Taking a little break

You may have noticed this poor blog has been very quiet recently. Unfortunately I just haven't had the time to maintain it - maintaining 3 blogs and two websites, plus sewing my little heart out AND being a mum, wife, daughter, friend...doesn't leave much time.
We have a big trip planned, when I return I'll see how I go, but in the meantime, if there is anyone out there in the crafty blog world, familiar with Blogger, who would like to help form a little team of helpers to maintain it, I'd be ever so grateful, please contact me!

Cheerio for now,

Visit The Handmade Expo this week and help the appeal

The Handmade Expo is donating 30c from every paying adult on our Saturday 14th March expo (Ipswich Showgrounds, 8am-2pm) to the Red Cross for the Vic Bushfire Appeal. We will also be taking donations on the day (we get between 1000 & 2000 people through).
If you are anywhere in South East Queensland, please attend and help them raise as much as possible.

An update...
Handmade Help now has 44 awesome items up for grabs on etsy and ebay, there are some GREAT things there, seriously, check them out!

Here's a teaser...for more details please visit Handmade Help.

TikiBoo Kids Dress

Knitwish Policeman Doll

Hot Fudge Bag

Willow and Moo Skirt

Handmade Help for Bushfire appeal

Crafters all over are banding together to help with the Redcross bushfire appeal.

Please visit Handmade Help to see the current auction listings, or to see how you can help.



You can get the code for the banner from Silly Gilly's blog, if you'd like to add it to yours and help spread the word.

A Valentine Giveaway

Jo from Lovestamp is giving away a stunning personalised necklace. All you need to do to be in the chance to win is leave a comment telling her the most fabulous, terrible, awful or genius thing you ever got as a gift on Valentines Day!
Be quick, it ends TONIGHT!



It is a simply and elegant Sterling Silver circle hand stamped with the word LOVE, then a beautiful Swarovski crystal in Ruby is added along with one of my brand new cream freshwater pearls. Also a tiny little heart tag finishes it off, with the intials of your loved ones on it. All strung from a 16" Sterling Silver bead chain.

See her blog: Jogirl's Journey

Your favourite Markets?

I've started a page listing some upcoming markets. Is your favourite featured? If not, please let me know so I can add it! To Market, To Market ...see the little blue box to the left? That's the link. I'll try and keep it updated!

Introducing...Wink Designs

Name: Marina Roussel

Store name/label: Wink Designs

Where to buy: www.winkhandmade.etsy.com

Located: Sydney

I've been designing and making children's gifts (aprons, art totes, cushions, soft toys and stationery) for about 3 years (casually) and 18 months (in earnest!).



Inspiration: I was first inspired when I discovered the wonderful world of quilting fabrics and started to experiment with colours and patterns to make things for my eldest daughter. My 2 gorgeous girls now inspire me on a daily basis.



When not creating I look after my family, read (especially craft books and magazines!), cook, enjoy the lovely outdoors around Sydney's parks and beaches and, as we love to travel, try to get away on the odd holiday.

First item sold: A linen cushion with Russian Doll (Matryoshka) applique. They're still my most popular item today.



Favourite item created: A red, white and blue tote bag with French inspired fabrics, trims and vintage buttons.

You can also see Marina's fabulous blog here: Tips and tales from the studio

And the winner is...

Krissy of KAM. Congratulations!