Macrame inspiration...

One of my favourite trends at the moment is macrame, either plant hangers (natural and vivid colours) and glorious bohemian wall hangings, I can't get enough!  Here's some of the most inspiring pictures I've come across and links to a couple of great books, if you want to give a go yourself.  I'm keen to have a go at a larger piece and would love any advise on where to find the natural cord (preferably in NZ).  Thanks in advance!

Four cheeky monkeys on instagram

I LOVE plants in kids rooms (as blogged about here) and this is one of the best examples I've seen, what a rad room!

via etsy

My favourite style of macrame hanging includes driftwood and lots of beautiful curves, a perfect statement piece in a lounge, or above a bed.  Next on my 'to make' list!

Here's my 'petite' first attempt.  I actually really love it, despite running out of cord, hence the staggered fringing.  It was great practice and surprisingly easy.  I used my clothes rack to hang it from while I knotted, which was perfect, I could sit on the couch with it in front of me.  I just used cord I already had from a hardware store, it was fine for this, but am after a slighter thinner one for a larger project.

For all those enjoying the resurgence of crafts, this book is for you!  Full of instructions on traditional crafting techniques, yet thoroughly modern in style, you'll love it.  Find out more here.

I bought a copy of this book off trademe, and found it covered all I needed to know, albeit in a bit more detail than I was after, at this stage anyway.  Available here.

Macrame wall hanging from MissMollyCoddle

If you're not up for making one, we sell this beauty. Perfect in all it's natural, simplicity.

Sarah x

Themed presents for children...

We had a special little girls birthday yesterday, this is the apron I made to go with her gingerbread themed pressy.  

She'll now be able to help Mummy use her flash new cake mixer...

to bake more delicious cakes, like the red velvet birthday cake, yummy...

I made one for Poppet too.  She tried hers out at her Aunty's today, and the result was a tray full of delicious Chocolate crackle cakes.

Ben was given a very cute cowboy themed present for his birthday, what a great idea.   It was cleverly wrapped in brown paper, with the sweet cowboy picture (in image) attached to front, all tied up in bakers twine.  He's especially fond of the 'That's not my pony...', they're a great series if you're looking for board books.  The Cowboys can be kind is part of a series of books on manners, the others are Princesses love to share, The friendliest ballerina and The pirate who said please.  They'd be a great start for themed presents, which needn't be expensive, perhaps some printed themed pictures and crayons, stickers, or stationary.  Gold coin/$2 shops are great for wee extras.

Right time for a cuppa (and a sneaky choc crackle) and the latest Homestyle mag.  If you don't read it already, you really should check it out.  Love it! Almost as much as 'The Block'.

For more creative spaces, pop over here.  There's a fabulous dollhouse amongst this weeks.

See you :)

Inspiring reading...

I really enjoyed these two books by Amanda, from the lovely blog, soulemama.  A mother of five, she's a real homemaker, writing about parenting, crafting, and creative ideas for children. Have a browse through her blog, or books, if you need a bit of inspiration for the upcoming school holidays.

Enjoy your day.

Sarah :)

Inspiring reads...

I love Emily Chalmers gorgeous interiors books!  They're sure to leave you totally inspired... and jealous.  I  wish I could reach into the pages and grab a handful of goodies... like a trolley grab.  Do they have those where you are?  Where you have a minute to grab as much as you can throw into your trolley, it's a typical radio competition.  I used to say I'd go straight for the wine, or make up aisles, though they're usually the other end of the supermarket, and you probably have to start at the beginning.  Now, I'd probably stop by the chocolate and baby aisles... maybe even the meat aisle, not very exciting I know.

Anyway, I'm rambling.  Back to Emily Chalmers and her GORGEOUS books.   She has quite a distinct style, a bit shabby chic, though more eclectic and mid century modern.  Have a browse through her website, you'll love, wish I could visit her store... the next best thing to visiting it is reading about it here on the lovely blog;  found, now home.

Have a lovely long weekend, safe travels if you're heading away.

Sarah :)