by the water

Look at this beautiful photo. It's my sister's best friend, Carmen.

I do believe I know which model to use when I need my next collection photographed. With Carmen and my sister - I'd be set for models! 

Doesn't that coat look like liquid silk - such a great colour with the berry red of our Red Seed Studio Cumulus Clutch. {These are currently all sold out, but I'll be making a new range soon; so send me an email, if you're interested.}

I love seeing the things we make in other people's photos and spaces. In real life - rather than in my printing,sewing,making space..... Please email me if you have any - we'd love to see them.

*Image used with thanks from Carmen and her photographic friend.

more wooden architecture

Bamboo ceilings are something super special to see. There's so many good reasons for using it - which I'm sure you can easily imagine (cheap, grows quickly, easy to transport, breaks down and goes back into the earth fairly easily, I would think).

One of my dad's verarandahs has bamboo as the ceiling. There's a lot growing on his land, so he put it to good use (among other things he's makes with it). It was fresh and green when he put it there, and now - many many years later - it's 'seasoned' all brown and dried. It's good watching it change and settle into its spot there. 

One thing - dad tells me - that wouldn't be good about having an exposed bamboo ceiling is that it wouldn't be very insulated (against either the temperature or the animals; many of which do live in the bush and like living in a roof!). Having it for a verandah is a good compromise.

 A good bit of working with timber. Hmmmm - I'm a builder's daughter.......

These rounds are made from bamboo. Check out the whole house on the site. Built for the architect's mum, so she could live simply and watch the moon rise. I like that.

* All images used with kind thanks from architect and designer Benjamin Garcia Saxe - I like his words about 'modern' design and architecture.

{found on Map Magazine issue #122}

{{PS - we're going to look at the land again tomorrow. And talk things through. Perhaps perhaps perhaps..........}

crafting for hope

I am eagerly awaiting the arrival in the post of my copy of Craft Hope:Handmade Crafts for a Cause.

I am more than proud to be included in this beautiful looking book. A book that is more than just about the projects and designers; more than just about the bloggers and artists; it's about a global community doing something to make a change a difference.

All the projects in the Craft Hope book have a related charity, allowing you to do more with your crafting skills - helping people on the other side of the world, or around the corner. By doing something we all love to do (sew, knit, crochet.....) we can give love, warmth, respect and hope to someone in need.

There's a Month of Hope started over on Lark Craft (the publishers). Jade's {Chikaustin + Craft Hope founder + mother of 3 under 5 + extraordinarily amazing woman} story starts the month off, so go and check it out. She's spent many many months putting this amazing book together, as well as continuing on with the charities that Craft Hope support.

I'll be having a giveaway of the book, when I receive my copy. In the meantime, increase your chances by checking out these two giveaways - Chikaustin + Craft Hope.

my pair

I printed and sewed some red pear cushions last week.

With the sun shining (finally) I thought how wonderful to get some fun images with the kids holding the cushions.

While the photographic evidence is proof that they could both pass as models (yes, yes, I can be a doting mama, can't I?); you only have my word that the behaviour when I asked them to get dressed in what I wanted, and not what they wanted is further proof they are either perfect models (as in little prima-donnas) or not at all suited. The littlest one spent a good while whinging and telling me she didn't like blue, and wanting to wear some hot pink floral thing.... The big one argued that the orange pants he had on were a good thing to wear. Eventually I enticed them into something. {You may notice that the little one is actually wearing pink, and not the blue top I put out for her. Oh well.}

So - while my camera and my photographic skills aren't too good - I do think that the models and the styling and of course, the product, are pretty something okay. What do you think?

You can order your own over here, any colour you like. And any other designs, if pears aren't your thing. There's a few purses in the shop as well. More things to come soon, as I start getting settled into my new studio space {more on that soon.....}.

{moment}

Happiness does not depend on outward things, 

but on the way we see them.
Leo Tolstoy

Just a few photos I took on my dad's land yesterday. This place means home to me, in ways that I cannot even properly voice. The place where I grew up - the tiny bunk beds dad built up, the place we had our cubby house and jumped on our trampoline. The creeks we spent many many countless hours/days/years playing in.

