Simple Chic & Farmhouse Reno

Found these delightful images over at Apartment Therapy amazing what can be done with a small space.

Farmhouse renovation images by Emily Johnston Anderson 

props and other yummy things.

v for victoria (ous),  love white on black.

a bike with green handles

 zero japan teapots

summer centre pieces by martha stewart

bits and pieces from love, loans & linen

an organic duvet cover from goodnight green for summer

stunning wedding tent,  one of my favourite bloggers 'tales of a junkaholic'

rustic jars found on etsy 

old paint & oils tins

handmade journey book by Pia Jane Bijkerk

vintage props

things made with love. image found here.

product picture taking..

I have been collecting quite a few pieces over the past few months, these bits below being some of them (excluding the food, they just looked too good not to shoot with the blackish background).

Using a black background accentuates the rich colours and fullness of the products used giving them a wholesome characteristic and light. This is what I love most about shooting food and still life products. Its really about getting the most out of the items being used, allowing them to be a pure subject in their own form, and ensuring they look as inviting as if you were standing right next to it.

skinny laMinx

So I recently purchased these fabulous pillows below from a gorgeous company on etsy called skinny laMinx. I think the best thing about receiving things from OS is the love and attention that goes into the packaging. When I received these goodies, they were wrapped with love and wonderful bits and pieces. Included in the packaging was a cute little card from the owner, saying 'i hope you love your new pillows', plus there was also a cute little brooch that i have attached to my handbag. These little extras do really make you appreciate all the beautiful things in life.

Thank you skinny laMinx,  I do indeed love my new pillows, which have so easily become part of my workroom! xx

Craft day Friday. How to make decorative vases...

I am still organising my QLD countryside photos to share with you all, but was really excited to show you what I was working on yesterday. As I haven't been feeling all that well of late, I've still managed to find plenty of things to keep me amused. One of those being creative with some crafts and old milk bottles I've collected.

It all started with the idea of incorporating red with gold, perfect Christmas decorations or gifts. Then I was at Lincraft the other day and came across some baby wool which I adored and thought perfect for the bottles. See below.

 

All you need for this easy task is; scissors, your choice of paper (I would love to use patterned paper from Handworks next), raffia or coloured string or cord, some blutack, and of course old bottles of vases.

birds eye view of all the bits

I even use some of the vases for tea light candles. You could decorate them all as little or as much as you like. You could have the wool covering the bottle completely, or even just a little bit so when your candles are burning you would still see the simple glow coming through.

This is the baby fine wool, so soft and easy to work with. The final product looks delicate and simple.

Here, I have chosen not to cut the wool as yet, since I am not sure if I would like to keep wrapping. I thought it was a nice example to show you the middle way wrap. Its easier also if you have the vase or product on an angle whilst you wrap.

Some final product images.... have fun!

If you are wanting to purchase milk bottles or vases, try either Camberwell Market, or your local second hand stores or cheaper giftware shops. 

lemon tart monday

Philip Lawton not only sells the finest French cookers in town, he also knows how to cook the most appealing lemon tart I have tried, and yet to differ. After been given a large bag of freshly picked lemons, Phil insisted on making his famous (with our family) lemon tart. We were lucky enough to be home when a visit, very kindly included two of these little beauties of which I could not help but shoot. 
Together with my yellow bird towels found at Bahamonde in Elwood, thanks to my dear friend Anna of Violet & I who assisted my purchase of these treasures, the little tarts took form, and as delightful as ever gave the perfect food shot for my weekend. I am thoroughly satisfied to get a shot in, as the weather has been dark, wet and gloomy, but with today's sunshine, my Nikon D60 was waiting to get to work.

image © victoria robertson

tea anyone?

I was drinking my sleep time tea last night and not only enjoyed the sweet treat that accompanied it, and the smell of fresh yummy freesias, but most of all I was enjoying my hot tea in front of the fire on a cold winters night. I am a bit of a homebody when it comes to winter and there is nothing more I love than feeling warm and cozy. I decided it was time to stock the cupboard with peppermint, sleepy time, earl grey and soy milk, so that my rainy nights in, will be one with guilty-less pleasures.

            Images © Victoria Robertson  

After last weekends superb outing at the Edible Tapestry Tales, I am slightly perplexed with what this weekend will hold, other than drinking tea..... Y3K gallery is on top of the list, and maybe even some baking thanks to a lovely inspiration from one of my favourite food photographers Katie Quinn Davies.

Image thanks to Katie Quinn Davies

Maybe even a Rhubarb Crumble with vanilla bean ice cream; and did I mention Lamb Shanks, or was this just baking... I think as main lamb shanks and as desert Rhubarb Crumble. A beautiful foodie weekend of warmth and good foods. I am already looking forward to it.


Have a beautiful weekend; and keep warm. Unless you are in Europe then you should be outside having picnics xx

RGMadden

Austalian based Design Store RGMadden have a wonderful, eclectic mix of modern homewares to boast. Ranging from the Iconic Alessi design by the legendary Philippe Starck, a collection of tea towels of which each piece depicts the stops on some of Melbourne's most famous tram-lines, the Block Lamp which was introduced in 1996, plus a Mondaine time piece and more...

Alessi 'Juicy Salif' Juicer

Poulier and Poulier Tea Towels

Design House Stockholm Brick Lamp

design juries and lovers of beautiful objects took it to their hearts

Mondaine Wall Clock

Featherston Contour Chair & Contour Ottoman

Designed in 1951 by Grant and Mary Featherston these unique pieces of furniture are part of Australia’s design heritage...

Cord Lamp

Design House Stockholm brings to you their iconic Cord Lamp.

RGMadden