Eye Candy for the heart and home ...

These books are due back but I wanted to share a glimpse of what's inside with you. I love old textiles - woollen blankets, handstitched doileys, crochet peggy square blankets, florals and old school prints, distressed furniture. It's what my home with my grandparents actually looked like, but in an uncontrived kinda way. Because 'shabby chic' wasn't even a phrase then. And things were built to last, repaired and reused again and again. Clothes were cut down from adults to childrens, the edges were crocheted and all our clothes were pressed to an inch of their lives with a wet tea towel and iron. Then when they were no longer wearable they went into a ragbag and used as ties in the garden for holding up tomato plants, or as dish cloths, or whatever. Nothing was wasted.

What is it about a pile of beautiful old linens neatly folded that takes my breath away ...

Why put your rice and pasta in jars when you could whip up some bags from ticking fabric? Ok, this might be a tad overboard because frankly my pantry is a big jumbled mess, and this would require me to have no children to maintain this measure of order. But still, the idea is nice.

And who can resist a fleamarket? Garage sale? Or op shop?

How is this for a child's room? I want to make a rag rug right now! Quilting is a bit too fiddly for me but if someone could show me how to make one in a couple of days, then I might be persuaded.

Stacks of random cushions and blankets creating cosy corners in different rooms. I love all the patterns. Not for me minimalism. I think I have managed to create a similar space in my bedroom but sharing this house with three males (soon to be four) means that our spaces have to be functional. But if I owned a big house, well! The mind boggles with what one could do. And I would have art all over the walls and lots of display spaces for beautiful handmade objects.

And this living room is the epitomy of my kinda style. A collage of wallpaper bits on the wall (I knew those great rolls of vintage wallpaper sitting in my garage would come in handy one day), with quilted old roll arm upholstered couches in vintage fabrics. I think the secret to the success of these rooms tend to be: No unnecessary clutter (which I couldn't do because I love collecting old things) and a blank canvas to start with like painted walls, bare floors, and no ugly bits. And we are renting so I don't really have the freedom to do all that I would love to.

And just because I love these couches, here are some close-ups.

Of course, the bright colours and bold patterns are what make these ping!

I currently have two boys sharing one bedroom and am trying to figure how to squeeze a baby in there too. Fact is, our home has been snug up til now, but with Knuckles appearing soon it's gonna get tighter. My studio will have to double as a baby room at night, and he will have to go into the boys room during school days, and our room on the weekend. Ideally, I'd love the kids to have their own rooms - it's difficult for my twelve year old sometimes, with his six year old brother - we all need our own space.

I love these custom built wooden bunks. How cosy are they?

I would love a nursery. I have collected preloved (some handmade) woollen blankets, embroidered sheets and a wee cane bassinet that's a bit hammered and seen some mileage. I've made some toys. His clothes have mostly been given to us in great preloved condition. Now I just need Knuckles to arrive. I figure in about three-six months I'll need a larger cot bed. I haven't gone overboard with stuff because frankly there is nowhere to put anything. Only a couple of items left including a carseat. A wooden change table would be nice but not necessary. I still want to make a cool bunting flag thing and a few other goodies but sitting for long periods at my sewing machine is too difficult now so will have to sew a few things after he's born. I wonder if I am dreaming or whether I will have time for crafting. I hope so.

For a real treat, I stumbled across an amazing blog that showcases amazing crafters and their homes. So if like me, you enjoy having a nosy in other peoples spaces for inspiration then visit: http://bkids.typepad.com/. Scroll down the lists and then click on the links to get transported into some very clever peoples homes, their craft businesses and their products. I love the felted kids boots from FeltCafe and the home of Karen from Misha Lulu.

FIVE WEEKS TO GO ...

I can't believe it. And today the sun is shining, my family are having water fights (well, they say they are washing the car but they are wetter than the car so...). And I slept in until 1pm. I could've kept sleeping too ... but the lure of leftover homemade soup and some toast made me get dressed and sit at my dining table and look out at the harbour and count my blessings.

I am feeling very optimistic today. Having spent time with great friends yesterday really lifted my spirits. Sometimes the world can get very small when one is alone a lot. Not that I'm complaining because most days I am happy to sit at home and mess around with my art stuff. You know ... but then I am also happy to be with other positive folk, folk who love their kids and each other, and are into making the world a better place too.

And my Richard. We had a good chat this morning and things are going so smoothly, I just have to pinch myself. We were married thirteen years ago this past week and he brings stability to my life in truckloads. Like breakfast in bed for most of those thirteen years, everyday with a smile and kiss. And he likes pottering around the home and wrestling with our boys. And he doesn't ever criticise ANYONE, EVER! And he doesn't bear grudges and he likes cuddling and he never raises his voice. And he cooks, does laundry, changes nappies and does the midnight shift with the babies.

I know, pretty unbelieveable huh? So I sat there listening to my guys all laughing and screaming at each other and running past with buckets of water, and just thanked God for my incredible lot. And the other thing, is that today, I am not afraid to look forward and see myself enjoying our newest son. And that is saying something because I have been so worried about how I will cope. But actually, I am not the same person I was and the man I married, is definitely a blessing in my life. The two sons we have are delightful and others report this to me all the time. So I am cutting myself some slack and relaxing and believing that things will be ok because this is a new time for me. And I am allowed to make mistakes these days, I can do what I want, I have faith in a God who supercedes my circumstances and abilities, and who promises me a future and a hope. I can change when things are not working, I can create meaningful moments, memories and creations whenever I want. The future is full of possibilities really.

Boy I wish we had sunnier weather more often. Rich and I want to live somewhere warmer with the boys, somewhere with maybe a smaller community and a simpler lifestyle.

Friends we visited yesterday are building a chicken coop and have pretty impressive vegie gardens. We sat there sharing scones (c/w cream and jam) and a pot of coffee looking out over the ocean as the surf pounded the local beach, and just talked lifestyle. We discussed using cloth nappies rather than disposable ones, and although I will need some support, we both agree that we cannot stand the idea of sending 1000's of nappies into the landfill over the next three years or whatever, not including the wipes and bag-thingys that are used as well. But the convenience of disposables ... well, therein lies the dilemna.

We are also starting our own local group of crafters here in the Bay for anyone who loves crafting and shares our passion for making meaningful creations. Watch this space and leave a comment or flick me an email if you are interested.

A bit of sad news last week. My boys skateboards were stolen from the back of my car ON OUR DRIVEWAY. To understand the impact of this ... the boys relinquished their birthday and xmas presents this year, we all saved diligently and were able to purchase them top of the line boards after they proved their commitment to skating last year by practicing all the time. My youngest, Marcus could even drop the big bowl at the local skate park - even the adults were impressed. Then my husband's work bought him a great skateboard too (much to the boys relief, they no longer had to share with their Dad). So we had a few sad days and a real challenge to forgive those who helped themselves to our families belongings. Aaaaargh! So now the boys do not want to replace them because they don't want to have this happen again. They appreciate money don't grow on trees. For his birthday this week, my 12 year old son chose the most affordable computer game ($20) because he understands and is thoughtful about our finances. We offered to go higher but he swears he is happy with his game.

On another note we have heard that my mother-in-law is currently undergoing tests for Alzheimer's. Prayers for a good outcome would be so welcome. My mother also underwent serious surgery but rung me from Brisbane hospital yesterday to reassure me she is well. We suddenly feel very protective of our parents, like they are our kids and we are their parents.

Well, I am off to bake a cake I think. The washing line is full and the house a bit messy, but somewhere (it is very quiet), I suspect my boys are snoozing having run themselves ragged.

Wishing you sunny days and warm thoughts.