krafty panda

Thrifted Finds

2012-02-22T11:37:00.007+10:00

I've finally found time (and sunshine) to take photos of my latest op-shop finds!
My favourite recent find are these two kitten paint-by-numbers!Aren't they adorable!!!?This cuckoo clock was only $5.00. It works too!And this awesome HUGE wooden cuckoo clock only cost $25.00. It needs to be fixed, but I simply love having it hang on the wall.These two plastic charms were on a really ugly beaded necklace, so I rescued them.This little ceramic flamingo was 20cents.A little ceramic winking OWL from Japan. He has a top hat! And a bow-tie!Here's the glasses holder I got a few weeks ago and am totally loving! Ignore the cat.This mug was only 50cents, the way all mugs should be in op-shops. Again, ignore the cat.And my last thrift pic for today, this wonderful etched glass OWL paperweight!What have you thrifted recently??

Art Journal #9

2012-02-18T08:21:00.000+10:00

It's been awhile, and I'm slowing down to not even one page a week. I'll probably pick it up again in a few months time, but for now I'm happy playing around with clay.

Babies #2

2012-02-17T18:40:00.004+10:00

Well they are all out of their eggs and fat and feisty!One of them didn't hatch properly though, and it's front foot isn't developed. I don't think he'll survive, but the other 19 look pretty good.They look like their mother did when she was little.They are so adorable!And so tiny!I could sit there and watch them for hours!I mean, I've seen literally hundreds of baby bearded dragons, but these guys are super special because they're Jasper and Diego's!The proud (although ignorant of goings on) parents.

Babies

2012-02-16T17:02:00.003+10:00

So anyone remember when Jasper got pregnant last year?
What ended up happening was one of the eggs traveled down into the stomach instead of the birthing canal, and rotted. It's called Peritonitis. So I took her to go see Terry, my reptile vet, and he ended up doing surgery on her. After scraping out her stomach of the rotted egg, he also took out her ovaries, leaving just a small sliver of one behind. Jasper was thin for weeks, I was so worried I was going to lose her. Eventually, in late December, she gained weight and I was thrilled. Then I felt her stomach and uh-oh, more lumps! They couldn't be eggs, because Terry had taken her ovaries out. So I took her back to Terry, and he took X-rays and indeed, she was pregnant again. Oh dear. With that small sliver of an ovary, she managed to become gravid.
Anyway, we waited for about a week, thinking we'd have to go back in and do more surgery to remove the eggs, but one night she could be heard digging in the sandbox and laid 22 eggs. She even covered them up afterwards, which was a fabulous sign!
Using the method a friend had taught me for removing reptile eggs, I placed them in a container and took them over to Debbie's to be placed in the incubator.
Jasper has gained back the weight, although she is skinnier than I would like, and is very happy and healthy!
And last night, Debbie messaged me "Your eggs are hatching!"
We rushed over to take some photos of them emerging from the eggs. 20 hatched out of 22 is pretty good for a lizard with an ovary sliver!I've decided I'll keep one. After all, it's Jasper and Diego's offspring!The others I've given to Debbie for her to sell. Who knows, their colour might be so nice she'll keep a few herself!Aren't they the cutest things? No bigger than a 10cent piece!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T10:10:00.000+10:00

I hope everyone has a fabulous day spent with the one/s they love!

Friday Favorites

2012-02-10T20:00:00.007+10:00

No sooner had I seen this picture and fallen in love, that I found one of my very own while out thrifting! Oh yeah!I do this all the time!I totally want to do this one day!!!Must have, anyone know where I can get me some? I've tried eBay but no success.This puppy is a German Shepherd X Golden Retriever! So adorable!!If this is true, then it's so cool!!Oh yeah, that's how we do it here too.I knew goats could climb but this is ridiculous!I need this on a bumper sticker...What's Friday Favorites without an owl?!Have a great weekend!!

Darn Telstra

2012-02-09T22:56:00.002+10:00

I've been without internet and computer for almost 3 weeks now. Finally it's back up and running, hopefully without any more glitches!I'll be back with more posts soon, I gotta go check my unread 100+ emails...

Owl Pins

2012-01-17T21:39:00.009+10:00

It's been awhile since I played around with clay, I couldn't resist making some owls.

soldsoldsold

AU$8.00 a set plus postage.

soldsold

Leave a message with a way to contact you if you'd like to own a set.

Friday Favorites

2012-01-13T18:48:00.000+10:00

This tree stump print is pretty nifty... look closer! Animal silhouettes!So funny!Cute owl!That's what she said, right?A little person trying to escape.Sometimes I'm both!Ha! I love it when dog's do this!!Something I need to remember.The Human Body fact sheet. Click to make it bigger to read. Isn't this human heart locket awesome?!All together now, "Awwwwwwww!!!"

Copal Amber

2012-01-10T11:02:00.004+10:00

I collect it.All these pieces I've found over the years, from no place in particular.I've up-graded to a larger jar, though, since taking these pictures. I couldn't fit them all in!Some macro photos put together in a mosaic to show their diversity. Click for a better look.Notice some have crystals? So pretty!
Copal Amber rocks!!

Oh Deer!

2012-01-09T10:07:00.009+10:00

I have done considerably well in my bargain hunting lately, adding several new deer to my ever-growing collection (of which is mostly wrapped up in boxes as I have no where to display them).

These precious S & P shakers I bought from Vinnies for $3!This wooden painted picture was from Lifeline for $1.This wall vase I scored at the markets, for a 1/4 of the price I've seen them on eBay.My Mum got me these at some markets, they're bone china and ever so cute!This beautiful wooden wall hanging with one of my favourite Psalms was 1/2 price on the day.I bought this little planter from a garage sale.These were from an op shop, $1 for the set.This little guy came from an antique shop for $2.His 3 friends are from a car boot sale. I now have 5 of those deer vases, but every one of them is different!This beautiful fawn I found in an antique shop for $10, which is amazing as she's 37cms tall!I also got this cutie from the antique shop.And these gorgeous flocked deer I bought from this lovely shop on etsy.I hope to find more deer soon, I just adore them! Have you found any good thrifts lately?

