Project Day: Driftwood Fish

Sometimes I can see things in objects. Whilst gathering some driftwood for a fire I started noticing one of the sticks looked like a fish head. Then I saw a tail, and some bones. So it started from there and progressed to this weeks project.

• Gather some driftwood or sticks in different sizes. The most important piece is the head so it may take some time to find this.
• I have used 3 x adhesive backed protector squares. These are meant for furniture items so they don't scratch the floor. I bought mine from the local hardware store for $4.95 a set.
  
• Arrange the pieces on a flat surface as shown.
• Using strong adhesive, glue each piece of wood onto the mat as shown. What until it dries completely.
  
• Peel the backing off the mat and stick straight to any clean surface. Bear in mind that once on a wall it is final. To remove it will wreck the backing mat and the artwork. I have placed mine on an ugly wall in my bathroom (it is being renovated next year anyway).

I hope this weekend is filled with love and joy for all of you. Regards Simone xx

A Few of My Favourite ~White~ Things

Here a few of my favourite things this week. I bought some old suitcases and a hat box some time ago. I gave them a white wash last week. Also I found this old birdcage in my fathers backyard and gave it a once over it with a can of cheap white spray paint. And of course one of my trusty kitchen chairs which I found at the dump and painted white (and sanded it back a little). How fun.

The Great Tea Mystery

collage made by me from images taken from flickr and country living

I think I am the only person I know who does not drink tea. I have tried. English Breakfast. Earl Grey. Good old Lipton. Even in a vintage tea cup I can't drink it! Is there some kind of tea I can try that I may like? Why? Because I adore vintage china and I have all these lovely tea cups in my house that never get used.

Vintage Toys

I have been wondering how I could display my daughters vintage toys in her room. I found this old cane display rack at a junk shop recently. The toys fit well and I have hung it on the wall for easy access for her. I am such a sucker for vintage toys. They have so much character and charm. Did you have a favourite toy as a child?

My Name is Simone & I'm a Magaholic

image via flickr here

image via flicker here

image via Frasers P

image via Frasers P

image via Rupes Photostream

There's something I have to tell you all. I love buying magazines. I have piles and piles of them. I can't stop. Just last weekend I would have purchased eight of them. I justify my addiction by telling myself they are my inspiration, my therapy. I was beginning to think I was all alone with this problem, but maybe I am not?

Project Day: Straddie Shell Art

As you are well aware, I love shells. And I love making things with shells. Today I thought as I was away on a break I would make something with some shells from the island. I wanted to make something for Jody to keep here at the house. These box frames are cheapies from Ikea. The shells were gathered on a late afternoon stroll. I simply glued the shells on the back board and wrote in pencil the descriptions. Jody has hung them in her kitchen. She loves them, I love them. Have a great weekend everyone. Thanks for all your comments this week. Will talk next week. Simone xx

Flavours of Stradbroke

Fresh Home Made Ice Cream

Jody's Hibiscus Tree

Jody's House

Jody's House

Fresh Biscuits

Colourful Tea Pots at the Coffee Shop

I am on Stradbroke Island off the Queensland Coast, Australia. I am staying at my friend Jody's beautiful holiday house. There is so much inspiration here. Everywhere I look there are colours and textures which delight my senses. I find inspiration in the funniest places. The colours of ice cream, the monotones of sea shells and the delicacy of a hibiscus flower. Here's what I am loving today.

Bent on Beach Huts

image via flickr

Beach Huts have always fascinated me. They are so small and so colourful. The thought of having everything inside for a perfect day on the beach makes me smile. Would you like to escape with me? I am off to Stradbroke Island for the rest of the week. I will post some photo's of my sunny days. Watch this space.

Vintage Toilet Paper

image via flickr

Now this is the perfect world for me. Pastel tissue. She looks like she is floating on a pink cloud. Oh, that dress !

When the Walls aren't Straight

image via flickr

image via photobucket

image via photobucket

image via flickr

We live in an A Frame house. So the walls upstairs are on a slant. It makes it hard to decorate at times. These pictures have inspired me to try some new ideas in my spare bedroom. Which is your favourite? I am gathering ideas and would love some feedback.

Project Day: Absolute Lamp Revamp

I bought this little lamp for a $3 at the dump some time ago. It had been sitting in my back room waiting for some inspiration. Some came yesterday when I saw some photos in a magazine of my friend Anna's shop Black and Spiro. She had the most beautiful lamp! It had a bright blue base, floral shade and red pom pom fringe. It was just stunning. So here's what I did:

• Took the lamp apart.
• Painted the base (2 coats).
• Made a template of the shade on some paper (measure circumference on either end + length).
• Cut out the fabric leaving about an inch around so as you can tuck/fold the edge under.
• Hot glue gun around the edges of the top and bottom of the shade and carefully attach fabric to the shade. Fold/glue edges under.
• Hot glued the pom pom fringing around the bottom edge.
• Put the lamp back together.

