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

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!!

New Buntings

Check out these sweet buntings which will be avaliable next week. Each are made from my huge vintage fabric stash and features 12 handmade flags measuring 15x20cm, and comes with a 30cm tie off section and metal ring for hanging.
These are perfect for dressing a room or nursery and makes a wonderful reusable party decoration.

At present they come is 3 different themes.
1. Boy blue
2. Chic Floral
3. Bohemian

A Party In The Park

Toady was my little nephew Oscar's 2nd Birthday Party. We were so blessed, usually the weather is South Gippsland in winter is most unpleasant however today was just glorious, still chilly but lots of beautiful sunshine, just perfect for an afternoon in the garden. The party was held at the Memorial park behind my house and adjacent to a wonderful childern's playground.

Mum made giant teddy bear cookies :


I made my famous scones:

Jodie made a "diggy" truck birthday cake:

(which Oscar was quite distraught over when we cut it up)

And a mess:

And Oscar made a girlfriend:

(well perhaps not)

Tea Parties and Dress-Ups what fun!

To celebrate my little sister Jodie's 28 year of birth we had a little tea party, and i made her this lovely cake. Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland had just come out in the cinemas so i thought it fitting that this was the cake to make (lol)...
Later on that evening after getting dressed-up in our finest and making sure our hair and make up were just right, we headed out for an evening of culture and light entrainment. Some of the party guests including a dodgy looking Mad Hatter, Chopper and crazed Ninja.The party was just devine, there was plenty of polite conversation, music and dancing.

(why Alice i don't think that's tea in your tea cup!)

The next morning Jodie awoke to find that here 18 month old son wished he was invited to the lovely party, he spent all morning making sure his make up was just right also.

Happy Birthday Little Sis!