Project Day: Beach Stone Artwork

Here is a really simple and easy project. I made this with my daughter and niece so it's a good project for kid's to get involved with. You will need: A small blank canvas (I bought this one from a "cheapie" store for $5.00) , a collection of rocks from your favourite beach ( I have used 16) and some Tarzan Grip glue (or similar craft glue). You need to make sure your rocks are flat and you will need different sizes to form each "pod". Firstly you glue the rocks on top of each other. It's best to use 2 or 3 to form one "pod". Then glue the finished "pods" onto the canvas however you please. I have finished it off with the date and location in pencil (Yamba NSW is home to Pippi Beach, one of my all time favourite beaches). Have a great weekend everyone and I will talk to you all next week. Simone xxx

Runs in the Blood ?

I visit my sister's house every other day. We are a close family. Even though I have seen her display cabinet 1000 times over it was only the other day I realised that we really do share the same tastes. So I thought I would share a few of her favourite things. So I ask you. Do you think taste in style runs in the blood ? Is it something you are born with, without your own consent ?

"Do you want this old clock ?"

That's what my mother in law said as she pulled this out of the bottom of an old box she intended to give away to charity. It' s a little dirty as I am yet to clean it up but I got so excited - I had to show you straight away. It's a vintage ballerina clock. When you pull the front button she spins around and the most beautiful music plays. Something about it stops me in my tracks. Mesmerized I guess. I know it's something related to my childhood. Now it's mine. And quoting Mary Poppins "A thing of beauty is a joy forever".

Coincidental Camellia's

Robert Gordon Australia have just released a new range of floral mugs. Yes, I purchased three. I like uneven things. But what a coincidence that my camellia's are in full bloom. I guess the coffee will have to wait.

Colourful Kitchens

Last month we renovated our kitchen. I went with polished wooden "plank style" bench tops and nice crisp white cupboards. A very simple country look. I am very happy with the results too. I love my new kitchen. So why when I look at this magazine image do I wish I could rip it all out and start again?

Project Day: Fish Bowl and Sand Candles

Picked up this glass fish bowl from a second hand store for $5.00. What on earth was I going to do with it? I had no intention of using it for it's original purpose. So here's the equation. Sand from my favourite beach + 2 candles = FAB atmosphere at night. Have a great weekend everyone. Talk next week. Simone xx

Sea Shell Wreath

I have been inspired by this sea shell wreath from My Romantic Home. How wonderful it would look at my front door. I have so many shells laying around my house from countless beach vacations. Creating this wreath would put them to good use. Has anyone made a wreath before ? I would love to hear your results and any tips to help me along the way.

Winner of my vintage tea towel giveaway = Blair from Delight by Design. Congratulations.

Somewhere to Sit

Today I think I need somewhere to sit, and just be. It's pouring rain outside and the wind is so incredibly wild. This spot looks like somewhere where I could relax for awhile. I love the "casualness" of the furnishings. A mirror propped up against the wall, broken china in a bowl and make-do slipcovers on the armchair. It's all a bit stunning really.

My Bunch of Florals

As per usual I can't stop at just one of something. My latest flame? I love vintage framed pictures of roses and flowers. ( Don't forget about my floral Tea Towel Giveaway too ! ).Over the past few months I have been grabbing these little beauties when I see them. A neat little collection that I have decided to display on top of my treasured vintage library drawers. It's so nice to go and sit in my little spare room and admire them. When there's not enough real flowers to go around these will do just fine for me.

Vintage Hankerchiefs

Hope everyone had a great weekend. I spent it with some friends and had such a wonderful time. Here's some unused vintage rose hankerchiefs that some lucky person owns. Where can I get my hands on some? I want to sew a whole lot of them together to make a curtain for my daughters bedroom. I guess I will have to rummage around some more garage sales and op shops this week. The things we have to do.........

