fly away home...

these two are off & flying to their new homes, with thanks to the christmas ornament swap hosted by the lovely Christina. i really enjoyed being a part of this swap and discovering some new-to-me bloggers and the lovely spaces that hold their wonderful photos and inspiring stories.

 

x

 

handmade goodness

 

a lovely little magazine arrived in the letter box today and I have spent the afternoon sitting on the verandah with a cuppa enjoying the prettiness it holds.

this new little publication tickle the imagination is cover to cover Australian designers and makers.

page after page of beautiful photography and tips for the aspiring handmade business

 there's doily bunting, fabric kite making, vintage florals and favourite bloggers.

you too can order a limited edition print copy here and you'll be supporting the wonderful Aussie handmade community.

 

x

 

still too

dough in the Kitchen Aid turned into potato, garlic and rosemary pizzas
a little bit of sewing squeezed in between shifts
thrifted dresser & gifted LGBs
care package packing, you can join in too
bunting making me smile as I arrive home
rocket gone to seed
silver beet too

Christmas kindness

 

A little something that I am getting involved in this festive season is Christmas Care Packages for those Australian Defence Force personnel working overseas away from their loved ones this Christmas.

For me its not about whether or not you agree with the politics or the mission behind Australia deploying troops to fight in these far away places it's about brightening these soldiers days, showing that we care about them as people.

If you would like to be apart of spreading the goodwill and kindness of Christmas you too can send a care package of your very own.

First step is to purchase a 'Bx2' sized Australia Post mailing box.
Next fill it with goodies.

Edible treats
lollies
biscuits
chips
instant noodles
small tinned foods
tea
coffee sachets
other non-perishable food items

Toiletries
deodorant (non aerosol)
shower gel
lip balm
talcum powder
disposable razors
baby wipes
soaps

magazines
books
DVDs
socks
maybe even a little handmade something too  like a drawstring bag

If you would like you can also include a card or letter of recognition and support

Parcels up to 2kg are posted free of charge (if you don't have an accurate set of scales at home it's a good idea to leave the box unsealed until its weighed at the PO, so if need be you can remove one of the gifts to bring it under the 2kg).

You have until 7 December to get your care package/s together and posted (over the counter as you'll need to sign a customs declaration).

Address your parcel box to one of the following:

Middle East
An Australian Defence Member
Goodwill Mail
AFPO 60
Middle East Operations
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890

East Timor
An Australian Defence Member
Goodwill Mail
AFPO 61
East Timor Operations
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890

Solomon Islands
An Australian Defence Member
Goodwill Mail
AFPO 62
Solomon Islands Operations
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890


More information including items that should not be included in the care packages can be found here- http://defence.gov.au/christmas/2012/postofficeservice.htm

Would love to hear if you decide to be a part of this and what you include in your care package.

x

 

 

Stills

1. milk glass op-shopped again this week
2. silver ware, 10c each
3. advent swap gifts wrapped and ready to post
4. the first strawberries harvested & appropriate milk glass for the occasion, $1
5. beans that seem to grow overnight
6. bee attracting rocket flowers
7. the front fruit trees are fruiting

joining in at the ever delightful beetle shack

harvested.

enjoying the simple things...

 

the first of the broccoli harvested this evening and stir- fried with garlic, soy and spring onion.

 the verdict- the best broccoli I have ever eaten

and the Johnson of Australia crockery, gifted by the lovely Susan. a new design and a new favourite.

 

 

wishing you a happy Friday and weekend ahead.

x

new to the collections...

 

milk glass loveliness. it was in the locked 'expensive cupboard' in the Salvos so i did pay a bit more than usual at $10

Pyrex ($2). i think the smallest one of the set of four. I now have the largest and the smallest so the middle two are on the op-shop wish list

Johnson of Australia jug ($1)

 

 

may your week ahead be filled with op-shopping, baking, gardening, crafting and all things lovely.

x

Cutting up and creating

 

yes I will admit...

i do thrift a lot of vintage linens and often justify their purchase with cutting them up and creating something new to be able to enjoy their vintage loveliness a bit more practically

 (dozens of doilies, tablecloths and tea towels in suitcases is not the ideal).

but more often than not I can't bring myself to get out the scissors and cut them up.

I picked up this pretty cross stitch tablecloth from Vinnies a few weeks back for a couple of dollars.

(just look how neat the back is too)

After much deliberation though...

 

and with this sweet bird pattern in hand and having joined in this lovely Handmade Christmas Ornament Swap I decided to get cutting and crafting.

 

I'm planning a couple more of these... some for Christmas gifts and a couple to keep.

 

So hopefully now with a bit of confidence I can tackle a few more vintage linens from the stash.

 

 

Linking up with the other creatives here.

added to the collection...

a spot of thrifting in the past couple of weeks.

old timber chairs are on my collecting wish list and this one for $10 makes a great start.

more Pyrex too. purchased from different op-shops on the same day. small one $2 and large one with the pretty printed matching lid $6.

& the stack of books for $1.

 

 

 

what have you added to your collections recently?

i'm on day 5 of a 9 day working week so no op-shopping for a little while yet so i'd love to check out your recent thrifted purchases.

 

x