My Motto for 2012 - Keep Calm and...

Hello there,

So, uh, long time no see eh. I've been on hiatus a little (or a lot). 
I have something I quickly want to share with you. My Mr and I went to Masters a couple of weekends ago. And I saw this canvas and instantly loved it.

This is my motto for 2012. I totally connected with it because this is something I would actually say to someone who needed to stop stuffing about and get their cuss together. The ladies in my office and I have a bit of a 'Keep Calm and... ' obsession at the moment. So it was very fitting. :)

[As a sidenote you can generate your own Keep Calm sign here. Have fun!]

Talking about a new year and motivations, inspirations and other intentions. I came across this great idea of a 2012 manifesto via craftgawker.

So how about you? What is your motto for 2012? Have you got any resolutions? Or would you rather call them intentions? Have you created a manifesto? Do you want to?
Leave me a comment :)

Do something to inspire yourself for the new year,
V xo

Where did 2011 go?!

Hello there,

I hope you had a fantastic Christmas, Boxing Day and After-Boxing Day :) surrounded by loved ones, laughter and not to forget Christmas presents. I've been a bit hectic lately at work and at home. How about you?

So here are some of the things that have been occupying my brain space for a while (other than shopping for Christmas, Christmas day arrangements and boring old work, of course)

I've been waiting with anticipation for my copy of The Colette Sewing Handbook. I ordered the book and 2 patterns as a fantastic bundle deal at the end of last month from the Colette Patterns website I've been keeping an eye out for it to be delivered at work, but alas it has yet to arrive :(
Oh well, c'est la vie - first world problem

I've been reading The Handmade Marketplace by Kari Chapin; which I borrowed from my local library. So far I've found it incredibly insightful and very revealing of what goes into starting your own handmade business. I don't have any intention of starting my own creative business ...yet. But I think this would be a great resource for those who are thinking about doing that...now or in the near future.

My sister gave me The BurdaStyle Sewing Handbook for Christmas so I've been absorbing that for the last couple of days. Mainly just looking at the pretty pictures until this afternoon when I started reading. So. great.

See a trend with the books that are heading my way? Sewing books. I've become a little obsessed lately with the idea of sewing my own clothes. Although I haven't make any great plunges into the world of garment sewing just yet it is something that has been taking up some of my brain power. In anticipation I've been thinking about the types of things I'd sew. Ultimately I'd like to sew items of clothing in the style and colours that would suit me best.

I recently bought Colour Me Beautiful by Veronique Hendersen & Pat Henshaw and found it to be pretty informative about colours for me, but also about the types of garments that would suit me and also what style I am. I also have The Body Shape Bible by  Trinny & Susannah which is very helpful when looking at what styles of clothing will flatter my figure.

So that's what's filling my brain space at the moment. What's filling yours? New Years resolutions? Are you bring crafty? Leave a comment, I'd love to know.

In case, I don't post beforehand...
Here's to a fantastic 2012 full of new opportunities and good luck!

Do something that makes you sing on the inside.
V xo

5 Christmassy Crafts

G'day everyone,

My weekend was absolutely fantastically chockers, so I didn't find a great deal of time to craft. However, I did make some fantastic gingerbread biscuits and quickly whipped up a couple of early Christmas presents for a couple of lovely mates of mine before we crafternooned on Saturday.

However, with Christmas fast approaching the blogasphere is awash with amazingly fantastic Christmas ideas. Here are a few of my favourites that I've been collecting...

Actually these are what I whipped up for my mates! Sew great!

Found here

(Found via Sew, Mama, Sew)

These fantastic Vintagey style felt baubles

Found here

How cute is this button mistletoe! Kisses all round!

Found here on one of my new fave blogs

These fabric pinecones are beautiful and so simple. A great idea for a table centrepiece.

Found here

(Found via Sew, Mama, Sew)

I really adore this origami wreath. You can recycle if after Christmas if you want.

Found here

I hope that imparts some lovely Christmas inspiration for you. 

I want to be back with another tutorial next week, but I'll see how I go. It is moving into crazy Christmas season and my weekends are booked out with social events from here into the new year. So I don't want to put any additional pressure on myself. Plus Brisbane is starting to get pretty summery hot.

Have a great week and do something nice for yourself.

V xoxo