Musings of a Crafty Mind

What I've been working on...

2013-01-15T18:04:00.002+11:00

WOW, has it really been that long since I last posted. As you have probably gathered I'm not the best blogger. I would like to say it will change but I'm not 100% sure it will! LOL. I can only do my best I suppose!

I have been busy else where though.

I've set up the website for Two Little Blue Birds, have been working on lots of jobs for people which is exciting!

Want to see what I've been working on?

If you're interested in a design you've seen here or on my site or would like something created custom feel free to email me.

Christmas Freebie

2012-11-25T20:50:00.000+11:00

Here's a little freebie in time for the festive season.

Download

This little project is perfect for those last minute Christmas treats for kids school friends, neighbourhood kids, day/child careers, teachers etc.

I'm spamming my own blog

2012-11-06T18:03:00.001+11:00

Oh yes I am, I realllllllly want to win this comp!!!

What comp you ask?

Well you see over on the imums site they are doing an AMAZEBALLS giveaway!

They're giving away MINI freaking IPADS!

Head on over to their site to enter, it's super easy. And while your there take a look around, the imums are a great resource for apps for kids for idevices.

Good luck!

Oh and I got myself a awesome sauce mug with you guessed it chevrons on it! Feel in love instantly!

TTYL!

The TLBB new site is up and running!

2012-11-04T12:59:00.004+11:00

Do you want to see the reason I've been so quite???

Check it out.

www.twolittlebluebirds.com.au

come right in, make your self at home, help your self to a drink or two!

MWAHZ

What's on my ipod - {Blogtoberfest Day 2}

2012-10-02T15:56:00.002+10:00

I've recently rediscovered my love of music. In high school I used to do a lot of singing and hung around bandies and loved it. I really enjoyed music and having it around me. As I grew up it seems, a I guess a lot of things from childhood do, to have taken a back seat. But no more!

I've actually being buying albums!

Here's what's on my playlist...

{source}

Some newies and some old school! I'm also freaking excited, I'm going to see P!NK when she tours in Oz next year! I'm almost wetting myself in excitement!

What's on your play list?

TNT...

Oh to have a space of my own and other musings... - {Blogtoberfest Day 1}

2012-10-01T15:31:00.000+10:00

It's that time of year again folks! Yep, it's BLOGTOBERFEST! The month where you post a blog a day for, you guessed it, OCTOBER! I know I've been very slack over the past few month. Life has just been cray cray!

Here's a quick runny of what we've been up to in the musing house hold...

Mr Musings lost his job
Mr Musings started studying not one but TWO courses.
One course went bust (Thanks liberals...) but another (and cheaper) course was found.
I decided to not continue with my course but my awesome course coordinator convinced me to stay on and allowed me to follow a path which suits me better next year...
TLBB has been busy, work coming in (as well as $$) which has given meaning to my life (only kiddly, kinda, sorta.)
My backs been giving be gyp. Off to the Dr's for scan referral's. It's been an on going issue for a number of years now and it's starting to stop me doing simple things...
Master Musings is enrolled in Primary school for next year (WHERE HAS MY BABY GONE!)
Mr Musings got a new job (HURRAH!) It does take him away from us 4 nights a week (and most of the day) but it's money.
I had a birthday and finally got a kindle (which I am still getting used to reading)!

So as you can see life's been hectic to say the least!

Not much crafting going on other than the digital kind in the form of logo's, FB page elements and business cards!

As for what the title of this post means, I've always wondered why creative people need studios, other than to hold the items that come along with their chosen art, but now I know. Trying to be creative with bugs bunny and a very active and attention seeking 5 year under my feet is not a simple task!!!

Oh to have a place of my own...

I'll leave you with some of the work I've been creating for my clients. If you're interested in getting TLBB to create you something for you, be it for work or play drop me an email here anytime!

fb and business branding for Gracie & Me

a birthday party invite for ria

a birthday party invite for a cheeky monkey.

logo and business card design for Jo Upton Photography

logo for nourish fresh foods

TNT...

Competition Time!

2012-08-25T13:47:00.001+10:00

Here's your chance to get a custom design by Two Little Blue Birds for free!

