Sunday 31 October 2010

All Hallows' Eve



The origins of Halloween date back to Celtic times, some 2000 years ago. It's believed to link back to pagan festival of "Samhaim" which marked the end of summer and the begining of "the dark times". On this day the Celts believed that the spirits of all those who had passed the pervious year would rise during Samhaim to search for bodies of the living to possess for the next 12 months. To avoid possession the towns folk would make their homes and themselves as uninviting as possible by wearing drab old clothing and extingishing the fires in their homes to make them cold and dark. They would parade in the streets yelling in an attempt to ward off the evil spirits.

Over the years this Celtic festival mergaed with others such as the Roman festival of Pomona which celebrates the goddess of fruits and seeds - this is believed to be to orgins of our modern candy apples and "apple bobbing", a game tradionally linked with Halloween.

The term Halloween doesn't make an appearence until the 16th century, it's derived from the Old English name "All Hallows' Even" (or "All Hallows' Eve (ning)") A Catholic religious observance the night before All Saint's Day on the 1st of November.

In modern times Halloween has come to represent an evening of parties, dress-ups, pumpkin carving, games and trick-or-treating. Mostly a Northern Hemisphere tradition Halloween has in recent years become increasingly more popular in Australia, with small town such as Korumbarra in South Gippsland, Victoria holding huge Halloween theme events on the the 31st of October at the local historical park, an evening enjoyed by hundards each year (including myself). Happy Halloween everyone.
"Lady of the Afterlife" Necklace $26

Hanted House Necklace $26

Vampire Charm Bracelet $39

"Bad Things" Greeting Card $5

Posing Skeleton Necklace $24

Saturday 30 October 2010

Buy Nothing New Parade

A festival of Future-Friendly Fashion. This October marked the Salvation Army's first ever "Buy Nothing New" month. During the whole month of October the Salvo are encouraging people to avoid making purchases of "new" clothing and accessories.

As a fund raiser and to increase the porfile of "pre-loved" goods the local Savlos held a rather intereting fashion show, featuring:

cute little kids,

this old dear who came to the catwalk with layers and layers of clothing (and just as many hand bags) and proceed to amuse the crowd with her own uniqe brand of strip tease

err...(um those women have beards!!)

and finally......ok....wtf!!

my sister also found a couple of creepy babies.

and finally at the end of the show (and after a pretty terrible quiz with prizes nobody wanted) all items worn in the show and many more could be purchased over a lovely supper.

Thursday 28 October 2010

Paper Garlands




1. Bird Rosettes
2. Vintage Maps
3. Vintage Sheet Music
4. Vintage Dictionary
5. Paper Lantern

Wednesday 27 October 2010

simple repurpose tin project


materials:-
1. metal tin
2. scrapbook paper
3. tacky craft glue
4. acrylic sealer

Tuesday 26 October 2010

Pretty Little Bows


Introducing my brand new collection of prettly little bow tie hair clips. Each is made from vintage fabric with metal alligator clip attached on the back. They come in 3 sizes large ($8), medium ($5) and baby ($3). Check them out at my next market.

Monday 25 October 2010

Le Carnivale









The carnivale came to town this weekend, well to be more correct, to the Mordialloc Beach Primary School. Their annual school fate fund raiser was held this post yesturday. And what a lovely day it was.
This was not just your average run of the mill school fair, this really is a lovely and well planed event with activities and entertainment for all ages. The event featured a rock wall climb, chair ride, mini jeeps, jumping castles, performances by local school children, showbags, games, numerous market stalls and a special area called "secret womens business" when one could be pampered with beauty treatments and henna.
I totally recommend you mark next years event in your calander.

Saturday 23 October 2010

A Table for Two



This weekend seems to be the weekend for the annual church and school fates. Today the local Catholic Church held there's. Outside the church hall , as always was the $2 sausage sizzle, with it's under-cooked snags, blackened onions and ice bucked of salad dressings, whilst inside could be found an aray of secondhand goods, old books, baked treats and tables of mysteriously labeled "potted plantings".
This year, running in a shed just behind the church was a nifty little garage sale, selling some really nice old furnishings and homewares. I was quite chuffed to find this cute little garden chair. Now my outdoor settings has a place for two, replacing a chair which was stolen when i still lived in South Yarra some years ago. Very Nice!!

Friday 22 October 2010

Pretty Summer Dresses for Cold Spring Days


Brr, this past weekend was cold, so cold and yucky i had to cancel my weekend plans away, sadly and i was looking forward to having a few days off before the Market craziness and Christmas chaos gets into full swing. Alas it save it for another day.
Instead i used my time to mess around with some lovely vintage sewing patterns i recently purchased from eBay and the really awesome retro fabric i found at one of the many local op shops. This little summer cutie is only the second dress i've ever made. Now i'm looking forward to the summer holidays when i can wear it out and when i have the time to make some more.

Sunday 17 October 2010

Another Magazine Feature







This time it was for the October issue of STYLE BRISBANE magazine. On page 19 is featured my "Pocket Full of Posies" Statement Necklace...i'm so happy as i loved this piece!!

Friday 8 October 2010

Sister's Market Tomorrow


Come join us for a lovely day out at the Sisters Market at the Brunswick Town Hall - Sydney Road tomorrow from 10am-4pm. This is another new market for us, we'll have our usually selection of unique designer jewellery and accessories but will also have a small section of new paper craft, cards, homewares and wall art for sale. Many items will be less than reatil and some less then wholesale. Come grab a pre-Christmas bargain.

For more details check out their website at http://www.sistersmarket.com.au/

Tuesday 5 October 2010

Etsy Treasury Feature - Take Me With You


Wow i've been included in yet anpther Etsy treasury this week. This one was made by the lovely Maulani and is tilted "Take Me With You" which includes my "Paper Airplane" necklace

Monday 4 October 2010

Modish Creators Market





This past weekend was our fist visit to the Modish Creators Market. Held in the beautifully appointed Malvern Town Hall, this markets focus is on stylish handmade products from 50 very telented Melbourne artisans, featuring stunning clothings, homewares, cards jewellery and the most amazing cupcakes and chocolates you've ever eaten.
Satudays event was a little down on numbers, so i hear, due the the replay AFL grand final, however we will also be in attendance for the 20th Novemeber and 4th December markets which should see bumper crowds stocking up on Christmas shoping.