The Janelle Wind Collection

Scrapps Flea Market

Today I want to tell you all about my lovely friend Kate Mason of Scrapps Flea Market. Not only is Kate the most lovely person you could ever hope to meet, she is also the most AMAZING Mixed Media Artist. Kate is also the Mum of 5 stunningly gorgeous children, a wife, a Blythe doll collector and the most generous friend.

Through her blog, Kate shares about her life, loves and her creations too. And through her etsy store she sells originals and prints of her amazing art. I have long been a fan of Kate's and am thrilled to have some of Kate's artwork in my home.

The very first piece of Kate's art was given to me by my wonderful friend Mardi. It is called Soul Sister's and is a piece that I intend to hang in my bedroom to remind me of Mardi, every time of look at it. I just LOVE it.

Then not too long after receiving the above piece of art, I was fortunate enough to purchase one of Kate's original canvases. This one features a bird in a cage and with word 'energy' on it's wing. It is perfect for me and sits just above my computer, to inspire me every day.

Then fast forward to Jasper's birthday this year. After reading Issue 1 of Etzcetera magazine, Jasper saw a print in an article about Kate, and instantly fell in love with it. I too absolutely adored it and knew it would be perfect for my boy. After chatting to Kate, I was super excited to hear that she was releasing it as a print very soon. With Kate's help, I was able to surprise my boy with a framed print, all his very own. He LOVES it and so do I.

Here is my boy on his birthday morning with is framed print, he really does love it so so much.

Fast forward to this week, when the lovely Kate released a new range of gorgeous art. This new range features a few new prints with a brand new theme of Blythe dolls. Kate totally spoiled us once again when she sent my kiddies a gift of her Blythe inspired art. I think their happy faces show how thrilled they were. They just love them.

Here are some close up shots of Kate's amazing Blythe art. For any one looking for a special gift for a Blythe collecting friend, or little person, I can HIGHLY recommend these prints. They are perfection.

Finally, I want to share my favourite print from Kate's latest release. This print is called 'becoming you' and in all honesty, when I first saw this print on Kate's blog it was like she reached into my mind and took my very thoughts and put them to paper on her print. I love this print and the message it sends so much that I have one of my very own, to hang on my studio wall and remind me each day to be brave enough to step forward and be the me I really want to be.

Now, because of Kate's amazing generosity, there are a few opportunities for you to win one of Kate's beautiful prints. Head on over to Kate's blog HERE for a chance to win a print from her. And my Emily is also giving away one of the Blythe themed prints that Kate shared with her, over on her blog HERE.

Thank you Kate for sharing your amazing talents and for creating such amazing art, that we can all bring into our homes and enjoy too. xx Janelle

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Unfortunately, I don't have any Thrifty Thursday post to share today as I wasn't lucky enough to find anything at the Op shop this week. However, Mardi has been very thrifty and created a gorgeous canvas for her kitchen. Head on over to Mardi's blog for all the details. I love it and am so blessed to have such creative friends in my life too. x

My clever friend...

A few weeks ago this gorgeous parcel arrived in the mail for me. Isn't it just beautiful!!

This is what was inside. A gorgeous pile of knitted goodness for my Blythe dolls.

All of this beautiful knitted goodness was from my lovely friend Sheree Forcier. To say I felt spoiled was an understatement. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face!

It didn't take me long at all to grab my girls for a little try on of these gorgeous clothes. It was a rainy dark day but I managed to snap a few shots.

Bluebird just adores this gorgeous yellow top with matching headband.

Here is Kitty wearing the most gorgeous little green cardigan and matching berret.

Here is a shot of the girls all wearing Sheree's knittied goodness. I just ADORE everything and am so grateful to Sheree for being so generous with me, thank you Sheree. xx

My new girl August wanted to try on some of the knitted goodies when she arrived too, so she had a lovely time wearing the knitted cardigan and berret as well.

A HUGE thank you to Sheree for being SO very generous and kind, I adore everything she spoiled me with. If you would like to see some more of Sheree's clever knitted Blythe goodies, take a look HERE and to see more of Sheree's cleverness too, take a look HERE. She is currently stitching the most stunning version of my 'Orange Blossom' runner too. I can't WAIT to see it... xx Janelle

Introducing one of my favourite young artists...

A few months ago I had this idea?

After seeing some gorgeous artwork by a super talented young artist, I approached her and asked if we could do a trade. She is an avid Blythe collector, and I really wanted to encourage her art and have a piece of her creativity in my home, so I asked her to paint me a canvas and I would buy her a Blythe doll in return.

