a Bloomsbury mood...

the lovely Mel from Styled Canvas had a Moodboard challenge this month  over on her blog.
Of course I had to give it a go.

I used to really enjoy collecting clippings of  inspiring fashion images - fashion layouts are like beautiful visual stories...so much thought into each look and image...
a collaboration between creatives!
lately for me its all about interiors and ideas for our new home
so it was nice to go through what I had on hand and create this moodboard...

some quiet time, a strong cup of tea and magazine clippings...
Enjoyable!

a Girl called Kylie....

You meet the loveliest people online and Kylie is one of those people!
Warm, friendly, supportive, I've never met her  but her lovely personality shines through the screen and Im looking forward to sharing a coffee with her one day!
Kylie started 'Pink Paddock Store' ,  last year and her gorgeous paper goods and prints are delightful with beautiful colours, sentimental messages, soft florals, sweet illustrations.
I've watched Kylie grow her paper goods shop, 'Pink Paddock Store' and I'm so proud of her!
I'm thrilled to have Kylie featured on the blog today.

Welcome Kylie!
Can you tell us what is currently Inspiring you?

Hands down…Instagram! Ask my husband and he would say I have a slight addiction, however, I do beg to differ! For me, its one stop Inspo whether its 'whats hot' in fashion and home decor, food and meal ideas or soaking in styling tips from so many talented people out there. I also love the Instagram community who are just so incredibly supportive and that definitely feeds the inspiration factor! Ive met some incredibly talented women who have started their own businesses and are following their passions - that gives me a huge boost!  I also seek inspiration from magazines, favourites being 'Country style', 'Home Beautiful', 'Real Living', 'The Collective'  but these days I don't get much of a chance to sit down and actually read them.  When I was blogging, I used Pinterest quite a bit but I just don't have time anymore (sadly).

What are your plans for Pink Paddock Store in 2015?
I have loads of plans for
'Pink Paddock Store' but keep reminding myself it's all about quality not quantity!
So, small steps and hopefully everything will fall into place.
I started last October with 14 card designs. I currently have about 60 designs not including the gift tags and postcards.
I recently added the Petit range which has been really successful (YAY!!).
Next on my list is to add wrapping paper and notepads.
I'm hoping this will happen within the next 2-3 months. I have a few other products Id love to add before Christmas 2015 if possible - watch this space!! I would love to update my website as well. One big focus for this year was to increase the wholesaling side. Funnily enough when I started I had no intentions of going down this path, but I've been lucky to have made some great relationships with my amazing stockists and really keen to grow this part of the business.

Define your personal style
In a nutshell, I'm a classic kind of girl that loves to dress things up with some colour and texture. I love mixing old with new and walking through homes that tell a story about you and your family, not look like a showroom! I don't like minimal and not a fan of clutter,  although with three small children at home you wouldn't know this - I'm somewhere in between!
I'm no 'fashionista' but prefer wearing comfortable clothing that is classic but I add something on trend. Most days you will find me in jeans (mid waist please!) and a St James Tee with flats or saltwater sandals!

What are your favourite colours?
Oh, a hard one as there are so many gorgeous colours to choose from.
My four favourites would be blue (love indigo! and duck blue), pinks, green and yellow, all in varying shades of course.
I can't resist tangerine. I love that colour can alter your mood and I guess for me I'm drawn to more pastel and natural shades rather then bold colours.
Although, I still like bold colours, just in smaller doses!

Do you have a favourite scent or fragrance? At this time of year (Autumn) in the country, I love the smell of rain on the dry earthy ground. Its the country girl in me and I find it so relaxing and calming. I also love the scent of our old fashioned roses and gardenias…..such a classic and pretty smell.

Describe your 'perfect day'?
Definitely would begin with a sleep in, cuddles with the kids and a coffee in bed... oh, and waking up with an ocean view would be lovely too!
The rest of the day would be spent with the family really, just hanging out and enjoying fun times together and some yummy food. The perfect end to the night would be dinner out with my husband. Quite simple really!

What do you love about your town?

