Weka Live Here.

Crocheted Scarf.

2011-04-14T09:53:00.000+12:00

With winter approaching it is time to think of those poor naked necks. Here is a little something I put together for mine.

On the drive home.

2011-03-21T09:59:00.000+13:00

Our Place.

2011-03-15T10:11:00.001+13:00

This is our home, shipped over and built by my mum's uncle in the 1950's. Unfortunately all of the owners between the time they lived there and we moved in didn't quite have the love for the place that we do. Below is my parents house (next-door, where I grew-up) that was also stitched together by my mum's uncle. One day our place will look that loved.

A puzzle for 1 to 4 people!

2011-03-14T23:52:00.000+13:00

I have head-over-heals fallen in love with vintage jig-saws. Their quaint portrayals of life not to mention the absolute satisfaction at finding the connecting piece. Here is one I found in the local op-shop, not bad for a $2 gamble (yes all the pieces are there).

No. 1. Our Village A Tower Press Jig-Saw.

Mini Tokyo.

2011-01-22T12:59:00.006+13:00

Was lucky enough to go to Tokyo for the New year celebrations. While I was there I picked-up a SQ30m by monogram, a tiny pocket digital camera, a toy camera... sort of a digital lomo. A lot of fun for only 21 grams of camera. Here are some of the shots.

Op Shop Adventure.

2010-07-01T16:19:00.006+12:00

Went to the Red Cross Op Shop in New Lynn and found the most amazing set of children's books. There are ten all together and then have everything from nursery rhymes to Greek mythology to Pride and Prejudice and Alice in Wonderland.

Also found some lovely fabric, two doilies and a set of two books on shorthand. I had never realised shorthand what shorthand was. Here's an example, it's the scratchy marks.

I have also finally finished my Owl and also felted a bird pincushion.

And this is Meow Face, he's the neighbours cat but he likes hanging out at our place. He is currently sleeping on the couch.

Look What I Found...

2010-06-28T13:45:00.002+12:00

Saturday had a lovely foggy morning. I peered out the window and saw these. I quickly grabbed my camera and in just a robe and a pair of tramping boots captured them.

My new skirt and other things.

2010-06-21T13:40:00.006+12:00

So I have finally finished Studio for the first half of the year, that was why I have been horrendously ignoring the blog, I apologise. I was working on a book to encourage office workers to bring plants into their workspace. My tutors acknowledged I was taking a risk by expressing my idea in book format but apparently I did not pull it off. I have learned from it and am ready to move on.

But at least the presentation looked good. Those colourful piles are copies of the book which I printed and bound.

I finally got around to using some of the fabric I picked up at a Karen Walker (I think it was Karen Walker, please correct me if I'm wrong) charity school yard sale a few years back. I made a skirt, the easiest skirt ever. I think the whole thing maybe took me an hour.

Before you start you will need enough thick elastic to go around your waist + 3cm seam allowance. This will be your waist band. For the fabric, choose something that can be doubled over to create the length of the skirt.

Step 1, measure your waist and add 3cm to allow for a 1.5ch seam.

Step 2, cut thick elastic to the waist+3cm length.

Step 3, measure length of elastic when fully stretched (not including the 3cm of seam allowance).

Step 4, measure and cut a length of fabric to the same length as the stretched elastic and add 3cm for seam allowance.

Step 5, sew the raw edges of the elastic together, good sides facing each other, (remember 1.5cm seam allowance). This will form the waist band.

Step 6, sew raw edges of the fabric together, good sides facing each other, (remember 1.5ch seam allowance) and press (iron) the seam flat.

Step 7, fold fabric in half horizontally to make a double layered doughnut shape keeping the seam on the inside.

Step 8, line up the seam of the elastic and the seam of your fabric and pin together.

Step 9, it is now time to sew the fabric into the waist band, stretching the elastic as you go. This will need some strong fingers depending how tough your elastic is.

There we go, Done! I sometimes like to roll the waistband over a couple of times, this gives it a ruched look, as well as shortening it a bit.

Just needed to share my love of Air Plants.

The little fluffy Owl below is one of my new projects. His body is needle felted and now I'm figuring out how to attach his wings and what to do with the eyes and nose. I'll let you know how he turns out.

I'm going to leave you with this image taken of the reflection in my light-box.

National Alpaca Day 2010

2010-05-02T20:45:00.005+12:00

I did not know we had a National New Zealand Alpaca Day, so what did we do? We visited an Alpaca Farm and got an education in Alpacas.

We visited Silverdale Alpacas, one of many Alpaca farms around Auckland that had opened their doors to the public for the day. It was so much fun, we got to chat to the breeder and pat the animals. I hadn't realised how think and soft their fleece is. Would defiantly visit another farm next year and I would highly recommend it to all of you.

