Well as inspired by my fellow blogger, Pam from Bayside Rose, I thought I should post some of my more creative side. It's not unusual for me to whip up some creative cushions from time to time - especially when inspired.

My dear friend Karen from tokmonsta initially inspired me to create some cushions from second hand tea towels. So, off I went to Mum's in search of her linen cupboard for tea towels. Tea towels I found in abundance, dating as far back as the 1950's. Most were gifts over the years, some were form my late Nan. After selecting the best of the best, I thought how great to take these tea towels and create some cushions and give them back as a Christmas present.

So here is a sample of the cushions given back to Mum for Christmas last year.

The blue 1950's lounge is now neatly tucked away in storage and will not return until the right home comes along. Did I mention that I loooove blue?
Maybe that's a give away by my Rimi Blue collection of Bitossi by Aldo Londi - just can't get enough of it.

"A Single Man"

After just seeing the movie, 'A Single Man', on DVD, I am totally engrossed by the story line and the beauty of the film. Starring Colin Firth and Julianne Moore, directed and produced by Tom Ford - the film has been criticized in the past for being too perfect. However, I completely disagree. Tom Ford has managed to see the beauty and creativity in the objects that surround us. He has merely cut out the ugly things in life.

There is a scene where Colin Firth parks his car in the back car-park of a bottle shop. Fairly uninspiring, however he pulls up in front of a large poster board which looked stunning as it was filmed with the afternoon sunset. I just love how Tom Ford filmed the beauty rather than the ugly. 

The story line is simple, for some. Overwhelmingly powerful for me.

Poteet Architects

 Looking through one of my favorite blogs - was this latest posting on Desire to Inspire, by Poteet Architects. I'm just loving this example of dark timber flooring contrasting with the white walls. In an older house, it makes the space look contemporary and yet enhances the traditional features of the house. Can just imagine this with beautiful decorative ceilings.

Bargin Hunting

Walking along Darby St, I stumbled across a garage sale. How could I resist with this retro Italian vase for only $5??? Its cute. Yes, I am trying to save, however one can still shop on a budget.

Newcastle Mattara Art Show

 This is my Mum - Joyce, demonstrating at The Mattara Art Show this weekend.

 Above is one of Mum's works called 'Venetian Light'

 Another one of Mum's works called 'Waiting'

 Artist Carol McCohon won First Prize with 'Roses in Bloom'. I said to how unbelievable that this has not sold yet. It didn't take Mum long to decide to put a red sticker on - sold to her!

 Artist, Grahame Cox painted 'In the Widden Valley'

 Apologies for the unknown artist of this. I can only assume it is of the fishing boats at Carrington. Below is an oil painting by Jill Campbell, titled 'Bushland 1'.

More inspiration

One of my great hobbies is gardening. One day I will finally be able to have a garden large enough to display my favorite ornimentals and most importantly develop a sustainable fruit and vegetable garden.
Jerry Coleby-Williams, TV presenter from Gardening Australia and his partner Jeff Poole,
have created a vision of sustainability in their own yard in Brisbane. Their blog is full of inspiring information. I could easily spends hours looking through their blog, yet mindful of the time - must now prepare for work!
Please check out this website;
www.bellis.info

More open houses today

Well I have compiled a list of open houses for today, seven actually. Only three are within my price range. Just curious to see the others for ideas and exactly what they have done to warrant their prices. One question is, why oh why must home owners carry out  butcher renovations. It will only cost more money to restore or fix a poor renovation that was done in bad taste. For example, why on earth would you replace an original kitchen with a modern RED, two pack polyurethane kitchen. Real estate advertisements refer to this as a 'stylish European kitchen'.....yuck!

Take for instance this living room below, its had a slight reno back in the 70's, but nothing to major. How wonderful this living room would look, if the timber laminate veneer was removed from the walls, and rip up the carpet. Paint the decorative ceiling in fresh white and walls in a warm off white to contrast with the dark stained floor boards (in a satin finish - no high sheen floor boards here). Go one step further and replace the ceiling light with something more groovy, and sheer white blinds to allow maximum light. This would be the basis for a very contemporary yet traditional living room. (photo courtesy of Domain)

Weekend plans?

Nothing new, or rather worthwhile on the market at the moment. I may go to a couple of opens this weekend to check out properties that have not sold. Certainly intend on making the most of the warm weather that is predicted for this weekend.

One thing is for sure, I'm kind of hooked on these bathrooms with the patterned wallpaper. It can be very retro, yet very glam.A great way to add maximum impact in a very small space.

In memory of Con Tsalamandris

Its been two years since your passing. I think of you every day. You left a gaping whole in many hearts. Love you always.

In an ideal world, this is what my dreams are made of...

This house just accentuates modern contemporary style that I love so much. Beautiful floor to ceiling windows, natural use of timber and stone. My mum's Parker sideboard and dinner table wouldn't look too out of place at all!   Mum - could I have your Parker sideboard!