:: The Envelope Project

The Envelope Project is catching...last I visited Pip had 122 eager bloggers pledging their creativity towards this fun project. I'm number 102 and its my first ever join in thingy. I'm not yet talented enough to join the ranks of an apron swap, pin cushion swap or even cut vintage material squares and put them in the post. BUT, I can do envelopes! So, I'm giving it a crack and hope to come up with some wonderful little things to add to my envelope. If you'd like to join, head over to Meet Me At Mike's!

More DIY projects...yet none of them finished!

Do you ever get into a rut where you start several projects at once, only to lose steam half way through? Over the last 6 months I have re-painted, re-stained and re-arranged up to pussy's bow, and now I'm plain tuckered out. I thought I'd share with you my projects hoping you can spur me on to finally finish them and show you the end result. 

Let me begin this journey with...

The dreaded blue couch

I loved this blue couch when my husband and I first got married (10 years ago) and bought this for our home. Two kids later and I cringe at the stains and dirt that have turned this once fine looking couch into a uni student special. On the up side, its foundations are really solid, the cushions are stuffed with 100% duck down and it's like a sleeping pill to lie on. My children are still too young to lash out and buy a brand new couch as they'd trash it within a day. So, the next best thing is to recover it - however for the cost of reupholstering it, I'd be better off buying a new couch. A conundrum I hear you say! Yes, but I have found a solution. I’ve sourced some material to drape over the couch. 

For the cushions, I found this gorgeous print at Spotlight. 

As you can see from the photo, have tacked the material to the frame of the couch but cushions are yet to be done. Trouble is, I’m not even a novice sewer – I have a sewing machine but haven’t yet given it a spin. So, have sourced a local to assist but it’s still pretty expensive so will aim to get 3 – 4 cushions re-covered each fortnight.

Kitchen stools

I brought these two kitchen stools a few weeks back. Lovely husband of mine has sanded back and painted stool to the right. Need to source some more foam for the seats as they are too hard to sit on. Once this is done, I have material ready to cover it.

Telephone Table

I brought this telephone table from a friend months ago. I’ve finally recovered the cushion but have been undecided about whether to paint or re-stain it. I posted about this back in April and many of you provided great suggestions on how to liven it up. We’ve decided to sand it back and re-stain. 

 

Thanks to my lovely husband, the sanding is almost complete. Now I just need to re-stain it. 

So that’s the honour roll of all DIY adventures rendered incomplete! Wish me luck in delving deep within my creative soul to muster up enough energy to complete these worthy projects.

Shadow Shot Sunday

As winter approaches, my vine leaves turn a beautiful shade of crimson red.

For more shadow shots, head over to Hey Harriet.

I need a holiday

You know you need a holiday when...

1. Even with your glasses on, everyone looks fuzzy and grey

2. You just don't find office jokes amusing anymore

3. Your greatest thrill is the 3pm dash to the chocolate fundraising box

4. You spend your whole morning willing, negotiating and yanking your kids out of bed

5. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, around you is going on a European vacation!

I don't think I can hold out much longer...

Whilst I contemplate life away from work, these inspirational images should help me get fired up!

{images via Bright, Bold and Beautiful and My Home Ideas}

Recollections of the party of a century

I've not had an ounce of sleep and I'm struggling to put this post together but it was all worth it for the Love Boat party was truly magnificent. Attended by 60 guests, we were greated by 

Captain Stubing and the Doctor with Man Overboard cocktails and maritime 80's music. 

The host had put so much effort into the night from the cabaret singer

 to the dolphin ice sculpture

A fabulous night was had by all which ran into the very late hours of the morning. My dancing feet have suffered and I am very weary but I am delighted I had the chance to sail the Love Boat on its final voyage.

Flea Market Find

Op Shopping on your own, discovering rare gems is one thing, enlisting your mother to scout on your behalf is another. Without any prompting, my mum found herself at a garage sale in Mentone where everything was for sale. To her delight, the whole house was decked out in shabby chic furniture, with nothing over $30. A few frantic calls to me, and she'd managed to fill her boot full of fantastic buys for my home. So this week I thought I'd share one my favourite pieces of furniture that has found a new home at my place.

For more Flea Market Finds, head over to Sophie's at  Her Library Adventures.

The love boat, exciting and new....

This is going to be the single most exciting thing that's happened to me all year. I'm prepared to right off the rest of the year knowing that nothing will compare to this one single event.

My gorgeous friend in Melbourne is turning forty and he has decided to celebrate this milestone by transforming his house into the Love Boat. He has removed all furniture from his home and has produced a set design that recreates the inner sanctum of the ships entertainment deck. He has invited 60 of his closest friends and family and has instructed us all that we need to arrive dressed as a Love Boat guest from the 70's. 

Thank goodness for google as I found a guest roll 200 long of those that featured on the Love Boat and whilst I was an avid watcher of the program, the only guest that I knew was.....

Zha Zha Gabor!!!

My girlfriend in Sydney is going as Zha Zha's sister, Eva and together we have spent weeks hunting and gathering 70's kitsch couture for this night of nights. 

I'll be sure to capture our transformation into 70's glamour and our journey to Alco poco whilst sipping champagne and mingling with the guests on the Love Boat. 

Enjoy your weekend. I know I will.