A Quick Tidy Up

My house has a little nook under the stairs which is one of those little nooks that often ends up in the too hard category when deciding how to fill in a space. After much debate and consultation with our cabinet maker (the banister and stairs have a slight curve making it problematic to fill in) we decided to, for the time being at least, erect some Ikea tables with several cane baskets which hold odds and bods like my sewing, the dog's stuff and sun hats. Instinctively I knew if this space was left without a semblance of order it would become a dumping ground for everyone's junk.
Yesterday I had a little tidy up and declutter. After one year in the house I couldn't believe how crammed the baskets were becoming.




While sorting through my vast collection of cottons from the sewing pile I rediscovered many which were passed to me from my mother who was a beautiful sewer. I have about eight containers of different colours.




Some of the reels are decades old. I'm not a hoarder and I declutter regularly but when it comes to cotton reels and buttons I find it difficult to let go. One never knows when one will need bright red thread or an odd shaped button.




During the tidy up I was reminded of an intricate cross stitch I started twenty five years ago. What are the chances of me ever completing it?
A new pair of eyes would help!

Annie xx

A Creative Moment

Hello all, winter here and it's cold. The dog and I are chasing the sun around the house to warm our bones.

Thought I would share this little assignment I gave myself recently. My daughter has a huge collection of fashion magazines so I commandeered one issue of Harpers Bazaar to make a simple layout of cards for my mother's care home. Many stylish ladies of advanced years still appreciate gazing at pictures of pretty clothes and I felt some flash cards would be nice for the residents to peruse.

I enjoyed myself immensely and may do a series for the residents if I can gather more visuals of shoots which are appropriate for the mature lady. Luckily this edition contained pics which were not risque.

The effort reinvigorated a creative side of my personality I should nurture.

Unfortunately this photo would not load correctly so the models are standing on their heads which is kind of funny. Why do some iPhone photos do this I wonder? For love nor money I couldn't get those gals standing on their feet.
Anyway I hope you get the idea...

Cutting (I use a mini guillotine contraption), spacing, layout and laminating is therapeutic and not to be underestimated.
If the opportunity to be creative comes your way embrace it, for it matters not how big or small the task... just Enjoy.

Annie xx

Buttons Ribbons and Bling Hong Kong Style

The last morning of our stay in Hong Kong was spent totally engrossed in the delights of Sham Shui Po a retail area situated on the Kowloon Peninsula.

Electronic goods and tools are sold as well as fabrics, buttons and crafts.

Mr redroses sauntered off to the electrical end of town while my daughter and I hit the crafty end to source bits and bobs for her jewellery creations. I cannot begin to describe the wonder that engulfed our every turn. 

Let me tell you, in Australia we are starved of variety! Next visit we are spending a whole day in this Aladdin's cave. My home town seems to be devoid of descent buttons and I had been trying to source four large black textured buttons for a knitted coat. Well I finally got lucky in Sham Shui Po. 

The reels of ribbons were a sight to behold. Truly. 

Shop after shop selling beautiful buttons, ribbon, crafts and embellishments for jewellery and artworks.

    Bling as far as the eye can see

                      Bustling busy and happy shoppers

    Take a deep breath Annie. No you can't bring every reel home

    The phone camera quality is not great but you get the idea

    Imagine this business holding a 'guess how many buttons are in the store' competition!

 
Just thought I would throw this pic in for dramatic effect. Yes that's right it is a snake in a cage. On the footpath.

You can understand why my daughter and I enjoyed this area immensely. A small suitcase will accompany us next time so we can literally fill our boots!
Have you visited this dynamic area of Hong Kong? Better still...is there anyone out there who actually resides in Hong Kong and shops at Sham Shui Po?

Annie xx