Beach Bags

Phew, finally got to blog! Sorry not being around guys, the sewing machine has been "non stop" and my mission is nearly complete!!!!

Thought I would share a little glimpse of what I have been up to.

I am putting together a summer collection of beach bags using a combination of different styles & fabrics so that each bag is unique. They will be available soon, If you are interested in looking at my collection please e-mail me at info@thefeatherednest.com.au or keep checking the web site for availability.

Also working on a line of kiddy ones, the fabric I have is just so cute.

And many thanks to Fig & Willow for designing the brochure cover you always come up with a great concept thanks.

Flea Market Style

I am looking forward to following 'The Flea Market Style Blog Roll'. It looks like its going to be full of inspiration. I found all the info from a talented artist called Lara at A Vintage Touch; her paintings are just divine. I recommend a viewing.

The Magazine is being released in 2010. It's in the USA, but we will be able to get all the info through the blog.

Matthew Mead & Ki Nassauer are both Co- Editors. I am sure with their extensive back grounds they will bring some great info for us to read, from their joint venture & through their own personal blogs too, which are a hive of great things.

Linda Mac Donald, who's blog is Restyled Home, will be editor-at-large.

Heather Bullard is contributing editor, who is so inspirational & oozes talent, I love her style.

Plus Tim luke, Sarah Egge, & Stacey Willey.

Boy will I be having a busy time going through all their lovely blogs. I think its a one to keep for the weekend with a bar of chocolate & plenty of coffee. Hope you enjoy looking as much as I will.

Pewter Bottle

Just got some more stock in, so I am getting all the shot's done for the web site. Gosh, it's hard work to get that right shot.

I love pewter bottles. This would be great on a dressing table, if only I had one!! The flower stopper is so gorgeous. I had to show it to you before I up loaded the pictures on to The Feathered Nest website, hope you like it.

I was looking at the history of the pewter bottle. It dates back thousands of years; the ancient Egyptians used them to hold many different things. One use was known as 'Tears of Sorrow'. The mourners would use the bottle to catch their tears, which would then be buried with the deceased as a mark of honour and devotion. How respectful and loving is that!!

Shopping Sensation part 2

I have finally got around to writing about the great day The Feathered Nest & Momi had on the 8th August. We were a huge hit! The shoppers kept coming, & the lovely comments from people were great. It made the day worth while.

I upholstered the wardrobe to hold all my aprons, fabrics & some of my cushions.

The clutch bag is a Mindy Mason creation & the little red apron set (top right) includes the head scarf & tea towel, which is made by exquisite accessories.

All bags and wallets are Etiquette by Mindy Mason; you can purchase them through The Feathered Nest

These funky bags & purses are great, and they can be washed in the machine. They come in all sizes & colours and will be available through The Feathered Nest.

Momi is the new gift business that is opening in my local shopping centre in August.

The talented Sandra Rerrie has sourced some gorgeous items for her shop that will have the shoppers of Central Queensland wanting more.

Momi has a fabulous assortment of gifts, home wear, baby products & so much more.

Thanks again to all the people that came to see our launch. We much appreciate the local support, & thanks to my blogging friends for all your kind & inspiring words.

Shopping Sensation

My blogging friends, I am so sorry that I have not had chance to catch up with you all this last week; its been a bit busy.

I am getting ready for a shopping sensation with the lovely Sandra from Momi, who is a new gift business that will be opening soon at my local shopping centre. As I am on-line & we love each other's products (no competition) we thought we would join forces for the day to have a big business launch. Can't think of many better ways to spend the day than sipping champagne & taking in the breath taking ocean views,while purchasing exquisite gifts & home wear.

Will let you know how the day went!!

The gorgeous invitation was designed by the creative talents of Fig & willow, Thanks you are the best.

Tree Linens

My Linens have arrived yippee!! I love them; these are just a few. The black & white range is so simplistic with the tree: what a statement. The table runner also comes in black with white tree.

Black cushion 50 x 50cm. White cushion 45 x 45cm.

Place mats 50 x 35cm. Napkins 50 x 50cm.

The single hem napkins have arrived too!!

Eco-Natural Flax & Bleached Napkins 45 x 45cm. Asphalt 48 x 48cm.

will be up loading all the linen products to my web site as soon as possible.

This range will make a great wedding or anniversary gift. For all enquires, please e-mail info@thefeatherednest.com.au

My Gorgeous Find

I love reading about all my blogging friend's finds. Some times I am envious of the fabulous markets they go to (only an itsy bit), but I do look forward to seeing what treasures they have found.

