I dream of:: Sugar Coating

Had a blast making the gingerbread house with my sister in law, Sharnel. What a fun thing to do! We made many errors but nothing a bit of candy and icing can't cover. It didn't last long! It took less then 5 minutes for the children to tear the poor thing apart.

I dream of :: The End of Year

Oh it has been a while! I have had to neglect my computer life for the home life. We have been busy with some urgent and stressful family affairs and some dramas with the new house. Now we have Christmas hot on our heels. On with the shopping, decorating, preparing the outdoors (which are so far from finished it makes me want to cry), now the kids are on school holidays. But, that means I can do the little things I have been wanting to do! No more rushing.

I have been getting all my creative juices flowing. I have made a load of Jewellery which has been selling like hot cakes.

www.madeinstone.com

I have bagged my outdoor room, painted and selected the color scheme. The flower/vegetable garden bed is in the process of being built. the wrap around deck is being quoted. the ceiling has been repaired and the upstairs bathroom is in the process of getting a make over! And my baby boy is in the clear! whew! Bring on 2010!!

I dream of :: family

I miss the kids back home. My boys and I just loved being there and sharing the time of a few short weeks with them. Of course in this photo some of them are missing. The three older teens and the three infants. But, just the same, This photo reminds me of all of them. And how much my boys love them as well.

I dream of :: a finished corner to nurture

Still dreaming of finishing our little corner of the yard that my kitchen window looks over. I am loving the idea of a moon garden, all white flowers. Still loving the bubbling water feature plan. I definitely want to fill the corner with dark leafy greens, wispy delicate and bright green fern like maiden hair, Crisp white and black Orchids, bleeding heart, Hostas and Standard white camellias.

Back to real world

Back in Australia, and hit the ground running! I haven't stopped since I landed in the States. As I stayed up every night visiting with family until 3 am. Once I arrived back home, I was out of with flu (most likely it was just exhaustion). School started up 3 days later. I have finally adjusted enough to focus on the fun stuff!

We were planning on doing up the master bath when I left. Upon my return, I was informed that we were doing the gardens first. True to form, I just had to draw up the plans. I have been shopping walls, pavers, plants for a week now. Yes, I am a bit sad to let my big plans for my inner house go. But the yard is where I will be living once the Australian Sun comes out. So bring it on.

Here are the plans I drew up the other night.

We are basically putting in terraces, making gently sloping lawn areas, re-doing the pool surround, clearing out tick infested fern and making a garden we can live in.

Still sold on the "moon garden" idea in the front of the house. More color as we move back to the pool area.

I have a bout 13 Grass trees on the side of the property. I want to create a gravel path that travels through this area planting it out with Australian Natives. Something for the boys to explore in.

I just love poolside seating that offers some shade and comfort. This one is from potterybarn.com

I Dream of :: Bathroom Project

I have officially started planning the master bath! 

 I love the new trend of floating sinks and toilets. A must have in our bathroom.  The space is not very large, the less we have on the floor the better the illusion of space.  Villorey & Boch have a wonderful variety of basins. 

I love the floating glass shower stall as well.  As we will just have a shower in our bathroom, floating seamless glass would keep the room light and open. 

I Dream of :: trendy kitchen items

Isn't this a lovely espresso machine designed by Otto.  It is a stove top design that harkens back to Italy's  Atomic 1940 stove top espresso maker and it is super chic.  I love the curves and that it is stainless steel.  A nice preview of good things to come, you can see it working thru the glass panel at the back.  Otto makes a perfect cup for two.  Keep your eyes open

I love this bloom fruit bowl from Arkturashop.   It shows a softer side to contemporary with a throw back to the lace bowls in the past.  I love it.

I dream of :: warm summer nights

I would love to have seating like this in my garden.  I love the natural way the bench fits into the landscape and the way it gently sweeps down to the lawn.  I have to think about incorporating seating when we get around to doing some of our retaining walls .

Photographer: William Abranowicz taken for Elle Decor Magazine designed by Steven Harris

I Dream of:: The New Arrival!

