What I've Been Reading…

Hi! Welcome back :) I have been fighting a lurgy lately, and haven't felt particularly crafty. But I have been devouring some gorgeous books. This is what I have been reading lately…

I love a good interior design book and Bright Bazaar hits the mark.  Written by Will Taylor and full of gorgeous ideas, photos and tips for embracing colour for "make-you-smile" style.  

Learn to Sew! by Tessa Evelegh is every beginner sewer's dream (mind you I've been a beginner sewer for about 11 years :)).  The amazing projects in this book are so refreshing for a beginner sewer, it also has great instructions.  

If I Stay by Gayle Forman has received a lot of hype recently due to a movie of the same name that is being released later this month in Australia.  I am a sucker for sad  teenager novels….maybe it reminds me of all those angst teenage years. :)

I am not ashamed to admit I have a little penchant for teapots.  I sometimes find them in the most funny places, but most I have collected from my travels.  Here are some of my favourites….

 Is there a little collector in you?  My mum collects scenic wear from all over Australia and I also collect obscure tins..remind me to show you one day ;)


Kimberlee xx:)xx

Creative outlets

Hi! These past couple of weeks I have been extremely grateful for creative outlets.  How nice to get together with a like-minded person and talk craft, inspirations and ideas.  My major creative outlet has always been my mum.  Mum is a keen crafter,  with many a skill up her sleeve (folk art, sewing, patch working to name a few).   She is the 'go-to' for my sewing mishaps or design disasters! 
And for the past 8 months another outlet has been work!  I work with a wonderful lady who is absolutely crafty and talented.  All that comes out of our mouths is craft, food, and craft!  Her wonderful talent definitely runs in the family because her daughter is the lovely Moose & Bird.  Denise has spent a few lunch hours being very patient and teaching me how to knit.  At first I felt like I was learning to tie my shoelaces for the first time.  Being used to one hook when crocheting to multitasking two needles was hard!  But I fumbled through and learnt the basic knit stitch.  Now I am challenged to try purl.
Another creative outlet I am grateful for is Brisstyle.  Brisstyle is an association which brings together artists and crafters through markets, workshops and events which is of course in Brisbane!  I checked out the Brisstyle Indie Markets back in May, and through my visit and on instagram have connected with some ultra talented people. 

My bookspirations these last couple of weeks have been...

I have been doing a cross stitch from the Storyland Cross Stitch, the book contains gorgeous patterns to follow.  The pattern I chose was the Jackalope.

Do you have any books/mags that get your creative ideas flowing?


Kimberlee xx:)xx

Lots of things…

Hello!  What a busy month!   It has been a month since I last posted anything.  Well, lets jump into it! 

Recently my family and I visited Brisbane's GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art) and checked out Cai Guo-Qiang's exhibit Falling Back To Earth.  It totally blew my mind.  I just hope my pictures do it some justice but if you ever get the chance to see his work, do it you won't be disappointed.

Also this last month I got my first sale on my etsy store.  I was excited to get a custom order that was to be a present for someone else.  It is nice to have someone like what you do and actually want to pay you for it!

I love to crochet but I have admit my skills are limited.  I wanted to challenge myself to create anything other than a granny square!  After admiring many mandala rugs on pinterest I found some great inspiration, and found the perfect pattern.  But unfortunately the pattern did not work for me, so I am making do with the start from the pattern for around the first 3 rounds and then making up my own!  So far it's looking good..will keep you updated!    

Maria George!  You get me every time with your gorgeous collars and embellishments.  I just couldn't resist this cute lace collar which I got from Spotlight for only $6.50AUD.  Sewing it onto a cheap t-shirt I got from Target, I have ended up with a one of a kind shirt for only $14.00AUD.  I get a giddy when something I picture in minds eye actually turns out ok! :) 

Mother's Day.  We love a celebration in my family.  Any chance we get we love to get together and share a meal.  My sister and I took on the role of cooks this year (even though she is a mum herself) and let our mum take it easy for once.  This is how my family celebrated the day for mums….

 Mussels in spicy Thai broth

Thai prawn curry

Strawberry blissmas cake 

Mine was actually a Raspberry blissmas cake as I could not find any strawberry's in store at this time of year.  I also made my sponge as the recipe states you can use a store bought one.  My recipe for a Never fail sponge cake by one of my favourite CWA ladies Merle Parrish is here.

All the recipes were tried and tested and absolutely devoured by my family!  We will be definitely making them again.

Food, craft, art and sewing some of my favourite things!  I hope you have had a divine month and I promise it won't be so long between posts next time!

Kimberlee xx:)xx

Stitching heaven…

Hello!  This week I have been loving looking through 'Crafty Creatures' by Jane Bull and getting some amazing inspiration through her beautiful pages.  I decided to partake in her stitch-a-doodle and have loved the outcome!

 My hearts are a little wonky but I think it adds a cute touch.  I would love to make some more perhaps as presents or a trio down the wall.


Hope you have a great week!
Kimberlee xx:)xx

Easter is in the air

Hello!  Welcome to my blog!  These past two weeks I have been…

Thinking about more repurposing ideas.   I found these cuties at an Op-shop, they were only 50c.  I have taken the old clip on the back off and will hot glue gun some stud bars in place.  Volia!  Cute, retro studs for me!

Yum, I have been wanting to make these Caramel Kisses for ages!  This is the second batch I have made in two weeks and they have been a huge hit!  If you cannot buy Arnott's Butternut Snap Cookies, look for cookies that have a buttery coconut base.  I found my recipe here.  Enjoy :)

Easter is in the air….well in Australia it has been since we packed away the christmas decorations!  I found these ultra cute easter decorations at my local Woolworths grocery store.   Easter has been slowly gaining a decorating following that it never has had before.   Bunnies, chocolate, thankfulness and family what's not to celebrate!

Have a glorious week,

Kimberlee xx:)xx

Lionel & Bertie in the clouds with carrot cake?

Hello!  Thank you once again for joining me on this adventure!  This past week I have been…

I had heaps of fun making these cloud cushions for my bed from the Liberty Book of Simple Sewing.  I am a beginner sewer and this project was well within my means and so quick to finish!   I love this book it has so many cute projects, and it also has given me heaps of inspiration in looking for Liberty & Liberty inspired prints!

In the words of Marjorie Dawes from Little Britain …'I loooove the cake!' I made this yummy carrot cake on Sunday.  I found the recipe here.  And frankly it's a winner!  What's not to love…cinnamon, golden syrup, carrots, vanilla bean paste & cream cheese icing.


Have a great week & happy days to you..

Kimberlee xx:)xx