Bears, Bears Bears!

Finally I have finished designing the Bear Alphabet and am now putting pen to paper and tweaking here and there as I go......Aunty M one of my favourite bears (and one I actually made) has been supervising my efforts...

She thinks she is my model for all of them.....sssh! I haven't the heart to tell her there are others!
Want a bit more of a peek?

It has been a challenge....an enjoyable one though to find bears doing activities or surrounded by things beginning with their letter. I think you will really love them (am I allowed to say that I do?) particularly if you are one of my loyal bear lovers out there......ok still a few to go!
I haven't done too much on the stitching front as I am having a thinking, musing and considering little spell. This is usually when I follow other passions such as drawing, journalling, listening to music I love and appreciating the simple things in life. It took me a little while (slower learner) to discover that taking this time really helps my creativity, in fact it has proved to be vital. Now please get the image of me sitting staring at my navel for hours on end out of your head.....just the act of tying up loose ends and completing things also helps......hence the pen work.
I hope you are enjoying your day too.

A little rock pool to throw your thoughts into...
Namaste and Blessings,
Michelle xxx

More Binding.

It's another binding day...

Sewing it on....

and already for stitching down. Can you see that pretty quilting? Well wonderful Fiona is responsible. But you will have to wait awhile to see the rest of her exquisite work.
A new project is in the works for me so I thought I would have a little muse and play with this little bundle that I have been collecting bits for and adding to when I saw something I loved.

Sorry not a very good photo....they look so lovely altogether.
Yesterday afternoon I sat on my front verandah watching a storm come in and it occurred to me how much I love the smell and sounds of an approaching afternoon Summer storm (as long as they are not destructive of course) Love the birds sqwarking to one another about it's approach and the rumbling thunder in the distance and the sounds of raindrops on roofs getting louder as it gets closer....oh and the delicious smell of raindrops of parched ground....nothing like it!
On my little verandah I often feel like I am sitting up in my Jacaranda tree with my feathered visitors....it is a mass of beautiful lavender....

I always think of her as a lady...I don't know why! She, with the help of the storm yesterday has been showering the garden beneath with her prettiness...

Star Jasmine is not to be out done either....

I wish you a spectacular day of simple beauties too.
I am off for a lovely cup of coffee and a piece of chocolate....apparently it is good for your memory! So true because I never forget where I have stashed it!
Namaste and Blessings,
Michelle xxx

A Vintage Morning Tea at Linen and Lace

This morning I drove down to one of my favourite places down by the bay, Cleveland. (a very heavy photo post but I didn't want you to miss out!) Why? Well to visit a lovely lady called Marilyn whom I have known for many years and who just happens to be the owner and creator of the most beautiful shop of Handmade and vintage goodies. You just do not know what to look at first.
If you love "Vintage", Linen and Lace will make you swoon. The very lovely and talented Marilyn behind her counter,

 So may pretties....even on the outside!

Today Marilyn was hosting..

Outside her shop were several other trading tables of lovely vintage wares. You could also have a delicious morning tea....I will show you that shortly. My dear friend Tracey White from Rose Petals Past had her beautiful wares there, so after a big hug and a big catchup....

I had to have a look see at all her gorgeous things... Tracey is so very talented and is credited solely for getting me started on this path! So you can blame her. Lol!

Did I buy anything???/ Well of course I did. One is a sweet gift (so no piccie) and I could not resist this lovely picture stand made from a vintage fork...

The other traders were just as beautiful.....Liliah Rose Jewellry.

I could have bought home every single piece!!!! But I resisted and bought home one...even the box is cute. The pendant is made from a piece of vintage china....soooo not me! Definitely have my eye on some other sweet pieces for next time!

I just loved Claudette and Hester Handmade......lots of beautiful pieces. Lovely embroidery, some upcycled doilies...gorgeous bunting made from beautiful vintage pieces.....oh happy heart!

Vintage china!!!! I love this traders name....."Fairies at work"

 Whilst I was trying to choose which bits of vintage lace and trims to buy from here...

my heart was totally kidnapped and held to ransom until I bought this little girl home...

