Polka Dot Rabbit

Things I like today

2012-01-19T13:13:00.008+11:00

I think this chair is rather lovely, such beautiful fabric!

Rather enjoyed this article on seasonal eating out of season? (I spied chocolate eggs in the shops on Boxing Day). What's your view? ps-keen to make my own hot cross buns again this Easter!

I'm keen to give these vegan potato tacos a try...with plenty of chilli sauce! Avocados are cheap at the moment, and it's also great to find new soy free recipes.

Wonderful embroidery!

Hope everyone in Melbourne is enjoying the cooler weather today!

Things I like today

2012-01-18T08:00:00.006+11:00

From an amazing photo shoot for Vogue Russia

I love this handmade quilt! I would like to make a quilt this year I think!

I've been loving the re-purposing of suitcases for a while. This looks fantastic!

Great use of reducing food waste!

Lovely tea towel from here

Things I like today

2012-01-12T09:28:00.007+11:00

I'm quite intrigued by this recipe for pickled nasturtium pods!

I actually think these Christmas decoration would be great any time of year!

Insanely cute tattoo of a Gemma Correll illustration, surely the ultimate flattery!

In respect to yesterday's welcome chilly weather here in Melbourne, I whipped up a batch of scones. I'm most definitely a cool weather person!

I'm quite taken with this bag

Things I like today

2012-01-11T09:06:00.006+11:00

Love this print! Can you name them all?

Love these word bubbles! There's even a tutorial...

Gorgeous sideboard from here

pic from here
I have one place left my next Make your own skin care products on January 22nd. Perhaps you'd like to come along?

Inspiring Art

2012-01-09T17:30:00.006+11:00

Gorgeous embroidery from here. Strangely the University doesn't credit its artists!

Stunning paper art by Guy Laramie

Beautiful paper cutting by Julene Harrison

Carving work by Alexander Farto

Things I like today

2012-01-06T12:09:00.005+11:00

Love using ladders as a means of storage and decorating!

Lovely plate

This upcycled furniture from Revival furniture makes me drool

This is certainly thought provoking

And if you're in Melbourne on Sunday, I have three places left in the Make your own Bathing products workshop!

Upcoming workshops: Make your own natural bath and skincare products

2012-01-05T10:35:00.001+11:00

I've a few place left in the workshops if you're at a loose end this Sunday or looking for something to do on the 22nd:

Bathing products:
Date: Sunday January 8th
Time: 2pm-4pm
Location: Brunswick

We'll be making:

bath bombs
summertime body scrub
cocoa bathtime melt
moisturising facial mask

Skincare products:
Date: Sunday Jan 22nd
Time: 2pm-4pm
Location: Brunswick

We'll be making:

lip balm
gentle cleansing mask
cooling hydrating mist
facial cleanser

Cost of each workshop: $30
Bookings essential
http://www.greenrenters.org/workshops

In each workshop you'll learn about natural ingredients and get an opportunity to make several products using a range of materials including cocoa butter, essential oils and kaolin clay. All ingredients, containers and instructions are included in the workshop price and you will receive full sized products to take home for personal use. Class will include a cooling homemade cordial or glass of wine, homemade biscuits and a recipe list of products to take home.

Love to see you there!

Things I like today

2012-01-03T09:17:00.009+11:00

It's woefully hot in Melbourne this week (over 104 degrees F yesterday) so this picture fills me with longing for cold water swimming....

from here

not sure how comfortable these would be, but they look cool

Made in China is a recent piece by artist Joe Black depicting a portrait of Chinese soldier by photographer Robert Capa that appeared on the cover of LIFE magazine in 1938. Black glued over 5,500 multi-colored toy soldiers to a vertical surface to achieve the pointillistic effect. Found here

New year festivities in Woodend

2012-01-02T12:58:00.004+11:00

Chris and I had a lovely weekend away in Woodend just after Christmas. We stayed at the lovely Campaspe House, a gorgeous 1920's english style manor house....

The pool was lovely in the heat!

I won at petanque!

Glorious gardens everywhere, all styled by Edna Walling!

Picnic time on the grounds in the shade

A rather bizarre caterpillar found by Chris

Lovely breakfast at the Village Larder

It was nice to get away for a few days, especially when it's so hot here!

Christmas gifts from the kitchen

2011-12-26T19:04:00.008+11:00

I love making people gifts and this years I was keen to make my gifts homemade. I didn't have much time for crafting unfortunately so I decided to make some goodies from the kitchen.

Reasons I like making gifts:

No shopping at horrid shopping centres full of piped Christmas music, just a trip to the grocer and spice market
I can make rather than shop
I enjoy cooking
It's usually cheaper to make than buy (especially if fruit is acquired through gleaning)
It's always lovely to receive something handmade
My collection of jars (and those hoarded by others) are of good use!

Here's a series of recipes that I made, complete with a few pics!

Apricot lavender jam

Ingredients

About 2o fresh apricots
1/2 cup water
3 cups sugar
1 tablespoon lavender flowers
freshly-squeezed lemon juice ( I used the juice of half a lemon)

Directions

Cut the apricots in half, extract the pits and discard (no need to peel them).
Place the apricots in a large stockpot with water, sugar, lemon juice and lavender flowers
Cover the pot and cook, stirring occasionally until the apricots are cooked into oblivion.
As the mixture thickens and reduces, check the hot jam frequently and stir just to make sure it isn’t scorching.
Several sources suggest placing small saucer in the freezer. When the jam looks thick and is looks slightly-jelled, turn off the heat and put a small amount of jam on the chilled plate. Put back in the freezer for a few minutes, then do the gel test: If the jam mounds, it’s done. If not, continue to cook, then re-test the jam until it reaches a thin jam texture.
Once done, ladle the jam into clean jars.

Dukkah

Dukkah is a wonderful middle eastern spice mix that is ridiculously easy to make. It's traditionally served with olive oil and flat bread but also can be added to curries, salads, meat dishes etc. The ingredients list is quite forgiving, open to a variety of culinary substitutes in regard to the type of nuts and spices. We live near a fabulous middle eastern spice grocer and it's fantastic to go and buy loads of different spices, herbs and other dry goods. Here's the recipe I like to use:

Ingredients

1 cup almonds
1/4 cup coriander seeds 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
1/4 cup tablespoons cumin seeds
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1 teaspoon salt

Heat a non stick pan over high heat, add the nuts, and dry-toast until slightly browned and fragrant, being careful that they don't burn. Remove from the heat and cool completely.
Repeat the procedure with each of the seeds and the peppercorns. Allow each of them to cool completely.
Place the nuts and seeds, along with the salt into a blender and pulse until broken down but not until it becomes a paste.

Store in an airtight container in a cool place .

Capsicum chutney

Ingredients

3 large Granny Smith apples
6 capsicum (red or green is fine)
1 onion
115g raisins
115g fresh or dried dates
½ tspn mustard seed
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup white vinegar (I used brown which was fine)
2 gloves garlic
chillies to taste

Mince apples, capsicum, onions and garlic.
Add remaining ingredients and boil on a low heat for 4o mins until thick
Spoon carefully into sterilised jars.

