Merry Christmas from MPH

Hello all,
I would like to say a Merry Christmas to all my readers!
Thank you for all your support during the year, it is much appreciated.
Here is hoping that your festive season is safe and filled with much love and laughs.

For a bit of creative inspiration and summer reading, thought you might like this little treasure:

Tickle the Imagination Issue No. 3

Tickle the Imagination Issue No. 3

Have a wonderful festive season and talk soon.....

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

P.S.  I have NEARLY finished my Christmas shopping..........lol.
Next year I will be much more organised!  (That's what I say every December.....)

Four sleeps to go........

Hi !
Just wanted to pop in and say hello to everyone........it has been a busy week!  Pre-Christmas lunches with extended family, shopping, wrapping presents, more shopping and gearing up for the end of the primary school year.  Phew!  And work is always present, my part time job keeps me at the desk four days a week.

I hope you are all ready and looking forward to this year's Christmas.  For me, it is my favourite time of year.  I get to spend time with my embarrassingly (is that a word?) LARGE family and that suits me just fine.  They are, after all, my favourite people in the whole wide world and we always have a laugh.......quite often at my expense!  Hugs and kisses are always plentiful in our family, we are quite a close bunch.  Plus the never ending sound of toddlers squealing, giggling and inevitably getting into squabbles, ending up in tears and screams......much to my Dad's horror!!  Noisy little critters they are!

On Christmas morning, we all pile down to Dad's house for the annual Christmas breakfast.  My Mum and her partner come along too and I love having Christmas morning with both of my parents, so special!  We try to get there about 9am or even earlier sometimes.  There are always stragglers coming in late and we wait until everyone has arrived, then been fed and then Dad plays Father Christmas for us all.  Breakfast consists of leg ham on toast......a tradition we have always had, ever since I can remember.  We also get ham croissants, fruit and champagne (added bonuses from my step mum!).   Dad had a custom-built recreation room to cater for the family occasions, so we all squeeze in......JUST!  After we have had a belly full of yummy Christmas brekkie, my favourite part begins......seeing my Dad pop his Father Christmas hat on and start dishing out the prezzies!  Now in case you think it is the presents that I look forward to in this part, you would be wrong.  It is the smile on my Dad's face as he hands out the presents that is the real gift.  I cherish it and have many a photo of him in his red and white hat.  After all the frivolity and food, we all hang around for a cup of cappuccino or hot chocolate, then head off to our other engagements for the day.  We usually have another family meal at someones place, either lunch or dinner.  This year I have three family dinners, so I will roll home at the end of the day!!   My partner will tolerate only two of my family get togethers, who can blame him (we are VERY LOUD and boisterous), and always slinks off to the golf course for a round of golf at lunchtime.  I call him "the island".....ha ha.  Very much his own man and likes his own company....

So now you have a rundown of our lovely Christmas mayhem.......what do you do on Christmas Day??

Cheers,

Jodie
MPHxx

Shopping galore.......

Good morning to everyone..

Don't forget tomorrow night brings the Twilight Mornington Racecourse Market, held at the racecourse from 3 - 8pm.  Last chance Christmas shopping from some of our lovely local handmade businesses.  AND also, the Boneo Market is on tomorrow morning.  The weather is putting on a good show tomorrow, so no excuses.......head out to a local market!!

If I have the energy to go to the markets, that is.............

Because tonight I am off to Southland for some Christmas shopping, with a great friend of mine......am I crazy??  Arrgh! Yes, I think I must be, but it has been ages since I had a shopping trip with a mate, so off I go!  I am going down the daggy and sensible footwear road and wearing my running shoes because no doubt, within an hour I will have a good case of "Shopper's feet".  Nothing worse!!

My friend thinks I am an unorganised fool (and she may be right?) and has suggested a prepared list of items to shop for.  What is a list, I ask??  I am notoriously hopeless at shopping lists and keeping a diary, but I suspect on this occasion, I had better get one sorted or she may slap me!!

Although I am definitely giving some of my handmade items as presents, I still have to get a couple of extra gifts from the retail world.........as I am not sure my brother-in-law would have the need for a handmade book bag or linen heart??

Wish me luck!

Cheers,

Jodie
MPHxx

Christmas Wreath tutorial by Designery

Hi all,
I hope you are having a great day!  Yesterday, I thought I would do a tutorial of my very own, just for you, with love from my Designery xx
This wreath looks great and is really simple to make.  I have been meaning to do something with a roll of hessian webbing I have been hoarding and now I have a snazzy new wreath for my front door!!  I absolutely love natural colours mixed with red, so this is very much me!

Ok, now for the instructions........and I hope they make sense!

