Sparrow Bee Designs

Happy Valentines Day

2012-02-14T20:16:00.000+11:00

scheming about paint colours again

2012-02-14T17:24:00.001+11:00

last weeks sewing

2012-02-12T20:54:00.001+11:00

I've long admired this fabric by Sandi Henderson, and finally bought some recently for my organiser range. I don't really know why, as orange is my least favourite colour, even though it was in my wedding bouquet! I don't know why I did that either, maybe for the same obscure reason I'm drawn to this fabric.

This one is a new fabric too, made especially for a little girl who needs something to do while with her mum and 10 wk premmie baby brother in NICU.

We've been enjoying some lovely sunset walks up the hill near us.(please excuse the dodgy phone pic)

bits and bobs

2012-02-06T22:09:00.000+11:00

Just a couple of pics of what's been on the machine lately. Schools back and markets are coming up in just over 4 weeks, so I'm going to have to knuckle down from here on in!

Shabby chic inspiration

2012-02-02T21:24:00.001+11:00

I have a new stockist (details another post) to whom I will be supplying my products with Shabby Chic and vintage floral fabrics.
So I've been on pinterest having a look at all things shabby and thought I'd share a few of my favourite pics.

pretty blues

2012-01-30T22:10:00.002+11:00

with a touch of green

the last few weeks

2012-01-29T14:13:00.000+11:00

SparrowBee has had a very steady month, while most of my time has been spent with the kids,family and friends. We've done lots and seen lots of people, one lazy holiday week to go and then I'm sure I'll be back to crafting and sewing up a storm. The amount of new fabric piling up should ensure something gets done!

Australia Day fireworks were enjoyed by all again

Loads of fun and games

Swimming and picnicking

we shopped..a long, full day of shopping without kids (first time in years), we have a clean, organised garage, we picnicked and explored by the lake, built lots of lego and the boy who had a holiday all by himself has even more tales to tell.
Today I've found a quiet spot in the hammock, and can hear a lots of happy playing from two who missed each other!

another week gone by

2012-01-24T18:29:00.000+11:00

the days are scooting along once again, school holiday make for lots of happenings...

We fed some beautiful birds today

The lego situation is sorted and working well. The boy is very proud of his "lego station", it's on wheels and all, so goes back and forth from the bedroom.

and some more decorating for me

picking up the pace

2012-01-18T12:33:00.002+11:00

quite literally with my new machine. Those who knew me once as 'Miss Rush-er' will be suprised that I have to use the slow speed setting on this one. Slowly learning the in's and out's though and so far loving it.

lots of piles starting to build up of tabs and bunting,

playing with fabric combinations and new fabrics

and I'm hoping this pile will turn into a table runner for me.. it's not going to sew itself though!

And there's quilts for new babies, and rag quilts on the go too.

A rag quilt in half a day

2012-01-09T19:43:00.003+11:00

My sewing mojo is back and I spent a few hours today trying something new. I've been eyeing off this style for a while now, so using some scraps and a new car fabric we found this morning, I made this rag quilt for the boy. It's hard to imagine it will ever look any good with all the snipping, loose threads and seams on the wrong side, but after a wash, fluff and dry, it comes up great! Apparently the more you wash it the softer and snugglier it becomes.

organising and de-cluttering

2012-01-08T21:05:00.001+11:00

"Everything has a place and everything in it's place"... wonder how long this will last, but some new stickers and re-shuffling boxes, drawers and shelves will hopefully be enough incentive! I'm still working on the lego solution, I'll let you know when it's solved!
And in other news I am almost up-to-date on last years scrapbooking, a couple more pages and it will be ready to send off to be printed.

New Fabrics

2012-01-04T13:34:00.000+11:00

So along with my haul from the Craft depot in Sydney , the postie has be paying a couple of visits as well. I'm itching to start sewing again, but still have loads of other jobs to do first. In the meantime I'll just have to be content with admiring the fabrics. I might just squeeze in some sewing projects for me before the orders start in earnest again.

a new year

2012-01-02T18:41:00.001+11:00

We spent a few days in Sydney last week and among lots of swimming, sightseeing and visiting the local attractions we went to IKEA. So there's new shelving and bits and bobs and we are off and away with the de-cluttering and organising.

Views from our motel room in East Sydney.

Dodgy pics of an awesome Lego mural at the aquarium.

Not sure why we started this enormous job! wont be done for a few days, even with the boy cracking the whip! I was inspired by this post over at I Heart Organising.

New coat and bag rack for the entrance

and in the craft line I've been prettying up some cheap IKEA frames.. next time I'll post a pic from my adventures to a HUGE fabric shop in Sydney.

God's wonderful creation

2011-12-27T14:19:00.001+11:00

" Midnight Sun: A natural phenomenon occurring in the summer months north of the Arctic Circle and south of the Antarctic Circle where the sun never fully sets and remains visible 24 hours a day."

