Well, that’s it, Summer is over for another year and I’m reminiscing about …

Long days outdoors with frangipani’s, hibiscus and palm trees,

 

Sandals, straw hats and sunglasses while sipping on Pimms,

Boating, and finishing the day with a stunning sunset.

Here’s what I won’t miss about summer – Feeling sticky, sweaty, frizzy and frazzled. Smelling like a mixture of Aerogard and Coconut Oil. Getting eaten alive by mosquitos. Never ending rain and even a cyclone! And washing 78 beach towels per day, yes 78, I’m totally not exaggerating!

Hello Autumn, I look forward to beautiful days without the humidity, smelling like Chanel, fallen leaves in beautiful warm hues, eating outdoors with out the mosquitos and cutting back the washing to a manageable 46 beach towels per day (totally no exaggeration).

   

What do you miss about Summer? Are you looking forward to something in particular in Autumn? Tell me!

Hayley x

Recently I saw these ‘Pay it Forward’ posts popping up on my Instagram feed. I got curious and discovered it was a movement based on love and good karma,  to receive an act of kindness from somebody and ‘pay if forward’ to others.

The deal is – You see a ‘pay it forward’ post on Instagram and comment “I’m in!”. The first 5 people to comment are the ones who will receive an act of kindness. In turn, you must then post it on your own page and ‘pay if forward’.

I thought that sounded like something I’d love to get involved in. I decided I would join the next one I saw pop up on my feed.

  

I thought you might like to see what I put together for my little ‘pay it forward’ gift.

One of my favourite parts of the day is what I like to call ‘me time’. I make myself a cup of tea, and sometimes I sneak a piece of chocolate and I take 5 minutes to reflect and be thankful for my life.  So, I thought I would make a little ‘me’ pack for my ‘pay it forward’ pals.

I found these beautiful Thankful Journals from Kikki K that I based my gift around.  They have 3 spaces per day to list the things that you are thankful for, they also have some perforated tear our thank-you notes. They are very sweet and I think they would be a lovely journal to hold onto and look back on in years to come. I also included a matching pen.

 

 

Now, I didn’t expect my lovely ‘pay if forward’ pals to be thankful unless they had a reason to sit down and take the time. So, I also included some flavoured tea bags from Twinings and a block of Lindt chocolate.

A gift is not complete without beautiful wrapping, I love brown paper packages tied up with string. I also embellished my packages with these gorgeous mud clay tags made by Mud by Nest.

   

What do you think? I hope my ‘pay if forward’ pals like it!

Hayley x

 

Since a huge part of our county is currently wet I thought I would find some ideas to keep you all busy while your trapped indoors.

If you have garage, get that spray paint out and paint anything that’s not moving! Look at these easy peasy idea’s I found on Pinterest. Add some bright glossy paint to any old lampbase for an instant update. Or steal some of your kids toys, glue them to old jar lids and give it a spray, don’t they look fabulous!

  

If hand painting is more your speed, how about this gorgeous desk update with a simple ribbon border. Or these monogrammed drawers, so simple, yet so effective. I love these drawers, I want to try this one myself.

  

Now you have a smashing new lamp base, lets renovate the shade as well. It’s quite easy to re-cover an old lamp shade, I have done many over the years. If your a beginner a drum shade is the easiest to work with. You can recover your shade in fabric, wallpaper, old maps, there are lots of tutorials on Pinterest, I have a couple pinned in my ‘Crafty Ideas’ board.

  

If that just sounds like to much work, you can always simply add a ribbon or trim. Again, I have done this many times. I don’t think there is a lampshade left untouched in my house. I like to attach ribbon with 2-sided tape, it adheres well and is easily removed when I change my mind and want to change colours. You could use ribbon, upholstery trims, leather, tassels or anything that takes your fancy. Here is a couple of examples in my home.

  

If your handy with a sewing machine, how about adding some trim to your curtains or blinds. A greek key pattern looks expensive, and while it can be a little fiddly it just takes a little patience. This can also be accomplished without sewing anything, there are a few tutorials on Pinterest where you use ribbon and no-sew iron-on tape. This method also works well on cushions, as in the picture below. Click on the cushion picture to go to the step-by-step instruction at Sarah M Dorsey Designs. She has all kind of fabulous DIY’s on there! If you’r feeling extra handy, try the Nailhead Metallic Linen Headboard, WOW, it is really sensational!

    

Well, that should keep you busy! I’d love to see your crafty activities, please tag me on Instagram or Facebook!

Hayley x

 

When one of Carla’s handmade ceramic crosses popped up on my Instagram feed,  it was love at first sight. I mean, have you seen them? They are absolutely beautiful! Blue and white prints, adorned with shells, bright glossy tassels and gold lustre, what more could you want! Just in case you haven’t seen Carla’s stunning ceramics, I thought I would introduce you.

Meet Carla, a Mum of 4 small children, working from her home studio in Melbourne and producing some seriously amazing pieces of art. Apart from the crosses, she also has some very cool fish and cow skulls, and plans to expand her range in the near future.

   

Carla studied 3 years of Fine Art at R.M.I.T. She says, “At school it was always my favourite subject so it was a natural progression to study it after school”.

Carla Dinnage Ceramics was born in 2014 after her second child went to school and she found more time to be creative. Carla made a few pieces at home, and quickly friends and family started enquiring about purchasing her pieces. With a boost in confidence she posted a few pictures on Instagram and received a fabulous reaction from both individuals and businesses. Carla now stocks 15 retailers.

   

Carla says she finds her inspiration from her years travelling. She says, “I loved Mexico and New Mexico and loved the markets with all of the colours and unique gifts”.

She also appreciates other artist work, including Stephen Benwells ceramics, she particularly loves his large ceramic vases.

   

Carla’s future is looking bright with plans to create some slip casted bowls and a range of printed, hanging tiles. She also has a passion for hand building and would like to get back into hand coiling some large pots and vases. An exhibition might be on the cards in the future too!

   

You can see some of Carla’s pieces here. Or follow her on Instagram here. Carla also has a special offer of free shipping for a limited time, so be quick!

We can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next Carla!

Hayley x