tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55458300953987488052024-03-14T16:32:32.609+11:00collecting feathersNickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15309283243839695546noreply@blogger.comBlogger305125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545830095398748805.post-84565660901080693242013-07-06T20:45:00.001+10:002013-07-07T19:44:48.629+10:00Not there.....yet!Italy still awaits, we have still to make a stopover in London.<br />
<br />
We hit the ground running at Heathrow...literally! The plane was late from Dubai. We ran to the bus, trying to follow purple arrows, fighting all the way about the correct colour of arrows that we had to follow. I KNEW they were purple, somebody else thought they should be green. Got on the bus, ran off the bus, ran through terminal five, screaming at each other about the directions we were taking. I tell you it was bedlam! Ran to the express queue, (remember we are royalty) were told we had to go to another counter, ran to another express counter, where the man asked us, "Why are you here, you should have gone straight through." He then informed us that we had missed our connecting flight.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mGRVc0hGKBA/Udfykq_fe5I/AAAAAAAACgE/r7gtDbelIC8/s1600/london+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mGRVc0hGKBA/Udfykq_fe5I/AAAAAAAACgE/r7gtDbelIC8/s400/london+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I tell you, the stress! Then we had to navigate customs, where of course a lady officer took me aside and patted me down. After that we walked about a kilometre through THOUSANDS of people to the British Airways Galleries First Lounge. I had to stay alert as I was fully aware of the threat of pick pockets and roaming bands of gypsies. I wasn't going to be a statistic!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1sCysN6J_FE/UdfymvcBCkI/AAAAAAAACgU/Ha2HIgzQ8AI/s1600/london+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1sCysN6J_FE/UdfymvcBCkI/AAAAAAAACgU/Ha2HIgzQ8AI/s400/london+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After a bit of argy-bargy at the counter of the Lounge, we gained admittance. We then had to contact the car service in Rome to tell them that we were going to be late. As we had no international sim for phones or ipads, this was quite difficult, and the British Airways staff were quite indifferent to our pleas for help. After experiencing exceptional service with Qantas, being on a whole, fawned over by Emirates, it was a bit of a shock to the system.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zrmeX2xAKuU/UdfynlFioWI/AAAAAAAACgg/7xmXT1wYyc4/s1600/london3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zrmeX2xAKuU/UdfynlFioWI/AAAAAAAACgg/7xmXT1wYyc4/s400/london3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Saying that, the lounge would have been quite an oasis if other matters hadn't been so pressing. In hindsight, I should have knocked back a few champas's and just chilled...even though it was breakfast time. Maybe gone to the spa for a 15 minute massage. (Yes, you can to that!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tA3ofyEz6fs/UdfyohK3xmI/AAAAAAAACgo/KW1i32EzaN4/s1600/london5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tA3ofyEz6fs/UdfyohK3xmI/AAAAAAAACgo/KW1i32EzaN4/s400/london5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It was very big, with a cafe/club/upmarket pub kind of feel. (British Airways describe it as boutique hotel.) Nice decor with pops of colour in the furnishings and the artworks, but still very tasteful and soothing. Great timber floors. Good selection of food. It just wasn't the Qantas First lounge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RLXP78g0tEo/UdfyuQwtT2I/AAAAAAAAChA/mNwL_wf-VvE/s1600/lounges1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RLXP78g0tEo/UdfyuQwtT2I/AAAAAAAAChA/mNwL_wf-VvE/s400/lounges1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After getting our affairs in order, and having digested a plate of kippers, we attempted to think positively and proceeded to our changed British Airways flight to Rome, and I can tell you, it was a doozy! Seated in the worst seats in the back, I think we were on the oldest plane in the fleet. The plane was delayed as they had to change a light bulb. Oh dear! Imagine Fawlty Towers, but with ageing Italian flight attendants. We thought we were in a Jaques Tati film.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--fvAaJYoBLk/UdfyrfCI26I/AAAAAAAACg4/bMQZG-BjeMs/s1600/london8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--fvAaJYoBLk/UdfyrfCI26I/AAAAAAAACg4/bMQZG-BjeMs/s400/london8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And that my friends is the glamour of a long haul flight. I shudder to think what we would have experienced if we hadn't had the opportunity of the lounges.<br />
<br />
Here's a little song that kind of reminds me of that drizzly morning. (For some reason it isn't coming up on iPads, but is OK on my laptop)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/FyhZXdJ_4l0/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/FyhZXdJ_4l0&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/FyhZXdJ_4l0&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
<br />Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15309283243839695546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545830095398748805.post-50032128881014942862013-06-15T18:10:00.000+10:002013-06-15T20:10:57.352+10:00The Dubai experienceAs my travels are now geared to the airport lounge experience, I am afraid I am going to bore all and sundry with the minutiae of those hallowed halls. The adage, "when you have seen one you have seen them all" does NOT apply to these places. Needless to say, I think that I am becoming an airline nerd.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l82J_gMq5iI/UbwXnC71RII/AAAAAAAACfo/g6HT2ftpwNM/s1600/article-2276802-1779D28C000005DC-378_964x587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l82J_gMq5iI/UbwXnC71RII/AAAAAAAACfo/g6HT2ftpwNM/s400/article-2276802-1779D28C000005DC-378_964x587.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Sometimes pictures don't do justice to real life. The sheer size of Concourse A in Dubai is mind boggling. It sits like an enormous blue caterpillar on the landscape. In the early morning with its lights glowing from within, it was like a futuristic mother ship pod for UFO's. Just remember, looking at the scale of this structure that most of those planes are the Airbus A380, the biggest plane on the planet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ow6IFlGptXA/UbwQ2otOpUI/AAAAAAAACeo/FeJ0Lh-zWrg/s1600/Dubai-1st-class-lounge-from-above540x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ow6IFlGptXA/UbwQ2otOpUI/AAAAAAAACeo/FeJ0Lh-zWrg/s400/Dubai-1st-class-lounge-from-above540x300.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We were able to enjoy the brand spanking new, First Class lounge in Dubai during our short stop-over. It was cavernous but didn't nave the pizazz of Sydney. Don't get me wrong...it was nice, just a bit formal, and dare I say it...a bit like an very upmarket RSL club.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--8NrTl5srpc/UbwRFvKTD9I/AAAAAAAACew/VrNxyy4KbWE/s1600/dubai+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--8NrTl5srpc/UbwRFvKTD9I/AAAAAAAACew/VrNxyy4KbWE/s400/dubai+4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Customer support was polarised, ranging from sullen and rude staff in the customs area, to embarrassingly helpful and servile in the restaurant. On getting my tucker for brekky, I wasn't allowed to hold my own plate at the self service area. Instead, I had to point at the food that appealed to me, whilst my attendant staff member (dare I say, servant!) picked the pieces and delicately placed them on plates. I was pretty stressed at being treated like the princess (that I know I really am), so ended up pointing at anything! I don't mind being waited on, and do expect good service when I go out, but it felt kind of like slavery.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-XjlxMs4E4/UbwRb_nnaAI/AAAAAAAACe4/l-TRrMLafNU/s1600/dubai-DSC_9622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-XjlxMs4E4/UbwRb_nnaAI/AAAAAAAACe4/l-TRrMLafNU/s400/dubai-DSC_9622.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Walking to my table, I made a crazy attempt to seat myself without too much fuss, after all, I am a 21st century princess! I was however thwarted by my nimble helper who managed to race me to the table, deposit the three plates that she was carrying, and scoot around to pull the chair out for me. Once seated, I sat and contemplated my weird breakfast consisting of hummus, baklava, eggplant, and pseudo Italian/Scandinavian concoctions.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SHPSTzQl6YU/UbwRlEODanI/AAAAAAAACfA/q5VYP8vaEwY/s1600/dubai-DSC_9635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SHPSTzQl6YU/UbwRlEODanI/AAAAAAAACfA/q5VYP8vaEwY/s400/dubai-DSC_9635.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Next to me, I noticed six men stand imperiously around a large coffee table. They were directing a female staff member to place seats around it. She was five foot tall, with little stick arms and little stick legs. Made of heavy wood, the chairs were cumbersome to move. However, not one of those men lifted a finger to help her, except for indicating with an imperious move of the hand, that a chair had to be adjusted by a few inches. Even in airport lounges you experience the culture of the country.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7VXMbsbonTU/UbwRtNqknBI/AAAAAAAACfI/lW59yrGHorU/s1600/dubai.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7VXMbsbonTU/UbwRtNqknBI/AAAAAAAACfI/lW59yrGHorU/s400/dubai.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15309283243839695546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545830095398748805.post-91650129674935556642013-06-14T22:46:00.001+10:002013-06-14T22:52:59.101+10:00Country mouse in the big smoke The big trip overseas...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yq7pecMvs2Q/UZCSQhOqlMI/AAAAAAAACdI/iAwa1vh44xQ/s1600/lounge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yq7pecMvs2Q/UZCSQhOqlMI/AAAAAAAACdI/iAwa1vh44xQ/s400/lounge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
