Fabulous Friday

It's Friday and the best thing of all is that we get to sleep in tomorrow. Sleeping in is something I am very good at! See you on Monday.

Image - Rodney Smith Photographer

Friday night project

A couple weeks ago, my mom and I went to the fabric store together and there happened to be some pretty good deals, so I got her and I some lovely supplies. Here are my late Friday night project results. A cropped jacket with oversize collar made from quilt lining and fully lined and a fun, bright skirt made from a cotton linen blend and also lined. I made the patterns from scratch, but I think I'm going to tweak the jacket a little bit more and make a second one. I somehow didn't get the lining quite right, so the armholes feel a tad tight. A work in progress, but it was still fun and I wore it out with Matt on our date night. :)

I forgot to mention, but my hat is from here. Love it!

Exciting News!

Thanks for all your support of our new lines over the last few days. We love and appreciate every comment! It's been a joy sharing them. We just wanted to quickly put in a good word for a recent feature. Martha Stewart Weddings has three of our papers in their winter 09 issue!


Morning Meadow Dew is the adorable blue box in the middle. They feature a whole crafting section that also includes Morning Meadow's Breeze and Poppy's Ratton. So go check it out on the newsstands or here online!

CHA Giveaway Winner!

Thank you again for all your amazing feedback. We have a winner for our giveaway... using random.org we were able to randomly choose a winner. Drumroll...the winner is:









Congratulations Lynette! All you need to do is email us your shipping information to seiblog@shopsei.com. Anyone can email us whatever is on their mind for that matter. For those of you who have been wondering, some of the Playdate & En Route papers will be featured in upcoming Club SEI kits. Yay!

You Couldn't pay me enough to play tennis in this weather!

Jeez it's hot!!
43 degrees or 109.4 for those of you working in farenheit.

Same again for tomorrow with the next few days almost as bad.

Now I love a hot night more than most but it's nearly 10.00 pm and it's 32.7 dgrees (90.86). That's even wearing me a bit thin.

Yesterday was just as bad but it doesn't seem so hard when you're doing this ....

or hanging out here ...

What on earth possessed me to leave a summer paradise for stinking hot Melbourne?

Maybe the fact that Moondoggie started kinder today!

Bugger education!

More Porch Love

Now let's try and get back to the pretty things....

I am completely IN LOVE with these porches and chairs. I adore the lattice in the top picture the most though!

All Images - Thayer Photo via Creature Comforts

For Like....Gone!

I don't usually like to post sad news here at ABT because I personally try to concentrate on the happy things in life and I try, as much as possible, to make ABT a happy, positive place for you my readers. But today is not a happy day. Today is a sad day and a day which I cannot let pass by without making my very small voice heard.

This morning I woke to emails from some of my lovely blog friends {Jo, Heather & Natalie} letting me know about the awful and I must say depressing news that Domino Magazine is finished....what we all thought was 'For Like Ever' is now 'For Like Gone'.

Each month, like lots and lots of people around the world I looked forward to my Domino subscription arriving in my mail box, albeit much later than my American friends...but always worth the wait.

In my opinion Domino has been a breath of fresh air. It has supported young, up-and-coming Designers and has been a magazine which has inspired me as a young Designer to think outside the square. It has offered Eco-Friendly Design, Budget-Friendly Design and overall I feel that it has offered achievable Design.

I spoke to Natalie Walton this morning {via email}, the Deputy Editor of Real Living Magazine here in Australia and I said to her I hope this doesn't start happening to our favourite Australian Home Magazines. Her response was interesting.....

"I think part of the problem with US mags is that they charge so little for the subscriptions – often only $1 an issue – that they’re really heavily reliant on advertising so when that drops they don’t have much room left to manoeuvre within their budget."

I agree with Natalie. I certainly think Domino was very inexpensive and I would have paid double, even triple the price for my monthly issue. Our Australian Home magazines range in price from roughly $6.00 to $10.00 an issue.

However, there really isn't anything we can do. I feel sad for the contributing Sylists, Writers, Photographers, Designers featured and Staff of Domino and I feel sad that these horrible times are taking away our small pleasures.

Good-bye Domino. You will be missed by many.


Image - Domino Magazine

I Love Circus Tent Bathrooms

I know you've all probably seen these pictures before but I can't get enough of them. I have a very small {and I mean very small}, unrenovated bathroom at home and another unrenovated bathroom at the beach, one of which I would love to do in this style....one day!!

Image 1 - Krista Ewart's Bathroom via Domino via {I can't remember}.

Image 2 - Via Habitually Chic

A Pretty Porch

Wouldn't this be a lovely spot to while away some time...

Image - Country Home Magazine

*Reminder

**Reminder: Some days we all need a little lift so if you see someone you think looks really great today make sure you tell them as it will be sure to make their day...

