A Whim of Mine.

The Big Changeover/Goodbye!

2012-01-03T14:39:00.000+13:00

So it's finally here. With the beginning of 2012 I am closing the door on A Whim Of Mine, something I have been thinking about for a while, and opening the door on my new brand name. I hope it will bring with it a new sense of motivation and inspiration, positivity and individuality. A fresh slate. This is my first resolution of 2012! And so, si vous plait, update your readers and join me over at A.A. Van Hoof! It will be a nice place to be, and I hope that I shall meet you there.

Lots and lots of love,
Amy

See you in my nightmares, 2011.

2011-12-31T19:53:00.000+13:00

I can safely say that this has been the worst year of my life. I kind of thought it was 2010, but boy was I wrong. And considering everything, how truly lucky we have actually been through all of this, that's not too bad for a worst-year-ever. I can only hope that the shakes will settle down and things will start to look up in 2012. It's going to be a difficult one for this city, but there is no place to go but up.
Resolutions tomorrow.
Lots of love to all of you, I hope you have a lovely new year celebration.

xox
Amy

Dolly & A new Doll!!

2011-12-06T18:34:00.000+13:00

It's been a long time coming, but after many interruptions, mainly to do with sewing machine trouble, it is my pleasure to introduce you to the one and only Good Listener warrior (and companion.. ha)

I'm looking to re-open the shop soon. As always, just send me an email if you'd like to discuss obtaining a custom doll.

In other news - the new brand name has been picked and I will be launching a new blog soon with my first ever Good Listener fan giveaway! Along with an early new year's resolution to blog more. Way more.

xox

Amy

'Tis the season!

2011-12-04T18:11:00.000+13:00

I am getting in the spirit! Happy happy holiday season to everyone, I hope you all make the most of it while it's here! I've been looking forward to it so much - I really need the end of this year to come. I can't wait to start again in January. I am already planning my new year's resolution list.

xox

Amy

Possible DIY Braided Knit Sweater

2011-11-18T16:04:00.001+13:00

So!
I'm racking my brains trying to figure this one out. You'd need two sweaters with the same/a very similar knit size and weight. Same colour or contrast. I'd stitch double lines up the front in a few places (to prevent unravelling) then cut between the stitching lines, and let the knit naturally roll under. Then make similar strips from the second sweater (utilizing the sleeves of course) and hand sew them into place with a matching coloured yarn, and weave them loosely around each other until it looks good, and again hand stitch into place.

I would be out doing this right now if it weren't near the end of spring in New Zealand! But maybe I will try it anyway? Our summers aren't the hottest around, I bet I could get away with wearing it out at night!
Sadly this image, unlike the others in the shoot, does not display the origins of the garment! Does anyone know who it is by? I'd love to know!

Source

xox,
Amy

The Benevolent Forest King at Sew Loved

2011-10-27T15:43:00.000+13:00

This little dude has been on a long journey - he has just arrived in Saint Louis, Missouri, for the Sew Loved softie show at New City School.

Sew Loved is an art show featuring plush makers from around the world, with the objective of inspiring the New City School kiddos and community to create their own softies in a collaborative way. Instead of an entry fee, those invited to exhibit their work were asked to send along softie making materials for the children to get together and create their own plush buddy.
They do some great work already so I can't wait to see what they come up with!

Inspiring awesome kids across the globe? I think so!

xox
Amy

Goodbye AWOM!!

2011-10-17T14:45:00.000+13:00

So here is the news:

FINALLY I've decided to make the jump and ditch the moniker "A Whim Of Mine". It means nothing to me, and when I started using it, it was because I really had no idea what I was doing, no definitive style or specific thing that I did. I chose it because it sort of gave me the freedom to do anything and still have it make sense.
Now I don't feel like it fits me any more, and I've been thinking for a long time about re-branding. I knew I had to do it ASAP, because every day more and more people start following my blog or like my facebook page. I could just let it go and not worry. Bands do it all the time, think of a terrible name early in their career and then get stuck with it, but it takes on it's own identity and soon sounds comfortable, until you actually think about it (think Smashing Pumpkins, Stone Temple Pilots, Def Leppard, Neutral Milk Hotel... I could go on and on).
Basically, I don't want to be stuck with a shitty band name that gets stuck and eventually sounds normal to everyone else, but has me facepalming every time I hear it.
I've been so stressy and busy that this post has been in the making for a couple of weeks now! Sorry to keep you all hanging. I wish I could tell you what I have been doing, but I can't yet! It's hard!
I'll be working on a new bloggy soon as soon can be, as soon as I have concreted my new name. I think I have! But I'm not going to spit it out just yet, in case I change my mind.

Lots of love to you..

xox
Amy

Illustration attempt #1.. for the geeks.

2011-09-05T20:53:00.000+12:00

Cthulhu has never been so loveable. Nope.

xox

Amy

A little something to brighten the mood.

2011-08-20T15:36:00.000+12:00

Source

Dear, dear George Michael. I absolutely cannot wait for the movie.
xox
Amy

Creative Confession

2011-08-17T14:39:00.000+12:00

I've come to a sudden realization. I don't love the materials I use. The felt. I don't. It's easy, sure, it's great for hand sewing, it doesn't fray. It's strong, it's functional. It has some great uses. I like felt, I don't love felt. I do love what I do, and I do love fabrics. I love natural felt, I love hand-dyed hand-felted felt. I love linen and cotton and natural dyes. Shibori and dip dying. Embroidery, printing, mending, patching. Nothing too fluffy.
Funny, I thought I loved fluff. I guess I can love different things for myself and my work. Maybe I am maturing. Maybe. My list of things I want to do is so long and overwhelming that it floors me and then I never get anything done. I don't know how to slow down to the point where I can actually move.
Does anyone?

xox
Amy

Introducing: A new Good Listener!

2011-08-14T20:21:00.000+12:00

Hello lovelies,

I'm pleased as punch to introduce you to the new girl in town, with a cherry on top:

The only really girly girl I've ever made, which, if you know me, seems rather out of character. For some reason my love of all things pink just hasn't really translated creatively, but that's ok with me. I just really wanted to do one and see how it would come out. I also used that experiment as an excuse for another one: partial machine sewn, instead of fully hand sewn. I'm not sure how I feel about it, I think I miss the hand sewn ears, but feedback suggests that the new puffier ears are better. Any opinions out there would be greatly appreciated.
Also, colour palette. Just for fun!

xox
Amy

Bye bye Harry, XOX (& a surprise for my fans.. )

2011-08-10T15:48:00.000+12:00

Well I FINALLY got around to seeing the last Harry Potter film. It has been out forever, and for a fanatic like me it has been an agonizing wait. The reason I didn't go IMMEDIATELY when it came out is because the opening was when Matt was away in the US, and we both promised to wait so we could go together. We tried to go almost as soon as he got back, and then our car broke down on the way! Luckily for us, it broke down a 10 minute walk from our house and right outside a service garage so we were able to walk home and call them in the morning. They fixed it all up for us that day but it was pretty frustrating!
Anyway. We both absolutely loved the film, of course, and I was trying to suppress a giant grin while walking out so as not to look like a crazed lunatic. It didn't take me very long, however, to start feeling a bit sad. I'm sure I'm not the only one.
We went to see it in good ol' 2D and I don't think it lost anything, just trying to save money, but we are tentatively thinking about whether to go again in 3D. I've only ever been to see one other film on the big screen more than once (Avatar) but seems this is the last time I'll ever get to go to a new HP film I might just have to.

I read this blog post from Pixie In Pumps before we went. I was totally in love with the Deathly Hallows necklace featured (with rotating centre ring and all!) but I didn't buy it, as I like to let things sit for a bit before buying (especially as I am so poor right now) to see if I think about them much or feel any particular need to revisit them later. Often I don't, and I congratulate myself on saving that money (small victories!). Walking into the theatre later that night I thought to myself, "This is totally going to make me need to buy that necklace," and well, turns out I was right. One of these babies is on it's way to me! And even better - following links about in pursuit of it, I found a coupon code for free shipping! If you want one too, be sure to enter the code SHAPEWAYS at the checkout so you can score free shipping too.
I can't wait to get it!

On a side note, I shall very soon have a wee announcement to make, and to celebrate I'll be giving away one of my Good Listeners for the first time ever! If you're a fan of my dolls, stay tuned via blog or facebook!

Love ya'll!!

xoxo
Amy

Etsy love: Hard Candy Amethyst Earrings from Twin Star Gifts

2011-07-26T01:56:00.000+12:00

So I have been super in love with amethyst for most of my life, and yet I have only owned it a few times. All of these times my amethyst has been heart-shaped and very very clear. Just a coincidence, but I have always lusted after big, natural, faceted chunks of it, like this, and this.

So you can imagine me doing a little dance when Guen from Twin Star Gifts contacted me about doing a review of these babies, her Hard Candy Amethyst Earrings.
Here is what Guen has to say about herself and her work:

""Twin Star" refers to my zodiac sign (Go Gemini!), and when I craft it's almost always a gift for someone. That's where I got the name for my shop.

I live in my native Pittsburgh with my parents, sister, and one aunt. During the day I work at a credit bureau to pay the bills, and craft primarily in the evening."

They're everything I want in a pair of earrings, full stop. They're 1.5x2 cm so they're big enough for me to consider them a 'chunk' but not at all heavy or uncomfortable. I can wear them all afternoon and forget I have them on until they tap the sides of my face. That is really saying something as I am not one of those people who wears earrings every day. It's usually just a thin bone hook in one side and nothing in the other. It's just laziness to be honest, and dammit, I want to wear big girl earrings more!

I tried to get pics that show the stones in a few different lights, as depending on the light you're in they can look lighter, darker, more opaque or more translucent. They're everything I hoped they'd be and more! They really do look like delicious hard candy so if you go out with them on, watch for strangers trying to suck 'em off your ears!

The great news for you guys is that Twin Star Gifts is right this moment having a Heat Wave Sale with EVERYTHING in the store at 40% off, so now is the time to pop over and check out what Guen has to offer.
Off you go!

xox
Amy

Cute illustrations and animations!