And well. as for the tomato sauce, I can't go past Pip's Nanna's awesome recipe! You can find it over here

photo of tomato sauce and chutney, all ready to be labelled

Happy festive season and holidays to you all!

2011-12-24T19:12:00.003+11:00

This year has been an exteremely busy yet successful year in many ways. I'm feeling a sense of positive anticipation for the new year, but also extremely happy to be switching off for a few days.

Hugs to all during the festive season, hope it is relaxing and pleasurable! xx

Freiburg, Germany

2011-12-22T17:30:00.009+11:00

Chris and I went to Freiburg at the culmination of our trip to Europe this year. It is really a simply stunning place, as well as one of the world's most sustainable cities. If you'd fancy the green lowdown you can read Chris' post here

Here's some lovely pics!

I do love a spot of embroidery i do

2011-12-16T19:29:00.003+11:00

Fatigue has it's limitations

2011-12-14T19:03:00.006+11:00

Such lovely bedding

I have been on Thyroxine for a couple of years for my underactive thyroid. This week I ran out. Since then I have been simply exhausted. Unfortunately an indication that I need to stay on the medication. I've had to accept that despite good intentions I won't be able to manage any crafting or finish the exhibition piece of been working on.

I haven't really done any craft markets this Christmas but I do have a brief one tomorrow selling Green Renters upcycled goodies in the morning at a govt building. When I held the group exhibition at my home in 2010 I thought it might lead to some opportunities for shared spaces, group markets etc but it seems to be limited to the same small cliques, none of which I'm invited to participate in.

I'm just too worn out. I need to look after myself a bit better or it'll get worse unfortunately. I also may be having surgery in 2012 for compartment syndrome in my legs so I need to be in good health for this...

We have our last workshop tomorrow night for the year. Last workshop until February! In the last year we've presented about 100 workshops, amazing stuff.It should be a lot of fun.

And lastly, here's some photos of Mr Pablo :)

What have I been up to?

2011-12-11T19:54:00.012+11:00

What I've been up to:

Delivered two Eco-crafting workshops this week and four How to have a sustainable festive season workshops
Made our Christmas tree!

Got interviewed and photographed by The Age
Chris and I ran a garage sale/pop up shop. Not wildly successful due to the weather but managed some decluttering nonetheless...
Went to a winery tasting

Watching:
Lewis

Midsomer Murders

Eating
Chris' amazing crumbed spicy tofu...

Drinking
Red wine and lots of tea (hot and iced)!

Reading:

Listening:

Things I like today

2011-12-09T11:15:00.008+11:00

Muppets wall decals!

hear hear!
I love this fruit bowl

Such a lovely print

Polka Dot Rabbit pop up shop

2011-12-09T09:47:00.002+11:00

Pop up shop and garage sale
Sunday 11^th December
8am-1pm

161 Albion St Brunswick

books
cds
vintage wares
hand crafted wares
clothing
shoes
craft materials
loads of gorgeous seedlings!
cupcakes

End of year celebration - How to have a green festive season

2011-12-07T08:25:00.005+11:00

Not quite full of Christmas cheer? Dreading another Christmas of tacky tinsel and podgy pudding? But there is another way you can enjoy seasonal festivities without the throw away toys and mountains of waste.

Join us to explore how you can make the festive season more environmentally friendly.

Topics include:

Green entertaining and parties
Sustainable drinks
Decorations
Gift giving the green way
Dealing with non-green relatives
And of course, how to cook an environmentally friendly Christmas lunch!

It'll be an evening of cheer with some musical entertainmen from Alana & The Age of Reasons, food and drink and a very special visitor....

Price will include one drink and nibbles, with more available to keep the festivities flowing for a donation. All attendees go in the draw to win a Bokashi Bin on the night! Bookings here

Things I like today

2011-12-05T09:49:00.002+11:00

Bathroom in Brunswick

2011-12-03T18:13:00.004+11:00

Some pics of our bathroom :)

Things that make a happy home

2011-12-03T13:00:00.007+11:00

I get inspiration from lots of different things in my life. I have a ever lasting love of all things vintage, retro and handmade. I like being surrounded by things that evoke memories, colours and designs a like, beloved gifts...

Making things in my office...I sometimes wish I was one of those tidy creative people who has everything tidily put away at the end of each day. My husband wishes this even more. Especially as he told me he's interested in exploring a role as a de-clutterer as a profession...(hehe)

A collection of lamps ( the green one was originally my Grandma's and I got the bunny lamp in Norwich earlier in the year).

Can you see the lovely card made by definatalie after she was a kindly housesitter for us?

Some of my fabric (you can't see the messy piles thankfully)

Mr Pablo working hard
A portrait of us which we received from a dear friend as an engagement gift!

I know that living in an old rental home, I'll never have a palatial dwelling suitable for glossy magazines and design blogs. We're desperately short of storage space and the holes in the walls are difficult to conceal. Yet we do live happy lives and there's a lot of love within the walls...

Excuse the mess, fixing my blog

2011-12-01T13:33:00.001+11:00

As usual I broke something! Apologies for the unsightly mess...

Are you interested in making your own natural beauty products?

2011-12-01T11:28:00.010+11:00

Ever wanted to make your own beauty products? Want to use only natural (vegan) ingredients?

I'm going to offer two DIY natural beauty product workshops in late January at my home in Brunswick, Melbourne.

These will be in part 'practice' workshops before I offer them to Neighbourhood Houses and the like as part of our repertoire at Green Renters so I will only be charging $30 per person to cover costs with each class size kept small. It might be a little nervous and tad less polished than other classes, but it's a great opportunity for me to try out teaching the products and share knowledge and for you to get an opportunity to make your very own beauty products for a reduced price!

The two classes:
Make your own bathing products:

January 8th
2pm-4pm
Brunswick (address will be emailed to you upon payment)

Make your own bathing products – free from artificial ingredients and preservatives! You’ll blend pure essential oils and work with coconut butter, shea butter, sweet almond oil, rose buds, lavender flowers and other high-quality ingredients.

You'll learn to make your very own:

bath bombs
summertime body scrub
cocoa bathtime melt
moisturising facial mask

All ingredients, containers and instructions are included in the workshop price and you will recieve full sized products to take home for personal use. Class will include a cooling homemade cordial or glass of wine, homemade biscuits and a recipe list of products to take home.

Book here

Make your own skin care products:

Sunday January 22nd
2pm-4pm
Brunswick (address will be emailed to you upon payment)

Make your own full sized skin care products from high-quality, natural ingredients. Not only will you know exactly what’s in them, but you’ll blend ingredients to work beautifully with your own skin type.

