Petals and Vintage

Weekend Market Floral Finds.

2012-03-04T19:03:00.001+10:00

A couple of great markets this weekend, and as expected from me, a few floral finds!

China plates and linen tea towels!

So cute!

A touch of retro.

A 1960's gem.

The lovely lady who I bought this tea towel from had never used it.

Ballerinas made in Ireland. :)

A lovely vintage floral linen tea towel.

I love a good fossick at a church market...so many bit and pieces.
There are two local monthly ones that I try and get to if I can.
Sure was a weekend of floral finds. Love them, even the poppies and the cute mice!

Have a fab week!

Pam

Granny Chic!

2012-03-02T20:39:00.001+10:00

Do you remember this post where I showed you my gorgeous handmade granny style crochet finds that I found at the markets?

Well...this is what I have created with them.

Handstitched on to a gorgeous piece of Laura Ashley medium weight white cotton ...

What do you think? Oh and it's available here !

Thrifting and Sewing.

2012-02-26T16:39:00.002+10:00

This post is a bit of everything today. Brace yourself!

Lovely linens have been on the line today for a freshen up and a bit of sunshine.

My latest thrifty finds - a stunning single bed quilt! No single beds here - but layering on the sofa on those cool winter nights - just perfect.

More vintage linens...nothing like embroidered blue birds...love them!

Looking through my Mums Lutterloh pattern book from the 1950's and wondering how the heck she learned to sew from these patterns.

I guess she was inspired by these very elegant and classic styles.

I suppose I could make any of these patterns up if I tried. Just not inspired enough I guess, or purely because of my poor time management skills. :)

I am more inspired at this moment in time by

flowering trees in the backyard. I could look at them forever.

Wishing you a happy week full of inspiration.

Pam x

Attachment to Vintage China

2012-02-19T13:06:00.001+10:00

A very old piece of Japanese china has travelled a lot of miles with me as I have moved around over the years. It has been packed away in storage, left at my parents house and even lived in a few countries. It has been in Australia for quite some time now and here to stay. It's cracked and has been glued back together a long time ago and the glue is now discolouring... but I can't bear to part with it.

You see, my father bought this jam pot for his mother (my most favourite nana) for her birthday when he was 5 years old, that was 80 years ago now! Any wonder I am emotionally attached to individual pieces of china I own that have a certain family history and a lovely story. !! Hoping you would agree here...?

I have kept my eye out over the years for additional pieces, they do crop up occasionally and when I see them I just can't help myself. I found a perfect jam jar years ago.

Then a few under-plates in the same pattern.

Snapped a beautifully crazed and discoloured gravy boat ...

...then all of a sudden before I knew it a small collection was well and tuly born.

All of these pieces were found years ago and I haven't seen any since. I don't know how popular this Japanese anemone-ware was back in the thirties.

The anemone-ware sits quite nicely next to the peony-ware pieces I have collected.....I won't tell you what is next to them!!! I don't use these pieces on a daily basis as they are very old and do not like being washed in hot water too much. They are proudly displayed in my china cabinet.

The blue floral linen tablecloth was one of my op-shop finds this week.

Do you have an attachment to vintage china story?

Vintage Valentine Tea Party at Lilly Cottage.

2012-02-12T11:19:00.000+10:00

At Linda and Tim's Vintage Valentine Tea Party yesterday, we were surrounded by so many handmade goodies and other gorgeous items from their store Lilly Cottage. on Bribie Island..... Not to mention endless cups of tea in vintage china and home-made scrumptiousness.

The red velvet cake was truly special...as was Tims's footwear!

Very Cool!

Very Dapper Tim.

Great to catch up with some bloggy friends too!

Thank you so much Linda and Tim (and your three children) for hosting a really lovely afternoon.

Can't wait for the next one!

Flowers, Craft and Liquorice Roses

2012-02-05T14:32:00.003+10:00

Sunday!

A trip to the local flower farm was on the agenda today, but I didn't find what I was looking for in one of them so I had to go to all three farms. A terrible shame! I think, in fact I know I came home with more flowers than I should have. A girl can never have too many flowers though... right?

The gerberas are just delightful.

I finished off a few more lavender pillows, french inspired with a touch of vintage.

Then I caught up with a friend who is immersed into cake decorating. She created these liquorice roses for me. Made from soft Darrell Lea liquorice...strawberry and green apple flavours.

Nothing like a very cruisy Sunday sometimes.

Pam x.

January 2012 Photo Scavenger Images

2012-01-31T06:52:00.000+10:00

Blur

Company

Entrance

In my bathroom

In Season

In the distance

Information

Mess

Odd

Soft

Warning

Joining Kathy's 2012 Photo Scavenger Hunt this year.

Thanks to Kathy over at the Wirral in the UK for hosting this - so much fun.
These images are for January - eleven months to go!
Check out more images here and you can still join in!

Fields of Sunflowers and Lavender

2012-01-29T17:48:00.001+10:00

Well, I was in seventh heaven today... amongst fields of Sunflowers and Lavender.

After battling off the flu at the end of last week, I felt the need to 'get out of the house!'

So, we ended up ion the Queensland/Northern New South Wales border today and this is what we saw along the way.

Nothing like fields of flowers to brighten up a dreary rainy day today.

Here's to a happy week.

Pam x

Using the Old and the New.

2012-01-26T13:02:00.001+10:00

I have been using some of these gorgeous vintage English embroidery cottons from my stash for my hearts and pillows. I have just about every colour under the rainbow that I can mix with the new. Most are neatly wrapped around some recycled cardboard, all individually numbered. However, there was only the one colour that was wrapped around a piece of scrunched up paper....now there is a frugal tip for you!

My random cross-stitching on my natural linen heart stuffed full of Lavender Buds.

I am having fun adding Mum's old rhinestones from the 1950's...

...and wading through my collection of vintage buttons

A mixture of old and new in my crafting pursuits these days to make unique and one off items!

Coffee in hand, and pondering my next trip South to an amazing family run lavender farm to gather some muchly needed freshly harvested lavender.

Linking up with Lindy here today.

Pam x

A Few Sweet VINTAGE Finds this Week

2012-01-21T14:58:00.000+10:00

A very sweet tin with cross-stitch poppies.

A vintage embroidered hand towel for 'Mother.' Still in original packaging.

Cherries and Strawberries on this country farmhouse style cross stitch.

Haven't you always wanted to know how to make delicious cakes with instructions from the 1930's?

Stunning hand stitched supper cloth.

Have a great weekend...well what is left of it. They pass by so quickly these days!

Sewing and Stitching.

2012-01-18T18:58:00.000+10:00

To all of you who have asked me... YES, I made time for sewing and a little stitching over the weekend.

So, here is a very sneaky peek of what I have been making.!

Can't show you too much yet!

Pam x

Love you Laura A........but.......

2012-01-14T17:05:00.002+10:00

....can you please finish your amazing sale before I walk pass your store again?

MEGA poppy love going on here!

Need I say more?

Change of Name and New Direction

2012-01-08T10:37:00.004+10:00

Reflecting today....

