bowerbird

Pretty tulle

2011-07-05T22:52:00.000+10:00

Ooh la la! I'd love an occasion to wear something like this. Colours = stunning.

from Etsy store Ouma

DIY Felt bunting

2011-07-05T22:43:00.000+10:00

I spotted this gorgeous handmade felt bunting over at Catherine's blog Little Glowing Lights. Makes me want to get crafty and [try to] make my own...

Take time out -part 2

2011-07-05T22:26:00.002+10:00

Things I did on my day at home:

1. Made muffins. Date muffins. See here for recipe.

4. Pressed Letters.

I haven't spend much time with Ruby the letterpress so I was determined to practice a wedding invite today. I haven't had any plates made yet but found the plastic plates for the L Letterpress machine worked with my Adana. I figured it was a easy way to practice before designing and ordering my own letterpress plates. I hand set the type using old lead type from ebay. The bottom image is part of a notelet and personalised stationery card range that I'm working on for my shop. I am going to offer notecard sets with a blind impression name in the lower corner. I just need to source envelopes and will add them to my website.

3. Forced Paperwhites.

I found tutorials for planting Paperwhites indoors last year but was too late in the season to buy the bulbs. This year I was ready. I have little sprouts at the moment but in abut 6 weeks they will look like this:

For how-to information and ideas on other bulbs you can try indoors, read the Real Simple tutorial here.

Take time out

2011-07-05T22:04:00.001+10:00

Last monday I took a day off work. Just for fun. I find I get so easily caught up doing life rather than living it. I needed a day to do all those things I've been meaning to do but never make the time.

Later that evening, I found the most appropriate post from Amanda Fuller over at Amanda's Musings. She had posted this print from Departika. It made me smile.
The perfect summary of the day I'd just had.

Have a lovely week...

2011-06-19T23:22:00.000+10:00

Hope it's as happy as this photo...

via Sweetpea and Fawn

Keep Calm Gallery

2011-06-19T23:20:00.000+10:00

I could imagine one of these framed, on the hall table in the entrance of my house.

They make me smile.

via Keep Calm Gallery

Andie's Specialty Sweets

2011-06-19T23:17:00.002+10:00

Just by chance I stumbled along Andie's Specialty Sweets on Etsy today.
Yes, all of the below are edible!

Oello design

2011-06-19T23:12:00.001+10:00

I love this soft and pastel design & packaging for Oello frozen yoghurt parlour. The skipping rope bag handle won me over... see more at The Dieline.

Rainy days...

2011-06-19T23:07:00.001+10:00

After nearly two weeks of pouring rain the sun came out from behind the clouds this weekend. I love the feeling of the winter sun warming my skin & heart and reminding me of the summer to come.

via the awkward bird

And while I'm on the subject of rain, check out this too-cute cloudy cardigan from Elk.

Sweet Paul Summer 2011

2011-06-15T13:33:00.001+10:00

If you haven't already, you should check out Sweet Paul's latest online magazine.
Full of delicious treats, D-I-Y's and such pretty photography too.

I'm liking the look of this Blueberry tart with Caramel Sauce:

D-I-Y ideas: new life for old tins

For those of you who are not familiar Paul's work, he is a NY based food and interiors stylist who blogs here. Definitely one to bookmark.

Places to dream in...

2011-06-14T22:50:00.001+10:00

I seem to have collected a few dreamy/inspirational bedroom pics lately...

Design Sponge

Here an old pallet has been used as a bedhead. Clever idea if you have the right space.

via Twig and Thistle

Emma's design blogg

Ruby roost

We heart it

Chalk art

2011-06-14T22:01:00.002+10:00

Amazing chalk art by Dana Tanamachi -such talent!
Gorgeous old-school typography...

Spotted via Twig and Thistle.

Attica

2011-06-14T21:56:00.001+10:00

Stocked at Moochinside (see post below) are these beautiful pieces from Attia. Love the styling and photography. Makes me want a whole kitchenful of their simple, organic-shaped designs.

Hardys Bay, NSW

2011-06-14T21:51:00.002+10:00

The weekend before last my husband and I spent a lazy afternoon at Hardy's Bay. We had lunch at The Fat Goose which is brilliant value for money for those seeking a delicious treat on a budget. I had pan fried smoked salmon fishcakes with wild rocket salad & dill yogurt sauce- YUM! The hub couldn't go past the man-sized all day breakfast.

We followed this with a stroll up the jetty and a peek inside my new favourite shop Moochinside. I wanted to buy everything but remembered the savings plan (for the new house) and bought nothing. I did come away with a birthday wish-list for next
month though...

