rosebarnett

moving on

2010-03-30T13:36:00.002+11:00

Well rosebarnett is closing up shop and restarting as twice designs. I've decided to focus on repurposing used and old materials into new items. The exciting news is that I'll be relaunching under the new name at Mathilda's Market in May. I've been selected as a Fabulous Find - it's a bit like a scholarship and very exciting.

Along with the new blog will be a new place to buy my designs online. I am closing down my etsy shop and as of May www.twicedesigns.bigcartel.com will be up and running with items for sale in Australian dollars.

So thanks for all the comments and feedback and please check me out over at www.twicedesigns.blogspot.com

x Sarah

kindness

2010-03-29T17:34:00.000+11:00

I don't normally shop at Coles and I rarely have cash on me but today it was on my way home and I had forgotten that they have a coin-operated trolley release system. A $50 note wasn't going to be much help. As I stood in front of the chained-up trolley imagining what the cashier would say when I asked for change for the trolley, a lovely woman came up to me and gave me a dollar. Just like that. I was quite overwhelmed. I managed to scrounge 90c to give to her but she clearly wasn't expecting anything in return. Wow. Don't things like that just make your day!

Carnivale 2121 - 2

2010-03-16T12:19:00.002+11:00

Last year the community of North Epping were so moved by the Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria they launched Carnivale 2121 - a community event aimed at reaching out to others. They raised $13,000 for a group called Firefoxes who are helping families and individuals rebuild their lives after the fires.

On Sunday, March 28 Carnivale 2121 is on again. They will be continuing their association with Firefoxes.

And like last year I'll be having a stall full of the usual goodies.

Carnivale 2121
North Epping Oval, Boundary Road
Sunday March 28
12noon - 6pm

Hope to see you there!

What's in a name?

2010-02-22T17:27:00.002+11:00

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."
Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2)

Over the past six months I've been thinking about my name. Well not my name, but my little business name. When I started out a while back I was only making cards. But things have changed, Cath is insanely busy at work and I'm making a whole range of products.

So what's wrong with rosebarnett ?

Well nothing. Except that it doesn't really indicate anything about what I'm making. And the normal response of customers is that I must be Rose.

So, you get the pun. Neat huh.

But what to do? Seek help from you!

Just to throw a spanner in the works I think I'd like to keep the red shoes as a logo.

So I need to find a shortish, witty, memorable name that kinda indicates what I'm making or at least what my design sensibilities are...

So far I've only come up with two.

twice - as in I make things out of recycled stuff so everything is used twice
vintage foundlings - a foundling is an old fashioned word for orphan so it uses the notion of "orphaned" materials while connecting to the vintage theme

Any suggestions, comments... Did I mention that there will be a prize for the best name or the best reason for why I should go with one of the above names or a persuasive enough argument to stick with what I've got? (Did that last sentence actually make sense?)

The prize... well it's going to be one of my things of course.

So please, can you help?

Making making making...

2010-02-18T13:57:00.005+11:00

Well it's nice to be back in front of the keyboard after a lingering lurgy. And it's even nicer to be back making things again.

I had to make up some cufflinks for an order last night and I thought, while I have the super dooper glue out I might as well make some brooches. I think they are my favourite thing to make. There's nothing subtle about this lot!

Then Miss Eight is turning Nine soon and requires party invitations. Which are probably my second favourite thing to make. These bunting invitations were so much fun and if anyone wants the graphic just let me know and I'll post it online.

And the gnomes... Well they need faces. And I have a whole pile of limbs and bodies that need sewing and stuffing.... so I can start making something else! This craft stuff is so addictive.

Rained out ... again

2010-02-07T17:05:00.002+11:00

I'm not a superstitious person but it seems that every time I do a market at Mosman it rains. There have been a few notable exceptions including the 45 degree day where the only person making any money was the ice-gelati man. But once again rain has arrived on the first Saturday of the month and it was so damp and windy that the market had to be cancelled. :(

I shouldn't complain. We really need the rain. And I do have infected sinuses and feel dreadful. So yesterday I had a snooze and hung out with the kids instead. Every cloud has a silver lining.

I've also put a bunch of stuff on madeit.com.au so please feel free to take a look!

Mosman this Saturday!

2010-02-02T09:06:00.006+11:00

Well it's the first market of the year, for me at least. I'll be at Mosman Markets on the Village Green from 8.30am til 3pm on Saturday February 6.

I have a whole bunch of vintage baby wear, mostly handmade, to sell at a bargain price. But I'll also have the usual brooches, jewellery and paper goods.

I've made up some new groovy vintage paper packs including some truly funky flash cards ready for framing. Hope to see you there!

A taste of what's on offer this weekend! $25 each - what a bargain!

More hair pins...

2010-01-31T12:09:00.004+11:00

More bobby pins... Keep scrolling for more and also for brooches reduced to $12 - that's less than wholesale!

brooch and bobby pin sale!

2010-01-30T14:39:00.006+11:00

Time to clear the decks! I have a selection of brooches and hair pins on sale. The brooches are reduced from $25 to $12 (they normally retail for $40) and the hair pins are now $4 per pair (they were $6 per pair) plus postage. If you want to order send me an email: sbarnett[AT]bigpond[DOT]net[DOT]au

First day at preschool ... sob

2010-01-28T10:29:00.005+11:00

It seems like yesterday he was like this...

And now he's started preschool. He's older than Elijah was when he started and yet he just seems too little. After I had gone I wanted to sneak back in and grab him.

So here I am at home feeling ill and wondering how the house can be so quiet. It's hours until I'm due to collect him but I don't think I'm going to get anything done today.

Craft Hope for Haiti

2010-01-23T15:47:00.002+11:00

I recently heard about an amazing group of mums / moms in the US who run Craft Hope. Their latest work is raising money for Haiti via Medecins san Frontieres through their etsy shop. They way it works is that fellow craftsters donate an item which is listed and when it is sold the donor posts it to whomever has made the purchase. In the couple of weeks they have been running this program they have raised $20,000 for Medecins sans Frontieres. WOW!

My Betty and Millicent bears will soon be jetting off somewhere. If you want to donate something get in touch with crafthope via their blog. Or else go and buy a little something for someone here.

I reckon these women and their families will need a big rest after they're done.

Boxing Day 2009

2009-12-26T10:36:00.004+11:00

According to Tim, today is perfect weather for Boxing Day. Cool, rainy but sunny in Melbourne - optimum conditions for staying at home and watching the first day of the Cricket Test. No guilt about racing to the beach or playing outside. The kids are happy with their new acquisitions and we're mostly so full from yesterday that eating is not really required.

I'm taking advantage of the family's contentment to try and get this appalling mess that is my study tidied up. How I wish I could keep things in order. I am just a hopeless messer and I always have been. Maybe I'm missing a vital gene. I know I'm missing large swathes of brain function that were lost somewhere between conception and delivery. I've been back to the hospital twice now to find those brain cells but I fear they're lost forever....

But on the bright side take a look at these Christmas goodies! (how's that for a segue to some lovely stuff!)

Mum bought me a copy of The Crafty Minx - which I can't wait to get started on. It's sitting on top of my new Kartell coffee table that Tim found. Groovy baby!

This is the wooden alphabet I bought from Bookhou for Tim for Christmas. I just love Bookhou's lovely designs. If I ever had my own little shop I would sell these beauties.

Have a lovely and safe holiday and see you in a tidy 2010!

x Sarah

Five things about Lucy

2009-12-06T07:42:00.005+11:00

At last it's Lucy's turn! So here are five things about my gorgeous girl.

1. She is named after Lucy Pevensie, the youngest of the four children in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and one of my all-time favourite characters. Ever since I first read the Narnia books (about 30 years ago now!) I wanted a girl named Lucy. The name Lucy means "light".

2. Lucy has never liked dolls or girly things. She was given Barbies and those ghastly big-headed nasty looking dolls but she never played with them. When she was very small she loved duplo and we would play with it for hours. (She has a terrific concentration span.) She still loves a bit of construction but drawing and writing are now her favourite pastimes. She has a marvellous sense of proportion in her drawings and loves to create characters with their own little lives and homes. As a non-drawer (I struggle with stick figures) I watch her in amazement.

3. Lucy doesn't mind a bit of soccer or footy or bike riding but she when she's outdoors she'd much prefer to be up a tree. She and Elijah conjure up wild and exciting games using whatever is at their disposal outdoors.

4. Lucy's favourite colour is blue, although she is quite partial to white. It has been pointed out to me several times that white is not a colour but a tone. So there. But definitely not pink. Her favourite food is fruit - mangoes, raspberries, blueberries and white nectarines / peaches are her favourite fruits. When she grows up she wants to grow raspberries. Yum!