All you have to do is enter below and cross your fingies and tooties!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GOOD LUCK!

Popping in quickly!

2012-08-10T20:54:00.002+10:00

Things have been MENTAL! I haven't been around. Things are getting busy with TLBB, more on that soon!

Will come back soon and update all that's been happening.

In the mean time enjoy this wee meme as seen on Meet me at Mikes! Play along :D

1. Where is your mobile phone? Bedside Table

2. Your hair? Messy not fully pulled through pony tail

3. Your mother? Sheryl

4. Your father? Jim

5. Your favourite food? Avocado's

6. Your dream last night? Can't remember

7. Your favourite drink? Coke Zero

8. Your dream/goal? To be successful and be able to help provide a comfortable life for the fam. .

9. What room are you in? Bedroom.

10. Your hobby? Graphic Design

11. Your fear? My son getting terminally ill.

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? In our own home either in the Yarra Valley or Phillip Island.

13. Where were you last night? Melbourne.

14. Something that you aren’t? Racist

15. Muffins? Banana or White chocolate and raspberry.

16. Wish list item? Mac Computer

17. Where did you grow up? Gold Coast, Country NSW and Melbourne

18. Last thing you did? Got dinner out of the oven (wedges)

19. What are you wearing? Bonds hoodi, top, singlet, jeans sock and undies.

20. Your TV? Brand new 40" LCD .

21. Your pet? Daisy, Scout, Molly, Moushka, & 2 fish.

22. Friends? A few

23. Your life? Busy

24. Your mood? Anxious

25. Missing someone? Lily

26. Vehicle? Don't have one

27. Something you’re not wearing? Bra

28. Your favorite store? Typo

29. Your favorite color? Pink, but anything really, except maybe purple...

30. When was the last time you laughed? This afternoon

31. Last time you cried? Last night

32. Your best friend? Mick

33. One place that I go to over and over? Bedroom

34. One person who emails me regularly? Kate

35. Favorite place to eat? Anywhere there is sushi.

Now it's your turn!

And the winner is....

2012-07-26T19:19:00.000+10:00

Congratulations, email me at twolittlebluebirddesigns@gmail.com and we can get designing!

Thanks to all who entered!

TLBB 100 likers giveaway!

2012-07-23T16:02:00.001+10:00

Sorry I've been away, been busy with life and school but I'll be back soon to let you know all the happening soon, but in the mean time I'm excited to announce a little giveaway to celebrate 100 likers on the TLBB fb page!

The prize is a cover image for either a personal or business page. The cover image is the large image on you're FB page. You can have a collection of some of your favourite photographs on display for all your family and friends to enjoy.

The prize is valued at $25!

All you have to do is be a liker of the TLBB page, simple!

Enter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Goodluck!

What I've been up to (design wise)...

2012-06-17T18:34:00.000+10:00

Here are some of the designs I've been working on these past few weeks.

A thank you for Amanda

A logo for Scarlet Teeni

A new look for me.

A Facebook cover image (or 3) for OZ Handmade.

If you would like something created by me, feel free to email me :D

Just a reminder Eastside Crafters is meeting again this Tuesday! I would love to see you there.

TNT...

What a difference a day makes....

2012-06-14T18:15:00.001+10:00

I can feel the fog lifting, the big black hole isn't so cavernous any longer.

I decided yesterday that I need to get out of the house, breath some fresh air and absorb some vitamin D. So after a sleep in, Mr Musings and I headed off to the Dandys (Dandenong Mountains, for non melbournites.)

I love going up the mountain, and am lucky to live pretty much at the base so it isn't much of a drive. Master N was in school today so it's a day we get the car and some time alone together. Today inparticular we were heading to Sassafrass

Our first stop was the famous tea rooms, Mrs Marples where I dined on some scrummy butternut pumpkin soup, with a hot crusty bun, chips, while Mr Musing equally enjoyed some herb and cheese bread and a pot of freshly brewed earl gray. I really wanted the Devonshire scones but couldn't fit in another morsel.

