A Day on Earth

Our efforts for Earth hour involved Mahjong by candlelight. When I was in China in 2006 I purchased a set, purely based on the lovely designs and patterns on the tiles. This was the first time I had attempted a game - and I have to admit that a Mahjong Master I am not. But building the fortress was fun.

And today: I get in a spin about anything fabric related, so you won't be surprised to hear my excitement about receiving fabric in the post. Some delicious fabric arrived for me today from Belsize Square. They have such gorgeous prints and a great range of fabrics. I am super pleased - I can see it making an outrageously cute dress or skirt for NeverEver.

Next to them, some yellow mini roses given to me by my workmate today, for no reason at all other than to bring a smile. Sweet, huh?

Little Lady

Lemon Floral Milkmaid Skirt



I have broadened my range to include skirts. I am so taken with this little piece of cuteness. Available in sizes 1 - 4.

Inspired by... Turkey

I have decided to start a little series of posts about different countries, how they inspire people to create today, and how they translate into modern design and craft. It is something that I am excited about, so here goes, with Week 1: Turkey.

Now I don't know much about Turkey aside from the fact that it inspired a sweet "Delight" that I hate, and has a capital city that has an identity crisis. Istanbul or Constantinople? Great song.

However, I do know that the craft and art from and inspired by Turkey is an amazing thing. Beautiful woven textiles, rich and ornate jewellery, and shiny ceramics - Ahhh. Here's a little taste of the things I have found whilst searching all things Turkish.

Handmade Traditional Silk Scarf by OttoFabrics from Istanbul

Turkish Craft Ceramic Bowl, photo by Janetski on Flickr

To get you further intrigued with Turkey, how about this: the original biblical "Garden of Eden" is there, as well as the place where Noah's Ark came to rest - Mt Ararat.

Also, Turkey is home to the world's largest and heaviest chandelier, in Dolmabahce Palace. Well, what do you know?

Turkish Mocha Shea Butter by LusciousLather

Cotton scarf with Turkish style needle lace by Zerva

Let's...

Lately I have been getting the urge to throw a wild, loud, crazy fun houseparty. I haven't had one for ages, and the feeling just keeps creeping up on me. This fantastic party sign got me really excited. Made me start thinking of cocktail umbrellas and fairy lights. Slinky dresses and songs to make you jump around.

Top Left MadMaud's Umbrellas 11 x 14; Top Right MarketStoreShoppe's Slinky Shimmery Gold Dress; Bottom Left P.J.K's DJ at a House Party, Pacific Beach; Bottom Right Whimsidoodle's Origami Lights.

Perchy McPerch comes to stay

A trip to the fish markets was always going to be a treat for the senses - the sights of the fresh seafood laid out for sale, the smells of the sea, the sounds of fresh ice chips being made and vendors yelling out their specials. But I found myself growing more excited by the minute as I deliberated over what to buy for dinner. After much wandering and weighing up, I decided on a whole fish - and Monsieur Perchy McPerch was the lucky winner.

Once home, I filled him up with basil, tomatoes, onion, lemon slices, green chillies, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. I threw in a few cherry tomatoes from the jungle that is tomato season in our garden, wrapped him up in foil and baked him for half an hour. Oh my - the tastiest fish I have had for quite a while.

We ate him with steamed asparagus and sugar snap peas. Dessert was a lovely refreshing Lemon Sorbet. Unfortunately that did not rank highly enough to be photographed, and seeing as Penny of PocketCarnival requested it, I feel obliged to provide this alternative online dessert - a fantastic paper buffet! Hope it satisfies!

I just found this hilarious store for nerd babies. This is something I could see on my baby's wall - when I have one. Electric Boogaloo

What first?!

Well, ok. This first. I'm on the Front Page of Etsy. Hurrah!

Then this: My Paisley Floral Yoke Dress is featured on a fantastic kid's website called KidStyleFile today.

Then, to top it all off:

My Anchors Away Bib is in this issue of a fantastic magazine, Viva La Moda. Page 76. Go and have a look through it - it really is a delectable specimen of gorgeous handmade fashion and craftiness.

Man, I can hardly keep up. So exciting!