Anyone for Coffee?

I recently found a couple of orphan photo frames in my pile of "to do" things and thought it was about time I made another chalk board sign.

I would have liked a more ornate frame, but had to make do with what was in the stash! So after a sand, chalk paint and wax for the frame and a new backing chalk board I have something new!

Don't you just love Pinterest for ideas!

Cooler Days

It seems that cooler days have finally arrived and of course that turns the mind to simple wholesome food cooked long and slow, time in the garden without the burning heat of Summer and playing around with fabric.

 I couldn't go past a slowed cooked oxtail stew with garlic chive mash potato and crusty bread. Comfort food to warm the heart. It's been a favorite of mine for a long time and I always make it the day before so I can take off the fat that solidifies when cold then reheat for the next day. I guess that makes it a little more healthy!

I also made these thingies from the left over mash potato and I love them so much I always eat a couple while cooking!

The grandchildren love these chocolate muffins and it doesn't take much to whip up a bunch! Only waiting for their peanut butter frosting!

I also tried out some Pineapple and Ham muffins as they looked so yummy..........but they were missing flavour and were not as good as they looked. Will have to tweak the recipe as they are light and fluffy.

Home decor got some attention as well with some new cushions for the lounge. I wanted some texture and after a shopping spree in Spotlight I can home with these.

 Lovely to work with but I have to say that blue fabric frayed something bad and left loose bits all over the place. I was picking up bits of thread everywhere. Once sewed though it behaved itself nicely.

Spotlight only had a small amount of the Pom-pom trim so I could only do a couple of cushions, but I do love it!

I love the cooler weather! What have you been up to?

Open Shelves in the Kitchen.

I love checking out Pinterest or Instagram for decorating ideas and trends and I have noticed a lot of open shelves in kitchens, and other places as well. I live in a dusty area and would have to clean and dust quite often to keep everything looking sparkling and clean!

I love the idea of books and utensils within easy reach and the everyday staples like flour and grains sitting there not only looking pretty but ready for use. It would be very easy to check requirements prior to shopping as it's all there to see.

Or someplace for a little farm house decorating.

Again it looks delightful  to see vintage alongside modern and know that you can have what you need within easy reach.........or is it just for decorating and not for use?

This has to be my favorite as it has the blue elements and everyone knows how much I love blue and white.

What do others think of this type of decorating. I am in love with the idea, but it's just not practical where I live in the dry dusty tropics and I'm just a bit lazy with the house work these days.

Note: I found all these wonderful photos on Pinterest.

Some Bunnies were......Killed and Maimed!

Do you ever see something on Pinterest or Instagram and think......I want one? Well I do (all the time) and sometimes there are numerous things preventing you from finding it, and buying it!

I saw this lovely post in Instagram and immediately fell in love with this bunny!

Now I know that I could look around and find something similar but I WANT this one! So I decided the best thing was to make it myself.

Lucky hubby has every conceivable power tool in the shed and I borrowed his jig-saw and sander and some spare timber.

I have to tell the truth.....bunnies were killed and maimed during this process! One lost his head and one lost his back legs, and one had a bite out of his back.......poor bunnies, sad bunnies!

Dead bunny bin! Will have a proper service later.

Anyway these couple survived the jig-saw massacre with some minor non life-threatening injuries. This one has a bite out of his but!

And this one lost his head, but thanks to a tube of liquid nails.....Ta Da! All better.

Hubby just shook his head when I showed him my latest handiwork! Seems I should have used ply and not pine. Apparently that's why some of the bits broke off! Oh well! Live and learn I guess.

Now to decide whether to hang this fine rabbit or to let him run free!

I love my bunnies!

Keep Creating.

My little Sampler

I always love to have a stitching project (actually it's more like 3 or 4)  on the go to pick up or put down as I feel.

Currently in my basket there are a couple of Elefantz projects. A small book marker is slowly evolving into a finished project.

Another project, My Little Sampler is nearly there with the stitching but I am waiting on a delivery of some Tilda fabric from NSW to arrive to finish off completely. 

Australia Post is definitely SLOW as it was sent  9 days ago and still not here!

With the weekend almost here I'm looking forward to a little more time in the craft room to get a few  more projects completed.

What's on your list for this weekend?

Keep stitching.

6 KITCHEN UTENSILS YOU SHOULD GIVE UP ACCORDING TO MATT PRESTON !

Now....I have never been a collector of unnecessary kitchen aids but the title above made me take a second look in my kitchen utensil draw! You can read what Mat has to say here.

Of course this isn't my draw as I forgot to take a photo, but I assure you that mine did look like this!

What are the 6 things you ask?

Wooden Spoons

Prawn Deveiner

Zucchini Corer

Egg Topper

Turkey Baster

and

Something with a plug on it!

Of all 6 items above only wooden spoons (among a jumble of other bits and pieces) live in this draw and I really couldn't see why these would have to go and I'm not keen to part with them anyway.

So with a few of these baskets below and a good rearrange I did the best without throwing out my good old wooden spoons.

Thanks for the tip Mat Preston but I'm not yet ready to part with my wooden spoons and any of the other items in the kitchen draw. Guess I'm a bit of a hoarder in this department!

What are your thoughts on Wooden Spoons?

Keep Creating.

A Delightful Combination.

I recently saw a lovely bag on Instagram and decided to make another zipper pouch combining the stitchery and patchwork of the bag into the pouch.

I love the idea of having little projects that I can pick up and take with me, so decided to trace out a couple of book marks from Jenny. You can find the pattern in the February Stitchery Club.

Just love the idea of having a few little finished projects to pop into the gift box for that something sweet for that someone special.

No lace on this one. Just using up my bits and pieces of Flower Sugar fabric.

Today I'm starting my BOM  Blazing Star by Nancy McNally through Craftsy.  I am loving the combination of vibrant colors and the bold design of the quilt. I do think this one will be a keeper!

Keep Creating.