This short time lapse film was shot during the Icelandic Midnight Sun in June of 2011., by Joe Capra.

I'm still taking hydrangea photo's

2011-12-27T14:00:00.000+11:00

they are just too amazing!

baking again

2011-12-19T18:58:00.001+11:00

I've finally 'found' the oven and some time to do some baking and a little bday cake cheating as well!
These cream puffs from Costco are delicious.. and when topped with pomegranate seeds and chocolate flake they make a quick and yummy birthday 'cake'!

The real baking was Zucchini Bread, I found a great egg, nut and dairy free recipe. It turned out well, super moist and yummy. We have a lot of zucchinis here that need using, so I will be making more to freeze.

Still sewing, among other things

2011-12-13T21:25:00.000+11:00

also been appreciating my December flowers, fruit and vegies.

and celebrating birthdays with friends and family.

not much to report.. just sewing

2011-12-06T19:55:00.001+11:00

Hydrangeas

2011-12-02T18:02:00.001+11:00

So far our garden has turned up lots of pink flowers! So it was no surprise when then the hydrangeas finally started showing some colour... pink! but as they've continued to come out, we have purple too (much to my apprentice gardeners delight)... and then.... BLUE! I've been (not-so-secretly) hoping they would be blue, so to have a couple on the bush be a pretty shade of light blue is better than none, right? Next year I think I will do some research and see if I can get them all blue.

edited to add: husband's comments " are these real or plastic? they're just awesome, the first real blue flower I've seen."

Made It

2011-11-30T17:40:00.000+11:00

These gorgeous papers turned into passport covers today to be listed in my new Made It store. Made It - the Handmade Market Open All Day Every Day!

new beauties in my garden

2011-11-29T20:16:00.001+11:00

this was a lovely find, beautiful blue blackbird eggs.

lots of fuchsias coming into flower, they remind me of my Grandma's garden

These roses have been glorious, they're finished now and all pruned in anticipation of the next flush.

I took a quick photo and then picked these before the storm hit this arvo.

A tab garland

2011-11-26T22:30:00.000+11:00

I couldn't resist taking some pretty pictures when this colourful string came off the machine. It was a shame I had to chop it up but it does mean I now have a heap more organisers and wallets made.

Early Xmas Celebrations

2011-11-19T18:08:00.000+11:00

a few photo's of today's festivities.. now we're all resting our full tummies while the kids (and big kids) build their lego and sort through their loot.

I'm getting in early

2011-11-15T18:19:00.000+11:00

for a wordless wednesday.

I've been published!

2011-11-14T21:58:00.000+11:00

well sort of - one of my photo's and a mention of my crayon wallets, stocked at my best selling stockist "Little Yon Yon" was in a little article in yesterday's Sunday Telegraph. So we all got a little excited here and bought the only paper we've bought all year! :-)

and after a hectic , stressful week last week, we've hit the ground running again today, lots of sewing, appts and school interviews.

Modern Handmade Child

2011-11-11T16:44:00.000+11:00

There is a lovely e-magazine called Modern Handmade Child, you can find it here . They have just released their Winter Edition ( think nothern hemisphere!) with a little pic of my passport covers in the article about travelling with children on page 49.

Kid Independent

2011-11-02T10:30:00.000+11:00

Sparrow Bee has been featured in a lovely review today at Kid Independents Designer of the week spot. Thankyou so much to Indi for your kind words!

Bits and pieces

2011-10-31T22:24:00.002+11:00

We had a few visits tonight from trick or treaters, I totally forgot about it and was scrounging the cupboards for some lollies that weren't out of date! What's the protocol when they come in groups of ten, are they all supposed to get a treat each?? As I wasn't prepared we had to ask them if they minded sharing :-). My kids had a wonderful time waiting for "all the people" to come. They hardly noticed the costumes, it was all about giving out the lollies.

These were from the girl today, "Here Mum, thankyou for my birthday presents , so I found a gift for you" :-)

A rose by any other name....

and some pics from the production line today - not hard to tell I love colour is it? :-)

Koochie Koo

2011-10-29T21:19:00.003+11:00

Time to introduce my newist stockist, Koochie Koo
Here are a few of their lovely products that will be sitting alongside my crayon wallets. :) My favourite is the pink and blue horse.

"We specialise in handmade and unique items for the special little person in your life.

Our products are all Australian made with love.

We look forward to helping you find the perfect pieces for your child."

what's the perfect weather

2011-10-28T13:51:00.000+11:00

if you ask me it's today.. 21.6 degrees with stormy, cloudy skies.

busy busy

2011-10-27T19:36:00.002+11:00

It's all systems go now, I don't think there's any stopping the frantic lead up to Christmas, the orders are coming in thick and fast and I'm not sure why I thought I would be prepared! There was just too much going on the last few weeks to get done what I had hoped.
Love this new owl fabric I picked up today.