I live in a country town in Northern Victoria. I love the community spirit and having close relationships with so many people. When you live in an area with a small population you can't help but get to know everyone,  its a case of one degree of separation!
When someone needs help, the whole community seems to just pitch in - no questions asked.
The other perks are no peak hour traffic and amazing night skies. I do miss the variety of so many shops and eateries that the city has to offer (even catching a movie at some ungodly hour in a really cool cinema!!), but I guess that helps make a visit to the city such a treat.
There is also no shortage of creative talent out in the bush- how could there not be with so much natural beauty surrounding us!

Do you have a favourite Quote? 
I particularly love this quote below. I can't remember where I found it but it was the final push I needed to start up Pink Paddock Store. It was also the first card I designed, and to this day is definitely one of the most popular ones and very special to me. The last line gives me shivers every time I read it, and I love seeing the reaction on customers faces when they too read it!

 "It's impossible" said Pride,

 "It's risky" said Experience,

 "It's pointless" said Reason, 

"Give It a Try"  whispered the Heart.

(Card and A4 Print both available online!)

Thanks so much Kylie!
To see more of Kylie's gorgeous range of paper goods, head on over to Pink Paddock Store
and Pink Paddock Store - Facebook page for all the latest news and of course Instagram for amazing inspiration and behind the scenes at Pink Paddock Store!

A Girl called Carmen....

This week I'm really excited to feature Carmen on the blog, another Creative Girl you should get to know.
I had seen Carmen around at a few local Etsy events and we had a chance to chat at the recent Sydney Etsy Team 'Show and Tell' gathering in Newtown - she's so warm and friendly and a very talented Illustrator and designer!
Carmen's illustrations are so delicately beautiful and she illustrates with such fine detail.  I love all   her animal prints - their faces and expressions show SO much character!  I also love the airy feel to Carmen's illustrations.

Welcome Carmen!
Can you tell us what is is currently inspiring you? 
The change of season,
botanicals, and the delicate lines in nature.

What creative plans do you have planned this year?
 I have so many plans, just need the time to do them all!
This year, I’m very much focused on expanding my range. I want to create a series of greeting cards, invitations and kids apparels.
On top of that, I want to dabble in the world of fine arts and do more experiments with different mediums, composition and scale.

Can you define to us your personal style? 
My personal style is very different to my work.
My work is very delicate and muted while in real life I’m very colourful and love mixing patterns and texture. I love the juxtaposition of the two styles, it adds interest to my everyday life.

Do you have a favourite colour? 
I love yellow! just writing about it now makes me happy. I use it a lot during the planning and concept stage, it’s a colour which helps me to focus and to think clearly.


What about a favourite Smell or Fragrance? 
 My favourite fragrance is Om by Miller et Bertaux. It is a spicy and woody sense which is a mix of grown up elegance and a warm embrace.

Imagine your most perfect day – what would it look like? 
My most perfect day would have to be art related. It would start with a visit to a local gallery, then maybe a visit to Art on King to buy more art supplies and then a walk home with a big cup of hot chocolate and ideas for a new drawing project.

What do you love about your City?
The creative energy. It seems like everyone I meet these day are either chasing their dreams, starting a new project or doing something fantastical. I think our city is more vibrant and alive than ever before and we are so lucky to live in such a creative city like Sydney.

Do you have a favourite quote you'd like to share with us?
I used to collect quotes but not anymore. I try to clear my head of clutter where possible. Sometimes you can be so focus on people’s ideas that you forget your own.

Thanks so much Carmen for this little Q&A session!  Its been great to get to know a little bit more about you.
To connect with Carmen and to see more of her work and what she's been doing lately head on over to her Etsy Shop 'Drawn by Carmen'  
her Website , instagram feed (we all love Instagram!) and Carmen's  Facebook page

Style it Up! DIY projects

Are you feeling like a bit of DIY this weekend?
...making something by hand for yourself or for a gift (less than a month until Christmas ...eeek!) is always a satisfying way to spend time.
These stylish projects I have bookmarked on my 'Creative Life'  Pinterest board - they look easy enough to give a go...