Materials and tools needed:  

• Cane wreath, approx 25cm in diameter (I found mine in an op shop and recycled it for this project)
• Hessian webbing (approx 5 metres)
• Hot glue gun
• Linen ribbon (30-40cm)    
• Scissors

Instructions:  

1.  Using your hot glue gun, glue an end of your webbing at an angle, on to cane wreath.  (Take care not to burn yourself with the hot glue!)

2.  Once the glue has set (wait a few minutes for it do do so), you can start wrapping your wreath with the webbing.  Wrap on angle.  I used a 2cm overlap on each wrap of the webbing.  Make sure you wrap quite tightly, or you will end up with lumpy bits on wreath.

3.  Continue wrapping the wreath until you have double wrapped it.  (I tried a single layer of wrapping, but it looked a bit thin).  Snip off the remaining webbing.  Using the glue gun, glue the end of the webbing at the rear of wreath.

4.  Making the ribbon.
As I am completely hopeless at tying ribbons, I used a bit of a cheats way of getting a nice finish.  I took a length of the leftover webbing and made two loops on the left hand side, the back loop slightly bigger than the front one.  Now do the same on the other side, using the remaining webbing.  Take the leftover end of webbing and wrap around the wreath and centre of your "bow", until it is secure enough to glue at rear of wreath behind the bow.

The finished "bow"

5.  At the rear of the wreath (as pictured below), take a piece of linen ribbon and hot glue both ends to the back of the wreath.  Wait a few minutes for glue to dry.

Your wreath is now ready to hang!

I hope you liked my first tutorial?  I very much enjoyed making the wreath and LOVED how the end result looks.  Handmade and beautiful!!

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

Christmas Prezzie Wrap Up 3........

Good evening to everyone,
Sorry for the late post today........busy day at work, then we had my son's Christmas concert tonight.  What a great night, so lovely to see all the children having a great time on the stage performing their songs.   Had quite a giggle at some kids who got right into the festive mood and busted out some serious dance moves......smile!
After a picnic of delicious sandwiches for dinner and a slight case of frostbite (how chilly it was!), I am glad to be home in the warm house.

And so down to business, or should I say Christmas presents?

Festive and fabulous.......from Rafi and Hannah

Get your little one all decked out in some festive gear from Rafi and Hannah.  Based at her home in Rye, Lisa makes groovy quality handmade outfits, perfect for bubs and kids.  The set pictured above is priced at $24.95 plus postage and sizes range from 000-2.  Made to order.

Gorgeous canvas shopping totes from Marnie Louanne

Whilst I was chasing my "other half" around the Mornington Racecourse market on Sunday, I was happy to find the Marnie Louanne stall and see these lovely totes pictured above.  The are made from 100% cotton canvas and hand printed, right here on the Peninsula!  The ink used is water based and solvent free.  Super strong, great for market shopping and reasonably priced at $30.00.  If you have someone tricky to buy for, these may be the answer!!

Bedding set by Stina's Style

Nappy wallet from Stina's Style

Gorgeous bedding for little boys by Stina's Style

I am very pleased to introduce Linda from Stina's Style, a new local handmade business based in Mt Martha.  Pictured above are gorgeous bedding sets........the first one is a red and white blanket sheet set - cot sized blanket and matching sheet for $55.00.  The set pictured directly above, featuring the very cute nautical look fabric, consists of a cot sized quilt blanket and flat cot sheet with matching border.  Price $70.00. Also available are the nappy wallets, like the yellow fabric one pictured.  These are a handy change pad, with an integrated pocket to store wipes or nappies, etc.  The wallets are priced at $40.00.  Linda also makes play rugs, bassinette blankets, sleep sacks and burp cloths.

I hope you like the products in the third Prezzie Wrap Up!!

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

Mornington Racecourse Market.......

Hello,
Finally I went to a Mornington Racecourse market that didn't have torrential rain!
Ha ha, yesterday I dragged my partner out to the racecourse market........oh you would think it was an instrument of torture I was subjecting the poor man to.  Really, I should learn, that markets and this man DO NOT MIX.  As soon as my back was turned, or if I stopped to talk to one of our lovely local Handmaders........whoosh, off he went, as fast as his legs would take him.  Into the next aisle of the market and he would vanish into thin air!  Twice I had to call him on his phone, to find out his whereabouts or see if he was still in the same town, let alone at the market.........  By the end, I had to link arms with him, in the vain attempt to keep him in the same vicinity as me.  MEN!

Now, apart from the amazing trick of the disappearing man, I was lucky enough to find a new stall, from Marna Moo.  This stall was colourful and appealing, with lots of shoppers milling around it, looking for Christmas gifts.

Check out their Madeit store for more of these gorgeous pencil rolls pictured below.  These are a great gift idea for kids.........they can have all their pencils in one place, ready for travelling in the car!

See you all tomorrow for more of the Christmas Prezzie Wrap Up gift ideas!