A nice surprise after the weekend away to come home and find the roses and sweetpeas in bloom.

wordless wednesday

2011-10-26T22:23:00.002+11:00

images via pinterest...have you discovered Pip Studio?

reading matter

2011-10-20T18:02:00.002+11:00

This is the pile that's been inspiring me the last little while. Soo much crafty stuff and baking and decorating I'd like to do! I've spent a good 16hrs in waiting rooms this week so it's been great to have something lovely to read, (instead of the usual 'that's life', 'new idea' trash that is otherwise on offer in waiting rooms )

We've been enjoying some new visitors to the garden too. I guess this one isn't too welcome in most gardens/farms as they are rather destructive. This ones mate had a go at our clothes on the line, but I don't think it managed to make a hole, we did enjoy watching them just the same.

This little one was almost to fast for me.

We've also been enjoying the constant chorus from the pond as Mr Froggy seems to have found some mates. I'm yet to get a photo of him but this is where they live.

Op shop find

2011-10-14T21:32:00.001+11:00

It's not often I score at the op shops/secondhand places, but this week we did. A few books, Cars for the boy, Brer Rabbit for the girl, and I an LM Montgomery to keep up my collection and take me back a few ( too many) years! I also nabbed this blue vase, absolutely perfect with a few sprigs of may bush from the garden.

and gorgeous with another of my collections that's growing, blue/green glass vases.

I think I can imagine Anne or Emily or Kilmeny having something wonderful and poetic to say about the may bush!

holiday project

2011-10-14T11:25:00.002+11:00

Among the usual holiday activities of play dates, having visitors and visiting others, my goal was to make our girls room more girly. She has had a nasty brown wall for the last 6 months and was begging for something pretty. I think I mentioned before that in the absence of purple, it was to contain rainbows, elephants and butterflies. So this is what we have so far, perhaps there's not strictly any rainbows, but she's happy with the colours anyway!
I've been busy, painting, making bunting and canvas decorations ( inspired by Heart Candy and Kale) ..still to go is a quilt, shelf and headboard of some sort for the bed. This little one has taken to looking at books well into the night and often ends up asleep with her head on a pile of books, so something with a bookshelf in it would be perfect!( Ikea, here we come)

A drive in the country

2011-10-11T19:45:00.001+11:00

The little girl in the backseat " I'd like to get married in these fields oneday, Daddy"

i love this bridge, oneday I will venture further than poking my camera out the car window and get some good photo's.

This was at the kite festival at Harden, I didn't even notice the cow one in the background til I looked at the photo's.

Drive by shooting ...

again...

and again!

crab apple blossoms

2011-10-06T17:09:00.001+11:00

Just to remind me that there were 3 days of blue skies and sunshine this week :-)

Floriade 2011

2011-10-05T15:02:00.001+11:00

We visited on Monday afternoon in the beautiful sunshine.. the first we'd seen in Canberra for at least a week. The tulips were stunning, and the crowds horrendous as usual!

Here's a few snaps I managed to take without holding up the traffic too much.

Canberra Handmade Upmarket aftermath

2011-10-03T21:11:00.000+11:00

Another wonderful day was had at the markets! It was lovely to see my 'regulars' again and to meet new customers and stallholders alike. Thank so much to everyone who stopped by my stall. :-)

Visit Canberra Handmade's blog here for pics of all the gorgeous stalls and wares.

pretty packaging

2011-09-28T21:05:00.001+10:00

I love a prettily wrapped parcel and my fondness of all things stationery goes back to when I was about 8 and started writing to my Nan and Pa and various pen-pals. I am slowy building up a stash to pretty up my sparrowbee mail. Stickers, washi tape, stamps, twine, pens and paper....what's there not to love!?

fabric cards

2011-09-24T20:06:00.000+10:00

A while back I bought a heap of blank cards, and today I found time to do something with them. I had meant to use fabric remnants for the front of each, but as I went on I found myself 'fussy-cutting' to do each card and piece of fabric justice. I also had a thought that these would look great co-ordinated in one of those huge multi-photo frames. I think I might give it a go with some of my favourite fabrics.

So while I was making about 60 or so cards, the man about here was cooking up a storm in the kitchen....again. I came upstairs to find fresh gluten-free bread, shortbread, butterscotch pudding and potato, leek and kidney bean fritters for dinner! The biscuits even had little messages written on them but they didn't come out well in the photo's, so you'll have to trust me on that one. Or ask the kids, the boy has his in a container to "keep as a treasure forever".

fresh vegies

2011-09-21T18:03:00.001+10:00

you can't beat 'em fresh out of the garden and guess who just downed all this broccoli ? Yummo! and yes that is as big as it looks...

the grapevine is showing new growth, hopefully there'll be enough to somewhat shade the sandpit.