*quote found on Sandrine's blog, perfect for me this.exact.moment.

Things for a home

It seems like a lifetime that I have been collecting images and ideas, for when I build my own home. All those endless piles of magazines, and collected clippings, and half-vaguely remembered things I wanted. 

Scattered throughout my current home {in suitcases, and folders and files} and in my mind {lost} and also in my computer.

We are going to look at the land again this weekend. This time without the kids. A proper look. Where we will talk and walk and plan and measure and dream a possible dream. Who knows..... we may have our own piece of wildness in the very near future. {And then the wildness starts when build our own home, and live in a shed for the next five years - showering out of a bucket. Reality!}.

In the meantime, I'm going to start compiling bits and pieces that I really really like. You'll probably start to get the idea that I like wooden homes; timber floors, hardwood doors and windows, big wooden benchtops, tongue-and-groove wall and floorboards, raw exposed timber ceiling..... That's what I grew up in, and really have never wanted anything different. My dad is my dream architect and builder (pity he feels too old, or something, to want to promise to build our home..).

 I love the little holes in the wall for displaying pieces. Though of course, I imagine that it's a pain to clean....

Interesting wall feature. I love semi-floating staircases, with lots of light shining through. Though takes up a lot of space - when you could use the underneath of stairs as storage. {I've once seen a staircase where each step pulled out as a little draw. The higher up you walked the smaller the draws.}

I love love love these shelves. I think would be easy to make and hang. So very me. Okay - I'm getting Sam onto something like that soon as we have a loungeroom to put them in. Must have a roof and floor before we make the furniture. No?

*Images from Hotze Eisma (found on a link from The Red Thread).

creative space :: pears, citrus and an apple

Yesterday I did a little bit of screen printing, for a customer order.

Even though we are in the process of packing everything up, to move to a new little studio space next week, I pushed aside the mess and squeedgied out a few panels  of hemp (for sewing into cushion covers) and tea towels of Pear Shaped in that brightest of reds that I do love so much. 

Now, today - sewing the cushions up, so they can get posted off tomorrow. And photographing the tea towels so I can get them into my little online shop at Blue Caravan.

Sometimes, for some reason, I have a real difficulty photographing my tea towels. I want to style them in a sweet way {you know, cups of tea and things}, but also it has to be practical so the images are actually easy to see as well. How do you think I've gone. 

Don't think much else will be happening this week. The boy is still off school sick; I'm looking after another little friend all day tomorrow; my nephew will be here tonight. Sounds like I'll have a hard time keeping the kitchen clean (you know all those constant dishes kids use throughout the day) and the loungeroom tidy (all those endless games and drawings and books and papers they need to set up in every room of our house). 

I've also been enjoying having a little lie in each morning (not having to jump up for the school run). Having my morning coffee in bed, while reading an interesting book I picked up at the library - I'll admit right now I'm still not sure that the book's actually about anything, but it's got some really good parts and thought-provoking quotes, and is also filled with drawings and photos and old maps and stamps and things from Morocco. I chose the book based on it's cover!

More creatives over at Kootoyoo; where she's got some warm and fuzzy wool on her needles. 

PS - if you scroll down to this post, I've a giveaway of my tea towels.

some things on SALE

I'm clearing out some things in anticipation of moving into a little studio next week. Wanting to get our downstairs at-home studio free of as much 'piles of to-do' stuff as possible.

All prices in Australian $ ::

Kristen Doran bunny + kitty kits. These cute little kits include beautiful Kristen Doran fabrics and pattern to make a bunny or a kitty. There's enough fabric to make two little creatures. The pattern is suitable for young beginner sewers (perhaps 8yrs and up, depending on skills), and easy enough to whip up a personalised gift for a new born or little friend in your life. 

Bunny Kit + Kitty Kit Were $25, now $17 each. (Postage within Australia is $5 each).

