tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35680255084037010682012-01-02T03:36:37.156-08:00Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.comBlogger891100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-49646575837697768752011-11-22T13:46:00.000-08:002011-11-23T15:48:29.401-08:00

5 weeks to 4 and a half months old! I am slowly getting back into sewing :) And by slowly I mean stitch by stitch. All going well otherwise. Fingers crossed for sleeping through the night soon!

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-59099133621116730482011-08-24T18:55:00.000-07:002011-08-24T19:01:59.279-07:00

Little Lady Clementine. Nearly 5 weeks old :) Such a sweet girl. xxx

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-44949972996768698032011-08-05T02:26:00.000-07:002011-08-05T02:29:05.428-07:00

Our lovely lass is finally here! Born on July 23rd at 11:27am. 3.6 kilos (8 pounds 1 ounce). All doing well :) Clementine Lyra Downes.xx

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-21570693222433851232011-07-19T18:01:00.000-07:002011-07-19T18:41:13.117-07:00

Seven days till our due date :D *Super cute strawberry hat made by Abby at Small Craft Alert, especially for our kidlet.*We still are yet to move our desks out of the study to clear space for the little lady room but we have everything else covered (we think!). She has a snuggly bed and a good change table - lent to us by some super lovely friends - way too many clothes, nappies ready to go and a

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-66733382149839439312011-05-22T15:47:00.000-07:002011-05-22T15:52:00.913-07:00

30 weeks prego. Make no mistake, there's something in my tummy. Starting to get a bit nervous now!Bear suit for the kidlet. Too stinkin' cute. xx

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-87556924034943733892011-04-09T22:04:00.000-07:002011-04-09T22:49:53.582-07:00

Finished bunting hanging on our bed!And chocolates for kitties called Pucca. Thanks to Mr Bernard Caleo. Yay :)xx

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-42021391392854170162011-03-07T21:24:00.000-08:002011-03-07T22:03:06.351-08:00

I'm back in the sewing saddle and have slowly been making some new things. Mostly for myself but a few bits and pieces for online as well. It feels lovely to be cutting out fabrics again and dreaming up cute stuff to make. Hurrah for sewing!*Sublime Stitching SquirrelIt's no secret that squirrels are one of my favourite animals. This squirrel was designed by Sublime Stitching and stitched by me.

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-84656463447214395372011-02-18T21:34:00.000-08:002011-02-18T21:42:48.717-08:00

A few years ago Chris designed some super cool t-shirts. We've got a a small number of the women's sizes left. Behold CACTOPUS! Now available in Women's Medium and Large on Etsy. Check 'em out now!Once these are gone, that's it. They are strictly a limited run and are SO DAMN COOL! Oh, and you get a hand printed label unique to your t-shirt designed by Chris himself!

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-10995463629472039082011-02-07T23:59:00.001-08:002011-02-09T23:32:25.136-08:00

So we plan for an overseas trip this year. There's a special money box starting to fill.Then this happens...17 weeks pregnant! (Well, this pic is from 12 weeks but there's not much difference right now.)It feels a little strange to be writing about this as one of my more recent posts was talking about pregnancy in a very different way. We had pretty much given up on having kids after trying for

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-15133233788934481992010-12-31T13:45:00.000-08:002010-12-31T13:50:50.749-08:00

This is from last year but the words are still lovely :) After a year of family drama and harsh words, this is something we should all say to our loved ones. Put harsh words aside and just wish the best for each other. Good stuff, Mr Gaiman.

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-4619537457285911992010-11-22T17:36:00.001-08:002010-11-22T17:49:35.189-08:00

I just sent off my handmade donations to Softies for Mirabel 2010. Here they are! If you've got time, make a lovely softie and send it to Pip at Meet me at Mikes by December 7th. Help out kids affected by substance abuse this Christmas. It's a super cause! You can check out all the other softies being made at the Softies for Mirabel Flickr group here.* I need to point out that the kitty design is

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-61052806769590538072010-11-19T15:55:00.000-08:002010-11-19T16:03:30.292-08:00

Yay! I'm all done :)Find them at madeit.com and Etsy and be merry!