Colour

2011-09-20T21:26:00.001+10:00

One of the best parts of my sewing job is choosing fabric combinations, some choices are instant, others are comfortable/safe combinations and others are more like "this or that", no maybe "this", or "I'll come back to that later" kind of deliberations.
Here are some of today's efforts to get it right.

and these are pretty all together too

September

2011-09-19T20:39:00.003+10:00

September is moving right along! Over half a month of Spring gone already. There's been much happening and hence not a lot of blog action.
Here is the results of a sunday meander through the garden to see what is new in flower, some blue finally, still lots of pink and even a hint or orange in the budding Clivia's.

and more markets preparations in the form of a piles of cheerful bright t-shirts. On the countdown now with less than 2 weeks till Canberra Handmade.. the photo's I've seen of Floriade are looking wonderful too. Love the blue and white in the Canberra Handmade Marquee. I'd duplicate that in an instant if the ceilings here were high enough!

saturday sewing

2011-09-10T17:43:00.003+10:00

It's been a productive week and weekend.... so far. The Canberra Handmade Market preparations are well underway. I started some pram/cot quilts today. Loving this pink/blue/brown colour combo. It's 'Giddy' from Sandy Gervais for Moda Fabrics

I even roped the man of the house into helping today ( he did kindly offer) and he cut out piles of bunting for me ...thankyou!!!

and this pile is slowing getting to the numbers I need, they were a sell-out at the last market so I'm going better prepared this time!

another week gone by

2011-09-09T18:52:00.001+10:00

I took this photo last saturday, the weather was stunning and I was testing out our irrigation system. These little fellows loved the sprinklers on the vege patched and jumped in and out for 20 minutes. There were 8-10 of them in all but they took it in turns and I didn't get a picture of them all :-(

Here is the pic of the bulbs along the hedge, a beautiful display of white jonquils... they smell great too.

And I love this view as we drive in at the moment. It's the neighbours magnolia tree but it makes a nice backdrop for my garden too!

Remember a few days back I hoped that the cold snaps were over?? well no..... this is what we looked at from the car today. It was supposed to be a picnic by the lake for lunch, just my husband and I. But no... it rained and turned absolutely freezing! Still we watched the brave feed the ducks and ate our picnic in the warm car.

for all who love colour

2011-09-06T22:15:00.007+10:00

I've been spending a lot of time colour scheming of late. Mostly for the girls room, she and I are a little at odds, given that purple is a big deal to her but not to me. But I think we've managed to compromise as she also loves all things pretty, rainbows, elephants and butterflies. She chose her wall decal (with no purple in it, surprise, surprise!) so I can choose the other colours to match (yippee). She is agreeable to sticking to purple in her wardrobe instead of wall colour.
Anyway back to colour inspiration, I found this great site, Design Seeds, with palettes already organised... just scroll through and pick your favourites... here are mine.

all time fave.. for any room
and similar - with robins egg blue

and a 'sparrowbee' palette
this coral colour is a current favourite - may feature in the girly room, and there's plenty of it in my wardrobe too.
the man of the house has a favourite colour too - this shade of blue
the boys roomor this

Canberra's Handmade Upmarket - Save the date!

2011-09-05T13:38:00.000+10:00

less than a month to go

Spring continues

2011-09-02T18:13:00.000+10:00

ahh.. bliss.. the sunshine is still here - really hoping there are no more 'cold snaps'. We are picking winter vegies and will soon have to prepare for summer planting. It's Father's Day already and customers are Christmas shopping.. time is surely marching on.. quicker than ever this year, I'm sure.

I've been trying to perfect a colour scheme for the Little Miss's bedroom makeover ( she is really over the brown wall!) and today I think I may have finally settled on a gorgeous fabric combo, pics to come in the next little while when I get a chance to start sewing. Here's a small hint of some fabrics in the lineup :-) A little bit grown-up but still girly. ( and who can go wrong with Amy Butler!)

and the vege progress

Hooked on Pinterest

2011-08-31T21:14:00.000+10:00

I've seen a few posts of late from fellow bloggers about Pinterest. So I signed up a couple of weeks ago and can definately see what all the fuss is about! So much inspiration for everything imaginable, I could be there all day pinning and re-pinning!
Here's a few pics I have on my boards for later reference when I tackle some projects I'm planning.

Glorious Spring

2011-08-27T20:05:00.001+10:00

After my last post about rain we've enjoyed a few days of beautiful 'almost spring' sunshiney weather! It's hard to stay indoors and sew but there are markets coming up and the Christmas purchasing seems to have begun in earnest, so there's plenty to keep me busy indoors.

Beautiful blooms in the garden

and some new fabrics in spring colours!

another rainy day

2011-08-18T21:23:00.000+10:00

2 rainy days + 1 pupil free day = 3 people with Cabin Fever ( the small people were more affected)
So this is what the kids got up to while I got lots of sewing done. (it's a barnyard apparently and adorned with every rug, cushion and soft toy imaginable)

A rainy day

2011-08-17T18:14:00.000+10:00

with posies of beautiful flowers inside that look and smell great!

a night off for Mum (woopee, they are few and far between while on a failsafe diet, as there is literally no takeaway food suitable) while Dad cooked this awesome chicken and noodle dish.

and some pretty cushions brightening up my loungeroom, but i must part with them tomorrow and get them in the post.