Here's Moochinside... ooh so many treasures...

New invites in the shop!

2011-06-14T21:35:00.003+10:00

A rainy long weekend made for some perfect invite-designing time for my online stationery store Peppermint Press. I've made these designs as part of a new range suitable for letterpress printing. They could also be digitally printed of course. I'm pretty happy with these designs... what do you think?

Age old tree
Chinoiserie
Crazy in love
Love letters (I'm completely smitten with this new typeface)
Monogram
Primula

Woodland whimsy (yes, ok so this one has been in the shop for a while but I've made this version a single-colour job- and I'm loving the cornflower blue.

Choc-chip pancakes with crushed raspberries

2011-05-22T21:57:00.000+10:00

Cure tomorrow's monday-itis with dreams of next sunday's breakfast. Chocolate-chip pancakes! Raspberries! I'm in heaven! Head over to Toasty Biscuit for the recipe.

Millie Holloman / Salt Harbor Designs

2011-05-22T21:52:00.002+10:00

What can I say? This wedding shoot is stunning. Very wintery, which is appropirate for those of us in the southern hemisphere right now.

Photography: Millie Holloman. Styling: Salt Harbor Designs. Found via: Style me Pretty

See more photos here.

Decoylab

2011-05-22T21:46:00.001+10:00

My friend Lauren introduced me to Decoylab recently. Love their bamboo clocks. They also make little bamboo brooches for only $10 if you fancy pinning a little owl, fox, or perhaps a hedgehog to your daily wear. See the full range here.

Floral fancy

2011-05-22T21:08:00.002+10:00

Have you ever seen nail-art as fanciful as this before?

via Bohemian Caravan

Vintage map wallpaper

2011-05-22T21:06:00.001+10:00

I love these attic room images. Walls covered with old maps.
The pops of sage and red make it ever-so-fine.

via Little Green Notebook

Paula Lopez-Otero ceramics

2011-05-22T21:02:00.005+10:00

There's a sweet simplicity to these ceramic vessels by Paula (from her Etsy store here). I think when the new house is built, they may look quite handsome in my kitchen. I like the light turquoise blue. Since I've moved houses I haven't been able to go to my pottery classes... *sigh*...

Next year...

Sweet space

2011-05-22T20:56:00.000+10:00

You know when something catches your eye and you're now sure why?

I think it's everything. The mirror, the lounge, the linen...

From Cortney Bishop's house via Design Sponge

Butterfly art

2011-05-22T20:52:00.005+10:00

I spotted this amazing artwork over on Freshly Blended the other day. The 'Butterflies Eye View' installation, by Eiji Watanabe was made from thousands of butterflies, cut from field guides. More images here.

I have a quite a dislike for cutting things out as it's so fiddly and I'm much too impatient.

This installation earns a lot of admiration from me...

Nina Campbell, iPhone wallpapers

2011-05-22T20:43:00.001+10:00

More iPhone treats! I'm going to update my wallpaper with these

Nina Campbell beauties. See all of the designs here.

Cartolina iPhone treats

2011-05-22T20:37:00.001+10:00

I blogged about Cartolina a looong time ago when their first iPhone app was launched. There have been new designs added since then. Such a unique and pretty way to brighten up your text messages.

Moving and changing

2011-05-22T20:32:00.001+10:00

Alas, dear friends I have returned to The Bower after quite a hiatus. We have sold our house. Moved to the coast (living with family until the new house is built). I've packed up my little business (Peppermint Press) into three crates (two for papers and supplies, one for Ruby the Letterpress). I guess I'm lucky the business is a) online and b) stationery, so it's easy to pack up and move about.

I do feel a little bit lost though. We've just been offered a house-sitting position back in Sydney for a three months. It's much closer to work so we will take up the opportunity. The offer popped up all of a sudden, so after only two weeks of being unpacked, next weekend we will be re-packing and back to the city. Living out of suitcases and crates (ugh!) At least, in the end, we will have a lovely new house to move into...

There has also been some sad moments recently as well with not one but two lovely collegues leaving my work (the day job). Another unexpected change... I'll really miss the girls and the fun (and baking + cookies) they bring to the office.
Miss you Kerry and Rachel xx

Pink Rainbow cake

2011-04-22T00:08:00.003+10:00

This cake looks amazing. I have seen a few layer cakes about the blog-world lately but this pastel pink version is something special. Find the recipe and more images
at Call Me Cupcake.

