Shannon Fricke

A Moment In Pink...

2012-02-17T10:42:00.000+11:00

I'm having a pink moment - that's for sure... There's something so embracing about pink - particularly the soft, muted, slightly dusty version. It has a nurturing, understanding nature - don't you find? It's open minded, it says come on in, kick off your shoes, relax... It's funny how different ages and stages in our lives are marked by different colours... My early years, those when I was feisty, ambitious and ready to take on the world were my red and orange years. These colours are known well to give you a kick just when you need it... Those of you who have been following my blog for a while will know that the past 6 or so years of my life have been defined by blue and green - the desire to stop, be calm and breathe... Bringing up small children, maintaining a business and upkeeping a farm can demand that your surroundings offer a place where you can rest and retreat... A place to prepare you for getting back out amongst it all... But now, well pink seems to be looming on the horizon... What can that mean? The world is changing, that's for sure - as a collective we've spent the past decade or so advancing... Moving forward... Doing, doing, doing... Achieving, achieving, achieving... However lately, things are getting a little tougher out there. We're battling a global financial crisis. Tragedy through floods and earthquakes. Old ways and habits are being thrown up for questioning... We are reinventing... We are preparing for a new world... Perhaps pink is the colour within which to reflect... To take stock... To stoke the creative fire... To reinvent... To inspire... If ones life is measured in colour - then yes, I can see a pink stage coming on... And what a relief that is, I say... For now is the time to stop... To go in... To rekindle... Bring on a flush a pink - I'm ready to be inspired...

Dappled Light and Subdued Colour is so 'Naturelle'...

2012-02-09T11:19:00.001+11:00

I received an email from Annemique de Kroon recently, the founder, editor, photographer and art director (phew!) of online Dutch magazine Naturelle. She knows that I'm a big fan of the gorgeous small hotel, Trasierra, owned by Charlotte Scott and situated in southern Spain (outside of Seville) - and wanted to let me know of an article on Trasierra featured in her latest issue... Trasierra is a special place to me - because I spent time there with my mother whilst on my '40 year old journey'. You remember? But I digress... On flicking through the pages of Naturelle in search of the mentioned article, I noticed the loveliest thing... The dappled light and the subdued colour found within all of the interiors featured... The soft, almost hazy European light - a kind of barely there light that works to support rather than overwhelm an interior. Here in Australia, we have harsh light. It's bright, it's bold, it's in your face... The effect of which gives a kick to even the most reticent of colour. However, in the interiors above - the light plays a supporting role to the space - it casts shadows, it provides reprieve, it lulls... There's a quiet confidence to this kind of light - it's there but it doesn't need to make a 'notice me now' statement. I have to say, that I like it... There's something embracing about it... And it's a reminder to me, as an interior decorator to always pay respect to the role that light plays in a space. It's a crucial factor to ensuring flow and harmony... Thanks Annemique for the inspiration and for reminding me of the beautiful Trasierra!

all pics from Naturelle magazine

Brighten Up...

2012-02-08T11:29:00.000+11:00

I think you need to be a brave soul to infuse gale force colour into a home. It's a commitment, for sure - particularly if you're dealing with a wide palette. However, when it's done with confidence and total self-assuredness - when it's evolved and not just a token gesture - well, it simply makes the heart sing. I love these pics by Jonny Valiant for House Beautiful as they illustrate just how effective bright colour can be when used with commitment. Don't they make you want to paint or wallpaper your bathroom turquoise? Happy days....
p.s I do love the unruly looking flowering bush in the detail pic 4th from the top! It reminds me of a styling response that yours truly might infuse... Crazy, organic, reality.... Beautiful...

A Pop Of Pinky Red...

2012-02-06T13:27:00.000+11:00

pics top and bottom from Kathryn Ireland - pic middle from John Robshaw...

Out of all of the colours of the spectrum - red is the one with the most vitality... In fact, infusing a pop of red into your home will really get you jumping... Of course, red comes in many shades and intensities - and sometimes a cooler dash, is what's required. Diffused as a pinky red and you have a colour that is both energetic and nurturing... Here are some inspiring pinky reds - to get you in the mood for Monday...

'In The Palazzo, You Are In Heaven'...

2012-01-30T13:39:00.000+11:00

seen in WSJ magazine

So says Francis Ford Coppola of his heavenly, sublime palazzo come recently opened hotel (Palazzo Margherita) in Southern Italy... Wouldn't you just love to spend a few nights here in heaven yourself? Designed in collaboration with French designer Jacques Grange and the Coppola clan - the design is just pure quirky (see wallpaper/chandeliers) whilst oozing movie set glamour. Love it! Love it! Love it!

