Etsy picks of the Week: So Fresh & Lovely

Oh Etsy you are so full of lovely things to buy!
Is Etsy your go-to place for gift buying?  It is for me...

Inspired by this top image (by Shipra Panosian Photography found via
Style Me Pretty   ) its so wonderful  - reminds me of happy days, picnics and peaches!

and here are my picks this week!
Pot Plant by Amy Blackwell  *
Linen Ruched Clutchbags by HelloVioleta *
Thinking of You card by ThePaperCub

Goodbye Google Reader....

Have you heard that Google Reader will no longer be available after 1st July, 2013?
Do you keep up with your favourite blogs via Google Reader?
I was a huge fan - it made life a little more organised so I'm sad about Google's decision - but I quickly scrambled to find a new way to ensure I stay connected to my favourite blogs.
I asked around and most peeps are now using Bloglovin or Feedly.
I imported all my blog subscriptions to both and am trying to figure out which I like best....

My blog had over 1300 subscribers over at Google Reader...Im not one to check stats obsessively but if you'd like to follow my blog posts on Bloglovin click here  or on Feedly,  here 
or via email - there is a link on my side bar to the right!

* image - Vintage paper ephemera bundle in my Etsy shop 

Happy Mothers Day!!!

Happy Mothers Day to all the beautiful Mums out there!

I hope you have a splendid day (off)
and get to relax and enjoy 'your' special day with your loved ones.

I will be enjoying breakfast with my boys and then off to lunch with my Mother.  I will also be visiting my Mother-in-law in the afternoon...Im very blessed to have both these amazing woman in my life!

Vintage Mothers:
Lauren Bacall & son Stephen,
Audrey Hepburn with her son Sean and
Shirley MacLaine with her daughter Sachi

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Back to School...

Last month I attended a great night at ‘The School’ in Sydney’s Rosebery. Stylist Megan Morton opened ‘The School’ a year ago to offer creative workshops and classes to peeps thirsty for some creative fun – you can see their class schedule here….


I booked in for
Kara Rosenlund's
‘Creating Vignettes’ workshop and it was SO wonderful to see Kara in action…she showed us how she styles her vignettes, her 5 main points to remember and she shared her story with us – what an inspiring lady!!
I adore her work… Kara’s beautiful home (hello gorgeous!!) is also featured in this months ‘Inside Out’ magazine!

here is Kara's Vignette that she created on the night - lots of texture and interest!

Beautiful props to play with ( note to self: find a vintage portrait painting) - afterwards everyone was allowed to play around and create some beautiful Vignettes....

a day or so afterwards we got a 'Thank you' email from Megan and 'The School' with an attachment of another stunning Vignette that Kara created to say thanks and goodbye to Sydney before she headed off back to Brisbane...sparkly fun!!

A Girl called Sujean

Its been a while since I’ve done a Creative girl post so today we’re heading over the pond to meet Sujean.

Sujean is a talented illustrator, book author and mum to a darling little boy!

I first came across Sujean’s colourful illustrations many years ago when I subscribed to the

 'Daily Candy' newsletter.

Each time Id get the newsletter in my inbox it would include a delightful illustration that just made me smile!  

This was way before blogs, Pinterest and even Facebook….gee I was probably just getting used to the internet?!

I think Sujean would be surprised to know how I observed, studied and gawked at her beautiful watercolour illustrations each week…

Sujean has worked with many exclusive clients and brands we all love, like 
Tiffany & co. and Coach,
and she has also illustrated many beautiful book covers.  
Sujean is also a published author and illustrator of the Birdie series - a darling children’s book  character.
Birdie is so fun and sweet!
   
As a mum, Sujean is also totally in love with her gorgeous little boy and sent me this fun photo of 'Sticker art' that her little boy decorated all over her legs!

Welcome Sujean!!

Can you tell us what is currently inspiring you?

Witnessing my 3 year old son discover the world. 

Watching Spring finally begin to show itself and 

the Classic 'Little Golden Books' series.

Name 3 things you couldn’t live without right now? 

My family. 

Good coffee in the morning and good wine in the evening. 
My iProducts.

Can you define to us your personal style?

Non-fussy, comfortable but still a bit girlie.

Do you have a favourite colour (or colour combinations)? 

Depends on my mood. 
Right now, it's black, white and red. Yesterday, it was turquoise and grass green...

What about a favourite Smell or Fragrance? 

The beach.

What do you love about your City/Town? 

I still consider myself a Brooklynite (even though we moved north in 2007).
I love that you get the city energy and creative spirit in a relaxed neighborhood. I currently live in Chappaqua, NY and have to say I love being in nature now too - especially with a child.

Do you have a favourite quote you'd like to share with us? 

Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it 

- Buddha

Thanks so much Sujean!
To see more of Sujean's beautiful illustrations head on over to her website  

Daisy

I've been hanging out for Baz Lurhmann's  'The Great Gatsby' , for what seems like ages!
With delays in the release date, a huge blow-out in the film's budget I'm hoping it will be nothing but spectacular!
I love how the Fashion world get behind Baz & Catherine's films - their creative vision and beautiful styling  should be celebrated.
The May issue of US Vogue features Carey Mulligan who stars as Daisy, I'm still waiting for my subscription in the mail, but I've spotted some of the beautiful images by Mario Testino on fashion blogs -  you can see the set  here at the Vogue site.

...I read 'The Great Gatsby'  a couple of years ago - such a fast read,  but I was on holiday...a  beach holiday so had lots of idle time.
I must admit as the story unfolded I found Daisy's character to be very shallow...still,  Gatsby is obsessed with her!
Im hoping movie goers world wide will be obsessed with The Great Gatsby!  

.....The last of the sunshine fell upon her glowing face with romantic affection....

Inspiration Now - Botanical prints

Beautiful, delicate Vintage botanical illustrations.
I adore them! 

What were originally technical and not artistic, drawings, they  look beautiful in the home.
Try second hand book shops or Etsy for book  plates or large botanical charts look great against a stark wall!

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney offer botanical illustration classes ...drawing from nature amongst the most beautiful surroundings -  How wonderful.

* images Top by
 Tine Ediger for HomeGarden.nl
Bottom via
Hvuitur Lakkris