dreamy white

Winter or summer I always love white. Living here in a unit / apartment it gives a feeling of space and tranquilty and feels like a sanctuary, miles away from the busy city outside. With some natural driftwood and rattan it prevents it looking too clinical.
I was again imagining my own shop here. A mix of painted vintage furniture, handmade creations, driftwood and jewellery.

Have a relaxing weekend!

junk style

Just when I'd almost given up on furniture finding, along comes all this. The council clean ups don't happen as often these days.

I stumbled on most of these vintage treasures discarded outside a lovely old building nearby. They look like they had lived there for many years.

With almost summer like weather this week it's been perfect to be outside with a paintbrush. It's always fun to see the amazing transformation paint can make isn't it?

Here are some things I've completed so far. My partner undercoated everything for me with Zinsser primer which made it a lot easier. I used some sample pots I already had to mix the colour with satin enamel paint, brighter aqua on the bedside table and lighter for the drawers, then sanded lightly over everything for a worn look. I'll have to get myself some chalk paint one of these days.

I painted the mirror, once varnished timber, a while ago. It was left behind when my son moved out.

Fun for me playing around with vintage finds but a bit disturbing for Miss Bella who likes everything to be left in it's place.

I was imagining my own cluttered shop, market stall or the inside of a beach hut.

now for a cat nap..

Happy Weekend!

sharing at

My Romantic Home

hello

I thought it was about time I dropped back in to say hello. It's been good to have a break from the commitment of blogging I have to say. .  these are a few of the things I've been doing and seeing over the past few weeks.

The succulents are enjoying the long stretch of dry weather and heat. White painted pots, recycled tins and succulent cuttings for an easy low maintenance, small space garden.

Spring time in my neighbourhood (feels more like summer) - love these pink roses.

Vintage find..

More driftwood creations hanging around.

and shells..

Unfortunately the long stretch of dry weather has led to devastating bush fires, so early in the season, to the north, west and south of Sydney. Thinking of all those affected.

Treating myself to a visit to the amazing Sibella Court's shop.

Inspired to make collages with beach finds.

What have you been up to?

macrame vases

I found another use for the macrame hangers I made a while ago.. or I should say my daughter did. This is what I came home to - a vintage bottle and recycled jar hanging like this with the last of the camelias.

See how to make them here

Have a great week!

white for spring

Things are warming up in this part of the world as we count down the days to spring. 

In the mood for lots of white - the colour of new beginnings, just like spring is a time of growth and renewal.

It's funny how a bunch of flowers can motivate a 'bit' of cleaning (not too much) and decorating. Maybe 'cause spring is almost here I'm feeling like freshening up and peeling off the winter layers of dust and clutter.

.. and looking forward to more time at the beach.

Even a rusty old lantern got the white treatment. Another thing I'm glad I painted white. I'll like the look when the rust comes back through the paint too. 

Happy change of season!

vintage coastal flowers

Maybe it's winter.. but I haven't been very motivated to do anything much in this place, let alone anything that's blog-worthy. The ironing is overflowing in the corner, my desk is covered in things, the paperwork is piling up on the dining room table. Sound familiar?

Just when i was wondering what to post about my partner walked in the door with a bucket full of beautiful camelias from a friend's place. Where to put them all? I don't have much in the way of vases, but i do have lots of sea glass colour vintage bottles, recycled jars and some vintage jugs.
  

The mantel was decluttered and cleared of driftwood boats, shells and beach pebbles to make way for some vintage coastal floristry.

Thinking this look would be just right for an outdoor wedding.. I'm imagining mismatched vintage chairs, long trestle tables with flowers in vintage bottles, lots of recycled jars with tea lights down the centre of the tables and fairy lights strung from tree branches above. Something simple you could do yourself without a lot of fuss or expense.

Have a great week.

joining

romantic home

on my desk

It's not every day my desk looks like this! I knew you were coming over so I tidied up ;)  
I don't have the craft room or studio of my dreams. Living in a unit / apartment in a busy part of the city can be compact, but I've made the most of the space I do have. It helps to be organised and have a place to put everything away - storage boxes from Ikea, tackle boxes, recycled jars and a couple of vintage wooden boxes. 

These plastic storage boxes with lots of compartments are a great place to keep beads and jewellery findings. 

organised chaos..

this globe doubles as a storage place for a shell crown

Instead of buying new jars, recycle. It's worth spending the time soaking off sticky labels and it's good to be able to see what's inside. I'm labelling mine with chalk board stickers. 
See how I made the shelves here.

I'm loving this wooden hand I bought at TYPO on sale for only $15, if you're in Australia. It makes a great jewellery holder.

Tell me.. what's on your desk?