I just opened my online store!  I am so excited about this.  I have been building this site for a few months and I owe a very large thanks to my husband.  He  was so very patient with my all my changes. Now that I have my store on line,  I would like to extend some of the Joy of it's arrival.  

To celebrate, Made in Stone is giving away $5 per online order at time of checkout.  Stop by, browse and feel free to give me some feedback. I would love to hear from you. 

(promotion code: grandopening)

I Dream of:: Opulence

If any of you have flicked through the pages of Australian House and Garden Magazine you would have happened upon this bathroom fixture.  It is one of those items that you are drawn to with an emotion of utter disgust and lust!  

This wonderfully fun and gaudy bathtub takes "shoe fetish" to a whole new level.  Log onto the site and see what else you can create with mosaic.  

 The Audrey is designed and developed by SICIS and is the brainchild of Italian Designer Massimiliano Della Monaca.  Leave it to the Italians to take fashion to a new level.  www.sicis.com

I Dream of :: Relaxing

Image from Potterybarn.com

Hope you all enjoy your wonderful weekend.  I am going to relax on the sofa with a good book and few magazines.  Let my children play in the Pj's all day and enjoy the sound of the rain on the patios tin roof.

I dream of :: Showers

All this rain made me think of outdoor showers!  My husband I think our house needs an outdoor shower.  Somewhere to rinse off after spending the day at the beach.  It never fails that the boys are covered in sand from head to toe and track it right through the house all over my hardwood floors.  I want just a place to hose them down.  He wants a full outdoor shower area.  I like the look of this pretty little corner.  Now, I just need to find a place that has the privacy as well...

I dream of :: The Garden

It seems I have been very very busy this week.  Hardly enough time to be very creative nor productive.  I am surprised I turned out dinners this week!  If this rain lets up, I will be out in the garden shops on Friday.  I have itchy fingers all ready to start digging and planting my newly cleaned up area!  I just wonder if it is the right time to plant?

I Dream of :: Summer colors

I love these acrylic canisters from Pottery Barn.  They are great when you have lots of kids running around...

Aren't these pillows from William Sonoma Just wonderful?  I love the jellyfish pillow with the aqua detailed piping.  

How cute are these Sea urchin Salt and Pepper Shakers.  I am definitely picking these up from Pottery Barn when I get back into the states. Gorgeous!

I Dream of :: the Garden

The dream theme for my front garden is filled with Hostas, Gardenias, Azaleas and Camelias.  I am also thinking that variegated Mondo Grass or "Spider Plants" would be nice with Cyclamen and Impatience for low ground cover.  All flowers in shades of white.  

A wonderful display of dark leaves and Bright whites with Fresh Greens.  I know that these blooms seems a bit "old fashioned" but they all produce the most dazzling table displays once cut!  I can't imagine a garden without them.

Hydrangea Arborescens Incrediball PPAF

Photo by Robert Tanari

I dream of:: The Fog

Todays Necklace takes its inspiration from the San Francisco Summer Fog using Rutilated Quartz, Agate and Pearls.  The SF Peninsula,  gets very heated and pulls in the cooler air off the ocean creating a thick fog.  It makes for lovely hot days and very cool nights.  Can't wait to get home!

Dream of :: Landscaping Genie

I had a dream that I could rub a magic tree to which a Landscaping Genie would appear and grant me three wishes.   I wish I could plant it full of flowers like this....  Unfortunately, my spacious yard is mainly shade and part sun.  

 I wish I could have a yard that didn't produce so much Green waste!  

This is the small patch of space I cleared away this week.  

This is what came out of that small Space!  

I wish the side and lower gardens were done as well!  