5. Lucy is very generous. When she turned 8 she asked that she not be given presents but that money be donated to "Turn on the Tap" - a charity that provides clean water in developing countries. You can read more about it here. She loves making, buying and giving to others. (She is quite keen on receiving the odd present now and then too). She is really good at thinking of what other people will like and finding a great gift for them.

It's quite hard to stop at five and I must add a postscript for it is an important part of Lucy's character.

She has a very strong will. She is not easily swayed by her peers or her parents. She needs to be convinced and she is quite passionate about the the things she does believe in and the people she cares about. If she disagrees with something she will usually say so quite plainly. She will make a fabulous debater and a staunch feminist but all in the context of loving the Lord. You go girl!

What's Hot and What's Not

2009-12-02T09:43:00.004+11:00

Time to play Looby lu's meme. What's hot / not this week? It's a great chance to blow off some steam and count some blessings... Boy I have too many to list but that never stops me. Why not play too? Check out Looby lu's blog for the rules.

what's hot

1. the lovely and honest telecommunications guy who could actually explain why the wireless thingo I was trying to install wasn't working (and probably would never work!)

2. lovely cool days after the hot weekend

3. cuddles with my three little beauties. will I ever tire of it? Nup.

4. amazingly clever designery types. Like tsk tsk for example.

And My Sister Pat. I couldn't find her website but The Lark has her fab cossies / swimmers / bathers for sale online.

what's not

1. telecommunications companies who sell products that don't work

2. spending an hour talking with telecommunications companies about the products which don't work and feeling like an idiot

3. getting uptight about telecommunications companies when I should be grateful that I have food in the cupboard, a roof over my head and a family who loves me

Five things about Elijah

2009-11-30T14:22:00.005+11:00

Well I have to do the kids first, don't I. This week it's Elijah's turn.

1. Elijah was a big fat baby. He was born by c-section as I had had a tricky time delivering Lucy. Throughout the pregnancy I had discussed this (ie argued about this) with my doctor. I wasn't that keen on having an operation - he was convinced that baby no.2 was bigger than Lucy. So when Dr H pulled him out he grinned at me and said, "I was right Sarah, he's a bruiser!" Show off.

2. If there is anything that rolls or bounces, Elijah will kick it. Actually he will pretty much kick anything whether it rolls or not. If there's no ball to be found, Mr E will be just as happy kicking a plastic bottle or a squashed can. He is sport mad and wants to start a family-tipping contest for next year's ARL. Obviously gets it from his father's side.

3. His favourite colour is yellow. His favourite music is Colin Buchanan and the Violent Femmes (apart from the Robin Mark song, "Days of Elijah"). His favourite fruit is rockmelon. His favourite Bible story is when the prophet Elijah had the showdown with the prophets of Baal. His favourite activity is... well I think we covered that.

4. When he was smaller and playing hide-and-seek he used to say, "Coming or ready not!" He doesn't anymore and I miss it.

5. He has an uncanny knack for diffusing conflict. (When he wants to he can also walk up to conflict and poke it in the eye). But generally he can make a joke or do a dance or just do his cheeky grin and we'll all forget why we were cross in the first place.

5.1 Once when I kept calling Jacob Elijah, Elijah said, "Mum, maybe you just should have called both of us Elijah."

Smarties / Choc Chip Cookies

2009-11-27T20:59:00.003+11:00

Our church is having a stall at the local village market tomorrow and we are selling cookies. (Or biscuits for those who believe cookie is a culturally imperialistic term indicative of the Americanisation of Australia. You know who you are. Tim.)

Anyway. cookies / biscuits. tomAto / tomato.

I thought I would share this super dooper recipe with you. I even remembered to take some pictures. Jake enjoyed helping. He can smell chocolate from the other end of the house and comes running to ensure he doesn't miss out.

Chocolate Chip cookies

180g salted butter

180g raw sugar

2 egg yolks

160g milk chocolate, chopped*

100g dark chocolate, chopped*

300g plain flour

3/4 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 160 degrees. Cream butter and sugar until creamy. Add egg yolks. Fold in chocolate, flour, baking powder and vanilla.

Roll into balls and push down with fingers. Cover baking trays with baking paper and place biscuits a small way apart. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until just golden underneath.

* Chopped chocolate works better than choc bits.

Smartie variation

As above but add about 200g smarties by hand at the end otherwise the shell coating gets chipped. Save some of them for pushing into the top for an extra cool effect.

What's Hot and What's Not

2009-11-25T15:49:00.005+11:00

Is it Wednesday again already! Where did the week go? Time to play Looby Lu's meme.

What's Hot

I did a school fair at Roseville College yesterday and met some lovely stallholders. It was a fun afternoon but the highlight was chatting with some gorgeous teenagers about vintage playing cards and seeing other people "get it".

Mathilda's Market is going to have some Saturday markets next year. Up until now they have been on Sunday which isn't really possible. I can't really tell the kids that Sunday is when we go to church and hang out with family and friends if I'm off selling at markets. (Confession - I have done two Sunday markets this year - one after church and one instead of. Mistake.) So next year I'm going to work really hard at only doing Saturday or weekday markets.

My poppet and her online shop, poppet in the post. It has some gorgeously funky finds and not too pricey neither. I snaffled up some of these robots for the boys for Christmas!

What's Not

Friends moving away :( One lot have gone to Perth and another are going to Shellharbour.

Being hopeless at keeping in touch with friends, especially after they move away.

Being a messy, messy girl. And preferring it tidy.

Five things about Jake

2009-11-23T13:26:00.004+11:00

I thought I might make Monday a five things day. And to kick it off I thought I'd start with Jake. So here are five things you might not know about my little man.

1. He still falls asleep in my arms every now and then. (Bliss!)

2. He can't pronounce "s" or "z" sounds so his sister is Lu ee and his cousin is I ee (accolades to non-family members who can guess her name!)

3. When he talks about God he calls him the God Lord.

4. His favourite song is Simon & Garfunkel's, "Me and Julio down by the schoolyard" (go figure!)

5. His favourite activites are playing with cars, talking about cars but mostly running with his brother and sister through the house wearing undies on their heads.

What's Hot and What's Not Wednesday - 3

2009-11-18T09:58:00.005+11:00

What's Hot and What's Not

What's Hot

1. Remembering to participate on a Wednesday!

2. Watching my lovely husband and eight-year-old try to outdo each others' "serious" faces.

3. Children's books. At the moment I am loving Oliver Jeffers, Freya Blackwood and of course the amazing Kate diCamillo.

4. Doing this post once a week. It reminds me of just some of the gazillions of things I have to be grateful for. Thanks Looby Lu!

What's Not

1. Large native birds in cages. How can it be legal or right for people to sell lorikeets and cockatiels and cockatoos to be kept as pets? I don't get it.

2. My inability to return /make phonecalls within a socially acceptable time.

3. Other parents swearing in front of my kids.

Allie's Attic

2009-11-17T16:48:00.004+11:00

Well Saturday was a lovely day. The market was really nicely organised with little lolly boxes for all the stallholders and other helpful people on hand. I was very self-controlled and saved my sweets for the kids. Ok I may have had one or two but it was probably the almond croissant that saw my healthy eating truly undone.

Silly me forgot to take my camera so you'll just have to picture it.

But fortunately Sarah Saliba from Gifts Created was there and she has emailed through this picture. (Problems with blogger mean I'll have to upload the shot later!) Sarah makes amazing mobiles and softies. We have one of her gorgeous owls from the Stitches and Craft show. For more images of the Allies Attic market visit Sarah's blog here. She said some lovely things about me too! :)

Unfortunately there were so very many lovely things for sale that I had to buy some handmade goodies for the kids for Christmas. I even found a handmade dress for Lucy in a size 8! Most designers stop at 5 or 6. Thanks oshii!

I had some gorgeous customers stop by and chat with me about vintage things and buttons and other lovely things to get all worked up by. Special thanks to the wonderful lady who bought THREE of my vintage car and map pictures. One for each of her sons. That made my day. As did meeting Lisa of The Red Thread and Mia of The Raisin Did It.

This weekend I'm hoping to check out Magnolia Square which is another pop-up market held in Sydney and Melbourne. It's a long way out of my reach but I want to take my girl and check it out. I especially want to see Mandy Sutcliffe the artist behind the wonderful Belle and Boo. Now if I had a shop hers would be the first things I'd be getting in.

System failure due to excessive crafting....

2009-11-13T13:48:00.005+11:00

I can't believe my brain at the moment. I've been going through this week as if I'm a day behind. It started when I had all the kids at home sick on Monday which made it become an extension of Sunday. And so (in my head) Tuesday was Monday and Wednesday was Tuesday etc etc. Hence I posted my what's hot and what's not on Thursday thinking it was Wednesday which means that today is really Friday not Thursday which means Allie's Attic is ..... TOMORROW! Yikes.