You'll learn to make your very own:

lip balm
gentle cleansing mask
cooling hydrating mist
facial cleanser

Book here

Photo details: La Bain (The Bath) (1913)From "Modes et Manieres d'Aujourd'bui"By Charles Martin

Things I like today

2011-11-29T09:14:00.004+11:00

Fabulous wreath made from socks! Find out how over here
I love map wallpaper
hehe
Wonderful drawing

What have I been up to?

2011-11-28T19:50:00.006+11:00

This year for the first time in several years, I am not doing any christmas crafty markets. Basically I was overseas when the call went out and I missed it completely! I'm quite annoyed with myself!

What I'm watching:

The Hour

and

We Need to Talk about Kevin (I preferred the book, predictably)

What I'm reading:

The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen
Live to Tell by Lisa Gardiner

Things I'm busy organising:

Green Renters Garage sale/pop up shop (date TBC) and our Sustainable Christmas event. If you're in Melbourne, I'd love to see you at both, all funds go towards our work at our little not for profit.

I went camping on the weekend and there was so much mud! But it was great to have an enforced technology break for a few days!

I'm also busy making comic wallets, working on a very special embroidery project for the new year and enjoying lots of (cheap cleanskin) red wine whilst I impatiently wait for the veggie patch to grow! I've attempted to make my beloved hydrangeas turn blue (with limited success) and I have a veggie pie in the oven right now.

So yeah, life is pretty good.

Things I like today

2011-11-22T07:43:00.004+11:00

Cute sandals
Lisa modelling one of her creations from the recent Eco Crafting workshop. There's another couple coming up
Such cute wrapping paper!

Fire hose cupboard becomes home cupboard!

Things I like today

2011-11-18T09:48:00.001+11:00

Love these cat portraits!

Gorgeous fabric!
Cute Muppets alphabet!

Mr Pablo isn't quite working hard enough, so we have a job going at Green Renters! We'd love you to apply. We're looking for people interested in marketing and fundraising rather than sustainability experience per se.

New upcycled Christmas ornaments

2011-11-16T05:37:00.005+11:00

Only $5 each!

Things I like today

2011-11-16T04:31:00.004+11:00

This book of how to knit your own Olympic stars is hilarious and awesome!

Free Eco-crafting workshop this Sunday in Kensington!

2011-11-11T18:15:00.003+11:00

Life's been a bit full on, but I still have places availalbe in Sunday's FREE eco-crafting workshop'

This workshop teaches уou how уοu can create useful and creative household items and gifts using materials, which would otherwise еnd up іn landfill. A great opportunity to make up some Christmas gifts!

All materials and instructions supplied. Free nibbles and drinks included!

Sunday November 13
3pm-4.30pm

Kensington Neighbourhood House
89 McCracken St
Kensington
VIC

To RSVP Phone: 9376 6366 or
Email: kwgp@vicnet.net.au

Things I like today

2011-11-07T14:34:00.007+11:00

I collect vintage tapestries and these ones are especially lovely (not mine sadly!)

Too cute
Love this upcycled necklace!

Gorgeous frozen wildflowers

Quick flash Polka Dot Rabbit sale

2011-11-07T14:19:00.002+11:00

Quick sale! All of these pairs of gloves are $10 and available here

Whilst winter is over in the Southern Hemisphere, perhaps you're planning a trip overseas or sending gifts overseas? or you like to squirrel things away? These gloves are just the thing!

Things I like today

2011-11-05T16:25:00.007+11:00

Lovely print
Gorgeous dress and gloves

Tin Tin wallets!

Tin Tin magnets!

I've been lusting after this style of cushions for ages. I used to have them when I was a child and loved them

Things I like today

2011-10-29T11:31:00.007+11:00

Absolutely adore these drawers made from suitcases

Such a sweet illustration!

Love the yellow paint work here

Gotta try this Pirogie recipe, looks amazing

Cute green cardi

Me: guilty of blog absenteism

2011-10-28T18:17:00.003+11:00

I've been flat chat this week with Green Renters. Mostly re-writing workshops. Our workshops aren't static and require regular editing for different audiences, different states (different legislation and government rebates), resources, and seasonal changes. But tomorrow, I will post some lovely veggie recipes!

I'm also struggling to type as Mr Pablo keeps trying to lie on my keyboard! When's he's not jumping up to lie on my shoulder...

Things I like today

2011-10-19T08:50:00.006+11:00

Cutest pic ever? Yep you can knit little jumpers for Penguins affected by the New Zealand oil spill

Such beautiful embroidery!
Amazing beaded skull
Gorgeous folk art cards

Things I like today

2011-10-19T08:15:00.004+11:00

Gorgeous light shade
I do love retro robots

This made me laugh

I'm running a FREE natural cleaning workshop on Saturday afternoon in Kensington, you should come along!

Love this handpainted floor!

Things I like today

2011-10-18T08:53:00.007+11:00

Ridiculously cute

Wouldn't this look amazing on a apartment building entry?

Such a cool necklace
This mug is seriously stunning

Great promo poster

Great tutorial

And I'm coming to Sydney early next month for a bunch of workshops on a range of topics including DIY Green Cleaning, How to have a sustainable festive season and Love leftovers, reduce waste. Would love to see some of you there!

Things I like today

2011-10-12T17:54:00.005+11:00

I like this
This book looks like it could have been made today

Couldn't agree more

love this diy book bed board

The joys of running a small business

2011-10-12T16:29:00.012+11:00

image from here

It's an interesting process running a small business. I run the 'commercial' wing of Green Renters, a not for profit I started with my husband a few years ago. What this means is that I try to get paid something for the many hours of unpaid work I've been doing since we came up with the idea in 2009.

I recently graduated from NEIS training and I have been working hard to make things happen. Green Renters has a number of different components including running workshops and special projects (such as an Expo for people living in rooming houses and social housing) an online shop, facebook page and twitter, website and stalls.

Today I've been busy testing recipes for a DIY natural bath products workshop we are thinking about offering at Green Renters as our DIY natural house cleaning workshops have been going so well. workshops. It's a bit of a contentious issue. We've been running our 'sustainable living in rental accommodation' workshops for a while and have gradually extended our workshop topics to include issues that represent the needs of renters in more round-about ways: container gardening, reducing food waste and more creative workshops such as eco-crafting and making jams and preserves.

When you run workshops and events for a living, most of your time is spent organising bookings which can involve lots of emails and phone calls and it can be frustrating when things are cancelled at the last minute. But more so, it can be rewarding when people attend a workshop and ask lots of questions or make comments or find it helpful.

It's been very much a learning experience. I was never a confident public speaker when I was younger. But it's much easier to talk about something that you are interested in and feel passionate about. I'm also not entirely confident that what I do will be financially viable in the long run, I have plenty of spread sheets and a business plan but papers aren't reality. But you have to start somewhere, and I like a challenge.

I hasten to add, Green Renters is not just me, there's by husband, our amazing volunteers and the board members of Green Renters Inc, all of whom work for nothing or very little.

