,  dun, daaaah!

Tomorrow Mrs Smith will be making her market debut. Here are some of the wares she'll be peddling.  There will be loads of fabulous handmade stuff from all over the island. Red Bamboo's luscious candles, unguents and lotions will be set up with me.  G the Craft Star will be shining her light and many more. Come on down and say "Hi!".

These natty wristband pincushions are fashioned from vintage tea towels and some funky retro fabric.



A case of cushions but a sample of what will be on offer.

I am nervous and excited. Wish me luck!

C is also for Cushion, that's good enough for me!

I made this cushion this afternoon while my poorly, wee daughter slept.(She has mouth ulcers and is teething. Poor little love.)

The cushion is made from an old linen tea towel with a cord panel on the front and some beautiful cotton found in an op-shop on the back. It's big, fruity and light. This baby is going to be part of my stock for the inaugural Mrs Smith stall at the Civic Homespun Market on the 12th September. I am sharing a stall with the wonderful Annie from Red Bamboo and her beautiful candles and unguents. Come and see us and say " Hi!", if you are in town. Loz and Dinny will be there too. It'll be a hoot!






And this is the view from my bedroom window today. I do so love the magnolias.

Oh ... and we have sorted out some cash for the family trip to France. No departure date confirmed yet, but we are getting there.

The bigger the cushion the sweeter the ...

I am happy with these babies. But what do you reckon?

Weirdly, it was this little baby that made me the happiest of all. I cannot explain why I love it so,  but its small and stripey and I like it.

Waiting

Waiting, waiting, waiting ...

Patience is not one of my strengths. 

We are edging ever closer to a whole family trip to France - the luthier got the fellowship, we are accessing funds for the rest of us to go, it is all looking tantalisingly real.  Now we wait for confirmation from France. We have no dates for our trip and can't plan anything. We can only wait.

Frustration is really creeping in. However I am attempting to adopt the new mantra "Let go, stop pushing, all will come together in its own sweet time."

Hmmmm ...

I am also trying to take my mind off it by focusing on a wee bit o' cushion making. The ever-wondrous Mrs B made the first Mrs Smith sales for me on the weekend. Unfortunately, I didn't take pics of the pair of cushions sold, but they came from on old souvenir 'Tasmania' tablecloth, and turned out pretty neatly in the end. 

There has been much scouring of the local op shops for nifty bits and pieces, with some success. Excuse the poor photo- photobooth is all there is until the Luthier brings the camera home.

Tea Towel -arama

Suzie Stanford's Tea Towel chairs. 

Welcome to the Machine Age!

I am now a real woman! A sewing machine virgin no longer.  No more old skool hand sewing of, well, everything I make. I can jump on a Janome and whizz up a side seam with the best of them.

These two cushions in two hours. A Mrs Smith record.

Thanks for the intervention Mrs B and Eve Craft Princess! It's a brave new world that you have opened up to me now.  And thanks for finding the grouse tea towel Mrs B.  Thanks Aunty Shazza for the cookie pie. What an ace design!

I love the friendships I have developed through craft. 

Saturday afternoon  I sat in the beautiful home of Mrs B, as the divine ladies of the coven convened for our sewing machine session. There was a machine for each of us on the table amongst the scissors and off cuts, ribbon and that mustard fringe that we all think might have potential but no one quite knows what to do with it and a bowl of jaffas. We drank exotic tea that came, not contained in any common tea bag - but held inside an 'infusion pod' (I shit you not!) We shared much encouragement and learnin', swearing and laughing, sewing and admiring and whirring with ideas.  I sat in that warm kitchen on that wet afternoon feeling truly blessed.

Truly blessed.