2011-07-17T14:25:00.000+12:00

I just wanted to share this cute gif!

Chibird is a lovely tumblr blogger who draws darling little cartoons and makes animated gifs. They are a combination of things she likes and her daily life. They are always cute, innocent and sweet as sugar. I love Chibird!!

xox
Amy

I got the winter blues.

2011-07-15T00:01:00.000+12:00

It has been the weirdest winter! It's like spring in the day time, sunny and wonderful, and it's freezing at night. I don't like it! Nobody seems to be complaining but me, but I like it when seasons do what they are supposed to do! It shows that everything is happening the way it should be. Instead of snow we are getting tornadoes! Not here, thank goodness - that would just flatten what is left of Christchurch.

Speaking of which, today I saw this upsetting photo of what used to be one of my absolute favourite vintage stores in the heart of the city, Two Squirrels. It used to be so nice down there, I barely recognise it. In fact, the only reason I do is because of the Bridge of Remembrance arch in the background.

Sadly they lost a lot of irreplaceable stock, but they're re-opening from their home in a while so I'll have to try to get over there and support them!
It's a strange feeling driving by places you haven't been in a few months and seeing massive gaping holes. Sometimes it's obvious, but often we find ourselves looking into them and racking our brains, trying to remember what used to be there. There is just so much gone.

I'm cold and my head hurts. Still two weeks to go before Matt gets home! At least we've made it over the half way mark. As to how I have been coping with it, well. Thank goodness for Skype is all I have to say.
I hope to be back with more creative inspiration soon. I have been feeling ridiculously unmotivated and I don't know how to get back to that. I have so many half - formed ideas that need work. They're exciting ones, though!

xox
Amy

Etsy love: Needle felted sculptures from Handmade By November

2011-07-04T22:31:00.000+12:00

Hello fellows!

Did you know that I am completely in love with needle felting? I think it's gorgeous! I have made a couple of attempts at it myself with reasonable results - but nothing like this amazing Etsy store, Handmade By November. The artist and designer, Vera, works from home in the south of Russia. Her gorgeous little sculptures and accessories are so teeny and detailed, and perfectly felted. Here are a few of my favourites...

These little Birds are so so sweet, the way she blends the colours of the wool together is so painterly and beautifully done!

This little Fennec Fox is to die for, he just looks so soft and cuddly, so alive! I think his little eyes and paws are perfection, as is the shading on his face and ears.

And of course I couldn't leave out the Pug with his great expression and little knitted jumper!
You may have realized by now that I am completely smitten by these little guys. It was hard to pick just a few to feature, so I HIGHLY suggest that if you like these, you head over and check out the rest. There is also a sugar glider, red panda, and barn owl among much more - you can even get a custom made one of your own dog! I am seriously tempted by that.

I wonder what is in this gorgeously presented hand made box??

My absolutely favourite item from the store, Vera's Red Fox Pin. He is so adorable in real life, his construction is absolutely perfect - I've found that some needle felting can be either too light (with lots of little fly-aways and joins that come apart as soon as you look at them) or too heavy (the wool is compressed so tightly that there are pucker marks and details laid on top don't stick as the wool beneath is locked like wood). These ones, however, are perfect! They're smooth on the top and soft and squishy and strong, and just so CUTE!

He looks so adorable all cuddled up on my cardigan and he is robust and large enough to also look great on my thick winter coat.

I just love everything in the Handmade By November Etsy store, as you may be able to tell, and Vera would like to offer my readers to opportunity to snap up something lovely for yourself at 20% off! Her prices are very reasonable so I'd take advantage of this offer if you love her things too! Just use the coupon code NOVEMBER20 at the checkout for 20% off your order. Excellent!

xox
Amy

Bonita Bellita giveaway WINNER!

2011-07-02T21:02:00.001+12:00

The Bonita Bellita giveaway is now closed!

And the winner is...

Number 4! Grace!!

Congratulations! I hope you enjoy your prize!

Thanks again to all who entered, and thanks so much to Bonita Bellita!

xox
Amy

One Week Down

2011-06-28T17:05:00.000+12:00

(Sea foam is nowhere near as nice as the colour named after it implies... pretty gross in fact)

Today he is in West Lafayette, Indiana. 4 1/2 weeks to go. Feels like is has been forever already!
Booo come home Matt!

xox
Amy

Bonita Bellita review & giveaway! (CLOSED)

2011-06-28T01:50:00.002+12:00

Hello fellows :)

Here is another super sweet and cute etsy store for me to show you (I love this show and tell stuff), Bonita Bellita! Bonita Bellita stock sugary sweet little hair accessories for ladies of all ages and have something very pretty to offer up to my readers.

This wonderful accessory is a combination hair clip and pin! I love that, it's excellent versatility and value! The packaging is gorgeous - I tried really hard to capture the glitter on the backing card here but it still doesn't do it justice, it's quite striking. All kinds of beautiful charms are used for the flower centres but I am always a sucker for pearls. Cameos and diamantes are also used and look really gorgeous.

The first thing that struck me when I opened up this lovely little package was how sturdy it is! In the photos on etsy it looked quite delicate which can sometimes be a problem with me, but actually it's made very strongly, the hardware is excellent quality and the hair clip is very strong, which I really need because my hair is very slippy.

And look how cute it looks pinned on my Nana cardigan too! The satin is so thick and lustrous, it really catches the light beautifully! In short, I really really love this item and I can see that I'm going to be wearing it a lot!

And the coolest part...
For one of my lucky readers, Stephanie of Bonita Bellita would like to offer one these sweet hair clip/pins to one of you! The exact some one as in these pictures, wrapped up nice and pretty.
Here's how you can enter- please submit ONE SEPARATE comment per entry:

1 entry: Follow my blog, and comment telling me how you do so - this might be RSS, Google Friend Connect, Bloglovin, Creating The Hive, Email, or just a bookmark - however you do it.
1 entry: Visit Bonita Bellita, and then return here and let me know your favourite item from the store.
1 entry: Visit my facebook fan page, become a fan, and then leave me another comment telling me that you're a fan.
1 entry: Visit Bonita Bellita's facebook fan page, become a fan, and then leave another comment telling me that you're Stephanie's fan!1 entry: Tweet about this giveaway, tagging @awhimofmine, and comment.
1 entry: Blog about this giveaway and comment leaving a link to your post.

You can do one or all of the things above to enter - that's up to 6 chances to win!
Now the last thing you need to know that I am doing a little differently this time - usually I ask that you leave with your entry your email address so that I can contact you if you are the winner, but I've come to understand that some people feel a little uncomfortable doing so. While that is preferable for me, I completely understand people wanting to protect their privacy, and so this time if you do not want to leave your email address you don't have to. If the winner has not left an address for contact, they will be announced on the blog as usual and then have 48 hours to contact me to claim their prize. If they do not do so, the winner will be re-drawn.
I hope that makes people feel safer!

A winner will be drawn this Friday, July 1!!
Good luck!

xox
Amy

Anatomy of a Kewpie

2011-06-27T17:01:00.001+12:00

Really awesome.

Source

Todo Papel giveaway WINNER!!

2011-06-26T10:46:00.000+12:00

The Todo Papel giveaway is now closed!

And the winner is...

Number 3! Timothea!!

Congratulations! I hope you enjoy your prize!

Thanks again to all who entered, and thanks so much to the lovely Dolores of Todo Papel. Remember, if you didn't win you can still go shopping and use the code BLOGOFFER at the checkout for an immediate 20% discount. She has some great prices already so it's a fantastic deal!
I have some more surprises lined up.. I feel as though I can't say thank you enough for all of the support my readers have given me lately. You guys are the best!!

xox
Amy

Friday faves! #7

2011-06-25T14:24:00.000+12:00

Hello dudes.

I totally missed Friday faves last week, what with earthquakes and Matt getting ready to leave and so on and so forth. Life gets in the way, sometimes. Lately more often. I pretty much missed it this time too but I'm doing it anyway! I'm so anxious. My shoulders and neck are so knotted up that they feel like jagged rocks under my skin. It hurts to do anything with them!

In other news, the earth is all powerful and can destroy our homes and break our spirits if it feels like it. Wobble wobble fucking wobble. WE GET IT ALREADY EARTH, YOU WIN, YOU CAN CHILL OUT NOW.

Here are some things that have distracted me this week:

This vintage advertisement about weight gain. How the times have changed!

A bunny in a dress.

A lovely illustration

A favourite book quote

And some pretty pretty winter wrist warmers.

I've spent a lot of time on skype the last couple of days. Drinking it in until the boy moves into hostel dorms and doesn't have the privacy to use it anymore.

Don't forget - I draw the moleskine giveaway in the morning! Last chance to enter!

xox
Amy

Girly alone time...

2011-06-22T19:58:00.000+12:00

So Matt left for the US today, and managed to get on flights despite the ash cloud. He'll be gone for five and a half weeks enjoying summer time and I'll be here dealing with winter and earthquakes! I can't deny being a little nervous, but I have good neighbours and family near by if anything happens. I'm convinced there will be another major one while he's gone.. there was a pretty big one last night! Thank goodness I have Dolly for cuddles.
I've been thinking about things I can do to cheer myself up over this gloomy lonely winter, which brings me to this little collection!

Relaxing bubble baths

Pretty crochet

Delicious pink bubbly

A lovely manicure

Pink chocolate covered strawberries! (Ok so this might not be so practical at this time of year, but so pretty!)

I'm starting to feel a little bit better already! What do you do to curb loneliness?

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a pretty decorated moleskine pocket journal! Ends Friday!

xox
Amy

Todo Papel review & giveaway! (CLOSED)

2011-06-20T17:21:00.002+12:00

I've got another fantastic Etsy store to review today, Yippee! I really love spreading the word about fantastic small businesses that great people put so much hard work and passion into!

Today's store is Todo Papel, a most cheerful store full of wonderful handmade paper goods - a variety of tags, cards and gifts for all occasions. And for my creative readers, the lovely Dolores of Todo Papel is offering someone something lovely from her store! Read on, my dears...