Friday Favorites

2012-01-06T19:19:00.004+10:00

I need some alphabet cookie cutters so I can do this kind of thing.Such an unusual kitty! I want one!So cute, a painted cross-stitched owl!!I wish we had fireflies here.I love the movie Horton hears a Who!Amazing clouds and sunset.I need a doormat like this! Our chooks are always trying to get inside.This is a quilt. Amazing, no?Things Walt Disney has taught me.Tiny little bats!! Sleeping under a palm frond! Squeeee!

New Year

2012-01-04T11:28:00.001+10:00

New Life.Isn't it grand? I love baby foals!

Happy New Year!!

2011-12-31T23:59:00.003+10:00

Goodbye 2011Hello 2012!

Last thrift of 2011

2011-12-28T23:04:00.009+10:00

The op-shops have opened for a brief few days before the new year sets in. I was able to make one last trip for 2011, and boy did I score!!

My favourite find, this cute little pewter owl for $1.A handmade hand appliqued wall hanging with buttons and ribbon embroidery, only $2!This pair of cufflinks were $1 and pretty nifty if you ask me.A plastic deer, a little beaten up but now much loved, all for a mere 30 cents (cup of tea handmade and porcelain pot found at markets).A few vintage brooches from 50 cents up to $3 each.Some tiny little pictures in frames for 20 cents each, so sweet!And this gorgeous Australian Folk Art sign for $3 to welcome visitors and summon in the New Year.

Art Journal #8

2011-12-27T12:43:00.002+10:00

I haven't had much time for my art journal lately, what with Christmas and all, but I have managed to get a couple of pages filled. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T09:01:00.001+10:00

To all my blogging friends in Australia and around the world, I hope you have a very Happy Christmas filled with friends, family, and laughter!

12 Days of Aussie Christmas

2011-12-24T13:48:00.004+10:00

On the last day of Christmas my true love gave to me -

12 parrots prattling, 11 numbats nagging, 10 lizards leaping, 9 wombats working8 possums playing, 7 koalas climbing, 6 platypuses, 5 kangaroos4 kookaburras, 3 jabirus, 2 pink galahsand an emu up a gum tree!

All made with felt and a permanent marker, I've been trying to make these for years but could never find the time. This year, I was determined!

Also, our decorated bottle tree out the front, shimmering with water droplets after a thunderstorm.Simple beading on clear plastic thread, so easy even the kids would enjoy doing it, and it looks wonderful!

Holiday Inspirations

2011-12-23T20:15:00.005+10:00

The Last Friday before Christmas! Can you believe it?! I have one more Christmas craft to show off, but that'll have to wait until tomorrow...Christmas Eve!!Cute Felt Owl decorations!These felt decorations are easy to make and effective. I love pink, purple and orange together!These are easy and could be used any time of year. Old light bulbs painted with nail polish and strung with beads on fishing line!Someone give me a pattern, I wanna make this cute nativity!Why can't you buy these in Target or Kmart?These too.And this one!If I had the time and money... How amazing it would look!I adore this dear deer wreath!What a nut-cracking-ly good collection!I did a more Chrismassy version of this and hung them in a tree out front...ok then, maybe I'll have to share two Christmas crafts tomorrow.

Little Houses on the Hillside

2011-12-22T19:54:00.000+10:00

I have finally finished my little cardboard houses! Aren't they cute?
I made two.One redand one Blue!The little candy canes and snowman are made from clay, but the snowman's arms are real twigs.I had to wait for the bottle trees to arrive from the UK. I can't find them for sale anywhere in Australia.The ric rac sets off the blue house wonderfully!Displayed inside, the glitter twinkles like Christmas lights.I might make a few more next year and start building a village!

Little Felt Deer Pattern

2011-12-20T22:25:00.000+10:00

I drew a pattern for a little deer awhile ago, and have managed to make them just in time for Christmas!I think they've turned out quite cute, really. They're easy enough to make, each deer took me about 2 hours to finish (in between watching TV).Here's the pattern, I hope it's easy enough to understand.I chose not to add antlers as I wanted Bambi type deer, but they're included in the pattern.
You can embellish them however you want. I've used buttons for eyes, thread for the nose and a ribbon with a bow around the neck. Hang them on your tree as ornaments! Their little legs are pose-able too.If you get stuck with the pattern, let me know in the comments with a way to contact you and I'll try and help.

Snow Ball Ornament Tutorial

2011-12-18T21:15:00.001+10:00

Gather your supplies -

Wool, preferably white or cream
Cardboard or pom pom maker
Glue
Glitter
2 matching buttons
small amount of thread
pink blush makeup

Make a pom pom the traditional way using circles of cardboard, or a pom pom maker you can buy in any craft shop.Lightly paint glue onto the pom pom using a paintbrush, then sprinkle glitter onto glue. Tap off excess glitter and allow to dry overnight.Add a piece of wool for hanging.
Glue the button eyes and thread mouth into position.Lastly, gently brush some pink blush onto wool where cheeks should be. Blow off excess makeup and you're done!

A cute little snow ball that will never melt!

