Imagination In Flight

Visual Arts Class

2011-03-12T07:00:00.001+10:00

As I shared with you all earlier in the week, my son and mum are in Japan (In Tokyo yesterday) at the moment. The earthquake has been a very scary experience, had me freaking out there for a while but I'm very happy to say that my son and mum are safe.

I wanted to share with you all what I've been doing in my Visual Arts Class.

Yesterday in class we spent the day drawing and painting apples. Mind you I have only been using charcoal. I'm a very precise, neat, clean artist. So I find the messiness of charcoal hard to deal with mentally (even though I understand how to use it), it drives me crazy but I really want to be able to because I love the look of charcoal drawings. There are 9 of us in the class and it has been wonderful to watch everyone's process and results. I'm very slow, I like to take my time, part of the precise part of my nature I guess. Do a bit, step back and assess, do a bit more. Yesterday I got 3 of my 6 needed drawings done. Here is two of my favourites.

This was my second drawing today and I'm pretty happy with the result but there are some areas that I want to do a little bit more work on.

So after sitting there and munching down on one of my apples, this was my 3rd drawing. I really like the way this turned out.

So this weekend and next week I will be working on the other pictures that I need to get done and then cropping out parts of my drawings that I like the composition. From these croppings I will be picking one to paint in the style of Matisse on a very large scale. Which more than just a little bit scary.

So stay tuned for some more pics.

Finally Bit the Bullet

2011-03-10T06:00:00.002+10:00

I have known for a while that I really need to loose some weight. I really hate being on a diet, counting calories but the time had come. On Monday I downloaded the My Fitness Pal app for my iPhone, looked up some healthy recipes, went and bought some healthy food and started.

You know what it hasn't been too bad. In fact lots of the meals have been really yummy.

My son would be so proud of me. I cooked chicken that I coated by hand and then cooked and ate. Which is a big step for me I really don't like the look or smell of raw meat and if I do get to the point of cooking it I normally chicken out (pardon the pun) on eating it. I'm OK with mince and sausages but anything else is really hard.

The Digits

So *cough cough* I currently weigh 120kg and I want to get down to 80kg.

I know myself and I know that's a big step to try and take so I have set a mini goal of getting down to 110kg by the 16th of May. That's 10kg in ten weeks.

I'm going to be blogging my progress, recipes and other useful info once a week to help me stick with it.

Now You Know My ABC's

2011-03-07T07:00:00.001+10:00

Zoe over at A Giraffe in a Scarf did this on her blog so I thought why not. If you want to join in add your link over on Zoe's blog.

A for Age: *Cough Cough* 29

B for Bed Size: Queen

C for Chore You Dislike: All them, The only one that I can stand is folding clean washing

D for Dogs: We had a dog when I was really young called Bessie Boo but I don't remember her. I would love to have a little do but the owner of my place wont allow it

E for Essential Start to Your Day: Turning on my laptop. It doesn't matter if I'm not going to be home all day I always turn on my laptop and check things

F for Favourite Colour: It sounds so boring but I love Grey

G for Gold or Silver: I have both but I wear silver these days

H for Height: 162cm

I for Instruments You Play(ed): I played Piano for a couple of years when I was younger

J for Job Title: I'm a Student so I don't have a Job Title

K for Kids: One 12yo son. Might have more later on but that would require finding a man

L for Live: Deagon, Brisbane, Queensland Australia

M for Mum's Name: Susan

N for Nicknames: I get Jess a lot but mum calls me Jessie but I don't like it

O for Overnight Hospital Stays: Broken leg when I was a kid, had to have a pin put in then taken out later. Having my Son. Also had my gallbladder taken out in my early 20s

P for Pet Peeves: People talking with their mouth full of food.

Q for Quote From A Movie: I don't have any quotes from movies

R for Righty or Lefty: Left

S for Siblings: One younger brother who lives on Whistler Canada. He went over there years ago for a holiday and we haven't been able to get him back since. *Hint hint Uri*

T for Time You Wake Up: I get when my son is going to school but sometimes end up going back to bed if I don't have something on. I'm a night person so mornings are not my good time.

U for Underwear: If I'm leaving the house that day then I wear what I have nicknamed my "suck me in's". Otherwise briefs.

V for Veggie's You Don't Like: Mushrooms yuck yuck yuck. Just the thought makes me feel like heaving.

W for What Makes You Run Late: Public Transport. I hate being late.

X for X-Rays You've Had: Heaps for times for my knees. Every couple of years my knee starts playing up and I go for new ones.

Y for Yummy Food You Make: I love to bake but I don't tend to eat what I bake. For me the fun is in the baking.

Z for Zoo Animal Favourites: Giraffe's and Orangutan's

Where is the World is My Son............

2011-03-06T06:00:00.007+10:00

My Son is in JAPAN

Last Thursday my son and mum flew out of Brisbane to Cairns and then on to Tokyo on Friday. My 12 day break didn't start out that well for me, because I some how got food poisoning but I'm all better now and last night my mum transferred these pics to me. So I thought that I would share them with you all.

Mum and Dion are skiing in Hakuba and then to Tokyo for shopping etc.

Don't forget to enter my current competition

Hop Hop

2011-03-05T02:56:00.000+10:00

Look what I found on my window when I went to close my windows late the other night.

Gave a bit of a surprise when I pulled back the curtain.

It's Competition Time

2011-03-03T06:00:00.004+10:00

Ok people it's competition time. I still have 6 spots left on my Day Zero Project - 101 in 1001 days (You can read what have so far by clicking the tab above) and I'm wanting ideas. So I'm opening it up to all of you for suggestions.

Here is how it's going to work.

Leave a comment with your suggestion/idea and a way for me to contact you if you are a winner.
If you blog or tweet about the giveaway then leave a comment here you will receive another entry but you must have already left a suggestion/idea comment
On the 20th of March 2011 my son and I will read through all the suggestions and we will both pick a winner.
Be creative, the winners will not be drawn randomly, I will be most likely looking for a really creative idea and I wouldn't be surprised if Dion doesn't pick something that will put me out of my comfort zone. But just so you all know, things like bungy jumping and skydiving will not be happening, hehe.

The winners will win a hand painted fancy initial (A4 size) of your choice just like the ones below.

So what do you think that I should do?

35. Get an IQ2

2011-02-28T07:00:00.001+10:00

Those that know me know that I love a gadget. I have wanted an IQ2 (IQHD) ever since I got cable tv. After getting ticked off one to many times that I couldn't record two things at once and watch another thing I bit the bullet. And now woo hoo we have IQ2.

Link

So happy with it. It wasn't till the other night when I didn't like the look of anything that was on so I had a look at the movie catalogue and picked something out that I realized how good it really is.

Visual Arts - Blind Contour Drawing

2011-02-26T07:00:00.001+10:00

Last week I had my first day on my new course. This year I'm studying Cert 3 in Visual Arts and Contemporary Craft. But it's hard to call it studying, today I did nothing but paint from the moment I walked into class till the very end of the day.

I thought that I would share with you all one of the very first things that we learnt in class and something we start with any day that we are drawing.

Blind Contour Drawing

Blind contour drawing is drawing the outlines of an object without looking at the page and without taking your pencil off the page. It really helps to train your hand/eye coordination, by doing this you can train you eye so you can draw what's in front of you.

Link

It really doesn't matter what you are drawing or that what it ends up looking like what you have been drawing. My teacher gets us to draw the same thing over and over again on the same piece of paper. These drawings can then be used to create other pieces of artwork.

Next week I can hopefully remember to take some pics of the artwork that I have been working on from my blind contour drawings.

23. Buy a Great Camera

2011-02-22T00:54:00.002+10:00

Not long before Christmas my camera was starting to get worse (draining batteries really fast) so after doing my research I finally decided on the Pentax RZ10. So off to the city we traveled to pick it up, by shear luck I stopping off at another camera shop before going to the one I had planned and they had it for $50 less. Woo hoo score.

So here is my new baby!!

Link

My last camera was a Pentax, I just loved the way that it worked so I knew that this one was going to be good but it has exceeded my expectations.

Now its not the camera, I will have to take some photography lessons to get my pics better.

Tutorial Time........

2011-02-17T18:23:00.000+10:00

The other night I was check out a bunch of blogs when I came across Dude Craft and Paul's amazing Papercut Portrait tutorial. OMG what an amazing idea. There are times when you see something and you just have to try it.

So two days later I finally tracked down card that I was happy with and I turned this favourite pic of my son and I,

Into this.....

I cant believe how well it turned out.

Check out the tutorial here to make your own.