What makes Todo Papel a really excellent store is the large variety of colours, shapes, sizes and motifs available, from cupcakes, to bees, to kawaii kittens, to vintage maps. She also does small gifts such as felt mini monsters, decorated Moleskins and original miniature paintings, and punched tags and shapes in all the colours of the rainbow, so you can get creative too!

Now, you may or may not have deduced from my love of dolls that I adore all things mini. These cards are no exception! I love the simple pretty way these little cards and envelopes were bound with some natural twine and a coordinating bead. Presentation means a lot to me, and the simple but pretty way that these were bound was perfect for the brightly coloured contents!

These little hand stamped blank gift cards were exactly what I needed for sending off with my packages. A versatile motif, dinky and good quality with room for a heart-felt thank you message. They'd also be perfect for little love notes to family, friends and sweethearts! xoxo

See how little and cute?

These adorable hanging tags are even teeny-tinier and I am completely in love with them. They are hand punched and decorated and the motif matches my note cards - I love to be able to match branding and it's great to be able to find that in one store without having different products custom made!

So tiny! These are great for those gifts that are little in size but big in heart ^.^

Or maybe for these guys? XOXO

And now, the juicy stuff...
For one of my lucky readers, Dolores would like to offer one of her sweet Moleskine Journals, like the one below! Keep it all to yourself or gift it to someone deserving. This notebook is plain (unlined), and at 3.5" by 5.5" it is the perfect pocket size for carrying about with you and recording all of your creative ideas, notes and sketches. I'm a HUGE fan of the portable notebook, they're a must have for all creatives and this one comes decorated with a matching gift tag, to be used separately or as a gift set!

This giveaway is now closed, thanks for entering!

~~To enter this giveaway you must:~~
~~Follow my blog with Google Friend Connect~~
~~Visit~~ Todo Papel~~, and then return here, and leave~~ ONE ~~comment telling me that you are a follower, your favourite item from the store, and your~~ email address.
For an extra entry~~, visit my~~ facebook fan page~~, become a fan, and then leave me another comment telling me that you have done so!~~
That's two chances to win, hurray!

See something you like at Todo Papel? Go shopping and use the code BLOGOFFER at the checkout for an immediate 20% discount.

A winner will be drawn this Friday, June 24.
Good luck!

xox
Amy

Sweet Old Etc giveaway winner announced!

2011-06-19T01:00:00.000+12:00

The Sweet Old Etcetera giveaway is now closed!!

And the winner is...

Number 2! Arizona Girls!!

Congratulations!! I hope you enjoy your prize :)

Thanks so much to everyone who entered and gave some love to Timothea!

I'll be back on Monday with another very neat and very different review, with a little something to give away too, so if you didn't win this time, stay tuned for another chance.

xox
Amy

A new dress for Momo (Blythe sewing!)

2011-06-17T14:21:00.000+12:00

Considering recent events, I haven't had as much time to play with my sewing machine as I would have liked since getting it back (plus I have a neck/shoulder injury at the moment that makes it hard even when I have the time!) but I whipped this little pretty up for Momo a couple of nights ago and thought I'd share.

I really should get around to sand matting her, and I think she'd look nicer with a brighter lip colour too.

Did you know that Momo is named after this character, an Anthro-PC from one of my favourite web comics, Questionable Content? Now you do!

Remember that tomorrow is the very last day to enter the giveaway for the beautiful silk scarf! I'll be breaking for the weekend, and then I'll have something else cool to giveaway! Perhaps this time for a different audience.. I'm looking at you, creatives!

xox
Amy

Earthquake update...ugh

2011-06-15T12:25:00.001+12:00

So you have probably heard that my wrecked city is now even more wrecked. Lovely people have been messaging me and asking how things are so I thought I'd write a post about it.

I live down a narrow little lane which totally flooded with silt and got a huge car-sized sinkhole right in the middle of it. Someone put planks over it so people could take their cars down and park them on the main road, which means we can at least go places, but have to wade through a street full of mud to get to the car. I don't even own a pair of gumboots so it's been a messy process.

There was a relatively big quake, and I ran straight to my desk and put my sewing machine under it. I'm so glad I did, because about 10 minutes later was an even bigger one, the same size as the Feb 22 quake that killed all those poor people and brought everything down. We were only without power for 6 or so hours this time, instead of about a week like last time, and only without water for just over a day instead of about 2 weeks like last time! So we did alright, although the water is only at about 1/4 pressure. I had blu-tacked all of my lovely mid-century pots to the shelves so they didn't even budge! Things fell down, but nothing broke. They would have! Everyone had their own emergency systems in place so there was no sitting in the doorway not knowing what to do next, like last time. It's just so tiring! I'm completely exhausted. I just want to sleep for days, but the aftershocks have been big and they're keeping the whole city awake. Things were really starting to feel slightly normal again, progress was being made and so on. This may be way to much information, but where I live we still didn't have proper sewerage back after February! It's going to be a while now I guess!

I'm going to have to venture out at some point today to see if I can find an open supermarket, but I don't really want to see what else has happened. I had a big cry when I realized that Matt leaves in a week and I'm going to be dealing with the aftermath (and aftershocks) on my own. I'm thinking about going to stay with my parents.

At least Christchurch has been spared the latest fuel hike. Sigh. I should be all, "oh well it could be worse at least we are all alive and uninjured blahblah" and I have been, and I know it's true, but I am too tired to keep that happy grateful face on. Here are some pictures of what to me are some very familiar scenes. I haven't taken any of my own photos- it seems somehow extremely disrespectful. Maybe that's silly, I'll think about taking some.

Someone tell me something nice? I'm starting to lose it.

xox
Amy

PS... Remember to enter the giveaway! It's great to have other things to focus on and it's such a good one :)

Sweet Old Etc: Review & Giveaway (CLOSED!)

2011-06-13T00:00:00.003+12:00

Hello everyone!

I'm so pleased today to be doing a review for a most wonderful Etsy store, Sweet Old Etcetera. You may have already noticed the ad over there on my sidebar!

Sweet Old Etcetera offers a range of great handmade and vintage inspired products, including coin purses, aprons, teacup pin cushions, and some really great collages made from vintage wallpaper. I am here, however, to review something a little different!

The lovely Timothea was kind enough to send me not one, but TWO of her very beautiful Large and Luxurious Hand Dyed Shibori Silk Scarves. And guess what? That second one is for one of my very lucky readers. That's right, you'll have a chance to win one all for yourself!
So here we go: The most the internet has ever seen of me, all in the name of touting this wonderful product.

The first thing I have to say is how beautiful this scarf FEELS. It is so smooth and soft and not at all harsh as some cheap silks can be. It is fine enough to have a wonderful drape but still be dense and strong - it doesn't feel as if I am going to put my fingers though it! The edges have been rolled and hand stitched in place.
Most of the materials used at Sweet Old Etcetera are re-purposed or found, the silks being the exception, but Timothea has taken special care source her silk from companies that uphold humane and environmentally friendly business practices. Isn't she great?

I think the size of this scarf is pretty much perfect. You can wear it in so many different ways, I also tried it wrapped up like a turban which looked awesome, just not on me! It's even big enough to wrap around my less-than-dainty hips! Look how long and lovely it is!

These two photos above show the dyes very accurately. They're beautiful and soft with more intense patches in places. The patterns are very subtle and flow together wonderfully. I could look at them for hours, like when you try to make shapes in the clouds!
The other thing I really love about it is that silk, being a natural fiber, is insulating and seems there is so much fabric, I can fold it and wrap it around my neck and still be warm in winter!

And now for the even more exciting part.. Timothea would like to offer another one of her gorgeous scarves to one of YOU, wonderful readers! Below is the scarf up for grabs, it's a beautiful bright blue with shades of pale green.

The giveaway is now CLOSED!! Thanks to all who entered :)

To enter this giveaway you must:
Follow my blog with Google Friend Connect
Follow Timothea's blog with Google Friend Connect
Visit Sweet Old Etcetera on Etsy and leave me a comment here telling me that you are following both blogs, and what your favourite item from the store is. Just ONE comment per person. Don't forget to add your e-mail address so I can contact you if you are lucky enough to win.
It's that simple!

A winner will be drawn this Friday, June 17th.
The best of luck to you, my dears!

xox
Amy

Friday faves! #6

2011-06-11T13:18:00.000+12:00

Hello to you!

This week has been good/bad, as weeks tend to be. The machine is back, and I am beside myself with glee seeing it sitting on the table every time I enter the room. Conversely, Matt is leaving really soon and has left all his accommodation and internal travel arrangements until the last minute, and seems it is summer over in the US, everything is really expensive/booked out. Sigh. Also, today is the first day that it is actually COLD and acting as if it is winter. Which it is. I don't like it, but I do like it. Seasons are supposed to behave.

Here are some things that are cheering me up on this gloomy day.

These faux-frosting topped jars are the sweetest thing (no pun intended)

This silly e-card made me giggle a bit.

When I lived in Thailand I took a fruit carving class at school, but I never saw anything this awesome.

Oven-baked Garlic Parmesan fries don't need a reason. Make some!

And last but definitely not least, isn't this the cutest ever shoe/sock combo? Except if I wore heels that big I'd be a terrifying giantess like a chubby pale Tyra Banks.

Remember that you can be my facebook fan now! Also I'll be having a really good giveaway starting on monday, so fashionistas STAY TUNED!

I hope you had an acceptable week! Do you have any faves to share?

xox
Amy

MY SEWING MACHINE IS BACK!

2011-06-09T13:13:00.000+12:00

HURRAY!!!!

Please excuse the messy workspace.

If it wasn't for the fact that it was made of cold, hard, heavy metal, I'd have spooned it all night long. It's taking me all of my willpower not to drop everything I have to do and sew until I break, but it's good in a way, because I can save projects for when Matt is away.
It runs like a dream - one of the first things I am going to make is a pretty sewing machine cover. I will never ever ever take it for granted again! It's going on the floor EVERY NIGHT. We are still getting reasonably sized aftershocks every now and then and I'm not going to risk it having anywhere to fall.