Holiday Inspirations

2011-12-16T12:41:00.007+10:00

Another Friday, we're getting closer to Christmas Day! *freak out* Still so much to do!I love these gorgeous trimmed trees by Gingercake.Here's an idea. Turn your bauble ornaments upside down, attach a handmade basket and another string on top for hanging and voila! Hot Air Balloon Ornaments!I love this tree!For your daughter's hairdo either on the big day or for the local Carols!Instead of stockings (most QLDers don't have a mantel to hang them on) use buckets to store presents in. Grab a cheap 60cent bucket from Bunnings, paint it whatever colour you like, then add embellishments and a name (or name tag around the handle) and display them around the TV cabinet or other central family room "mantel". Then on Christmas day the kids have their own bucket of presents!Time to rifle through the recycle bin for toilet rolls to make these pretty ornaments!Easy for the kids to make and so sweet, pipe cleaner trees!I need to hang a copy of this somewhere every Christmas!!How cute is this snowman?Now, where in the tropics can I find me some pine cones?I just adore this wrapping paper!!Simple card, just paint different hues of greens around the rim of a plastic or styrofoam cup and press to the corner of a blank card, then add a bow once the paint's dry.I am making some of my own little "putz houses" this year. Granted they're not as good as these but I'm very happy with them!Stay tuned for the big reveal!

Pictures via Pinterest

Thrifted Christmas

2011-12-15T12:22:00.000+10:00

One thing I love about thrifting at this time of year is that all the awesome handmade decorations, stockings, and other goodness that nobody seems to want is mine for the taking!!This gorgeous advent-quilt-wall-hanging was only $4.00!These hand-sewn coasters were only 50 cents for 4.This huge sewn Christmas Tree, which is quite heavy, was only $8.00.This beautiful table runner with beaded berries was only $1.00.This handmade prim tree in pot was a mere $1.50, and the little wooden house with hanging mice cost nothing!! The top mouse was actually missing, but I had a pair of earrings that were perfect!This gorgeous ceramic deer bell was $2.00, and is now part of my deer collection.

Mini-Wreath Ornament Tutorial

2011-12-12T11:18:00.003+10:00

Gather your ingredients:

Curtain rings, wooden or plastic. I got mine from the op shop for cheap.
Wool of your colour choice. Also from the op shop!
Felt scraps of your choosing.
Scissors, glue, hot glue gun.
Assorted decorations of your choice. I used a touch of glitter too.

Directions:
Cut a length of wool, tie it off on your curtain ring and continue to wrap around until whole ring is covered.You can use a bit of craft glue to keep your ends in place if you like.Cut your felt into the shape of your choosing, and hot glue it to the inside of your ring on top of the wool.Add your chosen decorations, and embellish with glitter if you wish.Lastly, cut a length of wool and make a loop to hang your decoration from.Tada! Cute-as little mini wreaths!I'll be making more of these, I'll show them once they're finished. If you make some, be sure to let me know so I can come and see them!

Holiday Inspirations

2011-12-09T12:10:00.008+10:00

Instead of Friday Favorites, until Christmas I'll be doing Holiday Inspirations!Same concept, just Christmas-y. You're welcome to join in on your own blog, just let me know so I can come look!

I love these globe ornaments! I got one from Big W this year!How pretty is this tree?Something we need to remember..So easy, just tape off the design you want, spray paint, wait til dry and peel off tape! I'd use silver paint then roll it in Epsom salt for a snowy look, then pull off the taps and stuff the bottle with fairy lights.I love this wreath! I have some plastic feathers...So simple yet so elegant!How effective! Paint a tin can red, add a black belt, fill with foliage!Most awesome wrapping paper for books and boxes, and not just for Christmas!!Love this tree! If I had a white one I would so do this!Golden Snitch Ornament = Genius!Paint chip cards into gift tags...why didn't I think of this?Who doesn't love strawberries, chocolate and cream? Santa Hat Brownies!!
All pictures from Pinterest.

Happy Birthday Jasper!!

2011-12-08T11:29:00.001+10:00

Happy Birthday my baby girl!I can't believe you turn 5 today, it seems like just yesterday I brought you home from the pet shop.You have survived countless odds and made it this far, I am so proud of you!You are my baby girl and I love you so much!!

Happy Birthday Buffy!!

2011-12-07T18:06:00.003+10:00

Happy Birthday my darling Buffy!I'm glad you had a wonderful 6th birthday today!You are the best-est gentle-est most beautiful bluetongue skink ever and Mummy loves you so much!!

Beaded Glittered Christmas Decorations Tutorial

2011-12-06T14:20:00.007+10:00

Get your ingredients -

hot glue gun
normal "dries clear" craft glue and paintbrush
styrofoam ball or other needs to be bedazzled item (I used a glass tea light candle holder as well)
beads of your choice
sequins of your choice
glitter craft paint (or just use the other glue and glitter by itself)
kebab stick

Step 1: Poke the kebab stick into your styrofoam ornament.Step 2: Paint your dries-clear glue onto your styrofoam ball in segments, and cover with the sequins.Once fully covered leave overnight to dry.Step 3:Grab your hot glue gun (make sure you're working on a plastic surface so you can pick up the dry bits of glue later) and start applying your beads randomly.If you're planning on hanging the completed ornament, don't cover up the hole that the kebab stick was poked into.

Step 4: Once the beads and glue cool down, you can start applying your glitter paint (or glue drops then sprinkle with glitter) around your beads where there's small gaps.Step 5: Once the glitter dries, it's done. Unless you want to hang it in which case cut a small length of ribbon or string, and stick into the gap you've left in the ball (where the kebab stick was) using a dress pin and some glue.Voila! See how pretty they are? I reckon a few of these balls in a tall glass vase would look quite nice with some smaller silver decorations.Or a few candles all grouped together.

Christmas Wreaths

2011-12-03T13:34:00.001+10:00

I bought some styrofoam wreaths at last years after-Christmas sales for next to nothing. So this year I've got several wreaths to make and decorate! Here's my finished yarn-wrapped winter themed wreath -And who doesn't love a little owl-ish-ness? This wreath with felt acorns and oak leaves I'll be able to leave out all year round, it's so cute! Click to see it in better detail -Stay tuned for more Christmas crafting!

Kaleidoscopes

2011-12-02T14:24:00.000+10:00

I love kaleidoscopes!!
They're just so much fun to play with!