So here I am beginning at the end. So to start, the Qantas International First Lounge at Sydney airport. Now, some may think this is a ridiculous inclusion to a romantic holiday in Tuscany, but, like Kath and Kel, I could have spent my whole holiday here! We were lucky enough to be able to access these hallowed halls, designed my Marc Newson, because Sparky works in the mines and has accrued a lotta points.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I7Z8bRjdpu0/UZCSYuGdfzI/AAAAAAAACdQ/mnVvywQ4py4/s1600/lounge+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I7Z8bRjdpu0/UZCSYuGdfzI/AAAAAAAACdQ/mnVvywQ4py4/s400/lounge+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
In a nutshell, it was if I had died and gone to heaven! I am afraid we may have acted a bit uncool, a bit like wide eyed yokels, but if that be the case, so be it. As Oprah says "When you know better you do better." Next time we will be so cool, that we will be refrigerators.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hWIvG7Iv0kg/Ubr5uN0YN-I/AAAAAAAACdo/c2nMrIWNz-8/s1600/wine-delamotte-champagne-qantas-first.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hWIvG7Iv0kg/Ubr5uN0YN-I/AAAAAAAACdo/c2nMrIWNz-8/s320/wine-delamotte-champagne-qantas-first.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
When we arrived to the restaurant area, the waiter asked if I would like some champas. Now, I had been warned of the risks of dehydration due to excessive drinking which may lead to deep vein thrombosis and eventually DEATH, but, what the hey, I was on holiday! OK, says I. The waiter then apologised as they had just run out <span style="font-family: inherit;">of <span style="color: #333333; line-height: 23px; text-align: justify;">Veuve Clicquot</span>, and could only offer Bollinger! Five glasses later....</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pNYKj8kboJI/UbsQdCd1gwI/AAAAAAAACeY/4QjXml-1PVQ/s1600/me2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pNYKj8kboJI/UbsQdCd1gwI/AAAAAAAACeY/4QjXml-1PVQ/s400/me2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was in a very happy place!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It was uphill from there. I could run on and on about the service, the brilliant Neil Perry food, the ambience, the Spa, the toilets (these are very important), and the fact that everything was FREE, but I really need to practice my 'cool' demeanour.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p_y8h5aEiXg/UbsA0W45fHI/AAAAAAAACeI/0vz9JsYU0L4/s1600/f-lunch-qantas-first-lounge+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p_y8h5aEiXg/UbsA0W45fHI/AAAAAAAACeI/0vz9JsYU0L4/s320/f-lunch-qantas-first-lounge+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It is funny, as one of the nameless masses, I had no idea that such places existed, they weren't on my radar. Now that I know how the other half lives, my expectations have lifted. No more Macca's and hard seats, trying not to trip over legs and luggage in the cattle areas. The decision has been made to travel, not only to broaden horizons but to experience the first class lounges of the world!<br />
<br />Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15309283243839695546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545830095398748805.post-43727109768976558152013-03-16T09:26:00.000+11:002013-03-16T09:30:31.312+11:00The Hol's are overWell, I am back blogging. The last six months have been really busy and I have been working pretty much full time with my shops. Who would have thunk that so many people would want my 'stuff'? It still boggles the mind that I make things, and people buy them.<br />
<br />
Rather than go on and on about what has been happening (that's the past baby...move on!) I will start anew, as if I haven't even been away...and show you my fabulous new bag (modelled by Daisy, the Formomatic Dummy).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n1sRm_PaWWQ/UUOb7GlwycI/AAAAAAAACcU/mz6TDYTM9II/s1600/cambridge+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n1sRm_PaWWQ/UUOb7GlwycI/AAAAAAAACcU/mz6TDYTM9II/s400/cambridge+bag.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
Made by <a href="https://www.cambridgesatchel.co.uk/">The Cambridge Satchel Company</a> in the UK, I received it within 10 days of purchase, which is pretty damn good, considering it had to be customised as well. It takes longer for a letter to reach my husband over in WA.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
It is a doozy! I got my initials engraved as well, (no, they don't stand for New Zealand) and it is like a real Enid Blyton, Famous Five/Secret Seven/Enchanted Wood type bag, that one would put a jam sandwich in, and then bound off, with reckless abandon, for an adventure!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cFYIHlQK6is/UUOcCUH-v0I/AAAAAAAACcc/2epR3mELxAM/s1600/cambridge+bag2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cFYIHlQK6is/UUOcCUH-v0I/AAAAAAAACcc/2epR3mELxAM/s400/cambridge+bag2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Which is just what I intend to do. It is going with me on a splendid adventure to Italy and Croatia in two weeks time.<br />
<br />
I will be recording our odyssey in minute detail...but that is the good thing about blogs, they remain as a record of your life.<br />
<br />Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15309283243839695546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545830095398748805.post-79219663673297904272012-09-28T08:39:00.000+10:002012-09-28T08:42:24.354+10:00Little BattlerI thought I would post some current pics of my Victory Garden.<br />
<br />
I have been super busy making stuff, completing orders and doing markets, and so have not spent as much time as I would like in my patch. That doesn't mean that I haven't got any harvest though. I could easily live off it, as it continues to produce even though I haven't given it any love.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4LCdgL4Y1CI/UGTPqGOLBII/AAAAAAAACbI/1SxhBXKNI8E/s1600/gardeb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4LCdgL4Y1CI/UGTPqGOLBII/AAAAAAAACbI/1SxhBXKNI8E/s400/gardeb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
My brassicas have gone beserk this year! In the foreground is my potato patch bordered by cabbages. I rarely eat cabbage...I don't know why I put it in. Maybe I will have to make sauerkraut?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EGPFDBRUAJ0/UGTROTvCU-I/AAAAAAAACbQ/yGWGkF4IvGM/s1600/diptic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EGPFDBRUAJ0/UGTROTvCU-I/AAAAAAAACbQ/yGWGkF4IvGM/s320/diptic.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Cauliflowers are being picked regularly and the shining star is the broccoli After harvesting the initial head (like you buy in the shops) the plants are now producing smaller offshoots. I reckon that I get about a kilo a week off five plants, and they are sweeter than the big broccoli heads.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RNwyIy4nQKU/UGTSCWsbRXI/AAAAAAAACbY/mV49gVQgdbE/s1600/diptic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RNwyIy4nQKU/UGTSCWsbRXI/AAAAAAAACbY/mV49gVQgdbE/s320/diptic+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My asparagus is being harvested this year for the first time. It grows so quickly, sometimes a metre a day. I planted some "Fat Bastard" crowns three years ago, and fat little bastards they are indeed!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C_XDpSy5NC0/UGTU8A1j_xI/AAAAAAAACbw/uP8ycvg6Low/s1600/swede3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C_XDpSy5NC0/UGTU8A1j_xI/AAAAAAAACbw/uP8ycvg6Low/s320/swede3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This pic is a bit misleading as the size doesn't equate. Lets put it this way....the middle swede is as big as a baby's head and the beetroots are as big as my hand. I think I will have to look for some props to explain the size of my harvest from now on...maybe an old baby doll of my daughters. (Freaky, what!)Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15309283243839695546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545830095398748805.post-89738458200903287812012-09-27T08:45:00.000+10:002012-09-27T08:57:08.740+10:00Vintage tea towel cushionsI stayed up 'til one in the morning the last Sunday making new cushions for Bangalow Markets. I thought I could make ten...I made three.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C2_i0OI1uZo/UGOBYJkHXZI/AAAAAAAACaQ/e9fqBe_CUTk/s1600/cushions3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C2_i0OI1uZo/UGOBYJkHXZI/AAAAAAAACaQ/e9fqBe_CUTk/s400/cushions3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pZNErtQiF8I/UGOClM4vSOI/AAAAAAAACaY/8uuFgKMA39Q/s1600/orange+pillow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pZNErtQiF8I/UGOClM4vSOI/AAAAAAAACaY/8uuFgKMA39Q/s400/orange+pillow.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HYrSnNbmrQk/UGOCphVvI7I/AAAAAAAACag/ncvJBkQHMAY/s1600/two+cushions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HYrSnNbmrQk/UGOCphVvI7I/AAAAAAAACag/ncvJBkQHMAY/s400/two+cushions.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Backtracking, I was hoping that I wouldn't have to pre-wash this stash of mint, vintage, irish linen, tea towels. But...tests conducted in our lab found that there was 2-3 cm shrinkage in them, so into the machine they went. Ye can't have puckered pillows can ye? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PCoOTYSWuXE/UGODR89rudI/AAAAAAAACao/4jjBj5iqeEI/s1600/teatowels+line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PCoOTYSWuXE/UGODR89rudI/AAAAAAAACao/4jjBj5iqeEI/s400/teatowels+line.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now today, I have to photograph them properly and weigh them, then list them in my online shops, as well as cutting out some more. I was thinking of sending the whole cushion through the post rather than just the cover, and tying them up with brown paper and string. So many decisions. I need a cuppa.<br />