Have You Been To Mavis' Kitchen?...

2012-01-27T09:46:00.001+11:00

I know you know that I'm a complete sucker for beautiful gardens - particularly one with an old Queenslander quietly nestled in the landscape. There's something just so homely about a grand, old, slightly rundown timber house and something just so soulful about a garden that has been loved and tended and filled to the brim with edible delights. Add to this - heart-warming home cooked meals and you have a beautiful restaurant and a recipe for a great day out ! Hubby and I decided to head up to Mavis' Kitchen in Uki (about a 40 minute drive from us in Byron Bay) last weekend on a whim - it was our 18 year wedding anniversary - and with the sun shining and nothing particularly planned we thought we'd drop in to see if we could get a table. Luckily for us - there was room and we were able to spend the afternoon languishing in the beauty of the surroundings.... I do love that such a place has been created in the midst of nowhere - and yet because of it's beauty attracts people from near and far. It's a real testament to the place. If you're in the area, then it's worth checking out Mavis' Kitchen - if simply to have tea and scones and to delight in the love that abounds there..

One Fine Day...

2012-01-17T09:49:00.000+11:00

I do love it when cutie pie little stores open up in my hometown of Bangalow... Gorgeous, one of a kind stores, the kind that Bangalow is famous for... One such store is One Fine Day, housed in a pretty little shack in Station Street... One Fine Day is filled to the brim with colour and creativity - beautiful things that bring a smile to your face... If you're heading to Bangalow then be sure to check out what's in store...

Penny Farthing and Max Dupain....

2012-01-13T10:40:00.000+11:00

Wow... What a coup... If you're a lover of Max Dupain photographs (who isn't?) - then you're in for a treat. Penny Farthing Design House has secured release of a series of photographs from the Max Dupain estate - beautiful, evocative, black and white images - that beautifully capture Australia, our culture, our life, our sensibility... If you're interested in infusing some MD photographs into your decor then contact Penny Farthing Design House for options... Imagine some of these pics lining your walls? Beautiful...

Beautiful Things and Travelling Wares...

2012-01-11T14:14:00.000+11:00

I'm loving these summer holidays - as you know (!) - not only because the weather is so beautiful - but also because the slower pace has given me the chance to do a little stalking! And stalking, I've been doing... I do love hunting down old work shoppers - to find out what they've been up to... And in my hunt I've come across the delightful Kara Rosenlund... Kara came along to one of our very first workshops - and had a gift from the get go... You know those types that seem to be able to bring colour, style and texture together with ease and light hand? I've been following Kara since that time, to see how her career would unfold and recently have been checking out her website... And wow, what a treat... Kara has been styling and photographing (yes, she takes pics too) up a storm, as you can see from the images above... Such evocative, emotional and sensitive work... Congrats Kara on taking your career to such great heights... Not to be dull though, Kara has fingers in many pies... Check out Kara's caravan of old wares (called Travelling Wares) which trips from market to market around the Brisbane area... Love it Kara, you're such an inspiration....

I love that the workshops attract so many diverse and interesting women - who all share a commonality - the desire to lead a creative life... I come across so many women who don't have the confidence to be creative... These women believe that creativity is for the select few - only those who are born with the gene! I love it when these gals attend a workshop as it can be such a personal leap for them to even turn up! The workshops are designed to create a space where even the most novice creative is free to explore her own creativity... We use decorating as our creative medium - but really our workshop experience can be applied to any creative medium. We give you the space, and the tools that you need to allow your creativity to unfold... Creativity isn't a finite thing, after all... It's a journey that often lasts a lifetime... A creative ride! I can't wait to fire up new workshops for 2012 - and to launch the new website which will have all of the details/dates... So, if you've been holding your inner creative to ransom and are looking for a way to unleash it into the world - then look out.... As 2012 is going to be a very creative year...

Chillax In Byron Bay...

2012-01-07T21:47:00.000+11:00

It's no secret that creative types turn to the environment around them for inspiration in their work... The colours, textures and energy around us is a great influence on how we feel within ourselves and in turn how we express our vision through our work... Well, this is my environment... The beautiful Byron Bay.... Pure white sand, clear blue water and sculptural foliage - like the pandanas tree - in muted tones that speak in whispered tones - saying all the while - 'relax, relax, relax'... I've recently been working on a lovely project - a small hotel - in Byron Bay - and it's colours just like these that have made it's way from the environs beyond to the spaces within... Washed up, washed out blues and greens, sandy tones in textures intended to translate the feeling you get from the beach to your lounge room... Loving this colour palette right now - it says summer chillax - exactly how summer in Oz is supposed to be... Can't wait to show you the result of our chilled out labours...

