Made in Stone

I Dream Of:: COMING HOME

2010-06-13T18:57:00.000-07:00

Is it that time already. Here I am thinking of all the things that make home Home. I am leaving tomorrow and I can't wait to get there. Not that Starbucks is what I am dying for. Sydney, by far, has a better cup of coffee. Its the company! I can't wait to be engulfed by my family and their hugs and kisses. I miss my four sisters. Their little hang ups, their way with phrases and words. Their quirkiness that were once annoying is now what I miss the most.

I miss the houses in their neat little rows and manicured control gardens. Living in the forrest is a wonderful thing but sometimes just looking out on some simple grass feels so relaxing. I miss the shopping. The price of living and the gentle sunshine.

In fact, the thing I miss the most is my mom. Her smell, the way her check feels when I kiss it. that crapey softness that comes with ages of smiling. I can't wait for her to hug me. To spend hours cuddled up in her bed with her talking till 5 am.

Work in Progress

2010-06-12T15:58:00.000-07:00

Another reason why I have been missing in action....

Before and mid job of the lower retaining wall off the entry way. You can see the slope was right up against the porch and how much more space is created by pushing it back. you can also see the misplaced hibiscus...

My husband and I have started the next wall project. Landscaping is still a major need and want for this property. Having built our first wall, we are now ready for the second. Already I feel like the slope is not coming in my front door. Just by removing two meters of soil! This will be planted out almost exclusively in camellia and azalea with good ground cover. I will most likely remove that New Zealand Hibiscus. I am not happy with the look when it dies down and it is in the wrong place! It creates an eyesore in the winter months. Will put it hidden back amongst evergreens so when it dies back it is softer to look at.

Our plans are to enclose the porch and create a foyer, so to speak, as my front doors open right onto the stairs that lead down to the playroom. It makes for a very bad entry where your guests are shuffled between stairs, host, hallway and door. I think enclosing the porch in glass and moving the front doors to the side will open that up considerably. I also don't want to loose the morning winter light I get, So the glass is pretty important to me. Louvers are also being considered here as that is were we get our summer breezes in the humid weather. Without the breeze the house is unbearable at night. on the other side of the porch, by the camellia tree we are trying to keep while building, will be a zen like garden. Or so my husband says.... This is his little space to create on his own without any interference from me! It will be off the dining room and will open up via french doors to the enclosed garden for more light and atmosphere while dining. question is do I want to have the porch open with glass facing that garden? or do I leave that wall solid thereby creating a hidden garden effect that guest don't know about until they are seated? hummmmm.....

We were thinking of paving the concrete slab with sandstone at one point, but now we both are coming around to decking it. Trying to create the illusion of a tree house with a wrap around deck. This will also tie in the back veranda and extension deck on the side of the house to the front. At the moment, I am trying to convince him that wrapping the brick stairs in Decking and using the stone pavers on the foothold would also bring the deck up to the street level as well as warming up the pavers and tying it back into the block and bush rock walls.

Finding so many rocks and having no where to put them, I have built the second Terrace. It will balance out the other side. I have made a little pebbled path for easier access to maintain the slope. and Have just started thinking about plants for spring. What I have planted to date has all been from cuttings or from collecting plants that others have been throwing away on the side of the road for council clean up. Mostly, agapanthus, mondo grass, spider plants (so we call them in the states) and these super great plants that grow well and I just keep dividing every couple of moths. I think they are called moses in the cradle. But I am not sure. Love the dark green with purple underside though. Keeping to purples and greens leaves with splahes of color.

So far, I have only paid for the decorative rocks and the weed mat! I will put up a treated pine boarder to cover the weed mat and retain the soil so it doesn't fall into my gravel. I am very pleased to date with the way this is progressing.

Before and after shots of the first wall.

I put scavenged plants in this bed to maintain them for replanting. I am pleased with the result though! I may fill in more with the zebra plant and the sweet pea plants. I think the inpatients like it here as well. The peace lilies are not happy. May have to just move them indoors.... Will see how they fare this winter. I love cyclamen, I will keep adding more around to the lower bed once the soil is prepared better. At the moment, the lower bed soil is horrible but the Mondo and the Moses in the Cradle are doing well enough.

Missing in Action

2010-06-12T15:03:00.001-07:00

I have been bad! Its been ages since I logged on to share all that is happening around here. To make things worse, I am leaving for four weeks to the states on Saturday. Don't misunderstand me, I am thrilled to be leaving. But, I will most likely not post too many times in the next four weeks either. So a quick update to share what has happened in my absence.