Happy Easter everyone! xx

Found Somewhere Splendid

Pigeon toe Ceramics

2011-04-21T23:56:00.002+10:00

Ceramic string lights = bliss

Handcrafted in Portland, Oregon. So many exquisite items. See them all here.

via Sfgirlbybay

Squirrel love

2011-04-21T23:51:00.000+10:00

Cutie wood carved squirrels by Enormous Champion...

Crochet bunting

2011-04-21T23:49:00.001+10:00

Crochet creations by Emma Lamb. I imagine this bunting would look pretty in a baby's room, or even in a living area if you have a creative / electic styled home. Buy her beautiful work here. I really respect the time that must go into these pieces. I started a crochet blanket last winter and it hasn't been progressing quickly. I must get back into it now that winter's coming round again.

Snidel Spring Summer

2011-04-21T23:44:00.000+10:00

Dreamy photography from the Japanese label Snidel's Spring Summer Lookbook. Spotted via the delightful Honey Kennedy.

Story- the store....

2011-04-21T23:38:00.002+10:00

I haven't been to my pottery classes for a little while due to working late on various projects at work and not getting home in time for class. I really need to make it to class next week. It's suck a loveyl and relaxing hobby.

How cute are these little ceramic houses from Story?

and tiiiiny mushrooms!

The Cozy Project

2011-04-21T23:32:00.000+10:00

Knitted cup holders over at The Cozy Project. A cute gift idea for the cooler months.

via Frolic

Poppies for Grace envelopes

2011-04-21T23:29:00.000+10:00

I loooove stationery and I love these coloured tie-up envelopes from Poppies for Grace.

Beg bicycles

2011-04-21T23:26:00.002+10:00

I fell off my bike today. It was quite awful. I was riding on a quiet road beside vacant land in the estate where we are building our new house. My bike has quite thin tyres and they caught in a dip in the road. Over I went. I hit my head really hard. Thankfully I has my helmet on or things would have been much worse. I'm a bit sore, bruised, very headachy, grazed arm & leg... luckily my sweet husband was there to 'save' me and give me cuddles and help me up off the road.

I still love my bike though... just a little afraid of my thin road tyres as this wasn't the first time they've caught in a hole in the road or an uneven path. First time falling off though.

If I didn't have my sporty,'get-fit', thin-tyred bike... I'd have something like these gorgeous bicycles from Beg (UK). I stumbled across their site the other day and really enjoyed all of the bicycle eye-candy. Cute website design too.

Country Road Winter 2011

2011-04-21T23:07:00.001+10:00

Hello, I'm back from a little break. Lot's has been happening. We've sold our house, finalised the plans for new house we are building, my business Peppermint Press is up and running, my letterpress arrived (finally-hooray!) and I attended a fantastic letterpress printing course last weekend that has left my head swirling with new knowledge, inspiration and a big urge to get 'inky'.

A quiet weekend is planned for this weekend though, as we spend time with family for Easter. What are you doing this Easter weekend?

Things are slowly getting a little chilly in my little part of Australia. About this time of year I become envious of all the northern hemisphere people who are enjoying the start of spring and telling me about how wonderful it is on their blogs [sigh]. I'm such a warm-weather, spring/summer-loving person.

I was a little excited though when a Country Road Winter 2011 postcard arrived in my letterbox. There are a few good things about the cooler weather: snuggly jackets, comfy boots, cozy fires and hot chocolates. I had a nice wintery feeling seeing their fashion shoot (photography by Simon Lekias).

Quote of the day

2011-03-26T23:04:00.000+11:00

I'm taking a week's break. You may or may not notice I'm gone. My blogging had been so unreliable of late, hasn't it? I'm terribly sorry. Work is exhausting and we are selling our house, planning to build a new one. Plus working on my stationery business whenever I have a free weekend. Phew. I'm heading to the seaside for a week to take a breather. When I get back the business officially launches. I've been so nervous about it but I stumbled upon this quote yesterday which really spoke to me...

Is there anything you have been putting off that you really need to do?

via Bird and Banner

Chalkboard wall

2011-03-26T22:57:00.006+11:00

I really like the idea of having a chalkboard wall at home to write and draw on... but painting a whole wall black frightens me a little. Do you know anyone who has ever had a chalkboard wall for a time but then decided they didn't want it anymore any tried to paint over it with normal house paint? I'm thinking it might be difficult to
paint over..?

I found this picture and loved it. Put it in the "inspiration" folder on my desktop.
A chalkboard that doesn't have to be on your wall forever. Love the square format... and a few pretty lyrics complete the scene.

also via Bird and Banner

Tu tu cute...