DudeCraft - Paper Cut Portrait Tutorial from Paul Overton on Vimeo.

I did a couple of things different from the tutorial. I used picnik to change my pic to posterize. I wanted my finished artwork to big really big, so I printed my pic over 9pages (3wide by 3 high, on landscape but it might be different depending on the pic as I had already cropped the pic) and taped the pages together. When I posterized my pic on picnik I chose to used 4 colours/shades.

I really thought that this was going to be really hard but it was much easier than I thought. I cant wait to have it framed and on my wall.

I'm Back - What I'm up to

2011-02-14T07:00:00.002+10:00

I know it's been a while and there has been so much that has happened since I last blogged. Christmas, Brisbane flooded, my son started high school, there was a death in the family, I returned to TAFE, ticked of couple of my day zero goals and we also have some very exciting news that I'm going to share with you all very soon.

So today I'm going to share with you all what I have been working on

As some of you might remember we are currently making over my sons bedroom, if you didn't catch that post you can read about it here. Over the holidays I spotted a crochet rug on a website (I cant remember where, oops) my son loved it and wanted one like it for his new room. So here is my work in progress.

It was only about 50cm across here and has grown since I took this pic. I'm making it using 180cm wide stretch jersey knit that I got from J.J's at Redcliffe for only $4 a mitre cut into strips and sewn together to make a very long cord. I don't have a pattern so I'm just winging it, I have had to undo a couple of rows a couple of times but I think I'm onto a formula now that is working.

Stay tuned for follow up pics, I will also be blogging some of the things that have happened since I last blogged.

Twelve Days of Christmas Around the World - Japan

2010-12-13T22:41:00.000+10:00

Today is the first day of Twelve Days of Christmas Around the World. All the counties were picked by spinning the world on Google Earth and where ever I clicked was a country that I would feature. So day one is....

Japan

Christmas is not national holiday in Japan but is becoming more and more celebrated in the last couple of decades.

The traditional Japanese Christmas food is the Christmas Cake, usually made of sponge cake, strawberries and whipped cream.

These are Fried Wonton's apparently they are made at Christmas time in Japan.

I'm so going to try them out. they look and sound so yummy.

Furoshiki is the Japanese art of wrapping using cloth.

(Link)

I have wrapped presents this way before and it looked great. Also the Furoshiki used to wrap the present is like another present.

Here is a guide to wrapping with a Furoshiki.

See a larger version here

I have a friend that wraps all her presents like this with beautiful tea towels.

Twelve Days of Craft - Day Twelve

2010-12-12T19:22:00.000+10:00

Today is the last day, of craft, tomorrow I'm starting The Twelve days of Christmas Around the World. Today's tutorial is Felt Christmas Ornaments from Zakka Life

These ornaments are so beautiful and you could whip some up in an afternoon.

I hope that you have all enjoyed all the great tutorials.

Twelve Days of Craft - Day Eleven

2010-12-12T19:11:00.000+10:00

Day Eleven tutorial is Felt Gift Tags from The Purl Bee.

Wouldn't these look great on you Christmas presents. So cute and so easy to make.

Twelve Days of Craft - Day Ten

2010-12-12T19:00:00.000+10:00

Ok I'm running late again, so so busy atm, so many orders. Day tens tutorial is Paper Christmas Wreath from The Red Thread. I think that even the kids could have a go at this one.

I'm going to pick up the supplies for this one so Dion can give it a go next week.

Twelve Days of Craft - Day Nine

2010-12-10T03:27:00.000+10:00

OK this is one for the kids. Water Bottle Holder Tutorial from Disney Family Fun. This would be great idea for kids to take on all those school holiday activities.

And it doesn't take any sewing.

Twelve Days of Craft - Day Eight

2010-12-08T22:53:00.000+10:00

Today's tutorial is from one of my twitter friends Dannielle with her tutorial How to Make a Softie Christmas Ornament

These ornaments are just so cute.

BTW have you checked out Dannielle's ebook Living Within Your Means. I ordered it a while ago and it's fantastic.

Twelve Days of Craft - Day Seven

2010-12-08T22:28:00.000+10:00

OK I'm a little late but here is Day Seven's Tutorial. This is a fantastic tutorial on Folding a Gift Bag from Wren.

And don't they just look great made from maps.

Twelve Days of Craft - Day Six

2010-12-06T23:55:00.000+10:00

Today's tutorial is one for all the family to join in together on, Christmas Decoration Tutorial from The Red Thread. A great way to use up all your scraps if you are a sewer.

Another one that I just have to do. These will be just perfect on our tree.

Twelve Days of Craft - Day Five

2010-12-06T09:15:00.000+10:00

This one is for all the doily lovers out there, Doily Tin Tutorial from Martha Stewart. Wouldn't these be lovely to be given as gifts filled with Christmas cookies.

These would also look great on notebooks.

Twelve Days of Craft - Day Four

2010-12-05T02:40:00.000+10:00

As most of you all know I love snowflakes, I love the symmetry and beauty of them. So today I bring you a Paper Snowflake Tutorial from Martha Stewart.

Aren't these so pretty. My son and I are going to start making some of these when he has finished school for the year.

Twelve Days of Craft - Day Three

2010-12-04T00:01:00.000+10:00

Today's tutorial would make a great gift for you one of your loved ones that have a fury friend. This fantastic adorable Dog Leash Tutorial is from The Purl Bee.

If I can find the time I'm going to make one of these for a good friend of mine for Christmas. The Purl Bee tutorials are really well done, great close up pics and easy to understand.

Twelve Days of Craft - Day Two

2010-12-03T02:49:00.000+10:00

OK so today I thought that we could get into the holiday spirit with this next tutorial, a Gingerbread House Ornament I found over at Sew, Mama, Sew!

Isn't that just the cutest thing and I'm sure this is something that even some of the older kids can tackle.

I'm so going to be making some of these after my market on Sunday.

Some New Goodies

2010-12-01T22:38:00.000+10:00

Over the last week I have finished some great new goodies, and they are now in both my Madeit and Etsy shops.

Doily Pattern Christmas Decorations Set of 3

Puppy Super Hero Finger Puppets

Beaded Bow Headbands

I will be working out cutoff date for Christmas Orders some time in the next day, so stay tuned for that.

Twelve Days of Craft - Day One

2010-12-01T22:17:00.000+10:00

One the first day of craft your blog host brought to you a Snow Globe Soap tutorial.

As soon I saw this tutorial from Alphamom for Snow Globe Soap I knew that I had to share it with you all, also it's a great activity for kids and parents to do together. Wouldn't these make a great present for your child's class mates.

I will be having a crafty giveaway sometime during the twelve days of craft, so stay tuned.

More Headbandy Goodness

2010-11-22T10:36:00.000+10:00

Have you checked out my new headbands. Each on is one of a kind. While I might have more of that yarn each doily is vintage recycled. So if you like one get in now before you miss out.

Now in both my Madeit and Etsy shops

Handmade Christmas Pledge Update - Some Goodies on Madeit

2010-11-22T01:04:00.000+10:00

So today's post is all things i would love to get for Christmas. Over this last week I have also order this great card for my sons teacher.

From Rose Cottage Cards

I order this great Notebook for someone special, it's covered in vintage flocked wall paper.

From TimeForTea.Me

And these great gift tags.

From Pixels Plus Paper

Now some wonderful goodies from Madeit

I fell in love with this print as soon as I saw only a small part of it. It's so beautiful. All of Alex's prints are so amazing.

Dressed without thought by Alex Platt Art

This crochet necklace is amazing and so cool.

Grey "Gum Nut" Crochet Necklace by Kitty Hugo

I love this tree, the tray underneath would be so great to place heavier things like bracelets.

The Laser-cut Jewellery tree by Bird of Play

I love the idea of a stack ring and this set is just so beautiful.

Stackable Ring Set by Angel Wing Jewellery

I love this print, I can remember by brother and I getting each other with tea towels. It would look so great in the Kitchen.

The art of - Tea towel snapping by Allira

My son finally got around to updating his blog so stop by and see his great new goodies.

Handmade Christmas Pledge Update - Slack Old Me & Calendars

2010-11-21T01:08:00.000+10:00

Well havent I been slack. I did so well during Blogtoberfest then you must be thinking that I fell off the face of the earth, lol. I've been working on a big project that I will share with you all shortly. I have also been doing some Christmas shopping.

Along with the Film v Bullet Backpack in my Teen Boys post, I also picked up this great Vintage US Air Force Belt Buckle for my son.

From Freak of Metal

This really cool pocket for my son to use as a pencil case at High School. It's made from bike tubes.