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-86522201536937686632010-11-02T03:34:00.000-07:002010-11-02T04:08:00.241-07:00

New Babushkas. These ladies are tiny and super cute. They will be smelling sweet too :)Softies for Mirabel donations! I can't take credit for the design of this kitty. I found the free pattern online and now can't remember where I found it (naughty me!). Will post a link when I come across it. The fabric I used is a lovely linen cotton blend with Snow White images printed across it. It's one of

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-77471757995661252372010-09-17T19:10:00.000-07:002010-10-30T15:36:01.664-07:00

It’s a fact that C and I are getting older. We’ve got wrinkles. I’m moving closer to my mid thirties and C is warming up to 40. WHERE does the time go? Even with all the ups and downs, life has been a good journey so far and maybe that’s why things have gone so fast. Time flies. Yes it does. So I guess it’s no surprise to admit we’ve had kids on our mind for the last year. And it’s been tough.

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-1875403288038608652010-09-16T01:09:00.000-07:002010-09-16T01:16:02.011-07:00

The lovely Alison at Hill and Vale Designs featured my Snow White Lavender Pillow on Tuesday's Treasures. Check out her nifty blog here. Yay! Thanks Alison :)

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-9738503746040048432010-08-30T21:34:00.000-07:002010-08-30T21:53:04.830-07:00

I have been SO busy sewing new things! All my spare time lately has been taken up with making stuff while watching Mad Men and BBC frock dramas. Not a bad way to spend my days off :) It's all for Eastside Maker's Market this weekend. Hurrah!Spring things from Freckled Sparrow include -Tea Time Table Runners (with hand dyed vintage doilies)In progress...Nine square Toy Quilts. Keep those teddies

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-20776664207034269852010-08-13T16:51:00.000-07:002010-08-13T16:52:25.403-07:00

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-86566968202667523462010-07-26T18:02:00.000-07:002010-07-26T18:03:46.585-07:00

My awesome hub does comics. Yep. He does. And they are cool. He hasn't always made comics. No. He hasn't. He's been an illustrator for a loooong time and has done some pretty cool things. Like bookcovers (including this series for HarperCollins), character design, editorial illustrations and band posters. He has also been a lecturer at university. BUT, all those things have been eclipsed by

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-83676484632552529172010-07-13T04:35:00.000-07:002010-07-13T05:01:30.354-07:00

Hurray! It's time for the RSPCA's Cupcake Day again! The RSPCA are an awesome charity devoted to looking after the well being of animals all around the world. They work tirelessly to make sure our furry friends are treated nicely. We love them for that. They gave us our lovely kitty cat Pucca too!So, normally you make lots of yummy cupcakes and sell them to your friends and workmates on Cupcake

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-82027458235233625022010-06-26T18:35:00.000-07:002010-06-26T19:15:52.002-07:00

I had a birthday a few weeks ago and turned a big 32. Only one year away from 33 (For some reason I've always looked forward to that age. Double numbers are cool.) Hurrah! We usually have a quiet celebration doing whatever we feel like. I got to have pancakes for breakfast, lunch at a favourite bakery, noodles for dinner and a nice ice cream cake for dessert. Yummo. It was fun.Anyways, as

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-8129351916595657142010-06-24T23:36:00.000-07:002010-06-25T00:37:37.492-07:00

I've been in the arts writing game for ten years now. It's never been something I talk about much as I'd rather keep my head down, tail up with work. But I've found that lately, when going to meetings and lunches etc with Chris and his comics, people wonder if I have any interest in writing (as my favourite thing to talk about these days is craft). Indeed, I do! Reviews, artist profiles and

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-30468762105801951952010-06-17T00:13:00.001-07:002010-06-17T00:36:41.996-07:00

Awww, yeah. Melbourne. I love you.The Dachshund U.N.Macaroons at Lindt Chocolat Cafe (thanks Cat!)Their version of Hot Chocolate was pour your own little jug of melted chocolate into frothy hot milk. Make it as sweet as you like. It was HEAVEN.The finished version of my new tattoo! It's about 5 hours old here and still a bit red. Inked by Dave at Chapel Tattoo.We worked with the tattoo artist to

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-77280979337928601962010-06-11T05:33:00.000-07:002010-06-11T06:05:49.572-07:00

During our trip to Melbourne last week for the Emerging Writers Festival we were lucky enough to see a re-painting of Hosier Lane. We were also lucky to know two of the people doing some of the work! Check these out. It was amazing!Pat Grant. Awesome.Pat Grant.Jase Harper. Just as awesome.Jase Harper.The rest of these artists are unknown to me but still incredible...And to end it all, here's a

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-30267208648762347462010-06-07T18:14:00.000-07:002010-06-07T18:16:34.312-07:00

Songs that are making me happy today :)Have a super day x

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-24276600876591871992010-05-22T19:26:00.000-07:002010-05-22T19:31:02.467-07:00

New lavender pillows just posted in my shop on madeit.com. The Michael Miller print is my favourite. Don't pee in the pool people!