This pic is by Prue Ruscoe for a shoot we did for Inside Out...

Colour Interpretation...

2012-01-04T05:41:00.001+11:00

Check out my daughter Inez's creative offering for today - an artistic/graphic/computer interpretation of the cover of my sense of style: colour book... I love that it's a little Matisse and a little Gauguin - with beautiful rich colourings in broad, organic brushstrokes... Really, it's just lovely to see all of that holiday computer time (!) being put to good use, I say.... We could have an artist in our midst afterall...

2012... Here We Come...

2012-01-03T15:35:00.000+11:00

Where Are They Now...

2011-12-20T06:41:00.001+11:00

Hello everyone,
I'm back from my whirlwind trip to NYC and have spent the week, head down, bum up, so to speak, catching up on all that needs doing before the holidays...

And as we slide into Christmas - I thought I'd squeeze in one last, Where Are They Now - because I do so love to hear about what my past workshoppers are up to... This is Lyndel Miller (who attended a styling workshop in 2011) and this will be a real treat, particularly for those of you who are interested in a career as a stylist. Lyndel's journey is such an inspiring one as 2011 saw her dream of becoming a stylist turn into a reality... It goes to show that you can make your dreams happen - even if you don't live in a major city like Sydney or Melbourne (Lyndel lives in the Gold Coast) Anyway, I let you read her story for yourselves.... I hope you enjoy....

'I have never made a New Years resolution but on New Years Day 2011 I said to my sister I think I would make a good stylist. I had been reading some great books, and researched courses, including Shannon's fabulous workshops , and decided it was time to throw myself wholeheartedly into this idea , and started enrolling and researching. I love research! and I started studying.

I committed to 2 courses and 2 workshops I thought had the most to offer. ISCD, Australian College of Professional Styling, Food Styling and Shannon's Styling 101. I was hooked ! and I knew from the very beginning that this was for me.

I had such a varied background, but all of what I had learn't / experienced in the past graced me with tools to carry me through on this next adventure.

I sped through studies ( didn't seem like work ) and before I had finished Skye Craig for Masterchef (Series 2) had offered me the job of styling her upcoming campaign for the launch of her gourmet ice- cream and dessert range.

She liked my aesthetic , we had worked together in the past on an advertising campaign, where Skye was our Graphic Artist.

I was so excited! This was my big break, as they say.

Of course, I said yes!

I styled the shoots on all levels,wardrobe. prop and food ( ice cream) and assisted in production also.

I worked alongside photographer Armelle Habib, which was a great pleasure and I felt right at home.

After this, I joined with photographer Mindi Cooke, who was working for Frankie Magazine and we did some commercial, interior and food shoots. A mixture of paid work and portfolio shoots. (Finding an amazing photographer to work with is paramount ! especially when you are building a portfolio as I was and continue to do) Mindi was a gift from the heavens! Love you Mind!

A few months had past and Skye was in contact again with me and asked if I would be interested in styling her upcoming dessert book and then lead to an offer to co - author..I threw myself again wholeheartedly into the book, styling on all levels. Some said it was way too much to pull off. I was determined and energised by the whole process.Working with Skye , a talented art director and kindred spirit was fantastic! I was living my dream! ( and still am )

I love my work, I love all it's facets, and I particularly love food. I have a background in hospitality, natural medicine and design..all of which has bought me to this place now where I feel I am mean't to be. I found myself, finally.

My style is eclectic, emotive and original.. I work from the heart.

I spend my days researching, fossicking, sourcing props ( love this! ) developing recipes I hope to published, perhaps in magazines ( always aiming high! ) and search for avenues that may require my services. I have a facebook page too which I think has been really helpful also. ( never thought I would think that ! )

I am open to travel and have accommodation in Sydney and Melbourne( though I haven't need to do this yet ) and if I was to offer any advice to others wanting to do same, I would say " trust in yourself, it is never to late, and you can make anything happen, stop saying and start doing" No excuses! Stay tuned..a book in the making for May next year :)) and if I don't say so myself , it is exquisite!

Thanks Shannon , you are an inspiration and such a great support. Love who you are, love your work!