* DIY neck candy by The Lovely Drawer *  Upcycled Pullover by Kreativbuehne *
Braided Cuff by Craft Tutsplus * French pouf Flower by LoveMaegan

a Girl called Rebecca

I was happy to see Melbourne based illustrator, Rebecca Jones a finalist,  and 'special studio winner' in Lilla Roger's Global Talent search for 2014.
Rebecca's illustrative style is SO delightful, super sweet with lots of expressive detail! charming!
Im thrilled to have Rebecca featured on the blog today part of my 'Creative Girl' series...

Welcome Rebecca!
Can you tell us what is currently inspiring you? 
I gather my inspiration from so many places. The smallest thing can spark an idea. I love browsing in bookshops, going for walks, and flicking through my favourite magazines, Frankie and Uppercase.

Name 3 things you couldn’t live without right now? 
My morning coffee,  Lip balm (I use Rose Balm By Terry, it smells lovely and is seriously the best lip balm ever!), Palomino Blackwing pencils

How would you describe your style of Illustration?
It can be colourful and strong, sometimes soft, delicate and sweet. I take delight in adding all the little details.
I like things to look hand drawn and a bit wobbly, the imperfection adds a more interesting quality.

Can you tell us a little bit about your creative process especially when starting a new project/piece of artwork? Once I think of an idea, I start sketching on sheets of photocopy paper.
Knowing the paper can just be scrunched up and thrown away if I think my drawings aren’t up to much, gives me a feeling of freedom, and helps to loosen up my drawing. ...and thats why I can’t draw in sketchbooks anymore! I do lots and lots of pages of drawing. I draw everything I can possibly think of within my theme. It’s the huge amount of drawing that helps my ideas to really formulate. I scan in my favourites, and then manipulate them digitally. I usually then paint and draw a few more items once I have begun to build the image up, and as more ideas spring to mind.

Can you define to us, your personal style? 
Well, I think how my studio looks sums it up nicely. It is cluttered and messy, with lovely little bits and bobs all over the place. And it is full of colour, pattern and inspiration.

Do you have a favourite colour or colour combinations? 
I find it very hard to create anything that doesn’t use minty blues or teals. I love mint with pops of yellow, peachy pinks and inky navy at the moment.

What is your favourite smell or fragrance?
I love to bake, and nothing can beat the smell of a chocolate cake baking in the oven






What do you love about your city? 
I have lived in Melbourne for ten years now and I love it. The city has a sophisticated and creative feel to it. There so many beautiful cafes and lovely independent little shops to explore. There is always a lot of stuff going on. And only an hour or so away and you can be right in the country or by the ocean.

Do you have a favourite quote you’d like to share with us?
 ‘If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try’ - Seth Godin

To see more of Rebecca's beautiful work head on over to her
Website
Blog
Facebook
Society6 
Etsy Shop
Instagram

Pulling colours....

On Saturday we headed to Newtown for a quiet Vietnamese dinner...I love walking along King St with its interesting store fronts and window displays.  The Gorman shop had their Summer 2014 catalogue on their front door so I'm glad I took a copy because I spent some relaxing time yesterday pulling colours from their bright clothing range!
I asked my Neo to help me sharpen my pencils and I got 'whats in it for me mum?'  little bugger...I told him a hug and 'favourite son' of the day...he smiled.
I keep saying I want to experiment with colour, crafting ...even drawing...its just finding that time or setting aside the time because there will always be something else that needs to be done right?
so yes, I think I need to slot some time each week just for creative play and see what comes of it...

Pulling colours from the prints and patterns of the Fashion images created a few nice colour combinations - perfect for future crafting adventures!
To see Gorman's latest looks head on over to their 'Summer 2014' page - gorgeous!
They even have a cool competition happening right now so take a look!

Sydney Etsy meet up....