PomPom Flowers

2011-11-30T22:35:00.005+10:00

So there's this picture tutorial on Pinterest -and I love it! So much in fact that it's inspired me to make my own little version.I used the traditional method of making pompoms though, and used natural twigs as stems.Pinterest Craft Challenge Complete!

Art Journal #7

2011-11-27T23:02:00.003+10:00

I am getting better much quicker than last time! I have even managed to get some crafts, Christmas decorating, and some embroidery done!But doodling in an art journal is easier, especially when you can't think due to a full head.

Friday Favorites

2011-11-25T19:03:00.006+10:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all our American friends! May you find much to be thankful for this year!

I wish I had a chicken pen like this!!

So cute and grumpy!

I love this little clay owl!

A DIY fox lamp! With Link!!

What an amazing sunset!

Get it? Cause a group of more than 3 crows is called a murder!!

Mmmm, pie. Something easy to teach the kiddies!

Awwww! I love this so much, how beautiful was this scene in the last movie? I will miss HP.I adore peacocks!!

Sick Again

2011-11-24T13:32:00.005+10:00

This dreaded cold has come back to haunt me. This time I bit the bullet and went to the doctor, consequently am on antibiotics and so should get better a lot quicker than last time.Also I wish my wonderful Mother a very happy birthday today and apologize that I'm too sick to celebrate with her.Rain-check, ok? Love you Mum!!

Thrifted

2011-11-19T21:42:00.003+10:00

I finally found some spare time to take pictures of a few recent thrift shop finds!
This handmade doily is so sweet.A complete mini tea set for AU$3.00A couple of Siamese kitties for my cat collection! They have a few chips, but are so sweet that I don't even notice them.A handmade card, blank inside.This pretty painting for 50cents was great!These cutie-pie little plastic animals were a bargain at a few cents each. Mouse, rabbit, and a squirrel family!This brand new kitty bed for $3 which has already been claimed.Some old barn owl yowies for my owl collection cost nothing!This little assortment of jewelry I just couldn't leave behind.And last but not least, these five mushroom canisters!!! They came to around $7.00 each.I have more thrifted items to share (including my recent Christmas purchases!!) but I gotta take pics first, so stay tuned!

Friday Favorites

2011-11-18T07:05:00.002+10:00

This week has gone to the dogs. I have so many favourite pictures of them!!

Art Journal #6

2011-11-15T10:00:00.000+10:00

Remembrance Day

2011-11-11T11:00:00.000+10:00

Lest We Forget.

May we honor the memories of those who fought and diesd to ensure the freedom of our Nation.

Meet Loretta

2011-11-08T19:48:00.002+10:00

So my Mum took her dog for a walk a few months ago and didn't get half way round the block when this Rainbow Lorikeet flies onto her shoulder. She walked back home with it sitting there and called me. We've posted found notices for a few weeks but all to no avail. So we've decided to keep her.I'm pretty sure it's a she because she was biting at first. But she picked up very quickly that she wasn't allowed to do that and now she's a very well behaved little birdy.
Loretta loves to play with the bells in her cage, and gets on her back with a tinkle-ball in her feet and plays with it. She loves baths, and she can talk!When we bring her native flowers, she starts off by saying "What's this? What's this?" Then goes on with "Flowers!" She can whistle many different things and also say "hello, hey, oh, ok, WOW" and asks "What's up?"You can also put your finger into the cage saying "shake" and she'll repeat it back to you and shake your finger with her foot.Yep, she's a pretty cool bird.

Friday Favorites

2011-11-04T10:33:00.000+10:00

I know it's been awhile! I'm slowly starting to get back into the swing of things. By the way, Jasper had to have surgery on Monday. I'll do a post and tell you all about it soon. So far she's doing well!

I love Border Collies!!!This is so true...How cool! Yay Walt Disney!Can you guess which movie this is based on?Aussie Christmas Wreath!This one's dedicated to by BIL who happens to be a cop.Big storm!This makes me want to start collecting honey jars...I'm loving seeing all the Jacaranda trees out in flower at the moment!Such a great picture!!!And a smiling owl...

Art Journal #6

2011-10-29T22:35:00.000+10:00

I'm slowly getting over this cold. It feels like it's taking forever. Still have a cough which is really annoying. I have been able to be a little bit creative though, so here's some more art journal pages, enjoy!

I'm Sick

2011-10-21T11:25:00.003+10:00

Yep, that's what I got for my birthday. Sick. In fact, the whole family has come down with a bad cold, terrible cough and sore throat. I'm starting to get back on the mend, but have a long way to go yet.I'll be back when I'm better.
Oh and Jasper laid 10 eggs, but sadly none of them are viable. It is her first time, and this is quite normal. I'm just glad they're out of her and I can start fattening her up again!

Happy Birthday

2011-10-15T08:54:00.002+10:00

To Me! Yay!!! I feel so old.....no I'm not going to tell you my age.And yesterday my boobs turned 1! Yep, I've had my new boobs for a whole year now! And they're great! Best birthday present ever they were!

Friday Favorites

2011-10-14T19:17:00.006+10:00

Sasha needs a dog house like this!I love the giant cross-stitch rose painted on the wall!Can I have these boots? Pretty Please?!This keyring and key holder is pretty nifty!I love the yellow shoes in this pic! I would totally wear them with jeans too.Kaylah's Kitty Doctor Octopus is soooo cute!!Wanna go camping?These are "mood" tiles, so they change colour when the water hits them, depending on the temperature! Oh, I so want these in by shower!!!And I'm loving the new series of Terra Nova on channel 10! It's filmed in Australia!!!