From Urchin Bags

I was very tempted to buy one of these for myself, I ordered this great headband for someone special.

From Colour Bazaar

Everyone need a good calendar every year (I have 3 up in my house atm) so here a couple of my favs.

I love this Great Outdoors Letterpress Calendar, for some reason it reminds me of Canada.

2011 Letterpress Wall calendar by Flora and Fauna

Wouldn't this calendar be great beside the home phone. I love the retro style.

Jim Flora Sheffield Island Harbor Scene Letterpress Poster Calendar 2011 by YeeHaw

This printable calendar, would be perfect for when I'm doing my budget. It would give me something nice to look at while I'm doing such a dreaded thing, and it would be such a help.

2011 mini Calendar printable PDF by Letter Happy

This calendar would look like a work of art on your wall. It's on my wish list.

New Large 2011 Town Calendar Printable PDF by The Sketch Book

I'm over my slacking now and will be back to blogging everyday.

Handmade Christmas Pledge Update - Teen Boys

2010-11-05T23:36:00.001+10:00

So the other night I was having a bit of a melt down over the fact that it really hard to buy presents for a child that is going to be starting high school because it is quite normal that kids change after they start, it can be even harder if you are looking for handmade. You don't want to be buying something that only use for a short time. So after chatting Dannielle from With2ns on twitter I went on a big search and I think I have found a great bunch of goodies that my son's going to love.

As soon as I saw this beanie I knew that I had to get it, Dion is off to Japan in March to Snowboard, so this will be perfect.

Pirate Ahoy Beanie ordered from NingNingGong

What great artwork this would be for a boys room.

AnArchy Skate Deck by 57ThirtyThree

If I had a penny for the amount of times my son has said this to me, I wouldn't be very rich but I could buy myself something really nice. hahaha

Pull My Finger T shirt by DBKapparel

What a great use of broken skateboards.

Repurposed Skateboard Sonar Belt Buckle by offtheclockwerks

Maybe this clock will help him get to school on time, lol. Who am I kidding, but it does look great.

Chrome Hubcap Clock by Starling Ink

Got to have a great bag to start high school with.

Film v Bullet Small Backpack Washed Woodland by Medium Control Designs Co.

Boys and cars what more do I have to says.

Old School 1965 Ford Mustang Muscle Car - Vinyl Wall Art by Pillbox Designs

So tomorrow I will share with you all how I work out my Christmas presents etc.

New Goodies

2010-11-03T00:20:00.000+10:00

Today I finally got around to lists my new Artist Pencils Roll. It has enough slots to hold 24 pencils and a spare for a paint brush or a lead pencil. Perfect for art on the go. So far I have listed them on my Madeit Shop and hopefully I will have them up to my other shops shortly.

They are also available in these fabrics.

Also Clue 6 is available from the Bernat Blog so stop by to follow along.

Handmade Christmas Pledge Update - Flowers on Madeit - Blogtoberfest Day 31

2010-10-31T17:34:00.000+10:00

This week Michelle from Michelle's Art and Photography listed one of her beautiful rose drawings. I was lucky enough to be able to get one of Michelle's beautiful drawings back in May for my grandmother, so I was quick to snap up this one for myself for Christmas.

Isn't it beautiful.

So this weeks Madeit post is all things found using the search word "Flower"

Michelle also has this beautiful trio, I was so tempted by this also.

Rich Red Roses Series by MichArtPhoto

This is just stunning, I just wish I could wear something like this.

Little Sari Silk Flower Rosette Statement Necklace by plumfish

These are on my wish list this Christmas.

The Red Felt Flower Coaster by Bird of Play

I like both this colour and the non-colour flower versions of this print, it would be so hard to pick.

Zinnia Prints by Flower Press

How pretty is this mobile.

Felt Baby Mobile - Sprint Flowers by Happy as Larry

If you would love to read an interview with Michelle from Michelle's Art and Photography check out this Artist's We Love post.

Decision Made - Blogtoberfest Day 30

2010-10-30T23:28:00.001+10:00

From the responses that I got from my post the other day and people that I talked to about the post, everyone likes both ideas. So I will just have to do both, lol.

Starting on the 1st December we will be having "The Twelve Days of Craft"

Link

Starting on the 13th December we will be having "The Twelve Days of Christmas Around the World".

Link

I cant believe that tomorrow is the last day of blogtoberfest, I cant believe that I have blogged every day (Well I was late two days but only by about 2 hours). It's been great.

Handmade Christmas Pledge Update - Prints - Blogtoberfest Day 29

2010-10-30T02:23:00.001+10:00

I think that a print can be a wonderful present. Over the last couple of years I have been building up my collection of art and often put different prints on my wish lists for Christmas and Birthdays. A lot of my collection is around my desk which I spend so much time at and it brings me such joy and inspiration.

BTW this post is a little longer than normal but I just couldn't make it any shorter, I love them all.

I love the the blue gumboots in this print and the placement of the feet is just so cute.

My Blue Boots by Michele Maule

I fell in love with this print as soon as I saw it, I love the deep blue of the dress and the porcelain skin.

Femme en Bleu by Imagine Studio

The woven texture of the hair and little bird are so beautiful.

Anne 'n Belle by Noosed Kitty

I love the combination of the Pink with the green of this print. It's just so pretty.

Two of a Kind by The Black Apple

I love the light colours and the hand drawn lines of this bird.

Titmouse by Bad Bird

What a great idea this print is and I love the retro look.

Cloud for Sale Letterpress Poster by Roll and Tumble Press

Dion has already requested this print for Christmas (It's the closest that he will come to camping with me, lol).

We're Happy Here in the Woods by O'Reilly Ink Illustration

This print just makes me smile. How cute.

Swinging Pug by African Grey Designs

If you are thinking of buying someone a print for Christmas but are worried about finding the right frame, I use the Frame Shop you can have custom frames made online. I have nothing to do with the Frame Shop I have just used them a number of times and have always found their service fantastic, postage not expensive and always fast.

And a tip that I learnt a while back, you can have lots of different types of art but if you frame them in the same colour frame (it does not need to be the same size or frame style) they will all tie together. When framing my artwork I chose to frame them in white frames. It also means that I can move it around from room to room and it always works well with what is already there.

It's getting closer - Blogtoberfest Day 28

2010-10-28T23:54:00.000+10:00

I cant believe we only have just over 8 weeks till that day arrives. I thought that this would be a good time to do a post on advent calendars. For a couple of yours now I have wanted a beautiful handmade one, so this year I have taken the plunge and started making one. While I was doing some research on what type of advent calendar I wanted to make a came across so many beautiful and wonderful tutorials that I just had to share them with you.

I love this idea of getting little crafty goodies every day.

From the Purl Bee

What a great idea for the non sewers, and for us that want something a little different.

From Sunny Stampin

I love the bright colours of these cones.

From Pickles

How great would these look hanging across the mantle.

From Martha Stewart Crafts

Another one that would look great hanging on the mantle.

From All Sorts

This is a great one for the kids.

From One Hour Craft

There are just so many out there that are just so great.

Ours advent calendar is going to be a large tree that every day we add a new decoration to every day. I will post some pics once I have got past the designing stage.

I need your Opinion! - Blogtoberfest Day 27

2010-10-27T23:23:00.009+10:00

I'm wanting to a series of posts close to Christmas but my poor little brain is going back and forth between two different ideas. So I'm giving the option up to you the wonderful people that read my little corner of the world.

So here are my idea's,

(Link)

A series of posts of Christmas around the world. How do other people from other countries celebrate Christmas, including recipes, tradition, crafts etc.

(Link)

A series of Craft posts. Tutorials and links to Craft tutorials for yourself and your kids to enjoy over the Chrissy period. Both Christmas and non Christmas themed.

Tell me what you would like to read/see

Bernat Mystery Afghan Crochet-Along Part 5 - Blogtoberfest Day 26

2010-10-26T21:29:00.000+10:00

I've been a very slack Mystery Afghan Crochet-Along participant. Once again I haven't made up the last clue.

Clue 5 is now available on the Bernat Blog. It's not to late to join in on the mystery afghan crochet-along, just follow the links to the Bernet blog and begin.

I'm working on a new Christmas decoration, this time Doves.

Giveaway Winner - Blogtoberfest Day 25

2010-10-25T21:07:00.001+10:00

And the winner is Moags and Smeet

Congrats Moags and Smeet you have won one of my new Christmas Tree Garlands.

Thanks to everyone who entered.

You too can get one of these garlands, they are now available in my Madeit, Artfire and Etsy Shops.