I'm a little panicked about it all. I've just had a look at who else is selling and, well, I feel a bit like the country cousin. But I am organised. All my goodies are packed and ready to go. I have done a mock set-up to see how much I can fit into the space. I think it is probably a bit squished but I'm not sure what I should leave out. I just hope I don't have to lug it all home again after the show is over!

What's Hot and What's Not Wednesday - 2

2009-11-12T10:49:00.003+11:00

Last week's meme from Looby Lu was so much fun I thought I'd join in again.

WHAT'S HOT

1.OK so it's a bit show offy to mention my own stuff but I'm so thrilled with how these have turned out. I don't really want to part with them. (Well actually I do so I can buy the Advent Calendar I showed last week! :))

2. Julia Child as played by Meryl Streep. I saw Julie and Julia last night with two of my s.i.l. s and the lovely Rachel. I haven't laughed so hard in ages. I just wanted to give Meryl a big hug at the end of it. Loved her relationship with the uber stylish Paul played by Stanley Tucci.

3. Children's bluntness. On seeing the above bracelets my nearly-six-year-old said, "Why did you make those mum? They look weird. I think you might just have to give them away." His sister, ever the encourager, said that they were lovely and I should sell them for fifty million dollars.

WHAT'S NOT

1. Cranky council workers threatening fines to parents as they wait to pick up their kids after school. Grrrrr.

2. The complete mess my house is in as I prepare for Saturday's market. It's diabolical.

Allie's Attic

2009-11-09T13:01:00.002+11:00

There's a new funky market happening in Sydney called Allie's Attic and I'll be taking part in the first one which will be held this Saturday in Hunters Hill.

I've been having my usual pre-market nightmares... either I turn up without any products to sell or else no-one buys anything at all.

If you're interested in coming along it's being held at:
Hunters Hill Community Church
Cnr Ferdinand & Alexandra St Hunters Hill NSW 2110
(opposite Hunters Hill Public School)

from: 10am-3pm Saturday 14 November, 2009

I just have to remember to pack the car....

What's Hot and What's Not

2009-11-04T10:00:00.009+11:00

Every week the amazingly talented Loobylu runs a What's Hot and What's Not section on her blog. I thought I'd join in the fun!

what's hot

1. Kristen Doran's lovely Advent Calendar kit. Must get one of those.

2. Wooden toys... especially those by miller goodman such as the clever (but expensive) Shapemaker. Isn't this just fabulous!

3. Promises from a five-year-old boy that he will ALWAYS want to cuddle his mummy.

4. A cool day after 40 degree heat.

what's not

1. Forty degree heat and trying to get children to sleep

2. Squabbling siblings

3. Being a chronic mess but preferring things to be tidy

why don't you join in the fun and add your thoughts!

Things I don't get...

2009-11-03T11:46:00.006+11:00

There are lots of things that I don't understand - too many to mention. There are things that I used to understand - like maths and French and things that I have never, ever managed to grasp - like science of any stripe. And then there are the cultural events that seem to get others into a froth of excitement that leave me just bewildered. (I'm not meaning to be scrooge-like or overly didactic so please don't be offended if I come across too strong.)

1. Halloween. I don't get it. I'm happy for it to be a North American thing (even though I think it originated in the UK). But I don't get the idea of knocking on people's doors and asking for lollies or chocolate with the threat of a trick if said treats are not supplied. No offence to my Northern Hemisphere friends and family, but it just seems weird.

And now it's come to Australia.

The last three or four years we have had kids and teenagers coming around asking for goodies. Last year all I had was fruit which was promptly rejected. It's even become an "event" in the shopping calendar. The shops swell with ghoulish things as Halloween approaches and dutiful shoppers hand over their money to buy bits of future landfill as they celebrate something that has no meaning to them and of whose origin they are unaware. I don't get it.

2. Melbourne Cup Day. It's today! Apparently. I've never been interested in horse racing and I would bet that most of those who frock up with fascinators and fancy dresses have little interest in horse racing. Why is this such a big deal? I don't get it.

Celebration is important. In times gone by it was associated with harvest and seasons and the fact that, against the odds of famine, disease and poor sanitation, we (or rather our ancestors) were still alive.

Yet here in the wealthy west where the luxury of plentiful food, clean water and good sanitation makes us veritable kings, we can't seem to celebrate without it becoming expensive and indulgent.

I like the idea of being together with friends and family and sharing food and conversation. Playing games and perhaps even singing. Being thankful and generous without the massive credit card bill.

As Christmas approaches I will need to grit my teeth. I love Christmas. I love decorating the tree and making gingerbread. I love finding or making presents for all the precious ones in my life. And I love singing carols and going to church and reflecting on the wonder of the star and the angels and the shepherds and mostly that amazing baby in the feed trough. But I don't like that Christmas is just becoming The Holidays and that kids at school hear about a fat man in a red suit and not the baby in a manger. I don't like that we are urged to buy coffee machines and big TVs for presents and the sanitisation of greed and avarice. So this year I am going to try to continue the small Christmas where the focus is off the gifts. So it's handmade or books or food or time for our lot as well as some proxy gifts of goats and immunisations and school kits and clean water and the like.

Here are some places to get worthwhile proxy gifts (and a good dose of perspective!)

Dairy-free raspberry muffins

2009-10-21T15:41:00.002+11:00

For all those lactose-intolerants out there...

2 cups self-raising flour
1/2 cup coconut
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup coconut milk
3/4 cup pure rice bran oil
2 eggs
about a cup of raspberries (fresh or frozen) - I usually add in small amounts and gauge how much to put in as I'm going

PREHEAT oven to 180 degrees
COMBINE all ingredients
SPOON into muffin tins or cup cake liners
COOK for 20-25 (depending on the size of the tins)
COOL in tins before turning out
GOBBLE UP

sorry I don't have any pictures... I always forget to take photos when I'm cooking! :)

I love Vinnies

2009-10-19T11:30:00.003+11:00

My local Vinnies turns up numerous fab things for Tim in his quest for bargain fashion but it's usually a bit disappointing for me. Until now....

We popped in on our way home from the Granny Smith Festival on Saturday and imagine my delight when I found these treasures...

Things I've learnt on holidays

2009-10-18T11:47:00.002+11:00

Back from a lovely week down the coast. Kangaroos, King Parrots, Rosellas, Kookaburras and amazing quiet. I did get somewhat twitchy without anything to sew, knit or glue. But detox is good every now and again. And as usual I learned a few things....

1. Check the cupboard before driving the 40 minutes to the nearest supermarket. Don't expect the local store to have sultanas, rolled oats or maple syrup.

2. Don't try and carry a saucepan with a bubbling mix of golden syrup, butter and bi carb soda while holding an almost-three-year-old on your hip. Something will spill.

3. Don't reminisce about getting trapped down the coast because of bushfires in front of your eight-year-old. She will freak out.

4. Don't say "no" to an almost-three-year-old. EVER. ABOUT ANYTHING. distract. distract. distract.

5. Don't try and write / rewrite two novels and a kids' chapter book at the same time. The characters WILL get mixed up.

6. Vintage clothing shops and Op Shops are the best places to shop in the world.

7. Kangaroos don't like carrots.

holidays

2009-10-08T20:14:00.002+11:00

Well it is cold and windy outside but the car is packed and tomorrow morning we head off on holidays! I am not taking ANY craft things with me. Not even a bit of knitting. But I am taking a novel I wrote nearly ten years to work on and a children's book I've been writing on and off for a year. So this is going to be a writing holiday. Wish me luck!

Softies for Mirabel

2009-10-06T18:11:00.003+11:00

The amazing Pip from Meet me At Mikes is organising Softies for Mirabel for the third consecutive year. (I'm a bit slow on the uptake so this is my first year to be involved!).

So what is the Mirabel Foundation? "Mirabel assists children who have been orphaned or abandoned due to parental illicit drug use and are now in the care of extended family (kinship care). Mirabel believes that every child deserves a childhood and its mission is to break the destructive cycle of addiction and disadvantage."

The Softies for Mirabel programme is part of the Mirabel Toy Drive and gives such children a lovely, handmade toy. I understand that the programme hopes to collect 700 softies this year.

Below is Harry Highpants. He is winging his way to Melbourne to find someone to cuddle him. If you want to take part visit Meet Me at Mikes. There's lots of info about what to do and where to find patterns.

In my dreams...

2009-09-28T20:59:00.006+10:00

Sometimes I like to imagine that I have my own little shop. It would stock lovely handmade things and vintage delights. In these wistful moments I make trips around Australia and the US to find lovely oddities to sell in my shop.

Here are some fabulous things that I would sell in my shop if I had one...