Pregnancy Photos

2011-10-11T22:09:00.005+10:00

Not me!! Jasper!She's so full of eggs, you can feel them by simply holding her. I'm getting slightly impatient, she's been like this for almost a week and has only just started to show interest in the nesting box.As soon as the eggs are laid they'll be taken to a friends house and placed in the incubator, where hopefully in 8 weeks they will hatch into mini Jasper's and Diego's.Jasper is losing weight and condition while putting everything into these eggs. I'm feeding her every day but the dents in her head and slimness of the tail is getting to me.I can't wait for these eggs to be laid simply so I can start getting her fattened up again.

Edited -
Just a quick note to say that Jasper's laid 11 eggs so far, but none of them are any good. I can still feel more in hger though, so you never know. I doubt any will be viable though as she's held onto them for too long now. Oh well!

Friday Favorites

2011-10-07T08:38:00.004+10:00

Crow wearing sunnies! I want a crow...Good sentiment, great picture!I love this tree, amazing!If I was on FB I would totally do this.Now that's a collection!Ahhh pandas. You gotta love 'em.Cute baby owl!!Love this saying, it's so true, and Galilei is who my Galilleo is named after!I love clouds, this one is amazing!

Meet Rex

2011-10-06T12:10:00.005+10:00

My male Gippsland x Eastern Water Dragon, the newest member of our little family.Some of you may remember Spike? I miss him so much, and I can see little traces of his personality in Rex, which is wonderful!I'm quite a proud mother, as he's been growing quite well, and has settled in very nicely into his new home. Here he is sitting on Galilleo's head when they were all having a bath -25cms at the moment, I wonder how big my little man will get in the coming years?
PS. Jasper's gravid (pregnant)!! I'll let you know when she lays the eggs, with photos!

Art Journal #5

2011-10-05T22:29:00.002+10:00

Verse of the Day

2011-10-01T15:12:00.001+10:00

Friday Favorites

2011-09-30T13:12:00.000+10:00

I like this vase with these roses, so sweet.Can I have this quilt cover?And these boots?This Kitty loves dew melon!Nature's art, tying pens to a willow tree. A must if you live near willow trees!I want this huge paint-by-numbers mural in my house!!!This is so true with my Mum.Skateboarding barn owl!This is an abrus seed pod, so cool!Wherever this is, I want to go there!

Art Journal #4

2011-09-27T09:12:00.002+10:00

3 more pages from my art journal... I really need to start adding the date to them!
Don't forget you can click them for a better look!

Meet the Chickens

2011-09-25T17:09:00.000+10:00

These gorgeous girls are Maisey -
and Daisy -Daisy is more outgoing than Maisey, but both are wonderful chooks! They come when you call, follow you around, dig up the garden, eat the food scraps that don't go into the compost, and both lay an egg every day. I love having tame chickens!

Friday Favorites

2011-09-23T08:11:00.000+10:00

Happy Owl!!!Can this be my bedroom? Imagine falling asleep at night to the sound of the rain on the windows!You know, this actually works! But I had to learn it the other harder way didn't I..?This wooden deer brooch by trafalgarssqusre artist Kit Chase is absolutely to die for!Oh yeah, I totally do this!Chicken tocks!Love this little mushroom lamp, I wonder how it was made?!Resin Fishbowl Ring!How amazing is this cloud?!I can't resist a cute kitty picture, especially one this funny!

Vintage and Handmade Finds

2011-09-20T21:43:00.001+10:00

Here's some recent op shop finds I've finally taken the time to photograph.This sweet kitty mug with tail handle was irresistible for 50 cents!This RSPCA cat headband modeled by my assistant was a cute find to add to the kitty/doggy dress up box.You remember these butterfly coasters I scored? I found the matching tray for a measly AU$1.50!.This appliqued teatowl for 50 sents was a pretty good grab.This old wooden note pad holder will go into my owl collection.This new flower stacking mug (the yellow one) goes with my other two thrifted beauties.These wonderful plates will go into the cupboard to be given a second life.These 2 plates I got for free from the "take me" bin. Perfect for a tea party!A gorgeous vintage Marcasite necklace for AU$1.50.A deer panel cushion, a little faded but still great, both sides.This hand appliqued cushion with gorgeous attached buttons entitled "Birdhouse Betty" was only AU$1.00!This sweet little deer cross-stitch, which I still need to decide what to do with. Any ideas?And last but not least, this cheeky little Harry Potter Owl who sits on your finger using elastic, a mere 10 cents!

Peg Dolls

2011-09-18T17:58:00.000+10:00

A few months after starting out in blog-land, I was instantly drawn to follow a blog called Creative Breathing. The wonderful stories and photographs followed by joyous felt creations and then peg dolls was, and still is, truly inspiring. I enjoyed seeing her creations come to life with wonderful characters, but I especially enjoyed her peg dolls! Months went by and I won one of my very own Creative Breathing peg dolls!When she arrived, I instantly fell in love!
Looking everywhere for peg doll supplies, I realized that Australia just didn't have any. In desperation I contacted Elizabeth and she came to my aid, sending out a small box full of equipment to make my very own.Now, finally, after almost three years (my how time flies) I have finished making my first doll!She is a self-portrait. The eyes, hair, clothes and lovingly held lizard is just so me, I am very happy with the way she's turned out!Thankyou so much Elizabeth, for all your inspiration, generosity, and your wonderful friendship!

Cats in Glasses!!

2011-09-16T09:18:00.000+10:00

I thrifted a pair of broken glasses the other week for the think lenses and decided that I could recycle the frames into the kitty dress-up box!

K.CLeilaLooey-LouCelesteOscarTabba-Tabby

Cute huh? These pictures make me smile every time I see them! Aren't they good kitties?