Wow Lyndel, what an adventure... What I love about Lyndel's story is that she just goes for it! She's always on the lookout for opportunities and grabs them when they come along which is so important in the world of styling; as in life... As you look your opportunities in the eye, and then do the best you can to rise to the opportunity - well, this is where the growth comes and this is where we evolve as professionals and as people. Thank you Lyndel for your inspirational story.

2011 has been a lovely year for our workshops. We introduced our Styling 101 workshop - which was great fun as we got out of our chairs, and into the studio, working with props to create small vignettes... Plus we continued with our wonderful How To Decorate and Just Colour Workshops. I've met so many inspiring women through the workshops - there's something magical about a group of women around a table - listening, talking and creating together. Thank you to everyone who has attended a workshop - it has been such a pleasure to spend time with you. 2012 will be an exciting year as we continue with our workshop series. I'll be taking them on the road (to NYC!) early in the year - as well as hosting you in my hometown of Bangalow with some special workshops at the farm! Our new look website will be up and running early 2012 (along with the launch of some very exciting projects) - I'll let you know of details as they come to hand... Happy Styling all...

AWOL in NYC...

2011-12-08T04:41:00.000+11:00

Sorry for being soooo slow to post all - I'm in NYC - land of Christmas lights and Santa Claus - on a last minute, pre Christmas get together with some friends here... I think out of all of my times visiting NYC - Christmas has to be my very very favourite... NYC really knows how to put on a show... My old haunt ABC Carpet and HOme always puts on a really beautiful display - at any time of the year - and I seem to spend hours roaming around what is like an Aladdin's Cave... I particularly love their little vases filled with colourful blooms that were hiding out the back waiting to make their way into the displays on the floor. This is such a quick trip - only 7 days - and all systems go go go... There's no go slow in NYC after all... I thought you might like to see some snaps from my trip so far - on the iphone - so the quality is a little dodgy... But nonetheless, a lovely reminder of what goes down...

Farmers Market Morning...

2011-11-26T08:44:00.000+11:00

There's something about hanging out in a farmers market that makes one feel warm and fuzzy inside, don't you find? Well, this morning - that's exactly how I'm feeling after my expedition to the Bangalow Farmer's Market - held every Saturday behind the pub (if you're visiting...) where I bought these lovely tomatoes from the Coopers Shoot tomato clan (aren't they heavenly...) Living on a farm - I know how much work goes into such things - it takes a lot of toil, commitment and love to grow anything particularly the food that we eat - beautiful, healthy, non-toxic, taste good food... We are so lucky to have many committed growers living around the environs of Byron Bay... These growers grow fresh, bountiful, organic produce - good, beautiful food. Let's face it - there's not much in the way of $$ if you're a grower - and so the love of growing is the real motivation for many of these producers. It's a tough, non-glamorous life - and so every time I visit the market I tip my hat to these people who have made the commitment to grow... And every time I prepare farmers market produce, I think of them, with a smile... I was concerned when I recently heard that the life of the farmers market is under threat by way of new legislation that is creeping through - effectively allowing large supermarket chains and similar to sell their wares in a farmers market environment... Whilst I'm all for choice - I think it's such a shame that the sacred ground of the farmers market could soon be monopolized by super-sized suppliers... How will our much loved smaller producers survive, I ask? We have so little control over much of what goes on in our day to day lives these days - to know that the food that we eat has come from the farm to our tables - with little traveling time in between - is simply one of the most joyous aspects of living... I would go so far as to say that it's our right as human beings to have a clear idea as to where the food we eat has come from... At its core, the farmers market environment provides us with some kind of faith in the food chain. What a shame it would be if we lost this to big business too... Please remember to support your local farmers market if you have one near by - every bite you take will be worth the effort you've made to get there... And in the process you will be allowing smaller producers to continue to survive on the land... Happy Weekend all....

Bill Me...

2011-11-24T12:06:00.000+11:00

I'm loving the look of the exterior of Bill Granger's new restaurant digs in Notting Hill, London called Granger and Co... Great to see a little sunny yellow has made it's way into the palette - an uplifting sight in an otherwise grey landscape... Congrats Bill - can't wait to get into your ricotta hotcakes - London style...

NYC Dreaming...

