My Xmas Angel

Had to take some xmas photo's of my wee one for overseas relatives and what better then wearing one of my mimosa dresses. Biased, I know, but she looks gorgeous.

Funky Coat Stand

Who needs a xmas tree when you can have one of these!

I just love making these trees. Its a great feeling cutting them out with the jigsaw and watching them come to life.

Ruby Square Market this Saturday 12th December

Don't forget we are at Ruby Square Market this Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Its once again at Greyfriars Church on Mt Eden Rd, opposite Mainly Toys. Plenty of parking on side rd at and the church. We are selling coat trees and some jewelery too! Will post some photos once the paint has dried!

Chocolate Brownie in a MUG! OMG!

Last nights hormones got the better of me! At my bequest my beloved partner googled chocolate self saucing puddings in a mug and found this very decadent pudding. He couldn't finish his but I managed to devour mine without much trouble. It was rich and definitely needed the scoop of ice cream on the top!

While we sank into the settee we found some mouthwatering foodie sites, including the blog of sweetcorner-jasenka. She has the most gorgeous photos of her food that you just want to eat/make them immediately. Her site, I think, is in croatian? but over the past few months she has posted english translations of her recipes. Any of you foodies out there who loves Alexa Johnston's book "Ladies, a Plate" will love this site. Or just go visit for the images.

From Jasenka's food heaven, we discovered mytartelette, an american foodie with more lovely recipes and then onto a beautiful site of the talented pioneer woman. Don't ask me how she has the time to do what she does. Some people are just remarkable!

Enjoy but don't make too many of those chocolate brownies in a mug. You might just explode!

LMNOP- new issue out

For those of you who haven't discovered the Australian online magazine LMNOP , issue 9 is out now. Laugh Make Nurture Organise Play. I love it!

Pretty in Pink

Have just finished sewing some stylish summer dresses (age 4-5) in gorgeous fabrics ready for those xmas parties. 100% cotton. Adjustable pull through strap that can be bowed in either the front or back.

Magic Beans Market Day

See you there!

Boowa & Kwala

Just wanted to share with you a site my daughter loves and at age 4 she easily manages to navigate on her own. Boowa and Kwala are two lovely characters who play games (818!), sing songs (94), and introduce children to a myriad of learning activities (mazes, puzzles, sorting, matching, spot the difference, guessing, pairing and so on). If I'd let her she would quite happily play on it for hours.

boowakwala.com

Junior Society.com

If you're into great design and funky sites for all things kids this one is lovely. Its one of my favourites and has loads of links to other wonderful sites including bemboszoo.com, an animated animal alphabet designed by Roberto de Vicq de Cumtich

Juniorsociety.com

Upcoming Markets

Over the next month we are going to be at the following markets:

Magic Beans Market Day on Saturday 28th November.

Grey Friars Presbyterian Church

544 Mt Eden Road
Mt Eden

9am - 1pm

Ruby Square Market Day on 12th December

Grey Friars Presbyterian Church

544 Mt Eden Road
Mt Eden

9am - 1pm

Hope to see you there.

Wotsit

Wotsit. My daughter had a lovely book from the library called "Rita and Whatsit go on a Picnic" by Jean-Philippe Arrou-Vicnod and Olivier Tallec. The drawings of the dog are very simple yet cheeky and I've tried bringing him to life with this plushie who I've named Wotsit. He's about 30cm tall and can sit upright by leaning back on his perky tail. Each dog is slightly different from the other.

Plushies & Softies

You can barely go anywhere these days without seeing a plushie or softie roaming about. Some are cheap and cheerful and mass produced in China and others have been painstakingly handcrafted. I've always taken an interest in these as I use to make small dolls and toys when I was only seven or eight. There are some gorgeous ones made here in NZ but I've been particularly drawn to the quirky dolls of Filomena Carmo Pinto from Portugal (see her blog Filomenacarmopinto.blogspot.com.)

Monsters, Murray & Puzzles

Murray (my partner) probably is wondering why he's lumped in with monsters and puzzles but he gave me the idea for these blackboards -or is it chalkboards these days?. The puzzle pieces are a set of nine that can be interlinked to make one large three by three puzzle or can be bought separately. The monster is usually bought on his own. These are great not just for the kids rooms for reminders, lists or drawing scribbles on but also in the kitchen or office.

Solving Problems & Having Fun

At outdoor markets I wanted people to be drawn to my stall so I created this girl and her dog. They flat pack and slot together easily (the dog and girls legs become the stand). Its a great way to show off the dress and bonnet. I very proud of her! If anyone is interested in buying one for their retail shop or market I can make more! Variations welcome.

Koru Tree

Since first discovering the Swedese Tree Coat Rack almost two years ago I have been wanting to create my own design which I can hand cut and sell. It didn't take me long (though many preparatory drawings hit the floor) to design and make my koru inspired tree. Sometimes it looks angel like and reminds of the Angel of the North, designed by Antony Gormley, located in Gateshead, UK. Though that one is 30m high and has a wingspan of 54m!

Pt Chevalier Plunket Fundraiser 2009

Loved this market day as I had one dad who went to town buying dresses, skirts and bonnets for his daughters! He loved their practicality and uniqueness.

AUCKLAND ANNIVERSARY DAY ART & CRAFT MARKET 2009

A gorgeous sunny day at Mission Bay. It was a quiet market despite the stunning weather. Plenty of people enjoying the sunshine and gentle surf at the beach but little money being spent. Recession and post christmas tightening of belts. Shared the space with the wonderful and talented Keri from Hollychic.co.nz (modern baby bedding), Sarah from Unido Designer Baby Slings, Trina from Lolaben.co.nz (merino sleeping bags) and Sarina from NudeyRudey (cloth nappies).

Best Friends

Georgia and Ella at the zoo wearing their mimosa bonnets.

Simply Skirts

A beautiful range of skirts in two sizes. Ages 2-3 and 4-5. Most skirts are unique and no more than 5 are made otherwise. The skirts have an adjustable waistband. My daughter who is now 4 can still wear her size 2-3 skirt. As you know your daughters can slim down and sprout up considerably around this age. I have even had a mother of a slim 10 year old look at one of the 4-5 year old skirts!

Summer Dress

A delectable summer dress with adjustable shoulder straps. Each dress has a heart shaped pocket in contrasting fabric and mismatched straps. The dress can be worn with leggings or jeans in the winter and over a long or short sleeved t-shirt. The dress comes in sizes 6-12mths, 1-2 years, 2-3 years and 4-5 years. Most dresses are made of 100% cotton, and the fabrics used are a selection of vintage, recycled, designer (including Trelise Cooper Fabrics) and furnishing.

Ella at Pt Chevalier Beach

The versatile and reversible mimosa bonnet. It has a lovely wide brim that will protect your child's face and neck from the sun - and if your daughter is like mine, then she'll be able to perform magic tricks with it too! Each bonnet is unique.

mmm looks tasty

The mimosa headband. Very popular with the young ones at our markets. Easy to slip on and off with an elasticized tie at the back.