tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post6812941396088295914..comments2024-03-26T00:26:19.756-07:00Comments on The Bluebirds are Nesting...: Gathering inspiration.Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-91556518001877097842015-04-11T18:20:11.009-07:002015-04-11T18:20:11.009-07:00Jess if you have time Mimis blog just had a post o...Jess if you have time Mimis blog just had a post on this and you should see the flower arrangements and the prices she saw! Any of us could do them for a few dollars and they would make gorgeous gifts... My next project! Her blog is on my side bar, a tray of Bliss. It is a beautiful sunny Sunday here and this afternoon I am going on a gathering inspiration outing! XxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-85001722216438468452015-04-11T16:32:34.684-07:002015-04-11T16:32:34.684-07:00Annabel, I do the SAME thing!! I think that the pa...Annabel, I do the SAME thing!! I think that the packaging is half the price! I love to go on websites (right now we have one car so "excursions" don't happen much) of my favorite stores and browse to see what I can recreate at home. It is so much fun and challenging to see what you can do with things you already have at home :) JEShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08300505126646960374noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-78257614834952198182015-03-03T22:21:39.155-08:002015-03-03T22:21:39.155-08:00Annabel thank you so much for your information on ...Annabel thank you so much for your information on where to get started. Also what a lovely offer and one that I will keep in mind for future reference. Still have no relief on the heat here........air is still on<br />Go back an take a picture of the beautiful scarf and make yourself one, but I guess you are busy making for the little bundle of joy who will make a wonderful arrival into your life in just a short while.<br /><br />AlyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-25397500657801971892015-03-02T20:02:38.973-08:002015-03-02T20:02:38.973-08:00Wendy home cooking is a bit hit, more and more I a...Wendy home cooking is a bit hit, more and more I am finding that.<br />The blanket took me all last winter. It is heavy and really warm. This year I am making one for Chloe. It is nice to work on during the cold nights as it ends up keeping me warm! Hope you are having a good week.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-18066677623162707862015-03-02T18:47:57.646-08:002015-03-02T18:47:57.646-08:00I give my homemade biscuits as presents all the ti...I give my homemade biscuits as presents all the time. They are so well received and cost so little. I keep lots of biscuit dough in the freezer for such an occasion.<br /><br />I really love the blanket on your bed. It looks great in your bedroom and I'm sure you appreciate it because of all the work you put into it.Wendy Gowerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01079131126381265901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-2756384333381091402015-03-02T17:55:26.280-08:002015-03-02T17:55:26.280-08:00Snap again Colette... I usually have a fair few th...Snap again Colette... I usually have a fair few things on the go. Partly it depends on what I feel like. Partly it is practical... ie I can sew in the day in good light but not at night so well and at night if the tv is on I crochet as I can do it without looking at it much... also crochet in the car on trips when Andy is driving as I can get heaps done then. And to me the time of year too... wool seems winterish! But this way we get a lot done!<br />And snap another way... I have had times (unbelievably) of making nothing. For me this is a BAD sign. That has been when Ive been through a really bad time or am depressed. It is like being sick... a warning sign. But then to get better and start creating again is wonderful like coming alive again! Now I know that it is a huge part of my happiness. Crochet or knitting especially help me relax in the evenings but crafts overall keep me thinking happy thoughts as you get absorbed in them. So this is a big tool especially if inclined to worry.<br />People underestimate this. I know people who stress badly and I think if only they would get busy with their hands and create they would be more content and happy. Busy hands really do make happy hearts!<br />A burst of fresh ideas is so good and having a heap of things you are just dying to get to is really fun! <br />Also one we are Mothers we do things in the gaps, if there are gaps... and thats ok we have lots of things to do! xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-85825525494119342542015-03-02T17:46:43.334-08:002015-03-02T17:46:43.334-08:00Lori what Sarah Ban Breathnatch says about creatin...Lori what Sarah Ban Breathnatch says about creating things is true. But creating can be cooking or crafts or all kinds of things. But if you are drawn to something try it. You might get a shock at your own abilities and it is somehow very soothing to the soul. I find this especially in knitting and crochet... it ups my contentment factor. <br />Thank you very much! Mimi and I have a lot in common (and are good friends!) <br />xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-656020989481722522015-03-02T17:43:24.612-08:002015-03-02T17:43:24.612-08:00Nana it is great starting on Christmas now. I have...Nana it is great starting on Christmas now. I have. Otherwise Christmas would come and I wouldn't have made so much. <br />A really helpful thing is pinterest. But you can use google images too, to work out what to