STORYBOOK CHILDREN'S ART

My kids are going to love this.......................

2010-08-19T16:25:00.001+10:00

‘Cars’ town of Radiator Springs coming to life at Disney California Adventure in 2012

Radiator Springs will celebrate California’s car culture with a nostalgic trip down Route 66 when the fictional film town built for and by cars makes its debut at Disney California Adventure in 2012.

Cars Land, the 12-acre themed land under construction at DCA, will feature three new rides set amid a faithful re-creation of the isolated red rock desert town populated by Lightning McQueen and other animated vehicles in the Pixar movie “Cars.”

Picture from the movie 'Cars'

As part of the thematic storyline for the new land, downtown Radiator Springs will be celebrating race day against the looming backdrop of Ornament Valley. Trimmed with neon lights, the town’s streetscape will glow at night.

The rides, restaurants and shops of Radiator Springs will include:

East side of street

Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree — Visitors take a spinning tractor ride through Tow Mater’s Towing & Salvage yard.

Cozy Cone Motel — The snack stands will serve chili cone carne, cone on the cob, popcone and other food pun novelties.

Radiator Springs Curio Shop — The Route 66 tourist trap will sell traditional roadside souvenirs, trinkets, knickknacks and bric-a-brac.

Luigi’s Roamin’ Tires — Riders steer a levitating bumper car through tilting towers of retreads behind Casa Della Tires.

West side of street

Fillmore’s Taste In — A hippie-themed snack shack under a tie-died geodesic dome.

Sarge’s Surplus Hut — Disney Imagineers have yet to announce whether the military-style Quonset hut will be used for retail or food sales.

Flo’s V8 Café — Customers dine al fresco on Route 66-inspired food at tables stationed between gasoline pumps. The restaurant will feature Flo’s Motorama girls posters, Doc’s Piston Cup trophies and other memorabilia.

Ramone’s House of Body Art — The retail shop will sell Cars Land and Radiator Springs Racers merchandise.

South end of street

Radiator Springs Courthouse — The domain of town judge Doc Hudson will be reserved for a future use.

Radiator Springs Racers — The indoor-outdoor attraction combines a leisurely dark ride prelude with a dueling side-by-side race-car finale. The ride’s queue will wind through Stanley’s Oasis, Tap N Cap and the Bottle House.

Pictures and information fom the LA Times

http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/cars-radiator-spring-7392/

New "Australian" Artwork coming soon!

2010-08-19T01:09:00.002+10:00

Storybook Children's Art are very excited to show a sneak peak of our newest artwork "AUSTRALIA". This Australian themed artwork is something I have wanted to add to the collection for quite some time.

Set in the Australian outback with Ayre's Rock in the distance, this artwork is has an abundance of Native Australian Fauna & Flora. Children will love spotting all the different characters!

This amazing artwork will be available within the next week.

Smart, stylish and best of all no mess to clean up!

2010-06-28T01:07:00.002+10:00

As a busy working mother of two, I am always looking for things to make my life easier and to save time. It does not have to be a great amount of time, just simple short cuts that can add up over a period time. That brings me to the Smart Space Countertop Dispenser ($29.00US), I have seen these units in hotel breakfast areas before, however this one is a great deal more stylish and would look wonderful in any kitchen or even in a walk in pantry.

Weekday mornings are a constant rush in my household, Mr 9 is an expert at getting himself cereal whilst I get ready for work, Mr 7 is not so good at this task. I regularly enter the kitchen and find cereal everywhere, all over the counter and on the floor. Rice Bubbles are the worst when this happens as they stick to your feet. I constantly have to get out the vacuum and clean this up. Another problem I encounter is the amount of cereal that is poured out which is never eaten, no portion control here. This unit is designed to dispense one ounce of food at one twist of the handle.

There is also a wall mounted version of this unit available to save counter space, and the great news is they can be used to dispense other foods such as pasta & rice etc: this would mean the oldest food would always be at the bottom, not like when you fill containers, how brilliant is that! I hope these units become available in Australia soon, at the moment they are only shipping within the US.

Here is the link if you are interested. http://store.yankodesign.com/home-and-office/kitchen-dining/smartspace-food-dispenser-wall-mount-by-zevro

The toothbrush every mother has been waiting for!

2010-06-27T19:02:00.004+10:00

Once and a while an invention comes along that really impresses me. This newly designed toothbrush does away with concerns about whether your toothbrush is resting on an unhygienic surface.

This upstanding toothbrush makes use of a weight at the end of its rounded handle to create a centre of gravity at the handle base. When the toothbrush is set down, it will sway momentarily until it reaches a position of balance – much like a tumble doll. I know I am not alone in thinking this is "brilliant" especially for children.

I cannot tell you the amount of times I have told my two children to put their tooth brushes back into the holder. I can't wait until this design makes its way into the stores. The person who invented it is a pure genius in my eyes, who knew! So simple yet so effective. I just hope they make them with a replaceable toothbrush heads.

To read more about this wonderful design, visit the company who invented it Ryan Harc. http://www.7760.org/intro-projects-2

I am learning fast...........

2010-06-26T15:43:00.017+10:00

Hi everyone, I realize it has been a while since my last post so I do I apologize, so much has been happening in my world. I have been working very hard on designing all of the new products, kid’s lunch bags, drink bottles, clocks & rugs etc: and it has been a very frustrating experience to say the least.

The most challenging aspect is trying to find companies that understand my vision, and the level of quality I expect. I can't tell you the amount of samples I have received and binned straight away. I look so forward to receiving them only to find that when I open the package, the colour is wrong or they just look plain grubby! I paid a great deal for a sample clock only to have big black dirty finger prints all over it, I was so disappointed! The company in question is still emailing me asking me if I was happy and if I would like to place an order for 3000+.

I can't help but ask, if you were trying to secure someone’s business, would you not send the best sample you possibly could? I have found a few great companies though, so it's not all bad, and I am really looking forward to having a long-lasting business relationship with them.

Anyway, here is a picture of my vision, I decided to go with my Owl Design first.
I would love to hear what everyone's thoughts.

My New Website Has Launched!

2010-05-23T20:20:00.001+10:00

My New Website Has Now Launched!!

Hello to all my customers!

By now you would have discovered that my website is currently undergoing some construction. I have been working around the clock to get everything up and running. There are still many categories and links which are yet to be completed, so bear with me whilst I get all the products online.

The process of moving items from the old website to my new one is a huge task but I'm sure you'll be impressed with my new online store. The layout is easier to follow and I've branched out into new lines due to your positive feedback.

In addition to my artworks, you will be able to buy gifts, toys and lighting online as well. It will be your one stop shopping site. And there are new exciting products being developed.

There will also be a new section devoted to Design Tips. Many customers have an idea of what they'd like when it comes to decorating their child's room, but often have no idea how to pull it all together. So starting soon I will be offering tips on how to do this with the least amount of stress. There you go, artist, consultant and part therapist! Believe me when I say I've been there.

And now to the big reveal (drumroll please...)

The best way to keep up-to-date with new products and sale items (coming soon) is to subscribe to my monthly newsletter (main page of my online store).

Please feel free to email me any questions you have about the new website. And any feedback as well.

Last of all, thank you to everyone who has helped me with my new website. I will thank you all individually! I could not have done it without you. And to my husband and boys who support mummy when she's practically falling asleep at her desk near midnight. Hugs and coffee do the trick!

And to my customers, thank you again for your on-going support. I wouldn't be here without all of you.

Fiona

xxx

What would you go through for your team?

2010-05-18T19:29:00.000+10:00

Not sure if I've mentioned it before, but my family are Manly rugby league supporters. Which makes sense since we live on the Northern Beaches. (Apologies to those who don't like our team - please keep shopping at my store!). It is almost tribal up here on the peninsular and the area certainly gets behind their local team.

Their home ground isn't as modern as many other grounds but the locals love it. The atmosphere is fantastic and it is full of families on picnic rugs watching the game. I think if they renovated the ground it would lose much of the character.

Well last night I went from a regular fan to a die hard fan. I stood in the rain with only the most dedicated sea eagles fans and supported my team playing against the Parramatta Eels. For me that is "huge" and even my sister sent me text messages asking me if I was insane. I've always loved football but not enough to stand there in winter and in the pouring rain. How times have changed! And the funny thing is that "Parramatta" is her team.

Earlier in the day I had bought a new burgundy pashmina (sorry, but I like it better than the supporter scarves - I do have some boundaries), and thankfully it kept me warm. Lucky I took my umbrella too. Those plastic wrap covers that you can buy for a few dollars don't do your hair any favours. Trust me to think of that!

It was actually a funny night. There is always good natured ribbing from the opposition supporters, though the man next to me who had downed way too many beers, loved leaning across to scream "Paaaaaarrraaaaaa!" in my face every time they scored.

It is always fun to watch the banter between the supporters of both teams, including the manly fan who kept yelling (at the Parramatta fans), "We have the beach and you only have a river!" all the way down the road after the game. I have no idea what that is supposed to do with rugby league but it seemed to make everyone laugh. The rivalry between Parramatta and Manly is legendary and so is the "sledging".

Manly lost the game but it didn't matter to us. We all had a great night despite the weather and had some laughs. The team will be back and so will we to watch them.

New Family Thrills?

2010-05-17T23:04:00.002+10:00

In the quest for fun it seems the new destination other than Disneyland and Dubai will be Abu Dhabi. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), is shaping up to be the new mecca for tourists and children. Opening in October this year will be the Ferrari theme park called (no shock with this one..), "Ferrari World".

My boys will be begging me to take them to this newest theme park. As will most people who love high speed cars.

Set to be the world's largest indoor theme park, it comes complete with a racetrack that will host the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, shops, hotels, various attractions, rides and just about anything else to make it a gear-head's "Disney Land".

Talking about Disney Land, the Ferrari theme park which is located on Yas Island between the coast and city of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, will include the world's fastest rollercoaster. Travelling at speeds in excess of 200 km/h (124 mph), it is said to emulate the feeling of being in a Ferrari F1 car as the passengers go over 62 m through the roof and back down again.

As for the theme park's now completed red roof, which is claimed to have been directly inspired by the classic double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body, it covers a surface area of 200,000m² (2.15 million square feet) and features the largest "prancing horse" emblem in the world, measuring an astonishing 66 meters (217 feet) in diameter.Designed by one of the world's most prominent design firms Jack Rouse Associates

Featured attractions include:

The world's fastest roller coaster emulating the feeling of being in an F1 car

G-force experience taking passengers on an adrenaline-pumping ride up over 62m, through the roof and back down again

State-of-the-art racing simulators using a similar system as those used by the Ferrari racing team

Flume ride journey through the heart of a Ferrari 599 engine

Driving and Racing school for junior drivers, with expert training

Aerial voyage over Italy following a Ferrari

The UAE will also feature heavilly in the new "Sex and The City" movie as well. Disneyland and family friendly holiday destinations now have new competition for the tourism dollar.

Find For The Day...

2010-05-16T23:46:00.001+10:00

In the morning I get so frustrated saying the same thing over and over again to my boys. On school days I am constantly having to say "Get your uniform on". Why doesn't it seem to sink in?

Well... why not use this instead to get the message across.

The Note Toaster

Make up a note and have i burnt onto the toast. Brilliant. Where do these inventions come from? Seriously! I would need a deluxe version (if they are available), as my message/list for my boys would be extensive. Number 1 would be "make your poor mum a cup of coffee pronto".

From the "What were they thinking" file...