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-88559020326543342002010-05-15T20:23:00.000-07:002010-05-15T20:28:32.690-07:00

Taking inspiration from the Yucca PlantIt's the Pucca Plant!

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-61633265580467257002010-05-10T04:12:00.000-07:002010-05-10T04:48:16.744-07:00

Working at a framing shop definitely has its perks! We've managed to get our sticky paws on some really cool stuff in our travels and have had fun picking out frames for our walls. The only bad thing is that we are running out of hook space in our little apartment! We totally need a room just for storage now :) Check these out!This is the lovely Marie Antoinette by Grace Garton (aka Little Black

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-84627274797839425852010-05-01T23:50:00.000-07:002010-05-01T23:58:13.464-07:00

Hip hip hurray! I have a madeit.com shop! Visit me here. There are only a few items on at the moment but over time I'll be adding more. It's a great option for Australian buyers to purchase my lavender Babushkas (They smell soooo good. You know you want one). All prices are in Australian dollars. YAY!Handmade stuff is AWESOME.

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-51036825693173372022010-04-23T18:05:00.001-07:002010-04-23T18:52:57.331-07:00

Hurrah! Hurrah! It has arrived! A lovely Apple Pin Cushion from my super sweet swap partner Pam. THANK YOU! See them all here.It was so fun to unwrap! One layer came off to reveal this...Then THIS!!! An apple box, wahoo!And look inside! There are buttons, a thimble and a seam ripper. PERFECT. The little apple is so soft and comes with pins AND its own tag for the swap. How good is that. I love

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-73664483756579762622010-04-17T16:09:00.001-07:002010-04-17T16:28:46.724-07:00

In the factory are...Little pieces of hand embroidered fabricsand just plain cool fabricswaiting to be turned into these (lavender pillows).Pin cushion tops. Pink Dinosaur and Skull King.Dinosaur felt badges.Zombie Cupcake felt mascot (front). See the sticker version here.Zombie Cupcake felt mascot (back).My aim over these next few weeks is to make lots of stuff to take to Spring markets. We'll

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-27960264165912821612010-04-15T17:56:00.000-07:002010-04-15T19:20:15.393-07:00

Now that I've changed jobs (yep, I'm now super duper shop girl at a picture framing place), I'm getting to know a whole new range of customers. Strangely enough, I've bumped into a bunch of old high school friends in the process. While it's been good to catch up, I've been struck by how much we define ourselves by work. For example, the other day I asked a girl who I had known in Grade 6 (waaaay

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-85930884264579648162010-04-08T21:27:00.000-07:002010-04-08T21:35:49.710-07:00

Hurray! My pin cushion for Kate's Swap is DONE and SENT! Fingers crossed my swap partner likes it (and indeed actually gets it in the mail too).Check out more ace pin cushions here.

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-54576365236727607262010-04-03T15:45:00.001-07:002010-04-03T15:54:17.876-07:00

Happy Easter from us and the kitty cat!All the bunnies in the house come out to celebrate Nigella's Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing. Mmmmm...yummy.Pin Cushion progress for this swap!Have to keep the name of the recipient SECRET for now :DHave a lovely Easter break!

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-1693100939561650762010-04-01T16:18:00.000-07:002010-04-01T16:28:26.356-07:00

How good are these fabrics? I just picked some up at Mineymo's Etsy store. The housewife print is THE BEST! It's destined to be a cushion front and the kittens are going to be some super sweet lavender pillows. Design by Michael Miller.Dysfunctional FamilySmitten KittensGirls Play

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-41523404264020504062010-03-28T03:44:00.001-07:002010-04-03T15:44:41.326-07:00

Today was my day at Eastside Makers Market. It was the first time for that particular market and I had a lovely time. Things slowed down during the afternoon but overall I was really pleased with the day. I even found the perfect red and white polka dot earrings from Silver Nutmeg and a Golden Pear. And if you haven't checked out Hiiragi, you really should.Lots of sunshine!Lavender smelling

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-35952980050825482962010-03-22T23:56:00.001-07:002010-03-23T00:04:04.770-07:00

C just got back from his annual Comics Camp (aka many other kooky things) in Victoria. They have made an awesome blog and this is one of my favourite drawings so far. Just happens to include two of my favourite artists - Rebecca and Chris :)Super cool drawing by Andrew Fulton.