I am so happy with the result. Hooray for inspiration.

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend. I have had a real tough week and appreciate all your lovely comments regarding my beautiful dog Truman. Thank-you. Simone xx

Bring Back the Vintage Man

image via flickr

Vintage male bathers are just amazing. I really think somebody should bring out a range for today's market. So which one is your favourite? I am going for the first one with the fish print.

Change = Mini Holiday?

Today I decided to change the slipcovers on one of our sofa's. I also bought a tall lamp from my local second hand store. I know it's only a small change but it feels like a new space and like I am in a new living room. So the old saying "change is as good as a holiday" now really rings true. Maybe there are some small changes you could make around your home to make it feel a little different and in turn make you feel like you are on a mini break of your own.

Waterfront Restaurant - BYO Food Please

image via flickr

image via psfk

image via King Island Tourism

Believe it or not, this restaurant serves no food. The waterfront Boathouse Eatery (King Island Tasmania Australia) sits empty 24/7. The tables are set with check linen, flowers sit in vases, but there are no staff or even a menu. It is a BYO eatery. All cooking utensils and cutlery are supplied. You just bring your own food and drinks. There's no charge, but a donation box if you feel inclined. I must say this place has a lot of character. What would you like to eat here?

Good-Bye Mate

Goodbye Truman, we will miss you so very much.

Project Day: I Want To Rock With You

To make these pretty paper weights you will need:

• Some rocks ( try and get some with soft/round edges).
• Some old doilies ( I picked these up from Vinnies for $0.50 each).
• Spray adhesive (one of my all time favourite products).

After cleaning & drying the rocks I placed them on a doiley each and cut around making sure I left a little to fold and glue underneath. Spray some adhesive on the underside of the rock and wait until the glue feels really "tacky". Then simply fold the sides of the doiley under and trim away any excess. Leave in the sun to dry for an hour. Now you have some pretty paper weights for your desk. Have a fabulous weekend everyone. Thanks for all your lovely comments this week. Simone xx

The Old Fashioned Dinner Invite

My friend Jody hosted a dinner party for a few people last month. I was helping set the table and I stopped for a second to take this photo. I just had to share how the room looked before everyone arrived. Even though the plates and cutlery are all simple I just love the overall "feeling" of this room (yes, that stunning mirror is from Anna's ABT Black and Spiro.) Can you picture yourself here with some tunes on the ipod and a glass of bubbly? Unfortunately I had to put my glass down to take this shot but there I am in the mirror.

Rug? Look Closer.

I discovered this tiled Mosaic rug by designer Katherine Krug. Isn't it just amazing? Can you imagine how long this would take to complete. I could only dream of having this in my planned bathroom renovation. The colours and design are just so beautiful. I would ditch all my old bath mats instantly to have this.

I See a Sea Shell

My sister found this huge sea shell underneath her house. The previous owners had left it buried in the dirt. She generously gave it to me as she thought it would better suit my home than hers. Today I decided to use it for something other than previously intended. As a vase. It sits on the bench really well as the water acts like a weight. I love finding new ways to display flowers.

Knock Knock

images via flickr

My front door is fairly boring. It's just plain old white. So today I am in love with colourful front doors. They definitely make a statement. A wonderful first impression. It makes me wonder how many people have taken some time to think about their front door/entrance and how it can make such a difference to your home. So I ask you, what colour is your front door?

Project Day: Covering an Old Coffee Table

I have a little room I like to call my own for reading and doing crafty things. My daughter often sits with me and draws or paints on an old coffee table we have. I decided to give it a makeover. I purchased some printed PVC fabric from Spotlight. Great because it has a plastic coating on top so easily wiped down. Then I simply:

• laid the fabric on the floor (printed side facing down) , placed the coffee table upside down on top of the fabric
  
• roughly cut around the tabletop leaving approx 10cms folding edge
• hammered a few thumb tacks around to hold in place, neatly folding the corners over too.
  
• cut off any excess fabric

And that's it. You could apply this idea to any table you like. And there is a huge range of patterned PVC's to choose from. Have a great weekend everyone. Talk next week. Simone xx

Open Door Policy

Image via Country Living Magazine

Oh how I wish I had all these beautiful quilts to choose from to keep me warm tonight. I love the idea of the Armoire with the 'open look' doors so you can see everything inside. I must get round to doing this one day. Meanwhile I would love to steal those slippers, grab a blanket and read a book. But with so much happening today I will be lucky enough to read the takeaway menu tonight for dinner.

Brocante Run Run Run

image via Paumes book Paris Brocante

This is a real vintage shop in Paris called "Emilie". Isn't it just wonderful. Tell me, where would you run to first? What would you grab? I am going for the dresses up the back.