Last week I went along to the Sydney 'Etsy' meet-up hosted by Aussie Etsy Admins, Courtney and Jennie  - it was a school night, I was buggered after work and my new long train commute
but I managed to get my mum to look after the boys until Andrew got home -  I'm so glad I did go as I got to meet some new Etsians and had a really enjoyable evening!
The catch up was held at the 'The Wild Rover' in Surry Hills, daggy me walked straight past it...well I wasn't expecting a private door of what was an old shirt-making factory ( from when the Rag Trade was booming in Surry Hills).
I wish I had taken more photos but the bar was moody and dark (not sleazy and dark...phew!) but here are some lovely products from some creative and passionate Sydney Etsians that hung out the other night!
(L-R) * Black Arrow candles *  Chase Fate *  AntiPastel *  Zest&Lime *  Me and Tex * MissWrightDesigns *

Etsy Design Awards

Some great news for Australian Etsy Sellers!
Australian sellers with active Etsy shops are invited to enter the 'Etsy Design Awards'.
Not only will  you be featured in the December issue of 'Inside Out' magazine
but you can win a trip to Etsy’s headquarters in Brooklyn, New York!!!
Now thats a cool prize, non?!

The Etsy Design Awards have been created to recognise creative excellence and there's lots of that in the Australian Etsy community that's for sure!
Check out all the details here 

Etsy Stories: My Sweet Prints

I first met Janette from 'My Sweet Prints' a few years ago at a Sydney blogger catch-up.  I've always followed her blog and work online - lately we've been Instagram buddies too!
When I gave my son Neo a little bedroom makeover which you can see here  and here,  I bought one of Janette's customised 'A World to Discover' print - we love it!
Janette's amazing art prints adorn many walls in many homes.
Her work is bold, bright and can be customised -  a perfect inexpensive way to update any room or workspace!

Hi Janette!
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself 
I'm an early 30's Mum of two boys from Sydney. I'm a Graphic Designer by trade and I worked in Magazine Advertising before having babies.
My passions and interests are interiors, homes, architecture, design, craft and art, kind of anything creative.

When did you discover Etsy? 
I discovered Etsy back in 2009 it wasn't as gigantic as it is these days but it was such a unique website - being able to have your own little shop with already established traffic was just amazing to me.

What inspired you to start selling on Etsy ?
I was on maternity leave with my first son and I knew I didn't want to go back into the magazine world with deadlines, travelling into the city each day etc.
So I thought I would do my own thing, logos, business cards, any sort of freelance Graphic Design - but I don't actually enjoy that sort of design work!
I'd made a few prints for friends and everyone said I should sell them, so when I discovered Etsy I thought I might as well give it a go. My son was six months old and so I gave myself six months to try and get 'My Sweet Prints' earning a certain target amount per week - to see if it would actually be a viable work option. And it happened! I was lucky to have been picked up by quite a few journalists and stylists and the exposure just built it up to a thriving little business!

Can you describe your creative process?
It varies but it might just be a thought, an idea or a saying which I could picture turning into a print. But basically I just think about what I would want on my boy's walls or on our walls at home. Anything that is sweet, sentimental, feel-good, makes you smile, is kind of the
'My Sweet Prints' ethos.
I have a folder on my computer with lots of designs that have never made the cut over the years.

When you initially launched your Etsy shop, did you ever think that you'd be able to make a living selling your beautiful prints?
I hoped and dreamed and I worked really hard to make it work but no, when I initially hit the 'Create an Account' button on Etsy it was just a 'Let's just see how this goes' type of thing. I had not business plan, hadn't even really worked out packaging, labeling or accounting.

Why does the Etsy marketplace work for you?
It gives me flexibility, if we decide to go away on a short weekend away I can just put the shop on Holiday Mode. It also gets so much traffic from all around the world that you don't have to be constantly driving traffic to your shop, the traffic comes to you!
I get most of my overseas orders through etsy.

How has the freedom of having your own Etsy Shop impacted your lifestyle?
It has totally impacted it!
I can be around for my boys, if one of them is sick I don't have to call up a boss and apologize... I can just work around appointments and outings etc.
On the flipside when it's really busy it means I'm working most nights, and it can be hard to switch off but the positives totally out weigh the negatives.

Thanks so much Janette - it was great chatting about Etsy with you!

If you are a creative or know someone who would be a great Etsy Seller than its so easy to open an Etsy shop - Etsy are offering 20 free listings for any new shop!  Head on over to the
Etsy Promotions page and use my special code AnastasiaEDA to get started!