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-38232582631909270822010-03-21T00:22:00.000-07:002010-03-21T00:43:06.878-07:00

Playing along with Meet Me at Mike's!My five fave things from this week were -1. Rediscovering Suede. They still give me shivers.2. Watching The Breakfast Club.3. Snuggling with my kitty cat while it's cold and rainy outside.4. Catching up with these cool art chicks.5. Finally getting The Making of Fantastic Mr Fox!Hope your week was a good one too ^_^

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-41469665524283056912010-03-19T16:47:00.000-07:002010-03-20T02:00:58.902-07:00

No, I don't mean the material (dead cows, no thanks) but the super awesome UK band. These guys came out in the early nineties with their self titled debut album (you could say they pretty much started Brit pop) and as soon as I heard them my little teenage brain was on fire. I've always wanted a copy of the album on CD as I have a cassette version somewhere but it's been so hard to find (at a

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-13375823669340448662010-03-16T22:14:00.001-07:002010-03-16T22:21:24.738-07:00

Just finished this off today! It was my first time adding binding. I decided to hand stitch the back binding just cos hand stitching is so nice to do (and it looks good too). I need a little practice with the corners and making the binding bigger but I am proud of my first effort!The quilt (and my new copy of The Making of Fantastic Mr Fox)One of the better cornersQuilt backBack corner

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-44966959064173383452010-03-15T00:25:00.000-07:002010-03-15T01:12:33.031-07:00

Things are moving along at a nice pace for us this month. On our last day off together we had a lovely day visiting the Salvos and picking out some super fun DVD sets at a local video store. We got a few episodes of Doctor Who (we've been told we HAVE to watch 'Blink'), That Mitchell and Webb Look Season Two and The Wombles Season One. I was vastly disappointed by The Wombles as while it looks

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-35531495743155013942010-03-04T02:58:00.000-08:002010-03-09T19:44:48.893-08:00

It's me!! Here! Thanks to Kristina Sostarko (also known as inaluxe) for a lovely little blog write up. Check out her Etsy store for some sweet prints and cards as well. Happy day!And also today (10.03.2010) my Black Pudding of Death Pin Cushion has been featured on this cute blog! Thanks so much Julia!

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-65774634384783533912010-03-02T21:53:00.000-08:002010-03-02T22:50:04.098-08:00

Phew! What a month! February went by in a complete blur for us both. The weather has been unbelievably gorgeous and we had a lovely visit with some family from the USA. Visitors don't happen too often so we probably went a little overboard with wanting to show too many things! That being said, it's been an absolutely fab summer (we even have tans, whoop!). Things have settled down now and it's

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-66417179973650937882010-02-22T21:26:00.000-08:002010-02-22T21:29:30.791-08:00

A new little quilt*! Perfect size for keeping knees warm :)* Pieced out here, ready to begin sewing.

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-33997642419517361032010-02-21T04:08:00.001-08:002010-02-21T04:52:10.265-08:00

I AM LOVINGSookie Stackhouse series Book 1 with a cup of Sleepytime VanillaEverything this girl does.Anya Marina | MySpace Music VideosThe Muppets on Women's Rights. Go Candice!Sleeping with the fan on.

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-82919511490624345342010-02-14T01:49:00.000-08:002010-02-14T02:07:22.932-08:00

Yesterday we attended the Odd + Even Maker's Market and it turned out to be a lovely day for all. We were a bit nervous to begin with but once we settled in, we met some really nifty people. It was Chris's second time at the market and my first. We sold a good amount of stock but the best thing about it was watching the reactions of visitors to our stall. I had lots of kids commenting on my stuff

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-44451276540997492442010-02-10T16:08:00.000-08:002010-02-10T17:22:41.741-08:00

This Saturday, February 13th!! Long Gallery, Salamanca 10am - 3:30pm. Check it out!! See you there :)