A corner view

2011-08-15T20:00:00.000+10:00

A study in birds

2011-08-14T21:06:00.000+10:00

It's no secret that birds feature heavily at the Sparrow Bee headquarters, but one of the best things about this house is the real ones outside, there is always some in the back hedge or the trees out the front and when I fill the bird feeders they come from everywhere!

red and gold in my garden

2011-08-09T11:55:00.001+10:00

and the winner is..

2011-08-08T20:19:00.006+10:00

Suz Hewitt said...

"I'm a facebook liker - and a huge fan of your owl shirts :-) Congrats on 2 years!!!!! "

Thanks to everyone for your lovely comments - They've made my week! And Suz keep an eye on your postman :-)

( I did use random org. but the pic isn't working for me, sorry! )

Garden inspiration

2011-08-05T20:51:00.001+10:00

we've had 3 days of beautiful sunshine, if next weeks forecast wasn't back down to 12degrees I could be fooled into thinking spring was already here. Loving these few pics of spring blooms.

via Floresdelsol

2nd birthday celebrations and giveaway

2011-08-03T16:41:00.001+10:00

This week, well Aug 1st to be exact.. marks the second birthday of Sparrow Bee Designs. Here's a pic of the first stall I shared with two friends. And now two years later I'm busier than ever with wholesale and retail orders, and Canberra Handmade Markets.

So I'm celebrating with a giveaway. The products in the following photo will go to the lucky winner.

They are a fabric covered notebook, crayon wallet, key fob, bunting, zippered pouch and appliqued singlet.
All you need to do is enter a comment below and let me know you either follow this blog or are a facebook liker of Sparrow Bee Designs
NB: open to Australian residents only.
Giveaway closes on Monday 8th August @ 8.00pm EST. and a random number generator will choose a winner for me.Good luck!

Sunday Stash... a day late.

2011-08-01T10:37:00.000+10:00

A homemaking day

2011-07-30T19:17:00.002+10:00

an all round busy day here today. A beautiful sunny winters day called for some tidying up in the garden, plenty of pruning and sweeping. Still lots more to be done though on another sunny day when the frosts are almost over, -8 yesterday morning didn't do wonders for the bergenia that was all in flower or the succulents that up til now were protected.
The kids are on a "failsafe" diet (explained here) to see if we can sort out their itches and allergies... so some baking was done too as the shelves are a little empty here with all the packaged food thrown out.

Fresh homemade hummus was first and was better that any I've had out of a tub! The boy wasn't sold on this one but reckons he'll get used to it!

Warm carrot cake straight from the oven was a hit.

Fresh baked warm bread was the perfect afternoon tea treat

And then we finished off with a roast lamb and vegies, there's some swede and parsnip in there too, and it all disappeared without complaint.

in non-baking news, I now have a functional clothesline that's not in the shade or covered by palm fronds! Yes it ruins the view a tad, but it is removable and I do intend to get the washing in and out frequently. We might figure out a better one sometime but this will do for now.

The fresh scent of daphne

2011-07-28T21:56:00.001+10:00

I've been waiting since we moved in to notice the fresh fragrance of dahpne. The bushes have been in bud for ages and then today as I walked up the path I finally smelt it. I picked some on Sunday but couldn't actually smell it without sticking my nose right in the flower. Most of my favourite scents are 'memory associated' ( if that's a real phrase), so daphne along with freesia reminds me of my mum's garden. I do hope I can keep these plants alive as I've tried a few times unsuccessfully to grow daphne, but as someone else has established these I might have more luck!

wordless wednesday

2011-07-27T23:03:00.003+10:00

It's been a while...

2011-07-26T10:58:00.000+10:00

but I have a good excuse! We've been holidaying, we had the best time but as all good things must end we are now settled back into the cold, school and work routine.

Brisbane Museum
Seaworld, Gold Coast

Mutton Bird Island

Butterfly Farm, Coffs Harbour

a sale and other things

2011-07-04T20:23:00.000+10:00

who can resist a good sale? not me... and that's probably not news to anyone who knows me! These lovelies were $10 a metre at my local quilt shop... and designer fabric at that!

and this bag was a bargain too, in my defense I was in need of a new one as the velcro on my usual bag is always getting stuck to my warm winter scarves ( a must have in Canberra at the moment!)

And then today these fabrics arrived. I don't think I can say enough good things about the new Hoo's in the Forest range by Doohikey Designs. Every little creature is so cute and adorable. I think it must be my favourite kids fabric ever! See for yourself!

snowdrops

2011-07-02T22:17:00.000+10:00

snowdrops are one of my favourite bulbs... and I've found some hiding in my garden! I did plant some bulbs this year but they're aren't even up yet.