Art Journal #3

2011-09-14T21:52:00.000+10:00

This was drawn for my niece, Lily -This was drawn for my other niece, Liesel -

We Shall Remember

2011-09-11T09:05:00.000+10:00

I can remember exactly where I was, what I had been doing, and what I did for the rest of the day.I will never forget the heartache I felt watching the news footage.I will never forget the look on George Bush's face when he was told the news.I was just a kid at the time, starting home schooling because I was too sick to go to school. I didn't even know what the World Trade Center was. I grew up that day. Finally I realized that life was fleeting. I had been raised a Creationist Seventh-Day Adventist, but had never fully comprehended what the Bible said about the future and end times. This day, I am sure, started the world into the downward spiral that will take us to Jesus second coming. All the prophecies in the Bible are now coming true, I see it on the news every day.I will never forget September 11th, as no one who was old enough to remember will.God Bless America as they mourn the 10 year anniversary of the day that stopped the world.If you would like to know more about what I believe and the many reasons why, this site and especially this DVD will tell you a lot.

Friday Favorites

2011-09-09T12:12:00.003+10:00

I wish bunnies were legal to keep as pets in Queensland...I love animal friendships!I need this sign for our front gate.I love this Hungry Jacks Advertisement! Best one they've come up with in a very looooooong time! The video clip's here if you haven't seen it!Oh yeah, just taking my chickens for a stroll in the big city...Love the painted ceiling in this so-cute nursery!Australian Boulder Opal is one of my favourite things to collect.Can I live in this era and have a pet like this?!

It's the little things...

2011-09-06T21:10:00.000+10:00

Like finding your dog sleeping so soundly on the grass."Sasha!"How cute is that?!

Thrifted Quilts

2011-09-04T09:23:00.000+10:00

I found these gorgeous quilts the other week at the local thrift store.$4.00 and $4.50. Bargains!Especially for the red and orange one which is brand new, handmade goodness!I'm so lucky!

Art Journal #2

2011-09-03T13:50:00.002+10:00

This weeks finished pages!I like these ones. What do you think?

Friday Favorites

2011-09-02T13:15:00.006+10:00

I love koalas!I love Smiling doggies!I love Giraffes!I love old mansions next to lakes!I love Littlest Pet Shop!I love red geraniums and gates!I love tea parties!I love Sand Cats!I love this old English China pattern!I love this necklace! (anyone know where it's from?)

Meet Tabba-Tabby

2011-08-29T09:36:00.001+10:00

Our newest foster cat.Mum came out from work (a very quiet place way out from town along the highway) and found him sitting on her car. He ran off at first but when she called him, he came over and rubbed against her. So she brought him home with her and called me. He had a tear in his ear from either fighting or a scissor cut, but it has healed quite well. I checked him for a microchip the next day at the vets. None. I put ads in the local paper and posters up for a few weeks, sent an email to vet clinics with his picture, and called the RSPCA. No luck. He was so skinny, but so loving, and sooooooooo hungry!We surmised that he'd been dumped, poor kitty. We didn't think we could take him on as a CAA foster cat, and because he was still so young and hadn't started spraying tom cat smell yet, I talked to my local vet and he offered to neuter him for a reduced price. So we got him fixed.He became a kitten all over again, comes with Sasha, Oscar and I when we go for our walks, and he plays with a stuffed koala toy we gave him. He sleeps in the patio every night when we lock the cats inside, and his favourite food is milk or cream.CAA now have a place for him, with us as his carers, and he's up for adoption!

Friday Favorites

2011-08-26T09:54:00.005+10:00

This owl is especially for my sister who's birthday it is today. Happy Birthday Sis!Hope everybody wears their daffodil badges today!This is seriously good marketing! I wonder if anybody bought one?Something about this bedroom just gets me. Maybe it's the owl pillow on the bed...?One day I will go on a herping trip just to find these thorny devils! And I'm taking plenty of pictures when I do.Ha! Love these mugs, and his face expressions to match!I'd be lost without my mobile!Can I live here?Ahh boots. I love boots! These are especially spiffy.

Art Journal

2011-08-25T17:26:00.005+10:00

I mentioned a few posts ago that most of my stuff lately hasn't been stitched, but was going into my Art Journal. Here's a few pages, I think this type of random pattern is called Zentangle. It's really enjoyable and relaxing.I think I've entered a craft slump, as I just don't feel like doing anything creative other than doodling. So I'll blog a journal page a week, just to show that I'm still doing some sort of arts and crafts.

My New Boots

2011-08-23T18:03:00.001+10:00

I love my new boots!Bought from City Beach Surf Shop, $69.99 reduced to $29.99, 100% leather, zips up the sides.I bought two pairs! Sooooo comfortable.I love my new boots!

Cupcake Day 4 the RSPCA

2011-08-22T08:34:00.004+10:00

Cupcake Day 4 the RSPCA was last Friday. Dad asked me to bake cupcakes for a competition they had at his work, which is one of the major sponsors of the charity. So I baked 12 lemon rainbow cupcakes with lemon cream cheese frosting, and 12 vanilla cupcakes, some decorated with turtles and a couple as mushrooms.Can you believe it? I won first prize for my rainbow ones!!Only one vanilla cupcake was left at the end of the day, totaling $44 raised for the RSPCA from my baking alone.I'm stoked that I could win my Dad bragging rights for a whole year, and make him so proud.

Friday Favorites

2011-08-19T11:31:00.006+10:00

I'm loving this shirt, wish it wasn't so expensive!Hybrid Wolf-Dogs. I want one!!!!!Favorite movie at the moment, love this dress!Owl on a push bike. How cute!Love this brooch!!Typical me, typical cat lady.Shell house! Made of shells!I would just die if I found this teapot and cup! They're so cute!And of course, a cheetah!!

Australian Reptile Park

2011-08-14T23:43:00.006+10:00

It's one of my favourite places in the world! I know quite a few of my followers are afraid of snakes, so I've blogged the photos on my other blog here, but I thought I'd share the owl pictures here as well! I got to hold the tawny's and a boobook, but the barn owl wouldn't let me near him. Enjoy!Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides).Australian Barn Owl (Tyto alba).Southern Boobook Owl (Ninox novaeseelandiae).