do with what you have. ie if you have little bits of material search "remnants projects" or "gifts from fat quarters" or something like that and all these suggestions come up! Whatever you have this gets you lots of fresh ideas and then really the gift is free as you have the materials. I love that. Plus it cleans out the cupboards! <br />You have a lovely week too. We are having gorgeous weather I am loving it. And hope it lasts! xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-67046209889834743812015-03-02T17:39:02.472-08:002015-03-02T17:39:02.472-08:00Exactly Lana! AND the images are also great for ca...Exactly Lana! AND the images are also great for cards and the pages can be beautiful luxury gift wrap! (if you would ever cut them up)<br />To me they are a real bonus! <br />I look at the prices and go !!! but yes many times the ideas are simple! When we go away I find magazines in country op shops are often really inexpensive. I have a stock up then for images for card making etc. Plus a reading session!xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-16062739829297430642015-03-02T17:35:41.506-08:002015-03-02T17:35:41.506-08:00Ohhh sunset bottles... this sounds interesting. I ...Ohhh sunset bottles... this sounds interesting. I am thinking some kind of dip dying/painting effect might do the trick? These are lovely projects for DD if she has any free time that is. Maybe holidays...<br />Mimi Nan was a florist. She really taught me to collect and collect materials. She would never pass a tree with interesting sticks... etc. Also she watched for interesting containers. If she didnt like the colour she painted them. That opens up a lot of possibilities, only the shape matters...<br />The flowers in hotels and huge arrangements are hundreds and hundreds of dollars. Making one of those for pennies is a real achievement! I have one in my hallway that is epic... I keep adding to it as I find materials. I cant imagine what it would cost to buy! Also you have reminded me to go for a collecting session before the weather gets rainy. Lots of things have dried off now and it would be a good time for some collecting! Thank you thank you! xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-31868801570762204612015-03-02T17:18:48.925-08:002015-03-02T17:18:48.925-08:00Annabel, what you say is so true. I'm constant...Annabel, what you say is so true. I'm constantly sneaking photos of this or that in David Jones, or Loot, or the high end florists and gift stores. You see the most stunning floral arrangements in the foyers of nice hotels and the real luxury stores like Tiffany and Chanel too, and whilst photographing there might be a no-no, some quick notes can't hurt. One of my goals this year is to have a single spectacular floral arrangement in my entry hall, modelled on one I saw in a plush hotel foyer. I want it to feature pink roses and peonies, green/yellow orchids, monstera leaves and tortured willow in a huge brass or blue and white container. I've yet to find the container, but already have the most exquisite artificial orchids. The artificial roses, monster leaves and tortured willow will come to me in their own good time. These things can be a work in progress with the accoutrements acquired over time. Instant things are no fun at all! I love the succulents, and my daughter has an obsession with Terrariums at the moment, so I feel a project coming on there! Also, I saw the prettiest sunset bottles online yesterday on a luxury gift site, and I suspect they're super easy to replicate. Just a clear bottle, painted in an ombre sunset effect, changing from lemon, to apricot to deep pink. So pretty! Lots of inspiration today....thankyou. Mimi xxxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-76365123298285144172015-03-02T17:09:08.939-08:002015-03-02T17:09:08.939-08:00Dear Annabel,
Such an inspiring post! I really n...Dear Annabel,<br /><br />Such an inspiring post! I really need this today.<br /><br />Look at your Mum's bone structure she's beautiful!<br /><br />I would have just snapped the picture, sister! However, I know those "snarky" looks from certain salespeople so I do not blame you for being hesitant! Once upon a time, I created lots and lots and lots. Then for various reasons I didn't. Now I get cranky if I don't take time to have creative outlets. I think we all have seasons where we don't feel very courageous or creative, and for a long time I just longed to buy things because I felt low and had a very negative environment and extremely limited resources. When my situation changed, my thinking slowly changed and I realized that I COULD do SOMETHING if I tried. Now I am constantly looking for ideas and inspiration. My excursions are referred to as "going out to look at pretties" :) I love study and learn. However, if something really calls my name and the price is right, I treat myself. <br /><br />Confession: I'm guilty of having waaaaaaay too many projects collecting dust before finishing. (If Bill ever reads this he will 1. Laugh his head off 2. Write a comment telling you all of my "project ADD" :) **In my humble defense...(do I need a defense?)...I like to go back and forth on some projects that take more time! I love finishing some right away (time permitting) but often I have to do things in bits. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. :)<br /><br />By the way last time I checked, one of the highest selling/best selling Etsy shops was knitwear! All kinds of gorgeous scarves and headwear and those awesome boot toppers like Tania makes. The fact that you can do it yourself is so special! Eventually I hope to be able to as well.