sneak peek

This beautiful beautiful photo is of my beautiful beautiful beautiful sister. It's from the photo shoot for the soon-to-be released issue 3 of Peppermint Mag.
I was at the photo shoot, and it was a really special day - women working together to create something quite spectacular. I forgot my camera, so no behind-the-scenes photos, sorry. But, to be honest, would have looked like a group of cute and trendy and friendly and fun gals hanging out together. (okay, I'm not the cute, trendy one - but the others were; I was the making the coffee and tea and food).
Photographs by Elisabeth Harvey. Oh, she has some amazing images to look at on her website. I especially like the ones of the lingerie with the slides over them; animals and insects.
And of course, doesn't she just look amazing. That's my sister there. It's all shot at her house too.

Please do check out issue 3 of Peppermint. I'll let you know when it's out, or you can subscribe over here and you'll have it posted right to your door - that sounds good hey. By subscribing to this magazine you are supporting a self-published, hand crafted, one woman (with a strong man and some supportive friends beside her), highly crafted and beautifully relevant magazine. I've spoken about Peppermint before, and just so you know, I'll be speaking about it again.
For many reasons: I've seen the love and energy and sheer utter everything put into this magazine; this is the magazine I've been wanting to read for so many years (so many years); this magazine is really just like you and me (no high-flying fashion editor, or over-botoxed beauty-editor, or above everyone else features writer); the fashion is timeless, not over before the season's out; the stories are important and relevant and necessary and tough yet written with a soft hand, and easy to read and riveting. The founding editor (have a look at her over here*, with Summer Rayne Oakes - who was cover girl for issue 2 and recently spoke so inspiringly at GreenFest) is one the most special hardworking dedicated tireless intelligent knowledgeable thoughtful caring sharing loving fun laughing true real people women mother I am lucky to know.

*sorry Kelley.

now i know my abc

I saw this lovely little thing over at Pip's site. It's my a -z of web.
What you do is type each letter of the alphabet into the address bar of your web search, one letter at a time. And whatever first comes up is your most visited site. You can use the second or third one, if you need for security reasons. Let's see how busy I've been.
a :: australia post parcel postage calculator; amazon; anna maria horner
b ::big cartel; brisstyle; bits of sunshine
c :: chikaustin; camp creek blog; cheeky beaks
d :: dear fii; dell (check out there designs!); duckcloth
e :: ebay; etsy; ecoyarns
f :: flickr; fishpond; felt; for the riders (this one is Sam's, but I wanted to include it)
g :: green olive; google analytics; gaye abandon
h :: hemp gallery; house on hill road; helylle-fotrata styling experience
i :: ink and spindle; inspiration boards; infusion fibres
j :: jetstar (can dream and plan, can't I?!); jc handmade; kylie johnson - paper boat press
k :: kindling; kirin notebook; katelyn aslett
l :: living creatively; little red caboose; lisa mitchell
m :: meet me at mikes; mix tap zine; magdalena
n :: nesting bird interiors; national geographic kids; nicola cerini
o :: one small room; old yarns; open
p :: peppermint mag; papernstitch; powell peralta (another one of Sam's)
q :: quickbeds (more wishful thinking)
r :: red seed studio; red felt flower; real estate (more dreaming and planning)
s :: stitches and craft show; soulemama; sew mama sew
t :: two cheese please; tsk tsk; thread den
u :: udder; under the shade of a bonsai tree; udessi
v :: virgin blue (I so want to go to Sydney for the Stitches & Craft show - check out 'S')
w :: whereis; what katy did; windbag and thunder; world sweet world
x :: xe currency converter (does anyone have something different to this!); xln fabrics
y :: you tube (again, Sam's link); you sew girl
z :: zakkaya

I do have to admit there was a teeny bit of artistic editing here, but hey that's the beauty of a blog. Check out a few more abcd's here, here and here.

image found via Google Image search for alphabet. from HGTV:design happens site.
Tiel makes some very beautiful personalised abcs for kids or adults.