Etsy Stories: the Fox and the Spoon

This week I'm shining the spotlight on Etsy and I have blog interviews lined up with two creative Sydney-based Etsy shop owners.
Etsy is a vibrant community.  I myself, am thrilled to be part of the fun and it sure has helped me to express and nurture my creativity.  I'm also a keen Etsy buyer and it's always my first stop when Im looking for gifts and unique items.
There are so many wonderful items on Etsy!

First off we have Maria from the beautifully curated shop 'The fox and the spoon' which sells rustic vintage decor, kitchenalia and props for events, styling and the home.
Hi Maria!
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I grew up in the seaside town of Kiama. It was very small when I was little. The main shopping centre was closed on Sundays and you couldn’t buy bread on the weekends – that sort of thing; but it was a very beautiful place to grow up and I was free to go and play outside all day.
My family owned a small Motel there so I learnt about customer service from a very young age. That’s what I enjoy now most about my shop, talking with my lovely customers and just making sure they have a positive experience through my shop and of course, Etsy.

When did you discover Etsy? 
Early 2010. I hadn’t heard of Etsy before but a girlfriend mentioned it to me as a place to start selling my vintage wares. I remember I couldn’t believe my eyes. Everything was so beautiful and there were so many shops! I still love getting lost in Etsy!

What inspired you to start selling on Etsy ?
I’ve always loved old things – collecting them, displaying them, using them and of course giving them away as gifts. When I decided not to return to work after our 2nd child was born luckily a very good friend told me we should open an Etsy shop together .
Even though she never joined me because of her work commitments she has been such a huge part of my experience on Etsy and our conversations about our vintage finds (and baking!) continually inspire me.

What is the meaning behind your Shop name? 
Her surname is Fox which is such a cool name but my surname is not as exciting. We were in her kitchen trying to think of something that would go with, “the fox” and her husband says, “and the spoon!” I love to cook so it just seemed to fit.

When you initially launched your Etsy shop, did you ever think that you'd be able to make a living selling your beautiful vintage finds?
I had not had an online shop before and I was worried that my photos or my descriptions would not be good enough for selling them to someone who can’t reach out and touch the item.
I don’t know what I was so worried about - people who love vintage are lovely! I thank all of my customers, people who add me or one of my pieces to their favourites or people like yourself who include me in their blogs, magazines, websites and treasuries.
All of these lovely people give me the spirit to keep pursuing this beautiful dream.

Why does the Etsy marketplace work for you? 
I think people visit Etsy for a visual feast. They like to come here for ideas, inspiration and to find that individual piece. You may have someone looking for inspiration for their wedding. They can visit Etsy and see donuts sitting in birch holders or vintage chalkboards used as menus or even personalised laser-cut cake toppers. No matter what you trade on Etsy, we all seem to fit together into this cohesive circle of individual retailers which is a thrill to be part of.

How has the freedom of having your own Etsy Shop impacted your lifestyle? 
When I returned to work when our first child was 9 months old I felt nothing but guilt.
When I was due to return after our 2nd child was born I knew I couldn’t go through leaving another child at daycare all day. Running my shop has given me something to really strive for and make my own but being there for my children has been priceless.
I can work during the day while they are at School and then pick them up in the afternoons and meet friends at the park or take them to an after school activity or even help out in reading groups . I think we are all so much happier now that we have time for each other and Etsy has allowed me that freedom.

Thanks so much Maria!
To see Maria's stunning shop and current listings head on over to 'The Fox and the Spoon'  

If you are a creative maker, a creator or like Maria, have a passion for unique Vintage, then the Etsy Marketplace might be perfect for you!
Its so easy to open an Etsy shop and right now Etsy are offering 20 free listings for any new shop
head on over to the Etsy Promotions page and use my special code AnastasiaEDA to get started!

Shibori techniques on paper....