<br /><br />So glad you had a fun time with Chloe. Happy Autumn!!! xxxAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11530501367193655394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-84493726323898185062015-03-02T13:20:40.277-08:002015-03-02T13:20:40.277-08:00Having never been crafty' or a decorator, I ju...Having never been crafty' or a decorator, I just love yours and Mimi's blogs!<br />Indeed a fan of Simple Abundance too.<br />Thanks for all the ideas and beauty!<br />Loritootleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08655166617910203480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-6426771121168172162015-03-02T12:56:15.259-08:002015-03-02T12:56:15.259-08:00I started receiving some high end decorator magazi...I started receiving some high end decorator magazines in the mail that I did not subscribe to. At first they irked me because who in their right mind would pay the prices for the items featured there? But, I am realizing that they are great for inspiration and they are right here in my house!Lanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09380649410508372279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-83215814873509858372015-03-02T08:15:32.971-08:002015-03-02T08:15:32.971-08:00What a lovely post Annabel! Such good ideas and su...What a lovely post Annabel! Such good ideas and such inspiration, it has started me thinking of what I have in the craft cupboard and what I want to make first. It is never to early to start projects for Christmas! (I have been known to Christmas shop in July.) And Easter is right around the corner. Maybe sew up a Easter Bunny for the little ones in the family. Have a good week. Hugs, NanaNanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14955937231372636671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-36164897200734695862015-03-02T05:38:55.979-08:002015-03-02T05:38:55.979-08:00I just love the sound of fresh muffins with home g...I just love the sound of fresh muffins with home grown blackberries Fiona! DIvine! Well done.<br />I used to cautiously ask if I could take a photo in various ways ie to show my daughter etc but no one really ever cared and people walk around with their phones so much no one notices. I am somewhat discreet though even though it is not breaking a law or anything. And the shop with the scarves is a snobby shop so I didnt or I might have got the death stare... lol<br />But in creating things, making presents etc it is so handy knowing whats "in" and the prices people think are "normal"... its all very revealing. Anyway I get so many ideas and come home fired up ready to go as you can see! <br />I love hearing of your wood stash and open fireplace and these things... I think you have a bit of paradise there.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-50236971096993495422015-03-02T05:25:53.543-08:002015-03-02T05:25:53.543-08:00Annabel, lovely post again. i must admit im not a...Annabel, lovely post again. i must admit im not a big shopper but love your ideas of collecting inspiration. can i ask how you get photos, do they let you do it or do you do it surreptitiously? <br /><br />ive beenbusy with health issues/meetings etc but i feathered my nest on Saturday. we were out in the garden. he was working hard, i was driving the tractor back and forth to the woodshed which is very very impressively full story but with two coonara wood heaters and an open fireplace as well, we need lots of wood. anyway he said lets lash out and get lunch from the bakery. soon, was my response. grabbed a bucket and went blackberrying. then raced inside and made 12 huge juicy muffins filled with plump juicy blackberries. called him in for lunch. he was so happy. i said ive usedabout 2 dollars of ingredients. we thought that those big cafe muffins are about 3 to 4 dollars each. so a massive saving and they were moist and so fruity.<br /><br />love reading your news.Fionanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-79301732087401546662015-03-02T04:37:52.614-08:002015-03-02T04:37:52.614-08:00oops Sherri I forgot to say my blanket looks thick...oops Sherri I forgot to say my blanket looks thicker than the pattern/scarf. I used 8 ply yarn and size 5 needle so it is thick and chunky. xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-68005462695055865532015-03-02T04:00:12.403-08:002015-03-02T04:00:12.403-08:00Thank you Mel for this information about Pack It I...Thank you Mel for this information about Pack It In. (good name) You are a wealth of information thank you!<br />It is a really good time to get plants started, autumn, it will soon be a bot cooler and a god amount of time to get things established in time for Christmas. Thinking ahead is the thing isnt it.<br />Mel re peanuts what about peanut brittle? But there are a lot of good peanut recipes. Yum.<br />I love what your are making your Mum. If you would show me the end result I would be thrilled as I have seen a few things you have made now and your work is just beautiful! Many thanks Mel. Have a great week which I hope is ok and not too busy.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-57186457450926385962015-03-02T03:54:00.462-08:002015-03-02T03:54:00.462-08:00Thank you for such kind words Sherri! Hopefully I ...Thank you for such kind words Sherri! Hopefully I can pass on ideas and inspiration, it is really fun for me to gather them!<br />I really enjoy painting. I love the colours you are talking about. Also I LOVE pearlescent colours and effects! (just love!)