Next stop was a few shops down the road, Soak Bathacary, a store of smelly delights. I picked up some Sohum Bourbon Vanilla Perfume Petite and Bourbon Vanilla Candlette. They both smell divine! I've been lusting after these for ages after stopping in a on a weekend a few months back. If you can't get to Sassafras you can purchase Sohum cosmetics online and trust me you won't be disappointed. If I could I would get so many of their products!

The next stop was the Sassafras Sweet Co. I made a beeline for the boiled lollies, I can't get enough of these sweet delights.

Sorry for the craptacular pics, they were taken on my phone is Melbourne winter afternoon light!

The last stop on our little adventure was a 'little' trek. I wasn't convinced, I don't do hiking or bush walking, the going down hill part is OK but it's when you want to go back home is where things start to get unpleasant!

At first I thought it was only a 15km trek to Emerald! I turned back! But Mr M told me there was a shorter look walk which would only take 20 minutes. I begrudgingly agreed so off we set.

It was actually a pleasant walk until we got to the end...

This is what I was faced with to get back to the car...

It went up and up and up! I eventually made it up, stopping along the way to ~~catch my breath~~ admire the natural beauty which surrounded me.

So that was our little arvocation, it has helped clear my head and heart.

TNT...

Depression, you suck balls!

2012-06-13T13:24:00.000+10:00

I've suffered from anxiety/depression for years and have been medicated for most of that time. I used to get sever panic attacks, it became quite debilitating to the point where I couldn't return to a job I loved because of it amongst other things.

When we lost our daughter, it hit me all over again. Since then I suffer what I would call bouts one of which I am in now.

Considering the time of year it isn't unusual to feel down, even after 6 years, it still brings back all the memories from those few weeks in June of 06.

I feel like I'm slipping into a deep dark hole, as I fall, I blindly throw my hands around trying to grab hold of something to stop my descent, but there isn't anything.

I try to keep a happy exterior, I'm not sure how successful I am but I try. I catch myself holding my breath, I don't realise I'm holding it until I take a massive intake of air.

I'm lost and feel alone, while I'm not physically, but alone in my mind. Last night while trying to get to sleep, I was just thinking I want to leave, just make a quick and stealthy escape. I want to get out. But of course I knew I couldn't, so I didn't. I love my family more than life itself, but sometimes I think they would be better off with me gone.

I need an adventure, a good adventure, see and do something new. I want to hop in the car and drive, see new places with my family, but I can't as we don't have a car of our own, yes I know we could get the train but it doesn't give you the freedom a car can give you.

I'm going to stop writing this as I can feel the darkness swallowing me. I will be OK, I just need to ride the wave.

Holy Crap I made something!

2012-06-10T21:14:00.003+10:00

I know crazy hey! It was part I've wanted to make one of these for ages and part I have no money to get a little friends birthday present!

Before I show you I must warn you it ISN'T perfect, there may be some wonky lines but I think (well I hope) my little friend liked it...

Here tis...

Yep it's a car cozy. I used this tute for sizing and then sort of free-styled it! I think it turned out OK. We also added a packet of matchbox cars to complete the gift.

So what have you been making this weekend? Do you make presents, or stick to store bought?

TNT...

Guess how much I love you...

2012-06-08T12:05:00.000+10:00

Today marks the day of our first child began life. Lily Grace was born via emergency cesarian at around 9am after 24hrs or labour. She passed away only after 3 days of life. I won't go into the details, I have touched on them in previous posts if you would like to read them but today I would like my post to be more of celebration of her life.

We were given the book, Guess How Much I Love You, Written by Sam McBratney, Illustrated by Anita Jeram by the Paster who preformed Lily's Baptism (at her Dad's request).

For those who haven't seen it or read it it's about a little rabbit, Little Nutbrown hair, and his Dad, Big Nutbrown hair and their adventures into going to sleep. Little nut brown hair is trying to show his Dad how much he loves him by measuring it against things like, how far he can read and how high he can jump. It's a beautiful, simple story but has such meaning for a parent and child.

After the Paster had delivered the religious ceremony, he asked if it was OK to read this book, it was just so beautiful and summed up how I felt about our little girl.

This is the last quote from the book, but it resonates with me.