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

Craft Storage nightmare.....

Hi all,
A quick weekend post for you......I just couldn't resist this one:  Craft Storage!    Ugh, the mere thought of being more organised craft wise is especially appealing.  My craft desk goes from strength to strength in the mess stakes and I really do try to be tidy, but disaster soon happens.  The same is happening in my new craft studio room in the bungalow......as soon as a new project gets underway, craft equipment and just "stuff", goes everywhere!  I have all these grandiose ideas of fantastic storage systems, but most of them require some degree in carpentry which I clearly don't have.  Even the thought of putting a shelf up terrifies me and......regarding the man about the house, well I probably should just ask him but never get around to it.

And so, my problem is......... where do I put all this stuff I am accumulating?  Ok, I have the paper craft and stamping gear nicely sorted out in the wardrobe in craft studio, but the fabric and haberdashery is still in a pickle down in the house..........

So.......ideas!  I found this blog today, called CRAFTY STORAGE, which is absolutely drool-worthy.  Full of gorgeous craft spaces and nifty storage ideas and solutions.

I particularly love this twine storage idea........colourful and clever!

Hopefully to stop tangles made by curious cats!

And pictured below, this storage idea for a Bigshot die cut and embossing machine is making me want to head to Bunnings to grab a similar tool cart right now!

A great idea for storing your "Biggie"

Having some major craft room envy over these two gorgeous spaces.......sigh!......and they are both white.... LOVE!  But just one question, does anyone even work in them........way too tidy!!!

And now for my mess.......I am hoping to get some sort of "Clean Up Craft Mess, Part: 308" going tomorrow........

My craft/work desk in the house.....a minor disaster has struck it.....

Craft studio....needs some attention

Still trying to organise the space of my new studio

Bye for now and see you all next week.......AND last but not least, a big Happy Birthday to my sister, Deb...xx

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

Meet the Maker.........Lucy Knol from "Lucy Knol Recycled Jewellery"

Hello to everyone,
What a perfect day down here on the Peninsula!
Today I have a rather special Meet the Maker, I loved reading all about Lucy and her crafty adventures.

Name:  Lucy Knol
Business Name:  Lucy Knol Recycled Jewellery

Website:  www.lucyknol.com

Online storefronts:  Lucy Knol on Etsy

Facebook:  Lucy Knol on Facebook

Twitter: -

Questions:

1.  So, tell us about yourself.....
I'm Lucy Knol and I'm a 21 year old student and lover of beautiful things, from Mount Martha.  I am currently in my 3rd year of a Bachelor of Science, and loving every minute of it.  In my free time I like to spend as much time as possible outdoors, exploring the glorious Peninsula, drinking good coffee and scouring antique and op shops for treasures!

2.  Why handmade?
I fell into my craft quite by accident.  I have always had a love for antique china and have been collecting pieces for years.  When I dropped a favourite willow piece I was too upset to throw the pieces away, so I decided I would try to make something with them....my ideas (and skills!) have been developing ever since!

3.  What influenced you to start your business?
I started out making pieces just for myself to wear, and shyly began giving them to friends and family as gifts.  The response was enormously encouraging!  And my dear friend Sarah Dingwall helped me into the world of retailing, by offering me a share of her stall at the Christmas at the Studio 2010.

4.  What type of products do you sell?
My main products at the moment are my animal shaped brooches, which I hand cut from antique china.  I have recently started making earrings and am trying to master a design for a patchwork-style collar (spoilers!).

5.  What are your inspirations for making your products?
I draw inspiration from lots of places - people's pets mostly!

6.  Where do you sell your products?
Etsy, Zeega in Flinders, McClelland Gallery & Sculpture Park in Langwarrin and Gleaners Inc. in Brunswick.

7.  How much time do your spend making your products each week?
"Making time", as I call it, varies from week to week depending on my part time work & study load, but I try to get at least 2-3 hours a week in!

8.  Do you have a dedicated craft area or studio in your home?
I seem to have invaded/completely taken over my Dad's shed with my studio space.....it just keeps expanding!  There's a progression of work from the back seat of my car to the shed.....and ultimately to my bedroom floor for finishing!

9.  Are you self taught or have you had a good teacher?
I had the most wonderful teacher - my grandad!  Who helped me set up my studio with all the necessary tools and showed me how to use them and care for them properly.

Christmas Prezzie Wrap Up 2.......

Hi all....
Time for another round of the Christmas Prezzie Wrap Up!!  I have unearthed some more lovely handmade products, ready to fill those empty Christmas stockings.  Oh and apologies for the late post today, a migraine headache landed in my head yesterday and has not vacated yet, I am hoping it will be off and out of my head by the morning.

Ok, now on to some handmade loveliness..........