if they tried any harder

Our home is pretty damn tidy at the moment.
We have spent the past 2 weeks packing up, and 'decluttering'. And now, refreshing and reinvigorating, and clean. Even the windows have been scrubbed, the cupboards have been cleared out, the junk tossed away. (Just want to say a big big big thank you to Sam for doing so much of the work to get this house looking so good; he's my hero).Our house is officially on the market now. We had our first open for inspection yesterday. And it went pretty well, just have to see what happens now. Play that waiting game.
In the mean time, we have to keep this house tidy. Not just in case someone wants to view it at short notice, or that we have another inspection scheduled for Wednesday night. But for our sanity. For Sam + me to have a few moments of enjoying the tidiest house we've ever lived in. All styled and fresh.
We almost need to kick the kids out of home to keep it looking good.
When they came home yesterday (after a sleepover at Grandma + Granddad's), they took about 2.5 seconds before they were dragging things out and pulling things over. And today, well, today hasn't been too much better.With Sam at work today, it's only me to fend them off the toys and books and the cooking stuff and the clothes (Mishi is a little fashion princess, who needs at least 4 changes of clothes a day). Only me to ask and beg and plead and moan and cry and hope hope hope. I've pretty much given up; best to let them wreak havoc and then do one big clean-up at the end of the day.
But, please can someone tell me - how do they manage to make such a mess, with nothing at all. A book :: a scarf :: an abandoned outfit :: a breakfast/snack/snack/lunch/nibble bowl/plate/cup :: ice cream container boat :: office :: library :: shop :: drawing :: broken drinking glass (okay, this one's vacuumed up) ....... all scattered and strewn from the front to the back of the house.

If they tried any harder, they really couldn't do a better job.

just like that

A couple of nights ago, I sat down on the couch. All curled up. Trying to keep warm. I got out the fantastic little book that Sylve gave me for my birthday. Super Stitches Crochet. With heaps of excellent little tips and step by step instructions, it's a book about learning the crochet stitches and designs, rather than patterns to make actual projects. Which means that I can learn how to read a pattern, and what all the abbreviations actually mean, and pretty little stitches, that I can make my own patterns (or try and follow some) - but really, I'm not so good at actually following directions, patterns, recipes.Anyway. Granny squares. Being so well written, combined with the fact that I took the time to follow each process (generally I *think* I know what it's going to say, and barge ahead), I made perfect granny squares. Not like these ones. And I'm hooked, again. Just like that.
These are bigger than regular granny squares. I was going to make one really really big one, and that be the blanket. But it started getting a bit floppy, and I thought it best to make smaller ones and use their seams as a sort of strengthening. Don't know if that will work or not, but now I'm making lots of squares in all different colours and variations.
Yarns are: Chilli pepper organic Australian wool, Woolganic. And some beautiful hand dyed upcycled wools that I bought at the The Little Market at Avid a few weeks ago, from Rowena.
I don't anticipate this will be finished for this Winter, so we'll aim for next one.
Also, Just Like That is one of my most favourite ever books. Check it out if you like a bit of dark humour, real life writing, and beautiful intimate details. All with a background of a neurotic Jew - sounds fun hey. Believe me - Lily Brett is a fantastic author, try her short stories if you don't want to delve into a whole book.

do you want...

These are headed out the door. And, before I put them in the Lifeline bin, I thought that maybe someone, anyone may want some or all of these.Donna Hay magazines. Beautiful styling, photography and recipes. I just don't have the space anymore for them. (the ice creams in that one above on the right, are in a little pouch that is stitched up - very cute).To be honest, I don't actually use them for recipes very often. I don't have index issues, and find flipping through them fun and inspiring, but I rarely find exactly what I'm looking for. But, if you're more organised than me, and have a better system they would be excellent.
So, if you want them let me know. If you just pay postage (I'll send you a Paypal invoice), then I can ship them off anywhere you are.
I have the following issues, some of which have sold out. You can see the covers of them all here.
Issue 2 :: 5 :: 6 :: 7 :: 8 :: 9 :: 10 :: 11 :: 18 :: 19 :: 23 :: 42.
I'm sure that there are more around, I may come across them in my packing ventures.
Even if you only want some, to fill gaps in your collection, that's fine. I'm sad to see them go, as they really are so beautifully styled.They weigh 8.5kg all together (excluding any postage packaging) or about 700gms each. (Could be about $20 within Australia for all of them or $10 for one). Or, if you live in Brisbane we can organise a meeting point.