2010-05-16T23:35:00.000+10:00

I don't quite get the need to dress up animals in little costumes. I understand that in some of the world's colder locations that animals sometimes wear little doggy coats.

My parents live in a very cold part of Australia and they have a little Cairns Terrier. Even he, with his long white fur is not immune to the cold so I "get" the need to give him a warm jacket as well. Especially on those freezing mornings where you can't even get water out of the pipes. And of course it snows there in winter as well.

The costumes i am talking about are these...

Yes they are very funny but I'm wondering what the little dogs think about it all. The things people do...

Found - The Lego Birthday Cake

2010-05-15T23:14:00.001+10:00

Lego Construction Cake by "Ace Of Cakes"

In a previous post I mentioned the cake artists "Ace of Cakes" in the U.S. Well have a look at this brilliant cake! My boys would love this cake as they are Lego fanatics.

Even the lego pieces in this cake are handmade out of icing. I love the way it looks like the little lego men have constructed the cake out of lego blocks and are then rolling the white icing down over it.

And how cute are their little chef's hats!!

This is definitely a work of art and i would love to make this cake. Though I don't think I could bare to eat it.

Bowling, Cocktails and Laughs

2010-05-14T22:24:00.030+10:00

On the weekend we went to Strike Bowling at the King Street Wharf (Darling Harbour). My sister and her children came too and we had a fantastic time.

Much smaller and more intimate than other bowling centres, it is so much fun. With the loud dance music, video clips, cocktails ( for the adults of course) and excellent finger food, it is as much a place for the adults as the children.

They even have private Karaoke rooms for hire so we are thinking of going back next time and doing that too.

Afterwards we walked from the King Street Wharf around past the Sydney Aquarium to Darling Habour (central) for ice-cream and coffee. I was surprised that even on a Sunday night there were so many people around. There were performers and tourists. All the restaurants were full and it had a fantastic vibe.

King Street Wharf - Darling Harbour

Even better was the fact that it was quite a balmy night. The kids all ended up with glow stick light sabre's and ran around while we ate our icecream.

It was a wonderful night and since I work long hours during the week, I always try to make my weekends fun for the family. We like to get out and about and if the weather is good then we make the most of it.

If you haven't been to the Strike Bowling at King St Wharf then I recommend it.

Loving...Owls

2010-05-13T12:49:00.000+10:00

My love of Owls continues. Not only is my artwork very popular, I have also introduced soft toys, owl pillows and owl gift cards (copy of my Owl artwork) into my range.

Why not think about decorating a bedroom in an owl theme? They are timeless and enchanting.

Take this Owl inspired room from Pottery Barn Kids. I am in love with it!

How cute is this room?!

I would have never thought to use a clock that way.

Owl Linen from Pottery Barn Kids.

Owl Fabric - Robert Kaufman Design

Owl Fabric - Amy Schimler Design

Spotted... Alice In Wonderland Jewellery!

2010-05-12T11:19:00.000+10:00

Just when you thought girls jewellery couldn't get any cuter, along comes and new line by Juicy Couture. Their pieces are made with 14K yellow gold plated and accented with colorful cute cupcakes, glittering hearts, tasty ice cream cones and strawberries. Price: $32-$78 (US). Then again, even with age who doesn't love these. So maybe the "big girls" might want to buy some too! Check out Nordstrom.com for the current range.

If they are too expensive then pop down to your local "Diva" store in Australia. I was in their yesterday and spied the most fabulous Disney inspired jewellery. Very similar to Juicy Couture but without the price tag. However they are not 14K gold (but who would know), but just as cute.

Check out the range here: http://www.diva.net.au/#/shop/ranges/disney

My personal favourite is the "Alice Necklace". With a long gold chain, a tiny pink cupcake and saucer (very "limoges" inspired), a real working gold fob watch and a jewel encrusted cupcake that says "Eat Me"; the necklace is very Alice In Wonderland. Priced at $24.99 it is a bargain. Look out for the matching cupcake/teacup bracelet and cupcake earings. Or the adorable cupcake and teacup rings.

Now, unless you've been hiding under a rock (or not reading this blog!), you would know that I am loving Alice In Wonderland and produced my own artworks to celebrate Alice. Just in case you've missed them, here they are again...

Jest Jewels also have an Alice In Wonderland range of charm bracelets.

Gold plated mad hatter tea party bracelet features crockery charms (tea cups, tea pots, plates, crackers, cup cakes, "eat me" cookies, and pocket watches

Antique gold plated tangled chain necklace has Alice's Adventures through Wonderland charms (card suites, pawns, mad hatter hat, scissors, forest animals, mushrooms, rose buds, keys, key hole, pocket watch, locks, cheshire cat, "drink me" vile, "eat me" cookie, crown and animals.

Check out Jest Jewellery at : http://jestjewels.stores.yahoo.net/index.html

Alice In Wonderland is timeless.

Leopard and Jaguar Print

2010-05-11T15:50:00.000+10:00

The other day I mentioned Zebra print being "on-trend" at the moment. The other print making headlines in fashion and interior design is Leopard/Jaguar Print. Though I don't think leopard print ever goes away. It is the one print that you know will always be in fashion every couple of years. A few choice investment pieces in this print can last years. I find it much easier to wear than zebra stripe as well.

At the moment if you go to any fashion store you will find tops and scarves in this print. Today I even found a metallic leopard print scarf in a shop. At the moment metals are popular as embellishments on clothing. Mix the two together and you have an updated look.

Photo's taken this week.

Katy Perry, Chloe Sevigny and Sienna Miller.

No longer is it the Peggy Bundy Look from "Married with Children". You might recall that in the show she had a leopard print obsession. Now it is wild child or rock chic.

Kate Hudson this week

Betsey Johnson - Animal Print Wayfarer.

I prefer a little bit here and there when wearing this print. Accessories are perfect to add the right dash of colour to an outfit. Too much and it cheapens the look.

French Sole Henrietta High Leopard Pony Hair

In home furnishings a leopard print pillow or throw strategically placed can give a room a touch of the exotic. Dark wood, natural materials and African touches are also popular.

In my store I've found that Africa never goes out of fashion. My African prints sell themselves. Like me I am sure the children with my african artworks will mostly likely be the leopard print fashionista's of the next decade.

From the "Why didn't I think of that" file...

2010-05-10T20:53:00.002+10:00

Sick of your children asking you how long until their birthday, how long to Christmas or the weekend? Or the dreaded "How long until we get there" (Are we there yet?).

Just enter it into the clock and hand it to them. Hours and hours of fun watching the clock count down.

Everyone's had that sneaking suspicion that there's a little bit less wine in the bottle than you thought there was when you polished off half of it last night. Could you really have drunk that much? Or has some cheeky person half-inched a few swigs while you were out?

With a padlock-style four digit code device, all you have to do is pop the lock in the neck of the bottle, change the code, scramble the lock and rest safe in the knowledge that only the most bored of liquid thieves will have the slightest chance of getting to your precious liquid. Turning the lock mechanism will expand it so it locks tight in the neck of the bottle, so that when you lock it no-one but you can get in.

So, short of smashing the bottle to pieces and sucking the carpet, any untoward individuals coveting what is rightfully yours will be thwarted by this ingenious security measure. Or, if you're feeling mean, stick it in someone else's bottle and delight in their frustration.

Have a crack in the wall? Don't have a very handy fix it man or woman in the house? Or need to sell the house and cover up a crack? Why not make the branch part of a wall decal. That's right, turn your wall cracks into art! Add the birds and leaves and hey presto you have unique wall art.

Convince the Real Estate agent that it is worth a fortune! I'm not sure what the solution is if the wall has holes. I'll leave that one to you.

The Pizza Boss may just be the manliest pizza slicer you'll ever own. It's shaped like a circular saw (the manliest tool in the garden shed second only to the drill, which takes first place based solely on the fact that it looks a bit like a laser gun) and will make short work of your freshly baked pizza.

If it encourages my husband to get back in the kitchen then that is a good thing!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T20:20:00.000+10:00

Zebra Stripes

2010-05-09T20:19:00.000+10:00

Zebra stripes have always held a fascination for me. How amazing to have an animal with such bold colours when the majority of the animal world are clad in more muted tones.

Storybook Children's Art - Zebra Artwork

I can't help looking at Zebra's and admiring them. They are absolutely magnificent and I can't help thinking they know it. How can you not think you are totally fabulous wearing such gorgeous stripes. Watching them they seem to know the zoo guests admire them and hold their heads aloft accordingly.

It seems this confidence is also held by women who wear zebra stripe clothing. Whether it be a dress, scarf or blouse; it takes a woman with confidence and flair to carry it off. Without a doubt you stand out in Zebra stripes so it isn't for the wall flowers.

Zebra print has made a comeback in fashion and interior design. Incorporate a little into your wardrobe and home!

Boots No 7 - and we're not talking shoe size...

2010-05-08T19:23:00.073+10:00

Every now and then a new beauty product hits the market with much hype and fanfare. Promising the fountain of youth and proclaiming magic new ingredients that most of us can't even pronounce; like moths to the flame there will be a stampede at the local department store to obtain a bottle.

At times I feel cynical as I part with my hard earned cash. Even more so when the product fails to work as it was promoted. And the bottle ends up in my beauty cabinet along with all the others who've been rejected.

I'm not naive to think it will turn the clock back a decade (though I do hope in the future they can do this), but I do want to look my absolute best and although the nay sayers will declare they are not into fancy products; we all want to look as youthful as we can. Even if it is just to avoid people asking "Are you ok? You look tired today".

Therefore when I read more and more articles about the new wonder cream - "Boots No 7 - Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum", I researched it to find out what everyone is raving about worldwide. It appears that pharmacists and dermatologists in the UK have actually conceded that No. 7 does indeed work. And I can't find one bad story about it. Neither can many women in Britain who have practically bought every available bottle off the shelves.

At the Boots store in London's Liverpool Street on the day of release, queues formed from 6.30am and more than 400 bottles were sold in the first hour of trading.

Women in the US are now waiting for their release of the product (Target U.S), so they can join in. Unfortunately there has been no word of an Australian release so I bought some bottles from the UK.

The best part of all? You can pick up a bottle for only 19 pounds at a Boots Pharmacy. Hooray to skincare that doesn't take a third of your salary! And it seems most women in the UK agree.

The University of Manchester conducted independent research on No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum over a 12 month period, the most rigorous clinical trial carried out on a cosmetic anti-aging product. The research findings were recently published in the British Journal of Dermatology, stating that after using the No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum for a year, 70 per cent of women and men had "significant" improvements to their wrinkles with faces ending up with fewer lines and shallower wrinkles. In fact, the longer No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum is used, the more effective it is.

Boots states that "the product has been independently proven to restore the skin’s structure, visibly improving deep lines and wrinkles by up to 50% with regular use. The first product proven to restore the skin's structure with prolonged use. So effective that other people can see a significant visible improvement in your deep lines and wrinkles......After 4 weeks, the appearance of lines and wrinkles is reduced by up to 50%.......After 6 months of use, the skin is shown to rebuild and over time elasticity is improved and deep wrinkles are visibly reduced."

Only time will tell whether it does work and whether it lives up to the hype.
I will post again about No 7 in a couple of months. It will either be the best find for years or another dud to be added to the reject pile. I'll keep you posted!

Karate Kid Revival

2010-05-07T00:20:00.003+10:00

Karate Kid 2 will be released at the cinemas in June. Starring Jackie Chan and Jayden Smith (Will's son), Karate is sure to be all the rage again.

