Friday Friends - Local Australian Artists - i.love.milly.mu

Welcome dear readers to the last edition of Friday friends for 2011. I hope the festive season has been kind to you, nearly time to pack away the Christmas Tree and decorations for another year. The leftovers are all gone now, gift wrap recycled, the pace of daily life seems to have returned to its normal hum. 

This week it my great pleasure to introduce a wonderful local artisan whom I met recently at the Denmark Markets - meet Elizabeth of i.love.milly.mu ! Elizabeth is a clever creator of toys, stitched or crocheted.

I went to the Denmark Markets for a spot of last minute Christmas Shopping and I was fortunate to stumble across the i.love.milly.mu stall.  I found this gorgeous Owl and Pussycat set (the ones on the left) which became a Christmas Gift for one of my nephews

and this beautiful Heart Doll which became a Christmas Gift for one of my nieces.

Both gifts were well received and are much loved already in their new homes. It's wonderful when a younger generation appreciates and treasures items that are handmade with great care, attention to detail and much love.

Personally, I adore these little foxes, aren't they just the sweetest ?

I really like this moustache man too, he reminds me of a dear work colleague who sports an amazing mo !

And of course, I am a self confessed, well a bit of a collector of softies and handmade dolls. I really must admit that I do covet the most crazed Mr Bunnyford.

Dear readers, I invite you now to take some time out just for you, and to read through The Marvels of i.love.milly.mu, to see what inspires Elizabeth, a very talented creator. See you all next week for the Wednesday Wishlist - have a fantastic weekend ....... oh and I hope you get to enjoy a Happy and Safe New Years Eve !

The Marvels of i.love.milly.mu

Hi I'm Elizabeth,  the crafty person behind i.love.milly.mu ! You may have seen me around at the local markets, cos that's where I love to be :)

I'm the one with all the soft toys, crocheted goodness and fabric toy delights! I've been doing markets for just over a year now..... I love markets as they are a great environment to meet people who have a similar passion for handcrafted goodness! I have two little girls who inspire me on a daily basis to make and create and a super supportive hubby who lets me get away with my craft madness!

A few years ago our family made the big move to Albany and with that came a bit of a life change. I had a chance to try new things or go back and try old things again, although I had given sewing a go before, this time I really took to it! I started out making things from patterns out of books and learnt techniques by watching youtube videos (when learning to crochet youtube is your BEST friend!) then it just grew from there !

At the moment my favourite past-time is crocheting things, I am totally addicted to it... I am on the border of actually carrying yarn and hooks with me everywhere! If I am sitting still, I just feel the urge to be crocheting something, ANYthing!

My favourite softie friends that I've made is the peoples with the furry hair, they are fiddly little things but when they pop right side out i know they were worth it!

So what does the future hold for milly.mu? I really hope to continue doing markets, I enjoy them too much to give them up just yet! I'm also hoping to start up an online store where people can find me out of market times. Apart from that I just hope to keep creating and enjoying what I do, and hopefully pass on the love of handmade goodness!

Dear readers, do you want to connect and see more i.love.milly.mu soft toy and crochet goodness ?

You can connect through Facebook here :  https://www.facebook.com/i.love.milly.mu 

or catch i.love.milly.mu at the Denmark Markets on Saturday 7th January, 2012.

Paint the Town Wednesday Wishlist



Happy New Year 2012 banner garland decoration
wall hanging black and white by CowCountryCreations



Welcome to the Wednesday Wishlist for this week my lovely readers. What are your New Year Resolutions ? Perhaps your Resolution is not to make any Resolutions ! Whilst you ponder this, I am going to share with you some fab party items to help you paint the town this New Years Eve !

Feather Cocktail Ring Ceramic - big bold oversize handmade -
RUFFLE MY FEATHERS - 2.3 inch by StudioLeanne

lipstick on your collar pin NOW in 3 shades by SavageKitten

Chunky Black Onyx Gemstone Statement Necklace by GlitzyGecko

New Years 2012 Party Kit. Perfect for photo booth pictures,
 new years and parties by livelaughlovelots

DevilWoman Cherry Red Lipstick by NYXsUniverse

Black and Red Clutch by SouthernBeaus

Black Wrap Dress with Silk Ruffles by PolinaIvanova

Upcycled, 5" Red Patent Leather High Heels, Silk Flower Embellishment,
1" Platform, Size 10 by Jeriscustomoriginals

Maddabling Christmas Message



MERRY CHRISTMAS Banner, Rustic Kraft Banner by LazyCaterpillar

Merry Christmas Eve to all of the lovely Maddabling followers. I would like to share a sweet poem with you from kidspot.com that is sure to make you giggle just a little. It's called Puppies Christmas. Anyone who has raised a puppy will understand this completely ! Although I am sure parts of this poem would also apply to children and kittens too ;)


It's the day before Christmas

And all through the house
The puppies are squeaking

An old rubber mouse.

The wreath which had merrily

Hung on the door

Is scattered in pieces

All over the floor.



The stockings that hung
In a neat little row
Now boast a hole in
Each one of the toes.

The tree was subjected
To bright-eyed whims,
And now, although splendid,
It's missing some limbs.


4 Dog Puppy Boston Terrier Christmas
Greeting Notecards/ Envelopes Set
by ASLICEINTIME



I catch them and hold them.

"Be good", I insist.

They lick me, then run off

To see what they've missed.

And now as I watch them

The thought comes to me,

That theirs is the spirit

That Christmas should be.

Should children and puppies

Yet show us the way,

And teach us the joy

That should come with this day?

