Art and soul

On the hunt for a couple of colourful paintings for the big kids' bedroom, I happened upon these treasures. They are featured in the twin nursery designed by mum of twins Ali on the Chic and Cheap Nursery blog (a fabulous resource for those looking for practical and stylish baby-related decorating tips).  The paintings are by Copenhagen based artist Gitte Brandt. Ali and Gitte co-desinged the paintings and the result is personal; with quotes by Dr.Sueuss chosen by Ali. I do love a productive collaboration! See more of Gitte's charming pieces here.

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:)...

Hanging cradle

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I'm writing this whilst waiting for one of the bubs to settle down for the evening and wondering whether a hanging cradle might do the trick. I know if I were to hop in one myself right now, I'd be gone in 20 seconds. Apart from their functionality, particularly fabulous in a small space, their simplistic beauty is what appeals to me. I have visions of the tropics, babies swinging gently in trees draped in mosquito nets with the sound of the ocean gently lulling them to sleep. Perhaps I just need a holiday:)...

Sharing the love

We had the pleasure of having Kylie Dunlop of Kylie Dunlop Photography over to take some family pics last weekend and to capture our new baby girls - Kylie's specialty. I previously featured Kylie's photos when she photographed the Patonga beach house for us - take a look here. A true professional, Kylie kept us on task (I was typically trying to incorporate interior features into the photos - a bad habit!). I am eagerly awaiting a look at the finished product. We will treasure Kylie's photos as precious memories of an exciting time for our family. Thank you, thank you Kylie xo. Perhaps next visit I'll commission some interior pics...

Pregnant pause

Apologies for the break in transmission on Source.  I took a pregnant pause (literally) and am delighted to say it has resulted in two beautiful baby girls. Juliet and Olive have joined their brother and sister and we are now six! In a two bedroom home about to undergo a renovation; please forgive me if my posts centre on small spaces and children's rooms for a while. I hope to share some images of our reno project as well.

The screen above is from XO - In My Room. An inspiring company run by a sister and three brothers.  I'd love to think my clan will be this collaborative as they grow into adults. Take a look at their handcrafted range here...

Convert that garage

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If you are happy to sacrifice your garage, then endless possibilities open up with regards to 're-purposing' that space. Office, playroom (for kids or grown ups), semi alfresco dining, guest quarters, retreat .... For a quick makeover, begin with thick concrete paint to revive the floor, coat the walls and any exposed beams, add layered tribal rugs to provide warmth, a wall of books and magazines, a comfy chair and side table and you are away. Swap the garage door for french doors and invite the outdoors in. A fast and economical way to add that extra space without the hassle of a home renovation.

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...

Child's play

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I can always trust fabulous children's design to get my creative juices flowing. Imagine playing in these..