As you may recall, this is the start of the remodel back in November. We had a full fledge leak coming from the shower through to the lower lounge room. Extensive damage and not covered by insurance! This was the last thing we wanted to do after just purchasing the house. Finally, after much work and many months of tradesmen. It is finished.

Why did this take so long? Firstly, it was an absolute nightmare! We made mistakes with ordering tiles, even though we had a tiler do the math. We also skimped money with tradesmen. We settled for their off hours between 4-6. And thirdly, after I finally got all the wall in and painted and decided to trim out the mirror. I nailed through a water line! Which meant ripping out a wall and patching and painting and plumbing etc. I was not happy about that. Last but by far the worst! The shower door installation was a joke!! It took weeks. And it was hard work on my part because they kept wanting to do a poor quality work! Round one, they installed the pains of glass off the shower pan line. Insisting it was impossible to hang on the line. Because they installed it off line, they had to re cut the glass. I was not happy with this at all. So when they came back I continued to insist they follow the pan line. It is only silicon. you can glue it at any angle! This was a battle until I had my husband call the company. Once corrected they had to re cut the glass again.

Then they hung the door and missed the stud! They said this was all fine as the tiles would hold the door up. of course they cracked my marble and tiles. The idea of the heavy door pulling on my wall with no support other than tiles was scary. I asked them to remove the door and said I would pad the stud. A task I was not happy about since it required I cut in the through the hall way. Once again I had to get another wall repaired. And can I just add, padding a stud is not an easy task. It took me three tries before I could fit the power drill in between the wall cavity to screw the stud in. Finally, padded I had them re install the door. Which had to be moved over as they now were following the correct pan line.

But, it didn't end there! The installer left the place in such a mess with such a sloppy application of silicon and the door hung lopsided, I once again had to call and complain. it took three more hours for the silicon to be cleaned up, cleaned off my floor, and basin, and the joints made crisp and smooth. For the glass to be cleaned up of silicon and for the door to be hung plum.

I decided last minuet to put this little cubby hole above the bath. I needed something to break the space up and A piece of art in this humid environment was not an option. I made this little box and the plasterer (who was exceptional) put it in for me. Thanks Liam!

What I love about the space. I love the flooring!! unfortunately, my husband doesn't. But it works for young children. It is a wonderful tile surface that has shine and matte areas. It also has a wonderful texture! I especially love the way it accents the honey toned hardwood floor. It reminds me of the way the rocks on a beach look. With bits of gray and sandstone stripes glossy from water and matte from sun and wind. It is perfect as it doesn't show muddy little foot prints too!

I also love the elongated Subway tiles. Not your traditional size which adds a modern twist, but with a classical application.

I have to add before I go. I love the toilet too! Sitting lush against the wall I no longer have to reach around the thing to clean behind it. No little groves and twists to collect dust and other things you find around a toilet. Just clean and solid. I think in the master bath I will try a floating toilet!?

2010-04-18T22:59:00.000-07:00

This weeks inspiration was Monet's Water lilies. I just love the gentle colours and the lightness the paintings evoke. The soft blues and greens are a perfect combination of Amazonite, Aventurine, Kynite, Prehinte and Jade with just a hint of blush from Rose Quartz. Capturing the blush of pink from the water lilies in a lush environment of greens and blues.

Summer is ending here in Oz and the fall weather we are having made me feel light and free myself. I have to admit I did the necklace three times before getting it to fall right. But I think I captured the essence of what I love most about Monet.

soon to be posted here

I Dream Of:: A New Moon

2010-03-31T13:59:00.000-07:00

There is something so special about a full moon over a silver sea. When I made this bracelet, that is exactly what was going through my mind. It is just the right amount of silver to light ratio. Not surprising, I sold it as soon as made it. I didn't even get a chance to put it on the inventory list! Wonder if I should do another with a necklace and earrings. Maybe a whole series of moon light inspired jewels....?

agate with quartz crystal and swarovski crystal

click here to see more from Made in Stone

I Dream Of:: A Job Well Done

2010-03-18T01:18:00.000-07:00

Here is the complete bridal party jewellery. The maid of honor and the sweet, little 10 year old, bridesmaids are all very happy with the results. Now just the bride remains to be done up.