2011-11-23T09:08:00.001+11:00

I'm so excited to fitting a quick trip to NYC in before Christmas this year - I have so many excuses to get over there these days - so many friends to visit - so many shows to see - so much shopping to be done... Cross fingers that we'll have a little pre-Chrissie snow to get us in the festive mood. Along with all of this, I'm over the moon to be catching one of Deepak Chopra's talks at the Deepak Chopra HomeBase in ABC Carpet & Home - five or more storeys of eye candy for the home... It's was a last minute grab for a seat at these ever so popular events - which sell out within minutes... But I managed to secure my place and am very excited to be there as he'll be chatting with Goldie Hawn...
Here are some pics of ABC Carpet and Home and the man himself (in the HomeBase - isn't it gorgeous!) - I'll let you know what words of wisdom he imparts - it's sure to be an insightful evening...

pics abc home

Where Are They Now...

2011-11-18T10:19:00.001+11:00

Hi Everyone,

On this lovely sunny Friday, it's so much fun to be catching up with Shannon Fricke Workshoppers past and present... Today's post is about Anna Critchley - a vibrant, energetic member of our workshop club... Here's what Anna has to say about what she's been up to since attending a workshop a year ago...

'Since coming to visit you at the Little Cottage Nov 2010 I have plucked up the courage and enrolled in an Interior Design Diploma through distance education at the CATC in Sydney.

And I LOOOOVE it! I must admit it is challenging studying with a young family and life to run, but working on assignments that I am excited to research is an amazing feeling. The hardest part is letting go and just doing them without over thinking. That is the hard part about designing , the constant little voice in your head that asks “Is this good enough?” or “Will other people like this as much as I do?”.

The best part is that the course challenges me to think more, read more and act more......and I remember you saying on that day in Nov last year.....”Just start doing it!”'

Wow Anna - I'm just so proud of you... Yes, designing is a journey - and yes, it is difficult to juggle life with a family and your inner most passions... But, well worth the effort I say, because the satisfaction is just too great to ignore... Congratulations Anna. I look forward to seeing how your creative journey continues to unfold...

Aren't you just so inspired all? And so with this... Have a lovely weekend. Enjoy the days... And we'll meet here again next week... Don't forget to send in your stories post Workshop all... We love to hear what you've all been up to...

Styling Tip No. 1....

2011-11-17T14:20:00.000+11:00

First step when styling a photo shoot is - to call in all of your props... Lay them out all over the place.... Then drool...
Ah, yes, I do love these days when props begin to arrive at the studio for the latest photo shoot... It's an opportunity to see what's out there, to be creative - and to make some serious mess! This is The Little Cottage on these days of experimentation... The days when we see how things go together, when we make decisions on what goes with what and where... When we put our imagination to work and play, play, play... It's loads of fun - the mess before the order... Because, of course, once on set - everything has to be spick and span and in it's place... No mucking around! But today - well that's another story...

Be Certain Of Uncertainty...

2011-11-16T17:17:00.002+11:00

If there's one thing that I've learnt about life in the 42 years that I've been on this planet is that there is no certainty... In fact, I'm certain of it! As much as we may try to create a solidity or a structure around our lives, as much as we develop routines, rely on patterns of behaviour, on schedules, on systems - at the end of the day, these things are just not certainty-proof... Most of us are seeking a kind of certainty, don't you find... We strive for a certain world because we fear the unknown... We fear losing control... Even, in the world of aesthetics - we are striving for a certain outcome... We create plans, models, schemes - to ensure a kind of certainty in our work... But in reality, no outcome is ever truly certain... And why would you want it to be I wonder... For the uncertain outcome is often the most exciting... We spend a lot of time in the workshops at The Little Cottage looking at the idea of uncertainty in creativity and design... I find that most women who come along to the studio are looking for a kind of certainty - they're hoping to find the skills they need to decorate in a way that dazzles... And while decorating is about accruing and testing skills - it's just as much about being aware of and then embracing uncertainty... Speak to most creative luminaries and they bring with them the same story - the story of finding peace in the face of uncertainty... In the face of the unknown outcome... As creatives, we need not to fear uncertainty but to embrace it... It is in this uncertain space that the most dazzling beauty lies... If you can bring yourself to let go - to free fall (metaphorically speaking) - then you find trust... You find trust in yourself... In your work... In your life... And when you trust yourself in this way - then you can tap into the beauty within at any time... And that, I believe, is the one thing that is, for certain...

p.s if you're a Shannon Fricke WorkShoppper - recent or past - then send me a line and let me know what you're up to... I'm planning some more 'Where Are They Now' posts and would love to hear your story to include in a post... With pics too... send them to my email HERE

pic from taverne

I Love Lellow...

