New Cushions

After searching high and low, in bricks and mortar stores and all through the internet, for cushions for our living area that were both affordable and nice to look at , I finally gave up the hunt.

Instead I settled in, deliberated and procrastinated , over purchasing some fabric that would become our new cushions. I knew what I wanted, but I didn't at the same time, so this seemed the best option. Plus this is a high traffic area of our home , as we only have the one living area, and the kids dominate this space for most of the time , so spending a small fortune on a few pretty throw cushions was simply not an option. 

I ordered this yummy loot from Fabric .com , and with postage it all cost about $75, and I have PLENTY of fabric left over for other projects (I used one of them for the  lamp I recovered, see post HERE). I used an existing quilt that we have laying over the lounge as the inspiration for the colours and just chose a few to highlight in the throw cushions.

A bit of time on the sewing machine, lots of pretty, creative mess and a few curse words (always the way when I am driving a sewing machine) and our cushions were complete! I made them all with a simple envelope closure at the back , which makes them easy to take off and throw in the wash quite regularly. 

The end result? Pretty cushions, all a little different. All a little wonky, all needing new inserts ( I just popped the ones I had already in them and they aren't all the right sizes) but I love them all the same! 

I love the Pom pom trim detail, I love how they all pick up different colours and complement each other and I love the felt flower (that my sister made and I have already ) that pinned onto the green spotty one and adds some pretty detail.

I love the few pops of colour in the lounge area now. I am trying to be more daring and I am really enjoying the fresh pops of brightness here and there.

With the covered lamp (that ties in with the cushions) , our new throw cushions and a good decull and reorganise of the space, our lounge feels like a new room! 

All up I think the 6 cushions have cost about $30 to make, with so much fabric left over , so for $5 a cushion, I can't complain! It was nice to have a project in mind and be able to get a little crafty and whip something up on the sewing machine. I really think that even beginners to a sewing machine could make some cushions covers and its a really great, low cost way to snazz up any space! 

Easy to make, easy to clean and look cute. Perfect. 

And a bonus? When I get sick of these ones, I can whip up a whole new set and the look of the room will be different again! Love it! 

Updates ...

There is nothing I like more than quick, easy and most of all , budget savvy updates for me or my home. I am a 'homey' person, always choosing to spend time or money on furnishings/ decor than clothing or items for myself and I like change. I like to have something to do all the time and I don't like to spend a lot of money while doing it! My husband calls that 'stingy'  I call it 'budget savvy'. Same same really . 

Here are a few ways I have been satisfying the need for change and gaining that 'hit' that I need every now and then, without breaking the bank! 

I have been on the lookout for more storage for our Toy area for a while , but with the cost of freight to get things up here, and our limited shopping options, my hunt was not very successful. And then this little bookcase gem popped up on our local Facebook buy and sell page. We have these Ikea bookcases in the kids rooms, as well as some small cube storage in the same range so it fits with our existing furniture perfectly. It didn't take long to be filled and used but I have plans to recover the backboard with some pretty paper or fabric. I will just add that to the Projects list , shall I!?

Before our big move to the Pilbara , I used to have my nails done with a gel polish and loved it! Move to the Pilbara and the prices are astronomical to get them done (as it is with everything) so I just couldn't justify it. 

So I researched and ended up buying myself a lamp and gel polishes and now do my nails myself. 

So much fun! 

You've got to love when your shirt and nails match!! Definitely not on purpose but a welcomed coincidence. 

After a impulsive purchase of this floor rug from Kmart (less that $30) , I then got it home and had no where to put it. Not good! They are the worst purchases of all.

Then I had the idea to fold it in half , tuck it under the beds legs and use it next to my side of the bed ( I have this bizarre issue with moisturiser, clean feet and going to bed . No,  Seriously!)

Not only has it helped with my 'issue' it has added a nice pop of colour to our previously neutral and dull bedroom. I am loving this 'embrace colour' phase I am going through! 

No money spent here, and this project cost was an hour of my time. Its amazing what a wee little tidy up can do to a key area of your home. Functionality and aesthetics aside, it makes me feel good!

After picking up 4 of these gorgeous green glass knobs on eBay for $12 including postage, the cabinet I had intended on using them on , was a pain to remove the old knobs.  No problem, plenty of others to jazz up. 

Loving the little pops of colour and snazz up to our TV unit! 

During a recent little tidy up of our store room , I rediscovered my boxes of fabrics and decided they either had to be used , and soonish, or sold off on eBay/facebook etc. So while my husband was home one day (he is shift working now) I set up the sewing machine and buzzed up some pillowcases for our room ( the blue/teal ones in the middle) . Again, the pop of colour is gorgeous and the satisfaction of knowing I made them is even better!