<br />
Thought I would play with <a href="http://blogs.kidspot.com.au/villagevoices/the-one-about-crafting-with-power-tools/">My creative space</a> today...they have moved!<br />
<br />Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15309283243839695546noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545830095398748805.post-59617462365544813252012-09-21T18:31:00.000+10:002012-09-21T18:36:41.799+10:00My little mateI just HAD to show you the pics of 'my little mate.' He (I think) is an adolescent koala who wandered into my studio a few months back. Well, he is back again in the massive flooded gum in our front paddock.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DeGeiZSvdq8/UFwm52mQqxI/AAAAAAAACZ0/rxsXac4l4jU/s1600/goala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DeGeiZSvdq8/UFwm52mQqxI/AAAAAAAACZ0/rxsXac4l4jU/s400/goala.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0zT6KjYkGF0/UFwh0pFeEqI/AAAAAAAACYs/4WXWLJHoGsg/s1600/koala+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0zT6KjYkGF0/UFwh0pFeEqI/AAAAAAAACYs/4WXWLJHoGsg/s400/koala+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gbvS-6nfPv0/UFwh9-5oi3I/AAAAAAAACY0/nkZBbMUo59c/s1600/koala3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gbvS-6nfPv0/UFwh9-5oi3I/AAAAAAAACY0/nkZBbMUo59c/s400/koala3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Ia4YtARS_k/UFwkD-DAy-I/AAAAAAAACZY/LNsDeGYHRbI/s1600/koala+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Ia4YtARS_k/UFwkD-DAy-I/AAAAAAAACZY/LNsDeGYHRbI/s400/koala+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It doesn't matter how much wildlife you see on the TV or in print, it becomes so special when it lives with you.<br />
<br />
I know they are quite vicious, and they make the most god-awful sounds at night (like the zombies are coming to get you), but ye gods, they are cute! I watched my little mate for an hour. The most interesting thing he did was scratch his belly....but THAT was riveting!<br />
<br />
<br />Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15309283243839695546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545830095398748805.post-18616244898639995902012-09-20T22:42:00.000+10:002012-09-20T22:42:04.438+10:00Obsessions
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-AU</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I get obsessions about things. In particular TV and book
series. I suppose it started with Enid Blyton and the Magic Faraway Tree. Then onto the Bobbsey
Twins, Malory Towers, Trixie Beldon, Ann of Green Gables , the list goes on….you get the gist. In truth, I live in a fantasy world.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NaHQ2I5MIAU/UFsMkHaV1pI/AAAAAAAACX4/pwcwNXJSPn8/s1600/Faraway+Tree+006.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NaHQ2I5MIAU/UFsMkHaV1pI/AAAAAAAACX4/pwcwNXJSPn8/s400/Faraway+Tree+006.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My current obsessions of the last couple of weeks has been “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_the_Midwife_(TV_series)">Call the Midwife</a>” a TV series based on the books of Jennifer Worth, narrating a Midwife's life in the post war East End of London, which includes as a character a large Pukka girl called Chummy. I have ordered all of the books on Amazon because I simply MUST have them!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-og17ubc7vls/UFsNFGqe7gI/AAAAAAAACYA/b-rGt8YVVVo/s1600/chummy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-og17ubc7vls/UFsNFGqe7gI/AAAAAAAACYA/b-rGt8YVVVo/s400/chummy.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the other end of the scale, “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaking_Bad">BreakingBad</a>”, is the story of struggling, cancer riddled school teacher who, for the love of his family becomes a meth cooker. His off sider is a former student, meth user, homey dude, called Jesse.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4NrDVmGcTV4/UFsNnuiPegI/AAAAAAAACYI/3e8hjeH-7fw/s1600/breaking+bad.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4NrDVmGcTV4/UFsNnuiPegI/AAAAAAAACYI/3e8hjeH-7fw/s400/breaking+bad.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pretty diverse, what! Unfortunately I become immersed in characters...I pull them apart and unconsciously adopt their mannerisms. (My husband and I recently read the "Game of Thrones" series and we drone "Summer is coming" to anything that bodes ill)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I become immersed in said characters, anything is bound to happen. I talk the talk, I walk the walk. It is unfortunate when they merge to become one entity, like some kind of Sybil, multiple personality mutant.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It all came out in the email I was writing to somebody (nameless) who knew nothing of my obsessions. She had done me a professional favour. So, what did I write? Certainly not, "Thanks so much for your assistance." That would be too corporate...too banal. Instead I wrote, and I shall put it in capitals, because it was so ridiculous, that most would not believe it, and it must be exclaimed...I wrote, "YOU'RE A BRICK, YO!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will say it again. "You're a brick, yo!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hmmmm!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It belies belief.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15309283243839695546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545830095398748805.post-33441110959615933882012-08-24T09:46:00.000+10:002012-08-24T09:48:01.823+10:00CardsI have branched into making cards in a mad attempt to create my "Re-purposed Empire."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iCCfXhATEqk/UDa3yHzWAmI/AAAAAAAACUE/mw8RPlncGh8/s1600/danger.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iCCfXhATEqk/UDa3yHzWAmI/AAAAAAAACUE/mw8RPlncGh8/s400/danger.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As well as Little Golden Book images, there are pics from Ladybird: Learn to Read Books, and great retro photos from a 70's Boys Own Annual.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xx94beMQ2LA/UDa5-jOSDZI/AAAAAAAACVE/9R1BaIxVo5g/s1600/golden+books.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xx94beMQ2LA/UDa5-jOSDZI/AAAAAAAACVE/9R1BaIxVo5g/s400/golden+books.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
They are all sewn (very, very neatly) onto the card. (One must ensure the handmade element is present!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FuAc1KVH7ww/UDa30l1QWRI/AAAAAAAACUM/eeVS4g1LgDE/s1600/rally+car.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FuAc1KVH7ww/UDa30l1QWRI/AAAAAAAACUM/eeVS4g1LgDE/s400/rally+car.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
My favourite has already been sold, but it is such a great image it deserves to be seen. It is from a Ladybird book, The Miner. The person who purchased it described it as homo-erotic!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aAYx1UglgvQ/UDa33M1fZqI/AAAAAAAACUU/8KxvZemaNrI/s1600/shower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aAYx1UglgvQ/UDa33M1fZqI/AAAAAAAACUU/8KxvZemaNrI/s400/shower.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The buyer asked me why I din't just photocopy the image and sell hundreds of 'neck-ed' men. I had to explain about a little thing called copyright and also the preciousness of the actual vintage object, knowing it came out of a book that was handled by children learning to read....about memories and the different papers and inks (made of heavy metals) used.<br />
<br />
It was no use. If the image had been photocopied onto card at Officeworks, I think the buyer would have bought it for a higher price.<br />
<br />
Which has got me thinking. If I want to build an Empire, I might have to compromise...but hopefully not too much.<br />
<br />
I will leave you with one last card, from "The Miner"...which is quite amusing given my latest '<a href="http://collectingfeathers.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/i-have-been-activating.html">activating</a>' interest. For those who can't see it on the screen, it is a picture of coal seams beneath the surface.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UGSNuqgNUBU/UDa35bI1WwI/AAAAAAAACUc/TBjm3pIsgKY/s1600/coal+seam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UGSNuqgNUBU/UDa35bI1WwI/AAAAAAAACUc/TBjm3pIsgKY/s400/coal+seam.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15309283243839695546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545830095398748805.post-24986991080420765622012-08-22T20:46:00.000+10:002012-08-22T20:46:36.475+10:00Moooooo!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Here is a pic of our new little calf called Alan. (Well he is about two months old now)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YFxWN4wvCnA/UDS0ozlphwI/AAAAAAAACTg/l_kZveyG-J0/s1600/alan2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YFxWN4wvCnA/UDS0ozlphwI/AAAAAAAACTg/l_kZveyG-J0/s400/alan2.JPG" width="383" /></a></div>
<br />
He is so cute and runs around the paddock like a crazy puppy. I feed him and his mum every morning and he is so confident. I love living in the country.<br />
<br />