Image Via Lolita via This is Glamorous

.Happy List

I'm loving .Vanessa's new .Happy List Series....so much fun seeing what makes people happy. Vanessa has just posted my .Happy List today. Click here to see...

Image - Flickr

Pretty

Today I adore these pretty photos styled by Chelsea and photographed by Nicole Hill.

CHA Giveaway!

So far CHA has been a lovely experience. Much like the feedback we've received from you our viewers, our CHA audience has also embraced our new lines. Here around the art room, we are relaxing a bit and enjoying our new products. We've been working on layouts, albums, cards & numerous paper projects with our new lines. The great thing about creating our projects is that we love our paper lines even more. So to give you an opportunity to enjoy your day as much as we do, we are giving away a Lovebirds assortment pack (shown above). It includes two sheets of all the papers in the collection, which is a total of 20 papers (2 of each glitter, 2 of each foil, 2 of each shimmer, 1 of each lace) and 1 sheet of glitter die-cuts. Visit our website for more images. All you need to do is leave us a comment by Wednesday, January 28th by midnight. You'll receive the assortment pack just in time to make some sweet valentine's. Thanks again for all your support this last week!

Love,
the art studio

Giveaway winner! :: Thank you to everyone!

Thank you to everyone who posted comments for the giveaway! I had a wonderful time reading through all the sweet and thoughtful comments and it was really great to hear which pieces people like the most. I really wish I could make a piece for everyone! I used a random integer generator to "draw" 1 winner (random.org), and made the rule before I generated the number that for any multiple posts from anyone, the first one was the only one that counted. So the winner is.....

"auroralauramarie"!!

auroralauramarie posted this comment on January 22, 2009 8:41 AM:
"Hello Myra,

Your work is lovely. I stumbled upon it looking for inspiration for my "vintage picnic" wedding. I am hoping (fingers crossed) that you will be available to make a hair piece for me for my August wedding. This piece is my favorite!

http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=8831086

It has a very elegant and vintage feel while still remaining fun!!!! I think that it would be perfect for an outdoor vintage picnic wedding.

Have a beautiful 2009!"

Here's her pick:

If this was your post, please email me at info@twigsandhoney.com with your mailing address so I can send you your one of a kind piece and put "giveaway" in the subject line.

THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!!! My first year was such a wonderful experience and I am looking forward to a whole new year! I'll do another giveaway later in the year, so check back for updates. :)

Twigs & Honey Giveaway piece and more

Thank you to everyone for your extremely sweet comments to the last post! I'm excited to see who will be randomly chosen! I wish I had time to make several hundred pieces for everyone. It has been great to read the comments and get a feel for what pieces everyone is most interested in, which gives me great feedback for what pieces might make reappearances this next season. Here's the piece I'll be giving to the winner of the giveaway, to be announced Monday. Remember, get your comments in by midnight on Sunday (January 25th, Pacific time) and post them on the previous post for January 19th.

The lace ribbon band is a fuchsia color, but it is coming off more red in photos.
Another reminder to all brides and those interested in seeing some lovely fashion. The English Dept. is putting on a fashion show, A Novel Romance, on February 1st at the Ace Hotel in Portland, Oregon. I'll be making the accessories and I've been busy putting together a nice collection. Here's my favorite piece so far:

Most of the pieces I'll be making for the show will be available for purchase sometime after the show (I think I'm going to use them for a photos shoot). If you attend the show and see a piece that you like, contact me to let me know that you are interested at info@twigsandhoney.com. First come, first serve basis and price upon request.

One last note! Like the necklace I'm wearing with the giveaway piece? It is made by one of my favorite designers on etsy, Joie de Vie. Blair, the lovely Mrs. behind the line, was so kind to send me this piece and I love it. Isn't it so cute and perfect for Valentine's Day, which is coming up! Thank you Blair!!! You can find this same necklace in her shop by clicking here.

Meet our friends- Playday!

Last year we came out with our baby lines chick-a-doo and chick-a-dee. We loved adding these cuties to our SEI family, but they needed friends. We decided a toddler line would be the perfect solution, and Playday was born:

Whimsical elephants, giraffes, little birds, and a momma kangaroo with baby all invite you for a play date. Creating layouts or making cards with this collection will create smiles. These papers and embellishments are perfect for boy or girl layouts.