Made by Miffy Saucy Apron Kits. These fabulous and fun fabrics have been put together by the bright, and ever-smiling Louise from Made by Miffy. She really has a great talent for putting fabric combinations together in an interesting way. Pattern includes instructions for making the Full Saucey Apron and the Half Sauce.

Were $49, now $35. Includes fabric and easy to follow full colour pattern for a full apron. (Postage within Australia is $8 each). {I only have one of each fabric colour left}

(below) Kaffee Fasset Cabbage and Rose

(below) Alexander Henry Futue-ella one each in pink and aqua

(below) Alexander Henry Thunder Flower

 

(below) Sweethearts by Benartex

Audrey and Maude Softies Patterns. These sweet and very well written patterns make little creatures perfect for newborns, children, and those of us who like something soft to snuggle up to!

Were $15, now $8. (Postage within Australia is $3 each)

Please contact me for International Postage or for combined postage costs.
Email me with what you'd like (redseedstudio@gmail.com) and I'll send you a Paypal invoice.

*some images used with much thanks to Audrey and Maude, Kristen Doran and Made by Miffy. 

Giveaway & Other things

I've reached 101 followers on this little blog of mine. That's so wonderful to me - it makes me feel appreciated in a way I never knew I wanted (okay, yes yes, I think I did know.....).

Looking at my stats and my readers is so much more than just the ego of having people like what I write and do. It's interesting and curious and intriguing to meet so many people from so many different walks of life, from so many towns and villages and cities and countries - yet all the one little planet. 

So, as a thanks to you all for coming here regularly or occasionally, or perhaps this is your first time; I'm offering this little trio of our tea towels. One set up for grabs - all you need to do is leave a comment. {None of this needing to become a follower, or blog about it or anything.... just pop in and say hi. I would appreciate it if you could tell me why you come here, where you're from, and what you want to see more of on my blog}.

Other things ::

:: The boy's at home sick again today - we're hoping he doesn't have whooping cough (one of our friends has it, and my kids aren't immunised), and I can't get a doctors appointment until tomorrow afternoon. So, we're having to keep him off school - don't want to be infecting any other kids. But it seems as if he's quite better now; well, better enough to be hassling his little sister and telling me he doesn't like me (because I didn't let him do something or other he wanted.. that 5.5yr old back-chat!), and setting up little games in every single room of the house. Oh.

:: I've some screen printing to get done today, for a customer order. It's raining and cold here - not the best day for printing, but must get on with it. 

:: The house has stayed mostly tidy for  more than 3 days now - let's hope it survives these days of sickness-at-home-play. (There's an electronic shop being set up in our front room as I write, and draws being pulled out to find new toys to play with....)

:: Yesterday I booked tickets for Justine Clarke for the kids (we're listening to her fun songs right now on the computer) and Ballet Nacional De Cuba performing Don Quixote for Sylve + me. 

:: My sewing machine is going to come out to play this week - the poor little thing has been sitting too long all alone.

* Tea towels are a beautiful Russian linen. Hand screen printed by me, in Brisbane, Australia. 'Pear Shaped' in green, 'Potter's Daughter' in scarlet, 'Clouds' in brilliant blue. They are a generously sized kitchen towel; approx 50cm x 75cm. I will post anywhere throughout the world - so giveaway is open to anyone (family + nearby friends included!).

images inspiring

I'm just cleaning up my (computer) desktop, and these images are all sitting there. Some I'm not sure where they came from - you know when you collect things and don't save the links as well. If you know any, then please let me know.

 {Toast}

 {Bookhou - think it's their shop}

 {Bookhou - shelf in their shop}

 {Gudrun Sjoden}

 {Lena Corwin blog - I think}

If you want to see more of my pages of inspiration that I find around the www, go to my tumblr or pins pages - where I collect things with my regular irregularity. Some wonderful things around (if you have a few spare years to look at them all).

reasons to go to Melbourne

I just realised that applications have already opened for the first ever Melbourne Finders Keepers market. This month has just rushed by me, I've lost track of the date.

So - for all you crafty designery types out there, head on over to the Finders Keepers site to find out more about how to apply.

Or otherwise, go along as a looker/customer for some seriously fantastic things to look at (and take home....). 