Handmade Christmas Pledge Update - Some favourites on Madeit - Blogtoberfest Day 24

2010-10-24T20:11:00.000+10:00

So this week I have got my act into gear a bit more and ordered a number of presents. This week from Madeit I ordered this notebook from Paddock Press for Dion.

Grey Tractors A6 notepad by Paddock Press

So this week I've decided to bring you all some of the things I have in my Madeit Favourites.

I love the red and white binding on this doily garland.

Vintage Crochet Doily Garland by Pork Chop

This is so true, I would rather be sewing than just about anything else

"I'd rather be sewing" Cross Stitch by Little Wise Owl

I don't normally love the colour mustard but I love it in this lamp.

Edie Table Lamp by Retro Print Revival

I love the bee's on this soap.

Bath Milk - Honey and Milk by From My Hearth

What a great modern Cuckoo Clock. I love the colour.

Pink Cuckoo Clock by Snowfawn

So to my Mumma and Son hint hint, lol.

My giveaway is ending tomorrow so get in now before you miss out.

My World - Blogtoberfest Day 23

2010-10-23T19:50:00.001+10:00

I just had to share this because it's like soooo true. lol

Handmade Christmas Pledge Update - Doilies - Blogtoberfest Day 22

2010-10-23T02:09:00.000+10:00

Lets face it who doesn't love a doily, I'm just a little bit obsessed. Here are some of my favourites.

What beautiful colours, I would love to hang some of these over my desk. So pretty.

Floating by Doily bloom set by My Haley Girl

I love how the doily stands out against the gray background on this clock.

doily.time.topaze by Lenoirrr

I'm not one for using coasters but these are just so beautiful.

Doily Coasters by Uncommon

This hand stitched beetle on this doily is just amazing.

Beetle on Doily by Daresong

I have a doily snowflake from Wanna Be that hangs on my desk all year round its so pretty.

Transparent acrylic plexiglass doily silhouette ornaments by WannaBe

For us homebodies home is where the heart truly is. Like Dorothy said "there's no place like home"

Home is where the heart is Vintage Style Doily Heart by I Heart Modern Art

New Goodies - Blogtoberfest Day 21

2010-10-21T23:30:00.000+10:00

Today I thought that I would share with you all a couple of new goodies that I have listed recently in my shop.

To add to our Christmas collection, our new Circle Garland.

And some new mini bunting in fantastic new fabric.

This are all available in my Madeit Shop now. I will be listing some more bunting very shorty.

Don't forget to enter our giveaway, don't miss out.

So Pretty - Blogtoberfest Day 20

2010-10-20T22:48:00.001+10:00

(Link)

Isn't this pillow so beautiful? I found it on my travels the other night. I love the crochet edge, It really has me inspired. Cassie over at You Go Girl! has a wonderful tutorial so that you can do this for yourself. Cassie's tutorial looks really well explained, I cant wait to start making some myself.

Have you found any great tutorials lately?

49. Join a Book Club - Blogtoberfest Day 19

2010-10-19T22:24:00.001+10:00

So I was looking at my list on 101 the other night and thought that I pick out one to work on. Well I picked number 49. Join a Book Club.

I thought this was a good idea when I put it on the list but really, when would I single mum, student, very small business owner, non-driver going to have the time or be able to get to a book club. I love books I always have, there have been nights when I have seen the sun come up from staying up all night reading a fantastic book. So this is something that I really would love to do, so I jumped on google. What did I find? The First Tuesday Book Club that airs in the ABC on the first Tuesday of every month. You can sign up to join the club, where you will find out what books are coming up, if there will be special guests, and join in in discussions. Is't this perfect? I get to have my book club and I can fit it into my crazy schedule.

They feature two books per month, so I have decided that I will pick one every month to read and hopefully have time to join in some discussions. I'm really looking forward to it.

(Link)

Are you a planner....... - Blogtoberfest Day 18

2010-10-18T22:39:00.001+10:00

Are you a planner? I am sometimes but at others I don't even get around to planning I just jump straight in. But it's never as good when I don't plan. When I signed up for Blogtoberfest I was more than a little worried that I wouldn't find something to blog about for each of the 31 days. I mean it's 31 days, 31 posts, I had only done 80 post on my blog up until that point. Kellie over at 74 Lime Lane had a wonderful Blogtoberfest calender freebie and at first I thought that I would probably only end up using it for a couple of days possibly a week but now I'm 18 days in and it has been so helpful. I don't have to stress every day, it's already planned. It's been so helpful that I'm going to do this every month. There are a number of people that offer free downloadable calendars every month including 74 Lime Lane, if you are looking for one.

This got me thinking about the crazy season that is coming upon us. Last year we fumbled our way through with some success and somethings just went down the drain, Including blog posts towards the end (oops). Today while reading lots of different blogs about blogging I some how stumbled across Handmade Success and a Holiday Planner that Jordan from Handmade Success offers for free. It's a great planner for this crazy Holiday season that is coming for anyone who runs an online handmade business. If this planner is anything to go by Jordan's Etsy Kit's should be great.

So I hope that this Holidays season is a bit more organized than last year, as well as the blog going forward.

Have you found anything that has really helped you?

Handmade Christmas Pledge Update - Cushions on Madeit - Blogtoberfest Day 17

2010-10-17T22:09:00.000+10:00

So this week I actually got around to buying a couple of Christmas presents. I picked up the calendar below from Sissy Sparrows for myself. I just couldn't resist, it's so cute. I also ordered some beautiful soap from Lovely Cosmetics for someone special or even myself, I haven't decided yet.

2011 Calendar - A Year with Hilda the Flying Pig by Sissy Sparrows

Clementine and Daisy Soap 250g by Lovely Cosmetics

So this week I thought that I would bring you all some beautiful cushions from Madeit. As some of you might know we have a day bed in our lounge room so some great new cushions will be on my wish list this Christmas.

I love the floral fabric and the hearts of this cushion.

Little Cloud Cushion - Blue Floral by Poppy and Ted

What beautiful roses.

Blue Rose Feature Cushion by Little Eve

What a great idea, I love this cushion.

Coat Pocket Cushion with Patchwork Reverse by Pepper Stitches

I love this cushion from Tractor Girl, the stitching is amazing.

Cushion, Reverse Applique Blue Velvet and Silk by Tractor Girl

Don't forget to enter our giveaway.

Bernat Mystery Afghan Crochet-Along Part 4 - Blogtoberfest Day 16

2010-10-16T23:13:00.001+10:00

Well this week I just didn't get to making last weeks clue so I will have to post a pic next week.

Clue 4 is now available on the Bernat blog. Its not to late to join in on the mystery afghan crochet-along, just follow the links to the Bernat blog and begin.

It's been a crazy day here in Brisbane, I thought for a while there it was so windy that our house was going lift off like in Dorthy's in the Wizard of Oz. If the wind has stopped tomorrow then I will be listing a couple of new goodies. So stay tuned.

Don't forget to enter our giveaway

Handmade Christmas Pledge Update - Snowflakes - Blogtoberfest Day 15

2010-10-15T23:26:00.000+10:00

So today's post is all beautiful snowflakes, whether Christmas or not I just love them.

I love the colours in this ornament. So pretty.

Retro Inspired Porcelain Christmas Ornament by d.hergt design

How great would these coasters look with big mugs of hot chocolate sitting on them. Pity it's to hot in Oz.

Winter Red Snowflake Tile Coasters Set of 4 by My Little Chickadee Creations

I love the deep blue of these card.

Set of 6 Blue Winter Snowflake Cards by Scrapbooking Concepts

This necklace has been on my wish list for a while, hopefully this Christmas will be the year I get it.

Tiny Snowflake Necklace by Lulu Bug Jewelry

What a nice addition to your Christmas outfit would these make this Christmas.

Snowflakes by Hook and Line

I love this cushion, it's so striking.

White Linen and Gray Snowflakes Pillow Cover by KainKain

Aren't they all so beautiful.

Don't forget to enter our giveaway. I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend.

36. Have wireless net setup in the House

2010-10-15T18:40:00.000+10:00

10 days in and I have completed number 36 of my 101 in 1001.

Tonight while laying in bed watching a movie I will be about to be reading all the lovely blog posts from the day. It's fantastic.

This is my new wireless router that I got today from Dick Smith for only $79.

I cant believe that I have waited so long to do this.

Blog Post 100 - Giveaway Time - Blogtoberfest Day 14

2010-10-14T23:29:00.002+10:00

Wow post 100. And what perfect timing almost in the middle of Blogtoberfest.To celebrate this and our new Christmas Garlands we are going to have a giveaway.