Love,
the art studio

Blindsided

Grief is a funny thing. Sometimes it just jumps up and punches you in the gut, with no warning.
Today was one of those days.
As I was driving back to Melbourne tonight I was singing along to the stereo, thinking about nothing much when, out of nowhere the image of a friend, who died a few months back, came to me in perfect detail. He just appeared in my mind's eye as though he were sitting next to me.
Next thing I know I am crying and trying to recall the moment just to hold on to it a bit longer.
The mind plays funny tricks and I never can recall his face in detail when I want to.
It was so nice to see him again.
This is not the only time it has happened either.
While at a Tex Perkins concert, in the middle of a song, I glanced around the crowd and I saw him. I'm sure he was there and it made me so happy to believe it.
It made me think that if his death has having such an effect on me then how much more so for those who were closest to him.
I hope they are learning to live without him in their lives and that the lesson is not insurmountable.
I hope they know that he will always be remembered by so many who's lives he touched.

Weekend

Have a great time this weekend wherever you are, whatever you do. It's Australia Day on Monday so I'll be back on Tuesday.

Image - Rodney Smith Photographer

En Route- by land, by air, by sea

En Route is the first travel line that we've ever released here at SEI. This line will be ready to purchase before your summer adventures. May is when we will have it available whether online or with our distributors. We have been overjoyed with the responses that we've gotten so far from you, our viewers. Remember, if you need to see a close up of the pictures being shown below, you can always click to enlarge the embellishments and papers.

Where are you going? By land, by sea or by air, your memories will be enhanced by this collection. Choose between the subtle colors inspired by the rolling hills of a road trip, a day sailing on the water or relaxing with a view of a sunset.



Love,
the art studio

Talking About Diane Bergeron...

I received the most beautiful invitation from her yesterday to the opening of her very exciting new showroom in Melbourne. I just had to show you the invite which is printed on fabric...so beautiful!! Oh and guess who is going to be the special guest????.....Michelle Adams from Rubie Green. Michelle is also coming to Australia to talk at the upcoming Decoration + Design Seminar Series in Sydney....can't wait to hear her talk.

Inspiration for 2009

We've all talked about Inspiration Boards before...they definitely aren't a new topic in Blogland! Probably like most creative people, I usually like to start each year with a new board to get myself inspired and excited about the year ahead. However, I have to be completely honest I haven't started my new 2009 board yet. My Black & Spiro Girls keep trying to nudge me to just put one picture on my humongous linen covered board in my office but I just haven't been able to do it.

Last night however, when I was looking at Diane Bergeron's awe-inspiring board I started to get in the mood. So, tomorrow I have some time free in which I plan to get started on my latest board and today's purchase {for Black & Spiro's new stock} of a very beautiful old circa 1900's Chesterfield sofa in original floral linen with box pleated skirting, will be just the thing to get me going.

I'd love to pose some questions to you, my readers...

What have you added to your inspiration board lately? What and who are you inspired by at the moment? What colours are you loving for 2009?

Pale Blue Fixation

It's becoming increasingly obvious {see posts below} that I am totally smitten with pale blue at the moment. I adore the blue painted floors in this house.

Image - Coastal Living

Bridgeport- game, set, match

We are so ecstatic that our lines are being embraced by our audience. On the Tuesday, January 20th entry we were actually featured on Print & Pattern. It is one of our favorite blogs to see what trends and inspirations are orbiting the world.

Now for another yummy spring must-have, Bridgeport. Remember, if you need to see a close up of the pictures being shown below, you can always click and enlarge them to appreciate the details.

This collection of spring papers captures the elegance of butterflies flying through a garden path lined with flowers. Imagine yourself spending a sunny spring day playing badminton or croquet in a grassy field. Share laughter with friends. Taste the sweet pucker of lemonade. Squint at the sun. Enjoy the shade under the trees. Clover green, bordeaux, turquoise and misty blue are the signature colors.



Love,
the art studio

Heath Ledger

How is it possible that it hurts more now than it did one year ago?

My Mum's Favourite House

My mum has, for a very long time, loved this house on Mustique Island. She has numerous articles on it and books with it featured in....it is her dream house, the house which has been the inspiration behind some past projects of hers and I'm sure it will be the inspiration behind some future projects...this one's for you mum!! xx

All images via Coastal Living

Infuse Passion with Mimosa

Thanks for all your comments yesterday on our Lovebirds line. It will be the line featured in our February Club SEI kit. And now introducing Mimosa:

A lavish watercolor bouquet blends the passionate colors of guava and mango, whispers of pink, sweet and sour cumquat and the zest of key lime. This collection is perfect for celebrating Mother’s Day or a spring wedding shower. The complementing embellishments add the finishing touch to every card or layout.



Love,
the art studio

And Talking About Soft Palettes....

I do love these vintage chairs Eddie recently updated....gosh he's a clever thing!!

All images - Eddie Ross

A Soft Palette

Last week I predicted a softer colour palette for this year over at Coco & Kelley's Crowning the Colour of The Year week. Here are some softly spoken rooms I'm loving and am inspired by.

Image 1, 2, 4 - House Beautiful

Image 3 - Shoot Factory