If you are as old as me and remember the first Karate Kid movie (1984), then you most likely have children of your own and will be feeling very "old" right now. You know you're getting old when movies you saw in your youth are re-made for the current generation.

Who wasn't in love with Daniel san and Mr Miyage. I can't even count the amount of times I've heard people say "wax on, wax off". It is one of those movie lines that go down in history and everyone can pinpoint the movie. I seriously hope it is not in the new movie as I don't think I can take my boys saying it every five minutes!

My older sister loved the 1984 movie so much she fell in love with Japan and moved there for a short time to work. Although she didn't take up Karate, she did take up Kendo. Kendo, the Way of the Sword is the art of Japanese Samurai Swordsmanship. Essentially it involves samurai type outfits, hitting each other with large bamboo sticks and much yelling.

She didn't quite find her gentle Mr Miyage type instructor though and was assigned a very large Japanese teacher who was like a drill sergeant. Like Daniel san, she was not allowed to so much as learn a move until she had mastered the basics.

The first basic was learning to scream loudly to terrify the opponent. You would think screaming would be easy for her (I recall this from our childhood), but no, apparently she was not aggressive or terrifying enough. Although I'm sure her husband would testify differently! Screaming practice took a couple of weeks, as did learning to run at an opponent to scare them. Seriously!

Anyway, when she was allowed to have her first hit with an opponent using her kendo stick, she was matched up with a 8 year old boy. When he was presented to her she felt sorry for the small child and was going to go easy on him. Big mistake! He let fly and whacked her senseless with his kendo stick. She also had no idea that such a small child could scream and be so terrifying at that age. (She has children now and has now changed her opinion on that).

And to make matters worse, the whole town came out to watch the show. Foreigners in this little Japanese town were a sight to behold, and even more so one attempting their national sport. My sister was that nights town entertainment!

So no real sentimental Mr Miyage moments and no alley way Kendo fights in the style of Ninja Turtles for my sister. Like Daniel san she keeps her Japanese head scarf to remind her of the fighting ways and she only brings it out at times of extreme stress and to remind her children she means business.

We are both anticipating that with the new movie that our children will become Karate mad and start hitting each other with objects. Or that catching flies with chopsticks will become a hobby again. I can only imagine the amount of walls and broken furniture around the world sparked by the movie remake. And a whole new generation of children learning the crane stance (unless they've come up with a new trick).

Watch Karate school enrolments go through the roof and school suspensions rise from well placed Karate kicks. It is 1984 all over again.

Can my house withstand it? Here we go again. Start removing all precious objects now!

Minaudiere's. Fashion has gone to the birds.

2010-05-06T23:19:00.000+10:00

In my posts I've discussed how birds are making a fashion comeback on everything from kitchenware to bedlinen. Well famous American fashion designer Judith Leiber has released her new minaudiere Spring 2010 range which includes birds.

I've often spied many celebrities on the red carpet with a Judith Leiber minaudiere (purse). Some are adorable and some outright strange.

However all are very expensive and highly collectable.

What is interesting is that she's picked up on the trends that I've also flagged. Birds, Seashells and Butterflies. As I've already mentioned in prior posts, these are "Huge" trends at the moment.

Judith Leiber's items are always on the cutting edge of high fashion, but are timeless classics at the same time. In addition to designing handbags and minaudieres, the company also produces eye wear, fur, and cashmere accesories.

Here's some more from the Spring 2010 Line.

And did you know that these artful handbags and minaudieres are part of the permanent design collections at The Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, The Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., the Houston Museum of Fine Arts and the Los Angeles Museum of Art.

Not only has Hollywood has had a 50 year long love affair with the brand, but nearly every First Lady dating back to 1963 has carried these custom-made bags to the U.S. Presidential Inauguration. How is that for an interesting bit of trivia.

Other interesting designs include these.

Disco Ball Minaudiere

Bee Hive Minaudiere

Although gorgeous and very striking, I couldn't see myself clutching the last one any time soon. Imagine your iphone ringing/vibrating and someone pointing out that your bee hive is buzzing. Then again, it would certainly be a conversation starter. However the birds are stunning and in my opinion timeless.

These really do emphasise that fashion can also be art. Although some do it better than others. And like art, fashion is in the eye of the beholder.

The Newest Barbie by Christian Louboutin.

2010-05-05T22:05:00.001+10:00

In previous posts I discussed the Limited Edition Barbie dolls by Christian Louboutin.  Two limited edition releases have already gone on sale and now there is a third.

In release one she was a Cat Burglar and we all wondered what the subtle message was - do you have to beg, borrow and steal to own a pair of Louboutins?

Then the second release and she was a fashionista. Phew! That was close and we all gave a huge sigh of relief. Barbie could have gone down that slippery slope and moved to China, producing fake Louboutins for the masses.

However she somehow redeemed herself, gave herself a makeover and dyed her hair. Then re-incarnated herself as a Fashionista.

Now she has elevated herself to even greater heights as a stunning celebrity/A-lister. And not a wrinkle or day older through it all. Ah the wonders of plastic surgeons (at Mattel of course) and a new hair colour.

'Anemone Barbie' by Christian Louboutin

So our beloved Barbie has been busy. Posing on red carpets and attending premieres, she is a glamourous star in her own right.

Number three in the series of collectible limited edition dolls; she has red hair and green eyes and is stunning in a green and purple dress with little purple Anemone shoes. She also comes with three other pairs of shoes: Madeleine mules, Lady Claude pumps and Spartenvol sandals, all in their own miniature dust bags and storage boxes.

And the real Lady Claude Pumps worth 2161.51 Pounds

I can't help wondering if those who buy them actually take them out of the boxes or keep them as collectors items. Though I suspect I know the answer already. I think life is too short not to enjoy them.

What's the point of having spectacular shoes if you can't show them off? All the girls (dolls) at the local sandpit/park will pass out with envy.

Love Kokeshi?

2010-05-04T17:39:00.000+10:00

If you love Kokeshi Dolls or Asian inspired gifts, you'll love the new range I have in store. Japanese and Chinese dolls are very much the trend at the moment. How can you not love them when they are this cute!

These Boots Are Made For Walking...

2010-05-04T17:20:00.002+10:00

Yesterday I posted about my foray into the world of camping. As a new tent owner I am now ready to embrace the great outdoors. However I don't see why my fashion and sense of style should suffer. I predict the big new trend in fashion will be "Outdoor Camping Chic". You heard it here first!

So it was with great excitement that my latest purchase arrived via courier from the UK. Behold my new boots...

Hunter Wellington Boots 2010 Collection

Hunter's black Wellington boots get a luxe update with the addition of crocodile-stamped panels and silver-tone rivets.

Hunter boots are legendary and here's why...

Originally, Hunter rain boots (circa 1856) were designed for traversing Scotland's rugged terrain and combating its unpredictable weather.

Production of wellington boots were dramatically boosted with the advent of World War I when the company was asked by the War Office to construct a sturdy boot suitable for the conditions in flooded trenches. The mills ran day and night to produce immense quantities of these trench boots. In total, 1,185,036 pairs were made to cope with the Army's demands. The fashionable boot was a functional necessity.

For WWII they were once again called upon to supply vast quantities of green wellingtons and thigh boots. 80% of production was for war materials - from ground sheets to life belts and gas masks.

In 1977, having continued to supply wellies to the Royal Households for decades, Hunter was awarded a Royal Warrant from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. This was shortly followed, in 1986, by a Royal Warrant from HM The Queen. Providing great recognition for their work in keeping some very important feet dry!

That's right, only the best quality wellington boots. However no old fashioned ones for me. We are talking rock chick fashionista at the camping ground. And if the rain turns it into Glastonbury, then like every fashionable UK concert goer, I'll be ready!

Fashion aside, they are pretty sturdy and you know they have to be good when the English Royal Family have Royal Warrants on the products. I can imagine them all walking over their Balmoral Estate in Scotland in these things. Or the Queen walking the corgis around the castle in a pair. Maybe she has a pair of these ones. Who says everything has to been khaki green.

They look superb even though they didn't really help Camilla when she fell in a rabbit hole and broke her foot. However at least if I do fall into a hole or experience any other calamity whilst camping, I'll at least have the peace of mind to know I look fantastic when I'm being taken away in a stretcher.

The Great Outdoors...

2010-05-03T18:46:00.000+10:00

I will admit that I like my creature comforts. Weekends away should include good food, wine, crisp white sheets and cocktails by the pool. As I work most days of the week I live for any time away and make the absolute most of it. Not having to cook, clean and room service a phone call away. Bliss...

My husband loves these weekends away too but he also loves the great outdoors. He grew up camping and fishing and loves nothing better than sleeping under the stars. Whether it be camping in the outback or 4WD vehicles on a empty beach, he loves "roughing it".

My two boys also love it and so the pressure has been building to go camping as a family. I remember camping years ago. Not fondly. No hot showers, clean bathrooms, hotel beds and certainly no cocktails from the menu. Dinner on a camp stove and waking up to dip in the ocean was certainly a new experience. Spiders and other creepy crawlies. No power points in the tent - a disaster for hairdryers and straightening irons - the horror of it all!

So to the utter surprise of my husband, I suggested (aka: "capitulated"), we finally buy a tent and go camping. It was like someone had just announced he'd won the lottery. And so off to the Camping and Caravan show we went. Held over Easter, it is a Mecca for camping enthusiasts.

With every conceivable camping gadget and portable item, it is amazing how modern "roughing it" has become. I have to say that I was impressed by some of the new developments. Real beds that fold up rather than a cheap and nasty blow up mattress and a sleeping bag. Portable toilets and showers! Who would have thought it. Mini fridges and folding kitchens. Hello, it is a whole new camping world! Mind you, you need one big van to haul it all in.

And the big news? We actually came away from the show with a new tent!!

I am quite impressed. We now have to work out a time to take our family outdoor getaway. My boys are very excited and I have reached a new level of "coolness" in their eyes. It will be quite the experience for me.

Though I do think I will pack Martini glasses and byo cocktail mixers anyway. One can't give up every luxury you know! Given that I've said yes to camping my husband won't mind being bartender. Sounds like a fair trade.

I'll keep you posted on how it all goes.

What do you think? Women come out on top!

2010-05-02T17:31:00.002+10:00

The UK Daily Mail reported a couple of days ago that children prefer their mothers behind the wheel. Apparently they feel safer. Yay for Mothers!

Here is a bit of the article.

(I will be making sure my husband reads this one!)

Six out of ten say they are happier and more relaxed when she is behind the wheel. Fathers, on the other hand, are accused of driving too fast, being more aggressive and losing their tempers when in the driving seat. Mothers are less likely to give in to road rage, don’t dodge in and out of traffic and are more considerate to other motorists, according to the young critics in the back seat.

The poll of 1,279 children aged from five to 16 found a motherly tendency to stall the car or have problems parking were a small price to pay for a much calmer journey. David Williams, from GEM, the breakdown cover company that carried out the poll, said: ‘Dads seem more intent on getting from A to B as quickly as possible, whereas mums will take things slower.’

Mothers :-

Talks to keep the children entertained

Sings at the wheel

Drives at a reasonable speed

Is considerate towards other motorists

Is much calmer

Fathers:-

Drives too fast

Shouts at other drivers

Dodges in and out of the traffic

Is too aggressive

Has more accidents

More than half said their fathers shouted at other drivers, while 35 per cent said they felt nervous when he lost his temper. The study also found that children didn't like their fathers being impatient when driving, and 83 per cent said he often drove too fast.