Project Day: Changing The Look of Armchairs

I have a few arm chairs around the house. Great for lazing about. This particular one is from Ikea. Depending on my mood I change the look of this chair by simply tucking a vintage tablecloth around the base of the seat. Add your favourite cushion and presto. A new look to brighten or soften the room. You could also use some other kind of household linen or any other fabric bits of your choice. Simple. Easy. Done. Have a great weekend everyone. Talk to all next week. Don't forget about my giveaway next Thursday. Simone xx

Look What I Won

I never win anything. I can buy every lotto & raffle ticket and still come up stumped. So I was so delighted when I found out that I had won this beautiful hand made necklace from Angela Henrie Designs. Now I really do feel lucky. I have decided to pass on the love. I am going to give away two floral vintage (mint) tea towels next week. Perfect for framing! To enter all you have to do is comment on this particular blog entry. Winner will be drawn next Thursday. I will post anywhere. Good luck and thanks again Angela for this perfect gift.

My First Award

Wow, I have received my first award for my blog! It is the Kreativ Blogger Award which was given to me by the lovely Thea from Thea and Sami. The Kreativ Blogger award recognises blogs that are creative in content. It also asks that I list 7 things I love and 7 blogs that I think show the same "Kreativ" touch. So here goes:

Things I Love:

1. My family & friends
2. The beach
3. Christmas time
4. Anything vintage
5. Music
6. Holidays, especially in my caravan
7. Arts & Crafts

Blogs I think are just as "Kreativ": (How hard is this...I almost couldn't do it)

1. Absolutely Beautiful Things
2. Brabourne Farm
3. A Beach Cottage
4. Brown Button
5. Swish and Swanky
   
6. The Lark
   
7. Mondo Cherry
   

Thanks again Thea and have a great day everybody. Simone xxx

Smitten Again

This outdoor room has got me head over heels in love today. Every part of it is perfect. My absolute favourite thing about it is that the crystal chandeliers are just for show - no wiring. How perfect! If it were mine I would get lost in here for the entire day! How about you?
Image from April 2009 issue of Country Living USA

Take Me Away Monday

Loving this image from The Pottery Barn. Love the mirrors on the wall. Love the little green side table. Everything about it begs me to run off on a holiday somewhere and read all day. Anything take your fancy?

Project Day: Framed Vintage Swimsuits

Some time ago I saw some images of a house in the USA where the owner had framed some vintage swimsuits. I put it in my scrapbook for future inspiration. I used the idea last year when we moved into our new home. I decided our dining room would be most appropriate for them as it would create a great talking point. It took some time to buy the vintage bathers, they are hard to find! All of them came from Ebay USA. So the shipping cost a little more than I would have liked but the end result was well worth the time and money spent. The simple wooden frames are from Ikea. I have to admit, I tried a few of them on before I framed them, and danced around the room to Frankie Avalon. How sad is that?

My Spare Room

Seeing everyone enjoyed seeing pictures of my living room last week here is a small snippet of one of my guest bedrooms. I decided to go simple with two single beds. I have an addiction to chenille, so I purchased two mismatched single chenille bed covers on EBay. Then I hurled every mismatched cushion I could find randomly on each bed. Topped off with an old meat safe as a bedside table and a pair of pink lamps ($1.00 for the pair!) and I was almost there. Only thing left to do was tie each curtain in a knot. Done!

Some Eye Candy

I just adore this photo from Chez Fi Fi's Blog. I just don't know where to look first. What do you think of when you look at it? I can only think of my favourite ice cream flavours. Oh my, how lovely.

Brown Button Treasures

Dreaded morning post box run, but this time I had a package waiting. My first purchase from Brown Button's new online store turned up! So beautifully wrapped too. And take a look at what was inside. I had seen these metal cups somewhere last year and could not for the life of me get my hands on some. That was until I saw them on Kimberlee's site. Problem is, they look too pretty and precious to use! Which is your favorite colour?

Project Day: Child's Vintage Swimsuit

Some time ago I feel in love with a gorgeous girl's vintage swimsuit for sale on EBay. I had no idea what I would do with it at the time. I was lucky enough to win the auction. When it arrived I decided it was to wonderful to just put away in the cupboard, so I decided to frame it. I bought this white frame at Ikea and placed the swimsuit inside. At present it hangs in my guest bathroom and always gets lots of comments from friends. It really is a simple idea and I am sure anyone could do it! Next Friday I will show you how I expanded on this idea. Have a great weekend (a long weekend in Queensland), so I shall be back on Tuesday. I am hoping for one last swim in the ocean before it gets too cold!