I have been wondering for a long time where my blog was heading.

I will be honest deciding to return to full-time work has made it more difficult.

Snapping images in daylight hours five days a week- not anymore!

Only limited to two desperate days a week now.

But I love it when the weekend comes around and it is amazing what you can get done when you have to.

Where do my passions lie?

Apart from my beautiful family and work...

I know I am madly floral and I love to seek and collect vintage florals whether it be china, fabric, paintings etc.

I can't keep it all, but cannot give up the treasure hunting which I just love either.

Do you know what I mean?

So I have decided to change my blog a little.

The majority of my posts are floral, but I will be selling a heap of vintage items I have collected.

I have a new ETSY account, and I have changed my Facebook name.

My new name Petals and Vintage. What do you think? My style?

A New Year, a new challenge, just re-focusing really as I don't want to give up my blog.

At the same time I want my blog and my facebook page to have more of a focus.

When I get the time I will also try to make stuff as I really am missing the creativity.

It's all about getting the priorities and passions right?

Right?

(UPDATE: However UPON reflection I originally deleted my Bayside Rose Blog. I have now retained the original blog address and realise I will have to start a separate blog if I want to change my name properly. Bear with me and I will keep you updated.
I didn't think this would be so difficult to change over.
Learning something everyday :) :)

Heartfelt thanks to Brenda for their advice.
Hopefully I won't have another sleepless night!

Pam x

On my Dining Table

2012-01-07T15:03:00.002+10:00

This is what is on my dining table today...

...a bit of green...

...a touch of lilac crepe myrtle...

...a runner I bought from a gorgeous homeware store in Sarlat, France last time we holidayed there...

...a silver find from the thrift store this morning...yikes! I just noticed that I can see myself taking a photo in the reflection of the silver!

What's on your dining table today?

Escape to the Country Aussie Style #2

2012-01-01T20:52:00.001+10:00

Hello 2012!

Back from our country break in some remote Northen NSW National Parks, here are some images from along the way I wanted to share with you.
Ulmarra is a gorgeous historic town and it had the only thrift store I noticed that was open during these holidays.

A country dunny and an abandoned farmhouse with that gorgoeus rust again.

Tiny native bush flowers along our bush walks. Very hard to miss if you didn't look closely enough.

We passed through many striking farming landscapes.

Christmas bells in the bush.

Stunnining views over the Gibraltar Range from the Raspberry Hill Lookout.

We spent a night at the beach and now we know why the country areas were so quiet! A vacation at the beach is an age old Aussie family tradition in our summer holiday. This time we enjoyed the roads and the National Parks to ourselves.

So we headed back to the bush. Camped out at the Gibraltar National Park we enjoyed a bush walks through rainforests, dry forests, creeks and rivers.

One spectacular walk was a climb up to the Needles.

An amazingly breathtaking formation of granite columns in the middle of nowhere.

Magic.

Thank you for reading my little blog and I am hoping to catch up with you all soon.

Hello 2012.

Escape to the Country

2011-12-29T07:17:00.002+10:00

Hubby and I decided to get away from the city.

Being half empty nesters it is much easier for us to be more spontaneous and escape for a while.

So....

Why not take a break in the country?
Yep, let's do it...just go!

Heading South from Brisbane.

No plans, no bookings.

Packed the tent and a few meagre provisions.... including smoked salmon and mangoes of course!

See where the road takes us...(sigh!)

Typical Australian Countryside.

Rust on the side of the road.

Open plains, fences and cattle.

Super green fields down here and beautiful trees.

Over the border into Northern New South Wales.

Over the Gibraltar Range and on to Washpool National Park.

Stunning fields of wildflowers, lush rainforests, waterfalls, swimming holes.

Go to bed with the birds...

wake up with the birds.

Getting back to nature.

Re- charging and relaxing away from the bustle right now.

Loving it.

Pam

Merry Christmas

2011-12-20T11:20:00.001+10:00

From our home...

to yours...we wish you all a very Happy Christmas...

...and a more than fabulous 2012..

...Happy holidays and keep safe...

(I am taking some time off work and going away over the Christmas break. It has been a big year!)

Pam x

Miniature Linen Wreaths

2011-12-17T15:19:00.001+10:00

So good to have the weekend off and to stop..... sit and create... albeit easy peasy and small today.

I wanted to share with you what I made with some linen scraps.

I always like to use every bit of this linen if I can.

I 'found' some wreaths in the back of the linen cupboard. Goodness only knows how they got there!

Anyway, these wicker wreaths are really tiny. They are about 7cms in width.

I cut some small lengths of linen and wrapped it around the wreath.

Using the hot glue gun I then fixed the fabric in place.

Folding a strip of linen in half lengthwise I then rolled it into a Rosette, once again fixing the end and the fabric in place on the covered wreath.

No sewing, no hemming just raw linen.

Do you like them?

How many more sleeps to go?

Market Roses and Vintage Linen

2011-12-12T10:54:00.002+10:00

Adore these gorgeous vintage rose serviettes, all hand stitched on a fine quality linen. Even better they were a gift from a generous friend.

Picked up some beautiful perfumed roses from the markets yesterday.

The only place to take photo for the best light was out on the back deck.

It was one of those wet and overcast summers day! Love these roses and I always grab them when I can, so colourful and sweet smelling.
At $5 a bunch why wouldn't you?

Have a lovely week.
Pam x

Christmas Decs At Our Place.

2011-12-10T09:22:00.002+10:00

This is what random parts of the house are looking like this morning.

Decorations are out, making do and getting sorted.

The colour palette appears to be changing this year...definitely a bit more red and silver.

I will show you later.

Meanwhile the tree is up...

...and the jolly and Fat Santa's are back!

It is raining in Brisbane this morning, following on from our cool and rainy week.

I am so happy!

I have two days off work to decorate and meet my very cool friends for lunch.

Have a fab weekend.

Pam x

Sunday Finds and in the Garden

2011-12-04T16:18:00.003+10:00

I know I should be shopping for Christmas, but some handmade and vintage items caught my eye at the markets this morning.

Sweet and colourful hand crocheted flowers - well that's what they look like to me!

They look quite cute threaded as a garland on a bit of jute twine.

A lovely silky oak suitcase that needs a bit of TLC.

No handle... and sticker marks all over it.

I love the warm richness of silky oak and I have never seen a suitcase made out of it before.

The clasps work fine, and with a bit of sanding and a new handle it will be given a new purpose in life...one day.

As I wandered around the garden on this summers day, I defiantly ignored the weeds that seem to just appear. The red hibiscus from the neighbour is still blooming...

...a white Agapanthus happily about to burst forth in flower and then I noticed something strange...

I had to look twice as I know that holly does not grow around here. I was taken back to England for a fleeting moment, reminiscing of the holly bush at Christmas time at my mother in laws house.

Freezing cold, fireplaces and snow falling...mmmm.

A bit uneven for holly on these rose leaves...and then I spied...

...the culprit...the biggest grasshopper ever and he was doing some serious damage!

