Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Today....

I started work on a new 'fuck-off-ski' doily necklace (I refer to my bold pieces as 'fuck-off-ski' because I like to think that they scream "fuck off I'm fantastic!"...weird I know but the name has stuck ). I still have lots to do on it but so far so good. Lots of vintage lace, beads, chain and sequins. I've incorporated a beautiful blue vintage brooch into the centre piece and have a few more bits and bobs to hang off the chain. It looks awesome on!


The girls and I have been enjoying the sunshine and have been picking flowers. We've been placing them in vases around the house and it looks so pretty! This is where my old small glass bottles come in handy....perfect for the girls little collection.



Tonight I'm looking forward to sewing some more tweets. I have some new fabrics to play with and they're looking oh so cute!

I hope you all had a lovely day too :)

Alisa x

Sunday, August 29, 2010

NETS Newborn and paediatric Emergency Transport Service

My lovely sister is currently working on a calendar to raise money and awareness for NETS (Newborn and paediatric Emergency Transport Service). It's a wonderful service that saved my beautiful nephews life after he sustained a fractured skull from a fall at home. The calendar features other children who have been saved by this service including little Robert who is featured in this ACA story below.....


View Video

Last Wednesday I got the opportunity to meet all these wonderful kids for the final photo shoot at Hunter Valley Gardens (a beautiful spot!) There were lots of cakes and lollies, and in order to make all of them smile, fart jokes! (Something I'm really good at doing!)

I'm amazed at how brave all these children were and their families. They were all so lovely! And I must say how proud I am of my sister who has worked tirelessly to get this project underway. You're amazing Tara!

Here are some pics of the day.....

A NETS cake, courtesy of Keely's mum

Robert and Jarvis (my nephew)

Tara enticing Emily to take her seat




I'll be letting you all know when the Calendar goes on sale. Hopefully they'll raise lots of money for this wonderful Service!

Alisa x

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Listening to....



Today I drove home from Pokolbin listening to Eva Cassidy. This song is my fave....It makes me think about my darling Grandparents Win and Jim. They were married for 64 years until my grandfather passed away in Autumn last year. She misses him so much.

Alisa x

Monday, August 23, 2010

Shades of Gray

As some of you may know, I used to work in a wonderful Gallery in Balmain called Punch Gallery. It was here that I was introduced to the work of Peter and Chelly Gray and their business "Shades of Gray".

Since then Peter and Chelly's work and home have been featured in many magazines. They are based in Castlemaine, Victoria and truly are the loveliest couple. I have a few of their garden stakes and have been lusting after one of their mirrors for years!

To view more of their amazing work head over to their website here







All images are from the 'Shades of Gray" website



Alisa x



Thursday, August 19, 2010

blah di dah

It's just one of those days. Preschool, playgroup, peanut butter sandwiches, Oprah and folding laundry. Nothing much to report, but heres a pretty picture :)


Alisa x

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Were you a 1927 fan?



Gawd I loved these guys!

Alisa x

The party

Here are some pics of Haidee's "under the sea" party that she's been wanting for so long. It was a wonderful day. I was a bit put out by the rain and had to come to terms with having 19 children run amock in the house. They had a blast! We played "pin the tail on the mermaid" and had a dancing competition. There was a yellow submarine (thanks mum) and lots of cellophane and sea shells!




I still have the seascape hanging up. Amelia won't let me take it down!

I hope you all have a great day. I'm off to Mudgee to buy a new frock! The first in many years :)

Alisa x

Monday, August 16, 2010

My Boo-ey

Haidee Lucinda, our littlest one is 3 today. I can't believe how fast it has gone! I have learnt so much from her over these past 3 years. She had a dicey start when she was born. I won't go into details but it was a very scary time. However we try not to dwell on that side of things (which was hard in the beginning but we got there) and instead focus on our little boo-ey and all the excitement she brings into our family every day.

An average day for Haidee includes pouring tea leaves into the coffee grinder with butter to make a cake, washing her hair with orange juice (thankyou Mr Clickety Cane), shampooing Obi with soggy weetbix and "helping" mummy make things by cutting up my newly sewn projects. She's also a talented hairdresser, cutting Amelias hair while she slept before hacking away at her own fringe.


I can hear you ask "What was Alisa doing when all this was going on?" and the simple answer is I was on the loo. The only time when I am incapacitated. And I swear that all children are aware of this fact!


Now there are some in my family who refer to Haidee as being naughty. I can see how they come to that conclusion however I totally disagree. Haidee is very curious and extremely strong willed (what 3 year old isn't?) And I have found that alot of the things I find challenging are the very same things that i love and admire about her. Does that make sense??

I love her sense of determination, I love her innocent curiousity and her courage to investigate things that she doesn't understand. Most of all I love her Hutzpah, for without it I firmly believe she would never have survived the first few days.


So Happy 3rd Birthday my beautiful Haidee Boo..... We love you so much!

Alisa x

Friday, August 13, 2010

"Tweet" painting

I want to share with you all one of my tweet paintings. I've been having so much fun incorporating vintage book covers, oil pastels, enamel and acrylic paint, fabric, with cellophane and binder. These paintings are based on my sweet little "tweets" (some of which are still waiting to be finished!)




Isn't he sweet?!

Alisa x



Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Last Stop Ambledown Brook Bed & Breakfast

Over the past weekend we packed our bags to enjoy a family weekend away with the in-laws. The destination was a Bed & Breakfast in close vicinity to the ACT. Well, i can tell you right now that this place blew my socks off! Never have I stayed in such an amazing place! An old train carriage converted into the loveliest accommodation with such attention to detail. Here are some photos of just a few of the features in our cabin.....








The sink was very popular with the children! As was the dining room, filled with David and Jenny's cool collection of vintage movie posters, valentine day cards and other quirky goodies. Being a collector of trinkets myself I felt completely at home here. David and Jenny were so warm and welcoming. They make really good coffee too!



Below is the corner of of the lounge area in Rob and Liz's carriage. It has a retro theme. Right up my alley!

And this is the view from the main house. Isn't it spectacular!


I really didn't want to go but life goes on and we headed off home. I'm sure we'll be back though!

For more details on this amazing place head on over to their website here.

Now to deal with the laundry.....poo!

Alisa x

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Today I'm loving....

An old childrens puzzle frame that I think looks lovely on my wall (I have quite a few of these, I think they may have surpassed my love of game boards).

And my Leisa Wharington hanging vases filled with (you guessed it) wattle!


But wait! What's this I see....some red blossoms!

Could it be that spring is approaching? Does this mean there will soon be an end to thermal underwear, chopping firewood, hairy legs and having to wear a beanie to bed?!

Lordy lord I hope so!

Have a lovely weekend everyone :)

Alisa x

Tuesday, August 3, 2010