For me, going to Finders Keepers in Melbourne is just another wonderful reason to get back to that great place that I didn't get enough of last time! So, fingers crossed I get choosen from the vast talent out there.....

{must get working on the new range, and back to the fingers working instead of being crossed, hey}.

*hey look - the artwork is by the ever smiley, sweet and super-duper talented Lauren Carney. We got to meet her at the Brisbane FK last month (and came home with a so-sweet brooch, which I haven't shown you yet, have I?)

today i am.....

: having morning tea (apple + almonds) with the little one - she is singing beautiful songs about Winter fairies, and drawing snow and little creatures (a Winter fairy, a big Winter dinosaur.....)
: trying to warm up in our cold house - the one patch of Winter sunlight hasn't arrived yet
: avoiding the washing up (kitchen is much too cold to be standing still)
: writing lists and planning things - new ventures will be shown here soon
: wondering when I'll find the time on my own (with no kids around...) to start the tax return
: drawing new designs, and thinking of new products to put them on
: enjoying wearing this beautiful and oh-so warm scarflette from the ever-so lovely Sandrine
: looking at realestate.com.au (again, yes, again)
: wondering what to make for dinner again tonight; last night it was toast and left over lentils
: trying to find someone to make me a new website (any ideas or recommendations?)
: enjoying the fact that it's almost the weekend, and surely I can sleep in tomorrow (perhaps also the kids can visit their grandparents and I can sit down at the sewing machine - something I haven't done for more than a month now! eeekkkk....itching fingers and ideas).
: being annoyed that Blogger isn't letting me load images with ease.

: look - that's me, on a Friday. So let's say this is a 52 Fridays entry. Ari took these photos before school this morning. (They're not the most flattering images of me, but there's not many taken of me, so I have to have what I get)

kisses E.

little house

I've just recently finished reading this quite excellent book. 

In fact, very excellent. You should go and borrow it from your local library, and read it. If you're inclined that way. 

It's Little House on a Small Planet. And, it's about exactly what it sounds like it's about. About the small house movement, co-housing, community living.....

In reality, people have been living in small houses since house began. In caves and under ferns or bamboo or leaves to keep off the weather and protect from the animals. And on this small planet of ours, many many people still do live in little houses. People share one room with extended families - living, cooking, sleeping altogether.

I imagine that these people are happier and more content than anyone who lives in a big house can ever be. Can a mansion bring you happiness?

There are endless reasons why small houses are ideal living. Let's start at one that makes a difference to your daily routines - less rooms means less cleaning; who wants to clean 3+ bathrooms, 5 bedrooms, a formal living / dining room, and a family room every week. Think about all the extra time you'd have if there was only one bathroom, 2-3 smallish bedrooms, and one beautiful living / dining space. IN my experience, with kids, it doesn't matter how much space they have - they keep on making it messy; they'll fill one room, then move to the next. And, they also will not stay in their own rooms, but will hover around you, under your feet, on top of you. 

Yes, okay - my kids are still young, and you may be right in thinking that as they get older they'll want the space of their own. But I didn't; as teenagers my siblings and I did our homework in the lounge room {we didn't have a dining table to sit at - being floor livers}, around the family. Part of family life.

Other reasons, which are more thoughtfully environment and financial are the heating and cooling costs associated with a larger or smaller home. To air condition a big house costs a lot - a lot to your pocket, but more importantly, a lot to the environment. Mostly you're cooling rooms that you don't actually spend much time in. {But the workings of A/C mean that you need to keep it on to regulate the temperature, in case you want to walk into the room for a few minutes}.

Heating costs are the same. It's so easy to turn on your gas or electric heater and crank it up to warm the whole house, isn't it. And the electricity/gas bill comes and you get a bit of a shock - but pay it anyway, and forget come next Winter. {Again, I think I barely need to mention the environmental costs, and I don't figures to quote to you anyway. Common sense tells me that it's too much}.