When I first saw him his head was nestled right into one of my gorgeous roses.

Needless to say he does not live in the rose bush anymore.

Hopefully, he has found a lovely feast across the road, where he could stay forever!

Happy Sunday.

French Inspired and Handmade

2011-11-30T07:17:00.004+10:00

Just completed these little French Inspired Lavender Pillows.

Perfect for a gift to a special French-loving friend.

I decided I didn't want to use up all of my antique French Mangle cloth. It is just too precious in my stash...

So I made my own!...Well sort of...

It doesn't make it French or Antique... more like an original take on my favourite fabric I guess.

I used up some beautiful left over natural linen that I bought from Thea and originally used for another project.

I love this linen!

Stencils, masking tape and fabric paint and there you have it!

Handmade and hand painted lavender pillows.

I love intentionally fraying the edges natural linen. There is just something about it!

Oh yes, another important part...

Stuff them full of freshly dried lavender buds.

The scent is divine.

Give them a squeeze and the scent

permeates even more so...

DIVINE.

Easy peasy and a very quick project for 'time poor for craft' people like me.

Have a fabulous day on this very sunny and very warm Brisbane morning.

Pam x

Orchid Education for Dummies

2011-11-26T17:57:00.002+10:00

Having never had much to do with orchids, I think I am slowly falling in love with this one.

It seems to look better and better every day.

It has been on the dining table for a month now and was wondering what I have to do with it?
I have watered it a couple of times and made sure that it does not sit in any water, but that is all.

I am in need of some orchid education for dummies please!

Pam x

Cushion Number 30 Something.

2011-11-22T07:30:00.001+10:00

You may remember here I posted about a gorgeous vintage tablecloth that I had received from Simone at Beach Vintage. Well... it has now been re- purposed into a cushion for my lounge. What else?

The colours are stunning, bright and happy for summer.... yellow and roses. Mmmm!

This past year I have completed a lot of handmade projects. Sewing cushions and pillow from vintage fabrics, tapestries and tea towels was one of them. Yesterday, I counted them - I really don't know why! I stopped at 30 pillow slips and cushions covers. I am using them all and they are everywhere!

The odd new cushion cover I have bought was not included in this cushion calculation! Aaaaargh!

There are a few more vintage tea towels and fabrics waiting to be chopped up and re-purposed. I think I may just take a break and admire them from afar for a while as they are stacked in their neat little piles.

Have you done a cushion calculation at your home? You might be surprised!

A CK Floral Find, Stripes and Circles.

2011-11-19T10:31:00.001+10:00

A solitude rose plucked from the garden this morning and a few finds this week.

A gorgeous Cath Kidston Rosali (Ikea) doona cover from the local op shop.

When I saw the tag I was more than happy that it was a single because I knew it was destined for the day bed out on the back deck anyway.

Brought it home and discovered it was actually a double in size. Yay! Needless to say there was a little tucking-in happening around here this morning.

A few new cushions.

Totally mis-matched with florals, stripes and circles. A touch of rebel and spontaneous personality one would say?? Love it anyway!

The vintage stool, still in original condition was found up north in an op shop for about $3. The cane planters are big and heavy and were $2 each.

It is always a mix of old and new around my home.

Have a lovely weekend. x

Come Aboard Our Vintage Yacht.

2011-11-13T17:01:00.000+10:00

As promised, here is our vintage yacht in all her glory.
Essentially, she is in fairly original condition, apart from general maintenance each year.

She is a Herreshoff steel ketch, 36 footer in the Nereia design.
Designed in 1947 and built in Hobart in the 1970's.

Welcome aboard our little beauty, complete with original brass fittings...

...Gorgeous warm original Tasmanian oak hideaway cupboards...

Masses of books and DVD's to while away the hours and masses of cushions to nestle in to.

You may remember here, I posted about making cushions and covering the seats on board. The cushions were made from from tea towels and vintage fabrics, the seats with new upholstery fabric.

We always see lots of these out of the water...

...and in the water...

...and this weekend copious amounts of youngsters learning to sail were out and about.

A weekend away is not complete with a magical sunset...

...and this weekend did not disappoint.
I hope you enjoyed a tour of our little vintage yacht!

Pam x

Doilies at Home...

2011-11-11T20:21:00.002+10:00

Just wanted to share with you an unfinished project that I am trying to complete, but at the moment something else always comes up. The simple 'busyness' of life and work is getting in the way!

Yep, I have been inspired by the look of all of those doily curtains out there!

The doilies have been pinned on as you can see, and probably will stay that way for a while.

At least I can move them around as I continue to re-arrange them...just getting them in the right place ready for sewing!

There is one downstairs. It also has doilies pinned on even though you can't see them too well in this photo.

...and one in the kitchen.

Even though it is looking a little sad and not yet properly finished YET, I love it.

This curtain covers only one side of the sliding door, so the house still retains it's natural light...and the room is not overpowered with doily mania.

Going sailing this weekend, so this curtain will continue to be unfinished for the time being.

Oh well, have a lovely weekend!

Designer Tea Towels

2011-11-07T07:31:00.003+10:00

When is a tea towel not a tea towel?

When it is too good to use, I'd say.

Our tea towels were well worn and looking a bit shabby, so.... it was time to replace them.

Looking for something different, something bright and fun, I came across All Tea Towels UK designer linen and cotton tea towels. So many to choose from!
I was a very happy customer, especially when I discovered that a free towel was included in my package!

I chose plenty of florals and a gorgeous French inspired wine label cotton tea towel.

I have washed them.

I have ironed them.

The problem is that they look far too pretty to use. I think I am just going to look at them for a while.

Would you use them?

Inspirational Friends

2011-11-04T09:32:00.000+10:00

I hosted a lunch at my place last Sunday and I invited some very special blogging friends over. You can read about it here, here, and here. It was really nice to get together and boy did we chat! We all have so much in common, so incessant chat was the order of the day.

Thank you so much for the lovely gifts I received ladies... it really feels like Christmas has come very early.

A stunning begonia and a very delicious cake (that we forgot to eat) from Katherine over at the Oldboathouse. Katherine where did you get that cake from?)
Handmade rosey bunting and a Panier basket from Linda over at Lilly Cottage.
Handmade vintage buttons which are delicious cookies by the way, and a vanilla scented soy candle in a vintage glass from Tiff over at Mrs Tiff Living Creatively.
A colourful vintage tablecloth and champers from Simone from over at Beach Vintage.

Surrounding myself with positive, creative and very talented women is a lovely way to spend time on a lovely sunny and warm Sunday afternoon. Thanks bestest blogging buddies! You definately are the best inspiration a girl could have.

Pam x

Thrifty China Finds this Week

2011-11-02T07:31:00.001+10:00

I have owned just one piece of china in the classic blue and white Calico pattern.

One side plate to be precise...

...bought from an op shop a while ago just for a couple of dollars.

It always blends in well with other blues and whites and this pattern is one of my favourites, let alone the colour.

Now, because I love English china and I really do not need anymore, (Who said that I wonder?) this collection has miraculously expanded...

Ready to be jealous???