She is a Cactus Bear design and her tag says "Off to the Opera" It was useless to resist I am afraid!
I arranged to meet my dear friends Gaye and Gary there to sample the very delicious morning tea..
Gaye and Marilyn...

There is something that just feels extra special about using lovely china....the little tables were set with vintage cloths, roses on the tables and your morning tea was delivered my a lovely gentleman on a beautiful vintage tray.

I just wanted to inhale all I saw. I don't know about you but I get a little tired of seeing the same old gifty ranges all over the country....doesn't matter what town you are in. So it was very nice to support other crafts persons and buy some unique items made with great care.
I shall leave you with a couple of piccies that Marilyn very graciously allowed me to take so I could share them with you....mind you this is only one tiny little corner in the shop.

I just loved this Christmas stocking.

Marilyn hosts these market days monthly so keep your eyes peeled because I shall let you know when they are on or you can follow her on facebook..Linen and Lace Cleveland (you must add in Cleveland!)
Ahhhh! Don't just love these kind of days!
Namaste and Blessings,
Michelle xxx

More from Miles and My Pencils

A few more bits and bobs from the Pioneer Village in Miles...
Chicken scratch maybe...

Loads of green depression glass.

Vintage sewing machines.

Vintage spools..

Pretty China..

Lots of clocks...

and lamps...

and Mr R. with the vintage car....sorry can't tell you anything about it.

So if you are ever passing through Miles in Queensland it is a great spot to stop, have a cuppa and a wander through the Pioneer Village.
Last night I curled up in my favourite chair with my sketchpad and pencils. Something I love to do.
Want to have a peek? Not stitching related I am sorry...
Some 'country cousins' of my Alphabet Bears....

Ever felt like a 'lone wolf'...

and a 'sweet little someone' I know....

I am really trying to improve my drawing skills and would love to do portrait type drawing......oohh so far to go but I love trying...

Enjoy your Saturday,
Namaste and Blessings,
Michelle xxx

Busy! Busy!

Good Morning and Happy Friday to you all. I have been a busy little bee.....working on my Bluebirds quilt.

I made simple little scrappy nine patches which highlight the Birdie blocks (please excuse all the threads)
Then on to the borders...

Then finally all together...

Well you didn't really think I would spill all the beans just yet did you? Just a peek.
I even cut and joined the binding so that it is all ready!

I love this fabric and I am so glad that I saved it for just the right project.
DD wanted some wee rosebuds on a little giftie.....

So just a touch of "glam" for some little onies. There has also been some 'secret squirrel' stitching taking place as well. So things have been buzzing in this hive let me tell you.
I have been trying to fit a couple of pics we took at the Pioneer Village in Miles, a country town we passed through on our way to Carnavon Gorge. However I seem to get to the end of another post without them. Sooo....I will post a couple each post.
Lovely laces under glass in the main building of the centre...

I nearly cried when I saw the drawing pins holding up the doiley above!! Arrrrggghh! This next piece of lace was just gorgeous!

Hope you enjoyed the pretties. I wish you all a lovely weekend spending it in your own currency.

Namaste and Blessings,
Michelle xxx

Catchups & Catching Up.

On Monday I got to have lunch overlooking our lovely city. I am definitely a big fan of where I live.

It was a perfect Spring day..

But what made it even more perfect was that our lovely blogging friend Marina traveled north to our fair city. Marina was amongst my first blogging friends so it was so wonderful to see her in my home town. The company just got better and better with friends Fiona and Teresa there as well.

Thank you Fiona and Marina for the pics x Needless to say there was lots of chatting and loads of laughter.
Come back soon Marina!!!!
When we were leaving this little local resident came to see us off the premises...hope you can see him.

Now for the catching up..... I have been working away solidly on a new project and have all the Applique and embroidery done...

Next...putting them together in a pleasing way....Thursday I think!
I have also been spending my evenings with my pencils drawing up the Bear Alphabet...

but a very strange thing has been happening! Only the girls are showing up, so it looks like a Boys Alphabet will be coming also....fair is fair after all!
Have a wonderful day all.

Beautiful Jacaranda in bloom posted on Facebook by my favourite radio station Brisbane Magic 882.
Namaste and Blessings,
Michelle xxx