While I'm on the dreaming / wishful thinking biz, have a look at this gorgeous top from Two Salty.

I think I'd like one of these very much. In black... (And no that's not me... would that I had such lovely arms!)

Off to the shop!

2009-09-23T09:51:00.003+10:00

Lucy and I have got somewhat attached to these three girls. They are Tallulah-Jane, Audrey and Jasmine and they are off to the shop tomorrow, each with their own little friend. I've just added some flowers to Jasmine's hair. Lucy thought she looked a bit too much like Mickey Mouse!

A streetcar named desire

2009-09-21T19:21:00.006+10:00

"I don't want realism. I want magic!" - Blanche du Bois

Oh Blanche, poor messed up, manipulative Blanche - she never found her magic. Tennesse Williams may have been a magician with words but what he wrote was gritty, tragic realism.

Last year, for Christmas, the lovely Cath gave Tim and I tickets to the Sydney Theatre Company's production of A Streetcar Named Desire. The kids were a little worried at first. They thought it was called A Streaker Named Desire. Well there was no streaker - although we did see a bare bottom!

It was a great production with Joel Edgerton, Robin McLeavy and Cate Blanchett as the main trio and directed by Liv Ullman. But in true Tennessee Williams form it is an utter tragedy. Leaving aside the issues of Old Southern gentility vs the New America, the thread of deliberate cruelty vs kindness was the theme that resonated with me. I'm still thinking about it.

Anyone else catch the play? What did you think?

Nostalgia ain't what it used to be...

2009-09-15T21:09:00.003+10:00

I don't know who actually said the above but it always makes me smile. And boy do I suffer from nostalgia. Hence my current obsession with collecting Old Maid Cards and other vintage card games. Aren't these illustrations just amazing! These are my latest acquisition... Lucy, very kindly, thinks I look like Sally Swing. Sadly our figures are not as similar as I'd like!

I've gone international!

2009-09-11T10:08:00.003+10:00

The lovely Jodi from The Creative Jar has listed one of my bears from etsy on her blog. I must admit I love the stitchface bear (the first on the left!).

Check out Jodi's tutorial for making a cool tree from recycled bits and pieces.

p.s all the bears are available on etsy!

Things I've been working on...

2009-09-08T15:58:00.007+10:00

Things I've been working on... Jacob loves these soft stacking cubes but they're really for babies!

These notecards are just perfect for a quick little "thank you" or greeting. I use them for absent notes sometimes to brighten a teacher's day! You can buy them here. (Only $5 for 4 including envelopes!)

Hanky Panky

2009-08-28T20:55:00.004+10:00

The lovely Cath has been busy screenprinting the first of our hankies. Isn't she a doll? You can buy her here.

Sydney Stitches and Craft Show

2009-08-21T15:45:00.004+10:00

Once is not enough....

I had a lovely morning to myself this week at the Stitches and Craft show. It was my first visit but apparently the show is very much improved since Living Creatively took over. There were some very clever people there showing their wares. I indulged in some gorgeous Kirsten Doran fabric and some fabulous woollen felt and wool stuffing from Winterwood Toys.

There were loads of other wonderful stands selling patterns, fabrics and all manner of crafty delights. Lucy and I are heading back on Saturday to make an Audrey & Maude reversible tote bag and probably buy more gorgeous fabrics.... Lucy may have to lend me some money!

Felt flowers hair clips

2009-08-21T15:38:00.002+10:00

I can't believe how quickly I get through a batch of felt. I love working with woollen felt and felted offcuts. These odds and ends from the scarves have been waiting to be useful and they're on their way to being.... hair clips. I stitched up a pile today and just have to glue them onto the barrettes.

Can you guess my favourite colour?

2009-08-17T19:30:00.003+10:00

I hope I'm not too old to have a favourite colour! There's something about red that just makes me feel happy. Here are the latest red brooches. Available soon at bigcartel.com

A day with Jake

2009-08-11T20:13:00.004+10:00

Jake has decided he likes having his photo taken... almost as much as he likes eating!

Australian Journey

2009-08-10T21:00:00.005+10:00

Have a look at these gorgeous illustrations from 1963. They are from a book called Australian Journey which was part of a series. The book was printed in Italy and the quality of the paper and the print is just amazing.

The two heroes of the story are brother and sister Frank and Tessa who travel the world. They have arrived by ship in Australia to discover this vast continent must be traversed by plane! Luckily the intrepid youngster Frank has a pilot's license.

As this was written in 1963, Frank knows everything while his younger sister is somewhat thick. But I can forgive the sexism for the sake of the beautiful illustrations. They are shown here with an archival (aka expensive!) mat and will soon be for sale either with the mat or framed in a Corban & Blair (100% carbon neutral) frame.

New way to shop

2009-08-09T20:36:00.002+10:00

I'm trying out a new way of selling the lovely rosebarnett goodies. It's an online store managed by bigcartel.com It's much more basic than etsy and using the level I'm on there is very limited functionality. But I can list items in Australian dollars! I don't have much up for sale yet, but visit www.rosebarnett.bigcartel.com

Two weeks of misery

2009-08-09T20:22:00.002+10:00

Well I can't say I wasn't warned... I think Deb's exact words were, "It's two weeks of misery. Don't expect to do anything." She wasn't exaggerating.

After about nine cases of tonsillitis this year Lucy had had enough. So two weeks ago she had her tonsils and adenoids removed. She was so brave and upbeat about it all and came out of the anaesthetic (is that spelled right Amy?) really well. Before we left the hospital her doctor said that she would be ok for the next couple of days and then get really unwell for about a week before starting to pick up. Poor Lucy wasn't ok the next day and so I foolishly thought we might bypass the "getting really really unwell" stage. Wrong. But praise God for painkillers and DVDs and grandparents and understanding little brothers and a wonderful Dad.

While Lucy was sick we borrowed some Harry Potter DVDs from her cousin Hannah. It was the first time Lucy has shown any interest in HP at all and she is now a fan. The best part was talking about the stories with her. We chatted about the mythical creatures and how many of them like the Unicorn, the Stag, the Griffin and the Phoenix are symbols of Christ. We had a long chat about fortune-telling and the dangers of seeking enlightenment and truth about the future apart from God. She is back at school tomorrow after two weeks at home and I'm going to really miss her as is Jake. Elijah is delighted that she is going back. His morning mantra has been, "I can't bear it at school without Lulu."

Off on holidays

2009-07-12T13:19:00.001+10:00

Off for a week with our dear friends the Underwoods! Back for more craft in a week. :)

Hip Hooray!

2009-07-07T14:35:00.009+10:00

A bit of unqualified boasting coming up....

I entered my felt flower scarf in the June Living Creatively scarf competition (scroll down) and... I won! Lucky me! Every month online mag Living Creatively holds a competition to find the best handmade.... something.

I made another one this week for someone at church. She chose grey and red and it came out like this: I'll be making more scarves when I come back from holidays. I've run out of my contrast colours.

What else has been happening in the Barnett/Watson household apart from colds, infections and general nose-blowing...

Tim had a hair cut which scared all of us no end. Since the last school holidays he has neither shaved nor trimmed his hair. It's been like living with a middle-aged anthropologist. All for a good cause, he assured me. It was to be removed (the beard, at least) by the end of term 2.

And the results? A curly mohawk and a handlebar moustache courtesy of a cancer fundraiser at school. Jake and Elijah were particularly wary of this strange looking man. Lucy told him he looked like a bank robber. Mercifully he has shaved off the hideous mo and ghastly mohawk but after months of a woolly beard and flufffy hair, he is quite cold. Beanies to bed.... how romantic!

Still sick... and feeling thwarted

2009-07-02T20:41:00.003+10:00

Well we have been going through boxes of tissues and bottles of nurofen and panadol at a great rate. We are still in varying stages of sickness and I am so glad that I'm not working at the moment because I don't think I would have made it in for weeks. It's great not to have that pressure...

Poor Lucy's recurring tonsillitis has recurred - as it does I suppose. So the operation has been booked and Lulu will be tonsil and adenoid free in a few weeks. I'm more anxious about it than she is. I think she is just so tired from being constantly sick and missing school.

My little Jake was accepted into Preschool for next year. I can't believe he will be three in a couple of months. It will be a strange thing having two child-free days next year. I might actually get the house properly cleaned!

Thwart - it's a weird word isn't it. Just getting it out of your mouth is an act of thwarting logic. I was unsuccessful in my application to the Powerhouse Museum's Young Blood market. :( [It's a great market held over a Friday evening and a Saturday.] Hence I feel thwarted. And all the stock I've been busily making will have to find another outlet. I think it will end up being a friends and family shopping afternoon / night. We had two last year and they were lots of fun. So watch this space for details of the *event*. I might even work in a freebie for blog readers who come!