A few things I've learnt about running a small business

You are broke for a long time. Not can't pay the rent broke, but there's certainly no money going spare in the early times. I gave up a reasonably lucrative job to go out on my own
It's great not dealing with issues such as workplace bullying and office bitching
You really have to prioritise. I love crafting for Polka Dot Rabbit but I've realised for a while that mass production is not sustainable as a business of one ( I don't make anything that retails for thousands) and the craft 'scene' boom is very much burst from what I've seen. I still make and sell crafty things, just not as much
Working from home is not all it's cracked up to be especially the house is cold during winter

Some of the postcards above my desk

Working from home is great as you miss the morning commute!
The sustainability sector is extremely competitive. It can be a bit embarassing when we are asked of our relationship with other more established not for profits who have been quite unwelcoming of our presence
You can have a hell of a lot of fun and meet many fantastic people
I love my friends dearly and miss them when I don't see them often enough
Business networking can be hit and miss, I occasionally go to such events and find myself one of a few unsuited people!
It's excited when things start happening and you can get others to join you (we've a horticulturalist and our food writing Elizabeth running gardening and food preserving workshops for us)
We won this award this year!
It can be hard to talk of anything else besides your business
It can be handy being an insomniac (I started work on a job description from 2am-5.30am this morning)

A few things I've learnt about running events and workshops:

Assume nothing is confirmed, even if it is in writing
Check by phone, I've been surprised when I've turned up for a meeting with someone (often quite well known) who simply forgot all about it
Don't assume requested equipment is available (or working) on the day
Leave loads of time to get to a venue by public transport
Equipment you need to carry will often be heavier than you think
There will usually be one person at a workshop who is absolutely lovely: affirming, gives eye contract, nods and asks interested questions
There will usually be at least one person at a workshop who used a workshop at a platform for their own agenda (Smart meters are a particularly passion of a number of people it seems)
Don't assume people's intelligence by their social position: some of the most articulate people I've dealt with at workshops have been people living in rooming houses.
When running stalls you can get a variety of responses. I remember running a stall in Malvern for an environment day and having a older woman come up and abuse me that 'all renters are lay abouts'. Err, ok...

A bit about my day:

6.30am: Husband rises reluctantly. He starts work at 7am from home. He keeps his Husband of the year crown, always bringing me a cup of tea in bed. He is awesome, very awesome

6.31am: Pablo the cat makes sleeping no option, purring as loud as a lawn mower

7am-8am: Read in bed, I am often tired in the mornings (thyroid fun) and I love reading in bed

7.45am-8.30am I a up and in the office/craft room (depending on how well I slept the night before). Read emails, eat breakfast.

8.30am- Read blogs, facebook, twitter. Social media is very important, despite how people disparage it.

9am- Listen to BBC4 and work on workshop content or articles for Green Renters website

10am-Email and ring people following up workshops. Some workshops are funded by grants to Green Renters Inc and actually are a lot harder to book than paid workshops!

11am-snack and another cup of tea

12pm-post-office shopping/lunch. When I say shopping, it typically food shopping or materials for products we sell in our online shop.

12pm-6pm: My afternoon can involve running workshops, meeting people for coffee to discuss providing them with workshops, attending events etc. None of which I get paid an hourly wage for.

6pm onwards: sometimes I am running workshops late, working on social media, attending an event such as Green Drinks. Usually there is wine involved if I am not running a workshop!

Hope you had fun reading this and it inspires you to start your own business or at the very least, appreciate the efforts of those of us who do something for a greater good, not to get rich!

Sometimes I wish I was a cat: ode to cats

2011-10-10T10:42:00.013+11:00

We got a new housemate a few months ago, Mr Pablo the 14 year old cat. This is his favourite activity besides eating and gets pats. So in the spirit of all things furry, this is my ode to cats:

So very true

Kitty cats glove style

Very cute pot holder (cheap too)

Pablo snores and also purrs extremely loudly!

This is just so awful is deserves a place here...check out here for more revolting cat jumpers...

Things I like today

2011-10-07T22:45:00.010+11:00

I have been eyeing this bag since I was overseas, bit outside my price range alas!

I would like to make my front fence look like this, but it's not entirely likely....
Embroidery displayed to great effect

Too cute!

Love these drawer knobs

A few pics from Berlin

2011-10-07T17:11:00.009+11:00

Communist propoganda from the DDR museum

Cabbage rolls!
One of the electoral campaigners

A mere snip of the crockery I was drooling over at Mauer Park market, once a former death strip for the Berlin wall, now a community park and weekend market.

Bits of the wall still exist for historical reasons...
,
Amy Winehouse tribute in toast at the Berlin Festival

K86, Berlin's oldest squat in Prenzlauer Berg (we were staying nearby)

Loved this sharebox, wonder if I could set one up somewhere without it being taken down or trashed?

Lovely street art

I'll be doing a more detailed post for Green Renters, it'll probably go up tomorrow.

Things I like today

2011-10-07T08:34:00.006+11:00

I actually rather disturbed by clowns in general but I love these

Love this print!

I love how this bag mimics an office envelope

I think these Christmas decorations are quite lovely!

Ten things you might not know about me

2011-10-04T16:58:00.004+11:00

I work from home most of the time (except for meetings and running workshops)
My favourite colour is red
I'm left-handed
I love mushroom soup
My favourite instrument is the harpsichord
I am a long term insomniac
I loathe coriander, liquorice and beer
I read lots of books and adore crime fiction, not to mention what is oddly termed 'chick lit'
I wear trousers about five times a year
I have been married for three years today!

Maybe you'd like to tell me a bit about you over at your blog as part of blogtoberfest? Be sure to send me the link!

Things I like today

2011-10-04T16:57:00.002+11:00

I think these shower curtains are all kinds of awesome!

Things I like today

2011-10-03T09:25:00.006+11:00

Such a gorgeous collage!
Who doesn't love a spotty raincoat?

Such a lovely platter!

Extremely cute baking cases

PS-I forgot to tell you that I've signed up for Blogtoberfest! You too can sign up over here

Things I like today

2011-09-29T19:06:00.006+10:00

My flag, my revolution xiaobiaosg

I love mushrooms

This made me laugh, I love the wittiness of Morrissey.

Love these mugs

Greetings from Berlin

2011-09-09T20:29:00.002+10:00

I've been a terrible correspondent, but I have been having fun! Off to the Berlin Music Festival today and tomorrow which is held in an old airport in Templehof

A few random observations from my time in the UK

2011-09-07T07:02:00.003+10:00

A few random observations at one running my own crafty and creative retail business and workshops:

Handmade crafts are difficult to find in London. Most crafts upon closer observation are actually factory produced.
Craft classes and studios are big business with classes ranging from sewing to DIY products.
Sadly, Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie clothes are really of appalling quality, particularly considering the price they are retailed at.
Many items look far better online than in person.
Women's trainers are difficult to find in colours besides white and pink (argh) if tou want something a bit better than cons but not too expensive.
There will always be a market for good cheese and bread.
Books are hugely overpriced in Australia (my husband has his own publishing company and I know how much he makes from the books he sells and it's almost nothing).
Since I have been away (nearly two months) three of my retail stockists have closed down in Australia.