You could win one of our New Christmas Tree Garlands.

This fun garland from hand cut Red and Green felt Christmas Trees. Add the garland to your Christmas Tree or to decorate another parts of your home this Christmas for a handmade touch. They are now available from our Madeit, Artfire and Etsy shops.

If you would like to win this garland all you have to do is follow the blog and leave a comment.

I will be randomly drawing the winner on the 25th October. This is a worldwide giveaway.

On another note, to all that commented on post about picking an afghan to make, you have all convinced me to make the one in the first pic. Thanks

Self Portrait Challenge - Blogtoberfest Day 13

2010-10-13T22:36:00.002+10:00

Well today Cathy over at Tinniegirl set us all the challenge to take a self portrait. Well here I am reading all the blogs tonight, it was taken on my webcam. Not pretty but this is me most nights.

Last night with this haircut off the the hairdressers tomorrow afternoon, yay.

Pssst Tomorrow is post 100 by the way.

Eenie Meenie - Blogtoberfest Day 12

2010-10-12T23:01:00.000+10:00

I want to make a beautiful afghan for someone special for Christmas but I just can decide which one.

My first choice was pic 1 but then I love the different size squares in pic 2, I also love the fact that the afghan in pic 3 is a circle. Oh decisions decisions.

(Link)

It might be better to ask the person I want to make it for but I really want to make it a surprise. I had better make up my mind soon if I want to have it finished in time for Christmas.

Which one would you choose?

Going Stir Crazy - Blogtoberfest Day 11

2010-10-11T23:17:00.000+10:00

Most people that know me know that I can spend a whole week at home without going out but this rain the last 4 days is really getting to me. Maybe its the fact that I cant open the doors or windows, I don't know but come rain or shine I'm going out tomorrow.

This is the view from my kitchen window this morning. If it wasn't for the fact that they fixed all the drains in the street last year you wouldn't be able to see the street.

(Link)

This is where there is normally a nice park, lagoon and a carpark just down the road from where I live.

(Link)

This is the intersection I would have had to go through on the way to TAFE this morning, if I actually went (hehehehe).

Well heres hoping the week gets better (Oh and that I don't get drenched to the bone tomorrow, lol).

Handmade Christmas Pledge Update - Christmas on Madeit - Blogtoberfest day 10

2010-10-10T18:06:00.000+10:00

So last week I finally finished making Snowflakes for Christmas this year and they have now been listed in my Madeit Shop and will hopefully be listed in my other shops in the next couple of days.

Set of 5 Crochet Snowflake decorations in my Madeit Shop

They are only $10 for a set of 5 snowflakes and for all of you out there that have a fiberoptic trees these decorations are light enough to hang on the branches without making them bend.

I thought now that I have some Christmas decorations listed why not find out what other great Christmas goodies there are on Madeit

These owls are just so adorable. I love their sleepy eyes.

Christmas Owl Ornament By Red Stitch Designs

What a great Santa sack. The bigger the bag the bigger the loot, hehehehe.

Christmas Star Santa Sack - Personalized by Small Designs

This card is so Dion and I at Christmas time putting up the decorations.

Christmas Card - Christmas CATastrophies by Sissy Sparrows

This would finish off any girls Christmas outfit.

Annabelle Felt Clip - Christmas Tree by AnK Bowtique

This bunting is so perfect for a those Christmas BBQ's coming up.

Christmas Bunting/Flags by Vida Style

I'm nearly at 100 post, when I get there we will be having a giveaway. So stay tuned.

Bernat Mystery Afghan Crochet-Along Part 3 - Blogtoberfest Day 9

2010-10-09T22:33:00.001+10:00

We are now on week 3 and starting to gather a nice little pile of squares. Clue 3 is available on the Bernat Blog.

Its not to late to join in on the mystery afghan crochet-along, just follow the links to the Bernat blog and begin.

This is what clue 2 looks like when it is made up.

Why not join in, it would make a great Christmas present for a loved one.

Handmade Christmas Pledge Update - Japan - Blogtoberfest Day 8

2010-10-08T23:38:00.000+10:00

Today's theme was picked by Dion, All the goodies were picked from a search using the word Japan.

This is so Dion' style and would look great in his new bedroom.

Ultraman Pop Art Print By Monster Gallery

I love cranes, I have had a thing for them since I was in High School. This one is going on my wish list.

Origami Crane Necklace Pendant by Sea Of Jewels

It's great to see bunting done in a different way. So great for boys.

Kawaii Monster Garland Banner By Made By Gwen

How cute are these. I only wish I had someone to make them for.

Japanese Kokeshi Girls Jewelry Box Amigurumi PDF by Handmade Kitty

This Tshirt has already gone on the wish list for Dion.

I Listen Tshirt by Bare Tree

I used to collect postcards as a teenager so I just love this jotter.

Travel to Japan Upcycled Jotter By Ari and Maya Designs

How are you all going with your Christmas plans? Found any great finds lately?

Look What I Got .....

2010-10-08T20:48:00.000+10:00

Yesterday while in Byron Bay Mum and I went to one of our favourite shops, The Life of Byron. They sell the most beautiful earrings. But wouldn't you know it I forgot to get the name of who makes them.

These are the earrings that I got yesterday.

I already own 3 pairs of earrings from the dame maker but I couldn't resist these. Mum got herself a beautiful pair also but Mum's are disk shaped, in a very light yellow/Brown, they looked so good on her.

Off to see Mum - Blogtoberfest Day 7

2010-10-07T22:38:00.000+10:00

Today I got up very early and made the trip down to Byron Bay to see my Mumma.

This is me and Mum way back when.

We had brunch, had a look around the shops, OK so it was a little more than a looking but I will share with you all what I bought tomorrow. It was great to hang out, catch up and spend some time together.

This was the view from Byron Beach Cafe where we had Brunch.

It's been a long but great day.

80 Sleeps till Christmas - Blogtoberfest Day 6

2010-10-06T23:30:00.000+10:00

So I was checking the little app on my phone and it told me that there is only 80 sleeps till Christmas.

While a lot of you would love to stick your head in the sand a while longer it's going to be here before you know it.

If you are having a Handmade Christmas like we are you are going to want to have all your presents arrive at least 2 week before Christmas Day. Looking at it this way if you are paid weekly you really only have 10 pays left till Christmas. Aaarrh that means I really need to get shopping.

So happy shopping one and all

Giveaway at Michelle's Art and Photography

2010-10-06T14:33:00.000+10:00

The wonderful Michelle over at Michelle's Art and Photography is giving away this beautiful framed White Rose.

So pop over to Michelle's blog, check out her beautiful work and enter the giveaway. You have until the 10th of October.

The Zero Day Project - Blogtoberfest Day 5

2010-10-05T23:15:00.001+10:00

The other day I came across the Zero Day Project. The project is a challenge "that inspires you to set and achieve your personal goals in life.". You have 1001 days to complete 101 preset goals and tasks.
Every year we write out a list of goals for the year and most years we do complete a lot of them but there are times when a year is just not enough time to complete the task. Its like a bucket list but with an end date. My end date is 3rd July 2013 which is 2 weeks before my birthday.

So now there is a new tab up the top of the blog for my 101 in 1001 Days. If you click on this tab you can read my list, so far I have worked out 82 of my tasks but I will work out the remaining 19 over the next couple of days.

When I have completed a task I will be blogging about it and will have the details under the 101 in 1001 days tab.

What would you have on your list? is there anything you really want to do?

A Stamp for Dion

2010-10-05T20:55:00.001+10:00

We have been wanting to have a stamp made for a while for Dion's Shop, well about 10 days ago I came across Sandra Waine's shop on Felt with her adorable handmade stamps we knew that Sandra would be perfect to make the stamp for Dion.
This afternoon after having been to the high school for Dion's enrollment interview for next year we came home to a little package in the mail box. And woohoo it had arrived, isn't it so cute and so well made.

Thanks Sandra it's really fantastic.

Back to TAFE - Blogtoberfest Day 4

2010-10-04T21:56:00.001+10:00

Changed my mind 1000 times but in the end I bit the bullet and went to TAFE. And I only arrived 10 minutes late (that's doing really well for me).

Big thanks to my teacher today Deb who took it easy on us and even let us out at 12. So today I'm sharing with you a pic of me waiting at the bus stop waiting to come home after class.