Could they bring the message
That's written above,
And tell us that, most of all
Christmas is love.

Be Merry - Christmas Banner by craftyearth

Christmas is a time to be merry. There were two trustworthy elves (Maddabling and DELiciousDesignz) who co-ordinated the DUST Team Secret Santa craft swap this year. Maddabling sent goodies to Petaliferous and tamaradesigns sent goodies to Maddabling. It is always SO EXCITING to receive your craft swap parcel, but even more so when you don't know who is sending it !

The Secret Santa goodies Maddabling received from Tamara at tamaradesigns

The Secret Santa goodies Maddabling sent to Bri of Petaliferous

Peace and Love Christmas Banners by GoldenAppleDesigns

A dear friend of mine, the lovely Cyndy of Cyndy Kitt Productions doesn't send the traditional Christmas Card. This year she made a gorgeous mini poetry book and sent it in an envelope made from recycled pages from Frankie Magazine. Isn't this just the sweetest ? I will certainly treasure this tiny book for many many years to come.

Finally dear readers, before I go, I want to share this lovely treasury that made front page of ETSY today. It was a wonderful early Christmas Present for me and featured many wonderful Australian ETSY sellers.

I wish each and every one of you a joyous festive season, peace and love. Spare a thought for those who are less fortunate than yourself and remember that Christmas is not always a happy time for those around us. Perhaps you could practice a random act of kindness to a stranger in the true festive spirit. Oh and don't forget to leave milk and cookies out for Santa and his reindeer. Merry Christmas xo

Holiday JOY banner vintage inspired paper bunting
by AlicesLookingGlass

Friday Friends - Australian ETSY Sellers - Belinda Morris

Welcome dear readers to a new edition of Friday Friends. For those of you who celebrate Christmas, it is very nearly upon us, I hope you are all prepared and wish each and every one of you a fabulous time with friends and family. I will write a special Christmas Eve Blog Post filled with some festive finds, pictures of the recent DUST Team Secret Santa Craft Swap and a peek at a wonderful poetry book that a dear friend Cyndy sent to me in a gorgeous recycled handmade envelope !

I digress......... This week it is my great pleasure to introduce Australian Etsy Seller and Seamstress Extraordinaire  Belinda Morris !

I think Belinda is a terribly talented seamstress and I love the flattering and feminine designs of Belinda's frocks, they are such beautiful classical lines. Elegant yet casual, the dresses remind me of yesteryear in their patterns and styles. Retro Glamour and Vintage Inspired at its very very best. Dresses for the modern girl with a vintage heart. I really adore these three styles and want to share them with you now.


Mia Dress in Red Floral

Sandra Dee Dress in Blue and White Gingham

Sophia Top and Faye Skirt in Indigo and Red Rose

Dear blog readers, I invite you now to release your inner fashionista, and indulge in some online exploration of Belinda Morris and her Fabulous Frocks. I wish each and every one of you a happy and safe festive season with your loved ones. Eat, Drink and be Merry - see you all tomorrow xo

The Fabulous Frocks of Belinda Morris - A Fanciful Fashion Feature

Hi, my name is Belinda Morris and I am a designer from a small town on the South Coast of New South Wales in Australia. I hand-make one off or small runs of vintage inspired, women’s clothing and handbags.

 



I definitely love a bit of a vintage feel. All that style, glamour and playfulness of bygone eras is really appealing to me. I love clothing and accessories that are soft and feminine, but with a twist. I definitely have a soft spot for a few ruffles and bows.



I like my pieces to be a bit of a personal expression and not the standard ‘off the rack’ look and love a handbag that makes a statement all on its own.



I work with all natural fabrics such as cotton or cotton-silk blends and I try to emulate all the amazing tailoring techniques of the past. The finish of the garment is really important to me.




I started designing and making clothing when I was a young girl. My Mother taught me how to sew and by the time I was in High School I was making a range of crazy outfits for myself and friends. I love the creative process and am always finding new things I want to learn how to make or sew.



My favorite pieces at the moment are these Sophia Dresses in bright summer prints. I love the simplicity of them and the subtle femininity that comes through in the design.



I sell the Belinda Morris range through Australian Boutiques and two online stores - Madeit and Etsy. The online stores are unfortunately both closed for the Christmas Holiday period, but you can see many of my creations on my Facebook page :

http://www.facebook.com/BelindaMorrisDesigns

If you would like to sign on to my page I will be sure to let you know when the online stores are reopened in mid-January.

http://www.madeit.com.au/BelindaMorris

http://www.etsy.com/belindamorris1



Fancy Festive Finds - Wednesday Wishlist

Hello dear readers, happy festive hump day to you all ! 

Today I have put together a fun Australian wish-list inspired by Christmas-sy colours. To inject a little humour into the often stressful and hectic lead up to Christmas, I would also love to share with you a funny Christmas quote by the talented Joan Rivers :

"The one thing women don't want to find in their stockings on Christmas morning is their husband."

Enjoy xo 

CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATION
on Wooden Spindle by NestInTheAttic

Merry Christmas Banner - Spotty Dotty Red - LAST ONE by BenandJess

Soy Teacup Candles - Limited Christmas Edition -

Triple Scented - Lime and Passionfruit by SquinkStudio

clementine bow beret - red with white bow by kisforkani

Green Lavender Scented Bird Christmas Decoration

with Dandelion Embroidery by edwardandlilly

Red and white striped knitting needle necklace by tikimau

Mary-Jane Style Christmas Stocking by PepperPony