The banksia's are in flower now too

the softest of pinks in this camellia

and I can't wait to find out what these bulbs are.. I'll be sure to post a pic when they bloom! They line the hedge all the way around and I'm sure will look spectacular.

magazine inspiration

2011-06-29T09:34:00.004+10:00

There are about 3 magazines I get regularly, Better Homes and Gardens, House and Garden and a subscription to Home Beautiful. They're great for drooling, dreaming and of course inspiration. I love these pics from this weeks mag perusal, not my usual style of decor, but romantic and gorgeous nonetheless!

now this one is more my style and colours!

online shopping...

2011-06-25T15:46:00.002+10:00

who can resist? click click click and it turns up on your doorstep and few days later!
After a long weeks work in the sewing room, in which I churned out a large number of crayon wallets, ( some pictured below...)

This morning I found a few goodies to purchase online, this beautiful fabric from Thea and Sami.. can't wait to make up some more cushions.

something for the boys

2011-06-22T20:52:00.001+10:00

my boys crayon wallet fabric pile has been getting a little low, until the postie arrived today that is!

and these will make awesome organisers

A few purchases today

2011-06-21T19:37:00.001+10:00

A trip to "Wrapped in Paper" today and these lovelies came home with me. If i can bear to cut them up they will turn into passport covers... it's going to be hard with those owls and Kokeshi dolls though!

And it's reds in the garden today, loving the rain even if it was absolutely freezing!

It's been a while...

2011-06-20T11:26:00.002+10:00

so where to start!? Well there was the awesome Canberra's Handmade Market.. the best market EVER! Can't wait to get back there in October.

I did some 'me' sewing last week and added a couple of cushions to the lounge in Amy Butler and Denise Schmidt prints.. gorgeous aren't they? And those beautiful flowers in the background aren't from my garden but they were a lovely surprise from my husband. :-)

The vege garden is coming along nicely, no thanks to any rain though.. what a dry couple of months its been.

And some pretty pinks from the garden.

giggling girls

2011-06-09T17:04:00.001+10:00

I've had a few friends join me today... how much giggling do you think there'd be if this lot had heartbeats?
You can come and see them at the Canberra Handmade Upmarket this weekend.

And I was lucky enough to have a beam of sunshine break through the freezing cold right onto my machine.

saturday evening family fun

2011-06-04T19:20:00.001+10:00

Anyone else love this game?... it really suits a lego mad son, a creative mum, a patient dad and a "I'll join in on anything fun" daughter!

new fabric sightings...

2011-06-03T20:10:00.000+10:00

a few new fabric lines about that I can't wait to get my hands on... too bad I've already got quite a stash that needs using!

Timeless treasures - Fruit Punch

Alice Kennedy - Portobello

Cosmo Cricket - Delovely

Timeless Treasures - Shipyard

photo's via Hawthorne Threads

these little piggies are going to market

2011-05-31T22:07:00.000+10:00

along with these babushka's

and this little fellow has found something he likes on our back deck, he's been hanging around all day!

Canberra's Handmade Upmarket

2011-05-30T19:40:00.003+10:00

is on again in 2 weeks... eek... lots to be done and hopefully no more sliced fingers or sick kids. Today's preparation was a pile of pouches. There are owls, babushka's, pigs and lots more!

garden delights

2011-05-24T20:32:00.000+10:00

another pretty find in the garden, and lucky I took this photo when I did as it's now spoilt from the much needed rain we've had this week.

flowers and other things

2011-05-17T17:13:00.001+10:00

Well I've had my first 'work-related' injury this week, in the form of a sliced finger from a rotary cutter. Its Steri-stripped and bandaged up, so of course it's hindering the Canberra Handmade market preparation sewing. So today, amongst other things, we shopped for our winter vege seedlings and seeds, planting them is tomorrows plan. And I toured our 'new' garden to see which plants were flowering and found some lovely surprises.. see pic below!

Where I create

2011-05-11T13:20:00.000+10:00

A work in progress.. some little birdies have joined me this week.

Autumn splendour

2011-05-09T11:13:00.002+10:00

Last weekend we made a spontaneous day trip to the Southern Highlands. Definitely a great spot to visit if you want to see Autumn colours in all their glory. There was much ooh and ahhing over the beautiful trees and leaves, although a stray comment from the back seat indicated not all were enthused... " dead leaves aren't that exciting, you know Mum".
We stopped at Mossvale for lunch, drove through Bowral and Mittagong and then back to Berrima for a walk up the main street and a look in the shop (awesome fabric shop was perused as well!) Then to Sutton Forrest and a wander through the stunning gardens at Red Cow Farm, you can judge for yourself from the photo's, although it was late and the light fading but I think they still capture it well.