So! A huuuuge big massive THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me while I've been without it, whether it was with a donation or a purchase or with a kind word, I appreciate it more than you can imagine. As soon as I can I'll be working toward increasing my production and bringing out more of the dolls for everyone to love, new products and more donations for Christchurch - for Earthquake Recovery and also soon for the SPCA (as I'm sure you can imagine there are a LOT of misplaced and abandoned animals here right now, and I can't imagine how upset I'd be if anything happened to Dolly or Pearl).

I hope you're having as great a day as I am!!

xox
Amy

Be my Facebook Fan!

2011-06-06T21:08:00.000+12:00

I've just made a brand new Facebook fan page for my plushies! Come take a look and "Like" me for photos, news and updates about my work, store and blog.
Hope to see you there!

xox
Amy

Tutorial: Hula Hoop T-Shirt Rug

2011-06-05T11:34:00.000+12:00

This looks so so easy and so so awesome! I could use one of these in the back of my living room. Big thrift stores always have tonnes of t-shirts in all the colours of the rainbow, you could whip one of these up for any colour scheme you could imagine!

Check it out here. I'll add it to my massive list of Things-I-want-to-make-but-probably-never-will-because-the-list-is-too-long. Or maybe I'll bump it up a little - it would probably only take an evening in front of the TV! Those are the best ones... big result, little effort! If anyone decides to make it, I hope you'll share it with us.

xox
Amy

Friday faves! #5

2011-06-03T18:55:00.000+12:00

Hello loves!

I've been working on some cool custom orders and baking cookies, it has been a pretty good day all in all. Let's hope we continue on this thread!

I know you're all tired of hearing about it, but every day I am getting more and more frustrated at not having my sewing machine back yet! I'm getting so full of motivation and inspiration and drive, and I feel like it's all being totally wasted. I have this awful feeling that once it's back I wont feel like this anymore and I would have wasted a really productive period. But surely not, right? I'll see it and I'll get super excited and I'll be sewing all day and all night for months. I really hope it is back for when Matt goes away - it would help the time go by faster!

Here are some faves from this week:

The cutest bikini ever from Anthropologie (I am fantasizing about holidaying in a warmer climate)

Maybe I could wear it in this amaazing looking tub!

The cutest ukulele of all time, I would love to serenade my friends playing this... though they may not be as happy as I would be!

This wonderfully inspirational book.

Gnocchi Mac & Cheese. Possibly the most genius culinary invention of all time? I think so. I can't WAIT to try this recipe. How perfect for winter!

I hope your week has been nice!

xox
Amy

Happy Winter, Love Pearl xo

2011-06-02T18:13:00.000+12:00

It's officially winter here, and it was the warmest Autumn we've had in a long long time! We had some beautiful warm Autumn forest walks, and from the looks of things the sunshine will be sticking around a little bit longer, hurrah!
Little Pearl was making the most of it today while it's still here...

Funny Face!
P.S... Please excuse our grubby ranch slider. I think those are doggy paw prints! I'll get on that tomorrow... probably.

xox
Amy

New dolls now in the store!

2011-06-02T13:23:00.001+12:00

New dolls up in the store and ready for new homes!

Check 'em out right here.

xox

Amy

What have we got here? NEW DOLLS?

2011-05-31T20:42:00.000+12:00

Hello to you!

So! The experiments are over (for now) and, here are some dolls in the final design I came up with! They are pretty much a cross between the last two that I shared, with big ears. I gave up on the free standing idea, because I didn't like them being full of wire - it seemed somehow dangerous and unfriendly. These dudes are much more cuddly and have movable joints. I'm pretty happy with them! They'll be up on etsy pretty soon, once I get their individual photos sorted out.

Yep, I think I love 'em!

xox
Amy

Pink hair dye & rainbow curlers.. the cutest photoshoot in Elle Mexico!

2011-05-31T00:00:00.003+12:00

Hello loves!

Check out this adorable editorial featuring some super cute clothes and eyewear (and a pink hair dye session) from Elle Mexico!
I'm hoping to make this exactly what my life is like when Matt goes away to the USA next month for research and leaves me at home alone.. I'm going to need some major girly fun time to get through it. If only I had that lovely blonde hair to colour over (or the money to get it bleached and toned once a fortnight to keep my dark brown roots at bay..)

source

Sigh.. my pink wig is the closest I will ever get! It's pretty anyway though :)

Anyone got any ideas for at home fun girl time activities while the man is away? Or film/book recommendations? It will be the middle of winter here... he gets to skip it and go hang out in the northern sun! I am very jealous.

xox
Amy

Friday faves! #4

2011-05-29T19:38:00.002+12:00

Hey everyone!
I hope you have had a lovely week. Friday Faves is late AGAIN, but this time it's thanks to blogger issues and not me! I hear I am not the only one having trouble. I sure hope they sort it out soon!
My week has been riddled with doctors visits and unpleasant news (not about the doctors visit - Don't worry, I am fine!)

I attended the very lovely Monster May Market today and had a great time checking out what the creative folks of Christchurch have been doing with their time. There sure are some clever people here! I'm very very broke right now due to the aforementioned unpleasant news, so I wasn't able to go as crazy there as I would have liked, but I had a great time!

Here are my favourite things from this week:

My dream puppy (after Dolly, of course!)

This vintage vogue 1950's wedding gown. Amazing!

Momonga. They look like they are plotting something. Probably something cute and squirrelly, like how to steal some nuts? I don't really know how squirrels think. Especially flying squirrels.

This adorable action shot (and the outfits!)

This classic movie. <3 Brittany Murphy (Tai "No shit, you guy's got coke here!?"...Cher: "Yeah, this is America..."

How was your week? I hope it was really nice. You should tell me all about it.

P.S..
I am working on something.

xox
Amy

Rainbow Brownie Pops with candy coating and sprinkles! With Recipe!

2011-05-23T11:17:00.000+12:00

Hello loves, how are you doing today?

I'm almost in palpitations over these amazing brownie-pops, and I just had to share. Are they too pretty to eat though? Nah, who am I kidding. More like too pretty NOT to eat.

(Reluctant Entertainer)

You can find the recipe for these here. If I were going to make these, I think I'd dye up some batches of melted white chocolate to dip them in, instead of the candy coating. I think it would go better with the brownie. If you're going to try these and you want to do that too, remember than any water that gets into melted chocolate will make it go instantly thick and grainy, so you'll want to use a powdered or oil-based gel food colouring.

Happy Baking!

xox
Amy

Friday faves! #3

2011-05-21T20:41:00.001+12:00

It's Saturday, I'm sorry! It's possible that it is still Friday in a couple of places in the world.

Also, it's the rapture! It was meant to happen at 6pm, starting with MASSIVE earthquakes in New Zealand, and here we are at 7:17, and not even one of our continual baby sized aftershocks. I am amazed. (Not really.)

So, you may consider the first of my Friday-really-Saturday faves still being alive, and not wandering the remains of my neighbourhood in ghost form waiting with the rest of the hellbound for the final and inevitable judgement. Ahem. On with the show.

Cute articulated paper dolls from minifanfan

A beautiful balloon

Completely gorgeous whale pitcher from Jonathan Adler

I love everything about this Melissa Chaib illustration!

This Pink Velvet Roulade from one of my faves, Sprinkle Bakes, is the cutest and most delicious looking thing! With recipe!! I'm dying to try it.

I hope you're having a lovely Friday/Saturday!

xox

Amy

I'd rather be wearing... Summer Brights!

2011-05-19T22:56:00.010+12:00

It's slowly but surely starting to get colder and colder all the way down here. In fact, there are about two weeks to go until it is officially winter. I usually love this change of season- being as body conscious as I am, I relish being able to cover myself in layers of merino and boiled wool, and crochet lovely hats and scarves and mitts (I almost feel better about it already just by typing that! Positive visualization!) but this time around I seem to be clinging on to the last remnants of sun that are getting to be further and further apart, which brings me to this outfit...

Holding on to warmth by awhimofmine featuring top handle handbags

Mmmm, sunny sunny sunny. Those shoes almost make me taste oranges and dragonfruit. Yum.

xox
Amy

Re-Branding and a sewing machine update...

2011-05-16T14:20:00.000+12:00

Hi everyone!

I'm thinking seriously about re-branding, but I'm concerned about the consequences of re-starting an etsy store with no feedback or fans and a blog with no followers. If anyone has tried this before, or has any knowledge or specific opinion, I would love to hear about it!

Also, STILL NO SEWING MACHINE, but now I have heard why.
Apparently there is only ONE major sewing machine repairer working in Christchurch at the moment, which in a city of something like 500,000 I find pretty hard to grasp. But besides that, I called them, and I was told that they are "waiting for a part from Japan" ...
I have no idea where in Japan this part was supposed to be coming from, but considering what is happening over there at the moment, I could be waiting a pretty long time.
I don't know what this is going to mean for my Etsy store, and I am a little worried. Hand-sewing dolls is super fun, but I am too meticulous for my own good and it ends up taking me a very very long time to make them.

P.S...

cuuuuute.

xox
Amy

The shape of things to come, Part 2!

2011-05-11T20:25:00.001+12:00

Here is part two. They are shorter and fatter, and with different ears. They kind of remind me of Ewoks.

They are cute, I love them. But are they what I want? Will everything ever be quite right? I don't know what I'm looking for! I have books full of sketches but things always seem to naturally develop into something else once I start making them. Plush evolution. It's like I don't have any say as to how they come out at all!
xox

Amy

Miracle earthquake survival story

2011-05-09T16:48:00.001+12:00

Hello everyone, how are you today?
Something kinda nice happened the other day and I thought I'd share.

The office building in Christchurch's central city, from where Matt and his Dad conducted their business, has been torn down (not the nice part). Civil Defense, the council, whoever.. "They" partially demolished it just days after the February earthquake without notifying anyone and that is when Matt lost all of his research material, which was completely stressful and horrible. Thanks to a very generous family member, his destroyed library is almost whole again, but something that he was a little sad to let go of was this, the gift that I made for him for Christmas.