Friday Favorites

2011-08-12T09:31:00.004+10:00

Love this fox and rabbit print!!The problem with working with animals and getting down and dirty is that I'll never be able to wear my nails like this! Without them chipping anyway...I love Deery-Lou! The mushie's cute too!A cat with a cat print!This is so true...I want a watermelon travel case!E-gnome-ous collection...couldn't help myself, sorry!I would love to dress up Sasha like this! Imagine the double-takes people would do!I'm kind of obsessed with cheetahs, especially since I got to cuddle one!

Meet Galilleo...

2011-08-09T10:50:00.001+10:00

I said I'd introduce you to the present I bought myself at the Canberra Reptile Sanctuary. Well, here he is!This is the picture I took of him before I even knew I could consider him for adoption -Here's my new baby now, all happy at home with his new family!
Front to back - Galilleo, Pepsi, Diego and Jasper. I didn't realize how big he really was until I put him down next to Pepsi!
I'd love to show you all the other pictures I took at the Reptile Center, but because it involves snakes, I'll put them on my other blog here, so you can choose whether or not to see them. They're good photos though!!

Friday Favorites

2011-08-05T17:06:00.008+10:00

The perfect happy prank!
Is this place real!?I would totally paint my house like this... if I could get away with it.
Dress for the job you want...
Gorgeous wallpaper!
Love these greeting cards!
These little china squirrels are so cute!!
Wonder if I could capture a picture like this?
Happy things to get you through the weekend -

Going to the Zoo. Prt 3

2011-08-02T22:53:00.002+10:00

Welcome to The Zoo part 3! I know you're going to love these last few photos!
The Cougars Cree and Cheyenne -One of the Servals, Souda or Mzimba -One of the Cheetahs, unsure whether it's Tanzi, Robi, Shasa or Nova -The one I got to cuddle was Shasa -Here's a macro of her paws I took -The National Zoo is home to 3 brown bears, Big Fella, Blondie and Darkle. But I only managed to photograph one when the "Zooventure Tour" which was actually a family tour, came to feed them -This is Bakkar the Bengal Tiger. He carries the white tiger gene and is one of Australia's largest Bengals -And here's my favourite little shrimp from the Aquarium part of the zoo -Sadly I never got to see the Sumatran tiger Berani or the Snow Leopards Shiva and Bhutan. All were sleeping, or camouflaged, somewhere out of sight.

Well, you have to keep some surprises for my next visit, right?! And I am so doing that Zooventure Tour next time...

Going to the Zoo. Prt 2

2011-07-31T22:10:00.001+10:00

Welcome to the Zoo Part 2! Today we will be meeting...
Meerkats Mbali, Makena and Sekai -Red Pandas Tenzen and Eilish, unsure of which this one is though -The Dingo Jumbany, who I got to pet later as they were walked around on leashes -Koalas Winston and Eucky, again unsure of who this is (I like to think it's Eucky cause that's an awesome name!) -Tawny Frog-mouths -Swamp Wallabies -Little Penguins -De Brazza's Monkey Sam or Camulla -Ring tail Lemur Indray -Black-and-White Colobus monkeys Chadwick and Charlie having a grooming session -The Common Eland Nyama -The Zebras Zambezi, Kike, Zahra and the foals Zaafir & Kamalu -Giraffes Humbekhali (Hummer) and Ketanga -Third installment coming soon!

Going to the Zoo. Prt 1

2011-07-30T09:22:00.001+10:00

Visiting the National Zoo and Aquarium was just awesome! It was the only real day of blue sky we had while in Canberra, and as you all know, I love animals, so I had an absolute blast! Here's my favourite pictures from the Zoo.
Black-Capped Capuchins -Cotton Top Tamarins -Oriental small-clawed Otters -Malayan Sun Bears, I think this one is Otay -These little blue wrens were everywhere around the Zoo -African Lions Millie, Sabi and Marjan -White Lions Jake and Mishka -Members of the "Brat Pack" -Stay tuned for Part 2 coming soon to a computer near you...

Friday Favorites

2011-07-29T20:58:00.005+10:00

I love insect collections! I even have a few of my own...So much cooler than white laundry hanging about!So me it isn't funny...Can I live here?With this kitchen?Awesome journal page idea!I loved these things when I was young! Still do, they're just so magical to watch.Need this pancake maker...A melanistic serval. I saw a normal serval while on holidays (pictures to come soon) but never knew you could get them in black!I'll leave you with this inspiring thought. Note to self - remember to thank Him more...

I'm Back!!

2011-07-26T22:12:00.008+10:00

I've been on holidays for the last 16 days! Did you miss me? Probably not as I set up some scheduled posts to keep the blog occupied. I had an absolute ball!First, I flew down to Canberra to see my brother and meet his new family, including my new niece, and to catch up with my parents.We went shopping in the huge Canberra Center, where I bought some fun new stuff and presents for friends.We went to the National Zoo and Aquarium, a privately owned zoo, where I got to Meet a Cheetah!If you ever go, it is so worth it!!! She lay there and purred the whole time as the other two stalked around the enclosure. I'll post some of my favourite pictures from the zoo soon!
We went to Parliament House, and because my brother works there, we got special passes which enabled us to go places where normal tourists aren't allowed.Ever seen Julia Gillard's office? I have!We also went to the Canberra Reptile Sanctuary where I bought myself a little present. I'll introduce him in another post. Don't worry, this isn't him!We went to the Royal Australian Mint, and saw where they make money, along with other interesting things.Then we drove out of the ACT and into the blue mountains, all the way to Blackheath, where we picked up several boxes full of owls I had won on eBay (total score!!!) and then drove all the way back down them and up to Morisset where my aunt and uncle live.We were lucky as the next day it snowed and the Western Highway to Blackheath was closed!From there we did some more shopping (who doesn't love shopping?) and visited my Grandmother and other family members. This picture hangs above Gran's fireplace. She drew it using oil pastels, from a picture of the waterfall in the gully beside her house.My Dad and I went to the Australian Reptile Park in Somersby.We spent the whole day there, simply enjoying all the animals. I got to cuddle a few Tawny Frog-mouthspat a Boobook Owl, who was most disgruntled that I would even consider touching his beautiful feathersand when we left, the girls at the front desk allowed Dad and I to hold Tinka the white Dingo puppy!We went and visited my sister, brother-in-law and gorgeous niece Lily in Newcastle. Lily is 14 months old now and is the most gorgeous, most beautiful thing in the world to me! Isn't she a doll?I then flew back home via a few hours stop over in Brisbane.I've got heaps of pictures to share, but they'll have to wait!

