Donna Hay {New Online Store}

When I first arrived in Sydney top of my list of places to check out was Donna Hay’s General Store. It was just a short stroll through the leafy streets from my Paddington apartment to the delightful Woollahra store. Before we left Sydney I took a little trip to the store to stock up on Bakers Twine and waxed paper drinking straws {as you do!} for fear I wouldn’t be able to get my hands on any for some time. Turn’s out I need not have worried. Donna’s given her online store a spring makeover {it’s Spring in that part of the world} and you can now buy a selection of her products online , even more exciting is the fact she  will ship pretty much world-wide

so for now online shopping is the way forward but if you’re ever in Sydney – pay the store a visit, and if you’re able to leave without making a purchase you’re a stronger person than I am!

Cute Decorations {Free Download}

Super cute bird decorations created by designer and illustrator Lisa Rupp and they are free to download from her lovely blog That’s Happy… {they’d make great gift tags too me thinks!}

A Stylist’s {Christmas} Kit

Happy weekend my friends! With just 14 days until C day it’s time to go and get our tree. I have to admit to being a bit of a kid when it comes to Christmas, I’m seriously excited! I’m also a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to selecting the tree…so we may be gone some time! Before we head out into the cold to select aforementioned “Perfect tree” I wanted to share this.  It’s far from the most beautiful shot in the world {we shot it while on a rather manic Christmas Cover shoot for Ideal Homes Dec 2009 issue} but it does show the contents of the essential festive styling kit, the secret weapons to adding the festive touch to just about anything…

1. Tissue Paper – Perfect for wrapping gifts, making festive snowflakes and pom poms

2. Candles – Dinner candles and tealights perfect for adding twinkle

3. Battery operated tealights and fairylight – child friendly and perfect for popping amongst baubles and flowers for a oh so christmasy touch.

4. Kraft Paper – wrapping gifts, paper chains, table runners, wrapping around the base of the tree and super cheap too!

5. Bubble wrap – a great way to make “hard to wrap” gifts easier to handle.

6. Florists foam {Oasis} and florists wire are essential for making quick and easy foliage decorations.

7. Sticky Stuff, Selotape + white tac are a festive must have.

8. Double sided tape gets a mention all of its own because I would never be without it – I should have shares in the stuff.

9. Red & White Tapestry Wools, perfect for hanging baubles and decs, tying around gifts or even adding a stitched touch to your gift wrap.

10. Scissors – a pair of standard ones and ones with a decorative edge are great for adding a little magic to all things paper

11. Decorative punches – add a festive touch to paper place mats, wrapping, or cards. A festive stamp and ink pad – make your own cards, gift tags, gift wrap – why not get a stamp made with a personal festive message from your family.

12.  If in doubt shove a mini bauble in it! In vases, a cluster hanging from a door handle, adorning gifts or on wires in a vase of flowers. I give you the Mini Bauble, the all rounder of festive touches.

13. Festive Springs – a few faux berries or mistletoe can save the day.

14. Labels & Luggage tags, For place settings, advent numbers, gift tags or food labels

15. Is my handy carry case from good old Hobby Craft!

16. Ribbon – much like baubles – if in doubt tie a bow around it!

17. A Silver and Gold pen to add a little sparkle.

18. Mini Pegs and Bulldog clips – perfect for hanging cards, attaching place settings or hanging advent treats.

Love This…

or should I say “love these” quirky lamps with a whole lotta personality, If you want them on your Christmas list then check out Abigail Ahern’s Atelier

Festive Felt Projects

So we’re now tucked up in Suffolk, house sitting for my future mother-in-law. Suffolk is also where we’ve been storing the entire contents of our two bed Victorian semi for the past 14 months.  Needless to say I’ve spent the past two days somewhat distracted by attempting to rummage through boxes to unearth forgotten treasures and some much need knitted jumpers. Therefore I’ve not been able to crack on with some of the more festive things I had on the “to do list” this week. I have however founds some unbelievably gorgeous festive crafts using my favourite…colourful felt. All of these projects can be found over at The Purl Bee, they’re such a clever bunch I’m longing to try out all of these ideas. I do have some felty loveliness up my sleeve and I promise I will get round to a} doing it and b} posting it here very soon

Loving Your Work {Glen Proebstel}

There are many stylists work that I admire but I think one of my top stylist hero’s is Australian heavyweight Glen Proebstel. Although Style Director for uber cool mag Inside Out, Melbourne based Glen also manages to work on some great advertising campaigns  and books too. As if he wasn’t busy enough being a superstar stylist he’s just set up a Prop.d - a prop hire company  – love the website, not to mention Glen’s signature style, he’s got the rough luxe thing going on…faded grandeur at it’s finest, enjoy!