Bath/Bristol UK

2011-09-07T07:01:00.001+10:00

Bath/Bristol UK, a set on Flickr.

Photos from our time in lovely Bath

Things I like today

2011-08-17T17:03:00.010+10:00

Great t shirt decoration tutorial here

Thifty bunny brooch!

Awesome breakfast train via Swiss Miss

Loving these Winnie the Pooh cushions!

Lovely Anthropologie skirt

Photo by our housesitter of our snowpeas growing in our garden back home!

Gotta love a basket of cats

Things I like today

2011-08-08T21:56:00.003+10:00

As you know, I'm a huge fan of war propaganda. Like these and these. So I'm absolutely loving these war propaganda style social media posters!

Things I like today

2011-08-07T20:08:00.007+10:00

I love the tactile aesthetic of Alli Coate's work
Gorgeous art deco kind of necklace. The price is rather prohibitive obviously!

This DIY skin care workshop I'm going to in London. Maybe I'll even offer some workshops in Melbourne!
Gorgeous heels from Modcloth

A trip to the seaside!

2011-08-06T19:27:00.005+10:00

We went along to the seaside at Skegness yesterday. A rather touristy, tatty place full of OAP's and chavs on holidays to be blunt.

But there were some highlights:

Fish and chips! Very nice although we did feel a bit sick as we're not used to all that grease!

We went along to Church Farm museum which was an oasis from the tourist tat. It's basically what it sounds like, an old reconstructed farm and farm house.

This was the maid's room-tiny!

Lots of beautiful heirloom pears and apples in the kitchen garden:

It wasn't really swimming weather, but we were very interested to see the Wind Turbines out at sea, perhaps powering oil rigs? Not sure

A few other shots of Lincolnshire:

Huge antique place with masses of china! Saw some lovely stuff but I know from past experience that it doesn't travel well and it's best picked up at the end of a two month trip!

There was also rows and rows of royal memorabilia strangely enough!

Horncastle, Lincolnshire UK

2011-08-04T21:21:00.001+10:00

Horncastle, Lincolnshire UK, a set on Flickr.

My visit to Horncastle

Things I like today

2011-08-03T18:48:00.007+10:00

Embroidery thread! Pic from here. I've been working on a very special embroidery project. Stay tuned!
I've been enjoying some lovely Pimms on my holiday!
Always love polka dot shoes
I think my boobs are too big to fit into this shirt but it's very lovely!

Love these vintage mugshot books! Don't the glasses look familar?

Shopping isn't all what it seems....

2011-08-01T06:28:00.002+10:00

Internet shopping is a funny thing. I buy a lot of clothes online and since a trip to the UK has been in the planning for a while, I've been mentally planning clothing that I was keen to look at and hopefully buy upon arrival.

I was really disappointed by this dress upon viewing it in person.
I thought the dress would be a nice cotton, but it is actually made of t shirt material, meaning it looked quite gaudy in real life.

I then saw this vintage style dress which I've been lusting after. In real life it's actually fluroescent yellow and the flowers are grey ( I thought they were blue)! Gah! Anyone else had similar experiences?

Things I like today

2011-07-29T19:18:00.009+10:00

Fantastic use of tea towels !
Great design
How many of these can you identify?

Loving these DIY patches for mending

Beautiful dress!

Some of many stunning retro space prints from over here

More Beijing: Tianamen Square and the Forbidden City

2011-07-29T18:42:00.008+10:00

I enjoyed visiting the Beijing Police Museum. Whilst few exhibits provide more than basic details in English, it's a fascinating insight into the Chinese policing from it's initial rudimentary origins to combating modern day terrorism. Everything is with a pro-Communist slant which includes early accounts of washing out pro-democracy dissidents. Some of the accounts of confessions and political prisoners, I found quite chilling. In China, crimes against the state (not just murder) and corporate crimes can be subject to capital punishment.

Identity cards are very much in practice in China, even for pets!

We visited Tiananmen Square. It's simply massive! Quite exhausting to walk around but also very interesting. Of course, there's no mention or commemoration of the Tiananmen Square Massacre. When we've mentioned it to Chinese people in the past, they had no knowledge of it.

We also visiting the Forbidden City with it's mind boggling 980 buildings, multiple galleries, gardens, halls and pavillions. Fascinating stuff!

A cute cat I found in the forbidden garden which had the most beautiful pale green eyes. Cats are not common as pets in Beijing.
It was very crowded and quite overwhelming after a while.

Some other things which amused me from my visit to Beijing:

Roses. I also found fruit like apples and oranges individually wrapped in glad wrap.

We went to the 'western tourist' area for dinner one night and I had to laugh to see this t shirt

Sadly I was unable to find a Chairman Mao doll for Pablo the cat (get it?)

Art in Beijing

2011-07-29T06:34:00.000+10:00

We visited the Beijing ArtZone, a collection of over 100 galleries in a disused electrics factory. Some simply amazing works of modern art.

Holidays: Beijing-part one

2011-07-28T19:22:00.008+10:00

Beijing is a fascinating place. It's more urban than we found Shanghai, yet is still a combination of modern technology and rural basics. Add millions of people, building sites everywhere and massive parks with grass you aren't allowed to sit on and you'll see it's a place full of interesting contradictions.

Our flight to Beijing was literally sickening in that it was woefully hot on the plane and constantly turbulent. Quite challenging and I was extremely glad to depart the plane!
We stayed in the suburbs which gives a great insight into local life outside of the tourist precincts. The area included massive apartment buildings of over 2000 apartments per building and a communal park area.

Our host grew her own vegetables in pots in the window, a great idea!

Modern phones in Beijing

Eating out in Beijing was certainly a challenge. Our greatest successes with veggie food were when we had our hosts with us, otherwise we'd point at a vegetarian dish on a menu and they'd come back with beef noodle soup! I found very few people speak English (fair enough too) which made daily transactions quite exhausting. Pointing, smiling and please and thankyou only get you so far. The dish above was a cold tofu and vegetable dish which was delicious. In general, most vegetable dishes were cold salads or sides rather than a meal in their own right, assuming you could decipher the pictures and chinese characters on menus.

In general, the Chinese food (which differs from region to region) bore little resemblance to what we eat in Australia bar the rice. Meals were often bland or heavily oily which sides of chilli oil and vinegar, no soy sauce in sight. Tofu was typically used only a thickener and served with something else, goose pate anyone? Alcohol at most places was limited to Chinese beer so I had to stock up on Chinese spirits which tasted similar Jaegermeister. The chronic heat meant I was dying for a gin and tonic to no avail hehe.

We did visit a middle eastern restaurant which had a bizarre fusion of Chinese and Middle eastern food. Delicious bread! There were also plenty of roadside bbq carts with omelettes, sausages and the like in the morning, (ahh the joys of not eating eggs either)!