The resident Beagle.

Conceptual Statement for Second Half of the Semester.

2010-04-18T19:19:00.006+12:00

The above image found at Tipnut.com.

A type of desk that often gets overlooked is the child's desk. Where "work" (getting a task done, including learning)is usually the centre theme for an adults desk, to a child play is as serious and important as the "work" of an adult. While adults usually limit what they do to separate areas( a space for writing/computer work, another for reading, another for creative pursuits), the child often does not have this luxury of space. For the child many activities will take place in the same space/desk. I want to explore this limited space dilemma to see if I can create a space that caters for all of a child's play/work needs.

(Below) I like the way they guys at Point have created this private space. Actually a bedroom but is more like a reading room and if you got rid of the bed it would make a great play hut.

As well as wood I want to look at other materials for construction. The guys at Nothing managed to create an entire two levelled office from cardboard. Shows almost anything is possible.

Rapid design project for Uni.

2010-04-18T17:33:00.012+12:00

So, as part of my course I have been asked to do a rapid design for something that stores something that we need at uni to be able to work effectively but do not want to be carrying back and forth from home to school. My take on this was a waste-paper bin. With most creative idea testing comes waste and in our building there is only a limited number of rubbish bins. So I have designed a mould that produces paper waste-bins that can be used then recycled when they are no longer needed.

(Click on any image to view it at full size)

Here are some other ideas I was considering for my rapid design.

Storage box – mobile desk. For work on the move. It is true that most people now use laptops but not all people prefer or want a laptop. There are some instances where pen and paper are still a must. Not to say that people with laptops couldn't use a mobile desk. On the contrary, laptops can be more comfortable when you have a surface to place them on and kept safe with a solid shell around them.

-a writing/drawing box, a place for pens and paper (envelopes, rulers, and so on), as well as a flat surface to work on. As in the 3rd Storage box image, the box also gives a straight edge which to align you T-square (useful when you are hot-desking and desk quality can not be assured.)

-a mobile desk, wheels to help transportation, storage and maybe even a chair contained within.

But, at the maximum it would have to be able to fit in the boot of a small car. For example, no bigger than your average sized suitcase.

Storage nets (or bags), light portable storage for bulky items. Designed to be use in various locations/sites.

The concept started with the desire to have a place to nap between uni classes. The original design started with a hammock like net that is hung long-ways under the large tables at university. Held in place by pockets that slip over opposite ends of the table. Not only could it be used for a quick nap but also as storage.

The second design focuses mainly on storage (although I'm sure if one made it big and strong enough, a person could curl up inside it). They have a loop at the top so they can hang where ever there is a hook.

From the second design I shrunk the concept so they could be hooked over the back of a chair. Handy for keeping bulky items off the floor (hand bags, drink bottles, bike helmets and such).

Any of these designs could be made from either netting or a solid fabric.

Waste Paper Bin - In studio only having one or two large bins per level means bins are never close at hand and this leads to messy desks and studio spaces. This concept will tackle the need for temporary rubbish bins (specifically paper waste bins). I want to look at temporary bins because of the nature of the studio space, one moment you are working the next everything needs to be cleared for presentations.

The use of recycled materials is also important. We do not need to make more rubbish just to dispose of our waste. Discarded newspaper would be ideal for this as it is readily available and quite strong.

The rubbish bin holder on wheels can be used in conjunction with the design above it.

The Paper Waste Bin Maker.

The Paper Waste Bin Maker is a mould that is used to create paper waste bins out of a single sheet of large newspaper. It can be made by anyone out of easy to obtain recycled materials (a large can, a slightly smaller can and a knob) and some easy to use epoxy. The Paper Waste Bin Maker was inspired by a design supplied by Suntec called The Paper Planter Maker. This product is a mould that enables the user to make paper planters for seedlings out of stripes of 8 by 21cm newspaper. I wanted to take this concept and adjust it to form disposable, recyclable waste-paper bins.

The Paper Planter Maker supplied by Suntec.

Construction.

First to test the idea of using a mould to make paper waste bins I used two buckets for the same brand and size. I wrapped the outside of one bucket in two sheets of partially overlapped newspaper and wrapped the excess under the bucket. I then took this (bucket and paper) and placed it inside the second bucket as to create a mould to compact all the newspaper. This model in principal worked, it did create a form that would hold waste but overall it failed as it is difficult to use and flimsy. Firstly the buckets were too big for the size of newspaper. Secondly the walls of the buckets were at an angel so it was difficult to wrap the paper around them and thirdly there was no compartment for the paper at the base to be moulded into making the base uneven and unsteady.