Dreams of :: 5 Years

I haven't been posting much this weekend.  Busy days.  But, I found these lovely Robots on Etsy. Won't these make cute birthday invitations for my little man? All I need to find are some great children's games and design and sew up some cute robot costumes as party favors.  Need to figure out how to make the robot faces.  maybe old boxes...   Any ideas out there?

artandphilanthropy.etsy.com

I Dream of :: better seating in the kitchen

Today I am trying to sort out my kitchen seating problem.  I don't like so many tables and chairs together.  Therefore, I am playing with the idea of bench seating. I grew up with bench seating.  One of six children, my mother had a corner bench with around the table which we all "scooted" around every night for dinner.  It created a close family center and as I recalled was great for people who came to visit for a cup of coffee with my mom.  They would sit in the kitchen for hours in that booth.  I am thinking, it may be a nice addition to my kitchen.  I was also thinking some windows on that side would help with more natural light.    

source: highfashionhome.com

Also happened upon these wonderful stairs!  Found at cookie magazine.  How many kids would love this set up.  I couldn't do this in my home as my stairs lead right into my formal living space but what a great way to go down!  And think about the laundry basket.  why carry it down when you can slide it.  

I dream of :: Fun Fridays!

My wonderful boys call the end of the week "fun Fridays".  It means we do nothing that has to be done and play.  So, today I am sitting on my computer, scanning some sites, then I am watching some cartoons with my four year old while designing some jewelry.  Later, I am going to a girlfriend's house for "fun Friday" party we have every week. after 6:30pm I drop off the kids at home and head back for some girlfriend fun.  

This friday it is tequila.  One of the children misheard that we are having a "Mr. Killer" party and so now the whole lot of kids are happy to head on home with dad when that party starts.  I guess "Mr killer" and his wife "Margarita" are a bit too much for them!  

While shopping for Kitchen ideas I came across this one from betterbydesign.com.  I like the white on white.  It is bright, bright bright.  Although, I am not a fan of those windows.  To  hard to clean.  But, I think this may work in my kitchen.  I would change a few things.  I really am in love with the CeasarStone, Mink counter top.  I love that color.  My accents would be a bright Aqua/Turquoise and pale avocado green.  I also love the dark floors.  My floors will need to be re-stained!  And one of those windows would have to be door to the laundry room.  I don't know if I like the stools?...  

I also love the booth seating for casual dinning.  My home is large but not huge.  And since my casual seating is just a room over from formal dining and right next to my outdoor dining area...  I think having this type of seating is just what the space needs.  Nothing worse than three tables within viewing of each other. The advantage with this type of seating is you can pull the table out for those outdoor parties and it allows for extra seating and conversation.   

Source: Windsor Smith Home

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My four year old is turning five in September.  Since this will be his first big party with "his" friends, (i.e. not shared friends with his big brother) it needs to be just right.  he requested a Robot party.  There is not much out here in Oz for party stuff.  I find most items are in the US.  I did log onto a wonderful site (cookiemag.com) where they gave instructions for this out of this world cake.  

And these plates are so adorable.  Found on  hostess with the mostess.

I dream of :: home

I like this cartoon from attack cartoonist.com.  I hear that I will be quarentined upon my return to Sydney for at least a week. Pig Flu.  I can imagine I will be marked as soon as we land. Flying from SFO to Sydney,with two small children on my own, is just asking for quarantine. My kids cough all year round due to asthma!  It will be interesting to say the least.  At least if they keep me home bound, upon my return, the kids and I can have PJ days and catch up on sleep. They won't be allowed into school.  

mamaurchin.com/ 2007/09/11/rain/

Its been raining all day here. I am not feeling up to doing much.  I did sit down at my desk and worked on a necklace only to find when i finished it I didn't like it.  What a waste of crimp beads!  Tomorrow I will have the day to myself with no children.  Hopefully, I can create something I am proud of.  I did get some fancy copper beads. I can't wait to you use them.  However, when I see them, nothing comes to mind.  I need to go to the botanical gardens in Sydney and see some winter displays.  Maybe I will take a walk around some of the beaches...  Not if it is raining. 