Anyhoo, before total demolition his Dad received a surprise phone call inviting him and one other person to re-enter the building for a supervised and short amount of time to see if there was anything they could recover. They had been in once before and managed to gather important business bits and pieces such as tax records, but didn't have enough time for much else, so this time they were able to gather more sentimental items. Matt's office had been swept clean by a digger or something before he had even seen it, so didn't think he would find any of this things. They gathered what they could of his Dad's and then as they were leaving, he spotted this frame sticking out of a pile of rubble.

I've taken it out of the hoop and washed and soaked and scrubbed it, but I'll be damned if I can get those mold spots out. The whole thing is now a dirty off-white colour too, but Matt is so pleased to have it back and seems to regard the stains as war-wounds, a part of history.
Sort of nice, right?

xox
Amy

The shape of things to come?

2011-05-02T20:53:00.000+12:00

Here is what I have been up to. He is the first in a probably large batch of experiments and was really fun to make.

He is fully hand sewn with wire in all limbs and tail, the idea being to allow him to stand on his own. I don't know why this has become such an obsession with me and I may eventually give up on it if I can't get it just right with a look that I like, but we shall see.

Here you can see that he stands on a weird unnatural looking angle that I'm not completely happy with. At the moment I am working on a shorter, stockier version of the same in the hope of correcting this. I should be able to share him tomorrow!

The ears on this guy were meant to be sort of deer-like but with the big eyes and tail he kind of just ends up looking like a chihuahua. New ears next time!

xox

Amy

A very happy and slightly belated Easter to you!

2011-04-26T12:17:00.000+12:00

This Easter, as usual, I ate too much chocolate. I had a nice dinner with Matt's family, and I met my new niece, Emma, for the first time. It was all very lovely and low-key, which is just what I need right now. I hope you all had a lovely time too! Happy Easter!!

source
How are these for amazing?? I didn't get up to any easter related crafts this year but if I had, I would have wanted to play with some eggs and try to figure out how in the heck this was done (and probably fail). I can't find any information on it other than the photo source. Does anyone have any ideas?
I want to hope they didn't cheat and there is some amazing, genius, skillful way of doing this that is real, but the skeptic inside me is telling me that the most likely explanation is that she poked small pieces of thread with a little glue on the ends through the holes and that they are not real stitches. Either way they are amazing and genius.

xox
Amy

Hello everybody!

2011-04-11T18:43:00.000+12:00

It's been ages. So many things going on. Still living in relative poverty. I have turned 25. I am terrified. Matt made me a Red Velvet cake and gave me a dress and shoes, all were perfect. The cake was amazing, so proud of him! He is not a baker, and he did amazingly!

We have moved now, and it took a LONG time, and a lot of work, but we are now in our new place (my old place - I missed it so much!) and loving it so far, although have only unpacked about half of the house!

Due to the earthquake slowing everything down, we have not had our internet connected yet, hence my lack of blogging. I know - excuses, excuses! But it is the truth. I am also ill and my throat and eyes are all swollen and gross. Yum. The internet is supposed to be connected on Friday morning, touch wood, and then I should be back on track.

I've finally heard a little about the sewing machine, I've been given a price which I should be able to scrape together, so I'm so relieved and I can't wait to get it back! They couldn't tell me how much longer it will take but at least I have heard something now.

Eee. Busy busy busy. (reference, anyone? ... anyone?)

Here is something cute to look at.

source

Where have you been all my life?
xox
Amy

A Bit of Cheer: Knitted strawberry clock!

2011-03-25T22:48:00.000+13:00

Did I mention that it is a Knitted. Strawberry. Clock. Three great things that go great together.

Found here.

I cannot knit (more than a rectangle) but I want this, I want it bad. I showed it to Matt and he doesn't seem like he'd mind having it done to our boring old wall clock. If I ever get around to trying to crochet a version I'll let you know!
I'm going to keep doing these little posts for a while. We are about to move and with everything else going on it's going to be very very busy and very very stressful.
Nice big juicy update when it's all over though, promise. I still haven't even heard of the fate of my sewing machine! Apparently the repair fellow went on holiday! How dare he.
xox
Amy

Just checking in..

2011-03-23T14:26:00.002+13:00

Hello everyone!

I'm just popping in to say hello.

It's been very very weird around here and I haven't been able to invest time in my blog or my store. Life is all over the place since the earthquake and seems to be getting harder rather than easier. Everyone's plans have been paused indefinitely or else destroyed altogether (as in my case... no more university for me, most of my classes have been cancelled, what the hell am I supposed to do now?) I will try soon to start properly posting again but motivation is about as scarce as sleep. Aftershocks continue. Thanks so much for sticking around through this short hiatus, it's truly appreciated.

source

xox
Amy

Love you, Japan...

2011-03-14T23:53:00.000+13:00

Poor, poor Japan. It's such an incredible tragedy, almost unbelievable. It makes what has happened here feel like a drop in the ocean (no pun intended) compared. The destruction here is still all around and overwhelming, and we still don't know what is going on here. Add to this seeing what is happening over in Japan now.. it feels like the end of the world. I mean the actual apocalypse. I can't explain the feeling. Once I can sew again I'll be donating to both. I can't support my city and ignore them.

source

xox
Amy

One more new in the store!

2011-03-10T22:36:00.000+13:00

Here is the lastest addition! I love his little face and the way he sort of tilts his head. The beauty of hand sewing - they really do have their own personalities. I'm really enjoying making these little guys and I think I'm going to make them regulars in the store.

See the tilt? So cute!

xox

Amy
P.S... it's my birthday soon... this may call for a giveaway! Stay tuned ;)

New in the store!

2011-03-09T18:03:00.001+13:00

These little guys are my new hand-sewn alternatives to help stock the shop while I wait to hear about the machine, hurrah! I hope you like them, and as always I'd love to hear what you think!

I've been trying to spread the word everywhere that I can about helping Christchurch. Today I wrote one in one of my etsy teams "Etsy International" showing my new listings (a very common practice in the team forums) and talking about the donation, and the thread was immediately closed by the team leader who stated that I may only use their team for relevant international business discussions and not promotion! I was shocked the heartlessness of it, I am doing everything that I can to help people who have lost everything and there are people who just genuinely don't care. Thankfully things like this are the exception and not the rule, and for the most part everyone has been more than amazing.

Just letting out the steam.

xox

Amy

Christchurch Earthquake #6 - Sewing Machine update.

2011-03-08T16:14:00.000+13:00

Hello lovelies,

The crafty ladies of various internet locations, blogger, etsy, 20sb and so on, have been so so sympathetic to the plight of my broken sewing machine and I. It feels like the silliest, most trivial thing right now to worry about my sewing machine, but I do, and I thought those who had been in contact about it might be interested in how it's all going so far.
My machine was a huge gift from my father to me when I was taking my course in Fashion Design - he is a building contractor/hobbyist carpenter and he believes that creating things that were nothing with your own two hands is the most rewarding way to spend your life, so he has always been behind me all the way in my creative endeavors.
This is the machine he bought me. It's now about 5 years old. I took it to the repair place today and the lady basically told me it was damaged irreparably and she was sorry. This didn't make much sense to me as it had only been in the shop with the shop ladies for about an hour so I know they couldn't have sent it to be assessed by the repair guy (I have had it fixed there before and that is what they do). She seemed to for some reason be trying to talk me out of getting it properly checked out, I don't know if she was just being lazy and didn't want to deal with it. She assumed I had insurance (which I stupidly don't because I'd just moved house not long before the quake and hadn't gotten around to it yet, Murphy's Law - I am ashamed)
SO anyway, she umm'd and ahh'd and I was finally able to persuade her to "look into it" as she put it, although I have been informed that it might be "vveeeeeerrry expensive" to have fixed. Not more expensive than replacing it, lady. Though if it came to that, I could never afford to, and it would be extremely sad having to go out and buy something much much less than what my wonderous machine was.
The screen turns on, the electronics work, the machine sews. The tension is totally out of whack but I know that can be fixed - it's a common problem. The thread bar is loose, might need a new screw or spring or something. The bit of acrylic plastic that covers the led screen is smashed but the screen beneath it is untouched and functions normally. These all sound like things that could be fixed pretty darn easily, but now she has made me worry. As if I need something else to worry about. But that is a blog post for another day. Or maybe later. At least not right now.
xox
Amy

Christchurch Earthquake #5 - My Etsy Store Fundraiser

2011-03-02T01:13:00.000+13:00

Hi all!

I'm happy to say that there are now a few post offices open around the city, so I am able to open my etsy store. As previously mentioned, my sewing machine came out of the earthquake with some significant injuries and needs badly to be repaired, so as for the dolls that I currently sell, the ones in there are all that is available, I can't make any more at this stage.

I'm doing a lot of sitting around at the moment trying to come to grips with everything. I'm also doing a lot of panicking and a lot of crying.. I'm having to take Ativan. The earth is shaking beneath me as I write this post, but only a little bit.
I'm not watching the news as much, it makes me way too sad. The city that I was born in and grew up in is in ruins, and it needs so much help. Even as it gets back on it's feet in due course, it will never be the same. There are still rescue teams out there working themselves to the bone in the seemingly vain hope of finding survivors, and as they do, the death toll continues to climb.

And here I am, complaining about my flooded carpet and the water pressure and how I have to boil everything... It's hard not to complain but I know I'm so, so, so lucky. My parent's house has significant damage and my brother's house is beyond repair. His wife, my sister-in-law, is almost 9 months pregnant. They are staying out of town with family until she delivers, which I think will be soon. I don't own this house but at least I have a place to live. Rentals are going to be in very high demand, very soon. If we had had to leave ours it would have been very difficult and very expensive to get another, if we even could, as most I imagine will go to families and the elderly (as they rightly should).

So! Etsy shop open. I will be doing some hand sewing and maybe some crochet or embroidery... I'll make up some cool little things I can do without my machine. $5 from each sale will go to the the Rotary NZ Christchurch/Canterbury Earthquake Appeal to help the rest of my city, and the rest will go to helping me and my family get back on our feet, including repairing my sewing machine so I can fill the shop and donate more to my city.