Then there's the cost of actually building your home - regardless of if you build it yourself, pay someone to build it, or buy an old home already built a long time ago {you'll want to renovate that one, won't you}. The materials that go into building large houses can be expensive and costly to the environment, not to mention your mortgage. {Do you know what mortgage means - it's from old French & English, and means 'death pledge'. Lovely, hey!}. And then there's the extra furnishings you need to make all those rooms look like a proper home. 

Also, bigger houses means you have less land around you. Less earth and soil under your toes. Less space to plant trees or veges, or sit in the sun, or run around exploring with your children. 

Little House on a Small Planet is a book that shares stories with people who live in some of the smallest homes (in the USA). It's not a design book, or an architecture book, rather a viewpoint into how you can live, how you can change your life (your current home or your future home) to learn to live and love a small home.
{The one disappointing thing about the book is that all the zoning and planning rules are for USA, and don't apply to Australia - so other research material is necessary; my dad, I'm suspecting!!}.

It's not all touchy feely; it also has many interesting and eye-opening facts and figures and information. But it's the families and the stories that I loved the most. The ideas and ideals; but the ease with which it is a natural way of living - no heroics, just life.

Yesterday we looked at some land {and I left my camera in the car, so no photos or the beautiful trees and moss and fairy homes}. Perhaps it's our land. We are still talking and thinking and deciding and planning. So, of course, I am back to the drawing and planning of our home. Thinking of the spaces we need - what we really need, not what we might want. How do we use our space, can we use the same space for different things. 

We are lucky to live in a part of this Earth where the Winters are fairly mild, and outdoor living happens for most of the year. So vast open verandahs, and easy constant access to outside is essential, practical, expected. A fireplace for those few cold Winter months, where everyone settles in one room to keep warm, and huddles under the blankets and jumpers instead of "turning up the heat".

I'd love to hear your thoughts and feelings on the small house. How big is your home, how do you use your space, does your home have any exciting design features, how do you feel your family would go living in a small house (less than 100metres square, I think).

Just a few other small house reading ::
Small Home Style
Cohousing, Small Home Movement
Tiny House Blog
House of Fallen Timbers

*images are, from top - bottom: realestate.com.au; little house on a small planet (middle two b/w images); revelations architect EDGE house (bottom two).

sunshine and rainbows

I brought some sunshine home with me on the way home from school drop-off this morning.

Before the holidays we saw the buds forming, and then growing. And now the glorious sunny yellow blossoms greet us each day as we walk into the school gate. 

Snugglepot and Cuddlepie's friend was a wattle blossom baby.

This is in our bathroom. So we can see the sunshine blossoms every day, when we wash our hands. 

My own little blossom baby has been a jingle jangle rainbow girl today. Wearing her rainbow dress, refashioned by herself with ribbon, and teamed with the tinkling Indian bracelets that Danielle brought back for us late last year.

I have a whole armful of these bracelets for my size, but it's hard to find child size ones here in Aust. Though I do remember seeing them often as a child. I love the sound they make, like a tinkling fairy laugh or something. 

Happy sunshine weekend to you, my friends. 

{Also - many thanks for your kind words about my article in Peppermint mag - I knew you wouldn't mind me boasting and bragging to you!}.

creative spot in the sun

Today I cleaned the house, as I had a dear visitor coming over for a cup of tea. We've all just sat in the sun and chatted for an hour or so. 

The kids are due back from school momentarily (with Sylv + Mishi), and I'm enjoying listening to Lisa Mitchell's "Wonder".

Lately I've been doing this bit of crochet everywhere I go. Waiting for the school bell to ring,;sitting at kids' birthday parties; on the couch around the warmth of a friend's fire (hi Grace + Deb); or at the market, chatting with friends.

It's delicious organic wool, in deep earth and blossom. I'm working on simple lines of single crochet, using up one ball until it's gone then changing to the next ball wherever I am on the line (middle, end, whatever - to save from having little bits of scraps of perfectly fine + expensive wool not be used). It will be a blanket, in time for Winter next year. I'll simply stop stitching when I've had enough, and that's how big it'll be. A lap blanket. It's like a cherry ripe; choc + berry {colours look a bit blown out in the full-on sunlight}.