Initial test.

Taking into account my test with the buckets I could now see why the creators of the The Paper Planter Maker had made it as they had, the strait walls, the base unit to press the paper into a solid base, but there were three main components that I had to change. The original handle is difficult to keep a grip on, the smooth walls where the newspaper is wrapped create a vacuum when trying to remove the planter and the overall size is far to small to be used as a bin.

So after figuring out what needed changing I had to consider materiality. My first thought was to copy the original planter maker and make it from wood but then it occurred to me that it would be too heavy given its new size. Next PVC pipe but that would be too expensive along with metal pipe. Then maybe ceramic pots but those are also heavy, expensive and fragile not to mention that all ideas so far were using new materials and did not fit my criteria of being recycled. So what about cardboard tubes. A plausible material but quite difficult to get your hands on ones that are the right size as well as being surpassingly heavy. Then we come to tin cans, cheap if not free and extremely light.

Scale drawing.

Using tin cans allows anyone to make their own Paper Waste Bin Maker as well as solving 2 of the three issues I had with the original Planter maker. The uneven sides of the can allow for easier removal of your paper bin and size is solved because cans come in a surprisingly large variation of sizes. I added a large draw knob (if I was able I would have liked to use a recycled knob) to solve the handle issue. To connect all these components together I used Knead-It, a co-extruded epoxy that sets to almost any material and is extremely strong. The Knead-It is also very easy to use, all you need is a pair of protective gloves. I chose this product because of its versatility and ease so that assembly was in line with the idea that anyone could make their own Paper Waste Bin Maker.

Small can being attached inside the big outer can with the epoxy Knead-It.

I had originally intended to make the mould with a base unit for compressing the newspaper at the bottom of the bin but once I had constructed the main component of the mould I found that it worked perfectly well by just pressing the newspaper with your hand.

Yay Holidays!

2010-04-01T20:44:00.003+13:00

So I've been bogged down with assignments but now its holidays and I'm free! Hope you guys are too. While I was assignmenting I came across this aweosme bed, it's made of metal by those at Shawn Lovell Metalworks.

Canel's Chewing Gum.

2010-03-14T18:30:00.003+13:00

Something I found at the Mad Butcher this afternoon while we were getting dinner. Canel's Mexican Chewing Gum, the packaging was so curious I just had to buy some. Two pieces per box and there are a hundred boxes in the pack. So, yes, quite a waste on packaging but I can just imagine buying them at the dairy. Also they actually have a pretty cool website.

Lemon Curd.

2010-03-11T16:38:00.005+13:00

On Tuesday I checked out Queenies Lunchroom. I had spotted it in a issue of Canvas and read that it had won some design awards. The place is gorgeous and the owner is wonderful. We had a great little chat. She gave us some tips on painted concrete floors...

a, preparation is key, fill in any holes, they will only gather dirt,
b, don't use a varnish, it will go yellow and look like nicotine stain,
c, watch out and stay away from paints that make the floor slippery.

Amongst other yummy treats we had Pikelets topped lemon curd, creme fraiche and raspberries. What more could I wish for? That got me thinking about yummy lemon curd so I thought I would share with you my favourite lemon curd tart recipe.
(I say mine but really my sister makes it and I eat it)

Lemon Curd Tarts
(makes 48)

150 ml lemon juice
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
6 egg yolks
1/2 cup (125 g) sugar
100 g butter, diced
4 sheets ready-made shortcrust pastry (24 cm x 24 cm)
2 tablespoons icing sugar

-Whisk together the lemon juice, zest, egg yolks and sugar, then cook in a saucepan or until the sugar has dissolved.
-Gradually add the butter, stirring continuously, and cook for 10 minutes, or until think.
-Remove from the heat and cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin forming.
-Refrigerate until needed.
(the curd should last up to 2 days)

-Preheat the oven to moderate 108 degrees (350F/ Gas 4) and lightly grease 24 x 3 tartlet tins.
-Cut 48 rounds from the pastry with a 5 cm cutter and line the tins with half of them.
-Lay the other rounds on a lined baking tray, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed. Bake the cases for 12 - 15 minutes, or until golden.
-Allow to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining rounds.

(I would suggest only making half of the tart bases and using the rest of the curd for other yummy adventures like on pancakes, cake even toast)

When cool, dust each tartlet with icing sugar and spoon 1 teaspoon curd into each tartlet base. Don't assemble too far in advance or else the base could go soft. To prevent the bases going soft you could paint melted chocolate on the inside of the cases.

J. Morgan Puett

2010-03-06T15:53:00.003+13:00

Most interior design shots you see now that are country rural themed are clean, bright, cheery scenes. Not these... they talk of a simpler time, of a place and things that have been there for an age. Spaces that have been worn/used. J. Morgan Puett. Follow the link and explore some more.