"Big Nutbrown Hare settled Little Nutbrown Hare into his bed of leaves, He leaned over and kissed him good night.
Then he lay down close by and whispered with a smile "I love you right up to the moon... AND BACK."

Happy 6th Birthday my beautiful sweet angel. I love YOU right to the moon and back.

It's a pretty sad couple of days ahead.

2012-06-07T14:06:00.000+10:00

Today (7th June) marks the beginning of my world changing forever. At 7am 6 years ago today, I was awoken to the pangs of labour. (Those pangs turned quickly into excruciating waves of pain).

As the years have gone on I am finding myself not getting bogged down in the memories of those days, but when I have a few minutes to myself, I catch myself thinking, remembering, of what was happening.

The only thing that gets me through is knowing the fact that is my little big man's and my gorgeous Nieces birthdays are in the coming weeks.

As for celebrating my daughters birthday, I find it hard, the first year I had a cake with a candle, but it was a hollow celebration, I guess where there's cake there should be happiness and celebration, not sadness and the thoughts of what could have been.

I have told Master N about his big sister and what happened to her, obviously we haven't gone into great detail but he understands she died an can't be with us any more. But tomorrow I will tell her it's her birthday and will celebrate with him in a way he feels he wants to. I don't want to hide his sister from him, I think he has a right to know, be proud that he has a big sister who is watching over him, as she would have done had she'd stayed with us.

Another little niggle that I get especially around this time of the year, is that had we not lost our first child, the likely hood we'd have the Master N we have and adore now would be very small, yes we would have a version of him but not the amazing little creature we have today. I worry that as he gets older he'll make the connection and wonder if he was just a replacement and resent me. Which of course he wasn't, we wanted to have at least 2 children, but not that close together. We were adamant we needed and wanted to get pregnant straight after (as soon as I medically could anyway), which as it turned out was 3 months after giving birth to our daughter.

Mothers guilt, ain't it a grand thing!

Anyway I'll leave you for now, and will try and return tomorrow which would have been our daughters 6th birthday.

TNT...

Comfort food (which is kind of good for you!)

2012-06-02T21:55:00.000+10:00

I've been baking! Well kinda, if cutting circles out of store bought puff is classed as baking, then, I've been baking!

Dad actually found this recipe in a diabetes book, I have tweaked it a little (by tweaking it I've added sugar! Only a little bit but it probably doesn't really qualify as diabetic friendly any more LOL).

The recipe is individual custard tarts with fresh fruit, my version calls for berries in a sugar syrup.

Ingredients
(makes 12)
1 1/2 sheets of low fat puff pastry
Spray oil
1/4 cup custard powder
2 cups low fat milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbs castor sugar
Fresh or frozen berries (I used two sachets of the McCain baby strawberries and berry mix)
1/2 cup castor sugar
1/2 cup water
1 tbs icing sugar

12, 1/2 cup muffin pan
8cm cookie cutter. I used a egg ring.
Measuring Spoons
Measuring Cups
Saucepans
Cooling rack

Cases
Pre-heat oven to 200c
Cut 8cm round circles out of pastry
Gently press pastry into oiled 1/2 cup muffin tin bottoms so they look like little bowls. Prick each piece several times with a fork.
Cook for 6-8 till golden brown, once cooked take out of oven and using the back of a soup spoon push in the top to make the bowl shape again as it may puff up. Remove from tin and let cook on a cooling rack.

Custard
In a medium saucepan combine custard powder and sugar, add a small amount of milk to make a paste. Add the vanilla extract to the remaining milk and then add to the custard milk. On a low heat, stir continually for 1-2 minutes until thickened. Once boiled take off heat and let cool, giving it a stir occasionally to help cool it down and to avoid lumps. Put aside.

Fruit Syrup
Dissolve sugar and water in a small saucepan buy gently swirling the pan. Once dissolved, turn on heat and allow to bubble. Add berries and allow to simmer for a few minutes. Remove fruit but allow the syrup to cook for another few minutes. Once the syrup is to your liking, remove from heat and let cool.

Assembly
Spoon in some custard and then the fruit. Finish off by dusting icing sugar over the top.