As always, I struggled with the guilt and shame of not speaking the language. I feel embarrassed that I do not learn languages easily.

I found Beijing less frenetic than Shanghai, roads had traffic lights and pedestrian crossings and there was generally signage. Public toilets were amusing, taps and soap (where available) would be operated by a sensor motion yet all the toilets were squat toilets. Somewhat precarious after drinking lots of rice wine and spirits! It was odd, I saw very few western women walking around alone and it was a challenge being stared at and talked about constantly, we even had people taking our photos at some of the tourists site as they are visited by all kinds of people, some of which may never have seen an anglo person in the flesh.

I'll write about some sights and such in my next post...

Things I like today

2011-07-14T17:26:00.007+10:00

I was very disappointed when my favourite Pyrex bowl cracked in the microwave the other day....
Loving this bracelet!

Crochet cookies! Insanely cool

Gotta make one of these! They could be awesome in our little Green Renters shop with some variations and tweaks if I could work out an economical way of shipping them

Things I like today

2011-07-13T09:18:00.008+10:00

I'm not entirely sure what the purpose of this is, but it could make a great cat bed DIY style

Ah I do love teapots :)
Just told Chris we're getting some more bunnies!

Loving these glasses. I'm always breaking our glasses!

Button bobby pins are cute and easy to make. They make great gifts

Cute idea to add cosiness to open plan living

Things I like today

2011-07-11T19:11:00.003+10:00

I keep meaning to make some of these as I like the way they look ;)

I bought this dress on sale to wear in the UK!

Betty Jo's lino workshop sounds amazing, sadly I'll be overseas but you should all go!

too cute!

Things I like today

2011-07-10T12:12:00.007+10:00

Glorious fabric, don't you think?

Recycled planters used to a great effect

The problem with these is that they are a bit expensive and I want to buy more than one!

Such a stunning dress!

Things I like today

2011-07-08T10:24:00.000+10:00

Lots of lovely wall paper and wrapping paper
I got some red shoes like this last time I was in the UK, I'd really like a yellow pair now....
Made me laugh
I want to try doing this to my drawers when I get home

These are insanely cute!

Cute use of embroidery

Things I like today

2011-07-07T08:18:00.006+10:00

Great hat decoration! You can find the tutorial here

New Polka Dot Rabbit glove design! These ones are a lovely jade colour

This display of bowls is incredibly effective!
Cute monster henna tattoos
I think these bags are really cute!

Gorgeous embroidered cardigan

Things I like today

2011-07-05T05:37:00.010+10:00

Love the wall hanging and the hankies!

This is another room from their house that I love

How good does this recipe of Mushrooms Bourguinon look? Yummy! If you're in a cooking mood, I recently also made pear crumble and bean loaf!

The work of photographer Julia Hoersch as featured here

How I adore the work of Misako Mimoko!

Cute Jan Goeting pic from here

Things I like today

2011-07-04T16:55:00.008+10:00

too cute!
Love these tea scoops

This looks great, I think the desire for bunting will never die....pity my skills with bias binding are so crap....

I love this picture

Such stunning wall tiles, one thing you definitely can't do when you rent alas!

Things I like today

2011-07-03T14:39:00.006+10:00

hahah this made me laugh

Beautiful picture of jewellery designer Michelle Jank by The Sartorialist

Great idea! Gotta make these one day

I've been getting patchwork cravings lately. This is just lovely.

This is clever hey?

Seeking Eco Crafters to stock our shop!

2011-07-03T13:08:00.002+10:00

Afternoon,
As you probably know I'm Cate and I run the craft label Polka Dot Rabbit. I also am co-founder of Green Renters, a not for profit organisation which provides resources and information about sustainable living for people in rental accommodation. We've recently opened a small online shop of resources specifically relevant to renters which has been going quite well. We're looking for stock which may fit our shop in the following areas:

washable cleaning cloths
aprons
cloth bags (to use in place of those evil green bags)
lap top covers
tea pot cosies
gardening related stuff
stuff for kids (either clothing, toys, nappies etc - I don't have children so I'm a little vague in this area!)
goods suitable for Christmas gifts.
anything else you think might be of interest to our members and readers.

Products must be Australian made and using upcycled materials where possible.

Things we don't need (we already have them organised):

gloves
hot water bottle covers
door snakes
handkerchiefs
purses and wallets

We'd love to hear from any crafters who have products which might fit the bill.I'd love you to drop me a line (all emails responded to-I hate contacting shops who never get back to you myself!):
cate@greenrenters.org

thanks
Cate

Things I like today

2011-06-29T16:42:00.005+10:00

Such cute tights!
I would like to make something like these, great tutorial here

I love this tea cosy. I'm thinking of making some kind of tea cosies for the Green Renters as loose leaf tea is a great way of reducing packaging. Even better if I could make some from upcycled materials-what would you pay for a tea cosy?

Going off overseas in less than a month, not sure if I have enough followers to seek guest bloggers in my absence? If anyone is interested, please let me know!

On a slightly unrelated note, am I the only one sick of the big glasses trend? It's less appealing to those of us who have had to wear glasses since a very early age...

Things I like today

2011-06-27T09:12:00.006+10:00

Such lovely Mary Janes!
This photography is all kinds of amazing!

Insanely cute!
This design would be an awesome embroidery!

Thinking of summer as I'm off to Europe in a few weeks....summer means pretty summer dresses!

Selling off this ASOS dress as I don't wear it...

Things I like today

2011-06-20T12:17:00.009+10:00

hehe this made me laugh this morning!

Loving this winter dress

I first saw these gorgeous boots over here You can pledge to Jessica Swift's kickstarter fund to ensure that these stunning boots become a reality over here

We have a new gorgeous range of My Poppet upcycled hot water bottle covers available in our Green Renters shop. All money funds our efforts providing sustainability resources for people living in rental accommodation. We even stock hot water bottles!

A combination of cute and menacing owls

News from Polka Dot Rabbit

2011-06-16T10:39:00.005+10:00

This is our new housemate Pablo. I think I've told you about him before, he's 14 and a resident inhabitant with the biggest pantaloons ever!

I'm selling off a bunch of vintage goods and linen on ebay to raise a bit of ash for my next trip over seas, and declutter the house!

I also have a little sale over at Polka Dot Rabbit, buy two pairs of gloves and get $5 off!
I'm also participating in the Winter Artisans Market at:
Northcote Town hall
Saturdays, 10am - 4pm
June 18
June 25
July 2
July 9

DO come and say hello!

News and nice things to buy

2011-06-12T18:44:00.002+10:00

I've not been blogging much due to time constraints and the fact that pinterest exists.

I'm selling some bits and pieces on ebay (adding things regularly) which you can here
I have a polka dot rabbit sale coming up soon too!