Two thirds of children said a man was more likely to weave in and out of the traffic, and change lanes at speed to avoid getting stuck in a jam. By contrast, 70 per cent of children said mothers sang while driving, and 52 per cent said she talked non-stop.

Despite having a good reputation with her passengers, mothers still got into trouble with basic manoeuvres required for everyday driving. Seven in 10 youngsters said their mothers were more likely to stall the car when pulling away from a junction or performing a hill start. And 64 per cent claimed reverse parking was beyond her capabilities.

Mr Williams added: 'Unfortunately, the survey shows a third of children are embarrassed to be driving round by their parents - regardless of whether it is mum or dad. 'But mum still gets the thumbs up as the person they would prefer to drive them to school, or to friend's houses.

'This research should send a clear message out to dads, to be more careful and considerate when driving - not just towards other motorists but to their children as well. 'It is important that children do not see their parents driving aggressively as this could have a long term affect on what they see as 'the norm'.

'There is a general belief that kids exposed to poor driving could mean that they copy this action when they start to drive

So what do you think? Hello to my husband. Are you reading this! :)

Hello Weekend! Hello May!

2010-05-01T16:57:00.002+10:00

Loving that the weekend is finally here. The weather is fantastic and although the nights are cold, the days are still warm enough to get outdoors.

As I've mentioned in a previous post, my son is part of a sailing club with his friends. Rain, hail or shine they go out in their little boats. For me sunny days are preferable but sailors must get used to all conditions. Which means that the parents have to as well! Unless you have a brilliant husband like mine who offers to take them instead.

The kids really love sailing and there is a great sailing community on the northern beaches. My boys love their water sports and if they're not sailing then they are learning to surf. Or they take part in "Nippers" (Surf Lifesaving). My eldest son has great balance and so seems to be a natural with the sailing and surfing. He does not get this from me!

One day he was showing me how good his balance was on his ripstick (skateboard). I decided to give it a go and lost control. I had more than a couple of bruises after I crashed and tumbled off it. I should know better after watching funny home videos every week with them. Even I laugh at the parents who try to do daft things. Thankfully my "stack" was not filmed.

That is why I'll stick to my art. Obviously we are all talented in different things. As for my youngest son, he's yet to reveal where his talents/skills lie. He's a bit of a dare devil so that should be interesting. I definitely won't be giving what he chooses a go!

Update - Stephen Wiltshire.

2010-04-30T20:13:00.002+10:00

It took 3 days but Autistic Artist Stephen Wiltshire has completed his sketch of Sydney. Today during a short ceremony he signed the work. He had prepared by taking in the view from Sydney Tower for about 40 minutes on Tuesday. He liked Sydney's shapes, he said. The finished sketch in the picture below is absolutely amazing and identical to what he viewed.

The picture will be on show at Customs House - with his other work - until May 16 when copies will be sold to raise funds for Aspect ( Autism Spectrum Australia). Autism Hour was from 9am today.

Pre-order prints at http://www.stephenwiltshire.co.uk/sydney.aspx

(Photo's from today's Sydney Morning Herald)

New Additions To The Family!

2010-04-30T17:38:00.003+10:00

Last night I bought two new little babies home. With their tiny little ears and pink noses they are very, very cute. My boys are besotted and could barely get to sleep last night from excitement. You've probably guessed they're pets. Two little mice to be exact.

I will admit to being apprehensive at first. Will they smell, will they be too hard to clean up after and will they somehow get free and run around the house. And will I "freak out" if that is the case?

But then I clapped my eyes on them at the pet store and realised that I simply had to get them for the boys. They adore pets and are very responsible. And I couldn't walk away without two as they are so cute! With their little noses twitching and watching them run around on the wheel, it was fun to watch. Watching others snuggle up together and I was sold!

Pet stores are so interesting. I love checking out all the animals, the toys and all the bits and pieces they sell. Who knew animals could need so much to entertain them? Pet shops and pet grooming is huge and actually inspired my petshop artwork.

The cute little girl in the pet store helped me select the right environment for them. They even get their own little play centre with coloured tube walkways, slides and running wheel. Like the indoor playground at the local McDonalds, these guys will have endless fun. What is it about mice and those spinning wheels anyway? They do seem to like them.

They were a bit apprehensive about the slides but once one took the plunge, the other followed suit. This was much to the laughter and joy of my two who were giggling their heads off.

We've had all sorts of pets over the years. The large stick insects were probably the weirdest. In their large tank they would sit and not really do very much. Not much action in stick insects. But mice, they are fun.

Some people I've told have scrunched their noses up at two mice. But don't knock it until you try them. It isn't like we're talking about big dirty rats in the house. Others are curious and my sister is thinking about getting a couple for her children. Not only are they fun, they are educational and also teach the children about responsibility (looking after a pet).

Anyway, after a long night trying to get my boys to finally go to sleep, they finally settled down. They are tired today but love the little guys.

I might have to create a new petshop artwork for boys. Full of creepy crawlies, stick insects and small critters. All the things that generally freak me out but I'm getting better!

Autistic Artist Wow's Sydney During "Autism Awareness Month"

2010-04-29T19:48:00.001+10:00

As an artist and art enthusiast I wanted to share with you the story of Stephen Wiltshire. Stephen is an acclaimed London artist and is in Sydney at the moment to show off his extraordinary talent for drawing cities in intricate detail. He will be in Sydney until the 1st of May and his work can be viewed at Customs House, Circular Quay Sydney.

Some of you may have seen the fascinating documentary about Stephen on the television recently. In that documentary he sketched the city of London from memory. From a short helicopter ride he was able to sketch the city right down to the correct amount of floors and windows in city office buildings! The accuracy and detail has astounded millions around the world.

I will admit that my interest is two fold. Not only am I inspired by him due to his art, but my gorgeous nephew has Autism so the issue is very close to my heart. My nephew started school this year and the story of Stephen Wiltshire is inspirational. His story reminds us all that those with Autism can go on to lead wonderful lives. Some will achieve extraordinary things and I wish this for my nephew too.

Autism affects 1 in 160 Australian children and my nephew is one of them.

From AAP

The 36-year-old artist, who was diagnosed with autism when he was three, hopes to produce a poster-size pen and ink drawing of the harbour city after examining its skyline for just 20 minutes.

He's already impressed many around the world with his large-scale intricate panoramas of New York and London. Before drawing those two world-famous cities, he memorised the position and size of hundreds of buildings and landmarks while on 20-minute helicopter rides.

His four-metre long panorama of London on a curved canvas took five days to complete in 2007, with not one sneak peak at a photograph of the city for help.

Last October he followed up with a jaw-dropping 5.5 metre-long drawing of New York City, including the Empire State Building, which took just three days.

When he arrives in Australia, one of Stephen's first stops will be Sydney Tower so he can gain a birdseye view of the skyline before getting down to work at Customs House on Tuesday.

Sitting in his tiny studio perched in a loft above his gallery on London's famous Pall Mall, the quietly spoken artist is excited about his first visit to Australia. "I have never been there before," Stephen told AAP. "I wanted to go because it's a nice, beautiful city. It's going to be amazing."

Stephen has been invited to Sydney by Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) to mark autism month. His arrival was delayed by more than a week because of the recent disruption to air travel in Europe following the Icelandic volcano eruption.

While he won't decide on what exactly will be in his Sydney drawing until the last minute, he admits remembering all the detail of a city's skyline is difficult even though he makes it look relatively easy.

"I find it hard work to put in lots of information in just a few days," he said.
"Sometimes it's hard to remember because there's lots of detail. "My favourite is New York. They have the big avenues and lots of yellow taxi cabs. The traffic is chaotic and it's full of people."

Stephen's amazing talent for drawing was discovered when he was just five years old and sketching London's double decker buses. His family and teachers soon discovered that his art work was one of the key ways he could communicate.

By age nine he had moved on to St Paul's Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge. His works were so good that Sir Hugh Casson of the Royal Academy described him as "the best child artist in Britain". Then as a teenager his attention switched to American cars such as Cadillacs and Buicks before enrolling as a fine arts student at City & Guilds. In 2006, he was awarded an MBE for services to art by Prince Charles.

Aspect's education and research executive director, Dr Trevor Clark, hopes Stephen's talents will help raise awareness of the one in 160 Australian children with autism.

"Stephen's talent is rare, but he highlights how important it is for potential to be realised and developed from an early age and how this can help with developing independence and self expression," he said.

Proceeds of the sale of Stephen's Sydney Prints will go to Autism Spectrum Australia. Here is the link. The site also has a link to Stephen's blog about his time in Sydney.

http://www.stephenwiltshire.co.uk/Sydney.aspx

Link to the Stephen Wiltshire Gallery:-

http://www.stephenwiltshire.co.uk/

Autism Spectrum Australia:-

http://www.autismspectrum.org.au/index.php?page=home

Love the Ocean? Wait until you see this!

2010-04-28T18:48:00.000+10:00

As I've mentioned previously in my blog, I love the ocean and have been inspired by it many times. My Great Barrier Reef artwork was inspired by a trip to the reef a couple of years ago. Snorkelling on the reef and viewing the breathtaking colours was amazing. I'll never forget the colourful fish and coral. When you are snorkelling or diving it is like being in another world.

Imagine my excitement then when I read about this new experience! Like something out of a James Bond movie, it is the stuff dreams are made of.

The world's first underwater restaurant was opened 5 years ago this month at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, and to celebrate the anniversary the restaurant is offering guests the chance to not only eat under the sea but sleep under it as well!

They will convert their 12 seat restaurant into a a private bedroom suite for two, complete with private champagne dinner and breakfast in bed.

"Ithaa" sits five meters below the surface of the Indian Ocean, encased in plexiglass and reached by descending a spiral staircase. The restaurant offers breathtaking views and 'fusion Maldivian cuisine' (local cooking with a western twist), and rumour has it that over lunch the place is so bright that guests and staff have to wear sunglasses (they even keep spares on hand and offer a sunglasses cleaning service).

Sleeping there in the specially created suite would be a once in lifetime experience. However I'm not sure what the shark situation is in this part of the world and doubt you'd sleep very soundly if a shark sailed past your bed.

Brings a whole new meaning to the mafia saying - "sleeping with the fishes".

The perfect shoes for sailing - found!

2010-04-27T17:39:00.001+10:00

I was remarking to my sister a little while ago that I need proper "boating attire". My two boys are part of a junior sailing school on the northern beaches of Sydney. They absolutely love it and I often go down with coffee in hand to watch them learn and compete.

Pittwater, Sydney

You'll often find me with the dark shades on trying to wake up as it normally starts at an insane hour of the morning. Though I will admit it is a gorgeous part of the day and I really can't complain being by the water.

Pittwater, Sydney

At times the parents will help lift the small sailing boats into the water. And visa versa. Recently I was feeling a bit guilty and tried to assist with the boats. It was then I realised that I need to start dressing more appropriately.

After nearly losing my gorgeous designer shoes in the "drink", and then ruining them with sea water, I remarked that I needed to get proper shoes to help everyone. However, I am not very keen on those boating shoes that sailors tend to wear (even on dry land), despite how "Ralph Lauren" inspired they might be. I admit that they might be practical but are they fashionable? Does anyone even consider these issues? What does a fashionista do?

But then...(hold the horses), I found these!!

Dsquared2 "Love Boat" Pumps.

Dsquared have kept the most noticeable design elements of boat shoes by keeping the leather strap along the side but then incorporating a flirty bow at the vamp. Of course, we can't forget about the lug sole that are normally seen on boat shoes for durability and traction, but luckily, even a lug sole doesn't take away from the Love Boat's lady like appeal. Throw in all-American preppy plaid for unexpected dose of color and 5" inch heels for some sexiness, and you have one hot looking boat shoe.