Luckily for me, she jumped at the chance and got busy painting for me, and I organised a special Blythe doll for her.

Who is this young artist you might ask?

Well let me proudly tell you that she is none other than Emily's special friend Zali Bartholomew. Zali comes from a home that oozes creativity, where the whole family creates the most amazing things. Zali's Mum, Hailey is the most amazing photographer too - and is the instigator of the 365 Grateful project that is sweeping the world too. To say I was thrilled to have a piece of Zali's art in my home, was an understatement - I was super excited!!

Let me introduce you to Zali. She is a super talented 11 year old up and coming artist from QLD, Australia. Here is is pictured with Nellie, the Blythe doll that I gave to her (she named her after me, how lovely).

And here she is holding my gorgeous piece of artwork. It is of one of my most favourite things, a tree and is so very detailed and colourful too, with gold dots all over the whole piece. I just LOVE it and it fits perfectly into our home too.

And here is my canvas hanging in our lounge room. It fits perfectly and I LOVE it so much. Huge thank you's to Zali for painting it for me and to her Dad Andrew for bringing it all the way down here for me when they visited us last week too.

I can't wait to see what else Zali creates as she grows and develops her already amazing talent too. Thank you Zali for sharing your amazing talent with me. xx Janelle

Some exciting news to share...

I am super excited to share some super exciting news with you. My lovely friend Kim Archer has revealed a big secret - that she is launching an online magazine. Having worked with Kim for many years, I know the high standard of her work and how super creative she is too. I know this magazine will be overflowing with inspiration. Here is what Kim has to say...

I would like to introduce to you all,

Etzcetera Magazine

....An online bi-monthly crafty lifestyle magazine.

Visit our website here. Sign up for our newsletter so you can keep up with our happenings as well as be one of the first to know when we have launched.

Tomorrow the media kit will be ready for potential advertisers and our Facebook page will be set up.

Ahhhh.

It's good to get the secret out there..

I hope you will help me spread the news.

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The first issue will be launched on July 1 and will be one not to miss. I hope you head on over to her new site to register to receive your copy in your inbox, I know I can't wait!!

Congratulations Kim, I can't wait to see all that you have to share with us... x Janelle

Dudley and Grace...

Just over a week ago, a parcel arrived in my box. It was a total surprise as I wasn't expecting anything! I turned it over and was even more surprised when I saw it was from my bestie, Mardi.

Inside the package was this gorgeously wrapped present. It isn't even my birthday so I was feeling SUPER spoiled!

Mardi had also made me a beautiful card, I was feeling even MORE spoiled by now and super excited to open it and see what was inside.

I excitedly opened up my beautiful present and gasped when I saw what was inside. My beautiful friend had TOTALLY spoiled me. Inside was a beautifully handmade journal cover - made in Mardi style with a gorgeous blend of vintage and new fabrics in a way that I adore. Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE journal covers, so this is super special to me.

Also in the package was a GORGEOUS owl, again, handmade by Mardi for me. Isn't she just the cutest!!

Also pictured is a beautiful bracelet that Mardi sent me as well, made with vintage beads etc. I adore it too!!!

I have to tell you that I carried these special goodies with me everywhere for days. It isn't very often that someone makes something for me, and to be made in Mardi style makes them even more special. I showed my ladies in my classes, my family - anyone I could because I love them so much. Thank you thank you thank you Mardi for spoiling me xxxxx

Now, you might be wondering what my blog title has to do with my present from Mardi. This is where it gets even MORE exciting. After a tiny bit of encouragement, Mardi has opened her very own etsy store - YIPEE!!!! Now you all have a chance to own a little piece of Mardi's gorgeous handwork too.

Mardi's store is called 'Dudley and Grace' and is full of gorgeous goodies made by Mardi. You can visit her store and take a look HERE. Be quick as I am sure her goodies will sell super fast too! Everything is made with a gorgeous mix of vintage and new fabrics and stitched in Mardi's style too. I just love them ALL and am sure you will too. x Janelle

A very special workshop...

Here is another wonderful way to be creative whilst helping the Queensland Flood Appeal. My lovely friend Kim Archer is running a fantastic workshop called 'Smile' through her site. I will let her tell you all about the class. I know I can't wait to make my layout. Hope to see you in class...

A very special workshop

Like most Australians, I have been watching in shock and great sadness as the Queensland flooding disaster has unfolded over the past few weeks. So much devastation and destruction and loss - it's just heartbreaking and difficult to comprehend the enormity of what has been happening just over the border there in Queensland.

I decided that I wanted to help - somehow, in some way.. and so I have created this online workshop "Smile" with ALL proceeds from this class to be donated to the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal. Simply book into the workshop between 14-24 January 2011 and all monies raised will be donated to the Appeal.