Evening light

2011-04-28T17:17:00.000+10:00

After spending the day feeling very under the weather, this beautiful view from my bedroom window motivated me to go out and take some photo's in the evening light. I've been a bit slack taking pics of our 'new' house, so hope these are the first of many I can show you!

I've been wondering if this Japanese maple would ever turn colour, I thought the leaves would go from green, to dirty green, to brown and just fall off... but it seems there might just be some beautiful autumn red to come after all!
And this little friend was discovered hiding under the huge ornamental grass that has since been cut back.

and some more stunning colours from the pear out the back. The light wasn't quite right to get this one in all it's beauty but I will try again soon!

Shabby Chic Florals and Cath Kidston

2011-04-27T13:08:00.000+10:00

I'm not sure why, but I've been drawn to these recently. They are definitely not my usual style but there is something about them that's got me in! Perhaps it's the nostalgic part of me, they remind me of visiting grandma and grandad and the posy of flowers that always adorned the table in the lounge room.

I couldn't resist this fabric at my local fabric shop the other day and I've made a few organisers, so pretty and sweet.

I happened to come across Cath Kidston wallpapers in my hunt for something girly for the little Bee's room, probably not what will end up on her walls, but they are gorgeous nonetheless! And if you're really into pretty florals you can download them for your digital wallpaper!

and something for the boys too.

city shopping

2011-04-20T22:15:00.002+10:00

it's not often I get to the city to shop, but during our recent stint staying over the otherside of town I did find myself in the Canberra Centre. My fave shops in there are Kikki K, Typo, and Pepes Paperie. And I did manage to pick up a little something in all three! ( what a surprise.)

three delightful little notebooks from Typo, oh and matching 'sparrow' pen!

and tree and 'sparrow' stamp from Kikki K to adorn my outgoing Sparrow Bee parcels...

some stationery that is already proving popular for passport covers

and my first ever washi tape! I hope this isn't the last as I've long admired it on various blogs, not sure what I will use it for yet, but as it's just my colour, I couldn't leave it there!

Mothers Day

2011-04-18T20:09:00.002+10:00

anyone organised and shopping for Mothers Day yet? Here's a little help if you need it... a gorgeous catologue put together by I Love Pretty Things.. you might even spot a Sparrow Bee creation in there!
There's a fantastic prize pack too for one lucky subscriber! Click on the image to view the catologue.

red, white and blue

2011-04-15T19:49:00.001+10:00

my new craft spot is slowly coming together.. this week there's been lots of unpacking, refolding fabric ( not sure why I started that job with nowhere to put it all yet!) and onto some orders as well. I had a request from a lovely customer for something "English" themed for her husband. They've been in Australia nearly 40 years now but of course still love their motherland. It had me stumped for a bit, but I'm quite happy with the end result!
And there'll be pics to come of my shared craft room/kids rumpus space.

business as usual

2011-04-04T21:33:00.003+10:00

it's been a while since I blogged, but just much of the same happening. Lots of orders to fill and clearing the books a bit so I can get started on market stock and Mothers Day promotions. Some beautiful new fabrics have arrived and are making the most lovely organisers! I have four of this beautiful Michael Miller bundle.

pic from Hawthorne Threads

This print, Belle Rose in Pink, is getting the most attention. I think you can see why! It's stunning.

I also found this beautiful bed set while browsing the web a few days ago. It is from a little shop in Sydney called "Carousel Boutique". I'm almost tempted to change the colours in my little Bee's room again! What do you think?

a lovely mention

2011-03-24T16:58:00.001+11:00

so chuffed to read a lovely mention of my products from my best stockist Little Yon Yon, today. Have a look at this blog " I love Pretty Things" and while you're there make sure you have look around at all the pretty things!

dreaming again

2011-03-16T20:56:00.002+11:00

I've been missing in action for a bit.. mostly because we've been moving house. We said Goodbye to our home of 8 years and are yet to say hello to our new one. So in the interim ( a few wks) the sewing is a little slower than usual, but the machine did come out today and some progress made on a pile of orders, so there is some hope!
In the meantime I am 'dreaming' AGAIN... of a space in the 'new' house that just might become a studio!! (and rumpus to share with the kids.) And as there's no exciting new photo's to show you on the creative front, I'll find a few pics from flickr of pretty creative spaces :-)

" A studio is an artist's or worker's workroom "

Little Shop of Handmade

2011-03-04T23:20:00.002+11:00

is Sparrow Bee Designs latest stockist. They are a gorgeous litttle shop in Melbourne and this article from the Melbourne Age will tell you all about the shop!

I'm so excited about this opportunity to have my crayon wallets and A6 organisers in another retail store. The organisers are a new product requested by Bec at Little Shop of Handmade. Here's a couple of pics... perfect size for your handbag!

