Ideas that take courage to manifest

You know those ideas that you have just before you go to sleep or maybe just before you are fully awake? The ones that bubble and perculate at the back of your mind for months. That ones that seem so perfect in your minds eye that it takes real courage to even attempt to bring them to life.  You don't want to shatter the ideal by not being able to make it as well as you dreamt.

I've just had a birthday. My Mum asked me what I wanted and for once I anticipated this and thought about it before hand. Courage was my answer, at least something that will make me feel courageous when I look at it.  Off to the markets we went and we found the perfect thing. I'll share a photo of it another day however because right now I want to show you what I have made.

I have been doing a lot of sewing, bags and purses and things. And making mosaics which I really enjoy. But my truest love is embroidery. The thing that ties me up in knots about not doing well enough. I love it but am not content to follow other people's patterns. I'm not content to sew doilies even though I collect them. I even put my work in shows because I have a need to be told its good. Then I stop creating again because the stress was too much or I didn't win anything. Aah the torture I can put myself through.

Well I've had a breakthrough. I have created the dream. And I know they're good, even before I ask anyone else. They are the dream idea brought to life. But enough ramble.

I have used my stumpwork embroidery skills to create three unique brooches. They are hand stitched then coated with a special glue that makes them hard. They are too delicate to be handled otherwise.  I hope you like them.

I am offering them to be stocked in some art stores. Otherwise I will put them up on my etsy store.
I can't describe how I feel. Like I've climbed Everest perhaps....

Stunning autumn colour in the Highlands

This year the Autumn colour in the Southern Highlands is the best I have ever seen.
I grew up in Queensland in an area that only has two seasons hot and cold. Since I have moved here I have fallen in love with the showy change of seasons. Winter is on its way but in the meantime we have the most magnificent display of vibrant colour to warm our hearts.

 We took the dogs for a walk around Lake Alexandra in Mittagong. Some Canadian ladies I met years ago assured me that it is only a pond. Yes, its small but absolutely delightful. I left my camera at home so these were taken with Howard's iPhone. Actually I"m impressed.

 I adore reflections like this

 and this.

 
Driving through Bowral.

My car covered in leaves. Pretty as a picture.

More op shopping fun

We hit the op shops this week. We started with the recycling shop at the Moss Vale tip, my favourite of the op shops. I bought two more little tables to mosaic, a vintage sleeping jacket, doilies. My Mum got magazines and some great clothes.

 
Next we headed off to a couple of Vinnies in Moss Vale and later Bowral. Here we picked up more exciting finds. Mum and I both bought some lovely winter scarves: a  vibrant blue and orange one for me, and a purple, orange and black silk velvet shawl for Mum.


Mum is starting a collection of ginger jars. The larger one appears to be very old.

More embroidered cloths, some buttons and a buckle that intrigued me - is it old or new?

Teatowels.



We stopped for a look around Made by Others in Moss Vale and treated ourselves to a chai and hot chocolate.  This art and design store features lovely bags, jewellery, art and quirky things. Very Frankie.


I love this tray. The wallpaper roses are very retro.

Mum picked up a bright and chirpy table cloth.

We had a great time out. Literally shopped until we dropped. It was such a major shopping spree yet everything came from second hand stores so I don't need to feel guilty. Quite the opposite actually as most of it will be upcycled.  

My MG hits the big time with Zensu shoes

My car, my darling Queenie, has hit the big time. She is listed with a talent agency for cars and last year she was booked for a modelling shoot for Zensu shoes for their winter catalogue. Log onto http://www.zensu.com.au/ to see Queenie in all her glory! I'm so proud.

Amazing Aprons exhibition at Exeter Village Hall

This Saturday my Mum and I amused ourselves with a visit to the Amazing Aprons exhibition put on by the Exeter CWA (Country Women's Association).

The Village Hall is a tiny but very cute community hall.  They turned on a great display.

Pinnies on Parade

 A nautical theme

 I loved this hand embroidered apron with its little heart pocket.

 I have never seen anything like this diagonal striped apron with crocheted top.

 Ned Kelly style apron.

These frothy little aprons were so sweet, definitely for serving not cooking in!

Bloglist changes

Tonight I have updated my list of blogs. I have deleted some that no longer hit the spot for me and added some new discoveries. I hope you enjoy them.
If you are reading my blog and chat about similar topics please let me know so I can check out what you are saying!
cheers

Kangaloon photos

I drove through Kangaloon a few times this weekend as the main road to Bowral from Robertson was closed for road works. Kangaloon and East Kangaloon are small localities in some of the greenest, most picturesque scenery you can imagine.

There are farms, cottages, big estates with horses and dry stone walls, a little school and a tin shed masquerading as a hall.  There must have once been a very God fearing population as there are three churches. Two are now private homes, the other still a church but not often in use.  There are still two tiny cemeteries in place.

I thought I'd post some photos I took a few months back.  I was mostly exploring the texture of the stone and iron in these shots.

Lazy Sunday, dog, flowers and new bags

Hi here I am at the end of a lazy Sunday. It was a perfect autumn day here in the Southern Highlands. I want to share a few eclectic photos with you that perfectly match my day!

These are the first good photos I have managed to take of our gorgeous Benny. He doesn't sit still for long and it took a bit of patience to get these. But it was worth it. Isn't he a darling. A big sook. Just before these were taken he launched himself into the cow paddock to worry a herd of cattle with calves! 

I went dashing after him to the rescue. Honestly, he has no idea!

Japanese anemones or windflowers. Stunning proof that it is autumn.

My new DarlingBridget sign.

I have been busy sewing. New product lines to add to my etsy store: darlingbridget.etsy.com and for my next market. These bags are fun to make and wear with their retro fabric and handles.  I actually want to keep them all for me! But I'll share.

Have a great week!!