I could not believe my eyes when I saw this set at the local Salvos Thrift Store.

$16 for seventeen pieces including the salt and pepper shakers!

Four dinner plates
Four entree plates
Four side plates
Two saucers

Of course there was a 20% discount on the day as well.

I had only just told someone that this particular store was not that great. I really, really, really take that back now!

It was my lucky day in that store, for sure!

I always get swept away in the moment when I see English china in our thrift stores here.

Unlike searching the UK Charity stores, good quality vintage English china is harder to find in our local thrift stores

These deep blue cobalt plates are definitely going to a good home and will be utilised every day, along with the other blue and white pieces that we use.

Do you like the vintage rose tablecloth that was given to me by a lovely blogging friend on the weekend? It is just plain gorgeous.

Conditions are that I have to make it into something.

Ummm.... I feel a stunning cushion cover coming on...maybe?

I will keep you updated on my progress there!

Just loving this Burleighware and still can't believe my luck.

Right place, right time I guess.

Pam x

Break the Rules!

2011-10-31T08:41:00.001+10:00

I cannot believe the prolific blooming of these sweet peas.

They are glorious and just going on forever.

I have never planted them before because I always missed the deadline for planting in March.

How silly is that really, considering the temperate Brisbane climate?

For all of the Brisbane gardeners out there, I broke the rules and planted a couple of punnets of seedlings in the middle of May!

Now I feel I have missed out on these beauties for all of these years!

....but, I am really enjoying them now.

Pam x

Floral Wallpaper

2011-10-27T07:20:00.000+10:00

Our Friends at Arcadian Home Decor will be guest posting for me this morning on Floral Wallpapers. Yes, florals, I love them as you would know if you follow my blog. Please enjoy these gorgeous images.

Hi all! I’m Jennifer and I write for Arcadian Home Decor, a site that chronicles home decor trends around the world. I've been writing about home decor since graduating university and have loved it ever since. I'm addicted to patterned fabrics, Jonathan Adler, chaise lounges, old doors, milk glass jars, antiques, and chandeliers. I also swoon over anything that blooms, just like Bayside Rose. I just tickled pink to be sharing these floral wallpaper patterns with her readers.

An elegant floral wallpaper pattern can completely transform a room - no additional wall art needed. Vibrant or subdued, there are gorgeous floral papers in an endless array of colours boasting every flower variety in infinite shapes and sizes. Here are eight that are especially pretty.

Red and white pops

All About You (via)

A punch of bold colour on an accent wall behind a monochromatic couch infuses a space with personality. The red is picked up in the blooming table decorations: tulips.

Lovely lavender

Best Homes Designs (via)

This floral wallpaper pattern has a slight sheen to it, giving it more dimension. The oval mirror on the adjacent wall reflects the shimmery motif.

Pretty in pink

DecorPad (via)

This charming print looks sweet when paired with a pale grey and white marble countertop and white vanity.

A rainbow of colours

Creative Home Idea (via)

The wallpaper is stunning - there's no shortage of vivid colours, breaking up the stark whiteness of this kitchen.

Matching set

Homylicious (via)

A bold floral wallpaper pattern looks even more striking when the fabrics in the room are made to match, such as the curtain panels and wicker couch cushions.

Beautiful backdrop

Unplggd (via)

While many homeowners shy away from busy floral wallpaper patterns, applied to the foreground of a closet or in-between closets lends a more subtle feel - it's an easy but effective home decor idea.

Incredible indigo

Cococozy (via)

While the motif itself might be oversized, the colour isn’t too overpowering - the calming blue buds are mimicked in the colour of the couch and throw cushions.

Bold in black

DecorPad (via)

This print is surprisingly stylish - white flowers on a black background are visually appealing sandwiched between a white ceiling and floor.

Content provided by Arcadian Home Decor, a site that specializes in top quality home accessories at extremely affordable prices. If you like this post, be sure to stop by the Arcadian Home Decor blog and say hello!

A Very Bright Start

2011-10-24T07:42:00.001+10:00

This is what is on our coffee table in our lounge room this morning.

Stunning red geraniums to add a bright start to the week.

Simple and easy.

Have a fabulous week.

Pam x

Zinnia Love.

2011-10-19T08:39:00.001+10:00

There is a very distinct

burst of pink in the garden at the moment.

As soon as

the warmer weather approaches

these buds begin

to appear.

The Zinnias are out!

After a very busy couple of weeks, I am really enjoying the new blooms in the garden.

Love this hot pink Zinnia.

A Simple RED Hibiscus

2011-10-17T07:46:00.001+10:00

A simple RED Hibiscus and a collection of gorgeous hearts would welcome you into my home if you came to visit today.

I picked these up the other day from a homeware store and they look fantastic on my antique flow blue dinner plate.

My absolute favourite Hibiscus is this one...

..a plain and simple RED.

I am very pleased
that my neighbours had the foresight to plant a Hibiscus,
as it seems to hang over the fence quite nicely,
thank you very much!

Thank goodness for kind neighbours.

Just wondering what yours are like?

A Vintage Find and Flower Gathering.

2011-10-15T16:24:00.000+10:00

Phew!

After a very busy week at work it was rather nice to be able to do a bit of vintage shopping and some flower gathering.

I have always missed out on these gorgeous 1930's silky oak tea trolleys on Ebay. I have wanted one forever for the downstairs entrance. A trolley stalker no more!

My lucky find today in perfect condition and look at those wheels!

My climbing roses are in abundance and the sweet peas are still flowering.

I hope your Saturday is full of surprises and happy things.

Pam x

Inspirational Crochet...

2011-10-07T07:31:00.006+10:00

A beautiful and very talented lady I know is going through a really tough time with her health at the moment.

I know she loves to crochet.

I lent her my Mollie Makes magazines.

Well, hey presto!

Without looking at the pattern she made this gorgeous aqua apple cover for me to use. I tend to take an apple to work each day so I will cherish this gift.

She has made a few of these now in all colours of the rainbow.

She tells me that this gesture has given her a new found insipration and keeps her mind busy as she goes through some not-so-nice health issues.

Life is too just too short isn't it?

Have a fabulous weekend and make the most of it.

Pam x

Gold Coast High Rise and A Beach Cottage

2011-10-03T07:15:00.000+10:00

I spent the weekend at Broadbeach with my sister for a 'girls' weekend. I used to live on the Gold coast and so much has changed. From amazing new playgrounds to new and fabulous shops.

Thanks Gold Coast we had a ball.

Amidst the jungle of high rises and holiday resorts look what we found!

A gorgeous cottage tucked away.

Unsure whether it is new or is an old fibro shack that has been extensively renovated...

...but it is so cute with the white picket fence, the hedge and the petunias...(sigh)

I really thank the architects and the owners for thinking outside the box and for being responsible for this stunning find.

A beach cottage.

Surely this is a strong statement in the midst of a string of high rises, that are an international feature and stretch along the 31kms of most beautiful beaches?

So cute!

Have a lovely week and I hope to catch up on your blogs soon.