2011-03-26T22:48:00.002+11:00

I don't often blog about children's things but couldn't resist showing you these gorgeous outfits from Tu Tu De Monde. If I ever have a little girl... she shall wear tutus as often as she likes...

via Bondville

Bow necklaces

2011-03-26T22:43:00.000+11:00

I have a favourite necklace featuring a swallow cut out from black leather. I found it on the 'freebies' table at Madison Magazine (where I used to work) during Fashion week one year. I couldn't believe it was unwanted! It has become one of my most treasured pieces and I get so many comments when I wear it.

These bow necklaces are a very similar design. A little more simple than my swallow but oh-so-sweet. I found them via Hello Lucky. They are made by Ulala on Etsy and only $16... which colour do you like best?

Illustration inspiration

2011-03-26T22:35:00.000+11:00

Simple and quirky drawings by Ilovedoodle. These make me smile.

Found via a favourite haunt Polished Objects.

Barn wedding

2011-03-26T22:30:00.002+11:00

I stumbled across this beautiful barn wedding the other day via Style Me Pretty.
How amazing is this lighting display?

And here are a few more pics from the day...
Photography by Abby Ross

Happy rest of the week

2011-03-15T22:08:00.000+11:00

I'm not feeling too well tonight so I'm going to sign-off. Hope the rest of the week is lovely for you.

My work (my day job) is insanely busy at the moment. I'm sooo exhaused but thankfully do have a little holiday on the horizon. Cannot wait. In two weeks I will be snorkling in the Great Barrier Reef, sunning myself on golden beaches, shopping at markets for inspiring finds and eating and relaxing... and eating and relaxing... and swimming and not doing much else...

Happy hump-day for tomorrow.

Cute picture from we heart it.

Feeling shy

2011-03-15T22:01:00.002+11:00

I have to launch my business this weekend. I've done so much work but have been putting if off as I've been feeling a bit shy about my work. That's not going to help me in business is it?!
I'm paranoid that my work is not good enough.

I'm am now booked in however for a bridal magazine ad and some bridal fairs to show my designs, so I'd better get cracking and pull down the holding page from my website.

I made some new designs last weekend because I was stressed that I needed
more options...

I tried a soft chevron pattern which I am quite happy with...

And the same design with an alternative background, a strong black and white, also looks pretty in pastels ... perhaps this colour scheme is too strong? Though some people may like the drama of it.

A bit of 'vintage', though I'm not sure about the different border on the gift registry card in the mauve set below...

Some antique flourishes...

Thoughts anyone? What would be your ultimate wedding invite style? Would you send out any of these for a wedding???? Nervously awaiting any feedback...

Old New Again

2011-03-15T21:34:00.001+11:00

If I lived in the US I would HAVE to buy this table by Old New Again. I have a minor obsession with love-hearts...

Husband and wife team Liz and Rick established their creative/woodworking business after Rick lost his job back in '09. They are now able to support their family doing what they love: making vintage/disressed wooden furniture and decorative pieces for the home. Check out their gorgeous designs at their etsy store.

Thanks to August Empress for the inspiration.

Perfect pink party

2011-03-15T21:04:00.000+11:00

A positively elegant party for three year old Ella, daughter of Lovely Little Parties talent Elizabeth. Love the silhouette theme.

Photography by Melanie Mauer. Spotted on on Somewhere Splendid.

Goodbye summer...

2011-03-05T23:56:00.000+11:00

You are my favourite time of year...

via we heart it

Studio Choo

2011-03-05T23:37:00.002+11:00

My favourite kind of flowers are a little unruly,

as though they have just been plucked from the garden...

These arrangement are by Studio Choo. They have a regular post over at Design Sponge entitled "We Like it Wild". Head over there for more floral eye-candy...

Australian Style...

2011-03-05T23:20:00.001+11:00

Beautiful details from Cecile Boston's Melbourne home...

I love the country flavour here and although Cecile is French and brings the occasional European influence, I feel that there's a certain 'Australian-ness' to the home as well. Relaxed and unfussy, with vintage pieces that tell a tale of a time gone by.
The berry / floral arrangement and the heart-shaped stools left me smitten.

Ready the full story and see more pictures at Daily Imprint.

Lovestamp

2011-03-05T23:08:00.002+11:00

I have such a soft spot for anything personalised. I have blogged about the beautfiul jewellery pieces from The Vintage Pearl before but recently found an Australian company that create hand stamped personalised pieces: Love Stamp.

I love finding neat little online stores and being Australian made makes it even sweeter.

Just because...

2011-03-05T22:55:00.001+11:00

I like the rustic charm of this place. Via Le Voyage Creatif

Possibly the most beautiful wedding cake ever...

2011-03-05T22:49:00.001+11:00

I stumbled upon this delight from Superfine Bakery in LA via Oh Joy!

