fabrics inspired by leaf litter, seasonal change & urban events

Zippered cushion (45cmx45cm) featuring fabrics inspired by palm trees, fern leaf and fallen leaf litter

Work in progress using white on whites from my stash teamed with fabrics tales unfold, light reading & urban texture daily life

A collection of fabrics inspired by urban texture, daily surrounds & routines

Fabric "Light Reading" has been inspired by the above image. An area of our humble home that we converted to be a mini library. A place to pause and of course, a place to create, be inspired or have a cup of tea.

Framed purse using a four-inch frame and fabric 'Autumn Sky.'

Fabrics available through Spoonflower

Totally enjoy getting inspiration from my surrounds both at home and further afield.
Inspiration really is everywhere, every day

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Make a Simple Sketchers Go Bag

A carry bag using off-cuts and fabric inspired by nature

 

frosty ground & clear blue sky - a natural contrast

When I saw the weather forecast yesterday for today predicting a fresh start of 2 degrees Celsius with isolated frosts yet still getting up to a top of 22 degrees, my initial plan was to sleep in until about an hour after dawn. Being sub-tropical if you sleep in through that dawn period you usually miss the coldest part of the day. That was my plan, but the fur-child is accustomed to our household stirring from 4am and getting fed pretty close to that, today would be the same, and she dutifully meowed like a little alarm clock with a broken snooze button. The flip side of this, I was now up and awake enough to enjoy the early morning sun rising up over the tree line and into the neighbouring parkland. An opportunity not to be missed especially with the sun rays glistening through the frosty grass. Camera in hand and donning an additional jumper off we went fur-child in tow for an early morning stroll enjoying the moment and seizing the day. The morning vista from our window was beautiful but how inspiring to be out in amongst the natural contrast of a clear blue sky and the frosty ground.  

banana blossom coleslaw

We've had the bananas for a few years and have enjoyed several bunches of fruit. The inside of the trunks are beautifully patterned and fantastic for printing, and we've used the leaves to line the steamer instead of using baking paper, but I hadn't used the flower. A friend had mentioned that the blossom was edible, but I wasn't really sure how to prepare it.

Recently the banana blossom was featured on a cooking show which re-ignited my interest to have a go at cooking with it as there was one forming in the front yard.

So I made a little starter of banana blossom coleslaw topped with a handful of prawns and a wedge of lime - yum.

I made the coleslaw by firstly removing the outer parts of the blossom to reveal the lighter softer section. The lighter sections were sliced finely and popped into the bowl filled with cold water and lime juice until I was ready to assemble the salad. Into another bowl, I placed a handful of finely sliced cabbage, one grated carrot, one grated radish and a handful of bean sprouts. 

I made the dressing by firstly mixing together a combination of sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, homemade raspberry vinegar, palm sugar and a dash of soy sauce. Amounts were adjusted according to preferred taste. At this point, I could have mixed this dressing through the salad ingredients but our pallets like the creamy textures. So I added small amounts of this mixture to mayonnaise until I had the taste and consistency that makes our taste buds dance. 

The dressing and a couple handfuls of the banana blossom were added to the bowl with the other ingredients and everything mixed together. Served in small bowls topped with a couple of prawns and a wedge of lime. Pleasantly surprised by how nice it was, we're looking forward to the next blossom.

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impromtu day down by the bay

We'd had a little sleep in, toasted ham, egg and cheese sandwiches for breakfast, our morning coffee

and I'd moved on to hanging the washing out. 

As I hung the washing, the sun felt so warm and welcoming. 

My mind wandered to thoughts of bright blue skies, leisurely strolls and breathing in the sea air. 

Husband, do you want to go for a mini day trip? Where? He says.

What about Wynnum along the waterfront we haven't been there for a while?  

Sure, why not. Most days are planned, but sometimes you're just meant to roll the dice and go with it.

pinch n punch it's the first of the month

Depending on your hemisphere today we enter the middle month of summer or the middle month of winter

Enjoy:)