Favourite things from etsy today

2009-06-19T16:41:00.001+10:00

No time or energy to post this week.... Busy making giraffes and being sick. My infected sinuses turned into bronchitis and possibly the flu. But there was still time to find lovely things to look at on etsy and try to find an excuse to buy them! (I haven't come up with one yet)

Etsy
Buy Handmade
rosebarnett

the resilience doughnut

2009-06-12T10:10:00.003+10:00

Last night at church we had a talk called "The Resilience Doughnut". It's a program designed by psychologist Lyn Worsley for building strong children.

It was a really good night and even a half-zonked, been-at-the-emergency-department-all-afternoon mother (see below) like me could get a lot out of it.

The concept is fairly simple. According to her research Lyn Worsley discovered that the resilient person - the person who can face adversity, survive it, and even be strengthened by it - is one who can say, "I HAVE" (ie I have people in my life who care for me, support me, appreciate me); I AM (ie I am valued/valuable, special, loved); and I CAN (ie I can do something about the situation I am in. I can help myself or I can get help).

To be able to demonstrate this sort of resilience a person generally draws on several factors in their lives. Lyn identified seven key factors that are significant in making someone resilient.

It's a program that DOCS (Department of Community Services) and schools are using to work with their kids.

I guess one of the driving principles is to focus on the positives. Instead of thinking about what's not working in a child's life, emphasise what is. So for my kids things like the family factor, the community factor and the parent factor are all pretty strong.

********************************

The blood......

Walking to the car after school yesterday Elijah raced ahead and had a bit of a swing on a large pipe. But when he swung upside down he connected with a another pipe and gouged a rather deep gash into the back of his head. Hence the blood.

Praise God for helpful builders nearby, a mum passing from school to help with the kids, my parents who minded Jake while I took Elijah to hospital and Lucy went to training with Tim and finally for the lovely staff at Ryde who took care of us. Must say holding down E while his head was stitched was fairly traumatic for both of us. His trauma was remedied by a packet of twisties but I needed a cup of tea!

bye bye boys

2009-06-11T13:34:00.005+10:00

I visited the shop today. It's Sous le Soleil in Roseville and the two women who run the retail arm of the business (it's a restaurant too) are just lovely.

I've recently finished an order for them which included these two little space boys. I try to make each one different but they are both very cuddly and sweet.

I'm also in the midst of applying for the Youngblood market at the Powerhouse Museum. It's very competitive and the form is a bit daunting but it would be fabulous to get in. The market is held over a Friday night and Saturday and it's indoors which means no stock blowing over or away and nothing get rained on. :) But I must get back to it lest I procrastinate too long!

sweet treats

2009-06-10T14:22:00.003+10:00

One of the best parts of being a sahm (stay at home mum) is cooking up yummy snacks for afternoon tea.

This afternoon I recalled my childhood as I made my mum's standby slice - chews. It's so simple:

1 cup self raising flour
1 cup dessicated coconut
3/4 cup caster sugar
1 cup sultanas
MIX
ADD
125g melted butter mixed with
2 tablespoons golden syrup
MIX
ADD
1 beaten egg

Cook in preheated oven (180 degrees) for 20-30 minutes. It should be golden. Then cool in the pan and slice and eat.

I remember ignoring my mum's instructions and scooping out a spoonful of the slice as it was cooling. The hot, fat sultanas jiggling in my mouth as I tried to avoid burning my tongue. The buttery sweetness of it.... Bliss.

Unfortunately Lucy doesn't like chews so I'll have to whip up her favourite for her. Chocolate chip cookies - which incredibly Elijah doesn't like. Yikes!

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

2009-06-10T12:40:00.006+10:00

I love reading to my kids. And even though my oldest, Lucy can and does read to herself, she allows me to read to her as well. I love embarking on an adventure with my little ones and I hope they will always enjoy the magic of books.

At the moment we're reading a wonderful book called The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. It's by American author Kate diCamillo. She also wrote the exquisite novel, The Tale of Desperaux which we also loved. There's a fair amount of bleakness in the story (as there was in Desperaux). There's death and heartbreak and love and longing. And her writing! Oh to be able to write like that. It soars.

We were reading a particularly sad passage last night, my lovely Elijah looking at me, his eyes wide in disbelief. She captures the cruelty and fragility of humanity with such pathos and veracity.

One of my favourite things about Kate diCamillo's writing is her language. She uses a broad vocabulary that extends children's thinking and knowledge in a natural kind of way. But try explaining irony to a five-year-old.

We have only three or four chapters left and I know we'll finish it tonight so I feel a trip to the bookshop is necessary to get our hands on another of her wonderful books.

scarf love

2009-06-02T14:29:00.005+10:00

It's amazing the difference a snuggly scarf makes to one's body temperature. Since I started this craft gig a little while ago I have made myself several scarves - product testing I call it. And no, they are not all red.

My latest scarf discovery is in the beauty of recycled jumpers and blanketing offcuts. They are thicker than regular wool felt and lovely to work with.

Mum returned from a visit to Tasmania with some gorgeous blanketing offcuts and a question. "Can you use these?" After a few spins on the hot cycle they were ready. Here are some pics of the blue and blue.

And here's how to make one.

1. Find a jumper or blanket that needs recycling. Wash at least three times on the hottest cycle of your washing machine.

2. Check that the fibres have fused and the jumper / blanket is well felted. It may need another wash or two to do the job.

3. Choose a shape. You may want to trace a cookie cutter to make your template or have a die cutter. I used my large daisy die with my sizzix machine.

4. Cut your shapes. You may want to use one colour, two or a variety. It's up to you. My blue and blue in navy and cornflower has 15 navy flowers and 14 cornflower ones.

5. Feed through the sewing machine. My ancient machine doesn't really have decorative stitches but if yours does, go for it! Make sure your flowers overlap enough to give strength. I suggest sewing it together twice for added strength. If you don't have a sewing machine this project is just as easy to do by hand.

6. Tuck in the loose threads and you've finished!

It's Autumn!

2009-05-12T21:36:00.003+10:00

Ok so it's been Autumn for a couple of months now but finally the leaves in our backyard are turning and falling, the morning air is crisp and scarves are finally necessary again!

Here's my littlest man, Jake, enjoying the crunchy leaves - there are some moments in life I wish I could just wrap tight and hold fast.

Happy Mothers' Day!

2009-05-10T19:25:00.002+10:00

Vegemite toast and a cuppa in bed! I had to share the toast with Elijah but I slept in til 7.30 and didn't have to dress anyone except myself! Luxury.

I get Mothers' Day now. Not the ridiculous presents that department stores hope we will buy. (Who buys their mother a coffee machine or a plasma TV?) But I get the breakfast in bed thing, the handmade cards and the specialness of having a day when people think looking after little ones (and not so little ones) is valuable and say thanks!

Since having kids I regularly ring my mum to say, "Thanks", "Sorry" and "What on earth should I do....." She's still very much a mum, helping out with my kids, even coming over when I get sick to make me tea and tell me she loves me. I guess you never stop being a parent. Now that I have my own three beauties I appreciate so much more what she did for me and my siblings when we were growing up. I recognise her sacrifices and I am so grateful for the fantastic opportunities she has given me in life. Not that I'm a concert pianist or a brilliant surgeon or anything BIG like that. But if I had wanted to be she would have supported me all the way.

Of course the most important thing she gave me - more important than dental hygiene, good dietary advice, a love of books and an ability to laugh at myself - more important than all that stuff was the knowledge that God loves me no matter what. For any believer that's the most important thing of all.

Getting all misty now... But to mums everywhere, especially my own - you're amazing and you do the most important job in the world!

Little Red Riding Hood

2009-05-09T19:38:00.009+10:00

Here's the latest addition to my etsy shop, Rosie aka Little Red Riding Hood. She's getting ready to visit Grandma who's not feeling too well again. Must be something chronic, or perhaps it's just old age and living in the woods. She probably needs insulation in that little cottage of hers... Anyway I digress!

Lucky for Grandma, Rosie knows just how to cheer up just about anyone. Rosie loves all things red and, well rosy. She wears a red, floral dress with hood, red felt shoes and has abandoned the basket for a more practical sling tote. It's red, of course. In Rosie's bagthere's a "get well" card for Grandma, some of Grandma's favourite magazines on bugs and Rosie's favourite toy doll.

Rosie was so much fun to make I think there will be other versions in the offing. Lucy informs me that she needs more stuff in her bag - but I can't remember what else little Red Riding Hood had with her. I'll have to refresh my fairytale memory. I was thinking she could do with a can of mace to get rid of that nasty wolf or a mobile phone to call the woodsman but that might be getting tricky!

It's fun to have fun but you have to know how...

2009-05-01T09:30:00.008+10:00

aka fun in a box

A box arrived the other day. Actually a box of two boxes of boxes!