Set of 3 baby snap clips $3.00

Christmas tree clip $2.50

Baboushka hair clip holder, medium size 28.5 x 38.5cm $15.00

The products above are from the Funky Stars range of products for children.  Locally made in Dromana and pick up is available.

Stunning ribbon wands by Maddisons Flutterbyes

A great stocking filler and beautifully coloured, are the ribbon wands by Maddisons Flutterbyes.  Watch your little princess or prince jump and twirl, great encouraging body movement and hand eye coordination.  These ribbon wands come in a wide range of colours and handle designs.  They also have a "tot Rod" for toddlers!  For more information please email: maddisons.flutterbyes@gmail.com

Personalised cushions from Elefunk

EleFunk personalised cushions are lovingly and beautifully handmade keepsakes.  With over 200 funky fabrics to choose from, a keepsake cushion can be matched to colours or themes in a child's bedroom, and is a gift they will never grow out of.  Medium cushions (35x35cm) are $45.00.

Feet treat foot soak and foot balm by FromMyHearth

Feet Treat Foot Soak and Foot Balm (Vanilla and Peppermint)
With Christmas right on our door, busy woman everywhere are going to feel nothing but bliss when they slide their tired feet into a tub of warm water, filled with this refreshing and foot soak. And who of us doesn't like the feel of smooth soft and dare I say, sexy summer feet?   Scented with peppermint and lovely vanilla-ery goodness these two products are going to nourish and pamper your feet and leave you feeling relaxed. So for just $15.00 for the set, show your tired tootsies some love this summer..they and you deserve it.  For more information please head over to: From My Hearth

Ok, over and out from me for tonight........

See you all tomorrow for Meet the Maker!!

Cheers,

Jodie 

MPH xx

An online treat......

Hello all,
Yesterday I found a lovely new treat for you all..........a new online magazine, full of great ideas and some really cool DIY ideas too!  Sounds right up my alley, I LOVE new projects to inspire me.  Gingerbread house recipes always terrify me, but the one featured looks fairly simple.......but my cake decorating skills are hideous to say the least!!  The magazine is called My Little Jedi......cute name.  Filled with beautiful photography and gorgeous products too.

Suggestion for the afternoon..........grab a cuppa, sit in a sunny spot and click on the link below and browse to your heart's delight!!

View magazine HERE

I hope you enjoy!

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

Market Christmas shopping......

Hi everyone...
I hope you are all feeling good today!
Tomorrow brings the last Red Hill Market for this year and most importantly, the last chance to grab handmade Christmas gifts from there!!  I am going to try to sneak up there, but at this stage I am not sure.  Hopefully I can, to say hello to a few people who have stalls there tomorrow.

I think Mornington Sea Glass, Marnie Louanne, Elefunk, Magnolia Nursery Decor and Cheeky Pickle will be selling their gorgeous wares tomorrow......apologies if I have forgotten anyone?

AND........on Sunday, if you are in that neck of the woods, the delightful Huckleberry Market is having a Childrens and Babies Market at Croydon Leisure Centre, 11 Civic Square, Croydon.  If you have friends up in that area, don't forget to mention this lovely market to them.

I hope you all have a great weekend.......see you next week for more handmade goodness!!

Cheers,

Jodie
MPH xx

It's the first post of December's Christmas Prezzie Wrap Up!!

Hi everyone,
OK wow, it is the 1st of December and now I am getting nervous!  I haven't made a good dent in my Christmas shopping list and there is only 3 ish weeks left!!  Help!  It is funny once December comes around, the panic button is hit.......but November, I was thinking..."Oh it is still only November....".  So, it is time to take action.  If you are like me and are a bit of a last minute shopper, or even if you have to grab a couple of extra gifts.........look no further!  I have listed some great handmade gift ideas, produced right here on the Mornington Peninsula:

Lavender birdies from Marnie Louanne....

Great for hanging in the wardrobe to keep away all those nasty bugs wanting to destroy that Merino cardigan!  $12, they are filled with dried lavender straight from the lavender farm in Hamilton, Victoria.
A modern twist on a product long loved for its ability to protect those precious clothes!
Lavender sachets are also available for your drawers.....set of 3 squares for $12!
All will be available at Red Hill Market this Saturday 8am-1pm, or via the website www.marnielouanne.com.au

 

Hairclips from Rubycube Designs......

Rock picture holder from REN.........

Rock picture holder, $9.95 plus postage......or pick up if you are local to the Dromana area.

Hessian storage Basket from Designery........ $20.00 plus $5.50 postage........other fabric lining available also. Earthy and rustic, with a touch of coastal chic. Store your bits and bobs -  for the office, nursery or bathroom, versatile storage!! More Christmas Prezzie Wrap Up in next week's blog posts! Cheers, Jodie  MPH xx