<br />The pattern I used in the rug is here (below).... the lady is making a scarf. I just made it the width of the bed plus enough to fall down either side. When I am following a you tube tutorial I will stop it, re watch it, and repeat it until I "get it" so when you are watching it just do that and once you learn the two rows it is a gorgeous stitch and very fast. It is my favourite by far. Good luck, let me know how you go! xxx<br /> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hMrwsHXlKcAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-5919079288895341112015-03-02T02:50:49.194-08:002015-03-02T02:50:49.194-08:00Lynette you knit beautifully (and prolifically in ...Lynette you knit beautifully (and prolifically in the past) I know. Probably you have had less time lately but hopefully soon you will have more time again! You could certainly sell it or take orders. It is so popular and if you saw the scarves I mentioned you would faint! (they were very basic bar the sparkly thread...) So I hope you get much more time for knitting soon! xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-10747561848553038172015-03-02T02:40:59.545-08:002015-03-02T02:40:59.545-08:00Hello Annabel
A lovely and encouraging post as al...Hello Annabel<br /><br />A lovely and encouraging post as always. I am making a few smaller gifts for my Mother's 80th and my friend's birthday this month. I am doing scissor fobs using free cross stitch patterns from Pinterest. I don't think you can have too many pairs of scissors in the house and scissor fobs are a pet love of mine. I haven't actually seen any in stores but the cost of the kits to make them is dreadful when the materials are only a dollar or so.<br /><br />In regards to packaging foodie gifts and other gifts if you are in Australia there is as eBay shop called Pack it in. They have great packaging ideas everything from plastic love heart decorations that fit three chocolates in them to boxes for baked goodies with a window lid. The prices vary and in bulk are much cheaper so if you are thinking of ordering see if a friend will share with you. They also have a good variety of cellophane bags and tubes etc.<br /><br />I will be purchasing some of the window lidded boxes to make shortbread and other treats for friends and teachers for Xmas. I did in the past buy op-shop plates and package using these but now I am trying the small window lidded boxes this year. They can also be used for packaging knitted baby goods and other treats and home made craft.<br /><br />I am also starting to plan some potted growing plants that I can prepare for Xmas gifts. First up though I have a male friends birthday this week and I am looking for a peanut based gift...maybe peanut cookies or a slice I am thinking on it.<br /><br />God Bless and have a wonderful productive week<br />MelissaMelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17017438973165858980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-25024835860547222192015-03-02T02:19:07.668-08:002015-03-02T02:19:07.668-08:00Pretty please Annabel, if you could post the link ...Pretty please Annabel, if you could post the link to the you tube tutorial for the pattern of your blanket I would be grateful. It is very beautiful. Thank you for the lovely post. I do sometimes find inspiration in shops but I mostly find inspiration right here on your blog. I did see a tall boy in a gift shop recently that had the sides and top painted black and each of the drawers painted in a different metallic colour bronze, gold, silver etc, it was very striking. I am now on the lookout for a second hand chest of drawers/tall boy to try something similar. However I want to paint the piece in a soft grey and paint each of the drawers in soft iridescent/pearl colours of blue and green and perhaps lavender too. Sherrihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16322236537807536688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-40005741821293394942015-03-01T22:52:10.111-08:002015-03-01T22:52:10.111-08:00Jacqui I know you have the most divine store near ...Jacqui I know you have the most divine store near you! I looked online and it was beautiful but not the same as browsing in real life. Even if it is just arranging things these places are very educational!<br />You are a similar person to me. Yes we need to sleep and do other things but there is just not enough time for lovely projects! The things you make with be heirlooms one day! xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-85706983770278436212015-03-01T22:41:46.760-08:002015-03-01T22:41:46.760-08:00Aly on you tube Yolanda Soto Lopez is a teacher I ...Aly on you tube Yolanda Soto Lopez is a teacher I really like. In the US they call the first row the foundation row.... if you find a pattern you like follow the foundation row. Otherwise would your Mum start you off as she could post it to you and failing that I would be happy to do your foundation rows and post them to you if that would help you get going. When knitting I used to ask Mum to "turn the corners" for me which is very funny if you think about it! lol<br />Who knows how a scarf was so much I wish I had just taken a photo! The one I liked was deep smoky blue with a fleck of metallic... yum. <br />If you would like to do the exact pattern in the picture let me know and I will find you the right you tube tutorial as that is where I got it. It is a very easy and fast pattern and you only have to learn two rows, it is those rows over and over.<br />Thanks so much Aly. I hope the weather will be cooling down a bit for you now.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.com