I am definitely on a "revamp, reorganise , re evaluate" phase and its so refreshing! 

Inspired Craft Swap

Late last year, a discovered a group on facebook that was starting craft swaps. Of course, my ears pricked up and I wanted in! My first swap, I actually forgot to take photos of my creations, and I was really proud of them too!! We had teh theme of water and I used some gorgeous fabric with chocolates, fudge and blues, and made a crafting apron, 2 pot holders and a plastic bag holder. Unfortunately my item did not show up, for reasons unknows and therefore I was disappointed. (The organisers however did sent me a gorgeous handmade bracelet for compensation and I am forever grateful!)

I was somewhat reluctant to participate again, however, I could not resist!! So this is what I created for my swap partner Amy!! We had an Earth Theme, which I found quite hard, so I went with flowers and leaves, as they seemed to fit the bill for me.

I do hope Amy likes her reversible tea cosy, pot holder and slide clips!!

On Friday, when I returned home from yet another Doctors appointment for Max, a package was at my front door!!  I quickly got the kids settled inside and tore open the package!! OMG!!! How amazing is this bundle of goodies!! The bag, the zippered little pouch, the gorgeous clippies for my little princesses!! Devine!! I LOVE them and can't believe how clever Amy is!!

Sorry about the lighting but I couldn't resist a photo of my gorgeous bag, complete with fabric yoyo embellishment!!

So if you are at all crafty, and it doesn't having to be sewing, get involved, get your craft on, and make something beautiful for a stranger and receive something just as a beautiful (if not better!!) back!!

So much to do.......

Do you have a ever growing list of things you would like to get done before Christmas?
I certainly do , and its starting to eat at me. You know that feeling you get when you really want/need to do something and you just can't find the spare time for it? Its beginning to feel like the story of my life!
So...... I am hoping that if I share my list, that it will make me feel better for not getting to do them yet......maybe. Good theory Liz.

• Package up and tag/decorate all the baking that I have done for little gifts for people (maybe Sunday)
• Buy my Dads and BIL Pressies - hmmmmmm?
• Finish wrapping all of the presents
• Make stockings for all the kids (starting a new tradition, they already have stockings but my Mum does them)
• Make some Rum Balls
• Write out Christmas Cards for everyone
• Clean out the toy room/label boxes etc, in prep for all the new toys to come
• paint and decorate 2 foam Christmas trees
• Edit and send out the photos from Sundays Christmas party
• Bag up and sell all the baby clothes that are no longer needed (last Babies, sniff sniff)
• Sew an order of 2 nappy pouches for a friend
• Make my niece a dress for her baby doll
• Sew Stella a quilt for her dolls bed like this one;

Made by the gorgeous Melissa Goodsell HERE

And lastly, clean and tidy my house!! Now its not bad, not by any stretch but I have "stuff" in piles waiting to be sorted, piles waiting to be filed, piles waiting to be scrapbooked, piles that have been DUMPED and piles of piles of STUFF!!

Yes, the list is over ambitious, but I am allowed to dream right?
Now if only I wasn;t working Sat , Sun all day, then Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs night , then Friday morning all next week, I might actually be able to achieve some of these great things!!
I will keep you posted!

Buzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Our house been buzzing for the last week, yes with some exciting things happening, but more from the sound of my sewing machine buzzing along in prep for the markets!! (And maybe some major vibrating from the earth works happeing at the end of our street, but that another story all together!!

Max and Lacey are becoming so much more interactive with each other, which is beautiful to watch. They smile at each other all the time, they look at each other through the bars on their cots and they hold hands at the first opportunity. I have even noticed that when they fall asleep,they are in similar sleeping positions, as weird and wonderful as they are sometimes when rolling around in a cot, fighting tiredness!! And to the pleasure of their mother, they even pose well for photos, but I have to admit, more times than not they are grabbing at each others face and causing trouble for the other!!

I can't wait to see their bond grow !!

More craft has been happening, here are the photos of the sun that we made last week for "S" week and then this week has been Red week. Complete with some red little girls, just like our yellow ones (for a banner) and a ladybug plate. The colourful plate below was made by Stella for Mr Ian. An old friend of her great grandads that she sees when visiting Grandma and Grandad on Mondays!! She loves the old guys and they love her!! So cute!!

And over a week ago, and not long after her brother, Lacey decided to start sitting too. Not to be outdone by her big brother by 2 mins!! She has the best posture, and looks gorgeous when sittting. They now can sit opposite each other, smile, play and interact. Not to mention steal toys off each other!! Stella loves it too, she sits with them, passes toys, steals toys and giggles. Actually there is giggles all round!!

