My Creative Space

So far I've got the inspiration....

 The materials....

And the space....

Does this count as a work-in-progress if I haven't technically started yet?  This week a new shower curtain motivated me to finally finish up the bathroom refurbishing we began months ago with a simple paint-job.  Rather than buy a new bathmat, I'm going to try to breathe new life into a pile of getting-a-bit-dingy towels.  I'm not really sure how terry will hold up to the rag-rug style, but it seems like the thickness of the material should make pretty quick work of it.

In other news....today I finally dusted off the storage box that holds my running clothes (literally --  it was pretty dusty) after I heard myself saying "I really ought to make time for exercise" to one friend too many.  I mean seriously, Jen -- do it already. Sure, I'm busy.  Our lives are full....but do I not have 30 minutes twice a week to devote to my health and mental well-being? In fact I do.  Sleep has been slightly better lately, and as my little ones get more independent, I know I can get away more easily.  I'd love to get back into the running habit....as with everything else -- we'll see how we go.

Playing along with the lovely Kootoyoo (for the last time this year!)  Pop over to Kirsy's creative space to find links to many more.....

Itsy Atsy Etsy (A Coupon Code for You!)

Hello readers.  First, a huge thank you for being here at the Seedling blog.  It's wonderful to see the numbers slowly creep up both here and on Facebook, and it's lovely to hear from a few new readers in the comments section.  Welcome everyone!  I'm so glad you're here.

To celebrate both you and the opening of my new Etsy shop, I thought I'd try out a spanking-new feature they've got over there called "coupon codes."  Just enter "goseedling25" when you check out and receive 25% off anything in my shop.  Etsy's got it sussed!  This is such a cool idea. 

Follow the link below to find my shop and take your coupon code for a spin.

ps.  I should probably note that unfortunately, we've passed the Christmas deadline for shipping items from New Zealand to places beyond Australia (I know -- it's ridiculously early) but I'll do my very best to get your item to you asap wherever you may be.  New Years gifts are always nice too! 

xx

Ta-da!

I'm on Etsy!  I'm not quite sure why it took me so long to set up a shop on Felt's bigger, older, global sister.  In part, I've been intimidated by the sense that Etsy is so huge that in order to get noticed, I would need to devote myself to forums and treasuries in a seriously time-sucking (and frankly impossible) way.  And perhaps I'm right, but well....nothing to lose in trying, hey?

Over the past few days I've listed a few items, fiddled with my banner and filled in my shop policies.  Click on the button below to have a look. 

I welcome any and all critiques!  Please, if you have any feedback, constructive or otherwise, I would love to hear it.  Thanks!  xx Jen

At My House....

 ....it's feeling a lot like summer.  Windows thrown open, kiddie pool out, trips to the beach, and today my first attempt at homemade yogurt pops.  So easy!  So healthy!  Definitely a new seasonal staple.

And I finished heat-setting my order for My Baby and Me -- I so love working with MBAM.  The quality of their clothing is amazing and I love the practicality and ease of kimono-style closures on these little newborn onesies.

I did 12 kimonos in all, but only photographed 10 since two of the prints repeated.  Looking forward to sending these off tomorrow and getting to work on a few kimono prints in bigger sizes for the Nelson market on Saturday.

Happy to be joining in with Lou's blog today -- go visiting and see what other crafty bloggers are up to here.

This Week I'm Grateful For.....

:: Outdoor play, outdoor play, and outdoor play.

:: Two hours this morning all to myself!  I was able to browse the farmer's market at leisure, poke around op shops and pick out an enormous stack of magazines at the library.

:: I've just finished an order of 12 newborn kimonos for My Baby and Me -- just the heat-setting left to do.  Feeling happy with the results  I'll post a few pics of new designs before sending them off.

:: Our first ocean swim of the season.

:: And I set an all-time personal record -- all of my Christmas gifts were sent to family back home this week.  I managed to hand make nearly everything (a few items were handmade by others) which was another new record.  I felt a bit sad as I sent them through the window at the post office; I'll certainly miss being with my family this year.  Time now to think about how we'll celebrate in our own way and begin to create a few new traditions (camping, perhaps?)

Hope you've had a good week with many things to be grateful for as well...... xx

ps I'm happy to be playing along with the gorgeous Maxabella Loves...this week -- check out her blog for more gratitude and much lovely inspiration.

My First Advertisment

Huzzah!

It's pretty exciting to see the "Birds on Wire" photo I submitted through Felt featured the back spread of Extra-Curricular.  Extra Curricular is such a gorgeous little magazine; visually and intellectually stimulating, it's an incredibly satisfying read.  Worth every penny!  Find it here.

At My House....

Yesterday, we enjoyed watching the creation of this giant outdoor art installation....

I loved seeing the single-minded focus with which S worked.  No space was off limits, and in a manner that reminded me of "Harold and the Purple Crayon," Solomon narrated the cities and scenes he was creating.

The rain last night washed away most of the chalk  -- clearing some space for more today....