Quote of the day

2011-03-05T22:44:00.001+11:00

It took me a long time to learn how to do this...

and sometimes I still forget and doubt myself...

ffffound

DIY branch light

2011-03-05T22:42:00.001+11:00

I love this idea spotted over on Decor8.

Read the full tutorial here.

Hellloooo

2011-03-05T22:38:00.000+11:00

Sorry I have been away for a little while. I've been busy finalising Peppermint Press and also arranging housey things. My husband and I have purchased a block of land to build our new home on- hooray! It wont be ready for us to build on until around July. Sooo long to wait! At the moment it is bulldozers and rubble and no roads. I spent a thrilling saturday cleaning our current house (ugh!) as we have the real-estate photographer coming on monday afternoon to take pictures ready for the sale. It is a little sad but it will be an exciting journey over the next year and I will post some photos when things start getting interesting. When our current place sells we will be homeless until about March next year! My folks have kindly offered my old childhood bedroom back if we need a place to stay (up the coast though- a long way from work) so we might mix it up a little by living on the coast and doing some 'house-sitting' back in Sydney.

Speaking of house things, I found this robe online the other day... converted into a home office. Such a clever idea if you need a little office space hidden away.

from Country Living via A Little Sussy

a crochet rug & other things

2011-02-18T00:22:00.001+11:00

I've just stumbled upon a most wonderful online store: Gallop Lifestyle. Love these crochet rugs from Hooked design...

And this divine embroided letter pillow...

And this wooden bike wall decoration which is more in my budget ($60AUD). It's 48cm long and would look oh-so-sweet on a side table or mantlepiece.

but alas, I am window shopping only. I am on a strict budget at the moment as my husband and I save money to move to a new house. We are dreaming up plans for our "forever house", the house we will stay in for hopefully a very, very, very long time. I'm determined to save money as there is nothing I really need. There's lots I want of course, but wants are not important at the moment. I'll keep you posted if anything exciting happens with the house-hunting!

Hope you have a lovely week

2011-02-07T22:37:00.000+11:00

Here's a little inspiration for today: a sweet bicycle artwork, available from here.

My little vegetable garden

2011-02-07T22:26:00.001+11:00

For Christmas I was given a vegetable patch. I'd always wanted to try growing my own veggies and one day I was out with my mother-in-law haunting the local garden centre and spotted these corrugated tub garden beds. Perfect for my little townhouse garden. I received it on Christmas day (thanks Chris!) complete with stinky bags of cow manure and straw mulch to get me started.

Here is is just after Christmas when I set it up:

And here it is now- hooray!

I'm not a real green thumb -I'm best with plants that look after themselves- but I can manage a little bit of water and fertilizer. Look at my fancy pink 'Brightlights' spinach.

I actually plucked it out last night and baked up a spinach and ricotta tart. Mmmm...

My zuchinni has some white mildew spots due to the humid weather. This little ladybug and some of his mates visited for a while. Maybe he was snacking on the mildew?

I'm also growing lettuce, capsicum, strawberries (have produced two tiny little strawberries, quite pitiful in size but super sweet) and some oregano and garlic chives. I've packed quite a lot into a small space which probably isn't the best thing to do. Everything is fine though apart from the capsicum being crowded out a little by the zuchinni.

It has been lot of fun. There's something so satisfiying about walking out the back garden to pick your own vegetables!

Some pretty packaging

2011-02-07T21:57:00.000+11:00

I spotted this packaging today over at Ampersand and just love the design. When I see something that's fresh and different, I feel so inspired. I love the retro-flavoured type and the geometric shapes...

From The Dieline via Ampersand Design blog

Thought and prayers for Queensland

2011-02-02T22:51:00.002+11:00

My thoughts and prayers go out tonight to the people of Far North Queensland who are going to be experiencing the worst cyclone in recent history in the next few hours. It's a "category 5" which is the worst possible storm forecast... and the poor Queenslanders have just been through a battering with the floods. Hope they can all stay safe tonight xxx

Photography by Emily Malan

Terrace Falls

2011-02-02T22:38:00.005+11:00

Last weekend my husband took me for a bushwalk in the Blue Mountains
(about 1 1/2 hrs west of Sydney) to get me away from the computer for a little while (too many hours working on my new stationery business) were driving me (and him)
a little crazy.