Well I have found some thing I think is soooo gorgeous & it is proudly sitting on my desk. I have no idea how old it is, or anything else about it, but I just love my inkwell! It will be for show only; I wouldn't dare spoil it!

I wonder if it was ever used, & where it came from originally. I photo shopped the images to give them a vintage texture in line with the ink well.

I found these lovely vintage inkwells from Gilai

1.This is an antique inkwell made from heavy cut clear glass. The hinged lid and collar are made with gilt . SOLD

2.This is a19th Century brass inkwell covered with leather. SOLD

3. Pressed glass inkwell with brass top. SOLD

4. London1901 cut glass & silver inkwell $160.00

This inkwell was dedicated to HRH Edward Albert, the Prince of Wales and the son of Queen Victoria, for the occasion of his visit to Hamilton, Canada, on 19th September 1806 by The Highland Society.

The base is made of Rojo Alicante marble, the lion's feet and fittings are gilt brass.

It's sold, so I have no idea how much it went for. I thought the history was interesting; hope you did too.

love Notice Board's

I love making notice boards from pinned to upholstered.   I have them in most rooms, showing family photos or inspirational ideas in my office; the kids have pictures of their fav TV stars & friends.

I had found this cute boy's fabric the other day, & as I had a friend's boy's birthday party this weekend I thought I would make him a notice board.    I got all the ribbon's & buttons out & started to get to work.

I think I might have to make one for my little boy with matching bedding & a cushion.

I make them to order and they vary in price depending on style & fabric; just email your ideas or requirements to info@thefeatherednest.com.au

Here are a couple I have found with some different styles.

Stranodesigns

Linen Paperie

I custom made these two boards;   I hand embroidered the ballerina for a little girl who loves dance, & all things pink, & the other was created for a lady's office and has a matching cushion.

Sarina Market

A couple of  weeks ago I decided to go to Sarina Markets & set up a stall selling all my products; some being handmade by myself.

 I had a great day & lots of lovely coments were made.   I also met Sukanya, a designer who commented on my products.   Sukanya mentioned she had a blog & asked if she could feature me on it; well I was honoured.    We had a good chat about blogging & how we only live around the corner from each other; it's a small world really!

I am now back from the gift show in Brisbane so I'm catching up with my blogging friends, & saw the feature about The Feathered Nest on Fantabulous design, thank you Sukanya!

Reed Gift fair's

Sorry it's been a bit quiet on the blog front from Exquisite Accessories, but I went down to Brisbane to attend the Reed's Gift Fair.    I so love to go sourcing gift's & accessories for The Feathered Nest.

It was a good show, well for me anyhow.   I met up with existing suppliers & made some new contacts.

My feet ache, my purse is lighter & my head is spinning, just got to plow through all the contacts brochures for anything I missed.   It's knowing when to stop though, as some times I want it all, but budgets keep your feet on the ground.

Only thing I missed was Anna Spiro's business seminar.   I was flying back home the day she was speaking it would have been great to have meet her, may be next time!!

Jacquie Lawson's E-cards

Today I thought that I would talk about Jacquie Lawson, for those of you that don't know Jacquie, she is a great graphic designer who started out as an illustrator. She boasts more than twenty years experience working  in freelance  design, drawing & painting. In 2000 she created her first E-card & sent it out to her friends who then sent it to their friends so within a few weeks she received hundreds of E-mails from all over the world.  

In 2001 Jacquie Lawson created a web site to showcase her work, so for any of you out there that have missed the post for friends birthdays anniversary's etc, (like I do some times) or even want to send a "thinking of you" E-card I think they are great, my friends love them, the cost is only $12.00 US for a year's subscription or you can just purchase one for a few dollars.

Hope you enjoy Jacquie Lawson as much as I do!! 

Do you like Chandelier's?

This Chandelier was from the Birmingham Council building in the UK, on the main staircase of the building.    Its not as grand as most but I do like it!  So I got thinking about Chandelier's, they are so stylish & can make such a statement in the right room. 

The first chandelier appeared in the 14th century, with designs made of wood & candle fittings, but the wax ruined the wood so it was changed for metal.

I found these two which are my favourites from Royalty Lighting.

The first picture would be nice for a porch entrance, the second one I would love to have that in the main entrance to my new house, I think I could get away with it!! My husband might be having words about that though:) as he isn't a Chandelier guy!   Maybe I could sneak it in to my bathroom instead, hung over an old fashion bath!   Mmmm how decadent; I can dream!!!