Handmade Christmas Pledge Update - Boys Things on Madeit - Blogtoberfest day 3

2010-10-03T23:31:00.000+10:00

As I sit here tonight I'm very much ticked off. Why you may ask, well today is last day of the school holidays. Which means that Dion has to return to school tomorrow and I have to return to TAFE. Ok I know that this sounds a little abnormal but I'm not one of those mums that would pay the school to come back a week early. Dion jokingly asked today if we could just tell the school he died so we didn't have to go back, its not that he doesn't like school its just he loves hanging out at home. I just keep telling him the term is only 10 weeks long then we can have 6 whole weeks hanging out together at home.

So this blog post is all things for boys.

I could just see Dion playing with one of these when he was younger, building Lego cars for Superman.

Handpainted Superhero Wooden Peg Doll Toy - Superman By Twinklekids

What a great way for your child to make up their own superhero

Superhero Cape Reversible by tutusmuddyshoes

Add one of these to the cape and you have the perfect superhero outfit

Super Hero Mask by My Little Hero Designs

Wouldn't this look great on any boys bed. I just love any gift that can be personalized

Boys Personalized Decorative Cushion by Tiges and Weince

Dion still loves pirates even at 12, They are just so cool.

Jolly Roger TShirt by Sevilla Designs

I know as a mother to a boy that it can be hard buying handmade gifts for them, its just so easy to make pretty things for girls that sometime they can get left behind by shops. Its wonderful to see these great shops making wonderful things for the little men in our lives. Coming up to Christmas I will be having a couple great new goodies in my shop that are designed just for boy so stay tuned.

And the WINNER is ..............

2010-10-03T19:14:00.004+10:00

Mel Makes Pretty

Mel please email me and I will email you with the details. Thanks

Thanks so much for everyone's comments, it was really great to read everyone's point of view. I think like a couple of people that commented, I don't really like Facebook but I'm seeing that it could really help the business. One thing that I was reminded of in a comments was the fact that there are some people don't read blogs but they will read posts on Facebook. I don't know why I didn't think of this as my own mother mentioned she doesn't read blogs but I know she goes on Facebook.

So from now on I will be posting often on the Imagination In Flight's Facebook Page.

I will be having another giveaway before the end of Blogtoberfest, I already have one in mind I just need to work out the prize, so stay tuned.

80km in 80 Days - Blogtoberfest day 2

2010-10-02T23:39:00.000+10:00

Link

Today while checking out the other blogs I somehow came across MeInASnap. MeInASnap has a 80km in 80 days challenge just starting. I thought what better way to get back into walking and maybe even loose a couple of kg's.

So you will now find at the bottom in the page a progress bar. I'm hoping to get started tomorrow weather permitting, its been raining cats and dogs here in Brisbane.

Bernat Mystery Afghan Crochet-Along Part 2

2010-10-02T22:24:00.000+10:00

So here it is Clue 1 made, a little late but as the saying goes better late than never. So This week we made a little trip to Lincraft to pick up the yarn, I decided to buy all the same multicolour balls in the pic below.

Still have one more of these to make, hehehe.

Stop by and pick up Clue 2, Bernat blog also shows how to do the new stitches that were not used in the clue before so it is very helpful.

Its not too late to join in just stop by the Bernat Blog and pick up the clues and details. And you can Crochet-Along too

Don't forget to enter my giveaway, it closes tomorrow. You could win a $25 gift voucher and free postage.

Day 1 of Blogtoberfest

2010-10-01T23:37:00.004+10:00

There is a new button to the right.

I have decided to join in on Blogtoberfest. I have committed to posting daily, eeek. I'm going to try my best. I don't have a plan atm but I'm hoping to have one by tomorrows post (Well that will give me something to blog about). Stop by tinniegirl's Blog to see all the other wonderful bloggers.

I know I was due to post my second post on the Mystery Afghan Crochet-Along but there has been really bad light, so with any hope I will be able to post it tomorrow.

Don't forget about my Giveaway, its so simple give me your opinion and you could win a $25 gift voucher and free postage.

Facebook or Not to Facebook

2010-09-28T13:33:00.002+10:00

That is the question. I've had a facebook page for a while but I have never really put it to much use. There are a couple of reasons for this but the main reasons are its another thing that I have to keep track of and work on, that and I just don't really like facebook personally. I keep feeling like it might be a good idea to start doing more with it but I just don't know if it's worth the time.

So this where I need your help. I would love you all to leave a comment letting me know if you think facebook really works and is it worth the time you put into it.

For every person that leaves a comment they will go in the draw to win a $25 gift voucher to my shop & Free postage. This is open to anyone from anywhere

The winner could use the gift voucher to pick out something for themselves, start their Christmas shopping or choose something for a loved one.

The winner will be randomly drawn on Sunday the 3rd of October, 2010.

Twitter Giveaway

2010-09-26T20:28:00.000+10:00

I'm having a very quick twitter giveaway.

Details below.

1. Go to my blog
2. Follow the blog if you don't already
3. Tweet your favourite blog post for the last month and @ImaginationShop

Tomorrow Morning all people that tweet could win your choice (1) of a non-personalized pencil roll from my @Madeit Shop

Growing Up

2010-09-26T16:46:00.003+10:00

My Boy is growing up, very soon (4 months) he will be starting high school, he is also getting a lot taller lately. Back when Dion was 4 in our itty bitty house in his itty bitty room there was just no room to store all of his toys, his bed and have room to play. So what to do, well I decided to buy him a loft bed. The same as the one below but in silver.

(Pic from here)

So whats the problem, well my big boy can no longer sit comfortably in his bed because his head hits the ceiling. I've been aware of this problem for a while now but the kid just didn't like any idea that I had some up with until now. For a while now I have been on the hunt for a new bed for me and I've finally found the one that I'm going to get but that's another story. But that does leave my current bed free. After mulling it over I thought that it could work for Dion and finally it was an idea that he agreed with.

Paint pic from here, Bed pic from here and Sheet pic from here
(NOTE: This is not my bed but the closest to mine without me having to take a pic)

The bed above it almost an identical match to mine, to make it more Dion's style he wants to paint it Naval Gray and get new T-Shirt sheets (they are the most amazingly comfortable sheets in the world) in gray tones.

With a change in bed its a good time to update his whole room just in time for high school.

Pics from here, here, here, here, here and here

With getting rid of the loft bed means that we will have to get rid of the cupboards underneath so we are going to get a couple of the storage tubs for under the bed in pic 1. Also Dion has never had a bedside table with the loft bed so to cover that need and a place for him to store his clothes we have picked out the chest of draws in pic 5. With all those big blank walls we now needed to find something to fit the big back wall, Dion has a couple of thing he's passionate about one of them being New Zealand, so off I trawled to find some great NZ wall art, thanks to one of my twitter friends we found this fantastic huge silver fern in pic 2. So with all of this and new lamp (pic 3), new chair (pic 6) and a lovely shaggy rug (pic 4) its going to look so great that I think I might just move in, hahahaha.

With any luck in next couple of months we will be able to pull this all together and I will be able to give you all a peek.

All Cut Out

2010-09-24T21:37:00.000+10:00

So last night it finally happened.......... I finally finished cutting out the 1100 squares for my quilt.

The great wall of squares

I have started working out the layout with the help of the little man.

So loving having him home. I'm definitely not a mum who cant wait for the holidays to end.

Bernat Mystery Afghan Crochet-Along

2010-09-23T15:39:00.000+10:00

(Pic from here)

I don't know how this happened but some how I missed the announcement about the Bernat Mystery Afghan Crochet-Along. Luckily enough I didn't miss the 1st clue. You too can join in the Mystery Afghan Crochet-Along too. Check out the announcement where it has all the details on yarn and hooks. Then head over and download the 1st clue so you too can have a afghan finished by Christmas. They say that the patterns will be beginner to easy level so if you have a little bit of crochet experience join in.

(Pic from here)

So after printing out the 1st clue I rummaged through all my yarn but I don't have enough of the right type of yarn for this project so I will have pics of my first squares with next weeks post.

Will you be Crochet-Along?

A Change of Face

2010-09-22T14:59:00.000+10:00

I have had this chest of draws knocking around my home for the last at least 8 years but I have never been happy with them. They started off being plain wood which I dont like so I decided to paint them but the colour was just not right either. So for over a year or more they have been moved from room to room until we could find the time to once again make them over. So with this being the holidays for getting things finished and fixed up we picked up the supplies.

Here is the little man sanding away.

I think that this time we might have got it right.

We are going to be painting it in a colour called Preschool Half. Which gave us both a chuckle considering what I'm studying at the moment. We are also going to change the draw pulls to these beautiful brushed silver mushroom ones.

I will post pics once the chest of draws has been painted.