For reasons that continue to bewilder me it's cheaper for me to order little kraft/cardboard gift boxes from the States and have them shipped here than to buy them here in Australia! So every now and again I save my pennies and buy a big lot. The boxes came packaged in a huge box and wrapped in a long piece of thick brown paper.

With the imagination of kids and some crayons, the paper became the sea and the box became a pirate ship! AAaargh. My beautiful scurvy rascals had a great time. Gotta love boxes! And children!

yoinks!

2009-04-11T14:21:00.012+10:00

About a year ago Lucy began drawing some nifty little creatures with a corkscrew mouth and sideways looking eyes. She named them yoinks. Since then she has invented yoink men and yoink women, yoink children, yoink babies and even yoink animals.

Tim and I are keen for Lucy to write down the adventures of these yoinks in yoinkland but she is a little wary so I thought I'd try and encourage her by making her a yoink softie...

Tonsillitis and trampolines

2009-04-07T21:06:00.004+10:00

Poor Mr E has been sick for the last few days. I'm in the midst of tidying my crazy study and rethinking my market strategy. Sadly most of the interest looking markets around are on Sundays which is just not an option...

Anyway back to Elijah, he's had a horrible case of tonsillitis which presented as gastro. Boy am I glad that I'm not a doctor. I just don't get how you can have tonsillitis and no sore throat. Anyway, Praise God for access to doctors, affordable medicine and clean water!

He is making a speedy recovery and even asked for chocolate today. I was so excited that I gave him some.

He explained that the whole problem came from having trampolines in his tummy. They were the extra springy sort and so whenever he tried to eat or drink something it all came bouncing back out of his mouth. This morning he announced that the trampolines had gone. I made the mistake of asking where.... well where do things go that have been in the stomach....

Carnivale 2121

2009-03-30T20:27:00.004+11:00

It was somewhat sobering to be blessed with such a beautiful day on Sunday. The suburb where I go to church held a huge carnival to raise money for victims of the recent bushfires in Victoria. And the day was lovely - warm but comfortable and filled with families enjoying the sunshine, the fun and each other.

My older two had a fabulous time running here and there, going on the giant slide, riding ponies, eating fairy floss and just being.

In all the busy mundane stuff that is part of being a mum and just being I forget to enjoy and rejoice in the being... But standing in my little stall and looking out on those kids of mine, seeing them with friends and cousins, and even on their own - I counted my blessings. They are too numerous to name and too widespread to countenance.

I'm not sure how much the carnival raised but it was a great day and people gave of themselves so generously to help those they do not even know. I would love to see this as a regular event - focused outwards on the needs of others. Whether it's supporting other Australians or perhaps taking a broader focus it would be lovely to make this a regular event.

a moment of maternal boasting... and a free plug

2009-03-26T20:25:00.008+11:00

Isn't it wonderful when we can learn from our kids...

My gorgeous girl turned eight recently and decided to eschew the notion of gifts for her party. (She allowed family to give her presents but no-one else.)

Instead of gifts she asked people to bring a donation for the charity Turn on the Tap. This organisation provides safe drinking water for people in the developing world. Thanks to all her friends and relatives she raised more than enough money for a community well. (She was very delighted with her certificate.) Now Elijah wants to do the same thing for his birthday party this year!

****FREE PLUG COMING UP NOW****

One of the great things about this charity is the resources they can provide. They sent us a bundle of their "Jack and Jill" story that I just popped in the party bags. If you want more info check out their website here.

Carnivale 2121

2009-03-12T20:58:00.004+11:00

coming soon Carnivale 2121....

The community of North Epping (where we go to church) are holding a fundraiser for those affected by the Victorian bushfires. There will be rides, games, a jumping castle, face painting and stalls.

date: March 29
time: 12noon - 6pm
place: North Epping Oval, Boundary Road, North Epping

I'll be there selling some goodies with part of the proceeds going to support those in need.

madeit.com.au has also relaunched and in the process my little online shop was wiped clean... oh well. It's back up there now with a plethora of brooches and some nifty bingo and scrabble cufflinks coming up soon.

Vintage playing card art

2009-02-22T13:57:00.008+11:00

Do you remember rainy days with parents or grandparents and playing endless games of snap or old maid? Cards are a pastime with a rich and long history and the most interesting ones (to me at least) are the illustrated children's card games of snap, old maid, crazy eights etc. I've become something of a fan of these over the last year, especially some of the early Disney cards.

Take a look at this one . It's from a 1937 game of Clarabelle Old Maid. Donald is the most interesting card of the pack - he is in his early incarnation before he became shorter and fluffier (and meaner-looking).

I also really like the miniature versions of card games. Using acid-free photo corners or photo dots I have been adhering four of these to an off-white (acid-free) mount for framing. And they have been selling really well. I'm finally getting organised so I can start selling them in my etsy shop.

Etsy only allows items to be sold in American dollars - it is a US site after all - so all items I sell on Etsy have free postage for Australian buyers.

softie mania

2009-02-21T15:12:00.007+11:00

As someone for whom sewing and craft does not really come naturally I am constantly amazed by its therapeutic properties.

Perhaps it's the neverending tasks of maintaining a house with three children - it doesn't stay clean or tidy for long. The washing needs to be redone, floors vacuumed, surfaces dusted ... you get my drift. (Typing this out makes me realise how rubbish I am at "keeping house") Nothing is ever finished. But with a little doll or giraffe or pair of cufflinks or brooch it can be finished and a new one started. And the satisfaction of actually finishing something is immense.

I also really enjoy learning new skills - and boy do I have a lot to learn. However I am no longer frightened of the sewing machine eating my finger (don't ask) and that's a big step for me.

Mum and I took the big kids along with cousins to see The Wizard of Oz last night. It was held in a little outdoor amphitheatre* and we sat on cushions munching on popcorn as we watched.

I hadn't seen the movie for ages and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it and how much it scared poor Elijah. That green witch was pretty creepy but I must say Glinda the good witch freaked me out the most. That dress! And the voice - too saccharine to be true. Or maybe I've just seen too many movies. But Judy Garland was such a talent and I really do like her ruby slippers.

* actually not an amphitheatre at all because amphitheatres were enclosed, otherwise what would stop the lions, bears and Christians from escaping! I remember having this argument with a tour guide in Alexandria. (The Egyptian one) She insisted that the ancient Greek theatre we were standing in was actually an amphitheatre where gladiators fought wild animals. Tim contained his eye-rolling as I explained how it couldn't actually be the case as the beasties could simply leap onto the front row and gobble up whoever might be sitting there before taking off and running riot through the town. I know I'm a pedant. But not about everything. :)

While my etsy shop has been sadly neglected I am hoping to rectify that this week. I do have a fairly realistic and sober view of my own crafting abilities (they are seriously limited) but yet I find myself strangely attached to the peculiar things I make.

A little bit of perspective...

2009-02-10T10:58:00.004+11:00

So far authorities in Victoria have found over 170 bodies after the weekend bushfires. It is thought the death toll will rise over 200. This has been the most damaging fire in Australian history and the most devastating loss of life in peacetime.

As I have read through the stories of survivors and accounts of those who perished, it has struck me just how fragile and vulnerable we are. Our lives can seem so robust, full of promise. We plan and hope and dream and yet in a matter of moments our lives can be over.

There is a Colin Buchanan song that we sing at church called "Be Strong and Courageous". It's a great song about perseverence through suffering and testing. One of the lines that I glibly sing without really considering it is:

"Do not fear the fire... Jesus has conquered it all."

I have never really had to fear fire. There have been a few times when we have been down or up the coast and we have been cut off due to bushfires but I have never had to flee for my life nor risk losing it. I don't imagine I would be very brave in such circumstances...

And of course as with all tragedies that assail humanity, the question is asked and should be asked and must be asked - Where is God in all this? He is there among it.

The world's worst blogger

2009-01-27T20:22:00.005+11:00

It's me - it's got to be me. My last post before this one was November last year! What a shocker. I would love to be one of those write a groovy, incisive message every day or upload pictures of the latest gastronomical masterpiece sort but it's never gonna happen. As with everything in this crazyiness of mothering, crafting and trying to keep up with the housework, blogging has to happen in the margins!

FIVE MINUTE HIATUS WHILE I DEAL WITH AN ARGUMENT OVER TOYS AND CONSOLE LUCY ABOUT SCHOOL AND ITCHY LEGS

I'm back and I'm wondering what Oscar Wilde or Shakespeare would have done with a blog. I wonder if the immediacy of it all would just turn their gems to dross. Or maybe they'd be able to write more cool stuff.