Who said that boat shoes couldn't be stylish?! Totally impractical but stylish for sure. Then again, maybe a pair of flat rubber soled shoes might be safer or I might end up in the sea myself. Perish the thought!

Search for a Superhero.

2010-04-26T17:37:00.000+10:00

Who doesn't want to be a "Superhero"? The ability to help people, fantastic magic powers and a cool outfit which has incredible features. Not a bad day job if you can get it.

And if you become a famous superhero then you are immortalised in cartoons, tv shows and magazines. If you are really famous you might get your own Hollywood movie. You then become the ultimate celebrity! You've certainly made it when you get your own action figure.

However unlike the modern day celebrity, you get to wear a nifty disguise when on the job. When off work you can walk around undetected. The only downside would be being on call 24 hours a day. This sounds a bit like motherhood to me. Which is why mothers are often compared to Superhero's!

My Superhero Artwork

(Flying over Sydney, Australia)

Some try to pass themselves off as Superhero's and fail. Not everyone can be one. And certainly not in a plain suit and tie. Sorry but it has to be Lycra or metal.

Beware of Imitations

Regardless of age, we all love our Superhero's. For children I hope my artwork inspires them to do good in the world. Or at least tidy their rooms once in a while. Baby steps...

A Knight's Tale...

2010-04-25T19:44:00.000+10:00

As you know from reading my previous posts, I love making dress-up costumes for my boys. They normally come up with the suggestion and then it is my task to make it happen. Thank goodness they don't want to be a little person made out of lego or something equally awkward! Artists are not miracle workers!

Anyway, a couple of years ago I was asked to make a Knight's costume. I actually enlisted the help of my mum with this one as it was a tad tricky. All in all it turned out fantastic. He really was a shining knight in armour.

The little chain mail undergarment (a bit hard to see in the photo) was sewn up by my mum and it was a great hit at the party he attended. The only tears were from children he tried to challenge to a duel with his sword!

My boys have their own likes and dislikes and I usually look to them for inspiration about what artworks boys might like. The Knights "phase" inspired a couple of my artworks and they've been a constant hit for a couple of years now.

Knights, Castles and Dragons never go out of style! However my dragons and wizards tend to be on the "friendly" side. We can't have any bad nightmares can we!

When Cakes Are Works Of Art

2010-04-24T14:51:00.001+10:00

As an artist I can appreciate how hard it is to create a breathtaking piece. Whether it be an artwork, necklace or sculpture; the amount of hours involved can be staggering. The joy of standing back and admiring your work once completed is second to none. Even more wonderful is watching the face of the person receiving the item you've created and knowing that they'll be enjoying it for years to come.

I admire Cake Artists and I'm continually stunned by the breathtaking designs they come up with. However unlike my art which will hopefully be enjoyed for years, cakes are made to be eaten and that is why I couldn't bear to do what they do. To spend days or weeks designing, making and decorating the cakes; only to have them eaten and demolished within a few minutes would drive me insane. Although I know that is what they are paid well to do, I would still feel sad to see it eaten.

Strange I know! But then I was the same way about sand castles at the beach. When I was young my family would go to the beach and make sand castles or sea creatures in the sand. Decorated with shells and other items we found on the beach, I'd be upset if a wave washed over it or if it fell down. Worse if someone walked through it.

Therefore I'd rather get someone else to make a special theme cake so I don't have an emotional attachment to it. Precious I know, but artists are like that!

In the US there are two shows on TV which have cult followings. "Cake Boss" and "Ace of Cakes".

Cake Boss - "Carlo's Bake Shop" - New Jersey

Filming "Cake Boss"

Ace of Cakes

Like "Masterchef" here in Australia, these shows have started a theme cake baking frenzy in the States. This is a good thing as not only is it educational, it is fun. People want to have a go themselves and theme cakes these days cost a fortune. Why not do the work yourself, get satisfaction out of it and have fun at the same time.

Cake Boss - Rachel Ray Show Cake

Cake Boss Cake

Hogwarts Cake - By "Ace of Cakes"

Russian Doll Cakes - By "Ace of Cakes"

Just remember to smile sweetly (through gritted teeth maybe) as your castle has a turret cut off, or the red car you've made is cut up like a rebirthing syndicate. Oh well...

Finds Of The Day...

2010-04-23T18:33:00.000+10:00

Forget regular highchairs for your little one. Furniture designers have taken them to a whole new level. Perfect for every little prince or princess!

Leopard Print Highchair by Posh Tots

Oval Highchair by Post Tots

A Little Birdie Told Me...

2010-04-22T15:49:00.001+10:00

As part of my research, I'm always on the lookout for emerging trends in interior design and furnishings. A while back I noticed that overseas the emerging trend was "Birds". I started creating artworks featuring them and also getting in new product lines to compliment the artworks.

The other day I was walking through some retail stores and spied many new items such as mini bird houses, bird cake stands, wooden bird signs etc. So the trend has finally arrived in Australia. No longer do cute little birds just symbolise spring in home decor. Year round they add character to home furnishings.

Bird Salt & Pepper Shakers

Pottery Barn

Dinner Set

Pottery Barn

"Cape Cod" Outdoor Bird House

Ezibuy Australia

Like Owls before them, delicate little birds are sprouting up on bed linen, clothing, dinner set patterns, stationary and wallpaper. Not only are they whimsical, but they appeal to all age groups.

Calming and very cute, birds never go out of style.

Season of Colour

2010-04-21T13:54:00.000+10:00

Fashion magazines are heralding the return of colour. Although we are going into Autum and tend to wear darker colours during this season, the trend emerging overseas (which we then follow), is the return to colour.

Florals, block colours and 80's colour themes are back. Handbags and shoes in every colour of the rainbow are the new trend. Mixing colours together and bright statement accessories are in vogue.

Obviously due to my artworks, I am a huge fan of colour. Colour is the perfect medicine for when you need a mood lift. When customers enter my store they all remark how colourful and bright it is. I love working in an environment that feels so welcoming when you walk in the door.

It doesn't surpise me that companies inject colour into their workplaces to lift the mood of employees. Hospitals use colour to brighten the mood of sick patients. Colour is confidence and shows optimism. Colour is happiness and enjoying life.

Surrounded by Colour

My artwork also hangs in hospitals and I hope it brings a smile to the face of sick children and their families. If they can have a brief moment where they stop thinking about being sick then it makes my life so worth while.

Recently my eldest son was seriously ill and at the hospital he was taken to they didn't have colourful artworks or anything for the children to focus on whilst tests were being done or needles injected. Trying to get my son to focus on something whilst in this situation was frustrating. Sterile bland walls do nothing to help patients who are sick and afraid.

Once my son recovered I took an artwork up to the hospital to show them my appreciation. They were thrilled. And so now other children being treated could have something to enjoy. If I had my way I would re-decorate all hospitals with colour and light. I'm amazed that the government does not spend more money in this area. There is science behind the use of colour in lifting moods and stimulating the senses.

Life is colourful and in hard times we need more of it, not less.

Thinking outside the square - children's furniture

2010-04-20T15:04:00.002+10:00

When it comes to children's furniture, there are designers who definitely think outside the square. And why not?

When it comes to children's bedrooms, many people go all out with the soft furnishings, artwork, decor and accessories but fail to realise that you can also have fun with the furniture as well. The most fun I've seen in furniture to date is the beds shaped like racing cars and that trend passed its use-by-date a while back. (Apologies to those who still have those!)

Here are some ideas. Now not all of us have the money to buy these outright, but if you are handy, or know someone handy with wood then why not give it a go? The following are from "Posh Tots" and remind me of cartoons or Dr Seuss.

The Melting Draws

Now the next two I love. I have two boys and they can destroy the indestructible! So now you can buy furniture that has already been given the "destroyed" look in the name of fashion and art. Brilliant! Then I can just tell people that the other "damage" in the room was done purposely to suit the theme!

Oh, and the last one is an exploding chest of draws, not one that a mum has taken to with a chainsaw when at her wits end!! Though it would be a new form of therapy! I could churn these out in hundreds due the antics of my two boys. And then call it installation cupboard art. Oh the inspiration never ceases.

Toys will travel...

2010-04-19T09:47:00.001+10:00

Inspired by the 2001 film Amelie, a new travel agency in the Czech Republic called "Toy Traveling" is offering a unique luxury vacation not for you, but for your toys. You send them your favorite stuffed animal and they'll take it on an escorted luxury trip all around Prague, taking photographs of it at sights like Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge.

And if you'd like your fuzzy friend to really have a great time you can even pay extra for a massage, which includes incense and candles, or the 'dearest package' that comes with a cushion and duvet to make the journey home especially comfortable on his padded little behind. Prices start at about $120 for the basic package and get up over $200 depending on options.
http://www.toytraveling.com/

However toys have been snapped taking holidays around the world for years. On the internet there are numerous sites devoted to travelling stuffed toys.

From News.com (April 1, 2010)

HOLIDAYMAKERS are shying away from their cameras, preferring to point them at their favourite toys instead as part of a new trend.

Travellers Conny and Markus Morgenroth, who set up a website devoted to amusing travel pictures of their Kermit toy, provide one of the most famous examples. Their toy has travelled across four continents spanning 50,000 miles (80,000 kilometres) and more than 21 cities.
The website shows the Kermit toy posing in front of various famous landmarks including London’s Big Ben, the Sydney Opera House and Times Square in New York.

With most of the world facing recession and economic downturn, many have chosen not to travel to save money. Therefore sending your beloved stuffed animal abroad is a bit of escapist fun.

What I'd like to know is whether they'll take photo's of it downing a stein or twenty of beer at October fest, doing a pub crawl in a toga, running with the bulls in Spain or lying face down in a side alley face down with his ears held back by another fluffy ted. (Oh, that's right, it isn't run by Contiki....yet!)

What I'm trying to picture is the tour operator of travelling toys taking out each fluffy toy individually for happy snaps at each location! To save money maybe a bunch of Australians could get together and send all their fluffy toys over for bulk group shots. Dress them in green and gold but I'm not sure how they'll get them to say "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi".

Living the Dr Suess Life...

2010-04-18T14:25:00.001+10:00

I know I have covered quite a few children's playhouses in this blog, however I keep finding the most incredible houses that I simply have to share with you all.

As a child I loved Dr Seuss and my boys now love it as much as I did. As an artist I was blown away by the stories and pictures in the books. Even today I still find the pictures fascinating and wonder "What made him think of that?". The colours, the strange lands, the quirky characters were amazing. Even in the movie "Cat in the hat" the colours were vibrant, the houses whimsical and full of character. Rooms on strange angles, objects in crazy shapes... loved it all.

When I discovered these Daniel Wood playhouses I was not only blown away but reminded of Dr Seuss. See what you think.

The Movie - "Cat in the Hat"

The Lorax house - Universal Studios

Lorax house from the book

Daniel Wood Land Playhouses

The company does brisk trade making large-format environments for large spenders like major studios, theme parks and casinos. When it comes to kid-scale Daniels makes a prodigious and diverse selection of tree houses that could more accurately be called tree resorts -- there are nine different versions of pirate-themed structures alone, one that comes with its own oasis.

The play houses are made from redwood, cedar, and Douglas fir and usually feature things like "master's" quarters and balconies. The logs that form the bases are from fallen trees, not cut down, that are hollowed out with a chainsaw. The adventurous can enter through the doorway in the base and hoist themselves up through the trap door hatch, or monkey up the rope ladders. The more leisurely can simply ascend the staircase.