2011-11-15T15:22:00.002+11:00

I remember the day that I fell head over heels for Lellow - um, I mean Yellow... It was the day that my son Joe first said the word. He was only a wee thing back then - and his attempts at saying the word - but replacing the Y with an L - were just too cute to ignore... Consequently, I've been in love ever since - with Joe, of course, but also with the colour... It's crazy to imagine that I could ever love yellow... My mother has been a huge fan of it for years - trying to entice me to it too.... But my heart just couldn't stomach it... That is, until it became Lellow - now I simply can't get enough... I've even used it in clients houses - sparingly to begin - but with greater gusto as I grew in confidence. I even have bits of it at home... And a big dollop of it in the studio... Whether it's a bowl of lemons in the kitchen, or a wattle yellow in a fabric - I do love Yellow - um, I mean Lellow! Now I'm confused!!!

pic from Anthology Magazine

Rummaging...

2011-11-11T14:06:00.000+11:00

My first stop when I'm propping for a photo shoot is always my old shed... There are many things living in the shed - old cushions, fabrics, some furniture, interiors bits and bobs - and I'm sure a snake or two! Most things are tucked away in plastic bins - to protect them from the dust and dirt - and when I have a shoot on the way, I rifle through the bins with the hope of finding something that I'd forgotten about... Today, I found a bin that was tucked away behind all of the others - and boy oh boy, did I find a few old treasures in there... One of which, was this old table cloth... My aunt gave me this table cloth many moons ago now. I just love the colour of it - and you just don't find lace work quite like this, these days... I was so excited about the discovery that I just had to drape it over a chair so that I could catch a glimpse of it every time I walked by! Crazy non! Already I'm beginning to plan the Christmas table around it... Can't you see it?
I've also been having fun with some beautiful petunias that are growing like weeds in the garden... I've taken to stuffing them in old glass bottles - roots and all - and dotting them around the house. They last for days... And look oh, so pretty.
And on this note - I hope you all have a lovely weekend... Perhaps a little rummaging will spring forth at yours over the next couple of days.... Be sure to let us in on what you find... Happy days...

Like A Flowering Stone...

2011-11-07T09:33:00.000+11:00

It's just possible that I was married to a stone mason in a past life... That could explain why I love stonework so... These are the stone steps that Joni our stonemason has just completed... Every time I catch a glimpse my heart does skip a beat... Oh, and I had to share a little of my new garden beds with snapdragons and other pretty plants -and potager replete with beans, tomatoes, zucchini... I'm so proud of my little garden... Could there be anything more fulfilling that popping a seedling in the ground and watching it grow? Ah, everytime there's a new shoot, I think I've died and gone to heaven! Do you have a potager at home? What are you growing that you love...

What Goes On Behind The Blue Gate...

2011-11-04T09:09:00.000+11:00

Well, I'll leave that for you to ponder over the weekend...
I love this pic that Nicky from NV New Vintage sent through yesterday... Bring on the stone walling and archways I say... Such incredible beauty...
Happy days all....

Where Are They Now...

2011-11-01T11:07:00.002+11:00

Hello all,

I hope you had a lovely, and messy weekend (!) and managed to kick off your shoes and enjoy the days... Hubby and I had a day to ourselves which is a rarity up here at the farm - and so we spent it hanging around the pool enjoying the sunshine and the rolling green hills trying to ignore the overgrown garden!

I thought I'd share a little inspiration with you today... I received a lovely email from Vanessa Kidwell last week. Vanessa attended my very first How To Decorate Workshop up here at The Little Cottage in Bangalow last year with the aim of - not only having a hoot of a time - but also exploring a more creative life. Perhaps, eventually, Vanessa thought she may open her very own store filled with gorgeous homely goodies and the workshop was, kind of, a first step for her... Like so many of us know - wanting to do something brave and actually making it happen are two completely different things. Putting your creative self out there for the world to see and taking the creative leap is daunting... Well, I'm very excited and proud to say that Vanessa has done it - creating her own store called livedincoogee in the seaside Sydney suburb of Coogee... Of course, I love that Vanessa found the workshop gave her just the kickstart that she needed to take her leap of faith - now she is actually doing something that she's been dreaming of doing for years... I just love stories like these ones because - at the end of the day helping people connect with their creative self is what the workshops are all about...

Here's some pics of Vanessa's beautiful store for you to check out - I love the tiled exterior and the old floorboards Vanessa (not to mention your lovely homewares) - and you can go to her online store as well, to check out her goodies...

Congratulations Vanessa and thank you for sending me your lovely email... It's made my week...