Jikana Damaru: August 2009

Stylish wallpaper

In collaboration with Pip Studio, a famous Dutch studio, Eijffinger presents a unique wallpaper collection.

"The wallpaper in this collection shows a complete set of many strong designs in fashionable colours, like firemen red and ochre yellow as well as beautiful natural powder colours like soft mint and sweet grey."

Available in Australia.

Pip have also collaborated with Brian Yates "to create this delightful and cheerful collection of trend-setting wallpapers. An eye for detail with layered prints in the most amazingly 'happy' colour combination's makes Pip a rather unique concept."

Classical garden birds sitting on delicate branches of blossom sparkle in gold and silver. Trailing florals interspersed with butterflies and a cute cross-stitch design can be used with more calming stripes and polka dots.

Available in the UK from Tangletree Interiors and Wallpaper Direct.

Spring!!!

Tomorrow is the first day of Spring! I have been counting down since, oh the start of Winter, as warm weather and sunshine makes me happy in a way that cold and shorter days do not. Spring!

The following phrase, from a Dylan Thomas poem describes, to me, the essence of Spring:

' the force that through the green fuse drives the flower.'

Isn't that beautiful?

Spring for me is a celebration of life, and a time to appreciate the simple beauty that is all around us. The sunlight is starting to creep through the blinds earlier, and I walk outside into the garden in the morning to discover a new blossom or flower in bloom.

Now that Spring has arrived, I am motivated again to get creative. The following really cute project I discovered on Beach Vintage got me thinking... those yo yo's are so cute, and would look gorgeous sewn onto little Summer singlets for Fern, or perhaps onto a cushion.

Beach Vintage: Project Day: My Pretty Bedroom Chair

Then there's this tutorial for a cute headband (or brooch), from Nest Decorating:

Or, because I am somewhat obsessed with butterflies at the moment, check out this gorgeous artwork idea from Lollychops:

Then there's this sweet idea for crocheted cupcakes from the Haby Goddess.... though this is less likely as my knitting skills leave a lot to be desired.

I could go on and on... but before I start ANY of the above projects I need to concentrate on designing the invitations for my daughter's Naming Dedication. I've bought the papers and come up with a design, I just need to get cracking putting it all together! Right, less blogging, more scissoring.......

~ Social Circle Cards ~

While browsing over at the etsy website I came across this fantastic little find - Social Circle Cards. I think they look very stylish for those of us whose job does not necessarily need a business card but the thought of having one makes us feel important - after all the job of being a mum is very important and people do need to get in contact with us regularly! Check them out here

August Giveaway!

Sign for the R stairs in Pembroke College

Wow - thank you for all the support, lovely comments and subscriptions I'm chuffed :) So it gives me great pleasure to give a way a little package of clips. Here's Lou's attempt at pulling the lucky winner out of the bowl.

Congratulations.... Carly Grace. You can pick out some hair clips from either my Made it shop or Esty shop and I'll send them out to you asap.

On another note Leah from Vintage Chenille is having a competition on her blog Handmade Bits and Pieces to win a gorgeous purse that she has made - head over there to join in!!

Spring is Just Around the Corner

For all of us that live in Australia, Spring is just around the corner. Blue sky days, gentle breezes, flowers blooming, gentle Spring showers, warm sunshine on your back as you work in the garden.

Spring a time of rebirth, of new beginnings - if you have had a winter of discontent - my wish for you is that you will embrace the Spring change - that the universe will bring you contentment and good fortune.

Here are some Spring quotes to inspire us all:

An optimist is the human personification of Spring - Susan J Bissonette

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" - Robin Williams

In Spring time, loved is carried on the breeze. Watch out for flying passion or kisses whizzing by your head - Emma Racine deFleur & my addition - why not catch a few as they whizz past!!

May this Spring bring you all of the good things that life can bring - embrace all that life offers you for you never know what may bloom - Karen Shaddock

Pip Studio

Simone of The Bottom of the Ironing Basket recently asked me where the floral wallpaper in Elin's room from my Craft & Creativity post is from. Well, it is from the adorable Pip Studio. I love their motto: "Happy Products for Happy People".

Pip Studio is a Dutch design company based in Amsterdam selling bed & bath collections, stationery, cushions, tablecloths and of course, an extensive collection of wallpaper.

Pip's handwriting is characterized by a warm, and almost intimate, touch and feel. It is often a mix and match concept of layered designs with a keen eye for small details and special finishes, combined with a subtle colour palette.

Rooster party

Welcome! Here is my rooster!

I would like to thank Barb @ Bella Vista for inviting me to join this party. I immediately said yes but then realized I didn't have a rooster! I hunted around for roosters and came up blank, so I made one. The pattern has been adapted from the book Crafting Springtime Gifts, using one of my favorite prints from Cath Kidston.

On my hunt for roosters I found these lovely photos, that I wanted to share with you!

Chicks getting cozy by Nostalgia Organics

From Nostalgia Organics

From Craft & Creativity

From Salt Water

From Misty Bliss

To see everyone's roosters at the Rooster Party, go HERE!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!