Pam x

Friday Florals for Work Today

2011-09-30T07:02:00.001+10:00

Thursday night shopping will never be the same.

With the combination of the ex Prime Minster and now Minister for Foreign Affairs Kevin Rudd chatting to us at Carindale shopping Centre last night, and finding a little beauty at Laura Ashley, the expectations will be are high for the next visit!

I must say proud Queenslander Kevin is very charming!

Even my daughter thought so, and was seen shaking his hand for a long time as they discussed the delights of studying at Uni.

While checking out the Laura Ashley store this fabric print stole my heart.

A very light cardigan for work.

Mmmm...it could be good - teaming up with a pair of faded jeans for Casual Friday today.

Yep, bright florals are creeping into my wardrobe now!

Brightening up the workplace with Laura Ashley, why not?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Pam x

An Old Fashioned Flower.

2011-09-26T07:18:00.001+10:00

This is one of my spring favourites. A small tree filled with clusters of tiny white flowers. I remember my Grandmother used to have a tree in her front garden like this. So old fashioned, I love it. The pure white contrasts so brightly against the green foliage.

I would love to know what it is called. I thought it was the snowball plant, but I am not sure. Hoping my bloggy friends will know the name of this gorgeous plant.

Here it is again with my most favourite rose. So fragrant and delicate it almost looks crinkley.

The tag has dropped of this rose. So, please don't ask me what it is called.

In fact, I will own up to the mere fact that all of the tags on my roses have fallen off.

This one a stunner though, highly fragrant and can produce a huge flower

Happy Monday. Happy Spring!

Pam x

A Restless Week

2011-09-24T16:07:00.002+10:00

This lovely little fellow jumped out of his teeny tiny nest this week. He must have been feeling restless and wanted to leave home.

That's how I am feeling at the moment. Completely restless!

I swear I have nomadic blood running through my veins.

Looking at putting the house on the market and buying closer to the city.

Searching for a new nest.

Trying to make the garden more appealing with these old lanterns scattered about.

The garden is not too bad but needs a bit of a tidy up here and there.

The sweet peas were in danger of being ex-communicated from the garden as they are growing on the pool fence. Everytime I look at them a brand new colour bursts forth!

I can't move them on just yet.

When the majority at home have decided that it's time to move on...well we just have to! Don't you agree?

Hubby is not that convinced, but my 19 year old daughter would like us to buy a penthouse in the CBD!

Not sure about that one!

We moved to the area we are now in for the children's schooling. Now that is all over we can make different choices and to be closer to work would be heaven for me.

Where to from here?

Painting those small bits and pieces that should have been done a long time ago.

Going to the dump!

Do you ever get restless and need to move on? Thinking of selling up and buying somewhere exciting?

Surrounded on the Bay

2011-09-18T14:50:00.001+10:00

The shoes were off this weekend and it was time to play.

The first free weekend we have had for a long time. We decided to spend the night out on the bay with Diann who is visiting us for a few weeks.

We sailed over to Peel Island. This was the place to be... and everyone else had the same idea! We didn't realise it was the first weekend of the September holidays..aaaaargh!!!!!..... There were boats everywhere!

We were surrounded by the new...

...and the old...

...and the fast and very sleek!

So calm just before dusk last night.

My sister Diann takes the time to relax and take in the day...

and catch up on some sisterly stuff with me!

Hot but gorgeous weather in Brisbane this weekend with more to follow...as the weather man says!

Hoping you all had a good one too!

Pam x

Giveaway Winners

2011-09-12T21:15:00.001+10:00

Oh such a late post for me, but better late than never, especially when I have just drawn the winners of my giveaway.

Congratulations to

Jane from Blondies Journal and

Cate from Vintage Mum

Please email me your address and I will happily put your cushion covers in the post.

I hope you love them.

Pam

Vintage Inspired Guest Room

2011-09-11T17:08:00.000+10:00

An old brass bed Mum and Dad gave to me.

Thrifted pillowcases, some vintage, some Sheriden.

I found the vintage rose chenille bedspread in New Zealand.

A small cushion I made from piece of vintage rose fabric.

Do you remember my post on my market finds last Sunday? Well here they are - some of them anyway! Placed on my vintage inspired wall in the guest room.

Brighten up the room with a bunch of fresh cottage flowers from the garden.

Welcome to my sister Diann, who will be the first to stay in this room.

I hope she likes it and feels at home!

(Don't forget to enter my handmade giveaway. It closes tomorrow)

Sunday Market Finds

2011-09-04T10:35:00.000+10:00

I don't know what I am going to do with these gorgeous cross-stitches that I found at the markets this morning. I always end up buying these precious handmade lovelies when I see them. They get me every time! Ready to be framed or incorporated into original handmade items.

For the time being, I will just add them to my collection....... which is definitely growing!

A huge Italian brass frame with a romantic courting couple on silk fabric.

Well...alright...there was two actually...

More hand-worked stitching.

Fossicking for treasures at the local markets on a Sunday morning is something I love to do.

Bringing home loads of the sweetest cherry tomatoes and the best fruit loaf ever, all I need is a coffee and the sad Sunday paper and my work is done.

A day for relaxing ahead, as my weekends are very precious these days.

(Letting you know that I have extended my giveaway for another week, so if you haven't entered - just do it! Drawing the winners Monday PM AEST 12th September)

Spring!

2011-09-01T07:30:00.005+10:00

It's that time of the year again..

It's Spring!

This is what is is going on in my garden in the moment:

Ranunculas

Poppies

Larkspur

Stock

Sweet Peas

Native Orchids

What is going on in yours?

Don't forget to enter my giveaway !

Changes and a HANDMADE GIVEAWAY

2011-08-29T07:35:00.009+10:00

Things have changed.

It is all good...
... but...

I don't have as much time for blogging as I used to.

I don't have as much time for leaving comments.

I don't have as much time to enjoy new blogs.

Suddenly weekends have become very precious again.

On my way to work every day, I have to drive past one of my favourite places...the WAC.
One of my favourite haunts for vintage items.

It is all shut up because it is way too early of course.

There is always, always, always the furtive glances at the window though, as I crawl my way through the traffic.

I love my new job and I am where I am supposed to be, but I have promised myself I will always make time to take photographs and to blog.

For me, it is really important to keep up my creative side and it is also equally important to share this side with all of my lovely followers.
So, I am going to...

Because you have all been so supportive and very welcoming over the last 16 odd months - yes it has been that long - I have decided to give something back. Something I have made myself that I am hoping you will like.

A giveaway...and a choice of two of my vintage style floral cushion covers for two lucky followers. All you have to do is to choose which one that you would want to win and let me know in a comment on this post. Feel free to spread the word and share the vintage love.

This is number one: Vintage chenille with CK Ikea Rosali Fabric Cushion Cover

This is number two: A classic 1950's vibrant red rose fabric Cushion Cover

This giveaway is open to overseas followers.

An insert will be optional for an Aussie winner.

For an overseas winner, I will be posting the cushion cover only, just to keep the postage costs down.

I will draw the winner on Monday evening 5th September. Good luck.