Or, this is a totally silly idea - and I'll take them to Lifeline tomorrow??
Be sure to visit her website anyway, just for some lovely fresh, bright inspiration.
And thank you to Steph of Bondville for telling us about Donna's newly opened store, just another reason to visit Sydney.

It's cold and Wintry, and very windy here. The kids have hot water bottles for bed tonight, for the first time this Winter. I really must make some covers for them, something pretty like this or this or this (hmmmm, must learn to read crochet patterns).

Good night. I'm curling up on the couch now.
*PS - apologies for the poor photo quality.

threads around the web

I just wanted to show you these lovely creations using some of our Red Seed Studio fabrics.Gina from clutterpunk emailed me a little while ago, showing me her sweet little aprons that she made using our little bird fabric in green. What a great idea for showing special fabrics, and having an easy to wear piece. Make sure you check out her blog for many wonderful other creations.Katy is working on the "world's coolest skirt" using some of our lipstick palm fabric in red. Going off her last skirt, I can't wait to see the finished results. This is the stash I sent her, lovely bright photo - glad to cheer someone up.

It's really lovely to see our fabrics out there - stretching around this spider's web we all crawl through. I'd love to see your creations. Or even your photos of our products in your home - your styling. I've started a little flickr group, if you'd like to join.

*Photos from clutterpunk site. Thank you Gina.

new rooms

Our products have just traveled down to the beautiful looking One Small Room. So, if you live in Adelaide, pop in and have a look.This is really a very special looking shop. I know, just by drooling over the website, that Sam and I could spend hours in there; in fact I could move right in and never leave.
A shop that is perfectly styled, yet in a relaxed and natural way.I can't wait to visit and see Red Seed Studio cushions nestled amongst the chairs and feeling at home amongst the day bed. oooohhhh. *all photos from the One Small Room website. Many many more beautiful ones to look at, do go and check it out.
**UPDATED to show you the beautiful bird themed window display - and look, hey - that's our red bird cushion. Feels so magical and wonderful to be included in that fantastic display.

beep bop beep bop

We like robots around here; well, I suppose, actually, that most kids do.I had this sweet little robot from Kristen Doran, hiding in my present (underwear) draw, waiting for the right moment to hand it over to Ari.
Last Friday night we went to the Avid Reader Little Market, and Mishi chose a beautiful little handcrafted doll. (pictures another day, sorry).
Of course, Ari felt a bit sad that he didn't have a new friend. So, out came the little robot.
He loves it. Thank you so much Kristen for this perfect friend. It has all the detail that a kid loves; he keeps asking me what each button does. There are so many buttons, so many different things your robot could do.
The morning after we gave it to him, he woke up and drew this amazing illustration of 'Robie'.
Every morning Ari draws, each and every morning our house is filled with glorious images like this - and while beautiful and special and magical, it can get a bit crazy with paper everywhere.
I'd love some ideas on how you keep all the paper and artworks contained, while showing them off and appreciating them at the same time.

You can buy Kristen's robots made up, or as fabric panels - with lots of little robie friends. Over here.*bottom photos from Kristen Doran's site. Top is Ari's artwork.
**Also, just wondering, does anyone know much about kids writing styles, etc. The other day Ari wrote a whole word upside down (the word was imagination). All the letters were correct, and totally legible. He is left-handed and writes backwards just as easily as forwards, but this is the first time I have seen him write upside down. Is this natural in kids, or...... is my kid special!!. (I hope you understand the joke in asking is my kid as special, but just wondering).

winner

Thank you to everyone for your visiting this little blog of mine, and for your words about our fabric designs and printing. It is so wonderful to be part of this amazing and supportive community of crafters and bloggers. I appreciate each and every comment.

I wish that I could give fabric to all of you - I'd love to see all the creations you come up with. Unfortunately we can only have one winner, and random choosing (by Sam) has come up with Stephanie and Carlos at MooBear Designs.

I'm slowly trying to visit everyone's blogs. 230 new blogging finds - give or take a few.