I'm off to get ready for work, of a different and more hairy kind at the salon, after just recovering from THE worst headache . I even called DH home from work, not worth having it for the whole night when a little sleep can cure it , lucky I am off to the chiro tomorrow!!

Happy Thursday!!



Market Place....

I have been rather distant lately, as I am madly preparing, sewing, making, tagging, cutting, stuffing and creating for the Baby and Kids Market, in Geraldton (my home town) this coming weekend.
It has seriously snuck up on me!! I remember thinking to myself, "Pfft, I have heaps of time" but alas, I do NOT!!

I had a break from sewing for a while few weeks, because, to be honest, I just didn't feel like it, and to me, sewing and Bizzy Dayz, is about loving what I do, if I don't enjoy it, and it becomes a chore , I refuse to keep going.
However, the break is just what I needed, I have come back with ideas galore and yet again, not enough time to complete all the new products that I would have liked to launch!!

BUT..... just a heads up on some newbies, I have HEAPS of baby shoes  made out of mega gorgeous fabrics, some little kitchen helper accessories, some super duper gorgeous applique tops, some different hair accessories for Mums and kids, gorgeous softies (lots for boys) and of course, the usual stock.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there, but for now, I will leave you with something that is one my Christmas list;

Janelle Winds - Pieces Of Me

 Available HERE

A gorgeous book, and I have hinted at my DH for this, lets hope he gets the hint. Whats on your Christmas List?

Bad Blogger

My name is Liz, and I am a bad blogger. No , seriously, sorry peeps, been full on in our house lately, gardening , craft, painting, sewing, weeding, cleaning and just living, there hasn't been much time for much else. I do apologise, hopefully I can try and post most days. If Blogger made putting pics on easier I would do it more often too, so bad bloggers all round. haha

So here are some snippets of our week, as you probably remember, it was 'S' week in our house and I can say that Stella can successfully spot an S a mile away and points it out , "S" for Stella!!

So , here is some snippets from our week , if you aren't into photos, I would stop reading now!!

Some serious sister snuggles were happening early on Sunday morning whilst main man Max was still asleep (more like back to sleep briefly after a 4:30am wake up!!)





Its so lovely to see the babies interact with Stella, and she loves that they have more personality!!

Some crafting happened, it was a bit of a drawn out process, purely to the lack of time, but I am happy with the finished product!!

I started with a plain MDF plaque from Spotlight that looked similar to this one.

And spray painted it white, of course

I then added some distressing ink from Stampin Up; (actually for Scrapbooking) and some Jarrah stain (I was recommended to use this, but its too red, so if you are giving this a go, DON"T USE IT!!
I then rubbed it back again (I did it before adding ink to distress a little) and wiped clean.

And then added some vinyl lettering, I think I purchased this off Ebay or a blog I follow, if you would like details, just post a comment.

And now it has pride of place above..... you guessed it, the pantry.
I LOVE IT!!

 The letter S week was a happening, lots of projects, colour ins and glueing happened.

This was a patchwork rug, wherever she saw the letter S , she had to stick a piece of patterened paper.

And we made as curly wurly Snake, complete with flower polkadots

And it hangs in the centre of the room, with the spider and the snail

What snail? This snail of course, more polkadots and a toilet roll!

A sea horse colouring in

A snail colouring in and a letter S in the shape of a snake .
I found an awesome website, but forgot to Favourites it, so if you would like details, again, please comment

There was also lots of paper plate craft, will post pics tomorrow.
And not forgetting the babies, they had a lot of firsts, like first try of watermelon (Late I know, I am busy alright) and they loved it!!

Lacey testing her gag reflexes

Max is better at it though!!

 They had their first bath sitting in the bath seat. I have bathed them with Stella  a bit but it hurst my back leaning over the big bath to lay them down, but they both love this seat and its great for me too!!

He LOVES the big bath and sitting independently, he kicks constantly with excitement!!

A snuggle again with sissy and bubbles all over from getting washed by her.

All in all the week has been a goodie. I got some sewing done for a craft swap, I made some things that I wanted to keep, and would you believe I forgot to take a photo and realised after it was beautifully wrapped!! argh
I got some aprons done for the market day, some mini shoes, some applique tops (yes boys ones too!!) I planted out more veges and some more plants, I have nearly finished Christmas shopping and run 2 successful fundraising drives for the Multiple Birth Group.
Unfortunately as good as last week was, this week has been hard. Max has been screaming, ALOT, and he is refusing his milk , and I don't know what is wrong with the poor little man, and Noel has had to go away for work, leaving his wife with 3 kids under 2  1/2 , noice. Thank god for Mothers, mine is a legend!!