It was so refreshing to get out into nature. I love the outdoors. The Terrace Falls track starts at Hazelbrook (for any Syndeysiders or travellers heading to the Blue Mountains soon) and it was right up there with my favourite bushwalks ever. It was a super-hot day but the walk was shady and rainforesty, dripping with ferns and moss. There were pretty waterways everywhere... glassy ponds, bubbling creeks, deep pools for swimming and of course the falls. I didn't bring my swimming costume, which I kind of regretted... until we reached the falls and I took off my shoes to go paddling in the water. It was FREEZING. We have had such hot weather lately so the water temperature was surprising. Even on a hot summer's day it would have been a challenge to jump into the water, just wading in the shallows made my
feet hurt with cold.

There was one little family there all attempting a summer afternoon's swim. I thought they were chicken at first, not getting right into the water... but later on, when I had taken my own shoes off and dipped my feet in, I understood the shrieks and complaints from the family.

Photos by me

If I could sew...

2011-02-02T21:49:00.001+11:00

... or if I could make the time to sew, rather, I would make a tiered tulle skirt in dreamy shades like this:

via Grey Likes Weddings

Prettiest tissue pom poms

2011-02-02T21:46:00.004+11:00

Tissue pom poms have been all over the blogosphere lately but have you seen these multi-coloured ones? They are so pretty. I love the colours, so soft and tonal.
Follow the tutorial here.

via the lovely Oh Hello friend

Sarah Coleman

2011-02-02T21:38:00.002+11:00

I'm really into playful, illustrative design at the moment. I found these eye-popping pink pieces over at Twig & Thistle today... they are by illustrator Sarah Coleman.

DIY pom pom flowers

2011-02-02T21:34:00.000+11:00

Simple and pretty DIY idea over at Country Living.

Via Seesaw design.

Vintage caravan

2011-02-02T21:29:00.004+11:00

Isn't this shiny red caravan just perfect!!? I would love to "renovate" a caravan, it would be such fun... sad thing is I live in a little townhouse with no room to park it... or room to renovate it for that matter. Will just have to look and dream.

Photography by Stuart McIntyre spotted via Handmade Charlotte

Balloons & innocence

2011-02-02T21:20:00.001+11:00

Beautiful children's photography over at Beez.

Melt'm Design Studio

2011-02-02T21:17:00.000+11:00

Love the simplicity of this handcrafted silver heart over at Melt'm on Etsy.

White Space

2011-02-02T21:11:00.001+11:00

Ahhh... some peaceful-looking places...

All via ffffound

DIY Wine wrap

2011-02-02T21:08:00.000+11:00

Now, we Australians would prefer have all things woolly at the back of our minds in this sweltering summer heat but those in the northern hemisphere may appreciate the DIY knitted wine cooler. Such a clever and easy to make idea. Follow the tutorial over at Grey Likes Weddings.

Dingbat Press- sweet valentines

2011-02-02T21:01:00.002+11:00

I love these letterpress Valentine's Day cards from Dingbat Press. The Calligraphy is beautiful and the Mumford & Son's lyrics are very cool too...

Arty cookies

2011-01-27T22:11:00.002+11:00

How cute are these artist palette cookies from Sweetapolita? There are even instructions are on how to make them on Rosie's blog here.

Spotted on via my new blog-crush Somewhere Spendid.

Secret squirrel & sneak peak...

2011-01-26T22:31:00.008+11:00

Ok. So I've been keeping things secret too long, so here goes....

I'm soon to be launching an online personalised stationery store,
Peppermint Press. My main focus will be wedding invites which I will offer as "Print it yourself" digital files, all individually typeset with guests names, or a "We print it" service for digital and letterpress printing (no individual guest names for the letterpress of course).

There will also be lots of other fun things in the store if you're not a bride to be: personalised notecards, calling cards, stickers and stamps and well as gift cards and illustrated prints. There's still so much to do in the next month, phew! It's been exhausting getting everything ready while working in a full time, super-busy day job... but there's a little light apprearing at the end of the tunnel
(still, the light is very small).

Here's a sneak peak at how things are going at Peppermint Press...

Two weeks ago I did a little photoshoot of some of my first invitations with Angie
from Angelica Peady Photography. We "borrowed" a friend's field and here's how it turned out:

Some contemporary brights:

Some softer, vintage-sinspired styles:

This one, above, was printed on a nude-coloured shimmer paper. So beautiful in real-life, hard to capture the shimmer nicely on camera. The idea with the invites is that you can dress them up yourself if you want to. I added tiny crystals in the lacey pattern above, can you see?

It was REALLY hot, about 39 degrees (celsuis) on the day, we were literally dripping all over with sweat (ew, gross). It was so uncomfortable. Phew...