Holidays. Have been and gone. Fabulous time away with Pete and Jane and their trio. The kids had a ball at the beach. Lucy and Elijah loved swimming and riding the boogie boards. And Lucy became an adept little snorkler too. Jake's beach fun at Forster consisted of me digging holes and filling them with water. After which he would fill them with sand and I'd have to start again. It was all a bit "Cool Hand Luke"ish.

After the luxury of a holiday house with a dishwasher, shared parenting and cooking and hanging out with Pete and Jane we travelled south for the luxury of a holiday house with kangaroos in the backyard, the beach down the road and lovely visitors. At Cunjurong Jake moved beyond the hole-digging experience of the beach to actually going in the water. It took lots of patient coaxing and easing but by the end of the holiday he loved being in the water, especially doing "tea bags". (A cunning trick where he is the tea bag and I make a cup of tea by dunking him in the water. It has worked with all three of our kids!)

Back to Sydney and our favourite deputy aka Tim has been super busy with school. Yikes - it's like HSC marking again but it lasts longer than three weeks! Oh well it's been a bit too easy for too long with him home by 6 most nights.

We worked out that we had three nights out together last year without the kids - and none of those occasions were just us. New Plan: Spend time together.

Well this will be a week of firsts for the kids. Lucy's first day in the primary (after 3 years in infants), Elijah's first day at school and Jake's first swimming lesson. By Friday night I'll be ready for a large glass of wine and half a block of Lindt (not necessarily together!)

An exciting parcel in the post today...

2008-11-26T20:03:00.005+11:00

I love watching / listening out for the postie on his bike - especially when I'm expecting mail. Yesterday it was a lovely package of vintage buttons from the UK and today it was some gorgeous Kokka fabric from Japan. I'm very new to the whole sewing thing and so I'm reluctant to use such lovely materials but these will surely redeem any sewing disasters that I subject them too.

I have a plan for them. Given that our lovely three children have more toys, pencils, crayons and soccer balls than they know what to do with I'm going to do Christmas differently this year. I do feel this intense pressure to load them up with goodies and I don't know where that pressure comes from. Is it me? Or can I just blame society?

Anyway I have a plan - and this is where the fabric comes in. I'm going to make them presents this year. It could all go horribly wrong but I know Lucy at least will be delighted with whatever I make her. So the sheepy fabric is going to become a tote bag for her. The bear/trains fabric is going to be something for the boys and the babushka fabric is for me.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Tim has finally finished HSC marking but he is flat chat at school at the moment. With that and Mum & Dad still in the UK I am feeling the need for a break - and a haircut!

Before Dad left he planted some tomato seedlings with Elijah and Lucy. What excitement there was when we discovered the first little yellow cherry tomato.

Being the wonderful little man that he is, Elijah declared he would share his tomato with Lucy. The verdict?

Lucy: "Sweet"

Elijah: "Like a proper tomato"

How to do justice to such beautiful fabric...

2008-11-06T20:22:00.005+11:00

My clever and lovely sister-in-law Meg (I actually have 5 wonderful sisters-in-law!) lives in the US - how amazing to be there at the moment! - and is extremely clever with sewing and design. [Do check out magpie baby.] For my birthday she sent me over some gorgeous fabrics that I love. But I'm not sure what to make with them. There are so many good choices, but the biggest issue is whether I can make something that will do justice to them.

So here they are washed (above) and folded (below). Any suggestions or advice about what I should make is most welcome!

Heart felt decorations

2008-11-04T21:18:00.011+11:00

Well I must have stabbed myself with needles and pins at least 20 times in the last week. I had a largish order for our felt Christmas decorations and being the extra-thumb-inclined sewer that I am I gave my hands a good acupuncture workout. At least I didn't bleed on anything.

The decorations look really lovely. We layer woollen felt shapes together, sandwiching a piece of grosgrain ribbon and securing it all with a vintage button and thread.

But, save a few, they've all gone. The only ones left are some lonely looking circles. My market research tells me that buyers prefer hearts, stars and flowers to circles. But that's ok. For me (and I suspect Cath too) nothing beats a perfect circle.

So today when I should have been cleaning the bathroom and folding washing and being the industrious housewife that I'm not, I was busing cutting out shapes and preparing them for tomorrow evening when I will endeavour to stitch them all together.

Here's what it looks like before the magic happens.

Despite a forecast of rain and a few stray drizzly moments, Saturday was dry! Elijah was particularly excited because he had prayed that God would please put the sun out for mummy's market so Lucy and I can go to Mama's house. Gorgeous boy.

My lovely sister-in-law Kate came for the whole day to help out. She is such a wonder. I had forgotten to brush my hair and put on make-up and Kate looked wonderful and charmed everyone. Love it.

Once again the brooches were a hit as were the mounted vintage cards. The Disney ones all went - they are fabulous - so I'll be scouring the net for more.

Everything has a story...

2008-10-30T20:14:00.012+11:00

Among the zillion fun things there are in making *stuff*, one of the best things is that everything has a story. This is especially true when using old materials. Both Cath and I love repurposing things and giving them a new lease of life. Whether it's felting old mothy jumpers or transforming buckles and buttons into quirky brooches it's very satisfying to reuse and reuse and reuse.

One of my new little passions are vintage playing cards. Not the usual set of 52 but vintage Old Maid, Snap, Crazy Eights etc. I particularly like the miniature ones that come in lovely little boxes that are made to look like books.

Some of the illustrations on these cards are quite telling. There are strong racist elements in some of them while others are just plain hilarious. A number of these cards make it onto the front of rosebarnett cards but some are just so lovely I've started using them for pictures. I mounted a few for the last Mosman markets and they were quite popular. We'll see what the response is like this weekend!

Hang it all!

2008-10-28T13:34:00.003+11:00

Much to Lucy's horror Cath and I have been making these gorgeous and quirky hanging decorations from vintage books.

After raiding Vinnies and other charity stores we fold the pages, thread some string or jute or ribbon along the spine, glue it all in place and then voila!

I know it's not really what we should do with books but the ones we select are usually not fabulous reading anyway! And it's very therapeutic. Except when you glue the pages before you thread the jute / ribbon / cotton through. Grrrrr.

Anyway these lovely decorations are perfect for Christmas decorations. After all the Bible says Jesus was the Word! (Corny joke, I know).

They are currently available on etsy and we will have them at the Mosman Markets and at our special Christmas shopping night on November 22.

Embrace the brooch ... well not literally

2008-10-27T13:35:00.005+11:00

Embrace the brooch! I must admit I was never much of a brooch wearer until I started making them. Now I am very much in favour of *the brooch*. They are one of rosebarnett's biggest sellers and this week I need to get my skates on and make at least a dozen.

These beauties are made from vintage buckles and buttons which are glued together and then glued to a brooch backing. They are *One of A Kind* pieces and look gorgeous on hats, scarves, dresses etc.

There. Now I've done my big spiel I feel kind of embarrassed. Well I do like them.

Mosman markets are on again this Saturday and unbelievably rain has been forecast again. I do believe it has rained on the first Saturday of the month for the last four months!

Do you have a bird tree in your backyard?

2008-10-21T20:03:00.003+11:00

Things have been busy busy busy here. Cath is working like a mad woman (are mad women particularly assiduous?) marking art major works before the exam marking begins. I'm trying to get some things made for the Christmas markets while looking after my three little beauties. But as Cath says, "It's all good." The blessings I have been given are so evident, but I do need to be grateful in the midst of the chaos.

Lucy observed the other day that Tim (aka her Dad) was like Mr Pernickety on The Mr Men Show and I was ... well Little Miss Messy. Sadly she's right. Tim would dearly love to build me a shed in the backyard and banish me to it. But I think he's worried that I might forget to come out.

Which leads me into one of the problems with this craft gig. It is so incredible addictive. So I thought I'd make a little bird the other day and I made five. And three elephants. I need to keep dragging myself back to the basics of what I'm meant to be doing. But whenever I see something cool I want to try and make one too. I am quickly learning my boundaries.

Tim's Dad returned from a visit to the lovely Meg, Dave, Luke and Henry in Atlanta and with him came an assortment of vintage buckles, buttons & playing cards that Meg has been hoarding for me. I can hear them calling out to be made into lovely things but until I get this hovel of a study organised I have no flat surface on which to make things.

Our first taste of publicity!

2008-09-14T15:19:00.006+10:00

We have had our first taste of publicity and it's gone straight to our head! The October 2008 issue of Real Living Magazine features one of our twice cards in the "things we love this month" section.

See the card with the "L" on the front!

Since they've been so friendly to us we've sent them a heap of our lovely Christmas decorations.

Cath has made some amazing paper sculptures out of old books and then threaded them with jute and red cotton to make them hangable (excuse the terrible English).

Our second shopping and coffee night is in the offing with plans for a third underway already! It's looking like our Christmas night will be held on November 29 at a secret location in West Pymble.

