Deb Hoare Art...

My super talented Mum has just opened her very own studio/gallery space.  It's in a beautiful spot, with sweeping views of the Taranaki coastline back up to New Plymouth, and views of  Mount Taranaki behind it.  One side will provide a lovely studio space for painting, and the main part is her gallery.  So if you're from Taranaki, or here on a visit, you may like to check it out. The open sign will be out most days, or phone to arrange an opening.  She also has a website, and couriers throughout New Zealand and (unframed) worldwide.  

Did you spot the very 'Cath Kidston' tray?  It's my latest favourite trademe purchase, bought especially to display my baby shoes for sale.  A few have sold already, but if you spot a pair you'd like, just email me at mollycoddlenz@hotmail.com and I'll see if they're still available.

Have a great day (mine started at 5.30am, thank you Ben),

Sarah :)

Merry Christmas...

I did a swap with Stella for one of her lovely portraits, and am so pleased with the result.  Poppet saw it, and exclaimed "Mummy... Me, Rara", she was obviously as pleased as we were.  'Rara', is her well loved toy lion, who I also attempted to replicate for her second birthday last weekend.  The likeness isn't quite as good as Stella's, but she was recognised... and delicious!  Recipe here.

Well this is my last wee post for the year.  I wish you all a fantastic Christmas and safe holidays.   Thanks to everyone who has read my blog over the year, shared comments, thoughts and inspiration, and a big thanks to all who have purchased MissMollyCoddle shoes, I hope they're getting loads of wear and compliments.  

See you back here in 2012!

Sarah xx

Beautiful pottery and a trip away...

We had a couple of nights away earlier this week, just me, Poppet and her gran on a road trip.  It was great... apart from the attempted planking(picture stiff as a board crying toddler) in her car seat, it seems somebody no longer wants to be in a car for extended periods!  We headed to Raglan, which I absolutely love.  It's peaceful, arty and relaxing.  After recently seeing a photograph(over here) of a beautiful turquoise bowl, by Tony Sly, I was very keen to visit his gallery again.  He must have one of the worlds most picturesque workplaces.  His previous wharf gallery sadly burnt down(along with the delicious fish n chip shop), but he's back up and running on the same wharf and seems to have an even better range of gorgeous pottery.  Definitely worth a visit if you're heading that way.  I got a gorgeous wee jug as a memento, which of course I've filled with jasmine, loving it!

Enjoy your afternoon, I'm about to do 'another' coat on  the porch floor.

Sarah

Pretty Props

The other day I was asked on one of my auctions, if I would sell the little green suitcase?  Well, it's not for sale, I LOVE it.  It was a garage sale purchase years ago and is the perfect green for Poppit's room and for photographing shoes in front of. But, I can let you know where I've found the cutest wee cardboard suitcases online.... Bubbalooz

These pink polkadot ones are my favourite!

You may also have noticed this cute print in some of my shoe photos.  It's my alphabet print by Sweet William, which I finally got framed.  After paying a small fortune to frame our Sam Broad anniversary print, I went on the hunt for a suitable ready made frame.  I managed to find one at Briscoes during a (weekly?) sale and just had the mat trimmed to fit. I'm loving it! It's an excellent backdrop for my shoes and (very importantly) suits the vintage style of Poppet's room.  The Russian Dolls were a gift from our lovely neighbours.  Ruby in the Dust also posted about Sweet William today, check out the CUTE colouring book and doll she bought off them. 

It's looking like another gorgeous day here today, I may have to check out some more gardens in the festival.

Sarah :)

Crochet Kiwi Giveaway

I just followed a link to a gorgeous blog by kiwi mum, Jennifer, who is currently living in the US.  She's just opened a felt shop selling her beautiful crochet baby artworks, original and gorgeous, I absolutely love them.  To celebrate her new felt shop, she is doing a giveaway.  Check it out, would be so nice to find this in my letterbox!

I decided I'd like to learn to crochet. So last night I watched a youtube video on how to crochet granny squares... it seems I was a tad tired and gave up in frustration.  Will try again another day as I have aspirations of making a blanket like this...

Isn't it gorgeous?  I came across it while searching for 'Cath Kidston style'.  It definitely is her style.  I love all the pastels with bright red.  It certainly would fill a lot of hours!

Right, off to cut out more baby shoe pieces for a weekend of peaceful sewing(hopefully).  We've just carpeted our studio, and my desk is repositioned to look out onto my garden, so it's all lovely and inviting.  I'll post a photo when my garden looks better!

Enjoy your afternoon

Sarah :)

Some new artwork and flea market find

We finally got our 1st wedding anniversary gift (to each other), framed. It's a Sam Broad print and it seemed very apt for a wedding anniversary, as it is 'the wedding cake robot'(the colour was also right for where I wanted to hang it) and also that it was paper.  This year is cotton, will have to get my thinking cap on, any suggestions? I do love these pillowcases from native agent or maybe I should make something, would certainly be cheaper.  It's probably a bit early in our marriage for socks and undies!

The vase was my favourite score from an SPCA charity shop last Saturday.  It's a crown lynn classic and was only $3. Love it!  I've filled it with my favourite Abutilons from my garden, they match the print perfectly.  For more flea market finds pop over to Sophies

See you back here soon,

Sarah :)

A sale for Feltaid!!

Yay! My little farmgirl shoes that I donated to Feltaid have sold! So pleased.  They're on their way to a new owner as I type.  Feltaid have had a whopping 71 sales of donated handmade gems so far, with all proceeds to the Redcross in Christchurch. Well done all the team at Felt and all those who donated.  My heart goes out to all the victims of the earthquake.  Can't believe they're still getting some pretty nasty aftershocks too.

Here are a few of my favourite items still for sale....

Donated by trixiedelicious $35

Donated by Katherine Quinn $35

Donated by LuxfordSt $85

Hope you're having a lovely afternoon.  It's very peaceful at my house, Poppet is having a great afternoon sleep, after a busy catchup with her antenatal buddies.  Must get off this computer and finish my bundle of half sewn shoes!

Sarah

Well Hello!!

Wow, I've done it, I've actually pressed the new post button!!!

It seems the first blog is the biggest leap, one that I've been putting off for weeks. But now that I've done it I should be on a roll, I'm not usually lost for words.

I've been a stay at home mum since having my first daughter, nearly nine months ago and I can't believe how fast it's gone. During this time I've discovered blogs and all the wonderful creative people out there. Sweetwilliam would have to be a favourite.  I'm yet to purchase one of their prints, I just can't decide between the two alphabet ones and I also I love the teacup no.1 and pretend, so beautiful and such gorgeous colours.

I've also started sewing again, while poppet is asleep.  I've been sewing wee baby shoes, using only the cutest fabrics i can find.  I adore vintage polkadots and stripes and childrens themes.  I've also made some using vintage embroidered fabrics.  The shoes have been selling through word of mouth, trademe (missmollycoddle) and I also have a felt and etsy store.  Here's a peek at my latest creations.

I also have an obsession for vintage.... enamelware, childrens toys, fabrics, kitchenware, china.  It seems I'm not alone either.  Check out my grannies attic, gorgeous.  I must post some photos of my favourite treasures, but we'll leave that for another day. 

Have a great day, hope it's sunny where you are.

See you back here soon

Sarah