Katrina from Petals & Leaves sourced the most beautiful antique coloured roses for me:

I bought my little school desk from a charity store for $10, it was in terrible condition but it scrubbed-up a treat:

Hey Angie, you could have given me some warning so I wouldn't look goofy in my 'behind the scenes' snap... ;-)

I'm pretty happy with how the shoot turned out. I had originally planned to take my own photos. I spent nearly two whole days taking pictures at home... but nearly cried (well, actually, I did cry) when I loaded the images onto my computer. I don't think I'm ever destined to be a professional photographer. They were so dull and flat. I did take the shots inside though. Next time I try to take my own photos, it will be outside for sure!

Here's my logo:
I designed it so the "Stamp" can be seperated from the words 'Peppermint Press' and moved to different positions on my business stationery, etc. I'm having it made into a rubber stamp (on order, should arrive in a week!)

Laura at Trial by Cupcakes did the beautiful calligraphy work for me...

I'll let you know when it's all up and running...! Hooray!

That was quite a sneak-peak, wasn't it? Ha! So you may think...!

I didn't even touch the surface. I have about 30 wedding designs tucked away ready for launch day... plus the other personalised stationery items.

But... ugh... still so much work to do...

So, what do you think??

Neutrals & Neon

2011-01-26T21:31:00.001+11:00

While I'm on the subject of celebrations... I was stopped in my tracks when I saw these party decorations. How interesting to combine neon pink and neutral kraft-paper brown. Who would have thought? I love when people think up surprising and interesting things like is this colour combo:

I stumbled across this inspiration on Somewhere Splendid via You are my Fave.

Happy Australia Day!

2011-01-26T21:23:00.000+11:00

Happy Australia Day to my Aussie friends! What did you do today? Anything fun? It's was so nice to have a day-off mid week, right?! It was really hot out my way, nearly 40 degrees (that's celsius, for US readers). I have to admit I stayed inside in the air-conditioning for most of the day. Though we did venture out briefly this evening to cook a BBQ with family. It was very simple and relaxed.

One year I'd love to host a bit of a themed Australia Day party with friends. I've been inspired by these photos from What Katie Ate, published in Real Living magazine. I particularly love the hanging ribbons & little tags featuring snippets of Aussie vernacular...

In my dreams...

2011-01-19T22:47:00.000+11:00

... I would be away in a peaceful place camping. This looks just perfect...

Via That Kind of Woman

The Sydney Picnic Co.

2011-01-19T22:44:00.001+11:00

In my dreams... I would make more time for stylish picnics.

Have you seen the charming baskets from The Sydney Picnic Co.? Such a brilliant idea from husband and wife team Simon and Natalie. We have such a beautiful harbour here in Sydney, with lots of parks and bushland around- it's amazing nobody thought of this earlier. Simon and Natalie will prepare a hamper for you and your love one/s filled with delicious treats in a very sweetly-packed basket created my Natalie.

Thank you Rachel for the link! xx

Bespoke letterpress

2011-01-19T22:36:00.003+11:00

In my dreams... I would be able to make stationery items as stunning and stylish as those from Bespoke Press. This beautiful announcement stationery was letterpressed for an employee & her baby Violet. The violet envelope liners in kraft brown envelopes left me completely smitten...

Whimsy Whimsical

2011-01-19T22:28:00.000+11:00

In my dreams... I would be able to draw amazingly cute illustrations like these ones from Whimsy Whimsical...

Monique Lhuillier

2011-01-19T22:19:00.001+11:00

In my dreams... I would have an occasion to wear a stunning gown like one of Monique Lhuillier's...

Nest Rest

2011-01-19T22:17:00.004+11:00

In my dreams... I would have a rural property with a big old tree and a hanging nest rest to while away the hours in...

Inspiration via Handmade Charlotte

Dreamy

2011-01-11T22:29:00.001+11:00

I think we need something dreamy & uplifting for today...

Stunning photography by Sheye Rosemeyer via Secrets of a Butterfly

Floods

2011-01-11T22:24:00.002+11:00

My thoughts & prayers go out to those people affected by the terrible flooding in Queensland. (If you are from overseas: after years of drought, we are having some of our worst-ever floods.) My husband's Grandma was lucky to be out of town visiting her daughter when a huge wave of water swept through Toowoomba. We are now keeping our fingers crossed for dear friends in Brisbane, which is expected to have it's worst flood in 118 years.

photo via ffffound

Here's to the year ahead...

2011-01-01T14:49:00.002+11:00

... a little more inspiration for your New Year's day. I'm going to sign-off and enjoy the last couple days at home before I return to work on Jan 4th. Best wishes to all of my friends & readers xx

Image via the newly discovered and very much liked Little Things blog.