Ha, I just reread the text that I wrote. It sounds like a Grade 2 composition, or the 'how to read' books that I have been making into greeting cards...it has been a long day!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15309283243839695546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545830095398748805.post-8623133838661260562012-08-22T13:54:00.002+10:002012-08-22T13:54:43.280+10:00Retro Tea TowelsSome things just cannot be made into cushions!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AU7XsyzUfAI/UDRWO_WvgjI/AAAAAAAACSg/1g4uaEvlaus/s1600/red+tea+towel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AU7XsyzUfAI/UDRWO_WvgjI/AAAAAAAACSg/1g4uaEvlaus/s400/red+tea+towel.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Have a lookee here at these groovy tea towels! Dunmoy Irish Linen, they are beaut! They are all in original condition, and still have their gold sticker attached. There are three colour ways.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cx1rdVgHu1g/UDRWSE4yJDI/AAAAAAAACSo/lpRtMlz-qBU/s1600/brown+stack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cx1rdVgHu1g/UDRWSE4yJDI/AAAAAAAACSo/lpRtMlz-qBU/s200/brown+stack.jpg" width="122" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Yp_NlCZy1k/UDRWXc2YphI/AAAAAAAACSw/Dr5qLGBpugQ/s1600/dish+stack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Yp_NlCZy1k/UDRWXc2YphI/AAAAAAAACSw/Dr5qLGBpugQ/s200/dish+stack.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IOcOckUDPVI/UDRWM9nmKbI/AAAAAAAACSY/Oh_y-UKJNSo/s1600/taupe+stack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IOcOckUDPVI/UDRWM9nmKbI/AAAAAAAACSY/Oh_y-UKJNSo/s200/taupe+stack.jpg" width="125" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Available at my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/laughingduckvintage">Laughing Duck Vintage</a> shop or contact me at collectingfeathers@gmail.com</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15309283243839695546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545830095398748805.post-32598579291227605582012-08-20T12:40:00.001+10:002012-08-20T12:53:57.785+10:00Retarded carrotsAbout a month ago it rained every day here in God's Country...but now, we have glorious sun shiny days to warm our winter chilled bones. I have ventured out into the garden once more...<br />
<br />
Last week I harvested all of my carrots. Because my seeds didn't take, I had cheated and bought a couple of punnets. Although I was really, really careful with the roots, ensuring they were straight when I placed them into the very well prepared soil, I am afraid it just wasn't enough. I know now why the experts advise not to grow carrots from seedlings.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pPnA9e5DvxA/UDGgvxOMyXI/AAAAAAAACR4/qG00UoUhWvc/s1600/carrots.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pPnA9e5DvxA/UDGgvxOMyXI/AAAAAAAACR4/qG00UoUhWvc/s320/carrots.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6P4oTkEJ18s/UDGg3V4V1LI/AAAAAAAACSA/gupMq10HgFg/s1600/carrots+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6P4oTkEJ18s/UDGg3V4V1LI/AAAAAAAACSA/gupMq10HgFg/s320/carrots+2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Some of them seem to have their own personalities. The lady on the bottom left looks particularly coy! Geez, I will be looking for images of the Madonna or Baby Jesus in these veges soon!!!Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15309283243839695546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545830095398748805.post-6426671247149842902012-08-13T09:46:00.001+10:002012-08-13T10:06:11.385+10:00Will you miss me when I'm gone?I have been absent for a while, but now have decided to return to the world of blogging. After a few years of putting your life out there, you start reflecting on the need to blog...Is it necessary? Am I blogging for myself, or for those near and dear to me? Is to create a record of my life? Do the numbers of 'friends' matter? Is it a competition? Is it loneliness, or am I trying to get attention? Should I be more 'professional' and treat it as part of my business? Who cares anyway?<br />
<br />
I have come to the conclusion that I am a mere grain of sand on the beach of life. Not important to most, so why not do what I want to do...not to over think the whole thing but just to do it, and enjoy it!<br />
<br />
The catalyst of all of this navel gazing was my husband moving away for work, a few months ago. He only comes home once a month, and it has become one of the most difficult things that either of us have done. In truth, I have wallowed in this misery, but it is getting a bit old...so time to pick myself up by my bootstraps and move onwards and upwards!<br />
<br />
During this 'down' time I have been listening to a lot of 'old timey' music, Appalacian and folk, especially the original recordings of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carter_Family">Carter Family</a>. One of my sing-a-long favourites is "Will you miss me when I'm gone."<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/s8mA9c15joc?fs=1" width="459"></iframe><br />
<br />
Picture this, a beautiful winters day in a lush green valley. Birds are chirping. Cows are mooing. A car appears on the road. At the wheel a woman, hair awry, tears streaming down her face as she sings at the top of her voice. Her face is contorted in despair. The most pathetic thing in this picture is not the tears, but the complete inability to sing in tune to the music! (That is why I sing in the car, it is like a vacuum, no one hears!)<br />
<br />
PS. For those who listen to the song, yes, it is about a dead person...but I have never let anything get in the way of some good old fashioned 'drama queen' behaviour! In fact 'drama queen' is my middle name!Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15309283243839695546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545830095398748805.post-39017058441648944452012-05-08T10:54:00.002+10:002012-08-13T10:25:05.065+10:00I have been activatingLast weekend I went activating at Lismore Car Boot Markets. I helped to collect money for the charity of the day, <a href="http://www.csgfreenorthernrivers.org/">CSG Free Northern Rivers</a>.We raised a record amount on Sunday, showing that people of this region DO care. I chatted to many people, young and old and they were all disgusted with what CSG would do do to our region.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QDTQy8IfHbY/T6hjurHjgaI/AAAAAAAACQ4/d3p20L2ycsw/s1600/lock+the+gate1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QDTQy8IfHbY/T6hjurHjgaI/AAAAAAAACQ4/d3p20L2ycsw/s400/lock+the+gate1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
CSG, for those of you who don't know is <a href="http://www.csgfreenorthernrivers.org/?page_id=11">Coal Seam Gas mining </a>mines gas in unstable soils, bringing saltwater to the surface and often creating lesions beneath the ground which allows gas to leach into the water supply. So effectively the water supply is poisoned and in many cases the gas escapes to the surface, which means even rain water is compromised....and they have put an exploration well a few miles up the road from me.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ju_kIPbFQRo/T6hjAeQRL5I/AAAAAAAACQw/aerU5o7ZA9E/s1600/tara_gas_field-300x200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ju_kIPbFQRo/T6hjAeQRL5I/AAAAAAAACQw/aerU5o7ZA9E/s400/tara_gas_field-300x200.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tara Gasfield, QLD</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What is gobsmacking, is that the well is metres from Terania Creek, which flows onto Lismore and Ballina. The Northern Rivers water supply is pumped from this water further down river at Boat Harbour. Plus the valley floods at least twice a year, which means that any waste in holding tanks would be washed downstream.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tmplEUO-nB8/T6hpYWRyipI/AAAAAAAACRg/UQdN9vdS5Xk/s1600/keerrong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tmplEUO-nB8/T6hpYWRyipI/AAAAAAAACRg/UQdN9vdS5Xk/s320/keerrong.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.keerronggassquad.org/">Keerrong Gas Squad</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But it is not just all about moi, basically the mining companies have all the power. They can come onto your land and do this, and you have no rights, the only leverage the private landholder has is the dictation of terms. That is, they can demand that the gas companies pay $10,000 per minute to access their land. (you get the gist)<br />
So ultimately (at the moment) it comes down to money, and what is your price.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2z7RnO7EdOw/T6hl6yrmUbI/AAAAAAAACRA/cTtiMKyR2KY/s1600/koala_resize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2z7RnO7EdOw/T6hl6yrmUbI/AAAAAAAACRA/cTtiMKyR2KY/s400/koala_resize.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry Nick, I can no longer visit you in your lovely mudbrick house, with your gorgeous vege patch and orchard....because I died of contaminated water ...as did alot of wildlife around the area. Infact, you haven't been feeling too hot lately have you? I know the chooks carked it a few months back, so it can't be the eggs...you haven't been... drinking the water!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But there were many disturbing stories on Saturday. One bloke out at Casino was checking his fences. His high tensile five strand barbed wire fence had weakened. (This type of fence is expensive) He found that a mining company, WITHOUT PERMISSION, had cut the fence, installed some gates and had slashed the grass as road access.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MhqAHXRpQnw/T6hsjLIGLMI/AAAAAAAACRs/COTAhprbdPI/s1600/Scared_Old_Lady_by_Blitz_01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MhqAHXRpQnw/T6hsjLIGLMI/AAAAAAAACRs/COTAhprbdPI/s320/Scared_Old_Lady_by_Blitz_01.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blitz-01.deviantart.com/art/Scared-Old-Lady-36900767?q=sort%3Atime+favby%3Awannebesomebody&qo=3">source</a><br />