So you can visit my shop here if you are feeling charitable, or if you don't like anything, donate straight to the Rotary NZ Christchurch/Canterbury Earthquake Appeal, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army or even the Women's Refuge.. I've heard that high stress levels have lead to great increases in domestic violence, which I just can't fathom at a time like this. Remember, a little can go a long way! And if you can't donate and still want to help, you can do it by just spreading the word.

Lastly, I want to say thanks so much to all my friends on blogger and etsy who have sent me so many heart felt messages at this time of crisis. Sometimes when I feel like I have reached breaking point and I come to the laptop and find some kind words to read, it helps me to soften, and sometimes even to smile.
Thank you all so much.
xox
Amy

Christchurch Earthquake #4 - Colombo Street, before and after.

2011-02-28T20:20:00.001+13:00

Colombo Street, before and after...

Matt's office -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------^

Bottom photo from Logan McMillan.

Christchurch Earthquake #3

2011-02-26T21:06:00.000+13:00

We have come home. The hot water cylinder has shifted (it was leaking a tiny amount after the big one, and then stopped, so I assume this happened in an aftershock while we were away) and flooded our hall. We now have power and water, thank god. The water is cold and contaminated, but at least we can easily boil it and sparingly flush the toilet.
Pearl, our cat, has been walking around the house and yard howling her head off. She's extremely stressed out, as I suppose we all are. We've had a chance to test the electronic stuff that fell from shelves, etc, and some of it is ok. My sewing machine is kind of smashed up but still goes, so hopefully I can get it repaired. I've had to close my etsy store because there is no postage going out or coming in yet, but when I open it I hope it will help us get back on our feet, and I'll certainly be donating a large portion of sales to the red cross.
The worst loss for us is the research material for Matt's thesis that was in his office, which he has spent thousands of dollars and a lot of time compiling in rare book purchases, overseas trips and hundreds and hundreds of dollars worth of photocopying. They will be hard and time consuming things to replace.
There hasn't been much movement since we have been home, thank goodness. I hope it stays reasonably still. I heard that some of the aftershocks that happened while we were away were pretty big.
It has been unseasonably cold since the earthquake happened, so I'm not sure how I'll go with cold showers. I bought a lot of wet wipes while we were gone because I didn't know if the water would be back at all, so I think I'll be using those until the weather gets a bit warmer or until we get a plumber in. Somehow I think it'll be a while before we can get a plumber in.
Sigh.
xox
Amy

Christchurch Earthquake #2

2011-02-24T22:45:00.000+13:00

Hi again

We are safely out of the city, but just for a couple of nights. Staying with Matt's family in Methven for some much needed sleep away from the aftershocks before we go back to clean up. I don't want to go back. It's like a war zone. Everywhere you go is death and destruction and sadness, people don't know what to do. Matt narrowly escaped his crumbling office and I was driving - the road turned into waves and threw the car back and forth, and then the asphalt came up all around in huge cracks like mini mountains and valleys, and then flooding and mud came bubbling up all around. I had to abandon my car and walk/run home to get Dolly and go to meet Matt. There is a mass exodus going on with wonderful people all over New Zealand opening their homes to Christchurch refugees. Suburbs near the cliffs are being evacuated, as there are many huge unstable boulders. Rescue teams are still working all day and night in the hopes of finding survivors in the rubble.

That photo from the news is Matt's office. That wall fell down and covered the door, and all fire escapes collapsed. Luckily the bricks knocked down the awning that was over the footpath and it created a very small space in front of the door so that it could be opened and he could crawl out and climb over some bricks. He sent me a text while still inside saying "I am ok but I might be trapped." It was terrifying. We are very lucky.
Here is the site for donations - even a dollar will help toward fresh water, food and shelter. http://www.redcross.org.nz/cms_display.php
If you can't donate, you could spread the word and encourage others to do so, on twitter, facebook, your blog, or any other way you can!
More soon.
xox
Amy

Christchurch Earthquake

2011-02-24T13:27:00.000+13:00

My city has been destroyed and many people are dead or missing. I am fine, as is Matt and our families and friends. Our flat is fine but we are still without power or water- I am at a friends house an hour away. I live quite close to the city centre. Here are the photos, if you would like to see. You might not. I wish I couldn't see it. The aftershocks are strong and continuous. We will try to get out of the city tonight or tomorrow.
Pray for us. I don't know if it will work, but we need all the help we can get. Donate. Even if it is just a dollar. Every cent will be needed. I don't know where you can do it, google will tell you. In the city we are more in the dark than anyone else, we have only had a radio that we have had to use sparingly.
Thank you.
xox
Amy

Vote for me, pretty please!!

2011-02-22T08:13:00.001+13:00

Quick post before uni - one of my teams on etsy has just posted this month's design challenge and I have entered! It would be so super fantastic if you would pop over and vote for me! No sign-ups, just one click voting.

source

Thanks ever so much!
xox
Amy

Lime Crime Pop Romance

2011-02-20T21:49:00.000+13:00

So here are the new lipsticks coming from Lime Crime in early March.

Before you say anything, I know that a lot of people don't like the company for various reasons, which I won't get into here, but I am disregarding that. Personally I think succeeding in business requires some hard decisions, and I haven't really heard any of the details from both sides, so I am not going to judge.

Onward!

Look at the pretty colours! I am definitely a bright lipstick kind of a girl, and the shade I wear the most is Lady Danger by Mac. I'm not too sure how I'd go in these highly pigmented pastels, but I LOVE them! I just worry that these fantasy lipstick shades only look awesome on models, and not real people. I can't wait to read some reviews. I bet the mint would look great with my pink hair, and coquette with my real hair. Whether I could pull them off or not is an entirely different subject. Regardless of practicality, I just think they are adorable!

Would you wear them? If so, what do you think your shade would be?
xox
Amy

Friday faves! #2

2011-02-18T22:56:00.000+13:00

Hello all you wonderful people! Yes, you!

Welcome to my second installment of Friday Faves, where I combine my favourite finds from the week and share them, all in one delectable blog post.

These kitty storage boxes are the best. Fold 'em yourself!

And speaking of kitties... kitten party anyone? This picture made me go all gooey! I love the little squished one, bottom left.

This knitted engagement ring. Anyone who can knit an engagement ring has my heart.

These rainbow origami stars. I know, Valentine's day is over.. but there is always room for more love!

This amazing ruffly umbrella. Autumn is almost here... I sense a DIY in my future.

These pretty rings remind me of Marie Antoinette. Or at least the controversial Sofia Coppola movie based on Marie Antoinette. Which I love.

What are your faves this week? Share with us, why don't ya!
xox
Amy

Whim of the Week: I want a new tattoo!

2011-02-17T22:05:00.001+13:00

Hey all, it's time for a new Whim of the Week, HURRAY!

This week a very good friend of mine has gone at got himself a huge new tattoo of a Koi fish, designed just for him! I was supposed to go and watch but unfortunately I couldn't make it. It took about 5 hours and, needless to say, he is a little sore now. I get to see it tomorrow, but it won't quite be looking it's best yet!

A tattooist friend of his did it for him, considerably cheaper than someone else would. He is a travelling tattoo artist, and I'm told he will probably be here for a few more months, more if he can get a working visa. You know, just in case I want something done.

I want something done. So bad. It's been too long. Let me just say that it hurts, yeah, but I LOVE the feeling of getting tattooed. It's so sensory and it makes you feel all tingly and alive. It's great sitting there, closing your eyes and trying to rise above the pain. I get all Zen about being tattooed. Not common for me.

Now, I have been wanting something new for a long time, but I am moving into student-hood and I am pretty damn poor, so mates rates tattooing is sounding like a very tempting proposition.

But what do I want? That is the million dollar question.

Here are just a few that I like, from the many I have been browsing these last few nights.

Crafty Pin-Up Girl

Key hole

Alphonse Mucha

Framed art

Punk rock knit/purl knuckles

source

Tiny birds

source

More Alphonse Mucha

source

So cool. I love love love the tiny birds, but I feel like from a short distance they would look like a weird little smattering of moles or birthmarks.

I love the classical art.

If I were to get a keyhole, I think I would get it behind my ear, and maybe in an ornate little frame.

Has anyone seen any great tattoos lately, or had any awesome ideas for one?

I'd love to hear about it!

xox

Amy

30 Days: Day 8

2011-02-14T21:06:00.002+13:00

Day 8: A photo of someone I fancy at the moment.

Matt, who is hugging a dog, who is hugging a kitten.

Melt.

xox
Amy

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2011-02-14T20:58:00.000+13:00

I had a lovely Valentine's Day, and I got the cutest ever little gift from Boyfriend - hence forth to be known by his actual name, Matt. We don't have much money at the moment, both being students, so I wasn't really expecting a gift.

Matt went to my favourite little boutique quilting store at the Art's Centre and he bought me these cute rolls of fabric (fat 1/8's), and he didn't even just grab a co-ordinating pack, he picked them out all on his own! What a guy. I have this picture in my head of him poking through all the baskets of fabric in the tiny little shop with the shop attendant watching him.. ah, so cute.

Already using it! Mmm, french knots. This wee starburst has since been turned into a brooch, and I adore it.

He did so well - I'd rather have a bunch of fabrics than a bunch of flowers any day!

How was V-day for you?

xox

Amy

30 Days: Day 7

2011-02-11T16:35:00.000+13:00

Day 7: A photo of myself, not taken by me.

I am sitting at the bridge of the HMS Canterbury in this photo, circa 2007.
The vessel had a lot of safety issues after that. Maybe I am bad luck? I hope not.

Maybe I should start wearing victory rolls in my hair again.
Do you think?
xox
Amy

Friday faves!

2011-02-11T16:14:00.000+13:00

Hello lovelies, and welcome to my first installment of Friday Faves. Every friday I'll feature a list of favourite finds of the week. Starting here! Yes!

This gorgeous and simple valentines day idea - just two apples, a cookie cutter and a butter knife should do it! Found here.

This cute-as-a-button Secretary Cat sweatshirt by Rosie Music, here.