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-40985578637315407972010-02-06T03:26:00.000-08:002010-02-06T04:43:02.292-08:00

We have Chris's brother Brandon and his partner Terry here with us at the moment. They are visiting us from Chicago and it's been super fun. Today we went out to Port Arthur, Tasmania's famous convict ruins. There are too many experts out there who know so much more than me about this place so I won't attempt to give you my rudimentary interpretations. You can read about Port Arthur here.It

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-53097307568453474742010-01-25T02:26:00.000-08:002010-01-25T02:49:16.729-08:00

Baking, baking, sewing, sewing. In what little time I've had at home lately, this is what I've been doing!SNICKERDOODLES!!! IN A KITTEN TIN!!! Lightly crunchy with a coating of ground cinnamon and sugar. Nothing to do with Snickers bars but everything to do with total yumminess.Green Apple door knob charm. Made for the next Odd & Even Market (in the Long Gallery Feb 13th). Chris and I will both

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-6812710668016851602010-01-14T02:46:00.001-08:002010-01-14T03:54:33.963-08:00

I recently bought an excellent book by Pip Lincolne (crafty lady extraordinaire) called Meet Me at Mike's. It's named after her shop in Melbourne but it has lots of nifty craft projects that are fun and easy to make. For a long time I've been wanting to make a quilt but often the size of them and the small pieces required to make them is kinda daunting. So, when I saw this Mini Quilt by Alison

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-53073687063762797082010-01-08T23:52:00.000-08:002010-01-09T00:01:55.312-08:00

Stitching practice at night consists of these Sublime Stitching designs and fantasy movies (working my way through the extended editions of LOTR at the mo) :D

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-603461697295421032009-12-24T17:26:00.000-08:002009-12-24T17:55:59.105-08:00

From the bottom of our hearts we wish all our friends and family (near and far) a lovely Christmas and safe new year. While there have been some fab things going on this year, I have to admit that I'm kinda happy to say goodbye to 2009. 2010 sounds like it will be much happier. Here's to new beginnings and new adventures! I wonder where we will all be this time next year?Sooooo...since it's

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-1300903833927538172009-12-17T16:59:00.000-08:002009-12-17T17:21:34.613-08:00

It's been pretty busy here of late, with Christmas coming up next week and a couple of orders for Christmas decorations coming my way. I've sold some at Pocketspace and made my first sale on Etsy as well! I am super happy. A day of sewing new things is planned for today and I'm itching to get started. Before I do that, here are some things I've been working on.A decoration for some friends in

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-47146556012751997522009-12-01T17:06:00.000-08:002009-12-01T20:37:53.872-08:00

With Christmas around the corner and an interstate trip under our belts, I thought I'd share some of the new stuff laying about our place. These are the coolest shoes on the planet (complete with my old Strawberry Shortcake sox). They are an early Christmas present from Chris. I get to wear them now 'cos I had to go try them on :D I think I am the luckiest girl ever, not just for the shoes, but

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-33318544593559906542009-12-01T16:55:00.000-08:002009-12-13T22:19:42.712-08:00

Our kitty cat Pucca is loved on A LOT. We think she's the best kitty ever. She even gets her own mail and has her own personalised Christmas decoration.For two years straight it's been Pucca who has received the first Christmas card of the season. I love it! Thanks to Pucca's home away from home, the lovely Catnip. Love! xoxoxoxoxEven though she spends most of her time lounging on the bed, couch,

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-29725054830825516592009-11-17T20:31:00.000-08:002009-11-17T20:42:19.998-08:00

I've made friends with my sewing machine again and put together this little giraffe. He doesn't have a name yet as he's my donation to Softies for Mirabel an ace little charity for kids in need. It's promoted by the super duper Meet Me at Mikes. Thanks to Audrey and Maude for the pattern :)

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-13575385151444919252009-11-13T00:13:00.000-08:002009-11-13T00:17:23.677-08:00

Pay a visit to my friendly Etsy store and snaffle some super cool Christmas decorations. Yay for Etsy!Freckled Sparrow xx

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-35325105139432565882009-11-12T15:06:00.000-08:002009-11-12T15:11:02.716-08:00

Woodland, Emo and Babushka stuff now at Pocketspace!

