early morning family photos

Our recent early morning  adventure provided some great photo opportunities of the family. It was absolutely freezing! We saw the sun rise, hot air balloons inflate and take off, and took part in the skywhale love. An early, but enjoyable morning.

Crystal x

skywhale

If you live in Canberra or Australia even, you have surely heard of the skywhale (it even has its own wikipedia page!). There is such a big hype around this hot air balloon, this morning we all got up at the crack of dawn to catch a glimpse of it. Why not? It's not every day giant art flies. Local artist Patricia Piccinini designed this mammoth girl especially for Canberra's 100th birthday. It has certainly caused a LOT of controversy, but the way I see it, art gets people talking. And this? It has definitely got people talking.  

After chasing her around Canberra - they found a less foggy area to launch. After declaring that the fog had lifted enough and the wind conditions were ok (two hours later!) the sky whale was inflated. I'm really bad with crowd numbers, but there were a few hundred people there who braved the subzero temperature to see the sky whale fly. I for one am impressed. It's massive, it's distinctive and it has ten boobs. What else do you need in a hot air balloon, to celebrate your birthday?

Crystal x

inspiration :: Jacquie Gering

I can't quite remember what prompted me to visit craftsy. But I'm glad I did. Not something I would normally look at, I decided to watch a the lecture series from QuiltCon. A lecture isn't exactly something I would normally run to. However, When I saw Jacquie Gering was lecturing, I was in.

Jacquie is a co-author from my favourite quilting book - quilting modern. The quilts in there are totally uh-mazing. This book has changed my view of quilts. No more nanna florals! I have thrown out the rule book (which I rarely read anyway) and embraced the improv. I will share my first improv quilt very soon! Just as soon as that pesky binding is on...

Back to the lecture. Jacquie's emotional address - Quilting Modern Honouring Tradition was truly inspiring. I really enjoyed listening to how she creates her beautiful quilts and what they mean to her. She talks about being a maker, her family and ends with some great words - break free, go bold. Her honest account of how she learnt to quilt makes me feel so much better about my work. It's ok not to be perfect. As a 'self taught' quilter it is really great to know that I will get there. I hope to take her words of wisdom on board and can put this into my own work. Think you can, work hard and get smarter.

Do yourself a favour. Sign up and watch the quilt con lectures. There are also more amazing lectures including Heather Jones and Angela Walters. 

You can see more of Jacquie's work on her blog tallgrass prairie studio and her photo blog shows each her beautiful, modern quilts.

Crystal x

Camille {made} this: plane quilt

My bestest friend Camille made Archie the greatest quilt to welcome him. I really love it! Bold navy, red and yellow prints make for a lovely boys quilt. I have hung it on the wall to decorate his room.

I love the use of the traditional block, in a strong colours with the sky and star blocks to break it up. The custom quilting (by Caroline at Murumbateman) is also really special. Tiny little plane borders? Genius!

 :: complete with matching bunting ::

:: close up of the custom quilting ::

Crystal x

craft tutorial round up :: one for the boys

Since Archer has arrived on the scene, I have gone from loving pink to blue! There are definitely plenty of girly diys out there, but now I need something a little less... frilly. So I have rounded up some tutorials for you, especially for the baby boys.

one: toms inspired baby and toddler shoes by homemade toast

two: cute little puppy by lisa via the craft tuts blog

three: counting sheep mobile on the rust and sunshine blog

four: captain haddock and tin tin rattles by luther idyl (site will need translating)

five: dummy clips by see kate sew

Crystal x

Homespun magazine makeover - free preview for you

Homespun was the first craft magazine that I picked up and actually enjoyed. My mum passed it on to me and for the first time, I earmarked several projects to make. I can still remember which projects they are after all this time. I have a small collection (and by small I mean large) and often refer back to articles and projects to make and inspire. Do any of you have a magazine collection? I have so many with lots of those little turned down ears. I also have an uncanny ability to remember which project is in which magazine just from the cover! A true craft addict....

A few years later, Homespun magazine are having a makeover! You can expect to see a brand new look and feel from the award winning managing editor, including more pages, projects and a modern design with easy to follow instructions. I'm excited to share with you a 46 page preview - click here to receive your sneak peak today.

Enjoy!
Crystal x

craft tutorial round up :: easter

Easter is just around the corner! Will the bunny be visiting your house this weekend? Maybe a little easter craft is in order? Here are a couple rounded up just for you!

one: easter egg pinatas over on the oh happy day blog

two: bunny and egg embroidery on sarah jane studios blog

three: egg shell floral centrepiece by little inspiration

four: sweet little bunny face plate by Ishtar Olivera

five: an amazing easter basket on the organised chaos blog

Hope you guys have an amazing easter!

Crystal x