For everyone who didn't win. Remember that we have 20% off all products in our shop. You can shop in AU$ or US$, enter the code "OPEN" for the discount. (discount not off postage). And, hey - if you buy something and leave a note to seller saying that you entered my giveaway, then I'll pop a little something else in there too. (If you don't see what you are after in either shop, let me know, I'll add it for you. I'm adding things slowly bit by bit, it all takes longer than it should!).

*photo has nothing to do with post - just need a little visual hey. This one is from some time ago.
**I'm not sure how to add a discount code in Etsy (US$), so write it in the notes to seller, and I'll refund the difference.

on a thursday :: roses and cakes

this vase is right beside where we walk past, i bend down many times a day to inhale the intoxicating perfume.sylve, my sister, who gave the flowers to me for my birthday, saw them today and said that even though they haven't lasted a long time, they were worth it.
the roses have started dropping their petals.
the girl bent to pick these petals up, at the same time that i reached for the camera to take photos. sometimes still life that i see gets caught up in the flurry and movement of life. can't be helped.
yesterday the boy made some muffins / cup cakes / baby cakes.
at the age of 4.5, he is already a very talented and intuitive cook. he does lean towards sweet things, though he often makes great savoury snacks.
he collects everything needed to make the cakes. remembers the general guidelines and ingredients. pours in a little milk and some cocoa, with sultanas and berries, sometimes coconut, and flour. spoons them into the little cases. and we put them in the oven for him.i am slowly trying to teach him to clean up when he is finished.these were a little tough and chewy. when i said that perhaps it was because he had put the flour in first and mixed it too much, he said 'i didn't know', as if a 4.5yr old should know things like that. but i think next time he will know that.

take notice - if you don't feel your children afternoon tea in time, they will make it themselves! some days i only have to make dinner around here.

Giveaway Day

It's here again!
Sew Mama Sew giveaway day. There's three different categories this year, so make sure you check them all out.

I've been thinking what would you like best?

Some fabric, for sure? Two pieces of our hand screen printed fabric - beautiful hemp & organic cotton. Jump on over to here or here and tell me which designs you like best. The winner will receive their own choice of fabric. (look under collections-fabric on our website). As well as a Studio Scrap Pack, which has heaps of pieces for all manner of imaginations and fun.There will also be a lovely little purse, made of reclaimed fabrics, perfect to store your trinkets in. And my new tote bag pattern, which has full colour photographs and step-by-step instructions.
I'll round up a few little surprises to slip in there too.
Oh, I do love a giveaway. I really love giving gifts to friends - near and far. This giveaway is open to everyone, anyone.
I'm going to leave this giveaway open for at least a week, as I'll be away at my sister's house.
Good luck everyone and have fun.

Welcome new friends - I hope you do come back again for a visit soon.
(PS - there will be a pay-it-forward giveaway happening in the next few weeks, so check back for that one).

13 again....

Today is my birthday. I am now 31.
My aunt sent me a sweet card, a cute one she had, that was for a 13 year old - 13 :: 31.

I don't know what it's meant to feel like at 31, can't remember 13. So. I'm feeling okay. 31 is sitting nicely in my head - the thought and idea of it. Not freaking me out.
I spent a beautiful afternoon at my sister's house, with some lovely and very dear and special friends. No kids! Did you hear that - NO kids. I didn't want to leave. I could have sat up and chatted all night to those women. And nibbled on the food they all brought, and the bubbly (we can still call it champagne, can't we, even though we all know it's not). And listened to the music. And smelt the roses over and over again. Well, those I can - Sylve gave them to me - David Austin's. So heady and full and sensuous.
And then I headed over to my in-laws; where my mother-in-law had made a beautiful and simply perfect dinner for us. She makes these lovely baked sweet potato (white ones) in long sticks, and they go all caramel-ey. And grilled veges (eggplant, zucchini, capsicum) and adds them to a rocket and feta salad. And of course a special meat (though since I came into their life, I know that she always makes special care and thought to provide me - the vegetarian - with delicious alternatives).

And then a yummy cake. Topped with fresh raspberries.
And Sylve offered fresh raspberries too, on her little chocolate cake treats.
These are quite a delicacy here, and I gobbled their sweet globules of fresh (the ones that Sam didn't eat!).
So, despite the whinge and mess from the kids this morning; a beautiful birthday. And some lovely and thoughtful and just right for me presents. You know when you only get a few presents, but they are right. That's the best, hey!