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-18271248980492668182009-11-05T22:58:00.000-08:002009-11-05T23:07:00.543-08:00

After watching Handmade Nation (lent by my lovely stitching pal Cat), I have been OBSESSED with all things Sublime Stitching. Being the slightly anal person that I am, I love stitching in relatively straight lines so embroidery is the perfect medium for my little fingers. I've just ordered the Ultimate Embroidery Kit and a few patterns, including one of Tara McPherson images! WaHooo! Jenny Hart

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-78718969382002929942009-10-31T22:19:00.000-07:002009-10-31T22:33:38.483-07:00

I've been making Christmas decorations these past few weeks and have come up with two sets! All are made from felt, ribbons, embroidery floss and buttons. No patterns, just straight from my little head.Fancy deers and critters for Woodland Christmas.Dead kitties and broken hearts for Emo Christmas*.These are the main sets but I've also made some variations of each (different colours, ribbons etc)

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-30899893204087901862009-10-26T23:47:00.001-07:002009-10-26T23:59:14.013-07:00

After a bit of a hiatus, I'm back to sewing again! Here's my latest.Bettina the Snow Bunny.Doorknob charm with Deer head. I'm in the process of making some cheery Christmas decorations with animal heads like this on circles of cream felt. Chris says they look like gingerbread so that's a good start! I'll post pics once I have a set of three (Deer, Squirrel, Bunny).And while I'm here, all crafty

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-11521036299632586262009-10-21T22:13:00.000-07:002009-10-21T23:07:57.896-07:00

After Sydney, we headed up to Newcastle for four days - a two hour train ride north of Sydney. We'd been planning to attend the Young Writers Festival for quite some time. Chris spoke on a few panels (including "So I Married a Struggling Artist" which was about having a relationship with another creative person. Lawrence Leung was even in the audience!) and did a workshop on the last day. Outside

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-89044602358569885302009-10-19T18:07:00.001-07:002009-10-19T20:52:42.148-07:00

Ahoy there! Feast on these hand-picked favourite pics from our recent trip to Sydney! We headed up north primarily to attend the Young Writers Festival in Newcastle but decided to base ourselves out of Sydney for a few days first. Last time we visited Sydney (mainly for business, I had to work) it was an awful trip so we wanted to right those wrongs! I discovered that Taronga Park Zoo had Red

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-31143606108124242642009-10-10T00:07:00.000-07:002009-10-10T00:19:57.925-07:00

It's not too often that either one of us wins something but today our efforts of getting up early (on one of our very few Saturdays off) were justly rewarded. We ventured out to the AGDA's Breakie with Beci at the Botanical Gardens and ended up winning the lucky door prize! We got a fab Beci Orpin bag filled with lots of cute goodies! YAY!Cards, Poketo wallet and a super cute kitten badge.Birdie

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-53938774922426107572009-10-07T17:02:00.000-07:002009-10-07T17:09:00.472-07:00

We just got back from Sydney and Newcastle yesterday. It was a tiring but fun trip. I have heaps of photos from Taronga Zoo, the city and Chris's workshops in Newcastle which I'll be posting in the next few days. It is FREEZING in the study right now so I want to spend as little time as possible in here. BRRRRRRRR!Our segment on Collectors aired last Friday. We were really stoked with it (we even

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-24212772356051072472009-09-27T21:32:00.000-07:002009-09-27T21:49:47.151-07:00

We'll be featured on ABC's Collectors next week (02/10/09)! We'll be chatting about our toy collection and maybe some other bits and pieces. I think my tattoo will even get an airing! Check it out here for a sneak peek on next week's show (on the right side of the site, only print at this stage). In the meantime, here are some photos from the day they came to our house. It was all very surreal

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-7796066220757808762009-09-27T21:26:00.000-07:002009-09-27T21:30:40.013-07:00

OMG. This is the coolest thing ever! I can't believe I didn't know about these guys until today. Watch it right to the end. It's fabulous.

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-67609242010924764842009-09-20T23:49:00.000-07:002009-09-21T00:21:38.574-07:00

I'm doing happy dances over this fab cardi from Sneak Design. I just received it in the mail from the equally fab Georgie Love and it is PERFECT. Sneak Design is the creation of Melbourne based designer Annika Cook and her small runs of deliciously sophisticated clothing are the bees knees. The Dangerous cardi features a wide white collar that makes me feel all Shakespearean and has the phrase, '

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-15699147727344769212009-09-11T23:29:00.000-07:002009-09-11T23:32:46.476-07:00

Do yourself a favour and check out our pal Kelly Kerrigan's latest painting here. Birds inspired by The Princess Bride. TOTAL COOLNESS.