Also, I'm finally putting on paper the house that has been floating around in my head for many years. Considering we are looking at land, and moving ever so slowly closer to that aspect of life; I feel that we should start properly planning our new home we want to build and live in. Also, good to let Sam know how big I aim to have my sewing room, and a little desk in the corner somewhere for writing letters and dreams and things. 

Sunshine and a clean house. Kidney beans simmering on the stove top for dinner tonight (no more buying of tinned food for us!). Heart-warming conversation and deep strong hugs from friends, and sisters. What else does a girl need?

There's some yummy Liberty points over at the hostess with the mostess, and her loyal creative spaces.

marbles and gaffa tape

Dad's are so super important, aren't they.

I'm so thankful that I had an amazing, inspiring, thoughtful, funny, and strong (yet gentle) dad. But this isn't about my dad, it's about my kids' dad.

Monday was our last day of school holidays. It's also Sam's rdo (he works retail, so has Sun+Mon as his weekend). I was up to the eyeballs (literally - the eyeball talk has been going crazy here) with the kids. The holidays were fun, but also tiring. And the two weeks was long, and demanding.

Anyway. I'd bought Ari a little bag of marbles as a treat while we were away at my grandmas.{Mishi requested the blue Barbie dress she'd seen at the supermarket, and even though I'm totally against buying that sort of thing, and spending $11 on something like that, I decided to give in and get it for her. This once only. And, if you buy something for one kid, you really have to get something for the other kid - don't you}.

The kids have been talking marble runs for quite a while now. Ari makes them at school. He really loves them. And, they're lots of fun, and creative. And use up lots of bits of things. So, Sam and Ari set about cutting the tubes and boxes and old milk bottles, and gaffa-taping them to each other, and to old cds and such. Until they had a giaganticly wonderful construction.

{Gaffa tape is pretty much a staple in Sam's repertoire of mending and making and sticking and fixing. My dad, too, has a million uses for it - even though he can very easily sew, he uses gaffa tape to hem his pants; let me tell you that it lasts a good many times through the washing machine as well}.

The giggles that erupted from both kids, while I was taking these photos were priceless. Well - the cost of a bag of marbles for $3.46 (or something like that). And the endless hours of fun we'll have with putting those little balls of glass rolling down the shute. 

Have a look at this inspirational blogging dad, and his cereal box marble run. So much fun. Go and dig through your recycling bin right now for a suitable box. Well, actually - first have a look at all the other wonderful things he makes for his kids. I do love reading Made By Joel - I seem to revolve in a mostly female blogger world, so having a dad's viewpoint is so necessary, don't you think?

simple tart

At the organic market on the weekend I got some lovely looking rainbow chard (or silverbeet, I'm not actually sure if they are the same or different, but ours had rainbow stems). We decided to make chard + feta pie, which of course is very yummy, but also quite simple to make. 

I made mine very simply - and both the kids ate it all. Ari didn't like the pastry, but I don't mind that, at least he ate the filling and the salad. 

Firstly pastry - you don't need any equipment at all. There are quite a few different recipes that I use, well actually I barely use a recipe at all. Just rememberings of things. But it's as simple as making bread, only you put it in the fridge to set for at least 1/2-1 hr, rather than letting it rise. If you don't want to make your own pastry (though really it is much cheaper and better for you + the environment) you can use puff or filo pastry.

My quick pastry:

flour (you can use wholemeal, plain, spelt or whatever you prefer, though I've never had much luck with rice flour)

butter - frozen is good, and you can grate it in (you could also use any vegan substitutes you have)

Mix it with your fingertips, until it resembles breadcrumbs. My kids love doing this (though if your kids are prone to this sort of thing -last photo - I'd possibly advise against!!). Slowly add a few bits of water until it forms into a dough mix, then knead it lightly. Put it in the fridge, in a plastic bag, for at least 20 minutes, though 1hour is better. {While I don't actually bring plastic bags into the house there is always something to use. That random bread bag, or the plastic bag a friend brought in, or the one you accidently got on the day you were feeling tired and stressed and hasseled by the kids and forgot to take your vege bags}.