Shibori is a Japanese dyeing technique using binding, pleating, folding as well as rubber bands, clamps, wood and rocks (?) to create beautiful patterns.
It seems to be everywhere lately ... a follow up from the recent trend, Ikat, maybe?
its been used on home-wares, bed linen, clothes, tote bags...I love it in a beautiful intense indigo blue, its a little more refined than the drippy 70s tie-dye technique but just as cool!
I thought the DIY instructions looked easy enough but decided to give it a go on paper (as you do?..) I had some cotton paper at home and I also tried it on canvas paper and traditional water colour paper.

...paper is not cloth and I tried hard to get some crisp folds. My paper was quite thick and the elastic bands hard to keep on ( I used the boys loom bands haha...not strong enough) it was all for fun anyway, a bit of experimenting on a quiet afternoon so nothing serious and I managed to get some interesting patterns that I've added to my inspiration journal...

I noticed there's a Saturday Shibori workshop near by - think I might join in?

...a Great.ly Winner

Last week I was super lucky to be one of the winners of Mel’s  giveaway,  a generous $100 voucher to spend in her Great.ly shop Wow!! ...so lucky indeed...
Mel was celebrating her two year blog birthday and also her new online shop.
It was hard to choose as everything is so lovely!
Mel has exquisite taste...and her shop is curated beautifully.
This is what I decided on.
a darling black and white pot planter and two adorable dotty vessels - I couldn't decide on which one to get so I got both the black dots and the mint dots!
So something for my house - I was tempted to get this scarf but decided on the home-wares instead...big thanks Mel, love them!

Have you seen bloggers posting about their Great.ly shops recently?
It’s a great new website that has Tastemakers (shop owners) and Makers (creative brands/individuals)
Its the most perfect collaboration to promote beautiful, unique goodies for all of us worldwide.

Etsy Craft Party 2014

....here are some pictures and highlights from the 'Sydney Etsy Team's'
Etsy craft party the other night.
The venue was part of the Ultimo Community Centre -  a very cool arts/craft studio just like in high school - perfect for what we needed and spacious enough to fit all our guests.
It had a really creative feel about it ...I like that all the tables had evidence of experimental fun (paint splatters everywhere...)
The evening went by really quickly and before you knew it, it was time to pack up, clean up and go home...
Everyone got to make something which was awesome and it was a great evening!
Etsy fans, buyers and sellers came together, and  lots of new friendships formed over Craft and Creativity!

Oh you Good egg!

Easter weekend is finally here!
Today I spent the day at my parents along with my sister and niece, we baked  and baked ...traditional Greek Easter cheese pies and bread.
We spent the week fasting, those that are very religious do 40 days of fasting leading upto Holy Week but I can only manage a week and can't do the vegan thing so only cut out chicken and meat from our diet - it was actually quite easy without meat and I made lots of interesting meals using legumes and lots of vegetables - delicious and cleansing!
Tomorrow Im going to dye my Eggs.
I'm thinking of doing something a little different than the traditional Red 'Greek Easter' eggs..
the Decoupaged eggs  below are SO beautiful and I'm loving the Ombre egg project as seen in Country Living magazine recently - it looks easy enough!

have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Experiments in Collage

I’ve started a 6-week online workshop – ‘Experiments in Collage’, with Collage/Mixed media artist, Randel Plowman.
...I love Randel’s style and have been following his work and blog for years now.
I also have two limited edition prints of his ‘Bird’ collages hanging in my kitchen so you can say Im a huge fan!

Randel has offered the online course before but I had always been too busy to take it and the timing was never right so am pleased to be taking part now.
It’s been great so far although I'm already behind with my homework but I’ll get there as it’s so interesting!...

I love Collage, Mixed Media and Art journaling – it takes me back to childhood ...paper & glue and craft time. We had a great craft room at my primary school, it was a messy haven where you can experiment and enjoy the process!
 I'm sad that my boys don’t really do that much creative craft/art at school...so much discussion about creativity in schools been overtaken by Academic expectations...its a real shame!
Back to my post – this here, is part of my first homework assignment, these collages were meant to be done quite fast
and free flowing so this required trying not to think about it too much, which can be really tricky (for me anyway...)
they turned out so cute and it was a fun exercise, can’t wait to do more!
I turned mine into Greeting cards by securing my collage onto thick cardstock and I’m going to list them in my Etsy shop!