Giveaway has now been extended until Monday 12th September!

I love blogging and will keep it up albeit a bit slower.
Check out Posie's really interesting post about why some of us blog and the challenges of competitive blogging.

Pam x

Daffs.

2011-08-27T08:48:00.002+10:00

It was daffodil day here yesterday. I bought these gorgeous daffodils to support the Cancer Council Queensland in their fundraising efforts to continue vital research, and to increase their prevention programs and their amazing support services for patients and their families.

Cancer has touched a really good friend of mine and I feel passionate about making some sort of difference in any way that I can. Aren't those daffs just divine?

Have a fabulous weekend.

Pam x

Classic Rose Project Completed!

2011-08-24T07:35:00.018+10:00

So pleased!

One of my projects completed.

I have been working on this gorgeous cross-stitch runner for a couple of weeks now, stitching in the evening while watching the home reno shows.

Love this classic rose design.

Can't believe I have done it!

Vintage China

2011-08-22T07:46:00.015+10:00

Vintage china and glassware is something I love to collect and it is definately an obsession.

Colclough, Royal Doulton, Aynsley, Coalport, Sadler, Royal Vale - love them all and more.

My first cup and saucer was a Christmas gift from my Nana many years ago. Yep! You guessed it, it is pleasantly adorned with roses and it now sits with pride in a safe corner.

Don't know why, but I love taking images of vintage china with gorgeous flowers. To me, they seem to compliment each other. You see a lot of it here on this little blog.

Aynsley flowers in a basket.

Vintage plates in the kitchen.

Royal Doulton Roses

Loads of blue and white lovliness, stunning Spode and beautiful Burleigh Ware.

Coalport at it's best.

There is a mixture of vintage china and new that is utilised in our home.

I choose vintage everytime!

Have a wonderful week!

Where is the time going? - it is nearly Spring!

A Lazy Day.

2011-08-17T12:49:00.005+10:00

A lazy day today.

A dreary, dismal and trying to rain kinda day.

A public holiday for me, so I am happy just to rest a bit and re-arrange some bits and pieces around the house.

In between episodes of Wallander and cups of tea of course!

What are you doing today?

Beautiful Rosebuds.

2011-08-12T14:09:00.000+10:00

Totally exhausted after a stint in the city, shopping for clothes. Corporate clothes for my new full-time employment contract that I have accepted! I will be doing something that I really love, and working with some really lovely people. How lucky am I?

Anyway, when I came home I went straight into the garden and noticed the gorgeous pink rose buds on my white rose bush. My white roses are turning pink! Picking the few jonquils that are left I also noticed another surprise in the garden. Very deep purple flowers. They are ever so tiny and look like native orchids, so cute and lovely to see them as I have no idea where they came from.

Grabbed some vintage china and took these images. It's the little things that make me smile. How about you?

A Small Vintage Cupboard.

2011-08-08T18:11:00.000+10:00

A few weeks ago I snapped up this gorgeous vintage cupboard from the lovely Katherine from theoldboathouse. I found it at their space in the Cottage Garden Nursery and knew I had a little nook for it. I didn't buy it straight away, but I did have to ring Katherine up the next day to ask her to put a sold sticker on it for me. Have you ever done that? Really fell in love with something in a store, hummed and hahhed, slept on it and gone back the next day?

I love the original look of this cupboard as it is now and wouldn't dream of painting it. It is perfect just as it is.

Two Nights on Straddie.

2011-08-05T18:00:00.004+10:00

Well folks, I have been away for a couple of days again.... This time we were land based on North Stradbroke Island where I used to live and have not been back to for many years.

I immediately fell in love with it all over again.

The beaches are as stunning as ever..clear blue water...pristine white sand...

The Point Lookout Surf Club has some of the best views in town!

It is whale watching time and this is only shot that I have while waiting for them to breech. It just wasn't going to happen.

Look at those stunning colours of the sea!

The stunning Brahminy Kite was watching everything we did at Amity.

The tangled web of arterial roots make a stunning display at Home Beach walkway

Beautiful, beautiful bleached wood on the beach.

Delightfully quirky garden display of blue bottles!

We stayed for two nights in this gorgeous one bedroom loft shack at Point Lookout. Just perfect for the two of us.

A Straddie local fisherman (not my husband!) with a fishing rod and a cold beer - what more would you want?

..and in the middle of winter!

I might just add that my posts on my travels are merely to share these lovely places with you. Hope you enjoy them and have a fabulous weekend.

Pam x

Crabs and SD Cards.

2011-08-02T08:24:00.002+10:00

Thanks so much for your comments on my photographs from my previous post. It certainly means a lot to me as I love to show you my images.

I received a lot of emails asking me about the blue soldier crabs that we came across on Moreton Island. So this part of the post is dedicated to those crab lovers out there, young and old. These creatures are amazing!

There is always one in the crowd isn't there? Puffing himself up and daring to fight you.

These crabs emerged enmasse on the falling tide. When they feel threatened or disturbed they burrow into the sand in a corkscrew motion. Yes, it was fascinating to me and I spent a lot of time trying to capture images of these gorgeous little things. They are so quick!

There he goes...dive...dive...dive!

All tucked away!

Here they are in an army - one of the many that were marching around the place. Evidently, this crab is the only species that walks in a straight line

After taking a substantial amount of photos, I tried to download them from the camera to the computer when the SD card read 'card not accessible.' Well! You can imagine the fumes and frustration I felt.

I was unable to access the photos at all. Apparently, this can happen with no explanation. I never take my SD card out of my camera choosing to save the photos on my external hard drive so there was no damage to the card itself. I then delete all images on the SD card. Then I start the process all over again.

You can see the compromise in quality of these crab photos can't you? - these are the retrieved ones.

However, I will confess to you what I did the other day when I posted about my photos that I had lost. It is not very often that I edit my photos, apart from cropping them for which I use Google Picasa. I was having a big clean-up and organising images in folders etc. and of course deleting the ones I did not want to keep. I was doing this through Picasa not realising when I deleted an image it deletes it from all other photo files I have.

Being fair to Picasa, it was my own fault really as it always asked me if I wanted to permanently delete this photo, of course I said yes, not realising it can delete it forever from any other photo software! Only a mere few were sent to the recycling bin that were retrievable.

After finding suitable software on the net I was able to retrieve the photos. The colours and clarity aren't the same, but I have them nevertheless.

Always something new to learn, and I wanted to share my trials with an SD card and my ridiculous errors I made trying to organise photos files! Oh and sharing those blue creatures of the sea with you.

At the Beach...

2011-07-31T16:17:00.001+10:00

For the past five days we have been anchored out at the Sand Hills at the southern end of Moreton Island. An amazing sand island on our doorstep, accessible by boat and passenger and vehicle barges.

Pristine white sand and clear waters. Need I go on? I will let these images tell the story of what we found this week.

Yep! We walked up these dunes and over to the surfside.

When the tide goes out at this anchorage there is a vast sandbank area to explore...

Plenty of starfish...