"I came here as a bride, this land is my life...now they said I had to sign it over to the mining companies. I got $1.50, that can go towards a taxi to the hospital... my arm is still hurting from all the twisting they did, though I think my knee caps will never recover."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another bloke told me his 90 year old grandmother had been forced to sign a document by the mining company representatives. They told her she had no option and HAD to sign when they visited her in her house, scary the living daylights out of her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r61UGqZIQJE/T6heDzYq8pI/AAAAAAAACQc/LPke9pwlhgk/s1600/rally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r61UGqZIQJE/T6heDzYq8pI/AAAAAAAACQc/LPke9pwlhgk/s400/rally.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>
<br />
On Saturday there is going to be a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/378232378873939/">big rally in Lismore</a> to protest CSG mining in the Northern Rivers. If you are local, consider participating. It starts at 10.00am with a march through Lismore and ends at Riverside Park where there will be music and food. I will be wearing my <a href="http://www.keerronggassquad.org/">Keerrong Gas Squad</a> t-shirt, with DON"T FRACK WITH ME.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RMyYub-AnqU/T6hpNq8xv5I/AAAAAAAACRY/r1Tjc3XUMjs/s1600/tshirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RMyYub-AnqU/T6hpNq8xv5I/AAAAAAAACRY/r1Tjc3XUMjs/s320/tshirt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
CSG hasn't got a good track record. The companies who have licenses in the Northern Rivers are Chinese subsidiaries of Shell, they don't care what poison they spread, they are only concerned with their profits. I historically have never been an activist, opting to change things in a different way...organics, self sufficiency, recycling, reusing, low impact on the environment etc. BUT now I am riled, and am ACTIVATING!Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15309283243839695546noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545830095398748805.post-86438476469670444452012-05-03T20:14:00.001+10:002012-05-03T20:17:35.371+10:00Cluck, cluckThe weather has been awful here lately, rainy and sodden, and all my girls have gone off the lay. I am demned if I will buy store bought eggs, even if they are free range, organic or what have you. So today I picked up a couple of pullets from our rural supply store. They are young chooks on the point of lay.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vWb9cD7g_pA/T6JaKt4v7pI/AAAAAAAACQQ/3k3Riic_uC4/s1600/chooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vWb9cD7g_pA/T6JaKt4v7pI/AAAAAAAACQQ/3k3Riic_uC4/s400/chooks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn't get home 'til dusk and put them in the yard. The poor things were petrified! They wouldn't move. I think they thought I couldn't see them, and they played possum. So I picked them up and put them in the chook house. Look at the poor things. They look very miserable. Hopefully they will have made friends with the other girls by morning.<br />
<br />
<br />Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15309283243839695546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545830095398748805.post-42767731965679000162012-05-03T10:54:00.003+10:002012-05-03T10:58:30.451+10:00I'm a winner!I don't win lots and lots of things, but I do win some stuff now and again. You after all have to be in it to win it...though that million dollar lottery haul seems to evade me!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7PFPfkcp6TQ/T6HL6eGxuWI/AAAAAAAACPM/kr5Yz1y-68U/s1600/nomad2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7PFPfkcp6TQ/T6HL6eGxuWI/AAAAAAAACPM/kr5Yz1y-68U/s400/nomad2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
The book Nomad, by Sibella Court, was won from the girls at <a href="http://www.paperrunway.com/">Paper Runway</a>. It is inspired by her travels (she travels alot) and is quite glorious. I love her little ways of gathering collections and her use of paper in her stylings of her tableaux. It is very theatrical, a tool used to inspire creativity in your own home, rather than slavishly follow. It is a reason why I am drawn to them...they are so damn fabulous and go beyond the practical.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WsQuT_FWQpA/T6HMCvzkvTI/AAAAAAAACPU/Ksn15S79lUQ/s1600/nomad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WsQuT_FWQpA/T6HMCvzkvTI/AAAAAAAACPU/Ksn15S79lUQ/s400/nomad.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eVMwXxTm5xA/T6HMLeqKc_I/AAAAAAAACPc/8kM31XAfvKM/s1600/nomad3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eVMwXxTm5xA/T6HMLeqKc_I/AAAAAAAACPc/8kM31XAfvKM/s320/nomad3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
ON TREND<br />
Every now and again I get a little smug, when I discover little bits and pieces I have found around the traps are being featured in mags and books. My little piece of smugness today is the <a href="http://collectingfeathers.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/some-nice-vessels.html">ink bottles I found in the RSPCA shop</a>. (and paid nix for!) Similar vessels are featured in the new Inside Out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JDXTMgkRSOU/T6HUUgd7RTI/AAAAAAAACP0/tG4NxzC2uhk/s1600/nomad4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JDXTMgkRSOU/T6HUUgd7RTI/AAAAAAAACP0/tG4NxzC2uhk/s320/nomad4.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
<br />
And for <a href="http://lucyvioletvintage.blogspot.com/">Kylie,</a> you darlin' can be smug, 'cos there is a donkey and cart featured in the Nomad book...I know you featured them yesterday.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tUcceehAAuk/T6HUrbM57bI/AAAAAAAACP8/rR7zdcb2ZRc/s1600/nomad6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tUcceehAAuk/T6HUrbM57bI/AAAAAAAACP8/rR7zdcb2ZRc/s320/nomad6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
These little bits of smugness mean I have a valid place in the universe and that I exist! (For those who don't know my sense of humour, I am being wry and ironic)<br />
<br />Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15309283243839695546noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545830095398748805.post-24478926754189998232012-05-01T13:59:00.001+10:002012-05-01T19:10:27.136+10:00Too scary?I have just finished a new bunting and had to upload a pic to my <a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/collectingfeathers">Made It</a> and <a href="http://www.bluecaravan.net/collectingfeathers/item/shhh-white-hessian-banner/">Blue Caravan</a> stores. In truth, all my photos are really boring, and take all of two minutes to photograph. I thought I would put a little more consideration into my new SHHH banner, make the effort....but I am so busy, and sooo tired! (and such a whinger!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JGHaEyrdZiI/T59eMVc6EOI/AAAAAAAACOs/rlOhawMbiuQ/s1600/shhh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JGHaEyrdZiI/T59eMVc6EOI/AAAAAAAACOs/rlOhawMbiuQ/s400/shhh.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I quickly grabbed an old stool from the garage and my dear old teddy, as I have no other children's toys around the place. He hasn't got eyes anymore and his nose has basically disappeared, but I still love him. Is he too freaky?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvoHUjocA00/T5-odAbjZwI/AAAAAAAACPA/dAY24pE5_U4/s1600/teddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvoHUjocA00/T5-odAbjZwI/AAAAAAAACPA/dAY24pE5_U4/s320/teddy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As I retrieved him from his cupboard, I automatically kissed him on the forehead, as you do for babies. Infact, every time I picked him up I kissed him. Some 'things' are just bursting with memories and emotion. Bought a tear to mine old eye.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aT2FIC-4wrw/T59e82v8NqI/AAAAAAAACO0/Znk7IfvCSIU/s1600/hello.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aT2FIC-4wrw/T59e82v8NqI/AAAAAAAACO0/Znk7IfvCSIU/s400/hello.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
There is another new 'hello' banner as well. I can't get the energy to stylise that one...just tie it on the old bench...it'll do.Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15309283243839695546noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545830095398748805.post-6088914889304222102012-04-30T10:14:00.002+10:002012-04-30T10:38:44.627+10:00Last of the herbsMy gourmet daughter asked for some herbs from my garden recently. Now, my vege garden is in limbo at the moment. Dead ol' stuff has been removed (well, some of it) and new beds are being prepared. I didn't think I had much to give...but I was mistaken.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YucnywdMQWE/T53OqnbaUwI/AAAAAAAACNU/3WZTroi3vkk/s1600/herbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YucnywdMQWE/T53OqnbaUwI/AAAAAAAACNU/3WZTroi3vkk/s400/herbs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
There was masses of basil, so I decided to make some Pesto. "Should be easy," I think. Jamie makes a three course meal in 30 minutes, Martha makes gourmet meals within seconds..."I just have to get organised!"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K43aqyVLMvE/T53PCCie99I/AAAAAAAACNc/VYS5u9sp-do/s1600/haessian+banners+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K43aqyVLMvE/T53PCCie99I/AAAAAAAACNc/VYS5u9sp-do/s400/haessian+banners+054.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Well an hour and a half later, and MASSES of washing up, I ended up with just under two jars of pesto. It was quite delicious but, THE EFFORT!<br />
<br />