 I am sure my feelings are just impatience.  I can't wait to get home and see my family.  Just a few more weeks

My dream today:: shopping

Shopping for:

Thinking of this color story in my yard.  lots of whites (floral designer Nicolette Camille (via Real Simple Magazine))

This little nest from Bridalbijou.etsy is just the perfect favor for a table.  Makes me dream of spring...  

I love these bags!  Oil cloth grocery bags from juliemeyer.etsy.com.  Finally we are starting to see "Eco Friendly" with some savvy.  Let me shop in peace of mind!

A New Venture

Well, I finally decided to open an Esty.com shop.  My sister in law mentioned that I should give it a go.  There is a lot of people out there.  But few jewelry sellers in Australia.  I am thinking of opening a team for Aussie Sellers on Etsy.  This is one of my latest creations.  I hand rolled the Copper wire beads.  it is paired with Aquamarine, Jade, Amazonite and different Thai silver beads.  I love this necklace.  It is a very soothing piece.  I think now you can see why I liked that room in my last post?  Just noticed the colors are pretty similar...

I also discovered this wonderful artist in france.  His work is has a very sensitive and romantic quality to it.  Plus it isn't very large which makes  it even more intimate. 

Fabiennes' work can be found at   www. labokoff.etsy.com  or check out his blog at http://labokoff.blogspot.com/

Dreaming of :: Peace

I dream of this room.  I just love the earthy olive green ottoman in this sea of calming blue.  It grounds the room.  Also the grass shades on the pristine white windows.  Just classic and comfortable. When my boys stop jumping on the sofas....   

Brantley Photography, by Krissa D. Smith taken from Country living website.

I dream of :: Washing Powder

Today is researching laundry room day.  When you spend everyday doing laundry shouldn't your room be as beautiful as this!  It would put the laundry on the good list.  If only I could get an Iron Genie with this....

The following photos are from Hamptondesign.com and Saucydragonfly @ flickr.  

This is how my jewellery gets it kick start.  I take inspirational photos whenever I go out.  This is taken from Avalon Beach NSW.  I was homesick.  I loved the color of the water hitting the rocks at low tide.    

 My wonderfully talented Sister in Law said i should start a blog.  She is amazing.  She has the most talented creative eye! Everything she touches is beautiful and perfect.  According to her, blogging is easy.  I think she just makes it appear to be easy. Like she does with her photos, her cupcake business and her home.  The woman is gifted!  So here I go Sharnel...   

Edgar Allen Poe once wrote, "All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream"  I used it when I graduated from high School.  It still moves me.  lately, I have been dreaming about what to do with my new home and my new business venture.  It is endless.  Of course, The business is going better than the house.  I have been dreaming about a house for 12 years.  within one month of owning one I have 7 plans of kitchen remodels drawn up, 2 of the master bathroom, and a complete rendered drawing of my laundry room and powder room complete with feature wall!  Needless to say, I don't have the funds to do any of these dreams, yet. Yet, Dream I do.  I wonder how many times I will redraw my kitchen before my dream becomes reality? or is this the reality of my dream?

Now my yard is a whole different dream.  Rather like a nightmare.  It haunts me every time I look out at my beautiful view.  four times a day when I back down my drive way I see a big looming wall of hillside that is begging me to do something wonderful to it.  Since i have recently moved from Wonderful San Francisco to Stunningly beautiful Sydney Australia,  I am at a loss for native plants and have no clue to the seasons.  Thus, my garden looms like a big dark blank canvas waiting for me to gather up a good collection of cash to paint it into life.  

My Jewellery, is another dream altogether.  I dream it. I make it. I love it.  I sell it. I dream about it.  I miss many of them.  I nurture them into family members, and when they take flight and leave me i really do miss them. I often think of them and wonder if the person who possesses them enjoys them as I did? Do they love them, and treat them tenderly? or do they toss them in a box with other trinkets? Then I move onto the next piece and try to forget what has passed.  Once in a while, I get a special treat and my heart fills with joy, I see a customer wearing my art.  Often I think, wow! those look so good.  I get inspired to create more and bring that joy to another woman.  It keeps me going.