Kate Spade owl purse

2011-01-01T14:45:00.001+11:00

How adorable is this Owl coin purse from Kate Spade?

He's acutally a little bit grumpy looking... maybe that's why it makes me smile...

Colour inspiration...

2011-01-01T14:42:00.000+11:00

I really love the colour inspiration board on Creature Comforts this week. Rich berries and chocolate brown...

Image from here.

Vintage find

2011-01-01T13:40:00.005+11:00

$15 for set vintage crystal wineglasses found at a local secondhand store. Hooray!
I was at a friend's house for a BBQ pre-Christmas and they were using their crystal glassware which was so pretty and sparkly in the sunlight. Especially pretty with filled with pink bubbly... I was inpspired to find my own and did so- for a bargain.

Mulberry & Moss

2011-01-01T13:31:00.004+11:00

My friend Monica of Mullbery & Moss has recently launch a range of gift cards

and note sets in her online store. Check them out.

She also has some beautiful wedding invitation suites for brides-to-be.

Rainbow wedding

2011-01-01T13:26:00.001+11:00

I can never go too long without a wedding post. Eye-popping rainbow flowers from this shoot at Green Wedding Shoes.

Free font: Matilde

2011-01-01T13:23:00.002+11:00

Oooh! I love a free font. I've not seen one as sweet as this for some time. Have you downloaded your copy yet?

Thanks Typedepot!

Too beautiful

2011-01-01T13:16:00.001+11:00

Well you all know what magazine I've had my nose in this month: yes, I'm posting from Country Style again. Sorry, but the photography is too beautiful not to post.
By the talented duo Corrie Bond (photography) and Lara Hutton (styling)

Hearted Girl... & Russian moon artists...

2011-01-01T13:08:00.002+11:00

Hearted Girl blogger Lynn stopped by to say hello this week, she has lots of cool things on her blog, I was really drawn to this beautiful moon photography by Russian Artists Leonid Tishkov and Boris Bendikov. Isn't it stunning?

Thanks Lynn for your inspiration!

Country tables

2011-01-01T12:52:00.001+11:00

I would love to set up a table in the outdoors like these:

Photographed by Mikkel Vang, styled by Glen Proebstel.

via Country Style

New Year, new blog find: Autumn Empress

2011-01-01T12:37:00.001+11:00

I have found the most inspiring blog which I will be following this year.
Autumn Empress is all about patterns, design and inspiration. Jo is an Australian blogger, based on the Gold Coast and also is a freelance designer over at The Darling Tree where she designs websites, blogs and logos / brand identities.

You might like to add this one to your reading list! Jo has some pretty, free downloads such as this watercolour Chevron pattern, free for personal use:

I was also very inspired by these Whimsical silhouette illustrations she posted by Charmaine Olivia:

Click here to see more of Charmaine's work.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T12:23:00.002+11:00

Hope you've had a wonderful holiday period. Have you made any new year's resolutions? My husband has been looking at our expenses and we've been spending waaaay to much money on stuff. Yep, just stuff. Things we could probably do without. I guess I should make a resolution to be less materialistic, to save money to pay off our house and stop buying stuff to fill the house (things that we don't really need.)

I also hope to be less stressed this year. I'm an anxious person but I'm aiming to think everything through with this question: "Will I really care about this when I'm 90 years old and look back on my life?"

Will I care about the demanding client who is upsetting me at work when I'm 90?
-No way. So why am I dwelling on and allowing stressful situations to overwhelm me when in reality, they are not important?

In 2011 I'm also keen to:
Get my new business started (online invite & stationery store)
Ride my bike to get fit
...what else...? Maybe follow the below digaram for happiness:

via ffffound

Have a happy week...

2010-12-20T23:54:00.000+11:00

...in this nearly-there Christmas week! I have my work's office Christmas party tomorrow- Hooray!

from here.

Wedding Stationery

2010-12-20T23:46:00.001+11:00

Very cool wedding stationery designed by the bride and groom themselves,

Bridgit and Bjorne.

from 100 Layer Cake

Ice-cream

2010-12-20T23:42:00.000+11:00

Just because...

via youaremyfaveparties

Adam and Sophie

2010-12-20T23:23:00.001+11:00

I couldn't resist posting these wedding photographs from an Australian wedding in the Yarra Valley. This sweet-looking couple eloped togther with just a couple friends to witness their ceremony. I just adore that sweetpea garland.

Photography by Wrinkle in Time (NY). See more pictures at Ruffled.

Moss frame DIY

2010-12-20T23:07:00.000+11:00

I love this moss frame. So different. DIY instructions here.