Tiny and Little

2011-03-01T21:42:00.003+11:00

it's an exciting day here at Sparrow Bee Designs. I have been published!! I was contacted last week by the editor of the e-magazine Tiny and Little... and today my balloon wall-art is featured in the "Proud Aussie, Aussie Proud" section representing ACT and along with other local artists from around the country. This beautiful e-magazine can be found here , so grab a coffee, sit back and flick through the mag! ( perhaps 'click through' would be more appropriate).
Here's a peak at a couple of my favourite pages.

crayon wallets - new fabrics

2011-02-23T21:52:00.001+11:00

and definitely new favourites. I was excited to find this doll print on paper at my local scrapbook shop the other day. Another one added to my stash that are too cute to cut up. I love having paper and fabric in the same design, and it's great to see more and more designers doing both. It covers the best mediums of the craft world, paper and fabric! (in my opinion anyway)

Canberra's Handmade Upmarket

2011-02-19T20:28:00.001+11:00

was a HUGE success.. thanks so much to all the friendly people who stopped by my stall! I was so happy with my day that I've booked into the next one on the 11th June... so if you missed getting there today, hope to see you next time. If you picked up a business card and have ended up here, please feel free to contact me with any questions or custom orders. :-)

officially crazy?

2011-02-18T20:11:00.001+11:00

or just not used to being kidless??

The story attached to that question goes like this...

On day 2 of having both kids at school, I pull up at the shops, get out... shut my door... and then open the back door and say "come on, out you get"... to an empty car obviously!! Hmmmm.

Anyway in other news it's only one more sleep til Canberra's Handmade Upmarket, and to be truthful I'm more nervous than excited. I'm looking at my stall setup in the loungeroom at the moment and keep adjusting it as I walk past. So let's hope by 11.00 tomorrow morning I will be satisfied with how it looks. Will post photo's for you next post. ( providing I remember to take my camera)

Handmade Market

Saturday 19 February

11am to 4pm

National Convention Centre

Canberra

new beginnings

2011-02-17T17:05:00.003+11:00

well little miss started preschool today, and it all went very well. No separation anxiety here, well on her behalf anyway! She sayYou can go now Mum, go!" and then when i arrive to pick her up at 3.00... " why did you come back so quick?" so obviously 6hrs went by in a flash of games, rhymes, lunchbox snacks, play and and a nap, during which she informs me, she just pretended to sleep.

so what did I get done in 6 hours you ask? well some signage decorating, bunting for my market table and mini bunting for my display stands.
This is my new 'sign' which I think will hang from my white tree, now as much as I love white, I love colour more ( particularly blue and green) and white on white just isn't enough oomph when you want to catch someones attention. So it had a little makeover and I love the results.

From this

to this!

Parliament is sitting...

2011-02-16T21:12:00.000+11:00

...in my loungeroom! Along with lots of other market goodies. I have a couple of new ranges so I think with only 3 sleeps till the big day, perhaps I'd better unveil them. So please excuse the long post of photo's, but it's so hard to choose my favourite!

plump quilted cushions

vinyl passport covers

Do you have a favourite?

celebrations

2011-02-15T22:12:00.002+11:00

there may have been a certain milestone birthday celebrated recently..... Here are some pics of the scrumptious lunch made by Mum. And beautiful table decorations too.

Thai Beef Salad
Chilli prawns and homemade calamari rings

and yummy cream filled, ganache covered chocolate birthday cake!

No prizes

2011-02-14T21:38:00.000+11:00

for guessing who owns these little fingers! I think the purple is probably enough of a hint. She has been very patient with me this week while I've been busy busy sewing up a storm for the Canberra Handmade Market. She is easily entertained though and keeps herself busy pottering about, playing 'babies' and every now and then comes over to 'help mum'. Even if it is just to rearrange my threads into a more 'bee-friendly' colour scheme

Summer staples

2011-02-09T18:17:00.000+11:00

while growing up our summer diet was full of vegies from Mum's garden. Tomatoes, cucumber, zucchini and corn were the main staples with plenty of other variety as well..carrots, herbs, peas etc.
So it was back to childhood this last week for me when Mum dropped off a huge box, and lots of smaller boxes and containers, full of home-grown yummy produce!

update

2011-02-09T15:42:00.002+11:00

today at school pickup - before I even get a hello..
"mum - there's a bit of a problem, I checked and we don't get homework til next week. So it will start then!" followed by a happydance and then a "Hi Mum, I think I will stay at this school."
oh and we have a record.. day 2 and the hat is lost already. :-(

another year

2011-02-09T13:35:00.000+11:00

well we've started another school year and a new school for the little man. And surprisingly there were no tears! There was a minor meltdown last night but all good again this morning. So far it seems like a great school with a few more things on the curriculum than we were used too. ie science, spanish and fitness.
There is even lots of excitement over the prospect of having homework this year! I wonder how long that will last? I think it has something to do with being like Daddy and sharing the study with him.