I Dream Of:: Wedding Bells

2010-03-16T23:21:00.000-07:00

Just working on a wedding commission and thought I would share my ideas with you all. The color is dusty rose. Very simple dress. I am thinking of stones in a variety of colors. Tourmaline colors to be exact, with contrasting pearls. I am trying something new too! A ribbon flower made from organza. It just sits to the side not in the center. A bit of color contrast, a bit of shine and a bit of luster. What do you think?

Sorry the photo quality is poor. I think my camera is on the brink of quitting.

I Dream Of:: Forgiveness

2010-03-09T22:39:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago my little men came down with nasty colds. Followed by my eldest crying and complaining about his ears. My youngest was coughing. After much humming and hawwing I decided to take the youngest with us on the doctors visit. I was sure my eldest had ear infections. Not so sure the coughing my youngest was doing was anything other than post nasal drip.

Hours later it was no surprise that my eldest had a double ear infection. What did surprise me was that my youngest, brand new reconstructed ear, was so infected it was on the point of rupturing! we were sent home with two weeks of antibiotics and a warning to watch my little mans ears.

Some history here is important. my little guy has been suffering with ear pain since infancy. Only last year we discovered that he had a tumor in his ear that ate out his entire middle ear and did some serous damage to other areas in and around the ear and sinus region. never once does this beautiful boy ever complain about ear pain. On many occasions, his infections have been found like this with no tall tale signs of fever or crankiness or crying at night. So going home with a bulging ear drum that was just newly installed and knowing that the vulnerable little bones that were just set are at risk is not fun. Many days I asked and probed if he was ok. To which he always said yes. After two weeks, when he was cranky I just chalked it up to Kindergarden tiredness. besides we had a follow up visit scheduled for monday anyway. I didn't think twice, after two weeks of antibiotics, when I took him for his dentist visit and gave permission to fill his tooth. So, I was very surprised when on saturday morning he had a hard film covering his ear canal. At which point all the warning bells went off. Too Late!

For the last few days I have been beating myself up over how I could have prevented all this from happening. How could I have let my little man down? How did I not know that he was in pain when he was cranky after school? That his infection didn't clear up as I thought. How could I insist that a cavity be filled when he was in pain? Why did this happen? After all that worry and multiple surgeries, how could I have let him down so very horribly?

Forgiveness is a very hard thing to come by. It is hard to forgive others for doing you harm. But, when it is you doing harm to your own child it is even harder. When in fact, There would have been nothing I could have done to prevent it from happening. But, that doesn't seem to sink in. I find myself at multiple times during the day saying "I couldn't have stopped it". my friends and family all say, "you can't be inside his head". No matter what, I still feel horrible about it all.

Today, I am asking my friend, who is a nurse, if she can get me one of those lights for seeing in ears. At least then I can be inside his head. So when he is a bit off, I can just check his ear. And I won't have to rely on him. he just doesn't feel the pain the way we would. Now that his new ear drum has a hole he is happier. I guess the pressure is off him. now we just keep our fingers crossed and hope that it closes it and that his new small bones held up. Only a few more months of waiting left. July is just around the corner.

I Dream Of:: Beautiful Gems Floating in Ribbons

2010-02-25T01:24:00.001-08:00

After much thought, work and pain over how to make these precious little treasures wearable and visually pleasing, I am proud to announce the latest successful offspring of Made in Stone.

Bridal Lotus Flower Necklace : Gold Fish Cluster Necklace: Lily Pond Necklace:

coming soon to the website

The necklaces were my starting point. As you have watched over the last few months... My first was for a custom order over the holidays. After falling in love with the concept and the creation, I gathered some beads and put a few color combinations together. I had to wait a few weeks for my shipment to arrive with all my silver pins and wire! (I was extremely low after my last show.) Once I got my shipment and myself organized I started a frenzy of twisting and cutting and stringing. Finally, I have my dreams realized.

After all this creating, I had a dream about a bracelet tied up in a bow! But, dreams are often far from reality....

Daisy Cluster Ribbon Bracelet

My first problem was how to create a bow with ribbon around your wrist if there is no one there to tie it? As often is the case, bracelet also undergo lots of tugging and pulling. How then do I make it secure? After two days of working out the kinks I leave you with these two new ribbon bracelets. Bows are disguising a convenient and sturdy little snap!

Detail of 925 Sterling Silver Citrine and Tourmaline

I wore mine all day today and it was comfortable and secure!

Floral Bouquet Ribbon Bracelet: using Rhodonite,

Afghanistan Jade and Rose Quartz

I Dream Of:: Aching Fingers

2010-02-21T13:37:00.000-08:00

Spent most of yesterday making lots of lovely gems. I will post even more in the next few days. After so much twisting and cutting and beading my fingers are a bit sore. I believe a feel a callous coming up on my pointer finger!