I am so smitten with this mushroom mug. It has tea strainer inside, and a mushroom cap lid to keep your tea hot while it steeps! How fantastic for my upcoming Autumn! Here.

Because I am a sucker for a good list. Here.

A pretty pretty autumn dress... I can never look past pearls, polka dots, or navy blue.

And some advice I really need to take.

What are your faves this week? Share with us in the comments section!
xox
Amy

30 Days: Day 6

2011-02-10T21:12:00.000+13:00

Day 6: A photograph of myself without makeup.

Easy. Most of my photos do not feature makeup. The last two sure don't. Regardless, here is another. I'm sure they mean some kind of embarrassing close-up 'look at me being real' kind of photo. Whoever 'they' are, that is.

xox
Amy

Bloglovin

2011-02-09T18:29:00.000+13:00

Follow my blog with bloglovin

I just signed up with bloglovin'! I hope it's cool :)

xo
Amy

30 Days: Day 5

2011-02-09T14:59:00.000+13:00

Day 5: A photograph of myself two years ago.

Actually slightly over. This is tiny baby Dolly, the first day I brought her home from the pound, and my other dog Apollo, who lives with my parents now, since I had to leave my old house and he is not obedient enough to live in a place with no gate. My mother is obsessed with him. One year my dad got her a calendar made up of Apollo's photos. All Apollo, all the time. And he wasn't even her dog! I don't think I'll ever get him back.

xox
Amy

My Place & Yours: Stripes!

2011-02-08T15:38:00.000+13:00

I love "My Place & Yours" hosted by Danielle at Hello Owl, so this week I decided I'd play along.

Here are some stripes at my place...

I want to see stripes at your place! Why don't you post some and then add your link?

xox

Amy

30 Days: Day 4

2011-02-08T14:22:00.000+13:00

Day 4: A day in the life, photographs taken throughout my day.

Morning:

Dolly

Badly painting toenails

Kitten brothers.

Afternoon:

Cuddles

A mochachino

And a read.

Evening:

Inter-species harmony

Crochet in front of the television.

It's all terribly exciting over here, as you can see!

xox
Amy

30 Days: Days 2&3

2011-02-02T16:30:00.004+13:00

Hello lovelies!

When I let people know I was going to do 30 Days, some of them said "Haha, that will take you way longer than 30 Days," and they were so right. Not that I disagreed with them in the first place, I guess I just don't find the contents of my own handbag that interesting. However! I made this a goal and it is good for me! So if you are even mildly interested, here we go:

"What's in your bag?" is day 2. "A photo of your cellphone" is day 3, and since my cellphone is in my bag, I lumped 'em together. I am nothing if not efficient. Actually that is far less than true. But I digress!

This is my handbag. It contains all of the stuff which I deem necessary to carry around when I go out. It is made by Colorado, out of leather.

Here we have my notebook/pen. I forget things all the time. Things I hear about or remember or think of while I am out, or even the reason I am there in the first place. But if I have my trusty notebook I can make sure I remember! I made it from a thrifted (terrifying) Christian propaganda book about how you should live your life and be subservient to your husband. The book was terrible but the cover is cute.

Here are my reading glasses and my sunglasses. I don't usually use my reading glasses as I don't actually need them to see things, but sometimes my eyes have to work a bit harder than they should in order to achieve that result, and then they start to ache. I don't like sore eyes, so I always carry them just in case. My sunglasses are hipster-bait wayfarer rip offs. Note: My reading glasses are not actually Ray-Bans. The optometrist just gave them to me in that case. I feel like a phony sometimes.

A mirror and lipstick. That lipstick is Lady Danger by MAC. It is my favourite and I wear it more often than any of the others I have. The coin purse contains an ever changing mixture of medications and tampons. Classy.

My wallet. It is a dustier kind of a blue than in this photo. It is ok. I like it because it has more credit card slots than I can fill. In my old one I had to put two cards in every slot! Madness.
Edit: Boyfriend says I forgot to mention that it has some kind of paisley-like psychedelic lining.

Last and probably least, here is my cellphone. I took this picture on a different day, but I don't think it needs it's own post, as like I said before, it is also part of the contents of my bag. It cost me about $80NZ, and I bought it because my old fancy phone crapped out on me. It is totally minimalist and cool.

This is obviously a list of the main items of my handbag. Other items that may reside in my handbag at any given time include:
Assorted cosmetics, books, cardigans, ipod/headphones, screwed up pieced of paper (probably receipts, possibly with old chewing gum inside them), chewing gum, more pens, lint/crumbs, water bottle, wine bottle, loose coins, keys, fruit, crochet hook/yarn.

xox
Amy

Support Queensland flood victims with granny squares!

2011-01-28T21:49:00.000+13:00

Want to do something to send some cheer to victims of the Queensland floods?

Sarah London is asking for donations of granny squares which will be made into
blankets and distributed to those affected, in her words "providing comfort and colour and as a reminder that there is always a rainbow after a storm."

Isn't that the sweetest? What a lovely lady. If you are interested in donating some grannies you should pop over here to get the details and sign up.

xox
Amy

Congratulations, Charles Darwin!!

2011-01-27T14:48:00.001+13:00

Clever Charles Darwin has got himself featured in a great science themed etsy treasury already! You should definitely go and check it out here :)

xox
Amy

EDIT: Now he is in another one! Wow :)

New plushies in my Etsy store!!

2011-01-26T21:53:00.003+13:00

My plushies are all now sitting in my etsy store waiting for a special someone to come and adopt them! These guys and some more friends are there.

I'd love it if you would like to go and give them a wee visit :)

xox
Amy

30 Days: Day 1

2011-01-26T12:31:00.000+13:00

Day 1: A photo of me, taken today and the outfit I wore today.

A body shot with a visible and recognizable face on a public forum on the internet. This is something I have never done before, and I don't feel great about it, but I am being brave! Look at me go!

xox
Amy

30 Days of Amy

2011-01-25T19:00:00.000+13:00

I have thought for a while about making my blog more personal, but have been afraid of putting myself out there. It is personal, in a way, in that it is just a big mash up of stuff I like. But it doesn't say much about any other part of me. Did you know that I live with the horribly common mental illness known as Generalized Anxiety Disorder? I don't want you to know about me. I am afraid of judgement and ridicule. I am afraid to show my face, but more so the rest of me. All of this MUST CHANGE, if I am to get through life. There are things I do in everyday life to try to move through it, and now I am going to do them here too. This is an exercise in confidence. It may not appear as a bold move to others, but to me it is quite huge.

I am going to start by doing this (seen here):

Day 1: A photo of you, taken today and the outfit you wore today.
Day 2: What’s in your bag?
Day 3: A photo of your cellphone.
Day 4: A day in the life, photographs taken throughout your day.
Day 5: A photograph of yourself two years ago.
Day 6: A photograph of yourself without makeup.
Day 7: A photo of yourself, not taken by you.
Day 8: A photo of someone you fancy at the moment.
Day 9: The contents of your fridge, MTV Cribs style.
Day 10: Your dream wedding.
Day 11: A photo of the item you last purchased.
Day 12: Your favourite movie.
Day 13: What you want more than anything right now.
Day 14: Your current wishlist.
Day 15: Something you regret.
Day 16: The most beautiful picture of your best friend.
Day 17: A TV show you’re currently addicted to.
Day 18: A photo of your house/apartment.
Day 19: A photo of your handwriting.
Day 20: A band/artist not many people know of, but you think should.
Day 21: A photograph of the part of you that you dislike the most.
Day 22: A photograph of the part of you that you like the most.
Day 23: The next plan you have coming up that you’re really excited for.
Day 24: A song to match your mood.
Day 25: A photograph of the town you live in.
Day 26: A celebrity you don’t like, and why.
Day 27: A photo of your favourite item of clothing.
Day 28: A cartoon character that you´d love to meet in real life.
Day 29: What’s in your make-up bag?
Day 30: A photograph of yourself taken today + three good things that have happened in the past 30 days

Some of it is going to be quite hard.
xox
Amy

I would like to share some music with you.

2011-01-25T13:00:00.002+13:00

Ok, so it is not exactly an unknown song, but it has been in my head for weeks, so now you can have a turn. I love them together. Oh I do, I do.

Lalalalala. Lalalalalee.
xox
Amy

Needlepoint for men

2011-01-25T08:00:00.002+13:00

I found this picture hiding away on my hard drive while attempting to organize my hot mess of a laptop, and it was too great not to share.

This guy has a killer swag, I wish I could convince Boyfriend to do needlepoint with me.

xox

Amy

Romance Was Born strikes again!

2011-01-24T23:40:00.002+13:00

Hello fellows! Back in 2009 (was I seriously blogging in 2009? It seems to have been a long time for still getting about zero comments a week! What am I even doing here?) I wrote this post about awesome Australian designers, Romance Was Born.
They completely won me over at the time with their ridiculous and gorgeous pieces, such as Octopus Hat and ...Penguin/Owl? Top... we'll call it Bird Top. Bird Top was obviously potentially wearable, while almost everything else was not, but then... it COULD be. You know? On a confident day, surrounded by the right kind of people, I could totally wear Octopus Hat. Then they put out some more stuff which didn't wow me at all, and made me think that what I had seen was some amazing, never-to-be-repeated fluke.

That is, Ladies and Gentlemen, UNTIL NOW.

Presenting...

Fruit and flowers is inspired by China - Dragons, Chinese Opera, Pagodas and so forth. Also there is big crocheted fruit. And the sequins! Oh, the sequins...

Let me start by saying that there is a lot I don't like about this collection, for example:

Too, too too many skin tight dragons, and I don't know, the second one... I just don't feel it. Maybe the styling puts me off it, because to me she looks like kind of a glam-rock Steve Urkel, or maybe just Boy George.

BUT there is far far more that I love about the collection, so here are my faves!

The collection certainly seems to be being quite controversially recieved! I would love to know what others think of it (Come on, talk to me! I want to talk to you!!)

Great article with more pictures and a more legitimate point-of-view at Little Black Book.

xox
Amy

Must post more stitchy endeavors!