The workshop itself is a step by step layered, stitched, painted and arty type single scrapbooking layout project using a single 4x6inch photo that makes you smile. This is an INSTANT class which means all information you need to complete the project is ready to go at your fingertips.

Help us spread the word and we hope you will join us in the classroom at the very special discount price of only $5.00 registration.

 

Don't forget to scroll down to read all about the three auctions I have running to raise additional funds. Together, we can make a difference to the lives of those who have lost so much. I am proud to be a part of this worthwhile cause. And BIG thank you to those who have already bid, thank you so very much xx Janelle

Review - Tied with a Ribbon

Recently Emily and I were sent a gorgeous kit from the lovely Jemima of 'Tied with a Ribbon'. Jemima runs her own fabric creations business, specialising in kits for kids (or the beginning stitcher) and asked us to review her pattern for her. We were beyond thrilled to have a play with Jemima's kit, called Bouncing Bunnies'.

As you can see, Emily was SUPER excited to have a stitch - all by herself.

I decided that I would let Emily have a play all by herself with the kit, to see how achievable it was for a 12 year old. I was SO thrilled to see that Emily was able to follow Jemima's fantastic instructions, that had easy to follow diagrams and great instructions, perfect for the beginning sewer.

Emily sat quietly on her bed, asking no questions as everything was so easy to follow, and produced her very own bunny.

Emily's bunny now hangs proudly on our Christmas tree, and we all love it!! And as a Mum, I love that Emily was able to create something all by herself, without any stress or having to ask for help - because she wants to stitch independently so very much! Emily went on to make another bunny for a special friend and there is enough left in the kit to make a third bunny too - such a fantastic kit! Thank you SO much Jemima.

So if you are looking for something special for your little stitcher, why not check out Jemima's etsy store where she sells her beautiful kits. I can definitely recommend them and I am sure we will be back for more kits in the future too. Take a look HERE at Jemima's blog and HERE to read Emily's review of the pattern and kit too.

I will be back soon to share more of our Christmas preparations. I have been busily stitching up to 18 hours a day making Christmas gifts so I will share pics of the goodies I have been making soon. Hope your preparations are going well and you are feeling ready for Christmas. xx Janelle

Make it...

I just HAD to pop in here to tell you about the brand new classes on offer at Kim Archer Workshops@home. They are absolutely fantastic!!! I loved stitching every single layout that Kim has designed for us and know you will too. To start there are three classes on offer - here is what Kim has to say about them...

I am THRILLED to announce our new series of Make It workshops.

Each class will focus on a particular technique or theme and feature one scrapbooking layout project. We wanted the classes to be fresh, fun quick and easy but still pretty and beautiful and inspiring...and we have THREE fresh new classes ready to go first thing tomorrow - 11 October 2010.

So. Introducing..

STITCH IT - yep, you guessed it..lots of machine stitching on this one..plus my new favourite string of things mini technique!

SHABBY IT - sanding, tearing and texture galore. Not just for pretty girl photos but adaptable for a boy themed photo as well...

and TEXTILE IT - combining fabic layers and soft tulle for a beautifully textured layout.

All three Instant Workshops are open and ready to go. Information, photos, instructions, gallery, handouts - ready instantly. No waiting. Kim is also offering a $5 discount if you book all three classes at once - what a great offer!!

AND we have PLENTY of other Make It classes on their way including Stamp It, Tell It, Paint It and Vintage It.

So help us spread the news...and see you in a Make It classroom very soon.

Brand new class...

Did you know there is a BRAND new class about to begin at Kim Archer@home? Well this is one not to be missed - called Watercolour Chiffon. 

Kim has shared the story behind this classes inception, including a little inspiration she drew from a Frilly Dilly Bag I made for her a few years ago. Kim is SO clever and this class is one not to be missed. I know I am looking forward to having a play too. Read all about it HERE on Kim's blog.

Click HERE for registration details... Hope to see you in class, starting on Wednesday 11 August... xx

Have you visited...

Dottie Angel - or Tif Fussell as is her name? Well if you haven't, you NEED to grab a cuppa and spend some time with Tif.

I LOVE visiting Tif's blog, Dottie Angel, to be inspired and creatively fed, and I thought you might like the same. I love Tif's extremely clever way with words, her style, her home decor (she does the vintage with white walls like no other), and her creativity. It is so inspiring...

So if you have some time to spare, pop on over and have a visit at Dottie Angel. You might like to look at her shop or her flickr page too. Be prepared to be inspired, I know I am!! xx