Things I like today

2011-05-25T07:55:00.009+10:00

It's been a bit of a gap between postings, I've been really busy with Green Renters work, studying NEIS and battling a bad cold. I also had a Polka Dot Rabbit stall at Craft Victoria's Craft Hatch last weekend and I've been busily working on custom orders and stock for my lovely stockists.I don't like to bank up posts, it seems a little cold to do that. But here's some things I really fancy:

How amazing is this raspberry tim tam cake? Recipe here
Clever
I can't remember where I found this, but I really like it.

I love these recycled bins, made from sustainably harvested rattan and reclaimed bin. They are produced by the indigenous Aeta people of the Philippines via fair trade NGO Preda.

It's getting cold and I've been making double sided door snakes. Great for high traffic areas, as the snake doesn't need to be positioned everytime the door opens and closes.

Things I like today

2011-04-30T17:36:00.007+10:00

haha
Amazing art by Hope Gangloff

aBunny tattoo!

There's a certain something about flamingos....

Things I like today

2011-04-26T18:06:00.005+10:00

I need a staircase so I can do this

This jumper has the most beautiful detail...

I can't remember where this actually originated but it still makes me laugh!

Such a cute bike (and equally lovely wallpaper) from here

Working on a new embroidery design for my gloves featuring lop bunnies!

A Satirical look at Craft Markets

2011-04-21T17:57:00.006+10:00

The refab market stall at Greenwich (London, UK).

Ahhh I love a good craft market. My first foray into selling crafts was a small craft market a few years ago at a little shop front in High St, Northcote. Since then I've been retailing in bricks and motar and online shops (including my own ) but I still hold a soft spot for the craft market. There's so many of them these days, over 50 in Melbourne alone at last count, although of course some a weekly, others monthly and yet more are seasonal. But they're all competing for stall holders and of course, the essential, customers! I am far from the doyenne of craft markets, I don't attend them weekly or even monthly. Think of me more as a casual observer who flits in and out.

Good things to do

Before you visit a prospective market to sell at, go and have a look at it yourself. What are people selling? Do your wares fit in and contrast or compliment other things being sold? It can be surprising sometimes. I make a lot of recycled crafts, but they've never been popular at environment events or places like CERES, even though I craft with a sustainable ethos. But they sell fine at general craft markets.

Have a think about money. How much is a stall? How much will you need to sell to cover your stall fee and lunch and tram ticket/cab fare? Is someone helping you out? You should buy their lunch too.

Get there early. If there are any problems with your stall space, you've more chance of resolving them before everyone sets up.

Be very nice to your neighbouring stall holders. They're people to chat to when it's quiet, and you can mind each other stalls during loo breaks and coffee breaks. You'll often find other stall holders are your first customers to boot! It's also wonderful to chat to kindred spirits about the realities of being a crafter, retailing, running a small business and the pains of dealing with the general public.

pic from here

Branding is a very good idea. Think a visible sign that draws people over, swing tags with your logo, business cards, brown paper bags with your logo stamped on them. Even a mailing list.

pic from here

Think about displaying your wares in the best way possible. Height is always good. As I don't drive, I do have to travel very light, so I can't do the most dramatic displays, but I can make sure things are neatly displayed and colourful. Flowers and a few decorations don't hurt.

Always put prominent price labels. People generally won't bother asking.

Have a range of differently priced goods.

Consider having a sale on the day. I always sell heaps of comic wallets if I offer two wallets for less than the cost of buying two single ones.

Bring plenty of change. More than you need. Just go to the bank during the week and get a heap. Make it easy.

pic from here

Try stock up on your goods in advance of the market. Don't be like me, making things late at night the night before. I really try not to do that any more.

Some things that make a good craft market:

Good location close to public transport and passing traffic.
Good lighting.
Alcohol and/or food stalls. These keep people at the premises longer
Is there the option of trestle table and chair hire (especially appreciated by those of us who are non drivers)?

Things to take besides your stock:

sticky tape
scissors
drinks
change for coffee/caffienated beverage
painkillers
snacks
a mailing list
business cards
carry bags (no, not nasty plastic ones). I use recycled paper bags upon request.

Bad things about craft markets

It can be quite daunting being a stall holder at a craft market. You are literally putting your wares out there for people to look at, touch, comment on and (hopefully) buy. People will therefore feel quite free to comment and ask questions, even to the extend of asking you about a particular item making it clear they are hopefully to make their own. Not such an issue for personal use but dodgy if they are planning to sell them!

You need to work out where you stand on photos. Copycats are sadly an issue for most of us.

The most common comment I get is "ooh that's a good idea!". Hard not to roll my eyes.

A pet peeve of mine is customers who come and try and chat to you when you are setting up, even an hour before the market starts. I get a bit flustered trying to set things up and hold a polite conversation.

Some people will look at your things for ages and not buy a single thing. Sad but true. Give them a business card anyway, they might buy something else in the future.

Be careful with crowds. Stock can get stolen. I find it's not uncommon for people to pick up an item and say 'can I just show this to my friend over there'....

It's also very frustrating when people stand directly in front of your stall to look at the stall next to you, hold lengthy conversations in front of your stall or park their prams in front of your stall. Kinda rude really as all of the above mean when you consider other customers can't sell your wares.

Children. Badly behaved children. I've had children steal my stock, drop stock on the floor and leave it there, break things, LICK my badges and I've seen others smear their food filthy hands on another stallholders hand made quilts. I've tried polite comments to the parent/s in the past but they usually pretend not to hear.

Some markets are just a bit crap really. I did a craft market in a pub once, and it was horrendous. Over crowded with stalls which meant that foot traffic from room to room had to deal with people stopping to try and see stock (creating a domino kind of effect on the people walking behind) and the rooms were so dark you couldn't actually see the stock. I didn't feel any better that the market organiser walked around with fist fulls of $50 notes braying on her phone that she'd made so much money.

It's really annoying seeing people selling stuff at a handmade market that isn't handmade. I did a craft market a few months ago and sat next to a woman selling ceramic (unadulterated) mugs which she told me she'd bought at a warehouse factory. Same with dodgy imported stuff. Pisses me off no end.

Similarily, you will see people selling things as vintage when you know they bought the jewellery components off etsy from a factory in Singapore. It's just the way it is.

It's also really annoying if you see someone selling fistfuls of stock when your sales are crawling. Jealousy, sigh.

Have I mentioned that some people sell crap and other people buy it? Beauty is apparently, in the eye of the beholder. Or the japanese paper on sale at Spotlight.

A lot of stall holders are into swapping wares. It's a bit awkward when all they sell is children's wares and you have no children in your life to buy them for. Sorry about that.

If I haven't put you off, I'm happy to chat to folks about markets more. Please feel free to add your thoughts to this post. I know I might have pissed a few people off, but this is a bit tongue in cheek...

Things I like today

2011-04-21T08:42:00.007+10:00

I think I might make this over easter, being the time for chocolate and all. Wonder what fruit would work well instead of bananas?