Benjamin Hubert.

2010-03-04T17:09:00.005+13:00

Benjamin Hubert a bright young designer from Britan. He started benjaminhubertstudio, here are some of his designs.

Heavy Desk Light

Labware

Chimney

They would work well in both private and domestic spaces. I love the solidity and the clean lines.

Underfoot - Paint

2010-02-26T14:31:00.009+13:00

Had a great lunch today thanks to a good friend from uni who took me out on a cafe research mission. She will be opening up her own cafe later this year and we got a talking about floors. Naturally a good old wooden floor would do the trick (which is fine if the place you have acquired already comes with one) but in her case it's a concrete floor (which is also fine but we want something more interesting). Luckily I had recently stumbled upon this example of a painted floor in design*sponge (one of my favourite blogs, go check it out). Here are some before and after shots. Many more photos to be found on their blog... go here.

It got me googeling to see what other ideas were out there. Like the one below...

And this cool one that is more like a rug pattern...

This one is in a kitchen and had the idea of tiles...

This one is my favourite, where you can see the old wooden floor under the painted pattern. It would also work with concrete.

Getting Crafty.

2010-02-11T16:49:00.002+13:00

Finally got back into my crocheting. Made this hanging vase with recycled bottle. I love it because its so whimsical. I wonder what it would look like if I hung a whole lot of the together?

I think I need to start selling. I do want a "real" job but finding work in the creative/crafty sector seems nigh on impossible at the moment. So I'm going to try and make some more and see if anyone else thinks they are as cool as I do (hopefully you will all fall madly in love). So stay tuned, I'll let you know more once I have sorted it. Any advise would be most welcome.

Houses in trees. Blue Forest.

2010-02-10T11:47:00.011+13:00

I have a decent sized Oak in our front yard and I'm sure its purpose is to carry my treehouse. Unfortunately I don't know the first thing about building on trees but these guys do. They are Blue Forest from the UK and they specialise in building treehouses. On their website they group the gallery by price ranging from 20,000pounds to over 150,000pounds. That buys you a lot of treehouse. They are primarily built for he child-at-heart rather than just the kids.

Lakeside Paradise

This is one of the more modest treehouses but i like its simplicity and the all-round deck. I could sit up there for hours, read, write, paint and with an extension cable one could even have an endless supply off tea.

Amberley Castle
Imagine if it was your home office...
"I'm off to work honey" *climbs up a tree* Perfect.

But if you are thinking of taking-on your own tree dwelling here is a website to get you pointed in the right direction The Treehouse Guide. I think I will start with a tree swing, maybe a ladder up the trunk and a sitting platform and see where things go from there.

Look what Joel found for me.

2010-02-05T22:17:00.004+13:00

First this cute little berry ( can't remember its name). Its little shroud is so delicate.

Then this little critter that was hiding in the weeds.

And a cute little foot but don't forget they are pests that eat the eggs of our native birds.

Zelfbouwboomhut.

2010-02-03T22:45:00.005+13:00

Zelfbouwboomhut, loosely translated "DIY treehouse", a flatpack treehouse that is strapped to the side of a tree. Personally I love flatpack, they are life sized puzzles I can use, so this is right up my ally.

Designed by a pair of Dutch designers, Rogier Martens, Sam van Veluw, as part of a series called ´AANDEBOOM´. The series it to be completed through the year.

The design of this is all practical. Basic materials and basic construction, the only part that doesn't follow suit is the bracket on the front. It is compleatly ornamental. This gives references to the pulley system found on most traditional Dutch town houses. I think it's gorgeous and would probably hang a flower basket off it. Now to smuggle one into the country for a play.

I wish Auckland was flat.

2010-02-01T17:27:00.009+13:00

Because then I could ride a bike everywhere with ease. This is the reason for my longing.

I would probably pair it up with something like this. The blue even matches her shoes.

Travel in Style.

2010-01-31T21:39:00.007+13:00

Before travelling for a month in November I never realised how much waiting around can be involved. This solves all that. Designed by Nieuwe Heren this suitcase set combines to create a sofa for two, the perfect place to rest those travel worn feet.

Pretty Things.

2010-01-31T13:05:00.006+13:00

Fresh Dahlias from my garden and this great stamped paper bag that was full of lollies for 50c from the Bethells coffee cart. I couldn't resist.

Friday Dinner.

2010-01-29T19:27:00.004+13:00

My solution to being presented with Chinese takeaway when all I wanted was a sandwich. Vogles toast with sliced feta, avocado with spices and roast pork. Perfect summer dinner.