How amazing are these houses? Hooray for adult designers who've never forgotten what it is like to be a child!

Winding Down...

2010-04-17T13:01:00.000+10:00

After a busy week it was time to wind down and so last night I headed to one of Crows Nest's newest establishments - "Small Bar". Small it is but it is a "Big" hit with the locals. Only opened about a month ago I thought I would go and take a look. So with my husband and close friend K we headed off after work for drinks.

Once a restaurant, it has been converted in a gorgeous bar with an outdoor area. We loved the fairy lights in the courtyard and the menu is wonderful. It is a great boost to Crows Nest and is the sister bar to the "Small Bar" in the city (Eskine Street).

It is wonderful to see Sydney starting to embrace small bars the way Melbourne has for years. There you can find hole in the wall bars, bars in small alley ways etc. It gives Melbourne character and reminds me of other cities in the world. Sydney has been somewhat lagging in this area but they are slowly popping up due to new council regulations and a softening of liquor laws.

Run down alley ways of the city and small spaces are now converting themselves into night time destinations for the hip crowds. This is attractive to overseas visitors too who are not to pleased by a city that only seems to pulsate during business hours. Unlike other large cities around the world, at night you could be forgiven for thinking Sydney was a ghost town at night.

Now with inner city living being promoted, residents need local bars and restaurants to stay open later. Crows Nest is a perfect example. Anyway that it my 2c for today!

I must say that working in Crows Nest can be dangerous for the waistline! So many great places to choose from. I wonder how many calories I burn off by stretching my canvases and running up and down my shop stairs all day?

Space the final frontier...

2010-04-16T02:35:00.001+10:00

Space may be the final frontier, but it certainly hasn't finalised as a decorating theme for children. Spacemen and rocket ships still fascinate children as much today as they did when I was a child. My space artworks are a staple of my store. Always in demand and always in fashion.

Watching the stars and learning about planets was exciting. I can't tell you how many times I've watched the moon with my children and tried to see "the man in the moon". Thankfully they've grown out of that (the new telescope we bought put an end to that myth), however they still love the idea of space travel.

I've built countless lego space crafts. Star Wars ships included. I've glued glowing stars to the roof and bought my sons planetariums. We've spent hours looking through telescopes and pouring over books.

How many of us have put boxes over our heads and pretended they were space helmets. Or wrapped ourselves in tin foil to make our own space suits. If you didn't then you've seriously missed out! If you do make up for lost time (and you are an adult), I implore you to do it behind closed curtains as you don't want the men in the white coats to pay a visit!

It seems some of us don't grow up and that is a good thing. Here's one of my latest finds and it is simply fabulous.

SkyDomes

What is amazing is the StarDomes can recreate the sky at any given moment. They can include planets and the moon in it’s lunar cycle. So what you are looking at is exactly the same as the sky outside.

There are even optional controls for slower sunsets (and sunrises) and hands-free operations are available. This creates the ultimate sunset experience!

Some buyers of the StarDomes have put them in home theatres, above baths or in hallways to add effect.

Who said adults outgrew space and the final frontier?

The best block of land in Sydney...

2010-04-15T01:20:00.000+10:00

Sydney is obsessed by property. It is discussed as much as the weather. If you turn on the radio and TV you're bound to hear about the property market. Will it go up? Will it go down? Which suburbs/areas are about to boom...

Dinner conversations are always peppered with real esate discussion. Who's just sold, bought or renovated. The gossip isn't about who wore what dress as much as who bought and sold. And for how much.

Land on the harbour overlooking the Sydney skyline is priceless. A rarity in a city where even car parking spaces can go for over six figures in the right location.

Sometimes I wonder if the residents of one particular area of land actually appreciate the land and the fine views they enjoy whilst they munch away on their meals. Are they oblivious to the ooh's and aah's of passers by? They seem completely non-plussed, arrogant if you will. And it never ceases to amaze me. The land and views are worth millions and yet they seem not to notice. I wonder if they ever lift their lofty heads as a ship passes by and sounds it's horn. Here they are :-

Sydney's Taronga Zoo

For me and the millions who visit Taronga Zoo it is simply the most amazing sight. Even now after all these years I still continue to marvel at it all, snapping away on my camera and thinking that they must indeed be the luckiest giraffes in the world. Prime real estate and views. I wonder what they make of it all, the fuss and tourists clicking away on their cameras. I'm sure they don't really care as long as they are fed and happy.

Taronga really is the most gorgeous zoo I've ever seen and I can spend a whole day there. It is a photographers dream. And my boys love exploring the zoo with its winding paths and quiet corners you can sit and watch the ships sail by.

The new baby elephants have resulted in enormous excitement and children are studying wild animals and Africa with renewed enthusiasm. My African artworks do well as children can't seem to get enough of them. After a visit to Taronga the animals are the new celebrities which I think is fantastic. It is wonderful to see pop posters pulled down and replaced with artworks of animals again.

Finds for today...

2010-04-14T23:14:00.000+10:00

Say hello to the aptly named "Incredibeds". They certainly are incredible. They are not quite my taste but I'm sure there will be a market for them. What do you think?

As long as your children don't have nightmares by the large open eyes!

There is always something for everyone in childrens home decor.

My New Store Website - Coming Soon!

2010-04-14T23:06:00.000+10:00

Well, it is all go on my new store website and all will be revealed in the next week or two. It is very exciting as it will take the store to a whole new level. Not only will it be easier to navigate, there will be links to my blog and twitter as well as a mailing list. That way i can keep up to date with you all!

Also in the works is some exciting new products but you'll have to sign up to my mailing list or keep checking back here for updates. I'm incredibly excited and I think you will all be pleasantly surprised.

As you all know from reading my posts, I am constantly inspired and on the go. This past couple of weeks has been hectic and I think I've been re-energised by my recent break away.

This blog has been fun and although still relatively new, there are so many visitors and customers who've been in to take a peek. Don't be shy and sign up to the blog! Become a follower! And also be first with any news or new developments.

Thank to you all for your support.

Fiona

UPDATE ! Remember the playhouse? Well.....

2010-04-14T01:00:00.000+10:00

In one of my earlier posts (last week) I discussed luxury playhouses for children. Well then I stumbled across this in the LA times this week. It is a similar style playhouse but this one is for some pampered pooches.

42 year old Tammy Kassis lives with her husband outside of Los Angeles and when an owl almost carried one of her 3 dogs away she decided to give them, Chelsea, Coco Puff, and Darla, a home of their own.

She commissioned Alan Mowrer of La Petite Maison in Denver for the job and the result is an 11ft replica of the family home with luxury features like hardwood floors, heat, A/C, screened doors and windows, mini-blinds, handmade curtains, and landscaping complete with a white picket fence. She's even planning to install a plasma TV so the dogs can all watch Animal Planet together, their favorite show.

Air Con? Why of course

Mrs. Kassis was quoted as saying "My dogs are my life," but I can't help but wonder how much time are the dogs spending in this $20,000 doghouse instead of in the regular house with the family?

Darla slips into Chelsea's canopy bed when the Yorkshire Terrier isn't around. A trompe l'oeil wallpaper window hangs above a frieze of shopping bag-motif wallpaper, just above the chair rail molding.

Two Doggie outfits hang on the wall just above the dogs bed.

I can't think of any comments at the moment as I'm speechless. A rarity indeed!

Loving... Beach inspired jewellery

2010-04-13T00:12:00.004+10:00

If you've read my previous posts you would know I live on the Northern Beaches and adore the laidback beach/ocean lifestyle. This is reflected in some of my art.

The beach and ocean are always and inspiration for artists. The colours, the shapes and the textures are amazing. Collecting small shells is always fun as is collecting jewellery, so imagine my delight at finding that Badgeley Mischka has combined both!

If you love the beach then this new necklace by Badgley Mischka might be perfect. A colourful concoction of sparkly sea shells, a clam and a starfish pendant with various precious and semi-precious stones all against the backdrop of a five-string gold chain. You would have to absolutely "love" the beach as it sells for $800 US.

Diamond Reef Sea Necklace - Blue/Green - $800 USD

What about a ring instead?

Diamong Reef Ring - $120 USD

Diamond Reef Sea Necklace - Pink/Red - $800 USD

Now I doubt I could convince my husband that I simply found these "gems" washed up on my local beach. Or that I found shells and fashioned them into a necklace. I may be creative but not that creative! Pity

The closest I might get is a shell I've found and then encrusted (glued) with fake rhinestones. Get crafting everyone as I suspect the sea will be the next big trend in fashion jewellery. You've been warned!

Today's finds. Let them eat cake...

2010-04-12T00:00:00.000+10:00

Puffy Cake and Cupcakes - Pottery Barn Kids

Petit Fours by Haba Toys

Cakes - Etsy.com

High Tea Cakes and Pastries - Etsy.com

Gourmet Towel Cake - Ebay.com.au

Wooden Cake Set - Underwood Toys

Chairs with flair.

2010-04-11T23:22:00.000+10:00

Children's bedrooms are no longer simply a space to sleep in. These days the bedroom is a multi-purpose room for sleeping, studying and entertaining. This has resulted in a need for children's furniture to be both pretty and functional.

One trend which is taking off is mini lounges and arm chairs for the most discerning trendsetter.

"Anywhere Chairs" - Pottery Barn Kids

"Chloe Chair" - Fifi and Co.

"Fold Out Sofa's" - Pottery Barn Kids.

Kid's Furniture UK

Modern 'Hanke design' designer children's lounge chair

From the Netherlands

From: http://www.littleliving.com.au/.

Retro kids sofa lounge chairs

From: hipkids.com.au

Pink Kids Childrens Toddlers Lounge Sofa Couch Chair Toy Box Storage

From: hipkids.com.au

The only problem you'll have is sending them to "Time Out". Bedrooms are way too much fun!

The Fashionista as the Fairy Princess

2010-04-10T23:20:00.000+10:00

I don't remember the exact moment or time it happened. It wasn't traumatic and it certainly wasn't painful. Nor did I shed buckets of tears. I simply don't remember though I do still mourn the loss.

The loss of wearing my fairy outfits.

As a young lady there comes an age where you simply can't run around wearing a tinkerbell costume anymore. Unless you work at Disneyland, are off to a costume party (which even then is a bit dubious) or work in a very "old' profession (wink). Or unless you are Paris Hilton.

We either get told we are too old for wearing fairy costumes or we outgrow them. They simply don't make them over a girls size 8-10. And if they do then we are frowned upon as "not growing up"

It is no surprise to me that my Fairyland Artwork is my number one seller. Mothers and daughters "ooh" and "ahh" together. Sometimes I can't figure out who it is really for! Which is fine as then both mother and daughter get immense pleasure from it. Quite simply it is a "girl thing". Little girls want to be fairies and princesses. Older women want the same but don't admit it. (And we all are green with envy at Princess Mary of Denmark).

The closest many older women get to feeling like a princess or fairy is when you find THE dress. It is the dress that makes you feel like floating on air. For some of us it is our wedding dress, for others a formal dress or special gown. I have a few but I'm currently lusting after dresses that I've found on netaporter.com

Eva Longoria in Marchesa

If only I could go to the Academy Awards. Loving fashion as I do, I don't care about the show or the celebrities (that is the bonus), as I just want to wear a princess dress. I am in love with Marchesa dresses! How can a woman wear these and not feel like a grown up fairy princess?!