With all this work, I am off to the shop to purchase some beautiful ribbon for my new season of jewels. I mentioned them earlier and they are just about done. I created 4 necklaces yesterday and dreamt about a style of bracelet. Still working out the logistics of how it will wear. I am so excited about it. Maybe I will have them done today for my post tomorrow!

Like what you see? Want to see more? click here to access my website.

I Dream Of:: Valentines

2010-02-10T21:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day

How sweet are these two birds sitting on my veranda. With the 14th coming this weekend, I just had to snap the photo.

I Dream Of:: First week of School

2010-02-02T13:38:00.000-08:00

Busy week for me. My bathroom is getting walls this week and the tiles go in next week. Lots of men in and out and I am so happy it is almost over. I am tired of Cleaning up the dust after every workday.

First week of school is half over. My little man is off to big boy school with his big brother and I didn't cry!

These are the new items I made this week. They look lovely on. I wore them on his first day of School. Check them out here and at madeinstone@etsy

I Dream Of:: Business

2010-01-27T19:21:00.000-08:00

Today, I sent my eldest off o school and took on a playdate for my youngest who starts school on monday. Then, while best mates played, I devoted my afternoon to updating my Etsy site. I also chased my husband to fix my website so that I can get back into it and update my showcases. So far, nothing is happening with the website dramas. At least I can rely on Etsy! Here are a few of my listings.

I Dream Of:: The Northern Beaches

2010-01-19T12:51:00.000-08:00

Living in the Northern Beaches is a gift. Almost as precious as these two little gifts here. Every time I say, "lets go to the beach" they cry about how they don't want to leave the house, after dragging them to the beach, they cry about having to leave.

I believe that I would react the same way if my husband said we were packing up and leaving Australia. I really wasn't excited about moving to Sydney. But, it is days like these with my boys around me playing, getting all this fresh air and sunshine and the Pacific Ocean displaying colors of Aqua and Turquoise against the Coral beaches that I think "I love it here." Knowing that my beloved San Francisco is across the sea is just a comfort. Although, I kicked and cried about having to leave the city and people I loved, I will kick and scream just as hard if I ever had to leave my new home. Is it possible to have your heart in two cities?

My boys climbing the rock at Whale Beach. The surgery went well and my little guy has been a trouper this summer wearing this hot head gear every time we are near sand or water.

It isn't the best photo, these were taken with my iPhone... But I love the rocks at Whalely. The whales come up against the rocks just past this point to give themselves back rubs!! haven't seen it yet...

I Dream Of:: Fresh Ideas

2010-01-13T14:50:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, my necklaces are on hold as I am waiting for the shipment of findings. So here are some lovely little things to look at that I did create...

This is the last necklace I created before my supplies ran out. I just love the neutral colors and the feel. The pendant is Serpentine with Yellow and Green Jade, Labradorite and Sterling Silver Chain.

I just love these bookmarks. They add style to any book and are a pleasure to use. Each bookmark is finished with a Stone charm, Sterling Silver and Tassel. Function and Form!

I Dream Of:: a line of sweet clusters

2010-01-05T17:49:00.000-08:00

Today I started working on my new line of necklaces. I really enjoyed the necklace I sold this christmas and thought designing a few more would be fun.

As I woke up this morning I started taking down my christmas decorations and putting together colors and ideas. Yes, it is a bit bizarre to take down christmas decorations and create something at the same time. But De-decorating makes me sad and creating makes me happy ....

These are a few clusters that I came up with this morning. I also have a wedding order coming in July. Do you think she will love the pearl cluster? Imagine that on a white organza ribbon... Devine

I dream of:: Sugar Coating

2009-12-29T16:38:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-16T13:39:00.000-08:00

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

2009-08-13T02:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-10T23:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-07T01:11:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-01T00:04:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-28T05:44:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-25T02:27:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-06-22T23:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-21T18:52:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-19T17:45:00.001-07:00

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

2009-06-17T23:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-17T04:16:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-14T20:15:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-13T05:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-10T01:32:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-09T21:09:00.001-07:00

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

2009-06-09T15:13:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-06T17:02:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-06-04T17:51:00.001-07:00

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

2009-06-03T02:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-02T05:04:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-01T01:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-30T18:48:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-30T18:22:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-05-28T04:08:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-05-28T02:34:00.000-07:00

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.