Vintage Tea-towel Table Cloth

A recent thrift score find

resulted in the acquisition

of 15 (ok, actually it was 17)

vintage tea towels.

The tea towels were a large chunk

 of someone's well looked after collection

 As they travelled around Australia and abroad, 

she (must be a lovely woman don't you think)

purchased a linen tea-towel.

I have great plans for my tea-towels (insert evil laugh).

Today I embarked on a desperate quest

 to rid my house of  TACKY, CHEAP

 Disney placemats given to my children by relatives.

Bloody princesses and #$*!ing BEN 10

I really hate, hate, hate

marketing to kids!

So,TA-DA

I made a tablecloth.

Here it is unironed.

Not so amazing its true,

but I'm loving the colour and the kids

can learn some geography while they

scoff their bangers and mash.

All the tea-towels feature Queensland destinations.

My all time favourite though is 

pineapple laden 

"Sunshine Plantation"

Does it get any better than the Big Pineapple I ask you?

I know what you are thinking...

a table cloth doesn't solve the need for a

 wipeable surface.

And so, the final touch....

the plastic cover.

I love how the plastic reminds me of those granny sofas protected by plastic.

Can it get more kitsch?

Well, yes I'm think of adding a red pom-pom trim.

What do you think?

Now onto the cushion.

Here's cheers to 2013 -cherishing this time

Welcome to the New Year!

(even though we are already 8 days into it)

In Australia it is school holidays .

We have been catching up with many family and friends with afternoon barbies and long lunches.

To not be concerned with time and dates

 is indeed a rare treat and to be cherished.

My studio has been neglected,
my sewing machine abandoned,

my creative life paused.

This afternoon, 

I ventured into my studio and

 opened a shoebox.

 I found some bunting I began roughly six months ago.

I think I have forgotten how to stick to a task,

or perhaps I never quite got the hang of it.

 Today I made another 4 triangles

 and so I am a step closer to the end

of this project.

I will finish this bunting before my holidays end,

 but I intend to cherish my

freedom from the clock for as long as possible.

Christmas Book Bunting

Christmas is around the corner,

 so I've been getting some decorations ready!

I couldn't resist a little Aussie reference (below)

they are not snow white boomers,

 but I still seem to have Rolf Harris going around,

and around,

and around, 

in my head!

(and you know that's not a good thing)

This book bunting features

"The Animals' Christmas Eve" 

and "Babies First Christmas"

Yes, I know Bambi has nothing to do with Christmas...

but he is a deer and that must count for something right?


This book bunting makes a great eco-gift
and is on display at Reverse Garbage's
exhibition "I Heart Handmade".

Friday

http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/

http://romantichome.blogspot.com/

http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/

http://www.chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/

http://www.releasemecreations.com

Saturday

http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/

http://www.serenitynowblog.com/

http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/

http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/

http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/

Birthday Bunting-creating family traditions

Six months ago I began some bunting..birthday bunting.

The whole idea was to bring these handmade decorations out for every family birthday

- to begin a new family tradition.

I had them 95% finished and then I stopped.

Why?

Why? 

Simply, I got distracted by life.

Unfortunately, most of the family birthdays passed by this year... minus the bunting.

I finally finished this week and only took 15 minutes- why didn't I do this 6 months ago?

In any case it was just in time for my Mum's birthday.

Cutting a cake out on the deck with a warm spring afternoon breeze and happy bunting, just made it all the more special.

I tried to select fabrics for both the boys and the girls and recycled fabrics where possible.

 I found that iron-on interfacing held the letters in place nicely when I was sewing them on.

Do you have a family tradition?

Bunting & Prayer Flags -a source of happiness

We have always had some Nepalese prayer flags, blowing our thoughts and wishes around our house and into the greater world. 

image by Secretlondon

Traditionally these flags are used to bless the surrounding countryside and to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. The Tibetans believe the prayers and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread the good will and compassion into all pervading space. 
Therefore, prayer flags are thought to bring benefit to all.

I like to think of bunting, originating at the turn of the 17th century, as a bit of a western answer to the Prayer Flag (albeit superficial in comparison).  I know it is a bit of a stretch but the festive nature of bunting whether made from plastic, fabric, paper or cardboard is intrinsically joyful. 

I have been busy  creating some visual cues to be peaceful, lighthearted and positive.

I hope they bring benefit to the people who visit our abode... and my little blog.

Interior bunting for my kids with french fabrics