Left over cake tomorrow. May have to find some friends to share it with; or take the kids on a picnic (if the rain eases for a moment).

:: 31 :: A year of becoming an adult and enjoying things slower, and respecting myself, and taking more time for myself. Of stopping. Of laughing and giggling. And singing and running. And creating. So much creating is bursting out of my seams; eager to evolve into itself.

Sam turned 35; he still is a young man to me - the sweet person who I met and fell in love with all that time ago.

Red Seed Studio :: newsletter :: 2

Hello Everyone,

It's been a busy past few months. The Brisbane Stitches & Craft show is over now, and while we'll miss the hustle and bustle and the wonderful friends, it's nice to not have fabrics all over the house while we prepared our stock.
Thank you to everyone who came and visited us at the show - who took our fabrics and sewn items home with you, and those of you who participated in our workshops. We had a lot of fun!Our latest news is that we have opened up our online shop. We are still adding products as we do more print runs, and make more pieces (and take the photos); but there are many already for you to have a look at.
We are offering 20% as an opening special.* So, please pop on over and have a look.Remember that if you are after something special that is not yet listed, that we do custom printing and sewing. So, email us to place an order for any colours, fabric sizes and design you are after.
I also have learnt some new computer programs, and now have my tote bag pattern written up. We have tote bag kits available, in whatever colour and design you want. The kit includes the pattern, which is illustrated with easy to understand colour photographs, as well as the fabric (of your choice) needed to make a fully lined tote bag.
We are currently looking for stockists, either online or bricks & mortar, and would love to hear from you if you are interested in stocking our handcrafted items.
Anyone who places an order this weekend** will receive a special free gift. It's our birthday tomorrow (yes... we both share the same birthday) and we're celebrating by giving you the gifts (as we can't think what to give each other!).
Have a lovely weekend, and thank you for visiting Red Seed Studio.
~Some of these photos are from a recent photo shoot we did. Thank you to my stylist and the helpful little creatures.
* 20% off ends 21st June.
**free gift offer ends 25th May.

red on green

I'm very excited and pleased to direct you over to some kind and lovely words written about Red Seed Studio.
Crafting a Green World has featured us on their Fab Fabrics post. Jackie obviously has a deep passion for environmental and ecologically produced products. Her personal blog, Tiny Decor, is a round up of the most wonderful things for your little ones, and for their playroom or nursery. Showing that good design is just as easy using eco-friendly furnishings and decor.
The amount of inspiration and information on Crafting a Green World is amazing. Keeping us up-to-date with new products, easy and fun green tips and projects for the household, as well as lots of other little tit-bits*.
Do go and have a read.
Thank you Jackie, and Crafting a Green World for featuring Red Seed Studio amongst all this wonderfulness.

(* is it tit-bits, or tid-bits?).

the wisdom of the owl-lets

I haven't told you yet, have I, that I'm officially a Brown Owl.
This is super-duper exciting, fantabulous. Membership to this crafty, fun and lovely group is pretty limited. Started by the ever crafty mother owl herself, Pip, from Meet Me at Mikes.
My first meeting was yesterday. A full three hours of crafting and chatting and feeling at ease with all these women who I didn't previously know (apart from their blogs).Thank you so much to Rebecca and Bec for teaching me the basics of crochet. Even though you tried really hard, I haven't quite mastered the art of the granny square. Sylve + I both ended up making flowery curvy waving circle things - very pretty, but not granny squares.
One thing I like about crochet is that it's really easy to unravel, and redo. You don't feel so terrible sitting there pulling it apart (not tedious like using a quick-un pick when you sew a seam wrong). Well, last night I sat on the couch and did a fair bit of unravelling and re-working. I decided that there are only so many times I can attempt something in one night, so I decided to make some round coasters instead of granny squares. (I did hear many girls talking yesterday, saying that grannies are hard to make, so I don't feel totally useless). I made this coaster pattern up, as I went along. And happily can say that I replicated it (almost) for the second one I made. I'm thinking they could cute stitched into a blanket or even a purse. The ideas are flowing.Sam has requested me to make him a beanie. For this Winter. Can anyone lead to an easy pattern for making a male-style beanie. He wants it to have a brim, but I think that's out of the question.
My yarn is a beautiful organic Australian wool, spun in New Zealand, and dyed with low-impact, metal-free dyes. It's so soft and easy to use. Doesn't have a lot of extra fluff. And the colours are really pretty. I'm currently using the grapefruit moon, which is a natural white. Sylve + I got ours from Tangled Yarns (via a story in MAP magazine - Sylve went to school with the girl who drew that cover pic!).