New Buttons + More

2010-09-22T00:22:00.000+10:00

Tonight I have added a couple of new buttons to the side bar on the blog. One for Artfire and one for Felt. I've had a shop on Artfire for a while now but I have never made very good use of it. So I'll be updating this shop in the next couple of days. Felt is a New Zealand-based online marketplace for handmade goods which I have just signed up for. I will be listing goodies over there also in the next couple of days.

So stay tuned.

GIVEAWAY Winner

2010-09-20T21:16:00.000+10:00

And the winner is .................. Moags and Smeet

Congrats on the win

What I'm up to......

2010-09-17T16:35:00.000+10:00

What a crazy couple of weeks its been for us. With the end of term at TAFE I was like a mad woman trying to catch up on all the assignments that I had missed during to the term due to being sick a couple of times during the term. I managed to get them all finished which was a miracle in it self as I got sick again and was running a temp for the last week. but that is all over now, time for relaxing and creating.
Yesterday after my last class of the term we headed of to Lincraft to pick up supplies for the holidays. Over the last month I have been gathering together a nice stash of chenille for a rag quilt. So yesterday I picked up some cute flannel fabric for the back and some bamboo batting. With any luck by the end of the holidays I will have a beautiful single bed size rag quilt.

I have slowly been cutting out the chenille in between assignments, I found it really relaxing.

So stay tuned for updates as the quilt starts to grow.

**********************************************************************

Giveaway

Don't miss out on our giveaway, you could win one our beautiful brooches. Enter now.

GIVEAWAY TIME......Yay

2010-09-11T10:15:00.002+10:00

Last night I noticed that we are now at 100 followers so I thought what better time than to have a giveaway. You all have been so wonderful with your comments and support, so thank you.

This time we will be giving away one of our new brooches.

If you just cant wait and want one now they are available in my Madeit Shop

The photos really dont do this brooch justice. The yarn used to make this flower has a really pretty, this pastel colours have a little sparkle to them. My mum bought one of these from me last time she visited.

Ok so here are the rules.

You must be a follower of the blog, If you aren't them just click on the follow button on the right.
Leave a comment below to enter.
If you tweet about this giveaway then you get an extra entry. Please leave a comment here to let me know you have so that I can keep track.
This giveaway is open to anyone anywhere.
The giveaway will be randomly drawn on the 20th September

Thanks All and goodluck

New Cushions

2010-09-05T00:34:00.000+10:00

I finally got some good light and my batteries didn't die this time so I was able to take some pics of these great cushions.

Link Link

They have both been listed on my Madeit Shop tonight, so stop by and check them out.

On Days like these......

2010-09-03T22:07:00.000+10:00

There are days when the only place I would like to be is here,

Link

In the middle on nowhere, with a great view, with Internet, cable TV, nobody knows my phone number and some great projects to work on. Just me and my son. Well I will just have to keep dreaming.......

Handmade Christmas Pledge Update - Jewellery on Madeit

2010-08-21T21:17:00.000+10:00

This week I thought that I would bring you some pretties that I found on Madeit.

I love the simplicity of this cloud necklace

'Away with the clouds' silver pendant by ChristinaLowryDesigns

I love the shape of these earrings.

Silver Filigree Teardrop Earrings by LaFemmeJewels

I have been lusting over these rings for a long time, think I will be adding them to my Christmas list

Personalized Sterling Silver stacking Ring set by coolabahcharms

These earrings are just so pretty.

Tickle Me Pink ... Vintage Inspired Earrings by citruspop

This pendant has a Japanese feel to me.

Sterling Silver Songbird Pendant by OhDeer

So has anyone started their Christmas shopping yet? and if you have are you going to buy handmade this year?

Suitcase Rummage and Other things

2010-08-15T13:06:00.000+10:00

Last Sunday Dion and I set off to King George Square to The Suitcase Rummage.

This was the view from our spot.

Here's Dion with all our goodies.

I have been working on a brooch idea for a little while now and I was able to get some made just in time for the suitcase rummage.

They are now in my madeit shop

Meet the new addition to our family

Sparky. My son picked out the name, I wanted to call it Juice as in orange juice.

Handmade Christmas Pledge Update - Deer, Moose & Elk oh my

2010-08-12T22:34:00.000+10:00

Deer, Moose and Elk are very popular lately, every time I see one I think of my brother who has been living in Canada for the last 4 years. Who as you can imagine I miss a lot.

Deer

This little guy is just adorable. I want one myself.

Handmade plush brown deer toy with purple scarf by strawberrykitten

Moose

I love the linen used in these pouches.

Moose Zip Pouch Handprinted on Linen by bluegingerdesigns

How amazing would this look hanging up above a fireplace.

Moose trophy wallplush by squirrellicious

What a talking piece this would be. I love the idea of a ring made out of wood.

Antler Ring, Moose by Touch the Dutch

Elk

My son has already requested one of these for Christmas. Might even get one for my brother.

Elk Rollerskates Tshirt Funny by CritterJitters

I love this brooch, so simple but so beautiful.

Vinyl Elk Brooch by TurnLeftHere

So if my brother reads this, Shorty (Hes not short by the way, I'm just doing my duty as a older sister and teasing him) we miss you lots and we hope that we will get to see you soon.

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Shop News

I have spent the day taking pics and should have the new listings up tomorrow.

Handmade Christmas Pledge Update - Bags on Madeit

2010-08-10T00:55:00.001+10:00

Ok so once again we are a little over due but what the hell it was a really busy week and weekend.

Anyone that knows me knows that I love handbags. So this weeks post is all bags found on Madeit.

I love Paddington Bear with his duffel coat and hat, he's just so adorable.

Paddington Bear Carry All by WallpaperGetsFunky

As some of you might know I went back to TAFE recently and with all the textbooks and notebooks I have to carry I think that I'm going to have to get a bag that can fit it all. This one is great, I love the black with a touch of colour.

Upstyled canvas army bag by KerrisHangups

I have seen this bag in person and it is fantastic.

Mum & Baby Zebras - Calico Bag by UnCielo

My Mum would love this bag, she loves the colour red.

Red Tree of Life Bag by LinneaSwedishDesign

Ok so technically it is not a bag but it is so cool and it does have a pic of a bag on it.

notebook // leather school bag by timefortea.me

Dion and I did the Suitcase rummage on Sunday so I will have a post on that later in the week.

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Shop News

I have a lots of new goodies sitting here ready to be list. With any luck I should have it all up on Wednesday.

Handmade Christmas Pledge Update - Quilts

2010-08-03T17:09:00.001+10:00

I'm a little late this week but to celebrate buying my own quilt this post is all beautiful quilts.

I love the pinks in this quilts.

Pretty Patchwork Quilt by SFOQuilter

It's fantastic to see a non girlie quilt, I would love to get a quilt like this for my son.

WEE PLAY / custom by QuiltRhapsody

I love the bold colours in this one.

Modern Rail Fence Quilt by Quiltville

I really want to try making a quilt and I love the look of Rag Quilts just like this one.

Queen Size Rag Quilt by southerncharmquilts

Wouldn't you just love to curl up in bed under this quilt.

Flowering Vine Organic Quilt by clothscapes

This Quilt reminds me of the movie How to make an American Quilt (Which I just love)

Pinwheel Quilt by tinamagee

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Market News

Both Imagination In Flight and Dion's Buttons will be at the Suitcase Rummage on the 8th of August at King George Square from 12pm. So stop by and check it out.

Handmade Christmas Pledge Update - Madeit

2010-07-29T17:55:00.002+10:00

BIG UPDATE - The big pink quilt now has a new home, with me. Decided to buy it for myself for my birthday that was a couple of weeks ago.

This year I really want to support and show off Aussie artists and that is the reason behind having a separate Handmade Christmas Pledge update for Madeit Artists.

Once again the bright colours are what get me. They look fantastic. I think that I will be buying a quilt as my Christmas present to myself this year

Big Pink Quilt by Lovely Lucy

This Brooch reminds me of all the patterns that I would look at as a child while at the fabric shop with my mum.

60s sewing model brooch by Up in Annies room

I love this necklace, its something that I would wear every day.

Initial charm necklace by Narelle

This Deer is really adorable, from the fabric to the fantastic antlers.

Oh! Deer! by PepperStitches

As a kid I can remember getting hankies as Christmas gifts but none of them looked as good as this one.

Hanky Panky Hanky - Blue by annabartlett

How cute is this blanket, I only with I had someone to buy it for.

Cashmere Cot Blanket Hand Embroidered by cottonwoolbaby

What wonderful artist we have here in Oz.