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-69900097889139109632009-09-09T23:44:00.000-07:002009-09-10T00:02:26.687-07:00

On a recent trip to the parental digs, I salvaged some toys I had as a kid. These are kickin' it old skool baby! Check out my super cool original Punky Brewster doll. Oh Punky, how I loved thee. This doll creeps Chris out (too real-looking apparently) so I have to be careful with placement around the house ;) Next to her is an 80s plush My Little Pony. Bow Tie to be exact. She's held up well

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-28559768657988432872009-08-25T00:03:00.000-07:002009-08-25T00:10:09.763-07:00

The second batch of cupcakes I made for RSPCA's Cupcake Day. The SMOG dragon was made especially for Chris :) The little green Godzilla next to it was made by Chris. YAY for cupcakes!Boy cupcakes!

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-7362892788659440842009-08-23T17:42:00.001-07:002009-08-23T17:47:59.986-07:00

Here is Bruiser's nerdy (she has sticky-out ears) girlfriend Bessie. She was made for my Latvian Gran's 85th birthday and word on the street is that she was a success :) My Gran has a finely honed knack for growing very large, very chubby Guinea Pigs. I think Bessie is a fitting tribute to her skill! Bessie also has a nose so she can sniff things a little better than Bruiser.

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-78901336494240256792009-08-23T17:36:00.000-07:002009-08-23T17:48:58.535-07:00

When your loved one is away, there's nothing better than a little pet to keep you company. While I was feeling a bit sad and lonely, our kitty Pucca was there to make me laugh, give me smudges and lots of purrrrry cuddles. Here's to The Bug!

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-81972296386762533362009-08-16T00:06:00.000-07:002009-08-16T00:12:03.832-07:00

Here's batch #1 of cupcakes for the RSPCA's Cupcake Day. It's officially tomorrow but I took these in for the girls at work today. It was nice to have an all-girl day and cupcakes to boot! I shaped the stars from marzipan and the rest of the decorations are random lollies and chocolate. Looking forward to more time to experiment with batch #2!

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-66753100689729791892009-08-16T00:02:00.001-07:002009-08-16T00:06:26.407-07:00

My practice attempt at making my gran a toy guinea pig for her birthday. He's got a few bald spots from accidents while cutting out the shape but he's a good start. I call him Bruiser.

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-17036536656163517512009-08-12T23:32:00.000-07:002009-08-13T03:54:48.399-07:00

A little felt kitty badge. Design by Aranzi Aronzo. Made by me. Scarf made by a super sweet sister.Kitty says, "OMG, you're taking a picture? I MUST be in it! Tuna is kewl."

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-91663239799216047772009-08-10T11:54:00.000-07:002009-08-10T14:18:59.753-07:00

As some may know, Chris's grandmother Nina has been gravely ill for a few weeks. At about 6pm our time last night she passed away. It's been a rollercoaster ride of emotions but she is now free of suffering. Chris is doing okay. He's always been close to Nina and it has been hard to experience her slowly slipping away. It's a strange sensation, being separated from the physical reality of illness

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-19318283139904775912009-07-31T21:33:00.000-07:002009-07-31T22:14:49.106-07:00

It's a crazy windy day in Hobart and we're gearing up to head to Devonport tomorrow. It's a 3 hour drive from here to the North West coast of Tassie so we're hoping the wind will settle before tomorrow. Chris is teaching at Don College for 2 days doing a short course for secondary school students on comics. It's part lecture and part workshop. He's preparing for it now and it looks like it will

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-56336458475159854692009-07-12T01:15:00.000-07:002009-07-12T19:04:14.115-07:00

So, having a wisdom tooth out equals lots of lovely time off work. I got my little fingers busy and made some stuff last week. First up is Kelvin the Abominable Reinman. He's a reindeer snowman hybrid and he's gonna count all your matches and only fly Qantas. Thanks to Chris for the name of Kelvin :)Second is a window hang I made to give us some privacy from our neighbour's bathroom window. It's

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-36620906104548909772009-07-04T16:00:00.000-07:002009-07-04T16:07:06.561-07:00

I'm a registered Cupcake Cook for the RSPCA's Cupcake Day on August 17th. This means I'll be baking seriously cute cupcakes to sell and raise money for this super cause. Anyone can sign up to bake and donate so visit the RSPCA site to help animals in need.