They weren't that sweet considering, and really you may use 1/2 cup sugar but you don't really use much of the syrup so you're only getting a small amount of sugar. You could maybe even take the syrup down to 1/2 cup each of water and sugar.

These would be perfect to take to a dinner or if you have guests over at late notice. They whip up quickly and are sure to impress.

TNT...

A bit of a refresh and a new project!

2012-05-28T12:21:00.000+10:00

So, I get bored easily, so I decided the blog needed a little sprucing up. What do you think? I'm totes in love with grey and teal at the moment, can't you tell LOL and of course good old chevron!

I'm trying to teach myself a bit of HTML to go outside the template limits which blogger provides. It's a lot of trial and error but it's fun when things work out the way you envisage them!

I would love to hear what you think of my new outfit, leave a comment below (I love comments hehe)

In the wee hours of last night I stumbled across the best tutorials I've seen I think in forever! Paula is such a great teacher, she explains things clearly, goes nice and slow and doesn't confuse me, (which I know isn't hard but hey! LOL) Paula has a website, which is cleverly called, Crochet hooks you. On there you can find heaps of tutorials (mostly if not all on youtube, which for me is great as I learn better seeing someone do something rather than reading a pattern). She focuses mainly on beginners and easy skill levels and she's Australian! As you can tell I am a little excited to have found Crochet hooks you and I hope you are too! Be sure to stop by her site, you won't be disappointed! Also don't forget to subscribe to the Youtube channel!

Now onto the project, now my hand has had a few days to recover from the 6 weeks of granny square making, it's time, I wanted something that was still beginner friendly but still a challenge and I found it. Those of you who follow my pinterest may have noticed a theme with my pinning, I've been searching for the perfect crochet bowl tutorial, and I found one on Paula's Youtube channel, yay!

Here's the first of four videos (it's only a two part series but it's over 4 video's, if that makes sense.)

Part 1 (video 2) || Part 2 (video 1) || Part 2 (video 2)

I can't wait to get started, and hopefully It doesn't take me long before I have some cute crochet bowls to show you!

Till then...

TTFN!

Crochet Terms UK v's US

2012-05-26T18:39:00.001+10:00

I just did this quickly for your reference.

1st crochet project complete and I'm hooked ;)

2012-05-26T17:17:00.001+10:00

I've finally actually finished something I started. It's taken me almost 6 weeks but it's done. Granted it's one of the easiest crochet projects to make but I am pretty darn proud of myself! Oh and I think I may have just mastered the art of double crochet!

Here's a instagram photo journey for your viewing pleasure. (I'm planning on taking better pics for my next project, ones that show's the progression a little better.)

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Soaking

Blocking

It's still drying, I'm hoping it will be done by bed time! It turned out bigger than I thought it was going to, It covers our Queen size bed (only the top, not the sides but still!)

Now I'm onto my next project. I tried my hand at these cute flowers this afternoon, I think I was using UK terminology, but the tutorial was in US??? Anyway the petals didn't turn out as round as they did in the picture. But I will try the american way and see if that goes any better!

I'm also going to get my yarn bag made up, will out up a tutorial in the next few days on how I made mine. It's going to be based on a simple zipper pouch but with a few extras.

I hope your staying warm and dry wherever you are.

TNT...

Do you forgive, but not forget?

2012-05-24T16:14:00.000+10:00

I've been struggling with the notion of forgiving those who have hurt me or done things so utterly terrible you wouldn't think there would be enough forgiveness in the world! I feel I have a lot of hate in me. To look at me from the outside one would say I am bubbly and friendly and perhaps happy, but the truth is, inside I am a ball of anger and hate.

The main cause of my anger is towards the Dr's that are responsible for my babies death. A part of me want's to let go, but then a bigger part of me wants to rip their heads off (OK so perhaps a little melodramatic). The fact I have never got an apology from said Dr's, yes the hospital admitted fault but I was never told two simple word 'I'm sorry'. Our lives have been DRAMATICALLY affected by these Dr's bad decision. I don't know if I can muster the strength to give forgiveness. I know no matter how much anger I hold it won't bring my baby back, but I feel if I forgive them they are let off and they shouldn't be.

Is this possible?