Massive armys of blue soldier crabs appear and march in unison with each other. Honestly, it is so quiet here that you can actually hear them moving.

Sunsets are so much better on the water and last night's did not disappoint.

Going...

Still going...

nearly gone...

gone...

Back to the real world now - no food in the house as this kids have been home...grocery shopping here we come!!

Weekend Vintage Finds

2011-07-25T15:27:00.001+10:00

On Saturday Morning our local Retirement Village hosted a Trash and Treasure Market and an Open Day. I have been to a few before and there is always a treasure or two to be found. The ladies are lovely to chat with and keen to show their new items they have crocheted, or jams and jellies they have made.

I found these gorgeous Vintage Hanley plates. Just perfect to use for lunch. Six dinner plates and six side plates for 20 cents each! Bargain.

There was a barometer underneath the tables without a price. So, I asked one of the ladies how much it was and she gave it to me for free as they had just dropped it and one of the hands had fallen off. It didn't matter, as it was immediately appealing to me and it would be easy enough to put a new mechanism in it.

Look where it was made....an added bonus for me as I am a bit of a lover of all things French.

Then it was time to create some more floral loveliness and these florals are what I came up with to add to my ETSY store.

So enjoying sewing these cushion covers from my stash of vintage and vintage inspired floral fabrics. Such a joy!

Larkspur, Jonquils and Vintage Finds

2011-07-22T09:54:00.000+10:00

Having never grown Larkspurs in my own garden before, I was quite excited when they started to flower. The colours are so deep and really vivid...just so in sync with my blue passions at the moment.

Last year I was lucky enough to spend a few months in the UK with my husband's family. We were there in the winter and towards the end of February when the first spring bulbs appeared along roadsides, in fields and in gardens, my sister in law became a new woman. (Well, almost!) There was a spring in her step, her eyes lit up, more humming and smiling was going on as she knew that her world was about to change!

I will never forget it. Even though it was still cold the new growth heralded a warmer and brighter change of seasons.

My first jonquils are showing their pretty heads and I thought of her today and how she felt last winter. Although it is not officially spring in Brisbane and our change of seasons are very mild, I look around and feel grateful for our clear blue skies and it is not that cold really....a completely different attitude.

I bought this lovely rose doily at the thrift store the other day - of course red roses, well that is what I am calling them. The roses were stapled on to the doily would you believe! Needless to say that I am happy to report they are now stitched on.

At the moment, it is under a lamp on a gorgeous vintage cupboard that I bought from Katherine from the oldboathouse at the Cottage Garden Nursery. As far as I know, teeth were not chipped when they found this cupboard! I will share this amazing find with you in another post.

Now for something really sweet that I found yesterday - a vintage honey pot. It is a lovely green with crazing all over it - just perfect for that sweet sticky stuff.

Have a great weekend. Pam x

Floral Cushion Covers

2011-07-19T09:05:00.001+10:00

I have just re-opened my ETSY store to share my love of floral cushion covers. Honestly, I have made so many now and after so many enquiries and sales here they are online I have some very special fabrics in very limited quantities that I have sourced on my travels and really, why just keep them on the shelf? Some of these fabrics may be familiar to you as I may have already blogged about them in previous posts. That's probably because I have made cushions for my own home from some of these.

What do you think?

A Vintage Find and a Small Makeover.

2011-07-15T09:42:00.002+10:00

I found this vintage woollen blanket at the thrift store this week. Falling for the charming red and the luscious grey I have been trying to find out about the manufacturer of this gorgeous blanket.

I could an only find minimal information on the 'Laconia' brand name at the Victorian State Library Website. That fact in itself is intriguing to me. From what I can gather the Laconia Blanket Mill was around in the 1950's in Richmond, Victoria...that is about as much information as I have found...so far.

It is in perfect condition and after washing it gently and leaving it on the clothes-line for a day in the sun the strong odour of mothballs has been eliminated. It must have been so well looked after and hardly used at all to have lasted this long. Don't you love the cute label?

My ginger plant is in flower at the moment and adds a striking addition to the shades of red.

I usually pick up these trugs or tool boxes as some call them. They always come in super handy for bits and bobs in my garden shed. Changes had to be made to this one though and as I am in the mood for the colour blue...sorry, but the ' fresh eggs' and the chicken just had to go!

I also added a strip of paper that I found in my craft room with gorgeous and decorative Fleur di lis design. Added a bit of distressing and here you are. So much brighter.

Add a few herbs from the garden as I try out my new macro lens for the camera that arrived from Hong Kong this morning!

Don't forget the Brisbane French Festival is on again tomorrow at Southbank. I had a fabulous time there last year and I would thoroughly recommend it for lovers of all things French. You can also read about it from Thea at Thea and Sami here .

Enjoy your weekend. x

Blue

2011-07-13T15:32:00.000+10:00

Inspired by the blues on Moreton Bay today...

...the great Australian countryside at the gorgeous Hidden Vale, taken on the weekend

...blue skies by the seaside at Dunwich (UK)

...French blue shutters

...French blue planter box

...blues at home

...painting the blues.

Also feeling a little blue, because I will be unable to present to you my A-Z of Brisbane Flowers.

The idea was to use my own photos which I have compiled for some time.

Umm...they have been permanently deleted from my hard drive and I was silly enough not to save them to my external hard drive I have for that same purpose.

Well, all I can say is we live and learn don't we?

Still hugely disappointed, but I will get over it.

Just have to start again.

Pam x

Vintage Tea Towel Pillow.

2011-07-08T20:05:00.000+10:00

This lovely linen pillow is for our yacht.

I made it using a vintage Union Jack tea towel and some blue and white cotton drill fabric.

Don't think it really is vintage though as advertised on Ebay, but it doesn't really matter.

Having a bit of an updating thing happening on the boat at the moment- brightening it up with colourful cushions and pillows.

I have also re-covered the seating in the cabin and really pleased how it turned out.

The fabric has to be pretty tough to withstand the odd glass of spilt red wine of course!

I chose a blue spill resistant upholstery fabric from Trads Liquidation Centre at Cannon Hill.

Love this place for all things haberdashery and bits and bobs.

I have been going there for years and the best part is, it's great for the budget and you never know what they will have in stock.

It is a real treasure trove.

Have a great weekend everyone.

I will show you the cushions and pillows in situ next week.

Pam x

Gorgeous Gerberas

2011-07-06T09:56:00.002+10:00

Gerberas are the flower of the week in our home - for this week.

Did you know that they are part of the sunflower family?

When you look at them it is a bit obvious isn't it?

I need to learn more about our beautiful flowers, so next week I will be starting a weekly A-Z post on our local flowers grown in Brisbane.

Flowers that either I have grown, or my friends have grown and they have suited our climate.

How about that for a challenge?

Hoping to show you fab photos and find interesting facts and information.

Have an extra-ordinary day today.

Pam x

Waiting for Mollie Makes.

2011-07-05T10:16:00.002+10:00

Can't wait to get my hands on the new UK lifestyle and craft magazine Mollie Makes.

I even have my name on a waiting list at our local newsagency.