today ::

today ari asked me, as we were driving past the cemetery, what it was.
i explained to him, though i knew he already knew, that it was where some people bury the people they love, when they die.
he then asked me, when all the family people have buried all the people who have died, who buries the last family person, when they die.

i had to stop and think, for a moment, and totally appreciate his thinking. his logical way of working it all out. and i smiled.
i took it literally to mean - the very last person on earth. who will bury that person. or who will mourn that person.
of course. we know
no-one will need to mourn the last person.

children remind you to think about things, don't they.
they take nothing for granted.
accept nothing as it is presented.
ask many questions until they are content that they know for themselves, what it means.
not knowing the rote of learning, the knowledge of learning.

we picked these on our walk yesterday

they are now brightening up our bathroom.
cheery and sunny and happy.
anyone know what they are? sunflower, daisy... they grow on a really big rambling bushy thing.

in case you forgot... tomorrow is mother's day

Some Mother's Day love :: ideas.
(in case you happen to read this Sam*, I don't mind if it arrives in the post a tab bit late)."embossed Japanese print silk scarf" by Green Olive Designs; available here. Martine is from Melbourne, Australia.
"count me the stars" by Kylie Johnson - available here. Brisbane, Australia."bird pendant necklace" by That Vintage; available here. Tasmania, Australia.
"linen golden halter with buttons at the back" by BlueSeaBlue ; available here. Brisbane, Australia.
"round shoulder tote rust" by Textilis; available here. Brisbane, Australia.
"snow walker" by Flying Star Toys; available here. Florence Forrest is from Brisbane, Australia.
"flat white eco shopping bag with hemp lining" by WheresBeckyBean; available here. Bec and Jade are from Brisbane, Australia.

Alright I could go on and on. And, really - these are things I want. I'm sure my mum would have loved to receive anything from this list, and even my mother-in-law would be happy with some.
So - breakfast in bed, the dishes done, a beautiful card and a big sloppy kiss, or a phone call to your far-away mother (grandmother, sisters, aunts...).

*Sam does not, ever read this blog; except over my shoulder while I'm writing it occassionally. So, really I know that none of these things are actually going to arrive in the post, unless I treat myself (which happens even less occassionally......).
** all photos sourced from each designer's site.

new corners

been moving things about a bit here.
fluff stirred up in corners, and resettled down somewhere else.
cupboards moved to that room
boxes pushed under there
things piled up here
and then

a
new
tower
for me to
look
and remember
and smile
about.

recently my aunt passed this piece along to me
made by the hands of my mother
made by
the hands
of my
mother

those perfectly formed
flowers
and
shapes
embroidered
then the sun
crocheted out and out and out
those rings of bright
colour
and love.

a corner,
for me
to smile.

**all photographed at night, under very low light conditions.

thursday grand designs* :: old yarns.reclaimed linens

I have mentioned Kristina before, when I received her beautiful tresor pocket as a giveaway gift.
I was lucky enough to chat to Kristina each day at the craft show. She was one of the most serenely and beautifully dressed people throughout the whole show - every day. I only wish I'd taken some photos of her in her outfits.New to the oldyarns.reclaimed linens etsy shop are some simply cute and adorable little paper boat kits. le petit bateau kit; French magazine papers to make into sweet little boats - for little kids and big kids!

I like the packaging; the attention to detail; the little things that matter most.Image courtesy of Old Yarns.Reclaimed Linens.

I wish I knew someone who would appreciate the love and care that has gone into this parcel.
(my little sailors would surely knock the wind out of these paper creations).

my favourite show Grand Designs is on each Thursday.