I have included the recipe below, I eventually opted for <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/vegetarian-recipes/basic-pesto">Jamie Oliver's</a> version. Jamie's method was a little vague, along with my daggy photos, are my comments and method. My pesto didn't turn out as bright green and moist looking as Jamie's, but it was still pretty damn good.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Ingredients</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 11px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">• ½ a clove of garlic, chopped</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 11px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 11px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">• 3 good handfuls of fresh basil, leaves picked and chopped</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 11px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">• a handful of pine nuts, very lightly toasted</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 11px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">• a good handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 11px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">• extra virgin olive oil</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 11px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">optional</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 11px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">• a small squeeze of lemon juice</span>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 11px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">MAKES ONE JAR (I doubled it)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 11px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Method</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZofIeDgVhA/T53R02IziHI/AAAAAAAACNw/E24P9J0M4Mc/s1600/herbs4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZofIeDgVhA/T53R02IziHI/AAAAAAAACNw/E24P9J0M4Mc/s320/herbs4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Wash the basil. I found all manner of critters in mine, and whilst they had a meaty, flavorsome note to the palate, I think they are better left out. I also spun the leaves in a salad spinner.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hyBhZB4b_aw/T53SvEEX_rI/AAAAAAAACN4/hLXr9RjFe9o/s1600/haessian+banners+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hyBhZB4b_aw/T53SvEEX_rI/AAAAAAAACN4/hLXr9RjFe9o/s320/haessian+banners+045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Jamie says,</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"> "the really good pestos I’ve tasted in Italy just have them very lightly toasted, to give a creaminess rather than a nuttiness." ...so I did as he said. I had to watch pretty closely, I nearly burnt them.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HBumwmnlNx4/T53TcF1wwDI/AAAAAAAACOA/TfoZ1JIZB7g/s1600/herbs6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HBumwmnlNx4/T53TcF1wwDI/AAAAAAAACOA/TfoZ1JIZB7g/s320/herbs6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Jamie says:" Pound the garlic with a little pinch of salt and the basil leaves in a pestle and mortar, or pulse in a food processor". I used a food processor. Add the pine nuts to the mixture. My mixture turned quite a </span></span><span style="line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">bilious</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"> green. Maybe because it is late in the season for basil? </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-polkqFKR2o4/T53UF_FRzCI/AAAAAAAACOI/ugK4sW7eSCU/s1600/herbs7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-polkqFKR2o4/T53UF_FRzCI/AAAAAAAACOI/ugK4sW7eSCU/s320/herbs7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"> Turn out into a bowl and add half the Parmesan. Stir gently and add olive oil . Now Jamie says "You need just enough to bind the sauce and get it to an oozy consistency." BUT I found that I had to add an awful lot of olive oil. It seemed like a couple of cupfuls...I kid you not. The end result was not as oozy looking as Jamie's, but I just couldn't bear myself to put in ANOTHER cup of olive oil!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_vNEpooLUo/T53U1RuxGCI/AAAAAAAACOQ/Qt0kq87Anqg/s1600/herbs9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_vNEpooLUo/T53U1RuxGCI/AAAAAAAACOQ/Qt0kq87Anqg/s320/herbs9.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Jamie says: Season to taste, then add most of the remaining cheese. Pour in some more oil and taste again. Keep adding a bit more </span><a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/cheese-recipes" style="background-color: white; color: #668f00; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">cheese</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"> or oil until you are happy with the taste and consistency. You may like to add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to give it a little twang, but it’s not essential. Try it with and without and see which you prefer. Personally, I don't get the tasting. After a couple of tastes they all merge, and I really don't know what I am supposed to be tasting for.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ycXmfxwUP2k/T53YwNuHBmI/AAAAAAAACOg/aFJJYYCG4FI/s1600/herbs12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ycXmfxwUP2k/T53YwNuHBmI/AAAAAAAACOg/aFJJYYCG4FI/s320/herbs12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">I use my lovely red jam funnel to fill my glass jars. I was trying to be all "Martha" and sourced some labels to stick on the jars from </span><a href="http://www.howaboutorange.blogspot.com.au/2011/09/adventures-in-canning-printable-jar.html" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">here</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">, but they didn't turn out very well. As you can see, the colour of my pesto isn't the same as in the shops. I couldn't find a pen, or a pencil, so ended up writing 'pesto' is daggy texta. It took me ages to wash the dishes. (we don't have a dishwasher) Anyhoo, my daughter lurved the pesto, which is all that matters, but is it just me...is all this effort simply too much effort?</span></div>
<br />Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15309283243839695546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545830095398748805.post-51429051337633147722012-04-29T19:40:00.000+10:002012-04-29T19:56:20.478+10:00Some nice vesselsMy op shopping forays have been pretty sparse lately...but I managed to pick these up from a local RSPCA oppy. They were very easy to overlook, and yet...they beckoned!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NaQEYpI_t9E/T50BZ4nkaiI/AAAAAAAACMo/xMHDexMGmng/s1600/gwynn+hansen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NaQEYpI_t9E/T50BZ4nkaiI/AAAAAAAACMo/xMHDexMGmng/s640/gwynn+hansen.jpg" width="417" /></a></div>
<br />
When I got home and actually looked at them with my glasses on, I found a couple were stamped. One has "6 Price 13 Bristol" and another has "Fowler 919".<br />
<br />
The pic is my little homage to <a href="http://qagoma.qld.gov.au/collection/contemporary_australian_art/gwyn_hanssen_pigott">Gwynn Hanssen Pigott</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HTQEtr-U7HA/T50DA-XUHyI/AAAAAAAACMw/Ab5BmjpSSl0/s1600/gwynn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HTQEtr-U7HA/T50DA-XUHyI/AAAAAAAACMw/Ab5BmjpSSl0/s320/gwynn.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://magicbeanonline.blogspot.com.au/2008/01/homewares-gwyn-piggott.html">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There is a little beauty of a stopper that was included. I think they may have been used in an Apothecary shop but on doing a bit of <a href="http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/52361361/INK_BOTTLE_BOURNE_DENBY_STONEWARE.html">research</a>, some of them may have been ink bottles.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-glPYW_MabjM/T50Fn39AZCI/AAAAAAAACM8/dKl58J0lWyU/s1600/gwynn+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-glPYW_MabjM/T50Fn39AZCI/AAAAAAAACM8/dKl58J0lWyU/s320/gwynn+2.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
<br />
Originally I was going to sell them on...but as with most things, they are being retained in the house. What isn't? Why can't I let go!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-duOMpDT1zhg/T50P8RM9myI/AAAAAAAACNI/-KcpMrzmfws/s1600/salvia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-duOMpDT1zhg/T50P8RM9myI/AAAAAAAACNI/-KcpMrzmfws/s400/salvia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And just for the memories, Easter Russian sage and a clear table.<br />
<br />
Playing with <a href="http://herlibraryadventures.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/flea-market-finds_29.html">Sophie</a>Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15309283243839695546noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545830095398748805.post-21437404270216676722012-04-01T12:32:00.000+10:002012-04-01T21:33:31.241+10:00TalaTo continue on my current cake decorating obsession, I picked up this Tala Icing Set from the oppy last week. I love the old icing syringe. It looks like some Victorian immunisation device.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o4oqDchxeKg/T3e87aK-fUI/AAAAAAAACMg/q3D2EboGHVY/s1600/tala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o4oqDchxeKg/T3e87aK-fUI/AAAAAAAACMg/q3D2EboGHVY/s400/tala.jpg" width="335" /></a></div>
<br />
The set came complete with a foldout booklet, and a cutting from a newspaper, circa 1962, Around the House with Susan Worth, addressing the storage of winter woollens. Funny that the cutting was about cleaning rather than cooking. I expected a brilliant cake recipe.<br />
<br />
Anyhoo, I am going to get started on my flower decorations today. At I haven't any cutters etc, I will have to make them up, so have decided to begin with a very simple flower, the Frangipani...this may be interesting!<br />
<br />
Playing with <a href="http://herlibraryadventures.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/flea-market-finds.html">Sophie</a> today.<br />