Another reason for my anger is actions made by people I considered my close friends. I was deeply hurt by actions made by them and while I miss their friendship I'm not sure if I can forgive and forget.

Can you really forgive? Can you just say, hurtful actions towards me won't affect me any more. Or is it a big fat giant con? Have you forgiven someone? Have you been able to move on, get over it? Is forgiveness the key to freedom?

I would love to hear your thoughts.

TNT...

Call out for product review !

2012-05-23T10:29:00.000+10:00

Do you have a product you would like an honest review of? It can be anything from a craft pattern to home appliance. If you've just muttered yes in your head well I'm your girl!

The review will be non bias and free, all I ask is I keep what ever item I am reviewing/testing.

I will post about it on this blog for all to see.

No matter how small a product you think you have I would love to hear from you. All suggestions will be considered.

Drop me an email.

I look froward to hearing from you!

TNT

Such an awesome google reader tip!

2012-05-18T22:32:00.001+10:00

Becky from Infarantly Creative posted on her blog one of the best tips I've heard in a long time, and surprisingly it isn't a craft related!

I don't know if its just me but as much as I love love love having all my favourite blogs in one place on google reader but I hated not seeing the whole blog. Yeah I could have clicked through to the blog, and I have done that on many occasions but with limited time, it just ain't always doable. Then Becky's fabulous tip came along!

You can check the post on Becky's blog here, there are also a couple of other hot tips, so take note!

To find out what I'm talking about scroll to number 3 on the list of "must have's".

While you're there you can check out all Becky's thrifty and amazing road kill rescues (and I'm not talking flat animals) and refurbishments. She's so talented and an inspiration to me.

Till next time...

Eastside Crafters and more…

2012-05-18T14:47:00.001+10:00

Tuesday just gone was the Eastside Crafters monthly get together and we had two new peeps join which is awesome! I so enjoy ESC nights as it gets me out of the house (and away from being a Mum and Wife) for a few hours which I think is a good thing for everyone to do now and then for sure. But the time always goes so quickly. I swear I could sit there for hours chatting (and eating) and crafting away.

Have you thought about coming? If so you should defiantly try and make it. We're a friendly bunch and love meeting new like minded crafty peeps in the community. And not only is it a great social outlet it's a great place business networking. Feel free hand your business cards around. A number of our members have crafty business, here are but a few of them...

Baby Chilli

Stoked Creations

India's Closet

Two Little Blue Birds

Apple Seed

Cloth for Comfort

Our next meet up is on Tue 19th June, 7.45pm - 10pm, it only costs $5 which covers rental of the hall which is heated/air conditioned and well appointed with comfy chairs and large tables to spread out on. You can also bring you're sewing machine or laptop if you so desire, there are many power points situated around the room. Tea and Coffee is supplied and we all bring something delicious to munch away on.

We hold out group in the Community room/hall at Lilydale Lake, it's situated at the playground end of the lake, there is plenty of parking right in front of the hall so you don't have to lug you're crafty wares a long distance. It's a disable friendly building with ramps and generous doorways.

I am considering in the future to perhaps hold a whole day group one Saturday or Sunday to allow those who can't make our night groups as well as be able to fully relax and enjoy many hours of crafting goodness, I'll look at if it's possible and let you all know if it's a go!

I wish I had some photo’s to share but I get so wrapped up in talking and crafting I forget! Next month I will make it my mission to take some snaps!

Till next time…

Freebie for the crocheters

2012-05-11T19:35:00.001+10:00

Are you a bit of a hooker? No I don't mean THAT kind of hooker (Not that there's anything wrong with that, everyone has to make their way through life ;)) I mean do you crochet? I've started and have almost finished my first blanket! It's just one giant granny square but it's a start. I can't wait to give a chevron pattern a go, I know surprise surprise :P

Anyway I thought I would offer this wee freebie for those who want it. It's A4 but you could make it smaller if you like. Just click the download button under which ever poster you would like (or both) and print away.

Enjoy!

NB: For some reason when you view the these in media fire (where you download them from) the font is all black but it downloads with the blue, not sure why that happens, but it's fine.

Download

Till next time....

p.s don't forget the giveaway I've got going, you can see about it here!