Friday Favorites

2011-07-22T11:49:00.000+10:00

I want a relationship with a lion like this guy has!

I don't know why it is but I love this painting.

Squirrel Sticky Tape!

So true. And I am so blessed to have found such a relationship!

Most awesome way to cover a chair for winter!

Tea Wreath made form pegs and packs of Tea!

Hidden animal Tea Cups!

Prairie Dog family portrait taken by Mr.Squirrel!

I need this to hang above my sewing machine, when I finally get a sewing machine...

pencil love

2011-07-18T13:00:00.000+10:00

I love pencils. I don't use them as much as I used to, and most of them have gone astray, but I have managed to keep my absolute favourite pencils together.Most of these I've owned for more than 12 years!Some of them are tiny as they've been sharpened so much.I must do a post soon with some pictures from my art journal. I've been using pens and not threads to do a lot of my creative stuff recently.

Friday Favorites

2011-07-15T11:19:00.000+10:00

I love this bedroom! Can I have a bedroom like this one day?

I love this sequined mushroom purse, but sadly it's already sold.

Itty Bitty Kitty in the wildflowers!

I want escalators like this in Aus!

Narnia Kitty!

I want these boots too!

A good kind of graffiti.

I don't know why, but I just adore this owl and his colours!

I own emu eggs, and ostrich eggs, now I want a cassowary egg!!!

A Walk in the Park

2011-07-13T23:38:00.000+10:00

A nice quite walk on a warm day surrounded by nature can be very soothing to the soul. I took the dog, and I took my camera.

Button Brooches

2011-07-11T15:15:00.005+10:00

One of the things I look for when I go thrifting is bright coloured buttons in sets of five. With five, I can make petals.I love the way my latest set has turned out!See one you like? AU$5.00 + postage and it's yours! First in best dressed.

Snake - no pics, don't worry!

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

So I know a lot of people are freaked out by snakes. I'm not going to post the pictures here. But yesterday I got a call from some friends to come have a look at a snake they'd caught, and he turned out to be a little Brown Tree Snake! Such a cutie pie! I've blogged about him, with pictures, on my wildlife blog here. So if you're interested, it's worth a look!
But I hate doing a post without a picture, so here's a cute cartoon snake that shouldn't bother anyone.

Friday Favorites

2011-07-08T15:07:00.000+10:00

I NEED this shoe-storage ottoman!

Maned Wolf, seriously! Almost as cool as Tibetan foxes!

I want a closet set up like this in my bedroom.

Happy dancing fingers!

"You forgot to cook the chickens before putting them on the table!"

Buttercup eating Bunny!

Mini doughnut holes! Recipe here.

I'm not emo, but if I found some cheap garden flamingos, I would so paint them like this!

I want this scarf!

Verse of the Day

2011-07-02T15:43:00.000+10:00

Friday Favorites

2011-07-01T15:21:00.004+10:00

Owl hidey holes!!

Japanese mushroom paper lamps! Where can I get these?

I love labs!!

These furry little cuties are called Momongas!

Totally true...but I'm laughing in my head!

Snail Mail!!

I want these boots! How cool are they?

Cat chases black bear up a tree - Classic!!!

I now have one of these Canon Camera Lens Mugs!

Ant Handstand!!!

Vintage Finds

2011-06-28T15:51:00.004+10:00

I love buttons! I might have mentioned that before, but I truly do! So I was stoked to get a huge ice cream tub full for only $3.00!I also love acorns, something you don't get many of here in Australia (unless you live a long ways south and happen to have an oak tree nearby). So when I found this cut glass acorn dish for $1.00 I was very happy! Actually, I think it's an ash tray but I prefer it as a dish.I also found some gorgeous quilting fabrics on sale at Spotlight the other week, which I just love! I mean, hello! Toadstools!!!Neatly stored all together they screamed out for a little photo session.So with camera in hand, I did indeed enjoy sorting through my little stash of buttons for a while!

Ahh Sunday...

2011-06-26T14:32:00.002+10:00

Where would we be without a day to laze around and do nothing in particular..?

Friday Favorites

2011-06-24T22:12:00.004+10:00

I heart kitty chins!!

hehe, Firefox...windows...get it?

How to draw a Panda!? Too easy!

I don't think I ever did eat glue. Did you?

An Owl wearing glasses! Classic!!

I want this chicken coop for my new chickens! (Whom I must introduce to you all soon)

Have a happy Friday!

It's a Girl!!

2011-06-23T09:54:00.002+10:00

Congratulations to my big brother and his wonderful partner on the birth of a beautiful baby girl!Liesel Grace.

Born at 4:15am, weighing 3.8kgs, 51cms long, and with the most gorgeous head of dark hair!I am such a lucky duck to be an Aunty to two wonderful nieces!

Yes!

2011-06-22T13:21:00.002+10:00

I must admit I'm guilty of this! Mostly before the reduction, but I still find myself doing it!

Verse of the Day

2011-06-18T14:28:00.003+10:00