2011-01-24T16:23:00.000+13:00

It has been a while since I posted something I have made, and I have been meaning to share this one for a while! It's an embroidered portrait of Albert Hofmann, the inventor/discoverer of LSD. Boyfriend is writing his thesis on LSD Psychotherapy. I stitched this for him for Christmas to hang in his office, but he loves it so much that it lives above his bed :)

I really need to stitch more! Or at least, post more of what I stitch :)

xox
Amy

Closet Lust.

2011-01-24T16:05:00.000+13:00

Just a little closet inspiration. Follow the links to some great sites and read the stories behind them all :)

Auburn & Ivory

Doe Deere Blogazine

Organizing Junkie

The Snail And The Cyclops

There are some great tips for taming your wardrobe and organizing your closet - tips I definitely need to take into account!
I hope you like!

xox
Amy

Beautiful Blugirl!

2011-01-21T16:39:00.000+13:00

I have just been having a wee drool over these delicious little outfits from Blugirl's spring 2011 campaign. They all look pretty wearable, which is a big thing for fashion these days, except perhaps the sequined hot pants, but believe me, I would wear them if I could pull them off the way that girl can! Models, bah.

I am just happy to have it verified that even people disguised as adults can get away with pink, bows, sparkles and ruffles if they so desire. Not that I am exactly the picture of adulthood anyway.

Numbers 3&4 are my faves.

How about you?

xox

Amy

Three Grand Essentials to Happiness

2011-01-20T12:11:00.000+13:00

It's pretty simple when you look at it like that. Thanks, Audrey :)

xox

Noir Jewelry totally awesome rings!

2011-01-13T16:31:00.000+13:00

Holy smokes, would you check out these amazing rings from Noir Jewelry? Just some of my faves, in no particular order...

"Brooklyn Bridge"

"Esme"

"Gotham City" ( They have done a whole range of jewelry for DC Comics! So awesome!!)

"Natasha"

"Pegasus"

"Sally the Shark"

"Sheryl the Crow"

"T-Rex"

And there are sooo many more on the website, something for every ring lover. I want to choose a favourite but I can't. Maybe I just don't want to be trendy and admit how much I love the matryoshka.

Which one would you choose?

xox

.:Whim Of The Week:. - Septum piercings

2011-01-05T09:00:00.025+13:00

Septum piercings. I love them, I love love love them. I think they can look so dainty and pretty in a very beguiling and odd sort of a way. My problem is that every single person who I have talked to about my love of the pierced septum has delivered me a hasty and horrified "NO AMY DON'T DO IT!" The most popular reason is that I will look like I bull, even though I have a nose nothing like a bull. The second most popular reason is a pretty vague "ewww, it's gross!" Shockingly, neither of these arguments have completely convinced me not to get one, but the general consensus being a resounding "no" doesn't give me the greatest confidence. But look how cute!

source

Does anyone have one, know someone who has one, or have any advice or general opinion to give me? I would be ever so grateful!

Inspirational Editorials: Summer

2011-01-04T13:49:00.001+13:00

Seems it actually IS summer and I really do have to deal with that fact, here are some lovely photographs pulled from July's issue of TEST magazine - a little inspiration for you and I. For my current summer and for your next one! The old retro styling is fabulous and I completely love the desaturated colours. I'm not a fan of super bright colours in summer for some reason, perhaps they remind me of too many pairs of bad board shorts and backpacks and surf label-bashing.
My favourite is the second-to-last photo, right hand side. Such cute glasses and hair!
How about you?
Enjoy! xo

Source

I'd rather be wearing...

2011-01-04T12:43:00.001+13:00

"I'd rather be wearing...", my weekly polyvore post, is back! New years resolutions are not planned but will come to me when they feel like it, and with my re-design a new found bloggy motivation is here. I am going to be a good blogger. The best. And so!

I cannot wait for autumn, for the lovely in-betweeny weather and all the fruit on the trees to ripen and the beautiful lighting. We are mid-summer now and most nights I am too hot to sleep, and most days it is too hot to go outside and enjoy the warmth - ozone depletion makes our sun very harsh. So roll on autumn, I am planning my wardrobe already!

dreaming of autumn by awhimofmine featuring black knee length skirts

Michael Kors Cashmere tank
$750 - net-a-porter.com
Cashmere tank »

NW3 Flower Bow Cotton Cardigan, Pale Koala Melange
69 GBP - johnlewis.com
Flower cardigan »

Preen skirts BLACK
895 GBP - matchesfashion.com
Black knee length skirts »

AMERY Brown Stud Collar Boots
$135 - topshop.com
Lace up boots »

Ameko Travis Small Across The Body Bag, Black
95 GBP - johnlewis.com
Black handbags »

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato leather bracelet
$200 - net-a-porter.com
Leather jewelry »

THIN PYRAMID CROSS (UPSIDE DOWN) NECKLACE
$120 - alexandchloe.com
Chains jewelry »

stila cosmetics - sheer color tinted moisturizer SPF 30 oil free
stilacosmetics.com

A Most Amazing Yellow Coat

2010-12-31T12:53:00.001+13:00

Look, look, look at this amazing coat. The whole ensemble is pretty amazing really, but the coat...! Disregarding the impracticalities of it's sleevelessness, it might just be perfect. Those pockets are the best thing I have ever seen. I'm not really sure how that shade of yellow would go on me, I might be too pasty for it, but if I could wear it I would, in a heartbeat, and I'd feel like a character from Scooby-Doo, all retro and fabulous.

What do you think?

xo

Source

Re-Design!!

2010-12-31T02:54:00.003+13:00

New year, new blog design! Coming in dribs and drabs, more things added soon, touch wood! Fun!

xo

Anna Paquin like woah.

2010-12-17T11:23:00.002+13:00

source

In New Zealand we are very proud of Anna. She is our little girl-next-door and has done incredibly well on the international stage. Perhaps because all agents and directors do not want her to EAT THEIR SOULS. Look at that crazy, crazy face! She looks like she is about to get all Antonie Dixon on that photographer.

...

Seriously though, I bet she's a great girl.

Presenting: Stuffies!

2010-11-26T09:18:00.000+13:00

I have been working on these guys for a while and I'm pretty excited that they're here :)

What do you think?

xox

Ann Wood Presents: Little Red Riding Hood (Selected scenes)

2010-10-21T11:44:00.000+13:00

Do you know Ann Wood? She makes beautiful things. A lot of beautiful things. Including birds. Birds who put on shows at the lake. The best kind of birds. This is enchanting.

Doesn't it make you want to get out and be amazing and creative? I made a stop-motion animation once. I wonder if I can dig it up. But I am rambling.

xo

Bitty Buttons / Lalaloopsy dolls!

2010-10-21T11:22:00.000+13:00

Have you seen these cute amazing gorgeous sewing-inspired dolls? Apparently they are this Christmas's hot ticket item and already quite hard to come by despite their recent release. They're themed on rag-dolls and each dolls personality is based on what thrifted item of clothing she was sewn from! DID I MENTION CUTE.

For Example, here is the girl I just went out and bought (yes I did - these have only been released in NZ in the last month or two and there are not many left already so I snapped one up while I could, before the christmas rush! NO SHAME):

Her name is Crumbs Sugar Cookie. This is the profile that she came with:
"Crumbs Sugar Cookie was made from pieces of a baking apron. She is super-sweet, has perfect manners, and loves inviting friends over for tea and treats. She has a pet mouse.
Sewn on date: December 4th (National Cookie Day)."
It may be necessary for me to get another one, when/if the opportunity arises. Boyfriend gives his consent. Not that it matters, but it is sort of a big thing, because boyfriend is a very serious sort of a man and I can tell he secretly quite likes her, or at least likes how she makes me squee with joy.

Do any of my dolly peeps have one, or some? I'd love to hear what you think about them!
xox

Autumn Sale

2010-09-15T09:05:00.000+12:00

For my lovely friends, fans and readers in the Northern Hemisphere!
These three snuggly hats are on sale now, just in time for the chilly weather.

Honey Cake Beret

Butter Beret

Oatmeal Bow Beret

xox

Vintage shopping = love

2010-09-15T08:56:00.000+12:00

DID YOU KNOW...
That I collect examples of home textile crafts from about 1920-1960?
Now you do. Mainly needlecrafts.
Yesterday I went for a wonderful jaunt in the sunshine around the earthquake ravaged city centre with my lovely friend Jonathan Phillips of Mount Pleasant Music. Monday was the first day most retailers have opened again since what I enjoy calling The Big Shake of Twenty-ten. Hah. Anyway, I visited my favourite favourite vintage shoppe, Tete a Tete, who sadly do not have a website I can link you to.

I was actually concerned for the lovely place as the building it resides in didn't seem, to me, to be the most quake-resilient, but luckily it and it's partner store, Two Squirrels, survived relatively unscathed.

Lucky for me because I found the cutest little piece to add to my collection:

Or I should say pieces, because a little surprise was hidden inside.

I could go on and on about the intricacies of vintage needlework, and the techniques used and the literal HOURS of actually quite arduous work that would have been put into both of these pretty and falsely facile pieces.
But I won't, too much.

xox

Earthquake drama.

2010-09-13T15:43:00.000+12:00

Some of you may have heard that there was a rather large (7.1) earthquake in my lil' old city of CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND! I have just moved house, and was waiting to get internet and then there was this booming great bloody apocalyptic earthquake and so I am still without nettage. Thank the gods that is my only problem as many homes and businesses lost power for days and some are still without water and sewerage, and SOME are condemned or even destroyed. I am very lucky, as is my family, that our homes are still standing. At my place we only had one broken glass and power out for half a day.

There are still police and soldiers at cordons and wandering around keeping a general eye on things, cranes taking down bits of buildings which hang precariously over streets, never quite finished off by one of our 300ish aftershocks (I am not kidding, the aftershocks are still going today, 9 days after the big one - for a while we were having one an hour!)

The boyfriend and I have wandered the streets a few times, and mourned over the familiar buildings which have half collapsed, and stared at anonymous piles of rubble trying to remember what used to be there.

The earthquake that completely devastated Haiti was 7.0.

I love you, New Zealand.