Log side tables

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Two huge old trees were felled on our block recently and we now have several lovely large logs to play with (along with great mulch and firewood!). Some of my favourite blogs have been featuring log stools and side tables of late. If time permits, I plan to grab some of the left over white paving paint we used on our floors and attempt to make a log table for our living room and perhaps a few stools to sit around the fire pit outside. The images above come from some fab blogs worth checking out: The kid collective, Style Me Green, and Scrap Hacker.

Backyard forts

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This weekend Will's dad is visiting so that they can begin work together on a fort for the kids. Rather than a traditional cubby we have decided to attempt something simple that the children can 'imagine' into anything depending on their current obsession - a boat, space craft, superhero vehicle, princess castle, observation deck, launch pad etc... The observation deck above (from Dude Craft) reminds me of clambering up onto our little semi's rooftop with my housemate in Brunswick, lugging pillows and a mattress one hot Melbourne night - looking up at the orange city-lit sky. Romantic, until we were bitten by enough mosquitos we had to scuttle back inside. I'd love to think our backyard can provide plenty of playful memories for our kids. They may like to embellish their fort with curtains, sails or flags, such as the puppy one above from Imagine Childhood. Part of the plan is to incorporate some landscaping. I love the central tree, dry river bed and rope bridge in the third image above. The kids bought Will an olive tree for father's day last weekend as a starting point. I'm excited for them. I'll post some pics once it is complete. Dad first needs to locate his hammer. My son coolly informed me this morning he had tossed it onto the roof playing 'Avengers'! Good luck boys:)...

Bonnie and Neil & Tara Badcock: Australian style

It occurred to me recently that I haven't heard a Kookaburra laugh here in Canberra for a long time. I had the pleasure of getting to know a few resident characters growing up on the edge of the Royal National Park in Sydney and took for granted their noisy presence. Bonnie and Neil are currently offering graphic cushions with fun tassels featuring these loveable birds. I love the vibrant colours in their current range as well. 

My kookaburra cushion search also lead me to Tasmanian textile artist and designer, Tara Badcock who captures beautifully the cheeky nature of these birds in her hand embroidered works of art. So many of my favourite hand made finds seem to come from Tassie! Take a look at more from Bonnie and Neil here and Tara Badcock here.

Art for sale

If you happen to be in Canberra this October, be sure to check out Blue Gum Community School's Art Market offering a range of quality art works - all for sale for a flat price of $100! A fund raiser for the school, this is an opportunity to grab a bargain from some of Canberra and the region's most talented artists. Above are examples of works by Yvonne Clough (my mum) and Kirsty Glenwright (my mother in law), both of whom will have paintings for sale at the show. If you miss out and would like to commission a piece of your own, email me and I can put you in touch... For more on the Art Market click here. 

House bling

Inspired by Confetti System's garlands, I had a go a making my own for my daughter's birthday last year. I'm now madly searching though our maze of boxes to see if I can add them to our Christmas decor here this year. The kids are in the spirit, blaring carols at six am this morning, and with four sleeps to go I think I need to step up! Beginning with the bling...

Raw upholstery

I recently attempted upholstery. The goal wasn't necessarily to finish up with a beautifully recovered chair (although my perfectionist self did have high hopes), but rather to have a reason to 'need to be somewhere'. Skipping out of the bedtime routine at home (I have two youngsters) and heading off to my upholstery class at evening college offered a welcome break each week. 

Our teacher was an old-school artisan, taught by his father. I admired the precision with which he expertly placed and tapped each and every tack and was inspired to go slow with this project. At times I found myself almost in a trance as I tugged and hammered and tugged and hammered, around and around the frame... uninterrupted, mindful work.  Bliss. 

Needless to say at the conclusion of the course I was only half way through my project. But I like the result! I could go back again for another term to finish it off, though I am having trouble imagining my raw chair any other way. I'm off to source some other raw upholstery gems and will share next post...post haste..stay tuned..

Electric Firefly Design

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Creating impact with light fixtures doesn't have to be expensive or difficult. These lamp covers by Firefly are fabulous if you have the urge to transform a room without spending big or having to wait for an electrician. I bought one at the Handmade Market in Canberra last year and within an hour had it up and working in our lounge room (see pic above). They look brilliant outside as well. 

The lamps are made from a durable polymer sheet that is 30-50% recycled and they are even developed and made in Australia. Ticking many boxes on my list! Take a look at their other styles here.        

Etsy gems

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I love finding these gems on Etsy! Hand blown Bubble Chandelier by Jean Pelle.