Once you've left it to do it's thing in the fridge, roll it out and put into your tart/pie tin. I don't grease my pan, but I suppose you may need to depending on what you cook in. If it's not rolling too well, you can instead push it into the tin with your fingers forming it across the base and up the sides until it's sort of thinnish, but no holes please. Then back in the fridge for 20 mins - while this part is not absolutely necessary (and often doesn't happen at my house), it helps the pastry to not shrink while cooking.

I always put it in the oven for a little while before adding the filling, but I don't (currently) have a very good oven. Do remember that the filling it cooked, so the pastry will need extra time. But don't over cook it at this stage. Perhaps 180 for 15mins ? check it, and keep an eye on it.

{this pastry doesn't look really cooked, but believe me it was 

yummy and flaky and crumbly just the way it should be}

For the filling, what we did was:

Fry some red onion (you could use shallot, leaks, white onion, anything) in olive oil. Oh first, fry off your spices; I like cumin and coriander and whole black mustard seeds, and also whole fennel seeds (but my family are a bit fussy about the fennel..), and a bit of sea salt + pepper (do keep in mind, when adding the salt that feta can be quite salty itself, so taste your feta and season accordingly). Then add the onion + garlic and lightly fry. Don't let it burn. Then I added the silverbeet stalks, cut up into smallish rounds. And after that's cooked on the pan {I swear by my cast iron, cheaper version of Le Creuset}, I added the silverbeet leaves cut up sort of roughly, not too small, but not too big.

I sploshed in a bit of water, and put the lid on. With low heat I let it cook for a bit, to let the silverbeet break down.

I decided to make a quick white sauce to add to it. - just a blob of butter, a spoon of flour - mix on the heat, then add milk (I add cold and stir really quickly to get out any lumps). I added the sauce to the silverbeet mix. It's just as good without the white sauce.

Other things you could add are red or green lentils (cooked first, of course), potato, sweet potato, pumpkin (you could just lightly steam/boil that, until tender then cook into the silverbeet). 

Then put your filing into the pie case. We put the feta on top, and sort of pushed it in, but you could just as easily mix it properly through the filling (and add other cheeses too, if you want). No lid as the pastry didn't stretch that far (forgot to buy more flour at the healthfood shop). Into the oven until the feta is nicely melty and possibly has a good burnish-golden brown on it. 

I often make pies quite differently to this. I suppose this really would be called a tart, rather than a pie. But whatever - it was very yummy. Sam ate up at least 2 helpings of seconds (me as well, but that goes without saying - you may like to know I have my Winter coat on - on my tummy, bottom + thighs.....)

We served it with a very simple salad. Mini roma tomatoes, lebanese cucumber (if you use the other sort, and have never tried a lebanese one, please try one as they are must tastier, and less watery), fresh yummy market carrots (well, it was all market stuff, but organic carrots are often so much more sweeter than non-organic), red capsicum (both Sam + I prefer green, which we find sweeter, but the kids prefer red), and torn parsley leaves. Topped with a good glug of olive oil and generous squeezings of lemon or lime juice.

Gina - I think silverbeet + haloumi pie would be yummy as well. You could mix the haloumi in, or put it on top and it'd go all gooey and golden (unless you have a terrible oven like mine!).

Please let me know if you make this simple easy tart, or any alternatives.

*Ha, I bet you all thought that the title "simple tart" was about me, hey.... hmmmm - I know you!

my journey in Peppermint Mag

The latest issue of Peppermint Mag has a little story on the journey I took, earlier this year, to New Zealand. 

I had the pleasure of writing about my amazing week-long workshop with India Flint, wandering in fields and forests. Sometimes when you experience something you are just there, and sometimes you have time to reflect about it. Sometimes you write about it. But very rarely do you get to publish it in such a beautiful magazine, where your own personal journey is as important as the inspiring artist you are spending time with.

I am especially proud of myself for not only having written the words, but also being able to produce some photographs that Kelley (Peppermint's founding editor) thought worthwhile to print. Little things like that just make me smile with pride - you know what I mean?