I am sure many other Aussie crafty and vintage lovers have done the same and are anxiously waiting.

Just loving these adorable crochet covers on these apples...so cute!

I was enormously surprised when Mollie Makes Edition One was sold on Ebay UK yesterday for AUS$43 equivalent.

Hoping we get edition one out here as it has been so sought after that it has sold out and no back issues are available now.

However, you can check out the Mollie Makes website here

for their giveaway.

Take a peek at their very clever video.

Homes decorated with a vintage style from all over the world are also featured in this magazine.

Can't wait to get it - don't want a digital copy - I want the real thing!

Have a great day.

WANTED: Colour in the garden.

2011-07-01T08:20:00.002+10:00

I planted these stunning pink daisies in the garden this week to add some much needed colour, particularly for this time of year.
After all, it is winter here you know.

Waiting for the seedlings and scattered seeds to grow.

Poppies, Delphiniums, Larkspur, and Stock.

I cannot believe a gorgeous and highly scented and beautiful flower could be named stock. Can you?

Oh and there are Snapdragons as well.

Waiting for the bulbs to flower.

Freeshias and Jonquils.

Ferociously pruned back the climbing roses on the gazebo and they seem to be coming back to life.

I have decided to plant Wisteria this year so it can wind it's way up the scrolly metal, but not for about another month though.

Otherwise, the front garden is looking like this...

Thank goodness for the pink daisies now.

Linking with Tracie at Fishtail Cottage here today.

Pam x

Homemade Marmalade.

2011-06-27T08:40:00.001+10:00

The old mandarin tree in the backyard is laden with sweet and juicy fruit this year.

So best get to work to use this delicious fruit.

Mum was a fruit and vegetable preserver and a jam and marmalade maker.

Dad was the apricot jam expert extraordinaire!

Actually, they made everything when I come to think about it..

So, this is my first time making marmalade and this is basically what I did.

Washed the jam jars in preparation for sterilising them in the oven

Sliced the mandarins in half.

Scooped out all of the seeds.

Took off all of the pith.

Wrapped both the seeds and the pith into a small muslin bag.

Apparently the seeds contain pectin that aids the setting process.

(I chose to remove the seeds before cooking as I did not want to sieve the finished product.

I love the country chunky texture)

Julienned the rind from about half of the mandarins.

Put all of the ingredients into a saucepan (including the tightly knotted muslin bag) and let it all bubble away for about two and a half hours.

The ingredients: Mandarins, Sugar, Water and Lemon Juice.

You can find recipes here and here.

I am a bit naughty with recipes like this - I always modify them to suit our own taste.

After thickening up and discarding the muslin bag, I then scooped the mixture to the sterilised jars and sealed them straight away.

Kept them wrapped up in towels overnight.

And it was marmalade for breakfast this morning.

Mmmm...just delicious...

Of course, there is the obligatory gift giving ritual with a home-made product with home-grown produce.

There are many more mandarins on the tree so I guess that means more marmalade!

The best part is I don't have to pay for them, which really appeals to the thriftiness in me.

Happy Monday.

Pam

A Tea Party with a Certain Style...

2011-06-24T07:57:00.001+10:00

If you were looking for me yesterday, this is where you would have found me.

I was invited to a Mad Tea Party on Bribie Island...

...An idyllic location Linda of Lilly Cottage chose to host her Mad Hatters Tea Party.

Just look at her style!

On the Esplanade at Banksia Beach.

You can see the stunning backdrop of the Glasshouse Mountains in the distance.

Before we could sit on these gorgeous mis-matched chairs...

or sit at the beautifully adorned table with muffins in vintage cups, coloured vintage glassware and vintage teapots...

...and displays of vintage glass bottles...

...we had to find our own tea cup!

The rules were simple.

We had to find a matching tea-cup and saucer that just happened to be hidden in long grass.

So much fun!

So.... passers-by were treated to a glorious vision of women frantically rummaging in the long grass on the foreshore....all in the name of tea of course!

Pomegranate Punch anyone?

Fabulous food, friendly and very chatty company and a totally beautiful setting.

The gorgeous Linda and her very dapper husband Tim catered for our every need.

They organised a game of croquet - how posh!

Forgetting (I really don't know how) to try one of Tim's home-made heart shaped scones.. I am hoping there will be a next time!

Thanks for a fabulous Tea Party day on Bribie Island.
A Tea Party with a certain Linda style...perfect in every way.

I am sure I won't be the only one to be inspired to host my own tea party...one day!

Beechmont Surprises.

2011-06-21T17:04:00.000+10:00

We took a drive down to the Gold Coast Hinterland today.

Friends of ours have bought 150 acres at Beechmont.

Prime real estate on top of the mountain.

After looking at their plans for their amazing new home I was really keen to see their piece of paradise.

And what a glorious paradise they have found.

This will be the view from the Eastern side of the house.

It was a bit hazy today for photos, and on a good day the views stretch from North Stradbroke Island to Coolangatta and much more I am sure.

Depends where you are taking the photo from of course!

This will be the view from the Western side of their home.

Stunning Gold Coast Hinterland.

On the way home, we stopped off at a small park.

We came across a lovely babbling river, complete with rocks!

Gorgeous autumn foliage.

We were strolling along the pathway,

taking in all the natural beauty feeling nice and relaxed,enjoying the serenity of it all...

... then we came across this car that had obviously been driven off a very old wooden bridge.

Do hope no-one was injured too badly.

Vintage Postcard Inspiration

2011-06-19T12:14:00.001+10:00

We received a postcard in the mail the other day from friends who are in Donostia - San Sebastian.

This inspired me to think about the last time I received one...I just can't remember. I assumed everyone used a form of social media these days..Facebook, Twitter or mobile phones.

As a young child, a postcard was an expected and eagerly awaited piece of communication from Mum and Dad.

'Don't forget to send a postcard!' was the last murmured words when departing on beach holidays with relatives.

I also remember spending hours choosing a postcard to incite the most modest pangs of jealousy for my sister to endure. Usually beach-side images did the trick!

Wonder what my children's reaction would be if I asked them to write a postcard, buy a stamp and post it.

In fact, it is not something I would even think about these days

Now-a-days it's ' don't forget your mobile, chat to you on Facebook!'

Receiving this postcard has prompted a bit of research and this confirmed how huge postcard collecting is, all over the world. There is a UK website here where there is so much information on collecting, history and up and coming post card events.

Having two vintage postcards in my collection I bought in an antique shop not long ago, I realise my meagre collection is a far cry from the thousands that I am sure some collectors have.

I thought these were particularly gorgeous because of the roses and sails.

Hand-written Birthday wishes.

I also came across these ...

Image

Did you know that the official name of postcard collecting is Deltiology?

Are you a Deltiologist?

Making Them Last...

2011-06-16T09:51:00.000+10:00

Trying to make these gorgeous roses last at home as long as I can.

Using my vintage china more and more these days.

Not much is stashed away in the china cabinets any more.

A stunning winter day in Brisbane so far, a bit chilly with clear blue skies.

Pam x