<br />Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15309283243839695546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545830095398748805.post-21221139459781735032012-04-01T11:17:00.002+10:002012-04-01T11:21:28.719+10:00Slow and as mindful as a turtleAlthough I am back to work, it is at a very slow pace. I really don't know how I used to fit everything into my day! I have rationalised my new pace to some blogs that I started looking at whilst I was recovering from my operation. I have known about the <a href="http://www.slowmovement.com/slow_living.php">slow movement</a> and mindful living for years now, but really haven't had enough time to to put those practices into place. Ah the irony!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: justify;">“Mindfulness is a certain way of paying attention that is healing, that is restorative, that is reminding you of who you actually are so that you don’t wind up getting entrained into being a human </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: justify;">doing</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: justify;"> rather than a human </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: justify;">being</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: justify;">.”</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><br />
So now I am concentrating about being rather than doing. In truth , this is a pretty boring post unless you are interested in swamp critters, but one of the reasons that I started this blog was to document my life...however, mundane.<br />
<br />
It has rained every day this year in our neck of the woods. When the sun broke through for about half an hour I took a little walk down to our dam. I look at our dam, every day, but it has been about a year since I have actually sat down and experienced it...and it it only 20 metres from our front door. So here are some pics of what I see everyday from my window.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--fcbFm90H-0/T3ehn7NjgrI/AAAAAAAACLY/5oIZJIfUot4/s1600/swamp+turtles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--fcbFm90H-0/T3ehn7NjgrI/AAAAAAAACLY/5oIZJIfUot4/s400/swamp+turtles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I have seen up to 20 turtles, on this log...often stacked on top of each other. (Is that turtle sex? If so they must have orgies!) The water looks muddy because of all of the rain.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qE9OhSzYeg/T3endXBy_-I/AAAAAAAACMA/waIvNCSNv6M/s1600/ducks2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qE9OhSzYeg/T3endXBy_-I/AAAAAAAACMA/waIvNCSNv6M/s400/ducks2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Today the ducks came along and pushed the turtles off!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGmgFrHCeaY/T3eiXY1CUSI/AAAAAAAACLg/iEtII3ESFaQ/s1600/swamp+lilly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGmgFrHCeaY/T3eiXY1CUSI/AAAAAAAACLg/iEtII3ESFaQ/s400/swamp+lilly.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
When we first bought our property, the dam was covered in water lilies. It was like Monet's garden. I even envisioned a pretty bridge spanning the water. Subsequent flooding has moved them to the neighbouring dam. We do have a couple left though. As I sat to take the pic I realised there were hundreds of dragonflies whirring around me. It was actually quite noisy. It reminded me of the scene in Harry Potter where he had to get the key from the insects (birds?). I thought they would hit me, but they didn't. I tried to take some arty shots, but they were really quick! Look closely and you can see the shadows of their wings. Pretty darn amazing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FjgfzJ4E4fQ/T3eiicQtXhI/AAAAAAAACLo/YnOfZtrBZvQ/s1600/swamp+dragonflies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FjgfzJ4E4fQ/T3eiicQtXhI/AAAAAAAACLo/YnOfZtrBZvQ/s400/swamp+dragonflies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_4Cfu7zz1VM/T3eiuEzh-uI/AAAAAAAACLw/xT6TWMqgN94/s1600/swamp+dragonfly2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_4Cfu7zz1VM/T3eiuEzh-uI/AAAAAAAACLw/xT6TWMqgN94/s400/swamp+dragonfly2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darter">Darter</a> has been living on this branch for about a year now. When it swims in the water, its body is submerged, and its exposed neck looks like a snake. It scared the living daylights out of me until I realised it was a bird. I thought the dam was infested with snakes!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ruk8_9hwqLM/T3eqqN2LkqI/AAAAAAAACMY/KoS72PZkDPE/s1600/darter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ruk8_9hwqLM/T3eqqN2LkqI/AAAAAAAACMY/KoS72PZkDPE/s400/darter.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n1U_lgXZgKY/T3epyNyJCjI/AAAAAAAACMQ/VZtTTRxQbL0/s1600/darter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n1U_lgXZgKY/T3epyNyJCjI/AAAAAAAACMQ/VZtTTRxQbL0/s400/darter.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div>Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15309283243839695546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545830095398748805.post-54413233404735007642012-03-29T12:02:00.002+11:002012-03-29T12:10:30.015+11:00Back to workI have finally got back to work this week, after my 'little holiday'. Miraculously, the pain stopped sometime last week. One day I was in pain, the next I wasn't. Most peculiar.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ri3bbG9ON3M/T3OxWm5TLiI/AAAAAAAACLI/bxlk1TO_h2M/s1600/finally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ri3bbG9ON3M/T3OxWm5TLiI/AAAAAAAACLI/bxlk1TO_h2M/s400/finally.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Custom orders are now being taken for my hessian banners. I am presently slotting in Monday as my main screen printing day, so custom orders will need to be given by Sunday night. They should be sent out by Friday of the same week. Contact me at collectingfeathers@gmail.com to discuss your specs. Ofcourse I also carry stock of most of the other banners I offer. They are available in my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/collectingfeathers/app_135607783795">Facebook Store</a> and my <a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/collectingfeathers">Made It</a> store.<br />
<br />
I don't think I ever put this photo on the blog, although it was on Facebook. The banner ordered by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/redwagonevents">Red Wagon Events</a> was LOVE SWEET LOVE. Doesn't the table look gorgeous?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BlgE00pcGf8/T3O1nCnBLrI/AAAAAAAACLQ/y9JbkGnk1g8/s1600/red+wagon.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BlgE00pcGf8/T3O1nCnBLrI/AAAAAAAACLQ/y9JbkGnk1g8/s400/red+wagon.PNG" width="305" /></a></div>
<br />
I have been a busy little Miss today. I have actually sat down and attempted to learn a few Facebook skills for the new look FB. New shops have been added to my updated <a href="https://www.facebook.com/collectingfeathers">facebook</a> page. One is an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/collectingfeathers">etsy</a> link,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NEO5bppI3nA/T3OwAt0c2bI/AAAAAAAACKw/L5qnySzRiMs/s1600/Capture+collecting+feathers.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NEO5bppI3nA/T3OwAt0c2bI/AAAAAAAACKw/L5qnySzRiMs/s320/Capture+collecting+feathers.PNG" width="308" /></a></div>
<br />
the other is a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/collectingfeathers/app_135607783795">facebook shop</a> just for my hessian banners. As you can see, I have just discovered the Snipping Tool as well!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j_cdKB_RshE/T3Owp8aqJhI/AAAAAAAACK4/BQpUxnJ0AEY/s1600/hessian+collecting+feathers+capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j_cdKB_RshE/T3Owp8aqJhI/AAAAAAAACK4/BQpUxnJ0AEY/s320/hessian+collecting+feathers+capture.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2HdBteB5uHM/T3Ow3zFFvEI/AAAAAAAACLA/QwDf6GR69AQ/s1600/shop+now.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2HdBteB5uHM/T3Ow3zFFvEI/AAAAAAAACLA/QwDf6GR69AQ/s1600/shop+now.PNG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Facebook is amazing. Within one minute of officially launching my hessian banner shop, I had a sale, within 20 minutes I had a couple of enquiries. I was very timid about the whole Facebook phenomenon, but it looks as if I will have to commit some time every day to it from now on.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Onwards and upwards! I am off to do some screen printing.</div>Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15309283243839695546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545830095398748805.post-20011091026264093872012-03-23T12:29:00.001+11:002012-03-23T12:48:55.690+11:00Easter bunnies and more beauty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I have been sitting here, lazily trawling the net, trying to find beautiful things to look at. I returned to a favourite today, <a href="http://www.frederiquemorrel.com/">Frederique Morrel</a>. She uses vintage needlework to cover polyurethane sculptures and they are gobsmacking! A recent exhibition in Brussels titled "Horny Bunnies" includes some very well endowed and naughty bunnies.(I have included a less offensive photo below)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GIrAPOvapT8/T2vJ-NoO4II/AAAAAAAACJw/MOONdkIMe3k/s1600/bunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GIrAPOvapT8/T2vJ-NoO4II/AAAAAAAACJw/MOONdkIMe3k/s400/bunny.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/207773_201593556548030_102214526485934_559633_6250793_n.jpg">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFeVBI_ZuLg/T2vJoFRdWjI/AAAAAAAACJo/ylT-o6nZnd4/s1600/twodeer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFeVBI_ZuLg/T2vJoFRdWjI/AAAAAAAACJo/ylT-o6nZnd4/s400/twodeer.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/215110_201594039881315_7753909_n.jpg">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--uaiPC4VDXE/T2vLSw116CI/AAAAAAAACJ4/ODbXl9YrBSw/s1600/frederique+morrel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--uaiPC4VDXE/T2vLSw116CI/AAAAAAAACJ4/ODbXl9YrBSw/s640/frederique+morrel.jpg" width="355" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/373925_297194950321223_102214526485934_941815_759946608_n.jpg">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Biubmadhb-k/T2vOm1ptP8I/AAAAAAAACKo/FP0UYx2sH0s/s1600/apoco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Biubmadhb-k/T2vOm1ptP8I/AAAAAAAACKo/FP0UYx2sH0s/s400/apoco.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/205046_201593863214666_4148062_n.jpg">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Oh I could go on and on! There must nary be a tapestry left in Europe. Where does she get them from? Or is she getting them made up in Bali?<br />