These two pictures are the Chandeliers at the Casino in Monte Carlo, which weigh over 140kilos each.    Did you know Chandelle means Candle in French?

At the turn of the 17th Century their popularity grew & were found in homes all over northern Europe, and by the 19th century they were obviously  becoming more elaborate & extravagant.

Now this grand Chandelier is from Konopiste castle in Prague, it was made by Josef Palme who received a royal permission to build a workshop in Prachen.   These quickly became  known as Bohemia Chandeliers.

All information found from Abby chandeliers the Monte Carlo images forgot where I found them so please let me know if they are yours & I will remove or credit you.

Thinking

Mmmmm, my head is spinning with ideas of what to put on my blog this week, as I had an extremely busy time preparing for a local weekend market.   

I thought this picture was appropriate for my mood.   I love the hat too.    It is from Plumo, a web site in the UK. 

Building Project

With much thought I have decided to share my building experience with you. My husband & I have brought half an acre near the coast in central Queensland.

This shot is from the back of the block looking south.

View from front of block. The road is a dead end, so we will have no through traffic and no houses straight in front of us, I am so excited!

Looking towards the rear of the block. The land behind has a preservation order on it so all the trees have to stay; it's going to be so private.I just have to decide on the plan's now, I keep changing my mind as there are so many gorgeous design's I love. I think I have chosen the right one now, so I'm of to see an architect friend tomorrow with all my ideas, for some advice.

Living in Tropical Queensland, there are so many considerations with the build due to the weather. The house needs to be built around those elements, such as heat, humidity, a strong constant wind during the summer and, of course, the odd cyclone!  

Finch Hatton Gorge

This weekend has been good fun.   I have had family staying, so its made me stop & go out on some road trips near to where I live; thought you might like to see.

This little Kookaburra was a cheeky fella.   We stopped for a picnic and I was happily eating a tuna salad sandwich &  he swooped down, snatching it straight out of my hand!   It all happened in a flash and my heart was going, I can tell you.   He delicately took it from my hand as his beak never even touched me!   He must have had his eye on the prize, that's for sure.

Will be going back here in the summer to swim in the gorge with the kids.   They would have gone in if I'd have let them, but the water was very cold.

Next stop Airlie Beach

This Oleander tree was full with blooms.   It's so pretty, just a shame it is a poisonous tree.   If the leaves are chewed it can make you very sick so best not to plant in your garden if you have small children.

I hope I have brought a bit of spring early.    I am lucky the winters in North Queensland are glorious.

Bollywood Cushion

Thanks  Kellie at Ada & Darcy who inspired me after she left a nice comment about my Bollywood Birthday post I wrote a couple of weeks ago.   She mentioned that the fabric I had made costumes out of would make a lovely cushion.

So I got to work looking for all the fabric cut offs I have stashed  away in my many baskets & luckily I had enough to make this one off exclusive cushion.   

Its going to have to go on sale at my Etsy store now, if I can part with it!!!!!!

Eco- Natural Flax Linen

Coming Soon to The Feathered Nest

The wonderous feel of natural fibres are not lost on today's consumers, nor were they lost upon the ancients.   For thousands of years, linen fibres have been the choice material for the making of clothing and bedding.   Historical evidence of linen use stretches back to 8000 B.C.E., where it was clearly extremely valuable. Linen shrouds were placed upon the dead in ancient Egypt as gifts for the wealthy and powerful to take with them into the afterworld. 

Although the term is often used generically to refer to weaves of cotton and other fibers, real linen is spun from fibers of the flax plant. Flax can be grown in a variety of climates, but Belgium, France and the Netherlands are considered to have the finest linen flax. Linen bed sheets are prized above all others for their amazing comfort, durability and beauty. A linen comforter is tough to beat for its warmth and luxurious feel. Thanks to its hollow structure (imagine a bamboo shoot), linen also absorbs water better than most fabrics, making it excellent for dishtowels and also for clothing comfort, as it will absorb the body's moistures. 

To create linen, the flax undergoes a process of agricultural and mechanical changes. First, the plants are retted, or left to soak in dew that collects on them in the mornings. The dew and sun combine to dissolve the pectins in the fibers. The fibers are then rippled, which is the process by which the flax seeds are removed and scutched, the process of separating the fibers from the wood of the plant. Now that the fibers are pure, they are spun into yarn and then woven into cloth, which is bleached and dyed. 