Well I am off to applique some more , will definately do a post tomorrow.

The Quilt

As promised, the picture of my quilt, finished!!
I LOVE IT!! Its totally "me" and I can NOT stop looking at its loveliness draped over my lounge!
My mother in Law did an awesome job and its something I will truely treasure forever and a day!

Isn't it special? And its made with the gorgeous Anna Marie Horner Fabrics!!

And guess what?!

I bought a kit in the local patchwork fabric shop this week, and she is now making that too!!

Spoilt!

one sleep

Now... I think I have been very well behaved in the matter, but the time has come...... 1 more sleep to go. One more sleep until we see Powderfinger, Live. In. Concert!! And I can not wait!! We have seen them before , yes, but this time is different. This is the last time we will see them, EVER! Not to mention seeing Jet, their supporting act, what a supporting act !!! Whats even more exciting is the fact we are going on a date. Just hubby, and me! I can not wait! The first time in a VERY long time, we are goin out alone. SOLO, just us!! Friday night = Date night!! Yeeeehhhaaa!
Now that I have done my little rant, onto some good stuff.
Here is what I created last night;

And it on the couch with the others;

And the burp cloth winners goodies. Meagan, I hope you like them!!

Now as you have gathered, we are off to Perth in the wee hours of the morning, and I feel like a kid before Christmas. I get to see my good friend Jess , she has started a blog too, check it out HERE, and I get to go to my favourite shops (Ikea, Kikki K, Cotton on Kids Big W (sad I know) Freedom, and hopefully Domayne!), we are going for a trip to the Zoo (Stella is uber excited) and more importantly, we get to spend time together, as a family, for longer than one day.
Needless to say I will be MIA for a few days, but back with more goodies, piccies and projects, so stay tuned. Happy Weekend peeps!
BTW- Make sure you check out my super talented sister at Bread N Butter Factory's new BLOG

a room fit for a princess

Stella's room has been one of those ever evolving projects, to which I am always adding to, taking away, and trying to make it just "right".

We have had a rather large milestone occur in the past few days (and nights more like it) where her side gard rail has been taken away, Goodbye!!
At first the idea was prompted by me, to which she said yes, then later on in the night wanted it back up, however the next night , she was definate, "no cot, a big girl bed!!"  So in less than 12 months , she has basically toilet trained herself, and gone into a big girl bed (both at 18months) and now really IS a big girl, and she couldn't be happier and we couldn't be prouder!! Not that there is a competition with milestones and kids, however , it is a happy thought knowing other kids her age are still in nappies full time, let alone being nappy free , day AND night!!
Ok, enough of the braggin ( a mothers right of course!!) and onto her room.
She went for a trip out to my sisters farm last night with my parents, a spontaneous decision by her grandparents but one she just loved ( and was exhausted so much so she slept in !! shock horror!!)
So, I had a bit of spare time on my hands, twins are a down sight easier without a toddler aswell!
And this is what I created, a gorgeous bunting for her room. I have wanted to make one for ages and never got around to it, and now I love it!! Simply made with ribbon, not binding, and cut around the edge with pinking shears (mine are from Ikea) . I am thinking of making some for the next Baby and Kids market, think they'll be a hit!!

We also cleaned out her cupboard and drawers (boy does she grow out of clothes fast!!) and I found this;

A gorgeous princess curtain hoop, and just for now , we attached it to the ceiling with a plastic stick on hook , and its doing the job so far, but now we know she loves it, cos she could have quite easily have hated it too!, we will hang it by a proper hook.
These are a few of my other favourite things in her room;

 

Motivational cards for kids, I read them to her when she gets dressed in the morning!!


 

Drawers full of goodies, handpainted and bought for a song, but needs a makeover!!





And not forgetting the clip holder she got for her birthday from her Aunty Kristy at Bread N Butter Factory, very full now, but this was Kristy's first protype and we feel privaledge to be the owners!! Check out my sisters new gorgeous blog HERE.

This is the footstool/ seat that I recovered and painted yesterday, I have another to do , so will post pics of the process, I purchased these of the Buy and Sell facebook sight for $5 for a pair!! We sit on it each night and read books before lights out.

And this piece of gorgeous artwork from Ollie Rose needs to be hung;

Here;

So there you have it, a room fit for a princess, and ever growing with her precious soul!  Lots of other ideas , but its all a matter of time.

I have just the twins home today, so hoping to achieve a few things, however , I don't like my chances, that cough I was talking about, well its actually Bronchiolitis, and both babies have it. I took them up to After hours care at the hospital Saturday night, and we narrowly escaped a hospital stay, but they do seem to be getting better. Poor little poppets!! I hate winter, bring on Summer! (famous last words!!)