If you haven't heard of Peppermint yet, then where have you been living for the past year! Peppermint is first and foremost an eco fashion magazine, where the design and content and quality sit perfectly alongside the green and eco credentials. Where being green isn't enough - you also have to be pretty amazing at what you do.

I love that despite every single obstacle that has jumped in front of the Peppermint team, they have continued to stick to their ideals and not succumb to the easy way out. Often, when situations prove to be long, arduous, difficult, even sickness-inducing, most people slip on the original reasons they started something. They allow other things to take over, they go the easy way. And, really, I'm not saying this is at all bad. Sometimes that's the only option - it's a hard world out there for those of us trying to run our business, let alone in an ethical manner. 

All credit to Kelley for sticking to her green thinking in every way. Peppermint is the only magazine of it's kind - self published, water-less printing process, recycled paper, every single advertisement you find in the magazine is held to the same ideals and ethics as the articles. I so appreciate that when I read the magazine, I know that I can trust that every single page (articles + the absolutely necessary - in terms of actually making some sort of survival) to fit within the parameters of being eco, organic, fair trade, local, and/or ethically made. 

Every single part of Peppermint Mag is made with heart. From first to last page. From the many countless hours sourcing the best and greenest of fashion and beauty (and all the rest!),  to the dedicated weeks putting the artistic talent into the gem that Peppermint is, to the tireless days sending your little mag right to your hand.

These are just a few reasons I feel extremely privileged to be part of Peppermint, if only in such a small way.

Subscriptions to Peppermint start at only $44Au per year. What a small investment to spend on your green fashion future. Or you can buy individual issues over at Leeloo (including back issues), or ask your local newsagent.

And, if you think that you're not into fashion, well this mag is still for you. The in-depth articles are well researched and written - giving you info about sustainable fabrics and dyeing, organic yummies, art, music, homes, and many other beautiful toxic-free living. The photos and illustrations are beautiful, whimsical and simply lovely to look at.

BrisStyle Eco market tomorrow

Just popping in quickly to remind you all that the fabulous BrisStyle Indie Designer's Eco Market will be on tomorrow.

Everything there will be either organic, sustainable or refashioned, upcycled, vintage.... Whatever you want to call it, it's all ECO. 

I do wish that we were going to be having a stall there, as of course Red Seed Studio fits right in with the 'eco' market. Unfortunately I've been too busy being a mum, and dreaming of other {life} plans to have a stall this weekend. Next time around, for sure. 

Do go and visit. Peppermint Mag will be there. As well as 35 other stall holders, vegan sausage stand, coffee cart, music, Reverse Garbage, and a fun day out. I'm hoping to make it along - I always love the chance to be on the other side of the market stall and check all the wares out as a shopper. {Not to say that being "stuck" behind a market table isn't wonderful at such events where all the customers are friendly and lovely to chat to}.

I'm taking along my pocket money, as I've heard rumour Kim from KW Ceramics will be having a sale on her beautiful pieces. Would love to add a few more to my collection.

{I'll be back soon, I do promise, have just needed a short while away to clear my head - or sit in the small patches of sun with the little ones, and try to not go too crazy with wishful thinking over the what-ifs and would-bes of looking at new houses and land in the country to buy.... yet not quite finding our dream home yet}.

sk8

Here's some lovely images from Ashey's sk8 (skate for an 8 year old) party last weekend. It was such a lovely day - the cloudy, rainy sky cleared up, the sun came out and everyone had a beautiful time. One of Ashey's friends kept announcing "I'm so happy" and "this is the best party ever" - that's an excellent thing to hear from an 8yr olds mouth, isn't it. 

Look at all those kids on their boards or bikes or scooters. 

And only my sister (ok, actually I'm sure lots of other people would do it too, but I loved noticing it anyway) would colour co-ordinate her fruit with colanders so well.

 

And finally - one of Sam on his board. He's still complaining about a sore body after having such a good skate. Think that means a) he's getting old or b) he needs to get out on his board more often or c) both a + b!