Personally I think more women should embrace their inner fairy princess and wear their favourite dress as often as they can. Why should little girls get all the fun?

Alice In Wonderland - The Wonder Takes Hold

2010-04-09T21:14:00.011+10:00

Hot on the heels of the new Alice In Wonderland movie with Johnny Depp, fashion has now been inspired Tim Burton's latest film. Everything "Alice" is back in vogue from fashion to home decoration.

Bettina Liano blouse

Prada purse

Moschino Cheap and Chic bracelet

Jay Jays T-shirt

Burberry London ring

Agent ninetynine necklace

OPI's New Alice In Wonderland Inspired Shades.

OPI has created four imaginative new shades in line with the whimsical film with names inspired by the story’s eccentric characters.

(pictured left to right):
Absolutely Alice, a spectacular cobalt blue confection.
Mad as a Hatter is a rainbow of purple, green, pink, blue, gold and silver glittered specks
Thanks so Muchness for its deep berry metallic shimmer
Off With Her Red, a striking tomato-red shade.

For the youngsters who already have my Alice in Wonderland artworks on their walls... you are all clearly fashionista's with exceptional taste!

From the "Why didn't I think of that" file...

2010-04-08T23:54:00.003+10:00

A cake in the shape of a sandwich? Really? Just as you think that cake art has evolved as much as it possibly can, some brainy (and hungry) so-and-so comes up with yet another bizarre way to have his cake and eat it too.

I'm not sure why or who would want their birthday cake in the shape of a sandwich. I guess the world is full of all sorts.

As a mother of two, I'd be more impressed if they could come up with a cake in which I could hide about a million vegetables. Not sure what shape the tin would be, but it would have to be creative enough to fool my boys who can spot a bit of brocolli from a mile away.

Everything British...

2010-04-08T23:13:00.007+10:00

As my parents are from Britain (Scotland to be exact), I do have a weakness for everything British. Particulary Scottish Tattie Scones and a good cup of English Tea (but that is a whole other story!). Therefore I simply had to have some British inspired gifts in my store.

How cute are the little soldier plush toy and the little rattle? Gorgeous with their little military jackets.

I also adore the new Scottie Dog Baby Bibs which remind me of the Scottie Dog I once owned. He was jet black and called "Lomond" (After Loch Lomond of course). Lomond was so black and furry that when he smiled all you could see was his white teeth! He was strong and stocky and was actually the offspring of the scottie dog on the Chum dog food advertisements

Not only are my artworks inspired by my experiences and memories but the gifts I sell as well. You could definitely say that the store is a reflection of me.

Winding Down in Crows Nest, Sydney

2010-04-07T22:40:00.003+10:00

Tonight after work I went with my sister Una to the New Orleans Cafe in Crows Nest. It is a couple of stores up from my store and is right on the main corner at Crows Nest. We spent most of the afternoon and evening together working and needed to wind down with wine and good food.

The only downside to working mostly by yourself is that you don't get to partake in after work drinks. So when Una came up we decided that we would go out and start the tradition.

The cafe serves fantastic Cajun/New Orleans style fare and they even have a killer Gumbo on the menu. Thankfully the weather is still warm enough to sit outdoors so we took advantage of the weather. We need to enjoy every last minute of the balmy weather before winter finally arrives. So over fantastic Savignon Blanc from New Zealand we enjoyed our dinner.
For anyone that comes to Crows Nest I highly recommend it. (And no I don't receive commission!) They serve great coffee as well.

Crows Nest is fabulous for restaurants and if that doesn't take your fancy then there are about another hundred within a short distance. I love working in Crows Nest as it is quite a mecca for gourmet foodies. And don't forget to pop into Thomas Dux around the corner. A fantastic place to pick up divine meals for dinner.

Audi Toy Car - takes toys to a new level

2010-04-07T22:08:00.000+10:00

Audi has shown off its exclusive series of model cars and automotive toys at the 61st International Toy Fair in Nuremberg lat month. The most desirable showpiece of Audi's display was the classic Auto Union Silver Arrow Type C race car, which is exactly one half the size of the original racer.

Perfect for budding race car drivers, this silver bullet-shaped machine is finely finished and uses a chain drive to send the pedal power back to the rear wheels.

The car showcased Audi's new "Children's world" range of cars, remote controlled toys and models.

It isn't long before children will be driving along in minatures of their parents cars. It appears "Brand Names" will soon be on the lips of the coolest tots in town. Wonders never cease.
And if you have to ask how much, then like me you probably can't afford it!

Back To Work...

2010-04-06T21:40:00.001+10:00

Well Easter is over for another year and today was spent going over all the orders that came in over the Easter long weekend. I also spent some time taking down my Easter window display. Up went my new bunting which is very decorative and has been quite the hit. I've had customers buy it for parties and to decorate bedrooms.

The pirate bunting is huge with boys who have decided to turn their bedrooms into a pirates lair. (See my earlier blog posts for inspiration on that front). All the bunting is very colourful and is a great way to add whimsy to a bedroom. It is great for apartments too as you don't need to drill any holes.

It was quite busy on the road outside the store today and the weather seemed to be as depressing as everyones spirits. Who doesn't hate going back to work after a long weekend!
Though I have to say that I am glad I'm surrounded by colour everyday. Arriving at my store in the morning tends to lift the spirits. It is bright and happy and who wouldn't want to work surrounded by gorgeous colour all day.

Added to that is the excitement of customers who are expecting babies or planning parties. And the little ones who come in to select their artworks.

Sometimes I bring my boys into work with me during the holidays (if they behave). Being a working mother can be a challenge at times and often there is no option but to bring them with me. My youngest son can be quite the larrikin ("clown" to those overseas not familiar with the term), and once hid in a cupboard on the shop floor. This was unknown to me and the customer whom he scared the living daylights out of when he jumped out and yelled "tada!". Ah, the joy of explaining that one to the customer. Thankfully most are also parents and see the funny side. I just hope he doesn't do it to a pregnant woman and send her into labour.

And my apologies to the people driving past who have seen the two strangely realistic "child mannequins" in the front window making strange faces at traffic.

How I do love the first day of school after the holiday break. I am counting down....

My find for today... More Kokeshi

2010-04-05T21:27:00.001+10:00

Hot on the heels of my latest Kokeshi Artwork, I have added more Kokeshi inspired pieces to my store. How gorgeous are these! Behold the new rattles and bibs I now have in store. The rattles are so adorable that I want to keep some aside for myself. Which is ridiculous really as I am a tad too grown up for these! Maybe I can stick them around the office as a decoration.

My sister insists I buy more as she shares a similar fetish for asian culture and artifacts. Her daughter shares that passion and was the inspiration for the Kokeshi artwork in the first place. She and her friends are besotted by them.

I love cherry blossoms and pagodas, both Japanese and Chinese inspired so these are perfect for the fashion forward tots down at the local catwalk (sorry "Park") this season.

Too cute!

Happy Easter 2010!

2010-04-04T20:56:00.001+10:00

I hope everyone has had a fantastic Easter 2010!

I'm currently down south at the Australian snowfields for Easter. Thredbo to be exact. The store is closed at the moment and I've left my last two bunnies to keep guard.

The Snowy River. Snowy Mountains, NSW, Australia

We love the Snowy Mountains all year round. Of course nothing can match the snow in winter but now many more Australians like us have discovered that there is much more to do here than ski.

My husband and the boys love riding their bikes all over the rocky terrain. Mountain bike riding is huge most of the year, as is fishing in the snowy river. The air and the scenery are amazing and I can fully understand why people fall in love with this area and never want to leave.

The temperature was "crisp" and a little on the chilly side but it is a welcome respite from the hot temperatures we've had in Sydney all summer.

For dinner last night we went to our favourite restaurant - "Crackenback Cottage". We've been going here for years as it is cosy with fantastic food. Think "comfort food" and warm open fire places.

Our boys love playing in the wooden maze outdoors. There was about 2 dozen children all trying to negotiate the maze last night with flashlights. It is fun to watch the frustration from the elevated viewing platform. I think it is a great way to entertain the children whilst waiting for dinner to arrive. As long as they don't get completely lost and start screaming! And sometimes it is the odd parent who is stuck in there yelling for the way out. Don't try doing it after a few wines!

We had a fantastic weekend away and although we ate way too much chocolate and food (and wine for the adults), we worked it off walking and cycling. So we don't feel too guilty!

Owls...

2010-04-03T20:24:00.000+11:00

The hot trend at the moment (other than Japanese Kokeshi Dolls or Russian Dolls) are Owls. Owls are adorning everything at the moment from jewellery to bed linen and clothing. Owls are timeless and it isn't just for the children. Adults also love owls. Is it because they are wise and calm? In current times don't we all wish for those things!

I've always loved Owls as they are very cute and so I've incorporated them into my artwork, cushions and toys.

I only realised how popular owls were when my artwork started selling to customers all around the world. Since then I've added owl pillows, mobiles, rattles and toys to my range. The fabrics and colours are adorable.

Dress As Your Hero Day

2010-04-02T19:43:00.002+11:00

The last day of school before Easter was "Dress as your hero day". When the note came home the challenge commenced. Rather than being daunted I love dress-up days. Maybe it is my "inner child" or maybe it is just my creative side coming to the fore. I'm not sure but I seem to get a kick out of it more than my boys.

I normally enlist the help of my mum if I need help with sewing but this year was a bit simpler. My eldest son wanted to be his favourite hero - US Snowboarding champion and Olympic Gold Medallist - Shaun White.

My son loves snowboarding so it was pretty simple for the outfit. The board was another matter. His real snowboard is far too heavy and precious to carry to school, so the challenge was to create a mock snowboard. Using my computer and printers at work I was able to re-create the real snowboard onto matt board.

Although a bit smaller in size I think it worked out well. I cut it all out and even put the holes in for the bindings. Then we put it all together and put him in a wig. I think the snowboard turned out well. I suppose if I ever need to change careers I could use my design skills for snowboards!

I'm secretly thrilled that he chose an athlete as his "hero". Although superhero's are fun, it is great to see children inspired by olympians. Who knows where this may lead! Stay tuned....

I've found my new house... pity I'm too big for it!

2010-04-01T18:57:00.001+11:00

I am in love with this spectacular Victorian Playhouse from Posh Tots. Straight out of Wisteria lane but without the desperate housewives, this adorable cottage can be yours for $23,400 USD. The only desperate people will be all the local children and adults like myself who wish they were five years old again.

The inside is amazing and full of charm. I'm loving the bay window. The only issue is that if I had one then more than likely I would end up cleaning it! Forget it. One house is enough for me. However I suspect that the lucky tots who end up with this house will have extra "help" to maintain their little house.

Love Lego?

2010-03-31T23:16:00.009+11:00

Lego Kitchen Scales

If your children are anything like mine, they absolutely love Lego. My two boys are obsessed with it and there isn't a day that goes by that they don't create something. Despite the fact that I do get annoyed by finding Lego all over the house and sucking it up the vacuum cleaner, it is the one toy which I encourage them to play with. It is stimulating and helps them with creativity.

Being a creative type, I love to see them designing and making buildings. Perhaps I'm hoping they'll become architects and build their loving mother a mansion one day. I can dream! In the meantime, they might get inspired to use these Lego Kitchen items. Maybe breakfast in bed on Mothers Day (which is coming up) might be the best way to go for now. It would be funny to eat toast or pancakes shaped like little lego men.