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Shop News

I'm currently working on lots of new stock for the shops

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Market News

Both Imagination In Flight and Dion's Buttons will be at the Suitcase Rummage on the 8th of August at King George Square from 12pm. So stop by and check it out.

Handmade Christmas Pledge Update - New Zealand Artists

2010-07-25T19:48:00.002+10:00

New Zealand Arists

As some of you might know lots of my family is from the land of the long white cloud, its been a couple of years since we have been able to make the trip over but we are hoping that we will be able to get over there later this year. So to start off this years Handmade Christmas Pledge this post is dedicated to some wonderful NZ artists.

I'm so in love with this print. The colour is so wonderful.

(To my little shorty, if this was to turn up under the Christmas Tree you would make me very happy lol)

Make. Love. Sew. by dearcolleen

I have been in love with this brooch for a long time.

Mirror fantail brooch by blackswandesigns

The chunky knit and cable of this cushion is so great.

Cable Stitch Cushion by acushynumber

This ring is just adorable.

.Park Bench Lovers by BreeDentice

These just make me laugh.

1970s Vintage Orange Y Front Undies Wallet by luxfordst

I really want to get one of these for my son. if only it would pick up the towel for him we would be all set lol.

Customised sports hanger by TodoCecilia

So while I sit back here and dream of being in NZ I hope you all enjoy these great Kiwi artists and our first Handmade Christmas Pledge Post for 2010.

Stay Tuned for later in the week for our first Madeit Handmade Christmas Pledge post.

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Shop News

My Etsy store is currently closed while I work on some new stock and getting it up to date.

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Market News

Both Imagination In Flight and Dion's Buttons will be at the Suitcase Rummage on the 8th of August at King George Square from 12pm. So stop by and check it out.

Handmade Christmas Pledge

2010-07-25T16:42:00.000+10:00

Yes you did see the word Christmas. Once again we will be making the pledge to have a Handmade Christmas. The only difference this year is that there will be two posts per week. One will be made up from the wonderful goodies found on Madeit and the other will be handmade goodies from all over the net. I will also be trying to have a lot more crafty projects for you to all try out.

Our Christmas tree 2009

Stay Tuned for our first Handmade Christmas Pledge post shortly

Finders Keepers Market

2010-06-26T13:53:00.000+10:00

We just got back from the Brisbane Finders Keepers Market and I wanted to share with you all the wonderful goodies that I found.

Print from Sweet William
Hankie from Edward and Lilly
Bird from Sharon Muir

I could have spent a lot more money but I was trying to be good.

Fun Friday Nights

2010-06-25T21:28:00.000+10:00

Its been a long absence but I am back to my blog and I thought that I would share with you all what we will be doing tonight.

We love playing cards. I think it all started with me playing rummy with my Gran growing up.

We have heaps of decks of cards but here are our favourites. Jumbo cards, Normal size with our faces on them and Mini cards (they are always great when we are traveling).

The older my son gets the different games that we play have grown.

We now also play Phase 10, Uno and Skip Bo.

The older that my son has got the better he has got at all card games which is great because now it is a real challenge for me to win.

When we play cards we normally watch a movie and have a bowl of wrapped lollies.

Wrapped lollies are the best because they take longer to eat and time to unwrap so you dont end up eating too many.

So the last thing that make up our Friday nights is my iPhone and my sons iPod touch.

So to add to our old school games we also like play games on our iPhone and iPod. Most Fridays we pick our a new game from the app store and both have go to see how well we can go.

I think that they had it right back in the day with puzzles, card and board games. These days there are a lot of kids that spend a lot of time holed up in their rooms by themselves. Not wanting to end up this way with my son I introduced him to the love of these things early and now it has been a big part of having fun for my son and I.

So this Friday night I hope that you and your family spend some time together.

Artist's We Love

2010-05-01T15:36:00.002+10:00

I want to share with you all a wonderful artist who is one of my Madeit and twitter friends. On Friday this beautiful framed drawing arrived from Michelle and I had to share her wonderful talent with you all. Not only can Michelle draw but she takes the most beautiful photos of flowers.

Name: Michelle Soldatos

Shop Name: Michelle's Art & Photography

Your daytime Job: Graphic Designer

A bit about yourself: I'm 37, single girl :) I enjoy a Saturday morning in the lovely city of Melbourne window shopping and taking photos. I eagerly anticipate a big exhibition at NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) I absolutely loved the Dali, Dutch Masters and Pissaro exhibitions. I'm a tea lover ... love my cups of tea, I'm slowly building a T2 collection. I love roses I have a rose garden full of different varieties with my favourite being the Peace rose.

How did you first get into art and/or craft: I started art in High School, I always seemed to ace my art classes. It sort of became my identity, to mention Michelle it was "the girl who does those drawings". It just came naturally for me but as it didn't bring in an income I ended up becoming a graphic designer and didn't draw again until 20yrs later. I got into photography at University it was part of my graphic design course. I just had an eye for it, it's something I continued to do throughout my graphic design career but it was more for myself.

What is your creative process, and what inspires you: My creative process usually starts by being inspired by something. It could be a number of things like seeing something in a magazine or an exhibition or even something in a store. My passion for photographing flowers started with a card I picked up at a florist in Brunswick St back in 1995. It was a closeup photograph of a bright sunflower and just the size and placement of the flower inspired me to create something that would give the same effect.

Any tips you would have for people starting their own shop or for someone looking at getting into photography or drawing: To be brave, it was difficult for me to start my shop. It all seemed overwhelming and I thought I wasn't good enough and wouldn't understand it all but once I got started I really enjoyed it. For anyone starting drawing or photography I'd say take it step by step and enjoy it the more you keep at it, learning and practicing the more you discover how far you can go. It's very exciting to realise you can accomplish something you believed was way out of your reach.

Michelle's Madeit Shop
Michelle's Blog
Michelle on Twitter

So Sad ........

2010-04-29T23:04:00.000+10:00

Tonight I'm in mourning ........

For my beautiful sunglasses (The photo really doesn't do them justice). It sounds so stupid but I love these glasses. The fit, colour and style are all perfect, they are going to be sadly missed. Being a person that cant even go to the corner shop without my sunglasses I hope that I will be able to find a fabulous new pair.

AND THE WINNER IS.........

2010-04-23T21:30:00.000+10:00

SOPHIE AND JACK

Thanks to everyone who entered and everyone's lovely comments.

New Supplies

2010-04-17T01:10:00.000+10:00

So yesterday I blogged about the wall at The Purl in New York, well today I had a fantastic trip to spotlight and got these get supplies for the project. Along with some fabric from my stash I think I will have some really beautiful fabrics for my wall.

One Amazing Year

2010-04-17T00:59:00.001+10:00

One year ago today I started my shop on Etsy and Imagination In Flight was born, it's been a really amazing ride. I would have never thought a year ago that Imagination In Flight would have gone in the direction it has, let alone being on twitter and writing my own blog. While I still find etsy very overwhelming, finding Madeit has been a real blessing. The wonderful community of fellow crafters of Madeit with their support, advice and friendship have really helped along the way. I also have to thank all my fantastic customers for their support over the year. It always gives me such joy to check my emails and find I have made a sale.

To celebrate Imagination In Flight's first birthday we will be having a giveaway and a sale.

Giveaway
To celebrate we will be giving away one of my new Mini Floral Bunting, 1 Multi Purple and Cream Crochet Headband, and you choice of 1 Personalized Pencil Roll. With the pencil roll you can choose between either Purple Floral & Denim, Japanese Writing & Denim, and Denim on Denim.

Ok so here's how its going to work.

You need to be a follower of the blog. If you are not already a follower of the blog, click on the follow button to the right.
Leave a comment below to enter the giveaway.
If you tweet about this giveaway, or mention on your blog about this giveaway you will receive an extra entry (you will need to leave a comment if you do either of these so that I can keep track of all the entries).
You will also receive an extra entry if you order something from either my Etsy or Madeit shops.

The giveaway winner will be randomly picked on the night of Friday the 23rd of April 2010.

Sale
Starting tomorrow (Saturday the 17th April) morning until Friday the 23rd of April there will be 15% off in both my Madeit and Etsy shops. Also stay watching on twitter and this blog for codewords for bigger savings.

Its been a wonderful year and I hope that it just keeps on growing from here. Thanks all.

So Beautiful

2010-04-15T23:26:00.001+10:00

I have a huge big bare wall in my lounge room and I have been trying to come up with something great to put up. After tossing around a couple of ideas I spotted this pic and I fell in love.

Photo from the shop The Purl in New York

With a trip to spotlight around the corner I see lots of hoops in my future. I will post pics.