In the past, flax was retted by leaving it in a river, but this pollutes the river with the remains of the dissolved pectins, so it has fallen out of favor in flax processing. Using dew and sun works as well, if slightly longer. Given this change, however, linen processing is among the most ecologically sound processes. Every part of the plant is used after it has been cut from the ground. Various parts of the flax plant are used to make textiles, paper, paneling, insulation, paint, soap, food, and medicine. Few products are so efficiently used as flax. 

Pretty Dress

It's coming up to my little niece's 1st birthday so I have been thinking what to get her; she has so many different toys.  I decided to search the net to get some inspiration, & I came across this cute little dress from Jellybeans.

I thought about buying it as it's so cute, but I remembered about some fabric which was left over from some upholstered notice boards I had made.    My mind was made up, I would have a go at making it myself  & when Charlotte grows out of it, it would look lovely in her bedroom on a pretty hanger on her bedroom wall.

The cute little buttons are from Francheville.

I cut out some flower shapes to add a contrast on to the fabric, using interfacing to hold it in place while sewing the sequins around the flowers, instead of using an applique stitch.

It just has to be finished off with an accessory and what better than a little head scarf.   She will look so cute!   Happy Birthday Charlotte!

Bollywood

After reading Rajee Sood's blog the other day it reminded me about my Bollywood birthday party.   I was not blogging then, so I thought I would share it with you now. Here goes my epic, I hope you enjoy !! 

All my invites, table settings & menus were custom designed by The Linen Paperie.  I just had to keep them they are done so beautifully; they always come up with a unique design.

This gorgeous fabric is from a little shop in Brisbane called Rani Creations. It is from a sari I purchased.   Sari's are around 9 yards in length.   If you want to know how to wear a sari, have a look on Sari Safari; it has some nice info if you are interested.

I decided to have a go at making some outfits for some of my family & friends.   We did have a lot of fun wearing them.    We performed a bollywood-styles dance, which I choreographed as a suprise for all of my guests.    Now that was really good fun!    Shame we didn't video it as I could have put it on you tube.    I think my performing harem girls were glad of that, as they are not quite the exhibitionist that I am; HEE!

I just love this sari.   It's what I would love to own!   Maybe in my dreams & if only I was 20 years younger!!    If you want the real thing you can always purchase one of these gorgeous saris from a great website in India called homeindia .com.    They are simply stunning.    You would certainly make a statement.

These stunning jewels were kindly modelled for me by my niece Rebbeca, who looked absolutly stunning in them.

You can really stand out from the crowd with these.   You can purchase them from fusion Jewels.   Some of their gems are just wow!!   I want to go to India, I just love the exotic colours; and Bollywood is just so happy and vivacious; maybe its the performer in me?

My garden was the spot for our exotic location.    I had some of my family & my dear friend Allison to help with putting it all together.   I couldn't have done it with out them; thank you guy's. What a night :) The catering was by The Spice Avenue.    It was fantastic; it is the best Balti in Queensland.   I am just so upset we never got a picture of the party in full swing, I was too busy parading around in my costume!

I know I was lucky to have my marquee & I loved how it was put together, but this one from Sangeeta International.  is so opulant.   It would be great to do up; got me thinking for my next significant birthday.

The table flowers were a wash of bright gerberas which added to the viberant bollywood colours, which I so love.

I found most of these fake flowers, to put on the drinks table, in a shop called Loot.   So glad they were not real, as they are now sitting lovely in a glass vase, with hundreds of shells around them, in my family bathroom.    I will always remember my best birthday ever, well they say life begins at 40!!

I wanted to give a little keep sake to my guests, so I made these little draw string bags.  I embroidered the bollywood writing on them; each bag had a naturel soap inside, mine is in my bed side table making my clothes smell fresh still!!

If you didn't have the time or oppertunity to make the little bags, I found these delightful clay candel diyas from Indian gifts Portal.     They are adorned with Kundan beads & filled with sparkle wax.

Hope you enjoyed my bollywood birthday...I did!!!

Apron customized

Its that time again when I get out my fabric that once had a different use  & make it in to something else. 

A while ago a good friend of mine had some fabric chair covers, which I took apart & I used the fabric to make some tote bags, which I featured on my blog earlier this year.

I had a piece of fabric left, so I decided to make an apron for Allison to wear in her new kitchen.

I did seams in the side panels which is okay, but the seam across the waist I didn't want to see (too many joins). 

I found some satin ribbon so I decided to attach it, to hide the waist seam.   I also added the ribbon to the pocket edge.   It looked so nice; I decided to then use it for the neck & waist ties.    Its 25mm wide which is a good width, & it keeps it all flowing beautifully.