<br />
I remember that a few years ago that FM used to do a home wares range, and I wondered at that stage how she could spare the tapestries (as they are finite) and as her artworks were priced higher. It now looks as if she doesn't sell these little objects any more, the shop has disappeared, but I found some old pics for inspiration.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tI9wtOkATfo/T2vM9R-5RHI/AAAAAAAACKI/uiJq2EkC_pI/s1600/tower+of+poufs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tI9wtOkATfo/T2vM9R-5RHI/AAAAAAAACKI/uiJq2EkC_pI/s400/tower+of+poufs.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vLd_PBEZYqA/T2vNYmhIgtI/AAAAAAAACKY/Z-MNV8M9k0U/s1600/010808lamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vLd_PBEZYqA/T2vNYmhIgtI/AAAAAAAACKY/Z-MNV8M9k0U/s320/010808lamp.jpg" width="173" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-styfAc4Up4s/T2vMTDencbI/AAAAAAAACKA/yxbNiaV_YaU/s1600/couch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-styfAc4Up4s/T2vMTDencbI/AAAAAAAACKA/yxbNiaV_YaU/s400/couch.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/new-pieces-from-frederique-mor-77542">source</a><br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-60T18L6dh9M/T2vNf2DGhzI/AAAAAAAACKg/ACg6w4wecHM/s1600/010808tapestries+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-60T18L6dh9M/T2vNf2DGhzI/AAAAAAAACKg/ACg6w4wecHM/s400/010808tapestries+(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/remade-tapestry-products-from-39880">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Methinks I will make me a pouf, to rest my lazy feet upon. (This is after I finished my self taught cake decorating course)<br />
<br />
<br />Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15309283243839695546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545830095398748805.post-12795801378596025472012-03-22T22:40:00.000+11:002012-03-22T22:40:02.640+11:00Lazy, rainy dayIt is raining here today...again, our summer here has been quite soggy and dreary. I am still taking it easy and so have spent the whole day darting from site to site on the net.<br />
<br />
I started fixating on cake decorating half way through the day. As a child, I wanted to become a cake decorator, and the other day, I saw a course was being held at Lismore. I was in a crazy, risk taking mood and told myself that I would pay up to $150 for the course. However, I was in for a surprise when they told me it was $300 for an eight hour lesson, plus I would have to supply, cakes, biscuits, icing, icing colours, gum paste, rolling pin, measuring cups, spatulas and other items. Anything else?<br />
<br />
Of course that prompted me to do a little research. Being of a thrifty nature, I am fully capable of learning cake decorating from the internet! In my perusing, I came across somebody that has been described as the Manolo Blanik of cake decorators, <a href="http://www.weddingcakes.com/#/home/">Ron Ben-Israel</a>. Really his skill and vision belies belief!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z2pZnWCwVgc/T2sFn1njfKI/AAAAAAAACIQ/2NUx7b3CMbg/s1600/cakes4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z2pZnWCwVgc/T2sFn1njfKI/AAAAAAAACIQ/2NUx7b3CMbg/s320/cakes4.jpg" width="212" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ek2L6-r6QM/T2sFg_DhoHI/AAAAAAAACII/QpgRMExd-6Y/s1600/cakes5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ek2L6-r6QM/T2sFg_DhoHI/AAAAAAAACII/QpgRMExd-6Y/s320/cakes5.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
All of the flowers are sugar! Most cakes I found that were comparable used fresh flowers, nobody came anywhere near the skill of this man!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bJpwJNlig68/T2sGuulITTI/AAAAAAAACJI/ITQzyfFGdHQ/s1600/cake+process3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bJpwJNlig68/T2sGuulITTI/AAAAAAAACJI/ITQzyfFGdHQ/s320/cake+process3.jpg" width="270" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RWxUMOSo8_s/T2sGnueeS9I/AAAAAAAACJA/UZyuxJ1p90w/s1600/cake+mad+hatter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RWxUMOSo8_s/T2sGnueeS9I/AAAAAAAACJA/UZyuxJ1p90w/s320/cake+mad+hatter.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
These are both cakes! The first is part of a Mad Hatters Tea Party range of cakes, the other, a massive cake urn with a gorgeous cascade of flowers, complete with green frogs and butterflies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KnrOxPGUqvo/T2sHVrDgFMI/AAAAAAAACJQ/8uKQLKYAbCc/s1600/cake+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KnrOxPGUqvo/T2sHVrDgFMI/AAAAAAAACJQ/8uKQLKYAbCc/s400/cake+closeup.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Oprah and Martha Stewart are his mates. He is the darling of the New York entertainment scene.There is also a blog by his off-sider, <a href="http://nyccakegirl.com/">NY Cake Girl</a> which has lots of fabulous behind the scenes tidbits for cake decorating wannabees like me, including tutorials. I particularly like the process pictures on his <a href="http://www.facebook.com/RBICAKES">facebook</a> page.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uckjZbu4IDc/T2sF1NCv12I/AAAAAAAACIY/rQgsxvXpxW8/s1600/cakeprocess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uckjZbu4IDc/T2sF1NCv12I/AAAAAAAACIY/rQgsxvXpxW8/s320/cakeprocess.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xY8lhxHR0o/T2sF9op-7xI/AAAAAAAACIg/ms--EIwUqTY/s1600/cakesprocess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xY8lhxHR0o/T2sF9op-7xI/AAAAAAAACIg/ms--EIwUqTY/s320/cakesprocess.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I started off thinking I could make a (daggy) rose or two to adorn a sunken cupcake, but ye gods, the bar has risen so high, I think I shall give up before I even start. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nybMbUetfSk/T2sGZ3_cb_I/AAAAAAAACI4/ZaIdWdcvfxU/s1600/cakes+process2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nybMbUetfSk/T2sGZ3_cb_I/AAAAAAAACI4/ZaIdWdcvfxU/s320/cakes+process2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hmm he makes it look so easy</div>Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15309283243839695546noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545830095398748805.post-10142285640728151842012-03-15T10:11:00.001+11:002012-03-15T10:18:10.459+11:00Dodgy nail kitJust a quickie. I made this nail scissor kit this morning for my husband. He is going on a business trip and (I think) needs to upkeep some semblance of 'couth'. As I know that he will leave these items around the bathroom to become rusty, I made up a vinyl nail kit from some old offcuts. It is presumed that with a home to return the items to, he will do so...but (heavy sigh) I know that they will be left in puddles of water, or lost under the bed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0YIgzpM-jg/T2EiOtB2eRI/AAAAAAAACHY/mXLfx8Peq8Y/s1600/nail+kit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0YIgzpM-jg/T2EiOtB2eRI/AAAAAAAACHY/mXLfx8Peq8Y/s400/nail+kit2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
You can't say I haven't tried though. I put some spiffy white triangles on the front for easy visibility. I am afraid they are very wonky and dodgy. I couldn't be bothered putting a fourth one on.That demned vinyl! It moves and stretches like nobody's business. There must be a special sewing machine foot for this material.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WSjOokYGe5k/T2EiWWKv-2I/AAAAAAAACHg/uaTx49FSwbI/s1600/nail+kit4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WSjOokYGe5k/T2EiWWKv-2I/AAAAAAAACHg/uaTx49FSwbI/s400/nail+kit4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
If I wasn't in such a rush, I would redo it, but sometimes the wonky things in life are the most memorable. When he is away from me, my husband can look at it and remember me fondly, whilst choking back the tears.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4xiQxG9-AhE/T2Eicp9ZV7I/AAAAAAAACHo/O73Ozbk26c4/s1600/nail+kit5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4xiQxG9-AhE/T2Eicp9ZV7I/AAAAAAAACHo/O73Ozbk26c4/s400/nail+kit5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Anyhoo, segue, as I was sewing/wrestling with the vinyl, I thought of all the vinyl clothes in the sixties by designers like Pierrre Cardin and Rudi Gernreich. How did they get such clean lines on the seams?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X_ONUig2zL0/T2EjwV0ScDI/AAAAAAAACHw/p-W4oTLrNaI/s1600/6a00e54ef168098833010535f37ddd970b-800wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X_ONUig2zL0/T2EjwV0ScDI/AAAAAAAACHw/p-W4oTLrNaI/s400/6a00e54ef168098833010535f37ddd970b-800wi.jpg" width="336" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theswellelife.com/swelle_life/2008/11/christies-resurrection-auction-offers-vintage-">Pierre Cardin</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O2Azt7Eqs6Y/T2EkGjQHj4I/AAAAAAAACIA/h1xB4-jUpZU/s1600/AGERNREICHF24_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O2Azt7Eqs6Y/T2EkGjQHj4I/AAAAAAAACIA/h1xB4-jUpZU/s400/AGERNREICHF24_small.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.american-buddha.com/gernreich.24.htm">Rudi Gernreich</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am playing again at <a href="http://ourcreativespaces.blogspot.com.au/">Our Creative Space</a>. Pop on over to see lots of creative goodness.Nickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15309283243839695546noreply@blogger.com1