Our September markets at Mosman were rained out but we're gearing up for October with even more cool stuff on offer. I've been experimenting with toy making which has proved loads of fun so there'll be some lovely softies to cuddle as well as the usual cards, brooches and decorative bits and pieces.

Thanks to everyone who keeps encouraging us and buying our stuff! A big thanks must go my lovely American sister-in-law who lets me get all manner of things delivered to her! Thanks Meg! Do check out her fantastic designs over at Magpie Baby.

Holey jumpers, batman!

2008-08-22T10:29:00.005+10:00

In my bid to reuse materials as much as possible I have begun to make wonderful use of moth-eaten jumpers. Despite cedar balls, moth balls and other deterrents, the wretched moths still managed to feast upon my lovely Veronika Maine jumper and two DJs jumpers. Why is it they always eat the clothes we like the best?

Anyway after several washes in hot water my holey jumpers shrunk considerably and turned into lovely soft felt which have since become gorgeous brooches. Dad has also contributed a large red holey jumper to the cause. And I'd like to extend the invitation to you - if you have any holey woollen jumpers that you'd like to see reused I'd love to have them and as a way of thanking you I'll make you a lovely brooch from your ex-jumper.

Mosman markets are coming up again on the first Saturday in September and rosebarnett has also provided some gifts and cards to Janssen-Cilag for their fundraising effort to be held this Saturday at Macquarie Centre. They are raising money for East Timor.

The making business is getting busier and my house is in absolute chaos but I must admit that I love it and it is quite addictive. I have acquired some gorgeous Disney Old Maid cards that I am guessing come from the 1930s. I'm thinking of getting them mounted individually for framing. I think they'd make very funky pictures.

Twice Cards - Letters

2008-08-11T19:40:00.009+10:00

These cards are made using vintage letter cards that were sourced from the US. I'm not sure what game they were used for or if they were simply educational but I think they're fairly groovy and, if you can find the right initial, they make the perfect card.

As well as those listed below I also have S, D, K, N, C, L and T.

What are Twice Cards?

2008-08-11T19:29:00.002+10:00

Our newest range of cards is the *twice* card. So what are *twice* cards? They are handmade with cardstock and envelopes derived from recycled paper and topped with a decoration that is also on its second journey through life.

Some cards carry re-used fabric stitched onto the cardstock. Others feature lovely playing cards from vintage decks of Snap, Crazy Eights or Old Maid. The cards can also be used twice. Each card includes an insert that can be written on by the first giver allowing the recipient to pass the card on once again...

Even more places to buy rosebarnett!

2008-08-11T19:14:00.002+10:00

rosebarnett cards can now be bought at two gorgeous shops in Sydney. The super funky cafe / shop Chicken and Fishhead in Beecroft is stocking a selection of cards and the lovely Sous le Soleil is selling cards, craft kits and a range of other things at their shop in Roseville.

I have also started selling at Mosman markets. My first market was on a very gusty day earlier this month and went reasonably well. So do look out for me on the first Saturday of the month at the Village Green at Mosman.

We have purses!

2008-06-16T21:05:00.008+10:00

Well Cath has been working very hard and the first batch of purses are ready. I am sorely tempted to stash them all for myself - they are simply gorgeous. Lucy has already picked one out for herself and put it in the present box for Christmas!

I have five of the beauties listed for sale on madeit. So it will be interesting to see how we go with them.

Our little shopfront is going quite well and there are new things going up all the time. The problem is that whenever Cath and I make something new we always want to keep it for ourselves.

Also newly on sale are some really lovely old scrabble pieces that I have been collecting from far and wide. If you have a NED, GRACE, TINA, LAURA or TOM among your family or friends then have I the perfect little gift for you! I am happy to try and source letters as well.

My dear friend Janice has found a pile of fabric samples for me at Reverse Garbage which are on their way to becoming cards. I had sold out of my supply of fabric *twice* cards so it will be good to make some more.

I have also been busily making barrettes (hair clips) since we sold out of them at the launch. I have made some lovely floral ones in pink and also in blue - mainly because it's Lucy's school colour and she won't wear anything that isn't colour-appropriate to school. (What a good girl!)

Although it's only June, plans are afoot for some gorgeous Christmas things. Watch this space ... (I've always wanted to say that!)

A new way to buy from rosebarnett

2008-05-26T13:24:00.006+10:00

Thanks to everyone who came to our launch last weekend. It was a lovely night and hopefully it won't be the last. Cath and I are planning some gorgeous new things for Christmas - but that's getting ahead of ourselves.

We now have a new, and hopefully more streamlined, way to shop. We have just opened a little shop on madeit.com.au Only a few pieces of stock are for sale online at the moment but I will be adding more each day.

Thanks again for all your support and suggestions and do come and visit us over at madeit.

Sarah

Cufflinks

2008-02-25T21:49:00.010+11:00

All cufflinks are designed and handcrafted by Sarah Barnett. Please note: some of the cufflinks below have already been sold. There will be new pics uploaded soon! For more information email rosebarnettcards@gmail.com

fancy -- hair clips

2008-02-25T21:09:00.006+11:00

Designed and handcrafted by sarah barnett. Made from wool felt and nickel-plated hairclips. Prices from $3.00 per pair.
For more information email rosebarnettcards@gmail.com

card catalogue -- papercraft series two

2008-02-07T19:58:00.000+11:00

*birthdays*

Designed and handcrafted by sarah barnett. For more information including prices email rosebarnettcards@gmail.com

(Note: paper varies according to availability)

card catalogue -- heartfelt series

2007-12-11T20:39:00.000+11:00

Designed and handcrafted by sarah barnett. For more information including wholesale prices email rosebarnettcards@gmail.com

card catalogue -- christmas series

2007-10-14T20:29:00.000+10:00

Designed and handcrafted by sarah barnett. For a complete catalogue including wholesale prices email rosebarnettcards@gmail.com

card catalogue -- papercraft series one

2007-09-04T20:03:00.000+10:00

card catalogue - baby series

2007-06-11T19:51:00.001+10:00

mixed media
artist: sarah barnett

baby series four

baby series three

baby series two

baby series one

card catalogue -- still life series

2007-05-30T02:10:00.000+10:00

photographs
artist: sarah barnett

still life web

still life petra 1

still life petra 2

still life ornament

still life bottle

still life vine

still life rex simpson

card catalogue - hong kong series

2007-05-04T14:06:00.000+10:00

photographs
artist: cath rose

hong kong china book co.

hong kong house numbers

hong kong neon yue

hong kong characters 1

hong kong characters 2

hong kong bamboo

hong kong please stand behind

card catalogue - children's series

2007-04-07T12:32:00.000+10:00

artist: sarah barnett

baby elephant
also available on blue, green and pink card

rocket

sailing

car

rosebarnett

moving on

kindness

Carnivale 2121 - 2

What's in a name?

Making making making...

Rained out ... again

Mosman this Saturday!

More hair pins...

brooch and bobby pin sale!

First day at preschool ... sob

Craft Hope for Haiti

Boxing Day 2009

Five things about Lucy

What's Hot and What's Not

Five things about Elijah

Smarties / Choc Chip Cookies

What's Hot and What's Not

Five things about Jake

What's Hot and What's Not Wednesday - 3

Allie's Attic

System failure due to excessive crafting....

What's Hot and What's Not Wednesday - 2

Allie's Attic

What's Hot and What's Not

Things I don't get...

Dairy-free raspberry muffins

I love Vinnies

Things I've learnt on holidays

holidays

Softies for Mirabel

In my dreams...

Off to the shop!

A streetcar named desire

Nostalgia ain't what it used to be...

I've gone international!

Things I've been working on...

Hanky Panky

Sydney Stitches and Craft Show

Felt flowers hair clips

Can you guess my favourite colour?

A day with Jake

Australian Journey

New way to shop

Two weeks of misery

Off on holidays

Hip Hooray!

Still sick... and feeling thwarted

Favourite things from etsy today

the resilience doughnut

bye bye boys

sweet treats

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

scarf love

It's Autumn!

Happy Mothers' Day!

Little Red Riding Hood

It's fun to have fun but you have to know how...

yoinks!

Tonsillitis and trampolines

Carnivale 2121

a moment of maternal boasting... and a free plug

Carnivale 2121

Vintage playing card *art*

softie mania

A little bit of perspective...

The world's worst blogger

An exciting parcel in the post today...

How to do justice to such beautiful fabric...

Heart felt decorations

Everything has a story...

Hang it all!

Embrace the brooch ... well not literally

Do you have a bird tree in your backyard?

Our first taste of publicity!

Holey jumpers, batman!

Twice Cards - Letters

What are Twice Cards?

Even more places to buy rosebarnett!

We have purses!

Vintage playing card art