Made By Hand

Tonight on Channel 31 at 8.30pm will be the 1st episode of a new series, Made by Hand. Featuring reports on artists, crafters and designers in Melbourne. Check out the web site to view the trailer.

Stampin' Up!

These are the two cards I and the others made during the party.

Also the Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of going to a Stampin Up! party. I have been to many home parties, such as Tupperware, Linen, Avon and many more. This was the first party that was definitively up my alley and one of the most enjoyable I have ever been too.

To begin with the lovely demonstrator, Marlene talked about Stampin' Up!, which originally started in America and then the business spread to the rest of the world. We were then introduced to the products via the catalogue. Then the hands on and fun began, by making our own cards. This was fun and I learnt a little about the cutters etc. I really don't get to make cards with paper, seeing as you know I design my own stationery on the computer. So actually getting one's hands dirty (so to speak) was fun. I have purchased some Pear, Wasapi and Chocolate inks, which I'm looking forward to receiving.

If you want to host a Stampin' Up! party, you can either go the web page or contact Marlene through me.

Vintage Greeting Cards

While my mum was searching through the family history records she found some more lovely vintage greeting cards. Enjoy.

This vintage birthday card is dated 1921

Published by appointment to their Majesties The King and Queen Alexandra.

This vintage Christmas card is dated 1905.

My Creative Space......Another Blanket

Ok I have a serious problem, I just keep wanting to crochet blankets. We really don't need any more, but I just can't help it. I want to crochet pretty blankets, they make me happy and zenish (I know that's not a word, but I like it). I just want to have a pile of pretty crochet blankets to look at. I know I'm weird.... :-)

Once this one is finished, I start on my mum's crochet blanket.

To see more creative spaces go here

Paper Runway Magazine - Wedding Issue

The online wedding issue from Paper Runway is now out. The photos are to die for, cant wait to sit down and read it, with my trusty cuppa of Earl Grey Tea.

My Creative Place - Orange Tart

Recently I received 3kg of oranges. So what to make, I know an orange tart.

Orange Tart

1 Quantity sweet pastry

1 tbs granulated sugar

2 oranges

Sweet Pastry

200g plain flour

pinch of salt

70g unsalted butter

80g caster sugar

1 egg, lightly beaten

1-2 drops of vanilla extract or essence

1. In bowl, sift flour and salt. Cut butter into cubes and rub into flour, until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

2. Stir in sugar. Make well in center of flour, pour in combined egg and vanilla. Mix with palette knife. Make into a dough.

3. Gather dough into a ball and flatten it slightly. Wrap in plastic and store in fridge for 20 min.

Orange Filling

200g unsalted butter

finely grated rind of 1/2 orange

300g caster sugar

4 eggs

6 eggs yolks

30g cornflour

140ml orange juice.

1. Preheat the oven to 180C (350F/Gas 4)

2. Grease tart tin 22cm across the base with butter. Roll out pastry and line the tart tin.

3. Bake pastry blind for 10min until firm. Remove beans and paper and return to oven for 15min.

4. Orange filling - Melt butter and orange rind, remove from heat. Sift sugar into bowl, and eggs and egg yolks. Sift in cornflour and mix well, then add orange juice. Pour egg mixture into the

saucepan with butter and the orange rind and place over med. heat. Stir constantly, bring to the boil. Remove from heat and pour into the shallow dish. Cover the surface with baking paper and refrigerate until cold.

5. Preheat grill, beat the orange filling and spread in the pastry shell. Smooth the top. Sprinkle sugar over mixture and place under grill to caramelize. Cool, the chill in fridge.

It was great to eat with whipped cream and the taste of the orange was stronger the next day. To view other creative places, click here.

Praying Mantis

Just had to share a little happiness that happened in our household tonight. My son found a praying mantis wrapped in spider web and twigs. So we took it inside, because it looked like it was on deaths door. When my husband came home, I said we have a patient for you to look after, he is a vet. So minutes later my husband was helping this cute little praying mantis. Once all the web and twigs was off the mantis, we put it outside. So glad we could help this wee little animal.

Oranges and Lemons...

On this long weekend, I have been surrounded by food that has oranges and lemons in it. Stay tuned for some yummy recipes that have oranges in them.

Enjoy the Queen's Birthday

I love this vintage photo of Queen Elizabeth. Enjoy your long weekend.

Image via

My Creative Space......Crochet

Not sure if Kootoyoo is doing Creative Spaces today. Anyway, thought you might like to finally see the finished crocheted blanket that I started back in April. It was my first attempt crocheting this style. I was happy with it, to a certain extent. The edges are a little rough, but that's OK. I'm very eager to start on the next project. Crochet is my Zen. :-)