Chicken or egg?
I love cloche hats to the extreme

Hand embroidered badges, a great gift for any embroidery lovers, just $4 each from here

What a simply stunning window and view!

Polka Dot Rabbit sale!

2011-04-14T03:05:00.003+10:00

Two comic wallets of your choice for $16!

I still have 30% of vintage stock too! You can have a look here

Things I like today

2011-04-14T02:41:00.005+10:00

Need to get a new winter coat, how beautiful is this one?!

So many amazing pot holders! Great way to display them also.

I have a skirt I'm planning to do this on :)

Such an amazing quilt!

Things I like today

2011-04-06T13:09:00.004+10:00

My sentiments exactly

Cute art

Great bunny wall art

Loving this idea for displaying some of my vintage hankies. Has anyone seen comparable square picture frames anywhere relatively cheap?

For a good cause: Door snake making workshop

2011-03-31T19:55:00.001+11:00

Sunday April 10th
12pm onwards
Cate' s house in Brunswick (email me for address)

I'm organising a Green Renting expo for people living in social housing and rooming houses in conjunction with a housing organisation to be held in May. We're hoping for a fairly decent turn out, and would like to offer all attendees with their very own doorsnake for draft proofing their room.

As most shop sold door snakes are mass produced overseas in sweat shops I'd like to make my own instead. So this means making about 100 Door Snakes. They're pretty easy to make. I have two sewing machines but feel free to bring your own. Donations of fabric thread and wadding/cut up scraps are also welcome. (Some makers use wheat or sawdust but this is not an option due to the risk of pests and bugs).

So if you can't sew, it could be an opportunity to learn or you are welcome to do cutting, turning fabric right side out, ironing etc. All useful tasks!

I'll put on some snacks etc but feel free to bring something. You're welcome to bring people who would like to help but we don't have *heaps* of space so might have to spread out a bit. It won 't be too sweatshop like, there'll be wine and chocolate and music and tea and all the good things! A great chance to hang out with crafty people and chat too :)

Feel free to give me an email cate@greenrenters.org or 0433584889
Many thanks
Cate

Things I like today

2011-03-30T07:48:00.005+11:00

Amazing embroidered Penguin classics by Jillian Tamaki. I'm in awe of the amazing detail and finesse of her work!

Yet another beautiful Mod cloth dress.

Flat shoes by Hasbeen!

Such a beautiful pillow including a tutorial! Really surprised that it involves hot glue

Things I like today

2011-03-29T08:27:00.008+11:00

Not a hope in hell that I could do these without cracking the eggs but gosh they're stunning!

Nanas everywhere will be rejoicing over this book!

Rather tempted by these Dick Bruna curtains!

We won the WWF Education Award for our work at Green Renters! Thanks for all your support :)

Things I like today

2011-03-24T11:07:00.008+11:00

Loving these mod paper dolls!

Great quirky example of upcycling!

Great tutorial for vintage cotton spool buttons.

Another beautiful painting by Annette Mangseth

Today is the last day you can vote for Green Renters for the People's Choice Award for WWF Earth Hour. We'd love you to help! We're the bespectaculed folk in the top row :)

Crafty workshop tonight in Melbourne

2011-03-23T08:52:00.005+11:00

Are you a student interested in learning how to do basic mending and recycled craft?

We've got a workshop tonight Wednesday March 23

6.30pm
The Couch
69 Bourke St, Melbourne.

All materials supplied!
Email cate@polkadotrabbit.com to RSVP

Things I like today

2011-03-22T10:15:00.005+11:00

I adore poppies

Daniel Egneus' work is just haunting...

Beautiful detailed embroideries found here

This photo did make me laugh

Things I dislike

2011-03-22T05:13:00.002+11:00

Just thought it was time for a blog post with a difference, for a bit of fun.I've been showcasing things I like for a long time so I thought I'd make a list of things I don't like. Besides natural disasters, unethical practice, animal testing and cruelty etc, think of these as first world problems...

Country and Western music (except for Dolly Parton, anyone who has their own theme park has to be doing something right)
Car drivers who can't contemplate that other people choose not to or can't drive
People who define themselves in their email, business or blog name by their maternal status. Mummyblogs etc. Painfully twee and surely somewhat limiting to the diversity that is a women's identity?
Science fiction films and books
People who always use plastic bags when they go shopping for one item
People who stand at the pedestrian lights without pushing the walk button
Tandoori tans
White trousers
Encores at gigs and concerts. Just get it over with so we can go home
People who conduct loud personal mobile phone conversations on public transport. I don't really need to hear about your termination thanks.
Everyone hates Raymond and all other half hour sitcoms
R&B and mainstream misogynist hip-hop
Football and any other sport aired in television
Gladiator sandals
Men who sit on public transport with their legs wide open
People who spit in public or engage in any activity that exposes others to their phelgm or mucus
People who sniff instead of blowing their noses
The fact sports people earn more than people in community services, welfare and education
Coriander
Christmas carols
Peanuts and peanut products (not allergic, just don't like the taste)
People who play music on their mobile phones in public
Couples with shared email addresses
Aniseed
Perpetual beanie wearers like Syd from Skins
Shopping at shopping centres and department stores in general
Beer
Loud commercial radio in shops and cafes
Apple juice
Rodents
Salespeople in shops who repeatedly greet you insincerely and ask if you want help when you have already declined
Being accosted for money on the street, I give to my chosen charities
Loud children in libraries

To be continued....

Things I like today

2011-03-18T08:08:00.006+11:00

Green has never looked so good

Loving this DIY scarf and tutorial

Love this bookshelf of interlocking boxes which can be rearranged to suit. Great for moving house too, no more packing boxes of books!

Gorgeous book mobiles

Things I like today

2011-03-15T11:48:00.009+11:00

I think any crafty person would love this necklace

I love glass balloons, I saw some like these last time I was in Italy. Alas they're not exactly travel friendly!

I find this gnome slightly sinister...

I've always liked Clarkes shoes and these ones are great!

You probably know that as well as my crafty pursuits, I also work for the not for profit Green Renters Well I'm proud to say that we've been nominated for an award in the WWF Earth Hour awards. We're in the top four in the education category for all of Australia which is a huge honour! If you fancied, you could also vote for us in the People's Choice Award and go in the draw to maybe win a prize....(we're in the top row, third along)

Polka Dot Rabbit vintage stock sale

2011-03-10T12:04:00.003+11:00

Polka Dot Rabbit vintage sale! 25% off all vintage stock! Prices already reduced!

Have a look here

Things I like today

2011-03-09T15:50:00.007+11:00

I don't have any tattoos, but I think this is beautiful

These tights are amazing!

and these ones too

I love a good gin cocktail like this one

Another beautiful image by Matou en Peluche as seen here

Things I like today

2011-03-08T16:20:00.004+11:00

Such a lovely image...dreamy
New Polka Dot Rabbit wallets! They been selling really well lately which is great as I have lots of costs right now!

I have way too many blue dishes in my kitchen!

This has been making me snigger for days...