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-55772735706821444682009-06-27T00:23:00.000-07:002009-06-29T00:53:56.724-07:00

Here are some pics from our time at the Odd & Even Market. We had a great time selling comics, stationary sets, stickers and t-shirts. All designed by Chris! Yay! Also included here are some treasures I picked up along the way :)The market view from our stallOur stallOur stuffTricky's stuffCrochet cupcakes and pink mousey by Abby Badcock. I LOVE these!Crafty exhibition catalogue & a cute card (

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-60679529576096965702009-06-25T01:02:00.000-07:002009-06-25T01:10:47.401-07:00

Just another quick reminder about the Odd & Even Makers Market. It's at the Long Gallery in Salamanca this Saturday and runs from 10am - 3pm. There'll be some preview comics of A Diary of a Work in Progress - hot off the press! - and stickers available. If we have time to find some other random things, they'll be there too :) The market coincides with the awesome show - Crafty (see previous post)

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-7050680483205072682009-06-15T18:52:00.000-07:002009-06-15T19:00:50.476-07:00

If you're in Hobart next week, make sure you check this exhibition out. It's curated by handmade superstar, Catherine Badcock (aka Cat-Rabbit) and features the work of many artists we love. Keep an eye out for Ghostpatrol and Monique Germon especially. Good stuff indeed.

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-63625116053483042732009-06-15T18:43:00.000-07:002009-06-15T18:49:21.934-07:00

One of the many things our silly brains are obsessed with right now...Keyboard Cat We Ruv UAlready immortalized in a web comic. Thanks Pranas :)

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-47309801764878405282009-06-09T19:17:00.001-07:002009-06-09T19:25:56.071-07:00

We'll be at the Odd and Even Makers Market on June 27th, 2009. It starts at 10am and finishes at 3pm. Chris is sharing a stall with Tricky Walsh and 6a ARI. He'll have special preview books of "A Diary of a Work in Progress", stickers and maybe some Cactopus tee-shirts and original artworks. Come see us in the Long Gallery in Salamanca!

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-9078882434037722822009-06-09T18:56:00.000-07:002009-06-09T19:07:24.175-07:00

Since Pucca features so much in Chris's blog, here are some pics of good ol' kitty lovin' (taken on Christmas morning 2008).STATSFull Name: Seraphina Puccaliet (yep, seriously)Age: 2Found: by the RSPCA under a houseAdopted by fellow krazy kats Chris and Briony: 2007Favourite food: Raw chickenFavourite toy: Little red ballSecret power: Human manipulation

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-12570753725326389812009-06-06T00:14:00.000-07:002009-06-06T00:32:51.596-07:00

In a recent blog, Chris drew a comic about us going to see an exhibition by Patricia Piccinini. It was at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and was one of the best shows we've ever seen. She is a super successful artist in Australia and represented Australia at the Venice Biennale in 2003. Most of her work explores the possible effects of technology and genetic modification. She creates

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-61841060647093949402009-06-03T21:32:00.001-07:002009-06-06T00:33:37.262-07:00

Outside Quimby's in Chicago, July 2008. Comics and zine heaven.Reflected off the bean in Chicago, 2008.Down home cabin, Tennessee. Pre daily comic blog! Northern summertime, 2008.Last year we spent some time visiting family and friends in the USA. It was super nice to escape our gloomy winter in Tasmania and enjoy an extended summer up north. We were there for about six weeks and visited Florida,

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-47971992220209606842009-06-02T04:26:00.000-07:002009-06-02T04:31:47.642-07:00

Pucca loves sitting on Chris's shoulders. Here he's trying hard to ignore her and work on his blog. What a sweet kitty :)PS> Also note the red Nanna-blanket over legs.

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3568025508403701068.post-40421977165315812922009-06-01T01:43:00.000-07:002009-06-01T01:56:19.351-07:00

We're doing some fun stuff over the next few months so I thought I'd create this here blog to post pics and give a brief run down of what we've been up to. Chris is taking part in the next Odd & Even market on June 27th and will also be presenting a workshop at the Newcastle Young Writers Festival in October.For those of you who don't know me personally, I've been an arts writer for over ten

Freckled Sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05042862996053113186noreply@blogger.com2