All are available from "Lego.com"

Lego Cookie Cutters Lego Ice Cube Trays

Lego Salt and Pepper Shakers

Egg and Toast Soldiers - My Childhood Favourite

2010-03-31T23:04:00.002+11:00

How gorgeous is this set!!

Japanese designer Takae Mizutani has just brought me back to my childhood with this cute set. No longer do toast soldiers need to be neglected. Rather than leave the toast lying on a plate, she designed her own whimsical Egg and Soldier set.

Made in Cornwall, England from an earthenware clay, the Egg and Soldier Set adds an engaging charm to this classic breakfast dish. The two piece set holds your egg securely behind the turrets of a small castle, while the toast soldiers valiantly stand upon their royal stead.

Inspired by childhood stories and imaginative dreams this will be a certified hit with children and adults who like to regress back to childhood (I'm off to buy one!!)

Cost 25 Pounds from Red Direct (UK)

Easter Traditions And Egg Rolling

2010-03-30T22:07:00.000+11:00

Easter has nearly arrived and the holidays are about to start. My children are very excited as they have two weeks off school and they are about to receive their weight in chocolate. Well it feels that way once all the relatives and friends have exchanged their gifts. They love waking up on Easter Sunday to see what the Easter Bunny has left them. Our Easter Bunny has a taste for Lindt!

Over the next few days parents across Australia and elsewhere will be buying up the remaining chocolate eggs, dying boiled eggs, making easter treats and going to Easter Parades. Or if they're in Sydney, some will make the trip to the annual "Royal Easter Show". I call them the "Brave" people. Brave enough to endure the crowds and queues for rides.

I do love watching the animals and the parades. The judging is interesting and it really is the country coming to the city. When we were little we loved going into the sheds and getting up close to the farm animals. The owners were always friendly and ready to talk to the children. We'd also gawp at the food exhibitions and the various regions displaying their produce in a theme. If you were lucky they'd also hand out pieces of fruit from their region and talk to you about it. I was absolutely awestruck but the displays and how they came to life. Even still this is a huge hit with everyone who visits. My parents were happy we kids finally worked out where all our produce came from. Growing up in the city sheltered us quite a bit.

When we were little we'd go away camping at Easter with half a dozen families or more. The Blue Mountains National Park was always popular. We'd camp near the "Three Sisters" at Katoomba. We'd have an absolute ball and on Easter Sunday all the children would wake up and receive their chocolate eggs.

The the "Egg Rolling" would begin. My parents are from Scotland and many of the other families we went away with were from Scotland, England and Wales. In Scotland the tradition is to make hard boiled eggs and then let everyone decorate them. We'd use coloured texta's or food colourings. We would spend hours getting them ready.

At Katoomba there was one spot near the camping ground that had a steep hill so we'd take our eggs there and wait for the signal to start. The aim was to roll your egg down the hill and hope that your egg would be the last one unbroken. Half the time the adults would break theirs so they could eat them. It was always a huge laugh and everyone had a great time.

They believe this tradition started in Scotland and was to symbolise the stone being rolled away from the tomb at Easter. Many other countries have similar traditions with eggs as well.

I believe the Easter Egg Roll has even been adopted by the US White House every year. I had no idea that the American's followed the Easter Egg Rolling tradition too. They use a spoon though but essentially that is the only difference. For our family you always had to find a steep hill so the eggs would roll down themselves with only a little bit of effort. The only issue is that if some of the parents had enjoyed a "wee whisky" they might roll down the hill after it!

Dream Beds For Children.

2010-03-29T16:11:00.022+11:00

It seems that bedroom designers have taken children's bedrooms and beds to a whole new level. Forget the regular beds that most of us are accustomed to, some children now have beds that are straight out of a fairytale.

Of course these amazing beds come at a price. Most are a minimum $14,000 US Dollars and that is for a base model.

The "Fantasy Coach" (right) is $47,000 USD.

This fanciful coach bed is the most extraordinary children's bed we've ever seen. Handcrafted in England of wood and fiberglass, the oval shaped interior measures just over 6 ft. in diameter. Construction and delivery time on this piece is over 6 months. The bar is set with this magnificent piece; it simply has no equal outside of fairy tales. Linens and interior options priced upon request

The Victorian Loft Bed and layhouse (left) starts at $14, 450 USD. For an additional charge an artist can work with the existing bedroom colours and co-ordinate the Bed to match.

The English Tudor Cottage Bed features genuine cherrywood trim an cute little flower boxes. A real dutch door and a slide on the side, it can also be colour co-ordinated to the bedroom colours.
Price - $14,450 USD

The Princess Palace Bed features custom hand turned spindles, custom fiberglass fabricated curved slide, custom made spiral staircase, and so much more. The grand spiral staircase leads to a balcony complete with pink turrets - all these details make this an over the top princess bed! The artist can customize the cottage's colors to work with your existing room décor.

Price $47,000 USD

This tropical tree house theme bunk bed features real bamboo, thatching, and palm tree inspired leaves to create the ultimate island experience.

$15,810 UDS

And don't forget about the babies and toddlers! They can also have dream beds.

The carriage crib is constructed with a solid cedar frame and birch details. Features a front faux leather seat (not for sitting-max weight of front seat is 25 lbs), rear box designed as a changing table with an overall look of a luggage rack on the carriage. Round mattress included.

$19,995 USD

This canvas covered wagon is not only a toddler size bed but it also features a changing station area with storage. The changing station area has a place for a changing pad (changing pad not included) and also features a large changing table drawer complete with western style pewter metal knobs (star, horseshoe, cattle head, rope). There is also a small box (approx. 9.5"W x 8.5"H x 7.5"D) on the side of the changing station area convenient for storing diapers and wipes which also has a horseshoe knob. Decorative milk jug and rope are also included. Handcrafted by talented artists and made from birch, cedar, and select hardwoods. Bed features a tan finish accented with a dark brown dry brushing technique in some areas. Bed holds a standard size crib mattress, mattress not included. $14, 918 USD

All I can say is "WOW" to some of these beds! If you want to have a look at more of these amazing beds, go to poshtots.com

Matyoshka (Russian Nesting) Dolls

2010-03-28T15:50:00.000+11:00

Another of my new art works is the Russian Doll and I thought I would also detail their history.

Matryoshka dolls are a time-honoured Russian tradition. The first nesting dolls were made in early 1890, inspired by souvenir dolls from Japan. Some books state that a Russian Monk brought back a Japanese doll from Japan and this inspired the Russians to make their own.

A set of matryoshka dolls consists of a wooden figure which can be pulled apart to reveal another figurine of the same sort inside. It, in turn, contains another one inside, and so on. The number of nested figures can be as few as three or as many as twenty.

The dolls are typically made of linden tree (basswood), dried for at least 2 years to ensure their stability. The artistry is in the painting of each doll, which can be extremely elaborate.

There are several towns in Russia with a long lasting tradition of crafting nesting dolls with notable matryoshka styles. Sergiyev Posad in the Moscow region has a particularly distinguished history in these artistic endeavours.

Technically, the correct Russian name for the dolls is Matryoshka. Inaccurate terminologies such as babushka dolls seem to have slowly seeped into the foreign vocabularies, unbeknownst to the Russian creators.

Interestingly, babushka is the Russian word for "grandmother" and has little to do with matryoshkas. A possible connection, perhaps, rests on the generous nature of Russian babushkas, spoiling their grandchildren with toys and, more likely than not, matryoshkas.

Where Do Kokeshi Dolls Originate?

2010-03-27T15:10:00.000+11:00

Since I am selling Kokeshi Doll prints, I thought I would delve into the history of Kokeshi.

While not the kind of dolls that little girls usually play with, kokeshi dolls are instantly recognizable as Japanese. Beautifully painted with traditional Japanese motifs or simply varnished these wooden dolls originated in the Tohoku Region of Northern Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868).

It is believed that these dolls were originally created by woodwork artisans known as kijiya who made them to sell to the tourists who flocked to the onsen (hot springs) in the area each winter. Now they can be found throughout Japan and, today, kokeshi dolls are considered to be one of the traditional folk arts of Japan.

These whimsical wooden dolls with sweet hand-painted expressions will capture your heart. Traditional kokeshi dolls have no arms or legs and in their simplest from they consist of a long cylindrical body upon which rests a round head. Both the body and the head are hand painted with the body often painted in bright floral patters or with traditional scenic images of Japan and the face consisting of a few that lines somehow give each doll its own character. Some are solemn and others playful and joyous in appearance.

Since World Ward II the look of the kokeshi doll has been expanded to include rotund kokeshi and more elaborate versions of the dolls appear to be dressed in a kimono or other traditional attire and have hair in wooden relief. The shape, size and motifs that adorn modern kokeshi dolls are only limited by the creativity of the maker. All are beautiful in their own way.

Eloise and The Plaza Hotel. She's back!

2010-03-26T11:24:00.000+11:00

The Plaza Hotel, New York City

On December 1st 2009, Eloise "officially" returned to her old haunt in NY - The Plaza Hotel. Who can forget Eloise, who moved into the Plaza in 1955 with her pet pug Weenie, turtle skipperdee and her nanny.

The "Eloise Shop" opened on the hotel's concourse level to much fanfare. The shop is 2,100 square feet in size and has it's own concierge that the young and fashionable can access as Eloise did.

Eloise's Lounge

There is a Fashion Room where guests can dress up in costumes and pretend they are the fashionable Eloise. There is even a podium they can "model" from. In the Library Room, the young guests can enjoy "park views" and watch their favorite Eloise movie clips, play on the computer stations or enjoy story time with their mostly companion.

And the favourite? It would have to be the Tea Room where family and friends can come together for tea and birthday parties and other celebrations.

The Tea Room

A visit to the Beauty Salon rounds out a day of living like Eloise. In Spring 2010, tea and birthday parties, beauty salon service and etiquette classes will be available too.

And of course there is shopping. The store offers a wide variety of Madame Alexander dolls, Eloise books, Eloise-inspired bathrobes ($95 US) and bath towels, and exclusive product lines including the Eloise in Paris doll. Eloise signature bed linen is $200 US, a charm bracelet is $85 and a do not disturb sign is $5.

The shop includes a mailbox where little ones can drop letters for The Plaza mascot. They'll get back notes signed "Eloise" — on pink stationery, of course.

The Plaza has also started an Eloise fan club and has overnight hotel packages called "'Live Like Eloise" and "Live Like Eloise Slumber Party". Best of all? Well if money is no option your little one can stay in the new Betsey Johnson Eloise themed suite! Ooh La La!

Want your kids to eat vegies. Scare them!

2010-03-26T01:00:00.000+11:00

Finds of the day... Sushi

2010-03-26T00:20:00.000+11:00

Sushi Crochet

http://www.etsy.com/shop/skymagenta

(Amazing, that is all I can say about this sushi!)

Sushi Prawn Ring

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleAngelsJewelry

Felt Sushi

http://www.etsy.com/shop/chirchi965

Sushi Candles

http://www.etsy.com/shop/doublebrush

Octopus Sushi Hair Pin

From Etsy Description:

"are u hungry..on a diet, something to tempt your boy toy or girlfriend...maybe the one with eating issues, keep them occupied with longing"

http://www.etsy.com/shop/adelehartlep

(Feel pekish? Not sure why it is "cheap and dirty")

Handmade Sushi Soap!

My find for today...

2010-03-25T22:19:00.001+11:00

Barbie went from being a shopaholic to a cat burgler!

That's right, Barbie is feeling the global credit crunch and has now resorted to stealing her Louboutin's. I sort of feel for her as for many of us that is the only way we'll get a pair of them!